New York Yankees, New York Jets and Jesus: 2013

Sunday, June 2, 2013

We All Make Mistakes

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18:21-22

6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;

through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

Proverbs 16:6

Now that the NFL draft is over, all the picks have been scrutinized, and we have seen or heard reports of the rookies in mini-camp, I have a confession to make. I was obsessed about the draft. Not only did I record and watch the draft, it had my complete attention. I had to work late the first night and when I got home I barely said hello to my wife before running to the television to see what I had missed. Of course I was taping it, so after it was over the first night I watched from the beginning to see what I had missed. The next night I told my daughters they had to be asleep by the time the draft comes on. That went over well with a 4 and 2 year old. At this point in our marriage my wife just shakes her head and thinks I am crazy. I do have to admit that it is a mistake to spend so much time dedicated to something like the draft. (Did I mention all the time I spent reading draft magazines?) But that is why I write this blog to help me correct my sports obsessed mistakes. There are many times in life we make mistakes. I am glad my wife can be amused by my current mistake. How different it is when we make mistakes that cannot be dismissed with a headshake. We can make mistakes that will harm our loved ones, friends and ourselves. Some mistakes have longstanding consequences. If you have made this type of mistake (and many people have, myself included), remember there is hope with Jesus Christ. If you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he died on the cross for your sins, then you have reason for hope. All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you and repent (turn away from that mistake) then the Lord will forgive you. Does this mean you will never make the same mistake again? No, of course not. Many of us struggle with the same mistake (sin) over and over again. God knows we will do this that is why he told Peter we must forgive each other 70 times (and he meant daily). If he expects us to forgive each other 70 times daily, the number of times He forgives us is unfathomable. You will still have to deal with the consequences of your mistake (sin) but you will be able to do it with God’s help. With God’s help you will be able to deal with ANY mistake you may have made- no matter how many times you make it.

Of course there were many draft “experts” who claimed the New York Jets made many mistakes in this years draft. I am not one of them. I think the New York Jets got seven quality picks in this draft. However, I cannot argue with anyone who criticized the New York Jets for not picking ANY offensive playmakers in this draft. They made a mistake there. But, a close look at the New York Jets draft reveals they drafted the highest rated cornerback (Dee Milner) on many draft boards. They selected the second highest rated defensive tackle on many boards, (Sheldon Richardson). Interesting they passed on Star Lotulelei. I believe Richardson can be a force for the New York Jets- but they made a mistake not signing Jarvis Jones. That guy will terrorize quarterbacks for years to come. The New York Jets also selected the highest rated quarterback on many boards (Geno Smith) in the second round. In a lot of ways that pick was a no brainer. Who complains when you get the highest rated quarterback in the second round? Of course, The ESPN and NFL Network “experts” ridiculed the New York Jets because that gave then 6 quarterbacks at that time. Well, the team has just four now and only two with a real shot at even starting. Did anyone notice how the Philadelphia Eagles were not ridiculed for taking Matt Barkley- even though that gave them 5 quarterbacks? The New York Jets essentially had the same number because they knew they were going to cut Tim Tebow. The Philadelphia Eagles still have 5 quarterbacks. It is a mistake to mock the New York Jets for that pick. If the truth were told I was very upset that the Buffalo Bills drafted E. J. Manuel in the 1^st round. I expected Smith to be gone and the wanted the New York Jets to draft Manuel in the 2^nd round. However, he was gone and Geno Smith was the correct move. The team drafted Brian Winters in the 3^rd round. He received a 3^rd round grade on many boards. When is solidifying your offensive line a mistake? In fact, they made a great under the radar signing of guard Stephen Peterman. This allows Winters some time to make the switch from tackle to guard. Most fans love the 5^th round pick of Oday Aboushi, a big masher who can play left and right tackle. Again, after the pick was made the “experts” said it was a mistake because he never played guard and therefore could not be used if a guard went down with an injury. Ridiculous! The problem is when you take a college guard and ask him to play tackle, not vice versa. Anybody remember the New York Jets seventh round pick last year Robert Griffin from Baylor (no relation to RGIII)? Of course not- a college guard moved to tackle and never heard from again. Aboushi can push Austin Howard or back up both tackles. Okay the team did made a mistake drafting William Cambell in the 6^th round; a defensive tackle from Michigan who will be moved to guard. The team seriously could have got this guy as an undrafted free agent. That may have been a wasted draft pick. I am not saying he will not be good, but they could have got him and not used a draft pick. The 7^th round pick of Tommy Bohanon could work really well. I have visions of Mark Sanchez dumping a ball off on third and five and actually picking up a first down-instead of throwing a pick six or fumbling. Or even dumping a ball off on third and long and giving the defense a chance. Bohanon can probably play tight end as well.

Last year I wrote about how much I like Damon “Snacks” Harrison to make the team as an undrafted free agent. This year I am looking at two guys who need to make the team, safety Rontez Miles, California (Pa.) who may be better than Josh Bush and Antonio Allen and center Dalton Freeman Clemson. I just think back to that game when Nick Mangold went down with an injury and the New York Jets had NO back-up center. Freeman was a four-year starter at Clemson, enough said.

Speaking of mistakes the New York Jets made a mistake not cutting Mike Goodson. As a new GM John Idzik has got to understand the importance of public relations. When you are perceived as a circus and the butt of every NFL joke you have to make serious efforts to reverse that line of thinking. The San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots and New York Giants can get away with players like Goodson. The New York Jets cannot.

I originally thought New York Yankee GM Brain Cashman was making a mistake with his lack of major moves after the rash of injuries to the New York Yankees. I was wrong. The team did a wonderful job with a bunch of third stringers and older “professional” hitters. However, after watching the sweep at the hands of the New York Mets, I am thinking this run is over. The starters had better come back now or Cashman will need to make a move. The lack of offense is becoming alarming. With Curtis Granderson going down again, I repeat the time is now. The job these guys did was tremendous, but I cannot take another at bat from Jason Nix. That guy is an automatic out who is exposed. He really is a late inning defensive replacement at best. Ichiro and Vernon Wells are good but they are old. They need someone who can spell them regularly. Cashman, I made a mistake initially thinking you should have made a move earlier. You will be making a mistake if you wait any longer.

I am a Phil Hughes fan but that guy is a 4^th starter at best. Cashman should offer him a 3-year contract extension at 4^th or 5^th starter money now. Waiting might back fire if injuries or just bad pitching by some of our younger guys lead to overpaying him down the road.

Now that I got that off my chest, time for a devotional and prayer before bed.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Love of Money......

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.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
-1 Timothy 6:10

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Matthew 6:21

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
-Proverbs 17:1

Several weeks ago my wife and I took our two daughters to Chuck- E- Cheese. I tell you this not because I want to promote this establishment. This was important to me because we spent a grand total of $5.00 and everyone had a great time. It was a great reminder that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have memorable moments with your family. In fact, many times I have taken my family to a local park for free and my kids have had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, too many times I think parents (especially fathers) feel limited recreationally due to finances. If we do not have the ability to spend lavishly we chose to do nothing instead. The most wonderful gift you can give your family is your time. It is easy to be consumed by commercialism, there are many ways to spend money for recreation. Therefore, the same applies for the opposite. Sometimes parents foolishly think since they spent so much money on social or recreational activities that their job is done. However, when the amount of money we have to spend on "things" for our family takes away from quality of things we "do" with our family; we miss the mark. God wants us to be responsible with our finances. The best way to do that is to focus on him and the things he wants us to do. Like spend quality time with our families

Apparently New York Jets new GM John Idzik is very concerned with his new teams finances and based on the way the former GM Mike Tannenbaum mismanaged the salary cap (talk about poor stewardship) he should be. The interesting thing is that under his leadership the team had gone from $30 million over the cap to $13 million under (before Darrell Revis trade ). Clearly he had no intention of paying Darrel Revis "quarterback" money or more likely he was forbidden to do so by Woody Johnson. Either way Revis is gone. The New York Jets have 2 first round picks and a manageable salary cap number. This may not be a popular notion but I am really excited to see what John Idzik is going to do with these picks, the draft and this team. I wish the New York Jets could have kept Darrel Revis, but I will not foolishly make Revis out to be a victim. If he really wanted to be a New York Jet, he would be. The bottom line is Revis was much more interested in getting EVERY dollar he could from the New York Jets. He was not focused on making as much money he could and remain a New York Jet. These are two very different things. Of course, the New York Jets paid lots of money to Santonio Holmes and Mark Sanchez. Clearly, any Jet fan would rather have seen the money spent on those two- go to Darrel Revis instead. I do not think John Idzik will overpay for such players in the future. So if a player - let's say Kenny Brit is all of a sudden made available for a 5th round pick (because the Titans are tired of his off the field incidents) and Rex comes running into Idzik's office (a la Santonio Holmes), I truly hope John Idzik will send Rex back to his office to work on the defense. Wouldn't it be great if the Bucs cut Revis after 2 years and the New York Jets re-sign him. It is nice to dream.
As far as tomorrow's draft goes. I would love to pick Jarvis Jones as our pass rushing OLB (assuming Dion Jordan is long gone) I share the fear of many Jet fans that Barkevious Mingo is Aaron Maybin re-visited. If the New York Jets pick Mingo I will hope that Charlie Cassserly is correct that he is the best pass rusher in the draft after Jordan. If the Jets pick Tavon Austin with the 13th pick, we will have reason to be excited. Whenever, you draft a playmaker that can score a touchdown whenever they touch the ball you have to be excited. It wouldn't be the worst thing to see the Jets trade out of one of those picks. In the 2nd round the Jets should draft Travis Frederick from Wisconsin to be plugged immediately into the right guard position and he can also play center as he did in college. I gave Travis Frederick the slight edge over Barret Jones simply because there is something special about Wisconsin offensive lineman. Eric Reid from LSU could also be an option here if he was not snagged in the 1st round. In the 3rd round the Jets can grab their tight end to replace Keller with Gavin Escobar from San Diego State. In the 4th round (usually a good one for the Jets) they get a starting safety with JD. Swearinger from South Carolina. This pick is actually a toss up because I would just as soon pick Robert Lester from Alabama and put him at free safety. If the jets don't trade their 5th round pick for Chris Ivory they can go wide receiver with Aaron Mellette from Elon. With the 6th round pick the Jets get the future "Tom Brady" pick with Sean Renfree from Duke. Many fans will boo this pick but he will be the Jets starting QB in 2014. In the 7th round the Jets get their running back (assuming they have not traded for Ivory) with Kerwynn Williams from Utah State a player with break away speed. This draft will be Idzik's moment to shine after the heartache of losing Darrel Revis. He will then have an opportunity to field a competitive team for 2014 and practice good money management.

I continue to be on board with the New York Yankees getting to under 189 million for next year. That would be a good way of showing responsible spending. I think Brian Cashman has done a great job of getting role players and bench players. But could someone tell Cashman that when you have lost A-rod, Jeter, Granderson and Texeria only getting Vernon Wells is not enough. They needed Wells before Teixeira got hurt. Cashman should have made a trade to acquire a power hitter to replace Teixeira. No one wants to hear about how difficult that would be. That is Cashman's job. He gets paid a lot of money to deal with situations like this. The Lyle Overbay's of the world are good if you have to replace on All-star who just had a stint on the 15 day DL. He is not a viable options as a player to be part of a the solution when 4 all stars are out until at least the All star break.
Fortunately the Yankees have great pitching, so that has been a tremendous help. But 4 singles for Andy Pettitte is not going to cut it. Also, can someone tell Girardi that Cervelli is NOT a number 5 hitter. I would much rather see a slumping Edwardo Nunez there than Cervelli.
That is all I have for now.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Bunny Rabbits and Easter Eggs are cute but........

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 teams (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 teams.

" In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again."

-Luke 24:1-7 (NIV)

Today I spent Easter with my family and two young ladies with their children. These young ladies, who are sisters, are so close to my wife and I, that they are truly family. Part of the day was spent reading the Bible to my two children and the two sisters' children. Reading the Bible to those 5 kids was a joy. Reading them the story of Christ being risen from the dead was a great reminder of how great a loving God we have. The oldest boy looked upset and asked me, "Why did He have to be crucified and die?" A great question- and the total point of the whole story. So that when we die, we can go to heaven and have eternal life, so that we can be spared for our sins. That is the love of our God. That is what he has done for us. All he asks in return is that we believe in him. I was pleasantly surprised at how much those little kids (ages 2-7) understood this story. They really got into it and (even though they are very cute) those kids did not need to hear about bunny rabbits and Easter eggs.

Later when I got home my sister called me to tell me my aunt had unexpectedly passed away. I was devastated. She was my mother's youngest sister and only 7 years older than me. Of course at that time I still had my "family" with me so I went upstairs quietly and cried. After my wife came to check on me, I remembered my response to the little boys question: "Why did he have to be crucified and die" and I remembered what Jesus himself said when Peter tried to stop the soldiers from arresting Him, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the father has given me?"( John18:11). He died for me and he died for my aunt and he died for you.

No sports today. Just not in the mood. But tomorrow is opening day for the New York Yankees :-)

Monday, January 28, 2013

Remembering Martin

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.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Last Monday was the holiday in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As I reflect back on what I learned about Dr. King one thing always stands out to me the most. This man appeared unafraid. I am so in awe of someone who knew that he would be killed, but continued to stand up so the world would be a better place. The man had a wife and children, I cannot imagine how he must have felt. That would take a tremendous amount of resolve and courage to continue knowing he would probably be taken away from them. However, when the time came for me to sit my four year old daughter down, to explain to her why the nation celebrates Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. I chose not to talk about my bias regarding his courage to continue in the face of an imminent assassination. I told my daughter that there was a time when people were hated and looked down upon because of the color of their skin. There was a time when people could not get along based on the color of their skin. I told my four year old daughter that because of Dr.King people people who are black and white can now get along. I told her Dr. King helped people to get along and to love one another. Without him her mommy and daddy would probably not have been able to get married. I explained how African-Americans had to ride in the back of the bus and that schools were separated based on skin color. I had the pleasure of telling her that he had a dream where black children and white children could work and play side by side. She understood that that dream had come true in her very own class, where there are children of African, European and Asian descent. Of course as adults we know the world is far from perfect, there is no racial utopia, but my daughter is four years old. One of the most important things I was able to tell my daughter was that Dr. King loved Jesus Christ. He was a Christian man and a pastor just like the one in our very own church. At that point I smiled and thought to my self- and that is why he was not afraid.

The New York Jets have a new general manager. I am happy the old one is gone. In sports, the general manger procures the players, the coaches coach the players. That is the order of things. I am sure every coach tells the general manager who they would like on their team. Ultimately, it is the general manger who is responsible for personnel. It does not matter if the general manger is a "cap guy" or a "football man", he has to be a good leader. A leader is not going to be an expert on every facet of a business he oversees. A good leader should surround himself with good people, be able to listen to various points of views and make a good decision. They should also have the conviction to follow their "gut". During the Eric Mangini- Mike Tannenbaum regime a lot of quality players were drafted/acquired via trade. D'brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, David Harris and Darrelle Revis were drafted, Kris Jenkins was acquired via trade. In fact, Eric Mangini had a philosophy regarding drafting players with certain core values. It is probably safe to say that Mike Tannenbaum trusted Mangini as they were close friends. However, ultimately it was the general mangers job to sign off on those players. For some reason New York media and New York Jets fans seem to believe that Rex Ryan is coach and GM of the New York Jets. Rex Ryan has a big mouth and if you listen to him over the past few years, he has a way of telling you the truth. He said during Hard Knocks that he got one pick in each draft and that particular year he picked John Connor in the 5th round. Ryan was clear he did not want to pick Stephen Hill with the New York Jets 2nd round pick. If Rex Ryan has been vocal regarding players he wanted, then good for him. He should be vocal. I would hope that the New York Jets top personnel men Terry Bradway and Scott Cohen would also be vocal. It was also clear that Ryan wanted Santonio Holmes. If Bill Polian can be fired for not having a back up for Peyton Manning, Mike Tannenbaum can be fired for not having a back up wide receiver, tight end, and giving out bad extensions. John Idzik is the new general manager of the New York Jets. It is clear that one of the things he will have to do is surround himself with people who have a good eye for talent. Maybe that person already works for the New York Jets, if not he should go out and hire that individual. The bottom line is John Idzik needs to decide on personnel for the New York Jets. If Rex Ryan advocates for a good player that will help the New York Jets win football games, Idzik should acquire him via draft or trade. If Rex Ryan wants another player like Santonio Holmes- John Idzik must have the courage to say no.
Another issue that will require courage is the Darrelle Revis situation. There is certainly no easy solution to that one. I love Darrelle Revis, I wish he could stay a Jet for life. However, if given the right deal, I would trade him. If the Jets could get a top 10 pick and a #2nd round pick or a #1 and multiple other picks from anyone not named Bill Belichick they should make the deal. This is coming from someone who is a huge fan of Revis. The reasoning behind this is only quarterbacks and great running backs can make or break your franchise. I look no further than the Arizona Cardinals to prove this point. The Cardinals have a wide receiver named Larry Fitzgerald who is not only one of the best wide receivers in football, he is one of the games best players. The Cardinals also have one of the best young cornerbacks in football, Patrick Peterson, he will be great for years. However, this team not only lost to the New York Jets this year, they had a worse record than the Jets. However, when they had Kurt Warner they went to the Super Bowl. I love Revis, but if the price is right he should be gone.

There are a lot of New York Yankee fans who seem a little concerned about Hal Steinbrenner trying to establish a 189 million dollar payroll. I think any team that cannot win with a payroll of that magnitude has lots of issues. A lot of fans seemed concerned that until today the Yankees had not signed a right handed hitting outfielder(Juan Rivera just signed). There also seemed to be a lot of concern regarding our current catching situation with Cervelli and Stewart. However, if there is one guy who deserves a benefit of the doubt regarding hitters it is Brian Cashman. I would not give him the benefit of the doubt on pitching. This guy would not have signed Rafael Soriano, thankfully Hal stepped in and signed him. The Yankees would have been in serious trouble after Mariano went down last year if not for Soriano. However, I must give him his due when it comes to hitters. I was not happy when the Yankees signed Raul Ibanez last year over Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui, boy was I wrong. So I will trust him with the Rivera signing (or any other hitter he brings in). I do think Cashman may have missed the boat on the 27 year old Delmond Young. He just signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for $750,000 plus incentives- that is Hal Steinbrenner type dollars. The New York Yankees should have signed him. I will have nightmares if the Yankees play the Phillies in the World Series and I have to watch Delmond Young put on another post-season hitting clinic against C.C and the gang. As for now he gets the benefit of the doubt regarding Juan Rivera. Regarding the combination of Cervelli and Stewart at catcher, please note Brian Cashman is well known for saying he has no problem starting the year with a neophyte or journeyman player and then bringing in an excellent player. Cashman once signed Nick Swisher coming off a year where he batted a little over .200 and told everyone Swisher would be the Yankees starting 1st baseman. Mark Teixeria was then signed for 180 million. He may have no intention of starting those two. I would like to see Austine Romine as the New York Yankees starting catcher. The reason the Yankees were able to trade Jesus Montero was because Romine and Sanchez were supposed to be the future at catcher. Well for Romine the future should be now. However, that is a move that would require some courage.

Now that I got that off of my chest it is time for a prayer and devotional before bed.

New York Yankees, New York Jets and Jesus