Late-breaking news tonight, and it’s good news for a now FORMER Giant and good guy during his time in the Big Apple.

Derrick Ward signed a 4-year, $17 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cashing in on his break-out 1,025 yard season in 2008.

While Giant fans will be sad to see “Wind” leave the Meadowlands, you have to feel good for the guy knowing he’ll get a shot to be the star in Tampa.

Ward paid his dues during his time in New York; working his way up from various practice squads and playing second fiddle to Brandon Jacobs.

As for the Giants, we know they’ll be just fine filling in that #2 slot in the backfield with “Fire,” also known as Ahmad Bradshaw. And the way that offensive line nurtures it’s running backs, I wouldn’t be surprised if a viable #3 emerges in much the same way Bradshaw did in ’07.

While Giant fans might lament the loss of Ward now, they ought to be happy for the prosperous times in which they had him and the new opportunities he’ll have in the future.

Here’s to hoping though that “Wind” doesn’t come back to burn Big Blue down the line.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

The Jets have been busy building up their defense. They traded for Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, sending 2 draft picks back to Philly. Then Rex Ryan raided the cupboard in Baltimore, signing safety Jim Leonhard and linebacker Bart Scott.

Ryan was the Ravens defensive co-ordinator before the Jets hired him as their head man. So Ryan knows what Leonhard and Scott can bring to the team. I caught up with Bart Scott at the ESPN Zone in Times Square. I talked to him about various things from his expectations for the Jets, to a near dog bite for coach Ryan, to his nickname. Listen in after the jump.

Recently I had the pleasure of spending time with former Yankee Bernie Williams. He was the first baseball player to be honored at the annual “Worlds Best 10K” Race held in Puerto Rico over the weekend. (A little gloating, my father, Victor Lopez, was the honoree in 2006 and is on the board for the race). The race is sanctioned by the IAAF, the world governing body of track and field, and featured the best distance runners “sprinting” the little over six miles. Each year, a Puerto Rican athlete is chosen to be the official starter of the race. This year, Bernie had the honor of starting more than 13, 000 participants.

The five time All Star spoke with members of the media before the race. He was candid, honest and seemed to be truly inspired by the title of his sophomore album, “Moving Forward (set to be released April 14). He spoke about plans to have a Times Square concert for the new album (I will keep you posted). For those who don’t know, Bernie is an accomplished guitarist and composer and received classical training at the Escuela Libre de Musica High in his native San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Interestingly his music has a lot to do with how he dealt with the end of his Major League Baseball career…so far (more on that in a bit). He calls himself “lucky” to have options other than just being a baseball player. Looking back, Bernie classified being dropped by the Yankees after the 2006 season a “blessing”. He says he was able to spend time with his family. He questions, if he played longer or if circumstances were different, would he have come home to an “empty house”? One of my “pseudo” uncles is a former Major League Baseball player, and I saw first hand how absent he was because of the long season. His words were deep and made a lot of sense.

However, baseball was his life in the majors for 16 years, all in Pinstripes. So, are his baseball days over? Obviously not…he is currently playing with the Puerto Rico team in the World Baseball Classic. He says his role is to give the outfielders rest or come in as a designated hitter. Who doesn’t like Bernie in that pinch hit position? Memories…

Bernie spoke highly of the Yankees team he practiced with in preparation for the WBC. He said he received a call from Yanks brass in the car, on his way to the minor league field. He was asked to come to the major league side, told he would be a good presence. Absolutely! The baseball bug bit again! He says he feels great and was able to hit well off big leaguers like Andy Pettitte and Chien Ming Wang. Admittedly though, everything is slower. Is he willing to play in the majors again? He didn’t rule that out and says the decision is based on how the WBC ends.

He spoke of a Yankees clubhouse that discusses the Alex/steroids thing almost like “watercooler talk”. The focus, he says, is on the season and winning the Series. In his view, Mark Texiera will help reduce the pressure on Alex to drive in all the runs. Bernie adds that 2001 and 2003 are his favorite years, when there was a definite “team mentality”. Everyone knew their strengths and limitations. Bernie feels it’s up to Joe Girardi to find this in his group.

Bernie adds that he has heard rumors he might be asked to coach for the Yankees. He insists there has been no official offer but would NOT coach if asked. Not interested.

As for the standing ovation at Yankee Stadium during the last home game, he said it was one of the top five moments in his life. Did he feel vindicated with the intense fan reaction because of how he was ultimately treated by the Yanks? No, and in fact, he said this was not the moment which motivated him to pick up the bat again. Speaking of, I am glad to see he has done so. The 40-year old is in great shape and is just a consummate gentleman and athlete. It was humbling to watch him that day at the race. Bernie was so overwhelmed by the strength and determination of the runners who had to run over the Puente Teodoro Moscoso (a major bridge where the wind whips and swirls). This as everyone else was excited to see him. He saw the athleticism of the elites and novices alike, gutting out the race and felt a connection to them. I loved that and can see why people flock to Bernie Williams.

I'm starting to REALLY get ticked off with the Mets. They're handling this Johan Santana thing almost as badly as they did Ryan Church's concussions last season. It's time for the club to get off its collective butt and show some leadership and fortitude.

After weeks of speculation, debate and roster moves, Sean Avery finally arrived at Ranger camp this morning, taking part in his first practice since re-joining the Blue Shirts.

Say what you will about the guy, but he produced the last time he was in New York and the Rangers are obviously desperate for a spark.

I like this move for the team, and though he is occasionally a dope, Avery has to realize he’s getting a pretty nice second chance with the Rangers.

But who cares what I think?! How about the Blue Shirts themselves? We were at practice today and talked to Avery, John Tortorella and Henrik Lundqvist.

Take a listen.

Hopefully, it's goodbye and good riddance to Terrell Owens. Looks like the Giants and Jets will both take a pass on the aging diva. That's good news for both local teams.

You think Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning had trouble with Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey? Owens makes Tiki and Shockey look like church deacons. Owens bad mouthed Jeff Garcia in San Francisco, Donavan McNabb PLEADED for the Eagles to bring Owens in. How did that work out? These two speak less than Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza. Isn't it interesting that once Shockey was injured in December of 2007, Manning blossomed? Owens moaned and groaned about not getting the ball from "my quarterback" Tony Romo. Not too many crocodile tears after the 'Boys were eliminated this past season.

As for the Jets, Rex Ryan is trying to build a physical, team oriented club. We still don't know who Gang Green's QB will be come Opening Day in September Guys more interested in "Me first need not apply. As with Tiki and Shockey with Manning, T.O. would only be a royal pain in the butt for Clemens, Ainge or Ratliff. A first year coach in New York, with a fan base that hasn't seen a Super Bowl since the last days of Lyndon Johnson's presidency, doesn't need that headache-unless he gets a Tylenol endorsement.

So, just go away, T.O. You're 36. Go to K.C. or Oakland. Jerry Reese and Mike Tannenbaum: Steer clear of this problem.

Forget the conspiracy theories that the Yankees didn't want Alex Rodriguez in the World Baseball Classic or Bud Selig gained some testicular fortitude and suddenly wants to get tough on steroids by suspending A-Roid. A torn labrum is a BIG deal. Honestly, this whole rest thing is not cool. Alex should have surgery NOW. He's 33. Get surgery done, get him back by July or August Don't take the chance that the torn labrum causes more problems, and then lose him-maybe forever.

Even if they lose Rodriguez, the Yanks will be OK. They have enough offense, even if A-Rod misses big stretches of the year. Two options the Yankees could take: Have Xavier Nady or Mark Texieira play third, and Nick Swisher play first or right field. Hank Blaylock is currently DH-ing for the Rangers. He has experience playing 3rd. You could always reach out for Aaron Boone. Think about it: If Boone hadn't violated his contract by playing basketball and getting injured in the 2003 offseason, there is NO history of Rodriguez and the Yankees. Cody Ransom won't mean the difference between October playoffs and a second straight early trip home.

Remember, the Yankees have enough offense and MORE important, good pitching, Sabathia, Burnett, Wang and Pettitte are solid. My thought: A-Rod's injury-which at the very least limits his playing time and at most keeps him out 4 months-only stresses the idea that Joba Chamberlain should be in the bullpen. Shorten the game as much as you can with 4 good starters, and let Joba and Mariano Rivera become the Rivera and John Wetteland of 1996. Phil Hughes can be the 5th starter.

A-Rod's hip IS a big deal, but NOT the end of the world. That's why with about 9 years left on his contract, the Yankees should have him get the surgery done now and let him be at 100 percent as soon as possible.

A-Rod works out with the Dominican team earlier this week.

The Yankees and Alex Rodriguez are playing with fire right now... The Yankees want A-Rod to play thru his hip injury. Rodriguez is weighing his options. If he has the surgery now, his recovery time would be possibly 4 months. If he doesn't have the surgery now, the Yanks are hoping he plays well and doesn’t worsen the injury. I say have the surgery now.

Eddy Curry's Knick career certainly hasn't been much to write home about. He was a talented question mark to begin with. The Chicago Bulls, Curry's hometown team, were so concerned about his cardiac problems they had no trouble letting the Knicks pick up the 6'11" big man a four years ago. Questions about his heart (literally and figuratively), his knees, plus off the court disasters have haunted him. Even coach Mike D'Antoni was surprised to see Curry at practice today.

I know, I know. Another blog on A-Rod. Believe me, I dislike writing about him just as much as you guys hate reading about him (and we know that because you’ve left us plenty of comments telling us so).

But the latest news that A-Rod will be out until May has to be discussed. But I figure we mix it up; instead of dissecting what this means for Rodriguez, how about what his absence will do for the Yanks.

The way I see it, A WHOLE HELL OF A LOT!

Alex Rodriguez had surgery on Monday to repair torn cartilage in his hip.

Well... A-Rod almost did the right thing. Instead of trying to play through the season he did opt to have surgery. But no, its not the comprehensive surgery that will keep him out 4 months. Its a less invasive surgery that will keep A-Rod out of the lineup 6 to 9 weeks. Doctors say he should be able to play the season, but will still need an operation at the end to put him on the shelf for 4 months. I am not a doctor... I don't even play one on TV but I think he had the wrong surgery...

Reliever Duaner Sanchez was released by the Mets

How much might you pay for some Pollo Guisado?? How about a plate of Sancocho?? You might be able to get those authentic Dominican dishes for $7 a plate up in the Heights, but one guy paid 1.4 million dollars. Huh?? $1.4M? What am I talking about?? Duaner Sanchez was released by the Mets on Tuesday, making his late night craving for some Dominican food a very expensive run.

Anyone that's read my stuff knows that I am NOT the biggest fan of the World Baseball Classic. Still, there have been positives that cannot be overlooked.

The Big East caught a lot of flack this year for expanding it’s conference tournament to include all 16 teams, and now that the first two rounds are over and seeds 9-16 are eliminated, I applaud the conference on it’s decision.

Granted this is probably an unpopular position (plus the results support not having invited those extra teams) but I can think of a few reasons why having the whole conference on board was a smart/fun move.

Let’s start with DePaul.

Martin Brodeur is the greatest hockey player to ever take the ice in the history of hockey in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

He’s better than Eddie Giacomin and he’s better than Denis Potvin. He’s better than Mike Bossy and he’s better than Billy Smith. He’s better than Mark Messier and Scott Stevens.

Martin Brodeur might even be the most under-appreciated athlete EVER, let alone in New York sports history.

Playing in the relative obscurity of New Jersey always seemed to render Brodeur’s accomplishments second-rate. But now that he’s tied Patrick Roy for the all-time wins mark as a goalie, it’s time we took notice.

Well... it's that time of the year... March Madness... If you are a college basketball fan or even if you're not... Everyone's going to be tuned in to the tournament. Sunday was a great day for the Big East. Seven teams were chosen for the "Big Dance." Three of those teams are number one seeds. So have you filled out your brackets yet???

Jay Cutler wants to be traded so Jets: listen up! At 25 years old Cutler is young BUT experienced!!!

Drafted by the Broncos in 2006, he played in 9 games before taking on full season duties the next two seasons. This year, the Pro Bowler had career highs in passing touchdowns (25) and passing completions (384) for 3rd in the NFL (1st in the AFC). He is often compared to Brett Favre and according to the Denver Post's Lindsay H. Jones', he has a "similar arm strength" and "gunslinger attitudes" like the veteran QB. Is he making too much of a stink with the whole "you wanted Cassel, not me" thing? I don't think so. Everyone should feel that if they do a good job, they can keep their positions, no matter the management/head coach in place. Wishful thinking I know...Cutler may cost a pretty penny or a draft pick or two but then again, does Denver really have a lot of bargaining power? I think Cutler could be the player the Jets' franchise can count on to grow with the team. To me it's better than signing an older QB that the team might only get for a year or two. Tell me what you think...Lolita Lopez

Lolita Lopez checks out a local New York Titans lacrosse player who works just as hard in the office as he plays on the field. Special thanks to Matt Estreich and Pat Ivers for putting together this story. Here's more on the Titans.

So, how are your brackets doing so far? As I type this, no major upsets-though Villanova is fighting for their lives as of 8:33 pm Eastern Time. Gonzaga is also fighting for its life against Akron.

I like Oklahoma to beat Memphis in the final, with Pitt and Louisville rounding out the Final Four. Watch out for Syracuse, Missouri, West Virginia and Florida State, who I had in the Final Four in my first draft.

I learned a long time ago that all the #1 seeds don't get there. Sooner or later, 'There Will Be Blood.' Good luck to all of you.

It was a nice night at the Garden... Well not the actual game.. The Knicks blew a 10 point 4th quarter lead and lost to the Orlando Magic 106-102... but at halftime, the Knicks honored 7 of the greats to wear the orange and blue... Carl Braun, Richie Guerin, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bernard King, Patrick Ewing and Dick McGuire... So whatever era you're from as a Knicks fan, "your guy" was honored.

So Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels now says Jay Cutler is his quarterback. McDaniels didn't cry like when T.O. spoke about Tony Romo ("that's my quarterback") but I didn't expect tears. I did expect a little sincerity and I didn't get that. McDaniels' press conference today lacked emotion and any honesty.

The words were right out of the "here's how to answer questions in a presser" book: "he's our quarterback...we are committed to him". He added that the two have talked within the last few days and that they "will continue having effective communication". Come on please! You expect us to believe you especially when you add that a trade is not out of the question. We all know your deal for Matt Cassel went sour and now you are about to lose a talented, young QB who you can build a franchise around. I would be mad if I was a Broncos fan! As a NY fan though, I say bring it on! Keep having awkward press conferences that may have Cutler suspect you. Jets, keep placing phone calls and emails to the West coast. Now ultimately, I know it's up to Broncos brass to approve any move and that it's a totally long shot considering what the Broncos would lose...BUT if there is NO relationship between coach and quarterback, I am not sure Cutler can stay. He would be welcomed with open arms at Jets Camp, that's for sure.

Quick-how's your NCAA Women's Bracket doing? What's that? You DON'T have an office pool for the ladies? You didn't have Tennessee losing in the first round for the first time since Ronald Reagan was in the White House? You're not alone. This week, the women's game took another plunge into obscurity by doing something that would NEVER happen in the men's game.

If you’re like me, your bracket is covered in more red ink than a 5th grader’s math test and wedged under the wobbly leg of the kitchen table.

It’s about now - between the first two rounds and the sweet 16 - that you wish you could have a second crack at that bracket. If only you knew a week ago what you know now….freakin’ North Dakota State!!

With that in mind, how do YOU see the next four rounds panning out? Is Ty Lawson’s toe making you reconsider your Carolina pick? What about the scare Pitt got from Okie State? Have you changed your mind about UCONN??….the Huskies looked unstoppable the first two rounds.

We’d love to hear how you’d revise your bracket. Send us some of your picks and tell us if you’re switching them up or (if you’re really brave) sticking with your guns.

I’ll get things started.

Everyone has an opinion on the WBC. Some love it, more hate it, and the rest fall somewhere in between.

Me, I WAS one of those “in betweens.” I tolerated the tournament.

I was fine with the WBC being held in March…as long as players on MLB rosters didn’t have their preparation affected by their participation.

But now that’s precisely what has happened, and because of it, the WBC must be completely overhauled if not done away with entirely. Met fans, unfortunately you’re the one’s affected by the WBC. And it’s going to hit you where you hurt the most, the starting rotation.

The PIX Morning News' Larry Hoff was out at Giants Stadium this morning to take in a little futbol. Larry posed as a goalkeeper (hey Red Bulls, I want my own jersey too) and then interviewed the real thing, Terry Boss. The last name should be familiar! Terry is the younger brother of Giants Tight End, Kevin Boss. The Red Bulls' new goalie explains their brotherly love plus updates us on the team's new arena, under construction. The Red Bulls play their last season at Giants Stadium beginning with the home opener Saturday night at 7:30 against the New England Revolution. Check out our video...and for more on the Red Bulls, check out

http://redbull.newyork.mlsnet.com/t107/index_no_ad.jsp

Everywhere you look, people are losing jobs, companies with incompetent and insensitive leaders are looking for government handouts politely called bailouts. Yet, our sports teams go about business as usual. Right now, that business is shutting out the little guy.

St. John's and Georgetown played the first official game at the Mets new home, Citi Field, on Sunday. On hand for the occasion was former Met great and St. John alum John Franco.

We caught up with Franco and got his take on the Mets' new digs, what the game meant for the St. John's baseball program, and what he tought about BOUNCING his ceremonial first pitch.

Take a listen.

If you haven’t been to Citi Field by now, chances are you’ve seen the video tours on TV, or read a review in the paper.

But what they won’t tell you in those Citi Field previews is what the Mets and the rest of Major League Baseball are dying to find out: WHAT KIND OF A BALL PARK IS CITI FIELD??

Is it a pitchers park? Or how about a home run launching pad?

Well, the video below has the answer to that question….and the info is coming from the only guys who’ve EVER played at the Mets’ new digs, St. John’s and Georgetown.

The Red Storm and Hoyas christened Citi Field Sunday with a Big East conference matchup. Unfortunately for Johnnie’s fans, the home team lost 6-4.

But despite the setback for the home team, we used the opportunity to ask the game’s top performers for their scouting report of Citi Field.

In the video below you’ll hear from:
-St. John’s Manager Ed Blankmeyer
-St. John’s 2B Gino Matias
-St. John’s CF Brian Kemp (1st batter EVER at Citi Field)
-Georgetown 3B Sean Lamont (1st Home Run EVER at Citi Field)
-Georgetown Winning Pitcher Tim Adleman (8 Innings Pitched vs. St. John’s)

Check it out.

When my producer Caroline Kovach brought me the idea to do a story on Brad Hennefer, I was immediately inspired. The New Jersey native is believed to have been the only U.S. high school athlete with Down Sydrome to play on a varsity team. The feeling magnified as soon as I began reading about this young man who beamed with confidence and determination. I knew we had to tell his story! It wasn't easy getting the resources and green light to make it happen but Caroline and I are pretty persistent...the only ladies in the sports office...you understand. Caroline set up interviews with Brad, his golf coach and teammates and drove a few hours to South Jersey to get Brad doing what he loves...play golf. Yesterday, Caroline, our photographer Bill Muller, editor Rich Marino and I won a NY Emmy for the piece we first aired May 2008.

Special thanks to Bill and Rich for their work and especially to Caroline. She is an amazing producer! This was HER piece from beginning to end; I only added some tweaks here and there and a voice, but this story could have spoken for itself. The biggest THANK YOU goes to Brad himself. I have used the now 20 year old young man as my own inspiration. He is someone we can all learn from and grow with each passing day. For more on Brad's Golf For Life organization, check out:

http://www.golfforlife.org/index.html

WATCH THE STORY AFTER THE JUMP...

Let me first say that in this time of economic uncertainty, I hate to see anyone to lose their job. But as a Nets fan, I have taken all I can take. Lawrence Frank should be let go. He is the nicest guy in the world. He has been nothing but accomodating to me and everyone else in the media, but that does not matter. He has got to go.

In these tough economic times, it is nice to see that so many are trying to help others. Here's information on a Sports Job Fair the NJ Nets are hosting TOMORROW! Hey, you already like watching sports, why not try to make some money doing something you might actually like...I know, crazy thought....

NETS TO HOST SPORTS CAREER FAIR TOMORROW
AT IZOD CENTER FEATURING PROFESSIONAL
AND INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. before NETS-Pistons game--

Presented by the U.S. Army

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The NETS are tipping off their Fan Appreciation Month by hosting a Sports Career Fair on the concourse of the IZOD CENTER from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 1, before the team plays the Detroit Pistons at 7:30 p.m. The event is presented by the U.S. Army and will be the second career fair hosted by the NETS this season. Job-seekers will gain access to many top sports-industry employers such as the National Basketball Association, Madison Square Garden, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, New York Red Bulls, St. John’s University, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and ARAMARK. Tickets for the Sports Career Fair can be purchased at the IZOD CENTER box office starting at 11 a.m. Admission includes access to the NETS-Pistons game that evening.

Actually, for those who hate baseball's supposed 'Evil Empire' (There are those who call the Yankees baseball's 'Evil Satanic Baseball Empire" a new book may help cure those fits of rage at the Bronx Bombers.

"This BAD Day In Yankees History: A Calendar Of Calamities", by Gabriel Schechter, is written in calendar form. 366 days of bad from the House That Ruth Built. Among them:

Sept 22, 1965: Legendary announcer Red Barber is incensed that 412 fans are at the Stadium for a game-says so on the air-and is fired the next day.

April 19, 1979: Future Hall Of Famer Goose Gossage gets into a fight with journeyman Cliff Johnson, breaking Goose's thumb, and he misses three months of the season

December 30, 1986: George Steinbrenner meets with lowlife gambler Howie Spira trying to get dirt on good guy Dave Winfield. The Boss is soon banned from baseball for two for two years.

September 23, 1970: The Yankees celebrate a 2nd place finish--with champagne.

My only negative: Schechtler pulls no punches, sometimes to the point of bad taste. He highlights a day in 1978 that Thurman Munson says he wants to be traded to the Indians to be closer to home, "Dying To Go To Canton." A year later, Munson dies while practicing takeoffs and landings in his own plane at an Ohio airport. The foreward by Bill Lee is even more scathing.

It's all there: Jason Giambi's thong, A-Rod's lack of sportsmanship,Babe Ruth's follies- AND which Yankee has nothing on Plaxico Burress when it comes to getting shot. It's the perfect way to prepare for a Mets-Yankees/Red Sox -Yankees game, or to pass the time during your morning constitutional. Add on Hideki Irabu, Brien Taylor, Kevin Maas, and you'll be winning friends and influencing people. NESN, the Red Sox TV network, should have this book as a door prize on their matchmaking show, 'The Joy Of Sox.'

I give the book 4 out of five stars-some of the cheap shots may be funny, but not necessary.

After all the bad news in sports, finally I have a good story. Some kids in Queens have a spruced up youth center and they have Major League Baseball to thank. Check out my report.