First of all, a happy New Year to the SU intergalactic subscriber base. 2023 is upon us.

SU took in most of the Michigan – TCU game and bits and pieces of the Ohio State – Georgia slugfest. While one might question why college football games need to be a full 4 hours (looking at you ESPN and certainly FOX when they are doing the broadcasts), fans were treated to some wild action from start to finish in both games. I know there is not a lot of love going out to the referees this morning on social media, and clearly there were some missed calls. Michigan had a touchdown overturned on a video review where the receiver’s knee hit at the half yard line although he bobbled the catch and did not “complete” the catch until he was in the end zone. I mean that is the rule right?

SU says the good teams overcome the refs. I cannot stand the receivers who call for pass interference on every play or NBA players who are constantly yelling at the refs from start to finish. Or coaches who “work the refs.” The reality is that sports moves quickly and it’s hard to get the calls right in real time. Now, the video replays guys are another story. The targeting call at the end of the Michigan game seemed obvious but it was not to be. SU says live with it. There are so many plays in games and it should not come down to relying on a referee’s call for you to win.

For Michigan, it was easy to see what happened yesterday:

1. Jim Harbaugh teams do not prepare well for bowl games. The record is clear – they never win. They do not seem to know how to navigate the 4-week break after playing weekly for 3 months. SU is not a fan of the long breaks for the bowl games but…. you have to love these games on New Year’s Eve. So that is a trade-off.
2. Play calling at the goal line was head scratching. The double reverse on 4th down and 3 in the 1st quarter? Michigan teams do not run gadget plays and they are as conservative as any team out there. All season long they kick the field goal there. SU understands if you want to be aggressive but to run that play with only one receiver to throw to (the quarterback)? Nope. And then after the overturn on the touchdown to Wilson on the half yard line, the quick hand off on 1st down to the converted linebacker to fullback? Every other team (as in every other team) runs the quarterback sneak with 7 blockers pushing the QB from behind. Btw, that rule needs to change. It’s stupid.
3. Michigan had so many chances to regain control of the game if their defense could have made a stop. So much blitzing on 3rd down where the TCU QB, to his credit, bought time and found a receiver for a long touchdown or a long completion. Play straight up defense as you did ALL season. Why change your whole approach? Head scratching.
4. Run JJ McCarthy. Your best athlete on offense and a playmaker. Yet in the 1st half, no zone read runs for him while the TCU quarterback had several for solid gains. Frustrating.
5. How are you supposed to attack the 3-3-5 defense? SU does not know but it did seem hard to run against it last night.

Bottom line for Michigan: credit to TCU but Michigan beat themselves. Two pick 6’s are hard to overcome at any level (although on that second one, no way that defender catches that more than once every 10 times. Hit him right on his hands. Great play). The coaches did not put the players in the best position to win with the play calling and approach. The rumors are already out there that Harbaugh is going back to the NFL (Denver Broncos) but SU says he is not an NFL coach. He is built for college – not for the more creative offensive schemes of today’s NFL game. SU hopes he stays at Michigan.

What SU saw of the Ohio State – Georgia game was wild. Certainly, for a Michigan fan, seeing Ohio State get to the championship game next week and likely win over TCU would have been hard to swallow so I was happy with the outcome. But the Buckeyes put up a lot of points against the best defense in the country, and it took a furious Georgia rally to pull this one out. Ohio State was down a few playmakers at the end but their QB is the real deal. Of course, Georgia scored too early at the end to take the lead. 52 seconds and 2 timeouts in college football is an eternity. Crazy ending – and right at midnight!

Does TCU have a shot vs. Georgia? I suppose they do but seems unlikely. Their defense was exposed by Michigan.

SU is ready for the 12-team college football championship playoffs in 2024. Having games that are played closer to the end of the regular schedule is a good start and having games at the schools’ stadiums is also great. True, the “student athletes” (as the NCAA likes to say) will be distracted from studying for their final exams but hey, we need to be entertained and college football delivers. Bring it on.

Finally, for the Michigan fans out there, you can agonize over the odd play calls, missed tackles, ref calls, etc. but you have to move on. SU is still a JJ McCarthy fan and I believe you will see him at the next level in a couple of years. Some coach will turn him loose to run along the lines of a Jalen Hurts or Justin Fields, and he has a future. You lick your wounds and move on to the next gut wrenching fan experience – like fantasy football! Conference college basketball is just beginning and the NBA and NHL seasons are in full swing now (at least when players are not being rested for load management). And in 2 weeks you have the NFL playoffs.

Thoughts about yesterday’s games? The floor is open.

Those following the Carlos Correa saga last saw him agree to an 11-year contract with the SF Giants with a signing ceremony set for yesterday. Then, that was canceled as some type of “medical issue” popped up in the physical. Now, we wake up today and Correa has apparently agreed to a 12-year, $315 million contract with the Mets to play 3rd base next to Lindor at shortstop.

Steve Cohen clearly is not concerned about his payroll (somewhere around $380 million now) with another $100 million in luxury tax on top of that. He is the new George Steinbrenner of baseball. Assuming the “medical issue” is not a big deal and Correa passes his Mets’ physical, they immediately become one of the 1-2 favorites for 2023 to win it all. And the NL East is also the center of the universe with 3 great teams in the Phillies, Braves and Mets.

Now, SU is not a fan of the long-term contracts as we all know they end badly, and the Mets will have 2 of them on the left side of the infield. The Yankees will have Stanton and Judge in that category soon enough as well. But as a fan, you love to see your owner spending money on your team and for Met fans, they have not had this since…. forever. They are also unveiling a new center field scoreboard in 2023 which may be the 2nd tallest structure in New York City.

Exciting times in Flushing. Good for baseball? Probably not but certainly within the rules and Steve Cohen has the money to spend so good for him. As the Yankees tread water with their own inflated payroll and watch Matt Carpenter sign with the Padres and Benintendi with the White Sox, one wonders what their strategy is? SU is fine going with the top prospects in 2023 and giving them a shot. Always prefer the youngsters vs. watching Stanton pull his calf muscles running out to right field once a week.

So, Met fans – was this a good thing? Money well spent?

Hal Steinbrenner is not his dad but he can read the tea leaves. Steve Cohen’s payroll over at the Mets is pushing $350 million and Hal’s long-time position of “we have a budget” is now officially out the window. First it was $360 million for Aaron Judge (“double Chai” for our Jewish subscribers) and now $162 million for 6 years for the “oft” (as in always) injured Carlos Rodon. It’s a risk but SU says well worth it.

The reality is that pitching and throwing a baseball close to 100 mph is an unnatural motion. Arms and muscles were not meant to do this year after year. That’s why there are so many injuries and Tommy John surgeries. The chances of any pitcher making it through his contract unscathed are low. Look at Luis Severino: he is on the IL every year. As in every year. SU says roll the dice on Rodon and go for the championship in 2023.

The Yankees still have a need in left field unless they feel Aaron Hicks will be getting better with age (here’s a hint: he’s not). Andrew Benintendi is still out there but rumor has it he wants to play in warmer weather down South (hey, Yankee Stadium is in the South Bronx). The other option is Bryan Reynolds on the Pirates who could be acquired in a trade for Gleyber Torres and a top prospect. SU is interested to see how Brian Cashman plays it.

Some were predicting that the Mets would get Carlos Correa but it was hard to see how you load up so much money between Lindor and him. Smart to have stayed away from that one. And what is up with the 8 – 9 year deals for shortstops who will be 40 years old at the end of their deals? Is this the new normal? It’s clear that owners are sitting on a ton of cash and are spending this off season.

SU is getting a bit frustrated with the NBA. It’s not a good look when a team in the Western Conference makes its only appearance in an Eastern Conference city and then rests 3 of its starters for “load management.” As a fan, you may have shelved out hundreds of dollars for a ticket to see Steph Curry or Durant and then he is resting? No doubt, it’s the coaches sending a message to the League Office that they don’t like the back-to-back games but it’s the reality of the business. SU does not recall the Knicks doing that back in the late 1960s with Red Holzman the only coach and the trainer, Danny Whelan, keeping track of timeouts and stats. So funny today to see 3 assistants on the bench and then about 5 – 6 more in the row behind. Different era.

Finally, World Cup soccer is pretty cool. SU has watched its share of games and while there are long stretches where little is happening (picture watching Chapman pitching last year), the ability of these guys to thread passes in the box is pretty amazing. I am still not there but starting to get it. Next, I will work on hockey!

Met and Yankee fans: are you feeling it for 2023?

Nine years; $360 million. But hey, it’s a living. The Yankees may have wanted to get this done in April of this past year. SU likes Judge and nice that he will stay in New York but this contract will not end well. The question is how many years will he be healthy and productive?

You can say it’s not your money and just sign him but Hal manages to a budget and you have to wonder how they fill in the other pieces now. Cashman is signed for 4 more years as well. $40 beers coming to a theatre near you.

Good move by the Yankees? Too much money in Stanton and Judge now to build around them effectively? Thoughts?

SU was surprised to see that the Texas Rangers backed up the Brinks truck to give Jacob deGrom $185 million for 5 years. Last time I checked, deGrom is 34 years old and if I do the match correctly, he will be 39 at the end of this deal. He has a recent history of arm and shoulder issues. He throws over 100 mph and the biology says that it’s hard to stay healthy in baseball doing that for any extended period. The Mets were smart to walk away from this one. You can’t criticize Steve Cohen – the right move. Max Scherzer is already commanding over $40 million a year and there are not many examples of hard throwers lasting this long other than Justin Verlander.

Meanwhile, the latest talk on Aaron Judge is 9 years. That will put him at just about 40 years old. Now, he is a great guy, the face of the franchise and is coming off a historic season. He will be the next Yankee captain. The Yankees apparently have 8 years and $300 million on the table. If the SF Giants are offering the 9th year, you know Hal will go for it although rumor has it that Cashman is not as enamored about resigning Judge as Hal. SU says hold your nose and get it done. We will pay $22 for beers and $40 for a burger and fries. Perhaps they will clear the roster now of the Josh Donaldsons (least favorite Yankee player for SU) and try and move the Generational One (not possible). SU is ready to bring up the youngsters.

The BCS Committee will make its decision in a few hours. SU says this should be easy: 1) Georgia; 2) Michigan; 3) TCU; and 4) Ohio State. TCU has a strong strength of schedule and should not be penalized for losing in OT in a conference championship game. Ohio State should not jump 2 spots from #5 to #3 without playing and if the Committee wants a rematch with Michigan, that’s fine but it should be in the championship game. Alabama? No – absolutely not. True, their losses were in close games but so were a few of their wins. They are stacked with first round draft picks but they are not worthy or deserving this year with 2 losses. Apparently the BCS has never had a 2- loss team in the final 4. Case closed. Please do not surprise us.

Finally, props to the US Men’s Soccer Team for a great World Cup showing. The 2026 World Cup is going to be in North America and the 22-year olds on this year’s team will be in their prime in a few years. The US should be well-positioned for that next World Cup. Btw, Saudi Arabia is a leading contender for the 2030 World Cup. I mean, that cannot happen right?

As stated last week, SU was not overly optimistic about Michigan’s chances against a powerhouse Ohio State team on the road. However, for the record I did make this statement: JJ McCarthy will have to have a career game which he is capable of (I think so although I am in the minority on this) if the coaches trust him enough to let him throw more. Clearly, the Michigan coaches are avid followers of SU and made the adjustment in the offensive game plan as McCarthy had a huge game with 3 long touchdown passes and running one in. SU watched the game with long-time subscriber, S. Levine, and relatively new subscriber, P. Lenz, who is now undefeated in his viewing appearances including two in-person games this year. SU’s observations:

1. Michigan was a bit lucky in the first half with two long touchdown passes in the 2nd quarter. Keep in mind that McCarthy has failed to complete these passes all year – as in all year. That kept them in the game while Ohio State was moving the ball effectively up and down the field.
2. Some may disagree with this statement but I think the Ohio State coach, Ryan Day, who calls the plays, just got bored with his play calling. For me, all he had to do was run his back-up running back on 1st down for 6 yards and then do short passes to his NFL-caliber receivers. It didn’t feel like Michigan could really stop either of those plays. But on critical 3rd down plays, he went to some trickery that just didn’t feel necessary – and also didn’t work. This happened a few times and killed some drives. Michigan had zero pressure on the Ohio State Heisman caliber quarterback and he is incredibly accurate. Some of the play calling really backfired from my perspective.
3. Michigan makes great adjustments at half time. Especially on defense and this has been consistent all year. Michigan outscored Ohio State 28-3 in the 2nd half. They may have taken away some of the short passes in the 2nd half but not sure.
4. Lots of criticism for Day’s decisions to not go for it on 4th down and short yardage in the 2nd half near mid-field. SU does not fault those decisions as it was unlikely that Michigan could sustain a long drive down the field. The game was still close there – hard to argue with that. However, the fact that they were in a 4th down and short yardage situation was on him I think.
5. Harbaugh finally allowed McCarthy to run in the 2nd half. They didn’t have Corum and Edwards was holding the ball in his opposite hand due to a broken thumb and a large cast. Every one of his runs was scary as you wondered if he would fumble. McCarthy is as fast as their running backs and allowing him to run on the zone read plays has been there most of the season. Difference maker yesterday.

Should Ohio State be in the final four now? You can definitely make the case. Enough other teams lost yesterday – LSU, Clemson – that they should be in the mix. I guess it comes down to TCU and USC. A closer loss would probably make this a no-brainer. No doubt the point difference will be a big factor. SU believes that the “committee” prefers to have different conferences represented unless it’s the SEC when they have no issue (hey, it’s the best conference so I get it).

For a Michigan fan (at least for the last 16 years), what a great day given how they have been dominated by Ohio State for most of these years. Very unexpected outcome and it’s why we love college football.

New York football fans have been enjoying surprisingly good starts for both the Jets and Giants this season. Until now. As we get ready to head into December, the storm clouds are on the horizon. The Giants have won a lot of close games – as in a lot. The football gods rarely let you go through an entire season of doing just that. At some point, you need to start putting points on the board and not rely on late field goals and touchdowns to determine the outcome. The schedule gets harder now with Dallas on Thanksgiving and then 2 dates with the Eagles. A wild card would be huge for the Giants this year. Can they find another gear? Hard to see that.

The Jets managed to lose a game vs. New England in truly unique fashion with a late, late, late punt return for a touchdown. I mean, that just cannot happen. It feels like a quarterback change may be coming although Joe Flacco is not an upgrade. SU is amazed at how mediocre NFL quarterbacks are this season. It must give college quarterbacks hope to have a career in the NFL even if they were not that great in college. It doesn’t take much to be a game manager and avoid turning it over.

Kyrie Irving is back and has apologized. SU still cannot root for the Nets but at least Irving is trying – for now. The over/under is 20 days before the next flare-up.

You probably did not watch it but Novak Djokovic won the ATP Men’s end of year championships beating 5 top 10 players in a row in the round robin format. He has now won this 6 times in his career. SU is still annoyed with him on his anti-vax stance but his career record is pretty amazing. He will turn 36 next year and is still at the top of the game.

The Mets are kicking the tires on Justin Verlander and are also expected to bring back deGrom. Is that even possible financially? The Yankees have made their offer to Judge but apparently the Dodgers might be in the mix now and Judge is from California. SU says the Yankees must have offered the captaincy to Judge as part of the deal and given who has been a captain for the Yankees historically, that has to be a tiebreaker for Judge. At some point, it’s not just about the money – at least SU thinks so with Judge. It’s history and your legacy. SU says he returns to the Yankees and that has to be just step #1 for the team.

Michigan vs. Ohio State this Saturday for the Big Ten East and a slot (most likely) in the college football playoff assuming they win the Big Ten Championship game. While SU is all in on Michigan, I don’t see how they stay with Ohio State offensively as you know they will put up points with their top passing game. JJ McCarthy will have to have a career game which he is capable of (I think so although I am in the minority on this) if the coaches trust him enough to let him throw more. I will manage my expectations for Saturday. Truth be told, the Big Ten is terrible this year aside from these two teams and Penn State. Now having said this, these teams will run the table in the Bowls but strength of schedule will not help Michigan if they lose to Ohio State.

Finally, the World Cup kicks off for the US team this afternoon. SU will do its best to get on board with the World Cup this year but I must admit soccer does not come naturally for me.

Apologies for not posting sooner. SU has been more focused on the election the last several weeks which to be honest is more interesting (and important) than how much money Aaron Judge gets from the Yankees. However, SU has been giving some thought to the start of free agency and I have a few options for Hal Steinbrenner and the Yankees to consider.

Option 1: Many are expecting Hal to open the bank and sign not only Judge plus other big name free agents like Correa. Sure, that is an option but SU would prefer to see Hal re-sign Judge (yes) but then use his remaining budget to clear space for the youngsters. Looking at you Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks. Ship them out somewhere and eat the remaining money on their contracts in the process. I would rather see that happen than be limited budget-wise for other moves and end up keeping those two. They essentially block the next Gen players from getting significant playing time. This is the addition by subtraction option and probably fits into the Yankees’ budget.

Option 2: The bolder option is to re-sign Judge and then work a trade for Ohtani. This would energize the fan base. True, you would need to part ways with a couple of the top prospects including Volpe but as we all know, the Yankee prospects are always over-hyped and overrated. As in always. Be bold and get the fans excited for 2023.

SU believes they will trade Gleyber Torres for sure as it’s time to put LeMahieu at some position like 2nd base full time – or 3rd base if that is what is needed. You have to figure they bring back Anthony Rizzo for another 1 – 2 years.

SU was surprised that the Mets went for a 5-year, $102 million deal for Diaz as the closer. While he is only 28 years old, most relievers are up and down from year-to-year unless you are Mariano Rivera. A 5-year deal is unheard of for a reliever. SU assumes they still have money to bring back deGrom – perhaps overpay for 3 years. SU says the Mets are the most interesting team to watch in free agency. Their time to win is now.

Well, the Nets decided to not make the absolutely worst decision and hire the suspended Celtics coach to be their new coach this year. Looks like cooler heads prevailed on this one as they are having Jacques Vaughn manage the rest of the season. SU has noted that the team is playing better since Kyrie Irving was suspended – who would have thought that? Such a good guy. Btw, the general non-comment by the NBA players regarding Kyrie’s anti-Semitic actions are noted by SU. I guess the fact that there is one Jewish player in the NBA (on the Wizards) is not enough to draw more widespread condemnation. The Nets have to cut him loose and some team will surely pick him up as he is a top 10 player in the League and probably the best 1-on-1 player around. But his track record as a team wrecker is well-documented so proceed at your own risk NBA owners and GMs.

SU and several SU intergalactic subscribers took in the Rutgers – Michigan game last Saturday night. College football in-person is always one of the most fun and enjoyable experiences for a sports fan. For professional events, fans are too angry and pissed off (and drunk). I am not saying college sports are pure (and the students are certainly feeling no pain) but the environment is so much better – both for college football and basketball. Much preferred.

So, what should Hal do with Judge? He is going to cost $340 million or so for 8 years. Sign him? Let him go and get 2-3 high quality pieces?

Interesting sports weekend as SU decompresses from another failed Yankee post-season. But lots to watch on the sports front in the Fall:

1. The brawl in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium after Michigan beat up on Michigan State was bad. It’s a bad look for college sports. We all love the rivalry games but in sports, you have to accept and acknowledge losing (unlike in politics these days for some but I know, “stick to sports” so I will not go there). Michigan State coach, Mel Tucker, likes to fire up his players but SU says he needs to teach them how to lose (they are getting enough chances this year btw). Several of their players beat up on a couple of Michigan players who happened to be in the tunnel at the end of the game. Suspensions are coming and no doubt there will be criminal charges as well (good). Tucker punted on really commenting after the game and we will see just how he handles it. Michigan plays intense games vs. Ohio State every year and SU can never recall seeing anything like that. This is a reflection of leadership at Michigan State. Own it and fix it.
2. The Giants came back down to reality yesterday in Seattle. The reality is that their 6 – 2 record is a best case scenario as they have won every close 4th quarter game until this week. Their offensive line has been decimated by injury and Barkley earns every yard he gets as the holes are just never that big. But they are still a great story and have a favorable near term schedule. Daniel Jones is playing with a new fire but if they keep running him this much, something bad will happen. Fans hope they can keep it going.
3. Are the Eagles that good? Or is the rest of the NFL a bit mediocre this year?
4. What is up with the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray? SU says roll him out of the pocket and let him make plays. He is too short to be a pocket passer and his strength is his speed. If he is on your fantasy team, you know what I mean.
5. Kyrie Irving: enough. SU gives props to the Nets’ owner who immediately came out to condemn Irving’s postings of anti-Semitic stories on social media. I caught his post-game comments on Saturday night. A-hole. Great 1-on-1 player but is he the player to be the face of your franchise? He can do a talk show with Alex Jones when he retires – or when he becomes untouchable for any NBA owner. The Nets are a mess.

Election Day is a week from tomorrow. Don’t forget to vote. It matters more this year than ever before.

Well, Yankee fans can now join Met fans (and Brave fans) and look ahead to 2023. Losing to the hated Astros certainly hurts but if you take the emotion out of it, you can admit that the Yankees lost to a superior team. Getting swept is not a close call even though a couple of the games were winnable.

SU offers up these thoughts:

1. The shift goes away in 2023. Does that mean that teams will no longer be so reliant on the home run as putting the ball in play will likely find more holes?
2. When all of your hitters are trying to hit home runs, isn’t that hard against relievers throwing 95 mph high fastballs? Or is that an optical illusion? Or is that reflective of the Yankees not getting almost any hits from the 7th inning on?
3. When you have a lead-off double from IKF in the 2nd inning and Trevino is up, do you not at least try and bunt the runner over? Or try and hit a ground ball to the right side from a hitter who struggled throughout the playoffs? Or do the analytics people say you never sacrifice an out?
4. How many of the Yankee relievers who were over extended in these playoffs develop arm trouble in 2023? Keep an eye on that one. Happens every year to the teams that have deep playoff runs.
5. Player health is a factor. The Yankees were very healthy the first half of the year but definitely had their share of injuries in the 2nd half. Was that a difference maker? Nope.
6. SU is not sure Judge will re-sign with the Yankees. I think he wants to but if the SF Giants make a crazy offer, Hal may not match it. And SU says you cannot put all of your dollars into any one player. The truth is that Judge performs like A-Rod. Great in the regular season but his post-season stats are not very good. You can hope Judge has that one 2009 post season (hopefully not PED-aided) but there is a large enough sample size now that says he may not thrive in October. Something to consider. On the other hand, he totally carried this team in 2022, and covered up the ineptitude and really poor performances by many of his teammates who get to fly under the radar. He would be the captain in 2023 and SU is sure that the team will make that clear. It may be time to roll out Jeter to close the deal.
7. IKF will be gone but Donaldson is still under a $25 million contract and can’t be moved. Stanton has many years left on his deal and while he shows he can produce in October, his $30 million+ salary clogs up the budget.

SU would be thrilled to clean house and go with the youngsters as they have some really good infielders and even a catcher in the high end of the minor leagues. But that is not the Yankee way and no doubt Cashman will be pressured to sacrifice some of them in trades for high paid veterans. Rinse and repeat. And a year from now we will be having the same conversation.

Both Cashman and Boone will stay. Hal is not one to like making such bold moves and he is certainly comfortable with Cashman.

Bottom line: the Mets have a better chance of putting a dynamic team on the field in 2023 as the Yankees will not have the budget flexibility. Houston is a lot better at this point and it’s not that close. It will be an interesting off-season for sure.

We move on. The Giants and Jets are interesting stories and the Knicks look good so far. College hoops is just around the corner. Lick your wounds and enjoy the night time free time. SU will root for the Phillies but truth be told, I don’t tend to watch much of the World Series. The Phillies are a great story and SU likes former Yankee coaches, Rob Thomson and Kevin Long. Easy to root for those guys to succeed.

Feel free to vent here or disagree. The floor is yours.