May 12, 2010 | 10:41 pm

TGR Fantasy Baseball Team

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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I have decided to reach out to the fans of TGR and find out how they think I am doing in fantasy baseball. I have made a bunch of moves already this season. My league had some scheduling issues and we ended up with a auto-draft. This put me into a bit of a whole since it auto-drafted me Javier Vazquez, Carlos Lee, and Derek Lee. So I have been active making two trades and 15 transactions. I started with my four keepers (Joe Mauer, Miguel Cabrera, Matt Holliday, and Jonanthan Broxton). Here is how the rest of my team filled out via the auto draft.

1. (6) Joe Mauer C
2. (15) Miguel Cabrera 1B
3. (26) Matt Holliday OF
4. (35) Jonathan Broxton RP
5. (46) Jacoby Ellsbury OF
6. (55) Brandon Phillips 2B
7. (66) Derrek Lee 1B
8. (75) Carlos Lee OF
9. (86) Javier Vázquez SP
10. (95) Ricky Nolasco SP
11. (106) Rickie Weeks 2B
12. (115) Jason Bartlett SS
13. (126) Brett Anderson SP
14. (135) Chipper Jones 3B
15. (146) Kevin Correia SP
16. (155) Alfredo Aceves RP
17. (166) Frank Francisco RP
18. (175) Vladimir Guerrero Util
19. (186) Casey Blake 3B
20. (195) Juan Rivera OF
21. (206) Jonathan Sánchez SP
22. (215)  Erik Bedard SP

So that was the team dealt to me. I have definitely made some poor decisions but I think some good ones as well. Probably shouldn’t have dropped Weeks and Sanchez but I think Heyward, Braden, and Hughes were great pickups. Help judge my moves below and maybe some advice on where I need to go from here:

1. Dropped Rickie Weeks
Added Magglio Ordonez

2. Dropped Alfredo Aceves
Added Franklin Gutierrez

3. Dropped Erik Bedard
Added Johnny Cueto

4. Dropped Jonathan Sanchez
Added Cole Hamels

5. Dropped Johnny Cueto
Added Jason Heyward

6. Dropped Casey Blake
Added Fausto Carmona

7. Dropped Juan Rivera
Added Erik Bedard (place on DL)

8. Added Chris Young

9. Traded Kevin Correia for Miguel Tejada (received Tejada)

10. Dropped Chris Young
Added Matt Capps

11. Dropped Frank Francisco
Added Ricky Romero

12. Dropped Erik Bedard (place Jacoby Ellsbury on DL)
Added Chase Headley

13. Dropped Cole Hamels
Added Dallas Braden

14. Dropped Brett Anderson
Added Phil Hughes

15. Dropped Chipper Jones
Added Brett Gardner

16. Traded Matt Holliday and Javier Vazquez for Ian Kinsler and Roy Oswalt

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More Jewish in Sports Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

May 11, 2010 | 10:54 pm

Milwaukee’s Manic Monday

Posted by Jeremy Fine

It was an up and down day for Jewish baseball in Milwaukee.

Monday Night the Milwaukee Brewers placed Carlos Gomez (not Jewish) on the DL which made room for Adam Stern (Jewish) to become a reserve outfielder. This is Stern’s third stint in the major leagues. He was first called up with the Boston Red Sox in 2005 where he played with Craig Breslow, Kevin Youkilis, and Gabe Kapler. There is had 35 ABs and batted .143. And in 2007 he got called up by the Baltimore Orioles but did not have an AB.

Stern has been solid in the minor leagues batting .346 with 1HR and an OBP of .429. Don’t expect Stern to be in the majors too long, as Gomez is one of the young players the Brewers are counting on and his injury does not appear to be serious.

On the negative note, Ryan Braun who has been awesome all season long was hit by a pitch Monday night. The pitch came in the fourth inning when Tommy Hanson’s fastball struck Braun’s elbow. Braun is listed as day to day.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more Jewish in Sports check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.OM

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May 10, 2010 | 11:49 pm

Landesberg Joins Scheyer

Posted by Jeremy Fine

May 8th has passed and Sylven Landesberg has decided to remain in the NBA draft and end his college career at Virginia. Landesberg has been a solid player over his two seasons for Virginia. While his team struggled Landesberg excelled by averaging 16.6 ppg his freshman season. He followed that up with 17.3 ppg in his sophomore campaign. This past season he also grabbed 4.9 rpg and dished out 2.9 apg.

Landesberg was missing in the discussion of top NCAA players all season long because he played for a sub-par team. But he made national headlines when he struggled academically and was benched for his final ACC tournament. His negative publicity forced his hand to enter the draft. Now Landesberg will join Jon Scheyer with the hopes of getting drafted this summer. This could mean, if both players get drafted, that the amount of Jewish NBA players will double to four. Landesberg and Scheyer hope to have the same kind of success Omri Casspi enjoyed in his rookie season.

Keep an eye on both of them during the up coming draft.

With Jewish basketball on the mind I wanted to announce that for TGR’s one year anniversary we will be releasing our exclusive interview with NBA Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes on July 8th. Check it out at WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM.

And Let Us Say..Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

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May 9, 2010 | 11:54 pm

2010 Baseball Update

Posted by Jeremy Fine

We thought now would be a good chance to catch up with how our Jewish Major Leaguers have performed this year. There has been some good and some bad, but overall the positives of Ryan Braun and Ike Davis outweigh the negatives. We could be witnessing a MVP and RoY in the same season. Below is how all the players have played up until this point.

Brad Ausmus (C), Los Angeles Dodgers (on disabled list) - Ausmus has basically spent the entire season of the DL. Its hard to judge him to this point since he only had 4 ABs. He might miss the entire season.

Craig Breslow (P), Oakland A’s - Breslow has struggled with elbow tendinitis. But he still has managed 11.1 innings and his era is under 4.00. He has 13 Ks in those 11 innings.

Ryan Braun (LF), Milwaukee Brewers - What can we say about Braun. He is right now one of the front runners for NL MVP. He is batting .364 with 6 HRs and 28 RBIs. He has posted a .447 OBP and .612 SLG. It will be awesome to see Braun continue his hot streak. Mind you he is doing all this without protection from Prince Fielder who has been in a slump all season long.

Ike Davis (1B), New York Mets - Since Davis has been in the majors he has helped the Mets turn their season around. He is hitting .296, with 3 HRs. He might be joining Braun with some end of the season hardware. Rookie of the Year?

Scott Feldman (P), Texas Rangers - Feldman has struggled. He is 1-3 with a 5.45 era. TGR had high hopes for Feldman this season. Hopefully he can find his stuff.

John Grabow (P), Chicago Cubs - Grabow has had the unfortunate experience of playing with losing teams throughout his career. But this season Grabow has been part of the problem. His era is 9.26 and his record is 0-2.

Gabe Kapler (RF), Tampa Bay Ray - Kapler is a bench player and has only had 38 ABs. He does have a home run and 6 RBIs in his limited role.

Ian Kinsler (2B), Texas Rangers - Since coming off the DL Kinsler has batted .343 with 4 runs. Expect his home runs and steals to pick up once he gets into a groove.

Jason Marquis (P), Washington Nationals (on disabled list) - Marquis was awful at the start of the season. In 3 starts he lasted a total of 8.1 innings and posted an ERA over 20. He landed on the DL with elbow trouble and hopefully he can come back and regain his 2009 form.

Scott Schoeneweis (P), Boston Red Sox - Schoeneweis has already pitched 12.1 innings for the BoSox. Yes, his era is over 8 but Boston continues to put him in games and eat up innings. He is 1-0 with 11 Ks.

Kevin Youkilis (1B), Boston Red Sox - Youkilis had a rough start to the season, but has been a monster as of late. He has upped his average to .306 with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. He also has a solid 24 Runs.

Braun, Davis, and Youkilis have been great. Feldman, Grabow, and Marquis not so much. Kinsler and Breslow need to get over some injuries and should go back to 2009 form.

For more information I encourage people to check out www.jewsinbaseball.blogspot.com.

Below is the Jewish Baseball play of the year and video of the week courtesy of Ike Davis. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r3MRaG9i54

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More On Jewish Sports Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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May 9, 2010 | 7:30 am

Al Davis’ Big(ger) Bust

Posted by Jeremy Fine

As a Bears fan I know all about bad quarterbacks. In 1997 the Bears traded the 7th overall pick for an unproven Rick Mirer. In 1999 we had the unfortunate experience of drafting Cade McNown. We also experimented with Kordell Stewart and Henry Burris. But none of this compares to Al Davis’ failure to make the right picks. Last year’s pick of Darrius Heyward-Bay over Michael Crabtree looks to be just another pick in a long line of blunders.

But the biggest bust of Al Davis’ ownership and maybe in the history of the NFL is JaMarcus Russell. With the number one pick in 2007 the Raiders thought they had found the future of their franchise. But once again Davis blew it. Russell has started 25 games over 3 years. Last year his job was taken away by nobodies after throwing 11 picks and only 3 TDs. Yikes.

Last week the Raiders let him go. The Raiders decided to part ways with the top pick in the 2007 draft a move that had to be done if the Raiders ever want to get back on track.

And now my bold statement.

I have been watching ESPN and reading online about who is the biggest bust of all time. Most, if not all, have chosen Ryan Leaf. And while the hype around Leaf was greater, I believe Russell is a bigger bust. I know Russell could still make it. He could sign on with another team and turn his fortune around. And if he does, props to him. But as of right now Russell is a bigger bust than Leaf. Why you ask? Well, on the surface Leaf went #2 and Russell went #1. The Chargers did not have a chance to take Peyton Manning. The Chargers took what fell to them. The Raiders chose Russell over everyone else. Over Calvin Johnson, over Adrian Peterson, and over Patrick Willis. Yes, the quarterback choices were horrible in 2007 (Trent Edwards, Brady Quinn, Tyler Thigpen and Kevin Kolb are the top QBs of that draft).

Since 1998 the list of number one draft picks include Peyton Manning, Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, Michael Vick, David Carr, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, Mario Williams, Jake Long, Matt Stafford, and Sam Bradford. The only players not to make a pro bowl are Couch, Brown, Carr, Smith, Stafford, and Bradford. Take Stafford and Bradford out of the equation because they are too young. Carr and Smith are still in the league and have lasted longer than Leaf and Russell. Brown got injured was forced to retire early so its hard to place him in same category. That leaves Couch, who by no standards had a successful career, as the only player left. Couch had one solid season in 2002. And that one season removes him from the conversation of BIGGEST bust.

Here is the list of number 2 picks since 1999 (‘98 was Leaf). Donavon McNabb, LaVarr Arrington, Leonard Davis, Julius Peppers, Charles Rogers, Robert Gallery, Ronnie Brown, Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson, and Jason Smith. Just the sight of Rogers and Gallery make me cringe. Gallery is still in the league, but like Rogers really never lived up to his potential. Both are in the conversation of BIGGEST BUST.

The point of the comparison is that since 1998 far more number 1s have had real success than the number twos. 16 pro bowls for the #2s and 19 for the #1s.

The Leaf to Russell comparison does not stop at where they were picked. As I noted before in Russell’s last season (Russell’s most important season) he threw 3 TDs and 11INTs. Leaf, while he had more picks, threw for 11 TDs in his best season. He also got to play for a second team, a fate that Russell may or may not have. Even if he signs with another NFL team, what is the likelihood he sees the field?

I will give the Leaf supporters this much. Leaf, even though years away from the game, continues to sink further and further. Making negative headlines all the time.

I suggest that unless Russell wants to remain in such an elite category of failures, he get his act together and figure out how to win. And for Al Davis, its time to hire people who can scout talent. Stop taking risks. Stop betting on potential. Take the best player available.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More On Jewish Sports Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM
Picture by: BrokenSphere

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May 6, 2010 | 1:22 am

Interview with A’s Pitcher Craig Breslow

Posted by Jeremy Fine

I have done many interviews over tha last year. Craig Breslow was probably my favorite interview to date (tied with Colt Cabana). He was one of most productive relievers in baseball last year and this year he has posted a 4.35 era in 10.1 innings with 11 Ks. Breslow is also doing amazing things off the field. I think Jewish sports fans everywhere should really rally around this guy. I wish him good luck. Thanks to Craig Breslow. Enjoy the interview which was originally posted on WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM.

1) Last year I saw you pitch at U.S. Cellular (you were awesome). I was wondering which is your favorite stadium to pitch in?
Is there one player you would love to pitch against (former or current)?  I really enjoy the older ballparks, for a number of reasons, but primarily because of the rich history that they hold.  For that reason, I like pitching at Fenway, the old Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium.  I have not been to Wrigley, but we go there this year for interleague, so I’m sure I’ll add that to my favorites. 

2) Last year you had really a breakout year and became one of the top relievers in baseball. You were second in the AL in appearances. To date, what has been your biggest accomplishment as a baseball player? 
I think the thing that I am most proud of is that I have persevered despite being released 5 times, always being told that I’m undersized, doubted, etc.  I believe that I have entrenched myself in the Major Leagues through hard work and determination, and I take great pride in overcoming some physical shortcomings. 

3) As you know we are a Jewish sports blog. What does your Jewish connection mean to you? What was your Jewish life like growing up? Has the Jewish community supported you through your career?
Being Jewish is something that I am very proud of.  However, I believe that when I enter the clubhouse I am a teammate and a baseball player just like everyone else around me.  I believe that a lot is made of ethnicity, religion, color, and how certain athletes are expected to champion causes on behalf of these traits, and perhaps this is true to a degree, but I also believe that it is an individual’s right, or even obligation, to fight for the causes he chooses, not those that are expected of him.

4) What are some of you personal goals on the field? How are the A’s looking this season?
I am hoping to continue to build upon the success of 2008 and 2009 and continue to establish my role as a top left handed reliever. 

5) Was there a special connection when you played for the Red Sox in 2006 with 3 other Jewish players Kevin Youkilis, Gabe Kapler, and Adam Stern? 
There was a connection among us for a number of reasons.  Judaism gave us an instant commonality, however, so too did playing for the Red Sox, being teammates, and sharing a common goal.

6) What has been your favorite moment as a player? Any words of advice for young players who are trying to make it to the big leagues? 
I grew up a Mets fans, so along with that came an appreciation for Doc Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, to name a few.

7) Which baseball movie do you prefer Major League, Major League 2, Little Big League, Bull Durham, or Field of Dreams? And why? 
Field of Dreams is one of my favorites, mostly because I read the book before viewing the movie, and it has stuck with me.  Baseball is definitely the sport about which the best movies have been made.

8) Can you tell us about 3 Strike Foundation and why it was started? 
The Strike 3 Foundation started a little over 2 years ago, and mobilizes support, heightens awareness, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research, in honor of my sister Lesley, a 15 year thyroid cancer survivor.  In its short existence, the Strike 3 Foundation has raised over $200,000 for leading pediatric cancer research centers in Connecticut.

For more information on the 3 Strike Foundation check out the website www.strike3foundation.org.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More On Jews in Sports Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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May 3, 2010 | 1:49 am

Mike ‘N Ice

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Enough is enough. Its time TGR take what Mike Cammalleri is doing in the playoffs seriously. The guy has been a machine. In the first round Cammalleri had 5 goals and 5 assists in 7 games. His Canadiens upset the heavily favored Washington Capitals. He made Ovechkin look average.

Cammalleri continued his hot streak in the first game of the second round putting in another goal. But last night he was insane scoring twice and helping his team take game two from (once again) heavily favored and defending champion the Pittsburgh Penguins. The series is now even 1-1 going to Montreal.

Obviously, Cammalleri was been good before the playoffs. He had a solid year scoring 50 points (26 goals and 24 assists). But he did not necessarily live up to the expectations that the Canadiens had for him when they inked him to a 5 year $30 million deal.  Coming off an 82 point season for Calgary, Cammalleri was supposed to be a huge part of the Canadiens plans. And while his regular season numbers were down, I am sure they are liking what they are seeing in the playoffs. His performance is a good indication to why the Kings drafted him in the second round in 2001. He has potential written all over him.

Clearly, he is the best Jewish hockey player (even with the ongoing debate whether or not Marty Turco is Jewish). With football being in the off-season, baseball just beginning, Casspi resting for next season and Farmar barely playing Cammalleri gives the Jews someone to root for (Yes, I know Ryan Braun is having a ridiculous start).

Game 3 is set for Tuesday and Jewish hockey/sports fans everywhere should be excited to see what Cammalleri does next. So get on the bandwagon. Go Habs! (And Hawks, of course).

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more on Jewish Sports check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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May 1, 2010 | 12:41 pm

Video of the Week: Yuri Foreman Meets Jimmy Kimmel

Posted by Jeremy Fine

The Great Rabbino has run a bunch of stories on Yuri Foreman (here is from when we interviewed him www.thegreatrabbino.com/2010/02/interview-boxing-champ-and-future-rabbi.html). Below is his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Enjoy.

For more on Jewish sports check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

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