Happy December, everyone. I am not sure what it is but SU has a much better handle on the sports world as of this morning. Let me share with you:
- First of all, SU needs to be on Twitter. I realize that I have a lot to say at all times and SU must be heard. Note to SU staff: let’s get to work on that.
- Second, MLB and the Players’ Union have reached a deal and this is going to open up the trade and free agent market bigly. Brian Cashman has been waiting to see this resolved. In short order, you will see:
- the signing of Aroldis Chapman for much, much too money as the closer as the Yankees have no confidence that Betances has the head for that role
- the signing of Carlos Beltran which SU is against OR the signing of Mike Napoli of the Indians. I think it comes down to how much confidence they have in Greg Bird being able to regain the form of late 2014. Apparently, he struggled mightily in the Arizona Fall League. Napoli can fill both the DH and first base roles. SU says go young and stick with Bird
- a trade for a starting pitcher as Cashman starts to use some of his prospects. I don’t think he will sign a big ticket free agent pitcher for way too much money. Been there, done that. Does not work and certainly not for the last few years of the contract
- Third, SU has seen the future of the Knicks last night in the late 3rd quarter and early part of the 4th quarter and it was great. Noah was out with an injury and Courtney Lee had sprained his ankle. Hornacek had KP out there with all the young guys plus Jennings at the point. They built a healthy 17-point lead in no time and it was great fun to watch. Of course, when the lead shrunk a bit, he brought Melo and Rose back in and it was very predictable from there as momentum and ball movement were lost. But here’s the thing: he benched Rose for the last few minutes and while Melo was the hero with his game winner, he had bricked his last few shots before then. This will be good long-term as Rose will be pissed off and knows that he is not guaranteed minutes. He is really a 2-guard; passing just does not come naturally to him while Jennings is playing the best of his career and amazingly unselfishly. The offense just does not flow with Rose who is looking to drive and shoot first and the pass is really a last resort for him. Phil Jackson has a chance to move Rose and Noah/Melo and really set them up long-term before he heads back out West.
- And finally, regarding the college football rankings, it’s pretty apparent that if Washington and/or Clemson lose this weekend, Michigan moves up to the top 4 where quite frankly they belong. The committee has said that it’s their job to put the 4 best teams in the playoffs. They also said that as of today, the difference between Michigan and Washington is razor thin. I believe that if Washington wins unimpressively, they could even slip to 5th. Plus think about it: you could have a rematch of Ohio State and Michigan either in the semis or finals. If their goal is to make money for the NCAA, this is a pay-per-view type bonanza. Highest rated game of all time with Super Bowl type numbers.
Anyway, just wanted to share my rant with you this morning. Feel free to weigh in. And always happy to hear from others as well vs. the usual suspects.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Two teams with one name. The Knicks need to decide which one it will be. The answer may be obvious to us, but the old guard way of thinking needs to gotten rid of already. One on one isn’t the way to win in the long run. A Young “Frankenstein” is more mobile than the old version. GO YOUNG…..
Yes, its nice to be as youthful as possible but a few key Vets sprinkled into the Yankee lineup that are proven will help in many ways. Some consistency and helping to nurture the youngins. We need some players who can hit over 270… at least 4-5 of them.
Michigan in their past 4 games have not impressed anyone offensively. Yes, their defense is good but they have lost 2 games. They should not be so close to Washington in total points, however the appeal to have them in the top 4 appears more political and revenue driven than the actual quality of their overall team play.That’s a shame. I’m sure Penn State and Wisconsin has something to say about this too.
If Washington/Clemson loses and Penn State beats Wisconsin (or loses barely), you’d think Michigan moves to fourth. They dismantled penn state earlier in the year – it wasn’t even close. But if Wisconsin crushes Penn State, it’s a mess. I’m not sure Michigan maintains its potential hold on that fourth spot while the team that won the big ten conference (another 2 loss team) is 5th. But maybe the committee will realize that Michigan was pretty dominant over Wisconson earlier in the year despite the close score. And if Wisconsin had Ohio State on their schedule they’d probably be a 3 loss team. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Signing Chapman for ridiculous money may be OK but it’s a shame because it makes the Miller trade that much more questionable. It’s all TBD until we know what the prospects turn into but a top notch closer at a cheap price for another year is a valuable thing. That said, Chapman really impressed me in the World Series. Especially when he was going out there for multiple innings with no gas left in the tank but still managed to get by with 90 mph sliders. (Or maybe that should alarm me?)
I liked Greg Bird when he was up in 2015 but getting injured seemed to make his stock rise in the organization. The reality is that he was serviceable in his few weeks with the team but he didn’t show any signs of greatness. Certainly didn’t prove himself to be the obvious next in line when you look at Mattingly-Martinez-Giambi-Texiera. Not even sure his upside matches the last two in their Yankee years but we’ll see.
I’m saying no to Beltran. He just doesn’t make sense with this team because he will be a logjam at DH where I think we’d like to see Sanchez when he’s not catching. If Sanchez turns out to be their best hitter, they will need lineup flexibility to get him at bats every day. Beltran would make the lineup less flexible.
I will also say no to Twitter but I thought it was impossible to tweet your way to the White House so what do I know?
With a kid at Wisconsin and Penn State, tough game to watch on Saturday. Wisconsin’s only 2 losses are a close game with MIchigan and an overtime loss to Ohio State. Penn St beat Ohio State and was crushed by Michigan, but hasn’t lost since then and is playing much better than they were in September. Michigan has lost the last two games. The Big Ten Conference champ deserves to go over Michigan or conference play means nothing.
Steph, I like the passion! I think you had better watch the championship game at a neutral site – maybe Oklahoma or some place like that. I understand the argument for the Big Ten champion to be part of the mix but I also believe the intent is to have the top 4 teams play in the playoffs. I am not a fan of the recency effect when it comes to wins and losses as that is often subject to who you play, where and when. Good luck Saturday and make sure you show compassion to the losing child!
I think the selection committee knew what they were planning weeks ago based on what games are left and who they want to see in the final 4. A round 1 Alabama vs. Michigan match up followed by a round 2 Alabama vs Ohio State with a non Big 10 team as the 3 seed. Michigan is on the outside looking in but the committee is counting on either the 3 or 4 seed team to lose their conf final so they can get their dream match up.
On the Knicks roster – Phil realizes that the Celtics have the right to swap 1st round picks with the Knicks so he wanted to put a competent team out there since their is no incentive to tank but I doubt he is thinking that Melo and Rose are the key to the future. Trading Melo to a contender for the right deal to give him an opportunity for ring is one graceful exit strategy. Rose’s contract is done after this year so there is the other exit strategy. That gives them a chance for a semi successful season this year but gives them the freedom next year to go after who they need. Having said that, any good point guards coming available?