Good morning, New York! Thanks to Steve for handling your 'Morning Coffee' wakeup call the last few days, but now that I'm back from a few days of vacation it's time for me to give him a break. So, here goes.
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- Day 1 of the Lebronathon is in the books. Both local squads met with the biggest free-agent prize of them all Thursday. The New Jersey Nets are upbeat about their future, with or without James. The Knicks are, well, I'm not really sure how to describe it. But, I think the Knicks are kidding themselves if they think they are serious contenders in this derby. Stay right here at SB Nation New York for all your news about the Nets and Knicks during the free-agent frenzy. Check Nets Daily for Nets analysis and Posting and Toasting for your Knicks needs.
↵ - New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner turns 80 on Sunday, and Thursday he issued a statement thanking Yankee fans. In reality, Yankee fans need to thank The Boss.
↵ - On the field, the Yankees avoided being swept for the first time this season by beating Seattle, 4-2. Alex Rodriguez got the big hit, even if he didn't know what day -- or inning -- it was. He found his way to the plate, and that is what mattered for the Bronx Bombers. The Mets couldn't get a big hit, and wasted a great effort from Johan Santana in a 2-1 loss. See Pinstripe Alley for Yankees discussion and Amazin' Avenue for your Mets fix. ↵
- The NBA is not the only league in the midst of free agency. The NHL is also going through its buying period. Let's just say our friends over at Blueshirt Banter are not too happy with the New York Rangers this morning. ↵