Bleacher Report - Articles by Johnny Shea

Ya Gotta Believe: New York Mets '09

Johnny Shea — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:46:03 -0400

With the New York Mets 10.5 games back of the Phillies in the NL East heading into August, there is reason to doubt that they will make the playoffs this season. Shy of the Wild Card by six games, things are looking pretty bleak for the Mets right now.

Plagued by injuries, the Mets have lost Reyes, Beltran, Delgado, Maine and Putz; many of their best performers. Jerry sends out a AAA lineup every day, doing everything he can to produce with the lineup he is granted. Somewhere in the system there is something going wrong. Will the firing of Tony Bernazard spark success for the Amazins'? Will a hot streak bring back memories of the Miracle Mets of '69?

There is reason for hope.

So many Met fans have given up on the season already. It is easy to say that they are far below expectations this season, considering all the hype around them when the season began. We, as die-hard fans, always look for someone to blame.

We cannot blame anyone until the Mets, hypothetically speaking, are mathematically eliminated. I feel like so many fans get down so easily. Yet, if the Mets find a hot streak, we will suddenly believe they are the future world champs.

My only advice is to stop making assumptions. There are many things wrong with the team right now, but there are also many great things happening every day. Francouer has already proven himself, Tatis comes through with a pinch-hit grand slam, and Niese delivers a stellar performance.

Part of what makes the Mets so special is their ability to make us fans go crazy. They are a rollercoaster ride every season. Perhaps this is the year where they get hot in September and the Phillies collapse. You never know.

In the words of the great Tug Mcgraw, "Ya gotta believe."

I feel like so many fans are losing faith but we must hold on until the end. You never know what could happen, right? Never Shea die.

Bracketbreaker Challenge: Davidson

Johnny Shea — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:02:23 -0400

No one can question Davidson's dominance in the Southern Conference. Now the Wildcats hope to make their mark on a much bigger stage in the NCAA Tournament, and I am confident that they will succeed.

Davidson, led by Stephen Curry, was given a No. 10 seed and will play the No. 7 Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first round.

Curry scored 23 points to lead No. 23 Davidson back into the NCAA tournament with its third consecutive league crown—fourth since 2002—with a 65-49 victory against Elon on Monday night.

With the win over Elon, Davidson completed its perfect run through the conference tournament. Curry doesn't see why this streak cannot continue throughout the Big Dance.

According to an article written by CBS Sports, Curry was open about his confidence over his team's run in the tournament. "We've got all the necessary ingredients," he said. I couldn't agree more.

By now, Stephen Curry is more or less a national household name—and it is easy to see why. According to an ESPN stat line, he averaged 25.1 points per game and shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range. He's fine inside the arc too, making 48.6 percent from the field and 89.9 percent from the line.

This team displays a good deal more than Curry, however.

The Wildcats are considered one of this year's prime sleeper candidates, and a big reason is the play of point gaurd Jason Richards. He average 12.6 points and a nation-leading eight assists per game. Lest you think he did it only against sub-par foes, he averaged 13 points and 8.7 assists in the three games vs. UCLA, Duke, and North Carolina.

"I clearly believe we've demonstrated a lot in terms of seeding," Wildcats' coach Bob McKillop said in a CBS Sports report. "We went 20-0 in conference play. No one did that. The NCAA committee said it's who you play, where you play, and how you play. Not that you win, but how you play. We did a pretty good job of proving that."

This trip will give McKillop his fifth tournament appearance since 1998.

The numbers prove that Davidson is a sleeper team as the No. 10 seed, going 20-0 in the Southern Conference. The momentum carried by their fans and their phenomenal run will act as a domino effect. The Davidson Wildcats will pull off a few upsets and reach the Sweet 16.

Davidson will defeat Gonzaga and then pull off a surprising victory over the weak Hoyas from Georgetown. The Wildcats will surprise many people during the '08 tourney.

Fantasy Baseball 2008: Top 20 Picks

Johnny Shea — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:30:42 -0400

With the baseball season just weeks away, I prepared a guide for your Fantasy Baseball success, providing draft strategies for the Top 20 Picks.

1. Alex Rodriguez

Producing sick numbers with 54 HR and 156 RBI, while maintaining a .314 BA, A-Rod racked up the AL MVP Award, the RBI and HR titles, and an enormous paycheck. The honor of being top pick for your fantasy baseball team is another thing A-Rod can check off his "To-Do" List.

2. Hanley Ramirez

Possibly one of the most underrated players in the league, Ramirez was one homerun shy of the 30-50 club. He produced 81 RBI as a leadoff man, with a .332 batting average. Ramirez looks forward to having an even stronger year in '08.

3. Matt Holliday

The NL MVP, Holliday quietly produced a wonderful season in 2007. He hit for 36 dingers, 137 RBI—and all the while, he produced a BA of .340. Did I mention he led his team to the World Series? Matt can do it for your fantasy team too.

4. David Wright

Although the Mets fell short of the playoffs last season, it was not David Wright's fault. He hit for 30 HR, 107 RBI, maintained a .325 average, and swiped 34 bases. David Wright is a five-tool player and a future star.

5. Jimmy Rollins

The leadoff hitter for the Phillies, Rollins led Philadelphia over the Mets and to the NL East crown. He scored 139 runs, hit 30 homers, had 94 RBI, and stole successfully 41 times. Rollins won the NL MVP and is a remarkable power-hitting shortstop.

6. Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera proved to be one of the league’s most dominant hitters in 2008, hitting .320 with 34 homeruns and 119 RBI for a team that produced very few runs. Miguel is sure to have an equally dominant season, but it is likely that he will be even better because he is now playing with the Detroit Tigers, who appear to be the team to beat in the MLB. He will have even more RBIs, and I look forward to watching Cabrera prove himself as one of the elite hitters in all of baseball.

7. Johan Santana

With the recent acquisition of Johan Santana to the New York Mets, I am sure that he will have a phenomenal season. He recorded 15 wins and 13 losses last season with the Twins, with a 3.33 ERA, and this was considered a weak season for Santana. With all of the motivation surrounding Santana and the Mets, I am certain that he will produce incredible numbers and clearly establish himself as the strongest pitcher in the league.

8. Chase Utley

If not injured late in the season, Utley may have won the MVP award in the National League. He hit 48 doubles, 22 homers, and 103 RBI in a season shortened by injury. Utley is sure to produce similar numbers this season.

9. Jose Reyes

Reyes finished the season with a dismal performance, showcasing a lack of maturity and effort. However, he is still one of the elite players of the Major Leagues. He produced 78 SB last season, and can help your team dominate the stolen bases category. He will be motivated and driven for success, and is deserving of a spot in the Top 10.

10. Magglio Ordonez

Magglio may even deserve to be listed higher than #10. He batted an incredible .363 with 28 HR and 139 RBI. Magglio will be tough competition for the AL MVP award in 2008, even against A-Rod.

11. Alfonso Soriano

Alfonso Soriano quietly batted .299 with 33 HR and 70 RBIs as a leadoff man. It was a disappointment to see Soriano so quiet for all of the season, but as the Cubs experience the 100^th year since their last World Series victory, it is likely that Alfonso will provide solid numbers in ’08.

12. Jake Peavy

Peavy is a top pitcher in this season's Top 20, and he is very deserving of that honor. He went 19-6 with a 2.54 ERA with a WHIP of 1.09. It is clear that Peavy will produce similar MVP numbers in 2008. Just imagine the Cy Young race if Santana joins the NL.

13. Albert Pujols

Pujols hit .327 last season, with 32 dingers and 103 RBIs. And that was an off year. Albert is destined to have a terrific season in 2008, and reestablish himself as the best first baseman in fantasy baseball.

14. David Ortiz

Ortiz did not have his best season in '07, but he turned it on late to give the Red Sox a championship ring. Big Papi still produced monster numbers, however. He hit 35 HR and 117 RBI, maintaining a .332 average. Ortiz will be bigger and better in '08, so be prepared for ridiculous numbers.

15. Josh Beckett

The only 20-win pitcher in the major leagues, Beckett pitched his way through the playoffs and led his team to a World Series championship. With 194 strikeouts and a 3.27 ERA, Beckett will put up similar numbers in '08 and will be a strong candidate for the Cy Young.

16. Vladimir Guerrero

Vlad led the Angels into the playoffs, batting .324 with 27 homers and 125 RBI. He also won the HR Derby Contest, proving his remarkable power. Vlad should bring his best this season.

17. Ryan Howard

With 47 dingers and 142 RBI, Howard can really produce. I would have placed him higher, but because of his lack of speed and runs scored, he sits at the #17 spot. Regardless, Howard is one of the top power hitters in the league.

18. Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro is a uniquely dominant force in the Majors. He hit for seven triples, scored 111 runs, and best of all, maintained an astonishing .351 average. Ichiro will provide excellent speed, batting average, and health for your team.

19. Prince Fielder

Fielder is very young, and will continue to produce fantastic numbers as his career unfolds. He hit 50 home runs in 2008, along with 119 RBI. Fielder proved to be someone to pay serious attention to last year—and this year, he will be a star.

20. Carlos Beltran

Although age is beginning to creep up on Carlos, he will remain an All-Star centerfielder in '08. With 33 HR and 112 RBI, Carlos is a five-tool player who can even swipe your team some bases. Carlos deserves the 20th spot.

There it is: your Top 20 draft picks for Fantasy Baseball 2008.

I wish you a season full of homeruns, RBI, low ERA—and most of all, enjoyment.

Mets Spring Training: All Eyes on Johan Santana

Johnny Shea — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:29:34 -0500

The wounds of last season seem to be wearing off as the offseason is coming to an end.

It wasn't the New York Giants' improbable Super Bowl run or the performance of the New York Knicks (because they are dismal anyway) that led to the healing. It was the blockbuster deal made by Omar Minaya and Peter Greenberg to sign pitching ace Johan Santana.

Kevin James is not the King of Queens. Santana is.

At the moment, however, he is the King of Florida, with Spring Training officially beginning Thursday. Santana warmed the hearts of every Met fan on Valentine's Day.

The press will haunt the Mets for years to come. The Santana deal will ease the pain. Rather than fretting over what could have been, the organization and the media will look ahead to what is to come with baseball's number one ace on the mound for New York.

The Mets anticipate Santana will ease the press and provide pitching excellence come April. Pitching in the National League, where hitters are less dangerous than in the American, Santana may be prepared for his best season yet.

Just imagine the Cy Young Race in the NL this season: Santana vs. Peavy.

Spring training camps always begin happily for all teams, even though most of them won't be feeling that emotion at the season's end. But the arrival of Johan Santana in Port St. Lucie was even better than all of the rest, specifically because of the agony remaining from last year's breakdown.

The camp belongs to Santana—somewhat like Pedro's arrival in '05 and Carter's in '85. This is the Mets' 47th spring training and it will all be about No. 57.

The Mets camp will have it's other story lines of course: Pedro's shoulder, toe, and calf; El Duque's health issues; Brian Schneider's importance; the first steps of Carlos Delgado's run at redemption; the maturity of Jose Reyes; Moises Alou's age; Luis Castillo's durability. Of course the press will find some way to get David Wright in the news too.

But Santana is the guy who will attract the most attention. He will develop a relationship with Schneider and Castro, wave to fans, and most of all, find himself in the middle of a snapshot every time he turns his head. He carries the same aroma of excellency as Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Tom Brady—every move being carefully studied.

Fans will fight for his signature, he will show us his wicked curveball, and he will do something that no one else can: turn last year into a memory and make this year something to look forward to.

Deal is Done: New York Mets Sign Johan Santana

Johnny Shea — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:55:52 -0500

Doors were shut, words were whispered, and two additional hours were

New York Mets Land Ace Johan Santana

Johnny Shea — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:06:13 -0500

The Minnesota Twins and New York Mets have agreed to a deal that would send four top Mets prospects to Minnesota for Twins ace Johan Santana, arguably the best pitcher in baseball.

The deal is nearly finalized and the Mets have been offered 48-72 hours to negotiate Santana's contract, pending he pass a physical. Reports indicate that Santana is seeking $150 million for six or seven years.

According to the report by USA Today, the four prospects the Twins will receive are pitchers Deolis Guerra, Phil Humber, and Kevin Mulvey, and an outfielder in Carlos Gomez. Fernardo Martinez and Mike Pelfrey have been excluded from the trade deal.

The Twins will be left without their ace pitcher, who has put up phenomenal numbers. He holds a 93-44 record of eight seasons, has been awarded the Cy Young twice, and has struck out at least 235 batters in each season according to MLB.com.

Last season, Santana went 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA, and that was considered an "off" season for the lefty.

Gomez will most likely fill the Twins hole in centerfield. His overall speed is astonishing; his defense is above-average as well. This five-tool player should be extremely productive for Minnesota.

Humber, 25, made his Major League debut in one of the Mets’ final games. It was the toughest of situations for the right-hander, who ended up losing the game for New York. However, he put up solid numbers for Triple-A and has a successful career ahead of him.

Guerra, a right-hander out of Venezuela, struck out 66 batters in 89 2/3 innings for Class A. He will turn 19 this April.

Mulvey posted a 3.26 ERA with the Double-A Binghamton squad, where he started 26 games.

The Mets, who were projected as the team that must deal players like Wright or Reyes to land Santana, shows that Minnesota clearly overplayed their card. With the physical and contract pending finalization, the Mets have landed one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

Baltimore Orioles Deny Reports of Erik Bedard Deal

Johnny Shea — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:01:27 -0500

As the rumors around Erik Bedard steadily increase, the Orioles continue to deny the immanence of a deal with the Mariners.

According to MLB.com, Andy Macphail, Baltimore's President of Operations, stated once again on Monday afternoon that there is no trade in place and he has no idea where the rumors originated in the first place.

Adam Jones, Seattle's Minor League Player of the Year, supposedly began these rumors. He reportedly told the Seattle Times that he was "going to Baltimore to handle things there."

Baltimore does not expect any trade in the near future. The Mariners are searching for pitching on multiple fronts, not only for Bedard.

I expect to see Erik in orange for at least a few more weeks. These rumors are much too premature.

Fantasy Baseball: Never Too Early to Prepare

Johnny Shea — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:35:25 -0500

With the baseball season on the horizon, it is never too early to prepare your team for its best season yet.

It was difficult, but I managed to arrange a guide for your Top 20 Picks in 2008.

1. Alex Rodriguez

Producing sick numbers with 54 HR and 156 RBI, while maintaing a .314 BA, A-Rod racked up the AL MVP Award, the RBI and HR titles, and an enormous paycheck. The honor of being top pick for your fantasy baseball team is another thing A-Rod can check off his "To-Do" List.

2. Hanley Ramirez

3. Matt Holliday

4. David Wright

5. Jimmy Rollins

6. Albert Pujols

Pujols produced 32 homers and 103 RBI, and 2007 was an off year. Albert can produce MVP-caliber numbers in 2008.

7. Alfonso Soriano

He hit for five triples, 33 homers, and 70 RBI at the top of the order. Soriano looks forward to having a better year in 2008. I cannot wait to see what kind of numbers he will produce.

8. Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera proved to be one of the league's most dominant hitters in 2008, hitting .320 with 34 home runs and 119 RBI for a team that produced very few runs. Miguel is sure to have an equally dominant season in 2008, if not even better.

9. Chase Utley

10. Magglio Ordonez

Magglio may even deserve to be listed higher than #10. He batted an incredible .363 with 28 HR and 139 RBI. Magglio will be tough competition for the AL MVP award in 2008, even against A-Rod.

11. Jake Peavy

Peavy is the number-one pitcher in this season's Top 20, and he is very deserving of that honor. He went 19-6 with a 2.54 ERA with a WHIP of 1.09. It is clear that Peavy will produce similar MVP numbers in 2008. Just imagine the Cy Young race if Santana joins the NL.

12. Jose Reyes

13. David Ortiz

14. Josh Beckett

15. Johan Santana

He finished with a decent 15-13 record last season and a solid 3.33 ERA. It was not Santana's best, but he will be driven and refocused in 2008. Look for him to put up strong numbers for your fantasy squad.

16. Vladimir Guerrero

Vlad led the Angels into the playoffs, batting .324 with 27 homers and 125 RBI. He also won the HR Derby Contest, proving his remarkable power. Vlad should bring his best this season.

17. Ryan Howard

18. Ichiro Suzuki

19. Prince Fielder

20. Carlos Beltran

There it is, your Top 20 draft picks for Fantasy Baseball 2008.

I wish you a season full of homeruns, RBI, low ERA—and most of all, enjoyment.

Magic-Celtics: Do You Believe in Magic?

Johnny Shea — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:48:50 -0500

The Orlando Magic have defeated the Boston Celtics, handing the Boston "Three Party" their eighth loss of the season.

The game was controlled by Dwight Howard and the Magic, but in the end, the Celtics seemed like they were going to win by luck o' the Irish.

However, Orlando used their magic to prevail. It was a fantastic game, and a battle of two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

With four minutes left, the Magic led 91-84. With Kevin Garnett suffering a minjor injury, he could not play. The "Three Party" were missing their strongest man.

Boston needed their Irish luck, and they certainly got what they needed. Paul Pierce served a chest pass direct to Ray Allen at the baseline, who finished it with a three pointer. It seemed like it would be another wild Celtics finish, proving that they really are the best.

Doc Rivers pumped his fist. The crowd was silent. No magic this time. Or was there?

After a timeout called by Van Gundy, the Magic took the court and delivered a pass to Turkoglu. The clock reached single digits. I sat at the television, wondering when he would shoot the ball.

It seemed as though hours had passed before Turkoglu, Mr. Fourth Quarter, stepped up and shot the three.

It is like everything was in slow motion. I heard a Magic fan scream, the ball in mid-air, all eyes on the basket, time expires, and the shot goes through the net...swoosh.

It was the classic Kodak finish. The Magic piled around Turkoglu, Patrick Ewing letting out a sigh of great relief.

Orlando has presented Doc Rivers and the Celtics with their eighth loss of the season, and despite the fact that they gave up the last seven points of the game, Turkoglu stepped up and ended it with a three-pointer for all to remember.

Surely, I do believe in Magic.

New Orleans Rising: Hornets Create Buzz Around NBA

Johnny Shea — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:43:20 -0500

With the NBA Season nearing its halfway mark, the New Orleans Hornets have the best record in the Western Conference.

The Hornets have made an improbable run to the top, winning eight straight and crushing the Spurs Saturday night, 102-78.

Finally, they are being noticed.

Despite a strong season from the start, the Hornets' success was kept quiet...until now. With a blistering defeat of the defending-champion Spurs, New Orleans is 31-12.

David West put down 32 points, Stojakovic added 22, and with the help of all, the Hornets have created their buzz at last. They now lead the Suns by a 1/2-game, the Mavs by 1 1/2, and the Spurs by 2 1/2.

At last, an improbable team has made its way to the top. The NBA these days has been so predictable. We all think the Spurs will play the Celtics in the final. Or will they?

A mix up in the Western Conference feels good. The NBA needs a team like the Hornets to create a buzz for viewers.

The Hornets have gone from the underdogs to the team to beat.

Let's see if New Orleans can make it nine against Denver Monday night.

Living the Dream: The Story of a Die-Hard Giants Fan

Johnny Shea — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:08:19 -0500

Lawrence Tynes sets up for the 47-yarder. There's the snap; the hold; the kick...and IT'S GOOD!

The kittens squeal and skitter through the house as Joe, my next door neighbor, bellows a cry of joy, heard by the entire block.

Joe, die-hard Giants fan since the day he was born, is living his dream. His son was recently married and he has won big in Vegas, but none of it is better than this.

"Let's beat the friggin' Patriots!" Joe howls to his brother with an ear-to-ear smile painted on his face.

It is the ultimate dream for Joe: The New York Giants facing the New England Patriots for the championship. You could see the fire and passion in his eyes as he whispered sincerely, "I would do anything to get to the Super Bowl."

I even felt a bit guilty he couldn't get to the game, although I can't do anything about it.

He'll be watching the game from home, but we can only hope his dream will come true.

I pray for Joe that the New York Giants will combine the inspiration of their fans and their momentum to defeat the nearly invincible New England Patriots.

Let's go Joe...and the Giants.

Grand Upset: Roger Federer Falls to Novak Djokovic

Johnny Shea — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:30:42 -0500

Roger Federer has been eliminated from the Australian Open by 20-year-old Serbian Novak Djokovic.

No. 1 Federer fell Friday to No. 3 Djokovic, in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Federer was feeling a bit glum, and for obvious reasons—the man does not know how to lose.

For the first time since the 2005 French Open, Federer has been eliminated from a Grand Slam before the final round.

The best explanation for Federer's loss is the fact that he was simply due. There was eventually going to be a time when Federer's backhand fell short, his forehand just as weak, and his serve sub-par.

Even the best go down sometimes.

It was the typical projection of Federer and Nadal playing for the championship. But not anymore. When No. 2 Rafael Nadal was stung by unranked Wilifred Tsonga, it was surely a surprise. But Federer fell too?

This is why they play the game. The final of the Australian Open will pit No. 3 Novak Djokovic against unranked Tsonga—certainly not what I had in mind.

Could this sudden stirring of upsets in the air mean something for the New York Giants? Maybe the Sports Gods are trying to spin things around and make the Giants win the Super Bowl.

We have seen two giant upsets in the past few weeks, now let's see if we can witness the third in the Super Bowl.

The Roger Federer of football—the New England Patriots—will face-off against the Giants, trying not to get upset as Federer just did.

It should be one to remember.

Georgetown Basketball: What Is a Hoya, Anyway?

Johnny Shea — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:43:32 -0500

The Georgetown Hoyas, 14-2 and #9 AP Men's NCAA Basketball team look like they are one of the strongest teams in the country.

We know everything about Roy Hibbert, Jonathan Wallace, and John Thompson III, but do we even know what a Hoya is?

According to Georgetown's Athletic Department Website, many years ago, when all students were required to take Greek and Latin, the athletic teams were nicknamed "The Stonewalls."

Rumor has it that one clever student chanted "Hoya Saxa!" which translates to "What Rocks!" The cheer grew and students began to consistently yell "Hoya Saxa! Hoya Saxa!" Eventually, the "Saxa" was dropped and the cheer evolved to "Hoya!"

The name proved popular and all Georgetown teams were named "The Hoyas."

No, a Hoya is not a bulldog. It is not any animal, mascot, or creature of any sort. Hoya actually means "what."

So, if you ever ask: What is a Hoya? That's your answer. What? What. A Hoya is what.

With the college basketball season more than halfway over, the Georgetown Whats prove to be one of the elite teams in the NCAA and may pull off a Final Four repeat.

Let's go Whats!

Meet the Mets...At Citi Field

Johnny Shea — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:08:31 -0500

44 years, 16,060 days, 23,126,400 minutes.

This is the life of Shea Stadium, born on April 17, 1964 and closing fall 2008. It will leave behind a legacy, two World Series rings, miracles, disasters, MVPs and Hall of Famers, and a large parking lot.

It will say goodbye to the infamous Mr. Met, the "cowbell guy," and of course all of the fans who have been through it all. From the 1986 World Series when Bill Buckner gave the Mets a Game Seven and eventually a championship, to the 2007 late season collapse with a seven game lead and 17 games to play.

But it's not over. As Shea Stadium says farewell, Citi Field says let's meet the Mets! In 2009, all we can do is hope that Citi Field brings along some luck.

With a lineup of multiple All-Stars, their chances look good, but as we know from last season, that is easier said than done. When the Mets play their last season at Shea, we hope that they can give it the ultimate gift—October Baseball.

The closing of Shea Stadium and the welcoming of Citi Field give Mets fans something to cheer about, despite last year's collapse.

I hope to purchase one of Shea Stadium's seats as well as a Citi Field brick. It will be the end of an era, but a new beginning is on the horizon. I find it appropriate that the Mets will say goodbye to Shea by the end of this season and hopefully put the horrors of the '07 season behind them once and for all.

Shea Stadium has 81 games left, excluding the playoffs. I pray that Shea will go down with a smile on his face and a third World Series ring.

Hey, we ain't called the Amazins' for nothing.