Since it so close to the big game,

 

GO PATS!

 

I know that I'm supposed to be writing about the Sox in this space, but it's the SUPER BOWL dude, so I will digress for a moment to give my (basically pointless) opinions about the Pats.

 

The Giants Will:

1) Run the ball effectively.  I think they will try to get the Pats to commit more players "in the box" by running the ball.  I expect them to pile up big yards if they hand it off.

 

2) Have some big plays.  Cruz can't be contained.  The Giants can and will make plays.

 

3) Dare the Patriots to go deep.  I expect the line of scrimmage and the first 10 yards of the field to be covered in Giants.  The Pats won't have time to go deep, and they don't have to rush six to get to the quarterback, so there's going to be lots of guys clogging up the middle.  A high safety is all I'd expect to see in the majority of coverages.  Brady is going to have to avoid tipped balls, and be right on target.

 

The Patriots Will:

1) Drop 7 guys back in coverage most of the game, be patient, and try to get Eli to throw 1-2 picks, in exactly the same way they did against Peyton Manning in big games.  They don't have the horses to go man-to-man, and there's no point in blitzing Manning, he plays just as well (Just ask San Fran).  So the Pats need to have their front four play like champs against the run and the pass.

 

2) Not need Gronkowski to move the ball.  Despite recent reports to the contrary, I expect the Gronk to be a non-factor in the passing game.  I hope he can be a useful distraction and effective blocker.  Unlike 2007, the Pats should be able to neutralize the blitz better, and I expect them to, with short routes, and a better run game.

 

3) Win!  This game is a chess match and even on paper.  I agree with most, that I like the most of the match ups in the Giants favor.  I think the "intangibles" are all Patriots.  So I think the Giants will make more mistakes than the Pats, and the Pats finish with more points.  34-27 Patriots.

 

All right, enough of that.

 

Sox and Yankee Bullpens

Part 1 of this article can be read here, at Red Sox Yankees 40 Man Roster.

 

Andrew Bailey   vs. Mariano Rivera (closer)

Yankees have the names, will the Sox Bullpen

surprise the pundits?

Yeah, I know. It's not even close.  Or is it?  Rivera was born in 1969.  1969!!!!!!  That makes him older than the next oldest Yankee (Jeter) by FIVE YEARS. He can't keep pitching forever, and I say that every year, but he can't.  No less a Yankee scribe than Mike Lupica said he wouldn't be surprised if Rivera was not the Yankees closer at the end of the 2012 season.  His effectiveness against lefties was noticeably down last year.  Bailey is a quality arm and will certainly be a solid figure at the back.  Is he the next great closer?  I doubt it, but I think that position is a bit over rated anyway.  I look forward to seeing what he's got.  Edge: Yankees.

 

Mark Melancon  vs. David Robinson (set-up)

Robinson had a monster year last year.  Melancon is coming from the NL. He's young and got good stuff, but Robinson has been here and done that.  'Nuff said here: Edge: Yankees.

Jenks vs. Soriano

I think this is where the bullpens will get interesting for both teams.  Soriano missed some time but showed promising flashes of deserving the back end.  Jenks missed the whole season and pitched poorly, but if the Sox get an average year out of him, it could boost what they can do at the end of games.  Edge: Sox.

Matt Albers vs.    Joba Chamberlain

Albers had a very good year last year - Joba? Not so much.  He pitched effectively, but at a great cost, his elbow, and is unlikely to be ready for the start of 2012.  Joba's clearly got more talent, but if he doesn't get start to develop more consistency, middle of the order reliever is all he'll get from the Yankees.  Albers probably takes a step back, but he's not being asked to do as much this year, so I think he'll be fine.  Edge: Sox.

 

Overall Bullpen Edge:  The Yanks have proven guys at the back end, and depth to handle a Rivera injury on ineffectiveness stretch.  The Sox have new guys who will have to adjust to some crazy pressure - and tough lineups.  Edge Yanks.

 

It's close, but you have to like the Yankees this year to win the division.  Injuries, of course, will play a huge role going forward, but since its the Sox who have trouble staying healthy, that should also favor the bombers.  Pitchers and Catchers report next week, look for updates as the Sox fill out the bench.

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

Matt Heisler

*All information is posted in good faith and is assumed to be reliable, but may rely on third party information sources.