This is me getting distracted from completing an assignment for class. The task is to rewrite a commercial we don't like in a way that would seem more acceptable to us. I chose the Karako Suits commercial from here in Long Island. It's a local chain of menswear stores, and Steve Smith & Kerry Rhodes are their spokespeople.
I have no issues with the subpar camera quality. I don't care about the awkward set location (which might be Mitchell Field in Nassau County, but don't quote me on that). I really have no qualms with Kerry's poor acting and weird body language that so often tears his mind away from tackling Wes Welker.
It's the length of the ties that bother me. Look at Kerry Rhodes' tie! It's above his belt buckle! He's 6'3" -- you'd think Karako could spring for an extra long tie. But nope... they don't. It makes me never want to shop there. I'll stick with Syms and Men's Warehouse for my suits.
Here's the commercial:
Sidenote: There's a series of these and I don't suggest you watch it. But do check out the lone YouTube comment left on this video by a man named Joseph Kessell. Thanks, Joe.
See, when the tie is that high up, and the jacket hangs that far below it, it makes Rhodes look stocky. Not like a 6'3" world class athlete.
But I can't just fault Karako. I can understand Steve Smith not knowing that his tie looked somewhat absurd. He's a cornball. But Kerry Rhodes always brags about his fashion sense and his high class tastes. If he's so great, he would have fixed his tie, which is why the Jets need to go ahead and trade him. I'm confident in Eric Smith to replace Mr. Rhodes, and I bet Eric would fix his damn tie.
If the Jets can swap Rhodes for another running back -- since Thomas Jones has been cut and Leon Washington is coming off a broken leg -- a pass rusher or a pick, I'd be happy with that decision. Not only does it improve the defense, but I wouldn't have to see Kerry Rhodes in anymore stupid Karako commercials.
-- Max Caster
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Days till opening day!
We are 35 days away from a brand new season of Yankee baseball. Mike Mussina is well known by Yanks fans for his recent stint in the Bronx(2001-2008). Mussina came to the big apple after starting his career with the Orioles. He came to win a championship and never received that ring, yet the year he left they Yanks won it all. Just bad luck would sum up his career, Moose finally had a 20 win season in 2008 and choose to retire, even though he was 30 wins away from 300.Next up for the moose will be to see if he gets into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
The mets are 36 days away from hopefully turning all the negativity of 2009 into a positve 2010. I promise to try not and dwell on last season anymore but part of that 2009 team was Ken Takahashi. Takahashi came to the big apple from Japan at the age of 40. He was in just 28 games and posted an 0-1 record with a 2.96 ERA. Following the season the Mets released Takahashi, he returned back to Japan to play baseball in 2010.
--Matt Saur
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Days till Opening day
38 Days till the Bombers face the Sox in Boston. A past Yanks 38 was Drew Henson. Henson was a high prospect when the Yanks took him in the 3rd round in 1998. Henson had played quarterback at University of Michigan, he backed up future Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady. Henson never became part of the Yanks core, instead only getting 9 at bats in two seasons with the big club (2002 and 2003). Henson retired from baseball after 2003 season, trying to make the transfer back to football. Henson went to the NFL in 2004 to try and get his pro football career started, it never worked out.
39 days till the Mets start the 2010 season.Currently 39 is used by pitcher Bobby Parnell. Parnell pitched to a 5.30 ERA last season,and at times pitched effective. In August as most of the Mets were injured Parnell made a few starts. This season the Mets will look for Parnell to show off his promise and help out in the pen.
--Matt Saur
Scenes from Senior Day
The Men's Seniors being honored before their 74-40 win over St. Thomas Aquinas.
The women's seniors joined by their teammates at center court before losing to St. Thomas.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sportscenter Pranked by "Brian Westbrook"
Scott Van Pelt thought he was talking to recently released Eagles Running Back Brian Westbrook. He got one of Howard Stern's minions. Any time Van Pelt gets owned, I'm happy.
While I'm at it, here's the famous Scott Van Pelt voicemail to some woman. Smooth, SVP...
--Max Caster
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Days till opening day
The Yankees are 39 days away from opening night in Boston. A former 39 for the bombers was Shawn Chacon pictured above. Chacon pitched great for the Yanks along with Aaron Smalls who helped lead the Yanks into the playoffs. Chacon was 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA.Chacon did not fair well the following season Going 5-3 with a 7.00 ERA,he finished the year with the Pirates. Chacon was in the Atlantic League last year pitching for the Newark Bears.
The Mets are 40 days away till they open the season at Citi Field agianst the Florida Marlins and look for redemption for 2009.Jae Seo who once looked to have a promising career with the Mets after his 2003 rookie season now plays in his native South Korea.Met fans may remember Seo was traded to the dodgers before the 2006 season for Duaner Sanchez.
--Matt Saur
Sunday, February 21, 2010
WWE Elimination Chamber Preview + Picks!
- Now I know many of you that are probably reading this right now probably have no clue what this has to do with WCWP Sports, but my oh my, while some of you are lost in the luster of watching an enthralling cross-country ski race, or Tracey McGrady auditioning for other teams in the offseason right now in a New York Knicks uniform, This is one of my favorite times of the year because we are on the "Road to WrestleMania".
I am a life-long wrestling fan and through all of it's peaks and valley's, it is entertainment to me even with the pre-determined result. To me, WrestleMania is bigger than the Superbowl and five times more important than any All-Star game mostly due to the fact of the culmination of a year long series of feuds, matches, and storylines all combined into one event. That is WrestleMania.
If you aren't in the business of Professional Wrestling then what are you doing in the first place? It is a very grueling profession because there is no offseason or union but the entertainment factor and appeal for me reaches no end.
I do a Wrestling Radio Show every Saturday Night with Leigh Cuomo, Tom Gallipoli and Sam Horrey at 10PM EST called Over The Ropes, which can be heard on wcwpsports.org Enough about me babbling, let's get into the meat of the issue of why this blog post is being made.
- The "Road to WrestleMania" starts for the most part at the Royal Rumble, which took place at the end of January inside the Phillips Arena down in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner of the 30 man Royal Rumble match was Edge, who came back that night from a Torn Achillies Tendon which he injured back in June. Now the winner of the Royal Rumble match has automatically secured himself a spot in the main event at WrestleMania and can choose to fight whoever is the WWE or World Heavyweight Champion which plays into tonight's PPV event which gets underway in just under 2 hours from now at 8PM.
- Now that that little introduction is out of the way, tonight's Elimination Chamber PPV is another obsticle and chance for those that wish to dance with the lights on bright. The two Main Events of tonight's PPV will feature 6 competitors in a hellacious structure aptly called the Elimination Chamber where 5 competitors including the respective World Champion from Raw or SmackDown will be fighting to hold the top prize in this industry heading into WrestleMania. To give a better example of exactly what an Elimination Chamber match is, here's this video the WWE made3 to hype up the PPV event itself.
- Now there are only 4 matches announced for this PPV tonight but I wouldn't put it past the WWE to book The Miz in either a US Title Match or a Unifed Tag Title Match with his partner, The Big Show. Show-Miz recently teamed up a few weeks ago and in their first match against the then, Unified Tag Champs of DX, they won the tag title belts just about 2 weeks ago. If they do have a Tag Title Match, I wouldn't be surprised to see them take on the team they lost to in their first match as tag champs without the tag title belts on the line in the forgettable duo of Mark Henry and MVP. Unlike Monday where Big Show and The Miz lost via a roll up, I wouldn't be surprised to see just as The MVP is about to hit the Playmaker on The Miz, Big Show knocks MVP out with the Power of the Punch and Miz pins MVP to retain the Unified Tag Team Titles.
- Now onto the scheduled matches, I'll discuss the Intercontinental Title Match here between the "Ch-Ch-Ch-Chosen One" Scotland's own, Drew McIntyre who is the current champion against Kane. This match does seem thrown together to add a match onto the card only because they started this feud up 2-3 weeks ago when these two men were involved in a Triple Threat Match along with John Morrison to get a spot in the Elimination Chamber. Jo-Mo advanced and Drew was pissed off so he attempted to attack Kane but Kane Chokeslammed Drew. The next week, Drew tried to attack Kane again and Drew bailed out of the ring just in time. Point is, Drew is the guy the WWE is really pushing hard on SmackDown as the wave of the future on the blue brand and having a nice little series with Kane can't hurt the Scottish Warrior but only help in the long run if anything to just gain experience. I think Drew will win after a close contest with the lumbering Kane and wins cleanly with the Future Shock DDT.
- Next match I'll discuss here is the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match. I've been highly more interested in this Chamber match as compared to the Raw Chamber match mostly because you could peg just about 5 out of the 6 guys that have a realistic chance to walk out with the World Heavyweight Championship. Sorry R-Truth, you are not one of the five that could. R-Truth got in by defeating residential Jobber "Monster" Mike Knox. R-Truth will probably be eliminated first out of all the competitors that are involved with this match. Those that are also involved in this Chamber match = the current World Champ, The Undertaker, the man the Undertaker defeated at the Royal Rumble in Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, CM Punk, and Chris Jericho.
Going in you could probably take CM Punk and Rey Mysterio out of the equation since the two have recently been attacking one another which could signal for a feud going into WM 26, likely excluding those two from walking out of the Chamber with the World Title. John Morrison is less than 75% after damaging his ankle 8 days ago in a match with R-Truth and is even questionable to compete so the chances of him winning are out along with CM Punk, Rey-Rey (Dog) and R-Truth.
Shawn Michaels might even take out John Morrison before Morrison could even get inside the Chamber, similar to what happened last year when a desperate Edge destroyed Kofi Kingston before Kofi could even participate. Shawn Michaels getting in would attempt to screw the Undertaker over in the attempt that UT accepts a match with HBK at WM26.
With the way Edge has been trading words with his former Tag Team Champion partner, Chris Jericho, and the years of service Jericho has put in with the WWE, he deserves the chance to Main Event a WM PPV event which is why I'm picking Jericho, the "Best In The World at What He Does" To walk out with the Top strap from the Blue Brand heading into a hot WM Main Event.
- To dilute the crowd a bit from the SD Chamber match, we reach the finals of the Divas Tournament which started in December of 09/January 10'. We have Gail Kim against Maryse. Many would consider this to be a bathroom/sandwich break match but to me this is the best match the Raw brand could have come up with with the abscence of Melina whose out till July with a torn ACL. Gail Kim is probably one of the more underrated wrestlers in the WWE right now whose making at least 3 times more money than she was in TNA and this is probably the biggest profile match she's been involved in since coming back to the WWE in late 08' early 09. Maryse clearly is more entertaining and possibly one of the sexiest women I've ever seen. If you need proof, here's a picture.
Anyways, with Melina out, this Divas Title was made for Maryse and I think she walks out with the Title Belt after her French Kiss DDT.
- Final match on the card that I think will be the final match on the card features the Raw Elimination Chamber. You got Sheamuse as the Green, Irish-born, WWE Champion defending against Kofi Kingston, Ted Dibiase, Randy Orton, John Cena and HHH. My problem with this match is a constant problem of mine with HHH and John Cena overshadowing not only just Randy Orton and the WWE Champion, Shaemus. This is Sheamus toughest match to date and chances don't look very good for him eventhough I'd love to see nothing more than to see Sheamus walk out with his Title Belt. HHH has won 4 out of the 5 EC's that he's been in.
I think HHH will walk out with the belt again unfortunately which will lead to him taking on Sheamus in a singles match at WM for the WWE Title sending the fans in St. Louis home somewhat happy. What I'm interested to see is how Ted Dibiase the son of the Million Dollar Man, react to his Legacy stablemate, Randy Orton in the sense that Randy has been screwed out of the last two matches he's had with Sheamus and with Ted on the verge of turning face, maybe Ted eliminates Randy?
I'd like to see Kofi have an impressive showing but knowing the rustration that could come out of watching the Raw brand, either he or Sheamus will be the first to get the boot. Point is I see HHH walking out with the WWE Title ending the PPV.
Now under an hour from now and I couldn't feel more excited. This PPV is bound to have alot of question marks which is always a good thing for the aftermath tomorrow night on Raw and lead into more angles for WM 26, the biggest show of the year. This is the last stop before WM folks. Let's get that popcorn and soda ready because it is about to get intense. I Love Wrestling.
Till Next Time,
I'm Nick Malone
I am a life-long wrestling fan and through all of it's peaks and valley's, it is entertainment to me even with the pre-determined result. To me, WrestleMania is bigger than the Superbowl and five times more important than any All-Star game mostly due to the fact of the culmination of a year long series of feuds, matches, and storylines all combined into one event. That is WrestleMania.
If you aren't in the business of Professional Wrestling then what are you doing in the first place? It is a very grueling profession because there is no offseason or union but the entertainment factor and appeal for me reaches no end.
I do a Wrestling Radio Show every Saturday Night with Leigh Cuomo, Tom Gallipoli and Sam Horrey at 10PM EST called Over The Ropes, which can be heard on wcwpsports.org Enough about me babbling, let's get into the meat of the issue of why this blog post is being made.
- The "Road to WrestleMania" starts for the most part at the Royal Rumble, which took place at the end of January inside the Phillips Arena down in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner of the 30 man Royal Rumble match was Edge, who came back that night from a Torn Achillies Tendon which he injured back in June. Now the winner of the Royal Rumble match has automatically secured himself a spot in the main event at WrestleMania and can choose to fight whoever is the WWE or World Heavyweight Champion which plays into tonight's PPV event which gets underway in just under 2 hours from now at 8PM.
- Now that that little introduction is out of the way, tonight's Elimination Chamber PPV is another obsticle and chance for those that wish to dance with the lights on bright. The two Main Events of tonight's PPV will feature 6 competitors in a hellacious structure aptly called the Elimination Chamber where 5 competitors including the respective World Champion from Raw or SmackDown will be fighting to hold the top prize in this industry heading into WrestleMania. To give a better example of exactly what an Elimination Chamber match is, here's this video the WWE made3 to hype up the PPV event itself.
- Now there are only 4 matches announced for this PPV tonight but I wouldn't put it past the WWE to book The Miz in either a US Title Match or a Unifed Tag Title Match with his partner, The Big Show. Show-Miz recently teamed up a few weeks ago and in their first match against the then, Unified Tag Champs of DX, they won the tag title belts just about 2 weeks ago. If they do have a Tag Title Match, I wouldn't be surprised to see them take on the team they lost to in their first match as tag champs without the tag title belts on the line in the forgettable duo of Mark Henry and MVP. Unlike Monday where Big Show and The Miz lost via a roll up, I wouldn't be surprised to see just as The MVP is about to hit the Playmaker on The Miz, Big Show knocks MVP out with the Power of the Punch and Miz pins MVP to retain the Unified Tag Team Titles.
- Now onto the scheduled matches, I'll discuss the Intercontinental Title Match here between the "Ch-Ch-Ch-Chosen One" Scotland's own, Drew McIntyre who is the current champion against Kane. This match does seem thrown together to add a match onto the card only because they started this feud up 2-3 weeks ago when these two men were involved in a Triple Threat Match along with John Morrison to get a spot in the Elimination Chamber. Jo-Mo advanced and Drew was pissed off so he attempted to attack Kane but Kane Chokeslammed Drew. The next week, Drew tried to attack Kane again and Drew bailed out of the ring just in time. Point is, Drew is the guy the WWE is really pushing hard on SmackDown as the wave of the future on the blue brand and having a nice little series with Kane can't hurt the Scottish Warrior but only help in the long run if anything to just gain experience. I think Drew will win after a close contest with the lumbering Kane and wins cleanly with the Future Shock DDT.
- Next match I'll discuss here is the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match. I've been highly more interested in this Chamber match as compared to the Raw Chamber match mostly because you could peg just about 5 out of the 6 guys that have a realistic chance to walk out with the World Heavyweight Championship. Sorry R-Truth, you are not one of the five that could. R-Truth got in by defeating residential Jobber "Monster" Mike Knox. R-Truth will probably be eliminated first out of all the competitors that are involved with this match. Those that are also involved in this Chamber match = the current World Champ, The Undertaker, the man the Undertaker defeated at the Royal Rumble in Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, CM Punk, and Chris Jericho.
Going in you could probably take CM Punk and Rey Mysterio out of the equation since the two have recently been attacking one another which could signal for a feud going into WM 26, likely excluding those two from walking out of the Chamber with the World Title. John Morrison is less than 75% after damaging his ankle 8 days ago in a match with R-Truth and is even questionable to compete so the chances of him winning are out along with CM Punk, Rey-Rey (Dog) and R-Truth.
Shawn Michaels might even take out John Morrison before Morrison could even get inside the Chamber, similar to what happened last year when a desperate Edge destroyed Kofi Kingston before Kofi could even participate. Shawn Michaels getting in would attempt to screw the Undertaker over in the attempt that UT accepts a match with HBK at WM26.
With the way Edge has been trading words with his former Tag Team Champion partner, Chris Jericho, and the years of service Jericho has put in with the WWE, he deserves the chance to Main Event a WM PPV event which is why I'm picking Jericho, the "Best In The World at What He Does" To walk out with the Top strap from the Blue Brand heading into a hot WM Main Event.
- To dilute the crowd a bit from the SD Chamber match, we reach the finals of the Divas Tournament which started in December of 09/January 10'. We have Gail Kim against Maryse. Many would consider this to be a bathroom/sandwich break match but to me this is the best match the Raw brand could have come up with with the abscence of Melina whose out till July with a torn ACL. Gail Kim is probably one of the more underrated wrestlers in the WWE right now whose making at least 3 times more money than she was in TNA and this is probably the biggest profile match she's been involved in since coming back to the WWE in late 08' early 09. Maryse clearly is more entertaining and possibly one of the sexiest women I've ever seen. If you need proof, here's a picture.
Anyways, with Melina out, this Divas Title was made for Maryse and I think she walks out with the Title Belt after her French Kiss DDT.
- Final match on the card that I think will be the final match on the card features the Raw Elimination Chamber. You got Sheamuse as the Green, Irish-born, WWE Champion defending against Kofi Kingston, Ted Dibiase, Randy Orton, John Cena and HHH. My problem with this match is a constant problem of mine with HHH and John Cena overshadowing not only just Randy Orton and the WWE Champion, Shaemus. This is Sheamus toughest match to date and chances don't look very good for him eventhough I'd love to see nothing more than to see Sheamus walk out with his Title Belt. HHH has won 4 out of the 5 EC's that he's been in.
I think HHH will walk out with the belt again unfortunately which will lead to him taking on Sheamus in a singles match at WM for the WWE Title sending the fans in St. Louis home somewhat happy. What I'm interested to see is how Ted Dibiase the son of the Million Dollar Man, react to his Legacy stablemate, Randy Orton in the sense that Randy has been screwed out of the last two matches he's had with Sheamus and with Ted on the verge of turning face, maybe Ted eliminates Randy?
I'd like to see Kofi have an impressive showing but knowing the rustration that could come out of watching the Raw brand, either he or Sheamus will be the first to get the boot. Point is I see HHH walking out with the WWE Title ending the PPV.
Now under an hour from now and I couldn't feel more excited. This PPV is bound to have alot of question marks which is always a good thing for the aftermath tomorrow night on Raw and lead into more angles for WM 26, the biggest show of the year. This is the last stop before WM folks. Let's get that popcorn and soda ready because it is about to get intense. I Love Wrestling.
Till Next Time,
I'm Nick Malone
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Baseball is back !
Today Yankee pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, meaning only one thing. Baseballs back ! Its great to see the boys of summer getting ready for another marathon season in florida, while we are surrounded by a foot of snow. Mets pitchers and catchers will head to Port St.Lucie tomorrow.
--Matt Saur
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Gallo Not 100% at All-Star Weekend
From NY Post:Gallinari acknowledged he will not be at 100 percent tonight when he competes in the 3-point shooting contest during All-Star weekend in AmericanAirlines Arena and still doesn't know what is wrong with his right forearm.
Gallinari, who participated in last night's Rookie-Sophomore game, said the mysterious right forearm injury he sustained in the Knicks' pre-break finale Tuesday night in the Sacramento loss was still bothering him.
"It's not perfect yet," Gallinari told The Post at the morning shootaround yesterday. "I still feel some discomfort and weakness. It's getting a little bit better. Hopefully it will be perfect [today]. Every hour it seems to improve."
After the game Gallinari said he lost feeling in his forearm after tumbling to the court late in the third quarter. He missed the entire fourth quarter.
I love that Danilo Gallinari was in the Rookie-Sophomore game last night. I love that he hit the first two shots for his team. And I love that he didn't ravage his back in the game. But what I find to be so puzzling is why he's not at a doctor right now.
The guy lost feeling in his shooting arm during a game. Oh, I wonder what that could be attributed to... That's right, his surgically repaired back. Last year, Gallo had surgery to fix his vertabrae, which were pressing down on some nerves, making it difficult for him to walk and sleep, let alone play. Now again, it looks like he may have some nerve issues.
You can't tell me that I don't have the right to be concerned about this. Gallinari missed all but 28 games last year. He's only 21 and has a long future. He shouldn't be playing in exhibitions when he's admittedly not fully recovered from the injury. Instead, the Knicks need to be using this downtime to send Gallo -- and the rest of their hurt players -- to a doctor to have tests done.
If Gallinari ends up missing games for this, someone's head needs to roll. It's just so obvious. When his arm in numb, don't send him to Dallas to be in a full contact game and a shooting contest. I seriously think this team is the Mets sometimes...
Regardless, I'll be watching All-Star Saturday Night tonight. I will be rooting for my boy Dani in the shootout and my pick in the dunk contest, Nate Robinson. Oh, and HORSE will be won by the best point guard in the NBA, Rajon Rondo. Enjoy the festivities tonight.
-- Max Caster
Gardner Working on his Bunting
From the Daily News:
Brett Gardner hits during the winter at the Charleston Baseball Academy, about 10 minutes from his South Carolina home, tweaking his swing and keeping sharp. This offseason, Gardner spent a lot of time working on his bunting skills, too, and he'd like to develop that into a weapon this year.
"That's the good thing about hitting off a (pitching) machine," Gardner said yesterday, after his first precamp workout at the Yankees' minor-league complex. "You can bunt 50 or 100 balls in 15 or 20 minutes. No time. I've been bunting a lot, working on that more and trying to bring that back into my game.
"Now it's just a matter of being comfortable enough with it not to be scared to do it in a game and have confidence that I'm going to put it where I want it. Not only can it be a tool to get on base, but it keeps defenses honest and can bring the corners in and maybe I can shoot some balls by them."
You mean he didn't have that before? Wow. Imagine how much better he'll be after he learns how to bunt.
Brett Gardner is set up to have a really big season for the Yankees. It seems like the management has a lot of confidence in him. The team traded away two of their three young centerfielders and Gardy is the only one left. I don't think the signing of Randy Winn will have too much effect on the amount of time Gardner plays. I just get the perception that they're happy with him.
Watch Gardner be the biggest surprise offensively this year. He's overshadowed by all the other bats in New York's lineup and is literally last in line, hitting 9th presumably. The stage is set for Gardy to rise up and make himself into a solid offensive threat. With the protection he'll have in that lineup, you and I could hit .250 with 60 RBIs.
I'm not sure if I should make another guarantee. My Mark Sanchez as Rookie of the Year guarantee fell through after a few weeks. But I'll say this: Brett Gardner is going to have a very productive year for the New York Yankees.
-- Max Caster
Brett Gardner hits during the winter at the Charleston Baseball Academy, about 10 minutes from his South Carolina home, tweaking his swing and keeping sharp. This offseason, Gardner spent a lot of time working on his bunting skills, too, and he'd like to develop that into a weapon this year.
"That's the good thing about hitting off a (pitching) machine," Gardner said yesterday, after his first precamp workout at the Yankees' minor-league complex. "You can bunt 50 or 100 balls in 15 or 20 minutes. No time. I've been bunting a lot, working on that more and trying to bring that back into my game.
"Now it's just a matter of being comfortable enough with it not to be scared to do it in a game and have confidence that I'm going to put it where I want it. Not only can it be a tool to get on base, but it keeps defenses honest and can bring the corners in and maybe I can shoot some balls by them."
You mean he didn't have that before? Wow. Imagine how much better he'll be after he learns how to bunt.
Brett Gardner is set up to have a really big season for the Yankees. It seems like the management has a lot of confidence in him. The team traded away two of their three young centerfielders and Gardy is the only one left. I don't think the signing of Randy Winn will have too much effect on the amount of time Gardner plays. I just get the perception that they're happy with him.
Watch Gardner be the biggest surprise offensively this year. He's overshadowed by all the other bats in New York's lineup and is literally last in line, hitting 9th presumably. The stage is set for Gardy to rise up and make himself into a solid offensive threat. With the protection he'll have in that lineup, you and I could hit .250 with 60 RBIs.
I'm not sure if I should make another guarantee. My Mark Sanchez as Rookie of the Year guarantee fell through after a few weeks. But I'll say this: Brett Gardner is going to have a very productive year for the New York Yankees.
-- Max Caster
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Knicks Getting Closer to T-Mac
From Yahoo:
The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said.
Other players and contracts would still need to be agreed upon for a deal to come together, but there is a framework to the discussions.
The Rockets have been peddling McGrady’s expiring contract of $23 million since exiling him in late December.
Let me preface what I'm about to say with this: I have been a proponent of the Knicks getting Tracy McGrady for a long time. A $23 million expiring contract to a team that wants nothing but expirings would be great. So I wouldn't be mad if this deal went down.
OK, there.
But, since the T-Mac to the Knicks talks cooled down in the last several weeks, another trade possibility came up that the Knicks should explore. Their first priority would be to find a way to acquire Ray Allen and his approximately $20 million expiring contract from Boston.
Allen isn't just a top 10 shooter in the NBA; he's also a capable first scoring option that would fit well with New York. Compared to McGrady, Allen has done so much more as of late. We really don't know what McGrady can do anymore. He's been in and out of the lineup for years and isn't the most consistent player. We know what Ray Allen can do. We've seen it. And his skills would help elevate the Knicks from a 10th spot in the East, to a clear 7 or 8 seed.
Before I hear "The Knicks aren't playing for this year. It's about the Summer of LeBron," I know... I've admitted that. But New York has no reason to tank. They don't have a 1st round pick. Also, what free agent is going to run to the Knicks when the team -- which will have many of the same core players next year -- finished towards the bottom of the conference?
McGrady won't bring the Knicks out of the slump they're in. I think he'll strengthen the slump. Ray Allen would bring the team and the players around him up a level.
But either way, if the Knicks get McGrady, Allen or another big expiring, one huge aspect of the trade is missing. The Knicks are still due to be bogged down by Eddy Curry's contract next season. The only way Donnie Walsh should make any big trade is if he can get rid of Curry.
Unfortunately, Isiah Thomas won't be going to the Clippers so that's out of the question. So no team in their right mind would take Curry. Otherwise, there's really no reason to make a big, three-way trade, especially for a question mark as big as Tracy McGrady.
Now another side to this would be to trade Jared Jeffries, who's on the books for $6.9 million next year. While we all know he's not worth that, I don't know if I wouldn't want Jeffries on the Knicks next year. He's been playing great defense and has improved his offense tremendously. Yes, he needs to improve on finishing inside, but the guy is arguably the Knicks MVP through the first half of the year.
So long story short: I don't know. T-Mac's or Ray Allen's contract would be awesome(Allen's talent would be more awesome), but the main goal being lost here is dumping Eddy Curry. That needs to be the next step from here. No question.
--Max Caster
The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said.
Other players and contracts would still need to be agreed upon for a deal to come together, but there is a framework to the discussions.
The Rockets have been peddling McGrady’s expiring contract of $23 million since exiling him in late December.
Let me preface what I'm about to say with this: I have been a proponent of the Knicks getting Tracy McGrady for a long time. A $23 million expiring contract to a team that wants nothing but expirings would be great. So I wouldn't be mad if this deal went down.
OK, there.
But, since the T-Mac to the Knicks talks cooled down in the last several weeks, another trade possibility came up that the Knicks should explore. Their first priority would be to find a way to acquire Ray Allen and his approximately $20 million expiring contract from Boston.
Allen isn't just a top 10 shooter in the NBA; he's also a capable first scoring option that would fit well with New York. Compared to McGrady, Allen has done so much more as of late. We really don't know what McGrady can do anymore. He's been in and out of the lineup for years and isn't the most consistent player. We know what Ray Allen can do. We've seen it. And his skills would help elevate the Knicks from a 10th spot in the East, to a clear 7 or 8 seed.
Before I hear "The Knicks aren't playing for this year. It's about the Summer of LeBron," I know... I've admitted that. But New York has no reason to tank. They don't have a 1st round pick. Also, what free agent is going to run to the Knicks when the team -- which will have many of the same core players next year -- finished towards the bottom of the conference?
McGrady won't bring the Knicks out of the slump they're in. I think he'll strengthen the slump. Ray Allen would bring the team and the players around him up a level.
But either way, if the Knicks get McGrady, Allen or another big expiring, one huge aspect of the trade is missing. The Knicks are still due to be bogged down by Eddy Curry's contract next season. The only way Donnie Walsh should make any big trade is if he can get rid of Curry.
Unfortunately, Isiah Thomas won't be going to the Clippers so that's out of the question. So no team in their right mind would take Curry. Otherwise, there's really no reason to make a big, three-way trade, especially for a question mark as big as Tracy McGrady.
Now another side to this would be to trade Jared Jeffries, who's on the books for $6.9 million next year. While we all know he's not worth that, I don't know if I wouldn't want Jeffries on the Knicks next year. He's been playing great defense and has improved his offense tremendously. Yes, he needs to improve on finishing inside, but the guy is arguably the Knicks MVP through the first half of the year.
So long story short: I don't know. T-Mac's or Ray Allen's contract would be awesome(Allen's talent would be more awesome), but the main goal being lost here is dumping Eddy Curry. That needs to be the next step from here. No question.
--Max Caster
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Citi Field getting small make over
This is according to the New York Daily News.
"The height of Citi Field's center-field wall will be sliced in half, making the ballpark more homer-friendly, the Daily News has learned.
Last season, the wall measured 16 feet in front of the sparsely used Home Run Apple. Now, with the second level of padding being removed, it will measure eight feet in the middle of the outfield.
Still, as the Daily News exclusively reported in September, the stadium's spacious dimensions won't be altered.
The Mets hit 95 homers last season, by far the fewest in the majors. San Francisco ranked 29th with 122."
I dont think anything could save the Mets power outage since they have moved into Citi Field. All kidding aside i feel that it's a combonation of both that the Mets didn't have many offensive weapons most of last year ( Daniel Murphy lead the team with 12 HRS), and the fact that the ball park is huge. Maybe moving in the fences would help more then lowering walls. Oh wait since Bernie Madoff stole all the Mets money, they won't be able to afford it.
-- Matthew "Moot" Saur
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl Nostalgia: TV Funhouse
I was just reminded of this great SNL video following the Ravens' Super Bowl win almost ten years ago. Without further delay, 'Ray of Light.'
--Max Caster
--Max Caster
Super Bowl XLIV most watched TV program ever
This is from the Associated Press "The Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of “M-A-S-H” to become the most-watched program in television history.
The Nielsen Co. estimated Monday that 106.5 million people watched the New Orleans Saints upset the Indianapolis Colts. That beats the “M-A-S-H” finale, which had 105.97 million viewers in an era when there were fewer television sets.
Compelling story lines involving the city of New Orleans and its recovery from Hurricane Katrina and the quest for a second Super Bowl ring for Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning(notes) propelled the viewership.
The game also obliterated the previous record viewership for a Super Bowl— last year’s game between Arizona and Pittsburgh in which 98.7 million people watched."
Great thing to see TV ratings like that for a sporting event. If 106 million did watchas reported, that's almost 1/3 of America watching, plus millions more world wide. This is another reason i feel that there should be a holiday the day after the super bowl.
--Matthew Saur
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Post-Win Atmosphere in New Orleans
| Saints Fans Celebrate Super Bowl Victory on Bourbon Street |
Congrats to the Saints.
--Max Caster
Friday, February 5, 2010
Nets are Phasing out CDR
From the NY Daily News:Meanwhile, the Nets - who play the Celtics tonight - could be willing to say "no way" to Chris Douglas-Roberts, who lost his starting small forward job earlier this week to veteran Jarvis Hayes. With his production steadily declining, the Nets no longer view Douglas-Roberts as one of their foundation players. Plus, his outspokenness has annoyed the team, sources say.
Douglas-Roberts was averaging 17.2 points when Lawrence Frank was fired on Nov.30 but has had a hard time fitting into the system run by GM/interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe, which favors big men Yi Jianlian and Brook Lopez. Since Vandeweghe took over on Dec. 4, Douglas-Roberts has averaged 10 points, including just 4.3 in the last six games.
Replacing Douglas-Roberts with Hayes, who is on the last year of his contract, contradicts the team's stated commitment to developing younger players this season, so it is a definite sign that his stock has fallen.
"I've got the same mentality no matter what," Douglas-Roberts said when asked how is adjusting to his new role after Wednesday's loss at Toronto. "I can't emphasize it more. I'm going to keep on doing what I've been doing, just preparation. That's all I can do."
Wow. I'd like to say that I can't believe this, but somehow I can. Anything is possible with this Nets franchise, no matter how horrible. Chris Douglas-Roberts proved himself as a great young swingman, and should be a huge part of the Nets for a long time. But I don't know why the team would give up on him.
One reason he's been playing poorly is the emergence of Yi Jianlian and Kris Humphries, along with Brook Lopez, making the Nets a low post team. All three players are effective in the paint, and in Yi and Humphries case, can step out for a midrange jumper. The focus shifting to the inside will obviously give CDR less touches and opportunities to carry the team.
And to blame the guy for being outspoken and vocal on a losing team -- the worst team in NBA history -- is crazy. Don't the Nets want one of their players to show he's hungry? Doesn't Kiki Vandeweghe like it when one guy -- a young guy at that -- can try to uplift his teammates?
Doesn't this team need their fans to see that one of their guys is willing to scrap day in and day out, no matter how bad things get? Just coming out and playing isn't enough when you're 4-45. But I forgot, the Nets are in the process of segregating itself from everything related to New Jersey. My mistake...
But that's besides the point. Regardless of my bias towards CDR, I truly believe that he'll be a main player on any team willing to feature him. He's done it before. Late last season while Devin Harris was out, Douglas-Roberts stepped up. This year, he stepped up. But he still gets no respect.
I really don't understand it. The organization that ends up with CDR will improve drastically as a basketball team.
Let me just say this. In typical Max Caster fashion, I will pat myself on the back. Before this year, I had predicted that CDR would score 17 points a game. He did that when he was in the rotation. Of course, he's out of it now and his average has dropped. But at least we know he's capable of doing it.
--Max Caster
Yankees Spring Training question marks and concerns
Here are some things to look for since spring training is right around the corner and most off season moves have been made. But that doesn’t mean that because the Yankees are coming off a World Series title that they are a perfect team.
The New York Yankees are coming off a season where they won their 27th World Championship; as any Yankee fan knows anything less is considered a failure. So this spring the new additions look to add championship number 28. Some of the offseason moves include adding Curtis Granderson, Randy Winn and the returns of ex-Yanks Javier Vazquez and Nick Johnson. But the departures look just as large losing World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera. Will the offseason moves made by Brian Cashman help bring back another championship to the Bronx or will it have broken up a successful team?
1. Who will be the fifth starter, what happens to the loser?
We already know that the first four rotation spots are locked up with C.C Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez. But who will be the man to round out the rotation? The most likely candidates would be Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. But there are a few dark horses in Alfredo Aceves, Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin. What should be a story to watch for is what happens to Joba or Hughes if they lose out on the rotation spot. The obvious smart decision would be to have whoever does not get the spot set up Mariano Rivera since both have had past success and experience doing so. But will the Yanks may worry it will stunt that pitchers growth, leading to another season of inning limits.
2. What will be the new batting order?
With the new guys coming in and the older guys leaving, the lineup will need to be changed. Granderson and Johnson, in most lineups, would hit in the middle. But with the depth around them greater than in most lineups, where will they hit? Likely it will be Derek Jeter leading off; in the two hole could be either Granderson or Johnson, but with Johnson’s higher OBP it makes more sense for him to hit second. Third and fourth will be locked up with Teixeira and A-Rod, fifth could be Posada, Cano or Granderson. Whoever doesn’t bat fifth would be more likely to hit sixth or seventh followed by Nick Swisher and then Randy Winn. (although Granderson could hit last so there would be speed on base for the top of the lineup). The only locked spots would have to be Jeter leading off and Tex and A-Rod hitting third and fourth.
3. Will the Yanks make it through the spring without injuries?
After their 27th title we heard all about the core four with Posada, Jeter, Pettitte and Rivera. But all of them are over the age of 35 and have had injuries the past few seasons. We all saw what happened to the Mets last season when their core got injured. Posada is a 38 year old catcher who in 2008 missed most of the season with right shoulder injury; the Yanks missed the playoffs that year for the first time in 15 years. Jeter has managed to stay healthy for most of his career but he has always had to battle constant nagging injuries that have slowed him down. After a decline in 2008 in most stats he came back in 2009 to what some may argue was his best year. But as the captain of the team he remains a huge part and him missing any chunk of time could hurt the team. Rivera and Pettitte both had elbow issues in 2008, but responded well in 2009. A-Rod’s hip problem last year was well known and he struggled at first. He was supposed to have another hip surgery this offseason but eventually decided not to. Nick Johnson can be very effective when he is not injured, the problem is that he is injured most of the time and has only played more than 130 games in his career three times and only once played more than 145.
The Yankees must remember that their fans are not the most patient or forgiving. If the Yanks start out slow I’m sure we will all hear the cries for why didn’t they resign Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui especially if the replacement players struggle. But first let’s just make it out of spring training, then it will be all business as they will try and capture their 28th title.
Read next week as we break down the Mets and there question marks and concerns for spring training.
--Matthew Saur
Nice CW Post Montage
This was put together by our boy Kyle Dean over at PTV, the CW Post Campus TV station. You can see a couple cameos by me (and Matt Soldano and Jordan Lauterbach too, for what it's worth.) This was very well done, and hopefully, we can get something going between WCWP and PTV real soon.
Make sure you tune in for our next broadcast, this Saturday up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Coverage begins at 12:30pm with Lady Pioneers Tip Off right here on WCWPSports.com.
--Max Caster
Make sure you tune in for our next broadcast, this Saturday up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Coverage begins at 12:30pm with Lady Pioneers Tip Off right here on WCWPSports.com.
--Max Caster
Jets Could Get Pennington Back
From the NY Daily News:
Chad Pennington, he of the thrice-repaired throwing shoulder, isn't ready to call it a career. The popular former Jets quarterback intends to play in 2010, even as a backup, and he's willing to consider any offer.
Even from the Jets.
While acknowledging it "would be tough" to return to the team that fired him only 19 months ago, Pennington - an unrestricted free agent in four weeks - told the Daily News Thursday he would definitely listen if GM Mike Tannenbaum called.
I hate cliches. I can say that Chad Pennington is a heady, cerebral and accurate. I can say he's a class act, a veteran leader and an ambassador. And as cheesy as it sounds, it's all true.
Pennington is a great candidate for the Jets' backup quarterback because of his drive and skill and uncanny ability to bounce back from anything. Instead of having Kellen Clemens and Matt Cavanaugh be the ones to directly tutor Mark Sanchez in his young career, how about one of the Jets' all-time best quarterbacks?
Pennington wouldn't cost much coming off his latest injury. He is willing to put the ego aside and backup Sanchez. And he isn't far gone from being a successful NFL quarterback. And Rex forbid Mark Sanchez has to miss another game, it won't be Clemens or Erik Ainge or Kevin O'Connell getting the start. That should be enough for Mike Tannenbaum to pull the trigger right there.
This is a move that benefits the future of the organization and I see it as a no brainer. I know Sanchez is smart and has evolved on his own as this past season went on. But why not give him a little push? Let's get it, Tannenbaum.
--Max Caster
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Rex flips the bird to some Dolphins fans
Jets coach Rex Ryan was fined $50,000 by the team Tuesday for making an obscene gesture at a mixed martial arts event last weekend.
The team’s decision came after a smiling Ryan was caught on a cell phone camera flipping his middle finger at a fan during the competition in Sunrise, Fla., on Saturday night. The image of Ryan quickly spread across the Internet and made its way onto the back pages of New York tabloids
I understand what he did may have been wrong , but Rex is such a funny guy.From not kissing rings, fighting with Channing Crowder and leading a Jets team to the AFC Championship game Rex has had a very eventful first year.He is by far the best New York Coaching Personality around.
--Matt Saur
UFC 109 Preview
UFC 109 Relentless will be held this Saturday night live from the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. A lot of questions are to be answered Saturday night. Will Randy Couture finally start to show signs of wear and tear? Will Nate The Great Marquardt establish himself as the number one contender to Anderson Silva's middleweight crown? And how much does Frank Trigg have left in his tank after a devastating knockout loss to Josh Koscheck? All of these questions will be answered. So where do we begin?
Matt Serra vs Frank Trigg
This fight is kind of similiar to the main event as the fight should have happened years ago. After Pride sank into an Abyss and the UFC blossomed, Trigg should have come back to the company that gave him his fame. He is mostly remembered for his two submission losses to Matt Hughes, but that is better than not being remembered at all. Serra hasn't been the same fighter since GSP mugged him in Montreal to regain the Welterweight crown. He looked good against Matt Hughes and some could even argue he won the fight. But facts are facts and he lost the unanimous verdict. So who will win this scrap of welterweight vets? Call me a homer but I got my money on Serra. He has heavy hands and I don't see Trigg being able to take Serra down the way Hughes did. Expect some fireworks and expect Serra to rock Trigg late in the second for a shocking stoppage victory.
Demian Maia vs Dan Miller
I wouldn't call Dan Miller a can by any means as he is very talented and is definitely a top ten middlewight. That being said the pick is easy here, Maia by late1st early 2nd round submission. Miller does not pose the wrestling or the ground skills to bother Maia on the ground and he isn't exactly known for his killer stand-up. I expect Maia to set the pace, use his timing, and find a submission early.
Mike Swick vs Paulo Thiago
This one is tough for me as Swick has been Jekyll and Hyde as of late and Thiago is still a mystery for me. The last time we saw Swick he was getting rocked by Dan Hardy and could not keep his composure. Thiago lost to Jon Fitch but recovered nicely against Jacob Volkman to earn a decision victory. I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick Thiago. Swick is a good fighter but I don't think he possesses the same wrestling Koscheck and Fitch possess. Expect Thiago to rock Swick early, keep him at bay and come away with the unanimous decision.
Nate Marquardt vs Chael Sonnen
Some people might try to cry upset including my co-host for TKO on the Radio Anthony DeFranco but there is no chance here. True Sonnen has proved to be top five with wins over Paolo Filho and Yushin Okami. But he is facing a whole new animal in Nate the Great Marquardt. Marquardt has evolved too much as a fighter and there isn't anything in Sonnen tool box that is better than Marquardt's. Nate takes this one by 3rd TKO.
Main Event Randy "The Natural" Couture vs Mark "The Hammer" Coleman
Randy should not be a huge favorite in this one. Both are old and past their prime. Couture has some more lft in the tank as he has become a student of the game and has changed it up the last couple of years. Coleman has been the same his whole career. Take down and then ground and pound. Too bad the fighter opposing him is also a very good wrestler but also possesses superior boxing. This one might not be that entertaining as Couture will look to outbox Coleman and gain Octogon control. Expect Couture to walk away with a unanimous decision.
One side note referring to some boxing. Floyd Mayweather has come to terms for a welterwight title fight with WBA welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley. Mosley has already admitted to using Steroids in past fights from 2004. Lets see if Mayweather asks Mosley for blood testing similiar to the testing he wanted Manny Pacquiao to undergo.
-Brian Rodriguez aka B-Rod
Matt Serra vs Frank Trigg
This fight is kind of similiar to the main event as the fight should have happened years ago. After Pride sank into an Abyss and the UFC blossomed, Trigg should have come back to the company that gave him his fame. He is mostly remembered for his two submission losses to Matt Hughes, but that is better than not being remembered at all. Serra hasn't been the same fighter since GSP mugged him in Montreal to regain the Welterweight crown. He looked good against Matt Hughes and some could even argue he won the fight. But facts are facts and he lost the unanimous verdict. So who will win this scrap of welterweight vets? Call me a homer but I got my money on Serra. He has heavy hands and I don't see Trigg being able to take Serra down the way Hughes did. Expect some fireworks and expect Serra to rock Trigg late in the second for a shocking stoppage victory.
Demian Maia vs Dan Miller
I wouldn't call Dan Miller a can by any means as he is very talented and is definitely a top ten middlewight. That being said the pick is easy here, Maia by late1st early 2nd round submission. Miller does not pose the wrestling or the ground skills to bother Maia on the ground and he isn't exactly known for his killer stand-up. I expect Maia to set the pace, use his timing, and find a submission early.
Mike Swick vs Paulo Thiago
This one is tough for me as Swick has been Jekyll and Hyde as of late and Thiago is still a mystery for me. The last time we saw Swick he was getting rocked by Dan Hardy and could not keep his composure. Thiago lost to Jon Fitch but recovered nicely against Jacob Volkman to earn a decision victory. I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick Thiago. Swick is a good fighter but I don't think he possesses the same wrestling Koscheck and Fitch possess. Expect Thiago to rock Swick early, keep him at bay and come away with the unanimous decision.
Nate Marquardt vs Chael Sonnen
Some people might try to cry upset including my co-host for TKO on the Radio Anthony DeFranco but there is no chance here. True Sonnen has proved to be top five with wins over Paolo Filho and Yushin Okami. But he is facing a whole new animal in Nate the Great Marquardt. Marquardt has evolved too much as a fighter and there isn't anything in Sonnen tool box that is better than Marquardt's. Nate takes this one by 3rd TKO.
Main Event Randy "The Natural" Couture vs Mark "The Hammer" Coleman
Randy should not be a huge favorite in this one. Both are old and past their prime. Couture has some more lft in the tank as he has become a student of the game and has changed it up the last couple of years. Coleman has been the same his whole career. Take down and then ground and pound. Too bad the fighter opposing him is also a very good wrestler but also possesses superior boxing. This one might not be that entertaining as Couture will look to outbox Coleman and gain Octogon control. Expect Couture to walk away with a unanimous decision.
One side note referring to some boxing. Floyd Mayweather has come to terms for a welterwight title fight with WBA welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley. Mosley has already admitted to using Steroids in past fights from 2004. Lets see if Mayweather asks Mosley for blood testing similiar to the testing he wanted Manny Pacquiao to undergo.
-Brian Rodriguez aka B-Rod
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