Results tagged ‘ Packers ’
All Quiet on the Eastern Front…
How come there are no players available through Groupon?…
It’s a new year but the new fiscally-responsible Yankees are still in late-2012’s penny-pinching mode and all remains quiet at River and 161st.
The latest move is the waiver pickup of utility man Russ Canzler who can play the corners and some outfield. By all accounts, he is less talented than the guy he replaced on the 40-man roster (outfielder Chris Dickerson) but a better fit overall. I only hope the Yankees are able to flip Dickerson, who was DFA’d, for a decent prospect. There’s no doubt the Yankees need good depth behind third baseman Kevin Youkilis who has not exactly been the pillar of health in recent years.
At this point, I would be really surprised to see the Yankees make any bold moves. It appears they are willing to go to spring training to see what shakes out. A few years ago, when Mark Teixeira left the Los Angeles Angels via free agency, the Angels’ farm system produced Kendrys Morales as a very capable replacement. When Morales went down to a season-ending injury a year or so later, Mark Trumbo stepped up. Of course, the Yankees do not have that type of depth in the farm system, particularly at first base, but there’s always the possibility that someone somewhere unexpectedly takes it to the next level.
Clearly, the Yankees would benefit greatly by having a few more cost-controlled young players on the roster. But as far as major league ready prospects go, the Yankees need another year or two as the best talent is still in the lower levels. I guess that means we’ll see more Russ Canzler type moves as GM Brian Cashman tries to capture lightning in a bottle.
If the Yankees underperform in 2013, are manager Joe Girardi and/or Cashman at risk for losing their jobs? Or does the team’s current reduced spending posture mean ownership will be more tolerant of losses? It remains to be seen but this is clearly putting Girardi and Cashman in the proverbial hot seats.
Scott Hairston, if your choices are the Mets or the Yankees, what are you waiting for? Your brother looked great in pinstripes and you can too! With Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner, and Ichiro Suzuki as the starters, you are assured of receiving numerous quality at-bat’s in the Bronx and you are wanted by the team. I might be biased but who wouldn’t want to put on the same jersey as Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and so many other legends?…
Maybe we should just flip a coin to see who makes the play-offs…
I am glad to see the NHL has finally resolved its differences with the players and have agreed upon a new collective bargaining agreement. However, it will be tough, admittedly, to be energized about a 48- or 50-game season. If your favorite team struggles at the start of the season, it could possibly cost them play-off contention. An entire season would have looked radically different than the upcoming shortened season. Every year, new stars and heroes emerge and I wonder about the guys who could have been that star but now may never get the opportunity. I guess pure talent perseveres, but still, there were far too many sacrifices made for the lockout.
Play-off loss, but a very successful season…
I was not optimistic about the Minnesota Vikings’ chances against the Green Bay Packers last weekend, particularly given the game was being held at Lambeau Field. I did not realize that Christian Ponder’s elbow injury threatened his ability to play so Sunday’s announcement that he had been ruled inactive came as a shock. The designated starter, Joe Webb, had not started a NFL game in two years. Say what you will about quality practices and reps, but there’s nothing better than playing the games. So, I did not expect Webb to provide a championship performance. He didn’t, and the 24-10 loss was pretty much as expected.
Nevertheless, what a terrific season by the Vikings! At the beginning of the year, the talk was the team would be drafting high in April 2013, perhaps as high as second or third. Yet, the team won 10 games and made the play-offs over the Chicago Bears. Adrian Peterson’s 2,097 rushing yards was an incredible accomplishment. I remember being envious of the Bears when Walter Payton was playing as it was clear he was head and shoulders above everyone else. But the Vikings have that guy in Peterson. It was a special season to build upon and hopefully it will propel the Vikings to legitimate contender status in 2013.
Happy New Year to All!
–Scott
Yankee losses may not be over…
Good luck, well, not so much…
The Los Angeles Angels’ search for a new GM has me nervous as they’ve interviewed both Damon Oppenheimer and Billy Eppler. Eppler, but not Oppenheimer, has been called back for a second interview which probably means that the chances are great the Yankees could lose a valued member of the front office. I don’t dispute that either Eppler or Oppenheimer would make great general managers, but I truly believe that Kim Ng deserves an opportunity. She’s held Assistant GM positions with both the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and she’s currently working for MLB. She has a tremendous background, and if I was starting a franchise, she’d be my pick for GM.
Ouch, that photo hurt…
I wasn’t very pleased to wake up to the morning photo of CC Sabathia in Boston Red Sox gear. Courtesy of the New York Daily News…
I recognize that the Red Sox will be a very active player in the search for quality rotation arms, and they’d be aggressive with Sabathia if he hits the open market for no other reason than to drive up the price for the Yanks. Just like I think the Yankees need to lock up GM Brian Cashman before the end of the month, they need to re-negotiate CC’s deal before he can opt out…not after.
The Yankees are the reason for all of the World’s problems…
At the gym this morning, I was listening to guys talk about how the Yankees make it impossible for other teams to compete. I always find this talk so narrow minded given how much the Yankees contribute to other teams through luxury and payroll taxes. Baseball is about good decisions at the end of the day. The size of your contract does not ensure greatness. As for this morning’s conversation, I just don’t think the Minnesota Twins have made the same quality decisions under their current GM that they did in years past when they won the World Series. I know that a mistake by a small market team is going to be more severe than if the Yankees make the same mistake, but if memory serves correctly, there’s a team in the World Series…with the advantage…that was in bankruptcy court not too long ago. They made the right decisions and persevered. Their decisions were subsidized by Yankees money, so I am not going to feel sorry for other teams simply because the Yankees happen to reside in the largest market.
Go Theo…
I am not a Chicago Cubs fan, but I am excited about the front office re-build with Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod. Mike Quade might be a great guy and a good manager, but I just don’t see how he survives the regime change. I remain hopeful that Terry Francona will get the job, but I agree with those who say that he might be best served by staying out of managing for a half season or so before re-entering the grind. I would like to see a Chicago Cubs World Championship in my lifetime. Maybe not with Alfonso Soriano on the roster, but I think if anyone can end the drought, it is Theo. I will be watching the Cubs with interest next year. My favorite NL team is probably still the Los Angeles Dodgers as long as Donnie Baseball is the manager, but the Cubs will be fun to watch. As for the Dodgers, they would be easier to take if Frank McCourt is forced to sell the team. Owner to owner, I’d take Tom Ricketts any day.
Time to Ponder a great future…
Breaking away from baseball, it was fun to see the debut of Minnesota Vikings rookie QB Christian Ponder. He made his fair share of mistakes, but the energy he infused into the team was tremendous. I think he’ll continue to grow with each start, and I am glad that he finally gained the starting opportunity after the lethargic performance of past-his-prime QB Donovan McNabb. It sucks that we had to find out what Philly and Washington already knew, but at least that saga has reached its conclusion. I am looking forward to seeing what Ponder can do in the coming weeks. He is incredibly bright, and I think that his football smarts will offset some of the physical limitations. They always talk about the “it” factor, and I think that Ponder, like Aaron Rodgers, has it.
The Cops must love the Vikings…
CB Chris Cook beat his girlfriend? I agree with the felony charge and the suspension. His loss to the defense is huge, but his behavior is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated. There may be another side to the story, but there is no denying that this involved physical abuse. Very disappointing. As a former first-round pick, there’s no way that the Vikings can simply cut bait. But they have to send a message to Cook that character and personal code of ethics are greater attributes than football ability.
Friggin’ 49ers…
As for Aaron Rodgers, I hate to say anything pro-Green Bay, but he has clearly surpassed Bart Starr and Brett Favre as the greatest QB in franchise history. Tom Brady was the best QB in the NFL for a few years, along with Peyton Manning, but there’s no doubt that Rodgers is now setting the bar. I continue to ask myself, why did the San Francisco 49ers select Alex Smith over Northern CA local Aaron Rodgers. That has to be one of worst draft decisions in recent memory. Where’s Carmen Policy when you need him?…
Is it time for Spring Training yet?…
–Scott
Watching CSI in October is so wrong…
What’s on TV?…
With the Yankees at home for the year and an AL team that I don’t care for still playing, I have to admit that I have not been watching the World Series this year. Of course, that cost me the chance to watch history last night as Albert Pujols showed why he is a living legend with three home runs, ala Reggie Jackson. Somehow that huge contract that he’ll get in the off-season just got a little bigger. I am not saying that the Yankees should try to sign Albert (I’m satisfied with Mark Teixeira at first and feel that the money is better served for weaker areas like starting pitching), but the Yankees do need someone like that who is capable to singlehandedly taking over a game. I have no doubt that Robby Cano is that type of player, but with the deteriorating skills of Alex Rodriguez, it puts so much pressure on the rest of the lineup to pick up the slack.
Back to Albert, I do hope that he continues his drive and helps deliver another world championship to the city of St. Louis. As much as I would like Albert on my team, I really hope that the Cardinals do what it takes to keep him in the organization for the duration of his career. To this day, Stan “The Man” Musial is still a huge part of the Cardinals and their history, and Albert would have that same impact for years to come. If he departed and played a few years for, say, the Chicago Cubs, it would definitely taint his Cardinals legacy.
If there are no concerns, why am I concerned?…
I keep hearing that there are no concerns about getting a new contract in place for GM Brian Cashman, but as each day passes and we draw closer to the end of the month, I do grow a bit more concerned. Given how difficult the Derek Jeter negotiations were last year, what if the team tries to short pennies on Cash? What is Plan B if Cashman opts to leave? With Damon Oppenheimer and Billy Eppler talking to other teams, the best in-house talent could be gone. I doubt if both of those guys leave and from the sounds of it, neither one is the leading candidate for the Angels GM job. Still, a team could turn to one of them. I’d really prefer to go to Oppenheimer or Eppler should Cashman leave in order to maintain the continuity within the organization. That’s very similar to what the Red Sox will be doing by promoting Ben Cherington to GM to replace Theo Epstein.
Can he replicate the success of Larry Lucchino?…
I do wish Theo Epstein and soon-to-be GM Jed Hoyer the best of luck in Chicago as they try to end the World Series drought for the Cubs. I know that the road is much more difficult than it was when Epstein became the Red Sox GM, but I’ve certainly learned to never under-estimate Theo. He has made his share of poor decisions (such as signing John Lackey), but that only means that he is not afraid of making difficult decisions. Some will pan out, some will not. I am sure that there are a few moves that Brian Cashman would like to undo. But I’d rather see a GM make the bold moves and potentially uncover great talent and chemistry for the betterment of the team. Given that Theo will be bringing a few of his guys to Chicago, I wonder when manager Mike Quade gets the ax. It would be interesting to see if Theo and Jed would go for a top managerial candidate with Red Sox connections like DeMarlo Hale or go to a Cubs legend like Ryne Sandberg. I think either move would be sound should they decide to part ways with Quade.
It’s only money…
Put me in the category of those who would like to see the Yankees pursue Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. I know that the past success of Japanese pitchers has been mixed, but I really feel that Darvish is a special talent. He would like great in the middle of the rotation. I am also anxious to see what pitcher Hector Noesi can do in winter ball. As much as I thought Freddy Garcia did everything asked of him, I’d really rather see the Yankees develop a younger arm in the rotation. Just like last year, A.J. Burnett will come to camp as a question mark. Plus, there’s the potential that CC Sabathia opts out and takes an offer from another city despite how well he has adapted to New York. I have come to not rely upon Phil Hughes, so that means the only certain reliable starter at the moment is Ivan Nova. I would aggressively go after Rangers starter C.J. Wilson regardless of whether CC stays or goes. I wish the Yankees could find a way to unload Burnett, but it’s probably not going to happen. The Red Sox will probably have better luck getting rid of John Lackey.
You have the right to remain silent…
As a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, I’ve faced my share of disappointment over the years. I have never had to deal with losing Super Bowls like I did as a kid, but that’s only because the team has never been back. I think character is a quality component to building team chemistry and unity, and the Vikings have had more than their fair share of poor off the field decisions. Now we have the latest news that starting cornerback Chris Cook is in jail for the weekend on domestic assault charges. This is very disappointing news.
The Vikings certainly have their hands full this weekend as they will be facing the undefeated Green Bay Packers with a rookie QB (Christian Ponder) making his first NFL start. It looks to me as if the deck has been stacked against Ponder, but hopefully, he’ll show why he was a surprise, but great, early selection in the first round of the last NFL Draft.
–Scott
Advantage, Yankees!…
Wow, what a Sports weekend!…
Al Bello/Getty Images
It started with a thrilling college football game on Saturday as the University of Iowa Hawkeyes overcame the Indiana Hoosiers, 42-24. The Hawks had trailed at one point, 21-7. However, due to some great defensive plays by the Iowa defense and the play of QB Ricky Stanzi, the Hawkeyes improved their record to 9-0. Iowa Is currently 4th in the BCS Standings, and this has been the greatest Hawkeye season of my life.
Charlie Neibergall/AP
Saturday night, the Yankees gained the advantage in the World Series with an 8-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. In the early stages of the game, it appeared that it would be short night for Andy Pettitte. I saw two games in the 2001 World Series in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and one included Game 6 which saw Pettitte get blasted in a 15-2 defeat. I had concerns that I was seeing a repeat performance, however, Andy showed that he has learned a few things since then and he held firm with the ‘bend but don’t break’ mantra.
I thought Andy’s game-tying single in the 5th was the key hit of the game. Andy definitely showed that the three years spent in Houston was well worth the time as he was able to gain experience hitting at the major league level.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
I was surprised that the Yankees were able to get to Cole Hamels. Hamels was last year’s MVP, and I had expected a performance commensurate with the Game 1 start of Cliff Lee. Fortunately, the Yankees were able to capture the victory as well as the momentum in the Series. They had lost home field advantage while at Yankee Stadium with the Game 1 loss. However, they’ve ensured that for Philly to have a chance, the series would have to return to Yankee Stadium. So much for Jimmy Rollins prediction that the Phillies would win this one in five games…
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Sunday, saw Brett Favre make his first return to Lambeau Field as a visitor. Favre looked tremendous as he threw for four touchdowns. It looked like it would be a rout early, however, Aaron Rodgers brought the Green Bay Packers back to within a score. However, the Vikings pulled away at the end to win the game, 38-26. Favre won both games against the Packers this year, and that is a rare feat for the Vikings. It gives them a commanding lead in the NFC North with a 7-1 record.
Jeffrey Phelps/AP
Speaking of commanding leads, the Yankees grabbed the Series by the throat with a 7-4 victory on Sunday night. On short rest, CC Sabathia did very well, but he was long gone by the time the game was decided. CC had the lead when he departed, but a game-tying home run by Pedro Feliz off Joba Chamberlain in the bottom of the 8th inning left a no-decision for Sabathia.
Al Bello/Getty Images
At that point, it appeared that the Phillies had the series advantage. If they could pull out a win tonight and Cliff Lee on the mound tomorrow, they could have potentially gone ahead 3-2 before the series headed back to New York. But it was not meant to be as the Yankees rallied for three runs in the 9th. Johnny Damon showed why he is such a catalyst for the Yankee offense. After a two-out single in the 9th, he stole second and seeing that there was no one covering third, he outraced Pedro Feliz to advance two bags. The play was critical as it forced Phillies closer Brad Lidge to alter his pitch selection and it gave Alex Rodriguez a chance to line a go-ahead single to score Damon.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
With Mark Teixeira on base along with Rodriguez (Tex had been hit by a pitch after Damon had stolen third), Jorge Posada lined a single to score both runners and give the Yankees a three run cushion heading into the bottom of the 9th. Posada was thrown out attempting to stretch the single to a double, but it didn’t matter. The three runs were enough for Mariano Rivera, and he closed out the game with 3 up and 3 down to pick up his 39th career post-season save.
Nick Laham/Getty Images
There is one more game in Philadelphia as A.J. Burnett, the Game 2 hero, faces Cliff Lee, the master of Game 1. While it would be nice to close out the series in Philly, I have a feeling that this one is headed back for the Bronx. Regardless of what happens, to win two out of three in Philly was a tremendous feat by the Yankees. The Phillies are definitely a championship club and they’ve proven that last year was no fluke…not like the 2004 and 2007 World Series Champs! Sorry Julia, I had to throw one in there for you!
So, I had a great weekend. How about you?…
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
The Real Season Begins…
Thus, endeth the regular season…
Reinhold Matay/AP
The Yankees emerged as the 2009 American League Eastern Division Champions with a 102-59 mark, finishing 8 games ahead of the not-so-beloved Boston Red Sox. Of course, now the real season begins…if the Yankees can ever figure out who they are going to play! Seriously, their opponent will be determined on Tuesday when the Detroit Tigers take on the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
The Twins are hoping that the good vibes from Brett Favre’s victorious first game against the Green Bay Packers carries over until Tuesday. If not, it will be the Twins’ final game in the Metrodome as they prepare to move to a new park next season. The Vikings, by the way, defeated the Packers 30-23 behind the arm of Favre and the sacks of jared Allen…
Tom Olmscheid/AP
Morry Gash/AP
I really do not have a preference of which team to face in the AL Divisional Series. Justin Verlander concerns me, but it’s not like the Twins don’t have their own “terrorists”. I wouldn’t really want to face Joe Mauer with the game on the line. Admittedly, I do not know a great deal about either team, but the Yankees are prepared to face whomever makes the journey to the Bronx on Wednesday.

Sunday, Alex Rodriguez continued to amaze me on his journey back from early season hip surgery. He went into Sunday’s action needing 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s to reach 30 homers and 100 ribbies for the 13th consecutive year. 13 proved to be the magic number as lightning struck in the 6th inning when A-Rod homered twice, and drove in 7 runs to set a new AL mark for a single inning. Move over, Big Papi!
Reinhold Matay/AP
Hopefully, Sunday’s game will launch A-Rod into a very productive post-season…
Reinhold Matay/AP
Also coming up huge Sunday was Joba Chamberlain in his 2009 bullpen debut in the 7th inning. He went one inning, and gave up no hits or runs, striking out one. The late inning trio of Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera looks like a good one for October success.

Today was the day that my friend Julia (of Julia’s Rants) paid off her debt to “society”. She was the unfortunate loser of a recent Yankees-Red Sox series, and she served her penance wearing a Lou Gehrig Yankees t-shirt and a pink Yankees hat in the city of Boston. Check out her site for the full report. Congrats Julia, you did an amazing job! You are just so good at losing!
Seriously, it was a tremendous job…as usual!

Courtesy Julia’s Rants
For our next wager, I propose it will be determined by a) which team (Yankees or Red Sox) goes the deepest in the play-offs, or b) the winner of the AL Championship Series if both the Yankees and Red Sox advance. In the unlikely event both the Yankees and Red Sox lose their ALDS series, the wager becomes null and void and we begin plotting our revenge for 2010.
We will determine what’s at stake during the next few days so please stay tuned…

Yeah Julia, I’m ready! How about you?

Courtesy Julia’s Rants
Well, time to settle in for Tigers-Twins…let’s go Yankees!

–Scott


















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