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Posts Tagged franchise

Oakland releases CB Hall

Nov 7

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Well, what is there really to say about the Oakland Raiders at this point? Talk about a franchise in absolute turmoil, this team seems not to even know which way is up at this point.

The Raiders in usual Al Davis fashion went on a free agent spending spree in the off season and inked corner back Deangelo Hall to a $70 million contract. Apparently the Raiders decided that they didn’t like Hall or the deal all that much and have since released him after just 8 games.

The move is perhaps one of the most shocking moves seen at the half way point of an NFL season in quite some time. It seems to have left a number of Oakland’s own players stupefied, “I’ve never been in a situation where you cut one of the best players,” said safety Gibril Wilson, another of the team’s off season acquisitions. “That’s strange to me. It’s almost like we’re throwing in the towel.”

Granted Hall may not have demonstrated that he was worthy of a 7 year $70 million contract, but he was still adjusting to Oakland’s mainly man-to-man defensive scheme and was showing signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Since taking over for the fired Lane Kiffin, Tom Cable and his coaching staff have made a number of questionable personnel moves. Cable took safety Michael Huff out of the starting lining and has actually relegated him to third on the depth chart. Cable has also relegated Ronald Curry the teams leading receiver the past two seasons to special teams duty, but has stated that high priced wide receiver Javon Walker who has just 13 receptions this year is in no danger of losing his job?

Guess what Tom the only person whose going to be in danger of losing his job is you, especially when you make moves like this that completely destroy the players confidence in your ability to do what is right for the team.

Doing what is right for the team isn’t always necessarily what you think is right for the team, you must also consider how the players in your locker room will respond to the decisions you make and from everything that has been coming out of Oakland it does not look like they are responding positively.

So, as usual things just keep deteriorating in the black hole and I’m betting most players and fans are waiting for the day when Al Davis, or Tom Cable for that fact are no longer calling the shots.

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Brodeur Out 3-4 Months

Nov 7

Posted by admin in Brodeur, Hockey, NHL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Stanley Cup, Surgery, Uncategorized, devils, ice hockey, injury, new jersey, online sports community | No Comments

Martin Brodeur has been the picture of stability for the Devils franchise since joining the team in the 91-92 season.

In fact, since 1998 Brodeur has played in at least 70 games during the regular season, hardly ever suffering any serious injuries. Well, it seems that, that streak will be coming to an abrupt end with the elbow injury Brodeur sustained in a game against Atlanta.

Brodeur suffered the injury while making a glove save on a wrist shot that was actually headed wide of the net. While making the save Brodeur said he felt a pop as he extended his arm. The pop was actually his bicep ligament tearing away from the muscle near his elbow.

Brodeur cringes in pain.

Brodeur cringes in pain.

And now for the first time in his career and for the first time since Brodeur became the Devils franchise goaltender he will miss significant playing time during the regular season.

The 4 time Vezina trophy winner has been the one contant throughout the years for the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have always been built as a defense first team. However, in the last few years they have lost some marquee players at the position including Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko to retirement and Scott Niedermeyer to free agency. Those key loses were offset by the remarkable play of Brodeur whose skill at the position is perhaps unmatched in history.

In fact, Brodeur was well within reach of surpassing a number of NHL goaltending records this season including Patrick Roy’s career win total of 551 and Terry Sawchuck’s 103 career shutouts. Brodeur is just 7 wins shy of surpassing Roy and 5 shutouts shy of passing Sawchuck.

With Brodeur sidelined to late February, early March it is likely that those records may have to wait until next season to fall.

The more pressing issue for the Devils however, will not be making NHL history, but simply making the NHL playoffs. Without Brodeurs’ prowess between the pipes the Devils face a long, hard fight and now must ask backup Kevin Weekes to fill some pretty large skates.

The Devils currently hold second place (16pts) in the Atlantic Division trailing the red hot New York Rangers by 7 points.  If the Devils have any hope of catching their cross river rivals they must rely on something they haven’t had to rely on in 13 years…offense.

With young players like Zach Parise (9 goals/5 assists ) and veterans like Patrick Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner the Devils could do it. They can also look to the return of the injured Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik to provide an extra offensive boost when they return to the lineup.

Either way, the Devils find themselves in very unfamiliar territory this season. A season the will play mostly without the aide of Martin Brodeur. Where they end up is anyone’s guess at this point.

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Red Sox Make Historic Comeback

Oct 17

Posted by admin in ALCS, Baseball, Boston, Championship Series, MLB, Pro Sports, Red Sox, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Tampa Bay Rays, Uncategorized, World Series, american league, comeback, jd drew, online sports community, playoffs | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Heading into the seventh inning of game five of the ALCS it looked like the Red Sox would be headed home and the Rays would be headed to the World Series.

The Rays held a 7-0 lead heading into the inning and were just 9 outs away from making the first World Series appearance in franchise history. Yet, just when most were about to change the channel the Red Sox came storming back to life.

Keyed by big hits from JD Drew, David Ortiz and Coco Crisp the Sox were able to stave off elimination with one of the most historic and unlikely comebacks in postseason history.

Red Sox celebrate their amazing comeback over the Rays in Game 5 of the ALCS

Red Sox celebrate their amazing comeback over the Rays in Game 5 of the ALCS

The Rays jumped out to a big lead early on when BJ Upton went yard hitting a 2 run blast a Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria added back-to-back home runs for the second straight game. Scott Kazmir had one of his best outings in a long time allowing just two hits over six innings and never allowing a baserunner to advance past second base.

However, the game quickly went downhill for the Rays as soon as they called on their bullpen. Ortiz who had been slumping during the postseason broke out with a three run homer in the 7th followed by a Dustin Pedroia RBI single. In the eighth Drew hit a two-run homer to pull the Sox even closer and then it was Coco Crisp who provided the drama, tying the game with a two-out, two-strike single off of reliever Dan Wheeler.

The Rays were unable to muster any offense in the ninth and Boston came up and provided the Fenway faithful with another dramatic comeback. Kevin Youkilis grounded to Evan Longoria with two outs, but wound up at second when the throw bounced in front of first baseman Carlos Pena. Then Jason Bay was intentionally walked and Drew stepped up to the plate for the last time. Drew lined a single to right off of J.P. Howell and over the glove of Gabe Gross to bring in the game winning run.

JD Drews game winning single in the ninth

JD Drew's game winning single in the ninth

There was deinitely some questionable decision throughout the Red Sox comeback made by Rays manager Joe Maddon. First, Maddon refused to place his outfielders back stating that they were not playing no-double defense. Obviously the decision did not pay off as the game winning hit was actually a ground rule double that may have been caught had Gross been playing back a few steps.

Second, Maddon seemed to panic with his relief pitchers bringing in closer Dan Wheeler and asking him to make the finally 7 outs, which he was obviously unable to do. Also, Maddon stated that he doesn’t believe in lefty on lefty matchups which is why he did not bring in a lefty to face David Ortiz. Another call which did not pay off.

The Red Sox are beginning to make a habit of postseason comebacks. In 2004 they made postseason history when they came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees. Last season they overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Cleveland Indians, both times they went on to win the World Series.

The series will move back to Tampa for game 6. Scott Shields and Josh Beckett will get the start.

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NHL Season Set to Begin Abroad

Oct 3

Posted by admin in Europe, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Hockey, NHL, NHL in Europe, Opening Night, Pre-season hockey, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, ice hockey, online sports community | No Comments

Will Detroit repeat? NHL season kicks off soon in Europe.

Will Detroit repeat? NHL season kicks off soon in Europe.

By Matt Valentine

Yes, its true.  Yes, I understand most of you could probably care less . Yes, that bothers me. Either way, whether you love it or hate it the NHL season will begin and it will begin sooner then you think.

In fact, the NHL is taking a page from MLB and the NBA in doing something that it has never done before… opening its regular season in Europe.

The opening games of the NHL season will take place as a double-header of sorts with games to beplayed in the Czech and Swedish capitals. It is something that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says Europe should get used to, ” We are hopefully ushering an era of a more permanent presence for the league (in Europe).”

That seems to indicate that the commissioner would at some point like to setup a franchise somewhere in the European market, but that day is still a long ways away and for now the NHL is content to give the European fans of hockey just a small sample of itself.

Like Bettman said the NHL is creating, “a program where we’re coming back on a regular basis to satisfy and address the interest that we know is in our game here.

One of the matchups featured in the double header will take place between two Eastern Conference teams on the rise, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. Both teams have undergone some significant roster changes and look to start the season off on the right skate. The game will take place in the Czech capital city of Prague.

The other game in the double-header will feature a match up between last seasons Stanley Cup finalist Pittsburgh Penguins and the underachieving Ottawa Seantors. This game will be played in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

Originally the NHL had planned just two games overseas to both to be played by the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings in London for the opener but expanded their overseas schedule to the current four games.

The Europeans fans have proven themselves to be excellent hosts showing great enthusiasm for the games and the players. In fact, over 8,000 Czechs turned out just to see a Rangers practice session something that is completely unheard of back in the USA.

The players have also enjoyed their trip overseas though they have admitted that the travel can be tiring, they also enjoy having the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd. Such was the case with Rangers defenseman Michal Rozsival a Czech who said he was thrilled to play in front of a home crowd.

Considering the amount of knowledge and enthusiasm Europe has for hockey it makes sense for the NHL to market their brand there and to continue to expand their presence in the European market. Next year the destination seems likely to be Germany, another country will a strong enthusiasm for the game.

If only there was such enthusiasm for the game at home.

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It’s About Time: Lions To Fire GM Millen

Sep 24

Posted by admin in Detroit, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, Ford family, Lions, Matt Millen, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, draft, fired, front office, let go, online sports community | No Comments

After years of futility, poor draft choices, losing seasons, and owning the NFL’s worst record over the last 7 years at 31-84 the Lions are reportedly going to fire GM Matt Millen.

How this did not happen years ago when it was more then obvious that the only place Millen would be taking this franchise was straight into the ground is a question that i don’t think many people in the NFL, or especially in Detroit can even begin to answer.

Look at Millen’s tenure and you have what could be one of the worst front office moves in the history of any sport. Since his arrival in Detroit in 2001, the team is 53 games below .500.  They have lost 9 or more games in every season. From 2001-2003 , the Lions did not win a single game outside of Detroit going 0-24 on the road until they opened the 2004 season with a win at Chicago. Overall, their road record stands at a dismal  8-50 under Millen.

Millen was a controversial selection in the first place, being taken out of the broadcasting booth and thrown into the front office despite having absolutely no prior player development or front office experience.

Yet, that’s not even the worst part about Millen’s tenure, I mean, you can’t really fault a guy for how his players perform on the field , but you can fault him for making some of the worst personnel moves in league history. Let’s face it, Matt Millen is the worst drafter/evaluator of talent in NFL history. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen six year old’s string together better drafts in Madden then this guy has ever put together. So here is a nice look at some of Matt Millen’s busts…keep in mind this only the first round picks.

Let’s start with the cream of the crop Matt Millen’s 2002 selection of Joey Harrington…need I say more? Probably not, but I’m going to anyway. Harrington has posted a 13-37 record as a starter for the Lions. He has posted some historically bad seasons, in 2002 and 2003 Harrington posted the two worst yards per attempt seasons in the NFL or AFL since 1960 among QBs with 425 attempts in a season. Only once during his Lions career did he pass for more then 3,000 yards or throw more TD (19) then interceptions (12) and that was in 2004. Since he left Detroit in 2006 he has played for several other teams never becoming a good player and he now is the Saints third string QB.

As bad as the Joey Harrington selection turned out to be perhaps Matt Millen’s worst picks came in the following season when he selected Charles Rogers second overall in 2003. Rogers started just 5 games before breaking his collarbone, before his expected return in 2004 Rogers broke his collarbone a second time and was sidelined for the season. In 2005 Rogers played in just 9 games racking up 14 receptions for 197 yards and 1 TD. He was released by the Lions in 2006 after he broke the leagues substance abuse rule for the third time in hi career. All in all Rogers caught 36 passes for 440 yards and 3 TD in his NFL career, not exactly second overall material. Oh did I mention that 2 time pro-bowl WR Andre Johnson was selected right after Rogers?

Besides for Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson perhaps one of Millen’s better picks was the 2004 selection of Kevin Jones. Jones had a very productive rookie season rushing for 1133 yards and 5 TD. However, injuries sidelines Jones and he never again started every game of the regular season, or come even remotely close to replicating his rookie season.  He was released by the Lions after the 2007 season and is now in Chicago.

Finally we come to Mike Williams another Matt Millen stud. Williams was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He currently resides, like many of Millen’s other selections, on the waiver wire. During his short career as a Lion, Williams caught 37 passes for 449 yards and 2 TD despite having played in 22 games.

All of these first round busts would be one thing, but the real problem comes when you look at all the talent that Millen has passed on to take these players. The Lions passed on such talents as Demarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Deangelo Hall, Terrence Newman, Roy Williams(the safety), John Henderson, and Dwight Freeney in favor of players like Mike Williams and Charles Rogers. Maybe Millen’s problem was that he was drafting on the wrong side of the ball all the time.

Now a new era can dawn in Detroit and no matter who they bring in it really can’t get much worse then Matt Millen can it? I’m sure Packers fans and everyone whose not a Lions fan are sincerely upset at Millens departure, hell it was almost a gauranteed win every year. But, at least Lions fans have some semblance of a future to look forward to, a future without Matt Millen.

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Sundin Remains in Limbo

Sep 3

Posted by admin in Hockey, NHL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, ice hockey, off season, online sports community | No Comments

Its been a long while since I’ve talked hockey and because I love the sport so damn much I may be one of the only people even thinking about it today, especially on the eve of the opening night for the NFL (go G-MEN!), but I’m going to do it anyway so here it goes.

NHL training camp believe it or not, opens in about two weeks and there is one player out there that many people around the league are keeping a very close eye on. Mats Sundin the 37-year old former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs remains in limbo unsure of wether his body can handle another grueling NHL season.

The talented player has received offers from a number of teams including the Maple Leafs who would like to see the Swede retire as one of their own. Yet, after 17 seasons in the NFL Sundin is just not convinced that it would be worth coming back to give it one last shot.

“I have to prepare differently and warm up 30, 40 minutes before a practice session,” he said. “I didn’t have to do that when I was 25.”

Sundin has won Olympic and world championship gold medals for Sweden, but hockey’s ultimate prize has continued to elude him.  If Sundin is to return it seems unlikely that he would sign withToronto, a team that has little prospect of reaching the Stanley Cup finals. Not knowing personally the offers he has received my bet is that Sundin like Ray Bourque and other before him will try to sign with a contender and make one last run at the Stanley Cup.

For now the Sundin’s focus is on another hobby of his…poker. He has inked a deal with PokerStars.com joining former tennis star Boris Becker as the site’s ambassador. He will play tournaments for charity, he said, and will head to a European Poker Tour event next week in Barcelona, Spain.

In other news from around the league Joe Sakic will return to play at least one more season with the Colorado Avalanche. The 39-year old Sakic has spent 19 years with the franchise and inking the deal means that he will spend at least his 20th with the franchise as well. Sakic did comment on how grateful he was that the Avs did not pressure him into an early decision, like the one Brett Favre was pressured into and that it did have a positive effect on his decision.

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Favre, Packers Remain in Limbo

Aug 6

Posted by admin in Fantasy Sports, Favre, Green Bay, NFL, Packers, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community, saga, trade | 2 Comments

With reports swirling today that Favre will most likely be dealt to a new team in the very near future, two candidates have emerged as front runners in the Brett Favre sweepstakes.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be in the best position to deal for Favre with the New York Jets still in the hunt to acquire the 39 year old QB.

This came after Favre and Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke very candidly for approximately six hours over the past two days, and McCarhy drew the conclusion that Favre is not ” in the right mind-set” to play for the Green Bay Packers.

Favre cannot seem to move past what he deems, “emotional wounds” inflicted on him by the team as tensions mounted in recent weeks. This coming despite that fact that the Packers stated there would be an open competition for the starting QB role. Now, it seems that Favre and Green Bay will have to part ways and perhaps no one is more to blame then Favre himself.

While both sides have played a role in the disintegration of their respective relationships it is Favre who has rarely taken the high road. He has aired his grievances publicly on numerous occasions all but ensuring that any attempt at patching up the battered relationship would be futile.  In his many conversations about his situation Favre has never seemed positive about his status with the team. Even stating that he felt he couldn’t trust Packers GM Thompson because he failed to heed his pleadings to acquire Randy Moss and because he chose to hire Mike McCarthy over Favres long-time friend Steve Mariucci.

Honestly, what other QB in his right mind would try and tell a general manager how to do his job, and then get all pissy when the GM doesn’t do what he said?  Um, the last time I checked Brett your job was to run this teams offense on the field not determine roster moves or head coaching decisions. That’s Thompson’s job and apparently he’s done it pretty well considering you were 13-3 last season and you were one drive away from going to the Super Bowl, a drive that ended by the way on a terrible pass thrown by you!

Favrre has kept all of Green Bay in limbo for a number of off seasons now. He has been a consistent distraction to his teammates this time of year, and even the players are getting upset about it. Favre knows the type of power he holds in Green Bay and has wielded it with a childish, impetuous fist at times.  No quarterback should have the power to hold a franchise hostage like Favre has done for several years, none worse then this one.

And after all this, Favre feels he has the right to be traded to a team within Green Bay’s own division?  Why would someone who is so loyal to the fans, and the franchise want so desperately to play them twice a year? I think the answer is simple, so he can go in there and without raising his voice or middle finger send a big F-U to everyone in the Packers front office. But, Brett wouldn’t you be hurting the fans, and former teammates more then anyone else? It all seems so silly now, and the Packers have every right to finally refuse the man who they’ve given nearly everything he’s asked.

Of course,  the person getting the stiffest end of this deal is Aaron Rodgers, the only one who has handled the situation with even a shred of dignity. I  just hope that at some point those fans that relentlessly cheer “We want Brett” and  relentlessly boo Rodgers realize that this man is going to be leading this team and you better get behind him now, or keep your mouths shut. What sense does it make to boo your own QB? Especially considering the kid has yet to do anything, but put his head down, keep his mouth shut, and do his job. Wow, what a crime.

When this situation finally does resolve it self, with Brett being trade to whatever team wheter it be the Jets or Tampa I just hope Green Bay fans don’t cling so desperately to the notion of Brett the icon and open their eyes to who really took the situation to the point of no return.

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NHL Announces 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field

Jul 17

Posted by admin in 2008 NHL Draft, Coaching Staff, Eastern Conference, Hall of Famer, NBC, NHL, NHL on NBC, Playoff hockey, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, coach, commissioner, defense, ice hockey, online sports community, playoffs | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Wrigley Field is no stranger to blustery, cold conditions with the stiff winds coming off Lake Michigan giving Cubs fans each year.

Yet, Wrigley is due for an even further drop in temperature on New Years Day 2009. That’s because Wrigley has been chosen as the site of the NHL’s next Winter Classic, the second installment of the annual outdoor game.

The first Winter Classic was played last year in Buffalo and featured the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. A heavy snow fell on the stadium, but the crowd of 71,217 still saw a great game in which the
Penguins defeated the Sabres 2-1 on Sidney Crosby’s shootout goal.

Last season was not the NHL’s first outdoor game. The idea actually came to fruition in 2003 when the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens. The event also featured an old-timers game in which former greats Wanye Gretzky, Gordie Howe and others played a charitable exhibition game.

The Red Wings and Blackhawks are the NHL’s most storied rivalry having met in a league leading 701 regular season contests. Wings fans often make the trip to the Windy City to see their team take on the Hawks. The historic matchup is a perfect fit for the historic setting of Wrigley Field, one of the most storied stadiums in baseball history.

The game will begin at noon Central Time and will be televised nationally by NBC.

The Winter Classic has become a great venue for the NHL to attract attention to itself and has drawn the largest crowds in NHL history. Though the game has stiff competition from the numerous college bowl
games that are traditionally played on New Years Day, the NHL and NBC are not concerned with a hit to their potential ratings. Last year’s Winter Classic was the highest rated regular season game in more than a decade, capturing a 2.6 overnight rating and a 5 share.

Brian Walker a spokesman for NBC had this to say about the game “It’s a great event that stands on its own. It exceeded our wildest expectations last time and we expect to build on that success at a great venue with two Original Six franchises,” Walker said. “You can’t ask for anything better. Hopefully we’ve started a new tradition. The ratings were extremely healthy last year and we fully anticipate them
to improve.”

The game should also help the Blackhawks draw attention to their long sagging franchise. The Blackhawks popularity in Chicago has slipped significantly since the team has made just one playoff appearance in the last 10 seasons. The Hawks do have a talented young nucleus of players led by of the Year Patrick Kane and may be a playoff contender by the time the Winter Classic rolls around.

The NHL is still trying to negotiate a deal that would set up a Winter Classic in the new Yankee Stadium in the heart of the Bronx. The NHL has attempted to negotiate a Winter Classic in the current Yankee
Stadium, but the old field was ill-equipped to handle the strain of the ice surface.

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Melrose to Coach Tampa Bay Lightning

Jun 25

Posted by admin in 2008 NHL Draft, Analyst, Barry Melrose, ESPN, Eastern Conference, Fantasy Sports, Florida, Hired, NHL, New Coach, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Uncategorized, Western conference, online sports community | No Comments

Hockey fans in Florida can rejoice on two fronts. First, Barry Melrose the esteemed ESPN NHL analyst and former coach of the Los Angeles Kings will be taking the place of John Tortorella to try his magic on Vincent Lecavalier and the rest of the Tampa Bay Lighting. Second, Melrose brings with him one of the most hallowed traditions in hockey…the mullet!

(Barry Melrose…notice the classic Mullet.)

Melrose has been working as an ESPN analyst and commentator for the last 12 years. His dashing suits, and slicked back mullet made him an in-house and fan favorite, and the one man who can make me blush.

Melroses’ last coaching gig with the L.A. Kings lasted just 2 1/2 years in which he posted a regular season record of 82-103-31. He did lead the Kings to the franchises first Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 where they lost a 5 game series to the Montreal Canadiens.

Though he has not coached in 13 seasons Melrose has always remained close to the game and kept a watchful eye over the players, and changes that game has undergone in the past years. He should be well prepared to tackle the dynamics of the “new” NHL and should spark life into a franchise that turned in an extremely disappointing season last year.

The Tampa Bay Lightning finished dead last in the 30 team league and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, despite having talented superstars Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. The Lightning have not won a playoff series since their Stanley Cup championship in 2004.

Melroses biggest priority will be to improve the teams defensive play, “I believe in effort. I believe in energy. I believe in speed. I believe in aggression. I believe in letting guys be creative, using their imagination,” he said. “I give them a lot of freedom. All I ask in return is that they compete defensively.”

Melrose is no stranger to the Lightning squad and estimated that he watched about 90% of their games on television last season. He believes he knows why the team failed telling reporters that,

“I think what happened here is just a group that lost their passion in the second part of the season. That’s why you win,” Melrose said. “You out-work other teams, you out-want other teams. When you lose that fire and lose that passion, it’s very hard to compete in the NHL.”

Melrose received a vote of confidence from his former player and current Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky who said, “He treats his role players with a great deal of respect. He treats those guys just as good as he treats his top players, I think that’s a fine line and important because guys who don’t play as much … they need to have that reassurance that they’re part of the team also.” Gretzky also called Melrose a tremendous coach, and a true “players coach”.

The Lightning are in the midst of a change in ownership, a deal which should be finalized in June. The Lightning are being sold to a group headed by Oren Koules, Hollywood producer and friend of Barry Melrose and Canadian developer and former NHL player Len Barrie. The pair plan to sign Lecavalier to a contract extension and be an aggressive player in the free agent market.

The Lightning should be a team to watch out for with the talent of Lecavalier, St.Louis and the newly acquired number one overall pick in 2008 NHL draft, Steve Stamkos. Just look up the name on YouTube and you’ll see the type of talent we’re dealing with.

Congrats Barry, just be careful when you go to The Rock in Newark,NJ…I don’t think you’ll want to be seen walking around that building.

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Willie the Goat: Mets Fire Randolph

Jun 17

Posted by admin in AL, Baseball, Defeat, Fantasy Baseball, MLB, NL, NL East, National League East, RBI, Sports, Sports Event, Sports Events, Sports Star, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, World Series, american league, batter, bud selig, manager, national league, online sports community, pitcher, playoffs, scandal, stats | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

(Former Mets Manager Willie Randolph faces questions about his status as manager.)

After a lackluster start to a season that began with high expectations, Willie Randolph was fired by the Mets amidst little fan fare at 3:15 am EST. Just two hours after the Mets (34-35) won their second straight game defeating the L.A. Angels 9-6.

After weeks of letting Randolph twist in the wind, the club has finally made the decision to go another direction with Bench coach Jerry Manuel set to take over as the interim head coach. Also let go were pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto. They will be replaced by the clubs manager at Triple-A New Orleans, Ken Oberkfell, and Dan Warthen, pitching coach for the Zephyrs. Luis Aguayo a Mets field coordinator will also join the major league staff.

Manuel has had success before, he was named the AL Manager of the Year in 2000 after leading the Chicago White Sox to the leagues best record (95-67), he managed the team from 1998-2003.

The Willie saga is finally over, but you have to be disappointed by the way the club handled the matter. Up until point Mets management seemed content to hang Willie out to dry, never giving him a vote of confidence or telling him that he would be let go. Now, it seems they’ve pulled off a midnight coup releasing the manager while Mets fan slept peacefully in their beds dreaming of past glories.

Randolph is not a bad manager he just may have been the wrong man for this team. He did come within one game of the 2006 World Series losing to the eventual champion St. Louis Cardinals on a ninth inning home run by catcher Yadier Molina.

Heading into the 2007 season many predicted that it would be the Mets year to take home the championship that has eluded them since 1986. The Mets were one of the best teams in the National League that year until they pulled off one of the most historic collapses in baseball. The Mets led the NL East by seven games on Sept. 12, but lost 12 of their last 17 and missed the playoffs, with Philadelphia surging back to secure the division crown.

A portion of the blame for that historic collapse should undoubtedly be placed on Randolph. His laid back leadership style was not really suited to spark a team that was in a dismal stretch and showed little desire to avoid an embarrassing situation. Yet, much of the blame should be placed on the players themselves. Jose Reyes slumped for the entire second half of the season, Carlos Delgado was a mere shadow of his former self and Tom Glavine, the Mets most reliable starter, pitched terribly down the stretch.

Both Randolph and the Mets tried to convince their fans and perhaps themselves that last season was behind them, “I really felt we put last year behind us,” he said last month. “Any pressure we feel is because of staying in the mix and not reverting back to last year. I don’t sense that at all. No one ever talks about it, no one ever brings it up, so if we are looking a little like we were last year, there’s no correlation.” But, the demons of last season seemed to have firmly implanted themselves in the Mets psyche , and they have struggled ever since.

I think this is just another case of everyone looking for someone or something to blame and the finger got pointed at Willie. If I was a member of the Mets roster, management, or organization I’d be taking a long, hard look in the mirror before I’d let Willie be the official scapegoat for our mediocre play.

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