Always the trendy time to evaluate the potential of a season. I know a lot could happen between now and the all-star break. I truly believe there are only five teams with potential to win it all though, no matter what happens in the trade market. So....here we go..
1. LAKERS:
PROS
-Kobe
-Size
-Coach
CONS
-Injuries
Defending champs, most talented and best coach. Have played well all year, and have continued that with Kobe on the shelf. In my mind, when healthy they should be favored in a 7-game series against any team in the league. Not much to criticize. If Kobe is sharing the ball, they are almost unstoppable on offense. They aren't a great three-point shooting team. Bottom line, if Kobe's ankle holds up they should at least win the West.
2. CAVS:
PROS
-Lebron
CONS
-Lebron
-I am sure Cavs fans want to talk about the rest of the team and how he has a great supporting cast, but that is bunk. It is all Lebron all the time. They will go as far as he takes them. In the same respect though, it is the gift and the curse scenario here. If they fall into that old trap of Lebron making moves and the rest of the team watching, they will disappoint again. I don't love their coach and I worry about their fight in a tough series, especially when they are down. If Lebron pushes these guys, to run with him and they are able to stay involved/hit shots, Cavs should win the East and set up a dream Kove vs Lebron Scenario.
3. MAGIC
PROS
-From 1-12 most talent in the league
-Best center in the league
-Great three-point shooting
CONS
-Chemistry
-Coach
-When you look at this roster, they can pretty much match up with any team in the league. They can go small, big, shooter, traditional, pretty much any type of line-up with effectiveness. My problem with them is a lack of a go-to guy in crunch-time. Turkolu used to be that guy and he is gone. Now they not only struggle with who will take the shot, but who will handle the ball. They had a lot of upheaval i the offseason for a conference champ. Plus, the coach has been grilled on numerous occasions for his playoff performance. They need to find a rotation for the playoffs. My expectation is that they will find their groove and peak for playoff time. If so, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
4. NUGGETS
PROS
-Most explosive team in the NBA
-Great 1-2 combo in Billups/Melo
-Homecourt advantage
CONS
-Meltdown potential
-I love watching this team play. On any given night they can blow any team in the league out by 30. At the same time, I am still waiting for the blow-up. So many guys have meltdown potential (Melo, Kenyon, JR, Anderson, even the coach). They consistently give the Lakers everything they can handle (2-0 this season) though, and Billups may be the stabilizing force needed to get them over the hump. They play in a loud building, and Denver is always tough to play in with that thin air (just look at home/away splits of all Denver teams over history).
5. CELTICS...Really..
PROS
-Championship pedigree
CONS
-Age
-Tumultuous season/environment
-The only real reason I am putting the Celts here is that they won it 2 years ago, and still have that same core group of guys. In reality, I don't give them much of a chance. Then need to trade Ray Allen, if not for this year, then for the health of the franchise going forward. If I had to make a case for them though, I would say that if Pierce and KG are healthy they will get some of that old magic back. They play well on the road, and have intense leadership. Have weapons all over the floor on offense and tough D. In reality though, as I hears Chuck Barkley say yesterday, "Old people don't get better, they die." This minirun of the past 3 years has died.
Predictions:
*Finals: Cavs vs Lakers
*If I had balls and what I want to pick: Cavs vs Nuggets
*Celtics will not make it past the 2nd round.
*Cavs will win a game 7 at home against Orlando in the East Conf Finals
*The Knicks will give up a top 10 pick to the Jazz.
Random, Non-NBA thought on my mind:
I work in finance, so a good chunk of my day is spent watching CNBC. Now, I feel that they do a good job for the most part. I view myself as a moderate, and can handle both sides of the political debate. What I find so ridiculous though is the whining and complaining of everyone on this network when it comes to Obama and taxes. I respect their point of view and agree on some of their points, but I find it the height of hypocrisy that you have 80% old, white, rich men bitching about how the rich should not get taxed more. Of course they don't want to get taxed more!! They want to stay rich. I just find it bizarre. Can we get some perspective please?? I know you aren't going to get the poor people on TV in that format, but I just can't deal with the ridiculousness.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Changing of the Guard..
It is the day after the Super Bowl. The start of the dead zone in sports. About six weeks until March Madness, two months until regular season baseball, and about 10 weeks until NBA playoffs. In any event, last night was a great game. Everything is over analyzed in this game, as we all know. I thought the Saints played an aggressive game and did what they needed to do to win the game. The Colts still could have won it, but I thought Caldwell played too conservative at the end of the 1st half. The Colts were caught with their pants down at the beginning of the 2nd half, and Peyton basically imploded in the 4th quarter. Not just the pick 6 he threw. He had a chance to score a TD, and then have 3 timeouts left at the end of the game to have a chance to win, and he mismanaged the clock by calling a needless timeout by the goal line, as well as almost throwing another pick into the hands of Saints player.
I see this game as the beginning of the end of the AFC dominance of this league. From 1984-1996 the NFC won 13 straight Super Bowls. From 1997-2006, the AFC won eight out of 10 years. Now the NFC has won two of the last three, and the AFC teams that have dominated the last decade all have pretty big issues. Meanwhile, when you look at the league, the teams on the cusp are in the NFC, such as the Saints (not really, since they just won, but still have franchise QB in his prime and young weapons and a young coach), Vikings (if Favre can keep this up), and the Cowboys (just a ton of talent on all sides of the ball). The Packers have a young pro bowl QB, and the Giants still have a bunch young talent and Eli in his prime. Not to mention the Niners (Hi Will!) and Falcons, who will both be sleeper teams going into next season, with potentially bigtime offenses. Lets look a the AFC...
Colts: Still at the top of their game, but losing this game could have a lasting impact. It is the toughest game in sports to lose, and franchises often feel the effects for years. People will say Peyton won't allow that to happen, but those same people didn't think Peyton would throw that pick 6. This was a very tough season for the Colts not to win it all (after not going for the undefeated season). This franchise has had some very tough playoff losses before, but this is the worst yet. Just look back at past Super Bowl losers and you will see the effect a loss in this game has.
Pats: A team on the decline in most people's minds. Brady and Bellichek are still in place but the defense is a mess, Welker may never be the same, and Moss is getting older. They need a a major overhaul to compete for a title.
Steelers: Tomlin and Big Ben are still there, as are the big defensive players (Harrison, Woodley, Polumalu). I would put them as the favorite in the AFC going into next year, but this year was very alarming. The D was a mess, and when the coach declared war on the league in early Dec, the team went out and lost to the Browns and the Raiders. There were locker room issues between Ward & Ben, and they showed a lack of fight down the stretch.
Chargers: How much longer are they gunna stick with this coach and core group of players? LDT will be gone, but this team has consistently choked in the playoffs (3 home losses in the last decade). They were the hot pick for the Super Bowl going into the playoffs, but not they need a change to that coaching staff/core to get this team over the hump.
Up and comers like the Jets, Dolphins, Ravens and Titans are lurking. I think we are seeing a change of the guard in the AFC, and the balance of power overall in the NFL. The key will be how the young QBs develop. The AFC has been lead by Brady and Manning over the last 10 years (and Big Ben to an extent). The AFC will now see if Young, Flacco, Henne, and Sanchez can grab the torch. In my mind, the NFC has the upper hand, as they have already won two of the last 3 and have a more developed crop of QBs ready to lead the way in Eli, Brees, Rogers, Ryan and Romo.
Oh, and the Jets will go 8-8 next season...
I see this game as the beginning of the end of the AFC dominance of this league. From 1984-1996 the NFC won 13 straight Super Bowls. From 1997-2006, the AFC won eight out of 10 years. Now the NFC has won two of the last three, and the AFC teams that have dominated the last decade all have pretty big issues. Meanwhile, when you look at the league, the teams on the cusp are in the NFC, such as the Saints (not really, since they just won, but still have franchise QB in his prime and young weapons and a young coach), Vikings (if Favre can keep this up), and the Cowboys (just a ton of talent on all sides of the ball). The Packers have a young pro bowl QB, and the Giants still have a bunch young talent and Eli in his prime. Not to mention the Niners (Hi Will!) and Falcons, who will both be sleeper teams going into next season, with potentially bigtime offenses. Lets look a the AFC...
Colts: Still at the top of their game, but losing this game could have a lasting impact. It is the toughest game in sports to lose, and franchises often feel the effects for years. People will say Peyton won't allow that to happen, but those same people didn't think Peyton would throw that pick 6. This was a very tough season for the Colts not to win it all (after not going for the undefeated season). This franchise has had some very tough playoff losses before, but this is the worst yet. Just look back at past Super Bowl losers and you will see the effect a loss in this game has.
Pats: A team on the decline in most people's minds. Brady and Bellichek are still in place but the defense is a mess, Welker may never be the same, and Moss is getting older. They need a a major overhaul to compete for a title.
Steelers: Tomlin and Big Ben are still there, as are the big defensive players (Harrison, Woodley, Polumalu). I would put them as the favorite in the AFC going into next year, but this year was very alarming. The D was a mess, and when the coach declared war on the league in early Dec, the team went out and lost to the Browns and the Raiders. There were locker room issues between Ward & Ben, and they showed a lack of fight down the stretch.
Chargers: How much longer are they gunna stick with this coach and core group of players? LDT will be gone, but this team has consistently choked in the playoffs (3 home losses in the last decade). They were the hot pick for the Super Bowl going into the playoffs, but not they need a change to that coaching staff/core to get this team over the hump.
Up and comers like the Jets, Dolphins, Ravens and Titans are lurking. I think we are seeing a change of the guard in the AFC, and the balance of power overall in the NFL. The key will be how the young QBs develop. The AFC has been lead by Brady and Manning over the last 10 years (and Big Ben to an extent). The AFC will now see if Young, Flacco, Henne, and Sanchez can grab the torch. In my mind, the NFC has the upper hand, as they have already won two of the last 3 and have a more developed crop of QBs ready to lead the way in Eli, Brees, Rogers, Ryan and Romo.
Oh, and the Jets will go 8-8 next season...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
One More Thing...
A bunch of people in the media are bringing up the fact that the big players on the Mets have disappeared in big spots, while the Phillies guys have come through. Namely Reyes/Wright/Beltran compared to Rollins/Howard/Utley. I understand the argument and I have always been critical of the Mets guys not stepping up, at least Wright and Reyes. One point that I have not seen made though is the fact that Rollins & Utley are both 29 and Howard is 28. Reyes and Wright are still only 25. Before these past two years, the Phillies had a reputation of shrinking in September and never coming through. It took them a few years to get over the hump. I'm just saying we have to have a little patience with Reyes and Wright even if they are killing us right now.
Just to be clear, I am not saying that this is the rule. I know that the Brewers young guys like Fielder & Braun came up huge the past week and they had never really been here before. All I am saying is that you can't trade a Wright or Reyes at age 25 when they each have only had 3 chances at a pennant race/playoffs each while at young ages. Some players need to mature to hit in the big spot. Some are born that way and some never find it. I have faith that Reyes & Wright will find it. Its only natural to compare the Phillies core to the Mets core, but while they are all 28 or older, Reyes and Wright are still only 25, and they both did not go to college. There is a certain maturity and calmness on the field that the Phillies have developed that they did not have at 25, but do now. Even Braun with the Brewers was a star at the U before getting drafted where be probably cultivated a lot of that cockiness.
Just to be clear, I am not saying that this is the rule. I know that the Brewers young guys like Fielder & Braun came up huge the past week and they had never really been here before. All I am saying is that you can't trade a Wright or Reyes at age 25 when they each have only had 3 chances at a pennant race/playoffs each while at young ages. Some players need to mature to hit in the big spot. Some are born that way and some never find it. I have faith that Reyes & Wright will find it. Its only natural to compare the Phillies core to the Mets core, but while they are all 28 or older, Reyes and Wright are still only 25, and they both did not go to college. There is a certain maturity and calmness on the field that the Phillies have developed that they did not have at 25, but do now. Even Braun with the Brewers was a star at the U before getting drafted where be probably cultivated a lot of that cockiness.
Monday, September 29, 2008
It Has Set In...
I think I was kind of in disbelief last night. I agree with a lot of what I wrote, but as I woke up this morning the dread of the season being over hit me pretty hard. No more baseball and no more Mets. Before I go any further I just wanna address this team. I have been a pretty big critic about their attitude of thinking they are better than they are, including how they handled the Willie Randolph firing. I will call out one guy for this attitude. Carlos Delgado. He had a great final 3 months of the season and could have been the MVP, but when he makes comments like "we have the talent to dominate the division", then he pisses me off. This team lost 2 straight years to the Phillies. The Mets can deny it all they want, but the Phillies have proven time and again over the past 2 years that they are the better team. Until the Mets either win the division or beat the Phillies in a playoff series, then they need to shut up about them.
Anyway, I'm glad the Giants are coming off their bye this week, and hopefully they will continue to distract me with wins deep into the winter.
Anyway, I'm glad the Giants are coming off their bye this week, and hopefully they will continue to distract me with wins deep into the winter.
I did not want seconds...
Today was a rough one. As if last year wasn't brutal enough, the Mets had to go and break our hearts again. Last year I was in disbelief at this time, but right now it just feels like a reoccurring nightmare. It is nowhere near the collapse as last year, but the bottom line is that this team did not play well down the stretch and blew a lead for the second straight year.
After the loss set in last year, I felt anger and betrayal. I didn't look forward to a new season, I just wanted to erase the past. I can honestly say that right now I want the 2009 season to start as soon as possible. With a new bullpen of course. I am not that naive Mets fan that just looks at the bullpen and places all the blame. I will be the first guy to point out how David Wright gave us nothing in the clutch. There is no arguing the fact that this Mets offense lives and dies by Jose Reyes getting on base, and in too many of these Sept games, he has disappeared. One thing I won't do is rip Carlos Beltran. Until he wins a championship in New York, everyone will point to that last pitch in 2006 against the Cards, but if you look at his career fairly you will see a guy who has been a big time player in big time games, at the plate, in the field and on the bases.
So once again, where do we go from here? I don't know how Omar will go about it, but we need a closer and a complete overhaul of the bullpen. I am pretty sure that we have seen the last of Heilman, Schowenweiss and at least one or two others. We locked Castillo into a long-term deal at 2nd base which looks very ugly right now. I honestly don't know where the Mets go as far as the line-up is concerned. Daniel Murphy looked very good late in the year, and he should get a chance to play somewhere everyday in Spring Training. Delgado will have his option picked up and I don't see Reyes, Wright or Beltran going anywhere. I think the catcher platoon worked out pretty well, but if they can find an improvement at that spot then there really is nothing stopping them.
What I would love is to acquire a guy like Brian Roberts from the Orioles. Obviously the Castillo contract hurts in that regard, but I just feel that this Mets offense relies way too much on Reyes. We need a high on base guy with speed to pair with Reyes at the top of the line-up to take some of the pressure off of him. Roberts is the perfect guy for this team, I just don't know how they can maneuver it. As for starting pitching you are bringing back Johan, Maine and Pelfrey. I would also sign Perez to 5 yrs 60 million if thats what it takes & let Pedro walk. Find a 5th starter among young guys and cheaper options.
Look, until the Mets prove they can win in the clutch, people will make fun and question them. I don't blame them. If I wasn't a Mets fan I'd be the first guy saying that they need to change the core of this team now that changing the manager did not change they play in September. At the same time though you need patience. I know patience is tough when youngsters like Ryan Howard and Ryan Braun are winning games for other teams, but you can't act irrationally. Look at the NFL. The Eagles lost three straight NFC title games, but they stuck with their guys. I know they brought TO in, but he wasn't around in the playoffs when they made their Super Bowl run. The same thing with Peyton Manning and the Colts. They stuck to their game and eventually won it all. I think that patience is key, especially in day and age. As for right now, I will root for Torre & the Dodgers, as well as the Rays. I have to watch baseball, but it won't be easy. This is the life of a Met fan. We know its never easy, but there is still so much potential on this roster for the future, especially when I compare it to days gone by (early to mid 1990s). I know that is overly optimistic, but after last years collapse, I feel like I have gone through the absolute worst and I can handle anything when it comes to this team. I am ready for some better times though...
After the loss set in last year, I felt anger and betrayal. I didn't look forward to a new season, I just wanted to erase the past. I can honestly say that right now I want the 2009 season to start as soon as possible. With a new bullpen of course. I am not that naive Mets fan that just looks at the bullpen and places all the blame. I will be the first guy to point out how David Wright gave us nothing in the clutch. There is no arguing the fact that this Mets offense lives and dies by Jose Reyes getting on base, and in too many of these Sept games, he has disappeared. One thing I won't do is rip Carlos Beltran. Until he wins a championship in New York, everyone will point to that last pitch in 2006 against the Cards, but if you look at his career fairly you will see a guy who has been a big time player in big time games, at the plate, in the field and on the bases.
So once again, where do we go from here? I don't know how Omar will go about it, but we need a closer and a complete overhaul of the bullpen. I am pretty sure that we have seen the last of Heilman, Schowenweiss and at least one or two others. We locked Castillo into a long-term deal at 2nd base which looks very ugly right now. I honestly don't know where the Mets go as far as the line-up is concerned. Daniel Murphy looked very good late in the year, and he should get a chance to play somewhere everyday in Spring Training. Delgado will have his option picked up and I don't see Reyes, Wright or Beltran going anywhere. I think the catcher platoon worked out pretty well, but if they can find an improvement at that spot then there really is nothing stopping them.
What I would love is to acquire a guy like Brian Roberts from the Orioles. Obviously the Castillo contract hurts in that regard, but I just feel that this Mets offense relies way too much on Reyes. We need a high on base guy with speed to pair with Reyes at the top of the line-up to take some of the pressure off of him. Roberts is the perfect guy for this team, I just don't know how they can maneuver it. As for starting pitching you are bringing back Johan, Maine and Pelfrey. I would also sign Perez to 5 yrs 60 million if thats what it takes & let Pedro walk. Find a 5th starter among young guys and cheaper options.
Look, until the Mets prove they can win in the clutch, people will make fun and question them. I don't blame them. If I wasn't a Mets fan I'd be the first guy saying that they need to change the core of this team now that changing the manager did not change they play in September. At the same time though you need patience. I know patience is tough when youngsters like Ryan Howard and Ryan Braun are winning games for other teams, but you can't act irrationally. Look at the NFL. The Eagles lost three straight NFC title games, but they stuck with their guys. I know they brought TO in, but he wasn't around in the playoffs when they made their Super Bowl run. The same thing with Peyton Manning and the Colts. They stuck to their game and eventually won it all. I think that patience is key, especially in day and age. As for right now, I will root for Torre & the Dodgers, as well as the Rays. I have to watch baseball, but it won't be easy. This is the life of a Met fan. We know its never easy, but there is still so much potential on this roster for the future, especially when I compare it to days gone by (early to mid 1990s). I know that is overly optimistic, but after last years collapse, I feel like I have gone through the absolute worst and I can handle anything when it comes to this team. I am ready for some better times though...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wknd Wonders
-The Yankees are done. Stick a form in them.
-I don't wanna hear any crying about their injuries. When you have a team filled with guys over the age of 35, they are going to get injured. Joba getting injured sucks, but that how it goes sometimes. The Rays just had Crawford go on the DL, while the Mets had Maine go on the DL. Fact is that the older your team, the more more risk of durability.
-I'm not the biggest Girardi fan, so take this as you will, but I all I know is that Torre did not miss one postseason in 12 years, and that included relying on guys like Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon when they were needed. As well as Wang and Cano being called up out of nowhere when no one even thought of them as big prospects.
-I don't think he changed that much to their end of year record, but you can't help but be a little envious of the excitement over at Jet camp. I have had that feeling when Piazza was traded to the Mets and we felt like we finally had a superstar to call our own, and I can tell you it is amazing.
-I hopped on the Rays bandwagon in June, but even I am surprised with how they have started to pull away a little bit. I still think the Sox will end up taking the division, but the Rays just won of 4 to start a big road trip, which is pretty important when you realize that they are a much better team at home.
-I am starting to think that it is just the Cubs year. I don't really see a weakness on that team. The Mets have the firepower and starting pitching to play with them, but they might not even get to the playoffs. The Dbacks have the pitching, but their lineup will have a lot of trouble against good pitching. If it is the Cubs year, then I guess you could say they are due, 100 years is a loooong time.
-The Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics were awesome. I don't usually get into that stuff, but I did Fri night for a bit. Really impressive, and so far I have watched more of the events than usual. Being awake when they are going on live helps with that I guess.
-Mets have a pretty easy rest of the month schedule-wise. Unless the Philles go in the tank though I see this going down to the last week of the season (unfortunately). I do not have confidence in this team winning those big games down the stretch. How could I after last year?
-RIP Bernie Mac
-RIP Bernie Mac
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Late Night
A few months ago I started working nights. I go into the office every Sunday around 6ish and I work until 5AM Monday morning. I do that all week until 5AM Friday morning when my weekend starts. It has its good and bads, but for the most part the hours suck. The worst part is on those Fridays or Saturdays that I don't go out, I usually can't fall asleep before 2 or 3 AM. I have tried a few different things to try and fix this, but nothing really works. The bottom line is that five days a week I am awake all night, and it is not really possible to then function as a normal human being on the weekends. In reality it would take a couple weeks to get myself have on a normal schedule. In any event, I was just tossing and turning in bed and I thought, why not use this time to do something that I enjoy. So, here I am writing on this blog once again. Here I go..
Training camp for the 2008 NFL season started a couple weeks ago, so we now can officially put Super Bowl XLII in our rearview mirror. I was not writing when the Giants were making their run, so I missed the chance to express how amazing that was for me. I really never had one of my teams win a championship before. The Rangers won in 1994, but hockey was never as important to me as the other sports and I was only 11. Any championship would have been awesome for me, but this run by the Giants was as good as it gets. There is no reason to go over the specifics, as everyone knows what happen. All I know though is as it was going on, I kept on thinking to myself that it will never get better than this. I will never see my team go on a run so unexpected, and so pure as I did last January.
One of the reasons that it was so special personally was my friend David who I have mentioned before here. He passed away about a year ago. He introduced me to sports and more specifically, to the Giants. I remember watching the Giants play the Rams at home in the 1989 playoffs with him (they lost in OT on a long TD catch by Flipper Anderson). The first Super Bowl I remember watching was at his apartment, when Montana brought the Niners back against Cincinnati. I remember the Giants playing the Niners on Monday Night Football when they were both 10-1 in 1990, which at the time felt the biggest game ever. I remember him talking about the Giants being bad for so many years in the 60's and 70's. How he suffered for so long and Parcells brought them back. He was the guy I called when the Giants blew the playoff game to the Niners in January 2003. He was who I called for everything sports-related.
I also remember him passing last summer and how tough it was for me. Tougher than I ever could imagine. I missed him so much and I felt like I had no one who I could talk to or relate to on it. Every time I watched a game I thought about him. It just so happens that September the Mets went through a historic collapse where they blew something like a 7 game lead with 17 games to go in the season. Not having him there to talk to about it made it that much tougher. When the Giants season started, all I hoped was for them to have a great season for him. They started out 0-2, and could not have looked worse. They began to turn it around after beating Washington on the road with an unbelievable late game defensive stand, but the rest of the regular season was a bit of a roller coaster with them finishing 10-6 and in the playoffs for a 3rd straight year.
I never remember David going to a Giants game. I also never heard him trash Eli, when it seemed like the whole city was. He was as loyal a Giant fan as they come. When I ran the NYC marathon for him last November, the first thing I did when I finished was put on a brand new Giants sweatshirt in tribute to him.
The playoffs were an amazing run, but all I kept wishing was that I could have watched those games with him. I want to think that he saw those games somewhere and it made him feel as happy as it made me feel. Over the past year, I have been able to grieve and through that I have felt better. Every year around this time thought I can't help but think of him. The optimism of training camp. Reading a story in the paper everyday about a rookie, or a position battle, or a player who looks like he may have a breakout year. That is what David was all about. The hope of a new season. I know that there is nothing that the Giants can do this season to top what happened last year. So all I would say to them is not to try to. Play hard, and know that fans like me will never forget what they gave us one short year ago. To David, I would say I miss you, and I hope that you are able to watch somewhere because these Giants just might shock us again this year.
Training camp for the 2008 NFL season started a couple weeks ago, so we now can officially put Super Bowl XLII in our rearview mirror. I was not writing when the Giants were making their run, so I missed the chance to express how amazing that was for me. I really never had one of my teams win a championship before. The Rangers won in 1994, but hockey was never as important to me as the other sports and I was only 11. Any championship would have been awesome for me, but this run by the Giants was as good as it gets. There is no reason to go over the specifics, as everyone knows what happen. All I know though is as it was going on, I kept on thinking to myself that it will never get better than this. I will never see my team go on a run so unexpected, and so pure as I did last January.
One of the reasons that it was so special personally was my friend David who I have mentioned before here. He passed away about a year ago. He introduced me to sports and more specifically, to the Giants. I remember watching the Giants play the Rams at home in the 1989 playoffs with him (they lost in OT on a long TD catch by Flipper Anderson). The first Super Bowl I remember watching was at his apartment, when Montana brought the Niners back against Cincinnati. I remember the Giants playing the Niners on Monday Night Football when they were both 10-1 in 1990, which at the time felt the biggest game ever. I remember him talking about the Giants being bad for so many years in the 60's and 70's. How he suffered for so long and Parcells brought them back. He was the guy I called when the Giants blew the playoff game to the Niners in January 2003. He was who I called for everything sports-related.
I also remember him passing last summer and how tough it was for me. Tougher than I ever could imagine. I missed him so much and I felt like I had no one who I could talk to or relate to on it. Every time I watched a game I thought about him. It just so happens that September the Mets went through a historic collapse where they blew something like a 7 game lead with 17 games to go in the season. Not having him there to talk to about it made it that much tougher. When the Giants season started, all I hoped was for them to have a great season for him. They started out 0-2, and could not have looked worse. They began to turn it around after beating Washington on the road with an unbelievable late game defensive stand, but the rest of the regular season was a bit of a roller coaster with them finishing 10-6 and in the playoffs for a 3rd straight year.
I never remember David going to a Giants game. I also never heard him trash Eli, when it seemed like the whole city was. He was as loyal a Giant fan as they come. When I ran the NYC marathon for him last November, the first thing I did when I finished was put on a brand new Giants sweatshirt in tribute to him.
The playoffs were an amazing run, but all I kept wishing was that I could have watched those games with him. I want to think that he saw those games somewhere and it made him feel as happy as it made me feel. Over the past year, I have been able to grieve and through that I have felt better. Every year around this time thought I can't help but think of him. The optimism of training camp. Reading a story in the paper everyday about a rookie, or a position battle, or a player who looks like he may have a breakout year. That is what David was all about. The hope of a new season. I know that there is nothing that the Giants can do this season to top what happened last year. So all I would say to them is not to try to. Play hard, and know that fans like me will never forget what they gave us one short year ago. To David, I would say I miss you, and I hope that you are able to watch somewhere because these Giants just might shock us again this year.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Tricky Tricky
Those tricky tricky Jets went out and got themselves a Hall of Famer. To be honest I did not think they had it in them. They proved me, and most of the sports world wrong by doing what it took to get Brett Favre from Packer Green to GANG GREEN. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right thing to do for the franchise. Outside of maybe Bill Parcells, this is the biggest thing to happen to the franchise wince Super Bowl III. He has 10x the arm strength as Pennington and 100x the experience as Clemons. So I think that they are going to cruise to a playoff spot now that they got the QB to go along with a potentially great offensive line and a much improved defense. Actually, not quite...........
The Jets will definitely be better than last year. I would have felt that way without Brett Favre though. They have a very balanced team on both sides of the ball. The only thing that they really were lacking in my estimation was a couple big playmakers on offense. Brett Favre has had a history of turning many WRs into playmakers. Look at how his career spanned from Sterling Sharpe, to Robert Brooks, to Antonio Freeman, to Javon Walker, to Donald Drvier, to Greg Jennings. Not to mention a few TEs he did pretty well throwing to. My thing though is that I am not sold on Brett having another big-time year. Before last year, he has one terrible year and one mediocre year. He will be 39 in October. He could very easily have another one of those so-so years, which are definitely not what any Jet fan is anticipating.
I know the Jet fan mentality is not only that Favre could bring wins, but he makes them relevant. As a Met fan, I know how it feels to have the mentality that no one cares about your team because there is another team in town playing the same sport that steals all of your glory. The thing is though, how will these fans react if Favre starts slow and the Jets are 2-4 in the middle of October? Favre is known as a gunslinger and has had a reputation for having games over the years when he has absolutely killed his teams. He built up so much goodwill in Green Bay, that it did not really matter. He does not have that here, and I promise you they will let him here it if he is not holding up his end of the bargain.
I really hope that he does well. Jet fans deserve this, and I look forward to see him performing in New York. Maybe it is the Met fan in me though, seeing a franchise (and fanbase) desperate for attention reaching out to a guy past his prime to bring them to the promised land. I think this is a move the Jets had to make for the potential upside, I just fear that the downside is more likely, and would be such a punch to the gut for the fans. You know what thought? They're used to it, who am I kidding? In any event, congratulations Jet fans.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chompin
Chompin at the bit here...
-Joba Chamberlain. Not that it means anything, but I don't like this guy. How can I? He is mean both with his pitches and his attitude on the field. Obviously, I don't like the Yankees, so the combination of him being really good and being an intimidator will grab my attention. Anyway, right now he is in Birmingham, AL about to get a second opinion on his ailing right shoulder. Honestly, I do not wish this guy any physical harm. I do have a major problem with the way the Yankees have babied their young pitchers though, so yes I would get some satisfaction from Joba having an arm injury. All that I have heard over the last year is how the Yankees are going to handle their young pitchers the "right way" and not wear them out. How they would gradually raise their innings totals from one year to the next and closely monitor their pitch counts. Comparisons were given to how the Cubs screwed up Wood and Prior, as well as the Mets ruining Generation K. Well, I think that Brian Cashman is an arrogant mofo who has no clue what he is doing when it comes to pitchers. Just look at his track record of signing and trading for pitchers. Also look at the number of pitchers that have been developed under Cashman's watch over the past 10+ years. A good article in the Times today mentions how Mussina threw 240 innings in 1992 at Joba's age. Cashman has this quote in the same article "“There are certainly no guarantees...But I’m very comfortable and confident in our pitching program. It limits the risk, but it doesn’t prevent injuries.” Well you know what? Hughes and Kennedy suffered major setbacks this year. Now with this Joba news, he could join the party. If that happens, none of these guys will come near the increase in innings the Yankees forecast and where will they be next year? I am not saying that the Yankees are alone in all this, but I look at the Mets wil Pelfrey (who is having a strong year) and I don't really hear any of this junk. I dunno, I just think that the "Yankee Plan" is not one designed on developing horses on the mound. I was already getting shit from my boy for saying moving Joba to the rotation was gunna a mistake. Well, I still think the Yankees don't know what they are doing and that will be proven in good time.
-Phew! OK, how many times is a Mets manager this season going to give the ball to Heilman in a big spot? People talk about Wagner blowing 7 saves, but Heilman has ruined at least 10 games. I know hes got good stuff and hes a resilient guy, but how many times do I have to see him give up a home run to blow a lead? Lets just give this dude a few days off and then gradually work him back into the mix. No more two innings at a time, unless you give him two days off after. No coming into a game unless we are down by 3, up by 3 or in extra innings. Let him prove it for about a month, while also letting him get some much needed race. He will be needed in Sept, but at this rate I think his arm might fall off before Labor Day (not that many Met fans would mind).
-Anyone have any tips on how to get thru plantar facitis (sp?)?? Sucks when you go out to rip a 7 mile run and it feels like someone is jabbing an ice pick into ur foot 3 miles away from ur apt with no metrocard to get back.....
I guss thats all folks....Lookin forward to seein those champion Giants back on the field Thurs night, eventhough there is no bigger d*cktease than preseason football...
Monday, August 4, 2008
Guess Who's Back
It's been awhile, but here I am. Recently I have found myself with a lot to say on sports (and no one to tell it to, since I work in the darkness). Right now is a very interesting time in baseball. We potentially have five division races that could go down to the end of the season, with four of those have more than two teams very much still in the division race. Home teams have dominated this year at a rate higher than usual, which adds an extra bit of intrigue to those late season series. People will want to write off the teams like Tampa & Minnesota, but take a look at their home records. I think its the combination of being young and built to play indoors, but each just dominates at home. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the division races. I'll start with the Junior circuit...
AL East
For years it has been all about Sox/Yanks. Finally we have another team that came to play. The Rays will be there until the end too. They have a very balanced line-up with power, speed and lefty/righty combos to cause math-up problems. Their bullpen has been great and their starting rotation has been pretty consistent from 1-5. Their #5 starter (Sonnanstine) has 11 wins already. They have an advantage right now in the standings, but they have a long west coast road trip coming up next week where they go into Seattle, Oakland and Texas. Plus they end the season with an 8 game road trip into Baltimore and Detroit. I think they have the players to win the division, but they are going to have to play better on the road down the stretch to be able to hold onto this lead. I think they have the consistent starting pitching to get it done, but I am not sure about the consistency of that line-up.
The Sox has went through one of the weirdest couple of weeks a team could have. This next month will show me if they are still the team to beat in the AL. To me, the one thing that set up apart from every team in baseball over the past 5 years was the 3-4 Manny/Papi combo. It will go down right next to Gehrig/Ruth, Mantle Maris, McCovey/Mays as one of the best of all time. Now they don't have that. They still have a very potent line-up, but there definitely is not that same fear in the middle of that line-up. Their rotation is extremely good, but their bullpen is shaky at best. With all that being said though, I would be shocked if they did not make the playoffs.
As for the Yankees, they are a much more dangerous team than they were 2 weeks ago. If you asked me their most glaring problems then I would have said right-handed power, back-end of the rotation, and lack of a lefty in the bullpen. Well, two of those things were fixed with the Nady/Marte trade. Plus, with Pudge they don't have to play a .220 hitter everyday in Molina, which is pretty important since Melky is already an everyday player who is a horrible offensive performer. The back-end of the rotation is still a problem, but Hughes and Kennedy will both get another shot at some point, and Wang could be heard from (even if it isn't by Sept 1). They end the year with a 6 game road trip, the last 3 being in Boston. If they are behind both the Rays and Sox going into that, it will be a very tough proposition.
Prediction: 1. Sox 2. Rays 3. Yanks
AL Central
Three team race if you count the Tigers (who are in rough shape after getting swept out of Tampa). The White Sox have been leading most of the season and I think it is there division to lose. The Tigers have played much better since May 1, but they dug themselves too big a hole in the beginning of the year to come back. The Twins are very dangerous, but they just don't have the offensive fire-power to compete on the road consistently. Lirano coming back is a yuuuuge wild card, and they will be in it until the end. The White Sox have the strongest team from top to bottom, but they have a weirdly constructed offensive team. A lot of older guys and no true center fielder. Their starting pitching is very solid. The White Sox go into Minnesota the second to last series of the year. If they don't have some breathing room before that, then they will be in trouble because after that the Twins finish with 3 games at home against Kansas City.
1. White Sox 2. Twins 3. Tigers
AL West
ANGELS.
Wild Card
Twins.
I really want to say the Rays, but their September schedule is just so much tougher than the Twins. They play the Yanks/Red Sox 12 times and finish with 8 games on the road. The Rays and Twins do play a 4 game sat in September in Tampa which could be huge for Tampa's cause, but in the end I just don't think they will get it done.
NL EAST
The Mets are full of themselves. They have been like this for years now. Ever since their playoff run in 2006, they have acted like they are the Sox or the Yanks and they have this great track record of making the playoffs and winning, which is flat-out wrong. They made Willie the scapegoat for last year and acted like that winning streak around the all-star break was what they were meant to do all year. All that winning streak did though was mask the fact that they have an inadequate team. Their #5 hitter the past couple of days has either been Tatis or Easly. That is a joke. I don't know what the Pirates were asking for, but when I see the prospects the Yankees gave up and what the Dodgers gave up for Manny it bothers me that I will see either Tatis or Endy playing every day the rest of the year. The Mets have the best starting rotation in the league, and that is really their only chance of winning this thing. They have to dominate to give their constantly overused bullpen a rest, and take pressure off their offense that just does not have the horses (unless Chuch comes back, then things look a little different).
The Phillies have a monster offense, but shaky pitching. Hammels is the only guy in that rotation I would trust. Their hitting is not only great, but they have a very strong bench, which helps them a ton late in games. Not to mention they have built great character over the past couple of seasons and continue to have this "us against the world" mentality, especially when it comes to facing the Mets. They will be there until the end for sure, I think it depends more on how the Mets and Marlins hold up rather then if Philly does.
The Marlins are a pesky bunch. There is really no better way to say it. If I had to pick one guy on that team that represents the group it would be Dan Uggla. Plays hard, hits a ton of home runs, strike out all the time and is a DH in the field. The pitching is inconsistent, and does not have anything close to an ace. I keep thinking that they will fall out of it, but they just hang around. I still think by Sept 1 they will be about 5 or 6 back of the Mets/Phils. They go into Shea though the last weekend of the season. I will be there Sunday Sept 28 to say goodbye to the old ballpark. Last year the Mets ended their year on a Sunday at Shea against Florida. Will history repeat itself? Ugh..
1. Mets 2. Phillies 3. Marlins
AL Central
The Cubs are the cream of the crop this year in the NL. They made a huge statement sweeping the Brewers in Milwaukee last week. They have a dominant offense, which is even better now with Soriano back. The rotation is scary if Harden can stay healthy, and the bullpen has been great all year. They play with a swagger that comes from their manager. I think they win the division and leave the Cards and Brewers to fight for the scraps. As for that, I think the Brewers have to be the favorite. With Sabathia and Sheets at the top of that rotation I don't care about the clowns they have in their bullpen. I watch the Cards play and see the line-ups they put out there and I don't understand how they are even a .500 team. You have to credit the manager and the front office that keep this team competitive year in and year out.
1. Cubs 2. Brewers 3. Cards
AL West
The West was won the day the Dodgers traded for Manny. He brings a presence to that franchise that they have not had since Piazza. I think this team goes on a bigtime run over the next 20 games. Billingsly is developing into an ace and the bullpen has been good even without Saito. The Dbacks built such a huge lead, but their offense has just not been consistent. They have too many young hitters that strike out a lot and don't hit in big spots. They needed a Manny or Texiera to come in as much as anyone in the league, but they did not pull the trigger. Their pitching will keep them in it, but Manny will lift the Dodgers to the playoffs.
1. Dodgers 2. D'Backs
Wild Card
Brewers
The Sabathia deal gives them two aces at the top of their staff. Over the course of a season they can overcome their horrible pen with their offense and starting pitching. The Phillies have the guts, but just not nearly enough arms. If they could have gotten a Burnett this might be a different story.
PLAYOFFS?!?!
AL would be weird without the Yanks and even wierder with the Rays. Up until Manny was gone I would have said the Sox were the team to beat. Like I said, that dynamic with Manny/Ortiz was such a weapon in big games. Now I look at the Sox as a very tough team, but missing that intimidating element they used to have. Angels look like the team to beat, with the best manager in baseball armed with his best team yet.
The NL could shape up to have a great NLCS. Think about a Dodgers/Mets, Cubs/Dodgers, or Mets/Cubs match-up. From a historical standpoint, those are all great mach-ups for the bigtime baseball fan. I think the Cubs will be there, not sure about the other two. In a short series, the Brewers could crash the pary with those two horses in their rotation.
BTW...I know you contraries and Sox clowns will tell me how much of a cancer Manny was in the clubhouse and how his teammates wanted him gone, blahblahblah. I understand all that and I still feel that after the trade deadline passed they woulda realized he was here until the end of the season and would have adjusted just like they have so many times in the past. I will never believe that the Red Sox have a better chance to win this year with Jason Bay in left field and not Manny.
Feels good to be back. You won't be getting a post every day, but check back frequently and I assure you that there will be good shit on a consistent basis. This one was a bit long. I had a lot to get off my chest about the sport in general. Anyway, no more STKAFI, since Isiah is gone. We will have to figure out a new one. Until then...Peace!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Night Before Christmas
That is what it feels like for a lot of baseball fans. Tomorrow we find out the details of the long anticipated Mitchell Report. Why is this such a big deal? Well, this is a report that actually has some teeth. Mitchell is former US Senator and former US Prosecutor. He is a very respected and smart man. He will have done a ton of research and anything he puts in there will be supported by factual evidence. In addition he is impartial and has no agenda except to get the most truth out of everything that he researched. Now to what I do and don't want to see in it...
Curt Schilling: I think that the guy is a prick, runs his mouth and sticks his nose in other peoples business. It would be nice to see him with cake on his face.
David Ortiz: To be honest, I like the guy. In the same breath though, this would probably the biggest blow to Red Sox Nation. It would be very sweet to see all of New England hide there heads in the sand on this guy.
Alex Rodriguez: Add another embarrassment to the list with this guy. This one though would for once be a negative reflection of something ON the field.
Roger Clemens: Selfish, greedy, etc etc. Please let there be some affirmation of this clowns steroid abuse.
Mike Piazza: Please please please do not let this guy be on the list. As a Met fan this would be something I might not be able to get over.
Knicks Game:
Knicks just lost to the Sonics at home. Pathetic. Can the fans change it up a bit on the "Fire Isiah" chants?? How about a FIRE DOLAN?????
As for the Sonics, I like their group. They will lose a lot in that division and conference, but PJ is a very good coach. In addition they got a couple nice vet ins Kurt Thomas and Wally. Kurt has always been a great leader and locker room presence, while Wally provides the ability to light it up on any given night. For a young team a guy like Wally can be very helpful for the confidence of the offense. As for Durant...hes awesome. With him and Green at the forward spots the Sonics could have the most dynamic forward combo in the league over the next 10 years. Too bad the city of Seattle won't be able to see it.
STKAFI
Curt Schilling: I think that the guy is a prick, runs his mouth and sticks his nose in other peoples business. It would be nice to see him with cake on his face.
David Ortiz: To be honest, I like the guy. In the same breath though, this would probably the biggest blow to Red Sox Nation. It would be very sweet to see all of New England hide there heads in the sand on this guy.
Alex Rodriguez: Add another embarrassment to the list with this guy. This one though would for once be a negative reflection of something ON the field.
Roger Clemens: Selfish, greedy, etc etc. Please let there be some affirmation of this clowns steroid abuse.
Mike Piazza: Please please please do not let this guy be on the list. As a Met fan this would be something I might not be able to get over.
Knicks Game:
Knicks just lost to the Sonics at home. Pathetic. Can the fans change it up a bit on the "Fire Isiah" chants?? How about a FIRE DOLAN?????
As for the Sonics, I like their group. They will lose a lot in that division and conference, but PJ is a very good coach. In addition they got a couple nice vet ins Kurt Thomas and Wally. Kurt has always been a great leader and locker room presence, while Wally provides the ability to light it up on any given night. For a young team a guy like Wally can be very helpful for the confidence of the offense. As for Durant...hes awesome. With him and Green at the forward spots the Sonics could have the most dynamic forward combo in the league over the next 10 years. Too bad the city of Seattle won't be able to see it.
STKAFI
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Blockbusta
I have got to say that the Cabrera-Willis trade seemed straight out of talk radio when I first heard it. So many players and too many big names for it to ever work. The two most popular players from the Marlins going Detroit and a slew of prospects going to Florida, including their two big name top prospects in Maybin and Andrew Miller. I think it is a great trade for both sides because it fits exactly what both teams are trying to do.
When you look at the Tigers, it is now clear beyond any doubt that they will go blow for blow with the Yankees and Red Sox. They have the deepest line-up in baseball, alongside a very solid starting rotation. The best part of their team is that their line-up is not made up of just power guys like the trap the Yankees had fallen into in recent years. Guys like Polanco. Renteria and Granderson supply a nice complement to the power of Cabrera, Ordonez and Sheff. I still think the Red Sox have to be the team to beat, but Detroit has shown the commitment needed to fight the superpowers of baseball.
At the end of the year it is going to come down pitching as always. The Detroit line-up is great, but the most important guys on this roster will be Verlander, Bonderman, Willis and Rogers. The Red Sox proved that this October, as the Cardinals proved the year before, and the White Sox the year before that.
METS
I would just like to address the Mets offseason really quick. The Mets were possibly the toughest team to figure out at the end of the year. Everyone felt they were the best team in the NL and that they should have been in the playoffs. The bottom line though was that they collapsed. How do you address an 88 win team, but also a team that a historic meltdown in September?
Well in a strict baseball sense it was very clear that the Mets needed help at the top of the rotation. The other aspect though that I felt needed to be addressed was the culture of the clubhouse. You can not go through such a long and drawn out collapse and then come back the next year with the same guys. There is too much bad history and karma for that. So lets take a look at who is gone as of now. Tom Glavine, Paul Loduca and Lastings Milledge are the biggest names that are already gone. Those are three pretty big personalities in that clubhouse. There will be different voiices speaking up to the media and different guys being vocal leaders behind closed doors. To me that was a big key in this offseason.
Speaking of Milledge, his trade was very controversial. So many Met fans were bothered not only by giving up on Milledge, but by getting so little for him. Well, I will say that Schneider and Church are not that bad. I am fine with a platoon of Schneider and Castro behind the plate. Combined I expect about .260-.270 AVG with 15-20 homers, and very good defense. As far as Church goes, I will mention a name that will make many people roll their eyes....Paul O'Neill. Look at O'Neill's numbers before coming to the Yankees at age 30 in 1993. While O'Neill had been established for about five years and Church has only been around for the past two, their numbers look pretty similar. Before coming to the Yanks O'Neill never hit over .276. They are both lefty, line-drive hitting right fielders who play very solid defense and are very hard nosed. Chruch may not have the intensity of O'Neill (not many do), but I can easily see him hitting .280-.290 with 20 homers and 50 doubles, while playing a strong right field. Not the front line pitcher Mets fans expected (unrealistically) for Milledge, but possibly a guy who can provide further balance and depth to this Mets line-up.
KNICKS
I am not trying to be insensitive, but there have been some off the court issues that have been out of the Knicks control that will be used as excuses in the future by Dolan and Isiah. When this season is analyzed by the Knick powers that be, I promise you that within their prognosis will be the fact that Randolph missed multiple games due to his Grandmother's passing and that Marbury had to go through the extremely difficult passing of his Father. I am not trying to disparage either one of these players or minimize wheat they must have gone through and continue to go through. I have lost loved ones and it is extremely hard. All I am saying is that no matter how you look at this Knicks team, it is a disaster. The Knicks management will bring these losses up as reasons for the teams troubles and that will be something that no one will be able to question. How can you without sounding like an insensitive asshole? Well, I will not question that. I will just say that I hope that the owner finally sees this team for what it is and cleans house, and not continue to give Isiah a way to stick around. Some day......
STKAFI
When you look at the Tigers, it is now clear beyond any doubt that they will go blow for blow with the Yankees and Red Sox. They have the deepest line-up in baseball, alongside a very solid starting rotation. The best part of their team is that their line-up is not made up of just power guys like the trap the Yankees had fallen into in recent years. Guys like Polanco. Renteria and Granderson supply a nice complement to the power of Cabrera, Ordonez and Sheff. I still think the Red Sox have to be the team to beat, but Detroit has shown the commitment needed to fight the superpowers of baseball.
At the end of the year it is going to come down pitching as always. The Detroit line-up is great, but the most important guys on this roster will be Verlander, Bonderman, Willis and Rogers. The Red Sox proved that this October, as the Cardinals proved the year before, and the White Sox the year before that.
METS
I would just like to address the Mets offseason really quick. The Mets were possibly the toughest team to figure out at the end of the year. Everyone felt they were the best team in the NL and that they should have been in the playoffs. The bottom line though was that they collapsed. How do you address an 88 win team, but also a team that a historic meltdown in September?
Well in a strict baseball sense it was very clear that the Mets needed help at the top of the rotation. The other aspect though that I felt needed to be addressed was the culture of the clubhouse. You can not go through such a long and drawn out collapse and then come back the next year with the same guys. There is too much bad history and karma for that. So lets take a look at who is gone as of now. Tom Glavine, Paul Loduca and Lastings Milledge are the biggest names that are already gone. Those are three pretty big personalities in that clubhouse. There will be different voiices speaking up to the media and different guys being vocal leaders behind closed doors. To me that was a big key in this offseason.
Speaking of Milledge, his trade was very controversial. So many Met fans were bothered not only by giving up on Milledge, but by getting so little for him. Well, I will say that Schneider and Church are not that bad. I am fine with a platoon of Schneider and Castro behind the plate. Combined I expect about .260-.270 AVG with 15-20 homers, and very good defense. As far as Church goes, I will mention a name that will make many people roll their eyes....Paul O'Neill. Look at O'Neill's numbers before coming to the Yankees at age 30 in 1993. While O'Neill had been established for about five years and Church has only been around for the past two, their numbers look pretty similar. Before coming to the Yanks O'Neill never hit over .276. They are both lefty, line-drive hitting right fielders who play very solid defense and are very hard nosed. Chruch may not have the intensity of O'Neill (not many do), but I can easily see him hitting .280-.290 with 20 homers and 50 doubles, while playing a strong right field. Not the front line pitcher Mets fans expected (unrealistically) for Milledge, but possibly a guy who can provide further balance and depth to this Mets line-up.
KNICKS
I am not trying to be insensitive, but there have been some off the court issues that have been out of the Knicks control that will be used as excuses in the future by Dolan and Isiah. When this season is analyzed by the Knick powers that be, I promise you that within their prognosis will be the fact that Randolph missed multiple games due to his Grandmother's passing and that Marbury had to go through the extremely difficult passing of his Father. I am not trying to disparage either one of these players or minimize wheat they must have gone through and continue to go through. I have lost loved ones and it is extremely hard. All I am saying is that no matter how you look at this Knicks team, it is a disaster. The Knicks management will bring these losses up as reasons for the teams troubles and that will be something that no one will be able to question. How can you without sounding like an insensitive asshole? Well, I will not question that. I will just say that I hope that the owner finally sees this team for what it is and cleans house, and not continue to give Isiah a way to stick around. Some day......
STKAFI
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
MNF
That was some game. Probably one of the most intense, back and forth, and frustrating games I have ever watched.
However, the entire time, I know everyone who follows sports closely and was watching, knew, no matter how well the Ravens played for 59 minutes, they would not pull it out. They are easily destinied to go undefeated this year and most likely win the Superbowl. Their weakness is easy to identify but not easy to probe. You must attack, attack, and attack their defense all game. Do not let up and do not shy away from your game plan. Their defense is good, but it is not great (as seen by letting Baltimore score 24 points). They are also on the older side and you must keep them on the field for as long as you can all the way through the fourth quarter. The second, and more important of the two is getting pressure on Brady. Everyone knows the most important position on a football team is offensive line. The Patriots have the best offensive line in the leauge, by far. You must have a defensive coordinator with balls, and blitz from every possible angle, but not only that, you must also have very good pass covering linebackers and corners (to allow the pressure to get there), and viscious hitting saftey's. See: Eagles, Ravens. There are very few teams in the league that can say they have a chance against the Pats (Steelers, Colts, maybe the Jags. No one really in the NFC, except possibly, and this may come as a shock to you, the Vikings, and to a lesser extent, the Packers). The Patriots are definitely vulnerable, but not much, and I don't see them losing any time soon.
I actually feel very, very bad for the Ravens defense. For years now they have carried their team, and even won them a Superbowl. They played with more intesity than any other defense I have seen while watching the game. They knew they were going to win, they could feel it. Up until the last 3 minutes and 30 seconds into the game, that's where it all started falling apart.
I have never seen so many unlucky bad breaks for a team in a row, and although the pentalties might have cost Baltimore a chance to tie the game at the end of regulation, I have no problem with what Bart Scott did. I was exhausted and frustrated just watching the game, I can only imagine how the players on that defense felt. After two 4th and 1 stops, one called back for a timeout (which was legit) and the other for a false start (also, legit) you can't actually expect the defense who had played so hard for so long in the freezing cold continue to stop the most potent, explosive offense ever to play in the NFL that many times in a row.
Oh, and the Dolphins will be the first team in history to go 0-16. Which is nice.
However, the entire time, I know everyone who follows sports closely and was watching, knew, no matter how well the Ravens played for 59 minutes, they would not pull it out. They are easily destinied to go undefeated this year and most likely win the Superbowl. Their weakness is easy to identify but not easy to probe. You must attack, attack, and attack their defense all game. Do not let up and do not shy away from your game plan. Their defense is good, but it is not great (as seen by letting Baltimore score 24 points). They are also on the older side and you must keep them on the field for as long as you can all the way through the fourth quarter. The second, and more important of the two is getting pressure on Brady. Everyone knows the most important position on a football team is offensive line. The Patriots have the best offensive line in the leauge, by far. You must have a defensive coordinator with balls, and blitz from every possible angle, but not only that, you must also have very good pass covering linebackers and corners (to allow the pressure to get there), and viscious hitting saftey's. See: Eagles, Ravens. There are very few teams in the league that can say they have a chance against the Pats (Steelers, Colts, maybe the Jags. No one really in the NFC, except possibly, and this may come as a shock to you, the Vikings, and to a lesser extent, the Packers). The Patriots are definitely vulnerable, but not much, and I don't see them losing any time soon.
I actually feel very, very bad for the Ravens defense. For years now they have carried their team, and even won them a Superbowl. They played with more intesity than any other defense I have seen while watching the game. They knew they were going to win, they could feel it. Up until the last 3 minutes and 30 seconds into the game, that's where it all started falling apart.
I have never seen so many unlucky bad breaks for a team in a row, and although the pentalties might have cost Baltimore a chance to tie the game at the end of regulation, I have no problem with what Bart Scott did. I was exhausted and frustrated just watching the game, I can only imagine how the players on that defense felt. After two 4th and 1 stops, one called back for a timeout (which was legit) and the other for a false start (also, legit) you can't actually expect the defense who had played so hard for so long in the freezing cold continue to stop the most potent, explosive offense ever to play in the NFL that many times in a row.
Oh, and the Dolphins will be the first team in history to go 0-16. Which is nice.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Woah
Huge win for the Gmen today. On the road, in the cold weather, coming from nine points down in the 4th quarter....like I said, woah that is good. A couple thoughts..
- This is the second truly gutsy road win that the Giants have had this season (Redskins week 3). Overall the Giants are 5-1 on the road this season. Very impressive.
- I am not here to defend Eli. I am done doing that. I will point out the same thing I have pointed out on numerous occasions in the past though. This guy has a knack for playing poorly early in ballgames and finding a flow late in 4th quarters. He did it against the Broncos and Cowboys a couple years back, against the Eagles twice last season (once in the playoffs where he tied the game with a flawless drive with less than two minutes to go), and today with two fantastic 4th quarter drives. As fans we are still maddened by the progress (of lack) of Eli, but today was a tough encouraging effort. He stood tall in the pocket all day and took his hits. He also showed a short memory. He had three turnovers but was able to put that all behind him to drive the Giants down the field twice in the 4th quarter throwing some bullets all over the field.
- The Giants are in the drivers seat for the 5 seed in the playoffs. Would they rather go into Seattle or Tampa for a Divisional Playoff? I know I want no part of going into Seattle. At this point though it seems that the Giants chances are much better playing anywhere but Giants Stadium.
- I could make the case that this was the biggest win of the Coughlin/Eli era. Midway thru the 4th quarter they were facing 7-5 and being losers of three of there past four. Oh, and going in Philly next week which has not been the easiest place to play over the past few years. Now they are two games ahead of the rest of the NFC with tiebreakers over Detroit and Arizona.
STKAFI
Friday, November 30, 2007
For Mike:
This is bad news for US Soccer...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=486362&cc=5901
Beasley's greatest asset is his speed, the guy is lightning quick down the left side. A knee injury like this not only affects him and the team in the short term, but he could possibly never be the same, and not have that first step that made him so dangerous even after the surgey and rehab.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3135091&name=chang_jen
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=486362&cc=5901
Beasley's greatest asset is his speed, the guy is lightning quick down the left side. A knee injury like this not only affects him and the team in the short term, but he could possibly never be the same, and not have that first step that made him so dangerous even after the surgey and rehab.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3135091&name=chang_jen
Lucky me
It is always nice when you have the privledge of watching two of the best at something go up against eachother. Bird / Magic. LT / AP. You get the picture.
This past sunday, I had the honor, nay the privledge of watching the two best at being terrible Qbs that i have ever seen. Eli Manning vs. Tavarias Jackson. Now im not going to discuss Jackson, he is crappy and no one cares. But Eli? Now that is one of the all time train wreck games of a supposed franchise qb. And you know what? its time to pull the plug.
Its not that his stats are bad, they aren't generally, his qb rating is solid and at the end of the year you can look at his stats and convince yourself that he wasnt that bad. Dont worry though, he really is. The guy is not a winner in any sense of the word. ive heard that he is getting skewered in the media at NY for not getting emotional. ive heard that you cant ask a guy to change who he is. Thats a defense? Dont ask a QB of an NFL team to be emotional? that is who he is? seriously? seriouslar? I believe the QB is supposed to be a leader. Ive yet to meet a successful leader that wasnt emotional. That didnt wear everything on his sleeve when it came to the success of his team. Get rid of this guy now, he isnt winning a super bowl . . .ever. Thats the goal right, just one and done in the playoffs isnt the end game for the giants. At least it shouldnt be. Trade him now while he is young and you can trick the 9ers that he still has a future. Let fans of another town have to deal with him. There were throws last week that could have been called for intentional grounding if they werent intercepted first; he had no idea where his receivers were. And it wasnt like he was gambling / gunslinging a la Brett Favre for these picks. They were standard 8-10 yard routes over the middle. Absolutely terrible. How can an owner watch this guy and not think they need a new QB.
Get rid of him that is the only option.
quick thoughts.
A: I want the Red Sox to trade for Johan Santana.
B: I am ok giving up Ellsbury, Buckells, whomever. its friggin santana.
C: SANTANA!
D: The knicks are a joke.
E: GO SAINTS!
This past sunday, I had the honor, nay the privledge of watching the two best at being terrible Qbs that i have ever seen. Eli Manning vs. Tavarias Jackson. Now im not going to discuss Jackson, he is crappy and no one cares. But Eli? Now that is one of the all time train wreck games of a supposed franchise qb. And you know what? its time to pull the plug.
Its not that his stats are bad, they aren't generally, his qb rating is solid and at the end of the year you can look at his stats and convince yourself that he wasnt that bad. Dont worry though, he really is. The guy is not a winner in any sense of the word. ive heard that he is getting skewered in the media at NY for not getting emotional. ive heard that you cant ask a guy to change who he is. Thats a defense? Dont ask a QB of an NFL team to be emotional? that is who he is? seriously? seriouslar? I believe the QB is supposed to be a leader. Ive yet to meet a successful leader that wasnt emotional. That didnt wear everything on his sleeve when it came to the success of his team. Get rid of this guy now, he isnt winning a super bowl . . .ever. Thats the goal right, just one and done in the playoffs isnt the end game for the giants. At least it shouldnt be. Trade him now while he is young and you can trick the 9ers that he still has a future. Let fans of another town have to deal with him. There were throws last week that could have been called for intentional grounding if they werent intercepted first; he had no idea where his receivers were. And it wasnt like he was gambling / gunslinging a la Brett Favre for these picks. They were standard 8-10 yard routes over the middle. Absolutely terrible. How can an owner watch this guy and not think they need a new QB.
Get rid of him that is the only option.
quick thoughts.
A: I want the Red Sox to trade for Johan Santana.
B: I am ok giving up Ellsbury, Buckells, whomever. its friggin santana.
C: SANTANA!
D: The knicks are a joke.
E: GO SAINTS!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wait a Second...
After yesterdays Devil Rays-Twins trade, can someone explain to me why it is a foregone conclusion that the Twins should trade Johan Santana now? The Twins just traded a guy that projected to be in their starting rotation for a player who will be 22 years old on opening day and was as highly touted a prospect as any over the past 15 years. From my view the Twins have a chance to compete in the American League next year. Why not run with that?
The Twins can have a top of the rotation of Santana and Francisco Liriano. Now I know Liriano is still a question mark, but recovery from Tommy John surgery has become more and more common place in the game of baseball. A full recovery should be expected. Maybe not by opening day, but by midseason. After those two you have a trio of decent options in Kevin Slowley, Boof Bonser and Scott Baker. Not to mention the possible options of a cheap free agent/trade acquisition or minor league option. Not the greatest rotation in the world, but good enough where they felt they could trade from a strength.
As far as the line-up goes, you now have a middle of the order of Morneau, Mauer, Cuddyer and Young. I strongly believe that Delmon Young could put up bigger numbers next year than Torii Hunter gave them. Hunter, while great defensively and great in the clubhouse was never a top offensive performer. In addition, there are a lot of trade options out there for a center fielder. From the sounds of it, they may have an opportunity to get a guy like Coco Crisp, Tony Gwynn Jr. or David DeJesus. I am not making this team out to be the '27 Yankees or whatever but they could easily put together a line-up with more firepower than they have been used to in recent years.
Lastly, we always know how great the Twins bullpen and manager is. Gardenhire is probably the most underrated manager in all of baseball. I never hear his name amongst the top managers, but every time I see the Twins play they are playing harder than the other team. They are just a tough team, no matter who is injured and where they are in the standings. They go hard into second, they go first to third on a single, and they always find themselves in one run ballgames. There is no reason the this franchise should basically throw in the towel for this season by trading their best play and also the best pitcher in the game.
I know what people are thinking...if the Twins can't afford to pay Santana when he becomes a free agent, then doesn't it make sense to trade him and get a boatload of good young players? I understand that. What about this though? You go into the season with Santana and you make a run for a title. If at the trading deadline you think you are out of it then trade him to the highest bidder. I have trouble believing that you are not going to get top dollar for him then as opposed to now. Heck, you might even get more. Imagine the bidding war if the Red Sox and Yankees are within a game of each other at the time. Or if the Mets are two games behind the Braves. There will be hysteria unlike any trading deadline since Randy Johnson was traded to the Astros a few years back. Remember that the Mariners got both Freddy Garcia and Carlos Guillen in that deal. Not bad at all.
All I am saying is give your franchise and your fans a chance. This way you can still trade Santana if you think that is best, or you can potentially find yourself in the playoffs. There is no chance you can compete in the AL Central next year without Santana. It is just way too tough of a division. The one advantage you have on the rest of baseball is Santana. Don't get rid of him before giving your fanbase one more chance to win. I think that would go a long way to showing your dedication to the people of Minnesota and winning. Oh yeah, and remember the absolute worst case scenario of not making the playoffs and not trading Santana? Well, you still get two draft picks when he signs somewhere else. Not great, but it is something that would help you restock your farm system. You need your fans loyalty going into a new stadium in a couple of years (especially since it is outdoors...imagine those April games in frigid Minneapolis).
Knicks...
The NY Post said it last week and that is the Knicks are already looking at Chris Mullin to replace Isiah. I am going on record right now in saying that I support that pick 100%. Look at what he was able to do in Golden State. Traded peanuts for Baron Davis. Pulled off a steal in getting Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson for Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy. He also drafted Monta Ellisn(second rounder) and Andra Beidris. Probably most importantly, he was able to convince his owner to rehiring Don Nelson, who he had a major beef with in the past. Mullin has shown a lot of balls in making risky deals, and more often than not he has wound up on top. The Knicks are a major project, and I want a guy who knows not only the League, but the City as well. Mullin is a St. John's and New York legend. He would be around for a long time. You know what though? This just makes way too much sense for it to ever happen with the Knicks. Good article below....please read.
Lastly...look for me at the Knicks/Celtics game in Boston tonight. I will be the one with the orange and blue blindfold over my eyes.
http://nyobserver.com/2007/life-knicks-hell
STKAFI
The Twins can have a top of the rotation of Santana and Francisco Liriano. Now I know Liriano is still a question mark, but recovery from Tommy John surgery has become more and more common place in the game of baseball. A full recovery should be expected. Maybe not by opening day, but by midseason. After those two you have a trio of decent options in Kevin Slowley, Boof Bonser and Scott Baker. Not to mention the possible options of a cheap free agent/trade acquisition or minor league option. Not the greatest rotation in the world, but good enough where they felt they could trade from a strength.
As far as the line-up goes, you now have a middle of the order of Morneau, Mauer, Cuddyer and Young. I strongly believe that Delmon Young could put up bigger numbers next year than Torii Hunter gave them. Hunter, while great defensively and great in the clubhouse was never a top offensive performer. In addition, there are a lot of trade options out there for a center fielder. From the sounds of it, they may have an opportunity to get a guy like Coco Crisp, Tony Gwynn Jr. or David DeJesus. I am not making this team out to be the '27 Yankees or whatever but they could easily put together a line-up with more firepower than they have been used to in recent years.
Lastly, we always know how great the Twins bullpen and manager is. Gardenhire is probably the most underrated manager in all of baseball. I never hear his name amongst the top managers, but every time I see the Twins play they are playing harder than the other team. They are just a tough team, no matter who is injured and where they are in the standings. They go hard into second, they go first to third on a single, and they always find themselves in one run ballgames. There is no reason the this franchise should basically throw in the towel for this season by trading their best play and also the best pitcher in the game.
I know what people are thinking...if the Twins can't afford to pay Santana when he becomes a free agent, then doesn't it make sense to trade him and get a boatload of good young players? I understand that. What about this though? You go into the season with Santana and you make a run for a title. If at the trading deadline you think you are out of it then trade him to the highest bidder. I have trouble believing that you are not going to get top dollar for him then as opposed to now. Heck, you might even get more. Imagine the bidding war if the Red Sox and Yankees are within a game of each other at the time. Or if the Mets are two games behind the Braves. There will be hysteria unlike any trading deadline since Randy Johnson was traded to the Astros a few years back. Remember that the Mariners got both Freddy Garcia and Carlos Guillen in that deal. Not bad at all.
All I am saying is give your franchise and your fans a chance. This way you can still trade Santana if you think that is best, or you can potentially find yourself in the playoffs. There is no chance you can compete in the AL Central next year without Santana. It is just way too tough of a division. The one advantage you have on the rest of baseball is Santana. Don't get rid of him before giving your fanbase one more chance to win. I think that would go a long way to showing your dedication to the people of Minnesota and winning. Oh yeah, and remember the absolute worst case scenario of not making the playoffs and not trading Santana? Well, you still get two draft picks when he signs somewhere else. Not great, but it is something that would help you restock your farm system. You need your fans loyalty going into a new stadium in a couple of years (especially since it is outdoors...imagine those April games in frigid Minneapolis).
Knicks...
The NY Post said it last week and that is the Knicks are already looking at Chris Mullin to replace Isiah. I am going on record right now in saying that I support that pick 100%. Look at what he was able to do in Golden State. Traded peanuts for Baron Davis. Pulled off a steal in getting Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson for Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy. He also drafted Monta Ellisn(second rounder) and Andra Beidris. Probably most importantly, he was able to convince his owner to rehiring Don Nelson, who he had a major beef with in the past. Mullin has shown a lot of balls in making risky deals, and more often than not he has wound up on top. The Knicks are a major project, and I want a guy who knows not only the League, but the City as well. Mullin is a St. John's and New York legend. He would be around for a long time. You know what though? This just makes way too much sense for it to ever happen with the Knicks. Good article below....please read.
Lastly...look for me at the Knicks/Celtics game in Boston tonight. I will be the one with the orange and blue blindfold over my eyes.
http://nyobserver.com/2007/life-knicks-hell
STKAFI
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Couple Things...
First on the Celtics. Can we relax on the title talk? Who have they beaten so far? I know they look great, but can they at least get a chance to play a San Antonio, Dallas or Phoenix before we praise their greatness? In addition, what happened last night when they played the defending Eastern Conference Champs? They lost. What happened when they played that other Eastern Conference team that is off to a hot start (Magic)? They lost. They are off to a very nice start (11-2), but they have a long way to go. At different times they will have to overcome an injury or two and probably the ineptitude of their coach. They will win their division and compete for the Eastern Conference title. That is as far as I am going. Until I see them at least play an elite Western team (especially on the road) I can not consider them in that class.
Now on the upcoming baseball winter meetings...
One thing is clear and that is that there are going to be a some big moves. Guys like Johan Santana, Dan Haren, and Miguel Cabrera could all be moved. In addition to guys like Joe Crede, Huston Street, Eric Bedard, and Delmon Young. There are big rumors all over the place.
On the Santana front. Let me say one thign as a Mets fan. For all the heat Omar has taken recently, let it be noted that he has been trying to acquire a number one starter since the 2006 trading deadline. At that point he made strong moves to try and get Roy Oswalt and Jason Schmidt. After the season he bid $39 million on Dice-K, only to have the red Sox blow everyone out of the water. He offered Zito in the $90 million range, but was not going to go up to the ridiculous terretory that the Giants went to. He is now going to make aggressive offers for Santana, Bedard and Haren. Some people feel that the Mets don't have the prospects to get a deal done. Maybe they don't. One thing is clear though and that is that Omar among the most aggresive GMs at these winter meetings.
In the end I think Santana will come down to the Yankees and Sox. If the Red Sox are willing to give up Ellsburgy they have a shot. If not, then the Yanks will grab him with an offer built around Hughes and Melky. The Angels will end up getting Miguel Cabrera. I hope the Mets get Haren, but due to his reasonable contract other teams such as the Diamondbacks will be able to put in offers for him as well, which will make it tougher for the Mets. In the end I think Omar will have to offer more than he was originally willing in order to get one of these aces. In addition, for insurance I can see Omar being able to acquire a Jose Contreras on the cheap if he is willing to pay the remainder of his contract in ful (two years $20 million). Not a bad option for the end of the rotation. If you can go into next year with Pedro, Haren/Bedard/Santana, Maine, Perez, EL Duque/Contreras as a Met fan you would have to be extremely happy. By next week at this time we will have a much better idea of where the Mets and every other team in baseball are at.
STKAFI
Now on the upcoming baseball winter meetings...
One thing is clear and that is that there are going to be a some big moves. Guys like Johan Santana, Dan Haren, and Miguel Cabrera could all be moved. In addition to guys like Joe Crede, Huston Street, Eric Bedard, and Delmon Young. There are big rumors all over the place.
On the Santana front. Let me say one thign as a Mets fan. For all the heat Omar has taken recently, let it be noted that he has been trying to acquire a number one starter since the 2006 trading deadline. At that point he made strong moves to try and get Roy Oswalt and Jason Schmidt. After the season he bid $39 million on Dice-K, only to have the red Sox blow everyone out of the water. He offered Zito in the $90 million range, but was not going to go up to the ridiculous terretory that the Giants went to. He is now going to make aggressive offers for Santana, Bedard and Haren. Some people feel that the Mets don't have the prospects to get a deal done. Maybe they don't. One thing is clear though and that is that Omar among the most aggresive GMs at these winter meetings.
In the end I think Santana will come down to the Yankees and Sox. If the Red Sox are willing to give up Ellsburgy they have a shot. If not, then the Yanks will grab him with an offer built around Hughes and Melky. The Angels will end up getting Miguel Cabrera. I hope the Mets get Haren, but due to his reasonable contract other teams such as the Diamondbacks will be able to put in offers for him as well, which will make it tougher for the Mets. In the end I think Omar will have to offer more than he was originally willing in order to get one of these aces. In addition, for insurance I can see Omar being able to acquire a Jose Contreras on the cheap if he is willing to pay the remainder of his contract in ful (two years $20 million). Not a bad option for the end of the rotation. If you can go into next year with Pedro, Haren/Bedard/Santana, Maine, Perez, EL Duque/Contreras as a Met fan you would have to be extremely happy. By next week at this time we will have a much better idea of where the Mets and every other team in baseball are at.
STKAFI
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
0-11
Whatever. This sucks, and there's nothing that can be said or done really.
Trent Green
Ronnie Brown
Zach Thomas
Jesse Chatman
Ricky Williams
Yerimiah Bell
Matt Roth
Renaldo Hill
Travares Tillman
The injury list goes on and on.
6 Losses by 3 points or less, including last nights disgusting sloppy mess of a 3-0 loss with 17 seconds left.
After all the injuries I can't really blame anyone, in addition, the guys have played everyone very, very hard and play for 4 quarters. Something you cannot say about many teams that have such a dismal record.
John Beck has shown glimpses of being a decent NFL QB, fairly mobile and a pretty good arm. Needs to calm down though and slow his footwork, maybe in time. And Ricky made a nice cameo appearance. Odds that he was getting high in the bathroom during the weather delay last night? 2:1, 3:2? Anyone? That injury looked like it hurt though.
Cam Cameron, on the other hand, has been a disgrace. He has made terrible calls in the front office, as well as on the field. This guy has one, maybe two more years to show he can be a head coach in the NFL or he needs to be shown the door.
This week against the Jets is as winnable a game they will see for the rest of the season, an 0-16 record will be staring them in the face with a loss.
What else? UConn made it a game by scoring on their opening drive against UWV, but it was over before the teams even took the field, too much of a talent difference. Maybe in a few years the Huskies will be able to compete with the best.
Random poll question: As of now, who has the better college football program? Connecticut or Nebraska.
Exciting games played by LSU/Arkansas and Kentucky/Tennessee.
In other news, the Staples High School football team got spanked on their home field on Thanksgiving day by the Greenwich Cardinals (home of HOF QB Steve Young) for the FCIAC Championship.
Went to the Celtics game Friday. These guys are really, really good and honestly do not see a team in the East that can beat them in a seven game series. It is impossible to guard all 3 of Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Not possible. You can shut down one, and even hold down another, but it is not possible to stop all three. They even match up very well against the best of the West in the Spurs and Mavs. Not so much against the Suns, but if they could reach the finals and somehow play the Spurs or Mavs, I see no reason why Boston couldn't take home another championship in another sport...
...kill me now.
Trent Green
Ronnie Brown
Zach Thomas
Jesse Chatman
Ricky Williams
Yerimiah Bell
Matt Roth
Renaldo Hill
Travares Tillman
The injury list goes on and on.
6 Losses by 3 points or less, including last nights disgusting sloppy mess of a 3-0 loss with 17 seconds left.
After all the injuries I can't really blame anyone, in addition, the guys have played everyone very, very hard and play for 4 quarters. Something you cannot say about many teams that have such a dismal record.
John Beck has shown glimpses of being a decent NFL QB, fairly mobile and a pretty good arm. Needs to calm down though and slow his footwork, maybe in time. And Ricky made a nice cameo appearance. Odds that he was getting high in the bathroom during the weather delay last night? 2:1, 3:2? Anyone? That injury looked like it hurt though.
Cam Cameron, on the other hand, has been a disgrace. He has made terrible calls in the front office, as well as on the field. This guy has one, maybe two more years to show he can be a head coach in the NFL or he needs to be shown the door.
This week against the Jets is as winnable a game they will see for the rest of the season, an 0-16 record will be staring them in the face with a loss.
What else? UConn made it a game by scoring on their opening drive against UWV, but it was over before the teams even took the field, too much of a talent difference. Maybe in a few years the Huskies will be able to compete with the best.
Random poll question: As of now, who has the better college football program? Connecticut or Nebraska.
Exciting games played by LSU/Arkansas and Kentucky/Tennessee.
In other news, the Staples High School football team got spanked on their home field on Thanksgiving day by the Greenwich Cardinals (home of HOF QB Steve Young) for the FCIAC Championship.
Went to the Celtics game Friday. These guys are really, really good and honestly do not see a team in the East that can beat them in a seven game series. It is impossible to guard all 3 of Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Not possible. You can shut down one, and even hold down another, but it is not possible to stop all three. They even match up very well against the best of the West in the Spurs and Mavs. Not so much against the Suns, but if they could reach the finals and somehow play the Spurs or Mavs, I see no reason why Boston couldn't take home another championship in another sport...
...kill me now.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Two Post Turkey Day Treats
Before I get started here, I would just like to admit to everyone because Carey stayed at my apartment this weekend, I was forced into watching a combined 1 minute and 32 seconds of the MLS Cup this past Sunday. Houston came back from behind and won 2-1 to take the cup for the second year in a row, handing New England their third straight MLS Cup loss in a row, and will be forever known as the Buffalo Bills of the MLS. When will the torture stop for Boston sports fans? I do not know.
Seriously though, back to real sports. As any sports fan knows, there are a few NFL games on Thanksgiving every year, with typically the Packers, Lions, and Cowboys. However, because the NFL season has been all but wrapped up by the Patriots, I won't waste any one's time discussing the T-Day games.
2007 will mark the first year since I can remember I won't be in my hometown for my favorite night of the year and statistically the biggest bar night of the year in the U.S., the night before Thanksgiving Day (thanks a lot for moving to Florida, Mom). Although I won't be the typical dance machine everyone is used to that night, fortunately, I recently discovered two treats I will be able to enjoy as alternatives.
The first is that I will be attending the Celtics/Lakers game in Boston on Friday night. Not only is this game traditionally one of the greatest sports rivalries ever, but this year, the game should be particularly entertaining, and certainly a lot more worth watching than in recent years. Last year, I probably would have shrugged at learning I would be going to this game, but now it's different. Not having a true NBA will allow me to enjoy the game even more as I will be able to enjoy the game as a fan of truly great players and just root for a good game. Two of the most talented, flashy, and future hall-of-fame players will be going head-to-head in Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. In addition, I will be able to enjoy seeing former UConn Huskie Ray Allen in action. It's been difficult to go see a quality basketball game in the Tri-state/New England area in the past few years, and this will certainly be a treat.
A day after the game, I will be able to sit back and literally watch the UConn Huskies football team play for the Big East title and an automatic BCS bowl birth. Yes, you read the correctly, the UConn football team, playing for a BCS bowl game. Amazing. This will not be an easy task as the squad travels to Morgantown to face the electric and explosive West Virginia Mountaineers. Realistically, I do not expect a win, nor do I really expect a close game. However, it will be very entertaining nonetheless to be able to see a football team, that just graduated to a FBS (D-IA) team a mere five years ago compete for a conference championship. A team which was picked to finish seventh out of eight in the Big East this year. It's always fun to root for the underdog, especially when the underdog is my Alma-mater.
Quick shout out to all who joined me at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic last Friday, it was a blast. Even though IceCold couldn't stay up for the whole thing. Dip!
Seriously though, back to real sports. As any sports fan knows, there are a few NFL games on Thanksgiving every year, with typically the Packers, Lions, and Cowboys. However, because the NFL season has been all but wrapped up by the Patriots, I won't waste any one's time discussing the T-Day games.
2007 will mark the first year since I can remember I won't be in my hometown for my favorite night of the year and statistically the biggest bar night of the year in the U.S., the night before Thanksgiving Day (thanks a lot for moving to Florida, Mom). Although I won't be the typical dance machine everyone is used to that night, fortunately, I recently discovered two treats I will be able to enjoy as alternatives.
The first is that I will be attending the Celtics/Lakers game in Boston on Friday night. Not only is this game traditionally one of the greatest sports rivalries ever, but this year, the game should be particularly entertaining, and certainly a lot more worth watching than in recent years. Last year, I probably would have shrugged at learning I would be going to this game, but now it's different. Not having a true NBA will allow me to enjoy the game even more as I will be able to enjoy the game as a fan of truly great players and just root for a good game. Two of the most talented, flashy, and future hall-of-fame players will be going head-to-head in Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. In addition, I will be able to enjoy seeing former UConn Huskie Ray Allen in action. It's been difficult to go see a quality basketball game in the Tri-state/New England area in the past few years, and this will certainly be a treat.
A day after the game, I will be able to sit back and literally watch the UConn Huskies football team play for the Big East title and an automatic BCS bowl birth. Yes, you read the correctly, the UConn football team, playing for a BCS bowl game. Amazing. This will not be an easy task as the squad travels to Morgantown to face the electric and explosive West Virginia Mountaineers. Realistically, I do not expect a win, nor do I really expect a close game. However, it will be very entertaining nonetheless to be able to see a football team, that just graduated to a FBS (D-IA) team a mere five years ago compete for a conference championship. A team which was picked to finish seventh out of eight in the Big East this year. It's always fun to root for the underdog, especially when the underdog is my Alma-mater.
Quick shout out to all who joined me at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic last Friday, it was a blast. Even though IceCold couldn't stay up for the whole thing. Dip!
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