Thursday, June 26, 2008

Mets Claim Andy Phillips


According to Ken Rosenthal the New York Mets have claimed 1st baseman and former Yankee Andy Phillips. Phillips should serve as a right handed bat of the bench and could also split time at first with Carlos Delgado and play second every once in a while. Rosenthal believes newly brought in Wayne Krivsky had a big part in bringing in Phillips.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wayne Dubielewicz Going to Russsia?!?!?!


According to this Russian website Wade Dublielewicz is going over to Russia and play for Kazan. It reads

As it became known "SE", "Ak Bars" concluded a two-year agreement with the 29 - year old Canadian goalkeeper "Aylenders" Wayne Dubelevichem.
...Dubielewicz was one of the best backups in the league and always did a nice job when he had to fill in for an injured goalie. Two years ago he put the islanders on a playoff run beating the Devils in the final game of the season to make it as the 8th seed after some people *cough*Sam Rosen*cough* had said they were mathematically eliminated after losing to the Rangers a few games earlier.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Snee Extended and More


According to the Star-Ledger right guard Chris Snee has agreed to a 6-year contract extension to keep him around until the '14 season. According to the them Snee will be among the top five highest paid players at his position, something Snee rightfully deserves as he has been nothing short of great since his first season in 2004.

Snee is not the only one to sign as the Giants also signed three late round draft picks. The picks who signed were 4th round pick linebacker Bryan Kehl, 5th round pick linebacker Jonathan Goff, and 6th round pick quarterback Andre' Woodson who was just an absolute steal so late in the draft.

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Church Against the Yankees?


According to MetsBlog.com Ryan Church took batting practice with the team yesterday, took part of the pregame workout, and is expected to join the Brooklyn Cyclones either on Wednesday or Thursday for a rehab assignment.

...If all goes well and Ryan does not feel any symptoms he should be back in time for the weekend Subway Series against the Yankees. The return of Church could end Robinson Cancel's job with the Mets, move Carlo Delgado down in the lineup, and stregthen the bench by allowing Trot Nixon to come off the bench as a pinch hitter.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Poll Results June 22nd


Which OF has had the better season so far?
Selection
Votes
Ryan Church (NYM) 38%15
Bobby Abreu (NYY) 18%7
Carlos Beltran (NYM) 8%3
Johnny Damon (NYY) 38%15
40 votes total





Ryan Church was the clear leader in the beginning, but after his injury Johnny Damon really caught fire and tied it up. My vote is for Johnny Damon, but if Church was healthy he would of ran away with victory..

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Rangers Trade Prospect for Pick


The New York Rangers have traded winger Alex Bourret to the Phoenix Coyotes for the 90th pick in the draft. Bourret was a former 1st round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers and was traded to the Rangers for Pascal Dupuis. With the 90th pick the Rangers took top Czech player defenseman Tomáš Kundrátek.

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With the 51st Pick the Rangers Select..


Derek Stepan center out of Hastings, Minnesota. Missed Jared Staal by two picks thanks to good ol Wayne Gretzky. You can consider this pick a little bit of a stretch, but the Rangers have scouted so well recently that I won't question it even though Kiril Petrov is still around.

Derek is a very good skater who accelerates quickly, pulling away from his opponent. He is quick on the forecheck and he possesses a surprising reach.He has very good hands with a quick-release shot and excellent passing. He is a smart player who will continue to improve.

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With the 40th Pick the Islanders Select...


Aaron Ness an American defenseman out of Minnesota. Just like Trivino he wan ranked exactly where he was drafted at 40, but this is a great pick I like it the best out of all 3 picks. Scouting report:

Aaron is flamboyant and colorful. He is very quick, everything about him is quick -- his hands are quick, his feet are quick. He is a very good skater and he is gritty and physical. He'll step right in to you without fear -- he picks his spot when he does it. He's a little more polished than some of the other high school defensemen with his passing and playmaking. He is quicker than Brian Leetch was at this age and he's as fast as John-Michael Liles was at the same age.

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With the 36th Pick the Islanders Select....


COREY TRIVINO, center, from Etobicoke, Canada. He was ranked 36th by TSN so he went exactly where they thought. Here is a scouting report on him.


"He has the ability to see the ice well and to move the puck. He needs to get stronger he's willing to battle, but isn't always winning the puck. He's got a good goal-scoring touch and he's good on face-offs with good skating ability, not necessarily high-end skating, but good."He has the ability to see the ice well and to move the puck. He needs to get stronger he's willing to battle, but isn't always winning the puck. He's got a good goal-scoring touch and he's good on face-offs with good skating ability, not necessarily high-end skating, but good."

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Friday, June 20, 2008

With the 20th Pick the New York Rangers Select....


Michael Del Zotto ,defenseman, out of Oshawa, Canada. TSN ranked him #15 I had him going 13th to Buffalo so the Rangers should be happy he slid a little bit. This is what the Rangers needed a defenseman with puck moving ability. Here is a mini scouting report that you can read by clicking the link above:

Great purely offensive defenceman. Has all the offensive abilities of moving the puck up the ice and shooting it through traffic. Somewhat of a defensive liability though, has to work on that to truly be effective, has all offensive instincts to make him successful. Brings some physical play for his size, but is something that will never be part of "his game".

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With the 9th Overall Pick the Islanders Select.....


Josh Bailey center from Oshawa, Canada. He is referred to as a very 'safe' pick and it makes sense why they moved back for him. He is not top 5 talent, but is big and skilled and has a good hockey IQ. He also put up good stats last season with 29 goals, 67 assists, and 96 points in 67 games. Could possibly contribute right away or in 1-2 years from no, but expect him up sooner rather than later.

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Breaking News: Islanders Trade #7 Pick to Nashville?


For the #9 pick and #47th pick. Filatov was gone and no one that the Islanders HAD to take. So by moving down you get another pick and can still a great player.

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Breaking News: Islanders Trade #5 Pick to Toronto?


The Islanders have traded the #5 pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the #7 pick, the 2nd round pick(60 overall), and 3rd round pick this year or the 2nd pick next year and 3rd next year.
...What a steal. Filatov still may be available so they can still get their guy and and two more picks great value.

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Rangers Free Agent and Draft News


Yesterday we said that the Rangers still had not offered Jagr a contract and now we know that the Rangers will NOT offer Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Brendan Shanahan, Michal Rozsival, and Martin Straka a contract before July 1st. I do not mind getting rid of Shanny, Straka and Rozsival as Shanny has shown his age for a year and a half now, Rozsival is overrated and will get more than he deserves, and Straka is just not effective anymore. Jagr and Avery on the other hand are pretty importatnt to this team. Jagr turned his season around late last season and was the best player and well Avery is Avery that is enough said.

With Sean Avery wanting $3.5+ it is believed the Rangers will not sign him and let him go somewhere else possibly San Jose or Los Angeles and the Rangers will try and sign Darcy Tucker whos contract is supposed to be bought out soon. Another replacement would be newly signed Sweed Andreas Jämtin.

No where does Larry Brooks say that they will not be signed, but by not offering them a contract before July 1st makes it a very strong possibility. Especially Jagr and Avery.

Then there are two major draft trade rumors. The first one is:
New York Rangers trade:
Fedor Tyutin
Brandon Dubinsky
20th pick
51st pick

LA KINGS trade:
Mike Cammaleri
2nd pick in draft (most likely Nikita Filatov)

and the 2nd one
Rangers trade:
Brandon Dubinsky
20th pick

Blues Trade:
4th overall pick

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Video: What Happens When a Switch Hitter Faces a Switch Pitcher?


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Thursday, June 19, 2008

My NHL Mock Draft


1. Tampa Bay Lighting- Steven Stamkos, C (OHL)

Steven Stamkos is the clear #1



2.Los Angeles Kings- Drew Doughty, D (OHL)

3.Atlanta Thrashers- Zack Bogosian, D (OHL)

4.St. Louis Blues-Luke Schenn, D (WHL)

5.New York Islanders- Nikita Filatov, LW (Russia)
...This kid is an absolute STUD. Behind Stomkos he is the best scorer in the draft and unlike last years top Russian prospect and Ranger draftee, Alexei Cherepanov, he has already said he is going to come to America next year and try to make the team that drafts him. The only downside is his size (5'11 165ish)

6.Columbus Blue Jackets-Alex Pietrangelo, D (OHL)

7. Toronto Maple Leafs- Mikkel Boedker, C (OHL)

8.Phoenix Coyotes- Tyler Meyers, D (WHL)

9.Nashville Predators(from Florida)- Cody Hodgson, C (OHL)

10. Vancouver Canucks- Colin Wilson, LW (Boston University)

11.Chicago Blackhawks- Zach Boychuk, C (WHL)

12.Anaheim Ducks(from Edmonton)- Kyle Beach, LW (WHL)

13.Buffalo Sabers- Michael Del Zotto, D (OHL)

14.Carolina Hurricanes- Colten Teubert, D (WHL)

15. Nashville Predators- Luca Sbisa, D (WHL)

16.Boston Bruins- Joe Colborne, C (AJHL)

17.Calgary Flames- Joshua Bailey, C

18.Ottawa Senators- Chet Pickard, G (WHL)

19.Columbus Blue Jackets(from Colorado)- Mattias Tedenby, LW (Sweden)

20.New York Rangers- John Carlson, D (USHL)
...Big, good skating, puck moving defenseman something the Rangers have been lacking since the departure of Brian Leetch. They could also go for offense and take a guy like Kirill Petrov if he is still around or take Jared Staal and hope he pans out. Another option is Greg Nemisz.

21.New Jersey Devils- Tyler Cuma, D (OHL)

22.Edmonton Oilers- Jordan Eberle, C (WHL)

23.Washington Capitals- Kirill Petrov, RW (Russia)

24.Minnesotta Wild- Colby Robak, D (WHL)

25.Montreal Canadians- Mikhail Stefanovich, C (QMJHL)

26.Buffalo Sabers(from San Jose)- Zac Dalpe, C (BCHL)

27.Philadelphia Phillies- Greg Nemisz, C (OHL)

28.Los Angeles Kings(from Dallas)- Jake Gardiner, D (Minnesota HS)

29.Atlanta Thrashers(from Pittsburgh)- Tyler Ennis, C (WHL)

30.Detroit Red Wings- Anton Gustafsson, C (Sweden)

Were Listed in the DCProSports NHL Mock Draft Database.

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Great Website


I recently discovered this great website, called 10 cent sports. Once you sign up, only your email is required, you receive to cents to bet with. From there, you work your way up 'till you make the big bucks. There are people who have won as much as 1000$. I've only been playing fort two days and have already won 70 cents. That may not seem like a lot but thats actually a 700% increase. In no time at all, you could make 20$ and then even more. And don't worry, if you manage to blow all your money, you can start over with the 10 cents again. Their is no risk and a ton of reward. If you want to join click on the link here CLICK HERE TO PLAY.

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Quote of the Day


Former Mets manager Willie Randolph was fired this week apparently for being too laid back. New manager Jerry Manuel doesn't seem to have the same approach. After Manuel removed Jose Reyes from Tuesday nights game a minor argument ensued. Manuel had this to say about the encounter.

"I told him next time he does that I'm going to get my blade out and cut him. I'm a gangster. You go gangster on me, I'm going to have to get you. You do that again, I'm going to cut you right on the field."

Apparently he was joking but that is hilarious.

Courtesy of Google


He doesn't look too gangster to me.

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Jagr Era Over?


I am hoping and praying that this story is not true. It is well known that Omsk in Russia has coveted Jaromir Jagr and have been trying hard to sign him and bring him over there. Most reports have been saying that the Rangers have been leaning towards bringing him back. Well now we can think otherwise with good reason. It is now June 19th, one day from the draft and one of the greatest players of all-time still has not received a contract from really the only team in America he wants to play for. John Dellapina of the Daily News has recently talked about this same topic over at his blog.

Of course, that hardly answers all the questions. It’s possible that Bardin will meet with Jagr’s European representative. Anything’s possible regarding No. 68, whose status for next season is going from unpredictable to bizarre.
Jagr told me again today that he hasn’t heard anything from Rangers GM Glen Sather since they spoke on the day the team broke up for the season. While such a cat-and-mouse act is long-standing standard operating procedure for Sather, it makes little sense in this case.

Not only can Jagr sign with Omsk-Avangard at any time, there seems to be little to be gained by making him sit and wonder whether the Rangers want him back. His personal experience (see: Washington 2000-2004) is that things don’t go well when he’s playing for a team that doesn’t fully believe in him. And every day that goes by without the Rangers reaching out to him has to make him wonder even more.
If you were wondering about the other big Ranger's free agent Sean Avery he is busy partying at
fashion shows and music festivals with the Olsen twins (who can blame him for that part though?).

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Knicks/Nets News


  • The Knicks will be working out the following players today:
Antoine Agudio (senior G, 6-3, 190, Hofstra)
Gary Ervin (senior G, 6-0, 182, Arkansas)
Dante Milligan (senior F, 6-9, 215, Massachusetts)
DeAndre Jordan (freshman C, 7-0, 260, Texas A&M)
Mike Taylor (junior G, 6-2, 165, Iowa State/NBA D-League)
Vladimir Golubovic (C, 7-0, 225, Serbia)

- Jordan should be available at #6 overall but has been projected more in the early teens which further strengthens the rumor of Donnie Walsh's desire to trade down. Other than Jordan, I haven't heard much about any of these players indicating they could be looked at as undrafted free agents.
  • Draftexpress.com is also reporting the Knicks desire to move the 6th overall pick but states that they may move up or down in the draft.
  • Marc Berman of the New York Post says that the Knicks are looking to come out of this draft with the point guard of the future. Whether it be through trade or the draft remains to be seen.
  • Will the Nets select Robin Lopez of Stanford, Brooke Lopez's twin brother at #10 overall? Robin, who is projected to be drafted after his brother in the late teens, worked out for the Nets recently and following the workout canceled all other workouts. This may indicate the Nets have zeroed in on the big man from Stanford.

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Giants News


  • It has been reported that rookie WR Mario Manningham's performance during last week's mini camp was disappointing. Apparently he had a tough time tracking down deep passes and ran a few incorrect routes. I've read specifically from Mike Garafolo's report that Manningham had dropped a pass in the end zone in which he had to jump to go get. Other than that I haven't read any specific troubles he has had besides mixing up some routes. I think the media is overplaying this situation because 1. He is a rookie learning a new playbook at the WR position which is said to be one of the hardest to learn as a first year player and 2. He only scored a 6 on the wonderlic test, he obviously isn't Albert Einstein, let's give the guy a break.
  • Plaxico Burress released a statement yesterday saying he expects his contract dispute to be resolved before training camp in July and that he would like to play another five or six years and retire as a Giant. His ankle must be feeling a lot better if he plans on playing another five or six seasons.
  • Ahmad Bradshaw behind bars?! Thats right, according to Skip Wood of USA today, the Giants second year running back has been incarcerated since June 15th for violating terms of his probation. No word yet on what he did to violate probation but he is only on probation in the first place for stealing a students video game from the Dorms back at Marshall. What a joke.

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MSG To Be Kicked Out of NHL


ESPN:

NEW YORK -- The NHL is threatening to kick the owners of the New York Rangers out of the league as punishment for accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws.

The NHL filed court papers Wednesday that included a draft letter from commissioner Gary Bettman proposing discipline against Madison Square Garden, L.P. that could lead to suspension or termination of its ownership of the Rangers.

In its court filing, the NHL asked a judge to agree Madison Square Garden breached its contract by challenging league rules.

Madison Square Garden sued the NHL in September, saying it violated antitrust laws by monopolizing control of team promotions. A judge ruled in November that the league seemed within its rights to take control of the team's Web site.

Madison Square Garden, L.P., which is owned by Cablevision Systems Corp., owns the Rangers, the NBA's New York Knicks, the WNBA's New York Liberty and several venues, including Madison Square Garden -- the home of the Rangers, Knicks and Liberty.

Messages left with Madison Square Garden officials were not immediately returned.

...WTF? Are they kidding me? I have never heard of a owners being kicked out of the league over a website. I remember last year how they were getting fined for not turning over their website after every other team had already done so, but I never thought it would be taken this far. This 'threat' should not be taken serious at all though. The NHL is at one of its low points attendance wise and getting rid of the 'top' New York team is not going to help at all. It would be one of the dumbest moves ever so who knows Bettman might actually do it. Simply put the last time the ratings were high was in '93-'94 when who else, but the Rangers won the Stanley Cup. Now I know it says they wouldn't be kicking the Rangers out and that it is the owners and MSG, but where would they play then? The Rock or Coliseum? I don't think so.

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Video: Damion Easley is Clutch!!


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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Yankees v. Padres 8-5 (W)



Yankees v. Padres

Final
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
San Diego
0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0
5 8 2
NY Yankees
1 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 X
8 14 1

Rollin Rollin Rollin Keep Rollin Rollin Rollin.....

Make that 6 straight wins for this Yankees team. They have not missed a beat despite the news of losing Chien-Ming Wang. Not only that, but they are now 6 games over .5oo and only 5.5 games back of the 1st place Red Sox in the East and 3.5 behind Tampa Bay for the Wild Card.

Darrell Rasner was not spectacular by any means, but he was able to get the win against Jake Peavy so he gets an A+ just for that. He did what a pitcher like him is supposed to do and that is manage the game. He doesn't have to get that 10+ strikeout game, but just hold the other team to a couple of runs and you'll be fine. His control was a little off with 5 walks something that has not been a problem so far this year so I wouldn't worry.

I don't think anyone can justify a $28,000,000 contract, but if anyone can come close that is definitely Alex Rodriguez. He's like a man amongst boys. 3-4 with his 14th home run in just 193 at-bats. That is a clip of a home run every 13.8 at-bats, which comes out to about 1 home run every 3/4 games and then if you multiply that by a whole season its about 45-50+ home runs. He also had 2 RBI's so in terms of Yankee leaders he is 2nd in home runs, 3rd in RBI's, 1st in average, and 5th in hits even though he missed about 15 games less than everyone else.

After Edwar Ramirez gave up 2 home runs in the 7th and Kyle Farnsworth gave up 1 in the 8th it made for a save opportunity for Mariano Rivera. Mo got into early trouble when he game up a lead of double, but got a strikeout and then got a bloop out to Derek Jeter ran to second for a game ending double play. Here are some highlights from Baseball Tonight.


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Bill Guerin has Surgery


Islander's captain Bill Guerin has had off season surgery on his shoulder. No details regarding the surgery were disclosed such as which shoulder it was on or how long he has had the injury. Knowing the type of player Guerin is he has had the surgery for quiet some time and continued to play through it.

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Video: Talk About Randolph Firing


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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Mets Fire Willie


Metsblog.com:

The Mets have fired Willie Randolph, and named bench coach Jerry Manuel their interim manager.
Pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto have also been relieved of their coaching duties.
Ken Oberkfell
will be hired as the team’s new first base coach, Dan Warthen will be the new pitching coach, and Luis Aguayo will be Manuel’s bench coach
...What a strange time for this to come. Right after the Mets win a great game against the Angels and look like they are playing good baseball. The move of firing Willie I do agree with though. I would rather not have had the Mets replace him with Jerry Manuel, but we don't have any say in that and if we did this whole fiasco would have been put to rest a while ago.

I kind of liked they way Willie was managing recently despite the record. His starting pitching was outstanding and was letting them go extra inning and into the 110 pitch area. He even let Pelfrey go out for the 9th inning the first time that has happened all year. At least we are now done with everything and there won't be a cloud hanging over everything. Only time will tell to see if this is a good move and see how the players will connect with Jerry Manuel calling the shots instead of Willie...

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Wang out for the count


It was recently reported that Wang will be out for 6-10 weeks and possibly more. With him out, the Yankees will need to look for another starter to replace him. They have already had to find replacements for Kennedy and Hughes, and will now need to have a third spot starter. Rumors have surfaced about either Brad Penny or Sabathia, but neither seem likely. David Wells' name is also being tossed around, but he too will likely not be chosen. Probably, the Yankees will try to rebuild from within and start another young gun. I suggest Dan Rieves but Jeff Karstens as also a possibility. One thing is for sure, The Yankees will need to survive another injury, or face elimination for contention for the playoffs.

If you have questions or comments, please post or email me at countzacky@yahoo.com.

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Wang Could Miss Rest of Season


Oh no no no no. This probably is the worst possible news the Yankees could have gotten. There is nothing worse than finding out your ace starting pitcher is out for at least 10 weeks and could possibly be done for the season. This is according to Peter Abraham.

RHP Chien-Ming Wang was examined today at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Medical Center by Yankees Team Physician, Dr. Stuart Hershon and Dr. Justin Greisberg, Foot and Ankle Specialist.

Imaging studies revealed a mid-foot sprain of the Lisfranc ligament of the right foot and a partial tear of the peroneal longus tendon of the right foot.

Wang will be on crutches and wear a protective boot for a minimum of six weeks.

...If you continue to read you get the feeling that Wang is most likely done fore the rest of the season. Peter Abraham notes that it could possibly happen a couple of times to, but tries to give a little hope.

This
forces the hands of the Yankees front office in the trade market. They have absolutely no leverage whatsoever. Brian Cashman has said that there is no trade market and he feels they will have to go internally to solve this problem. You would have to think someone like A.J. Burnett would be available or Kevin Millwood, but I am not sure if I want to give up young talent for them. Who knows when Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes will be back so other internal options would be Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, Daniel McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, and Kei Igawa.

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Isles to Bring Back Yashin???


Newsaday:

One year ago at this time, the Islanders made the stunning announcement of their decision to buy out the final four years of controversial captain Alexei Yashin's 10-year contract. Now, Yashin's return on a one-year contract next season is under discussion, but general manager Garth Snow and owner Charles Wang so far have balked at their former star's asking price.

Agent Marc Gandler, who represents Yashin, said he last spoke with Snow on Thursday when there was no progress toward an agreement. Snow previously indicated plans to move forward with a youth movement next season, but the Islanders ranked 29th in scoring in the 30-team NHL last season and lack depth at center, leading him to at least consider the possibility of re-signing the 35-year-old Yashin, who spent last season with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv in the Russian Superliga.
...I did not ever think I would be typing this, but for some reason the New York Islander's are considering bringing back 'Pretty Boy' Yashin. Not only is he washed up and done, but he set this organization back many years my acquiring him. In the trade for Yashin the Islanders had to give up Zdeno Chara and the 2nd overall pick which wound up being Jason Spezza (and Bill Mucklat) For all you Met fans this is equivalent of trading Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano and on some levels you can even say it was worse. He then signed one of the most ridiculous contracts ever a 10 year $87.5 million dollar contract. Of course he did not live up to hit and was even bought out of his contract by the Islanders.

They Islanders should just draft Nikita Filatov and go forward with him and Kyle Okposo as the centerpieces. They do not need any washed up players who want to much money.

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Shockey and Reese Don't See Eye to Eye


Mini camp has not been all smiles for the Giants. First we had Plaxico Burress stating that he may hold out because he wants a contract extension and more money added onto his contract and now we have Jeremy Shockey in a fight with the front office.

At mini camp last week Jeremy Shockey and Jerry Reese got into a shouting match. No one knows what was exactly said, but we do know what Jeremy Shockey's agent Drew Rosenhaus had to say on whether or not Jeremy Shockey wanted to remain a Giant.

“I don’t specifically have a way to address that at this time because Jeremy’s been very adamant about avoiding any public discussion about a situation. The best thing I can say about Jeremy’s situation is that we are talking to the team about some of the issues that exist and we hope to get that resolved.”

...Speculation says that Shockey was upset that the team would not allow him on the sidelines during the Super Bowl and that they were spreading rumors that he was upset with the organization and that he wanted to be traded from the team that drafted him.

It's hard to take a side because if they did indeed spread rumors you could see why Shockey was pissed. Not only were they trying to get rid of him, but they turned the fans on him and made them feel that a rookie tight end would help this team more than one of the best and most talented tight ends in the league.

If a trade wasn't going to happen one may now, but we will see how things play out.

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Rangers to Sign Former 1st Round Pick?


Thanks to ESPN and other sources we have this info about the Rangers signing a potential star in the league

Blake Wheeler, the 2004 first-round pick of the Coyotes who opted for free agency, has narrowed his choices to four teams, according to The Boston Globe.

The newspaper said the Bruins were one of the four, with possibly the Devils, Rangers and Wild the others.

"We had a good meeting with him [Thursday]," Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told The Globe.

Wheeler, 21, is 6-4 and 220 pounds and just finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota. He had 42 goals and 96 points in 127 college games.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis pursued him, but told The Province that his agent indicated Wheeler wants to go to a team in the Eastern Conference
Wheeler had been selected 5th overall and the Rangers selected 6th taking college goaltender Al Montoya who was recently traded to Pheonix who selected Wheeler, but were unable to sign him.

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Mets v. Rangers 8-7 (L) 2-4 (W)


All you can say is that today was not really the bullpen's day, but they framed it on it John Maine in the first game and Pedro Martinez gave them a pep talk and made them pitch well for him. It seems that every time the Mets call up someone new they have a good game so we might as well call up Mike Carp and/or Danny Murphy. There are reports that Rick Peterson is fired and Willie Randolph is going to Anaheim, but is not guaranteed anything, but we will see what happens.

Mets v. Rangers Game 1

Final
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Texas
0 0 1 0 2 0 4 1 0
8 11 1
NY Mets
0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 2
7 11 0
W: Millwood (5-3) L: Maine (6-5) S: Wilson (13)
HR » TEX: M. Bradley (15), R. Vazquez (4), I. Kinsler (10) - NYM: C. Delgado (9), C. Beltran (8)

Mets v. Rangers Game 2
Final
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Texas
1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 6 0
NY Mets
0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 X
4 13 1
W: Martinez (2-0) L: Gabbard (1-3) S: Wagner (14)

In game one Kevin Millwood continued to be a thorn in the Met's side. If he pitches like this until the deadline he should fetch Texas a decent haul at the
trade deadline. John Maine's line looks a lot worse than it was. Left the game with only three runs on the board, but then Pedro Feliciano a two-run single that caused both runs to be charged to Maine.

The Mets kept giving you a sense of hope, but a bonehead move by Brian Schneider
and Carlos Delgado's double play really killed them. When they scored 3 runs in the 8th and 2 in the 9th they showed glimpses of the 2006 team, but back then the throw would have been up the line allowing Schneider to score instead of right on target and Damion Easley wuld have hit a game inning home run, but what could you do besides accepting defeat. Firing Willie is one option, but we won't talk about that again.

The second game was much much better. Pedro Martinez was getting hit pretty hard ea
rly on, but settled down and pitched a very respectable game to earn the win and help one or two coaches keep their job.

David Wright found his antidote and it was a left handed pitcher. He ended up going 3-4
in the game with a RBI. He became the first Met to reach the half century mark in RBI's this season.

The real story in this game was hitting with 2 outs. A very shocking statistic is that all 4 runs were scored with 2 outs. The first two were driven in by Wright and Carlos Beltran in the 3rd and then the last two by a Robinson Cancel single in the 6th.

The bullpen rebounded with 3 shutout innings lead by Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez, and Billy Wagner.

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Yankees v. Astros 13-0 (W)


This is a very bitter sweet victory. It is probably more bitter than sweet if you ask me. The lost of Chien-Ming Wang will cause you more loses than this one win will count for. With Joe Girardi saying he would be 'shocked' if Wang makes his next starts makes you wonder who will get the big league call. If you look past the injury of Wang and the game you see that it was probably the best played game all season by the Yankees. Pitching, offense, and defense were superb.

Yankees v. Astros
June 15, 2008

Final
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
NY Yankees
0 0 3 0 0 8 0 2 0
13 15 0
Houston
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 7 2
W: Wang (8-2) L: Oswalt (5-7)
HR »
NYY: A. Rodriguez (12), J. Posada (3)

Today the Yankees were on a hit parade. They threw up a big 15 spot with 13 runs. Alex Rodriguez lead the storm with two hits including a three-run home run in eight run 6th inning. Short after that when Jason Giambi reached base Jorge Posada hit a two-run home run to cap off the inning.


And damn how good has Johnny Damon been this year. Again he had a multi hit game. This time he went 3-6 raising his average to .328. To go along with that average he has 29 extra base hits, a .392 OPS, and 12 steals. I do not know who is having a better comeback year him or Mike Mussina.

The bullpen was great after Wang's 5 shutout innings. Ross Ohlendorf, Edwar Ramirez, and LaTroy Hawkins all pitch hitless, scoreless innings with one run and one K and Dan Giese closed the game out with a scoreless inning with one hit and one K.

It was also nice to see Robinson Cano get 2 hits and 3 RBI's to help him get out of this season long slump he has been in.

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Breaking News: Wang injured


For anyone who has been watching the Yankee game you just saw this; Chien-Ming Wang stumble towards home plate, only to be helped off the field and into the clubhouse. For a player who barely runs the base path, it isn't hard to imagine that he pulled a hamstring or some other leg muscle. Either way, it looks bad.

If you want to read more articles by this author, visit New York Sports Blog (and while you're there, help support the blog, by clicking on a couple ads.)

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Buzz: Fuentes and Garcia


The New York Daily News is reporting that the New York Mets have interest in All-Star closer Brian Fuentes. According to the paper no deal is 'imminent'. Last season the Mets offered Aaron Heilman for Fuentes, which the Rockies rejected at so we will see what happens.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have this update according to ESPN Rumor Central:

The New York Yankees are one of several teams who are watching the progress of Freddy Garcia, reports the New York Times. Garcia had rotator cuff and labrum surgery last August and has begun throwing off a mound recently. He will reportedly start throwing for teams in Miami starting in early July.
Other than the Yankees teams who are most likely also interested are the Mets, Cubs, Astros, Dodgers, Padres, and Tigers.

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Yankees v. Astros 8-4 (W)


Paging Doctor Mussina paging Doctor Mussina. Please report to center stage to receive your curtain call. I report please report to center stage to receive your curtain call and praise from all Yankee fans. With Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy not working out as well as the Yankees had planned this season Mike Mussina has just been an absolute Godsend picking up his 10th win of the season and moving into a tie for the league lead in wins with Cliff Lee.

Yankees v. 'stros


FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Yankees 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 2
8
12
1
Astros 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
4
9
0
W: Mussina (10-4) L: Rodriguez (2-3)
HR »
NYY: A. Rodriguez (11) - HOU: C. Lee (14)

Mussina looked destined to come back down to Earth tonight in the 1st inning where he gave up a 3-run home run to Carlos Lee that was absolutely crushed into left field. Mussina

recovered quickly though limiting the damage to just that over 6 innings with 4
k's. He continued to feature a knuckle-curve early in counts going with an El Duque style of using breaking balls early in counts and fastballs late in counts. Scouts will and probably have caught on so he is going to have to use that Stanford education to come up with a new plan of attack.

Even though he has already missed a significant amount of time this season Alex Rodriguez already belted his 11th home run of the season. He seemed to just flick his wrists and get bad wood on the ball yet still managing to get it over the fence. It was pretty funny to watch the Astros fan interfere with Hunter Pence and Pence get pissed.

Everything seemed to be clicking on all cylinders again tonight and as the saying goes your momentum is only as good as your next day starter so with Chien-Ming Wang starting tomorrow the momentum looks great to continue the 3 game win streak.

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Yanks May Trade for Sabathia


It has been rumored that the Yankees are interested in acquiring Indian's starter C.C. Sabathia. He won the Cy Young award last year, but has pitched well below his potential this year: 4-8 with a 4.34 ERA. The Indian's hopes of reaching the playoffs this season are dwindling with every loss, which are coming frequently, and they will look to plan for next year. With Sabathia's contract expiring after this season, the Indians may try to get some value for him, as they may not be able to afford him next year.


Why would the Yankees trade for him though? They already have 3 veteran starters in Wang, Pettite, and Mussina, all who have pitched well so far, and then any combination of 4 young starters. The only way this trade makes sense, is if they decide to send Joba back to the bullpen, and Kennedy and Hughes back to the minors to train for next year. Otherwise, the Yankees will have 8 starters for only 5 spots.

If you want to view more articles or nightly recaps of the Yankees Games, visit New York Sports Blog (and while you are there help support the website by clicking on an ad).

...added by Nick Scala

When you think about trading for someone of Sabathia's talent there is no way you would be able to keep either Ian Kennedy and/or Phil Hughes. With the direction of the Tribe having some good young talent with Fausto Carmona, Aaron Laffey, and Grady Sizemore they have a good future ahead of them, but they also have some vets like Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, and Jake Westbrook they are at a cross-roads where they have to decide if they are going for the win now mentality or the build for the future, which will make it difficult for them to part with Sabathia even though they are aware they have a slim chance of signing him.

If you were to acquire Sabathia you are looking at something along the lines of Phil Hughes/Ian Kennedy, Jose Tabata, Humberto Sanchez, and possibly someone else. That cuts down those pitchers fighting for a spot in the rotation. If you then acquire him and make the playoffs you go in with a rotation of Wang-Sabathia-Pettitte-Mussina. In doing so you strengthen you bullpen by moving Joba back to the set-up getting the nasty 1-2 combo in the bullpen.

If I am the Yankees I feel much more comfortable with that rotation and bullpen then I do right now. Cashman has been trying to hold onto Hughes and Kennedy and for good reason, but we all know Hank will get what he wants and we all know he wants Sabathia and will force Cashman's hand to give one up, but with that offense it could result in the 27th World Series.

You then give C.C. the 100+ he wants so you do not have to worry about if Pettitte decides to retire.

All in all what I am trying to say is you can not go wrong with giving up young talent for a proven Cy Young award winner.

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Game Postponed


Tonight's Mets v. Rangers game has been canceled due to rain. It will have to be made up tomorrow night as part of a day/night double header. John Maine was already schedueled to pitch tomorrow at 1:10 pm so it will be interesting to see how things shape out. The logical thing would be for Pedro Martinez to pitch the morning game and Maine the night game.

UPDATE: 11:10 John Maine will pitch the 1st game and Pedro the 2nd game.

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Mets Trade for Nixon


We have this update according to Metsblog.com:

Following tonight’s game, Omar Minaya announced the Mets have acquired OF Trot Nixon from the Diamondbacks for cash or a player to be named later.
....Nixon is one of those hard-nosed, grinding players the Mets need right now. It is more of a leadership move than anything, but Nixon can produce to go along with his leadership. He is currently hitting .309 with 10 home runs in Triple A so if he can bring any of that production to go along with his leadership it could help the Mets turn it around a little bit. This is not the change they need, there still has to be more, but this is definitely a start in the right direction.

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Yankees v. Astros 2-1 (W)


Tonight was the Joba Show and it was a pretty good one in that. It was definitely his best of his first three starts in his young big league career. When you look at the box score and see 4 walks it looks a lot worse than it was considering 2 of them wore intentional. One thing that I found quiet funny was Joba Chamberlain's attempt at a pitch out that went horribly wrong.

NYY
2
FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Yankees 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2
5
0
Astros 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
1
6
1

Hou
1
W: Veras (1-0) L: Brocail (2-1) S: Farnsworth (1)
HR » NYY: D. Jeter (4)

Joba's velocity looked good throughout the game as well did his stamina and breaking ball. One slider to a believe it was Kaz Matsui was ridiculously filthy and looked like it was just an un hittable pitch. 88 pitches with only 1 run in 6 innings is a step forward and in the next start Joba will 'no longer have a pitch count' which means around 100.

Pretty shocked that it was a pitchers duel considering the other pitcher was the Yankee great Shawn Chacon. Shaw Chacon actually slightly out pitched Joba, but that is besides the point. There was some speculation that the Yankees did not want to use Kyle Fansworth when Jose Veras was used for two innings, but they were really protecting Mariano and Fansworth actually came in and got his first save of the year.

The Captain, Derek Jeter, provided the heroics when he belted a home run in the top of the 8th of Doug Brocail to break the tie. It made it 2-1 and that was it. Jorge Posada looked terrible throwing the ball and was pulled out in the 7th inning.

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