UConn-Yankees Ticket Offer @ Yankee Stadium

On Wednesday, April 13, the Yankees will be honoring the 2011 NCAA Basketball Champion UConn Huskies.  There will be an on-the-field pregame ceremony, and Kemba Walker will throw out the first pitch.  The actual Yankees game against the Baltimore Orioles will begin at 7:05 p.m.

Here's the kicker for all the fans: use the promo code "UCONN" and get $5 tickets in the Main Level Outfield, Terrace Level Outfield, Grandstand Level and Bleachers seats.  Not a bad deal.

So come on, UConn Country, show up to cheer on your Huskies.  Besides, the sagging attendance figures at Yankee Stadium could use your help!

Fun With Sports Law: Video Game Edition

Have you bought a new copy of Madden or NCAA Football since 2005?  If so, you stand to make some free money.  A couple of dudes from California filed an class action antitrust lawsuit against EA Sports, the company that produces these two video games.

Unlike the famous American Needle case, where the plaintiff was a small family-owned company that got squeezed out of the football merchandise industry by the NFL's exclusive licensing agreement with Reebok, these two gentlemen claim that the NFL's exclusive agreement with EA Sports resulted in a higher video game price for consumers.  They may or may not win (depending on the outcome of the rule of reason test) but all sports fans should thank American Needle for preserving their opportunity to win.  Had American Needle lost its case at the Supreme Court, professional sports leagues would have had free reign to exclusively license anything it wanted to anybody at all.  Imagine $50 baseball caps, $125 video games, and $800 Sunday Ticket.  Not a pretty sight.

At this point, you're probably thinking, "You said something about free money?"  Right.  If you bought a new copy of Madden or NCAA Football since January 1, 2005, you are automatically a member of the class action lawsuit.  And if you're a class member, it's probably best to do nothing.**  The only real advantage of opting out of the class (rather than staying in) is being able to file your own antitrust lawsuit against EA Sports on the same grounds.  I don't expect many of you to go that route.

So, assuming you remain in the class by doing nothing, a small army of lawyers will represent you and the literally millions of other plaintiffs around the country.  In a few years, the case will probably settle, and the court will probably approve the settlement.  How much do you stand to "earn?"  Well, suppose it settles for $20 million.  The attorneys will get their twenty-five percent cut, or $5 million.  That leaves $15 million for roughly 10 million video game owners.  You can expect to receive a compensation check for $1.63 in ohhh, I don't know, about four years.  Isn't the American legal system just the best?!

**In no way does this constitute legal advice. If you're seeking legal advice on this matter, you should consult an attorney licensed in the jurisdiction in which you reside.

For your convenience, here is a copy of the email that our own Andrew Katz forwarded me last night:

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Russell's Mea Culpa: Biteless Bulldogs Lack Fight, and Now I'm Eating Humble Pie

After Russell picked the Butler Bulldogs to take the NCAA Championship Game, we knew that he would be back here with his tail between his legs to let us know why he was wrong. Here's what Russell had to say:

Like the Butler Bulldogs, Russell is upset by the finale (Arbiter)

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Throughout the history of sports there have been dozens of ridiculous statements made by athletes. From Pete Rose "I did not bet on baseball" to Rafael Palmeiro "I did not take steroids period" as well as the myriad guarantees made by athletes that, in retrospect were total nonsense. Well after the the national championship game last night we may need to add my "They may be underdogs, but Butler will be Top Dogs on Monday" to that illustrious list. I believed in Brad Stevens, I believed in Matt Howard, I believed in the Butler defense, and now I believe I will be served humble pie at lunch for the next week.

In what was easily the most painful championship game to watch possibly ever, Butler battled early before folding like a cheap tent. But as UConn settled down the Bulldogs just got more frazzled, shooting heavily contested long jumpers that only contributed to scoring droughts that seemed to last almost as long as my Physics class. A team renowned for their defense and hustle did some of that, but their inability to score was truly astounding. Butler missed 22 out of 23 shots in the start of the second half! It was one of the most atrocious offensive performances in the history of basketball, and they picked a heck of a night to do it. Butler shot 18.8% from the field. Butler shot 3-31 from inside the paint with no points inside in the entire first half! Yes the Huskies big men were solid but this reflects badly on Butler not well on UConn's D. The Bulldogs got open looks, they had layups that rolled around and dropped out, they had good looks at the basket, but just couldn't get anything to drop.

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Was Cashman Right?

Brian Cashman has recently re-entered the spotlight for his comments regarding reliever Pedro Feliciano.  In reference to Feliciano's workload while pitching for the Mets, Cashman called the team's usage of him "abusive," sparking an exchange of words between Cashman, Mets Pitching Coach Dan Warthen, and Feliciano himself.  While Cashman may have been out of line in taking such a public stance, it also furthers one's respect of Cashman for his brutal honestly.  In a city where anything but a token PR response generates controversy, Cashman has never shied away from the truth, regardless of what kind of drama his words may generate.  Whether or not we agree with his opinions is another issue entirely.

This past offseason, Cashman was heavily criticized for not acquiring a front-line starting pitcher after failing to sign Cliff Lee.  Rather, he turned to low risk options Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon, signing them to minor league deals.  He was even in talks to bring back hated ex-Yankee Carl Pavano.  Yankee ownership and top brass, not satisfied with Cashman's work, decided to improve the club by signing closer Rafael Soriano to an overpriced contract to pitch the 8th inning ahead of Mariano Rivera.  Cashman, who has usually been of the opinion that the club can build the bullpen from within, was quite frank when asked about the signing, stating that he was opposed to the signing and that he had made this opinion well known to Yankee ownership.

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Review: "Lights Out"

Patrick "Lights" Leary  (Credit: FX)

What better way to help put the "T" back in NYaT than by reviewing "Lights Out," the boxing drama that just finished its first season on FX?  Although I'm a little revved up, having watched the finale just a few minutes ago, I'll try my best to see the forest among the trees.  But if you watched along with me, I think you'll understand how difficult that might be.  Here we go.

I'll start by saying that "Lights Out" is the only fictional sports show on TV right now.  Gone are the days of Playmakers, Friday Night Lights, and Arli$$.  FX somehow stands alone in the sports niche, which I find amazing.  Think about how many successful sports films -- not just comedies, but dramas too -- are produced every year.  From Invictus to Seabiscuit to Million Dollar Baby, sports movies are all over Hollywood.  So how and why has the small screen abandoned the genre?  And how did FX beat every other network to the punch (get it?) by creating a very, very good boxing drama?

For the purpose of this review, the answers to these questions are irrelevant.  I'll let the TV executives figure it out.  I just hope that some other networks meet the obvious demand for good original sports programming.  While they're at it, why not get rid of some of the lousy reality shows that are clogging up the evening hours?  Does America really need another weight loss show?  Viewers can already choose from the following options: Biggest Loser, Celebrity Fit Club, I Used To Be Fat, HEAVY, and Shedding for the Wedding.  Six shows about fat people...six!  I know that people secretly like these shows because they feel better about themselves after watching even fatter people on TV, but come on.  We need to encourage the networks to invest more in quality original sports programming like Lights Out.  Attention all executives -- follow FX's lead.  Here's what they did well.

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A Video Tribute To The 2010-11 UConn Huskies

Here is a great 2 1/2 minute clip about UConn's incredible and unlikely run to the 2011 NCAA championship, narrated by the extremely underrated Rece Davis.



And here is the official 2011 "One Shining Moment" clip, set to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross.



Once again, hats off to the UConn Huskies -- 2011 NCAA champs!

Best In Show: UConn Huskies Defeat Butler Bulldogs To Win 3rd NCAA Championship

UConn Huskies: 2011 NCAA Champs!  (Credit: Hartford Courant)

Five months ago, who saw this coming?  Not Sports Illustrated, which didn't put UConn in its preseason bracket of 68.  Not the Big East coaches, who predicted that UConn would finish 10th in conference play.  Not even me, a lifelong Huskies fan -- I was just hoping we could avoid the NIT for a second straight year.

But these puppy Huskies, led by embattled head coach Jim Calhoun and transcendent superstar Kemba Walker, believed they could be something special.  It was just a matter of harnessing young talent, balancing strengths (defense, speed, Kemba) with weaknesses (penetrating the zone, inexperience, shallow bench).  After a strong start (17-2) the team cooled off (4-7 down the stretch), and the question became: could they put together a sustained run in the postseason?  Well, now we know.

Without further ado, let's take a look at how UConn won tonight and where the program will go from here...

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View From The Seats: Tigers at Yankees

I'm back with my 2011 Season debut of the View From The Seats, from 431A (my weekend plan). The Yankees have the chance to go for the sweep today but right now are trailing 9-6.

This was not a good start for Phil Hughes who picked up where he left off last season with the inability to finish off hitters and--at least according the radar at The Stadium--decreased velocity. Bartolo Colon has not been much better in his Yankees debut.

The bats have tried to bring the Yankees back as the "New Yankee Stadium Wind Tunnel" has returned today, highlighted by two blasts from Jorge Posada and Mark Teixiera's third homer in three games. The problem is that everytime the Yankees have put up a crooked number, the Tigers have answered back.

Three innings left for the comeback as the Yankees go for the sweep in the big ballpark in the Bronx.

-Andrew

Underdogs As Usual The Bulldogs Will Be Top-Dogs On Monday

It’s David VS Goliath all over again, two teams, near opposites in every way battling it out to be national champions. For Butler, another chance avenge their loss in last years national championship game, for UConn, a chance to ride their star player all the way to the top. The grizzled coaching veteran with violations hanging over his head vs. the baby faced 33 year old coaching his second Final Four. Kemba vs. the physical Butler defense. It’s no easy decision picking a winner in this one, but here’s why Butler will be cutting down the nets on Monday Night.

Butler Wins Close Games

There average margin of victory if only 4.2 points and this Butler team knows how to get it done in the closing seconds. Their 2 point win over Old Dominion, 1 point win over Pitt, and 3 point win over Florida make last nights 8 point win over VCU look like a blowout. The Bulldogs keep their cool late in games and can get quick buckets from Howard and Mack if necessary. The Bulldogs have a ton of experience in late game situations in the tourney, which helps prevent them from making boneheaded plays a la Texas in late game situations. The Huskies have only been involved in two real close games, against Arizona and Kentucky, while the Bulldogs have multiple options down the stretch that should help them out late in Monday’s game.

Their Physical Team D Can Stop The Huskies

Tom Izzo said last year after the national semi-final that Butler was the most physical team the Spartans had played and that style has been on display throughout the tournament. Brad Stevens’s intense defense has played a huge role in getting Butler to the national championship game. Their rotations at the end of the VCU game were things of beauty, as the guards clamped down on Joey Rodriguez in the paint and won the game convincingly. While Kemba is certainly is a step up, Butlers team D can contain Walker. Their man defense is strong and you can bet Brad Stevens won’t be playing a lot of zone and letting Walker stroll around the three point line. Butler can force Walker to take tough long jump shots, which he isn’t as strong at as his running drives to the lane. If they can keep Walker on the perimeter Butler should be able to win on Monday.

They Too Have A Star

While he’s no Kemba, Matt Howard is also a dominant offensive player, and his physicality on the defensive end has made him one of the best players in the tournament. Howard leads the team in points and rebounds, and gives Butler a great chance in beating the Huskies. He can make big shots (Old Dominion) and timely buckets (The rebound put back that helped seal the deal against VCU). He’ll probably be guarded early on by Roscoe Smith, who is 6-8 but certainly lacks the speed to keep up with Howard. Howard gets rebounds and scores, and butler should win if he goes off for a big game.

Brad Stevens Will Lead The Way

While Jim Calhoun has the luxury of having Kemba Walker, Butler relies way more on strategy and set plays to win which should bode well for them in the championship game. If Walker is contained Calhoun doesn’t have a lot of options while Butler is well prepared for basically any scenario. Stevens is certainly a big game coach, and Monday should be a shining moment for one of the games best coaches.

NYaT Roundtable: Belated 2011 American League Picks

I know, I know, we're behind schedule, but on the first Saturday of the season, I felt it was a good time to make sure that I got up all of our baseball picks. I mean with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver back to ruining my baseball experience, I thought there would be no better time to distract me. We'll start with the American League with the National League hopefully coming tomorrow. Here's the NYaT picks, which come with a no-money-back guarantee (these were all done before Thursday):

NYaT bloggers think that A-Gone is the key for the Sox (CBS)

AL East

Ben W: Baseball's toughest division got tougher. No one team in the division can be taken lightly. Toronto has a young, but talented rotation. The Orioles should continue to improve as they did during the second-half of last year. The Rays also sport a young, but talented pitching staff. And then there are the Yankees and the Red Sox. The Red Sox clearly improved their offense and it is more than on par with the Yankees. I give the Red Sox the edge for the division because they are more established with their #2 starter. Red Sox.

Ben P: Maybe I'm a homer, but I think the Yankees are just as good as Boston. Both rotations have question marks, but I think the yanks have a deeper offense and a better bullpen, so I'll pick them to take it. The Sox will take the wild card. The Rays lost too much to compete at the same level but they still have a lot of youth and talent and will be hard to beat if their young pitching comes through. The Blue Jays and Orioles are also improved teams. It will be very hard for any team in this division to get 95 wins. Yankees.

Jay: Let's face it - Boston has a deeper starting rotation than New York. And they significantly upgraded their offense and defense by acquiring Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Meanwhile, the Rays lost too many weapons in the offseason and the Yankees have too many holes in their starting rotation -- Nova/Garcia/Colon aren't going to get it done in the Bronx. The Red Sox smell like division champs with a shot at 100 wins. Red Sox.

Alex O: Gotta start here. Boston improved and is getting healthy but they also have an older Papi, and their starters are no more of a sure thing than the Yankees. Yanks have some good young blood in Montero and Banuelos to keep the old guard energized. I think Jeter will have a year closer to 2009 than 2010, but still hope Girardi has the stones to bat him second and lead off Gardner. Comparing Yankees and Red Sox I think starters (slight edge to Sox) and bullpen (slight edge to Yanks with Soriano addition and Paps not what he once was) are a wash. I give the line-up edge to the Yankees since I think their 3-4-5 of Tex, Arod, and Cano are best in mlb. Defense is not enough of a factor to change my mind that my very biased opinion is that the Yankees will win the AL East. An interesting side show will be watching Manny and Damon deal with Tampa---- I root for the rays since my folks live in that neck of the Earth, and wish TB all the best. Yankees.

Andrew: This is the Red Sox division to lose. They still need to be healthy and to get their starting pitching in order, but they acquired two of the best players in baseball this off-season and bolstered an already very good bullpen. But fortunately for the Yankees and Rays, divisions aren't won in the off-season. Unfortunately for the Yankees and Rays, they both have huge question marks on their teams--the Yankees in the back of their rotation and the Rays in the middle of their lineup. The Orioles pitching stinks but their hitting should be just as good as anyone in the AL East (I love Adam Jones to have a huge year) and the Blue Jays have a good young nucleus (H/T G-C). Since they almost won it last year even with all their injuries, I still think that this is the Red Sox division. Red Sox.

AL Central

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