For the first time since 1996, the Knicks are actually below the salary cap for the upcoming season. With the off-season approaching, The Knicks couldn’t be in a better position.  Walsh has set the stage for a dramatic off-season. He shed expensive contracts and gained more firepower to finish out the season, but first let’s look over what he did today.

In the first move, Walsh sent Darko Milicic, who was a failed project for the year, to the Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal. It really had no impact on the salary cap, but perhaps Cardinal can contribute more to the Knicks that Milicic did.

In a five player deal with Boston, the Knicks dealt fan favorite and Dunk Contest Champion, Nate Robinson. Since being benched 14 different times throughout the season, it was clear that Robinson did not fit in D’Antoni’s plans for the future. Even though Nate’s athleticism and passion were unmatched on the Knicks roster, his antics and unruly play were what ultimately forced Walsh’s hand. Whether it was shooting at the wrong basket or playing out of the system, Robinson was on D’Antoni’s last nerve. While many fans, including myself, are sad to see Robinson go, it has a real effect on the off-season. Even though Nate’s contract was up at the end of the year, the fact that he is gone just takes away the headache of trying to re-sign him to a deal that would still allow the Knicks to pursue the FA’s they are interested in. Boston received Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry in the trade while the Knicks received Eddie House, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens.

Secondly, in the trade that has the most effect on the rest of this season, and possible the next few seasons, Walsh set up a 3-team trade between the Rockets and the Kings. Walsh added more offensive strength and cap space in a deal that will directly affect the moves he makes this offseason. The Knicks received Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez from Sacramento, the Kings added Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey from NY while Houston received Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries. This trade is important to the Knicks for three main reasons. One, it adds McGrady, who will be turning 32 in May.  McGrady may still have some energy left in his tank that can energize the Knicks and help make a late playoff push. Two, the Knicks were able to keep Al Harrington, despite the rumors that he will either be sent to Chicago or Houston as a part of the McGrady deal. Keeping Harrington is a huge win for New York because he has publicly supported the Knicks adding superstars next season, even if he has to take a pay cut. His talent alone may help lure FA’s to the Knicks. The third and most important ideal with the trade is the shedding of Jared Jeffries contract. This will put the Knicks $30 million below the salary cap after July 1st. This huge window allows the Knicks alot of possibilites.

Their main goal is to land LeBron James obviously, but now they can let him pick the other superstar he wants to play with. Whether is it Bosh, Wade, Nowitzki or Nash, James has an opportunity unlike any other he has had before this point. Of course all of this depends on landing a superstar or two, but no other team has the ability to offer two league maximum contracts except the NY Knicks. Walsh may be putting all of his eggs in one basket, but he is going to have the biggest basket in the league starting July 1st.

The defense of the New York Football Giants is a glaring need heading into the 2010 season.  Injuries, disappointment, and under-performing all but sum up the Giants defense in 2009. Middle linebacker is clearly the Giants’ biggest need.  After addressing the middle of their line backing corps, the G-Men have some concerns at every other position.  One position with considerable concern is safety.  Once upon a time, not too long ago, safeties were viewed as afterthoughts; nothing more than interchangeable parts.  And if a team managed to land a good safety, they were lucky.  Now, though, some teams succeed because of the great play from their safeties, and those same defenses will break down when he is missing from the secondary.  Take a look at recent years.  When Bob Sanders is fully healthy, the Colts win.  In 2006, on their way to their second Super Bowl championship the Colts had the worst run defense in the league during the regular season, giving up at least 100 yards rushing a game, in which Sanders played in just four games.  Sanders came back for the Colts’ first playoff game and was the main reason the Colts were nearly impossible to run on in January.  A versatile, play making safety can change the entire attitude of a defense and completely alter an offense’s game plan.

LSU safety Chad Jones has the ability, and tremendous potential, to be that type of versatile safety.  Jones is a force in the secondary, who possesses elite size and speed for the safety position, measuring at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and running a sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash.  A short time ago, Jones was thought to still be available in the middle of the third round, right where the Giants (76^th overall pick) will be picking.  It seems, though, that Jones’ stock is rising quickly, and he’s becoming a late-second/early-third prospect. Here is a closer look at why Jones is shooting up big boards around the league.

In his junior season last year, Jones started all 13 of LSU’s games at safety.  He finished with 74 total tackles, fifth on the team, and led the Tigers with three interceptions. Also a pitcher for LSU’s baseball team, the two-sport star has the kind of physicality that makes a huge difference over the middle with just his mere presence.  His ability to tackle in the open field has become a lost art in the NFL, and along with his very good tackling technique, Jones is one of the hardest hitters to come out of Baton Rouge in the last several years.

With only one full year as a starter, he’s still very raw.  However, Jones has the ability to develop into an elite NFL safety, with his biggest asset being his versatility. That being said, patience is needed in giving him the time to develop.  He has size and athleticism to play either safety position, and he has great ball skills.  His size will give teams a lot of creativity, allowing them to play him closer to the line of scrimmage to assist against the run. While his coverage abilities are up and down at this point, the potential is there for Jones to be one of the best safeties in the NFL.  With baseball and school out of the picture, Jones will now be able to focus solely on football, which has never been the case.  He is viewed as a prospect with a very high ceiling that has the capability of being a starter and Pro-Bowl defensive back.

The Giants clearly need help at safety.  Kenny Phillips’ future is unknown, and although he should be back in his starting role next season, he may never be the same after surgery to completely repair his left knee.  The Giants cannot enter the 2010 season with the hopes of Kenny being fully healthy.  With that being said, even if he is healthy, he needs someone to roam the field with.  Chad Jones appears to be a player with the ability to make a serious impact and be a playmaking safety for many years down the road.  There’s a good chance he’ll still be on the board when it comes time for the Giants to pick in the third round, though Jones is a player who seems to have a lot of buzz surrounding him as of late.  Big Blue can’t fix all of their problems in the first round (if only). If they address middle linebacker with their first our second round pick, Jones would be a player to get awfully excited about if he was still available when the Giants pick in the third round.

Tiger Woods is prepared to appear in the public eye tomorrow for the first time since his “accident” on November 27th, 2009, in the form of a televised statement.  Will we see the same confident, untouchable role-model we’ve seen in the past? I think this answer is an obvious “no”.

Needless to say, many people will be viewing Tiger much differently than the last time they saw him.  I’m sure many people make the same mistakes Tiger made each and every day, but their name is not Tiger Woods.  I’d say he’s the most recognized face on the planet, and who knows how he can come back from something like this.

Let’s list a few things that have happened since we’ve last heard from Tiger:

-late night car accident where his wife happened to be conveniently chasing him with a golf club so she could smash his rear windshield to rescue him, even though the passenger door worked

-over a dozen women admitted having affairs with Tiger over the previous years

-his wife (a supermodel) bought a house in Sweden by herself, and has been seen in public without her wedding ring

-Tiger cost his sponsors’ shareholders up to $12 billion dollars

-Tiger lost numerous sponsors, including Gatorade, Gillette, Accenture, and others

-Tiger went through a sex rehab clinic

Now lets get back to tomorrow’s statement.  Is it a coincidence that he’s making the statement on the Friday of the ACCENTURE World Match Play Championships?  Accenture was the first sponsor to completely drop Tiger during this scandal.  Golfer Ernie Els doesn’t appreciate the timing of this statement.  He feels that the timing is “selfish”, and would prefer it take place on Monday, when the event is over.  All the hype this weekend will be back on the world’s #1 player, and not on the actual golf tournament including the “other” top 64 golfers in the world.  Sorry Ernie.

What will Tiger say tomorrow?  Who knows.  I think he will most likely first apologize.  To everyone: his wife, his family, his sponsors, his sport,  and  his fans.  Then he will address his lack of loyalty to his marriage and family, and how he’s going to try to fix it.  Finally, he will announce his much anticipated return to the sport of golf.  I expect him to return soon, because if he doesn’t, Steve Stricker or Phil Mickelson will soon be ranked #1 in the world, and we all know Tiger doesn’t want to let that happen.

As an experienced golfer, i’m very much looking forward to hearing what he has to say tomorrow, and I really hope he comes back soon.  Watching golf without him really is not the same.  I will guarantee he is back for The Masters in early April, and I will not expect anything less than his best golf when he does return, no matter if the fans are cheering or booing.

Long-time New York Yankees Trainer, Gene Monohan, will miss Spring Training for the first time during his 38 year tenure with the team. Monohan is said to have a “significant illness’ that will force him to miss some time. Steve Donahue will assume head-trainer duties. Donahue has been Monohan’s assistant for the past 25 years.

Monohan first served as a bat boy for the Yankees in 1962. Monohan has been around the likes of Yogi Berra, Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera throughout his Yankee tenure.

With long-time Yankees Public Address announcer, Bob Sheppard,  leaving the team last year due to illness, Yankee Stadium lost one of its more familiar faces. We hope our 2nd familiar face comes back soon. We wish Monohan a quick recovery and hope he’ll be back during the 2010 season.

The Rangers face-off against the Tampa Bay Lightning today at Madison Square Garden (puck drops at 1:00 p.m.).  This is New York’s final game before the Olympic break.  The Blueshirts currently rank fourth in the Atlantic Division standings, and 11th in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 27-27-7 (61 pts.), three points out of the eighth and final playoff spot. The Rangers enter today’s game after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-2, in overtime on Friday night in Pittsburgh, the Rangers’ first win at Pittsburgh since a 4-3 overtime victory on Nov. 17, 2007.  The Lightning enter the contest with a record of 26-23-11 (63 pts.), to rank ninth in the Eastern Conference (1 point out of eighth place) and second in the Southeast Division. Following the Olympic Break, the Rangers will resume their regular season schedule on Tuesday, Mar. 2, when they will face-off against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.

The Rangers will be without two starters tonight, much like Friday’s game against the Penguins.  Forward Marian Gaborik will miss Sunday afternoon’s contest, because of a lacerated right knee suffered on this past Tuesday, after attempting to play Friday in Pittsburgh.  Rookie defense man Michael Del Zotto, who suffered a “significant laceration” to the side of his abdomen after colliding with Penguin’s center Evgeni Malkin and landing on his skate, is ruled out for today’s game.  It is uncertain when he will be back on the blue line for New York.

Prediction: Rangers win, 4-2.  After a nice all-around performance in Pittsburgh on Friday, the Rangers will carry the momentum back home and go into the break on a high note.

Shot calling: goal for Ryan Callahan.

Our good friends at River Ave. Blues brought to our attention yesterday a monster hit from top Yankee prospect Jesus Montero.  During the Yankees workout in Tampa, Montero grabbed all of the attention by hitting a long ball that struck the “M” of the George M. Steinbrenner Field sign, all the way on the scoreboard in left field.  The estimated distance was approximately 446 feet from home plate. If it had gone to right field instead of left, it probably would have landed on the Dale Mabry Highway. That’s a major cause for celebration.

“Today, I found it a little bit,” Montero said about his swing. “I tried to put a good swing on the ball. Put a good swing on the ball, and that’s what happened.”

Montero also said that it’s one of the five longest homers he’s ever hit, but on the low end of the list. Hallelujah.

More news about Montero came this morning, as Baseball America released their 21^st annual list of the Top 100 Prospects, with Montero coming in at number 4. Outfielder Jason Heyward of the Braves is at the top the list, followed by pitcher Stephen Strasburg of the Nationals and outfielder Mike Stanton of the Marlins. Rounding out the top five is pitcher Brian Matusz of the Orioles. Montero is the third Yankee prospect to be considered one of the four best prospects in the game since 2007. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain were named in the top four in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

During the off-season, fans will constantly hear about arbitration in baseball. But many are not sure what it is. Does it consist of a bunch of lawyers arguing on the behalf of their clients? Do the teams’ lawyers have valid arguments? What exactly is the legal process?

Arbitration hearing are for players and teams who cannot agree on a salary for the upcoming season. Sounds simple right? However, lawyers will tackle much more complex issues. For a first-time player to be eligible for arbitration; he must:

1. Played in the Major Leagues for at least three years. but no more than six.
(Players are free agents after six seasons of team control)

2. Players, who have played for more than 6 seasons and become free agents, are available to receive arbitration from their current team. It is solely the team’s decision whether or not they will offer the player arbitration. If they offer a player arbitration and he accepts, there typically isn’t anymore debate. Players that teams do not want to retain are not offered arbitration.

Team Obligations:

Here’s the tricky part of arbitration(lawyers get involved here)

1. Clubs must contract free agents before December 1 to offer arbitration.

2. The player has until December 7 to accept. If he accepts, he goes back on the team’s roster. Debate about a final number may continue if the player accepts. If he declines arb, the sides can continue to negotiate.

3. Teams must offer players at least 80% of the prior year’s salary.

If teams can still not settle on a salary, lawyers are brought in. These lawyers take salary proposals to a panel of professional arbitrators.

4. Both parties must make cases for their aforementioned salary figure to the panel. Lawyers will note statistics, awards, and other accolades on behalf of the player. Lawyers for the team will note attendance numbers and other team related expenses. This process takes place in February.

5. The panel decides on a final number. The team or player can tell the lawyer to appeal the case. Appeals normally take a week to hear.

Ultimately, teams will not use their lawyers to upset their players. Typically, the team’s better young players will appear before arbitrators. If the team wants to retain this young talent long term, they will not upset him through contract negotiations.

More recently, Tim Lincecum of the SF Giants, almost went through an arbitration hearing. However, the Giants had their lawyers proposed a 2 year/23 million deal to Lincecum’s lawyer right before the hearing. Lincecum had initially filed for $13MM, the Giants for 8MM.

The two sides were able to settle, but I hope this article shed some light on the entire legal process.

We visited this topic last week, but let’s go 2nd level.

Many Yankee fans are aware that Derek is in the last year of his 10 year, $189 million contract. Jeter, 36, has been the face of the Yankee franchise for the past decade. Jeter is a career .317 hitter. Jeter became the Yankees All-Time hits leader during this past season and currently has 2,747 hits. Jeter is a career .313 hitter in the post season. Jeter is also the all-time postseason hits leader with 175. Defensively, Jeter had one of his best defensive seasons ever last year, posting a +4.4 UZR, 4th best in baseball (compared to -0.5 UZR in 2008). Jeter finished 3rd inAL MVP voting as well.

Jeter is making $21.6 million this season. The question becomes–how long and how much Jeter’s next deal will be worth. Yankee fans and baseball experts will most likely use A-Rod’s current 10 year, $275 million contract as a bench mark. A-Rod was also 32 years old when he signed that deal(Jeter will be 37).

When it comes to Derek Jeter, the Yankees will most likely give him whatever he wants. He is the fan favorite, one of the few living Yankee legends, and the current face of the franchise. The decision will rest on Jeter’s shoulders. How long will he be able to keep up his current statistics? What about the defense? Joe DiMaggio retired when he was on the top of his game(37-years-old). DiMaggio also had heel problems, but knew when it was time to retire.

I’m not suggesting that Jeter should retire after this season, but I don’t think he should try to hang on either. As Yankee fans, we want to remember Jeter for his 2001 playoff ‘flip play in Oakland’, the dive into the stands vs. Boston in 2006. We don’t want to see a broken Jeter at the end of a contract.

Keep in mind too that if Jeter signs a 5-years deal, the Yankees will be paying a 42-year-old Jeter and a 41-year-old Rodriguez roughly $50 million in 2015. But that won’t matter this offseason.

Prediction: 4 years/$85 million

Is this too much? Too little? What do you think?

Last week, I covered A-Rod and Teix’s fantasy prospects. Today, I will cover NY Pitchers.

With pitchers and catchers reporting in only 2 days, baseball fans and fantasy owners are beginning to foam at the mouth. Drafts are quickly approaching and final rankings are being adjusted.

Strategy with Pitchers:

I agree with the majority of fantasy gurus that Fantasy baseball teams should be built around hitters. I won’t even think about taking an arm until Round 6 or 7. Elite arms are a scarce commodity in fantasy(only 6 in my opinion). There are also durability concerns when it comes to high velocity arms; which can ultimately destroy your fantasy team.

What makes for an elite, starting fantasy arm? It comes down to three major components: Wins, ERA, High Strikeout Totals.  After the 2009 season, Lincecum, Halladay, Sabathia, Grienke, Verlander, and Felix Hernandez, these six fit the bill and should be drafted accordingly in 2010.

Let’s discuss New York Arms

The Elite Starters:

#4 CC Sabathia, SP, New York Yankees—Sabathia had a great first season with the New York Yankees. Sabathia won 19 games, posted a 3.37 ERA, and had 197 K’s. Given his offensive support and pitching demeanor, Sabathia is one of the best bets to win 20 games in the league. Sabathia is a consistent work horse and is the least likely of the ‘Big 6’ to suffer an injury. Sabathia would be the 4^th pitcher to come off the boards in my opinion(behind Lincecum, Halladay, and Hernandez)

Round to Draft: Round 3

Projection: 20 Wins, 3.25 ERA, 205 K’s.

#8 Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets—The biggest question concerning Santana? Has he fully recovered from his surgery in September? Are the bone chips gone? Santana has already begun throwing in Florida and claims that he feels better than ever. Fantasy owners and Mets fans must be a little concerned. His strikeout rate has considerably dropped from 2008(9.66/9innings) to 2009(7.88). Santana really has the ability to finish Top 5 in fantasy, but are you going to draft him over Jon Lester, Justin Verlander, or Cliff Lee?

Round to Draft: Round 5-6

Projection: 16 wins, 3.10 ERA, 175 K’s

Secondary Starters:

#11 Javier Vazquez, SP, New York Yankees—Vazquez will get his 2nd chance in New York. I think he’ll make the most of it. Vazquez finished 4^th in NL Cy Young voting last season. Vazquez posted 15 wins, 238 K’s, and 2.87 ERA. I expect his number to come back down to Earth this year, but to still be worthy as a #2 in Fantasy. He has the Yankee offense aiding him, which will add a few wins to his total.

Round to Draft: 7-8

Projection: 15 wins, 3.80 ERA, 190 K’s

#24 AJ Burnett, SP, New York Yankees—Will Good AJ or Bad AJ show up? That’s the question Yankee fans must tackle when Burnett takes the mound. When AJ is on, he is virtually untouchable. When he is off, well, he’s off like a light switch. Burnett had 195 K’s in 208 innings last season. The strikeout potential is there, but Burnett walks so many hitters.  Scale back your expectations for AJ and you won’t be disappointed this year.

Round to Draft: 9-10

Projection: 15 wins, 4.20 ERA, 190 K’s

Relievers

#1 Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees—Mo is still the best in the game. Rivera had one of the best seasons in his career last season. He posted 44 saves in 46 opportunities, posted a 1.74 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and had 72 K’s(in 66 innings). Rivera, 40, has been the best closer in the league for the past 12 seasons. He keeps providing to be one of the most valuable assets on the Yankees and on fantasy teams. He is and will be the first closer drafted. If anyone attempts to tell you that Nathan is better, pop in the tape from the 2009 ALDS.

Round to Draft: 7

Projection: 44 Saves, 1.99 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 70 K’s

#4 Francisco Rodriguez, RP, New York Mets—K-Rod is arguably the most entertaining closer in the game. The Mets provide Rodriguez a ton of opportunities. Rodriguez recorded 35 saves last season with 73 K’s in 68 innings. Look for him to continue his success in New York. I would draft K-Rod after Rivera, Jonathan Broxton, and Joe Nathan. Definitely take him ahead of Papelbon.

Round to Draft: 10

Projection: 40 Saves, 2.90 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 71 K’s

Some of you may not know that Derek Jeter has an all-time great dating record. We are talking about the hottest female celebrities ever. Jeter has dated everyone from Jessica Alba to Mariah Carey to Jessica Biel to currently Minka Kelly, star of the TV show, Friday Night Lights.

Some for the guys reading our blog today, I leave you this link; giving you a full break down of Jeter’s dating resume.

Jeter will definitely make the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. I’m sure Hugh Hefner will have room for Jeter in his.