The Final Word with JayReelz & J.D.  

Hello all,

Hope you're reading this in good spirit and health as we count the final minutes of the Summer of 2008. *moment of silence* Now that I got that out of the way, considering that I did not have a show scheduled this past Saturday, I want to share a few thoughts as we usher in September.

To begin, I can officially say, on Monday September 1st at 12:36pm, the 2008 Yankees are DONE! I said it, DONE! (And if by any miraculous chance they come back and clinch the wild card, that'll be the final prediction I EVER make regarding the Bronx Bummers, I mean, Bombers). I was thinking they were done after the Wednesday nights' 11-3 drubbing at the hands of the wild card leading Boston Red Sox, but after a late inning comeback on Thursday, thanks to Jason Giambi's heroics and a Carl Pavano gem against Toronto the next night. (Did I really just type that?), I thought here comes the Yankee train on the express track towards that last series of the year in Fenway, for the right to go to the postseason. Instead what you saw, was a 6-2 lead on Saturday going into the 7th inning, melt away faster than their shrinking playoff hopes (For a second I thought, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte and Edwar Ramirez were disguised as Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman) to lose what could be their season defining game 7-6. I thought only the Mets blow four run leads late in games. Add that to the 6-2 stinker at the Stadium yesterday. Andy Pettitte, who lets face it, is just about done himself, didn't get any favors from his left fielder, Xavier Nady, who misplayed a ball in left field to plate a couple of runs to make it 3-0 in the first inning. Other than two insignificant solo shots by Alex Rodriguez (yes, the boo birds are back) and Jason Giambi, (hoping to play for a contract on this Yankee team next year and beyond) the bully offense of this Yankee ballclub went into a slumber that'll take them through the winter and into their new digs across the street in 2009. To quote Bob Costas, "Think about this, if you will!" After the Yanks return from a 10 game, four city trip, they will have their final homestand of the regular season. The final three games coming against the Baltimore Orioles. Can you imagine the Yankees MATHEMATICALLY ELIMINATED before that final Sunday night game? Not the way, George M. Steinbrenner had wrote it up, but certainly his goofy son, Hank did as he waved the white flag on his team and season three weeks ago. Hank, you got what you deserved! Your team won't make the postseason for the first time since 1993, and I can pretty much say, this all started on the day you unceremoniously gave erstwhile manager, Joe Torre an offer he could refuse. Throw in signing A-Rod (at nine more years and 248 MILLION BUCKS), not giving up Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy (ZERO WINS between them) for Johan Santana. Shall I continue? Circle this one on your calendar...the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium will begin on Monday, September 22nd. How sweet it is?

Over to the Mets, where the calendar says September and all us jaded, cynical, neurotic Met fans can think about is this time last year. This team has given us everything. Heartache, angst, frustration, more heartache, listlessness, hope, did I mention heartache...and they're STILL in first place, (by the slimmest of margins I might add). I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this Met club has a handful of those "rip your heart out and stomp on it" type of games this coming month. As we know, the bullpen has been an ambulance ride away to the hospital, if you've watched them. And just when the Mets have had enough offense to propel themselves into first place, I can see them go silently in the night when they absolutely need a hit. They face the Brewers in Milwaukee today through Wednesday, and host the Phillies for three this weekend. It'll be the last time they see Philadelphia this year. (Barring a tie for the division where they'll see one another in a one game playoff.) Like the old legendary voice of the Mets, Bob Murphy, used to say. "Fasten your seatbelts!" Let's just hope the remnants and smoke of the crash of 2007 doesn't repeat itself. Therefore, the demolition of Shea will follow a week after the meltdown in the Bronx.

Lastly, this Saturday I will have my NFL Preview. Briefly, I think the Giants will win their opener on Thursday night, (26-17) and will have a good season. But visions of upsets and 11 straight road wins was 2007, I say 11-5 and a second round exit in the postseason. I'll cover the Jets season this Saturday as well as the rest of the league. Over/unders, Super Bowl predictions and much more on the Jay Reelz Sports Talk Radio program.

As I swallow my last grilled burger and Heineken this summer season, have a good week everyone!

Jay