Rangers Trimmed Training Camp Roster by 11 Players on Monday and Waived Defenseman Wade Redden to Clear $6.5 Million in Salary Cap – Hopefully the Rangers Sign a Top Centerman

The New York Rangers trimmed their training camp roster by 11 players on Monday including waiving defenseman Wade Redden. Moving Redden to the AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack will clear $6.5 Million in salary cap this season (but still on the hook for the remaining 4 years of his contract). The move makes sense as he’s underachieved in New York the past two seasons. To be fair he was much better overall last year but his first season was brutal. I feel that if his salary was more like $1.750 Million he’d still be on the Rangers. If Redden refuses to report to Hartford his contract will be void and will become an unrestricted free agent. After seeing Hartford play the Lowell Devils twice last season at the Prudential Center Redden better be ready. The third and fourth lines beat the hell out of each other. Also assigned to Hartford were goaltender Chad Johnson and forwards Dane Byers, Evgeny Grachev, Kris Newbury, Dale Weise, Jeremy Williams and Mats Zuccarello. Defensemen Garnet Exelby, Brandon Manning and Alex Semenov were released. Banishing Redden to Hartford makes a lot of sense for the Rangers as they’re still in need of a top line centerman. A few players are vying for that spot but signing a true top center would be the best move. Trading Scott Gomez to the Canadiens to clear salary cap space for Marian Gaborik turned out great and hopefully a similar move can be made here.

Ravens Waived Defensive End Trevor Pryce Yesterday and Jets Scoop Him Up Today – He’s Now a Jet

The Baltimore Ravens waived defensive end Trevor Pryce yesterday from the 53-man roster to sign safety Ken Hamlin. The Ravens didn’t expect anyone to sign Pryce and planned on resigning him Monday. The Jets’ GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan scooped him up immediately today and he’s now a Jet. Ryan couldn’t speak highly enough of Pryce who was on the Raven team when Ryan was the defensive coordinator. There is an unwritten rule that when a team waives a player and they plan on signing him later nobody will sign that player, but the Jets never received a call or got a heads-up from the Ravens. Pryce turned down a subsequent offer from the Ravens and decided to join Gang Green. Defensive tackle Howard Green was released by the Jets today to make roster room for Pryce. Green was signed after defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was placed on injured reserve and lost to season ending injury two weeks ago. I wonder how pissed off Raven’s GM Ozzie Newsome is right now. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

After hearing of the Pryce signing Bart Scott said:

“When Rex left, everybody wanted to leave with him anyway,” Scott added, saying he gets called from players around the league asking him to put a good word in with Ryan. “Tell Rex to come get me,” Scott said players ask him.

At the press conference today Trevor Pryce said:

On if his agent already made the deal for him to go the Jets before he knew about it…

It was kind of like there were some other teams that called, but he knew that if Rex called, that’s where I was going. It was literally like that. My niece and daughter are supposed to be going to Six Flags this weekend and I was really looking forward to going [laughter]. Rex is like, “No, you’re playing against the Bills on Sunday.” [laughter] "What? No, I’m not. I’m going to Six Flags." “No, you’re playing against the Bills on Sunday.” That lets you know. It came out of nowhere and again when Rex calls me at least, that’s the way I feel. He calls me, I answer the call.

Thursday, September 30, 2010 Installment of What’s Up Jerry?

The New York Mets season and the Jerry Manuel/Omar Minaya (aka Nomore Goodbya) Era is almost over. I posted on my blog a year ago that the Mets were going backwards in September and some things apparently never change. Carlos Beltran experienced pain in his “surgically repaired knee” that was called a cleanup job by his personal doctor, and is done for the year. Beltran was actually playing very well recently. It’s good to see David Wright hit his 27th homer which is almost three times last seasons output. I will post more on the Mets bright spots at the end of the season. Jerry said all the right things on WFAN recently and is actually quite a gentleman. It’s just that the team was going backwards, again, and unfortunately you cannot drastically change the team and start over the following season. No doubt the owners will clean house but I think more than a few ballplayers can be included. In Spring Training I predicted that the Mets would win 75 games this season and prayed that I’d be wrong. With four games to go their record is 77-81 (at home 45-32, on road 32-49). The killer was their lousy road record. The marathon of a baseball season can be broken down into this:

Every team wins 50 games and loses 50 games. It’s what you do with the remaining 62 games that counts.

The Mets lost a bunch of those among the 62 games, especially on the road. The Mets dropped their old school twi-night doubleheader to the Brewers Wednesday, a microcosm of the 2010 season.

Tickets for Potential Red Bulls Home Playoff Matches Go on Sale this Week

What a difference a year makes. Last season the New York Red Bulls had an awful season and this season they’re vying for first place in the Eastern Conference. A win this Saturday at Red Bull Arena will clinch a playoff berth. From Red Bulls via email:

Red Bull New York has announced the ticketing information for potential 2010 MLS Cup Playoff home matches at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls can clinch a postseason spot with win at home in their next match this Saturday, October 2nd when they host the Kansas City Wizards at Red Bull Arena at 7:30 PM ET. Click here for tickets to this weekend's match.

Partial Plan holders will have the opportunity to purchase seats during a presale starting Thursday, September 30th at 3:00 PM. Eight game plan holders can purchase tickets at the discounted group rate. Four game plan holders can purchase discounted tickets through the Playoff Combo Pack or full price tickets for the Conference Semifinals. All tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER only.

The remaining seats will be made available to the general public starting on Friday, October 1st at 3:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

Rangers Sweep Devils in Home-and-Home Series with Two Overtime Victories (4-3 at Garden and 5-4 at Rock)

The New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 (OT) Thursday night at Madison Square Garden and 5-4 (OT) Saturday night at the Prudential Center to take the preseason home and home series. Although the crowds were no way near sellouts the atmosphere was very much like regular season games. Thanks to my friend for offering me a ticket to the game on Thursday. On Thursday the Rangers new addition Alex Frolov clicked with Marian Gaborik and played very well. Gaborik looked very comfortable scoring 2 goals for the Rangers. Five Russian fans sat behind us at the Garden and were going nuts when Ilya Kolvalchuk scored his 2 goals. The first was a blast to the upper-right corner of the net from the right wing and the second where he picked up a bad Ranger giveaway from Dan Girardi and blasted the puck from the high slot into the upper-left corner of the net. Kovy banged both pucks off the inside of the post. On Saturday it was the Avery Kovy Show at the Rock as Sean Avery got under Ilya Kovalchuk’s skin the entire game. I was cracking up watching Kovy lean over the Devil bench to point to Avery and show him how he should zip his lip. Kovy was speaking to Avery like a school teacher would speak to a kindergarten student. Great stuff that set the stage for the six regular season games between the rivals. The Garden placed a slick new center ice logo commemorating the Rangers’ 85th Anniversary. It would have been great going to the Rock on Saturday with Father/Son friends of ours. We’ve sat next to each other at TD Bank Ballpark for the past three years for Somerset Patriot games and have gotten friendly. The Son is quite the Ranger heckler and I enjoy the banter. We share the same first name but not the same hockey clubs. He knows his sports but I’m not sorry his beloved Devils lost two to the Blueshirts!

York Revolution Shut Out Somerset Patriots 1-0 at Sovereign Bank Stadium Today to Knock Patriots Out of Playoffs – Wait Till Next Year!

The Somerset Patriots were shut out 1-0 today in Game 5 of the best of five Freedom Division Series of the Atlantic League and are out of the playoffs. My Wife, friends and I have had the Saturday Plan for the Patriots for the past three years and enjoy supporting the team. I listened to the game tonight and was disappointed with the loss. Perhaps we were a little spoiled as the Patriots won the Championship the past two years. Scott Grimes continued to play well in the playoffs for York. The Mets signed Grimes in 2009 and played for the Gulf Coast Mets and Brooklyn Cyclones but suffered an injury and he was released. In his first year with the Revolution he may lead them past the Bluefish for the Atlantic League Championship. Thanks to my friend for offering me his tickets to last nights game as we brought our friend who had a great time watching the 7-0 Patriot laugher win with us. As the Brooklyn Dodger fans would say “Wait till next year!”

Red Bulls Shut Out Galaxy 2-0 in Huge Win at Home Depot Center Friday

The New York Red Bulls shut out the LA Galaxy 2-0 Friday night in a huge road win. It was the fulltime return for David Beckham who went the entire 90 minutes but was not a major factor for the Galaxy. In fact he was huffing and puffing a bit during the match. Dane Richards continues to play like a monster and scored his third goal of the season off a Joel Lindpere rebound that came off the left post in the 36th minute. Richards was fouled, no mauled, as he flew down the right side midway through the 2nd half and drew a penalty shot. The captain Juan Pablo Angel started the game and scored on the penalty shot in the 60th minute to give the Red Bulls the 2-0 lead. The Red Bulls had excellent possession and did not lose their composure in the 2nd half when the Galaxy pressed with Beckham and Landon Donovan. The Red Bulls played without Thierry Henry who’s nursing an injury. He hopes to play in the match Saturday against the Wizzards at Red Bull Arena. Bouna Coundoul (Bouna Time), goalkeeper for the Red Bulls was also a monster. He came off his line when necessary and made save after save. The Galaxy had three players with yellow cards to the Red Bulls none. It was fun watching Beckham drop to the turf so easily. The newest addition to the Red Bulls Carey Talley started and Mike Petke subbed for him halfway through the game. Carl Robinson saw action and came in for Rafa Marquez in the 69th minute. Donovan ran into Bouna Time a few times and Bouna Time made it crystal clear to him to knock if off. Good stuff. The Red Bulls are firmly in second place and are only 1 point behind the Crew with three of the four remaining games to be played at Red Bull Arena. Three friends and I will be going this Saturday and hope to see Marquez and Henry in the lineup.

Blog Postings Tomorrow for Somerset Patriots, Red Bulls, Rangers, Jets and Giants

I'll have some blog postings tomorrow morning for the Somerset Playoffs, Red Bulls, Rangers, Jets and Giants.

On Our Way to TD Bank Ballpark for Playoffs Between York Revolution and Somerset Patriots

My Wife and I will be going to TD Bank Ballpark to support our Somerset Patriots as they host the York Revolution in Game 3 of the best of five Freedom Division Series. They split the first two games at York so if the Patriots win tonight they’ll be in good shape. Tomorrow is Game 5 at Somerset.

Rangers Host Devils at Garden in Rangers’ First Preseason Game Tonight – Game One of Home-and-Home Series

The New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils tonight at Madison Square Garden in the first game of a home-and-home series. The second game will be played at the Prudential Center on Saturday night. New Devil head coach John MacLean promises ice time for some of his top players. I’m going with my friend so hopefully the younger players will put on a show. It will be interesting to see if Kovy plays on his new line. I hope Avery is on the ice with Marty. It will be just like ol’ times.

The New York Mets are Looking for a Few Good Men - Apply Now!

The New York Mets are looking for a few good men. Please submit your application and resume to Mets assistant GM John Ricco (he's assistant GM at least for now). If you like Mets uniforms and lack accountability then this the job for you! (Thank you GREGandLOU.com for bringing the season into focus).

Rutgers University RoctobeR Fest and Homecoming

From Rutgers University via email. Two home games for $75.00 is a good deal if you’re a Rutgers fan and want to come out and root on your team:

Help Rutgers kick-off RoctobeR!

Get a ticket to both the Oct. 2 Homecoming game vs. Tulane &

Oct. 8 Friday night game vs. Connecticut for just $75!

For more information or to purchase:

Call 866-445-GORU (4678) or go to SCARLETKNIGHTS.COM

Edwards Charged with DWI in New York City Tuesday Morning and Becomes Hall of Shame Inductee #8 with Shame-O-Meter Rating of 9 as the Hard Knocks Continue for Jets

It’s been all over NYC sports radio and the Internet that Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards was charged with DWI yesterday. It has been reported that Edwards’ Land Rover was stopped at 5:13 AM EDT at the corner of 34th Street and 12th Avenue on the West Side. The NYPD have checkpoints all over Manhattan for just such things. Edwards’ Land Rover was pulled over due to excessive tinting per the NYPD. Edwards was given a breath test at the scene and at the police precinct he was brought to. His blood alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit. Teammates D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Vernon Gholston were also in the SUV, along with an unnamed person.

Jerricho Cotchery said on WFAN Radio NYC that it should not be a distraction and added:

“Once we're out on the field, nothing crosses our minds as far as distraction-wise," said Cotchery, adding that Edwards appeared fine at the Cotchery Foundation charity event Monday evening in Manhattan.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said on 1050 ESPN Radio NYC:

"We are very disappointed in Braylon's actions this morning. The Player Protect program is in place for our organization to prevent this situation. Braylon is aware of this program and showed poor judgment. We are reviewing the information with the league and will impose the appropriate disciplinary measures."

The Player Protect program provides a 24-hour driving service exclusively for professional athletes. The company also provides security, if requested, from current or former law-enforcement agents. Drunk driving is a terrible thing and nothing to belittle. It’s a shame Edwards didn’t take advantage of the Player Protect program, but that’s hard to do when you’re ossified. Thank God nobody was hurt. The Jets stated that Edwards will suit up for the game Sunday night in Miami but not start.

Rangers’ Drury to Miss Four Weeks with Fractured Finger

The New York Rangers’ captain Chris Drury will miss four weeks due to a fractured finger sustained Monday in practice. Drury was doing what he does better than anybody, blocking shots as he got hit and fractured his left index finger. After the injury head coach John Tortorella suggested that Drury should wear heavier padding in his gloves. I just wish they thought of that last week. Drury is expected to miss the six-game preseason and the first three games of the season.

Tom Brady Looking Like Justin Bieber

As Tom Brady combed his locks on the way to the sideline Sunday it occurred to me that I had to find out where he gets his hair cut. He obviously goes to Jason Bieber’s salon! I wonder how much he tips? That is Brady’s tough guy puss he has on the sidelines as well.

Jets Defeated Patriots (aka Cheaters) 28-14 in Hate Bowl at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday

The New York Jets defeated the New England Patriot (aka Cheaters) 28-14 in a huge win Sunday at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick (Head Cheater) were pretty smug coming into the game this past Sunday and were rudely awakened by the Jets. My Wife pointed out that Belichick (Head Cheater) wasn’t wearing his grey “looks like a slob” cutoff sweatshirt, the kind you’d put on when painting the deck. He looked rather dapper for a change but it didn’t prevent from losing the game. Brady let the world know how he hates the New York Jets and I can safely say that I feel the same way about you Tom. Mark Sanchez had a tremendous game completing 21-of-30 passes for 220 yards with 3 touchdowns to Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller. What a difference a week makes. The Jets were down 14-10 at halftime and lost Darrelle Revis for the rest of the game. Revis was covering Randy Moss as he sprinted past Revis and made an unbelievable 34-yard one-handed catch in the end zone. An MRI on Revis’ left leg showed a strained hamstring and he will only miss up to 2 games, great news for the Jets. Dustin Keller (7 receptions for 115 yards, 1 TD) and Braylon Edwards (5 receptions for 45 yards, 1 TD) were monsters Sunday. Jerricho Cotchery and LaDainian Tomlinson each had 4 receptions for 26 yards. Patriot Wes Welker had 1 touchdown early in the game but was a nonfactor for the rest of the game. Antonio Cromartie played a Brady deep ball well and got his second interception of the season. Brodney Pool made an excellent play on a tipped ball along the sideline that was ruled out of bounds on the field. Jet head coach Rex Ryan challenged the play and the play was overturned, Jet ball. Brady was strip sacked and fumbled with 4 minutes left in the game by linebacker Jason Taylor on a blind side hit. That was Brady’s third turnover of the game. After the game Brady gave zero credit to the Jets, what a baby.

"We couldn't do anything in the second half," Brady said. "We had a hard time gaining yards. We didn't do anything on third down, we couldn't gain anything on first or second down. We couldn't run it or throw it. We just sucked."

Postings Later Today on Jets, Giants, Tom Brady, Chris Drury, Braylon Edwards and Frankie Rodriguez

I’ll have postings on all the above later today. Braylon Edwards charged with DWI, just what the Jets need and thank goodness nobody was hurt.

Rangers Pre-Sale Tickets On Sale for American Express Cardholders at 12:00 EDT Today

The New York Rangers have pre-sale tickets on sale today beginning at 12:00 EDT for American Express cardholders. If you’d like to see the Blueshirts play in their 85th season here is your opportunity.

Red Bulls Played FC Dallas to a 2-2 Tie at Pizza Hut Park Thursday

The New York Red bulls played a very physical game against FC Dallas on Thursday that ended in a 2-2 tie. The story of the game was latest addition midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy getting the start and captain Juan Pablo Angel sitting to begin the game. The Red Bulls went down a goal twice but managed to tie things each time and leave Frisco, Texas with the draw and a point. FC Dallas opened up the scoring in the 24th minute on a beautiful play that was crossed into the box, headed toward the far post and headed into the empty net. Bouna Coundoul (Bouna Time) had no chance. Despite Brek Shea of FC Dallas getting ejected for a red card foul in the 29th minute the game was a tough go for the Red Bulls. Ballouchy immediately made his presence known by scoring the first goal for the Red Bulls early in the 2nd half in the 48th minute to tie things up 1-1. After the goal Thierry Henry ran to the ball and attempted to smash it into the back of the net but FC Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman has his foot on the ball as the same to keep him from kicking hit. Hartman went out with a sprained MCL and sat on the bench with a bag of ice on his knee and a puss on his face. Henry shouldn’t do things like that. He did the same thing last Saturday at Red Bull Arena on the Red Bulls’ 3rd goal, kicking the ball high into the net after the score. It may be a football thing but it has now injured a valuable keeper for FC Dallas. Henry was also playing with a yellow card and could have gotten a red card and would miss the next match/ Eric Alexander of FC Dallas scored in the 68th minute to bring the score to 2-1. Angel was subbed for Tony Tchani and was instrumental in the Red Bulls second goal. He was in front of the net about to take a cross towards the goal and Jair Benitez scored an own goal to tie the game 2-2. The Red Bulls had 15 shots, 5 shots on goal, were called for 11 fouls, offside 2 times and had 5 corner kicks. The next game is Friday, September 24th in LA against the Galaxy.

Heading to TD Bank Ballpark for Bridgeport Bluefish vs. Somerset Patriots Baseball Game

My Wife and I will be going to support our Somerset Patriots as they play the visiting Bridgeport Bluefish. A lot is on tap for tonight: an appearance by Pepper Davis who was a member of the American Girls Professional Baseball League, it’s Irish Night along with fireworks after the game. A good time will be had by all. I’ll post more on the Somerset Patriots tomorrow as they head into the playoffs to defend their Championship title.

My Vote is for Ken Oberkfell to be Named Manager of Mets in 2011 as Wally Backman Doesn’t Deserve It Yet

My vote is for Ken Oberkfell to be named manager of the New York Mets next season. I haven’t heard one person even mention his name as the successor to Jerry Manuel. All the talk has been for Wally Backman to take his rightful place as the Mets’ new skipper. I happen to love Wally Backman but do not think he deserves it. Oberkfell has been with the Mets organization since 2001 and he’s the one that should be given a shot, if they fill the position from within. Oberkfell has managed the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate teams since 2005 and is ready for the Big Leauges. Wally as Ken’s bench coach would be interesting.

Thursday, September 16th Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

I’ll keep up with a few of the notable comings and goings of the local NHL teams:

RANGERS
MARC STAAL – Glen Sather (aka The Savior) finally signed a five-year extension with the Blueshirts’ defenseman. I’m glad the deal got done before the start of training camp. He’s a great player that will only get better. I wish the deal was for six years and I would love to see Staal become captain one day.

Jets Lost Heartbreaker to Ravens 10-9 at Debut of New Meadowlands Stadium Monday Night

My Wife, friend, teenage son of other friends and I went to the New Meadowlands Stadium Monday night fresh off of HBO’s Hard Knocks and were ready for the football season to commence with a hard fought victory over Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately the hard fought victory didn’t happen and in fact it was a very tough 10-9 loss. As the 4th quarter progressed our friend’s son said “I hope they don’t lose by 1 point” and he called it. We had great seats in the fifth row of the 200s in the corner of the end zone with the Jets bench across the field. One glaring stat I read on the huge beautiful screens was 10 Jet penalties for 100 yards and 85 yards total offense in the first half. That stat told the story of the game. Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson were burned numerous times in the secondary and were responsible for most of the penalties. Every time the Jets had the Ravens pinned it seemed a defensive penalty would give them life. The worst play was a 3rd and forever (I think 3rd and 28 yards to go) and a defensive pass interference that looked mighty questionable was called. That gave the Ravens the ball on the 1-yard line and goal to go with a new fresh set of downs. It also looked like the ball was uncatchable as well. The Ravens scored and took the lead for good. That came off a Shonn Greene fumble that banished him to the bench. It was a waste as the Cromartie interception amounted to no points for the Jets. The Jets did not call any play action passes on first down and in fact didn’t call much of anything on first down except for running plays. Mark Sanchez could not get rid of the ball as wasn’t taking deep drops and he had Ravens in his face all night. Running between the tackles on the Ravens is a difficult way to go. The real killer was watching Kris Jenkins go down after six plays! I was yelling “IS THAT JENKINS” and it was. I saw all the players except #77 standing around after he went down. He tore the same ACL and that’s a real shame as his season’s over. My Wife calls Jenkins The Human Truck and we will miss him. After that injury I predicted that the Ravens would begin running up the middle and Ray Rice (former star running back from Rutgers) did just that. On their last possession Sanchez called his final timeout rather than getting to the line quickly and spiking the ball to stop the clock. That meant they could not throw in the middle of the field. The last play was a pass that went to tight end Dustin Keller just short of the first down marker on a confusing play where the wide receivers had to cross to the other side of the field before the snap. The kicking game was excellent along with the defense and special teams. All in all we had fun at the game. The kickoff was delayed for about 25 minutes due to lightning in the area. After the rain moved out the players warmed up and we were allowed to enter our seats. The Jets have a very tough battle against the hated New England Patriots (aka Cheaters) this Sunday at the New Meadowlands Stadium. They need a win this weekend. I took the picture from our seats.

Red Bulls Trade Mac Kandji - More Wednesday Morning

Red Bull New York announced today that it has acquired midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Macoumba Kandji. I think this will work out for the Red Bulls and will post more on the trade Wednesday morning.

Jets Lost 10-9 Monday Night to Ravens - More Wednesday Morning

The New York Jets had an incredibly tough loss Monday night 10-9 to the Baltimore Ravens. We left more than a little disappointed to say the least. I will post more on the game Wednesday morning.

Heading to Jets’ Home Opener at New Meadowlands Stadium as Ravens Come to Town Tonight

My Wife and I will be meeting a good friend of ours and another friend’s son at the New Meadowlands Stadium as the New York Jets take on the Baltimore Ravens in the first Monday Night Football Game of the season. Baltimore’s Ray Lewis will be extra charged for this one as he’s not been happy with all the yapping Rex Ryan, his ex-coach, has been doing on HBO’s Hard Knocks. I expect a brawl from the opening kickoff. The Jet defense will need to step up to stop the talented wide receiver corp of the Ravens. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Rutgers Got Past Florida International 19-14 at FIU Stadium Saturday

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeated FIU 19-14 on Saturday to go 2-0 on the season but they didn’t play well offensively. It was all special teams, specifically safety Joe Lefeged who forced 2 fumbles, had 1 interception and blocked two punts. FIU outgained the Scarlet Knights 371-172 yards as Rutgers quarterback Tom Savage was ineffective. Mohamed Sanu came to help Rutgers score their two touchdowns. The game came down to the Rutger’s defense forcing 5 turnovers. Without those turnovers and the unreal play by Lefeged the Scarlet Knights may have lost. Rutgers has a bye week upcoming then travel to North Carolina for a very tough matchup.

Red Bulls Defeated Rapids 3-1 in Terrific Fashion at Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls defeated the Colorado Rapids 3-1 at Red Bulls Arena on Saturday afternoon. On the walk to the game my Wife and I met the Big Viper and Who Shot Sam from the The Viper’s Nest. I also stopped by to say hello as they recorded their halftime comments and met You Suck Corrales. They are great guys, huge Red Bull fans and incredibly loyal supporters who really enjoy themselves before, during and after the matches. A moment of silence was held before the National Anthem on Saturday to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Members of the armed services held a large American Flag in the center of the field. As the game began the Red Bulls controlled the ball from the opening kickoff. Except for the first 10 or so minutes that begin the 2nd half it was all Red Bulls. In the 17th minute Thierry Henry took a long ball from Rafa Marquez along the left side, kicked it back to Joel Lindpere who passed it off his back heel to Henry who then finessed it into the net. It was Henry’s 2nd MLS goal and it was a superb give and go. The Red Bulls kept up the pressure and in the 32nd minute rookie defender Tim Ream scored his first goal of his MLS career to give the Red Bulls the 2-0 lead. Marquez took a free kick from the left side just past midfield to Tony Tchani who was just to the right of the goal. Tchani volleyed the ball left across the mouth of the goal to a charging Tim Ream who then volleyed it into the net. The Rapids came out strong the 2nd half and played much better until the 55th minute. Rapids Mehdi Ballouchy shot past a diving Bouna Coundoul (Bouna Time) and thankfully hit the far left post. The Rapids made it a 1 goal game as Omar Cummings blasted a rocket from outside the box that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced in. The Red Bulls made it a 3-1 game on a goal by Dane Richards in the 58th minute. Juan Pablo Angel passed the ball to Richards along the right wing. Richards came in with speed, stopped, held the ball, made a nice move and lobbed the ball into the left corner of the net. Rafa Marquez, who I call The Man in the Middle hobbled off the field on the opposite side of the bench with an apparent ankle injury. He reinjured the same ankle that was hurt in an international match he played for Mexico recently. Two things that I liked were that the Red Bulls were only called offside twice and they moved the ball very well. There were no dump and chase type balls sent into Colorado’s end, all passes were on the ground. All New York players wore black armbands in remembrance of Carl Robinson’s father who passed away recently. The Red Bulls are solidly in 2nd place just 4 points behind the Columbus Crew with their next match on the road against FC Dallas this Thursday.

Please Do Not Ever Forget September 11th

Please do not forget September 11th. It was an absolutely terrible day where the pain still remains. I lost friends and was absolutely devastated that morning. I was on the ground on West St. near the entrance to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel just south of the Twin Towers when the second plane flew overhead. I saw the first tower on fire and said a prayer for those in the North Tower. The second plane then flew into the South Tower. Watching that and the North Tower fall broke my heart to no end. I saw terrible things, the worst of man but also the best of man.

I am forever grateful for the firefighters, police officers and medical personnel who so bravely gave their lives to save others. They are the true heroes. I also am very grateful to my Wife, those who ran the ferries, the restaurant in Jersey City that opened their phones, train operators, and other services in NYC and NJ that day, family, friends and Project Liberty. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with the events that Tuesday morning in New York City but I will never forget. It is in my heart forever.

We saw the World Trade Center being built in amazement as kids from our neighborhood in Brooklyn. Please take a moment to reflect and be grateful to those whom you love today. My heart goes out especially to my Cousin and her family.

Friday, September 10th Thoughts on Jets and Giants Heading Into the Season

The Jets coaching staff couldn’t be happier with Darrelle Revis reporting to camp as he gears up for the Ravens on Monday night but I have some concerns. Second-year running back Shonn Greene looks to get the majority of carries for the Jets but will need to play at a high-level and avoid injury. Revis needs to get in football shape in a hurry. Mark Sanchez needs to increase his efficiency and not turn the ball over and cut down the interceptions. Jay Feely is no longer the Jets’ placekicker and I wish he was still here. I wonder if the Giants feel the same way about Feely. The New Meadowlands Stadium cohabitants have a lot of concerns as well. The Giants’ linebackers are weak at best and cannot give up the middle of the field. The backfield by committee will be led by Ahmad Bradshaw who’s in his 4th NFL season. Brandon Jacobs has moved down the depth chart behind Bradshaw and hasn’t kept his feelings about that to himself. He’s been quite the baby in fact and I hope he just calms down and takes out his frustration out on the opposing linebackers. Jacobs has really not been the battering ram he was in the past and needs to change that.

Thursday, September 9th Installment of What’s Up Jerry?

The New York Mets record is 69-71 (.493 winning percentage), are 4-6 in their last 10 games and 2-0 in their last 2. The Mets are letting the kids play and that’s the only good thing to root for. R.A. Dickey won his 10th game of the year last night, giving up only 2 earned runs, 5 hits (1 HR), with no walks and 1 strikeout in 6.0 innings. The bullpen was great in relief. That win brings Dickey’s record to 10-6 with an ERA of 2.91. With 22 games left in the season let’s hope for at least a .500 record. It’s pretty tough listening to Jerry Manuel speak about the Mets in the post-game interviews knowing he won’t be here next year. I’d love to bring back Bobby Valentine to manage but that most likely won’t happen as Met ownership isn’t exactly in love with that choice. Many pundits on sports talk radio are naming Wally Backman as the next manager but nobody has even mentions Ken Oberkfell, who manages their Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons and has been in the Met organization for ten years. I say give Ken a job with Bobby V.

Revis Island Back in Business as Darrelle Ends Holdout

Darrelle Revis finally ended his 36-day training camp holdout and showed up at the Jets training facility in Florham Park, NJ this morning. Fullback Tony Richardson, who was released Sunday and resigned yesterday, was back at practice this morning. He was joking about visiting Revis Island on his day off! I love it. Rex Ryan said many times on HBO’s Hard Knocks that the Jets were a great team without Revis. If Revis plays up to his potential and is the shutdown cornerback he was last season then and only then will the Jets be a great team. Having #24 ready to go against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football next week means the world to Rex. Getting him back was my concern for weeks. Now my concern is how long it will take Revis to get back to football shape. My Wife, friends and I are going to the home opener next Monday night, September 13th and can’t wait.

Show Your Green with the New York Jets 2010 Kickoff Week Events

The New York Jets are sponsoring the Jets Calendar Signing at the Jets Shop on E. 50th Street off Madison Avenue on Tuesday, September 7th at 5:00 PM. Come out and meet the women of the 2011 Jets Flight Crew. The Jets Fan Rally will be held at Pier 17, South Street Seaport on Friday, September 10th at 5:00 PM. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

NHL Preseason is Almost Upon Us and Ever Since I was a Kid I Wanted to Drive the Zamboni

The NHL hockey preseason is only 2 1/2 weeks away and to honor this great time of year I present this song (courtesy of habsman102). I remember seeing the Zamboni at Madison Square Garden as a kid and back then they were not totally enclosed. You could see the chain along the top that steered the ice shavings. Ever since then I wanted to drive the Zamboni. Thanks to Frank J. Zamboni, the inventor of the world's first self-propelled ice resurfacing machine.

Steve Somers More Than a Schmoozer on WFAN Radio in New York City

Steve Somers, aka The Schmoozer has been a staple on WFAN since the early days. Somers used to call himself Captain Midnight while doing the overnights on the air. My Wife and I were in Montreal on St. Patrick’s Day 2009 to watch the Rangers defeat the Canadiens at the Bell Centre. On the walk back to the hotel among the very sad Montreal fans a guy who was sitting on the sidewalk leaning on a wall barked out at me “MARK MESSIER” to get my attention. I was wearing my white Brian Leetch jersey so the barking of Messier worked. He promptly asked for a donation then asked if Steve Somers was still on WFAN. He said he used to listen to Somers on the overnight broadcasts. I helped him out a bit and we spoke about Somers, Mo Vaughn and hockey. I’ve called The Fan (WFAN) to speak with Steve and have gotten on the air but never told him that story. Maybe I’ll call him this week and bring it up. One of the last times I called Somers I’d just gotten home from The Garden after a tough Ranger loss. Steve asked me, dripping with the sarcasm, if I had a good time. I told him the best part of the night was the pastrami sandwich, at $12.50 no less. He loved it. Here’s a good report on Somers from NY1.com.

Join the New York Rangers with a 2010-11 Partial Plan

If you’d like to see the New York Rangers up-close at Madison Square Garden then here’s your chance. The Blueshirts have partial ticket plans on sale now. Half-Season Plans and 11-Pack Mini Plans are good alternatives a full-season subscription. My Wife and I are looking forward to the season this year and have a quarter-share of seasons tickets with our friends in the green seats.

Kovalchuk Is a Devil for Life – Congratulations to GM Lou Lamoriello

It’s official, Ilya Kovalchuk is a New Jersey Devil for life. The NHL approved the second offer from the Devils which will keep the sniper in New Jersey for the rest of his career. Kovalchuk is one of the best players in the world and it’s a great signing for the Devils. The only issue I see is how to keep Zach Parise and other key players down the road. For now the Devils are sitting pretty with a terrific player. Congratulations to general manager Lou Lamoriello for hiring John MacLean as the Devils’ new head coach and for signing a great player in Kovalchuk. Mario Tremblay and Scott Stevens have to be in the coaching mix as well.

Heading to New Meadowlands Stadium as Giants Play Hated Patriots (aka Cheaters) Tonight

I’m heading to the New Meadowlands Stadium as the New York Giants host the hated New England Patriots (aka Cheaters). I truly can’t stand the Patriots (aka Cheaters) and hope Big Blue’s 2nd and 3rd team play better than the Cheater’s. We’re looking forward to the game and seeing the new stadium. Thanks to my friend for the tickets and the ride.

Thursday, September 3rd Thoughts on Jets Training Camp

The Jets defense will have to step up big time against the Ravens and hated Patriots (aka Cheaters) without outside linebacker Calvin Pace and cornerback Darrelle Revis, assuming Revis doesn’t end his holdout with the team. One thing that can’t happen is a 0-2 record to start the 2010 season or 1-3 with three of those games against division rivals. Hopefully Pace will only miss 2 or so games as head coach Rex Ryan said yesterday that the procedure on Pace’s broken right foot went better than expected. This is great news for Gang Green as Pace was the sack leader last year on a team that wasn’t exactly getting to the quarterback in 2009. Talks with Adalius Thomas as a stopgap solution to Pace being out 4 to 6 weeks as originally anticipated have come to a grinding halt. Let’s hope Calvin get’s back on the field soon.

Tuesday, September 1st Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

I’ll keep up with a few of the notable comings and goings of the local NHL teams:

DEVILS
ILYA KOVALCHUK – nothing yet on the recent offer

ISLANDERS
DOUG WEIGHT – veteran center and captain signs extension with Isles – he’s a good player, a smart move by the Islanders

RANGERS
MARC STAAL – nothing yet but Glen Sather (aka The Savior) said he will match any offer sheet from any NHL team – I wish they’d just extend his contract already
TIM KENNEDY – second-year LW is on his way to Broadway from Buffalo