So this Wrigley Field Naming Rights thing really had me going there for a while. Well tonight it took a whole meaning when I was talking it over with my best friend who reiterated how I thought any Chicago Native would: she was heated and rightfully so. Well the ideas really started flowing, first in the form of what would happen if that were to actually go the way it is planned? She assured me there would be riots in the streets. My first thought was of flipping cars lighting them on fire and subsequently starting the second great Chicago Fire. Her reaction to this…”How can I get my car to Clark and Addison so it can get flipped and set on fire? You know, so that way I would have to get a new car.” That a girl, now were talking. Then I remembered that a couple years back I gave her the idea to name her dog Wrigley. Well that inspired me, I mean maybe Zell is right. He is upset about the Wrigley Co. getting their name displayed for free for 80 years right? Excuse me, but Garnes’ dog has been walking around Lincoln Park constantly getting his named called out loud for the last couple years. Isn’t it about time the Wrigley Co. did the right thing and paid her for what they’ve been getting for free? If they don’t then we are just going to have to put poor Wrigley’s name on the market with the rights of renaming him going to the highest bidder. Well why stop there. The dog formerly known as Wrigley will be taken to the neighborhood formerly known as Wrigleyville fully equipped for alcohol distribution. We will also be accepting bids for the alcohol brand and any other signs you can strap, tape or mount to our four legged advertising machine. Email for more details…
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4Real Out…
More after the jump...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Zell Inspires A Million Dollar Idea
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Hometown Hero Trevor Crowe Off To Big Start In Spring
It’s officially here. Spring Training started today, and after a good convo with Dom planning our first spring training outing this Saturday I decided to take a closer look at my Tribe’s big win (Its Spring I know but Ws are still Ws) over the Astros today. Solid stats all around, some decent performances, but there was one guy in particular that stuck out to me: Trevor Crowe. Arizona fans might remember him from the 05’ team that went deep into the College World Series. At the University of Arizona he ended his career (In 171 games) with a .361 average 16 homeruns, and 122 RBI. This includes his 05’ campaign in which he hit .403 with 9 homeruns and 54 RBIs in 60 games. Those kinds of numbers secured him 1st Team All American, Co-Pac 10 Player of the Year, and a finalist spot for the Golden Spikes Award (Best Amateur Baseball Player in America). He would go on to hit .500 in the College World Series and be named to the ALL- CWS team.
Crowe entered the draft where he was taken 14th overall in 2005 by the Cleveland Indians. Crowe has been playing ball primarily with the Indians AA affiliate the Akron Aeros, and has had some decent numbers. I don’t want to put them here since Minor League players jump around so much that the numbers end up coming out somewhat skewed.The Indians may need a solid outfielder, and are not shy about bringing young talent into their roster (Cabrera, Gutierrez. Sizemore). With the absence of Lofton in left field, is it unreasonable to think that Crowe has a shot of getting some playing time over Jason Michaels? He was invited to spring training this year and got some substantial playing time this afternoon against the Astros. In the first game of spring he went 2 for 3 with a walk and 3 RBIs. He may be a hometown favorite to us here at the BearDown, but if he keeps up his momentum through spring we may see him making the show in 26 days.
4Real Out…..
More after the jump...
Spring Beginnings
It has finally arrived. That glorious day that reminds us once again what it's like to be an American. Spring Training is upon us, and not just the pitchers and catchers reporting kind I spoke of 2 weeks ago, I'm talking play by play on the way back to work from my lunch break. And if there is any shock on your part, you are new here, but Baseball is back, in the immortal words of Bill McNeal a.k.a the late Phil Hartman, "The crack of the bat... the roar of the crowd... join us and the boys of summer for all of the baseball opening day action." And here it is. Granted who cares past the 4th inning other than those in the perfect conditions in AZ and FLA at the game, but that doesn't really matter. I get to hear Mark Grace telling stories not fit for most audiences (if you don't know what I'm talking about google Mark Grace and either "Jim Rome" "Slump Buster" "Dan Patrick" "Greg Maddux" or "Woody" and no he wasn't talking about Kerry. A brand new year, clean slates, and a great outlook for most baseball fans, unless of course you're a pirates fan.
If you are somewhere in the Southwest or Southeast, I would suggest finding a group of friends and head to a Spring Training game one weekend soon. It's a great environment, and the areas (bars) near the parks are alive and ready for action. It's a magical time of the year. Plus the weather doesn't get any better than it is right now. Go to weather.com and look up Tucson, Mesa, or Scottsdale, and tell me you don't envy us right now. This might not be on the same scale of the Super Bowl or Final Four, but sometime in your life, do yourself a favor and make a spring pilgrimmage, it's so worth it.
With that the Finale to our Baseball Pre-season breakdown, since the Pre-season has started. If you have read our past columns, and I dont' feel like linking them right now, you know our Division winners and all of the analysis that went into it. For the brief version here it is:
NL West: D-Backs
NL Central: Cubs
NL East: Mets
NL Wild Card: Phillies
AL West: Angels
AL Central: Tigers
AL East: BoSox
AL WildCard: Indians
NLDS: Cubs over Mets, Dbacks over Phils
ALDS: Tigers over Boston, Tribe over Halos
NLCS: Cubs over DBacks
ALCS: Tribe over Tigers
World Series: The AL is the better division. In a fair match-up I would always go with the NL team because the AL has to play NL ball for a few games which is more difficult strategically and lends itself to a slight NL advantage. But in this case, the game is seriously divided to the AL's advantage and the Tribe should wipe the floor with the Cubs in 5 games. Sweet Lou's troops might push it to 6, but this series won't go 7 and the Cure of Rocky Calavito will soon be over. Rejoice in Cleveland, you guys have earned it. A town that hasn't won a professtional title in God knows how long, and has had to watch Ohio State lose 2 football championships and a basketball championship. They finally get their W. And the world will collapse on itself once the final pitch is thrown. Right in the middle of Wrigley Field at HDNet Stadium on the North Side of Chicago.
More after the jump...
Bears Notes
The Chicago Bears are confusing many a Bear and football fan out there with their recent off-season moves. First, they release their #1 receiver, then it looks as if they won't be signing their #2 (and leading) receiver. Then go out and extend T-(roublesome)Rex and the Neck Beard for another year. Apparently Bears management decided that having receivers simply didn't matter anymore since the quarterbacks weren't even capable of getting the ball to them to begin with. Thank god it's a good running back class in this year's draft, I say the Bears should just pick all of them. Lovie must be working on a new style of offense, he's bringing back the wishbone and aborting the forward pass. The Bears are going to be playing 2008-2009 football the way it was meant to be played.
I'm sorry I'm just ranting because the Bears are making less sense with each passing day. Also possibly options right now are going after Roosevelt Colvin (since there's no way Rosen-ass will let us re-sign Briggs) and Marty Booker. Why stop there? The Bills released 2001 Rookie of the Year Anthony (A-Train) Thomas. Well for the record Keith Traylor is out there too. I think David Terrell might be interested in a contract. Alonzo Spellmen could be available after his stint in the asylum. I really don't want to see which moves are next in thie re-building process. typically rebuilding does not mean re-building the same team from 6 years ago. Yikes.
Back to Grossman and Orton for a second. I think I might have figured out what's going on with these QB issues. Grossman only plays well when he's got something to prove (1st half of 2006 season) once he was settled in as the starter and making "who are you voting for" MVP commercials he became inconsistent. As long as Lovie said Rex is our guy he got worse. He went into the 2007 season as the starting QB with support. After a few terrible games making many of us forget that Good Rex ever existed, he was pulled. Griese went in, got hurt and went back out. Grossman actually performed OK. Once again he was the starter, even when Griese was ready to go again. Then in ultimate Rex fashion Rex got injured and the team decided to give the ball to Orton. Here's the thing. Had Kyle Orton started the Super Bowl against the Colts I firmly believe the Bears would have won XLI. The only thing stopping the 2005 Bears from being successful (and remember they went 9-4 with Orton as a starter) was the lack of scoring. Well enter Devin Hester. In XLI with Orton not losing the game and the Bears Defense and Special Teams winning the game, they would have won. Unfortunately the Bears stuck with we need Rex to win the game knowing full well that Grossman is capable of both winning and losing a game whereas Orton was only capable of managing a game and letting it's pieces fall where they may. So the point of all of this is that The Bears are banking on Orton pressuring Grossman into performing first half of 2006 well and if he doesn't they'll put in Orton. This has to be one of the worst decisions and QB Controversy Oddities I have ever heard of.
2008 promises one thing for Bears fans. Frustrating post-game press conferences.
More after the jump...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
College Basketball Thoughts
OK It’s about that time to take a look at the 2007-2008 College Basketball season that is/has been. Apologies are also in order to the masses for my lack of creative/any real material recently, work is killing me. Namely, they’re actually making me do stuff around here instead of simply writing for my sports page in between cold call messages. So I hope you all aren’t too angry at me. Then again, chances are your cares are very little. For those of you who do care I appreciate it, and as a side note, if you are reading this in your office and you get sales calls during the day, it’s not that hard to be polite. There are some attitudes on people out there, and let’s just say that there are a few people in Northern California who are not very receptive to taking calls, or attending the conferences I have invited them to. But enough about that, like I said, it’s time to talk some College Basketball.
Believe it or not I absolutely love the College Basketball season, it is a close second to the College Football season, and typically a little more reliable. The late season Duke Swoon, the undefeatedes start falling in conference play, the phenoms start playing every game like it’s the combine and take selfish shots (I’m talking to you Jordan Hill, look how that worked out for Hassan Adams a couple years ago). The best thing of the last regular season weeks of the College Basketball season, in my opinion, is the fact that as of right now, my bracket isn’t busted yet. Of course 3 weeks from now I will have guessed the play-in game wrong on my way to my bracket being officially busted by noon Thursday. So let’s talk some college basketball.
Lute Olson:
First off, the man is a legend like him/Arizona Basketball or not he deserves a little respect. And the treatment he got in the beginning of the season from the media was terrible. If he needed to take some time off, he deserved it and he did not deserve having his private life on the front page of ESPN/SI/etc. I realize these people are public figures. But what Coach O’s divorce had to do with public knowledge is beyond me. It didn’t need speculation, he left the program in capable hands during a rebuilding year, and as of November 4 the media should have left it with that. Coach O, on behalf of Wildcat fans everywhere we can’t wait to have you back next year, if you’re still willing to come back.
Arizona Basketball:
What a down year for the Wildcats. UA is on the verge of being a bubble team come March Madness and at least 1 win over the remaining 4 games is mandatory to have a shot. The win over Washington State on Saturday was a major step in the right direction. But it’s still too little too late for a rebuilding team that will most certainly lose 1 if not 3 of their top players to the draft this year and have another rebuilding year next year.
Consistency:
As a U of A fan I see this in all of our sports, and have for years. I’m used to it but that doesn’t mean that I like it, and I know there are people out there that agree with me. The team constantly playing to their opponent’s level and never knowing which team is taking the floor. And it’s not just a matter of having an off night, Using Arizona for example taking Kansas to Overtime but losing to Virginia. Beating Washington State twice and losing to Arizona State twice. This makes March even more upsetting because before we (or any other team in the same position) can even take that 5 or 6 seed deep enough in the tournament to upset a 2 seed in the Sweet 16 we lose to a lesser team in the first round. It drives me crazy.
Rankings:
As with College Football, though not as ridiculous as the 2007 season teams have been all over the AP Top 25. 47 to be exact, 47 different teams have appeared in the Top 25 at one point this season. Also the Top 5 is not really that safe. 3 teams, NC, Memphis, and Tennessee, have lost as #1, UCLA, Kansas, and Duke have all lost when ranked #2, Tennessee, NC, and Kansas have all lost when ranked #3, Texas, Washington State, UCLA, and Kansas have all lost when ranked #4, and Georgetown (twice), UCLA, and Duke have all lost when ranked #5. What does this mean? A Few things, first of all that this year’s Conference tournaments, will mean a lot to teams like UCLA as far as getting that #1 seed. Second, three teams have been #1’s this season. All three of those have been #1 in the last 6 weeks, and they just so happen to be the respective 1, 2, 3 going into the second to last weekend of the regular season, and current #1 Tennessee, lost to Vanderbilt last night. Third, Georgetown is praying for anything but a 5 seed in the tournament. The main difference between these rankings and the BCS rankings are the fact that these don’t really matter and the teams get to play it out tournament style which I am still pulling for in football.
Kelvin Sampson:
What really can be said? Sampson was bound to get in trouble, that’s why you don’t bring in coaches with past indiscretions, especially to a program that is finally rebounding after the Bob Knight fiasco a few years back. What did Kelvin do at Oklahoma? Oh that’s right illegal communication with recruits? I would make a joke about them going after Larry Eustachy but since he took a leave to be with his ailing mother and did not leave the program due to pictures of him with Natty Lights, I’ll refrain as much as I can. I think Jerry Tarkanian is looking for a Head Coaching position.
Pac – 10 Officiating:
I am saying this as a fan of a team in the Pac – 10 and I happen to watch mostly Pac – 10 games. I also say this knowing full well that Arizona has been on both sides of poorly officiated games. The Stanford vs. Arizona game 2 weeks ago was one of the worst officiated games I have ever seen on any level in any sport, including a High School game involving Gilbert High School in Arizona where the head official took off his referee jersey/shirt after the game and was wearing a Gilbert High School Football supporter T-Shirt. If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would not have believed it, it was straight out of the WWE Storylines. But I digress. The Thursday before that Stanford game Arizona played Cal and attempted 36 free throws. Pac – 10 officials are by far the worst officials in all of college sport. As I said it is not bitterness as an Arizona fan because we have been on both sides of the calls. It’s the fact that you go into the game knowing it will most likely be one sided and as a fan you don’t know which side your team is on. It’s not abnormal for Pac – 10 football officiating to be just as bad.
Bubble Time:
It’s about that time of year where Men hear the word bubble and thoughts of excitement, Selection Sunday, and basketball, rather than beer and gum. By my count there are about 6 teams who are on the bubble for the Tournament who were ranked by the AP at one point during the season. Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Kent State, Miami, Texas A&M are the 6 that need a big win, a couple wins, or a strong showing in an (if applicable) conference Tournament to secure a spot, but all 6 should be in. Other formerly ranked teams that look less likely of going to the Big Dance are Dayton, Ole Miss, Oregon, Rhode Island, Southern Illinois, Syracuse, Villanova, Virginia, and Kentucky, who, if they missed it would snap a 16 consecutive tournament appearance streak. These 9 teams still have an outside shot but conference tournament success looks to be their only chance at this late junction. They’re still breathing but on life support.
More after the jump...
Tribune Co. To Sell Naming Rights to Wrigley Field
Coming off my frustration of the Barry Bonds Japan speculation I turn to try and find some good baseball information to lift my spirits. Instead I found another huge blow to what is left of baseball when the sport was still pure. To me there are three stadiums and teams that have preserved their long standing traditions to the best of their ability while keeping up with current trends: The Red Sox at Fenway Park, the Yankees at Yankee Stadium and The Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, the Cubs who have stayed faithful for a 100 years without a World Series Title are now in jeopardy of selling out an iconic part of baseball history and tradition. It has been reported that The Tribune Co. who currently own the Cubs and Wrigley Field are in the market to try and make a transaction that would sell Wrigley. The Cubs hold an annual “Meet the Cubs Management” convention, and this year there were a number of comments and discussions made that disappointed me as a baseball fan who appreciates tradition. The following are quotes from the Tribune Co’s spokesman for the cubs, Crane Kenny.
"The naming rights are very valuable, The last naming-rights deal that was done in New York, Shea Stadium is being renamed Citi Field. That's a $400 million naming-rights deal.”
"The Wrigley Co. doesn't pay anything for the naming rights at our ballpark. We're trying to balance our desire to win, to have a big enough payroll that gives us an advantage. We should have an advantage. We're the only major market in our division.”
"Nobody wants to see the name changed. In my perfect world, the Wrigley Co. would step up and start paying for what they've been getting for free all these years."
These comments disgust me, especially the last one about the Wrigley Co. getting a free ride for about 80 years. To set the record straight the Wrigley Family did own the gum company, and William Wrigley did end up taking the majority share of the Cubs. The renaming of the stadium to Wrigley field was not a corporate move, but to honor William Wrigley who was a major influence in the Cubs organization.
The blame for disregarding the tradition, prestige, and beauty of Wrigley comes from the Tribunes Co. new owner Sam Zell (Took control in April of 07). The likely option for the Tribune Co would be to sell the stadium to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and continue to lease from them. Zell, a real estate Billionaire, is primarily looking at the business aspect of the move, and supplying the Cubs faithful with little hope for preservation of the culture they have created.
"In New York, Barclays is paying $20 million a year for 20 years for the new Nets stadium and Citi Corp is paying $20 million for 20 years for the new Mets stadium. I can do pretty good math here. Four hundred million dollars seems to be the benchmark, and you're telling us we're being paid nothing.’
Kenny would go on to make this statement
"Once we get a stadium deal done, I think Sam will decide how the books go out and what order. I think he's going to want a very level playing field for the auction."
Auction? I refuse for someone to refer the pillaging of a stories and iconic franchise as an Auction, a commodity to be sold. This is not like paying more for a T-Shirt that is “retro”, this is an important part of American and Baseball History and should be treated as such. Show some class Zell, you still have to work in that town after the final papers has been signed.
4Real Out……
More after the jump...
Bonds Considering Japan?
The newest story line in the Barry Bonds drama is the speculation that a move to Japan could be in order if no teams picks him up before the season starts. Bonds’ agent Jeff Borris was quoted as saying “He’s not retiring. He intends to play somewhere. If a door doesn’t open for Barry in the major leagues, as unbelievable as that possibility sounds, then Japan certainly is an option.” Can we all agree that for Bonds that would be a completely pointless move? He doesn’t carry the same prestige over there, at least I wouldn’t think so (He probably would get hype, but what I mean is that his home run records are his selling point and they don’t carry over). With the homerun record already broken and tainted what is the point of extending his career any longer? There have already been rumors of the Tampa Bay Rays making some moves to get him which was bad enough as it is, but now Japan? In my mind this move is completely degrading to the sport. You’re honestly going to tell me that the man who is fresh off claiming the most prestigious record in all of baseball would consider leaving to play in a different country? How many different ways can this man disgrace America’s Past Time?
4Real Out….
More after the jump...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sometimes Bias is Bias, Sometimes Bias is Fact
If you are just showing up there has been a back and forth debate between 4Real and myself, as well as a poll on the side over who was more Dominant MJ or Tiger. I got personal in my original rebuttal against 4Real, and he claimed bias. So the point of this response is to reiterate my original while trying to find what bias there was other than saying Jordan was better than Ehlo, which I'm pretty sure is fact.
While I fully agree that Tiger is the best golfer in the world right now hands down, and that he has been exceptional in his sport and even the most dominant in his sport, that is not the argument, at least as far as I thought, and who knows maybe my extreme bias is responsible for me missing the point. The point is Tiger vs. MJ: Who is/was more dominant. Well that’s not an easy task to separate for many reasons. Awards, Statistics, Competition, Accolades, these are nowhere like one another between PGA and NBA. Sure you can force things into molds to make a comparison possible but the bottom line is, it isn’t.
One man is the best individual athlete at an individual sport. One is the best individual athlete in a team game. The fact of the matter is, there is not a correct answer. To say that MJ is more dominant than Tiger is to say that what Tiger has accomplished isn’t on the same level or that Golf pales in comparison. The same holds true for alleging the opposite. My arguments were not necessarily for MJ, sure on occasion they may have leaned that way, but moreover the point of my “biased/homer” response was that comparing the two was not possible, specifically based on the stats and reasoning that 4Real dropped on us. Rule number one of any argument is to show only the good. So by taking stats and leaving other things out you can prove your point easier. Not necessarily lying or making things up but by omitting things and making the argument fit your thesis rather than vice versa. These are commonplace in any English 101 class.
4Real takes offense at the shots I took at him, which were in part because it was just waiting to be served up but also as an attack on his character. Some might look at his article as pure fact, and I just wanted to make the record straight that 4Real in fact on many occasions has made his case, very strongly in fact, for a hatred of His Airness. I on the other hand begin with a full disclosure so as not to confuse the reader into thinking it’s purely factual, but rather a response to 4Real’s claims.
So once again, my as unbiased as possible breakdown of why 4Real’s first, and following articles are wrong.
Point 1 – Rookie Comparison:
4Real points out that they are comparable since both players were Rookies of the Year in their respective sports. My statement as a rebuttal was “What Tiger did was remarkable yes, but using the award as a comparison is a stretch.” What I meant by this was not that it was a stretch to assume that Golf Rookie of the Year was as high an honor as NBA Rookie of the Year, but rather that comparing the two in their Rookie seasons was a stretch in and of itself. Once again, I’m not saying either player wins in this battle, I’m saying the comparison doesn’t work because of so many different levels of attention, of assumed leadership, of media interaction. Being a young, multi-cultural kid, beating older white veterans in a historically older white country club sport, and carrying a new breed of golfer title with you everytime you tee off is an outstanding amount of pressure, it’s comparable but not the same as being the leader savior of a historically struggling basketball team in a major market who was the 3rd pick. Neither is easier/harder or more impressive than the other, they are just completely different seasons, players, games, and decades. And they were both the best young talent in their respective sport at the time.
Point 2 – All Team Honors:
Again 4Real makes points, that I rebutted, and he rebutted, comparing the money list to the all-NBA honors. My argument there was not MJ was better it was, “Again another off-comparison. The awards are voted on not based merely on accomplishments. Also the distinction that First team selections are the equivalent of a Top 5 in the Money list is off” I was simply pointing out that 4Real’s original facts were slightly skewed and that comparing money list to all-NBA didn’t work, and I used K.J. Choi as an example. 4Real decided that he wanted to change it from money list to golf world rankings. Which is fine except for one thing, it is the essentially the same thing. You are comparing an award that is vote based (all-NBA honors) to the World Golf Rankings which are based on performance. There isn’t a ranking system in the NBA because there are so many factors. Position, Wins/Losses, FG%, 3p%, REB, BLK, STL, AST, TO, etc. There is no statistical way to breakdown and show whether or not Jordan was the #1 or 2 ranked at his position let alone the entire league. While over his career on many occasions he led in points or points per game, he never led in rebounds or blocks because he was a guard. Once again, my point was not that Jordan was better, only that the comparison being used was flawed. And as for competition sake as I mentioned. There may be 1000s of golfers in the world but the guy at the 49er Country Club in Tucson has a PGA Tour card, competition with Tiger he is not. There are more Golfers than players in the NBA, but as far as acceptable competition there are only a handful of golfers in that upper echelon who compete week in and out with Tiger and each other. Going into each golf season any golf fan will be able to correctly guess 16 of the top 20 golfers, the same doesn’t hold true for the NBA. Competition is much different.
Point 3 – Championships:
My point once again rested on the comparison since again it is a team sport and as Dirk, LeBron, Nash, Ewing, Malone, etc can tell you, it takes more than one player to win a championship. Even if you consider Tiger’s Points Championships (7/13) this is yet another astounding number, and if you read carefully not once do I say that Tiger has somehow accomplished less. But with the points championships being the most wins equaling the most points and thus a championship then last year the Spurs weren’t the NBA Champs the Mavs were with 67 wins compared to the Spurs 58. If you want to use that as a comparison, we need to re-write a lot of the records in the record books. The fact of the matter is you can’t compare individual championships to Team Championships. Once again if you read it all I did is break it down to the only possible comparison, number of championships out of number possible. And as for 4Real’s note of “Did I mention its only possible for one person to win a major or championship and not 15 like in the NBA” That’s exactly what my point was, comparing team to individual is not possible.
Point 4 – MVP Amended:
4Real amended this category to include all accomplishments rather than MVP to close to gap of comparison. The problem with that is it doesn’t solve any of the problems above it just compiles them nicely into one line of summation. As for his breakdown of Money, Points, and World Golf Rankings, all three are almost identical. The more tournaments you win the more points you get the higher you’re ranked and the more money you bring home. And if you want to say that plus a major it just goes back to the point that you get 4 chances at a major a year. As to 4Real’s point that 15 people on a team win a championship, that's true but it’s still only one champion. Golf could have 4 or even 5 champions. One each of the majors plus one for ranking or whathaveyou. Not to take anything from Tiger, my point was simply that “in an individual sport it’s easier to get the award because it's singly on you.” If you win 4 or 5 Tournaments and a Major you’ll probably win player of the year, and congrats. In basketball you could be the league leader in scoring and top 5 in other categories but if your team is 38-44 the chances of you pulling down that MVP award are slim. 1986-87 season. Chicago Bulls go 40-42. Get swept in the 1st round of the playoffs. Michael Jordan was #1 in the NBA in Pts., PPG, FG, FT, and Player Efficiency Rating, among other categories and #2 in Steals and STL/G. Once again, I am not saying that Jordan was better in this category, just that it’s a false comparison because if Tiger was #1 in almost every conceivable category he would be the MVP because there are no team Wins and Losses for comparison sake. Once again, I’ll repeat it was not a pro Jordan statement rather a fact that the comparison is weak. If with 4Real’s amended additions.
The only real comparison would be individual to individual (Dunk Contest?) but since that won’t work team to team?
Ryder Cup Stats for Tiger Woods according to the Ryder Cup site through 2006 are: 10-13-2 (3-1-1 single, 7-12-1 team) and the US is 1-4 in the last 5 which he appeared on. All-Time there are 104 US Golfers who have scored more of their Ryder Cup Team's points than Tiger. I am not saying that this is the penultimate comparison because golf is still an individual game, it just goes to show that when teams are involved things can change.
Fact of the matter is this, team settings, Tiger doesn’t win. Sunday’s and losing, Tiger Doesn’t win, Eli Manning has more comebacks on Sundays than Tiger Woods. I reiterate. Tiger Woods is probably still the most dominating golfer of all time even with those stats being accurate. But, to call him the most dominating athlete of all time goes too far. I would have to say that based on all statistics registered here between 4Real and myself, I give the edge to Jordan. But that doesn’t change the fact that the comparison between team and individual sport is not possible at least on a fair level. And the only comparison Tiger’s numbers in team events are much much lower than Jordan’s. Jordan had much more heart and drive and showed the ability to go big under pressure, he’s got comebacks and he’s 2-0 when he plays other countries. I’m not saying this as the beginning to yet another argument rather than just backing up my original arguments that A) comparing the two just isn’t possible, and 2) on the comparable stats of heart, desire, and intensity, I give the SLIGHT edge to Jordan as the most dominant athlete of all time. No disrepect to Eldrick, I think he is an absolutely amazing golfer, competitor, and athlete, and I wouldn't want anyone else on the USA Ryder Cup Team. My point from the first second was that making the comparison makes no sense, and that if I had to choose between the two I look at what Jordan has done as slightly more dominant than Woods, and if that makes me biased so be it.
More after the jump...
Extreme Bias: Tiger Vindicated
Preface: I wrote this Article about who was More Dominate Tiger or Jordan. Dom tried with all his bias might to rebuttal here.
Let’s start by saying that every great rebuttal that is completely factual and relevant starts off with over a page of personal attacks. He pull out all the stops including short jokes which don’t bother me since it makes me more aerodynamic all the better to navigate through your bias. By the time you got done reading Dom’s post the best thing you could have come away with is the clear fact that he is a homer. I mean I am honored that it took a whole paragraph devoted to me missing an apostrophe to get his momentum going, but really it’s all about the facts here kids. Grammar? We’re talking about Grammar? Not the Debate….Grammar… I’ll let Lebron make my point for me (and he is doing just fine for himself let me remind you)…
Rookie Campaigns:
I mention that Jordan won rookie of the year and made the all-star game as a point of reference to their careers. Rookie of the Year is a big start to a career and a good way to round out a resume in retrospect. The addition of the All Star team is icing on the cake. I mention this because Tiger also won the award, but failed to mention that in addition to finishing in the top 25 in 7 out of his 8 starts he also won the PGA Points Championship that year a little more impressive then a bias All Star Appearance.
“All Team Honors”:
Ok so Dom had to take my point of making the money list the equitable thing for All Team Honors and trying to break it down to make MJ’s stats look better. Well then lets get rid of my Top 5 and Top 10 designations and make them Top 2 and Top 4 like he suggested. By doing that Tigers numbers change from 11 first team honors to 9 first teams and 2 second teams. By you are right money isn’t really a good way of going about those rankings. Instead lets break down the field and prestige a little better. In 19 seasons Jordan had 10 first team honors while going against roughly 450 other NBA players. Lets say that makes him roughly in the top 10% or so at his position. Tiger would have received 11 First Team Honors if you were looking at rankings at One or Two in the World Golf Rankings. That makes him in the top 2% of players in the World seeing as it ranks the top 1,000 golfers.
Championships:
Ok so 4 chances at a Major in one year, fine. Jordan could have had an off game and still won a championship that doesn’t happen in a major…but we’re not going to get into that. If you want to talk about PGA Points Championships, which is like an NBA season with multiple events rewarded points for placement at tournaments throughout a season we could work with that too. In that case Tiger has won 7 out of 12 championships sitting him at 58% of the championships since he started the tour which includes a season like Jordan’s where Dom claims he only played 1/3 of the season. The difference is unlike Jordan, Tiger still won the championship that year. Side Note: Did I mention its only possible for one person to win a major or championship and not 15 like in the NBA?
MVP Amended:
I decided that this category should be reworked. Instead of MVP seasons, since were talking about domination, we should look at combined accomplishments. In this case MVP + Finals MVP + Championship in a single season. If we break it down like that Jordan is sitting with an impressive number of 4 in 19 seasons which is 21% since Dom loves percentages so much. Tiger on the other hand has had 6 seasons in which he has been ranked number one in Money, PGA Points Championship, The World Golf Rankings, and named PGA Player of the Year (That excludes 01 where he was Money Leader and #1 in the World, but #5 on the Tour and the 8 years he won a Major). It also excludes Fedex Championships and numerous other accomplishments).
So I leave you with one of “Jordan’s Clutch Shots”…need I remind you that when you have a thirty foot putt to win a Major there is no one to push off of to get a better line. You miss one in Augusta and there won’t be any “No Calls” to save you, it’s in or it isn’t.
4Real "The Tiger Woods of Sports Blogging and Now Debate" Out....
More after the jump...
Ahem: Well, Allow Me to Retort - MJ vs. Tiger Part Deux
In the interest of full disclosure I will tell you, the reader that I am a Bulls fan and have been for a very very long time. Those of you who read this column on a regular or semi-regular basis most likely would have picked that up by now. Also in the interest of full disclosure 4Real is a Cavs fan and more importantly anti-Jordan. It probably has something to do with
First of all, who tries to block a shot backwards? That crazy Craig Ehlo. I have no bitterness towards the Cavs, but that probably has to do with the fact that at the end of that play a.k.a. “The Shot” My guy is jumping up and down, doing the fist pump to end all fist pumps while his guy is crumpled in a pile on the ground. But anyways, that was in the interest of full disclosure, I wasn’t rubbing anything in.
If you haven’t figured out yet, or didn’t read it, this is a response to 4Real’s post yesterday regarding Tiger vs. MJ. Well 4Real titled it “The Great Sports Debate”, so I figure, let’s debate.
It would be petty to point out that 4Real wrote “Well complicate things” and I’ll just have to assume that he meant “We’ll complicate things”. That would be petty, to make this personal and attack his many, many spelling and grammatical errors. And I, being a stand-up guy (for those of you wondering, by stand-up I don’t mean comedian, I mean when I’m standing up I’m about 6 inches taller than 4Real) would never make things personal like that. But back to the debate.
He is right Tiger is approaching every record set in the history of the game. And is without a doubt in my mind the greatest golfer of the game today. But that’s the thing. That’s the problem with comparing athletes in the same sport to different eras. There weren’t golfers out there in the past. It wasn’t as widely played of a game. How do we know that Tiger Woods isn’t really the next Jake Sampson who had amazing talent but never picked up the sticks because he couldn’t afford to play the game. (Ed. Note Jake Sampson is made up, I think, he is not some great golfer that never played). The same can be said for basketball. There are different eras. The pre-black players, the pre-24 second shot clock, the pre-3 point line. As the rules change so too does the game. If it really isn’t possible to compare athletes in the same sport, how can we really cross the boundary into different sports. I say this as a preface. I understand the 4Real himself pointed out just how difficult it is to compare different athletes in different sports. Of course he went and did it anyway.
Rookie Campaigns:
4Real points out that both were Rookies of the Year in their respective sports. This is true, but winning Rookie of the Year is tougher in the NBA because there are more people to go up against (remember not everyone gets a tour card) for the award. So using this as a comparison really isn’t that equal, though Tiger winning it in a short season is impressive, that shows just how little competition there is for the award. There wasn’t any other rookies in Golf that put together several top-25 finishes. What Tiger did was remarkable yes, but using the award as a comparison is a stretch.
“All Team Honors”:
Again another off-comparison. The awards are voted on not based merely on accomplishments. Also the distinction that First team selections are the equivalent of a Top 5 in the Money list is off since Jordan was a guard and there were only 2 guards voted to each team. Thus a First team selection was not a Top 5 finish but a Top 2 finish, Second team a Top 4 and so on. There is also the fact that different tournaments have different purses (winnings). A Player could land in the Top 5 in money lists by winning on average 2 events. In 2002 Ernie Els won 2 events and was 5th in the money list. So being the best on the course only twice during a 49 tournament span will put you in the Top 5 money leaders. K.J. Choi was 5th on the Money List last year and he only won 2 events, and neither was a Major.
Championships:
4Real broke it down correctly, “Jordan took home 6 championships in the form of two 3petes. Yes, he was the Finals MVP in every series, but since we comparing this to an individual sport that would make Tiger the MVP of every championship he won ( No Caddy MVP controversies in the PGA).” The fact is you are comparing it to an individual sport. Also His Airness could only attempt to win 1 championship per season. Tiger has won 13 Majors, but he gets 4 chances per year to win a major. Once again this is a comparison between individual player and team sports. Jordan took his team to 6 championships. The two years he wasn’t there, the exact same players and coaches combined for 0 Championships in those 2 years. When he was back they strung together 3 more. But good Old MJ can’t do it alone, no one can. Let’s take the best players in the NBA Nash has won 2 MVPs and no Championships, Dirk 1 and 0, and we all know LeBron is probably, and in my opinion is definitely, the best player in the game right now but he struggled against the Spurs in the Championship last year without the proper supporting cast. The same thing held true for Dirk last year as the Mavs couldn’t get past the Warriors, and Nash in the two years before struggling with the Spurs. Tiger has won an astounding 13 Major Championships but for him it’s one against the field. He’s won 27% of the Major Championships since entering the game (based on 4Real’s number of 13 total out of 12 years (times 4 per year). Jordan’s teams won 6 Championships in his 19 seasons (including the Washington years and his third of a year year back with the Bulls in 1995 prior to the 2nd threepeat) That’s 31.6% of the time. Which is higher in a tougher to win team sport.
MVP Seasons:
Jordan 5 Tiger 9. Once again if you are on a terrible team as Jordan was in the early and late years (remember he was the 3rd pick, meaning that the year before the Bulls weren’t that good, and they didn’t turn it around right away) you aren’t going to win the MVP, so the MVP award can be narrowed down to the fact that it’s a team sport as well as more people eligible for the award. Not to take anything away from Tiger but in an individual sport it’s easier to get the award because it's singly on you.
Bottom Line:
Tiger is good, Tiger is really good and is probably the best golfer of all-time. The reason it’s probably and not definitely is based on loads of what-ifs and the fact that his career is still going. If I had a gun to my head I would say he was the best ever without thinking twice. But Jordan was more Dominant. I base this on the one and only viable comparison between the two. Heart, drive, and competitiveness. Tiger wins, a lot, and is the best on the Tour right now, hands down. But, and I can’t believe I’m gonna sound like Skip Bayless here, Woods has never won a major when trailing after 54 holes. If he’s losing on Sunday, he’s not walking away with the trophy. Jordan on the other hand had to be carried off the court battling 100+ degree temperatures in the flu game. He would not back down, and he willed his team to win after win. Taking the last shot. Jordan was clutch, he was the man who’s will, heart, drive, and competitiveness made him feared on the court. That’s what made him THE Most Dominant Athlete of All-Time. Hell the Heart and intensity can be found by comparing fist-pumps, which Jordan made famous.
Jordan is 3 feet off the ground, Tiger is saluting the crowd. Not too mention Tiger's winning combination of Red and Black look eerily remnant of someone else who made red and black a winning combination.
Make sure you take a second to vote in the poll to the right.
That's the way you do it! That's the way you debate!
More after the jump...
Monday, February 25, 2008
Oh God He's Pulsing - ECU's Impact Player Chris Johnson
4real and Dom can vouch for the ludicrous choices I made while playing NCAA football '05 and '06 when picking East Carolina University to play against either Ohio State or Notre Dame. However, the Pirates had a nasty little running back that was good for atleast 4 touchdowns a game and gave me a little laugh as 4real and Dom struggle to stop him(except for AJ Hawk that wirey bastard). Well now that little MVP has graduated and made a name for himself at the combine. Here's some ECU love.
oh and also a small blurb about his college career...
Name Time Johnson, Chris 4.24 McFadden, Darren 4.33 Alridge, Anthony 4.36 Charles, Jamaal 4.38 Simpson, Chad 4.42 Mendenhall, Rashard 4.45 Forte, Matt 4.46 Jones, Felix 4.47 Parmele, Jalen 4.47 Stewart, Jonathan 4.48
In 2007, Johnson established a new Conference USA record with an average of 227.69 all-purpose yards per game. That figure led the nation, and he was 24th with 109.5 rushing yards per game. He became the 24th player in Division 1-A history to amass more than 6,000 all-purpose yards in a career.
In 47 games at East Carolina, Johnson became the 11th player in school history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a career, amassing 2,982 yards with 32 touchdowns on 624 attempts. He holds the school career-record for running backs with 125 receptions for 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns. He became the first player in school history to amass more than 5,000 all-purpose yards in a career, totaling 6,993 yards.
Not too shabby, EA sports props for showing the love.
*stats from NFL.com
More after the jump...
Most Dominant of All Time: Tiger vs. Jordan
The great sports debate: Who is the best of all time? Well complicate things more by comparing athletes in different sports (team vs. individual) to determine the most dominant player of all time. I saw a little blurb on ESPN about who was more dominant athlete in their respective sport ,Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan, and this time I couldn’t let it go. The phrase “He is the Michael Jordan of (Insert Anything Here)” is common place, and Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Tiger, on the other hand, has always had the arguably tag thrown before his best golfer of all time description and most of the sports world is just waiting for him to break certain records before committing to that idea. You have to realize that I am coming into this debate knowing that it is next to impossible to compare individual and team sport performances, That being said I will now break these two athletes down with comparable accomplishments as close as sportingly possible.
Rookie Campaigns:
Jordan came into the league out of the 1984 draft as the third overall pick and secured the 1985 Rookie of the Year Award. During this year he average 28.2 ppg and also made the All Star Team (This is a big accomplishment for a rookie which is why I included it, but I will not take Jordan’s 13 other appearances into consideration because it is primarily fan based and there is nothing comparable in golf).
Tiger started on the PGA Tour in 1996 and was named the Tour’s Rookie of the Year. This was after a campaign in which he only he was an amateur for the majority of the year, but made 8 starts as a professional. In those 8 starts he had 2 wins, 2 3rd places, and finished in the top 25 in 7 of those 8 tournaments.
“All Team Honors”: In the NBA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Teams are Awarded which means 15 totals players are awarded with such an honor each season. I’ll make the equivalent to this honor the list of top money earners in the PGA.
Jordan received 10 First Team selections (Top 5) and one 2nd team selection (Top 10).
Tiger has been in the Top 5 the last 11 years in a row, missing only his rookie campaign where he was an amateur most of the season.
Championships:
Jordan took home 6 championships in the form of two 3petes. Yes, he was the Finals MVP in every series, but since we comparing this to an individual sport that would make Tiger the MVP of every championship he won ( No Caddy MVP controversies in the PGA).
Tiger has won 13 Major Championships in his 12 years on the Tour. That includes Two U.S Opens, Four Masters, Two Open Championships, and Four PGA Championships. To compare to a three-pete we look at 2000 where he claimed the Open Championship, PGA Championship, and U.S Open. Also added to the consecutive championship idea are Back to Back Masters in 01 and 02, PGA Championships in 99 and 00 as well as 06 and 07, Open Championships in 05 and 06, or the fact that since 99 the only year he didn’t win a major was in 2004.
MVP Seasons:
Jordan took home the NBA MVP in 5 seasons including back to back honors in 91 and 92.
Tiger has taken home PGA Player of the Year and Tour Player of the Year each 9 times. He won it from 98-03 and from 05-07.
Bonus Facts For Arguments Sake:
Jordan:
Most Scoring titles: 10
Highest Career Playoff Scoring: 5,987
Third On All Time Scoring List: 32,292
Highest Career Scoring Average: 30.12
Highest Career Playoff Scoring Average: 33.45
Tiger:
Holds Largest Margin of Victory in Three Majors:
Masters 12 Strokes
U.S Open 15 Strokes
Open Championship 8 Strokes
(In Winning the 2006 PGA Championship he became the only player to win all four majors by more than 5 strokes)
I think it safe to assume who I believe to be the most dominant player in any sport ever. Woods is a mere 5 Majors and 19 wins away from tying the all time records, and he is only 32 years old. The dominance that Woods has portrayed is unparalleled and continues on year after year. To date Woods has won 8 of his last 9 World events, and last 4 PGA tour events. I could go on for pages about Woods accomplishments, the circumstances in which he won, and the absolute absurdity of his performances. Jordan may be the best player in NBA history (Debatable because of team aspects, and the help that he had on those championship teams), but as a single Athlete Dominating in their sport Tiger takes it hands down.
4Real “The Michael Jordan Tiger Woods of Sports Blogging” Out…
More after the jump...
Friday, February 22, 2008
VOID the Trade?
Maybe Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich's Crazy idea a few weeks ago wasn't that far fetched. Following the lopsided Gasol to the Lakers trade less than 2 weeks ago, the coach stated in an SI interview that, "What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension. There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the LA trade." Now as we all know that little thing doesn't exist and many talking heads made light of Popvich's statements. But think about how many people would have vetoed that Garnett for scrap trade the Celtics made in the offseason. Was it any coincidence that Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale and Celtics GM Danny Ainge are friends who happened to play together in Boston. Perhaps that is something that should have been looked into.
Following yesterday's trade I was very upset with the acquisition of Larry Hughes. Sure Wallace may not have been helping as much as we'd hoped but losing him and Smith hurt. So I would have loved for this committee to be in existence. Not because of any wrong doing in Chicago, it was just a boneheaded trade of running in place. But maybe we should look closer at Seattle GM Sam Presti. For those of you in San Antonio and Cleveland the name might sound familiar he worked for (Cav GM) Danny Ferry in San Antonio. Hmmmm that Kurt Thomas deal with San Antonio seemed relatively even based on the 2009 draft pick the Sonics acquired. But then helping to make the deal work between Cleveland and Chicago and giving up Sczcerbiak and West for Newble, Marshall, and Griffin? Something doesn't seem right.
This means the Bulls are going to have to get rid of Gordon this summer because Hughes is eating up all that Cap Space with his ridiculously overpaid $13 million contract. Am I the only Bulls fan that would rather have Gordon's 20 PPG and 42% FG than Hughes' 12 PPG and 37% FG? Am I the only person who realizes that Joe Smith has the same numbers as Drew Gooden in less PT? Can we pretty please get a do-over? Paxson rarely makes mistakes, but this was a biggie let him get a re-do please?
More after the jump...
The Boys of Spring
To hypothesize it might be the lack of overpaid primadonnas on the court/field or it
might be because College sports lend themselves to gambling so much better, or the fact that college Rivalries are far better and more intense than professional rivalries (especially since the advent of Free Agency). When you play college sports you are a representative of your school and you play for your school and in many cases your city. In professional sports you’re playing for the almighty dollar. But that’s an argument (rant) for another place and time. So the question remains, why, if Baseball is “America’s Game”, does College baseball go so widely overlooked?Who won the 2006 Football National Championship? How about last year? What about the 2006 Basketball? How about last year? Who won the last 2 College World Series’? How about this one, when is the College World Series? You probably have no idea who won the last 2 World Series or even when it’s on. Have you ever watched the College World Series? It’s like the professional one but without days and days in between games for broadcast reasons. Without A-Rod announcing his decision to leave the Yankees, without the obligatory shot of Stephen King or Rudy Guiliani. It’s ok, it’s not your fault. You might be able to catch some CWS games on ESPN2 if you’re lucky.
are great from the fan perspective; it might actually be the pinnacle. It combines the perfect weather and fun up-close atmosphere of Spring Training (as well as the low cost of tickets) to the competitiveness of regular season baseball (because it is) as well as College football/basketball because of the polls and rankings and rivalries. I recall Thursdays and Fridays in my undergrad meeting up in someone’s room to pound a few Stones or in some cases take copious shots of Jager in less than 20 minutes then walking over to the stadium on a perfect, warm, sunny afternoon and watching some baseball as it was meant to be played. You can be part of the game much more than the Cameron Crazies could even hope. You can stand up 10 feet away from the On-Deck Circle yelling at the opposing batter. Get into his head if you want, it sure beats some stupid sign they won’t see. Not saying that heckling is what makes college baseball great, but the ability to heckle anyone from the pitcher to the batter to the 3rd base coach is a privilege. If you aren’t the heckling type, that’s fine, chances are some clever undergrad is doing a great job and the humor is there for you.Now this is not some preachy “Love of the Game” article, this is me wondering why, if College Baseball takes only the best parts of all other fan-worthy sports and improve on some of them, why don’t we ever see or hear anything about it? Where is the coverage? Finding anything about college baseball is almost impossible on ESPN.com. It’s sandwiched somewhere between wrestling and ultimate Frisbee on the ESPNU page. There’s barely a mention of it if you search SI.com. Do yourself a favor, instead of forking over 44 bucks for the next over-rated boxing pay per view, get season tickets to your local college baseball games. It’s far more enjoyable, and it shows just how much farther your 44 bucks will go. If you’re like me, you’ve suffered in silence for far too long so send e-mails to ESPN and SI, ask them where the coverage is. Link this article to your friends, College Baseball has been hiding out in the background for far too long. Viva la Aluminum!
More after the jump...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Larry Hughes....
...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO The Bulls don't need A) Another guard and 2) one who shoots 36% on 480 FGA. I sent this link to 4Real (Cavs fan) months ago, now I suppose I should expect it on my facebook wall in the near future. Chicago, say it with me now, Hey Larry Hughes Please Stop Taking So Many Bad Shots. We don't need a ballhogging, bad shooting, bricklayer on Da Bulls. Karma you ravenous bitch. Sure you gave me 6 Titles in 8 years (and yes I do still appreciate that) and arguably the best to ever play the game, but why do you have to continually rub it in my face and make it worse. Who do I call to get this trade anulled? On a Separte note. Red Chicago Bulls #3 Ben Wallace Jersey for sale. Slightly used (less than 2 years) and way overpriced originally in retrospect. I've got a deal for you.
More after the jump...
Pats Looking to go 18-1* Again in 08
The Patriots are following up on their old off-season moves trying to repeat the rarified feat of going 18-0 and losing the Super Bowl despite being heavily favored. How do they 
plan to do this? Simple. First they attempt to sign an aging former pro-bowl Linebacker who is on the open market. 2006: Junior Seau, 2008: Zach Thomas? Next they go after a Miami Dophins Wide Receiver 2007: Wes Welker, 2008: Marty Booker? Then get Randy Moss on board for the year. 2007: Trade for Randy Moss, 2008: Tag/extend Randy Moss? So with all of those in play and possible the question is where do they go next. At this point last year they cut Corey Dillon (look out Maroney). Talk about uncreative. You've got to make some kind of big move if you want to improve. The Bears didn't do anything after losing Super Bowl XLI and look what happened to them in 2007. Take heed Pats or you might be next. I think they just signed the guy on the right to play linebacker next season. Sorry Zach, seat's taken.
More after the jump...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The PAC-10: America’s Conference.
As I’m sure many of you have picked up on over the recent months of reading we here at The Beardown are college sports fans, specifically Arizona, but as is the case with most college fans we root for our conference. Sure the SEC boasts about their football prowess, and that’s fine, they have more than earned it with their recent success. Other conferences are stuck looking like the Eastern Conference in the NBA, top-heavy talent. But there are more sports than football. So I decided to break down the top 5 collegiate sports programs as a whole. The sports world has been broken down into the Big 3 for a while now so I decided to keep with that tradition. But why limit it to only men’s sports. Here are the top College Athletic programs based on Top 10 appearances by the 6 major conferences in 5 major sports (Football, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, Baseball).
5(t): Big East – The Big East is the home to 16 schools (8 in football season) and through this point in the 2008 year have appeared in the Top 10, 3 times. West Virginia (Football), UCONN and Rutgers (Women’s Basketball). Final Number: 3/72 (4.1%) of Big East teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
5 (t): Big Eleven – The Big Ten boasts 11 teams but refuses to change their name. In the last year they have placed 3 teams in the Top 10 in their respective sports. Ohio State (Football), Northwestern (Softball), and Michigan (Baseball). Final Number: 3/55 (5.4%) of Big Eleven teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
4: ACC – The Atlantic Coast Conference is home to 12 teams in two subdivisions. Despite having 12 teams in each of the 5 major sports, they only place 8 in their respective Top 10s. Virginia Tech and Boston College (Football), Maryland (Women’s Basketball), Miami (Baseball), Duke (Men’s Basketball), and North Carolina (Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Baseball). Final Number: 8/60 (13.3%) of ACC teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
3: Big XII – Once again the home of 12 teams in two subdivisions the Big XII places ten teams in their respective Top 10s. Missouri (Football and Baseball), Kansas (Football and Men’s Basketball), Oklahoma (Football and Softball), Texas (Football and Men’s Basketball), Baylor (Women’s Basketball), and Texas A&M (Softball). Final Number: 10/60 (16.6%) of Big XII teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
2: SEC – Another home of 12 teams that separates into subdivisions. Many are aware of their 
seemingly football dominance (despite having half (2) of the top ten teams of the Big XII (4)) but their real strength is softball fielding 4 of the Top Ten teams. The SEC proves home for 11 Top 10 Teams. LSU (Football, Women’s Basketball, and Softball), Tennessee (Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, and Softball), Georgia (Football), Alabama and Florida (Softball), and Vanderbilt and Mississippi (Baseball). Final Number: 11/60 (18.3%) of SEC teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
1: Pac-10 – Despite having less teams than any other division mentioned above the Pac-10 is 
the home of the most Top 10 ranked teams in the 5 major sports. They edge out the SEC with 12 Top Ten Teams. UCLA (Men’s Basketball, Softball, and Baseball), Arizona (Baseball and Softball), Arizona State (Baseball and Softball), Stanford (Men’s and Women’s Basketball), USC (Football), California (Women’s Basketball) and Oregon State (Baseball). Final Number: 12/50 (24%) of Pac-10 teams rank in their respective Top Ten.
I suppose maybe that might shed some light in some people’s eyes. Sure the SEC and Big XII are still powers, but don’t overlook the Pac-10. Sidenote, those are also the only 3 conferences to field a Top Ten team in all 5 sports. I figure it would come down to the SEC, Big XII, and Pac-10 again if you were talking girls instead of sports. Have you ever seen the girls at Duke? The South, West, and Southwest are the places to be for good college sports, and the best looking (scanitly clad ladies). It's the beauty of it down here, by mid-February the girls are walking around campus in bikini tops on their way to the Rec. But that's a battle for another time.
More after the jump...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Fun With Google!
Mock Draft: In a who knows how many part series (ed. Note 5 thusfar) we have been laying down Round 1 of the 2008 NFL Draft/2008 NFL Mock Draft through piece by piece updates. The most recent being the 1-31 with the Top 20 abridged. They can be found here at the top of which there are posts to the different sections. Please visit those for some updated draft coverage, Version 2.0 will be coming out shortly following the 2008 NFL Combine. The whole combine circus begins on the 21st (a.k.a Thursday) and I believe the coin toss is this Wednesday to decide the 3rd 4th and 5th picks between Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. I believe the Combine wraps up on the 26th.
Heisman…: We did a few pieces summing up the Bronze Stiff Arm (a.k.a. The Hesiman Memorial Trophy) discussing Heisman Hopefuls, leading candidates, past winners successes (Barry Sanders), failures (Rashan Salaam) and those in between (O.J. Simpson, Charlie Ward). In a 2 part series we broke down the Top 25 Heisman Candidates for 2008-2009 but I’m waiting until Spring Ball to narrow the list down to 15-ish going into mini camps. All of the Heisman info can be found by clicking the link in the right toolbar or clicking here.
Conan vs. Colbert: I just quickly posted the video. And without going too in depth this is one thing that has gone amazingly out of control but in a good way. Without posting all of the videos and slowing the site down, do yourself a favor and just search it on YouTube. All of the clips are on there including the Huckabee and Chuck Norris Lever ad. Which is priceless. For Background if you are unaware of the battle. Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert battled to see who was more responsible for the success of Mike Huckabee after his surprising presidential nomination run despite many thinking he was way out of his league. Conan claimed the rebirth of Norris’ fame and pop-culture notoriety through his “Walker: Texas Ranger Lever” and through Norris, Huckabees popularity grew. Conversely Colbert said it was because of his backing of Huckabee and agreement to be his running mate. If you have 20 minutes to kill on youtube, this should be how it’s done.
NCAA Football Bracket/Mock Bracket: I put together a mock playoff bracket for college football during the hectic and out of control 2007-2008 NCAA football season. Mine was a 16 seed format seen here:
With Each Bowl being determined by Conference Winners and at-large bids. It breaks down as such:
16 spots with 11 designated to the 11 Major Div I "FBS" leagues (ACC, Big XII, Big East, Big Eleven, C-USA, MAC, MWC, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC) with 5 open spots for the remaining top teams.
Stipulation 1: This would also cancel out the "Notre Dame Rule" that states that Notre Dame goes to a BCS bowl if they have 8 wins, which further proves the greed of the Bowl System because ND has been vastly outplayed the last 9 times they've been to a bowl game and it's because they bring in revenue to everyone and get beat on Nat'l TV in front of a huge audience.
Stipulation 2: If a Conference does not have a team in the AP/Coaches Top 25 they would forfeit their bowl spot.
Stipulation 3: At the end of the season 1 poll of Equal Strength would be completed for playoff positioning and to grant the at-large bids. 2 votes would be given to each member the Las Vegas Poll I have mentioned before, 1 vote to each voter in the AP Poll, and 1 vote to Each member of the ESPN/USA Today's Coaches Poll.
The seeding of last year’s playoffs would have been:
# 16 Clemson vs. #1 Ohio State in the Sun Bowl
# 15 BYU vs. #2 LSU in the Insight.com Bowl
# 14 Boston College vs. # 3 Oklahoma in the Music City Bowl
# 13 Illinois vs. # 4 Georgia in the Outback Bowl
# 12 Arizona State vs. # 5 Virginia Tech in the Las Vegas Bowl
# 11 West Virginia vs. #6 USC in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
# 10 Hawai'i vs. # 7 Missouri in the Motor City Bowl
# 9 Florida vs. # 8 Kansas Holiday Bowl
2008 Preseason Rankings: We have done a few different rankings so here they are:
2008 College Football Top 25
2008 NL East Preview
2008 AL East Preview
2008 NL Central Preview
2008 AL Central Preview
2008 NL West Preview
2008 AL West Preview
2008 NL Post-season Preview
2008 AL Post-season Preview
2008 World Series Predictions will be coming soon.
Antoine Cason: AC was a DB at The University of Arizona. He has been moving up many draft boards and could be the top DB chosen in the 1st round. He won the 2007-2008 Thorpe Award and besides that he ran track as a Wildcat and is a helluva guy. He will be sadly missed in Tucson, and I can’t wait for my buddy Matt Randle to have a kid. He has promised that his kid’s middle name will be Antoine Cason.
Duke: 90% of those who searched for Duke also searched with some form of the word Hate. I wrote a piece on why everyone hates Duke last week that got a lot of responses on our Yardbarker page. Apparently I was right, everyone really does hate Duke.
Sluggo Route: Sluggo is actually the shortening of Slant and Go. It can be seen every single Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on football fields across the country. It’s a slant with a short pause to cause the defender to bite on it/fall for it and then the receiver takes off. As I mentioned in a previous post, The Double Sluggo in Madden or NCAA Football is 4Real’s favorite play to run. 9 times out of 10 he tells you it’s coming too because he is so excited, like a chubby kid running after the ice cream truck.
Micah Zahler: I made mention to Micah Zahler in a column a while ago after taking and editing a quote he had in his old cartoon “Optimal Stubble”. It was a cartoon that ran in the University of Arizona paper years ago that was flat out hysterical. Archives of which can be found here. Again if you have some time to kill that’s a pretty good place to start, if you like inane conversation about drinking, sports, tv, and a lot of sarcasm.
Vic Chanko: I don’t even remember when I dropped Vic Chanko in an article but Anthony Bourdain is one of my heroes. Kitchen Confidential is one of the few books I have read cover to cover, and I did it in only a couple days (while traveling). It is the first book I ever read cover to cover then proceeded to go out and buy myself. I love his show No Reservations. When it all boils down, the man is hilariously cynical and sarcastic and used to be a cook! Vic Chanko is his evil alter-ego and can be overheard in a couple of episodes of No Reservations. It’s when he’s being star Tony and not sarcastic Tony he becomes Vic Chanko as in (Tuscany episode of No Reservations) Vic doesn’t climb mountains. For those of you searching for Vic Chanko and landing here, that is who he is.
Majerle and don’t forget the coffee: I mentioned it before, and it has been mentioned in TrueHoop but former Phoenix Sun/Cleveland Cav Dan Majerle does TV nowadays and when a player throws down a nice dunk he drops the line “Hey Hun, Don’t forget the Coffee” in reference to the Good Will Hunting scene when Will tells the joke to Robin Williams. If you haven’t seen it I don’t have the effort to transcript it so let’s just say, why haven’t you seen Good Will Hunting yet?
Some of the more humorous searches that landed people on our page (at least twice):
Kyle Orton and some form of drinking, drunk, and Jack Daniels.
Ditka hates Belichick: I’m sure he does but I’m not sure why this search has A)Landed people here and 2)was originally searched for.
(Arizona Interim Head Coach/in-Waiting)Kevin O’Neil + Larry David: presumably because of their physical similarities)
Hotlanta + Origin (or something similar): It’s pretty obvious isn’t it Atlanta is Hot, they just threw it at the beginning, duh.
Cleveland Flats Thefts: among the many other places that have an abundance of thefts, in Cleveland.2009 College Preseason polls/rankings: It’s a little too early don’t ya think? Why don’t we just play 2008 first.
Top Rated _______ + Consumer Reports: people searched for top-rated Fridges and cars, among other things. I apologize to those of you who searched for real information regarding Consumer Reports and landed on the page of a former Fraternity Member making fun of CR's top light beer rankings (Keystone Light, Busch Light, and Natural Light). For those of you who missed that, I will repeat Consumer Reports, the magazine that people trust for decisions like buying refrigerators, ranked the 3 cheapest beers (Stones, Busch, and Natty) as their best buys. Still trust them to buy that Ford Focus they think is so nice?
And lastly an apology to the 30+ of you who searched for Why being really lonely is sometimes Super Awesome or some comparison of that. It was a title to a post I did a long time ago (October I believe) it had nothing to do with the Scrubs episode where Private Dancer attempts Suicide and Turk admits to sleeping with JD’s college girlfriend. I apologize for wasting your time.
More after the jump...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lebron's Resume Keeps Growing
In last night’s All-Star Game Lebron posted close to a triple double with 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. This was while leading the East to Victory ,and claiming his second MVP in four All Star appearances. By taking home the honor for the second time he joins 11 other players in NBA history that have won multiple All Star MVPS. Why don’t we take a look into the crystal ball and see what this accomplishment means for his career:
Bob Cousy: Boston Celtics
All Star MVP: 1954 and 1957
Rookie of the Year: 1950
All Star Appearances: 12
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1971
Bob Pettit: St. Louis Hawks
All Star MVP: 1956, 58, 59, 62
Rookie of the Year: 1955
NBA MVP: 2
All Stars: 11
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1971
Oscar Robertson: Cincinnati Royals
All Star MVP: 1961, 64, 69
Rooke of the Year: 1961
NBA MVP: 1
All Star Appearances: 12
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1980
Julius Erving: Philadelphia 76ers
All Star MVP: 1973, 83
All Star Appearances: 11
NBA MVP: 1
Hall of Fame Inductee: 1993
Isiah Thomas:
All Star MVP: 1984, 86
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2000
Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls
All Star MVP: 1988,96,98
All Star Appearances: 14
Rookie of the Year: 1985
NBA MVP: 5
Magic Johnson: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 1990, 92
All Star Appearances: 12
NBA MVP: 3
Karl Malone: Utah Jazz
All Star MVP: 1989,93
All Star Appearances: 13
NBA MVP: 2
SHAQ: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 2000, 04
Rookie of the Year: 1993
All Star Appearances: 14
NBA MVP: 1
Allen Iverson: Philadelphia 76ers
All Star MVP: 2001,05
Rookie of the Year: 1997
All Star Appearances: 8
NBA MVP: 1
Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers
All Star MVP: 2002,07
All Star Appearances: 10
Lebron James: Cleveland Cavaliers
All Star MVP: 2006,08
Rookie of the Year: 2004
All Star Appearances: 4
I think it’s safe to say that this is a pretty elite club, and with only 5 years under his belt Lebron is well on his way to living up to the hype.
Add this to the list of his other accomplishments.
Now if Cleveland could only give him a little support, maybe he could start catching up in the Championship department. I don’t know how many more statements he has to make to the organization, but if they don’t do something they are going to lose a kid who has the potential to be one of the best of all time.
4Real Out…
More after the jump...
2008 Baseball Preview: AL Post-Season
It’s time for the AL Update. Whether you are a casual stopper by or you’ve been here before this series is the place to be for MLB Predictions. As always, please refer to the links on the side of the page for the division by division and NL conference breakdowns, or just wait till you get to the bottom of this page, the links will be there as well. The AL is much different than the NL in the fact that the “cream rises to the top” almost every year and 2008 won’t be any different. So without further adieu the AL Breakdown.
The Red Sox and Yanks are the top teams once again and the Blue Jays might make some noise, but the closest the O’s and the Devil Rays will be to the top of the Division will be opening day. There isn’t going to be a whole lot of infighting and I suppose it’s just a shame to those fans that their ball clubs can’t spend as much as Steinbrenner and Sons, co. The Central shows us the Tribe and the Tigers (after a MONSTER offseason) perched atop the division and the rest falling ever so far behind. That will be, in my opinion, the division to watch (as it seems to be every year). The Tribe comes back with nominal improvement over a division championship ALCS loss season and has every right to win it again. El Tigres went on a spree bringing in serious talent to add to an already strong roster. That one will be close. The West doesn’t look to surprise many. Texas, Oakland, and Seattle were pretty much out of the running by August last year and none of them made any strides to catch up to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Southern California at the Corner of Gene Autry and State Boulevard off the I-5(LAAASCCGASBI5), or whatever their name is this season.
In the ALDS we’re going to be looking at some serious baseball to be played. In my humble 
opinion this could be one of the better AL playoff runs in recent history and that is including the ’04 Sox and almost all of last year’s AL series. Serious talent is prime to make some noise in the post-season in ’08 and the top ranked Tigers will face off against defending Champ Red Sox. At the exterior with all of the additions the Tigers made coupled with the fact that they were in the World Series 2 years ago they really look like the team to beat. PLUS their additions have playoff experience and have been successful there before. They have all the pieces for anot
her run. BUT they’re facing off with the defending champs who, after going about 90 years without a Series Title, have made Will Hunting and the rest of the delinquent “Southies” deliriously happy with 2 wins in the last 4 years. Also, as sports fans we have been paying attention to all of the glory that is going in the northeast right? BC’s magical run, the *Pats, the C’s taking it to the rest of the NBA, and the aforementioned Red Sawx. I think Karma Kracks down on the Nordeast and their superior attitudes and the Sox get dropped in round 1 starting off the Curse of Eric Gagne and another near century without a Title. Tigers in 5.
Then we see the Tribe taking on the LAAASCCGASBI5. This should be an interesting series. 
The Tribe has been the odd man out in a tough division many seasons and has been flying mostly under the radar. Then in 07 they were a couple of outs away from the Series but couldn’t close it. This year they will most likely be playing second fiddle all season to a powerful being known as the Tigers. Here’s the thing, they didn’t get worse, they actually improved a little bit and Asdrubal Cabre
ra will be another year older and more experienced and he was pretty key in the late season Indian run last season. The Angels did a little bit here and there, namely adding Torii Hunter and Jason Bulger in the relief spot to help their cause. But all that really does is further separate them from the rest of the West. They should go into a series against Cleveland as the quintessential not enough team. They did some stuff, just not enough to make it out of the first round. They’ll score runs against the Tribe, just not enough in the late innings to get or keep a lead. They’ll win games in the post-season just not enough to take the series. Tribe takes it 3-1.
So in the league dominated by the AL East of recent memory, this year's top division, will be facing off in the ALCS. Tribe vs. Tigers. This one is almost impossible to predict when everything is on the table. It comes down to Cleveland’s great pitching, with C.C. and Fausto in Cy Young consideration, and Byrd and Westbrook AMAZING in the post season, and their good/above mediocre bats facing off against Detroit. Detroit was already one of the best offenses in the league (Shef, Magglio, Pudge) now they get to pile on with the young Cabrera. That is just scary. Offensively Willis should help out an above average pitching staff. Experience? The Tribe was most recently there and it left a bad taste in their mouths, the Tigers were there and even further (WS loss) 2 years ago. Going out on a limb, because I live my life on the edge. I give it to the pitching. IF Byrd and Westbrook look as good as they did in the post-season and IF C.C. and Fausto look like they did in the regular season 2007, they take the Tigers in 7 really, really, really good games. Remember these two teams will be very familiar with each other. They face off 18 times in the regular season (unless games get snowed out again) and should be ver
y familiar with strengths and weaknesses. Of course this sets off a possible friendship ending series with 4Real’s precious Tribe against my Cubbies. At which point I root for the Tribe, because I did last season during the ALCS and we saw how that turned out. From that point who knows we’ll get to that later. I think the world explodes after a Cubs/Tribe series but I don’t really know. As for a fun fact. Both the Cubs and Tribe have won the World Series in the last 20 years, unfortunately both teams did it in movies. Can Henry Rowengardner and Chet Steadmen lace them up again and face off against Jake Taylor and Rick Vaughn? Who knows.
Divisional Breakdowns:
NL West
NL Central
NL East
AL West
AL Central
AL East
NL Conference Wrap-up
More after the jump...
Friday, February 15, 2008
NBA JAM + All Star Break + College = Fun!
Tucson's Jody Oehler of The Fan 1490 AM had a great idea on today's Happy Hour. A new format for the All-Star break. Take 3 players from top College Programs and set up a 3 on 3 tournament. Come with us to Imagination Island:
Posisble teams include:
Arizona:
Jason Terry
Gilbert Arenas, sub in Andre Iguodala for the injured Arenas
Richard Jefferson
Duke:
Luol Deng
Grant Hill
Carlos Boozer
Kansas:
Kirk Hinich
Paul Pierce
Drew Gooden
LSU:
Shaquille O'Neal with Stromile Swift/Brandon Bass subbing in
Tyrus Thomas
Glen Davis
North Carolina:
Vince Carter
Antawan Jamison
Rashad McCants/Rasheed Wallace
Florda:
Joakim Noah
Al Horford
Jason Williams
UCONN:
Emeka Okafor
Ben Gordon
Ray Allen
Wake Forest:
Tim Duncan
Chris Paul
Josh Howard
The List could go on Texas, Illinois, it's pretty much endless. Who wouldn't want to watch some playground ball with some of College's top Pros. And who wouldn't want to play with their college teammates. Or see Duncan play with Howard and Paul or reunited old top teams. It would be better than the crap we se during All-Star festivities.
More after the jump...
2008 Baseball Preview: NL Post-season
Alright all, recently, we’ve been hitting you with a division by division Baseball breakdown. I took NL and 4Real took the AL. With Pitchers and catchers reporting yesterday and the fact that I'm buying Spring Training tickets almost daily, we’re looking ahead to the Fall Classic. First off, the NL Breakdown. For the previous columns in this series consult the links in the sidebar of the page or the links at the bottom of this article.
Heading into the Post-season the NL is going to be anyone’s guess. All three divisions should be highly competitive and go down to the last week before anyone clinches anything. Last year the NL had a play in game for the Wild Card that was narrowly, and arguably won by Colorado (over San Diego). I’m not so sure the season will go extra innings again but I also wouldn’t be that shocked. The NL is pretty well split 50/50 with Atlanta, Philly, and New York competing in the East, Cubs and Brewers in the Central, and the Padres and D-Backs staying strong in the West. The Astros (Central) and Rockies (West) will be in the hunt for most of the season but with the Wild Card looking to go to a team near the 90 win mark, both should fall just short. The potential Wild Card entrance game could be between the Padres and Phillies. With that said my 2008 Post Season predictions are as follows:
The NL East should send the New York Mets into the Post-season as a 1 seed. With a little more experience across the board, including September Call-ups, and their off-season addition of Santana to an already deep rotation (including World Renowned Cock-fighter Pedro Martinez) scoring runs on them should be troublesome. Playing them close until the bitter end will once again be the Phillies, the only difference being the lack of the New York choke of epic proportions in the closing weeks. Atlanta will stay competitive as well but fall off in late August and won’t be able to rebound.
The NL West will once again be competitive down the stretch and the battle for first will be close between San Diego and Arizona. Unfortunately, too much parity in the division will lead to close divisional losses for the Rockies and Padres and will knock them both out of Wild Card contention, leaving Arizona as this year’s sole team coming out of the West.
Chicago nearly relinquished it’s lead late in the season to the Brewers (after taking over the Central from the Brewers in late July) but were able to hang on despite 3 consecutive losses to Florida in their second to last series. The Brewers are another year older and should be able to keep whatever momentum they have going late in the season. Their bats should continue to produce as Prince Fielder tries to get his batting average higher than his Weight and get more HR than inches in his waist, unfortunately, their pitching just isn’t there and it will wind up costing them more games down the stretch. The Cubs should hold on heading into the post season taking the division for the 2nd straight year under Sweet Lou.
The first round will see the Cubs taking on the Mets in New York. Barring injuries this series will 
be 5 games at least 3 of which should be 1 or 2 run difference pitcher’s duels. the Mets Pitching will be strong having 4 starters with sub-4 ERAs in 2007. The Cubs will be fielding a nearly comparable starting rotation having 5 guys with sub-4 ERAs in ’07 and a few others trying to earn spots in the rotation. In addition the Cubs have, arguably, one of the strongest Bullpens in the 
NL getting Dempster out of the closer position and having Bob Howry, Kerry Wood, and Carlos Marmol closing out games this season as well as other strong arms in the Pen. The Cubs went cold in the Post-Season last year after putting together one of the best mid-seasons turnarounds in history. A lot of people suggest that whoever is hotter going into the post-season will do better. This doesn’t bode well for the Cubs with their final 7 games of the season coming on the road going to Shea Stadium (Mets) and Miller Park (Brewers). Conversely the Mets finish with 7 at home, 4 vs. the Cubs and 3 facing the Marlins. This is a valid statement (Colorado Rockies 2007) but I also think it comes down to experience. The Dbacks (5 years since their last playoff appearance), Cubs (4 years), Phillies (5+ years), and Rockies (5+ years) were all inexperienced so the hot team theory panned out in '07. The Rockies were as hot as can be taking 21/22. That likely won’t happen again for either of these teams, especially since they face off in the closing weeks, I think it then will come down to experience and the Cubs will take the series in 5.
On the other side of the country we’re going to be watching a good Diamondbacks team taking 
on a good Phillies team. Both went to the post-season last year, and lost to the Rockies. In a true Offense vs. Defense competition the Dbacks with their Solid pitching will be taking on the Phillies and their relentless bats. The Backs are going to edge the Phils in 4 games, to further that I say the Dbacks win the first two and close it up in game 4. If the bats go silent it doesn’t matter how
mediocre your pitching staff is. It always seemed like the Phillies could and would score runs, especially when needed. They scored 892 runs last season but games 2 and 3 of their series with the Rockies is the perfect reason why the DBacks win. When the Phils scored 5, their mediocre pitching gave up 10, and when their bats went quiet witch often happens to a offensive powerhouse at inopportune times, they couldn’t score more than 1 run vs. the Rockies. Hitting will get you into the post-season, pitching will keep you there.
In the NLCS the Cubs and the DBacks will face off once again, this time in a 7 game series. The Dbacks swept the Cubs in 2007s NLDS for three reasons, their usually powerful, dependable bats (Soriano, Lee, Ramirez) were absent from the series, their young pitching (rookie reliever Carlos Marmol got the L in game 1) got attacked by nerves, and the clutch factor was absent (9 LOB, 1/10 RISP in game 1, 9 LOB, 1/4 RISP in game 2, 9 LOB, 0/9 RISP game 3) which ca
n be equated to youth and inexperience. Don’t look for those three factors to pop-up again in 2008 when these two teams face off. Chances are that by this point in the season Randy Johnson will be shelved due to back problems and will most likely be hinting at retirement and the loss of Valverde will be more and more glaring as this series goes on. Expect a blown AZ save, most likely at Wrigley. The Cubs should shock a lot of people and take this series in 6.
Divisional Breakdowns:
NL West
NL Central
NL East
AL West
AL Central
AL East
More after the jump...
I thought we were done with this?
Antonio Pierce, New York Giant, Super Bowl Champion, and now under the scrutiny of the Middlesex County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( I always wondered who the MCSPCA was). Apparently Pierce had been neglecting the dogs days before the Super Bowl, a situation which developed after the dogs escaped from their enclosed area.
"Pierce was issued the summons because one of the dogs was found to be underweight and suffering from a respiratory illness, officials said."Oh I forgot to add that the two dogs were pit bulls. Sans a dead dog in the yard, this is an interesting development, due to the fact that Pierce should know that athletes are under scrutiny right now due to Michael Vick's loving affection towards his pit bulls. The sad part is he can't even battle this whole thing, because Pierce first off WASN'T even close to NJ in fact he happened to be in AZ. Second what the hell are you doing leaving dogs outside when you're out of town, in New Jersey, IN THE WINTER? Pit bulls don't necessarily have a long flowing coat to keep them warm in the harsh winter. Oh you're just trying to toughen the dogs up? For what I may ask? God man, now I'm not one of those hippy liberals who things you should pamper your dog or not have a tough dog, but this is getting kinda sad. Antonio is just lucky that he doesn't have Powerade/Nike endorsements. And that he's not one of the most controversial quarterbacks of this generation. Because I'm sure the MCSPCA would love to be the group to take down another celebrity for animal cruelty. But without that 120 million dollar signing bonus, it seems trivial to call you out too much.
SPCA chief Walt Mychal stressed that Pierce was not charged with anything related to dogfighting and could face only a fine, not jail time, if convicted.A.K.A if Disney World will have you, you're not worth our time. I must say it pains me to have to write an article like this about an AZ alum. I'm guessing he learned his dog treatment techniques in South Tucson.
*quotes from the Associated Press
More after the jump...
Media Bias: In the Interest of Objectiveness
16-8 (6-5)...
University of Arizona's record thusfar this season. Two of those losses to Arizona State. Arizona has not lost twice to Arizona State in one season since 1995. In the interest of parity in sports jounalism how is it possible that Arizona is still getting votes for the Top 25. The Kitty Kats are not and have not been a Top 25 team in 2007-2008 with the exception of the Overtime loss to Kansas, the wins over then #9 A&M and #9 Washington State and the close loss to Stanford a few weeks ago. Granted, Tucson's Team does play the toughest schedule in all of Division I basketball and has an RPI of 1 (last time I looked). As recently as the 8th of February ESPN released a breakdown of 20 writers and 20 TV broadcasters with their mock NCAA Tournament brackets. In both Arizona was a 4 seed. That would mean both groups believe that Arizona, who at the time was 15-7, (5-4), was a top 16 team in the country.
If I can bust on Duke for media bias and favortism year after year with this year being an exception (Duke's record is always elevated due to a soft non-conference which usually bites them in the ass in the tournament due to not playing much competition) then this is one instance I will do the same to Arizona. Arizona's program has been slipping recently and this year is the free-fall. The program has been in constant andjustment after years solid as rock. Players typically hung around here for four years, not all but most. The coach has been the same since the 80s. Things were comfortable for Cats fans. Recently keeping a player for 4 years has been near impossible and players like (Good Riddance) Marcus Williams are leaving early. The hopes of keeping Sophomore Budinger and Freshman Bayless are looking slim meaning next year should be the same.
New coach O'Neil this year has done an adequate job, and really all you can expect after being thrust into the spotlight and living in the shadow of a Hall of Famer in Lute. The team lacks heart and intensity, which in no way can be attributed to Coach K because he has plenty of it. It's the lack of leadership. But for some reason they are still being ranked as a top team in the country. Sure I'll be excited in March when UA gets an at-large bid to the tournament despite a 20-11 (10-8) record. But when The Cats don't make it past the first weekend I won't be surprised (just like I won't be surprised when Duke gets dropped in the 3rd round). Media bias is one of the worst things in sports, and really the point of this whole thing was to point out that even as a die hard Cats fan, I can admit bias, and I question how it is possible for fans of certain teams out there, who receive undue adulation, coverage, and awe, can honestly with a straight face deny that bias exists. Also, how it is possible for the media to turn a blind eye to this year after year in every sport.
More after the jump...
Unsung Heroes of Sport: 1
"Baseball season's on the way
Well you better get ready for a brand new day" (Steve Goodman, Go Cubs Go, 1984)
A Chicago native (a.k.a The Chicago Shorty) wrote songs for the likes of Steve Martin, Jimmy Buffet, and Arlo Guthrie, among others, but enjoyed being out of the spotlight. Two things he loved more than Guitar and music were humor and sports. Luckily for him the Chicago Cubs
fit both of those categories. Every year around Februrary I dig out an old CD and listen to two of his songs that put a smile on my face. "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request" and "Go Cubs Go". The first a very tongue in cheek representation of every Cubs fan and their life of struggles, being a Cubs fan. It was written in 1983 and the Chorus goes as such:"Do they still play the blues in Chicago
When baseball season rolls around
When the snow melts away,
Do the Cubbies still play
In their
ivy-covered burial ground
When I was a boy they were my pride and joy
But now they only bring fatigue
To the home of the brave
The land of
the free
And the doormat of the National League"
Some other highlights include:
"the last time the Cubs won a National League pennant
Was the year we dropped the bomb on Japan"
"Year after year after year (A small pause followed by)
after year, after
year, after year, after year, after year"
Cubs notables featured in the song are the famous Ernie Banks phrase "Let's play two" a day time funeral "No lights!" as well as have "Keith Moreland Drop a routine fly" and the famed Wrigley dimensions "Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow, from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind. When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall will bid the bleacher bums adieu. And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue" and in a last poke at the Cubs futility over the years he says "but you the living, you're stuck here with the Cubs, So its me that feels sorry for you!"
I love this song not only as a Cubs fan but as a baseball fan, and a fan in general. I am however lucky enough to be a Cubs fan so I probably like it more than you, but it's the perfect example of a fan in his final moments. The song was first performed in March of 1983 on WGN radio which sadly was only 18 months before he passed due to Leukemia. Good old Steve didn't get his funeral he wanted so badly in the song but he got something even better in my opinion. The man who was sarcastic as they come (Called himself Cool Hand Leuke after being diagnosed) and who had fanatical devotion to his boyhood team, lives on as a honorary member of the Cubs and their history.
Shortly before his death he relased the song "Go Cubs Go". A very simple song you have heard if you've watched a Cubs game in the past. A uplifting, fun, summertime, Cubs chant. Repetitive as hell but it's constantly singing, "Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, Hey Chicago whaddya say the C
ubs are gonna win today." The song was used on WGN as the Cubs pushed towards the playoffs. Sadly Goodman was unable to witness the remainder of the Cubs 1984 push as he passed away in September. The Cubs would go on to win the NL East and head to the playoffs, but lost the NLCS to the Padres 3-2 after a 2-0 start.)Goodman was the quintessential fan and was able to combine his passions for both music and sports into some classic songs that have stood the test of time thusfar. In 2007 the Cubs and WGN dug up Go Cubs Go and began playing it during their post-season run after wins. Goodman is definitely one of the Unsung Heroes of Sport, one who was able to polarize and entire city one summer as they all chanted Go Cubs Go.
More after the jump...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Cheaters Never Prosper
Things aren't looking so good for cheaters right about now. Clemens was ratted out by McNamee and by Pettite not showing up to back up the rocket, things look bleak. Even though he has never heard of HGH.
Bonds apparently FAILED a drug test one month after breaking McGwires record. Even though he's on record saying that he didn't take anything, never had, never knew about it.
Goodell told Specter that Belichick had been filming since 2000. But he didn't know it was against the rules.
They're cheaters, liars, and apparently clueless idiots.
And on another note there was a shooting on the Campus of Northern Illinois University. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the people who lost their loved ones. These acts are senseless and terrible. It has been less than a year since the massacre at Virginia Tech and almost nine since the Columbine Massacre we all heard about. In between there have been shootings at The University of Arizona, Shepard University, University of Arkansas, and many others. To keep up with any info on the NIU shootings this is the University's Campus Alert page.
More after the jump...
1995-1996: Revisited
Retro is "in" in the sports world again. The last year has been like 1996: Part Deux. Don't believe me? Here's a small sampling of the repetitive themes 12 years later in the world of sports:
Jason Kidd is the starting Point Guard for the Dallas Mavericks.
Chris Webber is a Golden State Warrior.
Steve Nash is the starting Point Guard for the Phoenix Suns.
Shaq is getting a re-birth and a title shot in the Western Division.
The NBA is talking about going to a new country.
The best player in the NBA is the the Central Division and wears #23.
The Portland Trailblazer's Center has knee problems.
The Patriots just lost the Super Bowl.
The Packers and Cowboys were the top two teams in the regular season.
O.J. Simpson is in legal trouble.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have the top player in the game.
Tony Gwynn is playing professional baseball.
Tom Glavine is on the Atlanta Braves.
There's a hefty 1st baseman with the last name of Fielder rocketing HRs.
The Indians are heading into a new season with a legitimate chance at the World Series.
Joe Torre is getting a fresh start in a new League.
And the Cubs still haven't won the World Series.
More after the jump...
NBA: European Expansion
Sports Illustrated is reporting that David Stern is planning to expand the NBA into Europe. This idea surfaced for the first time back in 2003 when Stern stated that it would happen within the next ten years. It is five years later, and apparently he is planning on keeping his word. With a pending announcement on the exact plan to franchise into the European market it looks likely that up to five teams will make up a European Division. This will not be a separate entity like NFL Europe, these teams will compete against the existing franchising in a full 82 game season in search of a Championship. I’m hoping that Stern has thought this out to every single angle, because it’s going to completely change the game. Off the top of my head I came up with a number or reasons why I wouldn’t want this to become a reality:
- Travel Distances which then effect the following
- Jet Lag = Fatigue
- Extends the Schedule to Accommodate Travel Time
- Long Road Trips. Do they come over for weeks at a time, or do my Cavs have to take a European Vacation to hit series with the clubs. Also, with only five teams there are teams going to get shafted on the number of games they must play overseas versus teams that don’t have to spend much time over there.
- Money
- Obviously it will always be the main motivation for a move like this in terms of the business aspects.
- The Euro versus The American Dollar
- Are European Owners going to have to throw insane amounts of cash at players to get them to play for those teams? If so, then what will that do to the sport in terms of contract sizes and the salary cap?
- TV Coverage
- Time Differences. Think about how annoying it will be to watch your team, having to stay up too late or get up too early.
I think that there is a number of variables to consider, and I will be waiting for them to unveil the plan to tackle such an expansion. Granted it’s not as bad as when there were NBA Asia rumors, but it is still going to be problematic to the sport.
4Real Out….
More after the jump...
Mom I'm Grounding Myself...
Ok, about two months ago I posted this article concerning the cheating/roster problem of the Florida State football team. For shame Florida State. Fast forward to today and after extensive snooping the administrators have decided to drop the hammer and...place themselves on TWO YEARS PROBATION. Holy crap man, what does that even mean? According to the Associated Press it means that scholarships will be revoked and eligibility will be denied. But wait one a minute, did this not already happen? I suppose that they've found out that the number of cheaters is now 60 and I'm assuming they were in violation of independent occurances otherwise that professor is an idiot. Two years probation. Dom, 4real and my fraternity was placed on probation for something like two years and that did absolutely nothing for us, besides enhance our ability to sneak around more. Two years probation. Just like many of the kids in honors classes in High school are just the better cheaters, this "penalty" seems like a front. Two years probation. And let's not forget the rules for NCAA which try to keep student-athletes from getting too many perks, such as the Kevin Love/Wooden situation earlier this year OR perks that restaurants/bars like Championship in Tucson gives to athletes to come in. Would this not fall under unauthorized special treatment? I remember agreeing to the academic integrity agreement when registering for college not to mention on my SYLLABUS at the start of every semester. Unless I'm unaware of some fine print on these seemingly duplicated documents for student-athletes, I'm almost certain probation and loss of eligibility for your sport should be the least of your worries. Two years probation. Expulsion/Failing was what was in the books for me. So really two years probation? That's just a nice way of saying we're taking away their scholarships, but really we're gonna have them do these bullshit jobs - for example Zeppelin spotting which was a job for student-athletes in the 80's at the University of Arizona - which pay unusually high wages. I mean I find this entertaining seeing as how for so long we had to sidestep a probation - and just like FSU - imposed our own sort of punishment. Being in the driver's seat for this I find funny, because a self-imposed probation just allows you to change the rules as you see fit, while still creating the image of punishment for the overlord. That's like quitting a job after you find out you're gonna be fired. Keep whatever pride you have left FSU. You have two years.
*note on the picture - the only ties it has are the girls from FSU but I like boobs, and since it's National Pitcher/Catcher day it's nice to celebrate
More after the jump...
He's all grow'eds up and he's all grow'eds up...
As we've all heard by now, Bobby Knight resigned from the Head Coaching job at T-Tech just as the season was getting dirty. Some said this was bad news for the boys in Lubbock, due to the fact they had just lost the most winningest coach in NCAA Div I history - on his own terms none the less. But T-tech showed poise and confidence in their fall back plan - letting Pat Knight take the wheel of the ship that dad built. Standing in the daunting shadow of a 902-371 record (70.8% winning percentage - disgusting *in a good way*), T-tech on the edge of their seats waiting for Pat to show his true colors. With the boat being rocked th
e two games following the resignation of the General, legs jostled, nails were bitten as the gun-barrel of the future pointed right down the mouth of Pat. If I'm not painting an adequate picture think Fight Club -Opening scene. Anyways, as impressive a first win as anybody could wish for the unranked Red Raiders (6th in the Big 12) beat number 18 Kansas last night with Pat Knight at the helm. A top 25 upset, for a first win not too shabby. And with Dad in attendance. Half surprised the Gen didn't run onto the sidelines to scream at Pat when a bad play was called. But hey once you've left the show, there's no re-entry. Anyways congrats Pat, keep the legacy alive.
Click here for game summary
More after the jump...
An Ode to Spring Training
Pitchers and Catchers report today. Many people wonder why I am so excited about the fact that Pitchers and Catchers are heading to their respective warm weather climate to 
throw for a few hours per day. Well today the hopes officially start anew, and as a Cubs fan whose liftime motto has been wait till next year, Pitchers and Catchers lacing up officially means it's next year. It's not just hope for the fans but for the players. This could be the year they win their first championship, or their 3rd, or for some a chance to make an impact. It's a time for Champions to defend their titles and a time for rookies to finally get a chance to, as Crash Davis put it, "hit white balls during batting practice". It is also the time in the year when chemistry, which is essential in a locker room is formed. These guys are spending hours together hanging out, having a good time, making jokes, playing pranks, and building their working friendships. Once the season rolls around the pressure mounts over records, steroids, hit streaks, batting slumps, and interviews. The game stops being about fun and it becomes work. Not to say their job is harder than ours in our respective cubicles, but it's a time for grown men to relish the fact that they get to play a kids game because they were good enough and worked hard enough at it. Not to mention 
the fact that on the 18th the rest of the team shows up to get ready for Spring and in the not to distant future...Baseball will be played on warm sunny days in Arizona and Florida. Not too far down the road from here is opening day in April, which signifies a new year of baseball. I know that 4Real and I are excited, while discussing catching an upcoming game at Hi Corbett (Tucson) he said "I'm down, I'll wear pajamas and race people barefoot" I missed the obvious Major League/Willy Mays Hayes reference, and when he informed me of my egregious error I said, "Damn, I whiffed on that one like the Allstate guy trying to hit a curveball" (A Valid Major League counter-reference/recovery). There are many (BC) who don't care about baseball, but there are those of us who love the game because it's more than just "a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains". Think about that for awhile.
More after the jump...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A dose of ESPN the OCHO
Waking up about an hour later than I'd hoped, I walked over to my computer to check my feeds and to my surprise we had an odd-ball entry. A "Best In Show" moment came to mind as a headline on ESPN.com showed the results of the Westminster Kennel Show boasted it's first Beagle to take the number one spot at the show. WOOO! Another upset to notch in this year in sports! As the AP stated "Barking and Baying up a storm, Uno lived up to his name". Yes, Uno the Beagle definately knew exactly what was going on, he even cried tears of joy. Now Eli's Manning's commercial time will be split with Uno, as in the midst of all the ruckus, the beloved Beagle announced that he too will be going to Disney World. If Dog shows are considered sport, then I would like some FROLF coverage. I think the Rossland Frolf Association and the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) should be a viable competitor for headline news. Where's the love?
More after the jump...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hey NHL Take Off Your Mittens and Hit Somebody
The other day I’m catching up on some sports videos when I come across good ol’ Richard Zednik catching one dangerously close to the jugular. You’ve probably seen the video already so I just linked it, but if you haven’t it’s a good one. As I was watching it I blurted out “ I’ve been waiting years for that to happen” and not to be insensitive to Zednik’s neck, but haven’t we all? Now follow my train of thought here… Big Czech goes down from a blade to the neck… I think injuries like that (not exclusive to the neck) should happen more often…wait why don’t fights in hockey happen more often. Then it hits me. My pops told me about a hockey match he went to where players got bonuses to fight (I’m not looking this up to check it as a fact because I don’t want to be disappointed when it’s not true). So I send him an email asking what the name of the league was only to get this response:
Can't remember the name of the league or even the teams as that was almost 10 years ago, but it was in Quebec City where I saw the match and it was a home game.
First off…10 years ago? Zednik triggered an LSD style flashback about my love for grown men on skates punching each other.
So after 10 seconds on google I came across Ligue Nord Americaine De Hockey in all of its glory. Lets get down to a couple quick stats comparing the LNAH to the NHL.
2007-2008 Season Top 3 Leaders in Team Fight Totals
NHL (Through 56 Games):
Calagary Flames: 50
Philadelphia Flyers: 50
Anaheim Ducks: 49
LNAH (40 games):
Saint-Hyacinthe: 195
Summum-Chiefs de St-Jean: 167
Radio X de Québec: 161
Top 3 Leaders in Individual Fights
NHL (56 games):
Jared Boll (Columbus Blue Jackets): 19 (0.3 Fights Per Game)
George Parros (Anaheim Ducks): 18
Riley Cote (Philadelphia Flyers): 17
LNAH (40 games):
Sean McMorrow ( Saint-Hyacinthe): 46 (1.15 Fights Per Game)
Curtis Tidball (Radio X de Quebec): 38
Neil Posillico (Trois-Rivières): 34
NHL: 0.2 Fights Per Game
LNAH: 1.8 Fights Per Game
The best part about the LNAH fights is the fact that they are actual fights. I’m talking about skate around eyeing each other up while taking off the helmet and mittens and squaring off.
Don’t take my word for it look at the clips:
Here is a good one of McMorrow who even though he loses the fight at one points pushes a referee out of the way to keep fighting and is pointing in another’s face to get out of the way before he receives the knock down blow.
Here is a compilation of LNAH fights
Or you can just head over to a fan site of the Summun Chiefs. Here you can find a video of every fight during the season. Just to see the number of fights is worth the visit.
So I hate to say it, but the French Canadians have given us the league that dominates one of every man’s favorite things…the Hockey Fight. Never thought I’d say those three words in one sentence. Oh and if we had fighting incentives maybe the NHL wouldn't feel like it has a cult following in the U.S. instead of real fans.
4Real Out…
More after the jump...
A Couple of After Thoughts
First of all, Et Tu BC? Two posts in one day and both of them take a shot at me (I was a History Education major in college and am a Bears fan). What do you want Muhsin Muhammad and Ricky Manning, Jr. back? Too bad.
Also, and more importantly, I added a link at the right of the page to sign the Save Friday Night Lights petition. NBC has pulled the plug on finishing season 2 of FNL (Cut short because of the writer's strike) and looks like it won't be bringing it back for season 3. You got rid of Black Donnely's not that long ago (another absolutely incredible show that 4Real got me hooked on, only to have the rug pulled out from under me) and now you're debating whether or not to bring back the fictional town of Dillon and their love for football (which I got payback since I got 4Real into that one only to have it apparently pulled out from under him). If NBC does choose not to continue to show FNL I just hope that some other station out there picks up the rights. I don't care if they jumped the shark by having QB1 Saracen and Riggins at a strip club officially having every single scene from Varsity Blues remade for TV, it's still a great show. Sure it needs more football, but this agression will not stand, man. This coupled with the continual Real World/Road Rules competitions as well as Flavor of Love/Rock of Love/Tila Tequila/American Idol/Dancing.../ etc shows makes me seriously wonder what one has to do to get a ratings box on their TV. Seriously. How are some of these shows still able to be seen but quality TV disappears from us. How did quality shows like The Office survive the morons who choose what we see on TV?
More after the jump...
Now for Something Totally Unrelated
Watching the Office Season 3...I came across an epiphany...this is what History Majors do after college...
I wonder how many of my History Major friends lead double lives as prominent figures in history.
More after the jump...
Panther Rants...
Ok, so with the NFL season over as well as the NC-dub Football season over, a small part of me has died and now I have all this free time to sit on my ass and do nothing. However the free-agency period is coming up and teams are making some sal-cap room. As stated, I am a Carolina Panthers fan, and have been since the team's inception in '95. So let's just talk about what the hell happened this season.
We were 7 - 9 this season, having a quarterback controversy as bad as the Chicago Bears. We also were in one of the weakest conferences of the NFL this year as shown by the poor showing of Buc's in the first round of the playoffs. Our leading touchdown passer was Delhomme who played just over 2 1/2 games. We set an NFL record by starting the oldest player ever (who managed to win - against the Cards but whatever). We had to transfer over our first round draft pick Jon Beason to MLB since Dan Morgan was injured again. I won't even start talking about our busted secondary lead by....Chris Gamble eee...sorry 4real, but he was not worth the hype.
After our season we decided to keep our streaky coach who seemed to lose favor with Jerry Richardson. But after a couple weeks of waiting they decided to keep Fox. I guess we'll just see if the wound gets any worse before we make any rash decisions....right.
Well with Delhomme successfully throwing Nerf balls in rehab, his recovery looks very good for the 2008 season. We can finally use him to take advantage of our playmakers that we pay good money for. Sorry Vinnie, but when our 2nd round draft pick was born when you won the Heisman, it's usually never a good thing. Old balls. But my question is, who the h
ell are the Panther's gonna pick up that's as good as Morgan? I guess we'll see with the free agency period creeping up, but considering Morgan was a headline player for us, support for Beason does not look to good. Well hopefully we'll drop David Carr to clear up more salary cap room to drop some bills on a decent LB, OR sign an up and comer and revamp our sub par secondary. Dom, how about this? You give me my Super Bowl secondary back and we give you Carr. He's got Po I swear.
More after the jump...
Wandering thoughts about The Real World, Bull Durham, Super Bowl Hangovers, and Spring Training
I honestly have nothing today. I’ve been trying to think of something to write about but let’s face it. There isn’t a whole lot going on in the world of Sports right now. We’re in that awkward couple of weeks right now. It’s like that Saturday afternoon when you went out and had a great Friday night, had a blast, one of those ones that just flew by (football season) capped off by taking that girl who is completely out of your league home with you (Super Bowl). The best thing about that send off is that at the start of the night you had no chance but after some liquid courage, the competition leveling out with the “dimple-chinned quarterback with the winning smile” (Actual AP Quote) getting sloppy, spilling all over himself, and repeatedly falling down (Tom Brady/Patriots). But now it’s about Noon and you’re just getting past the part of the day where you talk with your roommates and friends about the night before and how much fun you all had. So you sit there, staring at a repeat of SportsCenter with nothing to do and no new E-Mails or Facebook/MySpace/ Whatever messages. It’s a beautiful sunny 78 Degree day and you’ve got a BBQ to go to at 3:30 (Spring Training) where you can sit in the sun for a few hours a drink some beers, eat some good food, but it’s still hours away. Then later tonight you are going to meet up with some friends at the bar and have a quiet evening full of good conversation (NBA Trade Deadline). And then next weekend you’ve got your roommates graduation party (NFL Combine) and a few weeks after that you’ve got your buddies Bachelor Party (March Madness). But right now, you are bored, out of your mind, starting at a wall. In this case my very, very, tiny cubicle wall.
That’s what it’s like right now, football talk has taken a backseat to everything else, and even though everyday there’s new revelations and accusations in the steroid investigations (that wasn’t supposed to sound like a Jesse Jackson speech by the way) it’s all been said before, just this time new words and different fingers being pointed. Plus the big trades in the NBA already happened and have already been driven into the ground as far as analysis (maybe it’s a little more for me living in Arizona and hearing about Shaq on every radio station). But there’s nothing new to write about anywhere. It’s frustrating for me because this is how I get through the day at work. I am so insanely bored and sick of cold calling that I enjoy writing a satire on Charlie Weis being an evil genius who threw the 2007 season as a recruiting tactic (which was a huge joke to those of you whom I offended) and predicting the Heisman Hopefuls and preseason Top 25 as well as MLB analysis. But there’s nothing new to analyze there’s nothing left to predict, and changing my Mock Draft prior to the Combine doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. So I guess I’ll write about things non-sports related.
For those of you who read Bill Simmons on Page 2 of ESPN, which as I’m sure many of you have realized 4Real and myself are Simmons followers, you may have come across his argument that, one of my All-Time favorite movies, Bull Durham is a chick flick based on its appearance on the Lifetime channel. While this argument makes a boat-load of sense (since Lifetime is billed as Television for Women) on principle I cannot accept this argument on the grounds that A) It’s one of the All-Time Classic baseball movies and Crash Davis is one of our All-Time favorite Baseball players/Characters. His cliché speech to Nuke is one of the greatest scenes in history (once it comes full circle in his end interview). His pitcher’s mounds pep talks with words of wisdom are classic. B) It is one of the most quotable sports movies in history, obviously falling short of Caddyshack but still. “Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.” And “anything travels that far oughta have a damn stewardess on it, don't you think?” among hundreds of other great quotes. C) And this has nothing to do with Bull Durham, but if we count Bull Durham as a chick flick specifically based on the charge that it appears on the Lifetime network, where does that leave Goodfellas. Try telling my Dad Goodfellas is a chick flick. He would probably go Pesci on you. Goodfellas is the movie that made Joe Pesci famous for acting like Joe Pesci, and Robert DeNiro famous for making the Robert DeNiro face. If Goodfellas is a chick-flick then what’s left to be sacred in this world.
I know I’m in the minority here, but isn’t there some people out there who are just absolutely sick and tired of the Real World and all of it’s spin-offs. How many times can you watch Ace get eliminated in the first couple of episodes, C.T. get ridiculously angry, drunk, and yelling things in his over the top cannot be real Boston accent, Tonya get called a whore, and then proceed to act like a whore. The same holds true for Trishelle. And Beth, who if memory serves me correct was in Real World LA which was 15 years ago, is still “competing” on these things. Isn’t she getting dangerously close to 40? (ed. Note for the record she is 38). I watched the first Gauntlet, I won’t lie, but by the end of it the novelty had worn off. This process of spin-offs of spin-offs is starting to drive me crazy. Gauntlet was a spin-off of the one episode during a Road Rules season where they would face of with Real World. It was always entertaining. Now there have been countless new ones including “Fresh Meat” which 4Real was watching and I made the statement (unknowing of the premise behind the show) that I didn’t recognize half the people on it, that bring in new people specifically for them. No longer are they the ways to catch up and see our old favorite cast members have fun. It’s the same for the I Love New York Spin-offs and I think that the foreign guy from A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila actually has his own show now. Also, to continue my anti-Road Rules/Real World diatribe, remember the good old days where the characters were multi-dimensional. Who didn’t love Timmy, Puck, Syrus, Theo, Mark, Jamie, etc. They were entertaining and they weren’t flat on their face drunk, stupid, and annoying all the time. I am fairly sure that the last half decent Real World season was Chicago and it went downhill after. San Diego, the last one I watched, was entertaining but once Robyn and Brad starting getting arrested it jumped the shark. But they compared Chicago to Las Vegas, and the ratings weren’t as high. So the show went into a ridiculous tail-spin and even made a return to Vegas for the original cast to get another shot a TV Glory. But enough about that, like I said based on their continued appearances on my TV screen, I know I am in the minority.
Ok well that fully managed to kill 90 minutes (of which I spend some time making phone-calls. I’m off to lunch, perhaps a post-lunch bitter rant from a 23 year old is coming next, Who Knows!?
More after the jump...
Monday, February 11, 2008
American League Preview: AL West
Texas Rangers:
2007: (75-87) 4th Central
2008 Projection: 68-94 4th Central
Prospects. That is about all you can say about the Rangers. After trading away Texiera the Rangers are sitting with a slew of new talent to watch out for. Add Nolan Ryan as the new President and you have something to watch in the upcoming years. The only underrated veterans added to the lineup were Ben Broussard and Milton Bradley who will have to carry a heavier load than they are accustomed to. So it comes to down to the new talent to watch over the season to see how they will progress and they come in the form of Josh Hamilton, Jason Jennings, Eddie Guardado, and Kaxuo Fukumori.
Bottom Line: The Rangers have something to look forward to, it’s just not the 2008 baseball season.
Oakland Athletics:
2007 (76-86) 3rd west
2008 Projection: (83-79) 3rd West
The A’s are sitting a year removed from a 93 win season and have made a few moves to try to get back to that level. In 2008 90 wins may be out reach but low to mid 80s is not. The outfield gets some help in the form of Emil Brown coming over from Kansas City. Another player to watch in the outfield will be Ryan Sweeny, a second year player who with unimpressive numbers last year could be a key fill in over the season. Digging deep for help, the A’s have also picked up two candidates for come back player of the year. It has been reported that they picked up seasoned vet Mike Sweeny to a minor league contract as well as throwing Kevin Foulke into the two spot in their rotation straight out of retirement.
Bottom Line: While the stats for the 2007 rotation were not completely unimpressive they will need to do their part carry the load until the lineup can pick up some momentum.
Seattle Mariners
2007: (88-74) 2nd the West
2008 Projection: (90-72) 2nd West
The Mariners were overlooked in 2007 as most of the Western Division usually is, but there is no denying the Mariners were a decent ball club. Their biggest issue came from their starting roation which posted 4.73 ERA (10th), 70 QS (12), a BAA of .281 (13th), and a WHIP of 1.48 (11th). For a club that still managed to win 88 games that’s not half bad, especially considering two huge off season acquisitions in the form of Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva.
Bottom Line: Pair the pitching additions with a decent season of offensive production from Richie Sexson and the rest of their lineup and the Mariners should be able to make the West a little interesting.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2007: (94-68) 1st West
2008 Projection: (95-67) 1st West
The Angels once again look to be the favorite in the West if they can hold off the Mariers. The story here that will field the basically the same team that we saw in their 2007 campaign. The biggest acquisition was center fielder Torri Hunter (.287 28 HR 107 RBIs 2007) from Minnesota. That’s not to mention the fact that he has one seven straight golden gloves. He should add some added balance to an already good lineup and hope to make up for a forgettable ALDS in 07. In the bullpen they signed Jason Bulger who posted a 2.84 ERA and should add some needed relief in late innings.
Bottom Line: If Hunter continues to produce in his new SoCal home while the rest of the lineup and rotation stay healthy then the Halos are poised for another division title.
4Real Out...
More after the jump...
Friday, February 8, 2008
2008 Baseball Preview: NL West
5. San Francisco Giants: 2007 (71-91) 2008 Prediction (68-94)
4. Los Angeles Dodgers: 2007 (82-80) 2008 Prediction (81-81)
3. Colorado Rockies: 2007 (83-78) 2008 Prediction (82-80)
2. San Diego Padres: 2007 (89-74) 2008 Prediction (88-74)
1. Arizona Diamondbacks: 2007 (90-72) 2008 Prediction (92-70)More after the jump...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
American League Preview: Central Division
Kansas City Royals
2007 (69-93) 5th Central
2008 Projection: 70-92 5th Central
After another disappointing year for the Royals, and another off-season waiting for deals to be made. Well no deals were made, a couple contract extensions for pitchers that produced sub par stats. The Royals were 7th in ERA, 12th in BAA, 13th in OPS, 11th in Saves, 10th in WHIP and 13th is Quality starts. The Royals went out and picked up Brett Tomko from the Padres on a one year contract worth 3 million, and signed Ray Mahay and Yasuhiko Yabuta to two year deals. This provides a little more help to their rotation and bullpen but not enough to carry them by any means. On a side note, they did sign pitcher Hideo Nomo to a minor league contract (Comeback player of the year anyone?).
On the offensive front their biggest move was picking up Jose Guillen on a three year contract worth $31 million. Last year Guillen hit .290 with 23 HR and 99 RBI’s for Seattle. This should get them some much needed support in the lineup. The only problem with Guillen is that he is also facing a 15 game suspension for violating the leagues drug policy, which of course has been appealed. Other than that their lineup is filled with young players with potential, we’ll just have to wait and see if they can overachieve.
Bottom Line: New Major League Baseball manager Trey Hillman has his work cut out for him. After being in Japan managing the Nippon Ham Fighters for the last five years being thrown in the bottom of the AL Central will be a true test.
Minnesota Twins:
2007 (79-83) 3rd Central
2008 Projection: 74-88 4th Central
Lets face it, the loss of Santana is a devastating blow to a pretty decent rotation. Add the loss of Hunter and were looking a crippled Twins ball club. The offseason acquisition of Delmon Young should help a little, as should locking down Morneau to a six year deal. Another good move for the club was picking up Craig Monroe from the Cubs in addition to Jason Pridie and Brendan Harris from the Rays. It is a tough call predicting whether a decent lineup and decent rotation will be enough to be competitive in this division. At best the Twins will be looking at a race for third with the underachieving White Sox.
Who to Watch:
Francisco Liriano will be taking over the one spot in the rotation after Santana’s departure. The reason to be skeptical is that he hasn’t pitched in a year due to Tommy John surgery. In 2006 he posted a 2.16 ERA, .205 BAA, 1.0 WHIP, and a 12-3 record. If his progress is as good as they say it is then Liriano will be the Ace in this rotation and one of the best in the AL.
Chicago White Sox:
2007 (72-90) 4th Central
2008 Projection: 82-80 3rd Central
Three year removed from a World Series championship, saying the White Sox didn’t play to their potential last year is an understatement. With a lineup containing the likes of Thome, Konerko, Dye, Uribe, and Pierznynski they were ranked 12th of lower in every major Batting category last year. With no major moves during the offseason these boys need to star hitting or end up with the decisive label of past their prime and end up at the bottom of the central, again.
They were also ranked towards the bottom of the AL in pitching statistics, failing to get the job done week in and week out. However, with a likely rotation of Buehrle, Vazquez, Danks, Contreras, and Floyd they hope to not fall to the same fate as their lineups productivity.
Bottom Line: Play to your potential and your back in the hunt, don’t and you will be gracing the bottom of the division once again.
Cleveland Indians:
2007: (96-66) 1st AL Central, ALCS Visit
2008 Projection: (94-68) 2nd Central, Wildcard
After being one win away from the World Series last season the Tribe didn’t make a whole lot of moves during the offseason. Other than resigning Casey Blake to a one year deal as well as securing our bullpen by exercising contract options on Borowski, Byrd, Betancourt, and Fultz. the Tribe only made one notable move. They acquired second basemen Jamey Carroll from the Rockies for the always interesting player to be named. This move is interesting for Indians fans because that brings a veteran player in to backup Cabrera.
Look at the Stats for Cabrera and Peralta:
Peralta: .270 21 HR 72 RBI
Defensively he posted a .974 Fielding % with 19 errors.
Cabrera: (Keep in mind this is over 45 games as a rookie)
.283 3 HR 22 RBI with .995 Fielding % and 1 error
I have had the feeling that Cabrera was being groomed to take over at shortstop because of his defensive attributes. I think that there are two scenarios that are not out of the question:
1. Peralta and Cabrera switch positions
2. Cabrera moves to short, Carroll takes over second and Peralta gets sent to the highest bidder.
Bottom Line: C.C Sabathia and Carmona need to perform like last year while getting the wiley vets like Westbrook and Byrd to perform like they did in the postseason. If this happens and Hafner has a year closer to what he did two years ago then the Tribe contends again.
Detroit Tigers:
2007: (88-74) 2nd Central
2008 Projection: 97-65 1st Central
Were looking at a Tigers team who won the ALCS two years ago, put up a decent record last year but failed to make the playoffs mostly due to two factors. First the Indians surged and pulled away. Secondly, the Tigers allowed this to happen by basically posting a post all star break slump and giving the division race to Cleveland. The Tigers didn’t sleep during the offseason though, working hard to make sure an 07 repeat is unlikely.
Offseason Acquisitions:
Miguel Cabrera
Jacque Jones
Edgar Renteria
Dontrelle Willis
This should supplment losing Sean Casey, Andrew Miller, Chris Shelton, and a few others.
Rotation:
Justin Verlander
Jeremy Bonderman
Dontrelle Willis
Kenny Rogers
Nate Robertson
Combine that with a lineup that includes Gary Sheffield, Pudge Rodriguez, Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez, and Edgar Renteria and you have the ingredients of an ALCS appearance.
Bottom Line: If everyone stays healthy and they can keep their momentum through the all-star break then they not only are the favorites in the central, but possibly the American League as well.
4Real Out....
More after the jump...
Reunited?
Following the big deal trades (Gasol to LA, Shaq to Phoenix) I couldn't help but start playing with the ESPN Trade Machine. If you haven't killed time with this thing before, you are seriously missing out. As a Die-hard U of A and Chicago Bulls fan, I recently decided to assemble what, in my humble opinion would be the greatest basketball team of all time.
First the Bulls call up the Nets, Mavs, and Hawks. They send Ben Wallace to New Jersey, Andres Nocioni to Dallas, and JamesOn Curry and Aaron Gray to Atlanta. In return Chicago picks up Richard Jefferson, Salim Stoudamire, Darrell Armstrong, and Jason Terry. (As seen here). Then they send Victor Khryapa and Darrell Armstrong to the 76ers, Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich to Washington, and Joakim Noah to Portland. From there they bring in Channing Frye, Gilbert Arenas, and Andre Iguodala. (As seen here, with Curry and Gray standing in for Armstrong). Lastly, Chris Duhon heads to the Lakers Adrian Griffin, Joe Smith, Ben Gordon , and Ronny Turiaf (from LA) go to Sacramento, and the Bulls get Luke Walton and Mike Bibby. (As seen here). And then head to the Euro leagues and grab Jason Gardner and Hassan Adams. And see if Eugene Edgerson wants out of the Globetrotters.
The Bulls then have:
G Gilbert Arenas
G Mike Bibby
G Jason Terry
G Salim Stoudamire
G Jason Gardner
G Thabo Sefolosha
F Luke Walton
F Andre Iguodala
F Richard Jefferson
F Hassan Adams
F Luol Deng
F Demetrius Nichols
C Channing Frye
I think a lot of people in Tucson would become avid Bulls fans. This year's draft picks would the obviously be earmarked for Jerryd Bayless and Chase Budinger. Unfortunately due to his recent trade to San Antonio Damon Stoudamire would not be able to join this team until the 2008-2009 season.
More after the jump...
Top Ten Reasons We all Hate Duke.
The Duke Blue Devils basketball team is arguably the most hated sports team in the country. Why is there such animosity towards Duke. Blue Devil fans will have you believe it's jealousy over their success. I don't think that's true. I am impartial, and actually kind of root for North Carolina, as do many people who simply like basketball. UNC was a basketball school and people enjoyed the history and traditions that go on there. And UNC has won one more national championship (4) than Duke (3). I don't think that could possibly be it. So after some research I have come up with the Top Ten Reasons people hate Duke.
10. The name Blue Devils: Not because of the fact that it is anti-religious, but because they are named after a the French fighting batallion "les Diables Bleus", and no one likes the French. This actually proves my point that the hatred of Duke has nothing to do with their success, because the French Army always loses. Go ahead type "French Military Victories" into the Google search and click I'm feeling lucky. It comes up with this page and the Did you mean: French military defeats. We don't hate Duke because they win, we hate them because they are named after the French Military.
9. Coach Krzyzewski: For so many reasons. First of all he looks like a rat, and having to watch him pace the sidelines and whine, bitch, and moan while just thinking he's looking for cheese or picturing his head stuck in a mouse-trap. Also Look at his last name, now I don't see how his name is Chi-Chef-ski. His name is Kriz-iz-ooski, doesn't that make more sense. Hey I have a tough last name (Domschke) but when you break it down it sounds like it's spelled Dom-Sch-ke, it's not Tra-lada-daski. Why should the world form to how you want your name pronounced.
8. Dick Vitale: Not Dick Vitale as a person, because, though he can be a little abrasive at times, he's good at his job. Except when he's doing Duke games, and he always seems like he's doing Duke games. It's one thing to have a gently hidden bias when doing commentary. I can only imagine how hard it would be to do an Arizona game and not be at the very least slightly biased, but then again, I'm not a professional and people don't have to listen to me. Vitale not only is slightly biased he is a half step away from cheering for Duke on the telecast, and not quietly but more like that one friend who won't shut up during a game, rooting for Duke. I half expect him to have blue face paint in the booth.
7. The Cameron Crazies: I am all about rooting for your team, I'm the guy who refuses to sit down, and althouh I'm not personally a fan of the jumping, I'm all for spirit. With that said the Cameron Crazies are ridiculous. As in this SI Article from a couple years ago "Taunts such as 'Safety school!' (toward Wake Forest) and 'We're smart! You're dumb!' (at UNC) that play off Duke's academic standards continue to anger not only opponents but also many among the 4,000-plus students who don't attend games. The condemnation is completely obnoxious. We don't hate you because you're smarter, we hate you because you think you're smarter than you are. Especially since their "Cheer Sheets" were inflitrated by a UNC fan.
6. Cameron Crazies Cheer Sheets: Even worse than just their holier than thou attitude are their obnoxious cheers. According to one cheer sheet, "DON’T hesitate to uphold the tradition of the Cameron Crazies. There’s a reason people all over this fine country hate us, and it’s because we’re clever, ruthless, and persistent fans. Let’s make that especially true this year. Yell loud and stay loud." Clever and pre-printed mass produced cheer sheets seem like complete opposites to me. Their entire game plan is figured out on the sheets, if you refer back to my complaint about the Diamondback fans from October, they have to be told when and what to cheer, it's just sad.
5. Calls: They get all the calls for whatever reason the refs are afraid to call anything against 
Duke. Count how many steps McRoberts takes here. I think I got 9 or 10. There is plenty of other no call travels. Also, watch their guards on defense they get into position of the ballhandler, good defensive stance, legs shoulder width apart and then give them their best Tim Tebow impression and shove their arm into the guys back. Last time I checked hand checking was illegal, but that's a staple of their defense. Were they grandfathered in or something when they added the rule? And I'm pretty sure that what Paulus is doing in the picture at the left isn't all that kosher either.
4. Flops: To go along with the calls, and as I'm sure you all know the flops. I could post videos of their flops but I don't think blogger has the space available to host them all. Here's the most obvious of recent Greg Paulus flops but just search for Greg Pauaus on youtube or google, all you get is video and pictures of him flopping. It's nothing new, they've been doing it for years, and all I can picture is Coach K with a piece of cheese imitating the great Gordon Bombay telling them to take the fall and act hurt.
3. Media: Duke is shoved down our throats whether die-hard or casual observers of the game from October through April. There is a media bias the likes of which have never been seen before, for some reason everyone, with a microphone, loves Duke. It's not just Vitale. Just over a week ago Duke was "flying under the radar" if you are ranked #3, how exactly can you be flying under the radar? Did I mention their next 9 games are all televised. Right, silently under the radar, no one will even see them.
2. The Cheap plays: Beyond just the dives and flops and no calls, Duke is cheap, always ha
ve been. Skip forward to about 26 second of this clip for the best angle. That was during the '06-'07 season. Yeah, he was definately going after the ball. The year before that clip, in the '05-'06 we saw this happen at right. Wow, it appears that North Carolina's top player has some trouble avoiding Duke players swinging at his head. It wouldn't be, say because Coach K tells them to try to injure the other team's top player. A man of his caliber would never try to instill values like that. Wait, it's the same guy who teaches flops and berates refs until calls go his way right?
1. The Number One Reason: Former Duke player, current NBA Star Elton Brand said it best "Thank you very much, for reminding me of the reason why I left Duke. Peolple like you cannot and willnot (sic) ever understand my situation. I'm sure daddy worked very hard to send your rich self to college. While real people struggle. I would also like to extend an invitation for you not to waste your or my time ever agin. Never being considered a part of your posh group of yuppies really hurts me to the heart. Yea Right because I don't care about you or your alumni."
And to close with a quote from PTI co-host, and Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon, "The number of people who still haven't seen [Arizona Guard Salim]Stoudamire is dwindling, thankfully, as is the number of people who think Duke's Redick is a better shooter. There really shouldn't be any debate anymore as to which player is a better shooter because, as Shakur said, the numbers are so overwhelming in Stoudamire's favor, to ignore them is to admit to some agenda."
More after the jump...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
College Signing Day - 2008
So, after a up and down season of College football, it's that time of year to figure out where these new kids are going. With the coaching issues that plagued many of the top programs decisions changed, commitments reversed, and a whole bunch of middle fingers thrown up to certain coaches. In a reflection of the imbalance of this past season, the number 1 rated overall recruit has postponed his decision. Terelle Pryor can not only misspell his own name, but can not decide what school to go to. But can you blame the kid? The coaching situation in the NCAA has been more turbulent than Ike and Tina's marriage. I say he's just playing his cards close to the vest, making sure he doesn't completely screw up his future, with coaches like Bobby Petrino running around this level, I'd question even playing for a coach that hasn't been there for more than 5 years. God, I'd even question someone that spouted team accountability and responsibility to your teammates. Just stay in high school Terelle.
More after the jump...
2008 Bear Down Baseball Preview: NL Central
Last year was one of the more interesting in the NL Central, the (eventual division champion) Cubs started out extremely slow despite the huge bank buster off-season they had and the acquisition of Lou Pineilla as the manager. They were 10-14 out of the gates, whereas the nearby Milwaukee Brewers were 17-9. The Reds 13-13, Pirates 12-13 (the closest to .500 they would be all season), and St. Louis and Houston were both 10-15. 1 month later, the Cardinals got hot and jumped to 23-29 and 2nd place (cementing the Central as the least competitive of the 3 NL Divisions) and the Brew Crew was comfortably in 1st with a 31-24 record. Pirates and the Cubs were 7.5 games back and Houston was about to start their search for a new manager. The season looked pretty much over for everyone but the Brewers and their power hitting chubby 1st baseman Prince Fielder. But then June 29, 2008 (I was standing in front of the screen at the Embassy Suites Chicago, 600 North State Street watching it happen) The Cubs were against the ivy wall at Wrigley vs. the Brewers. They had been battling back all game (down 5-0 in the first) now down 5-3 in the 9th Theriot fouled out. Then with 1 out Soriano and Fontenot hit back to back singles against the MLB Saves Leader Francisco Cordero. Derrick Lee hit a sacrifice fly and scored Soriano to make the score 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth. Then Ramirez, who had struck out innings earlier to end the inning with RISP hit a 2 out 2 run jack right into the center field seats. As of the 28th the Cubs (38-39) were 7.5 games back of Milwaukee, the Cards were 10.5 back and the rest of the division was just hoping they didn’t get sent down to the minors. One week later the Cubs were 4.5 back and St. Louis was closing in as well. By the end of July the Cubs were 1 game back, and 5 ahead of the Cardinals. By the end of August the Cubs had passed the Brewers and were 1.5 games above them and 2 above the Cards. By the 21st of September the Cardinals had fallen out of the race and it was down to the Cubs and the Brewers. Though the Cubs, in attempts to give me a Heart Attack, starting fading at the end of the season (dropping 3 to Florida). They managed to finish 2 ahead of the Brewers and proceeded to lose to the DBacks in the ALDS.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: 2007 (68-94) 2008 Prediction (70-92)It’s almost as if Pittsburgh says if we don’t change anything we can’t get worse. There is an almost non-existent farm system for the Bucs which translates to almost non-existent production in the Majors. I could go into depth with the off season moves, which there were a few, but they traded/acquired apples for apples of the same exact quality, texture, and taste. Bottom line, there are a few new faces in Pittsburgh, but don’t look for any maneuvering out of the cellar they have been in for the last 15 years. They have never won the Central and won the NL East in 1992. They have never won a Wild Card, and haven’t been to the World Series since 1979. They continually have one of the 3 lowest records, usually one of the 2, in the Central Division. Don’t look for any improvement in Pittsburgh.
5. Cincinnati Reds: 2007 (72-90) 2008 Prediction (74-88)The Reds are going to improve, but even with an improved record, they still look to wind up in 5th place. If the Astros hadn’t acquired Tejada I would say the Reds were looking at 4th, but either way this doesn’t look to be their year. Dusty Baker is at the helm for the Reds, Baker has been successful before (NL Manager of the Year in 2003 with the Cubs, took the Giants to the World Series), but he is a patch job manager on a patch job team, Baker’s not the right fit for a team trying to rebuild completely. They can score runs, Top 10 in the 6 offensive categories mentioned in part one of these break downs (BA, R, OBP, SLG, OPS, and SB) but their pitching is near the bottom in every major category. They would be more competitive if they could find a way to only play 2 games per week and let Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang throw, they can’t Neither one of those guys is CY Young caliber to begin with, and it goes down, substantially, from there as far as Rotation and Bullpen quality. They did sign the aforementioned Francisco Cordero (of the Brewers) so if they can take a lead into the 9th they should walk away with a win, most of the time. Their bats can score runs, but it’s the fact that getting the 24 outs to make it to Cordero is the problem in Cincy.
4. St. Louis Cardinals: 2007 (78-84) 2008 Prediction (77-85)The Cards have Albert Pujols, who’s as good a run producer as anyone in the league, as much as I hate him. Not that he’s a bad guy, but he’s a Cub Killer. Unfortunately for fans of the Micro-managing LaRussa and Co., there isn’t much of anything around Pujols, and the man simply cannot Home Run 4 times a game, I hope. Troy Glaus could be a great pick up for the Cards and Cesar Izuris has a lot of upside. The losses of Eckstein, Rolen, and Edmonds put more pressure on Pujols. The pitching could be good but too bad for them Chris Carpenter could miss half of the season and the other strong members of their rotation are coming off injury shortened seasons, or in the case of Matt Clement, 2 seasons since he last pitched. Isringhausen in the ‘pen is one major bright spot for the Cards as he is one of the top closers in the game. The Cards have the tools their just not ready yet.
3. Houston Astros: 2007 (73-89) 2008 Prediction (80-82)Miguel Tejada, with or without the ‘roids/HGH talk following his name in the Mitchell Report, is a damn good ball player. He will definitely improve the sometimes Anemic Astros Offense. The line-up will have the bats of Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, and Hunter Pence to help Tejada carry the offensive load. Things will look different to those in Minute Maid Stadium because the 20 year centerpiece of the ‘Stros, Craig Biggio, will not be in attendance, at least not on the field, he took on a greater role as clubhouse leader last year after the loss of Jeff Bagwell. Now this team won’t have either in the clubhouse. They made more than a few nice offseason acquisitions but it will take awhile before the chemistry builds, meaning a possible late season, too little too late, rally, but most likely the early season slow start will put them in a deep enough hole. Their pitching, other than Roy Oswalt, wasn’t that good to begin with, and they lost Brad Lidge, but the addition of Jose Valverde is big. Another case of if they can put enough runs on the board to lead after 24 innings, they should feel pretty secure. They will be finishing the season pretty hot, and 2009 could be a year to keep an eye on Houston.
2. Milwaukee Brewers: 2007 (83-79) 2008 Prediction (84-78)The Brewers have the hitting, especially for power (2nd in the NL in SLG., 3rd in OPS.) Their major problem, and it could mean this is one of the last years the make any kind of run, is their top heavy salaries. 2/3 of the team’s payroll is locked up in 4 players, the top 2 of whom are way overpaid (Jason Kendall 11.57 M, Eric Gagne 10 M). That doesn’t bode well for a long haul. The good news in Milwaukee is that this could be a year where the long haul doesn’t matter. The late season swoon of last year can be avoided by a young team with more experience, particularly that experience. If the Gagne gamble works out it will make up for losing top closer Francisco Cordero to the rival Reds. If Gagne performs like he did most of 2007 in Boston, especially with the newfound Mitchell accusations, it could be one of the biggest busts in franchise history. They have a back-up plan at closer, but not for the $10M hit. They beefed up an already good rotation keeping Sheets, Bush, and Suppan on board and having 4 or 5 good arms to choose from including Chris Capuano. Guillermo Mota in the ‘pen is a solid addition but the loss of Jenkins and Mench in the outfield, and in the line-up will hurt. Mike Cameron should be a good fit in the outfield. The question will be if the young talent can hold up down the arduous stretch, added leadership in Cameron and Kendall could be the difference for the slugging Brew Crew.
1. Chicago Cubs: 2007 (85-77) 2008 Prediction (91-71)The Cubs struggled early in 2007 as I mentioned earlier and had a stellar Summer going 34-20 in June and July. They, as a usual Cub staple, had a very strong rotation and a competent, though frustrating at times, bull pen. Ryan Dempster was not very comfortable in the closing role and cost the Cubs a few games. In the last half of the season the Cubs bullpen improved dramatically with Kerry Wood showing he still has some gas in the tank and Carlos Marmol having in incredible year. His only setback came in high pressure situations on the road in the playoffs, which should be expected by a rookie. With a year under his belt 2008 could be a good year. The Cubs lived last year with a top-heavy, and lopsided line-up. All of their contributing bats were right handed and once they got past Ramirez (batted 4th most of last season) it was hit and miss (pun indended) for the bottom 5. Key acquisitions include Kosuke Fukudome who will provide a powerful left-handed bat at the top of the line-up for the Cubs, and will stretch the batting order out a little bit. Soriano proved his worth with 33 Home Runs last season, the bulk of which came in June and August and as the lead-off. Though his batting average (.299) is a little low for a lead-off hitter he finished 2007 as the team leader in almost every offensive category (HR, 3B, R, and SLG.) and Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez can clear the basses as they are both successful in hitting for power and average. They also added former Cub Ace Jon Lieber back to the line-up. Lieber knows Wrigley and should have a solid year there. C Geovany Soto, who batted .389 coming up in September is a strong offensive addition and he has veteran Henry Blanco to help learn how to call good games. The only offensive hole is the young Felix Pie, but he will be a good defensive CF and looked good in winter ball in the Dominican. The Cubs bench has guys like Matt Murton and Ryan Theriot who will help give the starters some rest. The only real downside of this year will be the added pressure of the 100 year anniversary since their last World Series as well as the team ownership up in the air. Hopefully, Piniella can focus his troops away from that, and so far he is doing a good job and the guys on the team are aware that they aren’t 100 years away, only the franchise, so the media’s added pressure isn’t on them individually.
The Central looks strong going into 2008, and it looks improved. There is a good chance that the NL Wild Card this year will go down to a playoff again with strong teams in all 3 divisions.
More after the jump...
Patriots problems still lingering...
With the Super Bowl over and done with, many people - myself included - thought that all the hype/scandal with the one-loss Brady Bunch would be over. Well unfortunately for the hopeful, the Patriots just won't go quietly into the off season. In an unsurprising turn of events, an excuse came calling to combat the winning Burress's touchdown catch. Ellis Hobbs apparently has been playing with an injured groin for some time now and is going into surgery during the off season to repair whatever is broken in there. This seems very Varsity Blues to me. If this was a lingering problem, why were the Pats covering it up? Why wasn't Hobbs put on the Injury Report? I thought there were only a handful of coaches who only released these game-day injury reports, and I didn't liken Bud Kilmer - check that the Hoodie - to people like Coach John Fox. Maybe he was just waiting for a reason to list Hobbs on the Injury Report, say...like a loss? I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it...
Now for a Patriot development which actually affects something other than themselves. Tom Brady and Randy Moss pulled out of the Pro Bowl for this year. Although accompanied with 11 other NFL players to do so, Brady and Moss didn't provide a reason for their withdrawl. Brady most likely sitting on a donut after being sodomized by the Giants D-line and but I got nothing for Moss. Maybe Brady will learn a lesson about pulling out...sorry Bridget if this would've only happened a couple years ago....
Up next is the Belichick preemptive exit from the field. His excuse was that he didn't realize how much time was left on the clock and that he saw people start heading for the field. Ya...because he's never seen people storm the field before. I guess that was his excuse for the loss. He may have forgot what game it was and perhaps the game against the Chargers was the Super Bowl. and that Phoenix just happened to be an after party that took two weeks to plan.
Lastly the icing on the cake, Willie Andrews was caught with half a pound of the chron. One day after the Super Bowl. He pleaded not guilty, riding on the fact that he had no means of smoking the pot, so in turn that meant he did not intend to smoke it. Last time I checked half a pound of weed was an intent to sell, something a little worse than possesion and abuse of said substance. Maybe he was just trying to forget that whole thing in Phoenix never happened. Maybe he needs one of GOB's forgetting pills...
Well that's what I'm putting down, hopefully I have no reason to post about the Patriots until the draft and if I'm really lucky...nothing until fall...atleast Boston can keep their mouths shut for awhile, I have some breathing room until the NBA playoffs...
More after the jump...
A Few News and Notes for you
A couple of quick thoughts before I start making sales calls.
The 2007 New England Patriots aren't done setting records, their loss cost the Nevada sports books $2.6 Million over the weekend. Up from the previous record of $400,000. That was the last time Junior Seau was in the Super Bowl. New Super Bowl betting rule, bet against the house if their picking Seau.
For those of you out their looking for Draft updates, they will be coming in the next few weeks. The updated draft order will be decided on a coin toss at the NFL Scouting Combine. The date is fast approaching and in a couple weeks, the 20-26th of Februrary I believe. I should be following that up with a 2008 NFL Mock Draft version 2.0. Since it will be post coin toss and combine.
Suns are close to finishing a deal with the Heat to send Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion to the Southeast and bring Shaq to Phoenix. This is a good deal for both, the Heat get rid of Shaq's huge contract and get some youth to help DWade out. The Suns get rid of Marion who wanted out at the beginning of the season and Marcus Banks and get a legitimate big man to play against Duncan in the post season. The question at hand is whether or not the aging Shaq can adjust to playing the run and shoot Suns game or whether the Suns will slow it down to incorporate one of the best of all time. The Suns roster now will include future hall of famers in Nash, Shaq, and possibly Stoudemire as well as past-future hall of famer Grant Hill who is having a resurgence of sorts in Phoenix.
Keep looking out for me and 4Real and our MLB updates, up next will be the AL and NL Central divisions, in which both my Cubbies and his Tribe are the defending division champions. Will our unbiased netrality and professionalism make us lower their predicted seasons, do we honestly think they will win again, or are we going to be biased and pick them to win. Find out later.
Today is National Letter of Intent day, so keep up to date with your favorite schools and prospects and expect some analysis of the incoming talent in the couple weeks.
Bill Simmons is doing something very Bill Simmons-esque. The ESPN.com's "Sports Guy" recently wrote that he threw his brand new White 81 Moss jersey, purchased at the Super Bowl, in the trash immediately following the game. After a change of heart he is selling this one of a kind piece of memorabilia on eBay to benefit his favorite cause. The Jimmy Fund, in honor of coach Jimmy Valvano. Back in late November/Early December he held a marathon chat lasting over 7 hours to benefit the Jimmy Fund. Winning that jersey will also come with a signed copy of his book Now I Can Die in Peace. This would be a great pick-up for any Giants fan. What better way to remember XLII than to look at that jersey and know it came from a die-hard Pats fan who threw it in the trash following the game.
Clemens testified yesterday and said he didn't take any Performance Enhancing substances, I'm shocked.
Alright that's it for now.
More after the jump...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
American League Preview: AL East
Lets run down the best league in baseball one division at a time. Starting with the…
Baltimore Orioles:2008 Projection: 67-95 5th East
Looks like the Orioles are in for another rough season at Camden Yards. Interim manager Dave Trembley will be returning this season after leading the O’s to a 40-53 record after taking over on June 18th of last year. The Orioles are a statistical nightmare with the only shimmer of light coming from leading the AL in stolen bases with 144. After a December 13th deal that sent 2002 MVP Miguel Tejada to the Astros for Luke Scott, Troy Patton, Matt Albers, Dennis Sarfate, and Mike Costanzo the O’s are in real trouble. The only hope is that Trembley can mold some of the young talent and take his squad out of the cellar after a year or two of prospect development, I don’t see any miracles happening in Baltimore.
Tampa Bay Rays:2007: 66-96 (30 GB) 5th East
2008 Projection: 70-92 4th East
Tampa Bay wants to leave 2007 in the past, they’ve dropped the Devil and are going with a more hip rhyming scheme. Next task: Fix their pitching at any and all costs. They came up ranked 14th in ERA, BAA, OPS, SV, and WHIP. Over the last four years Joe Madden has taken them to a combined 154-221 record, hardly anything to write home about.
Rotation:
1. James Shield: 12-8 ERA 3.75 (Resigned to a 4 year contract worth 11.25 million)
2. Scott Kazmir: 13-9 ERA 3.48
3. Matt Garza; 5-7 ERA 3.69
4. Edwin Jackson: 5-15 ERA 5.76
5. Andy Sonnastine: 6-10 ERA 5.85
Silver Lining: Between them they have an average of two years in the show between them. Let’s hope they are still developing.
With a salary sitting around 35 million a year and ranked 28th in spending they have another year to develop before major deals need to be made. Outlook: Sports Radio keeps talking about the Bulls and how they were #2 once.
New York Yankees:2007: 94-68 (2 GB) : 2nd East, AL Wildcard
2008 Projection: 85- 72 3rd in the East
In 2007 the Yanks were first in every major statistical batting category. My issue with the Yankees can be seen from a couple different perspectives. First i’m not sold on Joe Girardi’s managing credentials. I don’t know if he has what it takes to even finish out his three year contract. I think the amount of pressure on him from the City, the Press, and the Management is enough to make a man weaker than Torre crack. Secondly, I think that age is becoming a huge factor. Its nice to have a blank check when it comes to signing talent, but there comes a point where the all-star team you are assembling doesn’t come together. I am a big believer in a balance between young players and seasoned veterans making a team what it is. Just because you have the payroll of the Red Sox doesn’t mean you have the chemistry, just ask ARod and Jeter. That being said I do realize they won 94 games last season and made the playoffs, as a fan you should take that any day. The issue is that it is New York and looking at postseason performances, something just isn’t clicking.
Off-season Dealings:
LaTroy Hawkins: 1 Year
Mariano Rivera: 3 Years
ARod: 10 Years
Andy Pettitte: 1 Year
Jose Molina: 2 Years
Jorge Posada: 4 Years
Bobby Abreu; Exercise 2008 Option
Bottom Line: Play like the veterans you are, realize you play in New York, forget some of you played with Girardi or miss the playoffs.
Toronto Blue Jays:
2007: 83-79 (13 GB) 3rd in the East
2008: 89- 73 : 2nd in the East
The Jays were the surprise team in the East and arguably in the AL, but received little to no attention. A well above average Blue Jays team doesn’t exactly sell as many newspapers as an underachieving Yankees team. The fact of the matter is that where the Red Sox were #1 in almost every statistical pitching category, the Jays were #2. The Jays squad posted a 4.00 ERA, BAA of .251, an OPS of .706, a WHIP of 1.29, and had 91 Quality Saves all second in the AL. That leaves us with lackluster offensive production that landed them completely unimpressive numbers. That is not taking anything away from a team that was injury plagued all season. Despite major blows to their lineup their pitching still managed to propel them to a respectable record.
2007 Injuries:
Roy Halladay, Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells, A.J Burnett, Troy Glaus, Reed Johnson, Gustavo Chacin, B.J Ryan
Off-season Moves:
Acquired Scott Rolen and David Eckstein: 1 Year Deal
Catcher Rod Barajas: 1 Year deal
Pitcher Scott Downs : 3 Years
IF Marco Scutaro: 2 Years
Jason Frasor: 1 Year
Gustavo Chacin: 1 Year
Brian Tallet: 1 Year
Bottom Line: Stay Healthy. Eckstein and Rolen are great additions to this club, and if the pitching stays health there is no reason they shouldn’t win close to 90 games. Unfortunately, I still think they miss the playoffs considering the strength of the AL Central this year.
Boston Red Sox:
2007: 96-66 : 1st East, AL Champs, World Series Champs
2008 Projection: 92-70 1st East and another ALCS visit
The Red Sox held off the surging Yankees to claim the Eastern Division last year then cruised to the ALCS/World Series against the Tribe. It’s hard to critique a team that seems to have found the balance of pitching and offensive production. As far as batting is concerned they were 2nd in the AL in On Base % (.362), 3rd in Runs (867) and Slugging (.444), and 5th in average (.279). On the pitching side they were first in the AL in ERA (3.87), Average Against (.247), OPS (.705), and WHIP (1.27). The only major statistical categories they did not sit on top of were Saves (2nd at 45) and Quality Starts (6th at 84).
Off Season Moves:
David Aardsma acquired from the White Sox for Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich
Contract Extensions and Deals:
Kyle Snyder : 1 Year
Javier Lopez: 1 Year
Doug Mirabelli: 1 Year
Mike Timlin: 1 Year
Bottom Line:
As long as the Sox keep up the chemistry and poise they have in recent years, as well as keeping their rotation healthy we should see them make another run at a pennant.
The East will again be a lopsided contest. While the Red Sox and the Yankees are always the two teams to beat, do not count the Blue Jays out. I think they have all the ingredients to make a run at second place and even a wildcard spot. That being said I think that the odds of that are slim seeing as two of the three best teams in the American League call the Central Division home.
4Real Out...
More after the jump...
Consumer Reports rated #1 informational Magazine...
...for Frat guys party planning.
Consumer Reports, you know the famous magazine people refer to when buying cars, deciding where to live, and many other important life decisions took time out to rate Light beers prior to the Super Bowl. Please, I implore you, follow the above link and read this review.
Highlights include:
- "The experts saw no bottles, no cans, no labels. All they got was sample after sample of beer, straight from the fridge, poured carefully into wine glasses to allow for some foam
formation" (The experts, I can only assume, are 20 year old guys with Greek letters on their shirts, who live in a 24 bedroom house, and habitually terrorize 18 year olds.)
Three cheaper beers--Busch Light, Natural Light, and Keystone Light, at less than $4 a pack--were almost as good and are CR Best Buys. (CR Best Buys meaning the Consumer Report choice)
- try a Michelob Ultra, Budweiser Select, Busch Light, Miller Lite, or Natural Light. All have fewer than 100 calories a serving and taste very good, though all have slight drawbacks--such as lower flavor intensity. (When inviting the girls from that one house over for an illegal pledge party)
- Do not shun cans. They might not be trendy, but they protect beer from light and tend to keep it fresh longer. (Also bottles are illegal at many Fraternity functions due to possible injury).
- Consider a keg for parties. In past tests, we found that keg beer tasted fresher (and therefore better) than beer in a bottle or can. We expect the same to hold true for the light beers we tested this time around. (Though not legal at sanctioned Fraternity functions, Kegs are the best for large gatherings, especially the ones with mostly under-21 guests)
Consumer Reports has approximately 4 million subscribers, and it is one of the most renowned magzines in the country, and possibly the world. They boast the most online subcribers over any other website. Their Best Buys, top picks, just happened to be the 3 most commonly seen cans 
crushed over the head of many a drunk collegian, Keystone Light, Natural "Natty" Light, and Busch Light. Next week in Consumer Reports they inform us that the Red Solo Cup truly is the best cup for a house party.
This had to be one of the greatest things I have ever seen, and before you ask, yes all 3 of us (me, 4Real, and BC) were in a Fraternity, Sigma Pi, while in our undergrad at the University of Arizona.
More after the jump...
Monday, February 4, 2008
Farewell to the General
February 4, 2008: Maybe not a day that will live in infamy per se, but a historic one anyway. NCAA Division I's winningest Basketball coach, abruptly resigns midway through the 2008 Texas Tech season. While it may not be a shock that this was his last season coaching, the fact that he resigned in the middle of this campaign is the shock to many. Say what you will 
about the man, and his practices, he was one of the best to coach the game. He walks away with a career record of 902–371, and even more importantly, on his own terms. Luckily for Texas Tech, the Red Raiders had a plan in place with Knight's son, Pat, ready to take over since 2005.
Knight informed the Texas Tech officials of this abrupt decision around noon today. Knight's Texas Tech Red Raiders are 2-2 in their last 4 games. The reason that stat is important is that right before that 2-2 stretch Knight won his 900th 
game as a Div. I Head Coach. Knight's career began in the mid-50s as a two sport star at Orrville High School and followed up with his first National Championship run, as a reserve, with the Ohio State Buckeyes. After one year as a coach at an Ohio High School he became an assistant on the staff at Army. After only two years as an assistant he became the Head Coach and the rest is history. 100 of his 902 wins came while a coach at Army. He finished a Six year career at Army with a record of 102-50. Indiana noticed him and Knight was on the fast-track to NCAA fame. The next 29 years were spent patrolling the sidelines in Hoosierville as The General taking a NIT first round exit team in his first year to the Final Four the next. After an off year, missing the tournament, and an Elite Eight exit, Knight won his second National Championship, first as a coach. He won 2 more in the next Nine years. A few more Sweet Sixteens, Elite Eights, and Final Fours, as well as an NIT Championship and Indiana was a premier program.
Bobby Knight became more famous, or infamous, at times due to his behavior and tantrums, but he also made Indiana a powerhouse that was a perennial contender. In 2000, following the NCAA tournament and a first round loss, a tape was released of Knight grabbing player, Neil Reed, by the throat. In September of the same year Knight was fired fol
lowing an incident with an IU student. Knight left Indiana with 1 NIT Championship, 3 NCAA Championships, and 11 Big Eleven Championships and a 661–240 record. He took the 2000-2001 season off looking for job openings. And found a place in Lubbock. Tech made it to the NCAA Championships in 1996, and hadn't been back since. In 2001 with Knight at the helm Tech made it back to the NCAA Tournament his first year there. Knight went on to lead T
ech to 5 out of Six over .500 seasons and a record of 138–82.
Monday, February 4, 2008: Knight walks away, this time by his own accord. With a Final Tally of 902–371 as a Div I Head Coach with 5 coaching awards, 3 National Championships, 1 NIT Championship, 11 Big Eleven Championships, countless books, and an absolutely terrible made for ESPN movie featuring Brian Dennehy as The General.
Good Bye and Good Knight. So Long General
More after the jump...
Bear Down Baseball Preview
5. Florida Marlins: 2007 (71-91) 2008 Prediction (68-94).
4. Montr….I mean Washington Nationals: 2007 (73-89) 2008 Prediction (80-82)
3. Atlanta Braves 2007: (84-78) 2008 Prediction (88-74)
2. Philadelphia Phillies: 2007 (89-73) 2008 Prediction (90-72)
1. New York Mets 2007 (88-74) 2008 Prediction (92-70)More after the jump...
Super Bowl Analysis, by the Numbers
The Pats try to trademark 19-0. Just as the Broncos did back in 1998, how did that turn out for them?
18-1: The Historic Near Champtionship Season of New England's Very Beatable Patiot's. Available at Amazon.com. [ed. note. The link has been removed since it no longer is active. Apparently the book won't be availble, but you can still get the Patriots SB XLII Champs commemerative coin here.]
Let's analyze the Amazon link for a second:
First of all in the "Buy this with..." section you can pair the 19-0: The Historic Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots with a copy of New York Giants: 2008 Super Bowl Champions for only 23.74.
Secondly, the Number 2 item bought by people who viewed this book was Lost: Season 3. Is that just ultimate irony.
Third, the fact that the book has been tagged by a few people for easy searching capabilities with the clever tags of Fiction, Cheating, Failure, and Hubris, as well as the ever so classy buttsecks, douchebags, and homosexuality.
I also love that searches for Super Bowl Parade bring up Yahoo! Answers articles of "When is the Patriots Super Bowl Parade" and the conflict Boston faces going up against Super Tuesday.
What's the difference between confident and cocky? 19-0 and 18-1. And I'm not just pointing out that being cocky gave the Patriots that nice little one next to their record. The fact that the New York Post, the most reputable tabloid in the country, requested an 18-1 trademark in response to Bob Kraft. How is that different? I'm sure it wouldn't have even crossed their mind to trademark a season record, until the over-confident a.k.a cocky Patriots tried to Trademark 19-0. New York was confident that they could shock the world, New England was cocky, and knew they were going to win. That's the difference between 19-0 and 18-1.
Ok I'm sure many of you have had enough of people rubbing it in so I'll stop while I'm ahead. I loved seeing Plaxico nearly breakdown during his post-game interview. Moments like that are what make the Super Bowl the most watched event on TV. These players finally get to stop worrying and pushing harder for one moment and realize that it was all worth it. Football is a game where emotions can harm and they can help in the outcome of a game. I suppose now I will just point out some of the key numbers/plays/stats/decisions in last nights game:
0 - Times before last night that Brothers won Back to Back Super Bowls or Back to Back Super Bowl MVPs like the Mannings did in 06 and 07.
1 - Number of TDs thrown by Tom Brady. In all 19 games this season, Brady threw for less than 2 only 3 times, including last night.
2 - Number of TDs thrown by Eli Manning. In all 19 games this season, Manning threw for 2+ TDs only 8 times.3 - Number of times a New York Punt was not returned by the Pats. Jeff Feagles the 20 year vet, did what he does best last night, directional punting. He landed 2 inside the 20. Feagles is one of the good guys in the league, he deserved a ring.
4 - Number of Punts by New England punter Chris Hanson. In 19 games Hanson punted the ball 4+ times only 6 times, and 4 of those were in the last 6 games.
5 - Number of Sacks by the New York Giants, by 4 different Giants defensemen. The Giants were in the New England backfield all night. This is what many thought could be the key to a NY victory and it was. The G-Men also had 9 hurries and I don't know how many knockdowns but there were more than a few times Brady was on the turf.
6 -th time, Last night was the 6th time Eli led the Giants to a victory after trailing going into the 4th.
7 - Amount of time, in seconds, that Eli had to scramble around the backfield and avoid Patriot defenders and find David Tyree for the game changing first down on 3rd and 5 with 1:10 left.
8 - Number of NY 3rd down conversions compared to NE only making 7. Also The Giants were 1-1 on 4th down, and the Pats 0-2. One of which being on 4th and long when a 49 yd Field Goal would have sufficed. Especially since they lost by 3. This was a prime example of Belichick's Hubris coming out and it affected the Pats negatively. 4th and anything longer than 5, especially near mid-field is very rarely a good decision, unless it is the only decision.
9 - :59. Just under 10 minutes the New York 9:59 opening drive was the longest in Super Bowl history, and it was a major surprise to many out there who expeceted an Eli disaster under pressure. As I noted in the running diary I posted during the game, the Giants looked really relaxed, surprisingly relaxed which was a good omen for the game. Of course I incorrectly projected that following my astute observation the Giants would "subsequently choke early and often from now on" which I'm glad to say I was incorrect on.
10 - amount of solo tackels by James Butler of the NYG. The Giants D impressed big time last night with all starting 11 plus some more guys making a lot of key tackles. In my John Madden moment, if you tackle the other team's players you have a better chance to win the game. Missed tackles can kill a team, you give up yardage, you're on the field longer, you start to fight with your teammates. One missed tackle has been the main cause of many a loss over the years. I don't remember manay if any missed tackles by the Giants last night, they held their ground and made plays when they had to.
11 - amount of yards Laurence Maroney had in the first half, on 8 carries. The Patriots finished with 45 total yards rushing. Going into this game the Giants knew they needed to stop the pass, and they were successful, and New England's run game, despite impressing in recent weeks, was flat.
12 - plays it took the Giants to move 83 yards in 2:07. A remarkable job by Eli commanding the troops.
13 - yards between the Giants and the Goal Line with 39 seconds left in the game before hitting Plaxico on the Sluggo route.
14 - final score for the Patriots, 3 less than Plaxico predicted for the Pats which Tom Brady, and most of the world, scoffed at.
15 - out of 16 regular season games the Pats score 21+ points, in 2 of the 3 post-season games they scored 21 or less, including last night.
16 - their own 16 yard line is where the Pats season ended after 3 incomplete passes and one 10 yard sack of Brady.
17 - Points the Giants scored to beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
18 - seconds left in the 1st half when Brady was sacked and fumbled the ball in Giants territory giving the Pats no chance to increase their lead going into halftime.
19 - :27, Time New York had possession in the first half. Holding the ball for 2/3 of the first half was one of the big reasons the Giants took down the Patriots.
20 - dollars in a bet that I should have taken up with my boss, from Rhode Island.
When all is said and done, last night's game was one for the ages. And the Perfect end to an Imperfect season in New England. And on a side note, listening to Mike and Mike this morning Tom Jackson was on and he said that statistically the Patriots were the best team in NFL history. Well I would disagree I can think of 42 teams that were better in the most important End of the season Statistical Category. That would be a W or L next to their name in the Super Bowl.
More after the jump...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The FBR - Sunday's Red-Headed Step Child
tually see the open due to fiscal circumstances, I listen, read, and spoke as much FBR as I could. But alas, the main Golf section of ESPN.com reads "HEAR ME ROAR" - a Tiger Woods story about his win in Dubai, with the highlight reel displaying 3 stories of Woods and some stuff about Torrey Pines. A small sliver of the screen is dedicated to the FBR showing the top 10 finishers of the tournament. Poor J.B. - to a certain extent - he wins the damn thing beating out homer Phil Mickelson, and he loses the spot light to Woods...who by my estimation, won the Dubai tournament as the nation slept. The FBR has been like the middle child in a family where the oldest is away at college and the younger is in boarding school. A majority of the time it gets all the attention, but during the holidays, it's just another mouth to feed. All the attention is on the older kid for being more successful and the younger one because it left because regular school isn't good enough for it - a.k.a too rough/noisy. Well I'm here to stand up for you FBR. Even though the Super Bowl brought in record numbers this year in terms of tourism spending as well as celebrities, with all the years combined, you have the SB beat hands down.P.S. You were adopted.
More after the jump...
A running diary ... of sorts
Calling this a running diary would be a complete misnomer. But for posterity's sake I'll note a few things.
Ryan Seacrest was doing pregame for the Super Bowl. Ryan Seacrest and Super Bowl should never be in the same sentence. American Idol is going too far. There was also a pregame perfomance with judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Remember like 12 years ago when Paula Abdul released a single, why is she on my pregame show.
The Giants just left the locker room and to the right of the screen, maybe you missed it in places sans HD/Widescreen, the refs were doing their pregame warm-ups, complete with sprints and shuffles. I understand that they run up and down the field and the warm-ups are actually necessary, but I guess I just never thought they actually did warm-ups.
And an American Idol winner is singing the National Anthem. Couldn't they bring in Bridget Moynahan to sing a few bars.
Rodney Harrison and Junior Seau standing next to each other during the National Anthem, they seem pretty friendly. Not that I'm trying to bring up some kind of conspiracy or something, but no one else is concerned that he is having some kind of crazy resurgence playing this season when he retired 2 seasosn ago.
I will make serious attempts to refrain from Spygate mentions as much as possible. But isn't the evidence starting to add up.
First anklegate update, Brady is pain-free, who saw that coming.
I'm fairly excited to watch the NFL Network occasionally during the broadcast, according to the Cable Guide it's continually updated Statistical Coverage of SB XLII. Is it just going to be like watching Gamecast on NFL.com duing the season, watching the arrow move up ad down the field? I just checked, they don't even have the arrows, it's a running clock with the seasons leaders in the left column. I want my NFL Network!
As a recap on the thoughts of the fiance, not enough fireworks during the team introductions, why didn't they run out carrying sparklers, and the flagettes, my word not hers, had two weeks to practice, shouldn't they be able to lift and drop the flags at the same time.
Peyton's looking on from the upper decks, and he looks like he just got off the yacht before the game. We see Archie almost every Giants game. Why is Peyton stag at the Super Bowl. Is he filming a commercial we'll see in the 2nd half.
I'm gonna say early, and in doing so jinxing the G-Men, they looked, actually surprisingly relaxed out there for a team with almost no SB experience, and really barely any postseason experience. They will subsequently choke early and often from now on.
Pepsi Max has just made an amazing discovery, contrary to previous thought, Chris Kattan is still alive, and acting. Huh, whoda thunk it.
I didn't make the first Spygate reference of the game, Fox did. Their House commercial pointed out numerous coaches covering their mouths, with the camera on them. I have to assume that the tape used in the commercial was the "destroyed" tapes the Patriots handed over to the NFL.
Giants impressive on their first drive, converting on 3 3rd downs, wind up with a field goal, and looked decent against the Pats offense. Stupid faceguarding penalty costs the G-Men, Pats score first TD.
Nice push-off by Toomer, Veteran ability right there.
Another shot of Peyton, willing Eli to get the snap off pre-penalty but to no avail. You can't compete with mental mistakes against the Pats.
And Eli gets his first pick of the game, granted this one can hardly be put on him, but he could have put it in there a little softer. He has to play perfect to have a chance, that's far from perfect.
Great defensive stop by the Giants, getting the Pats to go 3 and out isn't easy.
The Fiance, Sarah, says the lack of good comercials are angering her. You wouldn't like her when she's angry. Actually, you might not care, but angry and hormonal is a bad combination. I need some good commercials and soon or I'll be in trouble later.
The GMen are getting some nice pressure on the Pats, it's exactly what they need to do.
With Moss being the ultimate Me-First player it will be interesting to see if he will quit on the Pats and this game, like he did in Minnesota and Oakland.
Too much time, I don't care if it's eighty nine yards 2 minutes is too much time for the Brady Bunch.
I just lost a little bit of respect for my boy Bromo, appearing in a commercial with Justin Timberlake? Come on T.
FUMBLE - Giants ball. Probably not going to be able to convert but at least, it's a stop.
Why do they let people rush the field at halftime, that can't be good for the field, especially in Glendale, it's natural grass. Especially, as Sarah noted, the fat girl in dead sprint to the stage.
I really should have followed up on my bets. I was thinking Giants to cover that ridiculous 13 pt spread and taking the under, 54.5. Hasn't Vegas learned anything watching the last few Pats games. They haven't been blowing anyone out and they haven't been putting up 40 pt games.
Why isn't Shockey on the sideline? Is he afraid he'll be too much of a distraction? And who's tickets did he get?
There's about 13 minutes and change left and it's time for Eli's troops to start doing something, eat some clock, let the defense rest, and score a TD. We all know the Brady Bunch have at LEAST 10 points left to score in the next 13 minutes.
I should add, while writing this there were 3 great GMen plays leading to an Eli TD pass.
Once again, I realize the power of the jinx, but the Giants not only took the lead but then punished the Pats offense, again. If you look at this Giants, they're Amped. With that said, I gotta think the Giants are blowing it with this punt, the goal should be to keep the ball out of New England's hands as much as possible in the 4th quarter. Trailing, 4th quarter, doesn't matter if it's eight yards or eighty their scoring.
And Bud Light...a lot of sweat goes into it, not literally though, that would be gross. I'm not oe to comment on commercials, I'm actually not on to usually really pay ttentio during the game but the Semi Pro trailer was good. Will Ferrell was doing his best Will Ferrell/Ron Burgandy impression, and it was good.
Minutes after I think it, it happens. The Patriots look like the Patriots, all of a suden Brady is putting it wherever he wants and the Giants are finally feeling being on the field so much. Umenyiora is on the sideline. Too much time and energy has been expelled. And for some reason the Giants still aren't paying any attention to Wes Welker.
First down, inside the 20 and the Giants DBs and LBs are yelling at each other, this should be a score in the next minute or so...First down inside the 10. a score is imminent, and I don't honestly see Eli throwing together a 2 minute Game Winning Super Bowl drive, but they did comeback a few times this season.
Are you kidding me, why are they running routes under the 1st down marker. 4th and 1 you gotta go for it. All or nothing. And the Jacobs effort makes the 1st.
THAT WAS A HUGE NO EFFING WAY PLAY. The Nimble Eli scrambling around, breaking multiple tackles and lobbing it into triple coverage to Tyree. That was a great toss. It's time for the Giants to do something. Down 4, no Time Outs, 51 seconds, 2nd and 11, ball at the 25.
Giants have 2 plays to get 11 yards. And they gotta do it in less than 30 seconds to have a shot. Smith hits the sideline, and it looks like a 1st down and a stopped clock. Ball on
the 14, and OH MY GOD, the G-MEN go in, Eli makes a tremendous throw, Plaxico picks the right time for his first catch, a 14 yard toss. Up 3 with 35 seconds left. Plaxico just completely burned Hobbs on the Sluggo route. For the record, the Double Sluggo is 4real's favorite play in Madden and NCAA. Unfortunately for the Giants they're playing the Pats. 29 seconds is more than enough time for the Brady Bunch, especially with 3 time-outs.
25 seconds, 2nd down. Peyton is no longer in the VIP Lounge. "Brady goes down" echoing from Joe Buck sounds like "Down goes Frazier". Is it too late to order the 19-0 book? Absolutely Amazing. Shula and his boys are popping the champagne. And in true Belichick fashion he walks off the field and pouts. Classic. There's the asterisk for you Belichick, but instead of an asterisk it's a 1, as in 18-1. And kids all over Africa will be wearing Undefeated New England Patriots Super Bowl XLII shirts and hats.
Also read this earlier too.
More after the jump...
Friday, February 1, 2008
Spygate, continued
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3226465 That's about all I have to say. B=
More after the jump...
Update on the NFL BearDown Style.
Goodell gave his State of the NFL address earlier today, a parody of the President’s State of the Union address. It’s a good thing it wasn’t called the State of the Union address since the state of affairs between the Union and the NFL aren’t at an all-time high. But we’ll get to that later.
NFL = INFL?: The NFL is going International, again. Mark your calendars for October 26 when the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints will face off in London for a regular season contest. I for one am a fan of professional sports leagues going international for talent as well as to bring new audiences into the games. But that’s not all The Buffalo Bills will be heading to Toronto in each of the next 5 years so people in Canada can share in the North-easternly tradition of not caring about the Buffalo Bills and not going to their games either. London, Europe, are fine with me, one game a year, it’s fun, but we already saw (NFL Europe) fold recently. It’s fun and entertaining for the Europeans once a year, like a traveling freak-show, but in Canada? They like football up there, they like it enough that they have their own league, the CFL maybe you’ve heard of it? I’m sure you’ve heard of the CFL golden boy Doug Flutie. The games will be played after the Grey Cup (Their Championship) has been played which means that a Buffalo home game in Toronto will be EVEN COLDER since it will have to be played in December. We don’t need to export football to countries that already enjoy football. The only thing the NFL should be concerned with as far as Canada is the possible acquisition of the CFL, other than that both leagues are doing fine. And if the NFL wants to take over the CFL, just send Isiah up there to run it like he did the CBA.
HGH: It’s not only in the MLB, it can be found everywhere (in case you hadn’t heard) but there are no viable tests for HGH. Goodell wants to combat that by spending $ 3.5 Million to research it. This is a great idea, and I mean that in all honesty. I think that’s a little low though, I mean MLB spent more than 6 times that and they just interviewed dealers, sure there’s no cure but at least we know who all used in MLB. Just follow Rodney Harrison around until you find his dealer and voila money well spent.
Seriously This Time: A Shock to all, Farve is debating retirement. This has come to a shock to…no one. Farve is on record with ESPN’s Len Pasquerelli saying "I haven't decided yet, we just played a little over a week ago. I'm going to take a few more weeks….we'll just discuss it more in a couple weeks." That sounds eerily familiar, if we look at a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article from last December we hear the talking heads saying "At his home finale he took a little family portrait out there on the field with his family. He also got mic'd up by NFL Films for the first time in his career. Those indications say he is probably going to hang it up." Unlike many of his colleagues, Fox's Joe Buck sounded as though he might be tiring of the Retirement Game, even as he acknowledged its intoxicating charms. "We are doing it again," Buck said. "We are talking about Brett Favre retiring, not retiring. We all got sucked in in 2006." But wait what on Earth do you mean Mr. Buck, 2006? The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune’s Jesse Horne discussed this following the 2005 season, “here are the headlines I think you'll see during 2006. -- NO. 4 CALLS IT QUITS. Brett Favre's press conference on Wednesday left many scratching their heads. Is he going to retire or not? Honestly, Brett may not even know the answer to this question. With the Packers' dreadful season finally over, the talk of retirement now shifts into a faster gear. Look for the Packers to call a press conference sometime in the next few weeks and for Favre to make an announcement.” Of course there were Donald Driver’s statements during following the 2004 Season where he said "I think so. I think he was trying to wait until the draft, and I think coach Sherman wanted to know right before free agency because there're a couple of quarterback free agents that they want to look at if Brett decided not to come back.” When word tried to reach Farve as to whether or not he would be returning he made no statement. So the Packers went out and drafted Aaron Rodgers with a top pick. 4 years later, almost to the day, we’re having the exact same conversations and you all know where I stand. Let him stay it’s good for the Bears, all he does is hand the ball to the Bears D. But as proof of my theory which I have mentioned before, that he is overrated, I would love if he retired, and the last moment anyone had of him was a game ending, season ending, interception, and it wasn’t the first time he did so either. This is just another instance of me trying to make up for all of the people out there who love Brett Farve because every told us to.
Flacco=Falco? It’s a little too convenient that a Quarterback named Flacco could be entering the NFL at the same time of a strike. Oh, in case you haven’t heard because it has been overshadowed by the Super Bowl, and still prevalent Spygate conversations (that I will get to later) Gene Upshaw is threatening a walk-out, and I don’t think he’s bluffing, if the owner’s opt out of the current contract (that is up in 2010) the NFLPA is threatening a lockout or strike. This worked really well for baseball in 1994, basketball in 1998 and the writer’s guild right now, you should definitely strike. It won’t negatively affect the league for years as well as the American economy in general (the NFL being the highest grossing of all professional sports leagues).
Celeb’s Picks: ESPN released some celeb picks for Sunday’s Game. And here’s my problem. Not with the picks themselves but the fact that they called some of these people celebs. The list of google-search candidates (to find out exactly why their considered famous) includes names like 3 Bradys, Adam West, Beaver (From Leave it to Beaver), Mrs. Partridge, Mark Cuban (Millionaire), Marlee Matlin (movie star) The Professor and Mary Ann (seriously Dawn Wells and Russell Johnson, I was looking for a coach to call skipper and wish Cuban was married so I could drop the “millionaire and his wife”), Apollo Creed AND Ivan Drago, the Dude who writes Dilbert, Carrot Top, the “San Diego Chicken”, a handful of Olympians no one has ever heard of, Miss America AND Miss USA, and the kid who saw dead people (Spolier alert) in the 6th sense. Seriously I think that using the word celebrity is going a wee-bit too far. There are at least 5 people on there who became more famous for parodies of them/done by them than their actual work (i.e. Wayne Newton in Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Vegas Vacation among others). I also loved the fact that Venus Williams is listed as Serena's younger sister.
Spygate: At long last, a popular topic, Spygate. Goodell defended his decision to destroy the tapes because he said it wasn’t wide-spread, read as we only had evidence of one game and we’re sure they never did it before and haven’t done it sense. Also, that a leak gave information to the media, so destruction was necessary. So instead of worrying about the leak and people starting to think the past championships were tainted you just wanted to destroy the proof that you had that said this was the only time. Let me rephrase, the only way to get people to stop thinking that there was more to it, was to show us the video-taping. But you couldn’t show us the video-taping because then we would see the raw footage of Kurt Warner on the sidelines in New Orleans years ago when the Pats made their first trip, which in turn validates people questioning the past Super Bowl wins. Also, Goodell told us that tapes went back into last season. Just how far back did these tapes and taping sessions go.
Prediction: My prediction is that Sunday I will sit back and watch this game and enjoy it immensely more than last year (a lot of whiskey in between 2nd half kick off and waking up Monday morning confused). It will be much more relaxing and I really don’t care who wins. I’m, obviously, pulling for G-men for many reasons (NFC, Eli’s turnaround, Not the Patriots, the 19-0 18-1 book) but really if the Patriots win they get to take their place in the NFL pantheon of dynasty’s and Tedy Bruschi gets another ring. My predictions have been off and on recently so I have decided not to jinx it, besides the last few years have basically come down to whoever I’m rooting for loses, in every sport, no questions asked. God’s payback for the Jordan Year’s in Chicago.
More after the jump...
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