Giant Expectations by Carlos Morales

Yes, we are talking about the playoffs. At the beginning of the year, who would have thought that these Giants would be in position to make the playoffs? Let alone win the NFC East division? NOBODY! With all the injuries to the defense, only one sorta big name receiver, a revamped offensive line, and Eli coming off a 25 Int season, you could see why nobody believed in this team.  Except the Giants organization themselves did. Critics, “experts”, and even fans (myself included) were just hoping that we didn’t have an embarrassing record. Imagine all the Jet fans running their mouths if we did? Would have been horrible. However, this is not the case. The Giants have done what many seemed to be the impossible. Put themselves in a position to make a playoff run. Only thing that stands in their way and that would be our rivals in the east, who play out west. The Dallas Cowboys, led by Tony “for some reason people think I’m better than Eli” Romo, are also playing for the Division crown. These two teams, filled with their ups and downs over the course of the season, now battle one another at MetLife Stadium Sunday night for the chance to get to the Super Bowl.  Two very talented, but at times mentally handicapped, teams will battle it out on national television. Should be exciting. But how did this year culminate to end with one oh so important game?

First, we have to thank the Eagles and their “dream team” for just not showing up at all this year. The team many thought would take the NFC East by a landslide and be one of the contenders to win it all, just laid one fat egg. Do I care? Oh hell no. Fuck Philly and their fan base (This is my blog I don’t have to be impartial). I completely enjoyed the beating the Giants put on them at The Linc in September. I also enjoyed the poor tackling, the weak offensive line, the many injuries Vick endured, DeSean Jackson being benched…TWICE!, the failure that is the “wide 9” defensive line, and all the Andy Reid getting fired rumors. It was quite enjoyable. So with them out the way and Washington sporting Rex Grossman and John/Josh Beck (should I look up his name? yes…..but why waste my time…its one of the two) virtually made this a two team race.

Giants could have avoided this early playoff game in week 17 of the regular season, but that wouldn’t be true Giant fashion to let their fans breath a little easy. Losses to the Redskins….TWICE!, Seahawks, and the Alex Smith led 49ers hurt a lot. Not to mention the close loss to Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers went all Aaron Rodgers on our depleted secondary with 59 seconds left to play. This game would have been rendered meaningless as well if it wasn’t for the bright lights of Cowboy Stadium blinding Miles Austin and the hand of JPP blocking the game tying field goal at the end of a 12 point come from behind win for the Giants. If the Giants can play the same way they did in their wins against the entire AFC East (we owned that division this year), the first Eagles and Cowboys games, and even the loss to Green Bay, then I like their chances on Sunday night. Also having Justin Tuck looking like his old self again and Osi practicing at full speed, and it seems as if he’s good to go for the game, just boosts the confidence of us Giant fans. Teams can barely handle Pro Bowl bound JPP. If the other two are causing havoc along the line as well, Dallas will have to worry more about Romo’s overall well being and not just his hand. Eli, Nicks, Cruz, and the run game need to step up again as well. Jacobs was able to run on the Cowboys defense, so he should be able to do it again. Baring any curfew violations, Bradshaw should be playing the entire game as well. The thousands of fans chanting “Cruuuuuuz!” will keep the young receiver energized. Nicks and Manningham, both of whom are questionable for the game (knee and hamstring respectively) should have an impact, if they can actually HOLD ON TO THE DAMN BALL! Eli should just be is calm and collected self and its all good. I’m less worried about Eli to tell you the truth. He’s been carrying this team all year and has thrived in pressure situations.

However, there is one thing you have to worry about when it comes to this Giants team. It has nothing to do with the Rob Ryan and his defense (I think he’s overrated anyway), not the problems the Giants have at LineBacker or the secondary, not even the lack of a running game (to its credit, has been coming around the last few weeks). What I am worried about, is the let down game. The over confidant players thinking they got this wrapped up and it’s a no brainer win for the Giants. That was the mindset going into week 1. Despite all our injuries, it was only the Redskins and Grossman lining up against them. Giants lose. After a big win in Philly, which was Victor Cruz coming out party, we lose to the Seahawks at home. Starting our hellish schedule to begin the second half the season, the Giants beat the Patriots, ending their home winning streak. What follows is a loss to the 49ers, loss to the Eagles, blown out by New Orleans, and a close loss to the Packers. Giants rebound and in dramatic fashion to beat the Cowboys. They follow that up by losing to the Redskins again. Now, after a big “road” win against the Jets, are the Giants capable of holding on to that momentum? Can they end the season 4-4 at home? Or will they let down once again? Let’s hope it’s not that last one, or jobs may be lost and fans hearts will be broken. GO GIANTS!

Debut Podcast and guest writer Carlos Morales

Extra-curricular activities after Knicks 106-104 season opening win

 Before we get to our guest writer (Carlos Morales), we will introduce today our first podcast.  Although today's is only a 4 minute solo effort by myself, this will be a weekly podcast featuring both Carlos Morales and myself, enjoy and please give us your feedback. 

Click here to hear our first Podcast 

Hope. With the new year around the corner, people are hoping for many different things. Hoping that that 2012 will bring them money, better jobs, a nicer home, or even more money. However, New York Knick fans are starting to hope for other reasons. Not for the firing of an inept GM. Not for players with ridiculous contracts to be traded, retire, or meet their early and sad demise from the world. Not even for James Dolan to sell the team to an owner who knows what he’s doing. We aren’t hoping for any of this. Not anymore. We, however, are hoping for a championship. Yes, title aspirations have come back to New York after what seem to be a lifetime. Last year we hoped to make the playoffs, and we did. Although we got swept by long time, newly renewed rivals of Boston, it was the first step in bringing back the Knicks to where we all want to see them. Down the Canyon of Heroes carrying the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Since the Knicks traded Ewing, there hasn’t been much of “good” hope with this team. What we did have was a lot of “bad” hope though. We hoped that Isaiah Thomas knew what he was doing….he didn’t. We hoped that Stephon Marbury would reinvent himself as a leader……negative. We hoped that Eddy Curry and Jerome James would anchor this team to wins and playoff appearances…….like I said, not much “good” hope for the Knicks that decade. Ten years of losing records, humiliating lawsuits, horrible contracts, ridiculous trades, and an owner more concerned with his Jazz Band than with an NBA franchise. Hope was all but lost on the Knicks and with their fans. We have succumbed to accepting the fact that we were going through the dark ages of the team. Having to deal with being the laughing stock of the league. Even surpassing the Clippers and their laughable owner, Donald Sterling, for this honor.

Then one summer, after the brilliant moves made by now departed GM Donnie Walsch, the Knicks were able to shed those bad contracts and get under the cap. To start courting our savior. The one who will make the Knicks relevant again. Bring us out of out dark times and back to respectability. However, he decided to run away from the bright lights and take his talents elsewhere. So what did we do? We signed a 6’11 power forward with surgically repaired knees and vision problems to a 5 year $100 million contract. This was the new face of the franchise. Knick fans, to say the least, weren’t too hopeful with this acquisition. Anyone who tells you different is full of shit. Then this new superstar we had acquired made a bold statement, “The Knicks are back!” he said. We were hoping he was right, and he was. Alone, leading this team of over achieving rookies and below average role players, he made the Knicks respectable, just not contenders….yet.

Rumors started to boil over all around the league. A Brooklyn born player, raised in West Baltimore, who played for the Orange, wanted out of a Mile High city and join up with that power forward with bad knees and iffy vision. Knick fans were hoping we would get him. Hoping that they would pull the trigger on the trade that would gut our rotation and land another superstar. Yet again, we weren’t foolish in hoping for this to happen. Thankfully David Stern didn’t veto this trade, and we landed our second superstar in Broadway. Playoff hopes ran wild. A playoff series victory would have to wait though. Playoffs lasted just four games. The same amount as the last time the Knicks had made the playoffs.

After a lockout, that dragged on for six months, finally ended, the Knicks made some moves that bring us to today, and the hope that fills every New Yorker. No it wasn’t an all star point guard, but a champion center that made the Knicks have their own “big three.” Literally a big three. Chandler, Stoudemire, and Anthony making up what is arguably the best front line in all of basketball. A 7’1 defensive minded center coming to  New York? When was the last time we saw this? When was the last time there was a buzz like this around the Knicks? If you know the answer to these questions, you know what happened next. Division titles, conference titles, consecutive playoff appearances, and two finals appearances. Now we fell short of seeing those Knick teams have their parade down the Canyon of Heroes, but maybe 2012 will be different. Hopefully.

Argentina 1 - Bolivia 1

Argentina was able to avoid a humiliating defeat at home, when substitute Lavezzi leveled the score late in the second half and gave the hosts a share of the spoils.

Bolivia, with a disciplined and organized defense was able to nullify the Argentina attack. Messi played at a mediocre level at best and newcomer Ricky Alvarez looked out of his depth. Although Argentina had much of the possession, they were unable to convert and Marcelo Martins made them pay as he undressed Demichelis and gave Bolivia a shock 1-0 lead. Argentina was able to get a quick equalizer, they did little after that. Bolivia actually enjoyed chances off the counter attack late in the game and could have taken all three points. It was a second straight disastrous effort by the Argentines who now face a tough trip to Colombia on Tuesday.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

UPDATE

Second half and Bolivia is holding on to a 0-0 tie in Argentina. They have all eleven men behind the ball and frustrating the hosts. Messi has been bottled up by multiple defenders at all times.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

South American Qualifying: Matchday 3

Previews for match-day 4 on Tuesday November 15th will be posted by Sunday.

ARGENTINA vs. BOLIVIA

            Buenos Aires

Referee:            Carlos Vera (ECU)

Assistant #1:     Carlos Herrera (ECU)

Assistant # 2:    Byron Romero (ECU)

4^th Official:        Alfredo Intriago (ECU)

Last time these two faced off in World Cup qualifying, Bolivia humiliated Messi and co. 6-1 in La Paz.  Maradona’s men were thoroughly outplayed and out classed in Bolivia, and they will be out for revenge.  Over the summer, in Copa America, the Bolivian came away with a shock 1-1 draw against the hosts, as they played a cautious game and disciplined game.  They will need the same performance, coupled with a bad outing by the Argentines (not far fetched) to get a positive result.  Argentina comes off a comprehensive loss in Venezuela, and Bolivia disappointed its home crowd in a 2-1 loss to Colombia.  Both come in bad form, and the Argentine’s will likely be without Manchester City ace Kun Aguero, but this will matter little as Argentina has more than enough class to come out with all three points.  Look for Messi to toy with the Bolivian defense and for the game to be in the bag by halftime.

Prediction: Argentina 3 – Bolivia 0

 URUGUAY vs. CHILE

            Montevideo

Referee:            Héctor  Baldassi (ARG)

Assistant #1:     Gustavo Esquivel (ARG)

Assistant #2:     Diego Yamil Bonfa (ARG)

4^th Official:        Néstor Pitana (ARG)

This should have been the game of the day, except for the fact that Chileans Jean Beausejour, Arturo Vidal, Jorge Valdivia, Carlos Carmona and defender Gonzalo Jara have been suspended for the game by their coach.  All five players were cited for showing up to practice in an “unacceptable” state, after the players were out drinking the night before.  Uruguay has been on a roll since the World Cup in South Africa and are currently top of the table in qualifying.  Chile will have a tough time in this game without the suspended players and on the road.  Uruguay should coast through this game and take all three points.

Prediction: Uruguay 2 – Chile 0

COLOMBIA vs. VENEZUELA

            Barranquilla

Referee:              Omar Ponce (ECU)

Assistant #1:     Juan Cedeno (ECU)

Assistant #2:     Christian Lescano (ECU)

4^th Official:        Daniel Salazar (ECU)

This should be the most entertaining of the day.  Both teams come off wins in the last match day.  Colombia took all three points in the altitude of Bolivia and Venezuela pulled off a historic win at home against Argentina.  Colombia will be without start forward Radamel Falcao Garcia, which is a huge blow.  Both teams play an attractive, attacking style, which should make for many scoring opportunities; however Venezuela will come out looking to hold off Colombia before venturing out on the attack.  If  Venezuela can hold off the initial barrage, they should be in good position to get at least a point in this match.

Prediction : Colombia 1 – Venezuela 1 

PARAGUAY vs. ECUADOR

            Asunción

Referee:            José Buitrago (COL)

Assistant #1:     Eduardo Diaz (COL)

Assistant #2:     Wilson Berrio (COL)

4^th Official:        Imer Machado (COL)

 Watching paint dry, watching grass grow, and this game. Luckily for our eyes and sanity, this game will be played at the same time as the Colombia vs Venezuela game.   These are two teams who could very well find themselves shout out of the festivities in Brazil three years from now.  Ecuador has three points thanks to Venezuela sending a “b” team to Ecuador, and Paraguay was outplayed by both Peru and Uruguay, and was lucky to capture a last minute tie at home against the Uruguayans.  Since both teams are not allowed to lose, I give the edge to an Ecuadorian side with more speed and skill than the defensive minded Paraguayans.  A home loss here can be the beginning of the end for Paraguay.

Prediction: Paraguay 0 – Ecuador 1

Feel free to email me at gustavo.escobar10@yahoo.com

Match Day 1 review and Match Day 2 preview

Match day one brought about very few surprises as all the home teams came out on top.  There were a few disappointing performances and it is clear this will be one of the tightest and most competitive qualifying races in recent memory.   Below the previews for match day 2 on Tuesday October 11, along with analysis of match day 1 performances.  (home teams in CAPS)

BOLIVIA vs. Colombia

Referee:            Carlos Amarilla (PAR)

Assistant # 1:    Nicolás Yegros (PAR)

Assistant # 2:    Milcíades Saldivar (PAR)

4^th Official :       Antonio Arias (PAR)

Bolivia comes into this match off a 4-2 loss in Uruguay.  They started off well enough as they were level at 1 before Uruguay took control of the game and ran off to a 4-1 lead before Marcelo Martins got one back for the Bolivians.  In truth they did not expect anything from this game and will be focused on taking full points in their home opener against Colombia.  The altitude of La Paz will give Bolivia a huge advantage.  Colombia was off on Day 1 and start off with a tough fixture.  Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao Garcia has been in excellent form and is one of the most lethal forwards in South America.  Playmakers James Rodriguez (Porto- Portugal) and Giovanni Moreno (Racing- Argentina) are part of a young generation of players which are looking to lead Colombia to its first world cup since 2002.  Although they should make a run at the 2014 event, this will not be a happy memory in that road.  Bolivia should run out winners in this match as they know their only chance of competing for a top 5 spot is getting full points at home.  La Paz has seen the fall of many, including a 6-1 thrashing of Messi and co. last qualifying cycle.  Expect Colombia to keep it closer but not much more than that.

Prediction: Bolivia 4 – Colombia 1

CHILE vs. Peru

Referee:            Raúl Orosco (BOL)

Assistant #1:     Jorge Calderon  (BOL)

Assistant #2:     Efraín Castro (BOL)

4^th Official:        Joaquín Antequera(BOL)

These are two teams that come from opposite performances on Friday.  Chile has humiliated in Argentina 4-1, in a game in which they never offered any resistance.  Suazo was ineffective up front and the midfield led by Valdivia and Matias Fernandez was poor to say the least.  There have been reports out of Chile of unrest within the locker room, as well as a report of fighting among players at an after hours club.  A negative result here will put them on a tailspin which may lead to changes before November’s matches.  Peru comes off an inspiring performance in Lima where they thoroughly outclassed Paraguay and could have won by a bigger margin.  Guerrero was the man of the day with 2 goals and a number of other near miss chances.  The midfield was solid with Balbin and Chievo Verona man Cruzado.  Up front Farfan, Pizarro and Guerrero were a headache for a Paraguayan defense that had no answer for them all night.  However, Chile will be chomping at the bit to erase their disastrous performance on Friday and should have a full stadium on their side.  Peru should do well enough to gain a tie from this match.

            Prediction: Chile 0 – Peru 0

   PARAGUAY vs. Uruguay

Referee:             Wilson Seneme (BRA)

Assistant #1:      Roberto Braatz (BRA)

Assistant #2:     Altemir Hausmann (BRA)

4^th Official:        Marcelo Henrique (BRA)

  

Although Paraguay had made the finals of Copa America, they were unimpressive, and had made the finals by not winning a single game.  They lacked scoring punch but defended well.  Against Peru they did not create a single dangerous scoring chance and their defending was suspect.  Real Betis striker Roque Santa Cruz was barely seen on the field, and Paraguay’s biggest threat, the set piece, was a non-factor.  Uruguay made short work of a feisty Bolivia squad.  Forlan, Cavani, and Suarez will be a handful for anyone for stop, and especially for Paraguay.  Peru exposed the lack of pace and grit in the Paraguayan defense and midfield which Uruguay will do as well.  Uruguay will become the first road team to capture all the spoils and make light work of Paraguay.

            Prediction: Paraguay 0 – Uruguay 2

VENEZUELA vs. Argentina

Referee:            Roberto  Silvera (URU)

Assistant #1:     Miguel Ángel Nievas (URU)

Assistant #2:     Carlos Pastorino (URU)

4^th Official:        Darío Ubriaco (URU)

Venezuela sent an alternate team to the heights of Ecuador in hopes of stealing a point, but the plan backfired.  They left many of their top players at home to prepare for their home opener against star-studded Argentina.  Venezuela will field a highly talented team with the likes of River Plate (Argentina) midfielder Cesar Eduardo Gonzales, Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany) midfielder Juan Arango and Spanish La Liga strikers Miku and Salomon Rondon.  This is widely considered the most talented squad that Venezuela has ever fielded and their expectation is to qualify to their first world cup ever.  They are the only South American nation never to compete in  a world cup.  In front of them will be an Argentina squad that blitz through highly regarded Chile and gave notice that they may finally have found the right formula on the field to match its steep price tag.  Di Maria, Higuain, and Messi ran rampant against a weak Chile defense, and could have scored more than the 4 they put in.  Both teams will play an open style, attacking game, which should make for an entertaining match.  Venezuela will do well to grab a point in this match and will have to be careful not to be run off the field in their attempt to satisfy a home crowd that will be looking for a historic win.

            Prediction: Venezuela 1 – Argentina 1

South American World Cup Qualifying Preview: Match day 1 and 2 (October 7th and 11th) Part I

            The long road to Brazil 2014 starts next Friday for nine hopefuls in South America.  First, let’s review the format for qualifying in South America (CONMEBOL).  The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions. All CONMEBOL national teams will play against each other twice on a home-and-away basis in a single group for 4.5 spots in Brazil 2014. The top four teams will automatically qualify to the finals. The fifth-placed team will compete in a play-off against the fifth-placed team from Asia’s World Cup qualifying tournament. The order of matches is identical to that of the 2006 and 2010 tournaments. Since Brazil has qualified automatically as the host nation, one team will have a bye on the date they would normally be scheduled to play Brazil.

            Ok, not that the formalities are out of the way, it is fair to say that there are two teams that seem like locks to qualify: Argentina and current Copa America winners Uruguay.  After this, it is a wide open field.  Paraguay and Chile seem to be frontrunners for the remaining two automatic spots, but Copa America surprise Peru look to have their best chance in almost 30 years to make a run at an automatic spot, or at least the play-off against an Asian qualifier.  Also in the running is an Ecuador side which is a always a tough puzzle to solve in the altitude of Quito, and region Cinderella Venezuela.  Colombia will look to get back to the marquee event for the first time since 2002, and are led by Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao Garcia.  The only team which seems to be a long shot is Bolivia.  Although they always cause problems when playing at home in La Paz, they usually are easy prey outside of the friendly confines of the Hernando Siles Stadium.

            We will preview the games for match day 1 which will be played on Friday October 7^th.  Previews for match day 2 on October 11^th will be previewed by Saturday.  On to the games: (home team listed in CAPS)

URUGUAY vs. Bolivia

Referee:                     Víctor Hugo Carrillo (PER)

Assistant # 1:              Luis Avila (PER)

Assistant # 2:             César Escano (PER)

4^th Official:                  Henry Gambetta (PER)

This is most likely the easiest game to predict.  Uruguay is the reigning Copa America champions and will prove to be too much for a limited Bolivia squad.  The Bolivians pulled off an early surprise in their Copa America debut by holding Argentina to a 1-1 deadlock, and even held a 1-0 late in the match.  However, “El Centenario” in Uruguay is one of the most difficult and intimidating places to play in the region.  Napoli standout Edison Cavani is in top form and has scored 6 goals in 6 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A squad.  He will partner up front with Inter Milan star Diego Forlan to form on of the most potent tandems in South America.  Bolivia will need a standout performance from Colon of Argentina veteran defender Ronald Raldes to have any chance of keeping this game close.  Up front, Shakhtar Donetsk striker Marcelo Martins will most likely be the lone man up front and the only chance Bolivia will have to putting a scare into the Uruguayans, but do not hold your breath on that. 

Prediction: Uruguay 3- Bolivia 0

ECUADOR vs. Venezuela

Referee:                     Enrique Osses (CHI)

Assistant # 1:                         Patricio Basualto (CHI)

Assistant # 2:                         Julio Diaz (CHI)

4^th Official:                 Patricio Polic (CHI)

Ecuador missed out on South Africa 2010 after consecutive appearances in 2002 and 2006.  Their form has dipped since 2006 and their performance Copa America this past summer was lackluster to say the least.  Ecuador will be led by Manchester United starlet Antonio Valencia and a brigade of players who ply their trade in the Mexican First Division: Cristian Benitez, Cristian Suarez, Jaime Ayovi, Michael Arroyo, and Walter Ayovi.  Another huge advantage for Ecuador will be playing in the altitude of Quito, where even the best teams have trouble adapting to the thin air.  Venezuela comes off their best performance ever in a Copa America.  They placed forth in the continental event, and look to have a legitimate shot grabbing a spot in Brazil 2014.  Venezuela will be led in the back by Deportivo Lara (Ven) defender Jose Manuel Rey.  He is a veteran of the squad and will give Ecuador headaches on set pieces.  Luis Manuel Seijas (Standard Liege- Bel) will lead a technically gifted midfield which will try to keep possession of the ball and look to steal a point in Ecuador.  Coach Cesar Farias has selected a squad which has been especially selected to play in altitude and a separate squad will travel to Argentina days later for match day 2.  This strategy worked for Venezuela last qualifiers when they pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in La Paz, Bolivia.  Expect them to get a result here as well.

Prediction: Ecuador 1 – Venezuela 1

ARGENTINA vs. CHILE

Referee:         Wilmar Roldan (COL)

1^st Assistant:   Abraham Gonzalez (COL)

2^nd Assistant:             Humberto Clavijo(COL)

4^th Official:     José Buitrago (COL)

Argentina come off a disappointing Copa America on home soil and will face a tough challenge from Chile to open qualifying.  Chile will be without all-world playmaker Alexis Sanchez for the first two match days, but still have enough firepower to beat anyone in the world on any given day.  The midfield will be in charge of playmakers Matias Fernandez (Sporting-Portugal) and Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras- Brazil) who will look to link up with lethal striker Humberto Suazo (Monterrey-Mexico).  Chile recently put a scare into Spain in a FIFA date friendly, as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.  The Chileans had a 2-0 lead before Spain was able to scratch out a tie on a dubious penalty call at the end.  Although many are down on Argentina, and their form has been mediocre at best since the World cup, they still posses the best player in the world in Lionel Messi.  All Argentina needs is the “10” to wave his wand and magic happens on the field.  Having said that, these magical moments have been few and far between from Messi, and this World Cup cycle could be his last chance to stamp his name with the national team.  Rodrigo Palacio (Genoa- Italy) has been is spectacular form as has been midfield playmaker Ever Banegas (Valencia-Spain).  This should prove to be the best match of the day, and also should create the most scoring chances.  There is not much that separates these two teams, and the final score will indicate that.

 Prediction: Argentina 2 – Chile 2

PERÚ vs. Paraguay

Referee:                     Sergio Pezzotta (ARG)

1^st Assistant:               Ricardo Casas (ARG)

2^nd Assistant:                         Hernán Maidana (ARG)

4^th Official:                 Diego Abal (BRA)

The last game of match day 1 will be held at the newly renovated Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru.  Peru will look to ride the wave of their 3^rd place finish in Copa America to their first World Cup since 1982.  Their front line will be led by strikers Claudio Pizarro (Werder Bremen-Germany) and Paolo Guerrero (Hamburger- Germany). Pizarro in particular has been in good form for his club and Peru will lean on him to bring the same goal scoring touch with him to Lima.  Peru are suspect in net where they will go with Raul Fernandez (Nice-France) who has had little playing time with his club team.  Paraguay are odds on favorites to grab one of the four automatic spots to Brazil 2014.  The Copa America finalists will use their rugged and defensive style game to frustrate most of their opponents.  Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis- Spain) should prove a handful to a weak Peruvian backline as should speedy Rubin Kazan forward Nelson Haedo Valdez. Rugged defenders Paolo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza-Spain) and Dario Veron (UNAM-Mexico) will be in charge of stopping Claudio Pizarro and co.  At the end, the home crowd should see the home team through to the full three points.     

Prediction: Peru 2 – Paraguay 1

Copa America Part II….Handing out grades

 

Argentina   D

Copa America was simply a disaster and a total failure on the part of the hosts as this tournament was set up for a Brazil vs. Argentina final.  CONMEBOL wants to make the public believe that this is not true, and that it was dumb luck that Argentina was drawn into a group with region minnow Bolivia and Costa Rica’s U-21 team.  Little did they know that Bolivia and Colombia would hold mighty Argentina to consecutive draws and they would need a win against a Costa Rica youth squad which was simply happy to participate.  Argentina looks a slow and plotting bunch with little to no creativity from the midfield.  The few sparks of good soccer came when Messi was able to wave his wand, but this was few and far between.  Ever Banegas, Esteban Cambiasso, and Fernando Gago were lackluster.  Lavezzi was out of sorts and played with no purpose or direction.  Tevez may have played his last international game for Argentina and Kun Aguero did not connect well with Messi.  Big changes are needed before qualifying begins and it should start with the man in charge.  Batista may survive as coach until the beginning of qualifying, but only a strong showing with attractive soccer will save his job.

Bolivia                 C      

The grade may seem a bit high, but consider the expectation level coming into the tournament.  Bolivia was not expected to survive the group stage, and they didn’t disappoint.  They started off strong, even holding a shock 1-0 lead over Argentina late into the second half of the game.  However, consecutive losses to Colombia and Costa Rica erased any momentum from their opening game.  Brazilian born Evinaldo and Brazilian-Bolivian Martins Moreno were lively up front and provided opponents with a fair share of headaches.  They will have a long road ahead in qualifying, their only chance being to capture maximum points in the altitude of La Paz.

Brazil                   D

Se my earlier post (Thoughts on Copa America Part one) on why everything went wrong for the Scratch Do Oro.  In short they did not gel as a unit, and too often relied on individual runs by Robinho and Neymar.  Although many will agree that they were unlucky to lose to Paraguay in the quarter-finals, they embarrassed themselves in the penalty shootout by missing all four of their shots.  As World Cup 2014 hosts, Brazil has three years to get its act together or face the possibility of crashing out early in their competition.

Colombia   C

No one can doubt the technical ability of the Colombian squad.  Radamel Falcao Garcia is lethal up front along with strike partner Dayro Moreno.  The midfield was led by classy playmaker Fredy Guarin, who was shielded at all times by combative Abel Aguilar.  AC Milan defender Mario Alberto Yepes was in top form, especially in his sides 0-0 draw with host Argentina.  The defensive line had to be alert with a subpar and nerve-racking goalie Neco Martinez.  Many will point to Falcao’s missed  penalty shot against Peru as the turning point in their quarter-final loss to Peru, but Neco Martinez’s blunders in extra time led directly to Peru’s goals and Colombia’s demise in the tournament.   Also, coach Hernan Dario Gomez will have to explain why Racing (Argentina) playmaker Teofilo Gutierrez was left on the bench for most of the competition.

Costa Rica and Mexico  (Incomplete)

It is not fair to give a grade to either squad.  Both showed up with a youth team, and were there more for the experience and had little expectations.  Both teams were outmanned and outclassed on many occasions.  Costa Rica was able to pull off a win against a weak Bolivia squad with an inspired performance by Joel Campbell.  His performance has opened the eyes of many clubs in Europe.  The issue of youth squads and “B” teams being sent by CONCACAF nations to Copa America needs to be resolved for the next edition.  It is a mockery that the biggest event in South America allows these teams to participate. 

Chile           B

Under new coach Claudio Borghi, “La Roja” has continued its exciting and attacking soccer which was on display in last year’s World Cup.  Alexis Sanchez and Jorge “El Mago” Valdivia were superb in the midfield.  Unfortunately Matias Fernandez was injured early in the tournament and was a non-factor.  Only an inspired performance by Venezuela saw them booted from the competition.  Expect to see Chile near the top of qualifying throughout the next couple of years.

Ecuador     C-

Ecuador has been on a steady decline since their participation in World Cup 2006 in Germany.  They crashed out only gaining one point in three games, a 2-2 draw with Paraguay.  They were outclassed in a 4-2 loss to Brazil and a 1-0 loss to Venezuela.  Felipe Caicedo was the lone bright spot, and scored Ecuador’s only 2 goals in their 4-2 loss to Brazil.

Paraguay   B-

This may seem harsh for one of the finalists, but the fact is that they left Argentina without recording a single win.  They tied all three of their group games, albeit in dramatic fashion in a couple of contests, where they blew late leads to Brazil and Venezuela.  They then scored a grand total of ZERO goals the knockout stages to advance to the finals, where they scores, yep you guessed it, NO GOALS.  Their quarter-final and semi-final games were among the most boring in the competition.  Their 5 goals were scored by 5 different players, including three of their forwards: Santa Cruz, Haedo Valdez, and Lucas Barrios.  Goalie Justo Villar was undoubtedly their best player, standing on his head in their quarter-final win against Brazil.

Peru           A

The shock of the tournament without a doubt.  Coach Markarian did more with less and took his squad to an unexpected 3^rd place finish.  Hamburg striker Paolo Guerrero was awarded the golden boot of Copa America with 5 goals in 5 games.  Fiorentina attacking midfielder Juan Vargas was unstoppable flying down the left flank and diminutive winger William Chiroque was a tournament revelation.  This was a rebirth of sorts for a soccer nation starved for wins in the last decade. 

           

Uruguay     A

Well deserved champions, who showed strength in all their lines.  Goalie Fernando Muslera was stellar and the best in the competition.  Captain Diego Lugano was a rock in the back along with Sebastian Coates.  Although Diego Forlan did not find the score sheet until the finals, he was the motor in the midfield and helped create chances for team leading scorer Luis Suarez.  Diego Perez and Arevalo Rios did the dirty work in the midfield to help open holes for Alvaro Pereria.  Even sweeter was the fact they eliminated arch rival Argentina in their own backyard, and lifted the trophy in Buenos Aires.

Venezuela   B+

The other surprise of the tournament was led by captain and playmaker Juan Arango.  Forwards Rondon and Miku were a handful to control and caused many chances for the “vino tinto.”  They produced the most exciting finished by far in the competition with there heroic 3-3 tie against Paraguay, a game they were losing 3-1 with five minutes to play.  They also knocked off Chile on a late tally by Gabriel Cichero.  Center-back Vizcarrondo was in top form, and was only exposed in the third place game by golden boot winner Paolo Guerrero. 

Thoughts on Copa America (part one)

So we are at the semi-finals of the 2011 Copa America.  It has been full of what many would call surprises, but in actuality reflects some of the realities currently faced by the heavy hitters in the area.  Today we will go over the some of the “surprise” teams and the teams that have disappointed so far.  We will start with some of the “surprise” teams in the tournament.

Peru:

Easily the biggest surprise of the final four, Peru finished last in the last round of the Qualifying for South Africa 2010.  They came into the tournament with key losses due to injuries to defender Carlos Zambrano (St. Pauli- Germany),  forwards Jefferson Farfan (Schalke 04-Germany) and Claudio Pizarro (Werder Bremen- Germany), and attacking midfielder Luis Ramirez (Corinthians- Brazil).    

However new coach Sergio Markarian has instilled a defense first strategy with counter attacks lead by attacking midfielder Juan Vargas (Fiorentina-Italy) and lone front man Paolo Guerrero (Hamburger SV- Germany).  These counter attacks keep a balance which is necessary to avoid other teams from throwing everyone forward.  Guerrero has battled alone up front admirably, making many top defenders look silly in the process.  Vargas is able to push forward up the left hand side and cause fits for opposing defenses.  On the right side, Markarian has helped stretch the field with little known and diminutive winger William Chiroque.  The Juan Aurich winger is listed at 5 foot 5 inches but that is generous at best.  The veteran of the Peruvian first division made a splash in Peru’s 1-0 loss to Chile in the final group game.  He remained in the line-up for the quarter final match against Colombia and did not disappoint.  With Vargas and Chiroque on either wing, and Guerrero up front, Peru has kept defenses on its toes and has avoided teams from exploiting a weak midfield and lack of speed on defense.   Center-back Alberto Rodriguez (Braga-Portugal) has been stellar in the back and has cleaned up mistakes made by his fellow defenders Christian Ramos and Walter Vilchez.  Goalkeeper Raul Fernandez has been solid and made a game saving save at the end of regulation against Colombia to keep his team in contention. 

For the first time in years, Peru seems to be heading in the right directions.  Once injured players are integrated back to the squad, Peru seems to have a chance to contend for one of the final world cup spots in the upcoming qualifying season. 

Venezuela

Venezuela has been on a slow but steady rise over the last few world cup cycles.  They reached a high point in qualifying for South Africa 2010, where they finished a respectable 8^th, accumulating 22 points in 18 games.  Led up front by veteran Juan Arango (Borussia Mönchengladbach-Germany) , coach Cesar Farias has been able to put together a young core of little known players with a solid defense.  Little known Oswaldo Viscarrondo has been unpassable in the middle of the defense and has been a key target in set pieces.  Newell’s Old Boys defender Gabriel Cichero has been equally good and has also scored off a set piece in their 2-1 upset of Chile.  Gimnasia of Argentina midfielder Cesar Gonzalez adds class to a midfield which already boasts captain Juan Arango.  Two Spanish based strikers lead the front line with Getafe’s Miku and Malaga’s Jose Salomon Rondon.  The exploits of Rondon in the Spanish La Liga helped his squad avoid relegation with 14 goals in 30 games, setting a record for goals by a Venezuelan in the Spanish top flight set by Juan Arango.  Venezuela showed a never-die attitude in their final group stage game against Paraguay where they scored twice after the 89^th minute mark to stun Paraguay 3-3 and show that they can be patient and opportunistic in their 2-1 defeat of Chile.  Venezuela will use this tournament to propel them into qualifying later this year and should be in line to finish better than 8^th and maybe a spot in their first world cup in team history.

Not good enough for the following two nations…..

Argentina:

Where to start?  For starters they have the unquestioned best player in the world in Leonel Messi and they had the added plus of playing at home.  However, this elimination should not come as a shock to those who have watched this team since the departure of ex-coach Marcelo Bielsa.  Their last major trophy was the Copa America in 1993, 18 years ago!  This is mind-boggling considering Argentine players are some of the top players, on the top European teams.  However, the disaster that just occurred could be seen coming.  Think back to the end of 2010 World Cup Qualifying.  Argentina needed a last gasp, 90^th min goal from Boca Juniors talisman Martin Palermo to defeat last-place Peru, in Buenos Aires 2-1, and then a win in the last fixture against Uruguay to avoid an embarrassing home and away playoff against Costa Rica in order to qualify to the world cup.  They looked mediocre at best in beating South Korea, Nigeria, and Greece in the first round.  They reached the quarter finals by defeating Mexico and was shown the door in an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Germany.  Since then Maradona was let go as coach and Batista has tried to right the ship.  He has tried to re-shape the team to better compliment Messi, but has failed miserably.  A series of unimpressive friendlies, including ties against USA and Costa Rica, and losses to Poland and Nigeria,  should have been signaled a disaster was about to occur. 

Batista started by playing Messi with Napoli star Lavezzi and Manchester City front-man Carlos Tevez.  A slow and unimaginative midfield with Ever Banegas , Esteban Cambiaso, and Javier Mascherano made Argentina predictable and solely dependant on Messi pulling off a miraculous run to have a chance on goal.  These weaknesses were exploited by lowly Bolivia in a 1-1 draw, which Argentina was able to tie only due to a miraculous shot by late substitute Kun Aguero. Eventually Lavezzi and Tevez gave way to Kun Aguero and Angel Di Maria, but the results were the same.  The midfield creation was handed over to slow-footed, and bench-warmer Fernando Gago of Real Madrid.  Many times Messi looked isolated, even on a field full of European stars.  There was no link between the midfield and Messi and little chemistry with the wingers.  Colombia exploited a weak defense led by Gabriel Milito and Pablo Zabaleta.  Of course Messi is to blame as well.  Many times he was frustrated and disconnected from the run of play.  Many will say that Palermo playmaker Javier Pastore is the ideal partner for Messi, but he seemed lost and clueless, not precise with his passing, and many times simply played square balls to the nearest teammate when he entered as a substitute.  Gonzalo Higuain misses too many scoring chances to play at this level, and thus Argentina play without a true number “9” up front.  There is much work ahead for coach Batista ahead of world cup qualifying later this year. 

Brazil:

Coach Mano Menezes took over for Dunga after Brazil was bounced in the semi-finals of the last world cup.  Many criticized Dunga’s style of play because it did not pay homage to the jogo bonito brand of soccer.  Mano Menezes was supposed to bring back the flair and creativity we all associate with Brazilian soccer.  Santos superstars Neymar and Ganso, along with AC Milan striker Pato and midfielder Robinho were going to take Copa America by storm. 

Reality quickly set in after they were held to a draw by Venezuela and escaped with a last minute draw against Paraguay.  A 4-2 win against a declining Ecuador masked the overall problems which Brazil demonstrated in their first  two games.  Much talked about Neymar was substituted out in critical points in Brazil’s last two games, which speaks volumes about the coaches confidence in the young starlet.  The talent is undeniable, but much maturity is still needed for Neymar to be a sure-fire superstar.  He too often plays as if playing on the local playground, and forgets soccer is a team game while playing with blinders on.  Furthermore, referees have grown tired of his diving and flopping and often times referees do not give him the benefit of the doubt on fouls.  Ganso was handed the coveted “10” shirt and at moments looked the part with his slick passing and uncanny field vision.  However, these moments were few and far between for the Brazilian attack to be effective.  Dani Alves was out of sorts and found himself on the bench in favor of Inter Milan’s Maicon, who brought more depth to the Brazilian attack on the right side.  Attacking left-back Andre Santos was average at best and provided little to the attack.  Robinho was his usual self, which is to say unconvincing and uninspiring.  He made ineffective runs and errand passes all tournaments.  Pato was given little service as Neymar and Robinho did their worst “FIFA STREET” imitation.  Chelsea midfielder Ramires was nowhere to be seen in his defensive midfielder spot.  His passes were erratic and often times lost possession in the midfield, which led to opponent counter-attacks. 

Defenders Lucio and Thiago Silva were solid, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar was suspect, giving up questionable goals to Ecuador. 

Although many will say they were unlucky not to beat Paraguay in the quarter-final round, the fact remains this team only plays in spurts with little consistency.  Also, there is no excuse for missing FOUR straight penalty shots in the shootout.  There is no doubt that the field was in horrid conditions, but these are professional players, making more money than we can imagine to kick a ball about a field.  I can’t imagine Kobe Bryant missing four straight free throws to lose a playoff game, do you?

Quick Thoughts

Was that John Elway or Mark Sanchez out there for the Jets today?  The jets are making Jet fans suffer the last 4 weeks with last minute wins, but  maybe they are on a magic carpet ride that will end in Dallas for superbowl Sunday.
Santonio Holmes and Bryalan Edwards are making defenses scramble along with with comeback player of the year Tomlison.

Hopefully you did not blink as Sergio Martinez destroyed Sean        
Williams last night in Atlantic City.  More coming on Wednesday....

By Guest writer Antonia Morales.... Athletes and the Law

By: Antonia Morales

            As a young New York Giants fan, my happiest moment would be, hands down, the Super Bowl XLII win against the New England Patriots. My hero that game, and that year, was wide receiver Plaxico Burress. My admiration for him carried over to the next season.

            Then, the unthinkable happened. During what was starting out to be an amazing season for the Super Bowl champs, Burress decided to carry a loaded weapon into a nightclub. After accidently shooting himself in the leg, he got arrested for illegal gun possession.

My heart was broken.  My hopes were shattered. There was nothing more devastating than watching my Super Bowl hero fall from grace.

            There were a lot of questions surrounding the incident. How would it affect the team? How would it affect his future with the Giants? But I only had one question.

How could he be so stupid?

            In category of irresponsible athletes, Burress isn’t alone. Time and time again, another scandal sends shockwaves through the NFL when a player is discovered to have taken part in illegal or indecent activities.

            One of the most recent examples would be Brett Favre, aging quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, and his sexually explicit text messages to a young lady. Past scandals include other remarkable players such as Ray Lewis, Michael Vick, and Ben Roethlisberger. It seems to be a growing trend these days.

So what would drive a player who has such promise and potential to act so recklessly? How could they be so naïve to think they won’t get caught? And do all these players deserve second chances?

            Whether you’re a star quarterback or a talented wide receiver in the NFL, you have it all. You’re paid well (sometimes too well) to play a sport you love. Millions of your fans wait anxiously every week to see you compete for three hours. They watch with high hopes that you will perform your best and come out victorious. You’re a role model and young kids aspire to be just like you.

             This may be the reason why athletes think they can get away with murder. They’re special and important so nothing will bring them down. Pride and good sportsmanship is replaced with arrogance and a sense of entitlement. Athletes begin to think that laws and codes of conduct don’t apply to them. This is the dangerous mentality that leads to downfalls.

But with so much to lose, I would think they would be more careful. There is too much at risk to behave inappropriately.

            Athletes should also think about their integrity. A player represents himself, his team, and the league. An athlete should consider this an honor and take their role as a member of a respected organization seriously. Creating bad press disgraces a team and brings shame to the NFL.

Now, I strongly believe that an athlete’s private life should remain private. But this is wishful thinking. Unfortunately, with recognition comes consequences, and privacy is limited. In a time where everyone is obsessed with TMZ and other sources of celebrity gossip, athletes should realize that they can’t keep secrets for too long. When one is constantly in the spotlight, someone is always waiting for them to make a wrong move.

We are all prone to lapses in judgment and everyone makes mistakes. We shouldn’t expect athletes to be perfect. So, in my opinion, it seems fair if players such as Burress and Favre get second chances. Burress’s only victim was himself. And Favre has been in the league so long, it’s incredible that this is his first offense. There’s nothing fans enjoy more than redemption

But other players really should not have been allowed back to play in the NFL. Vick, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, was found guilty of taking part in illegal dog fighting. Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been accused of sexual assault. And Lewis, who plays for the Baltimore Raven, was arrested in connection with a double murder.

 There is nothing that anyone can say that will make me respect these men ever again. I would be ashamed to be their current teammates and would hate playing alongside someone who took part in such outrageous actions. When players like Vick and Lewis continue to play and receive paychecks, it feeds into the idea that athletes get special treatment.

There is no quick and easy solution that can put an end to this pattern of misbehavior. Fines and suspensions can only do so much. And not every offense can be punished the same way.

Players are really the only ones who can take action and make an effort to stop their teammates from figuratively, and literally, shooting themselves in the foot. Fans also need to voice their opinions and let the players know that we would not continue to support them if they use poor judgment.

I just hope that eventually, NFL players realize that they have worked too hard to throw away all that they have accomplished. Getting to the top isn’t easy, so once an athlete gets there, they should do all that they can to stay.

New Start..... Goose Talk

Let’s begin this almost weekly spot with total disclosure: I am a fan of some of the saddest franchises in sports. The list includes: The New York Mets (we still live off Bill Buckner, Robin Ventura’s Grand Single, and SNY’s repertoire of 6 Mets Classics that cycle over and over again), The Islanders (hmmm, Ray Ferraro to David Volek circa 1992), The New York Jets (Is Joe Nameth still living off his finger wagging and his failed pursuit of Suzy Kolbert on live TV?), and the New York Knicks (that’s a totally separate entry in this blog for future reading, but as long as Little Dolan is using the Knicks as his favorite toy, we are screwed).

Let’s start with the King turned Joker in South Beach. The now self proclaimed Joker (I know he didn’t say it directly, but what else can we call someone who was King of his domain who chooses to be second fiddle in someone else’s court?) is already complaining about getting too much playing time. Really? You know MJ is sitting somewhere sick to his stomach at this thought. Here is a man who played through injuries and sickness to win 7 rings having to listen to the player who everyone wants to make the “second coming,” say he can’t take the responsibility of playing “too many minutes” to win a regular season game. Shameful and flat out larceny. He takes a huge contract to be a Joker, promises multiple rings during the WWE-esque introduction ceremony during the summer, wants Cleveland to forgive him during a comical Nike commercial (where he takes shots as all time greats) then complains like a 6th grader that he has too much work to do. I hope all of this stops any mention of the Joker being G.O.A.T, and on a more current level, stops ANY comparison with Kobe. I hope that all those so-called Knicks fans who cheered him on and chanted “M-V-P” every time he played against “their team” like pre-teen girls shouting at a Bieber concert are ashamed of themselves. You know who you are, the ones with the “23” Knicks jersey with “James" written on the back, who drooled and bowed down to him when he “made it rain” baby powder before tip-off, who ogled over his every move to an almost perverted level. He used all of you, laughed at you, and took his “talents” to South Beach. Did you not see it coming? The Joker is only one of countless athletes who have used New York teams as leverage to get a better deal elsewhere. Can not wait to see what these “Knick fans” do when the Joker comes to town. Speaking of the Knicks…..

Amare is the new Allen Houston. So D’Antoni is just figuring out that his key to success in Phoenix was named Nash. He has failed the Knicks miserably, while taking away the identity of what New York Knicks basketball is all about: tough defense and blue-collar work. Amare has tried to say all the right things, but he is nothing more than an average player without a standout point guard (which the Knicks do not possess.) $100 million invested for a player who is average at best, plays no defense, has bad knees, has a vision problem, and has no game besides slashing to the hoop. Hmmmm, $100 million contract, bad knees, limited game, no defense….sounds a lot like Allen Houston.




Shout-outs

To Chris Bosh, the weakest power forward/center this side of Shawn Bradley. At least Bradley went up and tried to block dunks, even if he was usually not successful. Bosh not only made no effort, but he seemed to duck out of the way of Rondo making him a punch line. Last I checked Rondo is 6 foot tall, maybe.

To Margarito’s corner for allowing their boxer to take a beating and doing nothing about it because he “is a Mexican and will never back down.” Easy to say when you are not the one getting your eyes punched out of place. Contact sports exception be damned, sue them Margarito!

To Cam Newton for helping us all forget about Reggie Bush and the USC scandal. The NCAA should stop insulting our intelligence and admit that NCAA Division I athletics is a major sports business with no connection to the ideals of amateurism.

To Mike Vick for becoming an elite QB. He served his time in jail and has re-made his image. No matter what you may think of him as a person, his play has been exceptional and he is becoming the QB the Falcons always envisioned. Vick for MVP?...

Sporting Event few will watch- Paul Williams- Sergio Martinez II on HBO boxing this Saturday night. Could be the fight of the year…..

Until next time…..

Comments or suggestions email me at gustavoescobar10@gmail.com

Check out these videos. Special thanks to youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C09ZBddNa4k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBnfUpQB4Lo%20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBnfUpQB4Lo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi0-oCyYHVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsA0hreQAWI

Another Lost Year in NY Sports

As a new year starts, a quick thought on three lost sports seasons in New York. The Mets and Jets have just finished seasons which started with much hope and expectations and ended with colossal choke jobs. The Knicks, well, we can consider their season over even before the all-star break, which begs the questions: What is wrong with these three teams that play in the largest market in America and have deep pockets?

The summer of '08 was supposed to make us all forget the major collapse suffered by the Mets last season. It was suppose to erase the memories of blown ninth inning saves. It was suppose to make us forget one of the, if not the worse pitching performances in Mets history. Yes, you know the game, the one where major free-agent flop Tommy Glavine could not record an out in the biggest game of his ill-fated Mets career. However, all we were left with were more sad memories and heartache as the Mets waved goodbye to Shea Stadium like only they could manage. It was another blown lead to the hated Phillies, who to add insults to injury are now World Series Champions. Once more the Mets were put out of their misery by the no-frills, low cost, last place Marlins. This time around, the Marlins not only eliminated the Mets, but also ruined what should have been a happy farewell for Shea Stadium. Once more they wasted a pitching gem the day before they were eliminated. All-world ace Johan Santana took the ball on three days rest and gave the Mets a performance that we will always remember. No one will deny that they missed closer Billy Wagner, but the true problem was the "core" of the team. Beltran, Reyes, Wright, and Delgado all came up small once more, stirring rumors that the core needs to be changed.

Will the summer of '09 be different? Will the Mets treat the fans to a playoff run similar to '06? Will Citi-Field be witness to the first World Series since '86? Billy Wagner's career in Flushing is over, but in comes K-Rod and Putz to try to shore up a bleak bullpen situation for the Mets. Once again the men in Flushing will only go as far as Beltran, Delgado, Wright and Reyes can take them. Anything less than a division title is a total disappointment for a team in such a big market and such deep pockets.

Where as the Mets keep their fans on the edge of their seats as they fight for the playoffs, the Knicks are simply unwatchable most of the time. The most expensive team in the NBA that plays in the world's most famous arena is a collection of misfits and role players. The one bright spot this season has been the vanishing of Isaiah Thomas and his band of clowns. Also out are Brooklyn icon and perennial loser Stephon Maubury, whose last good game might have been when he was winning his only championship with Lincoln High School. Mike D'Antoni has banished Eddy Curry, whose best moments are most likely at the local McDonald's. Jerome James (yes, he is actually still on the Knicks) is now the most expensive 12th man in NBA history and the Knicks are trying to create salary cap room for 2010. To this effect, free-shooting and erratic Jamal Crawford is now chucking up shots for Golden State. In the mean time, Knick fans have to pay premium price to watch a team led by mediocre players such as Chris Duhan, Al Harrington, and Tim Thomas. There is little hope for Knicks fans for the rest of this season and the whole of next year. That’s at least another 120 games of losing basketball as we hope to hit the lottery in the summer of 2010 with Wade, Boch, or the big prize....King James himself. Knicks management better get this right. Knick fans will be patient in the hopes of landing one of those high price free agents, but if this is not the case, D'Antoni and company may want to head for witness protection.

However, The Mets gave us 1986 and that magical run to the subway series in 2000 and the NL East Title and a gut wrenching NLCS loss in 2006. The Knicks gave us those rough and tumble Pat Riley teams led by hall of famer Patrick Ewing, the Allen Houston runner in the lane to eliminate Pat Riley’s Heat, the 4-point play, and Charlie Ward's supplex of punk PJ Brown, but the Jets???? Well besides Joe Nameth's finger wagging, its been "the same old Jets." There was that flash when the Big Tuna (Bill Parcells for those who have been living on Mars) led the Jets to the AFC title game in which they had a 10-0 lead over the Broncos in Denver at halftime. Since then........well I'm thinking......NOTHING! Vinny got injured early the following season and the Jets have never recovered. Glen Foley and Ray Lucas disguised themselves as starting QBs and the Jets have been losers ever since that ill-fated AFC title game in Denver. Chad Pennington proved to have the heart and desire to be a winner, he just didn’t have the physical tools. All of which makes this last season even more tragic for Jets fans. Eric Mangini was given a revamped offensive line, a hall of fame QB and 7 pro-bowlers, and did he do with it? Well is started well enough with an 8-3 record, with away wins at then undefeated Tennessee and at arch nemesis New England. The media was talking about an all New York Super bowl and Brett Favre looked like he was going to finally bring the Jets to the promised land. Then everything went wrong. Brett Favre ended up with 23 INTs and the Jets crashed to a 9-7 finish, with the final insult coming on the last day of the season. With their fading playoff hopes on the line, the Jets hosted the Miami Dolphins led by Chad Pennington. Pennington came to the Meadowlands and finished off the Jets in route to a division title and a playoff berth. Now the Jets are left to wonder if they will ever be winners again. Brett Favre will most likely retire (for real this time) and Eric Mangini has been told to clear his office ASAP. Wasted were All-Pro performances by Thomas Jones and Revis. Wasted was an opportunity to win a division which was without its best player since the first play of the season...Tom Brady. The Jets have no capable QB in waiting and who really wants to coach this team? Seems like there may be a 2-12 season in the future with no hope in site for the Jets. At least they are not the Lions right? Just another year for THE SAME OLD JETS.....

All of this may sound like complaining and whining, however, we are talking about teams in the biggest market in America. Nothing less than winning in acceptable with teams with a payroll the size of which is almost embarrassing.