359 - JGS Raves and Rants for Mid-2026

359 - JGS Raves and Rants for Mid-2026

It's here!  The mid-2026 Jersey Guy Sports Raves and Rants podcast!  Here I talk about the things or people I am happy about, as well as those not so much. A New York sports fan can hold two truths at once: you can be genuinely grateful for what your teams give you, and still be furious about what they take away. That’s the energy I bring on Jersey Guy Sports with our mid-2026 raves and rants, bouncing from pure joy to total disbelief across the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, Rangers, and Rutgers.  I start with the high that still doesn’t feel real: the New York Knicks winning a championship. We talk about what it means to end a long title drought, the playoff comebacks that turned into instant city folklore, and why that 2026 run felt like a forever moment. Then I pivot to the people who define New York expectations, including Aaron Judge’s massive value to the Yankees even when the postseason scars linger, and why Jalen Brunson’s late-game shot-making makes him the exact player you want when everything tightens up.  From there, I hit Rutgers football and the tough balance between culture and wins under Greg Schiano, plus the one thing we can brag about without hesitation: the Rutgers game day atmosphere in Piscataway, from tailgates to boardwalk vibes to night-game visuals. I also show love to Igor Shesterkin as a Rangers backbone, and to Cody Bellinger for doing the unglamorous work that keeps the Yankees from leaking runs and opportunities.  Then it’s rant time: what I think is holding teams back, why replay review is draining the life out of sports, and the decisions and performances that drive fans up a wall. If you’ve got your own list, you’re going to have opinions. Subscribe to Jersey Guy Sports, share this with a fellow fan, and leave a review. What’s your biggest rave and your loudest rant right now? Send fan mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918100/fan_mail/new] Jersey Guy Sports is available on all podcasting platforms.  * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0VTsJpVBZPywROPh2ww9RH] * Listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jersey-guy-sports-yankees-giants-rangers-rutgers-and-general-sports-talk/id1605502387] * Listen on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dsignori/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1] * Listen on PocketCasts [https://pca.st/wkintrip] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jersey-guy-sports-yankees-91596454/] * Listen on Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/698a9094-d744-41d6-8160-9097d8ce74e6] * Listen on TuneIn and Alexa [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Jersey-Guy-Sports---Yankees-Giants-Rangers-Rutg-p1616820/] * Listen on other podcasting platforms here [https://jerseyguysports.buzzsprout.com/1918100/follow] Socials *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-Guy-Sports-Podcast/100092450162139/], JGS Twitter [https://twitter.com/JGS_Podcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@donsig66], Youtub... [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN71eqdOVxPozx05jt0zMkUW-Egv8lPJF]

358 - NY Rangers Offseason moves - and Optimism!

Rangers?  Optimism? for real, yes!   At least so over the last week.  1 week of moves actually provides some critical optimism for Rangers fans and the organization.  I discuss all the moves. The Rangers have been hard to watch, and not just because of the scoreboard. When a team feels like a “morgue” on game nights, that is a sign something bigger is broken, from roster construction to day to day culture. I dig into the New York Rangers offseason and talk honestly about how Chris Drury got the team into this mess, why so many fans have him at public enemy number one status, and what changed over the last week to create a real spark of hope. I start with the biggest swing: the trade for Pavel Dorofeyev and the massive seven year, $77 million extension. He is a 25 year old sniper with back to back 35 goal seasons, and that skill set fills an immediate scoring need on the wing. From there I hit the supporting moves, including middle 6 winger Oliver Bjorkstrand on a one year deal, Joe Vellino as a likely fourth line center, and the trade of Vincent Trochek to the Utah Mammoth. Losing Trochek hurts, especially on faceoffs and two way play, but the return brings real value with offensive defenseman Sean Derzi plus additional assets. Then I get into why the blue line could look completely different: Derzi’s breakout passing, Marcus Peterson arriving for a future first, and how the defensive pairs finally start to make sense alongside Adam Fox. I also talk draft direction with No. 5 pick Albert Smits (D), the prospect watch around Liam Greentree, and the one move that makes me shake my head: the Joonas Korpisalo backup goalie contract. Finally, I discuss the off ice shift as James Dolan hands day to day operations to Quinton Dolan, and why leadership and culture changes might matter as much as any NHL trade. If you care about the Rangers rebuild versus retool debate, hit play, subscribe, and share the show with a friend. After you listen, what move actually changes the team’s ceiling next season? Send fan mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918100/fan_mail/new] Jersey Guy Sports is available on all podcasting platforms.  * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0VTsJpVBZPywROPh2ww9RH] * Listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jersey-guy-sports-yankees-giants-rangers-rutgers-and-general-sports-talk/id1605502387] * Listen on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dsignori/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1] * Listen on PocketCasts [https://pca.st/wkintrip] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jersey-guy-sports-yankees-91596454/] * Listen on Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/698a9094-d744-41d6-8160-9097d8ce74e6] * Listen on TuneIn and Alexa [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Jersey-Guy-Sports---Yankees-Giants-Rangers-Rutg-p1616820/] * Listen on other podcasting platforms here [https://jerseyguysports.buzzsprout.com/1918100/follow] Socials *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-Guy-Sports-Podcast/100092450162139/], JGS Twitter [https://twitter.com/JGS_Podcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@donsig66], Youtub... [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN71eqdOVxPozx05jt0zMkUW-Egv8lPJF]

357 - The Yankees Keep Repeating The Same Midseason Implosion

Here we are again.  It's June, and the Yanks are swooning.  While not a surprise to me, apparently it is for Cashman and Boone somehow. 4 straight games with only three hits should not be possible for the New York Yankees, yet here we are, staring at another brutal June swoon and asking the same questions we ask every year. We’re watching a team that looked strong early flip into something familiar, and we’re done pretending it’s just “baseball ups and downs.” I walk through the sharp change in results from the pre-June record to a losing month, and why that kind of swing is a warning sign about a roster’s true ceiling. From there, I dig into the root causes: injuries that expose a thin lineup, a contagious stretch of slumps, and an offense that can’t buy a hit with runners in scoring position. I also talk about the ugly details that make this skid feel even worse, including defensive mistakes, unearned runs, and nights where fundamentals simply vanish. Then I go straight at the decisions that keep coming back around: the familiar public messaging, the slow willingness to adjust, and why the Boone and Cashman era continues to spark anger among fans who expect championships, not excuses.  I close by looking ahead to the MLB trade deadline and the bigger timeline that matters most. Aaron Judge is not getting younger, Gerrit Cole is trying to find himself after Tommy John, and the window for this core does not stay open forever. If you’ve been feeling that mix of frustration and dread, you’ll hear it reflected here, along with what we think has to change to put the Yankees on a real path back to a World Series. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with the one move you want to see next. Send fan mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918100/fan_mail/new] Jersey Guy Sports is available on all podcasting platforms.  * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0VTsJpVBZPywROPh2ww9RH] * Listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jersey-guy-sports-yankees-giants-rangers-rutgers-and-general-sports-talk/id1605502387] * Listen on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dsignori/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1] * Listen on PocketCasts [https://pca.st/wkintrip] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jersey-guy-sports-yankees-91596454/] * Listen on Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/698a9094-d744-41d6-8160-9097d8ce74e6] * Listen on TuneIn and Alexa [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Jersey-Guy-Sports---Yankees-Giants-Rangers-Rutg-p1616820/] * Listen on other podcasting platforms here [https://jerseyguysports.buzzsprout.com/1918100/follow] Socials *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-Guy-Sports-Podcast/100092450162139/], JGS Twitter [https://twitter.com/JGS_Podcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@donsig66], Youtub... [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN71eqdOVxPozx05jt0zMkUW-Egv8lPJF]

356 - Knicks appreciation - Yankee warning signs - Rangers optimism

I have a potpourri of sports talk for you today!.  Some Knicks appreciation, some Yankees mid season talk and warning signs, and some nice NY Rangers talk.  Optimism for the Rangers?  It can't be   :-) I start with the New York Knicks - reliving the parade energy, the iconic OG Anunoby tip-in, and the moments that made this playoff run feel like it belongs in franchise history. I discuss the way Karl Anthony Towns helps win games even when his stat line looks “quiet,” and why Jalen Brunson’s shot-making becomes the heartbeat of the title run. Since it's now the off-season, I discuss the salary cap, the second apron, and why it can force contenders to make painful choices. I talk through the Knicks’ decisions, why re-signing Jose Alvarado matters, and why the uncertainty around Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet hits so hard. If you’ve ever wondered how a team can win it all and still feel fragile weeks later, the 2nd apron rules explain a lot. From there, it’s straight talk on the New York Yankees. A good record in a weak American League isn’t the same as being built for October, and we break down the holes we can’t ignore: the bottom of the lineup, bullpen reliability, and what has to change before anyone starts talking World Series.  I close with a much-needed dose of optimism for the New York Rangers, including the big swing for goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev. and the excitement around top-5 draft pick Alberts Smith. I also touch on recent trades sending Edstrom and Berard out of NY. Subscribe for more New York sports talk, share this with a fellow fan, and leave a rating and review. What’s the one move you want your team to make next? Send fan mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918100/fan_mail/new] Jersey Guy Sports is available on all podcasting platforms.  * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0VTsJpVBZPywROPh2ww9RH] * Listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jersey-guy-sports-yankees-giants-rangers-rutgers-and-general-sports-talk/id1605502387] * Listen on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dsignori/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1] * Listen on PocketCasts [https://pca.st/wkintrip] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jersey-guy-sports-yankees-91596454/] * Listen on Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/698a9094-d744-41d6-8160-9097d8ce74e6] * Listen on TuneIn and Alexa [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Jersey-Guy-Sports---Yankees-Giants-Rangers-Rutg-p1616820/] * Listen on other podcasting platforms here [https://jerseyguysports.buzzsprout.com/1918100/follow] Socials *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-Guy-Sports-Podcast/100092450162139/], JGS Twitter [https://twitter.com/JGS_Podcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@donsig66], Youtub... [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN71eqdOVxPozx05jt0zMkUW-Egv8lPJF]

355 - Yankees continue Winning Through The Injury Storm

The Yankees are winning games like nothing can touch them, and that’s exactly the problem: everything is touching them. Aaron Judge is out with a stress fracture on his first rib, Giancarlo Stanton is back on the injured list with more imaging ahead, and key names like Trent Grisham, Max Fried, and Clark Schmidt are also sidelined. Yet the New York Yankees still sit on top of the American League. So what’s real, what’s luck, and what’s going to break when the calendar flips to August? I dig into the stretch that includes a strong series in Toronto and the bigger reasons the team keeps stacking wins. I talk lineup sparks from Ben Rice, the steady impact of Paul Goldschmidt, and why Cody Bellinger’s all-around game keeps showing up when the Yankees need it. I also get into the “edge” factor, why a player like Caballero can change the feel of a team, and why the defense looks different when the right guys are playing the right spots. Then I hit the uncomfortable truth: the bullpen is still a major concern, and the trade deadline has to be about building an October-proof roster, not just surviving June. I also put the hot start in context, because the American League has been shockingly weak, and that changes how we judge the standings. Finally, I look ahead at the schedule and the must-fix positions, from catcher production to third base stability, so the season doesn’t turn into a “nice story” instead of a real run. If you’re following Yankees baseball for more than highlights, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a quick review so more fans can find the show. Send fan mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918100/fan_mail/new] Jersey Guy Sports is available on all podcasting platforms.  * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0VTsJpVBZPywROPh2ww9RH] * Listen on Apple Podcasts  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jersey-guy-sports-yankees-giants-rangers-rutgers-and-general-sports-talk/id1605502387] * Listen on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@dsignori/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=1] * Listen on PocketCasts [https://pca.st/wkintrip] * Listen on iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-jersey-guy-sports-yankees-91596454/] * Listen on Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/698a9094-d744-41d6-8160-9097d8ce74e6] * Listen on TuneIn and Alexa [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Jersey-Guy-Sports---Yankees-Giants-Rangers-Rutg-p1616820/] * Listen on other podcasting platforms here [https://jerseyguysports.buzzsprout.com/1918100/follow] Socials *  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-Guy-Sports-Podcast/100092450162139/], JGS Twitter [https://twitter.com/JGS_Podcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@donsig66], Youtub... [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN71eqdOVxPozx05jt0zMkUW-Egv8lPJF]