HBO, MLB WANT You to Care About 3,000 Again

While show prepping for the best edition of "The Exchange" yet, my editor asked me for a Yankees piece for the paper. Seemingly, everything has been said about the topic, but not necessarily for the purview to the New York Beacon's audience (we are a weekly, after all). Fortunately, when HBO sent its press release regarding production on a show that followed Derek Jeter towards the 3,000 hits mark, I didn't lack a topic; though certainly for internet-savvy baseball addicts, the reaction to this upcoming special may have been said elsewhere with no word count limit. It is published in this week's Beacon, but for you out-of-towners, here you go.

Building Up Jeter, 3,000 a Task Beyond Yankee Universe for MLB, HBO
By Jason Clinkscales

Earlier this week, HBO announced that it would follow Derek Jeter’s quest towards the magical 3,000 hits mark. Magical because in baseball, no matter the controversies that still pull the sport down, it’s a testament to a player’s consistency, health and diligence to the craft.

Only 27 other players in the history of baseball have ever crossed this plane and amazingly, Jeter – the Yankees’ franchise leader in hits – will be the first to have done so for the Bronx Bombers (former Yank Wade Boggs did so with Tampa Bay). He’ll pass other legends in the game such as Roberto Clemente and Lou Brock before the end of the month and might approach Rickey Henderson, Rod Carew and the underrated Craig Biggio before season’s end.

Unfortunately, because of the Yankees’ dominance in the sport’s narrative – even when they are not involved with the game you may be watching – Jeter’s eventual milestone doesn’t have the panache outside of New York that it would have before baseball had to defend itself from performance-enhancers and the worst financial system in sports. What it does have, however, is good timing as this season has lacked a defining moment thus far.

HBO has a history of telling amazing stories that you may have not expected; from making Floyd Mayweather Jr. boxing’s greatest villain on its acclaimed 24/7 platform to a humored reflection on the infamous Broad Street Bullies of the 1970s (NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers). Yet, those were unearthing personalities seeking an opportunity to shine or casting a larger spotlight where one previously dimmed years ago. With the in-production “Derek Jeter 3K”, this is different because there may not be a new look into an iconic player.

What can be said that hasn’t been said before about the most revered Yankee since Mickey Mantle? The local adulation may be a bit much for some, but considering that Major League Baseball is desperate for anything to take attention away from the financial struggles with the Mets & LA Dodgers, this would be a chance to recapture the national narrative. HBO helped make the New York Jets the most talked-about team in America in 2010 and made you briefly care about hockey before the 2011 Winter Classic, but they are now charged with reviving a seemingly faded brand.

Jeter’s a man that can actually get Boston Red Sox fans watching his inevitable climb to 3,000 out of sheer respect. He’ll have baseball fans throughout the NYC metro area stand and applaud, whether fans of the Yankees, Mets or other. Yet, it’ll be up to HBO to make this moment matter beyond the constellations in the Yankee Universe. They may gloss over the same reverence as many media have over the years, but with its unique brand of storytelling, the premium cable channel has a chance to refresh the story a bit as Jeter inches closer to 3,000.

Say What?!?!: So, it's been nearly three weeks since the last post, but you can blame the new fulltime job. However, as you may have picked up on quickly, the show don't stop! Catch up to the archives of The Exchange, including Tuesday's excellent special episode with Michael Tillery of SLAM Magazine & The Starting Five along with Paulsen of Sports Media Watch.

The Latest and Greatest Elsewhere

So, after a few weeks of co-hosting Sports @ the Half on WHCR with ChiChi Anunkor, yesterday was the first time calling in, giving a report on the New York Giants. For the remainder of the season, do yourselves a favor and check for me at 5:15 PM Eastern every Monday.

In addition, every Tuesday, for those who have yet to discover it, there is the NFL Week in Review with myself, Chris Pummer, Brad Goldbach and Alex Prewitt. Always good times and both compliment what you'd see from my work with the New York Beacon... if you can find it, of course.

Also, though there are no words from me this month, check the latest and certainly greatest from Norman Einstein's Magazine. Plenty of you saw The Tenth Inning and my colleagues have a great discussion from varied perspectives around the country. Oh, and check the new bios.

Finally, with the third and final semester in school getting into high gear, you will notice the off-and-on activity on Scribe that has made 2010 a bit of a struggle in terms of substance. All of this academic jazz is to make this blog better when the program is finished this December. With that said, I'm hoping to add some new features to the site as we approach the start of the NHL and NBA seasons, the MLB playoffs and, of course, serving the dope fiends when it comes to football.

For ongoing chatter, random references and any questions, do feel free to follow on Twitter. You'll feel like you won the lottery. Or not.

Say What?!?!: Speaking of the Giants, hats off to the NFL for 'going pink'. If you use social networks, you should do the same.

Footbally Words

Somne of the words put down for this Thursday's past edition of the New York Beacon regarding the 2010 New York Giants:

Just days before Sunday’s opener versus the Carolina Panthers at the New Meadowlands Stadium, you might be wondering who will the New York Giants be this season? Can they still be identified from the Super Bowl outfit from 2007 and 2008 that forced an entire nation to take notice with strong front seven defenders and a steady diet of rushing offense? Or are they going to be the 2009 team that became surprisingly more reliant on a top-tier passing game because of defensive struggles and a running game with less pop?

What can be said is who they hope to be; a team that can create far more turnovers than last year’s unit, which only managed 24 (22nd of 32 teams) and one that can bring a stronger running game to compliment the 11th-best passing offense.

In addition, if you have not read September's edition of Norman Einstein's Magazine, please do. Excellence all around; a good bit of football with boxing and baseball thrown in to take the eyes off the gridiron for a few minutes.
 
Finally, expect NFL thoughts this week for The Perpetual Post and during my fourth guest co-hosting efforts on Sports at the Half of WHCR this Monday at 5PM Eastern.

Giant Start to the Week

Transparency. Space.

Those are two words that came to mind in the first visit to New Meadowlands Stadium.

The design has been criticized for being ‘cold’ and devoid of personality. Yet, the design is about functionality and adaptability than anything else. What would you do if you had to come up with a design for a stadium with two distinctly different full-time tenants, multiple concerts, grand scale soccer matches, college football, state expositions and other potential events like the World Cup and the Super Bowl? You’re going to come up with something more… neutral.

This is certainly the most transparent venue this Scribe has ever visited. Though the aluminum louvers could impede some of the views in the luxury suites that dominate the structure, this is made up for by having unimpeded views of the field and stadium bowl itself. All the attention is directed to either the field or one of the four middle-deck corner screens above; making it easier for all of the 82,000+ fans to keep up with the action.

If this place reminded me of something, there was a slight resemblance (again, slight) to Nationals Park in Washington DC. To visually explain; the cream-colored, monument look to the non-aluminum portions of the façade reminded me of the ballpark on the Anacostia River.

For the media-obsessed, you probably heard about ‘the fishbowl’. The conference room used for post-game press conferences is now a main attraction for anyone lucky enough – connected or loaded – to watch the game in the Coaches Club. The room is no longer shielded by concrete walls and out of the purview of the fans. Instead, it’s incorporated into this field-level deck with three sides of glass decorated with play diagrams. If fans stick around for the extra 15-20 minutes after the end of the game, they can actually watch the post-game conferences live. Some media members unsurprisingly grumbled about this; no longer can they ask stupid questions semi-anonymously as fans can watch the repartee between the media and the team. “Can’t throw stones at a glass house anymore”, one radio reporter perfectly quipped.

Compared to Giants Stadium, NMS is ginormous. As people have come to expect, there’s more of everything: more space, more transport (elevators, escalators), more concessions, more suites, more bathrooms… and more money. If there’s one gripe about the place, it’s there wasn’t enough time to walk throughout the building. In a new venue, however, everyone is still trying to figure out where everything is and it takes time for security and stadium operations personnel to nail every nook & cranny. This may frustrate the hell out of fans and media alike, but as we say this time of year in football media, it’s preseason for everybody (and for NMS, everything).

Pictures of the interior and a comprehensive video will greet you after the second preseason game versus New England on September 2nd. By then, you may have already seen plenty views of NMS, but there’s a reason why you look through these eyes, right?

In the meantime, in other football-related news, yours truly will be a guest host on Sports @ the Half on WHCR. You can listen live at 5PM Eastern thought the website or on 90.3 FM if you're in the Boroughs. Also, for those who care to find it, look for words on the Giants for the Beacon later this week. If you’re in the city and happen to find it at newsstands, put the Snickers down and buy the paper instead.

Meanwhile, enjoy the slideshow.

A Curious Thought on The Boss

So, for a few weeks, baseball is the only show in town. For once, this isn’t maddening as many of you are tired of hearing about The Guy in South Beach and all associated parties. However, in these parts, there’s an understandable cloud with the passings of both Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard and principal owner George Steinbrenner.

Unless you’re in the Boroughs (and you still have to find it), you won’t be able to see my first contribution to the New York Beacon since the start of the season. In short:

Save for Marvin Miller, the former leader of the player’s union whose tenure brought riches and opportunity to many baseball players, Steinbrenner was more powerful and influential than nearly every rival owner, agent, player or commissioner in his 35 years as principal owner. The days ahead will be more than “win one for George” rally; the Yanks won seven World Series crowns for him before. They will be a reminder of his famous quote that will be repeated often; “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.”

It may have surprised most baseball fans to discover that Steinbrenner had such a connection to football as a former player and coach; that was certainly the case when I did some research on him almost a decade ago. A question of sheer curiosity I asked back then came up the other day; if he had the chance to own a NFL franchise, which one would it have been?

Though the football Giants would come to mind, it would have been unlikely considering the ownership between two families (the Mara and Tisch families) and their own deep roots with the franchise beyond signing checks.

His Cleveland roots didn’t stop him from becoming an unquestioned New York icon, but could he have put forth the same dedication and obsession with winning with the eternally-tortured Browns?

Steinbrenner may have been controversial in his obsession of winning, but he was an undeniably acute businessman. While he took the buy low road that many successful investors have in route to riches and wealth, what if he decided to blaze a trail and start anew? When he purchased the Yankees, the NFL just began to take hold in the South in cities like Atlanta and New Orleans (both in 1966 and 1967, respectively). Could he have taken charge in his adoptive home of Tampa where the Buccaneers were eventually born in 1976?

Again, this is more curiosity than anything else. He was baseball’s biggest personality for years and its most important owner, arguably, since another controversial leader who was based in New York, Walter O’Malley. Yet, football stoked his passions quite a bit in his younger days. If he looked at the gridiron instead of the diamond, it would have been quite a spectacle in itself.

From Elsewhere: Yankees in Camp and Brittney Griner

So after months of slightly bashing baseball fandom and management, I’m getting back in the leather, rubber and cork mode. For the New York Beacon, there’s a small (very small, no PDF yet) spring training preview of the World Series champs as the Yankees started camp recently. Basically, it’s a quick comparison of how camp was last season (with far more distractions) in contrast to today (relaxed in going for the repeat). Not much special to say.

Meanwhile, for something far more substantive, check out Wednesday's contribution to The Perpetual Post. Howard Megdal and I discussed the professional prospects of Brittney Griner, the freshman sensation of the Baylor Lady Bears.

She’s the curious case in light of a boastful claim from NBA Commissioner David Stern that a woman will play in the NBA within a decade. Now, whether or not this is true, we don’t know. However, it appears from both Howard and me that she may not be that player, but can be a transcendent professional, regardless.

Here's the recent Outside the Lines feature on her:



As old school hip-hop wannabes used to say, “Check me out, homes!”

In the next week, expect plenty more from outside of Scribe, including another timely essay for March’s Norman Einstein’s Magazine and baseball previews for The Perpetual Post.

Farewell

The logo in both end zones was an ode to a stadium that will become a parking lot for much more lavish digs next door in a few months. Though the slogan for the final season at Giants Stadium reads “The Tradition Continues”, fans can only hope that tradition doesn’t involve embarrassing losses like what they witnessed this past Sunday.

After the Carolina Panthers took the Giants and their playoff hopes to the woodshed, I hit the field for one last look at a place I got to know over the last five NFL seasons.

Not that I got misty-eyed, but including visits home during college, I've spent my almost my entire life in this area. I've seen plenty of changes to every place I've called home or have worked for a significant amount of time. I may have not been part of Big Blue faithful for the entire ride - in fact, most of the fans in the building didn't even stick around once the third quarter came to an end - but I certainly had an appreciation for the Stadium.

I am excited to step inside the New Meadowlands Stadium as hopefully, it'll be the first new sporting grounds where I have the chance to see as a media member. Yet, when the last beam is dismantled in a few months, it'll speak as much to the changes in the NY/NJ area as it will the changes to both the Giants and Jets franchises.

Fixin' (II)

For reasons unbeknownst to me, the New York Beacon has scaled back on the sports section; compelling a rather short blurb on what was a HUGE win for the New York Giants. However, for those who have a passing interest in Big Blue (passionate supporter, fantasy football player, media member), something that continues to stick out has been the team’s struggles with stopping opposing tight ends.

Against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the defense (sans captain/MLB Antonio Pierce) held future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez in check for the first three periods. Gonzalez netted just two catches for sixteen yards in the first three quarters; but in the final frame, Matt Ryan connected with him six times for 66 yards and the game-tying touchdown in regulation.

Yeah, that’s not good.

A lot of media folks keep going to the lack of sacks from the Giants’ front seven. Sure, sacks are nice numbers – even better are the drive-killers on third down – yet, most of them come because the quarterback can’t find an open receiver and/or the defense is quicker off the snap of the ball. Sacks are the widely-known tangible metric for pressure on the quarterback, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

The tight end, as much as a good pass-catching running back, is the quarterback’s safety valve. If he has a little bit of space, no matter where he is on the field, he’ll do damage to a defense. That’s what’s happened in four of the last five games to New York. Offenses knew that there’s a glaring hole behind the linebackers that can be exploited so long as the tight end created the slightest of separation.

As discussed with a few writers, it appears that this team truly, truly misses strong safety Kenny Phillips. The second-year defender out of “The U” was on his way to having a pretty good sophomore campaign, but after his breakout game in Dallas back in Week 2 – four tackles, two passes defense, two interceptions – he had microfracture surgery and was placed on injured reserve. Losing him for the season was a complete shock, but even more surprising is how much of a hole his absence has left. He has the size (6’2”, 215 pounds), quickness and range to cover any tight end in the NFL.

Aaron Ross, one of the team’s starting corners for the past two years, had dealt with injury issues of his own for much of 2009, but manned the strong safety position in a few packages in Sunday’s game. He split time between his natural corner position and a safety position that requires a different set of tasks. Instead of invading the personal space of wide receivers at every snap, Ross has to wait for the tight end to make a move or charge towards the running back, depending on which is the ballcarrier. It’s a challenge because he’s asked to balance patience with urgency; a slight misread spells disaster for a defense.

Putting Ross there at times may be the Giants’ best hopes of adding speed to the back end of the defense. What can make this work is that he has similar physical attributes to Phillips.

This was certainly an added wrinkle during the bye week and you should expect to see more of this during the Turkey Day game in Denver against the Broncos. With a few extra days off before playing the Dallas Cowboys on December 6th, Ross will have plenty of time to become acclimated to playing strong safety.

Say What?!?!: In addition to the upcoming newness for the Norman Einsteins (continuing in the vein of Cotto/Pacquiao), I will be providing some thoughts for The Perpetual Post. Enjoy your holiday/time off.

Photo Credit to Yahoo! Sports

Fixin'

Plenty of people have been asking what is wrong with the once-mighty New York Giants. There are all sort of theories, questions and declarations now since this four-game slide has become the genesis of all wrong in this world; including increased unemployment and the enduring popularity of skinny jeans*.

Publishing issues with this week's paper aside, the most glaring defensive issue discussed in the upcoming NYB article is one that few even mention on the idiot box (maybe on the radio, but there's enough screaming in the world); stopping the tight end:

The other issue involves stopping the tight ends wearing other uniforms. In New Orleans last month, former Giant Jeremy Shockey nabbed all four of his catches in the Saints’ first three scoring drives; including a touchdown of his own en route to the 48-27 thrashing of his old team. In Philadelphia back on October 25th, Donovan McNabb found Brent Celek on four passes for 61 yards; one catch for the Eagles’ first touchdown score and another leading to McNabb’s second of three TD throws. On Sunday, Phillip Rivers connected with Antonio Gates – long considered one of the NFL’s best when healthy – five times for 67 yards; three of those throws led to both lead-changing touchdowns from wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

With the Atlanta Falcons coming to Giants Stadium on November 22nd, there will be plenty of media attention paid to Tony Gonzalez – arguably the best to ever play the position – because of the Giants’ interest in trading for him last season. The former Kansas City Chief is no longer the lone player of note on his team as he joined standout players in quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White. This doesn’t mean that he won’t be overlooked by the Giants defense as there is plenty of game tape that shows the plight with tight ends.

Big Blue did a lot more right compared to the previous three weeks than you may be led to believe. If they actually held on and won the Chargers contest, we'd hear about resiliency and finding a way to win against adversity and how the team is ready to turn the corner. All of that is thrown away because Corey Webster - who admitted to getting beat - didn't get help in stopping Jackson on that final drive.

Funny how this Bye Week Quarterbacking works.

Say What?!?!: If you have not, peep the latest update on the new Meadowlands project.

*Skinny jeans are just really, really bad fashion from the 80s. Really bad.
**Photo credit to the Associated Press

Minority

The lack of activity on Scribe in recent days is a result of... well, a ton. Late September/early October is a rather hectic time with family obligations on top of personal & professional tasks at hand.

Fortunately for myself and all of you who come across this blog, the cupboard isn't completely bare.

Thought it's been a couple of weeks since the last link from the paper, here's something for the NFL (specifically New York Giants) fans in this week's edition of the New York Beacon (the PDF has yet to be uploaded to the site as of 9:47AM this morning):

The road show continues for Big Blue in Kansas City when they take on the 0-3 Chiefs this Sunday. Where the Buccaneers can at least say that they have veteran playmakers that can produce down the line, this once-proud AFC power can’t say the same. In Philadelphia, the Chiefs were outplayed on every facet in a 34-14 loss to an Eagles team without Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Even without their two best offensive players, the Eagles amassed 420 yards of offense; mostly through the air as Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards starting in place of McNabb.

Considering how Manning has been able to spread the wealth with his passing, especially in the first half, it will be interesting to see how he handles the secondary. Brandon Flowers, the impressive second-year cornerback, will most likely be assigned to Steve Smith while the taller Brandon Carr will cover Manning’s deep threat Mario Manningham (or Domenick Hixon, if his knee allows him to play after sitting out the last contest). Kansas City employs a 3-4 defensive scheme, but they have yet to show that they can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In addition, my latest contribution to The Norman Einsteins will be posted today.

Last month in a American football-focused edition, my debut discussed the current state of the semi-professional leagues; with much thanks again to Paul Grenada for his insights. For the October edition, coinciding with the NHL regular season openers in Europe, this article delves into what I hope becomes a conversation piece about a ghastly overlooked part of American sports; minority hockey fans.

Yes, if you just raised your eyebrows after reading those three words, they do exist. Here's a snippet, but certainly comment here about the article:

Labeled a cold weather sport that brings unwanted chills, the game’s biggest detractors aren’t just xenophobic Americans who view Canada as a punch line. Many, if not most ethnic minorities would give you a look of bewilderment if you talk about impact Jay Bouwmeester or Chris Pronger will bring to their new teams this season. “Not to be tasteless,” warned David Scott Lee, an avid puckhead from Queens, New York. “I remember a joke on the Don Imus Show where someone said hockey is racist because it’s a bunch of white men running around smacking the only black thing on the rink with sticks.”

Personally, I'm really proud of this piece because there is little information online about this growing legion of puckheads in the States. Since many people who come across Scribe are not savvy about the minutae of the games, this is something that may tickle the fancy as it's more of a cultural discussion rather than stats-heavy chatter. Even for those who have an unbridled passion for the game of hockey should take a gander with this piece as well as all of the other brilliants work on the Einsteins.

Finally, I will be away this weekend for a homecoming visit to the alma mater, some "chowda" and attempts to blackmail unsuspecting New Englanders. No guarantees that there will be any updates on the blog, but there's always the rather popular micro-blogging site you've come to love/loathe.

Kickoff

Assuming that the webmaster at the New York Beacon took all of last week off, the 9/3 edition of the paper was not posted online. Thankfully, this week's version is up and considering that the NFL season begins tonight, it was timely to give fans here in the Boroughs something to whet the appetite until Sunday afternoon when the locals play.

While I previewed the Washington Redskins/New York Giants tilt on page 38, the sports editor, Marc Rasbury (who had been covering the US Open as well) gave a bit of dap to both the G-Men and the Jets.

And so it begins again. A year ago, the New York Giants started what was a promising defense of their Super Bowl championship with a statement win against a division rival. The just-retired Michael Strahan greeted his fans and former teammates at midfield, the soon-to-be jailed Plaxico Burress had just signed a new contract hours before the start of the game and many of the stars of the epic Super Bowl XLII shined in front of the home crowd. About fifty-two weeks later, much has changed except for the place and the opponent. The Giants open their season against the Washington Redskins this Sunday with hopes of once again getting a leg up on the NFC East in hopes of their fifth straight postseason.

A side note, there will be Twitter activity during some live games throughout the season. Let me just warn that I not exactly sure if I will do so during the games I cover at Giants Stadium. However, I may do so for all other NFL action and certainly for seven of the Giants road contests (will be unavailable for the October 3rd game in Kansas City). Please feel free to comment and ask questions about any and every team in the league. Heck, feel free to Tweet about CFL as well!

Double (II)

Page 38 was all mine for this week's edition of the paper, starting with words on the Giants' wide receivers (who will be given a bit more leeway by this writer for a little factoid at the end),

"So, you’ve heard it for almost a year; the New York Giants wide receivers don’t scare anybody. Plaxico Burress is weeks away from starting a 20-month prison term for his accidental shooting. Amani Toomer, the franchise leader in receptions, yardage and touchdowns is in Kansas City. Beyond that, there are either unproven talents, players who have battled more injuries than defensive backs or guys who don’t provide mismatches on the field.

"It’s a long-standing cliché for a reason, but someone has to step up and seize the opportunity."

... and ending with giving dap to Robinson Cano while others are focused on the 'bigger names' that don the pinstripes.

"He was never known as the most patient hitter on a team that is known for wearing out opposing pitchers. However, more than likely, Cano will surpass his career highs in doubles (41 in 2006 and 2007) and home runs (19 in 2007 and already as much this year). He’ll come close to other career best in all other offensive tallies and see career low in strikeouts (currently 45 with as many as 85 in that banner 2007 season). Defensively, he’s solid and if anything, he is very durable at a position where base runners try to distract second basemen from making throws to first base; at times resulting in some scary collisions or awkward landings."

It will certainly be double duty until the end of the Yankees' postseason, which is a pleasure for some of you and sickening certainty for others reading this.

You should also check out the rest of the section (and paper, duh!). My editor and the sports section's lead photographer Marc Rasbury is crying for the Mets, but finds some solace in knowing that the US Open is around the bend. Also, the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy takes prominence as well since his legislation and troubled past had a dramatic impact across socioeconomic backgrounds.

With an unsurpising, yet still disappointing change of plans this morning, posts planned for later might get some early afternoon shine. It would be VERY EASY to criticize and "go in on 'em", as the kids say. However, as another cliche goes, when life gives you lemons...

Double

Pulled double duty for this week's edition of the Beacon. First on page 38 is a defense of Derek Jeter's glovework, which has been much maligned for years by sabermetricians Martians who landed in Boston and discovered baseball through Red Sox Nation. Now that he has broken the all-time career record of hits by a shortstop (Luis Aparacio was the keeper of that flame), he's just a couple of weeks from breaking that record in the history of the Yankees. So before the media (local and national) wax poetic on Jeter's accomplishments, I figured that it was time to remind folks that his defense is far better than it has been portrayed for various reasons:

Honestly speaking, much of the ‘hate’, if you will, for Jeter’s defense comes from a seemingly endless loop of Yankee coverage from the national media. Considering that the Yankees are absolutely beloved or reviled – there is no middle ground with this team – any of The Captain’s highlights, including the famous backwards-leaping toss to first, drives his detractors insane. Jeter isn’t as smooth or quick as Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel, two of the best defensive players of any position in the game’s history. Yet, if he wore a Kansas City Royals uniform or even that of the Chicago White Sox, his shortcomings and strong points would have dimmer lights shone on them.

On page 39 is a look at the New York Giants' rushing depth now that Danny Ware and Allen Patrick are trying to make up for what was lost when Derrick Ward departed for Tampa Bay during free agency:

It appears that Ware prepared himself well for the increased workload, even if we’re talking about the preseason. “I think I had a pretty good offseason,” said the undrafted reserve from Georgia. “I lost a little weight, trained hard, studied hard, just been working as everything has been about football this offseason.” With the glaring opportunity of 2009 in front of him, he quipped, “I noticed that we had Ward leave, so there was an opening and I took it upon myself to just go get it… and see what happens with the end results.”

Just to say about Ware is that quite a few people in the press thought highly of him last August, but he wouldn't get any shine considering he was fourth on the depth chart of a Super Bowl-winning team (one that waived Ryan Grant before he caught fire with Green bay in 2007). He was certainly appreciative that I mentioned that to him.

Now, something tells me that the former will illicit some heated comments or at least spark a few thoughts. Have at it.

Hits

While they served as notes for this week's article in the Beacon, they were intended to be Tweets from last night's preseason game at the Meadowlands between the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants. Since there was no urgency to test the Giants' social media policy (if there is one), it was best to throw these quick observations into a post and let you all have at them.

Also, if you did not get a chance to, check out the video around the new palace coming up next door.

Despite these quick hits being NYG-focused, it doesn't mean that non-Giants or even Panthers fans can't make room for these in their mental storage.

• Running backs improved with pass catching from backfield/LOS, mostly (Ahmad) Bradshaw. Could this be to make up for the loss of (Derrick) Ward, who has some of the better hands for RBs in the league?
  
  
• Running game’s got a burst though as all four RBs (including Allen Patrick) broke off impressive double-digit yard runs or catches. Patrick wants to show and prove with loss of rookie Andre Brown last week.
  
  
• Danny Ware had feast or famine night. Rushing: 12 carries, 21 yards. Receiving: two catches, 43 yards, TD.
  
  
• Mark Goodson got some wheels. By third preseason game, may be something fantasy football analysts salivate over since Panthers’ passing game is iffy.
  
  
• Hard not to see why NYG is so high on Ramses Barden, though Andre’ Woodson wasn’t exactly sharp on the field. Hakeem Nicks only had one ball thrown his way.
  
  
• Defensively, one to watch has been LB Clint Sintim. Certainly delivered with a sack and forced fumble (recovered by NYG) with 13:28 left in the fourth.
  
  
• Either Carolina is thin at QB – even (Jake) Delhomme was shaky despite completing five of nine – or the reserves for NYG are that good. Maybe both.
  
  
• Does Lawrence Tynes see the famous reddened face of Tom Coughlin (from the ’07 NFC title game) when he kicks? Maybe Jeff Feagles does, too. Missed FG, blocked punt and safety can’t be good.
  
  
• I have been covering games at Giants Stadium/The Meadowlands for four years. Not that I’ll miss this place as thousands of fans will, but certainly the Jets will be thrilled to see less Giants blue and more of their green.
  
  
• Quite a few drops by Giants DBs, but they had even more deflected passes. The “treat all batted balls like live balls” practice at training camp might be paying off.
  
  
• Outside linebackers for Giants still concern as Carolina RBs hit the edges/sidelines too much for defensive coaches’ collective taste.
  
  
• Looks like Eli Manning wants Mario Manningham to get as many reps as possible. They may not have a #1 WR now, but he wants other wideouts to gain confidence, esp. without (Plaxico) Burress and (Amani) Toomer there.
  
  
• Antonio Pierce looked pretty happy to hit someone other than his teammate tonight. Actually, that’s pretty close to verbatim from comments handed to the media during the second half.

Legit

For the past four+ years, many relatives and friends have been curious about the 'legit' gig with the New York Beacon. I have been fortunate to have been with the African-American weekly paper since early 2005, having covered and opined about the happenings of a few New York sports teams and events. While it has been a conversation starter in many circles, what has always bothered me was that the paper doesn't have a large web presence and more often than not, its former site was rarely current.

Thankfully in recent months, the Beacon has put out a new website and began placing its current editions online in PDF format. So FINALLY, those who are not in the NYC vicinity can see the paper. Those that are here who can't find the paper on newsstands can check it out online without the assistance of a GPS.

Each week something of mine is published, you'll see a post with a quote or two from the article along with the accompanying link.

As a warning to those of you who many not know the nuances of the games I discuss, I try my best to not get bogged down in the vernacular. However, as the NFL season progresses, you will see more statistics and lingo of the game of football. Please feel free to ask questions and leave comments for explanations and clarity. For those of you who are walking sports encyclopedias, your comments, questions and debates are even more welcome now more than ever.

For all in between, I haven't forgotten you. Just say what's on your mind.

Last week (see page 39), I discussed the football impact of how the grand jury's decision to no indict middle linebacker Antonio Pierce brought relief not only to him, but the team as well. This week, I focused on Mathias Kiwanuka, the hybrid defensive end/stronside linebacker who might be the "Most Valuable Giant" this season based on his new role.

Kiwanuka sits second on the depth chart behind (Osi) Umenyiora, who is expected to emerge both as healthy and productive as he was in 2007. Kiwanuka may be a reserve now, but his role in many ways will be magnified under (new defensive coordinator Bill) Sheridan. As Umenyiora and (Justin) Tuck, he’s extremely strong and agile when it comes to the team’s pass rush. When either player needs a breather on the sidelines, there won’t be a dramatic drop off in the defensive line’s aggressiveness as he can spell them for a few snaps, if not a series. However, with the need to throw different looks at opposing offenses, Kiwanuka could be on the field in a variety of packages with several other new ‘toys’ for the defense.

Read the complete article on page 38 and feel free to comment here or here. Unlike our national 'conversation' about health care, we can talk freely and honestly.

Bandbox

This was in this past edition of the New York Beacon (in the print edition only here in the city). There may be a point or two worth discussing among all of you baseball fans, especially those of you have had the chance to visit a few ballparks around the country.

Again, keep in mind that I have yet to visit the new Yankee Stadium for a game, though you've seen a video weeks before it opened this past spring.



By now, you’ve heard and read about, if not witnessed the story, play itself out during these forty-two home games at the new Stadium. By some baseball media and executives, it has been dubbed Coors Field East after the long ball-happy home of the Colorado Rockies. The Bombers have sent 78 balls into the seats while their opponents added 61 of their own for a grand total of 139 souvenirs in a half-season of home games. The story has legs not only because of how much the park’s construction was (about $1.5 billion), but beyond the new amenities, the Stadium’s dimensions are identical to its predecessor as if the park was just shoved across the street.

Yet, what few, if anyone has talked about is that for opposing teams and the newest Yankees, the new Stadium is just the latest in a long line of new structures they visit every few days.

Save for four teams (Boston, Minnesota, Oakland and Florida), every other opponent on the Yanks’ schedule this season plays in either a relatively new stadium or in the case of Kansas City, a remodeled one. Most of the players in the majors since Baltimore ushered in the league’s stadium boom in 1991 have grown accustomed, if not have played their entire careers in new facilities. Since those stadiums are still building their own histories, the intangibles do not exist in the level that they did at the House that Ruth Built. Eighty-five years of big games in front of nearly 58,000 rowdy fans reminding them of the Yankees’ prestige placed opponents at a huge psychological disadvantage when playing there.

Even as a fan or media member, there’s a different feel to walking in an older stadium such as Boston’s Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles or Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where generations have walked through the same corridors and sat in the same seats over decades. With stadiums such as San Francisco’s AT&T Park or PNC Park in Pittsburgh - considered two of the best buildings in the game – only the players can take comfort in knowing that none of the new facilities have a distinct home-field advantage just yet. With that unique ambiance – or annoyance for non-Yankees – missing, this is just another new ballpark, no matter which team plays there.

In a sport obsessed with attaching some statistical reason why things happen, intimidation has no number to account for. You can’t put a statistic on it, but it’s an undeniable factor on performance. The new Stadium has enough games to tell us that until Yankee fans can finish transferring that mystique from across the street, that home run tally will keep rising to absurd levels.

Interweak?

Hopes are that this goes into this week's edition of the New York Beacon as part of the Yankee column, but it's just an excerpt from the Yankee-focused column.

Personally, I'm all for interleague, but I understand that it feels a little forced to the players and the purists in the masses. As anyone else with a forum, I have a few thoughts on how it can be improved for all parties, however, since there so many words devoted to that very topic (search on, my friends), I'll keep this relatively short and sweet.

Besides, this isn't the only post you will see today.


The merits of interleague play will continue to be debated as those who are for and against it will fight for baseball’s soul each mid-June for eternity. Yet, the biggest qualm for those who accept that interleague play isn’t going away any time soon is that not all schedules are created equal.

Major League Baseball could probably take a page from the NFL in regards to properly scheduling out-of-conference games. After a few seasons of mixing up opponents in bringing greater ticket sales in various markets, MLB returned to the original format of rotating divisions while adding the geographic rival of the opposite league. Taking on the geographic rival is vital as you want nearby fan bases jawing at each other for a few games. However, other opponents should be determined by how teams finished in the previous season, regardless of division.

Players understand that interleague games are a unique experience, even if the majority would prefer to return to the way things were. Yet, as opposed to griping about how one team’s interleague schedule is more challenging than their division rivals, a record-based slate could start to quell those complaints while keeping the games more entertaining. The Yanks aren’t going to have much of a problem against a Washington Nationals team with the worst pitching staff in all of baseball, but neither fan base is particularly excited these games. Yet, if the Yanks traveled to St. Louis a team with a nearly identical record in 2008, then intrigue would grow beyond the historical factor of baseball’s most successful franchises going head-to-head.

Then again, it’s not as if bottom feeding doesn’t happen within your own league.

Maybe it’ll be a different tune if the Yanks would have won at least one game at Fenway Park last week as they have yet to beat the Boston Red Sox this season. The highs and lows – certainly lows this year – of facing the longtime rival take a lot of even the best team in the game, but to be followed by what seems to be a few sets against unnatural opponents seems a bit odd.

More...

Yeah... more about that guy in an excerpt of this week's article for the New York Beacon:

"Not too long ago, some people were willing to cut affable sluggers like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa a little slack for their alleged use. The popularity of both players – known for their home run chase over ten years ago – took some hits at the time, but it was during the infamous Congressional hearings back in 2005 that it made a nose dive because of their reluctance to discuss their still alleged drug use. Barry Bonds, the current home run king, seven-time Most Valuable Player and another alleged user, was never thought of fondly by the media or many of his peers, but the last thing the former Pittsburgh and San Francisco star was concerned about was his image. Rodriguez, like Bonds, has rarely, if ever been revered, but this is because he has been so aggressive in crafting his persona. Now, on top of the game’s richest contract and the pinstripes he wears, he loses even more favor for actually confessing to what he calls ‘a stupid mistake for a guy with a lot of baseball to play’."

Thankfully, the Nets' beat will begin this week; keeping the focus on something in-season and these days, less controversial. It's going to be a long year at the new Stadium, and not for what's on the diamond.

Then again, most of us in the press can't recall when has it been otherwise.

Now, it's time to make you happy... sort of.

Did you know that the man behind musical excellence, as discussed a while back...



was also the man behind this audio brilliance?



And while he's not the composer, writer or choreographer of this superior dose of entertainment...



it would be nothing but the hotness if he was in any way, shape or form involved with the creation of this episode of lyrical fitness.



Grateful 80s-born, 90s-bred children thank you, Mr. John Tesh.

And I thank you, former college radio show co-host for forwarding along the wonderfulness of being a Niners fan.

Geez...

Just as questions have been asked both off and online about Alex Rodriguez's alleged, then admitted use of performance-enhancers, Marc Rasbury, the sports editor for the New York Beacon asked for a piece about the player's mea culpa.

The reply to the request: How many words? I already want the baseball season to be over with.

Obviously, the 500-word piece was done and will be available in select newsstands this Thursday. The world awaits. Yet, not to get on the high horse (again), but America's kind of broke right now. If this is Rodriguez's or Major League Baseball's way of getting our minds off of the doldrums, they need to register for a Tony Robbins seminar immediately.

Yet, until then, it's wishful thinking. Unlike most of you, I sincerely believe that Rodriguez wants to get to spring training already as the rest of us, just so that we can enjoy the actual game.

That being said, we're going to hear about players' alleged use of steroids and PEDs (there is a difference between the two as you can infer from the links) until the end of time. However, the silence coming from the owners is especially damning. As written for the Beacon:

What has yet to happen on a grand scale is an admission of knowledge from the team owners themselves. They have been relatively silent on the issue, even though they are responsible for signing players, hiring team executives and promoting a game that is believed to be tainted. Tom Hicks, owner of the Rangers since 1998, said that he felt personally betrayed by Rodriguez’s admission. However, to think that Rodriguez took these drugs beyond Hicks’ eye is hard to believe, especially knowing that ten players from those Rangers teams have been linked to using enhancers, including Jose Canseco, Ivan Rodriguez and the late Ken Caminiti.

When a current owner steps up to the plate and discusses what he (or she, on behalf of the estate of former Cincinnati Reds owner, the 'lovely' Marge Schott) knew about what players did or did not do, then the potential for real teeth behind PED and steroids testing can truly become reality. As the Mitchell Report stated back in 2007, the always-looming macroeconomics, however, trumped one of the facets of the game's finances:

The onset of mandatory drug testing, the single most important step taken so far to combat the problem, was delayed for years by the opposition of the Players Association. However, there is validity to the assertion by the Players Association that, prior to 2002, the owners did not push hard for mandatory random drug testing because they were much more concerned about the serious economic issues facing baseball.

Personally, as crazy as this may sound, I couldn't care less. It's not because of any favoritism or even exhaustion of this entire drama, though the latter drives this train most of the way. It's because while it hasn't been said or proven with these players, it's not as if any of these athletes who have been linked to using these substances have turned into 'Steve Lattimer'... yet (WARNING: It may be from a movie, but I recognize how serious the subject matter is).



Say What?!?!: With this fiasco, Chris Brown (allegedly) deciding to beat on Rhianna and Bong-gate, can we enjoy something good in the sports and entertainment world this week?

Unlikely

Since the least likely Super Bowl in recent memory (if ever) is coming up and predictions have been requested, here's except from tomorrow's article in the New York Beacon (75 cents at select NYC newsstands):

The battle that should gain more attention is between the Cardinals’ defensive line and the Steelers’ offensive front. Though Arizona allowed just below 27 points per game in the regular season, they were in the middle of the pack in many defensive categories, including the popular sack (31) and interception (13) tallies. In all three playoff games, Arizona has allowed just above 20 per contest; mostly by slowing the running game as Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook, Atlanta’s Michael Turner and Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams to a tune of 50 yards apiece. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s offensive line had been criticized for much of the year because of inconsistent protection for QB Ben Roethlisberger and their collection of running backs. However, as their defensive teammates, they take pride in knocking players to the dirt and creating holes for Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore.

Now, for an actual prediction: whichever team scores more points than the other has a fairly strong chance of winning the game.