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Monthly Archives: August 2012
What Will Rafa’s Withdrawal Mean for the Men’s Singles Competition at Ashe?
Twelve days before the beginning of the season’s fourth and final Grand Slam tourney, the tennis world was shocked by Rafael Nadal’s decision not to play.
The former ATP number one and current number three has watched his season decline since winning at Rolland Garros in June. Consistently, it became clear that Rafael was not in proper form, and fans and players alike began to wonder what his US Open fate would be. (Read more @ “This Just In: Rafa May be Out.”)
The question has been answered. Many believe we will not see Rafa again until the Australian Open in 2013. He told Sports Illustrated, “I will compete when my knee says I am ready to compete. I don’t want to go on court with bad feeling because then it is terrible.”
Now, no one can say for sure that Rafael, (had he been in good condition) would have even made it past the first round. Upsets happen. You just never know. Still, it is more likely to assume that he would have made it pretty far when you look at his track record. Perhaps he would have faced Federer in the finals, or his rival Djokovic. Would anyone be particularly surprised? The top three players are a bit of a trio, rotating around, constantly winding up across the net from one another.
No one can be expected to fill the triad right away, but the question on everyone’s mind has become: If Rafa did “free up a spot,” so to speak, then who will fill it? Let’s look through my top-three most likely candidates.
Andy Murray:
The Brit doesn’t have a single Slam title under his belt, and yet he was able to come out victorious in showdowns with both Djokovic AND Federer at the Olympics this month, taking it all and walking away with gold on his home turf. The ATP number four has a great chance of making the finals. Throughout his career, he has defeated Federer in nine matches, and Djokovic in six. Who’s to say he couldn’t finally succeed at a Grand Slam?
Juan Martin del Porto:
The 23 year old Argentinian has been commanding a lot of attention lately. At the 2012 Olympics, he defeated Novak Djokovic in the battle for bronze. At the beginning of 2010 he got as high as number four in the ranking, now number nine – nothing to sneeze at. In 2009, he defeated Rafael at the US Open to make it to the finals with Federer, where he ultimately walked away with the trophy. It was his first and only Slam title, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t take it all this month.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga:
The 27 year old Frenchman is number six in the world but hasn’t yet had his moment to really shine. Like Andy Murray, he has never received a Grand Slam title, but was a quarter-finalist in the 2012 French Open and 2011 US Open, and a semi-finalist at Wimbledon 2012. He’s done well in the past on the hard courts at the Australian Open, (finalist ’08, quarter-finalist ’09, semi-finalist ’10). He’s known for the same “electric” style of play attributed to Nadal, with a powerful serve and impressive agility for his 6’2″ frame. He is without a doubt the underdog, but is certainly a player to watch this month.
It truly is anyone’s guess when it comes to the US Open and who would ever take Nadal’s place. Rafael is a player unlike any other and his ferocity and entertaining play will doubtlessly be missed. Regardless of the tourney’s outcome sans Nadal, our fingers should be crossed for him to return in 2013. The great Roger Federer, 31, has his seasons numbered at this point in his career. It would be incredbily sad to see a young, potential “greatest” such as Rafa out for good so soon, especially when we may not be seeing Roger Federer for too much longer.
Either way, the show must go on. Take you picks and tune in August 27th to see it all begin.
Posted in Andy Murray, Australian Open, Events, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Juan Martin Del Porto, Novak Djokovic, Players, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Rolland Garros, Sports Illustrated, US Open
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…And Your 2013 New York Mets Pitching Staff Is…
With the Mets hopelessly out of playoff contention for this year, it’s not too early to look forward to next year. This projection takes into account free agency, but not trades. Today’s topic is the pitching staff.
First, the current staff. All italicized players are impending free agents
Starters:
- R.A. Dickey
- Johan Santana
- Jonathon Niese
- Chris Young
- Matt Harvey
Bullpen:
- Frank Francisco
- Bobby Parnell
- Josh Edgin
- Jon Rauch
- Ramon Ramirez
- Jeremy Hefner
- Manny Acosta
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The Mets shouldn’t have to look outside the organization for starting help. R.A. Dickey’s option is a no-brainer to pick up, Niese signed an extension earlier in the year so he’d staying put, and Harvey is here to stay. Santana has a spot next year, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mets decide to trade him and his expiring contract next year when the feel that wunderkind Zach Wheeler is ready. Chris Young may be leaving, but Dillon Gee is due back next year, and should take his rotation spot. Mike Pelfrey, who began the year in the Mets’ rotation, is an obvious non-tender candidate, but it’s not out of the question the Mets would resign him at a reduced rate and stash him in Buffalo as depth.
The bullpen has been a mess all year, so expect a major overhaul. Edgin and Parnell have spots that are theirs to lose (young, cheap, power arms are valuable commodities). Francisco is there because the Mets will continue to justify his contract ($6.5 million next year). Ramirez will leave in free agency, and Acosta will be non-tendered. The Mets could re-sign Jon Rauch, but it’s probable he’ll seek one more pay day as he’s putting up career numbers. Hefner will probably go back to the farm, and become Dillon Gee 2.0 (first starter up if injury strikes, and consistently inconsistent). That means the Mets will have to fill up four empty bullpen spots.
Two of those bullpen spots should be reserved for Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia. Both are being stretched out as starters in AAA, but there’s no room for both of them in the majors. With Niese, Harvey, and Wheeler already under control for the next 4+ years, there wouldn’t be room for both if the Mets give Dickey a deserved contract extension, and signed a marquee free agent in a few years (a rotation where your #5 starter is Niese sounds scary, doesn’t it?). Both Familia and Mejia have good fastballs, and Familia has a potential knee-buckling curve, while Mejia throws a nice changeup. They both also need to improve their command, but their stuff is nasty enough to solidify a weak bullpen.
With two more spots, the Mets will likely need to go outside the organization to fill these. They’re in need of a Lefty One Out Guy (affectionately known as a L.O.O.G.Y) with Byrdak having possible career ending injuries. Randy Choate is available, and absolutely kills lefties, but would be chased by contending teams that can offer more money, so my guess is the Mets go with Mike Gonzalez as their L.O.O.G.Y. He’s got a career 2.90 ERA over 10 big league seasons, and is returning to form as a member of the rival Nationals. At 34 years old, he’s winding down is his career, but the Mets will slightly overpay him for two years of service, in part because of their need, and in part because it would take away a Nationals reliever.
Going truly outside the box, the Mets may fill up their last bullpen spot with the Australian side-armer Peter Moylan. While the medical red flags would obviously be raised, he’s a low-risk, high-reward candiate. He has a career 2.60 ERA, and has posted years with the rival Braves that were really, really, good. Plus, Moylan doesn’t like Nickelback, which is worth the signing even if he had a 4.60 ERA.
So to recap, here’s how I believe the New York Mets’ 2013 pitching staff will look like
Starters:
- R.A. Dickey
- Johan Santana
- Jonathon Niese
- Matt Harvey
- Dillon Gee
Bullpen:
- Frank Francisco
- Bobby Parnell
- Jenrry Mejia
- Josh Edgin
- Jeurys Familia
- Peter Moylan
- Mike Gonzalez
Posted in Acostalypse, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Parnell, Chris Young, Dillon Gee, Frank Francisco a.k.a ineffective K-Rod, Holy Shit That's A Lot of Tags, Jenrry Mejia, Jeremy Hefner: No Relation to Hugh, Jeurys Familia, Johan Santana, Jon Rauch, Jonathon Niese, Josh Edgin, LOOGY Love, Manny Acosta, Matt Harvey, Mike Gonzalez, Mike Pelfrey, Nickelback is Awful, No. The Other Chris Young (the injured one), Peter Moylan, R.A. Dickey, Ramon Ramirez, Tim Byrdak, Unfounded Projections, Washington Nationals, Zach Wheeler
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…And Your 2013 New York Mets Pitching Staff Is…
With the Mets hopelessly out of playoff contention for this year, it’s not too early to look forward to next year. This projection takes into account free agency, but not trades. Today’s topic is the pitching staff.
First, the current staff. All italicized players are impending free agents
Starters:
- R.A. Dickey
- Johan Santana
- Jonathon Niese
- Chris Young
- Matt Harvey
Bullpen:
- Frank Francisco
- Bobby Parnell
- Josh Edgin
- Jon Rauch
- Ramon Ramirez
- Jeremy Hefner
- Manny Acosta
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The Mets shouldn’t have to look outside the organization for starting help. R.A. Dickey’s option is a no-brainer to pick up, Niese signed an extension earlier in the year so he’d staying put, and Harvey is here to stay. Santana has a spot next year, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mets decide to trade him and his expiring contract next year when the feel that wunderkind Zach Wheeler is ready. Chris Young may be leaving, but Dillon Gee is due back next year, and should take his rotation spot. Mike Pelfrey, who began the year in the Mets’ rotation, is an obvious non-tender candidate, but it’s not out of the question the Mets would resign him at a reduced rate and stash him in Buffalo as depth.
The bullpen has been a mess all year, so expect a major overhaul. Edgin and Parnell have spots that are theirs to lose (young, cheap, power arms are valuable commodities). Francisco is there because the Mets will continue to justify his contract ($6.5 million next year). Ramirez will leave in free agency, and Acosta will be non-tendered. The Mets could re-sign Jon Rauch, but it’s probable he’ll seek one more pay day as he’s putting up career numbers. Hefner will probably go back to the farm, and become Dillon Gee 2.0 (first starter up if injury strikes, and consistently inconsistent). That means the Mets will have to fill up four empty bullpen spots.
Two of those bullpen spots should be reserved for Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia. Both are being stretched out as starters in AAA, but there’s no room for both of them in the majors. With Niese, Harvey, and Wheeler already under control for the next 4+ years, there wouldn’t be room for both if the Mets give Dickey a deserved contract extension, and signed a marquee free agent in a few years (a rotation where your #5 starter is Niese sounds scary, doesn’t it?). Both Familia and Mejia have good fastballs, and Familia has a potential knee-buckling curve, while Mejia throws a nice changeup. They both also need to improve their command, but their stuff is nasty enough to solidify a weak bullpen.
With two more spots, the Mets will likely need to go outside the organization to fill these. They’re in need of a Lefty One Out Guy (affectionately known as a L.O.O.G.Y) with Byrdak having possible career ending injuries. Randy Choate is available, and absolutely kills lefties, but would be chased by contending teams that can offer more money, so my guess is the Mets go with Mike Gonzalez as their L.O.O.G.Y. He’s got a career 2.90 ERA over 10 big league seasons, and is returning to form as a member of the rival Nationals. At 34 years old, he’s winding down is his career, but the Mets will slightly overpay him for two years of service, in part because of their need, and in part because it would take away a Nationals reliever.
Going truly outside the box, the Mets may fill up their last bullpen spot with the Australian side-armer Peter Moylan. While the medical red flags would obviously be raised, he’s a low-risk, high-reward candiate. He has a career 2.60 ERA, and has posted years with the rival Braves that were really, really, good. Plus, Moylan doesn’t like Nickelback, which is worth the signing even if he had a 4.60 ERA.
So to recap, here’s how I believe the New York Mets’ 2013 pitching staff will look like
Starters:
- R.A. Dickey
- Johan Santana
- Jonathon Niese
- Matt Harvey
- Dillon Gee
Bullpen:
- Frank Francisco
- Bobby Parnell
- Jenrry Mejia
- Josh Edgin
- Jeurys Familia
- Peter Moylan
- Mike Gonzalez
Posted in Acostalypse, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Parnell, Chris Young, Dillon Gee, Frank Francisco a.k.a ineffective K-Rod, Holy Shit That's A Lot of Tags, Jenrry Mejia, Jeremy Hefner: No Relation to Hugh, Jeurys Familia, Johan Santana, Jon Rauch, Jonathon Niese, Josh Edgin, LOOGY Love, Manny Acosta, Matt Harvey, Mike Gonzalez, Mike Pelfrey, Nickelback is Awful, No. The Other Chris Young (the injured one), Peter Moylan, R.A. Dickey, Ramon Ramirez, Tim Byrdak, Unfounded Projections, Washington Nationals, Zach Wheeler
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U.S.A. Takes Gold
Team U.S.A. takes gold in London’s 2012 Summer Olympics. And take it they did, as they cruised by every game, like driving through Manhattan’s west side highway at 2 a.m. on a weekday, no problems at all.
U.S.A. played against its most competitively challenging team of the tournament, Spain, in its final bout, winning the game by a low 7 points. Spain’s bigs did their best work in the paint but couldn’t shake U.S.A.’s athleticism. U.S.A. point guard Chris Paul came up big, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter and a layup that made Coach Mike Krzyzewski jump for joy, something no one has ever seen Krzyzewski do.
The games throughout the Olympics showed the world U.S.A.’s superiority but also showed other countries’ developments in the game. Spain only lost by 7 points and that shows that teams around the world are on the come up.
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U.S.A. Takes Gold
Team U.S.A. takes gold in London’s 2012 Summer Olympics. And take it they did, as they cruised by every game, like driving through Manhattan’s west side highway at 2 a.m. on a weekday, no problems at all.
U.S.A. played against its most competitively challenging team of the tournament, Spain, in its final bout, winning the game by a low 7 points. Spain’s bigs did their best work in the paint but couldn’t shake U.S.A.’s athleticism. U.S.A. point guard Chris Paul came up big, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter and a layup that made Coach Mike Krzyzewski jump for joy, something no one has ever seen Krzyzewski do.
The games throughout the Olympics showed the world U.S.A.’s superiority but also showed other countries’ developments in the game. Spain only lost by 7 points and that shows that teams around the world are on the come up.
Comments Off on U.S.A. Takes Gold
