By John Berti

Our Annual 2005 NY Giants Fan Club Banquet will be held on May 21st and the guest speaker will be Mr. Dave Gettleman, Director of NY Giants Pro Personnel.

Dave has accepted our invitation to be the 22nd Banquet Speaker. Dave is a Giants insider and since he will be speaking to us after the draft, he will be able to share his assessment of the drafted players and give us some of the rational and reasons for their selection.

Further, he will also be able to give us some insight into his activities in the highly complex matter of professional personnel evaluation and acquisition, the area of personnel that he manages.

GM Ernie Accorsi especially complimented Dave for his outstanding efforts in bringing in new roster players during the season when injuries began to hamper fielding a full team compliment. In a mid January 2005 interview of the past season, Ernie singled out Dave's efforts for bringing in key backups, and when they became hurt he also brought in more young players and Ernie mentioned that this was the saving of our season and will be the building block of young talent for the upcoming season.

Because Dave has been such a key player at the end of last season and because of this year's pre season activity he will be an invaluable speaker.

Dave, is a local boy, born in Boston February 21, 1951 and earned a bachelor's degree from Springfield College in 1972 and was an offensive tackle for the football team, went on to Connecticut State, where he earned a master's degree in physical education (1978) and a master's degree from University of Miami in sports administration (1986).

Dave came to the NY Giants in 1998 as Assistant for Pro Player Personnel working for Tim Rooney. Dave came here after spending 4 _ seasons as the area scout for the Denver Broncos, concentrating on the East Coast and Southeast regions. Dave became a full-time scout with Buffalo in 1987 and was assigned as the Buffalo representative to BLESTO scouting combine and stayed in this position until 1992. From 1992-1993 he worked as a regional scout for the BLESTO combine.

I hope to see you all at this upcoming Banquet and think Dave is the absolutely right guy to come and speak to us at this time. Because of Coach Coughlin and Ernie Accorsi's moves this off-season; this is going to be a special NY Giants Fan Club Banquet.

By Rich Rooney

On February 22nd, Ron Anderson was hospitalized for a heart attack/stroke, and is currently at Massachusetts General Hospital.

On February 22nd, while attending to medical appointments at Melrose/Wakefield, Ron bumped into a friend, who offered to accompany Ron to his next appointment at Lawrence General Hospital for an EKG and other tests. After the aforementioned appointment they came out sat in the car and Ron slumped over in the seat.

The friend, still unidentified, rushed to an ambulance in the parking lot for help. Because of the lack of proper facilities/ equipment, they worked on him in the parking lot and took him to Melrose/Wakefield and then transported him to Mass General Hospital.

Ron was in pretty rough shape and they worked on him to save his life. In the subsequent days it was revealed that Ron had a tumor in or near his heart, the stroke damaged the tumor and he had operations to remove the tumor, which has been done. While in the operating situation it was revealed that Ron had a leaky heart valve and that was also operated on and corrected.

Because of his diabetes these situation where made more difficult, at the present time Ron is resting comfortably and is conscious, talking and out of the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit.

Ron is still very weak and has a long convalescence period. He can receive visitors, but its' been suggested by the family that if you have an infectious diseases, such as a cold you not visit him. At this time prayers and warm thoughts toward Ron are requested as he still has a long way to go. Ron is a pretty tough guy and several times the reports from the medical facility weren't promising, so keep those prayers and cards coming. I will keep you posted through the newsletter and should you have any questions or concerns I would asked you email me and not sent communiqués to the family as they have more than enough to deal with at this time.

By Rich Rooney

WR Plaxico Burress, 6-5, 226 lbs. born August 12, 1977, was drafted as a 1st rounder in 2000 and this will be his sixth year as a pro. His best year was in 2002 when he caught 78 balls for 1325 yards with an average of 17 yards per catch. However last year he only caught 35 balls, and missed five games due to a hamstring. Burress is a talented, but inconsistent receiver, he combines good size and athleticism, and could be a down the field receiving threat. He doesn't always adjust well to the ball despite his height and jumping ability, and although he has improved his route running he could use more improvement in this area. He pushes off from defenders and gets too many "cheap" pass interference penalties.

Burress has the talent to be a big time receiver, however because he doesn't put in the preparation and is somewhat immature he hasn't developed into that good number one receiver he should be. Now that he's with the NY Giants they (coaching staff) need to work with him and bring back the focus and work ethic that will make him into a primary #1 threat. By signing him to a large bonus structure and because his money is guaranteed up front the team/coaching staff haven't put the emphasis on performance and this could spell trouble for this signing.

DT Kendrick Clancy (from Pittsburgh Steelers) signed a 1-year $540K, which includes a $25K signing bonus. Clancy was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2000 draft. He was a backup and worked with defensive coordinator Lewis when they both were at Pittsburgh. Clancy at 6-1, 305 isn't of ideal size and weight, but is a hard worker and has good quickness and athleticism.

QB Jim Miller (from NE Patriots) Miller is a well traveled backup and will help with Eli's tutelage. He's started 27 games, with a 58.5% passing completion rate for 6,387 yards, 36 touchdowns and 31 interceptions.

PK Jay Feely (from Atlanta Falcons) In 2004, Feely was 18 of 23 on field goals attempts (78.3 percent success rate) with a long of 47 yards. And in four years, he is 98 of 127 field goal attempts (77.2% success rate) 13 of his 73 kickoffs went for touchbacks. Feely is one of the better kickers for both kickoff and field goals and is a real find for our team.

RT Kareem McKenzie (from NY Jets) is a huge tackle at 6-6 and 327 lbs with a huge wingspan and is one of the better right tackles in the NFL, who can play left tackle if needed. McKenzie is both quick and a mauler at the point of attack and with his quick feet and huge wingspan is great in pass protection. Because he is disciplined, doesn't commit many penalties and is still developing as a player was a great signing. With a signed contract for the next 7 years the NY Giants should be set at this position for some time to come.

DT Jake Sprague (street free agent) was originally signed in 2004, but waived and resigned this past month. He's somewhat of a tweener, but is competitive, aggressive and a hard worker

MLB Antonio Pierce (from the Washington Redskins) is a little undersized (6-1, 240 lbs), but he is athletic, instinctive play maker, who runs from sideline to sideline. A three down linebacker who is good in coverage, Pierce has good agility and change of direction skills. While Pierce isn't flashy, he is productive, steady, smart and has experience playing weakside linebacker. He is 26 years old and signed a six-year deal, which makes this a potentially good deal.

By Rich Rooney

On March 10th the NY Giants were ready to sit down with representatives of the NJSEA (New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority) to sign a deal on a privately financed $750 million dollar stadium, after months of negotiation, they were blindsided this week when New Jersey officials insisted on two last minute conditions the franchise deemed unacceptable.

The NY Giants had just agreed recently to pay the state of New Jersey $6.3 million in a yearly lease agreement for the land at the meadowlands and more recently agreed to add in $3 million, if the NY Jets should become part of the stadium deal. But it was recently revealed that as part of Governor Codey's recent budget proposal, it included a possibly of a luxury tax on suite revenues. However the NY Giants not to be deterred requested this be subtracted from the leasing agreement and the state and its representatives balked at this suggestion.

The NY Giants originally started negotiating this agreement way back in the beginning of January and each time an agreement seems within their grasp, the state puts in another clause or item into this agreement. Both parties have sat down 17 times to sign this agreement and each time the Governor or his representatives add more items/ agreements into the mix.

The NY Giants contend that, the agreement done on February 16th stated that no new taxes or fees would be imposed that were specific to the stadium, it's concession or attendees that was not a state wide tax or fee. Another words no fees or taxes would be specific to just the stadium facility. This also becomes more of an issue in that, if construction on the Xanadu Entertainment facility begins without the franchise approval the current lease agreement, which expires on 2026, would be move up to 2016.

There is also an amenities agreement put in place back in 1995, which states that the State of New Jersey will update the facilities/amenities equal to or greater than other NFL facilities. In the past three years the State of New Jersey has upgraded the facilities to the tune of approximately $5 million a year, according to state records. But more than three decades has passed with little improvements and the state is concerned this clause could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

It seems that the state is pushing the envelope and could get stuck holding the bag, however many people think this could turn into a political football. Excuse the pun! If the NY Giants can't get this agreement done shortly, why not buy something like the Yonkers Race Track and add in the New Stadium Facility and they would be way ahead of the State of New Jersey powers that be. This would also get them out from under a constant escalating of agreement costs.

By Rich Rooney

(03/17/05) The Giants have signed unrestricted free agent WR Plaxico Burress (Pittsburgh Steelers) to a reported 6-year, $25 million deal. The signing bonus is said to be $5 million and then a option bonus of $3.25 million due in the Spring of 2006. Also the salary for the first two years is said to be guaranteed. WR Burress is estimated to make approximately $11.3 million in the first two years and $14.6 million in the first three years. This contract is very similar to McKenzie, in that it's front end loaded. Also the second part of the bonus is said to be an option, is this guaranteed?

(03/10/05) The NY Giants signed FA DT Kendrick Clancy (Pittsburgh Steelers) to a $540K with a $25K signing bonus. (See attached FA signings) Clancy was a Tim Lewis protégé and should have a chance at starting/playing significant time depending on depth.

(03/07/05) Unrestricted free agent QB Kurt Warner signed a 1-year, $4 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Where are you Jerry Maguire!?

NY Giants sign unrestricted free agent PK Jay Feely (Atlanta Falcons) according to Star-Ledger the deal is a 3-year contract (third year is a voidable option), for $2.1 million deal with a reported $760K signing bonus.

Giants also sign unrestricted free agent QB Jim Miller (NE Patriots) 1-year $760K, with a $25K signing bonus. Because of the "veteran discount" a provision in the latest collective bargaining agreement, Miller is only $475K in Cap numbers. Giants also sign RB Mike Cloud to a 2-year deal, no numbers are reported at this time. More later.

The NY Giants have announced that their off season strength and conditioning training will start March 21st

(03/05/05) The NY Giants officially signed unrestricted free agent RT Kareem McKenzie of the NY Jets. This is a 7-year contract worth 37.5 million, with a $12.5 million signing bonus. 18 million will be paid out in the first three years. McKenzie is 6-6, 327 lbs and has a huge wingspan, was the least penalized offensive tackle in the NFL last year and this guy can bring it! And Ralph, he's a Penn Stater. Also NY Giants lose DE/DT Lance Legree to the NY Jets, 5-years, $7.3 million and $1.2 million signing bonus. Giants sign DT Jack Sprague; no numbers are available at this time.

(03/03/05) The NY Giants have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent MLB Antonio Pierce (6- 1, 240 lbs, 26 years old) from the Washington Redskins. Reportedly Pierce agreed to a 6 year $26 million contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus. Also the NY Giants waived WR Ike Hilliard, Hilliard was a 1st round draft pick back in 1997, he was due to earn a $750K roster bonus and this will save the Giants about $1.5 million in salary and is worth about $750K on his Cap number. NY Giants re-sign OT Brandon Winey and is under contract for the 2005 season.

(03/01/05) The NY Giants tendered restricted free agents LB Nick Greisen and FS Jack Brewer, but not LB Wes Mallard; in effect Mallard now becomes a free agent. Greisen and Brewer were tendered at the $650K level, which would give the NY Giants a right to match. If another team signs Greisen they would get a 5th round draft pick, but nothing for Brewer (free agent).

(02/27/05) The Star-Ledger and Daily News are reporting that the NY Giants are currently $8-10 million under the $85.5 million 2005 salary cap.

(02/24/05) According to NFLPA.org, the NY Giants have re-signed Exclusive Rights free agent S Curry Burns. The only terms of the signing were his salary for 2005 would be approximately $380K, if he makes the team.

(02/22/05) NY Giants cut five players; FS Omar Stoutmire, CB Terry Cousin, DE Lorenzo Bromell, DT Martin Chase and HB Antwoine Womack were all cut because they failed their physicals.

(02/18/05) NY Giant reserve CB Frank Walker was arrested 2-04-05 for receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm. Walker received the vehicle as part of a wager on a race, and checked with motor vehicle authorities to make sure it wasn't stolen, but it turns out that it was, he also has a multi state permit for his firearm. Something is rotten in Tuskegee, Alabama.

(02/16/05) NY Giants have announced the hiring of Bill Sheridan, the new linebackers coach. Bill is from the University of Michigan where he was the defensive line coach in 2003-04 and the secondary coach in 2002 and in 2001 the linebacker's coach. Also the NY Giants were awarded FB Luke Lawton off of waivers by the Atlanta Falcons.

Yes, it's time for another installment of Giant Trivia by Rich Rooney! The theme for this one is Playoffs/Super Bowls.