Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Cullen

A Rant From a Yankees Fan

Matt Cullen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:58:31 -0500

I've learned that the New York Yankees spoiled me at an early age.

I was just shy of 11 years old when I saw the Yankees win their 26th World Series in 2000, their fourth in five years.

Losing I feel is what molds us as sports fans. Rooting for a dynasty is the easiest thing in the world. While less joyful, losing I feel has made me a better sports fan.

The way we collapse mentally after the season ends in despair, the lingering effect over an entire offseason, and the way we bounce back without fail, asking to get punched in the stomach once again.

It also makes winning that much more special when it does happen. It becomes appreciated that much more.

I was five years old when the Dallas Cowboys won their most recent Super Bowl. That memory is just a blur. It was a cool moment, but I had been brainwashed into how great those Cowboys teams were that it was something that came to be expected.

If they ever win another playoff game I will probably look like this .

For the first time since 2004 the New York Yankees had won a playoff series. Bad memories had reached the tipping point.

Yes I know many other fan bases have had it much worse. I don't want to hear it. It won't make this potential loss hurt less, and it won't make me care less than I have.

The run has been great so far but with every loss in these past two rounds it has been followed by a sleepless night—multiple sleepless nights in the cases of the Game Five losses.

I had told myself before the World Series that win or lose, I was going to be extremely grateful for the Yankees finally being able to make a deep run. Hope was instilled once again.

Scrap that. Blowing a 3-1 lead in the World Series with the final two at home and the arms that they will be throwing out there is inexcusable.

It's also inexcusable because of the lineup that has seven different players that had more than 20 home runs this year.

It's also inexcusable because they have arguably the best closer in the history of the game and he is still near unhittable.

Mark Teixeira has made some big plays with the glove but the guy who carried the Yankees offensively for much of the season has hit a measly .172 in the 14 playoff games. "Exsqueeze me? Baking powder?"

That's right, .172 for the postseason.

He has had a few big hits. In Game Two of the ALDS he hit a walk-off home run in extra innings against Jose Mijares. In Game Five of the ALCS with his team down four he hit a bases clearing double against Darren Oliver, a guy who hadn't given up a single run that postseason.

Also in Game Two of the World Series he hit a solo home run off of Pedro Martinez to even the score at one in the fourth inning.

That .172 average though is still inexcusable. Was it a shock to anyone watching the last game that Johnny Damon kept the Yankees alive with a single and that Teixeira shot those chances dead with a strikeout? I sure wasn't surprised.

Robinson Cano, are you still with us? You have a .208 batting average with no home runs and six RBI. Honestly are you out there?

Nick Swisher has a .136 batting average with two RBI? Not even worth it.

It's much easier to pitch in the regular season. It's much easier on the nerves. Just ask Phil Hughes.

The reincarnation of Jack Morris himself has given up four runs in his last two innings pitched. This is including an inning and a third of shutout ball this past game when the Yankees seemed all but done.

I love Derek Jeter, but when can we take five seconds out of the day to acknowledge that despite contrary rumors he is not the younger brother of Jesus Christ? The captain's numbers are far from terrible as he's hitting over .320 with three home runs and has made a couple of memorable heads-up plays in the field.

But he has not hit well in the biggest of spots. He hasn't done it this postseason, he didn't do it in the regular season, and he hasn't done it very often for what feels like several years now.

Since when did being the captain mean that you never have any accountability for your failures or the team failures? I can't calculate how many times I've heard Yankees fans call Derek Jeter a God this postseason and not a peep was made when he hit into a double play in the ninth inning.

I heard Mark Teixeira blamed for striking out two at-bats later. I heard Burnett get blamed for his start. I heard Girardi get blamed for starting Burnett. And I heard Phil Coke get blamed for what at the time seemed like two meaningless solo home runs given up.

I'm surprised that nobody blamed Alex Rodriguez for old time's sake.

The double play from Jeter was so predictable in that spot. Not that you could but if you asked anyone in my family they'd tell you that I called a slow ground ball to short right when he got up.

I'm not saying that Jeter needs to be booed, but can we acknowledge that he is a human being and fails like everyone else sometimes? Despite such a crucial out I didn't see it mentioned in World Series coverage.

The only time I heard Derek Jeter named was on the ESPN show SportsNation when they mentioned the possibility that a bridge may be named after him. The timing is just incredible.

How do I feel about Joe Girardi's move? You didn't ask but I'm gonna tell you.

I hated the idea of a three man rotation all the way through the playoffs. Absolutely hated it.

How can you have a $50 trillion payroll and not have a fourth starter? That being said, it was the decision that Joe Girardi made and he was right to stick with it so late in the playoffs.

Give me A.J. Burnett on three days rest over Chad Gaudin, who hadn't made a start in over a month any day.

Joe Girardi made his bed and he needed to lie in it and stick to his guns. A.J. Burnett struggled because he is a talented, inconsistent, wild, headcase of a pitcher. I believe the rest factor had little to do with it.

A couple positives before I conclude.

Alex Rodriguez, keep at it. What an unbelievable postseason he has had, and after some doubt crept in people's minds after two hitless games to start the World Series he is back on track.

There isn't a single guy on the team I'd be more happy for to get a ring this year than him.

Didn't Mariano Rivera prove about three years ago that he can't handle six-out saves? Am I missing something here?

He pitched two-and-a-third scoreless in Game Two of the ALCS to keep the Yankees alive in the extra innings marathon. He got a six-out save to send the Yankees to the World Series. And then he got another six-out save to even the World Series at a game apiece.

Words cannot describe the guy well enough.

How confident am I about Andy Pettitte in Game Six? Not in the slightest for the 37-year-old lefty going on three days rest, especially considering his last start against the Phillies was probably his worst of the postseason.

I talked myself out of him closing it out within three hours of the completion of Game Five.

I haven't talked myself out of CC against Cole Hamel's damaged psyche or whoever the Phillies would throw out on the mound in Game 7. I will though. Don't worry about that, it's coming.

And then what? I don't know; my head just exploded.

You stay classy, San Diego. I'm Ron Burgundy?

MC's Week Eight NFL Picks

Matt Cullen — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:18:40 -0400

Last week was a disappointing one for my picks. I talked myself out of picking the Bengals and the Cardinals only to regret that in a big way.

I also thought I was being oh smart and calling a Saints loss. The Saints offense handed the Dolphins a 21 point cushion and the Dolphins offense refused to do what they do best; run the ball and control the clock. Inconceivable!

I also lost the 49ers/Texans game figuring that 49ers had enough time to think about that shellacking they took at home against Atlanta to bounce back but it wasn't meant to be.

So overall I went 9-4. Not a horrible week but felt close to being a much better week. Now for Week Eight:

Texans (4-3) at Bills (3-4)

I don't care what the record says; Buffalo is awful, especially with Ryan Fitzpatrick starting. He's got a bad offensive line in front of him and a mediocre defense on the opposite side. Houston wins this one big.

Houston win 31-10.

Browns (1-6) at Bears (3-3)

The Bears were embarrassed in Cincinnati last week but I expect them to bounce back against a pitiful Browns squad and their pitiful QB Derek Anderson

Bears win 31-10.

Seahawks (2-4) at Cowboys (4-2)

Dallas dominated the Seahawks at home last Thanksgiving. I expect another great performance from the Cowboys this time around as Marion Barber and Felix Jones continue to get healthy and help the running game.

Rams (0-7) at Lions (1-5)

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are expected to play for the Lions and that should be enough against what I think is the worst team in the league.

Lions win 27-17.

49ers (3-3) at Colts (6-0)

Alex Smith finally appears to be healthy as he tore up the Houston Texans secondary in relief for Shaun Hill. It won't be enough to take down Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Colts win 31-24.

Dolphins (2-4) at Jets (4-2)

Mark Sanchez in the cold? Appreciate the offer but I'll pass. I got burned by the Bills thanks to this and I won't let the Dolphins do the same.

Dolphins win 14-7.

Giants (5-2) at Eagles (4-2)

I'm going to assume that Brian Westbrook will be out of action for this one after suffering a concussion in the Monday night match-up against Washington. Philly's offense struggled to get anything going on offense against Washington outside of two plays from DeSean Jackson and I expect more of the same in this one. The Giants are good enough to take advantage.

Giants win 17-13.

Broncos (6-0) at Ravens (3-3)

A lot of people love Baltimore in this one and understandably so. They are coming three straight losses and have had two weeks to prepare for Denver.

However, nobody has been able to put up points in the second half so far against Denver I don't see the Ravens being the exception. Also, everyone is expecting the Ravens defense to right the ship while I honestly don't think they are elite anymore.

Broncos win 21-13.

Jaguars (3-3) at Titans (0-6)

The Titans have two weeks to think about the 59 point loss in New England and the stunt that Jeff Fisher pulled wearing a Peyton Manning jersey. I think we are gonna see some inspired football as they get their first win against an inconsistent Jaguars squad.

Titans win 21-17.

Raiders (2-5) at Chargers (3-3)

San Diego is a team I have virtually no idea what to expect from week to week. They took care of business last week hammering Kansas City but needed a TD in the last 30 seconds to beat Oakland in Week One. They also were embarrassed early on against Pittsburgh before coming back in the 4th quarter and nearly winning.

Bruce Gradkowski has been sick this week; will we see him or JaMarcus Russell again? I only know only know one thing; I am not picking the Oakland Raiders.

Chargers win 21-14.

Panthers (2-4) at Cardinals (4-2)

Well we definitely weren't overreacting to the playoff game against Arizona and Week One game against Philadelphia; Jake Delhomme is definitely terrible. Four touchdowns and 13 INTs, Steve Smith is disgruntled, sadly though for Carolina I think Jake is the best they've got at the position.

If Arizona really is a SB contender, they will win this game.

Arizona wins 28-17.

Vikings (6-1) at Packers (4-2)

I picked Green Bay before the year to take the North. I want badly to pick them to avenge the Monday night loss in Minnesota. I just don't have enough faith in their offensive line (especially with Chad Clifton questionable) to make that pick.

Packers win 24-21.

Falcons (4-2) at Saints (6-0)

I thought I was being very clever in picking Miami to beat the Saints. That was a mistake. This time the Saints are at home and not nearly as likely not get up for a division rival game on Monday night. I also quite frankly don't think the Falcons are that good due to their defense and the off year Michael Turner is having. Saints win big.

Saints win 38-21.

Last week: 9-4

Overall: 72-31

A Rude Awakening In The Bronx: Lee Edges Sabathia In Phillies Game One Win

Matt Cullen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:05:24 -0400

It was pitted as the battle of the former Indians aces and they did not disappoint.

CC Sabathia was "off his game" Wednesday night going seven innings and giving up four hits and three walks.

Two of those hits were costly ones to Chase Utley that found their way over the right field wall. The first one might be regarded as a typical Yankee Stadium cheap pop-up home run, but the second was a missile with two strikes on a fastball left out in the middle of the plate.

Regardless of the nature of the home runs, those two solo shots were enough for Sabathia to lose his first game of the postseason.

Cliff Lee opposite him was sensational, striking out 10 and walking nobody. He came two outs away from throwing the first complete game shutout in the Fall Classic since Josh Beckett did it against the Yankees to clinch the 2003 series. That run came off a throwing error by Jimmy Rollins trying to complete a double play.

It was a final score of 6-1 after the Yankees bullpen gave up some insurance runs.

I was disappointed the Yankees acclaimed lineup couldn't do more, but not shocked. Cliff Lee is a stud, plain and simple. The win was the third this postseason for the 2008 Cy Young winner and his second complete game. It also lowered his ERA in the postseason to a minuscule 0.54.

A lot of fellow Yankees supporters do seem to be shocked though.

This is not meant to be my attempt at being self-righteous, but I was surprised at the number of Yankees fans that were taking the champs lightly. This was far from everyone, but many that I've talked to felt like the best of seven series was merely a formality, that the Yankees had numero 27 in the bag.

Perhaps many of the same people were clamoring for the glamorous Yankees/Dodgers World Series. Somehow, inexplicably, the defending champions of the world were an afterthought for much of the postseason.

They took it personally against the Dodgers, and they're doing it again.

This is the same team with two NL MVPs in their primes. It's the same team that acquired the 2008 AL Cy Young just before the trade deadline.

It's the same team with a closer that went the entire 2008 season without blowing a save and seemed to reclaim that unhittable stuff in time for the playoffs. And it's the same team with three other bats in the lineup that had 30-plus home runs this season.

Rolling through the postseason was nothing new for the Phillies, and they started to do it again. In the division series when the scene shifted to Colorado, they beat Rockies closer Huston Street in both Games Three and Four for the knockout blows.

The next round they listened to ESPN and other networks pray out loud for a Torre homecoming in New York.

Perhaps Manny Ramirez has powers that the rest of us do not possess and knew that the Phillies would beat all-star closer Jonathan Broxton in the ninth inning and proceeded to head for the showers. That comeback put the Phillies up 3-1 and put the series seemingly out of reach.

I can tell you it wasn't a shock to the Phils, one of the most mentally tough baseball teams I've ever seen.

And their mission was far from over. I watched ESPN's First Take this morning. They brought on A.J. Pierzynski for an early segment to break down the series. Near the end they proceeded to ask him how the Phillies can win the series...He struggled to think of anything. I was baffled.

I bet the guys on the Phillies would have had similar reactions if they were watching it.

Many people ate up such talk as the defending champs were inexplicably turned into huge underdogs. Many eyes were even looking ahead to Game Two in anticipation to watch the Yankees embarrass their son Pedro Martinez in the new Yankee Stadium.

While they were waiting it was business as usual for Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night.

We got our wish.

Pedro Martinez, same Pedro that shut down the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the NLCS is on the mound in the Bronx tonight. This is far from his first time in a big game there, and it's against the shakiest of our three starters this postseason.

And we better hit him, or there may not be a next time for him in Game Six because the Philadelphia will be celebrating.

That being said, the series is far from over. Nice to see that we're all on the same page there now.

MC's NFL Power Rankings After Week Seven

Matt Cullen — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:52:04 -0400

Week Seven was a great week of football in the NFL.

Is there a scenario in which I wouldn't have said it was great? What if I started a power rankings article by saying, "What a bad week in the NFL"?

It wouldn't happen, so don't think about it for too long.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the biggest jump in the rankings, going from 10th to seventh. The Chicago Bears fell the hardest, going from 13th to 19th.

And...here...we...go!

1. New Orleans Saints

When Drew Brees said that the team knew down 24-3 that they would win, I believed him. We could be looking at a very special team here.

Previous ranking: 1

2. Indianapolis Colts

Much to my surprise, Peyton Manning did not throw for 300-plus yards against the Rams. He did, however, still put up another terrific game, as the Colts took care of business against a pitiful Rams team.

Previous ranking: 3

3. Denver Broncos

Another good test for the Broncos next week against what is becoming a high-flying Ravens offense.

Previous ranking: 4

4. New England Patriots

For me the jury is still out on just how good this Patriots offense is, even after humiliating two bad teams. It's definitely encouraging though.

Previous ranking: 6

5. Minnesota Vikings

After getting beat by the Steelers defense in Pittsburgh, the Vikings lost their game lead just in time for Brett Favre's return to Lambeau Field. Is there any chance that the ESPN headquarters in Bristol literally blows up in anticipation?

Previous ranking: 2

6. Cincinnati Bengals

No Antwan Odom, no problem. Carson Palmer looks like a top five QB in the league once again.

Previous ranking: 8

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

Very nice win for the Steelers heading into the bye week. The defense appears to be back on track as they face the best defense so far this year in the Denver Broncos Week Nine.

Previous ranking: 10

8. New York Giants

Eli followed up his worst performance of the year by playing even worse the following week. On the bright side, it looks like Brandon Jacobs is finally showing some life

Previous ranking: 5

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Very unimpressive win—the offensive line does not look good, Michael Vick is hurting more than he is helping, and Brian Westbrook is hurt yet again. It was bad turnovers from the Redskins that took them out of this game.

Previous ranking: 9

10. Green Bay Packers

The Packers are coming off of two dominating performances in a row—granted, against two teams with just one win each. Next up: the Vikings at home. After dropping one in the Metrodome already, the Packers really need this one if they want to win the division.

Previous ranking: 11

11. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are 3-0 on the road! Two of those wins came outside of the division! The Cardinals last season went 0-5 on the road outside of the division and lost three of those games by at least 21 points! And I'm going to try and stop using exclamation points!

Previous ranking: 12

12. Dallas Cowboys

All Cowboys fans have heard this season is, "Who have they beaten?" Well, they just beat someone good, and they beat them pretty easily. They did it with big plays in the passing game and a strong effort on defense.

Previous ranking: 14

13. Atlanta Falcons

It was only a matter of time, I suppose, until the Falcons offensive line gave up some sacks. However, the disappointment that is Michael Turner continues.

Previous ranking: 7

14. New York Jets

Well, they responded like I expected them to against a bad opponent; too bad it came a week later.

Previous ranking: 16

15. Houston Texans

Matt Schaub is looking like a legit MVP candidate. He leads the league in passing yards, TDs, and is fourth in QB rating.

Previous ranking: 18

16. San Francisco 49ers

Though it came in a losing effort, 49ers fans have got to love what they saw from Alex Smith coming off the bench.

Previous ranking: 15

17. Baltimore Ravens

It will be very interesting to see if Joe Flacco will be able to do anything against the Broncos in the second half; nobody has been able to so far. They need this win badly, having lost three in a row.

Previous ranking: 17

18. San Diego Chargers

Much to my surprise, the Chargers actually took care of business and beat up on a bad Chiefs team. Lets see if they can do it a second consecutive week against the Raiders

Previous ranking: 19

19. Chicago Bears

That was the shocker of the week for me, for the Bears to just not show up at all coming off a close loss. They look destined for a pedestrian third place finish in the NFC North.

Previous ranking: 13

20. Miami Dolphins

I picked the Dolphins to beat the Saints and felt so smart most of the way. I'm disappointed that the Dolphins couldn't hold onto a 21-point lead with the running game they have.

Previous ranking: 20

21. Seattle Seahawks

A popular preseason pick to dethrone the NFC champs in the West is a blowout loss in Dallas from looking dead in the water.

Previous ranking: 21

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

They go to Tennessee this week, home against Kansas City next week, and home against Buffalo in Week 11. Before the season, the destined-for-last-place Jaguars looked like they could put themselves in position to make the playoffs if they took care of business.

Previous ranking: 22

23. Buffalo Bills

I'm going to be blunt here: I have no idea how this team is 3-4. Trent Edwards has not had a very good season. His backup Ryan Fitzpatrick is even worse. The offensive line is very inexperienced, and the defense is fairly mediocre. That being said, they have won two in a row, so they will be acknowledged for it.

Previous ranking: 25

24. Carolina Panthers

Let me get this straight. You ran a combined 47 times with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to beat the Buccaneers, you just watched the Bills give up over 200 rushing yards to Thomas Jones, your QB is Jake Delhomme, you are involved in a tight game most of the way...and you chose to throw 44 times with Delhomme? What am I missing here?

Previous ranking: 23

25. Oakland Raiders

Richard Seymour, I love the confidence. The Raiders still suck.

Previous ranking: 24

26. Washington Redskins

I was a big fan of Jason Campbell once upon a time. Man, that feels so long ago. Why is Jim Zorn still there?

Previous ranking: 26

27. Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford looks primed to get back in the lineup, and he picked a good week to do it against a Rams team that has lost about 500 games in a row.

Previous ranking: 27

28. Cleveland Browns

I can't comprehend it. The Browns benched Brady Quinn because he has trouble completing long passes, and then they traded their deep threat at WR in Braylon Edwards. Is it a coincidence that Derek Anderson went from having a decent game against the Bengals to three terrible games in a row? I don't think so.

Previous ranking: 28

29. Kansas City Chiefs

They have an extra week to think about how much they suck before they go out and lose again.

Previous ranking: 29

30. Tennessee Titans

I think the Jeff Fisher incident with him wearing the Peyton Manning jersey along with a 59-point loss will be enough to motivate this team against the Jaguars. Whether it will be enough to win is another question.

Previous ranking: 30

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It looks like it may be time for Josh Freeman at QB, and a lot sooner than anyone thought.

Previous ranking: 31

32. St. Louis Rams

If the Rams ever plan on winning a game in 2009, it may have to come this week at Detroit.

Previous ranking: 32

The Script Resurfaces: New York Yankees Head to the World Series

Matt Cullen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:13:10 -0400

"...hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."- Andy Dufresne (The Shawshank Redemption)

I'd be lying if I told you I expected this.

Throwing a lot of money at problems was nothing new for the New York Yankees of this decade and it never fixed anything before.

Granted the Yankees of 2003 made it to the Fall Classic after going overseas to sign highly acclaimed stars in Hideki Matsui and Jose Contreras. However, since then the road to the World Series seemed much tougher to travel and the light at the end of the tunnel was fading.

The Yankees had lost their last five postseason games in which they had a chance to eliminate an opponent. They had lost their last four postseason series (Overall record of 7-13 in those series). In 2008 the Yankees had done the unthinkable and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

Gone was the manager behind the dynasty and many other key components. Derek Jeter remained, so did Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and a guy who came extremely close to departing in Andy Pettitte, but that's it.

These Yankees had been overpaid (OK so perhaps they still are), lacked fight, lacked pitching, and failed to hit in big spots from the top of the order to the bottom.

They threw a lot more money at their problems this past offseason...A lot. Most notably $82.5 million for AJ Burnett, $161 million for CC Sabathia, and $180 million for Mark Teixeira.

This was nothing new, I had watched this movie every year and the ending never changed. Nothing would change, none of these guys had ever done much in October...Fewer and fewer players in pinstripes had done it in October.

And early on it looked like precisely that same movie. No clutch hitting in sight, no starting pitching, and a bullpen that looked like might end up burned out by June.

A few weeks after the return of shamed superstar Alex Rodriguez though I noticed that things seemed to be different. They were getting clutch hits, 14 walk-off hits on the season with three of them coming in a single weekend in May against the Minnesota Twins.

AJ Burnett had his struggles for a decent portion of the season but CC Sabathia was emerging as a legit ace.

The bullpen seemed to improve as the season went along. Phil Hughes tried out his luck there after struggles in the rotation and was a big hit as the set-up guy. Alfredo Aceves (Mexican Jim Leyritz) also gave the Yankees strong innings coming out of the pen along with some spot starts. Dave Robertson also emerged later in the year as a reliable reliever.

And then some guy named Mariano Rivera is still going strong.

The defense was improved, particularly in the infield where the Mark Teixeira showed off his defensive prowess to go with improved seasons from Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano.

The chemistry seemed stronger than it had been in years. Gone was the loner Mike Mussina, brought in were the personalities of Nick Swisher, AJ Burnett, and CC Sabathia. It's often debated in the sport of baseball, which has more of an individual aspect than many other sports how much this really matters.

All I can say is that they were a looser group, baseball seemed more fun and easier to this group and I can say as a fan it's been more fun watching them this year than the robots I was subjected to watch in years past.

Who wouldn't want to catch the helmet of the guy that just hit a walk-off homer? Who wouldn't be itching to get a pie in the face at the end of a great win (Ask Francisco Cervelli if you're not sure)?

Much of what I mentioned are the reasons for the Yankees turnaround in 2009, going from 89 wins in '08 to 103 and reclaiming the AL East title for the first time since 2007.

Hope.

Did the clutch hitting vanish once October hit? Certainly there were struggles at times with runners in scoring position but oftentimes they have done well for themselves, coming back to win in five of the seven wins they have accumulated so far this postseason. Two more walk-off wins to boot.

The brightest star? How about the boy who cried "October" himself? Alex Rodriguez. From 2005 on he had gotten just one postseason RBI, and it was a solo shot in 2007 that was not nearly enough to keep his Yankees from being eliminated that night.

Hitting .438 so far, the three-time MVP has five home runs and 12 RBIs. Three of his five home runs have tied a ballgame, and he is one home run away from tying Bernie William's team record in a single postseason.

Skip Bayless calls him "Can't Count on Sabathia." I'm just gonna go with ALCS MVP. Three playoff starts total, three wins, three earned runs allowed, hardly a sweat.

Andy Pettitte has continued to be reliable after all these years. Three quality starts for him in as many attempts, just two wins but they were series clinching wins.

And how did the ALCS end? Some guy named Mariano Rivera once again. The ageless Mariano Rivera. People said (OK I did too) that he cannot complete six out saves anymore. He did just that to send the New York Yankees to their 40th World Series appearance in a 5-2 triumph. He also pitched two and a third shutout ball in Game 2 to help the Yankees win a wild one in extra innings.

Is the ride over? Not by a long-shot, the World Series starts Wednesday against the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies. They have an unhittable ace of their own in Cliff Lee, a scary lineup of their own featuring Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins among others. And Mr. Perfect Brad Lidge appears to be back in 2008 form after a rocky regular season.

Hope.

The goal is always to win the World Series but no matter what happens from this point on I am grateful for the 2009 New York Yankees. No longer will I be spending an entire off-season grumbling about a "bunch of overpaid chokers" and how they can never win when it matters. These Yankees seem to be a different breed, they will be in the hunt in 2010 and there will be no shame in losing to the Phillies.

But don't think I've become complacent, I want this series and I know we can win this series. Things seemed hopeless in past years but I've got a good feeling about 2009.

I have hope, and as we already know that's a good thing. Maybe the best of things!

And no good thing ever dies...

Go Yankees!

MC's Week Seven NFL Picks

Matt Cullen — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:41:32 -0400

"Not only are the Raiders terrible, but they look uninterested. If the Eagles win by 17 or less in this one my head will explode, that's not a bluff either. My head really will explode, so don't let me down Philly."—Matt Cullen

About that...for those of you concerned, my head is still intact and I'm angry over that game. Not angry at the Eagles, but at myself. The Eagles always do that at least twice a year, go into a game that they are supposed to win and let the opposing team keep it close.

Do not even bother to attempt to establish a running attack and let McNabb drop back 50 times, baiting defenders to line up and take shots at him.

I did not see a Raiders win coming in that one, but perhaps I should have. Regardless, I went 10-4 on my picks once again, now for Week Seven.

49ers (3-2) at Texans (3-3)

I was aboard the Texans bandwagon before the season and I like what I have seen the past couple weeks. However, I'm not going to be the guy that picks against a Mike Singletary team that has had two weeks to think about a 35 point loss at home. The 49ers rebound to take this one.

49ers win 24-21.

Packers (3-2) at Browns (1-5)

Two pitiful starts for Derek Anderson in a row, let's make that three against the Green Bay Packers.

Packers win 27-13.

Chargers (2-3) at Chiefs (1-5)

The San Diego Chargers are soft, and they are not nearly as likely to make a late season comeback to win the AFC West this season. They should take care of business this week on the road in Kansas City...barely.

Chargers win 20-17.

Colts (5-0) at Rams (0-6)

Trap game, schmap game. The Colts will take care of business regardless of whether Bob Sanders finally plays, as the Rams drop their 800th game in a row (slight exaggeration).

Colts win 34-10.

Vikings (6-0) at Steelers (4-2)

Rashard Mendenhall is running pretty well and Troy Polamalu returned to the lineup for the Steelers. The Vikings secondary that was torched by Joe Flacco could very well be without CB Antoine Winfield. All of this adds up to an undefeated team being knocked off on the road.

Steelers win 23-20.

Patriots (4-2) at Buccaneers (0-6)

The Patriots are trying to channel their "Screw everyone else" 2007 mode, they will do a pretty good job of it against an awful Buccaneers' defense.

Patriots win 42-10.

Jets (3-3) at Raiders (2-4)

The Raiders are not quite ready to roll over like people thought they were. Still, I like Mark Sanchez to bounce back in the warmer weather and for the Jets defense to have a big game as they snap their three game losing streak.

Jets win 17-7.

Bills (2-4) at Panthers (2-3)

Pick Ryan Fitzpatrick on the road against a Panthers team that has won two in a row? That would be madness. Expect a lot of carries for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart again (combined for 47 last week) as the Panthers climb back to a .500 record.

Panthers win 21-10.

Bears (3-2) at Bengals (4-2)

The loss of DE Antwan Odom should really hurt the Bengals. I expect a Bears offense that committed some bad red zone turnovers against the Atlanta Falcons to take advantage this time.

Bears win 24-17.

Falcons (4-1) at Cowboys (3-2)

I love the Cowboys this week. Two weeks to prepare for this game, Felix Jones should be back, Barber should be healthier, and an increased role for Miles Austin in the offense after they signed Allen Rossum to return kicks.

This will be where the Cowboys start to really pull away from the Redskins for third place in the NFC East (not intended as a backhanded compliment).

Cowboys win 31-24.

Saints (5-0) at Dolphins (2-3)

God help me I like the Dolphins. They have the ability to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field and as they showed against the Colts, they have the patience to stick to that plan.

It took a miracle performance from Peyton Manning in the few chances he did get with the ball in addition to a poorly executed two minute drill by the Dolphins for the Colts to steal that one. This one like that one was is in Miami...God help me.

Dolphins win 31-28.

Cardinals (3-2) at Giants (5-1)

You can throw on this Giants secondary. They need to do a better job of getting pressure on Kurt Warner than they did on Drew Brees, which I think they will do to an extent. I was thinking Arizona most of the week, but now I've decided that the Giants will bounce back after getting embarrassed against New Orleans and take this one at home. It will be a nail-biter though.

Giants win 28-24.

Eagles (3-2) at Redskins (2-4)

The worst thing that could have happened to the Washington Redskins would have been for the Eagles to have an embarrassing loss in Oakland leading into this matchup. Philadelphia will respond and win this one big, while we get a couple shots of Jim Zorn in the fetal position on the opposing sideline.

Eagles win 28-10.

Last week: 10-4

Overall: 63-27

MC's NFL Power Rankings After Week Six

Matt Cullen — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:21:38 -0400

Every week that goes by during the NFL season we learn more about each team, I think.

The Broncos were a team that got lucky against the Bengals and then merely just beat two bad teams; now they seem primed to get a first round bye.

The New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens looked like front runners in the AFC early one; they now each have lost three games in a row and the Jets lost NT Kris Jenkins for the year.

The Patriots offense led by Tom Brady were somewhat out of sync and were not going to look like their old selves this season, they just beat the Titans by 59 points...

I just got a headache. I'll just come out with my Week Six power rankings and wait for the inevitable and radical changes. in the coming week.

The Arizona Cardinals made the biggest jump in the standings going from 18th to 12. The New York Jets fell the hardest going from 8th to 16th.

And...here...we...go!

1. New Orleans Saints- They can throw the ball over the lot (See the Giants and Eagles games), run teams off the field (See the Bills game), and the defense can get scores of their own and win games (See the Jets game). What's not to love about this team? Previous ranking: 4

2. Minnesota Vikings- First 6-0 start of Brett Favre's career but the schedule is starting to get tougher starting with a match-up in Pittsburgh and a rematch with the Packers in Lambeau. Previous ranking: 2

3. Indianapolis Colts- Expect another 300 yard game for Mr. Peyton Manning at St. Louis next week fresh off a bye. Previous ranking: 3

4. Denver Broncos- I do a double take nearly every time I see the Broncos on defense after how abysmal they were last year. The Broncos have given up just ten total points all year in the 2nd half. Previous ranking: 5

5. New York Giants- The Giants in my opinion have a very average secondary that they have been able to get by with because they consistently get a lot of pressure on opposing QBs. The showing they put up against the Saints just won't do, especially against someone as potent as Drew Brees. Previous ranking: 1

6. New England Patriots- That 59 point shellacking against the Titans was shades of the 2007 Patriots. That's certainly not a good sign for the rest of the AFC. Previous ranking: 9

7. Atlanta Falcons- After delighting fantasy owners last week, RB Michael Turner put up a stink-bomb against the Chicago Bears. Big defensive plays in the red zone however allowed the Falcons to prevail. Previous ranking: 10

8. Cincinnati Bengals- Cedric Benson looked more like the Cedric Benson of old and on defense they were torched by Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans passing game. There would be no pulling that game out in the last minute. They will also now miss DE Antwan Odom for the rest of the season who had eight sacks already. Previous ranking: 7

9. Philadelphia Eagles- 60 plays on offense, 46 of them passing plays as the Eagles lost to what had looked like an Oakland Raiders squad without a single redeeming quality on the field. As frustrating as that must be for Eagles fans, it's not a first from this team. Previous ranking: 6

10. Pittsburgh Steelers- A 400 yard game this week for Ben Roethlisberger and a QB rating of over 100, Ben is starting to look like a credible fantasy starter again a la the 2007 season. Previous ranking: 13

11. Green Bay Packers- Even if it was the Lions without Matthew Stafford or Calvin Johnson, the Green Bay Packers finally played like they should have played. They completely shut the down the Lions on offense, controlled the ball for over 40 minutes, and got a stellar game from Aaron Rodgers. Previous ranking: 15

12. Arizona Cardinals- Kurt Warner lights up another defense, this time without a 2nd half collapse from the Cardinals defense. Previous ranking: 18

13. Chicago Bears- Two turnovers in the red zone did the Bears in, tough losses in Atlanta back-to-back years now for them. Previous ranking: 12

14. Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys got a week off to get rid of the stench from that ugly win in Kansas City. Next week will be tougher as they take on the 4-1 Atlanta Falcons. Previous ranking: 16

15. San Francisco 49ers- Another team that got an extra week to recover from a bad performance, a 35 point loss at home. Do not expect a repeat performance from this group or Mike Singletary might take off more than his pants. Previous ranking: 17

16. New York Jets- Once the Bills finally tied it, it was obvious that Thomas Jones would have to break off a huge run or the Jets defense would need a score of their own. I don't care how many chances Mark Sanchez could have gotten, he wasn't going to do anything. Previous ranking: 8

17. Baltimore Ravens - Brutal loss for the Ravens after a great comeback in the 4th quarter. Joe Flacco deserves better. Previous ranking: 11

18. Houston Texans- That was a big win for the popular preseason sleeper pick, snapping the Bengals four game winning streak as the passing attack went wild. Previous ranking: 20

19. San Diego Chargers- Hopes for retaining their division crown are getting close to over already. Previous ranking: 14

20. Miami Dolphins- Congratulations Chad Henne for winning your first two starts in the NFL. Your reward is an extra week to think about the beating your Dolphins will be given at the hands of Drew Brees. Previous ranking: 19

21. Seattle Seahawks - A 17 point loss at Indianapolis was followed by a 41 point win at home and then a 24 point loss. I have little idea what to think of the 2009 Seattle Seahawks. Previous ranking: 21

22. Jacksonville Jaguars- I don't want to seem like the BCS and stress style points, but you can only move up so much after an overtime win against the Rams. Previous ranking: 23

23. Carolina Panthers- The Carolina Panthers ran the ball, ran the ball, and then ran the ball some more for good measure against the Buccaneers. 48 carries for 267 yards and three TDs in all. They did a fine job of saving Jake Delhomme from himself. Previous ranking: 24

24. Oakland Raiders- Two interceptions thrown by JaMarcus Russell, but he can at least be happy about completing over 50% of his passes and averaging over ten yards per completion. And a win of course too helps heal past wounds. Previous ranking: 26

25. Buffalo Bills - This came with a win but for the 2nd straight week the Buffalo Bills were apart of a truly miserable game. In a related story, Terrell Owens punched through his car's windshield after the game. Previous ranking: 27

26. Washington Redskin s- Head coach Jim Zorn was stripped of play-calling duties after this most recent loss to a previously win-less team. Does he get a high chair and a pacifier at least? Previous ranking: 22

27. Detroit Lions- On the bright side, the Lions definitely made the right decision in starting Matt Stafford in the beginning of the year. Whether it was Daunte Culpepper or Drew Stanton in the game there was little positive from the Lions offense on Sunday. Previous ranking: 28

28. Cleveland Browns- A slightly less miserable performance from Derek Anderson was countered with a much more miserable result. You just can't expect to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers ever with his numbers. They still move up a spot though thanks to an incredibly awful performance from Tennessee. Previous ranking: 29

29. Kansas City Chiefs- Kudos to the Kansas Chiefs for getting their first win of the season after a rough overtime loss the prior week...Even if it came against a team that appears to have forfeited their season. Previous ranking: 30

30. Tennessee Titans- Jeff Fisher needs a hug, perhaps a few even. Previous ranking: 25

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Even with the personnel in place, it feels so surreal to see a Jim Bates defense this bad. Previous ranking: 31

32. St. Louis Rams- Why did Rush Limbaugh even desire owning this team? Previous ranking: 32

MC's NFL Power Rankings After Week Five

Matt Cullen — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:33:10 -0400

After the flu I am back with updated power rankings after an exciting Week Five in the NFL. I did update the rankings after Week Four but didn't write brief summaries for each team so if you're looking at the previous rankings, they indeed are updated.

The top four teams from last week retained their spots in the rankings. The Denver Broncos jumped from ninth all the way up to fifth. This was enough to tie for having the biggest rise in the rankings along with the Bengals (10th to seventh), the Dolphins (22nd to 19th), and the Browns (32nd to 29th). The Houston Texans dropped the farthest going from 15th to 20th.

And...here...we...go!

1. New York Giants- They did exactly what they were supposed to do; run the Raiders off the field quickly. Previous ranking: 1

2. Minnesota Vikings- Congratulations Brett Favre, first win as a 40 year old and a decisive one it was. Tough test next week against the Ravens though. Previous ranking: 2

3. Indianapolis Colts- Five 300 yard passing games for Peyton Manning already, four games with a QB rating over 100, two games with three TD's or more, and one game now with over 80 percent of his passes completed. The world is running out of adjectives to give Peyton Manning justice. Previous ranking: 3

4. New Orleans Saints- The Saints have won their past two games without Drew Brees throwing a TD pass, I'm not so sure they can have a repeat result against the Giants next week. Previous ranking: 4

5. Denver Broncos- On a scale of one to ten (One being hardly laughing, ten being like Brad Pitt when the fat guy is beating him up in Fight Club) how hard are the Denver Broncos laughing at the rest of the nation right now? My guess is about a 14. Previous ranking: 9

6. Philadelphia Eagles- Great return for Donovan McNabb, 16-21 with 264 yards and three TDs. He also did it with virtually no help from the running game. Previous ranking: 6

7. Cincinnati Bengals- Chad Ochocinco predicted the Bengals would go 12-4 this season. I thought the Bengals were better than most others did but even I didn't see that as a possibility. It doesn't seem as crazy now. Previous ranking: 10

8. New York Jets- After being accustomed to seeing the Jets defense pressure the QB and look its best in crunch time, the Miami Dolphins moved the ball up and down the field with ease. Previous ranking: 5

9. New England Patriots- Even though most of the production came in the first half, a solid performance from Tom Brady but unfortunately in a losing effort. I can't blame the Patriots too much though, who could have concentrated with the uniforms the Broncos were wearing? What in the world were those? Previous ranking: 7

10. Atlanta Falcons- Whatever the Falcons ate during the bye week, it worked. Three TDs from Michael Turner and over 200 yards receiving with two TDs from Roddy White. Previous ranking: 11

11. Baltimore Ravens- Two more INTs to add to Joe Flacco's season total. Perhaps we overreacted to the Ravens vaunted offense. Previous ranking: 8

12. Chicago Bears- The concerns about Jay Cutler after a putrid Week One performance appear long gone. He and the Chicago Bears have a tough test next week though at Atlanta. Previous ranking: 12

13. Pittsburgh Steelers- Even though it was against the Lions, solid effort from the Steelers picking up their first road win of the season. Previous ranking: 13

14. San Diego Chargers- With the Broncos 5-0, the Chargers can only underachieve early in the season for so long. Next week against Denver would be a good time to put an end to this. Previous ranking: 16

15. Green Bay Packers- We'll see after the bye week if the offensive line looks refreshed, my guess is no. Previous ranking: 17

16. Dallas Cowboys- Coming from a Cowboys fan, that was about as discouraging a win as I've seen from them as they committed 13 penalties (four offsides on a single drive) and giving up the Chiefs first long scoring drive of the game to tie it with less than a minute to go. Dallas would eventually win in O.T. but they can only win so many by only being capable of beating win-less teams. Previous ranking: 18

17. San Francisco 49ers- It was the shocker of the week as far as I'm concerned, 35 point loss at home in a big game. I am not expecting a trend here though. Previous ranking: 14

18. Arizona Cardinals- That game went from a near disastrous loss to a huge win. The defense made some big plays at the end with the pick six from Rodgers-Cromartie to take back the lead and the goal line stand to preserve the lead. Previous ranking: 19

19. Miami Dolphins- It appears that we wrote them off prematurely, the offense hasn't skipped a beat without Chad Pennington. Previous ranking: 22

20. Houston Texans- Give the Texans credit for bouncing back after nearly getting run out of the building on the road. However, that loss will be tough to swallow. Previous ranking: 15

21. Seattle Seahawks- Welcome back Matt Hasselbeck! Four TDs and over 240 passing yards from him as the Seahawks ended their three game losing streak with a 41 point win. The race for first in the NFC West just got much tighter after Week Five. Previous ranking: 23

22. Washington Redskins- The Redskins look doomed to finish last in the NFC East again after handing the Lions their first win in 19 games in Week Three and now the Panthers with their first win of the season as well on Sunday. Previous ranking: 20

23. Jacksonville Jaguars- The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be the Jekyll and Hyde of the AFC. Two nice wins in the division are now sandwiched in between allowing Kurt Warner to set a single game record for completion percentage and the 2nd worst loss in franchise history this past week. Previous ranking: 21

24. Carolina Panthers- There is not a lot to be optimistic about in Carolina, but a 15 point comeback against the Redskins is still nice. Previous ranking: 26

25. Tennessee Titans- Already with one more loss in the division and two more total losses than last season, the only thing this unit seems to have in common with last year is the uniforms. Previous ranking: 24

26. Oakland Raiders- It took a fumble recovery on a punt return for the Oakland Raiders to get their only score at the end of the second quarter to cut the deficit to 28. When does JaMarcus Russell get benched? Previous ranking: 25

27. Buffalo Bills- Losing to a team whose QB had a zero rating in the game is something the Bills would like to forget as soon as possible. Previous ranking: 27

28. Detroit Lions- Despite coming in another losing effort, it appears that the Lions can move the ball whether it's Stafford or Culpepper throwing the ball. Previous ranking: 28

29. Cleveland Browns- After JaMarcus Russell went 7-24 with 109 yards in a win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week Two, Derek Anderson pounded his chest and cried out "I can suck much worse in a win than you!". Try 2-17 with 23 yards and INT, unbelievable. Previous ranking: 32

30. Kansas City Chiefs- It was a lack of discipline from the Dallas Cowboys that kept the Chiefs in the game. On a positive note though, Cassel threw 41 passes behind a poor offensive line, pressured all day and had two TDs to zero INTs. Previous ranking: 29

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Johnson had a couple good drives but bad turnovers came with that. The defense under Jim Bates also has a lot of work to do. Previous ranking: 30

32.St. Louis Rams- Kyle Boller or Marc Bulger? The correct answer is 'Who cares?'. Previous ranking: 31

MC's Week Three NFL Power Rankings

Matt Cullen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:15:43 -0400

After watching five of the top six teams in the rankings go down hard, all of the new top six survived this time.

As of now, there are still seven remaining NFL teams looking to knock on Mercury Morris' door, and there are seven others possibly looking at making the Lions feel better about their 0-16 season last year.

For the first time, the New York Jets did not make the biggest climb in the rankings. The Detroit Lions made the biggest jump, going from dead last to 27th after their first win in 75 years...feels like that long, at least.

The Pittsburgh Steelers once again took the hardest fall going from eighth to 15th.

And here's the rest.

1. New York Giants—There was concern after giving up 251 rushing yards to the Dallas Cowboys last week. Just 28 rushing yards allowed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Previous ranking: 1

2. New York Jets—Finally, an offense was able to put up a couple scores on the New York Jets, but the defense also forced four turnovers and remains undefeated. Previous ranking: 2

3. Minnesota Vikings—People get tired of the talk about Brett Favre and I'm included in this. However, the block he threw way down-field speaks volumes about the way he has played the game of football. And, of course, a nice game-winning drive was capped off by Greg Lewis doing an unbelievable job of keeping his feet in bounds on the game-winning catch. Previous ranking: 3

4. Baltimore Ravens—This last one was against the Cleveland Browns, but it looks like Joe Flacco has taken another step forward this year, setting a new personal high for passing yards in a game on Sunday. He has nearly 900 yards on the season already, with six TDs to two INTs. Previous ranking: 4

5. Indianapolis Colts—Peyton Manning has 983 passing yards and seven TDs already...on his way to a fourth MVP possibly? Previous ranking: 5

6. New Orleans Saints—Drew Brees did the unthinkable and not throw a TD at Buffalo on Sunday, but it didn't matter as the Saints rushed for over 220 yards and won easily. The Saints winning with the running game like that would have been unthinkable in the past couple of years. Previous ranking: 6

7. Philadelphia Eagles—Clobbering the Chiefs without Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook might say a lot about how bad Kansas City really is, but kudos to Kevin Kolb for solidifying a job as the primary backup QB when McNabb comes back. Previous ranking: 10

8. San Diego Chargers—Less than three YPC for Darren Sproles on the season. I'm sure the Chargers are glad they finally did re-signed LaDanian Tomlinson this offseason and I'm sure they are hoping he is back soon. Previous ranking: 9

9. New England Patriots—Have not lost consecutive games since 2006. Previous ranking: 11

10. Atlanta Falcons—People talked about the potential curse of 370 carries for Michael Turner. So far, it doesn't look that ridiculous (just 3.5 YPC as well as two lost fumbles already). Previous ranking: 7

11. Cincinnati Bengals—After a big comeback win to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's starting to appear that it could be a three-team race in the AFC North. The Bengals are extremely close to being 3-0. Previous ranking: 12

12. Dallas Cowboys—No turnovers this time and the running game tore it up again with another 200+ yard effort. Quite frankly, they should have won by even more than two TDs. Previous ranking: 14

13. Green Bay Packers—Got some production out of the offense...nearly 100 rushing yards from Ryan Grant and over 250 passing yards for Aaron Rodgers with three total TDs. Previous ranking: 13

14. Chicago Bears—Out-gained against the Seneca Wallace-led Seahawks, but they came out winners on the road as Jay Cutler continued to look comfortable in the new offense. Previous ranking: 18

15. Pittsburgh Steelers—The loss in my mind said more about the Bengals than it did about the defending champs. We're looking at a three-team dogfight in the AFC North. Previous ranking: 8

16. Houston Texans—Matt Schaub has lit it up in the passing game the last couple of weeks, but Steve Slaton is averaging less than 3.5 YPC and has no TDs while the short yardage back Chris Brown coughed up one that could have been the game-tying score on the one-yard line against Jacksonville. That and the defense leave a lot to be desired. Previous ranking: 16

17. San Francisco 49ers—Nearly stole one on the road against a very talented Minnesota team with Frank Gore leaving the game early due to injury. 49ers fans should be proud despite the result. Previous ranking: 17

18. Denver Broncos—Who needs Jay Cutler when you only give up 5.3 points per game? Previous ranking: 22

19. Arizona Cardinals—A couple of bad turnovers in inconvenient places on the field kept this from being an intriguing game. The Cardinals cannot be encouraged by the showing on Sunday night with the whole nation watching. Previous ranking: 15

20. Washington Redskins—New Rule (Apologies to Bill Maher): Washington Redskins fans no longer get to claim that their football team was being overlooked before the season. A loss to the Lions says a lot about their playoff chances. Previous ranking: 19

21. Tennessee Titans—You've gotta give the Tennessee Titans credit for being consistently competitive in defeat. They are 0-3 despite only being outscored by 13 points and even out-gaining the Jets and Texans in their last two defeats. Previous ranking: 20

22. Seattle Seahawks—In maybe the most underrated storyline of the week, how about head coach Jim Mora throwing kicker Olindo Mare under the bus after missing two field goals against the Chicago Bears? Personally, I'd want to see more professionalism from my head coach. Previous ranking: 21

23. Oakland Raiders—One of my friends proclaimed on Sunday night that it appears that all JaMarcus Russell ever will be is potential...I don't think I would even give him that much credit. Previous ranking: 23

24. Buffalo Bills—A week after he blamed a drop ball on the dirty shield above his face-mask, T.O. seemed to suggest his displeasure in the play-calling after Sunday's loss to New Orleans. I start to wonder if the man is ever really at fault for anything. Previous ranking: 24

25. Jacksonville Jaguars—Talks of Jack Del Rio being on the hot seat cooled off a little after a huge game from Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jaguars offense against the Houston Texans. Previous ranking: 26

26. Miami Dolphins—It appears that Chad Pennington will be lost for the season after yet another shoulder injury. The Dolphins' 2009 season went with him. Previous ranking: 25

27. Detroit Lions—The Lions won...The Lions won...What?! Previous ranking: 32

28. Carolina Panthers—Outside of the two-minute drill in the first half, the Panthers offense was absolutely miserable against the Dallas Cowboys. Previous ranking: 27

29. Kansas City Chiefs—New coach, new general manager, new QB, same Kansas City Chiefs. Previous ranking: 28

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—No third-down conversions, no first downs in the first half, about as abysmal a performance from the Buccaneers offense as you will see all year. Previous ranking: 29

31. St. Louis Rams—Kyle Boller looked surprisingly competent against the Green Bay Packers. What a shame that the St. Louis Rams still suck. Previous ranking: 31

32. Cleveland Browns—I couldn't live with myself putting St. Louis 32nd instead. Ok, I could have, but the Cleveland Browns really do deserve that spot. Minus seven turnover differential and getting outscored on average by more than 20 points will seal you with another high draft pick. Previous ranking: 30

MC's Week Three NFL Picks

Matt Cullen — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:18:12 -0400

I am proud to have called the Jets victory over the Patriots but overall I did not fare as well Week Two as I anticipated, going 10-6. Tomorrow's another week...

Redskins (1-1) at Lions (0-2)

Everyone seems to like the Lions this week. I'm not drinking te Kool-Aid, the Redskins do not have an explosive offense. I'm not very concerned that they only scored nine points against the St. Louis Rams. With that defense, facing the Detroit Lions, they will score enough.

Redskins win 20-10.

Packers (1-1) at Rams (0-2)

Green Bay's offensive line is a concern, especially after giving up five sacks last week to Bengals DE Antwan Odom. I still think this is the week that the Green Bay Packers offense breaks out against the hapless St. Louis Rams.

Packers win 31-10.

49ers (2-0) at Vikings (2-0)

This my friends is man-football, two of the best running backs in the league and two of the best defenses so far too. Even though Minnesota is at home, I'm going to go with good coaching (Mike Singletary) over bad coaching (Brad Childress).

49ers wins 24-21.

Falcons (2-0) at Patriots (1-1)

Only once since 2003 have the New England Patriots lost back to back games. Bill Belichick is going to have them prepared after a tough loss to the Jets and expect a better Tom Brady playing at home and against an inferior defense. I dare you to pick the Falcons...Do it...You'll be sorry.

Patriots win 31-24.

Titans (0-2) at Jets (2-0)

With every loss for the Tennessee Titans there is increased pressure to put in Vince Young. I don't put much blame on Kerry Collins for the 0-2 start but this is a big game for him and the Tennessee Titans looking to avoid going 0-3. I have a man-crush on Rex Ryan though, I'm taking the Jets to go 3-0.

Jets win 17-13.

Chiefs (0-2) at Eagles (1-1)

I think last week said much more about how good Drew Brees is and the Saints passing attack than it did about potential flaws in the Eagles secondary. Matt Cassel may look better making his second start coming off an ankle injury but not much. Kevin Kolb wins, who would have thought it?

Eagles 24-13.

Giants (2-0) at Buccaneers (0-2)

Last week watching the way the Bills passing game looked confirmed it; Tampa Bay's defense is terrible with a capital "T." Expect the Giants to win fairly easily and remain undefeated.

Giants win 31-17.

Browns (0-2) at Ravens (2-0)

The Ravens secondary is not what it used to be but the offense has been what is winning games. This makes for a good matchup against the Cleveland Browns but then again nearly anytime a team matches up against them it is a good match-up for that team. If I miss this one, my head's gonna explode.

Ravens win 31-10.

Jaguars (0-2) at Texans (1-1)

I thought the Jaguars were a little better than people thought coming into this year. It appears that I may have been wrong. To say that the Arizona Cardinals passing game dominated last Sunday would be an understatement...To say that the Houston Texans' passing game won't too is just foolish.

Texans win 31-21.

Bears (1-1) at Seahawks (1-1)

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora says that it's extremely unlikely that QB Matt Hasselbeck will play in this one, I think that's the difference.

Bears win 21-14.

Saints (2-0) at Bills (1-1)

So Drew Brees needs 42 more passing TDs to become the single-season record holder. Ok I of course am not expecting him to threaten that record this week but I'm excited to watch him go to work on the Buffalo Bills secondary.

Saints win 52-28.

Steelers (1-1) at Bengals (1-1)

Cedric Benson was huge for the Bengals last week running for 108 yards, it's hard to imagine he will do that against this Pittsburgh Steelers defense. For me this is one of the most intriguing games of the week. Cincinnati is bad deflection away from being 2-0 and the Steelers have not been able to generate a running game of their own.

I'm going to give the nod to the defending champs to rebound after a loss in Chicago.

Steelers win 20-17.

Broncos (2-0) at Raiders (1-1)

It's time for the Oakland Raiders to start looking for another QB of the future. I've never been a fan of Russell but last weeks game sealed it. The difference between this game and Oakland's last game with Kansas City is that Kyle Orton won't turn the ball over like Matt Cassel. And the Denver Broncos much to everyone's surprise will start off 3-0.

Broncos win 17-10.

Dolphins (0-2) at Chargers (1-1)

At what point during the season will the real San Diego Chargers show up? Not yet I don't think, the wildcat was especially effective last year for the Dolphins when they faced San Diego. I'm not a fan of this Dolphins team but I'm going to go with the upset.

Dolphins win 28-24.

Colts (2-0) at Cardinals (1-1)

The toughest game of the week for me to pick. My psychic powers tell me to expect a lot of scoring in this one. Even after just watching Peyton Manning absolutely steal one on Monday night against Miami I think the Cardinals have one too many play-makers on offense.

Cardinals win 35-31.

Panthers (0-2) at Cowboys (1-1)

Marion Barber is expected to be a game time decision but even if he sees just limited action or none at all, the Cowboys running game should not suffer much having Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

They ran for over 250 yards against one of the best front sevens in football in the New York Giants and I expect them to have another big week. Plus, what better medicine for a defense with no turnovers than to face Jake Delhoumme.

Cowboys win 31-17.

Last Week: 10-6

Overall: 22-10

MC's NFL Power Rankings After Week Two

Matt Cullen — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:33:49 -0400

To say that there were some radical changes made to the Power Rankings would be an understatement. Five of the top six teams lost Sunday, and the other needed a last second field goal to win.

There are also three unexpected division leaders so far in the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers.

The New York Jets (again) made the biggest jump in the rankings. (13th to 2nd)

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers tied for the biggest drop in the standings. Pittsburgh went from first to eighth and Green Bay went from sixth to 13th.

Now for the full rankings.

1. New York Giants

Of the alleged elite teams in my Power Rankings, the New York Giants were the last ones standing as they went into a hostile environment and knocked off the division rival Dallas Cowboys in their new palace. Previous ranking: 1

2. New York Jets

How could you not buy the New York Jets defense after zero TDs allowed in the first two weeks, against what are supposed to be two of the most explosive offenses in the league? Previous ranking: 13

3. Minnesota Vikings

They've beaten up on two miserable teams but the Minnesota Vikings have balance on offense and talent on defense to finally go places in January. Previous ranking: 8

4. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are doing the unthinkable and winning with offense. They are second in PPG, Flacco has five TDs on offense to only two picks, and the duo of Willis McGahee and Ray Rice at RB are looking very good. Previous ranking: 9

5. Indianapolis Colts

Make that nine wins in their last 10 games decided by less than a TD. Previous ranking: 7

6. New Orleans Saints

It feels like this unit can score 40 points on anyone, anytime, and anywhere...And it's true. Previous ranking: Previous ranking: 10

7. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan's sophomore campaign is also starting quite well. Still not sold on this defense down the stretch, but so far so good for the Atlanta Falcons. Previous ranking: 12

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

That loss has to leave a really bad taste in Jeff Reid's mouth. Far from time to panic. Previous ranking: 1

9. San Diego Chargers

So the Dallas Cowboys proceed to disappear in December every year, just around the time when it feels like the San Diego Chargers finally show up. Previous ranking: 3

10. Philadelphia Eagles

I'll give Kevin Kolb some credit. Up until late in the game he really did look better than I thought he would. Ultimately though it was not nearly enough when facing Drew Brees. Previous ranking: 4

11.New England Patriots

As I said in my last article, the bullies of the AFC East just got punched. So much for them running away with the East. Previous ranking: 5

12.Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer threw a couple of nearly costly picks but showed good flashes too. Once highly-touted young RB Cedric Benson is averaging over 100 YPG so far. Previous ranking: 14

13.Green Bay Packers

The very talented Green Bay Packers' offense is having difficulty taking advantage of a plus-5 turnover margin on the season. Previous ranking: 6

14. Dallas Cowboys

251 rushing yards against one of the best front seven's in football...and you lose. That's what happens when you turn the ball over four times. Previous ranking: 11

15. Arizona Cardinals

Kurt Warner appears to be a very young 38 after completing over 92 percent of his passes on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Previous ranking: 15

16. Houston Texans

Not much action from Slaton, but the Texans offense looks back on track as Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson both had monster games against the Titans. Previous ranking: 16

17. San Francisco 49ers

The defense appears to be better than I expected as the 49ers have opened the season with solid wins against divisional foes. Previous ranking: 20

18.Chicago Bears

Even Jay Cutler's biggest critic has to admit that he looked a lot better this week against the defending champs. 236 yards and two TDs should be enough to get Chicagoans to relax for now. Previous ranking: 22

19.Washington Redskins

I know it's not the most explosive offense in the world, but the Redskins should be able to score more than nine points against the St. Louis Rams. A win is a win though. Previous ranking: 19

20.Tennessee Titans

They shut down the opposing run game once again but this time they really let the passing game run wild. If it makes the Tennessee Titans feel any better, Chris Johnson helped me win in Fantasy Football this week. Previous ranking: 17

21.Seattle Seahawks

Just when it looked like Matt Hasselbeck was finally healthy, he cracks a rib. That's a potentially devastating loss for the Seattle Seahawks

22. Denver Broncos

There was so many questions about Josh McDaniels this offseason. Right now he can tune those out because the Denver Broncos are 2-0 and their much maligned defense has given up just one TD. Previous ranking: 24

23.Oakland Raiders

Sunday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs was winning ugly at its finest. Previous ranking: 26

24.Buffalo Bills

So much for Monday night hangover from that brutal loss. With three rookie OL starting and Marshaun Lynch suspended, the Buffalo Bills offense looks better than I thought. Previous ranking: 27

25.Miami Dolphins

Hold the ball for over 45 minutes and lose...I'm not sure what to say. Previous ranking: 25

26.Jacksonville Jaguars

Just when you thought the Jacksonville Jaguars might be competitive in the AFC South, they let off an absolute stink-bomb at home against a west coast team. Previous ranking: 21

27.Carolina Panthers

Good news is that Jake Delhoumme did not throw 10 INTs, in fact he only threw one. Bad news is the Carolina Panthers still lost. Previous ranking: 23

28.Kansas City Chiefs

They hired an offensive guru in Todd Haley before the year and traded for QB Matt Cassel who finished very well last year in New England. Thus far, the Kansas City Chiefs are not getting their money's worth. Previous ranking: 28

29.Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As low as I had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the year, even I thought their defense would be better than this. Previous ranking: 29

30.Cleveland Browns

Either the Denver Broncos are better than we thought or the Cleveland Browns are much worse than we thought...Perhaps a little bit of both even. Previous ranking: 30

31.St. Louis Rams

A little bit of a silver lining this week, Stephen Jackson ran for over 100 yards and the defense looked a lot better than they did against Seattle. Previous ranking: 31

32.Detroit Lions

Two down, 14 to go. Previous ranking: 32

The Day the New York Jets Punched the Bully in the Mouth

Matt Cullen — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:08:47 -0400

"Rex Ryan has the defense heading in the right direction but their starting QB will not only be a rookie but one that started only 16 games in college. Laveranues Coles is gone, Chris Baker is gone too ,which means Dustin Keller will be less of a receiving threat and used more to block.

"Thomas Jones is now 31-years old and before Brett Favre showed up he rushed for just 3.6 YPC in 2007. The Jets potentially will have one of the worst offense in the league."

- Bleacher Report "Analyst" Matt Cullen.

There is a big mistake that football fans consistently make every single year; they think they have any idea what is going to happen. People make mistakes on predictions before the season and they make mistakes by jumping on or off a bandwagon too early in a season as opposed to sticking to their guns.

However, I have a prediction that I would like to take back. A profuse apology to Mark Sanchez, to Rex Ryan, to Thomas Jones, and while I am at it I apologize to the entire New York Jets team.

I was wrong about the New York Jets, dead wrong. I am drinking the Rex Ryan Kool-Aid.

Regardless of what the Miami Dolphins do tonight against the Indianapolis Colts, two weeks into the season and the New York Jets are in sole possession of 1st place in the AFC East.

Mark Sanchez, the rookie QB from USC looks like the pro-style offense he was apart of in college has done well in getting him prepared. Very solid numbers for a rookie, 435 total passing yards in two games with two TDs, one INT, and a QB rating of 91.3.

That current QB rating is 10th in the league. Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, and Dustin Keller all have made solid contributions in the receiving game with a combined 25 catches, 394 receiving yards and a defense.

Remember that aging RB named Thomas Jones? He had over 100 yards rushing in Week One against the Houston Texans who I think have a pretty good front seven. Jones and Leon Washington have paired well together in the first two games averaging just under 140 YPG on the ground in the first two match-ups.

And while it is encouraging how well the rookie QB is playing and how strong the running game is, the key has been the defense. Not only second in PPG allowed and YPG allowed, they have done it against two of the best offenses in the NFL.

The New York Jets defense has a new attitude and a new energy, absolutely bumrushing first Matt Schaub and now Tom Brady. Lots of blitzing, offensive lines bewildered, and QBs in panic.

As a collective unit, the New York Jets only have two total sacks on the year but the sacks total hardly tells the story. Both QBs have had hands in their face, gotten hurried out of the pocket, and gotten battered and bruised.

Newcomers to the defense such as ILB Bart Scott, CB Lito Sheppard, and SS Jim Leonhard are making immediate impacts. Derrelle Revis appears to be turning into one of the best corners in the league and the unit is also getting good contributions from FS Kerry Rhodes, ILB David, NT Kris Jenkins and many others.

Yesterday's game in particular stood out because of who they played and circumstances attached to the game. The New England Patriots have dominated the AFC East since the beginning of the decade. In 2007 they had an offensive season that could only be described as historic.

With QB Tom Brady back in the lineup, the New England Patriots have virtually the same offense as that 2007 offense. Out are WRs Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney but in are RB Fred Taylor and WR Joey Galloway.

If this wasn't enough, the New York Jets did the unthinkable and talked trash before the game. FS Kerry Rhodes said that the Jets wanted to embarrass the New England Patriots. This historically always ends poorly, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick beats every little snippet that could possibly be perceived as trash-talk or disrespectful into the ground, putting the New England Patriots in a frenzy.

In 2007 the San Diego Chargers had some fun with the Spygate controversy right before their Week Two matchup against the New England Patriots. The San Diego Chargers, best record in the AFC the season before, got clobbered at home against the Pats 38-14.

Later that season Pittsburgh Steelers FS Anthony Smith predicted victory against the undefeated New England Patriots only to see Tom Brady target him relentlessly when he was on the field as the New England Patriots lit up the scoreboard against one of the best defense of the league, winning that game 34-13.

Before Super Bowl XXXIX, Philadelphia Eagles WR Freddie Mitchell didn't know the names of opposing players in the New England Patriots secondary, he probably found out later as he was a complete non-factor in the game with just one catch for 11 yards. The Eagles would lose that game and Mr. Mitchell and his mouth wouldn't play another down in an NFL game.

You get the point the track record is bad, the New York Jets had just written their suicide note. They then proceeded to look at the note and smirk, and then smack the New England Patriots upside the head in a 16-9 battle.

Tom Brady had a small stretch in the 2nd quarter where it looked like he might be solving the New York Jets defense. He never did figure that out, completing less than 50% of his passes with one INT and a QB rating of 53.1. Sunday's game marked the first time since 2006 that the New England Patriots failed to score an offensive TD.

Randy Moss was held to four catches for just 24 yards and Ben Watson had three catches for 23 yards. Joey Galloway did a little better with five catches for 53 yards and Julian Edelman did his best Wes Welker impersonation with eight catches and nearly 100 receiving yards but not enough to put any noticeable chink in the armor of the New York Jets defense.

We were reminded one thing on Sunday and learned another; we got to see Bill Belichick struggle to make eye contact when shaking hands after the game again, and that the Patriots will be in an absolute dogfight trying to reclaim the AFC East.

The Patriots were given one last shot to score a game-tying TD with less than two minutes to go, 90 yards to go. If I wasn't interesting in seeing the Jets reactions after the game I would have changed the channel, because there was no doubt in my mind that the game was over.

The Jets did what the Buffalo Bills could not...Close. Coffee is for closers only and the Jets knew that.

The New England Patriots giant leash over the rest of the AFC East has been ripped off and they appear to have at least one fearsome foe in the division for years to come.

The New York Jets appear to have improved drastically in defense, drastically at head coach, and they no longer have an aging QB that will physically collapse in the final five games of the season.

Everything about the 2009 New York Jets screams SB contenders, everything about Mark Sanchez seems to scream franchise QB, and everything about Rex Ryan seems to hint that the take-off on the Chuck Norris jokes when he was hired seems more valid than we originally thought.

And somewhere out there in his home, Fireman Ed is ecstatic as can be.

MC's Week Two NFL Picks

Matt Cullen — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:07:16 -0400

Alright so my chances of 256-0 are officially over but you know what can happen? 252-4 can happen!

I ended up going 12-4 on my picks, senselessly changing my mind to the Redskins over the Giants as I was writing my article. I'm hoping to fare even better this week. So without further ado, here are my Week Two picks:

Panthers (0-1) at Falcons (1-0)

Solely based on their Week One results, this one almost seems too easy. Jake Delhoumme has become a very big question mark at QB to say the least. It's not time to give up on him yet because they did win 12 games last year and I think he legitimately is the best they have on the depth chart. That being said, the Carolina Panthers will be starting off 0-2.

Falcons win 31-17.

Vikings (1-0) at Lions (0-1)

What more could possibly needed to be said about the Detroit Lions that has not been said? Matthew Stafford threw three INT's in his debut against what is a much inferior New Orleans Saints defence, compared to the Minnesota Vikings.

Adrian Peterson should continue to run wild and Brett Favre should have another solid game. Honestly, even though the Vikings are on the road, if I get this one wrong my head will explode.

Vikings win 28-10.

Bengals (0-1) at Packers (1-0)

Both teams have potentially explosive offenses that had disappointing Week One games statistically. Difference is that Green Bay was facing a tough division rival and a good defense in the Chicago Bears. The Bengals were facing one of the worst defenses in the league last year in the Denver Broncos.

I still think the Bengals will make some noise in the AFC but with Carson Palmer missing much of the preseason with an ankle injury, it's going to take longer for that offense to start clicking than I originally thought.

Packers win 28-17.

Texans (0-1) at Titans (0-1)

Tennessee's defense had a better opening week than I anticipated. I'm not sold on Kyle Vanden Bosch staying healthy but they should continue to soar and beat the Houston Texans in their home-opener.

Titans win 21-10.

Raiders (0-1) at Chiefs (0-1)

This is the "I have no clue who to pick" game, I liked Oakland a little more before the season but might we see a little Monday night hangover due to a tough loss? Kansas City's offense looked pretty solid against the Ravens even without Matt Cassel. Ultimately I'm giving the nod to the home team.

Chiefs win 24-21.

Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)

Tom Brady proved against the Buffalo Bills that he is either not quite 100 percent healthy yet or he is not mentally ready. He completed a lot of passes but wouldn't take chances down-field even with all of the talent at WR.

I thought Rex Ryan would do great things in New York, but I thought it would be a year away due to starting a rookie QB. I am officially a believer in the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Jets win 27-24.

Saints (1-0) at Eagles (1-0)

I've got two words for you: Kevin Kolb. I'm sorry for not writing more but that's really all I need to know.

Saints win 27-14.

Rams (0-1) at Redskins (0-1)

As putrid as the Detroit Lions are, the St. Louis Rams are nearly as bad. The Rams in fairness actually defeated the Redskins last season but that came directly after changing head coaches, this worked for about three games before the Rams slipped back into obscurity.

The Redskins offense is not explosive enough to turn this game into a laugh-er but they should win.

Redskins win 21-13.

Cardinals (0-1) at Jaguars (0-1)

Before the season I would not have expected the defending NFC Champions to start off 0-2. But West Coast teams do not fare well playing the morning game on the East Coast. The Cardinals are no exception. This includes losses last year to the Patriots by 40 and the Jets by 21. The Jaguars put up a good game against the Colts and I expect the same here with better results.

Jaguars win 21-17.

Seahawks (1-0) at 49ers (1-0)

It's sometimes hard to tell early in the season just who's who. After the 49ers, much to my surprise, went into Arizona and beat the NFC champs, I do not have much of an idea who to pick here either. I'm going to with the home-field advantage again.

49ers win 21-20.

Buccaneers (0-1) at Bills (0-1)

I sense some possible Monday night hangover from the Buffalo Bills much like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also, the Buccaneers offense seems to be better than expected with Cadillac Williams running hard and the offensive line protecting Byron Leftwich well.

Buccaneers win 23-21.

Ravens (1-0) at Chargers (1-0)

One of the most intriguing games of the week. The Chargers did not look very convincing in beating what was supposed to be the hapless Oakland Raiders. The Baltimore Ravens defense did not look as good as expected against the Brodie Croyle led Kansas City Chiefs.

As highly acclaimed as the Baltimore Ravens' defense has been, this unit can be thrown on. Phillip Rivers' had a breakout season last year and has not lost any weapons to throw to.

Chargers win 31-21.

Steelers (1-0) at Bears (0-1)

As electrifying as Troy Polamalu is, the absence of Brian Urlacher is a bigger loss for the Bears than Troy Polamalu is for the Steelers. Expect the Jay Cutler led Chicago Bears to drop to 0-2 as doubt continues to seep in to the minds of Bears fans all around the city.

Steelers win 20-14.

Browns (0-1) at Broncos (1-0)

I expect the Denver Broncos to be pitted in yet another extremely low scoring affair. I'll give the benefit of the doubt to the home-field advantage again.

Broncos win 13-10.

Giants (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0)

Granted I'm biased, but this to me is the game of the week.

Once upon a time, back when Tony Romo was dating Carrie Underwood, the Dallas Cowboys defense was exposed late in the 2006 season after Greg Ellis got hurt. Teams were able to key on DeMarcus Ware and nobody was able to step up and pressure the opposing QB.

Fast-forward to last week, Greg Ellis is now on the Oakland Raiders and the Cowboys struggled to pressure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Do the New York Giants have the personnel to expose the Dallas Cowboys lack of pass rush? I'm not so sure but this could be a problem for the Cowboys in the future.

Who to pick...Who to pick...Who to pick...Reverse jinx!

Giants win 27-24.

Colts (1-0) at Dolphins (0-1)

After going 11-5 last season on a cupcake schedule, the Miami Dolphins are the team with the most to prove after a rough Week One showing. I did not like this team before the season and nothing has happened to change my mind. The Colts looked less than spectacular against the Jacksonville Jaguars but the Jaguars have a history of playing them tough.

Colts win 24-14.

Last Week: 12-4

Overall: 12-4

The Dallas Cowboys' Top 10 Most Likely Scenarios to End Their Season

Matt Cullen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:00:11 -0400

Nobody is more excited than me for the return of America's new pastime in the form of the National Football League. There are many storylines and many reasons to be excited, Michael Vick is back, Tom Brady is too, Carson Palmer and Matt Hasselbeck are also reportedly healthy. The Steelers are looking to repeat and make a claim for team of the decade, Dan Snyder is still throwing a lot of money around hoping it sticks, and the Oakland Raiders are still run by a man that rubs poop on the walls of his office and loves those good 40 times. And there are three things though that we have been able to count on for years now; the Arizona Cardinals are a joke...Check that, two things we have been able to count on for years now. The Colts winning 12 games and the Dallas Cowboys tripping over their shoelaces in December. Seriously, for a team with a reputation of attracting more than the average amount of bandwagon fans the Cowboys have done little in recent memory to warrant such popularity. No playoff wins since I was six years old and a knack for not just losing but losing in incredibly memorable ways and when the games matter the most, in December. Last season's Week 17 game at Philadelphia was so shocking, so embarrassing, and so twistedly comical that my reaction to it all was to laugh manically about midway through the 3rd Quarter and attempt to make jokes for the rest of the game and then feel sick up until the Super Bowl. I can't even imagine what it was like being a Red Sox fan after the 2003 ALCS. Here are the three likely scenarios of my reaction to Game 7 of that series- -Driving into the desert before abandoning my car and walking around aimlessly for the rest of my days. -Getting arrested for being liquored up and cutting off the heads of parking meters. -Stop watching Baseball. So Dallas Cowboys, you are officially on notice! 85 years passed between the Red Sox 1918 World Series title and that ALCS. That leaves you with 74 more years to bring me some joy or I may stop watching football. No point in trying to talk me out of it, I've made up my mind. As far as the 2009 Dallas Cowboys, it would be foolish to completely rule them out even without Terrell Owens. Tony Romo missed three games last season with a broken pinkie and was roughed up quite a bit near the end of the season, he starts this season healthy. Roy Williams should be better with more time adjusted to the offense, they have three good RBs they can rely on, and the defense did play better after Wade Phillips took over calling plays on defense. But am I picking them? Of course not, I'm going to do the best I can to not get my hopes up again as history has shown me they will suffer a few more stomach punching losses. Especially when the December schedule features games at the Giants, San Diego, at New Orleans, at Washington, and then Philadelphia once again for the final game of the season. Trying to give me a heart attack before the season even begins I see, it will not work! I will be ready for the collapse whenever it comes, but how will it come? Well, maybe the recipe is to exhaust all the strangest and most horrifying possiblities and who knows...Maybe life will give Dallas Cowboys fans a surprise. So I've come up with this list of ten bizzarre scenarios that end with the Dallas Cowboys going home with their heads down. Hopefully in January I can laugh over this as the Dallas Cowboys end up surprising me in January but I'm not counting on it.

Begin Slideshow

MC's Week One NFL Picks

Matt Cullen — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:54:46 -0400

I find myself forced to Tivo the Thursday Night Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans due to work, but don't think I'm missing a second of it when I get home.

The return of the NFL makes me look like Cuba Gooding Jr. after winning an Oscar for Jerry Maguire. Enough about my Brett Favre like enthusiasm for the game of football, here's a quick rundown of each of the Week One matchups:

Tennessee at Pittsburgh

The AFC Championship game last year between Pittsburgh and Baltimore excited a lot of football enthusiasts and with the physical style of both teams, it was sometimes referred to as "man football", on paper this matchup arguably deserves that same title. Gone is DT Albert Haynesworth, an unstoppable force in the Titans' defensive line, but to be fair the Titans did beat the Steelers in Week 16 last season 31-14 without Haynesworth.

That game was in Tennessee, but this meeting will take place in Pittsburgh, and I do not expect a repeat. I expect the Steelers to come out with a lot of energy in their regular season opener as the champs and make a statement.

I also believe with an aging Jevon Kearse and an injury prone Kyle Vanden Bosch on the defensive line, that the Titans' defense has the potential to be just average this year after being one of the top units last year. They should be able to put a decent amount of pressure on a shaky offensive line, but in the end, I expect the Super Bowl Champions to start the year off the right way.

The Steelers win 23-13.

Miami at Atlanta

Miami has trouble pressuring the QB and with the weapons Matt Ryan has along with Michael Turner carrying the ball, I expect the Atlanta Falcons to score early and often. The Dolphins will be forced to play catch up and this is where a pass rusher like John Abraham (16.5 sacks last season) is at his most dangerous.

Matt Ryan's sophomore campaign should start as well as anyone could hope for.

The Falcons win 35-17.

Philadelphia at Carolina

To say that the Philadelphia Eagles have speed on offense is insulting to them. They are going to be very fun to watch this year.

Westbrook did not play at all during preseason due to an ankle injury so that is concerning, but the Carolina Panthers' defense leaves a lot to be desired. Plus Jake Delhomme is good for about 15 INT's against that secondary...OK, maybe not, but I do think that Philly will be able to pull it out against a team that was nearly unbeatable at times last season.

The Eagles win 28-24.

Denver at Cincinnati

While people were calling for the head of Cincinnati Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis, the once defensive guru for the Baltimore Ravens quietly built up the 12th ranked defense in the league last year.

Carson Palmer is back under center and Chad Johnson's (not Ochocinco's) ankle is 100 percent. I don't think the Denver Broncos are quite as bad as people think, but I do not think this game will be that close.

The Bengals win 27-10.

Minnesota at Cleveland

If Minnesota was looking to start hot like the New York Jets did with Brett Favre, they landed the right opponent in Week One. I think the Cleveland Browns are the worst team in the AFC with a dreadful defense, aging RB, and an expected decline in the passing game with Kellen Winslow Jr. traded and Donte Stallworth suspended for the season.

Favre still has not been with the Vikings for that long, so I'm betting on a six TD game a la the Arizona Cardinals game last year. However, I am expecting more than enough to beat the...hold your nose...Cleveland Browns.

The Vikings win 30-10.

New York Jets at Houston Texans

The one thing that I don't believe Brett Favre got enough credit for during his brief stay in New York was the resurgence of Thomas Jones. In comparing his stats from 2007, Thomas Jones rushed for nearly 200 more yards, 13 more total TD's, and nearly an entire more yard per carry with 20 fewer carries. Jones is now 31 years old and now has a rookie at QB.

Are we more likely to see the 2007 Thomas Jones or the 2008 Thomas Jones?

I am definitely going with the 2007 Jones, and if the Leon Washington or Shonn Greene are not ready to step up as a full-time back, the Jets may have the worst offense in the league.

The popular sleeper pick in the Houston Texans' victory, 24-9.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis Colts

A very underrated matchup as the Jacksonville Jaguars even in a bad season continued to play the Indianapolis Colts very tough.

Regardless, the reigning MVP Peyton Manning will continue to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, like he often did last season, and start the Colts' season off the right way.

The Colts win 27-24.

Detroit at New Orleans

Speaking of holding your nose...what about the Detroit Lions?

Some people will try to look smart and attempt to correctly predict the Lions' first win. I'm sure not going to pick it here, on the road, against the incredibly explosive New Orleans Saints.

The Saints win 45-17.

Kansas City at Baltimore

The Kansas City Chiefs appear to be heading in the right direction with the change in management, but they will not reap the benefits on the field this season. The defense still needs a lot of work and they may be without starting QB Matt Cassell. The Ravens' defense is getting older, but regardless I expect them to beat up the Chiefs in the season opener.

The Ravens win 24-13.

Dallas at Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is in a rebuilding mode on both offense and defense. The Dallas Cowboys' passing game might be less explosive without Terrell Owens, but with three strong RB's they don't need much in Week One.

The Cowboys win 34-10.

San Francisco at Arizona

Mike Singletary seems to have the makings of a great coach, but it will only go so far with what appears to be not a ton of talent on either side of the ball. Kurt Warner is 38 years old, but it's hard to imagine him all of a sudden failing in that offense.

The Cardinals win 31-20.

St. Louis at Seattle

Seattle still has no running game, but expect the offense, as a whole, to look a lot better with the addition of TJ Houshmandzadeh, not to mention, they are healthy now.

Even with a healthy Steven Jackson, the St. Louis Rams have one of the thinnest rosters in the league.

Seahawks win 27-17.

Washington at New York Giants

More "man football?" You have got it here with two of the best defenses in the league and offenses led by physical running backs in Brandon Jacobs and Clinton Portis.

I am going on the record saying Portis will break down more severely than he appeared to at the end of last year, but for Week One, he should be fine. The Giants are my SB pick in the NFC, but in this early matchup I think Washington lands the last punch due to their edge in the receiving game with Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Chris Cooley.

The Redskins win 16-13.

Chicago at Green Bay

The city of Chicago is like a kid in a candy store at the sight of a gunslinger like Jay Cutler. However, he does not have the playmakers on offense to go toe-to-toe with what I feel is one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.

The Packers win 34-24.

Buffalo at New England

Tom Brady's long awaited return is finally here and he has more even more toys to play with in the likes of Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor at RB.

Aaron Schobel is back which should mean an improvement from the Bills' below average pass rush, Marshawn Lynch is out though, which means added pressure on the Buffalo Bills' passing game to match the Patriots.

Does anyone think that's going to happen? Anyone? Bueller?

The Patriots win 38-24.

San Diego at Oakland

Shawne Merriman is back and Jay Cutler cried his way to Chicago, is there any way the San Diego Chargers could possibly blow becoming division champion?

In a word, no. The Oakland Raiders will be able run the ball on them, but there is just too much talent on the Chargers' roster.

The Chargers win 27-20.

I am excited for another great football season, and I am looking forward to going 512-0 on my picks again. Yes, I went 256-0 last season. Yes, I called the Eagles-Bengals tie. Don't believe me? You can't prove I didn't, so shove off.

Enjoy the week!

MC's NFL Power Rankings Pre-Week 1

Matt Cullen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:12:11 -0400

I have to admit I am still a little sore after that Dallas/Philadelphia, game but football is upon us and you can't keep a football addict down forever. College football is nice, but quite frankly, the pros and a playoff system are nice.

I'm not pulling any punches here, I will make an impact with this! I've just about had it to here with Googling myself and the only results that show up are from that stupid Hockey player on the Carolina Hurricanes. I know, you don't care, so I'll stop taking up space. Here are my rankings for every NFL team from best to worst:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers- The offensive line is still an issue, but then again, this is coming from the same guy who said proclaimed that the Pittsburgh Steelers were not a Super Bowl contender last year after their Week 16 loss to the Tennessee Titans, so what do I know? With a healthy Willie Parker and a surprisingly easy schedule, expect the Champs to earn another first round bye.

2. New York Giants- After seeing Eli Manning and the New York Giants falter down the stretch and in the playoffs, people have been questioning the Giants passing attack and wondering whether it meant that it was the Eagles turn to take the NFC East. Then to make matters worse...David Tyree was cut!

Oh yeah and Plaxico Burress is now gone too. I have faith though, lets not forget that the Giants losses at the end of the season came to two talented division rivals in must-win situations (Eagles and Cowboys) as well as to another talented team in a must-win situation in the Minnesota Vikings.

The Giants will still have one of the best running games in football and with Osi Umenyiora back and the acquisitions of Chris Canty, Michael Boley, and Rocky Bernard they will have one of the best defenses, too. That will win games when the weather gets cold.

3. San Diego Chargers- They've been a sexy pick in the AFC the last couple years and haven't quite lived up to the billing. However, with a healthy Merriman, Chris Chambers, and a potential bounce back year from LT...I don't see how they could possibly blow it in that division.

4. Philadelphia Eagles- I don't trust Westbrook enough to stay healthy for the whole season to make them my pick to win the East but as long as he is healthy when January rolls around they can run the table. There are no weaknesses in sight.

5. New England Patriots- The offensive line that gave up the fifth most sacks in the league last year has to be somewhat of a concern but the New England Patriots have so many play-makers on offense anyway that they will be a nightmare for defensive coordinators regardless.

6. Green Bay Packers- Switching to the 3-4 on defense has to be somewhat concerning but they had so many injuries last season that on paper they should be better regardless, plus I have faith in Dom Capers. Aaron Rodgers silenced critics last season and with more experience I expect him to start winning a lot of those close games that he lost last season.

7. Indianapolis Colts- Marvin Harrison was on his last leg last season, Joseph Addai and Bob Sanders had trouble staying healthy, the offensive line had injury problems, Peyton Manning was recovering from knee surgery, and they played in one of the toughest divisions in Football...So how in the world did they win 12 games last season?

The now three-time MVP Peyton Manning pulled out game after game for them. We are watching truly a special player and until further notice I will never doubt the Colts chances of making the playoffs.

8. Minnesota Vikings-The schedule gives the Vikings a good chance to win at least four of five games to begin the season. Favre's shoulder is a concern as the season goes on, but I believe the Vikings will not collapse the way the New York Jets did due to their fine due to their running game, defense, and also due to the fact that Favre is now throwing in a dome instead of the cold and windy Meadowlands.

A Super Bowl appearance may not be in the cards for the Vikings, but they'll be glad that Brett Favre finally decided to show up.

9. Houston Texans- I hate to make this pick just because it feels so cliched at this point so say 'Whoa, watch out for the Texans', but if Matt Schaub stays healthy this really does feel like it a winning formula. Schaub is blessed without a lot of talent around him like Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels.

Their secondary is shaky but their front seven should actually be really good acquiring Antonio Smith to line up opposite Mario Williams on the line and also Cato June at linebacker.

10. Baltimore Ravens- Former GM and current columnist Michael Lombardi was on an ESPN Podcast talking about the effect that the hard-nosed head coach John Harbaugh has had on the Baltimore Ravens.

The comments he brought up from a variety of players he talked to has me convinced that there is no chance of a let-down this year and that their 'aging' defense is going to be just as scary this season.

11. New Orleans Saints- Speaking of special players, Drew Brees threw for over 5,000 yards with 34 TDs and 17 INTs. The 5,000+ yards was easily first in the league, the TDs were tied for first with Phillip Rivers and he also had the fourth highest QB rating in 96.2. All of this without much of a running game and Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and Jeremy Shockey missing significant time.

All of those receiving threats are healthy and the running game should be better with Pierre Thomas getting more carries. The defense still isn't very good but it should be better with Charles Grant and Will Smith healthy, and good enough to take the NFC South.

12. Dallas Cowboys- Dallas' SB shots are not over, but there needs to be a stronger commitment to the running game than in the past and Kyle Kozier's health is a necessity.

13. Cincinnati Bengals- Shh...The Cincinnati Bengals defense ranked 12th in the league last year in YPG. They are far from the joke of a defense they once were, Carson Palmer is healthy and Chad Johnson's (Will not call him Ochocinco) ankle should be fine. The Bengals will be playing meaningful Football games deep into December.

14. Arizona Cardinals- Super Bowl Loser Curse, Super Bowl Loser Shmurse. Even a year older it's hard to imagine that the Cardinals passing game still won't be prolific with Kurt Warner behind center. Even without Antonio Smith, the defense is not as bad as people think loaded with talent in the secondary like Adrian Wilson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Antrel Rolle, and newly acquired Bryant McFadden.

15. Atlanta Falcons- Tony Gonzalez was a move they needed to make but even still I expect Matt Ryan to fall of a little in his sophomore year, Michael Turner is somewhat of a concern after hitting the 370 mark in carries his first year starting and the defense is sub-par.

16. Chicago Bears- Jay Cutler has a cannon of an arm but he showed to have a tendency to turn the ball over throwing 18 INTs. He is in a new offense with a considerable drop-off in offensive weapons to work with and the defense is not as good as in years past.

Bears fans legitimately do have a prolific thrower but they may need to wait a year before they really reap the benefits.

17. Tennessee Titans- The Tennessee Titans will seriously regret the day that they let Albert Haynesworth bolt to the nation's capital. More attention will be paid to Kyle Vanden Bosch and if he fails yet again to stay healthy, the Titans may struggle to get a decent pass rush with an old Jevon Kearse.

It took an incredibly hot start for them to leave Kerry Collins in as the starting QB and if they struggle at all out of the gate, the itch for youth in Vince Young may start to get scratched.

18. Washington Redskins- Overpaid perhaps but I like the Albert Haynesworth signing, I really do. The Redskins desperately needed help rushing the passer, Haynesworth showed himself in the last couple years to be unblockable when motivated and he will open things up for Andre Carter on the end who had double-digit sacks in 2007.

What I don't like is the odds of Clinton Portis staying healthy. His numbers dropped off considerably in the last five games of last season.

Portis is now 28 years old and has had 340+ carries in each of the last five years, there does not appear to be a quality back-up plan in case this is the year he falls off. Playing in the NFC East doesn't help their cause either.

19. Carolina Panthers- Here's a prediction for you; Jake Delhomme won't get the chance to murder the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs. He will benched somewhere around Thanksgiving, with him will go their playoff chances.

20. Seattle Seahawks- It was comical last season how many injuries they suffered on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Hasselbeck appears to be healthy and he also will be working with as good of a wide-out as he has ever had in TJ Houshmandzadeh (Houshmazzilli as I prefer to call him). They still did not address the running game though and the defense is on the decline.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars- If you believe Fred Taylor's comments from last season, Jack Del Rio lost this locker room. I've always greatly respected the man but he is officially on the hot seat. That said, the offensive line is healthy and even at 33 year old Tory Holt is the best wide-out David Garrard has had to throw to in the last couple years so they will be better. Playing in the AFC South doesn't help though.

22. New York Jets-Rex Ryan has the defense heading in the right direction but their starting QB will not only be a rookie but one that started only 16 games in college. Laveranues Coles is gone, Chris Baker is gone too which means Dustin Keller will be less of a receiving threat and used more to block.

Thomas Jones is now 31 years old and before Brett Favre showed up he rushed for just 3.6 YPC in 2007. The Jets potentially will have one of the worst offense in the league.

23. San Francisco 49ers-A division crown certainly would not surprise me with the way last season ended. Mike Singletary seems to have the makings of a great NFL coach but there's just too many questions on the roster from the subpar pass rush to the talent of on the offensive side of the ball outside of Frank Gore for me to make the pick.

24. Miami Dolphins- Joey Porter is not afraid of the Miami Dolphins much tougher schedule in 2009, but maybe he should be. Going from playing both of the West divisions to the South divisions means a falloff for the AFC East.

I expect Chad Pennington's noodle of an arm and the Dolphins lack of a pass rush to hurt this team and for the Dolphins to have a drop-off similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys in their second year with Bill Parcells.

25. Denver Broncos- An already awful defense is now switching to the 3-4, and it will be very interesting to see how offense fares with Shanahan and Cutler gone and an unhappy Brandon Marshall.

26. Oakland Raiders- The Richard Seymour trade was enough to move them ahead of the Chiefs and Bills, ultimately though the potential of coaches slugging it out on the sidelines may still be more interesting than the product on the field.

27. Buffalo Bills- The return of Aaron Schoebel should boost what was virtually a nonexistent pass rush at the end of last season. The schedule is going to hurt them though much like it will with the Dolphins. With Marshawn Lynch out to start the season and an opener against the Patriots that has blow-out written all over it, we shall see how happy a camper Terrell Owens is this season.

28. Kansas City Chiefs- Seeing Tyler Thigpen's development as a QB in the second half of last season makes the trade for Matt Cassel feel unnecessary. Regardless, the Chiefs are heading in the right direction with Scott Pioli as the new GM and Todd Haley as the head coach and are a more talented team than their last season record indicates. However, the defense will prevent them from being a contender in 2009.

29. Cleveland Browns- Gone are Donte Stallworth for the year, Kellen Winslow Jr. for good, and Braylon Edwards hands left the season before. Couple that with a pitiful defense and there doesn't appear to be much of an upside for the Cleveland Browns 2009 season.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- In rebuilding mode after the departures of Jeff Garcia, Derrick Brooks and Cato June among others. Byron Leftwich looked pretty good when filling in for Ben Roethlisberger last year, I'm not buying him for a full season.

The once scary Monte Kiffin defense is a thing of a past and the Buccaneers should expect a year of looking up at fellow NFC South foes.

31. St. Louis Rams- Steven Jackson is a stud when healthy and they hired a great defensive mind as the head coach in Steve Spagnuolo, regardless this roster appears to be among the thinnest in the league.

32. Detroit Lions- Trying hard not to make an 0-16 joke...Trying really hard...Ah, let's just move on.

Sugar: Small but Sweet, an Excellent Non-Traditional Baseball Movie

Matt Cullen — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:07:31 -0400

19-year-old Dominican born and raised, Miguel "Sugar" Santos had just pitched his first game for the fictional Kansas City Knights at Spring Training in Phoenix, Ari., and along with that received his first pay check for $502.18. After lifting weights for a little while he went to a place called Mesa Cafe for dinner.

The nickname, "Sugar," comes from him being sweet with the ladies...So he says, at least. A friend insists that it's because of his eating habits.

Sugar always had french toast there. Why did he always have french toast? This was because his English was very limited so he just had what his friend had ordered the first time, in fact the rest of his friends had done the same.

This time Sugar was at the Mesa Cafe by himself and strived to be independant when a waitress approached him at his table.

Waitress: French Toast right?

Sugar: Uh, no. Egg. Egg, please.

Waitress: Eggs? No problem. How'd you like 'em?

Sugar: (Stares at the table) Yes.

Waitress: Um, OK...Scrambled, over easy, or sunny side up?

Sugar: *sighs* French Toast.

Waitress: No eggs? You sure?

Sugar: French Toast please.

Waitress: Alright honey, French Toast it is.

That exchange of dialogue is simple but it's sad and works very well in a new movie soon out on DVD called Sugar. We feel him alienated and the feeling of awkwardness without making the waitress out to be an insensitive racist.

It's written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the same duo that brought actor Ryan Gosling critical acclaim in the movie Half Nelson. While this film likely won't receive an Oscar nomination like Half Nelson did, it's no knock on the film and in fact I enjoyed it even more.

Sugar is the best baseball movie to come out since we saw Kevin Costner break the minor league record for career home runs in Bull Durham, and it's one of the best movies of 2009.

Sports movies have often been very formulaic and sensationalized in recent years and that is why Sugar is such a breath of fresh air. It's about so much more than a phenom or a big game. It's about the journey that Dominican baseball players take on their way to the big show on the field and off. It deals with language differences as earlier referenced to, race, and immigration.

Miguel "Sugar" Santos has been dreaming of leaving the Dominican Republic and to the United States and he has found his ticket, with a 95 MPH fastball and a deadly knuckle-curve. It's as much about living in America if not more than about carrying on his baseball career to the professional level. He is pursued by a couple teams but eventually does sign with the Kansas City Knights and finds himself at Spring Training.

He soon is assigned to the Swing, their Single A team in Iowa and is taken into an elderly couples house who take in a different player every year. The family knows little Spanish and Sugar feels feels isolated and lonely around them and just about anyone else. He tries to develop friendship with the families granddaughter, but even then there is confusion on both sides due to the languages. Only with his friends that also made the team from the Dominican does he ever break out of his shell.

Racial tensions escalate a couple times in scuffles, once at a nightclub and another time in the middle of a game after he throws at someone on the mound.

Sugar's career in Single A is soaring until he hurts his leg one game while running to cover first base. He never quite gets his rhythm back on the mound in future starts. In desperation he tries steroids but it does little if anything to get him back on the right track.

After falling apart in the fifth inning of a recent start, Sugar is seen hitting a cooler with his bat in frustration knowing that his dream may be over soon and he may be sent back to the Dominican Republic. One of his friends has also just been released after struggling to recover from an injury of his own. As his friend tells him, he's not playing well so they'll just bring up someone who is.

The film at this point takes quite the unexpected turn. I won't reveal in hope that you will see the movie and find out. I'll say just that there is no Fall Classic involved.

For the minuscule budget, Boden and Fleck are able to take you on an amazing journey from the streets of the Dominican Republic, to Arizona briefly, to the heartland of America in Iowa, and eventually New York. Every part of the film feels authentic with the different small towns and the way people watch these players develop and then crucify them when there is a setback and treat them like dogs.

Kudos to Boden and Fleck for casting people in the film that can play ball, making these scenes as good looking as possible. There also is not bad performance in the bunch or even merely just a decent performance. Most notably is the star of the film, Algenis Perez Soto, his first time on film but you'd never know from this complicated and heartfelt performance.

In the special features there is a 12 minute film showing the scene of the premier of the film at a film festival in the Dominican Republic. There are shots and interviews of star Dominican players such as Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, Robinson Cano, and Francisco Cordero, among others. There is a little bit of each of their stories in this film and they all give a ringing endorsement of the film and its accuracy.

This film is for them and the long journey they made to the big leagues as well as the many other Latin players that made it and the many more than didn't. It's for baseball enthusiasts as well as people just looking for a nice sweet movie. Sugar hits DVD in the U.S. on September 1st and you should see it. It's an experience you shall never forget.

Yanks For the Memories: Buehrle Outing Recalls Images of Cone's 10 Years Earlier

Matt Cullen — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:48:41 -0400

While I was watching William Hurt fall for a young woman working at a school for the deaf in "Children of a Lesser God," Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle was achieving greatness.

As much as I enjoyed the movie...I wish I had gotten to watch Buehrle cruise through batter after batter, to watch Dewayne Wise crash into the center field wall, and to listen to the city of Chicago go berserk.

And as much as someone like Skip Bayless will try to stir the pot and try to downplay the moment, it's quite impressive what Mark Buehrle did.

Buehrle's perfect game is the 18th in MLB history, the one prior came from Randy Johnson in 2004 (Only way you could get a win apart of that dismal Diamondbacks roster.) against the Atlanta Braves. The one that I always remember though is from beloved New York Yankee David Cone.

Cone's perfect game was, before Thursday, the last thrown by an American League pitcher. It came just over 10 years ago (July 18 of 1999 to be exact) against the Montreal Expos. And this young Yankees fan secluded away in Arizona before access to MLB Extra Innings got to witness it and be mesmerized.

I was nine years old at the time and visiting family in New Jersey.

My dad's side of the family is loaded with cousins, many of them are around the same age as me and share a strong love for baseball. It had become tradition every summer that I went up to be part of a big wiffleball game in my uncle's backyard, cousins versus adults.

For every cousin there was a flag with his/her name on it nailed to the backyard fence and a number from a retired Yankees legend. On a sidenote I was randomly awarded with No. 3.

That day was to be the big game! Bragging rights were on the line and a year older, I was determined to put one over the dead center field wall at 60 feet.

This game would be started a little later though, David Cone was on the mound that day making his first start after another all-star appearance. This I had to see!

The bad news of that day was that it would be my introduction to the insufferable Suzyn Waldman as she would join Bobby Mercer in the booth for the third and fourth innings, and call the fifth and sixth innings with Tim McCarver. The pros would certainly outweight that con.

For those wondering, I probably watched this game in its entirety on VHS 50+ times. If you ever hear about a college class where they strictly cover this game and an instructor is needed I could do it. I'm just saying.

July 18 was a special day already before Cone took the rubber. Not only was Don Larsen throwing out the first pitch (threw the first perfect game in Yankee Stadium history in 1956 and the only perfect game in the postseason) but it was manager Joe Torre's 59th birthday. It just had to be a special day for the New York Yankees.

And it started quite well too, future Yankee big money bust Javier Vazquez took the mound for Montreal and got roughed up early. In the second inning he gave up five runs including an upper deck blast to right field by Ricky Ledee and another shot to left field off the bat from Derek Jeter, each coming with one runner on base.

It appeared that the game may be well out of reach soon and that we would play another big game of wiffleball, and I was ready for that center field fence.

But something happened, David Cone routinely retired Expos batter after Expos batter. Nobody would get on base.

I'd seen Cone's backdoor breaking ball retire plenty before but he was really on today like I had never quite seen. By the fifth inning, Tim McCarver continually stated "Can't happen, can it?" Heck, with Don Larsen throwing out the first pitch even. After six innings, it felt more and more real.

The game had a few nice plays in the field to help. The second batter of the game, Terry Jones, slapped a fly ball out to right field in which Paul O'Neill had to make a nice diving catch for going to his left. Third basemen Scott Brosius had to be quick on a little chopper hit to third to get the speedy Wilton Guerrero in the seventh inning.

And finally in the eighth inning, second baseman Chuck Knoblauch made a very good play on a hard hit ground ball by Jose Vidro (Only starter not to fall victim to a David Cone strikeout) to make it 23 consecutive batters retired.

The wiffleball game was definitely on delay.

And after the Yankees tacked on a sixth run in the bottom half, the game moved to the ninth and I was still mesmerized. Chris Widger whiffed to begin the the third inning for the Montreal Expos, and he would oblige to do the same in the ninth.

"Can't happen, can it?"

Then came another scary moment, the Expos elected to pinch hit for third baseman Shane Andrews and brought in Ryan McGuire. McGuire would sky one out to left field, and hearts would pump fast as Ricky Ledee almost lost the ball in the sun but recovered in time to make the catch for out No. 2.

The last chance for Montreal would be a young shortstop named Orlando Cabrera. On a 1-1 pitch, Cabrera would hit a towering pop-up just foul of the third base line.

And after what felt like an eternity, the ball plopped in the glove of Scott Brosius and David Cone, hands to his head in disbelief, proceeded to get mobbed by teammates.

It was truly an amazing and unexpected moment for me watching my favorite player pitch about as well as I will ever see anyone pitch.

Along with Don Larsen's perfect game, it is the only perfect game to have taken place during an interleague game.
Only 14 months and one day after David Wells pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins, the shortest span between perfect games in the modern era.
He didn't allow a single Expos batter to reach a full count.
He threw only 88 pitches total. (Less than 10 per inning)
He wound up with 10 strikeouts. Two came off of catcher Chris Widger, one came off of pinch hitting James Mouton, and one for each of the other starters minus Jose Vidro.

Unfortunately, coming off an all-star game appearance in 1999 and a 20 win season in 1998, Cone would have very little success in the rest of his career as a member of the New York Yankees.

He would win only two more games the rest of that season.

In 2000 he was downright atrocious, going 4-14 with an ERA of 6.91 during the season. There really were just two shining moments, fortunately both came in the World Series; one in Game Two of the 1999 World Series when he beat the Atlanta Braves.

The other came in Game Four of the 2000 World Series when he would relieve Denny Neagle in the fifth inning and induce Mike Piazza to pop-up to end the inning.

Nobody was more surprised than me to see Cone come through and get that out.

The next season David Cone could only be seen by me on T.V. pitching in a Boston Red Sox uniform.

It's almost like I had made a deal with the devil; I got to watch him hit his peak as a Yankee throwing a perfect game and then fall faster than a skydiver.

I can't say I'd have it any other way though, the perfect game is something I will never ever forget.

And to cap it all off, I would take two different pitches in wiffleball over the center field fence that night.

I have David Cone to thank for being able to remember that too.

The 10 Best Dream Guest Voicemail Messages, Pt. 2

Matt Cullen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:36:55 -0400

After the surprising positive reception for my original list and the several requests for me to do a second part, here it is! Here is a link for the previous article- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/197510-the-10-best-dream-guest-voicemail-messages If you don't wish to read that whole article right now (Or ever), here is the brief introduction again- "About two months, a man going by the name Barnz from Fayettesville, Arkansas sent an email to ESPN writer Bill Simmons about an encounter with Academy Award winning Actor Morgan Freeman. Freeman had just opened up a restaurant in the area called "Pig 'N Whistle BBQ." When he met Freeman, instead of asking for an autograph he asked him to record a message for him on his voicemail. Freeman obliged and the message goes like this, "This is actor Morgan Freeman, Barnz is away from his phone right now but leave a message and he will call you back, I hope...I hope." Whether it's true or not, it's an absolutely awesome story and a brilliant idea. I'm not sure Morgan Freeman can be topped, but the voicemail idea is something I will try to remember in any future instances where I happen upon a celebrity. It also got me thinking, who in sports could leave the best messages on someone's phone. Just how would they sound?" While the last one was limited to players or coaching still in work, I tried to limit this one to players or coaches that are either retired. There were a lot of suggestions for the likes of Jim Mora, Dennis Green, and Rafael Palmeiro. While these would have been gold, I wanted to seem more original than to just take everyone else's ideas. And here it is!

Begin Slideshow

But Can Kobe Win Without Jack? (HUMOR)

Matt Cullen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:15:16 -0400

Well, the scumbag Kobe Bryant won much to America's dismay. A sign of how strange and how unfair life is.

The Rockets had more heart, the Nuggets were in my opinion more talented and played with a ton of energy, and the Magic had Superman yet the phony Jordan wannabe has a 4th ring.

However, the rest of the Kobe rationalists (Not haters) and myself do have to man up. We said he couldn't win without Shaq, and we were wrong. It was foolish of us to oversimplify everything to just Shaq.

In a similar way, people are coming to an oversimplified conclusion about what this title means. Kobe grown up?

Absolutely not! The phony had to create a new face to make us believe he is all business.

That he won't run MVPs out of town, that he won't quit on his team in deciding games. I call BULLOCKS!

Kobe has been riding the coattails of many people to pick up NBA rings, not just Shaq. Derek Fisher and Robert Horry obviously are guys that come to mind that have bailed him out time and time again, Phil Jackson constantly has to set him straight, the refs sure don't hurt either. However, the secret ingredient!

How could we miss it?!

He's 72 years old, he partied hard back in the day with John Belushi and Hunter S. Thompson and lives to tell! He has more Academy Award Nominations than any other male actor in history and he's the most famous Lakers fan in Hollywood.

Seriously have you seen Jack Nicholson lately? It's disgusting! If he was a female he would look like this- http ://www.shockya.com/news/wp-content/uploads/drag_me_to_hell_witch.jpg

Did you see Dwight Howard nearly melt after shaking Jack's hand? Solution? Jack is immortal, Jack is the straw that stirs the drink.

In order of highest impact on Laker's recent championships: Jack Nicholson, Shaquille O'Neal, God, Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Mike Ditka, and then we could probably slide Kobe into the 8th spot. Even the most extreme Kobe rationalists are willing to admit that he has made an impact. (Though he did cost them two more titles.)

I had a sit-down with Kobe Bryant the other day after the title-clinching Game 5 and was met with interesting results.

"Well first off, congratulations in order Mr Kobe Bryant."

"Thanks Matt! It feels so surreal still."

"I bet phony."

"Pardon me? Wh-"

"Must feel good to shut up critics about whether you win without Shaq eh?" I interrupted.

"Oh absolutely man, there was no doubt in my mind that this day could come but it was annoying to hear the critics year after..."

"Rationalists." I interrupted again.

"Who?"

"Oh, they're called rationalists Kobe."

"Huh...I've never heard that terminology for them bef-"

I was forced to interrupt the phony again in order to stay on topic, "You know it was just silly to oversimplify things by giving Shaq all of the glory."

"Absolutely Matt, it's a team game."

"Surprised you know of the term."

"Excuse me?"

"What I meant to say is there were many guys whose coattails you've rode to get your championship rings."

Kobe just stared at me in bewilderment.

"You know that Jack Nicholson partied with John Belushi and Hunter S. Thompson in the 70's and 80's and at the age of 72 he still lives to tell about it? My theory is that he is immortal and is the backbone behind the Los Angeles Lakers."

It appeared I may have been losing Kobe on that one as he began to chuckle.

"When are you going to win a championship by yourself? How long is Jack going to be your security blanket? Time is running out #24."

"Ok, this is getting stupid. Have a nice day Matt."

"The smell of denial #24. Don't forget that you're a rapist too! And how long till your wife becomes Rihanna to your Chris Brown?"

Kobe turned around preceding his face turning red right before my eyes. Suddenly he did the angry face before pouncing on me. He would be restrained but not before hurting my wrist.

It was worth it though, I got the reaction I wanted. From my vantage point, it appeared that I struck a nerve. Now I know the truth; Kobe can't win without Jack and he knows it!

The sun is bright my fellow rationalists. Kobe got his ring but that does not mean that we take time off.

Pounce on this story! Kobe can't win without Jack.

It will eat at his insides and eventually the Lakers will be forced to choose between the two. It may not be next season but if you are persistent, it will happen. I promise you.

Within three seasons tops, I expect to see Jack Nicholson back in New Jersey leading the New Jersey Nets to playoff success. Or maybe even willing the other LA team to the promise land. As long as that phony is losing, we'll be A-Ok.

Good day!

The 10 Best Dream Guest Voicemail Messages

Matt Cullen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:50:29 -0400

About two months, a man going by the name Barnz from Fayettesville, Arkansas sent an email to ESPN writer Bill Simmons about an encounter with Academy Award winning Actor Morgan Freeman. Freeman had just opened up a restaurant in the area called 'Pig 'N Whistle BBQ'. When he met Freeman, instead of asking for an autograph he asked him to record a message for him on his voicemail. Freeman obliged and the message goes like this, "This is actor Morgan Freeman, Barnz is away from his phone right now but leave a message and he will call you back, I hope ... I hope." Whether it's true or not, it's an absolutely awesome story and a brilliant idea. I'm not sure Morgan Freeman can be topped but it's the voicemail idea is something I will try to remember in any future instances where I happen upon a celebrity. It also got me thinking, who in sports could leave the best messages on someone's phone. Just how would they sound? Here's my list of what I think would be the ten best. Feel free to comment if you think I missed anyone or if this slideshow was a total waste of time and you need to vent.

Begin Slideshow

One Tough Night with Runners On, Primitive Fans Back to Booing A-Rod

Matt Cullen — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:24:38 -0400

It happened...June 3 after striking out with one on in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers, Alex Rodriguez was booed by the Yankee faithful.

Leading up to these events that night, Alex Rodriguez hit an RBI single in the first inning of that game to bring the deficit to within two, but also hit into an inning-ending double play in the third with the bases loaded and struck out with a man on third in the sixth.

I've made it known it known in the past that I am not exactly the president of the Alex Rodriguez fan club...Nor am I up for election. In fact, on February 23 I wrote an article slamming the man for his seemingly rubbish-filled press conference in Tampa about his steroid use.

I also mentioned all of the players around the league that have lined up to take shot at the man over the years and the teammates who by all indication do not like him either. I pledged to stop defending the unlikable liar.

Changed have occurred since Alex Rodriguez made his season debut May 8th at Camden Yards after having surgery to remove a cyst on his hip.

Obviously the lineup is better with him than with Cody Ransom/Ramiro Pena. Not solely his production even. Mark Teixeira's batting average has gone up 81 point since Alex came back.

Based on history he was bound to start hitting anyway but it certainly helps to hit in front of a three time MVP and see better pitches to hit, not to mention that a lightning rod like Alex Rodriguez can take pressure off of someone's back.

His numbers coming off the injury themselves are not overwhelming, but he does have seven home runs and is hitting .277 with RISP (27 points higher than his total batting average).

He's had very big ninth inning hits, a walk-off home run against Minnesota and a game tying home run against Philadelphia. The New York Yankees would go on to win the game against Philadelphia.

The New York Yankees record before his return: 13-15, good enough for fourth place in the division.
The New York Yankees record now: 31-22, tied for first now with the Boston Red Sox after their most recent win. The Yankees have had at least a share of first place since May 27.

Does anyone remember the last time things clicked for the Yankees this early in the season? It feels like 1999, it's been awhile.

A-Rod certainly deserves some credit for this, as does CC for now pitching like an ace, as Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera for their comeback years, and also Johnny Damon's agelessness.

Another reason why I have warmed up to A-Rod slightly is the change in the clubhouse, the most together and happy-go-lucky in what feels like awhile. Newcomers Nick Swisher, CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett deserve much of the credit there.

What I have also noticed is a different A-Rod that has come with this.

I saw him and Melky Cabrera run to catch Johnny Damon's helmet as he crossed the plate after hitting a walk-off home run against Minnesota. I see him joking with teammates frequently, and I see him at the Magic/Cavaliers Game Five sitting with Mariano Rivera.

Anyone remember the last time they saw him off the field with a teammate? That also feels like awhile.

It's too early to say, but this has the makings of a potentially magical for the New York Yankees.

So why are we booing the star player for one bad game? I think booing is stupid to begin with but that's for another argument, why the 180 so quickly? Does it seem wise to begin with to boo someone so talented on your team but so mentally fragile? And for a game in June?

And I always thought we were frustrated at the consistency of Alex Rodriguez to come up small in the playoffs.

Like I said, I think booing is stupid but I've come to accept it and know that it's not going anywhere. However, the timing does not appear to be any stranger. And for those moments that A-Rod was walking off the field to a chorus of boos, I was embarrassed.

Here's hoping for a strong game for Rodriguez and the rest of the club today.

That is all.

Recapping the New York Yankees' Month of May

Matt Cullen — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:55:34 -0400

It's been a few weeks now, but after completing finals, getting sick, and fatigue from a diet I now finally feel like writing again.

How convenient that it is Jun. 1, meaning that the New York Yankees have completed another month of Baseball.

The final day of the month ended in walk-off fashion on Cleveland, but overall it was an improvement over May. The Yankees went 17-11 for the month, placing them in first place in the AL East by half a game.

Who carried them there and who would like to put the month behind them.

The Memorable

1. CC Sabathia—After a sluggish start, CC got hot in a hurry.

Four-1 with an ERA of 2.56 with opponents batting .204 against and 37 strikeouts. The 37 strikeouts is one shy of doubling his total for April.

It's safe to say that this is the CC that the Bronx was looking for.

2. Alex Rodriguez—He's back!

And even though he had to shake off the rust and is only hitting .260, his mere presence has helped the lineup a lot. (Mark Teixeira in particular.)

He also has hit seven home runs, two big ones in the ninth inning that tied a game against the Phillies, and won a game against the Twins.

3. Mark Teixeira—Yep, the notoriously slow starter at the plate has indeed sped up to say the least. Teixeira hit .324 on the month with 12 home runs and 30 RBI.

His average raised to .281 on the season and his RBI total tripled what it was in the month of April.

4. Melky Cabrera—Quickly becoming my favorite Yankee, Melky didn't take his foot off the pedal after a hot start and regaining a spot in the starting lineup. Only one home run, but he still hit .321 on the month and provided several instances of ninth inning of heroics.

Yankees fans are loving the comeback years from both himself and Robinson Cano.

The Forgettable

1. Andy Pettitte—Gets some slack for overachieving in April while the rest of the rotation was down, regardless April was a shaky month for Pettitte.

He did go 3-0, but with an ERA of 4.95 and only one quality start out of six.

2. Nick Swisher—By all accounts a great guy in the clubhouse, however, Nick Swisher in one month has gone from arguably being the Yankees best hitter to merely plugging in a whole in RF.

The Yankees faithful awaits Xavier Nady to return from the DL.

3. Hideki Matsui—Three of his last five games he had multiple hits, but unless there are drastic improvements one would think that Hideki Matsui is playing his final season in pinstripes.

The DH hit just .241 on the month, dropping his average to .263 on the season.

Outlook for the Remainder of the Season

Hold your breathe, it's looking like Chien Ming Wang may be returning to his old form.

Velocity up a little and his sinker is looking much better than it did prior to his DL stint. Phil Hughes has looked mostly solid as well since being brought up, even pitching eight shutout innings in his most recent start against the Texas Rangers.

The lineup should continue to remain strong. Derek Jeter's batting average is above .300 again, Mark Teixeira's as well as A-Rod's batting average should continue to climb, and there is no reason to believe that the likes of Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon cannot keep up their pace.

Bullpen is still iffy especially considering the amount of innings they had to eat early, but, considering my extremely pessimistic nature, I feel pretty good about this team.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to fall in the standings after a hot start, the Rays continue to underachieve, the Orioles continue to be mediocre, and the artist formally known as David Ortiz remains in the Boston Red Sox lineup.

Get ready for June!

Scott Stevens: Forever Beloved, Forever Hated, and Forever Remembered

Matt Cullen — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:46:58 -0400

April 28th, 2009 has gone down as my worst day as a New Jersey Devils fan in 15 years.

This day concluded a hard-fought seven-game series that ended with the Devils blowing 3-2 lead with 80 seconds to go and one of the best Goalies of all-time in net. He let in two goals, causing the Devils to bow out in the first round for a second straight year.

Right after I was done torturing myself by watching the final minutes of Game Seven (as well as Game Four), the next step in the grieving process is to remind myself of better days. I watched the Championship tapes from the 1995, 2000, and 2003 Stanley Cup Champions.

I also watched virtually all of the video I could find on YouTube involving good New Jersey Devils moments.

I was reminded of many wonderful moments: Mike Peluso crying on the bench in the final minutes of the clinching Game Four, Patrik Elias' winner in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jason Arnott's double-OT goal to end the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals, and Jeff Friesen's icing on the cake in Game Seven of the 2003 Finals.

Many of these great moments keep leading to the same thing: Gary Bettman presenting the captain Scott Stevens with the Stanley Cup.

At some point it hit me; it's been five years since the man retired! Stevens, now 45 years old and in the Hall of Fame has moved on, but I have not. I do not want to move on, I will not move on. The man has meant too much to the New Jersey Devils and to me.

While he was not a Devil for his entire career, his eight years in Washington will be at least as well-known for his racking up of penalties and short temper as it will for his effectiveness on the power play. And he only spent one season in St. Louis.

I got a tear in my eye from merely just looking for the right picture for this article. And it is much more than the fact the man just happened to have a "C" on his jersey.

And the wonderful ride nearly didn't even happen.

The 1990-1991 season was Scott Stevens first and last season as a member of the St. Louis Blues. The St. Louis Blues signed Brendan Shanahan from the New Jersey Devils in the off-season.

Shanahan was a restricted free agent, meaning that the Devils were to be given compensation. The Blues offered goaltender Curtis Joseph, forward Rod Brind'Amour as well as two draft picks

But the New Jersey Devils were insistent on having Scott Stevens, the highest paid defenceman in the league. An arbiter ruled in favor of the Devils.

Stevens refused to report at first. Having just moved with his wife to St. Louis, Stevens wished to finish his career with the Blues. He also saw the Devils captain at the time, Kirk Muller, leave training camp and was concerned that this suggested a lack of stability.

Stevens did not want them and Devils players wanted him gone. But Stevens would show up three weeks later and how incredibly fortunate that he did.

Scott Stevens' prior success on offence would carry over to Brendan Byrne Arena. Stevens would finish fifth on the team in scoring in his first season with the team. The following year he would lead the Devils' defencemen in scoring.

In the 93-94 season he would lead the team in scoring and led the league in Plus-Minus rating at 53. Vladimir Konstantinov is the only player to lead the league in Plus-Minus since at such a high number.

Stevens would never put up those kind of offensive numbers again, but could score when needed and still did well on the power play to go with his great defence. He had some key goals in the postseason as well.

One that stands out are the one in the second round of the 2001 Conference Semifinals, in Game Seven against the Maple Leafs. Another was in the second round in 2003, where he scored the game-winner in Game Four against the Lightning after leaving Game Three because he took a slap shot in the head.

Scott Niedermayer, defenceman and a teammate of Stevens for a decade, has described Stevens as not being extremely vocal, but that he would speak up when deemed necessary.

Since the 1993-94 season, he has also had a Plus-Minus rating of at least plus-20 in four more seasons, including a rating a plus-40 in 2000-01. Only twice was his Plus-Minus rating even below plus-five: 1994-95, when the season was shortened from a lockout, and in his final season, where he played in just 38 games due to injury.

Stevens would make it to 13 All-Star games—11 with the Devils—as well as being a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy for best defenceman three times. (How he never won is beyond comprehension.)

What I will remember most is the winning and the game-changing, open ice hits. After taking over as the Captain from Bruce Driver, the Devils would go on to the Eastern Conference Finals five times, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals four times, and capping it off as Stanley Cup Champions three times.

Stevens would guard the top forwards for each team and would hold them in check with very few exceptions. In 2000, he was honored for this as he shut down the likes of Pavel Bure, Mats Sundin, John LeClair, and Mike Modano in the Finals, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs.

And of course the on ice hits, there will never be another player that will do it like him. Stevens would glide across the ice and hit players leading an attack with their head down, getting them with the shoulder.

Arturs Irbe suggested during the 2001 Playoffs that his hits were dirty and that he was deliberately trying to kill players or knock them out for the playoffs.

Stevens retorted, "What kind of respect do I get? Just because I'm a physical player, it's O.K. to come at me and do what you want? Hey, it's a hockey game. It's not figure skating.

"You know what? I can take a hit and I can give a hit. I don't care who it is. No one gets a free ride out there. I don't get a free ride, and no one gets a free ride from me."

I agree with Stevens obviously; he played hard and was very physical, but played the right way and certainly was not a dirty player. Only four elbowing minors in his entire career supports this.

You can always see his intensity after his hits, but later you will see him visibly shaken up—his hit on Eric Lindros in 2000 stands out for this.

Stevens' open ice hits have also been defended by the likes of forward Slava Kozlov (victim of one of them) and defenceman Dan McGillis (played on the 2000 Philadelphia Flyers and was witness of two teammates suffering these hits).

Some of the most memorable victims of Scott Steven's open ice hits include-

Slava Kozlov in Game Two of the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals.
Daymond Langkow in Game Two of 2000 Eastern Conference Finals.
Eric Lindros in Game Seven of the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals.
Shane Willis in Game Two of the 2001 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Ron Francis in Game Three of the 2001 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals (this one happened along the side in the Devils zone but it is the same type of hit basically).
Paul Kariya in Game Six of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals (the only one to return to the game).

After the third Stanley Cup victory, things ended in a hurry for Scott Stevens' hockey career. Stevens was diagnosed with Post-Concussion-Syndrome and missed the last half of the season as well as the first round of the playoffs where the Devils would be outed by bitter rival Philadelphia Flyers.

Stevens contemplated returning but regardless of decision the 2004-05 was gone to a lockout. Stevens would officially retire on September 6th, 2005, and in 2007 was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

It was a strange retirement for me. I was consistently optimistic in 2004 that he would return for the playoffs. Then I was optimistic he would return for the following season provided the lockout did not wash out the entire season, and then the year after that. Strangely enough, it did not hit me for some time.

I do not feel as if I had properly honored the man for what he did for the organization, for the state of New Jersey, for the league, and for me. I really hope I have done it here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Scott Stevens.

And now I am off to re-watch the 2002-2003 Stanley Cup DVD.

Ranking the Bleacher Report NFL Communities From 32-1

Matt Cullen — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:12:15 -0400

Community leaders and top writers talk about how strong their Bleacher Report community is all of the time. Philadelphia Eagles fans seem to be very vocal about it, Oakland Raiders fans will talk about how passionate theirs is, Sayre Bedinger wrote an article dedicated to the Denver Broncos' strong community a little while back.

Who really is number one though? Has anyone tried to figure out?

There certainly is no perfect way to do this, some writers are burned out right now or are writing about a sport in its regular season, others that are on top writers lists may not stay, and not to mention the rankings constantly change. Not to mention that there are teams with pretty hardcore fan bases that do not have a lot of writers due to recently woeful years. (Buffalo Bills come to mind.)

I'm going to try and take a stab at it though. The rankings I viewed to rank each community are as of Wednesday, May 6th, 2009. And it says something about the passion of some writers; writers that will keep writing about football regardless of if it's pre-season, regular season, play-offs, post-draft or whatever time of year it may be.

For anyone that wishes to look at the top 50 NFL writers or at the top 10 for each division, I wrote those on at the end of the list. Both of these factors played big parts in constructing the list.

Here are some notes before I reveal my list:

The St. Louis Rams are the only team without a Community Leader, top ten writer in their division, or a top 50 writer overall.
Four other teams had no writers in the top ten of their division or top 50 overall.
The Washington Redskins and the Kansas City Chiefs are the only communities with a top 50 writer (#22) but no writers in the top ten of their division.
There are six other teams with no writers in the top 50.
There are few top 50 writers who do not have any clear favorite teams. I just left them as unknown.
Try not to take offense to any of the names of any of the sub-divisions in the rankings. It's all in good fun!

The Ed Wood Division

32. St. Louis Rams

31. Arizona Cardinals

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Uwe Boll Division

28. Buffalo Bills

27. Houston Texans

26. San Diego Chargers

25. Cincinnati Bengals

The Michael Bay Division

24. Detroit Lions

23.Tennessee Titans

22. Cleveland Browns

21. Atlanta Falcons

The M Night Shyamalan Division

20. Kansas City Chiefs

19. Washington Redskins

18.Baltimore Ravens

17.Minnesota Vikings

The Nicholas Ray Division

16.New York Jets

15.Seattle Seahawks

14.Carolina Panthers

13.Miami Dolphins

The John Ford Division

12.Pittsburgh Steelers

11.Indianapolis Colts

10.Dallas Cowboys

9.New Orleans Saints

The Francis Ford Coppola Division

8.San Francisco 49ers

7.New York Giants

6.Denver Broncos

5.Oakland Raiders

The Billy Wilder Division

4.Chicago Bears

3.Green Bay Packers

2.Philadelphia Eagles

1.New England Patriots

And here is how the top 50 NFL writer's list looked:

1.Bryn Swartz (Eagles)

2.Angel Navedo (Jets)

3.Sean Crowe (Patriots)

4.Raider Card Addict (Raiders)

5.Sayre Bedinger (Broncos)

6.Michael McNeil (Saints)

7.Football Maniaxs (Unknown)

8.Ryan Michael (Colts)

9.Michael Whooley (49ers)

10.William Berry (Patriots)

11.Jake Perper (Bears)

12.Cody Swartz (Eagles)

13.James Williamson (Cowboys)

14.John Fennelly (Giants)

15.Josh Satler (Unknown)

16.Matt Gilmartin (Panthers)

17.Isaac Barrow (Ravens)

18.Chris J. Nelson (Dolphins)

19.Tanner Thoms (Vikings/Broncos)

20.Dan Parzych (Eagles)

21.MJ Kasprzak (Packers)

22.Rich Tandler (Redskins)

23.Andrew Nuschler (49ers)

24.TAB BAMFORD (Bears)

25.Dan Boone (Bears)

26.Eric Quackenbush (Panthers)

27.C Douglas Baker (Patriots)

28.Zach Kruse (Packers)

29.David Arreola (Packers)

30.Bob Cunningham (Eagles)

31.Josh Dhani (Colts)

32.Jacob Sloan (Cowboys/Titans)

33.Paul Augustin, Jr. (Saints)

34.Andrew Cahill (Patriots)

35.Dumont Walker (Cowboys)

36.John Lorge (Seahawks)

37.Section 233 (Eagles)

38.kevin roberts (Packers)

39.Ari Horing (Chiefs/Cowboys/Colts)

40.Henry Gula (Broncos)

41.Jersey Al Bracco (Packers)

42.Mike Dussault (Patriots)

43.Nick Signorelli (Steelers)

44.T.A (Patriots)

45.Bob Warja (Bears)

46.TJ Jenkins (Steelers)

47.Ryan Alberti (Unknown)

48.Glenn Card (Patriots)

49.Kyle Langan (Giants)

50.Steven Resnick (49ers)

And a breakdown of the rankings by division for each top ten:

NFC East (Top 10)

Philadelphia Eagles: Top four writers and six in the top ten.

New York Giants: Two writers in the top ten. (Numbers five and ten.)

Dallas Cowboys: Two writers in the top ten. (Numbers six and nine.)

Washington Redskins: None in the top ten.

NFC North Top 10 (Note: Two writers that are not fans of an NFC North team)

Green Bay Packers: Two writers in the top 5 and three in the top ten.

Chicago Bears: Number two writer as well as three total writers in the top ten.

Detroit Lions: Number three writer.

Minnesota Vikings: Number four writer

NFC South Top 10 (Note: Two writers that are not fans of an NFC South team)

New Orleans Saints: Three writers in the top five and four total in the top ten.

Atlanta Falcons: Number three writer and three total writers in the top ten.

Carolina Panthers: Number one writer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: None in the top ten.

NFC West Top 10 (Note: Four writers that are not fans of an NFC West team)

Seattle Seahawks: Two writers in the top five, a third writer is number seven.

San Francisco 49ers: Two writers in the top five, a third writer is number ten.

Arizona Cardinals: None in the top ten.

St. Louis Rams: None in the top ten.

AFC East Top 10 (Note: Three writers that are not fans of an AFC East team)

New England Patriots: Two writers in the top five and two more in the top ten.

Miami Dolphins: Two writers in the top ten.

New York Jets: Number one writer.

Buffalo Bills: None in the top ten.

AFC North Top 10 (Note: Three writers that are not fans of an AFC North team)

Cleveland Browns: The second and seventh overall writers.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The sixth, eighth, and tenth overall writers

Baltimore: The third overall writer.

Cincinnati Bengals: The fifth overall writer.

AFC South Top 9 (Note: Nine because only nine are listed. Three of them are not fans of an AFC South team)

Indianapolis Colts: The number one writer, one other in the top five and two more in the top nine.)

Houston Texans: The number two overall writer.

Tennessee Titans: The number seven overall writer.

Jacksonville Jaguars: None in the top ten.

AFC West Top 10 (Note: Three writers that are not fans of an AFC West team)

Oakland Raiders: The number one writer, one other in the top five, three more in the top ten.

Denver Broncos: The number two overall writer.

San Diego Chargers: The number eight overall writer.

Kansas City Chiefs: None in the top ten.

Recapping the New York Yankees' Month of April

Matt Cullen — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:56:37 -0400

It's been a bizarre start to the 2009 season for the New York Yankees.

Nick Swisher came in to pitch against the Rays, Andy Pettitte allowed a straight steal of home in the series finale against Boston, Chien-Ming Wang has an ERA of 34.50 in three starts but doesn't have the teams highest ERA, the ball is really flying out of the new Yankee Stadium, and in the second week of the season they were outscored 60-35 and won four of the seven games!

At the end of the month they stand at 12-10, good enough for 3rd place and two games behind the Red Sox and Blue Jays in the AL East. Here was are the memorable and forgettable portions of the first month in New York Yankees baseball.

The Memorable

Robinson Cano- A few seasons removed from a year in which he nearly won the AL batting crown. Robinson Cano is off to a ridiculous start. At the end of the month, he is hitting .366 with five home runs and 16 RBI. He currently has a 17 game hitting streak and has hit safely in all but one game. He also has had only one error so far.
Melky Cabrera- Had a disappointing 2008 campaign even being sent down to the minors near the end of the year and started the 2009 season on the bench. Melky Cabrera is back in the lineup andso far has rebounded well from 2008 hitting .327 with four home runs already and playing solid defense in limited playing time.
Nick Swisher- The new Yankee has been a positive source of energy in the clubhouse and has had a terrific statistical season. Swisher struggled for about a week and half but at the end of the month he is hitting .312 with seven home runs and 19 RBI. Swisher, entering his sixth year in the league, has displayed the ability to hit for power before but his highest batting average prior was just .262. And to top it off, the guy has FILTHY stuff on the mound...Ok perhaps not but the strikeout on Gabe Kapler in the first game at Tampa was pretty funny.
Andy Pettitte- Who would have thought Andy Pettitte would have been carrying the rotation? After four starts he is 2-1 with an ERA of 2.96. The last time Pettitte's ERA was even under four was in 2005 when the Houston Astros were in the World Series.
Phil Hughes- He has only made one start, but if his six inning shutout against Detroit is any indication of how he will fare this season it is a HUGE boost to a Yankees staff that has been chased from games early and often.

The Forgettable

Big offseason acquisitions (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira)-So far it is safe to say that the Yankees are not getting their moneys worth out of the combined 423.5 million that CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira are getting. While it's nice to see a power hitter at first base that actually can play the position, Mark Teixeira is currently hitting .200. CC Sabathia has done better since his rocky opening day start in Baltimore but he is still sitting at 1-2 with an ERA of 4.73. AJ Burnett on the other hand, started well winning his first two starts and carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning in the second start. However he has given up 12 runs in his last nine innings pitched including blowing a six run lead at Fenway.
Brett Gardner-While Melky Cabrera has hit well in taking the starting spot in CF, it helped that Brett Gardner was ice cold with the bat. He does have five SBs, but he also is hitting .220 with an OBP of .254 and very little power potential.
Chien-Ming Wang-Saying he has been horrible just is not justice, if I didn't know any better I would think that A-Rod had been tipping off pitches to opposing hitters. Wang is 0-3 with an ERA of 34.50. He has made it through two innings just once and never through four innings. (He does have three scoreless innings though.) Hopefully for Yankees fans he turns this thing around and finishes with an ERA under five for the season.
Bullpen- You know it's bad when Mondays 4-2 loss to Detroit was seen as a moral victory to me because CC was able to go the complete game and save the bullpen for a day. At the rate of innings being pitched, by June a 20 run lead may not feel safe. Aside from Rivera, Brian Bruney and Phil Coke are the only relievers that have even been decent and Bruney is on the DL. Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Jonathan Albaladejo, and Damaso Marte all have ERAs over 5.50 and Marte's is over 15.00. They get somewhat of a pass because many starts have not gone deep into games but the bullpen is certainly shaky to say the least.
The Phantom at Third Base- Big shocker, the New York Yankees miss A-Rod's bat in the lineup. Cody Ransom was hitting .180 before going on the disabled list, Ramiro Pena raised his average to .269 today and got his first two RBI of the season on a double in the eighth inning. The two of them have combined for eight RBI and not one home run.

Outlook for the remainder of the season

Cannot stress enough how much the Yankees need Phil Hughes to be effective. Obviously A-Rod's return will improve the lineup, Mark Teixeira should hit nowhere near .200 when it's all said and done and will get better production from CC Sabathia ad AJ Burnett as the season progresses.

If Wang can come back and be effective, and they are able to move Joba back to the bullpen, I'll feel really good. It's hard to believe that the Yankees are 12-10 with all of the things gone wrong.

The bullpen will be a question mark in the middle innings though, even with a Joba return, because of the amount of innings they have already worked. Also the lineup needs to do better with RISP.

Again though, if you were to tell me before the year all of the things that have gone wrong and we would still be two games over .500...I'd feel ok with that. So for now, this Yankees fan is still feeling just fine. Though hopefully the month of May is kinder to the Yankees.

New Jersey Devils Blow Game 7; So This Is Rock Bottom

Matt Cullen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:40:31 -0400

Despite having not made it past the second round of the playoffs since the 2002-2003 season, there were high hopes for the New Jersey Devils this postseason. The offense was ranked among the top half of the league, led by Zach Parise and Patrik Elias.

Goaltender Martin Brodeur, guilty of having been overworked in past seasons, missed most of the season but is healthy now and fresh.

Martin Brodeur, 36, does not have many great years left in him and it seemed like now or never. Their first-round matchup was against a Carolina Hurricanes squad that is undoubtedly talented but perceived as being too soft to advance in the playoffs.

Give credit to Carolina, they stepped up the physicality and played a terrific series. However, I will remember this series for the finishes of Game 4 and 7 as the defense collapsed.

Carolina actually had a flurry of offensive chances at the end of Game 5 as well but Martin Brodeur prevailed as the Devils won 1-0.

But Game 4 left me stunned, Game 7 nearly left me in the fetal position. (When I needed to be studying for a test in my General Business class too.)

Despite being manhandled for nearly two periods worth of hockey, the New Jersey Devils were staring overtime in the face after coming back from a 3-0 deficit late in the second period.

The defense was unable to hold the puck in the corner or clear the zone; the Carolina Hurricanes worked the puck back to the point and a Dennis Seidenberg shot went in off of Jussi Jokinen's skate and in the net with just .2 seconds left on the clock.

Game 7 is one to remember forever, the New Jersey Devils had a 3-2 lead with just 80 seconds to go and one of the best goalies of all-time in net. Jokinen scored on a one-timer off a great pass across ice. Eric Staal scored with 32 seconds left; it was the latest third-period game-winning goal in Game 7 history.

I'm not quite at point where I can write a rational recap of the series and look ahead to what the Devils need to do to avoid this again.

It was the worst day as a New Jersey Devils fan since the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals game against the New York Rangers when Stephane Matteau scored on a wrap-around in overtime.

I'm gonna feel sick for the rest of the playoffs as I'm sure many other Devils fans will be.

What I know is we may are nearing the end of a long streak of playoff appearances and success in the playoffs. Brodeur is getting old, the offense still needs work as the reacquiring of Brian Rolston did not have the impact expected, and conservative play murdered the Devils late in games

It looks like it is time for some changes in Jersey, or another first-round exit.

Now if you will excuse me...I have a toilet to throw up in.

Remembering a Decade In U.S. Professional Sports: I'd Love Input, B/R

Matt Cullen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:07:18 -0400

As we near the end of another great decade in professional sports, partly because I am running low on ideas for things to write about, I have shifted my attention towards the past nine years in reflection.

The 90's spoiled me as a sports fan, with championship after championship coming at such a young age. Not that my teams haven't had success this decade, because they certainly have, but the failures my teams have also had have shaped me into a better and more appreciative sports fan.

There has been countless amount of memorable moments outside of the four professional sports teams I root for passionately.

So many that I couldn't possibly do justice to the time with a single article. Things as simple as watching a team celebrate after the final out or as the final second ticks off the clock in a Championship can get me choked up. (Even if it's a Philadelphia sports team doing the celebrating.)

It's a snapshot of sports in their purest moments, where money is temporarily forgotten and you see the child-like joy in grown men.

I will begin working on a series of articles that will honor the great moments and achievements in sports. These obviously cannot be published for some time because...well, because 2009 has not passed.

I have compiled my first list—the top 10 postseason comebacks.

This will be published after the World Series and will be edited if I see any great comebacks in between now and then that I believe deserve a spot, but the list is set for now.

What I would appreciate feedback on, Bleacher Report, is what other topics I should include.

Obviously "best teams", "best games", "best coaches", "best performances", and "best athletes" deserve a mention, but are there any other suggestions?

I would love to do justice to the decade with this series and any input would be appreciated.

I thank you for reading.

Extremely Premature NFL Win/Loss Predictions

Matt Cullen — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:32:33 -0400

You're always warned every year not to put too much stock in the release of the NFL schedule, opponents winning percentage can be deceiving and you never do know how good some teams shall be.

Didn't stop me from counting down the minutes till the NFL schedule was released, I'm an addict what can I say!? There is no such thing as a boring team or a boring game to me. I want the season to start right now, unfortunately I have to wait but I don't need to wait to play things out in my head.

Unfortunately I worked last night so I couldn't write this then but I was able to look at every team's schedule on my phone during my psychology and business classes and was able to go down the line and pick every single game on the schedule.

The NFL draft certainly will change things as well as potential injuries down the road among other things. But I press forward with these picks, picks that will likely change in September and be laughed at in January.

Here's a few notes before the list-

In the AFC East I am predicting a pretty big drop-off for all teams not named the New England Patriots. What a radical change in the schedule! The AFC East went from playing what many felt to be eight games against the two worst divisions in the league (NFC and AFC West) to two of the better divisions in the league. (NFC and AFC South)
For the people hopping on the bandwagons of the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs because of quarterback changes, I can't help but look at the stats and personnel and wonder if they are any better. Kansas City lost a lot of close games after Tyler Thigpen started to find his groove so their win/loss record should be better with more experience and better coaching. But I'm not seeing them as a playoff contender this year, the Bears on the other hand, I think overachieved last year and I actually have them winning less games this year even with Cutler.
Want to give a Dallas Cowboys fan a heart attack? How about this December schedule with the teams recent history: @NYG, SD, @NO, @WSH, and then on January 3 they host Philadelphia for the final game. I'm nervous already.
I didn't pick them to make the playoffs, but don't sleep on the Bengals. They quietly finished 12th in the league in defense and will have Carson Palmer back. Palmer's receiving core may not be what it has been in years past but he should still be good.

AFC Final Standings

1.New England Patriots (AFC East Champions: 15-1)

2.Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North Champions: 13-3)

3.Indianapolis Colts (AFC South Champions: 12-4)

4.San Diego Chargers (AFC West Champions: 10-6)

5.Houston Texans (AFC Wild Card: 9-7)

6.Baltimore Ravens (AFC Wild Card: 9-7)

Try again next year-

Tennessee Titans (8-8)

Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)

Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

New York Jets (5-11)

Miami Dolphins (5-11)

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Denver Broncos (5-11)

Oakland Raiders (4-12)

Cleveland Browns (3-13)

NFC Final Standings

1.Green Bay Packers (NFC North Champions: 14-2)

2.New York Giants (NFC East Champions: 12-4)

3.Arizona Cardinals (NFC West Champions: 11-5)

4.New Orleans Saints (NFC South Champions: 9-7)

5.Minnesota Vikings (NFC Wild Card: 11-5)

6.Philadelphia Eagles (NFC Wild Card: 11-5)

Try again next year-

Washington Redskins (10-6)

Dallas Cowboys (10-6)

San Francisco 49ers (8-8)

Carolina Panthers (8-8)

Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Chicago Bears (6-10)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

Detroit Lions (3-13)

St. Louis Rams (2-14)

Tribute to My Favorite Baseball Team: The New York Yankees

Matt Cullen — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:10:36 -0400

Inspired by Bryn Swartz' list of his favorite moments as a Philadelphia sports fan. Unfortunately I could not level it down to just a city or a state because New Jersey has no Baseball and my Dad for whatever reason grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan.

In the spirit of the new Baseball season, this list is going to be my favorite New York Yankees moments; the best American franchise in sports and the team that has spoiled me the most.

I was 11 years old when the Arizona Diamondbacks came back in the ninth inning of Game Seven to defeat the unhittable Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees. Even when Tony Womack hit in the tying run, I didn't even really consider the possibility that the Yankees just might lose.

I just watched the Yankees win four of the past five World Series and it had gotten to the point where it felt written that we would win it all again and again.

I probably needed what has happened since to snap me back into reality, to remind me how hard it is to win a World Series and how lucky I was to have witnessed such success for my Baseball team.

This is a tribute to the New York Yankees, who have given me so many amazing memories in my short life and hopefully a memory or two that could have found its place on this list.

To give you an idea of how hard this was, the following unfortunately were left off:

-Bernie Williams Walk-off home run in Game One of the 1999 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox

-Jeffrey Maier.

-Dwight Gooden's no-hitter.

-Mike Mussina's near perfect game in Fenway.

-David Wells' perfect game!

-The final game in Yankee Stadium.

-Paul O'Neil's game winning hit against John Rocker in Game One of the 1999 World Series.

-Derek Jeter's flip to home plate in Game Three of the 2001 ALDS.

-The Second Boston Massacre.

-Jose Vizcaino's walk-off hit in Game One of the Subway Series.

The 10 moments below (Plus two honorable mentions) never fail to put a big smile on my face and make me feel proud to be a Yankee fan.

Honorable Mention: Oct. 16, 2000: Justice is served!

The New York Yankees got off to a slow start in the 2000 regular season, desperate to add some power to the lineup and ended up acquiring David Justice from the Cleveland Indians for Ricky Ledee, Jake Westbrook and Zach Day.

Justice made his impact immediately, hitting 41 home runs on the season (20 as a Yankee).

But the reason why I will always have a soft spot for Justice was the missile he launched into the upper deck off of Arthur Rhodes to give the Yankees a 6-4 lead in the seventh inning of of Game Six of the ALCS, what would turn out to be the clinching game.

The Yankees scored three more runs after and wound up winning 9-7 to go to the World Series.

Justice was only hitting .190 in the series prior to the homer but I doubt any Yankee fans cared. He was forever a hero in New York, an ALCS MVP, and soon to be a World Series winner with the ballclub.

Honorable Mention: July 1 2004: Jeter dives head first into the stands.

There are so many reasons to love this instant classic of a game from the Yankees point of view, the exciting 13-inning game gave us a three-game sweep of the Red Sox, A-Rod's double play to end the top of the 11th, John Flaherty's walk-off hit, and of course the Derek Jeter catch and dive into the stands.

Th greatest thing for me? All of the Red Sox fans that I talked in the next few days that would just sigh and then say, 'Nomar wouldn't have done that.'

July 1 gave Red Sox Nation a temporary feeling of doom, put an end to the Derek Jeter/Nomar Garciaparra debate, and of course gave us a fantastic Baseball game.

10. Oct. 23, 1996: Mark Wohlers passes the torch.

Even though I made the list, I can't believe this is only 10th.

Game Four of the 1996 World Series was the second biggest comeback in World Series history. Denny Neagle pitched strong and Kenny Rogers was hit early and often. Atlanta opened up a 6-0 lead after five innings and even when the Yankees got to Neagle in the sixth scoring three runs, Mike Bielecki appeared to slam the door shut by striking out the side.

Bobby Cox decided to bring in close Mark Wohlers in the eighth inning. After two singles and an error by Rafael Belliard prevented a double play, Jim Leyritz came to the plate and smashed a 2-2 slider over the left-field wall.

Many think of this moment as the torch being passed, the Braves were the dominant team of the early part of decade and the Yankees would hold that honor from this point on.

Wade Boggs would draw a bases loaded walk to give the Yankees the lead in the 10th, the Yankees would win the game 8-6, Mark Wohlers was never the same, and the rest is history.

9. Oct. 21, 2001- Alfonso Soriano knocks the 116 win Mariners out.

Only a few years after the New York Yankees won 114 games in the regular season and were called one of the best Baseball teams ever, the Seattle Mariners won 116 in 2001. The Mariners didn't finish the job though, and how fitting that they would finished off by the New York Yankees.

It was Game Four of the 2001 ALCS, the road team won the first three games of the series putting the Yankees at a 2-1 lead in the series. Roger Clemens and Paul Abbott both struggled with their control that night but neither team could take advantage as both would leave without giving up runs.

In the eighth inning, Bret Boone would finally break the scoreless game homering off Ramiro Mendoza in his 3rd inning of work. Bernie Williams would respond though with a blast off Arthur Rhodes in the bottom half of the inning.

Alfonso Soriano would finish the job with a walk-off two run home run off of Kazuhiro Sasaki.

Game Five would never be in doubt, a 12-3 win for the Yankees and a fifth trip to the World Series in six years.

8. July 18, 1999- Perfect for a day.

Let me get this straight; Don Larsen (The only man to pitch a perfect game in the World Series) throws out the first pitch, it's Yogi Berra Day, it's Manager Joe Torre's birthday, my favorite pitcher is on the mound...And he is about to pitch a perfect game? You're kidding right?

David Cone wasn't kidding, first start after the All-Star game, 10 strikeouts, 88 pitches, and perfection as Orlando Cabrera finished it off by popping out to Scott Brosius in foul territory. What a wonderful world!

7. Oct. 17, 1998- Tino takes Mark Langston into the upper deck

After failing to reach the World Series in 1997, the New York Yankees were back in the Fall Classic in 1998, this time against the San Diego Padres.

Game One didn't start well as ALCS MVP David Wells got hit hard giving up five runs and three home runs, one to Tony Gwynn and the other two to Greg Vaughn.

San Diego Padres ace Kevin Brown got pulled in the seventh inning with a 5-2 lead and two men on. Donne Wall couldn't maintain that lead with Chuck Knoblauch hitting a three run homer to tie the game.

Mark Langston was called on next to stop the bleeding, but Tino Martinez (Who was in a mighty slump up to this point.) took a 3-2 pitch into the upper deck to give the Yankees a 9-5. They would hold on to win 9-6.

6. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 2001- Tino, Brosius, and Mr. October.

After all, movies with bad endings can still be memorable along the way. I definitely couldn't separate these two games. Two days that Yankees fans and Byung Hyun Kim will never forget.

An especially amazing two days for me because since the 1996 World Series I had moved from New Jersey to Arizona and was caught in the middle of 'Diamondback Fever'.

Halloween night I was at a neighbor's house watching Game Four of the World Series, and how sweet it was to see Tino Martinez take Kim deep for a two-run home run to tie the ballgame at three apiece with two out in the ninth, in the 10th, just past midnight, Mr. November took Kim deep as well to end Game Four and tie the series at two.

In Game Five Miguel Batista dominated the Yankees pitching seven-and-two-thirds of shut-out ball, but perhaps that was the plan. Let the Diamondbacks take a two run lead to the ninth and hand the ball to Kim so the Yankees could take it from there.

This time it was Scott Brosius who would tag a two out pitch from the Korean closer into the seats for a game-tying two run homer.

This game lasted a little longer than Game Four but the end result was the same, Alfonso Soriano ripped one to right field off of Albie Lopez that would score Chuck Knobluch in the 12th inning to give the Yankees another walk-off win

5. Oct. 20, 1998- Brosius leaves his name on the World Series.

The Yankees would take Game Two easily to send the series to Qualcomm with a commanding 2-0 lead.

Once again though a Yankee starting pitcher would leave the game losing, this time it was David Cone out-dueled by former Yankee Sterling Hitchcock.

The list of closers I was scared to death of at the time started and ended with Trevor Hoffman. He was called on in the eighth inning after a lead-off walk by Paul O'Neill. Hoffman would get Bernie Williams to fly out but then would walk Tino Martinez before giving up the game winning home run in to Scott Brosius.

The Yankees would win the game 5-4 and then Andy Pettitte shut out the Padres in Game Four to give the Yankees the sweep and be known as one of the best teams of all-time.

4. Oct, 16, 2003- Aaron Bleeping Boone

We didn't win the World Series, but as Clark Gable would say, 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.'

Don't get me wrong, a World Series title is awesome but this was so sweet by itself. Game Seven against the Boston Red Sox, Mike Mussina's great relief appearance, Jason Giambi's solo shots to close the margin, Pedro blowing the lead in the eighth, Rivera's three shut-out innings, capped off by Aaron Boone of all men crushing the first pitch he saw from Tim Wakefield (who dominated the Yankees in the Series) into the left-field seats to send the Yankees to the World Series and the Red Sox home.

It says something about the mental toughness of that Boston Red Sox squad to be able to come back under all the circumstances and win the World Series the following year but in the year 2003 I felt on top of the world.

3. Oct. 26 and 27, 1999- Chad Curtis and The Rocket hush all of the team of the decade debate.

It was a clash of the teams of the decade, the Atlanta Braves had already been to four World Series even winning it all in 1995.

For the New York Yankees, it was only their third trip to the Fall Classic but they won the first two including a win over the Braves in 1996. And the Yankees would now make it three.

Down 2-0, the series shifted to Yankee Stadium with the Atlanta Braves facing a must-win with Tom Glavine facing Andy Pettitte. Pettitte would get rocked early giving up five runs in the first four innings.

Jason Grimsley and Jeff Nelson would hold the fort though for the next few innings as the Yankees proceeded to slug their way back into the game.

Chad Curtis and Tino Martinez would both hit solo shots off of Glavine to cut the deficit to 5-3, then in the eighth Chuck Knoblauch just barely hit one over the right field porch to tie the game at five.

It carried into extra innings where Chad Curtis would add another solo shot, this time off Mike Remlinger to give the Yankees the lead.

Roger Clemens, who struggled in his first year in Pinstripes, would out-duel John Smoltz to give the Yankees their third World title in four years and make a strong case for team of the decade.

2. Oct. 26, 2000- Down with Queens

So how do you top being team of the decade? By knocking off the cross-town rivals in the World Series next year.

Despite only needing five games, the series was very even with the Yankees only scoring three more total runs over the course of the series.

Game Five was another well-pitched showdown between Andy Pettitte and Al Lieter. Bernie Williams broke a dreadful slump with a solo shot in the second inning and Jeter would tack on a solo shot of his own in the sixth while the Mets scored two unearned runs off Pettitte.

Lieter went eight-and-two-thirds innings, throwing over 140 pitches before finally losing it in the ninth. After a Jorge Posada walk and a Scott Brosius single, Luis Sojo would add a single of his own that would score two runs after Jay Payton's throw to the plate hit a sliding Posada at home and got away from the catcher.

Mike Piazza would fly out to deep center to end it.

My family was split into two sides from the Subway Series and what a series it was!

1. Oct. 26, 1996- My first taste of a title for the Yankees.

It has to be number one for me, my first time doing this. All it took was one rough inning for Greg Maddux for the city to start shaking in anticipation. An RBI triple from Joe Girardi and RBI singles from Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams in the third inning gave the Yankees a lead it would never relinquish.

Joh Wetteland gave us a little bit of a scare but the World Series MVP would get the job done once again. After a two out hit by Marquis Grissom brought in a run, Wetteland had a 3-2 count on Mark Lemke...

'Swung on and popped up again off third. Hayes has room. Hayes make the catch! Yankees win! The Yankees win!'