New York Yankees, New York Jets and Jesus

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.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Remembering Sandy Hook Elementary School

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 unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"
                                                                                               -Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
"And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
                                                                                                - Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

On Friday December 21, 2012 at 9:30 am millions of people across the country had a moment of silence in honor of the innocent victims of the Newport Connecticut shooting. I was one of them. I have written about my children in this blog many times. The parents of those little children must feel an indescribable pain. Christmas has come and gone. The families of the adults killed will never have another Christmas with their families again. Those children will never again have the joy of anticipating waking up on Christmas morning. This is a tragedy of great magnitude. Many other children in the world die similar horrible deaths with much less public notice. President Barak Obama was correct- if you have children hug them and hold them a little tighter, because there are parents who no longer have that chance. As we enter the New Year let us not forget the children and adults who were murdered that day. Let us also remember one thing- perhaps the only solace those parents may have. Those children are in heaven with Jesus Christ. Those children are now with God where, they are safe. They are free from harm. God sacrificed his own son, so those children can have eternal life. The adults who were killed have the same solace if they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In that, there is the only comfort I know.
" For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
                       -John 3:16 (NKJV)

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dallas Cowboys- Tragic Friendship

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (GNB)

Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.

Proverbs 20:1 (KJV)

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

One of my best friends is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Every time the Steelers lose and the New York Jets win, he hears from me. It is usually via text or a phone call. Of course, if you follow football you know this doesn't occur too often. He and I go way back to my freshman year in college, I love him like a brother. I texted him right after the Steelers lost to the Cowboys because I knew I had one day to gloat ( the Jets were playing on Monday night). When we were in college I was blessed to have him as a designated driver on many occasions. But like a lot of people- we were not perfect. There were times when I drank and probably should not have drove. We were just fortunate/blessed enough to never have a situation together like Jerry Brown and Josh Brent of the Dallas Cowboys. Wine is a mocker, drinking alcohol and driving is never alright. People who do it always feel they can "handle their liquor", and maybe they can- until that day that when someone dies or gets seriously hurt. Then it is too late and you just seriously injured a stranger- or killed your best friend.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Thinking about Quarterbacks, Free Agency and......

- 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.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Hurricanes and Storms

a shelter from the storm.

-Isiah 25:4

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

-Romans 10:9

My prayers go out to all those people who suffered, and are continuing to suffer, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. I felt blessed that my house suffered no damage and we never lost power. I praise God for that. I was very concerned about trees on both sides of my house coming down. But I was spared any hardships. The same cannot be said for many of my friends and family. I am proud to say that I have some family members (my in-laws in particular) who maintained a loving, thankful and serving attitude through the whole experience. Maintaining a loving attitude in the midst of adversity is no small feat. It is during adversity that some become depressed and resigned.

However, for those who know Jesus and know God loves them, you will see a loving and hopeful attitude. My mother and father in law have maintained that type attitude and also taken people into their home, even when they had no power themselves. I am sure they drew on the strength of the Lord and His assurances to accomplish this. People who know Jesus are blessed with the ability to handle adversity well. I am not saying that we always do- because we are all sinners and are not perfect. But I am saying that if you know Jesus, you will have the ability to handle adversity well. God loves us and will protect us through any storm- whether it results in loss of power, home or even life. It is a blessing to understand that, and to know that God is with us – no matter what. My in-laws know that, and many others who focused on God during the adversity of the storm know that. If you would only believe in Him, you would too.

The great part is that it is free and easy.

The Bible says: "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved".

If you do this you will know there is no storm, unexpected difficulty or emotional pain that you cannot handle with Jesus.

I am not sure this New York Jets team can handle a storm or adversity. I originally gave up on this team after being badly beaten by the San Francisco 49ers. However, they came back and played a good game against the Houston Texans (6-1), they beat the Indianapolis Colts (6-3) and lost a heart breaker to the New England Patriots (6-2). I foolishly began to feel this team could actually be good. However, true to form the New York Jets then get trounced by the Miami Dolphins (and a back- up quarterback). This team will no longer fool me. They are not good, they do not have a lot of talent. I have been a supporter of Rex Ryan, but his team was not prepared to play against the Dolphins. They will not be prepared to play the Seattle Seahawks and they will be badly beaten. If some miracle happens and they win, they will then loose to at least two poor teams after that. But the bottom line is they will not beat the Seahawks- I wish I was wrong, but I won’t be. Ricky Sapp will not all of a sudden become a dominant pass rusher. They were better off with a young Antonio Allen on their team (than on the practice squad). I think the only thing to look forward to is to see how players like Quinton Couples, Kenrick Ellis, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Demario Davis develop on defense. Offensively watching the development of Jeremy Kerley ,Stephen Hill and yes Austin Howard should be fun. Unfortunately, the New York Jets so far have done nothing to support the development of Mark Sanchez (as evidenced by no investment in the offensive line and overpaying and Santonio Holmes, etc), so there is no reason to think they will support the development of these offensive players. I repeat this team will lose badly to the Seattle Seahawks. I would pray that I am wrong- if I still prayed for sporting events :-)

There has been a lot of talk about what the New York Yankees should do this off- season regarding right field with Nick Swisher leaving. I will miss Swisher during the regular season. He was consistent, fun to watch and yes- clutch. However, the New York Yankees are about the post-season and he was the opposite of the two latter in the post-season. Unfortunately, he was consistently bad in the post-season, so when October comes I will be glad he is gone. First of all, I think Ichiro is one half of the answer for right field. Tori Hunter would work if he is willing to split time with Ichiro/ the other two left hand hitting outfielders. He would be pretty much guaranteed to play every time a left hander pitched(Girardi could also use match-ups based on numbers) and would be able to keep his 37 year old body fresh.
But the position I really want to see filled is the right handed DH spot. I think Delmond Young would be a great fit. He and Raul Ibanez at the DH spot would be formidable. Most importantly, Delmond Young is a professional hitter who can hit in the post season, something Nick Swisher could never do.

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

Friday, October 26, 2012

Hope for all ...Even New York Yankee fans

As for me I will always have hope; I will praise you more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day
Psalms 71:14-15

The other day I asked my oldest daughter (4 years old) what she wanted to be when she grew up. She told me she wanted to be a pray-er and to be God's helper. I thought it was sweet that she wanted to pray for people and help God. I also started to think what type of job she could do in the church. About a week later, two of my very good friends came over to my house for dinner. This was no ordinary dinner because these friends of mine (husband and wife) were going on a long-term mission trip to London, England. I have no idea when I will see them again. But, I was overjoyed to tell my daughter they were going overseas to tell people about Jesus. That is the only reason they are going, that is their job. I thought about my daughters answer to my question about what she was going to be when she grows up. I felt blessed to be able to show her two people who were great examples of “pray-ers” and God's helpers. I have two other friends (husband and wife) who are going on a long-term missions trip to Ecuador, I can tell her about them also. My daughter didn’t say she wanted to a missionary (I do not think she even knows what that means). However, her answer indicted to me a heart to help people and an understanding that God and the power of prayer can do just that. People who know God, always have hope. People who understand the power of prayer always have hope. I am blessed to know that with God no situation is hopeless. I wish more people understood this. I wish the people who know this (myself included) told more people. We do not have to travel far to do this, but I thank God for people like my friends going to England and Ecuador. They are doing what God tells us all to do. Hopefully one day my daughter may do the same.

It is easy to forget how many positives existed for the New York Yankees this year. The thing that is prominent in many fans mind is the horrible offensive showing in the playoffs, and it was horrible. It was painful to look at. I am happy A-Rod was benched, although he really could have played against Justin Verlander. Nick Swisher should have been benched two games and he should not return to the New York Yankees. There is a lot of talk about trading Curtis Granderson. Remember this team traded Ian Kennedy (the Arizona Diamondbacks #1 pitcher), Austin Jackson (the Detroit Tigers leadoff batter and starting centerfield) and Phil Coke a hard throwing lefty out of the pen (who actually closed out the final two games of the playoffs against the Yankees) to get Granderson. I would not be so quick to trade him. If he gets traded I would want players just as good or better than those three. Last year he had an MVP caliber season and despite far too many strikeouts this year he led the team in homeruns and RBI’s. This guy had more RBI’s and homeruns than Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Mark Texeria. If he gets traded you better be able to replace that production. I am not saying don’t trade him, I am just saying don’t be so quick to trade him, because you will need to get a lot in return. There were positives to Granderson’s season and the team has a lot to be proud of. They overcame major injuries to Mariano Rivera, Mark Texeria, Alex Rodriguez, C.C Sabathia, Michael Pineda and Andy Pettitte, and finished with the best record in the American League. That requires an excellent job of managing and solid playing. Unfortunately, their lack of situational hitting and clutch hitting (which was bad all year) caught up with them in the playoffs. They can rectify that problem by making sure the term professional hitter returns to Yankee stadium. Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neil, Wade Boggs, Robin Ventura, Scott Brosius, Cecil Fielder and Hideki Matsui are former Yankee professional hitters. Raul Ibanez and Derek Jeter are current professional hitters; these are hitters who don’t just try to hit homeruns every time they come up to bat. They can get a runner in from third base with less than two outs and they can get a hit with 2 outs and a runner on in scoring position. I miss those New York Yankees, we used to have a lot of them, and I could not find them last year. However, despite the bad endings, there was a lot of good things about this year and for that, New York Yankees fans should have hope.

The New York Jets lost a game they should have won. They should have beat the New England Patriots which is really an odd thing to say. The New York Jets were left for dead after the Forty Niner beat down. However, since then, they lost a close one to the first place Houston Texans( a game they should have won), they destroyed the Indianapolis Colts and then this game. Everyone expected to Pats to beat the New York Jets badly, not only did that not happen, the Jets should have won. Of course, the Patriots won because they know how to. The New York Jets forgot how to win after their 2010 win against these same Patriots in the playoffs. I must say as disappointed as I was after the game, I felt really hopeful about the season moving forward. Much like the New York Yankee season, the New York Jet game ended badly, but there were a lot of good things that we can take from this game. The running game was actually successful again, despite the Pats stout run defense, Mark Sanchez played a great game (minus the one pick and two fumbles). I never thought I would see the game where Sanchez had 41 pass attempts and the New York Jets almost win. Jeremy Kerley continues to progress and is developing into an excellent receiver, Dustin Keller is back and the defense played great for almost the entire game. Which brings us to the reasons why we lost. The defense after playing great for EVERY drive, blew it with the final two defensive drives. I have said this before, Rex Ryan's defense consistently fails to get a big stop to end out the game.
On Sunday the New York Jets play the Miami Dolphins, most likely this game will be hard fought and close. If it comes down to the defense making a stop to end the game, I can only hope they will get the job done.

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