Opening Day, NFL Trades

It was a momentous day in New York as the Yankees opened up their home season by receiving their championship rings and raising the 27th championship banner. It was nice to see Jerry Hairston and especially Hideki Matsui be greeted so warmly by the New York faithful for all they did to help in the championship effort last season. Watching the ring ceremony was a reminder to all Yankees fans of the rich tradition and respect that the team brings to the city and all of baseball and why in part they are so liked and hated across America. Pettite pitched another good game and looks poised to have a nice campaign this season and it was nice to see Nick Johnson get his first home run since he seemed to be struggling to hit for the first few games. Opening Day has always been special to the Yankees and with a ceremony to commemorate a wonderful season, there was something extra special in the air and it seemed to inspire the team as it so often has over the years.

The NFL trade waves have busy this week, with the Jets acquiring Santonio Holmes from the Steelers and the Dolphins acquiring Brandon Marshall from the Broncos. The moving of these two top flight receivers definitely makes things interesting in the AFC East as the Patriots strangle hold on the division is sure to be tested. The Jets have made many moves to make the team a Super Bowl contender, but one has to wonder if the Jets are banking on a potential lockout in 2011 in order to avoid having to give long term contracts to the players they brought in, or if it is just the benefits of the uncapped year. Whatever the reasoning Jets fans are certainly pleased with the effort of the Jets management to put the best team possible on the field after almost making the Superbowl in 2009. The Dolphins are looking to not be left out in the mix with their offensive talent, there is still a possibility in their minds that the division is theirs for the taking since they defeated the Patriots in both division match-ups last year. The Eastern conference in the AFC and NFC is expected to be most competitive in the 2010 season with the talent on each team it is safe to say the it's up for grabs for eastern supremacy in the NFL.