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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering how long it will be until the New York dailies begin to put some heat on Brian Cashman, here is what's on my mind:

* The Yankees dropped an 8-2 decision yesterday at Yankee Stadium to the Boston Red Sox in the season opener for both clubs. CC Sabathia is a slow starter so I am not worried about his performance. What was interesting was the fact that there were a couple of times when Robinson Cano had a chance to come up with a big hit to pull the Yankees close before the game was blown open in the top of the ninth. There will be plenty of pressure on Cano, particularly in the months of April and May and the Yankees will get a good look at who will be the face of the franchise if they elect to re-sign him to what will be a 6 to 8 year deal.

* http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/KfwXrexIN1.GpriNFvWdsQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/yankeescover040113.jpg

Maybe this should be the cover of the 2013 New York Yankee Yearbook.

* I usually enjoy listening to John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman but if Sterling performs like he did Monday afternoon I'm not sure how much I will be able to take of him this year. The nicknames for players was borderline annoying. He incessantly referred to Eduardo Nunez as "Nunie" and David Phelps was "Phelpsie". It didn't stop with Yankees as Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was referred to as "Salty". C'mon John give it a break.

* Couldn't help to think that there was more hope for Red Sox fans in their line up with outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (22 yrs old), Jose Iglesias at shortstop (23 years old) and Wil Middlebrooks at third base (24 years old). Throw in pitchers Jon Lester (29 yrs old), Clay Bucholz (28 years old) and Felix Doubront (25 years old) and you have something to be hopeful about. Wish I could say the same thing about the Yankees.

* Don't understand the Cleveland media's love affair with Jason Campbell. Saw this guy last year when Jay Cutler was injured and he was terrible. Might as well have been Caleb Hanie. He couldn't cut it with Washington or Oakland and I'm suppose to buy that he is going to vie for the starting job over Brandon Weeden?? Once again, just be honest. This should be the year that they decide if Weeden is the guy, if not you are looking for a franchise QB next year. Campbell is nothing more than a back up and if you think anything else you're drinking the Joe Banner Kool-Aid.

* Best of luck to Colt McCoy who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. The kid is a gamer and he gave his all to this team including playing with a concussion against the Steelers. It was that situation where I lost all respect for Mike Holmgren.

* The Maple Leafs continue on their run to a playoff berth as they finished off a very successful week with a 4-0 win over the Ottawa Senators. Nazem Kadri has really turned into a star and I must admit I didn't see this coming. In spite of what Don Cherry and others had to say, the Leafs were right in keeping him in the AHL for as long as they did.

* With the trade deadline approaching, there is plenty of talk of the Leafs being interested in a veteran goaltender and according to Darren Dreger they have had conversations with Calgary about Miikka Kiprusoff. I'm not sure what the Flames would want for the veteran goalie but I don't think that the Leafs need him. I would much rather they try to get a veteran defense man who can help shoulder the load with Dion Phaneuf.

* I am tired of all of the criticism of Phaneuf, Phil Kessel and Brian Burke. Phaneuf has shown his ability to come up with some big goals this year and he logs an incredible amount of ice time against the other team's top line. Phil Kessel has improved his all around game tremendously this year and as Randy Carlyle said Monday morning, despite his low goal total he still has 34 points. As far as Brian Burke goes, enough already. If you can't admit that this is Burke's team that has captivated Leaf Nation then you are blind.

* By the way, what more can you say about Joffrey Lupul other than he is unbelievable.

* The New York Knicks will try to make it 9 in a row when they take on the Miami Heat. You really have to give credit to Knicks coach Mike Woodson who has weathered the storm with so many players being felled by injuries. I am really impressed with the play of Kenyon Martin as he has really brought an old school defensive game to the Knicks which has become infectious for the whole team. Hopefully, he will be able to play along with Tyson Chandler against the Heat.

* JR Smith has really picked things up with his game on both ends of the floor. His drives to the basket make him a more effective player as opposed to just launching three bombs. I also hope that we continue to see more of Chris Copeland. This kid can play and hopefully he is out of Coach Woodson's doghouse.

* What a terrible injury to Louisville's sophomore guard Kevin Ware. Here's hoping that the kid has a good recovery.

* Speaking of Louisville, love the way they play defense. I don't see how this team doesn't win the NCAA Title this year. I really love Gorgui Dieng's game.

* Kudos to Niagara and Canisius for their outstanding hockey seasons this year as both teams represented Western New York well in the Frozen Four tournament. Here's hoping that both programs can build on this success and we can have WNY be a college hockey hotbed. With that said, can someone please tell me why the University of Buffalo doesn't have a Division I hockey team?

* If the Buffalo Sabres trade Ryan Miller who plays goal?? Jonas Enroth?? David Leggio?? Please!!! The Miller bashing is disgusting and would serve them right when he goes to a team that has an average defense and they win the Stanley Cup.

* Kevin Kolb because the new QB savior for the Buffalo Bills. Good luck with that.

* And finally, the World Series will be between the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Nationals with the Nats winning in 6. And here's a tip, don't bet the mortgage on it.