New York Yankees 2010 Preview

Its that time of year again. The time when your putting away the shovels and the boots you find that dusty baseball glove laying in the corner of the garage. Time to dust that baby off. Spring is here, and that means baseball is here too.

The New York Yankees are coming off their record 27th World Series Title and 40th American League Pennant after an exhilarating 2009 season. The new stadium opened and the atmosphere could not have been better last season. However last season is last season, and we Yankee fans know, its no good unless you can do it all over again. Lets take a look at the projected lineup, starting rotation, and key additions and losses.

Starting Rotation
L C.C. Sabathia
R A.J. Burnett
L And Pettitte
R Javier Vazquez
R Phil Hughes

Starting Lineup
SS Derek Jeter
DH Nick Johnson
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
C Jorge Posada
CF Curtis Granderson
RF Nick Swisher
LF Brett Gardner

Key Additions: Curtis Granderson (OF); Chan Ho Park (RHP); Marcus Thames (OF); Randy Winn (OF); Nick Johnson (DH/1B)

Key Subtractions: Johnny Damon (OF); Phil Coke (LHP); Hideki Matsui (DH); Ian Kennedy (RHP); Chad Gaudin (RHP)

The Yankees traded for Curtis Granderson early in the off-season and said goodbye to Melky Cabrera, who came on last season but was very inconsistent in his time with the Yankees. Granderson is the perfect clubhouse guy and an outstanding team player with a great swing suited for Yankee Stadium, but his defense in the later part of last season is a concern for me and I'm sure a lot of other Yankee fans. You wouldn't mind lesser numbers from Granderson this year if his defense is significantly better. With all the power in front of him, he just needs to be consistent.

After what could have been a disaster for the Yankees last year in the playoffs, the Yankees do not want to go through what they went through last season, and that is carrying only 3 starting pitchers in the postseason. Even though it worked out, the downfall is far too great in a best of 7 series. So the Yankees went out and worked out a deal with Javier Vazquez. Many Yankees fans cringed when they heard of the signing. Not me. Vazquez is perfect for the role he will play on this team. He will not be called upon to be their ace like he was in 2004. The pressure is no where near the level this year it was back in his first stint with the Yankees. The Yankees didn't have to go out and sign John Lackey or trade for Halladay or Cliff Lee. They have their top of the rotation set, and anything more would just be greed and an overkill.

The biggest question entering spring training was who was going to be the fifth starter. After a month of competition, Phil Hughes will be the fifth srater, leaving Joba Chamberlain to the bullpen, where he belongs. Another year learning from the greatest of greats Mariano Rivera will mold Joba into the closing role once Rivera retires, which I believe will be after this season. Joba had a bad spring and Hughes won the job decisively. With Joba and Rivera, along with Mitre, Marte, Robertson, and Aceves, the bullpen is in good hands. With Hughes in the rotation, if Pettitte stays healthy, the Yankees have a rock solid starting five, definitely one of the top five in the MLB.

There were some losses for this team. Johnny Damon is an irreplaceable clutch hitter. The Yankees will definitely miss his presence both in the clubhouse and once October rolls around. But the blame can only go to Damon. He was offered a 2 year $14 million contract by the Yankees but declined it, seeking more. The Yankees parted their ways and went and traded for Granderson. Damon reluctantly signed a one year $8 million dollar contract with the Tigers after he tried to go back to the Yankees who had moved on. Damon will be missed, but I thought the Yankees treated Damon fairly. Hideki Matsui on the other hand I don't understand. I thought when the Yankees got rid of Nick Johnson the first time it was a mistake, and Brian Cashman desperately wanted to bring him back. But after the postseason Matsui had, it is mind boggling to me that the Yankees did not even offer him a contract. If I had my choice at DH of either Matsui or Johnson, I choose Matsui any day of the week. But Matsui is not getting any younger, and whether or not he can play in the field is still a question. Nick Johnson is versatile and can give a few guys here and there a day off by playing the field.

With everything still intact and a few minor moves this off-season, the Yankees look poised to defend their World Series Title in 2010.



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NFL owners adopt new OT rule for playoffs

The NFL will now be a little more like college football. NFL owners voted 28-4 in Orlando today to change overtime rules for the playoffs.

Under the new rules, if the team that wins the coin toss and kicks a field goal, the team that lost the toss will have a possession. If they kick a field goal on that possession, then the next team to score wins. If they score a touchdown, the game is over. Also, if the team that wins the toss in overtime scores a touchdown on the first possession, the game is ends. For a complete breakdown and reaction from owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, please click here.

This has been a debate that has gone on for some time now in the NFL. Statistics have shown over the past 15 years that ever since the kickoff was moved back 5 yards to the 30, the team that won the toss won nearly 60% of the time. That was apparently enough to convince more than enough owners to change the rule. 24 owners needed to vote yes in order for it to pass.

Players have stated this week that they want to have a say in this process, but all rule changes are made by a vote by the owners.

Interestingly, the Vikings voted AGAINST the rule change. Had the rule been in effect last year, the Vikings would have had a possession after the Saints kicked the winning field goal in overtime of the NFC Championship last season. Owner Zygi Wolf said he voted against it because he wanted consistency between the regular season and the playoffs.

I like this rule change. The regular season is the regular season. We can have ties in the regular season. We can't in the playoffs. The statistics don't lie, since the kickoff was moved back and the game has advanced dramatically offensively, more teams are scoring on their first possession. The same can be said on the first possession of the game and the first possession after the second half. This rule makes sense for all the teams and does not favor one over the other.

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Tiger STILL not answering questions people want answered

Tiger Woods today granted a five minute interview to ESPN's Tom Rinaldi in Orlando, the first since he crashed his SUV in his driveway last Thanksgiving. You can watch the entire five minute interview here.

Tiger once again refused to answer questions regarding what happened on Thanksgiving night at his home where he crashed his SUV. He still contends the events surrounding Thanksgiving night are between he and his wife. That just does not add up to me. Crashing a car and having affairs with several women are two distinctly different issues. If they are one in the same, then I would assume that Tiger Woods crashed his SUV after getting into a dispute with his wife after she confronted him about having extramarital affairs, something Woods denied happened in his press conference a couple of weeks ago. If they are not one in the same, then I believe Tiger's problems stem deeper than sex addiction. I do not care about the women Tiger has slept with and the motives he had to sleep with them. That stuff is for The View. What matters to me and golf fans is to why he's been away from the game for 5 months.

It has been reported that Tiger underwent treatment for sex addiction at a rehab facility in Mississippi. Quietly, the National Enquirer has also reported that Tiger Woods sought treatment in Arizona for substance abuse of prescription medications after he finished rehab in Mississippi. You can read that story here. In the police report, it was cited that Tiger's wife Elin turned over two prescription drug bottles to police officers at the scene. This along with the fact that Tiger declined to be interviewed by the Florida highway patrol after the accident is more than enough evidence to me that something else is going here.

The events of the past several months do not add up. If you ask me, I believe that Tiger Woods has a problem of abusing prescription medication, which may or may not have possibly lead to other inappropriate actions in Tigers life. But we don't know, and that's the problem. Tiger again controlled this press conference by limiting the time to five minutes. No time for follow-up questions, and no time to get deep into certain issues the public wants to hear about. Tiger again had the opportunity to set the record straight and put this entire thing behind him. Instead it continues to drag on as the Masters gets closer and closer. And that is something I would not want to be hanging over my head as I play the biggest major championship of my career.

Your thoughts on Tiger in Comments

Florida Pro Day

The Day Tim Tebow fans have been waiting for has finally come. Tebow today worked out in front of pro scouts and coaches for his final shot to prove he is NFL ready and fit to be a starting quarterback in the league. Will his new and improved motion on display in front of scouts elevate his draft status come April? Only time will tell. You can read my take on Tebow from an earlier blog here. For a complete breakdown of Tebow's day, be sure to check out the Fox Sports Blog.

CB Joe Haden was also looking at a shot to improve his draft status after a not so good showing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Haden reportedly ran a 4.43 40, much better than the 4.57 he ran at the Combine. Need to be in that range to be able to run with wide receivers in the NFL. Haden will be a first round pick come April, and his showing today only solidified that.

TE Aaron Hernandez also had a nice showing today by reportedly running a 4.5. He is going to be a beast of a tight end in the NFL. At 6-2, 250 he is a big, physical tight end with great hands that will be an unstoppable weapon in the red zone come Sundays. He gets off blocks and his lack of ability in pass protection is overblown in my opinion. Behind Oklahoma's Jermain Gresham, he is the best TE available in the Draft.

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin was on site to see the 15 or so University of Florida players workout at their Pro Day. The Giants are in desperate need of linebacking help after they released their middle linebacker and leader Antonio Pierce. Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes was an option for the Giants to replace him along with Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain. I say was because Spikes has been a concern for a lot of pro scouts because of his speed and is not projected as a top 15 pick by most. Most draft experts have Spikes going late first round, early second round. But his stock may drop even further after not breaking 5 seconds on his 40 time today, leaving me and many others shaking their heads. He ran a 5.02 and 5.08 in his two attempts, according to reports. The Giants might be looking in a direction other than Spikes for their middle linebacker, but regardless this issue must be cleared up prior to the start of the season if the Giants wish to return to their Super Bowl form from 3 years ago. If they do not sign or draft a middle linebacker by the start of the season, the competition in camp will be between Chase Blackburn and Jonathon Goff.

The Giants current starting linebackers are Danny Clark, who is 32 and his tackles have declined in recent years, and Michael Boley who, when healthy last year, was great in pass defense and productive in stopping the run. The Giants really could have settled this issue by pursuing LB Carlos Dansby, but Giants GM Jerry Reese decided to go in a different direction and build through the draft after a busy offseason last year in signing free agents on defense.

If the Giants want to use their #15 pick to get a middle linebacker, they will have to hold their breath between picks 9-14 to see if McClain falls to them. Denver plays a 3-4, a system McClain thrived in at Alabama under coach Nick Saban, and would fit perfect in their defense. A system the Giants do not play. If Denver loses WR Brandon Marshall prior to the draft, they will undoubtedly take WR Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State. If not, McClain could be their man. The Browns also need help on defense, although mainly in the secondary. McClain may be their guy. If hes gone, look for the Giants to trade down.

Comments. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Tiger Woods to make return at The Masters

Tiger is back. He will return next month at The Masters. This will be Tiger's first tournament since his accident and subsequent fallout from last Thanksgiving.

The choice makes total sense from his standpoint. TMZ and the like do not have credentials to the Masters and won't be there to hound Tiger with questions not pertaining to golf. He may get some non-golf questions from the regular golf media but nothing that will make Tiger uncomfortable.

The fans are another distraction Tiger must face on his return. Another advantage for him in choosing the Masters is they are strict about golf etiquette. They will escort off the grounds anyone they deem is disrupting either other fans or the players. This is something only done at Augusta and no other PGA tournament or USGA tournament. No one will be yelling in Tiger's swing or chanting any obscenities. The following clause appears on the Masters website:

"In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play. It is appropriate for spectators to applaud successful strokes in proportion to difficulty but excessive demonstrations by a player or his partisans are not proper because of the possible effect upon other competitors."

"Most distressing to those who love the game of golf is the applauding or cheering of misplays or misfortunes of a player. Such occurrences have been rare at the Masters but we must eliminate them entirely if our patrons are to continue to merit their reputation as the most knowledgeable and considerate in the world."

Tigers return will do wonders for ratings for The Masters, which always usually have high ratings.

More on The Masters as it gets closer. Comments

Giants and Jets both to open new stadium Opening Weekend, but WHY?

The New York Giants have been planning for nearly 5 years the construction of the new Meadowlands Stadium set to open next month. The New York Jets originally planed to build their own stadium on the West Side of Manhattan before that was thwarted by politicians. Don't even get me started on trying to build ANYTHING in the state of New York, its just a joke.

After the West Side Stadium collapse, the Jets and Giants joined forces in a 50/50 partnership in the Meadowlands Stadium. Unlike the current stadium where the Jets are tenants, the new stadium will not be named after the Giants and even the colors will be interchangeable to reflect who is playing.

So when the question came up as to who would open the new Stadium, both teams demanded that it be them. One solution that made perfect sense for everyone and would please a lot of fans would be to let the 2 teams play each other Week 1. But that was quickly thwarted by the NFL. Since the 2 teams are not scheduled to play each other until next year, the NFL would not alter the schedule to solve the dispute. No problem. We all know how complex and particular the schedule is and how far in advance its planned. So the next thing was to just award it to the Giants, after all they started the process. The Jets quickly whined about that idea. So the NFL decided it would flip a coin to see who has the first game. When the NFL conducted the coin flip without representatives from either team present, the Jets whined again saying the flip was biased.

O.K. on to solution number three, have BOTH teams open the stadium on the same weekend, which the NFL has decided it will do. The Giants will be first and open on Sunday with the Jets hosting on Monday Night Football. The Jets will open the first preseason game, not that it matters because no one shows up to them anyway.

But how we got here was sketchy to say the least, with a lot of back and forth by both the Jets and the NFL. This solution makes total sense, but oh man wouldn't it have been fun if the two faced each other Week 1 in September? Try getting a ticket to that game!

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NFL Free Agency Tracker 2010

3/14 7:30 P.M.: Ladainian Tomlinson has signed a two year contract with the New York Jets. The Jets were in need of a backup running back after Thomas Jones decided not to re-sign with the Jets in a limited role and chose to be the focal back in Kansas City. LT on the other hand comes in understanding that the lead role will primarily be Shonn Greene. LT will be a nice compliment to a team that lead the NFL in rushing a year ago behind the best offensive line in football. Unlike Jones, LT comes to a team that is prime to win now. With Greene, LT, and Leon Washington in the backfield, Mark Sanchez in year two, and assuming they resign Braylon Edwards, the Jets are set for another great run at a Super Bowl in 2010.

Following up yesterdays move by the Browns, they have traded Brady Quinn to Denver for RB Peyton Hillis and two conditional 2011 draft picks. The starting job in Cleveland will now be Jake Delhomme's, barring an injury in the off-season or a leap by Seneca Wallace who was signed earlier in the off-season. The Broncos add Quinn to most likely backup Kyle Orton, who resurrected his career last season after being traded from Chicago to Denver. Orton had a fantastic 2009 throwing for 3,800 yards and 21 touchdowns.

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3/13 9:30 P.M.: The Cleveland Browns have signed former Panthers QB Jake Delhome to a 2 year contract. Delhomme enters after being benched midway through last season in favor of Matt Moore. Delhomme will be competing for the starting job against Brady Quin once training camp begins. Quinn was originally slated to be the starter the year he was drafted, 2007, but after a hot camp by Derek Anderson Quin sat his rookie year and watched Anderson lead the Browns to a 10-6 record. Anderson was immediately named the Browns starter for 2008 but struggled mightily as Quinn started to take over late in 2008 and won the job in camp in 2009. Last season under new coach Eric Mangini, The Browns turned to more of a rushing team as neither Quinn or Anderson held onto their starting jobs. Bringing in the experienced Delhomme will no doubt push Brady Quinn to improve his game, as he is only 3-9 as a starter in the NFL. Mike Holmgren seems to believe that Quinn still is either not ready to be a starter, or will never be one. Either way Delhomme has a great shot to resurrect his career after an abysmal season last year in Carolina last season.

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3/12 11:20 P.M.: The Washington Redskins have signed former Chiefs RB Larry Johnson to a 3 year contract. Johnson enters the Skins backfield that has Cinton Portis but no longer has Ladell Betts. Portis only played in 8 games this past season and ran for under 500 yards for the first time in his career. Johnson comes in after a nasty departure from the Chiefs when he had some unkind words about their head coach Todd Haley. Johnson has not lived up to his hype after the back to back 1,700 yard seasons in 2005 and 2006. He has been injured off and on and has only averaged above 4 yards per carry in 1 season since 2006. The Redskins problems run much deeper than the running back position. The offensive line needs work and the Skins are still undecided as to whether new coach Mike Shanahan will move forward with Jason Cambell or start over and pick a quarterback with the #4 overall pick in the Draft this April. This is a good depth signing by the Redskins, although I do not believe he will contend for the starting job is Portis is healthy. If hes not, Johnson is a great insurance policy and will take over if called upon.

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3/11 10:45 A.M.: The Cincinnati Bengals have signed former Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant to a four year, 28 million dollar contract. Bryant has been inconsistent throughout his career with only two 1,000 yard seasons and no seasons of 10 or more TD's. Some of the blame can be put on the fact that Bryant never played with a great quarterback, playing with Trent Dilfer in Cleveland and Rookie Alex Smith in San Francisco. Once Bryant got to Tampa Bay with Jeff Garcia, he had the best season of his career with 1,200 yards receiving and 7 TD's. But once Garcia left last year and Josh Freeman took over as quarterback, Bryants numbers declined significantly.

With Pro-Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer, when not injured, leading the Bengals on offense, Bryant could be a valuable asset playing opposite Chad OchoCinco. The Bengals were also exploring bringing in the older Terell Owens, but chose for the younger Bryant instead. The Bengals have been lacking WR talent for years, weaving in and out several different receivers. The Bengals had their guy before the unexpected and tragic death of Chris Henry last season. With Bryant, OchoCinco, and Bubba Caldwell now set as the top 3 receivers in Cincinnati, the Bengals seem set on offense to defend their 2009 AFC North title.

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3/10 10:00 A.M.: Thomas Jones has signed a two year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Jones leaves the Jets after 3 stellar seasons behind the best offensive line in football to go to a mediocre team in the AFC West with no shot at a Super Bowl. Why would a 30+ year old back want to leave a contender to become the featured back on a bad team? Ego. Thomas Jones is more concerned about being a starting running back then being a winner. With an attitude like that, the Jets should hold their heads high and say "don't let the door hit you in the but on the way out." I'm sure the Jets offers to Jones were more than satisfying for most 30+ year old backs in this league.

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3/7 3:10 P.M.: The New York Jets have traded safety Kerry Rhodes to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2010 fourth round pick, and a 2011 seventh round pick. Rhodes fills a void that was left in the Cardinals secondary after Antrel Rolle signed with the Giants yesterday. Rhodes should be a very good fit for the cards as they play a lot of cover 2. The Jets, meanwhile, have a huge void at the safety position. Rhodes played alright last season after 3 stellar seasons. Eric Smith and Jim Leonhard, who is a free agent, are the only regulars left on the Jets roster. I would expect the Jets to use their first round pick this year, #29, to pick a safety. Eric Berry will be a top 10 pick, but if the Jets trade up a few spots, they can grab Taylor Mays out of USC and he would have an immediate impact on the defense.

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11:10 P.M.: The Baltimore Ravens have acquired WR Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals in exchange for a third and fourth round draft pick in 2010. Boldin has been a hot commodity for 2 years now and it was only a matter of time before the Cardinals traded him. There is no way they would trade Larry Fitzgerald, and with the emergence of Early Doucet and Steve Breaston, Boldin was the odd man out. The Cardinals will not skip a beat at the WR position because the aforementioned Doucet and Breaston are more than capable of picking up the slack. As far as the Ravens go, this is a huge addition for them. Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason are getting up there in age and are not the players they used to be. Mason is still a great receptions guy, but they needed someone to go deep, and Boldin is their man. He is a big, physical receiver who will catch the ball in traffic.

The Giants have added another safety from THE U, Antrel Rolle. Rolle previously played for the Cardinals and had recorded 10 interceptions over the last 3 season. It is being reported that the contract will be the highest in NFL history for a safety. Well worht it for the Giants. Thier secondary was TERRIBLE last season. Actually, terrible is an understatement. Most plays of 40+ yards given up in franchise history. The loss of Kenny Phillips certainly reflects that, but the Giants now have a back-up plan in case Phillips is not 100% by the start of camp. Giants GM Jerry Reese seemed concerned about this when talking today, so it seems Phillips is behind schedule as far as rehab goes. Lets hope this is not the case. And if that is not the case, the Giants will have a U at both safety positions starting next season, much to the delight of Giants fans.

After watching the Jets make big moves yesterday, the Dolphons could not sit quietly. They have signed MLB Carlos Dansby to a 5-year contract. Dansby joins a linebacking core that already has Jason Taylor. They released Joey Porter last month. No doubt this was a huge pickup for the Dolphins whose defense fell last year compared to years past as they tried to get younger. Dansby will be called upon to lead this young defense as they try to compete with the Jets and Pats at the top of the AFC East in 2010.

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3:15 P.M.: The frugal Chicago Bears have opened their wallets and have signed Julius Peppers to a 6 year contract. Peppers was the #1 free agent this year and a very talented pass rusher. The Bears defense could use this boost. With the Bears trading their first and second round draft picks this year, this was their only opportunity to add impact players to their team. Not stopping there, they have also signed former Vikings running back Chester Taylor and former Chargers TE Brandon Manumaleuna. Manumaleuna is a nice target for quarterback Jay Cutler, who struggled last season to finish drives. The Bears with these moves have boosted their roster dramatically and appear ready to challenge Green Bay and Minnesota for the NFC North title in 2010

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The leagues #1 defense just got better. The New York Jets have acquired Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers for a conditional third round pick in 2011. This is a no brainier move by the Jets. Recently released corner Lito Sheppard struggled during the end of the season and was benched in the AFC title game. Cromartie will fit right in opposite Derell Revis. The Jets as everyone knows loves to send pressure, that means corners will have to play tight and play quick to the ball, which Cromartie does extremely well. I wouldn't want to be trying to play the Jets next season trailing in the fourth quarter.

More reaction to signings as they happen

NFL Free Agency 2010

The bidding begins at midnight for several prominent NFL players who will become free agents.

Julius Peppers, Darren Sharper, Carlos Dansby, Garry Brackett, Kevin MaWae, Thomas Jones, and LaDainian Tomlinson are at the top of the wish list.

This year, unlike most in the past, any team who finished out of the top 8 last year will be able to throw any amount of money they want to lure in free agents. This is because 2010 will be an uncapped year in the NFL.

Rumors are circulating everywhere as to where these players, among many others, may land come midnight. It's anyone's guess, but Washington, Chicago, Arizona, Carolina, Giants, and Seattle are expected to be major players with holes to fill at big money positions. Just because teams have the ability to spend all the money they want does not mean they will. Several teams are not expected to reach the cap floor set last year. No ceiling, no floor. A lot of teams will take a year off and collect their TV money.

Jerry Reese, GM of the Giants, has publicly stated he is not pursuing free agent LB Carlos Dansby, a good move in my opinion. A better move would be to draft one with the #15 pick taking either McClain or Spikes. The Giants should go after Julius Peppers. The Giants pass rush was lacking significantly last year even with Osi Umenyiora's return. It has become clear that Osi is frustrated with the way he has been handled by the coaching staff and the organization. I think the Giants think of him as their #1 pass rusher, but Osi's actions off the field have to be concerning to the coaches and management. If the Giants have faith in Osi, come out and say it publicly. If not, make an offer to Peppers and trade Osi. Another gaping hole the Giants have is safety. I stated a few months ago that Bob Sanders would be a perfect fit if the Colts released him. I figured they would because of his injury's, but they have not. The next best thing is Darren Sharper. He has been a Giant killer over the years with New Orleans, Minnesota, and Green Bay. It would be nice to see him in Giant blue next season. If these needs are not addressed during free agency, the will be addressed at the draft in April.

The Jets are limited as to who they can sign because they reached the AFC Championship last year. In order to sign someone, they must lose someone of equal or lesser value. The Jets have cut Thomas Jones, but they are trying to turn around and resign him. If they could, they would love nothing more than to throw all the money in the world at Julius Peppers. That is a void that cost them a shot at the Super Bowl last year. But they can't. They must make do with what they have and add through the draft. This year more than other, the draft will be very very important for teams who are unable to spend money and are only a player or two away from being championship teams.

I'll have more on the Draft as we get closer. Comments on free agency here.

Canada wins Gold in Vancouver

From elation to disbelief, all in a matter of about a half an hour.

When Zach Parise scored the tying goal with 24 seconds left in the third period for the United States, the air was sucked right out of Canada Hockey Place as team Canada went into the locker room at the end of regulation. The United States were still celebrating as they went in with a wave of momentum on their side heading into OT. Canada would have to kick it into another gear to sustain the U.S.

One thing they had going for them, 4 on 4. The United States was no match against Canada 4 on 4. In fact, play a full 60 minutes 4 on 4 and Canada wins hands down. Too much space for the superstars on team Canada to utilize their skill and create scoring chances. And sure enough 2 of those superstars would create the situation for the game winner. After a simple dump to the corner, Jarome Iginla and Sidney Crosby worked a simple cycle play along the boards. Defenseman Brian Raflaski let Crosby get ahead of him and left him in alone on Miller. As Miller went to poke check the puck away from Crosby, Crosby looked up, saw Miller reach out, and pushed the puck in the exposed 5 hole of Miller. Its one of those bang bang situations for a goalie that once you decide to go for a poke check, you leave the 5 hole (the area between the goalie pads) totally exposed. The helpless Miller fell to the ice in disbelief as Crosby and team Canada celebrated to his left along the boards.

If that same situation had happened 5 on 5, that goal never happens. Once the puck is dumped in, a defenseman and the center would flow towards the boards in pursuit of the puck and the second defenseman would stay back. In that situation both defenseman went along the boards to pursue the puck and the centerman stayed high to defend the point. Its just a situation that is not practiced a lot by NHL players because they rarely play 4 on 4.

But to get to that point in the game, Zach Parise had to get us their. And who would anyone else think it would be besides him? With the goalie pulled under a minute to go, Patrick Kane cycled the puck around the net, turned, and shot towards Luongo. Both Parise and Langenbrunner were left alone in front of Luongo behind the defense as everyone on Canada was watching Patrick Kane. Parise would put home the rebound on Kane's shot to tie the game. Another huge defensive let down that we saw too much of in this game from both teams. On Canada's first goal, Eric Johnson tried to pass the puck up the middle to his defense partner rather than clearing high up the boards. The puck was turned over, and Jonathon Toews buried home a rebound for the first goal for Canada.

The great thing about this game and these Olympics is the exposure hockey is getting. Normal people who normally do not watch hockey were glued to their TV sets over the past 2 weeks, and are still talking about the game today. The U.S. Canada preliminary round game was the highest rated show on MSNBC besides Election Night coverage (not a shocker by any means). The NHL needs to take advantage of this for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs this year in their marketing. Let the casual sports fans know that this is what happens year round for all 30 teams for 82 games followed by the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their case isn't helped by the fact that Versus is not carried on DirecTV in an ongoing dispute over a contract.

Another thing up in the air is the 2014 games in Sochi. The NHL collective bargaining agreement will expire prior to those games, so the NHL right now will not commit to sending their players to them. It would be a monumental mistake should the best hockey players in the world NOT be playing in those games. Every player that was their this week said they would not give up a chance to play in these games for anything. Lets keep it that way.

Comments on the Olympics