Knicks Throttle Celtics, 1 Win From Series Sweep

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, April 26^th, 2013

Game 3 Post Game Recap

Final Score: New York Knicks: 90 Boston Celtics: 76

The Knicks are one win away from sweeping the Celtics and winning their first playoff series in 13 years after giving the Celtics a thorough whooping tonight in Boston.  Unlike the first two games in the series when the Celtics were able to make some noise in the first half, they were taken out of the game right from the start tonight as the Knicks led basically the whole way.  The Knicks dominated right from the opening tip and took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, basically guaranteeing themselves a visit to the second round as no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a seven-game series.

-Positives

Nets Offense Once Again Non-Existent In Loss to Bulls

sbnation.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 25th, 2013

Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Game Three Recap

Final Score: Nets 76 Bulls 79

The Brooklyn Nets suffered their second straight playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls, and now trail in the best of seven series two games to one, as a combination of good Bulls defense and bad Nets offense has the Nets heading into a very important Game Four on Saturday afternoon.

Positives:

- For the second straight game there wasn’t many positives for the Brooklyn Nets, but Brook Lopez was one of the few Nets who did come thru with a nice game. Lopez scored a team-high 22 points on eight for 16 shooting, while grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking a ridiculous seven shots. As good, as Lopez was offensively he may have looked the best he did all season on the defensive end against All-Star Center Joakim Noah. Lopez held Noah to one point on zero for seven shooting, and although Noah is clearly hurt, it was an impressive job by Lopez.

Jets Questionable First Round

By Ryan McDonald(@RonnieMac90)

The New York Jets had two picks in the 2013 draft at 9 and 13. With two good picks to fill needs, the Jets would be on a good start to the rebuilding process. However, it seems they split the picks.

With 9, the Jets selected Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner which was a fairly good pick. Milliner was a top 5 talent but due to an injury fell to the Jets at 9. Milliner I’m sure will have a lot of pressure to replace recently traded Darrelle Revis but he won’t be able to do that. Revis is a once a generation talent, and expectations like that are just unfair. Milliner isn’t Revis, but he can still be a Pro Bowl level corner in a few years and at a reasonable price which was what the Jets were looking for not signing Revis to $16 million a year.

With 13 came all the questions. The Jets selected Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson. With this pick, the Jets have selected a defensive linemen in the first year for the past 3 years. At 291 pounds, Richardson can’t really play the Nose Tackle position, but the Jets acknowledged they drafted him for versatility meaning they have thoughts at defensive end. Rex Ryan also said the Jets would use some 4-3 fronts this season but two better DTs, Shariff Floyd and Star Lotulelei were still on the board. If you had 4-3 in mind when drafting them, why not draft one of them?

Defensive line also wasn’t as pressing need as other areas. The best safety in the draft, Kenny Vaccaro, was still available. The Jets have a desperate need at the safety position. Play making TE Tyler Eifert was also still on the board and pass rusher Jarvis Jones was as well. All three players played a position in which the Jets needed more than defensive line.

We can only hope that the Jets will address these areas in the later rounds.

Yankees Return Home and Defeat Blue Jays

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 25th, 2013

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Blue Jays 3 Yankees 5

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from losing their series in Tampa Bay against the Rays, as they were able to return home to Yankees Stadium, and get a win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The win moves the Yankees to (12-9) on the season, which puts them in third place in the AL East.

Yankees Starter Hiroki Kuroda had a very difficult time in the first two innings of the game allowing three runs, but Kuroda was able to settle in and give the Yankees a quality start and earn his third win of the season. Kuroda finished the game going six innings allowing three runs on six hits, and one walk. The damage came early against Kuroda, as he allowed a two-run homerun in the first inning to Edwin Encarnacion, and then a solo-homerun to Brett Lawrie in the second inning. In Kuroda’s final four innings however he didn’t allow a hit to the Blue Jays.

Jets Must Address Offense In Second Round

By Josef Schaetzle (@Schaetz23)

The New York Jets were looking to land play making wide receiver Tavon Austin with the ninth pick in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately he was snagged by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth pick.

It was anyone's guess who the Jets were going to take now, and they went with Dee Milliner, a highly talented cornerback from Alabama. The Jets are hoping Milliner can step in and fill the void left when they traded all-pro corner Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The only concern is that Milliner has had multiple surgeries during his athletic career including surgery for a torn labrum that Milliner is confident he can fully recover from. 

Gang Green also had the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, and once again they drafted on defense. The Jets took defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson out of Missouri. What was the reason behind this pick? Richardson was graded highly during the draft process, but was it really what the Jets needed to go after? They have Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, who they drafted in the first round last year, to fill those spots on the field. If the Jets were looking for defense again, why not an outside linebacker who can get to the quarterback? Alec Ogletree was still on the board when the Jets were picking. Ogletree has the ability to be an edge rusher and a cover guy. Ogletree would have only improved a defense that has finished at the top of the league the past four years. 

Hindsight is twenty-twenty we all say, and now it's time to move onto the second round where the Jets must boost their offense. There is plenty of talent in the second and third rounds tonight and the Jets can really help themselves and come out of this draft feeling good.  

Zach Ertz,, a tight-end out of Stanford, would be a smart draft choice for the Jets. With Dustin Keller leaving for Miami, the Jets need a tight-end who can get open in the middle of the field and burn defenses with 10-15 yard routes. Ertz can be that guy for the Jets. Forget what he did at the combine. He ran a forty yard dash that didn't wow the scouts. Last I saw, Jason Witten wasn't blowing by linebackers with his speed, he just runs good routes and shows up to play every day. That is what the Jets will get from Ertz if they draft him. Ertz's numbers may not be what Witten's are, Witten is an elite tight end right now, but he can make the big play when needed, and he is always giving 110%. 

Eddie Lacey is also still on the board. The running back from Alabama dealt with a hamstring injury during the off-season, but has shown that his mix of size and speed make shim hard to tackle. Just ask any SEC team or Notre Dame. Lacey could be a nice fit for Rex Ryan and his ground and pound game. 

The offensive line talent in the draft has dwindled somewhat with nine linemen taken in the first round, but there is still raw talent left for the second and third rounds where the Jets might get a steal. 

First year GM John Idzik has some decisions to make in the second round, but they should not be on the defensive side of the ball. It's time for the Jets to get offensive. 

Giants Get It Right In First Round

By Josef Schaetzle (@Schaetz23)

With the 19th selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, the New York Giants took Justin Pugh out of Syracuse University. Pugh, a two-time All Big East selection will boost a depleted Giants offensive line.

The 6' 4" 307lb lineman has been criticized for his short arms that are not ideal for an NFL offensive tackle, but look for Pugh to be playing in the interior. Short arms are just about the only negative to Pugh's game. Pugh has shown exceptional feet and great lateral movement, and can get up the field better than most linemen. Pugh has a good chance to see a lot of playing time this year on an offensive line that has many questions and concerns. Pugh can play multiple positions which will be an advantage going into training camp.

The Giants definitely got it right with this draft selection, and have addressed one of their problems from last year.

In the second and third rounds I look for the Giants to go for a linebacker and a defensive back. If Tyrann Mathieu is on the board, I fully expect the Giants to jump on that opportunity. Mathieu plays with an attitude and will bring energy to the Giants secondary. Mathieu will also bring a boost to the Giants special teams with his punt return ability. Manti T'eo is also still on the board for the second round, and the Giants were expected by some to be taken by the Giants in the first round. If still available, don't be surprised to see T'eo in Big Blue.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Defensive Back

Elsa/Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the ninth and final part in a series where I will discuss the current and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Giants.

The ninth and final position I will take a look at is defensive back.

Currently on the depth chart for the Giants at defensive back is Corey Webster, Prince Amukamara, Aaron Ross, Jayron Hosley, Terrell Thomas, Antonio Dennard, and Buddy Jackson at corner back, Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, Will Hill, Ryan Mundy and Tyler Sash, at safety and Laron Scott, David Caldwell, Terrence Frederick and Trumaine McBride at defensive back.  From last season the Giants lost safety Kenny Phillips to the Eagles, while corner backs Justin Tryon and Brian Witherspoon remain free agents.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Linebackers

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the eighth part in a series where I will discuss the current and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Giants.

The eighth position I will take a look at is linebacker.

Currently on the depth chart for the Giants at linebacker are Jacquian Williams, Dan Connor, Mathias Kiwanuka, Keith Rivers, Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger and Jake Muasau.  From last season the Giants lost two linebackers in Michael Boley, who is still a free agent, and Chase Blackburn, who signed with the Panthers.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Defensive Line

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the seventh part in a series where I will discuss the current and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Giants.

The seventh position I will take a look at is the defensive line.

Currently on the depth chart for the Giants is Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Adrian Tracy, Adewale Ojomo, Justin Trattou and Matt Broha at defensive end and Linval Joseph, Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Shaun Rogers, Marvin Austin, Markus Kuhn, Bobby Skinner and Michael Jasper at defensive tackle.  From last season the Giants will not have defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who signed with the Falcons and defensive tackles Chris Canty, who signed with the Ravens and Rocky Bernard, who is a free agent.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Special Teams

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By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the sixth part in a series where I will discuss the current and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Giants.

The sixth position I will take a look at is special teams.

Currently on the depth chart the Giants have Steve Weatherford at punter, Josh Brown and David Buehler at kicker, Jake Rogers who is a kicker/punter, long snapper Zak DeOssie, David Wilson, Andre Brown and Jerrel Jernigan at kick returner and Rueben Randle at punt returner. From last season, the Giants have let kicker Lawrence Tynes and punt returner Domenik Hixon leave; Tynes remains a free agent and Hixon signed with the Panthers.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Offensive Line

Jim O'Connor/US Presswire

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the fifth part in a series where I will discuss the current and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Giants.

The fifth position I will take a look at is offensive line.

Currently the Giants have Will Beatty, David Diehl, James Brewer, Brandon Mosley, Matt McCants and Selvish Capers at tackle, Kevin Boothe, Chris Snee, Stephen Goodin, Chris DeGeare, Michael Jasper and Bryan Browning at guard, David Baas and Jim Cordle at center and Levy Adcock as offensive line.  The only player from last year’s offensive line to not be back is tackle Sean Locklear.

Yankees Get Shutout and Lose Series to Rays

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 24th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 0 Rays 3

The New York Yankees lost on Wednesday night to the Tampa Bay Rays, which is their first series loss in their last four. The offense had a lot of problems against the Rays, as the scoring problems the Yankees thought they would have with all the injuries came to light in this series.

Yankees Starter Andy Pettitte didn’t pitch badly, but with zero run support he picked up his first loss of the season. Pettitte went six innings allowing three runs, two of which were earned on seven hits, and one walk. Andy had the strikeout pitch working, as he was able to strikeout a season-high 10 batters. Pettitte even with the loss is still (3-1) with a 2.22 ERA, which is great.

New York Jets First Round Selections Since 2000

by Josef Schaetzle (@Schaetz23)

Here are the New York Jets first round draft picks since 2000. It is obvious to see that the Jets have been looking for that devensive end that will be able to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis, but are yet to find him. Quinton Coples is still a young raw defensive end who might be able to turn into that dominant end, but only time will tell. The Jets have not had a dominant pass rusher since they drafted John Abraham in 2000.

This just shows who the Jets decided to draft and any Pro Bowl selections or other awards they received while with the Jets. There is no detail on how the Jets acquired the picks or got rid of their picks.

New York Jets Draft Preview

By Ryan McDonald(@RonnieMac90)

On the eve of the draft, the Jets find themselves as having an extra 1st round pick at 13 from the Darrelle Revis trade giving them 8 picks total.
 
1st round(9)
1st round(13)
2nd round(41)
3rd round(74)
4th round(105)
5th round(136)
6th round(166)
7th round(197)
 
Sadly, it's not enough for the rebuilding Jets.
 
With needs almost at every position, it'll be hard for the Jets to land value for every spot.
 
Quarterback - Currently, the starting quarterback position is up for grabs among the guys still on the roster. That means it's between ex-Jaguars QB David Garrard, Greg McElroy, Mark Sanchez, and Tim Tebow(Yes, he hasn't been cut yet). So to sum things up, the Jets don't have a starting quarterback on the roster.
 
Sadly, the 2013 draft is not the draft for quarterbacks, that was last years. Geno Smith(West Virginia), the speculated #1 quarterback draft would most likely find himself as the 6th quarterback in the 2012 draft. That being said, Smith is still projected to go in the top 10 with need being used as an evaluator. Even he does fall to 9, I just can't see the Jets taking him with more talented players at other needed areas.
 
If the Jets do select a quarterback, it'll most likely be in the 2nd round, and that QB I speculate would be Ryan Nassib(Syracuse). Nassib doesn't physically impress you or make you get out of your seat, but he plays the position intelligently. Think of him like a Chad Pennington with better arm strength, and at least he's 6'3", two inches taller than Sanchez. It'll be lucky if Nassib falls to them at 41, but if he does, I do think the Jets should take him.
 
It's also hard to think why the Jets were so hard pressed to take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2013 1st round pick instead of the 2014 1st round pick they originally offered for Revis. The quarterbacks in 2014 are projected to be better than 2013.
 
Running back - The Jets lost Shonn Greene who was last year's starting running back. The load currently will fall on Bilal Powell who did show some promise in the 2012 season. However, Rex Ryan always shouts "ground n pound" and with Powell and newcomer Mike Goodson, it'll be hard to win games using that philosophy without improvement.
 
Like quarterback, this draft just isn't that great at the running back position. The top RB is Alabama's Eddie Lacy which is a solid pick but Lacy is projected to go in the 20s. The need for RB doesn't outweigh some needs in other positions such as Safety and OLB, so it's doubtful they would use the 13 pick on Lacy.
 
After Lacy, the talent at the RB position drops off significantly. Le'Veon Bell(Mich. St.), Montee Ball(Wisconsin), are two other options the Jets could look at with 74 and 105. It's probable that both will still be on the board by at least 74. Neither player would make an impact that Lacy could though.
 
Wide Receiver - With Santonio Holmes coming back slowly from injury, it'll be a rough few games with this current receiving core. The now sophmore Stephen Hill dropped way too many catches in 2012. He cannot be counted on in 3rd down situations and doesn't seemed to have grasp the game at the NFL level. Jeremy Kerley is a good slot receiver but the problem is he needs to stay in the slot.
 
Tavon Austin(West Virginia) is one option the Jets could look at with one of their 1st round picks. Austin can also return punts and kickoffs as well as make plays in the passing game. More of a big play guy, and only 5'-8" in height, Austin is not a vertical threat in the passing game. In the NFL, he'd most likely be used as Reggie Bush was in New Orleans. Unfortunately, he's not as athletic as Bush coming out. The other option is Cordarrelle Patterson(Tennessee). At 6'-3", Patterson is the more typical receiver. He also has the potential to return kicks, but isn't as versatile as Austin.
 
If the Jets pass on both, they most likely will not select a receiver in the draft.
 
Tight End - With the Dolphins signing Dustin Keller, the Jets starting TE right now is Jeff Cumberland. Cumberland is in no way the passing threat Keller was and downgrades the passing game significantly.
 
The two top tight ends in this draft are Tyler Eifert(Notre Dame) and Zach Ertz(Stanford). Eifert was a great tight end in college and give the Jets a nice blocker and pass catcher. Eifert is projected to go in the 18-28 in numerous mock drafts. Selecting Eifert at 13 would be a slight stretch but it could happen. If the Jets decide not to select him, Ertz is 6'-5" with good hands. Ertz doesn't have great speed like Keller but he can move the chains and is a big target.
 
Pass Rusher - With numerous cuts on the defensive side such as Bart Scott, a pass rusher is what the Jets have lacked for years. The Jets have had a history of failure in selecting pass rushers such as Vernon Gholston in the 2008 draft. The defensive line is young with tons of potential in Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, so look for the Jets to address this need at the outside linebacker position. Luckily, this draft is rich in this exact area, especially in the first round.
 
Dion Jordan(Oregon) is scouted to be the best pass rusher in the draft. The problem with this is that he is a projecte top 5 pick. It's doubtful the Jets will trade up. The next two players are both first rounders with good talent. Jarvis Jones(Georgia) and Barkevious Mingo(LSU), it makes sense that if you want good defensive players you take from the SEC. Both players are a great fit with the Jets at the outside linebacker position and both might be available at the 9-13 area.
 
The draft is also deep with defensive linemen but some prospects do not fit the Jets 3-4 system. One potential pick here in the 1st round is Star Lotulelei(Utah). However, it's doubtful the Jets take another lineman in the 1st round.
 
Safety - LaRon Landry who played well with the Jets in 2012 left for the Colts. The Jets decided to sign Landry's less productive bother Dawan, formerly of the Jaguars. Dawan struggled with the Jaguars and isn't as hard a hitter as his brother. The safety position is in need of a major upgrade.
 
A player that the Jets seem to have their eye on is LSU's Eric Reid. The Jets would most likely trade down to take Reid in the 1st round. It's unlikely they go for this though, and look at other options such as Matt Elam(Florida) in the later rounds. Elam's 5'-10" in height but has good play recognition skills. Elam was also a leader on one of the best defenses in college football in 2012. Elam could be a very productive player and good value with pick 74.
 

New York Giants Draft Preview: Tight End

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the fourth part in the series where I will discuss the current outlook and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the New York Giants.

The fourth position I will take a look at is Tight End.

At Tight End the depth chart for the Giants includes Brandon Myers, Bear Pascoe, Adrien Robinson, Larry Donnell and Jamie Childers.  The Giants have two tight ends from last year that look like they will not be on the roster as “The Black Unicorn” Martellus Bennett signed with the Chicago Bears and Travis Beckum remains a free agent.

Nets Offense Disappears in Game Two Loss to Bulls

usatoday.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 22nd, 2013

Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap

Final Score: Bulls 90 Nets 82

For the Nets Game Two was the polar opposite of Game One in the series against the Bulls, and that led to Brooklyn’s first loss of the Postseason. Splitting the series at home now means the Bulls have the home court advantage over the Nets. 

Positives:

- In what was a very bad loss for the Nets there wasn’t many bright spots, but Brook Lopez did play a good game, and kept the Nets in it with most players in the starting lineup struggling with their shots. Lopez finished with a game-high 21 points on seven for 14 shooting to go along with five rebounds, and three blocks.

Clutch Hitting Gets Yankees Win Over Rays

pinstripedbible.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 23rd, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 4 Rays 3

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from a tough loss Monday night, when they were only able to get two hits in the entire game. Tuesday in the win the offense and pitching was much better, and some clutch hitting late in the game got them the win to move them to (11-8) on the year.

Yankees starter Phil Hughes got off to a tough start in this game giving up a run in the first inning, but was really able to settle down and give the Yankees a good start. Hughes went seven innings allowing two runs on six hits, with two walks, and six strikeouts. He didn’t get a decision in this game, but it is the second straight start Hughes has pitched well in, and Hughes, who is always plagued by giving up homeruns didn’t allow one on Tuesday night.

The offense for the Yankees against Left Handed Pitchers has struggled this season, and when going up against one of the best Lefties in the game in David Price it would have thought to be a tough game for the Yankees. However the Yankees bats were able to get to Price to a degree, as Price in his second loss of the season went eight innings allowing three runs on eight hits.

Another Strong 2nd Half Gives Knicks 2-0 Series Lead

Debby Wong/USA TODAY Sports

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, April 23^rd, 2013

Game 2 Post Game Recap

Final Score: Boston Celtics: 71 New York Knicks: 87

It was déjà vu at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night as Game 2 between the Knicks and Celtics was eerily similar to Game 1 Saturday afternoon.  The game played out almost in the exact same fashion as the Celtics played a strong first half but the Knicks bombarded them in the second half, looking like a totally different team, to pull away and get the win.  It has been a long time since the Knicks were in a position like this in the playoffs, as 2000 was the last time they held a 2-0 lead in a series; it is also the last time the Knicks won a playoff series.  The Knicks have yet to do anything in the series yet, just winning their first two home games like they are supposed to and will get at it again with the Celtics Friday night as Game 3 will be played in Boston at 7 P.M. ET.

-Positives

Best of the Rest Series: New York Rangers

Photo: tumblr.com

The New York Rangers are one of the most storied franchises in the NHL. They are an Original Six team that dates back to 1926. The Rangers are also one of the most disappointing franchises when it comes to Stanley Cup victories. The Blueshirts have just four Stanley Cups in their history, and one cup since 1940 when there were only seven teams in the league. 

The Rangers have also had some great teams that fell short of a Stanley Cup victory. This may be difficult for some Ranger fans to read. Aside from the teams that are on this short list, Ranger fans have also had endure some terrible seasons, and that includes the younger Ranger fans that had to watch the Blueshirts miss the playoffs for seven straight seasons between 1997 and 2004. 

So here are the five greatest Ranger teams to not win the Stanley Cup:

* I chose not to include any teams before 1967 when there were only six teams. 

Poor Start From Sabathia Leads to Yankees Loss

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 22nd, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 1 Rays 5

The New York Yankees series in Tampa Bay against the Rays didn’t start well, as they played pretty poorly in all aspects of the game. The loss moves the Yankees to (10-8) so far on the season, and is their second straight loss.

Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia came into this start winning three straight games, but that streak was ended in Tampa Bay. In Sabathia’s second loss of the season he went seven innings allowing five runs on seven hits, and two walks. Sabathia velocity was a little bit better in this game, but that didn’t help him keep the ball in the park, as he gave up three homeruns, two of which were given up to Ryan Roberts, and one to Yunel Escobar. Since Sabathia has joined the Yankees, Tampa Bay hasn’t been very good to him, as the Yankees have only won one of the nine games he’s pitched in Tropicana Field.

New York Giants Draft Preview: Wide Receiver

Matt Slocum/AP

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we get closer to the primetime opening round April 25^th.  This will be the third part in the series where I will discuss the current outlook and needs for the upcoming NFL Draft for the New York Giants.

The third position I will take a look at is Wide Receiver.

At Wide Receiver the depth chart for the Giants includes Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz (Restricted Free Agent Tender), Rueben Randle, Louis Murphy, Jerrel Jernigan, Brandon Collins, Kris Adams and Kevin Hardy.  The Giants two receivers from last season leave, as Domenik Hixon signed with the Carolina Panthers and Ramses Barden is still a free agent.

Week in Review with Kenny and Nick: April 21st, 2013

Everyone's favorite radio hosts, a.k.a. The Best Looking Radio Show tandem of Kenneth Teape (@teapester725) and Nick Ziegler (@ziggy26x) return and are back at it for a packed show this weekend on the Bob Sullivan Show (@BobSullivanShow).  Listen in for baseball talk, specifically the Yankees and Mets surprising starts.  They will they transition into a little bit of football talk about the Jets big move of finally trading Darrelle Revis heading into the start of the NFL Draft Thursday night. Where did Revis go and for what? Tune in to find out.  Last but not least the two will talk about the Knicks game 1 win over the Boston Celtics as well as touch on the rest of the first round of the NBA playoffs, including some things to watch for the remainder of the first round and how the game 1's had gone before the show aired.  Follow the link to listen to the whole show!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-bob-sullivan-show/2013/04/21/week-in-review-with-kenny-and-nick

MLB Power Rankings Week 3

rantsports.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

MLB Power Rankings Week 3

1.) Atlanta Braves (13-5) - The Braves hot start to the season was cooled off a bit at the hands of the Pirates, by losing three out of four games, but they are still tied for the best record in baseball.

2.) Oakland Athletics (12-7) - The Athletics had a strong start to the week, sweeping the Astros, but the beginning to their East Coast road-trip did not start very well, as the Rays swept them, and only scored four runs in three games.

3.) Colorado Rockies (13-5) - The Rockies have established themselves as one of the best home teams in baseball with a (8-1) record, but the Diamondbacks snapped their eight game winning streak on Sunday.

4.) Boston Red Sox (12-6) - The Red Sox despite having what was a horrible week for the city of Boston won their first five games of the week before losing both games of the double-header to the Royals on Sunday.

5.) Texas Rangers (12-6) - Yu Darvish is leading a good Rangers rotation thus far this season, and the Rangers finished week three strong by sweeping the Mariners, in which they only allowed three runs in three games, and two of them the Rangers had shutouts.

J.R. Smith Wins 6th Man of the Year

Debby Wong/USA TODAY Sports

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

In what many expect to be a big award winning season for the Knicks, the first award came rolling in today in the form of Sixth Man of the Year for J.R. Smith.  Smith is the third Knick in franchise to win the award, joining John Starks (1996-1997) and Anthony Mason (1994-1995).  Smith beat out another former Knick, Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, who finished second.

Smith led all bench players in scoring this season with 18.1 points per game, with Crawford next at 16.5 points and Golden State point guard Jarrett Jack third with 12.9.

Revis Island No Longer Located in New York

By Ryan McDonald (@RonnieMac90)

The Darrelle Revis trade has been in the works all off-season. It finally happened on April 21^st, trading Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In return, the Jets acquired the Bucs 1^st round pick in this draft, number 13, and a fourth round pick in 2014.

In comparison to the other big trade this NFL off-season, the Percy Harvin deal from Minnesota to Seattle, the Vikings received Seattle’s 1^st and 5^th round picks in 2013 and a third rounder in 2014. So it would appear that Percy Harvin, a pro-bowl level wide receiver is worth more than the best cornerback in the league in Revis. Another conclusion drawn from this could be that the Jets simply got robbed and should have got more than two picks.

Yankees Unable to Sweep Blue Jays in Toronto

sbnation.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 21st, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 8

The New York Yankees were unable to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon, but they took two out of three games against them. The Yankees have been rolling despite the loss on Sunday, as they have won two out of three games in their last three series, and that has gotten them a record of (10-7) after the bad first week.

Yankees Starter Ivan Nova’s tough beginning to the season didn’t get any easier in Toronto, as he once again didn’t pitch well, but on the bright side for Nova he didn’t get a loss just a no-decision. Nova went only five innings allowing four runs on seven hits, and four walks. Pitch count was once again a problem for Nova, as he threw a whopping 32 pitches in the first inning, and after that it was clear he wasn’t going to make it very deep into the game.

Nova wasn’t the only Yankees pitcher who struggled in this one, as David Phelps had a rough appearance out of the bullpen. Phelps went the final three innings for the Yankees, but allowed three runs on three hits, and two walks. Phelps ERA is at 6.23 so far this season, which is about three points higher than he finished last year. For Phelps the big mistake came in the seventh inning, when Blue Jays Catcher J.P Arencibia hit a two-run homerun for his seventh homerun already this season.

The Yankees offense was started by backup Catcher Chris Stewart, who for being a defensive Catcher is hitting the ball very well to start the season. Stewart hit a solo homerun in the third inning, which was his first homerun since July 28th of last season. He finished the game going two for three at the plate, and is now hitting .353 on the season.

The top of the order for the Yankees was great in this game, but despite the top three hitters all having multi-hit games they only combined for one run scored. Brett Gardner, Robinson Cano, and Vernon Wells all had two hits, but only Cano was able to touch home plate. Wells capped off a great series in Toronto going seven for 15 at the plate, and got a ton of boos from his former home crowd.

The main reason for the Yankees top of the order not scoring in this game was that Travis Hafner really struggled with runners in scoring position. Hafner went zero for three at the plate with RISP, and the Yankees in as a whole went 1 for 12, which just won’t get the job done.

Next up for the Yankees will be a trip down to Tampa Bay to play the Rays, as C.C Sabathia (3-1, 2.57 ERA) will be facing Matt Moore (3-0, 1.00 ERA) in what should be a good pitchers duel.

Nets Win First Playoff Game in Brooklyn Over Bulls

espn.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 20th, 2013

Game One Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Post Game Recap

Final Score: Bulls 89 Nets 106

The Brooklyn Nets were able to take game one of the series with the Bulls in convincing fashion at the Barclays Center. Brooklyn fans came out for the “Brooklyn Blackout”, and gave the building a good playoff atmosphere in the win. Next game for Brooklyn will be on Monday night, and Joakim Noah who suited up for the Bulls on Saturday night but only played 13 minutes is expected to play in Game Two.

Positives:

- As its been for most of the second half of the season the Nets were led by Point Guard Deron Williams in the Game One win. Williams finished with a team-high 22 points on nine for 15 shooting, which included going two for three from behind the three-point line. Williams also added seven assists, and three steals to round up what was a very good first Playoff game on the Nets.

Yankees Beat Blue Jays in Extra Innings

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 20th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 5 Blue Jays 3

The New York Yankees were able to pick up their second straight win in Toronto against the Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon despite blowing a lead late in the game, which caused the Yankees to have to get the win extra innings.

Yankees Starter Hiroki Kuroda was fantastic for the second straight start, but the bullpen blew what should have been a win for Kuroda. Kuroda went 7.1 innings only allowing one run on three hits, one walk, and was able to strikeout seven batters. Kuroda didn’t allow a run until the eighth inning, as his good start to the season has given Kuroda a great (2.35 ERA) in April so far.

David Robertson came in the game in the eighth inning, but was unable to get the job done for the Yankees. Robertson entered the game with a two run lead, but he gave up that lead on two hits, and a walk. Robertson was forced to throw 31 pitches in his appearance, which would make it seem likely that he will not be available for Yankees on Sunday.

Mariano Rivera got to get his save opportunity a little later than the Yankees would have hoped, but he did get the job done. Rivera’s good start to the season continued, as he picked up his fifth save in five chances with ease in the 11th inning.

The Yankees offense was lead by former Blue Jay Vernon Wells, who has raked against his former team in the first two games of the series. On Saturday Wells got the Yankees on the board with a solo-homerun that hit the foul pole in Left Field. For Wells it was his fifth homerun of the season, and he finished the game going three for five with two runs scored. The last two games have been great for Wells, as he’s gone five for nine, with two homeruns, three RBIs, and four runs scored.

Kevin Youkilis got the Yankees a comfortable lead in the fifth inning with the bases loaded, as he was able to rip a line drive that seemed to go thru Blue Jays Third Baseman Brett Lawrie, and two runs scored. Youkilis didn’t come back into the game however, as apparently his back stiffened up on him, and he was replaced at First Base by Lyle Overbay.

The Yankees got a bit lucky to get the two go ahead runs, as Blue Jays Reliever Aaron Loup threw the ball into Left Field instead of taking the sure out at First Base after a sacrifice bunt by Ichiro.

The Yankees will be thinking sweep on Sunday against the Blue Jays, as Ivan Nova (1-1, 5.59 ERA) will be facing Josh Johnson (0-1, 6.91 ERA).