Bleacher Report - Articles by Rain Man

New York Yankees' Disappointment by Way of the Los Angeles Angels Continues

Rain Man — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:47:14 -0400

More struggles in Anaheim.

On July 10th, and 11th, the Yankees sent out Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte to the mound to counter the Angels lineup, who were missing Torii Hunter and Vladimir Gurrerro to injuries.

Both times the Yankees stormed out of the gates fast, holding 5-1 and 4-0 leads respectively. Joba, and Pettitte were on their way to quality starts, and the Yankees' reliable bullpen was set slam the door in the late innings. However, they started to wilt, and the Angels took advantage.

Poor fielding by the Yankees, and a poor job preventing wild pitches by Posada (two Angels reached base after striking out on wild pitches by David Robertson, because Posada was to lazy to block the ball afterward) didn't help them either.

The Angels' hitters went for extra bases at will, which has been a hallmark for Angels teams managed by Scioscia.

As a result, Joba and Pettitte left the mound in the fifth inning with their tails tucked between their legs like scolded pet dogs.

The umps were also on a mission to screw the Yankees over, but that's nothing new.

The offense tried to make it a game again with A-Rod and Matsui's homers yesterday, but it wasn't meant to be, as the bullpen did their best State Farm impression, giving insurance runs to the Angels to nail the Yankees' coffin shut.

The results were 10-6 and 14-8 losses given courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Out of the 21 times the Yankees marched to Orange County since the 2005 season, 16 times they ended up hanging their heads in failure.

Here's the Box Score of the July 10th, and yesterday's games via MLB.com. Also we're two games out of first again, because the Red Sox won twice against the crappy Kansas City Royals.

At least we could be 4-2 on this road trip if CC Sabathia wins today to close out the first half of the season, as the All Star break is coming soon! Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, and Mariano Rivera have earned rights to represent the Yankees in St. Louis on Tuesday!

Go Yankees go!

Update: 6:44 PM, July 12, 2009, Brilliant job Yanks! You managed to get swept by the Angels, and in 3 calendar days, we drop 3 full games back! That's awesome with a capital A baby...

New York Yankees Defeated by Boston Red Sox, Still Searching for Answers

Rain Man — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:42:51 -0400

Oy Vey! I think it is safe to say the Boston Red Sox are the New York Yankees' kryptonite this year.

The Yankees have just lost their first eight games against Boston, ninth straight overall dating back to the 162nd game of the 2008 season. 4-3 was the final score.

CC Sabathia pitched a gem, but was very shaky in the eighth inning, but we'll get to that later.

In the top of the seventh, Melky Cabrera kicked off the inning with a single, then Francisco Cervelli doubled to plate Melky, it was a 1-1 game. Boston's then lone run was a David Ortiz home run.

Derek Jeter grounded out, then Johnny Damon walked, and Mark Teixeira flew out to left which was the second out.

Then Alex Rodriguez, the guy who has taken a lot of criticism from a lack of clutch performances against the Red Sox, doubled to bring home two runs, it was a 3-1 Yankees lead.

We all thought the Yankees were out of the woods, all we needed was CC Sabathia to pitch brilliantly for three more innings for a CG win

But we were sadly mistaken, as the Boston Red Sox had no problem snatching the lead back, as they scored three runs in the 8th to lead 4-3.

But in the ninth, the Yankees had the top of the order, and the Yankees could have possibly had one more shot at getting the lead, but it was a moot point as Jeter grounded out, Damon flew out, and Teix lined to Youkilis.

I'm at a loss for words. It was not just that they lost eight games to the Sox, it was also the way they lost which infuriates me the most.

Blown leads, missed opportunities especially with RISP, dumb baserunning, poor management by Girardi (like leaving Sabathia out to dry in the eighth, only to see him wilt and let his inherited baserunners score), and the Red Sox made them pay dearly for those mistakes.

Aye aye aye. The Yankees are KILLING ME! Why do they look so good against the other 28 MLB teams, but look like the Keystone Cops in baseball cleats and pinstripes against Boston? Why?

Like Heartbeat of the Bronx said in his latest article, it's the mentality. The Yankees no longer look like they could do no wrong against the Red Sox. It's now the same thing, but switch "Yankees" with "Red Sox".

Look, I'm not saying the season is over or anything, or that we can't win the AL East. It's just why we can not figure out the Red Sox. They are the ultimate puzzle that the Yankees can not solve, so much pieces, they don't know where to place them.

We may very well win the AL East, even if the Red Sox still continue to beat us, but here's a thought:

If they had split the series 4-4, we would be up two games, instead of down two. And we need all the wins in the AL East we can get, especially when the playoff race heats up in September.

Why Did The Cleveland Cavaliers Lose This Series?

Rain Man — Sun, 31 May 2009 07:46:46 -0400

The Magic had the Cavs right where they wanted them during this series.

The Cavs played the Magic's game, forcing up jump shots in a frenzy. They didn't do that in their first eight playoff games where they went to the rim at will.

The Cavs big men didn't give Dwight Howard a challenge the whole series, let alone last night (he had 40, 14, and 4 last night). Ben Wallace used to be the "Minister of Defense" in his Detroit Pistons years, but he and Z were Dwight Howard's punching bags for six games.

Superman flew high and above the Cavs, and his "Justice League colleagues" would nail a three if they tried to focus on him (they did that 62 times in six games, a playoff record in a six game series). Don't forget the Magic's brilliant bench play. Mickael Pietrus was nailing dagger shots all series, while Cleveland's bench was pathetically weak. Wally and the Cavs bench were a non-factor.

Mo Williams pulled a disappearing act against an elite team, AGAIN! The Cavs need a low post scorer, a big upgrade over Z who is trash.

Lastly, how about LeBron James? He may be the king, but he was relegated to jump shots throughout much of the series. As his palace came tumbling down so did the Cavs chances.

You have to credit the Magic though. They weren't scared, and they beat down the Cavs in the post, beyond the arc, and at every other aspect of the game. The Magic out-classed and out-coached the Cavaliers.

The Magic fly to L.A. to face the Lakers on Thursday, while Cleveland once again goes golfing, wondering what could have been.

I will be rooting for the Magic. I hope they defeat the Lakers. I hate the Lakers.

Yankees Firing On All Cylinders

Rain Man — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:19:51 -0400

The New York Yankees' season-long winning streak has hit eight, after an 11-4 destruction of the Baltimore Orioles.

Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, and Melky Cabrera hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the second off of Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie. Guthrie was shaky in the early innings but kept his cool, and did not let the Yankees score in innings four through seven.

Phil Hughes threw five innings allowing three runs, all on home runs. He pitched a solid game. Ty Wigginton destroyed a fastball deep into the last row of the lower deck in left, and Pacman homered off a cutter on Hughes that cut it to 5-3.

But the Yankees were just too powerful, too talented, and too awesome to be denied. The Orioles' sorry bullpen got lit up in the late innings again. The pen gave up seven runs in the seventh last night, and gave up six in the eighth tonight, highlighted by a Jeter two-run double.

Baltimore	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Roberts, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.292
Jones, CF	4	1	2	1	0	2	2	.370
Markakis, RF	4	0	0	0	0	3	3	.318
Huff, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	1	.266
Mora, 3B	4	1	3	0	0	0	1	.275
Wigginton, DH	4	1	2	2	0	0	1	.220
Reimold, N, LF	3	1	1	1	1	1	1	.261
Moeller, C	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.195
Andino, SS	4	0	1	0	0	2	0	.226
Totals	35	4	10	4	1	11	11
BATTING 2B: Mora (2, Hughes, P), Andino (1, Hughes, P). HR: Wigginton (3, 4th inning off Hughes, P, 1 on, 1 out), Jones (9, 5th inning off Hughes, P, 0 on, 2 out), Reimold, N (1, 9th inning off Rivera, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Roberts; Jones 5; Mora 4; Wigginton 5; Reimold, N 4; Andino 2. RBI: Wigginton 2 (13), Jones (27), Reimold, N (3). 2-out RBI: Jones. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Moeller. Team RISP: 1-for-5. Team LOB: 5. BASERUNNING CS: Roberts (4, 2nd base by Hughes, P/Cash). FIELDING E: Andino (2, fielding). DP: 2 (Guthrie-Roberts-Huff, Roberts-Andino-Huff).

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Jeter, SS	5	1	1	2	0	0	0	.273
Damon, LF	4	1	0	0	1	0	0	.318
Teixeira, 1B	4	0	1	1	0	1	1	.241
Rodriguez, A, 3B	1	2	0	0	2	0	1	.189
Berroa, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Matsui, DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.252
1-Pena, PR-DH	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.263
Swisher, RF	2	2	1	1	2	0	0	.234
Cano, 2B	4	2	3	3	0	0	0	.307
Cabrera, M, CF	4	2	2	2	0	1	2	.321
Cash, C	3	0	0	1	0	1	0	.077
Totals	31	11	9	10	5	3	7
1-Ran for Matsui in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Teixeira (8, Guthrie), Jeter (8, Walker). HR: Swisher (9, 2nd inning off Guthrie, 0 on, 0 out), Cano (7, 2nd inning off Guthrie, 0 on, 0 out), Cabrera, M (5, 2nd inning off Guthrie, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Jeter 2; Teixeira 2; Matsui; Swisher 4; Cano 6; Cabrera, M 5. RBI: Teixeira (31), Swisher (23), Cano 3 (22), Cabrera, M 2 (16), Cash (1), Jeter 2 (19). 2-out RBI: Cano; Jeter 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera, M. SF: Cash. GIDP: Matsui; Rodriguez, A. Team RISP: 4-for-7. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING Outfield assists: Damon (Mora at 2nd base). DP: (Cash-Jeter-Teixeira).

Baltimore	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Guthrie (L, 3-4)	7.0	5	5	5	3	2	3	5.37
Baez	0.1	2	4	4	2	1	0	3.74
Walker	0.2	2	2	1	0	0	0	3.86

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hughes, P (W, 2-2)	5.0	6	3	3	1	9	2	7.06
Aceves, A (H, 1)	2.0	2	0	0	0	2	0	1.74
Coke (H, 2)	0.2	1	0	0	0	0	0	4.58
Rivera (S, 8)	1.1	1	1	1	0	0	1	3.06

HBP: Rodriguez, A (by Guthrie), Teixeira (by Guthrie).
Pitches-strikes: Guthrie 110-67, Baez 16-8, Walker 18-12, Hughes, P 89-57, Aceves, A 23-16, Coke 5-4, Rivera 14-10.
Groundouts-flyouts: Guthrie 8-11, Baez 0-0, Walker 1-1, Hughes, P 2-3, Aceves, A 2-1, Coke 0-2, Rivera 3-1.
Batters faced: Guthrie 29, Baez 5, Walker 5, Hughes, P 21, Aceves, A 7, Coke 3, Rivera 5.
Inherited runners-scored: Walker 3-3, Rivera 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Bruce Dreckman. 1B: Paul Emmel. 2B: Angel Campos. 3B: Gary Darling.
Weather: 70 degrees, clear.
Wind: 15 mph, R to L.
T: 2:38.
Att: 43,903.
May 20, 2009

Weak Pitching Dooms New York Yankees

Rain Man — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:46:40 -0400

The New York Yankees were defeated by the Boston Red Sox by the score of 16-11. A.J. Burnett looked terrible, giving up eight hits and earned runs, three walks, and three K's in five innings. The bullpen was no better, giving up eight earned runs in three innings.

The Boston Red Sox were hammering the Yankees all game, and the sixth-eighth hitters in the lineup (Jason Bay, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek respectively) drove in 13 runs, including the grand slam by Varitek.

The New York Yankees' offense scored 11 runs, but left 27 on base. That's way too many LOB... gotta drive them in. If they had driven five more of those 27 that were LOB, and if the decrepit bullpen actually stop giving up runs on a silver platter, this game would have been more respectable, or even a Yankees win, but oh no. No, no, no. The Yankees don't want to make it easy.The Yankees have given up 118 runs, the second most in the majors (Baltimore Orioles-123).

I realize it's a marathon, and not a sprint, but if the Yankees don't play better, especially against playoff teams, it's going to be the longest marathon the Yankees have ever ran.

In game three of this series, the Yankees send out Andy Pettitte, who has been brilliant this yea, while the Red Sox counter with Justin Masterson.

Go Yankees!

The MLB Blackout Rules Are Dumb!

Rain Man — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:58:55 -0400

Mets fans, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but apparently, SNY can't televise the Mets game until 7:05 PM EST, because FOX has an exclusive broadcast window, which comes to effect on Saturdays from 4:00 PM EST to 7:05 PM EST.

The MLB blackout rules are trash.

Here's another rule if you are in the territory of your team's blackout map, and your team isn't shown on cable—guess what? You are out of luck my friend.

You'll probably say, "No problem, I got MLB Extra Innings!"

But then you tune to the channel of your team's game, and all you see is a black screen.

Then you'll probably say "No big deal! I got MLB.TV as well!"

But, you go to MLB.TV, and select your team's game, you'll be staring at a black screen!

And then you will be wondering how are you supposed to watch your team, in a legal way? You'll be wondering if you have the time or gas money to drive a bunch of miles, and buy a ticket to attend the game.

I know, the blackout rules suck. It's 2009 for Christ's sake. I mean, just look at the blackout map.

The Reds blackout area is as far as Tennessee, western North Carolina, and northern Mississippi? The entire state of Iowa is Cubs, White Sox, Brewers, Twins, Cardinals, and Royals blackout territory? Yep, that's right folks! And I bet some of those teams don't get the team's coverage in those states. Ridiculous, right?

Not even the NFL has a blackout rule that is that arcane.

Opening Day Is Coming! 2009 New York Yankees Season Preview

Rain Man — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:54:24 -0400

Alright New York Yankees' fans, fasten up your seat belts, because it could be a long ride.

As always, the Yankees have high expectations. If they match them, the World Series title will likely be coming back to the Bronx for the first time since 2000.

There will also be a new Yankee Stadium hosting it's first game against the Cleveland Indians in two weeks. The older Yankee Stadium, who sung it's swan song on Sep. 21, 2008, as Derek Jeter, and the Yankees walked around the stadium, greeting, and addressing the crowd of 54,610, after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 7-3.

Expect to see the old Yankee Stadium dismantled sometime during the baseball season.

Back to this season, the Yankees broke the bank when they acquired CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixiera. Other notable signings were Nick Swisher and Kevin Cash.

Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano, Wilson Betemit, Ivan Rodriguez, and Bobby Abreu are no longer members of the Yankees.

Some things that need to happen if the Yankees want to get back to glory.

1: Staying Healthy.

Injuries doomed the Yankees in 2008. Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Phil Hughes, Chien-Ming Wang Hideki Matsui, and others went down at some point during the season. Unfortunately, A-Rod will already miss the early part of the season, due to a cyst on his hip.

It is paramount to stay healthy if we want to keep pace with the always powerful Boston Red Sox, and last years World Series runner-up Tampa bay Rays in a tough AL East.

2: New signings have to handle New York, and start contributing.

C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, welcome to New York City! The pressure is on these three to produce, and help the New York Yankees win. The Yankees are paying them big time bucks, and if they flop, it is not going to be pretty!

Sabathia delivered the Milwaukee Brewers a playoff appearance for the first time since 1982, shutting down his opponents while pitching in all 27 outs most of those games. Unfortunately, the momentum couldn't carry the Brewers against the eventual champion Phillies in the NLDS, as he was bombed all series. I'm looking for Sabathia to be our ace, making opposing hitters look like sitting ducks.

Burnett, well what can I say? He's been above average throughout his career, and injury prone, yet he makes the Yankees batters look like Keystone Cops in baseball uniforms every time he takes the mound against them. Hopefully he does that to every team he faces, and stays healthy in the process.

Teixeira has been nothing short of brilliant in his MLB career. He had a .290 BA, 203 HRs, and 676 RBI in his career with the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He also won two Gold Gloves as well. He usually goes on slow starts, hopefully that won't be the case in 2009.

3: Beat the Rays and Red Sox, and capture the AL East!

Our two main adversaries heading to 2009 obviously. Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox made some smart moves in the offseason, with the Rays acquiring good players in Pat Burrell and Jason Isringhausen, and the BoSox acquiring former Ray, Rocco Baldelli, Brad Penny, and John Smoltz. The Rays won the AL East and AL pennant, and the Red Sox won the wildcard in 2008.

4: PLEASE improve on offense, especially on RISP situations.

The Yankees were a complete abomination with RISP. A-Rod grounded into a double play about 33,423 times last year.

In 2007, they would be home runs. It was sad to watch. Another reason why the Yankees were not invited to the postseason in 2008. Great teams takes advantage of every opportunity they get.

5: Bullpen must be in form.

The bullpen must not squander leads like LaTroy Hawkins, Kyle Farnsworth, and Kei Igawa (heaven forbid I see him on the mound this year).

6: Just win, baby!

Yankees have to meet and even exceed the high expectations they received this year.

Looking forward to the Yankees taking the field, go Yankees!

UConn Punches Tickets To Detroit With a Win Over Missouri

Rain Man — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:35:16 -0400

This was a nice win by UConn, even when Missouri was keeping them at bay early in the second half, tying it at 50 and 54 points, they got out of it by going aggressive to the rim, going 26-32 .813% from the charity stripe.

Kemba Walker had a great game, scoring 23 points, on 7/9 from the field, 9/10 on FTs, 5 rebounds, 5 assists. He showed a lot of toughness, driving to the rim, and drawing fouls. AJ Price had 18 points, and he also was making his FTs, 5/7 from the charity stripe. Stanley Robinson added 13 points, Jeff Adrien scoring 12.

- Quick Note: UConn is in the West region, the last two times they were in the West region, they won it all in 1999, and 2004.

Jets Jettison Laveranues Coles

Rain Man — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:35:22 -0500

Laveranues Coles has been released by the Jets today. But according to NJ.com, there is a chance that he returns to the team. They didn't leave on bad terms. Coles and the Jets couldn't reach an agreement for a new contract.

"We didn't leave on bad terms,'' Coles said. "It's not out of the question that I could come back." Rex Ryan says a new deal won't happen now, but later.

"Rex and I had a good talk,'' Coles said. "He explained to me that he didn't want to give veterans who are in their second contract a new deal before their current deal was completed."

"I explained to him that my situation was a little bit different because this situation has been ongoing. But I understand what Rex is trying to do and I don't want to jeopardize what he's trying to put in place. He has been honest with me from the word, 'Go.'"

2008 Arizona Cardinals = 2007 Colorado Rockies

Rain Man — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:18:46 -0500

First off, congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning their sixth Super Bowl yesterday. Second off, congratulations to Santonio Holmes for taking home MVP. Third off, congrats to the Arizona Cardinals for winning the "Worst Defense Out of All Super Bowl Teams" trophy.

Yes, the Steelers have a very good offense, and Big Ben is an amazing quarterback; I am not taking anything away from the Steelers, but man, the Cardinals D was trash! They couldn't stop my grandma from scoring a TD.

Now I know why they made the Super Bowl, because their amazing pass offense couldn't be stopped. And I know why they even made it to the playoffs in the first place: The rest of the NFC West is pathetically weak (and I have no idea how the New York Jets lost to the garbage Seahawks and 49ers late in the season). The Cardinals were the football equivalent of the 2007 Colorado Rockies baseball team.

Out of 86 teams that took the field in the history of the Super Bowl, no one gave up more touchdowns (49) than the Cardinals. Defense wins championships, and the Cardinals sure don't have a Super Bowl caliber defense. The only bright side is Adrian Wilson and Darnell Dockett. They brought in little pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, and as a result, they were torched.

The Steelers, in the other hand, know how to play defense.

Ravens LB Coach Mike Pettine To Follow Rex Ryan In New York?

Rain Man — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:35:05 -0500

Mike Pettine, the current Ravens' Linebackers Coach, is expected to join the New York Jets, as the defensive coordinator, replacing Bob Sutton. This is good news for the Jets, because he and Ryan knows how to coach a defense, and teaches his D how to play physical, a far cry from how the Jets defense performed in their last five games of the season.

They started the season 8-3, and the run defense was like a stone wall, and they were well in their way into the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the season was sixteen games long, not eleven. The Jets couldn't stop: Peyton Hillis, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Morris, Ricky Williams, and Ronnie Brown in that span. They lost four of their last five games (the Bills game at home was their only win in that span, (and they needed Dick Jauron to make a dumb decision, calling a pass play, which ended up being a fumble return for a TD by Shaun Ellis)) to finish 9-7, and miss the playoffs.

Their pass defense was also weak, despite having athletic players like Kerry Rhodes, Abram Elam, Darrelle Revis, and Dwight Lowery. The Jets finished 29th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, 31st in the NFL in 1st downs allowed in the air, there's no excuse for that.

The pass rush, which was once deadly, slowed down, and got pressure once in a blue moon in their last five games, the result was Jay Cutler, Shaun Hill, Seneca Wallace, and Chad Pennington looked like Joe Montana, and the statistically weak pass defense was exploited.

Expect some improvements in the D next season with Ryan, and Mike Pettine (if he comes). J-e-t-s Jets! Jets! Jets!

WAKE UP TAR HEELS!

Rain Man — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:29:18 -0500

The problem with the North Carolina Tar Heels lately is that they have been too overconfident, as if they expect their opponents to play dead like pet dogs. As a result, when UNC falls behind, they panic like a 6-year-old facing Chuck Norris, and start making careless, dumb decisions!

When teams start double-teaming and punishing Tyler Hansbrough, UNC will lose confidence, especially when they face a team with a good defense. This is a bad sign because they don't want to play defense!

Wake Forest and Boston College could have brought in five cheerleaders and they would have still scored on UNC's lackluster D. Roy is doing everything he can to try to make the team better, but the players, except for Danny Green, just don't want to listen. That means they will come out FLAT, and get FLAT outplayed and out-hustled.

We can fix this before the Duke game by beating Virginia, Miami, and Clemson (who we almost lost to twice last year), FSU, NC State, and Maryland (who UNC lost to last year). We have the talent to win all these games, but they just have to improve the D and the shooting, or the Heels will not beat Duke—period.

Go Tar Heels! Beat Virginia.

Now, don't get me wrong, WF is good, and I will not take anything away from them (the BC loss is no excuse, though). But UNC should have done a better job at defending.

After all, defense wins championships!

New York Yankees Almost Ready to Announce Mark Teixeira.

Rain Man — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:10:01 -0500

According to the New York Daily News, the Yankees are going to announce the signing of star First Baseman Mark Teixeira as early as Tuesday. He is not officially signed yet, as he has to take a physical on Monday.

This is exciting news, as he adds more power to the Yankees' bats, which was surprisingly inept last season, and can protect Alex Rodriguez as he looks to come back to his 2007 form.

Yankees also needed him, as Jason Giambi will not be wearing pinstripes in 2009. Tex is not bad at fielding either. He won two Gold Gloves in 2005 and 2006 when he was a member of the Texas Rangers.

He agreed to a $180 million dollar contract for eight years, with a five million dollar signing bonus, and with no trade clause.

Reports Say Eric Mangini Is Fired!

Rain Man — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:58:05 -0500

After losing four out of their last five games after an 8-3 start, the New York Jets will miss the playoffs for the second straight season under Eric Mangini. Meanwhile, Chad Pennington and the Miami Dolphins will be preparing for a playoff game on Sunday vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

Many media outlets in New York, ESPN, and Jets%27-collapse">Jay Glazer from Fox Sports report that Mangini will be fired today. Owner Woody Johnson was upset and agitated following yesterday's loss to Miami.

NY Jets Receive Coal Delivery from Santa

Rain Man — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:43:40 -0500

The Jets go down to the Seattle Seahawks in a must-win game with a final score of 13-3. Coming into this game, they had destiny in their hands.

They needed to win their last two games to win the AFC East. No matter what the Pats did, if we ran the table, we would have won the division title because of our superior division record.

Well, the Jets have destiny no more! Instead, the Jets fell to a Seahawks team that was looking to send Mike Holmgren out a winner in his final home game as Seahawks coach.

Brett Favre once again had a bad game. He was picked off twice, one being a throw that should never have been attempted in the first place. The other took place during the last drive, which was a good play by a Seattle defensive back. He was constantly under pressure and was sacked four times.

As for the running game, Thomas Jones gained 67 yards on 17 carries, Tony Richardson gained 34 on five carries, and Leon Washington rushed three times for 14 yards.

For Seattle, Maurice Morris had a really good game, rushing for 116 yards on 26 carries. Seneca Wallace was also not too shabby, completing 18 passes on 25 attempts for 175 yards. He also threw the only TD of the game, a two-yard pass to rookie tight end John Carlson in the second quarter.

Even worse news for Jets fans: the Patriots demolished the Cardinals in frigid Foxboro, 47-7, and Miami escaped KC with a 38-31 win. The Patriots remain tied with the Dolphins for first in the AFC East with a 10-5 record, while the Jets fall to 9-6.

With talent like this, the Jets, for the 40th straight year, cannot get the job done. Get Mangini out of town.

The New York Jets' Blueprint to Winning Against Seattle and Miami!

Rain Man — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:21:26 -0500

Do not look ahead to Miami; take it one game at a time

Look for Miami to dispatch Kansas City, setting up a gigantic matchup that decides who wins the AFC East. If we take Seattle lightly, we will lose. They have nothing to lose, and they will be looking to send out Mike Holmgren out a winner.

Jets, this is your moment to silence critics who are writing you out. Send a message that the Broncos and 49ers games were a fluke. They need to pound the Seahawks.

Better Defense

The last three games (with the exception of the late fourth quarter vs the Bills), the defense was atrocious. Peyton Hillis, Frank Gore, and Marshawn Lynch looked like Second Comings of Walter Payton, the way they ran through our run defense.

And we have Kris Jenkins, Christ! The arm tackling has got to stop. We need to punish Seattle's offense by wrapping up the ball carrier, and bringing them down to the turf. Make them feel the pain! Like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee's defense plays. See how physical they play?

Also, blitz, blitz, blitz! Seneca Wallace has been playing well lately. Against the Pats, he threw 20 completed passes out of 28, for three touchdowns, with a QB rating of 128.9.

Against the Rams, he threw no TD passes, but led a rally, he threw for 226 yards, and made clutch throws to help Seattle win. And judging by the atrocious Broncos and 49ers games the Jets D played, he must be licking his chops. Pressure him, we need to blitz him early and often and toss him around Qwest Field, or else the Jets will lose.

Better Play calling

Seriously, no excuse giving Leon Washington only one carry! And only four in the last three games. He and Thomas Jones are the Jets' best playmakers, and it makes no sense how we abandon the run so easily, leaving Favre to tossing ducks around the field.

This is exactly what happened in the Broncos and 49ers games. It's still bugging me. Seriously, give the ball to the play makers, and good things happen. Now, it's time to wake the AFC East up and let them know the Jets will win it. J-e-t-s Jets Jets Jets!

The Yankees Daily—July 19, 2008

Rain Man — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:29:35 -0400

The New York Yankees needed a Wilson Betemit RBI single in the ninth inning and a walk-off HBP by Jose Molina to win this ugly game.

The Yankees left 21 runners on base, despite 13 hits. Joba had the start, struck out eight, gave up six hits, and gave up one earned run in six innings. He earned a no-decision. For the Yankees' bullpen, Jose Veras didn't really have a good game. He blew the save, walked two, gave up two hits, and gave up one earned run in one inning.

Mariano Rivera also gave up one earned run, but struck out three in one inning. The rest of the bullpen was sweet. Edwar Ramirez struck out four in two innings. Farnsworth had a strikeout in one inning, and Robertson got the win.

The Yankees improve to 52-45, only four behind Boston, 1.5 behind Minnesota in the Wild Card race, and five out of the East for now, as the Rays game hasn't been decided yet.

As for the A's, Gallagher was pressured by the Yankees' offense, giving up seven hits and two earned runs, and walking four batters. He did, however, strike out seven Yankees. He also earned a no-decision. Huston Street blew the save and DiNardo earned a loss when he hit Yankee Jose Molina with a pitch.

In other AL East action, Boston blew the 2-0 lead in the seventh, and lost the game 4-2. The Tigers are humiliating the Orioles 6-0, and it's only the first inning. It's a scoreless game between the Blue Jays and Rays in the top of the fifth.

MLB.com announced that Johnny Damon took batting practice, and he could return sometime next week. Good news for Yankee fans. Damon could be a DH in the next few games, and then he could return to the outfield shortly after his return.

The Yankees Daily: July 18th, 2008

Rain Man — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:43:29 -0400

Yankees OF Hideki Matsui (knee) was told to rest this weekend by Dr. Stuart Hershon. Matsui said he doesn't have any fluid in his knee, and none was drained. Surgery could be an option; if he takes the surgery, he's out for the year.

The Yankees won 7-1 as Richie Sexson drove in a run in his first game as a Yankee. His RBI single in the first inning tied the game at 1. Alex Rodriguez hit his 20th home run of the year and 40th against the A's in his career, tops among active players.

Mike Mussina pitched a strong game, striking out six, giving up nine hits, and one earned run in six innings for his 12th win of the season. The bullpen was fantastic, holding the A's hitless in three innings. David Robertson, Edwar Ramirez, and LaTroy Hawkins fanned a combined total of six Athletics during those three innings.

For the A's, Ryan Sweeney drove in the only A's run in the first inning on a fielder's choice. A's starter Greg Smith was rocked for six runs and eight hits in 3.2 innings.

In other AL East action, the Tampa Bay Rays pulled one out of the hat against the Toronto Blue Jays when SS Ben Zobrist hit a two-run HR in the seventh inning off A.J. Burnett to put the Rays up 2-1. The Rays won the game 2-1.

The Red Sox were trucked 11-3 at The Big A. Angels SP John Lackey finally exorcised his demons against the Red Sox, going seven innings, giving up three earned runs, and striking out six. Lackey picked up his seventh win, and Boston's Clay Buchholz is now 2-5 after getting tagged with the loss.

The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tigers 7-4.

AL East standings:

Tampa Bay	56	39	.589	-	37-14	19-25	25-17	8-9	11-7	3-7	W 1
Boston	57	41	.582	½	36-11	21-30	20-19	15-5	11-10	6-4	L 1
N.Y. Yankees	51	45	.531	5½	28-22	23-23	20-19	11-15	10-3	6-4	W 1
Toronto	47	49	.490	9½	27-20	20-29	14-16	15-7	10-16	6-4	L 1
Baltimore	46	49	.484	10	26-17	20-32	16-24	10-8	9-10	2-8	W 1

Wild Card standings:

Boston	57	41	.582	-
Minnesota	54	42	.562	2
N.Y. Yankees	51	45	.531	5
Oakland	51	45	.531	5
Texas	50	47	.515	6½
Detroit	48	48	.500	8
Toronto	47	49	.490	9
Baltimore	46	49	.484	9½
Kansas City	43	54	.443	13½
Cleveland	41	54	.432	14½
Seattle	38	58	.396	18

San Diego Chargers Interested in Jason Taylor?

Rain Man — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:52:34 -0400

According to the Miami Herald, The San Diego Chargers are interested in the Dolphins DE/dancer that no one gives a crap about, Jason Taylor. The Chargers are trying to pair Shawne Merriman with another pass rushing specialist, and Taylor is their man.

The Chargers championship-opportunity door is closing, AND FAST, so they need another playmaker on D.

Nuggets-Wizards: Carmelo Anthony Nets Career-High

Rain Man — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:23:54 -0500

Carmelo torches the Wizards for a career-high 49 points, despite a left ankle injury as the Nuggets came away with a big win over the Wizards.

As Anthony was making shots, Allen Iverson only took nine shots, making seven of them. Camby also had a double-double.

2007 New York Jets: Season in Review

Rain Man — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:16:01 -0500

What a disappointing season.

I thought we were going to be good, but we weren't.

Both of the lines have been atrocious; we couldn't get a sack if our lives depended on it.

We had 29 as a team, and the O-line couldn't protect poor Chad Pennington, or Kellen Clemens from getting pounded every game, allowing 53 sacks.

YUCK!

Thomas Jones had a few good games, but only had one rushing TD, and that was against the lowly Dolphins.

He did get 1,119 yards though.

Leon Washington, I guarantee will be a star.

He's always a threat to take it the distance on kick returns, and his three return TDs show it. I still don't understand why he was underused.

Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles have been great this season, even if the QBs were getting pounded.

Cotchery caught 82 passes for 1,130 yards and two touchdowns!

Coles had 55 grabs for 546 yards and six TDs. Also, Brad Smith was an extremely useful weapon, a couple nice reverses, and not to mention some great catches.

Justin McCareins is an idiot!

He dropped quite a few crucial catches, including one of them that cost us the Ravens game! RELEASE THIS BUM!

Chris Baker showed why he's an underrated TE. This guy needs some credit, he's made a lot of clutch catches for us throughout his whole career.

Now to the defense.

David Harris is another young stud.

If it wasn't for the Jets' bad record, he or Darelle Revis would have been the DROY. Instead it went to Patrick Willis of the 49ers.

When Justin Miller went down, Hank Poteat and Abram Elam were starting.

Those two have no business starting in the league.

Especially you Abram Elam! You cost us the 2nd Bills game! You hit Revis, and the Bills WR (I think it was Lee Evans) caught the ball, and put the game out of reach at 13-3.

Kerry Rhodes, again, has been amazing! Yet, the stupid Pro Bowl left him out.

The highlight of the season was obviously the win against the Steelers. Many were picking the Steelers to rout the Jets, but we sent them packing in OT.

2007 Jets season grade: D+.

Let's hope 2008 is better.

Go Jets!

P.S. The Jets' Flight Girls are hot.