Wednesday, July 27th Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

Logo Credit nhl.com

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

DEVILS
No new updates

ISLANDERS
No new updates

RANGERS
Ryan Callahan – Terrific forward that is staying with club. Cally will prove instrumental in the Blueshirts’ continued success. I would love to see him score 35 goals this season.

Looking Forward to Attending the 2011 MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena Tonight, Televised on ESPN2 at 8:30 PM EDT

Photo Credit mlssoccer.com

I am looking forward to attending the MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena tonight with my friend. Kick off is scheduled to begin shortly after 8:30 PM and will televised on ESPN2. The MLS All-Stars will host the Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester United. The English side is in the middle of their USA summer tour and will hopefully play many of their starting XI in the first half; led by Wayne Rooney, Nani, Ferdinand and Chicharito. I just heard that Chicharito was taken to a New York hospital with concussion symptoms last night. Hopefully he’s doing well and doesn’t have any serious issues. Red Bull Arena is sold out so it should make for an interesting mix of fans. Let’s see Henry score a goal for the MLS side!  Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe will be the MLS All-Star’s head coach tonight.

Tuesday, July 26th Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

Logo Credit nhl.com

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

DEVILS
No new updates

ISLANDERS
No new updates

RANGERS
Vinny Prospal – veteran forward leaving Columbus. Good player but doesn’t fit with newer players who signed with the Blueshirts
Steve Eminger – solid defensemen who will play on the third pairing with Michael Del Zotto

Important Message from Jets' Owner Woody Johnson and Head Coach Rex Ryan

Logo Credit New York Jets

From New York Jets via e-mail:

I am pleased to share with you that we have come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement and the 2011 season is under way. I look forward to welcoming the players back and being with all of you when the team takes the field. Your loyalty and passion help fuel us on a daily basis and drive our pursuit of a championship.

This agreement would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and compromise on both sides. I would like to express my gratitude to all involved, in particular Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith as well as the host of owners and players that contributed to this effort.

It all starts now. The players are returning, Mike and Rex have never been more ready, and Jets football is officially back. I hope you're ready for what I'm confident will be a memorable 2011 season.

Go Jets!

Woody Johnson

Video from head coach Rex Ryan, speaking about getting back to football.

Two Things I’m Sick of Hearing About: NFL Lockout and What Teams Beltran Doesn’t Want to be Traded to

Photo Credit cnbc.com

I for one love NFL football and am a huge fan of the Jets and Giants, paradoxically. I’ve gone to Jet games in the 70’s and 80’s while they played at Shea Stadium and have been to many in the last ten years. I’m completely sick of all the nonsense surrounding the NFL Lockout and just want to hear that it’s over. ESPN TV and Radio have “Expert1” speaking to “Insider2”, spewing all kind of nonsense, based on “sources” of course, with all of it going nowhere. Enough already. A few weeks ago I saw Mike DeVito, defensive lineman for the New York Jets enjoying a cup of yogurt. I asked him what he heard about the Lockout and he said he’s hearing the same thing we’re hearing. DeVito also said it’d be a real shame to not play on September 11th and what that would mean to the fans. I wholeheartedly agreed with him and spoke of my personal experiences that terrible day. Mike was exceedingly polite and open with me. Let’s just get the season going, please!

Photo Credit Getty Images

A second item I do not want to delve into any longer is what teams Met center fielder Carlos Beltran does not want to be traded to. Beltran’s 7-year contract expires this season and he should definitely be traded before the July 31st deadline. I get it; he wants to stay in the National League where he knows the pitchers and doesn’t want to be an American League designated hitter. The Mets should be trading Beltran to the highest bidder as soon as possible, period. This is the nature of the sport and since the Mets have no intention of signing him to an extension it makes sense to get something in return now. The Mets should get the best pitching prospects available as that is the area of most concern for the team. Unfortunately the Mets will not catch the Atlanta Braves for the Wild Card in the National League so trading Beltran makes sense. Some fans will see this as throwing the rest of the season away. If it returns good pitching prospects I think it’d be well worth it. Let’s Go Mets and let’s get the deal done, just not to the Phillies (aka Phillthies)!

Red Bulls Tie FC Dallas 2-2 at Red Bull Arena Where Temperature was 100 Degrees Saturday

Photo Credit Star-Ledger

The announced temperature in Red Bull Arena Saturday night was 100 degrees and we were looking forward to victory in the steam bath. The Red Bulls controlled the ball and created scoring scoring chances in the first half and finally broke through late. Dane Richards took the ball, flew down the right side then fed it to Juan Agudelo who chipped it into the left corner of the net over the head of goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. The Red Bulls took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at half time but could have been up 2-0 or 3-0 easily. FC Dallas flopped all over the field in embarrassing fashion and drew three yellow cards from the Red Bulls along with a red card that was issued to Dane Richards in the 80th minute. Richards was carded for the second time in the 80th minute and was sent off. FC Dallas took the lead on two goals scored by Marvin Chavez in the 51st and 78th minutes. Red Bulls' keeper Frank Rost was not to blame. Although Rafa Marquez made his return to the pitch for RBNY the defense broke down on the two goals scored against them. Thierry Henry missed on a golden opportunity to score earlier in the game but did not lose his second chance in the 85th minute. TH14 scored a monster goal where he split two defenders along the left side of the box, took the ball from his right to his left foot and volleyed it into the net for the 2-2 equalizer. It was a thing of beauty and I was glad my Wife, friends and I were there to see it. The Red Bulls will now travel the Atlantic to participate in the Emirates Cup where they will play Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday and Arsenal on Sunday. The latter game marks the return of Thierry Henry to his old club Arsenal where he's their all-time goal scoring leader. Mehdi Ballouchy continues to not impress and I have to wonder how much longer he'll start for RBNY. He was subbed off very late for Chris Albright who's returning from surgery. I'd rather see him start over Ballouchy, but we will see. The Red Bulls remain in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-5-12 for 30 points. They must make the most of the remaining 11 games meaning winning, not drawing.

Mets Defeated Marlins 7-6 as Sun Life Stadium as Wright Returns to Lineup Friday

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Mets defeated the Florida Marlins 7-6 on the road last night in Florida. The game marked the return of David Wright to the Met lineup and he made an immediate impact. Stepping up to the plate in the top of the first inning he hit an RBI double, to the delight of the crowd. Just like that he was back. Batting in the cleanup spot he went 2-for-5, (2) 2B, 2 runs, 2 RBIs with 1 strikeout. Met starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey continues to struggle, giving up 4 earned runs, 5 hits, 2 HRs, with 4 walks and 3 strikeouts in 6.0 innings. He threw 115 pitches with most of them seemingly in the first three innings. The Mets have found their setup man and closer combination in Bobby Parnell and Jason Isringhausen. Both combined for the win and save respectively. The Mets play the Marlins tonight and Chris Capuano get the start for the Mets. He lost to the Marlins last Monday at Citi Field in a rainout makeup game.

Wife, Friends and I Looking Forward to Red Bulls Match vs. FC Dallas at Red Bull Arena Tonight

Photo Credit newyorkredbulls.com

My Wife and I will meet up with friends at Red Bull Arena tonight and are looking forward to the Red Bulls match vs. FC Dallas. The temperature will approach 100 degrees this afternoon and with humidity it will most assuredly be brutal. It will be interesting to see RBNY’s reaction to the Supporters silent treatment they’ll bestow upon them in the first half. What is most important is a win now and especially at home. The Red Bulls have to get back on the winning track and this will hopefully begin tonight. New York stands in second place of the Eastern Conference with 29 points (6-5-11), but played 3 more games than the first place team Philadelphia. Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Doc Emrick Calls it Quits as Devils’ Play-by-Play Announcer After 21 Years

Photo Credit redwings.nhl.com

Doc Emrick, the long time play-by-play announcer with the New Jersey Devils has decided to step down after 21 years in the broadcast booth. Emrick will continue with NBC’s and Versus’ NHL TV broadcasts but felt it was time to lighten his regular season schedule with fewer games. Here is an excerpt from his letter on devils.nhl.com:

Since my contracts with MSG, VERSUS, and NBC all expired late this spring, this was another of those times. I discovered that the birth certificate couldn't be changed and it showed me to be 65 in a few days.

I've been extremely fortunate to have been able to spend 23 incredible years with the MSG Network channels and 21 equally enjoyable years--including 3 Stanley Cup championships--with the New Jersey Devils. However, considering the long-term significance of this decision, I was able to construct a lighter regular season-schedule and the usual complement of Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final games for NBC and VERSUS.

But that assurance of less travel and fewer games has regrettably led me to end my association with the MSG Network channels and the Devils.

Friday, July 22nd Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

Logo Credit nhl.com

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

DEVILS
Johan Hedberg – veteran backup goalie staying with club
Andy Greene – solid defenseman staying with club
Jay Leach – defenseman staying with club, may begin in AHL
Eric Boulton – forward coming from Winnipeg (formerly Atlanta)
Cam Janssen – forward coming back to NJ from St. Louis
Mike McKenna – backup goalie leaving for Ottawa

ISLANDERS
Trevor Gillies – insanely tough veteran forward staying with club. Remember him beating the hell out of the hated Penguins last season at the Coliseum?
Marty Reasoner – veteran center coming from Florida. Played for Salzburg Red Bulls in 2004-05.
Zenon Konopka – veteran center leaving for Ottawa
Nathan Lawson – backup goalie leaving for Montreal
Radek Martinek – veteran defenseman leaving for Columbus

RANGERS
Mike Rupp – tough veteran forward coming from Pittsburgh. Great signing. I’ve seen a lot of him as he played for NJ as well
Ruslan Fedotenko – forward staying with club. Feds had an excellent season last year and will be prominent on the Blueshirts’ third-line
Brad Richards – one of the best centers in the NHL. He’s the player the Rangers needed since Nylander left for Washington
Matt Gilroy – young defenseman went to Tampa Bay. Rangers have a lot of depth at defense and Gilroy was a healthy scratch more than not down the stretch last season
Artem Anisimov – very good young center, will center the second-line with Callahan and Dubinksy
Michael Sauer – defenseman with an outstanding rookie season in 2010-11
Brodie Dupont – young forward that played for most part in AHL traded to Nashville
Brandon Dubinsky – talented young forward staying with the club. Dubi will play on the the second-line and glad Rangers signed him
Chris Drury – Rangers’ captain and veteran forward’s contract was bought out by the club

Red Bulls’ Supporters Planning Protest for Home Game vs. FC Dallas on Saturday, July 23rd

Photo Credit Getty Images

RBNY’s hardcore supporters groups (ESC, GSS and Viking Army) who sit in the South Ward are planning a 45-minute unified silent protest in the first half of Saturday evening’s game vs. FC Dallas. RBNY had zero interest in winning the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by sending a team of backups to Chicago to face the Fire for the quarterfinal match on July 23rd. The team felt it not necessary to send top tier players and in fact nobody from the coaching staff made the trip either. Needless to say the Fire won the game, by a score of 4-0. It would be nice for the club to actually hoist a real cup over their heads and give the fans something to feel good about. The love fest with head coach Hans Backe has worn thin in less than one season as last year he was considered the answer. My Wife and I are going to the game with friends tomorrow night and we’re just hoping it’s not too repulsively hot, but I’m sure it will be. Watching the silent protest will be interesting to see, and I wonder if the supporters will cheer Red Bull goals scored in the first half. I most likely will, but maybe quietly in my seat, trying not to sweat too much. I’m looking forward to the game and want to see how the players respond to the South Ward after full time. The timing could not be worse for the club as Red Bull Arena will host the MLS All Star Game on July 27th. I always cheer my teams and personally don’t bash them from my seat. I’m looking forward to Forno’s of Spain prior to the match and say Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Thoughts on Carlos Beltran's Career with the New York Mets

Photo Credit Getty Images

Carlos Beltran's career with the New York Mets will most likely be over before the trade deadline of July 31st. He is without a doubt the best overall outfielder to ever wear a Met uniform. I remember the exact moment hearing from a coworker prior to the 2005 season that the Mets signed him to a 7-year deal for a ridiculous amount of money. I was afraid he was overpaid and would not earn his money but coming in at the age of 28 meant he was just approaching his prime. The simple fact is all baseball contracts are ridiculous, but that discussion is for another day. The first four years of his deal he played exceeding well and actually earned his keep. From 2005 through 2008 he hit 145 home runs, scored 419 runs, drove in 418 runs (RBIs), was a 3-time All-Star and 3-time Gold Glove center fielder. You cannot ask more from your star player. On top of that he stole 62 bases. Unfortunately 2009 and 2010 were plagued with injuries and he only played in 145 games in those years. In January 9, 2010 Beltran had undergone surgery with his own doctor and did not consult the New York Mets. I have no idea why the surgery wasn't performed months earlier so he'd have time to recover and get back on the field. The saga progressed and the nonsense spewed by the Mets' GM Omar Minaya (aka Nomore Goodbya) was just pathetic. Beltran has come back this season and agreed to start in right field. Angel Pagan has taken over in center field and helps out Beltran quit a bit. Pagan shades toward right-center, covering a lot of ground Beltran cannot cover these days. Fred Wilpon's displeasure with Beltran’s contract is well documented as he stated that he was the schmuck who overpaid him based on a successful playoff run with the Houston Astros in 2004. Beltran is having an excellent year, playing everyday and is back to his All-Star form: 15 home runs, scored 56 runs and drove in 61 runs (RBIs). Obviously he will never be the base stealer he once was but he still has a few more years of high productivity in him, just not with the Mets. His contract with New York expires this season and he will most assuredly be traded. Beltran wants to stay in the National League since he knows the pitchers and does not want to DH. I have mixed feelings about him and in Game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series he broke my heart. He took a nasty call strike three with runners in scoring position being down to the St. Louis Cardinals and I was left Shea Stadium feeling empty. I attended that game with my Wife and another couple. We sat on the rail in the upper level just in front of first base. The entire upper deck was literally shaking and within seconds it turned to complete silence after Beltran looked at strike three. I screamed at the top of my lungs “NO!” and left in utter disgust. All I could think about was he's paid to swing the bat and what was he thinking taking that pitch. I stuck my rally towel in the cyclone fence beneath the subway stop en route to the train. That was our year. In fact I had tickets to two of the three World Series games that would have been played at Shea but it was not meant to be. The Cardinals went on the crush the listless Detroit Tigers and all I felt that should have been the Mets. I'm blaming Beltran for that but the Mets left umpteen men on base, most in scoring position all night so there was plenty of blame to go around. Home Run Heilman gave up that home run to Molina and that produced another “NO!” from me. Over the years Beltran looked so smooth in center, almost lazy at times as he was a complete natural. He possesses a good arm that never misses the cutoff man. I wish him luck and hope he doesn’t burn the Mets sometime down the road.

US Women's National Team Ready to Win vs. Japan in Women's World Cup Today

Photo Credit ussoccer.com

The US Women's National Team is ready to win vs. Japan for the Women's World Cup to be televised on ESPN at 2:00 PM. My Wife and I are going to watch the game with the Sky Blue FC team. They are hosting a viewing party before their scheduled 6:00 PM home game vs. Western NY. Heather O'Reilly, who plays for Sky Blue FC, will be a valuable contributor to the match today. Also looking forward to watching Hope Solo, the star keeper. LET'S GO USA!

New Post on Mets, Brooklyn Cyclones, Red Bulls and US Women's National Soccer Team Later

I will have a new post later today on the Mets, Brooklyn Cyclones, Red Bulls and the US Women's National Soccer Team.

New York Red Bulls Will Host Open Practice in NYC at Chelsea Waterside Park, on Tuesday, August 9th

Logo Credit RBNY

Here is an opportunity to see the Red Bulls up close and personal as they host an open practice at the Waterside Park in Manhattan on August 9th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. There are no tickets required and it’s free.

Back On Track with My Blog

After being away from my Blog I’m back on track with postings beginning today so stay tuned.