Have the NY Jets Reached the Rich Kotite Moment?

I have read in the New York papers and at other internet sport sites that Rex Ryan maybe on his way out as the Jets head coach. This will be a good thing. I like many life long Jets fans were so elated when Woody Johnson hired the boisterous coach.

The Jets went to the playoffs, Mark Sanchez was Ryan's "boy" to groom to be the New York version of "Tommy Boy" and life was grand. Then things went south quickly. The Jets finish 8-8 and out of the playoffs in 2011 and then the Jets brain trust thought they needed Peyton Manning and pursue the HOF QB, only to be rejected and in doing so, damaged the fragile Sanchez. To make matters worse, the Jets hired Tim Tebow and all his hype, further damaging the fractured psyche of their young quarter back.

The Jets are at a crossroads and Sanchez and the QB situation is just one reason for the failure of the Jets. There are holes and gaps in every area of the team, from the GM on down. The Jets will finish the season today, but in reality the season is just starting for the Jets. A new season with a different brain trust and a different cast of characters.

Lets Go Jets 

The Knicks What a Surprise

I have been following the Knicks for a long time, before it was chic. When the player's names were Komives and Bellamy, before DeBusschere, Reed, Frazier, Barnett, Bradley and Monroe were household names, I was watching the Knicks when ever they were on the road.

In those days there was no TNT or ESPN there was only WOR channel 9 in NYC and because of blackout rules home games were never shown on TV and I never had the opportunity to see the Knicks in person until
I played at the Old Garden and then the New Garden, which stands on 33st. and 7th ave during my HS basketball playing days at Saint Augustine's HS in Park Slope.

The Knicks watched us play, in a near empty MSG, prior to their own game, which was the night cap of the basketball double header. Meeting Willis Reed in the runway to the court after our game was finished is still fresh in my mind, as is seeing the MSG marquee with the names of the teams in lights on the December night.

This year's team, led by the Brooklyn born Carmelo Anthony is off to the best start since forever and they remind people of a time when the Garden would be rocking, from well before the game started, to the final horn.

Red Holzman would be proud of the current Knicks' team play and defense. The 69/70 championship is evidence of what those two concepts can do to a team, of course Holzman had a future HOF at every position and one on the bench and no bigger presence than Willis Reed. In Reed, Red had the last line of defense and on offense a player who could shoot as well from the outside as well as dominate inside. In one February game that season against the Baltimore Bullets, Reed had 36 points and astonishing 36 rebounds. During that 69/70 season Willis was selected MVP of the All Star game, the League MVP and MVP of the NBA Finals. 

Melo is this years version of Willis Reed and as the 69/70 team revolved around Reed, this years team revolves him. The supporting cast is crucial clog in the Knicks' early success. JR Smith is playing the best basketball of his career coming off the bench.

I like this team and I like Woodson and his coaching style. Today's game is a big test for the Knicks as they play the now winners of 4 in a row Lakers in La La Land. Today, maybe Knick fans get to see Amare Stoudemire who has not played one minute this season and has been rumored to be ready to play. There are many fans who are wondering what Stoudemire's role will be and will he be happy playing second fiddle to Melo.

Lets Go Knicks

Happy Christmas

I want to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


Peace



Mike

Havoc

Havoc, that's the name of the intense pressure the Virginia Commonwealth University men's basketball team subjects their opponents to, from the opening tip off, to the final buzzer. Coach Shaka Smart has his young men running and hustling non stop creating "Havoc".

Last night's victory over long time rival Old Dominion University was evidence Coach Smart has the Rams in late season form, pressuring and harassing ODU for a 83-70 victory. VCU led by as many as 20 point against an ODU team in the mists of a 6 game losing streak. ODU made runs against the Rams, only to be repelled time after time. The Monarchs were coming off their worst home loss in school history against the other entry in the A 10, The University of Richmond 80-53.

ODU was led by DeShaun Painter's double double of 26 points (career high) and 10 boards. The VCU combination of Troy Daniels and Treveon Graham accounted for 47 of the Ram's 83 points. Daniels was lights out from beyond the arc scoring 24 points on  a school tying 8 three pointers. Graham was his usual self, aggressively driving the paint for 23 points on 7-13 shooting and 9 rebounds. Briante Weber was all over the court with 8 points, 9 boards, 10 assist and 5 steals with only 1 turnover in 31 minutes of play.

Coach Smart showed his intensity when he got into the face of a couple of players late in the game because of their careless ball handling. As well as VCU played, there were still defensive lapses and ODU out rebounded them 40- 30. What should be a concern for coach Smart is the lack of production from 7 footers Reddic and Haley a combined 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Both need to step up for the Rams to go deep in a A 10 Championship and the NCAA tournament. On the positive side, VCU had 19 assist and Coach Smart must be happy about how the Rams moved the ball around the court.

VCU's next opponent will be the University of Alabama and Coach Anthony Grant, who will be coming home to play against a Rams team he helped build. The 6-2 Tide will get a taste of Havoc.

Lets Go Rams

The Volunteers Get Their Man, Maybe

The University of Tennessee hired Butch Jones to become the head coach of their football team. Jones left the University of Cincinnati for a Tennessee program that has seen its better days. Jones will be the forth head coach in as many years and will have to have a golden tongue to convince Patterson, Hunter and Bray to stay for their senior season.

Jones who is known for a high octane offensives will have a Big East Championship to dangle in front of the offensive stars of the Volunteers and all three could use another year with an offensive coach that can show case the trio to the NFL. Hunter who is already the #1 Wideout in some NFL scout circles will be the hardest to convince to stay. Both Bray and Patterson could use another year with a top of the line offensive mind such as Jones.

Jones has been successful at both head coaching stops prior to today's Tennessee hire, first at Central Michigan and then at Cincinnati, where he was 16-4 the last two years and Big East Champions. If Jones can not convince Bray and Co to stay, the Volunteers are not just left holding the bag, there are young hungry players ready to bleed Big Orange given the chance.

Tennessee Mr. Football, Austin Sanders was headed to Nashville for the TSSAA All Star game this weekend and next week he flies out to California to participate in a national all star game representing Bradley Central HS. Ohio State has shown interest in Sanders since the Tennessee firing of Derek Dooley, but for Sanders playing for the Volunteers is a childhood dream. Sanders already bleeds Big Orange, will not be going to any school other than Tennessee. I am sure Sanders will be one of the players new head coach Jones calls to reassures about his future at the University of Tennessee.

Lets Go Vols

It's McElroy Time in NYC

The NY Jets reached deep into their bench yesterday and came out winners 7-6 over the Arizona Cardinals as Greg McElroy led Gang Green to their only score of the day. Rex Ryan finally saw enough of the inconsistent and overrated Marc Sanchez, pulled him after his third interception late in the 3rd quarter. 

McElroy, the ex Alabama QB with a National title under his belt has sat on the sidelines for most of his two years of service on the Jets. Yesterday, he was given his chance at leading the Jets and that is exactly what he did, moving the Jets to their only score with his first NFL touchdown

McElroy was 5/7 in his passing for 29 yards and a 95 QB rating compared to Sanchez who was 10/21, 97 yards and 3 INTs and 4.4 QB rating.

I have said form the beginning of the season, the best QB on the Jets was the kid from Alabama, a proven winner and leader. Rex Ryan's Jets have an outside chance to make the playoffs and Greg McElroy is the only one of the three QBs on the Jets that gives them a chance to win the last two games of the season.


Lets Go Mets

It's Sunday NFL Football Time

The NFL will be on today and fans and players will arrive at stadiums all across America. Thousands of fans will watch their favorite team, cheering and moaning throughout the afternoon and into the evening as their teams win or lose.

I do not think the Jets are on today in Tennessee, so I will be spared watching a meaningless game. Many fans and players of the Kansas City Chiefs must be feeling not only sad, they must be wondering what does the game of football really mean in light of yesterdays tragedy.

I do not know what was going on in the life of  Jovan Belcher but I do know professional football players risk permanent injury to their bodies every day they put on their pads and the pressure to succeed pushes many to use ban substances to help their chances of staying in the league. The recent reporting of retired players suffering with sever physical and mental conditions has exposed the NFL to scrutiny over the handling of older ex players. Sports are entertainment and nothing more, an escape from the realities of daily mundane life, they are not real and yet we place so much importance on players and teams winning at all cost for what a championship! It really does not mean a hill of beans.

Volunteers vs Georgetown

The University of Tennessee basketball team will travel to Washington DC to play the Georgetown Hoyas on Friday night at the Verizon Center in The Big East SEC Challenge. The game will be the first time the Vols will play a top 25 team and it will be a big test for the Cuonzo Martin led team, especially without the services of Jeronne Maymom.

The Big East will get a close look at Jarnell Stokes in this game. The 18 year old beast will be playing in the paint against some bigger players when he bangs bodied with the front court players of the Hoyas. Stokes who does not shy away from contact will show the nation why he is already being compared to Charles Barkley.

I look for the Volunteers to come out of DC with a hard fought W against a very powerful and well coached Georgetown team. It will be no easy task for the Vols to stay in control against the very disciplined Hoyas. This will also be a very big test for the Volunteers Kenny Hall. The Tennessee big man must control the boards and the paint or the Hoyas will pick the Vols apart with their ball control offense.

Lets Go Vols

The End is Near

In about an hour or so, the Volunteers will take the field for the last time in 2012. There will be no bowl invitation, their season will come to a close at the end of today's game with the Kentucky Wildcats, another also ran team, looking for their first win in conference.

The Volunteers should win today, in fact they should blow Kentucky back to Lexington. I look for Tyler Bray and Co to redeem themselves for the home town crowd. The Volunteers do not want to finish last in the SEC East and pride and talent will win out today.

If I hurry I can make the game, Go Vols!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, I hope everyone out there has a great day with family, friends and loved ones. I am looking forward to watching lots of basketball and football today. The Jets play the Patriots tonight and for the first time this year I actually think they will win. The loss of Gronkowski will surly upset the Pat's offensive scheme as Gronk was a big target for Brady.

The Jets are a long shot to make the playoffs at this point in the season, but stranger things have happen. If the Jets have any chance of making the playoffs, tonight is a must win game for Gang Green. All the Jets have to do is control the line of scrimmage and run the ball down the Patriots' throat and play error free football and that means, Marc Sanchez has to not turn the ball over.

On the defensive side of the ball, Antonio Cormartie is playing like an All Pro corner and the whole squad is playing much better. Jets need to help the offense out tonight and make life miserable for Tom Brady. Tommy Boy is not as agile or as durable as he once was and a sack or two would not hurt the Jets chances by any means. I look for the Jets defense to put points on the board tonight with blitz trickery and harassment and I would not be surprised if Crow takes one to the house.

I like the Jets tonight 31 -10

Lets Go Jets  

This is the Pits

I watched in horror as Tennessee sophomore back up QB Justin Worley entered the game in the second quarter of the Volunteer - Vanderbilt game last night. Was Tyler Bray hurt? The TV announcers were as perplexed as I was as I watched Bray standing on the sidelines.

Bray was not sick or hurt, he was being punished, for having one of the worst 20 minutes a quarterback can have. Bray was struggling, but the Vols were still winning 7-6 with 6:56 remaining in the 2nd quarter and Dooley pulls him. Worley immediately threw an interception which let to a Commodore touchdown and a 13-7 lead. The Vols would score a field goal to cut the half time lead to 13-10.

The Vols were overwhelmed in the third quarter as Vandy scored the next 21 points for a 34-10 lead going into the final chapter of the game. Volunteer fans are hoping this game will be the final chapter of the Derek Dooley era at the University of Tennessee. It is clearly evident, he does not have the football intellectual or emotional capacity, to be the head coach of the Volunteers.

I hope who ever the Volunteers hire, it is someone with a smooth talking tongue, because who ever it is will have to talk himself dry to try and convince Bray, Hunter, and Patterson to stay for their senior year. The way Bray was treated last night, I would not be surprised if every junior who may have a shot of playing on Sunday, will say adios to the Volunteers if they do not hire a home rum hitter and proven winner.

The Vols need a Gruden to be head coach, they do not need a "promising" up and coming coach, they need a rock star head coach someone who can quickly turn the program around and keep the players, recruits  and fanbase motivated to come to Knoxville and be apart of a winning Big Orange tradition of excellence.


Lets Go Vols

The Volunteers vs Vandy

Can the Volunteers win today yes they could but they probable wont. It will be interesting to see how many Volunteer fans travel over to Nashville for tonight's game, that in it self will tell how much time Derek Dooley has as coach of the Vols.

Coach Dooley's fate maybe already written in the sand as many people believe and a loss tonight will only solidify that belief by the Vol Nation. A loss tonight will leave the Kentucky game as the Volunteers only chance of winning a conference game and remove any chance of receiving a bowl invitation.

I think the Volunteers can win tonight, but I have seen the Volunteers of the Dooley era collapse under pressure time and time again, so I wont be surprised if they give the game away, some how. Dooley and his staff have not conquered their own ineptness in the closing moments of games, even with the wholesale changes made on the coaching staff this season.

Vandy 45 Vols 28 

Mr. Cy Young R A Dickey

RA Dickey won the NL Cy Young award yesterday and it could not have gone to a more deserving pitcher. Dickey won 20 games for a team that won 74 and many believe he will be traded for prospects between now and the middle of next season.

I believe the Mets would be short sighted in trading Dickey at this point in his career. I do not see any other pitcher in the Mets current roster to step up and make the contribution RA does for the Mets. Over the last three seasons, Dickey has been their most consistent starter, giving the team quality starts and innings pitched.

The Mets and their fans will sorely miss RA Dickey's contributions to the team on and off the field if trade. Dickey has the ability to make the Mets a better team or for that matter any team better. His 38 years should not be a determining factor in the teams decision to trade or not trade him. Most experts believe Dickey could pitch for another five years if he stays healthy and can pitch the way he has over the last couple of season.

I hope R A Dickey's career last a long time and he wears a NY Mets uniform for that duration, but if he does move on, I will root for him every time he pitches no matter what team he works for. Dickey is not just a Mets pitcher he is a Volunteer and that alone will give me the motivation to root for him no matter what team he throws his flutter ball for.

  

80 Seconds

The Volunteers lost yesterday in OT to the Missouri Tigers and because of that loss I think it is time the University of Tennessee parts ways with the head coach Derek Dooley. I do not say this lightly, up until yesterday I had been on the side of "give him another year". The final score does not detail the turn in my opinion on Dooley.

What turned me to the "Dooley must go" camp was 80 seconds. 40 seconds at the end of the first half and 40 seconds at the end of regulation. Dooley's illogical and ineptitude head coach ability showed its ugly head yesterday as it has in the past.

Yesterday was not the first time a Dooley run football team has has given victory away in the final moments of a game. It is not the first time the Volunteers have dissolved before their loyal fans eyes and turned victory into defeat.

I have two questions for the coach: Why with two timeouts left and 40 seconds remaining on the clock at the end of the first half you do not try to get down field for a score or field goal and how do you do the same thing at the end of the game knowing the Tigers had solved the Vols defense of the first half and scoring was not a problem for them in the second half and try to win a shoot out against them?

Dooley and his staff just are not cutting it, yesterdays loss falls on their heads. Dooley and his staff acted like they do not for one have a 2 minute drill or a plan at crunch time. I think Dooley's days are numbered. I do not think he will be fired until after the season, but I doubt he will be back.

Lets Go Vols

Dooley's Waterloo

Today is the day Volunteer head coach Derek Dooley meets his Nelson at Waterloo. Today, the Volunteers play the Missouri Tigers. Missouri, one of two new teams in the SEC has one more victory in conference than the Volunteers, the other two winless teams Kentucky and Auburn will stay winless today as Auburn plays Georgia with little chance of winning and Kentucky plays out of conference.

The Vols and Missouri match up very well against each other, the Tigers cant score and the Vols cant stop anyone. Missouri takes the ball away and is very good up front on defense and they only give up 22 points a game. Volunteer fans will not be happy if they go into the last two weeks of the season 0-6 in conference with Vanderbilt and Kentucky on the horizon.

I think the Volunteers must win today and probable win out for Dooley to save his job and win a bowl berth.  I hope for his sake and the teams, the Vols have a big game on defense, as well as offense and salvage the remaining games of the season.


Lets Go Vols 

Volunteer Basketball 2012/2013

The Volunteers opened up their season last night at home against Kennesaw State in Knoxville and they did not disappoint their fans. Coach Martin had the boys in high gear and with Jeronne Maymom watching from the sidelines the Vols showed just how deep they are but that depth will be exploited next week if Maymom is not available when they have to play three games in four days in Puerto Rico.

Maymom has had a reoccurring bad knee. In March his knee was scoped and last week he was seen on campus on crutches. Coach Martin has not given the media a time line on his reliable power forward's return. Last night the Vols played very good defense and the combination of Richardson, Golden, McBee, Hall and Stokes flowed well together forcing numerous turnovers.

Jarnell Stokes is a beast, that is the only word to describe the mountain with the smooth never panic style. Coach Martin has to be please with his star because Stokes does it all. He stole the ball on defense and blocked shots taking up lots of room on the inside and helping his mates when he could. On offense, he shoots, passes and rebounds. Last night some of his interior passing was fantastic, hitting Kenny Hall on a couple of amazing dishes.

I liked what I saw from the Vols last night, they will be right there when its big dance time in March. Lets hope Maymom's injury is not a big issue and he is allowed to have the senior season Volunteer fans were expecting.

#LetsGoVols

Hot Stove League

The Hot Stove League is heating up and Mets fans are anxious for their team to sign David Wright and RADickey43 to long term deals. DWright was runner up in the Gold Glove award and many including myself felt he was a more deserving candidate. 

The news today out of California and reported on MLB Tonight the Mets are shopping RA Dickey, who was just named a finalist for the Cy Young Award. The Mets have exercised the teams option on both Dickey and Wright for the 2013 season and many feel it maybe the best time to trade Dickey who will be 38 soon. Baseball insiders also realize RA Dickey could probable pitch another five years easy. 

The Mets have many holes to fill and trading Dickey sounds great on paper, but where do the Mets get the 20 wins RA Dickey brings to the team if they trade him? The Mets must know Dickey gives them lots of innings and pitches every 5 days day in and day out. Finding someone who could do that the next five years will not be easy to replicate. 

Dickey, is an interesting phenomena in baseball, a knuckelballer can pitch well past the prime of other pitchers and filling holes on the field is not the only Mets issue, filling seats is another and trading one of Mets fans favorite players will have to be worth the loss of not just 20 games but a man the New York community cares about because of his good deeds.

The same can be said about David Wright. He is the face of the Mets and other than Dickey the only other player of notable distinction is Johan Santana. The Mets do not have any other marque players to market to the millions of baseball fans in Gotham. 

NYC Marathon

As a ex marathoner and a native New Yorker I found the decision to run the NYC Marathon insane in the wake of the most devastating storm to strike the City in well over a hundred years. The Mayor and the NYRRC finally relented and saner heads prevailed and the marathon was cancelled.

Yesterday, runners from everywhere decided to run the course on their own as people still in distress tried to live life. Pictures of residents in Brooklyn waiting on long lines to fill gas cans as runners jogged past seemed like something out of a Fellini movie.

I  would not have wanted to be one of the people who came from out of state or the country to run the race only to find out the race was cancelled, but I would not have come to NYC to run the race. I would have been aware of the burden the race would have placed on my brother and sisters in NYC. If I was planning to come to my home to run the race and had the time off to do so, my first thoughts would have been on helping the people of NYC. The runners who ran through the city on their own yesterday could have really shown the world something good by helping out blocks away from the start in Staten Island and instead of running, pitched in and assisted in any way they could.

  

The Volunteers Host Troy

The first thing I had to find out when researching today's Tennessee football game was find out where Troy University was. I was sure it was in Alabama and not in upstate NY, but that's where my geographical knowledge of the school ended. The 125 year old University is in Montgomery, Alabama and is highly rated by Forbes Magazine for its academic standards.

The Troy University football team is hard to figure out. They come in 4-4, but put up 572 yards of offense against Mississippi State. Tennessee is coming off yet another SEC loss and is 3-5 after going 0 for October in the SEC.

Volunteer fans will be looking for red meat after the teams dismal SEC play and it could not come at a better time. Coach Dooley is on the hot seat and today the Volunteers must play up to fans expectations or Dooley's days could be numbered in Rocky Top.

I believe Tyler Bray and his all world receivers will fly past the Troy what ever they are called and score at will. Lets all hope the Vols defense can stop Troy or this could be one of those who ever scores last will win the game, and Vol fans will not be happy if the Vols are not the ones scoring last.


Lets Go Vols 

The Hot Stove League Starts Anew

The World Series is over and baseball fans all about the country are settled in to a long cold winter of wondering and pontificating on the state of their beloved teams. Count me as one of the many life long Mets fans who will analyze the Mets roster and all the possible moves that GM Sandy Alderson and the NY Mets brain trust could and might make between now and early February.

When I look at the 2012 Mets certain names jump at me, names like Bay, Torres, Francisco and Ramirez who I would release tomorrow no matter how much it will cost the club. Bay, the ultimate NYC bust, can not wear a NY Mets uniform next year. Torres, Ramirez and Francisco's one year in Gotham was well below expectations and the Mets should cut bait as soon as possible.

Mets fans are all waiting for the signing of DWright and RA Dickey43 to long term contracts assuring they stay for as long as they want. Dickey who at 37 is just blooming as a pitcher and there is no reason he can not pitch effectively barring injuries for the foreseeable future. Wright is the unofficial captain of the team, and  he  should be made the official captain and given the respect and contract deserving this future HOF.   

It's going to be a long slow winter in Mets land.


Lets Go Mets

Miami Comes To Play the Jets

Can the Jets beat the Miami Dolphins at the MetLife Stadium? That is the million dollar question if you are a betting man. I for one think the Jets will will out right today no matter what the point spread says. The 1 point favorite Jets must be a danger sign for betting fans, but the Dolphins have already lost to the Jets in Miami back in September 23-20 and since then the Jets have gone to the run offense.

Today, the Jets must run the ball. That is the only way they will have a chance to win. Sanchez is Sanchez and he can do just so much. If the offense gets complicated look for Sanchez to cough up the ball either via an interception or a fumble. Shaun Green is the key to the Jets success and a 500 record. A win today will put the Jets right back into playoff contention going into week 9.





Lets Go Jets 

World Series, Game 3 Tigers Host Giants

The Detroit Tigers will try and snap out of the hitting drought that has hit the team in the first two games of the series. One reason for the Tigers being fangless has been the Giants pitching staff. Giant pitching has dominated the Tigers and in the last game all they could muster was 2 hits and no legitimate scoring threats.

Tonight Bruce Bochy, will send Ryan Vogelson to the mound, who has been wonderful in the post season and the Tigers Jim Leyland will counter with Anibal Sanchez, who has pitched like a different pitcher in the post season and has a 1.35 ERA and 1-1 record in his 2 post season starts striking out 10 in 13.1 innings. Vogelsong has been virtually unhittable, striking out 18 in his 19 innings, going 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA.

The Tigers must win tonight and Leyland will be quick to pull Sanchez if the Giants score early. The Tigers can not afford to go down 3-0 to this Giants team. I think, if the Giants win tonight, they will sweep the series.


Lets Go Giants 

Dooley's Waterloo

At noon today in Columbia, South Carolina, the Volunteers of Tennessee will face the #17 ranked Gamecocks. It seems every game the Vols play is against a ranked team. Life in the SEC East can be hazardous for head coaches who are trying to rebuild a football program and today's game just could be the moment when the fans and the boosters have had enough and a change must be made. If the Volunteers do not have a win today the executioner could be sharpening his ax.

This is Tennessee, UT pride runs deep and it bleeds orange. Boosters and fans ran Phillip Flumer out of Knoxville, and he was a life long Vol who won a National Championship. Dooley is an outsider, from Georgia and has no roots in Big Orange Country. If he gets fired boosters and fans will view his passing as a way to get back to Tennessee football with someone with a Tennessee past.

Many believe Coach Dooley should get at least one more year to turn the program over. Many want him gone now, especially with rumors swirling around Jon Gruden. Gruden, who was a graduate assistant under Johnny Majors and is married to a UT graduate and ex cheerleader has been mentioned before as a possible candidate to coach the Vols and it is believe was offered the job after the Lane Kiffen fiasco.

Gruden is currently on the MNF team and has told interviewers he is happy with what he is doing and coaching maybe in his future. Many believe Athletic Director Dave Hart wants a high profile coach to lead the Volunteers back to prominence. I can't imagine juniors, Bray, Hunter and Patterson will stay for their senior season if a change is made, no matter who the coach is. If Dooley is fired the turnaround could take another 3 years. I do not see a change happening unless it is a big name, like Jon Gruden.

Lets Go Vols, Lets Go Coach Dooley

Giants Go Up 2-0

The SF Giants took two big steps in their quest for a World Championship by beating the Detroit Tigers 2-0 last night on the arms of Madison Baumgartner and Sergio Romo.  Baumgartner gave up 2 hits over his 8 innings and Romo was flawless in his inning of work. 

Baumgartner becomes the first pitcher since Sandy Koufax to throw consecutive shutouts in the World Series. Baumgartner has now struck out 14 batters in 15 innings and has allowed 5 hits in the two shut out games. Romo was just as dominate setting down the Tigers 123 in the top of the ninth sealing the win for the Giants. 

The series now moves to Detroit and for Tiger fans hopefully better outcomes. The Tiger bats must come to life or it will be a quick series for the boys from Detroit. Tomorrow, the Giants send Ryan Vogelsong and his 1.42 ERA against the Tigers send Anibal Sanchez to the mound. Tiger's manager Jim Leyland is hoping Sanchez will repeat his ALCS shut out performance against the Yankees. This is a crucial game for the Tigers. If they go down 3-0 to the Giants it will be almost impossible for them to win four straight. 

Lets Go Giants 

Kung Fu Panda Strikes

Pablo Sandoval did what only 3 other men have done in MLB history, hitting 3 HRs in a World Series game.  His first HR off of Jason Verlander was amazing. He tomahawked a 95 MPH fastball up by his shoulders into the centerfield seats.

The Giants have come down to the Sandoval - Marco Scutaro - Angle Pagan show. All three were involved in most of the scoring for the Giants. Scutoro, the MVP of the NLCS has been playing the best baseball of his career and Pagan continues to hit and play marvelous defense. Buster Posy the all star catcher who is holding the Giants pitching staff together had another fine game with an RBI and his pitch calling.

This series will come down to pitching and with the Giants beating the Tiger ace I look for the Giants to complete the quest for the Championship.

Lets Go Giants 

Its The World Series

Tomorrow, will start the World Series 2012 version of the Fall Classic, the San Francisco Giants against the Detroit Tigers. The Giants came roaring back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3, winning the last three decidedly. They will get to play the Detroit Tigers who swept the Yankees 4-0.

The Tigers, have the most dominate pitcher in MLB in Justin Verlander and they also have the AL Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabara. The Giants seem to be winning with mirrors and timely hitting by everyone.  Detroit, led by manger Jim Leyland and the never say die Giants will be led by manager Bruce Botchy, both outstanding leaders.

I was wrong about the Giants twice first thinking they would lose to the Reds and then again to the Cards. I can not pick against them three times in a row. They have made a believer out of me.

Go Giants

Jets Lose in New England

The Jets gave it a shot yesterday against Tom Brady and the Patriots but came up a little short losing 26-23 in OT. They had their moments and if not for a dropped pass late in regulation they might have won. Marc Sanchez is what he is and he will not get any better, what you see is what you get. Sanchez' play is the teams play in a microcosm, sometimes they look real good like in their drive for a touch down and a 7-0 lead and other times they looked flat out awful.

I do not see the Jets winning with Sanchez at QB, but he is not their only issue. Steven Hill is not a NFL wide receiver quality player. He looks like a sprinter who thinks he can play football. He does not know what to do. On the deep interception he did absolutely nothing to prevent the Patriots from making the play. He watched, he had time to throw his 6' 4 body into the D back, but he stood there. Have you noticed how he falls down almost every time he catches the ball? He is afraid to get hit or hit. He is a terrible down field blocker and yesterdays drop probable cost the Jets the game.  

Tebow is not the answer, but that will be Ryan's next move. He thinks he has no other options. Tebow may start next week, it all depends on how bad the NY press treat the team this week. I think, and have said from the start Greg McElroy is the best QB on the team. Tebow is Tebow not a running back, not a QB. Sanchez has an adequate QB arm but is as dumb as a brick, he can not think on his feet and can only do what the play calls for. Yesterday, he missed second and third receivers consistently, forcing balls and taking sacks. McElory is the only true QB on the team and the kid needs a shot, but will not get one unless someone gets hurt.

Its Alabama vs Tennessee Time

Tonight the unranked University of Tennessee will face the #1 ranked University of Alabama in Knoxville on national TV (ESPN). There will not be a seat to be had, as 102 thousand plus people will pack into Neyland Stadium to see the event. Alabama, the undefeated and top ranked team in the nation is favored by 21 points over the Volunteers of Tennessee.

Many believe the Volunteers will be out matched against the Crimson Tide and how out matched could become a water shed moment for Derick Dooley. How can UT win over such odds? How can the Volunteers stop the mighty Crimson Tied? These questions will be answered later today, and soon into the game I would imagine. The Vols will be tested from kickoff to the final whistle and Alabama will not let them come up for air, pounding the ball on offense and harassing Tyler Bray on defense. I do not think there is a Volunteer fan in Big Orange Country that thinks this game is going to be a walk in the park.

The Vols will show Alabama an offense that they have not not seen before. Bray, Hunter and Patterson create one big problem for the Tide. The Vols offensive line as big and as experienced as Alabama's will be a big test for the Tide. They have not faced an offense as explosive as Tennessee this year and if the Volunteer offensive line controls the line of scrimmage and gives Bray time, the Vols just might be able to turn the tide.

Vols 28 Alabama 24


Lets Go Vols

Tigers Sweep Yankees

The Detroit Tigers eliminated the NY Yankees from the 2012 MLB playoffs by sweeping them in four games and now move into the World Series against the winner of the St. Louis Cardinals SF Giants NLCS. 

The Tigers won with outstanding starting pitching and timely hitting. The Yankees with all their high priced talent could only muster 6 runs in the four games. The MVP of the ALCS Delmon Young had as many RBI as the entire Yankee team during the 4 games.

This is the second consecutive year the Tigers have played in the ALCS and this year with Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera leading the way the Tigers will move into the Championship round for the first time since 2006.

Many baseball fans will be rooting for the Cardinals to eliminate the Giants tonight so the Tigers and Cardinals can reenact the 1968 classic in 2012.

Lets Go Tigers

The NY Jets are in First Place

If anyone would have told me the Jets would be 3-3 and tied for first place with everyone else in the AFC East after six games I would have said you are nuts. I had the Jets winning 4 games all season and here it is week 7 and they are all knotted up with all the other teams in the East.

This week they play the Patriots and I am convinced anything can happen. Last week they won because they reinvented the ground game and stayed with it. Who knows how the Jets will play against their arch enemies, will it be the team that dominated the Colts, or will it be the team that got shut out by the 49ers? We will soon see which team shows up Sunday in New England.

Lets Go Jets 

October Baseball

If you have not been watching the NL and AL playoffs you have missed some of the most exciting playoff baseball. There has been drama and tragedy. There has been exhilaration and there has been shock. The playoffs have been everything and more.

Tonight, the miracle Cardinals play the SF Giants in what will be a continuation of a very entertaining playoff season. Chris Carpenter, who was pretty good in his outing against Washington, scattering 7 hits in 7 shutout innings, goes against the Giants Ryan Vogelsong, who pitched well, in his one start against Cincinnati, giving up 1 run on 3 hits in 5 innings pitched.

I look for the Cards to continue their winning ways with a strong effort by Carpenter.



Lets Go Cards

NY Jets Week 6

The NY Jets will face the Colts of Indianapolis at home today at Met Life Park and hopefully Gang Green will come out on top. The Jets who looked better last week in their loss to Houston, will be facing the 2-2 Colts led by rookie Andrew Luck.

The Jets must run the ball. Last week's game was the first game the Jets offensive line looked in sync and it showed in their play. Today, running the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage will determine the outcome, it is that simple, if they do, they will win, if not, they will lose.

Marc Sanchez can only be effective if the line can run the ball, he does not have the skill set to move the ball through the air especially with the diminished receiving corp.

The Colts will feature #1 pick Andrew Luck and his 7 TD, 5 INT and 77% QB rating. The Jets Defense should dominate today with in your face football. The Jets will blitz and blitz often today trying to rattle the young QB.

Jets will win big today, taking some of the pressure of Rex Ryan and co. Jets 31 Colts 10


Lets Go Jets

A Magical Night In DC

When I got home from dinner, the score of the Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals game was 6-1 in favor of Davie Johnson's Washington team. As I walked in the door the Cards were starting to get to Gio Gonzales and had runners on base. The Cards scored 2 runs in the top half of the 5th inning and the score was 6-3 going into the bottom half of the inning. Gonzalez had been shutting out the cards threw the first three inning, but he was wild walking 4 in his 5 innings of work and the Cards started nibbling away at the Nationals 6 run lead with a run in the forth. 

Adam Wainwright was just flat out awful giving up 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 home runs by Ryan Zimmerman, Brian Harper and Michael Morris in 2 1/3 innings. The Cardinals bull pen of Kelly, Rosenthal, Mujica and Boggs were the complete opposite and shut down the Nationals giving up only one hit over the next 4 2/3 innings. They allowed the Cards bats to come to life little by little, nibbling away, at the Nationals 6 run lead. 

The Cards dug in and played terrific defense to back up the marvelous pitching. On the other hand the Nationals bull pen could not hold the 6-3 lead Gonzalez gave them giving up 6 runs, on 5 hits and 4 walks in one of the most amazing games I have ever watched. 

The never say die 2011 Champions were three outs away from elimination in this years championship run when ex Mets Carlos Beltran came to bat. Beltran had a marvelous series hitting .444 and last night was perfect getting on base 5 times in 5 at bats, with 3 hits and  two walks. His final hit a lazer to right center landed him on second base and the Cards had their lead off hitter on base in scoring position. 

What happened next was sheer magic. The Nations had their closer on the mound in Drew Storen and after two quick out and with Beltran now on third, St. Louis was down to their last out. 

St. Louis got down to their last strike it seemed on every batter from Yadier Molina to Pete Kosma. Mitch Storen walked Molina, then Alan Freese, who almost struck out on a very close check swing, first base umpire Ed Hickox was not going to end the game on a check swing, loading the bases. Molina was replaced by Chambers, taking over his spot on second as Daniel Delcalso came to bat and of course the count went to 3-2 and the Nationals were one strike away from celebration and a spot in the NLCS. 

Delcalso had other plans, or should I say, someone had other plans, when he lined a one hop bullet up the middle that ate up the sure handed Ian Desmond and both Beltran and Adron Chambers scored to tie the game at 7 all. The look of terror on the Nationals fans faces said everything. How could this be happening to their heroes? How could they be that close and not win the game? 

The next batter Pete Kosma, a rookie who has been sent down to AAA this year and was lucky to be on the 40 man roster, would ruin a marvelous 98 win season of the Washington Nationals. 

Kosma took Storen, who Davie Johnson stayed with, to three and  two, once again, one strike away from now ending a disastrous ending to a 6 run lead. Kosma, stroked the ball down the right field line, driving in the last two runners who were still on base and a improbable 9-7 lead. 

The last half of the 9th was all Jason Motte, the converted catcher with the 100 MPH fastball was dominate getting the National 1 2 3 and the Cardinals completed one of the greatest comebacks of all time. 

As Delcalso clutched the final out and Cards stormed the mound, the Nationals and their fans stood in silent shock with looks of what just happened on their faces. 

This unbelievable turn of events has the Cards in the NCLS against the Giants. What a wonderful time for Cardinals Fans as they must be deliriously happy after last nights magical ending.


Lets Go Cards 

The Voulenteers At a Crossroads

The 2012 version of the Volunteers will be heading to Starkville, Mississippi today to face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State Saturday, in what could be the turning point in their season. The Vols have history on their side winning the last 6 match ups and have not lost since 1994 to the Bull Dogs. The number 19 ranked Mississippi State comes in 5-0 and has posted two wins against SEC rivals Auburn and Kentucky, both struggling teams. Their other wins were patsy games, played against the likes of Jackson St, Troy and So. Alabama. It matches the three patsies the Vols beat up to get their wins. In SEC competition State is 2-0 and the Vols or 0-2 loosing to Florida and Georgia.

Coach Dooley needs a victory over an SEC rival this Saturday. The Vols have yet to beat a ranked team in the Dooley era and for him to stay in Knoxville he must turn the tied and a victory in Starkville maybe only thing that stops Dooley from getting the boosters and boo birds off his back.

Both the Bull Dogs and the Volunteers have potent offenses and porous defenses. The Vols are giving up  over 425 yards per game and State comes in giving up almost 100 yards less. This game may come down to who scores last. I look for a high scoring game with very little defense.


Lets Go Big Orange

Lance Armstrong

Today the governing body of the American Cycling world concluded Lance Armstrong is guilty of doping even though there was never any physical evidence to prove their case, the United States Anti-Doping Agency used testimony from numerous riders, some already proven dopers as the main thrust of their prosecution. 

In doing so, The USADA stripped Armstrong of all his titles including the Tour De France, problem is the USADA does not have any jurisdiction in France. Their banning of Armstrong who is already retired from the sport is like saying Pete Rose cannot play baseball again, it serves no purpose and has no teeth.

I do not know if Armstrong used drugs to increase oxygenated blood, but I do know many professional cyclist have been involved in altering their performance by science and the entire sport is suspect to cheating

The Jets Almost Won

The NY Jets almost won last night in the Meadowlands against a very good Houston Texans team. Arian Foster (University of Tennessee) Matt Schaub and JJ Watt lived up to their billing. 

Watt almost single-handedly destroyed play after play of the Sanchez led Jets. He blocked as many shots as Melo does on a good night at the Garden. Watt tackled Sanchez and anyone else who was in the Jets backfield as if there were no offensive linemen in his way, he was dominate, harassing the Jets constantly and unrelentlessly. Sanchez picked himself up off the turf after every play and yet the Jets with the no name receiving corp were right there poised for a major upset.

The Jets stayed in the game up until the end and if not for a couple of coaching errors and a couple of burnt timeouts, the Jets had a chance to win and might have with a full cast of characters. 

Sanchez played well and plays well when he does not think. He dodged Watt as well as he could and on a couple of plays he looked outstanding, throwing strikes to his new best target Jeff Cumberland. The replacement for Keller could be the find of the year for the Jets and maybe with some luck Gang Green and recover this season. 

Lets Go Jets 

Can the Jets Win

The NY Jets will have their back to the wall tonight when they play the Houston Texans tonight in the Meadowlands. The Texans are 4-0 and rolling along with Arian Foster and Matt Schaub lead the way on offense and JJ Watt and his 7.5 sacks will to storming the Jets on defense.

How can the Jets possible win a game against such a talented foe? First, they must stop Foster and then stop Schaub, how they do that is the question of the day. Second, they must score. The Jets were shutout in their last game against the 49ers and that very well may happen again if they can not run the ball themselves. Third, they must stop Watt. The leagues leading quarter back equalizer will be facing a Jets offensive line that is in tatters and porous at best.

Marc Sanchez and Tim Tebow will have their work cutout for them tonight to try and score points anyway they can, whether they will, we will soon see. The best QB on the Jets may never get into tonight's game but at some point, the Jets will realize their best chance of winning is with Greg McElroy over center. Sanchez and Tebow will get all the ink and all the playing time until Ryan and Co hit bottom and after tonight the bottom maybe sooner than later.


Lets Go Jets

Lets Go Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles play the NY Yankees today in ALDC series and since I have no dog in this hunt and the Yankees are from the Dark Side, I have to root for the Birds. This will not be the first time I have rooted for the Orioles over the last 50 years, but it is the first time in many years and against the hated Yankees no less. The O's have been one of the AL teams I have liked since I have been a boy, mostly it was any team the Yankees were playing.

The Orioles have not been in the playoffs since the 1997 when Davie Johnson was the manager and winning the one game play in game against last year's AL Champion Rangers was not an easy feat. They come into today's game against the Yankees ready to pick up right where they left off.

I look for the O's to win in 5.


LGO

October Baseball

Last night the St. Louis Cardinals and the Baltimore won, a one game playoff in MLB's new Wile Card format. The O's and Athletics return to the playoffs in true rags to riches fashion and both are playing very good Money Ball. 

The A's play today against the Tigers and the last time I watched a post season game with a team from Oakland playing, the players wore mustaches and Catfish Hunter was annoying Charlie Finley. I look forward to seeing Yoenis Cepedes the Cuban ex patriot who hit 23 HR and had 82 RBI in just 129 games with the Athletics who some believe is the best player in the MLB.

Tomorrow the O's play their rivals, the NY Yankees. I will be rooting for Baltimore to take the team from the Dark Side as anyone but the Yankees must win. 

What Do the Jets Do Now?

The Jets face the 4-0 Houston Texans on Monday night in prime time and after last weeks debacle against the 49ers who know what the Jets will do. They have lost their best player and team leader in Darrell Revis and this week lost their only capable wide receiver and scoring threat in Santonio Homes. How they will score and play defense against a very balanced Houston team will be the $64 thousand dollar question?

The Texans on the other hand come into the Monday contest averaging 32 points a game on offense and only giving up 14 points on defense over the last four games. Sanchez and company will have to stop JJ Watt and his league leading 7 1/2 sacks. In the Texans last win over the Titans, Houston picked off two Nashville passes for touchdowns because of the pressure placed on Jake Locker.

On defense the Jets will have to stop Adrian Foster the ex Volunteer and leagues leading ball carrier who is first in the league in carries, second in yards gained and who last week had 143 total yards and two TDs. If the Jets cant stop Foster and Schaub it will be another long night for the team from Gotham.


# LGJ

NY Mets Come To A Close

The MLB regular season has come to a close and the 50th season of the NY Mets has seen its last game. 4th place and 74 wins under Terry Collins and his staff. As Mets seasons go this was very much like so many before, frustrating, depressing and unfulfilled.

I had the Mets winning 86 games this year in my preseason prognostication and as of the All Star Game they were well on their way to making my prediction come to pass, until the second half. The boys from Gotham just fell flat the second half and what started out so enjoyable became a living disaster.

The Bright spots of the season: David Wright returning to All Star form, RA Dickey, Johan Santana No NO and the young players the Mets have coming next year. The negatives only winning 73 games.

The Mets brain trust will have to produce next year or the Mets could be looking at new management by mid season and it all come down to Ya Gotta Believe.  Pitchers and Catchers report February 13, 2013 and Mets fans everywhere will sit and dream about a winning team for next year.

LGM  

RA Dickey 43

RA Dickey pitched his last game for Mets this year last night getting a no decision in a 4-3 Marlin victory. It has been reported RA has had an injury since April and pitched through the pain, he will have surgery in next couple of weeks.

This just adds to the mystic of the ex Volunteer pitcher. The man is a lion facing struggle after struggle to prove to the baseball world what a man of character he is. RA the 2012 Mets MVP won 20 games against 6 defeats. The Mets have won 73 games this year and without Dickey's 20 wins the Mets would be in the Houston / Chicago bad  category.

RA Dickey and Mets fans will have to wait for the sports writers to vote for the Cy Young award results, but Mets fans who have watched RA pitch the last 3 years know he should be the #1 candidate for the award.

Thank you for a great year RA, best wishes, peace.



LGM

Jets and Ryan are Dead

Once the Jets  brain trust decided to sign Tim Tebow the Jets season came to a sudden end even before it started. What the Tebow signing said to me was the Jets management was lost on substance and padded with bull shit. The Jets an 8-8 team who's shinning star was dimming fast went the way of "lets see how this plays out" when Rex Ryan turned to the unquarter back quarterback and said to Marc Sanchez you are not as good as we thought, thanks but no thanks.

Sanchez, the young not so smart #1 draft choice and starting QB the last 3 years now has a circus side show act breathing down his neck, just what the insecure leader needed. The Jets have shown little on draft day under Ryan's leadership drafting players that seem lost compared to other teams draft choices. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum needs to take as much heat as Ryan, but it is Ryan in his braggadocios style that made the back page of the NY newspapers. It was Ryan who guaranteed a Superbowl championship. Its was Ryan who blustered and screamed and intimidated the press into believing his line of crap.

The Jets are not a good football team and the only way they will become a good team is with new management and ownership. Woody Johnson the sliver spoon in the mouth owner has shown he knows as much about football as he does about baby powder, little to none. This year will be depressing for life long Jets fans and the only way out of the cellar will be with a new Owner, Head Coach and GM.

Lets Go Jets

Bad Day at Black Rock

The last time the Jets were shutout was on Oct. 31, 2010 by Green Bay and this was worst beating since Buffalo beat them 37 zip back in 1989. I am glad, I waited till after the Jets game to dissect there pros and cons. There are no pros and the cons are there because there are no pros. 

I am not sure Rex Ryan will make it through the season after today's debacle.

It is hard to say where this franchise has gone wrong, so many wrong moves have been made by the current ownership and coaching staff I don't know where to start.

Blame has to be laid at the feet of Ryan and Tannenbaum, the Jets are their creation from top to bottom and the Frankenstein child has deep issues. The Jets defense was supposed to be the saving grace of the team, without Revis, they are not even ordinary, they are bad.

The Jets offense led by Marc Sanchez is at the lowest point of the new season and now with the loss of Santonio Homes, Sanchez does not have too many options. Greg McElroy maybe the starting QB be for to long, that is if Rex Ryan is still head coach.

It's Football Time in Tennessee

The Derick Dooley led Volunteers will travel to Athens, Ga today to play the Bulldogs of Georgia. This will be another ranked team test for Dooley and Volunteers. Georgia comes in undefeated and ranked #5 in the nation are led by QB Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley who has rushed for more than 100 yards a game and a Bulldog team who is averaging 242 yards on the ground.

The Volunteers will also have to pass block a lot better today than they did against their first 4 opponents. Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones who is leading the SEC in sacks will have to be kept out of the Vols backfield or it could be a very long day for Tyler Bray.

The Vols will counter with a balanced attack of running and throwing with the Bray to Justin Hunter being the marquee pass catch combination of the SEC. Hunter has 30 catches and most NFL scouts have their eyes on the gazelle like wide receiver.

This will be a big test for the Volunteers and Coach Dooley. The Vols will at some point need to beat a ranked opponent and today will be the day they win between the hedges down in Athens. I look for a high scoring game with the Vols proving they belong in the SEC.


Lets Go Big Orange

NY Mets Fans Hope

NY Mets fans received a rare treat yesterday as RA Dickey became the 6th Mets pitcher to win 20 games in a season. The mark of excellence for a pitcher in any era of the great game, 20 wins represents greatness. This year Dickey becomes only the second pitcher to reach the mark in the National League.

This year has been a bitter sweet for Mets fans, exciting play and a no hitter marked the first half and frustration and ineptness followed with yesterdays performance being the highlight of a dismal second half. RA Dickey has been the soul of a pitching staff, the team stopper. Terry Collins and Mets fans all season relied on RA closing the door on loosing streaks and has become a legitimate candidate for the Cy Young award the MVP of the Mets.

Six games remain for the Mets in 2012 and I and many other life long Mets fans are anxious for February 2013 to arrive. There is hope around the corner and with RA Dickey leading the way Mets fans will see brighter days in 2013.


LGM

In Dickey We Trust

Today at Citi Field in Flushing, NY,  RA Dickey will be pitching for his 20th win of the season for the NY Mets. The last time the Mets had a 20 game winner was in 1990 by Frank Viola. Only 5 different pitchers have won 20 games for the Mets in their 50 years, with Tom Seaver leading the way with 25 victories in the 69 season.

The Mets have been playing better since the 16-1 thrashing by the Phillies winning 5 of their last 6 and Mets fans everywhere will be glued to the TV or computers rooting on the Mets and RA Dickey. Winning 20 games will go a long way for RA to winning the Cy Young award. I for one will not miss a pitch.


Lets Go Mets 

The Vols, Bray and the SEC

Volunteer QB Tyler Bray will get his second shot at SEC football Saturday when he faces the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. The Vols are coming off a 600 yard plus performance over the Zips of the University of Akron, will have the Bray led Big Orange going against a little bit of a stronger opponent in the Bulldogs of Georgia.

Georgia is coming off a shellacking of the Vanderbilt Commordores and has won three of the last four meetings against the Volunteers. The Big Orange will be trying to revenge a very hard fought loss to Georgia in last years meeting. Georgia the number 5 team in the nation needs to win this game to stay even with South Carolina and Florida. A loss to the Vols will eliminate Georgia from any chance of winning the SEC East and   a shot at the conference championship.

A win for the Vols will go a long way in the Derek Dooley recruiting wars against Georgia and solidify his stay in Knoxville for another year. The Vols must avoid turnovers and run the football. Bray will be under a lot of pressure to deliver the ball down field to his three main targets, as a very active Bulldog defense will go after him with a vengeance.

The Vols defense will also have to contain the Georgia trio of Murray, Gurley and Brown, and if they do not, it will be a very long day in Athens for the Volunteers.

Vols 24 Georgia 14


Lets Go Vols

Im Back

I am back from a brief visit home and tomorrow I will update what is going on in Mets, Jets, and Vols land .


Peace,


Mike

Dickey Goes for #19

RA Dickey will try to win his 19th game tonight as the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies. Dickey who is a candidate for the Cy Young award will be trying to stop the bleeding at Citi Field. RA has recorded 18 of the Mets 65 wins. That is 37% of the team victories. Dickey is also in top 5 of all the important pitching statistics, innings pitched, strikeouts, runs scored, walks.

Dickey has shot of striking out 200 batters and if he does he will be only the 4th pitcher in the history of MLB to strikeout over 200 batters after the age 37, Mr. Cy Young is one of the other three. RA may not win Cy Young, but he is diffidently the MVP of the team.

Lets Go Mets

Bad Day at Black Rock

There is a fabulous 1950's movie staring Spencer Tracy with Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine called Bad Day at Black Rock its about discrimination and hatred. In the story things start out bad for Tracy and get worse. I have used the phrase to describe a day or weekend in sports, where all the teams I root for lose.

This weekend was one of those Bad Day at Black Rock weekends. First, the Mets lost 2 of 3 from the Brewers. Next, the Volunteers of Tennessee lost bad to Florida and today the Jets lost in PBurg.

The Mets could have 2 of three with today's shutout the only game they did not hit. They should have won yesterday, but it was a test day for the future in Jenrry Mejia who did not fair well. Today the Mets bats went silent for Chris Young who gave up 3 HRs and the Mets lost 3-0.

The Volunteers second half performance was pitiful and Tyler Bray and the mighty Vols air attack was grounded. Bray was harassed and knocked down in the second half and the running game came to a screeching halt, the two areas the Volunteers needed to dominate, for them to win. Bray was also sandbagged by three consecutive penalties and a drop by Justin Hunter that should have led to a Vols TD and a tie game halfway through the third period. The Vols never scored in the second half and that stemmed from the Florida front seven who hurried, sacked or knocked Bray down, the entire second half, after beating the much heralded Volunteer offensive line, most of the last 30 minutes.

Finally, the NY Jets were beat 27-10 in Pittsburgh as the Steelers only gave up a field goal after the Jets scored on their only drive of the game and a 7-0 lead. From that point on the Steelers dominated outscoring the Jets 27-3 over the last 40 something minutes.

The rest of the SEC season is not easy for the Volunteers, next game is in Athens against the Bulldogs. The Mets season is winding down and from the look on the players faces it could not end any sooner. The Jets today played a playoff contender and it showed, next week is no walk in Prospect Park against the Dolphins in Miami.

Lets Go Mets, Jets and Vols

It's Football Time in Tennessee

Are you ready to rumble? Vols fans are heading to Neyland Stadium as I write this piece for hours of tailgaiting, libation and fun, getting ready for the big game. This is no ordinary Saturday college football game. This is the University of Tennessee v the University of Florida. I am sure someone has strapped an inflatable gator across the hood of their car and is heading down to Knoxville for the game, this rivalry brings out the Vols fan in just about everyone in Big Orange Country. I am also sure there will be over 102 thousand screaming orange clad faithful rooting for their Volunteers.

This rivalry goes back to 1916 with Florida holding a slight edge over the Vols 22 wins to 19, that is with Florida running off 7 straight victories over the Volunteers. This maybe the best Volunteer team to play Florida since Peyton Manning was the Tennessee Quarterback and Vols fans are anxious to chew into raw gator meat. Tyler Bray is a legitimate Heisman candidate and in his first two games he has passed for over 300 yards and six Touchdowns, he will be looking for his big talented receivers in 6'4 Justin Hunter, 6'3 Cordarrelle Patterson and 6'3 Mycal Rivera all day. The Volunteer success will hinge on its seasoned and massive offensive line that averages 320Lbs. If the Vols can protect Bray and run the ball it is going to be a long day for the 18th ranked Gators.



Go Big Orange!

Mets Continue to Sink

The Mets are now 65 and 78 and have been eliminated from any playoff hope. The season that started with uncertainty will end same way, with lots of questions. Mets fans will again "wait till Next Year"  David Wright. RA Dickey and Rubin Tejada if they are all back will be the heart and soul of the team, nothing else is written in stone and with the Mets anything is possible.  Mets need three outfielders, a right handed power hitting catcher, who know how to handle a young pitching staff. One bright spot I see for next year is the Mets pitching staff, led by Dickey, with Neise, Harvey and Gee the Mets have four quality starters, add McHugh, Familiar, Majia, Hefner and maybe Wheeler, the Mets have a very young, very talented pitching staff.

The NY Mets must sign both Wright and Dickey. Wright is 30 years old and coming off his first injury free season (broken finger 2 games out) in the last four years and his play, showed fans the old DWright is back. He is in the running for the Gold Glove as the best fielding 3rd baseman in the NL as of today he has committed ten errors at 3rd and he has play marvelous in the field. Wright, has had a great season at the plate even with his average sliding, he is still in top 5 in batting average and his production was the key to the Mets early success. Dickey has had a Cy Young year winning 18 of the Mets 65 wins, RA has been rock solid all year and there is no reason why he can not continue to be successful for many years for the Mets.

Rubin Tejada has done everything well. Mets fans must remember Tejada is but 22 years old years old ( he will only be 23 October 27) He has had only 10 errors in 397 chances, with a couple of Reyes type spectacular plays under his belt. Rubin needs to increase his stamina and be able to play 140 plus games next year. I am sure the Mets brass is very pleased how Rubin hit the ball. I think a little bulk and Tejada could be a doubles hitting short stop, instead of a singles hitting short stop (24 extra base hits out of 113 hits) Tejada has hit a very respectable .292 and expect the last three weeks, he was hitting over .300 most of the year. In a couple of years Tejada will be an all star and the name of Jose Reyes will be a distant memory.

Is Citi Field cursed?


LGM

Rocky Top

Rocky Top will be rocking Saturday as the Florida Gators invade for their yearly match up against the Volunteers of Tennessee. The Vols coming off a 51 point performance against Georgia State will be trying to stop a 7 game losing strike a the hands of the 18th ranked Gators. Tennessee who broke the top 25 for the first time in the Derrick Dooley era this week will  be hungry for gator.

Led by junior quarterback Tyler Bray, who has thrown six touchdowns in two games with no turnovers and the three outstanding receivers in TE Mychal Rivera, WR Cordarrelle Patterson and all world WR Justin Hunter, the Vols will score and score often against a so so Florida defense.

The key to the Volunteer success will be the offensive line protecting Bray and opening holes for running backs Lane and Neal. New Florida coach Muschamp will get an earful of 102 thousand plus Vols fans cheering for their beloved Orange and White.


Lets Go Vols

Mets Bats Abandon Dickey

RA Dickey was pitching for his league leading 19th victory yesterday but a funny thing happen on the way, he lost a lead and the Mets batters went silent. Dickey pitched well enough to win giving up 3 runs on 8 hits, but the Mets have forgotten how to win with timely hitting. In fact the Mets just have not hit the ball the way they did the first 80 games of the season. Timely hitting the object of fans delight for the first half has virtually gone invisible.

The Mets have now lost 5 in a row and are 12 game under 500, the little surge the Mets experienced the beginning of September was just a tease for what can be with the Mets. The Mets have been teasing their fans for some time now, showing glimmers of hope only to be brought down to earth with the reality the team is not going anywhere fast.

The future of the Mets is still just that, wishful thinking by fans and management. This year fans knew the team was not going to make the playoffs. Like so many teams who start off strong, the MLB season is a marathon and only the strongest survive. As Dodger fans of old said over and over; "Wait till Next Year" Mets fans have been waiting a long time.


LGM

Volunteers vs Florida

The Volunteers of Tennessee have not won a big game in a long time, this Saturday the Tyler Bray led Vols will have the chance to show the Vol Nation they are a team to be taken serious by the SEC. Bray has been spectacular in his first two games running the offense and distributing the ball between running backs and receivers, what he does against the Gators is another story. 

Florida will be ready for the Vols come Saturday at Neyland Stadium; they won last week in a nail bitter at the home opener of the SECs new entry the Aggies of Texas AM. Florida has run the ball very well in their first two games, but pass protection has to be is a concern for coach Muschamp. In the A&M game, Florida QB Jeff Driskel was sacked 8 times on 13-16 passing. The Gators will be facing a very active Tennessee defense that has only given up 34 points in two games.

Tennessee is coming off blowout wins against Georgia State and NC State; they will be taking their first test of SEC competition against a Florida team that looked so, so against Bowling Green University and last week they had to come from behind to pull out the win against Texas A&M.

The Tennessee offense has been fabulous in their two wins and Vols defense shut down a very potent NC State offense and last week they dominated a team they should have dominated.

The Volunteers have a lot to prove and the Gators maybe the right team for the Vols to show the college football world they are back. Look for Tyler Bray to get the ball to his two wide out gazelles in Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson while he hands off to a rejuvenated Marlin Lane and Rajion Neal behind a seasoned offensive line.

The Vols defense will have to shut down the running game of the Gators and if they can do that and control the line of scrimmage they will beat Florida for the first time at Neyland since 2004. The Vols will win Saturday in Knoxville and if you are a football fan you will have to tune in to see one of the greatest sports spectacles as 102000 plus fans dressed in a sea of orange. Vols 35 Florida 14.

Lets Go Big Orange

Surprise, Surprise

Wow, did the Jets surprise me and many other naysayers, blowing out the Buffalo Bills 48-28. The Jets were true to form on the defensive side of the ball, forcing 4 turnovers that led to the Jets first 34 points.

The big surprise was from a rejuvenated offensive line with the addition of Austin Howard at RT, who nullified Mario Williams and that allowed Mark Sanchez the time to stay in the pocket, and find open receivers for 3 TDs. Sanchez was very efficient going 19 for 27, for 266 yards, no sacks and 1 Int for a 123.4 QB Rating.

The offensive line was also able to open enough holes in the Bills defensive line that Shonn Greene was able to rush for 94 very important yards and a TD, not bad for an offense that did not score a TD until the 4 preseason game.

Jeremy Kerley broke a 10 year punt return for TD drought with a 61 yard punt return for the opening score of the second period and a 21-0 lead. The Jets never looked back going on to win for the 3 time in 4 tries on opening day for Rex Ryan’s Green and White.

The Jets honored HOF Curtis Martin by retiring his number 28 at half time, a true class act and gentlemen.

J - E - T - S, Jets, Jets, Jets

Opening Day for The J E T S Jets, Jets, Jets

I have no idea how the Jets will do today or through 16 games. The Jets are coming off an 0-4 preseason record and although none of that counts today, fact is Jets are a team with many questions. Today fans will see what Tony Sprano will do with Tim Tebow and how he fits into the Jets offense. Mark Sanchez has lots to prove and having Tebow breathing down his neck will not help the young quarterback. Sanchez has a very fragile ego and having the media magnet Tebow on the team only ads to self imposed pressure. If Mark Sanchez is to be a star in the NFL and lead the Jets to victory he has to over come his immaturity with smart play and not get rattled into mistakes. The Jets have weaknesses at receiver, offensive line and running back, add the questions around Sanchez and you have a team with holes, how quickly Rex Ryan and his staff can patch those holes, made so glaring in the preseason, is the million dollar question.

On paper the Jets defense looks as good as any defense in the NFL, what happens on the field is another story. Although the D looks great, they are not a young bunch and the wear and tear of being on the field for lengthy periods of time will have its toll on many on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets defense has shutout potential and they may have to pitch a shutout to win.


J - E - T -S Jets, Jets, Jets 

Volunteers Should Win Big

The 2012 Volunteer Football team makes its home debut today at 4 PM in Knoxville at Neyland Stadium against the  Georgia State Panthers. The Panthers are coached by former NFL great Bill Curry. He will become the first coach to have coached against the Vols for four different teams, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Georgia State. The 69 year old Curry has announced this will be his last year coaching.

Georgia State should be red meat for the home standing Volunteers, they are coming off a 33-6 beating at the hands of South Carolina State in their opening game, giving up 488 yards, 300 of which came through the air. Tyler Bray will have a field day against the toothless Panthers.

There should be plenty of cheap tickets being sold outside Neyland today with many fans choosing to listen to the voice of the Volunteers Bob Kesling on the radio. Look for the Vols to score and score often. Coach Dooley will be able to play many reserves in the second half.


Lets Go Vols 

Its Football Time in America

As the 2012 NFL season begins, this life long NY Jets fan is scratching his head, wondering, what is there to be excited about? I watched a preseason Jets team that looked in disarray without direction and without players who can carry out what ever Ryan's brain trust wants done. New Offensive Coordinator Tony Sprano,  a person I though would help the Jets, is probable wondering why he took the job. Sprano has no offensive weapons or legitimate NFL Quarterback at the helm. The most glaring hole besides QB has to be the offensive line, which looked misdirected and out of sync most of the four preseason games.

The Jets defense may have to pitch a shutout every game for the team to win and they may have to do the scoring as well. The Jets defense has improved greatly this year with the addition of LaRon Landry and look for the hard hitting safety to blitz, blitz and blitz again. 

I am not optimistic about this 2012 NY Jets team, but the defense is capable of pitching shutouts and when the brain trust realizes the best chance to win is with the kid from Alabama at the helm, Greg McElroy given the shot will lead the Jets. Sanchez is not a leader or smart enough, and Tebow does not have the skill set to be a QB in the NFL, he has Joe Kapp skills and a fabulous heart, but he is not the answer. The answer lays with McElroy, smart, strong and he can run a football team, the only Jets QB to lead the Jets to the only touchdown of the four preseason games. 

LGJ

Dickey Wins

RA Dickey took another step towards the ultimate pitching award the Cy Young yesterday when he won for the 18th time against 4 loses. Dickey gave up 8 hits and 2 runs over 6 2/3 innings to the hard hitting Cardinals salvaging the final game of the 3 game set and improving the road trip record to 6-3.

The NY Mets record improved to 65-72 and Mr. Dickey has 18 of those victories to his credit, not too shabby for this soon to be 38 year old knuckelballer. The Mets have two must have off season signing in DWright and RA Dickey. The backbone of the team all year, RA has stepped up on more than one occasion  
to stop the bleeding for the Mets.

The Mets come tomorrow to play the next 6 games against their Eastern Division leading Braves and Nationals, both series are crucial to the Mets chances of playing above 500 for the year and the still outside shot of making the playoffs.


LGM

Not Ready for Prime Time

The NY Mets tantalized fans the last couple of weeks by shedding their midsummer collapse by winning 7 the last 8 games only to run into the defending champs, the St. Louis Cardinals. Last night the Mets and Matt Harvey showed why they are a team not ready for prime time. The Mets had chances and pounded out 9 hits one shy of the Cards 10, but the Cards scored 5 times on their hits and the Mets only once. This has been the demise of the Mets the second half of the year, timely hitting has become nonexistent. The lack of right handed power was evident last night as the Mets left 16 runners on base.

Today RA Dickey goes for his league leading 18th win and as Mets fans have come to say "In Dickey We Trust"


LGM

A Case for Instant Replay in the MLB

Yesterday's Mets Cards game had one of those moments when the umpires could have gone into a room and watched a replay, from every possible angle of NY Mets CF Andres Torres's heal, to see if he did or did not step on first base, but this is the 21 century and MLB is still deep in the 20th century on many ideas and instant replay is way off in the distant future.

The USTA USOpen is going on across the street from Citi Field at Louis Armstrong Stadium and there linesmen and umpires have some of the best technology in sports to determine if balls are in or out and its done in seconds. Major League Baseball is so far behind the time in the use of any form of technology its almost laughable at how some games and championships are won.

LGM

How Do You Like Them Apples?

The NY Mets continued their winning ways against the Miami Marlins last night as Chris Young won for the 4th time, but the story of the day was Jason Bay and his first inning grand slam. Bay, who has been in a Mets career slump gave the Mets a 5-0 lead before the Marlins took a swing. The way Bay has hit this year, there was a better chance Justin Ruggiano would make another 3 run error like he did the night before, than for Bay to hit a home run with the bases jammed. The Marlins never recovered as Young and four relievers gave up only 1 run and scattered 6 hits in the fast paced game.

This was the second sweep of the Marlins this year for the Mets and are now 5-1 on the 9 game road trip. The Mets send rookie Collin McHugh to the mound today in a Labor Day matinee against the Cardinals of St. Louis, as they look to keep up their winning ways. The Mets find themselves 6 games below 500 and just 8 games out of the last Wild Card spot. Many diehard fans have been buoyed by the Mets 7-3 record over the last ten games and the feeling there is a miracle brewing in Flushing is contagious. Lets hope the team catches the same feeling and play like miracle workers down the stretch. A win today would go a long way in the making of more believers. Ya Gotta Believe! LGM 

A NY Miracle

Last night in Miami the NY Mets pull a game out of the ashes with a 4 run top of the ninth with hits by their stars and a lot of luck. There was no black cats on this Blue Moon night, but there was a Bill Buckner moment as Marlin CF Justin Ruggiano let Kelly Shoppach 2 out 2 strike single role under his glove clearing the bases giving the Mets a 5-3 lead and a come from behind unexpected victory. The Mets had only won 3 games this year when trailing after the 7th inning this season and last nights heroics where very much miracle like.

Joe Johnson was dominating the Mets and Gary, Keith and Ronnie in the Mets TV Booth were all questioning the Marlin strategy of taking him out for the 9th inning. Johnson pounded the Mets, giving up just 1 run on 3 hits and walking but 2 in 8 innings of work.

Today the Mets will go for a sweep of the Marlins with Chris Young facing Mark Buehrle and his 12 wins. Buehrle has pitched well and is 3-0 in his last 3 starts. The Mets will want to continue their winning ways as they have moved to within 9 games of the last playoff Wild Card spot.

Sweep, LGM

Volunteers Win Big

The 2012 version of the University of Tennessee football team was on display last night in the Chick-Fil-A Kick Off Game at the Georgia Dome last night and they did not disappoint the Vol fans in the house, winning 35-22 against the high powered Wolfpack of North Carolina State University. 

Tyler Bray was throwing rockets all game and his new favorite target was Juco transfer Cordarrell Patterson who electrified the crowd with two first period TDs and a 22-7. Bray was masterful passing for 333 yards and two Touch Downs.

The Vols defense started off slow allowing the Wolfpack to score and take a 7-6 lead at one point in the first period, but they soon found the right combination to hold the powerful NC State offense to 21 hard fought points. The Volunteer defensive scheme harassed, knocked down, sacked or intercepted  Mike Glennon who was 27-for-46 through the air for 288 yards and 4 interceptions.

This was a big win for the Vols and Head Coach Derrick Dooley who has to be considered on the hot seat after his first two seasons at Rocky Top. Next week the Vols face off against Georgia State at home in Knoxville.


Lets Go Vols 

Dickey Goes All The Way

RA Dickey won for the 17th time last night shutting out the Marlins on 5 hits, moving the Mets to 9 games out of the last Wild Card spot and the playoffs. Dickey was dominating as the Marlins could only muster a couple of scoring chances as he struck out 7 in his complete game victory in a little over 2 hours of work.

The Mets offense was Ike Davis as he drove in all 3 runs with a sac fly and his 25th HR, a bomb that landed deep and high in the right field stands. The rest of the team could only muster 3 singles off of Marlins and Nathan Eovaldi. The anemic offense of the Mets continues to struggle and could be the obstacle to future success as the Mets head down the stretch 30 games left in the season.

Tonight's game will feature Jeremy Hefner will go for his 3rd victory against Joe Johnson and the Marlins. Hefner pitched well enough to win against his last foe the Astros giving up one run in 8 innings of work. 

LGM

Jets Fans Will Suffer

The NY Jets completed a woeful 0-4 preseason last night. There performance during training camp was one of the most disappointing in recent years. The Jets did score last night on a Greg McElroy TD pass for the only touch down of the four game preseason. 

Jets fans have suffered mightily since the days of Joe Willie and this years team will add to their frustration.This Jets teams is pitifully bad, coached by a big mouth flash in the pan. Look for the Ryan era to come to a sudden crash after the Jets finish last in a 4 team division as the Jets go 4-12.


LGJ

Mets Winning Ways Continue

The NY Mets won for their forth time in as many games last night as Matt Harvey won his 3rd Major League game against 3 losses. Once again Harvey contributed to the Mets win with his bat, glove and arm.  Harvey singled to left recording his 3 RBI of his embryonic Mets career and fielded his position flawlessly as he pounded the plate with strike after strike.

Lucas Duda hit his 13th HR a line drive that push the Mets ahead of the Phillies in their 3-2 win and he saved the victory with a fine catch in left field. The Mets win tied them with the Phillies for 3rd place and the players are determined to finish ahead of the Phillies and Marlins.

The dream lives as the Mets go for 5 in a row in a matinee with Jon Neise going against Kile Kendrick.

LGM