Spackenkill Football Season Update

Pavan Naidu knew his team needed to focus. After a lackluster performance the week before, the Spackenkill Spartans football team’s critics were skeptical that the team could achieve what would arguably be one of the biggest wins in school history.

Sloppy special teams play and an out-of-sync offense marred a strong defensive showing for the Spartans as they won an ugly 28-20 game over an outmanned Rondout Valley. “Our team definitely did not play to its potential,” said offensive and defensive lineman Zach Short, “We weren’t focused at all, we thought we were going to roll right past Rondout with no problem.” Short went on to say that the team lacked intensity for the last three quarters of the game.

One season-long criticism of the Spartans is their lack of intensity against weaker opponents. Taking opponents for granted has been an Achilles heel for the Spartans this season.

In the second game of the season, Spackenkill traveled to Middletown to play Goshen, a team that was not supposed to contend with the Spartans. Poor execution and sloppy first-half play neutralized an inspired second half comeback that fell just short in the Spartans only loss of the season, a 21-19 upset victory for the Gladiators.

Fast-forward two weeks, the Spartans travel to Onteora to battle the lowly Indians. Although the Spartans come away with an easy 29-0 victory, the game was plagued by penalties and sloppiness. Four touchdowns were called back on penalties and Spackenkill’s critics were not impressed at all, as the Spartans were left out of the Section IX Top Ten poll, despite beating perennial powerhouse Marlboro the previous week.

So what would be the Spartans mindset coming going into their showdown with defending Section IX champion New Paltz?

“Every day I come into [practice] like it’s a new day, as a senior I don’t have many days left so I know that I have to bring the same intensity if not more because I know that I need to help my team,” Naidu says. “I know I’m not the best player, so me working my hardest makes me feel that I can help my teammates around me.”

This is a shared attitude among the Spartan players. Their main strength this season has been the intangibles: team chemistry and a sense of brotherhood.

The Spartans went into New Paltz and spoiled their homecoming as Short, Naidu, and company overcame an early score to win comfortably 26-6, clinching their first league title since 2002. Short finished with eight tackles, while Naidu wrapped up thirteen, including a huge tackle for a loss in which he penetrated the line of scrimmage and tackled not only star running back Kariff LaBoy, but the offensive lineman trying to block him as well.

Even though the Spartans seemed to lack intensity for three of their seven games, second-year coach Clinton DeSouza has been able to keep his players focused for big games. Nobody expected Spackenkill, a team mostly irrelevant for the past eight seasons, to sneak up on league powerhouses Marlboro, Red Hook, and New Paltz. Spackenkill outscored these opponents 81-33 with victories of 21-6, 34-21, and 26-6 respectively. “We were overlooked every game.” Says Naidu, “Every team downplayed us and everyone hated us. [We took it as] extra drive, and I know we are the best team in the league.”

MVP of the Month: June 2011

Sorry for the lackness of the MVP of the week. I have been busy with my intership. So instead I will be giving my MVP of the month. I'll give my MVP of the month award to a player or a team who deserves the award. They would receive the award for the numbers they put up, delivering in the clutch, or even a top play.

Jose Reyes

Jose Reyes has given the Amazin's fan base something to cheer for since 2006. He has helped pushed the Mets back over .500 and in the hunt for the wild card.

• Batting Avg. : .349 (2nd in MLB)
• Runs scored: 64 (2 in MLB)
• Muliti-Hit Games: 40 (1st in MLB)
• Hits: 117 (1st MLB)
• Triples: 15 (1st in MLB)
• Stolen Bases: 28 (2nd MLB)

By looking at these numbers, he is clearly the NL MVP so far. I'm a Mets Fan and I do love watching the Mets when Reyes is doing well. He is the heart of the team. He brings excitement to the team and most important, the fans. He is a true MVP. I hope the Mets do not trade Reyes. His heart is in New York, so come free-agentcy, he won't leave the Metropolitans. I can see him doing what Cliff Lee did with the Phillies. Doesn't go with the most money because which ever contract he gets will be a lot of money. If Reyes keeps this up, I do believe the Mets will be in the playoffs this fall.

Oktoberfest

Who doesn't love playoffs? Just thinking about the MLB Playoffs is getting me excited for October. I am giving you my prediciton for the playoffs this year in both NL and AL and as well as the team to watch out for to make a good run for the final playoff spot.

National League:

East: Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies are on a tear with a record of 49-30 and a 5 game lead on the Braves in the NL East. With dominating pitching from the Fab Five and an explosive offense from the "Cadillac Kids", no one can stop the Phillies in the National League. Maybe the Braves can make the NL East race close but the only way that this can happen is if the Phillies get the injury bug.

Central: Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are currently 4 Games Back, with a record of 40-39, of the Divison Leader Milwaukee Brewers. They have not been playing that well lately but I have faith in the Reds and believe that they will get hot soon and win the division. Their offense is one of the best in the league and once they start to hit, it will be hard to stop them. 

West: Colorado Rockies

This is one of my two surprising picks in "Oktoberfest" that Peter laughed at. The Rockies are 38-39, 5.5 GB of the Giants. I don't believe in the Giants to win the West and the Diamondbacks are making some noise but not enought noise. Even tho the Giants pitching is superb, their offense isn't that scary. I won't be surprised if the Rockies pull out another Divisional Crown.

Wild Card: St. Louis Cardinals

By not having Pujols in the line-up for 6-8 week will hurt the Cardinals. It is going to hurt Holliday and Berkman because there is no major threat other then them. If the Cardinals stay at .500 or above in the games that Pujols is on the DL then the Cardinals are in good shape.

In the Hunt: New York Mets / Milwaukee Brewers

The Mets are surprising do well for the expectation that other fan bases had for them. If Reyes keeps the MVP Season he is playing so far, the Mets might make a run for the Wild Card.

The Brewers, I beleive, are one of the most surprising teams in baseball. I would not of predicited for the brewers to be in first place in the centeral a week before the All-star break. If they can keep this up, they will definitely be in Oktoberfest.

American League:

East: Boston Red Sox

I am in love in what the Red Sox are doing. I was not worried about them when they had their slow start in the beginning of the season. With potential CY Young pitcher Josh Beckett and MVP Adrian Gonzalez this team will keep rolling all the way till they a crowned 2011 World Series Champions.

Central: Indians

What a crazy first half for the Indians. Most of the first half of the season they had the best record in baseball. But then slowly came back down to earth and lost their central divison lead. I do believe that in the second half that they will catch back on fire and win the division. 

West: Seattle Mariners

This divison is up in the air. I had a tough time picking the winner but I'm going with Seattle. It was hard to pick because Seattle has the Pitching but Texas has the bats. I personally think that pitching can carry you farther than hitting so I'm throwing another curve ball and going with the Mariners.

Wild Card: Tampa Bay Rays

Yes you are reading it correctly, I picked the Rays to win the Wild Card over the Yankees and Tigers. I love the way that the Rays play. They play smart, fundamental baseball. It was hard leaving the Yankees out of the playoffs but Boston is going to win the division so it was between the Yankees and Rays for the final spot. I like Tampa's offense and pitching this year, I think they are one of the most underrated teams in the MLB.

In the Hunt: New York Yankees

The Yankees currently have the best record in the American League. No surprises there, but the surprise is that I do not see the Yankees in the playoffs. They have a great line-up, but I just don't see any pitching outside Sabathia and Rivera.

Oktoberfest 2011 Bracket:

Here is my bracket of what I believe how the 2011 MLB Playoffs will turn out.

Congrats to the Red Sox, who I believe will win in 7 games against the Phillies. World Series MVP will be Jon Lester

Mid-Season Baseball Awards (AL)

MVP- Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)

Cy Young-Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers)

Rookie of the Year-Michael Pineda (Seattle Mariners)

Comeback Player-Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox)

Most Improved- Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees)

All Stars:

LF- Jacoby Ellsbury (Boston Red Sox); I know he is a center fielder, but Ellsbury deserves a starting spot and there are no other left fielders more deserving than Ellsbury.

CF- Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees); found his swing this year, also found power (from out of nowhere) and is tied for 2nd in the MLB in homeruns with 21.

RF-Jose Bautista (Toronto Blue Jays); following his sensational season last year with another MVP-worthy performance this year.

C-Alex Avila (Detroit Tigers); weak catching class this year from the AL, however Avila is putting up great numbers and playing even better defense for Detroit.

1B-Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox); leading league in RBI (69), almost automatic in middle of lineup for the Sox.

2B-Robinson Cano (New York Yankees); with Dustin Pedroia suffering from a slow start, Cano has distanced himself as the best second baseman in the league.

3B-Adrian Beltre (Texas Rangers)- surprising start, only because he is playing superior defense to Youkilis and A-Rod.

SS-Asdrubal Cabrera-no explanation needed, is having a career year

DH-David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox)- Like Granderson, he has rejuvenated his swing and added more power, leading the Sox in homeruns (17).

Starting Pitcher-

Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers); Verlander wins toss-up between him and Beckett. Nearly threw two other no-hitters this year to add to his first.

Bullpen-

Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox); having incredible bounce-back year with lowest qualifying ERA in the majors (1.80). Two-hit Yankees earlier this year.

Jon Lester (Boston Red Sox); hottest start out of any of the pitchers (9 wins).

Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners); leading league in K's (108).

Jared Weaver (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim); having another dominating season

James Shields (Tampa Bay Rays)

Gio Gonzalez (Oakland Athletics)

C.C. Sabathia (New York Yankees)

Michael Pineda (Seattle Mariners)

Alexi Ogando (Texas Rangers)

Kyle Farnswoth (Tampa Bay Rays)

Mariano Rivera (New York Yankees)

Bench-

Kevin Youkilis (Boston Red Sox)

Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees)

Matt Joyce (Tampa Bay Rays)

Michael Young (Texas Rangers)

Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)

Mark Teixeria (New York Yankees)

Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles)

Paul Konerko (Chicago White Sox)

Elvis Andrus (Texas Rangers)

Alex Gordon (Kansas City Royals)

Matt Weiters (Baltimore Orioles)

Snubs:

Derek Jeter (NYY)

Dan Haren (LAA)

Jeremy Hellickson (TB)

David Price (TB)

Brandon League (SEA)

Chris Perez (CLE)

Dustin Pedroia (BOS)

Zach Britton (BAL)

C.J. Wilson (TEX)

Ian Kinsler (TEX)

Ricky Romero (TOR)

Michael Cuddyer (MIN)

Josh Hamilton (TEX)

Note: all stats as of 6/22/11

On any given night, anyone can be anyone

Underdogs and Cinderella teams is what the season and playoffs are all about. It's nice when the favorite team in their respected sport wins but people thrive more on those George Mason or Davidson runs in the NCAA March Madness. How about the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008? No one saw them coming other than the Rays and their organization.

How about the Cardinals in the playoffs in 2009? And the Seahawks of 2010? Both were heavily criticized for being in the playoffs and receiving the home field advantage (Cardinals 8-8 and Seahawks 7-9)

They all proved the critics wrong. The Cardinals went all the way to the Super Bowl, falling 35 seconds short of holding the Lombardi Trophy. The Seahawks destroyed the defending Super Bowl Champs, the Saints. And the Rays went on to win the AL East Division and the ALCS to only fall short in the World Series against the Phillies.

This is all what Spackenkill's 2011 Baseball season was all about.

Having 3 starting freshmen (Ben Jenkins, Billy Winnis, Blake Kawalski) who not only play key rolls in the field but are also 3 out of the 4 starting pitchers for Spackenkill. This Spackenkill Baseball team is a young team with only 3 Starting Seniors (CF/Pitcher Quinn Horvath, RF Thomas Fleischman, and DH/3B Adam Wagner). They were not projected by the paper or anyone to win their division or their Section.

But we went on to do just that.

We won our Division, then participated in the MHAL Tournament (local team division winners tournament) to only lose to Saugerties (Class A School; Spackenkill is a B) in the MHAL Championship game.

Spackenkill was once ranked as high as 16th in the State (highest ranked team in section IX). They were then given the 3rd seed in the Section IX tournament (7 teams participated in it). I personally felt gypped when we were not giving the one seed because we were clearly the best team in the section. But it only gave us more motivation to prove the Section wrong.

The Times-Herald-Record, an Orange County Newspaper, gave Spackenkill no credit at all. In their "preview/prediction" they only talked about Burke, Burke, and Burke. They believed that Burke was going to win the Section hands down but to not sleep on number 6 seed Onteora because they have played mostly "Class A" Schools.


In the opening round of Sectionals, #3 Spackenkill defeated #6 Onteora 9-6 (Spackenkill 1, Times-Herald-Record 0). Then the very next day #3 Spackenkill defeated #2 O'Neal 10-6 in the Section Semi-Final putting the Spartans in the Section IX finals to face Burke.

Spackenkill started off hot by scoring 2 runs in the first inning in the Section IX Championship game. Spackenkill would end up falling behind 4-2 but not for long. They scored 9 straight unanswered runs. They would go on to win in a dominating fashion, 11-4 (Spackenkill 2, Times-Herald 0). Spackenkill showed Section IX why they should of been the #1 seed to begin with. We out-scored our opponents 30-16 in 3 games. But if I had the opportunity to change the seeding, I wouldn't. By not having the #1 seed, it took pressure off the team. By being under the radar, it gave us something to prove.

Spackenkill's run was stopped short when they fell to Section I champs, Briarcliff, 11-1. Briarcliff went on to the New York State Class B title game only losing to Chenango Valley 7-4. Congrats to Chenango Valley.

Spackenkill won their division and the Section IX title for the first time since 2006. With the young team they have, no one saw this coming.

On any given night, anyone can be anyone. ~ Dan Gable

Top Ten Games

NFL Network has a new show called "The Top 100". They have a new episode each Sunday at 8 pm revealing the top 100 players in the NFL voted by the players. This inspired me to do my own top ten on this blog. This week I am going to reveal my top ten games that I witnessed in my very own basement.

10)  2009 Big East Tournament: Syracuse 127, UConn 117 (6 OT)

This game was one of the best college basketball games I have ever saw. It took 3 hours and 46 minutes to send Syracuse to the Semi-finals of the Big East Tournament.  The game nearly ended in regulation on a three-pointer by Syracuse's Eric Devendorf. But the officials reviewed the play and correctly ruled the ball was not out of his hand before the the clock went off. But don't worry, it only took 6 OT to finally get a winner to play the very next night.

9) Final Four 2006: George Mason's Cinderella Run
George Mason received an at large bid after losing to Hofstra in the CAA Tournament. They were the #11 seed in the Washington, D.C. Regional. They took down Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State, and UConn to advance to the Final Four to take on Florida. They would end up losing to Florida, who went on to win the National Championship.

8) Champions League Final 2008: Manchester United vs Chelsea

For the first time in the Chamions League Final, two English teams squared off in a championship that was not forgotten. Manchester United and Chelsea are one of the best rivalries in all of sports. Both respected elite players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba, scored in the 26th minute and 78th minute respectively. The epic match up ended in a shootout. John Terry, Captain Chelsea, had the chance to give Chelsea the Trophey by putting the last shot in the net. But he chocked. Terry slipped as he went to shoot the ball and then it went wide. United ended up winning the shootout, making them Champions of 2008.

7) Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs Cardinals
This Super Bowl was full of records and memories. To name a few the Steelers won yet another Super Bowl which is their 6th Super Bowl (NFL Best), Pittsburgh linebacker, James Harrison, had a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, a 64-yard touchdown to Fitzgerald to give the Cardinals the lead with 2:37 left only to be washed away by one of the top catches of all time (Santonio Holmes). The Cardinals made a great run in the playoffs falling 35 seconds short. People were not happy that the 8-8 Cardinals were in the playoffs to begin with, but they proved all of the critics wrong.

6) 2008 Beijing Olympics: Swimming Men's 4x100 Medley Relay

Michael Phelps won a record eighth gold medal in the Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay with a little help from his friends. Team USA is consisted of Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Jason Lezak and Phelps won in a whopping time of 3:29.34 and in doing so broke the world record by 1.34 seconds. I remember being on the couch rooting for team USA to win it all. The way they won it was in an amazing fashion. They beat the French by .2 seconds, which is the closest race I have ever witness.

5) Game 7, 2003 ALCS: Yankees vs Red Sox  (11 innings)
 Aaron Boone, unlikely hero, continued the Curse of the Bambino with one swing of the bat. Boone ended the Red Sox hopes of ending the Curse and continued for a chance for the Yankees to win yet another World Series. Tim Wakefield, wicked Knuckle-ball pitcher, floated a pitch right in Boone's sweet spot. Aaron Boone's walk off home-run will forever be remembered in New York.

4) Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots

The Patriots could not finish off what they started, which shows how an undefeated team coming into the Super Bowl could be washed away by not winning the most important one. The New York Giants pulled one of the greatest upsets of all time by defeating the previous undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. A non-household name, David Tyree, arguably the greatest catch of all time. If he had not made that miraculous catch, this game would be my #1 because of the Patriots Undefeated Season. But too bad the Patriots choked and could not come through. The Giants became the first NFC Wild Card team to win the Lombardi Trophy.

3) Jon Lester's No-Hitter

Jon Lester was drafted in the 2nd round by the Red Sox in 2002. In 2006, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Lymphoma is a treatable cancer that he got cured later in the year. He came back in 2007 and pitched in Game 4 of the World Series. The following year, 2008, Lester became the 18th Red Sox Pitcher to throw a no-hitter. This no-hitter was no ordinary no-hitter. The reason why it is my number three. For someone to battle cancer and to come back to throw a no-hitter is astonishing. I personally don't like the Red Sox but that night I was rooting for Lester to pitch that no-hitter. This no-hitter is currently my favorite no-hitter. This will change in my view when a Mets pitcher throws the first no-hitter/perfect game in Mets history.

2)World Cup 2010: USA VS Algeria

 3½ minutes left for Team USA before they were looking to be sent home early, but Landon Donovan had other plans. Donovan scored on a fast counterattack started by star goalkeeper Tim Howard. Donovan has done so much for USA soccer and this was the icing on the cake. I remember the excitement when that ball went in the net, jumping up and down like a little kid. They had so many opportunities to score a goal but failed to do so.But my boy Donovan pulled through with one of the biggest goals in USA Soccer history.

1) Fiesta Bowl 2007: Boise State vs Oklahoma 

Boise State vs. Oklahoma is the best BCS Bowl game ever. Boise State pulled off one of the greatest plays in BCS history. Instead of going for the tie in O.T., the Broncos went for a 2-point conversion. But before all of this madness happened, the Sooners and the Broncos combined for 22 points in the final 86 seconds of regulation. The game would have to go to overtime to declare a winner. The 2-point conversion was a do or die play. The Broncos ran "the Statue of Liberty" play. This fooled not only the Sooners, but the entire nation who was watching the game. This proved that Boise State belonged in the BCS and started another debate about non-powerhouse teams to play in BCS Bowl games.

Disagree? Leave a comment and give me your top ten

How do you like them apples?

Cleveland was left heart broken in the summer of 2010. The face of Cleveland, Lebron James, left the Cavaliers to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The Cavaliers were not the same in the 2010-2011 season without James. They finished the season 69-93, one of the worst in franchise history. Then the almost forgotten Indians, are giving hope back to a city where most needed. The Indians have the best record in baseball with a 26-15 record. No one saw this coming other than Manny Acta, the Manager of the Cleveland Indians. And what are his keys to success so far?

"The pitching," said Indians manager Manny Acta. "Other than the Opening Day, our starters have all been able to go deep into the game. It gives us a chance to keep the guys rested in the bullpen so we can match up with them. "That combined with our defense." (cleveland.com) 

Their pitching is ranked 6th Overall in the MLB with a team ERA 3.38. Their young gun stud Justin Materson is 5-2 with a 2.50 ERA, 51 SO, and 1 Complete Game. The Indians recieved Masterson in the Victor Matinez trade to the Red Sox. So far it looks like the Indians got what they wanted knowningly that Martinez was going to walk away; unlike the other Cleveland team who let their superstar walk to Miami who is about to go to the NBA Finals.

But don't forget about their offense. Travis Hafner is currently batting .345 with 22 RBI, and Asdrubal Cabrera is batting .312 with 10 HR and 34 RBI. They are currently ranked 3rd Overall offense as a team.

The Indians defense has been spectacular with only having 22 Errors all year. Their defense is ranked 3rd in the MLB with a fielding percentage of .987. Asdrubal Cabrera has been flashing his glove all over Sportscenter's Top Ten Plays.

This is a big step for the orginization from going 69-93 to 30-15 in 45 games. Watch out for the Indians, here they come!

photo: http://baseblog.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Cleveland-Indians-Walk-Off1-275x275.jpg

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/asdrubal-cabrera-indians-300x185.jpg

quote: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/04/post_86.html

NCAAF Playoff system?

The hot topic in NCAA is if the NCAA should do a playoff system to crown the next National Champion. Every other sport in the NCAA has some kind of a playoff system. They have the Final Four, Frozen Four, College World Series, and the Lacrosse Championships. Even President Obama believes that they should have some type of a playoff system.

If they do a playoff system this is how I believe it should work. The AP's top NINE would have automatic bids to the 'BCS Playoffs'. Then for the final spot would be decided on a wild card bid that two teams would play for. The reason why the top nine get automatic bids instead of the top ten because teams like Boise State or TCU (before people knew about them) would get an opportunity to play the #10 ranked LSU or Arkansas. This is the most fair way to do it. I do believe that the current BCS system is not the best system for NCCAF. If we look at the NCAAB, if they had the 'BCS System' then that would of meant that Ohio State and Kansas would have faced for the National Championship. But both of those teams didn't even make the Final Four! So why give the Championship to two powerhouses when some well coached, average team could win it all? Wouldn't that be better for the BCS? I'd think so. We all remember the Boise State vs Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl in 2007. Moments like these will last a life time if we have a playoff system.

 

 photos:

http://www.betvega.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/2009-2010-bcs-championship-odds.jpg

http://files.renegadebs.com/miscjunk/LSU-Flynn-BCS-Trophy.jpg

The Mets should wait before trading away Reyes, Beltran, or K-Rod.

Oh the Mets, or I should say Metropolitans.
I am one of the biggest Mets fan on the planet of the earth. I really thought that this year the Mets could get back to their old self and make a push for the playoffs. They are not playing as bad as some would have thought they would. They are only 3 games under .500 while starting only 5 of the starters from Opening Day. David Wright went on the DL for back problems, Chris Young is done for the year with rotator cuff surgery, Ike Davis out with a calf/ankle problem, and Angel Pagan out with some muscle problem. If the Metropolitans want to keep in the Wild Card hunt they need all 9 starters to be 100% healthy. Look at Beltran. You can tell that he is 100% healthy when he hits 3, 2 Run Homeruns, in the same game!

When I drive in my car, I listen to 660 WFAN or 1050 ESPN, the host/commentator and the fans bash the Mets saying that the front office is doing a terrible job not trading Reyes, Beltran, K-Rod, or even Wright! As a Mets fan it hurts me to hear people say that. The New York Mets are only 3 games under .500! THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE ONLY ONE GAME BETTER THAN THE METS! Why aren't people going ballistic on Cashmen? Because they are the New York Yankees. Since the Mets 'choked ' back to back years, people want to throw the Mets under the bus. I believe the Mets are still in the race for the playoffs. In the last ten games they are 7-3.

If the Mets do fall out of contention early, then I can see the Mets looking to deal players. If the Mets trade anyone, they need to get good level prospects. Not 'C' level prospects that has 50% potential of making the big leagues. I want a #2 prospect for someone like Reyes. Reyes is a game changer. Why throw something away for nothing in return? They could always keep Reyes, let him test the market in FA, and get a first and second round draft picks if he leaves. If the Mets decide though to trade Reyes, I could see him going to San Fransisco for (#1 prospect in SF,1st baseman) Brandon Belt, (#2 in SF, RHP) Zack Wheeler, Madison Bumgarner, or Jonathan Sanchez. I would prefer Wheeler because we already have a first baseman named Ike Davis. Beltran could be dealt to the Yankees because of their DH problems.

But I can not see Wright being traded at all. Wright is the heart of the franchise, you would lose the entire Mets fan base if he gets dealt away. He has done so much for the Mets. Do you remember his barehanded catch over the shoulder? It is the greatest catch of all time. Unless if we get Albert Pujols for Wright, I do not want Wright to be gone.

 photos:http://img.fannation.com/upload/si_blog_post_images/jose-reyes.jpg http://product.images.fansedge.com/33-76/33-76866-F.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/sfb111/story_lrgimage_2010_05_R9271_I_Like_Ike_Ike_Davis_Tshirts.jpg

Thomas' MVP of the Week 5/07-5/14: Adrian Gonzalez

Every week we will give our MVP of the week award to a player or a team who each of us believe deserves the award. They would receive the award for the numbers they put up, or delivering in the clutch, or even a top play.

My MVP of the Week is Adrian Gonzalez. He has been on a tear for the Red Sox even though the Red Sox are on a slow start. Adrian Gonzalez so far is batting .325 with 9 HR and 35 RBI this season. This week alone, Gonzalez is hitting .406 with 6 HR and 12 RBI. If Gonzalez keeps hitting the way he is now, the Red Sox should have no problem winning the division.

Quinn Horvath

Blake Kawalski

Honorable mention: Spackenkill Baseball clinched the Divisional title for the first time since 2007. Spackenkill is a young team with 3 starting freshmen (they are starting pitchers as well) and 3 sophomores that all contribute day in and day out. So far they have put up a record of 12-6 (12-2 in the league) with one more game to go. One of the two top moments of the year for Spackenkill is when Freshmen Blake Kawalski Homered on his FIRST VARSITY PITCH that he saw. So far Blake is hitting .279 with 27 RBI. The top moment so far for Spackenkill is pitcher Quinn Horvath. Quinn threw the first no-hitter in Spackenill's history on May 5th. Quinn has a pitching record of 4-1 with an ERA around 2.5. Spackenkill will likely get the #1 seed in sectionals. Since they won the division title, they qualified a spot in the MHAL Tournament. They will take on the winner of division 4 on Thursday 05/19. If they win the game on the 19th, then on Monday 05/23, they will play in the MHAL Championship trying to capture the first MHAL title in Baseball.

Spacken What? Kill!

photo: http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2011/05/14/alg_adrian-gonzalez-sacrifice-fly.jpg 
Spackenkill's photos: Fleischman Family

New-Look Lakers?

After being dealt an early exit in the playoffs for the first time in two years, the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been one of the NBA's few constants in the last decade. However, with time comes age, and with age, comes change.

This off-season for the Lakers will undergo major managerial and personnel changes, pending the looming possibility of lockout of course. With Phil Jackson announcing his retirement so early, many questions are now centered around Jerry Buss and his franchise.

The only things that will stay the same this year are Kobe Bryant on the court and Jack Nicholson in the crowd.

Coaching Staff:

Phil Jackson has retired for good and the Lakers will have to find a new head coach.

Possible fits here:

• Rick Adelman; the former head coach of the Houston Rockets
• Mike Dunleavy; the former head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers
• Jeff Van Gundy; current ESPN NBA analyst and former head coach of the Orlando Magic
• Brian Shaw; current Lakers assistant coach

Why they fit:

The Lakers have had to replace a legendary coach before in Pat Riley, so there is no reason that Jerry Buss cannot do it again with Phil Jackson. Adelman is a coach that has had success with veteran teams before and his "corner" offense is similar to Jackson's "triangle" offense.

Dunleavy has coached in the Staples Center before and is a strong tactician with a long history of post-season success (NBA Coach of the Year in 1999 with the Portland Trail Blazers).

Van Gundy is another coach that can take a veteran team on a deep run and would bring a strong defense to L.A.

Shaw has garnered the very strong public backing of many players including co-captains Bryant and Derek Fischer.

I think Dunleavy or Shaw would be the best fit for the Lakers franchise, however Shaw and fellow Lakers assistant Chuck Person have been interviewing for the head coaching position of the Golden State Warriors.

Personnel:

• Kobe Bryant: Lets face the facts, Kobe will retire in a Lakers uniform. However, Kobe is on the down-side of his career and visibly past his prime. In the playoffs he was slowed by a bad knee, of which was just recently operated on. He will put in another few strong years for the purple and gold, before retiring.
• Derek Fischer: Almost a non-factor in games, expect Fischer to retire in the next year or two.
• Pau Gasol: Another aging player, past the prime of his career, went soft in the playoffs, putting in a subpar performance and being out-played by the Mavericks and Hornets big men. Could also be traded.
• Ron Artest: Expect Artest to be traded soon. This should come as no shock as Artest has already asked for a trade this season and was nearly dealt, before the Lakers decided that they wanted to take a shot at the three-peat.
• Lamar Odom: Will likely be thrust into the starting line-up after Artest leaves. This is another former star that is past his prime, and should not be playing for much longer.
• Andrew Bynum: Bynum's fate became apparent as soon as he took off his jersey on the court after being ejected from committing that cheap-shot foul on J.J. Barea in the closing minutes of Game 4 against the Mavs. Jerry Buss does not want the reputation of the brand of Laker basketball to be tarnished and do not expect to see Bynum back next year. Bynum could be used as trade bait, as he has already been part of trade talks this year (included in Lakers package in Carmelo Anthony trade talks). The combination of Bynum and Gasol leaving in the near future will pave the way for the Lakers to possibly sign Dwight Howard, the first step in their rebuilding process for the future.

With Jerry Buss in the front office, the Lakers will have a short rebuilding process. They have more trade ammo than any other team in the league and can bring in a lot of young star power, most notably big man Magic Dwight Howard. They also have many established veterans to mentor the young players (Who is better to learn from than Kobe Bryant?). Expect to see them back in the NBA Finals within the next seven years.

Photos:

http://lakers.topbuzz.com/gallery/v/andrew-bynum/Andrew+Bynum+tries+to+block+Dwight+Howard_s+shot.jpg.html

http://celebrityimg.com/?view=img&search=KobeBryant&imgid=153442&page=1

Is Cam Newton really the answer for the Panthers?

From the moment when the Commissioner, Roger Goodell, said  "With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select…Cam Newton, QB Auburn" I shook my head in disbelief.

I will guarantee that in 5 years, the Panthers will regret selecting Newton over QB Jake Locker or QB Blaine Gabbert. I am not saying that Newton is not an elite athlete; don’t get me wrong, he is a freak athlete. But he does not have what it takes to be a franchise Quarterback.

I classify Cam Newton as a ‘Running Quarterback’. The only successful ‘Running Quarterback’ in the NFL is Michael Vick. There are many failed ‘Running Quarterbacks’ who were college superstars like Newton; Jamarcus Russell, Vince Young, and Pat White just to name a few. If the Panthers want to get back to the super bowl again they needed a player that would be a solid safe pick that will be a starter for years to come. Let’s get real. Are the Panthers going to win more games with Cam Newton as their QB? No, so why didn’t they take OLB Von Miller or WR A.J. Green? There is a good chance that the Panthers will be selecting in the top 10 or even top 5 again. So why go with Newton when there is a QB by the name Andrew Luck who will go top 10 in the 2012 Draft depending on his senior season. If he performs as well as he did this year, then do whatever it takes to trade up to the #1 draft pick, but this is not the case for the Panthers. The Bills, on the other hand, drafted very smart and will go after Andrew Luck next year. Quote me on that.

The main reason why the Panthers went with Newton is because of his strong athletic nature and to give the Panthers fans something to believe in the 2011 NFL season (if we have one). I really hope Cam Newton proves me wrong because his character and love for the game is something that the NFL needs.  

photos: http://d3qc245dgdquna.cloudfront.net/slider/cam-newton-draft.jpg and http://www.sfexaminer.com/files/blog_images/Stanford%20Andrew%20Luck_0.jpg

Changing of the Guard

There are plenty of Laker-haters out there; plenty of people who think Phil flaunts his rings,  Kobe fakes his grit, Pau is a softie, and Ron Artest is -- okay Ron Artest is insane, I think we can all agree on that.  So, naturally, there were plenty of people dancing in the streets Tuesday night when the Lakers got pummeled by the Dallas Mavericks and were swept out of the playoffs.



And there are more than a few people who root against the Celtics simply for the sheer merriment of rooting against the Celtics. There's not much to hate on in terms of players and coaches. Ray Allen is a 3-point phenom, K.G has the heart of a lion, Paul Pierce has been in the league for what seems like centuries and can still hang with the young guns, and Rondo is one of the premier young point guards in the Association. Plus, there's not a whole lot of bad you can say about Doc Rivers; one of the classiest coaches I've seen in any sport. But regardless, people hate the Boston Celtics, simply because they're from Boston, and those people were elated to see them fall to the Heat on Wednesday. 

But are these reasons really why people hate these teams? Or is it that they've been on top for so long that sports fans are dying for a change? I argue the latter.

I, however, am one of those sports fans who believe that the inevitable changing of the guard this year in the NBA is a terrible thing.

Besides Miami's somewhat random NBA championship with Shaq, Pat Riley and company in '06, the last time one of the remaining playoff teams won a title was in 1998 when Michael Jordan's Bulls won it all. And, not to mention, the other playoff teams still in the hunt besides the Heat and Bulls -- Dallas, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Memphis -- have not won a title in their franchises' histories.

Who wants to see a Grizzlies vs. Hawks NBA final? Not me.

The same can be said for the other major sports. Who is going to remember last season's Giants vs. Rangers World Series match up besides fans from San Fran and Texas? And can you tell me who won, or even played in the 2003 Super Bowl? (Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Oakland Raiders, for those of you who didn't bother looking it up).

The Lakers and Celtics are not the only teams that matter in the NBA, obviously. And that's not the reason why I was hoping to see them in the finals again this year, or at least put up a fight in their respective series. And don't get it twisted--I don't wish upon a star every night that they will meet up every year for the finals. I just don't think I'm quite ready to push them out into the cold so quickly, only to invite in a Grizzly and a Hawk.

Heat Check

After watching tonight's tragic 4th quarter collapse of the Boston Celtics, I was left wondering where the Miami Heat's sudden ability to be clutch came from. The Heat scored the last 16 points of the game en route to a 97-87 victory in Miami which saw them knock Boston out of the playoffs.

If I remember correctly, the end of the regular season saw the Heat finishing with a league-worst 1-18 shooting in game-winning or game-tying shots. You would think that having three perennial all-star players would create an embarrassment of riches that would afford the team a lot of options down the stretch of a tight game.

So where did this sudden outburst of clutch shooting come from? Well it seems to me that LeBron James has finally stepped up his game to the point of which he can take control of a game again, just as we were accustomed to in Cleveland.

After shooting just 2-8 from the field in the 1st half, LeBron scored the final 10 points of the game including the three-pointer that put the Heat up for good with 2:10 left as well as the three-pointer that essentially clinched the series for the Heat with 40.4 seconds remaining. After hitting the huge three, LeBron turned and posed for some fans who screamed in delight; vintage LeBron.

LeBron's late-game heroics against a very experienced and capable Boston team have officially put an end to the speculation that LeBron and the Heat cannot be effective late in games.

Photo:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/lee_jenkins/11/12/miami.heat.blackhat/index.html

2011 NHL Playoffs

(left to right) Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St Louis

The New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadians, Buffalo Sabers, defending champions Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, and Los Angeles Kings all went home early, as the rest of the playoff teams moved on. Then the Flyers, Capitals, and Predators were the next to go. The only series remaining is the Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks, which is going to a game 7 tomorrow night on Versus. I  believe that the Sharks will move on to the Western Conference Finals because they are a younger, more skilled team than the Red Wings. The Red Wings are too banged up and I don't think they have anymore gas left in their tank. So my Conference Final picks are between the Sharks vs. Canucks and then Lightning vs. Bruins. The Lightning will win in 5 games because the offense is too much for the Bruins. The Western Conference should be a 7 game series, Sharks and Canucks, with the Canucks coming out as the winner. Both teams are evenly matched from offense to defense. There are two reasons why I am going with the Canucks. First off, the Canucks will have game 7 at home, advantage Canucks. The second reason is that whenever Roberto Luongo is hot, so are the Canucks, therefore he will be big in this series. My Stanely Cup Finals is between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vancouver Canucks. I have the Lighting wining in 6 games. Since the All-star break, I have really started to believe in the Lightning with their 'Big Three'. Most sports fans would agree that the 'Big Three', in Flordia, are Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh who are members of the Miami Heat. While the underrated 'Big three' (in Flordia) are Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St Louis. The Lightnings 'Big Three' will rase the cup in June for the second time in the Lightning's history (last time 2004).

Edited by Allyson Finck
Photo: http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Vincent+Lecavalier/Steven+Stamkos/Nashville+Predators+v+Tampa+Bay+Lightning/Uc8F_4bd33V