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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering how many people will be on the bandwagon after the Bills-Patriots game, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Yesterday Mariano Rivera cemented his position as the greatest closer of all-time by notching his 602nd save making him the all-time saves leader. As Derek Jeter said after the game what makes Rivera even more special is his post season work as he has the most saves in the post season with 42. The next closest is Brad Lidge with 18.

* While the focus was on Rivera yesterday, AJ Burnett's continued inability to pitch consistently throughout a game was evident once again. In an article in the NY Post, Burnett seemed perturbed over being pulled out of the game before completing the 5th inning. After being staked to a 5-0 lead, Burnett gave up 4 runs and once again the bullpen had to save the day. Joe Girardi made the right move getting him out of there. If Burnett is part of the Yankee post season rotation I will be be shocked and completely disgusted.

* Hate to keep repeating myself but the state of the Yankee pitching rotation is of major concern as we approach the playoffs. If CC Sabathia doesn't get on track, the Yankees are in even bigger trouble.

* It was great watching the Maple Leafs last night in their first preseason game against the Ottawa Senators. Jake Gardiner, the youngster acquired in the Francois Beauchemin trade, played very well notching two assists and looked extremely confident. The Leaf power play scored 2 goals on 6 opportunities and did not give up a shorthanded goal on 3 Ottawa power plays. Tyler Bozak had 2 goals for the Leafs. They are in action tonight against the Flyers which should be the Maple Leaf debut of Cody Franson and Tim Connolly.

* The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 and living here in WNY means that Bills Fever is running wild. Sunday should be a true test as the New England Patriots come to Orchard Park.

* The reported moving of teams out of the Big 12 and Pittsburgh & Syracuse moving out of the Big East signals the end of college football as we know it. As it is, some traditional rivalry games such as Pitt-Penn State and Penn State-Syracuse ended a long time ago. The long time Oklahoma-Nebraska game has also come to an end. Just another example of why the NCAA is a joke for allowing this type of money grabbing to continue.

* There was a report that the non-football schools of the Big East were looking at a basketball conference that would consist of Catholic universities. I wonder if the local Little 3 schools, St. Bonaventure, Niagara and Canisius, would consider making the jump. Back in the day, those 3 schools played St. John's, Villanova, Providence, Marquette, DePaul and Georgetown on a regular basis. Niagara and Canisius would need to upgrade their home court facilities. It probably won't happen but it doesn't hurt to dream.

My NFL picks this week will be posted on Friday morning.