Action Jackson

Wednesday April 30, 2008 4:35 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

The prevailing rumor at the moment is that Mark Jackson is the front-runner to become the next head coach of the Knicks. If he doesn't take the Knicks job, there are several other teams, such as the Bulls, who would love Jackson behind their bench.

While expectations might be low (how could they get lower than the eras of Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown), Knicks fans would likely prefer any candidate to have some level of experience. Marc Jackson is likely one exception to that rule, as a former Knick, but it got me to thinking about where he might gain experience on a slightly lower level.

Then it hit me like an errant Stephon Marbury jumper to the temple.

A college team, one that the city of New York has gotten behind in the past, but has fallen on hard times. A school that has emerged from scandal, but has thus far struggled to re-establish a winning identity.

They are the fifth-winningest program in NCAA Men's basketball history, with 1673 wins, and own the 7th best winning percentage (.680). They also have the 7th most NCAA tournament appearances (27), two Wooden National Player of the Year Award Winners, 11 consensus All-Americans, and 6 members of the Hall of Fame.

They play their home games at the World's Most Famous Arena. And it is the school where Jackson spent his collegiate career.

Give up?St. John's University.

Mark Jackson would be a perfect fit for the Red Storm. He knows the school as well as anyone else, knows it's history, knows the city and what it's like to play at MSG.

Norm Roberts can recruit them, but he can't get them to play at their peaks or even keep them at SJU for more than two years.

Jackson is one of the few guys who remember the success that St. John's University is capable of. He played for Lou Carnesecca during the peak of the St. John's program. He can bring them back to their former glories, and help to rebuild their identity, to establish themselves, once again, as one of the powerhouse squads in one of the top conferences in the nation.

The Knicks may need all the help in the world. But so do the Johnnies.

--Tim Fiorvanti

A new nickname for A-Rod?

Tuesday April 29, 2008 5:35 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

Now that A-Rod has reaggravated his quad injury (A-Quad anyone?), he's out of the lineup again tonight as the Yanks open a series at home against Detroit.

Also of note is the season debut of catcher Chris Stewart, who was called up after the injury of Jorge Posada.

Here's the line-up:

J. Damon CF

D. Jeter ss

B. Abreu rf

H. Matsui lf

J. Giambi dh

S. Duncan 1b

M. Ensberg 3b

R. Cano 2b

C. Stewart c

Roger Clemens had a mistress?

Monday April 28, 2008 12:55 AM By Elizabeth Nielsen

Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with country songstress Mindy McCready, the New York Daily News is reporting.

The alleged affair began when the Rocket was still with the Boston Red Sox and McCready was only 15-years-old, the Daily News said.

The allegations surface as Clemens is in the midst of a bitter legal battle with former trainer Brian McNamee, after McNamee told George Mitchell during the MLB steroid investigation that the Rocket used steroids on several occasions.

I'm sure much more will come of this tomorrow.

--Lizzy

http://www.nydailynews.com

Big name QBs the theme for local teams

Sunday April 27, 2008 7:10 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

After 252 picks and 15 hours, we finally have our draft class of 2008, from Jake Long at #1 to this year's Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora of Idaho.

The later rounds are important in building the foundations of teams, and occasionally a diamond in the rough emerges.

The Jets look to repeat their late-round draft prowess, having selected Leon Washington and Jerricho Cotchery, amongst others, on the second day of the draft. Day two looked like this for Gang Green:

Round 4, Pick 113: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State

Round 5, Pick 162: Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee

Round 6, Pick 171: Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas

Round 7, Pick 211: Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas

The Jets tried to address skill positions on day 2 of the draft. Lowery and Garner have some potential, and Henry could be a solid #3 or #4 receiver. The most interesting pick Sunday for the Jets was the biggest name, Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge. Son of Celtics great Danny Ainge, Erik Ainge split time at quarterback his first two years at Tennessee, and dealt with injuries his other two years. While another weak-armed QB is not what the Jets need, Ainge has potential and could add more intrigue to the upcoming season's battle between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens.

The Giants had arguably the best draft class by far in 2007, with almost every pick contributing in some way to their playoff run and eventual Super Bowl victory. Ahmad Bradshaw and Kevin Boss figured greatly in their offensive scheme. Here's how day two went down for Big Blue:

Round 3, Pick 95: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 123: Bryan Kehl, OLB, BYU

Round 5, Pick 165: Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt

Round 6, Pick 198: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Round 6, Pick 199: Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Mississippi

The G-Men took a couple fliers on offensive skill players, while adding depth to their lineback core and D-line. Manningham is a very solid, albeit undersized wide receiver who has an uncanny ability of getting open (as an unabashed Notre Dame fan that sentence is painful to write, and resonates with the pain of witnessing such catches first-hand). Woodson has the raw talent and size to be a great quarterback, but the intangibles and game management skills just don't seem up to snuff.

***

The other big story on Sunday was the selection of the Detroit Lions at pick 218. They selected Caleb Campbell, a safety from the United States Military Academy, otherwise known as Army. Because of recent changes in Army's terms of service, Campbell will now be able to immediately play in the NFL without having active military service. If he makes the Lions, and continues to play, he will still technically remain "active", though his service will essentially be spending some time at recruitment centers around Detroit.

The somewhat silent crowd at Radio City gave Campbell, who was in attendance, a hearty cheer upon hearing his name called. Campbell then got some airtime on the ESPN network, joining Mel Kiper and Co. for a short interview, followed by a video conference with his new head coach, Rod Marinelli who, they pointed out, was a Vietnam veteran himself. That's not the only tie that Campbell has to the Lions. Matt Millen's son Marcus was a teammate of Campbell's at Army.

A good way to end the weekend in this blogger's humble opinion.

(Caleb Campbell photo c/o usma.edu)

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Analyzing day one

Sunday April 27, 2008 9:08 AM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

Day one of the NFL Draft was over and done in six hours, flying by in comparison to past drafts. The Jets and the Giants each made two selections:

New York Jets

Round 1, Pick 6

Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

With Darren McFadden off the board at four, and Glenn Dorsey going to the Chiefs at five, the Jets selected the best remaining player in Gholston. A hybrid LB/DE, Gholston will fit well in coach Mangini's defense. Do you remember the game "Kill the guy with the ball" that you may have played when you were a kid? Gholston is the guy you'd pick first from this draft class. And that's what he'll (hopefully) be doing for the Jets for years to come.

Round 1, Pick 30

Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue

The Jets jumped back into the first round to grab Dustin Keller, a pass-catching Tight End from Purdue. Keller was not projected as a first round talent, but the Jets likely heard whispers that someone was either going to pick Keller, or trade up ahead of their early second round spot to grab him. He's not an incredible blocker, but he's big and fast, so he should be able to light up linebackers and nickel corners for the Jets. Whoever the Jets decide is their quarterback will see immediate help from Keller.

New York Giants

Round 1, Pick 32

Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

The Giants closed out round one by selecting Kenny Phillips of Miami, filling in the hole at safety left by Gibril Wilson, who they lost in free agency. Phillips is a bit raw, but he has speed and a wealth of potential. Depending on his progress, either he or Sammy Knight will start for the G-Men this year. The Giants improve their secondary here, and help add some youth to a veteran club.

Round 2, Pick 64

Terrell Thomas, CB, USC

More help for the aging Giants secondary comes in the form of Terrell Thomas of Southern Cal. He's a versatile big man with speed, but injury problems dogged Thomas in college, including two separated shoulders and torn knee ligaments. This is a gamble by the Giants, but it could pay off in spades if he stays healthy.

Other Highlights:

- Matt Ryan went to the Falcons with the third pick. Atlanta decided to make Ryan the face of their franchise, but it remains to be seen if Ryan will live up to the hype.

- The Raiders selected Darren McFadden at number four, adding yet another running back to their already plentiful stable of rushers. He'll sit atop a depth chart that also features LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush, who they drafted last year. Jets fans were notably upset at Radio City, but it's unclear as to whether or not this was related to the selection of McFadden.

- Joe Flacco of Delaware was the second quarterback selected in this year's draft. A Jersey guy who went to Pittsburgh before transferring to Delaware, Flacco continues his slow migration south by landing in Baltimore.

- For the first time since 1990, there were no wide receivers taken in round one. Even more surprising was that Donnie Avery of Houston was the one to break that trend, though he did set off a chain reaction that ended with ten wide receivers being selected in round two.

- Both the Dolphins and Packers selected quarterbacks in Round two, despite the fact that each had drafted a high-profile QB in the past several years. Aaron Rodgers waited until pick 23 in his draft, despite the fact he was tagged as a top-10 talent, and went through an endless saga with Brett Favre before finally grabbing the starting job in Green Bay. Now he has Brian Brohm breathing down his neck. John Beck hasn't had a chance to do anything in Miami, and already Chad Henne is there to compete for the job with him. Yikes.

The NFL Draft continues today at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for more coverage.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select...

Friday April 25, 2008 2:31 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

After a seemingly endless off-season (o.k. maybe it wasn't that long), football becomes the center of all sports conversation for the next two days, as the 2008 NFL Draft comes at you live from Radio City Music Hall.

The draft has been held in New York since 1965, and has been held in a number of famous locations, including Madison Square Garden, the Javits Center, and at Radio City since 2006. If comments by Roger Goodell, featured in this article are any indication, the draft may be leaving New York after this year.

This is a bit of a shame for New Yorkers, who have grown accustomed to attending the draft every year. The Jets fans, often furious with the terrible pick their team has made (and who wouldn't be? After starting off strong with Hall of Famers Joe Namath and John Riggins, the Jets have drafted such stalwarts as Johnny Mitchell, Blair Thomas, and Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp). The Giants fans, mercilessly taunting the Jets fans.

Anyway, enough of the sad news. Here's a quick mock draft, for those of you out there who haven't quite seen enough of them, of the top ten picks plus the Giants' selection to end the round.

1) Miami Dolphins:Jake Long, OT, Michigan

The Dolphins have already signed the first Long to go in this draft to a contract, and he'll help to sure up their unsteady o-line. The first on a laundry list of issues starts is achieved, but it's a long road back for the Fish.

2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Despite the shortening of first round selections to 10 minutes this year, the Rams will give the fans a Long experience to make them feel right at home. (insert laugh track here)

3) Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

The need to sure up the defensive line and take a sure-thing will outweigh the desire to select a franchise quarterback and a face of the organization.

4) Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Oakland continues to stockpile running backs. Maybe Al Davis is trying to attract Matt Millen to help him run the Raiders.

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

They traded Jared Allen, and Herm Edwards is on a campaign to do anything and everything to make sure his running backs don't have long careers, which seems to go against drafting an O-lineman.

6) New York Jets: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Yes, the Jets drafted a QB in the second round just two years ago. Yes, they have a serviceable veteran who can still grit his way through a majority of games in any given season. Gang Green will shop Matt Ryan, and realize teams like the Ravens 'loved him, but weren't in love with him', leaving the Jets with three quarterbacks, a whole lot of holes in their roster, and one more reason for the Jets faithful to boo the hell out of the commissioner.

7) New England Patriots:

Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

Belichick continues his trend of picking tough guys with a lot of grit, and the Pats will go for the solid guy over the flash. Matt Light isn't getting any younger, and Nick Kaczur doesn't strike fear into the heart of any D-Linemen.

8) Baltimore Ravens: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State

The Ravens will hope that Ryan falls to them here, but shrug their shoulders and get themselves some much-needed help for their secondary

9) Cincinnatti Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DE, USC

Despite crossing their fingers and hoping that McFadden would fall to them, assuring them of maintaining their 'gangsta' image, the Bengals go value here and get a very solid value with this d-lineman.

10) New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State

The Saints shore up their shaky D by strengthening their secondary. McKelvin also has some return skills

31) New England Patriots: No One. They lost this pick for spying on the Jets.

Who knows how bad it could get if the Matt Walsh situation leads to anything.

32) New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

Since their likely going to lose Jeremy Shockey, they have to keep up their Hurricane quota, and they'll improve their secondary in the process.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

NFL scouts take it to an all new level

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:54 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

With the NFL Draft, live from Radio City Music Hall, just 3 days away, we look today at the Jake Long, the offensive tackle the Dolphins have already agreed to terms with and have declared as the number one pick of this year's draft.

The Dolphins' scouts went to all new levels to test some of Long's intangibles before signing him. For example, this is one of the tests they gave him for hand-eye coordination:

Thanks to Deadspin for the video

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Benny (the Bull) gets sued!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 3:29 PM By Emily Ngo

Benny the Bull, the scarlet-furred symbol of my childhood loyalty to the Chicago Bulls, is being sued for a high-five gone quite wrong.

I wish I could tell you that the Bulls' mascot accidentally grabbed someone's butt upon missing their hand, but alas, Benny — What??? He's not a bull? There's a real person underneath named Barry Anderson? — grabbed the arm of oral surgeon Don Kalant at a Feb. 12 basketball game. Anderson was falling forward in this action, hyperextending the doc's arm and rupturing his bicep, according to the lawsuit.

Kalant wants unspecified damages for hospital bills, pain and the four months of work he'll has to miss for his injury. All poor Benny wanted was someone to break his fall.

— Emily Ngo

It's A-girl!

Tuesday April 22, 2008 7:15 PM By Ryan Chatelain

Alex Rodriguez, the three-time MVP, became a D-A-D for the second time yesterday.

With A-Rod at her side, his wife, Cynthia, 34, gave birth to a 7-pound, 9-ounce girl in Miami, team officials said.

“We are thrilled with the birth of our second daughter and the blessing of having two beautiful, healthy daughters in our lives,” Rodriguez said.

The couple also has a 3-year-old daughter, Natasha. The newborn’s name has not yet been released

A-Rod, who is nursing the right quad he strained Sunday at Baltimore, missed Tuesday night’s game at the Chicago White Sox and isn’t expected to return to the Yankees until Thursday.

AP Photo

If Scranton calls Joba Chamberlain ...

Monday April 21, 2008 9:26 PM By Max J. Dickstein

(Credit: Getty Images)

If the Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain is to undergo the conversion from eighth-inning setup man to starting pitcher, the place for him to do so will be in eastern Pennsylvania, where the Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees play ball.

I called Scranton to ask the team’s director of media relations and broadcasting, Mike Vander Wood, what sort of process Chamberlain would need to undergo if he were sent to Moosic, Pa., for a three-week conversion program from big-league reliever to Triple-A starter to big-league starter.

“That all depends on the individual,” said Vander Wood, who was about to broadcast the conclusion of a three-game series against the visiting Rochester Red Wings on Monday night. “You have to look at it on a case by case basis. If a guy had been strictly reliever, you’re not going to have a guy throw 100 pitches the first time out.”

Vander Wood said that no one in the Bronx had contacted the Triple-A affiliate about making arrangements for Chamberlain, and said he was therefore willing to speak only very generally and hypothetically about the potential conversion of Chamberlain.

He did suggest that Scranton, where former big-league pitchers Kei Igawa and Scott Patterson toil, would be a good place to effect the change.

“This is one step below the major leagues,” Vander Wood said. “You’ve got some pretty good talent here.”The process of making Chamberlain ready for a big-league start would be about more than building up his arm strength, Vander Wood said. Of just as much importance will be changing Chamberlain’s routine from one that focuses on daily readiness to one that emphasizes readiness on every fifth day.

“If that’s the case that they’re going to convert somebody to a reliever to a starter,” Vander Wood said. “It’s not going to be the stuff a pitcher has or the way that he throws — it’s just developing that routine.”

— Max

An Open Letter to David Stern

Saturday April 19, 2008 4:07 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

Dear Mr. Stern,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm sure you're a busy man, and the most exciting two months of the year (the NBA playoffs) are set to begin.

The reason I am writing you is to show my absolute disappointment in the situation in Seattle.

You allowed an owner who had no intention of keeping the Sonics in Seattle from the get-go, despite what he may have said to the public. You allowed him to trade away everyone except Kevin Durant to make sure the team does poorly and draws poorly, giving him even more ammunition in moving the team.

This is not a team that has come into existence in the past 5-10 years and simply failed to enter a market. Seattle has a rich basketball history, an NBA title, and a wealth of superstars who made their careers there (Lenny Wilkins, Nate McMillan, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, etc.).

The fact that you would support such a move is disgusting. Sure, Clayton Bennett was "willing" to keep the Sonics there if the public agreed to fund the stadium. Because they weren't willing to, he has an excuse to leave. Why the hell should the public cough up $500 million dollars of their own money to help a billionaire line his own pockets with more money.

In conclusion, Mr. Stern, you have committed an egregious error in this situation. By not stepping up when Bennett began this charade, you are depriving a city that has proven it is a rabid sports supporter (Mariners and Seahawks ring a bell?). I can't blame Oklahoma City for wanting their own team, and their actions are forgivable only because they are well-intentioned, but your actions as the leader of this league are reprehensible and unforgivable.

Shame on you Mr. Stern.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Nah Nah Nah Nah...

Friday April 18, 2008 5:21 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

A day that has been years in the making has finally arrived. Donnie Walsh is wasting little time in his effort to rebuild the Knicks, and he took a big first step this afternoon by "reassigning" Isiah Thomas. And the millions of Knickerbocker faithful exhale...

As both a coach and executive, Isiah Thomas has failed miserably at almost everything he's done. Despite drafting solid young talent (David Lee, Nate Robinson, Ronaldo Balkman), Thomas invested in so many over-priced one-dimensional players that have no concept of team basketball that those positives were ultimately negated.

The house cleaning has only just begun for Donnie and the Knicks, and saddled with the big contracts of Stephon Marbury, Eddie Curry, and Zach Randolph, among others, this will likely be a multi-year journey. Kicking Isiah from courtside was, however, the first of many steps to return the Knicks to even the level of mediocrity they had before Isiah arrived.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

The never-ending story or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the NBA playoffs

Friday April 18, 2008 4:29 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

It's that time of year again, folks, when more than half of the teams in the NBA start the seemingly endless journey towards the NBA Championship.

Isiah Thomas has finally been removed from power, and that's reason for New Yorkers to celebrate, but for the 16 remaining teams, championship dreams are in their sights.

First Round

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks

The Celtics are looking to come of the gate strong, while the Hawks are just happy to be in the playoffs (first time since the 1998-99 Season). The Hawks will steal one in front of an envigorated crowd in Atlanta, but the Celtics will prove to be way too much for the Hawks.

Celtics in 5

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Washington Wizards

LeBron James and co. face off against Agent Zero for the third consecutive year in the playoffs. Homecourt will play a big part in giving the Cavs the edge, and LeBron will carry them into a second round matchup with the mighty Celtics.

Cavs in 6

#3 Orlando Magic vs. #6 Toronto Raptors

This is one of two awesome 3 vs. 6 matchups in this year's first round. The Magic have to be the favorites in this one, with Dwight Howard in the middle. They took the season series 2-1, winning one game each in Toronto and Orlando. It looks like it will be a tough time for the Raptors, but if Jose Calderon gets enough minutes, he can have an enormous impact on the series. No offense to T.J. Ford, but Calderon should be getting the lion's share of the minutes at the point.

Raptors in 7

#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers

Every year the Pistons seem to struggle at some point in the regular season, and every year they seem to pull it together just in time for the playoffs. The casual NBA fan dreads seeing the slow, ugly style of the Pistons, but, as is evidenced in the past 6 years or so, it works. Andre Iguodala has really stepped up this year for Philly, establishing himself as the new A.I. in the city of brotherly love, and the 76ers are no push-overs. The Pistons may win, but Philly will put in a solid effort, gaining experience for the future.

Pistons in 6

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Denver Nuggets

It looked as if, even two weeks ago, that this would be one of the most competitive 1 vs. 8 matchups in reason NBA history. But with the Carmello Anthony DUI saga, the Nuggets, a team that has little team cohesion (or defense) as it is, will struggle to keep up with Kobe and the Lakers. The Nuggets will squeeze out a win, but that's about it.

Lakers in 5

#4 Utah Jazz vs. #5 Houston Rockets

The Western conference is ultra-competetive, and this is one of three matchups that could legitimately go either way. Without Yao and the momentum of their huge winning streak, T-Mac and the Rockets can only go so far. They'll stay competitive throughout, but Boozer and Deron Williams will carry the Jazz to a round two battle with the Lakers.

Jazz in 6

#3 San Antonio Spurs vs. #6 Phoenix Suns

Arguably the best 3 vs. 6 matchup in the history of the playoffs. The reigning champs look to find their way through the resurgent Suns, but it will be far from an easy task. Shaq has finally begun to mesh with his Suns teammates, and the series could very well come down to how well the Spurs can matchup against both Shaq and Amare Stoudemire. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan are as seasoned as anyone, and they will survive the Suns, but just barely. This could be the last solid chance for Steve Nash to vie for a title, so don't look for him to take this sitting down.

Spurs in 7

#2 New Orleans Hornets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks

The late-surging Mavs have the playoff experience, but the Hornets have CPIII. The Hornets will absolutely have their hands full with Dirk and Co., but Chris Paul and David West will break out in prime time, and a national audience will get to see what CPIII is all about. If J-Kidd picks up his defense, and leads the Mavs the way they thought he would when they traded for him, the Mavs have almost as much chance of emerging from this first round matchup as the Hornets.

Hornets in 7

Second Round

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #4 Cleveland Cavaliers

The Celtics breezing through round one will help them immensely in preparation and rest as they face the Cavs in round two. LeBron will carry Cleveland on his back and win two games on his own almost singlehandedly, but the Celtics will prove far too strong. They provide too many matchup problems.

Celtics in 6

#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #6 Toronto Raptors

Both squads will come into this second round matchup nicked up and bruised following physical first round matchups. If Chris Bosh can play big, the Raptors can stay in this series and give themselves a puncher's chance. Maybe more than that.

Raptors in 7

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #4 Utah Jazz

The Lakers seem to be a team of destiny this year, as every move they've made seems to have worked out (Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol). This won't be as easy as round one, but the Lakers won't struggle to mightily to beat the Jazz in round two.

Lakers in 6

#2 New Orleans Hornets vs. #3 San Antonio Spurs

After gaining some fortitude and grit after a big round one win, the Hornets run up against the defending champion Spurs. This matchup could be the Western Conference finals in any year, and there's a good argument that both of these teams are amongst the top four teams in the NBA. The Hornets continue to be world beaters, and get themselves into the Conference finals.

Hornets in 7

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #6 Toronto Raptors

After two impressive victories, the Raptors' carriage turns back into a pumpkin in the conference finals. KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen prove too much for Bosh and Calderon, but the Raptors are young and will be back with a vengeance in the coming years. KG finally gets himself back to the finals.

Celtics in 5

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #2 New Orleans Hornets

An explosive Conference final in the west provides six games of running, defense, and something for everyone, from the casual fan to the die-hard. The veteran Kobe vs. the up-and-coming Chris Paul will be one of the major storylines in this one. In the end, the Lakers squeeze it out in 6, but don't be surprised if the Hornets make them work for each and every point.

Lakers in 6

NBA Championship

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers

The matchup of two of the all-time great franchises provides the NBA with everything it needs and then-some. The Celtics came out of the box fast, and beat up on the Western Conference all year. The Lakers steadily climbed all year, ultimately capturing the number one seed and homecourt in the final weeks of the season. Kobe longs to win a championship on his own, but this year belongs to KG, as he finally gets the ring that has eluded him his entire career.

Celtics in 7

-- Tim Fiorvanti

NFL Draft: Small schools, big potential

Thursday April 17, 2008 2:32 PM By Ryan Chatelain

What do Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and Brett Favre have in common?

They’re all current or future Hall of Famers, all arguably were the best to ever play their positions and all played at small or mid-major colleges.

They also are all Mississippi natives who played their college ball in the Magnolia State – Rice at Mississippi Valley State, Payton at Jackson State and Favre at Southern Miss. But that has nothing to do with the point I’m trying to make today – which is that, as the NFL draft approaches next weekend, the sport’s next batch of future Hall of Famers has just as good a chance of emerging from schools such as Troy, Tennessee State or Delaware as from Southern Cal or Michigan.

Here are five prospects from smaller schools who are projected to go high in the draft.

LEODIS McKELVIN, CB, TROY

Notes: He’s widely regarded as the top cornerback in the draft. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. His three punt returns for TDs last year indicate he could be a Deion Sanders type.

When and Where He Might Go: To Baltimore at No. 8 or New Orleans at No. 10

DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE, CB, TENNESSEE STATE

Notes: He has the height (6-1 1/2) and speed (4.33) the scouts love. Has the most upside of any defensive back in the draft, but Rodgers-Cromartie, who played only one year of high school football, is still raw. He is a cousin of San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

When and Where He Might Go: To New Orleans at No. 10 or Arizona at No. 16.

TYRELL JOHNSON, S, ARKANSAS STATE

Notes: He’s a hard hitter who can play both the pass and run well. Thought to be a heady player who’s always around the ball.

When and Where He Might Go: To the Giants at No. 31 or Carolina in the second round.

JOE FLACCO, QB, DELAWARE

Notes: He’s widely considered to be the fourth best QB in the draft. At nearly 6-foot-7, he has the prototypical size for an NFL starting quarterback. He’s got a strong arm, is tough and is a good leader. His mobility is lacking, but he has a quick release that can make up for it.

When and Where He Might Go: To Baltimore or Chicago in the second round.

ONIEL COUSINS, OT, TEXAS-EL PASO

Notes: This 6-foot-6, 308-pounder is athletic and has the quick feet coaches love to see in their tackles, although he could play guard, too. Still has a lot of upside. The biggest knock on him, however, is that he’s not yet nasty enough for the NFL.

When and Where He Might Go: To Atlanta or Green Bay in the second round.

Sideline time for Isiah

Wednesday April 16, 2008 7:36 PM By Max J. Dickstein

There is hope here at the end of the existential saga of Isiah Thomas, which melded Zeke’s own soft-spoken self-reflections and the harsh curses of resentful Knicks fans, while the media played the biased referee. Sometime after Wednesday night's Knicks finale (hopefully soon after), the Knicks’ new president, Donnie Walsh, is certain to either demote or dismiss Thomas.

Even with his coaching career in ruins, there is some good news for Thomas. The noted popcorn aficionado co-owns Dale and Thomas Popcorn, so he’ll have something to snack on while he watches the Knicks try to recover from his reign.

— Max

Triviality

Wednesday April 16, 2008 7:08 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

No. 24 in an occasional series

Five sports television camera tricks or angles that didn’t exactly catch on

FOX: FoxTrax, NHL

FoxTrax got mixed reactions from fans during its existence between the 1996 All-Star Game and the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals. Instead of the usual black disc, TV viewers saw a blue glow on the ice, which turned into a fireball for slapshots. Casual fans enjoyed the visual cue, but purists found the glowing puck gimmicky and cartoonish, and they resented computer components that changed the feel of NHL pucks. If Fox had transported the technology onto car keys, everyone would be happy.

CBS: EyeVision, NFL

Thirty-three robotic cameras positioned around the stadium upper deck achieved EyeVision’s “bullet time” effect, an innovation inspired by the 1999 action film “The Matrix.” Despite the 18 months of work that Carnegie Mellon University professor Takeo Kanade and his team put into EyeVision, its 220-degree panoramic effect was not as revolutionary as CBS had hoped. When the effect debuted in Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001, fans deemed it choppy and contrived.

NBC: Huddle Camera, XFL

Like everything else about the XFL, which began and ended in 2001, the huddle-cam was a short-lived feature. In the spirit of everything in the league being all-access, on-field cameramen would barge into huddles and record the players calling the plays. Mercifully, the XFL folded before it came up with the idea of recording trips to the bathroom, too.

ABC/ESPN: FloorCam, NBA

When ABC gained the broadcast rights to the NBA in 2002, it immediately started tinkering with different camera angles such as SkyCam (derived from the XFL) and its less revolutionary cousin, FloorCam. The angle is supposed to show the impressive scale of basketball players in action, but all too often it provides voyeuristic shots up athletes’ shorts. Has any other camera angle been as awkward?

FOX: Diamond-Cams, MLB

With a lipstick-sized camera embedded in the dirt in front of home plate and the pitcher’s mound, the Diamond-Cams, which debuted in 2004, offer unique views of catchers and pitchers, though the image offers a rather obscure angle that’s fringed with dirt.

(compiled by Erick Blasco and Max J. Dickstein. Comments? E-mail mdickstein@am-ny.com.)

History lesson: 1929 Yankee Stadium stampede

Wednesday April 16, 2008 4:17 PM By Ryan Chatelain

Tragic story from Shea Stadium Tuesday night: A 36-year-old father of two fell from an escalator while leaving the game and died. This sort of thing has happened twice before –- at Shea in 1985 and at Yankee Stadium in 1999.

But in doing our research, we stumbled upon another stadium tragedy that seems to have been overlooked in today’s media reports.

On May 19, 1929, a 17-year-old female Hunter College student and a 60-year-old male truck driver were trampled to death in a Yankee Stadium stampede. Sixty-two others were injured. At a time when more tickets were sold than seats were available, a sudden storm hit the Stadium, sending panicky fans in the right field bleachers to seek shelter.

The International Herald Tribune reports that “ ‘Babe’ Ruth rushed to the open bleacher in an effort the stem the wild rush for shelter. Fighting and pushing his way through the crowd he found the woman crushed beneath the trampling feet. He fought his way back to the field but the woman died in his arms before aid could arrive.” (We, however, couldn’t track down any verification of this part of the story.)

You lazy, backstabbing man, Travis Ford

Wednesday April 16, 2008 2:27 PM By Elizabeth Nielsen

As is profoundly clear in my bio, I'm painfully loyal to my alma mater, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. No matter how much red tape, irritating TAs and random (and usually unfounded) bills I received from that place, I will bleed maroon and white until I'm dead in the ground.

The lack of student support for the sports program has always been a proverbial thorn in my backside. They have a stellar 1-AA football program, a lacrosse team that was the Division 1 runner up last year and a hockey team that has been a force for the last decade. You'd think students would be stoked to have successful teams to root for. Well, guess what? UMass has a heck of a time getting the Mullins Center half full for a post season basketball game, as was apparent during their second round NIT game. The student section wasn't even full, which made me puke in my mouth a bit.

It's being reported on espn.com right now that UMass men's basketball head coach, Travis Ford, is headed to OSU. Ford is responsible for turning the Minuteman basketball program into something resembling what it once was in the mid-1990s over the last few years, and based on the amount of UMass students who turned out for the NIT final four/championshop game at Madision Square Garden a few weeks back, finally putting some bodies back in the seats. It took work. But alumni, such as myself, were so grateful to see a coach there who really cared.

Maybe it wasn't enough. Maybe Ford was frustrated with the lack of interest and cooperation from the UMass community. Maybe he was sick of the sucktastic Amherst winters, or Rao's once put too much soy milk in his latte. But whatever the reason was, he's leaving behind a program that was just starting to put the pieces back together, to go to a conference where there won't be any work involved. OSU games sell out, even when the teams leave something to be desired. The Big 12 is a better conference than the Atlantic 10. There's no need to work to sell out a game, or to recruit talent. The name does it for you. Thanks Travis, for stabbing UMass community square between the shoulder blades, and on the heels of your public denial of reports you were planning to coach at LSU. That was a fantastic and heartwarming load of total BS. Enjoy OSU, where you can just sit back and let the program do the work for you. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

--Lizzy

Honoring Jackie

Tuesday April 15, 2008 11:14 PM By Ryan Chatelain

While every team in the majors honored the 61st anniverary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier Tuesday, the Mets took things up a notch by unveiling the Jackie Robinson Rotunda construction at Citi Field. The main entrance to the Mets' new home will contain eight large pictures of Robinson and have an 8-foot statute of his number in Dodger blue. In the above photo, Mets owner Fred Wilpon gives Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, a tour Tuesday.

Mets manager Willie Randolph escorts Rachel Robinson, left, widow of Jackie Robinson, and Robinson's daughter Sharon from the field after a ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson before the Mets' game at Shea Stadium against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.

Photos from the ceremony are here

See a video from the ceremony here

Photos by AP

A great athlete with a great name dies

Tuesday April 15, 2008 3:49 PM By Ryan Chatelain

The sports world is by no means deprived of great names. There was Stubby Clapp, who enjoyed a cup of coffee with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001. There was also Razor Shines, a Montreal Expo in the 1980s.

Unfortunately, Wonderful Terrific Monds III, who played in the Braves organization in the ’90s, didn’t quite live up to his name on the diamond.

Closer to home, Bronx-born Majestic Mapp played basketball for the University of Virginia in 2003-04.

And the better-known Coco Crisp of the Boston Red Sox and Milton Bradley of the Texas Rangers still make me laugh when I'm watching "SportsCenter."

(There are plenty of other better ones, too, but I’m trying to keep this blog relatively clean, if you catch my drift.)

But sadly, the sports world’s Great Name Club lost a member Saturday: former Baltimore Colts center Buzz Nutter.

Nutter died of heart failure at age 77. Although he played before my time, the 12-year pro was obviously more than a great name; he was a great athlete who snapped the ball to Johnny Unitas on the Colts’ 1958 and 1959 NFL championship teams.

His death is enough to make skiing great Picabo Street and former Miami Heat guard Bimbo Coles cry.

(Photo by Associated Press)

Jets, Giants schedules released

Tuesday April 15, 2008 2:43 PM By Ryan Chatelain

The NFL released its full schedule today. Here are the slates for the Jets and Giants:

JETS SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 at Miami Dolphins 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 New England Patriots 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 (Mon.) at San Diego Chargers 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Arizona Cardinals 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Bye

Oct. 12 Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Oakland Raiders 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 Kansas City Chiefs 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Buffalo Bills 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 St. Louis Rams 1 p.m.

Nov. 13 (Thurs.) at New England Patriots 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 Denver Broncos 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 at San Francisco 49ers 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 14 Buffalo Bills 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Seattle Seahawks 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 28 Miami Dolphins 1 p.m.

GIANTS SCHEDULE

Sept. 4 (Thurs.) Washington Redskins 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at St. Louis Rams 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 Bye

Oct. 5 Seattle Seahawks 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Cleveland Browns (Mon.) 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 San Francisco 49ers 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 Baltimore Ravens 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Arizona Cardinals 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Washington Redskins 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Dallas Cowboys* 8:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 Carolina Panthers 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Minnesota Vikings 1 p.m.

Phil on the Move

Friday April 11, 2008 3:19 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

(Photo compilation by Tim Fiorvanti)

Suspect last seen fleeing the 15th green...

In honor of the Masters, and this goofy Phil Mickelson photo (which seems like a pretty frequent phenomenon), I decided to photoshop what Phil would probably love to do: grab Tiger, run away, and leave him somewhere far, far away.

Mr. Woods seems pretty far away from the lead right now, as he's sitting at one under for the tournament, seven strokes off the lead. Phil is four under through 15 today.

Trevor Immelman (-8) is the leader, one stroke ahead of Brandt Snedeker (-7)

Click here for live blogging of the Masters by Newsday's Mark Herrmann

-- Tim Fiorvanti

An interview with Ron Darling

Tuesday April 8, 2008 4:55 PM By Ryan Chatelain

Here’s a transcript from an interview amNewYork did with former Mets All-Star pitcher Ron Darling as part of our coverage of Shea Stadium's final home opener.

Darling, now a Mets television analyst for SNY, played for the Amazin’s from 1983-91.

What were your first impressions of Shea when you first saw it in person?

The first time I saw it, to me, it was heaven. It was the Holy Grail. It was everything you wanted it to be, because I was 22 years old, just called up to the big leagues and Tom Seaver’s in the locker right across from mine. I just thought I’d gone to heaven. What in my right mind do I deserve to be in this big league ballpark with a big league uniform on?

And then my first Opening Day in 1984, I just always thought was an amazing day. From that time forward, 1984 to now, I’ve always considered … Opening Day day 1 on my lunar calendar.

As far as the new stadium, do you think it’s time for something new for the Mets?

“I’ve said the most difficult part is you’re driving a VW Bug and you’ve got a Maserati in the driveway. It’s just really hard to compare both stadiums. I will say this, the Mets and the Wilpon family have done an amazing thing because I think not since Camden Yards has a ballpark tried to capture the old with the new, and new to the lay person means luxury boxes, it means Wi-Fi, it means more bathrooms, it means sexier food. But for baseball fans like myself, for them to try to encapture what it was like in a neighborhood field to have Ebbets Field and that rotunda for Jackie Robinson, I mean, what other team in baseball has ever thought about doing that?

It seems like the Mets are always in the Yankees’ shadow, and especially Shea has always been in Yankee Stadium’s shadow. Do you think the new stadium will help the Mets compete for respect in New York?

“Things go and come around. When I was playing on this Met team in the ’80s, the Yankees were fighting for a dollar. So things can go and come around. That being said, the history and legacy of the Yankees is without peer. Yankee Stadium has a history like no ballpark in America — I don’t care about Wrigley, I don’t care about Fenway Park, both places I love. To put the Mets up against that, I think you’re always going to come up a little short.

But that being said, maybe it’s a nice time, with these new ballparks, that all that gets washed clean. Maybe it’s a new slate. It’ll being interesting to see how both teams go forward because I think both teams are trying to do what they’ve always done, and the Yankees have always been perennial winners and the Mets have always aspired to that. But I would say now both teams are about the same, and I’m not saying one team is better than the other. But both come in every year with a chance to win, and that’s all you can ask of your ballclubs.

I want to ask what your most memorable moment was at Shea Stadium. I’m guessing you’re going to say 1986, maybe Bill Buckner.

I’m not. Two memories of Shea Stadium: One is the most positive, not even close to any other memory …. My memories are of the people who worked there. … To this day the warmest memories I have are when I threw my last warm-up pitch, I would walk through the bowels of the stadium. Everyone from the lady that was in charge of the room where the wives and girlfriends stayed, to the police officers, security officers, you’d make this gauntlet walk between all these people of about a hundred yards, where they would all shout encouragements, slap you on the back, shake your hand before you went out to the arena. I’ll never, ever forget that because that’s real people working real jobs working real hard, a lot of them working two jobs, caring enough to wish you well in this journey to try to win a ballgame. That to me, is always the warmest memory.

As far as baseball is concerned, the warmest memory I’ve had -- and I’ve only told a handful of people this story -- is that in 1987, I had a no-hitter, I think, through five innings against the Cardinals. We were trying to chase them down. Vince Coleman, with one out, bunted, and I caught the ball, tried to get him out, but I broke my thumb at that time. So I got two more outs, then went to the bench. By that time, my thumb had blown up, so I no longer could pitch, need surgery, the whole thing. So as I was walking out after getting it iced and looked at and tweaked, I was walking out to my car, which was parked behind the apple -- I used to always protect it behind the apple because it was convertible. Terry Pendleton, who hit that famous home run in ’87 off Roger McDowell that beat us that night, hit my car and then hit me. I thought it was kind of funny that I not only broke my thumb that night, but that it was a double-whammy that Pendleton’s home run ended our chances and double-hopped and hit me as I was going to the hospital. “

Photo by Getty Images

The Rick Rolling of Shea Stadium

Tuesday April 8, 2008 4:52 PM By Elizabeth Nielsen

April 8th 2008 will forever mark a momentous day, as that day the greatest Internet prank in history was pulled off.

Shea Stadium was Rick Rolled, on OPENING DAY!

Now, for those who aren't familiar with Rick Rolling, it involves sending someone a link disguised as something else, and instead of getting a picture of say, cute animals, you get a video of Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up.'

The Mets started an online contest some weeks back where people could vote for the song that gets played in the 8th inning of Mets home games. Among the choices were Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, and The Monkees. However, some Internet blogs, including awesome Deadspin weekend editor Matt Sussman and Fark, thought it would be a great idea to start a write-in campaign for Astley, as what could be better than some deliciously bad 80s music during the 8th inning.

Lo and behold, Astley received the most votes, but the Mets brass were not pleased with this outcome and stopped short of declaring "Never Gonna Give You Up" the winner. The team plans on playing the top 6 voted songs over the first six home games and will gauge fan participation before naming a winner. Astley's song came blaring out of Shea speakers today during the Mets home opener, and was obviously booed.

It's unlikely we'll hear the vocal stylings of Astley at Shea ever in the future, but seriously, how freakishly awesome is it that a couple of Web sites were able to pull this off.

The other remaining finalists include Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer,” The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” and The Foundation’s “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

Need a Rick Astley fix? Check out this incredible Rick Roll video.

-Lizzy

The curse of Paul O'Neill?

Tuesday April 8, 2008 3:15 PM By Elizabeth Nielsen

New Yank reliever Latroy Hawkins hasn't made too many friends amongst Yankee fans with his first two outings this season, allowing nine hits and seven runs in just three innings pitched. While we all knew he was no Mariano Rivera when he came to the Bronx, those numbers are downright ugly.

But as far as numbers go, could the No. 21 on his back be bringing him some bad luck? Yes, it was an absolutely sincere choice he made by wanting to honor the late Roberto Clemente, who wore the same number.

However, he is the first to choose that number since the beloved Paul O'Neill retired at the end of the 2001 season.

Yes the number wasn't officially retired and he has ever right to choose it, but maybe that number on his back - which looks somewhat odd on someone other than O'Neill - is brining him bad vibes from the Yankee faithful. Perhaps he can change his Yankee number but put a 21 on his hat to honor Clemente, the great outfielder for the Pirates.

In fact, during his awful outing Friday, fans were chanting "Paul O'Neill" to chastise Hawkins.

Would changing the number change his luck? Don't be surprised if he has a new number after a few more awful outings.

Recent notable Yanks who changed their numbers while on the team:

Don Mattingly

Roger Clemens

Joe Girardi

Robinson Cano

In the meantime, we at Gameface would like give everyone a reminder of Clemente's greatness with this video tribute.

-Pete Catapano

Rocket Racing League Is Both Fake and Intriguing

Tuesday April 8, 2008 1:17 PM By Max J. Dickstein

I'm not sure what to say about this new "racing league." As you can see in this somewhat hokey promotional video, the graphics and sounds of the racing simulation and and the skills of the pilots — many of them civilian test pilots and military combat veterans — are impressive.

But the reality keeps slapping me in the face. It hurts! Ouch. Please stop that, Reality of the Situation.

That is to say, the races are not real! The entire league resides in a virtual reality. So unlike other motor sports that feature dazzling feats derring-do — Formula 1 racing, air shows, motocross, etc. — the Rocket Racing League lacks the life-or-death stakes that infuse the proceedings with interest. When one of these flimsy rocket racers inevitably crashes, it's nothing more than a complex computer process.

It's an odd position to take, to clamor for increased risk in a sport. Nevertheless, similar to a professional video gaming league, real physical risk is the most critically absent piece of the new league's puzzle.

— Max

An interview with Ron Swoboda

Tuesday April 8, 2008 1:41 AM By Ryan Chatelain

Ron Swoboda played nine seasons in the major leagues, his first six with the Mets (1965-70). His diving, game-saving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series -- which robbed Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson of an extra-base hit with two runners on – still stands as one of the iconic plays in Mets history.

Here is an interview amNewYork did with Swoboda, now a radio announcer for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans, for our coverage of Shea Stadium’s final home opener. (Check back Tuesday afternoon for an interview with Ron Darling.)

Your rookie season was ’65, Shea’s second season, so it was still brand new. What were your impressions of it then?

I had been in a couple of big league ballparks. I had been in Yankee Stadium as an amateur. I had been in Baltimore Memorial Stadium. I was in the Polo Grounds as an amateur up in New York. Shea was just incredible because it was really higher than all of them. It just seemed so full of expression. They did so many things. The fans there seemed so into the game and happy to see you there, and it didn’t seem as much about winning and losing as it was people were just happy back in ’65 that National League baseball was back in New York and in this beautiful ballpark.

That was the second year of the World’s Fair. The World’s Fair had started in ’64 right across the street from the ballpark. So Shea was there with everything that was happening with a World’s Fair back when World’s Fairs still mattered. So it was pretty electric, the whole scene around Shea Stadium. And we did a lot of visiting of the World’s Fair ground, and because of the World’s Fair, the place was jammed. They drew over three million that year.

It was pretty amazing. And of course, I got to play a little bit in it. And it was difficult if you had been in big league ballparks with big, high backgrounds – their thing was triple level and very high. So if you were in the outfield there, fly balls didn’t often come out of the stands. You had to use the stands as a background. It was difficult to adjust to in the beginning. You could easily lose balls or take bad angles and embarrass the hell out of yourself.

It seems like Shea gets picked on a lot among New Yorkers, especially when comparing it to Yankee Stadium …

I knew Bill Shea pretty well, the guy they named it after. He always liked to tell this story about coming out to the ballpark on the No. 7 train from the city and listening to a couple of people speculating on how the stadium got its name, and one of them said, “I don’t know. It’s named after somebody who died in some war.” He would always tell that story and laugh like hell. That’s kind of an egoless guy. But Bill Shea was extremely important in helping bring National League baseball back to New York. But he was a helluva guy on top of a being a pretty high-octane lawyer.

Knowing the guy they named it for and respecting him and having most of the memories of my little New York Met career were all in Shea Stadium so it holds so much for me. When I go into the place now, you know it doesn’t hold up. Ballparks become economically obsolete before they are architecturally obsolete, and Shea’s probably been economically obsolete for a while now even though it still holds up all right. It was a no-frills kind of a ballpark when they built it.

It seems like Yankee fans are still coming to grips with the fact that their stadium is being torn down. But Mets fans seem to think it’s time for something new. Are you in that group?

I think so. I think it’s so constricted in there. In this day and age, in the economic realities of modern baseball, you really need some place that can help you generate more income. Shea made that a lot more difficult.

Do you still pinch yourself over what the ’69 Mets accomplished?

It surprised me. And everything we clinched that year in ’69, we clinched at Shea Stadium. We clinched the division, we clinched the league, we clinched the World Series at Shea. So that’s another big part of it. We had three pretty interesting champagne celebrations that season in Shea Stadium. You don’t forget that type of stuff. We figured it out, though. We all probably learned something about champagne, which is shoot the New York state, the cheaper stuff, on yourself and drink the good labels.

Your catch in ’69, does it surprise you that all these years later it still stands as one of the great moments in Mets history?

Somebody said, "You spend nine years in the big leagues and play in the World Series, you ought to leave with at least 10 seconds of highlight film." And I think I just made it. I think the total improbability of what was going on with the Mets in ’69 -- and that catch just being one of many things, but it seems to have developed some legs. And for an average player like himself, who wouldn’t have anything like that for a memory if I weren’t lucky enough to be on that ’69 team, it’s pretty cool.

Looking back at the stats, the ’69 Mets didn’t have a great batting average or hit a lot of home runs. Obviously, pitching was a strength. But how do you characterize how this team was able to win a world title?

I think something magical happened. I think it was almost the absolute synergy of a lot of things coming together. Good pitching becoming great pitching after the All-Star break. Donn Clendenon showing up right in the middle of that lineup ready to play and produce some offense. Defense behind great pitching looks a lot better than it is, so we looked like a real good defense and didn’t need to score many runs. And I think we had the advantage that year of kind of coming out of the weeds. I think we snuck up on people. The absolute easiest, most exciting baseball I played in my life was ’69.

There is a difference between letting things happen and trying to make them happen. And letting them happen is a helluva lot easier. And when you don’t have the responsibility or the weight of expectation, we seemed to exist in that sort of nexis of all of that.

How often do you make it back to Shea?

I get back a fair amount. I enjoy going up there and watching them play. I’m a fan. I’m a real fan. And it’s cool now that we (the New Orleans Zephyrs) are the Triple-A affiliates, which is great because I get to see some guys that go to the big leagues and get to give it a try in the show. It’s fun, and it’s neat. I’m a Met fan. I care what happens to them.

What else do you remember about Shea?

The other thing you can’t say too much about is the level of expression they allowed the fans back then. Banner Day was incredible. We were on the field for that. We were out there laughing and looking at the banners and judging them. And then they took all the banners and hung them on the facades. All those decks had that stuff up there. The fans back then had an incredible level of expression that was allowed. You can’t do any of that now, and I think that’s sad. You don’t get to know the fans as well. We felt like we knew the fans, and they knew us in Shea.

We were the biggest babysitters in the city because you could give a kid a few bucks and send him out to Shea. It was a very safe area, and they could get on the train, get off the train, get home and no problems. So we had this tremendous relationship with the fans at Shea Stadium. I can’t imagine it being like that anywhere else.

“You felt like you knew these people. Back then, you weren’t making a whole hell of a lot so you were not on some other socioeconomic plane that exists right now. You weren’t afraid of your fans. It was a good time. We were very, very lucky to have our time at that time.

Chalmers saves the day

Tuesday April 8, 2008 1:25 AM By Ryan Chatelain

When you have no vested interest in either team playing in a championship game, you just hope for an exciting finish, perhaps a clutch performance that’ll have you telling your grandkids, “I remember when.”

Thank goodness for Mario Chalmers.

With Kansas barely hanging on life support Monday night, the Jayhawks guard delivered a game-tying 3-pointer as time expired in regulation. Kansas went on to win 75-68 in overtime.

But for a while there, it appeared as though the Tigers would, somewhat painfully, back into a national title. They led by nine points, 60-51, with 2:12 to play in the second half. Then, with a chance to ice the victory, Memphis’ stars, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose, missed four of five free throws in the final 1:15.

At one point, Kansas, too, seemed incapable of making a clutch play. With Memphis ahead 62-60, Douglas-Roberts missed both free throws, and the Jayhawks got the break they were looking for, only to allow the Tigers’ Robert Dozier to grab an offensive rebound with 16 seconds left in regulation.

Chalmers, however, didn’t disappoint. His 3-pointer not only saved Kansas, it rescued the legacy of this championship game. In 10 years, we won’t remember the down-the-stretch follies; we will remember Chalmers, with a defender’s hand in his face, coming through like a champion.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Triviality

Sunday April 6, 2008 5:32 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

No. 22 in an occasional series

The past 6 transactions that involved (arguably) the best pitcher in baseball

Dec. 9, 1992

Greg Maddux leaves Chicago Cubs to sign with Atlanta Braves

Maddux had already won 95 games, three Gold Golves and a Cy Young with the Cubs before signing a $28 million five-year contract with the Braves. He proceeded to win 194 games, 10 Gold Gloves, three Cy Youngs and a World Series with Atlanta.

Nov. 18, 1997

Pedro Martinez traded from Montreal Expos to Boston Red Sox

Pedro won a Cy Young with Montreal in ’97 before being traded to Boston in November for Tony Armas Jr. and Carl Pavano. Martinez signed a six-year, $75 million contract with the Sox and won 117 games, two Cy Youngs and a World Series in Beantown.

Dec. 10, 1998

Randy Johnson leaves Houston Astros to sign with Arizona Diamondbacks

After being shipped from Seattle to Houston halfway through the 1998 season, Johnson struck a four-year, $52.4 million deal with Arizona. He won four Cy Youngs and a World Series over the next four seasons while striking out at least 334 batters in each season.

Dec. 13, 1996

Roger Clemens leaves Boston Red Sox to sign with Toronto Blue Jays

Feb. 18, 1999

Traded from Toronto to Yankees

The Rocket signed a three-year, $24.75 million contract with Toronto before the 1997 season. He won 41 games and two Cy Youngs before getting traded to the Yanks in 1999. Clemens won 77 games, another Cy Young and two World Series rings in his first stint in the Big Apple.

Nov. 24, 2005

Josh Beckett traded from Florida Marlins to Boston Red Sox

On Thanksgiving Day in 2005, Beckett, with Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota, was traded for a package of prospects that included shortstop Hanley Ramirez. Beckett has won 36 games and a World Series for the BoSox in the two seasons since the trade.

Feb. 1, 2008

Johan Santana traded from Minnesota Twins to Mets

Santana, currently regarded as baseball’s best pitcher, won 93 games and two Cy Youngs in Minnesota. Johan, after being pursued by the Red Sox and Yankees, was traded to the Mets and quickly signed a six-year, $137.5 million contract, the richest ever for a pitcher. Only a World Series win will make this trade successful for the Mets.

(compiled and written by Kyle Stack)

(photos compiled by Tim Fiorvanti)

Never Gonna Give

Sunday April 6, 2008 4:40 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

(Photo Compilation by Tim Fiorvanti)

If more than 8,000 Internet users get their way, Mets fans will be “Rickroll’d” at least 81 times this year.

They’re trying to turn Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” into the eighth-inning sign-along anthem that will be played at all Mets home games. Members of the Web site Digg, whose users drum up support for Web links by voting on them, are pushing the song as a write-in candidate on a Mets.com voting page.

“Rickrolling” happens when a link to a Web video, purportedly of another subject, actually plays Astley’s 1980s pop hit.

Other options for Mets fans include “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. Voting ends Monday at noon, so if your heart’s been achin’ for some Rick Astley, vote early and often.

The Mets home opener is Tuesday against the Phillies.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Sunday April 6, 2008 3:01 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

What was once 64 is now just two, after Memphis survived a late game surge from UCLA and Kansas hammered UNC.

Memphis defeating UCLA was not a given by any means, but their victory was far from surprising. Kansas over UNC was certainly not rediculous, but the way in which they so thoroughly trounced the Tar Heels was quite shocking, going up by as many as 28 points in the first half.

Monday night's championship game will be a interesting match-up of two teams that were certainly in the upper echelon of teams this season, but not the teams that were necessarily thought to be there in the end (except for yours truly... see post below).

Although they are only about 550 miles away, it has been been more than 10 years since Memphis and Kansas have met on the basketball court, and, strangely enough, it was not in Lawrence, KS or Memphis, TN. It actually happened about a block away from amNewYork headquarters in the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. #18 Kansas edged out #20 Memphis St. (now Memphis) 64-62.

Memphis set an NCAA Men's basketball record Saturday when they recorded their 38th win of the season, eclipsing the 37-win seasons of Duke (2x, 1985-86 and 1998-99), UNLV (1986-87) and Illinois (2004-05). Memphis looks to put a little more distance between themselves and the rest of the field, completing a remarkable 39 win season. Standing in their way is a Jayhawk team that should be full of confidence and bravado after knocking off a powerful UNC team. This should likely be much closer than the two final four games ended up.

The Pick: Memphis 75, Kansas 72

Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose finish up an impressive tournament run with one more monster performance apiece. Brandon Rush and co. fight valiantly to the bitter end, but Memphis finally sheds their image as an overrated, glorified mid-major and cements their place amongst the top tier of basketball programs.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Insight into the Final Four

Friday April 4, 2008 1:53 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

For the first time in the history of the NCAA tournament, all four number one seeds have advanced to the Final Four.

An interesting tidbit for the haters of all poll-based ranking systems is the fact the four remaining teams occupied the top four slots in the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls for the pre-season, the first three weeks of the season, week 10, the AP poll in week 18, and both polls again in week 19.

UNC and Memphis are two of only three teams to occupy the number one position in both polls, with Tennessee being the other. UCLA was the only other team ranked number one in either poll, residing there in week three in the ESPN/USA today poll.

Now to the games:

Memphis (37-1, South #1) vs. UCLA (35-3, West #1) 6:07 PM

The opening match-up Saturday night will pit the Tigers and the Bruins, who will face each other for the first time since UCLA defeated Memphis 50-45 in the Elite Eight in 2006. Rodney Carney may be gone, but the Bruins will face a stronger, more well-balanced team as they look to repeat that feat and get themselves back into the National Championship game. It is also interesting to note than Memphis and UCLA are the only two teams to have made the Sweet 16 each of the last three years.

Memphis is led by junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, who is averaging 17.7 points/game, and freshman guard Derrick Rose, who is averaging 14.6 points/game and 4.7 assists/game. Joey Dorsey is a presence in the middle for the Tigers, averaging almost 10 rebounds/game.

Besides a last-minute heartbreaking loss to then-#2 team in the country Tennessee, Memphis has not lost all season, and that can be attributed to both their solid team chemistry of the players and the coaching of John Calipari.

The eight-year coach has built Memphis into a nationally relevant one, despite the fact that it spends the majority of its season beating up on the otherwise weak Conference USA. Memphis has victories this year against perennial Big East powerhouses UConn and Georgetown, as well as wins against Pac-10 powers Arizona and USC.

UCLA can attribute its much of its success to their center, freshman sensation Kevin Love. Love comes into the game averaging 17.6 points/game and 10.7 rebounds/game. Darren Collison also figures prominently for the Bruins, averaging 14.8 points/game.

UCLA's path to the Final Four has had some bumps along the road, many of which can be attributed to injuries. An early season injury for Collison and a string of other ailments, including the loss of forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute threatened to derail the UCLA train, but the Bruins overcame the adversity, stringing together 14 straight victories coming into this game.

Coach Ben Howland enters his fifth season UCLA, and for the third consecutive year, he's led the Bruins to the Final Four. UCLA has dominated play in the Pac-10 during this time. Howland is looking to finally break through and win the title that has thus far eluded him, and return to the tournament finale for the first time since 2006.

UCLA has accumulated an impressive resume, with victories against Xavier, Stanford (3x), USC (2x), Washington St. (2x), Arizona (2x), Arizona St. (2x), and Davidson.

The Result: Memphis 72, UCLA 66

Memphis will survive a close, physical game with UCLA. Despite the Big-East brand of defense that Ben Howland has so successfully transported out to the left coast, Derrick Rose steps up and has a monster game for the Tigers. Memphis gets revenge against UCLA for the 1973 loss to the then Bill Walton-led Bruins in the National Championship game.

North Carolina (36-2, East #1) vs. Kansas (35-3, Midwest #1) 8:47 PM

Much of the buzz of this game will be centered on UNC coach Roy Williams going up against Kansas, the team he coached for 15 years before heading to North Carolina. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 6-2, including a 2-0 lead in NCAA tournament games. Kansas last met UNC in the semi-finals of the preseason NIT in 2002, a game which was won by the Tar Heels 67-56.

North Carolina is led by NCAA Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. The junior forward is averaging 22.8 points/game and 10.3 points/game. Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, and Danny Green have each averaged more than 10 points/game for the Tar Heels.

UNC has been the AP #1 team in the country 13 out of 19 weeks this season, despite losing Lawson for a significant chunk of it. After mid-season hiccups against Maryland and Duke, North Carolina has rattled off 15 straight wins.

Coach Williams leads this impressive squad, which has dominated teams thus far in the tournament, with their closest game, a victory over Louisville in the Elite 8, having a 10 point margin of victory. Williams looks to lead the Tar Heels to their second National Championship in his fifth year as their coach, and it will be the first time that he will be facing his former team.

UNC dominated the ACC, and the NCAA in general this year, with victories against Duke, Louisville, Washington St., Clemson (2x), Virginia Tech (2x), Davidson, Kent State, and Kentucky, to name a few.

Kansas is led by Junior guard Brandon Rush, who is averaging 13.1 points/game. Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, Darnell Jackson and Sherron Collins combine to score 45.8 points/game and grab 19 rebounds/game.

The Jayhawks were perfect at home, but all three of their losses that came on the road were also in-conference (Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State) towards the end of the regular season. Kansas recovered nicely, winning the Big 12 title game and ensuring them of a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, which they rode all the way to the Final Four.

Bill Self leads the Jayhawks into San Antonio this weekend. In his fourth season, Self finally broke through a personal barrier by finally reaching the Final Four this year. Before '08, Self had reached the Elite 8 with three different teams (Kansas, Illinois, Tulsa), the only coach to do so besides Louisville coach Rick Pitino.

Kansas racked up some impressive victories this year, due in part to their success in the always-tough Big 12. The Jayhawks hold victories over Davidson, Villanova, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Arizona.

The Pick: Kansas 68, North Carolina 64

Kansas wins in what must be considered an upset. After a scare against Davidson, Kansas carries Bill Self to a championship game, and completes a resurgence against the man who left them hanging. Tyler Hansbrough has a big game, but it's not enough for the Tar Heels as Kansas is able to limit the rest of Roy Williams' squad.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Walsh now calling the shots

Wednesday April 2, 2008 5:32 PM By Ryan Chatelain

(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Knicks fans dying to show Isiah Thomas the door at Madison Square Garden shouldn’t get too excited just yet. The Knicks’ hiring of Donnie Walsh on Wednesday means the embattled Isiah Thomas is out as team president, but his fate as head coach remains unclear.

Walsh, a Bronx native, said he plans to speak with Thomas in the coming days before making a decision.

“I’ve known Isiah for a long time and have great respect for his knowledge of the game,” Walsh said at a news conference at Madison Square Garden. “I think he is a great basketball mind, and I’m not going to judge anything from afar.”

Walsh, who said several times he believed the Knicks had good players, hinted that there could be a spot for Thomas within the organization next season, if not as coach.

“I think he has the skills to help this franchise,” said Walsh, who resigned as Indiana Pacers president last month.

Walsh, who has worked in the Pacers’ front office since 1987 and enjoyed 16 playoff runs from 1989 to 2006, hired Thomas as Indiana’s coach in 2000. In his three seasons there, Thomas took his teams to the postseason every year.

But since taking over as the Knicks’ president of basketball operations in December 2003, the team has finished five straight seasons with losing records. Thomas had a 51-103 record in his two seasons as Knicks coach entering Wednesday night’s game at Memphis.

Walsh, 67, will have complete control over the team’s basketball operations. In reaching a four-year contract, team owner James Dolan gave into Walsh’s terms regarding authority and autonomy, ESPN.com reported yesterday.

He stopped short of making any ambitious promises to fans. While Walsh said he hoped to quickly make the team competitive, he added that he was looking ahead to three years from now, when the team will be in good salary-cap position and can go on a free-agent shopping spree. That could mean the team might avoid awarding any long-term contracts over the next couple of seasons, Walsh added.

“My commitment is to try to get us to be good,” Walsh said. “If you can get it to be an elite team [immediately], great. But you just build it to the point where at a certain point in time you can go out into the free-agent market and try to make this an elite team.

“I don’t want anyone to be fooled. There’s no magic wand here. It’s going to take a lot of hard work.”

More in Thursday's amNewYork ...

Wrestlemania Rewind - Burning Down the House

Wednesday April 2, 2008 2:50 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

I just got back from a long weekend in Orlando, during which I attended Wrestlemania 24 at the Citrus Bowl. An event that would not have gotten much press, save for the Big Show vs. Floyd "Money" Mayweather event, and to a lesser extent the retirement of legend Ric Flair, got some mainstream coverage for the pyrotechnics that misfired at the end of the show, resulting in the injuries of dozens of people.

Fortunately I avoided injury, albeit narrowly, as a scorched wire fell about three rows in front of me. Those on the other side of the stadium got it much worse, with one gentleman getting his clothing caught on fire, and many others suffering minor burns.

The atmosphere and the spectacle were fantastic, but the end result spoiled an otherwise stellar night.

For more on professional wrestling, check out The Steel Cage blog.

-- Tim Fiorvanti

Giants unveil (huge) Super Bowl rings

Tuesday April 1, 2008 6:56 PM By Jamshid Mousavinezhad

A big Super Bowl win deserves a big ring, and New Yorkers are gonna find it hard to miss the new Giants Super Bowl rings.

The rings, to be made by Tiffany & Co.--which also makes the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy--features white gold and diamonds, according to the Giants' website.

Giants stars Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara helped design the ring, along with coach Tom Coughlin and other Giants executives.

“I think as players we went and thought that we were there as a token invitation, but they really wanted our input,” O’Hara said, according to Giants.com.

“There was some discussion about maybe one of the rings was too big,” O’Hara said. “I threw out the fact that it was a big win, it was a huge win, so the ring should be designed accordingly. Michael said it best when he said he wanted a 10-table ring."

A 10-table ring?! Strahan explained he meant when he walks into a restaurant, he wants people to see the ring from 10 tables away.

The team will be presented with the rings at a ceremony later this spring.

Click here to see a close-up version of Manning's ring.

Mets get a roaring start

Monday March 31, 2008 8:36 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Johan Santana started earning his $137.5 million yesterday, fooling batters and sprinting for grounders in a three-hit performance during the Mets’ 7-2 win yesterday.

While the new ace stood tall for seven innings, the Mets’ offense was mostly quiet except for a tour-de-force rip through 10 at bats at the top of the fourth.

The opposing pitcher was 6-foot-9 former NBA player Mark Hendrickson.

The Mets' six-run pileup began with a sharply hit ball to left from the bat of Carlos Beltran, who reached second base easily. Carlos Delgado, effective even without a hit in three at bats yesterday, then discriminated through five pitches to earn a base on balls.

Beltran chugged home when Angel Pagan laced a curving liner down the third base line and Delgado scored when Ryan Church singled to right. Catcher Brian Schnieder and Santana then came up and went down for the first two outs of the inning.

That left leadoff man Jose Reyes with a two-out challenge. The shortstop answered with a single to left that scored Pagan. Luis Castillo then walked to load the bases and open the way for David Wright’s three-run double.

It ended where it began — with Beltran, who lined out to center field top end the volcanic inning.

Things fell into place for the Mets on opening day.

— Max