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December 2007 Archives
A handful of U.S. States have enacted hands-free laws, requiring the use of hands-free devices while talking on a cell phone and operating a vehicle. All masturbatory jokes aside, this is a good law. Most drivers (myself excluded, obviously) are assholes. Even the ones that are not assholes in everyday life still manage to drive like assholes. While simple logic suggests having one hand up to your ear would not exacerbate this much, the stupidity of the average human defies logic, even the most simple version out there. Assuming for a moment that before cell phone usage, people kept both hands on the steering wheel and didn't apply makeup, fiddle with the radio or eat elaborate meals (it takes a special type of skill to consume a Cheesy Gordita Crunch while driving), requiring people to keep both hands on the wheel is smart. I've seen enough of you dipshits almost swerve into medians because you were answering your call waiting. It makes me feel good knowing that you're not supposed to do this anymore.
Well guess what? Assholes are still assholes. Because what explanation other than the preceding sentence would tell me why these people think that holding their phone at arm's length and putting it on speaker phone makes them safer drivers? If anything, it makes them worse. Way worse. Moving the stupid phone back and forth, adjusting speaker volume, inspecting the thing to see where the little microphone is in relation to their mouth...and they STILL ONLY HAVE ONE HAND ON THE WHEEL.
Like, whatever. Maybe I'm overreacting and it's a stupid rule anyway because if someone's gonna drive like an asshole, they're gonna do it regardless of whether they get their cell phone involved. HOWEVA. Just the fact that they believe they are following the law by doing that whole speaker phone in front of the face maneuver pisses me the fuck off. If you're gonna defy the law, defy it completely. Don't pretend to be a law abiding citizen while still being, yes, an asshole.
I am a giant douche!
What does my mid-morning asshole rant have to do with the Nets? Well, I'll tell you!
The Nets' off-season moves are the NBA equivalent of holding your phone in front of your face and yelling at it. Remember last year when we were watching Mikki Moore, Eddie House, Hassan Adams and Bernard Robinson running around? Well that clearly resulted in a 2nd round crash into a proverbial tree. Somehow the new plan of running around with Jamaal Magloire, Eddie Gill, Darrell Armstrong and Malik Allen is supposed to keep this team driving in a straight line? I don't fucking think so. The only bench player that looked like an improvement over last year's band of miscriants in last night's "gimme" win over the LBJ-less Cavs (quotation marks placed lovingly around the word gimme to emphasize the fact that if it weren't for RJ's heroics, Shannon Brown could have easily dismantled the Nets' supposed sure-thing W) was Sean Williams. All the glowing reviews you've been reading about this kid are spot on- he's got the raw talent to make him a sizable beast in the National Basketball Association. Does he have the drive and heart to bring this to fruition? Maybe, maybe not. It's too early to tell.
What it's not too early to tell is that this bench on this team is not making a 4-car collision any less likely. In fact, it might very well be more dangerous, for both the Nets' playoff hopes, and my sanity.
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There is a Chris Rock bit about how some dudes want credit for doing things that they're supposed to do in the first place.
-I take care of my kids!
-You're supposed to, you dumb mothafucka! What kind of ignorant shit is that?
-I ain't never been to jail!
-What do you want, a cookie? You're not supposed to go to jail, you low expectation-having mothafucka!
 Guess what, Mr. Kidd? You want credit for having played in all those games with your Nets teammates? You're supposed to do that. You get paid millions of dollars to do that. So yes, you are supposed to play in every game where you are healthy enough to do so. One month into the season is a little fucking early to throw in the towel, is it not? You're supposed to be the fucking captain of this team, the fucking leader, right? So fucking lead. Don't set an example that being a whiny little bitch is acceptable in the Swamp. It's bad enough Vince exemplifies that shit in games, now you're gonna take it to a whole new level off the court?
You are thirty-fucking-four years old, Mr. Kidd; acting like a petulant eight-year-old does not fucking suit you.
The information is "conflicting" as of this moment. So I shall reserve final judgment on the situation until the facts come out. For all intents and purposes, throw a big fucking "If" at the top of this post, and scatter question marks and "hypothetically"'s here and there. But one thing is certain- the type of shit being speculated about is lame. It poisons locker rooms and makes poor impressions on young players in those locker rooms.
I sincerely hope this is just media fabrication. Because there is still that part of me that wants to be a naive sports fan, and look up to the players on the teams that I root for as heroes. The verdict is on Eli Manning and A-Job- they will never be heroes. But Jason Kidd....Jason Kidd still had that in him for me. He still brought hope. The tireless efforts on the court, ability to make everyone around him better, and the way he could change the course of a game when he put his mind to it....don't kill it for me. Hell, don't kill it for RJ. If this crap is true, RJ's heart must be broken into a million pieces. As it should be. It's fucking December. The Captain should have a little faith, or at least a little resolve.
At the very very least, he should have the decency to show up to the fucking games.
UPDATE: Yes, it appears I spoke too soon. Whatever. Just be happy I'm posting again.
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Earlier today in the AAA portion of the Rule V draft, the New York Mets selected Garry Bakker, a 24 year old pitching prospect left unprotected by the Chicago White Sox. A fellow graduate of Suffern High School, Bakker will get the opportunity to pitch for the Mets AAA team this upcoming season. If all goes well, hopefully Rick Peterson will be touching his shoulder during a mound visit at Shea Stadium or Citi Field in the near future.
We at Giggin On Ya wish him the best of luck.
For more information on Garry Bakker click here (courtesy of The Baseball Cube).
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 While many see today's Michael Vick sentencing as a resounding victory for animal rights, I see it as a sorry defeat for a flawed legal system. In a nation where we've seen athletes like Ray Lewis avoid a murder rap with the old "asleep at the wheel" defense (didn't work for La Russa), Leonard Little run down a mother of four while intoxicated yet serve no jail time or NFL suspensions, Kobe simply pay his way out of a rape charge (and a divorce) and OJ... (enough said) we are conditioned to believe that athletes can get away with anything. Resentment at this air of legal privelage coupled with the growing attention given to the behavior of athletes following incidents like the Pacers-Pistons brawl has fueled an ever-growing rift between athletes and fans that transcends sports. Eventually, an athlete was going to be made an example, but I never imagined it would be done in such a bizarre fashion.
Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison today for his funding of the Bad Newz Kennels dogfigthing operation and killing pit bulls. It all started innocently enough in April with word that Vick might be involved with dogfighting and could face state charges on the matter. In the 8 months to follow, we saw the newly-formed federal investigative arm of PETA - oh wait that doesn't exist it must simply be the smoke screen known as the federal government - make this a federal case conducting numerous searches of Vick's property. We saw Henry Hudson, a self-professed animal lover and outdoorsman, be appointed as the judge on the case. I mean isn't that the equivalent of a diehard Lakers fan serving as the judge at the Kobe rape trial? How can he not hold a bias? Finally, in a country with an estimated 40,000 dogfighting operations and an average sentence of 6-12 months for first time dog fighting offenders, we saw Hudson sentence Vick to a prison term exceeding the reccomended maximum sentencing guidelines by 5 months.
Now I have never really been a Michael Vick fan and I am in fact a dog owner. My sheltie Dusty is a handsome pup and I appreciate him. Did Michael Vick deserve to go to jail for these crimes, yes; however, should the sentencing have gone over guidelines, absolutely not.
There are some strange undertones to this sentencing including the federal government's desicion to intervene in this particular investigation. But what I find more interesting is if slowly the life of a dog, the charmed pet in American culture, is worth nearly as much as that of our fellow man? The question I continue to ask myself is if Michael Vick was running a cockfighting ring, what are the chances he would be suiting up for tonight's game, sporting a pair of Nike Air Zoom Vick 5s and one of the NFL's top 10 best selling jerseys?
I'd say near 100%.
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Tomorrow at 2pm, former Senator George Mitchell will reveal findings from an extensive 20 month investigation into steroids in baseball that may implicate as many as 80 former and current MLB players. On the heels of what promises to be a hellacious day in the baseball world, Giggin On Ya has decided to conduct the first (and last) Mitchell Report Fantasy Draft. Two special guests, Josh and Phil, will join me in building fantasy teams consisting of players that we feel will be named in the Mitchell Report. The following rules apply:
The draft lasts 11 rounds and each manager must select: 1 C, 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 SS, 1 3B, 3 OF, 1 U, 1 SP and 1 CL/MR
Players that have admitted to steroid use and/or been suspended by MLB may not be selected.
One point is awarded for each player implicated in the Mitchell Report.
Without further ado, here are the draft results and final rosters:
Round 1 - (1) Josh - Miguel Tejada, (2) Phil - Ivan Rodriguez, (3) Ben - Barry Bonds
Round 2 - (4) Ben - Rickey Henderson, (5) Phil - Lenny Dykstra, (6) Josh - Mark Mc Gwire
Round 3 - (7) Josh - Brady Anderson, (8) Phil - Mike Piazza, (9) Ben - Rey Ordonez
Round 4 - (10) Ben - Brian Roberts, (11) Phil - Juan Gonzalez, (12) Josh - Eric Chavez
Round 5 - (13) Josh - Bernie Williams, (14) Phil - Brett Boone, (15) Ben - Roger Clemens
Round 6 - (16) Ben - Yorvit Torrealba, (17) Phil - Jason Schmidt, (18) Josh - Dante Bichette
Round 7 - (19) Josh - Larry Walker, (20) Phil - Bobby Bonilla, (21) Ben - Melvin Mora
Round 8 - (22) Ben - Albert Pujols, (23) Phil - Jim Edmonds, (24) Josh - Roberto Alomar
Round 9 - (25) Josh - Sandy Alomar Jr., (26) Phil - Walt Weiss, (27) Ben - Roberto Hernandez
Round 10 - (28) Ben - Vince Coleman, (29) Phil - Eric Gagne, (30) Josh - Kevin Brown
Round 11- (31) Josh - Mo Rivera, (32) Phil - Rich Aurillia, (33) Ben - Troy Glaus
Josh
C - Sandy Alomar Jr.
1B - Mark Mc Gwire
2B - Roberto Alomar
SS - Miguel Tejada
3B - Eric Chavez
OF - Brady Anderson
OF - Bernie Williams
OF - Larry Walker
U - Dante Bichette
SP - Kevin Brown
CL - Mo Rivera
Phil
C - Ivan Rodriguez
1B - Mike Piazza
2B - Brett Boone
SS - Walt Weiss
3B - Rich Aurillia
OF - Juan Gonzalez
OF - Bobby Bonilla
OF - Jim Edmonds
U - Lenny Dykstra
SP - Jason Schmidt
CL - Eric Gagne
Ben
C - Yorvit Torrealba
1B - Albert Pujols
2B - Brian Roberts
SS - Rey Ordonez
3B - Melvin Mora
OF - Barry Bonds
OF - Rickey Henderson
OF - Vince Coleman
U - Troy Glaus
SP - Roger Clemens
MR - Roberto Hernandez
Check back tomorrow after the release of the report for the final tally and to see who the big winner is...
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The following list of players was compiled by a person who is closely connected to MLB. I received the list from a trusted friend who has access to a lot of news sources and vouches for its accuracy. Again, this is by no means the official final list of players, but I feel it has a lot of legitimacy.
- Brady Anderson
- Manny Alexander
- Rick Ankiel
- Jeff Bagwell
- Barry Bonds
- Aaron Boone
- Rafael Bettancourt
- Bret Boone
- Milton Bradley
- David Bell
- Dante Bichette
- Albert Belle
- Paul Byrd
- Wil Cordero
- Ken Caminiti
- Mike Cameron
- Ramon Castro
- Jose and Ozzie Canseco
- Roger Clemens
- Paxton Crawford
- Wilson Delgado
- Lenny Dykstra
- Johnny Damon
- Carl Everett
- Kyle Farnsworth
- Ryan Franklin
- Troy Glaus
- Rich Garces
- Jason Grimsley
- Juan Gonzalez
- Eric Gagne
- Nomar Garciapara
- Jason Giambi
- Jeremy Giambi
- Jack Kindregan
- Jose Guillen
- Jay Gibbons
- Clay Hensley
- Jerry Hairston
- Felix Heredia Jr.
- Darren Holmes
- Wally Joyner
- Darryl Kile
- Matt Lawton
- Raul Mondesi
- Mark Mc Gwire
- Guillermo Mota
- Robert Machado
- Damian Moss
- Abraham Nunez
- Trot Nixon
- Jose Offerman
- Andy Pettitte
- Mark Prior
- Neifi Perez
- Rafael Palmeiro
- Albert Pujols
- Brian Roberts
- Juan Rincon
- John Rocker
- Pudge Rodriguez
- Sammy Sosa
- Scott Schowenwies
- David Segui
- Alex Sanchez
- Gary Sheffield
- Miguel Tejada
- Julian Tavarez
- Fernando Tatis
- Mo Vaughn
- Jason Varitek
- Ismael Valdez
- Matt Williams
- Kerry Wood
UPDATE (11:50am) - Just received an email from someone over at Bloomberg. They are about to release a similar list over the newswire; further corroborating the accuracy of the preliminary list posted above.
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I just finished reading through the Mitchell Report (some damning information regarding Clemens in there, wow) and put together a comprehensive list of players named in the report. Some of the more prominent and/or surprising players mentioned in the report are presented in boldface.
- Barry Bonds
- Sammy Sosa
- Raphael Palmeiro
- Mark McGwire
- Gary Sheffield
- Juan Gonzalez
- Ken Caminiti
- Jose and Ozzie Canseco
- Ismael Valdez
- Lenny Dykstra
- Wally Joyner
- Derrick Turnbow
- Jason Grimsley
- Manny Alexander
- Mark Carreon
- Hal Morris
- Matt Franco
- Jack Cust
- Alex Cabrera
- Miguel Tejada
- Larry Bigbie
- David Segui
- Paxton Crawford
- Jason and Jeremy Giambi
- Armando Rios
- Marvin Bernard
- Bobby Estalela
- Benito Santiago
- Randy Velarde
- Brian Roberts
- Tim Laker
- Josias Manzanillo
- Todd Hundley
- Rondell White
- Roger Clemens
- Andy Pettitte
- Chuck Knoblauch
- Gregg Zaun
- David Justice
- F.P. Santangelo
- Glenallen Hill
- Mo Vaughn
- Denny Neagle
- Ron Villone
- Ryan Franklin
- Chris Donnels
- Todd Wiliams
- Phil Hiatt
- Todd Pratt
- Kevin Young
- Mike Lansing
- Cody McKay
- Brenden Donelly
- Nook Logan
- Daniel Naulty
- Jay Gibbons
- Kent Mercker
- Adam Piatt
- Jason Christiansen
- Mike Stanton
- Stephen Randolph
- Jerry Hairston Jr.
- Paul Loduca
- Adam Riggs
- Bart Miadich
- Fernando Vina
- Kevin Brown
- Eric Gagne
- Mike Bell
- Matt Herges
- Gary Bennett Jr.
- Jim Parque
- Chad Allen
- Jefff Williams
- Howie Clark
- Rick Ankiel
- Paul Byrd
- Troy Glaus
- Jose Guillen
- Gary Matthews Jr.
- Scott Schowenweis
- David Bell
- Darren Holmes
- John Rocker
- Matt Williams
- Steve Woodard
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Now that the smoke has cleared and Roger Clemens' legacy has been thoroughly soiled (although he remain a first ballot lock for the Hall of Fame in my opinion) it is time to reveal the final results from the Mitchell Report Fantasy draft held Wednesday night:
Ben - 4 (Brian Roberts, Barry Bonds, Troy Glaus, Roger Clemens)
Phil - 3 (Juan Gonzalez, Eric Gagne, Lenny Dykstra)
Josh - 3 (Kevin Brown, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGwire)
Commenter John - 0 (thanks for coming out)
I am happy to report that Giggin On Ya is the big winner in the MRFL having defeated a slew of worthy competitors. However, there will be ample opportunities to settle the score in the future once the MLB releases multi-million dollar reports focusing on HGH, amphetamines and most importantly the rise of illegal pepper games.
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 A Few Thoughts While Reading The Mitchell Report
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This past Monday, the WWE rolled out a three hour Monday Night Raw special event commemorating the 15th anniversary of the show. Given the significance of this occasion, we decided to blog this event live along with our two resident wrestling experts, Josh and Big Larry.
FINALLY, the WWE has come to Giggin On Ya... follow the jump and enjoy.
Continue reading "Monday Night Raw 15th Anniversary Special - Live" »
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As is my routine, this morning I was getting ready for work with SportsCenter on the tv in the background. And with the raging case of ADD that I have, my gaze tends to dart back and forth between the tv and the mirror where I am applying my eye makeup. Really, it's a wonder I haven't taken out an eyeball with an eyeliner pencil yet. But I digress. So there I was, gazing upon Purple Jesus, as the Monday Night Football crew interviewed him after last night's game, and he's talking about how he never wants to let up or take it easy and just wants to play hard all the time, and I switch my focus back to the mirror...and I catch myself grinning like an idiot. Because it's just awesome to hear a player who is THAT GOOD talk about how much he loves playing. And that makes him all the more awesome to watch. And this is a player on a team that I'm supposed to be rooting against, for my own allegiance's playoff "hopes." And here I am goofy happy, like I just opened my door to see someone left me a plate of freshly baked cookies and a bottle of Goose, just to watch him play and listen to him talk about playing. Which makes me all whiny and girl-like...why can't any players on the teams I root for make me feel this way?
Well, here's a start.
To be fair on Lawrence, I was skeptical about Williams and Boone as well. But let's be honest here- Jason Collins is completely useless. Every game he started hurt my soul a little bit on the inside. And as I've said, I'm sure he is a wonderful guy. He's just not a very good basketball player. And though I wasn't sure it was possible, he has regressed even further this season; his defense isn't even particularly solid anymore. Also, Magloire was their "big free agent signing" from the off-season, so I guess you have to give him a shot. But yeah. Those 2 clearly were not getting it done. And unfortunately, we're still playing the "what if" game with ol' Nenad's health. And, I am sorry to say, Malik Allen isn't getting the job done either.
Quick aside here...I had the good fortune to run into RJ and Malik at a bar near my house the night before they played the Wizards. Both very nice guys. But if anyone talks to Malik, could you tell him I'm gonna need reimbursement for the money I lost betting on the Nets after he guaranteed a victory? Because he messed that call up, big time.
Anyway. So speaking of that Wizards game, I went to it. Obviously. If you don't think I marked off every time the Nets were coming to town on the Wiz schedule as soon as I moved down here, you clearly don't know me at all. And I made sure to get seats where I could see the Nets bench. And the most notable thing about that bench was that Sean Williams was always on it. He didn't get into the game once. And I wasn't sure why, and no one ever said why, other than "coach's reasons" or whatever. And I was sad. Because, while it took him a little time to get his feet wet, so to speak, the last several games I'd watched him play in, he was starting to look like a real motherfuckin beast. All the "athleticism" and "upside" with which I'd heard him described was starting to show, and I was really looking forward to seeing it on display in person. Wistfully, it was not to be. And, relatedly or not, the Nets got their asses whooped. (Though I haven't ruled out RJ's apparent hangover as a possible causal factor there...you're supposed to go out drinking the night AFTER a game, not the night before.)
What did I get to see from Sean Williams at the Verizon Center that night? Why, a raging case of ADD just like mine! I've never seen anyone so delighted by the Kiss Cam, t-shirts on parachutes, children's musical chair competitions and mascot antics as Sean Williams. While I should a) be annoyed that our promising rookie is paying absolutely zero attention to his coach; and b) make an obvious "He must have gotten soooooo high before the game" joke, I can't do it. I was absolutely delighted watching his childlike reactions to something as silly as the Kiss Cam. You know when you play peek-a-boo with a baby and it gleefully squeals and claps its hands together? That was Sean Williams! With all the timeout and between-quarter entertainment! It was so ridiculous how much he enjoyed this stuff, it was amazing- I couldn't even be mad.
So now we're gonna see this kid - and that's what he is, a kid - get the start. And maybe I'm being hopelessly optimistic here (what choice do I have?) but I predict good things. Not to mention how well Boone has been playing this year and should continue to do (more optimism). He showed flashes last season but made a lot of rookie mistakes...I'm incredibly pleased to see he's built on that experience.
So here we go, Nets fans (all...both of you?). Time to see what the future looks like in the Meadowlands (because we all know it's still another few years before any pro ball is played in Brooklyn). I'm feeling good about the immediate future.
These good feelings are estimated to last about...3 days.
But it's nice to have that happy hopeful feeling again.
As a final random note...come on, Bok. You can't tell me your innocence is lost here? You're telling me in Slovenia they have 40-year-old athletes that are better at that age than when they were younger? It's silly. And I refuse to believe there are no PEDs in the NBA (looking your way, Carlos Boozer...). But that's another discussion for another time. Let's leave it at this:
"I like baseball because it's so different from basketball," Nachbar said. "It's at a slower pace, and I enjoyed going to games, hanging out with my friends and eating a hot dog."
Me too, Boki! Call me!
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Mike Dunleavy Jr. He was my guy, he was my guy I tell you. For three straight seasons - 2004-05 to 2006-07 - I drafted him onto my fantasy teams and believed that he would develop into a good all-around NBA basketball player. Unfortunately, year after year he failed to live up to expectations; never fitting into Nelly's system and eventually getting shipped to Indiana where he continued his inconsistent play. This year I was officially done with him and for the first time my fantasy basketball team did not open with Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the starting rotation.
Naturally, Dunleavy has finally started to come into his own this year, flourishing in Jim O'Brien's fast-paced offense in Indiana. He is currently averaging career highs in points, assists, 3 pointers, 3 pt %, FG %, FT %... more or less across the board. So when MDJ went off for a career-high 36 points last night doing a little of everything - hitting circus jumpers, off-balance layoffs in transition and ripping threes - against my pathetic Knicks, it hurt on many levels.
First off, MDJ should never go off for 30+ points. If your team can defend at all, a big MDJ game should be of the 20 points 5 rebounds variety not 36 and 7. Secondly and most importantly, its simply time to accept the fact that this Knicks team is going no where with Lord Marbury at point guard and The Zeke coaching. The Knicks play with no fire or defensive acumen and run an unorganized offense reminiscent of a mediocre high school team.
This team has quit on its coach yet given they play in the parallel universe known as Madison Square Garden, coach has gotten a full vote of confidence from the owner. Basically, we as Knicks fans are totally screwed for the forseeable future unless a miracle (Marbury buy out & Isiah firing) were to occur. While it wouldn't remedy all of the problems associated with the current roster, it would at the very least give the young talent an opportunity to develop; allowing us the fans to finally see what exactly we have here.
So until there is a little light at the end of the tunnel or any signs of life in general, it is just easier to write about performances by the opposition. You can read about the poor play of the Knicks and the organization's general dysfuntion in your favorite New York paper. Wednesday night, I make my season debut at MSG as the Knicks take on Lebron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I mean, he's no MDJ but that LBJ he's got some game... should be interesting to see if the Bron Stopper, Q-Rich (ha), can hold him under 36.
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Despite the giant pink slip-related madness that ensued outside of MSG yesterday afternoon, nightfall brought a strong performance from a motivated Knicks team. Following the Pacers debacle on Monday, I wrote that as currently constructed and coached, this team was headed nowhere. Like a majority of Knicks fans I want to see Isiah go. But as I have always contested, Stephon Marbury's play at point guard is the Knicks' biggest problem.
I attended last night's game, my first of the season, and was glad to see the young Knicks playing hard with Stephon Marbury out of sight and mind if only for one night. The offense looked crisp and selfless, there was a discernable energy both on defense and on the boards and the team generally looked to be in harmony on the court as well as on the bench. Here are a few observations from last night's win and my thoughts on what the Knicks should do going forward:
- Although he is far from perfect, Jamal Crawford is clearly our best option to run the offense. We know Jamal's strengths: ball-handling, getting to the rim and (although streaky) mid to long range jump shooting. We also know his vices: weak defender, turnover prone, careless with the ball, etc. However, dating back to the Larry Brown regime, Crawford's most redeeming quality has been his team-first attitude and willingness to learn and improve. Crawford dramatically raised his game under Brown's tutelage, developing better all-around skills (especially passing) and increasing his basketball IQ. He is the Knick that is coolest under pressure and according to most things you read, the one that garners the most respect in the locker room due to tenure and his poise. Last night, Crawford played a controlled game at point guard maintaining a good balance between passing and scoring. He made many good decisions and a few bad ones, but given the opportunity to run this offense his instincts will improve and he can make those around him better.
- Fred Jones, who I admittedly have trashed on a regular basis, is a good fit at the two spot beside Crawford. Given the fact the Knicks have so many guys that need the ball in their hands to be effective, Jones serves to balance out the lineup providing hustle, some defense and the ability to finish in transition.
- When Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph are on the court together, the offense is stagnant. Guys aren't moving or cutting, basically everyone is standing around watching Crawford try to create on the perimeter or the ball is force fed inside to one of the bigs and never seen again. I can't stress this enough so I'm going bold on ya - David Lee must start and play at least 35 minutes a night. Like Jones, Lee doesn't need the ball to be effective; however, that's where the likeness ends. Lee generates his own points through offensive rebounds and smart, persistent cuts to the basket where he is developing into an excellent finisher down low. In addition to his excellent rebounding skills, his athleticism and proclivity in starting fast breaks with solid outlet passes keeps the Knicks moving and injects life into the offense. A starting 5 of Zach Randolph, David Lee, Q, Fred Jones and Crawford is the most balanced and effective at both ends of the floor.
- Which brings us to Eddy Curry. He has had a hard time getting going this year and his game has regressed noticeably from a year ago. Watching him last night, I think this is a product of him being put in spots where he is less likely to succeed. As my co-worker Dan points out almost daily, Eddy Curry "is what he is," in other words he's a big that's only as good as the situations you put him in. I don't feel that his game will ever mesh with Randolph's for the simple fact that neither is a good passer and as such it will be difficult for them to develop a high-low chemistry. In addition, when they are on the court together there simply isn't enough room for them to both operate and each of their games are restricted and worse off for it. A second unit featuring Eddy Curry as the lone big will give him an opportunity to own the block and draw favorable matchups. Additionally, Randolph should be able to use his athleticism more with first unit due to the added breathing room. Maybe it will even persuade him to pass a little more...
- As for the remainder of the bench, Nate Robinson deserves at least 20-25 minutes a night. Nate is a guy that can pick a team up when down and make things happen on both ends, especially in the transition game. Another guy I came away impressed by was Malik Rose who offers the Knicks a solid veteran defensive presence at forward. Countless times Rose provided excellent weak side help in defending Lebron and even got an emphatic block. He's a good option to rotate in at the 4 spot for brief stretches. Jeffries and Balkman are also decent plays based on the matchup. Balkman is very skittish and hasn't seen a pump fake he didn't try to block into the stands. He has good defensive skills and is explosive in transition, however he must develop greater poise before getting viable minutes. Essentially, the Knicks rotation should not exceed 8-9 players.
- Finally, I simply don't see Steph fitting in with this current roster. He will most certainly be relegated to a backup role, coming off the bench for 25 minutes or so. Unfortauntely, I don't see any scenario where his presence off the bench helps this team. I feel, as always, he will try to do too much on the offensive end in terms of scoring and hurt the rhythm and tempo of the offense as a whole. I fear this selfish play will be further exasperated by his reduced minutes and serves as the biggest threat to the Knicks overall success.
The reasons for Steph's absence from the Knicks are tough, it is never easy to lose someone you love, especially a parent. However, from a purely basketball stand point - based on last night's play and the team's performance when he is on the court - the Knicks are best served with Marbury out of the equation. Isiah isn't going anywhere folks. The best thing we can do this season is cut ties with Marbury as soon as possible and roll the dice with Zeke's boys. As I said yesterday, this is the only way the young guys will truly develop as a unit and the best chance that the fans and management alike have to see what exactly we have here.
Steph will not be joining the team in Charlotte for Friday's game, let's see if the Knicks can build on the Cavs blowout....
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Last Sunday night was cold and windy at Giants Stadium. Actually it was ridiculously cold and windy. Trust me, I was in section 321 wearing every article of winter clothing known to man short of a full body latex ski suit. So you can imagine my surprise when Kevin Gilbride, pronounced Kill-Drive around the Meadowlands these days, followed up a 19 yard Brandon Jacobs run off right tackle with three straight passing plays into the swirling winds. Quite a gameplan for a team that is among the league leaders in team rushing yards and has a stellar offensive line.
When all was said and done, Eli Manning had thrown 52 passes with 34 incompletions (2nd most all-time in a single game) and the Giants WRs had dropped around 10 of them. The Giants lost to Michigan legend Todd Collins and the Redskins setting up another win and in opportunity this Sunday at Buffalo.
The Bills were eliminated from playoff consideration last week; however, they loom as a difficult team to beat at home, just ask the Dallas Cowboys. They come into this game healthy with only Roscoe Parrish being listed on the injury report among their core players. With weather conditions calling for rain and wind that will make the artificial turf at Ralph Wilson stadium slick, this game should be Brandon Jacobs' time to shine.
The big man flourishes in sloppy games as evidenced by his 131 yard outburst in London and it is imperative the Giants establish him early. The Giants offense has been at their best this season when they feed off of the ground game, allowing it to set up the pass rather than forcing the issue as we saw against the skins. Jacobs is the key to the Giants moving the ball effectively against the Bills and it is important to establish him early in order to allow Eli Manning to settle into a comfort zone.
On the defensive side, the slippery conditions could be detrimental to the Giants speed rushers coming off the corners. The Bills have an up and coming young QB in Trent Edwards but lack explosiveness in their passing game outside of the underrated Lee Evans. The Giants D will need to focus on Evans; however, the Buffalo offense usually goes as Marshawn Lynch goes. The rookie RB is the would be ROY if not for Adrian Peterson and is a dynamic back. If the Giants can contain Lynch, not letting him get to the corners they should be able to control the tempo of the game.
This game might be the biggest game of the Coughlin-Eli era, as most Giants fans still do not believe in this team's ability to win a big regular season game, let alone a playoff game. Their performance on Sunday will go a long way in showing what this team will be capable of as we head towards the playoffs.
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The Giants floundered out of the gates Sunday, finding themselves down 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. With 40-50 mph winds blowing and rain relentlessly falling on Ralph Wilson Stadium making conditions deplorable, the Giants offense struggled to consistently move the ball. Conversely, the Bills were seemingly calling all the right plays, keeping the Giants D off-balance by capitalizing on a slick turf that neutralized the team's defensive speed. Suddenly, playoffs aspirations were becoming more questionable by the minute as a showdown with the all-mighty Patriots lay on the horizon. Essentially two options lay in front of the Giants with 45 minutes to play: win today and clinch or lose and face the prospect playing a must-win against one of the finest teams in NFL history.
Fueled by two Buffalo Bills special teams miscues - a botched punt by Brian Moorman and roughing the kicker on safety Donte Whitner - the Giants stormed back (pardon the terrible pun) to tie the score on two Brandon Jacobs TDs from 6 and 43 yards respectively. After 30 minutes of play the Giants lead 17-14.
The second half got off to an inauspicious start as Eli Manning threw an interception on the first play, leading to a Bills TD a few plays later to make it 21-17. However, this would be the last lead Buffalo would enjoy thanks to the Giants defense which stepped up in crunch time yet again. Kawika Mitchell made arguably the biggest defensive play of the season, returning a Trent Edwards interception for a touchdown giving the Giants a 24-21.
The nail in the coffin came following an impressive defensive hold as little used rookie RB Ahmad Bradshaw ripped off a dynamic 88 yard touchdown run putting the Giants up 10. On the next Bills possession Corey Webster closed out the Bills funeral proceedings with the Giants' second interception return for a td on the game.
Key contributions came from all over the place as this was a true team win. Amani Toomer showed a lot of fire and grit in Jeremy Shockey's absence reeling in several huge third down conversions while compiling 99 yards receiving. Osi Umenyiora's relentless pass rush forced Trent Edwards' hand on a bunch of throws and Kawika Mitchell supplemented his potential game winning interception return for a TD with two sacks and sure tackling. The biggest contribution however came from the Giants RBs and O-line who more or less dominated this game. The RBs combined for 291 yards and 3 TDs lead by Brandon Jacobs (145 and 2 TDs) and Ahmad Bradshaw (151 and 1 TD).
The Giants fought back from a 14 point deficit on the road against a formidable foe, in wretched conditions no less, to clinch a playoff spot for the third straight year. Most impressively, this win marked the seventh straight on the road for the Giants who's lone road loss came in the shootout in Dallas on opening day.
The Giants win combined with Minnesota's loss on Sunday night clinched the 5 seed and sets up a date at Tampa Bay in the first round. So what is with the high level of cynicism among Giants fans? Why do the newspaper articles and fan commentary throughout the web focus on negatives like Eli Manning's recent play or Brandon Jacobs' durability rather than this team's heart or inspired play on the road? If I didn't know any better, I would assume that the Giants were eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago and were preparing to make a high draft pick in April.
In fact, it is getting to the point where Giants fans actually appear unhappy about making the playoffs because they don't want to be "disappointed again." Maybe we should ask the fans in Arizona, Detroit or Miami how to deal with these issues of consistently rooting for a playoff team. I am almost certain Lions fans will have no problem remedying our woes by lending us Matt Millen for a few seasons to decimate our roster.
Looking back at the beginning of the season, many of the "experts" predicted a last place finish for the Giants in the NFC East with about 5-6 wins. A majority of Giants fans I know and around the web set similar expectations for the team with the optimists saying .500 was a good goal in what was to be a rebuilding year after Tiki's retirement.
Well a funny thing happened on the way to a top 10 draft pick, we OVERACHIEVED people. The running game and offense really hasn't skipped a beat after Tiki chose Project Runway over football, better acclimating himself with his feminine side. A collection of good young backs lead by Brandon Jacobs have run well behind an ever-improving young o-line and Plaxico Burress has emerged as one of the elite WR in the business. Most importantly however, a Giants defense that was soft and ineffective under the reign of Tim Lewis (creator of the swiss cheese defensive scheme with a genuine, inherent ability for ruining talented NFL defenses and alienating star players) has transformed into one of the fastest and most aggresive units in football under first year coach Steve Spagnuolo. Additionally, as is the theme throughout the roster, many of the key guys on defense are still pretty young or freaks (Strahan) who will be around for a while. Overall, this roster will continue to improve and has a chance of being good for some time to come.
Considering all of the positives and promise displayed this season, topped off by a playoff game against a beatable opponent, it is shocking that so many Giants fans remain fixated on dissecting and trashing Eli Manning's performance. I agree that Eli has struggled late in the season; however, it hasn't all been bad. Eli played well in a win at Detroit when the Lions were playing at a high level and he engineered an improbable 4th quarter comeback in Chicago. Yes he has played terrible the last three games and the Minnesota game is inexcusable but look at the numbers for the opposing QBs in the last two games which took place in terrible conditions.
Looking around the league, analyzing the stats and game to game performances of other young QBs, it becomes apparent that there are more than a few growing pains that go into developing into a good QB. Carson Palmer has struggled with all his weapons in Cincy, Phillip Rivers has matched Eli's performance at best while Jay Cutler remain inconsistent in Denver. Additionally, other young QBs like Vince Young and Alex Smith have struggled mightily and regressed from their performance level of a year ago. The fact is, Eli is by no means perfect and has plenty to work on; however, so do many other young, promising QBs carrying the franchise label around the NFL.
It's important to remember that this makes three straight playoff appearances for Eli as a starter and by all accounts, he has the full respect and confidence of his teammates in the locker room due to both his late game performances and playing through a shoulder injury all season without so much as uttering a complaint or missing a game. If his teammates are content with Eli and are displaying patience and restraint with him, what more reason could the fans have to follow suit?
Saturday January 5th at 8pm the Giants will take the field for a playoff game looking for their first postseason win since 2000. Rather than focusing on petty negatives and setting impossible standards on this young team, take a step back Giants fans. Understand how far they have come since opening day and be excited that there is a lot of potential yet to be realized in the future. But most of all, sit back and enjoy the game as a devoted fan and leave the Giants bashing to trained professionals like Daryl Johnston
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We here at Giggin' On Ya make no apologies for not getting you guys a Christmas gift. You see, we don't celebrate Christmas, as any of you who have been jocking my shit for awhile surely know by now. And while it may have been a function of a new city for me, I wasn't even entirely certain when the Hanukkah fell on the ol' calendar this year. This is not abnormal. For years, due to final exams and things of that nature, it was always a surprise to get the "Happy Hannukah" phonecall on that first night, what with it always being a different date, ranging anywhere from right after Thanksgiving to several days past Christmas. And so it is not only acceptable, but pretty much expected at this point, that presents from Becky arrive not so much during Hanukkah, as around Hanukkah. Sometimes wrapped. Sometimes not so much. I fucking suck at wrapping presents. Gift bags were invented for people like me. But I digress.
Yes, the gift-giving holidays are over (unless you count a raging New Years Day hangover a gift, in which case you and I will get along juuuuuust fine). But we here at the GOY (ironic?) believe that it's never too late for the holiday spirit. And so we would like to give to you, dear readers, the Holiday Gig List. For the most deserving of gigs for the past year.
Ben and I went back and forth for a few hours nominating those worthy of a year-end gig. He, especially, would like you to know that not all gigs are necessarily representative of the views and opinions of both giggers.
I bet you can tell which are from Ben, and which are from Becky.
Come open up your shoddily wrapped present, after the jump....
Continue reading "Your Holiday Gig List" »
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The way the New England Patriots' 2007 season has played out to this point reminds me of the 1993 western Tombstone. For those of you that do not have an unhealthy obsession with the film, the plot revolves around wild west lawman Wyatt Earp (played by Kurt Russell in arguably his finest hour). The movie begins with Wyatt and his two brothers, Virgil and Morgan, moving to the up and coming town of Tombstone, Arizona with hopes of leading a simple family-oriented life free from the burden of maintaining the law in the lawless west. Being a western, this is not how things shape up for the Earp family as a vigilante group of cowboys, lead by Curly Bill Brocius and his fantastic mustache, take exception to the "law dogs" setting up shop in their town.
The cowboys attempt to run the Earps out of town and Wyatt (the family figurehead) turns the other cheek for a while hoping to abstain from a return to a life of violence. However, two events - the shooting of Virgil and murder of Morgan - leave him with a fiery vendetta against the cowboys that can only be quenched with bloodshed. Eventually, a fully motivated Wyatt along with buddy Doc Holliday and cowboy defectors the ruthless duo of Texas Jack and Turkey Creek Johnson set out to destroy the cowboys. What follows is an improbable cameo by Charlton Heston and a montage of the fearsome foursome killing cowboy after cowboy in every way possible.
As I watched this movie the other day, I couldn't help but think of the Patriots. This was a team up to last year's AFC championship game loss at Indy which was modest in the way they approached playing the game as well as building their roster. Now, Bill Belichick has become Wyatt Earp and the shootings of his brothers - the AFC Championship game loss = Virgil losing use of his arm and Spy Gate = the murder of Morgan - have changed the Pats focus from simply beating opponents to absolutely overwhelming them. Tom Brady is the Holliday to Belichick's Earp fully having his back and hired guns Randy Moss and Wes Welker quickly bought into Belichick's cause and have raised their games to a new level. Aside from a close call in Baltimore and a gut check in Indy, the Patriots have been downright unstoppable beating opponents ranging from the Cowboys to the Dolphins in dominating fashion.
Tonight at Giants Stadium is the final showdown. Just like Tombstone didn't end until Doc Holliday finished off his nemesis, defacto cowboy leader Johnny Ringo (who was in the unfortunate position of being the second fastest gun in the west to Holliday at the time), the Patriots remain one step from completing their revenge upon the NFL.
Overall, the Giants matchup decently with the Pats. They have the ability to rush the QB with their front four and control the game on the ground with a consistent running game. Given the fact that blustery conditions are the norm at Giants stadium this time of year, the Pats pass game may be slowed a bit and the maligned running game will no doubt be tested. These factors could result in a closer game then many people expect if the Giants can take care of the ball (this means you Eli).
Tom Coughlin has shown no indication this week or from his past coaching exploits that he intends to rest the starters. With about an hour to gametime, it appears everyone from Plax to Brandon Jacobs will start and play a considerable amount. It will serve as an excellent tune up for some of the Giants youngsters, especially the guys in the secondary - Aaron Ross, Kevin Dockery and James Butler - going up against arguably the league's finest wide receiving corps and QB. Additionally, Ahmad Bradshaw has a good opportunity to further develop his game, facing a very active front 7. The experience gained tonight against one of the league's best defenses will help him to continue building on his week 16 breakout performance with an eye towards the playoffs where he will be needed.
Given that I expect a physical game tonight (Coughlin and Belichick would have it no other way) let's first and foremost hope for an injury-free game. If the Giants can play at a high level on both sides of the ball they will arrive in Tampa with added confidence when the second season begins next week.
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Although the Giants were an accessory to the Pats perfection last night, they have nothing to be ashamed of. For four quarters the Gmen battled arguably the greatest team in NFL history tooth and nail, actually leading for a majority of the game. The lead ballooned to 12, 28-16, following an impressive Eli Manning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 9 minutes to go in the third quarter. However, it was all Patriots after that as they scored 22 unanswered points punctuated by Tom Brady's 65 yard TD pass to Randy Moss which put the Pats up for good while breaking several individual regular season records - most passing TDs by a QB and most receiving TDs by a WR.
The positives for the Giants could be found all over. Eli Manning played his best game since week 1 at Dallas throwing for 252 yards, 4 TDs and only 1 INT. Manning looked composed and his decision-making was crisp as he looked very comfortable running the offense. Eli's play was bolstered by a healthier supporting cast featuring a few new faces.
The emergence of Kevin Boss (officially dubbed "The Big Bossman" last night although he does not hail from Cobb County, Georgia) really helped to balance the offense and give Eli added options in the passing game. While I respect Jeremy Shockey for playing through injury this year, his inability to run crisp routes coupled with his propensity to give up on plays was hurting this offense. Last night, Boss was able to run hard, true patterns which ultimately lead to a TD reception where he beat Rodney Harrison over the middle and he showed great hustle throughout. The latter was exemplified on a play in the second quarter when Eli eluded two tacklers near the Giants end zone, rolled left and hit Boss for a first down after Boss had followed Eli across the field. I just feel like a banged-up Shockey might not have been able to make either of those plays.
Sticking with the injury theme, Plaxico Burress looked as healthy as we've seen him in the second half of the season. He was running with good speed on his deep routes, was able to run patterns effectively and displayed good jumping ability on a long reception in the first quarter. When Plax plays well, the attention he draws opens up more space for everyone else to operate, putting Eli in a greater comfort zone. Another dinged up Giant who showed no ill effects of past injuries and played very well was Brandon Jacobs. He displayed soft hands in hauling in the first TD of the game and had some signature hard-nosed runs, running over Tedy Bruschi on a few occasions.
Three young guys who shined yesterday and can be difference makers come playoff time include:
- Dominick Hixon - starting in place of Ahmad Bradshaw as the primary kickoff returner, had several solid returns including one taken 74 yards to the house against a stout Patriots special teams.
- Gerris Wilkinson - replaced an injured Kawika Mitchell in the first quarter and was flying all over the field. Wilkinson played well against the run and was decent in coverage given the circumstances (having to stay with Randy Moss on a few plays).
- Steve Smith - made some plays in the passing game, giving Eli a formidable third option to Plax and Toomer. Smith showed good hands on a few second half receptions and could be a valuable weapon both due to his solid route running and potential as a deep threat out of the slot.
Unfortunately there were also a few injuries headed by center Shaun O'Hara and Kawika Mitchell who left with knee injuries and Sam Madison who left the game with an abdominal injury in the fourth quarter. O'Hara and Madison are indispensable members of the Giants O-line and secondary respectively, we will know more about their status later in the week. If either can't go, it would be a big blow to those respective units.
I feel that I have written enough about the general negativity/cynicism of Giants fans surrounding this team. Here's to hoping that people are beginning to realize this young team's promise heading into the playoffs and beyond. Next stop: Tampa.
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