Hey BBVers,

Just thought I would share some photos I snapped while watching a day at camp on the University at Albany campus in 2010. For you photogs out there, I was using a Canon XSI with a EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens. If anyone would like high res versions of any of these shots let me know in the comments.

I'm sure the Timex Center is the preference for the players but it was always nice having the team come to my own backyard. I literally rode my mountain bike with a camera backpack to the field.

Hope you like them. If you do, hit me up with a "rec" so they can stay on top for a couple days. Thanks!

Bradshaw takes a breather.

Nicks waits for a drill.

Osi looking badass.

Jacobs heads off to a drill.

Kiwi would have absolutely pummeled Manning on this play.

Love this one. Pascoe hasn't even turned for the ball yet as the throw is already in the air.

Manning telling Barden about a route.

Manningham catches one in stride.

JPP takes a breather.

Webster was chiding the offense all day.

Hey we know that guy. He would go on to have a pretty good preseason game against the Jets before being shut down that year.

I was reading Ed's Giant Notes post today and clicked on Defensive Hog Index story. After reading with much satisfaction about our #1 defense, I followed another link that measures "Bendabitlity."  The research appears to support what my eyes have been seeing: dominating performances on both sides of the ball, yet the inexplicable nature of not being able to put away an opponent.

I  wasn't surprised to see the Giants rank 3rd from last.

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I know uconncountry just posted on Giant players who cracked the overall top 100 on ESPN's Scouts list.. I thought it more interesteing to see how they graded the talent on the team itself. There are certainly some head scratching decisions here -- leaving you to wonder if scouts have actually seen these players. (Especially Alford, Beatty, Bomar, Barden)

If you're an ESPN insider you can see the list and read comments here.

Here's the list:

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I know the NFL network is broadcasting the late game between the Giants and Broncos. But is that game going to be blacked out in the New York market?

I don't have Dish and I really don't feel like rolling into a sports bar to watch the game after over-indulging in a Thanksgiving feast.

Maybe like the ritual of pardoning a Turkey every Thanksgiving, they can pardon the fan who doesn't want to get wrapped up in a corporate pissing contest regarding broadcasting rights. I need me some GMen!

Anyone know what the deal is?

I think we can all agree that Aaron Ross took a step backward last season after being a large part of the playoff push and Super Bowl run of '07.

The Post ran a story today citing general malaise and depression as the reason. The story has direct quotes from Ross saying things like:

"I didn't even like playing football, to tell you the truth," Ross revealed to The Post recently from training camp. "Going to the games I wasn't excited. Coming to practice I wasn't excited. I wasn't happy."

and:

"I didn't like my second year at all," Ross said. "I knew I'm more of a playmaker than I showed. I really think it was more about me not being happy. It really is hard for me to explain, because I'm a young guy and to be tired of something I just started is sort of disturbing."

I guess it's good news that he "got his head straight" and is looking forward to making an impact again this season but it begs the question: How could a 2nd-year player making $3 million, coming off a Super Bowl win and tasting success, need to soul search for motivation? To be honest that worries me a bit.

Read the entire Post story here

What do you guys think?

I had to share this because I wouldn't have believed it myself if there wasn't video evidence. A shirtless Melky Cabrera being interviewed in a hotel room by a woman rumored to be porn star and former California gubernatorial candidate, Mary Carey.  I would deem it safe for work. This is not a joke. The most random video you will see today is linked below.


Melky Interview 

The only way this could be more bizarre is if Arod had walked out of the bathroom.

Don’t know if anyone caught this, but Jorge was barking at Veras last night after he got the last out. I rewound it on DVR because initially it looks like Veras doesn’t respond to Jorge’s handshake. But when I looked again Jorge is obviously yelling at him as he’s walking from home plate to the mound to shake his hand. After the tongue lashing, Veras lowers his head and kind of shuffles in line for the win celebration.

If you can catch an encore it’s worth a look. It is quite obvious in HD!

Just read that on Rotoworld. How would he look in Blue?

Seems like a player who will fit in on and off the field. He's relatively young at 31 (same as Burress) and put up near or just over 1,000 receiving yards a season since 2004. The guy can flat out run routes and won't show up Eli in the huddle if he isn't getting the ball.

He's just gives up 3 inches to Burress, and Eli loved to throw that end zone fade. But I think he would fit nicely.

Can someone explain the negative salary cap ramifications if the Giants were to severe their relationship with Plax? In other words, how could cutting his payroll actually hurt the club as some reports have suggested?

My thinking was, why not use that payroll to bring in another (team oriented) WR or other need. Housh, Braylon Edwards and others are free agents after the season.

Plax trying to use the "Manny being Manny" excuse shows he has no intentions to change. And those "me" guys just don't fit into the Giants team chemistry.