Granderson Trade Means No Halladay

The trade for Curtis Granderson of the Tigers improves the Yankees in center and it may signal the end of the debate of trading for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.

With the Yankees trading away two prospects in order to get Granderson it seems logical that they wouldn't want to get rid of anymore young talent to get a more veteran player.

Many Yankees fans may prefer the Yankees to trade away these players so they can dominate in every aspect of the game, but this is a world series champion and the Yankees really don't need Halladay.

General Manager Brian Cashman knows better than to trade away any other prospects. The major chips that the Yankees have left are Phil Hughes, Joba Chamerlain and Jesus Montero and it seems unlikely that Cashman will depart with any of the three. The Yankees need Chamberlain or Hughes to solidify the rotation, and with Posada getting up their in age, Montero could be up in the majors in the next two seasons.

The Yankees did become the first team to make a major splash this off season but they really can't afford to lose anymore talent. Cashman made his splash but will now be looking towards negotiating with Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Andy Pettite is already close to signing after declining a 1-year $10 million deal.

Granderson a Major Improvement in Center

In a previous post I stated that the Yankees would have a quiet off season but might be able to trade for Curtis Granderson. Well, the second part has come true and it was a great pick up for the Yankees.

Granderson gives the Yankees the center fielder that they haven't had since Bernie Williams. Of course he isn't anywhere close to the player that Bernie was but this is a definite upgrade from Melkey Cabrera and Brett Gardner.

The one negative of Granderson's game is his average against lefties, which was under .200 last season. And his overrall average dropped to .249. His dramatic drop in batting average may be due to him trying to hit home runs and spark an offense that was quiet this season.

Granderson won't be a lead off hitter with the Yankees, that is now Jeter's job, and he excelled at it last season. His OBP also dropped and he may not be a suitable number two hitter. Look for Granderson to hit somewhere in the sixth or seventh spot, while the Yankees move Robinson Cano up to number two, assuming the Yankees don't resign Johnny Damon.

Granderson gives the Yankees more than a great baseball player. He has a great personality and may be one of the more well liked players in baseball. We have all seen Granderson in interviews and on television with ESPN's Baseball Tonight and he's a knowledgeable baseball player. A guy like Granderson with his personality will fit perfect in the Yankees clubhouse, which changed dramatically during their World Series championship season.

As for the players the Yankees lost, it is always hard to let young players go but the you never know how minor leaguers are going to turn out. Ian Kennedy struggled in the Major Leagues but was a dominate minor league pitcher. He can still be a good pitcher in the Majors but the Yankees are better off trading Kennedy rather than Hughes or Chamberlain.

Giving up Austin Jackson was necessary for the Yankees to get Granderson. The Yankees see him as the same kind of player as Granderson who is already a proven center fielder. We hear the names of these prospects but many of us rarely see them play. The Yankees may have hyped Jackson up a little just to trade him. Jackson only had four home runs in the minors last year so getting Granderson will be better for the Yankees in the future.

Granderson, 29, will be with the Yankees for a while and he can change games with his speed. Look for him to hit 35 home runs with the short porch in right field, while also improving his batting average because he doesn't have to try to do to much in this Yankees line up.

Jets Done, Hope to Repair Franchise QB

At one point in the game between the Jets and the Patriots you may have thought that Mark Sanchez would throw more interceptions than completed passes. The rookie quarterback struggled once again, and his performance along with the rest of the team put the nail in the coffin for the Jets season.

Sorry Jets fans but I don't know where they can go from here. The only thing to look forward to is Mark Sanchez developing more as a quarterback. At times the game looks too fast for him, but he does have upside and the Jets should concentrate the rest of the season repairing his confidence.

No matter what the Jets do it's hard to see them getting to the playoffs. Although, the Patriots lost last week after failing to convert the much talked about fourth and two, they have improved as the season has progressed. The Patriots will run away with the division, and the wild card won't be within the Jets reach.

So where do you go from here?

First, Sanchez needs to start playing better, and most importantly cut down on his mistakes. Secondly, the defense that talked our ears off during training camp and the beginning of the season needs to give themselves a pep talk. What was supposed to be Rex Ryan's strong suit (coaching the defense) has turned into a debacle. Bart Scott and crew talked a good game early in the season but have failed to live up to the hype.

The Jets very well could win the next three games against Carolina, Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Jets fans don't want to hear it but 8-8 will look good now, especially if Sanchez can improve his play. In order to get eight wins they would most likely have to win the next three games, and then it gets tough. They have the Falcons, Colts and end the season against the much surprising Bengals.

So for the Jets the remainder of the season is all about their California celebrity of a quarterback. If he can lay off the hot dogs in the sideline, and cut down on his mistakes he can prepare himself to have an improved sophomore season next year. If Sanchez struggles Jets fans are going to wonder if trading up in the draft was such a good idea. He has been built as the franchise quarterback, and the most important player at that position since Joe Namath. Sanchez has a lot to improve on and his written statements to the media could use a little work too.

Eli Saves the Day

The Giants barely escaped with a victory at the Meadowlands after the defense gave up a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter. The Giants have one person to thank after the game, and that’s Eli Manning.

Manning was superb. He tore apart the Falcons secondary and made them look dreadful throughout the game. Manning threw three TD passes, and had big play after big play. Mario Manningham came up big for the Giants, getting open often and making big plays after the catch.

Everybody now knows why Eli did get a huge contract coming into the season. He won’t always throw for 384 yards like he did today, but he’s a winner and never gets flustered. This was probably the best game Manning ever played in the regular season and he put the team on the back during the biggest game of their season. If the Giants lost they would've been 5-5 and lost another game to the Cowboys in the division, after they defeated the woeful Redskins 7-6. Without Antonio Pierce the Giants lost a big leader, but Manning put the onus on himself and played extremely well.

So for all those people who still doubt Eli, it’s time to stop. The Falcons secondary may have helped him out a little bit, but he made superb throws, where only his receivers can get them. He was 25/39 with 384 passing yards and 3 TD’s and one interception. Without Manning the Giants wouldn’t have won today because they didn’t run the ball like I thought they would. Brandon Jacobs had only 12 carries for 39 yards, but he was taken out of the game in the second half after suffering a leg injury due to a tackle made his enormous thighs wobble.

Without a dominating running game once again, it was up to Manning and he came up huge. He saved the defense from another collapse. If they had lost the defense would’ve gotten all the blame because they clearly were fatigued in the fourth quarter and couldn’t get any pressure on Matt Ryan.

The Giants defense played well in the first half and it looked like their pass rush would dominate. They were attacking Ryan but they clearly ran out of gas and Ryan took advantage of what became another embarrassing performance in the fourth quarter.

The Giants won so their can’t be too many complaints but the defense may want to thank Eli for saving them, and at the same time, they can tell all the Manning detractors to get off his back.

Key for Giants against Falcons

Keys for the Giants this week against the Falcons:

1) What I said earlier is the truth. The Giants pass rush needs to be tenacious and turn the intensity up to the next level. They have the ability to bring the heat and make Matt Ryan feel uncomfortable. If Turner doesn't play then Ryan should be running around the pocket all day if the Giants defensive line is up for the challenge.

Tuck has been through some nagging injuries and they now have Canty at full strength. With only 20 sacks on the season Tuck and the boys have been truly disappointing, but they are proud players and it really won't surprise me if they came out with fire in their eyes, aiming to bring down Ryan.

2) The offensive line has been just as disappointing as their buddies on the other side. Look for the offensive line to get back to form. Manning has had to run around the pocket way too much this season, and that just cannot happen. The offensive line lead by O'Hara are a proud group of guys who rarely miss a game together. The best cure for them is for the Giants to get back to running the ball. If they do that, the line can be aggressive again and show the league why they can be considered one of the best lines in football.

3) The line backing core has been atrocious. Pierce, who will not play due to injury has shown that he's slowing down and the Giants really need to address this issue during the off season. What they do have now though is a rested and healthy Michael Boley. He has impressed when on the field, and can be a game changer. He has the speed to chase running backs east to west, and is a great cover linebacker. His coverage skills will be important in shutting down veteran TE Tony Gonzalez. If Pierce's season is actually over like some published reports have speculated than Boley can become the leader of that defense.

If the both lines can step up and play they way they're capable of then the Giants should be fine. Eli Manning played well against the Chargers, and Brandon Jacobs yards per carry has improved as the season as gone on. Look for the Giants to get back to stuffing the ball down the opposing teams throat. Also, look for Jacobs to have at least 12 carries going into half time.

D-Line Needs to Step Up

The Giants defense took a big hit when they learned that captain, and heart beat of their defense, Antonio Pierce will be out, and maybe for a while.

It has been a very disappointing nine games for the Giants defense. They played well against poor competition but have struggled mightily every since.

With Pierce out Chase Blackburn will be at middle linebacker and will try to spark what has been lackluster defensive play. If the Giants struggle Chase Blackburn won't be the problem. The defensive line needs to step up big time.

The Giants came into this season expecting to be a sack machine. Everybody got the impression that quarterbacks would be scared to take center, with a ferocious pass rush coming at them. But that has been further from the case. The much vaunted sack attack has only brought the opposing quarterback down 20 times. That ranks 15 in the entire NFL.

Their 15 ranking effects the entire defense. Antonio Pierce, and Danny Clark have been exposed, and the secondary who took a huge hit losing Kenny Phillips before the season even started has been embarrassed.

The Giants however still rank first in yards per game, but they win with pressure. The Giants need to bring down Matt Ryan early and often. It looks like Michael Turner will be out and if the Giants don't have at least four sacks on Ryan it could result in a loss. With pressure comes mistakes, and with mistakes comes turnovers. So Osi, Tuck, Canty, Bernard, Colfield, Kiwi, and the other talented lineman need to put the team on their backs. They need to get back to Giants football, and it will start once Ryan is on his back.

What a Disaster

So all my posts about the Knicks getting Iverson have to be disregarded. Donnie Walsh decided Friday that the Knicks were better off this season without Allen Iverson.

Many Knicks fans were campaigning and did not get their wish. Fans just wanted some excitement for one year. We have been in the dumps since 2001. Just one year! That's all Knicks fans were asking. One Year!

The future was once again the excuse. I don't know what Walsh sees but the only player on that team that's going to be involved in the future is Danilo Gallinari, and maybe Toney Douglas.

Was Iverson really going to hurt them improve by coming to the Knicks? No he wasn't. Douglas is not the next Chris Paul, and Gallo needs a couple of years to develop.

Walsh better pray that they get two big time free agents next season. This little Iverson fiasco has just shown how bad Knicks fans want a team to cheer for, and most of all be proud of. If the Knicks don't improve next season they will be the laughing stock of all sports. They will be terrible for another decade, and one person is to blame, James Dolan. He set the franchise back a decade by bringing in Isiah Thomas. Dolan should step down as owner if the Knicks don't improve next year, because they are a disgrace. And nobody will ever be proud of them.

Yanks could be Quiet

Free agency is almost here and the ferocity in which the Yankees attacked last offseason will not be met with the same intensity this year.

Cashman and the Yankees will not be necessarily on the outside looking in, but they won't be the first to run to the ATM and start throwing money at players.

The three biggest free agents this year are John Lackey, Matt Holliday, and Jason Bay. Although Bay turned down a $60 million deal from Boston it still seems likely that he will be back with the Red Sox.

Lackey seems to be on the Met's wish list and I don't see him going back to the Angels. Sure, it's not incomprehensible to think that they would throw money at Lackey but I think Cashman is hopeful that either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain will step up to be the fourth starter in the rotation.

Holliday is the interesting option for the Yankees. If they don't sign Damon or Matsui they would rather find a lefty power bat then go after Holliday. But he does bring a lot of production as an outfielder.

What seems more likely is the Yankees trading for Granderson of the Tigers and using somebody else against lefties, because Granderson has dreadful numbers against south-paws.

I know it sounds like I'm counting the Yankees out of this free agent class but they just won a championship and Cashman really wants to see his minor league system succeed. He hates it when people say the Yankees buy championships. But I will admit now that I can be totally wrong because nobody thought the Yankees would get Teixeira, and they did.

Iverson Looks to be Coming to Knicks

It looks like A.I. will be a Knick soon. The controversial guard will be cleared from waivers at 6:00 p.m. tonight and although the Knicks might not sign him a minute after, it looks like he can be a Knick within the next couple of days.

The Knicks are desperate for some veteran leadership and Iverson gives that to you.

For those who don't think Iverson is a good fit, you need to relax. This is a one year project and if he becomes a pain the Knicks can just drop him without having to pay him.

Also for you fans, don't give me the argument that Iverson won't allow younger players to develop. Ninety percent of this team won't even be with the Knicks next year if they get what they want in 2010. The only player we have to be concerned about is Danilo Gallinari and he doesn't play with the ball now anyway.

Iverson will bring some energy to the Garden.

No, their won't be #3 jerseys all over the arena but he will create some buzz. I'm sure even Spike Lee is a go for this one.

If they don't get Iverson they may try to trade for Tracy McGrady. So who would you rather have? Well, if it was up to me I would have Iverson because McGrady will get injured anyway.

So relax, because most of the players on the team won't be involved in the future. If you're really concerned about Toney Douglas not getting minutes then you need to root for another team. Douglas isn't the future of the Knicks. Sure, he's been nice but come one. The guy is a rookie, and he's not the next Chris Paul.

Donnie will make the right move here. Iverson is coming so prepare for some fun.

November can't go soon enough

Their has been a serious lull in New York sports since the Yankees won the World Series (thank god for that). The Knicks won tonight but have been dreadful, and if you want to count the Nets, well they suck as well.

Our football teams have had terrible Novembers and it looks like the Jets don't have a chance to get into the playoffs. The Giants on the other hand got a break with the Cowboys, Eagles, and Falcons losing last week, so they're still in the playoff hunt, and are in control of their own destiny.

What do we need?

Well, since we all know the Knicks aren't interested in winning or going to the playoffs we need the Giants and Jets to make things interesting.

The Giants still have the talent and chemistry to make the playoffs. Like I stated in a previous posting, they need to improve in several facets of the game but when they get back to their winning ways, they will resemble the dominating regular season team of last year.

The Jets on the other hand are a different story. At least they've been entertaining! I mean what's better then a crying coach, or a rookie QB who reads a statement in front of the New York media and thinks he's going to get away it. Bart Scott is a loud mouth fool who thinks he's Ray Lewis, but is no where close.

Hey, if the Jets don't want to make the playoffs hopefully they can still make as laugh, and maybe cry from so much laughter (just had to sneak another cheap shot in).

Hopefully December will be better to New York. Iverson may be a Knick, and the Giants can hopefully knock off the Falcons, and Broncos in consecutive weeks. Just maybe this Yankees hangover can end soon because there's only enough space on the Internet to make fun of Rex Ryan and his inner feelings.

Knicks come back to Win

Wow. The Knick's won. Not only did they win, they came back to win. After trailing in double digits early in the third quarter the Knicks scored 11 straight to get back within nine points. They hovered around that mark for half of the fourth quarter, but Al Harrington got hot and the Knicks won by seven.

Several developments came out of this game. First, Eddy Curry got into the game. He was not in basketball shape but you can see that he lost a lot of weight and cared to be out there. At one point in the game the Knicks were +9 in points while Curry was on the court. He got into foul trouble quick due to his lack of stamina, but their were some good signs.

Wilson Chandler broke out of his slump but he also got into foul trouble, and had to leave the game early. Chandler was hot in the first half, and it was good sign to see him come out and score.

Larry Hughes is not a conventional point guard, but D'Antoni may have to play him at point guard instead of Chris Duhon. Hughes was three assists away from a triple double, scoring 22 points, and grabbing 10 rebounds.

The biggest development was the fact that the Knicks actually didn't give up and came back to win the game. They played better defense in the third quarter after the Pacers took a big lead. The defense was the key to the victory, and that was especially the case in the second half.

Oh, and the Nets fell to 0-12, oh well.

Giants need Improvements All Around

The Giants are playing for their playoff lives Sunday against the Falcons. They are playing at home and it seems improbable that the Giants would lose five straight games.

It looks like Michael Turner won't be playing for the Falcons and that is a big break for the Giants. They can concentrate on bringing pressure on second year quarterback Matt Ryan, and it would be a good idea to limit the blitz and see what the four man rush can do.

Offense, defense, and special teams all have struggled and we need to see a turnaround against the Falcons.

The offensive line has struggled all season. Eli Manning is constantly under pressure and if they can keep the Falcons off of him, then the Giants can succeed.

Next is the defensive line. Boy have they been disappointing this season. The D-Line is just not getting to the quarterback like they have in the past, and they seem to be just one step behind. Many times the pressure is getting to the QB just seconds late and the secondary can't cover the offense forever. If the defensive line steps up this weekend, the secondary will follow.

The person who really needs to improve this game is defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. His play calling has been dreadful. Against the Chargers he called three zone-blitz' and twice Justin Tuck was covering Antonio Gates. Their is no excuse for that and he needs to concentrate on giving the front-four an opportunity to succeed. Sheridan's job can be on the line if he doesn't get his play calling figured out.

More to come in the coming days...

Knicks should grab Iverson

Don't know if anybody cares right now but the knicks are on New Yorks mind since Allen Iverson was put on waivers by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Iverson, who had so called personal problems -more like coming off the bench problems- is gone from the Grizzlies, less than a month into the season. And if he comes to the Knicks, he won't have to worry about coming off the bench.

Positives of bringing Iverson in:

He's going to give you 20-25 ppg and with no true point guard on the team anyway, the Knicks can play him at that position because he can still get into the paint off the dribble. That will also effect Danilo Gallinari because he'll be able to stand outside the three point line and knock down three's while Iverson draws defenders. He might be more of a help to Galo then many people think.

Although Knicks fans still come to support their dreadful team, Iverson will bring some excitement to the Garden that has been lacking since they were in the Finals in '99.

Iverson will also bring a veteran presence to a team that really needs some kind of leadership. Teams will actually have to game plan against him and add a tad of respectability to the franchise.

Of course their are some negatives:

Iverson loves to dominate the ball and still thinks of himself as a star in the league. He will pound away at the rock and D'Antoni's system is not built that away. The system thrives when the ball is moving and everybody is touching the rock.

His attitude will also have to change. Iverson has to realize that the team comes first, and he needs to understand that the Knicks are looking towards 2010. He can't hurt the team this season because if the Knicks get two great players next season, most of these players will not matter. The only one is Gallo, and although I though Wilson Chandler had potential, it doesn't look like he's going to last. David Lee and Nate Robinson won't be re-signed next year, and Al Harrington was never taught the art of the pass.

So it shouldn't be hard decision for Donnie Walsh. Just bring Iverson in and let's get some electricity in the Garden.