A Fresh Start For The Evil Empire?

Another year in the books, and another Boston Red Sox World Series victory. But more importantly to some, another first round exit for the New York Yankees, marking the third straight year they've managed to accomplish such a feat. Its been less then a month since the world series has ended, and the Yankees front office has been yet again very busy. First came the exit of long time manager Joe Torre and the entrance of new manager Joe Girardi. Then we were all embraced with the saga of Alex Rodriguez along with his agent Scott Boras as they test the free agent market for a deal worth enough to buy a mid-sized country, only to see him come back to the Yankees. In addition to the circus that was the opting-out, then resigning of A-Rod, to yet another record deal, they have also resigned Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada as well as picking up a $16 million option on outfielder Bobby Abreu.

Millions of dollars later it is time to ask yourself what the state of the Yankees is now. The answer is, exactly in the same spot they were last year, if not worse. As the off season stands right now all this money has been spent to put the same product on the field we have seen in these past few unsucessful years(don't get me wrong I am more then happy to see the resigning of Rivera and Posada), and once again few measures have been taken to adress the number one problem area that has plagued them of recent. Pitching. It's no question that good pitching can carry you through the playoffs and that has been the Yankees problem in recent years. Sure the offense has been putting up record numbers in the regular season but when it comes to the playoffs they have been less then clutch. It's very dfficult to win in the post season when you have to ask your offense to score 7 or 8 runs a game, especially when the pressure is on and you're no longer facing the Devil Rays.

With Andy Pettittes future hanging in the ballance, the yankees starting rotation as of now looks like: Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain, Kennedy and Mussina. Thats not exactly a rotation I would bank my season on as only two, Wang and Mussina, have establsihed themselves as reliable starting pitchers in the MLB. Currently the Yankees are in talks with the Twins about a possible trade for Johan Santana. It is obvious that he is the best starting pitcher available but at what cost is he worth. The Yankees have gone after big named pitchers before, mostly ending in failure. Names like Carl Pavano, Kevin Brown and even Randy Johnson come to mind. The issue here is not the amount of money needed to sign him, as that is never an issue for the Yankees, but rather the value needed to be given up in young prospects. As a Yankee fan, I would love to see Santana in pinstripes but i really think it is time for the Yankees to keep and develop their prospects. The three names that have been thrown around in terms of trades are pitching prospects Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy. Hughes and Chamberlain showed great potential last year. There has also been talk of second basemen Robinson Cano and outfielder Melky Cabrerra used in the trade. Both of whom are sure to play huge roles in the future of the organization. In my mind the only way i would take Santana is if it meant NOT GIVING up Phil Hughes or Jaba Chamberlain who could potentially turn into something great. I would also be very reluctant to give up Robinson Cano who has played exceptionally well as the starting second basemen these past couple years. If something could be worked out with Cabrerra and Kennedy i would probably take it. Now it probably won't be possible to get Santana without giving up at least one of those players so maybe they should stay away and look elsewhere as in Oaklands Dan Haren. Clearly not as established of a pitcher but it would also take a lot less to get him.

Now if we have the same thinking Yankees we've seen these past few years, Santana will be on the starting rotation and the Yankees will be playing golf in Florida instead of the World Series in the Bronx.

Well, it’s finally over. The most disappointing season in recent Hurricane history came to a close with a disappointing, but fully expected, loss to Virginia Tech. Coming into the season, the expectations for the program were raised to their normal lofty standards because of the experienced defense and matured offense. Fans still expected to compete for the ACC championship, even though this year was an obvious rebuilding year. (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/um/story/320593.html) It was not completely surprising that this entire season was mired with dropped passes, inconsistent quarterback play, mental breakdowns, poor coaching decisions, and lack of leadership. We looked like a team uninspired for the entire last half of the season. Even with Kyle Wright’s gutsy performances, the entire team did not have the necessary cohesiveness to be a successful team. Much of the current problems surrounding the Miami Hurricanes can be tied to atrocious offensive performances, though the defense was pretty miserable as well. As fans, we have to support Patrick Nix and hope to find some offensive consistency this off-season. The young offensive talent on this team is overflowing with potential, but they are still very young. It is now time for Randy Shannon and the rest of the fan base to look forward to next season, place our faith with the first returning offensive coordinator we have had in three years, and pray that these kids grow up fast.

Without a doubt, the most deep and talented position on the team is at running back. The three best running backs, and arguably the best athletes on the team, are Graig Cooper (true freshman), Javarris James (true sophomore), and Shawnbrey McNeal (true freshman). James followed up his spectacular freshman year with a disappointing sophomore season, but much of the blame can be placed on the stagnant passing game. He can be a dominating factor on this offence once he gets a strong supporting cast, especially a quarterback who does not constantly turn the ball over. Graig Cooper lead the team in rushing with 682 yards, while seeing limited action in the last few games due to injuries (http://miami.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=&script=content.asp&cid=743601&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=). Cooper has more potential than any player on the entire rooster; followed closely by McNeal, who had flashes of brilliance. Our team will have a three-headed rushing monster. After running back, the offensive positions are cloudy but full of potential. After Kirby Freeman’s horrendous performance this year, many fans expect this job to be Robert Marve’s to lose. He has been receiving rave reviews from coaches and players because of his unwavering work ethic. It has yet to be seen, however, if he can fully recover from the car accident he was involved with during the preseason. At tight end, Richard Gordon is a freak of nature with an uncanny combination of size and speed. He has a year of experience but is still unproven. Dedric Epps began to emerge as a playmaking tight end but lacks the athleticism of past UM tight ends. The receivers have greatly underachieved for the past couple of years, and a dramatic improvement must be made in order to have a successful season. Nevertheless, there is hope for the future. Leonard Hankerson showed signs of becoming a UM great as a freshman. Sam Shields and Ryan Hill both return, as long as they can stay out of Coach Shannon’s doghouse. It remains to be seen what Jermaine McKenzie, one of the most highly touted wide receivers in the last recruiting class, can do because of a pre-season neck injury. Finally, it seems that the line has improved from last year, and building blocks of a dominant line all return. Jason Fox, Reggie Youngblood, and Chris Rutledge all come back but must commit themselves to getting stronger during the off-season. Near the end of the season, Orlando Franklin and Joel Figueroa emerged as young prospects for the open vacancies on the line. Still, all of the lineman must get stronger because there were times when our line would be completely demolished by a stout opposing front four.

There are still a lot of problems that must be corrected as both an offense and a team before this team can reach the glory of past Miami Hurricane teams (http://miami.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=&script=content.asp&cid=743601&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=). Randy Shannon, however, understands and recognizes all of these problems. It will take a few years to mold this team into what he and Patrick Nix want. They understand that the change begins by instilling the right attitude for the team and challenging these young men to reach there full potential. This year was a hard pill to swallow. But at least we all know that the sun will rise tomorrow and next year will be a whole new beginning.



*Sorry about the links but it just wasn't working for my computer.

Miami Basketball on the Rise

While it was disappointing for the Miami Hurricanes football program this past fall, a loosing record of 5-7 and ineligible for a bowl, there is still hope. The mens basketball team has been off to an incredible start. Behind stars Anthony King at center and shooting guard Jack McClinton, they currently hold a record of 6-0 and having been receiving some good attention in the media. The Men's Basketball program is definitely gaining the strength that is needed to become a tournament team. With commits from top recruits and the current lineup, Miami Basketball is on the rise.
The Hurricanes have had several impressive victories this season. They entered the first Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic and came out beating a solid Providence team, 64 to 58. Along the way they defeated Marist, a bubble team last year that nearly missed the NCAA Tournament, and Virginia Commonwealth University, a Sweet Sixteen team last year who upset Duke University in the opening round.
Most recently the Hurricanes beat Alabama State University out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference 83 to 74, this past Wednesday, November 28. Behind a 16 point performance by Dwayne Collins and a good effort from Anthony King, the Canes had 5 players in double digits.
The amazing start has allowed the Miami basketball program to gain much more attention from the media, bloggers, the general public, as well as several top recruits. The basketball program is feeling the effects in its recruiting.
Miami currently has three freshman commits for the 2008-2009 season, 6-6 small forward DeQuan Jones, from Georgia, 6-8 power forward Reggie Johnson, from North Carolina, and is looking at a commitment from 6-5 forward Quincy Roberts, from Pennsylvania. Jones is ranked as the number 11 small forward in his class. All three could definitely have a major impact on the roster and on the team's performance next season.
The Hurricanes were projected to finish at the bottom of the ACC this year. With their hot start, they have found their way up to the third spot. The top recruits that have been signed and committed is another added bonus. Miami needs to keep it up. Right now, many sport analysts see the Canes as a definite tournament team and must continue on this path, making their name known as a threat in the ACC and in all of college basketball. Miami Basketball is definitely on the rise.

Bonds and The Juice

Back in 2003, many people questioned if Barry Bonds, outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, was taking steroids to help him perform better. In 2004, Bay Area Laboratory Corporation was charged by federal prosecutors that they were giving out a clear substance that was either taken orally or as a cream. Barry Bonds testified that he had received and used a clear cream substance, but was told by his trainer, Greg Anderson that it was nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis. In a testimony by Bonds on December 4, 2003, he denied taking steroids and human growth hormones when he was playing in Major League Baseball. During the court case, the prosecutors showed a document that had included a list of drugs that included human growth hormone and undetectable steroids known as “the cream and the clear.” The documents also had the name Bonds on it that was dated from 2001 through 2003. Bonds said he had no knowledge of the doping calendars and never paid his trainer, Anderson, for steroids.

After a while Bonds’ past came back to haunt him. Bonds was indicted by a federal jury on the charges of four counts on perjury and one count of obstruction of justice and accused of testing positive for performance-enhancing steroids and lying about not knowing that he took steroids that were given by Greg Anderson. This indictment is such a big deal because it is the first official public acknowledgement of Bonds allegedly testing positive for steroid or other performance enhancing drugs. There is a 10 paged report that has excerpts from Bonds at the BALCO case and it includes 19 times when Bonds has lied under oath Also that day, Anderson was released from prison after admitting to doling out steroids. Anderson was first put into jail because of his lack of cooperating with prosecutors investigating whether Bonds lied to the grand jury. After Anderson release from prison finally, he had no comment on the indictment. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell has led the allegations of steroid use at congressional hearings and has shown new efforts to stop drug use by Major League Baseball. Bud Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner said he is going to watch the progress of Bonds’ case closely as Mitchell’s probe continues.

With these charges Bonds could be sentenced to prison for over ten years. He is being, charged with perjury, which includes prison time up to five years and obstruction of justice, which holds a sentence up to a ten years. After fourteen seasons with the San Francisco Giants, Bonds was released .He has now filed for free agency. Now even if Bonds is found not guilty it is very unlikely for any team to risk taking him on their team. If Bonds is found guilty, what will happen with all of his records? Bonds records include 7 MVP awards, home runs in a single season (73), and the great home run record for a career, which are 762 home runs. Many fans want to put asterisks on them, but who knows what will happen. Not only is Bonds future at stake, but also how the view the MLB. More information will be found out on December 7th, when Bonds will make his initial court appearance.

ARod's Event Bonuses

Alex Rodriguez has recently resigned with the New Yankees for a record $275 million over ten years, once again making him the highest paid player in baseball. In addition to his base salary of $27.5 million per year, reports have surfaced that ARod could actually earn 305_million_if_he_breaks the all-time homerun record set just last season by Barry Bonds. Specifically, this breaks down to $6 million per milestone.

As a Yankees fan, my initial reaction to this deal was excitement. But the more I consider these performance bonuses, the less happy I am to have Alex Rodriguez back in pinstripes. Had he opted out because he wanted to leave the team, that would have been one thing. But deciding to come back signals that this was an issue of pay. And I for one believe that having the biggest contract in baseball history should be incentive enough to chase down homerun records. Requiring an additional $6 million for each milestone reached seems ridiculous. Personally, the only incentive I would be in favor of would be related to post-season performance.

Can Wizards Survive Without Star Arenas?

The Washington Wizards had high hopes coming into this season. With playoff appearances the past three years, they were hoping to make something more out of this season. The start of the season did not go well for them. They started 0-5, disappointing themselves and their fans. That quickly turned around the last few days. Not only did they win their first game, or their second, but six straight victories. Because of that, they are now in second in their division and fifth in their conference.

This was a surprising turnaround for the Wizards, but at the point when they were 3-5, a devastating injury left many fans wondering if they were going to continue the success. Gilbert Arenas, the star player on the Wizards, had two different surgical procedures on his left knee, forcing him to sit for three months. He had been having issues with that knee last year and had surgery for it, and then it reappeared this year with some swelling. MRI results showed that it was a cartilage tear. So far, it hasn't looked like Arenas being out will hurt them too much, but it is obvious that he was a necessary component to their team, averaging 22.4 points and 5.9 assists a game. Since Arenas has been out, the Wizards are 3-0 with many other players picking up the slack while the star is out.

Since Arenas has been out, the Wizards have defeated Portland, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. A few players have been filling in the gaps where Arenas would usually be. Against Charlotte, for example, Caron Butler scored 39 points, and Antawn Jamison had 27 points and 12 rebounds. Other contributing factors were Andray Blatche with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Arenas's backup, Antonio Daniels with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. They won that game in overtime. These players will need to continue to come up big for future games while not being able to rely on Arenas. Also, while the team is proud of how they have done, a few players have talked about what teams they have played, and how they will still need to do better when facing more difficult teams. Center Brandon Haywood stated, "We did win two games in convincing fashion without him, but it wasn't like it was the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs."

Arenas has made a few comments about his feelings toward his injury and his team on his blog. He discusses the severity of his injury and the pain he is currently in. He also tries to make a few jokes here and there about team rules and why he wont be on the bench until there are six minutes left in the second quarter because Antonio Daniels tells him not to. Overall, he seems to be as optimistic as he can be for having to sit out for three months.

So the question now is what fairs for the Wizards? Are they going to be able to keep winning against teams without their superstar Gilbert Arenas? We'll see if they can continue their winning streak tonight against Golden State, as well as how they will handle themselves against tougher teams like Dallas and San Antonio in the next couple weeks.

Mens Basketball- The U's new sport

If I would have told you five years ago that the University of Miami's Basketball team would be better than its football team you would have laughed in my face. This week's ESPN/USA Today poll has UM earning 7 votes for the top 25. Normally this wouldn't be something to write home about but when you consider that we are known (or at least used to be known) as a football school it is pretty impressive (or depressing). Our Men's Basketball team has already started to creep up the rankings while our football team continues to fall lower and hasn't had a top 25 vote since week 6.

Sunday, Miami won the finals of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off with a win over Providence College. En route to this championship the Canes recorded W's over Marist and VCU as well.

This year's team has only two freshman on its roster. As an older basketball team the hurricanes have been put in more situations and are better prepared for the upcoming season. Sophomore James Dews led the team in scoring in the final with 17 points. Close behind him was Brian Asbury (Junior) with 16 points and 12 points from Anthony King (Senior).

The Canes this year have potential to make the NCAA Tournament if they continue their current trend. Miami showed promise last year with a win against Georgia Tech at home and a strong showing against Duke until the team was plagued by injuries. Anthony King missed most of the season and Jack McClinton was hurt later in the year.

If the Canes stay healthy a team that was projected to finish at the bottom of the ACC has the potential to make history and play for the ACC championship and the March Madness Tournament.