tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering what life will be as a Yankee fan without Mariano Rivera, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Mariano Rivera had the Pinstripe World in an uproar yesterday when he reported to camp and told the media that he has made up his mind as far as when he will be retiring. The Greatest Closer Ever told the media that he will tell them his decision at some point. Most Yankee observers believe that this will be Rivera's last year. Boy oh boy I can't imagine who will attempt to take over the closer's role for the Yankees but as fans we need to really enjoy his performance this year.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/possible_exit_sandman_makes_it_season_RqEU8SAcPdSVUAe0fT7YGK

* The Yankees have signed Raul Ibanez to be their lefty DH and play occasionally in the outfield. Now it remains to be seen whether they sign Eric Chavez.

* Brian Cashman admitted on The Mike Francesa Show that the six man rotation probably disrupted CC Sabathia more than Sabathia's weight gain in the second half of the season. I felt that this was a problem last year when Joe "The Binder" Girardi went to the six man. Athletes and particularly major league pitchers like repitition. A classic example is Mike Mussina. Let's hope The Binder learns from his mistake. However, Sabathia does need to keep his weight under control.

* Read an interesting article in the Boston Herald about Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. Lester was very gracious and apologetic in speaking about what happened in Spetember last season. He held himself responsible and understood why fans are upset and apologized. On the other hand, Beckett was as defiant as his idol, Roger Clemens. He was not apologizing for anything and was passing blame on unidentified Red Sox personnel. What a great role model for younger players!!!! Must be something about being from Texas that means you can't admit you were wrong and have to maintain that macho image. What B.S.!!!!!!!!!

* The Oakland A's announced yesterday that they signed Manny Ramirez to a contract worth $500,000. Ramirez would miss the first 50 games due to a suspension as a result of his usage of PED's. So this must be Money Ball circa 2012: sign Bartolo "Little Andre" Colon and Ramirez. Billy Beane is a joke and the fans of this once proud franchise should be sick about it.

* There was a rumor emanating from the Cleveland Fox-affiliate that the Cleveland Browns had worked out a contract to retain running back Peyton Hillis. I tried to see if there was any confirmation of this rumor and there was none to be found. If this indeed happens, the Browns will have made a wise decision.

* There are plenty of rumors about where Peyton Manning is going to end up. The latest has Seattle extremely interested. Something to keep an eye on is that the team that gets Manning (if he leaves the Colts) may also be able to get Reggie Wayne. The 32 year old wide receiver is a free agent and would be a great addition for any team that gets Manning.

* Tonight the Maple Leafs begin a critical four game home stand as the New Jersey Devils come to the ACC. The Devils are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games while the Leafs have lost five out of their last six. The Leafs need to do something that they haven't done on home ice in a long time: score the first goal. As we know the Devils love to clamp things down once they get a lead and they also have the resurgent Marty Brodeur. The Leafs received some help last night as Carolina whipped the Washington Capitals 5-0 leaving the Caps tied with Toronto for the 8th and final playoff spot.

* All of Toronto was a flutter yesterday when it was reported that Brian Burke met in NYC with Columbus GM Scott Howsam. Burke has downplayed the meeting and quite frankly I don't see the Leafs getting Rick Nash. The asking price is way too high. As Leaf fans we want them to make the playoffs but they shouldn't mortgage their future to do it. If they can get a big forward such as a Ryan Malone type or a lock down defenseman such as Ryan Suter they may be much better off than getting Nash or Jeff Carter. One thing to keep in mind, the Leafs would be better off trying to acquire Zach Parise on July 1 as opposed to trading away a Jake Gardiner to get Rick Nash. The overall goal should not be just to make the playoffs but to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. For the first time in a number of years the farm system is stocked with talent and to trade it away to make the playoffs this year only to get knocked out in the first round makes no sense.

* And finally, I watched a good chunk of the Knicks-Nets game last night. Deron Williams was on fire for the Nets last night as the Knicks had no answer for him. As I have stated before, it wouldn't take much for me to get back into the Knicks again but I just have to wonder if the Knicks would be better off without Carmelo Anthony.