Free Agency Can Fill Gang Green's Holes

Highly Anticipated Market Begins, Jets Have Ways To Improve

By AMIR ALI SAID

The NFL lockout is a thing of the past. Free agency has begun. Deals are being made left and right like wouldn’t believe. The NFL is on fire right now. According to an Associated Press article, AP Pro Football Writer Jaime Aron believes about 1,000 deals will be done in the free agent market. Teams are allowed to sign and trade players. Scouts have certainly payed their dues. I believe the lockout gave teams an opportunity to scout longer. Coaches and players were able to watch film or think longer about transactions they wanted to make. I expect deals to made quicker because teams already know what they want. But where does this free agent frenzy leave my favorite team, the New York Jets?

The Jets need two receivers. They've already got one new addition in Plaxico Burress. Then the Jets need to pick up a slot, utility, a he can do everything receiver. They need a receiver that can replace Brad Smith and Jerricho Cotchery. Lance Moore of the Saints would’ve been a great option but he just signed with the Saints. The Jets picked up a great option in Jeremy Kerley. But I think the Jets should pick up a veteran. I wouldn’t have a problem with Kerley playing his first year with the team, but I think the Jets could find someone to help groom him. Someone like James Jones of the Packers or Steve Smith of the Giants would do just fine. But the Jets bank can’t be spent completely on offense so getting one receiver that can replace Braylon Edwards should be enough. The Jets still need defense.

Rex Ryan is at the helm. He leads the Jets into battle. Ryan is one of the most pivotal pieces in any player coming to the Jets. Who doesn’t want to play for Ryan? I think the players see Ryan as a fellow player. The Jets also have a movement. The team has now become a group of players all striving to win a Super Bowl. Two years in a room coming short in the AFC Championship game. But still getting far with pieces missing. The Jets are a team that can get any help that’s offered. Therein lie a few more options for the Jets during this free agency period.

The Jets must resign Sean Ellis. He’s a consistent long time Jet who played a big part in the small pass rush the Jets got in the off-season. Ellis has been a pivotal defensive lineman in the NFL for years. Re-signing him is certainly a priority. The Jets could also use some more help on the D-Line by signing another defensive end or defensive tackle. The linebacker core also needs some help. The Jets should look to pick up Thomas Davis, outside linebacker from the Panthers. The Jets secondary is set if they get Asomugha. Since that’ll most likely happen the Jets only need to look at the free safety and strong safety positions. The Jets should try to re-sign Brodney Pool. His impact was quiet but deadly. At strong safety the Jets signed undrafted free agent Devon Morgan. The move was probably made for an infusion of speed and youth since John Leonard is coming of an injury. The Jets could still look to find another veteran to play the position. Once the Jets sure up a few loose ends they’ll be a well-rounded team.

The time is now. Three times the charm. All clichés I’d use to describe the third year of Rex Ryan’s reign. The Jets have some solid pieces. Getting Asomugha, signing a deep threat receiver, re-singing Ellis and suring up the Jets secondary are all priorities. With the new cap and restructuring of contracts the Jets can do it. Some big moves are available to be made. This free agent frenzy isn’t over by a long shot. It won’t be finished until the Jets T.K.O. there competitors and get the players they need to make a Super Bowl effort.

Bronx Bombers Need Cashman To Step Up Big Time

Yankees Missing Key Pieces To A Championship Team

By AMIR ALI SAID

Every year the New York Yankees are in the hunt for another World Series championship. Most of the time the Yankees will win the AL East in style. In recent years, the Yankees have had competition and occasionally someone in the AL East breaks the chain of pinstripe dominance. But this year the Yankees are missing some championship team like pieces. The Yankees have done a few things that wouldn’t, couldn’t, and shouldn’t work for any other team in the majors.

It starts with pitching. Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have done wonders for the Yankees this year. 38-Year-Old Colon is 6-6 on the year with a 3.34 ERA and 88 strikeouts. 35-Year-Old Garcia is 8-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 69 strikeouts. Both of these middle age pitchers are way past their primes. Colon’s time came 6 years ago with the Angels. He started the 04’ season with the Angels. Colon then went on to go 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA and he won the CY Young award. Garcia, ironically had his best year in the 05’ season.

The following year Freddy Garcia would go on to have the best year of his career. Finishing 17-9 with a 4.53 ERA, Garcia led a White Sox team that had the best record in the majors. The Sox continued their great year by winning the World Series. While both pictures delivered great one-year performances, injury plagued them through the next couple of years. But now they’re back. Giving an unbelievable performance for the Yankees. Even though their pitching is exceeding expectations, help is needed.

The Yankees can use all the help they can get. A big move for a starting pitcher should be made. The Rockies seem to be asking for too much for Ubaldo Jimenez. But that shouldn’t stop Cashman from shopping. The Yankees should pursue any and every option at starting pitcher. I’m not for messing with what works. But I’m not sure if Colon or Garcia can keep up their success for the rest of the year. In the playoffs you want to be certain that you have a solid rotation. It’s time for Cashman to actively pursue starting pitchers over the next week. He also should take a look at some position players.

I think the Yankees lack utility players. Besides Andruw Jones there isn’t a player coming off the bench having an impact. On the days Jeter or Granderson have days off you need players that’ll make sure the Yankees don’t miss a step. Cashman should be looking at one more outfielder and infielder to pick up. When the Yankees get some utility players they’ll have a stronger offense.

The Yankees have pieces to the championship team puzzle. But there are some pieces left to fill. The issues of pitching and utility players must be addressed. The team is ready. Every year the Yankees are ready to win. They have the most championships in all of sports. But this 2011 season I think the Yankees have something to prove. The Bronx Bombers are a few players down and there team isn’t as strong as others. The little things that are missing go a long way. But this team has the potential and enough players to win a championship.

Lakers Tap Mike Brown; Questionable Choice

Former Cavs Coach Mike Brown Set To Watch Over Re-building Lakers

By AMIR ALI SAID

The Lakers have found their new coach. Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown signed a four year deal two days ago. You may remember the name Mike Brown because he presided over some of Lebron's best years as a NBA player. Back then, Lebron James was a piece of raw, untapped, great Akron, Ohio talent. Lebron lead the Cavs to multiple playoff appearances. But Brown didn't have much to do with The Cavs success.

The coach however, Mike Brown, appeared to just sit on the sideline and watch the success. Didn't seem like there was any coaching involved. Mike Brown and the Cavs front office seemed to ride Lebron's success and leadership. But there didn't appear to be any coaching or front office support around Lebron. Case in point, Mike Brown didn't do anything great as a coach. It didn't look like he did anything to help his Superstar get some help on the team. In fact, last year, pending free agency Lebron decided to "take his talents to South Beach." Mike Brown was fired during the 2010 off-season. Now, he's the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

I don't think the Lakers front office used their brains on this one. Looks like they didn't pick Kobe's brain either. Instead, they went ahead and hired Mike Brown. The Kobe Bryant era is coming to a close. Kobe will be 33 when the 2012 season starts. That leaves the Lakers with just about 3 or four years to find the next All-Star to lead the team. But with the last few years they can get out of Kobe there are still pieces missing around him. Down the road, he needs to groom someone to takeover. I don't see that person on the Lakers roster.

The Lakers are on the cusp of re-building. The Mike Brown era is beginning. Phil Jackson is leaving. Pau Gasol proved in the playoffs how soft he really is. He himself will be 31 when next season starts. Lamar Odom and Ron Artest will turn 32 during next season. Derek Fisher will be 37. The Lakers have a old squad. Whether it's in free agency or the upcoming NBA Draft, the Lakers need to get younger. Mike Brown presiding over this re-building team will not work. The Cavs didn't trust him enough to rebuild theirs.

Lackluster NBA Playoffs Heating Up

Match-ups Getting Intense, Nice Finals To Look Forward Too

By AMIR ALI SAID

The NBA Playoffs is gearing up to be one big surprise bubble. The Lakers have been swept by the Mavericks. The Knicks were clobbered in four by the Celtics. The Celtics are slipping against the Heat. The Grizzlies are on a tear. Led by Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies beat the Spurs in the first round. The biggest surprise in the playoffs yet. But now they've hit a wall against the Thunder. In the east, the Hawks and Bulls are also tied. So were do we stand now? The Heat seem to be hitting their stride at the right time, and the MVP Derrick Rose led Bulls look at a tied series. But I have my favorite.

I'm all for rooting for the underdog. I hope the Grizzlies make it to the finals, but it's not likely. The Thunder have proven they have a better overall team. The only problem sometimes is there teamwork. That being said, if the Thunder don't correct that, they may not make it past the Grizzlies. But if they do, because of shear talent, they won't be able to match the way the Mavericks play together.

The best match-up in the finals at this point would be the Dallas Mavericks VS the Miami Heat. The Heat are seen as one of the best teams coming out of the East. That's true. But what the Mavericks did to arguably the best team in the West can't be ignored. In a final's match-up between the two I think the Mavericks would win. There teamwork, three point shooting, and bench support far outweighs all the talent of Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.

But the Heat aren't even a lock as the Eastern Conference representative. They have to finish off the Celtics then face the Bulls or Hawks which aren't easy opponents on any level. The Bulls led by Derrick Rose have a strong defense and clutch offense all around. The Hawks, also have some of those components in Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Jamal Crawford off the bench. As the series between the Bulls and Hawks heat up, the Celtics or Heat will have a project on their hands in the conference final.

UCONN Men's Continues Unexpected Dominance

Kemba Walker and Company Using Spotlight Properly

By AMIR ALI SAID

The UCONN Women's basketball team had their stretch of historic games ended a couple weeks ago. Which made room for a blooming storyline featuring the men's basketball team. The UCONN men's basketball team is back in a dominant position this year. Lead by Kemba Walker and wealth of talent in the backcourt and inside the paint, UCONN has been able to capture their success in a bottle. So far, they've been able to carry that bottle and used for 15 wins this season. It didn't work only twice this whole year.

This is the same UCONN that belongs in one of the major power conferences in College Basketball, the Big East. The Big East hasn't decreased a bit this year. It is still one of the strongest conferences. A record of 15-2 after a couple tough match-ups against Michigan St, Kentucky, and Villanova have shown the Huskies perserverence. There only losses coming in conference play to Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. I happen to think both of those were due to overall team fatigue. However, in the long-run, I think UCONN has proven that they are capable of sticking together for tough wins against some big teams.

I'm not sure if I'm the only College Basketball fan who didn't expect UCONN to have a season of this nature. I certainly don't thin it's a stretch. On paper, I had no clue who anybody on the roster was except for Kemba Walker. That being said, after their win over Michigan State I got used to hearing the team in the news. I also got used to hearing Kemba Walker's name and the rest of the UCONN Huskie that had strong support for their star guard. But this year they've just been on a roll. They can't seem to stop. I don't see any of that changing. In fact, UCONN is now one of my favorites when it comes to March Madness, if they make it. Which, I don't think is a question, but, they're in the Big East.

The UCONN Men's basketball program will most likely always have talent. They're one of those legendary schools in the Big East. Plus, as long as Jim Calhoun is the head coach of the team that's another bonus. The team as itself has gone through a couple phases of the past couple of years. But this season and the future looks bright. Kemba Walker will most likely leave after this season, but from what I've seen from the UCONN bench and Shabazz Napier, I think the team has a lot to look forward to. This team has solidified a spot in my book.

Jets and Patriots Matchup Set to Be More Competitive

Offensive and Defensive Improvements Create Platform For Epic Rematch

By AMIR ALI SAID

After a great game in Indianapolis, the New York Jets are traveling to Foxboro this Sunday. The Jets are traveling to face their AFC East rival, New England Patriots. A rematch of the split series between the two teams is set to be a good one. Tom Brady versus the Jets defense and Mark Sanchez. A splendid match-up that has a lot in store for sports fans around the globe. The recent game where the Jets were blown-out won't most likely be the outcome. Instead, a defensive game that'll reach maybe 20 points.

The New York Jets of Week 13 and the team that showed up in the previous Wildcard game are completely different. Back in Week 13, I think the Jets coaching staff underestimated the New England Patriots as a team. The outcome was an embarrasing lost. One that could've been avoided. But this time around, I think the result will be completely different. To the point where I think the New York Jets will win this game. It'll all start from the foundation of the defensive schemes that Rex Ryan comes up with.

Although Rex Ryan's defensive schemes include heavy blitzing, I've noticed that he's decided to come off that pedigree a little bit. Against the Patriots, I think situational and unorthodox blitzing needs to turn up. Meaning, more Cornerback blitzing on first down, or even 2nd down. A lot of nickel packaged blitzing and even a heavy attack of zone blitzing. Tom Brady won't really get confused but having repeated pressure on the Quarterback will get rather annoying. Plus, he'll have to do decide quicker. But above all, the Jets offense needs to continue its success.

In the past couple of games the Jets offense has improved. The offense finally looks like an automatic scoring machine that can go score for score with any team. Plus, a reliable Kicker in Nick Folk may be back so there can be less chances taken. Sanchez and the pass game will be one of the key components to the Jets success in this upcoming game, and the rest of the playoffs. But one thing that I've noticed is that they've continued to perfect their system. A couple hitches in the road have been in the backdrop. But the team's overall success has been able to get over it. At the end of the day, whoever has the most points on the board is in fact the winner. That's how I think this Sunday is going to go, 27-21 Jets.

Ryan Mallet's Great Performance Undone By Receiver Core

Probable NFL 1st Round Pick Showcased Skills In Sugar Bowl But Received No Help

By AMIR ALI SAID

Those of you who watched last night's Sugar Bowl must know how much help Ryan Mallet didn't get. Mallet had a heck of a game and made many accurate, hard throws that were completed at times. However, the other times, dropped passes occurred in crucial moments in the game. For instance, the first play of the game which could've led to a touchdown after the catch. To show you a tale of a two halves I'll point out that two crucial passes were dropped in the fourth quarter on the Razorbacks final two possessions. In a nutshell, there wasn't a go to receiver on the field for Mallet. His best shot was throwing the ball and hoping someone would catch it. But even through all this adversity, he proved to be a top draft prospect.

In a couple mock drafts and scout lists Mallet is looked at as the third best quarterback if he enters the draft. Going off his performance last night and my limited look at Missouri Quarterback, who's entering the draft, Blaine Gabbert, I think Mallet is the second best. Mallet is a quarterback that makes his decisions fast. With protection, he's even better. He can read the defense and make accurate throws faster than most college quarterbacks. In fact, his game has stepped up over the course of this year alone. He has led Arkansas throw the swamp that is the SEC with class, calm, cool and collected passing. That's why he's a top prospect.

When it comes time for the combine I think he'll really show his arm and range. Plus, I think Mallet is going to increase his draft stock. Another thing about Mallet is that he's a consistent quarterback. It's hard to find ready made consistent quarterbacks in College Football entering the draft. Usually, it'll take practice and the NFL atmosphere to turn someone into that. But Mallet is also a great pocket passer who has even better pocket presence than his peers in the draft and College Football as a whole.

The thing about Mallet and Gabbert they both were on teams this year that didn't get much spotlight. Arkansas had their shot at staying in the spotlight for the entire season until they lost to Alabama and Auburn. But in both games, Mallet delievered solid performances. Afterwards, however, Arkansas naturally fell off of the pedestal they were being held on because of their second lost to Auburn. The team and Mallet's last shot at great success and victory came in the Sugar Bowl. But, his receivers didn't do so great and they blew that shot. But Mallet didn't, he raised his stock in my book. I expect him to be a top 15 pick and a great quarterback at the next level.

Madden Sales Level Out, Series Holds Same Value

Over the Years No Video Game Has Mattered More To My Father and I

By AMIR ALI SAID

According to various reports, Madden 11 sales aren't exceeding expectations. EA Sports has a brand that's led by the Madden series. The Madden NFL series has long been the head of the brand and it has only grown over the years. Madden sales have reached worldwide exposure and new heights. In fact, over the past five years the series reached new sales highs in video game history. But lately, since Madden NFL 10 the series has sort of leveled out. I find that to be very puzzling because I think many advancements have been made in the past two installments. However, each installment dating back to Madden 06 holds a lot of value. But I'd have to say none greater than Madden 09 and 11.

My father (A.K.A. Amir Said) and I have been playing Madden since the Playstation two days. That's way back when Madden 06 was out and selling on Playstation two. Since Madden 06 we've taking our talents to XBOX 360. Trust me, it was the smart move and we don't plan on leaving any time soon. But since we've played Madden 06 the value of the game and experience has grown and gotten even better. Madden is a videogame that is a source of entertainment and learning. Since we've started playing, we've gotten accustomed to each installment that comes out. But the one thing that stays intact, is our relationship and interaction. Madden has helped.

Even though the sales of Madden 11 have appeared to level out, it still holds the same value. In fact, it was never lost. I think the sales are leveling out because of the volatile economy. Plus, most people don't hold Madden in the same light as Pop and I. Instead, they're out for a "sureshot" game and they may give up on Madden very easily. Over the years Pop and I have had minor issues with some of the games, but it's something you have to work through. Madden isn't going anywhere and it's the best video game on the market.

Pop and I are naturally co-op gamers. Over the years we've found a number of video games to play together over various gaming systems. Pop and I use to play FIFA soccer all the time back when we had an IBM computer. Then after EA pulled that game we decided to play Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 when I had my Gameboy SP. After we stopped playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 we had a short period without a video game. Then Madden and playstation two came along and we pounced on the opportunity. Now, we've never looked back and we have endless great games of Madden together. Madden is a source of comfort, and entertainment. It's also very valuable to Pop and I.

College Football Playoff Gets New Life

Cuban's Billions May Toss Out BCS System

By AMIR ALI SAID

Mark Cuban may be the best thing to ever happen to the college football playoff talks. News broke thursday on Sportsillustrated.com that Cuban had released a couple statements. The most important, he's prepared to throw countless amount of money into overthrowing the entire BCS system. Then after he's done with that, he'll creating a college football playoff. The time has finally come for a playoff. Mark Cuban is the key to the door that unlocks a fair and balanced college football post-season. But will he succeed and go through with this project?

The notion of a college football playoff has been in the air at least since I've started watching. Athletic directors, school presidents, coaches and the like have all stated their interest in a playoff behind closed doors. But over that period of time not too many legitimate contenders for a college football playoff came along. But now that Cuban is interested that's all going to change. Cuban has billions of dollars and his own Sports team to back him up. But even all of that is a bonus because Cuban has a brilliant idea. As well as a great approach for getting money and support behind his college football playoff idea. But what about the road blocks that may be ahead of Cuban's plan.

Some presidents and athletic directors may halt the whole process because they aren't ready for a playoff. They may think there's more money in the BCS system, something that Cuban has said isn't true. But one thing that'll be sure to get any and every head of a major college on board will be the donors. Cuban has said that he'll be attacking the major college schools by going to the donors. If the donors cut off their money the schools will have to be forced to back a playoff. A really smart move that'll most likely result in success. The whole process is still yet to be seen. Actions and words are two different things. However, I have hope, and I think by at least the 2013 or 2014 season they'll be a college football playoff.

The best thing about the whole situation is that those who support are now given the opportunity to show it. Those are against the playoff however, may be setting themselves up to be on the wrong side of history. But the fact of the matter is a college football playoff is inevitable. Mark Cuban coming along will supplement what's already been brewing. If he doesn't get it done I certainly think they'll be another billionaire to come along and go through with the playoff system. Maybe even President Obama. But for now, let's all wait and see what Mark Cuban does with his playoff system.

'Elapsed Time'

An Excerpt Of My Short Story, Elapsed Time

By Amir Ali Said

POW! The starter gun went off and the race started. Clive came off the starting block like a lightning bolt. A look to the right and Alfredo was leading the pack. Clive's mind shifted, you've got work to do, catch up man. His stride increased, he had a lot more work to do since he was in second place with multiple runners coming up on his sides. The race was close. Clive we've got one last shot, kick it into high gear, time to get that first place spot. The finish was nearing closer as Clive tried to propel himself past Alfredo. One last effort, the white strip right there waiting for his last stretch. Lean back Clive, lean back. He leaned back, turns out it was the best thing he could've done, Alfredo pulled up thinking he had the race in the bag. The photo finish showed Clive won off of his lean back. The elapsed time separated Clive and Alfredo by a hundredth of a second.