C.W. Post vs. Bloomsburg Live Chat

C.W. Post vs. Bloomsburg Pre-Game

After last week's 50-48 crushing loss to Kutztown, the Pioneers look to rebound against the 17th ranked Bloomsburg Huskies. If Post wants to achieve their goal of playing for the PSAC title and making the playoffs, today's game is an absolute most win. The Pioneers will also need to rely on other teams to win certain games, but first they have to make sure they take care of their own business.

Coverage begins at 12:30 with Pioneers kickoff on 88.1 FM and www.wcwpsports.com. At 1:00 tune into kickoff as Max Caster and Ryan Pettys have your call. Also, follow along on the live chat with Matt Soldano on this very blog.

Seth Rosenthal Interview 10-29-10

The Day After: Knicks 98, Raptors 93

• Amar'e Stoudemire needs to slow down:

Last night was Stoudemire's first game in a Knicks uniform. I was overly excited and maybe  he was too. Every time Stoudemire got in the paint, his rythym would be disrupted by Andrea Bargnani or Reggie Evans -- and most of the time, both. Also, as pointed out by Walt Frazier, Amar'e was being double-teamed for most of the night. He kept turning his back to the defense when he had the ball. Those things caused him to committ 9 turnovers and get insanely close to the "Darren Collison Triple-Double." 

Whenever Amar'e had the ball, he was trying to do too much. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure he never kicked the ball out without getting mobbed first. He needs to realize that when there's a double-team on him, there is one open player on the floor. So when he does get in the paint, he'll need to trust his teammate a bit more.  If he does that and posts 19 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks again, the Knicks won't have a late game scare like they did last night.

• Danilo Gallinari needs to be more involved:

The Knicks have 10 new players on the team this year. And every single one of them is hungry for wins and minutes. For the first time in a long time, every player in the Knicks rotation is aggressive in their roles. Everyone except for Danilo Gallinari. Last night, Gallo shot just 3-of-9 from the field and ended with 12 points. Albeit, he grabbed 6 boards, which was impressive for him.

When his shot was off from the start of the game, Gallinari just conceded the night and blended into the pack of Knicks role players. Mke D'Antoni, myself and all the Knicks fans know that the Rooster is much more than a role player. That's why the coaches need to get him to run the floor, get on some fast breaks, and play in the paint when his shot doesn't fall. He can't grow just being a jump shooter. Gallinari and the Knicks need to take what he's worked on and apply it to in-game situations.

• Chandler had a great game, but Fields is still the starter:

This point goes by the old "Don't mess with success" model of doing things. Ryan Leslie Wilson Chandler had 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists coming off the bench. He really asserted himself in the offense and carried the team at points in the game. Definitely the game MVP.

But what can't go unnoticed was the play of the rookie Landry Fields in his first ever NBA start. Landry had 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, drained 3 three-pointers, grabbed 4 rebounds (2 on the offensive glass) and was seemingly everywhere at once. There was a stretch later in that game of Landry Fields hustle plays to keep the possession alive.  There was a sequence where Fields got up-ended and landed on his back. About a minute later, he checked back in the game. That hustle and willingness -- not to mention, the points he puts up -- pretty much validated Mike D'Antoni's decision to start him.

On a related note, Roger Mason and Bill Walker may have played themselves out of the rotation with their shenanigans last night. Mason threw bricks in his 7 minutes of play. Walker one-upped him by shooting 0-of-6 in 10 minutes. The good thing about this is the Knicks won't have to see them screw up anymore.

• I now like Ronny Turiaf:

 It's not like I disliked Turiaf as a person. He gives great interviews and is always in a good mood. But I didn't like his game after the preseason. He looked out of shape, slow and useless. But last night, he did this:



With Timofey Mozgov being a total non-factor and New York losing depth with the injury to Anthony Randolph, Turiaf stepped up and gave the Knicks an excellent game.  8 points and 4 rebounds, but my favorite stats from last night are Ronny's 2 steals and 4 blocks. The Knicks as a team had 10 blocks. This is the best defensive team the Knicks have had in a while, and Turiaf is a guy who's going to lead the team in that area.

--Max Caster

Knicks Season Starts Tonight!!

I'm excited. Landry Fields is too. Here's him relaxing before the game:

Check out our Knicks season preview tonight on the Sportswire. Listen in at 6pm EST on WCWP Sports.


-- Max Caster

2010 Yankees AL Champions Gear

I got this from the Journal News' Yankees blog:

Is it bad that I want some of this?

--Max Caster

Top 10 Yankees moments of 2010

10. Curtis Granderson beats Papelbon and the Red Sox.

It was just the third game of the season, but Curtis Granderson lead off the top of the 10th inning against Jonathan Papelbon, with the score tied. Granderson launched a home run into the right field seats, his second home run of the series. The Yankees would win the game 3-1

9. CC Sabathia win 20

In his second season in pinstripes, and 10th in the majors CC Sabathia finally won 20 games in a season. It is still debatable if he should win the Cy Young award, but their is no question that he was the most important piece to the Yankees this season.

8. Derek Jeter passes Babe Ruth on the all time hits list.

It wont belong before Jeter hits 3,000 but on a Sunday night at home against Boston Jeter got a base hit to pass Babe Ruth. Possibly appropriate since the old stadium was called the house that Ruth built, the current stadium could be called the house that Jeter built.

7. The walk off wins

Marcus Thames started the pie trend with a walk off homer against Papelbon in May. Thames would get another big hit, this time on July 4th vs the Blue Jays. Swisher would also get a pair of walk offs against the Rays in the first game after Bob Sheppard and the Boss passed, and a walk off homer against the Baltimore Orioles in September. The last walk off was against the Red Sox, this time it was literally a walk off. Juan Miranda walked to bring home the game winning run, oddly he did not get a pie.


6. Yankees turn first triple play since 1968

It had been over 40 years, but the Yankees finally turned a triple play. On an April day game in Oakland, Kurt Suzuki hit a hard ground ball right to A-Rod who threw on to Cano for the second out, and threw on to Nick Johnson for the third out. Sadly what I remember best is Ken Singleton botching the call big time.

5. The Yankees clinch a playoff birth

It had been a September from hell for Joe Girardi and the Yankees, but on this night in Toronto it was reason to celebrate. The Yankees still had their eye on winning the AL East but would fall short and win the Wild Card.

4. A-Rod and Thames blast past the BoSox.

It was a sloppy game for both teams, but the Red Sox would take the lead late in the game. They would turn to closer Jonathan Papelbon to close out the win, but Alex Rodriguez  hit a monster home run to tie the game, and a few batters later Marcus Thames hit one into the seats to win the Yankees the game.

3. Yankees beat Texas with comeback win in game one

The Yankees were down 5-1 in the eighth but that didn't stop them from hustling. Brett Gardner started it off with a hustle base hit, that he just beat out. After that the Yankees began to take pitches and got a few hits. Next thing you knew they were leading the Rangers 6-5. After the game Michael Kay went so far as to claim that because of this win the series was over (Way to jinx it, big head!) cause of this rally.

2.Yanks steam roll the Twins

The Yankees came out struggling in game one, but after a few innings went back to the same old Yankees, getting the clutch hits. After game two when Andy Pettitte shut down the Twins, Phil Hughes would start game three at home. The crowd was loud and ready to go, just like the bombers who beat the Twins easily.

1. The ring ceremony




Who could deny that although this was early in the season, it was still the best part of the season. The excitement of seeing the rings, and another opening day at Yankee Stadium. It wasn't anyone on the 2010 Yankees that stole the show, it was 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui who was announced and embraced by his 2010 teammates. The Yankees would beat the Angels 7-5 behind solid pitching from Andy Pettitte and Mo shutting the door.

Honorable Mention: Tex and A-Rod's three home run games, Jorge Posada collects 1000 RBI, Hope Week, Jeter's inside the park home run.

**Editors note : These were on the field moments, that is why the passing of George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard are not on the list.

-- Matthew Saur

Yankees Lose!

The loss was almost inevitable. There was a point in this game where I just stopped caring. Around when David Robertson started pitching (not to single him out).

Better luck next year, Yankees!

--Max Caster

Daniel Dhers Helps you Shred

I'm only posting this because Daniel Dhers is my favorite rider. He's incredible. Here's him teaching you how to flair.

See More BMX Videos at AlliSports.com Embed

--Max Caster

More 'Melo Rumors

This brings back memories!

From RealGM:

A source told ESPN that in recent days the Knicks have made significant progress putting together an offer that could land Carmelo Anthony in New York.

For two weeks, the Knicks have been working on a deal that would include Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and a first-round draft pick acquired from a third team. New York is also now more willing to part with Danilo Gallinari.

The source indicated that the Knicks are confident they can use one of their assets -- likely either Randolph or Gallinari -- in a three-team trade that would send a player to Denver whom the Nuggets prefer. This was a recent impediment to completing the deal that the Knicks feel can now be overcome.


So breaking it down, the trade would potentially be:

Denver receives: Danilo Gallinari, Toney Douglas, Eddy Curry's expiring contract and a 3rd team's 1st round pick.

New York receives: Carmelo Anthony

A 3rd team receives: Anthony Randolph.


So this means the Knicks will be giving up four major assets albeit for a top five NBA player. Decisions, decisions...

I want Carmelo Anthony on the Knicks. I really do. He's great. He would be great for the team and city. But can we wait for a little bit before every promising young player is shipped away?

My love affair with Danilo Gallinari aside, the dude can be a really great piece for New York. Last year I felt like his role was undefined. I could not tell if he was supposed to be the number one option or number two behind David Lee. Now it's a bit clearer with Amar'e Stoudemire in the mix. Gallo can now take that step back and figure it out in his third year.

Toney Douglas, I've been saying, can be just as significant as Raymond Felton at point guard. I know it's preseason, but Pretty Toney is dropping 12 points a game and put up 24 points and 6 steals last night. Mike D'Antoni said he'll be playing Douglas and Felton at the same time this year. That lineup can be crazy fast.

Honestly, I don't know much about Anthony Randolph. His rookie season, he was in and out of the lineup courtesy of Don Nelson. His second year, he got injured. What I do know is that he's an incredible athlete and defender. The Knicks haven't had such a good defensive player in a while. Along with Stoudemire and Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks can keep teams out of the paint. The lack of a defensive presence in the frontcourt has killed New York for years and they've finally turned it around. I'm not too thrilled to give that up.

And Eddy Curry's contract is 12 million dollars coming off the books. The Knicks really need to keep it and let it run out after the season. Donnie Walsh did a great job of getting rid of the bad contracts. There's no need - barring injury - to give up the cap relief.

Any Knicks fan would know that the team's most expendible good player is Wilson Chandler. He can go to sleep on the court, but he never totally disappears. If he's not scoring, he's rebounding. He's not rebounding so he'll block a big shot or get a clutch steal. The only reason he's not a necessity is because of the eventual return of Kelenna Azibuike, the passable play of Bill Walker and the emergence of Landry Fields.

Carmelo is an outstanding player, but I don't feel he equates to all of those positives. If the Knicks can get him without giving up so much, I do it. But the price is a bit too high for a guy who can be signed outright next year.

--Max Caster

Dew Tour on Today!!!

For all you special Cablevision subscribers who can't see the Dallas-Minnesota game on FOX, there's no need to fear. To flip back-and-forth with the Jets game, I'll have the final stop of the Dew Tour on NBC. Here's some footage from earlier in the week to get you pumped!



Okay... now I'm pumped!!!!


--Max Caster

GOOD Music Cipher from the BET Awards

Susprised Soldano hasn't posted this yet. Worth a bunch of listens:



--Max Caster

Why so sad Ryan ? Yankees rally to win game one

When the Yanks were down, and Nolan Ryan's Rangers had a 5-0 lead, George W Bush and Ryan were having a good time. Once they saw that lead slip away in the eighth inning, they had a different expression.

-- Matthew Saur

2010 S.F. Giants Playoff Anthem

I was browsing around Facebook (as I normally tend to do) and I strolled along this gem.  Unlike the last time this man did not receive credit on this blog, I will give him his due.  I found this on the good man's Brandon Steinberger's wall.  I present to you: The 2010 San Francisco Giants Playoffs Anthem...



This is easily the most well done "anthem" for a professional sports team.  Awesome, awesome job and it makes me want to see the Giants beat the Phillies that much more.  Best part of the video was not a lyric though, but rather, the 60 something year old man rockin' the "Let Tim Smoke" T-Shirt.

Playoff Picks: Giants over Phillies in 6
                   Rangers over Yankees in 7

-Matt Soldano

TUNE IN TO WCWP FOR C.W. POST HOMECOMING GAME

Brookville, N.Y. - October 12, 2010 - WCWP Sports will announce the football game during the C.W. Post Homecoming and Family Day on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The game will be broadcast live out of the Pioneer Press box beginning at 1 p.m.

The Pioneers will be playing against East Stroudsburg, who "aren't as good as they were last year," says C.W. Post student and WCWP Sports staff member Max Caster. "But they always play the Pioneers tight, so it will be a great game." Joining Max live from the press box will be WCWP staff member Ryan Pettys, who played football for the Pioneers in 2007 and 2008. "I love being a part of homecoming because it is great to see the school spirit of the students," says Ryan.

"I'm very excited for this year's broadcast," says Max. "We have alumni coming back to do the game. It is a great opportunity for them to talk about their days as students at C.W. Post." Alumni Pete Bellotti, who is now a producer at WFAN, and Craig Stern, will be broadcasting the Pioneer pre-game show beginning at 12 p.m. Other alumni John Zoni of ESPN and Patrick Creighton will be broadcasting the first half hour of the game. Jordan Lauterbach of patch.com and prosportsblogging.com and Sean Croft who now works for WBLI will be broadcasting the second half.

Listen live at wcwpsports.org or 88.1 FM on Saturday, October 16, 2010 for pre-game commentary starting at 12 p.m. followed by live game coverage at 1 p.m.

Go Pioneers!

Thanks to Deanna and the PR staff for this release.


--Max Caster

Alphonso Smith Does The Carlton!

Roger Goodell has been banning all sorts of touchdown celebrations these days.  One thing he can not ban, is "The Carlton".  Alphonso Smith took full advantage of his opportunity on his "Pick 6" Sunday and pulled off the epic dance from "The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air".



Well done my good sir.  You've made Fresh Prince fans all around the globe proud.

-Matt Soldano

This is my Kind of Fight!!



Bro-Phone!

From Yahoo!:

Before he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, Randy Moss got into a catfight with Tom Brady about, all of things, his facial hair.

According to Charley Casserly of CBS, Brady and Moss had a verbal altercation before the trade and that the pair had to be separated. During the spat, Brady told his receiver to shave his beard. Moss responded that Brady should cut his hair, because he looks like a girl.

A fight about hair? This is incredible!

Well let me go over our history here at WCWP. We often take notice of athletes' hair and facial hair styles. From whispy mustaches & goatees to fauxhawks & dreads, we are enthusiasts. Matt Soldano once shouted "Dreads!" at a player who had dreads at the 2010 NIT. That's commitment.

So the fact that a team -- an AFC Est team at that -- was somewhat dismantled over hair is just pleasing to me. Moss' beard is patchy. Brady's hair is Bieber-esque. They're both bad and it's obvious. But when two star players point it out to each other, and the team trades one of them, that's awesome.

What other players in sports can get into a fight like this? How about Udonis Haslem's cornrows against LeBron James' huge chinstrap?

Which teammates could you see having a fight over hair? Post your answers in the comments.


--Max Caster

Yankees 2010 ALDS Review

Last night the Yankees finished off the Twins, and are one more step closer towards the goal of as always, winning the World Series. But the Yankees will need to continue to play the way they did against the Twins, since they will have a tough match up in either the Rays or Rangers. But before we move on to the next series, lets review the last one.

The Good

• Curtis Granderson had a nice three games going 5-11 (.455) while driving in three runs. Granderson had a clutch triple in game one and seemed to be in the middle of a few rallies.
• He only hit .286 but Derek Jeter, had good at bats and hit the ball hard a few times, just right at the fielders.
• Lance Berkman was irrationally disliked by Yankee fans because he got off to a slow start but in game 2, had a pair of clutch hits.
• The hitting in general was great, it was a team effort all around, and all players contributed. Only one batter hit below .273, and that was Brett Gardner (.200)
• What happened to those question marks behind CC Sabathia ? Andy and Hughes came up big for the Yankees. Hughes was lights out in game three, pitching seven shut out innings , while Pettitte gave seven strong innings of two run ball in game two.
• Mariano Rivera is just so good, doesn't matter that he struggled in September.

The Bad

• It is hard to find issues when the Yankees just outplayed the Twins, but their excellent play could come back to burn them. The Yankees now have to wait six days between games, of course rest is always a plus, and the Yanks can set the rotation, but they were playing great baseball and never want to see the momentum broken up.
• CC struggled on a few extra days rest, of course I have the most faith in Sabathia , but he will have to wait an awful long time again before his next start.
• Kerry Wood looked shaky in the bullpen. His command is always an issue, but he did give up a few hits. The only thing I was upset about in game three was that Girardi brought him into a 6-1 game, and then Wood struggled. The last thing they want to do is hurt his confidence after he was so good.
• Joba Chamberlain didn't pitch in a single game,and I cant even remember him warming up once. David Robertson only pitched .2 innings.

-- Matthew Saur

C.W. Post vs. Millersville Live Chat

Here it is folks! Your live chat for today's game between the C.W. Post Pioneers and the Millersville Marauders.  The chat begins at 1 PM with Matt Soldano taking all your questions and comments for today's game.

C.W. Post vs. Millersville Pre-Game

Good afternoon chipmunks! Make sure to check out our broadcast of C.W Post vs. Millersville starting at 12:30 PM (ET) on 88.1 FM and wcwpsports.  Max Caster and Ryan Pettys will have your call at kickoff starting at 1 PM. Make sure you follow the Live Chat with Matt Soldano on the blog as well.

Ya'll better be wearing that green and gold today!

Cromartie: Moss is Lazy

From the Star-Ledger:

Wednesday, Darrelle Revis said he thought Patriots-turned-Vikings receiver Randy Moss was "putting his foot on the brake" in the second half of the Jets' Week 2 win. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who covered Moss in that second half, agreed.

"He plays when he wants to," Cromartie said of Moss. "He didn’t have that same effort. I think you can see it on film."

Moss had a 34-yard touchdown catch before halftime, but after the break had zero catches when targeted four times.



Well thanks, Antonio. Now Randy will go all out this week for sure.

I love it when the Jets can talk smack and say what they really want to. The personality of the team is refreshing. But why would Antonio Cromartie -- and Darrelle Revis for that matter -- say that one of the best receivers and athletes of all time wasn't working hard enough? That's usually not a great idea.

This Monday's game is an important one. New York needs to continue their hot streak, Brett Favre needs his face pounded into the New Meadowlands turf and "Big Daddy" Darrelle Revis is returning from an injury.

And now everything is in question. Randy Moss could go off, Favre would benefit, Revis would be stuck guarding a highly motivated guy, and the Jets' chance at winning could be comprimised. Not a good look, fellas.

By the way, bust out the old Moss 84's. That's the number he's wearing this time around.


--Max Caster

Some things never change

After last night's 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of the ALDS, the Yankees are in in the driver's seat (even with tonight's Game 2 against Yankees nemisis, Carl Pavano). Many people questioned how Liriano would be able to handle the pressures of being the Game 1 starter for Minnesota, in Target Field, with all the hype and the pressure that was put onto his shoulders, how would he be able to pitch? That questioned was answered right away, and definitivly speaking through the first five innings where the Yankees couldn't break the 26 year old lefty.

You could see that as the Yankees were extending the counts and Liriano's pitch count continued to rise, the gas for Liriano was running on empty come the 6th inning. No longer were his sliders biting in on the hitters and fastballs rising up high and outside. Through the third time in the order, you started to see the Yankees offense come through by not trying to pull balls and instead, just simply, hitting them where they ain't. A scorching base hit past the diving Cuddyer by Robby Cano helped drive in the first run, then another base hit by Posada cut the lead from what was 3-0, down to 3-2. Then possibly the biggest hit of the entire game which put the "Oh My God, It's Happening Again!" feeling back into the minds of the Twins fans, A 2 run triple by Curtis Granderson off the right center field wall that gave them the momentary 4-3 lead.

In each of the last 4 post season games that the Twins have played the Yankees in, the Twins have held the lead and lost, all 4 games. Combined, the Yankees are 10-2 against the Twins in post season play and undefeated at in Minneapolis, at 6-0. Not to call it a curse that Minnesota fans have to deal with but how would they be able to cope, going to New York, down 2 games to none in a best of five game series? Pretty defeated, like always. But that's not to say the Twins aren't a talented ball club either. Granted, they shut down Justin Morneau their All-star Firstbasemen after issues with Migranes since July but we're still talking about a lethal Minnesota lineup that offers the likes of last year's AL MVP in Catcher, Joe Mauer, Speedy Centerfielder Denard Span, and power sluggers like Delmon Young, Jason Ku-Bell, Micheal Cuddyer and even the elderly, Jim Thome.

The problem with Minnesota isn't their talent but their confidence against the Yankees. The Yankees have the Twins like the Harlem Globetrotters have the Washington Generals. Ok, that may be a bit unfair but the way the Yankees have won against Minnesota, would seem unfair to not think that. Now, granted, it's only Game 1 and I can be a bit pressumptious with the results with Game 2, later tonight at 6 (Same time as tonight's Sportswire with Matt and I on 88.1FM WCWP), but with the way Game 1 played out, confidence for this team to me, is pretty high. Pavano could pitch the game of his life against the Bronx Bombers but as we've seen with Minnesota's bullpen, your bullpen is only as good as the pitches that are selected instead of throwing meatballs over the middle of the plate for Mark Teixeira to eat up for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the almighty 4th meal.

One concern I do have is with Andy Pettitte. Experience in October helps given the track record that Pettitte has gone through with the Yankees in his career but over his last few tuneup starts since returning from Injury, He's pitched 13.1 over 3 starts to a tune of a 6.75 ERA. If Pettitte's injury issues creep up in this game, even with his dominant history against the Twins (8-0 with a 2.54 ERA in his last 9 starts against Minnesota including two Post season starts), can we really trust AJ Burnett to come in the game and shut Minnesota down if Pettitte has to leave, god-forbid in the 3rd or 4th inning?

With all that aside, When game 2 is all said and done, the Yankees will be able to get to Pavano and hopefully go back to New York with a commanding 2 games to none lead. The Twins won't be going back to Minnesota down 2-0 which should give the Yankees plenty of time to prepare for the ALCS against Tampa or Texas.

Start singing the tunes....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlJl1LfDP4

Till next time,

I'm Nick Malone

Lloyd Banks - "Start It Up"

Let me preface this post by letting everyone know, I am not a Lloyd Banks fan at all. I can't stand G-Unit but if there was an artist I had to pick it would be Banks. Here's a track from his album, "Hunger For More 2" which comes out November 23rd. This one is called "Start It Up" featuring Kanye West, Fabolous, and Swizz Beatz. I feel like Mark "Mother F***in" Xclusive with these music posts!

What you guys think? Leave us a comment!

-Matt Soldano

Terez Owens on the Sportswire 10-6-10

Terez Owens joins the Sportswire to discuss Amar'e Stoudemire naked, Brett Favre naked and maybe something else that's naked. Plus, more stories around the sports world.



Terez is funny! Good to have him back on our airwaves!

Visit his site and follow Terez on Twitter.


--Max Caster

Gallo: "I ain't even mad."

Check out the rest of the Knicks' pictures from Europe here!


--Max Caster

Yankees vs Twins ALDS Preview

The weather has changed in New York, just like the calender and it definitely feels like October. Unlike last season when the Yankees steam rolled into the playoffs, this year has been a different story. The Yankees slide down the stretch with a record of 13-17 in September and the three game series against the Red Sox in October. If the Yanks continue to play like they did the last month of the season, they could be quickly done. So lets take a look at the series for the Yankees by a position by position break down against the Twins.

Catcher : Joe Mauer vs Jorge Posada

Both catchers had "down" seasons, but are by far still part of the elite catching group. Mauer struggled to find his power stroke in Target field, and saw his home run total drop by 19. Mauer did however still hit for an .327 average, but most of his stats were the lowest since his 2007 season. The bigger concern for the Twins and their fans is the fact that Mauer had hurt his knee earlier in the month,but has caught a game since and says that it is fine. Mauer may have not had a similar season to last year, but Mauer is still one of the best catchers in the game both offensively and defensively.

Jorge Posada had a rough season, the 39 year old catcher had one of his worst seasons of his career. Sure Posada can still hit, but hes always banged up behind the plate, and may be one of the slowest runners in all of baseball. His defense has really declined over the past few seasons and suddenly runners have run all over him resulting in just a 15% (13-72)caught stealing rate.

Winner : Joe Mauer, best catcher in baseball , even in a "down" year. Posada gets lucky this series that the Twins only have one player (Denard Span) that had double digit steals.

First Base : Michael Cuddyer vs Mark Teixeira

A common theme among these Twins players is a decline in production from last season to this year. The biggest reason is because of the large, out door Target field. Cuddyer saw a large decline in production this year, after a career year in 2009. Cuddyer will be playing first this series, for the injured Justin Morneau but normally plays right field. Cuddyer is an OK defender but nothing special.

Mark Teixeira struggled early in the season but really turned it on right before the break. Tex's final numbers look good, and that's with the early season slump. Tex is banged up a bit with a hand and toe injury and last year had a rough postseason. Teixeira is still one of the best defensive first basemen in all of baseball, and saves the other Yankee infielders from errors.

Winner: Mark Teixeira. Cuddyer is a good player, but Tex is an elite player, even if hes not 100%

Second base : Orlando Hudson vs Robinson Cano

Orland Hudson is one of the best defensive second basemen in the league, but his offensive production has declined over the past few seasons. Last season when Hudson was with the Dodgers, Joe Torre benched him during the postseason.

What can you say bad about Robinson Cano this year? Going into the season, many questioned if Cano would be able to hit fifth behind A-Rod. Well know we know that Cano can not only hit fifth but also third or fourth if needed. Cano, like Hudson is a great defender, and at times i feel his defense has gone under the radar.
Winner: Robinson Cano. He has had an MVP caliber season, not many second basemen are in the same category as Robbie.

Shortstop: J.J Hardy vs Derek Jeter
J.J Hardy was brought over in a trade with the Brewers for Carlos Gomez over the off season. Hardy is an above average fielder, but doesn't bring much else. Hes been a below average hitter the past few seasons, and his power numbers have declined each year. Hardy is also a free swinger, who doesn't draw many walks.

Derek Jeter may have had a down year but when the calender turns to October, Jeter is known to turn it up a notch. Jeter has hit .321 against lefties this season, a good sign for the Yankees who will face two lefties in the first three games.

Winner: Derek Jeter. We could create a whole highlight real with clutch moments in Jeter's career,he isn't called Mr. November for no reason.

Third base : Danny Valencia vs Alex Rodriguez

Valencia came up in June and got off to a hot start, then cooled off a little and had a nice September (5HR, 17RBI). So the rookie can hit, but will he get frustrated and stumble in the postseason under the pressure? Valencia has hit .374 against lefties this season in just 99 at bats.

Its is funny to think back to when A-Rod was once called a choker and fans wanted him out of the big apple. Heck if this was 2006 some fans may have even said they would rather have Valencia on their team. But last year A-Rod changed his image in many Yankees fans minds with a big postseason. I expect much of the same from Rodriguez this year, and they are going to need it if Tex and Cano struggle.

Winner: Alex Rodriguez. C'mon we are talking about comparing the future home run king to a rookie.

Left field: Delmon Young vs Brett Gardner

For years Delmon Young was expected to have a break out season, well 2010 was that year. Young will be hitting in the middle of the Twins line up, so he will have plenty of protection. The key is for the Yankees to allow Young to get himself out, Young is a free swinger who doesn't walk often (28 BB).

Brett Gardner is a fan favorite amongst Yankees fans, and its understandable. Gardner hustles all the time, and is never afraid to lay out for a ball. Gardner could be one of the fastest players in the league, and should be a great challenge against Joe Mauer.

Winner: Delmon Young. These players are as opposite as black and white, but after the year Young just had it's hard to pick against him.

Centerfield: Denard Span vs Curtis Granderson

Span is a pesky slap hitter, that can steal. It just seems like Span is always is the middle of a Twins rally, and could be a pesky player for the Yankees to get out. Span is hard to double up and doesn't strike out often. Span can play all outfield positions, and is a great defender.

Granderson came up with big hits all season (In April against Papelbon and in June vs Arizona) but in the last few weeks of the season Granderson really turned it on. His defense is suspect at times, and he has been known to take weird routes to the ball but is never afraid to dive for a ball and has an decent arm. This year Granderson hasn't stolen as many bases as in the past, but still has great speed. Nobody can replace Hideki Matsui, and the postseason he had last year but if I had to choose a Yankee to have a big playoff run I would choose Granderson.
Winner: Curtis Granderson. Both players are fast, but after that the comparisons end. Granderson will have his hands full with two lefties in the first three games.

Rightfield : Jason Kubel vs Nick Swisher

Kubel is known for his hitting, and even with larger park this year it still didn't stop him. He may not play the best defense, but his bat will make up for it. Kubel may be able to hit but this season his biggest offensive weakness has been facing lefties (.225 BA), so expect to see Boone Logan late in the game.

Will Swisher's knee be alright? Because Swish plays a large role in extending the line up, and with him not at full health it makes for a weaker Yankees line up. Swisher is an alright defender, who gives it his all, again they need his knee to hold up or else Greg Golsen or Austin Kearns will be getting some playing time.
Winner: Even. Its close because of Swisher's injury and the fact he struggled last postseason. If I was forced to make a decisions I would go with Swish.

Designated Hitter: Jim Thome vs Marcus Thames/ Lance Berkman

Thome was signed to be a role player and occasionally start in Minnesota, they never expected him to become an MVP candidate. Once Morneau went out Thome stepped up and has gotten so many clutch hits for the Twins, especially down the stretch. Thome has the experience of being in the Postseason, so he wont be frightened by the bright lights, but he will face the challenge of facing two tough lefties in games one and two.

Marcus Thames also was never expected to produce the way he has this season. When he was signed they wanted him to step in against Lefties and he has done great in that role, but Thames can also hit right handers and actually has more home runs in less at bats against right handers. The down fall of Thames is if the game is late, expect to see a pinch runner, and for no reason should he ever step foot in the outfield.

When the Yankees got Lance Berkman, I felt it was a great pick up. But Berkman has not hit like he was suppose to, even with a hot streak in late September Berkman hit only .255.

Winner: Jim Thome. Even if the Yankees platoon is suppose to hit the opposing pitchers well, Thome carried this Twins club down the stretch, hard to argue against that.

Bench

Both bench's aren't that impressive but the Yankees will have either Thames or Berkman on the bench along with Austin Kearns, all players that could start on other MLB clubs. The Yankees also will have Ramiro Pena on the bench for defense, but he can steal a bag. Bringing Greg Golsen as a pinch runner is a good move, could be like Dave Roberts in 2004.

The Twins bench is loaded with young inexperienced players. Alexi Casilla can back up all the infield spots, and could be a threat to run late in the game. Back up catcher Drew Butera has thrown out 43% of runner attempting to steal and is great behind the plate. Jason Repko is a good defensive out fielder off the bench, he can hit a bit and steal a base if needed.

Winner: Yankees bench. Not the greatest bench, but well rounded.

Starting Pitchers

The Twins will throw Francisco Liriano in game one. Liriano had a great season, but faultered in his last few starts of the season. In game one CC Sabathia will be up against Liriano, Sabathia was key to the Yanks postseason run last year. CC has been a CY Young candidate all year, and against a lefty heavy Twins line up should be at his best.

In game two the Twins will throw Carl Pavano, the guy who once pitched for the bombers and never earned his paycheck. Pavano has been dominate against the Yankees over his career and will be at home in Target Field. Andy Pettitte is the key to this series if you ask me. Pettitte has had one great start, one bad start and one OK start since coming back from the DL. If the Yankees are going to make a run deep into October, they will need an effective Pettitte.

Game three will be a wild one in the Bronx. Phil Hughes will get the ball at home, a place where he has struggled this season and given up alot of home runs. Opposing him will be Brian Duensing, who was 10-3 with an ERA under three. But Duensing is a young pitcher and could be rattled by coming into Yankee Stadium for a rowdy Saturday night crowd. If the series is tied at one, this would be a huge game.

Winner: Twins. Both teams will be going with just three pitchers, so if the game goes the distance of five, expect to see the game one and two starters again. That should be interesting since Pettitte is coming off an injury and last threw on three days rest for game six of the 2009 World Series.

Bullpen

The Twins loaded up on closers this year after Joe Nathan went down with an injury. They had planned to use Jon Rauch as their closer, but then traded for Matt Capps. Both players are having great years. Then the Angels released Brian Fuentes and the Twins added him to their roster, so they have three players that could be closing elsewhere. Aside from those players they still have Jesse Crain who is always a work horse out of the pen and also Matt Guerrier who has held batters to a .219 BAA.

The Yankees bullpen has also been a bright spot this season. Mariano Rivera had a great year until September, but Mo is still Mo and should be great come October. Kerry Wood may have been the best deadline deal that Cashman has ever made, but walks too many batters, I wouldn't be surprised if he blew up in a big spot. Joba, Logan and Robertson all have pitched well in the second half of the season.
Winner: Twins. The Yankees have a good bullpen, but the Twins have better relievers and have more depth.

Prediction : Yankees in four

The Yankees have beat up on the Twins since 2003, even with the Yankees limping into this postseason, this team is too stocked with talent to lose. The Yanks may have questions in the rotation, but if all works will I expect the Yanks to win this in four games.

For up to date Yankees posts check out NYYStarsandPinstripes or follow on Twitter.

-- Matthew Saur

It is high, it is far it is gone !

I love the back to back and a belly to belly, my favorite John Sterling line. Lets hope for more bomberoo's during this Postseason.

-- Matt Saur

Drake - "I Get Lonely Too"

It's been a while since I made an actual post on this bad boy.  I'm taking a mini-break from my English paper that is due tomorrow to share this with ya'll.  Drake's mixtape, "It's Never Enough" comes out around Christmas time.  Here is the intro to it, "I Get Lonely Too."  

-Matt Soldano

Real Training Camp: New York Knicks

For those who missed it, here is the NBA's best duplication of the NFL's "Hard Knocks."



The rest of it should be in the related videos.

I enjoyed this a lot. I found myself being torn away from live regular season games to watch this. Not a big fan of the commentators but they did conduct some really cool interviews.


--Max Caster

Make your own Conclusions

Create your own adventure with this one, readers...



Okay, now I'm confused.




--Max Caster

Issues with the Body Issue?

ESPN the Magazine began running what they call "The Body Issue" last year. It contains sports stars posing in the nude without showing the goods.



That's this year's cover featuring Phoenix Mercury Baller Diana Taurasi.

I guess the Body Issue is ESPN's answer to SI's Swimsuit Issue. But it's not a great alternative (like the Swimsuit Issues are anything special). It just seems out of place for ESPN. A Network that is so vast doesn't need to do this. Honestly, the pictures are just awkward to me.

And who wants to look at this stuff? Who says "Oh man, I can't wait for the Body Issue to come out!" Nerds maybe, but that's it. The whole concept is weird. Does ESPN the Magazine want to dabble in art? I think they should just speak to sports.

And by the way, can they change the name of the issue, please? 'The Body Issue' sounds like something a middle school student could have. And ironically, this magazine may worsen the issue for those kids. I know the 'E' in ESPN stands for entertainment, but I don't know how these photos are entertaining?

What do you think of the Body Issue? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.


--Max Caster

C.W. Post vs. West Chester Live Chat

Join Matt Soldano as he brings you all of the details and behind the scenes action of today's broadcast between the C.W. Post Pioneers and the West Chester Golden Rams.

Listen to the game live, beginning at 2 PM (ET) on 88.1 FM and WCWPSports.

C.W. Post vs. West Chester Pre-Game

Alright ma' gents, it's Saturday afternoon which means more C.W. Post football!  Today the Pioneers will take on the West Chester Golden Rams.  Pre-game begins at 1:30 pm (ET)on 88.1 FM and on WCWPSports.  Join me on the game's live chat, starting at 1:45 as we lead up to kickoff at 2 PM.  Max Caster and Ryan Pettys will be handling the broadcasting duties.  

Back at the WCWP Studios we got Patrick Creighton, Matt Saur, and Jason Geiser.  All on hands on deck, be part of the game as well and tune in!!

-Matt Soldano