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

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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.

Heading to TD Bank Ballpark for Patriots Game

My Wife and I are heading to TD Bank Ballpark as the Somerset Patriots host the Southern Maryland Bluecrabs. Somerset has played to a 3-7 record in their last 10 games and need to get back to their winning ways.

New York Mets Select David Einhorn As Preferred Partner, Einhorn to Invest $200 Million for Minority, Non-Operating Stake in Team

From New York Mets via e-mail:
FLUSHING, N.Y., May 26, 2011 - The New York Mets today announced that David Einhorn has been selected as the team's preferred partner and that the Mets and Mr. Einhorn have entered into exclusive negotiations with respect to a minority, non-operating investment in the team. The $200 million personal investment by Mr. Einhorn is subject to the negotiation of a mutually acceptable definitive agreement for the transaction, as well as required approvals by Major League Baseball. The parties expect to enter into definitive agreements by late June.

"We are very excited about David joining our ownership group for several reasons," said Fred Wilpon, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, New York Mets. "David's investment immediately improves the franchise's financial position. Equally important, David's intelligence, integrity and success in both business and civic affairs provides us with another perspective in evaluating what is best for this organization and our fans, and we welcome his input. In partnership with David, we look forward to achieving our ultimate goal of again becoming World Series champions."

Mr. Einhorn stated, "Having an opportunity to become part of the Mets franchise is exciting beyond my wildest childhood dreams. I spent my first seven years living in New Jersey and rooting for the Mets. In 1975, I even dressed in a homemade jersey as a Met for Halloween. I have been a baseball fan for my entire life and have enjoyed teaching the game as the coach of my daughter's little league team. I look forward to partnering with the Wilpon and Katz families through the good seasons, the tough seasons and especially the championship seasons."

Mr. Einhorn is President of Greenlight Capital, Inc., a private investment firm which he co-founded in January 1996, and is Chairman of the Board of Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. Along with his wife, Mr. Einhorn formed the Einhorn Family Charitable Trust, whose mission is to help people get along better. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and the Robin Hood Foundation.

Heading to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Host Colorado Rapids Tonight

I’m heading to the Cathedral of Football to support the New York Red Bulls as they take on the Colorado Rapids. I’m looking forward to having a great night with friends and will post thoughts on the game tomorrow.

Postings on Subway Series and Red Bulls Later

I will post later on the Subway Series beginning tonight at Yankee Stadium between the New York Mets and New York Yankees. I will also have also have a post on the New York Red Bulls as they come off their bad performance last Sunday night.

Heading to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Host Chivas USA Tonight

Chivas USA visits the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena for a match against the New York Red Bulls tonight at 7:00 PM. My Wife and I are going and have been invited to dinner in Newark’s Ironbound Section with friends before the match. We met them on the walk to the Arena last season and they are the most dedicated Red Bull supporters around. Time permitting a great day can be had eating at one of the many Portuguese restaurants in the Ironbound then walking over the Jackson Street Bridge to the Cathedral of Football. Here is a link to the Matchday Magazine, and the game will be televised on MSG+. Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Terrible News of Derek Boogaard’s Death Friday in His Minnesota Apartment

Enforcer for the New York Rangers Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minnesota apartment on Friday. Boogaard was one of the NHL’s elite tough guys for five seasons with the Minnesota Wild before signing a 2-year deal with the New York Rangers last summer. He only played 22 games with the Blueshirts after sustaining a concussion on December 9, 2010. Boogaard was well respected among his teammates and the charities he unselfishly gave his time to. Rangers President and GM Glen Sather said this in a statement:

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual. He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

This is just terrible and such a shame. Derek was only 28 years old.

Congratulations to Our Friend for Running Her First Half-Marathon this Morning

I’d like to offer congratulations to our Friend for running Her first half-marathon this morning. I very much admire Her work ethic in training for the race and doing so well today. Great job!

Red Bulls Play Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium in Friendly Tonight at at 7:30 PM – Live Internet Stream

The Red Bulls will play the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium tonight in a friendly match tonight at 7:30 PM. The game will stream live courtesy of the Montreal Impact. Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Regency Furniture Stadium, Home of the Atlantic League’s Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Named #3 Among Top 10 Minor League Ballparks

The Blue Crabs’ home field has been named #3 among the top 10 Minor League Ballparks in America per Livability.com. I’m partial to TD Bank Ballpark of course but it’s nice to see a team in the Atlantic League get recognition.

Heading to TD Bank Ballpark as Patriots Look to Snap Losing Streak vs. Barnstormers Tonight

My Wife and I are looking forward to seeing our friends whom we sit with at TD Bank Ballpark tonight. The Somerset Patriots are looking to snap their five game losing streak against the visiting Lancaster Barnstormers.

Patriots Drop Home Opener 8-6 to Barnstormers at TD Bank Ballpark Friday

The Lancaster Barnstormers defeated the Somerset Patriots 8-6 last night at TD Bank Ballpark. It was the home Opening Day for the Patriots who looked to take control early with 6 runs scored in the bottom of the 1st. Unfortunately things did not work out for the home club and the loss makes it five in a row. Center fielder Wayne Lydon walked to open the game and new shortstop Fernando Cortez hit a two-run homer to make it 2-0. Third baseman Jeff Nettles singled, followed by walks to DH Josh Pressley and right fielder Michael Hernandez. Second basemen Wayne Hagen hit a rocket for the grand slam that gave the Patriots a 6-0 lead after 1. Unfortunately Lancaster scored 4 in the top of the 3rd, 1 run in the 5th and 2 more in the 7th. The Patriots were unable to comeback and lost the game 8-6. The Barnstormers lived up to their name with a 16-hit barrage. Bill Pulsipher was tagged with the loss on a very tough night, giving up 5 earned runs, 10 hits (1 HR), with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. My early thoughts on the Patriots team: outfielders looked a bit rusty, shortstop Cortez has a canon for an arm, center field Lydon and right fielder Hernandez let the ball eat them up, and just need some more games under their belts. My Wife and I are looking forward to seeing our friends again tonight at TD Bank Ballpark where we hope the home team will break their winless streak. Let’s Go Patriots!

Somerset Patriots Pitcher Brian Sweeney Signed by New York Mets

The New York Mets signed Somerset Patriots’ pitcher Brian Sweeney, who has reported to the Mets Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons. Sweeney was the Season Opening Day starter for the Patriots on Friday, April 29th. He earned the victory with 8 strikeouts in 7.0 innings, and pitched in the Major Leagues last season for the Seattle Mariners (24 appearances, ERA 3.16). We may very well see Sweeney get called up by the big club and pitch for the Mets at Citi Field sometime this season.

Cosmos Academy East vs. Red Bulls Academy Play at Aviator Field, Floyd Bennett Field this Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM

The New York Cosmos Academy East are hosting the Red Bulls Academy teams this Sunday at Aviator Field located at Floyd Bennett Field. The U-18 (under 18 year olds) play at 1:00 PM followed by the U-16 (under 16 year olds) at 3:30 PM. In celebration of the Mother’s Day, the Cosmos will be providing a special gift for all mothers in attendance. The Cosmos are asking all in attendance to wear Cosmos’ colors green & white but I suggest wearing your Red Bulls’ colors instead!

Pelfrey Excellent as Mets Defeated Giants 5-2 Thursday at Citi Field

The New York Mets defeated the San Francisco Giants yesterday afternoon 5-2 at Citi Field to avoid the sweep. Pelfrey was excellent giving up only 2 runs, 1 earned run, 4 hits (1 HR), 2 walks with 5 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. It was Pelf’s best outing of the season by far. My Wife and I were at Citi Field yesterday and She pointed out that Pelfrey was cruising through the game. Pelf had a no hitter into the 4th inning but gave up his first hit, a home run to Mike Fontenot, a shot that landed on Pepsi Porch in right field. I was speaking about how shaky Giant starter Jonathan Sanchez has been and sure enough he did not disappoint. He could not find the strike zone and the Mets jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after 2nd. Jason Bay hit a liner to left that hit off of Cody Ross’ glove for a double. Ike Davis blooped a single to left field, first and third. Met catcher Ronny Paulino grounded into a double-play to score Bay. Sanchez then gave two gift walks to Met center fielder Scott Hairston and Pelfrey. Shortstop Jose Reyes then tripled, driving in Hairston and Pelfrey to give the Mets the 3-0 lead. The Giants came back with a run in the 4th and 5th innings to bring the score to 3-2. Second baseman Chin-lung Hu looked at strike three to lead off the bottom of the 5th inning, the second time he looked at strike three in the game. Third baseman David Wright singled and Carlos Beltran blasted a fastball into the left field seats for a two-run home run to give the Mets the 5-2 lead. I looked at the scoreboard and saw Pelfrey with 114 pitches into the 8th inning and I thought he would be on a short leash. Sure enough K-Rod game in to earn the 4 out save. In the 8th inning Burris was on first base on a fielder’s choice and was thrown out trying to seal second on a perfect throw my Met catcher Paulino. K-Rod made it interesting in the 9th but earned his 7th safe of the season. All in all it was a great day to be at the ballpark.

Heading to Citi Field as Mets Host Giants for 1:10 PM Matinee Today

I just bought two inexpensive Met tickets on StubHub for todays game. My Wife and I will be making the trip shortly. It promises to be a beautiful day at the ballpark. LET’S GO METS!

Mets Donate 4,000 Tickets to Military for Home Game Tonight

The New York Mets have donated 4,000 tickets to their home game tonight at Citi Field against the San Francisco Giants to military members and their families. What a great idea from the team. I don’t want to hear the Negative Nancy’s stating any nonsense about the Mets having so many available tickets. Let’s Go Mets!

Alternatives to Paying Top Dollar for MLB – Atlantic and Can-Am Independent Leagues in New Jersey and New York

There are alternatives to paying top dollar at the Major League ballparks in Queens and the Bronx. You can visit the Atlantic League's Somerset Patriots and Long Island Ducks or the Can-Am League’s Newark Bears and New Jersey Jackals. The Atlantic and Can-Am Leagues are independents made up of former Major and Minor League players. My Wife and I have attended games after moving to NJ since 2007 and purchased the Saturday Plan for the Patriots since 2008. We have friends on both sides of us on Saturdays and it really makes it more enjoyable. We’ve also gone to many games at the Bears and Jackals. Excellent seats range in cost from $10.00 to $12.50 per seat and the stadiums are family and fan friendly. The level of play is higher in the Atlantic League.

The Patriots play at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ and are managed by ex-Yankee and Cy Young Award winning pitcher Sparky Lyle. They won the Atlantic League Championship five times (recently as 2009 and 2008).

The Ducks play at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, NY and are managed by Kevin Baez. The Ducks won their division a couple of seasons ago under then manager and Hall of Fame catcher Gary (Kid) Carter but lost in the opening round.

The Bears play at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ and are managed by Tim (Rock) Raines. Jim Leyritz is Newark’s pitching coach. The Bears defeated the Patriots in 2007 to win the Atlantic League Championship. Newark also won in 2002. This season they’ve moved down to the Can-Am League.

The Jackals play at Yogi Berra Stadium on the grounds of Montclair State University and are managed by Joe Calfapietra. Perhaps catch the Red Bulls practice in the morning, visit the Yogi Berra Museum and stick around for a Jackals game that evening.