ISU Coaching Search

It depends who you talk and what they fear most in hiring a new coach.  Some same avoid another hot assistant who will jump ship after a few successful seasons (or none).  Others say we need a young coach to keep the young players.  Others yet say we need a proven head coach with experience.  Well what about a black head coach?  Midwest ties?  Florida or Texas ties?  O negative or AB positive?

Goodness gracious people, we need a coach who will win games.  End of story.  And AD Jamie Pollard knows this.  And more important he could give a rip about the color, or age of the coach, he wants wins. 

So who will it be you may ask?

My Short list:

Turner Gill - Buffalo HC

It's too bad he's holding out for a very top tier school to offer him a job (Auburn?)  He's day will come (think Nebraska in a few years, you know after a 9-3 season)  And I firmly believe he's holding out for a big name school.  

Brent Venables - Oklahoma DC and Assistant HC

The Oklahoma D-coordinator has midwest ties, is young, and ready for a HC job.  So what if he wants to jump ship in a few year for a bigger school.  He won't do it without some success here first.  And that's what Iowa State needs right now.  Success, not more excitment without results.  Don't think he can coach?  Look at the OU-Tech final score.  Or better, see how many yards TTU didn't throw for in that game.  He can coach.  And our defense needs it.

Charlie Strong - Florida DC and Assistant HC

Has strong ties to FL and TX, a top assistant at Florida with Coach Mac.  If you don't think Strong is asking Dan about this job, you're crazy.  And I would trust Dan would say something like this - "Great program, fans love you even at 7-5, just get out if they hire a new AD"  All kidding aside, if Strong is looking to make a name for himself, this would be the place.

Todd Graham - Tulsa HC

The guy knows how to score points.  About the only team to score more points than Oklahoma and TTU is Tulsa.  He knows the South (TX and OK) to recruit.  Has HC experience.  Not a bad pick overall.

Others mentioned - Mike Stoops (Arizona HC), Chris Peterson (Boise State HC), Gary Patterson (TCU HC), Gary Barnett (Colorado HC, former), Phil Fulmer (Tennessee HC, former)

My pick was Turner Gill, but his contract extension at Buffalo makes this a no go. 

With that, either Venables or Strong should get the nod based their experience on the Defensive side of the ball, their connections to recruiting, and experience.  

Right now, I lean towards Venables because of his Midwest ties.

ISU Blues

What an exciting, wait, shitty weekend, to be a Cyclone.  Not only do we lose a FB coach but we also get owned in Iowa City in Men's Basketball.

Rumor is the new coach could be announced as early as tomorrow.  Hopefully not, so I can write about the possible replacements.  

Until then, I'm studying over 1000 drugs for my last final tomorrow. 

Go State.

Beat Iowa. 

Chizik Departs

Disclaimer: I've been 1000+ miles removed from Ames for the past four years, so my impressions have been gathered only sporadically. I was at the Iowa State-Army game in '05 when Jamie Pollard was announced as the new AD and I was certainly excited, impressed, and hopeful that he would ensure the 'clones could put together a Big XII North title. When McCarney was shown the door, my impression was that the "Cyclone nation" would be eternally grateful for Coach Dan's leading the program out of the wilderness and, especially in the absence of the previously-smothering Nebraska and Colorado programs, this new rising star would take us to the next level.

Chizik's lackluster first year was more than understandable. Unlike any other team in the Big XII North, we play Texas and Oklahoma (and TX Tech) on the same rotation. 2007's opponents were the hardest we would ever have, but the upside is the 2-year hiatus where we can strike the soft underbelly (?) of the south (with no disrespect to OKie State, who would have played in the conference championship or won any other conf. outright this year).

But we got worse.

Deep in the heart of SEC territory, the only game I was able to watch was the Iowa matchup. We held up well enough in the first half, but we didn't make a single clean tackle the whole game. I would have loved to see the 'yards gained after contact' stat, it probably accounted for 75% of Iowa's total offense.

I only heard about the close UNLV OT loss, gripping defeat from the jaws of a victory over Kansas, and the embarrassing meltdown against whipping-boy-no-more Baylor. I'm assuming this is the first time ever (I hope) that we've gone winless in the conference, and the "rising star but needs time" coach narrative isn't fitting very well.

When I heard Chizik was interviewing at Auburn, I told my roommate there's no way they'd hire him and all this will do is leave a bad taste in Cyclones' mouths, much worse than Tim Floyd. But the worst part is he'd still be our coach.

Now the news that he's gone (I bet Auburn's getting a helluva deal, Chizik might get paid in Applebees gift certificates), I'm not reading any Cyclone fans distraught about losing some great talent and waving goodbye to future success, I'm reading elation at a chance for a do-over. After this especially damning account, we should be thanking Auburn for giving us a fresh start *and* a $750K infusion into our athletic budget.

G. Harrell Gets Hosed...

Not only did his team get the a bad rap after a bad loss to Oklahoma (they did come back and beat a very good Texas team...short memory I guess), but now G. Harrell is not even invited to the Heisman Ceremony. 

Like I mentioned, I do not think he deserved to win, but regardless, he deserved to be recognized.

Tim Griffin sums it up nicely here.

Also - check out this x-ray for his hand against Baylor.  

Iowa State Sports

At this current juncture, there is a lot concern over the state of Iowa State Athletics.  The basketball team lost a game they had won last night and the football team appeared to take a step backwards from a promising 1st season under Coach Chizik.

My opinion, get over it.

The state of college athletics is very competitive right now.  Money can equal victories.  Pay Nick Saban enough and he'll get you a 11-1 season.  But the danger of such success is people expect that at every school.  But that would be a grave mistake to assume such a thing.

Iowa State is building a two great programs.  The football team took a step back because they lost a strong senior class (See A. Bowen, A. Rubin) that keep the defense competitive.  The offense has the playmakers to be great as does the defense.  But success in the trenches takes time to build with a poor program like Iowa State.  We're not nationally known and nor do we command national respect like Alabama.  You'd be dumb not to play there if you were an incoming freshman.  But Iowa State is building the framework for long term success.  It takes time (see Mizzou, Kansas) and they'll get there. 

As far as the basketball team, I'd like to find a team with more turnover in the first few years as McD has had the past 3.  Again though, the program is building the right way.  Young talent that plays hard and disciplined.  Young teams make mistakes though.  The reason W. Morgan was let go was that his veteran teams made silly mistakes.  So I expect the basketball team to be 1-2 years away from a great season, but we'll have many more successful years (and continued success).

So Cyclone Fans, be patient.  Our time is coming...

Heisman Thoughts

To put off Pharmacology studying a bit longer, I thought I would way in on the Heisman race.

As I see it, it comes down to 4 QB's.  And unless you're a delusional Hawkeye fan (which is most Hawk fans), Shonn Greene.

Sam Bradford - Oklahoma

Colt McCoy - Texas

Tim Tebow - Florida

Graham Harrell - Texas Tech

Unlike the BCS, the Heisman should be awarded for your body of work through the whole season.  To be the best player in college football (which is kind of joke anymore with the Heisman), you've got to bring it week in and week out.  So Colt McCoy, relax, you won't get snubbed on this one.

So now how do you pick?  Is it based on huge numbers, because Bradford and Harrell can give you those, but McCoy also had great stats while leading his team in rushing.  Tebow took a team on his back and willed them to BCS title game after they lost to Ole Miss.  Tebow played well when it counted down the stretch, but McCoy didn't get an opportunity to prove himself on a big stage the last few weeks.  (Minus the A&M game)  

If I were picking right now, I'm going to ignore Tebow because we saw how great he can be last year and he fell off a bit from then.  Harrell produced astronomical numbers, but part of that is the system (though mostly his gun and play making ability).

So to me, it comes down to McCoy and Bradford.  And because of the BCS, we saw Bradford showcase his talent in bigger games down the stretch.  So I got to go with Sam Bradford.  His numbers were great, and he played best when the games mattered most.  I don't always buy the head-to-head arguments because the season is an ebb and flow process.  You can judge a team by the first few weeks because the games changes.  But Bradford knew against Tech he needed to produce and boy did he.  

So the Heisman goes to Bradford.  The media should eat this up if he wins.  Native American, Heisman vs. Heisman in the Title game?  Sounds pretty great.

Plus McCoy will be back next year, so I give him the edge next year.

I hope this sparks a lively debate because I think any of these 4 players deserve the award and I will probably change my mind by tomorrow.

You bet!

The BCS: It Ain't So Bad

Since everyone and their president-elect is weighing in on this subject, it can't hurt the blogosphere to pack in one more post about the BCS system. I used to think it was a crock of shite, being highly in favor of a playoff. Now I'm not so sure, and here are some reasons why...

1) The BCS gives us something to talk/debate/argue/stick a fork in each other's throat about.

I know you've heard this before, most likely from your least favorite televised sports analyst. (Without the BCS I'm convinced some of those guys wouldn't have a job.) But you've got to hand it to them, it's true. A guilty pleasure of any sports fan is debating the quality of one team over another and who is over/under ranked. The reason this point of the NCAA football season is so interesting is because we can't wait to see who can keep themselves in pristine position for the biggest of bowl games. All season long every team shares this one goal and attempts to persuade the masses they are indeed the best football has to offer. People won't be anxiously tuning into the OU-TX Tech game tomorrow night to find out who will snag the #3 seed and who will drop to the #7 seed. Saturday will have major championship implications. It adds more drama, it opens things up for discussion, it makes conference debates more intriguing knowing only two can represent, it brings me to my next point...

2) Hearing about who got snubbed at #3 is far more interesting than who was unfairly left out at #9 (or #17 or #33).

Look at NCAA basketball: is there anything more annoying come March Madness than having to hear all the whining from those half dozen 19-11 teams about having to unjustly sit out of The Dance? There will ALWAYS be a handful of "deserving" teams that will be the odd men out once the dust settles. I'd rather participate in a debate about the top two teams in the country than compare a one-loss WAC team, a two-loss Big Ten team, and the loser of the ACC championship that's "still darn good." Widening the net may actually increase controversial subjectivity, shifting the scope from number of losses to the less quantifiable dispute of comparing losses. This makes losses suddenly seem less important, resulting in...

3) A playoff would diminish the importance of the regular season.

The college football regular season is the most interesting in all of sports. In professional sports, teams make a push to barely make the playoffs knowing anything can happen post-season. Who has the ambition to monitor the volatile NCAA basketball polls when it doesn't mean diddly-squat as to who is going to win The Tourney? Every Saturday the football games have *real* impact to the title race. Every Sunday we check ESPN.com for the new standings knowing they can make or break the season. Think about how many great games this season wouldn't have been near as spectacular knowing both teams were going to the playoffs regardless of the outcome. A playoff would steal a bit of pride from the underdogs, the magnitude of the Standfords beating the USC's would take a hit. There is a bit of truth to whoever said the NCAA has a 15-week playoff. Not to mention, expanding the season would cause a dilemma...

4) The schedule doesn't allow for a lengthy playoff format.

I recently heard a football coach voice support for a 32-team playoff. I wonder if he realized he was proposing a 31% increase in yearly games played for the finalists, in addition to extending the season three weeks. For those who often forget, these are students playing football. I know, it may not always seem like it, but the football schedule indeed fits around the class schedule. The regular season ends the week before finals begin and the two-week bowl season falls between the week after finals end and the week before the next semester begins. A more sensible 8-team playoff still extends the season two weeks because I imagine all the non-BCS bowls would still be played. The only solution would be to kick the bowl season off with the first round and fill in the smaller bowls between first-second rounds and second-NC, making the BCS bowls anticlimactic.

Now I'm not completely sold on the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" methodology -- there are solutions that meet in the middle. Here is my proposal:

Format: Four-team playoff
Stipulation 1: Undefeated teams receive an automatic berth.
Placement 1: Current BCS rankings still exist and strictly determine seeding.
Contingency 1: If less than four undefeated teams, remaining berths are open.
Stipulation 2: Eligible teams for open berths must be conference champions.
Placement 2: Highest ranked eligible team in current BCS fills open berth(s).

Seth, I've come around. Three years ago I would have argued Boise State didn't belong in the national title picture. With four teams given the chance, I say unblemished records voice the loudest claim. If the season ended today, allow Ball St, Boise St, or Utah have a shot at TT and Alabama. (I realize we currently have 5 undefeated teams, but it is extremely rare to have more than four undefeateds by year end.) A two-round playoff -- one that utilizes the current BCS formulas -- avoids the problems created by all of the above bullets. My format would also eliminate some of the biggest complaints about the current system: a mid-major undefeated team never gets a shot, teams that haven't even won their own conference get into the NC game, et cetera.

I'd like to know what others think about this proposal...or the BCS in general. (Overall, I really don't think think it's a terrible system.) I'd like to hear how an advanced, objective playoff format would work, but don't just show up with statements like "let them settle in on the field", "a playoff is more fair", or "computers shouldn't be involved when deciding national champions". Those arguments have been beat to death.

So it goes.

Great Year for the Big XII

What an amazing start for the Big XII. Going into week 7, an unprecedented 5 teams were unbeaten. Two of the five had to lose, but each contest was played literally until the final minute of the game, or OT for Texas Tech. The top ranked Sooners fell three places after a hard-fought match against the now-#1 Longhorns; Mizzou dropped out of the top 10 but their OK State opponent rose from #17 to #8. Tech remains at #7.

The teams account for four of the top five (six of top ten) scoring offenses. The Heisman watch is simply a cut and paste from the list of Big XII QB's (that list shouldn't change: Bradford threw 5 TD's, although Daniel dished out 3 picks...) Coaches Mark Mangino, Gary Pinkel, Mike Leach have been at their schools for 7, 8, and 9 years, respectively, with barely average records before breaking out into national prominence.

The B12 is the reason this college season is interesting to watch.

There are some negatives:

It's hard to win *every* week. The Longhorns' next three games are Mizzou, OK State, and Texas Tech. Holy shit. Oklahoma is going to make damn sure they don't lose again. The Cowboys and Red Raiders have to face the whole south half yet and I can't see one of these two fresh faces having the poise win out in such a bruising environment. Mizzou has the easiest path, but still a long road.

Clearly at this point in the season it looks like the BCS championship should be the B12 vs. SEC champs, but the caliber of the two conferences can easily become a curse. Unlike the reigning champs, a two-loss team won't make it all the way this year and a one-loss team better have a great showing in Kansas City on December 6. Will only one loss and a final convincing win be enough? USC blew off their own foot and have no chance at redemption with their pillow-fight remainder of a schedule, but weak-scheduled Penn State and BYU/Utah could win out with more of a claim to meet Alabama or Georgia than last year's Hawaii Warriors.

The BCS standings will begin next week and give a better idea of what one loss might do to a team with off-the-charts strength of schedule. On the other hand, maybe an 8-team playoff isn't such a bad proposition...

I have been vocal about the unquestioned dominance of the SEC, but I'm very happily having to reconsider. The biggest reason why the SEC still reigns is that even their weakest teams are formidable. The two 2-4 SEC teams got their scars from playing Florida, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Georgia Tech, UCLA, and LA Tech, not a set including Iowa, UNLV, Arkansas State, Miami OH and Baylor.

Here's hoping the 'clones start to pull their own weight. On one hand, it's getting tougher to win as the conference becomes Heisman Central but hopefully playing in such a marquee conference helps Gene Chizik field some great recruits.

MLB Playoffs Log 10/2

ALDS Game 1: Rays 6, White Sox 4

Looks like there is a new team of destiny this year. In their first playoff game ever, the Rays looked experienced in their win over the Sox. Timely hitting and solid defense will make them tough to beat. And just hand over the Rookie of the Year trophy to Evan Longoria already. Home runs in his first two playoff at-bats? Crazy good.
Chicago had its chance, though. Down 6-3 in the seventh, they loaded the bases with one out only to watch Uribe and Cabrera strike out. Trotting out Mark Buehrle for Game 2 should bode better than Vasquez for Chicago. Buehrle has the playoff experience to get a win. It's also good to see Konerko having good at-bats. I expect this series to head to the South Side tied at 1-1.

NLDS Game 2: Phillies 5, Brewers 2

The Brew Crew has been leaning on Sabathia the past month and it looks like their last leg just gave out. Probably due to exhaustion (4 starts in a row on short rest), CC didn't have his usual stuff, pulling a Dempster by walking two to load the bases and giving Victorino a grand trot around the bases. The second that slider was torched over Braun's head, everyone knew this series may be over. When I predicted the Phillies winning in four, I was counting on the Milwaukee ace taking this hand. Now they're in big trouble and they had better find their big bats to start outslugging the Phils or they are headed to Milwaukee for a longer stay than anticipated.
I do think Dave Bush can outpitch Jamie Moyer, but he's gonna need some support. (Yes, I'm talking to you Prince "Hitless" Fielder.) Again, I think it's a different series if they could have marched Ben Sheets out there tonight and given CC two more days of rest. But that's the way it goes...

NLDS Game 2: Dodgers 10, Cubs 3

The Cubs just enjoy proving me wrong -- when I claim they will lose, they win and when I (rarely) argue they're in line for a win, they lose. Another NL Central team in a 0-2 hole. Noone saw Zambrano giving up seven runs or the Cubs defense playing that terrible. Watching guys like DeRosa and Lee scrambling around after the ball in the dirt reminded me of a Little League game. All four infielders committed an error! I'd be interested to see how many times that has happened in playoff history. It's almost comical that Piniella is playing Fukudome to have the "best defensive lineup", meanwhile in the batter's box he's 0 for 8 with four K's and five men left on base.
But don't get me wrong, the Dodgers look great. Billingley pitched strong and the front third of that linup was red-hot. With Manny on fire, LA will be tough for anyone to beat. We'll see how they fare against Harden on Saturday.

MLB Playoffs Log 10/1

The MLB Playoffs *officially* started today and, even though my Cardinals were left out of the fray, I intend on watching as much baseball as I can the next few weeks. To get back into the blogging practice, I've decided to keep a playoff journal full of updates, predictions, and a humble opinion of what I see throughout October.

NLDS Game 1: Phillies 3, Brew Crew 1

Two words: Cole. Hamels. Eight innings pitched, two hits, nine K's, no runs. Hamels had a great season, surely good enough to sit on the fringe of Cy Young talk, but there was one stat that blew him out of contention: his win-loss record. However, it was a direct result of receiving terrible run support, and it looked like that may be the case again today...until the error. Maybe the play was harder than it looked, maybe it was jitters, maybe it was playing for a club that hadn't tasted October since four days after my birth. Irregardless, Mike Cameron misplayed a flyball that lead to all three of the Phillies unearned runs. Game over.
Alright Milwaukee fans, which do you want to hear first, the good news or the bad news?
The good news: Brad Lidge looked human. After not blowing a save all season long, it took Lidge 35 pitches to get through the ninth. Ryan Bruan struck for one run, then while waiting on second base he watched Prince Fielder take a wild swing at ball four to strike out; a Fielder walk in that situation changes the game. You'd have Hardy and Hart coming up with two on and one out and if Hardy still would have walked, it would have been bases loaded and the real pressure would have been on Lidge. Again, most likely playoff-rookie jitters, but if Fielder lays off that one pitch, we may have had a different outcome. Then again, maybe it's that one pitch that makes Brad Lidge that good.
The bad news: in my opinion, the story overshadowing Hamels' dominance is the news that Ben Sheets is out for the playoffs. That alone is what made Milwaukee so dangerous in a short series, they had the best 1-2 punch of anyone. Now you don't have Sheets, you lost the opener, and CC may only get one start. You heard it here first: the Brew Crew won't live to see a Game 5.

NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 7, Cubs 2

Don't worry, Cubs fans, it's just one game. Unlike the Brewers, I'm not ready to announce Chicago's demise. I have a feeling this series will go the distance and the Cubs will represent the NL Central in the NLCS. But that doesn't mean the North Side faithful shouldn't have any concerns. (Of which they do, considering how on edge the Wrigley crown appeared last night. The color men in the booth kept referring to the palpable uneasiness they sensed from the crowd, as if they are waiting for something bad/disappointing to happen. But how can you blame them?)
First of all, that James Loney grand slam wasn't a fluke, or at least not entirely. During the first four innings Ryan Dempster looked pretty good, but at times he struggled with his command. After the second walk he handed out in the fifth, I thought for sure they were going to pull him -- at that point he had already walked six batters and thrown 98 pitches. Yet he was left in to walk the next batter and then give up the home run. Dempster will rebound in his next start. It's Piniella's best impersonation of Dusty Baker that would have me concerned. In the playoffs, you have to know when to make pitching changes.
Secondly, this may be a glimpse of what's to come for Manny Ramirez. No doubt he's been hot since joining LA, but that power golf stroke to the bleachers in left field may be the beginning of a big post-season for Manny.
All in all, the Cubs aren't in a hole of which they can't dig out. Big Z will have a big game tonight against Chad Billingsley and get the win. Chicago has too good an offense to keep down. And this is coming from a Cardinals fan.

ALDS Game 1: Red Sox 4, Angels 1

I only watched two innings of this game, so I don't know much more than what I read in the box score. Looks like Jon Lester turned out a gem. Jacoby Ellsbury was a spark in the lead-off spot. Jason Bay is still doing his best Manny impression by providing the offense. Sportscenter highlights showed plenty of Boston defensive plays, which is surprising because they aren't usually known for their defense.
Looking at the hearts of the lineups, it looks like the Angels should have had the advantage: their 2-5 hitters went 8 for 15 (.533) while the BoSox 2-5 went 2 for 16 (.125). If this trend keeps up, the Angels will find success in this series.

NCAAF Ranking Bull

#1 USC loses to 1-2 Oregon State by one possession at Corvallis and #3 Georgia loses to #8 Alabama by two possessions in Athens. Who drops to #9 and who drops to #11?

Both teams recovered from first-half shutouts to make the final quarters interesting. Both teams had top-notch talent, one team had an opponent with roughly equal talent.

Even on the road and in a closer game, I don't understand how coaches and sportswriters could punish UGA more than USC for losing to an opponent who now perhaps has the best shot to play in the BCS championship.

It's not all bad, I think Georgia will do better with lowered expectations and has plenty of opportunities to rise again (Tenn, LSU, Florida, Auburn, Vande?!) whereas USC plays...teams like Iowa State.

P.S. For a good laugh, watch Pete Carroll complain "the PAC-10 is ridiculously hard" here.
P.S.S. Congrats to Oklahoma, their #1 ranking is the 96th time they've occupied the top spot in the AP poll, tied for first with Notre Dame. And three of the top five ranked may be a first for the Big XII, you bet.

Schlitz is back!

So, if anyone has been on msn.com today, they may have already read the great news about the Milwaukee beer getting back on the shelves!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25970479?GT1=43001

Larry Eustachy, anyone?

John Kerry's Senate office put out a statement about these pictures, saying:

"The caption on this TMZ gossip website is completely erroneous and insulting, and it should be immediately corrected. As Sen. Kerry and two friends left dinner at the Straight Warf [sic] restaurant on Nantucket and walked down the dock, a large group on a boat recognized Senator Kerry and asked if they could have a photo taken. The group came off the boat and onto the dock, took a photo with Sen. Kerry and his friends, and then Sen. Kerry and his two friends immediately walked away. End of story."

I guess "immediately walking away" means standing around while the friend with a camera snaps off half a dozen photos of you in various poses with some mid-20's sizzluts. What a guy.

H/t: James Taranto

Cards-Cubs In The Onion

Chalk one up for the Cubbies...

July 17, 2008
Base Runners Agree Albert Pujols Most Awkward First Baseman To Talk To

ST. LOUIS—A recent survey conducted by the Elias Sports Bureau shows that 98 percent of all National League base runners agree that Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is the "weirdest" and "most uncomfortable" first baseman to talk to. "There's nothing more painful than getting a leadoff single when that guy's covering first," said Houston Astros centerfielder Michael Bourn, noting that Pujols' palms are always noticeably sweaty whenever they shake hands. "The guy never looks you in the eye, and he never has anything good to talk about. Sometimes it's so uncomfortable when neither of you talk for like eight or nine pitches that even though you know you're gonna get caught, you just go for the steal to get the hell out of there." The same survey implicates that the Chicago Cubs have given up the fewest doubles in the league, which may be due to the fact that players rarely leave first base in order to spend as much time as possible with Derrek Lee.

The Big XII Football Challenge

I know it's early, but I can't help but start looking ahead to the 2008 NCAA football season. There's just something exciting about beginning a new season with every team tied for first place. I'm sure there is more to come on the current state of affairs in the Ames practice arena, so I'll start with a simple friendly competition.

According to the Vegas Insider, here are the early over/under win total predictions for the Big XII:

*Totals are regular season victories only, no bowl games.

Leave a comment with your over/under picks and I'll compile them. After all, with March Madness eight months away we need something to bet on...

KG's 2008 MLB All-Star Ballot

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: MLB all-star balloting starts way too early! Mine was submitted tonight a good 25 seconds before the deadline as to ensure I could make the most educated decision. Below is my ideal 2008 all-star team.

American League

1B: Justin Morneau, Twins -- An ex-MVP who is doing it all this season. In the top three in AVG, RBI, HR, Runs, and OPS among first baseman, he is one half of the dynamic duo keeping the faith alive in Minnesota. Not to mention his first class defense; he has only committed two errors en route to a tie for the best fielding percentage.
2B: Ian Kinsler, Rangers -- Who? The question should be, "Who is the only player in the AL in the top ten in AVG, RBI's, Runs, Steals, and OPS?" That would be one Ian Kinsler. Throw in home runs and he is miles above second basemen in every catagory. Hiding in the shadow of Josh Hamilton, Kinsler is having a well-rounded, breakout year. Sure, his defense is bad (15 errors, worst fielding % among regular 2B), but I'll allow one defensively-challenged player on my ballot. This pick may be the easiest vote I cast this year -- a no-brainer in my book.
SS: Michael Young, Rangers -- This might be the second easiest pick on my ballot. The field of AL short stops isn't particularly strong. Young leads the pack in just about every offensive catagory, as well as fielding percentage.
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees -- I found myself searching far and wide for a more unique pick, trying my hardest to overlook him...but I couldn't. A-Rod -- even though he has missed almost 20 games -- is putting up the best numbers once again. Also, the best defensive tenents of the hot corner aren't having notable seasons offensively. Here are his ranks against the other AL third basemen: AVG (1st), HR (1st), RBI (5th), Runs (2nd), Steals (2nd), and OPS (1st). Can't hardly argue with that.
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers -- Replaces Rick Ankiel as the newest Hallmark story of the MLB. The guy leaves baseball for four years, battles drug problems, gets clean, and returns to lead the league in home runs and RBI's. Whether or not he can maintain this production through the entire season remains to be seen, but at the halfway point his name is certainly in the MVP arena.
OF: Carlos Quentin, White Sox -- He's the engine that makes the Sox offense go. Yet another candidate for "Most Surprising Player of the Year", Quentin's power game has led Chicago to the top of the division. First in home runs, third in RBI's, and fifth in OPS. Despite a batting average lower than I usually vote for in an outfielder (.284), I deemed him worthy of a write-in vote.
OF: Grady Sizemore, Indians -- Not having the best year average-wise, but his power numbers are up as he leads the majors in home runs, tied with the two men chosen above. In addition, he's on pace to set a career high in stolen bases. If you haven't seen him on Web Gems, you aren't watching enough -- his defense is spectacular.
C: Joe Mauer, Twins -- Like Young, Mauer is the most sensible pick due to his performance above the remainder of the field at his position. The other half of the Twins' powerful 1-2 punch; see Morneau.

National League

1B: Lance Berkman, Astros -- I (reluctantly) pushed my bias aside. Berkman is one of my most disliked players, mainly because of what he has done to my Cardinals the past few years. However, he barely edges out Prince Albert. I had planned on voting for Pujols because he doesn't sit amid a cushy lineup that includes the likes of Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, and Hunter Pence. Guys like Ankiel and Ludwick get big numbers because Pujols is pitched around, which is not the case with Berkman. (Look at what happened to Ludwick's numbers when Pujols went out with injury.) Regardless, I reward players for what they've accomplished this season and Lance has surpassed Albert in damn near every catagory.
2B: Chase Utley, Phillies -- Looks like the "U's" have it. Ultey or Uggla? Uggla or Utley? This was the toughest choice of the night. They're tied for the MLB lead of 23 HR. The only second baseman Uggla trails in RBI's and runs is Utley. Utley is batting nine points higher than Uggla. Sorry, Dan, gotta take a back seat. Too bad they couldn't leave one at 2B and stick the other at SS...
SS: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins -- ...which brings us to Han-Ram. (Yes, I just made that nickname up.) The field of short stops hasn't been very impressive in either league, but Ramirez stands above in most offensive areas. On the flip side, he leads the NL short stops in errors. I hate endorsing defensive liabilities, but I have little choice.
3B: Chipper Jones, Braves -- Chipper's best impersonation of Teddy Ballgame alone grants him a spot on this roster. Throw in 16 home runs, 46 RBI's, and 36 years of age and you've got a bonafide veteran all-star. Who wants to take the over on the season o/u of .400?
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers -- Forget Prince Fielder. Braun is the real MVP of that team from the land of sky blue waters. Like Quentin, his batting average could use improvement, but he's hit the second most home runs and RBI's of all NL outfielders. He has played 80 games and not committed a single error. His clutch hitting is an intangible that boosts him into The Classic.
OF: Carlos Lee, Astros -- They're like Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy McElroy -- if Berkman's the steak, Lee's the sizzle. Berkman gets on base and Lee brings him home. If only they could get more consistant, Houston might currently be in the dog fight for the NL Central.
OF: Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs -- This pick is not as statistically supported as the rest, but Fukudome has made a better adjustment to the U.S. bigs than I thought he would. He is hitting for average, scoring a lot of runs, and patrolling the outfield like a veteran (one error in 77 games). Besides, the Cubs need at least one starter to represent their success to date.
C: Yadier Molina, Cardinals -- This is where I make up for the defensive lacking of a couple of my previous votes. Yadi cracks the top ten in AVG, HR, RBI, and runs, but it's his arm, not his bat, that earn him a selection. Although he has committed more errors than usual so far this season, since 2005 he has picked off more base runners and caught a higher percentage of base stealers than any catcher in the game. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of a young St. Louis team, providing an exceptional knowledge of his pitching staff that has allowed them to exceed expectations. Besides, much like the Cubs, the Cardinals have played well enough to warrant a starter.

Bubble It Up!

When I heard the Stanley Cup was dented while making a tour of local Detroit restaurants and bars, I joked that some boozehound must have dropped it. My friend Danny (on the far left) up in Detroit emailed me this photo of him and Red Wings defenseman, Chris Chelios, to verify my assumption:

I wonder if it's anything like drinking out of the Ruby Cup...

Re: The Streak Ends!

I realize it's been a few months, but I rediscovered this amusing article from ESPN "Page 2" from when the Houston Rockets went on the unbelievable win streak. It concerns the greatest streaks of all-time, including this little gem:

234. Chicago Cubs: 99 years without a World Series title
Did you know the Cubs didn't really become The Cubs until 1984? By that we mean a slightly less obnoxious version of the Red Sox. Before that season, nobody cared about the Cubbies -- not even Cubs fans. Other than a slight upturn in attendance from 1969 to 1971, the Cubs ranked in the bottom half of NL attendance all but four seasons from 1948 through 1983. From 1953 through 1967, they never drew a million fans. So, no, the Cubs haven't been lovable losers throughout their history; they've mostly just been losers.

The Fix Is In!

The year was 2002. The Sacramento Kings were the most dominant, fundamental, and purely entertaining team in the NBA. They were far and away the most likable: Vlade, Peja, Webber, Christie, Bibby, Jackson, even Hedo Turkoglu and Scot Pollard. Their big men could pass, every player could shoot, they played ridiculously unselfishly, they had fun playing basketball the way it's meant to be played. They were on the doorstep of toppling this Shaq-Kobe title run that aggravated 95% of the NBA-viewing public.

After The Great Chicago (Bulls) Fire of 1998, this was the fourth season I had endured of my team struggling to win 20 games and found myself straying to a new seductress come playoff time. How could I not root for the Kings? They were fun, modest, and had personality -- all the things the Lakers didn't. I hated that Phil Jackson betrayed the Chicago faithfuls and jumped on the Shaq train. I hated that the Lakers ran only two plays: 1) pass the ball into Shaq so he could bulldoze over his defender and either complain about the offensive foul called or complain about the defensive foul that wasn't called and 2) Kobe dribbles around recklessly until he forces a fading, closely defended jump shot that has a 30% chance of going in. And most of all, I hated that the Lakers were about to threepeat as champions.

I remember watching that Western Conference Finals so vividly. With all the buzz about Game 6 it's easy to forget just how controversially about every game was called. (Hell, we would not have even got to Game 6 if it weren't for an after-the-halftime-buzzer three-point prayer awarded to Laker Sumaki Walker in Game 4!) The sixth one was the only game I didn't watch in full, as I was at Joel Norton's wedding and couldn't get to the hotel bar tv until the second half. I did, however, watch most of that ghastly 4th quarter and it's parade of free throws. What a sick joke. Twenty-seven fourth-quarter free throws? They sure didn't do a great job of masking the league's agenda. The NBA is all about the benjamins and they were hitting near record audience numbers. It was fixed, plain and simple. (And deep down in a place they don't like to talk about at parties, Lakers fans know this to be true.)

I remember the personal agony this caused me. I almost pulled my hair out over this shit. At the time I would have bet my life savings the referees fixed the game and I finally have a shred of evidence. Finally, vindication! And David Stern has not proved this otherwise, but instead has leaned on a weak defense of "Donaghy is a felon." Noone's arguing that, Mr. Stern -- sounds like a straw man to me. If the NBA has any thread of integrity left, it will admit it's crimes and do something to remedy it.

UPDATES IN THE NEWS:

*David Stern claims to have made a "thorough investigation" into the accusations that Game 6 of the WCF were influenced by referees. Bob Delaney, one of the three refs on duty that night, made it public that he has never been contacted by the NBA or federal officials.

*The NBA has prohibited any referees from speaking to the media. Why the need to silence the refs if there is nothing to hide?

*Phil Jackson has recommended employing referees from an organization not associated with the NBA. He believes the refs should not be under the control of the NBA and it would provide more credibility. I completely agree.

*Lamell McMorris, NBA Referees Director, has hinted that Donaghy's entire career as an NBA referee has been clouded by poor judgement and dismissed the claims of Game 6 as unreliable because "Tim Donaghy has had honesty and credibility issues from the get-go." Wow. I don't think it helps your cause to admit you've been sending a ref out there who is known to have credibility issues. Almost makes the whole organization look suspect...

Legally Speaking, Duke Football Sucks

Duke and Louisville agreed to a four-game football schedule contract in 2002. The agreement said that if Duke backed out they would be fined $150,000 per game if Louisville could not find a replacement team "of similar stature." Louisville sued Duke after Duke bailed on the contract following their 40-3 loss in 2002. The Duke lawyers argued that since Duke is so terrible, literally any team would work as a replacement and the judge agreed:

At oral argument, Duke (with a candor perhaps more attributable to good legal strategy than to institutional modesty) persuasively asserted that this is a threshold that could not be any lower. Duke's argument on this point cannot be reasonably disputed by Louisville.

Ouch.

What if the I-Cubs Won and No One Came?

Because that's exactly what happened today. The I-Cubs decided to play their home game this Saturday even though the City of Des Moines would not lift their evacuation orders for downtown. Strange.

Singing Like a Bird?

Are NBA games fixed? (this one's sure to fire up a few on this blog...)

The Tim Donaghy scandal just got more serious.

The disgraced former NBA referee told authorities in a four-page letter released Tuesday that two officials conspired to fix the outcome of a 2002 playoff series and influenced several other post- and regular-season games.

Court documents filed by Donaghy's lawyer detailed the "inner-workings" of a plot in which top league executives used referees to manipulate the games. Donaghy claims two referees were "company men" whose job was to extend a playoff series in 2002 to a seventh game.

The documents did not name the series, but the Lakers-Kings Western Conference finals was the only series in 2002 that went to a seventh game, with the Lakers winning both Game 6 and 7 to reach the NBA Finals.

Phil Jackson isn't saying he believes the story yet, but...

"Was that after the fifth game, after we had the game stolen away from us on a bad call?" he said, referring to a game-changing play by Kings guard Mike Bibby in the final moments.

I'm going to say this is bad news for the NBA...

Article of the Day: 5/28/08

This isn't entirely sports-related, but a good read nevertheless. I think a man should always be bettering and broadening his skill set, so here's a list of ways to get started:

The 75 Skills Every Man Should Master

A few of my personal favorites:

#4. Score a baseball game.
#19. Approach a woman out of his league.
#37. Shuffle a deck of cards.
#64. Know that Christopher Columbus was a son of a bitch.

Wesley to Transfer

In order to keep the fellow Cyclone faithuful up to speed on Cyclone athletics, I'd like you to takea look at the article below, and make you own assumptions - I am assuming we'll need to find a new point scorer. Who do you think will be next to depart?

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080519/SPORTS020604/80519025

1/4 In The Books

As promised, here are the divisional standings through the first quarter of the season. Each team has played roughly 42 games and not much has changed since my last comparison.

You're off the hook, AL Central, as the NL West has clearly played the poorest versus the field.

This is especially interesting considering tonight marks the debut of interleague play. Will the AL continue to dominate? Hmm, sounds like the start of another spreadsheet...

So what do you think?

The blog-people have spoken!

And now we are officially Cardinal and Gold via the new Athletics Graphics Identity.

...Towards a Horseshoe

I apparently have begun to fill the role of ISU Athletics blogmaster, and I suppose that I'm ok with that.

The Iowa Board of Regents just passed their approval for this little dilly:














It's called Jack Trice Stadium with the south endzone filled in. By "filled in," I mean still not connecting the upper decks to the new south stands. It all fits in with Jaimie Pollard's master plan. Next up - new practice facilities for Hilton...

Ethics/Logic Puzzle (Not Really Complicated)

Group A and Group B have been at war for decades. Group A uses weapons much more advanced than B and fires only at targets that present a threat to citizens of Group A, occasionally inflicting damage on civilians and civilian property. Group B, outmatched militarily, targets Group A civilians almost exclusively. Does Group B have any standing to object to Group A's causing unintentional civilian casualties?

The Israel-Palestinian issue is far more complex than this exercise, but I cannot understand how Israel can be blamed for firing on terrorists, even if the terrorists are launching rockets from crowded neighborhoods and public services buildings. Civilian deaths are a tragedy no matter whose civilians are dying.

For the record, Palestinians can stop this whole charade tomorrow: if they round up the terrorists in their midst and begin policing their own, Israel will immediately be forced to make huge concessions like opening checkpoints and removing security restrictions. The ball is in the Palestinian's court.

See here for a related read.

New look?

So, as my request was authorized by The Big Ticket, I updated the blog template just a bit (it's what I do, you see...) and I was wondering if anyone cared if we changed the look of things over here? So - I found a neat-o poll feature and I decided to try it out! So, like - vote!

Quirky MLB Projections

Chase Utley is on pace to hit 60 home runs, the most ever by a second baseman. (10 HR/27 G)

Albert Pujols is on pace to walk 167 times, the 5th highest single-season total. (29 BB/28 G)

Both Ryan Howard and Mark Reynolds are on pace to strike out 228 times, which would break the 199 K record Howard set last year. (38K/27 G)

Roy Halladay is on pace to throw 21 complete games. (4CG/6 starts)

Roy Halladay is on pace to throw 16 complete game losses. (3CG losses/6 starts)

Ken Griffey Jr. is on pace to hit 23 home runs, giving him 616 career home runs and passing Sammy Sosa (609HR) to move into 5th place all-time. (4HR/27 G)

A.J. Pierzynski is on pace to get hit by 6 pitches this season, which most would agree is not nearly enough. (1HBP/ 25 G)

Miguel Tejada is on pace to age three years, from 31 to 34, a new single-season record.

Barry Bonds is on pace to go 162 games without being missed by anyone.

Jim Thome is on pace to strike out 181 times, giving him 2238K's for his career, safely keeping him behind Sammy Sosa's 2306K's for 2nd all-time, and thus continuing my ability to poke fun at that stat. However, that's not nearly as enjoyable as this:

Sorry, Croat, I couldn't resist.

Sports in the Onion: 3/13/08

Mark Prior Just Needs To Stop By Hospital For A Sec To Get Some T.J. Surgery

PEORIA, AZ—Padres pitcher Mark Prior informed teammates Monday that he just has to pop in to the hospital for "one quick sec" to have Tommy John connective tissue reconstruction surgery performed on his right arm. "Hey guys, can you pull over for a minute? My U.C. lig is just killing me and I gotta get a little T.J. before the game," Prior reportedly told fellow pitchers Jake Peavy and Chris Young after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament while the trio was driving to the ballpark. "Just a quick Teej—pop out the lig, pop in a tendon, no biggie. I'd do it myself, but I just had some ro-co [rotator-cuff surgery] last night and I can't move my arm. You can leave the car running, I'll be back in a minute tops." Prior will not be able to throw a baseball for 16 to 18 months.

MLB Predictions '08

*Although we are 20+ games into the season, I figured I'd go ahead and post my major league picks. I had already done this before the season started and won't change anything to be fair.

AL East
1) Yankees
2) Red Sox
3) Blue Jays
4) Rays
5) Orioles

AL Central
1) Indians
2) Tigers - Wild Card
3) White Sox
4) Royals
5) Twins

AL West
1) Athletics
2) Angels
3) Mariners
4) Rangers

NL East
1) Phillies
2) Mets - Wild Card
3) Braves
4) Nationals
5) Marlins

NL Central
1) Cubs
2) Brewers
3) Cardinals
4) Astros
5) Reds
6) Pirates

NL West
1) Diamondbacks
2) Dodgers
3) Rockies
4) Padres
5) Giants

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Tigers
AL MOY: Joe Girardi, Yankees
NL MVP: Derrek Lee, Cubs
NL Cy Young: Danny Haren, Diamondbacks
NL MOY: Charlie Manuel, Phllies

World Series: Phillies 4, Indians 2

NBA Season Over, But Not MVP Decision

I love when numbers back up claims! Well I'm going to lead away from baseball for the moment, as all I can say about the baseball posts thus far is that jealousy is a powerful emotion. Although the Cubs may lose year after year, they have proven to have the most loyal fans and arguably the largest fan base in the country. That might be why more coverage goes towards the Cubs. Enough said.

Well the NBA regular season ends tonight and as expected, the West rankings are still not set. It has been a good year for the NBA, excluding the unbelievable disappointing season for the Bulls. The most prestigious award in the NBA, aside from winning the championship, is the MVP, and there has been a good group of contenders this year. Below are some of the most important statistics for the 4 contenders (NBA ranks are in parentheses). All this data is correct as of April 15th.


Kobe has really had a great year and has had convincing statistics to back it up. He has never won the MVP before, but this might be his best chance thus far. His scoring ability is not in question and he has shown pretty good defense (steals), but when you look at the guy who handles the ball almost every single possession, his assist and turnover numbers do not look good.

Kevin Garnett is a workhorse and is one of the most underrated players in the game. Unfortunately, going to a team with so much talent (Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, among others) has reduced his scoring. Although he has a great field goal percentage, the only statistical category he leads for the Celtics is rebounds, which was expected. Bottom line, he is still as talented as ever, but is masked by too much talent around him. He probably doesn’t mind since he has a legitimate shot at the championship for the first time.

LeBron James is extremely fun to watch and shows how good he is night in and night out. This is shown by being the overall scoring leader. For being very similar to Kobe in his early career, LeBron has shown that he can pass the ball (assists) and play defense (steals) better than Kobe could at that age. He has also almost single handedly turned around the Cavs with much less help than Kobe got this year.

Chris Paul is amazing, and that’s an understatement. He is arguably the best point guard in the league by leading the NBA in both assists and steals. As a true point guard should, he thinks pass first, shoot second, and that shows with his high assists and moderate scoring (21.1 ppg is not anything to laugh at though!).

One other statistic I forgot to include was the number of double-doubles.
Chris Paul – 54 (2)
LeBron James – 31 (19)
Kevin Garnett – 29 (21)
Kobe Bryant – 20 (38)

My Vote:
1) Chris Paul
2) LeBron James
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Kevin Garnett

In summary, Chris Paul should be the unanimous decision for MVP. Not only does he lead the NBA in assists and steals, he has fewer turnovers than both Kobe and LeBron. He also has more double-doubles and a better free throw percentage than the other three contenders. He has also helped to bring a worthless 2006-07 New Orleans team to 2 wins away from a #1 seed in the West this year. LeBron finishes 2nd in my book because he is a better scorer, better rebounded, better passer, and better shooter than Kobe. As aforementioned, Kobe has had a great year and very similar statistics to the other 3 contenders, but Kobe has not had the team challenges that Paul and James have had. If Kobe gets the MVP, he should have to split it with Pau Gasol. Kobe has had too much talent around him to make him the most valuable player in the NBA. This is the same situation for Garnett, not to mention his stats being overshadowed by his own team and by the other 3 contenders. Unfortunately, since the Lakers won the West, Kobe will probably get it. Bottom line: Chris Paul is the most deserving and outstanding player in the NBA, regardless of how his team does and the talent (or lack there of) that he has around him.

Re: Chicago Bias

"Paltry division?" Paltry division? You'll have to repeat that in my good ear. Although I agree that the north-siders have been given more credit than their fellow south-siders for an equally-good win streak, comparing the Cubs' foes to that of the Sox proves to be not that dissimilar. (I won't even mention the lack of coverage of a team that also won five in a row, currently sits atop the majors with the best record, and won the World Series a mere one year ago.) Frankly, I'm really not sold on the Tigers. After all, every one knows how important preseason predictions are, right? The Bulls were predicted across the board to win the East. Tiger was predicted to run away with the Masters. Hell, I remember a 2005 preseason 8th-ranked Hawkeye team that lost a game 23-3 to an "inferior" team two hours west on I-80.

Now, I'm a numbers-kind-of-guy and baseball is a numbers-kind-of-game. I did a little research to Mr. Ruettiger's divisional claim -- as of the day he posted, to be fair -- and the results were surprising.

As you can see, the NL Central actually came out to be the most winningest division while the AL Central sat second to last. As of today, the date of this post, nothing has changed.

However, since we are talking about strength of division, one can not include inter-divisional games. It's the classic intangible argument: the Tigers lose to the White Sox because the Sox are a good team, but you can discard the Tigers poor record because they're losses are a result of playing in a tough division. And vice versa: the Astros lose to the Cubs because the Astros are a bad team, thus making the Cubs look better by playing in a poor division. In divisional play, the overall division record always comes out to .500 -- one team must win and one team must lose -- and how that is interpreted is a matter of perspective. Logically, the only way to quantifiably compare one division to another is based on non-divisional play. The results are as follows:

Shocked? I'm not. The AL Central is dead last in non-divisional play to date with the NL Central leading the pack. Now I'm not saying this trend will continue all season because it's early. Very early. But I will say that right now, at this moment, I would take the Cardinals, Brewers, and Cubs over the top three clubs in any other division. The past three years I would have agreed that the AL Central was top-to-bottom the strongest division in baseball (yes, even with the Royals) but times have changed. Oh, and Sox fans, you'd better get used to all the attention the Cubs will get this season as long as the calender reads "2008."

I'll revisit this analysis quarterly throughout the season, but until then, in the words of Bryan Swinbank, "NL Central Rulez!!!"

Disclaimer: This was in no way meant to encourage the ceasing nor desisting of Cub-bashing.

Awesome - Sox Try to Curse Yankees

Fantastic - the construction crew for the new Yankees stadium spent five hours jackhammering through concrete until they found this - a Red Sox David Ortiz jersey buried in the concrete foundation.

Apparently a Sox-friendly construction worker left it there as a curse for the new stadium - but as all good pranks usually go he had to go and blab about it to everyone. Why couldn't he have waited to talk for even a year?

Chicago Bias

I see the Cubs win again today.  Congrats North-siders.  But my question is this - why should I care?  I understand I probably shouldn't be writing about inequity of coverage between the Cubs and White Sox.  But it is worth mentioning.  Plus if the Sox get really good, you can say you heard it here first.  (No laughing you Croat)  So the Cubs have won 5 in a row.  

Great!  The White Sox just won 5 in a row.  The difference, the Cubs played the Pirates and the Astros.  Both teams were projected in the lower half of an already paltry division.

The White Sox beat the Tigers, in fact they took it to the Tigers.  And the Twins.  Yes that would be the same Tigers that some predicted will score 1000 runs this year with the new murder's row line up.  Instead we hear how great the Cubs are playing and how bad the Tigers are playing.  What does it take to get a little love on the South Side.  Its only been 2 years since we won a World Series.  Its been at least that for the Cubs, right?  But all this will be for naught.  I realize people just love the Cubs, and come September when the games really matter, we'll see what happens.

Whiney Rapist

Over the course of this NBA season, no one has complained and whined more than Kobe Bryant. Currently, Kobe sits at 15 technical fouls on the season, one away from an automatic one-game suspension. He is leading the NBA, beating the annual leader, Rasheed Wallace. I understand basketball is a competitive sport and emotions can occasionally take over, but Kobe, along with the whole Lakers team, have been complaining an extraordinary amount. You can't leave out Phil Jackson, who has also received technical fouls over the season. During a recent game, Kobe received a technical for complaining about a foul when they were beating the lowly Sonics by over 30. Although I despise Kobe, many people look up to him and use him as a role model. Complaining because you don't get your way is not a good thing to teach to people, but Kobe has too big of an ego to realize this. He relies too much on receiving every single call because he's a superstar. But the problems with refereeing in the NBA is a whole other can of worms.

Cubbies Team to Beat!

100 years is a long time.
This is not the first, and definitely not the last time the baseball world will hear about the Cubs infertility, the greatest in sports history. I think of myself as a pretty realistic Cubs fan (I will mention Cale's post later), so I am confidently, and without cliche, saying that this is the Cubs' year. For the first time as a Cubs fan, I was satisfied with the offseason activity, even more so than getting Soriano the year before. This year, Jim Hendry tried to improve our power and run support with Fukudome, but also tried to improve our pitching for the first time in a while by getting Lieber and keeping the previous year's pitchers. I am happy to say that Mark Prior has finally been traded, but Kerry Wood is still pitching as a closer (he gave up 3 runs in the opener!) Pinella has many options for the lineup, rotation, and bullpen this year, probably the first time the Cubs had this many options since 2003. The pieces are all in place for a World Series run, especially with the Central being relatively down this season (90 games should easily win this division). So as I have before, I will raise my expectations and spend countless hours of watching and waiting in hopes that the Cubs can finally give back to the city of Chicago (the White Sox win doesn't count because, come on, it's the White Sox).

As for Cale's post. Alou has admitted this before and it was a long time ago, but I admit, too many Cubs fans look past Gonzalez's unbelievable error to blame a fan. I guess being illogical and unreasonable comes with being broken-hearted during the Cubs best chance for a World Series berth in over 50 years! I, on the other hand, will be realistic and look to the future...

Davidson Disappoints

Alliteration  aside, what was the Davidson coaching staff thinking in their failed attempt to take out Kansas?

Clearly Stephan Curry has the ability to win that game.  And could have.  But you've got a kid (Bryant Barr) who also was shooting lights out at the end of the game.  You know KU is locking up against Curry, why they didn't make a play to Barr is beyond me.  

I know I should support the Big XII and I normally do, but I just wanted to see this Davidson team move on.  One, because it can't hurt my joke of a bracket.  And two, it is fun.  Davidson did all the right things to win that game.  They played tough against a bigger and by all measures, a better team.  But the end of the game was baffling.  

Also - stay tuned this weekend for MLB predictions 

The Truth

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3324343

It appears Moises Alou finally took a step back from the situation back in 2003 to truly understand the reality of what happened.  Steve Bartmen clearly did what any true baseball fan would have done in that situation.  He tried to catch a ball that Mr. Alou wouldn't catch.  I'm sorry Cubs fan (I'm not but for the sake of civility) but thats the true.  Now Alou admits it.  The Cubs just were not the better team.  And it showed later as Alex Gonzales botched a sure double play.  

Nobody blames him, but truly he cost the Cubs the game.  Why can't a logical and reasonable fan see that? 

I think I just summed up Cubs fans pretty nicely right there.  

Tourney Challenge: Week 2

The Final Four is set and only one bracket was bold enough to predict a historic 4-for-4 by the 1-seeds. Three of the four were absolutely dominant in their Elite Eight matches, with Kansas barely slipping by an inspired Davidson team. (Speaking of which, did anyone notice how Stephon Curry's dismal performance in the second half went completely without comment? I mean, the guy has been stellar, no doubt about it, but 25 points after taking 25 shots? I counted a stretch where he missed seven in a row, mostly being ill-advised treys in which he shot 4-16. I honestly think the hype may have gone to his head and Davidson could have won this game if he had focused more on playmaking than scoring. Besides, the analysts forget that the reason he was so successful in the first couple rounds was because nobody really knew of him; once he actually garnered some attention he wasn't very effective. Ok ok, I'll lay off the guy now...)

With a chalkboard Final Four, most of us have been left in the dust. However, there are many scenarios that can still play out. Some stats after the second week of action:

-Gou Nu De's and Kassel 1 have no points possible remaining.
-Five brackets are tied with the most points possible remaining with 400.
-The Jaundice Eye was the only bracket aside from Top Seeds to get the Final Four.
-The top five brackets can all win under the right circumstances.

Here are the current standings:

1) Top Seeds, 980
2) The Jaundice Eye, 970
3) Deni's Domination, 920
4) Hands Off Raiders, 860
5) Trader Vic, 840
6) George Fox, 750
7) 40 oz In A Closet, 680
7) Beyer, 680
9) Gou Nu De's, 630
10) Ted Casady, 580*
11) Kassel 1, 530

*Theo didn't submit a bracket on ESPN.com in time but he did email it to me before the tournament started. He has 120 PPR with Kansas losing in the championship.

Opening Day!

Today is one of the greatest days of the year.

Today is Opening Day.*


*If you didn't know that, you're reading the wrong blog.

Iraqi Soccer Team Wins Important Match

Here's the closest thing to a sportsy post I can come up with:

There's a new ad featuring the Iraq National Soccer Team on the Arabic television news channels, where the club plays a match with rifle-wielding terrorists to determine the fate of the country (hint: the terrorists lose). It starts out with "On a dark day, the terrorists wanted to conquer Iraq" and ends with the goalie disposing of a live grenade with a lucky kick.

The ad, the newest and least graphic installment of a gruesome campaign denouncing terrorism, is aimed at reinforcing the concept in the Arab world that everyone plays a part in stamping out terrorism. But, like the USPS commercials (who sends more letters because they see television ads?), I think TV commercials are a silly medium to influence the deep-seated, complex loyalties of citizens towards either fledgling governments or jihadist operations. But, it's good to see some levity and humor in the discussion, the concept of a soccer team facing with armed terrorists is outrageous prima facie. I'm willing to bet it's our tax dollars at work!

If you just want a funny video about Arabs, check out New Iraqi Law Requires Waiting Period For Suicide Vest Purchases

Japan's National Pastime

It should be noted that it is rare that I would every tend to agree with Jay Mariotti, but for once the guy is right.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/861073,mariotti032608.article

I was eating out last night and watching sportscenter as it covered the Boston - Oakland game.  I have to be very honest, I did not know that it was opening day.  I'm ashamed as a baseball fan to admit that, but the bigger question is, why was it in Japan when most of America slept?  Why is the national pastime of this great nation being relegated to Japan to kick of the season?

Why?  The White Sox are still in camp in Arizona as are most of the teams.  I'm certain they're not gaining any advantage at this point by playing a few games early.  (By the way, they come back to the states to play a couple exhibition games before they resume their season)  But to ends does having opening day in Japan serve. 

This is not some xenophobic remark about Japanese people or their culture.  Rather, why is something so instilled in America culture and a tradition we can truly call unique to America, being transferred to Japan.  

It seems ridiculous to me and as Jay pointed out, is another blemish on the terrible record of Bud Selig.  A tie game in the All-Star game?  Steroids?  Luxury Tax?  What gives Bud?

Don't sell out our pastime.  Devoted fans and teams and players deserve better than this.  I hope this is a one time thing and we see a move back to state-side opening day.  

Maybe I'm just bitter because my bracket sucks...

Tourney Challenge: Week 1

After the first week of March Madness, the goddam 'Top Seeds' chalkboard bracket has taken the lead. All in all, the first round had plenty of exciting games. (I hated seeing Drake lose, but what a finish!) Oh, and beware of the twelve seeds...

Some noteworthy stats:

-The Jaundice Eye won the first round with 25/32.
-Deni's Domination and Trader Vic won the second round with 11/16.
-George Fox placed last in both rounds.
-Deni's Domination has the most points possible remaining (1000).
-Gou Nu De's and Kassel 1 have the least points possible remaining (760).
-The only brackets that picked one of the double-digit teams in the Sweet 16 are George Fox (Villanova) and 40 oz in a Closet (Western Kentucky).
-Every bracket had Duke in the Elite Eight.
-None of the brackets has UNC -- the #1 ranked team in both polls -- winning the tournament.
-Deni's Domination is the only bracket with 7/8 Elite Eight teams still remaining.
-Kassel 1 is the only bracket with two of its Final Four eliminated. (Both Beyer and Gou Nu De's have one eliminated.)

The standings:

1) Top Seeds, 460
2) The Jaundice Eye, 450
3) Deni's Domination, 440
3) Beyer, 440
5) Hands Off Raiders, 420
6) Trader Vic, 400
6) 40 oz in a Closet, 400
8) Gou Nu De's, 390
9) Kassel 1, 370
10) George Fox, 310

Woes in Chicago

This season the Chicago Bulls have been full of discontent and unaccomplished expectations. The "Also See" section of the Bulls' ESPN.com homepage -- a list of recent news reports concerning the team -- is comprised of the following articles:

• Nocioni apologizes to Boylan, team for outburst during loss to Pacers
• Bulls discipline Duhon over comments on benching
• Bulls' Thomas mum on reason for missing practice
• Bulls suspend Thomas for unexcused absence
• Bulls get angry: Noah has words with Wallace
• Bulls' Noah benched extra game by teammates

I miss the days when the only distraction was Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress. It's not easy being a Bulls fan these days...

Drake's Clock Strikes Midnight

For those that did not see the heartbreaking end to Drake's tremendous season, you missed out on a heck of a show.  Drake struggled mightily to contain the hot shooting Hill-toppers of Western Kentucky.  The simply shot lights out and scored at will against a Drake defense that seemed a bit slower and less athletic that Western Kentucky.  Surprisingly, the biggest advantage to the Hill-toppers was foul trouble.  With their best big man out, they had a smaller line-up on the floor and played a lot better with that.  But give credit to Drake.  They were down 16 at one point and you saw a little panic (Korver's three point shoots from way down town) but by a large they knew they could claw back, and they did.  Western Kentucky fouled a lot, and early in both halves putting Drake in the double bonus early on.  Bad choice because is money from the charity stripe.   Bottom line was the game was a fantastic show of basketball, in a truly pure form.  Viewers saw players major programs passed up and proved their worth.  Keno Davis should continue to make Drake a respectable program with more talent.  But what we watched this season with Drake was a lot of fun.  

The Streak Ends!

I don't know about everyone else, but I was extremely disappointed to see the Rockets streak come to an end. The NBA needs all the excitement it can get, and the streak was a great way to get people fired up and anxious for the playoffs. I am usually a bigger fan of the Eastern Conference, but since the Bulls can't string together more than two wins and the top two teams are way above the rest of the conference, the race in the Western Conference is far more exciting. I can't remember the last time all 8 playoff teams were only separated by 4.5 games this late in the season. It's crazy that winning 3 games can put you at the top of the conference and losing 3 can take you out of the playoffs completely! Every playoff match-up in the West should be full of action, so I hope I am left satisfied by season's end, especially if the Lakers drop out of the playoffs.

It's March MADness, baby!

Well, kids, it's that time of year again...

And it's about time. Even though I've been overseas, the few games I've caught have fired me up for the greatest event in the sporting universe. Did anyone catch the end of that Minnesota-Indiana Big Ten tourney game? If that doesn't get you ready for the Madness, I don't know what will.

Create an entry at espn.com and submit your official bracket to the group "ISU FH '08" (password: gulk). For last year's results, including Sport's second win in a row, click here. Who can dethrone him? Who can beat the chalkboard bracket? Will Seth and I again lose to 90+% of the brackets? Don't count on it -- I got yer winner right here...

My New Inspiration

Buster Martin is about to become the oldest person to run a marathon...at 101 years old. He still works a job, frequents a gym, smokes, drinks, his bones are 25% dust, and I bet he's still healthier than you. Two weeks ago he ran a 13-mile half marathon, claiming he could have done it faster if he hadn't stopped for a beer and cigarette. Evidently Buster's a stud off the beaten path as well, having fathered 17 kids. Quote of the day:

"Martin likes running, 'but not as much as I like my beer,' he added."

Gents, this is the man we should all strive to be...

Eliot Spitzer Contends for Biggest American Hypocrite

The Governor of New York has dramatically entered the pitched battle for biggest hypocrite in America with his admission of being a regular john for high-end prosties.

Clearly Eliot Spitzer represents the very worst of the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do nature of politics. While he was busy making up crimes to further his career, he was personally arranging meetings with $5000/hour call girls.

He invented new legal maneuvers to indict Wall Street bankers, greatly inflating the power of the state attorney general (the herd arguing Bush orchestrated has overstepped his powers wouldn’t have a vocabulary to describe the NY AG racket). He also used his office to wage personal battles against foes like Dick Grasso, chair of the NYSE, for too high a salary. As with many Spitzer cases, there was no evidence to support the charges and the motive was good PR, all criminal charges were dropped.

His conceit extended to other arenas. Like any Democrat official, he knew he was smarter than everyone else and therefore entitled to make decisions for everyone else. From an October 2004 interview with the Atlantic (linked by NRO):

By 2004, Spitzer was deep into his campaign to clean up Wall Street, and some critics on the right had accused him of going beyond law enforcement to a point where he was effectively creating new regulation through the threat of litigation. In a profile in The Atlantic, Spitzer dismissed these critics: “They reflexively evoke the words ‘free market’ without an understanding of what the term means. I believe in the market as much as anybody, but I believe I understand it better than they do. I understand that a market needs to have rules by which it lives.” Spitzer’s comment missed the point of much of the criticism — that as a state attorney general, he was not the person who should be making the rules.

I personally am all for legalized prostitution, legalized drugs, and legalized (insert victimless crime here). If most drugs were legal tomorrow, I’d wait in a decent-sized line to buy a few joints. (But they’re not legal, and that absurd fact has prevented me from taking any pleasure from THC. Sad but true.)

What I can’t accept is that hypocrisy in public officials. If it’s good for you, why are you special? Why did you, Mr. Spitzer, put other people in jail for what you enjoy, too? We all realize that one man can’t change laws by himself, but speaking out on these fucking ridiculous laws would be a good place to start. Not only has Gov. Spitzer taken an oath to uphold the laws as they stand, he has zealously prosecuted the statutes he was flouting. Ethically, he was opening himself to dangerous blackmail scenarios and, legally, he was breaking federal banking laws.

And worst, now this maggot (no offense to any shit-eating insects) is refusing to submit his resignation because to do so would ‘give up his biggest bargaining chip’; he will make a plea agreement where relinquishing his throne is the punishment for the federal charges he faces. What an absolute scumbag! I honestly hope the federal attorneys turn down any offer of using a tarnished elected position as leverage, the Assembly moves on with impeachment, and the man is sentenced after a very public trial. What a Democrat!

College Football Coaching Changes

I'll admit this post is a little tardy, but the dust certainly has settled by now in the world of college football head coaching.  (Unless Bobby Petrino found a better job...)

Nebraska

The hire that should have been is finally.  Bo Pelini represents an old school mentality in football.  He was a great defensive coordinator for LSU, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and the NFL (he was also a grad. assistant at Iowa) he will get a chance to show if he's head coaching material.  My guess, oh yeah.  Bo will find his calling in Nebraska where football is all they have.  Bill Callahan never embraced that as a head coach.  However, it will be a challenge for Nebraska to regain its swager.  Their defense was awful last year (see Ball State - 600 yards)  They continue to bring in talent, but what remains to be seen is if this talent will mature into playmakers.  I imagine this will take 2 years to get the program back to top of the Big 12 but I'm not convinced Nebraska can ever be a major player in the BCS anymore.  The talent disparity is much closer now with Missouri and Kansas both rising in ability, Colorado is poised for a break out year, and ISU isn't a pushover either.  I imagine though, people will be patient with Pelini for a few years, but if major improvements aren't in place in 3 years, expect another coup.

Grade: B+

Texas A&M

Mike Sherman brings his NFL know-how to College Station.  (No word how much it costs to subscribe to his newsletter)  I see this hire going well for a while and then falling flat.  I just don't know if NFL coaches are a good fit in college.  (I know for a fact college coaches should stay away from the NFL)  They tend to bring a different attitude to the game that just doesn't always fit.  College Station has an awesome stadium and the University has a ton of pride.  Who knows how long Sherman will stay.  How will the players respond?  Does his fit the A&M mold?  I just don't know and for that, don't really like this hire.  He seemed like the quick answer to keep the recruits for the fall, which is not always a good solution (see Wayne Morgan).  A&M should have spent sometime to find a better replacement who understand college football (see Will Muschamp - Texas Def. Coordinator).

Grade: D+

UCLA

Not only do the get a head coach with some great ability but they picked up a great offensive coordinator.  Norm Chow may be the best pick up as far as assistant coaches go, with Texas hiring Will Muschamp a close 2nd.  Chow is a tremendous off. coordinator.  Look what he did at USC and I think his work in the NFL should be commended considering Vince Young was about his only weapon.  They were not respectable and given more time (and talent) he would have been successful.  Rick Neuheisel should be a good head coach with his experience.  Trouble is that he doesn't like following NCAA rules some times.  Regardless the guy is a winner and UCLA will rise towards the top and be very competitive with USC.  Can it really be that hard to get talent to Southern California?  Honestly, the talent will come and look for UCLA to be excellent in the next 2-3 years.  

Grade: A- 

Arkansas

I would never in a million years hire Bobby Petrino to coach my team.  The man has one foot out the door most of the time.  He left a Louisville program poised to get better make a run at the national title in 2007 and left a suffering Atlanta gig with 3 games left.  If he's successful at AR, I don't expect him to stay long.  Can the guy coach, oh yeah, no doubt.   But for the long term success of the program, this was a bad hire.  AR could you some stability considering how Houston Nutt was treated but the fan base is not exactly very forgiving either.  I see this hire ending in an awful blood bath (hopefully figuratively)

Grade: D

Michigan

I loved what Rich Rodriguez did with the WVU program.  However, having actually been to Morgantown, I can't say I blame the guy for leaving.  The stadium in an moderate upgrade from Jack Trice and the town leaves something to be desired.  So now he gets a program committed to winning, with the tradition (and money) to make it happen.  However, this will not be a quick turnaround.  Pat White made Rich look very smart and right now no such QB is attending Michigan.  So it might be 3-4 years until his system really begins to blossom.  Can Michigan fans be that patient.  We'll see, but trust me, the man can coach and get the job done.

Grade: A

WVU

Feel good stories only last so long.  Cinderalla was wonderful but we don't care how many kids she had with Prince Charming.  George Mason was great 2 years ago, but how did they do last year?  Norm Stewart did wonders against Oklahoma (who by the way should try bowl games before the New Year sometime, just to see if it changes matters) However, one game should not decide a season or a head coach.  Such impulse hires only lead to trouble and disappointment.  Norm Stewart bought his time and shined when it mattered.  But I don't seem him recruiting well in the future, nor being able to take this program to a national championship.  AD's need to think long term and this decision was made on a whim and 2 martinis into the night.  WVU will regret this hire.

All the sudden Rutgers looks like the best Big East team.

Grade: F

SMU

June Jones has done more with less than any coach every in the history of the world.  Maybe a bit of a stretch, but he peaked at Hawaii this last year.  The ceiling was hit and unless the AD was willing to pump some more money into a pathetic program, he could only do so much.  So I don't blame the guy for leaving and taking a job with a ton of potential.  SMU used to be a powerhouse until they (like Neuheisel) couldn't follow rules very well.  But he's in Texas, and talent will no longer be a problem.  Will the be consistent BCS teams, unlikely.  But this team will improve greatly and June Jones can finally have a decent office.

Grade: B

One coach to watch for next year to make a jump to a better program

Brian Kelly (Cincinnati) - this guy just wins and made Cincy a good program in one year, look for this to continue and him to coaching a bigger school soon.