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.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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.
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