Written By: Matt Vereb

The New York Knicks lost by 20 points tonight. Without looking at a box score, an NBA fan would assume that the Knicks played a superior opponent. Maybe the Lakers, maybe the Magic. The Knicks lost 113-93 to the 7-55 New Jersey Nets. The Nets are averaging 90.2 PPG this season and totally outclassed the Knicks tonight.

A more staggering figure? The Knicks were 0 for 18 from 3-point land, an NBA record.

The Nets shot 50% from the field and 58% behind the arc. That was 58% better than the Knicks shot from 3. David Lee, the only Knick not to attempt a 3-pointer, had his usual solid game of 23 points and 6 rebounds. Maybe he should have shot one or two for history’s sake.

Overall, this is completely embarassing for the city. How are the Knicks going to ‘court’ King James if they can’t even beat the lowly Nets?

How Embarassed Do Knick Fans Feel?

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Photo Credit: news.yahoo.com

Written By: Mike Ulatoski

Plenty of names and trades were swirling all morning and over the last few days, but the New York Rangers chose to make only one move today – a minor league deal sending Jordan Owens to the Detroit Red Wings for Kris Newbury.

It is shocking that Glen Sather did not make a move today. In each season, since becoming GM of the Rangers, Sather has made a deadline deal regardless of New York’s place in the standings. The Rangers had one big move in their sights today, acquiring Defenseman Sheldon Souray of the Edmonton Oilers. However, Souray was hospitalized in just the last few hours with an infection in his hand, a result of a surgery he had just a few weeks ago. Sather was turned off by the hospitalization, and chose to not make the move. The Rangers also reportedly made an offer for Tomas Kaberle of the Toronto Maple Leafs, another big-name defenseman that was expected to be traded but will instead spend the rest of the year with the Leafs.

Sather did make his move a month ago, trading forwards Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins to Calgary for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. Any other year, that would have been the move made at the deadline. In fact, all of the big trades were made before the Olympic roster freeze, including the trades of Ilya Kovalchuk and Dion Phaneuf.

Trade Deadline Day for hockey fans is like Christmas morning. You stay up late with excitement, wake up early, run to your computer and TV, and tune all of your attention to hockey trades. Just like Christmas: run downstairs and focus all of your attention on gifts for the rest of the day. Each trade is like opening another present. Needless to say, this was the worst Deadline Day any of us could ask for. Nothing exciting happened, at all. There is still the chance that more deals will be announced in the next hour. But, it is believed that the Rangers are staying put and will not announce any moves. The Blueshirts are moving forward with the roster they have.

We all wanted a trade to shakeup the lineup a bit as the Rangers make their push to the playoffs. Maybe not making any was for the better.

Rangers fans – would you have liked to see a trade?
Or is it better this team to stay the way it is?

Written By: Matt Vereb

Today we continued our Fantasy Baseball draft, completing rounds 4-6. Here are our results(Lupo led off Round 4)

Teams are really starting to take form. There were a few surprise selections this round…

Reach Picks:

Ryan Zimmerman and Victor Martinez

Ryan Zimmerman is a great player. No doubt about it. However, Mike could have waited a round or two to get similar value. In comparison, Pablo Sandoval was selected mid-way through the Sixth Round. These two players should provide owners with similar production. Adding a premiere arm, like Zack Greinke, would have made more sense for Team Ulatoski.

Brian already selected Joe Mauer in Round 1, so I question his selection of Victor Martinez in Round 6. I assume that Brian will be looking for a trade partner after the draft. Martinez has First Base Eligibility, but there were better options at the position.

Best Value:

Mark Reynolds

Typically, an owner won’t find a 44 HR, 102 RBI bat at Pick 46. I don’t want to self-promote myself, but the value of Reynolds was too good to pass up here. I had my 1st base(Miguel Cabrera) and 3rd base(Alex Rodriguez) slots filled, so Reynolds will fit nicely into my Utility spot. At worst, I’ll expect 35 HRs and 100 RBIs from the Diamondbacks slugger.

Rosters so far:

Owner Comments?

Written By: Adam Poedubicky

The 40-time might be one of the more irrelevant stats in sports. It usually takes 99 out of 100 plays for one player to actually have to sprint for 40 yards. More than anything, it’s just a pride marker for young players looking to get drafted. Run below a magic time, you get drafted ten picks higher and gain another ten million dollars. Run above a magic time, you get drafted a round later and lose out on a guaranteed signing bonus. My point is that a good 40-time doesn’t translate into all-pro success.

When it comes to the 40, there are mainly two players who come to mind: Darrell Green and Chris Johnson. Green, a defensive back, had an unofficial time of 4.09, which seems a little farfetched considering no one has reliably come close to that in years. Chris Johnson, the current running back for the Tennessee Titans, run an electronically-timed 4.24, which is tied for the fastest electronic record. With whom you may ask? Rondel Melendez, a wide receiver from Eastern Kentucky, who ran the same speed in 1999. Search for Melendez online and you’ll find only this time, and lists of other players who were workout warriors at the NFL Combine that didn’t pan out in the pros.

Today, running backs Jahvid Best (Cal) and C.J. Spiller (Clemson) posted the fastest official 40-times of running backs, clocking in at 4.35 and a 4.37, respectively. An elated Chris Johnson provided us with educated Twitter updates, saying “Last 1 2 c if dey cn do its cj spiller cn he beat my forty _ I’dsay thesnow held off in hell 2day lol.” For those of you who need a translation, Chris Johnson was eager to observe C.J. Spiller run his 40-yard dash to see if he could trounce the time previously posted by Johnson.

Regardless of times, these tenth of a second differences don’t make or break an NFL running back. It takes vision to see when the hole is going to open at exactly the right time. It takes being able to hold on to the ball (looking at you, Adrian Peterson). It takes being able to pass protect so a running back isn’t a liability to your franchise quarterback. So far, Chris Johnson has been able to put it all together as an NFL running back. He has the necessary traits, as well as the blazing speed. Although I believe Best and Spiller will be quality running backs, let’s not rush past the point and remember that speed isn’t at it takes to be a running back in the NFL.

Photo Credit: masteringthe40yard.com

Written By: Adam Poedubicky

Amid much speculation about the backfield situation this upcoming season for the New York Jets, it appears that one day this week they will release running back Thomas Jones. This decision appears to be purely financial from the Jets’ ownership position, as the 31-year-old Jones rushed for a career high 1402 yards and scored a career best 14 touchdowns. Jones stands to make a total of $5.8 million next season, $3 million of which is a roster bonus.

I feel that this move shows brilliance from within the Jets’ organization. The Jets know that they have, without a doubt, the best offensive line in football. One example of this is the Jets running the ball more times (607) for more yards (2756) than any team during the 2009 season. Another example is the three offensive linemen chosen to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl (D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca, and Nick Mangold). Therefore, the Jets know that they don’t need to shell out what seems like excessive cash for a player who is very good, but also very unnecessary. They can pay less money to say, a LaDainian Tomlinson to backup second-year player Shonn Greene, who was a monster in the playoffs.

Draft Implications:

All of this is obviously under the assumption that A. LaDainian Tomlinson wants less than $5.8 million and wants to be a backup, which he might have to do if he really wants a championship and B. Leon Washington’s fibula has healed completely and won’t harness his elusiveness. Remember, this is a very, very deep draft, so if LT doesn’t want to settle for less for his best shot at a Super Bowl, the Jets could take any number of running backs in rounds 2 or 3, like Fresno State’s Ryan Matthews, Stanford’s Toby Gerhart, or Georgia Tech’s Jonathon Dwyer, some of whom may be around when the Jets pick 61^st in the draft.

So what do you think? Are the Jets silly for releasing the NFL’s third most productive rusher? Or is it time for Shonn Greene to be the guy?

Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com

Written By: Matt Vereb

Yankees fans are aware that Derek Jeter will be a free-agent after this season.  Derek Jeter spent today fielding questions about his pending free agency. Chad Jennings at Lo Hud Yankees blog covered Jeter’s Press Conference today in Tampa

Jeter’s Press Conference can be summed up as:

1. Jeter is not worried about next season. His goal is winning a championship again in 2010.

2. He wants to play SHORTSTOP for the Yankees for as long as he can.

3. He only wants to play for the Yankees and has no interest in Free Agency.

This is standard “Je-tarian” dialogue. Team first, focused on the goal at hand, never looking ahead. This further proved Jeter is a class act and will go down as one of the best Yankees of all-time.

Photo Credit: news.yahoo.com

Written By: Matt Vereb

Joel Sherman reported today that the Yankees are trying out, wait for it,……KEI IGAWA for their bullpen. Many will remember when the Yankees signed Igawa in 2006. The Japanese lefty netted a five-year, $20 million dollar contract(The Yanks had to post an addition $26 million to negotiate initially). So what has the $46 million dollar investment produced? In 71 innings with the Yankees, Igawa has allowed 89 hits and 54 runs resulting in a 6.66 ERA. Talk about bang for your buck, literally. Igawa spent the entire 2009 season in Triple A. He posted a 10-8 record, resulting in a 4.15 ERA. Far from dominant numbers.

So why are the Yankees interested in Igawa’s services? Besides the large price tag, the Yankees only have one servicable lefty in their pen, Damaso Marte. Marte recorded big outs in the post-season, but was often injured and somewhat unreliable during the regular season. Minor-leaguer Boone Logan is also expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen, but he won’t get an opportunity unless another pitcher gets injured. Logan will start the season in Triple A. Heading into the season, one would assume that Igawa is 3rd in that shallow pecking order.

So why Igawa? Given the amount of dollars they have invested in Igawa, the Yankees have every right to mold him into a somewhat-valuable piece to the puzzle. Given his sample size, I use the ‘somewhat-valuable’ term very liberally. He is just not a good Major League pitcher.

Ultimately, I don’t think Igawa will see the Bronx ever again. It’s an entertaining thought to salvage some value, but Igawa is awful and the Yankees just made a bad investment.  The pen is already overflowing with arms. There’s no spot for the ‘Igawa Experient’ coming off a championship season.  For every Kei Igawa, the Yankees have invested in an Andy Pettitte.

**Pictured Above: Orioles CF, Adam Jones Running Into A Plane, I Mean A Wall***

Written By: Matt Vereb

The middle rounds of a fantasy draft ultimately define one’s team. The first ten rounds offer owners opportunities to draft the 100 best players in the game. After that group, there is debate as to whom will follow. Rounds 11-16 offered a lot of interesting selections…

Kenny led this round off:

Reach Picks:

Elvis Andrus and David Aardsma

I can be definitely classified as one of those baseball fans who are on the Elvis Andrus bandwagon. As a rookie, Andrus hit .267, 6 HRs, and stole 33 bases last season for the Texas Rangers.  I think Andrus can streal 40 bases this year, but given his draft positon, he was reached for. Andrus is only 21-years-old so there is some concern about going forward.There were other, more established SS options(A. Cabrera, Drew, Escobar) that could have been had 5+ rounds later.

David Aardsma stepped into Seattle’s closer role last season after Brandon Morrow went down with an injury. Aardsma had a great season, recording 38 saves. His fly ball rate is a little concerning (58%). Fantasy owners also have some red flags when it comes to durability(missed most of 2008). There were some other safer options, like Trevor Hoffman, that were available at the same spot.

Best Value:

Jair Jurrjens and Shin-Soo Choo

Jurrjens recorded a 2.60 ERA in 34 starts for the Atlanta Braves last season. His 1.21 WHIP was one of the best among NL starters. Owners wonder whether he can do it again this season. The risk is low enough in the 16th Round to find out. Good value pick.

Indians outfielder, Choo reached the coveted 20-20 level last season. He also hit .300 to boot. Choo is a five category contributor who will have Grady Sizemore hitting in front of him this season. He could have a career year. A great value in the 14th.

Owners: React to Rounds 11-16

Photo Credit: Baltimoresun.com

Written By: Matt Vereb

The #1 Syracuse Orangemen lost their regular season finale at Louisville, 78-68. Louisville’s victory was an appropriate way for the Cardinals to close the historic, Freedom Hall. Cardinals guard, Kyle Kuric scored 22 second half points to pace the Cards. Kuric, normally a reserve player, stepped in for injured star, Jerry Smith. Syracuse came out extremely flat in the 2nd half. However, Wes Johnson played a good game for Syracuse by scoring 18 points. Scoop Jardine added 20 in the loss.

This victory ensures that the Cardinals will be in the NCAA Tournament. They have posted two victories this season against Syracuse and more impressively, 11 Big East wins.

Syracuse will look to rebound next week as the Big East tournament kicks off. Look for a lot of great basketball next week at Madison Square Garden. Go Syracuse.

Photo Credit: news.yahoo.com

**Pictured Above: Yankee Catcher, Francisco Cervelli**

Written By: Matt Vereb

The Yankees are currently losing 9-1 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Today was AJ Burnett’s first start of the spring. Burnett threw well. Twenty-four of his alotted thirty-five pitches were strikes. Alike Phil Hughes, AJ Burnett has been working on a changeup. Burnett threw 8-10 changes that looked extremely good. Burnett scattered five hits, but was charged two runs after leaving the 2nd inning due to his pitch count. Burnett’s strike ratio and change up are definitely good building blocks for 2010.

Jon Albalabejo has had a rough Spring so far. He was removed after 1/3 of an inning, yielding 7 hits and 5 earned runs. This was his second straight bad outing. His Spring Training ERA sits at a cool 184.00

Curtis Granderson has yet to record a hit. He is 0 for 7 in 3 games.

Backup catcher, Francisco Cervelli, was hit in the head by a pitch this afternoon. He was taken to the hospital. Luckily, x-rays were negative and he was able to return to the field.

Photo Credit: news.yahoo.com