A Shining Moment For The NFL

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.

-Doc Van Genderen

I Hope You Didn't Think We Were Dead...

Media 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 for 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

The World Series Title Returns Home to the Bronx

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 admits 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

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.

The Phillies got to A.J. Burnett early, chasing him in the 3rd after giving up six runs. Chase Utley had 2 homers for the home team, and Cliff Lee went 7 strong innings for the win.

Richard Sandomir takes a look back at the history of fans complaining about World Series announcers having bias.

Phil Mushnick also chimes in that Buck and McCarver have no bias.

More games means more money for Fox.

Adam Rubin reports that Brett Meyers and Cole Hamels had a spat after last nights game.

It's on Andy Pettitte going on three days rest in game six.

Bill Walton retired from broadcasting yesterday, doing it on his own terms.

It Could All End Tonight

Well Jimmy Rollins is certainly no fortune-teller, well kinda.

The series may very well be over in 5 games as the brash shortstop predicted. But he just picked the wrong team. It could all end tonight.

It was quite a day in New York sports, so I picked the best articles covering each big New York sports topic.

Obviously WS game five comes first.

Johnny Damon's double steal and nine pitch at bat won the game for the Yanks according to John Harper. That was certainly the pivotal play in the game. But give credit to CC for his gritty performance on 3 days rest yet again.

In what could very well be the last game in a Yankee uniform for Damon and Hideki Matsui, Mike Vaccaro looks back at Godzilla's career in pinstripes.

Brian Lewis says Meb Keflezighi, winner of the New York Marathon is a true American hero.

New York sports fans are changing the subject when football comes up and Greg Logan says with both teams reeling the Giants have the best chance to turn it around.

Phil Musnick continues his blows with Mike Francesa.

Friday Links: On to Philly

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!

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...

The 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.

Meanwhile, the News' Bill Madden breaks down the matchup between the Yankees and the defending world champions.

Despite the countless free agent signings and big names that have joined the Yankees, the old guard still remains. The Post's Joel Sherman talks about Jeter, Posada, R

ivera, and Pettitte, and their quest for the long-elusive fifth ring.

On a more personal level, Jack Curry of the New York Times focuses on the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter.

From a broader persepctive, Jayson Stark discusses how this World Series will not only determine this year's champ, but also the team of this decade.

And on the heels of Charlie Manuel's announcement that Pedro Martinez will start game two at Yankee Stadium, Tom Verducci of SI.com sheds light on this potentially being Pedro's last start on the big stage.

Friday Links: Back to New York

It 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.

The New York Media had differing opinions on who to blame for the loss, so let's get to it...

John Harper says that AJ Burnett failed the Yankees and is putting the blame on the rough first inning.

Tyler Kepner writes that the playoffs are much less forgiving for Phil Hughes, placing the blame on the losing pitcher of Game 5.

Ken Davidoff says that Girardi's decisions were to blame for the loss. And Joel Sherman seconds that.

I don't kill Girardi for leaving Burnett in. Burnett was doing well and flew through the previous three innings. And the only decision I questioned, worked out for him, in bringing in Marte.

I think the manager regarded as the best in the business, Mike Scioscia, made the most questionable call. Taking out Lackey in that spot is just as bad as the Dave Robertson removal in Game 3, maybe even worst. And Tim McCarver made it known according to Bob Raissman.

Neil Best had praise for McCarver's partner, Joe Buck.

Phil Musnick is just glad Chop Caray is done.

One non-baseball note:

Darelle Revis performed on 12 Angry Mascots, just as the Giants David Diehl had a few months ago. The Star-Ledger has the video.

Thursday's Links: Bye-Bye Clueless Joe

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 Football 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

Last 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.

However, Mike Lupica of the Daily News argues that CC Sabathia has been the most important component to the Yankees' success this postseason.

The Post's Joel Sherman agrees, saying that Sabathia is living up to the largest contract for a pitcher in history and has become a big money pitcher.

After the near half billion dollars the Yankees spent this offseason (Sabathia included), they are certainly getting a big return on investment, according to Newsday's Ken Davidoff.

The same could not have been said for Alex Rodriguez prior to these playoffs, but Alex Rodriguez is rewriting his legacy, says Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post.

The story that goes untold in the box score is the terrible umpiring in game four of the ALCS. Billy Witz of the Times outlines the mistakes.

Like there isn't enough going on in the playoffs, SI.com's John Heyman surveys the field for Matt Holliday's potential suitors, and labels the Yankees as the early favorite.

In the media...

And related to the poor umpiring, despite how bad some of the calls have been, the team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver on FOX refused to blow the whistle, writes the News' Bob Raissman.

Tuesday's Links: OH JOE!

ALCS:

The Yankees had a chance to take a huge jump in this series and go up 3-0 against the Angels, but going 0-8 with RISP and some spotty managing finally caught up to Joe Girardi and the Bombers. The Yankee skipper has gambled all postseason with bullpen management, but yesterday Girardi lost--BIG. With two outs & the bases empty in the 11th inning of a tie ball game, Girardi yanked out one of the more trusted pitchers on the roster in RHP Dave Robertson and brought in another RHP, Alfredo Aceves. It lead to a walk-off hit from Jeff Mathis (Yeah, we're trying to find out who that is too) and the anxiety has officially set in for all Yankee fans in New York.

As for the links...Here we go!!!!!!

Mike Vaccaro of the Post leads it off, and puts it bluntly: Girardi's maneuvers finally crap out.

From the Lupica Cave: Joe just flat out over-managed.

In game 2, after all that happened in the extra innings, I felt that what had been lost was another solid game by a Yankee starting pitcher. Yesterday, despite giving up the tying run, Andy Pettitte gave another solid start for the Bombers. In this aspect, New York is 6-0 when it comes to starting pitching. You certainly could not have said that the last five Octobers.

Tyler Kepner has the game story here.

Sam Borden of the Journal News writes that the hitters deserve some of the blame, too.

Sam came up with an interesting point in the LoHud Yankees Blog. The Yankees can't succeed if the only hits they get are the biggest ones.

NLCS:

After last night's comeback, the Phillies are one win away from the pennant. Ben Shpigel has the story.

FOOTBALL:

Here they are!! The week 6 report cards for Big Blue and Gang Green. Brought to you by the NY Post.

HOCKEY:

The Ranger win streak was eaten up and spit out by the Sharks. Newsday's Steve Zipay brings you a recap from last night.

FROM THE BOOTH:

Bob Raissman writes that Joe Buck has ended the FOX Madness.

Monday Links: A Frustrating Day for New York Football

There 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.

The Jets lost a heartbreaking OT game against one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Giants were supposed to go toe to toe in a preview of the NFC championship game, but instead showed that it's a good thing it was only week 6.

Tim Smith writes that the Sanchise was out of his element in his 5 interception performance yesterday. Mark Cannizaro calls the Jets Frauds as they have done nothing but disappointed since their 3-0 start.

Things didn't go much better for Eli Manning and the Giants as Steve Serby says that Eli's homecoming to the Big Easy was nothing but Big Ugly.

Baseball:

Game 3 of the ALCS starts this afternoon in Los Angeles on Fox. Look for our take on Fox's coverage later on in the week.

Torri Hunter told Michael J. Fensom of the Star-Ledger that when he saw Jeff Mathis call for the fastball from Brian Fuentes on A-Rod's game tying HR, he cringed.

Joel Sherman writes about an x-factor in the Yankee bullpen, Dave Robertson. Sherman says the Yanks confidence in him has risen dramatically over this postseason.

David Waldstein of the NY Times says that Baseball's Unwritten rules don't actually exist.

Hockey:

The Rangers are off to a blistering start this season. The whole team has looked great, but one player is very frustrated with his performance according to Larry Brooks, and that's Chris Higgins.

One player that can't be frustrated at all is Michael Del Zotto who found out he will be staying in the NHL this season.

Soccer:

According to SI's Truth and Rumors, Thierry Henry wants to come to New York next season and play for the Red Bulls. That would certainly spark a lifeless Red Bulls Nation.

Thurday's Links: Snow?! Really?!

ALCS:

Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the memo that the Yankees were back in the postseason. Forget the rain--there has been that white flaky stuff falling from the sky! This anti-baseball weather is supposed to last into Sunday.

If you are a Yankee fan, then you shouldn't worry about the unpleasant conditions. The Post's Justin Terranova writes that this is Yankee weather.

The newest addition to the Yankee beat, Chad Jennings, writes that the Bombers are not afraid of playing from behind this postseason.

On the other hand, NY Time's writer David Waldstein points out that New York's bats are still a concern.

FOOTBALL:

As the Giants and Saints gear up for a premiere matchup of the NFC's best, Jeremy Sho

ckey says he doesn't hold anything against Big Blue.

Gary Myers feels that if Eli Manning can guide the Giants past New Orleans on Sunday, the

n the G-Men can be on the road to something Super.

Gary might have jumped the gun on this one. Make no mistake--the Giants have looked like the best team so far this year, but can we at least play out the last 11 weeks of the season before you anoint them champions? And this could be a beneficial wake-up call should they lose to the Saints. Their five previous opponents have a combined record of 6-19. Take away the Co

wboys' recor

d and that goes down to a paltry 3-17. There is nothing Super about that.

This weekend's game should be an indicator of just how good the Giants are.

Wednesday's Links: The Calm Before the Storm

Still 2 Days to Go

Leading off today, we'll go to the New York Times & Tyler Kepner to begin our Yankee ALCS coverage. Kepner doesn't have an "analysis" piece about the Yanks today, but instead an old friend paying huge dividends for the Angels: Bobby Abreu.

The Post's Joel Sherman has a recipe for Bomber success - run, run, and run some more - just like the Angels do it.

Anthony McCarron of the News has his own blueprint for the Yanks to take down the Halos, his involving stolen bases too, but also some quick hitting off of the LA aces.

And as for the nuts and bolts, Newsday's Erik Boland writes that the big lefty, CC Sabathia, might have a heavy workload during the ALCS.

NFL Week 5: Aftermath

After the Jets bad defeat to the Dolphins, Mark Cannizzaro wraps things up with his report card.

Rich Cimini of the News takes a bite out of the Jets coach, saying that Rex Ryan needs to start backing up his words with wins.

And Lynn Zinser of the Times weighes in on the controversial situation involving Russ Limbaugh & the St. Louis Rams ownership.

Odds & Ends

US National Soccer team forward Charlie Davies was involved in a horrific car crash outside of DC. Davies was severely injured, while another passenger was killed. Here are the details. All of us here at Media Screamers have our thoughts and prayers with Charlie & his family.

Newsday's John Jeansonne writes this morning about the growth in popularity of the US soccer team of late, and the prospects of a strong fanbase heading into the 2010 World Cup.

And finally, something I was glad to see: the return to the NFL of...no, not Junior Seau...but Giants Super Bowl hero, David Tyree, who agreed to a deal with the Ravens.