Random Thoughts (December 11, 2008)

Keep a close eye on Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha this Sunday. The 2006 All-Pro is sick of all the losing in Oakland and would be a great fit for the struggling Patriots secondary... The Mets are making huge improvements to their bullpen and are making a statement to their competition in the N.L. that they are making a push for the World Series in 2009. A day after signing free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets completed a three-team trade that brought back power reliever J.J. Putz to Queens. K-Rod and Putz give the Mets stability at the end of the game, which was a fatal flaw to the Mets the last three years and cost them playoff spots in 2007 and 2008... The three finalists for the Heisman are Forida's Tim Tebow, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, and Texas' Colt McCoy. Texas Tech's Graham Harrell was surprisingly snubbed. Considering that the defenses in the Big 12 allowed offenses to run wild in 2008, the nod goes to Tebow, who would join Ohio State's Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman winner... Condolences to Matt Cassel and his family after the sudden loss of his father, Greg, earlier this week. Patriots fans (and players) obviously want Cassel to play in Sunday's must-win game against the Raiders in Oakland but he has to take care of his personal business first before stepping on the field... New Orleans (+3.5) over CHICAGO. I need a big night from Drew Brees and Marques Colston for my fantasy playoff game... How can the Yankees possibly be asking the state of New York for more money to support the construction of the new Yankee Stadium while they are throwing ridiculous dollars at CC Sabathia (7-years/$160-million) and making ridiculous offers to A.J. Burnett (rumored 5-year/$91-million offer) and Derek Lowe (rumored 4-year/$66-million offer)... Get ready for the announcement that the Red Sox have signed Mark Teixeira. The Red Sox management will want the Teixeira J-Shirts and replica uniforms on the shelves in time for last minute Christmas shoppers... Enjoy Rajon Rondo tonight...