Diane Dixon’s HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUND-UP 11-17-2011

The Lincoln “Railsplitters” outscored John Adams Spartans with a blowout score of 54-6!
As they secure a play-off berth in Round 2 against the Thomas Jefferson “Orange Waves”, Jefferson head coach Gus stated: “They are going to play, they have had great practices, they are getting ready for the game this Saturday, November 19th at Lincoln High School field at 12:00pm. His team is lead by junior, Al Stewart, QB; junior Kendell “Speedy” Thomas, WR; and junior Ebenezer Ogundeko.
Thomas has a “family affair” going on at Jefferson as his brother, Mark Thomas, played football last year and his mother also attended and competed in track and field.
Coach Gus stated most of his student-athletes are from the Bedford-Stuyvesant, East NY & Brownsville area. “We make sure our athletes are involved with community service by volunteering to coach our “little league” football team (Brooklyn Chiefs) to let the youth know that THEY are our future leaders.
“Most of my students are from a single-parent household with no father figure. I have to be there for all of them providing additional resources and for years they will be my sons and they know it.

Erasmus High School “Dutchmen” vs. Boys & Girls High School “Kangaroos”
I caught coach Danny Landberg “off-guard” the morning I contacted him for an interview. “I am still sleep and who are you and what?” It was 9:00am and I thought that school started at 7:35am. After I repeated who I was very politely, he then got himself together. “Everybody is a star player. Equal press, equal time. We hope for the best, we’re a close-knit family and we strive for success to be the best we can.” OK! Now he can get his morning coffee & digest on the three tough questions I asked him. Really???

The game is at Erasmus Hall Campus at Sid Luckman Field this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 12:00pm.
“The ‘school spirit’ at Boys & Girls High School is very HIGH, according to coach Elmer Anderson, Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Coach. We are tremendously excited about the team and moving on to the next stage. The coach (Clive Harding) and his staff have done a wonderful job with the team by keeping them focused. Our entire school is in full force to support them to make the championship. We have a great Boys Basketball Varsity team by winning ‘back-to-back’ City Championships and now our football team has a chance to make history. We are very proud of them”.
Sidebar: I asked coach Anderson his feelings regarding JV Basketball not getting as much press as Freshman & Varsity Basketball. He stated that the PSAL now has a City Championship Division for them and this week to promote the JV Basketball Division at his school he is hosting a JV game against the staff on Wednesday, November 23rd at 4:00pm.

In other PSAL NEWS …
Erasmus Hall senior Oluwatoni Esinsinadi won the Girls Varsity Cross-Country Championships at Van Cortlandt Park this past Saturday in an outstanding time of 21min-38 sec. for the 5K Run, while teammate, sophomore Osavi Owe came in 5th place with a time of 23 min.-25 sec.
The Girls Swimming Varsity Championships are being held on Tuesday, November 22nd at Lehman College at 5:00pm. Brooklyn Technical “Engineers” vs. Stuyvesant High School “Penguins” (two of the Specialized High Schools with two different styles). Coach Maureen O’Hara from Brooklyn Tech stated: “We are very excited and confident this year. We were there last year so we know what to expect and we know what we are up against.
“Our student, Annie Zhu, received the PSAL Outstanding Senior Athlete in PSAL Swimming award last night and she will be going to the University of Georgia on a FULL athletic scholarship.”
Congratulations to Annie Zhu on her award and to ALL the schools who are competing in this week’s championships!!!
For more information or questions, contact: dd@dianedixonfoundation.org.

Sports: Second Guessing

There is just two months left in the baseball season, and for both New York teams, it has become a tale of two tapes. One team has battled with injuries and looks like they will not make the playoffs in what is a very difficult division the other team is still hanging in there, but going down the stretch and into October it will take a lot more than just one pitcher. The Mets have had yet another disappointing season, with injuries to Jose Reyes, Ike Davis, Johan Santana, and now Daniel Murphy. The Mets have shown very little fight to compete in games on a nightly basis. In a division that includes the Phillies and the Braves, arguably the most improved team in the National League, if you start slow out of the gates, you will be left out in the dust. The Yankees have dominated almost everybody in baseball, with the exception of the Red Sox.

 The New York Mets have had a long season and it looks like it will get even longer as the injuries pile up. The Mets are currently playing .500 ball with a record of 57-57 , putting them in third place in the NL East. There have been a lot of changes since I last reported on the Mets. Daniel Murphy and Ike Davis suffered season-ending ankle injuries and Carlos Beltran was traded to the San Francisco Giants. The Mets’ pitching rotation has been lop-sided all year long. Rookie pitcher Dillon Gee and John Niese have led the Mets pitching staff in wins (Gee with 10 and Niese with 11). That is probably the only shining spots you can say that have highlighted the Mets’ season so far. Mets manager Terry Collins had to envision this was going to be a rebuilding process. The Mets’ playoff hopes may be in jeopardy this season, however, they can still manage to finish up the campaign strong and end the regular season on a high note before dealing with the Jose Reyes free agent fiasco at season’s end.

As for the Bronx Bombers, they have played consistent baseball all year long, however, after a last weekend’s losses against the Red Sox, there are many concerns in Yankee land.

The Yankees currently have the most players on the disabled list. It has been probably the most impressive job Joe Girardi has done in his years managing the Yankees. More than 80 million dollars, maybe even more than that, have been or is still on the DL. Players like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter is still working his way back, Pedro Feliciano, Damaso Marte, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, just to name a few. The Yankees have dominated Interleague play and part of the American League competition. The Yankees have struggled against the Red Sox.

This year, in 12 games the Yankees are 2-10, which includes a 3-game sweep at Yankee Stadium, and defeating the Yankees pitching ace C.C. Sabathia 4 times already this year out of his 6 losses. The Yankees are now 1 game behind first place to the Red Sox at 69-45, which is impressive citing all the key injuries. Mariano Rivera has blown 2 straight saves, and Jorge Posada’s Yankee days just may be numbered. The Yankees must put it together before October arrives. There is no doubt that it will be Yankees/Sox all over again for the AL East pennant. Perhaps a trip to the World Series will be at stake between the two rival teams. It should be an amazing ending of the season.

Sports Notes : (Football) Jets and Giants prepare for the upcoming season. Jets release Jericho Coutchery, sign wide receiver Derick Mason. Patriots sign former longtime Jet Shaun Ellis. Coach Rex Ryan was not pleased. “The fact that he chose them, I’m not going to wish him well.” Giants: First-round pick Prince Akmukamara broke his foot Sunday at practice and is expected to miss 2 months. (Baseball) Yankees head back home as they look to get back on track finishing a 3-game set with the Los Angeles Angels. Mets begin a 3-game series at Citi Field against the Padres.

Sports: Free Agent Frenzy

After a 132-Day lockout, football is back in business. Players are now able to enter team facilities, and training camp has opened for all 32 NFL teams. With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, it looks like football will not be interrupted for another 10 years.

For Brooklynites and the rest of New York, fans are anxious to see what their teams will look like in the 2011-2012 season. This past week was probably the most exciting free agent week in years. Prime-time players decided to stay with their respective teams, while others decided it was time for a new beginning.

Going into this season, both New York teams are going into the upcoming campaign filled with high expectations. Eli Manning and Mark Sanchez are blooming right before our eyes, as both quarterbacks seek redemption in what was a tale of two heartbreaking campaigns. 
     

The New York Giants will try to recover from what was a sizzling start to the season that ended up an inauspicious ending. The Giants, for the most part, took care of certain players that were free agents this year. They re-signed the sensational running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been a consistent part of the Giants running game alongside “big man” Brandon Jacobs.

Big Blue also have themselves quite a receiving core with the signings of receiver Mark Clayton. Clayton joins a crowded unit of receivers such as Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Jerrel Jernigan, Domenik Hixon, Victor Cruz, Devin Thomas, and Rasmas Barden. Giants’ star receiver Steve Smith remains unsigned for now. Although Eli Manning has several weapons at the receiving position, the Giants come across a miniature headache on the defensive side of the ball.

Arguably their best defender, Osi Umenyiora has been unhappy with the Giants’ desire to grant him a new contract. Reports indicate that Umenyiora’s agent has gotten permission to seek a trade. However, there are still some big names and young linebackers that can produce for “Big Blue” this season.

My top standouts for the Giants this season are defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka and rookie linebacker Mark Herzlich. If Osi decides to go elsewhere via trade, Kiwanuka will be next in line to carry the load. The remarkable story of Mark Herzlich  is still in blooming. Herzlich was a standout linebacker at Boston College until he missed the 2009 season after being diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Herzlich beat cancer and made a comeback last year. After going undrafted and clearing waivers, Herzlich decided to sign with the Giants. He’s sure to be a great asset to the Giants linebacking corps.

 As for the New York Jets, coach Rex Ryan was at it again at a recent press conference, stating that he guaranteed his Jets would win the Super Bowl this year. We’ve all heard his predictions in the past and not to shabby but Rex is 0 for 2 in his predictions.

The Jets made out well in the free agent pool, but the biggest priority was to re-sign receiver Santonio Holmes. The Jets rewarded him with a 5-year/$50 million dollar contract. Holmes is the Jets best receiver. After that, the Jets look towards boosting the cornerback core by adding the talented Nnamdi Aosmugha.

Asomugha and fellow Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis are probably the two best cornerbacks in the league. The Jets wanted to make their own version of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Out of nowhere, the Eagles scooped Nnamdi under the Jets’ nose and signed him to a 5- year/$ 60 Million dollar contract. After the Jets fell short of signing Asomugha, you would think current free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie felt a bit unwanted by the Jets.

However, the Jets front office made sure that their relationship with Cromartie was not tainted during their pursuit of Asomugha, as they gave Cromartie 32 million reasons why he should feel special. Cromartie signed a 4-year deal worth just that much.

The biggest surprise of the Jets off-season was their finding away to sign Plaxico Burress. Buress was released from prison completing a 20-month sentence following a gun charge. Burress signed a 1-year/$ 3 million dollar deal with “Gang Green.” There were many reports that Burress would re-sign with the Giants or Steelers. (The only two teams he has played for). Burress will be a big target for young Mark Sanchez and is excited to resume his career.

A reporter asked Burress about his age and whether he could perform like the Plaxico of old. Burress replied, “I may not be 25 anymore, but I feel good and I will look like I am 25 when I step on the field.” We are 4 weeks away from what will be the most anticipating season in a very long time. The Jets and Giants both have goals set out this year, let’s see if they can put it to work come week 1.

 Sports Notes: (NBA Basketball) Day 34 of the NBA lockout. Players and owners met in New York with no resolution being solved. Players such as Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Kevin Durant have all expressed interest in playing overseas until the lockout is lifted. (Baseball) Yankees look to take over first place in the AL East as they prepare for a weekend series with the rival Boston Red Sox. Mets head back home to face their rival Atlanta Braves. (Football) The Eagles got Nnamdi along with other key free agents to battle with the Giants. The Jets will have their hands full as their rival Patriots added Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco.

Sports: Captain 3000

Brooklynites as well as the City of New York, were all witness to “history in the making” last Saturday afternoon. Going into Saturday’s matinee game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Jeter was 2 hits shy of 3000. In the first inning, Jeter hit a line drive past the third base line. In the third inning on a 3-2 count, Rays’ pitcher David Price threw a slider to Jeter down and in and Jeter hit it deep to left field for a home run to get his 3000th hit. Could anybody  have scripted it any better? No one would have thought that upon his quest to 3000 would come in the most unexpected scenario of all… a home run. Jeter became the 28th player in baseball history to join the 3000 hit club, the first Yankee to reach 3000, and the second player (aside Wade Boggs) to get hit number 3000 on a homer. I felt goose bumps watching it from home as Jeter’s parents and fans all stood up and applauded with joy.  At 37, Jeter became the youngest player to reach 3000 as well. Jeter’s day was just beginning as he collected three more hits including the go-ahead hit in the eighth inning to wrap-up a 5 for 5 day with a Yankee win. It was Pandemonium in the Bronx. The fan that caught the ball, Christian Lopez, gave Jeter back the baseball. Lopez received gifts as well as season tickets for the year.

“Many people would’ve sold it on eBay or something, but I knew how hard he worked to achieve such a milestone,” uttered Lopez.  As he rounded the bases, Jeter was mobbed by his teammates at home plate as they all congratulated him.

You think back in 1995, when Jeter was a baby-faced lean kid from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to now being on a history’s list along with players such as Wade Boggs, Pete Rose, Roberto Clemente, and Tony Gwynn. When Jeter came up as a rookie, he wore # 73. At the time, Yankee manager Buck Showalter insisted that the Yankee front office to give Jeter a single-digit number. “He is going to be something special,” Showalter said, and indeed he was right. The first half of the baseball season is completed, and the Yankees are in second place at 53-35, just a game back behind the Red Sox. It was indeed a great weekend to be a Yankee fan, a baseball fan, and a New Yorker. However, due to the emotional toll it took on Jeter’s pursuit of 3000, Jeter decided not to attend the MidSummer festivities in Arizona due to physical and emotional exhaustion. Jeter was voted in by the fans to play in the All-Star game. Jeter was criticized by Major League officials just a bit for not showing up. With the pressure it took for him to achieve the milestone (let alone at home), and his calf arguably not at 100%, it makes sense that Jeter would consider taking some rest as he prepares for the second half of the season.
        

    It may be a little too early to talk 4000, but why not. Jeter has two more years after this year with a player option for a third year. Jeter would have to play longer than that. He is ahead of Pete Rose’ pace to hit 4000. Jeter will be nearly 41 if he decides to still play and he continues to average 179 hits per year as he has done. We could be witnessing perhaps another Yankee to hit 3000 soon as Alex Rodriguez can achieve the milestone projected in about three years from now. Current players Ivan Rodriguez has 2,842 hits, Omar Vizquel has 2,831 but Rodriguez is 39, Vizquel is 44 and there is no guarantee of how long they will still play approaching the end of their careers. Rodriguez will be 36 in a couple of weeks and he currently has 2,762 hits. What a glorious weekend for all sports fans. The second half begins for both New York teams as the Mets host the Phillies, and the Yankees head to Toronto to play the Blue Jays.

Sports Notes: (Baseball) Yankee second baseman, Robinson Cano wins the 2011 State Farm Home Run Derby, defeating Red Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez. In the 82nd Annual All-Star game, the National League defeated the American League 5-1. Brewers slugger, Prince Fielder was named the MVP. Breaking News broke late last night, as the Mets traded their closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers in exchange for 2 players to be named later. (Football) Players and Owners are optimistic that a deal will be in place around July 21. The big issue seems to be the length of the rookie contracts. The two sides are scheduled to meet this week in Atlanta.

Sports: Return of the Captain

As we look back at this past weekend filled with cookouts, fireworks and weekend getaways, most of all sports, what would the weekend have been without the Subway Series taking place at Citi Field.  The Yankees came in holding the best record in the American League.  The Yankees took two out of three games from the Mets in May and overall have defeated the Mets four out of  six meetings this year.

With two victories against the cross-town rival Mets last weekend, the Yankees become the first team in the American League to reach 50 wins. With four games to go before the All-Star break, the Yankees look to leave their mark on the American League East and stay atop first place in the division. The Yankees appear to be getting healthy at just the right time welcoming back pitchers’ Bartolo Colon and Phil Hughes. Ian Nova was the unlikely pitcher to be sent down to the minors with Hughes taking his spot in the rotation. Colon was marvelous in his return against the Mets as he pitched 6 innings strong and looking like he hasn’t missed a beat since going on the disabled list. The key to the Yankees’ success this year will be their consistent pitching for sure.

 Curtis Granderson has proved why he has been the “Grandest” of late. Since last year’s All-Star break, Granderson is hitting .256 with 41 homers, 102 RBI, and 119 runs scored in 152 games. Along with Granderson, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Russell Martin were voted to play in the 2011 All-Star game highlighting the big evening that will take place on July 12 in Phoenix, Arizona.

On Monday, the Yankees welcomed back their captain on the road in Cleveland. When asked how he felt after Monday’s game (first game off the DL), Jeter said, “I feel fine, no pain at all, I felt nervous, it felt like Opening Day all over again. I was nervous to begin the game, but as the game went on I felt better.” The Yankees had a perfect scenario winning games in Jeter’s absence showing flexibility at the shortstop position with the play of Eduardo Nunez. 

The Yankees will finish up the first half of the season with four games against the Tampa Bay Rays. Perhaps the All-Star selections of, Jeter, “A-Rod”, Martin, Granderson, and Cano will bring motivation to the ball club especially Russell Martin. While playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010, Martin suffered a season-ending hip injury. The injury had many teams questioning his durability. However, Martin is having a stellar season at the plate and behind it as well.

The Yankees have to win games and win them consistency. Reason being, it appears the Red Sox aren’t going anywhere in the division. So as we enjoy the last week of the first half of baseball, let’s enjoy the All-Star festivities coming up in Arizona.

 Sports Notes : (Baseball) The Yankees wrap up the first half of the season with 4 games against the Rays. Quest for 3000; Jeter is now 4 hits shy of 3000 hits at 2,996. Robinson Cano will participate in Monday’s home run derby. (NBA Basketball) Day 8 of the NBA lockout. Players and owners do not appear to be on the same page on a new collective bargaining agreement. (NFL Football) Day 114 on the NFL lockout. Players and owners are scheduled to resume meetings in New York.  (Hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Joey Chestnut wins for the third straight year eating 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Sports: Yankee Doodle Dandies

Approaching a third of the baseball season, the Yankees find themselves once again in the middle of a pennant race.

Although key injuries have come down hard on the team, manager Joe Girardi has to kept things flowing and the next man in line has stepped up. Phil Hughes, Damaso Marte, Pedro Feliciano, Bartolo Colon, Eric Chavez, Joba Chamberlain, and Derek Jeter are among the Yankees currently on the Disabled List with injuries.

What was the biggest problem last year, the Yankees addressed this past off-season making their bullpen stronger.  With many injuries to the relief pitchers, David Robertson has been phenomenal as the setup man to Mariano Rivera.   Robertson currently has an ERA of 1.23 to go with 46 strikeouts in just 29 innings pitched this season.    As Interleague play begins once again, the Yankees look to the AL East lead away from the rival Red Sox. The Yankees have the best Interleague record of any baseball team at 149-103.

As far as the Yankees offense goes, you would think Alex Rodriguez would be the highlighted name so far in the season, but it has been the dynamic duo of Curtis Granderson, and Mark Teixeira.  

Both the “Grandy Man” “Tex” have been hot, and are in a third place tie for 1st in home runs.  Reminiscent of the 1961 home run chase with Roger Maris and Micky Mantle.   It has been awhile since we’ve seen performances by two teammates who are both on a pace for 40 home run seasons.

With Jeter on the shelf, the Yankee lineup will rely heavily on both Granderson and Teixeira.  After being swept by the Red Sox at home, the Yanks appeared to have received their wake up call, winning 9 out their last 11 games since. 

Although the Yankees’ recent hot streak has been impressive, questions still lingered if the team can still perform well despite the injuries.

Will the injuries catch up during the second half of the season? The Yankees’ pitching rotation will get better with the return of Phil Hughes if he is the pitcher of 2010 when he won a career-high 18 games.
 

There’s no question come the trading deadline the Yankees will look to address some issues-whether it’s another starting pitcher, or another bat. Cubs’ pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been linked in rumors as a possible fit for the Yankees. However, according to reports, the Yankees have “zero” interest in pursuing the sometimes “hotheaded” pitcher. 

Reports indicate that the Yankees would prefer a left-handed pitcher such as Astros’ lefty Wandy Rodriguez. As far as adding another bat to the lineup, there have been many rumors of the Yankees interest in Metsslugger Carlos Beltran, but the Yankees are not willing to give up young prospects to acquire him.

The Yankees stand at 2nd place at42-29, a game behind the Red Sox. No one should be surprised  that come September,  it will come down to arguably the two best teams in baseball.

 

 

Sports Notes :  (NFL Football) : Day 100 of the NFL Lockout .Meetings have taking place in Chicago and Boston to come with a new collective bargain agreement. Pre-season games are nearby and if any preseason games are missed, it is the owners who will lose money. (NBA Basketball): The NBA Draft is tonight, Cleveland has 2 of the first five picks in the draft, who will try to replace LeBronJames in Cleveland??  Who will the Knicks and Nets select??  Here is the Ed’s draft board, First 10 picks:1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving,- Duke 2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Derrick Wiliams, Arizona, 3 Utah Jazz- Brandon Knight, Kentucky, 4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania 5.Enes Kanter, 6 Washington Wizards- Jan Vesely, Czech Republic, 7 Kawhi Leonard, San Diego St, 8. Detroit Pistons Kemba Walker, Connecticut, 9. Charlotte Bobcats- Marcus Morris, Kansas, 10. Milwaukee Bucks- Alec Burks, Colorado.

Sports: Zone Star State

For the first time in franchise history, the Dallas Mavericks have won the NBA Championship. Lead by Dirk Nowitzki and veteran Jason Terry, the Mavericks closed out the Miami Heat Sunday night in Miami. Déjà vu played a role for the Mavs as they witnessed Shaquille O’Neal and Dywane Wade hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in Dallas in 2006. The Mavs won the series with their tenacious defense, having finally solved the riddle of the Miami defense. Players such as J,J, Barea, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry played were factors from Game 2 on in what seemed to be the turning point of the series when the Mavericks came back from 15 down in the fourth to tie the series at one before heading to Dallas. The Mavs made timely buckets, dominated on the boards, and most of all, found a way to stop LeBron James. What has been a success all-season long, the Mavs’ shooting was spectacular and seemed to have the Heat on their heels, especially in Game 6. This series showed viewers around the world a little bit of everything. We witnessed heroic performances by a determined Dwyane Wade, and a sick Nowitzki, to a heated scuffle between Mario Chalmers and Deshawn Stevenson.

As much as we talk about the shooting of Nowitzki, it was the leadership and intensity that Jason Terry showed. After a disappointing first two games of the finals, Terry appeared to be “Locked Down” by LeBron James. Terry stated, “Let’s see if he can play the same way for seven games. Terry backed up his words and outplayed James throughout the rest of the series, including a fourth quarter outburst in Game 5. Terry picked up the load for Nowitzki coming off the bench and scoring at will. Terry was also on the Mavericks roster when they lost to the ’06 Heat team. It appears that Nowitzki just, got a whole lot better. He will not only be just known as a 10- time All-Star, NBA MVP, but now he will be known as an NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP. Nowitzki avoided being one of the greats to play the game, but never won a title with the likes of Stockton, Malone, Payton, and Barkley. Without a question, Dirk Nowitzki is the best 7-foot shooter toever play the game. You got to think the 2011-12 Mavericks will be just as good or better as they welcome back Caron Butler.

We’ve all watched what has been viewed as the reality show of LeBron James and the Heat. Since the infamous pep rally last July in which James stated the Heat will win seven championships, James received a harsh reality that it does not appear to be as easy as advertised. James had three quarters in him, but could not make a dollar as he disappeared in the fourth quarter of the finals. In Game 2, James did not score in the fourth quarter and finished the game with just 8 points, marking the first time in 434 games he did not crack double digits in points. James fourth quarter woes, lingered the rest of the series. James did not greet the media well afterwards when asked about how he felt that many people are happy he and the Heat fail he responded, “All the people that was rooting for me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life they had before they woke up today. They’ll have the same personal problems they had today. And Iam going to live continue to live the way I want to live and do the things I want to do.” To win a championship, players like Jordan, Pippen, O’Neal and Kobe all know, the fourth quarter is how you build your legacy. James has now lost twice in the NBA Finals (2007 with Cleveland) and in 2011. We all know coach Eric Spoelstra and the Heat will be back next year, but the Mavs will be in the midst of things as well.

Sports Notes : (BasketBall): With free agents such as J.J. Barea, Tyson Chandler, and Caron Butler, are the will the Dallas Mavericks be in contention for a “Texas Two peat?”  (Football) Day 93 of NFL Lockout. Meetings are scheduled to take place in Chicago in attempts to end the lockout, as training camp nears.    (Baseball) Quest for 3000 : Derek Jeter left Monday’s game with a grade 1 calf strain. Today is his last shot to hit 3000 at home. However, Jeter’s quest for 3000 will be on hold as he heads to the disabled list with a grade 1 calf strain. The Yankees head to Chicago in an Interleague matchup with the Cubs. Jeter is 6 hits away from 3000 at 2,984.

On behalf of Our Time Press, we wish you all a Happy Father’s Day.

Sports: Dueces Wild

As we go to press, The Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks are in a neck-n-neck series, tied 2-2 in the Finals. LeBron James and Chris Bosh are seeking their first ring, and are only 2 games away from completing their goal they’ve set out to accomplish when the trio joined forces last July.

The Miami Heat have displayed not only their talent, but that they can are also capable of getting it done on the defensive end.  The Heat have held the Mavericks under 90 points in each game this series.   As we all know, Dallas has been one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league this year.  As much as LeBron James has been significant with “video game” like dunks and timely three pointers with the exception of Game 4, it has been the closing ability of Dwyane Wade and the clutch shooting of Chris Bosh that has given Miami a distinct advantage in this series. 

 Wade put on a clinic dropping 36 points, despite a Game 2 loss.  Wade encored his performance in Game 3 scoring 29, basically having his way with Jason Kidd, Deshawn Stevenson, and Jason Terry, players who have been matched up against him.  The role players have stepped up as well getting timely buckets from Mario Chalmers, and Mike Miller.   Having a bad headache is one thing, but the Mavericks appeared to be seeing double with the play of Wade and Bosh.

 The play of Jason Terry, in Tuesday’s game may have awakened the Mavericks bench. There is no doubt that the best player in this postseason has been Dirk Nowitzki.   Nowitzki has carried his team in Game 2 as the Mavs completed a fourth-quarter comeback against the Heat in which Nowitzki scored the game-winning basket on his left hand while nursing a torn tendon on his left middle finger and battling a 102-degree fever in Game 4.   

However, even Dirk will admit that he needs some of the load taken off his back as role players have struggled through Miami’s tenacious defense. One player who is considered to be an “X factor” is Jason Terry.   Terry has been smothered by the defense of LeBron and has struggled from the field in Games 1 and 3 but bounced back in Game 4 with two clutch free throws towards the end of the game. J.J. Barea, who had a sensational Western Conference Finals series against the Thunder, is struggling to find a rhythm from the field so far in this series against the Heat defense.

To add more concern for the Mavs, there are still question marks whether Brendan Haywood is healthy enough to defend Chris Bosh as he recovers from a hip pointer injury suffered in Game 2. Haywood’s size has been missed with the Mavericks lacking size, and with Nowitzki being the only 7-footer, It may be too early to judge the outcome of the series.  You wonder if this series would’ve played out differently if Nowitzki had his second scorer in Caron Butler.  Butler is out for the season with a torn acl.

 The Mavericks boosted up their defense a bit going to a zone defense in Game 4.   If they hope to snatch a Game 5,which will be their last home game of the series, Dirk and company must knock down shots that they were unable to hit in Game 4.   Jason Terry must continue to contribute as well as players such as J.J. Barea and Tyson Chandler who has been in foul trouble throughout this series. Veteran Peja Stojakovic is shooting well under 40% from the field.

For the Heat it is simple, LeBron seems to be Ok playing a Scottie Pippen role, and if Wade continues to be the “Mariano Rivera” for the Heat closing in the fourth quarter, the Heat will be celebrating a championship on the Mavericks home floor like they did in 2006.   James must step up as he knows he is just a few games away from his first of 8 championships, referring to what he said in a pre-season pep rally when he joined the Heat.  Dirk must be Dirk with some assistance as he looks to avenge some bad déjà vu he witnessed in 2006.  The Mavs need a MVP like game from Dirk in Game 5 as he hopes to have his fever under control by game time.  The Mavs must put a stop to the “underrated” Bosh and the heroics of Wade.

Sports Notes :  (Basketball) Brooklynite, St.  John’s alum, and former Knick Mark Jackson has been hired by the Golden State Warriors as their new head coach. This marks Jackson’s first head coaching job.  * Game 5 Heat @ Mavericks tonight, (series tied 2-20).

(Baseball)  The  Mets begin a 10-game road trip with no days off in between against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chasing 3000 :  The Yankees begin a 10-game home stand against the rival Boston Red Sox. Derek Jeter is now 12 hits shy of 3000 hits at 2,988.

( Football) Approaching Day 88 of the NFL lockout, there has not been any progress in a new CBA deal.Former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress was released from prison in upstate New York on Monday after being sentenced on September 22, 2009 on gun charges. “If and when ever the lockout ends, I’ll be ready.” Words said by Burress.

Sports: Turning it around

It seems just like how the weather appears nice for a few days, and then it’s horrible the next couple of days as the best analogy to describe how the Yankees season has gone so far. In last weeks story, the Yankees were in the midst of a crisis during their recent 6-game losing skid.

The Yankees weren’t getting any consistency from both their bats, and their pitching. Bring on the Orioles and Mets were the Yankees’ antidote. The “Bronx Bombers” were alive and well at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Stadium. The Yankees took 2 out of 3 from Baltimore, and then headed back to Yankees Stadium for a 3-game set with their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets. The Yankees took 2 out of 3 from the struggling Mets including a gracious comeback this past Sunday down 3-1 in the 7th inning to take the final game of the series from the Metropolitans. Since losing 6 straight games last week, the Yankees have responded winning 6 of their last 8 games.

Notable players that have been struggling are coming out their slumps a’la Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. “A-Rod” has been ripping the seams of the baseball of late, and with the health of his hip still in question, it appears the power of Rodriguez’s bat is slowly returning. As for “The Captain,” Jeter has raised his batting average to .268 and is now 25 hits shy of 3000 hits  (2,975).

However, the most consistent Yankee all year round has been Curtis Granderson. Granderson has been hotter than a July day in Brooklyn batting .268 with 16 home runs (2nd in the league to Jose Bautista 19 HR) and 34 RBI (4th). Since changing his batting style last September with the help of hitting coach Kevin Long, The “Grandy Man” has been on a rampage offensively and has progressed sincethe beginning of this season.

The Yankees have hit 73 home runs so far this season, which leads the league. The Yankees have shown that they don’t necessarily need to rely on the “long ball” to produce runs. Coming into the series with the Mets, the Yankees scored 52.2 percent of their runs on the home run ball. After falling to third place in the American League East standings last week, with some help from the Rays, the Yankees once again sit atop first place at 26-21 with both the Rays and Red Sox a half-game behind tied for second.

If the Yankees’ starting pitching can be as productive as the Yankees’ bullpen has been, we could be seeing a big turnaround from the ball club. With Phil Hughes coming back, the Yankees may have a big question falling in their laps as Hughes’ replacement, 38- year old -Bartolo Colon, has turned the clock back on his career and pitching like he did in his Cleveland Indian days. Although Colon’s “mojo” took the night off in his last start, Colon has been nothing but stellar to the Yankees rotation giving them length in innings for most of his starts. At 38, he’s still pitching hard with his fastball hitting 97 mph in the late innings. Just a spring training invitation to the Yankees ball club, Colon is making the best of his time in pinstripes. It is obvious that the Yankees haven’t played their best baseball yet, according to manager Joe Girardi. With the weather gets hotter, the Yankees must stay just as hot in a division that appears you must win  to make it to the playoffs.

Sports Notes : (Baseball) To add to the Mets mess, owner Fred Wilpon says that the team can lose up to $70 million dollars.  Along side being affected by the Bernie Madoff scam, Wilpon is looking to sell a share of the Mets for $200 million dollars. The team is $427 million dollars in debt. Wilpon also made headlines again this past Monday taking shots at his top 3 players, Carlos Beltran, David Wright , and Jose Reyes; saying (Reyes) will not get “Carl Crawford money” (7 years, $142 million), (Beltran) “He is 65 to 70% of what he once was”. and (Wright) “He’s a good kid, good player, but not a superstar.” (NFL Football) Day 72 of the NFL lockout.

According to reports, the New York Jets have expressed interest in signing future Hall Of Famer Randy Moss. It appears that the Jets will not be able to resign both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards to long-term deals. Moss, 34, had a tumultuous season last year with the Vikings, Patriots, and Titans.

Yankees In Disarray

Brooklynites,as well as the city of New York are absolutely puzzled by the recent Yankees losing skid. Last week, the Yankees were atop first place the AL East. A week later, the Yankees are currently 3 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, who have taken over first place. As it has been well documented by now, the Yankees off-season was one big mess,and in a city like New York, every move you make will be on Sports Center tomorrow. The Yankees are struggling to find consistency from their bats and their pitching. When they get good pitching and get their starters deep into ball games, they can’t hit. When they  are swinging hot bats,their pitcher can barely get out of an inning unharmed with earned runs. The Yankees have lost 6 straight games and 10 of their last 14. Whatever is going on in that locker room,it must be fixed and not linked to the media as has happened with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Yankees were recently swept out of Yankee Stadium by the rival Boston Red Sox, who are right behind the Yankees as well.

On Saturday’s nationally televised game against the Red Sox, controversy broke out once again as long-time veteran catcher Jorge Posada took himself out of the lineup an hour before game time. Several reports indicated that Posada was nursing a back injury, which seemed to be backed up by a tweet from Posada’s wife.It has been reported that Posada was unhappy being placed ninth in the batting order. Reports say Posada went into manager Joe Girardi’s office and asked to be taken out the lineup. According to General Manager Brian Cashman, Posada wanted to leave the team and the Yankees front office considered releasing Posada. In a press conference, Posada apologized to Yankee management. Posada has been a member of the Yankees for 16 years coming up as a backup catcher to his now manager Joe Girardi. Posada was told by Girardi before the season that with the acquisition of Russell Martin, and the upcoming arrival of Yankees “catcher of the future” Jesus Montero, Posada would serve as the Yankees designated hitter.Posada is batting .170 as the Yankees DH. For the most part, the transition from catching every pitch of the game, to sitting and waiting to hit, has beena frustrating and difficult process for him.

The Yankees are in big trouble and apparently their age is being exposed to why they can’t win games. Maybe it’s just a losing funk that every good team goes through throughout the course of a162-game season. Whatever it is, when you play in the city of New  York, everything you do (good or bad) will be recognized. Is it time for the Steinbrenners to shake things up in the Bronx? As we go to press, the Yankeescurrently have a record of 20-19 and what do you know, another team (Toronto BlueJays) are right behind them. The Yankees need to start swinging for the walls.Hitters like Nick Swisher, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez need to get it going for Brooklyn Yankee fan to even think about the playoffs. A team with a $200 million dollar payroll must start looking like it.

Sports Notes: (Baseball) Mets receive more bad news, slugger David Wright isn’t feelin right as a recent MRI shows that Wright has a stress fracture in his back. With Angel Pagan, Ike Davis, and Johan Santana already on the shelf with injuries, this seems to be another dark cloud of injuries for the New York Mets. The Yankees look to snap their recent losing woes against the Tampa Bay Rays, the last game of a 3-game series before heading back to Yankee stadium to start interleague play vS. the New  York Mets. (NFL Football) Day 65 of the NFL lockout,a judge grants a decision benefiting the owners to keep the lockout on. Will this lure into the upcoming season? (NBA basketball)  The NBA’s final four is set.  (Heat VS. Bulls). in the East, Thunder VS. Mavericks in the West finals.

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