Bleacher Report - Articles by TJ Buzzeo

Relax, Yankees Fans. It's Going to be Alright

TJ Buzzeo — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:41:37 -0400

Trust me, Yankees fans, it’s going to be fine. This is not 2004, this is not history repeating itself—or as Yogi Berra would say, “Déjà vu all over again.”

There are so many differences between this team and the one that will forever be synonymous with being the only (probably first at some point) team to blow a 3-0 series lead, it is preposterous to think this team is going to or should fold because that one did.

To me the most obvious difference is in the starting pitching that the Yankees will be having in Games Six and Seven.

Andy Pettitte is starting Game Six for the Yankees and is known for coming up big when his team needs him most. He has shown it all year long, even at the age of 37. During the regular season, Pettitte went 14-8 with a 4.16 ERA. He has done the same during the postseason, going 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA and nine strikeouts.

Game Seven’s starter does not need much by way of an introduction or stats to back up his ability—it will be C.C. Sabathia. This season, Sabathia tied for the American League lead with 19 wins to only eight losses and a 3.37 ERA, and was lights-out during the second half of the year.

He stayed hot during the postseason, pitching into the seventh inning every start and going eight full innings twice. His postseason stats include a record of 3-0 in three starts, with a very impressive 1.19 ERA and 20 strikeouts.

No offense to the Angels, but there is an old saying in baseball: “momentum is only as good as your next days’ starting pitcher.” For the Yankees, momentum is currently looking pretty good.

Just to compare the "momentum" the Yankees had in 2004, they had Jon Lieber and Kevin Brown going. Lieber was 14-8 with a 4.33 ERA in ’04, and in his three playoff starts had a 1-1 record with a 3.43 ERA. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good, at least compared to the other two. Brown, 10-6 with a 4.06 ERA during the regular season, was 0-1 with a 21.60 ERA in two starts and only 3.1 innings pitched in the ALCS alone.

Enough said.

Now, look at the rosters. If this is the same team that blew a 3-0 lead, how come only five players (Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera) are on the Yankees now that were part of the 2004 debacle?

One could also make a case that these guys have tasted defeat before and are not going to let it happen again—or at least, they're going to do everything they can to prevent it from happening again.

Jeter is hitting .314 in the postseason with three home runs and eight runs scored. Like Sabathia, Rodriguez does not need much background to say he is getting the job done in the postseason, but here we go. A batting average of .400, five home runs, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored.

Matsui in the ALCS is hitting .294, and has walked five times. Posada, who always plays with a chip on his shoulder, added not starting when A.J. Burnett pitches and has picked his game up this postseason, with a .308 average and two home runs. Rivera has pitched in seven of eight games and has struck out 10 while only allowing five hits. He has not given up a run in eight and two-thirds innings as he continues his dominance of the month of October.

Also, the coaching staff is completely different. Not one coach has been on the team since 2004. New blood means new results, every person is different in how they coach or just go about life. I am not in any way saying Joe Girardi is a better manager than Joe Torre or that any of the coaches of ’09 are better than their ’04 counterparts, but just having something different could be what this team needs to keep ’04 where it belongs—in the past.

The third reason—which for your benefit, I will make my last—is Yankee Stadium. I am not talking about ghosts, spirits, curses or whatever else the ballpark across the street may have had. This place is new and does not yet have too much history, but no one can deny the Yankees' home-field advantage.

When you hear the phrase “the new Yankee Stadium,” what do you think of? For most it would be home runs, and whether it is a jet-stream or short fences, this Yankee team is built for it better than any other team—which obviously includes the visitors from Los Angeles.

The Yankees have out-homered everyone all season long, which includes the playoffs. In the regular season, the Yankees hit 244 home runs, the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies were second with 224, and the Angels were tenth with 173. That trend has continued in October, where the Yankees and Phillies have led the way with 14 home runs through two rounds so far. The Angels are third, but with nine fewer than the Yankees, having only homered five times.

Also, the Yankees led baseball with the best record in baseball at home during the regular season, 57-24. They also have yet to lose at the Big Ballpark in the Bronx during the postseason, not to mention all of the walk-off wins. With this kind of home-field advantage, why should they be worried about going back to the Bronx?

Once again, this is not 2004, it’s 2009 and the Yankees are a completely different team. They have better pitching, the names have almost completely changed, and they have a new home-field advantage in the new stadium. That is why the Yankees will win one of these next two games and go on to the World Series.

Having a Good Quarterback Is the Key to Winning

TJ Buzzeo — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:57:55 -0400

For the first time in a long time, I had the chance to watch football this past weekend, uninterrupted and without the thought of papers, exams and other work I had to get done looming over my head.

I noticed something that I have overlooked for years, and don’t really know why I have done so. I became aware of just how important the position of quarterback is in the game of football, no matter the level.

Two games stuck out to me from this past weekend as evidence of this. The first was the Florida vs. Tennessee game on Saturday afternoon, and the other the Indianapolis vs. Miami game on Monday night.

I know both of these games had to do with my favorite teams, but it is purely coincidental and you will see what I mean as I begin my case.

Now, whether or not Urban Meyer really did hold his offense back because Tennessee would not open up and throw the ball and really challenge the Gators for the win is up for debate, but he is right. Tennessee could not open up the offense with Jonathon Crompton.

Crompton has never shown that he has a big-time, Division I arm that could lead the Vols to the promised land, and Lane Kiffin and Tennessee had to play accordingly and try to jam the ball down Brandon Spikes's and the Florida defense's throats with Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown.

That strategy almost worked, too, but as the old saying goes, “Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” "Almost" still means "came up short," and it took the worst game of Tim Tebow’s college career for the Vols to get as close as almost.

Crompton was doing a great job not throwing the ball, except for the play-action passes and short third downs and when Florida could not just pin their ears back and go after him. Kiffin wanted Crompton to just move the chains and he was doing just that. However, Kiffin could not stray away from the game and go for the kill because it would give Superman a chance to turn his day around, and give Meyer a chance to show off how explosive his offense is or could be, and then almost becomes not even close.

So, to summarize, I believe Tennessee could not make the final push to defeat the Gators because the threat of Tebow doing what Tebow does in most games kept Kiffin from opening up the offense and going for the win.

Now, onto the NFL and the Monday night game. In order for the Dolphins to win, they needed to keep the ball on the ground and control the clock. I have often said that their best offense is their defense, and vice versa.

What I mean by that is, when their defense is on the field, they are doing their job when they force a punt and give the offense the ball with good field position. That gives the offense a better chance at scoring. The Dolphins offense is their best defense when they are picking up first downs and moving the ball downfield and keeping the clock ticking down.

This plan was working to perfection for the Dolphins, and they were closer than "almost." They were outplaying Indianapolis and were holding onto the lead and to the ball. Tony Sparano’s crew could not have been happier. Except for one little problem—the Colts have Peyton Manning.

Manning was on the field for just under 15 minutes of the game, not even a full quarter! However, when the final whistle blew, Manning was standing on top, as he has so many times before, with the Colts winning 27-23.

I know people have said all you need to do is give Manning a chance and the ball, and he will be able to score, but Monday night he proved it by picking apart Miami and proving (to me anyway) that he is the best quarterback in the game.

Since Monday, I have been trying to think of quarterbacks that could do what Manning did: completely outthink and outperform a team that outplayed them the way the Dolphins did Monday night to the Colts.

I have come up with only one besides Manning—the Dolphins' previous star QB, Dan Marino. I just could not think of any other quarterbacks that were that accurate going deep downfield, and had a weak enough running game where that is a style of football they have to play.

I do not doubt Joe Montana’s or Tom Brady’s abilities to drive their team downfield late in games, but neither are the quick-strike type, and never have tey played that style of offense. As for Brett Favre, he makes way too many stupid plays, and you could not afford any of those in that type of situation.

Now, the Dolphins still had time Monday to drive the ball downfield and they did not need to hurry too much. They did need to hurry more than they did, and could not afford to call the two running plays they did to start the drive.

Also, at the end of the day, Chad Pennington is not physically gifted like Peyton Manning is. He manages games, he is great with a good running game, and he usually just has to pick up first downs and not turn the ball over. If you need to strike quickly, Chad is not your guy, and showed that Monday night.

That being said, he was a Ted Ginn, Jr. big catch away from pulling that victory away from the Colts, and that is the most you could ask for out of Pennington. If Manning was the quarterback on the Dolphins in that situation, then you could be upset if he does not find a way to get the ball into the end zone. He is the caliber of quarterback that figures out how to do that and could go do that, and there are only a few of those ever to play in the NFL.

Have we learned anything new? No. Quarterback is the single most important position in sports, and I just helped prove an already proven point. If you don’t think its important, then why did the Vikings just give Favre $25 million for the next two years?

Sleeping With The Enemy: Dating a Rival's Fan

TJ Buzzeo — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:04:14 -0400

So my fellow sports fans, eight months ago I did the unthinkable, did something I swore I would never do, and never thought I would be able to do.

I am dating a Red Sox fan.

If you have not figured it out by now, I am a die-hard New York Yankees fan. I love Derek Jeter almost as much as my girlfriend, and a MVP Award and another World Series ring could change even that (just kidding…I think).

I can not play dumb and pretend like I did not see this problem coming. I knew that she was from Whitman, Massachusetts and that there was a very, very good chance that she would be a member of Red Sox Nation.

But in my defense it was December, just before Christmas and although it is and probably always will be first and foremost in my life, we never really talked about sports and when we did it was the in regards to the AFC East playoff race and basketball.

She does not watch basketball, could not even name one player on the Celtics, and if Tom Brady wasn't dating celebrities and constantly talked about in every possible portal of media she wouldn't have been able to name anyone on the Pats.

She even said that she wouldn't mind if the Dolphins (my favorite football team) won the AFC East!

I know Yankee fans may not want me to come back to the new stadium, but come on, give me a break, how was I supposed to know that she would only follow one sport and that it was baseball. All she really talks about is sailing, running, and Notre Dame Academy (and when she talks about NDA it’s usually about sailing and running while there).

All of my Yankee fan brethren (if they will still allow me to call them that) are probably thinking like I did about nine months ago, that the thought of hugging, holding hands with, and for those with weak stomachs you may want to turn away, kissing a fan of the BoSox would lead you to massive amounts of vomiting, the gouging out of your eyes, and lighting yourself on fire, trust me I know where you are coming from.

However, it’s really not that bad (at least while the Yankees have all but officially won the division) we do not watch baseball together (to avoid fights), really try not to talk about it unless it is something general (again to avoid fights), and always remember that we love each other for reasons other than who our favorite baseball team is.

Since I am from Stamford, Conn. and she is from Whitman, Mass. we did not see each other all of that much over the summer, which honestly sucked, no matter what you Yankee die-hards, who do not understand might say. I did drive up to Massachusetts for the Fourth of July weekend and realizing that this relationship was getting serious, threw her an ultimatum:

“My children have to be Yankee fans or we might as well break up now.”

She sighed, and glared at me, but nonetheless she agreed to my conditions, knowing that I was serious and that I really would go to war over this, no matter how insignificant it may be to some people. I mean, just because she does not know any better, does not mean our kids should have to suffer.

As I am the one who is the die-hard fan in the relationship, she always makes sure to ask me, “How are your boys doing?” or “Are you happy?” she even affectionately calls Derek Jeter, “Jete, Jete.”

Her mother even promised not to say anymore negative things about the Yankees after I allowed them to put their humongous grill in the back of my car, which scratched the hell out of my bumper. I will admit that my Jeep is a clunker, but it’s my clunker, and it physically hurts that my car is in worse condition.

Anyway, I definitely thought that my girlfriend was coming around to the good side and finally starting to see the light when her grandfather saw this happening and stepped in to block my attempts, by (jokingly…again I think) threatening to cut her out of his will.

If that were to happen this girl would be perfect, not just for me, but for anybody. She is ridiculously cute, by all definitions a sweetheart, loving, caring, and she would be a Yankee fan.

Wow! I mean all you guys out there know that a girl wearing pinstripes and the interlocking “NY” are heads and tails more attractive than ones wearing anything else!

But, that is not the case and once again it just goes to show that no one is perfect and that we all have flaws…for now at least. So, I guess until her conversion of fanhood is complete I am just going to have to deal with her dirty looks and gagging noises when we are talking about the Yankees.

I understand this is not the situation any of you see yourself in, being with the enemy, so to speak, but it really could be a lot worse, and there really are more important qualities in people than which team they like or loathe.

MLB Midterm Grades for 2009 Predictions

TJ Buzzeo — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:07:50 -0400

The All-Star game is a time to celebrate the first-half of the season. It's not the mid-point of the season anymore, but it's a logical point to decide how your season is going. Some like Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols and the Boston Red Sox are doing good, just like we expected them too, some like Zach Greinke, Nelson Cruz and the San Fransisco Giants have surprised us, and some like the Cubs, and most of their players have disappointed us, but either way we are now going to see how I have been doing on the year. Way back when, the season just started I predicted how each division will end up and handed out awards to the players I thought would be deserving at the end of the season. Let's see how I did.

Begin Slideshow

Hair Dos and Don'ts: The Double Standard of Playing Professional Sports

TJ Buzzeo — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:35:20 -0400

Why do athletes seem to always get a pass when regular people don’t? I am not talking about autographs getting them out of speeding tickets or pictures to get a free meal in a restaurant. I am talking about hair styles.

Do you think anyone but Dennis Rodman could get a job let alone a raise? No, not unless it’s for a carnival. How about Johnny Damon during his caveman days? Well, maybe he could get hired for Geico commercials.

Life is not fair, so why should the way we wear our hair not matter?

Nick Swisher is sporting a Mohawk. What do his fans think? They say things like “It’s cool” or “Awesome.” If Swisher was not a home run-hitting outfielder, what would people say? “He looks stupid,” or “What an idiot.”

Why is there a double standard for athletes?

If you could slam dunk or score touchdowns, does that allow you to go against conventional hairstyles?

Doctors save lives and teachers educate children, but if you showed up to an appointment and your doctor had Troy Polamalu’s long hair, or you walked into class and your professor had Chris Anderson's spiked hair, what would you think?

However, if you want a big interception or a big rebound, then you have your guy.

The different hair styles do not just keep themselves to the top of the head, as we have seen them move down to the faces of our athletes, as well.

Everyone remembers Scot Spiezio’s red soul patch during the Cardinals' World Series run in 2006. Thankfully, Chad Gaudin decided to get rid of that beard before he decided to become co-NL player of the week and would start being interviewed nationally. If that was not bad enough, how about the side burns on Drew Gooden. Will anyone forget those?

The worst case of the double standard scenario was just put on hold with a 50 game suspension, but now the minor leagues are graced with its presence. If you have not figured it out by now, I am talking about Manny Ramirez.

While Joe Torre was with the New York Yankees, he famously had all of his player’s clean shaven and respectably dressed. How would he deal with Manny who famously led a team known as “The Idiots” to two World Series titles?

Torre’s response is to let Manny be Manny, which worked. Manny hit home runs and played happily with long dreadlocks barely keeping hats and helmets on his head, and Torre got the Dodgers in the playoffs.

The double standard is everywhere in sports, and there is not a thing I, you, or any one else could do about it. It happens with their hair, facial hair, and don’t even get me started on tattoos, jewelry, and clothing. We’ll save that one for another day.

The Intimidator: The Art of Throwing Inside

TJ Buzzeo — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:58:25 -0400

Right after big hits and great plays in the field, there is nothing that gets a fan more excited than some good old sweet chin music. Immediately, fans begin yelling, “Oh!” and, “Hey!” whether they are for the players getting thrown at or not.

Throwing inside to knock a player off the plate or to try to get an inside strike used to be part of the game of baseball, but now it seems like nobody wants to do it anymore.

And I think I finally figured out why...they can’t.

For some reason a guy can throw any pitch to any part of the strike zone he wants almost at will, however you ask him to go inside and all kinds of crazy, ridiculous things happen.

I used to think that the pitchers did not want to get what I call “Mussinad”—where the player who gets hit with the pitch charges the mound and beats the heck out of you in front of 40,000 people, not to mention everyone watching on T.V. or now on the Internet.

However, after watching two incidents in the past week or so, I am positive that throwing purpose pitches is an art and just like with any other form of art—some got it and others don’t.

The first was when the Angels took on the Texas Rangers last Saturday. The night before, Rangers second basemen Ian Kinsler hit two home runs to beat Los Angeles.

So, on Saturday Angels starter John Lackey decided to take care of Kinsler himself.

Kinsler, the lead-off hitter for Texas, stepped up to the plate and quickly had to dodge out of the way as the first pitch from Lackey came in high and tight. Kinsler got back up, dusted himself off, and quickly hit the dirt again as the second pitch came for Kinsler—this time Lackey hit his target.

The umpires threw Lackey out of the game for intentionally throwing at a hitter.

First off, this was a stupid move by Lackey—you want redemption, throw one inside. You miss...you miss, move on to your next pitch and try to get him out.

Second, how do you miss him?

Sure you can blame it on it being Lackey’s first start of the season and maybe his control was not all there yet, but still...would Nolan Ryan miss?

How about Roger Clemens?

Just ask Robin Ventura and Mike Piazza, they will tell you that they would not.

The other game that helped make me realize was the Friday night game between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.

A.J. Burnett was on the mound for the Yankees and gave up a lead-off home run to Jimmy Rollins. Upset, Burnett fired the next pitch at the head of Chase Utley.

Luckily for Utley, he was able to throw his arm in the way of the pitch, and he was fine.

In the bottom of the inning, Phillies starter Bret Myers was after redemption. The first pitch Myers threw in the game was aimed behind Derek Jeter, about waist high.

The pitch missed and then Myers threw a fastball down the middle to Jeter, and the Yankee Captain belted it to left field for a lead off single.

I had two problems with how Myers handled the situation, and neither of them had to do with the fact that he was throwing at Jeter.

The first problem is that the pitch was waist high.

Now of course nobody wants to see players get seriously hurt, which could be the case with a pitch at the head. However, you are not going to intimidate anybody or get taken seriously if you are hit in the rear end.

Yes it hurts, but how many times (when it does happen) do you hear one of the broadcasters say something like, “If you have to get hit, that’s where you want to get hit.”

If it’s a place you want to get hit, then how bad can it really be?

The second thing that bothered me with Myers' actions (again, other than that the pitch was at Jeter) was the second pitch was practically put on a tee for Jeter, who promptly laced the ball past Rollins at short and into left for a hit.

If Myers wants to protect his players, he should take a few cues from guys like Pedro Martinez who know how to throw inside. Anyone can say many things about Pedro Martinez, but nobody can deny that Pedro was as good as it gets at throwing inside at people.

Now, I think general managers, team presidents, and managers should ensure that they have at least one pitcher (starter or reliever) that will throw inside and intimidate hitters.

Right from the minors on up they should be hiring pitching coaches (not necessarily the main pitching coach, but maybe the bullpen coach or make it a new position) to teach pitchers how to throw inside and intimidate.

Similar to left-handed pitchers, you can have an intimidator. Hockey is already doing this by having one goon on the bench that is signed just to protect the top goal scorer on his team. This would keep the other team from intentionally throwing at your guys, otherwise they know the consequences will be to bring this guy into the game to drill somebody on the other team.

This would bring more strategy into the game as well as keep pitchers in the league. Think about some closer who just cannot end games anymore (Eric Gagne comes to mind) but can still throw, who could stay in the majors because someone will keep him on as the intimidator.

Of course there is no way baseball will ever encourage this.

If any face of baseball (Derek Jeter, Dustin Pedroia, Albert Pujols, and Joe Mauer just to name a few) gets hurt, it could kill the sport in certain towns especially if it’s a player like Pujols.

Without the player, the team would not draw any fans.

So, since “The Intimidator” is a long shot at happening, I guess I could just part with saying if you are a pitcher...learn to throw inside.

I am sure if you call up Clemens or Martinez they will have no problem flying out to teach you how to do it. Or, be like Mike Mussina and do not throw at anybody.

One or the other, do not keep failing because you want to do both.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: More is Less at the New Yankee Stadium

TJ Buzzeo — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:40:40 -0400

“Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.”

That famous song, by Jack Norworth (I bet you did not know that, and I am impressed if you did) is sung in the middle of seventh innings from early March to late October in ball parks all over the United States.

This past Sunday, April 19, 2009, I finally went to my first game (“Yankee Stadium's Opening Day: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?”) at the “New” Yankee Stadium and think the Steinbrenners and all other owners as well need to take another look at the lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” before they design a stadium (new or old).

If you look at the lyrics, they are describing going to a baseball game and watching a baseball game, nothing else. That is what the person in the song was enjoying a baseball game not any of this other ridiculous crap to “enhance” the game.

It does not work and it just pisses the real fans (myself) off.

Do not get me wrong, the stadium is beautiful and really worth every penny that the Steinbrenner’s (and the people of New York) put into it, and enjoyed myself during the Yankees 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

However, there are just too many little things and one big thing (pricing) that make me question why come to the ballpark.

I can put up with the constant games and nonsense up on the scoreboard between innings, and encourage other stadiums (if they do not, to do it). It keeps little kids or people who really do not care interested long enough to allow the true baseball fans to watch the game for as long as they like.

And I understand you have to make coming out to the ballpark appeal to everyone, and that is what most of this stupid stuff does, as the people behind me pretended to be real Yankee fans, but if you looked closely (and I was able to having nine innings with them) they were not (wondered why A-Rod had the day off).

The price of food and drinks is an obvious complaint and I will not dwell on it too long. I am just saying that my mother ordered a beer and hot dog for $19.50. I have tried to boycott Yankee Stadium food for a couple of years for two reasons.

The first is of course because of the prices, and the second is because there are non-Yankee employed vendors just outside the Yankees property lines, who sell the same items at better quality for a lot less (including one guy who used to stand across from “The Bat” now he is by the old stadium, who charges $2.00 for a hot dog, $1.50 for a soda, and $1.00 for a water, you really can’t beat it).

I normally go to that guy and eat like four hot dogs and a drink before the game, fill up and then on the way back to the car get a couple more before heading home, and you are fine and find a lot more money in your pocket.

Alright, now that I am done complaining about prices lets move on to the little things that take away from going to the stadium for a game.

First, all of the field level seats at Yankee Stadium have a waiting service, and menu’s so you can order a wider variety of food without leaving your seat. This sounds like a great service and would be except for two things.

One, the waiters and runners are always going up and down the aisles, looking to see if people want to order, which too often blocks the view of the game for others, and the other reason is (and I am sorry for bringing up money again) that they add a $3.00 tip for the waiter, however they fail to mention this, so you end up tipping them on top of that as well.

Staying on the topic of food, the menu at Yankee Stadium (and elsewhere) is ridiculous. What happened to the days where you would go to the game and pig out?

You should know you can still get the ballpark originals (hot dog, cracker jacks and peanuts) but the new items are comical.

Such items include “Seasonal Fruit Salad”, “Fresh Sushi Rolls” and “Cheesecake on a Stick.” Also, they have concession stands for kids where you can order items like Peanut Butter and Jelly.

I don’t know where I would be today if instead of explaining the fundamentals of baseball and the history of the Yankees to me, he was cutting off the crust of my sandwich as I ate my fruit salad.

Now, switching gears slightly, I would like to move on to the beverage selection.

It used to be, beer (only one kind and a light version as well), soda (regular or diet, maybe Sprite or Seven Up as well), and water, not anymore. You can still get beer, but instead of having to choose from regular or light, now you can choose from five different selections.

Soda will still be a main stay as well and add lemonade, iced tea and Gatorade to the mix as well.

Also, for those early in the season night games or late September games and hopefully the postseason you can choose for a variety of Dunkin Donuts hot drinks, including regular and decaf coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

If you want to have a buzz, but are not a beer drinker the Yankees now have you covered as you can order a variety of Yellowtail wines by the glass as well as other liquors. These range from several different types of Johnnie Walker, bourbons, whiskies, tequilas, rums, and vodkas to name a few.

I am not promoting drinking of any sorts, but a ball game is a place for beer. I should not have to listen to the people behind me ask stupid questions like, “What year is the Pinot Grigio?” or any other questions regarding a glass of wine.

I will now move from the food and discuss other things about the stadium which annoyed me.

My seat. Obviously, I don’t mean I want to be right behind the dugout or in the first row, I mean it was padded. Derek Jeter was asked if he thought it was louder in the “old” stadium compared to the “new” one after they won on Friday, and he said, that they (the fans) have not had much to cheer about.

I now have two theories about this. The first is he is right, they have not played exceptionally well there, even in the two wins. The second fans are too comfortable to get up and cheer their team on.

I remember many games where my parents or my friends’ parents had to stand up because their backs and butts were killing them on the hard seats at the stadium.

So, if you have to stand you might as well cheer, which is actually discouraged (I attempted to get a chant going to spur a rally, and the people behind me quickly began tapping me to ask me to sit down).

Another thing about the stadium that people have found shocking is the array of empty blue seats around home plate down the baselines.

I know the people (and I hate to go back to the money issue but it should be brought up here) who can afford those tickets (ranging from $500 to $2,000 per seat) are not the “real” “die-hard” fans you want to see at the game, but it just gives it an empty feeling that the grandstands and bleachers do not.

I have several theories about why this is during the stadium’s first weekend of games and how to fix it. First the why, these seats are usually sold as season tickets to corporations who then try to give them out to customers and employees.

However, this weekend was also the first really nice weekend in the northeast (which Bill Simmons would refer to as halter top day) so all of those really rich guys and gals were on their boats and at their country clubs for the first time of the year.

Now, I blame this on the media. When the Yankees lose immediately they are written out to be the worst team in baseball, granted Saturday they lost by about 20 runs but still it is just one of 162 games.

That is how you take it, plus they get blown out by the Indians every year often giving up 20+ runs in that game, this year they did it in April.

If those “fans” thought they were going to see winning baseball they would be at the Stadium however, they didn’t so they did not come out.

Now, how to fix this empty seat problem allow fans to move down to the better, empty seats through the course of the game. Don’t keep an usher there checking tickets to make sure they can go down, just let them in.

Guess what owners and CEOs and whoever else is responsible for this, ticket sales will stay the same, except customers will be happier, and that friends is good business, even Bernie Madoff can tell you that.

I have been to many stadiums new and old, and they are all amazing. State of the art and a fun place to be, however these owners and other top executives need to remember what their product is and that is baseball. Too often that is forgotten about with the building and redesigning of a ballpark.

Yankee Stadium's Opening Day: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

TJ Buzzeo — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:21:08 -0400

“You have the rest of you life to work.”

I have heard this phrase many times from my father throughout my adolescent teenage years. I’d always want to work; from 13 on, it was always make a buck, make a buck.

I never had a full-time job and did enjoy myself along the way, always keeping my father's advice in my head. Now, as my junior year at Quinnipiac University is coming to an end and graduation is right around the corner, that advice has never been more prevalent to me.

Throughout my life, well since 1996 anyway, some combination of my family has always gone to Opening Day at Yankee Stadium (the only exception came in 2007, when my brother was making his confirmation the same day). This year, with the economy in shambles, only my mother and her boyfriend were going to go.

Then it happened.

I received a phone call. It was my brother, who was excited and speaking too quickly to understand. I was able to comprehend something about Opening Day tickets and asked him how much.

“$525.”

“Each?!?!”

“No, Mom and Dad are paying $100 each.”

“So, they are $325 each?”

“No, total.”

“Oh, (quick math in my head, a little more than $150 too much, but it is Opening Day at the New Yankee Stadium). Let’s do it."

“Okay, thanks.” (click).

Without knowing when Opening Day is, I just said yes. I guarantee it was going to be a stupid answer; no way I am getting out of this free and easy.

Opening Day at the stadium is April 16, a Thursday of course...the one day I have a once-a-week class (which I already missed twice for other legitimate reasons).

But who knows, the professor is a nice guy and a Yankee fan, maybe I've got a shot. And my other Thursday class is Sports Reporting twice a week...the professor will definitely understand and let me out no problem.

The next Thursday comes and my once-a-week class cancels for the 16th. My heart hopped out of my chest, I was so excited I immediately called my brother and told him I was home free.

I went to my Sports Reporting class feeling invincible. There was no way I was not going to this game. We had a guest speaker, Marc Robbins of Ch. 8, the local ABC affiliate in Connecticut, so my professor did not want to discuss the matter until the following Tuesday.

It was this past Tuesday, April 7th. My class ended and I approached my professor about the game.

“Professor, I have tickets to the Yankee game on Thursday the 16th.”

“Okay. It is an unexcused absence.”

“I know. I was just wondering how can I make up the assignment we are doing that day?”

“Well, if it is an unexcused absence you can not make it up.”

“So, what happens if I am not here?”

“You receive a zero on the assignment.”

“So, what do I do?”

“You have to bite the bullet. There are 162 other Yankee games this year.”

“Well, it’s Opening Day at the New Yankee Stadium.”

“You have to decide, and bite the bullet.”

“So, there is nothing I can do?”

“No.”

I left the room and rushed to my car so I could leave campus. So no one could see me yell, scream, cry and curse.

I did not know how to react: This was the first time in 14 years of going to Opening Days and skipping school where a teacher or professor has had a problem with it. Most are usually happy for me and wish they could have gone themselves.

I have spent the past few days asking everyone for advice on what to do. Do I skip class, do I miss the game? I have no idea.

There has to be a way for me to win. I just can not figure out what it is.

My sister suggested going to the doctor on Tuesday or Wednesday to get a note saying I should not attend class because they thought it could be meningitis. A friend offered to run over my foot early Thursday morning so I could get records saying that I was in the hospital before class and still go to the game.

Another responded with, “I hate that, when teachers think they are important or something.”

However, the one problem with those excuses is that my professor knowing about the game on the 16th. He would probably have me go to an academic integrity hearing, totally screwing up my life.

So, it comes down to these two options. I can go to the game, skip class, and receive a zero while losing any brownie points I may have had coming to me, or I go to class and miss out on the game.

Like I previously said, I have been completely distraught over the whole thing and have no idea what I should do. And since I have been asking everyone I have spoken to, I now pose the question to you. I would greatly appreciate it any thoughts or opinions you have on the issue.

Who Is the AL Manny Ramirez?

TJ Buzzeo — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:12:45 -0400

For my awards prediction article, I have decided to add a few of my own categories as well as include the real awards that will be handed out later this fall.

First the awards handed out by Major League Baseball.

AL MVP: Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota Twins

Morneau has turned into the best hitting first baseman in the league the past couple of seasons and should be well on his way to his second MVP award with one of the best supporting casts that he has had in years.

Other Possibilities: Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, BJ Upton, Dustin Pedroia, Vladimir Guerrero

Sleeper Picks: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz

NL MVP: Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs

No matter what position Soriano has played, he does not let it effect his hitting and speed numbers, as he is a legit threat for the 40-40 club every season. Affected by injury last season, expect Soriano to bounce back and lead the Cubs to the playoffs again.

Other Possibilities: David Wright, Manny Ramirez, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley

Sleeper Picks: Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Jose Reyes

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

The best pitcher in baseball has battled injuries every season of his career and still puts up fantastic numbers. If not for the injuries baseball would be considering re-naming the award after him at the end of his career.

Other Possibilities: C.C. Sabathia, Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, A.J. Burnett, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Sleeper Picks: Chien- Ming Wang, Any Oakland Starter, Francisco Liriano

NL Cy Young: Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs

The Big Z has excellent stuff and now has the added motivation of securing his job as the ace of Chicago’s staff with Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly both winning 17 games last season. I think he will grow the pair he has lacked and dominate the NL Central.

Other Possibilities: Johann Santana, Jake Peavy, Tim Lincecum, Brandon Webb

Sleeper Picks: Chris Carpenter, Derek Lowe, Hiroki Kuroda

AL Rolaids Relief Award: Mariano Rivera, RP, New York Yankees

Mo has wanted to pitch in the new stadium since construction began and now that he is there, and has a better starting staff to help bridge the gap, he will get more opportunities to prove how nasty he still is and shut the door on opponents.

Other Possibilities: Jonathon Papelbon, Joe Nathan, Bobby Jenks, Joakim Soria

Sleeper Picks: Troy Percival, Brandon Morrow, Brian Fuentes

NL Rolaids Relief Award: Fransisco Rodriguez, RP, New York Mets

K-Rod may have lost his fastball but as he proved last year, he can still be very effective. With the Mets strong lineup he will get plenty of opportunities to show the NL the havoc he caused in the AL all of these years.

Other Possibilities: Brad Lidge, Jose Valverde, Kevin Gregg, Jonathon Broxton

Sleeper Picks: Trevor Hoffman, Heath Bell, Mike Gonzalez

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Troy Percival, RP, Tampa Bay Rays

Percival was on his way to a fabulous comeback season last year before injuries sidelined him for the stretch run and playoffs. If he stays healthy he should have a shot at it.

Other Possibilities: Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada, David Ortiz, Paul Konerko

Sleeper Picks: Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garciaparra, B.J. Ryan

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Ivan Rodriguez, C, Houston Astros

Pudge Rodriguez has many accolades and will retire one of the greatest catchers of all-time however not one team would sign him until Spring Training began. That motivation should be enough for a veteran like Rodriguez to bounce back with a strong year.

Other Possibilities: Randy Johnson, Trevor Hoffman, J.J. Putz, Todd Helton

Sleeper Picks: Chris Carpenter, Aaron Harang, Pedro Martinez*

*If Pedro ever plays again, and if he goes to the American League put him up one paragraph.

Now, that we did the customary awards that will be given out after the World Series is completed, it is time for the awards I have created. Do not fear, I will also add in explanations in case they are not obvious.

AL Manny Ramirez of the Year: Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees

(Award given to the player who causes distraction to his team on the field by the way he acts.)

He has already gotten a head start, this year taking up most of Spring Training with steroid allegations and his hip injury. Also, expect his ex-wife Cynthia to get more involved as the season goes on.

Other Possibilities: Ichiro Suzuki, B.J. Upton, Jose Guillen, Miguel Cabrera

Sleeper Picks: Delmon Young, Jermaine Dye, Michael Young

NL Manny Ramirez of the Year: Elijah Dukes, OF, Washington Nationals

The very talented, very dumb player has to battle for playing time this year and I really do not see him responding well. But would anyone?

Other Possibilities: Carlos Delgado, Manny Ramirez, Milton Bradley, Gary Sheffield

Sleeper Picks: Lance Berkman, Edgar Renteria, Pedro Martinez*

*The statement above about Pedro, applies here too.

AL Carl Pavano Award: A.J. Burnett, SP, New York Yankees

(Award given to the player who signs a big contract and then fails to perform up to expectations.)

It would be unfair to put C.C. here before Burnett gets a chance to take the mound. Plus, with Burnett’s injury tendency he has a better shot of ending up here.

Other Possibilities: C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Kerry Wood

Sleeper Picks: Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Brian Fuentes

NL Carl Pavano Award: Manny Ramirez, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Manny being Manny is enough to make anyone wonder how much of the contract Ramirez would actually earn. There is very little doubt in my mind that he will act more like the player in Boston, than the one who was traded to the Dodgers last season.

Other Possibilities: Francisco Rodriguez, Ryan Dempster, Rafael Furcal, Trevor Hoffman

Sleeper Picks: Raul Ibanez, Randy Johnson, Adam Dunn

AL Dan Wilson Award: Tim Wakefield, P, Boston Red Sox

(Award given to the player who everyone forgets about, but is starting with the same major league team for the 1,233rd season.)

The one guy in the major leagues who has had success with the knuckle ball the past two decades as he enters his 16th season, and 14th with the Red Sox. Whether, he is a starter, long reliever, or set-up guy, he is always in the middle of the Sox success.

Other Possibilities: Zach Greinke, Mike Redmond, Eric Chavez, Vernon Wells

Sleeper Picks: Dan Wheeler, Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey Jr. (all of which have left and came back to their original teams, I guarantee someone forgets all about the middle ground and the many years they spent elsewhere).

NL Dan Wilson Award: Jack Wilson, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates

Other Possibilities: Todd Helton, Aaron Cook, Nick Johnson (just because he is the only National to play in Montréal)

Sleeper Picks: Ryan Madson, Chris Carpenter

2009 National League Predictions

TJ Buzzeo — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:09:35 -0400

Since I already picked the American League, I guess I kind of have to predict how the National League will fair. So, sit back and relax as I let you gaze into my crystal ball.

NL East

1) New York Mets

Teams from Philadelphia usually do not win too much, and they have won the division in dramatic fashion the past two years.

Although I would love another Mets meltdown, I cannot predict the Phillies for a third year in a row, and no other team looks to stand a chance right now

With Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Beltran leading a potent hitting attack and Johann Santana at the head of your staff, you can forget about how badly they collapsed the past couple of years.

Who knows, maybe another year of experience under their belt will help them finally win the National League East.

Honestly, who wouldn’t want to have to rely on Livan Hernandez or Fernando Tatis in a big situation? Not to mention Francisco Rodriguez has lost his fastball the past couple of years, and it is only a matter of time before he starts getting hit, and JJ Putz is a mental case right now, who may not be much help.

2) Philadelphia Phillies

The likely winners of the National League East for a third consecutive season, unless they sign Gary Sheffield to sit on the bench. That will not end well for them.

I know that whenever Sheff leaves a team they come out and say that he is a great guy, great teammate, and yadda, yadda, yadda, but I do not buy it for a second. That could possibly be their biggest weakness.

They have three potential M.V.P.s mixed with a bunch of solid players. The same could be said about Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge, mixed in with a bunch of solid pitchers.

There really is no reason for this team not to return to the playoffs, but, hey, they are from Philadelphia.

3) Atlanta Braves

They are definitely not the Braves of old and do not pose any threat to the top two teams in the division. But they will finish around .500 with a solid core group, which only got better with Garret Anderson’s arrival.

Chipper will be Chipper and strike fear in the opposing pitcher as he drives in over 100 RBI and hits well over .300.

They also may have the gutsiest starting rotation in the league with Derek Lowe, Javier Vasquez, and Tom Glavine. Unfortunately, guts do not always mean wins, and all three have seen most of their talent diminish.

You really can never count out a Bobby Cox team.

How many times did they not have the most talented team yet win the division anyway? It was at least the last five seasons or so that they won the division.

4) Washington Nationals

This team could surprise a lot of people.

They have talent all over the field led by newly acquired Adam Dunn and with the continued development of Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge, to go along with consistent veterans Christian Guzman, Nick Johnson and Ryan Zimmerman.

The biggest questions for the Nats is obviously with a young, inexperienced pitching staff which is relying on Julian Tavarez—who looks like Freddy Krueger on a bad day—and Daniel Cabrera—who has yet to grow up himself—for veteran leadership.

That is why they find themselves in fourth right now.

5) Florida Marlins

Hanley Ramirez is wasting his career away in Florida, where they are just happy to win more games than the Heat every year, which may be a lot closer this year than in previous years.

They just have to rely on to many players that are good bench players on most teams to play everyday, not to mention the worst fielding second baseman in the history of baseball, but at least he can hit better than most in history too.

Ricky Nolasco won 15 games last season, and they do have a lot of young kernels waiting to pop, not to mention it has been six years since the last time they have played Cinderella and made a run to the World Series.

But Popcorn does not always pop and they don’t have the big veteran names they had in years past.

NL Central

1) Cincinnati Reds

This may seem weird, but this team may not have enough offense to win.

The pitching will be there for the Reds. They have four starters who can all be very good if Aaron Harang bounces back and Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto continue to mature.

The offense is good, although it lacks the name recognition of a couple of years ago. Jay Bruce is really good and will continue to improve and so will Chris Dickerson and Joey Votto to help return this team to the prominence it showed in the late 80s and early 90s.

2) Chicago Cubs

By far the best team on paper; they may be too good for themselves.

They have all-stars all over the field led by Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez, to go along with second year players Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto, this team will not find itself looking for runs.

When your No. 2 and 3 starters are coming off 17-win seasons, and if not for injuries, we could have probably thrown Carlos Zambrano in the mix as well.

The bullpen is strong with many veterans, like Luis Vizcaino, Aaron Heilman, and Neil Cotts, and young talent in Jeff Samardizija, Carlos Marmol, and closer Kevin Gregg.

So what is the problem with the Cubs? Well, I see two.

The first is obvious: They are the Cubs; they always lose eventually. Second, how long into this season do you think it will be before Milton Bradley and Lou Piniella get into a fist fight in the club house?

3) St. Louis Cardinals

The pitching staff is weak and really relying on Chris Carpenter to return to his dominant form and for all five starters to pitch deep into ball games to help make the transition for their first time closer Jason Motte that much easier.

Luckily, for the Cardinals they can hit, and will have to with their staff. With Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, and Scot Schumaker surrounding the NL MVP Albert Pujols runs will come.

So, I am predicting many 10-8 games in their future.

4) Milwaukee Brewers

Similar to the Cards, Milwaukee can hit, with power coming from Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder in the middle of the order, speed with Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall, and a little of both with JJ Hardy.

However, they are hoping for more with less, when it comes to the pitching staff. They lost their two best starters—well one definitely, the other is still up in the air—and their closer, and have not replaced anyone of the three.

Unless, they get really lucky and get good pitching regularly from somebody, it will be a huge step in the wrong direction for this up-and-coming franchise.

5) Houston Astros

After Roy Oswalt, their staff is hoping for a time machine with both Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz to bring them back to 1999 when they were very good pitchers. While we’re at it throw Latroy Hawkins in there as well and then this team will be one of the best in the National League.

However, this is not Austin Powers, and we do not time travel yet, so the Astros are going to have to hope for the best with what they have.

On the bright side, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee are still on their team and will find a way to drive in over 100 runs each without any help from the rest of their team. Also, Hunter Pence should continue to develop into a great power threat.

Also, Jose Valverde will be lights out as usual, which will help in the rare case this team has the lead, a.k.a. every time they play the following team.

6) Pittsburgh Pirates

I really hope one day I cannot put them in last place and keep a straight face, however, that day is not today, so they will stay in the cellar.

They have some potential at the plate with Nate McLouth, and Andy LaRoche returning. They also have some pop off the bench with Eric Hinske and Craig Monroe.

Also, Paul Maholm is a good starting pitcher, especially with the other four never panning out like expected.

Also, with John Grabow, Tyler Yates, and Craig Hanson, who I think could have a big year finally staying in the majors all the way through and not playing in big games, setting up the bridge to Matt Capps they may be able to win the close games.

However, they are still pipe dreaming at best this year.

NL West

1) Los Angeles Dodgers

They could hit all the way from one down to eight in the order.

Really, the only question Torre has to worry about is if leadoff man and shortstop Rafael Furcal will stay healthy. The highly sought after shortstop only had 143 at-bats last year, and hit an impressive .357 in that time.

But with the ageless Mark Loretta backing up virtually every position in the infield, that will help put Joe’s mind at ease.

The starting five and bullpen are good enough in the National League to win quite a few games with this offense.

Really, the only concern to have is whether or not Manny will be the Manny that Boston had last year or the one the Dodgers had.

2) Arizona Diamondbacks

They are young in all of the right places—everywhere but closer and starting pitching—and have a lot of promise to be a NL powerhouse very soon, maybe even this year.

However, a lot of their players are still too impatient at the dish and have very low averages.

If they do not start hitting out of the gates, expect Eric Byrnes to crack the starting lineup again. He is not nearly as talented as the young guys, but at least they could learn how to hustle everything out from him.

Closer Chad Qualls is closing in on his 31st birthday as well as his first opportunity to be a closer everyday. He only has 15 saves in his career, nine of which came last season, this would not concern me if it was not for the fact that Tony Pena can hit the high 90s routinely and is very good in the eighth inning.

Is Qualls closer material? Is Pena stuck in the setup role for the rest of his career? Those are a couple of big questions for the Diamondback front office to deal with.

They do have Tom Gordon, who has lost his stuff considerably the past couple of seasons.

3) San Diego Padres

I like their pitching staff, led by Jake Peavy and Chris Young to start and then going to Cla Meredith and Chris Britton, who I feel the Yankees should have given more of an opportunity to, and then closing the door with Heath Bell. (Hey Mets fans, wish you held on to this guy, huh?)

Bell is interesting because he has never closed before, which does not mean he cannot do it even though he has blown 12 saves in his career and only picked up two along the way, but I like his chances.

Their hitting will obviously be their weakness playing in a humongous ballpark and not having power hitters in their lineup—obviously Adrian Gonzalez is excluded.

They do have high average guys like Jody Gerut, if he stays healthy, David Eckstein, a rich man’s Eric Byrnes, and Brian Giles. (I was surprised to when I saw he is still in the league.)

4) San Francisco Giants

I almost picked the Giants to be a sleeper pick and then realized they are a poor man’s San Diego Padres.

They have good National League starting pitching with Tim Lincecum and Randy Johnson leading the way and Matt Cain pitching to an ERA under 4.00.

It weakens considerably in the bullpen until Brian Wilson, who saved 41 games last season.

Like I said, they are a poor man’s San Diego Padres, and you can really tell with their starting lineup.

Does anyone scare you? They have some name recognition, but the numbers are not there to support it.

Edgar Renteria was a great hitter, now, .270, 10 home runs and 55 RBI. Aaron Rowand is similar .271, 13 home runs, 70 RBI.

They do have some young talent like catcher/corner infielder Pablo Sandoval and Emmanuel Buriss to try to build off of, however I do not see their emergence coming this season.

5) Colorado Rockies

They lost their best player in Matt Holiday, and their ace, Jeff Francis, is still injured. Todd Helton is no longer Todd Helton and between Manny Corpas and Huston Street they have two closers who are only consistent at being inconsistent.

I could see a big year out of Ubaldo Jimenez, and Brad Hawpe and Garret Atkins are very good. Very young middle of the order guys to help them be the Astros without Roy Oswalt.

2009 American League Predictions

TJ Buzzeo — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:22:29 -0400

For this year’s AL predictions I will start in the East and move West. I would say it is random, but let’s be honest the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies take up most of the nation's attention (besides that Manny character), so everyone else will just have to wait. Without further ado, here are my 2009 AL Predictions sure to go wrong.

AL EAST

1) New York Yankees

Was there any real question? I am open about my bias towards them, but honestly is it that bad of a pick? I seriously do not think so. C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang at the head of your rotation, not to many (if any) can compete with that. Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez (even if he's out for the start of the season) batting 1-4, Boston may be the only team that can compete with that. Plus the potential of Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui to bounce back from injuries and Robinson Cano to return to his form from two seasons ago. I just don’t know how I can’t. Except…

Like last season they are struck by the injury bug. Honestly, it could happen, and with older players, it is even more likely, but still I believe they are better equipped now than they were last season for such an event.

2) Boston Red Sox

As much as I hate to say it, they are really good. Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury are going to get on base, and with bats like David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, and Jason Bay, they will get driven in. Although their rotation does not have as many marquee names as do the Yankees, they are still very consistent and posses great depth.

They are the Red Sox, they are never going to be picked by me to win the division, and more times than not they find a way to blow it, somehow.

3) Toronto Blue

Roy Halladay may be the best starter in baseball the past 5-10 years or so. It seems like this guy has the CY Young to lose in the AL, and deservedly so, going 20-11 with 9 complete games and 206 strikeouts last year. The rest of the team is not nearly as strong, except for Alex Rios.

The Jays will need big production out of veterans Vernon Wells and BJ Ryan, who are on their way out, in order to contend . The lack of depth will be there downfall again when trying to compete with Boston and New York for the top spot.

4) Tampa Bay Rays

No logic here, except look at the drop off of Cindarella’s the past couple of seasons. The '06 Detroit Tigers became the '07 bust, same goes for the '07 Rockies last season. I believe Tampa is destined for a bad year because of this, but really don’t have anything, but those two teams and a gut feeling to back it up.

They are very strong 1-5 with Akinori Iwamura, B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, and Evan Longoria, but after that, there is a considerable drop off. They are still a force and the addition of Pat Burrell gives them a veteran leader at the DH spot, except his productivity will be interesting without playing 19 games or so against the Mets (yes, I went there). Also, if Troy Percival, and for that matter Jason Isringhausen, can stay healthy they will have a strong bullpen and will not have to rely on 23 year old rookies to save their World Series run.

5) Baltimore Orioles

Unfortunately, for the O’s they play in the same division as the other four teams mentioned, otherwise I may have picked them as a sleeper this season. With Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Aubrey Huff they are very strong 2-4 in the order. Also, with the expected emergence of Adam Jones, and solid contributions out of Melvin Mora and Luke Scott, they could put a decent lineup on the field, and with Ty Wigginton and Ryan Freel they have depth at every position. With Chris Ray now setting up George Sherrill they arguably can turn nine inning games into seven inning games.

So, why are they still going to end up in last? Aubrey Huff is a good clean-up hitter, but definitely not Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Youkilis, or Carlos Pena and one could argue for Vernon Wells as well. Jeremy Guthrie is a good number one starter, but C.C. Sabathia, Josh Beckett, Roy Halladay and maybe even James Shields will always be picked to start a game before him. And the list continues, on why the Orioles are a last place team.

AL CENTRAL

1) Minnesota Twins

This is going to be my sleeper pick this year. I don’t think it’s too out there, with the Twins inexplicable ability to contend for the division every season. With Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau surrounded by guys like Delmon Young, Joe Crede, and Denard Span they are going to be able to put runs on the board. Also, every team (except maybe Boston, and both New York teams) would kill to have Joe Nathan at the end of their bullpen.

The biggest weakness for the Twins is their starting rotation with Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano heading up the rotation they could be very dangerous, but they have yet to prove consistency.

2) Detroit Tigers

They should bounce back and although their rotation and bullpen is inconsistent or consistently injured which ever you prefer, you could win in the regular season with offense and they have it, even if they did cut Gary Sheffield. Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, and of course Miguel Cabrera alone will make any lineup dangerous, when you throw in Carlos Guillen, Marcus Thames, Brandon Inge, and Placido Polanco as counterparts it could be scary if they are all hitting together.

The Tigers have too many holes in their pitching staff and the economy is too bad to bet the farm on them this year. Justin Verlander lost 17 games last season, Jeremy Bonderman is coming off of an injury, and Nate Robertson had an ERA well over six in case you didn’t believe me.

3) Chicago White Sox

Their offense still has big name recognition, but the numbers are no longer there with Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, and Jermaine Dye in the middle of the order. Carlos Quentin is legitimate and Alexei Ramirez and Josh Fields should shine this year as well to help the Chi Sox contend. The same could be said for their starting five, which still finds Mark Buehrle, and Bartolo Colon heading it up, with big contributions needed out of John Danks and Gavin Floyd.

The biggest strength for the Southsiders is the ridiculous strength in their bullpen. If Octavio Dotel stays healthy, to go along with Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink they make a very good bridge to lights out closer Bobby Jenks.

4) Cleveland Indians

This team could be very dangerous if Cliff Lee remains as a potential CY Young Award Winner, Fausto Carmona returns to his 2007 form, and Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood stay healthy. Their lineup is the same, and it could be good to very good depending on the other parts (meaning everyone not named Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez).

5) Kansas City Royals

As if there was any question. Their lineup is not is solid 1-9, but honestly is anyone going to be scared of it? I mean by their ability to hit, not physically scared of it, a.k.a. your ace hits Jose Guillen with a pitch and he takes it the wrong way and ends up putting the pitcher on the disabled list.

Joakim Soria had 42 saves last season and is still somehow the best kept secret in baseball, probably because the Royals only won something like 43 games last season (it really was 75 and they beat out the Tigers for fourth place by one game, so I may actually be wrong about them this year, but I seriously doubt it).

AL WEST

1) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Is that still their name? Or did they change it for the 3,286 time in their 48 year history? Looking at their team, they are now my sleeper pick. They don’t have much of anything with both Ervin Santana and John Lackey currently on the disabled list. I love the addition of Bobby Abreu to the Angels, he is consistent and has not shown any signs of slowing down at the plate (even if his power numbers are down). He is no Mark Teixeira, but will do a fine job as a much more affordable replacement. Brian Fuentes is a solid closer, and with Scot Shields in the eighth still they will continue to win close games.

So why did I pick this team, which was shattered by free agency and the economic crisis? They have won it the past several years and always are a regular season power house and contender for the World Series, as long as they do not play Boston in the playoffs.

2) Seattle Mariners

I take back the sleeper pick of the Angels and put it back on the Twins, with this division it is a crap shoot and with their experience Seattle will prevail. The Mariners can contend with a solid three pitchers if the stay healthy in Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn and a good bullpen with Brandon Morrow closing.

Scoring will be a problem for this team, which is tough thing to say with Ichiro Suzuki and Ken Griffey Jr., but Ichiro does not score himself and Griffey is no longer Junior.

3) Oakland Athletics

The exact opposite of the M’s, they will be able to score, but stopping people is going to be the problem. Who ever is better at their strength will end up in second place. The addition of Matt Holiday, Orlando Cabrera, and Jason Giambi will add many runs to their lineup right there. Also, with three injury prone third basemen, Eric Chavez, Bobby Crosby, and Nomar Garciaparra they will have at least one other solid hitter in the lineup.

As far as their starting five go, I really have never heard of any of them, which is surprising to me and impressive by the A’s because with Billy Beane you know he is going to put a talented team on the field.

4) Texas Rangers

Don’t count them out either. They finished in second place last year (granted 21 games out of first, but still) and have talent coming back. They have a good lineup of course led by Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and Michael Young, to go along with a solid bullpen with Derrick Turnbow, Eddie Guardado, and C.J. Wilson setting up Frank Fransisco.

The starting five to no surprise is weak at best, they are led by Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla and hope for big years out of Brandon McArthy and Matt Harrison, and rounded out by Jason Jennings who will probably throw batting practice for other teams for several games until a prospect is called up from the minors.

Be My Valentine: Men's Growing Fascination with Athletes

TJ Buzzeo — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:22:22 -0500

Are men allowed to fall in love with other men? Of course!

I am, and so are you. I guarantee it.

Do not take that previous statement the wrong way. I am not a gay-rights activist and really do not want to use this forum to discuss that topic. The man-on-man action I am referring to is our “man-crushes."

All die-hard sports fans have them. That one athlete that you feel you know, even though you have never met them before. When this guy is ridiculed, you take it personally. His number is the same one you always tried to get every year in Little League or Pop-Warner.

Do you know the guy I mean yet?

All of my male friends have them, whether they admit it or not.

I am very open about being in love with New York Yankee Derek Jeter. To the point where I told my girlfriend that in the event the Yankee Captain were to ask me out, I would break up with her.

For my brother, it is Alex Rodriguez, even with all of the recent steroid stories and other dramas. My brother has stayed loyal to A-Rod going all the way back to his days in Seattle.

He has always had to have his jersey. For the few years A-Rod was in Texas, my brother had the white home jersey, the blue alternate jersey, and the gray road jersey, all with No. 3 on back. Also, every time the Rangers came to the stadium, we would have to go to at least one of the games.

My friend Brian is the only Sox fan who never, and will never, have a problem with Manny being Manny.

My father still glows when talking about Reggie Jackson in the 1977 World Series. My uncle still believes Mickey Mantle would make a better center fielder today than either Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardener.

Even my friend Kevin has a man crush, although he would never admit it or agree with my theory. But when you start growing the same goatee, soul patch, or whatever you want to call it as Josh Beckett, then you have a man crush.

For the record, if his crush was on Scott Spiezio and he acted the same way, I would stop talking to him.

If you believe yourself to be die-hard sports fan, and you do not think you have a man crush, I will help you realize who your true love is.

First, what is your favorite team?

Second, think of your most memorable moments of that team. They should only be positive memories. Sorry, Detroit Lions fans.

Third, is there any player who stands out? If so, he is probably your man crush.

If not, don't worry. Who are the best players on your team? It might not be one of them. But look at the examples above, it usually is.

Who are the guys that your team should do whatever it takes to bring them back in future seasons? If there is anyone who you did not answer for the best players, there is a good chance he is not your man crush.

Finally, which players on your team do you feel are just good all-around guys?

It is a personal question, so don’t worry if you answer differently than most other people. Believe me, there are people who have man crushes on Curt Schilling and Barry Bonds. They are few, but they still exist.

If you still have not come up with anybody, you are just not being honest.

New York Yankees' Five Questions Concerning the Postseason

TJ Buzzeo — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:55:37 -0500

After 13 straight seasons that ended in trips to the playoffs, the greatest team in baseball history, the New York Yankees, failed to make it to the playoffs in 2008, forcing many to wonder how will the Yankees get back to the playoffs in 2009?

I have comprised a list of five of the biggest questions, which need to be answered if the Yankees are going to make it to October.

5) Who is going to play center field?

What was once regarded as the most prolific job in all of baseball, with names like DiMaggio, Mantle, Murcer, and Williams, the center field job for the Yankees seems to be wide open. It looks to be a platoon system of Melky Cabrera, and Brett Gardner with Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher also in the mix.

However, all signs are pointing to the first two for the starting job.

Cabrera is a fan favorite with his ear-to-ear smile and cannon arm. Gardner was called up late last year and contributed two walk-off hits (one of which was against Jonathon Papelbon and the Red Sox).

Either way, they are batting ninth behind eight all- stars, but I think it will put everyone at ease knowing who is playing where everyday.

4) Who is the Bridge to Mo?

This has been the biggest question for the Yankees since the turn of the century.

Personally, for the eighth I would like to see Joba Chamberlain back here, but I think it is really doubtful, until maybe the playoffs. Last year, it was set up by committee between Edwar Ramirez, Kyle Farnsworth, and a slew of others. All of which showed to be capable at times last season, however they were also very hittable.

With Rivera, I expect a lot of tutoring going on inside the bullpen and the younger guys stepping up. One constant last year was Brian Bruney, and I expect a bulk of the work will be his if he remains to be.

3) Are we going to see A-Rod or A- Fraud?

Alex Rodriguez is the only player in baseball who can hit 36 home runs, and drive in over 100 and still have a bad year. There is no logical explanation for it, and honestly it makes me feel bad for the guy.

However, the Yankees need that A-Rod from 2007 who just looked like he was going to hit a home run every time he came up to bat. Not the 2008 A- Rod who looked lost and was almost an automatic out.

If he is able to do this, then it will make Mark Teixeira’s transition to New York smooth and less hectic for him, as pitchers give him pitches to hit.

2) Don’t they still play Boston and Tampa Bay?

Most 89 win teams do not need much leap to first; however, the Yanks do.

Boston is going to be tough, most of their players have one or two rings on their fingers and they still have a great mix of young guys which means age won’t catch up to them next year. The Yankees best hope is that David Ortiz is David Ortiz, not Big Papi like last season. Otherwise it will probably be another fight down to the end.

Unfortunately, for Tampa fans I think they are going to fall into that Cinderella curse that hits young unexpected teams the following year. If you think I am making this up what happened to the Tigers in 2007? Or Colorado last year?

However, the Yankees can not sit back and hope for this to happen and they need to be aggressive from the gates with Tampa Bay.

1) How is the Starting Five Going to Hold Up?

Honestly, this whole countdown could have been each starting pitcher. From top to bottom, they all have question marks on their backs. Let’s start at the top with C.C. Sabathia.

He is obviously concerned about the media and pressure that the fans put on its players in New York. How is he going to hold up? A.J. Burnett is constantly injured and has only thrown 200+ innings three times.

Chien- Ming Wang, hurt himself running the bases, how is he going to come back from that? Joba was hurt last year and although he came back he was stricken to the bullpen, and what about “Joba Rules”?

That leaves Andy Pettitte has shown no sign of breaking down, throwing over 200 innings in each of the last four seasons, can you rely on a 37 year old?

How these questions, plus many more are answered will affect the outcome of the Yankees' season.

10 Reasons Why the Miami Dolphins' Success Is Not a Surprise

TJ Buzzeo — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:36:46 -0500

One of the most surprising teams of the 2008 football season has been the Miami Dolphins going from being the laughing stock of the NFL, to a contender for the AFC East. Although their emergence to the top of their division has surprised most people, it has not surprised TJ and he gives ten reasons why.

Begin Slideshow

Why CC Sabathia Is Signing with the New York Yankees

TJ Buzzeo — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:34:01 -0500

I don’t believe it, but apparently it is all but official that CC Sabathia is going to sign with the New York Yankees. After almost a month of waiting around and receiving other offers, something finally made CC realize that the right place for him to pitch for the next seven years was the Bronx.

That something else was an extra $20 million added on to an already record-breaking deal.

One quick side note, the economy is in shambles. Everyone knows about “the big three” in the auto industry and the bailout plan. The crisis has hit sports, Francisco Rodriguez signed a deal for less than Billy Wagner did several years ago, and Rodriguez is coming off a record-breaking season.

The NFL, which is as close to bullet proof as a business can be, is laying off 150 employees. How does the recession affect the Yankees? It does not.

And somehow Jayson Stark of ESPN.com thinks, “It’s not about the money.” Hmm, really?

Anyway, here are my initial thoughts of how Brian Cashman got the pitching ace.

1) The new Yankee Stadium will be nicknamed, “The House that CC Built."

Sabathia- What about Jeter, A-Rod, or Rivera?

Cashman- Sign and I will tell you.

2) Cashman had Derek Jeter call in a favor with Jay-Z to have Beyoncé sing, “All I Want for Christmas,” to CC.

It just took a month for everyone’s people to get in touch and make it happen.

3) Cashman, finally made C.C. an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Hank Steinbrenner- Brian go back and make the offer again.

Cashman- Hank- err, I mean Mr. Steinbrenner, I don’t think he wants to play here.

Steinbrenner- Just go back and this time bring Luca Brasi and assure CC that either his signature or his brains will end up on the contract.

Cashman- Ugh!

NFC North Predictions: No Favre, No Problem for Packers

TJ Buzzeo — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:38:54 -0400

1) Green Bay Packers

I know that they just lost one of the top five quarterbacks of all time in the offseason and now have a guy who has spent so much time on the bench that he probably has splinters in his rear end.

However, the supporting cast around Aaron Rodgers is so good that I think he should be able to transition into the role relatively smoothly. Is he going to be Brett Favre? No, but few are.

One advantage he has over Favre (and it is only one) is that he is less risky; less of a gun-slinger. He is a guy that can come in and run the offense and make the plays when they are there. If they are not there he will not be caught too often throwing the ball into stupid spots or doing anything else that may hurt the team.

What it really comes down to for the Packers is how the other guys step up to help Rodgers out. They have two good, young running backs in Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson, two good receivers with Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, and a good tight end in Donald Lee to help Rodgers out.

The defense is not too shabby either. They have Aaron Kampman leading the pass rush up front, Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk flying around the field at linebacker, and three very good defensive backs with Charles Woodson and Al Harris at the corner spots and Atari Bigby, who came out of nowhere last season to record 86 tackles and five interceptions.

I am not saying that Green Bay will be saying "Brett who?" But maybe "Brett who cares?"

Final Record: 12-4

2) Minnesota Vikings

Many people are picking the Vikes to reclaim the top of the division like they did when Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss were healthy and gave a darn.

I just do not see Tarvaris Jackson leading any team to the playoffs, and honestly would not be all that surprised to see Gus Frerotte take over midway through the season. Even though it's not like he is a miracle worker either, let's not forget the concussion he gave himself way back when with the Redskins.

Brad Childress may want to take a page out of Urban Meyer’s playbook and go with a two quarterback system (like that would ever work in the NFL).

Now for why this team can win. Adrian Peterson is one of the top three backs in the game and still has a great offensive line leading the way. Also, the Vikings' already great defense got better with the addition of Jared Allen.

Ryan Longwell is pretty much money kicking indoors and if Chris Kluwe could punt better than he plays Guitar Hero (he is the world champion or something ridiculous like that) he will give the other team such bad field position even Jackson will be able to push it in for six.

Final Record: 10-6

3) Detroit Lions

The Lions have a good core of receivers with Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, and Mike Furrey to go along with Jon Kitna, who has a cannon for an arm. Similar to last season, that will keep Detroit from being a pushover. But like the Bengals, that’s all they will be.

The Lions' “D” looks horrible, as always, and will be like Swiss cheese for opposing teams. On most teams Kevin Smith and Rudi Johnson would cause other teams to worry about the running game, but since Barry Sanders retired so many years ago no Lions running back has shown much success for a whole season.

No defense and no running game results in no wins.

Final Record: 6-10

4) Chicago Bears

As we saw last year from the Bears, the defense has to stay healthy in order for them to win. Chicago needs to force turnovers and as many three-and-outs as they can for this team to score points.

The only offensive threat they have is when the other team either kicks or punts the ball to Devin Hester, but that is happening less and less often.

If I were an opposing team I would kick the ball out of bounds every time. On punts you don’t push them back as far, but it may be worth it because Hester can take anything and turn it into a quick six for Chicago.

On kickoffs I would kick the ball out of bounds and take the penalty every time. Force the Bears' offense to score on your defense. I guarantee you have a better shot at success than kicking the ball to Hester.

Who is playing quarterback for the Bears this year? Both Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman split snaps before Kyle Orton won the job. But does it matter? I doubt it.

The two have not played well since their junior years of college. Look it up if you do not believe me. Both were on the short list for the Heisman going into their senior years and by the halfway mark of the season they were not mentioned anymore. My only question is whether Daunte Culpepper was offered the starting job with the Bears. At least he used to be good.

Final Record 3-13

New England Patriots Look Set for an AFC East Repeat

TJ Buzzeo — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:34:42 -0400

1) New England Patriots

I am almost certain that they are not going to run the table during the regular season; let’s be honest, there is no reason to think that. They lost possibly the best cover corner in the league last season in Asante Samuel, the defense, which was old last season, is just another year older—and the addition of John Lynch did not make them younger—and before I forget, only four other teams in the history of the NFL have gone undefeated for the regular season, and only one of those teams has won the Super Bowl (I know that was not needed, but it is really the only positive I had for the Dolphins 2007 season).

That being said, they are still going to win the division. They still have Bill Belichick. They still have Tom Brady and all of his wide receivers, including Randy Moss, who proved he still may be the best receiver in the NFL.

They still play the Dolphins and Bills for one fourth of the season, and they still are the New England Patriots.

Final record: 13-3

2) New York Jets

Honestly, I probably put them second whether they had Brett Favre or Chad Pennington. They have a good offensive line, which got better with the addition of Alan Faneca. Faneca brings a lot more to the table for the Jets than his physical talent of pushing people around; he comes with a winning attitude from playing in Pittsburgh and a veteran presence on a young offensive line.

Favre has three good receivers in Laveranues Coles (who will stop complaining when the team threatens to stop paying him), Jericho Cotchery, and Justin McCareins. Chris Baker is more than a serviceable receiving tight-end, which Favre loves (for proof, look up Bubba Franks and Donald Lee’s numbers over the past couple of seasons).

Also, Calvin Pace and company on defense makes them even more of a problem for opposing teams.

The Jets have two things standing in their way: One, the New England Patriots, who are still mad at the Jets for that little Spygate thing that happened last season, not to mention the personal rivalry between Belichick and Eric Mangini, and the whole Boston and New York rivalry.

The other thing in the Jets' way is the Jets themselves. Similar to the New York Mets, it seems that every season the Jets have a handful of games where they fall asleep for a play or two and allow the other team to win the game or be in a position to win the game.

Final Record: 10-6

3) Buffalo Bills

With several key defensive additions, points are going to be hard to come by against the Bills, but the offense is still very weak, at least in my opinion. The additions of Marcus Stroud, Paul Posluzny (back from injury), and Kawika Mitchell will help stop the running game, and with Aaron Schobel, Terence McGee, Ko Simpson, and Donte Whitner stopping the passing game, they have a very complete defense.

However, NFL offenses are only as good as the quarterback that leads them, and although Trent Edwards has shown that he can be a competent NFL signal caller, I am not sold on him yet, and if he goes down, J.P. “Loserman,” as Tom Jackson called him, will step in, and the name tells you all you need to know about him.

Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch are big-time playmakers that, if given the opportunities, will excel.

Final Record: 7-9

4) Miami Dolphins

Similar to the Patriots, the Dolphins cannot repeat last season, which will save me from the hangman’s noose. I can only give two reasons for the Dolphins not being as bad as they were last season.

The first: Like the Patriots, it’s almost impossible to be any worse. The second—and the reason of hope for the Dolphins' future—is Bill Parcells. Every team he has taken over has improved greatly in the following season, including taking a 1-15 New York Jets team to one game away from the Super Bowl.

They have a great offensive line, and with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, hopefully they'll have at least one sufficient running back (Brown’s health and Williams' off-field troubles).

Chad Pennington will be able to do two things for the Dolphins: run an efficient offense and keep Chad Henne on the bench for at least a year so that he can learn the offense and enter the system when he is ready.

I like the defense because it is Parcells', but you can’t get rid of two players with 13 combined Pro Bowl appearances and eight First-Team All Pro selections (Jason Taylor: six Pro Bowls, three First Team All-Pro, Zach Thomas: seven Pro Bowls, five First Team All-Pro) and somehow think you are a better team defensively.

In Parcell’s defense, Taylor was starting to become a royal pain in the neck (but who could blame him, he is one of the best defensive players in the past 10 years and was on a team not going anywhere), and Thomas' small frame and hard hits are catching up with him; he only played in five games last season.

Final Record: 4-12

Joba Chamberlain: Celebration is Part of the Game

TJ Buzzeo — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:44:00 -0400

Since the baseball season has started one of the most talked about topics has been Joba Chamberlain celebrating after he ends the inning for the Yankees. If you do not know what I am talking about, here is a good example.

Joba’s actions have upset some that think he is taking it too far. They think that he is getting too excited, and overacting to rather minuscule situations very early in the season.

Others, like me, think that it is not that big of a deal. I know what you’re thinking, my opinion is bias because I am a Yankee fan, and you may be right.

While thinking back about the past, I have realized I have always had a bias. Back in 1996, I was 100 percent positive that Jeffery Maier’s interference would not have mattered in Game One of the 1996 ALCS. (You do not have to watch the whole video to see what I am talking about, but it is pretty funny).

I also defended (or maybe better put believed) Roger Clemens, and said that he was not throwing the bat at Mike Piazza, but throwing it to the on-deck circle. (Give me a break, it's good enough).

Look, there are many examples in sports of people taking celebratory dances much farther than Joba. A few things come to mind: Johnnie Morton’s doing “the Worm”, Antoine Walkers “shimmy”, and of course, Warren Sapp’s impression of Beyoncé. No one can say that Joba’s extensive fist pump is even close to some of these elaborate celebrations.

Another reason why I do not have a problem with Joba is because it is all emotion with him. Nothing is pre-planned like former relief pitcher Al Hrabosky “The Mad Hungarian” who made a show out of every appearance he made. Or like current Red Sox closer Jonathon Papelbon’s Irish jig, which by the end of the World Series last year was not only expected, but accepted as well.

Now that I am trying to quiet down all of the Red Sox fans who are against what Joba is doing, I will keep going with my comparison of Joba to Papelbon.

Over the past couple of seasons, the baseball world has been commending the Red Sox for putting such big tasks on such a young player. Everybody who covers baseball says that besides Papelbon’s electric stuff, part of the reason he is so successful is that he brings energy to the game, and how that youthful energy helped the Sox win the World Series in 2007.

Those same people have said that is why Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman did not trade some of his young players for Johann Santana, to try to create the energy the Red Sox had last season, or better yet re-create the energy the Yankees had in the mid-to-late '90s.

While Joba is not the closer, he does the same thing, and did that last year to help spur the late season rally the Yankees went on to end 2007, and if that fist pump helps, then why not do it?

Do not get me wrong, when Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” comes on over the P.A. system the stadium erupts(amateurs). But just like Mo in 1996, there is a freshness that Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil” (the entrance song for Joba) brings to the table.

My final reason in defense of Joba is that he only does it after big strikeouts. I have never seen him do it after a groundout or flyout. Also, he does it only in tight games where a big hit could make a difference for the other team. His fist pumps also come out when he strikes out big hitters such as Frank Thomas and J.D. Drew.

All of this talk about what types of celebration is appropriate, and what is taken too far, got me thinking about the classiest celebrations in sports. I came up with a list of my top five. I wanted to come up with more, but really could not, so if you know of any others let me know.

5) 1999 Women’s World Cup, Brandi Chastain

I know this may be somewhat controversial because she took off her shirt, but this was in no way a sexual act or wardrobe malfunction, but just a pure act of emotion. Chastain was probably trained everyday for 20 years to become a great soccer player, and then when she was put in this situation, all of the training was paid off.

The other reason I love the Chastain celebration is because of how much it is parodied. From that moment up until my sophomore year of high school (my last year of Phys. Ed.) not one class went by where someone would score a goal immediately they would take off their penny and try to duplicate Chastain.

4) DeMario Anderson Says Goodnight

I know you probably do not remember DeMario, or him making No. 1 on SportsCenter’s “Top Plays”. However, as a student of Quinnipiac University, I remember the play vividly, and the after effect on campus when everyone had “DeMario Fever”.

Anyways, getting back to the celebration. If you watch the play again, DeMario did not celebrate much in the clip, and that’s because, as you probably noticed, he ran off the court and into the locker room.

Talk about class. DeMario had every reason to rub it into Central Connecticut State’s face. Both team needed the win to improve their NEC playoff seeding. Quinnipiac and Central are in-state rivals, and by making the basket, DeMario snapped the Blue Devils' eight-game win streak against the Bobcats. Plus, it was in overtime. Oh, and if that is not enough reason for DeMario to stick in the faces of Central, he transferred from Central to Quinnipiac.

However, DeMario took Jake Taylor’s (Tom Berenger’s character in Major League) advice and did not celebrate in front of someone who just died. This was a great move and more should follow his example.

3) Hockey Players after a Goal

Mark it down in history. I am going to compliment hockey, or I should say, male figure skating. I hope Berg reads this because it may be the only time I write about hockey.

No matter what team, no matter who scores the goal, you see the rest of his teammates on the ice (with the exception of the goalie) come rushing over to him, hugging him and giving him high fives. I think this is really cool because it shows real camaraderie amongst teammates. Even if it is not a real friendship between the players, you never see them treat each other like how the Yankees treated Reggie Jackson during his playing days.

I think that is enough hockey for one lifetime (interesting side note I was the beat writer for my high school’s hockey team).

2) The Lambeau Leap

The reason the Lambeau Leap is on here is because it gives something back to the fans. As a fan that lives and dies with his sports teams (more dieing than living these days), I love it when players give something back.

During this current NFL season, it reached a point where I felt like the Miami Dolphins were giving up on the season and trying to lose all 16 regular-season games. It got to the point where I was going to three masses a week, praying for a win, or at least a sign of life from the team I love so much. I felt betrayed, as if the Dolphins were a girlfriend that had been cheating on me, until they finally proved otherwise.

While watching the Packers, I noticed that what the Packers are doing after scoring touchdowns at home are not for them, but for the fans. The fans are the ones that deserve something out of their athletes. Especially in today’s sports world when every time you turn around you have to hear about which athletes are getting arrested, getting caught with steroids, or whatever other wrong things athletes do.

The Lambeau Leap is a positive way in which the fans interact with the players. I just think that it is really awesome that Green Bay players give something back to their fans.

1) Bernie Williams Thanks God

I know this is horrible that I could not find a video or picture of Bernie kneeling in a victory celebration. So, I will try to draw it for you.

Picture a 2000 version of Mariano Rivera (less gray hair and a consistent five miles more on the gun) facing Mike Piazza (one of the top-five right-handed hitters in the game at the time). Piazza takes a pitch from Mo deep to left center, and for a split second, the entire New York area stops breathing, only to switch camera angles and see Bernie Williams settling underneath the ball, about three steps before the warning track. Bernie catches the ball and immediately goes down on one knee and gives the sign of the cross.

You probably think that I am some sort of religious nut now, but you know, no matter what religious denomination, I think one can appreciate Williams’s actions. How many famous people thank God for all that they have accomplished? Many do; however, few actually show their praise for God in public and Bernie does, which is remarkable. I think this being number one is pretty much self-explanatory.

Bronx Cathedral: The Pope Comes to Yankee Stadium

TJ Buzzeo — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:05:43 -0400

Growing up a New York Yankees fan 45 minutes from The Big Ballpark in the Bronx I have had the opportunity to attend many games throughout my life.

I have seen playoff games, numerous games decided in the final at-bat for the Yankees, many laughers (both in favor of the Yankees and in favor of the visitors).

I have re-fallen in love with the team just as many times as they have broken my heart. It is at the point where I can look around the Stadium and cannot find an area where I have not viewed a game.

However, in the 14 years I have attended games at Yankee Stadium the most monumental event I have ever witnessed took place on Sunday, April 20, 2008 and not one current member of the New York Yankees was at the Stadium.

If you have not figured it out by now, the occasion I am speaking about is the Mass, Pope Benedict XVI gave on April 20.

The most spiritual weekend of my life would also be the most hectic.

To start things off my ticket for the Yankee Stadium mass did not have my name spelled correctly, which means I may not get in to the Mass. My last name was spelled B-U-Z-Z-E-D, instead of B-U-Z-Z-E-O.

On Friday, April 18, the Quinnipiac University Catholic Campus Ministry went down to NYU where we stayed at their Catholic Student Center in the city.

On Saturday I was up for nearly 24 hours (about 4:30 am until 3:30 am). After a mass at 5 am we headed to Yonkers for the Seminarian and Youth Rally the Pope would be attending. We were the first group on the buses to head over from Yonkers Raceway over to Saint Joseph Seminary for the rally.

Before going onto the bus we devised a plan on how to get the best place to sit. We broke up into three groups to get the spots we wanted. Two groups of four which were devised up of the fastest people (which I was a part of even though I was always one of the slowest people on my team), our job was to be the first ones off of the shuttle and secure an area for us, while the third group would get there when they could.

The bus stops and lets us out at Dunwoody and the two groups of runners take off. As soon as the doors open we begin dodging, ducking, dipping, diving, and dodging (if I may paraphrase the movie) to get to the head of the pack. Once we got in front of the line we had to wait another 10 minutes before being allowed to go to the actual field where everything will be taking place.

During this time, I decided to take some control and split people up so that someone from Quinnipiac University would have a shot at being the first one in case one entrance opened up first. Once the gates opened we stampeded through security to get to the front of the stage. We were the first people inside Dunwoody and Elbows was congratulated for being the first person in. A point I would have left out, but I had to hear it several times over the next couple of hours.

At about 10 a.m. acts began performing, mostly local Christian- Rock bands, but the acts picked up as the day went along. After about seven hours of baking in the sun the crowd began to pick up emotion again when the Emcee said those two magical words, “Kelly Clarkson.”

Clarkson came out and did her thing which prompted an inappropriate text message from my friend St. Dominic. After Clarkson was finished, she left and all 20,000 knew who was coming next and were pushing forward trying to get a better view of the Holy Father. At this time I realized my strategy was stupid. For some dumb reason I thought it would be a good idea to stand all day until the Pope came out and then I would sit and listen to Pope Benedict XVI (a rookie mistake).

I needed to push back people trying to invade our territory (everything was planned out as if we were on a military operation, so the terminology fits). The only problem was my legs were shot and I was struggling to stand, let alone push people back. Somehow I mustered up the strength to keep at least enough territory that we were still in front.

Finally, the Pope-mobile made it out of the seminary and down to the field. Although, I could only see the top of it as it approached, I have never felt more in awe in my life. I did not know what to do. The people behind us began chanting, but I felt like it was inappropriate or something. When he got on the stage and began waving to the audience I was getting choked up.

When the Pope was finished speaking and well on his way back to where he was staying in New York we all sat down to let the crowd file out a bit. At that time our campus Chaplain gave me the car keys and told me to walk back to the car to pick up a few of us that are unable to walk as far, and that is when all hell would break loose.

The cops blocked off many streets for the buses to go from Dunwoody back to the raceway, so I had a difficult time walking back, not to mention I did not have the best sense of where I was. However, between following the crowd and asking a few cops I was able to get to the car with relative ease (even though I was freaking out).

Now, I had to drive back where I would not be allowed to pick up No. 4 and several other members of our group. You should know that neither of us had any idea how we would do it, we just knew that we would do it.

I began by calling No. 4 and said to walk towards the raceway the best they can and I would do my best to meet them there. However, Yonkers traffic control had other ideas for us, as traffic on Yonkers Avenue was at a standstill. To make matters worse, I turned on the Yankee game to find out that Ian Kennedy had been knocked out of the game in the third inning.

When No. 4 called again, he told me that he was on a main road that was past the traffic and all I had to do was figure out how to get there. OK, that wasn’t going to be a problem. I am in a town where I do not know the streets, I have a horrible map with most of the listed streets blocked off, and had to somehow find the group on a street not listed on the map.

The way I looked at it, I had two choices: one stay in bumper to bumper traffic until we met, or two, take a tour of Yonkers and hopefully run into my friends accidentally.

My decision came rather quickly and was not well thought out. I hate traffic and the Yankees were losing and could not find a good song on the radio. I also, looked at the map and thought I saw a path to where they could have been, so I decided to take it.

Bad Idea!

I failed to realize that on the map there was a parkway running through the path I was taking, so I could not just pass through like planned. So, I get on the parkway figuring I made the wrong decision I am going to get off get back on in the other direction and just sit in traffic until my friends meet up with me. However, finally my luck would change (sort of anyway) the next exit actually would let me off on the street they were at.

I called #4 again to figure out where they were, so I could head in the right direction to pick them up. They told me where they were and I stopped at a gas station to get directions. Of course I could take both directions to get to the street where they were, and when I tried to explain where my friends were at the gas station attendants looked at me as if I should have been on the short bus.

So, I said a quick prayer and hoped I was going to head in the right direction. At red lights I would ask my fellow drivers if I was heading in the correct direction, and the few times this happened I was always going the wrong way. After the third time I had enough and stopped at a different gas station hoping for someone who knew what I was talking about.

The guy was clueless as expected, but at least he showed me a map and from that I realized that I was on (as well as my friends) a road that was “C” shaped and met with Yonkers Avenue at two different points, so everyone I was talking to was telling me the truth, but not helping, and to make matters worse I started out in the right direction (just goes to show you God does listen).

After a good three hours I finally met up with them, and when I got out of the car No. 4 gave me a much-needed hug (in a purely heterosexual way) and sat in the back of the car where I let my mind turn off for about a half hour, until I saw it.

My face lit up like a kid seeing Mickey Mouse for the first time. As I stared out the window I saw big, bright, blue, neon letters saying, “YANKEE STADIUM”. I then somehow found the strength to keep going and not lose my mind over this pilgrimage (Also, this marked the first time I have seen Yankees Stadium without going to a ballgame).

I was so jacked up from seeing the stadium that instead of going right to bed like I planned to when I got back to NYU and I ended up staying up until about 3:30 talking about life with St. Dominic.

The wake up time for Sunday was not much later, 7:30 a.m. Then Mass at 8 am and on to the Stadium. Like every other thing we did that weekend, we rushed around in huge groups to get some place.

We got to Yankee Stadium around 10 a.m. and then had to push are way through the other 60,000 people to get into the House that Ruth Built. Our group got separated into smaller groups and we had to just keep pushing forward and try to stick in those groups the best we could. My group became Elbow, Auximatas, Berg, Hill, E3, and JC.

After we get through the thousands of people and security, it is the moment of truth. Will they allow me into the Stadium even though the name on my ticket is not my real name? I start getting worried as I hand my ticket to the guy who looks at it, scans it and lets me in no questions asked. Worried for no reason at all.

Now that the weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, I look at my group and none of them have ever been to the House that Ruth Built let alone know how to get to our seats, and Hill who is the leader of the group makes the best decision of the weekend. She turns to me and says, “Where do we go?”

Finally! I do not feel lost or confused this weekend. I take a quick look at the ticket and lead them up to the loge level of the stadium and to our seats.

Then at about 2:30, the Pope-mobile came out and the stadium erupted as if Mariano Rivera was coming in to close out the final game of the World Series (I made the joke several times that the Pope should come out to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” like Mariano Rivera). As the Pope-mobile was going from under the left field stands to the Yankees dugout every person in the stands was waving either a gold or white towel in honor of the Pope entering.

As Pope Benedict XVI started the Mass, a number of people continued to cheer for the Pope. For the first time in my life, I did not know how to act at Yankee Stadium. On the one hand I was in Yankee Stadium and felt compelled to cheer like I have so many times before. And on the other I was at Sunday Mass.

I figured it would be safe if I acted like I was in a church at Sunday Mass and not at an event at Yankee Stadium. My answer on the correct way to act did not come easy because people were still applauding for the Pope. During the second reading my answer was given. After one person shouted “Il Popa” St. Dominic leaned over to me and told me that it is ridiculous how people are acting and that they should act as if they are still at Mass even if it is Yankee Stadium.

I had two other questions about having mass at Yankee Stadium. The first was how were 60,000 people going to receive communion and the second was kneeling at the Stadium is going to be a problem.

In order for mass to be given and received all people must be acting in an orderly fashion and lets be honest, there have not been too many times in Yankee Stadium’s history where all 60,000 people were orderly.

There are several problems I have with kneeling at Yankee Stadium.

Obviously, the ground at the House that Ruth built is anything but clean. Between spilt food, vomit, blood and whatever else, it just can not be considered sanitary. Even though the maintenance staff does a wonderful job, I do not think I am alone in saying I am not going to eat off of the floor anytime soon.

Also, the Stadium was not built for people to kneel and there is very little space between each column and row of seating. Plus, to make the already limited space even smaller every person was given a bag with commemorative stuff. So, now I am sitting in my seat with the bag underneath and I am trying to figure out how I am going to kneel to pray during the Mass.

My final worry about kneeling during the Papal Mass is the way Yankee Stadium is constructed. To allow the fans sit as close to the action as possible the designers of the stadium made the stadium as much of a straight vertical line as much as possible and still permit 60 thousand people to fit into the stadium safely.

The problem with that is that usually while kneeling people lean forward and brace against something in front of them. So, if they act naturally and lean forward they can very easily fall a long way down. So, of course I am thinking that I am going to be the one idiot at Yankee Stadium that’s going to fall. It’s not that I am too clumsy; I just always think that this type of thing will happen to me.

Fortunately, for me and my nerves the people in charge of making sure the Mass went on without a hitch took care of both problems.

To take care of the distribution of the Eucharist problem, there were probably over 200 priests (not including the Cardinals and Bishops that were on the stage with the pope). With all of these priests, 60,000 people did not have to be orderly at once, but probably about 5,000 to 6,000 people at once. It went smoothly and rather quickly considering there were so many people there.

The kneeling situation was taken care of as well. The answer was very simple, do not have people kneel. Instead of kneeling we would just sit. Obvious, right? Well, apparently not to me.

Besides for the occasional moron who would begin cheering for the Pope randomly during the service the Mass was really peaceful, maybe a little too peaceful for St. Dominic and I. Naturally the highlight of the Papal Mass would be the homily Pope Benedict XVI would give, and unfortunately the part of the Mass where I would catch myself doing the, “head-bob” fighting to stay awake.

Somehow, I kicked myself out of the trance and was wide awake, only to find that St. Dominic was not as fortunate and was in a really deep self-reflecting state (a.k.a. sleeping).

I know that every person reading this who was not fortunate enough to attend any of the Pope’s events are cursing us right now, but give us a break we were on eight hours of sleep from the past two nights.

The crowd erupted again as the Pope ended the Mass and left the Stadium. Yes, I did joke about how the Pope should leave to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York”. Several of us even tried to get everyone to sing it as we left the stadium, but it was to no avail.

Like the rest of the weekend, we were in a rush after the Mass. This time we were on our way to Sirius Satellite Radio Station where we would appear on the Sirius’ Catholic Channel to give our perspectives of the Pope’s visit and the events we attended.

After the show ended, we hopped onto a chartered bus and went back to Quinnipiac. On the bus ride back, we began reminiscing about the weekend and all of the craziness that took place.

With Yankee Stadium closing after this season, I have often thought about the stories I am going to have to tell my children and grandchildren about the Stadium.

I realized for the first time that the most epic event I have witnessed at the Big Ballpark in the Bronx did not include either Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera or any of the other great players I have seen in the past 14 seasons. The event took place April 20, 2008, when the Cathedral of Baseball really became a Cathedral.

AL Predictions Sure To Be Wrong

TJ Buzzeo — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:07:06 -0400

Mariners

Most improved team from last year to this year? Possibly, especially when you look at the fact they have about 57 of 162 games against the teams in their division. The Angels are all past their prime or injured (Shields, Lackey, Guerrero, Hunter, Anderson, Matthews, and Garland). Texas still doesn't have any pitching and less hitting than they had in previous years. The A's are hoping on often injured players (Street, Harden, Crosby, and Chavez) carry a very young team.

The Mariners lineup is good enough with their pitching staff to win many games. Sure, Vidro, Sexon and Beltre are overpaid for what they are doing now, and the addition of Wilkerson does not help, but Ichiro is still the best lead off hitter in baseball and Jose Lopez and Raul Ibanez are decent. The big question offensively can Richie Sexon hit 50 points higher, 10 more homeruns, and 20-30 more rbi, than he did last year? If so he will return to being a presence in the middle of the lineup, if not their lineup is very thin after Ichiro, Beltre and Lopez.

On paper at this point in the season, they have a very good starting 5 to go along with a dominant closer in JJ Putz they will have a chance to win almost every game they play. They also have Mel Stottlemyre joining the team as the pitching coach which should help the staff improve as well. The big question can "King" Felix stay healthy all year? If he can then they may have the best 1-2 combo in the league to go along with Cleveland's (C.C. and Fausto) and Arizona's (Webb and Haren), if not then they will have to battle it out with the Angels for the division.

Tigers

By far the best team on paper. From top to bottom, their guys are better or close to the same as any other team. When healthy here is their projected starting lineup: Granderson, Renteria, Sheff, Ordonez, Cabrera, Guillen, Jones (or Thames), Rodriguez, and Polanco. That is scary. Obviously Pudge, Renteria, and Sheff have their best days behind them. Jones and Thames are not great. Ordonez' health at least should be a question. Cabreera just got his first real big contract of his career. All factors working against the Tigers, except that Jim Leyland is the type of manager that is not going to sit still and let his team underachieve. The big question for this team is how will Sheff- Daddy handle the eventual demotion from the three spot to the five spot? If he handles it well (which is very unlikely) then they have no problems and they will roll to a division title, if he takes it badly (which is very likely) he can pull this team a part (which he has done before).

Verlander, Bonderman, Rogers, Willis, Robertson may be the strongest rotation from 1-5 in the league. Todd Jones is still getting the job done in the ninth. So, this team is going to be in every game they play this season. The only problem is the bridge from the starters to Jones. None of their relievers have much experience in the back- end of games. Which leads to the big question for the pitching staff, can Zumaya and Rodney stay healthy and return to the form they had in 2006? If even one of them can then the rest of the AL is in trouble, but if they can't the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings of games will be a roller coaster ride for Detroit.

Yankees

I know, I know, but they're my team and I can't pick against them or for the Red Sox.

The lineup is not nearly as dominating as it was a couple years ago, but it is still very strong. When your 7, 8, 9 hitters are Posada, Matsui, and Melky, that is a force to be reckon with. Also, they don't have to deal with the whole will A-Rod opt out discussion that surrounded the team last year. The big question is, can Damon, Matsui and Giambi deal with playing in more of a platoon situation? If they can then the Yankees should be able to out hit any other team in their division, if they do not then the Yankees are where they were last year relying on A-Rod, Jeter, Posada, Cano and Abreu more than they should.

I do not think the pitching staff is as bad as everyone is making it out to be. Wang has more wins than any other pitcher in the MLB the past two seasons, Pettitte has been banged up, but nothing has been too serious (if you think other wise you better say you are concerned about Josh Beckett's health). Hughes and Kennedy pitched well last season and now do not have to worry about being taken out of the starting five by an experienced veteran (because there is not one). Mussina is old, but has not said anything about retiring which means he is in a contract year right now and I would expect him to get back to where he was two years ago. The bullpen is decent leading up to Joba and Mo. Farnsworth and Bruney have publicly come out and say that they already prefer playing for Girardi over Torre, so they should be rejuvenated and Hawkins has been solid in the seventh and eighth innings is whole career. The big question should be obvious do they move Joba out of the pen? If they do then they are taking a big chance on two things, one him being as effective as a starter and two the bullpen picking up the slack with out him in there, if they do not that means two things, one the back end of games are wrapped up for the year, and the starting five are healthy and going strong (Personally, I would not mind Chase Wright or another prospect coming up in case of an injury).

Red Sox

I think Cleveland will fall into their every other year slump ('04 80-82, '05 93-69, '06 74-84,'07 96-66) and Toronto and Anaheim are not ready to make a run at Boston.

The lineup is very strong, centered on Big Papi and Manny in the middle with plenty of veterans and Pedroia and Jacoby making up the rest. Youkilis, Lowell, and Varitek are consistent and will give the Red Sox their usual years. Pedroia and Jacoby should pick up where they left off last year and turn into a one two punch similar to Knoblauch and Jeter for the '98-01 Yankees, but this should last much longer. The big question is how do J.D. Drew and Lugo respond to being brought back after horrible seasons by their standards? They should be more relaxed now at least out of the gate, but early slumps could get the Boston fans on them, how they react to that will be the key to their success.

The pitching staff is very similar to the Yankees (no matter what Slowsky or any of my other Sox fans friends say). Beckett the young ace is more dominant than Wang, but overall there numbers aren't too different. Wakefield the veteran who is the biggest question mark in the rotation is similar to Mussina, Lester and Bucholz are two young pitchers that looked very good last year, kind of like Hughes and Kennedy. Besides Okajima and Papelbohn there are uncertainties in the pen just like Joba and Mo for the Yanks. However, the big question is not whether a reliever should become a starter. It is can Beckett stay healthy? He has had injury problems his whole career and has been hurt throughout the spring.

Rookie of the Year

Adam Jones, outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles. Jones a former number one pick for the Seattle Mariners has had a disappointing career so far in the majors, but after being the key component in the Bedard trade Baltimore obviously has a lot of confidence in him and that should go a long way with a player.

CY Young

Justin Verlander, another year of experience under his belt and a stronger line-up should get him several more wins to go along with many other impressive numbers.

MVP

Ichiro, I picked the M's to win the division which means they need at least 93 wins (in most seasons) and to do this they need someone to hit, so it might as well be the guy who hits .333 and averages 227 hits a season.