3 Up And 3 Down: Who's Hot And Who's Not In New York Sports
By Daniel Friedman
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Taking a look at who's hot and who's not on the local sports landscape:
THREE UP:
1. Mike Maccagnan
In less than a week, he's traded for Brandon Marshall and signed Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine and James Carpenter. He's also brought in veteran competition for Geno Smith by trading for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Antonio Cromartie could be next. Not bad for a first-time NFL GM.
2. Rangers
They won a close game against the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, then beat Washington the next night. Now, the Rangers sit atop both the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference, and they've got three games in hand on their sworn enemy.
3. Matt Harvey
His two spring training starts have produced mixed results, but he's lighting up radar guns and appears to be healthy. Having him back on the mound in any game situation is a plus for the Metropolitans, who really could compete for a playoff spot this season. Harvey figures to be a huge part of that push.
THREE DOWN:
1. Nassau Coliseum
The final regular-season game between the Isles and Rangers at the old barn came and went Tuesday night, and with it a big part of the building's history went too. It just makes it sink in even more that it's the end of an era. Not helping matters was Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano's speech Wednesday evening, in which he mentioned an unrealistic plan to lure the Islanders back to Uniondale. Good luck with that, Ed.
2. Giants' Secondary
While the Jets' secondary got much better, their MetLife co-tenants' got worse. Antrel Rolle is heading to Chicago on a three-year, $11.25 million deal. To the Giants' credit, they did nab running back Shane Vereen, so they're making improvements to other parts of the roster.
3. Yankee Stadium Infield
Now that the Bronx Bombers are sharing their ballpark with new MLS club NYCFC, the switchover between soccer and baseball is expected to have adverse effects on the playing conditions of the infield. Mark Teixeira expressed his displeasure with the situation, saying that "it's going to suck."