Sunday stuff

Jets beat the Fins 17-7. As they are getting used to a new offensive coordinator, it makes sense that the offense is not exactly in synch yet. So the defense has to step up. Kind of the opposite of last year when Donnie Henderson was the new defensive coordinator. It took that unit a few weeks to get going, but once they did they were nearly impenetrable for most of the season. Hopefully, Mike Heimerdinger (just wanted to type the name...) can get the offense going. Actually, it would be nice if our quarterback didn't throw his passes like Tim Wakefield throws knuckleballs for the Red Sox. No, he had a good drive in the fourth quarter which led to a TD after the Dolphins had closed to within 10-7. He completed 7 of 7 passes on that drive and Chad Pennington should be commended for that.

One problem. Why does Curtis Martin get the ball 31 times?! Keep this guy fresh! Use Blaylock (who looked very good when he did get a chance today). Try Cedric Houston. Try BJ Askew (Guzeundheit!)

And even better, New England lost (When was the last time I could say that?!) and Buffalo lost, creating a four way tie for first in the AFC East. It may seem a little early to look at the standings, but the first four games of the season mean as much as the last four games of the season.

Mets win 2 of 3 from Atlanta. The Mets had lost I think 76 series in a row. Cliff Floyd set a new season high in home runs so good to him. He almost reminds me of Darryl Strawberry in that every time he hits a ball right, the ball just seems to explode as the bat slams into the ball. You almost wonder if he'll bust the guts out of it, kind of like Rodriguez in "The Sandlot."

And much to my surprise, they called up Anderson Hernandez, their young infield prospect. He needs to learn a little plate patience, but he looked comfortable at second base. Sadly, they designated Koo-Koo-Ka-Joo for assignment. Hey Dae, we'll always have that hit off Randy Johnson.

But let's keep this series in perspective. Outside of seeing the young guys play and figuring out some bullpen options, this season is now meaningless. The last three weeks were putrid. A .500 record doesn't mean that much to me. It is better than last year. But next year the front office better have a higher goal than just playing meaningful games in September. Because they played one on Sep. 1 against Philadelphia. When they lost that game, the season lost all meaning. Know what I mean?

First Ranger pre-season game is Tuesday night. Michael Nylander is likely our number one center. A little different from Messier, Gretzky, Lindros, and Nedved. Then again, everything else has failed. It's amazing. I'm now almost 2 and a half years out of college. The last time the Rangers made the playoffs, I was a sophomore in high school! This team has a lot of prospects which is good. But from what I hear, they're destined to mostly be role players. Big deal. Seems to me that Florida, Anaheim, Washington, Carolina, etc. all made the Finals with teams filled with role players. Hopefully, these kids will develop into reliable players who are well coached. Here's my early thoughts on who I want to would fill out the Opening Night roster from top to bottom.

Forwards: Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Martin Rucinsky; Jamie Lundmark, Steve Rucchin, Michael Nylander; Jed Ortmeyer, Dominic Moore, Garth Murray; Ville Niemenen, Blair Betts, Jozef Balej, and if he's ready Nigel Dawes. If not, Jason Ward.

Defense: Tom Poti, Darius Kaspar-minus, Fedor Tyutin, Marek Malik, Mike Roszival, Dale Purinton, Max Kondratiev, either Thomas Pock or Jason Strudwick if Pock's not ready.

Goalies: Weekes/Lundqvist is all but set. Al Montotya (Wasn't he the Portuguese Man O' War in the WWF about 10 years ago?) will probably be in Hartford with Chris Holt and Dan Blackburn.

And in my 2 fantasy football leagues, I scored the most points in one league and the 2nd most in another!

I'll be back to discuss my reaction to the 100 Greatest Country Music Duets.