Fresh off a one-month hiatus...
Coming off of Halloween weekend, I know the temptation is to talk about tricks and treats. But let me sidestep one cliché and deliver another. I was down in San Diego for that fantastic holiday, and was treated to one of my favorite twisted pleasures: watching the dreaded walk of shame the following morning. Girls hung over, still sort of still dressed in an uncomfortable costume, holding onto their shoes. Hair a mess, body language defeated, they are coming off a long night with an even longer morning ahead. On the flip side, guys dropping girls off at their car (who says chivalry is dead!) are at the other end of the spectrum. They are loose, excited, and ready for whatever the day brings.
So naturally I thought of the equivalent in college football, and thought the comparison worked pretty well. Take for example USC and Oklahoma State. The Trojans got absolutely whooped on by Oregon, giving up over 630 yards of total offense. The next day, you could picture the boys of Troy limping onto the plane, cleats in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Talk about a rough night in Eugene.
As for the Cowboys, their evening did not go as planned either. By the time the bands got warmed up, OSU was looking up at a 17-0 deficit. Zac Robinson, the conductor of the Cowboy express, got derailed early and often, throwing 4 picks. The final score (41-14) is far more indicative of the game than the box score, in which Okie State actually had more total yards than Texas. Bottom line is that 5 turnovers translates into waking up in a strange bed with a vicious hangover and a flock of seagulls hairstyle.
But that is the past. Let us look into the future, and try to predict which teams’ makeup will be smeared come Sunday morning, and which squads will be doing laps around the quad, high-fiving all takers. The two games that naturally jump out are Alabama vs, LSU, and Ohio State at Penn State. We’ll start down in Tuscaloosa, where the Tide had been a little soft in the past few weeks. Yes, they are still undefeated, and yes, Mark Ingram is still climbing his way up the Heisman ladder. But beating Tennessee 12-10 ain’t what it used to be. On the flip side, LSU has bounced back from the Florida disaster, and seems to be back in the right direction. This would be a shocker if the Tigers can pull one out. Even though Bama will probably sneak away with a win, tell Nick Saban to bring cab fare, so he can avoid that long, lonely walk back in the morning, just in case.
As for the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, now we are dealing with teams familiar with the walk of shame. Just mention three little letters to Buckeye fans, BCS, and watch them shiver. Penn State, meanwhile, has only themselves to blame after bumbling their way to another loss to Iowa earlier this year. This game figures to come down to turnovers. In last year’s contest, it was a late fumble by Terrell Pryor that sealed the deal. This time around, expect Pryor to play better, and the Buckeyes to escape on the road. Leaving poor Joe Pa to wake up Sunday morning, fishing for his glasses by the bedside table.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
CFB Sizzle Check, Week 4
A big, big slate of games this weekend, with plenty of story lines to get to. Once again, we'll be using our sliding scale to check the temperature of a story. Rare means the story is just being uncovered, medium means it is time to pay attention, and well done means the story is blown over. Clear? Clear. Let's do this...
Story: Sam Bradford playing this weekend. Sizzle level? Rare. Its just too early to put the reigning Heisman winner on the field, even if the Sooners need to beat Miami to still be in the BCS hunt. Shoulder injuries take a long time to heal, especially for quarterbacks. And trying to push Bradford back for one game, potentially at the expense of a lot more, is not worth the gamble. We don't know what Landry Jones will do on Saturday, but kudos to Bob Stoops for not rolling the dice.
Story: Big East making a comeback. Sizzle level? Medium rare. West Virginia's Noel Devine reminded us of how good he was earlier in his career with a 200 yard performance against Colorado Thursday night. Couple that with Cincinnati's impressive win at Oregon State-- just ask USC about playing in Corvalis-- and the Bearcats are at the very least worth keeping an eye on. South Florida, Pitt and UCONN are all off to good starts, meaning the Big East may just crawl out of the BCS dog house this season. And if so, Big Ten, we're looking at you.
Story: Michigan making a run at the Big Ten title. Sizzle level? Well done. This story has not been overdone yet, but let's stick a fork in it while the Wolverines are undefeated and on the rise. Michigan has played very well thus far in 2009, but the bulk of their work is still in front of them. Starting Saturday in East Lansing, the Maize and Blue have only one game remaining on their schedule that is automatic: a non-conference tilt with Delaware State. No, not the Delaware Blue Hens. The Delaware State Hornets, who are below 500 in the MEAC (including a 10 point loss at Delaware). After Michigan's flair for the dramatic this year, its tempting to label them a team of destiny. Or, more likely, it could be they used up all their good fortune in September, and will go downhill faster than the thermostat in Ann Arbor this fall.
Story: Pac-10 balance of power shifting in favor of California. Sizzle level? Medium well. People have been waiting for a team other than USC to take home the conference title, and 2009 appeared to be the year, with USC in an obvious transition. Problem is, even if USC loses two conference games *gasp*, there does not appear to be another team consistent enough to avoid three losses. The bloom is off the rose in Berkeley. As much as they impressed against Maryland and at Minnesota, they were flatter than Kate Moss against Oregon in Eugene. Careful with that joke-- it's an antique.
The Ducks were below average against Boise State and at home against Purdue, but seem to be getting their sea legs. They get USC in Eugene on Halloween, and assuming they can sidestep a potential pitfall at UCLA and Washington, the Ducks could be in line for a top five ranking in time to take on the boys from Troy.
Story: Latest mid-major flavor of the week: Houston. Sizzle level? Medium rare. The Cougars have a fantastic offense, powered by Case Keenum. The junior QB has looked fantastic this season, and the Cougars have a great combination for BCS success. The check list:
1. Knock off a preseason power, preferably on the road, in order to put your program on the map. After winning in Stillwater over a then-top 5 Oklahoma State, check.
2. Schedule non-conference games against lower teams from powerful conferences, allowing the media to say, "Check these guys out. They walked into the (SEC) and (Big 12), weren't afraid to play anyone that would face them, and came out with a W." This one is pending a win at Mississippi State, but following a dramatic win over Texas Tech, things are heading in the right direction.
3. Run the table in a mid-level conference with schools that people know, but not too many that might overpower you. Conference USA is definitely not a powerhouse, but you remember East Carolina and Tulsa from their 2008 success. This of course is the hardest part for the Cougars, but the challenge remains. And thanks to those early wins over Okie State and Texas Tech, the Houston Cougars are ranked high enough that if they win, they're in for a BCS birth.
So those are your sizzle tests for this weekend. And if you want to examine Heisman darkhorses, keep an eye on the running backs in Strawberry Canyon. Jahvid Best and Joe McKnight are the stars of the show for their respective team. If one of them can shine under the lights, expect the Heisman needle to move at least a little.
Story: Sam Bradford playing this weekend. Sizzle level? Rare. Its just too early to put the reigning Heisman winner on the field, even if the Sooners need to beat Miami to still be in the BCS hunt. Shoulder injuries take a long time to heal, especially for quarterbacks. And trying to push Bradford back for one game, potentially at the expense of a lot more, is not worth the gamble. We don't know what Landry Jones will do on Saturday, but kudos to Bob Stoops for not rolling the dice.
Story: Big East making a comeback. Sizzle level? Medium rare. West Virginia's Noel Devine reminded us of how good he was earlier in his career with a 200 yard performance against Colorado Thursday night. Couple that with Cincinnati's impressive win at Oregon State-- just ask USC about playing in Corvalis-- and the Bearcats are at the very least worth keeping an eye on. South Florida, Pitt and UCONN are all off to good starts, meaning the Big East may just crawl out of the BCS dog house this season. And if so, Big Ten, we're looking at you.
Story: Michigan making a run at the Big Ten title. Sizzle level? Well done. This story has not been overdone yet, but let's stick a fork in it while the Wolverines are undefeated and on the rise. Michigan has played very well thus far in 2009, but the bulk of their work is still in front of them. Starting Saturday in East Lansing, the Maize and Blue have only one game remaining on their schedule that is automatic: a non-conference tilt with Delaware State. No, not the Delaware Blue Hens. The Delaware State Hornets, who are below 500 in the MEAC (including a 10 point loss at Delaware). After Michigan's flair for the dramatic this year, its tempting to label them a team of destiny. Or, more likely, it could be they used up all their good fortune in September, and will go downhill faster than the thermostat in Ann Arbor this fall.
Story: Pac-10 balance of power shifting in favor of California. Sizzle level? Medium well. People have been waiting for a team other than USC to take home the conference title, and 2009 appeared to be the year, with USC in an obvious transition. Problem is, even if USC loses two conference games *gasp*, there does not appear to be another team consistent enough to avoid three losses. The bloom is off the rose in Berkeley. As much as they impressed against Maryland and at Minnesota, they were flatter than Kate Moss against Oregon in Eugene. Careful with that joke-- it's an antique.
The Ducks were below average against Boise State and at home against Purdue, but seem to be getting their sea legs. They get USC in Eugene on Halloween, and assuming they can sidestep a potential pitfall at UCLA and Washington, the Ducks could be in line for a top five ranking in time to take on the boys from Troy.
Story: Latest mid-major flavor of the week: Houston. Sizzle level? Medium rare. The Cougars have a fantastic offense, powered by Case Keenum. The junior QB has looked fantastic this season, and the Cougars have a great combination for BCS success. The check list:
1. Knock off a preseason power, preferably on the road, in order to put your program on the map. After winning in Stillwater over a then-top 5 Oklahoma State, check.
2. Schedule non-conference games against lower teams from powerful conferences, allowing the media to say, "Check these guys out. They walked into the (SEC) and (Big 12), weren't afraid to play anyone that would face them, and came out with a W." This one is pending a win at Mississippi State, but following a dramatic win over Texas Tech, things are heading in the right direction.
3. Run the table in a mid-level conference with schools that people know, but not too many that might overpower you. Conference USA is definitely not a powerhouse, but you remember East Carolina and Tulsa from their 2008 success. This of course is the hardest part for the Cougars, but the challenge remains. And thanks to those early wins over Okie State and Texas Tech, the Houston Cougars are ranked high enough that if they win, they're in for a BCS birth.
So those are your sizzle tests for this weekend. And if you want to examine Heisman darkhorses, keep an eye on the running backs in Strawberry Canyon. Jahvid Best and Joe McKnight are the stars of the show for their respective team. If one of them can shine under the lights, expect the Heisman needle to move at least a little.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
CFB Temperature Check
Now that we have a few weeks under our belt, let us check in on some developing stories around the nation, and see which ones are ready to eat, and which are past their prime.
We'll do this with a good old fashioned temperature reading, like for steak. The more well done, the more played out. But if it is rare, there is still some juiciness to be had...
Starting off on the west coast, the story line that USC is the most dominant team in the Pac-10: Medium rare. USC seemingly always gets tripped up in a conference match up, usually on the road. But can it happen more than once, and could this be the year the Trojans get knocked off their lofty perch atop the conference? Perhaps-- but only if Cal can develop consistency with their passing game. Jahvid Best is amazing, garnering serious dark horse consideration after his 5 TD performance at Minnesota. But ask any Bear backer about QB Kevin Riley, and the answer always starts with them leaning back, a deep breath, and a "well, the thing is...". Not a good sign. And neither Oregon schools appear up to the task, so Pete Carroll and company are still the team to beat-- for now.
Moving into the middle, how about a non-BCS party crasher? Well done. Boise State's resume is decent enough, but their struggles at Fresno State combined with Oregon's unsteady play does not bode well. The Ducks, though, did beat Utah, sinking the Utes in the process. As for BYU, they played Florida State on what felt like turn back the clock night in Provo. The Seminoles crushed the Cougars and looked as unstoppable as they were ten years ago, hanging 54 on the Mormons. So much for that BCS bubble--TCU is still alive, but that is about it.
Let us head to the Big 12; how about Oklahoma's season being over after Sam Bradford's shoulder injury? Medium. Landry Jones fared much better this past Saturday, tossing a school record 6 touchdowns for the Crimson and Cream. But they have a tough game in two weeks in Coral gables (more on that in a sec). Even if Bradford figures to be in the mix by the time the Sooners hit the meat of their schedule, that early season loss to BYU looks a little worse after the Cougars got clocked at home to FSU. OU is not likely to get the benefit of the doubt as it did last year. Then again, if they run the table the rest of the way home, they stand a pretty good chance of heading out to Pasadena.
Speaking of BCS futures, does Miami's stand a chance of being in the mix? Rare. Jacory Harris is very good for the Hurricanes. And they play in a soft ACC conference. But Miami has back to back games at Virginia Tech then at home against the aforementioned Sooners. "Da U" still has a ways to go, but the they can see the top of the mountain from where they are.
Lastly, what are the chances of Notre Dame finishing with ten wins? Burnt to a crisp. The Irish play a surprisingly difficult schedule this year, without many gimmies in sight. Jimmy Clausen does appear to be developing well, but turf toe has a way of lingering. Deion Sanders said he was never the same after he got that injury. I suspect 7 wins to be well within reach of the Irish, but that wet-paper-towel defense needs to improve greatly.
We'll do this with a good old fashioned temperature reading, like for steak. The more well done, the more played out. But if it is rare, there is still some juiciness to be had...
Starting off on the west coast, the story line that USC is the most dominant team in the Pac-10: Medium rare. USC seemingly always gets tripped up in a conference match up, usually on the road. But can it happen more than once, and could this be the year the Trojans get knocked off their lofty perch atop the conference? Perhaps-- but only if Cal can develop consistency with their passing game. Jahvid Best is amazing, garnering serious dark horse consideration after his 5 TD performance at Minnesota. But ask any Bear backer about QB Kevin Riley, and the answer always starts with them leaning back, a deep breath, and a "well, the thing is...". Not a good sign. And neither Oregon schools appear up to the task, so Pete Carroll and company are still the team to beat-- for now.
Moving into the middle, how about a non-BCS party crasher? Well done. Boise State's resume is decent enough, but their struggles at Fresno State combined with Oregon's unsteady play does not bode well. The Ducks, though, did beat Utah, sinking the Utes in the process. As for BYU, they played Florida State on what felt like turn back the clock night in Provo. The Seminoles crushed the Cougars and looked as unstoppable as they were ten years ago, hanging 54 on the Mormons. So much for that BCS bubble--TCU is still alive, but that is about it.
Let us head to the Big 12; how about Oklahoma's season being over after Sam Bradford's shoulder injury? Medium. Landry Jones fared much better this past Saturday, tossing a school record 6 touchdowns for the Crimson and Cream. But they have a tough game in two weeks in Coral gables (more on that in a sec). Even if Bradford figures to be in the mix by the time the Sooners hit the meat of their schedule, that early season loss to BYU looks a little worse after the Cougars got clocked at home to FSU. OU is not likely to get the benefit of the doubt as it did last year. Then again, if they run the table the rest of the way home, they stand a pretty good chance of heading out to Pasadena.
Speaking of BCS futures, does Miami's stand a chance of being in the mix? Rare. Jacory Harris is very good for the Hurricanes. And they play in a soft ACC conference. But Miami has back to back games at Virginia Tech then at home against the aforementioned Sooners. "Da U" still has a ways to go, but the they can see the top of the mountain from where they are.
Lastly, what are the chances of Notre Dame finishing with ten wins? Burnt to a crisp. The Irish play a surprisingly difficult schedule this year, without many gimmies in sight. Jimmy Clausen does appear to be developing well, but turf toe has a way of lingering. Deion Sanders said he was never the same after he got that injury. I suspect 7 wins to be well within reach of the Irish, but that wet-paper-towel defense needs to improve greatly.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What to do with Michael Crabtree?
With the 2009 regular season already underway, 49er fans have to wonder why their top draft pick, Michael Crabtree, is still unsigned. When Andre Smith inked his deal with the Bengals about two weeks before the season started, many posited that Smith (the only other unsigned draft pick) would provide the impetus for Crabtree and the Niner brain trust to come back to the table. While Mike Singletary says the organization may up their offer to Crabtree, other reports say that the dollar offer may actually be decreasing, as Crabtree misses more and more time. Either way, there has been one severe monkey wrench thrown into everything: Al Davis.
I feel most NFL fans would agree that wherever there is strife, the Raiders cannot be far behind. And currently, San Francisco can thank their neighbors across the Bridge for gumming up the works with Crabtree. When the Autumn wind blew down and took Darrius Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree with the seventh overall pick back in August, perhaps they were not so inept as everyone thought at the time. Granted, Heyward-Bay has not exactly lit the world afire thus far (Louis Murphy definitely has had a bigger impact there). The point, however, is that DHB is on the field, while Crabtree is not.
The Red Raider's reluctance to agree to terms stems largely from Heyward-Bey's contract. The Maryland product agreed to a 5 year deal with the Silver and Black which included 23 million bucks guaranteed. Crabtree has been insulted with a mere pittance of 16 million guaranteed, according to unconfirmed reports.
If you go by draft position, Crabtree's deal (including incentives), could be within an Anchor Steam or two of the exact amount given to the pick in front of Crabtree, Packers defensive lineman BJ Raji. Crabtree, though, insists he was the best wide receiver in the draft, and should not have to take less money than any other receiver selected in front or behind him.
In this game of chicken, neither side can afford to blink. From Crabtree's perspective, his only other option is to pull a JD Drew, and go back into next year's draft. However, the odds of him being taken that high a year out of the game, with character issues to boot, do not bode well. There are two examples that come to mind, specifically Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams. While Williams was still a top ten pick in the 2005 draft, not only has he been a bust (out of the league within three years, 2 career touchdowns), but he also did not have the cloud of sign-ability hanging over him. Maybe Crabtree won't spiral down into sticking up bar patrons in back alleys, but still-- the situation is not a winner.
While the stakes are not quite as high for the 49ers, they also have a lot riding on these negotiations. After watching their offense throughout the preseason and this past Sunday, their passing attack has the teeth of a gummy worm. None of San Francisco's receivers are more than an afterthought by scouts. The team is in a similar spot to where they were coming off a promising 2006 season. That 7-9 teaser was followed up with a 5-11 clunker, with no cash rebate in sight. SF cannot afford another step backwards, and passing on Crabtree over money will not help their cause.
So where do we go from here? It really is up to Crabtree--he has tried his best to hold out for a better deal, but given all of the time he has missed thus far, he should think long and hard about signing. Even if he thinks he can get more money next year (which is far from a lock, even if 2010 might be uncapped), he is giving away one year of earning potential. And in a league that stands for Not For Long, that is a risky proposition-- unless your name is Al Davis.
I feel most NFL fans would agree that wherever there is strife, the Raiders cannot be far behind. And currently, San Francisco can thank their neighbors across the Bridge for gumming up the works with Crabtree. When the Autumn wind blew down and took Darrius Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree with the seventh overall pick back in August, perhaps they were not so inept as everyone thought at the time. Granted, Heyward-Bay has not exactly lit the world afire thus far (Louis Murphy definitely has had a bigger impact there). The point, however, is that DHB is on the field, while Crabtree is not.
The Red Raider's reluctance to agree to terms stems largely from Heyward-Bey's contract. The Maryland product agreed to a 5 year deal with the Silver and Black which included 23 million bucks guaranteed. Crabtree has been insulted with a mere pittance of 16 million guaranteed, according to unconfirmed reports.
If you go by draft position, Crabtree's deal (including incentives), could be within an Anchor Steam or two of the exact amount given to the pick in front of Crabtree, Packers defensive lineman BJ Raji. Crabtree, though, insists he was the best wide receiver in the draft, and should not have to take less money than any other receiver selected in front or behind him.
In this game of chicken, neither side can afford to blink. From Crabtree's perspective, his only other option is to pull a JD Drew, and go back into next year's draft. However, the odds of him being taken that high a year out of the game, with character issues to boot, do not bode well. There are two examples that come to mind, specifically Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams. While Williams was still a top ten pick in the 2005 draft, not only has he been a bust (out of the league within three years, 2 career touchdowns), but he also did not have the cloud of sign-ability hanging over him. Maybe Crabtree won't spiral down into sticking up bar patrons in back alleys, but still-- the situation is not a winner.
While the stakes are not quite as high for the 49ers, they also have a lot riding on these negotiations. After watching their offense throughout the preseason and this past Sunday, their passing attack has the teeth of a gummy worm. None of San Francisco's receivers are more than an afterthought by scouts. The team is in a similar spot to where they were coming off a promising 2006 season. That 7-9 teaser was followed up with a 5-11 clunker, with no cash rebate in sight. SF cannot afford another step backwards, and passing on Crabtree over money will not help their cause.
So where do we go from here? It really is up to Crabtree--he has tried his best to hold out for a better deal, but given all of the time he has missed thus far, he should think long and hard about signing. Even if he thinks he can get more money next year (which is far from a lock, even if 2010 might be uncapped), he is giving away one year of earning potential. And in a league that stands for Not For Long, that is a risky proposition-- unless your name is Al Davis.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Welcome Back, Gus Johnson. We've missed you
Tell me again why Gus Johnson doesn't do college football games? You mean to tell me his energy, presence and ability to heighten the drama could not be utilized on Saturdays as well? You will not find an announcer more genuinely enthusiastic about sports than Gus Johnson--at least not this side of the Rio Grande (Andres Cantor is probably in a class of his own).
Johnson had the call of Brandon Stokely's game-winning touchdown catch for the Broncos this past Sunday, and had more emotion in his voice than the Broncos' radio crew. He has no shortage of great games on his resume; his work in March Madness is legendary. But what makes Gus Johnson such an incredible announcer is how he can come across as a professional fan. His thought process is that of a fan's, not an announcer or analyst. First and foremost, he brings excitement. He could be calling curling, and I would tune in and chuck the remote (he's sweeping... SWEEPING... SWEEPING!! Oh, young fella! Look at that stone go! Ha ha!!!). If NBC wants to up the ante for the Olympics in Vancouver this winter, tab Gus Johnson, give him three months to learn the skeleton or bobsled event, and let the ratings magic ensue.
Week one in the NFL had its fair share of drama, but thankfully, the stars aligned once again for Gus Johnson to give us the best play of the 2009 season. Even better: we've sixteen more weeks for Gus to try and top it.
Johnson had the call of Brandon Stokely's game-winning touchdown catch for the Broncos this past Sunday, and had more emotion in his voice than the Broncos' radio crew. He has no shortage of great games on his resume; his work in March Madness is legendary. But what makes Gus Johnson such an incredible announcer is how he can come across as a professional fan. His thought process is that of a fan's, not an announcer or analyst. First and foremost, he brings excitement. He could be calling curling, and I would tune in and chuck the remote (he's sweeping... SWEEPING... SWEEPING!! Oh, young fella! Look at that stone go! Ha ha!!!). If NBC wants to up the ante for the Olympics in Vancouver this winter, tab Gus Johnson, give him three months to learn the skeleton or bobsled event, and let the ratings magic ensue.
Week one in the NFL had its fair share of drama, but thankfully, the stars aligned once again for Gus Johnson to give us the best play of the 2009 season. Even better: we've sixteen more weeks for Gus to try and top it.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
trOUble in Norman...
Very interesting day in college football. It is always crazy how one play in the first game of the season, when teams are still trying to work out the kinks, can define a season.
Take, for example, Navy playing at the Horseshoe. They played a great game against Ohio State and had them on the ropes. They scored a touchdown with about 2 minutes left to pull within two points, thus having a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion. If they make it and force the game into overtime, who knows--maybe they pull the upset. But at the least, from Ohio State's perspective, getting pushed to overtime by Navy in their home opener would be a scarlet letter on the scarlet and gray's resume. Instead, however, the Midshipmen abandoned ship with the running game, and went to a spread formation and went with a passing play. The result? A pick-two, with Ohio State wriggling off the hook and few people remembering how close this game was by November.
The day started off watching Greg Paulus at Syracuse, who had one play that for Syracuse fans is something on which to build. Paulus had a pump-fake, then delivered a well-placed 29 yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams. Everyone seemed to agree that he was "managing the game", which is essentially code for trying not to make a mistake. Skip to overtime, and the one play for the Cuse that stood out was a Paulus interception at the goal line, which essentially crushed the Orange.
But by the end of the day, clearly the biggest play of the 2009 season took place in Dallas, Texas. Sam Bradford's shoulder got pinned between the turf of Jerry Jones' palace and a massive defensive lineman, and as a result, the Sooner season gave way. He sprained the AC joint in his shoulder, and as anyone who has had that happen can attest, shoulder injuries take a very long time to heal--just ask Drew Brees (back when he was with the Chargers). Without Bradford, OU hung in against BYU, but in the end slipped up on coverage late, and Max Hall (cousin of former Dallas Cowboy QB Danny White) stormed the Mormons down the field for a game-winning drive, capped off by finding McKay Jacobson wide open in the end zone. OU may not be done for the year, but I would take the over on 3 games missed by Bradford...
Other key plays from the weekend: Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant with a full-extension grab for a 46 yard touchdown against Georgia. That play got the Cowpokes rolling, as they stifled Georgia late to win 24-10.
Mark Ingram's touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Tide's win over Virginia Tech. Granted, that didn't seal the win. But Ingram had 150 yards on the ground for Alabama, a team expected to struggle without Glenn Coffee. Greg McElroy was nothing special at QB, but given Ingram's 5.8 yards per carry Saturday night, the Tide looks poised to defend its SEC West title.
Heisman watch: given Sam Bradford is most likely not going to repeat, a few box scores worth noting:
Jahvid Best: 10 carries, 137 yards, 2 TDs in the first 6 minutes of the game (44 seconds apart, no less). Best didn't even play most of the 3nd half.
Tim Tebow: 10/15, 188 yds, TD (plus 1 TD on 2 yards rushing). The Gators won 62-3, so obviously Tebow took it easy.
Colt McCoy: 21/29, 317 yds, 2 TD (1 INT). The Longhorns had their way with Louisiana-Monroe, although McCoy didn't run the way he did last year, when he was the team's leading rusher.
Take, for example, Navy playing at the Horseshoe. They played a great game against Ohio State and had them on the ropes. They scored a touchdown with about 2 minutes left to pull within two points, thus having a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion. If they make it and force the game into overtime, who knows--maybe they pull the upset. But at the least, from Ohio State's perspective, getting pushed to overtime by Navy in their home opener would be a scarlet letter on the scarlet and gray's resume. Instead, however, the Midshipmen abandoned ship with the running game, and went to a spread formation and went with a passing play. The result? A pick-two, with Ohio State wriggling off the hook and few people remembering how close this game was by November.
The day started off watching Greg Paulus at Syracuse, who had one play that for Syracuse fans is something on which to build. Paulus had a pump-fake, then delivered a well-placed 29 yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams. Everyone seemed to agree that he was "managing the game", which is essentially code for trying not to make a mistake. Skip to overtime, and the one play for the Cuse that stood out was a Paulus interception at the goal line, which essentially crushed the Orange.
But by the end of the day, clearly the biggest play of the 2009 season took place in Dallas, Texas. Sam Bradford's shoulder got pinned between the turf of Jerry Jones' palace and a massive defensive lineman, and as a result, the Sooner season gave way. He sprained the AC joint in his shoulder, and as anyone who has had that happen can attest, shoulder injuries take a very long time to heal--just ask Drew Brees (back when he was with the Chargers). Without Bradford, OU hung in against BYU, but in the end slipped up on coverage late, and Max Hall (cousin of former Dallas Cowboy QB Danny White) stormed the Mormons down the field for a game-winning drive, capped off by finding McKay Jacobson wide open in the end zone. OU may not be done for the year, but I would take the over on 3 games missed by Bradford...
Other key plays from the weekend: Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant with a full-extension grab for a 46 yard touchdown against Georgia. That play got the Cowpokes rolling, as they stifled Georgia late to win 24-10.
Mark Ingram's touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Tide's win over Virginia Tech. Granted, that didn't seal the win. But Ingram had 150 yards on the ground for Alabama, a team expected to struggle without Glenn Coffee. Greg McElroy was nothing special at QB, but given Ingram's 5.8 yards per carry Saturday night, the Tide looks poised to defend its SEC West title.
Heisman watch: given Sam Bradford is most likely not going to repeat, a few box scores worth noting:
Jahvid Best: 10 carries, 137 yards, 2 TDs in the first 6 minutes of the game (44 seconds apart, no less). Best didn't even play most of the 3nd half.
Tim Tebow: 10/15, 188 yds, TD (plus 1 TD on 2 yards rushing). The Gators won 62-3, so obviously Tebow took it easy.
Colt McCoy: 21/29, 317 yds, 2 TD (1 INT). The Longhorns had their way with Louisiana-Monroe, although McCoy didn't run the way he did last year, when he was the team's leading rusher.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
LeGarrette Blount is not to be trifled with
What a shame that the only excitement from the Smurf Turf showdown came from a sucker punk after the game. LeGarrette Blount certainly was fired up--I'm guessing he's a bit of a talker on the field, but does not enjoy getting called out when the Ducks lay an egg.
Neither team looked sharp (combined for 5 TOs), but credit Boise for doing a better job on both sides of the ball. Their first TD happened because of a great pick up block by the running back, which gave Kellen Moore the time to make the throw. On defense, they flummoxed Jeremiah Masoli, and clearly frustrated Blount. Although I will say, that was a legit punch he threw-- even if the guy he hit was clearly caught off guard and off balance, a dude that size does not go down easily. Of course, not a good idea to throw blows, regardless of what happens on the field. Hey Champ--maybe you should stop talking for a while. Maybe sit the next couple plays out, you know?
As for the other national game, South Carolina looks about like they have for the past four or five years. Great defense, but the offense struggles big time. Steven Garcia just does not look like a big time college QB under pressure.
But both South Carolina and Boise State are undefeated, with wins over known teams. As for Oregon, expect their offense to sputter even more without Blount for the foreseeable future. They didn't pick up a first down until halfway through the third quarter. A credit to the defense that the game didn't get out of hand earlier--at least until it literally got out of hand courtesy of LeGarrette "Not-so-sharp" Blount.
He was even ready to go into the crowd and go toe-to-toe with the fans. Yikes.
Ironic that it was assistant coach Scott Frost that held Blount back--if you may recall, Frost allegedly got beaten up by teammate Lawrence Phillips while at Nebraska. Blount may not be to that level of crazy, but just in case, let's hide the car keys and keep him away from the IM field. Just to play it safe...
Neither team looked sharp (combined for 5 TOs), but credit Boise for doing a better job on both sides of the ball. Their first TD happened because of a great pick up block by the running back, which gave Kellen Moore the time to make the throw. On defense, they flummoxed Jeremiah Masoli, and clearly frustrated Blount. Although I will say, that was a legit punch he threw-- even if the guy he hit was clearly caught off guard and off balance, a dude that size does not go down easily. Of course, not a good idea to throw blows, regardless of what happens on the field. Hey Champ--maybe you should stop talking for a while. Maybe sit the next couple plays out, you know?
As for the other national game, South Carolina looks about like they have for the past four or five years. Great defense, but the offense struggles big time. Steven Garcia just does not look like a big time college QB under pressure.
But both South Carolina and Boise State are undefeated, with wins over known teams. As for Oregon, expect their offense to sputter even more without Blount for the foreseeable future. They didn't pick up a first down until halfway through the third quarter. A credit to the defense that the game didn't get out of hand earlier--at least until it literally got out of hand courtesy of LeGarrette "Not-so-sharp" Blount.
He was even ready to go into the crowd and go toe-to-toe with the fans. Yikes.
Ironic that it was assistant coach Scott Frost that held Blount back--if you may recall, Frost allegedly got beaten up by teammate Lawrence Phillips while at Nebraska. Blount may not be to that level of crazy, but just in case, let's hide the car keys and keep him away from the IM field. Just to play it safe...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Fearless 49er Football Forecast
Now that the calendar has flipped to September, it becomes socially acceptable to mention football. The summer months may belong to baseball according to the schedule keepers, but the National Football League still has a way of keeping itself in the news cycle-- and that is even without the Brett Favre saga.
Rather than focus on number four though, let us turn our attention the the NFC West. A quick glance proves that this division is the best case of parity in the NFL. Granted, it is akin to the parity between Bud Light, Miller Lite and Coors Light-- not exactly the creme de la creme--but still, it appears up for grabs in 2009.
The Arizona Cardinals caught fire at the right time in 2008, but are staring down the barrel of the dreaded Super Bowl hangover, a curse so mighty not even Tom Brady couldn't sidestep its wrath. The Seahawks' collective fate was sealed with Matt Hasselbeck's bad back, as was the Rams with their total lack of a defense. What of the 49ers, you ask? Well I'm glad you brought them up, because really this is just an excuse to preview the 49ers in depth.
The 49ers are unproven in a lot of areas, starting with the coaching staff. Assuming Mike Singletary can keep his pants on, though, he does have some talent o work with. The backfield should be the strength of the team--and not just because of Frank Gore. Fullback Moran Norris returns, to help pave the way for Gore much like he did when the former Miami product gained nearly 1700 yards on the ground. Also, rookie Glenn Coffee has looked good in the preseason, and should keep Gore fresh.
But with Michael Crabtree still holding out, the question remains: what of the 49er passing attack? Shaun Hill won the starter's job by stinking slightly less than Alex Smith this fall. But with yet another offensive coordinator in SF this year (6th OC in as many seasons), everyone had to start over, yet again.
On defense, the Niners will stick with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan brought in, and they have a star in ILB Patrick Willis. What they need is more consistent play from the defensive line, especially in the middle. Isaac Sopoaga, Kentwan Balmer, and Aubrayo Franklin have all taken a crack at it, but they still need a big body to clog that middle, much the way the Ravens had Tony Siragusa when Nolan was in Baltimore. SF needs a guy that looks like he would get stuck trying to walk through a doorway.
The D line is not the only area in need of a touch up. SF was the only team in the league to get zero interceptions out of their safeties last fall. This is akin to having a wing man who insists on eating chicken wings and garlic bread all night; not much help.
As for special teams, the Niners are above average. Andy Lee is a good punter, and Joe Nedney is back yet again. Allen Rossum even the Niners in the top ten in the league for punt returns, which is important since field position would seem to be important for a team that can't sustain drives.
The bottom line with San Francisco is that they need two things: a healthy offensive line, and steady play from Shaun Hill. They need to grind out games and keep their defense from wearing down in the second half. They have the personnel, but so do most teams in the NFL, if everything breaks right. Working in their favor is the fact that if there is one division where a little luck goes a long way, the NFC West is it. So should San Francisco get back on track, it could find itself flipping the calendar to 2010 to schedule a playoff game. That would be something to talk about.
Rather than focus on number four though, let us turn our attention the the NFC West. A quick glance proves that this division is the best case of parity in the NFL. Granted, it is akin to the parity between Bud Light, Miller Lite and Coors Light-- not exactly the creme de la creme--but still, it appears up for grabs in 2009.
The Arizona Cardinals caught fire at the right time in 2008, but are staring down the barrel of the dreaded Super Bowl hangover, a curse so mighty not even Tom Brady couldn't sidestep its wrath. The Seahawks' collective fate was sealed with Matt Hasselbeck's bad back, as was the Rams with their total lack of a defense. What of the 49ers, you ask? Well I'm glad you brought them up, because really this is just an excuse to preview the 49ers in depth.
The 49ers are unproven in a lot of areas, starting with the coaching staff. Assuming Mike Singletary can keep his pants on, though, he does have some talent o work with. The backfield should be the strength of the team--and not just because of Frank Gore. Fullback Moran Norris returns, to help pave the way for Gore much like he did when the former Miami product gained nearly 1700 yards on the ground. Also, rookie Glenn Coffee has looked good in the preseason, and should keep Gore fresh.
But with Michael Crabtree still holding out, the question remains: what of the 49er passing attack? Shaun Hill won the starter's job by stinking slightly less than Alex Smith this fall. But with yet another offensive coordinator in SF this year (6th OC in as many seasons), everyone had to start over, yet again.
On defense, the Niners will stick with the 3-4 defense Mike Nolan brought in, and they have a star in ILB Patrick Willis. What they need is more consistent play from the defensive line, especially in the middle. Isaac Sopoaga, Kentwan Balmer, and Aubrayo Franklin have all taken a crack at it, but they still need a big body to clog that middle, much the way the Ravens had Tony Siragusa when Nolan was in Baltimore. SF needs a guy that looks like he would get stuck trying to walk through a doorway.
The D line is not the only area in need of a touch up. SF was the only team in the league to get zero interceptions out of their safeties last fall. This is akin to having a wing man who insists on eating chicken wings and garlic bread all night; not much help.
As for special teams, the Niners are above average. Andy Lee is a good punter, and Joe Nedney is back yet again. Allen Rossum even the Niners in the top ten in the league for punt returns, which is important since field position would seem to be important for a team that can't sustain drives.
The bottom line with San Francisco is that they need two things: a healthy offensive line, and steady play from Shaun Hill. They need to grind out games and keep their defense from wearing down in the second half. They have the personnel, but so do most teams in the NFL, if everything breaks right. Working in their favor is the fact that if there is one division where a little luck goes a long way, the NFC West is it. So should San Francisco get back on track, it could find itself flipping the calendar to 2010 to schedule a playoff game. That would be something to talk about.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Shaq-Tastic? hardly
Don't know if anyone happened to watch the premiere of "Shaq Vs" on ABC Tuesday night, but allow me to hand in a report card. For as entertaining as the Big Insert-Ostentatious-Noun-De-Jour-Here is-- and there is no denying this-- his show goes flat within minutes.
The concept is definitely intriguing: Shaq goes up against world-class athletes in other sports, with a slight handicap, to see if he can beat them at their own game. A pretty good concept, but the biggest problem is that they stretch the affair out to one hour. The competition, though, is so cut and dry, that even with interview cutaways its done in 15 minutes.
The biggest drain on the show is the scene-setting at the site. The announcers are below-average, at best. I don't understand how a show with a clearly massive budget would cut corners with the announcing crew. They were not insightful, they were not funny... they added nothing to the broadcast. Every time they cut back to the stadium to build the moment, any momentum or energy they had from the other events fizzled out.
The upside of the show is that Shaq is legitimately funny, and he and Ben Roethlisberger (the antagonist for the series-opener) had solid chemistry back and forth. Watching Shaq go through the drills was much more entertaining than a game of 7 on 7 with no one rushing the passer (are you kidding me?). But watching Shaq try to run the 40 while making sure not to pull a hamstring was great.
The smarter approach to the show is one of two angles. First, combine two challenges per episode. That way, you don't have to string out as much filler. Secondly, put more emphasis on the training and drills. You know those QB skills competitions? How great would it be to watch Shaq run through cones, weave past dummies, then try to whip a pass 20 yards down field at a moving target?
Instead, we get subjected to two sub-par announcers harping over and over again about how seriously Shaq is taking the competition. But the bottom line with this show is that it will be Shaq's personality that drives it. And he will need to connect with all of his opponents to make the show salvageable--easier said than done with Michael Phelps on the docket. But maybe co-executive producer Steve Nash can fix that problem. He's used to getting the most out of people, and making them look much better than they really are...
The concept is definitely intriguing: Shaq goes up against world-class athletes in other sports, with a slight handicap, to see if he can beat them at their own game. A pretty good concept, but the biggest problem is that they stretch the affair out to one hour. The competition, though, is so cut and dry, that even with interview cutaways its done in 15 minutes.
The biggest drain on the show is the scene-setting at the site. The announcers are below-average, at best. I don't understand how a show with a clearly massive budget would cut corners with the announcing crew. They were not insightful, they were not funny... they added nothing to the broadcast. Every time they cut back to the stadium to build the moment, any momentum or energy they had from the other events fizzled out.
The upside of the show is that Shaq is legitimately funny, and he and Ben Roethlisberger (the antagonist for the series-opener) had solid chemistry back and forth. Watching Shaq go through the drills was much more entertaining than a game of 7 on 7 with no one rushing the passer (are you kidding me?). But watching Shaq try to run the 40 while making sure not to pull a hamstring was great.
The smarter approach to the show is one of two angles. First, combine two challenges per episode. That way, you don't have to string out as much filler. Secondly, put more emphasis on the training and drills. You know those QB skills competitions? How great would it be to watch Shaq run through cones, weave past dummies, then try to whip a pass 20 yards down field at a moving target?
Instead, we get subjected to two sub-par announcers harping over and over again about how seriously Shaq is taking the competition. But the bottom line with this show is that it will be Shaq's personality that drives it. And he will need to connect with all of his opponents to make the show salvageable--easier said than done with Michael Phelps on the docket. But maybe co-executive producer Steve Nash can fix that problem. He's used to getting the most out of people, and making them look much better than they really are...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Injuries molding college football
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So here is a quick post that I wrote for a website called Sports Alert. It provides free text alerts for sports scores, and also has some editorial content. Very small scale, but I'll be double-posting, and I will include a link once the story is live on the website...
That didn’t take long. Just a week after our Top 25 preseason poll, the injury bug is still picking some high profile teams out of its teeth.
At Virginia Tech, the news is downright devastating. Running back Darren Evans is done for the year thanks to a torn ACL. Evans ran for over 1200 yards last fall, but without him, the Hokies’ offense could be stuck in neutral. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has shown flashes of brilliance, but the fact remains that there is a reason why he was almost redshirted last year: mainly, the seven interceptions against two touchdowns Taylor threw last year. Virginia Tech should still be the cream of the ACC crop, but probably no longer merit a top ten ranking.
The news is not quite as gloomy at Ohio State, where linebacker Tyler Moeller will sit out the year because of a head injury he got on a family vacation. I want to know how many family vacations end in a son being punched in a bar, and landing on his head, but I guess that is beside the point. The loss of Moeller for 2009 is a tough blow—he was a projected starter for them this fall, and had three tackles for a loss last year. On the plus side, however, doctors originally feared Moeller might never return to the gridiron, but say now that he is expected to play again for the Scarlet and Gray.
Over at USC, the news hardly qualified as a blip on the radar screen. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Corp could miss most of August with a knee injury, after getting rolled up on in practice—and not the good kind. Corp returned to practice the same day, but will now have to sit after the joint flared up on him. The good news for the Trojans is that they have an insane amount of depth at the position. Remember Mitch Mustain, the one-time Arkansas signal caller whose future looked so promising with then-coordinator Gus Malzahn? Mustain transferred over to Figueroa Tech, where he is STILL buried on the depth chart. True freshman Matt Barkley will instead be the new man under the microscope for the men of Troy. Considering that he was considered to be the top recruit in the country, Aaron Corp’s days as a starter could be numbered.
These three programs are of course not the only ones affected by injuries. In fact, just about every team in the country will have some changes to their depth chart during fall practice. What separates the elite from the pretty good in college football is having the depth to overcome those pesky teeth marks left by the injury bug.
Soccer En Mexico-- Part Dos
Well that was interesting. As expected, more Tim Howard brilliance kept things close, and tempers definitely began to flare as the game wore on--things were chippier than last call at happy hour. Pushing, shoving, name calling-- just like when trying to place that final drink order in time to save 2 bucks on that Black and tan. And in the end, team Mexico pulled one out late.
Coming from someone who has watched the occasional soccer match, it seemed Tri Colores were more well-organized and definitely more aggressive. The US did have some great opportunities, though-- the diving header that missed my about an inch and a half could have been a huge difference maker. The central complaint against the US, however, remains the same: talent is adequate, but the strategy and execution seems lacking. Again, not a soccer expert by any means, but I've talked with some people who know the game, and that seems to be a common theme. Not sure what the World Cup will hold, but the Americans should qualify, and could even win a game or two in group play. Beyond that, however, Sam's Army is unlikely to make much of a run.
Coming from someone who has watched the occasional soccer match, it seemed Tri Colores were more well-organized and definitely more aggressive. The US did have some great opportunities, though-- the diving header that missed my about an inch and a half could have been a huge difference maker. The central complaint against the US, however, remains the same: talent is adequate, but the strategy and execution seems lacking. Again, not a soccer expert by any means, but I've talked with some people who know the game, and that seems to be a common theme. Not sure what the World Cup will hold, but the Americans should qualify, and could even win a game or two in group play. Beyond that, however, Sam's Army is unlikely to make much of a run.
Soccer en Mexico... Part 1
Ok, so I am back from vacation, and ready to do some blogging... I will be doing some college football stuff for a different website, and I'll link back to it once it is ready. Until then, I thought I would chat a little about USA/Mexico...
So far, the US has scored in the first ten minutes, with Mexico answering back about 12 minutes afterwards-- leave it to a guy named Castro to thwart Americans... Mexico seems to have a better idea of what they want to do on offense. they are controlling the ball more, making runs and centering the ball, while the Americans are looking a little sloppy, often ending possessions after just one or two touches. Fortunately for the US, they seem to have the edge in goal with Tim Howard, who has already made one sprawling save, and will likely need to have a few more for the stars and stripes to win in Mexico City...
More to come...
So far, the US has scored in the first ten minutes, with Mexico answering back about 12 minutes afterwards-- leave it to a guy named Castro to thwart Americans... Mexico seems to have a better idea of what they want to do on offense. they are controlling the ball more, making runs and centering the ball, while the Americans are looking a little sloppy, often ending possessions after just one or two touches. Fortunately for the US, they seem to have the edge in goal with Tim Howard, who has already made one sprawling save, and will likely need to have a few more for the stars and stripes to win in Mexico City...
More to come...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Trading Deadline Thoughts
Less than 48 hours left in the trading deadline, so Roy Halladay could still be on the move--although giving up 11 hits to the Seattle Mariners is not the best way to up your value.
As for the moves that have been made, the Giants picked up some complimentary pieces, but gave up a lot. Tim Alderson may not be Madison Bumgarner, but he is still projected as a top of the rotation starter. Alderson is 11 years younger than Sanchez, who at 31 has a bad knee, with a contract option for 8 million next year if he gets to 600 plate appearances (he has 382 at the moment). Sanchez did win a batting title, but it was in 2006, when he hit 44 points above his career average.
I guess what this means is that the Giants are not enthused with Kevin Frandsen and Eugenio Velez--can't say I blame them. But Velez is 4 years younger than Sanchez, a ton cheaper (about 1/10th the price) and will hit maybe 20-25 points lower than Sanchez. For this upgrade, they give up probably their second-best pitching prospect? Not so sure about that... probably would rather see the extra money go to a first baseman or corner outfielder that can hit 25 homers.
In non-Giant news, the Phillies landed Cliff Lee, without having to give up the prospects that Toronto wanted for Halladay. That gives the Phillies as many as 4 lefties in the rotation. But is that a good thing? The Dodgers would appear to be the favorites in the NL, and they hit lefties 21 points better than righties (.290 to .271)--Matt Kemp hits .386, Casey Blake .361, Orlando Hudson .343 and James Loney .322
I'm not saying Cliff won't help--he's an extremely good pitcher. But at the same time, Charlie Manuel might want to think twice before setting his post-season rotation...
The biggest non-trade is obviously Halladay. Jays GM JP Ricciardi has been rebuffed in his efforts to land multiple top prospects, so we shall see if he lowers his asking price in an effort to move Halladay. The good news is that Halladay is signed through next year. The bad news, is that his value is higher now (considering Halladay remains with any new team through 2010) than it will be in the off-season.
Landing spot for Halladay? I really hope it's not LA... maybe Atlanta? They were interested in Peavy in the off-season, so they won't be scared by the payroll. And if they put Halladay with Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson, that could be the best 1-3 in the NL; maybe better than the Phillies with Lee and Cole Hamels.
As for the moves that have been made, the Giants picked up some complimentary pieces, but gave up a lot. Tim Alderson may not be Madison Bumgarner, but he is still projected as a top of the rotation starter. Alderson is 11 years younger than Sanchez, who at 31 has a bad knee, with a contract option for 8 million next year if he gets to 600 plate appearances (he has 382 at the moment). Sanchez did win a batting title, but it was in 2006, when he hit 44 points above his career average.
I guess what this means is that the Giants are not enthused with Kevin Frandsen and Eugenio Velez--can't say I blame them. But Velez is 4 years younger than Sanchez, a ton cheaper (about 1/10th the price) and will hit maybe 20-25 points lower than Sanchez. For this upgrade, they give up probably their second-best pitching prospect? Not so sure about that... probably would rather see the extra money go to a first baseman or corner outfielder that can hit 25 homers.
In non-Giant news, the Phillies landed Cliff Lee, without having to give up the prospects that Toronto wanted for Halladay. That gives the Phillies as many as 4 lefties in the rotation. But is that a good thing? The Dodgers would appear to be the favorites in the NL, and they hit lefties 21 points better than righties (.290 to .271)--Matt Kemp hits .386, Casey Blake .361, Orlando Hudson .343 and James Loney .322
I'm not saying Cliff won't help--he's an extremely good pitcher. But at the same time, Charlie Manuel might want to think twice before setting his post-season rotation...
The biggest non-trade is obviously Halladay. Jays GM JP Ricciardi has been rebuffed in his efforts to land multiple top prospects, so we shall see if he lowers his asking price in an effort to move Halladay. The good news is that Halladay is signed through next year. The bad news, is that his value is higher now (considering Halladay remains with any new team through 2010) than it will be in the off-season.
Landing spot for Halladay? I really hope it's not LA... maybe Atlanta? They were interested in Peavy in the off-season, so they won't be scared by the payroll. And if they put Halladay with Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson, that could be the best 1-3 in the NL; maybe better than the Phillies with Lee and Cole Hamels.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Never a dull moment with Steve Spurrier
I realize that it is July, and that college football is still a solid month away. But in the SEC, trust me-- pigskin is a year-round obsession. The conference is seriously a soap opera. Lane Kiffin trying to jump up and bite the heels of the big dogs; ripping South Carolina grads, trying to "turn in" Florida for a non-existant recruiting violation. Arkansas nearly melting down with the Bobby Petrino incident (not to mention Gus Mahlzahn and Mitch Mustain) two years back. And of course, Steve Spurrier taking any and all cheap shots against his former employer, the Florida Gators.The latest Spurrier dig? He was the only coach not to name Tim Tebow as the first-team SEC quarterback. I may remind you he is the only QB in the conference to have a Heisman, not to mention a Chuck Norris-esque fan devotion. (Notre Dame players now touch a "Play like Tim Tebow today" sign while heading out to the field.).
Safe to say Spurrier is not the webmaster over there. Instead, the ole ball coach crowned Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead the new king of fling in the SEC.
Or did he?
At SEC media day, Spurrier blamed the incident on an oversight, claiming someone else on his staff filled out the bllot, and that Spurrier simply signed without glancing at it. He even tried to call up and change his vote.
What a shame. And here I thought he was just taking a quiet little dig at his replacement Urban Meyer. Turns out it was a snafu. Regardless, I hope that at the very least when he discovered the oversight, he flung a visor. Maybe two.
By the way, there may be some blog changes in the works next week... I will keep everyone posted. In the meantime, thanks for reading...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Quick TV Note...
If you are curious about the history behind Nike, there is a good show I caught on CNBC called Swoosh! Inside Nike. Its got interviews with Phil Knight, other Nike heads (including Dan Wieden, the advertising exec that came up with campaigns like Bo Knows, Mars Blackmon, etc). Even Michael Jordan talking about why he signed with Nike over Adidas when he first came into the NBA.
As an added bonus, you can turn it into a drinking game! Just take a sip every time there is a shot of Darren Rovell, the reporter, nodding at an answer on camera. You'll be gone 20 minutes in...
As an added bonus, you can turn it into a drinking game! Just take a sip every time there is a shot of Darren Rovell, the reporter, nodding at an answer on camera. You'll be gone 20 minutes in...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
As for the game...
Tim Lincecum less than dominant for the NL. Okay, I have to admit--he was pretty lousy in the first there. He did have Ichiro and Jeter 0-2, but lost them both. Then three straight plays that should have been made but weren't--including one where Lincecum didn't cover first. But the damage could have been worse, and he had a smoother 2nd frame.
Zach Greinke looked awfully good for the AL. The change-up to David Wright was fantastic, and he made Shane Victorino look bad, chasing one in the dirt. For a guy whose career was nearly derailed by social anxiety, I’d say he passed this test (by far the biggest stage in his career) with flying colors.
When Lincecum is pitching, Pujols makes an error that costs the NL a run. Then as the game goes on, he morphs into a human vacuum cleaner… great D to keep it tied in the 5th.
Edwin Jackson throws the ball 4 times, puts up a scoreless frame, and calls it a night. Danys Baez just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico. Good trade there, Dodgers! (I could of course say the same about the Rays and Matt Joyce, but where is the sport in making fun of the Rays?)
That Taco Bell song was fantastic! All about the Roosevelts, baby!
Joe Nathan comes in for the AL in the 8th, and gets Ryan Howard swinging to end the 8th. AJ Pierzynski is wondering if its time to redo his blond highlights. Stupid irony…
Mariano Rivera really is amazing—the pitch sequence to Brad Hawpe was just unfair. You realize in all star games, Rivera has given up only 1 unearned run in 8 appearances, including 4 saves? Put that next to his post-season numbers: 10 earned runs in 117 1/3 innings. Unbelievable… truly the best closer in baseball history.
Zach Greinke looked awfully good for the AL. The change-up to David Wright was fantastic, and he made Shane Victorino look bad, chasing one in the dirt. For a guy whose career was nearly derailed by social anxiety, I’d say he passed this test (by far the biggest stage in his career) with flying colors.
When Lincecum is pitching, Pujols makes an error that costs the NL a run. Then as the game goes on, he morphs into a human vacuum cleaner… great D to keep it tied in the 5th.
Edwin Jackson throws the ball 4 times, puts up a scoreless frame, and calls it a night. Danys Baez just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico. Good trade there, Dodgers! (I could of course say the same about the Rays and Matt Joyce, but where is the sport in making fun of the Rays?)
That Taco Bell song was fantastic! All about the Roosevelts, baby!
Joe Nathan comes in for the AL in the 8th, and gets Ryan Howard swinging to end the 8th. AJ Pierzynski is wondering if its time to redo his blond highlights. Stupid irony…
Mariano Rivera really is amazing—the pitch sequence to Brad Hawpe was just unfair. You realize in all star games, Rivera has given up only 1 unearned run in 8 appearances, including 4 saves? Put that next to his post-season numbers: 10 earned runs in 117 1/3 innings. Unbelievable… truly the best closer in baseball history.
The REAL El Presidente
Is there a cooler guy on the planet than President Obama? They showed him strolling through the locker room before the All Star game, and he's chatting up the players, busting chops... basically owning the room. I'm sure the Commander in Chief is always respected, but there was a certain level of mutual respect that came across here, moreso than with Bush. The only thing W definitely has on Obama is the fastball. Much more convincing the the Eephus pitch offered up by Obama. At least Pujols was able to scopp it before it bounced...
On the flip side, Obama was very engaging in the booth, and pro-active. He didn't apologize for being a White Sox fan, but was quick to point out that he doesn't dislike the Cubs. Later, when the NL's losing streak came up, before Buck or McCarver could ask him about it, he spun it around and asked them their thoughts on the streak, and that was that. When they put him on the spot for a World Series prediction, he gave enough of an informed answer to seem like he wasn't dodging the question, but also didn't get sucked into an actual prediction.
And if that wasn't enough, he even brought the NL some good luck, as they scored 3 runs in that half-inning. Finally, change I can believe in! Can the the NL win their first All star game since 1996? Si se puede!
More thoughts after the game...
On the flip side, Obama was very engaging in the booth, and pro-active. He didn't apologize for being a White Sox fan, but was quick to point out that he doesn't dislike the Cubs. Later, when the NL's losing streak came up, before Buck or McCarver could ask him about it, he spun it around and asked them their thoughts on the streak, and that was that. When they put him on the spot for a World Series prediction, he gave enough of an informed answer to seem like he wasn't dodging the question, but also didn't get sucked into an actual prediction.
And if that wasn't enough, he even brought the NL some good luck, as they scored 3 runs in that half-inning. Finally, change I can believe in! Can the the NL win their first All star game since 1996? Si se puede!
More thoughts after the game...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sanchez No-No
I must admit, I did not see this one coming. Jonathan Sanchez throwing a no-hitter for the Giants Friday night against the Padres. First off, Sanchez was fantastic. Nary a hit allowed of course, but also no walks, to go with 11 strikeouts. Sanchez has been known to miss bats, but the control he exhibited Friday was especially encouraging.
Granted it was against a Padres lineup that won't strike fear into the hearts of pitchers. And Sanchez remains a work in progress-- I'm not even sure he will get to see this through in a Giants uniform. Instead, he seems tagged for another destination, while Brian Sabean is in need of some offense. Looking at what the Giants need, not sure there are a ton of trading partners out there, but let's through a few ideas out there...
Proposition 1: Sanchez to St. Louis for Ryan Ludwick. This would seem to be a win/win, because of St. Louis' glut of outfielders and the Giants need for power. Also, the Cardinals could definitely use Sanchez in their rotation-- they only have one lefty on the roster (reliever Jaime Garcia).
Proposition 2: Sanchez, Merkin Valdez and Tim Alderson to Cincinnati for Joey Votto. I'm pretty sure this deal wouldn't happen, but you have to wonder if the Reds might consider parting with Votto, who seems to be over his bout with depression, (which was apparently was brought on by his father's death in the offseason) in exchange for three pitching prospects. No doubt a king's ransom, but Votto is a 25 year old lefty that could be the power hitter SF needs to build around for the next decade. After Sabean got burned on Pierzynski, though, I doubt he would have the stones to pull the trigger on this one.
The only other power bat that could be available is Russ Branyan. The 33 year old has 21 homers already for the Mariners, and the asking price probably wouldn't be too high. Especially when you consider that he is 3 HRs away from a career high, and has hit more than 20 jacks only 1 other time in his career. But you figure if he''s doing that at Safeco (11 HR at home, 10 on road), Pac Bell would suit him fine as well...
As for the blog, I know I've been short-changing you guys with the inconsistent postings, but after all-- you get what you pay for! Kidding... But having said that, I'll try to chime in at least once or twice a week going forward. Thanks for reading!
Granted it was against a Padres lineup that won't strike fear into the hearts of pitchers. And Sanchez remains a work in progress-- I'm not even sure he will get to see this through in a Giants uniform. Instead, he seems tagged for another destination, while Brian Sabean is in need of some offense. Looking at what the Giants need, not sure there are a ton of trading partners out there, but let's through a few ideas out there...
Proposition 1: Sanchez to St. Louis for Ryan Ludwick. This would seem to be a win/win, because of St. Louis' glut of outfielders and the Giants need for power. Also, the Cardinals could definitely use Sanchez in their rotation-- they only have one lefty on the roster (reliever Jaime Garcia).
Proposition 2: Sanchez, Merkin Valdez and Tim Alderson to Cincinnati for Joey Votto. I'm pretty sure this deal wouldn't happen, but you have to wonder if the Reds might consider parting with Votto, who seems to be over his bout with depression, (which was apparently was brought on by his father's death in the offseason) in exchange for three pitching prospects. No doubt a king's ransom, but Votto is a 25 year old lefty that could be the power hitter SF needs to build around for the next decade. After Sabean got burned on Pierzynski, though, I doubt he would have the stones to pull the trigger on this one.
The only other power bat that could be available is Russ Branyan. The 33 year old has 21 homers already for the Mariners, and the asking price probably wouldn't be too high. Especially when you consider that he is 3 HRs away from a career high, and has hit more than 20 jacks only 1 other time in his career. But you figure if he''s doing that at Safeco (11 HR at home, 10 on road), Pac Bell would suit him fine as well...
As for the blog, I know I've been short-changing you guys with the inconsistent postings, but after all-- you get what you pay for! Kidding... But having said that, I'll try to chime in at least once or twice a week going forward. Thanks for reading!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
NBA Draft Thoughts
While watching the NBA draft unfold, a few thoughts...
First off, its going to be pretty tough for the Clippers to underachieve again next year. Blake Griffin gives them a lot of good, young players. Don't get me wrong--I still think Mike Dunleavy can have this team back in next year's lottery; it's a tradition unlike any other (outside the city limits of Detroit). But he definitely has his work cut out for him.
Minnesota realizes you can't play 4 point guards at a time, right? Ok, so they're supposed to move Ty Lawson, but still-- Ricky Rubio, Jonny Flynn and Sebastian Telfair are all pretty similar, right? By the way, in the last 12 years, 3 NYC PGs for the Wolves-- Starbury, Telfair and now Jonny Flynn. Mixed results across the board... not to mention Rubio dropping a third person refrence in his interview with Mark Jones: "I'm Ricky Rubio. I'm not like anyone else."
Well then...
Interesting how the Warriors basically C-blocked the Knicks for Steph Curry. You don't suppose Don Nelson is still bitter about that Jamal Crawford trade with New York, huh? Nah...
Speaking of the Warriors, not a big fan of AC Law, but if they can spin some players around to get Stoudamire from the Suns... Golden State will be the most exciting team to watch in the league. If Anthony Randolph gets more minutes, the GSW will be back-- mark my words.
What's with Brandon Jennings not being at the draft, only driving over once he got picked for the photo op? For someone who made waves about being a primma donna after skipping college for Europe, this isn't excatly refuting the point. So how exactly do the Bucks expect him to be happy in Milwaukee? I guess he's supposed to be pretty good, but I have to think a guy that jumps ship to go to Italy over the NCAAs will be counting down the days until he can get the hell out of Wisconsin.
Look, I'm glad Dick Vitale loves Tyler Hansbrough, but are we really thinking this was a good pick for a lottery team? So many point guards to choose from... hmm, nope. No, I've got to have the UNC version of Christian Laettner on my team. Gotta do it.
When they interviewed Steve Kerr about the Suns' moves, he looked about as thrilled as a guy whose wife just guilted him into eating a salad at a steakhouse. He'll get a free pass for the team's pending collapse because the media loves him and the owner is a cheapskate, but if I'm Steve Nash, I'm finding out where Kerr parked his car, and I'm slashing his tires.
When the Mavs took BJ Mullens, it took a solid seven seconds before anybody had anything to sa, before Jay Bilas got coerced into saying, "well, he just needs to learn the game of basketball." That can't be a good sign.
First off, its going to be pretty tough for the Clippers to underachieve again next year. Blake Griffin gives them a lot of good, young players. Don't get me wrong--I still think Mike Dunleavy can have this team back in next year's lottery; it's a tradition unlike any other (outside the city limits of Detroit). But he definitely has his work cut out for him.
Minnesota realizes you can't play 4 point guards at a time, right? Ok, so they're supposed to move Ty Lawson, but still-- Ricky Rubio, Jonny Flynn and Sebastian Telfair are all pretty similar, right? By the way, in the last 12 years, 3 NYC PGs for the Wolves-- Starbury, Telfair and now Jonny Flynn. Mixed results across the board... not to mention Rubio dropping a third person refrence in his interview with Mark Jones: "I'm Ricky Rubio. I'm not like anyone else."
Well then...
Interesting how the Warriors basically C-blocked the Knicks for Steph Curry. You don't suppose Don Nelson is still bitter about that Jamal Crawford trade with New York, huh? Nah...
Speaking of the Warriors, not a big fan of AC Law, but if they can spin some players around to get Stoudamire from the Suns... Golden State will be the most exciting team to watch in the league. If Anthony Randolph gets more minutes, the GSW will be back-- mark my words.
What's with Brandon Jennings not being at the draft, only driving over once he got picked for the photo op? For someone who made waves about being a primma donna after skipping college for Europe, this isn't excatly refuting the point. So how exactly do the Bucks expect him to be happy in Milwaukee? I guess he's supposed to be pretty good, but I have to think a guy that jumps ship to go to Italy over the NCAAs will be counting down the days until he can get the hell out of Wisconsin.
Look, I'm glad Dick Vitale loves Tyler Hansbrough, but are we really thinking this was a good pick for a lottery team? So many point guards to choose from... hmm, nope. No, I've got to have the UNC version of Christian Laettner on my team. Gotta do it.
When they interviewed Steve Kerr about the Suns' moves, he looked about as thrilled as a guy whose wife just guilted him into eating a salad at a steakhouse. He'll get a free pass for the team's pending collapse because the media loves him and the owner is a cheapskate, but if I'm Steve Nash, I'm finding out where Kerr parked his car, and I'm slashing his tires.
When the Mavs took BJ Mullens, it took a solid seven seconds before anybody had anything to sa, before Jay Bilas got coerced into saying, "well, he just needs to learn the game of basketball." That can't be a good sign.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Now THAT was a good game...
Game four of the NBA Finals was definitely intriguing. Anyone that knows me knows that I don't like Derek Fisher, but I mean... wow. Those two threes were huge--even if the second one should have been an offensive foul on Kobe. Bryant is looking right at Jameer Nelson, when throws an elbow, hitting him square in the jaw-- no foul. Are you kidding me? I realize its overtime, and I know Kobe gets the star treatment--but that was ridiculous. Those are the kind of plays Fisher usually makes (the elbow, not the three)...
Second thought-- how is it that hard to inbound the ball? It seemed every time Turkoglu tried to bring the ball in late in the game, he struggled to find anyone to take the ball. I guess the Lakers are really good at defending them (just ask the Nuggets), but its hard to imagine why they have struggled so much there-- I like Pietrus and all, but he is the last guy I want shooting at the end of the game for Orlando.
On the flip side, you have to think Orlando wouldn't mind having Trevor Ariza back on their team about now--or at the very least anywere other than the Lakers. His energy in the third quarter (not to mention the 13 points) really sparked LA.
As for Magic shooters, man Rashard Lewis struggled. He was nowhere near the player he had been in the last two games. Between his disappearance act, all the turnovers, and a large number of missed free throws, this was Orlando's game to win. I realize the series is already 3-1 Lakers, so this might not be overly profound, but I can't see a team bouncing back from a game like that and still win the series.
One other quick note on free throws-- you realize LA went from 1:28 in the third quarter to 3 seconds left in OT without a free throw? Wowsers...
Speaking of that flagrant on Pietrus, let me say this. Pau Gasol is a very good player, but he is a punk. When you are up 7 with the game no longer in doubt, you don't dunk the ball-- at least not on the road. You turn around, dribble out the clock and celebrate. Instead, Pietrus did what I think most other players would do--he took exception. And then Gasol, instead of turning the other cheek, or at the very least high-fiving teammates and giving a gloating smile; taunts Pietrus and tries to pick a fight. Really? Really Gasol? Why don't you stick to screaming like a banshee everytime you go up for a layup, and hit the deck when Dwight Howard breathes on you. There is no call for the dunk, let alone the taunt.
But that shouldn't take away from the fact that LA hit the big shots, and as much as it kills me to say it, Derek Fisher was huge.
Second thought-- how is it that hard to inbound the ball? It seemed every time Turkoglu tried to bring the ball in late in the game, he struggled to find anyone to take the ball. I guess the Lakers are really good at defending them (just ask the Nuggets), but its hard to imagine why they have struggled so much there-- I like Pietrus and all, but he is the last guy I want shooting at the end of the game for Orlando.
On the flip side, you have to think Orlando wouldn't mind having Trevor Ariza back on their team about now--or at the very least anywere other than the Lakers. His energy in the third quarter (not to mention the 13 points) really sparked LA.
As for Magic shooters, man Rashard Lewis struggled. He was nowhere near the player he had been in the last two games. Between his disappearance act, all the turnovers, and a large number of missed free throws, this was Orlando's game to win. I realize the series is already 3-1 Lakers, so this might not be overly profound, but I can't see a team bouncing back from a game like that and still win the series.
One other quick note on free throws-- you realize LA went from 1:28 in the third quarter to 3 seconds left in OT without a free throw? Wowsers...
Speaking of that flagrant on Pietrus, let me say this. Pau Gasol is a very good player, but he is a punk. When you are up 7 with the game no longer in doubt, you don't dunk the ball-- at least not on the road. You turn around, dribble out the clock and celebrate. Instead, Pietrus did what I think most other players would do--he took exception. And then Gasol, instead of turning the other cheek, or at the very least high-fiving teammates and giving a gloating smile; taunts Pietrus and tries to pick a fight. Really? Really Gasol? Why don't you stick to screaming like a banshee everytime you go up for a layup, and hit the deck when Dwight Howard breathes on you. There is no call for the dunk, let alone the taunt.
But that shouldn't take away from the fact that LA hit the big shots, and as much as it kills me to say it, Derek Fisher was huge.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Then again, maybe not...
So much for the NBA Finals being a cake walk. Make no mistake-- the Lakers are still the heavy favorites in this one. But at least Orlando proved they can show up on the stage, and could very well take a game or perhaps even two at home. Hedo Turkoglu was very good--especially on Kobe at the end of the 4th and in OT. His length bothered Kobe enough to prevent a step back jumper, and even though Kobe is about 1.5 steps faster, that great swat at the end of regulation was huge.
Another plus for Orlando--Stan Van Gundy is a very good coach. His players may hate him (he calls them out more than any other coach in the league), but he always puts them in a position to succeed. The lob play to Courtney Lee obviously didn't work, but it was a great design, and if Lee catches the ball a little sooner and doesn't get caught behind the backboard, the magic would have stolen one.
As for the Lake show, Pau Gasol was much more aggressive. He is probably the only Laker other than Kobe to get borderline calls (there was very little contact on his and one in OT, and that pushing call on Dwight Howard was suspect at best). And the Lakers also did very well at the line, hitting 86 percent of their freebies.
One more huge factor for LA--Lamar Odom great defense on Rashard Lewis down the stretch. Lewis hit that one three where contorted his body and sneakers to stay inbounds and behind the arc. Otherwise, he was pretty quiet for Orlando--at least late (only 2 FGs in last 11 minutes of the game).
Game 3 should be interesting... which is more than I thought I would be able to say about game 2 after Thursday's opener.
Another plus for Orlando--Stan Van Gundy is a very good coach. His players may hate him (he calls them out more than any other coach in the league), but he always puts them in a position to succeed. The lob play to Courtney Lee obviously didn't work, but it was a great design, and if Lee catches the ball a little sooner and doesn't get caught behind the backboard, the magic would have stolen one.
As for the Lake show, Pau Gasol was much more aggressive. He is probably the only Laker other than Kobe to get borderline calls (there was very little contact on his and one in OT, and that pushing call on Dwight Howard was suspect at best). And the Lakers also did very well at the line, hitting 86 percent of their freebies.
One more huge factor for LA--Lamar Odom great defense on Rashard Lewis down the stretch. Lewis hit that one three where contorted his body and sneakers to stay inbounds and behind the arc. Otherwise, he was pretty quiet for Orlando--at least late (only 2 FGs in last 11 minutes of the game).
Game 3 should be interesting... which is more than I thought I would be able to say about game 2 after Thursday's opener.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
This Could Get Ugly
Game One of the Finals, both teams came in well rested. Both had plenty of time to go over scouting reports, get healthy, and prepare for Thursday's game one. But only the Lakers looked ready to play.
Los Angeles held Orlando in check like the 405, while on offense they pillaged Orlando's defense. Andrew Bynum was big early, and Kobe Bryant did just about everything right--scoring, passing, you name it-- he even gave great sneer to the camera following an and-one.
After one game, this series looks cooked. Dwight Howard does not have a wide array of post moves, and if he gets in foul trouble, suddenly those open looks from 3-point range close up quickly. Mickael Pietrus was awful in the first half. Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson were the only players that looked ready for prime time; a testiment to Nelson, who hadn't played since February.
But when Luke Walton is pulling a TI and having whatever he likes, safe to say things are not going Stan Van Gundy's way. I said Lakers in 6, but right now I don't see Orlando getting two games.
Los Angeles held Orlando in check like the 405, while on offense they pillaged Orlando's defense. Andrew Bynum was big early, and Kobe Bryant did just about everything right--scoring, passing, you name it-- he even gave great sneer to the camera following an and-one.
After one game, this series looks cooked. Dwight Howard does not have a wide array of post moves, and if he gets in foul trouble, suddenly those open looks from 3-point range close up quickly. Mickael Pietrus was awful in the first half. Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson were the only players that looked ready for prime time; a testiment to Nelson, who hadn't played since February.
But when Luke Walton is pulling a TI and having whatever he likes, safe to say things are not going Stan Van Gundy's way. I said Lakers in 6, but right now I don't see Orlando getting two games.
Monday, June 1, 2009
WNBA Uniforms: Selling Out?
No, just the right move for the right league. Everyone loves to bash the WNBA because of what it is not. Rather than poking holes in women's basketball, though, let me take a quick moment to point out what it does well.
First off, it allows females to make a living through athletics in a team sport. Second point-- the WNBA inspires young women to play organized sports. And the third plus of the WNBA is that it keeps women's college basketball strong, in providing a professional outlet. Yes, it would still exist without the WNBA, but the health of women's college athletics is directly related to the health of the WNBA.
This leads me back to the original topic: the WNBA is selling advertisements on their jerseys, with team names taking a back seat (logos are still visible, but less dominant). Purists will cry foul, that it is a desecration of national sport. But right now, the WNBA is in financial trouble--slightly better than GM, but tough times abound. Teams have folded, and the NBA will not be able to prop up the franchises the way they have in the past. Thus, the need for more sponsorships has lead to this. Critics will point to the fact that teams become less identifiable. And truth be told, most avid sports fans probably couldn't name more than five or six teams. But the jerseys aren't the problem.
Obviously, teams in Europe (and the MLS) already do this, I don't hear Manchester United fans crying foul over corporate sponsors. Or, take NASCAR for example--if there is a visible square inch on a car, chances are it has a sticker. Not to mention individual athletes, men and women.
Michael Wilbon made a good comparison today-- WNBA and newspapers. His point was simple enough: desperate times call for desperate measures. So you can decry crumbling values and stand by your principles all you want. However, business ethics are a give and take. So kudos to the WNBA for taking what they could get, and hopefully they will stick around...
First off, it allows females to make a living through athletics in a team sport. Second point-- the WNBA inspires young women to play organized sports. And the third plus of the WNBA is that it keeps women's college basketball strong, in providing a professional outlet. Yes, it would still exist without the WNBA, but the health of women's college athletics is directly related to the health of the WNBA.
This leads me back to the original topic: the WNBA is selling advertisements on their jerseys, with team names taking a back seat (logos are still visible, but less dominant). Purists will cry foul, that it is a desecration of national sport. But right now, the WNBA is in financial trouble--slightly better than GM, but tough times abound. Teams have folded, and the NBA will not be able to prop up the franchises the way they have in the past. Thus, the need for more sponsorships has lead to this. Critics will point to the fact that teams become less identifiable. And truth be told, most avid sports fans probably couldn't name more than five or six teams. But the jerseys aren't the problem.
Obviously, teams in Europe (and the MLS) already do this, I don't hear Manchester United fans crying foul over corporate sponsors. Or, take NASCAR for example--if there is a visible square inch on a car, chances are it has a sticker. Not to mention individual athletes, men and women.
Michael Wilbon made a good comparison today-- WNBA and newspapers. His point was simple enough: desperate times call for desperate measures. So you can decry crumbling values and stand by your principles all you want. However, business ethics are a give and take. So kudos to the WNBA for taking what they could get, and hopefully they will stick around...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Bron Bron gets help... help
LeBron James once again was brilliant for the Cavs-- but this time, his teammates didn't let the effort go to waste. Four other Cav players notched double-figures, and the rest of the team actually shot slightly better than James.
Another big factor in game 5: orlando went cold from the outside. Just 8 for 25 from 3pt range, their worst percentage of the series (32% for you sociology majors).
But back to LeBron. He had as many assists as the Magic did as a team (12), and that's not counting the blown shots his teammates missed (Varejao missed what would have been an easy dunk, but James chased down the offensive rebound). And does anyone else find it interesting that when he scores over 40 points in this series, the Cavs are 0-3, but when he goes under that mark, they are 2-0? Truly a case of less is more...
As for the Lakers/Nuggets series, the last two games haven't been quite as dramatic in terms of the finish--but I can't wait for game six. Game five, the Lakers turned it on as a team-- Lamar Odom played like a man possessed. In a way, Chris Anderson is a great foil for him, because if he matches Birdman's energy, the Lakers are bound to be successful. As a matter of fact, if you crossed Odom's talent with Anderson's effort, the result would be staggering (like Dennis Rodman with an offensive game).
By the way, one more quick thought on the Birdman: yes he can block shots, but he goes for the block everytime, which leaves him out of position for the rebound when he doesn't get it. Having said that, he is still very entertaining-- the Eric Byrnes of the NBA...
Another big factor in game 5: orlando went cold from the outside. Just 8 for 25 from 3pt range, their worst percentage of the series (32% for you sociology majors).
But back to LeBron. He had as many assists as the Magic did as a team (12), and that's not counting the blown shots his teammates missed (Varejao missed what would have been an easy dunk, but James chased down the offensive rebound). And does anyone else find it interesting that when he scores over 40 points in this series, the Cavs are 0-3, but when he goes under that mark, they are 2-0? Truly a case of less is more...
As for the Lakers/Nuggets series, the last two games haven't been quite as dramatic in terms of the finish--but I can't wait for game six. Game five, the Lakers turned it on as a team-- Lamar Odom played like a man possessed. In a way, Chris Anderson is a great foil for him, because if he matches Birdman's energy, the Lakers are bound to be successful. As a matter of fact, if you crossed Odom's talent with Anderson's effort, the result would be staggering (like Dennis Rodman with an offensive game).
By the way, one more quick thought on the Birdman: yes he can block shots, but he goes for the block everytime, which leaves him out of position for the rebound when he doesn't get it. Having said that, he is still very entertaining-- the Eric Byrnes of the NBA...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Its... Magic!
Great game four in Orlando Tuesday night. LeBron definitely got bailed out on the drive to the hoop at the end of regulation--former Warrior Mickael Pietrus was playing off him, and James just fell down. But two things really impressed me from Orlando.
1. Dwight Howard showed up in crunch time. Most of the playoff games this month, Howard has been huge in the first three quarters, then a shrinking violet as the clock winds down in the fourth. But not in game 4--10 points in overtime, including six straight that really put Cleveland behind the eight ball.
2. How about Skip to my Lou? Rafer Alston (Skip of course was his playground nickname--I know this because of my mad street cred) dropped 26 points, including 6 threes for Orlando. Despite Howard, the Magic really do live and die by the three pointer. And in game 4, they hit about 45% from beyond the arc. Peitrus and Alston combined to jack up 23 three point shots. What a novel concept-- fringe players willing to step up and knock down a shot.
On the flip side, aside from James, West and Williams, no Cav attempted more than nine shots from the field, or more than two free throws. For all the talk about the revamped supporting cast for LeBron James, he still seemingly needs to do everything himself--hence the eight turnovers (I believe three in OT).
Things do not look good for the Cavs, but then again, if they win at home in game 5 (which they should) and can steal game 6, the series will be up for grabs...
1. Dwight Howard showed up in crunch time. Most of the playoff games this month, Howard has been huge in the first three quarters, then a shrinking violet as the clock winds down in the fourth. But not in game 4--10 points in overtime, including six straight that really put Cleveland behind the eight ball.
2. How about Skip to my Lou? Rafer Alston (Skip of course was his playground nickname--I know this because of my mad street cred) dropped 26 points, including 6 threes for Orlando. Despite Howard, the Magic really do live and die by the three pointer. And in game 4, they hit about 45% from beyond the arc. Peitrus and Alston combined to jack up 23 three point shots. What a novel concept-- fringe players willing to step up and knock down a shot.
On the flip side, aside from James, West and Williams, no Cav attempted more than nine shots from the field, or more than two free throws. For all the talk about the revamped supporting cast for LeBron James, he still seemingly needs to do everything himself--hence the eight turnovers (I believe three in OT).
Things do not look good for the Cavs, but then again, if they win at home in game 5 (which they should) and can steal game 6, the series will be up for grabs...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bad Refs, eh?
I've got a secret. Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals was determined by basketball players-- one team scored more points than the other. No, referees did not determine the outcome. Derek Fisher still had a chance to force overtime with a three pointer.
Yes, you can argue some borderline calls went against the home team. Perhaps they should have called a violation on the jump ball. But you could also argue that the Nuggets got hosed when the refs matched Billups against Gasol instead of Nene--even though Nene got there first to the loose ball.
Instead, the Lakers let the game slip away. Denver did a good job hitting free throws and locking down the non-Kobes, who over the last 7 minutes of the game were a combined 0-4 with 4 turnovers. Don't think you can blame the zebras for that. But shhhh. Don't tell anyone. I wouldn't want to ruin a Laker fan's day with reality.
Yes, you can argue some borderline calls went against the home team. Perhaps they should have called a violation on the jump ball. But you could also argue that the Nuggets got hosed when the refs matched Billups against Gasol instead of Nene--even though Nene got there first to the loose ball.
Instead, the Lakers let the game slip away. Denver did a good job hitting free throws and locking down the non-Kobes, who over the last 7 minutes of the game were a combined 0-4 with 4 turnovers. Don't think you can blame the zebras for that. But shhhh. Don't tell anyone. I wouldn't want to ruin a Laker fan's day with reality.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Lake Show Game One
So not a bad way to start the Western Conference Finals... Very competitive game, right down to the last 30 seconds or so. But a few things stand out to me:
First off, why did the Nuggets have 6-2 Anthony Carter inbounding the ball with 30 seconds left? You can't get somebody a few inches taller--say 6'6 Dahntay Jones or 6'10 Chris Anderson? Neither are big offensive threats but both still belong on the floor (especially with Nene fouled out).
Secondly, shouldn't Carter have used the last timeout instead of trying to force the inbounds pass? Maybe he couldn't see past Lamar Odom (who, again, is significantly taller than Carter), and I don't want to take away from Trevor Ariza, because that anticipation was fantastic. I was just a little surprised. Kind of like how Ariza, who left UCLA ostensibly because he didn't want to play grind-it-out defense under Ben Howland, has suddenly become an excellent defender. Puzzling, and a little frustrating that he left Westwood so early.
Another note from the game-- closely officiated, except for Melo and Kobe. They were shoving, trading elbows, you name it... no call. But then Jones goes straight up on Kobe, doesn't even flinch--and Kobe gets the and one. I'm sure there were some generous calls for Melo too, but I like it when they let teams play physical, though-- it is, after all, the playoffs. I just don't want to see it get out of hand.
But kudos to the Lakers for controlling the glass (46-37, including a +10 edge on offensive rebounds). Can't believe I'm saying this, but bring on game two!
First off, why did the Nuggets have 6-2 Anthony Carter inbounding the ball with 30 seconds left? You can't get somebody a few inches taller--say 6'6 Dahntay Jones or 6'10 Chris Anderson? Neither are big offensive threats but both still belong on the floor (especially with Nene fouled out).
Secondly, shouldn't Carter have used the last timeout instead of trying to force the inbounds pass? Maybe he couldn't see past Lamar Odom (who, again, is significantly taller than Carter), and I don't want to take away from Trevor Ariza, because that anticipation was fantastic. I was just a little surprised. Kind of like how Ariza, who left UCLA ostensibly because he didn't want to play grind-it-out defense under Ben Howland, has suddenly become an excellent defender. Puzzling, and a little frustrating that he left Westwood so early.
Another note from the game-- closely officiated, except for Melo and Kobe. They were shoving, trading elbows, you name it... no call. But then Jones goes straight up on Kobe, doesn't even flinch--and Kobe gets the and one. I'm sure there were some generous calls for Melo too, but I like it when they let teams play physical, though-- it is, after all, the playoffs. I just don't want to see it get out of hand.
But kudos to the Lakers for controlling the glass (46-37, including a +10 edge on offensive rebounds). Can't believe I'm saying this, but bring on game two!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Game Sevens...
Sorry for the recent absence, but I've been working on a different site that I should have in place this week. I'm hoping to be able to do both, and I will have a link to it later this week.
Having said that, had to offer a few thoughts on the game sevens from Sunday...
Rockets @ Lakers
Pau Gasol set the tone in the beginning of this one for LA, and Ron Artest did the same for Houston. Gasol was there for lay-ups, dunks and put-backs, while Artest was bricking off-balance threes. For all of Artest's intangibles, the tangible evidence is that he is not a great shooter--especially from the outside. I'm not saying he burried the Rockets in this one--the Lakers were by and large brilliant-- but during the 17-4 Laker run that set the tone for the game, Artest and Luis Scola were getting denied like the Discover card.
Magic @ Celtics
How about Hedo Turkoglu in this one-- 25 points on 9/12 shooting. Dwight Howard a decent effort, but odd that he didn't get to the line until the 4th quarter (only 2 FTs and 9 FGs attempted for one of the league's most physical players). And leave it to a former Warrior, Mickael Pietrus, to put the clamps on Ray Allen and even pour in 17 points of offense to keep the game out of reach.
The bottom line with the Magic is that if they hit their 3's (13/20, 65% on Sunday), they win games. Bad news in the next round, though--Cleveland led the league in 3pt % defensive in the regular season.
More to come this week; as always, thanks for the patronage.
Having said that, had to offer a few thoughts on the game sevens from Sunday...
Rockets @ Lakers
Pau Gasol set the tone in the beginning of this one for LA, and Ron Artest did the same for Houston. Gasol was there for lay-ups, dunks and put-backs, while Artest was bricking off-balance threes. For all of Artest's intangibles, the tangible evidence is that he is not a great shooter--especially from the outside. I'm not saying he burried the Rockets in this one--the Lakers were by and large brilliant-- but during the 17-4 Laker run that set the tone for the game, Artest and Luis Scola were getting denied like the Discover card.
Magic @ Celtics
How about Hedo Turkoglu in this one-- 25 points on 9/12 shooting. Dwight Howard a decent effort, but odd that he didn't get to the line until the 4th quarter (only 2 FTs and 9 FGs attempted for one of the league's most physical players). And leave it to a former Warrior, Mickael Pietrus, to put the clamps on Ray Allen and even pour in 17 points of offense to keep the game out of reach.
The bottom line with the Magic is that if they hit their 3's (13/20, 65% on Sunday), they win games. Bad news in the next round, though--Cleveland led the league in 3pt % defensive in the regular season.
More to come this week; as always, thanks for the patronage.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Man oh man oh Manny Ramirez...
Yes, you best believe Charlie Steiner took the news extra hard this morning, even before his usual hair of the dog breakfast of champions. Manny Ramirez gets popped and will sit out the next 50 Dodger games. The fact that he was using is probably no great surprise—most of the great players from the past 15 years have had allegations dog them. But consider this: Jose Canseco was right. Again.
Say what you will about the bumbling slugger, who sits at 462 career home runs. But he has been the Nostradamus of the steroid era. He has been ahead of the curve with virtually every big name that has come out in the last five years—Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, and yes, Manny Ramirez. Canseco called them all. As much as he lacks credibility as a true baseball player, as a source of information, he is a deep throat savant. I heard him compared to Woodward and Bernstein this morning—and you can’t argue.
But getting back to Manny (speaking of savants), the only thing lamer than getting caught when you know they are testing is the excuse he gave. My doctor gave me something for a personal medical condition, and I didn’t know. Ok, let’s take him at his word. Say it was a medical prescription for legitimate reasons. If this doctor didn’t know and tell Ramirez that the drug would result in a positive test, he should lose his medical license. Secondly, where were the team physicians on this? Isn’t that why teams have doctors, trainers, nutritionalists, et all? I’m not surprised that Manny had his own guys, but a team that doesn’t ask to be in the loop on medications their players are using is asking for trouble. Shouldn’t they be held accountable in some way too? Especially if the dubious, the-doctor-made-me-do-it excuse doesn’t hold water. You’d better believe that if teams were fined when a player on their active 25 man roster tests positive, those organizations would take a more active role in policing themselves.
It is a shame about Ramirez—he seemed to be one player that didn’t fit the steroid bill. He was everything Los Angeles needed him to be. He was charismatic, but not in a look at me kind of way. Loved by fans, media, and even his own teammates. Yes, bad things happened in Boston. But out in LaLa land, he got the clean slate that he wanted—and until Thursday, had earned. But we live in a forgiving culture—if you can produce, we will forgive. Yes, he is still a hall of famer, and yes, the Dodgers will still welcome him back with open arms. When you’re the mayor of Mannywood, life is good.
Say what you will about the bumbling slugger, who sits at 462 career home runs. But he has been the Nostradamus of the steroid era. He has been ahead of the curve with virtually every big name that has come out in the last five years—Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, and yes, Manny Ramirez. Canseco called them all. As much as he lacks credibility as a true baseball player, as a source of information, he is a deep throat savant. I heard him compared to Woodward and Bernstein this morning—and you can’t argue.
But getting back to Manny (speaking of savants), the only thing lamer than getting caught when you know they are testing is the excuse he gave. My doctor gave me something for a personal medical condition, and I didn’t know. Ok, let’s take him at his word. Say it was a medical prescription for legitimate reasons. If this doctor didn’t know and tell Ramirez that the drug would result in a positive test, he should lose his medical license. Secondly, where were the team physicians on this? Isn’t that why teams have doctors, trainers, nutritionalists, et all? I’m not surprised that Manny had his own guys, but a team that doesn’t ask to be in the loop on medications their players are using is asking for trouble. Shouldn’t they be held accountable in some way too? Especially if the dubious, the-doctor-made-me-do-it excuse doesn’t hold water. You’d better believe that if teams were fined when a player on their active 25 man roster tests positive, those organizations would take a more active role in policing themselves.
It is a shame about Ramirez—he seemed to be one player that didn’t fit the steroid bill. He was everything Los Angeles needed him to be. He was charismatic, but not in a look at me kind of way. Loved by fans, media, and even his own teammates. Yes, bad things happened in Boston. But out in LaLa land, he got the clean slate that he wanted—and until Thursday, had earned. But we live in a forgiving culture—if you can produce, we will forgive. Yes, he is still a hall of famer, and yes, the Dodgers will still welcome him back with open arms. When you’re the mayor of Mannywood, life is good.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (NL West)
At long last, the final installment of our six part series matching beers to MLB squads... Again, all feedback is welcome: ddenicke23@hotmail.com
Here we go...
NL WEST
DODGERS: Bud Light. Very well-known selection. Supporters like the beer, but don’t really love it, much the way most Dodger fans would fall under the heading of fair-weather. Drinkers don’t always need to finish the beer to appreciate it—the alcoholic equivalent of leaving in the 7th inning to beat traffic. Both get “big-market” level attention, but actual quality of taste/performance usually ends before it gets anywhere substantive. The Dodgers have no shortage of national attention, but before last year, they had won exactly one post season game since 1988.
GIANTS: Filtered Hefeweizen. Ok, I know I already used this beer before, but let me throw this parallel at you: Barry Bonds is the dominant force behind the franchise. When you think Giants, he is what you think of. Now, in the world of beer, when you think Hef, you think lemon, which is usually added to the glass. Both Bonds and lemon are extremely sour, and most find them to be way to bitter to enjoy. Furthermore, the “additive” of lemon to the glass could be the HGH of the beer world; purists shake their heads, but the casual fan shrugs and is fine with it.
ROCKIES: Foster’s. Beer that had a lot of fan fare in the past, but eventually fizzled out faster than Paul Hogan’s career. The weird thing about Foster’s is that it is actually not very popular in Australia—but the marketing campaign builds it up to be more than what it is. In Colorado, they certainly support the Rocks, but it pales in comparison to most of the other teams (especially the Broncos). Attendance has fallen into the middle of the pack (13th last year), much the way finding Fosters on tap is not a given even at a large bar. Some consider the high altitude gimmicky (Australian for humidor), but it has recently become a bit more mainstream.
PADRES: Arrogant Bastard Ale. A local nod to a SD-based brew that is very dark and bitter—much the way Padre fans feel at the moment. The beer is actually pretty good, and cascades nicely in a pint glass, which makes it a cool thing to watch. But because it is so strong and so thick, you have to be a beer fan to really enjoy it. As for the Pads, they also look nice and inviting on the outside (Petco is gorgeous), but when you get down to it, they are not really all that entertaining. They don’t really hit home runs, they don’t have flashy players, and the long-time face of the franchise, closer Trevor Hoffman, is now in Milwaukee—no more hell’s bells. No wonder San Diegans have a bitter beer face the past year or so…
DIAMONDBACKS: Black and tan. What better comparison for a team that is as unpredictable night in night out than a beer that can change from sip to sip?
The Diamondbacks as a team are all up and coming players, but are extremely inconsistent. They can hit home runs in bunches, and then strikeout faster than a before-guy on the pick-up artist. As for a proper black and tan (preferably bass and Guinness), it starts out one way, and then somewhere along the line turns into something completely different.
Here we go...
NL WEST
DODGERS: Bud Light. Very well-known selection. Supporters like the beer, but don’t really love it, much the way most Dodger fans would fall under the heading of fair-weather. Drinkers don’t always need to finish the beer to appreciate it—the alcoholic equivalent of leaving in the 7th inning to beat traffic. Both get “big-market” level attention, but actual quality of taste/performance usually ends before it gets anywhere substantive. The Dodgers have no shortage of national attention, but before last year, they had won exactly one post season game since 1988.
GIANTS: Filtered Hefeweizen. Ok, I know I already used this beer before, but let me throw this parallel at you: Barry Bonds is the dominant force behind the franchise. When you think Giants, he is what you think of. Now, in the world of beer, when you think Hef, you think lemon, which is usually added to the glass. Both Bonds and lemon are extremely sour, and most find them to be way to bitter to enjoy. Furthermore, the “additive” of lemon to the glass could be the HGH of the beer world; purists shake their heads, but the casual fan shrugs and is fine with it.
ROCKIES: Foster’s. Beer that had a lot of fan fare in the past, but eventually fizzled out faster than Paul Hogan’s career. The weird thing about Foster’s is that it is actually not very popular in Australia—but the marketing campaign builds it up to be more than what it is. In Colorado, they certainly support the Rocks, but it pales in comparison to most of the other teams (especially the Broncos). Attendance has fallen into the middle of the pack (13th last year), much the way finding Fosters on tap is not a given even at a large bar. Some consider the high altitude gimmicky (Australian for humidor), but it has recently become a bit more mainstream.
PADRES: Arrogant Bastard Ale. A local nod to a SD-based brew that is very dark and bitter—much the way Padre fans feel at the moment. The beer is actually pretty good, and cascades nicely in a pint glass, which makes it a cool thing to watch. But because it is so strong and so thick, you have to be a beer fan to really enjoy it. As for the Pads, they also look nice and inviting on the outside (Petco is gorgeous), but when you get down to it, they are not really all that entertaining. They don’t really hit home runs, they don’t have flashy players, and the long-time face of the franchise, closer Trevor Hoffman, is now in Milwaukee—no more hell’s bells. No wonder San Diegans have a bitter beer face the past year or so…
DIAMONDBACKS: Black and tan. What better comparison for a team that is as unpredictable night in night out than a beer that can change from sip to sip?
The Diamondbacks as a team are all up and coming players, but are extremely inconsistent. They can hit home runs in bunches, and then strikeout faster than a before-guy on the pick-up artist. As for a proper black and tan (preferably bass and Guinness), it starts out one way, and then somewhere along the line turns into something completely different.
Laker Fans: Calm the F down!
Good God, Laker fans.
Lakers stink. Andrew Bynum is overrated, Lamar Odom is bi-polar like a magnet, and Kobe is a jerk. And Pau Gasol screams like a yeti every time he puts up a shot in traffic. But you know what? That's fine. Lakers are probably going to do just fine.
What drives me batty are Laker fans. I get being passionate, and following your team closely--trust me, I have my teams that I live and die with. No, the problem with Laker fans is that they complain ALL THE TIME. If the team wins, Kobe took too many shots, or Lamar Odom didn't try hard enough in the second half. If they lose, god help us all. People walk around like their dog just got mauled by a mountain lion. (This happens in the regular season, by the way, just as often as it does in the playoffs. The complaints, not the maulings).
Laker fans seem incredulous that the team is capable of losing a game in the playoffs. But it happens. Does this mean that the Lakers will lose a best of 7 series? No. Most likely, they will still beat the Rockets--even if they lose game two. But god forbid that happen--Laker fans will cry and complain how things are so terrible.
Listen up: your franchise has had an incredible amount of success and good fortune over the past 3 decades. So if on occasion the team doesn't live up to the hype, deal with it. Try pulling for the Warriors some time, then come crying about a game 1 loss in the friggin second round.
Lakers stink. Andrew Bynum is overrated, Lamar Odom is bi-polar like a magnet, and Kobe is a jerk. And Pau Gasol screams like a yeti every time he puts up a shot in traffic. But you know what? That's fine. Lakers are probably going to do just fine.
What drives me batty are Laker fans. I get being passionate, and following your team closely--trust me, I have my teams that I live and die with. No, the problem with Laker fans is that they complain ALL THE TIME. If the team wins, Kobe took too many shots, or Lamar Odom didn't try hard enough in the second half. If they lose, god help us all. People walk around like their dog just got mauled by a mountain lion. (This happens in the regular season, by the way, just as often as it does in the playoffs. The complaints, not the maulings).
Laker fans seem incredulous that the team is capable of losing a game in the playoffs. But it happens. Does this mean that the Lakers will lose a best of 7 series? No. Most likely, they will still beat the Rockets--even if they lose game two. But god forbid that happen--Laker fans will cry and complain how things are so terrible.
Listen up: your franchise has had an incredible amount of success and good fortune over the past 3 decades. So if on occasion the team doesn't live up to the hype, deal with it. Try pulling for the Warriors some time, then come crying about a game 1 loss in the friggin second round.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Is King James your MVP?
So LeBron James has been named the MVP for this season, eh? While its tough to argue against the best player on the best team getting the award for what is essentially the best player, the media missed out on an opportunity to crown the true most VALUABLE player from this season: Dwyane Wade.
Wade averaged 30 points, 7.5 assists and 5 rebounds per game (while shooting a higher FG% than Bron), but the argument for D-Wade goes beyond the scope of basic statistics. Take a step back and look at what Wade and LeBron accomplished this season.
Wade- took a team that was embarrassingly bad and pulled them into the playoffs as a 5 seed, despite a trade at the all-star break that took away his best teammate and forced him to adjust his style of play. His teammates can't carry his jock (which according to his ex-wife, may not be such a bad thing) but that also means they can't lift him up on an off night.
LeBron- Led the Cavs to the best overall record in the NBA, including 39-1 at home (not counting the last game when they rested James and 3 other starters). He had help with capable outside shooters (Delonte West and Mo Williams), as well as an inside presence that while by no means dominant, was at least respectable.
Now granted, the Cavs won 23 more games than the Heat did this year, but ask this hypothetical: how many would each have won without their stars? Take LeBron off the Cavs (say he got hurt the first minute of the first game) and you still have a three legged dog. Maybe not the most agile creature, but still a lovable family pet that you keep around. With the surrounding talent, they could still manage to win 45 games—consider the Hawks, who won 47, as the barometer.
But the Heat without D-Wade? Yikes. Old Yeller territory. The NBA comparison leans towards Washington— and that is giving a fair amount of credit to a team that doesn’t have anyone like Antawn Jamison or maybe even Caron Butler… DC won just 19 games.
So you’re looking at LeBron being worth about 20 wins for the Cavs, while Wade is worth about 25 for the Heat. Isn’t that more value? And I hate to take anything away from James, because he is legitimately fantastic. But Wade's accomplishments simply make him more valuable to Miami than James' do to Cleveland.
As for Kobe-- great player, and probably the best clutch scorer in the league. But the Lakers have the most depth of any team left in the playoffs, and the best talent in LA since Jenna Jameson retired. So the old arguments that worked for Kobe fans in the past no longer hold water. Talented player, but #3 on the ballot.
Wade averaged 30 points, 7.5 assists and 5 rebounds per game (while shooting a higher FG% than Bron), but the argument for D-Wade goes beyond the scope of basic statistics. Take a step back and look at what Wade and LeBron accomplished this season.
Wade- took a team that was embarrassingly bad and pulled them into the playoffs as a 5 seed, despite a trade at the all-star break that took away his best teammate and forced him to adjust his style of play. His teammates can't carry his jock (which according to his ex-wife, may not be such a bad thing) but that also means they can't lift him up on an off night.
LeBron- Led the Cavs to the best overall record in the NBA, including 39-1 at home (not counting the last game when they rested James and 3 other starters). He had help with capable outside shooters (Delonte West and Mo Williams), as well as an inside presence that while by no means dominant, was at least respectable.
Now granted, the Cavs won 23 more games than the Heat did this year, but ask this hypothetical: how many would each have won without their stars? Take LeBron off the Cavs (say he got hurt the first minute of the first game) and you still have a three legged dog. Maybe not the most agile creature, but still a lovable family pet that you keep around. With the surrounding talent, they could still manage to win 45 games—consider the Hawks, who won 47, as the barometer.
But the Heat without D-Wade? Yikes. Old Yeller territory. The NBA comparison leans towards Washington— and that is giving a fair amount of credit to a team that doesn’t have anyone like Antawn Jamison or maybe even Caron Butler… DC won just 19 games.
So you’re looking at LeBron being worth about 20 wins for the Cavs, while Wade is worth about 25 for the Heat. Isn’t that more value? And I hate to take anything away from James, because he is legitimately fantastic. But Wade's accomplishments simply make him more valuable to Miami than James' do to Cleveland.
As for Kobe-- great player, and probably the best clutch scorer in the league. But the Lakers have the most depth of any team left in the playoffs, and the best talent in LA since Jenna Jameson retired. So the old arguments that worked for Kobe fans in the past no longer hold water. Talented player, but #3 on the ballot.
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (NL Central)
Ok, so if you are growing tired of this, I promise we'll have some NBA stuff up later today. But in the meantime, here is part five of the team-beer pairings...
NL CENTRAL
CUBS: Old Style. What else? Not nearly as good as its/their fans would have you believe, but tradition makes it a popular choice. Team hasn't won a title in over 100 years-- have to believe its been at least that long since Old Style won any taste contests...
CARDINALS: Stella. Uber popular, both among people that know beer and the casual fan. Very common default selection—most fans don’t know why they are a fan per se, but if the beer is on tap (or the game on in HD), they’ll stick and stay.
BREWERS: Coors Light. Overall not that good, but on occasion can come through. On a hot day, refreshing (because it tastes like water). Come bar time, though, won’t stand up to the pressure, and will fizzle. Essentially can’t come through in the clutch, when you need a “go-to” beer.
ASTROS: Malt liquor. Fitting, considering the team used to called the Houston Colt 45s. Powerful, no doubt, but not many order this in public. Much like the 1980s jerseys, best covered up by a brown paper bag.
REDS: Cider. Had a nice run at the beginning, but purists roll their eyes at this one (Great American Ballpark is ridiculous). Neither can be taken too seriously-- Dusty Baker is the Pear Cider of managers: seems like a good idea at the time, but you’ll be snake-bitten before too long.
PIRATES: Zima. Laughably bad since 1993. Here’s a tidbit for you: the Buccos haven’t had a winning season since the year Zima was introduced. Coincidence? I think not!
NL CENTRAL
CUBS: Old Style. What else? Not nearly as good as its/their fans would have you believe, but tradition makes it a popular choice. Team hasn't won a title in over 100 years-- have to believe its been at least that long since Old Style won any taste contests...
CARDINALS: Stella. Uber popular, both among people that know beer and the casual fan. Very common default selection—most fans don’t know why they are a fan per se, but if the beer is on tap (or the game on in HD), they’ll stick and stay.
BREWERS: Coors Light. Overall not that good, but on occasion can come through. On a hot day, refreshing (because it tastes like water). Come bar time, though, won’t stand up to the pressure, and will fizzle. Essentially can’t come through in the clutch, when you need a “go-to” beer.
ASTROS: Malt liquor. Fitting, considering the team used to called the Houston Colt 45s. Powerful, no doubt, but not many order this in public. Much like the 1980s jerseys, best covered up by a brown paper bag.
REDS: Cider. Had a nice run at the beginning, but purists roll their eyes at this one (Great American Ballpark is ridiculous). Neither can be taken too seriously-- Dusty Baker is the Pear Cider of managers: seems like a good idea at the time, but you’ll be snake-bitten before too long.
PIRATES: Zima. Laughably bad since 1993. Here’s a tidbit for you: the Buccos haven’t had a winning season since the year Zima was introduced. Coincidence? I think not!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (NL East)
As promised, we kick off the month of May with the National League side of things...
Remember, if you like what you read, be sure to sign up and follow along with the blog. If nothing else, it gives both of us a mild self-esteem boost. You get to join a kinda-exclusive club, while I get to pretend I have friends. Win-win!
On to the MLB beer pairings.
NL EAST
PHILLIES: Newcastle. Has a very loyal following, but that can polarize other fans because it makes a strong impression. The passionate fan base will stick with the beer through thick and thin (even out of a can, if necessary).
METS: Amstel Light. Certainly a popular choice, but you have to be careful what this beer says about you. The main 3 light beers (B-, C- and Miller Lite) are defensible as they are usually consumed in mass quantities. But how many times have you gotten hammered on Amstel, let alone even ordered more than one pitcher? Can’t completely hammer the beer, though, because it is a quality product. But perhaps the closest similarity is the performance over the course of a night: fantastic way to start, but Amstel doesn’t have much of a finish to it—kind of like NY’s last two Septembers…
MARLINS: Sam Adams. Casual fans seldom appreciate the beer (at least the Boston Lager), which has a lot of hops. But if you appreciate the nuances in play, Sam Adams does a lot of the little things right.; the alcoholic equivalent of going first to third. Also worth mentioning—comes up big in October (Octoberfest= their best seasonal).
BRAVES: Corona. A beer that most locals (i.e.- Mexicans) actually do not like. The beer is very popular mainly because of marketing (TBS) and the pairing of lime, which adds flavor to an otherwise bland product.
NATIONALS: Bud Light-Lime. Can’t think of any serious fan that would actually consider this product. An spin-off that falls flatter that “Joey”. Also considered Natty Light, because you know they’re bad, and they know they’re bad, but it seemed a little on the nose.
Remember, if you like what you read, be sure to sign up and follow along with the blog. If nothing else, it gives both of us a mild self-esteem boost. You get to join a kinda-exclusive club, while I get to pretend I have friends. Win-win!
On to the MLB beer pairings.
NL EAST
PHILLIES: Newcastle. Has a very loyal following, but that can polarize other fans because it makes a strong impression. The passionate fan base will stick with the beer through thick and thin (even out of a can, if necessary).
METS: Amstel Light. Certainly a popular choice, but you have to be careful what this beer says about you. The main 3 light beers (B-, C- and Miller Lite) are defensible as they are usually consumed in mass quantities. But how many times have you gotten hammered on Amstel, let alone even ordered more than one pitcher? Can’t completely hammer the beer, though, because it is a quality product. But perhaps the closest similarity is the performance over the course of a night: fantastic way to start, but Amstel doesn’t have much of a finish to it—kind of like NY’s last two Septembers…
MARLINS: Sam Adams. Casual fans seldom appreciate the beer (at least the Boston Lager), which has a lot of hops. But if you appreciate the nuances in play, Sam Adams does a lot of the little things right.; the alcoholic equivalent of going first to third. Also worth mentioning—comes up big in October (Octoberfest= their best seasonal).
BRAVES: Corona. A beer that most locals (i.e.- Mexicans) actually do not like. The beer is very popular mainly because of marketing (TBS) and the pairing of lime, which adds flavor to an otherwise bland product.
NATIONALS: Bud Light-Lime. Can’t think of any serious fan that would actually consider this product. An spin-off that falls flatter that “Joey”. Also considered Natty Light, because you know they’re bad, and they know they’re bad, but it seemed a little on the nose.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (AL West)
Let's go ahead and polish off the AL. NL soon to follow...
AL West
ANGELS: Anchor Steam. A local favorite, but doesn’t have much mass appeal. A lot of beer novices don’t know much about it, or even where it is brewed/played. Supporters will stick with Anchor Steam in a bottle over other beers on tap.
ATHLETICS: Fat Tire. Started off as the underground choice of locals only, then exploded to become overrated (in this case, because of Moneyball). Overhyped for what it is—good, solid beer, but the output doesn’t match the hype.
MARINERS: Kirin. Very popular under specific circumstances, both the team and beer known to be paired with sushi. Pretty solid beer, but is largely an afterthought unless paired with sake (or Ken Griffey Jr).
RANGERS: Pete’s Wicked Ale. A forgotten beer for a team that almost always goes under the radar. Both had a brief run of success in the mid-90s, but have since fallen on hard times—the Rangers haven’t had a winning season this decade , while the Brew is usually in the clearance aisle.
AL West
ANGELS: Anchor Steam. A local favorite, but doesn’t have much mass appeal. A lot of beer novices don’t know much about it, or even where it is brewed/played. Supporters will stick with Anchor Steam in a bottle over other beers on tap.
ATHLETICS: Fat Tire. Started off as the underground choice of locals only, then exploded to become overrated (in this case, because of Moneyball). Overhyped for what it is—good, solid beer, but the output doesn’t match the hype.
MARINERS: Kirin. Very popular under specific circumstances, both the team and beer known to be paired with sushi. Pretty solid beer, but is largely an afterthought unless paired with sake (or Ken Griffey Jr).
RANGERS: Pete’s Wicked Ale. A forgotten beer for a team that almost always goes under the radar. Both had a brief run of success in the mid-90s, but have since fallen on hard times—the Rangers haven’t had a winning season this decade , while the Brew is usually in the clearance aisle.
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (AL Central)
Back with more...
WHITE SOX: Bass. A decent choice, but is almost always overlooked by similar, more popular beers/cross town rivals. Seldom picked as a first choice, but a lot of people go with this moreso because they don’t like other options- a good “contrarian” option.
TWINS: Budweiser. Sturdy, dependable. Not flashy, but you know what you’re getting. Ultimate blue collar beer: middle class beer for a middle-class team. People will mock, but tastes/plays better than you think.
TIGERS: Hefeweizen. Another “by default” type-selection, because it is usually good, but seldom great. A beer that needs fruit is like a team that needs the DH—the closest you’ll see to a “performance enhancer” (maybe that was what was on Kenny Rogers' hand in the World Series--lemon zest).
INDIANS: Duff’s. The choice of underachievers. The team is known for ineptitude better than perhaps any other franchise- the Moe Syzlak of MLB. Both have well-known pitchmen, but unlike Chief Wahoo, Duff Man is awesome. Oh, Yeah!
ROYALS: PBR. Kicked around and looked down upon, but nonetheless, a “salt-of-the-earth” type of beer. The locals support KC, and you go to any dive bar, you’ll find PBR, usually on tap.
WHITE SOX: Bass. A decent choice, but is almost always overlooked by similar, more popular beers/cross town rivals. Seldom picked as a first choice, but a lot of people go with this moreso because they don’t like other options- a good “contrarian” option.
TWINS: Budweiser. Sturdy, dependable. Not flashy, but you know what you’re getting. Ultimate blue collar beer: middle class beer for a middle-class team. People will mock, but tastes/plays better than you think.
TIGERS: Hefeweizen. Another “by default” type-selection, because it is usually good, but seldom great. A beer that needs fruit is like a team that needs the DH—the closest you’ll see to a “performance enhancer” (maybe that was what was on Kenny Rogers' hand in the World Series--lemon zest).
INDIANS: Duff’s. The choice of underachievers. The team is known for ineptitude better than perhaps any other franchise- the Moe Syzlak of MLB. Both have well-known pitchmen, but unlike Chief Wahoo, Duff Man is awesome. Oh, Yeah!
ROYALS: PBR. Kicked around and looked down upon, but nonetheless, a “salt-of-the-earth” type of beer. The locals support KC, and you go to any dive bar, you’ll find PBR, usually on tap.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Support Your Team-- Drink This Beer (AL East)
So as I alluded to in the previous post, often times certain teams remind you of certain beers. It can be the taste of the beer, the class of the beer, or just the qualities of the people that drink the beer. Regardless, let's break this down into divisions. We begin with the American League East.
RED SOX: Heineken. Certainly very popular, and very common. But how many times do you actually want to order a Heineken? Furthermore, the people that drink those beers tend to be obnoxious-- not loud, but a little too smug. But the sheer number of fans pushes the popularity to the top.
YANKEES: Guinness. Thinks they are god's gift to beer, and thumb their noses at any one else. Yanks have a monstrous payroll, and Guinness barely ever goes on sale at Ralph's. Furthermore, the first one may taste fine, but by the third Guinness, you just want it to go away...
RAYS: Michelob. Not appreciated very much, but nonetheless a quality product. Not a lot of fan fare behind it, but every once and a while you get a pitcher and wonder why you don’t drink it more often.
BLUE JAYS: Carlsberg. Good enough to be worth more consideration, but overlooked by other beers/teams from the same area. Arguably one of the best beer/teams you've never seen.
ORIOLES: Coors. The beer is seemingly doomed to failure, and won’t get ordered very often. Big name, and a lot of money behind it, but no matter how the beer gets marketed or who the team signs, it never seems to measure up.
RED SOX: Heineken. Certainly very popular, and very common. But how many times do you actually want to order a Heineken? Furthermore, the people that drink those beers tend to be obnoxious-- not loud, but a little too smug. But the sheer number of fans pushes the popularity to the top.
YANKEES: Guinness. Thinks they are god's gift to beer, and thumb their noses at any one else. Yanks have a monstrous payroll, and Guinness barely ever goes on sale at Ralph's. Furthermore, the first one may taste fine, but by the third Guinness, you just want it to go away...
RAYS: Michelob. Not appreciated very much, but nonetheless a quality product. Not a lot of fan fare behind it, but every once and a while you get a pitcher and wonder why you don’t drink it more often.
BLUE JAYS: Carlsberg. Good enough to be worth more consideration, but overlooked by other beers/teams from the same area. Arguably one of the best beer/teams you've never seen.
ORIOLES: Coors. The beer is seemingly doomed to failure, and won’t get ordered very often. Big name, and a lot of money behind it, but no matter how the beer gets marketed or who the team signs, it never seems to measure up.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Closing Time
San Jose, the line forms to the right for your commemorative T-shirts... thanks for coming out for the playoffs.
I know the attention span for hockey is about the length of a slap shot, but it is unreal how often the Sharks get bounced early. This year, they won the President's Cup (most regular season points)... and still lost in 6 games. If you're looking for a good game to watch, by the way--keep an eye on Devils/Canes game 7 Tuesday night; should be a good one.
Speaking of teams d-u-n done, the Utah Jazz can pull up a chair for the rest of the playoffs. They made a late push, but forgot how to make a lay-up in the last 3 minutes, while the Lakers had enough there to finish the job--especially with Lamar Odom coming to play.
LA isn't unbeatable in the west, but the only team that can bring them down are the Lakers themselves...
As for the East--Celts/Bulls go again Tuesday. In the words of Maximus Decimus Meridius, Are you not entertained? Certainly hope Ben Gordon is healthy, although given the Celts' health woes, I wouldn't expect much sympathy from them if he's a scratch...
Baseball- Red Sox have now won 11 straight games. But it wasn't until Monday night that they pulled even with Toronto. April may be just one month (yes, I know, firm graps of the obvious-- I used both hands) but so far its the only month (see?). You have the Jays at 14-7, KC over 500 (10-9), Seattle atop the AL West, with the Angels in the cellar, (albeit with extenuating circumstances). Hell, even the Pirates are 3 games over 500! Of course, so things are going according to form-- the Nationals are 4-14. Now that's more like it.
The Nationals are the Natty Lite of MLB-- you know they're bad, they know they're bad. But when you want to get the job done quickly and cheaply, there you have it. Matter of fact, I started to get on a role with team/beer analogies-- I'll roll those out tomorrow (needs time to "ferment" if you will)
As always, your suggestions/feedback are appreciated. If the email link isn't working, hit me up at ddenicke23@hotmail.com
Thanks for wasting time with me...
I know the attention span for hockey is about the length of a slap shot, but it is unreal how often the Sharks get bounced early. This year, they won the President's Cup (most regular season points)... and still lost in 6 games. If you're looking for a good game to watch, by the way--keep an eye on Devils/Canes game 7 Tuesday night; should be a good one.
Speaking of teams d-u-n done, the Utah Jazz can pull up a chair for the rest of the playoffs. They made a late push, but forgot how to make a lay-up in the last 3 minutes, while the Lakers had enough there to finish the job--especially with Lamar Odom coming to play.
LA isn't unbeatable in the west, but the only team that can bring them down are the Lakers themselves...
As for the East--Celts/Bulls go again Tuesday. In the words of Maximus Decimus Meridius, Are you not entertained? Certainly hope Ben Gordon is healthy, although given the Celts' health woes, I wouldn't expect much sympathy from them if he's a scratch...
Baseball- Red Sox have now won 11 straight games. But it wasn't until Monday night that they pulled even with Toronto. April may be just one month (yes, I know, firm graps of the obvious-- I used both hands) but so far its the only month (see?). You have the Jays at 14-7, KC over 500 (10-9), Seattle atop the AL West, with the Angels in the cellar, (albeit with extenuating circumstances). Hell, even the Pirates are 3 games over 500! Of course, so things are going according to form-- the Nationals are 4-14. Now that's more like it.
The Nationals are the Natty Lite of MLB-- you know they're bad, they know they're bad. But when you want to get the job done quickly and cheaply, there you have it. Matter of fact, I started to get on a role with team/beer analogies-- I'll roll those out tomorrow (needs time to "ferment" if you will)
As always, your suggestions/feedback are appreciated. If the email link isn't working, hit me up at ddenicke23@hotmail.com
Thanks for wasting time with me...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Disappointment...
So a few things strike me as a shame at the moment. First of all, buck fitty is no more in Westwood. Any UCLA grad can tell you that was one of the best cheap food spots in all of LA. Tasty sandwiches for all of 90 cents. Granted, they raised prices over time (I believe they were roughly three buck fitty as of last year), but still-- a sad day in Westwood.
Also disappointing is a realization that you are getting old. Went out for a few drinks last night, and woke up a little slower than I used to. Its one thing when you get hammered and pass out--quite another when you drink just enough to keep a steady buzz, only to wake up in a fog the following morning. I would like to blame the malaise on the well vodka I was drinking-- the step up to a mid-level Absolut-ish brand cannot be underestimated, and is usually worth the extra cost-- but the plain and simple fact is that I am older than I used to be.
As for disappointments related to sports, my fantasy team is a disaster, but let me tip off people to a fact that should seem obvious, but for some reason is not: no one else cares about your fantasy team. People don't care who you "stole" in the 7th round of your keeper league, or about your misfortune of bidding on a star who turns around and gets hurt. Unless you are talking to someone in your league or is a huge nerd about these things (such as myself), stay away from fantasy talk.
NFL Draft quick take-- love the Crabtree pick to SF, no idea what the Raiders were thinking about Heyward-Bey, who has bust written all over him (no offense). Not sure why ESPN feels the need to list 6 kickers on their "best available" coverage. Really? Couldn't you save that for the 2nd day? I don't mean to speak out of turn, but if 6 NFL teams feel the need to draft a kicker in the first two rounds, perhaps its time to re-evaluate things. Then again, its 70 degrees outside, sunny, and I am sitting on the couch, eating junk food, watching coverage of a non-sporting event for way too long. So maybe I should re-evaluate things a touch...
Also disappointing is a realization that you are getting old. Went out for a few drinks last night, and woke up a little slower than I used to. Its one thing when you get hammered and pass out--quite another when you drink just enough to keep a steady buzz, only to wake up in a fog the following morning. I would like to blame the malaise on the well vodka I was drinking-- the step up to a mid-level Absolut-ish brand cannot be underestimated, and is usually worth the extra cost-- but the plain and simple fact is that I am older than I used to be.
As for disappointments related to sports, my fantasy team is a disaster, but let me tip off people to a fact that should seem obvious, but for some reason is not: no one else cares about your fantasy team. People don't care who you "stole" in the 7th round of your keeper league, or about your misfortune of bidding on a star who turns around and gets hurt. Unless you are talking to someone in your league or is a huge nerd about these things (such as myself), stay away from fantasy talk.
NFL Draft quick take-- love the Crabtree pick to SF, no idea what the Raiders were thinking about Heyward-Bey, who has bust written all over him (no offense). Not sure why ESPN feels the need to list 6 kickers on their "best available" coverage. Really? Couldn't you save that for the 2nd day? I don't mean to speak out of turn, but if 6 NFL teams feel the need to draft a kicker in the first two rounds, perhaps its time to re-evaluate things. Then again, its 70 degrees outside, sunny, and I am sitting on the couch, eating junk food, watching coverage of a non-sporting event for way too long. So maybe I should re-evaluate things a touch...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Great commercial
The Heineken commercial was outstanding on its own, but this too is pretty funny stuff...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4S3X6ZoE8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4S3X6ZoE8w
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday Night Playoff Notes
Stephon Marbury looks completely different with the Celtics. When he is on the floor, he is chasing down loose balls, pushing the tempo on offense, but looking to pass first. Granted, its easier to make a good impression when your team is up double-digits, but nonetheles— Starbury not at all the black hole he was with New York.
Boston closed out the first half on 21-6 run, up 59-37 at the half. Not even the “Loveabull” cheerleaders have much to work with here.
Just a shame every series feels so disjointed. It’s the playoffs—why can’t these guys play back-to-back nights? I’m not saying 7 games in 7 days, but to wait 2-3 days to play again in the same city in some cases… there are so many series in the opening round, its hard to focus on all the match-ups.
Good god, San Antonio—remember when the Spurs were good? This team aged like a child actor; one second, all is well, at the top of their game. The next, they are strung out in rehab, relying on George Hill and Roger Mason to win games. 40 points through 3 quarters? That is not good. If I told you this game would be a 30 point blowout through 3 quarters, and offered you 1,000 dollars to pick a side, wouldn’t you go with the Spurs? A truly shocking result.
18 minutes and 50 seconds. That’s how long it took Kobe Bryant to score. But give the Lakers credit—their defense made it tough on Utah, whose shot selection in the second quarter left a lot to be desired.
How about Andrei Kirilenko early on? Kind of like a See’s box of chocolate sampler—little bit of everything, mostly good. Not enough to completely satisfy a particular craving- and zero rebounds has to be the equivalent of the strawberry nougat that takes three more chocolates just to get the taste off your tongue. But still enough good stuff to keep you reaching back for more.
The Lakers exploded in the third quarter—29-9 run? Wow. On a night when Kobe Bryant was that bad—5-24 shooting!—that was incredible that the Lakers could have a 13 point lead in the second half. But in the end, Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams were too good, especially Boozer, with a 23 pt, 22 reb performance, including an emphatic dunk over Pau Gasol in the last 30 seconds of the game.
Two terrible games early, but a thriller in the nightcap.
Boston closed out the first half on 21-6 run, up 59-37 at the half. Not even the “Loveabull” cheerleaders have much to work with here.
Just a shame every series feels so disjointed. It’s the playoffs—why can’t these guys play back-to-back nights? I’m not saying 7 games in 7 days, but to wait 2-3 days to play again in the same city in some cases… there are so many series in the opening round, its hard to focus on all the match-ups.
Good god, San Antonio—remember when the Spurs were good? This team aged like a child actor; one second, all is well, at the top of their game. The next, they are strung out in rehab, relying on George Hill and Roger Mason to win games. 40 points through 3 quarters? That is not good. If I told you this game would be a 30 point blowout through 3 quarters, and offered you 1,000 dollars to pick a side, wouldn’t you go with the Spurs? A truly shocking result.
18 minutes and 50 seconds. That’s how long it took Kobe Bryant to score. But give the Lakers credit—their defense made it tough on Utah, whose shot selection in the second quarter left a lot to be desired.
How about Andrei Kirilenko early on? Kind of like a See’s box of chocolate sampler—little bit of everything, mostly good. Not enough to completely satisfy a particular craving- and zero rebounds has to be the equivalent of the strawberry nougat that takes three more chocolates just to get the taste off your tongue. But still enough good stuff to keep you reaching back for more.
The Lakers exploded in the third quarter—29-9 run? Wow. On a night when Kobe Bryant was that bad—5-24 shooting!—that was incredible that the Lakers could have a 13 point lead in the second half. But in the end, Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams were too good, especially Boozer, with a 23 pt, 22 reb performance, including an emphatic dunk over Pau Gasol in the last 30 seconds of the game.
Two terrible games early, but a thriller in the nightcap.
NFL Draft Musings
So the draft weekend is nearly upon us. Already, teams are making panic trades to beef up their pick supply--Kansas City traded away perhaps the best tight end ever to play the game, Tony Gonzalez, for a 2nd round pick in 2010, one that would probably be around the 50th overall selection. Gonzalez is no spring chicken, mind you, but to trade away a proven commodity for a late 2nd round pick is dicey at best. Teams tend to overvalue potential (untapped or otherwise, of course), and fall in love with the possibilities of things going right. This trade is the equivalent of trading in a BMW with 100,000 miles on it for a salvage title Mustang with 15,000 miles on it. Sure, if the car runs well, then you have a decent swap. But you are giving away proven performance in exchange for optimism.
I'm not saying teams shouldn't try to stock pile picks--that's generally how you improve in the league. I just think teams put too much weight on draft selections over veterans...
Speaking of which, here's yet another mock draft for the first ten picks. Why only ten? Because the 49ers have the tenth pick, so after that, who cares...
1. Detroit Lions; Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. QBs are seldom considered the safe pick, and especially for a team whose last 1st round QB selected was Joey Harrington. But if the Lions take the long view here, they will realize that since they aren't really going anywhere next year, Daunte Culpepper can start, while Stafford learns the offense, maybe taking over around mid-season, to relieve the pressure on him. But just like when you need to give QBs weapons, you need to give WR Calvin Johnson a QB that can let him make plays. They can address the myriad of other needs later.
2. St. Louis Rams; Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. The Rams' offensive line was one of their strengths when the greatest show on turf was in its prime. But without future hall of famer Orlando Pace, and in a group decimated by injuries, they need help big time. Steven Jackson can't run if the line doesn't open holes for him. Getting Smith will help not only protect the 25 QBs the Rams have on their roster, but will also help balance the offense.
3. Kansas City Chiefs; Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs last season were next to last in total defense. They need playmakers, espeically with no Jared Allen. Ideally, they could use a defensive end to put pressure on the QB (they were dead last with just 10 sacks as a team last year), but Curry is the next best thing--an outside LB with the speed to get to the QB.
4. Seattle Seahawks; Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. This is where the draft gets interesting. Seattle was 28th in the league in total offense in 2008. Obviously, a big part of that was the health of Matt Hasselback. The team added TJ Houshmanzadeh, so WR is not a pressing need. But while it is tempting to drop down and take Mark Sanchez around, say, 7th or 8th, if they snag Crabtree here and team him with the Housh, they instantly have a great WR tandem. The other sensible pick would be OT Eugene Monroe, but since Walter Jones is still there, they can wait a little longer for that position. They'll need to get a QB later, though (assuming they don't trade down).
5. Cleveland Browns; Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas. Its no secret the Browns need help defensively. They were next to last in sacks, with just 17. So they go for the 2nd-best defensive playmaker, in Brian Orakpo. Team him with Kameron Wimbley and Shaun Rogers, and that should help the Browns control the line of scrimmage, much like Eric Mangini's old team, the Jets, did for him.
6. Cincinnati Bengals; Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. Monroe gets the nod over Andre Smith because he is the safer pick. Cincy can't afford to have Carson Palmer go down with injury again, so they take a guy who can protect the blind side, and maybe even open a running lane or two for Cedric Benson, who came on late in the year.
7. Oakland Raiders; Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. I had Andre Smith pegged here, and I think he is the better choice over Maclin, based on the depth of the WR class this year. But when you finish dead last in passing, and you have your franchise QB poised to make a huge improvement (can't get much worse, in theory), you have to get him a legitimate #1 target.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars; Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. The Jags would have loved to get Maclin to team up with alongside Jimmy Smith--and they might be good trading partners with Seattle here, who could in theory get either Andre Smith or Mark Sanchez if they choose to fall back, while Jax could snag Crabtree. But picking where they are, Jacksonville's offensive line was a mess last year, largely due to injuries. If everyone is back, and David Garrard can be the patient, proficient pocket passer that he was in 2007, this pick really solidifies the Jags.
9. Green Bay Packers; Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn St. The Packers' D was in the bottom third in most categories last year (including 25th in sacks), and they need someone to play opposite Aaron Kampman. Maybin is better served in a 3-4 defense, which makes him a good fit win the land of cheddar. BJ Raji would be too, in which case, expect the 49ers to swoop in and take Maybin.
10. SF 49ers; BJ Raji, DT, Boston College. As badly as the 49ers need to upgrade their offensive weapons, Raji is probably the only player available that could step in immediately and start in the 3-4 NT for SF. The 49ers could also think about Michael Jenkins here, the CB from Ohio State. That makes sense only if they move him to safety. They will likely target a WR in the 2nd round. This pick will tell you all you need to know about Mike Singletary's confidence in Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. If they pass on Mark Sanchez (assuming he is still on the board), then those two incumbents will be battling it out in the fall.
I'm not saying teams shouldn't try to stock pile picks--that's generally how you improve in the league. I just think teams put too much weight on draft selections over veterans...
Speaking of which, here's yet another mock draft for the first ten picks. Why only ten? Because the 49ers have the tenth pick, so after that, who cares...
1. Detroit Lions; Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. QBs are seldom considered the safe pick, and especially for a team whose last 1st round QB selected was Joey Harrington. But if the Lions take the long view here, they will realize that since they aren't really going anywhere next year, Daunte Culpepper can start, while Stafford learns the offense, maybe taking over around mid-season, to relieve the pressure on him. But just like when you need to give QBs weapons, you need to give WR Calvin Johnson a QB that can let him make plays. They can address the myriad of other needs later.
2. St. Louis Rams; Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. The Rams' offensive line was one of their strengths when the greatest show on turf was in its prime. But without future hall of famer Orlando Pace, and in a group decimated by injuries, they need help big time. Steven Jackson can't run if the line doesn't open holes for him. Getting Smith will help not only protect the 25 QBs the Rams have on their roster, but will also help balance the offense.
3. Kansas City Chiefs; Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs last season were next to last in total defense. They need playmakers, espeically with no Jared Allen. Ideally, they could use a defensive end to put pressure on the QB (they were dead last with just 10 sacks as a team last year), but Curry is the next best thing--an outside LB with the speed to get to the QB.
4. Seattle Seahawks; Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. This is where the draft gets interesting. Seattle was 28th in the league in total offense in 2008. Obviously, a big part of that was the health of Matt Hasselback. The team added TJ Houshmanzadeh, so WR is not a pressing need. But while it is tempting to drop down and take Mark Sanchez around, say, 7th or 8th, if they snag Crabtree here and team him with the Housh, they instantly have a great WR tandem. The other sensible pick would be OT Eugene Monroe, but since Walter Jones is still there, they can wait a little longer for that position. They'll need to get a QB later, though (assuming they don't trade down).
5. Cleveland Browns; Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas. Its no secret the Browns need help defensively. They were next to last in sacks, with just 17. So they go for the 2nd-best defensive playmaker, in Brian Orakpo. Team him with Kameron Wimbley and Shaun Rogers, and that should help the Browns control the line of scrimmage, much like Eric Mangini's old team, the Jets, did for him.
6. Cincinnati Bengals; Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. Monroe gets the nod over Andre Smith because he is the safer pick. Cincy can't afford to have Carson Palmer go down with injury again, so they take a guy who can protect the blind side, and maybe even open a running lane or two for Cedric Benson, who came on late in the year.
7. Oakland Raiders; Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. I had Andre Smith pegged here, and I think he is the better choice over Maclin, based on the depth of the WR class this year. But when you finish dead last in passing, and you have your franchise QB poised to make a huge improvement (can't get much worse, in theory), you have to get him a legitimate #1 target.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars; Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. The Jags would have loved to get Maclin to team up with alongside Jimmy Smith--and they might be good trading partners with Seattle here, who could in theory get either Andre Smith or Mark Sanchez if they choose to fall back, while Jax could snag Crabtree. But picking where they are, Jacksonville's offensive line was a mess last year, largely due to injuries. If everyone is back, and David Garrard can be the patient, proficient pocket passer that he was in 2007, this pick really solidifies the Jags.
9. Green Bay Packers; Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn St. The Packers' D was in the bottom third in most categories last year (including 25th in sacks), and they need someone to play opposite Aaron Kampman. Maybin is better served in a 3-4 defense, which makes him a good fit win the land of cheddar. BJ Raji would be too, in which case, expect the 49ers to swoop in and take Maybin.
10. SF 49ers; BJ Raji, DT, Boston College. As badly as the 49ers need to upgrade their offensive weapons, Raji is probably the only player available that could step in immediately and start in the 3-4 NT for SF. The 49ers could also think about Michael Jenkins here, the CB from Ohio State. That makes sense only if they move him to safety. They will likely target a WR in the 2nd round. This pick will tell you all you need to know about Mike Singletary's confidence in Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. If they pass on Mark Sanchez (assuming he is still on the board), then those two incumbents will be battling it out in the fall.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
NBA Draft Age Limit by the numbers
One and done is a common theme for college hoopsters. But now, players are bypassing college all together. Brandon Jennings graduated from high school and went to Europe for a year, and will likely be a first round pick in this year's draft. The latest: reports out of San Diego have a 17 year old, Jeremy Tyler, dropping out of high school to go play across the pond for two years, presumably before coming back to the NBA once he is eligible. But the question remains: should the NBA change its draft eligibility requirements?
By my count, 44 players have jumped early to the pros--although only 4 are leaving after a year on campus. While not all have hired agents, most of them will stay in the draft. The key to the NBA draft is that only first round picks get a guaranteed contract. So there are 30 draftees that will get paid big bucks; the rest have to hope they can earn their meal ticket. So if you count 5 international players and 5 seniors getting drafted in the first round, over half the players that have jumped early will not get a first round golden ticket. So clearly, there are a lot of players that get drafted late, and wash out very quickly.
Name a school, and chances are there is a player that left too early. An extreme example is at Ohio State-- Thad Matta has seen 5 players jump ship after one season in Columbus in the past 3 years. Greg Oden, sure. But when was the last time you saw Kostas Koufas on the highlight reel? (Probably not in a long time, since "reels" don't technically exist any more. But you get the idea).
So now that we have a sense of the numbers, the question is, should the NBA change their rule? In the NFL, the limit is 3 years after graduating high school. But perhaps a better rule is what baseball has--players are draft-eligible out of high school, but if they choose to go to college, they have to stay there for three years.
If you apply this to basketball standards, yes there would be a lot of guys rolling straight into the NBA (or at least trying to). But at the same time, forcing NCAA-bound players to develop their game would be a good middle ground, allowing college basketball to become at least a little more polished, as the players would become closer to a finished product, given three years of development to one. This compromise allows players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and yes, even Ricky Rubio (the 18 year old Spanish PG) to dive right into the waters. But it could protect others like Kosta Koufos, William Avery and potentially Jeremy Tyler from leaving for presumed NBA riches too early.
It may not be a perfect solution, but no good compromise ever is.
By my count, 44 players have jumped early to the pros--although only 4 are leaving after a year on campus. While not all have hired agents, most of them will stay in the draft. The key to the NBA draft is that only first round picks get a guaranteed contract. So there are 30 draftees that will get paid big bucks; the rest have to hope they can earn their meal ticket. So if you count 5 international players and 5 seniors getting drafted in the first round, over half the players that have jumped early will not get a first round golden ticket. So clearly, there are a lot of players that get drafted late, and wash out very quickly.
Name a school, and chances are there is a player that left too early. An extreme example is at Ohio State-- Thad Matta has seen 5 players jump ship after one season in Columbus in the past 3 years. Greg Oden, sure. But when was the last time you saw Kostas Koufas on the highlight reel? (Probably not in a long time, since "reels" don't technically exist any more. But you get the idea).
So now that we have a sense of the numbers, the question is, should the NBA change their rule? In the NFL, the limit is 3 years after graduating high school. But perhaps a better rule is what baseball has--players are draft-eligible out of high school, but if they choose to go to college, they have to stay there for three years.
If you apply this to basketball standards, yes there would be a lot of guys rolling straight into the NBA (or at least trying to). But at the same time, forcing NCAA-bound players to develop their game would be a good middle ground, allowing college basketball to become at least a little more polished, as the players would become closer to a finished product, given three years of development to one. This compromise allows players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and yes, even Ricky Rubio (the 18 year old Spanish PG) to dive right into the waters. But it could protect others like Kosta Koufos, William Avery and potentially Jeremy Tyler from leaving for presumed NBA riches too early.
It may not be a perfect solution, but no good compromise ever is.
Random Wednesday Afternoon
One of the few joys of being unemployed is the ability to walk down to a bar on a random Wednesday afternoon and take in some sports. And while I got a late start, the menu was quite appetizing. Three games, all tied in the 7th or later. So here is a rough translation of what happened in the games, real time... (all times PT)
2:56
A's @ Yankees
A's fly out to deep center to end the top of the 14th inning. There is an A's fan at the bar, and he seems distraught that the ball did not leave the yard. Not sure what to tell him-- when you see the ball hit, watch the fielder's reaction--they will tell you if its going to be caught. The guy took two cavalier steps to his left and camped out-- not likely going over his head.
More importantly-- an A's fan? In LA? That is a rare find indeed--sort of like driving onto the 405 and see it empty, like in car commercials. I know its TV "trickery", but I always wonder how those cars can be driving on empty roads in broad daylight. Is there some sort of website or hot line to figure out when and where these road conditions are in play? Hook me up...
2:59
Padres @ Giants
Brian Wilson comes into a scoreless ninth, and promptly lets the leadoff guy on, albeit on a liner just past Edgar Renteria. But then Wilson settles down, and even gets a strikeout to end the inning. More impressively for the Giants in this game--Barry Zito threw 6 shutout innings. I realize its the Padres, but the Giants' starters have quietly put together 5 consecutive quality starts. We know their offense won't be up to much this year (note the scoreless game in the 9th), but if their pitching can round into shape, at the very least the games will be entertaining, because they will be close. Assuming you like 1 run games...
3:03
A's @ Yankees
Well, well, well.... Yankees come through with a little drama. Melky Cabrera with a walk-off dinger, and the Yankees win it in 14. Much to the chagrin of our A's friend. All the miller lites and iced teas in the bar can't ease the pain. Tough break.
After the game, the first interview is with Nick Swisher. Really? What the hell--was the bullpen catcher busy? Nick Swisher was 1-4 for the game, which ended in a freakin' walk off homer. No Cabrera. No Jeter. No Sabathia... No, we need to hear from the guy that hit .219 last year.
On a side note, that jack must have been cathartic for Cabrera, after he lost his starting job to Brett Gardner, who has been hitting .245 so far. Cabrera gets the start, and delivers. It took him 14 innings, of course, but I'm sure he is a happy camper.
3:10
Rockies @ D'Backs
Great pitching duel. Colorado's Jorge De la Rosa ran out of gas a little in the 7th, giving up two singles, then walking the bases loaded (intentionally). Jason Grilli came in to douse the flames, and promptly walked in a run. Not exactly what Clint Hurdle had in mind... 2-0 Snakes.
3:14
Padres @ Giants
The Giants defense could come back to bite them. Pablo Sandoval, playing catcher, had Jody Gerut hung out to dry, but skipped the throw past the bag, and into center. Thus, the inning goes from 2 out, nobody on, to 1 out, go-ahead run in scoring position. This could be a problem for the Giants, if they can't find a permanent spot for Sandoval. His bat insists on his presence in the lineup (especially the Giants' lineup), but his glove reeks of a platoon or DH. But of his three positions, C, 1B and 3B, the spot where bad defense will cost you the most is catcher.
3:17
Padres @ Giants
Wilson gets a line-out and ground-out, ironically both to 3B, where Juan Uribe keeps it scoreless.
3:18
The A's fan at the bar is trying to come up with a comedian from the '70s, whom Jim Carrey played in a movie back in the '90s. I know its Andy Kaufmann, but it leads to an interesting guy dilemma-- when a stranger is asking a question aloud, and you seem to be the only guy who knows the answer, how do you approach this? If you jump in too early, you're the guy who feels the need to but in and always be right. And you don't want to be too sanctimonious. But at the same time, if you're hanging out by yourself at a bar on a Wednesday afternoon, how much do you really have to lose? So I wait for a break in the conversation, and drop the Andy Kaufmann name, and all goes well. Until he starts talking to me about the life and times of Andy Kaufmann. Now, I don't know too much about Kaufmann-- I wasn't alive when he was in his prime. But at the same time, answering the question essentially wrote me a ticket into the conversation, whether I wanted to be there or not. So at this point, I keep my answers brief and vague as possible, saying things like, "Well, he was funny, but his stuff was really out there. So I don't think a lot of people got him." This seemed to serve two pruposes: first, it put a bow on the conversation, without me beeing rude. And secondly, allowed me to get back to watching baseball. Speaking of which...
3:20
Rockies @ D'Backs
Chad Qualls in to close it out for Arizona, up 2-0 in the 9th. Not exactly a lead pipe lock, but it would seem the Rockies just don't have it today. Dan Haren racked up 9 Ks over 7, and checking the box score, not one Rockie starter was hitting 300 or better. Think about that-- Todd Helton, Garret Atkins, Brad Hawpe, Troy Tulowitzki: 250, 214, 295, and 196.
But Ryan Spilborghs, now 4-5 on the day, singles, making it 2 on and 2 out for Clint Barmes. This is the same guy that claimed he hurt himself tripping on stairs after buying venison at the supermarket. The thing that stands out there: venison? If you were to think of different meats to get at the supermarket, where would venison rank--7th? 12th? It almost seemed strange enough to be plausible. Of course, turned out he was riding an ATV and got hurt, but still--the venison story gets points for creativity. As for the game, no points for grounding out to third. Ballgame.
3:27
Padres @ Giants
Bengie Molina, the usual starter behind the plate for SF, steps in with a chance to be the hero--2 on, 2 out in the bottom of the 10th. An extra bonus for the home team when batting in the bottom of a tie game--- not having to face the other team's closer. Most managers try to save their best reliever in case they need to protect a lead. That seems strange, given the fact that a tie game is also a perilous adventure. So with Heath Bell hanging out in the pen, its Edwin Moreno's game to lose, which he does by giving up a ground rule double to Molina. Andres Torres scores, and Giant fans celebrate win number 6 on the year. Oh, happy days...
So what did we learn? Well for starters, when in doubt at a bar, go for the black and tan. First off, its a fun drink to order, and bartenders/waitresses almost always nod their head, as if to say 'good call, didn't see that one coming'. Secondly, it's two beers in one, especially when layered correctly. You get the sharp, bitter stout first. Which is a good attention-grabber for your tastebuds. But by the time you get accustomed to that, its on to the next part, a smoother counterpart (usually Bass, sometimes Harps). This has a more mellow finish, which kind of lets you relax, and enjoy the rest of your beer at your own pace. Just a great combo.
The second thing we learned is that the west is the Dodgers for the taking. Watching the other 4 teams in that division, nobody has the combination of hitting and pitching needed to keep pace with LA. As mentioned, the Rockies' hitting is not there (at least not in late April)--probably missing Matt Holliday, which is understandable. The Diamondbacks have a bunch of promising young players, but they are all kind of similar; very streaky, strike out a ton, and you can't count on them in the clutch. Its early, but they have the markings of a team that has enough pitching to stay in games, but if it gets close late, their bats need some help (help that arrived today in the form of poor relief pitching).
As for SD and SF, both of those teams are retooling. Although I'm not sure if the Pads got that memo, based on their lineup. But come 2010, both teams (especially SF) could be in place to contend for the west.
As for the third thing we learned, unemployment has its benefits. Especially when the weather cooperates.
2:56
A's @ Yankees
A's fly out to deep center to end the top of the 14th inning. There is an A's fan at the bar, and he seems distraught that the ball did not leave the yard. Not sure what to tell him-- when you see the ball hit, watch the fielder's reaction--they will tell you if its going to be caught. The guy took two cavalier steps to his left and camped out-- not likely going over his head.
More importantly-- an A's fan? In LA? That is a rare find indeed--sort of like driving onto the 405 and see it empty, like in car commercials. I know its TV "trickery", but I always wonder how those cars can be driving on empty roads in broad daylight. Is there some sort of website or hot line to figure out when and where these road conditions are in play? Hook me up...
2:59
Padres @ Giants
Brian Wilson comes into a scoreless ninth, and promptly lets the leadoff guy on, albeit on a liner just past Edgar Renteria. But then Wilson settles down, and even gets a strikeout to end the inning. More impressively for the Giants in this game--Barry Zito threw 6 shutout innings. I realize its the Padres, but the Giants' starters have quietly put together 5 consecutive quality starts. We know their offense won't be up to much this year (note the scoreless game in the 9th), but if their pitching can round into shape, at the very least the games will be entertaining, because they will be close. Assuming you like 1 run games...
3:03
A's @ Yankees
Well, well, well.... Yankees come through with a little drama. Melky Cabrera with a walk-off dinger, and the Yankees win it in 14. Much to the chagrin of our A's friend. All the miller lites and iced teas in the bar can't ease the pain. Tough break.
After the game, the first interview is with Nick Swisher. Really? What the hell--was the bullpen catcher busy? Nick Swisher was 1-4 for the game, which ended in a freakin' walk off homer. No Cabrera. No Jeter. No Sabathia... No, we need to hear from the guy that hit .219 last year.
On a side note, that jack must have been cathartic for Cabrera, after he lost his starting job to Brett Gardner, who has been hitting .245 so far. Cabrera gets the start, and delivers. It took him 14 innings, of course, but I'm sure he is a happy camper.
3:10
Rockies @ D'Backs
Great pitching duel. Colorado's Jorge De la Rosa ran out of gas a little in the 7th, giving up two singles, then walking the bases loaded (intentionally). Jason Grilli came in to douse the flames, and promptly walked in a run. Not exactly what Clint Hurdle had in mind... 2-0 Snakes.
3:14
Padres @ Giants
The Giants defense could come back to bite them. Pablo Sandoval, playing catcher, had Jody Gerut hung out to dry, but skipped the throw past the bag, and into center. Thus, the inning goes from 2 out, nobody on, to 1 out, go-ahead run in scoring position. This could be a problem for the Giants, if they can't find a permanent spot for Sandoval. His bat insists on his presence in the lineup (especially the Giants' lineup), but his glove reeks of a platoon or DH. But of his three positions, C, 1B and 3B, the spot where bad defense will cost you the most is catcher.
3:17
Padres @ Giants
Wilson gets a line-out and ground-out, ironically both to 3B, where Juan Uribe keeps it scoreless.
3:18
The A's fan at the bar is trying to come up with a comedian from the '70s, whom Jim Carrey played in a movie back in the '90s. I know its Andy Kaufmann, but it leads to an interesting guy dilemma-- when a stranger is asking a question aloud, and you seem to be the only guy who knows the answer, how do you approach this? If you jump in too early, you're the guy who feels the need to but in and always be right. And you don't want to be too sanctimonious. But at the same time, if you're hanging out by yourself at a bar on a Wednesday afternoon, how much do you really have to lose? So I wait for a break in the conversation, and drop the Andy Kaufmann name, and all goes well. Until he starts talking to me about the life and times of Andy Kaufmann. Now, I don't know too much about Kaufmann-- I wasn't alive when he was in his prime. But at the same time, answering the question essentially wrote me a ticket into the conversation, whether I wanted to be there or not. So at this point, I keep my answers brief and vague as possible, saying things like, "Well, he was funny, but his stuff was really out there. So I don't think a lot of people got him." This seemed to serve two pruposes: first, it put a bow on the conversation, without me beeing rude. And secondly, allowed me to get back to watching baseball. Speaking of which...
3:20
Rockies @ D'Backs
Chad Qualls in to close it out for Arizona, up 2-0 in the 9th. Not exactly a lead pipe lock, but it would seem the Rockies just don't have it today. Dan Haren racked up 9 Ks over 7, and checking the box score, not one Rockie starter was hitting 300 or better. Think about that-- Todd Helton, Garret Atkins, Brad Hawpe, Troy Tulowitzki: 250, 214, 295, and 196.
But Ryan Spilborghs, now 4-5 on the day, singles, making it 2 on and 2 out for Clint Barmes. This is the same guy that claimed he hurt himself tripping on stairs after buying venison at the supermarket. The thing that stands out there: venison? If you were to think of different meats to get at the supermarket, where would venison rank--7th? 12th? It almost seemed strange enough to be plausible. Of course, turned out he was riding an ATV and got hurt, but still--the venison story gets points for creativity. As for the game, no points for grounding out to third. Ballgame.
3:27
Padres @ Giants
Bengie Molina, the usual starter behind the plate for SF, steps in with a chance to be the hero--2 on, 2 out in the bottom of the 10th. An extra bonus for the home team when batting in the bottom of a tie game--- not having to face the other team's closer. Most managers try to save their best reliever in case they need to protect a lead. That seems strange, given the fact that a tie game is also a perilous adventure. So with Heath Bell hanging out in the pen, its Edwin Moreno's game to lose, which he does by giving up a ground rule double to Molina. Andres Torres scores, and Giant fans celebrate win number 6 on the year. Oh, happy days...
So what did we learn? Well for starters, when in doubt at a bar, go for the black and tan. First off, its a fun drink to order, and bartenders/waitresses almost always nod their head, as if to say 'good call, didn't see that one coming'. Secondly, it's two beers in one, especially when layered correctly. You get the sharp, bitter stout first. Which is a good attention-grabber for your tastebuds. But by the time you get accustomed to that, its on to the next part, a smoother counterpart (usually Bass, sometimes Harps). This has a more mellow finish, which kind of lets you relax, and enjoy the rest of your beer at your own pace. Just a great combo.
The second thing we learned is that the west is the Dodgers for the taking. Watching the other 4 teams in that division, nobody has the combination of hitting and pitching needed to keep pace with LA. As mentioned, the Rockies' hitting is not there (at least not in late April)--probably missing Matt Holliday, which is understandable. The Diamondbacks have a bunch of promising young players, but they are all kind of similar; very streaky, strike out a ton, and you can't count on them in the clutch. Its early, but they have the markings of a team that has enough pitching to stay in games, but if it gets close late, their bats need some help (help that arrived today in the form of poor relief pitching).
As for SD and SF, both of those teams are retooling. Although I'm not sure if the Pads got that memo, based on their lineup. But come 2010, both teams (especially SF) could be in place to contend for the west.
As for the third thing we learned, unemployment has its benefits. Especially when the weather cooperates.
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