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. 

Photo: Kim Klement USA Today Sports

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

Photo: Kevin Sousa/Icon Sportswire

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