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2008 year in review - fantasy surprises
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As 2009 draws near, it’s time to reflect on a rollercoaster 2008. The Giants led things off with a miraculous Super Bowl victory over the undefeated Patriots; the Rangers and Devils made playoff appearances before everything went downhill. The Knicks and Nets missed the playoffs, not nearly as shocking as the local baseball teams missing out on post-season play. Here’s a look back at the surprising impact players for the local teams.
New York Giants – Brandon Jacobs
Jacobs proved he can do it all – score and move the chains. For the 2nd straight season he’s rushed for 1,000 yards and averaged 5 yards per carry. His 15 TD on the ground this season tie him for 3rd in the NFL. He’s the focal point of the Giants offense and needs to be re-signed this off-season. The Giants looked anemic without him versus Dallas.
New York Jets - Thomas Jones
The Jets wisely upgraded the offensive-line before the season and it paid dividends. Throw in Brett Favre to add the illusion of a passing attack, and the stage was set for a big season from Thomas Jones. He found rejuvenation (14 TD in previous 11 games) and leads the AFC in rushing yards (1,289) and yards per game (85.2).
New York Yankees – Free Agent Acquisitions
The most noise the Yanks made in 2008 was in December. The team signed stud pitcher C.C. Sabathia, and unpredictable A.J. Burnett. Sabathia had a torrid season (17 W, 10 CG, 251 K) while Burnett excelled in certain areas (18 W, 231 K, 221 IP). This week the team got their Christmas present, Mark Teixeira. He’ll be a great complement for A-Rod and produce a bunch of runs.
New York Mets – Mike Pelfrey
It was a tough choice but I opted against Santana. He was the best pitcher entering 2008 and I have no reason to believe otherwise heading into 2009. Mike Pelfrey turned heads mid-season and showed promise. From June-August he was 11-2, with a 3.00 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 68 K. He needs to improve versus lefties (.307 BAA) and start games stronger. He’s still raw as he threw 200 and 2/3 innings (previous high - 72 and 2/3).
New York Knicks – Nate Robinson
Nasty Nate has benefited from the new regime and its disdain for Starbury. He’s seen improved minutes as the team looks to develop its skill players. Robinson flashes a lot of talent and intensity. He’s playing 30 minutes a game and has nice averages to show for it (16.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, .475 FG%, and .825 FT%). Nate fits perfectly in the Mike D’Antoni offensive scheme.
New Jersey Nets – Devin Harris
The Dallas Mavericks snoozed on this guy. Harris has single-handedly put the Nets in playoff contention in the East. Not the hardest thing to do, but this team was picked to finish at the bottom of the conference. The team is .500 and owes it all to the 25 year-old PG. To this point he’s averaged 24 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, .467 FG%, and .848 FT%. Who needs Jason Kidd when you have this guy? I guess Mark Cuban.
New York Rangers – Nikolai Zherdev
Former 2003 1st round pick (4th overall) has made a name for himself in his first season with the Rangers. Not sure why the Blue Jackets gave up on this kid (26 goals, 35 assists last season). Perhaps they just like missing the playoffs more than making them. He’s playing on the Rangers top line with Scott Gomez and Markus Naslund. He currently leads the team in assists (21) and points (33) through 37 games.
New York Islanders – Rick DiPietro
I really tried to do something positive but found it impossible. So I decided to take it out on the ‘franchise’ goalie. He’s incapable of staying healthy and couldn’t finish the last two seasons. After two off-season surgeries he’s managed to play in 3 of the team’s 34 games to this point. Only 13 years left on his contract. The team will probably be in Kansas City by the time it expires.
New Jersey Devils – Scott Clemmensen
If someone told me Martin Brodeur was going to play in only 10 of the Devils first 32 games I would’ve said, “there’s 22 losses right there”. The Devils tried Kevin Weekes but that didn’t seem to work. So they turned to Scott Clemmensen (19 starts in 5 seasons) and he answered the call. The career back-up has an 11-4-1 record with a .929 SV% (9th in NHL), and a 2.22 GAA (7th in NHL).
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