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Column: Where have all the Sycamores gone?
Thirty years ago, Larry Bird’s undefeated Indiana State Sycamores stormed the NCAAs before running into Magic Johnson’s mighty Michigan State Spartans in the title game.
The professionalized NCAA field of today and undignified “bracketology” atmosphere has its roots in Bird and Magic’s meeting. But our era can’t measure up to that moment.
On March 26, 1979, nearly a quarter of all U.S. televisions were tuned into the championship game, which remains the highest-rated basketball game ever. A classic era of upsets (N.C. State, Villanova) and superstar debuts (Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing) followed, as Seth Davis notes in his thorough new history of that season, “When March Went Mad” (Times Books).
Are we in a time when a man like Bird — a cantankerous fifth-year senior who dropped out at Indiana U. — can lead a nondescript program to a scintillating brink? Probably not. That was 30 years ago.
Tags: ncaa, larry bird, indiana state sycamores, michael jordan, patrick ewing, college basketball
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NCAA Tournament: Challenges for top seeds
The Tar Heels’ Ty Lawson (Source: Getty Images)
Saturday’s two national semifinal games will more than likely pave the way for a high-powered clash between two pro-style college powerhouses, North Carolina and Connecticut, on Monday.
But while the Tar Heels and Huskies are seemingly in their own class, they must first avoid Final Four pitfalls against scrappy, formidable foes.No. 2 Michigan State (30-6) vs. No. 1 UConn (31-4)
CBS Saturday, 6:07 p.m.
As steamroller-like as the Huskies have been in this tournament, they have shown slight vulnerability this season. UConn was shoved around in two regular-season losses to Pittsburgh, and the Huskies’ overcautious play cost them in a six-overtime, Big East tournament loss to Syracuse last month.
The best the Spartans can hope for is a defensive effort like the one that smothered top-ranked Louisville last Sunday, combined with UConn’s weaknesses resurfacing.
Even then, the Spartans will have to score against an imperious UConn frontline led by 7-foot-3 center Hasheem Thabeet (4.3 blocks per game), who is impassable within five feet of the rim.
No. 3 Villanova (30-7) vs. No. 1 UNC (32-4)
CBS Saturday, 8:47 p.m.
North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson has been the tournament’s best player, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 assists and 57 percent shooting.
With only two turnovers in three games (Lawson sat out a first-round blowout to rest a sore big toe), his decision making keeps UNC’s 90-point-per-game offense humming, come what may.
Like UNC, Villanova is peaking right now.The Wildcats’ combination of frantic all-court play and a highly tactical game plan gives the seven-point underdogs a shot at an upset.
Tags: tar heels, huskies, hasheem thabeet, ty lawson, villanova, wildcats, uconn, michigan state, college basketball
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MLB Preview: AL East again set to be the American League's premier division
Closer Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox ... remember them? (Getty Images)
Special to amNewYork
In the American League, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The league’s premier division, the AL East, will only get stronger in 2009 with the Red Sox overcoming issues, the Yankees adding talent and the Rays gaining much-needed playoff experience. AL Central teams failed to make significant offseason moves, leaving the 2009 pennant up for grabs. In the West, the Angels remain divine in their division despite the loss of slugger Mark Teixeira.
AL East
The Boston Red Sox, despite suffering from injuries (DH David Ortiz, SP Josh Beckett), under-performance (SP Clay Buchholz, C Jason Varitek) and drama (OF Manny Ramirez), posted 95 wins en route to the wild card and ALCS. A clean slate and bill of health make Boston the division favorite.
The New York Yankees saw their historic stadium's run and their 13-year playoff streak come to an end in 2008. In addition to a new ballpark, the Yanks will be sporting a new 1B in Mark Teixeira and much-needed pitching help with SPs CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett.
Make no mistake about it, the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays are good enough to compete in baseball’s toughest division. However, wild-card contention is much more likely than another 97-win pennant for 3B Evan Longoria and the league’s deepest rotation.
The Toronto Blue Jays rode their solid pitching to an 86-win season, but the loss of Burnett and their sheer lack of bats will drop them below the .500 mark in 2009.
The Baltimore Orioles will remain in the AL East basement because of their abysmal pitching staff, but look for rookie C Matt Wieters to make an immediate impact at and behind the plate.AL Central
The Minnesota Twins are as good a bet as any to eke out a pennant in baseball’s most wide-open division. A young, talented rotation and defense-oriented lineup could be complemented with another bat.
The Detroit Tigers were baseball’s biggest disappointment in 2008, slighted by shoddy defense and pitching injuries. A retooled infield and healthier pitching staff will enable them to contend again in the AL Central, but expectations of 1,000 runs are long gone.
A slow start in 2008 prompted the Cleveland Indians to deal staff ace Sabathia for prospects. If the Tribe’s future stars can arrive by mid-season, Cleveland may find itself in the race.
The Chicago White Sox will have a tough time scrapping out another division title due to a weaker rotation and aging lineup.
The Kansas City Royals may well improve their record for a fourth consecutive season in 2009, but are still several pieces away from making a run. Closer Joakim Soria, the “Mexicutioner,” has emerged as one of the league’s best shut-down men.
AL West
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were weaker than their 100 wins indicated, and that showed in a first round playoff exit. The loss of Teixeira leaves a gaping hole at 1B, but the remainder of the lineup and dependable pitching should carry the Halos to a third straight division title.
GM Billy Beane’s Oakland Athletics finally opened the war chest this offseason to acquire OF Matt Holliday and 1B Jason Giambi. Though Holliday, the former Rockie, won’t post Coors Field numbers, he’ll make the A’s competitive.
Another year goes by and the Texas Rangers still boast a Texas-sized offense with no semblance of a pitching staff. Club president Nolan Ryan’s attempts to address this issue will not bear fruit in 2009.
The Seattle Mariners spent big last offseason but were spent by season’s end, totaling 101 losses. An overhaul of the offense is likely needed to remake the M’s as a competitor.
Tags: new york yankees, boston red sox, mark teixeira, tampa bay rays, baseball
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The Equalizer: Two MLS new clubs fan support in Seattle and Toronto lends hope to Red Bulls
A new stadium in 2010 will help RBNY attract more ardent fans. (Getty)
Special to amNewYork
Looking out from New York, one can catch brief, exciting and increasingly frequent glimpses of what Major League Soccer might one day look like in full bloom.
Swelling crowds of people on their feet with flags and scarves raised high up above their heads, testing the limits of their vocal chords. Thousands of fans traveling with their team to invade the stands of opponents’ stadiums.
In this still-young MLS season, two clubs — the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC — with the support of their fans, have provided these views. Seattle has embraced the Sounders, an old franchise reborn in MLS, and the players have responded, winning their first two games in front of sellout crowds at home without conceding a goal.
Toronto FC, a franchise with a reported 14,000 people on its season ticket waiting list, hit the road for an away match in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend with more than 2,000 die-hard fans in tow. Home advantage is no myth but, until now, few MLS stadiums have ever been considered intimidating venues. Taking some of that home support to away matches is better still.
Toronto and Seattle operate now in a bubble of enthusiasm that other teams can only hope to replicate in the coming years. The Red Bulls, more than any of their counterparts, have that chance. To date, the franchise has failed to truly capture the heart of a New York market that could reasonably boast more soccer fans than Seattle and Toronto combined.
The problem has always been turning those soccer fans into Red Bull fans. Next season, the team will open a stadium that, by all indications, will be the premier venue for soccer in the country.
It will sit by the water, surrounded by new commercial spaces, and will be easily accessible by public transportation. The physical structures will be in place. The pressure is on the club and the fans to bring along the grassroots enthusiasm, the spirit of unconditional support for a home team.
The Red Bulls are no fresh-faced expansion club; they have led a turbulent existence since the league’s 1996 inception. But 2010 represents their chance for new life.
Andrew Keh is amNewYork’s soccer columnist.
Tags: new york red bulls, seattle sounders, toronto fc, major league soccer, stadium
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NY to add 7 major pro teams
By Avril Fou
Seven new professional sports teams will begin play in the New York area in 2010, the New York City Sports Commission announced today.
Citing a major-league sports entertainment void “beyond the limited Yankees-Mets-Giants-Jets-Knicks-Nets-Rangers-Islanders-Devils orbit,” commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba said the metropolitan area would soon field four franchises each in the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB.
A floating island sports complex containing two stadiums and two arenas would accommodate six of the new teams, including the NFL’s Gravesend Diggers, he added.
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MLB Preview: Who will be the next unexpected National League World Series representative?
New closer Francisco Rodriguez should help get the Mets an NL East title. (Getty Images)
Special to amNewYork
National League baseball has seen a trend of unexpected World Series representatives over the past several seasons, with Philadelphia, Colorado, St. Louis and Houston being the last four.
Gone are the days of perennial contenders of the Atlanta Braves variety. The new model for NL success is short-term focused: assemble a good team on paper, make mid-season trades if in contention and hope for a hot streak in October.
With more talent flowing out of the NL than into it this past offseason, expect to see similar playoff races to 2008. However, don’t be surprised if the best team isn’t the one that ultimately competes in the World Series.
NL East
The New York Mets should finally close out a division championship thanks to their new late-inning stoppers, Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz. However, holes in production need to be filled at second base, corner outfield, and the back-end of the rotation.
The Philadelphia Phillies rode a power-laden lineup and flawless bullpen to a World Series victory. But the loss of RF Pat Burrell, a shallow rotation and more realistic expectations of the relief corps downgrade Philly down to a wild-card contender.
The Atlanta Braves lost 2008 to pitching injuries and let 1B Mark Teixeira go at the trade deadline. Improved health, the addition of SP Javier Vazquez and some young batting talent will put the Braves back above .500 in 2009.
The Florida Marlins, led by the game’s best-hitting shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, are building a speedy, defense-geared squad that’s probably a year away from playoff contention.
The Washington Nationals upgraded offensively by adding 1B Adam Dunn, but the hacking slugger won’t be enough to overcome Washington's utter lack of pitching talent.NL Central
The Chicago Cubs posted an NL-best 855 runs last regular season before running out of gas in October. The addition of breakout OF Milton Bradley and a potential full season from ace SP Rich Harden will get the Cubs back into the playoffs, but whether they can overcome their 100-year championship drought remains to be seen.
The St. Louis Cardinals, carried on the shoulders of MVP 1B Albert Pujols, disproved skeptics with 86 wins. The Cards’ pitching is sound with the return of SP Chris Carpenter and a young core of skilled relievers, but Pujols’ infieldmates lack the talent needed for a playoff run.
The Milwaukee Brewers will miss SP CC Sabathia’s 11-2 record and 1.65 ERA in 17 starts. His departure to the Yankees leaves a rotation in search of an ace and a bullpen still in shambles, but the Brew Crew’s bats should serve up enough offense for a .500 finish.
The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a youth movement, with second-year GM Walt Jocketty having dealt fixtures Ken Griffey Jr. (OF) and Adam Dunn (1B). Starting pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, and OF Jay Bruce and 1B Joey Votto — all 25 or younger — are the new faces of a franchise that’s still a year away from contention.
The Houston Astros failed to add any quality arms to help 17-game-winner Roy Oswalt, a managerial lapse that won’t be compensated for by a productive ’Stros offense.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will likely set a new MLB record in futility 2009 with their 17th consecutive losing season. Last July’s trade of OF Jason Bay to Boston leaves the Bucs with no All-Star talent.
NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers were smart to re-sign colorful OF Manny Ramirez, whose .396 avg and .743 slg in 53 games helped clinch the West for the Dodgers. With Joe Torre managing a talented roster and few threats in their division, a return to the playoffs is likely for L.A.
The Arizona Diamondbacks boast one of the NL’s best pitching staffs, but the Snakes’ young offensive core is still a year away from playoff-level hitting.
The San Francisco Giants changed the face of their franchise last year from the controversial Barry Bonds to the diminutive Tim Lincecum, and the 25-year old responded with a Cy Young performance. An inexperienced offense will keep the Giants from contending in 2009.
The Colorado Rockies further distanced themselves from their 2007 World Series appearance by trading their franchise player, OF Matt Holliday.
The San Diego Padres began a rebuilding phase in 2008 but made very little progress during the offseason, with ownership changes dominating the headlines.
Tags: national league, new york mets, philadelphia phillies, baseball
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NCAA Tournament: Get to know your Final Four a little bit better
Villanova's Scottie Reynolds (AP) The nation has five days to pore over the quartet of schools that survived the first four rounds of the NCAA tournament before Michigan State and Connecticut officially start the Final Four on Saturday with a 6:07 p.m. tipoff.
Here are a few things you may not know about each team and institution.
Villanova
Third seed, East (30-7)
Head-turning star: Scottie Reynolds, known for his mad, whirling dashes to the rim, sealed a defeat of top-seeded Pittsburgh on Saturday with his face-up, floating layup with 0.5 seconds remaining.
History: As the eighth seed in 1985, the Wildcats beat top-ranked Georgetown, 66-64, for the school’s only national championship. The NCAA tournament did not have a shot clock in that era, so the Wildcats took just 28 shots, making 22.
On campus: ’Nova has just 6,425 undergraduates, putting the private, Roman Catholic school’s student population well below those of the three public universities that join it in the Final Four.
North Carolina
Top seed, South (32-4)
Head-turning star: As his torrid all-court efforts mount, Ty Lawson is making his case to be considered one of the greatest point guards in UNC history. A jammed big right toe hasn’t hampered his precise play.
History: The Tar Heels have won a title in each of the past three decades, including in 2005.
On campus: Deteriorating badly after the Civil War, the university was closed from 1870-75 during Reconstruction.
Michigan State
Second seed, Midwest (30-6)
Head-turning star: Bosnian-born senior center Goran Suton has emerged as a dependable outside shooter and a facilitator for the balanced offense.
History: Magic Johnson led the Spartans past Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores in the title game 30 years ago.
On campus: “State” has changed its name five times since its 1855 founding as Agricultural College of the State of Michigan.
Connecticut
Top seed, West (31-4)
Head-turning star: Hasheem Thabeet, the 7-foot-3 center from Tanzania, combines with 6-foot-9 forward Stanley Robinson to aggressively deter forays into the paint.
History: UConn won only four tourney games before 1990, but has 42 since under coach Jim Calhoun.
On campus: UConn has also been renamed five times. Starting in 1881 as Storrs Agricultural School, it became University of Connecticut in 1939.
SKED STRENGTH
Average seed faced so far by each of the teams in the Final Four:
1. Villanova: average seed 5.75 (opponents’ winning percentage: .816)
2. Michigan State: 7.0 (.752)
3. UNC: 7.5 (.791)
4. UConn: 8.25 (.714)
(amNY)
Tags: michigan strate, scottie reynolds, villanova, ty lawson, goran suton, stanley robinson, uconn, connecticut, hasheem thabeet, north carolina
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Report Card: Relief for Mets, but not from 2 collapses
Mets Manager Jerry Manuel (Getty Images) The Mets made a relatively small ripple in the free-agent market this winter, but they made it in the right place.
By revamping their season-killing bullpen with some thrifty acquisitions, the team removed the handicap that has aided two straight September collapses.
But their instability-tinged hesitation to pursue expensive free-agent solutions in other areas (e.g., starter Derek Lowe or left fielder Manny Ramirez) leaves the team flawed but still competitive in the NL East.
First base: B
Lefty slugger Carlos Delgado’s fiery finish to the second half last season kept the Mets going late in games by batting runners home. Such a tear is probably too much to expect of the 36-year-old Delgado in consecutive seasons, but if one Met has earned the right to toil without scrutiny, it is the man who stands at 30th all-time with 469 career home runs.
Second base: C-
Somehow, the Mets and Luis Castillo meet again at second base. Will Castillo bat leadoff, second, eighth? Will the 33-year-old manage to play 100 games? Is his his $25 million, four-year contract an immovable albatross? We’ll see. The fact is that the Mets are hoping for a pleasant surprise from a slow, sore-bodied slap hitter at second. And there is no long-term backup plan in place.
Shortstop: A-
The Mets need more than a fantasy baseball-friendly dynamo at short. Leadoff man Jose Reyes, 25, is a unique talent, but he can’t afford to cut short his development before he becomes a complete player and team leader.
Patience at the plate will boost his average above .300 again; a focused attitude will boost the Mets.Third base: A
David Wright continues to anchor the Mets’ infield, stopping shots to the hot corner with his golden glove, then driving Mets runs home. He tied a franchise record with 124 RBIs last season and, at 26, is only likely to improve. Despite his gaudy RBI total, Wright needs to improve his hitting with runners in scoring position. (He hit .243 in this category last year.)
Catcher: C
The post-Mike Piazza Mets continue to fill a key position with borderline players. Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro will hold some runners but add little in the way of zest to the end of the Mets’ batting order.
Left field: C
Studious hitter and improving defender Daniel Murphy won the starting job in left ahead of journeyman Fernando Tatis, but that could change if the former infielder stagnates, confirming fears that he is a less-than-everyday talent. Murphy, who turns 24 on Wednesday, is hitting .356 this spring with 12 RBIs and two triples.
Center field: A
Carlos Beltran, who turns 32 next month, should again provide about 30 home runs, 110 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Beltran’s unstinting excellence at the plate and his fine defense are especially valuable, considering the Mets’ instability at the outfield corners.
Right field: C+
Ryan Church blazed into 2008 before a series of concussions rendered him merely average for much of the season. His defensive prowess and left-side power, glimpsed last year, are not necessarily returning assets. Church has gone deep just once in 52 at-bats this spring.
Starting pitching: B-
With Johan Santana as an anchor, the Mets may have misjudged the abilities of their other returning starters. Overburdened Mike Pelfrey, overweight Oliver Perez, overanalytical John Maine and over-the-hill No. 5 starter Livan Hernandez may combine for a swollen ERA that taxes the middle relievers.
Middle relief: B-
The Mets revamped their bullpen over the winter, casting off longtime objects of scorn such as Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis. The new mix is less lefty-heavy (Pedro Feliciano is the only southpaw), and features the promise of newcomers Sean Green and Bobby Parnell. Acquired from the Mariners, J.J. Putz has a problematic elbow that has hindered his control. But if Putz stands up, he will be a dynamic setup man for the Mets’ new closer.
Closer: A-
Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets’ $37 million insurance policy, set a record with 67 saves in Anaheim last season. K-Rod’s presence will sharply reduce the astounding 29 blown saves in 72 chances that the Mets suffered last year.
Manager: B+
Jerry Manuel’s task — make this patchwork roster into a winner — may be just as unenviable as his situation last June 17. And yet when the first-year Mets bench coach replaced fired manager Willie Randolph, Manuel drove a moribund, second-place group to the brink of the postseason. In that sense, the Mets’ second consecutive final-day failure was less bitter than that of 2007, when a season-long front-runner foundered in September. Unless Manuel can again earn the team’s focus, their sordid history will handicap the Mets. Even in the NL’s highest-parity division, Manuel inspires confidence that he can manage the Mets’ fragility when September comes. If he can finally get the Mets back on track, as they were in the 2006 NLCS, the 55-year-old skipper will be welcome to stick around.
Intangibles: D
Early hope reigns for the Mets each season, even after consecutive September collapses. But until the franchise can shrug off its penchant for harsh disappointment by winning the NL East or a wild-card postseason entry, the franchise will become increasingly mired in self-loathing.
Fans: A
Fans of the city's No. 2 team never have it easy in that regard, but the indignation of the the past two seasons does't seem to have caused fans to throw up their arms and give up. Resiliency is an essential quality for fans of the team from Queens. Extra credit to Mets fans for taking the high road when Yankees fans bludgeon them with the 26-titles-to-two business.
Stadium: A
The reviews are in, and Citi Field looks like it's a hit. For a competitive, big-market team, Shea Stadium was an inadequate home for too long. Hopefully, the Mets' classy new home will be an additional boon this season for the Amazin's.
Tags: new york mets, jerry manuel, jose reyes, david wright, johan santana, baseball
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Report Card: Yankees contend again as big signings spice up an aging roster
Mark Teixeira holds down first base for the Yankees now. (Getty Images)
In the offseason, the Yankees filled glaring holes in the pitching staff and at first base. However, competing in a tough American League East division with an aging roster, this team falls short of perfection. Nonetheless, if the team stays healthy, it should eclipse the 89 wins the Yankees posted last season.
First base: A+
The Yankees got better-than-expected production last year from Jason Giambi, who had 32 homers and 96 RBIs. But Giambi’s departure via free agency means the Oakland A’s now must deal with his defensive shortcomings. Replacing Giambi is arguably the most coveted offensive player on last winter’s market: Mark Teixeira. The 28-year-old slugger, signed to an eight-year, $180 million contract, gives the Yankees their first complete player at the position since Tino Martinez. A power-hitting, slick-gloved switch hitter, the seventh-year major leaguer is a lock for 30 homers, 100 RBIs and an average around .290.
Second base: B
Suffice to say, Robinson Cano has a lot to prove despite being three years removed from his .341 average in ’06. But, unlike others Yankees’ underwhelming 2008 performances, we’re going to say that Cano’s “down” year last year was exaggerated. He had an atrocious start, but got better as the season went along. In April, Cano hit .151, but he hit .327 in July and .290 in August. What’s more worrisome is Cano’s often maddeningly complacent defensive play. Cano should rise back to around .300 this year.Shortstop: B
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Derek Jeter is the Yankees’ heart and soul and their spark plug. He is indispensable in that regard. But let’s be realistic about his declining talents. Jeter is nearly 35, and his range at shortstop ranks him near the bottom of the league. His offensive numbers have also waned, with his average falling from .344 to .322 to .300 over that last three years.
Third base: C+
Things will change in mid-May when Alex Rodriguez returns from hip surgery, but for now, the Yankees will rely on journeyman Cody Ransom as a fill-in. In the preseason, the 33-year-old’s numbers have been rather pedestrian, hitting .270, with one homer and four RBIs through Saturday's games. However, if Ransom plays solid defense and hits anywhere over .250, that will be good enough. If he stays healthy after his return, A-Rod should provide 25 HRs and 80 RBIs.
Catcher: B
Since this is generally a weak position in the sport, it’s safe to say the Yanks still have one of the league’s top catchers in Jorge Posada. But Posada is 36 years old with a rebuilt shoulder, so it’s hard to expect him to put up his usual numbers. It will be a bonus if the career Yankee manages to start 120 games behind the plate. Jose Molina is a serviceable albeit light-hitting backup.
Left field: B
Johnny Damon is coming off his best season with the Yankees, hitting .303 with 17 homers, 71 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. Expect those stats to come down a little for the 35-year-old, whose miserable throwing arm makes him average at best defensively. Nonetheless, Damon is still a top-notch leadoff man when healthy — and a clubhouse leader.
Center field: C
Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera have been vying to start at the biggest question-mark postionas the 2009 season opens. Melky has three pluses: His arm, his switch-hitting ability and his experience. However, Gardner had a great spring and has great speed. Also, he hasn’t displayed the mental lapses Cabrera has. Gardner will likely get the bulk of the playing time.
Right field: B
Surprisingly productive since he was acquired last year, Xavier Nady will take over for Bobby Abreu, who, over two-and-a-half years as a Yankee, proved to be a quality No. 3 hitter with his automatic 100 RBIs and runs scored. Nady won’t get near those numbers, but expect .280, 20 Hrs and 70 RBIs. Nick Swisher will also contribute when he gets time here.
Designated hitter: B
Hideki Matsui is expected to be the regular DH, with Damon and Swisher spelling him. Injuries and knee surgery will keep the 34-year-old Matsui out of the field for most of the season. But if he can swing the bat like he’s shown in the past six years in New York, expect numbers around .290, 18 HRs and 85 RBIs.
Starters: A
By signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees have assembled their best rotation in a decade. Rounded out by a healthy Chien-Ming Wang, flame-throwing Joba Chamberlain and veteran Andy Pettitte, the Yankees’ staff should feel confident no matter who takes the mound. And in case of injury, 22-year-old Phil Hughes should comfortably fill the void.
Middle Relief: C+
The Yankees have a well-balanced relief corps that will include maybe Kei Igawa as long man, two lefties in Damaso Marte and Phil Coke and Brian Bruney stepping up as the eight-inning guy. If Jonathan Albalajo stays healthy (13 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings last year), the middle to late innings should leave the Yankees with plenty of options, as long as each pitcher reaches full potential.
Closer: A
Let’s put it like this: Mariano Rivera pitched most of 2008 with an injured shoulder and still converted 39 saves out of 40, struck out 77 and walked just six.
Intangibles: C
This team is crawling toward a decade without a championship, and has the pressure of a huge payroll and star acquisitions tinged with the A-Rod sideshow. As always, there’s a lot more to the Yankees than what happens on the field, and this often works against them.
Manager: B+
Sure, the Yankees missed the postseason for the first time since 1993 under first-year skipper Joe Girardi’s watch. However, Girardi delivered 89 wins in the toughest division in baseball despite losing Wang, his ace, for two-thirds of the season, working without Posada and Matsui for a good chunk of the year and getting zero wins out of Hughes and Ian Kennedy, each expected to tally double-digit wins — not to mention injuries to A-Rod and Chamberlain. Girardi may be robotic, but he knows the game as well as anybody.
Fans: A
Despite exploding ticket prices, Yankee fans have been heading to the Bronx in droves the past few years. Early playoff exits and disappointments haven’t affected their devotion and downright obsession.
Stadium: A
The purists are going to miss the old stadium, but from the looks of it, the Yankees’ beautiful new ballpark is a combination of the original (renovated) stadium and modern accoutrements. The downside is that there are more than 4,000 fewer seats, making always hard-to-come by tickets that much more scarce. But there’s a dozen restaurants and, thank heavens, more bathrooms.
Tags: yankees, derek jeter, alex rodriguez, joe girardi, mark teixeira, baseball
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Column: What were not watching
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton won the F1 title last year. Few Americans know that. (Source: Getty Images)
Each Thursday before I write this column, I sift through the weekend’s TV sports offerings, select several and then relay the schedule to amNewYork readers.
But in these heady days of early spring, there is such a morass of sports activity that the mind unspools at the task of sorting through all of that entertainment on offer.
March Madness in the NCAA, regular-season stretch runs in the NBA and NHL, the wrapup of MLB spring training: the mind truly reels.
And yet as I prioritize mainstream American interests, I am aware that other items get short shrift. Here is some of that overlooked programming.Australian Grand Prix: Formula One
SPEED Sun., 1:30 a.m.
This high-finance sport, beginning its 60th season, inspires deep, worldwide passion — minus every American but my father, a lifelong Ferrari fan.
I find that watching the races can be numbingly repetitive, but the sound? Tremendous. Sirius XM Radio is broadcasting all 17 bi-weekly F1 events live this season. Ask your cabbie to tune in to the roaring in Melbourne on the drive home Saturday night and try to differentiate the sound of his overtaxed engine from those of the $50 million race cars.
Hunt for Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg
VERSUS Friday, 11 p.m.
My cognitive powers suggest that viewers of this program are not required to join Dahlberg on the hunt, as his show’s commanding name implies. But considering that Dahlberg is a Hall of Fame fisherman whose show has run successfully since 1992, I’d imagine that his loyal viewers would enjoy a spin in his fishing boat (if boats are involved; I have not seen the show).
A.M. Raw
USA Sun., 1 a.m.
As WWE prepares for WrestleMania XXV on April 5, I’m focused on a wrestler named Batista whose real name is Dave Batista. That’s cool. Batista is out with a torn hamstring, though. Maybe there’s a wrestler named Dave.
Tags: larry dahlberg, australian grand prix, wwe, dave batista, tv, tv sports
