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Monthly Archives: August 2012
Vicente Padilla has some words for you, Mark Teixeira
Photo courtesy of OverTheMonster and Presswire
The Yankees/Red Sox rivalry has been notorious for many generations back. For the majority, the fussing and the hype has been kept on the field, or in the stands between the fans. Very rarely does the competition get in between the players’ personal lives. In fact, David Ortiz has notably always invited many current and previous Yankees to his golfing charity tournament, which he holds annually in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic benefiting his foundation the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. Although sometimes the fans forget that these guys are friends outside of their uniforms, the players never do.
However, Mark Teixeira and Red Sox reliever Vicente Padilla have added more fuel to their fire lately. During the time these two were teammates with the Texas Rangers from 2006-2007, Teixeira has expressed that he believed he was constantly getting hit by pitches from opposing teams as a retaliation to Padilla’s league-leading 26-hit-batters list.
On games the two rival teams have played within the past month, Padilla has taken it to the media to express his feelings for the Yankees first baseman. “I believe he does have a bit of a problem with Hispanic players, because it wasn’t just against me when we were teammates,” Padilla told Latino reporters for ESPN Deportes.
At the same game, Padilla continued with a quote to NESN.com stating, “The things Teixeira has done against the Latinos [on the Rangers] — he doesn’t open his mouth about. He once threatened me and said he was going to hit me with a bat, and that’s when we were playing on the same team.”
I have never seen Teixeira verbally or non-verbally express any sort of hatred towards Latino ball players. The Yankees are known for having a melting pot of cultures on the roster, from Alex Rodriguez to Ramiro Peña to Eduardo Nuñez, and when any one of the Latino players hits a homerun or does a nice field play, Teixeira is always seen congratulating them without any type of indifference shown. Who knows what anybody says or does behind closed doors, but all I’ve seen from him is team effort, skin color unaccounted for.
One of the things I despised, and lost respect for Padilla when he said it, was a comment in the sense that “Teixeira is better off playing a woman’s sport.” It was uncalled for, sexist, and just childish. Instead on concentrating so much on an opponent, he should be concerned with perfecting his craft.
“Completely erroneous,” is what Teixeira had to say about the racism accusations. “He doesn’t have a lot of friends in the game.”
The two teams face each other a couple of more times before the regular season ends, so we will see how this war of words concludes.
Posted in Boston Red Sox, Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees, Vicente Padilla
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Cashman’s Last Minute Move
In the final minutes of the trade deadline the Yankees made a move for a third baseman as a temporary replacement for the injured Alex Rodriguez.
The Yankees traded Chad Qualls to the Pirates for Casey McGehee, an infielder who can play first or third, both positions the Yankees currently need temporary replacement at, and also a solid right handed bat who can be a DH.
Although this trade wasn’t a huge blockbuster by any means, you have to give Cashman credit for filling a role that needed some help at third, and also getting $250,000 for Qualls who has not done much while in pinstripes.
Cashman new what he was doing as he told the Daily Post “McGehee can obviously be a righthanded bat off the bench, he can play first base, he can play third base, he can DH. So it gives Joe some flexibility as he matches up whether it’s to put a starting lineup together or to matchup later in the game.”
Qualls has not been a huge factor in the pitching lineup this season, and the fact that Joba Chamberlain would be returning to the rotation after his trampoline ankle injury made this deal a no brainer.
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Cashman’s Last Minute Move
In the final minutes of the trade deadline the Yankees made a move for a third baseman as a temporary replacement for the injured Alex Rodriguez.
The Yankees traded Chad Qualls to the Pirates for Casey McGehee, an infielder who can play first or third, both positions the Yankees currently need temporary replacement at, and also a solid right handed bat who can be a DH.
Although this trade wasn’t a huge blockbuster by any means, you have to give Cashman credit for filling a role that needed some help at third, and also getting $250,000 for Qualls who has not done much while in pinstripes.
Cashman new what he was doing as he told the Daily Post “McGehee can obviously be a righthanded bat off the bench, he can play first base, he can play third base, he can DH. So it gives Joe some flexibility as he matches up whether it’s to put a starting lineup together or to matchup later in the game.”
Qualls has not been a huge factor in the pitching lineup this season, and the fact that Joba Chamberlain would be returning to the rotation after his trampoline ankle injury made this deal a no brainer.
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Matt’s 2013 Western Conference Projections
Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!
#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21
#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25
#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30
#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31
#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33
#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38
#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39
#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40
Posted in AK47, Al Jefferson, Andre Kirilenko, Bench, Billups, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Clippers, CP3, Deandre Jordan, Denver, Deron Williams, George Karl, Grizzlies, Jamal Crawford, Jazz, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lob City, Los Angeles, Marc Gasol, Marvin Williams, Memphis, Mike Conley, Mo Williams, NBA, Nuggets, Oklahoma City, Pau Gasol, Paul Millsap, Ricky Rubio, Roster, Rudy Gay, Russell Westbrook, San Antonio, Spurs, Thunder, Tim Duncan, Timberwolves, Tony Allen, Ty Lawson, Utah, Zach Randolph
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Matt’s 2013 Western Conference Projections
Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!
#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21
#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25
#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30
#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31
#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33
#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38
#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39
#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40
Posted in AK47, Al Jefferson, Andre Kirilenko, Bench, Billups, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Clippers, CP3, Deandre Jordan, Denver, Deron Williams, George Karl, Grizzlies, Jamal Crawford, Jazz, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lob City, Los Angeles, Marc Gasol, Marvin Williams, Memphis, Mike Conley, Mo Williams, NBA, Nuggets, Oklahoma City, Pau Gasol, Paul Millsap, Ricky Rubio, Roster, Rudy Gay, Russell Westbrook, San Antonio, Spurs, Thunder, Tim Duncan, Timberwolves, Tony Allen, Ty Lawson, Utah, Zach Randolph
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