Say what you will about the NFL, but recently they started to become a positive influence on the lives of children everywhere. They didn’t do this by holding charity events or training camps, but simply by letting young football players everywhere that it’s ok to be human. The recent spotlight on concussions in the league has led to an end of the tough guy mentality. For the first time the long-term welfare of the players in the NFL is being protected over the fourth quarter lead. When players like Brian Westbrook and Ben Rothlisberger take a seat for safety they are truly acting as heroes. Their decisions will have a massive trickle down effect. High school coaches will end the suck it up or be benched mentality. Trainers will be less willing to give a hesitant OK, and players themselves will start to have the courage to say, “Coach, I don’t think I’m healthy enough to play today.” In the end this drastic change will cause players to be benched, and inevitably seasons to be lost, but when it all comes down to it football is a game. The point of sports is to enrich lives, not horribly stunt them. Today the rules have changed, when it comes down to a player’s health, it’s ok for there to be an I in team.
A Shining Moment For The NFL
Labels: Ben Rothlisberger, Brian Westbrook, NFL | author: NYC Media ScreamersI Hope You Didn't Think We Were Dead...
Labels: Chone Figgins, Gary Myers, Jerry Izenberg, Joel Sherman, Mitch Lawrence, Rex Ryan, Sean Brennan, Tim Smith | author: NYC Media ScreamersMedia Screamers continues to go through some growing pains, and I know, the lack of site updates of late is alarming, but I know that we still have something very important...an editor who cares about the cause. Mike Nastri has done his best to keep things up-and-running, and so let me be the one to help him when he's down...
- DanO
Thursday the 12th's Links
A lot has happened since the last time we were here, but not enough that we can't catch up. The Yankees celebrated their 27th World Series title with a parade, the Giants free-fall hit a new top speed after dropping a late lead at home in losing to the Chargers, the Jets had a week off to think about their problems, the Devils have been great, the Rangers not so much, the Nets haven't won a game, and the Knicks have been booed off the Garden floor on multiple occasions. Oh, and the Islanders continue to play in NY without anyone noticing.
Today though, we'll start off the field, where the Hot Stove league season is kicking into high gear. The Mets, remember them, are hot on the trail of speedster Chone Figgins. The Post's Joel Sherman has the latest on those rumors.
As for that other team in NY, you know, the one still getting over their hangover, Sherman eyes one area they can improve. With Johnny Damon pricing himself out of the Bombers' plans, the Tigers' Curtis Granderson's name has come up, a lot.
As f
or some teams currently in season, the Knicks dropped another game last night, to the Hawks. I had the pleasure of being in attendance, and couldn't agree with the News' Mitch Lawrence more, even in losing, the Knicks may have found a winner in Toney Douglas.
The News' Gary Myers talked to Jets' coach Rex Ryan, and the guy not afraid to make bold predictions still thinks Gang Green are playoff bound.
Another big story this weekend will be the Manny Pacquiao / Miguel Cotto fight. The Star-Ledger's Jerry Izenberg brings you the story of what Pacquiao's success has meant to his native Philippines.
And on the flip side, Tim Smith of the Daily News writes today that Cotto is confident that he can end Pacquiao's winning ways, once and for all.
And finally, college b-ball is in the infant stages of its season. Here at Fordham, where Media Screamers originated, we are gearing up for "another exciting season." Sorry, that was from the commercial you might be hearing on WFAN. Nevertheless, Sean Brennan of the News has the season preview for Fordham, where 2009-10 can't be any worse than 08-09.
Thursday's Links: 27 At Long Last
Labels: Andy Pettite, Bill Madden, Bob Raissman, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Jimmy Rollins, Joe Girardi, Joel Sherman, John Harper, Mike Lupica, Mike Puma, New York Yankees, Suzyn Waldman, Tyler Kepner | author: NYC Media Screamers
After 9 years that to Yankee fans seemed like an eternity, New York is once again the center of the baseball universe. The fabled pinstripes were once again doused in champagne, the New Yankee Stadium getting its christening the way only the Yankees can do it, and four the players, both new and old, a night that forever committed them to history. The 2009 Yankees: Greatness Reborn!
For the recap of a ballgame I'd hope everybody watched, we'll turn things over to the Times' Tyler Kepner, who continues to do some of the best work.
Among the many heroes for the Bronx Bombers was eventual-MVP Hideki Matsui. As Joel Sherman writes, it was the Japanese slugger who finally put the team on his back to capture #27.

Speaking of Matsui, he will be the center of a major offseason debate for the Yanks, who have to decide is Johnny Damon or him (or both) are worth bringing back to the Stadium next season, when they try to defend the title Matsui had an integral part in winning. The Daily News' John Harper shares his take.
Mike Puma of the Post writes about the Big Four. After last night's triumph, the core now has "one for the thumb," certainly a legendary accomplishment for the old friends; Jeter, Rivera, Posada, & Pettitte.
The Star-Ledger's Brendan Prunty has A-Rod on the mind, saying how now, there is no gap in the resume of perhaps the greatest player baseball has ever known.
The News' Bill Madden adm
its that Joe Girardi defied the odds in winning the 11 playoff games with only 3 starters, a feat that goes against history.Of course, where would we be without a word (or 500) from Mike Lupica? Well, here is his take, and it's a nice one, that the title is back home.
And on to a couple of other matters, Bob Raissman has the details of the latest Suzyn Waldman explosion of excitement (need I remind you of the last one...I need not). This time, it involved Mariano Rivera's entrance, a spectacle to say the least.
How would our World Series links be complete without a word from Jimmy Rollins? The delusional (and subpar) shortstop made sure to let everyone (including the News' Roger Rubin) know that the Phillies are still the better team. Yeah right.
And finally (we'll take a break from the rest of sports today, strictly Yankees), NYC announced the details of the ticker-tape parade down the "canyon of heroes." Yankee fans: come out, be loud, be proud, and most of all, be New York Yankee fans!!!
Tuesday Links: The Beat Goes On
Labels: Adam Rubin, Andy Pettite, Bob Raissman, New York Yankees, Phil Mushnick, Philadelphia Phillies, Richard Sandomir | author: NYC Media Screamers
If the Yankees are going to win their 27th World Series they'll have to wait until at least tomorrow, as the Phillies took game five 8-6.
It Could All End Tonight
Labels: Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Mike Francesa, New York Marathon, New York Yankees, Phil Mushnick, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series | author: NYC Media ScreamersWell Jimmy Rollins is certainly no fortune-teller, well kinda.


Friday Links: On to Philly
| author: NYC Media Screamers
Was last nights game the end of the line for Pedro Martinez?
Last night was considered a must win for the Yankees, Phil Mushnick doesn't agree.
Even with all the attention being brought on the umpires this postseason, Bud Selig doesn't see the expansion of replay in MLB.
Yankees go green, take the train down to Philadelphia.
Mark Feinsand feels that A.J. Burnett has earned his keep.
Sunday will have all four major sports in action, plus lots of other stuff. What to watch and when to catch it.
See what NFL games will be on in your viewing area, and who will be announcing it.
Finally, if you are a sportswriter, don't complain about your job, lest a blogger rip you apart.
Thursday's Links: No Yankee Fans, The Sky Is not Falling!
Labels: AJ Burnett, Bob Raissman, Brian Costello, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Gary Myers, Joel Sherman, John Harper, Mark Cannizzaro, Mike Lupica, Pedro Martinez, Phil Mushnick, Suzyn Waldman, William Rhoden | author: NYC Media Screamers
Game 1: Advantage Lee
We'll give the first word to Mike Lupica, the "star" of the Daily News, who credits Cliff Lee for adding the first bit of anxiety to the Yankee Postseason to date.
On the flip side was the ALCS MVP CC Sabathia (wow, 9 initials in a row). Sabathia gave up only 2 runs, both solo homers by the pesky (and damn-talented) Chase Utley, yet as Joel Sherman writes, give the Phillies credit for doing what the Twins and Angels could not.
Even the Times is getting in on the Phillies loving, with William C. Rhoden saying that after last night, the team might prove Jimmy Rollins' prediction to be right.
Game 2: Who's Your Daddy?
Transitioning to the much-anticipated Game 2 tonight, where A.J. Burnett squares off with none other than Pedro Martinez, the legendary Red Sox nemesis. The News' John Harper touches on how during his press conference, Pedro delivered a vintage performance.
Amongst the highlights, Pedro ripped the NY Post for the way they portrayed him after the 2003 Don Zimmer incident. Of course, the current Post staffers, Brian Costello in particular, took note of this "attack."
Newsday has a nice little photo gallery (w/ captions) presenting to you, the Top 10 Pedro Martinez moments in Yankee Infamy.
And finally, to give the other side, the Posts' Mark Hale writes that the major heat is on Burnett, not Pedro.
The World Series Coverage
Phil Mushnick of the Post thinks that in an otherwise forgettable night for FOX, Tim McCarver stepped up big, providing insightful, timely analysis.
And Bob Raissman gives Suzyn Waldman her props, for becoming the first female broadcaster to call a World Series Game (even if John Sterling technically calls the game).
The Non-Baseball Essentials
Gary Myers of the Daily News says that the time has come for the Giants to enact some revenge on the Eagles, for last season's playoff ouster (and perhaps for the Yankees troubles as well).
As for the Jets, they get an early rematch with the Dolphins, who roughed up Gang Green with the Wildcat. Mark Cannizzaro says that this time, Rex will be ready.
No room for the NBA & NHL, but the Knicks, Nets, Devils, and Rangers fell, while the Islanders won (against the Blue Shirts). Nothing new for the b-ball locals; a long season ahead.
It Starts Tonight...
| author: NYC Media ScreamersThe first pitch of the World Series is set to be thrown by CC Sabathia at Yankee Stadium tonight at 7:57. Mike Lupica of the Daily News echoes the sentiments of many, that this is the best World Series matchup in a while.

Friday Links: Back to New York
Labels: AJ Burnett, ALCS, Joe Buck, Joe Girardi, John Lackey, Mike Scioscia, Phil Hughes, Tim McCarver | author: NYC Media ScreamersIt was a heartbreaking loss for Yankees fans last night. The three and half hour game offered lots of thrills, but in the end the "Magic and Aura" was not enough in Anaheim.

Thursday's Links: Bye-Bye Clueless Joe
Labels: Bob Raissman, Brian Cashman, Dave D'Alessandro, David Waldstein, Filip Bondy, Gary Myers, Joe Torre, John Harper, NY Islanders, Paul Schwartz, Steve Phillips | author: NYC Media Screamers
If anyone remembers the infamous Daily News headline back in 1996 when a certain manager came to town, he reared his ugly head last night. He, of course being Joe Torre. The Phillies finished his sad club off last night, with a 10-4 shellacking. Why Clueless you ask? Torre mismanaged his entire pitching staff all postseason, exiling Chad Billingsley, passing over Clayton Kershaw for game 5, and for some reason, digging Hiroki Kuroda up & starting him in the pivotal game 3.
So what do the experts have to say...David Waldstein of the Times says that for Torre, it's only the latest October letdown.
The News' Filip Bondy lauds the defending champion Phillies, who will make for a gritty, gutsy World Series opponent, should the Yanks get there.
As for those Bombers, tonight is game 5, with a win sending NY to the Series for the first time since 2003. John Harper of the News writes that one of happiest people of all must be GM Brian Cashman, who is watching his "Johan Santana Gamble" pay off in big ways.
NY F
ootball Looking to Rebound
In an effort to re-assert their defensive prowess, the Giants are taking aim at old friend Kurt Warner. The statue QB better be ready to be on the run writes the Post's Paul Schwartz.
The News' football guru Gary Myers thinks it's time Rex Ryan shuts up & lets the team play without bonehead trash talk.
Odds & Ends
The NBA season isn't too far off, but the Nets' future remains extremely uncertain. The Star-Ledger's Dave D'Alessandro reports that Newark & the Prudential Center might be back in the plans after all.
Bob Raissman gives his two cents on the Steve Phillips sex scandal, saying that the former Mets' GM's troubles are yet another black eye for ESPN.
Holy Cow! The Islanders finally got a win, & Newsday has all the details.
And finally, the Big East pre-season basketball rankings are out, with Villanova sitting atop the poll, and Seton Hall as maybe the team to watch.
Yankees Just One Win Away
| author: NYC Media ScreamersLast night's 10-1 win over the Angels moved the Yankees to within one game of their first trip to the World Series in six years. Alex Rodriguez homered in his third straight ALCS game, making a strong play for the series MVP.

Tuesday's Links: OH JOE!
Labels: Bob Raissman, Joe Buck, Mike Lupica, Mike Vaccaro, Sam Borden, Steve Zipay, Tyler Kepner | author: NYC Media Screamers

Monday Links: A Frustrating Day for New York Football
| author: NYC Media ScreamersThere have been a number of good Monday mornings for all New York football fans in this young NFL season. However, today is not one of them.
Thurday's Links: Snow?! Really?!
| author: NYC Media Screamers
Wednesday's Links: The Calm Before the Storm
Labels: Anthony McCarron, Bobby Abreu, Charlie Davies, david tyree, Erik Boland, Joel Sherman, Lynn Zinser, Mark Cannizzaro, Rex Ryan, Rich Cimini, Tyler Kepner, US Soccer National Team | author: NYC Media Screamers
at to the Dolphins, Mark Cannizzaro wraps things up with his report card.Odds & Ends



