Russell Roubin: Hater at Large (No Pun Intended. He Lost Weight.)

Can a Knicks/Suns/Mets fan really say anything to me? Yes the White Sox beat the Astros in the 2005 World Series and who cares exactly, right? A wise man named Ari Gold on Entourage once said "There are no asteriks in this life, only scoreboards!" Meaning the Rockets 2 championships of the 1990's aren't taken for granted just because Michael Jordan wasn't around. They still have two banners! Now the Suns...

They love to blame the Spurs for everything bad that's ever happened to them. I've heard it all before. The Amare & Boris suspensions when they jumped off the bench in the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals after Robert Horry launched Steve Nash into the scorer's table. Yeah yeah, they would've won the championship if not for that. Well...they didn't. Who won it that year in fact? The Spurs did. In the most boring NBA Finals ever. Yes Lebron you were there.

Don't forget about the 1993 Suns either. They had the best record in the NBA and were arguably better than any D'an-phony led Suns squad of the new millenium. But they fell to...the Bulls in the finals. Tough luck.

How do I know about these feelings? How do I know all this is true about Phoenix? I used to be a Suns fan myself! I used to blame everything on the Spurs and nothing on the Suns defense, or lack thereof rather. But I realized I needed to focus on the Bulls and just in time too: Every Suns fan should have been absolutely embarrassed when the Arizona Cardinals made the super bowl before any of the 21st century Suns teams made the finals. Ultimate kick in the chest, huh? So the Suns are still sporting a cool zero championships. Ouch.
The Knicks? Sigh. Well...

The bright side: Two championships!

Down side: Way back in the early 1970's.

Bright side: They play in New York...

Down side: Absolutely everything else about them.

Stephon Marbury. Isaiah Thomas. Nate Robinson. Latrell Spreewell. And that's just this decade! Back in the 90's, well...all I have to show is this; my favorite dunk of all time.

The Knicks have to be the stupidest organization in the Atlantic division even though the Nets are giving them some competition...so are the Raptors. This is actually a pretty dumb division. Anyway, they plan for Lebron even though it might not even happen. I remember the Suns were expecting Kobe to come to Phoenix via free agency earlier this decade. That didn't happen...obviously. If the Knicks were anywhere near smart, they would BUILD ON WHAT THEY HAVE. David Lee, Wilson Chandler; these are good pieces! Keep em. But instead they wanna give David Lee a one-year contract and I gurantee you he will not be back next year. Sorry Knicks fans.

Why Brandon “Mungo” Sanders is a Hater

It’s hard to go through High school with your favorite sports teams never winning anything. The called third strike in ’06 and the two collapses were the closes the Mets have been to being a world champion. The Jets haven’t won since the Joe Namath days. The Knicks are… The Suns can’t seem to pass the Spurs. And it’s a good thing nobody cares about hockey so the Rangers get a break. Ok yeah, my teams have sucked it up for a while but what gives Brandon the right to make fun of my teams?

Let’s start with a sport I know best, Baseball. It’s a good thing Brandon became a White Sox’s fan. Becoming a Cubs fan has been a bad investment for the past 100 years, but with the exception of 2005, so have the White Sox. Yes they did have an unbelievable run winning 99 games under second year manager Ozzie Guillen and Pitcher Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez became a magician in game 3 vs. the Red Sox. Then the World Series came and they beat the Houston Astros. But did they really win it? The answer is (hypothetically) no. A man who wasn’t even in the World Series beat the Astros, Albert Pujols. Game 5 of the NLCS that year might have changed then Astros closer Brad Lidge forever. He came into the 9th inning with a 4-2 lead and took the Cardinals to there last strike until he completely collapsed. First it was a two strike, two out base hit by David Eckstein. Jim Edmonds then walked and it left Albert Pujols to deliver the heart melting Three Run homerun (it hit the Roof of Minute Maid Park) that gave the Cards the win. The Astros did win the pennant the next game, but their All-Star closer could not return to form. In game two, the Astros were supposed to win that game. They brought in Lidge who gave up the walk-off home run to Scott Podsednik. SCOTT PODSEDNIK!!! Guess how many homeruns this guy had during the 2005 season? 0. Then in game 4, they bring Lidge back in to keep a 0-0 tie, but gives up the game winning hit that gave the White Sox their first world championship in 87 years. Brad Lidge was the losing pitching twice during the 2005 World Series, lost his closer role with the Astros two years later and was traded to the Phillies. The White Sox since then has been to the playoffs once, losing to the Rays in the 2008 ALDS. To recap, in 90 years, they won 1 World Series.

I saved the best for last, Brandon’s favorite team the Chicago Bulls. Now, this team does have a lot of it’s up’s and down’s. They did make the playoffs and had the best record for an expansion team in NBA history. They did win 6 rings when MJ lead the show. Now the down’s:
They did not pull the trigger on a trade that would have brought 11 time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant.
They did sign Ben Wallace to a 4 year, $60 million contract that forced the trade of Tyson Chandler.
They did say Heads, missing the coin toss that would have landed Magic Johnson.
But what really bugs me about the Bulls fan is that they are convinced that they are great, but was it only because of Michael Jordan?

Jordan was drafted in the 1984 draft. It took 6 years, but the Bulls did win 3 championships from 1990-1993. Then MJ made a move that still confuses me too this day. He announced his retirement from basketball to presume a baseball career. It’s only last one year, but during the season of 1994-1995, the Bulls won no championship (thanks to the NEW YORK KNICKS!!!) After MJ failed at baseball, he came back to basketball and won 3 more championships from 1996-1998.

So… The Bulls didn’t win a championship before MJ came. They haven’t won one since. In fact, they have done some really bad trades (and non-trades) that were made to make a winning franchise. They traded star Elton Brand for the draft rights of Tyson Chandler and drafted Eddy Curry. Eddy Curry now is fighting to get play time for the Knicks and Tyson Chandler was traded when they acquired Ben Wallace. The before mentioned Kobe Bryant trade never happened. And after a season when rookie sensation Derrick Rose led the Bulls to the playoffs, they lose main swingman Ben Gordon to the Detroit Pistons. It seems to me that this franchise will always try to find the next MJ, but with poor management, it seems like they won’t be close to returning to the glory days anytime soon.

So there it is. Brandon, if you are reading this, put down the haterade and realize that my teams are not the only ones that goes through the dark days.

Vintage Pedro

What a season’s it has been. Not to long ago we were an elite team in the NL. Not to long ago we were a base hit from the World Serise. We are now 63-81, 20 GB in the NL East and trying to crawl (can’t afford crutches) to the finish.

But there are times that even in this losing season you just can’t even imagine. Yes the Bruntlett triple play hurt, but I think this is much worst. It’s Pedro Martinez shutting us out for 8 innings. It’s Philadelphia saying “Let’s Go Pedro”. It’s Pedro Martinez being 5-0, matching his win total from last year in 13 less starts. And it’s also how we didn’t even give him a look when he was trying to resign with somebody.

Instead we went with Oliver Perez (3-4, 6.82 ERA, 14 Starts, 3 Years 36 Mil) and Tim Redding (2-6, 5.52, spent time in the bullpen). To Redding’s credit he has pitched well recently but there seemed to be no effort when the season mattered.

Who knows if he would have been pitching like this for a who season. Most likely not. Just the fact we didn’t want to look at him because it seemed we thought he was washed up. He took a 1 Million, 1 Year contract to pitch half a season with the Phillies. Money was no problem. But last night, Pedro proved to us that he is not washed up.

I’m happy for Pedro. He gave us all his heart day everyday on the 4 seasons he spent with us. When he was hurt he tried hard to get back into shape to pitch when he could. We gave him the respect he deserved. If this was a pennant raise, I don’t know how much I would have liked last night. But since it wasn’t, last night was like when Pedro pitched at Shea: Magical.

Will the Pistons Bounce Back From an Atrocious 2008-09 season?

My answer is absolutely not.

The Pistons had loads of cap space to use for marquee free agents to get their strong, defensive identity back. Sign-and-trade with Jazz for Boozer perhaps? They did have a cool $21 million to blow and they used it on Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva instead.

That's how they get their defensive identity back? By signing two offensive talents without a trace of defensive prowess in their veins? Way to go, Joe Dumars.

Ben Gordon is getting paid $55 million over five years to be an undersized shooting guard who does not handle the ball well or play a lick of defense. Isn't General Motors located in Detroit? And they're spending $55 million on Ben Gordon? What recession!?

Not to mention the Pistons still have Rip Hamilton so BG is still off the bench which is absurd considering the money he's getting.

Sorry, I just really hate Ben Gordon.

The Pistons invested in Rodney Stuckey as the future of their franchise when they traded away Chauncey Billups to Denver. Stuckey was considered their point guard for years to come. But there's one thing wrong with that. Rodney Stuckey is not a point guard. Watch the kid play! He does not make plays for other people and it's going to be apparent this upcoming season.

This is not a bash on the guy's talent. Stuckey can ball without question but the pistons won't get anywhere without a natural point guard who can make plays for his teammates.

Joe Dumars was great GM at the beginning of this decade but since the Iverson trade and Curry hiring, this team is bound to self-destruct. They have no true center, no true point guard, an unknown coach, and a city that is the center of the world's econmic meltdown.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster, no?

Going Under the Radar

So now that the Lakers have inked Lamar Odom for a couple more years, that means two things to me personally.

Numero uno: Lamar Odom is NOT on the Heat. I believe that Dwayne Wade will leave the Heat next season since the Heat will not be contenders (Get real, that's a three team conference). But had Odom signed, someone Wade considers family, it would have been more likely for him to stay next season. Do you think he would convince Odom to come to Miami just so he, himself, can leave a season later? Absolutely not. He probably would've signed a two-year extension so they can live out the Odom-Wade project. Which wouldn't have worked anyway. I'm not a hater, just a realist.

Number two: I have my pick for 2009-2010 champions and Aviv will certainly like it. Now that Odom resigned with LA, they appear to be on a completely different level and it upsets me. Sure, the Lakers were good last season. But let's put that season into perspective.

They murdered the Jazz. Okay, fair enough.

They went 7 games with the McGrady-less, Yao-less Rockets including several blowouts. Really?

Then they played Denver and won in 6. Several of those games, aside from the Game 6, could've gone either way pretty much.

Then they beat Orlando in the Finals? Yippee.

They replaced a youthful premier three point gunner/premier defensive specialist in Trevor Ariza with a troublemaking, skill-declining, and certainly deranged lunatic in Ron Artest. Win? Hell no.

So who do I choose to win the 2010 NBA Title?

The San Antonio Spurs.

They have perhaps the best eight-man rotation in the NBA with Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Duncan, Mcdyess, Hill, Mason, and Blair. Really? All they did was turn Udoka into RJ and transfrom Oberto into ring-hungry Antonio McNice. Then Pittsburgh beast Dejuan Bliar just dropped into their laps? How is this fair!? They have a hall of fame coach still in Gregg Poppovich and perhaps the best power forward of all time in Timothy Theodore Duncan. All they need is their health!

What else happened?

The Nuggets, who were amazing last season, replaced Dahntay Jones with Arron Afflalo. Downgrade? Not really. But cheap, yes. And I like Afflalo! He acknowledged me and Lucas at the 2007 draft with a head nod after he showed up in the middle of the first round. So much love Arron.

So before you write off the Lakers as the best team in the league blah blah blah just look around the league for a second. I didn't even mention the Cavs, Celts, and Magic. Maybe this will be good for those teams. Lakers will crack under pressure. I gurantee it.

My 2009 All-Stars: AL

Starters:

Catcher: J. Mauer, MIN (.389, 15 HR, 47 RBI) It’s scary how well he hit. And too be a catcher batting close to .400 is unheard of, until now…

First Base: J. Morneau, MIN (.313, 21 HR, 69 RBI) Has been one of the AL’s best constant hitters over the past few year and this year is no different.

Second Base: A. Hill, TOR (.298, 20 HR, 59 RBI) When did Aaron Hill decide to start hitting? One of the biggest surprises to 2009.

Third Base: M. Young, TEX (.314, 10 HR, 34 RBI) Has made the transition to third base well. Leads all AL third baseman’s with his .314 AVG.

Shortstop: J. Bartlett, TB (.354, 8 HR, 38 RBI) Every team that makes the World Series needs a player like Jason Bartlett. His solid glove and professional hitting gives him the starting nod.

Outfield:

Ichiro Suzuki, SEA (.356, 6 HR, 22 RBI) 9 seasons = Gold Gloves, MVP, Rookie of the Year, becoming the single season hits leaders and his 9th all star game.

C. Crawford, TB (.313, 8 HR, 38 RBI) Every time he runs it becomes an event. Lucky for us he runs a lot (44 SB’s).

T. Hunter, LAA (.305, 17 HR, 65 RBI) Very tough pick, but Torii has played his best season since signing that big contract with the Angels.

Pitcher: R. Halladay, TOR (10-3, 2.85 ERA, 106 SO) Hopefully his still in the AL by the all-star game but this former Cy Young award winner has proved he is one of the best pitchers in Baseball.

Reserves:

Pitchers:
D. Aardsma, SEA (2-3, 2.11 ERA, 17 SV)
J. Beckett, BOS (10-3, 3.62 ERA, 103 SO)
M. Buehrle, CWS (9-2, 3.14 ERA, 65 SO)
A. Burnett, NYY (8-4, 3.77 ERA, 101 SO)
Z. Greinke, KC (10-5, 2.12 ERA, 129 SO)
F. Hernandez, SEA (8-3, 2.62 ERA, 114 SO)
E. Jackson, DET (6-4, 2.59 ERA, 93 SO)
J. Nathan, MIN (1-1, 1.35 ERA, 22 SV)
J. Papelbon, BOS (1-1, 1.89 ERA, 22 SV)
M. Rivera, NYY (1-2, 2.43 ERA, 23 SV)
J. Verlander, DET (9-4, 3.59 ERA, 141 SO)
J. Weaver, LAA (9-3, 3.15 ERA, 95 SO)

Bench:
V. Martinez – C, CLE (.298, 14 HR, 58 RBI)
R. Branyan – 1B, SEA (.287, 21 HR, 46 RBI)
M. Teixeira – 1B, NYY (.281, 21 HR, 63 RBI)
A. Kennedy – 2B, OAK (.294, 6 HR, 29 RBI)
C. Figgins – 3B, LAA (.310, 1 HR, 27 RBI)
D. Jeter – SS, NYY (.314, 10 HR, 36 RBI)
J. Bay – OF, BOS (.263, 20 HR, 71 RBI)
J. Dye – OF, CWS (.300, 20 HR, 54 RBI)
J. Ellsbury – OF, BOS (.303, 5 HR, 28 RBI)
A. Jones – OF, BAL (.308, 12 HR, 47 RBI)

NOTE:
Each AL team has atleast 1 representative on the All-Star Team
All-Star Rosters are 33 players, 9 Starters
Players on the DL where not considered

My 2009 All-Stars: NL

Every year in baseball they announce the All-Star Roster, and it seems every year someone has something to say about it. This year, it’s my turn. So step aside Peter Gammons and Buster Olney, as here are my 2009 All-Star Picks.

Starters:

Catcher: B. McCann, ATL (.306, 8 HR, 35 RBI) Maybe the next Mike Piazza, McCann is the center of a Braves lineup.

First Base: A. Pujols, STL (.336, 31 HR, 82 RBI) Do I really need to explain myself on this one?

Second Base: F. Sanchez, PIT (.316, 6 HR, 33 RBI) This was a tricky position but Sanchez is the only bright spot in a terrible Pirates lineup.

Third Base: D. Wright, NYM (.322, 5 HR, 42 RBI) The weight of the entire Mets lineup rest on his shoulders and he keeps hitting. The power numbers are down but leads NL third baseman’s with 20 SB and led in AVG for a while.

Shortstop: H. Ramirez, FLA (.346, 14 HR, 60 RBI) Not much this Marlins star cannot do. True 5 tool player.

Outfield:
R. Braun, MIL (.322, 16 HR, 58 RBI) Braun powered the Brewers into the NL wild card last year and his is keeping them on top the NL central.

M. Kemp, LAD (.307, 10 HR, 45 RBI) This guy is batting last for the Dodgers but is a big part to their success. 19 SB and a great glove in makes him my sleeper pick for the starters.

A. Dunn, WAS (.262, 22 HR, 59 RBI) Completely lost in Washington, Dunn keeps on blasting them over the walls at Nationals Park.

Pitcher: T. Lincecum, SF (9-2, 2.23 ERA, 141 SO) Last year’s NL Cy Young winner and if he keeps it up will win his second.

Reserves:

Pitchers:
H. Bell, SD (3-1, 1.49 ERA, 23 SV)
C. Billingsley, LAD (9-4, 3.14 ERA, 115 SO)
J. Broxton, LAD (6-0, 2.72 ERA, 20 SV)
M. Cain, SF (10-2, 2.42 ERA, 93 SO)
F. Cordero, CIN (1-2, 1.75 ERA, 21 SV)
R. Franklin, STL (2-0, 0.83 ERA, 20 SV)
Y. Gallardo, MIL (8-6, 2.95 ERA, 120 SO)
D. Haren, ARI (8-5, 2.16 ERA, 119 SO)
T. Hoffman, MIL (1-1, 1.93 ERA, 18 SV)
J. Johnson, FLA (7-2, 2.82 ERA, 102 SO)
J. Marquis, COL (11-5, 3.61 ERA, 54 SO)
F. Rodriguez, NYM (2-2, 1.59 ERA, 21 SV)
J. Santana, NYM (9-7, 3.29 ERA, 107 SO)
H. Street, COL (2-1, 2.65 ERA, 21 SV)

Bench:
Y. Molina – C, STL (.286, 5 HR, 27 RBI)
P. Fielder – 1B, MIL (.310, 22 HR, 76 RBI)
R. Howard – 1B, PHI (.252, 21 HR, 62 RBI)
D. Lee – 1B, CHC (.284, 16 HR, 53 RBI)
C. Utley – 2B, PHI (.310, 19 HR, 60 RBI)
M. Tejada – SS, HOU (.329, 7 HR, 45 RBI)
P. Sandoval – 3B, SF (.328, 14 HR, 48 RBI)
R. Zimmerman – 3B, WAS (.294, 14 HR, 50 RBI)
B. Hawpe – OF, COL (.327, 13 HR, 57 RBI)
J. Upton – OF, ARI (.296, 15 HR, 48 RBI)

NOTE:
Each NL team has atleast 1 representative on the All-Star Team
All-Star Rosters are 33 players, 9 Starters
Players on the DL where not considered

4 Games Under and Falling Fast

For the few people that do read this blog, they have asked why I haven’t been keeping up with my post. Truth is I don’t have much to say about my Mets. After tonight’s lose, they are 4 games under .500, their last RBI came from Pitcher Frenando Neive 2 nights ago and David Wright is batting .86 seven days into July. Is their light in the end of the tunnel?

It’s still pre-all star game.

Roy Halladay is on the market.

People have come off the DL before…

But is this enough for to propel the Mets to the playoffs? In June and July they seem to have forgotten how to hit the baseball, batting .228 in their past 14 games. They score only 3 runs in 4 games in Philadelphia this weekend and are now losing the season series against them.

It’s hard to be positive when you see the team you root for look like they don’t care anymore. Most of the starting lineup are better than average AAA players.

And then you know you have a problem when you’re relying on Oliver Perez to come off the DL (making his first start tomorrow since going on).

NBA Free Agency Predictions

Preliminary negotiations started today with the first day of signing coming July 8th when the NBA announces the salary cap for next season. As of now, here are my predictions:

Hedo Turkoglu lands in Toronto.

Ben Gordon heads to Detroit.

Anderson Varejao resigns with the Cavs.

Charlie Villanueva also heads to Cleveland or Detroit.

Jason Kidd packs stays put.

Both Trevor Ariza stay put in LA.

Lamar Odom lands in Miami.

Rasheed Wallace heads to Boston.

Big Baby resigns with the Celts.

Andre Miller resigns with the Sixers or goes to the Knicks.

The likes of Allen Iverson? Get back to me on that...Charlotte? Clippers? Memphis?

2 Days Until Draft (So Jump on the Bandwagon)

The Bulls must trade up in this draft. I have fallen in love with one prospect and one prospect only. I like Johnny Flynn, Tyler Hansbrough, Dejuan Blair...I like all these guys. But I don't want any of them. The Bulls must package the 16th pick and 26th pick and try to trade with Indiana for the 13th. For who?

Eric Maynor.

Eric Maynor is the second best point guard in this draft. Easily. Ricky Rubio is the best but Eric Maynor isn't far behind as far as point guard ability. Behind Rubio, he's the most natural and effective point guard in this draft.

If the Bulls truly want to play Derrick Rose off the ball more then Eric Maynor is definately the answer. For some reason, his stock isn't hot but it isn't cold either. In my opinion, I think he has the best point guard game across the board. No true weakness which also means no true strength. But that's just it. His strength is he has no weakness to play effective minutes at the point guard position in the NBA.

If the Bulls are serious, then they must go after this man. I think it'd be smart with some of our guards on the move. We'll just have to wait 45 hours to see.

RJ in SA

Today the Spurs made a blockbuster trade. The Spurs added the off the ball player that was needed so much in competing with the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. They give up good defensive presence in Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas down low but Richard Jefferson is the real deal. A player that has averaged 17 points and over 5 rebounds a game in his carrier. His athleticism is hard to come by and his poise is one of very few. The cool way RJ plays make's him such a great presence to an old grumpy Spurs team that got disappointed this year. His playoff experience help the Spurs who look to win now.

As a kid growing not to far from New Jersey I've seen my fair share of Nets games. I do remember a time going to my cousins house and proceeding to go to the old Continental Airlines Arena and i remember a coast to coast where Richard Jefferson corralled a missed jumper crossed over a motionless defender and and took it in for a non contested finger roll that went right into the basket.

What Richard Jefferson will do for the Spurs is both offensively substantial as well as defensively helpful. He puts another able bodied shooter the opposing defense must pay attention to. This will in effect leave other Spurs open and take pressure off them to score. Defensively he's a 6-7 large smooth runner that can run with the best of them and sink or swim down low with a smaller power forward. He doesn't foul much and can hit the free throw in the clutch. With Manu coming back and George Hill stepping into a new role as well as Tony Parker a 3 time all star will give the Spurs the best front court in the Western Conference.

My prophecy for this trade is that RJ will hit a 3 at the buzzer to beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals only to go on to be the Finals Co-MVP with Tim Duncan. But that's just me. The average NBA fan will see that as a illusion. However I mind you that when the Spurs win another NBA tittle no one will be second guessing any one in the San Antonio Organization about being too old or too boring.

Top 5 Current NBA Point Gaurds

1. Tony Parker - his combination of mid range jump shooting and breaking defenders down makes him the most solid offencive point gaurd in the NBA.
2. Chris Paul - his dynamite scoring and pin point passing him make him the best passer in the game.
3. Steve Nash - this proven vetran can make a pass from anywhere on the court also has unlimited range
4. Deron Williams - the most effective off the pick and roll with amazing shooting touch.
5. Rajon Rondo - This up and coming PG is finding his range and become a more effective scorer, when he plays well there is no way to stop the C's

Another Dagger, But We Continue to Fight

On the day the Mets see All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran go on the DL, they find a way to win vs. the NL Central Leading Cardinals. With injuries to slugger Carlos Delgado, Shortstop Jose Reyes & Pitchers John Maine, Oliver Perez & JJ Putz, the Mets are only 1.5 games back of the Phillies in the NL east. They have proved to the rest of the league that they will not give up because they lost their star players.

This has been possible because players have stepped up in a big way to help this team out. A good example is tonight’s starting pitcher Tim Redding. He came to the Mets from the Nationals with the plan of him being the #5 starter. Since Maine went on the DL, he has been great, not letting up more than 4 earned runs and has 12 strikeouts to 5 walks. A big surprise is Starter Fernando Nieve, who in 2 starts vs. the Yankees and Rays has 2 wins and has only given up 3 earned runs in 12.2 IP. Manager Jerry Manuel has been so pleased with Nieve, who was cut earlier in the year by the Astros, that he has guaranteed him a spot to pitch again even when his regular starters come back from the DL.

Two other contributors to the Mets success is the combination of Alex Cora and Luis Castillo. Cora, who has been a back up for most of his career, has made the most filling in for Jose Reyes. Batter 2nd most games, he leads the team in productive outs with an 83%. Even though it’s an out, 83 out of 100 times it will be productive. With the injuries to the heavy hitters, it’s good to know that somebody like Cora can move the runners up a spot on base so that batters like David Wright and his NL leading .349 BA can drive them in.

Besides dropping the ball at Yankee Stadium, Castillo has found his second wind for his career. Last offseason people were calling for him to be traded or to sign other 2nd baseman’s, but Castillo didn’t let that get to him. He came to spring training in the best shape we’ve seen from him and has played better than most thought he would do. He has stayed healthy and raised his BA and OBP from last year. And not to be left out, he has held down 2nd base like a castle guard, nothing gets through him.

You would think that this team will lay down and die, but Jerry Manuel’s Mets have lived to see the NL East lead right on their finger tips. And they cannot give up because the Phillies won’t give them the crown, we need to go in and take it, then once we get it we need to run away with it like the world is out to get us.

Its A Bird, It's A Plane, No It's... Terrelle Pryor

The Ohio State Buckeyes have always been known to have a powerful football team leading the nation in multiple years. In the past couple of years OSU and the Big Ten Division have been looked down upon due mainly to Ohio States losses in the BSC bowls against Florida, and LSU. Now many people say that Ohio State stands no chance because they just lost 7 of their top players to the NFL. Though people have doubts their is one man who everyone including OSU is putting their faith in...Terrelle Pryor. Terrlle Pryor played high school Football and Basketball for the Jeannette Jayhawks in Pennsylvania. Weighing in at 240 Lbs and standing at 6'6" Terrelle soon became the unanimous #1 football prospect of the 2008 recruiting class, and the most impressive feat, he was the 13th Basketball prospect in the nation. Running a whopping 4.2 forty yard dash, every college knew that he was the pride and glory of the class and of the future. In his first year at Ohio State he did not get a chance to start until the 4th week. He started out running the ball alot and not always looking out for the open man, as weeks past college football annalists began to point out his ability to make drastic changes to his game play in little time, within 3 weeks he began to pass more, and use pump fakes, and run less. What stunned many people was the fact that he lead OSU to a BCS game, the Fiesta Bowl against Texas. Although they lost, he played extremely well, he also got a receiving touchdown. In an article earlier this year the coach of the Buckeyes, Jim Tressell, said that this year they will begin to utilize more of Pryor's athletic and physical ability, sending him on more routes for receptions. Although some skeptics stand in the way between Terrelle Pryor and a BSC match up, his raw athletic ability and talent are sure to convince the naysayers.

Aviv's Mock Draft

1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin - seems to be as locked up as Stafford being a lion.
2. Memphis - Ricky Rubio - this would be a smart decision as Rubio could be the PG of the future but Thabeet wouldn’t surprise me.
3. OKC - Hasheem Thabeet - A 7+ foot monster who could provide a post force for a young and talented frontcourt
4. Kings - Brandon Jennings - his bad play in Europe wont lower his stock
5. Wizards - Jordan Hill - could use a scoring guard that could play a little on or off the ball
6. Minnesota - Tyreke Evans - could bring Minnesota the talent they need. Pick might be moved
7. Golden State - Ty Lawson - need a quick solid back up point guard that will give them an upgrade on D
8. New York Knicks - DeMar DeRozan - to much of an athletic runner that can play d’antoni’s offence
9. Toronto Raptors - James Harden - A solid shooter that will help the offence move for the raptors
10. Milwaukee Bucks - James Johnson - very athletic that can improve on a very weak back court
11. New Jersey Nets - Earl Clark - this big man that can shoot will intrigue the new jersey front office
12. Charlotte - Gerald Henderson - great all around player that will improve a weak offensive team
13. Indiana - Jeff Teague - can create great opportunities playing alongside Danny granger
14. Phoenix - Stephen Curry - amazing stop and pop shooter that will give depth to a low man rotation
15. Detroit Pistons - B.J. Mullens - will provide new legs for the aging Wallace
16. Chicago Bulls - Jonny Flynn – derrick rose off ball? Any takers!
17. 76ers - Eric Maynor - amazing scorer that will provide points for a lost 76ers team
18. T’wolfs – Dejuan Blair - with a possible Al Jefferson trade and the lack of length in the t wolfs lineup he could provide great defense and rebounding
19. Hawks - Jrue Holiday - a fast scoring guard could run a solid offence in place of Bibby in the future
20. Utah - Tyler Hansbrough - Jerry Sloan likes fundamentally sound players and you’ve got one of a kind right here
21. NOLA - Terrence Williams - great off ball skills that could make for a explosive player
22. Dallas - Sam Young - his stock rose when we found out he could shoot the three ball
23. Kings - Austin Daye - the kings look big here Daye is the best pure center in this draft beside Thabeet
24. Portland - Patrick Mills - for some reason I see him dropping this low to a PG needy team. I think Millis is a top 5 talent who would give Portland a complete squad
25. OKC - Wayne Ellington - provides another great shooter to a already great shooting team, his upside is the defense
26. Bulls - Omri Casspi - this tel Aviv star provides a tough sixth man that can take it to the hole
27. Grizzlies - DaJuan Summers - Great defender who can shoot the three ball, and Hoyas are proven this guy doesn’t get enough credit
28. T’Wolfs - Victor Claver - Built like a true international baler
29. Lakers - Jodie Meeks - great spot up shooter that will help the Lakers make up for a Odom or Ariza loss
30. Cavs - Marcus Thornton – amazing rebounder that can also shoot the ball from anywhere

How Am I Still a Mets Fan?

When it comes to being a Mets fan, you learn how to accept bad decisions that lead to a constant braid of losing. But we still love our team, still go to their games and still root for the orange and blue. I guess it’s easier to accept a constant losing team because we began our franchise with one of the worst seasons ever for a baseball team. Today, I make a list of the most horrific team moments in Mets history, and how we as Mets fans live with it.

1962: New York Mets inaugural season starts off on the wrong foot.
Their first game at the old Polo Grounds was rained out. In the next day they played for the first time with Ace Roger Craig taking the mound. Unfortunately for him, he dropped the ball during his wind up with a runner at 3rd and balked in a run. They lost that game and their next eight. They ended the season with the worst record ever for a major league team, 40-120.

1966: Mets get the first pick in the annual draft. They draft catcher Steve Chilcott who never got to the majors, the first time that happened to a number one pick. Pick number two was Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

1971: Mets Trade Future Hall of Fame Pitcher Nolan Ryan for infielder Jim Fregosi. Nolan Ryan went on to pitch 7 no hitters, 324 wins and has the most strikeouts by any pitcher. Jim Fregosi only lasted until 1973 before he was sold away.

1977: Known as the midnight massacre, Mets GM M. Donald Grant
trades away star pitcher Tom Seaver and slugger Dave Kingman at the trading deadline. Although Seaver was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Met (the only Met in the hall of fame), he won his 300th game as a Chicago White Sox and got his only no hitter with Cincinnati Reds. The Mets till this day still don’t have a no hitter.

1988: The heavily favorite Mets lose to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. The Mets beat the Dodgers 10 times out of 11 during the regular season.

Dwight Gooden: He was suppose to be the second coming of Cy Young. He led the Mets to the 1986 championship and also was a Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young award winner. He pitched well until an injury started to affect his arm, most thought the injuries were connected to his cocaine addiction. In 1991 he was accused to have raped someone. 1992 was his first losing season and between then and 1994 went 25-32 before being suspended for 60 due to a positive Cocaine Test. While Suspended he test positive again. After the second positive test he was released by the Mets at 31.

Generation K: Mets fans got new hope as they had 3 young pitchers in the minor leagues that was suppose to take the league by storm.
The first pitcher to come up, Bill Pulsipher, missed all of 1996 and most of 1997 due to injury. He ended his career with a 13-19 record with a 5.15 ERA.
Jason Isringhausen pitched ineffectively with a pulled rib cage in 1996, only had 6 starts in 1997 and missed all of 1998. He was traded to the A’s were he became a closer for them and the Cardinals.
Paul Wilson was the first overall pick in the 1994 draft. He came up in 1996 but was on the DL for the rest of the year after 12 losses and wasn’t in the majors back in the majors until 2000 with the Devil Rays.

1999: Mets lose the NLCS vs. the Braves when Kenny Rogers walked in the bases loading in the 11th inning of game 6.

2000: Mets finally make the World Series after 14 years since 1986. They lose game 5 to the Yankees as Joe Torre was carried off Shea by his team.

2004: Mets trade top prospect Scott Kazmir for Tampa Bay’s pitcher Victor Zambrano hoping to help their rotation for a playoff push. Kazmir, 25, is a two time all star with the Rays while Zambrano went 10-14 in 3 seasons with the Mets. And for the playoff push, the Mets ended the year 20 games under .500

2006: After Endy Chavez saved the day keeping the game tied 1-1, Aaron Heilman gives up a two run homerun in the Top of the 9th of game 7 in the NLCS to Yadier Molina. In the bottom half, the Mets got the bases loaded, but Carlos Beltran Strikes out looking in 3 pitches and the Cardinals went on to win the World Series.

2007: Mets give up the NL East lead to the Phillies after having a 7 game lead with 17 games left. Tied going into the last day of the season the Mets had ace Tom Glavine pitching vs. the last place Marlins.
Glavine did the unthinkable and gave up 7 runs while only getting one out. He was booed out of Shea in his last game as a Met. They lost 8-1 and the Phillies won the NL East.

2008: Déjà vu! The Mets had another lead in September and again they blew it. Going into the last day the Mets were tied with the Brewers for the wild card (the Phillies already took the NL East again). They found themselves once again against the Marlins and once again lost, this time 4-2 while the Brewers won the Wild Card. This game was the last played at Shea Stadium after 44 years. The Mets didn’t make the playoffs as they lost games in the 9th what seemed to be every night. They lost their Closer Billy Wagner in August and if all the Mets games ended in the 8th inning, they could have won the NL east by 12 games.

All this, plus a lot of losing seasons that I didn’t mention shows how much we must love this team. After what seemed like the worst way to lose 2007, the Mets fans were back at Shea, just too see her being torn down as the Mets drowned down the stretch. I still don’t know how we do it, but once you become a Mets fan, it’s hard to get it out of your system.

Who SHOULD Move Up in the Draft This Thursday?

So the Clippers have their man in Blake Griffin. It's no secret the first pick is set like this was the NFL Draft rather than the NBA's but that seems to be the only pick set in stoned. That's slightly odd considering the draft is in four days but the only other certainty is that picks 2-20 can go a number of ways. Some of those teams might not even keep their pick. Should they? What help can two rookies do the Bulls? What can the Knicks pick up at 8 that's worth it? Do the Grizzlies need the 2nd overall pick? The answers are none, nothing, and no.

Ricky Rubio and Hasheem Thabeet sure do interests alot of teams. The Kings are hoping Rubio drops to them at 4 but I don't see that happening at all. If teams drafted by need then maybe but top of the draft is always about getting the best available. Rubio is in the top three, no question. Alot of teams have been inquiring about the Grizzlies pick including the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Celtics (gasp!). I don't know what the Celts are doing but the Knicks & Wolves should try and get this number 2 pick. Both teams can definately use it since they both lack a true point guard and center and those will be the best available.

Whoever is left over, the Thunder will surely take (and I'm sure they hope it's Thabeet).

The Bulls would like to trade up and the Wizards want to trade down. How about they discuss? With the 5th pick, the Bulls would be able to get one of the top point guards in the draft like Flynn or Evans and with this, they'd be able to play Rose off the ball more. It would also give them another guard since Gordon and Hinrich's stay in Chicago seem to be coming to an end. The Wizards don't really need the 5th pick. They'd rather trade down and get some value for the pick and pick up a Dejuan Blair type player to give them a little more size inside. If they took him with the 5th pick, they'd appear insane.

We'll just have to see come Thursday. I know earlier I said that this is an uncertain draft but I can gurantee that there will be a few shakeups at the NBA Draft.

Draft? Sure. Trade? YES.

Chicago has had no major shakeups in quite some time. When acquiring John Salmons and Brad Miller is a major trade, there's definitely something wrong. I mean sure, it was an impactful trade. But major? Jesus. Acquiring Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, or Pau Gasol in 2007 when they were on the block? That's major. So is declining because you want to keep Luol Deng. I feel my anger for John Paxson growing exponentially so let's change topics.


Let's all start with something we know. The Bulls lack size. The Bulls have absolutely no offensive inside presence and have been the joke of the league for some time due to this reason alone. A guard dominated offense that might be losing Ben Gordon soon to the Pistons; I think it's time for Bulls front offices to pull the trigger on a major move this Thursday.

There are a couple of possibilities. The Bulls don't really need to free up money for 2010 like the rest of the league. Brad Miller, Tim Thomas, and others come off the books after this season so they can try and make a run at Chicago native Dwayne Wade.

So let's try and get a big name until then huh? Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh come off the books in 2010 too but why wait? Why not trade for one of them at the draft? Package Luol Deng's contract with someone like Kirk Hinrich or Tyrus Thomas and get one of these legit all star power forwards. Have them play for the Bulls for the 2009-10 season, win a couple of games, make the playoffs, have a fun season. Then they'll sign a contract extension before the season ends. The power forward spot will be solidified with Bosh or Stoudemire, maybe Al Jefferson for some time.

Only in my dreams? I don't think this is so farfetched. I hope Pax is listening...Oh sorry. Not Pax, I mean Gar Forman...

Is Livan Hernandez the Rotations Savior or Disaster Waiting to Happen?

Although Livan Hernandez didn’t get a win last night due to K-Rod’s real first blown save, he sure has been the best #5 in baseball. He’s 2nd out of the starters in ERA, Strikeouts, Innings Pitched & Tied for 2nd in Wins. He has less walks than Ace Johan Santana and is the only Mets pitcher to have a complete game this year.

But the real question is if Livan is for real, and there are plenty of reasons to be worried that he won’t be able to keep up this performance. Last year before the all star break Livan was 9-6. Like this year, he wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot out of spring training but impressed the Twins enough to put him in their starting rotation. At the trading deadline he was traded to the Colorado Rockies and saw his season tumble down. He went 3-3 with an 8.08 ERA, even for Coors Field that’s a high ERA.

But one season isn’t all there is to know about Livan. He is the only pitcher since 2000 to have 10+ wins every season, but also 10+ losses. In his career, his has less innings pitched and wins in the second half of the year than the first. The 34 year old pitcher between 2000-2007 had 200+ innings a season and it doesn’t get easier when you’re older.

So what are the Mets to do come the All-Star Break? Maybe Livan will prove me wrong and pitch as well as he has so far, but if his pattern continues the Mets do need a backup plan. We do have John Maine coming back and Oliver Perez should be checking out of the mental health program soon, maybe we need to put Livan in the bullpen. A long relief role with an occasional spot start. But until then let’s be happy with what we got because going into spring training, who would have ever thought Livan Hernandez will be arguably the most productive pitcher we have.

Bulls Have Two First Rounders...So What?

Yes ladies and gentlemen, the NBA draft is in six days. Come June 26th, NBA fans will be standing on line at 5 in the morning just to get a glimpse at what their favorite NBA franchise will do that night. So what will the Bulls do? How will they solidify the team that had a great playoff run? A playoff run that lasted one round...

Well, word is the Bulls want a point guard. Yeah, you read that right, a point guard. This is not punishment for Derrick Rose not taking his own SAT. It's actually a reward for him. The Bulls would like to play Rose off the ball more which is why they've worked out Syracuse's Johnny Flynn and Louisville's Terrence Williams. This is a weird concept for me to grasp since the Bulls still lack a legit post presence. Dejuan Blair would be great to pick up at 16. If he's there take him, right?

Well yes and no. The one person I don't think the Bulls can pass up on is THAT MAN. UNC's Tyler Hasbrough had doubters. He had haters. He also has a national championship, a college degree, and a National Player of the Year award. Now he has the hottest name in the draft. His workout impressed the Bulls. But it also impressed the Nets. The Nets pick at 11. The Bulls pick at 16 (and 26, but who's counting). So Bulls fans, lets hope the Nets pass up and the Bulls can solidify their already decent frontcourt.

But if he's not there, we can't mope. Terrence Williams can be a good fit so can Ohio State's BJ Mullens. Rumor has it, the Bulls have a promise to Mullens. John Paxson is not dumb (ahem, Mike D'Antoni promising Danilo Gallinari, ahem) anymore. Let's just see where this goes. Let's also pray that Ben Gordon to Detroit thing is also a rumor. That would be just...sad.

Jerry’s 1 year Anniversary

Jerry Manuel entered Wednesday night’s game having survived one year as Mets manager. Taking over for Willie Randolph, Jerry inherited a 2008 Mets ballclub that was under .500 and a few months after completing a historical collapse of the NL east. But the man with the cool glasses and the calm presence in the dugout helped turn around the team and some of its players. Who can forget Carlos Delgado going from bum to hero? The Mets turning around what looked to be a disappointing season too a first place team in September? Even though the season didn’t end the way we wanted, the improvement on the team was obvious after Jerry took over.

But now we look at 2009. The Mets are 3 games over .500 after 63 games and 3 games behind the 1st place Phillies. Jerry has taken a bad rap now for being TOO calm in the dugout and over managing. Has the love for him has warn off and questioning if they need to change managers?

My personal opinion is No for 3 reasons:

1) Jerry has a year and a half on his current contract with the Mets. They are already paying the rest of Willies contract and they wouldn’t want to pay for 3 managers.
2) How is it Jerry’s fault that players keep on getting injured. Alex Cora is a solid player, but he’s not Jose Reyes. The Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis platoon is starting to look like a cartoon at the bat.
3) It’s only game 63! We have 99 game games left and only 3 games back of the Phillies. We aren’t the Nationals; we aren’t going to finish 30 games back.

As Jerry continues his managerial career with the Mets, I think we have to give him until late August to decide what to do with him. By then Reyes,Putz, Wagner and hopefully Delgado will be back by then and he can push again not to lose the NL East Lead. But until then, just get till the 9th with the lead. Give K-Rod the ball and hope that Jerry did fly ball drills with the team that week.

Our First Post

Russell - If you cant already tell I'm a huge Mets fan. I grew up in a Mets family and have been a fan ever since my first game when I was 3 and have been going to Shea (Now Citi Field) since. Like most Mets fans I think my baseball IQ is very high (at least higher than a Yankees Fan) and I know a lot about the Mets. I hope to gain followers and you guys can rely on me for Mets insights and reactions.


Mungo - Being a Bulls fan that's not from Chicago, I get the best of both worlds. Living in New York, listening to ignorant Knicks wisdom while closely paying attention to one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. I am reliable for anything that goes down with the Bulls and for most of basketball. Followers should join if they wish to see the "Baby Bulls" grow up which will be very soon.