Big East Questions

Villanova coach, Jay Wright/AP Images

The Big East usually stays pretty static. Not much changes in the ‘powerhouse’ conference of NCAA basketball, but for the 2012-13 season that will all change.  


By Lauren Dellipoali


The conference is in flux with teams coming and going, while others face the uncertainty of their future. So here is what to look for this upcoming season.

1. Who will reign supreme? With Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia leaving and UConn being decimated by NCAA violations, the door is open for teams like Notre Dame, Cincinnati and Georgetown to take control at the elite level of the conference. A changing of the guard is on its way in the Big East next season.
2. What are the futures of coaches Steve Lavin of ST. Johns and Jim Calhoun of UConn? Their futures are both uncertain for health reasons, but because of his age and his team not on probation by the NCAA, Lavin’s future looks like it has a much better chance of success in the upcoming year. He will hopefully be able to return to coach for the entire season after missing the majority of last season recovering from prostate cancer. Calhoun has had many issues with his health in the past, including last season, coupled with losing the majority of his team to the NBA and transfers and being banned from tournament play, he may decide to retire.
3. How will UConn perform? As of now UConn has lost four players, all starters, because of NCAA sanctions, and their recruiting class is not looking too hot either. So the team that has been a staple on top of the Big East may soon be finding itself in the basement. UConn still has the ability to bring in solid recruits from the CT area, but the major issue is will they be competitive in the ultra competitive Big East.
4. Will Villanova bounce back? After a terrible season last year, Jay Wright has a lot of work ahead of him to get his team back where many expect them to be. After turning the team into a National Title contender, the Wildcats struggled mightily last year, not even earning a NCAA bid. Wright will look to right his team and get them back on top of the Big East conference.
5. Who will be the surprise breakout team? Last year teams like Notre Dame, Cincinnati and Louisville surprised many people. Now it is another team’s turn to shock the big boys. Look for South Florida to continue their success from last year, and don’t be surprised to see the Red Storm get more respect as well.

The New Guy in Town

Tim Tebow is EXCITED about being a NY Jet/AP Images

A savior of a quarterback tries to revitalize a tumultuous franchise.


By Joe Diglio

There’s been a huge shift in the AFC East landscape recently. A former starting quarterback has been brought in by one squad, possibly disrupting team chemistry and taking the starting role from the incumbent quarterback. That’s right, David Garrard has come to Miami to challenge Matt Moore.

Ok, fine, that’s not the big news. But unless you’ve been living under a rock bigger than Rex Ryan, you’ve heard that Tim Tebow is now a New York Jet. After Peyton Manning decided to sign with Denver, the Broncos shipped Tebow to the Jets along with a seventh round pick in this year’s draft for the Jets’ fourth and sixth round picks, as well as cash. The money posed a problem initially, as the Jets refused to pay the Broncos $5 million of Tebow’s salary as his contract outlines. The teams agreed to split the money, though, and he was off to New York.

Tebow comes to New York with a lot of baggage, although none of it is particularly bad. Last year the quarterback/running back/messiah became a polarizing figure as he led the Broncos on an improbable ride to a division title. He took over a 1-4 team and won seven of his first eight starts, including six in a row. Tebow had a knack for late game heroics and winning tight games; he led five fourth quarter comebacks and won three overtime games. Denver ended the regular season on a three game losing streak, but won the AFC West nonetheless. Tebow went on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first playoff game, in overtime of course, before bowing out in the divisional round to the New England Patriots.

Telling this side of the Tebow story would make one think he should play over current Jets starter, Mark Sanchez. A look at Tebow’s stats, though, suggest otherwise. He threw for just 1,729 yards and 12 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. And for all the credit Tebow gets as a runner, he had as many rushing touchdowns, six, as Sanchez.

Earlier this offseason, the team expressed its confidence in its former first round selection by extending Sanchez’s contract three years with $20.5 million guaranteed. So for now, he will remain the starter, no matter how “excited” Tebow is to be a Jet (he used the word 45 times during a press conference this week). But don’t be surprised to see Tebow in for gadget plays and the wildcat formation under new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano. And don’t be surprised if Rex Ryan, who is now facing some heat after missing the playoffs, feels pressured into playing Tebow if things go south. If the Jets didn't have enough drama, between its loudmouth coach and locker room issues, they certainly do now.

Time to Cash In

Mat Latos/AP Images

The late basketball season overshadowed the busy MLB off-season which brought some important changes and trades such as the Cincinnati Reds who have had some major player movements.


By Thomas Rende

This off-season in baseball transcended anything we've seen before. Having basketball in full swing so late into their season stole a lot of the thunder that baseball gets during their December off-season. The MLB offseason was filled with late signings that eclipsed some of the craftier trades made by playoff pushing teams. The Cincinnati Reds made one of these trades when they pushed for Mat Latos. By attaining Latos they were forced to put in some first round prospects, which gave the trade some interesting pieces.

Let's talk about what the Reds gained in Latos before we go into who they gave up in order to acquire him. They gained a young ace who can be placed into the second slot of the rotation and be effective for years to come. He and Jonny Cueto make a tandem that can go head to head with that of the Brewers and the Cardinals. Most people disagree with the effectiveness that he can have because of the way he pitched last year; He was 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA, which is solid but not worthy of "Ace" status in most people's books. We don't subject ourselves to these numbers alone. Having the ability to look into deeper analysis we can see how strong of a pitcher Latos really is. He threw for around 190 innings in 31 starts. The aspect of durability can't go unnoticed for the Reds. They had a problem with Edinson Volquez and his ability to stay on the field. Durability wasn't his only strength; Latos was able to post a 1.184 WHIP with a S0/9 (Strikeouts per nine innings) of 8.6. The combination of the two shows a power pitcher who has high control. These two numbers show that even though he'll be moving to a hitter friendly park, he should still succeed. 

The few pieces that the Reds gave up for Latos were high-end prospects in their farm system. The first was Yonder Alonso. Alonso was a first baseman that was converted to leftfield in order for him to get some playing time in the majors while Joey Votto manned first. The move didn't work. He played horrendous defense and almost made Daniel Murphy look adequate in the outfield. Having Votto gave the Reds the ability to move Alonso but it's a risky move considering Votto will be a free agent in the near future.


Alsonso wasn't the only highly rated prospect traded, the Reds were forced to surrender Yasmani Grandal who was rated 53 in Baseball America's top prospect list. Grandal tore it up in his quick rise through the farm system but was stuck behind 2007 first round pick Devin Mesoraco. This gave Reds GM Wayne Jockety the ability to move these two prospects. The third player was reliever Brad Boxberger who was said to have been the final piece in making the trade happen. Boxberger pitched phenomenally in his stay in Double A and Triple A, posting a .968 WHIP with a S0/9 of 13.5. Many people close to the team said that he had a strong chance to make it to the majors in 2012 and that he would provide great depth in lieu of an injury, such as one to closer Ryan Madsen. 

The trade gave the Reds a major stepping-stone in reaching the playoffs but if they slip and fall, it may hurt more than their playoff chances this year.  

UConn Losing Key Players Due to Sanctions

Alex Oriakhi/AP Images

As of right now, we will not be seeing UConn in next year’s NCAA Tournament due to their low ARP score and graduation rates. The University is challenging this ruling, but it does not look good.


By Lauren Dellipoali


Because of this ruling, UConn will probably lose the majority of their key players from this year’s team either to transfers or to the NBA.

Alex Oriakhi is the first player to openly look for a transfer, as his father said earlier that his son would look to play on a team that has a chance to make the tournament. Oriakhi, who will be a senior, will not be forced to sit out a year like most transfers because UConn will be ineligible for tournament play, and the NCAA would grant him a waiver to play immediately. If the ban is lifted however, he will have to sit out a year with his new team.

Oriakhi is not a reason why UConn’s academic standing is so low. He boasts a 3.6 GPA, and his departure will hurt UConn’s standing even more. He may not be the last UConn player to leave, as many are expecting either or both Jeremy Lamb and Alex Boatright to explore other options.

There is no word on what teams Oriakhi is looking into at this point, but he has many options. He may end up with a team in the ACC according to some rumors that have been circulating. Wherever he ends up they will have a solid player as he averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, which was slightly disappointing for him and his team. He is still a solid defensive player, and could be in high regard as he is low risk, high reward.

As the tournament is still going on, there is really no interest in him or other possible transfers, but once the tournament is over and teams find out who is staying and who is leaving, expect the market to heat up for Oriakhi and other possible UConn transfers. Especially watch out for teams who know all they need is one player defensively to make them a National Title contender, possibly Duke or even Kentucky.  

AFC East Roundup

Mario Williams/AP Images

Checking up on what the division’s four teams have done in free agency so far.

By Joe Diglio

A certain number 18 just landed in Denver, but back in the east there are still teams making some noise. Here’s a look at what AFC East’s four squads have been up to heading into next month’s NFL Draft.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills made a splash by signing arguably the best defensive player available in former Houston linebacker, Mario Williams. The former Texan signed a 6-year-deal worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. He should be a good fit in Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense, where he will be able to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. The addition of Williams gives the Bills a formidable front seven, a valuable asset to dethrone Tom Brady and the Patriots from the top of the division.

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins’ first plan to solve their quarterback dilemma was like a 60-yard bomb: sign Peyton Manning. That fell incomplete when they were announced out of the Manning sweepstakes last week. Meanwhile, they attempted a 20-yard pass: trading up to get prospect Robert Griffin III. That fell incomplete when the St. Louis Rams gave the second pick in the draft to the Washington Redskins. Then they tried a simple five-yard check down: signing free agent Matt Flynn. But even that was botched, as the Aaron Rodgers’ backup ended up in Seattle. Soon, the Dolphins’ front office found itself scrambling. They ultimately signed former Jaguar David Garrard. Garrard is kind of like Manning, in the sense that both missed all of last season due to injury. However Garrard’s also unlike Manning, in the sense that he’s never won an MVP or Super Bowl.

New England Patriots: So far in free agency, the Patriots have looked to add depth to their already stacked offense. They added wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Donte’ Stallworth, as well as tight end Daniel Fells. However New England’s biggest addition was wide out Brandon Lloyd. The Patriots now have another threat to put opposite Wes Welker, in addition to the tight end combo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Lloyd had a breakout season two years ago in Denver, catching 77 passes for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also showed promise after a midseason trade to St. Louis last year, gaining 683 receiving yards and five touchdowns in just ten starts with the Rams. However, signing Lloyd takes New England out of the running for star receiver Mike Wallace, whom it had been rumored the team was pursuing.

New York Jets: Rex Ryan’s squad filled a hole at safety by signing former Redskin LaRon Landry. However the deal is experimental, just one year worth $4 million. The Jets hope Landry will bounce back from the multiple injuries that have limited his playing time the past two years. The team also planned to sign a quarterback who would push starter Mark Sanchez to improve, so they went out and got Drew Stanton. They hope the former Lion will challenge whose progression has been somewhat stagnant after three years. New York also signed speedster Chaz Schilens to a one-year deal worth $765,000, adding depth to a depleted receiving corps that lost Derrick Mason to a trade and Plaxico Burress to free agency.

Trade Mania

Clips vs Lakers/AP Images

It’s that time of year when every player seems to be getting shopped. So what are some of the moves the teams in the Pacific Division should make?


By Braedan Ritter


Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are good. They made their deal already. They got Chris Paul to pair with Blake Griffin. Although they probably should have picked up J.R. Smith when he was available as a free agent, because they need a shooting guard. It’s going to be tough for the Clips to make it to the Finals, but it’s not out of the question. Losing to the Suns recently isn’t going to help their case though.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers should be doing everything they can to get Dwight Howard. They had their Chris Paul deal, but David Stern decided to kill it. So now they have to play without a point guard. But really anyone can pass the ball to Kobe and then stand around while he decides where he wants to shoot from. Now, the Lakers’ best chance to make this team better, is to get the best big man in the league. They would probably have to give up Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, or maybe Bynum and one or two first-rounders, but they need to pull the trigger.

Phoenix Suns: The Suns need to put Steve Nash on a contender. I’ve said this before, but it is a travesty he is playing one of his final years on this team…a travesty. Nash will never ask out, but he has every reason to. His teammates are a combination of average guys and old dudes. I don’t even care if the Suns get ripped off in the deal. Nash needs to be put on a good team, and it doesn’t matter what it does to Phoenix.

Golden State Warriors: The Warriors should shop Monta Ellis around. They don’t really need Monta and Stephen Curry, and Curry is the younger and better player. If the Warriors could swap Ellis for a big man that would be huge going forward for them. They could even try for Dwight Howard. They would have to throw in other pieces, including a couple first round picks, but Howard is the most dominant big man in the game, and any team should be trying for him. The bottom line is Curry and Ellis will both benefit when they’re apart, and Ellis has to be the one to go, even with Curry’s glass ankles.

Sacramento Kings: What the Kings really need is more time. Being the third youngest team in the league, and having two foundations to build around (DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans) isn’t such a bad situation to be in. Right now, they should stand pat, unless a really good deal comes their way.

The New Pittsburgh Pirate

A.J. Burnett/AP Images

After three years in the Bronx, A.J. Burnett moves to the Pirates, where he will likely thrive on national league hitters and a struggling team’s playoff hopes.


By Andrew Muckell


New York Yankee fans, now is the time to loosen your shoulders and take a deep breath. P A.J. Burnett, the notoriously under-performing right-hander, was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday February 19th for two young prospects. Yankee fans in the Big Apple are celebrating the move indignantly, but Pittsburgh cannot complain.

Last year, the Pittsburgh rotation consisted of Jeff Karstens, Paul Maholm, Charlie Morton, James McDonald, and Kevin Correia. Combined, these starters won 46 games and lost 53, with a combined ERA of 3.94. ERA-wise, the starting pitchers on the Pirates performed pretty well, and the horrible win-loss ratio is more the fault of the team’s poor hitting. For example, Karstens, who led the rotation with a 3.38 ERA, had a record of 9-9, while Correia, sporting a 4.79 ERA, was 12-11. The statistics show that although Karstens played better consistently, Correia received plenty of offensive help from the Pirate position players.

So what does this all mean for Burnett?

Burnett is one of the better talents in the game. His mid-nineties fastball coupled with a wicked curveball and arguably the best changeup in the game, make him one of the most envied strikeout starters today. His performance in game two of the 2009 World Series dazzled the Philadelphia Phillies and showed the rest of the league his capabilities on the Big Stage.

These are the very reasons why he ticks off Yankee fans. None of these promising descriptions seem to fit mid-season A.J. He is a performer in April and occasionally in October, but from May to late September he becomes an enigma. His 34-35 record and 4.79 ERA in his three years in Pinstripes disappoint, despite playing in the competitive American League East.

The Pirates hope to fix A.J. Maybe taking the tattooed 35-year old out of the New York spotlight will do him well. With the Pirates, A.J. will essentially be facing less menacing eight-player National League lineups, and any contribution he makes will be praised, not expected. Due to the trade of Maholm to the Chicago Cubs, Burnett slides perfectly into an already solid rotation, probably as the Opening Day starter.

The secret to A.J.’s success depends on his comfort level in Pittsburgh. If Burnett feels comfortable and relaxed, the Bucs can expect a mid-three ERA from him. If Burnett holds up his end, all the team has to do then is score.