Giants Draft Wrap Up and Osi

Overall, the Giants did what they had to do and continued to draft athletic players.  Have you seen the above video?  JPP's backflips somehow translated directly into mashing QBs into the ground so hopefully David Wilson can compliment terminator toes Ahmad Bradshaw and maybe return some kicks, something the Giants have been terrible at for years.

I like the remaining picks as well.  Scooping up a very good WR who fell later than expected, a CB who has been on sports science, and a TE who is apparently a freak of nature.  I would have maybe have liked to have seen some work on the OL earlier than round IV but I can't complain.

It's time for these young Giants to step in and learn how to get ALL IN.  Maybe watch some tape on STOMPIN People Out.  One thing they should NOT do is hang out with Osi Umenyiora.  The man continues to shoot himself in the foot and lower his own trade value every time he opens his mouth.  Time for him to go. 

DJ's Got a New Hottie? Ya Don't Say?

NY Post 

File this one under ‘Obviously’.  Derek Jeter hanging out with some hottie?  Ya don’t say?  Is the sky blue?  Does the sun rise in the east?  Is anyone really happy working in a cubicle?  This is really a no brainer and it’s a big shout out to the NY Post for coming up with this gem of an article.  Really though, Not giving a name of the girl and not having a picture is truly disappointing.  I have higher hopes for the NY post and they should be coming through here.  This is probably an even that happens 7-11 times a week with Derek and this is all the Post got?  If this is the reason he set his career high for hits in April I hope we get to see more of this one.  That said, ‘Tall and Attractive with wavy brown hair’?  Sounds like the duchess.  Good thing I know she was laying low while I was out of town abusing my body with the Fraternity brothers.

NYCC's Finest and Thoughts on Freddy's Demotion

Taking 2 of 3 from Detroit is a good sign coming off the tough road trip.  CC delivered exactly what the Yankees and the bullpen needed in shutting down another offensive juggernaut in the Detroit Tigers.  After coming off a strong start against the Rangers, CC Carried the momentum into the Tiger's game, showing a nasty slider and a revitalized fastball.  Basically, he was CC. 

And on the other side of things, Freddy Garcia is being demoted.  Gotta feel for this guy a bit, as he's obviously pressing a bit and something is missing.  You get the feeling that he knows it too, as many of his interview soundbites have been a bit hectic.  Fortunately, he is a team player, and will do what he can out of the long relief role. 

You have to think this next start for David Phelps will be the biggest of his career.  With only maybe one shot to impress coaches before Andy Pettitte is ready to return, Phelps needs to be dialed in and prove himself very quickly.  Let's hope he gets it right.

And finally we're back in business after a long weekend.  If I could even tell you what went down you'd probably be surprised I'm still alive.  Long live ShotGuns, Boats, Kegs, and Fraternity.  If you want more details save it for 140 characters or less on Twitter and hit me up.

Also, not sure what this is supposed to be but it's not very funny.  I guess Cashman wanted to sit behind home plate but he didn't want to be the only person that could be seen on TV in the Wealth Moat.  Nice wig?

Derek Jeter Should be AL Player of the Month

Derek Jeter is on a war path this month and as of last night, shows no signs of slowing down.  He should absolutely be in the top 3 for AL player of the Month and I personally think he should win the award.  Here's why.

DJ has hit a staggering .420 through 4/25 with 34 hits, 10 for extra bases, all out of the lead off spot.  He has come through early and often, and he has come through late.  His 13 RBI are second on the team to Nick Swisher's league leading 21.  Again, coming out of the leadoff spot.  It is understandable that other hitters may have more HR's or Extra Base hits, but those individuals are generally hitting in lineups where everyone is hitting.  Derek has proven that he can hit against pitchers having stellar outings (see Darvish outing) and against both Lefties and Righties.  He's timing fastballs, and driving off speed pitches.  No one has figured out how to get him out consistently.  Right now, he looks like the 1999 version of Derek in which he hit .349.  His 34 hits are the highest in the league right now by 3.  The April he is putting together should not be forgotten and should be rewarded.

The above are the tangible reasons why Derek Jeter should be the AL player of the month, and I could write forever on the intangibles.  He's the Clubhouse leader, wise man, Captain, and primary reason the Yankees have 10 wins in the first month against a very tough schedule.  The man has been an absolute force and it is truly enjoyable to watch him hit.  His confidence at the plate is staggering, and young hitters who aren't bombing HR's should take notice.  At this point, anyone not thinking about Derek Jeter for AL Player of the Month should be seriously considering getting their heads checked.  He's been that good, and every moment of his resurgence at 37 should be enjoyed by all fans.

Osi There's the Door

ESPN NY
Been talking up the Giants team unity all week.  Dedicated players putting in time in the weight room and guys like Victor Cruz not holding out.  Appears we do have a bit of a situation with the biggest flip flopping Defensive End anyone has ever seen.  Loves the Giants - hates the contract.  Angry all year - wants to leave.  Wins Super Bowl - wants to stay.  Now its contract time - wants to leave.  I've heard this story before.  I touched on all this in my draft preview, but it might be time to pull the trigger on Osi Umenyiora.  For a guy who has essentially been a back up, he's been complaining about his contract situation for way to long.  Bottom line, he got hurt, JPP has stepped up big time, and the Giants are very good at developing athletic pass rushers.  I'm just surprised he keeps on talking about it like someone kicked his dog.

It really pains me to talk about Osi like this.  He's done so many good things, and of course you want to see him in Blue next season.  Watching him strip the ball from QBs is a thing of art.  Clearly he's got game.  Unfortunately, he just doesn't see that he's just a part of a larger QB sacking machine that is the Giants Front four.  Even as a starter elsewhere, I doubt he gets as many QB rushes, strips, or sacks as he does with the Giants.  I think he's just taken this contract talk public one too many times.  What happens now is just part of the business.

This is where the Giants should Sell High and convince some other team to take on the aging star.  At the end of the day, I hope they do trade him and get something of value.  I for one don't want to see any more articles written about his comments or contract situation.  It's a distraction and it's simply time for the Giants to reload at DE after Osi and Tollefson are gone.

GIANTS Draft Preview - Sorta

ESPN NY

Well there you have it folks, right there in this ESPN article.  Jerry Reese will draft based on talent and not on position.   The Giants have done the same thing for years and it seems to be bringing home the hardware, so why change?  Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are both going to have a heart attack with this one as they will finally have one spot in the draft that they can't drag out and blab about for days at a time.

Everyone knows the needs at RB, TE, ILB and maybe OL.  Osi really needs to take care of business or get off the pot with respect to his current contract situation and just come back to the team. Guy's been back and forth for months on where he wants to be and the whole dog and pony show is getting old.  What do we know?  He is going to get paid at some point and he obviously likes winning.  He's too smart to just take the money to go to some mediocre team where he'll get double teamed every game and barely break 5 sacks.  He's part of a successful system, and if he can't realize that, then, well, it's time to go Osi.  Saying you're bigger than the team is NOT in the Giants blueprint.  It's been real, you're really good, the Giants staff made you something special, but please don't let the door hit you on the way out.  

Glad I got that out of the way.  I was going to go on for days about players the Giants could draft, but then I'd just be wasting your time like the guys at ESPN struggling to fill daytime SportsCenter clips. I will, however, give my cubicle monkey two cents of the Giants draft when all is said and done.  Probably will give a meaningless A/B/C grade like every other media outlet out there too so get excited...

Eli Killin the Jokes

NJ.com
Eli Manning just killing the jokes these days.  Completely deadpanning the crowd about being the third most talked about QB in his own city despite winning 2 SBs.  Good prep for SNL, and overall, I'm hoping this just fuels the fire.

They say behind every joke is a sliver of truth.  And in this case, Eli is 100% right and I could not be any happier.  Not one bit.  2 Super Bowl trophies.  2 Super Bowl MVPs and still dealing with 'little bro' syndrome.  Fear not Eli Manning, the real sports fans in this town have your back 100%.  We are, however, greedy and want you to win a 3rd.  Let the Jets burn down the house with their silly out-dated wild cat offense.  Let them bring in a preacherboy backup QB and relegate him to special teams while the QB2 virginity tracker ticks away.  Let the rest of the cancers and hold outs drag the team down to a sub .500 level.

All I know is all the Giants are tweeting up a storm about being back together. Victor Cruz isn't holding out like some other CB I know.  Linemen are tweeting pictures of empty weight rooms while they're getting their reps in and, thank God (pun intended) no one is off writing sermons.  Not that that's not a bad thing, but it's certainly not a football thing.

So I hope you kill it on SNL.  I hope your DirecTV commercial with Deion is hysterical.  You will get your comeuppance at the White House next Month when THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES slips that Tiffany's Championship ring on your second ring finger, and when you're introduced in Canton someday as a 3x Super Bowl Champ.

Jorge Loves the Price is Right

So Laura Posada sent a tweet out about a special someone enjoying the Price is Right.  Obviously, this had to be the ultra-competitive Jorge.  Really though, everyone, and I mean everyone loves the Price is Right.  It's the perfect mix of sheer dumb luck (see Plinko) and a true understanding of the value of certain goods.  Capitalism in a 60 minute bit that only retirees, cubicle ridden bloggers, and All Star Catchers really get the benefit of enjoying.  Don't know what the Price is Right is you say?  Well you're probably working to hard...

Anyways, Mrs. Posada's reply got me thinking.  How about a Jorge Posada Price is Right Charity Auction to benefit the Jorge Posada Foundation?  Get a bunch of Miami and NYC's finest together and create a classed up version of the Price is Right.  The grand prize?  A chance to go toe to toe with Jorge himself in the Showcase Showdown.  We get the booze flowing, the laughs going, and someone gets to go home with a new jet ski or boat to add to their already massive collection.  We auction off some autographed Yankees gear, invite Derek, Andy and the whole crew, and bingo, bango, bongo we got ourselves a grand ol time and a million bucks for a good cause.  If this isn't the event of the season, I don't know what is.  Sign me up!

PS - Thanks to Laura for responding to my tweet.  Jorge is and always be an idol of mine.  Hardwork and 100% fire to win.  Hope all is well down South!

Oh and would you look at that?

$1 Million to Get It On With QB2??

CNBC
Some girl is going to get $1 MILLION dollars to prove that she stole QB2's V-Card. You heard that right.  Now, roughly every single psychotic girl in NYC will be chasing QB2 around trying to score. On the road, girls will literally be hanging on this guy no matter where he goes.  Even if he's off preaching somewhere in remote Africa, women will be throwing themselves at him to get a piece of that $1Million pie. This should really do wonders for him on the field now that every girl is secretly trying to prove his off the field performance.  Seriously though, how does a girl prove this?  At the end of the day, there's pretty much no chance this guy is going to ever be able to find a sane girlfriend.  He's brought this all on himself and there's now a $1 million bounty on the most private aspect of his life.  Keep up the good work in Jetland.

PS - Somewhere, Antonio Cromartie is just like 'Damn....'

CC in Command and Jeter Rolling in Win

CC Sabathia is definitely a warm weather pitcher.  He brought his A game tonight and shut down a very powerful Texas offense.  All around, a very commanding performance and a solid victory for the Yankees.  Also, Derek Jeter continues his torrid start.  Just to illustrate how good he's been, he could go 0 for his next 28 and still be hitting .300.  The man is on a warpath.  I've been tweeting about it a lot and with a couple more solid games, he should be in the running for AL player of the month.  He's been that good and it's great to see him doing what he is.  Overall a great win by the Yanks.  Not many downsides in this game.