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Three Keys To Mets’ Matt Harvey Overcoming Latest Adversity

These days Matt Harvey isn’t the Dark Knight, he’s just Matt Harvey, pitcher for the New York Mets.

Harvey’s no longer the superstar taking New York City by storm, he’s now just a pitcher taking the field every five days.

It’s not the 2013 All-Star Harvey, and it’s not even the 2015 National League Comeback Player of the Year.

 The blazing fastball, hitting 98 mph on the radar gun, that Matt Harvey is no longer in the building. The growing reality is we may never see that Harvey again.

Adversity impacts us all in different ways. For Harvey, overcoming his adversity has become the biggest challenge of his professional career.

In three starts since returning from the disabled list with a stress injury to his right scapula, Harvey has posted a 1-2 record with an alarming 12.19 ERA. His struggles have escalated since missing the second half of last year due to surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

But it was Harvey’s comments after his most recent start which may have provided the clearest case of someone struggling to regain the success he once had.

In 3 1/3 innings of work, Harvey gave up five runs and loaded the bases three times. The Mets lost the game to the Cubs, 17-5, at Wrigley Field.

“It’s kind of hard to take any positives out of the last two years,” Harvey said. “I am extremely frustrated. It’s hard going out there and not doing what I can to help this team win and it’s extremely frustrating.

“There is a lot of work going in that is not paying off, and it’s becoming very frustrating for me, but there is still three starts to go and you have to do everything you can to go out there to just be better.”

Awareness

Harvey’s frustration is clear and his concern is justified. The results have not been there for him, this despite all the hard work he’s put in behind the scenes.

I covered one of Harvey’s rehab starts this summer for the Mets short-season Single-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. Afterwards, Harvey expressed excitement for getting back to the Mets in time to finish the season. But his comments also displayed an awareness of the process he’s going through.

I came away from that game thinking Harvey’s starting to get it now. He’s 28 years old and these last two years have clearly humbled him.

You can click here to read my article on Harvey, for NY Sports Day.

Harvey is at a career crossroads.

Early success can have us feeling like a superhero, or in Harvey’s case Batman. We feel invincible. Then, like a thief in the night, we’re reminded it’s never that easy.[bctt tweet=”Having an awareness of your situation is always the first step to correcting what’s gone wrong.” username=”TonyRushingNY”]

Willingness to Evolve

Once we’re aware of our situation, there’s an evolution phase we’re confronted with.

Michael Jordan didn’t come into the NBA known for his jump shot, he developed it as he grew older. Muhammad Ali was known for his footwork and hand speed, as much he was for his ability to talk you into the arena. But it was the rope-a-dope strategy he employed against a stronger George Foreman which displayed his willingness to evolve.

The ability to throw a blazing fastball can give you early success in Major League Baseball. But it’s more than just having a fastball, it’s knowing when to throw it.

In three starts since coming back from the disabled list, Harvey has struggled early, largely due to his working deep counts and throwing too many pitches. That’s an indication of someone still trying to beat you with only a fastball in their arsenal.

The moment Harvey finds a healthy balance between his power pitches and off-speed stuff, the chances of pitching deeper into ballgames can increase.

Harvey won’t successfully throw 95 to 98 mph throughout a ballgame and come away healthy. He’s no longer that person.

Evolution, however, doesn’t happen overnight.

Matt Harvey Is Pitching For His Future

Harvey’s Gotta Have Faith

Having patience is one thing. But having faith in what you’re being patient for is an entirely different ballgame.

Quite simply put, to achieve our goals requires faith in our own abilities to meet them. If we don’t believe in ourselves then what’s the point of even doing it.

Harvey’s not only looking to regain success on the field, he’s facing the challenge of having to evolve his overall game in order to do it. The critics and doubters will only grow with every setback.

The Mets are also looking to see if Harvey has what it takes to get through these tough times. They have a decision to make on Harvey’s long-term future with the team. He’s one year away from free agency, his value is arguably at the lowest it’s ever been.

How far Harvey goes from here remains to be seen, his faith in himself to see it through will go a long way towards his future with the Mets.

If Matt Harvey is to overcome this latest bout with adversity then implementing awareness, a willingness to involve, and maintaining faith in himself are all key components.

The Dark Knight may rise again one day smarter, stronger and fully evolved.

 

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Jets Notebook: Replacing Sheldon Richardson

It won’t be easy and the Jets have a long list of concerns going into the season. But the reality is their defense no longer has Sheldon Richardson on the line causing havoc.

After nearly two years of rumors and speculation, the Jets finally said goodbye to Richardson by trading him to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, and a 2018 second-round draft pick. Both teams will also swap seventh-round picks.

I wrote about the Richardson trade in my column for NY Sports Day.

The Jets are still strong on the line with Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams. Not having to worry where Richardson fits on the field with Wilkerson and Williams should be one less headache for Todd Bowles.

Nose tackle Steve McLendon will need to step up. Newly-acquired Kony Ealy should also get time to show what he can do.

Keeping Wilkerson and Williams fresh and healthy have to be priorities for the Jets this season. The defense is expected to be this team’s strength. Richardson’s production will be missed but the Jets have enough on the depth chart to move on.

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Odell Beckham Jr. Must Keep Big Picture In Mind With Injured Ankle

The preseason’s over and the Giants are less than one week away from the start of the regular season, possibly without Odell Beckham Jr..

It’s been two weeks since Beckham injured his ankle in a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. The Giants open their season Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys on national television. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the availability of their star wide receiver.

Beckham, according to reports, has yet to practice since injuring his ankle.

There’s plenty reason to have Beckham on the field Sunday night. He’s a playmaker who’s shown he can thrive on a huge platform such as playing on Sunday night. The Cowboys, besides being a rival, or also a divisional opponent. The Giants can make an early statement with a win on the road to start the season.

But while there’s plenty of reason for Beckham to play Sunday night, the reality of the situation is there’s still an entire season ahead.

Perspective On Beckham

If the Giants deliver on defense, protect Eli Manning, and find some sort of running game, they’ll be make a playoff-run this season. But they’ll need their playmakers and Beckham’s at the top of the list.

Odell Beckham Jr. of the Giants walks off the field after suffering an injury in the first half of a preseason game against the Browns. (Image Credit: Getty / Joe Robbins)

Beckham obviously is a huge reason expectations for the Giants passing game this season are high. If he’s not 100 percent or close to it, do the Giants really want to risk their top receiver re-injuring himself?

In my opinion, that’s not a risk worth taking in week 1 of the season.

It’s no secret Beckham’s passion for football sometimes gets overshadowed by his occasional emotional displays on the field. There’s no doubt he’s well aware any game against the Cowboys is circled on the calendars of most Giants fans. He’s going to want to play, hurt ankle or not.

It will be interesting to see how the Giants approach Beckham’s injury during the week leading up to Sunday night. Will they throw caution to the wind and play him? Or will the big picture for the rest of the regular season take first priority?

 

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Patience and Awareness Prevailed In Boston, Cleveland Deal

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, after nearly a week of suspense, finally were able to complete their blockbuster trade.

Boston has reportedly agreed to send Cleveland their 2020 second-round draft pick, via the Miami Heat, in order to acquire Kyrie Irving and bring a close to the deal.

Cleveland still gets All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and a 2018 first round pick via the Brooklyn Nets.

Concern around Thomas’ injured hip is what led to Cleveland pressing pause on the trade which caught almost everyone around the league by surprise.

What does this mean for both sides? Well, everyone involved can now move on.

Irving and Thomas can now begin the next chapters of their respective NBA careers.

When news broke of Irving’s desire to play elsewhere, the clock began ticking for Cleveland to launch a contingency plan.

There’s no guarantee LeBron James will hang around after the upcoming 2017-18 season. The Cavaliers were facing the possibility of a future without James and with, for the time being, an unhappy Irving.

Moves had to be made and they had to be done with not just the present in mind.

In the business world, critical thinking is a required skill. Decisions have to be made for the short-term, with the bigger picture always in mind.It’s a delicate balance, but it’s also a necessary one.

Kyrie Irving (No. 2) was ready to move on from Cleveland and LeBron James. (Image: Getty)

Boston Stayed Ready So They Never Had To Get Ready

The Celtics have spent the better part of the last four years stockpiling their war chest with draft picks to help lay a foundation for the team’s future.

Their highway robbery of the Brooklyn Nets in 2013, via trade, has turned into the gift that keeps on giving.

Boston received three unprotected first-round picks (2014, 2016, and 2018) along with the right to swap first-rounders in 2017.

The 2014 pick, James Young, didn’t pan out for Boston. But they still have Jaylen Brown (2016). They wound up with the number one pick overall in the draft for 2017 and traded down to the 3-spot in order to take Duke’s Jason Tatum.

All this and Boston still had Brooklyn’s 2018 pick.

I always remind myself of the importance of giving yourself options. They increase your chances of staying in the game long enough to make your moves.

So when the Cavaliers came knocking, with a four-time All-Star guard ready for a new beginning, Boston knew they were more than prepared to roll out the green welcome mat.

If you stay ready, you’ll never have to get ready.

Don’t Sleep On the Long Game

Patience and preparation are vital. In the case of these two teams, the ability to play the long game while staying current in the present was, and still remain, imperative. Patience and preparation are vital.

Boston has managed to rebuild their franchise, all while remaining in playoff contention. Through a series of strategic moves, the Celtics haven’t missed a beat. They’ve now added one of the best young point guards in the game. Irving’s still only 25 years old.

Cleveland, with the 1-2 punch of James and Irving, have made three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. But it was a flurry of short-term acquisitions of veteran players, some past their prime, which helped fill out their roster.

The uncertainty of a future without James, along with dealing with Irving’s request to be traded, forced Cleveland into addressing their future now rather than later.

The Cavaliers were crushing the short game, but needed to start looking ahead. It would’ve been easy for Cleveland to jump at the first offer they received for Irving, but they waited for what felt right.

In getting back not only a special talent in Thomas and a worker in Crowder, — the Cavaliers confronted their short-term needs.  But the key to all of this was how they’d go about putting themselves in position for the future.

Isaiah Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game in his final season with the Boston Celtics.

Patience Over Everything

The 2018 first round (and unprotected) pick addresses their future for Cleveland. Holding out on the trade in order to secure another future draft pick only points to their awareness of the long game.

Playing the long game can seem tedious and feel frustrating at times. But if done right, and with patience, the payoff can be rewarding on multiple levels.

In life, playing the short game is cool and can be rewarding. When everything appears to be going according to plan, it’s easy to go from A to Z without thinking five to ten years ahead. We end up falling victim to the thrills of today without the strategy for a better tomorrow.

Boston and Cleveland had to encounter scenarios which impacted their short-term and long-term goals.They took their time to get it right before moving forward.

Knowing when, and when not, to wait takes time to learn. It’s could be the difference between a win for today or a decade of wins ahead.

 

 

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Jets Notebook: Enunwa Injury, McCown or Hackenberg, The Defense

One week away from the beginning of their preseason schedule, the Jets held their annual Green and White scrimmage. This gave fans another look at how the team’s progressing in training camp, this time under the lights of Met Life Stadium.

I’ll be covering the Jets throughout the 2017 season for NY Sports Day. My Sunday column is now up, it takes a look at what I’ll believe will be the biggest opponent for the team this season.

I’m looking forward to it, it’ll be my second season at the games as a credentialed member of the media.

Meanwhile, here are a few news and notes to keep an eye on with the Jets in preseason: Continue reading “Jets Notebook: Enunwa Injury, McCown or Hackenberg, The Defense”

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Yankees’ Gary Sanchez Will Be Fine Long as He’s Willing to Listen

The New York Yankees are very much in the thick of a pennant race in 2017. The youth movement in the Bronx, led by Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, has fans talking about another dynasty in the making.

A pennant race means a brighter spotlight for the young Yankees. For every step forward there’s more attention on the missed steps along the way. Continue reading “Yankees’ Gary Sanchez Will Be Fine Long as He’s Willing to Listen”

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David Griffin Very Much In The Mix For Knicks

Hello David Griffin, can you talk?

Update: 10:10pm

The Knicks  have made contact with David Griffin, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

It appears the Knicks are doing their due diligence and wasting no time. 

It may not take long for the New York Knicks to find a replacement for Phil Jackson.

There’s a growing buzz that former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin has caught the attention of the Knicks.

A league source told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that Jerry West – who once tried to hire ex-Cavaliers Gm David Griffin in Memphis – planned to reach out to Leiweke, who like West has former ties to the Los Angeles Lakers from his time working for AEG, to endorse Griffin as candidate to replace Jackson.

Griffin has long coveted a big job like the Knicks and considers all of his experience in two-plus decades in the league was an apprenticeship for such a challenge. – Ramona Shelburne of ESPN

The Leiweke, mentioned by Shelburne, would be Tim Leiweke of the Oak Hill Group. Leiweke, along with Knicks general manager Steve Mills, are running day-to-day operations of the team on an interim basis. Leiweke will have strong input on who the next team president will be.

David Griffin Is Available and Ready To Mingle

The Knicks need stability and, for the sake of everyone’s sanity, someone who knows what they’re doing. Griffin brings credibility to the table. Unlike Jackson, he has front office experience.

The Knicks could get Griffin without having to worry about compensation, he’s a front-office free agent. The same can’t be said for Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who’s very much under contract. The Knicks would almost certainly have to give up draft picks to get him. That’s not ideal, no matter  how much respect they have for him.

During his time in Cleveland, Griffin was instrumental in transforming the Cavaliers from contenders to a championship-level franchise. Cleveland went to the NBA Finals in each of the last three seasons with Griffin as their GM. They won the championship in the 2015-16 season, the team’s first ever title.

Griffin’s departure from the Cavaliers also didn’t go over well with LeBron James, according to reports. James stepped up for Griffin, that’s a strong indication of the level of respect he’s earned.

It can’t hurt to pickup the phone and see just how interested Griffin is in the position. This would be the big-market gig he reportedly has been looking for. It would also likely come with a significant pay raise, which he couldn’t secure in Cleveland.

The Knicks can’t afford to get this next hire wrong. Griffin’s available and ready to mingle.

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The Knicks Finally Pulled The Plug On The Phil Jackson Era

The Knicks finally pulled the plug on Phil Jackson. The team announced both sides would be parting ways, effective immediately.

The news comes at a time where, once again, the Knicks were dangerously close to forcing their fanbase to pull their plug on supporting them. Has there ever been a team, like this, that can find more ways to blow it?

Jackson is already in the history books as one of the greatest NBA coaches ever, it’s just too bad he was unable to transfer some of that over to the front office. He’ll go down arguably as one of the worst team presidents in history.

If Jackson needed a reason for being shown the door, all the Knicks had to do was point to the numbers. In just his first ever role in a front office position, Jackson finished with a record of 80-166. It was three seasons of destroy and rebuild during his tenure, no playoff games, and the complete opposite of the stability fans were hoping a man with his resume would bring.

Numbers never lie but, in the Knicks case, there was so much more which led to the end.

Phil Jackson, The Triangle, The Drama

Jackson’s insistence on having the Knicks run the triangle offense, a system none of the players seemed to ever buy into, stunted any progress they tried to build off of. The Knicks, during Jackson’s three-year run, revamped their roster three times to try and find the right mix of players for the triangle — it never worked.

Carmelo Anthony (Image: Getty)

Jackson came away with $60 million dollars for running the Knicks further into the ground. I’d find it very hard to believe  he’d ever say he had trouble sleeping after all this. If anything may haunt Jackson it could be when he decided to give Carmelo Anthony a no-trade clause. Anthony’s still around, at least for now, while Jackson’s not.

There was the triangle, the Carmelo saga, the exit meeting with Kristaps Porzingis which never happened and it’s aftermath. The list reads like a manual on what not to do as team president. Perhaps someone should have given Jackson one before he said yes to the job.

Remember when all Jackson had to do was draw up a play then put his hands up to signal the triangle?  He’d then tell his team to give the ball to number’s 23, 34, 8, or 24.

But Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant were not coming through the doors of Madison Square Garden. Neither was Steve Kerr, Jackson’s first choice to teach the Knicks about the triangle.

The Knicks hiring Jackson sounded like a good idea, then quickly became another mess. It was another toxic situation for the Knicks with no end in sight.

The argument can be made Jackson never really wanted the job to begin with. He was inept at hiring a head coach to do the job he wanted no parts of.

Three years, three head coaches, and $60 million dollars later – the Knicks find themselves right back in familiar territory.

It’s time to start over, again.

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D’Angelo Russell Can Start Fresh With The Brooklyn Nets

It was just two years ago D’Angelo Russell was the number two pick in the NBA draft. The Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes for a bright future with Russell, however it didn’t take long for those hopes to turn into faded pictures.

Inconsistent play, along with fallout from video of a private conversation with teammate Nick Young going public, only made it harder for the Lakers to justify Russell as a key to their future. The emergence of Lonzo Ball as an option for Magic Johnson’s first draft pick as team president sealed the deal for Russell’s departure.

While the Lakers were pinning their future on Russell two years ago, the Brooklyn Nets were  finishing a 21-61 season. Players were let go, coaches were fired, and general managers were — reassigned. The Nets followed that up with another 62-loss campaign this past season.

The rebuild is in full swing for the Nets and, with limited options to upgrade, they have to remain creative in pursuing young talent to help build a new foundation.  That means when a 21-year old talent, like Russell, becomes available you do your due diligence to bring him in.

Getting Russell, along with former Knick Timofey Mozgov, cost the Nets Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in this year’s draft. The Nets will miss Lopez, he was the face of their franchise, a class act, and the team’s all-time leading scorer. With all of that, it was time to part ways. Nets general manager Sean Marks and head coach Kenny Atkinson rolled the dice on Russell and the timing couldn’t have been better.

The Brooklyn Nets introduce D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the NYC media. (Image: Brooklyn Nets)

D’Angelo Russell, The Nets, And The Chip On His Shoulder

Johnson, while thanking Russell for his time and service, also emphasized he needs a team leader. It’s one thing when your employer calls you out in front of everyone, but it stings that much more when that employer also happens to be an NBA legend.

“I think he’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” Atkinson said about his new point guard. “I can see that already. I don’t think he’s boasting about that. He even said, ‘I’m not trying to prove people wrong. I’m trying to control my situation.’

“But it shows by being in the gym and his hunger to get better. I kind of like that there’s a little bit of a chip there.”

That chip on Russell’s shoulder should stay there for at least the next ten years. If that serves as fuel for the fire then so be it.

Russell has the right mindset in worrying only about what he can control. The Nets, in Atkinson, have one of the best developmental coaches in the game. It’ll be intriguing to see how he plans to use Russell in his up-tempo offense.

Opportunity is knocking for D’Angelo Russell to put the past behind him. He can start fresh with a team that’s ready to give him every tool necessary to succeed.