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New York Yankees Preview

Kyle Soppe — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:14:54 +0000

By Kyle Soppe

Sure, the future hall of famers are aging and reaching the twilights of their careers, but the New York Yankees no longer feel like a team whose window of opportunity will close once their iconic core hang up their cleats.

Alex Rodriguez (36 years old) is no longer the stud that set an MLB record by producing at least 30 homers and 100 RBI in 13 consecutive seasons, but he is still a solid run producing option in the middle of a loaded lineup. Yankee Stadium is a hitters park, and regardless of how you feel about Arod, it is hard to argue that, when healthy, he is still a feared number three/four hitter. With the retirement of Jorge Posada, Arod should benefit from spending more time at DH in 2012.

Derek Jeter (37) had a nice bounce back season after a disappointing 2010, but make no mistake about it, signs of decline are obvious. His range isn’t what it used to be, and he is no longer legging out infield hits on a consistent basis. He is no longer a feared leadoff hitter, but he is a true professional, and always a tough out. While the MVP type seasons are behind him, it is impossible to deny that Jeter can contribute. He doesn’t strike out, and works the count. Maybe not the flashy contributions we are used to, but nevertheless, an important role when it comes to winning ball games.

Mo Rivera (42) continues to defy logic, and remains an elite closer. He has yet to show real signs of decline, and can once again be counted on in the 9th inning. He won’t pitch on back to back nights very often, but his 65 innings and 40 saves are nearly guaranteed.

Freddy Garcia (36) is a journey man, and it would be risky for the Yanks to count on him for much this year. So with the elderly covered, let’s take a look at why Bronx Bomber fans should embrace 2012.

With the hitter friendly ballpark, Curtis Granderson (31) should continue to thrive. He produced MVP numbers last season, and a move up in the order sparked his great season. Mark Teixera (31) figures to be entering the prime of his career, and hitting behind Granderson and Arod, will certainly continue his streak of seven consecutive campaigns of at least 105 RBI. These are guys in their prime, who everybody knows about. Let’s take a look at some baby Bombers who will fill the role of the aging superstars.

Brett Gardner (28) brings a new dimension to the power oriented Yanks. He stole 49 bases last season, and is a pure leadoff hitter who can spray hits to all fields. Pessimists point to his putrid batting average (.259 last season), but Jeter hit 20 points under his career average when he was 28 years old too. Expect Gardner to bat closer to .280 and distract pitchers when he gets on base.

The remaining infielder that we have not touched on is an absolute stud. It is rare that an offensively explosive team is paced by a middle infielder, but Robinson Cano (29) has the skills to do just that for this years Yanks. He combines durability (he’s played in at least 159 games in each of the past five seasons) with the power of a cleanup hitter and the eye of a leadoff man. Cano had 81 extra base hits a season ago, and figures to at least match that this season. He will likely supplant Arod as the teams cleanup hitter before long, meaning more at bats for the best second basemen in the game.

So we’ve established that New York is still a potent offense, now onto the other facet of the game: pitching. Typically a sore area for the Yankees, as they tend to lack depth. CC Sabathia (31) is a true ace, and the innings eater battles every fifth day. He still has plenty of gas in the tank, and has shown the ability to carry a team (just ask any Brewer fan). But he is not the only reason this team can do some serious damage this season. Michael Pineda (23), recently acquired in the trade that sent hot shot catching prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle, is an ace in the making. In his rookie season, he stroke out more than a batter per inning, a key stat as balls tend to fly out of Yankee Stadium. He will get much more run support this season, and is a sure bet for 15 wins.

Second year starter Ivan Nova (25) will follow Pineda in the rotation after an ultra impressive 2011. He won 16 of his 20 decisions and walked less batters than established superstars like David Price, Matt Cain, and Felix Hernandez. Don’t get me wrong, he is not in the class of pitcher, but as the Yanks third option, he’s a far cry from the AJ Burnett’s of the world. Phil Hughes (25) was just inked to a one year deal, and is in a put up or shut up season. He is a young gun with plenty of potential, but has been unable to establish himself as the major league pitcher that most projected him as. I like Hughes to have a serviceable season, and make the Yanks rotation four deep.

The final reason for my optimism is middle inning man David Robertson (26). He has already emerged as the best at his craft, and will be called on more heavily should Rivera begin to tire. The confidence that Girardi has in him will result in the starters being well rested, as they won’t need to go eight innings on a regular basis. The bullpen is a strength, and typically gets a night off when CC takes the hill, so I expect them to be strong for 162+ games.

Full disclosure, I am a Yankee hater and tend to root against the pinstripes every night. But if I take a step back and look at this roster, I see 93 wins and a playoff berth.

MAAC Press Break

Casey — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:43:34 +0000

A weekly round-up of men’s basketball in the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Broncs add four to score

LAWRENCEVILLE-Rider University basketball coach Tommy Dempsey has announced the addition of four players to his 2011-12 roster.

“This is a recruiting class that will not only make an immediate impact but also continue to lay the foundation for long term success here at Rider,” Dempsey said.

Joining the Broncs in the fall will be Eddie Mitchell and Junior Fortunat of Philadelphia, Mark Medley of Wilmington, Delaware and Charles Oliver of Scotch Plains.

These four join Jeff Jones of Chester, PA who transferred to Rider from the University of Virginia and sat out the 2010-11 season.

Mitchell, a 6’0″ senior guard at La Salle College High School, averaged 16.2 points per game last season, earning First Team All-Catholic League and First Team All-City honors.

Fortunat is a 6’8″, 220 pound senior at Roman Catholic, the same high school that gave Rider Mike Ringgold ’11. Fortunat averaged 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game to earn First Team All-Catholic and Honorable Mention All-City honors.

Medley is a 6’3″ senior at Tatnall High School, where he earned Second Team All-State honors as a junior and a senior. Medley graduates with 1,410 career points, averaging 20.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a senior.

Masiello announces Manhattan basketball staff

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College head men’s basketball coach Steve Masiello has announced the hiring of associate head coach Matt Grady, assistant coach Rashon Burno, along with coordinator of basketball operations Matt Wilson. They join assistant coach Scott Padgett who will return for his second season at Manhattan. Grady brings nine years of NCAA Division I experience to Riverdale, most recently serving as associate head coach at Morehead State University. Burno, a local product who won two National Championships at St. Anthony’s High School for Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, comes to Manhattan after an assistant coaching stint at Towson University. Wilson worked as the assistant video coordinator at Louisville last season after serving as a student manager the previous two years under head coach Rick Pitino.

Buonaguro, Dempsey and Dunne honored at Yankee Stadium

The New York Yankees welcomed Coaches vs. Cancer during a pregame home plate ceremony at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, prior to their game vs. the Kansas City Royals. Siena head coach Mitch Buonaguro was one of 10 coaches recognized.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

The 10 coaches scheduled to attend were: Jim Boeheim (Syracuse University), Mitch Buonaguro (Siena College), Mo Cassara (Hofstra University), Tommy Dempsey (Rider University), Matt Doherty (Southern Methodist University), John Dunne (Saint Peter’s College), Mitch Henderson (Princeton University), Steve Lavin (St. John’s University), Mike Lonergan (George Washington University) and Mike Rice (Rutgers University).

The New York Yankees welcomed Coaches vs. Cancer during a pregame home plate ceremony at Yankee Stadium Wednesday prior to their game vs. the Kansas City Royals. Rider University head coach Tommy Dempsey was one of the ten coaches.

Dunne shows support for Coaches vs. Cancer

NEW YORK, NY - Saint Peter’s men’s basketball coach John Dunne continued his support for the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer initiative on Thursday with his participation at WJB Capital Group, Inc. (WJB) Charity Day in Midtown Manhattan. Dunne joined Naismith Hall of Fame basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, NFL superstar running back and 2011 Hall of Fame inductee Marshall Faulk, Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and several college basketball coaches who all worked the phones to generate donations at WJB’s new headquarters on Third Avenue. The group proceeded to Times Square to celebrate the completion of Charity Day by ringing the NASDAQ Closing Bell.

Masiello shows support for Coaches vs. Cancer

Coaches vs. Cancer (CvC) is a program founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in a variety of national and local events. Since its inception in 1993, coaches have raised nearly $50 million through the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Today, nearly 2,000 college and high school coaches, the most ever, participate in the program.

Rider to participate in Philly Hoop Group Classic

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.–The Philly Hoop Group Classic, a 5th annual, Thanksgiving Weekend basketball event featuring Division I level college teams.

The 2011 multiple team event will feature: University of Pittsburgh, James Madison University, LaSalle University, University of Pennsylvania, Rider University & Robert Morris University.

The Philly Hoop Group Classic’s Final Round games will be played at The Palestra on Friday, November 25th & Saturday November 26th. The event’s preliminary games will be played at participating schools from November 13th through the 23rd.

The Hoop Group, which organizes instructional camps, clinics, high school events and college events created The Philly Hoop Group Classic.

Niagara’s Martelli joins Delaware coaching staff

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara men’s basketball assistant coach Phil Martelli, Jr. has joined the Delaware Blue Hen coaching staff after spending the last five seasons at Niagara.

“It was a really tough decision,” Martelli said. “It was a lot of hours thinking, a lot of lists being put together, reasons to stay, reasons to come to Delaware. It was real hard because I’m leaving a great place, but more importantly, a great person in coach (Joe) Mihalich.”

Ronald Moore’s team loses in Slovakian finals

Former Siena point guard Ronald Moore came up just short of winning a championship in his rookie season in Slovakia.

His Nitra team fell 70-58 to Levice in the deciding Game 5 of the finals in Slovakia’s Extraliga.

Levice won 3-2 in the best-of-five series.

Moore, Siena’s career assists leader, had 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists for Nitra.

Siena assistant leaves for Lehigh

For the second straight day, news arrives of a local Division I assistant coach leaving a program.

This time, it’s Siena’s Stephen Ott, who’s taken a similar position at Lehigh, Siena head coach Mitch Buonaguro confirmed today.

Ott has already updated his employment status on his Facebook page and changed his residence to Bethlehem, Pa.

Siena still searching after late signing period

The last day of the late signing period came and went on Wednesday with no news from the Siena basketball program, which still has two scholarships to offer for the 2011-12 season.

That doesn’t mean much because Siena can still come to a financial aid agreement with a recruit for next season. It just won’t be a binding document like the national letter of intent is.

“It is what it is,” Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro said. “Teams do it all the time, sign after the date.”

Buonaguro and his staff are still looking for a backup point guard to replace sophomore Jonathan Breeden, who transferred after the season. It won’t necessarily be easy with a lot of prospects already signed with other schools.

Niagara’s Edwards will not return for 2011-12 season

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich has announced that forward Kashief Edwards will not return for the 2011-12 season.

“Kashief Edwards will graduate this summer and has decided to use his last year of eligibility at another school,” Mihalich said. “We are extremely proud of all that Niagara University has done for Kashief on and off the floor and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Buffalo News article on the release of Edwards

Niagara University forward Kashief Edwards has been released from his scholarship and will transfer to another school, according to sources.

Edwards, who would have been a fifth-year senior next season, will earn his degree this summer and is eligible to play for another school immediately.

A native of Philadelphia, Edwards averaged 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as a junior in 2010-11. He was the Purple Eagles’ leading rebounder and third leading scorer.

CBS Sports Network to televise Adidas grassroots evens

CBS Sports Network will broadcast three adidas grassroots basketball championship games this summer, including the adidas Nations finale in early August.

“We’re excited to partner with CBS Sports Network and bring adidas’ elite high school basketball events to millions of viewers across the country on television and online,” adidas vice president of Global Basketball Lawrence Norman said. “Our programs feature the game’s next superstars and we’re thrilled to showcase this high-level of basketball to viewers all across America.”

Coming soon

Stay tuned for the first annual Pickin’ Splinters rundown on the MAAC’s incoming class. Fans can get an in-depth look at all the new student-athletes to play next season in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

My interview with George Herman

Casey — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:15:04 +0000

Who says late night walks are a waste of precious sleep time. When I was recently coerced by the eldest daughter into visiting a local all night eatery, I was awoken a couple of hours later with a gut ache to beat the band. I had no other choice but to walk it off. It was then that I met up with none other Mr. George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth. Sure his appearance was nothing more than an apparition, but he was his usual gregarious self. Here is the transcript of our conversation:

Casey: Mr. Ruth I gotta say you look great.

Ruth: Casey please call me Babe. Yeah – this heaven thing is all it’s cracked up to be. When I left this earthly existence, Presto! I also left behind the throat cancer and everything else that was crawling around inside me.

Casey: Mr. Ruth did you say heaven?

Ruth: (chuckling) I know it’s hard to believe, but I am flying with the angels. And please call me Babe.

Casey: Oh right. Wow! If you can pull off heaven, I guess the rest of us should be all right?

Ruth: (continuing to laugh) It might not be that easy. See I had a few things working in my favor. When I got up to the pearly gates, there was Saint Pete waiting for me. He pulled out my ledger. I’m not gonna lie. As he perused the numbers, his brow furled a little in amazement. Seemed as if I had more than my fair share of Hail Marys said for me. Then it dawned on me – all the priests back in the orphanage said they would pray for me because I needed it. I didn’t take them seriously until St. Pete welcomed me in. So you see all those Novenas they are worth something.

Casey: That’s good to know. Would you mind answering a few questions?

Ruth: Shoot. I haven’t had an interview in about 65 years (smiles).

Casey: What do you think about the modern players using supplements and steroids and surpassing your numbers?

Ruth: Ah hogwash! They are players. They are competitors. Competitors are always looking for an advantage. You know you do a lot of preaching on that Clipboard of yours about the virtues of sports. Let me tell ya. The only virtue in sport is beating the next guy. You better come down off that soap box of yours before it becomes lather and you tumble off it.

Casey: Babe, wait. Did you say the Clipboard?

Ruth: Yeah.

Casey: You read the Clipboard?

Ruth: Of course I do. I am a sports fan aren’t I? I keep up with all the action going on down here. You guys got it working on that site. That guy Wally tells it like it is. He’s a straight shooter, and I love his Fightin’ Irish commentary. And Reynell with his On the Pitch work? I was never much of a fan of the ‘Beautiful Game’, but since OTP I find myself tuning in to 212 on a regular basis. Then there’s Smitty with his views on the world of sports. That guy is always good for a chuckle. Nice stuff with that Frozen Pond Diary too. I love reading about the prospects coming up through the system.

Casey: That’s great to know. Do you read any other stuff on a regular basis?

Ruth: Oh yeah. One thing we have plenty of in heaven is time. I love that guy Chas with his stuff on Left Field. It’s great how he mixes in the music commentary. I’m a Neil Young lover myself, so I dig his stuff. Of course I read Seamheads, Sox and Dawgs, Boston Sports Rants, and Sox and Pinstripes to name a few.

Casey: I never would have guessed. Since you brought up the Pinstripes – what do you think about the move into the new stadium?

Ruth: I guess it had to happen. It just doesn’t make sense. Did I miss something? When did all of these luxuries become a necessity at a baseball game? Too much about the event and not enough about the game. 21st century baseball is becoming a carnival with all of these gimmicks. Give me batting practice and some hard-nosed play, and that’s all a person should need. If they want a party, tell ‘em to go to the local 6 Flags or something.

Casey: I agree. What do you make of the ’08 Yanks?

Ruth: Ya know I could see it coming. When they won #26, the lineup included guys like Martinez, Brosius, and Williams – guys who put the team first. Since then the front office seems intent on grabbing headlines with their acquisitions. How much are they paying Rodriguez? And how many post-season RBI does he have? But that’s all right. I got faith in this Girardi kid. He’ll right the ship.

Casey: Funny you mention the acquisitions – how do you feel about Giambi being nicknamed the ‘Giambino’?

Ruth: I pay it no attention. I can’t be bothered with that horse ca-ca.

Casey: What do you think about this year’s league championships?

Ruth: I love how Torre’s having success in L.A.. Joe’s a good guy. He’s a baseball guy. He knows how to let his players play. I always liked a manager who gave us some freedom. Miller Huggins let us play. That’s why the ’27 team was so good.

Casey: Since you mentioned the ’27 team, I read an article recently where a writer claimed the ’39 team was better than your ’27 version. What do you think of that?

Ruth: Let them talk all they want. That ’39 team was good – don’t get me wrong . But they didn’t have Waite Hoyt. If we played them head-to-head – in a seven game series – Hoyt would go 4 times. The guy was that strong. And he was that much of a competitor. He just did not know fatigue. But back to this year – the Sox better be careful with the Rays. Tampa doesn’t know any better. Yeah Boston has experience working for them, but Tampa is young and foolish. They are gonna take chances because it doesn’t matter to them, and those chances will pay off.

Casey: There are some that suggest you and Manny Ramirez have something in common. That you both sandbagged, so you could get out of Boston.

Ruth: (chuckling) I wish I could be that smart. Sandbagged? I don’t know what advantage that would have given me. I’m not gonna lie Boston is a helluva sports town. Even back then there was a lotta pressure to win. But there was no advantage for me to leave. Besides, I loved New England Clam Chowda – that Manhattan stuff just doesn’t do it for me. Manny on the other hand? Manny had some motivation. If you don’t think that guy Boras had something to do with his behavior, you’re crazy. It’s just disappointing that a grown man would act like that. Doesn’t he realize he is nothing more than a puppet on a string?

Casey: Good point.

Ruth: Yeah, but that guy can hit. Did you see that poke at Wrigley? That pitch was a foot out of the strike zone. Listen I gotta run. I gotta date. But before I go – when am I gonna get a spot on the Who am I?

Casey: I’ll get ya in – just not much of a challenge? Everyone knows you.

Ruth: You’ll figure something out.

Casey: Did you say a date?

Ruth: I did mention I was in heaven – right?