Entries from January 2004 ↓

Boone violates contract, injures knee while playing pick-up basketball

From the official site:

01/26/2004 7:11 PM ET
Boone injures knee, could miss ‘04
Yankees third baseman hurt playing basketball
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

In 54 games with NY, Aaron Boone batted .254 with six homers and 31 RBIs. (Preston Mack/MLB.com)

Aaron Boone, whose 11th-inning home run gave the Yankees their emotional pennant-winning victory over the Boston Red Sox last October, may miss the entire 2004 season after suffering a knee injury last week.

When reached by MLB.com, Boone refused to discuss the nature of the injury, but the club released a statement from general manager Brian Cashman, confirming that it was his left knee.

“I don’t really have anything to say,” Boone said.

“I can confirm that the Yankees have been notified by his representatives that third baseman Aaron Boone suffered an injury to his left knee while playing basketball,” Cashman said. “We are currently evaluating the extent of the injury and expect to solicit multiple opinions before providing a complete diagnosis.”

Sustaining the knee injury playing basketball would be a violation of Boone’s contract with the Yankees. Two “baseball sources” told SI.com, Sports Illustrated’s Web site, that doctors believe the third baseman may have sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

“Concerning his contract, I can confirm that there are certain prohibited activities which include basketball,” Cashman said. “I will not comment further on his contract situation at this time.”

Boone avoided arbitration with the Yankees in early December, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $5.75 million. He is eligible for free agency at the end of the 2004 season. The Associated Press reports that if the Yankees were to successfully convert the deal to a non-guaranteed contract, they could release him and be responsible for only 30 days’ termination pay, about $942,000.

The Yankees dealt their best pitching prospect, Brandon Claussen, to the Cincinnati Reds for Boone at the trading deadline last July. In 54 games with the Yankees, Boone batted .254 with six home runs and 31 RBIs.

Boone’s shining moment in pinstripes came on October 16, when his dramatic walkoff home run against Boston’s Tim Wakefield gave the Yankees the win in Game 7 of the ALCS, clinching the franchise’s 39th pennant.

If Boone is out for the year, New York’s current options at third base include Miguel Cairo and Enrique Wilson. Cairo was signed this winter as a backup infielder/outfielder, but the 29-year-old may now find himself in a starting role by default. Cairo hit .245 with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 92 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season, playing 12 games at the hot corner.

Wilson, 30, batted .230 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 63 games for the Yankees last season, playing 17 games at third base. Wilson has played 155 of his 411 career games at the position.

Another alternative for New York is Drew Henson, the team’s Triple-A third-base prospect who is widely considered not ready for the Majors. Henson, who signed a six-year, $17 million contract in 2001, hit .234 with 14 home runs and 78 RBIs for Columbus in 2003, striking out 122 times. Henson also committed an alarming 28 errors.

Last summer’s trade for Boone was a clear sign from the Yankees that they did not believe that Henson would be ready.

“Drew Henson hasn’t developed to the point where he’s in consideration at this time for the Major League side,” Cashman said after pulling the Boone trade on July 31. “With this move, we recognize that there’s a position of need for this organization. The move on Aaron Boone speaks volumes about where Drew Henson is in terms of his development at this time.”

Henson, a former quarterback at the University of Michigan, has dealt with rumors for the past couple of years that he was planning to give up baseball in favor of the NFL, where the Houston Texans own his rights.

“I don’t know where it comes from,” Henson said of the football rumors last September. “I’m under contract, I have three years left, and this is what I chose to do. It’s a long process, and hopefully I’ll end up where I want to be.”

“We have a lot invested in him,” Cashman said in September. “We’ll continue to support him and try to allow him to be the best player he’s capable of being in baseball.”

If the Yankees choose to bring in a free agent, the options are slim. Jose Hernandez, who hit 49 home runs with Milwaukee in 2001-02, is among the remaining free agents, as is former Yankee backup Ron Coomer.

Mark Feinsand is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Arsenal drawn against Chelski scum for the fourth year running

Arsenal was drawn today against Chelski in the fifth round of the FA Cup. This is the fourth year in a row that the two sides will face each other in this competition. In 2001, we beat them in the fourth round. In 2002, we beat them in the final. Last year, after a 1-1 draw at Highbury, it took a replay at Stamford Bridge, but we still beat them in the sixth round on our way to a second consecutive FA Cup Championship. Let’s hope the streak continues at Highbury on either Saturday February 14 or Sunday the 15th.

Here’s the rest of the fifth-round draw:

Manchester United v Manchester City or Tottenham

Tranmere Rovers v Swansea City

Telford United or Millwall v Burnley

Sunderland v Birmingham City

Sheffield United v Coventry City or Colchester United

Liverpool v Portsmouth

Everton or Fulham v West Ham United

Some of my favorites, including “Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King,” FOX’s “24,” and BBC America’s “The Office” took home major prizes at the 61st annual Golden Globe awards in Hollywood on Sunday.

.”Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King” won four awards, including Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director for Peter Jackson, Best Soundtrack, and Best Original Song for “Into The West.”

“The Office” won two awards, upsetting favorites “Sex In The City” and “Friends.” The show won Best Television Show - Comedy/Musical, and it’s creator/star, Ricky Gervais, won Best Actor in a Television Show - Comedy/Musical.

“24″ won best Television Show - Drama, which is well deserved, but I’m a bit disappointed that Alias was shut out yet again.

Bill Murray won the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, for his work in “Lost In Translation.” The film comes out on DVD next week, and I for one can’t wait.

What did I say yesterday? The Rangers don’t need more offense, they need defense and a goaltender!!!!!

Case in point, last night’s debacle.

Here’s ESPN’s take on things:

OTTAWA (AP) — Even on Jaromir Jagr’s best night, he couldn’t supply as much offense as the New York Rangers needed.

Bryan Smolinski scored twice in the first period and Daniel Alfredsson had a goal and two assists as the Ottawa Senators ruined Jagr’s debut with the Rangers by routing New York 9-1 Saturday night.

“It wasn’t the start I was looking for, that’s for sure,” said Jagr, acquired from Washington in a long-rumored deal completed Friday.

As has been New York’s problem throughout the season, its defense and goaltending faltered. Jussi Markkanen allowed six goals in the first and third periods and Jason LaBarbera, recalled Friday from the AHL, yielded three in the second as the Rangers’ losing streak hit four games and their winless streak was stretched to six (0-4-2).

“That was awful,” Rangers center Eric Lindros said. “We were outskated, we didn’t think — we were awful.”

Jagr made his first two appearances with the Rangers on the power play as Ottawa drew a pair of penalties within the first 4:44.

He threw his linemates offside on his first two offensive rushes, and it was all downhill from there for the Rangers.

“It’s not nice to lose 9-1 in your first game, but hopefully the worst is behind me and this team, and we somehow learn from this loss and turn things around,” Jagr said.

Zdeno Chara also scored twice, and Jason Spezza, Radek Bonk, Josh Langfeld and Martin Havlat added goals as Ottawa set a season high in a game and extended its winning streak to three.

“I think with the high profile trade they made last night, they put some fear into us,” Smolinski said. “We knew that they were going to come out and play hard. I think we just played our positions, and maybe we took the wind out of their sails a little bit. We didn’t do anything special but obviously they’ll be a different team the next time we see them.”

New York’s regular goalie Mike Dunham missed the Rangers’ worst loss since a 10-2 defeat at Quebec on March 6, 1993, because of a concussion sustained Thursday against Philadelphia.

“Describe it? I don’t think it’s possible,” Rangers coach and general manager Glen Sather said. “It’s one of the worst beatings I’ve taken in my career. It seemed like everyone stood around and was waiting for Jagr to win it for us.”

Rangers center Bobby Holik disagreed.

“That’s Glen’s opinion — I didn’t feel that way,” Holik said. “Even if Jaromir did magic, it still wouldn’t be enough tonight. It’s a team game and every one of us has to do what we’re here for.”

The Senators, 6-5 winners over Pittsburgh on Thursday, have scored 15 goals in two games and are 14-2-4 in their last 20.

New York trailed 7-0 when Matthew Barnaby ruined Patrick Lalime’s shutout bid 4:45 into the third.

Markkanen stopped just nine of 13 shots in the first, LaBarbera allowed three goals on six shots in the second, and Markkanen returned for the third and gave up two goals on 10 shots.

Spezza scored on a breakaway 6:15 in after he intercepted Martin Rucinsky’s centering pass. Spezza then assisted on Smolinski’s score at 10:06.

Chara made it 3-0 with a slap shot past Markkanen for a power-play goal at 13:27, and Smolinski scored Ottawa’s second straight with the man advantage at 17:25 for his second goal of the period, and 13th of the season.

LaBarbera, making his second appearance of the season and third overall in the NHL, fared no better than Markkanen.

Alfredsson made it 5-0 with his 21st goal 3:31 into the period, and Bonk gave Ottawa its second straight six-goal game with his 11th at 4:18.

Langfeld, who assisted on Bonk’s goal, scored for the second straight game at 11:05.

Markkanen gave up Chara’s second goal with 5:52 left and Martin Havlat’s power-play goal with 51.2 seconds remaining.

Game notes

Borothon part III:

Ljungberg scores a brace, Bergkamp and Bently add one each as Arsenal advance to fifth round of FA Cup.

Arsenal defeated Middlesbrough 4-1 at Highbury this afternoon in FA Cup fourth round action. Freddie Ljungberg scored twice, between goals by Dennis Bergkamp and rookie David Bently.

I have company today, so I’ll resort once again to borrowing from the BBC:

4 - 1

Freddie Ljungberg scored twice as Arsenal cruised past Middlesbrough.
The Gunners took the lead when Ray Parlour stole possession and crossed for Dennis Bergkamp to slot home.

Joseph-Desire Job levelled by firing home Michael Ricketts’ knock-down before Ljungberg slid home after Boro failed to clear Bergkamp’s free-kick.

Ljungberg headed home after the break before Boro had George Boateng sent off, and sub David Bentley made it 4-1 with a delightful chip at the end.

After a bright opening with Boro trying to break quickly using the power and pace of Ricketts, Arsenal soon upped the tempo and began to dictate play.

And with Pires prominent, they did not have to wait too long to go in front as the tie exploded into life.

Parlour chased down a lost cause on the right to rob Stuart Parnaby of possession and his pull-back was slotted home by Bergkamp via a deflection from Danny Mills.

But the home crowd were stunned into silence just three minutes later when Job latched onto Ricketts’ header, held off Kolo Toure and slammed his shot past Lehmann into the roof of the net.

Back came the Gunners, and Ashley Cole’s right-foot curler was magnificently tipped around the post by Schwarzer before Sol Campbell headed straight at the Australian from the resulting corner.

And they regained their advantage when Bergkamp’s cross caused panic in the Boro box and Ljungberg pounced to rifle past Schwarzer from close-range.

Boro did have chances to go in to half-time on level terms, but Franck Queudrue headed wide and Stewart Downing fired past the post.

Seven minutes after the break Arsenal had two chances to extend their lead, but Edu mis-controlled in the area and then Bergkamp’s drive was parried away by Schwarzer.

Bergkamp then sent Pires through, but the Frenchman’s appeals for a free-kick after a clash with Mills were waved away by referee Mike Dean.

Although Arsenal continued to enjoy greater spells of possession they were struggling to find their usual fluency, clearly missing the scintillating skills of the rested Thierry Henry.

And the goal that ended the tie as a contest was a scrappy affair, Ljungberg nodding home from Pires’ corner despite Gaizka Mendieta’s efforts on the goalline.

With Arsenal content to sit on their lead Mendieta saw a shot pushed away by Lehmann before Boateng was sent off after two quick-fire bookings.

Arsenal substitute David Bentley rounded it off with a sumptuous chip over Schwarzer from the edge of the box in the last minute.

Personally I think it’s more of the same. They need defense, not more scoring. Anyway, here’s the official press release from the Rangers:

Rangers Acquire Jaromir Jagr from Washington
1/23/2004

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired all-star right wing Jaromir Jagr from the Washington Capitals in exchange for right wing Anson Carter.

“To be able to acquire a player of Jaromir’s stature is a rarity in this business,” said Sather. “He has proven over his career that he is one of the top players in the world and we are looking forward to seeing him bring his elite play to New York.”

Jagr, 31, has registered 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points, along with 26 penalty minutes in 46 contests with the Washington Capitals this season. He is currently tied for 10th in the NHL in assists (29) and tied for 11th in points (45). His 12-game point scoring streak (six goals, 14 assists) from November 8 through December 2 is tied for the second longest stretch of the 2003-04 season, matching Brett Hull. Jagr also posted a five-game assist streak (seven assists) from November 24 through December 2, which ties for 12th longest this season.

A veteran of 13 NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, Jagr has appeared in 996 career NHL games, registering 522 goals and 758 assists for 1,280 points, along with 687 penalty minutes. Among active NHL players, he is currently tied for 10th with 522 career tallies, tied for 11th with 758 assists and 11th with 1,280 points. Jagr�s 1.29 career points-per-game average ranks sixth all-time among NHL players with at least 500 games played. He ranks second on the Penguins’ in all-time goal scoring, assists and points behind Mario Lemieux. Jagr holds several single-season franchise scoring records for right wings, including most goals (62 - 1995-96), assists (87 - 1995-96), points (149 - 1995-96), power play assists (34 - 1998-99) and power play points (51 - 1995-96). He also served as the team’s captain from 1998-2000 and was one of six forwards named to the Penguins’ “Millenium Team” in April, 2000.

The 6-3, 224-pound right wing began his NHL career in 1990, collecting 27 goals and 30 assists for 57 points in 80 contests, en route to being named to the NHL All-Rookie team. Jagr received the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1999 as the league’s most valuable player and finished as the runner-up in balloting for the award twice (1995 and 2000). He is one of only five players to capture the Lester B. Pearson Award in consecutive seasons (1999 and 2000). He also places fourth all-time and first among active European-born NHL players with 1,280 points.

Jagr has been selected as a NHL First Team All-Star six times, a Second Team All-Star once and participated in eight NHL All-Star games (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003). He was selected to the 2001 match in Colorado but was unable to play due to injury. During the 1997-98 season, The Hockey News named Jagr the 37th greatest player in NHL history.

In 146 career playoff matches with Pittsburgh and Washington, he has notched 67 goals and 87 assists for 154 points, along with 123 penalty minutes. Jagr ranks second only to Lemieux in all Penguins� playoff scoring categories, including goals (65), assists (82) and points (147). He was a key member of back-to-back Stanley Cup championship teams with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992.

Jagr was a member of the Czech Republic squad that captured the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan and also participated in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the 1998 Games, he was tied for the team lead in points, registering one goal and four assists for five points, along with two penalty minutes in six contests. He also was a member of the Czechoslovakian team at the 1990 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland, while ranking second in the tournament in scoring with five goals and 13 assists for 18 points and being named to the tournament all-star team.

The Klando, Czech Republic native was originally Pittsburgh�s first choice, fifth overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Washington Capitals on July 11, 2001, along with Frantisek Kucera, in exchange for Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, Ross Lupaschuk and future considerations.