Several news outlets this morning are reporting the massive college basketball upset that occurred last night: Un-ranked Michigan took down #4 UCLA at the Garden.
I don't buy it.
It comes back to the point I made a while back about college football. Preseason rankings mean absolutely nothing. They only take into account so-called "expert opinions" about teams that for the most part have never played all together. With the turnover in college sports, especially basketball, it's impossible to predict the cohesion of teams year in and year out. Therefore, we have all the early season "upsets" of teams that shouldn't have been ranked that high to begin with.
Who says Michigan over UCLA is such a big upset? If you want to base on the past few years- sure, huge upset. But I am talking about this year. And who knows just how good either one of these teams are? Now if in month UCLA is 9-1 and Michigan 2-9, sure- looks like a big upset. But I am not sure any game this early in the season deserves to called a "stunning upset" - short of a 1AA opponent conquering a division 1A foe. I just don't buy it.
As I said with college football, a lot of this could amended if they just do away with preseason rankings. Wait about 4 or 5 weeks into the season, and then vote based on where the teams stand at that point. At least with college basketball, there is a tournament at the end of the year, so ranking aren't truly the be-all and end-all, but it is still stupid to me- born of media hype and TV ratings.
Let them play. Let the players decide for us who are the contenders and pretenders.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Making the case for mediocrity...
Another sub-par season in Notre Dame football- albeit way closer to par than last season's debacle- has got me, a born and bred Irish fan, thinking.
A couple weeks ago, sitting at 5-2, the Irish looked very capable of winning out their remaining schedule, up until the finale at Southern Cal. That would have had them finishing with a record of 9-3 and in prime position to land New Year's Day bowl game. A bowl game, against a big-time opponent which, if you have watched this team this year- you know would have ended in disaster, much like the Irish's last few big-time bowl appearances.
Well, after a heartbreaking loss to Pitt, and a dreadful showing at BC- Notre Dame is sitting at 5-4, and much better off for it, in my opionion. Now assuming (perhaps dangerously) they can get by Navy and Syracuse, and lose to USC, they are looking at 7-5 and midling bowl game at best. And perhaps against an opponent the have a chance to beat. Remember, this is a football program that hasn't tasted bowl victory since 1993. Now, national title hopes for this season have long since flown away- so I would love to end the year with a bowl win. Any bowl. Just to get off the schneid and remind yourself what a bowl win feels like.
This is a young team, with a lot of super-talented kids- but they are not ready for prime time. Next year, with a full season as a core unit together under their belts, perhaps. But this year, I will settle for mediocrity- not just because it's an improvement over last season, but because of the opportunity for the ever-elusive bowl win. I know it won't bring in the big bucks, I know it may displease a lot Irish supporters- but I am sick in tired of this team squeaking their way into BCS bowl games, to the great displeasure of others, and then getting obliterated. Touchdown Jesus, deliver us a game the Irish can win.
A couple weeks ago, sitting at 5-2, the Irish looked very capable of winning out their remaining schedule, up until the finale at Southern Cal. That would have had them finishing with a record of 9-3 and in prime position to land New Year's Day bowl game. A bowl game, against a big-time opponent which, if you have watched this team this year- you know would have ended in disaster, much like the Irish's last few big-time bowl appearances.
Well, after a heartbreaking loss to Pitt, and a dreadful showing at BC- Notre Dame is sitting at 5-4, and much better off for it, in my opionion. Now assuming (perhaps dangerously) they can get by Navy and Syracuse, and lose to USC, they are looking at 7-5 and midling bowl game at best. And perhaps against an opponent the have a chance to beat. Remember, this is a football program that hasn't tasted bowl victory since 1993. Now, national title hopes for this season have long since flown away- so I would love to end the year with a bowl win. Any bowl. Just to get off the schneid and remind yourself what a bowl win feels like.
This is a young team, with a lot of super-talented kids- but they are not ready for prime time. Next year, with a full season as a core unit together under their belts, perhaps. But this year, I will settle for mediocrity- not just because it's an improvement over last season, but because of the opportunity for the ever-elusive bowl win. I know it won't bring in the big bucks, I know it may displease a lot Irish supporters- but I am sick in tired of this team squeaking their way into BCS bowl games, to the great displeasure of others, and then getting obliterated. Touchdown Jesus, deliver us a game the Irish can win.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Intermittent golfer...
I really enjoy playing golf. But due financial and time and other worldly constraints I don't get to play nearly as often as I like. Now, I hear guys complain about this all the time- how they've only gotten out to play once this week, blah blah blah. I am playing this weekend for the first time since last summer. Last summer. Yeah, that's how bad I've got it, you whiners.
Golf, like many, isn't a sport where you have the luxury of not playing for a long stretch and then coming back to with the hopes of achieving again what little success you had the last time you played. And that's really all that I ask for: a little success. And yet, for this weekend- that may just be to much to ask.
Somewhere near Princeton, New Jersey, a golf course is trembling. Not so much in fear of my conquering it, so much as it is in fear of what I may do the course: how many balls I will leave out there, what my wake may look like, how much I will be holding up the group behind us.
And yet, I'm looking forward to it. This relationship with golf is strange and troubling- but it's one that I can't refuse. To have few hours where all my frustrations lie in my attempt to make solid contact with a small, white, dimpled ball- and the frustrations of the outside world subside, or at least take a back seat. The adding of stress to relieve stress. It almost makes perfect sense.
In a perfect world, all this would happen more often. But for the sake of golf courses all over the world, we'll probably keep to a minimum for the foreseeable future.
Golf, like many, isn't a sport where you have the luxury of not playing for a long stretch and then coming back to with the hopes of achieving again what little success you had the last time you played. And that's really all that I ask for: a little success. And yet, for this weekend- that may just be to much to ask.
Somewhere near Princeton, New Jersey, a golf course is trembling. Not so much in fear of my conquering it, so much as it is in fear of what I may do the course: how many balls I will leave out there, what my wake may look like, how much I will be holding up the group behind us.
And yet, I'm looking forward to it. This relationship with golf is strange and troubling- but it's one that I can't refuse. To have few hours where all my frustrations lie in my attempt to make solid contact with a small, white, dimpled ball- and the frustrations of the outside world subside, or at least take a back seat. The adding of stress to relieve stress. It almost makes perfect sense.
In a perfect world, all this would happen more often. But for the sake of golf courses all over the world, we'll probably keep to a minimum for the foreseeable future.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Overrated!
The preseason college football top 25 polls came out this week. Ratings of teams that haven't played a snap yet, that are populated with kids who on any given week could amaze or flop. I continue to have a huge problem with this.
It's not enough that we have deal with a system in which people's (so-called experts) opinions of a team has a say in what amounts to the national standings. Not wins or losses, games played, or points scored- opinions. Now I understand there are too many teams, and varying competitive levels throughout the college game, so standings based on wins and losses doesn't really work. But the current system doesn't really work either, because it is based too much on these "expert" prognostications- or guesses, really. Something's gotta change.
The way things are done now, a team's preseason ranking has way too much to do with how they finish. Think about it. A team ranked at the top of the preseason polls can lose a game or two early, and still wind up with a shot to end up near the top- and a shot a big-time bowl game or even the national title. But a team the in bottom half of the rankings, or even just outside the top 25: they lose a couple games and they have to scratch their way back just to get back in the picture, let alone have any shot of inching towards the top. Now I'm not asking for playoff (although there frickin should be). I'm not asking for a drastic change to the way things are done. Just give everyone a fair shot.
Perhaps wait a month, maybe 5 weeks into the season before releasing the first official rankings. Have everybody play a few games, separate the contenders from the pretenders- then rank them. Have the experts gather information and base their opinions on fact- wins and losses, points scored- not on somewhat educated guesses. Is it a perfect solution? No. But there doesn't seem to be a perfect solution to this issue. And this one, seems a little less imperfect than the way things are now.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
East Coast biaszzz...
Living on the east coast is great. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
That said, the only thing that stinks sometimes is nationally televised sporting events. Last night's MLB All-Star was a harsh reminder of that fact. But other things like the NBA Finals, or Monday Night Football for instance make it difficult to watch the game and get one's proper amount of sleep on any given night when one has to get up for work the next morning. And how about NFL Sundays on the west coast, where you roll out of bed and the day's games are about to begin; and the late games are over by 4pm- plenty of time left in the day to run errands or fix that doorknob or what have you. Although, then there is the Sunday night game... but I digress. Last night was the extreme example of us east coasters getting the time shaft.
Now I am no dummy, I know that an advertised start time of 8pm EST for an event like this doesn't mean that the first pitch will be at 8pm. And I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies of last night's game, all the Hall of Famers along side the night's starters. But when it came to throw the first pitch, it was practically 9 o'clock. On a school night! But dammit, I love the MLB All-Star game, and I am going to watch it in it's entirety. Well, I'm ashamed to admit- about 1:15am, and after 14 innings I decided I had to go to bed. I would DVR the rest of the game and watch it in the morning before I left for work. Which I did. About which my wife quipped, "That's why you got up so early this morning." To which I realized I had no strong argument.
Now, I realize the other side of the story is that on the west coast, I wouldn't have even been home in time to catch the start of the broadcast. Well, that's when you DVR the bad boy and catch up by fast forwarding through the multitudes of commercials. Problem solved.
Easy fix to this problem would to be move to the west coast. And that's just not happening. So I'll just complain about it, and the next time the Yankees go west to play Oakland or Seattle- I'll arrive at work a little more bleary eyed and cranky than usual.
That said, the only thing that stinks sometimes is nationally televised sporting events. Last night's MLB All-Star was a harsh reminder of that fact. But other things like the NBA Finals, or Monday Night Football for instance make it difficult to watch the game and get one's proper amount of sleep on any given night when one has to get up for work the next morning. And how about NFL Sundays on the west coast, where you roll out of bed and the day's games are about to begin; and the late games are over by 4pm- plenty of time left in the day to run errands or fix that doorknob or what have you. Although, then there is the Sunday night game... but I digress. Last night was the extreme example of us east coasters getting the time shaft.
Now I am no dummy, I know that an advertised start time of 8pm EST for an event like this doesn't mean that the first pitch will be at 8pm. And I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies of last night's game, all the Hall of Famers along side the night's starters. But when it came to throw the first pitch, it was practically 9 o'clock. On a school night! But dammit, I love the MLB All-Star game, and I am going to watch it in it's entirety. Well, I'm ashamed to admit- about 1:15am, and after 14 innings I decided I had to go to bed. I would DVR the rest of the game and watch it in the morning before I left for work. Which I did. About which my wife quipped, "That's why you got up so early this morning." To which I realized I had no strong argument.
Now, I realize the other side of the story is that on the west coast, I wouldn't have even been home in time to catch the start of the broadcast. Well, that's when you DVR the bad boy and catch up by fast forwarding through the multitudes of commercials. Problem solved.
Easy fix to this problem would to be move to the west coast. And that's just not happening. So I'll just complain about it, and the next time the Yankees go west to play Oakland or Seattle- I'll arrive at work a little more bleary eyed and cranky than usual.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Euro Excitement
The passion and excitement that is European football (soccer) was well on display today in the Euro 2008 quarterfinal match between Croatia and Turkey. When 90 minutes weren't enough to decide the winner, the match went to 30 minutes of extra time. It took over 28 minutes for Croatia to capitalize on an error by Turkey's goal keeper, and put one in the net. The celebration had begun, Croatia seeming lock to move on to the semis against Germany.
Well some one forgot to tell Turkey, because just over a minute into injury time they sneaked one into the net, forcing a penalty kick shootout to decide the match. It was all Turkey in the shootout, with Croatia going wide with a couple shots, and Turkey's goal keeper coming up with a fantastic stop to seal the victory.
When I watch a match like that, and see the passion of the players and fans, I can't believe that this football still fails to capture the attention of the US. I know, I know, there's a list as long as my arm of reason why Americans don't watch soccer. But I guarantee that most of them have never taken the time to watch a meaningful match. I defy anyone to watch a match like today's, and not want to watch another.
Well some one forgot to tell Turkey, because just over a minute into injury time they sneaked one into the net, forcing a penalty kick shootout to decide the match. It was all Turkey in the shootout, with Croatia going wide with a couple shots, and Turkey's goal keeper coming up with a fantastic stop to seal the victory.
When I watch a match like that, and see the passion of the players and fans, I can't believe that this football still fails to capture the attention of the US. I know, I know, there's a list as long as my arm of reason why Americans don't watch soccer. But I guarantee that most of them have never taken the time to watch a meaningful match. I defy anyone to watch a match like today's, and not want to watch another.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Specter wising up?
Senator Arlen Specter, R-Pa., has decided he will not seek a congressional hearing on the "Spygate" matter after weeks of threatening to do so, stating that the judiciary committee already has "too much to do."
Oh really Sen. Specter? Are you sure it's not also due to the fact that Senate should have nothing to do with what happens in day-to-day operations of the NFL? Getting involved in the whole steroids issue, I can understand. It actually involves more than sports- there are legality and other larger issues in play. But whether or not a team cheated against the rules of it's league? Please. NFL rules were broken, not laws.
And it's a dead issue. The Patriots admitted it, and were punished. It's not a national crisis.
Oh really Sen. Specter? Are you sure it's not also due to the fact that Senate should have nothing to do with what happens in day-to-day operations of the NFL? Getting involved in the whole steroids issue, I can understand. It actually involves more than sports- there are legality and other larger issues in play. But whether or not a team cheated against the rules of it's league? Please. NFL rules were broken, not laws.
And it's a dead issue. The Patriots admitted it, and were punished. It's not a national crisis.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
If the Stanley Cup falls in the woods...
One of the better Stanley Cup finals in recent memory ended last night, bringing an end to another reasonably anonymous NHL season. It's too bad. While the ratings were up over last season, and games 3 through 6 six aired on NBC- the fact is that hockey remains far from the heart of the bulk of this nation.
What many people missed was the new face of the NHL, the Penguins' Sidney Crosby, taking on one of the old guard- one of the original six- the Red Wings. They missed a triple-overtime game that was won by the Penguins, forcing a game six, when they were some 34 seconds from elimination before tying the game in third period. They missed the first European-born captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup, in Niklas Lidstrom. Exciting stuff, and- save for some smallish, hockey-crazed regions of this country- we seem to be left with the tree falling in the woods analogy. Left with a situation where it come to one of the most popular athletes in the world in another sport saying things like,"I don't think anybody really watches hockey anymore." The fact is, Tiger Woods probably isn't in the minority with that line of thinking.
I love hockey in case you couldn't tell. It boggles me that more people don't. So far the post-strike NHL hasn't made much of splash in the national conscience: one needs to make a concerted effort these days to follow the sport. It's buried in the sports pages and on national TV- relegated to the Versus Network or sporadic segments on Sports Center. And commissioner Gary Bettman still keeps a rosy outlook despite all the evidence of his league's lack of visibility.
Maybe it'll just take some more time to get people back. And maybe the ratings will increase again next year. And maybe I'm wrong- maybe there are more NHL fans still out there than it seems... but I hate to see the league I grew up watching (a kid in southern California growing up watching hockey- an anomaly in of itself) flounder now in some sort of nebulous mediocrity- especially when, as proved by this year's finals, the game has so much to offer fans.
What many people missed was the new face of the NHL, the Penguins' Sidney Crosby, taking on one of the old guard- one of the original six- the Red Wings. They missed a triple-overtime game that was won by the Penguins, forcing a game six, when they were some 34 seconds from elimination before tying the game in third period. They missed the first European-born captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup, in Niklas Lidstrom. Exciting stuff, and- save for some smallish, hockey-crazed regions of this country- we seem to be left with the tree falling in the woods analogy. Left with a situation where it come to one of the most popular athletes in the world in another sport saying things like,"I don't think anybody really watches hockey anymore." The fact is, Tiger Woods probably isn't in the minority with that line of thinking.
I love hockey in case you couldn't tell. It boggles me that more people don't. So far the post-strike NHL hasn't made much of splash in the national conscience: one needs to make a concerted effort these days to follow the sport. It's buried in the sports pages and on national TV- relegated to the Versus Network or sporadic segments on Sports Center. And commissioner Gary Bettman still keeps a rosy outlook despite all the evidence of his league's lack of visibility.
Maybe it'll just take some more time to get people back. And maybe the ratings will increase again next year. And maybe I'm wrong- maybe there are more NHL fans still out there than it seems... but I hate to see the league I grew up watching (a kid in southern California growing up watching hockey- an anomaly in of itself) flounder now in some sort of nebulous mediocrity- especially when, as proved by this year's finals, the game has so much to offer fans.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
JT deserves more, people
Pretty shocking to me, the outrage of people in the media and throughout the blogosphere at Jason Taylor. All he has maintained is that he wants to win before it's too late for him, that he wants the best possible situation for himself. A little selfish? Perhaps. Monstrous and egotistical? Hardly.
Now I don't think he deserves a free pass by any stretch of the imagination, but I think after all his time in Miami he deserves the benefit of the doubt. It's June 1. If he doesn't show up for training camp, by all means- fire away, people- be angry that he isn't on the field. But to sit there and call him a liar, to say he is no longer needed, to attack the character and question the loyalty of a guy who has given his heart and soul to his team and his community for so long is a bit much.
And why the hell should he or any player these days feel the pull of loyalty? Yes he is under contract. But what does that mean in today's NFL, where that contract isn't even guaranteed? Everybody's hopping on the Parcells/ Sparano train before it has even left the station. As a fan I am pleased with what they have accomplished so far, but until wins are on the board- what have they done? JT has been a Dolphin, has led his team, has proven results. You want loyalty Fin Fans? How about showing a little but yourself, rather than jumping ship at the first sign of trouble.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Not your daddy's Lakers-Celtics... but I'm hooked
I have been transported. I am a 10 year old kid watching Bird and Magic, Kareem and Parrish, McHale and Worthy battling it for seven games in The Fabulous Forum or Boston Garden...
Okay the characters have changed, the venues have changed... hell, the game has changed.
I grew up an avid Lakers fan, but as an adult my fervor for basketball has diminished. I would still pull for my old team, but I don't follow the NBA with the same intensity I do baseball or football. Well this year, as the Lakers and Celtics spent the better part of the regular season and then the playoffs seemingly on a collision course to warp us all back to the mid-80's, my eye was definitely caught. And now that it's official- the NBA finals start Thursday, Lakers vs. Celtics- I am hooked. Like, clear-your schedule-sorry-honey-we're-watching-the-game-tonight hooked. Hooked like I haven't been in years.
Kobe and his posse versus the Big Three of Boston should be sight for the ages. Just thinking about it takes me back. I can see Magic's junior sky hook going through the net in Game 6, Michael Cooper stepping back for what seemed an eternity before throwing up a three-ball... I can taste my hatred for Larry Bird and Danny Ainge. It's all there. Now while I may not be able to drum up the same hatred for KG or Ray Allen, and my heroes of yesteryear are all gone- my anticipation for this series is through the roof.
My very unbiased pick: Lakers in 6. Kobe as Finals MVP (I know, waaaaay out on a limb there.)
Drown out those Beat-LA chants and go Lakers.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Mighty keeps falling...
Roger Clemens just can't catch a break.
First his trainer turns him in as PED user. Now, his deacade long affair from the past with country singer Mindy McCready comes to light- to which she says "I cannot refute anything in the story." What's it coming to when you can't trust your shady trainer or your mistress to lie for you when you need them the most?
Looks like he said- he said has been joined by he said- she said. Now, McNamee saved some physical evidence of his relationship with Clemens. I gotta think that Clemens is hoping McCready doesn't go all Monica Lewinsky and do the same. I think we should all hope for that- for sanitary reasons.
Clemens was guy whose workouts were stuff of legend. His exercise routine gave him some of the strongest legs ever seen in baseball. Now it's increasingly looking like he doesn't have leg to stand on.
First his trainer turns him in as PED user. Now, his deacade long affair from the past with country singer Mindy McCready comes to light- to which she says "I cannot refute anything in the story." What's it coming to when you can't trust your shady trainer or your mistress to lie for you when you need them the most?
Looks like he said- he said has been joined by he said- she said. Now, McNamee saved some physical evidence of his relationship with Clemens. I gotta think that Clemens is hoping McCready doesn't go all Monica Lewinsky and do the same. I think we should all hope for that- for sanitary reasons.
Clemens was guy whose workouts were stuff of legend. His exercise routine gave him some of the strongest legs ever seen in baseball. Now it's increasingly looking like he doesn't have leg to stand on.
Against the grade
The NFL draft has come and gone. All the hype and coverage culminated in two full days of wheeling and dealing, selections and expectations.
Now the same "experts" we have been listening to for months- who gave us hundreds of mock drafts (which bore very little resemblance to how it went down) and prognostications- as they do every year are giving out their post-draft grades for each team. A+ for this team, C- for them. All this when common opinion is you really can't judge the success of a draft for three years. Yet, right or wrong, these guys dole out the grades- based on their opinions of what they thought each team needed. Apparently the teams themselves, those receiving bad grades, didn't know what they needed to do- and should have listened to the mock drafters.
I understand that everybody needs to pay the bills, and that's all these draft experts are doing- but I am not a big fan of the instant post draft grade. None of these guys are putting anything on the line by throwing out their opinions. Whereas the guys in the front office actually making the choices are putting their jobs on the line with these selections. Let's give it some time, then we can really see who won and who lost- instead of just guessing.
Now the same "experts" we have been listening to for months- who gave us hundreds of mock drafts (which bore very little resemblance to how it went down) and prognostications- as they do every year are giving out their post-draft grades for each team. A+ for this team, C- for them. All this when common opinion is you really can't judge the success of a draft for three years. Yet, right or wrong, these guys dole out the grades- based on their opinions of what they thought each team needed. Apparently the teams themselves, those receiving bad grades, didn't know what they needed to do- and should have listened to the mock drafters.
I understand that everybody needs to pay the bills, and that's all these draft experts are doing- but I am not a big fan of the instant post draft grade. None of these guys are putting anything on the line by throwing out their opinions. Whereas the guys in the front office actually making the choices are putting their jobs on the line with these selections. Let's give it some time, then we can really see who won and who lost- instead of just guessing.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Draft Week downer
As NFL draft weekend approaches, another NFL story which just won't die has come back in to the lime light. Spygate. Matt Walsh, the former employee of the Patriots is all set to talk to Commissioner Goodell and tell him all he knows about the video-taping practices used by the Patriots in the past. People are expecting Walsh to divulge information or physical evidence that the Patriots video-taped a Rams' pre-SuperBowl walkthrough in 2001.
All I really have to say is: who cares? I am no Patriots or Bill Belichick fan- in fact I can't stand either of them. But give it a rest. They got caught. The Pats and Belichick were punished, and they aren't doing it anymore. And I don't think it was ever the main reason for their success. I think it is safe to say they didn't video-tape for the remainder of last season after they got caught- and they were still pretty good. And I am still sure that there were many other teams out there employing the same or similar tactics- they just didn't get caught. You can bet there were tape- destroying parties throughout the league when this news originally surfaced.
Goodell has said he will crack down on Patriots if new evidence is revealed stating, "Taping a walkthrough is much different from what I punished them for." What's the commish gonna to do? Take away the Pats' Super Bowl victory? Fine them more cash? Hollow penalties that won't erase what happened. On some level it is kind of like the steroid crisis in baseball. I am sure there were many people who knew it was going on at all levels. Then when it became a public issue, it was denounced and people were made examples of. But we're left in the same place. Correct the problem now and going forward, and let the past be just that.
Now I am not saying that any transgression in sports can and should be swept under the carpet. But rather than delve into the past to punish these transgressors- learn from it. Especially in unprecedented matters. Make sure it doesn't happen in your league again, and make it imperative for the league's members to adhere to strict guidelines in this matter in order safeguard the integrity of the game.
Most of all, I am just bored with this story. Even as a professed Patriot-hater, I can't summon up the energy to care. And with the draft approaching, it should be a celebration of what's good about this game right now- not what was wrong in the past. Oh, and if congress gets itself involved in this one, as Sen. Arlen Specter has hinted they might- I am going to stop paying taxes.
All I really have to say is: who cares? I am no Patriots or Bill Belichick fan- in fact I can't stand either of them. But give it a rest. They got caught. The Pats and Belichick were punished, and they aren't doing it anymore. And I don't think it was ever the main reason for their success. I think it is safe to say they didn't video-tape for the remainder of last season after they got caught- and they were still pretty good. And I am still sure that there were many other teams out there employing the same or similar tactics- they just didn't get caught. You can bet there were tape- destroying parties throughout the league when this news originally surfaced.
Goodell has said he will crack down on Patriots if new evidence is revealed stating, "Taping a walkthrough is much different from what I punished them for." What's the commish gonna to do? Take away the Pats' Super Bowl victory? Fine them more cash? Hollow penalties that won't erase what happened. On some level it is kind of like the steroid crisis in baseball. I am sure there were many people who knew it was going on at all levels. Then when it became a public issue, it was denounced and people were made examples of. But we're left in the same place. Correct the problem now and going forward, and let the past be just that.
Now I am not saying that any transgression in sports can and should be swept under the carpet. But rather than delve into the past to punish these transgressors- learn from it. Especially in unprecedented matters. Make sure it doesn't happen in your league again, and make it imperative for the league's members to adhere to strict guidelines in this matter in order safeguard the integrity of the game.
Most of all, I am just bored with this story. Even as a professed Patriot-hater, I can't summon up the energy to care. And with the draft approaching, it should be a celebration of what's good about this game right now- not what was wrong in the past. Oh, and if congress gets itself involved in this one, as Sen. Arlen Specter has hinted they might- I am going to stop paying taxes.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Draft Day Anticipation?
Jake Long will be the first pick this year's NFL draft. We know this thanks to countless mock drafts, expert blogs, and well, because the Dolphins held a press conference yesterday to announce it. Four full days before the draft even begins. It's a great pick for the Fins, and as a fan I couldn't be happier... but a little air just went out of my draft balloon (and no, you may not see my draft balloon).
Remember the days when the NFL commissioner walked up to the podium and announced the first pick in the draft- and despite prognosticators' opinions, leaked information, and anonymous sources no one was absolutely sure who that first pick was going to be. Well enter the age of uber-economics.
It costs so much money to sign these guys nowadays, you be foolish not to come to some sort financial agreement with the first pick in the draft ahead of time. Ask Al Davis how it worked out for him last year. The pre-draft deal is nothing new but it seems to happening earlier and earlier. In the future, might we see teams agree on deals days after the season ends and draft order is determined? Or while attending the combine? Maybe those prognosticators can just figure out how the NFL season will play out, and we can hold the draft in the pre-season? That those player who are thinking about entering the draft early- instead of putting out feelers as where they would go in the draft- can actually wait and see where they are actually drafted before deciding on whether or not to return to college.
Okay, I jest. But who knows, with the Dolphins and Long coming to terms so soon- there could feasibly be a contract done with the number two pick before 3pm on Saturday. Talk about taking the mystery out if it! In all fairness though, we'll still probably always have the gripping anticipation of rounds 6 and 7. All this complaining, and I will still be glued come this weekend, wondering what happens next.
Remember the days when the NFL commissioner walked up to the podium and announced the first pick in the draft- and despite prognosticators' opinions, leaked information, and anonymous sources no one was absolutely sure who that first pick was going to be. Well enter the age of uber-economics.
It costs so much money to sign these guys nowadays, you be foolish not to come to some sort financial agreement with the first pick in the draft ahead of time. Ask Al Davis how it worked out for him last year. The pre-draft deal is nothing new but it seems to happening earlier and earlier. In the future, might we see teams agree on deals days after the season ends and draft order is determined? Or while attending the combine? Maybe those prognosticators can just figure out how the NFL season will play out, and we can hold the draft in the pre-season? That those player who are thinking about entering the draft early- instead of putting out feelers as where they would go in the draft- can actually wait and see where they are actually drafted before deciding on whether or not to return to college.
Okay, I jest. But who knows, with the Dolphins and Long coming to terms so soon- there could feasibly be a contract done with the number two pick before 3pm on Saturday. Talk about taking the mystery out if it! In all fairness though, we'll still probably always have the gripping anticipation of rounds 6 and 7. All this complaining, and I will still be glued come this weekend, wondering what happens next.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Concrete Truth
I would have put my money on the fact that the whole "Sox shirt in the New Stadium" thing would wind up being a huge hoax. Apparently it really happened.
And even Prince Hal chimed in:
That could be a pay-per-view event waiting to happen.
I don't know what to think about all this. In a way, I kind of wish it was treated as a hoax and forgotten about. To tear up concrete to retrieve a piece of cotton, shows concern on the part of the Yankees about curses and the like. Which until now, the Yanks and their fans have been able laugh and scoff at. The other part of me is glad that it was retrieved and won't be part of the new digs (pardon the expression). Curse or no, we don't need the New Stadium built on a foundation of Ortiz shirts.
It took about five hours, but the Red Sox jersey that was embedded in the concrete of the Yankees' new stadium to place a curse on the New York franchise has been unearthed with jackhammers, according to a published report.
...
The [Post] reported Sunday that two workers approached a construction manager with what they thought was the location of the jersey. After digging a two-foot by three-foot hole, the jersey was found.
And even Prince Hal chimed in:
"I hope his co-workers kick the [expletive] out of him," Yankees co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said.
That could be a pay-per-view event waiting to happen.
I don't know what to think about all this. In a way, I kind of wish it was treated as a hoax and forgotten about. To tear up concrete to retrieve a piece of cotton, shows concern on the part of the Yankees about curses and the like. Which until now, the Yanks and their fans have been able laugh and scoff at. The other part of me is glad that it was retrieved and won't be part of the new digs (pardon the expression). Curse or no, we don't need the New Stadium built on a foundation of Ortiz shirts.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Red Sawx shirt a part of New Yankee Stadium?
According to this report on ESPN.com a constuction worker and Boston fan working on the concrete crew at the $1.3 billion new Yankee Stadium buried a Red Sox shirt in with the concrete foundation under what will become the visitors' clubhouse, in the hopes of jinxing the Yankees new home, the New York Post reported.
Pretty ridiculous stuff, if it's true.
Now, I don't particularly believe in curses- but I also don't want to mess around with the Baseball Gods either. It just goes to show that Boston fans still don't quite know how to deal with winning. Last time I checked, the Sox have won two of the last four World Series and they still walk around with that put-upon chip on their shoulders. I know this is just one jackass's manuever, but it pretty much sums it up for me. A Red Sox shirt right now represents a winning franchise; and with this you are somehow putting a curse on the Yankees?
For me the most puzzling/ amusing part of it all is that it was put into the floor of the visitors clubhouse. Not the Yankees clubhouse. Not under home plate, or where Monument Park is going to be. Perhaps this construction worker has put his curse on the visitors to the new Stadium?
Only time will tell if it's hex or hoax.
Two construction workers told the newspaper about the stunt on conditon of anonymity.
"In August, a Red Sox T-shirt was poured in a slab in the visitor's clubhouse. It's the curse of the Yankees," one worker told the Post.
"Nobody knows about it. It's in the floors, it's buried." The workers say they're now afraid that they've jinxed the Yankees.
"I don't want to be responsible for sinking the franchise," said a second worker, who witnessed the burial. "I respect the stadium."
Pretty ridiculous stuff, if it's true.
Now, I don't particularly believe in curses- but I also don't want to mess around with the Baseball Gods either. It just goes to show that Boston fans still don't quite know how to deal with winning. Last time I checked, the Sox have won two of the last four World Series and they still walk around with that put-upon chip on their shoulders. I know this is just one jackass's manuever, but it pretty much sums it up for me. A Red Sox shirt right now represents a winning franchise; and with this you are somehow putting a curse on the Yankees?
For me the most puzzling/ amusing part of it all is that it was put into the floor of the visitors clubhouse. Not the Yankees clubhouse. Not under home plate, or where Monument Park is going to be. Perhaps this construction worker has put his curse on the visitors to the new Stadium?
Only time will tell if it's hex or hoax.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Juiced Story
It must be nice to be Joe Canseco; to be Vindicated, as the title of his new book claims. Well, I've got a news flash for you Jose: a lot of people still think you're a self-serving moron- this blogger included. Just because some of the stuff in your first book came to light as actual events, doesn't make you a boy scout.
Now he has turned his attentions to the arguably the biggest star in the game of baseball, Alex Rodriguez, stating he introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer. Now this is news. The reigning AL MVP, the heir apparent to the home run record, the owner of the two largest contacts in the history of professional sports- a steroid user? Big news indeed. News that would be worthy of putting in tell-all book... like maybe Canseco's first book.
The fact that Canseco sat on this information for as long as he did, really makes me question its validity. Especially since it is widely known that Canseco has no love for A-Rod. Couple that with his claim that A-Rod tried to put the moves on his [Canseco's] wife, this sounds to me more like a guy with a personal ax to grind.
For me the bottom line is this: at this point, whether or not the claim of A-Rod's steroid use is true- matters not. The way it is being portrayed by Canseco, and the timing and characterization of this portrayal seems to to be counter-productive. Canseco is really not doing himself any service by throwing in the bit about his wife.
I would like to personally, and cordially, invite Jose Canseco to take a hike. We're all very happy that you helped spread this cancer throughout the game of baseball, and soooo impressed that you now want to take the moral high ground and help "clean up" the game... but give it a rest already. If you felt so vindicated after your first book, you should have known when to leave good enough alone.
Now he has turned his attentions to the arguably the biggest star in the game of baseball, Alex Rodriguez, stating he introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer. Now this is news. The reigning AL MVP, the heir apparent to the home run record, the owner of the two largest contacts in the history of professional sports- a steroid user? Big news indeed. News that would be worthy of putting in tell-all book... like maybe Canseco's first book.
The fact that Canseco sat on this information for as long as he did, really makes me question its validity. Especially since it is widely known that Canseco has no love for A-Rod. Couple that with his claim that A-Rod tried to put the moves on his [Canseco's] wife, this sounds to me more like a guy with a personal ax to grind.
For me the bottom line is this: at this point, whether or not the claim of A-Rod's steroid use is true- matters not. The way it is being portrayed by Canseco, and the timing and characterization of this portrayal seems to to be counter-productive. Canseco is really not doing himself any service by throwing in the bit about his wife.
I would like to personally, and cordially, invite Jose Canseco to take a hike. We're all very happy that you helped spread this cancer throughout the game of baseball, and soooo impressed that you now want to take the moral high ground and help "clean up" the game... but give it a rest already. If you felt so vindicated after your first book, you should have known when to leave good enough alone.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
It's here!
Baseball season is officially here. It's not even spring on the calendar yet, I haven't even had my fantasy draft yet, and the regular season doesn't actually start for another two weeks- but baseball season started for me tonight. Why? I had my annual viewing of Field of Dreams tonight.
It is hands down my favorite baseball movie. And I defy anyone true fan of baseball to watch it and not get chills at least once during the movie. I myself get them throughout the movie, everytime I watch it. It's the truth.
It used to be something I did before opening day every year, on my own. Now that I'm married, I make my wife watch it with me- as she notes in her blog. It is more than a baseball movie. It's about dreams. And that's what this time of the baseball season is all about- dreaming of a World Series victory, dreaming that you'll be there at the ballpark when that historic game happens.
If this makes me a sap- then I'm guilty as charged. I love baseball, and I am anxious for this season to start- as I am every year around this time. And if dreams really do come true- then somebody other the the Red Sox needs to win the frickin' Series this year.
Incidentally, my top five baseball movies of all time:
1. Field of Dreams (1989)
2. The Natural (1984)
3. Bull Durham (1988)
4. Eight Men Out (1988)
5. Bad News Bears (1976)
It is hands down my favorite baseball movie. And I defy anyone true fan of baseball to watch it and not get chills at least once during the movie. I myself get them throughout the movie, everytime I watch it. It's the truth.
It used to be something I did before opening day every year, on my own. Now that I'm married, I make my wife watch it with me- as she notes in her blog. It is more than a baseball movie. It's about dreams. And that's what this time of the baseball season is all about- dreaming of a World Series victory, dreaming that you'll be there at the ballpark when that historic game happens.
If this makes me a sap- then I'm guilty as charged. I love baseball, and I am anxious for this season to start- as I am every year around this time. And if dreams really do come true- then somebody other the the Red Sox needs to win the frickin' Series this year.
Incidentally, my top five baseball movies of all time:
1. Field of Dreams (1989)
2. The Natural (1984)
3. Bull Durham (1988)
4. Eight Men Out (1988)
5. Bad News Bears (1976)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Don't quit your Knight job
As a fan, I have always loved Bobby Knight. His intensity, his biting sarcasm, and his passion for college basketball are unsurpassed in the coaching ranks. After resigning a few weeks back from his job as Head Coach at Texas Tech, Knight has joined ESPN as a studio analyst for their college basketball programming. And as analyst, he is one hell of a coach. Get back on the floor Bob, soon!
I would have thought he'd be a natural for the analyst's job. His press conferences are stuff of legend- his commanding presence and quick wit have always made for good TV. He obvious knows what he's talking about, and has a lot of good stuff to say, but he seems uncomfortable-directing much of his analysis downward to the desk, never connecting the with the camera. Any colorful phrases he does come out with are understated, and it makes me wonder where the real Bobby Knight is.
And I'm not sure whose idea this was, but they have him dressed in his signature v-neck sweater, with the collared shirt peaking out from underneath- what he has worn the past couple of decades on the sideline. Problem is, he's not surrouned by guys in uniforms and warm-ups. The sharply dressed, suit and tie-clad co-hosts that appear with him make him look like a schlep, to say the least, and doesn't help him in the overall polish department.
I say keep the sweater Bobby- ditch the analyst gig. Get back on the court, and get back behind the post-game press conference microphones where you shine.
I would have thought he'd be a natural for the analyst's job. His press conferences are stuff of legend- his commanding presence and quick wit have always made for good TV. He obvious knows what he's talking about, and has a lot of good stuff to say, but he seems uncomfortable-directing much of his analysis downward to the desk, never connecting the with the camera. Any colorful phrases he does come out with are understated, and it makes me wonder where the real Bobby Knight is.
And I'm not sure whose idea this was, but they have him dressed in his signature v-neck sweater, with the collared shirt peaking out from underneath- what he has worn the past couple of decades on the sideline. Problem is, he's not surrouned by guys in uniforms and warm-ups. The sharply dressed, suit and tie-clad co-hosts that appear with him make him look like a schlep, to say the least, and doesn't help him in the overall polish department.
I say keep the sweater Bobby- ditch the analyst gig. Get back on the court, and get back behind the post-game press conference microphones where you shine.
The most wonderful time...?
On his radio show today, Dan Patrick's poll question was: What is the best time of the sports year? The two options were March/April and September/October. And while the callers and guests on the show weighed the options, it's never really been a question for me.
Right now is a great time of year for sports, no question about it. Spring training rolls around and that means Major League Baseball is back, and hope springs eternal. And as we get deeper into March, March madness takes hold with the conference tourneys followed by the NCAA Tournament- exciting basketball in its purest form. Then April comes, the excitement of the NCAAs pass, and the baseball season begins at last- which is fantastic, and I love watching those first few games of the season-because it is always great to be watching a ballgame- but it always leaves me longing for the time where the games become more meaningful. And then at the end of April comes the NFL draft, which is over in two days after months of hype- and it just makes me impatient for football season to start.
And start it does- in September, both college and pro football, and with its short schedule every game is meaningful- even crucial. And September means the pennant races are heating up in MLB and everyday is filled with scoreboard watching and hanging on every pitch, every at bat. And as the football season grinds in to October, baseball's playoffs begin and it is sports heaven. The growing weekly intensity of football, combined with the anxiety-laced excitement of the MLB playoff run make for the best month of the sports year, period.
The majority of the voters in poll agreed with me, to the tune of 58% to 42%. And I am not selling the early spring sports season short- but for me it falls short. September/October is the best time of the year for sports.
Right now is a great time of year for sports, no question about it. Spring training rolls around and that means Major League Baseball is back, and hope springs eternal. And as we get deeper into March, March madness takes hold with the conference tourneys followed by the NCAA Tournament- exciting basketball in its purest form. Then April comes, the excitement of the NCAAs pass, and the baseball season begins at last- which is fantastic, and I love watching those first few games of the season-because it is always great to be watching a ballgame- but it always leaves me longing for the time where the games become more meaningful. And then at the end of April comes the NFL draft, which is over in two days after months of hype- and it just makes me impatient for football season to start.
And start it does- in September, both college and pro football, and with its short schedule every game is meaningful- even crucial. And September means the pennant races are heating up in MLB and everyday is filled with scoreboard watching and hanging on every pitch, every at bat. And as the football season grinds in to October, baseball's playoffs begin and it is sports heaven. The growing weekly intensity of football, combined with the anxiety-laced excitement of the MLB playoff run make for the best month of the sports year, period.
The majority of the voters in poll agreed with me, to the tune of 58% to 42%. And I am not selling the early spring sports season short- but for me it falls short. September/October is the best time of the year for sports.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spring comes none too soon...
With full squads starting to report across Florida and Arizona, 2008 Spring Training is finally upon us. After a winter of discontent for the game of baseball off the field, we get back to playing games on the field. As the press conferences and apologies for offending parties subside, the talk will shift from performance enhancers to performances on the mound, in the batters box, etc. Not to say that the steroids subject will go away- it just won't be all that is discussed when the subject of baseball comes up.
And maybe, just maybe congress can get back to trying to fix the economy or health care or social security, and stop worrying about trying to fix baseball. I understand that there may be a moral obligation for these lawmakers to show that they won't stand for such activities. And what better way to do that than take the power away from these athletes, sunpeona and make examples of them- and broadcast it simultaneously on multiple networks. It all just reeks of grandstanding, and it accomplishes very little. How about introducing new legislature- harsher penalties for steroid dealers and traffickers? Because when all the dust settles, and all the camera crews pack up and head home, we are back square one. The Clemens-McNamee hearing isn't the first of its kind, and probably won't be the last. And the only thing that ever changes is Major League Baseball tightening its rules a bit. Congress basically doing the work that MLB should be doing itself. And don't get me wrong, most of the blame on this one falls on MLB- but I can't shake the fact that if all that is accomplished is baseball changing its business practices a bit here and there, then this is a sorrowful waste of time on the part of these congressmen and women. There are other, more pressing matters at hand. I am talking in circles, but that's how this topic always seems to go.
So baseball then. Hot dogs and home runs and sacrifice bunts. Beats the hell out of hearings and reports and depositions any day of the week in my book. Play frickin' ball already.
*******************************
Oh, and unrelated yet so related- Senator Arlen Spector (R- PA), has taken this congressional oversight nonsense a step further in his desire to further the investigation into "Spygate"- the New England Patriots' video taping scandal. Now, while I am willing to give congress a little leeway in regards to the steroid issue- there is valid concern to the public in that regard- I don't understand what Spygate has anything to do with anybody other than parties invloved. Is the distinguished Senator from PA worried that the children of the nation are going run out and purchase video cameras, to record the movemens of their upcoming Pop-Warner opponents? Give me a break already.
And maybe, just maybe congress can get back to trying to fix the economy or health care or social security, and stop worrying about trying to fix baseball. I understand that there may be a moral obligation for these lawmakers to show that they won't stand for such activities. And what better way to do that than take the power away from these athletes, sunpeona and make examples of them- and broadcast it simultaneously on multiple networks. It all just reeks of grandstanding, and it accomplishes very little. How about introducing new legislature- harsher penalties for steroid dealers and traffickers? Because when all the dust settles, and all the camera crews pack up and head home, we are back square one. The Clemens-McNamee hearing isn't the first of its kind, and probably won't be the last. And the only thing that ever changes is Major League Baseball tightening its rules a bit. Congress basically doing the work that MLB should be doing itself. And don't get me wrong, most of the blame on this one falls on MLB- but I can't shake the fact that if all that is accomplished is baseball changing its business practices a bit here and there, then this is a sorrowful waste of time on the part of these congressmen and women. There are other, more pressing matters at hand. I am talking in circles, but that's how this topic always seems to go.
So baseball then. Hot dogs and home runs and sacrifice bunts. Beats the hell out of hearings and reports and depositions any day of the week in my book. Play frickin' ball already.
*******************************
Oh, and unrelated yet so related- Senator Arlen Spector (R- PA), has taken this congressional oversight nonsense a step further in his desire to further the investigation into "Spygate"- the New England Patriots' video taping scandal. Now, while I am willing to give congress a little leeway in regards to the steroid issue- there is valid concern to the public in that regard- I don't understand what Spygate has anything to do with anybody other than parties invloved. Is the distinguished Senator from PA worried that the children of the nation are going run out and purchase video cameras, to record the movemens of their upcoming Pop-Warner opponents? Give me a break already.
Friday, February 8, 2008
There is a Sports God...
Or gods, higher-power, infinite-ubiquitous presence, or what have you...
It had to happen sooner or later. Now, I can't actually speak for this- we'll call it- SportsGod, but I gotta think he (and yes, we'll call it he, to save on keystrokes.. cut me some slack) was getting pretty tired of opening the sports pages everyday and hearing nothing but good news out of Boston. Red Sox win the World Series, Celtics aquire Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett and go on to dominate the first half of the NBA season, the Patriots become the first NFL team to finish the regular season undefeated in 35 years... you get the point. The sun's out. The town that once made a habit of hanging their heads and believing in curses, is now feeling pretty darn good about themselves and their teams.
But into every life, or season, a little rain must fall. And one morning, (figuratively speaking of course because time of day is irrelevant to SportsGod), SportsGod woke up (also figurative because S.G. does not in fact sleep) and realized he could do something about this: So the Patriots lose, in dramatic fashion, ending their bid to end their season perfectly. They lose to one of the biggest underdogs in recent memory. And they lose in the Super Bowl- one of the, if not the most watched games in all of sports history.
Then, Curt Shilling, once an ace (now just an ass) for the Sox, continues his grand spiral into irrelevance- as it is announced he has a shoulder injury and may miss most if not all of the 2008 season. This one's not the end of the world for the Red Sox, but it is a gray cloud as the sun of spring training fast approaches.
Oh and those Boston Celtics, who started the season 30-3, have gone a mere 7-6 since January 9th... Okay that last one is reeeeally stretching it; I mean they are still 37-9 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference... Geez SportsGod or whoever you are, you are starting to slack off, making me look pretty pathetic here... I mean really, SportsGoddammit!
That said, SportsGod, thank you for having the Patriots lose. I know you can't please everyone, but in this case- and I am sure you know this, as S.G. is all knowing- you did please the correct people. And here's to 2008! And don't screw this one up.... honestly.
It had to happen sooner or later. Now, I can't actually speak for this- we'll call it- SportsGod, but I gotta think he (and yes, we'll call it he, to save on keystrokes.. cut me some slack) was getting pretty tired of opening the sports pages everyday and hearing nothing but good news out of Boston. Red Sox win the World Series, Celtics aquire Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett and go on to dominate the first half of the NBA season, the Patriots become the first NFL team to finish the regular season undefeated in 35 years... you get the point. The sun's out. The town that once made a habit of hanging their heads and believing in curses, is now feeling pretty darn good about themselves and their teams.
But into every life, or season, a little rain must fall. And one morning, (figuratively speaking of course because time of day is irrelevant to SportsGod), SportsGod woke up (also figurative because S.G. does not in fact sleep) and realized he could do something about this: So the Patriots lose, in dramatic fashion, ending their bid to end their season perfectly. They lose to one of the biggest underdogs in recent memory. And they lose in the Super Bowl- one of the, if not the most watched games in all of sports history.
Then, Curt Shilling, once an ace (now just an ass) for the Sox, continues his grand spiral into irrelevance- as it is announced he has a shoulder injury and may miss most if not all of the 2008 season. This one's not the end of the world for the Red Sox, but it is a gray cloud as the sun of spring training fast approaches.
Oh and those Boston Celtics, who started the season 30-3, have gone a mere 7-6 since January 9th... Okay that last one is reeeeally stretching it; I mean they are still 37-9 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference... Geez SportsGod or whoever you are, you are starting to slack off, making me look pretty pathetic here... I mean really, SportsGoddammit!
That said, SportsGod, thank you for having the Patriots lose. I know you can't please everyone, but in this case- and I am sure you know this, as S.G. is all knowing- you did please the correct people. And here's to 2008! And don't screw this one up.... honestly.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Pulling for Big Blue (i.e. NOT the Pats)
Living in New York, I have realized that there has been a noticeable increase of Giants garb-clad folks on the street, subways and buses over the past couple weeks. And one can only expect those numbers to increase exponentially with Giants now heading to the Superbowl. Now I am no Giants fan, nor will I be seen wearing any of their paraphernalia the next two weeks- but make no mistake: come Superbowl Sunday I will be be pulling for the Giants like they are my own.
Why? Because the Patriots must lose. I hate to be one of the bitter masses- cheering against a team, rather than just not rooting for them- but there you have it. I will say this: I always root against the Pats, as they are a rival of my lowly Dolphins, so at least I am not guilty of being a bandwagon-hater. In a season where everything has gone right for them, now would be the perfect time for things to fall apart for them. Of course, I also thought the past two weeks would have been a good time too- but who's counting? But for the Pats to fall on the grand stage that is the Superbowl, would satiate my desires. For Tom Brady to have that game that costs his team the championship, I could rest easy (darn near happened yesterday- fortunately for him he threw his three picks to a team with endzonaphobia). That's it... all I'm saying. Go Giants (sort of)!
Why? Because the Patriots must lose. I hate to be one of the bitter masses- cheering against a team, rather than just not rooting for them- but there you have it. I will say this: I always root against the Pats, as they are a rival of my lowly Dolphins, so at least I am not guilty of being a bandwagon-hater. In a season where everything has gone right for them, now would be the perfect time for things to fall apart for them. Of course, I also thought the past two weeks would have been a good time too- but who's counting? But for the Pats to fall on the grand stage that is the Superbowl, would satiate my desires. For Tom Brady to have that game that costs his team the championship, I could rest easy (darn near happened yesterday- fortunately for him he threw his three picks to a team with endzonaphobia). That's it... all I'm saying. Go Giants (sort of)!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
DO-OVER!
That's Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga who can be heard calling "do-over" in Miami. One year ago, after being rebuffed by Nick Saban for a return the college ranks, Wayne and the Dolphins conducted a hard target search for a new head coach. A search that included flights on Huizenga's jet all over the country and even down to Central America, where Wayne wooed USC head coach Pete Carroll while he was on vacation. And when the San Diego Chargers were bumped from the playoffs early, their man was made available: then Chargers' offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Wayne's jet flew to San Diego to pick him up and bring him back to Miami. There was talk of returning the franchise to glory, of improvement, of changing the way things were done in Miami. GM Randy Mueller was retained, and even extended.
And then, the perfect storm that was the 2007 football season happened for the Dolphins.
Flash to late December 2007, as Bill Parcells is brought in by Huizenga to be the guy in charge of all things pertaining to football. Within the first couple weeks, Parcells cleans house- Mueller, Cameron, and the entire coaching staff: gone- and he replaces key positions with guys he has a recent personal history with. Case in point: Cowboys' director of scouting Jeff Ireland, who Parcells worked with in his stint in Dallas, is tabbed as the the Dolphins new GM.
Which bring us to now, nearly a year after this all began. And again another high-profile playoff team gets bounced early- this time Parcells' old club, the Cowboys- and again the Dolphins' appear to have their man: current Cowboys' assistant head coach Tony Sparano. And reports are Huizenga's jet has left for Dallas with Jeff Ireland on board to bring Sparano back to Miami with him. We are sure to hear some more of the "return to glory" stuff, with promises of greater fortune for the franchise.
It all has a sickening deja-vu feeling about it all. But Parcells has already put his stamp on this franchise, and will continue to in the next few months. And one thing is clear: the decisions made in the next few months will decide what Bill Parcells' legacy in Miami is. And another thing we can be sure of: Parcells will not be calling "do-over" this time next year.
And then, the perfect storm that was the 2007 football season happened for the Dolphins.
Flash to late December 2007, as Bill Parcells is brought in by Huizenga to be the guy in charge of all things pertaining to football. Within the first couple weeks, Parcells cleans house- Mueller, Cameron, and the entire coaching staff: gone- and he replaces key positions with guys he has a recent personal history with. Case in point: Cowboys' director of scouting Jeff Ireland, who Parcells worked with in his stint in Dallas, is tabbed as the the Dolphins new GM.
Which bring us to now, nearly a year after this all began. And again another high-profile playoff team gets bounced early- this time Parcells' old club, the Cowboys- and again the Dolphins' appear to have their man: current Cowboys' assistant head coach Tony Sparano. And reports are Huizenga's jet has left for Dallas with Jeff Ireland on board to bring Sparano back to Miami with him. We are sure to hear some more of the "return to glory" stuff, with promises of greater fortune for the franchise.
It all has a sickening deja-vu feeling about it all. But Parcells has already put his stamp on this franchise, and will continue to in the next few months. And one thing is clear: the decisions made in the next few months will decide what Bill Parcells' legacy in Miami is. And another thing we can be sure of: Parcells will not be calling "do-over" this time next year.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year from Happy A-Rod
Alex Rodriguez made a surprise appearance with Carson Daly at just few a minutes to midnight last night on NBC's New Year's coverage in Time Square. The seemingly impromptu visit by the AL MVP appeared to be an "I love New York" public-relations move from A-Rod's camp as he attempts to repair his up and down, and at best rocky relationship with the fans of New York. He showed up just short of the stroke of midnight, to the supposed surprise of Daly, in his casual best- complete with a Yankees cap on his head. He nervously chit-chatted with the host for a a few minutes, who had to interrupt A-Rod as the ball began its descent.
2007 was A-Rod's most comfortable at the plate in Pinstripes, but that comfort has never translated for A-Rod in his off-field persona. God love the guy, but he is just not comfortable in his own skin, so putting him in conversational situations like this one on live TV is not going to be a huge strong point. Some advice for A-Rod's PR machine: keep him well hidden, and have him focus on baseball. If A-Rod keeps hitting, and stays out of the newspapers for non-baseball related issues, he may just go down as one of the all-time great Yankees. His skills at the plate are definitely stuff of legend, so really all he needs to is stay out of his own way off the field.
2007 was A-Rod's most comfortable at the plate in Pinstripes, but that comfort has never translated for A-Rod in his off-field persona. God love the guy, but he is just not comfortable in his own skin, so putting him in conversational situations like this one on live TV is not going to be a huge strong point. Some advice for A-Rod's PR machine: keep him well hidden, and have him focus on baseball. If A-Rod keeps hitting, and stays out of the newspapers for non-baseball related issues, he may just go down as one of the all-time great Yankees. His skills at the plate are definitely stuff of legend, so really all he needs to is stay out of his own way off the field.
Big Tuna starts his swim upstream in Miami
The Bill Parcells era for the Dolphins officially began December 26th. But his first big stamp on the organization came on Monday, when he arrived at for work at 8am, walked into GM Randy Mueller's office and told Mueller his services were no longer required in Miami. Parcells and Mueller hadn't sat down prior to this, and apparently never will. Sorry Randy, your term of "final word" on the roster after the Nick Saban years lasted but one season. And it can't be taken as a shock- everyone knows that Parcells is gonna get his guys into place in the front office. New York Jets' director of college scouting Joey Clinkscales, and Jeff Ireland, vice president of college and pro scouting for the Dallas Cowboys appear the early front-runners for the vacated position, with a big edge going to Ireland- having just worked with Parcells in Dallas. Word on the new GM could come as early as tonight.
Next on the packed off-season agenda is the decision on current head coach Cam Cameron. Parcells has said he wants to have his Gm in place before that decision is made, but a meeting is supposed to take place between he and Cameron today. While a decision may take a couple days, Parcells knows he has to work quick; especially if we wants to bring in who many feel would be his top choice, Cowboys' assistant Tony Sparano as a possible candidate- the Cowboys have a bye this week before starting their playoff run.
And then all that's left to do is a major roster overhaul, including making some decisions on key veterans on both sides of the ball, evaluating young players and determining their future with the team, and getting ready for the draft- where currently the Dolphins hold the first overall pick- and deciding on prospects and/or trades that may materialize.
Now Parcells is no dummy, and he knew exactly the situation he was getting into. And he has said that he is going to leave the final decisions to the people he puts in place. But he will most assuredly give himself free reign this off-season to leave his mark, setting up his regime and making the big decisions, before he steps back and lets those individuals run the show. He knows that this off-season, the decisions he makes- from the front office to the roster- will most likely dictate the direction of the franchise under his tenure.
Next on the packed off-season agenda is the decision on current head coach Cam Cameron. Parcells has said he wants to have his Gm in place before that decision is made, but a meeting is supposed to take place between he and Cameron today. While a decision may take a couple days, Parcells knows he has to work quick; especially if we wants to bring in who many feel would be his top choice, Cowboys' assistant Tony Sparano as a possible candidate- the Cowboys have a bye this week before starting their playoff run.
And then all that's left to do is a major roster overhaul, including making some decisions on key veterans on both sides of the ball, evaluating young players and determining their future with the team, and getting ready for the draft- where currently the Dolphins hold the first overall pick- and deciding on prospects and/or trades that may materialize.
Now Parcells is no dummy, and he knew exactly the situation he was getting into. And he has said that he is going to leave the final decisions to the people he puts in place. But he will most assuredly give himself free reign this off-season to leave his mark, setting up his regime and making the big decisions, before he steps back and lets those individuals run the show. He knows that this off-season, the decisions he makes- from the front office to the roster- will most likely dictate the direction of the franchise under his tenure.
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