Yankees Tossing Out Offers!

The Yankees are apparently offering AJ Burnett $80 million for 5 years, which is above what the Braves biggest offer has been thus far. This is obviously newsworthy in it of itself; however, there may be a deeper indication that this offer expresses. ie. Either that the Derek Lowe sweepstakes are getting away from the Yankees or that the Yankees have realized that Derek Lowe is 35 and not worth $64-68 million!



Personally, I would rather sign Oliver Perez and Ben Sheets that either of these 2, but hey, that is why Cashman makes the big bucks. Then again, he has screwed up almost every pitching decision he has made over the last number of years (some of the big ones are Wright, Randy Johnson, Hawkins, Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes over Johan, the list goes on). Maybe I should take over for Cashman!

Yaros

Yankees Need To Forget About Manny!

There are rumors all over the place that the Yankees are still looking into possibly acquiring Manny Ramirez. Here is the problem with that idea. The guy is a cancer to any clubhouse. That pisses off Joe Girardi - a man with a short fuse who does not get along with his team as it is. Then Manny gets into an argument with Girardi over something absurd and gets benched for a period of time. That leads to more chaos and less of a focus on winning.

The biggest issue with Manny is that he doesn't get it! He doesn't realize that his antics effect play on the field. He is so talented that his own success is not hindered when he causes a raucous in the clubhouse; however, other players, who actually need to focus when hitting, lose their concentration when asked their opinion on the stupidity Manny is up to.

The bottom line is that Manny is a hall of fame talent and that he will be an effective piece of a playoff team - but that team should not be the Yankees! The manager is not mellow enough and there is way too much press coverage and scrutiny for Manny to wear the pinstripes!

Yaros

Angels Attention Shifts from Mark Texeira to Sabbthia

The Angels have offered the same type of contract to Sabbthia as the Yankees did at the beginning of FA. Why would they wait till now to offer a contract to Sabbthia? Possibly, because the Angels are unwilling to meet Texeira's 10 year contract demand. The Angels do not want to miss out on Sabbathia because they are waiting on Texeira's contract demand to lower. However, a new story from Danny Knobler of CBSSportsline has said that the Angels have long - term concerns about Tex's knee. THe Angels are most likely unwilling to give that ten year contract to Tex for that solitary reason. Right now, they will continue to focus on Sabbthia until Tex's agent Scott Boras is willing to do a 6 year deal. Look for something to get done fast with Sabbathia, since it was a year ago today that the Angels offered Torii Hunter a contract, with a 48 hour deadline. Hunter signed the night before Thanksgiving.

Nate Davis Proves Once Again this Year Why Teams Should Not Have Passed on Him

The quarterback, who brought half a dozen scouts and a party like no other to Ball State, who had experienced mediocrity for many seasons, was never widely recruited because of learning disabilties. As he has been now recruited by many NFL teams, this is just one thing that has changed for Nate Davis and the Ball State Cardinals.

A panda worn by Jake Erdley, a telecommunications major from Brownsburg, Ind.,has always been looked at as a non - threatening creature as were the Cardinals themselves. But change has now come and it was evident by the biggest party ever on the Cardinal's home field. This would have never happened ten years ago when the Cardinals were suffering through many seasons of mediocrity, but has happened in part by another guy that people in college football thought would never make it.His name MiQuale Lewis. As did many of the Ball State players, he suffered his tough times in the previous years. But now through perseverence, this 5'6 back is close to setting the school's all - time single season rushing record.

Lewis is just one example of perseverence this year. The whole team has had to cope with the loss of their their star reciever Dante Love. They could have given away the season because without their playmaker because how could they really make it through the season without such a great player? Well, this team has actually come more together since that injury took place. They have played this season for Dante Love and no one is a greater example of that than Nate Davis.

A man who is supposed to be uneducated has stepped in for Ball State and has become a leader for Ball State. Nate Davis never has given up on a play this year. His elusiveness has allowed him this year to convert on many third downs for his team. This guy you'd think would make a lot of mistakes in big moments. However, Ball State is tied for third in fewest turnovers and rarely makes mental mistakes out on the field. His suddenly developed smarts have led to Ball State to their greatest season ever and could lead himself to a first round paycheck in this year's upcoming NFL Draft.

The Lowdown in New York with Yaros

By the way, I think New Jersey sports are part of New York!

NOTE: This is my first entry for SportsTalkSoup! I will be writing for this blog every Wednesday. Looking forward!

Here is post #1!

The New Jersey Nets can compete with a great team for a while, but then, their lack of talent (mostly defensively) and tremendous lack of experience shows and they get destroyed later in games.



The guide to playing the Nets season properly:

The bottom line is that they will not do anything even if they make the playoffs.

The old core (namely Jason Collins - one of the worst offensive players the league has seen since the advent of the leather sneaker, Jason Kidd - traded away in a brilliant way, Richard Jefferson - traded away in a ? way [all depends on what Yi becomes] and Vince Carter - who will be traded at some point for some good talent [because the Nets' front office is a group of brilliant, very convincing group of gentlemen]) is almost out of town and the new group of players needs to be developed.

The obvious hope is that the new core (as of now includes Yi, Devin Harris and Brook Lopez) develops simultaneously into a group of stars that will lead to a championship when role players are sprinkled in.

Aside from trading VC, what else could the Nets do to begin the process of developing the new core? First, they already made move number 1, they began to start Brook Lopez.



A side note on Lopez - he is very talented offensively. He has a fairly consistent mid range jumper and has numerous moves around the basket. He is not particularly good defensively, but technique and added strength should improve that. The one area that can not be improved, and is not very good, is Lopez's athleticism. He just doesn't have the ups that other players have. It manifests itself most on rebounds and defense. None the less, Lopez could become a 18 point 8 board guy in the next couple of years due to his basketball (as opposed to athletic) talent.

Step 2: would be finding a place on the far end of the bench for Bobby Simmons. First of all, the guy is not very good at anything. He is not a good defender, he is a very streaky outside shooter, he can't dribble and he definitely can't pass! I don't know why he plays, let alone starts?!

Who should start in his place? Well, considering that Yi is really an outside shooter with a very narrow body, I think Sean Williams could easily start as the power forward. One quick thing about Mr. Williams - what Lopez lacks in the athleticism, SW has! Therefore, Sean Williams can guard almost anyone. Moving Yi down to SF offensively would not hurt the Nets on defense because Williams could take either player.

Step 3: is to take useless players with no superior skills out of the rotation. There are guys the Nets are playing off the bench who are throw ins on trades all the time and are relatively useless. Keyon Dooling and Jarvis Hayes should simply not be playing any role. In fact, as bad as he is, I would play Simmons prior to them. Ryan Anderson has some potential. He is a big who can shoot the 3 exceptionally well. He creates match up problems for other teams.

The one thing that makes this machine go, and I have mentioned this in the past, is Devin Harris. His penetration and quickness open holes for other guys and without him the offense looks pathetic. Harris needs to improve his shot (which is already better than Jason Kidd's), but he is creative and gets to the line fabulously (top 2 in the league in FTA).

The Nets need to be versatile. Sean Williams really helps them remain that way because of his defensive abilities. If you think about the offensive liability that he is (remember that he is a heck of a lot better than Jason Collins on offense), recall that the rest of the Nets starting lineup is offensive minded. Harris and Carter are the most prolific scoring back court in the NBA and Brook Lopez and Yi are both offensive players at heart.

The Nets need to start focusing on preparing the new core for a better future and sacrifice the now (not like the Knicks who are relying on picking up a guy in free agency) to have a fabulous future (not as far into the future as you may think). The Eastern Conference is very top heavy with a few good teams and 4 or 5 wide open playoff spots. The Nets could be successful in the mediocre Eastern Conference quite quickly - as long as they take the proper (above) approach.

Hey, I should be the new GM!

Yaros

Steven Yaros is the founder and chief blogger for talkingNYsports.com

Saturday Mornining Shootaround

Hey guys welcome to my new Saturday Morning Shootaround segment. My name is Austin. I am a huge college basketball fan. I am unbiased towards all teams however I am a huge Duke Blue Devil fan. Hopefully throughout the 2008-2009 NCAAM season I can bring you some information you will enjoy about the current weeks games. Without any more delay, here is the key matchups for Opening Weekend (Nov 22nd-Nov 23rd).

Top 25 teams in action on Saturday Nov 22

#3 Louisville 0-0 vs Morehead St 0-3
Prediction 96-60 Louisville

When you talk Louisville basketball this year, the first thing that has to come to mind is 5 star recruit Samardo Samuels. At 6'8'' this big man at only 18 should develop very nicely this year. Samuels, by many recruiting agencies, was ranked #1 this past year. Look for Samuels to get off to a hot start here vs Morehead. Also you can't forgot why Louisville is ranked #3 to kick off the year. Junior PG Egdar Sosa can be a game changer when playing at his best. However, last year he regressed from his outstanding freshman season. Also, Earl Clrak forms the trio of this years team look for him to step up after C David Padgetts graduation to a double double guy. Morehead is led by a solid post game all 3 of their top scorers are big men. However, in this game, the likes of Maze Stallworth and Leon Buchannan just stand no chance against Louisville's strong big men.

#6 Pitt 2-0 vs Indiana (PA) 2-0
Prediction 87-55 PITT

Pitt led by Sam Young and Dejuan Blair are another talented Big East team. Pitt is known as a school who was had great sucess without having any real stars. This year that could change. Dejuan Blair proved as a freshman that he could play with the Big Boys. He will continue to do this. Blair could be a darkhorse POTY canidate. Indiana a D-III doesn't have much of a chance in this one even if they played Syracuse to a 77-67 score last week in preseason.

#10 Purdue 3-0 vs Coppin State 1-0
Prediction 82-62 Purdue

Purdue last year had a coming out party last year. Look for it to continue this year. Led by G E'Tuan Moore the Boilermakers have a real shot at winning the Big 10 this year. Look for Purdue's balanced attack and solid defense to carry them over Coppin State and their guard heavy attack. Last weekend, they beat Wilmington 94-73 having 4 G as their top scorers.

#14 Oklahoma 3-0 vs Gardner Webb 0-2
Prediction 100-67 Oklahoma

Led by Sophomore F Blake Griffin Oklahoma already has a big win on their resume after beating Stephen Curry's Davidson Wildcats 82-78. Griffin in 3 games so far this year is dominating having 3 double double's and averaging 23 PPG and 19.3 RPG. With performances like these, the Sooners will be hard to stop with G Willie Warren and F Taylor Griffin backing up the Blake. Gardner who lost 85-84 on Tuesday night plays in a 3 guard set and all 3 can score. Anyways, Griffin and the Sooners win big.

#17 Marquette 2-0 vs Milwaukee 3-1
109-75 Marquette

Marquette has some pretty solid talent. G Dominic James, G Jerel McNeal, and G Wesley Matthews led this team. All 3 should play at the pro level. Marquette is a contender in the Big East and should be a serious threat come tournament time. Look for these guards to overwhelm Milwaukee but G Avery Smith and company should keep it close early.

#18 Georgetown 1-0 vs Drexel 1-0

Georgetown lost their best player last year in C Roy Hibbert to the NBA; however, a more talented C has come to take his place. Greg Monroe was highly regarded much like Samuels to be the top recruit in the country. Monroe brings an atheletic power player to this team almost the opposite of Roy Hibbert's finesse style. With G Jessie Sapp and G Chris Wright also returning, the Hoyas should be making another run in March.

Upset Special for Week 1:

Washington over #24 Kansas

Washington has been an intriguing team over the past few years. They certainly have underacheived. This year look for F Jon Brockamn to turn into what people thought he would be coming in. Washington has many talented players and should be able to beat the Defending National Champs.

Games to Watch For:
Monday November 24

9:30 PM ESPN U
#1 North Carolina vs Chaminade
The top ranked Tar Heels head to Maui and kick off the invitational vs host Chaminade

5:30 PM ESPN 2
Indiana vs #9 Notre Dame
Also in Maui, we get to see how bad Indiana will be or how good Luke Harangody and Notre Dame are. I got money on the first Tom Crean you get a mess down in Bloomington.

7:30 PM ESPN 2
Syracuse vs #19 Florida
Can Billy Donovan and the Gators beat Syracuse? This is a great early season test for both teams.

Potential Matchups (they're are some real good ones, but the only problem is that they all are potentially good matchups)

#8 Texas vs #9 Notre Dame
This could be a semifinal in maui winner and winner would move on to play North Carolina. Maui is a place to watch this week. There could be some really good games.

#1 North Carolina vs #8/9 Texas/Notre Dame
Again, Maui is the place to be for early season top action.

Thank you for reading this season opening article. Hopefully, you'll stay tuned for the many more to come this year. I will be appearing occasionally on Vito's podcast as well as the NCAAM insider. Any ? E-mail them to me @ indycolts2113@aol.com They could be answered on the show or in a future article.

Another team is clearing space for a spectacular 2010 FA class

In one 24-hour period, the New York Knicks have officially made themselves real players for the NBA's best free-agent class in a generation, and can now realistically make a run not only at LeBron James, but perhaps multiple free agents in the summer of 2010.

Today, clearing Crawford's $10 million from the table was not enough for Donnie Walsh's day of shedding salaries. Not only did Donnie Walsh shed Crawford's long contract in his first major player transaction as president of the Knicks, but he also shed Zach Randolph's long contract.

Randolph was traded to the Clippers, while Crawford was dealt to the Golden State Warriors. The three players going to the Knicks - Al Harrignton, Cuttino Mobley, and Tim Thomas - all have contracts coming off the table in time for the highly anticipated 2010 FA class that could include the likes of Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade.

Harrington's mobility and versatility made Donnie Walsh - the man who originally drafted him in 1998 - and Mike D'Antonio very attracted to Harrington, who had become disgruntled with the Warriors. As Donnie Walsh and D'Antonio saw, he will help them win games immediately with his multi - positional skills, while also helping Walsh's future plans of financial flexibility.

The other team involved in this deal, the Warriors, saw Crawford as a versatile guard, who can function well in Don Nelson's system with and without Monta Ellis. It's something to remember that Crawford is coming off a career best 20.6 points per game average last year, so this deal meshes with Walsh's plan to shed salary. This trade was not a trade made based on impacting the team's ability to win games.

Randolph had also adapted well to D'Antonio's system, but just became another part in Walsh's plan to shed salary when he was dealt to the Clippers for Tim Thomas, who shined with D'Antonio in the playoffs with the Suns, hitting a big three against the Lakers in the 2006 first round matchup, propelling them past the first round and eventually into the Western Conference Finals. However, no one was dealt to the Knicks today because of the talents that they could bring to the Knicks.

Although the Knicks have begun the process of sheding long term contracts and the process of acquiring contracts that will expire before the 2010 season, what players would even be on the roster to surround Lebron and to more importantly, attract Lebron to the Big Apple? Donnie Walsh might have to ask himself before that time if he has built a team who can compete for the championship. Because I don't believe that Lebron James or any other free agent would consider a team led by Gallinari, Chandler and guards Nate Robinson and Chris Duhon -- even if it is in the media capital of the world.