Millions of men and women love sports. In fact, many are
obsessed with their favorite sports teams. I understand this because I am the
same way. I am obsessed with my favorite sports team (the New York Yankees and
New York Jets). Unfortunately, many times in our love of our sports teams, we
forget the importance of loving God. So I write this blog as a reminder to
focus first on loving God, before we love our sports team.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
- Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
The other night I was putting my four year old daughter to
sleep. I thought she was dozing off when she asked me if I was mad. I said no. She asked me if I
was frustrated. I said no.
Finally, I asked her why was she asking me these questions. She said, “ because
you look mad.” I assured her I was not mad, that in fact, I was in a good mood.
It had been that way all day long, I was in a good mood. However, the truth is I was looking at my Blackberry and reading about another New York Jets loss at the time. That particular night it was after the Seattle Seahawks debacle, (it could have easily been after the now famous "ButtFumble"game, or the Jet offense on Sunday before McElroy came in the game against the Arizona Cardinals). My daughter saw and sensed the anger and frustration I was feeling about how awful the New York Jets had been playing. I was not even aware of it. She was right, I am sure that while I was reading about that game- I looked mad. I am sure that was not a great way for her to fall asleep. That was a good reminder to me that the Bible is the Truth. What I was thinking about was having a direct result on my feelings (even though I was having a good day), and my daughter's feelings. I am sure my looking "mad" did not have a great effect on her psyche. The things we think about and dwell on really have a strong effect on our mood and mental health. Over the years it has been very clear to me; the more I read the Bible, the more my mind is focused on God. The more I focus on God the better I feel and the better it is for my family and those around me. I am going to make a conscious attempt to remember this. There are many things in this world that are lovely, admirable, noble, right and pure. I will focus on them, because the God of comfort who loves us all told me to.
So after the New York Jets victory against the Arizona Cardinals, we now have a quarterback controversy. Mark Sanchez was awful and Greg McElroy was king for a day. I think back to Sanchez's rookie year, there were games the New York Jets lost that they could have easily won (see Buffalo Bills) if Ryan had just pulled him from that particular game. It never came back to haunt the New York Jets as they went on to the AFC Championship game. I am not a fan of a team losing a game they should have won just for the growth and development of one player, even if it is the quarterback. However, when that happens, when you leave someone out their to take their bumps and bruises and the expense of a win, you better get something for your investment. Here we are four years later and Sanchez just got pulled. Where is the return on that investment? It does not appear to be there. But, lets look a little deeper. There is a formula for success for Mark Sanchez. Ground and Pound. It is very clear that if you give him a strong running game and pass protection, he does well. If you give him real NFL caliber WR's to throw the ball to with a strong running game, he does well. In fact, get him to the Playoffs and he seems to thrive under the spotlight. But he is not good enough to carry a team by himself. Quarterbacks drafted in the first round (6th pick) should be. Unfortunately, Sanchez is not. It pains me to look at RGIII, Andrew Luck, Russel Wilson(5th round), and Ryan Tannenhill and realize they are better as rookies than Sanchez is in his 4th year. Mark Sanchez was good enough to take his team to two AFC championship games, but he needs to be surrounded by really good players on offense and defense to do that. It's too bad The New York Jets brain trust do not know that. It's time for them to make a decision: either get rid of Sanchez and try to find an elite quarterback or surround him with talent that can help him succeed. Time for Woody , Rex and Mike T to think about such things.
It is time for the New York Yankees to think about their offense for next year. Apparently, they now need a new 3rd baseman. Their initial plans of Jeff Keppinger(not their fault, they offered enough money 3yr. 12 million- he said no) and Eric Chavez have been thwarted. I hate the idea of
Kevin Youkilis coming to the New York Yankees. It is not because he used to play for the Boston Red Sox, it is because he has a bad back and his best days are behind him. I do think the New York Yankees will now have to make a trade for an everyday 3rd baseman. The problem is the whole league is aware of it and will try to take advantage. Perhaps if Placido Polanco is healthy he might be a viable free agent option.
I continue to be a fan of a DH platoon of Delmond Young and Raul Ibanez. In fact, if money becomes an issue( I cannot believe I am writing this) they could get away with just signing one and resting other starters in the DH slot. Both Young and Ibanez can play the outfield in an emergency situation.
I am not sorry to see Russell Martin go. The guy hit .200 and under all year. You can find good defensive catchers that can't hit. They normally don't cost that much money. It is harder to find a good defensive catcher, who can hit. These guys have to be paid. That was not Russell Martin last year. Good luck in Pittsburgh. I would love to see A.J. Pierzynski behind the plate for the New York Yankees with Austin Romine being groomed as the back-up.
For some reason, everyone thinks the New York Yankees are set with their pitching. I think that is far from true. The New York Yankees will be set when they sign the guy who is going to pitch when one of our old veteran starters get hurt for an extended time. That pitcher is going to go along way to defining the success for the New York Yankees. If the Yankees starting 5 stayed healthy all year and makes the majority of their starts, they will coast into the playoffs. The chance of that happening is very slim. Last year they counted on Freddy Garcia and David Phelps for quite a few quality starts. The previous year Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia literally saved the New York Yankee rotation. I would certainly make a pitch for Joe Saunders as a likely candidate for that role. As the cliche goes; You can never have too much pitching. I would sign him, bring him to camp, and wait for someone to get hurt. He is left handed, a veteran and is not afraid of the spotlight. Right now if one of the starters go down, the loser of the David Phelps -Ivan Nova 5th spot battle gets the nod. That is fine- but with the age of Andy Pettitte, Kuroda, and CC's elbow it is certainly possible more than one starter can easily get hurt. They better sign one more veteran pitcher, I say Joe Saunders.
Finally, right field. If Granderson stays- sign Ichiro and one more contact right handed hitting corner outfielder. They way you can mix and match with all the outfield positions. Since Brian Cashman is looking for inexpensive players, I say Grady Sizemore would be a good fit- if he were right handed. But he's not so my search continues.
Now that I got that off my chest it's time for prayer and a devotional before bed.
