17 posts tagged “random notes”
Here's a classic, from my favorite band of all time:
I recently agreed to team up with the writers over at The Voice of the Yankees Universe, which is one of the fastest-growing and most widely read Yankees blogs out there. My first post went up tonight - it's about the state of the bullpen.
I can't quite put my finger on it...
Maybe it's the fact that Jordin Sparks is sitting on Tommy Lasorda's lap? Maybe it's the coaches in the background? Or maybe it's the fact that the two of them have as much in common as David Wells and Richard Simmons.
If only Manny were on the other lap - now that would be a good picture.
I read on Pete Abe's blog today that the Yankees have made a medical move: team physician Stuart Hershon is stepping down and will be replaced by Dr. Chris Ahmad.
Dr. Chris Ahmad, I said to myself. This name sounds familiar.
It turns out, one of my buddies has Dr. Ahmad as his doctor. And next month, Dr. Ahmad will be performing surgery on said buddy.
Hopefully, he will spread the word of The Bronx Insider to Dr. Ahmad (who will subsequently tell all of the Yankees about it).
Check out what I dug up from my room today:
For those that don't remember, this was the scorecard from the 22-0 defeat the Yanks endured against the Indians in August 2004. I was only 13 at the time, but I kept score during every game I watched (and I still do, to this day).
Ah, good times.
This weekend will feature two very good football games. The winner of each game will deservedly earn a spot in Superbowl XLIII.
Last week, I went 1-3. Hopefully I get these two games right and make it an even 3-3 for the playoffs.
Here are my picks:
Eagles 28, Cardinals 24
No one expected the 9-7 Cardinals to last this long in the playoffs, but they have proven everyone wrong. Kurt Warner is adding on to his Hall of Fame career with remarkable efforts, and Larry Fitzgerald is cementing himself as the best wide receiver in football. Still, I'm going to take the Eagles with the combination of McNabb, Westbrook, Dawkins, et. al.
Steelers 13, Ravens 9
Joe Flacco has arguably been the most successful rookie QB of all time. But, if you look closely, it was the Ravens defense that won them the games last week and the week before. I'm confident the Steelers will be able to take down the Ravens behind the backs of Big Ben, Willie Parker, and Hines Ward.
Final Prediction for Superbowl XLIII: Eagles vs. Steelers in an all-Pennsylvania matchup.
Tough loss by the Giants today. Eli Manning made some horrible passes into double coverage and missed a lot of his receivers. The Eagles defense also held Jacobs and Ward all game long.
What a complete mirror image of the playoffs last year, when the Giants faced four teams, all with 10+ wins, all on the road, and won all of them. This year, they play the 9-win Eagles and lose at home. Go figure.
Oh, well. Only one month left until pitchers and catchers report.
Some great NFL playoff games will be on this weekend. Here's what I'm thinking:
Giants 27, Eagles 14
The Giants will have their running game back with the return of Brandon Jacobs. Ward will still be there to back him up, and if necessary, Bradshaw is available. Eli Manning went 4-0 in the playoffs last year (all on the road), so he will be comfortable playing in his home stadium against the Eagles. The Eagles are hot, but I am confident that the Giants defense will be able top stop Westbrook and McNabb.
Panthers 40, Cardinals 28
DeAngelo Williams has emerged as a weapon for the Panthers, and with Jonathan Stewart backing him up, the Panthers' running game far exceeds the Cardinals and Edgerrin James. Kurt Warner is probably a better QB than Jake Delhomme, but I'll still take the Panthers over the Cards.
Steelers 13, Chargers 10
Few expected San Diego to beat Indianapolis last week, and no one expected San Diego to be in this position after a 4-8 start. Still, even though the Chargers have won 5 in a row, the Steelers have a superior defense. Pittsburgh has shut down opponents all season, and I am confident they will be able to control Sprowles and LT. Big Ben might be coming off a concussion, but I'm going to take Pittsburgh by a field goal.
Titans 24, Ravens 17
For awhile, Tennessee was the best team in football, but of late, they have struggled. Baltimore is coming off a huge win against Miami, and with safety Ed Reed leading the way on defense, Kerry Collins will have to avoid mistakes in passing. I still like Tennessee; Chris Johnson has emerged as a star running back, and Kerry Collins, although graying, has been a formidable QB all season long.
As 2008 comes to a close, here is a tribute to some of the top no-names the Yankees had on their roster this year:
Morgan Ensberg: In 28 games, Ensberg hit .203 before he was released. He proved to be a somewhat valuable commodity off the bench in the beginning of the year.
Alberto Gonzalez: Alberto hit .173 in 28 games before he was traded to the Nationals.
Richie Sexson: Sexson was acquired at the trade deadline last year to serve as a backup first baseman. In 22 games he hit .250. His most memorable moment was a grand slam that he hit in Texas.
Chris Britton: Britton was called up and sent down about 50 times in 2008. He appeared in 15 games and had a 5.09 ERA. He was let go this offseason.
Scott Patterson: Patterson had a strong Spring Training but failed to make the Opening Day roster. He was called up later and pitched in just one game. He gave up one run in one and a third inning, giving him a 6.75 ERA on the year.
From the ever-zealous Torii Hunter:
"Man, that's crazy. Those damn Yankees! They don't play around. When they're trying to win, they're trying to win. It's crazy. They just paid $27 million in luxury tax. That's like 27 dollars to them. They don't even care."
Hmm, where have I heard this before? Oh right, there was an entire broadway musical based off this notion.
Sorry Torii, I don't think the Yankees are going to stop spending any time soon.
