Key Things The Islanders Must Do To Get Back In The Hunt

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Add Another Defenseman (or Defensive minded wing)

The Islanders defense has been shaky at best thus far and must improve as soon as possible. The signing of Stephen Gionta is a start, but there will need to be more additions if the team hopes to get three steady and reliable defensive lines. The loss of hardnosed wing Matt Martin to free agency seems to be playing a big factor and it is imperative that the team collectively makes up for it. Hopefully it starts with Gionta.

Find A True Place for Andrew Ladd

Ladd was the big free agent pick up the Islanders made in hopes of adding another goal scorer to the top line. However, that hasn't been the case as Ladd is marred in a scoring slump which has relegated him to the fourth line. If the team want to see this signing pan out they must find place to put him where he will be able to adequately contribute. With just 7 points (4 Goals and 3 Assists) the 11-year veteran has feel like he is failing the team that has such high hopes for him and that needs to change.

Get John Tavares Some Help

With Andrew Ladd having his difficulties, a lot of the weight id getting placed on John Tavares’s shoulders. Unfortunately, that is much easier said than done as the Islander captain try as he might, can't seem to get the team going. This is where other player must step up to provide a lift that could start a nice wave of momentum the team could really use right now. JT is too valuable to the Islanders to be let down now, especially after the promise he has shown over the last few seasons.

Trade Jaroslav Halak

The Islander are currently carrying three goaltenders, which is one too many in my book. After Halak expressed frustrations over the current rotation, the team placed him on the trading block and have left it alone ever since. The lack of a stable starter is clearly affecting the play of all three goalies as the Islanders have the third highest goals against average (3.09) in the NHL. Moving Halak would be a great benefit to the team competitive spirit. Most especially Thomas Greiss, whom has been the best of the three earning him the right to lay claim to the starting role.

Start Thinking About a Coaching Change

The season is not starting how anyone planned and many are calling for Jack Capuano's removal, but a decision of that magnitude will be up to management. He's had some success in his six seasons as the Islanders head couch, his most impressive achievement being the three playoff appearances and first series win since 1993. That alone will make it difficult to look beyond him, but if the Islanders want to get over the hump and into Stanley Cup contention, a change at the helm may be what's best. For the team’s future. 

Giants: 3 Areas of Concern Heading Into The Final Weeks

Offensive Line

The Giants O-Line has been very inconsistent all season and with 4 weeks to go there must be drastic improvement. Penalties and assignment lapses have plagued the unit, with most of the ire drawn towards second year left tackle Ereck Flowers. His undisciplined technique has not only exposed Manning's blindside to skilled pass rushers, it has also caused drives to stall out due to lost yards from his untimely miscues. Many are clamoring for the Giants to shift him to right where he would stand a better chance at succeeding but at this juncture, things must be taken for what they are. Flowers is not the only struggling lineman as both Bobby Hart and John Jerry have had their share of trouble staying away from costly mstakes as well. With a playoff spot on the line, only thing that matters is results and the 5 men that make the offense go have to recognize that immediately.

Jason Pierre-Paul's Injury

Just as Pierre-Paul looked to be rounding back into form, a sports hernia will now cost him the rest of the season. This leaves the Giants Defensive line without one of its skilled pass rushers and play disruptors. One must hope that the "next man up" mentality holds well as JPP's backups will have task that could be a tall order ahead of them. Expect opponents to put a lot of double teams on Oliver Vernon to minimize that havok he can cause, which could have dire effects on the Giants vaunted front.

Lack of Targets for Cruz and Shepard

In back-to-back weeks, the Giants offense failed to target on their main receivers for an entire game (Shepard in week 12 and Cruz in week 13). That in and of itself is inexplicable as so many believed that having two skilled pass catchers around Beckham Jr. would open the offense.  Whatever the reasoning, it needs to change immediately if the Giants want the offense to finally come out of its season long malaise. 

How Porzingis Can Make The Jump To The Next Level

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Improve Defensive IQ

Porzingis has shown that he is a formidable rim protector that can bother the shot of anyone that drives toward the basket. However, he still must learn to stay out of early foul trouble which has been a rather consistent problem in his young career. This can be attributed to him being a bit overzealous while forgetting while how big he is, something that can be straightened out within his learning curve. 

Mastering the Post

Many of the great big men in NBA history had incredible post games that help make them the legends we know as today (Chamberlain, Russell, Ewing, Olajuwon, Duncan). Porzingis has the skill set to master the techniques, but still needs to become a little more comfortable with using them. A player with his perimeter touch could become a nightmare for opponents if he can develop an equally impressive game down in the blocks. 

Adjusting to Defenders

One of the things that Porzingis has improved upon this season is his recognition of who is defending him. He is no long getting terribly bother by smaller players, often using his height to his advantage by shooting over them with ease. If he can learn how to better position himself on the court (something he's slowly improving) he will open an array of shooting areas for him to dominate a game offensively.

Taking the Reigns

The recent discussions in the sport would have wondered if the Knicks should hand the team over to Porzingis. While that may be the case soon, the team still belongs to Carmelo Anthony. That doesn’t mean that Kristaps cannot seek to gain valuable knowledge on how to become a leader. When the time come, many will look to him to be the driving force that helps lead New York to a championship. Something he has said that he's ready to embrace. The sky is the limit for the 21-year old Latvian product and if he can improve on these areas and then some, the Knicks and the NBA could be looking at a superstar.

Yankees: Best Reliever Options in Free Agency

Mark Melancon (71.1 IP 1.64 ERA 65 SO 47 Saves)

The former Yankee prospect has made quite the name for himself since being traded in 2010. Over the past 4 season Melancon has been one of the steadier relievers in baseball, compiling 147 saves to go along with a sub-2.00 ERA. With the bullpen in need of a remodel (especially after the trades of Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman) It certainly wouldn't hurt for the organization to look at a familiar face.

Kenly Jansen (68.2 IP 1.83 ERA 104 SO 47 Saves)

Jensen would bring a great dynamic to the bullpen as his style compliments that of Dellin Betances. While some question his consistency, there is little doubt that the man has an "it" factor. if the Yankees are looking for a pitch that closely resembles what they had for half of 2016, Jensen would be a more that safe bet.

Jerry Blevins (42 IP 2.79 ERA 52 SO 16 Holds)

The Yankees could use another left hander in the bullpen especially since the team hasn't had a true specialist pitcher since the days of Mike Myers. he's held lefties to a .214 batting average for his career and considering the problem the short porch can present for pitchers, that number could be a driving factor in brining him aboard.

Sergio Romo (30.2 IP 2.64 ERA 33 SO)

Injuries limited him this past season which could present a potential problem. However, he still managed to put up decent numbers despite the setback. The need for good arms out of the bullpen is greater than ever, and Romo still has great stuff to offer.

Aroldis Chapman (58 IP 1.55 ERA 90 SO 36 Saves)

After helping the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years, many believe that Chapman will be one of the hottest commodities this offseason. Having dealt him away to shore up the future, the Yankees find themselves in a great spot to put him back in pinstripes. Loring him back won’t be easy as several team have already expressed interest, but if the organization is as serious as everyone thinks, they won't allow any team to outbid them form Chapman's services.

Knicks: 5 Keys for Success in 2016-17

Continuity

There are 7 new players on the team this year, including three new starters so it will take time for the Knicks to become a cohesive unit. From the looks of their opening game that process could take a bit longer than many would like, However, if they're committed to the process, Jeff Hornacek should be able to find a niche that works well with the team he's been trusted with.

Defense

Many say the Knicks defense is subpar at best and for the past few seasons, that has been an unfortunately correct analysis. This season must be the year that something gives. The team has two great interior rim protectors in Porzingis and Noah, whose length can alter the shots of any penetrators. That leaves it up to the team to defend the perimeter and not leave shooters open for great looks. The Knicks can't allow themselves to repeat the same problems that have plagued them for so long, otherwise the season could end in bitter disappointment.

Carmelo Anthony

This is a big season for Anthony to show that he is indeed a leader that can help his team win. As the only constant New York has known for five years, there is an onus on him to provide stability and unify the team around a common goal. Though he's had this chance before, there will many more eyes watching this year wondering if he'll be up to the task.

Jeff Hornacek

He'll have some scrutiny hanging on him whenever the team performs poorly, especially since he coaches in the media capital of the world. That should make it imperative that he finds a way to succeed early, but like many things it is not guaranteed. What is most important however is his bond with the players. There are host of different playing styles and personalities on the team this year and it will be Hornacek's job to make sure they operate as one closed-knit unit. If he manages to do that there is no telling where the Knicks could go and that would be a good thing for Mr. Hornacek.

Playoffs

Without a doubt the Knicks must get into the playoffs this season. Anything other than that would be considered disastrous. With all the changes made by Phil Jackson, the team is expected to put forth the effort to bring New York basketball back to some sort of prominence, that way the fans can look forward to a future that will hopefully have the Larry O'Brien Trophy in it.

Why The Giants Are Struggling

Photo: Matt Ludtke/AP

The Giants head into week 6 on a three game losing streak and find themselves in last place in the NFC East. Though there are many factors that have contributed to the team’s struggles, here are a few glaring issues that I think are perpetuating Big Blue’s current situation.

Practice Habits

Poor preparation leads to poor performance, that is a saying many have heard over the course of their lives. It especially rings true in sports. With the way the team has performed the past three weeks, many will wonder if the Giants practices are yielding any positive results. This not only is a bad reflection on the players, it’s a massive knock on the coaching staff whose job is to make sure the team is ready to play at a high level each week. One should hope this is not the case, but given what has transpired thus far you can’t help but feel this

Lack of Depth

For the Giants, the discrepancy of talent between the starter and bench is far too wide. If a first string player gets hurt, their backup seemingly lacks the skill to perform even adequately and that is a big problem. The fault of this falls directly on General Manager Jerry Reese, who is in charge of drafting and signing capable talent to make sure the depth is always up to par. The team owes it to itself to improve upon this weakness if there is any hope of making sure this season doesn’t get away from them like it has the past 5 years.

Pass Rush (Or lack thereof)

In the off-season the team spent over $200 million improving the defense in order to increase the number of sacks and quarterback hits. Instead the pass rush has managed to look even worse that it did last year, which is mind boggling. After watching Aaron Rogers get time to read War and Peace in the backfield, it’s time to start holding Steve Spagnuolo and defense accountable for the uninspired play that is being shown on a weekly basis.

No Rashad Jennings

This may or may not have much merit to it, but the loss of Jennings for three weeks seems to be parallel with the team’s struggles. Perhaps getting him back for week 6 will yield a better result. With Shane Vereen on the shelf, the Giants could use a singular talent that is capable of doing some damage on offense.

The Slow Moving Offense

One of the things that was expected of New York was that the offense would perform at an elite level, especially since it has such a talented receiving core. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as the offense is spending more time sputtering out on drives, committing costly penalties, and turning the ball over. Many say this is on Eli Manning, whom to their point has not looked particularly good running some of the plays. However, it’s Ben McAdoo’s job to see this system through. The conservative play calling is hurting the offense’s effectiveness and it’s hard to get players like Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz going. If there’s going to be any advancement in overall play, this needs to change.

New York Knicks: Players Who Could Land The Final Spot

J.P. Tokoto

The UNC alum had a strong showing in the summer league, impressing the Knicks with his defense and hustle on the floor. The Knicks could use all of the perimeter defense they can get, which may up Tokoto's chances if he shows that skill in the preseason.

Ron Baker

Baker is the high IQ basketball player that could fit in any system. Having spent 4 years at Wichita State, the learning curve will be much smaller which is a nice bonus for a team that wants to compete this season. His capabilities on both ends of the floor would be a more than helpful addition to the roster.

Photo: John Locher/AP

Maurice Ndour

Ndour was signed to a guaranteed contract after an impressive stint in the summer league last season. Though he may not be the ideal weight for his size (6'9" 205lbs), he more than makes up for it with his rebounding and defense. His prior success in college shows the capabilities of his game so don’t be surprised if Ndour earns early playing time once the season begins.

Photo: Kyle Terada USA Today Sports

Chasson Randle

Another 4-year college player that had the tools for success, but went undrafted in 2015. After averaging 19.6 points in his senior year at Stanford, Randle helped CEZ Nymburk win the Czech Republic’s NBL (National Basketball League) championship in 2016. If Randle can show the Knicks that he is up to the challenges the NBA will bring, he could be the one who sneaks in and wins that final place on the bench.

Giants: Who To Watch For In Week 2

Olivier Vernon

Vernon may not have picked up any sacks against the Cowboys, but he certainly showed how disruptive he can be off the edge especially against the run. The Saints offensive line is not quite as talented as the one in Dallas so look for Vernon to try and strike big on passing downs. 

Odell Beckham Jr

Last season Beckham had 3 TD's against in his hometown and would surely love nothing more than to repeat that performance. Though the Saints comers will probably pay much closer attention him in this game, the addition of a healthy Victor Cruz and into the mix could open things up for number 13. 

Rashad Jennings

In a turn of recent history, the Giants running game had a pretty substantial showing in week 1. Jennings was able to take advantage of open holes up the middle and gain big when the team needed it most. For this to be a sign that the ground game is poised to make a comeback, Jennings will need to continue running the ball with reverence against New Orleans.

Eli Apple

This is going to be the first big test for the rookie as he goes up against an elite quarterback in Drew Brees. The Saints offense loves to take its fair share of shots down the field, so Apple will need to be prepared to get targeted quite a few times. Though this is only his second game, many will be looking to see how the first around pick holds up.

Victor Cruz

It was a wonderful sight to see Cruz back on the field last Sunday, a moment that was two years in the making. His movements were crisp and decisive, proving to even the most skeptical fan that he's healthy and ready to go. His presence in the offense gives a big boost for Manning as he can now spread the ball around instead of focusing his efforts on one target. With that said, expect Cruz to see more action on the field in his first home game since returning.

New York Giants: 5 Keys to a Successful Season

                        

Eli's Continued Consistency

Over the past two seasons Manning has thrown 65 TD and posted two of the highest passer ratings of his career (92.1 and 93.6 respectively). More of that will certainly be needed if he wants to push the Giants back into the playoffs. With various playmakers on the offensive side, there is reason to believe that the numbers he's put up recently will only get better as long as there is a commitment to an excellence of execution

Improved Secondary Play

There is no denying how awful the secondary has been the past few years. In fact, some would call it the worst in the entire NFL. That should change this year now that the Giants have added pro bowl corner Janoris Jenkins and rookie Eli Apple to the mix. The extra help should do wonders in aiding a second level defense that surrendered the most passing yards in the league a year ago. 

Healthy Linebackers

This has been a far to problematic position for the Giants as they haven't found a linebacker capable of playing even half of the season. The constant carousel has made things especially rough for the team’s defensive coordinators whom often have had to create makeshift plans every week to compensate for the persistent injuries. If the team wants to truly see an improvement in this area the starting corps must be able to stay on the field.

A Dominant Pass Rush

For years the Giants were known for their incredible pass rush that could get to the QB at any given time. That has not been the case recently as the front four have had trouble making a dent in opposing O-lines. The organization went through a lot of trouble rebuilding the defense by spending big on two excellent linemen (Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon) to help reestablish that once vaunted rush. If all goes well, the sack numbers should improve tremendously giving the Giants the boost they need come out ahead of the pack in 2016.

McAdoo's Leadership

This will be the first season in 13 years that the Giants will not have Tom Coughlin at the helm. This places a lot of pressure for former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who is a head coach for the first time in his career. Though he does have a great relationship with many of the players, there will still be some grey areas that will need to be filled in as the season progresses. The most important being the establishment of a winning culture that has been missing since the last years of Coughlin's tenure. This may just be his first season, but with the high expectations many have for the team, McAdoo will need to show everyone what kind of coach he'll be for the foreseeable future.

This Season Is An Important One For Victor Cruz

Brad Penner USA Today Sports

October 12 2014, That is the last time Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz stepped on the field as a competitive football player. It seems like a lifetime has gone by since that fateful evening in Philadelphia, but he we stand on the precipice of his long awaited return. A lot has happened since then including the rise of Phenom wide out Odell Beckham Jr, the changing of the guard at head coach, and a new offensive system is in place. How this affects Cruz in the long run is yet to be seen, but there is both optimism and skepticism as to the potential end result.

Missing so much time could have a profound effect on Cruz's effectiveness on the field. That's not to say that he'd be completely ineffective because he's worked tirelessly to get back into playing form. However, one will have to be realistic as to how much we should expect to get out of him. The Giants were wise to provide extra help on offense by drafting WR Sterling Shepard to make up for any losses they could suffer if things don’t go as planned with Eli's former number one target. That being said, Cruz should probably expect that his touches will be far more limited this season as younger talent has stepped in. Thankfully, he doesn’t appear to have the same ego problems that plague most top receivers in the NFL and is willing to share (and even give away) the spotlight and allow them to shine or continue to shine (in the case of Beckham). That will play an enormous role in the comradery of the receiving core that will welcome Cruz’s leadership into the picture.

With so much on the line this season, the expectations for Victor Cruz are going to be pretty high. Whether or not he can meet them will be completely up what he accomplishes in between the lines. One things for certain, all of Giants nation will be watching with bated breath for the return of one of its favorite football sons.

Yankee Prospects With Bright Futures

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Greg Bird

Bird made his debut in the final months of 2015 and quickly showed what he could bring to the table. Many were certain Bird had secured a spot on the Opening Day roster this season, but a shoulder issue and subsequent surgery shelved him for 2016. With Mark Teixeira calling it a career at season's end and Bird ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, the Yankees will more than likely give him the nod as the new everyday first baseman.

Photo: Jim McIsaac

Gary Sanchez

He's been touted as the catcher of the future since the Yankees signed him 2009 and there is a lot about him that certainly backs up that sentiment. His big bat and game knowledge behind the plate is a match made in heaven for an organization that has built a fine reputation for grooming backstops. Once he gets a few seasons under his belt, there will be little doubt as to why the Yankees were willing to deal their former top catching prospect Jesus Montero to clear his way.

Aaron Judge

He has all the makings of a premier power hitter that will put up tremendous power numbers in his career. At 6'7"and 275 pounds, the defensive end sized outfielder has the potential to make an impact similar to that of Giancarlo Stanton and the recently retired Adam Dunn. After starting his career off with a bang (literally) It's definitely going to be exciting to watch Judge develop his game while building a reputation as legitimate threat in the middle of the order.

Clint Frazier

Frazier may not have been with the Yankees to start off, but after acquiring him in a trade with the Cleveland Indians he's now the team's new top prospect. One has to figure that once he gets settled in Scranton it will only be a matter of time until he proves he proves to be a valuable asset that will make an impact at the Major League level. 

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Tyler Austin

A 13th round pick in 2010, Austin has had a solid minor league career hitting .287 with 61 home runs and 316 RBI in 5 years. Despite a minor setback in 2013 due to a wrist injury Austin's consistency was not fazed as he continued to improve his game, learning multiple positions along the way. He's certainly poised to make a run at a permanent spot on the roster in 2017.

Photo: Chris O'Meara

Jorge Mateo

Arguably one of the fastest players in the minors, Mateo has all the tools to be a stellar middle infielder in the years to come. His ability to be aggressive at the plate makes him an ideal leadoff hitter, but he does have a propensity to strike out and has made a few too many errors at short. If he can put it all together, he'll make a fast rise through Double-A and Triple-A, paving a path for to becoming the shortstop of the future.

Why We've Probably Have Seen the Last of A-Rod

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Ever since the Yankees began selling at the deadline, there has been speculations swirling around that the team could release Alex Rodriguez before the season is out. Though some believe that removing him from the equation is simply not as feasible as it seems there may not be any other alternative, especially given the direction the franchise is headed. If that’s not enough incentive, here are some of the reasons parting ways with the aging DH make most sense.

The Yankees Simply Have No Use for Him

His diminished skills both on the field and at the plate have become very apparent, leaving the team no choice but to relegate him the bench. At this point it has become a mystery as to what his exact role is and with a little more than a month left in the season, there doesn't appear to be any answer coming.

He Hinders the Impending Youth Movement

Now that the Yankees have stockpiled a considerable amount of young talent (thanks to a lucrative deadline) the team can finally make the push to get younger. This puts Rodriguez in a tough spot since he is 41 years old and essentially taking up a potential roster spot for an up and comer. 

His 700th Home Run Won't Mean Much

Unfortunately for Rodriguez, his link to PED's will forever taint his career and image. There were high hopes that when he reached 700 home runs it would instantly place him among the immortals of the game. However, that is no longer the case and like his predecessors (Bonds, McGwire, Palmeiro and others) the league will seek to blackball him out of Cooperstown.

His Time Has Passed

Most professional athletes know when it's time to call it a career. With 20 years under his belt and most of the players linked to him out of baseball, it's safe to say that his days as a primetime athlete are numbered. It’s likely he was too encouraged by his performance last season and felt he could replicate it, but that has not gone nearly the way he'd hoped in 2016. This reality should be enough to convince Rodriguez that he's no longer capable of doing the things he and many others had become accustomed to his entire career.

Yankees Trade Deadline: Who Will Stay, Who Will Go

Photo Kathy Willens/AP

Carlos Beltran

It has been a tremendous season thus far for the 39-year-old. He's hitting .305 with a team leading 21 homers and 62 RBI's and proving he still has one of best bats in the majors. With that being said, many would think the Yankees will choose to keep him around for the duration of the season, but that all could change with a phone call and the right offer. Beltran could instantly help a contender in need of an extra hitter while bringing a decent haul of prospects to the farm system. It's safe to say that if the trigger is pulled on a potential trade, the Yankees may stand to gain the most from it, even if it's not seen immediately.

Vote: Go

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Andrew Miller

Now that Aroldis Chapman has been traded to the Chicago Cubs Miller has resumed his role as the team's closer. Without a suitable replacement waiting in the wings, it may be safe to say that the big lefty is off the market, but things could change even when it's least expected. Should a team come with an offer the Yankees can't pass up Miller could be on the move, but the likelihood of that happening is pretty slim. "No Runs DMC" may no longer be together, but the back end is still just as strong as it was last season.

Vote: Stay

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Mark Teixeira

There have been some who are calling for the Yankees to deal the trad the underperforming first baseman, but that could prove a difficult task as not many teams are willing to acquire his services. With his contract expiring at the end of the season the team may be better suited to let him play out the season in pinstripes and move on come November. If a club comes forward and offers to take on his contract then the decision would be made easy, but that is the only way he gets moved.

Vote: Stay

Photo: Lenny Ignezli/AP

Nathan Eovaldi

Recently, the Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed interest in Eovaldi and there are several scenarios that could be beneficial for all parties. The only issue is what would become of the Yankees sparse rotation without him. Sure you can call up a starter from the minors or even plug Luis Severino back in it but there would need to be something more guaranteed. Perhaps the Yankees could deal him for a young starter at the back end of another team’s rotation, or even a nearly Major League ready pitcher from a minor league system. Whatever the case Eovaldi would need to be traded under the best circumstances for the future.

Vote: Go

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Brian McCann

The Yankees have touted Gary Sanchez as the future everyday catcher for four years, but have yet to fully commit to hm. Bringing in McCann in 2014 seemed like it was a great move to ensure that the catcher position was stabilized for the time being. Though his hitting has suffered quite a bit in the shift happy American League, there is still enough skill to warrant dealing him to a team that is in need of some pop in their lineup. This would clear the way for Sanchez to finally show what he's got and earn a place in the coming years

Vote: Go

To Sell or Not: What The Yankees Should Do At The Deadline

The heavily debated topic of what the Yankees plans are for the July 31st trade deadline continues to make headlines. With the All Star break behind them the team finds itself in a precarious position in the standings, close enough to still contend yet not close enough to guarantee it. Brian Cashman has recently stated that he would like to begin selling off the Yankees assets so that they can get as much as they can in deals with contending teams However this has been rebutted by Yankees President Randy Levine and the Steinbrenner’s whom believe the club can still compete for a playoff spot despite most of the organization siding with Cashman. 

What actually happens is entirely up to the what the consensus is, so here's my take on why the team should sell or not come the end of the month.

Why They Should Sell

Currently, the Yankees are 44-44 and sit 7.5 games out of first place in the AL East and 5.5 games out of the second wild card spot. With a god run making up the difference sounds easy, but that may not be the case for this team. The starting pitching is very inconsistent and they're not getting much production out of the middle of their lineup. These factors alone will make it very difficult to make a strong push. Trading away the likes of Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran would more than likely land a pretty nice haul of prospects that would satisfy their somewhat talent starved minor league system and build upon the future that Cashman wants to put in place. Standing pat would prove much too risky if nothing comes of it and it's best that Yankees use the deadline for all it's worth.

Why They Should Not

While dealing away assets seems to be the more pertinent move, there is the chance that the Yankees find a way to close the gap before July 31st. Should that happen, there will be more of a need to buy at the deadline than sell. Though it could compromise the minors, the Yankees could find a suitable pitcher or hitter that would help take them over the hump and into the playoffs. There is also the off chance the current roster hits a groove that sparks a win streak and erases the deficit, making holding onto their important players look like a season saving decision.

Grading the Knicks Free Agency Pickups

Joakim Noah

Photo: Getty Images

He will add a layer of toughness, grit, and attitude to a team that has lacked that aspect of the game since the days of Ewing, Oakley and Mason. Though he isn't the most impressive scorer, he has a great knowledge of where to be and what to do while on the floor. As long as he stays healthy (which has been a problem the last two seasons) there are many reasons to be excited to have him on board for the next four years.  Grade: B+

Courtney Lee

Photo: Jeff Hanisch USA Today Sports

Many were hoping for DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, or Kevin Durant, but those signings were pipe dreams at best. Enter Courtney Lee, a solid wing player that has earned his keep since entering the league in 2008. His high defensive IQ and footwork will provide the Knicks with a man that can not only handle speed threats, but stymie some of the league’s best shooters. He also brings fairly consistent shooting of his own, scoring at a 45% clip over his career.  Grade: B

Brandon Jennings

Photo: Kim Klement USA Today Sports

Jennings has wanted to play for the Knicks since he was passed over by them in the 2009 draft. That alone should motivate him to show what he's made of and prove what a mistake it was to skip over him. Although his season was abbreviated due to a ruptured achilles he suffered in early 2015, Jennings showed no ill effects of it while playing for the Magic this past season. His shooting numbers aren't impressive as he's only shot over 40% twice in eight seasons, but perhaps backing up Derrick Rose in a faster paced system will push his shooting numbers up to respectability.    Grade: B-

Guillermo "Willy" Hernangomez

Knick fans will probably not know much about him other that the fact that he was a teammate of Kristaps Porzingis when they played for CB Sevilla in Spain. He possesses good potential to be a formidable post player as he can score in traffic and absorb contact. He also possesses a respectable jump shot that can keep defenders honest. Whether or not he’ll play much is up to Jeff Hornacek and Hernangomez, but if he can show what he can do from the get go, He could give the Knicks the extra big man they need to cause trouble for opponents. Grade: C+

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

Photo: Eriko Ovčarenko

Kuzminskas has a similar skill set to that of the now departed Derrick Williams. He's mobile and hostile up the middle (Thank You Clyde Frazier) and can create his own shot on the break. His outside shooting does need more work, but it has steadily improved over the last 3 seasons he played with Unicaja. Fans should expect to see him play steady minutes for Hornacek as his style of play fits nicely with what he wants to do with the offense. Grade: B

Yankees - Who's Hot, Who's Not 4

Who’s Hot

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Rob Refsnyder

Since being recalled in late May, Refsnyder has made the most of his playing time. Not only is he hitting respectable .295 (.364 over the past week), he's also shown that he can be a decent first baseman. It looks like the Yankees have every intention of keeping the youngster around for the long haul which could allow Refsnyder to further prove his worth in the organization.

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Dellin Betances

Just Two weeks ago cracks had formed the once impenetrable armor of Betances, but the repairs seem to have done the trick as his pitching has regained its form. Now it's up to Girardi keep his arm fresh by not overusing him in situations, that should allow Betances to build off of the 1.35 ERA he has over the last week.

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Carlos Beltran

It's been a strong first half for Beltran, one that will most likely lead him to the All Star game in San Diego. It's astonishing what he's accomplished thus far and the Yankees are all the better for it. Imaging where the team would be without his numbers is a bit unsettling, but luckily the Yankee haven't had to wonder about that up to this point.

Who’s Not

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Alex Rodriguez

2016 has not been a banner year for Rodriguez, after stunning many in the baseball world last season, he's looked more like the washed up player everyone expected him to be. Hitting just .219, there isn't much that could say things will turn around so moving him to a part time role seems like the best course of action if the Yankees want to up their chances at getting back into the mix in AL East.

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Mark Teixeira

After missing most of June with a knee injury, Teixeira hasn't been able to find any kind of groove to pull him out of this season long slump. As the days go by, The Yankees could find themselves making another tough decision as what to do with the 36-year-old veteran. 

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Nathan Eovaldi

The team cannot afford to have him struggling at this point so he'll need to get back to pitching with the consistency he showed in May where he was 5-0 with 3.25 ERA. The 25 runs and 10 homers he surrendered in June is just not going to cut it.

Rose to New York - What It Means For The 2016-17 season

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As recent history has shown, the Knicks usually find themselves on the wrong end of a bad trade (i.e. the deals for Eddy Curry in 2005, Tracy McGrady in 2010, and Andrea Bargnani in 2013, and infamously Antonio McDyess in 2002). Each deal cost the Knicks several draft picks and a lot of money that could have been put to good use over the past 15 seasons. So it would make sense if many Knick fans cringed a bit once they heard about the blockbuster deal that landed former MVP Derrick Rose in the Big Apple. Surprisingly, that was not the case as Phil Jackson not only held on the team's future draft picks, He managed gain an extra one. A far cry from the benevolence they've shown in player swaps of the past. Though moving a solid center like Robin Lopez and a youngster like Jerian Grant may hurt some, there is plenty to look forward to regarding the potential changes and dividends this trade could yield.

Immediate Impact on team

Now that Knicks finally have a trustworthy point guard, things could start to look up the offensive end. With Anthony and Porzingis already in the fold, there will be some big adjustments on how things are run when the three are on the court together. Rose never really had much to work with in Chicago as he often carried the team offensively since no other player had exceptional scoring ability (the exception being Jimmy Butler the past two seasons). Kristaps and Carmelo have the ability to create their own shots, which will take a lot of pressure off of Rose and give him the luxury of being a creator and distributor at times during games.

A New Center

With Lopez gone, there is a glaring hole a center. Luckily the Knicks will have their choice of good ones that are more than capable of filling that void. It will be important to find a big man that can play well with Rose and not disrupt what he does best. That could make Joakim Noah, Rose's teammate in Chicago the favorite, but there are others (Dwight Howard, Hassan Whiteside, and Al Jefferson) that could also do the job.

Suitable Backup

Given that Derrick Rose has had injury trouble in the past, the team is going to have to find a reserve point guard that can give him a rest in games and be just as effective. Who that player will be remains a mystery. Perhaps Langston Galloway get a shot, or maybe the Knicks could pursue former draft pick Nate Robinson. Whatever they choose to do, it's obvious that the players skill level must play a huge part in this decision.

Kevin Durant?

The Knicks are already a projected long shot in the upcoming Kevin Durant sweepstakes, but that doesn't mean they can't make a pass at him. Should the Knicks land a formidable center, there will be at least whispers in Durant's camp about the potential formation of a super team in New York. With that said, it's probably best to keep this in the dream category and focus on other ways to improve the roster (But one can still dream…right?)

2016 Giants Player Expectations

High Expectations:

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Odell Beckham Jr.

Amassing 2,755 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first two seasons, Beckham has much to live up to in 2016. If he wants to earn the honor of most elite receivers in the league it will be imperative for him to set the bar even higher even if it may seem impossible to do so.

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Rashad Jennings

Jennings ended 2015 on a high note by coming on strong late in the season, giving him more than enough leverage to secure the most touches this year. As long as he can outperform his competition and gain big on the ground in games, there is no doubt that will be the case. Otherwise, there might be a quick hook in favor of another back on the depth chart

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Olivier Vernon

After spending big to lure him to New York, there is much excitement around what Vernon could add to the fleeting pass rush of the Giants. He'll have to earn every dime of that $85 Million contract as all eyes will be set squarely upon him each and every game.

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Janoris Jenkins

With the chance to place the secondary amongst the top units in the NFL, Jenkins will need to prove his worth by helping shut down some of the best receivers the Giants opponents will have to offer. After the team suffered one of their worst defensive seasons in their history, there is little chance he will get a pass for mediocre performances.

Low Expectations:

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Larry Donnell

Donnell has had several flashes of greatness in his short career, but his propensity for injury has hurt any opportunity he's had to fully reach that level. It's likely that he will get another chance as a starter, but with new faces behind him which includes two talented rookies (Jerell Adams and Ryan Malleck) another injury plagued season could ultimately be his undoing.

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Andre Williams

It's been an underwhelming start to the career of Williams as he's averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in two seasons. Unfortunately for the third year pro, there are now more than enough running backs on the roster to compensate for any shortcomings he may have. Perhaps the Giants could find a better way to utilize his freakish build (fullback comes to mind), but for now we can only hope that he surprises everyone and exceeds even his own expectations in 2016.

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Bobby Hart

To be fair, Hart has gotten a bit of a bad rap since no one really knows who he is or how he plays. That being said, there is much he could gain from going under the radar, but he'll have to earn it every step of the way. If he can play his way into the starting lineup, it would be the considered the first major triumph on his football resume, the rest is up in the air.

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Victor Cruz

If he's as at 100 percent there's a great chance he'll produce at a high level for the offense. However, he has spent the better part of two seasons sidelined with knee and calf injuries which could prove problematic if he's isn't careful from here on out. Now that Beckham has become the new star receiver, Cruz must settle into a secondary (or perhaps tertiary) role which actually could do wonders for his overall game. The time out of the spotlight has damaged his larger than life superstardom he built over three seasons, but it might just be the formula that gets back into the swing of things. Most fans don't expect him to burst back onto the scene if at all so should that happen this year the Giants will all the better for it.

No Expectations:

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Keenan Robinson

While there is a high upside to Robinson given his rather impressive 109 tackle 2014 season. The only issue is that his body hasn't been able to stay fit enough to be a consistent presence on the field. Seeing that the Giants have had their issues with injured linebackers in the past (Jon Beason, Devon Kennard, J.T. Thomas) there isn't much to hope for from Robinson. How things go will be entirely dependent on whether or not he continues this unfortunate trend.

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Bobby Rainey

Rainey does have a lot of skill that could prove extremely effective if used correctly. Nonetheless, the chances he sees time at running back are is a bit slimmer than one may think. Unless the situation becomes dire (which could happen given the Giants recent track record) don't expect to see Rainey taking many snaps from the backfield (at least as a runner) outside of the preseason.

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Jason Pierre-Paul

There's a lot that can be said about Pierre-Paul's 2015. From the tumultuous situation involving his hand and fireworks, to his mid-season return to action there was no shortage of storylines that escaped the two-time pro bowl defensive end. Now that his hand is repaired and a new glove has been made to help him tackle, what can we expect out of him this season? No doubt the organization has left it up to chance. The talent is still there; all anyone can do right is hope for the best.