Too Bad One Vote Doesn't Make a Difference

Let's break down our panel's all-star ballots and see just how many of our votes went towards a winner:

KG: 25% (AL 1/8, NL 3/8)
CK: 25% (AL 0/8, NL 4/8)
SS: 31.25% (AL 2/8, NL 3/8)

Now I would consider our MLB IQ to be strong to quite strong and it pains me to see such deserving gents go unappreciated by the common fan. It's stunning that the picks that helped me sleep the best the night I voted, Pujols aside, were for Joe Mauer, Matt Holliday, and Jermaine Dye--all denied starting spots. It was good to see them all placed on reserve, but runaway victories for guys like Pudge, A-Rod, and Soriano just verify the "Big Name Theory." (Can anyone explain how seven South-Siders can be on the All-Star team and Joe Crede not be one of them?! This panel had him starting unanimously.)
This of course leads me to my next complaint; last year I voted for a deserving Podsednik, but anyone who voted for Pierzynski over Liriano should be forced to explain themselves. AJ's not having a bad year by any means, but everyone knows this guy for all the wrong reasons and I was hoping Mr. Joe Everyman would clearly see Ozzie's mistake by not including this kid and give him a helping hand. 9-1 with a 1.98? Tis a shame...
I've been a bit hard on Ozzie lately, so I won't sink my teeth into his questionable selections, but I will agree with Cale on the ludicrous pickup of Beurhle and raise an eyebrow at the absence of Hafner. My hat goes off to the job Phil Garner did as I really think he put together a roster that can actually win this game. Every player I saw fit to be an all-star he gave due credit. I especially applaud the opposite route he took in only choosing one of his own players, especially having a couple very good pitchers on his club. Garner has some powerful bats coming off the bench so it should be interesting.
Finally, I'm giving a shout-out to my man, Reggie Sanders. I sometimes reevaluate the rule entitling every team to an all-star, but I'm OK with it. (I would still debate that it should be in the hands of the players.) In this case, the manager just plain got it wrong. Usually every team has atleast someone putting up uncharacteristic season numbers or a career of not-quite-good-enough campaigns. Sanders is of the latter, and the selection of Mark Redman is a slap in the face of a player who has distinguished himself as a producer and leader for many different teams. Earlier this season Reggie became only the fifth player ever to join the 300-300 club (home runs and steals) and it would have been great to see him rewarded.

The Snubs Are In...

It happens every year, several well qualified players missed out on the cut and a few made it without merit. A few stick out in my mind...

The Deserving
Travis Hafner - Clevland - his numbers warrant at least a reserve spot - high OBP, slugging
Joe Crede - Chi Sox - his defense and batting are pretty darn good, he hits over .300 and over 50 RBI with gold glove D
Fransico Liriano - Minnesota - The biggest snub, bar none, he is by far the best pitcher in baseball, I cannot understand this one
Justin Verlander - Detroit - a fine rookie putting up solid numbers, numbers deserving of an all star spot
Michael Barrett - Cub Scouts - his numbers are better than Lo Duca, should be there with McCann

The Not Welcome
Mark Buerhle - Chi Sox - numbers aren't deserving of an All-Star nod compared to what he should be, better pitchers out there
Jose Contreas - Chi Sox - same as Buerhle, he'll find his form again, but Jenks is the only deserving Sox pitcher
Mark Redman - KC - wow, really makes you question the every team gets a rep idea

I would also like to add my two cents on fan voting. I hate it. The very idea of fans choosing the best players is absurd. Fans shouldn't control this aspect of the game. Too many deserving players miss out year after year while people who happen to play for Boston or New York get almost automatic selections. (Sadly the White Sox are starting to act like this and I don't like it one bit) Let managers and players pick, hell even let the media choose, except Jay Mariotti and the NYT. This needs to be addressed, sadly it will probably take some great snub to take hold and who knows when that will happen.

A bit of sad but true humor...

DL to sign Mark Prior to 2 year, $8 million deal

Well let's just hope they don't get Kerry Wood either, they could be tough to beat...

In Defense of Ozzie

Wow, you say, who would do such a thing. Well, I guess I'll take a stand and voice my support for Mr. Gullien. Ozzie has a mouth, no question. It gets him into trouble quite often, no doubt. But these outbursts are Ozzie being Ozzie. He never likes to mince words and voices his opinion, whether we want to hear it or not. Politicians in DC should take note of Ozzie's style and quit feeding lines and tell us what they think, not what we want to hear. Ozzie's insensitive comment about Jay Mariotti ws rude, inapproriate, but not that far off. Have you ever heard Jay speak or talk about Chicago sports, the guy sucks. He refuses to interview in the White Sox clubhouse because of a supposed threatening from some players. Why don't you be a man and deal with instead of hiding behind your column. As for his outburst agains Sean Tracey, uncalled for a young pitcher, but he was not demoted for not hitting Blalock. Riske was on his way in, end of story. People have written over and over how Ozzie better watch his mouth or else he may be looking for a new job. I don't buy it. Ozzie is a proven winner and they way he carries himself is part of that and I would hate to see that change.

Following Suit...

Nice idea of posting All-Star picks, so I believe I will follow in your wise foot steps and do the same.

AL Ballot

1B: Paul Konerko - South Siders - consistent and dependable
2B: Robinson Cano - Yankees - for a rookie on the NYY playing this well, I give him the nod over a position loaded with stars
SS: Miguel Tejada - Baltimore - a bright spot on a dismal team
3B: Joe Crede - South Siders - he could hit .270 and should still make the team with his defense
C: Joe Mauer - Minnesota - is there really any question?
OF: Jermaine Dye - South Siders - I hate to pick so many Sox players, but JD deserves this more than the other two...
OF: Alex Rios - Toronto - Wells would work here too, but Rios is a solid hitter with power
OF: Magglio Ordonez - Detroit - I'm not sure I completely sold on Mags, but good enough for sure
SP: Mike Mussinia - Yankees - Pitching well for his age and providing an anchor for the Yanks rotation

NL Ballot

1B: Albert Pujols - St. Louis - duh...
2B: Dan Uggla - Florida - good call Kelly - this guy is great
SS: Joes Reyes - NYM - speaking a great guys, with the glove and the lumber...
3B: David Wright - NYM - I thnk Rolen is great, but here I give the nod to Wright...namely just to spite you, I love Rolen...
C: Michael Barrett - Cub Scouts - My oddball pick, he did a lot when the Cubs needed him, including hitting AJ...
OF: Carlos Lee - Brewers - Another ex-Sox making his name known...
OF: Carlos Beltran - NYM - putting up great numbers and playing to win...
OF: Matt Holliday - Colorado - I hate to copy your OF Kelly, but this guy is another solid player, good pick
SP: Tom Glavine - NYM - This guy has been stellar this year, lets hope it continues in to the second half

The talent level in the league this year seems suprisingly high, lots of good players all over the field. I'm glad I don't have to pick the teams...

KG's MLB All-Star Ballot

I just punched my all-star ballot a good 28 minutes before the deadline just so I could determine exactly who is the most worthy. There were definitely some tough choices, but I think I gave credit where due and served justice to the big-names without the big-games.

American League

1B: Travis Hafner, Indians
2B: Mark Loretta, Red Sox
SS: Miguel Tejada, Orioles
3B: Joe Crede, White Sox
C: Joe Mauer, Twins
OF: Vernon Wells, Blue Jays
OF: Jermaine Dye, White Sox
OF: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers

National League

1B: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2B: Dan Uggla, Marlins
SS: Jose Reyes, Mets
3B: Scott Rolen, Cardinals
C: Brian McCann, Braves
OF: Matt Holliday, Rockies
OF: Carlos Beltran, Mets
OF: Carlos Lee, Brewers

• I hate to deny David Wright, but Scott Rolen is just too good. He may be behind in HR's and RBI's, but his BA and worldclass defense (not to mention his explosion when Pujols went down) gives him my slight edge.
• One of the most even positions was AL second baseman of which there was no standout. Loretta, Robinson Cano, Brian Roberts, Jose Lopez, and Tadahito Iguchi all had similar numbers and team success. (I actually considered writing in Ty Wigginton.)
• Alfonso Soriano is a noticeable omission, but he has been pretty two-faced. He's put up huge numbers in homeruns, RBI's, and stolen bases, but his batting average, strikeout total, and shaky play in left field found him on the bench.
• I have to give Honorable Mention to Chase Utley for NL 2B--I flipped a coin.

Define "Unsuitable"

Alright men, let out a simultaneous groan. The young lovelies at this year's Wimbledon are being forced to cover up their curves. Why else would we watch?

More Bang For Your Buck

After hearing on ESPN about how amazingly low the Marlins payroll is ($14 mil), I thought it would be interesting to analyze how much each team achieves based on how much dough they shell out. (I am also long overdue for pointing out the fact that Boston has been 2nd in salaries for a few years now despite how much they complain about Steinbrenner's bottomless checkbook.) A couple things I noticed were how much teams like the Cubs, Giants, and Mariners pay their underachieving players while Detroit and St. Louis can be considered overachieving teams judging by their position right in the middle of the pack.
One way to examine the payrolls is determine how many wins they earn per million of dollars spent. It is not linear, as expected, but interesting nonetheless.

Bang For Your Buck

Remember that shortstop trade carousel that occurred two seasons ago? David Eckstein to St. Louis from Anaheim, Edgar Renteria to Boston from St. Louis, Orlando Cabrera to Anaheim from Boston. Last season, the first with their new teams, little Davy Eckstein shined the brightest and both Renteria and Cabrera had significant production dropoffs. At the time of the trade, the popular choice as loser in the deal was the Cardinals, having lost a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove. However, Eckstein is currently making a bid for his second all-star start in a row and having another great season. I thought it may be fun to check in on how all three are doing this season, especially after casting my all-star vote for Renteria after he has returned to his old form for the Atlanta Braves. The key value in my mind is the difference in salaries as Eckstein came cheap but at high end results. (The departure of Renteria also allowed more money to keep other key players.) I'll point out that a third ex-Red Sox shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, is having a tremendous season while Boston's current SS, Alex Gonzalez, is hitting .260 with an OBP of .308. Props to Theo Epstein, but he doesn't know a potentially talented shortstop when he sees one.

Return of the Black Sox?

Ozzie Guillen on Jay Mariotti:

"Jay, I think I made this guy a lot of money and he's famous. If not for Ozzie Guillen, no one would have heard of him."

"Jay's a piece of shit. If he wants to know, he should be talking to me here right now. If he were a man, he'd be here with you guys right now. Jay's a piece of shit."

"That's the way he is. He's garbage, still garbage, going to die as garbage. Period.''

Ozzie Guillen on calling someone a "fucking fag":

"I've been here for 20 years, but people have to know that I grew up in a different country. That's not an excuse. I called the guy that name, but, no, that's the way I grew up, that's the way I've learned that language."

"I have been here enough to know you can use so many words in the States. That's not an excuse, but I wasn't calling people that. I was calling him that."

''I will apologize to the people I 'offended' because I should have used another word." [Sarcastically holding up his hands and making quotations with his fingers while saying "offended"]

Ozzie Guillen on his requirement to attend sensitivity training:

"I don't think I'll be going -- I don't think that'll happen.''

"I never lie. First of all, I said I'll have to take an English class first to understand what they're talking about. Believe me, this is the last day I talk about this. Anybody who wants to play games or put me in a position. ... I'm going to continue to manage, but I'm going to start getting nasty with the media."

"I don't need this job. I don't need to kiss anybody's butt to keep it.''


The list of bad Ozzie quotations could go on and on. The bottom line is that he should feel fortunate he has a great team playing for him--if the White Sox weren't the defending champs and one of the best teams in baseball right now I think he'd have been punished more harshly by the league and front office. (It'll get harder for Reinsdorf to defend him after comments like the last one above.) Frankly, I am one of many who is just getting sick of hearing about the guy. He's flirting with that line that separates the Shaq's and the TO's, the say-it-as-it-is tough guys and the nonsense, egomaniacal distractions. Guillen needs to direct his attention from Jay Mariotti to the AL Central division race.
Now, I realize the comparison to the old Black Sox is farfetched, but they are slowly obtaining a reputation of dirty play. The sweep of the Astros in last year's summer classic was convincing enough, but there were a couple key controversial plays involving A.J. Pierzynski (of whom in Sports Illustrated was voted "Most Like To See Get Beaned" by his fellow major leagers). Ozzie let out the rage on a young pitcher after he didn't retaliate by intentionally hitting a batter, leading to his return back down to the minors the very next day. Three days ago he was suspended for ordering his pitcher to intentionally hit Chris Duncan, son of St. Louis pitching coach, Dave Duncan. The latest accusations come from the Cards blowout in Chicago concerning illegal sign stealing. This isn't the first time they have been accused of using a camera in center field to steal the catcher's signs, but it is the most evident. I didn't believe this story at first and hung my head at the idea of my beloved Cardinals making excuses for getting pounded in a largely hyped powerhouse matchup, but the evidence is quite convicting. According to one of the St. Louis players, they became suspicious partway through the second game of the series with the score 13-3 and changed the set of signs after the 5th inning. The numbers don't lie: The Sox were 40-for-88 with 15 extra-base hits and 33 runs before the change, going 4-for-36 with one run scored afterward. Looks fishy to me...
This really is a shame because I jumped on the White Sox bandwagon last year and cheered for them to win a world championship. This season I am beginning to root for a collapse. I'll be the first to admit how good they are (particularly Dye, Thome, and Konerko, of whom I think are standup, classy players) but until Ozzie says something worth hearing about, I'll stand on Mariotti's side of public decency. We've seen him put up, now it's time for him to shut up.

Place Your Bets...

on the big series in Chicago this week. The two best teams in baseball last year face off today at 7:05 for a three-game series. This will be big for either team as St. Louis is staving off Cincy and the White Sox need to gain ground on Detroit. It's too bad the Sox will not have to see either of last year's MVP or Cy Young as both are tentative to return for the series with the Tigers. I guess it is also nice we won't face Contreras. If both can control Rolen/Encarnacion and Thome/Dye it should be an interesting series.

I'm picking (rather biased): Cards 2, Sox 1


UPDATE #3: Yup. I was wrong. It might be even harder to lose 1-0 after a rookie pitcher throws a one-hitter, but that single mistake happened to be a game-winning homerun. The kid damn near threw a perfect game. Ouch. Maybe we'll get even in the World Series...

Cards 0, Sox 3


UPDATE #2: Ah hell. St. Louis went from having a top two team ERA in the league to giving up 33 (!) runs in two games. Wow. I never really considered the White Sox an offensive juggernaut, but they can really crush a pitcher's self-confidence. I expected as much from Konerko and Thome, but where the hell did Crede come from?! Tonight we send out a young gun from the minors to give our rotation a rest--here's to hoping he gives up less than four HR's. The only attractive feature of this series is all the buzz generated from the analysts considering this a good potential World Series preview.

Cards 0, Sox 2


UPDATE: After a complete slaughtering of the St. Louis pitching staff (20 ER) and a four-run ninth that meant absolutely nothing, the Cards need to erase yesterday out of their memory. Kudos, Chicago, we got the message.

Cards 0, Sox 1

Thoughts in the World of Sports

This week has seen a number of intriguing sports stories thus far. So let's jump right in...

Big Ben and his bike

This story is really hard for me to take. I love Big Ben as a player and have the utmost respect for his ability and his character. But this really seems like a bonehead move on his part. The whole helmet 'thing,' where he was quite defiant about wearing a helmet since PA law does not require one. I am sure he is regretting that now. The fact of the matter is this: You are a pro athlete, you get paid to throw a football, you saw what happened to Kellen Winslow and even worse, Jay Williams, why would you risk so much for a motorcycle. Terry Bradshaw was right, wait until you retire and enjoy it all you want. You're 24 years old and a recent Super Bowl Champ, with so much going for you, why risk it for a bike ride. From a public policy stand point, the risks certainly outweigh the rewards.

USA Soccer

Wow, here come the Americans making sure the world knows we'll never be a threat in World Cup soccer. I watched part of the game on Monday and the Czech simply out hussled and out played us. Simple as that, I'm not sure we have the talent, or maybe the coaching to compete with the rest of the world. I'm hoping against Italy we can pull out something to show we're not a flop. I mean even Togo scored a goal against S. Korea. What I'm most disturbed about is the fact that Bruce Areanes spent Tuesday calling out his players. Why do that to a team? Maybe you should figure out some way to get the ball in the net. The Czech team managed to get corner kicks close to the net or at least get a shot off, but the US could not, they seemed content to waste opportunities. Maybe we should stick with the World Baseball Classic...

Update on my baseball picks

Well it seems as though as soon as I blog something, the team I count out comes back and the team I pick flops. See Atlanta and Cincinnati. The Reds have played extremely well lately and are only a game or two behind the struggling Cards. I would blame it on Albert Pujols being hurt, but I'm surprised by this teams struggles without him. Scott Rolen needs to play better if they want to keep winning. And the Braves, they're now 10 games out of first and losing steam. I still think they may make a run, but it may be too little, too late.

Stanley Cup

It is too bad to see Edmonton's storybook season come to an end. They played so well for most of the playoffs but now just seem to running out of gas. This team looks solid enough to make a run again next year. And what's up with OLN broadcasting these games. This is the Stanley Cup, you wonder why nobody is watching this? Put it on a cable channel most people get or even better ABC or CBS or something. OLN? The NHL better rethink this idea soon.

NBA Playoffs

I thought I was starting to care about the NBA for a while. I was wrong. I still don't care.

Baseball at the .333333 mark...

With the season more than a third of the way done, it may be time to reevaluate who will survive the rest of the season. In the AL East once again it will be the Bo Sox and Yanks fighting it out until September. However, the Blue Jays are a team that will have to dealt with and may challenge for the division or at least the wild card. They have solid hitting (best average in baseball) and if their pitchers get healthy, they will be tough. In the NL East, the Mets look to be the runaway favorite, but don't lock them in just yet either. The Phillies will bounce around for a while, but fail to have enough tools to be a contender, but watch out for them to be a spoiler in the early fall. Atlanta however can never be counted out of the NL east race. With 14 straight titles and Bobby Cox managing the team, they are a 7-9 game win streak from being in the race again. The season is still young, and so are the Braves, but they will make a run, you can bet on that.

In the AL Central the pick is easy, if you're a White Sox fan. But the truth is their are still the best team in baseball, but if you've followed them as of late, they haven't played like it. Ozzie can get his guys to play and with the stretch of games in front of the South Siders, they'll have to play better. If you remember last year there was a similar stretch of games which some said the White Sox could prove their ability by winning, and they did. I see that again with the Sox right now. Detroit will be tough and stick around all season and will likely contend for the wild card in the end. Cleveland you cannot count either, but they will need to get better quickly if they wish to contend. In the NL Central, St. Louis will need a miracle to lose the title. The Cubs, Reds, and Houston don't have enough to contend with the Cards. Plain and simple, the Cards will likely be the only team to make the playoffs from the division.

Finally, in the AL West, the Rangers and Oakland will fight it out to see who wins. Your guess is as good as mine. In the NL West, could there be a tougher division. With the exception of Colorado and that is only of late, these teams are close. Look for the Dodgers or D'Backs to win out, but this will be close and you can never count out San Diego or San Fran either.

If I get around to it, you may get to see my picks for MVP and Cy Young later, as well as NBA Finals picks too.

Hazing and Sports

I just finished an interesting piece by Jason Whitlock on ESPN.com. In the article, he discusses hazing. What a hot button issue, especially on college campuses. I should clarify that I think hazing in most forms is bad, especially in the case of the Vermont hockey team. But the issue shouldn't be older persons condemning our generation for low morale standards. As Jason noted, the same things happened when he was a college student, but nobody knows about it as quickly because of technology such as digital cameras and facebook. Things on college campuses today are not worse than they were in the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, I would go as far to say that things may be better. Parents and administrators just find out about things faster than they used to. Maybe older people should take a good look at the ways they acted in college and realize that these 4 to 7 years (think Van Wilder) are times to make mistakes and goof up, and the real life can wait. What we learn at college doesn't come in classrooms but in our experiences and mostly our mistakes. So this really doesn't have a lot to do with sports, but whatever...

And You Wonder Why They Hate Us

You read my mind, Slowpitch, as my next post was about San Jose ignorance. Only a few times in my life have I been embarrassed to be an American, but Monday was certainly one of them after I heard about the San Jose Shark fans booing the Canadian national anthem during pregame. Who are these people?! I don't think there are many more disrespectful (nonviolent) acts towards a country or its citizens. I bet these yahoos out in Cali would be royally pissed off if they found out the crowd was booing the US anthem up in Edmonton. This reminded me of when I was in Cozumel, Mexico a couple of years ago and while at a dance club a group of dumbass American tourists starting chanting "USA! USA!", each holding a Dos Equis in his hand, not ten minutes after passing through a conga line in which the natives poured free tequila down their throats; I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide. Grow up, dipshits.

I Don't Claim to be a Hockey Guy...

but I have actually paid somewhat close attention to the playoffs this year. All the new rules implemented this year must be working because scoring is up and it just appears more fun to watch (not that I've watched much NHL in the past). The high point of the postseason came a couple weeks ago in which the 8-seed Edmonton Oilers knocked off the top-seeded Redwings after coming from behind to score four goals in the final period to win 4-3. It appears the days of 1-0 wins are over. I hope the die-hards are welcoming this run-and-gun style of play.
The Eastern Conference Finals Hurricanes-Sabres matchup should be entertaining, and who couldn't rally behind the Mighty Ducks or the underdog Oilers? The one intriguing aspect of hockey is that it's anyone's game. This year in the West all four of the top seeds were upset leaving a dogfight with the 5-8. In what other sport does that ever happen? Tune in.

Swinging for the Fences

Has anyone been following the Babe Ruth homerun chase? I know, I know, I shouldn't add anything to the Bonds saga, but his behavior is interesting. Since hitting HR #713 Bonds has hit 1-19 (0.053) as anyone can clearly see him take monstrous moonshots at every decent pitch. It wouldn't be worth noting except that his latest comments to the media include how he "doesn't care about the homerun record" and just wants to play baseball. However, watching him repeatedly swing for the San Fran bay clues otherwise. On Friday, he hit a line drive towards center and simply turned right back around and walked towards the dugout without even looking to see if it was caught. In tonight's game, he hit a sharp grounder up the middle that hit the pitcher, who then bobbled it to a couple yards away, scrambled to retrieve it, and still threw Bonds out at first as the camera clearly showed him leisurely jogging up the line. He absolutely would have been safe if he put any kind of hustle into it--not the actions of a guy who "just wants to play the game." I don't know, maybe it's just hard watching this clown stick around merely to set a new (tainted) record. He can surely only be a distraction as indicated by the Giants sitting in last place in their division. I can't imagine what his teammates think.

A Bit of Comedy

More Spirit of St. Louis

With three more RBI's and another homerun tonight, Albert Pujols is on pace to hit:

HR: 85
Record: 73
RBI: 210
Record: 190

I know we're only a quarter of the way through the season, but he's still putting up monster numbers. I bet he could get injured tomorrow and sit out the remainder of the year and still get some MVP votes (knock on wood). A possible Triple Crown?

HR: 1st
RBI: 1st
Avg: 3rd

We are witnessing one of the greatest hitters of all time...

Spirit of St. Louis

There has been something I wanted to set straight for a while now. Last spring I was sitting at one of my favorite local establishments, Welch Avenue Station, when I made conversation with a guy sitting by himself at the table next to me. It began with chatting about the baseball replays one of the five TV's was airing but only after we caught the end of a Chicago blown game in the ninth it was revealed he was a Cubs fan. And actually, I think I recall him assuming I was too. (The Station is notorious for being a huge Cubs bar.) I quickly let him know I was indeed a rival Cardinal fan but went on to discuss the Cubs' woes anyway. Like any good midwest fan, I gave props to my foe where due and he did the same--it was actually a good conversation with someone who knew what he was talking about.
However, before he got up to leave he made a comment about St. Louis having "fairweather fans," something you can imagine I took issue with. Fairweather? I wish I had the chance to ask him why he would make such a claim. For starters, I'm probably a St. Louis fan for the same reason he might be a Cubs fan or why someone living in Florida is a Marlins fan. I do realize that Iowa is home to the Cubs, but I don't think someone needs to have a damn good reason to not be a faithful but instead pick a different midwest team.
By definition, being a fairweather fan requires only being a fan when your team is winning. Throughout MLB history, the Cardinals have been pretty consistent with a few highs and lows, and any time they've finished at the bottom of the division they've bounced right back into contention the next season. St. Louis is revered for having the best fans in baseball (as verified in a Sports Illustrated survey given to 200 MLB players a couple years back) that always support their team. I think this may be a good time to point out the year 2003 when Cubs fans were absolutely crawling out of the woodwork once they made the playoffs. Everyone became a Cubs fan overnight. I distinctly remember Homecoming with a group of Chi Omegas that would ask nightly if the Cubs won, passing in and out of the coliseum to cheer them on, having never watched a Chitown game in their life, not being able to name two players without "Sosa" on his back. And we're "fairweathered"?! I don't remember any red and white bandwagon two years ago.
What actually instigated me to writing this entry was that recently I did have someone tell me I follow St. Louis because "they're good." For a team that made it to the World Series only once in the past decade and hasn't won it all since a couple weeks after I was BORN, yes, that must be it. In the years following 1982 the likes of the Tigers, Reds, and Blue Jays (twice in a row) have won the title, but it would be silly to think such a thing of their fans, wouldn't it? Now, I will admit that the Cards have had their share of winning seasons and postseason success, but one could argue a portion of the Chicago fans are simply a result of their "lovable loser" reputation. (I remember in "03 talking to Derek Watson, a Twins fan, about how his dislike of the Cubs stems from the fact "they don't earn their fans." He just can't see how they continue to be so bad and have the largest following while his Twins have been competing at a high level for years and gain no support. Needless to say, we both relished in their NLCS collapse.)
I doubt that guy ever thought twice about his ridiculous claim about me and my follow redbirds. Oh well, I guess that's just part of the rivalry. After all, I have to respect the Cubbies because I don't think I could tolerate such a downtrodden club year in year out. I'd rather fly high in St. Louis, regardless of the weather.

Michael and Scottie Who?

Things look up in Chi-town (unless you're a Cubbie). The new bandwagon to jump on, believe it or not, is a first-round upset with the Bulls over the Heat. I mean, why not considering this tear they're on? I remember looking at the standings when the Bulls were 29-39 and thinking "oh well, another losing season." Little did I know they would go 12-2 to finish the season and push into the playoffs. A bit of trivia I didn't even know was pointed out by Marc Stein in his playoff power rankings, "With absolutely zero fanfare -- I honestly can't remember hearing anybody mention this -- Chicago has climbed all the way back to No. 1 in the league in field-goal defense, allowing opponents just 42.6 percent shooting from the floor. Ranking No. 1 for two straight seasons, in a category coaches treasure, is an achievement in itself." That's definitely the mentality of the "new" Bulls that I like so much, the tenacity and scrappiness on defense and just playing hard (as evidenced by how many big comeback wins they had this year). Although I don't expect them to win, I think it'll be a fun series to watch and they will make it competitive.
Even more promising is the future. The draft pick they stole from New York for Eddy Curry is absolutely monstrous considering they will most likely draw the #1 overall pick in a year they made the playoffs. (I don't know how they put up with Isiah Thomas in NY.) In addition, they unload a couple big contracts in the offseason, particularly Tim Thomas, and will have plenty of salary cap space to make a run at a big-name player. Could you imagine netting an all-star alongside the top draft pick in the thick of this young, talented team? I'm honestly drooling just thinking about it. Oh, and Jerry Krause is long gone so he can't screw it up (I still miss Elton Brand). I give them 3 years to be in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Point of Interest: ESPN used a player value formula to rank every player and the Bulls were the only team not to have anyone in the top 50. In fact, their highest ranked player was Andres Nocioni at No. 63. Ever heard of him? I didn't think so. The young core of Luol Deng (better than I thought), Chris Duhon (a point guard who plays like a vet), and Ben Gordon (he only went 9 for 9 behind the arc the other night!) will grow together and overcome their lack of size down low. Throw in Captain Kirk and we've got a legit conteder, kids!

Tying Up the Loose Ends

First of all, I'll apologize for the lack of coverage for the NCAA's (this was mostly due to the fact I knew nothing about the Final Four teams). Regardless, it's time to wrap up a few events I had intented to follow more closely.

World Baseball Classic

I, like every other sportsfan, underestimated the Asians. I was so caught up on Latin America that it was easy to count out the little guys (no pun intended). On paper Japan looked like one of the weaker teams in the WBC but proved that anything can happen in baseball and fundamentals can triumph over raw power. The Dominicans strength failed them, Team USA looked downright disappointing at times, and Cuba's inexplicable success once again put them in the final, but none of this was really unexpected. If nothing else, despite the lack of 'drama,' I think the WBC is here to stay and I actually look forward to it again in a couple years.

NCAA Tournament

So only 4 out of over 3,000,000 brackets submitted to ESPN's Tourney Challenge picked the correct Final Four. And I assume they all lived in the Virginia area to have put their hopes on George Mason. Aside from the one Cinderella story, the tournament just seemed to lack something--possibly we simply missed the Big XII and Big Ten. Oh well, that game-winning shot over Iowa made up for everything. HA!
The results from the Tourney Challenge:

T-1) Denisek
T-1) Port
3) Alberty
4) Top Seeds
T-5) Guiter
T-5) Fischer
7) Casady
8) Kassel
9) Williams

* Every year I wish it just ended after the first two rounds because I swear I'm always leading at that point because I have a knack for picking the 1st-round upsets. And nothing is worse than losing to that old woman (or Slowpitch) who filled in their bracket by just picking the top seeds.

Baseball Opening Week

-Cleveland looked good against the defending champs
-Rollins hitting streak done at 38
-AL East looks subpar
-NL Central looks like toughest in the majors
-Mets are winning as expected
-Pitchers turned sluggers in Arroyo/Sosa/Mulder
-Beware the power of the Tigers
-The Royals are in the cellar where they belong

MORE TO COME...

Well this is new...

Cubs Place Wood, Prior on DL

NCAA Bracket Update

Looking back at my Cinderella picks I may not have been too far off, but I obviously discounted the two major underdogs in Bradley and George Mason. How coincidental was it that four of my upstart teams had to play each other (Arizona-Wisconsin & WV-So. Illinois), making it impossible two of them would live up to the title? Still, Witchita State remains a force to be reckoned with and Bradley's run supported the MV conference's claim of toughness. It was hard, though, to take Bucknell over Memphis and West Virginia over Texas (but what a game!). And once again, two 12's knocked off a couple 5's to start the tourney.
An examination of the Sweet 16 seems to have very few possible variations. The ESPN bracket group I'm in isn't very diverse, with virtually one or two game going to decide the winner. I think about everyone picked UConn in the final game and BC over Villanova and UCLA in the Final Four (except me, thanks to KU). Most of those look like safe bets but my hopes are still riding on Texas going far.

Standings after the first two rounds:

1. Guiter
2. Port
3. Alberty
4. Top Seeds
5. Zenisek
6. Casady
7. Williams
8. Kassel
9. Fischer

Calling All Sportsfans!

We're looking for new recruits to liven up the old blog a bit. If you would like to join a blog or just write about sports, let us know and we will add you to our roster. The 2004-2005 Lakers taught us that you can never have too much talent...

Dear Barry Bonds,

I've got two word for you: get out. Congratulations, you're the new T.O., the new bad boy, the new guy everyone loves to discuss but everyone hates to hear about. Cale discussed Bonds' waffling as to whether or not this is his last season, but I just can't see him sticking around for 2007; although, I believe he secretly enjoys the media frenzy and playing public enemy #1 (otherwise the only thing preventing his retirement is the homerun record).
Anyways, the hot topic is the new steroid accusations that went public. Whether we like it or not, he's all over ESPN again and everyone seems to be weighing in on the issue--why should I be any different? I used to not care, but the more I think about it the more serious the issue becomes, especially as he prepares to pass The Babe on the all-time HR list. I haven't read the book, but I've heard a lot about it and it supposedly has very credible sources. It's just too bad the two accusers are journalists because it feuls Bonds' argument that the media is out to get him. However, in all the public statements from both Bonds and his agent, they never once claim that the information is untrue. Instead, he keeps blaming journalists and pointing fingers at Mark McGwire and refusing to even read the book that calls him a liar and fraud. Personally, I don't think focusing on McGwire is such a good idea considering everyone assumes his guilt after the hearing in which he refused to deny the aligations and didn't want to "talk about the past." You'd think Barry might realize that taking his own vow of silence would incriminate him just as much as it did Mac. I don't think playing the "he got away with it so why can't I" card will get him anywhere. Besides, I don't think Mac really "got away" with anything--his HR record ended up being broken (by Bonds) and he decided to retire before he was forced out via steroid accusations and league punishments. Bonds is different because he persists to stay in the spotlight and keep playing while chasing Ruth and Aaron. (I will point out I'm not defending McGwire, despite I was a big fan of his, but rather saying two wrongs don't make it right.) According to reports, numerous players have used illegal drugs and some have even failed the new league policies, but noone can argue they compare to the magnitude of Bonds. They are all just as wrong to use the stuff, but can you imagine if the all-time homerun leader in the history of baseball was using steroids to get there? What a huge black eye on the entire game.
Michael Smith on Around The Horn said there is nothing we can do, that we can't go back and review/alter past statistics and banning Bonds to prevent him from breaking records is too extreme. (Although the current issue is whether or not Bonds lied about receiving illegal enhancers "unknowingly," and we all know what happened to the last guy that broke league policy and lied about it. If they can ban Pete Rose for life, why not Bonds?) Jose Conseco went on TV and claimed everyone is targeting Bonds (instead of McGwire, I guess) because he's black. This idiot thinks we should welcome the Steroid Era. I disagree with every one of these fools. I think the league really is trying to implement and enforce effective policies and we should give it a little time to see the outcome. Perhaps we are even passing out of this crazy "era" and returning to baseball in a more pure form. If you get tired of ESPN Sportcenter constantly debating this nonsense, then flip the dial to ESPN2 to the WBC and view what baseball was meant to be.

Overrated?

Watching Adam Morrison jump on the scorer's table, pumping his fist in the air and jumping around screaming you'd think they just won the NCAA title. Nope, it was just the lowly WCC. After Duke lost twice last week I can practically hear the west coast screaming for the Zags to nab a #1 seed in the tourney. Sorry Spokane, but it just ain't gonna happen...or at least it shouldn't. Sure Gonzaga is occasionally a feel good, underdog story, but this year they are simply overrated. Now I like Morrison's style and Batista is a force down low to be reckoned with, so maybe it is just my lack of respect for the WCC. Let's look at the number, shall we?
Gonzaga won six games by one basket or less. They went 2-3 against top 25 teams, with both of those victories coming against two teams that are far out of the rankings and struggling to even make it into the dance (MSU and Maryland). They won the conference tourney via an overtime thriller and then a one-point win after the opposition missed an open layup at the buzzer. Best team in ACC or best team in WCC as #1? Hmmm.
Maybe I'm a bit too hard on the Bulldogs, but it seems I've watched them dodge bullets all season. All I know is that if Gonzaga is deserving of a top seed then surely San Diego State shouldn't be far behind (lost by one in first meeting and in OT the second). Oh well, I'm sure if they don't they will complain about being underrated (which just absolutely kills the underdog aura) and will bow out in an early round upset. Let the madness begin!

WBC I

The World Baseball Classic is finally here and it couldn't have arrived more silently. Despite what the experts say, I think it could actually turn out to be an interesting contest. It's very possible that baseball fans rally around the USA and pay it its due attention. Even though spring training obviously doesn't produce the best baseball, if nothing else, this is a great way to warm up for the season and presents a different dynamic; hell, maybe a friendly rivalry might even start that would surely get more of my attention than Yankees-Red Sox.
Coincidentally, my very first posting on this weblog touched on baseball across the world and ESPN is even supporting my case about Latin America. If given one team vs. the field I would normally have to choose the field so it is hard to strongly endorse Team USA as the favorite, but the Dominican team is suddenly crippled a bit, the loss of Pedro being worse than that of Vlad. The USA pitching rivals any as the top, but our lineup just doesn't quite have the power the DR team does. I mean Tejada, Ortiz, Pujols, Beltre, Soriano...need I go on? Now don't get me wrong, we're no slouch ourselves (Damon, Lee, Jeter, Rodriguez) but it appears most teams could pass as all-star teams. The experts picked Venezuela, but I just don't see it. My starting odds:

USA: 20%
DR: 25%
VE: 12%
PR: 13%
Field: %30


UPDATE: It sure looks like it won't be China after being outscored 28-3 in today's double-header as Korea jumps out to a 2-0 lead in the Asian round-robin.

Donning the Slipper

My early season pick for this year's sleeper was West Virginia. After climbing the rankings towards the top ten I threw that pick away figuring they were far too successful to be considered an underdog. However, since losing a couple games recently and dropping to third in the Big East, their Cinderella title could be resurrected. If they grab a 4 or 5 seed that's too high in my book, but (even though they will most likely get a lower seed than they expected and complain about being underrated and succumb to one of Seth's theories) I think they are a legitimate Elite 8 team. You heard it here first.

Other picks I endorse to make some noise this March:
-Witchita State: these guys are playing in one of the toughest conferences and will be thirsty to show the nation the MVC is one to be reckoned with.
-Bucknell: unless they drop a big one right before the dance. They're on a huge roll and confidence could be high. Besides, we've seen them pull a big first-round upset before, right?
-Wisconsin: one of my fav picks coming out of the Big 10. I think they'll get a middle spot and suprise a couple teams en route to the Sweet 16.
-Southern Illinois: again, gotta love the MVC, especially one that has actually had recent experience in the dance.
-Arizona: because I just can't count out my Wildcats. Here's to hoping they're fortunate enough to sit at a 9 or 10 and get lucky in the draw. This is a team that is seriously underachieving with a coach who knows exactly what it takes to win. Their performance in the conference tourney will give better indication on this pick.
-Any 12 Seed: if you know my habits, you know I'm a sucker for the twelve. Every year I pick them and every year at least two of them pay off. I'll get back to you after Selection Sunday.

Spring Training Fever

The Major League Baseball season has not yet begun, but plenty of stories have made headlines already.

Barry Bonds

The man after Hank Aaron's record seems to be wearing thin. And who can blame him. He weathered a barrage of reports of steroid use, which still remains in the air, as well as nagging injuries, old age, and of course Aaron's record. Recently he went on record to say that this year would be his last. Fine, but now he has gone on to say he won't rule out a 2007 campaign. Barry, for a player that says '[the] game [isn't] fun anymore. I'm tired of all of the crap going on. I want to play this year out, hopefully win, and once the season is over, go home and be with my family. Maybe then everybody can just forget about me,' it sounds like this should be your last year. And why not, his Giants are poised to make a run for the NL West title and have a chance to make it in the playoffs. So Barry, play this year, then we'll talk about 2007.

Ozzie Gullien

Situation like these make Ozzie the man he is, a passionate person who won't back down. Although I have to agree with Ozzie on his comments, I respect him for apologizing for taking the first shot. The White Sox are poised for back to back championships (the topic of a post to written) and Ozzie looks in midseason form with his mouth. Now if Magglio would just do something to piss him off again...

Sammy Sosa

He retired, good.

Hey Darko, your mom called. She said 'you suck!'

It's about time Detroit did something with that guy. Rumor has it Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo are being traded from the Pistons to the Magic for a first round draft pick and, one of my old Iowa State favs, Kelvin Cato. He's been referred to as a potential impact player who never developed and has been labeled a disappointment, but I don't buy it. First off, I'm tired of hearing criticisms of Larry Brown about how he stunted his development by benching him. Hello? Does anyone realize how freakin talented the Pistons have been the past three years? Would anyone have played Darko on a team with 4 of 5 starters in the all-star game and proven guys like Lindsay Hunter and Antonio McDyess as reserves? The only thing he's got going for him is 7 feet and Euro appeal. (I will note that at merely 250 lbs he is a hefty 30 lbs lighter than our old Deebo-buddy Shawn Bradley.) Darko was drafted in a two year span when everyone was looking for the next best thing out of Europe with most of those picks resulting in 'disappointments.'
Maybe he would have blossomed on a different team. Hell, it's not too late to prove it. However, a defense-deficient player who has highly speculated potential on offense has no room on a solid, defense-oriented team like Detroit. I'd say Joe Dumars should have made this move a long time ago, but I think he pulls off another masterpiece by nabbing Cato who will fit right into the Pistons' style. Imagine, the athletic, shot-blocking Cato as the backup for Ben Wallace...what a nightmare for anyone inside the lane. Here's your chance, Darko--time to put up or shut up.


*Also, here is a humerous and very appropriate comparison between NBA players and our solar system.*

Preseason Preview

With spring training starting in 16 days (yes, Cale, I looked it up), I decided to evaluate the current situation with my Cardinals. After losing half the roster and a significant hit to the bullpen we aren't looking as strong, but with the same powerful core as the past two years, never count out the redbirds. I'll leave the analysis of the defending world champs up to my expert counterparts.

*New To Team (Replaced)

Starting Lineup
1B Albert Pujols
2B Junior Spivey/Aaron Miles (Mark Grudzielanek, signed with KC)
3B Scott Rolen
SS David Eckstein
LF Larry Bigbie (Reggie Sanders, signed with KC)
CF Jim Edmonds
RF Juan Encarnacion (Larry Walker, retired)
C Yadier Molina

Reserves
Gained: Deivi Cruz, Gary Bennett
Lost: Abraham Nunez, John Mabry, Einar Diaz, Roger Cedeno, Mike Mahony

Pitchers
Gained: Sidney Ponson, Braden Looper, Ricardo Rincon, and a bunch of young guys
Lost: Matt Morris, Ray King, Cal Eldred, Julian Taveras

After breaking it down, things really don't look that bad. The gaps that stick out are the losses of two seasoned veterans (but also oldest players in Reggie and Larry), no solid defensive second baseman without Grudzie, and a depleated middle bullpen. Although Mabry and Morris have been the heart of this team for so long, I'm glad Walt let them walk. With an older starting lineup the past couple seasons, it might actually payoff to inject some youth into the program. I hope Encarnacion and Spivey can flourish while sitting between juggernauts in the lineup because with the Big Three we're still contenders. Oh, and we still have Eckstein. Gotta love little Davy Eckstein.

It Could Happen

A News In Brief from your weekly Onion:

Report: Colts Poised For Biggest Upset In Super Bowl History

DETROIT—Coaches, front-office executives, and players around the NFL all agree that an Indianapolis victory in Detroit next Sunday would result in the greatest underdog story in Super Bowl history, if not in all of sports. "After losing to Pittsburgh in the second round of the playoffs, for the Colts to come into Detroit and beat them—as well as the Seahawks, their nominal opponent—that would almost certainly be the comeback of the century," said Bills general manager Marv Levy. "No one would ever dare say that Manning or Dungy couldn't win the big one after that. Yes, it's a long shot—the longest—but with the Steelers and Seattle concentrating on beating each other, Indy is perfectly poised to come from literally out of nowhere to complete their all-time greatest triumph." At press time, no member of the Colts would comment on the possibility of a Super Bowl victory, further fueling speculation of a colossal upset in the making.

Humility and Sports

This post my seem a little biased, but it makes me proud to that Paul Konerko prefers to no wear a 'C' on his uniform to denote him as a captain. Clearly, this guy has the credentials, look at his playoff stats last year and the way he always came through when the White Sox needed them most. He is a leader and now, gets paid like one. Yet, with all that, he still was quoted as saying '...everyone has an equal voice.' This humility is hard to find in sports with guys like TO and Kobe and A-Rod's salary.

I hope other players and teams, both in MLB and elsewhere, see what happens when everybody plays for a common goal. The 2005 White Sox didn't win with great hitting or a single superstar to carry them. They saw that as a group they could accomplish more and ignored the stats that don't matter and focused on what does, winning. That is why they won, and if they can achieve the same synergy as last year, they could repeat.

That is if the Cards don't make it to the World Series.

Wait, so who's #1?

As of last week, the AP Rankings first-place votes were as awarded: Duke (71), Connecticut (0).

As of today, the AP Rankings first-place votes are as awarded: Duke (7), Connecticut (64).

And more relevent, as of when both teams were still undefeated: Duke (63), Connecticut (7)

Duke lost to Georgetown by 3. UConn's single loss was to Marquette by 15. (But it was 3 weeks ago.)

Going into this week, looking at every team objectively, without chronological consideration, I doubt 64 people would have placed UConn #1. Actually, I know they wouldn't because when both had an equal record, they didn't. In fact, it was the opposite.

And THAT is what is wrong with college rankings.

This Just In: Kobe Likes To Shoot

Last night's 81 point performance finally gave me enough motivation to write a peice on Kobe, something I have actually been brewing for a few days. Coincidentally, I was going to write about the Kings-Lakers game from Thursday night and how until I actually sat down and watched a Lakers game, I really hadn't visually grasped how many shots Kobe really does take. It's absolutely incredible to watch a player with such disregard for the other four guys out there wearing purple and gold. Here is how the fourth quarter broke down:

-They begin with the game tied at 76 apiece
-Kobe's teammates make their first six shots to put LA up by eight
(Enter Kobe's ego with 7.5 min to go)
-Kobe then takes 11 of the final 15 shots (most of which he didn't even look to pass) including six in a row at one point
-Sacramento rallies to send the game into overtime
-In OT, Kobe takes 7 of LA's 10 shots and they get outscored 14-5 to lose.

Now, one game isn't enough to claim a correlation, nor is it fair to assume that had the ball been spread around in a more even distribution the Lakers would have done 'better.' However, it can be deduced that Kobe shooting 18/25 (72%) down the stretch did not win the game, especially considering how well the rest of the team was doing before he entered.

Three nights later came 81.

I'll begin by making it clear that since I was a young boy and was told about the legendary Wilt Chamberlain game of 100 my initial thought was "how selfish." I know scoring points is essential to winning and that the truly talented can score on any defender and help his team win. Still, I am more of a believer in a team game and that the best player on a team is the one that can shoot, pass, rebound, playmake, get everyone involved in the offense, etc. I'm convinced that if Steve Kerr went out there one night and threw up 40 3-pointers there might be similar results. Now, I don't want to take away from the magnitude of Kobe's night because it honestly is very amazing and significant for the record books, and I have always thought Kobe was a terrific athlete and shooter. (My past bias towards him always rooted in their shady defeat of the Kings in 2002 and his refusal to admit Shaq was the reason for the three rings.) But can it really be fun for any of his teammates? Last night was the pinnacle of Kobe's talent, but would you liked to have been out there on the floor (or any other night he shoots 35+)? I wouldn't. I give him props for the feat (the 61% from the field is incredible) and know he is a tremendous player and I do realize they came back from 18 down to win the game (which is the most important thing, right?), but this article is meant for his teammates. Here are a few stats you won't see on Sportscenter:

-He took 52% (46/88) of the total shots
-He took 82% (18/22) of the shots in the 4th quarter
-In the 4th, during a stretch he took 11 shots in a row
-His Assist/Point ratio was 0.0247 (2/81)

Kobe hit his previous career high earlier this season against the Mavs with 62 points...and zero assists. A bit "selfish", you might say. But that's just my opinion.


UPDATE:
I was reminded by my buddy Sport that when a player shoots the ball and is fouled and does not make the shot it does not get recorded as an attempt. Yeah, so if you throw in the number of times Kobe was fouled to reach that free throw total of 20, his shot total actually exceeded 46. The numbers above are without foul consideration.

The Next Big Thing

I know that now that Big Ben won the AFC title game and the Steelers are on their way to the Super Bowl, people will be jumping on this bandwagon pretty quickly. (Much like Vince Young following the Rose Bowl showcase he put on) But the fact is, Mr. Roethlisberger is for real and anybody who knows football could have told you that when left Miami (OH). Minus his lost to the Hawkeyes, in which he threw 3 or 4 picks I think, he never lost the rest of the season, putting up solid numbers throughout. At 6' 5" and 240 lbs, this guy has size and smarts. He is quickly become a premier QB in the league and makes Bill Cowher look more like a Hall of Fame coach.

Pittsburgh's struggles in the playoffs often came from poor QB play, see Neil O'Donnell, and now with their strong running game, and a slew of above average WR, this team, on the offensive side of the ball, looks great. Having running backs like Bettis and Parker takes some of the burden off Big Ben, but the Steelers leading rusher, Bettis, only had 39 yards. This put a lot of pressure on Roethlisberger to make plays, and he did. He was 21 of 29 for 275 yards and 2 TDs with no picks. He played very efficiently. He made plays when he needed to and took care of the ball when he had to. Jake Plummer led to 4 turnovers, two INTs and two fumbles. Big Ben was also 7 of 9 on third down. Want to see the true test of a QB, this is it. Most of these were 3rd and long. He found a way to exploit, as did offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt, rookie CB Foxworth and take advantage of their 29th ranked pass defense all day.

Pittsburgh looked good, as did Seattle. In a Super Bowl with two very talented teams, QB play can make the difference. It may be to early to pick a winner, but right now it looks like Roethlisbeger and the Steelers are the early favorites. And the 2006 season may see a new MVP in Ben Roethlisberger.

Note: Look for USC QB Matt Lienart to grow into a second coming of Big Ben. He also has the size and ability to read the field that makes a good NFL QB.

Forward Progress

I had splendid plans for this article – unfortunately, my efforts resulted in the following:

What’s the deal with “forward progress?” It is, in my opinion, a necessary rule to prevent a defender from carrying the ball carrier up the field and dropping him in the end zone for a safety. However, the rule seems inconsistent, well, I should say: the rulings seem inconsistent. I ought to mention at some point (now is as good as any) that I have no idea what the rule actually says. Furthermore, I have no aspiration to find out because, like my father often facetiously asks, “why complicate the issue with facts?” (Note while I’m thinking about it: commentators need to read rules straight out of rule books more often during games; it provide comfort to all involved to know that some order does, in fact, exist). Since I don’t know how the forward progress rule reads, I decided to write a “reverse rule” (a rule written to encompass the various rulings I’ve seen). Frankly, this was a bitch to write. The following is Revision IL (49):

(Start “official” rule)
Definition of terms:
Ball carrier – a player who has secured possession of the football
Location 1 – the best field position achieved by the ball carrier during a play
Location 2 – the location where the ball carrier was tackled

Rule Verbiage:
When Location 2 is in worse field position (from the view point of the offense) than Location 1, the play will result with the ball spotted at:
a) Location 2 if the ball carrier voluntarily sacrificed field position in an attempt to gain field position
b) Location 1 if the ball carrier lost the field position as a result of:
i) his own backward momentum upon achieving possession
ii) being physically forced backwards by defender(s)
Exception 1: if a the ball carrier initially lost field position due to (i) or (ii) above, and then attempted to regain position in what the field official determines to be a “realistic attempt” then the ball will be spotted at Location 2.
(End “official” rule)

Note: exception 1 refers to the situation when a player is knocked back 5 yards, struggles to maintain his footing for a some time (during which he loses, say, another 5 yards), then tries to advance the ball but doesn’t gain back any of the yards he lost.

If that’s all the deeper it went, then the forward progress issue would merely be a midsize nightmare. However, the nightmare quickly matures into full-blown bedlam when a fumble is introduced into the mix and how to determine whether or not the fumble should “count” due to its being before or after a player lost forward progress. Writing another reverse rule (a little more mockingly this time) would result in the following:

(Start “official” rule)
When the ball carrier fumbles or is stripped of the football, the fumble does not “count” if the field official decides (after the fumble, mind you) that prior to the fumble, there existed a good moment in time for that play not to continue anymore.
(End “official” rule)



(just take a moment to reflect…maybe even chuckle)



(by the way, 49 in Roman numerals is XLIX, not IL)



Contrary to what you may be thinking, I actually have some suggestions to “fix” this relative football anarchy.

If I were God of the World, this is how I would write the rules:

(Start “Alberty” Rules)
The play is ruled dead when (and only when) the ball carrier:
a) is ruled down by contact
b) steps or is forced out of bounds
c) throws an incomplete (legal) forward pass

Any fumble or strip that happens before the play is dead (as ruled above) “counts.”

After the play, assuming no fumble, the ball is always spotted at the best position the ball carrier achieved (Location 1).
(End “Alberty” Rules)

Think about what this would mean. First off, a play would never be blown dead before a player goes down simply because he is swarmed by the defense and being forced backwards. Currently, this happens roughly 6 times a contest. Furthermore, any strip that occurs during that scenario would be a legitimate fumble. Although this at first seems harshly unfair to the ball carrier, I would argue that all it really does is shift responsibility to the ball carrier to go down when swarmed and not futilely fight for yards and risk a fumble. It also takes the power away from the officials to “bail out” the ball carrier after the ball carrier’s over-zealousness ultimately resulted in a fumble – power I feel is often grossly abused by officials (suspiciously almost entirely in favor of the home team). Remember, under these rules there is no penalty for the ball carrier to voluntarily go down, since he will always be awarded his best field position (Location 1). That in itself would be a huge difference. Think about a player in the open field: there would be nothing (“rules-wise”) deterring him from reversing his direction and sacrificing 30 yards in an attempt to break the big one. But what a great improvement to the game that would be! The best and most memorable plays in football happen exactly that way (think Seneca Wallace). There would constantly be jaw-dropping plays of players running 200 total yards just to gain 25…true open-field athleticism (I like to call it “electricity”) would be allowed to shine bright. Another consequent change to the game (possibly not so appealing) is that a QB sack would always result in the ball being spotted at the QB’s best position (likely wherever he obtained possession). Although I’m not a huge fan of that, at least it provides consistency. Also, there would be additional motivation for offenses to operate under-center instead of the shotgun – something of which many football “purists” would approve.

It can be argued that these changes in rules would improve the game, and the opposite can be argued. But at the very least, the rule would be simple, consistent, and would greatly reduce the capacity of a ref to make a very questionable judgment call that consequently determines the outcome – something I, for one, am growing increasingly tired of.

Eh, It's Better Off Without Sammy

I don't know about you, but my interest in the Yanks-Sox feud is wearing thin. Actually, I don't ever remember it being very thick. The midwest gets no love since every team is boring and unappealing and full of players who just go out there and do their jobs. The Cubs are nothing but lovable losers. The Cards aren't 'sexy' enough. The Reds won't ever be anything worth noting without a healthy Griffey Jr. We'll just look the other way on the Brewers... Where's the drama? Big time sports writers insist the nation will never rally behind a central team until they induce some controversy. They don't call each other names or flip flop back and forth via free agency. Where's the drama? Oh right, it does exist. They just keep it on the field.
I've been reading Three Nights in August, the biography of Tony La Russa written by Buzz Bissinger, and the first passage I will share couldn't make my above point any more clear.

"The rivalry between the Cubs and the Cardinals is probably the oldest and perhaps the best in baseball, no matter how the Red Sox and Yankees spit and spite at each other. That's a tabloid-fueled soap opera about money and ego and sound bites. That's a pair of bratty high-priced supermodels trying to trip each other in their stilettos on the runway. But the Cards-Cubs epic is about roots and geography and territorial rights. It's entwined in the Midwestern blood and therefore refreshing and honest and even heroic. It isn't simply two teams throwing tantrums at each other but two feudal city-states with eternal fans far beyond their own walls..."

I suppose this is a good time to throw out my thanks to those damn White Sox for returning the midwest to glory through dominant, smart, hard-working baseball. Can't wait til spring training...

Championship Weekend II

Let us continue our discussion...

Carolina-Seattle

Another interesting match-up here pits one over-achieving team against a odds on favorite. Seattle showed why they earned a first round bye as well as showed how much home-field advantage will play into this game. Seattle fans went nuts after that game, their first playoff win ever. Matt Hasselback, as much as I hate him, showed he can play consistently enough to win (2 ints in last 190 attempts) and Shaun Alexander is slated to start, though I wonder how long he can go with his concussion. Still, this team is solid, healthy and looking to show they are a serious contender.

Carolina on the other hand has everything and nothing going for them all at once. DeShaun Foster is out with broken ankle (A side note, on ESPN.com, they listed Foster as 'probably out with a broken ankle'; probably, holy hell can he even walk, why is there even a question about it?) Steve Smith, the best receiver under 6 feet tore Da Bears apart. Over 200 yards and 14 receptions will be hard to top, but he may have to do so. Unless Nick Goings can gain some ground for Carolina, the Panthers become a little one dimensional. DE Julius Pepper is questionable with a bad ankle along with 6 other Panthers. However, Jake Delhomme is 5-1 as a starter in the postseason and looked pretty good against the Bears. I think the Carolina offense will find a way to move the ball and have the defense carry them throw the game.

As tough as Seattle is, Carolina won't go down with out a fight. Goings will get going and gain enough yards that Delhomme can get the ball to Steve Smith. I predict an upset, Carolina wins 31-29.

Championship Weekend

Though I am a bigger fan of college football than I am of the NFL, it is hard not to get excited about the playoffs this year. The top teams everyone thought would still be playing are not. New England and Indianapolis are out, suprisingly and the Bears are too, which is not so shocking. (Hard to win games with Kyle Orton or a QB who has never played a full season in the NFL and only two in college, Grossman left after his redshirt Sophomore year) But I digress, Pittsburgh-Denver and Carolina-Seattle both lack the 'star power' of the Mannings and Bradys of the world, but what great matchups.

Pittsburgh-Denver

Maybe the best game this postseason looks to take place in Denver. Bill Cowher, one of the most consistent coaches ever in the NFL, continues to show why he keeps winning. This is the 6th time in 12 years they have been in the AFC title game but their postseason success in much like that of the Atlanta Braves. (Cowher reminds me a lot of Bobby Cox - regular season genius, and then nothing in the playoffs) But with Jerome Bettis playing to cap off a great career and a top three QB at the helm with Big Ben, this team looks good. They shut down the high powered Indy offense and moved the ball fairly well on their much improved defense. Even with their sluggish mid-season, this team just came off a huge upset, one of the biggest in a decade, and has a lot going for them...

However, Denver's success story is much the same. They handed the playoff god Tom Brady his first loss ever and knocked off a team people though could go far. Their offense is truly balanced. Mike Shanahan, who could turn Tony Yelk into a great running back, can run or throw on you. Jake Plummer, an underrated QB who needed a chance to prove himself, has done just that. Their defense is stout and playing at home will be a definite advantage.

Knowing all this, let me throw out my prediction. Denver will be tough, but Pittsburgh wants the Bus to get a ring. Their playing really well and if their offense gets going and Big Ben doesn't make mistakes, the Steelers come away with a win, 23-17.

One Vote Doesn't Make A Difference

The voters don't always know what they're doing when they cast annual all-star ballots. Actually, they rarely do. They only reason I vote online is to cancel out at least one idiot who perenially checks Vince Carter's name and thinks Tracy McGrady is automatically entitled to a starting spot no matter how poorly his team is doing or how often he is carried out of stadiums on a stretcher. (In fact, the NBA.com voting ballot contains the header "Vote For Your Favorite Players.") Although it was suprisingly difficult, I've gone online and voted and here are my proposed 12-man rosters:

Eastern Conference Starting Five

PG: Allen Iverson: noone can deny AI is one of the toughest guys in the league. He's second in scoring (33.2 p/g), seventh in assists (7.5), and fourth in steals (2.1). His heart is disproportionately large to his size as he is truly one of the few inspiring players left in the money-driven NBA.

SG: Dwayne Wade: he's got the Heat sitting in the two seed in the eastern conference (right behind the ridiculous Pistons) while carrying a team often without the injury-prone Shaq and a handful of has-beens. A prolific scorer that has a good inside and outside game and who throws in about 7 assists and rebounds each night.

SF: Lebron James: along with Iverson, the easiest picks on the entire ballot. I was a doubter two years ago but have since changed my opinion of this all-around player who at least appears to be humble enough to put the team first. His numbers of 31.1/6.6/6.0 are good enough that any GM would gladly take this young buck and create a team around him.

PF: Chris Bosh: alright viewers, begin the debate. Bosh is probably the most questionable player on my ballot, but deserving nonetheless. He plays for an awful team with awful players and fights through the double and triple teams to notch over 22 points and 9 boards a game. The stats aren't stellar, but look around at the rest of the forwards in the East; aside from Lebron, you can go down the list and pass the top eight forwards from the West before you get to a big man from the East that can hold his ground. The Raps are getting better, and even though they still dwell near the basement, just think where they would be without Bosh.

C: Ben Wallace: the first reason would be the same as above--there just aren't any dominant centers. And yes, this season that include Shaquille O'Neal. The Pistons are playing phenominal ball and should be recognized with at least one member in the starting five, and Big Ben gets the nod because he does lead the league in rebounding, afterall. I wish there was something else that supports this pick, but there just isn't.

Subs (in deserving order): Paul Pierce (F), Chauncey Billups (G), Jason Kidd (G), Jermaine O'Neal (F/C), Gilbert Arenas (G), Shaquille O'Neal (C), Dwight Howard (F)

Western Conference Starting Five

PG: Baron Davis: another questionable call, but he is having a career year. I know, how could I possibly not start Steve Nash, but even with their numbers being very comparable (Davis' 18.1/4.6/9.3/1.7 to Nash's 19.1/4.2/11.2/0.9) I think Baron has had slightly less to work with and has managed to give this dismal program at least a little hope of making the playoffs. I consider Shawn Marion to be one of the top 5 best all-around players in the league, a significant upgrade from Jason Richardson. Baron wins by a nose.

SG: Kobe Bryant: because I had to. No matter how much I dislike the guy, his gutsy performances night in and night out while carrying an awful team on his shoulders make him an all-star. I often criticise how much he shoots and refuses to play a team game, but when was the last time you looked at the standings? His 'team' is currently in the #6 spot.

SF: Shawn Marion: the Suns picked up right where they left off last season, without Amare and Q. Marion continues to fill in the stat line from points to blocks. He's a guy I think is underrated as a defender and is extremely athletic. In a conference with so many great forwards he narrowly beats out Timmy and Elton (as much as I'd like to see Brand get his due) as it is his time to get some credit owed to him from last years Pheonix success.

PF: Kevin Garnett: and it's not only because he is one of my favs. KG is silently having his typical MVP-caliber season of 22.2/11.3/4.9/1.4/1.4 while not being surrounded by much talent, again. The MN owners teased for one year by bringing in valuable free agents, but only an overrated Olowakandi and Wally remain. Using the formula that calculates fantasy points for the league I am currently in, a point allocation that I do consider reasonable, the website has Garnett as the top fantasy point attainer to date. The numbers don't lie. Then again, neither does the T-Wolves' record.

C: Marcus Camby: another odd pick that is partially justified through reasons not related to his performance. First off, neither Dirk or Duncan are available under the center position. Secondly, much like the East, the West is lacking true centers. Although he's been injured the past ten games, he did jump out to an amazing start to the season and helped fool us into thinking Denver might actually be a contender this year. The only alternative to Camby are Brad Miller (underachieving on a bad team), Yao (spent even more time on DL), and Mehmet Okur (team has same record, but individual numbers are less). I should give him credit, though, for being the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year with 13 boards and over 3 blocks a game.

Subs: Steve Nash (G), Elton Brand (F), Tim Duncan (F/C), Dirk Nowitzki (F/C), Pau Gasol (F), Sam Cassell (G), Ray Allen (G)

The Future of ISU

I read a great piece on Jamie Pollard, the new AD at ISU. In the article, it details his goals and ambitions for the program. His number one goal strikes me as the most important. Raising the expectations of the University, athletes, fans, and coaches to the point were we expect to win. I don't that ISU has ever felt that way, and to have a guy come in and say we will, that is great. ISU needed fresh blood in the AD role, and they found a winner. This guy has more drive in him than anyone out there.

The real trick will be getting State fans to buy into the idea. I mean this in two ways: financially and emotionally. We're like the Keytsone Light of the Big XII. You pay a little but get a pretty good reward. If we can get our budget to the mid-level of the Big XII, we'll be in good shape. I don' know if ISU can ever get to the level of Texas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma as far as budgets. Yet, I feel like in a year or two, we'll be able to compete with those teams. And yes, with Dan McCarney as head coach.

Second, fans need to believe. It will take time. ISU has a young football team that can only go up in talent. Recruitment will need to be big this year and can really set the tone for the next few years. I am excited to see where ISU Athletics head in the next few years. The Big XII better watch out, because this university is on its way up.

Note: Since I'm not good with computers, I cannot figure out to link you to website with the article. Go to the Iowa State Website and you'll see it on the right. My deepest apologies.


Here you go, Cale. -KG

Where's the D?

My own team proved me wrong. For quite a while now I've had the faulty belief that there is nothing more consistent than defense. If given the chance to model a team after the Detroit Pistons/Alabama Tide or the Dallas Mavs/TT Red Raiders you'd have to pick the former because there will be those nights offense abandons you but you can always fallback on not letting your opponent score. A guy can miss open shots, a receiver can drop passes, a batter can swing at the most perfect pitch and hit nothing but air. However, defense isn't about quickness, but rather beating your opponent by getting there first. Isn't it? I always assumed defense was more mental than physical and it tested not only athleticism, but the ability to read a play and just play smarter than the guy coming at you.
Last Sunday the Bears showed otherwise--that defense can just as easily as offense be turned off like a lightswitch. Every time I go to the rec to play basketball I go in expecting that my shots might fall or they might not, but I ALWAYS have defense to rely upon. Every night I see guys that just can't play defense, and I'm not talking about the lazy players, but those who try and just can't seem to challenge shots, box out, stay in front, not bite obvious fakes, etc. Until now I attributed that to not knowing how, just lacking that court awareness and ability to see the angles. Maybe it was wishful thinking that anyone can play great defense without the skills of mad offense.
Still, how does a team that sets ridiculous benchmarks in points allowed, fewest TD's, and constant and ruthless QB pressure just lie down when it mattered most. It's possible that it is unfair to compare basketball with football, where defense requires more speed and althleticism, but Carolina had more yards by halftime than Chicago averaged all season per game. The physical d-line didn't apply pressure, the run defense was non-existant, and the secondary just plain got beat. All on a day when the offense was actually clicking. I dunno, maybe the key to great defense in all sports is simply hustle and the will to want it more...

Upon Further Review...

The 2004 NCAACF season marked the coming-out of instant replay at the collegiate level, with the Big X (XI) using a tweaked version of the popular NFL system; in 2005, it was unveiled to the world. Rarely does the topic lack opinions, and there is no exception here. First let me say that the point of this article is not to argue whether the game is better or worse or – heaven forbid I say it – fairer with instant replay. That being said, it’s important to at least list out the pros and cons of replay (in general) so that all are on the same page:

Instant replay makes the game worse because:
1) It slows down the game
2) It holds officials to an unrealistic standard – to be able to call a play after seeing it one time, in real-time, and from one vantage point with the same accuracy of seeing it many times, frame-by-frame, and from every angle imaginable…except coincidentally from the best angle
3) It attempts to take human error out of officiating which, fair or not, at least adds a little spice and controversy to the game which, c’mon, is the main reason we are all addicted to sports
4) It will NEVER be infallible

Instant replay makes the game better because:
1) It (from time to time) results in the correction of an incorrect call
2) It (from time to time) provides fans with assurance that the correct call was made on the field
3) It adds more spice and controversy than human error could ever add alone (note: human error still remains and is still spicy)
4) It…boy…there really should be something else here…

From this point forward, lets just all assume that instant replay is here to stay, but that the details of the system are “up for review.” Note: the system "under review" is the Big X (XI) system which was used for bowl season.

I guess I’m already way ahead of instant replay, in that I was able to watch the season, evaluate the system, and decide that further evaluation is required…AND I did it all of that before the first snap of next season!

But first things first, can the NCAA please step in, evaluate the scattered and mildly dissimilar conference systems, and establish a consistent NCAA Instant Replay System? If the NCAA has authority to regulate individual schools’ names, mascots, and traditions – whether or not having anything to do with collegiate athletics (expect additional blogs on this issue) – then it ought to have authority to regulate the GAME itself!

Second, just push the damn button! I’m a seasoned veteran at sitting on my ass and watching college football games, and I can tell you it usually doesn’t take but half a glance to know that something fishy just happened. No that I have DVR (and know how to operate it), I can tell you it takes about 5 additional seconds to spot fishiness in the rare occasion that you missed it the first time. As long as the “booth guys” (they don’t deserve the title of “officials”) have the authority to stop play and take another look, then they need to do just that! Not after seeing the replay to confirm that they should look at the replay, or after seeing the replay twice to confirm that they should look at the replay, or even seeing the replay thrice to confirm that they should look at the replay…but as soon as the play happens. Half of the time they should be pushing the button before the play in question is even finished (ref. Alamo Bowl [Michigan-Nebraska] finale that still might be going on). To expect that coaches should waste timeouts (for which ,unlike in the NFL, they are not reimbursed) in order to give the “booth guys” more time to sit on their respective asses and watch replays until they’re blue in the face at which point to decide whether or not they need to sit and watch more replays, is absurd. It’s also the entire reason that coaches were not allowed to challenge as in the pros: because it’s not fair for teams to lose timeouts in order to get questionable plays reviews (again ref. Alamo Bowl when Michigan was forced to use all but 0 timeouts to “encourage” the “booth guys” to do their job). This happens far too often – not coaches using timeouts to get plays reviewed (they just started to figure that out late in the season), but questionable plays not getting reviewed in time. Listing all the examples would take most of the off-season. The sad part is that there are only 3 reasons for this (and none of them understandable):
1) the booth guys just missed it
2) the booth guys weren’t sure and were gun-shy to push the button
3) the technical staff could not provide the replays to the booth guys
and all three (even #3) were exposed during this season’s grande finale – the highest rated college football game in like 500 years. Note: as long as I’m on that game, expect an additional blog on what constitutes a lateral/backward pass and what constitutes a forward pass…seems like a simple concept, but apparently “needs further review.”

Well, you should be happy to know now that I’ve finished my ranting. Further more, I’ve almost finished my article…

Third, don’t reverse calls which where not clearly (I like the NFL’s “indisputably”) called incorrectly on the field.

Fourth (and actually a responsibility of the field officials – if they have such a thing anymore), don’t blow the whistle until the play is dead…meaning: dead, dead, dead…i.e. in the Alamo Bowl finale, dead would have been when the player with the ball was tackled by the 2 safeties at the 10 yard line whom, from that play alone, should both be inducted into some-sort of “Heads-up Hall of Fame.”

Fifth, and finally, don’t always rule reviewed plays in favor of the home team. I’m not employed by the NCAA so I don’t expect to be fined (and any American must just accept that they may at any time be fined by the NBA) so I can go ahead and suggest home-field favoritism in the system (to the overdramatic, that means suggesting “conspiracy”). All I’m really saying is that I, for one, would like to take a look at the numbers to see what percentage of replay reviews were ruled in favor of the home team. Then, and only then, would I entertain a discussion about the fairness that the system brings to college football. There’s quite a bit of time now before the next play, so maybe someone with a competent technical staff (rules out ABC) would be able to conduct such a review and provide those numbers…and maybe without even needing to push the button.

Speculation on this upcoming Draft

With regards to all the talk about Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and the rest of this very talented draft class, something is being left out of the picture. The teams that will be drafting these young men are not good at all. As talented as these players are, and trust me, we didn't see all of Reggie Bush's talent at the rose bowl, will struggle in their first year or two. The Texans lack any talent on offense outside of David Carr, who could make it if he had a line.

Vince Young also lacks the ability to read complex defensive schemes he'll see in the NFL. Clearly he is ready to take that step, but it will take time to adjust to the new speed and talent of the NFL. In the NFL, everybody you play against is very talented, not so much in college and it will take these stars time to adjust.

I feel like Matt Lienart may make the adjustment the quickest because of experience in Pete Carroll's and Norm Chow's system, but the player that stands to gain the most is LenDale White. A great player that may slip to the 5-12 pick and end up with a team that sucks less.

But hey, it could be worse, they don't have to deal with what Marcus Vick does...

Getting Back on the Horse

I thought it appropriate to use a phrase Nate and I often joke about as the jumpstart back into blogging. Hell, I really don't have many better things to do with my time--it's just a matter of not being lazy. So here I go again, particularly to assist Nate in his ability to hold a sports-related conversation and partially because I like to bitch. (This return will last maybe a week...) First off, I'll weigh in on a few controversies that are worth noting. If they are good enough to make it on PTI, they're good enough for this.

NBA

-Bulls trade Eddy Curry after he refuses a DNA test.

First off, this one hits home because I'm a Bulls fan. I can see both sides to it (and both are ugly), but I have to side with Jim Paxson on this one. If my star center missed the end of the regular season and entire playoff series because his heart was skipping beats, I'd want insurance too. In Illinois it is very legal for an employer to request a DNA test, but ethically questionable. So Jim asked, Eddy refused, Isiah wanted a low-post presence--everyone wins. I'm not sour, though, because Eddy outstayed his welcome and Mike Sweetney might actually live up to some hype. It's high time to fear the Bulls once again.

-NBA introduces dress code for players.

I am not even going to get into the ridiculous claims that this is a racial element meant to bring down the black athlete, but I will say I'm mixed on the subject. I don't think it is bad simply because at most places of business there are particular dress codes and it surely does no harm to look professional. I don't think it good simply because I consider it highly unnecessary since most fans don't pay any attention to how the players are dressed anyways. Everyone expected outrages and refusals to comply by all kinds of players, but the first one to break the dress code was the most unlikely of candidates, Toni Kukoc. The Croatian shows up wearing a plain white t-shirt and said he just wants to be comfortable. Bless Toni Kukoc, the freedom fighter.

NFL

-Minnesota Vikings go on a sex cruise during week off.

What? Pro athletes shagging lots of women on yachts? This is an outrage! Oh well, I didn't mind because instead of practicing or watching tapes they decided to have some fun and then lost to the Bears 28-3. I think the franchise is full of issues to deal with right now, so this shouldn't be making the headlines

NHL (I don't follow hockey, but I don't know which of these two stories shocked me more.)

-Former coach and general manager Jacques Demers admits he's illiterate.

The guy can't read or write. Wow. Well, he certainly proves you don't have to be smart to be successful in life, or at least in sports. I would assume at some point he would have had to sign a contract and read important documents and jot down notes for his players and spell Canadien! I guess not. (His wife found out after he kept putting off paying household bills because he couldn't write a check.) Oh, and he attributes his inadequacies on an abusive childhood. This spurned an ESPN reporter tonight to consider there may be more individuals out there who have this problem than we know about. That can't read or write?! What is this the deep south?

-Todd Bertuzzi returns to the ice after crippling Steve Moore.

Everyone in America should know this story because it stretches far beyond remedial sports debates. If you don't know what I'm referring to, last season Bertuzzi came up behind Moore and attacked him by blindsiding him during a game and punching him in the face. Moore dropped to the ice, his neck immediately broken. Bertuzzi was suspended for the remainder of the season, however, lucky him, the NHL went on lock-out and was abruptly ended last year. This season an agreement was reached and the players are back on the ice, including Bertuzzi, but not Moore. Sure he fulfilled his punishment, but the question is whether or not it was too small. Many columnists claim he should not be allowed to play until Moore is rehabilitated and can also play. According to our friend, Hammurabi, shouldn't the punishment fit the crime? A player possibly ended another player's career. Steve Moore was simply living out his dream of playing professional hockey and it was brutally taken away from him. The dire consequenses weren't intentional, but the cheap shot to the face sure was. Who knows, maybe having to live with the guilt and title for the rest of his life is punishment enough.

WNBA (Although I don't really count this as a sport.)

-Sheryl Swoops came out and admits she is a lesbian.

Not only that, but she defects the idea that people are born gay and claims people have to turn gay. Apparently that's what a decade of time in a women's lockerroom will do to you. The self-labeled pioneer is hoping to inspire male athletes to come out, but we all know it won't happen. The testimony I'm still waiting to hear is that of her recently divorced husband and eight-year old child. Evidently she wasn't born gay or she's been pump-faking more than her jump shots.

Around The (Long)Horn

I know, I know, I should resume studying for my midterm tomorrow, but it's not until 9:00 a.m. and I have all night. Instead, I think I'll post a sports column. My new favorite show of late has been Around the Horn on ESPN at 4:00 p.m. CT, and I highly recommend you check it out at least once a week if you care at all about being updated on the sporting world. It's fresh and funny and gives four sides to any topic. At first I was amazed at how quickly these guys come up with their responses, but after tuning in daily I think I could hold my own. The following are some disagreements with and/or additional points that were made by the contestants this week. I'm convinced I could take Woody Paige in a Showdown finale.

*Today, Jay Mariotti, a Chicago native, claimed the White Sox needed to win game 2 against the Angels or they were done because they could not go into LA and win 2 out of 3. All three of his opponents argued otherwise, but none of them mentioned the fact that this season the White Sox had a better winning percentage on the road than at home. The only other team to do so this year was my beloved Cardinals, causing me to warn Cale about the ChiSox World Series homefield disadvantage. But what do you know, the Sox did end up winning game 2 by quite the controversy. Check it out.

*Tony Cornheiser was asked if Texas challenges USC as the country's top football team, and his arguments were ridiculous. First of all, he mentioned that the Big XII is down right now, and they will go undefeated without much adversity. Next, he pointed out how poorly Big XII teams (Oklahoma) have done as of late in championship games, as well as in bowl games. This latter 'fact' isn't really true, and he is obviosly forgetting Texas did indeed smoke Michigan in the Rose Bowl. (All are strawman fallacies, however, because he's arguing the overall talent of the Big XII, not that of Texas.) His closing argument was that the reigning champs should remain at the top until beaten--a statement that agrees with my belief that pre-season rankings don't mean shit. CF rankings should not be made until at least the third week of the season to avoid courtesy spots (obviously Iowa) and to simply wait and see what each team looks like and who they beat. The way the current rankings system works, you pretty much have to lose to drop spots, so starting off the season with the champs at #1 makes it that much harder to dethrone them. Sure, USC has looked pretty good and hasn't lost yet, but had the rankings been formed a few weeks into the season, Texas might have been first after beating a then-#4 Ohio State. I'll admit I might have put USC atop the poll, but it is absurd to claim Texas is not a serious competitor for the title.

*When debating whether or not Chris Carpenter is a true ace, and Cy Young winner, I don't know how many times I've heard about his late struggles in his last few starts, particularly his September ERA. In case you don't know about the phenomenal season Carp is having, by 'struggle' people mean his one loss. Yeah, he recently lost for the first time since June 8th. His 22 consecutive starts giving up 3 or less runs is just plain sick, and he was averaging about 8 innings a start. Two weeks ago on the show, all four sports writers picked Carpenter to lose his playoff opener to Jake Peavy...I couldn't believe my ears. Instead, Carp threw 6 shutout innings for the win and Peavy gave up 7 runs. Oh, and he also beat Andy Pettitte tonight.

At least they all agreed that A-Rod choked and Ron Artest is out of his f-ing mind.