With an epic collapse to end the 2011 season the Red Sox felt there was truly nothing they could do but clean house. The Sox Former GM Theo Epstein left for the Chicago Cubs as well as the Sox firing the team's manager Terry Francona. The Red Sox brought in Bobby Valentine to try and steer the franchise.
With many people saying Francona was soft at the end of the season, many felt something needed to be done. Their were talks that players were drinking in the clubhouse on their days off during games. Many people felt Francona's easy-going mentality could have been partially the reason for the downfall and hoped that a firecracker like Bobby Valentine could be the answer.
The Red Sox also attempted to re-vamp their bullpen a bit to try and steer themselves in a new direction. First, the team let free-agent closer Jonathon Papelbon go. Papelbon who struggled down the stretch of last season found himself as one of the main culprits of blame. The team went on to add two closers from last season in Andrew Bailey (A's former closer) and Mark Melancon (Astros' former closer).
The Red Sox hope to start the season off strong to silence the critics and questions early on. Otherwise, they could be a team that must rebuild and restaff completely within the next few years. Between injuries and the downfall the Mets have been a perfect example of what a collapse can do to a team. The Red Sox will do their best to avoid this fate.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mets Inspired to Prove the People Wrong.
Many have said that the Mets losing Jose Reyes will continue their downward spiral. Many have also predicted the New York Mets to dwell the basement of the NL East. Well, it doesn't seem as if the Mets themselves are ready to be throwing in the towel.
The Mets have come out with big statements using the words "surprise" and "shock." Manager Terry Collins has already began his "no quit" attitude that he used all last season which kept an injury-plagued around .500 all season long. Manager Terry Collins is feeling good about this season and believes that the Mets will surprise. While the manager isn't guarenteeing a playoff appearance he seems to represent a slight confidence that is shining through to the players. The Manager and General Manager Sandy Alderson have used the idea of that many of these players have "something to prove" as an idea that they will be motivated in many ways to help this team win.
Players such as Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy have been adamant about expressing their feelings towards people who are counting them out. Murphy said that with the extra playoff team possibly coming into effect it will probably take around 88-89 wins to make the playoffs and Murphy does not feel this is insurmountable by any stretch of the imagination. Davis also stated his frustration by saying, " Why does everyone think we suck? We haven't played a game yet."
The key thing for the Metropolitans is staying healthy. The Mets have struggled each season with injuries since their 2006 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Murphy, Davis, Johan Santana, and David Wright all had injuries last season that held them back and this season these players will be essential in trying to make themselves into a contender. If these 4 players can go back to form or close maybe this team can surprise.
The Mets have come out with big statements using the words "surprise" and "shock." Manager Terry Collins has already began his "no quit" attitude that he used all last season which kept an injury-plagued around .500 all season long. Manager Terry Collins is feeling good about this season and believes that the Mets will surprise. While the manager isn't guarenteeing a playoff appearance he seems to represent a slight confidence that is shining through to the players. The Manager and General Manager Sandy Alderson have used the idea of that many of these players have "something to prove" as an idea that they will be motivated in many ways to help this team win.
Players such as Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy have been adamant about expressing their feelings towards people who are counting them out. Murphy said that with the extra playoff team possibly coming into effect it will probably take around 88-89 wins to make the playoffs and Murphy does not feel this is insurmountable by any stretch of the imagination. Davis also stated his frustration by saying, " Why does everyone think we suck? We haven't played a game yet."
The key thing for the Metropolitans is staying healthy. The Mets have struggled each season with injuries since their 2006 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Murphy, Davis, Johan Santana, and David Wright all had injuries last season that held them back and this season these players will be essential in trying to make themselves into a contender. If these 4 players can go back to form or close maybe this team can surprise.
Yankees Look Ready for Prime Time
While many thought the New York Yankees would have a slow Summer, they were not correct. The Yankees seemingly filled their needs all in one night. They signed two big starting pitchers in youngster Michael Pineda and veteran Hiroki Kuroda. These two could be huge anchors in a Yankee rotation that now seems to be locked and loaded.
The Yankees also added two potential role players who could play a vital role in the stretch run when this team needs reinforcements/back-ups. The Yankees signed veteran Raul Ibanez to add some flexibility to their hitting situation. The deal was a 1 year contract worth $1.1 Million. He has the ability to make up to $4 Million in incentives.
The other big Yankees signing was veteran right-handed reliever David Aardsma. Aardsma is coming off of Tommy John surgery and will start the season on the DL. He will be a great addition to the bullpen if he does heal. The deal was worth $500,000 and is a great high-risk, high-reward signing. Aardsma has been a closer as recent as the 2010 season and is a reliable arm to pitch in clutch late-inning situations.
Yankees.com produced an article stating that the Yankees seem quite impressed with Michael Pineda and what is not to love about the flamethrower. Russell Martin seemed surprised with their first bullpen session with one another. "He was a little erratic that game and got himself in trouble walking guys, so I was expecting to see a guy that didn't have great command," Martin said after catching Pineda in the bullpen. "But I was wrong."
Many of the parts to this team seem to be falling into place, we will see how sharp this team looks in the Spring. The Yankees start up on March 2nd vs the University of South Florida Bulls.
The Yankees also added two potential role players who could play a vital role in the stretch run when this team needs reinforcements/back-ups. The Yankees signed veteran Raul Ibanez to add some flexibility to their hitting situation. The deal was a 1 year contract worth $1.1 Million. He has the ability to make up to $4 Million in incentives.
The other big Yankees signing was veteran right-handed reliever David Aardsma. Aardsma is coming off of Tommy John surgery and will start the season on the DL. He will be a great addition to the bullpen if he does heal. The deal was worth $500,000 and is a great high-risk, high-reward signing. Aardsma has been a closer as recent as the 2010 season and is a reliable arm to pitch in clutch late-inning situations.
Yankees.com produced an article stating that the Yankees seem quite impressed with Michael Pineda and what is not to love about the flamethrower. Russell Martin seemed surprised with their first bullpen session with one another. "He was a little erratic that game and got himself in trouble walking guys, so I was expecting to see a guy that didn't have great command," Martin said after catching Pineda in the bullpen. "But I was wrong."
Many of the parts to this team seem to be falling into place, we will see how sharp this team looks in the Spring. The Yankees start up on March 2nd vs the University of South Florida Bulls.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Celtics continue struggles, Drop to 15-13
With the Celtics at home and playing the last-place Pistons, the Celtics would seem to have to step up their game and pick up another big win. With the Celtics continuing to stay close to .500, they disappointed again on Wednesday night in a 98-88 loss. The saddest part of it all was that it was a career night for Rajon Rondo.
Rondo put up a career-high 35 points, almost half of the teams total points. But Greg Monroe and Ben Gordon both put up 22 to match Rondo's career night. The Celtics had no one to keep up with Monroe and the young stud poured it on in the second half with 16 points of his 22 points (on 8-of-9 shooting).
Celtics fourth quarter offense was anemic. As Rondo cooled off in the fourth, so did Boston's offense, as the team shot just 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from the field during the final quarter. The Celts were outscored by 9 points in the fourth quarter leading to their downfall.
Celtics would really like to get Kevin Garnett back for a big game at the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Following the big game on Thursday night, will be a rematch of this game as the Celtics get to host the Pistons once again on Friday night. This will be a big two games for the Celtics as they look to prevent a skid in the Eastern Conference, as they currently sit in 7th place.
Rondo put up a career-high 35 points, almost half of the teams total points. But Greg Monroe and Ben Gordon both put up 22 to match Rondo's career night. The Celtics had no one to keep up with Monroe and the young stud poured it on in the second half with 16 points of his 22 points (on 8-of-9 shooting).
Celtics fourth quarter offense was anemic. As Rondo cooled off in the fourth, so did Boston's offense, as the team shot just 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from the field during the final quarter. The Celts were outscored by 9 points in the fourth quarter leading to their downfall.
Celtics would really like to get Kevin Garnett back for a big game at the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Following the big game on Thursday night, will be a rematch of this game as the Celtics get to host the Pistons once again on Friday night. This will be a big two games for the Celtics as they look to prevent a skid in the Eastern Conference, as they currently sit in 7th place.
Lin does it again, as Knicks rout Kings
Lin proved once again he was ready for the show and not just a fluke. The man may be playing over his head, but he is definitely ready to be a starting point guard in the NBA. Lin has quality skills and will continue to be a force in the NBA until people start getting more physical with him. But the Kings tried to get more physical with Lin and it actually made him look better. Lin spread the ball around the best he has all season and created many great looks for the Knicks.
Lin had 10 points and 13 assists in 3 quarters of play. The Knicks were up big heading into the fourth, so the starters' minutes in the fourth were minimal. Lin is thrilled with the opportunity and much humbled by the buzz it has made. Lin is having a lot of fun and continues to credit everyone else for his recent success. Lin was asked his reaction to reports that President Obama watched the 3-pointer against Toronto and has been following the story. "Very honored, very humbled. Wow, it's the President. Nothing better than that."
Head coach Mike D'Antoni had nothing but great things to say about his red-hot point guard. "[I'm] really happy with 10 points and 13 assists. That's great on a night like this, that's great. Next game Jeremy could have 30 points. Whatever we need him to do, I think he can do." said D'Antoni after the game. And why would D'Antoni be a fan? D'Antoni was on the hot seat and Carmelo Anthony once again went down to injury. D'Antoni's job looked as if it was going to be taken away, until Lin arose. With Lin and the big winning streak the Knicks are easily safe in the Eastern Conference playoff picture without their best scorer Anthony.
The Knicks continue to play at home on Friday against the Hornets. The Knicks back at .500, and they will play another weak opponent with the 2nd worst record in the league. With Lin and the Knicks on a roll and at home, it will be tough to picture anything but 8 straight wins.
Lin had 10 points and 13 assists in 3 quarters of play. The Knicks were up big heading into the fourth, so the starters' minutes in the fourth were minimal. Lin is thrilled with the opportunity and much humbled by the buzz it has made. Lin is having a lot of fun and continues to credit everyone else for his recent success. Lin was asked his reaction to reports that President Obama watched the 3-pointer against Toronto and has been following the story. "Very honored, very humbled. Wow, it's the President. Nothing better than that."
Head coach Mike D'Antoni had nothing but great things to say about his red-hot point guard. "[I'm] really happy with 10 points and 13 assists. That's great on a night like this, that's great. Next game Jeremy could have 30 points. Whatever we need him to do, I think he can do." said D'Antoni after the game. And why would D'Antoni be a fan? D'Antoni was on the hot seat and Carmelo Anthony once again went down to injury. D'Antoni's job looked as if it was going to be taken away, until Lin arose. With Lin and the big winning streak the Knicks are easily safe in the Eastern Conference playoff picture without their best scorer Anthony.
The Knicks continue to play at home on Friday against the Hornets. The Knicks back at .500, and they will play another weak opponent with the 2nd worst record in the league. With Lin and the Knicks on a roll and at home, it will be tough to picture anything but 8 straight wins.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Lin-sanity continues with Knicks at Wizards (2/8/12)
No Amare, no Melo, no problem. The Knicks went in to Washington with a 7 game winning streak against the young Wizards. The Knicks wanted to add to that and their current 2 game win streak. Could they do it without their two biggest stars? Well Jeremy Lin and Tyson Chandler proved they do not want to slow down yet.
Jeremy Lin who has started the last 2 games with 25 and 28 points respectively, delivered once again with 23 points and 10 assists in the big 107-93 win over the Wizards. Lin hit two free throws with 5:08 to play in the third quarter that gave the Knicks the lead for good. Lin was scoreless in the first quarter, had eight points in the second and 12 in the third. Lin also had a huge dunk in response to a John Wall dunk that was a huge momentum shifter in the game.
Tyson Chandler who also had a monster game with 25 points and 11 rebounds said this about Lin's dunk, "I didn't know he could dunk. When he's going in for the dunk I'm like 'no Jeremy, just lay the ball up.' And all of a sudden he dunks it and I was probably just as excited as the crowd was." Chandler's 25 points was 2 points shy of his career high. Chandler has been a huge part of carrying this offense with all the injuries it has dealt with.
The Wizards dropped to 5-21 on the season. John Wall and the Wizards are now on a 6 game losing streak where they continue to slide down the Eastern Conference standings. This loss was not due to a weak game by John Wall who did his best to try and keep up with the Knicks as he threw up 29 points, a team-high.
The Knicks improved to 11-15 and are now 1/2 of a game out of the 8th place Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks will look to continue their winning streak at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
Jeremy Lin who has started the last 2 games with 25 and 28 points respectively, delivered once again with 23 points and 10 assists in the big 107-93 win over the Wizards. Lin hit two free throws with 5:08 to play in the third quarter that gave the Knicks the lead for good. Lin was scoreless in the first quarter, had eight points in the second and 12 in the third. Lin also had a huge dunk in response to a John Wall dunk that was a huge momentum shifter in the game.
Tyson Chandler who also had a monster game with 25 points and 11 rebounds said this about Lin's dunk, "I didn't know he could dunk. When he's going in for the dunk I'm like 'no Jeremy, just lay the ball up.' And all of a sudden he dunks it and I was probably just as excited as the crowd was." Chandler's 25 points was 2 points shy of his career high. Chandler has been a huge part of carrying this offense with all the injuries it has dealt with.
The Wizards dropped to 5-21 on the season. John Wall and the Wizards are now on a 6 game losing streak where they continue to slide down the Eastern Conference standings. This loss was not due to a weak game by John Wall who did his best to try and keep up with the Knicks as he threw up 29 points, a team-high.
The Knicks improved to 11-15 and are now 1/2 of a game out of the 8th place Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks will look to continue their winning streak at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
New York Islanders @ Philadelphia Flyers Recap - 2/7/12
Evgeni Nabokov had one thing on his mind and that was another win for the New York Islanders who have been heating up of late. Nabokov unfortunately had to take on 45 shots throughout the game while the Islanders only had 18 shots on the opposition. With the game tied 0-0 in the 3rd period, the Flyers outshot the Islanders 16-3. The inevitable seemed it was on the cusp. But Nabokov had other plans on this night.
The game went into Overtime where no goals were scored leading to a shootout between the two teams. Nabokov seemed to need to make another 3 saves in the shootout but the Islanders' Jon Tavares and Frans Nielsen both scored in the shootout easing the pressure for Nabokov, leading to a big 1-0 win in the shootout.
Nabokov was speechless after the game and gave all of his credit to the defense stating how hard the men in front of him played all game. Nabokov was the man who saved the day tonight, getting the Islanders back to .500 for the first time since October.
The Islanders are now 3-0-1 since the All-star break, and are continuing to heat up. The Islanders have also stepped up big in the extra time this season. They are now 6-2 in overtime and shootout ending games. The Islanders will attempt to continue their hot streak on at home on Thursday, February 9th against the Montreal Canadiens.
The game went into Overtime where no goals were scored leading to a shootout between the two teams. Nabokov seemed to need to make another 3 saves in the shootout but the Islanders' Jon Tavares and Frans Nielsen both scored in the shootout easing the pressure for Nabokov, leading to a big 1-0 win in the shootout.
Nabokov was speechless after the game and gave all of his credit to the defense stating how hard the men in front of him played all game. Nabokov was the man who saved the day tonight, getting the Islanders back to .500 for the first time since October.
The Islanders are now 3-0-1 since the All-star break, and are continuing to heat up. The Islanders have also stepped up big in the extra time this season. They are now 6-2 in overtime and shootout ending games. The Islanders will attempt to continue their hot streak on at home on Thursday, February 9th against the Montreal Canadiens.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Super Bowl Recap
The New England Patriots faced off against the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. An epic rematch of the Super Bowl in 2007, which the Giants won 20-17. Despite the Patriots being the slight favorites in regards to betting odds, many saw the Giants as the favorite to win the Super Bowl in the much anticipated rematch. The people were right. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17 on a comeback led by Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning.
The game was close throughout the entire game and came down to the last play. It was a "hail-mary prayer" thrown from Tom Brady into the endzone in hopes of last-second heroics but as the ball hit the ground the game was over and the Giants once again de-throwned the Patriots for the 2nd time in 4 years. The Patriots who have the best resume of the decade fell short to Eli Manning and the Giants for the 2nd time. This putting in question if the Patriots' Dynasty has finally come to an end. But with 5 Super Bowl Appearances in this decade it is hard to argue that the Dynasty has ended. Eli Manning who was named the Super Bowl MVP was name it for good reason, as he orchestrated the game winning drive in the final minutes of the game to not only give the Giants the lead but take away as much time off the clock from Tom Brady and the Patriots offense and Eli did just that.
Prior to the season, Manning was asked if he felt he was elite. Manning stated that he was elite and he thought he was a top 5 quarterback. Manning followed through with not only the best regular season of his career but the best post season of his career. Manning may have solidified himself in the football Hall-of-Fame with this win but at the very least, he significantly strengthened his resume.
The Super Bowl was also led by a tremendous story. The Giants Pro-Bowl Defensive Lineman Jason Pierre Paul's Dad was attending the game. His Dad is completely blind, and in fact it was his first time attending a game his son was playing in because he did not live in the U.S..
The Giants had their parade on Tuesday where many fans came down to cheer on their team. The Giants got the keys to the city and said they are prepared to win some more rings.
The game was close throughout the entire game and came down to the last play. It was a "hail-mary prayer" thrown from Tom Brady into the endzone in hopes of last-second heroics but as the ball hit the ground the game was over and the Giants once again de-throwned the Patriots for the 2nd time in 4 years. The Patriots who have the best resume of the decade fell short to Eli Manning and the Giants for the 2nd time. This putting in question if the Patriots' Dynasty has finally come to an end. But with 5 Super Bowl Appearances in this decade it is hard to argue that the Dynasty has ended. Eli Manning who was named the Super Bowl MVP was name it for good reason, as he orchestrated the game winning drive in the final minutes of the game to not only give the Giants the lead but take away as much time off the clock from Tom Brady and the Patriots offense and Eli did just that.
Prior to the season, Manning was asked if he felt he was elite. Manning stated that he was elite and he thought he was a top 5 quarterback. Manning followed through with not only the best regular season of his career but the best post season of his career. Manning may have solidified himself in the football Hall-of-Fame with this win but at the very least, he significantly strengthened his resume.
The Super Bowl was also led by a tremendous story. The Giants Pro-Bowl Defensive Lineman Jason Pierre Paul's Dad was attending the game. His Dad is completely blind, and in fact it was his first time attending a game his son was playing in because he did not live in the U.S..
The Giants had their parade on Tuesday where many fans came down to cheer on their team. The Giants got the keys to the city and said they are prepared to win some more rings.
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