The Recap

Untitled from Marc Cira on Vimeo.

The Jeter Meter

For the past week, the New York sports radio shows were taken captive by anti-Derek Jeter calls. I am amazed at how people have turned on the Yankee captain so quickly. But I guess it shouldn't surprise me.

Maybe I am a true fan of Jeter. Maybe I'm just a loyal sports fan - I know, I'm the last of the species. Unfortunately, sports, like life, is very much a what- have-you-done-for-me-lately kind of world. It's sad, but nothing, and no one, is going to change it.

Yes, heading into today's game against Texas, Derek Jeter was hitting a very light .256. I know he had an un-Jeter-like .270 batting average last season. But it's Derek Jeter. The Yankee captain. The man in the middle for 5 World Series championships. It's been more than 15 years of pure greatness. And as soon as we get any hint of decline, we want the guy dropped in the lineup, moved away from his position, or much worse, off the team in place of a younger, new superstar shortstop. It's absolutely mind-boggling to think of.

And it's not just the fans. It's baseball writers, radio talk show hosts, and commentators. It's disgraceful.

For the past 17 years, he has been nothing but class. And for that, and everything else Jeter has done for us, or given us, we pay him back with this.

All the great moments - the "Flip Play" in the 2001 ALDS, the walk-off home run in the 2001 World Series, the patented back-hand play from the hole and jump throw, the over-the-shoulder catches, and of course, the dive into the stands against the Red Sox in extra innings to save the game.

All that, and now this. "He can't play anymore." "He needs to drop himself in the lineup." "The Yankees need to think about the future and sign a shortstop next year." These are just some of the things said by so-called "Yankee and Jeter fans" who have called into radio shows this week.

Derek Jeter, always the professional, doesn't say much about it, at least with his mouth. On Sunday, Jeter answered all the critics with a 4-for-6 performance, including 3 RBI and his first 2 homers of the year. Two patented Jeter swings, driving the ball to right-center field, quieted the Texas crowd today, and all of the phone lines tomorrow. He appears like he's back to being the Jeter of old, instead of just looking like an old shortstop.

But to me, it's like he never left.

Yanks Power Through March and April

The New York Yankees finished up April in first place in the American League East, with a 15-9 record. The Bronx Bombers really were just that, crushing 43 homers in their first 24 games.

Heading into the season, the Yankees had many questions, both in the starting rotation and in terms of everyday players. But New York has to be happy with where they are, although they did catch a big break from Boston and Tampa Bay, who struggled mightily out of the gate.

So let's break down the first real month of baseball in Yankeeland.

The Starting Rotation...

CC Sabathia has been his usual self, posting a 2.25 ERA. However, due to no run support, Sabathia didn't pick up his first win until mid-April. He finished the month with a 2-1 record, striking out 36 batters in 40 innings.

A.J. Burnett may have been the biggest question mark heading into the season. So far so good for Burnett, posting a team-high four wins to go along with a 3.93 ERA. Obviously, new Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild has had a positive effect on the big right-hander.

Phil Hughes was supposed to be the No. 3 starter for the Bombers. After three starts and a 13.94 ERA, Hughes shut it down with what he called a "dead-arm period." Hughes' arm strength is a major concern for the Yankees, as he could barely top 90 mph on the radar gun in any of his starts.

Ivan Nova has been a nice surprise in the early going. He has shown more consistency this season, after making seven up-and-down starts with the Yanks last year. Nova went 1-2 with a 5.82 ERA in April, but has gone deep into games of late.

Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon have been everything the Yankees could have asked for and much more. Garcia went 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA, giving up only four runs in 18 innings. Colon, on the other hand, didn't make the starting rotation when the Yankees broke camp. But, he's been a great fill-in for the sidelined Hughes. The 38-year-old posted a 2-1 record with 2.77 ERA in April.

The Bullpen...

Mariano Rivera has been, well, Mariano Rivera. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer finished March and April with nine saves and 2.13 ERA. Rivera picked up his tenth save of the year in the 5-2 win against the Blue Jays this afternoon.

As for his set-up man, Rafael Soriano, it hasn't been the easiest transition to New York. Soriano is 1-1 with a 6.57 ERA and 2 big blown saves. He's also had a rocky first impression with the New York media, not speaking after games that he has blown.

Joba Chamberlain has shown signs of the old Joba, and David Robertson has been excellent, posting a 1.86 ERA.

The Infield...

Derek Jeter hasn't gotten off to the start that he hoped for, but he has picked it up of late, raising his average to a very an un-Jeter-like .242. The Yankee Captain has collected 23 hits, moving him within 51 of 3,000 for his career.

Mark Teixeira, a perpetual slow-starter, got off to a great start this season. Tex opened the season with homers in each of his first three games. He finished the month of April with six bombs, and hit another one in the win against Toronto this afternoon.

Robinson Cano continued right where he left off last season, in which he finished third in the MVP voting. Cano is tied for the team lead in homers with eight, and leads the Yanks with 21 RBI. Oh, and he's hitting a cool .320. Enough said.

Alex Rodriguez has also gotten off to a good start. A-Rod, who missed a few games in April with the flu, is hitting .274 with five homers and 18 RBI in the early going.

Russell Martin has fit in perfectly with his new teammates, and his production and work ethic have been a big reason why. Martin has played nearly every inning this season, missing only two games. But his bat has been the biggest surprise. The former Dodger is hitting .293 with six homers and 19 RBI.

Jorge Posada hasn't had a smooth transition to his new role, being the team's everyday designated hitter. Posada is hitting just .133 after 75 at-bats. However, his bat hasn't looked slow all the time, connecting on six home runs, including a few late-inning clutch homers that have either tied the game or given the Yankees the lead.

Eric Chavez has been a great addition to the Yankees bench. Chavez has played both first and third base, and has been good defensively. But the Yankees and their fans have been more impressed with his bat. In just 31 at-bats, Chavez is hitting .290, including a game-winning hit earlier in the year.

The Outfield...

Curtis Granderson hit seven home runs in April alone, and added another one today. Granderson's eight home runs make him the leader among center fielders, putting him on pace for 52 dingers.

Brett Gardner has had a rough start to the 2011 season. Gardner is hitting just .200, with only four stolen bases in eight attempts.

And in right field, Nick Swisher has also had a rocky start. Swisher is hitting just .218 with only one home run.

Andruw Jones, like Chavez, has also been a good addition to the Yankees' bench, starting in left field against lefties. Jones, in just 22 at-bats, is hitting .273 with two home runs and 10 RBI.

So that's a look at how the Yankees have started the 2011 Major League Baseball season. The Nose Bleed Seats will be covering the Yankees all season long, as well as, the rest of the sports world.

Seismologists Predict Major Earthquake Will Hit West Coast

After watching countless hours of Japanese tsunami video, I couldn't help but wonder about the destruction a tsunami would cause here in America. And apparently, I'm not the only one.

More Americans are now worrying about a potential threat of an earthquake and tsunami, especially on the West Coast. And unfortunately, it's moving toward becoming a reality as predictions are far from optimistic.

Seismologists from the California Institute of Technology Seismological Laboratory ("or Caltech") have calculated a 99.7 percent chance of an earthquake of 7.0 or more to hit the West Coast within the next 30 years. Studies have also shown that an earthquake of this magnitude is powerful enough to cause a tsunami.

According to National Geographic, roughly 80 percent of the tsunamis that do occur, happen on the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire."

Although the March 11 disaster in Japan was caused by an incredibly powerful 9.0 quake, an earthquake of 7.0 could still cause a tremendous amount of damage and casualties.

Japanese officials have now reported a death toll of 14,435, while 11,601 people still remain missing. It is the deadliest Japanese disaster in nearly a century.

Evening News: Could The West Coast Be Next?

The Next Coast?

Seismologists have been studying the plates under the San Andreas Fault for as long as we can remember. But after the horrifying events in Japan last month, the fear that a major earthquake will hit the West Coast has increased.

In fact, it is now more than just a fear. Seismologists from the California Institute of Technology Seismological Laboratory have confirmed that there is nearly a 100 percent chance of an earthquake, measuring 7.0 or greater, to hit the coast sometime in the next 30 years.

In an interview with CBS earlier this month, seismologist James Gaherty compared the earthquake and tsunami in Japan to what we could potentially see here in America.

"The Pacific Northwest has the same kind of characteristics as the fault beneath Japan," he said. "We're worried about a large subduction zone similar to Japan."

Many other seismologists fear that the West Coast is the last missing piece along the "Ring of Fire" to experience major plate movement.

"If you think of the Pacific plate as a square, we have had a major earthquake in the Northwestern side of that square, in Japan," Simon Winchester said in an interview with MSNBC. "On February 22 we had Christchurch in New Zealand in the Southwest of the square. Last year we had a major earthquake in Chile in the Southeast of that square. The fourth leg of the square, the fourth side, is where the San Andreas and the Cascadia forms. That hasn't ruptured, but if either does, there could be major problems."

California's San Andreas Fault hasn't ruptured in over 100 years, since crumbling the city of San Francisco in 1906. As for the present, seismologists can only hope that if their predictions do come true, the damage is far less than what Japan experienced. The March 11 tragedy is the deadliest Japanese disaster in almost a century, killing nearly 15,000 people.

Japan Radio Broadcast

Editorial: Procrastination Pays Off...Literally

If you didn't see last week's Newsday article about Caroline Trezza, a senior at Roslyn High School who won $35,000 for her research project on procrastination, you missed quite a story.

Did you ever wonder why students, or people in general, procrastinate? Well, I did and I came to the conclusion that procrastination is either caused by laziness or just a result of a busy schedule.

How much money do I get for my hypothesis? Zilch. Nada. Nothing.

Caroline Trezza, on the other hand, won $35,000 for her research project on why students procrastinate. Trezza, a Roslyn High School senior, surveyed 168 sophomores and juniors at her school, asking them about their study habits, schedules, and even their self-confidence.

Okay, so her conclusion goes much deeper into the matter than my one-line statement above. In fact, the 17-year-old found that confidence in teens led to less procrastination in their school work. She also discovered that completing tasks on time is a habit that should be instilled in students at a young age.

Trezza, who was named a second-place winner in the National Young Epidemiology Scholars contest, has quite a busy schedule herself. Not only has she been working on this research project and going to school, Trezza is also the editor-in-chief of her high school yearbook. However, she is human. Trezza did tell Newsday that she sometimes, like many other students, finds it hard to start assignments as well.

There is one thing I think Trezza's research project didn't include. Technology. The technology of today adds so many other distractions that lead to procrastination. Although I don't have any problems with this issue. Yes, I've been writing this with the television on in the background and multi-tasking on the web. But it hasn't affected my focus.

Yeah, right.

Editorial: A Child No More

In response to last week's Daily News article about changing summer camp activities and taking away childrens' favorite games, I could not sit back and let this one slide. I had to chime in. The following is my editorial on why I think the new state law regarding increased attention and oversight at indoor summer camps is outrageous.

We live in a world of technology. A world where you don’t even have to put on pants to go shopping. A world where you can talk to thousands of strangers in less than a second, just by clicking a button. A world where playing outside is no longer safe?

Well, according to the New York State Health Department, it is. In an effort to increase camp safety regulations, state bureaucrats are now discouraging children from playing Wiffle Ball, kickball, dodgeball, and tag this summer. Apparently, they believe these good ol’ traditional summertime games are “unsafe” and officials would feel more comfortable with children spending their beautiful summer days inside the four walls, glued to the television playing video games. Isn’t obesity a big enough problem in children?

That’s right a rubber ball, a hollow plastic bat, and running around are now, after all of these years, too dangerous for our children to take part in. Children are already growing up in a world where face-to-face contact is becoming less and less frequent, and now this. Isn’t it bad enough that 10-year-olds have cell phones, Facebook pages, twitter accounts, and four video game systems? Now state officials want to take away the only “real” social activity children have these days.

This just in. Running, walking and waking up before noon have now been declared risky and therefore, frowned upon. I mean, come on, what is this world coming to? What would our grandparents have to say about this?

You’re only a child once. Let them enjoy their childhood. Let them play.

Knicks Look to Avoid Sweep

The New York Knicks are hoping to avoid a four-game series sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics today at Madison Square Garden.

After two hard-fought, down-to-the-wire games in Boston that ended with heartbreak for the Knicks, New York didn't show up in Game 3's 113-96 rout, showing a lack of passion in their first home playoff game in seven years.

The Knicks will have to show tougher defense around the perimeter if they want any chance on extending the series. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce tore up the Knicks from behind the three-point line, hitting a combined 14 from long range on Friday night.

Rajon Rondo has been the toughest assignment for the Knicks to cover in the series. Rondo picked up a triple double in Game 3, including an astounding 20 assists to go along with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

For the Knicks, they will need another big performance from Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. The two New York superstars combined for just 6-for-24 from the field, one of the many reasons the Knicks were down early and often on Good Friday.

Unfortunately for the Knickerbockers, Stoudemire is questionable for today's game with back spasms. Even if he does play, he'll need to have a performance closer to Game 1, in which he carried the Knicks, scoring 24 points.

We'll have more updates on the Knicks game, as well as the rest of the New York sports world, later on in the day.

Step Right Up And Beat The Mets

The New York Mets were riding a seven-game losing streak heading into today's game against the Braves. Although the Metropolitans came away with a win in Atlanta, their brand of baseball has been horrendous to watch, especially of late.

The Mets have played so poorly early on this season, they lost five games in a span of three days, including both double headers on Thursday and Saturday.

They have only one win at home and that was against the Washington Nationals, giving them a 1-6 start at Citi Field. And the fans haven't come out to support the team either in the early going. In fact, attendance is so bad, the Mets decided to make Thursday's double header against the Colorado Rockies a single ticket admission double header, meaning that if you came to the first game, you were allowed to stay for the second. After watching the first game, I'm not sure anyone wanted to.

The bullpen has been one of the weakest parts of the ball club. Surprisingly, the Mets have had a lead in most of their games this season. Unfortunately, the bullpen hasn't been able to hold those leads. This is the same pen that manager Terry Collins raved about in spring training.

Craig Carton, a WFAN morning show host and Mets fan, had a great line about one particular reliever during one of his rants this week, saying, "Met reliever Bobby Parnell may be the worst 100 mph pitcher in the history of the sport." And he couldn't be more right about Parnell and the rest of the Mets issues, which is a very long list.

Collins was hired because of his attention to detail. At his introductory press conference, he never guaranteed wins, but instead said that this team will play fundamentally sound baseball. Did anyone catch, and I use this term loosely, the awful outfield play on Thursday afternoon? Met outfielders misplayed several fly balls in a span of just a few innings, giving the Rockies free runs. The Mets don't hit well enough to be a bad defensive team. They have to make the plays in the field if they want any shot at winning.

However, there is good news if you're a Mets fan. The Mets are now giving the fans a chance to throw out the first pitch of a game at Citi Field. Rumor has it, if you're any good, they'll give you a uniform and let you pitch the eighth inning.

Today's 3-2 victory against the division-rival Braves could be something that turns the season around. We'll have to wait and see. For Mets fans however, they can only hope that this is the only seven-game losing streak of the season.

If I were them, I wouldn't count on it.

The Search For Long Island Serial Killer Continues

Edited Video

Original Video

South African Schwartzel Masterful

The 2011 Masters at Augusta National had one of the greatest endings in its 75 year history. Not only was the leaderboard crammed tighter than a can of sardines, it was also well-represented all over the world.

And it was the South African, Charl Schwartzel, who birdied the last four holes to take home the Green Jacket and a two-stroke victory, along with nearly $1.5 million.

"Just an exciting day," Schwartzel said in an interview with CBS after the round. "So many roars, and that atmosphere out there was just incredible. A phenomenal day."

Heading into the back nine on Sunday, lead changes, missed putts, and an unfortunate choke by 21-year-old wire-to-wire leader Rory McIlroy was the story. Along with, how could I forget, Tiger Woods' almost historic seven-shot comeback, the Masters was in for a great finish.

McIlroy triple-bogeyed the 10th hole after hitting two trees following a poor drive which hit a cabin nearly 100 yards off the fairway. The young Irishman would shoot an 8-over-par final round of 80 on his way to a tie for 15th place.

Schwartzel upstaged two Australians, 23-year-old Jason Day and Adam Scott, along with four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods.

Woods, who finished in a tie for fourth place at -10, was going for his fifth Green Jacket, one behind the record of Jack Nicklaus. It's been nearly two years since his last win on tour and Tiger's desperation showed today. Tiger was nearly perfect on his front nine, shooting a 5-under-par 31, and it looked like he would continue that pace on the back. But the putter was Woods' enemy once again, costing what would have been his first Major win in which he trailed after three rounds.

But the day belonged to Schwartzel. The 26-year-old shot a 6-under-par 66 to put his name alongside countryman Gary Player. Player, who became the first international golfer to win the Masters 50 years ago to the day, was proud of Schwartzel's strong finish.

"I am absolutely delighted for Charl and South Africa. Congratulations and very well done to him. That is how you finish like a champion!" Player said on his Twitter account.

Here's a look at how the rest of the field finished at the 75th edition of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.

1. Schwartzel (-14)
T-2. Day (-12)
T-2. Scott (-12)
T-4. Woods (-10)
T-4. Ogilvy (-10)
T-4. Donald (-10)
T-6. Cabrera (-9)

Regaining His Stripes

Tiger Woods fought back into contention at The Masters today by shooting a 5-under-par 67. Unfortunately for Tiger, his seven shots back heading into the final round were just too much to overcome, even for the world's greatest golf.

Woods, who was going for his fifth Green Jacket and first since 2005, started his round trailing 21-year-old leader Rory McIlroy by seven but came roaring back into the lead after eagling the eighth.

After shooting a 31 on the front nine, Tiger played the back nine even, and finished one back of the lead after parring the 18th hole.

Tiger still has a chance to win, but it will take bogeys from several golfers, as there is a second-place log jam at -10.

Woods hasn't won a PGA Tournament in almost two years and a win at Augusta today would also be his first major victory after trailing after three rounds.

Australian Adam Scott is now the leader at -11 with three holes to play. I'll have an update on the final holes of The 75th Masters later in the day. Check back to see who takes home the first Major of the year.

Man on the Street

In our first "Man on the Street" segment, the Nose Bleed Seats toured St. John's University asking students if they root for the Yankees or the Mets. You wouldn't believe the answers we heard on the Queens campus. Check it out for yourself.

iPhone 4 Radio and TV Commercials

Hey everybody. The Nose Bleed Seats is taking a dive into the advertising pool. Check out the following commercials which were directed and produced by Marc Cira. Afterwards, we'd love to hear what you think, so leave some comments.

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Early Marks are in for Teixeira and Rest of Yankees

Mark Teixeira is known for being a slow starter. However, after spending extra time in the batting cage this offseason, Tex is off to one of the hottest starts in baseball.

Last year, the Yankee first basemen didn't hit his first home run until twelve games into the season. He also hit only .136 for the entire month of April. Already Teixeira has three homers and seven RBIs this season, and John Sterling is loving every "tex message" minute of it.

After his third-inning home run this afternoon, Teixeira became only the second Yankee to homer in each of his team's first three games. Dave Winfield was the other, accomplishing the feat in 1983.

Tex is red hot, but he's not the only Yankee who looks good early on.
Alex Rodriguez has followed his hot spring with a great start to the regular season. A-Rod only has one home run in the early season, but he is making loud outs, driving the ball to the warning track almost every time he comes to the plate. Also, there doesn't seem to be a concern over his surgically-repaired hip, meaning A-Rod should be back to being the A-Rod of old, both in the field and at the plate.

Yesterday afternoon's starter A.J. Burnett took the mound for the first time since his dreadful 2010 season. An under-the-weather Burnett earned the win lasting five innings, while allowing three earned runs. But the best sign from Burnett had to be the fact that he battled. Too many times last season, Burnett would let one pitch turn into a bad inning.

Derek Jeter has also gotten off to a good start. If you had any doubts about Jeter's "new" swing, he has collected a few hits, marching closer to his quest for 3000. Jeter, who's batting from the No. 2 spot against right-handers, came into the day trailing only A-Rod on the team in batting average. He's now tied for 35th on the all-time hits list, just 72 away from becoming the first Yankee to ever record 3000 hits.

The Starting Five

The New York Yankees have announced their starting rotation for the 2011 Major League Baseball season. Manager Joe Girardi made the final decision Saturday, choosing Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia for the last two spots in the rotation. The biggest spring training surprise, and I use that term loosely, Bartolo Colon, will be the long man in the bullpen.

The decision was expected for most of the spring, although Colon's performance made the decision a little tougher on the manager. "The innings that Freddy has logged in, the wins last year," Girardi told ESPN. "He stayed healthy all of last year."

The top of the rotation has been locked in with CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Phil Hughes. The Yankees and all of the fans are expecting a bounce-back year from Burnett. To ensure some confidence in the struggling right-hander, Girardi named him the No. 2 starter last week, a spot most of the baseball community thought would go to Hughes.

The Bombers will break camp and head north for their home opener on Thursday afternoon against the Detroit Tigers. Sabathia will take the mound for New York, while Justin Verlander will start for the Tigers.

It's finally baseball season. My prayers have been answered.

We'll have lots of coverage on the Yankees' opener as well as the rest of the New York sports world, coming up soon on the Nose Bleed Seats.

Be The Man-thony

After Carmelo Anthony's worst performance as a New York Knick on Friday night, he quickly dressed and left the arena for the team bus. The Knicks had just fallen to a terrible Detroit Pistons team 99-95, in a game they should have won so many times, but didn't. Anthony's play didn't help the cause, as he shot a woeful 2-for-12 from the field for a total of 6 points.

When Anthony was traded to the Knicks back in late February, he said he wanted to be the man and take on the "brightest lights." Obviously Anthony didn't realize that the lights are still bright when you don't play well. In fact in this city, they are even brighter.

Although Anthony later said that he wasn't upset with coach Mike D'Antoni or his teammates, he voiced his displeasure with the officials. However, he has said he wants to be a leader and "the" guy. Friday night's performance both during the game and after, proved he wasn't.

A new Melo will have to show up today against the Milwaukee Bucks and throughout the rest of the season if the Knicks want to have any chance of playoff success.

A Day at St. John's

All is quiet on the outside.

Photo taken outside Carnesecca Arena.

...And on the inside too.

Photo taken from the last row inside Carnesecca Arena.

Getting up close and personal with the court.

Photo taken from the first row inside Carnesecca Arena.

I wouldn't call it an action shot...It was just too good to pass up.

Photo taken from the first floor inside the D'Angelo Center.

Just some old guys drinking coffee.

Photo taken from the second floor inside the D'Angelo Center.

NYY Spring Training Update

The 2011 Major League Baseball season is right around the corner. The clocks have been pushed ahead and the days are getting longer. Yes, it's a good time of the year. But before we get ahead of ourselves, we should take a look at what's been going on down in Tampa with the New York Yankees.

Tomorrow will mark one month since pitchers and catchers reported for the New York Yankees. At that time, we had no idea how A.J. Burnett would bounce back from one of the worst seasons of any Yankee in history. So far, so good. However, let's not forget that it is the spring and the real test comes in less than three weeks when the Yankees open up the regular season at home against the Detroit Tigers.

Another question going into the spring was how Derek Jeter would react to the adjustments made to his swing by hitting coach Kevin Long. Jeter has so far passed with flying colors. In 24 at-bats this spring, Jeter has hit .333, forcing writers to talk about something other than how many times he has hit the ball on the ground, which was a story early on.

Jorge Posada has accepted his role as the team's designated hitter. He has also been a catching mentor to newly-acquired Russell Martin along with young catching prospects Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. Although Posada is struggling early on, hitting just .231, he's focusing on adjusting to his new role, which will take time.

The final hurdle of the spring will conclude with who will head north with the last spot in the starting rotation. Early on, it seemed like Freddy Garcia would be the run-away winner. However, all of that changed with today's performance against the Twins in which he allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Bartolo Colon has pitched well, posting a 3.00 ERA in the spring, but I believe Garcia will recover and be the team's fifth starter to open the season.

Sergio Mitre, who's also competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, will get the ball against the Red Sox tomorrow night.

"D" Is Key

The New York Knicks are 3-3 since acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets late last month. However, with a more consistent defense, the Knicks might be undefeated in the Melo Era.

These past six games have been a roller-coaster ride for Mike D'Antoni's Knickerbockers. After handling the Miami Heat down in South Beach, the Knicks blew a big lead to the Orlando Magic, marking a terrible collapse on defense. Not to be outdone, the Knicks played even worse defense Friday night when they were dealt their second loss in a week to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers who own the NBA's worst record, 12-49. Yes, the same Cavs who are 3-0 against the Knicks this season. I know what you're thinking, but LeBron James doesn't play for them anymore.

The problem with this team has always been defense. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they don't play any.

The Knicks have also fallen five games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who they play tonight, for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and a half-game in front of Philadelphia for seventh.

New York must play much tougher defense over the final 22 games if they want to have a deep run in the playoffs. D'Antoni has to stress defense, even though he is known as an offensive coach. If he doesn't, he may not be coaching these Knicks next season.

Capture the Storm

To show my Red Storm pride, I created a video highlighting my semester abroad. Thanks to St. John's great study abroad program, I was able to live in Rome, Paris, and Dublin for five months. In that time, I saw so many wonderful places. Well, I don't want to spoil it. Check it out for yourself.

Rex Guarantees Super Bowl Win...Again

Rex Ryan at NFL Combine
Video Courtesy of ESPN

Rex Ryan has led the New York Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games. And both years, he has fallen short of his Super Bowl guarantees. Would this year be any different?

If there is a 2011 NFL season, Rex Ryan wants everyone to know, he still believes the Jets are going to win it all. In fact, Ryan guarantees it. Yes, again. Ryan enters his third year at the helm of the Jets, bringing a winning tradition to an organization that is starving for a title. It has been 42 long years for fans of Gang Green and the past two seasons have brought them oh so close and yet so far.

Ryan believes that the Jets will "lock arms and get it done" in 2011. I'm not sure what that means, but he has his players and the fanbase believing. The only thing that may stop them - a lockout, which looks like a certainty when the collective bargaining agreement expires on March 3.

Writers and other members of the sports media have begun to feel that these Ryan rants are getting old. Some wonder if Ryan's job will be in jeopardy if the Jets don't win it all this year. I disagree with the notion that the Jets' front office will be looking in another direction. However, Ryan is setting the bar awfully high.

Hopefully, the players and owners can agree on a new labor deal before September. Then, we'll see how Ryan's Jets live up to Ryan's mouth.

Dan The Man

For this week's assignment, I had the chance to sit down with Daniel Martin and ask him about what's going on in his life. Dan is a sophomore Journalism major at St. John's University. Being from Landenberg, a small town in Pennsylvania, Dan had an interesting take on living in New York and many other topics. When he's not in class or waiting tables, Dan occupies much of his time working for the St. John's Radio Station, WSJU, along with the fan website, Johnny Jungle. Below you'll find an excerpt from my conversation with Dan.

Q: Growing up in Pennsylvania, what's it like to be in New York City?

A: It's a really different experience because I'm used to the countryside. In my backyard, if you look out through the trees, there's a horse field and you see horses running around. There are no stoplights in my town. There is one stop sign, a few gas stations and a pizza shop. Outside of that, there's just a lot of grass and a lot of barns and stuff like that. So coming to New York where it's all concrete and so much hustle and bustle, it's a really different experience. I've enjoyed the city a lot because of the opportunities it affords to you. There's not much in Pennsylvania. You have to drive 20-25 minutes to get anywhere. The only thing is that it is quite a bit cheaper. But outside of that, there's not too much there, so I'm glad to be in the city.

Q: Do you see yourself working in a big city like New York or maybe in a small town like home?

A: Well, with the media field, as you know, we're probably going to settle down in the first place we can find a job, wherever that is, because there is so much flexibility with communication. Ideally, I'd like to stay somewhere in the city. I was born up in Boston so I might head back there. I recently visited out west so I might go out there because I really enjoyed that. It's probably just ultimately going to be where I can find my first job, but I would definitely prefer the city to a smaller town.

Q: Being a waiter is a very interesting job. So what's that like?

A: It's an interesting thing because we're on the track to graduate with a college degree and that opens up a lot of doors and opportunities. I work with a lot of people who are either immigrants or didn't have the chance to go to college, so this is their full-time job. I really prefer to be around people who are of the middle and working class rather than really rich people because I think they are infinitely interesting. It's a good contrast. I only work one day a week, but it's good to get away from it. It's good to interact with customers. There are a few people who come in now and request me to be their waiter because they enjoy what I do and that's always good. It's a relatively simple job and it's sometimes under appreciated a lot of times, but it's good to sort of, experience both sides of the coin. If you're going to school for business, you are probably going to be the owner of a business rather than the people who work there. So, to get the experience of being one of the hourly-wage employees, it's a good experience. I enjoy it.

You can hear the rest of my conversation with Dan by clicking play.

My Interview With Dan

Spring is in the Air

Although the official start of spring isn't until March 20, spring is here. Well, at least for baseball fans. Most of the 30 Major League Baseball teams will report to spring training in the next few days. The New York Yankees will open camp tomorrow and for one of the few times in their recent history, they have many roster spots in question.

The biggest concern heading into the spring is a major one, the starting rotation. With Cliff Lee opting to take less money with the Phillies along with Andy Pettitte deciding to retire and stay home in Deer Park, Texas, the Yankees are left to find answers in unusual places.

The Bombers have signed veterans Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon to go along with young Ivan Nova and unproven Sergio Mitre in hopes of finding some combination for the the last two spots in the starting rotation.

Behind ace CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees hope that two names emerge in the spring. Brian Cashman is holding on in hopes that a big name starting pitcher becomes available via trade.

Sabathia is the only lock out of the three. Hughes had a great first full-year as a starter but he's never done it two years in a row. Burnett may be one of the biggest enigmas in baseball. He has some of the best stuff in the league but can't seem to put it all together. He was so bad last year
(10-15, 5.26 ERA), Joe Girardi didn't give him a postseason start.

This year, Burnett and the rest of the Yankees staff will be working with a new pitching coach. Larry Rothschild will take over the reigns from Dave Eiland, who was let go in November. Rothschild will have his work cut out for him, but he is an established major league pitching coach who has proven he can handle even the hardest of challenges (aka Chicago Cub starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano).

In the field, the Yankees are getting older and will be looking for a viable utility infielder who can spell Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez a rest in the long season ahead.

For the first time in his career, Jorge Posada will go into the season as the team's designated hitter. The long-time catcher will give way to newly-signed Russell Martin, Francisco Cervelli, and Jesus Montero.

Yes it will definitely be an interesting spring for the Yankees, one that is unlike anything they are used to. Many baseball insiders have predicted Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia will win the No. 4 and No. 5 spots in the rotation. What do you think the starting rotation will look like when the team heads north?

Not So Super

For the past two weeks, Jets fans have been trying to look ahead. The future looks bright. The quarterback and coach are in place. And back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances all help the starving fanbase's quest for a Lombardi trophy.

But today, I can't help but wonder what might have been. How this past week could have been so much different. How today would be a day where I sit in front of the television for 12 straight hours looking on proudly as my favorite team has finally made it to the promise land. Instead, I'll turn the game on right before kickoff and enjoy what looks to be a great football game with my mind somewhere else.

I, along with many other Jets fans, couldn't even envision what today would have been like had New York punched it in from the 1-yard line two Sundays ago and beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh ending a long and overdue drought. Gang Green hasn't made it to the Super Bowl in 42 years when Broadway Joe Namath guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III and cashed in his words by bringing home the trophy.

Unfortunately, that great moment was one of the last great moments in the history of this franchise. We need another one and it needs to be soon.

Today could have been our day. The day where the entire football world looked on with envy as we made history. Maybe, just maybe, that day will come next year.

As for today, I'll watch the game, but I won't be rooting for either team to win. Instead, I'll hope for a good game and when it's over, I'll close the book on another unsuccessful football season, one that saw the ultimate goal slip away yet again.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=6093595

St. John's Upsets Duke

St. John's (12-8) stunned No. 3 Duke (19-2) today at the Garden 93-78 in front of a nationally televised audience.

Duke, which has fallen from No. 1 to No. 3, is the defending National Champions marking a huge win for Steve Lavin's bunch.

Lavin has already changed the culture of Red Storm basketball in just his first season on the job. With big wins against Notre Dame, Duke, Georgetown, St. John's has put themselves in position to earn an invite to the tournament. Something no one could have possibly imagined just a few months ago.

The win marks the first time St. John's has beaten three ranked opponents in the same season since 2001-02. The Johnnies had previously dropped their last seven games against Duke.

The Red Storm led by 21 at the half and a resilient Blue Devils squad cut it to 11 late, but St. John's was too much too handle on this day. The defense was the story as Duke had to work hard for almost every possession shooting just 41 percent from the field.

St. John's also had big contributions on offense from Dwight Hardy (26 points on 9 of 13 shooting), Justin Brownlee (20 points and 8 rebounds), and Paris Horne. Horne provided bench support with 15 points and 7 assists.

A packed Garden crowd of 19,353 was there to see an all-around stellar Red Storm performance, one that had Coach Lavin pretty excited.

"I thought our team from the outset executed with precision on offense and brought great intensity to the defensive end of the floor," he said. "And we were able to maintain a high level of basketball for 40 minutes and that was the difference."

The loss marks Duke's largest defeat (15 points) against an unranked opponent in the past 15 years.

Eleven out of the top 25 ranked teams were knocked off yesterday, which should make for a very interesting final month of basketball.

St. John's will host Rutgers (12-9) Wednesday night at Carnesecca Arena.

The link below is for the highlights of the game:

http://espn.go.com/new-york/ncb/recap?gameId=310302599