IF YOU SMELLLLLL...... Wrestlemania 28 Preview

Courtesy of WWE.com

Through all the Fruity Pebbles, Boots 2 Asses, Cena's lady parts and missing balls, kung pao bitches, jabronis, candy asses, and live via satellite, this unprecedented year-long build to one of the most anticipated Wrestlemania matches of all time has fans clamoring to see what's going to happen in Miami on April 1. John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson planted the seeds to their feud several years ago, when during an interview Cena called The Rock out for leaving WWE for a movie career. Many people thought could only dream of a match between the Great One and the Doctor of Thuganomics. That was true, until March of last year.

The Rock made his anticipated return to entertain his "millions and millions" of fans, when he announced that he would be the guest host of Wrestlemania 27, and that he was never going to leave again. Rocky immediately took offense to Cena, saying that the WWE turned from the powerful and iconic "Austin 3:16" and "Can You Smell What The Rock is Cooking?"to Cena playing hide and seek saying "You Can't See Me". Then, at Wrestlemania 27, Rocky cost Cena his WWE title match to The Miz. The next day on Raw, Cena and Rock agreed to settle their differences at Wrestlemania 28. Throughout the course of the past 12 months Rock made intermittent appearances, even wrestling his first match at Survivor Series teaming with Cena, before returning on a full-time basis for the past month.

While the feud has been entertaining, this is more than a match between two of the biggest superstars of all time. This match is between two eras of pro wrestling, The Attitude Era and the current PG Era. The heat between fans of both eras is polarizing, more so than Wrestlemania 18's matchup between Hulk Hogan and Rock. Fair or not, Cena represents everything that anyone over the age of 15 hates about wrestling, because he is the face of the new era. Ironically enough, Triple H and Undertaker's Hell in a Cell match is being billed as The End of an Era even though it may be more appropriate here if Cena wins.

Common sense tells you that The Rock is going to win the match, but where does that leave WWE on Monday April 9th after Rock, Taker, HBK, and Triple H all go back to their part time roles in the company? John Cena is still going to be "The Man" and you don't want him looking weak. There are reports that they're considering having Miz interfere, which I hope aren't true. However, if you believe the rumors that WWE is already planning a rematch at either Summerslam or Wrestlemania 29, there might be a controversial finish to this match. I can tell you that on Sunday April 1st at Sun Life Stadium in Miami shortly after 10 o'clock, after all the trash talk is over, the crowd will become unglued when "The Most Electrifying Man in all of Sports and Entertainment" steps into the middle of the squared the circle to lay the smack down on Cena's candy ass!

The actual success of the match won't be known for several weeks, once the report comes out on how many people bought the pay-per view. WWE is hoping that they've done enough to sell close to 1 million buys. If the pay-per view doesn't do as well as they hope, this could be the last time we see The Rock, because I don't see him sticking around if he isn't making a significant impact.

Courtesy of WWE.com

Undertaker and Triple H will be fighting for the third time at Wrestlemania, as the Dead Man looks to go 20-0 at Wrestlemania. 'Taker's streak has the same aura as other famous sports streaks, like Ripken and Favre's most consecutive games played, and Joe D's 56-game hitting streak. That being said, if anyone has an ego big enough to end the streak, it is Triple H. This will be the second time that Satan's Playground the Hell in a Cell will make an appearance, and has big boots to fill to be better than Big Bossman and Undertaker's Kennel from Hell match (yeah, not really). The addition of Shawn Michaels as special guest ref adds another dimension to the match. They are teasing dissension between HBK and HHH, which in WWE means that they are plotting against 'Taker. This is would be a great time to re-enact the finish to the main event of Summerslam 97, when HBK tried hitting Bret Hart with a chair only for Hart to duck and hit Undertaker. This time, I see Michaels trying to hit Undertaker only for him to duck and Triple H gets laid out, costing him the match.

Courtesy of WWE.com

The WWE Title match between CM Punk and Chris Jericho has a chance to be the best in-ring match of Wrestlemania. The past few weeks on Raw, Jericho was trying to get into Punk's head by talking about how his some of his family members have drug and alcohol addictions. There are rumors that this match might open the show, but I feel like that cheapens the title. I can see Chris Jericho winning the belt to set up a rematch at Extreme Rules in Punk's hometown of Chicago.

Courtesy of WWE.com

The World Title match between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan has the least heat of the big four. It just doesn't seem special enough to be Smackdown title match on the Grandady of 'Em All. Sheamus was a surprise Royal Rumble winner, and I see him going over at 'Mania. On a side note, it's pretty cool that I used to see Daniel Bryan (aka Bryan Danielson) wrestle for a smaller promotion called Ring of Honor in front of 500 people in a hockey rink in Edison, and now he's defending his title in front of 70,000 people at Wrestlemania.

The Rest of the Card

Team Teddy against Team Johnny is a way to get a lot of midcarders their Wrestlemania payday. I think that Johnny Ace is a more entertaining character and would like to see him in charge of both brands.

Cody Rhodes and Big Show's feud has been surprisingly entertaining. As Cody has showed, Big Show jobs a lot at Mania, and this could be a good win to boost Cody's career.

It seems like the Randy Orton and Kane match was just thrown together when they realized that neither veteran had a Wrestlemania match. It should be an ok in-ring match and I'd be shocked if Orton didn't win.

ETC....

I find it pretty funny that topbet.com has put up odds for Wrestlemania. Here are the odds for anyone else interested in making a couple bucks to help pay for the $65 pay-per view.

Rock (-200) vs John Cena (+160)

Undertaker (-270) vs Triple H (+220)

Team Teddy (-115) vs Team Johnny (-115)

CM Punk (-180) vs Chris Jericho (+150)

Daniel Bryan (EVEN) vs Sheamus (-130)

Cody Rhodes (+150) vs Big Show (-180)

Randy Orton (-180) vs Kane (+150)

Kelly Kelly (-145) vs Beth Phoenix (+115)

I hope everyone enjoys Wrestlemania weekend, and I'll be back on Monday to review the show. 

Te-Bow or Not Te-Bow That Is the Question?

This post is dedicated to my Grandfather, Francesco "Nono" Costa, who passed away today. Writing this was therapeutic and helped me realize why sports are a great escape to life's problems. Even though I never got to know you well in this life, I hope to see you soon someday, Rest in Peace.

The Jets made an embarrassment of themselves again. Not only do Jets fans need to endure 43 years without a Super Bowl, have a history of terrible draft choices, Fake Spike, Rich Kotite, I resign as the HC of the NYJ, Mo Lewis knocking out Bledsoe, Dick Curl, Brett Favre, and countless dumb decisions and heart-wrenching plays, but now March 21st 2012 will be another day that will live in Jets infamy.

At 1 pm on Monday the Jets announced that they completed a trade with Denver that sent Tim Tebow and a 7th-round draft pick to the Jets for a 4th and 6th-round pick. I was going to write about the pros and cons of the deal, but then news broke that the deal may be off. Apparently the Jets didn't read the fine print in his contract that made his salary jumps $5 million dollars, from around $3 million to $8 million.

The Jets are coming off like a confused old lay at the A&P looking to return her groceries because she didn't realize they need to buy 2 of a product to get it on sale. This situation has become a lose-lose for New York's second class football citizens. If the trade gets reversed then the Jets look like fools for not realizing what his contract stated, and the damage to Mark Sanchez's ego is already done. If the trade does go through, the damage to Mike Tannenbaum is already done because the news went public.

If Tim Tebow is still a Jet when you read this, here are my pros and cons of the move.

      Courtesy of Deadspin.com

Pros

• The guy is a proven winner, and a great locker room guy. Anyone who has a positive impact on the Jets fractured locker room would be a huge plus. 
• We didn't give up too much to get him. He can make a considerable impact on the playing field, and that is probably a lot more than the Jets are going to get out of whoever they draft in the 4th and 6th round. Also, if Sanchez gets injured then we have a competent backup that has much more NFL experience then Drew Stanton or Greg McElroy.
• With the creator of the Wild Cat offense, Tony "Don't Call Me Soprano" Sparano, as our new offensive coordinator, Tebow could be a major weapon. As the Jets witnessed themselves when Tebow torched them on a 95-yard game-winning drive. The Jets offense looked stagnant after losing Brad Smith last offseason, and Tebow could help solve that.

Cons

• After giving Mark Sanchez a contract extension a couple of weeks ago, this undoes some of the goodwill that their franchise QB thought he had. If anyone knows it's me, that Jets fans are brutal. After a bad pre-season game there will be 70,000 animals in green and white chanting TEEEE-BOOOOWWWW! TEEEE-BOWWWW!! TEEEEE-BOOOOWWWW!!!! And for a guy that has already reportedly having confidence issues, that doesn't help.
• The Jets have several holes, including offensive line, pass rush, wide reciever, and running back; neither of which Tebow helps fill. If you do bring in a guy that's going to cost several million dollars, you would hope that they help fill a need.
• Who is Tim Tebow? I am not a believer in Tebowmania, and think that he is nothing more than a gimmick. I don't know about you, but I'd like it when the best thing my QB does is actually pass the ball. People also forget that with the playoff spot on the line, Tebow and the Broncos lost their last three games by an 87-40 margin. That includes the last game of the season when the Broncos couldn't score a touchdown!
• Finally, there is the question if the wild-cat offense is even viable in the NFL anymore. You can't fool coaches too long with smoke and mirrors because someone will eventually figure you out. Since Sparano's first year as head coach of the Dolphins, opposing teams have defended the wild cat better and better. There is also the potential problem of having the regular offense lose their rhythm by constantly subbing in and out for the wild cat.

When all is said and done, I think that Woody J and Mike Tannenbaum are going to be known as cold, calculated businessmen, that might not be the best judges of talent, and this trade proves it. They were blinded by the dollar signs that Tebow brings with him, Tebow's jersey was number 2 in the best-selling jerseys of the 2011 season according to an article on USA Today. Their acquisition of Brett Favre was the downfall of Mangini, and Tebow could eventuall cause the downfall of Coach Rex.

Yankee Season Preview Part 2

Starting Pitchers

CC Sabathia


Sabathia is entering his fourth season in New York, with 59 wins and a 3.18 ERA in three seasons with the Yankees. Sabathia has also proven to be a work horse, pitching over 230 innings in all three seasons with the Yanks. After teasing opting out this offseason, the hefty lefty came back to the Yankees, adding another year to his contract, ensuring that the big man will be wearing the double-wide pinstripes until 2017. Sabathia came one win short of 20, despite dropping his ERA to 3.00 last season.


Andy Pettitte


GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!!! OF ALL THE DRAMATIC THINGS I'VE EVER SEEN, ANDY PETTITE HAS UNRETIRED AND IS BACK WITH THE YANKEES!!! YOU SHOULD SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE YANKEE DUGOUT. A-ROD'S SMILING, JETER KNEW.

Breaking news from earlier today, Andy has announced that he's coming back home to Yankee Stadium. Pettitte gives the team another very good lefty starter. He may not be ready to start the season in the rotation, but he should be in there before Memorial Day.

Ivan Nova


Nova had an impressive rookie campaign, going 16-4 in 27 starts last season. Despite all that, the last time Yankees fans remember seeing Nova was Game 5 of the ALDS were he gave up 2 runs in only 2 innings  of work, that sent the Yanks packing up much earlier than anyone expected.

Michael Pineda


The man that the Yanks traded Jesus Montero is going to have a lot of eye-balls on him in 2012. He has the potential to be a very good strikeout pitcher, with 173 K in 171 innings in 2011. Pineda tired out after going 8-5 with a 2.58 ERA in the first half last season. If he can continue to develop his talent, Pineda could be one of the best young pitchers in baseball, but he will be tested by some good hitters in the AL East.


Hiroki Kuroda/Phil Hughes/Freddy Garcia


The 37-year old Japanese pitcher signed a one-year contract this offseason with the Yankees. He was an average pitcher for the Dodgers, 41-46, 3.45 ERA, but may not fair as well in the American League. Kuroda pitches to contact, which could be dangerous in the band-box that is Yankee Stadium.

Phil Hughes had a disappointing 2011 after a promising 2010, seeing his ERA jump from 4.19 to 5.79. During the 2009 season Hughes showed his worth coming out of the bullpen, and barring injuries that is likely where he is headed.

Freddy Garcia did what the Yankees asked of him in 2011. He wasn't blowing anyone away, but he was consistently average, which was enough with the Yankees offense behind him. Andy Pettitte's announcement that he's un-retiring may have knocked him out of the starting 5.

Bullpen

Joba Chamberlain

Joba's still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but reports are that he is ahead of schedule. If he can come close to what he was in the 2007 season, before the Joba Rules and failed attempt as a starting pitcher, the Yankees will be very relieved. 

Rafael Soriano 


Soriano lost his job as set-up man to Dave Robertson in his first season in pinstripes last year, and is looking to get back to the way he played in Tampa.

Dave Roberston


If you don't vote Ivan Nova as New York's biggest surprise in 2011, you'd have to pick Dave Robertson.  Robertson has a 1.08 ERA in 70 games last season, and may be the successor of Mariano Rivera.

Mariano Rivera


Mo has had a legendary career, and the Yankees won't be the same after he decides to retire at the end of this season. Rivera has made the last out of 4 World Series victories, with his only blemish coming in 2001 to Luis Gonzalez. His major-league leading 603 regular season career saves is an amazing stat, showing how consistent he has been. Hopefully he can end his career off with another World Series win.

ETC

Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni announced his resignation from the team on Wednesday following weeks of controversy after the return of Carmelo Anthony. While no one truly knows what happened behind closed doors, reports are that Stoudemire and Melo were no longer listening to the coach, and begged James Dolan to release him. What can't be disputed though is how well the team has played in their first two games with new coach Mike Woodson. 

Yankees Season Preview part 1

The 2012 Yankees have the same goal of all the Yankees teams that have come before them, and that is to win the World Series or fail. With some aging stars, and what looks like the final season for the greatest closer of all time, perhaps this team will have a greater sense of urgency to win number 28. I'm going to preview the hitters today, and the pitchers next week.

First Base

Mark Teixeira returns for his fourth season in pinstripes. Last season he batted only .248, a drop of almost 50 points from the 2009 campaign. With 38 homers and 111 RBI though, Mark still has the power and the defense to be considered an elite first basemen. Tex needs to get his batting average up to around .275 this year.  Grade A-

Second Base

There isn't much else to say about Robinson Cano, who could be the best second basemen in the majors, and is one of the new crop of farm grown Yankees. Batting .302 with 28 HR and 118 RBI in 2011, Cano was an MVP candidate. I expect more of the same from him. Grade A

Shortstop

The Captain, Derek Sanderson Jeter is entering his 18th season, and is looking for his sixth ring. Jeter started the 2011 season slow, batting just .270 in the first half, but finished strong after collecting his 3,000th career hit on July 9th. Jeter should be the leadoff man, in a spot he is comfortable with. If Jeter can play a little more consistent this year, there is no reason to think he won't be a 300 hitter. Grade B

Third Base

Perhaps the most controversial player on the Yankees is A-Rod. It just seems like trouble finds him. Rodriguez played in only 99 games with knee and hip problems last year. With 629 career homers, Alex needs 133 more long balls to catch all-time Home Run leader* Barry Bonds. After signing a contract extension in 2007, a year in which he led the league in HR and RBI, Rodriguez's production has dropped and needs a bounce back year. Grade B-

Outfield

The Yankees outfield consists of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher. Gardner's speed and patience at the bat, .345 OBP and 49 SB, makes him a quintessential lead-off man, but he is in the 2-hole out of respect to Jeter.  Granderson had career highs last season in HR and RBI, 41 and 119 respectively, due largely to his jump in production against lefties in 2011. Grandy's MVP campaign may have been hurt by his own teammate, Cano, since both guys had amazing years. Swisher has been pretty consistent in pinstripes, with around 25 HR and 85 RBI in his three seasons with the Yanks. He is also a fan favorite because of his eclectic personality. Grade B

Catcher

Russell Martin had a good year with the Yankees, replacing Jorge Posada. He is an exceptional defensive catcher, and has shown some decent power. The Yanks gave him a vote of confidence by trading prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle this offseason, but Austin Romine waits in the wings. Grade C+

DH

Raul Ibanez is projected to be the Opening Day DH, but the Yankees are also going to use this spot to give some of their aging stars, Jeter, Rodriguez, and Teixeira, some rest from playing the field every day. Ibanez hit 70 homers in three seasons with Philly, and should continue to bring the pop at Yankee Stadium. Grade C

Bench

The Yanks' bench has a good mix of young prospects and aging vets. Led by Eric Chavez, Andruw Jones, Eduardo Nunez and Russell Branyan.  Grade C

ETC.....

Some major news broke in the NFL yesterday..... The Redskins traded three first rounders and a second rounder to the Rams for the number two spot in this years draft. Assuming The Skins take Robert Griffin III out of Baylor, they have their starting QB for years to come. RG3 looks like he can be a mix of Mike Vick and Cam Newton...... The Jets signed Mark Sanchez to a 3-year extension that makes him the Jets QB until 2016. According to reports, the deal helps clear up cap space for this season, and is essentially a vote of confidence for the young QB. However, like Brian Scottenheimer learned a contract extension doesn't always guarantee your job....


Frankie Edgar got his rematch!!! Dana White and the UFC did the right thing. Edgar gave Penn and Maynard rematches, and it was only fair that he gets another chance to beat Bendo. If he loses, I wouldn't be surprised if that forces his hand to move down to 145....The new season of The Ultimate Fighter started last night, making it's debut on FX. With live fights every week this should be a really good season with an innovative concept. Coaches Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz should also be entertaining considering their career-long feud..... I got my tickets for UFC on Fox at the Meadowlands  on May 5th. This is my second live UFC event, and the live experience in my opinion is second to only the NFL.....


John Cena believe it or not has gotten the better of The Rock in their promos the past two weeks leading to their epic encounter at Wrestlemania 28. Perhaps Rocky is a little rusty on the mic, while Cena has toned down his goofiness, and showed he can deliver a serious promo..... Finally, the addition of Shawn Michaels at the Hell in a Cell match as special guest ref adds a different dimension to Undertaker and Triple H's rematch. Mr. Wrestlemania has motives to help or hinder both competitors. 

Jets Offseason Plans

With the 2012 NFL Offseason on the horizon, this is what I think the Jets should on a position by position basis. After a very disappointing 2011 campaign, Gang Green doesn't need to completely rebuild, but they do need to tweak a couple things. Step one of the process is already completed by getting rid of most of the offensive coaching staff, and starting new with Tony Sparano.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Mark Sanchez is entering his fourth season, and this could very well be a make or break year from the kid out of USC. While many Jets fans, including myself, have been critical of him, I still believe he is the answer at this position until his contract expires in 2013. There have been conflicting reports of how motivated he is, and that is what worries me the most. One thing I do know is that Peyton Manning isn't the answer. Jets fans are still feeling the lingering effects of bringing in an injured legendary QB in the home stretch of his career with Brett the Jett, and I don't want to deal with that again. I also think that we  need a better backup QB, and agree with the rumors of bringing in Chad Henne. Henne is familiar with Sparano's offense and might light a fire under Sanchez's ass if he isn't as motivated as Rex wants us to believe.

RUNNING BACKS

It looks like LT is either going to retire or look for another team, so this could be the year to see how good Shonn Greene really is. After splitting carries with Thomas Jones his rookie year, and then Tomlinson for the past two seasons, Greene deserves a chance to be the man. He might not have the elusiveness of a LeSean McCoy, but he is consistent, and can break the big one occasionally. We also have two young guys in Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell who could potentially be decent third down backs. I also wouldn't mind if the Jets brought in a decent veteran back, like Tashard Choice or Michael Bush. to backup Greene. I think were set up at the fullback position with the Terminator.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The WR position might have been our downfall in 2011. Losing Cotchery and Braylon and replacing them with Plaxico and Derrick Mason was a complete failure, and now we need to deal with a disgruntled Santonio Holmes on top of all that. Defenses figured out the Jets passing offense, by taking the slant away from Holmes, and Plax was unable to stretch the field. I did like what I saw out of rookie  Jeremy Kerley when he was given a chance. I don't see the Jets bringing in another diva receiver, but bringing in a guy like Brandon Lloyd or even steal Mario Manningham from the Giants would help boost the position. I also feel like Mohammed Sanu from Rutgers would be worth a second round pick if he's still available. Dustin Keller has the potential to be a top 5 tight end, and I think Sparano will be able to find ways to get him the ball.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Our O-line in one word was terrible last season. With three out of the five guys potential Pro-Bowlers, the onus clearly falls on Matt Slauson and Wayne Hunter. Losing Allen Faneca and Damien Woody the past two years has come back to bite the Jets in the ass. Replacing Slauson and Hunter would give Sanchez more time to find the open man and stretch the field a little.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Jets D-line has failed to create pressure on opposing team's quarterbacks without the use of smoke and mirrors. Bringing in a guy like Mario Williams or Dwight Freeney would automatically make this  defense tops in the league. Mo Wilkerson showed flashes as a rookie last year, and free-agent Sione Pouha is a very good nose tackle, but the Jets need to make sure we lock him up with a contract. 

LINEBACKERS

The Jets made the biggest move of the offseason last year by resigning Pro-Bowler David Harris to a long term deal. The rumors coming out of Florham Park is that the Jets "can't wait" to get rid of Bart Scott. Scott brought a swagger to this team and did a great job of teaching Rex's defense to the rest of the team, but he simply isn't producing enough to justify his contract. I would like to bring him in at a discounted rate, but don't see it being very likely. That being said, the Jets need to draft a LB in the first round, and Courtney Upshaw from 'Bama is nasty. Aaron "Mayhem" Maybin showed the explosiveness the Bills expected when they drafted him, and should also be back wearing the green and white next year. 

SECONDARY

With arguably the best corner in the NFL since Deion Sanders, Darelle Revis is a game-changer, and has shut down a who's who of Wide Recievers. Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson have suffered by playing next to the game's best, by having QB's pick on them because they don't throw to the guy Revis is covering. The safety position could use a shake-up. Jim Leonhard is one of the toughest guys in the league, but two straight season-ending leg injuries could severely hurt his chances of coming back next year. Eric Smith and Brodney Pool are both decent options, but if the Jets could bring in a guy like Michel Griffin it would be a big upgrade. 

 Rousey vs Tate

                                                            courtesy of mmajunkie.com

Finally, tonight is one of the biggest female MMA fights since Gina Carano and Cyborg. Meisha Tate (12-2) and Ronda Rousey (4-0) are not only good fighters, but are both attractive women. Rousey has destroyed anyone who has stepped in the cage with her, and is looking to take the Strikeforce belt away from Meisha. Both fighters have been trading barbs back and forth and this fight should live up to the hype. I'm predicting that Meisha Tate wins via decision. Rousey hasn't been out of the first round in her short MMA career, winning every fight via armbar submission. I think Tate is the better more well-rounded fighter.