Offensive

Disappointment arrives early this season for Jets fans. After last night’s horrific performance, I tried in good faith to put down my scrambled thoughts about the maddening, limp play of Mark Sanchez. A single word for every yard the inexperienced and frightened quarterback managed to put up against the Baltimore Ravens defense, absent future Hall of Fame cornerback Ed Reed. Pen to paper, I started in a fit—only to exceed the word count.

Sanchez and Schotty Sitting In a Tree

The Jets' PR team is working overtime this offseason. To wit, this afternoon's fawning New York Times profile of Mark Sanchez's and Brian Schottenheimer's growing bromance.

Some highlights:

The offensive coordinator of the Jets and his latest pupil seem like kindred spirits, not friends exactly but men inspired by each other, driven by each other and bonded by a mutual obsession: the finer points of playing quarterback.

Each day, Sanchez spends as much time with Schottenheimer as he does with anyone else in the organization. They go out for steak dinners and quote lines from Adam Sandler comedies. They act, according to Schottenheimer’s wife, Gemmi, like her third and fourth children, football-lost boys, fully grown.

“They started to develop a relationship beyond coach-player,” Cavanaugh said. “There’s a legitimate friendship there.”

“All off-season he was teaching, teaching, teaching,” Sanchez said. “But not just like a coach. More like a friend, like a father, like a brother. That’s the way our bond is now.”

In the off-season Sanchez and Schottenheimer attended baseball’s All-Star Game and an N.B.A. finals game. They developed inside jokes and sometimes seem like they’re speaking their own language.

Now, Sanchez finishes Schottenheimer’s play calls as well as sentences.

Evidence of the importance of their relationship is displayed in Schottenheimer’s basement. Each year, Gemmi frames an autographed jersey from one of her husband’s favorite players. Last year, she added a Sanchez jersey to a collection that includes those of Brees, Chad Pennington, Philip Rivers and Brett Favre.

The most cringe-worthy part of the article, at least for me, is Schottenheimer's likening of Sanchez to Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees. Oh dear.

BEN:

I think we all know the NYT is not a great place for sports coverage. the numerous embarrassing hagiographies of Mariano Rivera; the pointless speculations of Murray Chass and Jack Curry; the seemingly willful lack of interest in what fans are actually thinking or doing.

But: every local paper runs a story like this, especially when they've got a young player with potential. Heaven help the Boston Globe and their poetic waxings about Jacoby Ellsbury. Yes, they're stupid, yes, they're pointless, yes, they're frequently filled with idiotic predictions and comparisons. But I guess this is how we enjoy the game--it's not always just about watching them play.

These stories all conform to various archetypes: how many stories have there been about LaDainian Tomlinson "feeling young again"? How many about Jonathan Papelbon adding a new pitch? There are all kinds of variations on this theme. Players who watch a lot of video, teams that have a guru for some specific activity, teammates who get along, teammates who are willful and solitary. Etc. Etc. The presumption in all of these articles is that the rest of the league is simply treading water, or just kind of lollygagging along. Of course the NFL and MLB and (possibly) the NBA are filled with ultracompetitive people who know nothing other than to practice and learn about their sport. Rare is the person who truly isn't putting in the work, and, well, we've seen what that looks like.

As to the specific matter of Mark Sanchez, he may (or may not) improve hugely this year. I do have my doubts whether, if he throws a key interception, anyone will say "Impossible! He and Brian Schottenheimer are friends!"

But, then again, these stories aren't meant to be remembered, or even taken seriously, really. I can't think of the last time anyone called Ellsbury a "Native American warrior," but I don't think it was this year.

Let's Go Ahead and Get Started

Blogging's been a little light around here this summer, to say the least. For the past two months, I've had my hands full at work, while Ben's been busy publishing one of the fall season's best novels, among other promising titles. (Get bent, Jonathan Franzen.) Our dereliction of duty was so egregious that Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez has given up 35 runs since our wager, four times as many runs than he had at the time of our handshake. His total for the year now sits at a good-but-not-great 44, which works to my advantage. Jimenez actually trails third-place Boston's emerging ace Clay Buchholz in runs allowed by 9, which fills me with dread and an unhealthy amount of irrational anger. (I have a creeping suspicion that this Red Sox team is a lot like this year's Celtics. A September run strikes me as inevitable.)

Also during our absence, LeBron took his talents to South Beach. I've since come to terms with his Decision (TM), and for the first time in a decade, I'm actually excited about the Knicks. All signs point to the playoffs. (Get bent, Isiah.) A bunch of other events took place (The Big Leprechaun!), but they are far too legion to list here. Suffice it to say, Ben and I are committed to keeping this blog going, at least in theory. With the MLB playoffs around the corner and NFL training camp underway (Sign the contract, Revis), now's as good a time as any.

Here, then, is a clip of Rex Ryan addressing the Jets at the start of training camp. I'm breaking my longstanding rule about discussing football before Week 1 because this clip, taken from last night's "Hard Knocks" premiere, is awesome. Viewer discretion advised. Say what you will about Ryan's stated goals of the Jets leading the NFL in victories or winning the Super Bowl, he knows how to work a room--and a PowerPoint presentation. It's easy to see why players like playing under him. Win or lose, he keeps things interesting.

BEN:

Yeah, I let the whole summer pass. I let LeBron's decision and Cleveland's response pass. I let David Ortiz's win in the home run derby--likely Boston's only baseball triumph of the year--sail by. I never said a proper goodbye to Rasheed Wallace, or even the Celtics' almost-realized dreams of a championship--that one stung. I did not inveigh against A-Rod and his 600 dubious home runs. (Although, in fairness, the rest of the media handled that for me.)

It has been a long baseball season, even for someone as patient as me. Buchholz has been a revelation, Lackey a disappointment, and Ellsbury a baby. Beckett and Matsuzaka have been enigmatic. I will say that I think this is the best Dice-K has ever pitched, oddly. Pedroia is back, but it's hard to know what to expect from him. And all signs point to the Sox being left out of the playoff hunt. As you say, a late-season run seems possible. But at this point, I don't think it's likely to result in a playoff appearance.

Which leads me to the Patriots, and the Jets. We saw what they did to Eli Manning last night, and against what I think may be a pretty weak Giants team, the Gang Green sure did look tough. I'll give you my diagnosis: they're the Cowboys North. A penchant for signing the most famous player at every available position. Loudmouth, brash, not playing well with others. And real tough to beat.

But I think they also have some of the Cowboys' foibles. A tendency to underachieve for their talent level. An inability to get their big guns to fall in line. (Welcome to Revis Island). Also, a fat coach.

I think the Jets are the favorite to win the AFC East, and believe me, I don't like the way it feels to say that. As for Skinny Rex's goal of leading the league in wins, though, I'm not biting. The Ravens and Colts are big threats in the AFC. The Vikings, Saints, and Packers in the NFC. And then there are the Patriots.

I think this is one of the most likable teams the Pats have fielded since the heyday of Bruschi and Vrabel. A ton of young talent itching to get out and prove itself, the same old stud at QB (with a different 'do), and a new look all around. They might not be ready--we'll see. But I can't quench my homer optimism: I think they have a ton of potential. Besides--almost all of them are older than Mark Sanchez.

Yeah, ok, I blew it this summer. But fall is just around the corner. And guess who's back early?

MILES:

Sadly, the Jets don't enjoy nearly the cultural cache as the Cowboys, but I see your point. For better of for worse, this is a defining season for the Jets. Any result besides a return trip to the AFC Championship will be considered a disappointment, maybe even a, gulp, disaster. Some quarters would argue anything less than a Super Bowl victory will usher in Armageddon. Remember, this is a franchise that doesn't deal well with success, and there are about 1,001 things that could go wrong this season. Every week is going to be operatic.

Numbers Game

Behold Ubaldo Jimenez. We knew he was talented, but no one could've counted on a season like this. After 12 starts, Jimenez's ERA remains less than 1 run per 9 innings, and he matched his season high for runs allowed in last night's game: 2. Jimenez is on the season-opening tear of all time, averaging 7.2 innings per start, racking up 78 strikeouts, and an 11-1 record. It's stunning that he's even lost a game, having his team come up empty-handed against the Dodgers, while he allowed just one run over seven innings. (By Jimenez's standards, this is actually a below-average start: only seven innings, and allowing a run. Shame on you, Ubaldo.)

But the number that stands out most to me is this one: 9 runs. Total. For the whole season. Daisuke Matsuzaka sneezes 9 runs. Alex Rodriguez can drive in 9 runs without even using steroids. This is, by any standard, an insane number.

Now. There is no possible way that Jimenez can keep a sub-1 ERA going for the whole season. It has never happened in the history of baseball. And he may get injured, in which case all these expectations go out the window. But, assuming he doesn't--how many runs will he allow this year?

Care to venture a guess, Miles? Or better yet, set an Over/Under? This blog is in desperate need of another bet.

For reference, Zack Greinke allowed 55 runs last year. Pedro Martinez allowed 42 in his insane 2000 season. Greg Maddux, circa 1995, allowed 38. With this ERA, over 200 innings, Jimenez would allow 21 runs.

Again, no one is expecting him to do that. But it's worth asking the question--and making the bet--what DO we expect?

So. How about it?

MILES:

Since I picked Colorado to win the NL West, I'm perhaps more invested in Jimenez's continued brilliance than is probably wise. I'm with you, though: His sub-prime ERA, like Helen Thomas, just can't last forever. As of this morning, his BABIP, a stat I only pretend to understand, sits Indian style at .229. To put that into perspective, Bob Gibson sported a .240 BABIP in 1968, when he pitched to a 1.12 ERA and allowed only 49 runs all season. Gibson's season-long run is still considered to be the greatest pitching performance in baseball's modern era. (Incidentally, in 2000, Pedro sported a .253 BABIP.) We can look, then, at Jimenez's early dominance as a looming historical feat or a likely statistical anomaly. I'm pretty sure it's the latter. The kid's good, but odds are he's not that good. Eventually, that average on balls put into play is going to rise, and with it will come an inevitable increase in runs allowed.

Some other things to consider before I answer your question. Jimenez is likely to face the Blue Jays, Twins, Red Sox and Angles in his next four starts. A quick run through the American League will, in all probability, inflate his run total in quick succession. Also, he pitched 198 innings in 2008 and 218 inning last year. This year, as the Rocks battle the Padres, Giants and Dodgers in a tight pennant race, he's likely to pitch around 225 innings, if not more, which only increases the likelihood of more runs crossing the plate. A few dunks one week, followed by a few more the next (hello, Mr. BABIP) should eventually trip him up.

This isn't to say he's going to wither away completely in the second half. He'll still dominate, not just to the tune of 21 runs allowed over 200 innings. In the end, I think he'll allow no more than 70 earned runs this year en route to his first Cy Young Award and, hopefully, a division title.

BEN:

I don't know if I'm willing to bet the over on 70 runs. That would mean--just trust me here--my betting on an ERA higher than 4.00 over the remainder of the season. Jimenez hasn't done that over the course a full season yet. And while I agree that his peripheral stats (like BABIP) are likely to rise, I don't think he's headed for that much of a change.

In fact, notwithstanding our NL West picks (we're both wrong so far, thanks to the San Diego Padres), it sounds like you're more skeptical about Jimenez than I am. So, I'll make you a deal: let's drop the over/under to 60, and I'll take the under. Are you in?

MILES:

Deal. I'll take the over.

Role Model

SI's Ian Thomsen dissects Nate Robinson's Game 6 performance:

Robinson had been a disappointment ever since the Celtics had dealt Eddie House and Bill Walker to New York for him in hope of receiving a burst of needed energy at the February trade deadline. He had proved to be neither a reliable defender nor a true point guard. He wasn't on the bench so much as he'd been buried six feet under it, which is a great depth for someone three inches shorter than six feet. But now the Celtics had no choice. The second quarter began with Rondo lying on his stomach along the sideline, Larry Bird style. He was looking up -- and not having to look up very high -- to see 5-foot-9 Robinson in his place.

"During the playoffs at every single practice, I made a point of going over to him," said Rivers, who then recited his daily speech to Robinson: "Stay engaged. At some point you're going to win a game for us. I can't tell you when you're going to play, I can't tell you if you're going to play, on what night at least, but at some point you're going to win a game for us."

This was that game. The Celtics were up by a scant nine points just before Robinson let go of a well-spun three off the dribble and yelled out to the crowd, forcing an Orlando timeout. Moments later he was bounce-passing to Garnett for a cutting dunk. Then Robinson pulled up in transition for another three and backed away nodding and nodding.

Jameer Nelson lost his dribble in the frontcourt to the harrassment of Robinson for an over-and-back turnover. When he canned another jumper off the dribble to balloon his Celtics ahead by 48-27, Robinson blew at his fingers to cool them off. His glorious 8 minutes and 46 seconds culminated with a drive in which he really did appear to believe he could dunk over the 6-10 Howard, much as Howard had allowed him to do in the slam dunk contest two seasons ago. This time Howard went up to block the shot and fouled him hard as Robinson strutted away.

I've always said Nate is a talented player. That's what's so frustrating about him. Like David Lee, or Eddie House, for that matter, Nate's not, nor should he be, a team's first, second or third option. Nate, Lee and House are very good, even excellent, complimentary players: They possess enough talent to take over a game every once in awhile, but none can do it nightly, despite what they--or their agents--might tell the press. Surrounded by true superstars, though, they can become valuable contributors to teams with real championship aspirations, as Nate proved in spades last night against Orlando.

Celtics Wobbled

Is it possible two Boston sports teams can blow consecutive 3-0 leads, in less than three weeks?

The Bruins already took one on the chin, and the Celtics are struggling

just to get up off the mat after two decisive blows from a rejuvenated Orlando team.

Game 6, in Boston, is going to be epic.

It would be even more epic if NBA playoff games weren't fixed.

BEN:

Strangely, I don't disagree with any of this.

Red Sox I Hate: #23: Jeremy McDonald Van Every Hall

It is with some reluctance I even take on this four-headed, AAAA Jabberwocky. At the start of the season, as far as I can tell, only Jeremy Hermida, freshly dispatched from the Florida Marlins, even factored into the Red Sox’s 2010 plans. And his role was defined as a fourth outfielder and an occasional late-inning pinch hitter. Nothing more. Darnell McDonald and Jon Van Every, meanwhile, two minor league journeymen, offered, at best, some organizational depth, however shallow. Bill Hall is really just a failed infielder masquerading as a super utility man, pulling spot duty this season at short, second, center field, left field and right field: A jack of all trades, master of none. Other than Hermida, none really deserve more than an extended stint on the Sox's 25-man roster.

Early unforeseen and unfortunate injuries to outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron, however, unceremoniously ushered in the ignominious Jeremy McDonald Van Every Hall era, a 30-game stretch of remote control shatteringly bad baseball. To wit: Hermida’s early misadventure in left last night and McDonald’s rumbling, bumbling, stumbling in center cost the Red Sox at least four runs between them, and probably sent to his knees Theo Epstein, loyal supplicant to the high church of run prevention, before a make-shift, sweat-stained shrine to the four ghosts of Trot Nixon, Mark Bellhorn, Troy O'Leary, and Brian Daubach.

Taken individually, then, Hermida, McDonald, Van Every and Hall would hardly get my attention, let alone my goat. Collectively, though, the quartet rises to a level of annoyance roughly on par with the likes of, say, Gary Matthews Jr.

Reasons to Like Them:

Hermida hit a grand slam in his first Major League at bat. McDonald made quite a splash in his Red Sox debut, while Van Every has one career strike out as a pitcher. On Mother's Day 2006, Bill Hall, using a specialized pink bat, hit a walk-off home run against the Mets, with his mother in attendance. He later auctioned the bat to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

Reasons to Hate Them:

Hermida's beard makes him look Amish. McDonald was suspended in 2005 for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Van Every struck out Brett Gardner. And Hall, while still an everyday player with the Milwaukee Brewers, appeared on an episode of The Young and the Restless, with his then teammates J.J. Hardy, Jeff Suppan and Chris Capuano. There are no small parts; only small ballplayers.

Overall Hate Rating:

4. One degree each, like an Orlando-based Boy Band.