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<title><![CDATA[Sports Commentary]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Bi-weekly sports commentary]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[112009-Quick Hitters and Week 11 NFL Picks]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/112009-QuickHittersandWeek11NFLPicks.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Some quick and dirty observations about people such as Michelle Wie, Matt Holliday and others and my fantastically successful NFL picks.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:45:09 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/18/09 - Getting Serious (or NOT) in the NFL]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/111809-GettingSeriousintheNFL.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Jets never replaced Kris Jenkins and the Giants never replaced Kenny Phillips.  It makes you wonder how serious they are about winning.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:55:03 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/12/09 - On Sports and Notebooks]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/111209-OnSportsandNotebooks.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commentary on current sports "happenings"...Rutgers playing South Florida, the Mets doings at Chicago meetings and the difficulties encountered with a new notebook computer.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:31:11 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/9/09 - Forget the Playoffs]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/110909-ForgetthePlayoffs.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[After watching the Giants defense fail again when it mattered most, I'm fairly convinced the G-Men can just forget the playoffs.  They don't have good management, especially on the defense.  The Jets have similar yet different problems.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:04:03 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/4/09 - A Feeling for Seven]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/110409-AFeelingforSeven.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Having a feeling that Game 6 won't go as anyone expects and that there will be a Game 7.  Absolutely.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:23:40 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/2/09 - Pulling Out All the Stops]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/110209-PullingOutAlltheStops.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Yanks won Game 5 in fine style because they pulled out all the stops, their ace pitcher, quick pitches, and psychological moves too.  The Phils and Manuel didn't match that intensity]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 2 Nov 2009 01:58:32 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/30/09 - Pay Attention, Baseball Fans]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/103009-PayAttentionBaseballFans.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Yankee fans worried bigtime but AJ surprised them and this is going to be a World Series to remember.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:33:25 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/27/09 - A Disappointing NFL Season]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/102709-ADisappointingNFLSeason.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The sheer number of bad NFL teams this season has made for non-competitive and thus boring games. The reasons for the problem are discussed as are thanks for the Jets and Giants not being in that class.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:27:16 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/23/09 - Over-Managing, Bad Umpiring and Week 7 NFL Picks]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/102309-OvermanagingandWeek7NFLPicks.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Angels beat the Yanks in Game 6 but only because they overcame the ridiculous managing of Mike Scioscia.  Also my Week 7 NFL Picks]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:02:20 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[102209-Just Too Much]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/102209-JustTooMuch.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Phillies were just too much for the Dodgers in just about every way and the Yanks look to be too much for the Angels.  The prospects for this Phillies-Yanks World Series are great.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:13:38 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/19/09 - A Lost Sunday]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/101909-ALostSunday.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Giants and Jets didn't just lose Sunday.  They were totally lost.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:37:31 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/15/09 - It's All Expectations For Now]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/101509-ItsAllExpectationsForNow.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[During this lull in the sports schedule, expectations are rampant for lots of things and people, among them Yankees pitchers and Bobby Abreu.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:41:07 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/12/09 - Two Guys from Jersey Head Up NFL Action]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/101209-TwoGuysFromJersey.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Two Jersey guys tore it up in the NFL this weekend.  They were Miles Austin and Ray Rice.  The Giants and Jets have their work cut out for them.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:29:09 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/9/09 - It's A New Week, Isn't It?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/100909-ItsANewWeek.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A bit of everything from commentary on Posada and Holliday to NFL picks and best bets for Week 5.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:28:41 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/7/09 - On Playoffs and Bad Football]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/100709-OnPlayoffsandBadFootball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The MLB playoffs start today and I pick the winners and my favorites.  I then follow the highlights of NFL action]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:07:15 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/5/09 - Back to Baseball]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/100509-BacktoBaseball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Arod was fantastic to reach his 13th 30 homer and 100 rbi season and thoughts on the Mets prospects in free agency.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:43:19 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/2/09 - A Week for Comeuppances]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/100209-AWeekforComeuppances.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[NFL Picks for this weekend plus some commentary on the Jets, Giants and some thoughts about the MVP Awards.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:38:44 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/29/09 - Two New Guys and an Old Guy]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/092909-TwoNewGuysandanOldGuy.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez were pretty much the whole story in the NFL Sunday, but then there was an old guy too, Brett Favre, ever heard of him?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:58:25 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/25/09 - A Very Little Bit of Uncertainty]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/092509-AVeryLittleBitofUncertainty.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A roundup of the weekend's activity in sports but with not too much hope against the likely outcomes.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/22/09 - Mid-Beginning and Beginning of the End]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/092209-Mid-Beginning.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The weekend was great for football and for baseball too but baseball is nearing the end while football's just beginning]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:35:42 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/18/09 - A Heart in San Francisco]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/091809-AHeartInSanFran.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[On the excitement of visiting San Francisco with the Niners under Singletary and the Giants in the playoff hunt.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:31:57 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/15/09 - NFL - Indicators vs. Perspective]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/091509-NFLPerspective.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The first week's NFL action can provide indicators as to a team's chances for success but not true perspective.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:18:48 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/10/09 - NFL Playoffs Predictions By Over/Under]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/091009-NFLPredictions.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The over/under line provides a reliable base for playoff picks]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@immyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:06:46 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/7/09 - I Love Labor Day]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/090709-ILoveLaborDay.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Reflections on the best day of the year, Labor Day]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 7 Sep 2009 17:40:55 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/5/09 - On the Open, Blackouts and Budgets]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/090509-OntheOpenBlackoutsandBudgets.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The U.S. Open has been great, thoughts on NFL TV blackouts and wondering about what the Mets budget will become.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 5 Sep 2009 01:07:30 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/31/09 - On Joba and NFL Jobs]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/083109-OnJobaandNFLJobs.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Joba was a vast disappointment to this writer with his indifferent attitude towards being treated so badly by the Yankees.  Most of the weekend was about football, though, and several NFL jobs may have been either won or lost.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:10:36 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/27/09 - Who's the Fantasy Number 1?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082709-WhosFantasyNumber1.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Discussing the fun and anguish of selecting an overall #1 draft pick in Fantasy Football.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:41 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/24/09 - How Unlucky Can You Get?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082409-HowUnluckyCanYouGet.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A summary of the Mets troubles and hopes that their horrid streak of misfortune doesn't spread to the other New York teams.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:25:46 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/20/09 - On Plax and Favre and Other Clunkers]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082009-OnPlaxandFavreandOtherClunkers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Plaxico Burress was a victim of New York's Mayor Bloomberg.  Thoughts on Favre, Vick, Ryan Church and the clunker discount program.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:03:25 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/17/09 The Beat Goes On]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081709-TheBeatGoesOn.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets keep trying, the Yankees cruise and we'll see about Eli and Sanchez.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:06:46 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/10/09 - The Yanks Are the Story]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081009-TheYanksAretheStory.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets are a footnote for the 2009 season while the Yanks are just loaded and a serious Series contender.  Live with it, Mets fans]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:25:23 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/7/09 - The Gods of Baseball]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/080709-TheGodsofBaseball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The gods have deigned the Mets unworthy while the Yanks are having all the good luck...]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 7 Aug 2009 03:57:11 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/28/09 - Front Office Fresh Meat]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072809-FrontOfficeFreshMeat.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Omar Minaya really put his foot in it but the Mets team may have needed the distraction]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:07:28 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/22/09 - Reflections in a Lost Season]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072209-ReflectionsinaLostSeason.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Thoughts of baseball games and issues on a Wednesday afternoon]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:07:52 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/20/09 - On Joba and Yankee Idiots]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072009-OnJobaandYankeeIdiots.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Joba was great but the Yanks wouldn't let him finish the game.  The fans booed.  It didn't matter.  The Yanks made the "right" decision and solidified their corporate image]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:39:01 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/7/09 - So How Bad Is It?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/070709-SoHowBadIsIt.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A realistic look at the Mets team performance and outlook, including an analysis of team at-bats, offensive and defensive stats.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 7 Jul 2009 16:07:15 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/1/09 - From Bad to Worse]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/070109-FromBadtoWorse.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets continue playing their pitiful baseball but it's hard for a Mets fan to REALLY stop hoping for the best.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:40:11 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/28/09 - Opportunity Loss]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/062809-OpportunityLoss.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets were totally uncompetitive against the Yanks last night but that wasn't the biggest loss of the day for the Mets.  The biggest loss was losing Mark DeRosa to the Cardinals.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:24:50 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/25/09 - A Day for the Downtrodden]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/062509-DayforDowntrodden.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was a day for upstarts to prevail, from Gisela Dulko to that sorry Mets cast of characters.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:05:52 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/22/09 - June Snooze]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/062209-JuneSnooze.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Nobody wants the pennant in professional baseball but Wimbledon and the NBA Draft are enough to keep a sports fan happy.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:36:50 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/16/09 - A Wonderful Day]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061609-AWonderfulDay.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[celebrating the day along with Mets and Yanks big moments on the tube.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:14:32 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/14/09 - It's Just a Game, Luis]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061409-JustaGame.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Seen enough of Luis Castillo and Ryan Church.  I certainly have.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:41:08 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/11/08 - Just Shoot Me Peg]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061109-JustShootMePeg.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It can be horrible being a Mets fan.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:45:40 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/8/09 - Little Moves for a Long Stretch]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/060809-LittleMovesLongStretch.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets have been strangely resilient through more hard luck than any team should ever have to overcome.  But they've been making some little moves that may help them in the long run.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 7 Jun 2009 21:22:00 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/21/09 - Dump Players - Not Manager]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/052109-DumpPlayers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Despite what some view as a management failure, the Mets really need to dump the players instead.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 May 2009 13:28:29 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/26/09 - Mets Holding On]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/052609-MetsHoldingOn.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets took 2 out of 3 from Boston and beat the Nats despite all the injuries but they couldn't have done it without contributions from Beltran, Santana and sheffield.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 May 2009 13:24:54 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/17/09 - Sunday Meanderings]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Thoughts on a Sunday afternoon while watching the Yankees game against the Twins and switching to the women's Sybase Golf Classic from beautiful Montclair, NJ.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 18 May 2009 00:15:08 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/14/09 - Jose Reyes - Hogan's Goat]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/051409-HogansGoat.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Jose Reyes seems to always make the big mistake reminding me of a name assigned to myself by a Bayonne cop as a youth. Some thoughts about how Jose may eventually redeem himself.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 14 May 2009 12:57:02 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/11/09 - It's All Good - Then There's the NBA]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/051109-ItsAllGood.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Feeling good about the Mets and the 7-game streak, featuring the starters but also encompassing good performances from Takahashi and Parnell.  The NBA is a joke.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 11 May 2009 14:22:15 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Mets and Manny - One and Done]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/050709-OneandDone.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Carlos Delgado knew he'd need just one run and he went out and got it while Manny Ramirez's one mistake is all she wrote for him for 50 games.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 7 May 2009 23:29:01 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[5/4/09 - Playing Smart the Answer for Mets]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/050409-PlayingSmartBaseball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Let's not get rid of Minaya yet.  Let's see the Mets play smarter first.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 4 May 2009 18:56:50 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/30/09 - Turn the Page!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/043009-TurnthePage.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Forget about April.  The Mets will begin moving ahead in May.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:36:09 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/25/09 - Hope, Disdain and the NFL Draft]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/042509-HopeDisdain.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[There's hope for the Mets, I get a chance to express some more disdain for the Yankees, and the NFL Draft briefly interrupts my thoughts of the national pastime.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:37:04 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/22/09 - Mets....BOO!!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/042209-MetsBoo.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets are playing lousy baseball.  Send Murphy down and sit Beltran for a while.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:09:53 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/18/09 - Joba's Bad And Omar's Looking Good]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041809-OmarLooksGood.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Joba looked horrible but Omar Minaya looked great after Castillo and Sheffield won the game for the Mets Friday night.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:23:34 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[4/15/09 - On Good and Bad Baseball]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041509-OnGoodandBadBaseball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Yanks showed some real promise last night while the Mets have played bad baseball, lead by their bone-headed shortstop.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:15:10 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/13/09 - What's Goin' On?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041309-WhatsGoinOn.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Anything can happen, and often does in the first week of the MLB season]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:46:51 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/9/09 - What A Relief]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040909-WhatARelief.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets proved they can get by with those secondary starters and even when their relievers aren't perfect.  The Yankees need some relief too, and maybe a few adjustments to the lineup.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 9 Apr 2009 12:15:58 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/6/09 - Mets All The Way]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040609-MetsAllTheWay.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Sheffield won't keep the Mets from winning the World Series and my predictions for the division and pennant winners]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 6 Apr 2009 14:27:43 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/1/09 - April Fools]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040109-AprilFools.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Was it Sheffield or the Tigers who were played the fool?  How about between Jay Cutler and the Broncos?  Or between Arod and the world?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 3 Apr 2009 12:55:28 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/30/09 - Moving Right Along]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/033009-MovingRightAlong.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A rundown of the major happenings in sports at the end of March.  Ruminations on the tournament and baseball.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:49:56 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/26/09 - The Agony and the Fantasy]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/032609-TheAgonyandtheFantasy.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[My fantasy draft is Saturday morning and the author weighs the ins and outs of not picking Jose Reyes, as compared to the other top-rated choices.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:26:49 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/23/09 - A Call for Instant Replay]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/032309-ACallforInstantReplay.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[After last night's horrible called third strike on David Wright ruined any chance the U.S. had against Japan, it's time to demand that replay be used on balls and strikes in the MLB and WBC.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:48:32 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/15/09 - Sunday Blues]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/031509-SundayBlues.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[commentary on events in real life and sports this Sunday.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:44:08 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/9/09 - The WBC and Not Much Else]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/030909-TheWBCandNotMuchElse.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Netherlands surprised the heck out of the Dominican Republic and S. Korea did the same to Japan as the World Baseball Classic.

T.O. knocked Arod out of the headlines for a bit while the Knicks and the Nets are both floundering.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 9 Mar 2009 12:58:58 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/4/09 - On the WBC and Stuff....]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/030409-OntheWBCandStuffl.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Seems like the season is backwards, having a World Series before the regular season.  A discussion of the contenders for the title and commentary on other happenings, Shaq vs Superman and the Giant sand Jets prospects.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 4 Mar 2009 14:52:58 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/26/09 - Ya Can't Go Back?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/022609-YaCantGoBack.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Here's hoping that Giambi, Glavine and Griffey returning to their former teams can help add some zest to the upcoming baseball season.  Giambi has a chance to make a real difference but it'll take a minor miracle for the others.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:28:06 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/23/09 - On the Oscars]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/022309-OntheOscars.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Oscars were great once again, using some things new while borrowing heavily from the old.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:09:29 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/17/09 - On Fantasy and Arod]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021709-OnFantasyandArod.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[There's not much happening in the sports world except for Arod so my thoughts have been on fantasy baseball, my strategy, and how Arod's headline status will affect the Yankees.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:23:31 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/13/09 - It's Friday the 13th]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021309-Fridaythe13th.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It's an unlucky day but especially if you're the Astros]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:04:25 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/11/09 - The Smart Get Smarter]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021109-TheSmartGetSmarter.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Angels got Bobby Abreu on the cheap and just proved the smart get smarter.  Meanwhile, the Jets kissed Favre's butt into retirement.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:17:06 CST]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[2/9/09 - Is Nothing Sacred?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/020909-IsNothingSacred.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Leaks and the U.S. Government's heavy-handed treatment of Barry Bonds seem worse to me than steroids use in baseball.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 9 Feb 2009 13:45:31 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/6/09 - All Around New York Sports]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/020609-AllAroundNewYorkSports.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commentary on all the New York sports teams today and some extra.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 6 Feb 2009 14:09:48 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/4/09 - They're All in Line for 2009]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/020409-TheyreAllinLinefor2009.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets sign crazy Ollie Perez and now all's in order except for some badly needed depth.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 4 Feb 2009 02:30:49 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/2/09 - Toe Tappin' to Glory (Days)]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/020209-ToeTappintoGlory.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Steelers win in the most amazing ways.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 4 Feb 2009 02:29:25 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/29/09 - Steelers - Defense and Character]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/012909-Steelers-DefenseandCharacter.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Cards have that fabulous passing game but their character is still suspect, especially on that defense.  They have a history of folding.  The Steelers never fold.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:37:42 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/27/09  - Super-Hot Stove and Back]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/012709-SuperHotStove.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Expressing disgust for the hype, rebelling by reverting to baseball but then inexorably drawn back to thoughts of the big game]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:51:43 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e1089a419e5d63b777edb4ecc1c9b1dd]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[1/21/09 - Rex Ryan - The Right Guy]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/012109-.RexRyanRightGuy.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Woody Johnson mentioned things like “straightforward”, “expertise” and “instincts”.   He could have added honest, aggressive, confident, smart and tough.  Rex Ryan!  I’m impressed!  After Ryan’s hard-hitting opening press conference in beautiful Florham Park this morning, I’m ready for some football.  And so is he!]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:14:44 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/19/09 - Who Cares About Pennsylvania Anyway?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/011909-.WhoCaresAboutPennsylvania.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[In my last article, I spent paragraph after paragraph espousing the good points of the Arizona Cardinals.  What a dummy!

So much for an all-Pennsylvania final.  And so much for my handicapping.  I have to admit it was a great game; you couldn’t ask for more.  And who cares about Pennsylvania anyway?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:26:26 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[228917def517e3eaae25104201ed3cc6]]></guid>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[1/16/09 - A Pennsylvania Weekend]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/011609-APennsylvaniaWeekend.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of this weekend's NFL Conference Championship games.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:48:32 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/14/09 - Wednesday Odds and Ends]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/011409-WednesdayOddsandEnds.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Ruminations on the Giants, their 2009 prospects and commentary on the Nets, Knicks, Jets and Mets.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:22:01 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[da6663ba97e570ac00143efe7b0cb0db]]></guid>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[1/12/09 - No Tears for the Giants]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/011209-NoTearsFortheGiants.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Giants of this year can't compare with the Giants of last year. No Umenyiora, Strahan, and Plaxico.  No offense.  The Eagles looked good and compare favorably to both the Cards and AFC winner]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:58:45 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[99893b3eb83eb4876e87b7bf8c054ddf]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[1/9/09 - Those Special Players]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/010909-ThoseSpecialPlayers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of the playoff games this weekend, and the results depending upon what special players are either healthy or unavailable.
Picks: Ravens, Panthers, Eagles, Steelers]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 9 Jan 2009 18:03:29 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/7/09 - Holy Cow!  Winning is Risky]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/010709-HolyCow.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Holy Cow!  An analysis of the role of free agency in winning vs. losing in Major League Baseball, using as illustrations both Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano with the Yankees.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 7 Jan 2009 17:25:46 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/5/09 - On Eagles, Giants and Johnsons]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/010509-OnEaglesGiantsandJohnsons.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of the Eagles-Vikings game and the pitiful coaching Of Brad Childress.  A look ahead on the Eagles-Giants contest and commentary on the Jets sham of a search for a head coach.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:56:27 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/3/09 - On Playoffs and Proverbial Justice]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/010309-OnPlayoffsandProverbialJustice.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commenting on the strangeness of Saturday's NFL action and some thoughts on risk and proverbial justice.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 4 Jan 2009 01:36:16 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6f362663a025c46c967b3f7633f6b50e]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[12/29/08 - Sad Ending - New Beginning]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/122908-SadEndingNewBeginning.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commenting on the sad but predictable end to the Jets season and their apparent lack of leadership with asides on the similarities and differences between Miami and Dallas]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:10:54 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/23/08 - Twas the Night Before]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/122308-TwastheNightBefore.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Clement Clark Moore poem revisited to address the NYC pro football situation.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:03:16 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/19/08 - Super Bowl Scenarios]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/121908-SuperBowlScenarios.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Experimentation with Yahoo's Scenario Generator is a great way to determine the likely playoffs matchups.  The NFC especially could yield some surprises.  

The Steelers are looking very strong indeed with Polamalu and that defense.  In the NFC, it'll be the Cowboys or the G-Men.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:35:41 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/15/08 - Coming Back to Earth]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/121508-ComingBacktoEarth.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Giants need "Earth" to come back while the Jets may have already come back to earth.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:36:37 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/11/08 - CC and JJ WooHoo !!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/121108-CCandJJWooHoo.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets got it absolutely right.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:59:27 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[69068604346f3240262bc4daf204123d]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[12/09/08 - In My Mind I'm Goin' to Carolina]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/120908-InMyMindImGointoCarolina.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Carolina Panthers running backs, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, made the Bucs of Tampa look silly last night and I have to think the Panthers will be in the Giants future.

]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 9 Dec 2008 03:09:10 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/05/08 - Cuffed Hands, Hired Hands, All Hands]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/120508-CuffedHandsHiredHands.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Plaxico's in hand cuffs and the Fascist Mayor Bloomberg says too much.

The Jets hired hands seem primed for the Niners, The Giants should handle the Eagles again, but I'll be primed for Dallas-Pittsburgh where it will be all hands on deck.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:26:55 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/1/08 - NY Super Bowl My Butt]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/120108-SuperBowlMyButt.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Thank God the Jets lost to the lowly Broncos yesterday.  I was getting a little tired of the all-New York Super Bowl hype I’d been hearing all week ad nauseum.  The Jets don’t have the character of a true Super Bowl team as they proved yesterday.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 1 Dec 2008 16:43:34 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/28/08 - The Day After]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/112808-TheDayAfter.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Thank God for Thanksgiving but especial thanks for the day after.  That’s the day the family’s all together but the company’s gone home.  That’s the day for pancakes in the morning and no cooking or cleaning up to do.
 Yeah, Friday after.  That’s the day you do reflect, the good things, the bad things, all that, and, for a sports nut, it’s an affirmation of the normal state of things.  In the NFL, it’s the dominance of Dallas, and the putridness of Detroit. In most Fantasy Leagues, it’s the last week of the regular season, and Sunday we’ll find out which brainiacs made the playoffs. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:49:28 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6467c30d014b6f0dea23eac84b571e9d]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[11/25/08 - NFL Coaches, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/112508-TheGoodBadUgly.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[In order to see just how bad the coaching problem is in the NFL, if anything could be worse than the referee-ing,  I’ve gone down the list of teams and their respective coaches(courtesy of SportsFrog.com) and classified them as either good, bad, or ugly ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:20:18 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/22/08 - Nets Bring Magic to Toronto]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/112208-NetsBringMagic.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Such was the battle between the Nets and Raptors last night. Who would have expected it, such drama, such intensity, such athleticism, such talent, such strategizing, all being played out before my wondering eyes on what otherwise could have been a dreary Friday night.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:39:08 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f7db478fe0a5eabd4042922104fd813e]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[11/18/08 - Giants Eat Ravens - Mangini Eats Crow]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/111808-GiantsEatRavens.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The NY Giants really pounded the Ravens quite unexpectedly while the Jets won but not without some angst provided by Mangini.  A rundown of the rest of the NY Sports weekend.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:44:35 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/15/08 - Curiouser and Curiouser]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/111508-CuriouserandCuriouser.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A summary of the week's local sports activity and the strangeness of it all.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:25:32 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/7/08 - Of Mets Follies and Football Too!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/110708-OmarsFollies.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[You're probably asking yourself how anybody could be writing about baseball when there are so many exciting things happening in football, and even basketball. I'm wondering myself actually. My only excuse is that I'm worried bigtime that Mets GM Omar Minaya will make another "brilliant" move, one on the order of his Moises Alou or Luis Castillo ploys. A plea to not trade Carlos Beltran.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 7 Nov 2008 12:44:41 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e9839f5c3fb098818bf9b1747fa16e18]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[11/4/08 - You Want Crazy?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/110408-YaWantCrazy.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Life is crazy. It's always been crazy and seldom is it really fair. It's crazy that one of the best Knicks guards should occupy the bench when lesser players run around not doing very much. How about the Browns benching their quarterback Derek Anderson for 2nd-year man Brady Quinn? Of course, all this craziness pales in comparison to other more important considerations in our lives. Take the war in Iraq, for example.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 4 Nov 2008 12:33:09 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/31/08-The Keystone Difference]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/103108-TheKeystoneDifference.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Second base is called the keystone for good reason.  Chase Utley drove home that point.  It was the keystone difference in this 2008 World Series. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:08:17 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/22/08 - Phillies (and Determination) in Seven]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/102208-PhilliesinSeven.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The World Series goes on unsullied, despite all the rest of the woes surrounding our country.  An analysis of why the Phillies will take this 2008 version.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:28:10 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/2/08 - America Has Been Sold]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/100208-AmericaHasBeenSold.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[America has been sold to the corporations.  Bush, Pelosi and the U.S. Senate, they do not represent the people of the U.S.  They represent the corporations.  Can I write about sports under these circumstances?  Shouldn't we start being more vigilant?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 2 Oct 2008 00:46:15 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/25/08 - A Time For Heroes]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/092508-ATimeforHeroes.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets won't win ANYTHING this year.  The heroes are all in Milwaukee.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:39:11 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/22/08 - The Harder They Fall, or Not]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/092208-TheHarderTheyFall.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It can go wrong sometimes.  The big bully on the block picks on the wrong guy, on the wrong day.  And gets his head handed to him.  The bully gets surprised and then disheartened.  The underdog feeds on success.  One thing works, then another.  Everybody plays harder.  The vision of success is realized.

So it was for the Patriots yesterday as they were pounded to the tune of 38-13 by the Miami Dolphins at their home in Foxboro.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:34:21 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[41929d5517e16eb5cbef3c7a7228c712]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[9/16/08 - From Nine to Five]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/091608-FromNinetoFive.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was an old-fashioned shootout. Just as you'd want on Monday Night Football, there was Number 9, young Tony Romo firing bullets to the infamous T.O. But there was Number 5 Donovan McNabb on the other side, looking like the quarterback of yesteryear, finding his new favorite target, one DeSean Jackson.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:32:46 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[de99126cc666960e37c995dbbc63a3fe]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[9/8/08 - Just Too Much]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/090808-JustTooMuch.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was just too much, way too much to absorb...a full schedule of football games, a Mets doubleheader against the hated Phillies, Brett Favre vs. Chad Pennington.  Who could even think about Serena winning another U.S. Open? ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 8 Sep 2008 03:20:41 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/3/08 - Arms and Feet....and Inches]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/090308-ArmsandFeetandInches.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets won another close one last night, and it was all about arms, relievers arms, Beltran's arm, Chavez's arm and Wright's arm.  But it was also about some feet the Brewers didn't use and some inches that decided the Mets fate.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 3 Sep 2008 02:20:06 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/01/08 - Ten Four... Joba... Over?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/090108-TenFourJobaOver.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Looking at the remaining schedules of the Yanks and Red Sox and predicting how the Yankees could still quite feasibly come back.  The Yanks will have Joba back and Matsui too while the Red Sox have a struggling Papi and no Manny.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 1 Sep 2008 03:36:59 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cdf83a89149cc115c73db3c6824a967e]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/29/08 - Big Men - Big Times]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082908-BigMenBigTimes.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Jason Giambi and Carlos Delgado are two big men coming through at the best possible time.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:04:23 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[487f1ff1c7a0bb8e68bc707d96b2e6dd]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/27/08 - Great Game - Bad Result]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082708-GreatGameBadResult.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets-Phillies game last night was great but with a decidedly bad result and one gets the feeling that the Phillies are the better team.  But baseball is a weird game after all...]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:28:50 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[082208-So Low and Solo - Kudos to Good Coaches]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082208-SoLowandSolo.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Coaches and managers mean so much in sports. And not just for their tactical moves either. It’s way more than that. Every player has to believe in the manager’s concern for the outcome, his ability to make it so, and for his genuine humanity.

So kudos this evening for the 2008 U.S. soccer coach, who had the foresight to convince his team that Hope Solo should be one of them. His name is Pia Sundhage. Don’t ask me to pronounce it.

And the same for Jerry Manuel, who makes all the right moves, or most of them anyway.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:18:54 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/20/08 - One More Chance]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/082008-OneMoreChance.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Olympians get one chance while the Mets relievers seem to get so many.  Featuring Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, and Scot Schoeneweis]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:29:38 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[78fb44b5784a31eaf8a17de3a1164440]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/18/08 Olympic Musings]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081808-OlympicMusings.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commentary on the Jamaicans domination of the 100-meter dash, the class shown by the gymnasts, the difficulty in following many of the events and my admiration for the deserving only.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:15:33 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0767d5569db233ea8b0264d954dab1a3]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/16/08 Just The Right Touch]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081608-justtherighttouch.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[With a relief staff in shambles and through injuries and callups from the minor leagues, through it all, Jerry Manuel has shown just the right touch.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:36:49 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[dbd06da0dd1ea9df8626e642c46e944c]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/13/08 - No Relief In Sight]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081308-NoReliefInSight.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[With relief pitching as bad as that of the Mets, it's time to start thinking outside the box because there is no "relief" in sight.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@immyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:36:52 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[89fa70481751f97163e4b7363f4b7077]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/11/08 - It's The Journey - Really!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/081108-ItstheJourney.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Olympics coverage is focused on results and medal counts but it should focus a lot more on the stories behind athletes such as Melanie Roach, who, at 33 years of age, took 6th place in the women's 58 kg division.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:54:26 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[aee329b6c8d1cd53c3dcbcf81ca1c6e1]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/8/8 - Goats to Heroes]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/080808-GoatstoHeroes.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was beginning to look like the same old script for the Mets yesterday afternoon. Mets manager Jerry Manuel had to go to the bullpen. Surely the Mets would lose another.

But it was not to be on this day. Not this day. On this day, the Mets would FIGHT. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:52:19 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[132a9bdd11ac559bd8c10bb685e6074c]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/6/08 - Dog Days All Around]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/080608-DogDaysAllAround.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Lamenting the shape of the Mets, Yankees, Giants and Jets, PSL's, the Olympics, the economy, just about everything.

Yes, these surely are dog days.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 6 Aug 2008 02:56:15 CDT]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8941e753db2be06f97b2c9ad57063c5e]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[8/4/08 - Serious Likeability]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/080408-SeriousLikeability.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[How can I be a Yankee-hater with the team they have now?  What’s not to like?  Nady adds zing to their lineup, in just the right spot.  Pudge looks like a new man.  I always liked the Giambino and Damon.  And Melky, he can grow on you too.  Cano’s been a hit machine.

I haven’t liked a Yankees team this much since the one I found impossible to hate, the one with Tino at first, and O’Neil in the outfield, and that clutch third-baseman Scott Brosius]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:08:45 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[8/1/08 - A Tribute to Manny]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/080108-ATributetoManny.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The real story yesterday was Manny Ramirez going to the Dodgers. Churchill said it best, “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

For Boston, the few have lost a key man.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Aug 2008 03:48:38 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/30/08 - A Call to Arms]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/073008-ACalltoArms.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Just about 24 hours to the  trade deadline now, and although things seem set, at least as far as any big moves in Major League Baseball, there still could be a few surprises.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:07:31 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/28/08 - Manny Happy Returns]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072808-MannyHappyReturns.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The MLB trading deadline is Thursday and Manny Ramirez could find himself playing for another team before Friday.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:46:12 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/25/08 - Thankfully Wrong..]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072508-ThankfullyWrong.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[I was wrong about the Mets.  It didn't matter that they made all those mistakes in the first game of the Phillies Series.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:37:07 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/23/08 - Overthinking the Easy Ones]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072308-OverthinkingtheEasyOnes.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[How many times have we seen it before, with other teams, with other middle-relief guys who try on the closer's hat?  They don't have a prayer.  So it was with the Mets last night as they wasted a fine performance by Johan Santana and a 3-run lead to lose the opener of their three-game set with the Phils, 8-6. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:57:19 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/21/08 - Big Series at Shea]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/072108-BigSeriesatShea.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Big Series at Shea !  When was the last time we felt that?  I mean, actually feeling  GOOD about it?  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:01:59 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/18/08 - The Chemistry Set]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/071808-TheChemistrySet.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets have been great and the chemistry is delicate.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:14:01 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/16/08 - Pitching and Pageantry...(and catching too)!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/071608-PitchingandPageantry.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was mostly pitching and pageantry but it was all about catching too.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:19:07 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/14/08 - Finally Getting It]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/071408-FinallyGettingIt.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A joyful tribute to the Mets performance and their 9-game winning streak, plus a tip of the hat to Jerry Manuel in leading this Mets team back to within a half game of the NL East.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:25:28 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/8/08 I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/070808-IdRatherBeinPhiladelphia.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Rather than write about Federer-Nadal or the battle of the Williams sisters, or even about the stupid fans baseball selections for the All-Star game, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia,where the Mets dismantled the Phillies in 3 out of 4.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 8 Jul 2008 14:07:01 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Gee Whiz!  Jie Zheng !]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/070408-GeeWhizJieZheng.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Nothing I've seen this week gave me quite the same feeling of exhilaration as watching Zheng Jie scare Serena Williams in the second set of their Wimbledon semifinal match, eventually won by Ms. Williams 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).

As good as both Williams sisters are, the difference may be the difficulty Serena had in defeating the fiery Zheng.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:48:45 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[7/1/08 - For Want of an Outfielder...]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/070108ForWantofanOutfielder.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A reaffirmation of the worth of the Mets through a comparison of their personnel to the best team in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays.

The comparison reveals the Mets compare favorably to the Rays in pitching but need an outfielder desperately and also need better defense from their infielders.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 1 Jul 2008 16:15:31 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/27/08 - A Nice Quandary]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/062708-ANiceQuandary.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Puzzling what story to pursue, between Maria Sharapova and Wimbledon, the Mets-Yanks doubleheader, or the NBA draft choices of the Knicks and the Nets.

It's a nice quandary.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:50:59 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/24/08 - Credit Where Credit Ain't Due]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/062408-CreditWhereCreditAintDue.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[David Wright made the big mistakes but Johan Santana seemed to take the heat for it.  

Or did he?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:26:58 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[A Manuel For Success]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061908-AManuelForSuccess.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets won their first game under Jerry Manuel tonight, coming from behind to defeat the Anaheim Angels 5-4 in ten innings, a game that may have been the Mets biggest win in two years.  Not only was it a come-from-behind win but it came against a first-place team on the road]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:43:42 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/17/08-Better Late Than Never]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061708-BetterLateThanNever.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Well, the timing was horrible, but then it would have been bad whenever the final decision on Willie finally came in. That the decision followed a great team performance is ironic at the very least. That it came at about 3 AM in the morning smells funny, like those stories of the Colts and Irsay leaving Baltimore in the middle of the night.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:56:21 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/14/08 - Dumb and Dumber]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061408-DumbandDumber.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of the use of pitch counts by the Mets, Yankees and in MLB in general, and how this problem has added to the unfortunate Mets situation.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:48:22 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/10/08 - Michael Strahan - One of a Kind]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/061008-MichaelStrahanOneofaKind.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A tribute to Michael Strahan, Giants 15-year defensive end.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:00:36 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/6/08 - Great Equalizers...Clay...Distance et al.]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/060608-GreatEqualizers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[All week I have been amazed by the French Open tennis action, and what a difference the surface has made in the outcome of matches and tournaments.  Thank God for clay, I thought.

The great equalizer will be the distance, of course, in the Belmont not that there aren’t other variables to consider.

But there are equalizers in all sports, in football-injuries, in baseball-pitching, and in basketball-home court, unfortunately.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 6 Jun 2008 12:18:03 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[6/3/08 - No Stuff Is No Stuff]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/060308-NoStuffIsNoStuff.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Pettite said with regard to Joba's start tonight "...Stuff is stuff and Joba's got great stuff."  It's also true that "No stuff is no stuff" and Heilman and Farnsworth are examples.

The Yanks should pick up an 8th-inning pitcher.  The Mets should use the onethey have.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:53:18 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/30/08 - Down on the Farm]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/053008-DownontheFarm.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[There I was last night knowing what to expect; "here it comes," I thought to myself, Feliciano can’t do his job, and now Willie calls in, not Joe Smith or Duaner Sanchez, but instead a fellow named Muniz.

Muniz and Vargas for the Mets, as well as Darrell Rasner for the Yankees, have had an effect on their respective teams beyond their performance.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 30 May 2008 13:30:47 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/27/08 - Throwing It In...]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/052708-ThrowingItIn.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Keeping Willie at this point really makes no sense though.  The Florida Marlins are leading the NL East with a 30-20 record, which puts them on a pace to go 97-65 for the season.  The Mets, currently at 23-26, would have to go 74-39 for the rest of the season in order to tie the Marlins  That means they'll have to win 2 out of 3 games for the rest of the season in order to take the division.  Very unlikely.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 27 May 2008 12:50:42 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/23/08 - A Clean Sweep All Around]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/052308-ACleanSweepAllAround.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Are we having fun yet, Mets fans? How much of this bad baseball do we have to watch? For whatever reason, and maybe it isn't FAIR, Mets management must make a move. Two moves, perhaps, eventually. Willie has to be fired now.

I know he's sorry, but that has nothing to do with it. I know he's black, but that has nothing to do with it. I know his players aren't playing good baseball, and that has EVERYTHING to do with it.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 23 May 2008 05:07:29 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/20/08 - A Tale of Two Carlos's]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/052008-ATaleofTwoCarlos.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Willie Randolph will take his beginning-to-be-performing Mets team into Atlanta this afternoon, no doubt hoping for a continuation of some hot hitting from his two Carlos's, Delgado and Beltran. 

When these two buddies from Puerto Rico are hitting, there isn't too much else that has to go right, or Wright even. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 20 May 2008 14:33:57 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/16/08 - The Big Mistake]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/051608-TheBigMistake.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets and Yankees will meet for the umpteenth time in still another Subway Series (yawn) this weekend, and was there EVER a Subway Series with less at stake?  The under-performing Mets go into this latest matchup in 3rd place in the NL East while the Yankees have been even worse overall, inhabiting last place in the AL East.  But given all that, it sure seems as if the Yankees are the better team.

I t would be hard to imagine a worse loss than the Mets had last night.  This seemingly rudderless bunch made the big mistake again, this time losing the game on the basepaths, but it's always been something with them, either horrible relief pitching or batting slumps or just bad decisions.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 16 May 2008 13:28:08 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/13/08 - D'Antoni Sono Buoni]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/051308-DAntoniSonoBuoni.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[After hearing a lot of nonsense about the hiring of Mike D'Antoni as the new Knicks head coach, I was assured by the latest interview by WFAN and YES with both D'Antoni and Donnie Walsh, the new GM.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 May 2008 17:23:44 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/9/08 - Still More Ado About Nothing]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/050908-StillMoreAdoAboutNothing.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Well, here we go again!  The Lords of Discipline in all their wisdom are once again attacking my favorite pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, for pumping his fist and yelling .  It doesn't seem to matter to them that Joba is young and naturally exuberant, that he just struck out the guy who had nailed his first pitch fastball for a 3-run homer  on Tuesday, or that he had had to listen to a potpourri of self-important analysts giving their two cents on whether he'd be able to handle it emotionally.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 9 May 2008 15:01:57 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[5/6/08 - Going to Church]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/050608-GoingtoChurch.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[In a season full of surprises for the Mets, Ryan Church has been the most pleasant surprise of all.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 6 May 2008 14:07:04 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/29/08 - Hope Springs Eternal]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/042908-HopeSpringsEternal.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Maybe the Giants really started something that  Super Bowl Sunday  in February.  Those incredible men in blue and their nasty defensive linemen, and most heartening of all, a  host of new guys to lay low  the "greatest team of all time" Patriots, guys making their bones, if you will. 
Of course, none of that had been expected.  And if it had been expected, it couldn’t have been so incredible of course, all of which brings me around to some new heroes on the baseball diamonds of the Major Leagues, and the hard courts of the NBA, still other new faces or names you never heard to shake the countenances of the powerful.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:54:21 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/25/08 - Omar's Home for the Aged]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/042508-OmarsHomeForTheAged.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Omar Minaya has put together an experienced but very old team.  Delgado and Castillo especially have shown their age.  A team this old needs a manager who will recognize when a change is needed and then make it.  Can Willie manage?]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:18:00 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/22/08 - Go Get 'Em Hank !]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/042208-GoGetEmHank.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[I say kudos to Hank Steinbrenner for his blustery attack on the Yankees decision to keep Joba Chamberlain in a relief role.  He sees his franchise going down the tubes this year, he knows who is leading his bunch of planning miscreants, and he doesn't like it.  Not one little bit.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:53:31 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/18/08 - Hooray For The Draft !]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041808-HoorayfortheDraft.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[ I look forward with relish to my annual exercise of figuring out who my New York teams will select.  What do they need, will they draft for need at all or will they select the best player available?  Will they trade up, trade down, make a last-minute trade?  Will some of our favorite players find themselves in a different uniform this July?  What players were lost or acquired in the off-season through free agency?
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:13:39 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/15/08 - Paper Tigers?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041508-PaperTigers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[In this topsy-turvy world of the 2008 Major League Baseball season, perhaps no statistic is more anomalous than is the 3-10 won/loss record of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were the pre-season favorites of quite a few pundits to be World-Series bound in October, but, with their heavy hitters off to a bad start and their pitching looking horrendous, the band-wagons are empty....everyone's jumped off.
But not your intrepid reporter. Not yet, I won't.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:05:33 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/11/08 - Put A Lid On It ?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/041108-PutALidOnIt.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[After Joba Chamberlain struck out Jose Guillen for the final out in the 8th inning last night, he simply walked off the mound.  That was right around the time Jose Reyes, the mercurial shortstop for the Mets, scored the winning run against their nemesis, the Phillies, and, although he couldn't totally wipe that infectious grin off his face, the celebration was a bit subdued for Shea, especially in light of the occasion.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:38:52 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/8/08 - "Self"-Made Men vs. the Pre-Anointed]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040808-SelfMadeMenvsthePreanointed.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Memphis Coach John Calipari had pooh-poohed foul shots all week long.  He intimated that it wouldn't come down to the foul line.  His team was too good, too athletic, too composed. He referenced 16 points that made a championship team and said his team had them all, that his was a "dream team".  
Bill Self gave his team a good feeling about itself, let them know that they were already the best team Kansas had ever seen...that if they just did everything they had done all season, they had a good chance to win this game.  But he instilled an image in his team's collective consciousness, that of winning a Championship.  It was the kind of speech you'd wish for your son to receive before the biggest game of his life.
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 8 Apr 2008 14:04:30 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/4/08 - 2010 - A Cap Odyssey]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040408-2010-ACapOdyssey.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[If anyone can bring the Knicks back to respectability, it's the gentleman named Donnie Walsh.  Seemingly the perfect fit for this franchise under seige, he brings a lifetime of basketball experience and a New York legacy to the Knicks top-ops spot.  And unlike Larry Brown, who had similar qualifications, he'll have the power to mold the entire basketball operation to his liking.

But he has taken on a prodigious challenge.  The Knicks have the highest team salary in the NBA and will finish this season with one of the worst records in the NBA
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 4 Apr 2008 15:54:20 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[4/1/08 - A "Lastings" Impression]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/040108-ALastingsImpression.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[As happy as I was with the performance of Johan Santana in the opener, I marveled more at the performance of players we gave away such as Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:46:04 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/28/08 - Not Just Three Musketeers]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/032808-NotJustThreeMusketeersl.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[God knows I was pulling for West Virginia last night.But it wasn't meant to be.  There were Musketeers all over the place.It was really a lot like all those "Three Musketeers" movies, one for all and all for one and all that.  But it wasn't just three guys. If you were clad in white last night, and only eight players were, you were touched by the angels.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:40:22 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/25/08 PLAY BALL !!]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/032408-PlayBall.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[No matter what country to which MLB may send its season-opener, it'll still be a great game.  As if to solidify that truism, the World Champion Boston Red Sox came from behind to beat the upstart Oakland A's 6-5 this morning in Japan to serve notice that they will have to be reckoned with once again in 2008.

Whether baseball will remain "America's game" seems open to question.  With both hero and goat candidates  from the home country of Japan and with the biggest slugging exhibition coming from a man who hails from Latin America, that particular moniker would seem to be highly problematical. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:51:21 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/21/08 - A Return to the Good Ol' Days]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/032108-AReturntotheGoodOlDays.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A Lakers-Celtics rivalry this year in the NBA Finals could be the beginning of a new rivalry, matching the great Eighties rivalries featuring Magic and Larry Bird.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:39:03 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/18/08-The Times They Are a Chaaangin...]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/031808-TheTimesTheyAreChangin.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Nowhere is change more evident than in baseball this year.  The Dodgers are moving out of Dodgertown.  The Red Sox are on their way to Japan.  The Dodgers went to China.  Pitchers can't throw inside anymore.  You can't run over the catcher in March.  And Hanley Ramirez is the likely Number 2 pick overall in your fantasy draft.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:23:21 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/14/08 - The Joys of Spring]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/031408-TheJoysofSpring.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Anything's possible in the Spring.  This year, even the Tampa Bay Rays (nee Devil Rays) are being touted as a playoffs-contender, and not without good reason.  At this time of year, it’s easier to count the teams that don’t have any realistic expectations.  

Yes, the Spring brings us lily of the valley, crocuses, tulips and high hopes.  But, shhh,  they don’t make it to the summer.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:58:46 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[031108-An Embarrassment of Bitches]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/031108-AnEmbarrassmentofBitches.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The onset of Spring that usually means the excitement of March Madness, followed closely by some nail-biting NBA Playoffs action.  But not this Spring, not for New Yorkers at any rate.

What a wasteland has been this 2007-2008 basketball season for New York fans.  Every New York area men's basketball team is mediocre to bad, whether you're talking professional or college teams.  That would include the Knicks, Nets, Seton Hall or Rutgers.
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:04:47 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[3/4/08 Greetings from Spring Training]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/030408GreetingsfromSpringTraining.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Armed with my Mets baseball jacket, my Mets socks and Johan Santana authentic jersey, your intrepid reporter descended upon Roger Dean Stadium in sunny Jupiter, Florida today to watch the Mets take on the local Florida Marlins.
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 4 Mar 2008 22:22:08 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Nets Kids Make the Point]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/022908-NetsKidsMakethePoint.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[If it had been Devin Harris's object to make the Jason Kidd deal look smart last night, he certainly made his point !  Devin deftly knifed through a seemingly outmatched Milwaukee Bucks defense last night to score 21 points in 21 minutes in a 120-106 Nets victory. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:37:53 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/22/08 - All Things Being Equal]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/022208AllThingsBeingEqual.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[There are going to be some real dogfights for divisional titles this year in Major League Baseball.  No, there won’t be any pit bulls or even evil-looking roosters, but there will be some guys with that determined look on their faces, and they’ll be dramatically changing the outlook for their respective teams in the races for the playoffs.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:39:57 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/19/08 - The Yanks Have Continuity]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021908-TheYanksHaveContinuity.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettite are the sole remaining vestiges of those Yankees teams of the 1996-2000 era, that team that won 4 out of 5 World Series.  They will have to perform in 2008. Abreu and Damon have been in place for some time now, as has Matsui.  And, of course, Arod.  LaTroy Hawkins strengthens the bullpen.  Chamberlain strengthens any rotation he wishes to join. 

Look out for these 2008 Yankees.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:40:07 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[02/15/08 The Best Game of Them All]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021508-Thebestgameofthemall.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Time for the very best All-Star game of them all, NBA style.  A game played for fun with the biggest stars, featuring just five fan selections for each league and just a roster of 14 players overall in each Conference.  Think this team is hard to make?  You bet.  But it's not only a team the game's greatest players want to make, but a game the players really want to play in.  Because it is played for fun.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:05:21 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/12/08 Strange Med-Fellows]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/021208-StrangeMed-Fellows.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Recapping the strange characters in the Congressional hearings on steroids, including a comparison to the O.J. murder trial]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:43:55 CST]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[2/8/08 - Some Very Fine Tuning for the Mets]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mets now have better starters, better overall relief and more flexibility, if not power, in their lineup.  Look for a mid-season trade if Delgado can’t produce.  With a little luck, the Mets should make a return trip to the World Series.
 ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 8 Feb 2008 14:54:58 CST]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[2/5/08- G-Men - Teamwork Without The Arrogance]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of the Super Bowl and why the Giants won.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 5 Feb 2008 20:28:20 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[2/1/08 - On Leadership, Heritage, Defense and Fun]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of the Giants-Patriots Super Bowl encounter on Sunday and a prediction that the Giants will win because of their great leadership, their quarterback legacy, their defense, and their attitude going into this game.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 1 Feb 2008 11:34:38 CST]]></pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[With Kidd Gloves]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Jason Kidd of the NJ Nets is treating the NJ Nets to a heavy hand while Isiah Thomas is treating his Knicks with kid gloves, especially his guard Nate Robinson.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:48:16 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/26/08 - The Big Lull]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Observations about sports events that soften the blow of having no pro football for two weeks;  views about the Australian Open, the Knicks, Nets and Seton Hall.  some opinion regarding Sharapova, Ivanovic and the Williams sisters.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:34:45 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/22/08 - Cold Hands, Hot Foot]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[What was Sunday's Giants victory over the Green Bay Packers really about?  To me, after watching the tape, it was all about many cold hands and one foot.

An analysis of the Giants playoff run and a comparison to the Patriots.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:53:19 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/18/08 Linebackers Will Be the Key]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Linebackers will be the key to the Giants-Packers NFC Championship game.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:07:02 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/15/08 - A Tale of Two Cities]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Charles Dickens may have said it best, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..."  In recent memory, surely no victory was more treasured by one NFL city and no defeat was more regretted by the other.  Surely no game has ever been marked as the coming of age for one quarterback and team while being measured as a display of foolishness by the other.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:18:20 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/11/08 - Some Very Big BOYZ]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Giants have everything but Pro-Bowlers in their Sunday NFL semi-finalgame against the Dallas Cowboys.  They'll have trouble with the big offensive linemen of the Cowboys.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:35:11 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[1/08/08 - A Study in Contrasts]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/]]></link><description><![CDATA[A comparison between the Giants Eli Manning and the Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo; also a comparison of the NY Giants team versus the Dallas Cowboys team and their current state of affairs.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[ jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 8 Jan 2008 14:44:50 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[010408 - High Time for the Giants]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[After a year of only modest success and several years of frustration, it's finally the time for the Giants to excel in the playoffs.  They will recognize their extraordinary opportunity and beat the Tampa Bay Bucs and their nemesis, Jeff Garcia.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 4 Jan 2008 15:59:01 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[A celebration of the firings of Dolphins GM Randy Mueller and Ravens coach Brian Billick.  Also, reflections on the other NY teams, the Giants, Jets, Mets, Knicks and Yankees.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 1 Jan 2008 11:47:29 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/28/07 A One and a Two and a....]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[An analysis of tomorrow night's Giants-Patriots game with focus on the Giants running game, and their one-two punch of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:06:12 CST]]></pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[bdd6f96b4f4cf5a3a1944fb1f8105c7c]]></guid>
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<title><![CDATA[A Baseball Carol - Part 2]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[A spoof on Dickens's A Christmas Carol - Part 2 of 2.

Featuring Roger Clemens as Scrooge, and spirits Lyle Alzado as Marley, Cy Young as the ghost of Christmas Past, Lefty Grove as the ghost of Christmas Present and Jonathan Papelbon as the Ghost of Christmas Future.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:27:49 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/21/07 A Baseball Carol - Part I]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[A spoof of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; Roger Clemens as Scrooge - Part I of 2;  Part 2 will be completed on Christmas Eve..]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:00:37 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/18/07 A List for Santa]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[This is the worst time of year for a sports fan in New York. None of our local teams are really cutting it.  What we really need are some wondrous gifts from Santa!  So, Santa, with all due respect, here’s a little rundown of where we are and what I’d like]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:13:36 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/14/07 Sweet Revenge for a Mets Fan]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Revenge is best served cold, they say, and we Mets fans finally get to see Roger Clemens exposed for the juicer he is, and, was then back in the 2000 World Series.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:41:50 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/11/07 The Fans and Isiah Continuuuued...]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Knicks and Isiah are trying but the fans are making it very tough]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:01:52 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/7/07 The Argentine Connection]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[htp://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Fantasy Basketball is the most interesting fantasy sport and my team is looking better with the acquisition of three Argentine bulls, Manu Ginoboli, Carlos Delfino and Andres Nocioni]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 7 Dec 2007 19:17:24 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[12/4/07 Coaches Define Good vs. Great]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Do quarterbacks have as much of an influence as coaches on the game?  Absolutely, probably even more. Certainly Tom Brady outshone Kyle Boller last night.  But the Ravens defense oushone the Pats defense too, probably to an equal degree. I’d say it’s like the difference between daylight and moonlight.  During the day, we get the routine execution of a thousand tasks, even if that performance is exceptional.  But the shine of the moon adds that special glow, and that’s where the coach fits in, or doesn’t.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><comments><![CDATA[thenysportsfan.blogspot.com]]></comments><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 4 Dec 2007 14:43:16 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/30/07 Knicks Win But Not with Media]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Knicks beat the Bucks tonight after their Boston debacle on national TV but they can't win with the New York media.  There are too few newspapers and media outlets in New York these days.  It's only too easy to conspire against a team or a coach.  ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 1 Dec 2007 00:31:13 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/27/07 Knicks Stop the NY Bleeding]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[After the Jets and Giants were absolutely blasted by the Cowboys and Vikings over what had become a VERY long Thanksgiving weekend, the New York Knickerbockers, so berated from the opening tip of the season, stormed back against the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz  to staunch the wounds NY suffered on Thursday and Sunday.  Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford returned to playing together, taking care of the ball, and making aggressive moves to the basket.  They even played some defense.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:11:34 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Thanks Giving]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Thanksgiving wouldn't be quite complete without thanking my favorite New York sports personalities, Carlos Beltran, Jason Kidd and yes, even Eli Manning.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:09:26 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[A New York Potpourri]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[It was quite a mixed weekend for our New York professional teams.  In football, the Giants maintaining a strong hold on their NFC wildcard chances by beating the Detroit Lions in Detroit.  The surprising Jets man-handled the tough Pittsburgh Steelers in a badly-needed win at home.  The basketball story was not at all a happy one, the Knicks taking their sideshow on the road while the Nets looked absolutely hopeless last night against the Utah Jazz.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:21:11 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[This is Justice?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Just when we thought we had seen the last of Barry Bonds, and had rejoiced at not seeing the big head, the arrogant sneer anymore, here he comes again.  This time, of course, not for any prodigious home run, or for his retirement from baseball, but because the U.S. has decided to indict him for perjury and obstruction of justice. Is this just another diversion by the Bush administration to have us forget about the decline in the dollar, the war in Iraq, immigration, jobs, and all the issues now being discussed in the Democratic debates?
]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:18:13 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[11/13/07 - They're Paying These Guys?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Some of the recent games I have watched, be it football or basketball, make me wonder what some of these coaches are thinking, especially with the game on the line.  Sometimes it seems that, were there no coach at all, the outcome would have been better.  It has been a very tough year for New York fans in all sports, and much of the reason lies in the coaching.  I’m still smarting over the Mets unbelievable collapse.  Willie Randolph is a good motivator but does have some serious flaws in his bench-coaching style.  The fine Yankees coach Joe Torre was allowed to walk.  We still have Coughlin.  Isaiah and Mangini are questionable.  Frank may need some mentoring.  It’s high time we fans start demanding more]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:10:06 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA["New" York Faces]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[New faces for the Knicks, Nets, Jets and Giants have added considerably to their successes.  We profile some of these, players such as the Nets Antoine Wright, the Knicks Zach Randolph, the Jets David Harris and the Giants Aaron Ross.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 9 Nov 2007 17:54:12 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Great Expectations, Or Lack Thereof...]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Some NFL players set huge expectations for themselves this year and totally failed to deliver while some other unheralded players exceeded everyone's fondest hopes and prayers.  Steven Jackson comes to mind as does Derek Anderson....]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 6 Nov 2007 16:08:42 CST]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cabrera for Cabrera ?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Getting Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins is probably THE biggest key to the Yanks continued success in the future.  Other third-basemen don't compare.  And wouldn't it be nice to get Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter?  Acquisition of both Miguel Cabrera AND Jones or Hunter would more than compensate for the loss of Melky and Arod.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 2 Nov 2007 20:12:40 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Just a New York Minute]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[It'll be a dogfight between the Nets and the Knicks for the top spot in the Atlantic, while Boston will be a close third.  Boston, after all, changed over a great deal of the team, and I think it is too much to ask that they take the top spot in their first year.  Basketball is a team game and the chemistry needed to win will reside in East Rutherford, NJ and in New York.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:33:14 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/26/07 - A BIG Jersey Weekend]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/]]></link><description><![CDATA[New Jersey becomes the apex of the sports world this weekend as horse racing’s premier event, the Breeders Stakes will be run at beautiful Monmouth Racetrack, the brand new Prudential Center in Newark, NJ hosts the NJ Devils in their 2007 debut against the Ottawa Senators, and Giants Stadium hosts the NY Jets against the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:12:35 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[9/25/07 - And DOWN the Stretch They Come]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/And%20DOWN%20the%20Stretch%20They%20Come2c.htm]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Rockies have been devastating down the stretch, getting some All-Star performances from Matt Holliday, the ageless Todd Helton, guys like Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins.  The Phillies great shortstop, Jimmy Rollins, hit his 30th homer today.  They’ve got some bangers in the lineup, and, if their bullpen can hang in there, they still have a chance.

 

If you love baseball, you’ve got to love the wildcard.  It keeps the excitement at a fever pitch in places like Chicago, where some great pitching and Lou Piniella are keeping them in it.  In places like Milwaukee, a city whose team can’t spend a lot,  gets to experience the thrill of a chance to go to the World Series and share headlines with the Packers.  In Arizona, a team filled with no names and some fine pitching, in Denver, whose young team just hits the heck out of the ball.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:39:50 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/2/07 - Last Men Standing]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/GivingMeWillies.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[So it’s a shootout at two Ok-Corrals.  Between GMs and managers, between infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, relief pitchers.  Reyes vs Rollins, Manuel vs Randolph, Burrell vs. Alou,  Beltran vs. Rowand,  and who’ll be the Earps?  But, in the final analysis, the biggest shootout of them all has already taken place, that of the GMs and, I fear, Minaya blinked first and a little too long.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:27:39 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/2/07 Giving Me the Willies]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/GivingMeWillies.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A discussion of the Mets collapse and Willie Randolph's managerial characteristics that may have been contributing factors. ]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:19:34 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/5/07 - Who's Really MVP]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/whosmvp.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Rockies Matt Holliday and the Phillies great shortstop Jimmy Rollins were both great candidates for the National League MVP.  This analysis is an attempt to choose one over the other based on several unique statistical sleights-of-hand.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:13:33 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Say It Ain't So....Joe?]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/SayItAintSO.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Discusses the reasons for the Yankees failures this year, and the culpability of the General Manager, Brian Cashman. The pitching failures, especially are outlined. Recommendations for player acquisitions and trades are also proposed.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:56:11 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/12/07 Vinneee]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/Vinneee.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[A tribute to Vinnie Testaverde who at 43 years old was starting for the NFL's Carolina Panthers Sunday 10/14/07.  The article also lauds other old-timers playing Sunday and Monday]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:36:10 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[10/16/07 Don't Shoot the Messengers ]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/Don%27t%20Shoot%20the%20Messengers.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Despite the power of NFL coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators, the NFL quarterback always assumes the responsibility for his team's losses.  Used as examples are Chad Pennington of the NY Jets and Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:52:08 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sox Play Ball - Yanks Play Media]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com/Soxplayball.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Red Sox played excellent baseball to stay with the Indians in the ALCS but the Yanks grabbed the headlines with their nonsensical low-ball offer to Joe Torre.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:40:52 CDT]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Hard Work Hardly Works - NY Jets and Giants analysis]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.jimmyrussotto.com]]></link><description><![CDATA[Commentary on the 2007 NY Jets failures and why hard work hasn't been the answer and harder work will not make the situation any better.  The article also contends that Tom Coughlin and his coaching staff have improved the Giants team largely through an easing up on strict rules and regulations.]]></description>
<author><![CDATA[jimmy@jimmyrussotto.com]]></author><pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:19:28 CDT]]></pubDate>
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