YCN - 5 1/2 Reasons The Yankees Will Win The AL East

CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Hiroki Kuroda, Michael Pineda, Phil Hughes, and Freddy Garcia. Those are the six pitchers for the five spots in the Yankees starting rotation that will win the AL East. Joe Girardi said there are four pitchers (not counting CC and Kuroda) competing for three spots, but you'd be fool to buy into that. Barring a physical setback, Pineda and Nova will be in the rotation.

To read about the 5 1/2 reasons the Yankees will win the East, click here to get the Yahoo Contributor Network.

The Bobby V Backpedal

One day after taking shots at Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter (see what I wrote for Yahoo by clicking here), Bobby Valentine took back his words about the Yankees captain and the "flip play".

Valentine spoke with his catching instructor, and former Yankees' employee, Gary Tuck who set the record straight that the Yankees do practice the play. (In fact they happened to work on it Wednesday afternoon)

Valentine also made sure to tell the media, "I love Derek Jeter."

Yahoo Contributor Network - Replacing Mariano Rivera

My second post for the YCN is on possible replacements for Mariano Rivera should he indeed retire after this season.

David Robertson, Rafael Soriano, David Aardsma, Brandon League, J.J. Putz, and Jose Valverde are among those considered. Click here to read the article, and thanks.

The Yahoo Contributor Network And Me

I'm always looking for some place to write and I have a new spot, the Yahoo Contributor Network. Today, I had my first article, "Golden Anniversary of a Fall Classic" published. Pretty exciting, link on the main Yahoo MLB page and all.

The piece on the 1962 World Series between the Yankees and San Francisco Giants. It was the last time Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays opposed each other in meaningful games as well as the Yankees last championship until 1977. It was also the Giants last series appearance until 1989.

Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Mariano Hints At Closing Out Career

I wrote the other day that I felt this would be Mariano Rivera's final season in the Major Leagues. At Yankees' camp today, Rivera pretty much put affirmed those feelings when he met with reporters.

"I know now," Rivera said when asked if this would be his final season. "I just don't want to tell you. I know now. I will let you guys know when I think I should tell you." Rivera added that he wanted to leave before his game went downhill.

"I don't want to be seen like that. It is important for me to leave the game on top if God allows me to do that, just finish on top, knowing I did what I was called to do."

No matter what type of season he has, Rivera said he will not change his mind. If he were to come back in 2013, he certainly wouldn't make a statement like that.

Thet time has come...the time to appreciate every Rivera appearance and hope he stands on the mound in November celebrating the Yankees 28th World Championship.

Ibanez Makes It Official

According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, the Yankees and Raul Ibanez have reached terms on a free agent contract. It would appear the two sides were set to agree to a pact long before A.J. Burnett was dealt, but nothing could be made official until the pie thrower was tossed out of town.

Ibanez, who will turn 40 in June, hit .245 last season with 20 HR, 84 RBI, and a career low .707 OPS (for seasons with at least 100 games played). He will be the primary DH against right-handed pitching and will occasionally give Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson a rest by playing left field, something he's not very good at. (A combined 11 errors for Seattle in 2007-8).

The majority of Ibanez's offensive numbers came against right-handed pitching (.747 OPS vs .585 against lefties) last season and that trend should continue this year with Andruw Jones seeing time at DH against southpaws. Of course plenty of DH at-bats will go to Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and the other older veterans on the team.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.1MM and is contingent on a physical. According to Ken Rosenthal, with incentives Ibanez can earn $4MM.

Days Of Wine And Closers

The bottom of the 8th inning ends and in unison the crowd rises to its feet. It's a one or two run game and everyone in attendance knows who is about to enter the game. In fact, some fans might have been hoping the New York Yankees didn't score any additional runs to ensure his appearance. The bullpen door opens, "Enter Sandman" blares from the loud speakers, and Mariano Rivera emerges from beyond the outfield wall and jogs to the pitcher's mound. The crowd roars its approval and stays on its feet, drowning out the name of the first batter of the inning.

It's an experience that has been repeated hundreds of times over the last 17 years, and sadly, may not be repeated past the 2012 season. The day has to come eventually, but it's becoming clearer by the day that the upcoming season will likely be the last in the Major Leagues for the greatest reliever of all time. Opponents will not be sad to see him go. Because even at age 42 and a pitch that everyone knows is coming, Mariano Rivera is still nearly automatic.

Rivera is a finesse pitcher with a wild man's passion and firepower. He doesn't throw as hard as he used to, the cutter doesn't bite quite as much as it did, but it still breaks bats at an alarming rate to this day. His pitches come effortlessly, fluidly. There's no out of control body movement, no wasted energy. A simple delivery leaving him in perfect position to field anything he can get his glove on. There's no intimidating glare at the batter, no bizarre facial hair, no wild fist pumps or spasmodic dances after strikeouts, and no showing up of opponents. Mariano Rivera is as perfect a ball player as you will ever find, both on and off the field.

I can't honestly say that I remember the exact "a-ha" moment when I knew that Rivera was someone to be reckoned with. I do remember a starting pitcher early in the 1995 season who didn't seem like he was anything special and thought nothing of it when he was sent back to the minor leagues. But when the same player returned later in the year, he had been transformed into a strikeout throwing, bat-eating machine. He stood out in the Yankees first post-season appearance in 14 years that Fall and perhaps if Buck Showalter had stayed with him a little longer in Game 5 of the ALDS, the Yankees may have had advanced to the next round.

Rivera then changed the complexion of the game in 1996. The Yankees' starting pitchers only needed to go six innings, sometimes even just five, before Rivera threw 2-3 innings as a setup man to closer John Wetteland. The game had been shortened and that October the Yankees had their first championship in 18 years. That off-season the Yankees decided to let Wettleland walk; they had their closer of the future, and present, set to go. There were ups and downs as Rivera learned the role, most notably when he watched Sandy Alomar Jr.'s home run shorten the Yankees 1997 post-season run. But then he became invincible, un-hittable, and started to pave the road to the Hall of Fame.

From 1998 - 2000 he merely had to throw his glove on the field and the other team was finished. For that matter, the Yankees opponents only needed to see Rivera warm up in the pen and they were already psychologically beaten. Then "Enter Sandman" played, causing a tangible chill to race up and down one's spine, and the game was over in a matter of minutes.

There have been some bumps and bruises since then- the 2001 World Series meltdown, the 2004 ALCS, when Rivera had the audacity to struggle against the Boston Red Sox. (Never mind that the Yankees would not have won the 2003 ALCS without his three scoreless innings against Boston.) But, as he always has done in his career, Rivera bounced back from adversity. There he was on the mound in 2009, 13 years after his first ring, picking up his 5th piece of jewelry as the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

Rivera signed a new three year deal during the ensuing off-season, a deal that ends after what Rivera hopes is a long run this coming October. And then....it's almost impossible to even conceive of number 42 (the last to wear the number) not being out on the mound breaking bats, blowing away hitters, and getting the ball from his catcher after a game ending strikeout.

There will never be another Mariano Rivera, the greatest pitcher in post-season play, so remember every appearance this season. Whether it's a 1-2-3 9th inning, mop up duty, or a blown save, he will still be the greatest reliever of all time. And an even better person.

Will A.J. Walk The Plank?

Could it really happen? Could the Yankees rid themselves of the enigma that is A.J. Burnett? Not long after signing his five year deal with the Yankees, which has two years and $33MM remaining, the phrase "But he has such good stuff" or a variation has been thrown out there numerous times.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported on Friday that Yankees' GM Brian Cashman was in talks with several teams for Burnett's services, with the Pirates being the front runner. It's no easy match though, primarily because of the $33MM albatross hanging around Burnett's neck. The Yankees wanted the Pirates to pick up 50% while the Buccos said 10% was more to their liking.

The Yankees also asked for 30-yr old left-handed hitter Garrett Jones, who averaged 19 home runs the last three seasons. Pitt GM Neal Huntington answered that with a big fat 'NO'.

Sunday morning, ESPN's Buster Olney reported the two sides had the "framework" in place for a deal. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal later added that the Yankees would probably have to pay $19MM-$23MM and the Yankees would receive multiple prospects, none of which are on the Pirates' 40 man roster.

Unless the Yankees can unload Burnett, the DH position could very well be filled by an Andruw Jones/Russell Branyan platoon, with the every day position players taking the spot often as well. You can bet most Yankees fans are starting a prayer circle that Burnett is gone by the time pitchers and catchers report to Tampa next Sunday.

Jorge Rides Off Into The Sunset

Tuesday morning, Jorge Posada said goodbye to the New York Yankees organization. A "family" that he had been a part of for 17 years in the Major Leagues and 21 years since he was drafted in the 24th round of the 1990 amateur draft out of Colegio Alejandrino (Guaynabo, PR) High School.

After initially playing 2nd base, Posada was converted to catcher, a switch that may potentially land him in the Baseball Hall of Fame. That debate will be talked about over the next five years until Posada first appears on the Hall of Fame ballot and for years beyond. But what Posada meant to the Yankees wasn't just about his own personal statistics. It was his love for the game, his drive to win, and his leadership in the Yankees clubhouse that made him special to the fans and the organization.

All those sentiments were echoed at Yankee Stadium yesterday, when Posada, his wife Laura and children Jorge Jr. and Paulina met with members of the media to officially announce his retirement. Among those in attendance were former teammates and close friends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, along with CC Sabathia, retired teammates (John Flaherty), former coaches (Willie Randolph), his last manager (Joe Girardi), and of course, members of the Steinbrenner family and Yankee Stadium front office and other employees. Posada thanked everyone in attendance, those who meant the most during his career, and most of all his family, calling wife Laura, "His rock".

He became very emotional, switching to his native Spanish, to talk about his parents, and was choked up discussing his relationship with Jeter, Rivera, and Andy Pettitte, all of whom grew up together in the Yankees' organization. He thanked the two Major League managers who watched over him in all but one season (1995 and Buck Showalter), Joe Girardi and Joe Torre, the latter to whom he referred to as a father figure. He reiterated that he only wanted to wear the Yankees pinstripes in his career and had told his agents not to bother pursuing any deals with other teams for the 2012 season.

He told reporters how he would quote Joe DiMaggio, "I want to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee" each time he entered Yankee Stadium. He recalled some of his finest moments- catching David Wells' perfect game- and talked openly and honestly about the many bad nights as well. Those spent in the minors when he was making the transition to catcher and those nights in the Majors when he felt like a failure beyond the plate. But Posada swung a steady bat throughout his career and his catching improved, in large part thanks to work with Gary Tuck, as the years went by. (I'll skip talking about his poor base running.)

There were, of course, tributes to Posada, including a video montage of Yankees fans thanking Posada for his career contributions and his time in pinstripes. Diane Munson, widow of the Yankees last great catcher Thurman Munson, spoke glowingly of Posada and his family. She told those in attendance that it was "Jorge who got me back to baseball." When Thurman had died, Mrs. Munson had lost her passion for baseball, but after meeting and getting to know Posada, that passion had returned. She felt privileged to have "Loved two catchers" in her life. When the two had first met, Posada told of his admiration for Munson and showed her the quote ("Batting fourth and being in the lineup is important, but I think the stuff I do behind the plate is more important.") that he kept taped to the wall of his locker.

The Posadas have also done tremendous work with their foundation for children afflicted with Craneosinostosis and their families. Jorge Jr. has gone trough several surgeries due to the condition and if not for the work of the Jorge Posada Foundation many families might still feel alone and uninformed in their fight against the congenital disorder. One such family is Lisa Niederer and her husband, and their son Brett, who was diagnosed with Craneosinostosis when he was 2 1/2. That's about a year later than the disease should be diagnosed, Lisa pointed out. Lisa, with Brett at her side, spoke glowingly of the Posada Foundation and how it helped turn their lives around upon learning of its existence during the 2002 All-Star game. In fact, Lisa now mentors other families in her work with the foundation.

Posada's Yankee career began in the Major Leagues in 1995, as a pinch-runner no less. Posada spent the next few years being groomed to take over for Joe Girardi. Five World Series rings would be captured over his career, the last coming in 2009 when he played for Girardi, and was reunited with Andy Pettitte, who along with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter, was on all five title teams.

But 2011 was a challenge, by far the toughest season of Posada's career. (Not counting when he had to balance playing with Jorge Jr.'s surgeries.) He was told prior to Spring Training that he would not be catching at all during the upcoming season. He was to be the team's full-time DH, a role he was not accustomed to, and it showed. He struggled at the plate, lost at-bats to others and was eventually benched. For the most part he handled it professionally, especially since he knew he wasn't hitting. But on May 14, all that changed.

Posada arrived at the ballpark to find out he was not in that day's lineup despite the fact a right-hander was on the mound and Posada was getting all of his at-bats from the left side of the plate. He was unhappy and approached Girardi at 6 p.m. to ask out of the lineup. Posada's wife, Laura, took to social media to tell everyone that her husband had a stiff back. Things were then inflammed when GM Brian Cashman told the media that Posada had asked out of the lineup and no physical issue was mentioned.

Girardi publicly backed his player, telling the media that sometimes a player needs a break during stressful times. Posada, meanwhile, went along with his wife's explanation and told reporteres that his back had acted up on him. Not too many believed him. His struggles continued throughout the season, but when the Yankees needed him most, Posada came through. There was the game against the Angels in September when he was forced to go behind the plate for the first time all season. Howie Kendrick immediately tried to steal second base and was thrown out by the proud Posada. He also had several big hits down the stretch as the Yankees held off Tampa Bay to win the AL East. Posada finished off his career by batting .429 and posting a 1.150 OPS in a first round loss to the Detroit Tigers in the post-season. Posada had trouble talking to reporters after the deciding game five, and had to choke back tears. He knew his time with the Yankees and in baseball was likely over.

A new, undecided chapter now begins in Posada's life. He'll spend summers with his children for the first time. Perhaps some time in the future he'll want to coach or manage, and it would not be surprising to see him back as a Spring Training instructor down in Tampa. For now, he walks away on his own terms and no player can ask for more than that. For the rest of us, one final "Hip Hip Jorge" and may the Hall of Fame debate continue.

Baseball Digest | Friday Night Flights: Montero, Pineda Swap Coasts

Shortly before 8 p.m. EST Friday night, you may have heard a blood curdling scream in the New York/Metropolitan area. It came from the lungs (and fingers for those who scream in type) of Yankees fans who had just learned of the trade of the team’s number one prospect, Jesus Montero.

Similar reactions may have been heard on the left coast when Seattle Mariners fans found out their young stud pitcher Michael Pineda was headed east. The Yankees and Mariners have reportedly completed a four player exchange with their young studs as the centerpieces.

As first reported by the Seattle Times’ Larry Stone, the Yankees sent Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi to the Mariners for Pineda and pitcher Jose Campos. Noesi was one of the Yankees promising young starters on the rise, and showed some of his mettle as a reliever at the Major League level last season. Campos is a 19-yr old right-hander with potential (Evaluator John Sickels rated him as the #5 M’s prospect for 2012 and had this to say, “Grade B: We need to see him at higher levels and his secondary stuff needs refinement, but his upside is very high, he throws hard, and already throws strikes.”), but will not have an impact for quite some time.

Clearly this deal was about the Yankees need to boost their starting rotation and the Mariners need for a big bat. After being rebuffed in their attempt to acquire Felix Hernandez, the Yankees went after his young teammate (Pineda will be 23 next week).

Pineda’s rookie season of 2011 saw him finish 9-10, 3.74 with a 1.10 WHIP and 173 strikeouts in 171 innings. The 6’7″, 260 pound native of the Dominican Republic limited AL hitters to a .211 batting average and gave up just 133 hits. He also held right-handed hitters to a .587 OPS with a torrid fastball and nasty slider. According to Fangraphs.com, Pineda averaged 94.7 mph on his fastball, the fourth best mark in the AL.

>Pineda dominated in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field (2.92 ERA in 12 starts) and was much better in the first half before tiring down the stretch. In fact, the Mariners limited his innings per start over the final two months of the season.

With the Yankees lacking pop from the right side, Montero got the call to the bigs in August and produced a .996 OPS in 69 plate appearances. Among Montero’s 17 hits were four home runs and four doubles, and he drove in 17 runs. Montero has good power to the opposite field and averaged 18 home runs in his first four full seasons in the minor leagues. He was nearly dealt to the Mariners at the 2010 trade deadline for Cliff Lee, but Seattle opted to obtain Justin Smoak from Texas instead.

In Montero, the Mariners get a player with 30 home run potential, even if their ballpark is not suited to a hitter’s needs. There were mixed feelings within the Yankees organization as to whether or not the 6’4″ Montero could make it in the Major Leagues as a catcher and that certainly played into the decision to deal him. With 1st base occupied (Mark Teixeira) and the DH slot needed to give the Yankees aging stars (Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, etc.) a rest, there wasn’t much room for Montero to flourish. With Seattle, he’ll get that chance.

Brian Cashman told the Bergen Record’s Bob Klapisch that he believes he took a big gamble. ”I gave up a ton (for Pineda). To me, Montero is Mike Piazza. He’s Miguel Cabrera.” He may have taken a risk, but this deal appears to be a “win-win”, with both teams profiting. It also puts the Yankees back on top as the favorite in the AL East.

Cashman wasn’t done dealing on Friday night though. A short time after the trade was reported, word came that the Yankees and free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda had agreed to a one year contract, pending a physical, worth $10-11MM. Kuroda was thought to be seeking a $13MM deal.

Kuroda, who turns 36 in February, came over from Japan in 2008 and was 41-46 in four seasons with the LA Dodgers, despite a 3.46 ERA. He’s coming off a 13-16 season with a career low 3.07 ERA and a 3.7 WAR, also tops in his four seasons.

With the two acquisitions, the landscape of the Yankees’ starting rotation changed drastically. Prior to Friday evening, the Yankees five man squad was made up of ace CC Sabathia, 2nd year man Ivan Nova, the erratic A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, and surprise 2011 stand out, Freddy Garcia. Hughes’ immediate future is now up in the air and he could be used as trade bait to bring back a bat. The Yankees would most certainly rather trade Burnett, but the $33MM owed to him is an albatross around Cashman’s neck.

The Yankees would be looking for a short term, low salaried player. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported tonight that Carlos Pena was among the bats that were piquing the Yankees interest.

Yankees sign Hiroki Kuroda too.

Baseball Digest | Marlins, Reyes, and the SEC

The newly named Miami Marlins have a new stadium, a new uniform, are this close to a new shortstop, and are newly under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The former Florida Marlins have already been making a big splash this December with the signing of free agent closer Heath Bell to a three-year, $27 million contract as they prepare for life in their new ballpark. The Marlins made headlines this weekend for good and bad reasons as well. First the good, Miami and free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, one of the hottest commedities on the free agent market, agreed to a six-year, $106MM deal that is contingent on a physical. It's a huge deal for the Marlins, who already have an All-Star in Hanley Ramirez at the position ( Ramirez is likely to be asked to be moved to 3rd base according to Marlins beat writer Joe Capozzi, but what if he balks. Ramirez had difficulty with management and faced criticism last year for his work habits.).

But the Marlins may have some choppy waters ahead of them. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that a long overdue investigation by the SEC into the Marlins' ability to get a new stadium is underway.

"The Security and Exchange Commission on Thursday launched guided warheads at the Marlins, requesting the team’s financial records, communications with MLB officials including commissioner Bud Selig, minutes of meetings with local government leaders and political campaign-contribution information, according to a report in the Miami Herald.

While the subpoenas issued by the SEC do not explicitly detail the purpose of the investigation, the feds’ motives are evident: They want to understand how, exactly, a group of county commissioners agreed to fund 80 percent of the Marlins new stadium, which cost more than $600 million, without ever seeing the team’s financial records – and whether bribes had anything to do with it."

One does have to wonder what took so long. Passan and others reported on wrong doing back in August when Deadspin.com also revealed the Marlins' balance sheet.

"Miami-Dade County commissioners nevertheless voted 9-4 in favor of taking out loans that will cost the county $2.4 billion over 40 years to help build the stadium in Little Havana, about two miles west of the city. Critics across south Florida panned the deal, which gives the Marlins all stadium-related revenue and imbued the team with a new attitude entering this offseason."

A team that supposedly had financial problems is suddenly pouring out money, hand over fist. First came the 34-yr old Bell's $9MM per year deal and then the nearly $18MM per year for Reyes. And the Marlins aren't done either. Their are said to be ready to make a serious at Albert Pujols', to whom they reportedly made a nine-year offer to in November for somewhere between $200MM and $225MM. Whether they were serious or not, one Marlins' spokesman told reporters the team was hoping to leave the winter meetings with "...4 or 5 new players."

The question is will the SEC come down hard on the Marlins or simply give them a slap on the wrist. And maybe even more importantly, will the fans, who never came to Marlins' games in the old stadium, suddenly start attending them in the new digs. While owner Jeffrey Loria may suddenly field a contender, will fans/taxpayers get over being swindled and show up? It's a question that has no easy answer.

Giants' Season Is Not A Collapse

People keep talking about the New York Giants' season collapsing, but I beg to differ. There is no collapse when a team plays to the level and talent that they are really at. Face the facts, the Giants could easily have been 2-6 rather than 6-2 after eight games. We all knew the schedule was going to become a bear (though they didn't play Chicago outside of pre-season) in the middle of the season. This is a mediocre team that became worse with injuries.

Just look at the way the season has gone. in week 1 they lost to a miserable Washington Redskins team. Eli Manning had a horrible game, which caused many fans to once again doubt his ability. His all-pro type season has changed all that, even if he still makes the occassional poor decision. Then again those bad throws usually come after a Giants penalty, dropped pass, or some other mistake.

Week 2 saw a relatively easy win against the Rams that kick started a three game winning streak. They came from behind, to a lot of people's surprise, myself included, to beat the Eagles and then made a 4th quarter comeback against the Arizona Cardinals. The latter game could have been a loss had the referees ruled Victor Cruz' faux pas as a fumble rather than being down by contact.

Week 4 saw a humiliating loss to the weak Seattle Seahawks. To make it worse they lost to back up QB Charlie Whitehurst after they had knocked starer Matt Hasselback from the game. A second three-game winning streak followed, with all of the games determined in the 4th quarter. Lawrence Tynes' kicked the game winning field goal with 1:32 left to beat Buffalo and the Giants embarrassed themselves for most of their match with Miami before pulling out a 20-17 win. The next two weeks would be two of the best Giants' performances of the season.

There was the 24-20 victory over the New England Patriots that had us all thinking "maybe this team can do something big!". Arguably, they played an even better game against a tough San Francisco team the following week, but fell 27-20. And then the laughter stopped.

First came the terrible loss to rusty Vince Young and the Eagles and the utter blow out by the New Orleans Saints, 49-24. Suddenly a three game losing streak dropped the Giants' record to 6-5, a game behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. Next up? The Green Bay Packers' All-World offense this Sunday.

The prospect of a 6-6 record with four games to go is pretty assurred. However, the Giants could still make the playoffs. It sounds crazy, but it is true. The remaining schedule has two games with Dallas, one with Washington, and the battle of MetLife Stadium vs. the Jets. It would be tougher, but it is possible the Giants could make the playoffs at 9-7 (10-6 should be a definite.). In order for that to happen some things needs to change.

There is nothing you can do about injuries, and unfortunately, the Giants are riddled with them on both sides of the ball.

With the loss of Ahmad Bradshaw, the running game has completely disappeared. Brandon Jacobs shot his mouth off about playing time and criticized the fans, but has done anything with his new found playing time. It hasn't helped that the offensive line is getting overpowered in run blocking situations either. D.J. Ware has had a chance to step up, but has done nothing but drop screen passes. Da'Rel Scott fumbles more times than he carries the ball, or so it seems.

Hakeem Nicks is the only reliable receiver that Manning has to depend on. Victor Cruz has made some huge plays and some huge mistakes, but he looks like he could be the real deal in the long run. Mario Manningham, currently injured, is the epitome of an airhead. Wrong routes, dropped passes, and not knowing where he is on the field are all part of Manningham's reportoire. Ramses Barden could develop into a good wideout, but he's still getting experience. The bloom seems to be off the rose that is tight end Jake Ballard, whose play has been very ordinary the last two weeks.

The Giants pass rush has disappeared and quarterbacks are taking advantage with their new found time. People are quick to criticize the secondary, which has been subpar, but you can only cover a receiver for so long when there is no pressure on the QB. The Giants linebackers are a mess with injuries and inexperience. This seems to be the case almost every year. (Calling Bill Parcells, please draft a load of linebackers for the Giants.)

The kicking game has actually been the most consistent facet of the Giants' game, and that's just sad. Getting back to Eli, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN said the other night that "Eli is an island". No words are truer. He is doing everything he can to get his team to win. Now he needs Tom Coughlin and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to help him out. The Giants can't run, so throw more screens and slants to replace parts of the running game. Hell, throw some wildcat in there to shake things up. Or go with a 2 minute offense for most of the game.

It's hard to believe with all the bad things I mentioned that the Giants could make the playoffs, but they can. Granted, they won't go far, but they could be playing in the new year.

The National Football Classless League

Stevie Johnson is the face of the NFL...not Stevie Johnson per se (and what male adult goes by Stevie anyway?), but classless players like him that the NFL is rife with. Case in point, Sunday's NY Jets - Buffalo Bills game. As we all know, the Jets'/then Giants' Plaxico Burress did something really stupid back in 2008 (almost four years to the day of Sunday's game) - carried an illegal weapon into a nightclub and then things went from bad to worse when he accidentally shot himself in the leg. Mayor Bloomberg made sure Burress was made an example of and off to jail for the gun possession he went.

That brings us to Sunday's game when Johnson caught a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick and began one of the asinine little dances that is so prevalent in the NFL. But Johnson then took it one step further by pantomiming Burress shooting himself in the thigh. Johnson then topped his performance off with a harmless impersonation of Santonio Holmes' jet-in-flight touchdown celebration.

Johnson's actions were disgusting, despicable, and unfortunately, oh so typical. The league should heavily fine the wide out, who wasn't showing off so much when he was dropping passes like crazy last year. It's fine to celebrate that you scored, not everyone needs to just hand the ball to the referee, butover the years things have gone from the fun, high-stepping spike of the Chiefs' Elmo Wright and Billy "White Shoes" Johnson's wobbly leg dance to pre-planned and orchestrated celebrations like Joe Horn's cellphone fiasco and Terrell Owens' Sharpie in the sock ploy.

Those players and other clowns like them (hey cornerback do you really want to pound your chest after the wide receiver dropped a wide open pass?) don't realize how much their actions take away from the game and influence kids. Their lack of maturity and self centered approach to the game does nothing more than give their sport a black eye.

The Daily Roundup For 11/18/11

Starting out this Friday morning with some sad news from the college basketball world.

Condolences and prayers go out to the Oklahoma St. community after women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed in a single engine plane crash last night. The crash occurred 45 miles west of Little Rock, AK. It's the second such tragedy for the school in the last decade. 10 people associated with the men's basketball team died in a plane crash in 2001.

Now on to some less important stuff.

How the hell do you only score 13 points against the Denver Broncos? That's what you Jet fans must be wondering this morning. That and how you made Tim Tebow's 95 yard game winning drive look like John Elway's "The Drive". One of the first things you notice about Tebow is just how bad his mechanics are throwing the ball. But the next thing you notice is how elusive a runner he is. He completely baffled the Jets on the the Bronco's final possession and especially on the game winning run.

Tebow will NEVER lead an NFL to a Super Bowl let alone a Super Bowl victory. QB is not the position he should be at if he wants a long term career in the NFL. The Broncos could use him as the Jets had done with Brad Smith, but Tebow needs to be utiliized elsewhere. You can say what you want about him, but the guy is tough. Make him a wideout, a tailback, use him in wildcat formations, or have him return kicks. He can definitely be on an NFL squad, just not as the starting or 2nd string QB.

Getting back to the Jets offense though...13 points? Seriously? Mark Sanchez's 60% completion pct and 252 yards are misleading. They're definitely better looking numbers than the game Sanchez had or has been having lately. He threw another killer interception that turned into a game tying pick-six in the 3rd quarter. When the defense gives up 10 points, you HAVE to win the football game.

Perhaps it's time for Rex Ryan to duct tape his mouth for the rest of the season and do some coaching instead. No matter how popular he is, he could very well talk his way out of the head coaching position if the team continues to slide. There's only so long you can make promises and not keep them. Ask any politician.

The Red Sox are talking with Bobby Valentine about their managerial opening. I have not heard the word "interview" used as of yet, but this would definitely be a douchebag match made in Heaven. That being said, how many Yankees fan will automically panic that the "Red Sox have Valentine as their manager..we're in trouble". Valentine is one of the most overrated managers in baseball history. He's a good manager, not a great manager, and I don't give a crap about his success in Japan. The game is not the same overseas.

Valentine, however, is a better manager than he is a baseball color commentator/analyst and I would welcome his exit from the booth. His haughty, Kermit the Frog/Fozzy Bear delivery is unwelcome on my TV set. What Valentine is best at is self promotion and making wild predictions (Hideki Matsui will be a perennial 50-HR hitter in the US).

Finally, if you haven't seen The Daily Show's Samantha Bee's report on the NY Occupy Wall St. movement, you need to NOW.