I think all of us have probably thought about this before, so I wanted to post my answer to the question: What determines if a sport is truly a “sport”?
Definition of an “Athletic Sport”:
A competitive game or event can be called an “athletic sport” if it satisfies the following (2) rules:
(1) The primary measure to determine success must be some objective, quantifiable measure other than:
-Beauty
-Form
-Style
-Aesthetics
-Emotion
(2) ALL of the following attributes must help facilitate success:
-Strength
-Power
-Agility (full-body)
-Physical Quickness
-Mental Quickness / Reaction
-Skill
-Timing
-Coordination
-Strategy
-Physical Endurance
-Mental Endurance
Making the cut:
-Baseball
-Soccer
-American Football
-Basketball
-Volleyball
-Racquet Sports (Tennis, Badminton, Racquetball, AND Ping Pong)
-Running
-Biking
-Rollerblading
-Wrestling
-Hockey
-All Downhill and Cross Country Skiing
Barely making the cut:
-Sprinting (possibly lacks endurance but I think 100 yard sprint is long enough to requir endurance)
-Air Hockey and Foosball (very close on full-body agility)
Missing the Cut:
-All judged events - Gymnastics, Dancing, Diving, Skateboarding, Rollerblading, Snowboarding, and Skiing for style (Rule # 1)
-Auto Driving, Hunting, “Sport” Shooting, Fishing, Archery (lack power and full body agility)
-Golf, Bowling, Billiards, Swimming, Darts (lack mental quickness/reaction)
-Power lifting (lacks mental quickness/reaction and endurance)
-One time events – Javelin, Shot-put, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Ski Jump (lack endurance)
-All Card Games (lacks pretty much every criterion)
-Competitive eating or drinking (lack strength, power, full-body agility, mental quickness/reaction)
Comments: First I need to say that I tried to develop the criteria first and then apply it to the “sports” in question. I didn’t have a list of sports and non-sports and try to make criteria which would generate my pre-determined outcome.
Also, I’m not arguing that events lack merit simply because they don’t meet my criteria. I’m simply saying they should not be referred to as “athletic sports.” Many of the events and competitions that fell short are great “games”, “competitions”, or “arts”…just not “sports”. I’ve always felt that golf is one of the best competitions due to its combination of physical ability, mental ability, and skill.
I’m curious to hear differing opinions or suggestions.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Definition of "Sport"
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Re: Seinfeld Rules of Volleyball
First off, well freakin’ done. The Seinfeld references were a nice touch, but mostly reading about the faux pas of sand volleyball was like reading gospel.
I’m not trying to one-up you here, as your Seinfeld knowledge far surpasses mine, but if I may be so presumptuous, I’d like to tack on one more…
The Low Talker: A low talker can cause a great deal of confusion – as Jerry discovered in the “Puffy Shirt” episode (“But I don’t want to be a Pirate”) – and the sand volleyball low talker (coincidentally usually a woman) is no exception. There are several situations where vocal restraint just adds confusion (or liability), so please do everyone a favor and open your throat, push from the diaphragm, and speak up. Call a ball that is in between “zones”, help a teammate judge if a ball will be long or short, tell the opponents if a ball was out of bounds, let your teammate know if you are ready to “kibosh” a good set, and above all, announce the score before you serve! It’s a simple rule really: Don’t serve the ball until you’ve (audibly) said the score. I really struggle to determine exactly what goes through a person’s mind when they fail to announce the score. If they in fact know the score, maybe they want to “keep it in the vault” so they can sneak in a few points later. Or maybe they don’t know the score and are counting on some revelation during the next point. Maybe they just figure that no one will ever bring it up again. Or maybe they are taking procrastination to the extreme with the attitude of “why figure it out know when we can figure it out later?” Well, I’ll tell you why: because it’s going to be a lot goddamn harder to figure it out after you play more points. I feel that failure to announce the score should be an automatic side out (or point in the new-age rally system).
I think we ought to add more rules as new situations arise (sort of a “living document”), but in the meantime, the Seinfeld Rules should ensure enjoyable, quality, fundamental sand volleyball. So study the rules, play all volleyball according to their will, and fearlessly go out into the world and spread their message.
News in the World of Sports
Jolting Joe in Danger?
Honestly, probably not. Considering that the closest anybody has ever been is 44 (Pete Rose) and Chase Utley is still 10 away from that. But who doesn't love the thrill of the chase. This is a great story and I hope he makes a run at Pete and Joe. Pay attention to Chase, he's not quite done.
Heartbreak in Sooner Nation
Rhett Bomar decided he needed some more money so he "sold" cars and pulled down $18000. The real problem of course is how does OU deal with this major setback. Many have the tabbed as a legitimate national title contender with a solid QB and now that is not the case. We saw what happens without a good QB in OU, maybe ISU can sneak one past the Sooners...
Honestly, probably not. Considering that the closest anybody has ever been is 44 (Pete Rose) and Chase Utley is still 10 away from that. But who doesn't love the thrill of the chase. This is a great story and I hope he makes a run at Pete and Joe. Pay attention to Chase, he's not quite done.
Heartbreak in Sooner Nation
Rhett Bomar decided he needed some more money so he "sold" cars and pulled down $18000. The real problem of course is how does OU deal with this major setback. Many have the tabbed as a legitimate national title contender with a solid QB and now that is not the case. We saw what happens without a good QB in OU, maybe ISU can sneak one past the Sooners...
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Even I've Been On the Trading Block
While sifting through my stacks of college/FH paperwork I came across the following email that had been printed out and given to me years ago. I found it humorous enough to post. Oh, how relieved I am this deal never actually occured. (And thanks for the vote of convidence, Strader.)
From: "Scott Strader"
Tue, 03 Jul 2001 03:44:34
Trade Talks
AMES (AP)--Apparently Luke Foster, FarmHouse rush chairman, was approached by the Alpha Sigma Phi rush chairman today asking if FH was rushing a Kelly Guiter, "because we want to rush him too." FH has currently forged a deal in which the Alpha Sigs would be allowed to retain the rights to Guiter along with Chris Gardner, Travis Mitchell, and a right-handed relief rushee to be named later. FH will receive a Homecoming General Co-Chair, a 6-foot-5 basketball player, a bass-baritone, and an undisclosed amount of cash rumored to be in excess of $10 million. Attempts to claim Ryan Satterly on waivers fell through because he is being sent to a rehab assignment at AAA-Iowa. Satterly's agent declined comment.
From: "Scott Strader"
Tue, 03 Jul 2001 03:44:34
Trade Talks
AMES (AP)--Apparently Luke Foster, FarmHouse rush chairman, was approached by the Alpha Sigma Phi rush chairman today asking if FH was rushing a Kelly Guiter, "because we want to rush him too." FH has currently forged a deal in which the Alpha Sigs would be allowed to retain the rights to Guiter along with Chris Gardner, Travis Mitchell, and a right-handed relief rushee to be named later. FH will receive a Homecoming General Co-Chair, a 6-foot-5 basketball player, a bass-baritone, and an undisclosed amount of cash rumored to be in excess of $10 million. Attempts to claim Ryan Satterly on waivers fell through because he is being sent to a rehab assignment at AAA-Iowa. Satterly's agent declined comment.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
The Seinfeld Rules of Sand Volleyball
It's been the summer of sand volleyball and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. The evening weather's been beautiful, the sand soft, *most* games are friendly and competitive. However, VB definitely contains the good, bad, and ugly, and it's far time someone stood up to all the schmucks out there who are unawares of their faux pas. While on a plane to Houston, I began by listing my personal pet peeves that arise during a typical sand volleyball game. I realized the list of things that bother me got pretty long. I then went to an anger management session to relieve some stress. Now I've trimmed the list and ready to teach the world what not to do when playing VB with your fellow peers--or at least not when playing with me. Considering a few of us have been discussing Seinfeld daily while playing recently, it became the outlet of my complaints (pardon the long post). All I ask is that you look in a mirror and if you realize you fall under one of these personas, knock it off. Let us meet the cast...
Jerry: this is that player that seems completely indifferent when the ball happens to pass by his or her way. Maybe they make a feeble attempt to bump a ball that is just out of reach, maybe they don't. I've always wanted to drag my foot through the sand and divide the court into as many segments as there are players and give ownership to each and every player to protect their rectangular section. The Jerry in the group will stand there stationary as the ball catches his corner, watching the player next to him desperately try to save a point while faceplanting into the sand directly at his feet and he'll simply look down at you and say, "That's a shame." Why lift a finger to help out his team when he knows in the end he'll be Even Steven? Jerry has never been one to actually care about anything, so why would volleyball be any different? After the score starts stacking against you and you begin preaching to your team that some points will come if only teamwork can pull off a bump, set, and spike in succession, he'll back away, wave his hands, and wish you "good luck with aaallll that..."
George: he was the most successful when he did the opposite of his instincts, but that only lasted a couple of episodes. George was always giving advice, but it was never anything he himself would be willing to do. This player is usually giving orders but succumbing to hypocrisy by not taking his own advice. He'll be the one yelling at you if you hit it over without utilizing all three shots, yet his first chance at the net he's trying to kill anything that comes close. He often gets annoyed when teammates make unforced errors via mis-hits, but it's ok when his serve return is a bump that struck his upper arm and bounced perpendicular out of bounds and over the fence. George is also a rather angry individual, never successfully hiding his rage. ("George is gettin' upset!") This player is typically bad for team chemistry, using petty comments or body language to let his teammate know he isn't pleased with their recent play. Don't let George "into the bloodstream" and "infect your staff" or he will suck the fun out of playing a friendly game and cause discontent among others. Besides, who wants to play with a "pear-shaped" loser?
Elaine: we all know how she dances, and that in no way translates into volleyball. Listen and listen closely: DO NOT KICK THE BALL. You know who you are out there, but you persist anyways. I have no bigger pet peeve out in the sand box than if Elaine and her "little kicks" show up. Pick up the damn ball and toss it to the next server. Not only does kicking the ball spray sand into the face of the person in front of you but it rarely goes where intended--a kicked ball more often than not ends up as wasted time while someone has to chase and corral what someone thought would be a more efficient way to transport the ball from the ground to the server. If you want to use your feet go join the US World Cup team--they could use the help.
Kramer: Michael Richards has made a living off physical comedy, using his body to generate memorable laughs. Hey, Mr. Purposefully-Throw-Yourself-Into-The-Sand-And-Roll-Around-Or-Fall-Into-The-Net-Guy, you aren't Michael Richards. You may lack coordination. You may lack speed. You may lack simple volleyball skills. However, acting the buffoon doesn't impress. Although the real Kramer's exaggerated behavior onscreen is hilarious, out in the sand a tough, well-fought point won will bring more smiles than an overdramatic point lost. More than once this summer a lengthy, exciting volley developed with people making incredible shots to keep it alive, going back and forth, the intensity growing as everyone wonders who will falter first, only to have it end by some moron (far too juiced from the excited cheering from the masses) run screaming at the ball and hammering it directly into the net or over the fence. The best is when he follows it up with a primitive yell, breaks into a laugh, and then realizes noone is laughing with him. And why is he usually on my team? Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good effort, and laying out into the sand is often necessary and complimented. The second type of Kramer is the one who makes a spectacular dig and manages to save the point, yet he remains laying in the sand until the appropriate props are given. As of late, I've almost began physically picking people up off the sand when this happens. Kudos to a great hit but keep playing, dammit. It's all in vain if the other team hits it right back to the spot where we have a man down (this is especially vital when playing 3-on-3 or 4-on-4). Yes, we saw it, you don't need to overdramatize it for "effect." The funny thing about the Kramer is that he shows up more often when the "femininas" are around. If you care more about generating a cheap laugh from the opposite sex than a friendly competitive, fundamental game get out. I'm sure any Latvian Orthodox Father would agree with me in that you don't have the Kavorka, but rather are a run-of-the-mill Hipster Doofus.
Kenny Bania: whether it be about Ovaltine or the shopping cart with one bad wheel, Bania is always a sure miss--much like the volleyball serve of a few hacks I know. Under normal VB point rules a failed serve eliminates any possibility to earn points, but under rally rules (which is how we play in sand) a failed serve gives the opponent a free point. I understand noone is flawless and bad serves do happen, but if you consistently cannot put the ball into play do something about it. I know a girl who serves it long 75% of the time; one time I decided to count and on her sixth rotation to the serve spot she finally managed to keep one in bounds. Amazing. (People still repeat the rhyme from a couple summers ago, "when in doubt, Stu's are out.") Personally, I think if you are even hitting one out of three out of play that is not effective. Too many Bania's try to put power behind the ball or crazy spin on the ball, but the reality is that aces only happen (rarely) by a lack of communication by the other team. And there is nothing worse than a serve into the net because at least sometimes serves that will most likely go out of bounds are still kept in play by the returning side. I can only imagine the response of a dude who insists on slapping it ineffectively overhand actually listening to my advice of giving underhand a chance, and upon discovering it is easier to complete serves turns to me, wide-eyed and excited, "that's gold, Kelly. Gold!" It's ok to try and improve your serve gradually, but begin with a style that provides consistent results. Every time someone rotates into the back-right corner and my expectations of a shitty serve are answered, it makes me want to puke. "Puke, that's a funny word. Mind if I use that?"
Tim Watley: have you ever noticed some guys are just all over the place? The Watley of the group starts the point as the server, then he's middle-left backrow, then he's at the net. "I think he converted to front row purely for the spikes." Read the Jerry description above and you'll know how I feel about every player having their own area of which they are responsible. Frankly, he just wants in on the action regardless of position much like Tim Watley wants "joke immunity." All too often the Watley will be out of position and the vacancy gets exposed. Amid points I often give friendly reminders to get back to his spot, but when he doesn't I usually have to cover his ass; there is nothing worse than when it ends with the opponent cleverly tapping it to my unoccupied spot and suddenly I'm the anti-dentite bastard. I realize most don't enjoy playing backrow and the net gets more action and setting and spiking can be fun, but that's why we rotate, jackass. And you ask if this offends me as a spiker? No, it offends me as a volleyball player.
Mickey: I'm not picking on little people, but I'm afraid to say some people just aren't built for spiking. I'm tall, but I also jump like a white guy, so I focus on placement and out-of-position defense and "hitting it where they ain't." If you are vertically challenged or lack power, just play it safe. I don't come across a Mickey very often, but when I see a short guy (or often, gal) continue driving it into the net with big swings I can't help but roll my eyes.
Man-Hands: sure the references are getting a bit obscure, but this character exists nonetheless. Do you know anyone who seems to punch the ball rather than bump with their forearms? How about one who uses hard swats with their palm to get the ball into the air rather than setting the ball with two hands gracefully with precision? This is Man-Hands. I'll bet if Jerry's "lobster-claw ripping date" was up for a game of volleyball, she'd also have a tough time keeping it in the yard. These players simply have no touch. I especially enjoy the breed that clamps their hands together to form one mighty fist of fury, pumping it outwards from their body directly into the ball. Now I'm no physicist, but I don't believe making contact with the ball with a row of knuckles at a 45 degree angle is the best approach with the goal of placing the ball anywhere with any sort of accuracy. Come on, Man-Hands, it's a women's sport to begin with--slap on some moisturizer and soften that form. "Would you rather her have no hands?" "Would she have hooks?" "Do hooks make it more attractive, Jerry?" "They'd be kind of cool lookin'..."
Maura: this is not in reference to those players you just can't get rid of (although I've known one or two in my day), but instead are those imbeciles that refuse to let points die. Even though the serve was short or the other team hit it four times Maura continues to hit it back over the net. This isn't like a submarine where everyone has to turn their keys for the point to be over. The only things this person accomplishes is wasting a bit of time and often leading to confusion as to whose turn it is to serve. The only explanations for this behavior are: 1) she honestly didn't realize they hit it four (or more) times because it was a cluster of people, 2) she wasn't paying any attention, 3) she doesn't know the most fundamental rule of volleyball, 4) she was just dicking around. All I ask is that when the ball is dead, simply catch it and toss to the next server. (And God help you if you kick it...) The worst situation is when two Maura's happen to meet across from each other at the net and we wait patiently while they play meaningless one-on-one for a few strokes before play may resume. Much like George did, I think I have an airtight case to end this relationship.
David Puddy: "nice work. High five! " Greasemonkey mannerisms are definitely allowed in the sporting world and volleyball is no exception. I enjoy a good compliment, high five, or heterosexual pat on the rear, but celebration is best served in moderate doses. Puddy drove others crazy with his face painting, obnoxious cheering, and incessant high fives. Volleyball is a game that is very back and forth, so keep the in-your-face celebration to a minimum. Remember, for every hard spike there is some one one the receiving end and letting out loud "woo!"'s or "yeah, baby!"'s can really piss people off. Next time maybe they'll aim right for that overconfident mouth of yours. I've seen friendly games go sour and this is often the cause; avoid excessive commentary and keep it modest. But I know, I know, you "gotta support the team." Try doing it with fundamentally sound play.
All in all, the keys to good volleyball are knowing how to handle yourself, being prepared by staying on your toes, and knowing your limits. I'm no pro by any means, but I've played enough to know some of the things you should avoid. Stay away from the above characters and you'll do great.
Jerry: this is that player that seems completely indifferent when the ball happens to pass by his or her way. Maybe they make a feeble attempt to bump a ball that is just out of reach, maybe they don't. I've always wanted to drag my foot through the sand and divide the court into as many segments as there are players and give ownership to each and every player to protect their rectangular section. The Jerry in the group will stand there stationary as the ball catches his corner, watching the player next to him desperately try to save a point while faceplanting into the sand directly at his feet and he'll simply look down at you and say, "That's a shame." Why lift a finger to help out his team when he knows in the end he'll be Even Steven? Jerry has never been one to actually care about anything, so why would volleyball be any different? After the score starts stacking against you and you begin preaching to your team that some points will come if only teamwork can pull off a bump, set, and spike in succession, he'll back away, wave his hands, and wish you "good luck with aaallll that..."
George: he was the most successful when he did the opposite of his instincts, but that only lasted a couple of episodes. George was always giving advice, but it was never anything he himself would be willing to do. This player is usually giving orders but succumbing to hypocrisy by not taking his own advice. He'll be the one yelling at you if you hit it over without utilizing all three shots, yet his first chance at the net he's trying to kill anything that comes close. He often gets annoyed when teammates make unforced errors via mis-hits, but it's ok when his serve return is a bump that struck his upper arm and bounced perpendicular out of bounds and over the fence. George is also a rather angry individual, never successfully hiding his rage. ("George is gettin' upset!") This player is typically bad for team chemistry, using petty comments or body language to let his teammate know he isn't pleased with their recent play. Don't let George "into the bloodstream" and "infect your staff" or he will suck the fun out of playing a friendly game and cause discontent among others. Besides, who wants to play with a "pear-shaped" loser?
Elaine: we all know how she dances, and that in no way translates into volleyball. Listen and listen closely: DO NOT KICK THE BALL. You know who you are out there, but you persist anyways. I have no bigger pet peeve out in the sand box than if Elaine and her "little kicks" show up. Pick up the damn ball and toss it to the next server. Not only does kicking the ball spray sand into the face of the person in front of you but it rarely goes where intended--a kicked ball more often than not ends up as wasted time while someone has to chase and corral what someone thought would be a more efficient way to transport the ball from the ground to the server. If you want to use your feet go join the US World Cup team--they could use the help.
Kramer: Michael Richards has made a living off physical comedy, using his body to generate memorable laughs. Hey, Mr. Purposefully-Throw-Yourself-Into-The-Sand-And-Roll-Around-Or-Fall-Into-The-Net-Guy, you aren't Michael Richards. You may lack coordination. You may lack speed. You may lack simple volleyball skills. However, acting the buffoon doesn't impress. Although the real Kramer's exaggerated behavior onscreen is hilarious, out in the sand a tough, well-fought point won will bring more smiles than an overdramatic point lost. More than once this summer a lengthy, exciting volley developed with people making incredible shots to keep it alive, going back and forth, the intensity growing as everyone wonders who will falter first, only to have it end by some moron (far too juiced from the excited cheering from the masses) run screaming at the ball and hammering it directly into the net or over the fence. The best is when he follows it up with a primitive yell, breaks into a laugh, and then realizes noone is laughing with him. And why is he usually on my team? Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good effort, and laying out into the sand is often necessary and complimented. The second type of Kramer is the one who makes a spectacular dig and manages to save the point, yet he remains laying in the sand until the appropriate props are given. As of late, I've almost began physically picking people up off the sand when this happens. Kudos to a great hit but keep playing, dammit. It's all in vain if the other team hits it right back to the spot where we have a man down (this is especially vital when playing 3-on-3 or 4-on-4). Yes, we saw it, you don't need to overdramatize it for "effect." The funny thing about the Kramer is that he shows up more often when the "femininas" are around. If you care more about generating a cheap laugh from the opposite sex than a friendly competitive, fundamental game get out. I'm sure any Latvian Orthodox Father would agree with me in that you don't have the Kavorka, but rather are a run-of-the-mill Hipster Doofus.
Kenny Bania: whether it be about Ovaltine or the shopping cart with one bad wheel, Bania is always a sure miss--much like the volleyball serve of a few hacks I know. Under normal VB point rules a failed serve eliminates any possibility to earn points, but under rally rules (which is how we play in sand) a failed serve gives the opponent a free point. I understand noone is flawless and bad serves do happen, but if you consistently cannot put the ball into play do something about it. I know a girl who serves it long 75% of the time; one time I decided to count and on her sixth rotation to the serve spot she finally managed to keep one in bounds. Amazing. (People still repeat the rhyme from a couple summers ago, "when in doubt, Stu's are out.") Personally, I think if you are even hitting one out of three out of play that is not effective. Too many Bania's try to put power behind the ball or crazy spin on the ball, but the reality is that aces only happen (rarely) by a lack of communication by the other team. And there is nothing worse than a serve into the net because at least sometimes serves that will most likely go out of bounds are still kept in play by the returning side. I can only imagine the response of a dude who insists on slapping it ineffectively overhand actually listening to my advice of giving underhand a chance, and upon discovering it is easier to complete serves turns to me, wide-eyed and excited, "that's gold, Kelly. Gold!" It's ok to try and improve your serve gradually, but begin with a style that provides consistent results. Every time someone rotates into the back-right corner and my expectations of a shitty serve are answered, it makes me want to puke. "Puke, that's a funny word. Mind if I use that?"
Tim Watley: have you ever noticed some guys are just all over the place? The Watley of the group starts the point as the server, then he's middle-left backrow, then he's at the net. "I think he converted to front row purely for the spikes." Read the Jerry description above and you'll know how I feel about every player having their own area of which they are responsible. Frankly, he just wants in on the action regardless of position much like Tim Watley wants "joke immunity." All too often the Watley will be out of position and the vacancy gets exposed. Amid points I often give friendly reminders to get back to his spot, but when he doesn't I usually have to cover his ass; there is nothing worse than when it ends with the opponent cleverly tapping it to my unoccupied spot and suddenly I'm the anti-dentite bastard. I realize most don't enjoy playing backrow and the net gets more action and setting and spiking can be fun, but that's why we rotate, jackass. And you ask if this offends me as a spiker? No, it offends me as a volleyball player.
Mickey: I'm not picking on little people, but I'm afraid to say some people just aren't built for spiking. I'm tall, but I also jump like a white guy, so I focus on placement and out-of-position defense and "hitting it where they ain't." If you are vertically challenged or lack power, just play it safe. I don't come across a Mickey very often, but when I see a short guy (or often, gal) continue driving it into the net with big swings I can't help but roll my eyes.
Man-Hands: sure the references are getting a bit obscure, but this character exists nonetheless. Do you know anyone who seems to punch the ball rather than bump with their forearms? How about one who uses hard swats with their palm to get the ball into the air rather than setting the ball with two hands gracefully with precision? This is Man-Hands. I'll bet if Jerry's "lobster-claw ripping date" was up for a game of volleyball, she'd also have a tough time keeping it in the yard. These players simply have no touch. I especially enjoy the breed that clamps their hands together to form one mighty fist of fury, pumping it outwards from their body directly into the ball. Now I'm no physicist, but I don't believe making contact with the ball with a row of knuckles at a 45 degree angle is the best approach with the goal of placing the ball anywhere with any sort of accuracy. Come on, Man-Hands, it's a women's sport to begin with--slap on some moisturizer and soften that form. "Would you rather her have no hands?" "Would she have hooks?" "Do hooks make it more attractive, Jerry?" "They'd be kind of cool lookin'..."
Maura: this is not in reference to those players you just can't get rid of (although I've known one or two in my day), but instead are those imbeciles that refuse to let points die. Even though the serve was short or the other team hit it four times Maura continues to hit it back over the net. This isn't like a submarine where everyone has to turn their keys for the point to be over. The only things this person accomplishes is wasting a bit of time and often leading to confusion as to whose turn it is to serve. The only explanations for this behavior are: 1) she honestly didn't realize they hit it four (or more) times because it was a cluster of people, 2) she wasn't paying any attention, 3) she doesn't know the most fundamental rule of volleyball, 4) she was just dicking around. All I ask is that when the ball is dead, simply catch it and toss to the next server. (And God help you if you kick it...) The worst situation is when two Maura's happen to meet across from each other at the net and we wait patiently while they play meaningless one-on-one for a few strokes before play may resume. Much like George did, I think I have an airtight case to end this relationship.
David Puddy: "nice work. High five! " Greasemonkey mannerisms are definitely allowed in the sporting world and volleyball is no exception. I enjoy a good compliment, high five, or heterosexual pat on the rear, but celebration is best served in moderate doses. Puddy drove others crazy with his face painting, obnoxious cheering, and incessant high fives. Volleyball is a game that is very back and forth, so keep the in-your-face celebration to a minimum. Remember, for every hard spike there is some one one the receiving end and letting out loud "woo!"'s or "yeah, baby!"'s can really piss people off. Next time maybe they'll aim right for that overconfident mouth of yours. I've seen friendly games go sour and this is often the cause; avoid excessive commentary and keep it modest. But I know, I know, you "gotta support the team." Try doing it with fundamentally sound play.
All in all, the keys to good volleyball are knowing how to handle yourself, being prepared by staying on your toes, and knowing your limits. I'm no pro by any means, but I've played enough to know some of the things you should avoid. Stay away from the above characters and you'll do great.
Floyd, Say It Ain't So
Well, Radar, here it is: for once the French might possibly be right. Floyd Landis is under investigation for high levels of testosterone during the Tour de France. Personally, I refuse to believe it until there is solid proof he knowingly took enhancers. However, what makes this story different from the accusations of Lance is that it was the American team that reported his test results, rather than a bunch of jealous, idiotic Frenchmen making ridiculous claims. This has the potential to make us look awful. I'll keep my fingers crossed while anxiously awaiting the verdict...
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Trade Deadline Move?
I was shocked at the latest trade deadline move the other day. No, not Odalis Perez being traded. I'm talking about Harold Reynolds being let go by ESPN as a Baseball Tonight Analyst. I was shocked, in fact, I didn't believe what I was reading. Harold is close second behind Peter Gammons in my book for baseball analyst. The ABC "Family" of networks refused comment as to why he was let go, but I'd sure like to hear them justify it. Rich Sutcliffe, John Kruk, no offense, just don't strike me as great minds in baseball. Buster Olney and maybe on some days Orel, but Harold will be missed.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Re: 3 Different Topics
"Is it just me, or is the whiniest major sport NASCAR?"
No, Stradabolt, it isn't you. While watching my nightly ESPN News they aired three separate interviews with crybabies Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. complaining about bumping and "unsafe driving" and how "he gave me the FINGER." (Yes, that last whine indeed happened.) Auto driving should be lucky it is even appearing on this blog as one of these days something will spark me to go into my rant about how ESPN should not even be showing NASCAR at all because of my lack of respecting it as a legitimate sport, and until these "athletes" can toughen up and handle the competition, I will continue to disrespect it. Hell, I saw worse accidents occur during the Tour de France. As Mr. Strader so eloquently phrased it, "kwitcher bitchin'!"
Saturday, July 22, 2006
"If You Get Hurt and Miss Work...
it won't hurt to miss work."
Every time I see that Aflac commerial with Yogi Berra I have to laugh.
"It's that one that you need. If you don't have it, that's why you need it."
Why aren't there more comedic ads featuring retired professional athletes? If I had to make a list of my all-time favorite sports commercials, this would be up there (right with the one where Jordan plays against his younger selves and the new catchy MLB-Chevrolet jingle.)
"And they give you cash, which is just as good as money."
Genious.
Every time I see that Aflac commerial with Yogi Berra I have to laugh.
"It's that one that you need. If you don't have it, that's why you need it."
Why aren't there more comedic ads featuring retired professional athletes? If I had to make a list of my all-time favorite sports commercials, this would be up there (right with the one where Jordan plays against his younger selves and the new catchy MLB-Chevrolet jingle.)
"And they give you cash, which is just as good as money."
Genious.
Monday, July 17, 2006
College Football
Watching the ESPY's last night really made crave some college football. There truly is nothing like it. When they showed highlights of the Rose Bowl, I was just giddy. Now granted we may never see another game like that for 20 years or more, but man. For those of you lucky enough to watch the whole thing, embrace it. I had to miss the whole third quarter and yes I am still bitter about that. Anyway, this year may lack the star power of last year without names like Young, Leinart, Bush, and Tate. Wait scratch that last one. But there is no clear cut favorite. Last year it was USC and Texas all year, but neither team is a lock for a National Title. I'm researching more about this fall so I can write some good pieces with picks and predictions.
Here's hoping ISU gets their defense worked out so we can, well, not suck.
Here's hoping ISU gets their defense worked out so we can, well, not suck.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The World's Game
I just got back from Los Angeles, where the women are beautiful and the weather is perfect (some guy in the hotel elevator actually responded to my “what’s up?” with “nothing…just trying to deal with this heat” on a day that had a high in the 80s and no humidity). I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Downey, and they offer free drinks from 5:30-7:30 – some of you may recall my appreciation of open bars. So upon drinking my fill of Jack-and-Cokes and watching 2 hours of ESPNews, I started to realize how much of the sports world about which I’ve neglected to comment and started taking mental notes, which soon turned into written notes. I’m now going through my 18 pages of “Embassy Suites” notepads of scribblings and figured deciphering them and transforming them into a blog would make a good Sunday afternoon task.
The World Cup
Sorry this article turned into such a marathon, but I’ve a lot to say. To start, a co-worker forwarded me an article from the Quad City Times titled “We’ll Never be Good at Soccer.” The article and my responded comment can be found at:
http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/06/27/sports/doc44a0c8d6538a9517348897.txt
Most of this article is ridiculous (which is why I posted a comment) but the end is actually kind of fun to think about…if America’s best athletes played soccer. I especially like the thought of Kevin Garnett at Goal Keeper.
The truth is, (men’s) soccer in this country has a long way to go before we can be serious contenders for The Cup. But that’s a far cry from saying we will “never be good.” Our showing in 2002 was quite good. Since then, we climbed to 5th in the FIFA rankings. And although very little good can be drawn from this Cup, we did tie the champs…and please don’t say “yeah, but it was an ‘own goal’ by Italy” unless you watched it. Had the Italian not hit it, McBride would have scored. More importantly in that game than the own goal is that we that played the entire second half with 9 players to Italy’s 10.
As for The Cup in general, I think there are some major issues that need to be evaluated.
The flopping was absurd. At some points I half expected some smoke and pyrotechnics and some pro-wrestlers to run onto the field and flop around with the rest of them. I once had a discussion trying to answer the question: Which athletes would you least like to fight (wrestlers, boxers, hockey players, football players, etc.)? Well after watching this Cup, it’s pretty obvious which athletes I would most like to fight: you don’t even have to touch an international soccer player and he’ll end up rolling on the ground screaming. I say “international” because I never once saw a US player flop. Now I don’t really blame the players for this, but rather the referees. A flop should never be rewarded. A ref should only call a foul if he actually SAW a player foul another. That doesn’t happen in a flop, so I don’t understand how fouls were consistently called when untouched players go down screaming. It also seemed like the refs also would never call a foul if the player fouled didn’t go down. If he kept his feet, then they would let play resume, which only encourages players to go-a-flailing at the first hint of contact. The worst is when a player goes down screaming AND makes sure to grab the ball on the way down so the ref is forced to call a foul or a handball, which almost always results in a foul. I feel a flop should be an automatic yellow card. A flop in “the box” should be an automatic red card.
This Cup has been well publicized for its excessive cards. I’m not Mr. Soccer, so I’m always kind of learning as I watch. But after watching a ton of the games, I still don’t really have a good answer for: What determines if a hard foul should get a yellow card, red card or, the more unpopular option in this Cup, no card? It’s obviously discretionary, but to my amateur eye, it could be a lot more consistent with at least a somewhat clear criteria. During some matches I watched (USA-Italy specifically), it truly felt like the ref had some kind of bipolarity with the fouls he gave cards to, and the much more excessive fouls he didn’t. In my opinion, a yellow card should be reserved for the absolute worst/most dangerous fouls that happen in the play of the game and red cards should be reserved for Zidane-esque incidents.
I absolutely hate watching penalty kicks. I say that because in my very limited playing of soccer, I was put at goal keeper (can’t we just say goalie?) 90% of the time. The penalty kicks are just completely unfair to the goalie. He has no chance, except to be lucky and guess right. I especially hate when a player gets fouled in the box with no real chance to score, and is then essentially awarded a free goal through the penalty kick (i.e. USA-Ghana). I think after a foul occurs in the box, the ball should be placed at the point of the foul…just like it is after a penalty anywhere else. The only difference would be that no players may be between the shooter and the goalie. I also think they should do away with the penalty kicks deciding a match in the elimination round. If it gets to 90 minutes and the game is tied, then they should just keep playing until someone scores. I felt that in the Championship, Italy wasn’t even trying for a goal, but was instead just trying to stall until the pk’s. The game should never be set up to encourage teams to stall. I also felt that if they had played the game out until one team scored, France would have won, even without Zidane.
Ok, so about Zidane. I’m still stunned when I think about that head butt. It’s not the fact that it was about the cheapest of cheap shots – which could have had a much more serious result. Or the fact that the game was on the line (most likely the biggest game of his life). Or that a reaction like that to any spoken word is simply bizarre and never justified. It’s the fact that the audience of the game is over 1 Billion people (more than 10 times the audience of Super Bowl XL). If there was ever a time to keep your cool, that would be it! As for those who argue or even suggest that his response was justified based on any family insult or “ethnic slur” that Materazzi said, I eloquently respond with: ETHNIC SLUR MY ASS! I seriously challenge anyone to come up with an insult or “ethnic slur” which would cause ME to do something that outrageous in front of a billion people during the biggest night of my life. I actually feel grateful Zidane was exposed in front of the entire world for exactly what he is: a douchebag.
That’s pretty much it for The World Cup. I actually wrote notes about almost every sport, but this took more time than and turned into a larger article than I intended, so I’ll just leave it at that for now.
The World Cup
Sorry this article turned into such a marathon, but I’ve a lot to say. To start, a co-worker forwarded me an article from the Quad City Times titled “We’ll Never be Good at Soccer.” The article and my responded comment can be found at:
http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/06/27/sports/doc44a0c8d6538a9517348897.txt
Most of this article is ridiculous (which is why I posted a comment) but the end is actually kind of fun to think about…if America’s best athletes played soccer. I especially like the thought of Kevin Garnett at Goal Keeper.
The truth is, (men’s) soccer in this country has a long way to go before we can be serious contenders for The Cup. But that’s a far cry from saying we will “never be good.” Our showing in 2002 was quite good. Since then, we climbed to 5th in the FIFA rankings. And although very little good can be drawn from this Cup, we did tie the champs…and please don’t say “yeah, but it was an ‘own goal’ by Italy” unless you watched it. Had the Italian not hit it, McBride would have scored. More importantly in that game than the own goal is that we that played the entire second half with 9 players to Italy’s 10.
As for The Cup in general, I think there are some major issues that need to be evaluated.
The flopping was absurd. At some points I half expected some smoke and pyrotechnics and some pro-wrestlers to run onto the field and flop around with the rest of them. I once had a discussion trying to answer the question: Which athletes would you least like to fight (wrestlers, boxers, hockey players, football players, etc.)? Well after watching this Cup, it’s pretty obvious which athletes I would most like to fight: you don’t even have to touch an international soccer player and he’ll end up rolling on the ground screaming. I say “international” because I never once saw a US player flop. Now I don’t really blame the players for this, but rather the referees. A flop should never be rewarded. A ref should only call a foul if he actually SAW a player foul another. That doesn’t happen in a flop, so I don’t understand how fouls were consistently called when untouched players go down screaming. It also seemed like the refs also would never call a foul if the player fouled didn’t go down. If he kept his feet, then they would let play resume, which only encourages players to go-a-flailing at the first hint of contact. The worst is when a player goes down screaming AND makes sure to grab the ball on the way down so the ref is forced to call a foul or a handball, which almost always results in a foul. I feel a flop should be an automatic yellow card. A flop in “the box” should be an automatic red card.
This Cup has been well publicized for its excessive cards. I’m not Mr. Soccer, so I’m always kind of learning as I watch. But after watching a ton of the games, I still don’t really have a good answer for: What determines if a hard foul should get a yellow card, red card or, the more unpopular option in this Cup, no card? It’s obviously discretionary, but to my amateur eye, it could be a lot more consistent with at least a somewhat clear criteria. During some matches I watched (USA-Italy specifically), it truly felt like the ref had some kind of bipolarity with the fouls he gave cards to, and the much more excessive fouls he didn’t. In my opinion, a yellow card should be reserved for the absolute worst/most dangerous fouls that happen in the play of the game and red cards should be reserved for Zidane-esque incidents.
I absolutely hate watching penalty kicks. I say that because in my very limited playing of soccer, I was put at goal keeper (can’t we just say goalie?) 90% of the time. The penalty kicks are just completely unfair to the goalie. He has no chance, except to be lucky and guess right. I especially hate when a player gets fouled in the box with no real chance to score, and is then essentially awarded a free goal through the penalty kick (i.e. USA-Ghana). I think after a foul occurs in the box, the ball should be placed at the point of the foul…just like it is after a penalty anywhere else. The only difference would be that no players may be between the shooter and the goalie. I also think they should do away with the penalty kicks deciding a match in the elimination round. If it gets to 90 minutes and the game is tied, then they should just keep playing until someone scores. I felt that in the Championship, Italy wasn’t even trying for a goal, but was instead just trying to stall until the pk’s. The game should never be set up to encourage teams to stall. I also felt that if they had played the game out until one team scored, France would have won, even without Zidane.
Ok, so about Zidane. I’m still stunned when I think about that head butt. It’s not the fact that it was about the cheapest of cheap shots – which could have had a much more serious result. Or the fact that the game was on the line (most likely the biggest game of his life). Or that a reaction like that to any spoken word is simply bizarre and never justified. It’s the fact that the audience of the game is over 1 Billion people (more than 10 times the audience of Super Bowl XL). If there was ever a time to keep your cool, that would be it! As for those who argue or even suggest that his response was justified based on any family insult or “ethnic slur” that Materazzi said, I eloquently respond with: ETHNIC SLUR MY ASS! I seriously challenge anyone to come up with an insult or “ethnic slur” which would cause ME to do something that outrageous in front of a billion people during the biggest night of my life. I actually feel grateful Zidane was exposed in front of the entire world for exactly what he is: a douchebag.
That’s pretty much it for The World Cup. I actually wrote notes about almost every sport, but this took more time than and turned into a larger article than I intended, so I’ll just leave it at that for now.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Enough is enough...
Today I was mulling over college football previews and stumbled across some very disturbing news. If you go to ESPN.com and go to the college football section, you can a free peak at what Blue Ribbon has to say about Iowa's upcoming season. Two things jumped out at me while skimming the article. The first came in the early part of the article. They mentioned how great Kirk Ferentz is, which he is, but then started in on how great Iowa football has been and that they'd only been held to less then 20 points twice, against a very talented Ohio State team (my opinion) and Iowa State. But its okay, Drew Tate left with a self inflicted (my words again) concussion. Okay, so if everybody is healthy they're a great team, but if not, well they can lose every once and a while and make a Jan. 1st bowl game. I thought that was too much already, but it got better, I guess.
Later it discussed their potential for success and how they thought the season would play out (last few paragraphs). Let me give a little background information to prepare you for this. Iowa plays Montana, Syracuse, Iowa State, and Illinois their first four games. "Fortunately for them, the schedule provides relief with four likely blowouts before they play host to Ohio State." Blowouts, three I would believe, but one of those teams beat Iowa last year, pretty handedly. I hope Hawk fans look past Iowa State this year, which they probably won't because they know they got rocked last year, but if they do, they're in trouble. Iowa State may struggle a little this year because their schedule is awful tough, but against the Hawks they should be ready, we always are. So here's to you Hawk fans, may Drew Tate continuing winning games, for Iowa State...
NOTE: On the bright side, Blue Ribbon had Todd Blythe, Brett Meyer, and DeAndre Jackson (DB and KR) all on 1st team Big XII. Rankings weren't out yet for how we would fair in the North, but this is promising. No Curvey though, strange...
Later it discussed their potential for success and how they thought the season would play out (last few paragraphs). Let me give a little background information to prepare you for this. Iowa plays Montana, Syracuse, Iowa State, and Illinois their first four games. "Fortunately for them, the schedule provides relief with four likely blowouts before they play host to Ohio State." Blowouts, three I would believe, but one of those teams beat Iowa last year, pretty handedly. I hope Hawk fans look past Iowa State this year, which they probably won't because they know they got rocked last year, but if they do, they're in trouble. Iowa State may struggle a little this year because their schedule is awful tough, but against the Hawks they should be ready, we always are. So here's to you Hawk fans, may Drew Tate continuing winning games, for Iowa State...
NOTE: On the bright side, Blue Ribbon had Todd Blythe, Brett Meyer, and DeAndre Jackson (DB and KR) all on 1st team Big XII. Rankings weren't out yet for how we would fair in the North, but this is promising. No Curvey though, strange...
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The 5 Reasons Why Noone Knows If the Cincinnati Reds Will Win the Wild Card
I logged on ten minutes ago prepared to write a post entitled "The 5 Reasons Why the Cincinnati Reds Will Win the Wild Card." Then I decided to check out MLB.com only to find the headline coincidentally bearing news about an eight-player trade between the Reds and Nationals. Suddenly I'm not as confident. Sure it bolsters their bullpen, but they are losing a couple important bats. The combined stats for Felipe Lopez and Austin Kearns from the first half of the season:
BA-.271, OBP-.353, HR-25, RBI-80, BB-82, SB-30 (But 151 strikeouts. Yikes.)
Kearns helps protect Adam Dunn in the lineup, so it is that much more important Ken Griffey is healthy and productive. Royce Clayton (age 36) should fray part of the loss, but he will provide a mediocre output at best.
Hell, now I'm not so sure, so I've altered this entry to explain why I am completely clueless as to whether or not they are the real deal. (This is dedicated to our friends, the Lebo-Beyers, out in Ohio.)
1) It's hard to keep playing better than expected.
Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, Scott Hatteberg, and Brandon Phillips are exceeding expectations by having higher than normal numbers. It'll be interesting to see if this pitching staff can continue balancing a potent offense. In recent years the Reds have had the most explosive offense but lacked pitching to keep them in games, and even with Bronson and Harang throwing great, they are both a measly 9-6. They do have a real deal in Edwin Encarnacion who is legitimatly having his breakout season after an average rookie year and should consistently get better. However, as the season moves on and Cinci becomes less of a suprise upstart team and becomes a favorite for second in the Central, the expectations will increase and the young players may buckle under the pressure during the final wild card push.
2) Team chemistry may change.
I'm not sure how much I buy into the "intangibles" of team sports, but I do know that having confidence in eachother and preaching teamwork can give guys a boost. Thus far, the Reds have been playing well *together* with a consistent lineup and a pitching staff that keeps challenging eachother. Integrating five new players, with the loss of a key component in Kearns, can shake up the good thing they had going.
3) It will be difficult to repeat a 11-3 record against Houston and St. Louis.
Their record against the rest of the NL Central is pretty typical (15-17), but to climb higher in the ranks they must begin taking more games from the lowly Cubs and Pirates. The Astros and Cards know what it takes to reach the playoffs and will be tougher wins the remainder of the season.
4) Ken Griffey is a perennial question mark.
Some days he looks like the old Griffey, some days he looks like the Tin Man before his joints were oiled. His 18 home runs and 50 RBI's definitely help the cause, but he isn't hitting for average (.255) or seeing the ball as well (8th on team in walks with 17). As mentioned above, if the Reds want to contend they need a healthy KG. He hits the DL, so does the team.
5) History has a way of repeating itself.
Nothing would make me angrier than if Houston goes on yet another late-season tear to squeak into the postseason. Clemens and Pettitte will begin winning games, Lance Berkman will keep up this pace, and Brad Lidge will regain his form (I hope not) making them a threat to take a run at the division. Experience may win out and those damned Astros, who are built like a playoff team, can turn on the afterburners. The Dodgers, Giants, and D-Backs will be amid the dogfight til the end while I'm rooting for the unlikely Rockies who are having a season very similar to the Reds. On the flip side, though, the trend of wild cards from the Central may continue and the Reds are ready to replace Houston in that role.
Overall, the NL race should be much tighter than the AL, and who the hell knows what's gonna happen? I suppose that's why they play the games. Fire up!
BA-.271, OBP-.353, HR-25, RBI-80, BB-82, SB-30 (But 151 strikeouts. Yikes.)
Kearns helps protect Adam Dunn in the lineup, so it is that much more important Ken Griffey is healthy and productive. Royce Clayton (age 36) should fray part of the loss, but he will provide a mediocre output at best.
Hell, now I'm not so sure, so I've altered this entry to explain why I am completely clueless as to whether or not they are the real deal. (This is dedicated to our friends, the Lebo-Beyers, out in Ohio.)
1) It's hard to keep playing better than expected.
Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, Scott Hatteberg, and Brandon Phillips are exceeding expectations by having higher than normal numbers. It'll be interesting to see if this pitching staff can continue balancing a potent offense. In recent years the Reds have had the most explosive offense but lacked pitching to keep them in games, and even with Bronson and Harang throwing great, they are both a measly 9-6. They do have a real deal in Edwin Encarnacion who is legitimatly having his breakout season after an average rookie year and should consistently get better. However, as the season moves on and Cinci becomes less of a suprise upstart team and becomes a favorite for second in the Central, the expectations will increase and the young players may buckle under the pressure during the final wild card push.
2) Team chemistry may change.
I'm not sure how much I buy into the "intangibles" of team sports, but I do know that having confidence in eachother and preaching teamwork can give guys a boost. Thus far, the Reds have been playing well *together* with a consistent lineup and a pitching staff that keeps challenging eachother. Integrating five new players, with the loss of a key component in Kearns, can shake up the good thing they had going.
3) It will be difficult to repeat a 11-3 record against Houston and St. Louis.
Their record against the rest of the NL Central is pretty typical (15-17), but to climb higher in the ranks they must begin taking more games from the lowly Cubs and Pirates. The Astros and Cards know what it takes to reach the playoffs and will be tougher wins the remainder of the season.
4) Ken Griffey is a perennial question mark.
Some days he looks like the old Griffey, some days he looks like the Tin Man before his joints were oiled. His 18 home runs and 50 RBI's definitely help the cause, but he isn't hitting for average (.255) or seeing the ball as well (8th on team in walks with 17). As mentioned above, if the Reds want to contend they need a healthy KG. He hits the DL, so does the team.
5) History has a way of repeating itself.
Nothing would make me angrier than if Houston goes on yet another late-season tear to squeak into the postseason. Clemens and Pettitte will begin winning games, Lance Berkman will keep up this pace, and Brad Lidge will regain his form (I hope not) making them a threat to take a run at the division. Experience may win out and those damned Astros, who are built like a playoff team, can turn on the afterburners. The Dodgers, Giants, and D-Backs will be amid the dogfight til the end while I'm rooting for the unlikely Rockies who are having a season very similar to the Reds. On the flip side, though, the trend of wild cards from the Central may continue and the Reds are ready to replace Houston in that role.
Overall, the NL race should be much tighter than the AL, and who the hell knows what's gonna happen? I suppose that's why they play the games. Fire up!
Keys to the Second Half
Dayn Perry, a journalist I am less than fond of, wrote an article on questions for the second half. So here are my thoughts on these questions.
1. The AL East - Watch out Boston and New York, these Blue Jays are for real. The money the spent this offseason looks like it will pay off. Troy Glaus, Halliday, Rios (when he's healthy), Wells, etc. These guys can play and with the Yanks injuries I would not be surprised to see the Blue Jays and Bo Sox fighting it out for the title come Sept. This should be an exciting race, and I'm picking the Blue Jays.
2. The Cards - Yes, they can hold on. Is there any doubt? The NL Central is pretty week, considering the Red Birds only competition will be from the Reds and Brewers, I really don't foresee another division title being a problem. They've had their struggles, but La Russa knows what he's doing, he'll have this team ready for October.
3. The Trade Deadline - The joys of speculation. For the past few seasons it seems the build-up to the trade deadline never lives up to the hype. In fact, I think you could say the biggest trade made last year was the White Sox getting Geoff Blum from the Padres. He did win Game 3 for the Sox. I feel this year will be a bust again. Dontrelle WIllis is not leaving Florida. I would bet on that. Alfonso is the biggest name likely to move, since the Nationals failed to excel this year. Maddux will also be shipped out, as should most veterans on the Cub Scouts roster, change is needed. Expect a ho-hum trade deadline, again.
4. The Cubs - The first thing that needs to happen in Chicago is to kick some people in the ass. Seriously, this team is horrible. Dusty Baker shouldn't, thought likely will, take the fall for lack luster play from a less the stellar roster. The Cubs need to trade for Prior and Wood by sending some minor leaguers to the DL. The real question is, can a team so used to losing, change that?
5. AL Central - White Sox, two reasons. 1) Kenny Rogers always struggles the second half, and as the ace, if he goes down, so will the rest of the staff because...2) they're a young staff and fatigue and a few struggles will affect them more than the veteran staff of Chicago. Just look at the Sox rotation, besides Beurhle and Contreas, the ERA of Garcia, Garland, and Javier are very high, but their records and mindset are still good. Watch out if the South Side team gets hot, there could be trouble with Mo-Towns magical season.
Side note: How about the Twins, these guys really are playing lights out and don't look to stop anytime soon. My prediction, and it is a bold one, is that White Sox win the Division, and Minnesota takes the Wild Card. I think they get hot(ter) and with the aid of Chicago beat up on the Tigers who miss the playoffs.
6. NL Wild Card - I'm feeling crazy today, so here goes another off the wall prediction. The Braves will win the Wild Card. Yes, I know, crazy, but the GM has committed to winning even this year, their rotation has made great strides, and they can't keep swinging so poorly all year. The bullpen may need some help, but watch out, they always find a way, and why would this year be any different.
7. The A's - Will they stay healthy? Yes. Will they win the West? Yes. Will it piss me off how they will just go on a tear and take off with first in the West? Yes. There really is no better second half team than the A's (outside of Houston, but not this year).
8. NL West - The Dodgers win a close one, with San Diego not far behind. I know Brad Penny can't every game like he did in the All-Star game, but man, WOW.
9. The Royals - They have turned this year around, and by that I mean they're not the worst in baseball anymore (enter Pirates). They're making progress and if their young talent develops, they may be a threat in the next few years. Watch out, they'll make noise this year.
10. I feel like I addressed this one...
To recap, my picks are:
AL East: TOR
AL Central: CHW
AL West: OAK
AL Wild Card: MIN
NL East: NYM
NL Central: STL
NL West: LAD
NL Wild Card: ATL
This season should be one of the most exciting in a while, sit back and enjoy.
1. The AL East - Watch out Boston and New York, these Blue Jays are for real. The money the spent this offseason looks like it will pay off. Troy Glaus, Halliday, Rios (when he's healthy), Wells, etc. These guys can play and with the Yanks injuries I would not be surprised to see the Blue Jays and Bo Sox fighting it out for the title come Sept. This should be an exciting race, and I'm picking the Blue Jays.
2. The Cards - Yes, they can hold on. Is there any doubt? The NL Central is pretty week, considering the Red Birds only competition will be from the Reds and Brewers, I really don't foresee another division title being a problem. They've had their struggles, but La Russa knows what he's doing, he'll have this team ready for October.
3. The Trade Deadline - The joys of speculation. For the past few seasons it seems the build-up to the trade deadline never lives up to the hype. In fact, I think you could say the biggest trade made last year was the White Sox getting Geoff Blum from the Padres. He did win Game 3 for the Sox. I feel this year will be a bust again. Dontrelle WIllis is not leaving Florida. I would bet on that. Alfonso is the biggest name likely to move, since the Nationals failed to excel this year. Maddux will also be shipped out, as should most veterans on the Cub Scouts roster, change is needed. Expect a ho-hum trade deadline, again.
4. The Cubs - The first thing that needs to happen in Chicago is to kick some people in the ass. Seriously, this team is horrible. Dusty Baker shouldn't, thought likely will, take the fall for lack luster play from a less the stellar roster. The Cubs need to trade for Prior and Wood by sending some minor leaguers to the DL. The real question is, can a team so used to losing, change that?
5. AL Central - White Sox, two reasons. 1) Kenny Rogers always struggles the second half, and as the ace, if he goes down, so will the rest of the staff because...2) they're a young staff and fatigue and a few struggles will affect them more than the veteran staff of Chicago. Just look at the Sox rotation, besides Beurhle and Contreas, the ERA of Garcia, Garland, and Javier are very high, but their records and mindset are still good. Watch out if the South Side team gets hot, there could be trouble with Mo-Towns magical season.
Side note: How about the Twins, these guys really are playing lights out and don't look to stop anytime soon. My prediction, and it is a bold one, is that White Sox win the Division, and Minnesota takes the Wild Card. I think they get hot(ter) and with the aid of Chicago beat up on the Tigers who miss the playoffs.
6. NL Wild Card - I'm feeling crazy today, so here goes another off the wall prediction. The Braves will win the Wild Card. Yes, I know, crazy, but the GM has committed to winning even this year, their rotation has made great strides, and they can't keep swinging so poorly all year. The bullpen may need some help, but watch out, they always find a way, and why would this year be any different.
7. The A's - Will they stay healthy? Yes. Will they win the West? Yes. Will it piss me off how they will just go on a tear and take off with first in the West? Yes. There really is no better second half team than the A's (outside of Houston, but not this year).
8. NL West - The Dodgers win a close one, with San Diego not far behind. I know Brad Penny can't every game like he did in the All-Star game, but man, WOW.
9. The Royals - They have turned this year around, and by that I mean they're not the worst in baseball anymore (enter Pirates). They're making progress and if their young talent develops, they may be a threat in the next few years. Watch out, they'll make noise this year.
10. I feel like I addressed this one...
To recap, my picks are:
AL East: TOR
AL Central: CHW
AL West: OAK
AL Wild Card: MIN
NL East: NYM
NL Central: STL
NL West: LAD
NL Wild Card: ATL
This season should be one of the most exciting in a while, sit back and enjoy.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
"Awww. Is that it?"
It appeared Public Enemy #1, AJ Pierzynski, didn't notice the FOX Broadcasting camera looking him directly in the face. After a mix of cheers and boos upon his introduction (I'd say approx 40-60, respectively), he turns to his teammate and says the above smiling in a sarcastic tone for all the world to see. I honestly think he was disappointed.
Then again, perhaps he just couldn't see the camera due to poor vision, which seemed the case on Friday against the Red Sox when he slid far to the side of the bag and completely out of the basepath, taking out the shortstop and allowing the winning run to reach base. Man, he really oughta get those eyes check...
Then again, perhaps he just couldn't see the camera due to poor vision, which seemed the case on Friday against the Red Sox when he slid far to the side of the bag and completely out of the basepath, taking out the shortstop and allowing the winning run to reach base. Man, he really oughta get those eyes check...
Why I Love This Game
A modern day Moonlight Graham
"Son, if I'd only got to be a doctor for five minutes, now that would have been a tragedy."
"Son, if I'd only got to be a doctor for five minutes, now that would have been a tragedy."
Friday, July 07, 2006
The End of an Era
Risking taking attention away from the MLB all-star game, I thought I would share how sad I am to see Andre Agassi retire. For those of you who caught his final match at Wimbledon (I've seen it re-aired atleast three times now) you know what I'm talking about. He has been such a fantastic icon for the game of tennis over the past two decades and even though retirement was inevitable, it will be difficult to see him go. After his three-set loss to #2 Nadal on Centre Court, he gave one last trademark 'four corners bow' and a rare on-court interview. The crowd showed immense appreciation, Nadal was gushing over what it means to play a legend, and Andre himself had tears in his eyes while sharing how much he loved all the years spent at the All England Club, thanking the fans for all their support. It was one of those soul-touching moments that reminds me why I watch sports to begin with.
I absolutely can't wait until September to witness an entire country rally behind Agassi at the US Open for one final run. The 2002 US Open was magnificent as Pete Sampras won the last tournament he would ever play, fittingly against Agassi, and I hope this year we can send off the other half of this dominant American tandem victorious. I recommend you take this fleeting opportunity to see the end of a great American era.
I absolutely can't wait until September to witness an entire country rally behind Agassi at the US Open for one final run. The 2002 US Open was magnificent as Pete Sampras won the last tournament he would ever play, fittingly against Agassi, and I hope this year we can send off the other half of this dominant American tandem victorious. I recommend you take this fleeting opportunity to see the end of a great American era.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Friday, June 30, 2006
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...
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...
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...
Thursday, June 29, 2006
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
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.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
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?
Monday, June 26, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
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.
"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.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
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...
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
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.
Monday, May 15, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
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...
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.
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.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
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!
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!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
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...
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...
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
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...
Sunday, March 12, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
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!
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!
Friday, March 03, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, February 20, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
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.*
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.*
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
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.
*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.
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