Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A Lesson in Rememberance
Upon hearing the tragic story of the fatal shooting of high school football coach, Ed Thomas, I wanted to take a moment to thank my mentors.
So thank you to:
My Parents
Coach Rehr
Mrs. Harms
Mr. Chambers
Rev. Tim Cushman
Rev. Josh Rice
Coach Lav
Rev. David Golden
Rev. Derek Baker
Dr. Bartels
Dr. Hittenberger
Who has had the greatest impact on your life? Don't forget to thank them. You never know when it will be too later
So thank you to:
My Parents
Coach Rehr
Mrs. Harms
Mr. Chambers
Rev. Tim Cushman
Rev. Josh Rice
Coach Lav
Rev. David Golden
Rev. Derek Baker
Dr. Bartels
Dr. Hittenberger
Who has had the greatest impact on your life? Don't forget to thank them. You never know when it will be too later
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Carlos Zambrano is Stupid
I know, its not exactly a news flash. But the Chicago Cubs hulking, gatorade machine crushing, right hander needs to stop with the tantrums and start pitching like he did last year against the Astros.
Now I will admit that everyone gets a little testy as times, after all the mild mannered Ted Lilly did get thrown out recently, and Carlos was not the first cub to go after the defenseless beverage dispenser (that honor went to the normally affable Ryan Dempster).
So why pick on Mr. Zambrano? Because it is a pattern of behavior. You never know when crazy Carlos will show up, but you know that he will at least once a month.
So what is the solution. The final step is trading him to someone like the Yankees, Rangers, Mets, Nationals, Angels, or anyone else who would like a very talented, very expensive, very emotional pitcher who had all world stuff.
But that is a bit drastic so how about having a designated Carlos Calmer.
Lets face it, someone should have gotten in between Carlos and the Ump, but Sweet Lou couldn't waddle fast enough, Larry Rothschild is to mild to be noticed, and Alan Trammell is so much shorter than Big Z (Trammel 6'0" Zambrano 6'5") that I am not sure Z would even see him.
So find a relatively young, tall, former player to be the Designated Calmer...problem solved...you're welcome.
Now I will admit that everyone gets a little testy as times, after all the mild mannered Ted Lilly did get thrown out recently, and Carlos was not the first cub to go after the defenseless beverage dispenser (that honor went to the normally affable Ryan Dempster).
So why pick on Mr. Zambrano? Because it is a pattern of behavior. You never know when crazy Carlos will show up, but you know that he will at least once a month.
So what is the solution. The final step is trading him to someone like the Yankees, Rangers, Mets, Nationals, Angels, or anyone else who would like a very talented, very expensive, very emotional pitcher who had all world stuff.
But that is a bit drastic so how about having a designated Carlos Calmer.
Lets face it, someone should have gotten in between Carlos and the Ump, but Sweet Lou couldn't waddle fast enough, Larry Rothschild is to mild to be noticed, and Alan Trammell is so much shorter than Big Z (Trammel 6'0" Zambrano 6'5") that I am not sure Z would even see him.
So find a relatively young, tall, former player to be the Designated Calmer...problem solved...you're welcome.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hockey
Yes this a hockey post. I don't know a ton about hockey but I know that 3 of the original six hockey teams may be in the conference finals this year.
I know that the Capitals-Penguins series was perhaps the best ever, and that I would love to watch Sydney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin play each other every game.
I know that my Blackhawks may make it to the Stanley Cup Finals if the Ducks can rally and beat the Red Wings.
I know that the SCF will most likely end up the Red Wings vs the Penguins.
And that's all I know.
I know that the Capitals-Penguins series was perhaps the best ever, and that I would love to watch Sydney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin play each other every game.
I know that my Blackhawks may make it to the Stanley Cup Finals if the Ducks can rally and beat the Red Wings.
I know that the SCF will most likely end up the Red Wings vs the Penguins.
And that's all I know.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Manny Being Everyone Else
Sorry for such a delay between posts. I was busy getting married. But without further ado...Manny Being Everyone Else
"That's just Manny being Manny" is perhaps the most overused phrase that has rolled around major league baseball for the last 24 months. Oh sure some phrases like "Homer-Friendly Ballpark", "Five Tool Player", and "Ouch! Doc I didn't think these steroid injections would hurt so much" may have been uttered more frequently, but nothing quite captured the essence of one segment of baseball like "Manny being Manny."
But Manny is not being Manny anymore. Manny, like 103 other players and almost everyone else (allegedly) in the game, has been using performance enhancing drugs.
I was surprised.
I have always liked Manny, I was never really a fan but I thought he put on a good show. I honestly thought he might have been different from the other sluggers of the era. I mean he was very different from them on the field after all. But sadly this week we have found that he is no different.
I pity him. That's right, one of the most ardent steroid opponents, feels pity for Manny Ramirez. Why? Because he has fallen so far so fast and he, unlike A-Rod, probably does not have enough in the tank to win fans back.
Look at what he lost. "Mannywood" has been stripped away and was renamed Dodgertown. The Dodgers have stopped selling his merchandise. And he has been suspended for 50 games and will forfeit over $7 million in salary.
So yes I feel bad for Manny, but he got what he deserved. And kudos to major league baseball.
What?! Kudos to major league baseball? Yes. MLB has done the one thing that would make be begin to respect them again. They have suspended a superstar player, from a big three market team, who was that teams biggest gate and TV draw. Yes I know there was a smoking gun in this case, but as Bones would tell you (again allegedly) a smoking gun can be covered up by major league baseball.
So MLB doubters you have been put on notice. While there is still work to be done, the first major shot in the war to clean up the game has been fired. Baseball seems to finally be serious about trying to fix its problems, and I have taken notice.
"That's just Manny being Manny" is perhaps the most overused phrase that has rolled around major league baseball for the last 24 months. Oh sure some phrases like "Homer-Friendly Ballpark", "Five Tool Player", and "Ouch! Doc I didn't think these steroid injections would hurt so much" may have been uttered more frequently, but nothing quite captured the essence of one segment of baseball like "Manny being Manny."
But Manny is not being Manny anymore. Manny, like 103 other players and almost everyone else (allegedly) in the game, has been using performance enhancing drugs.
I was surprised.
I have always liked Manny, I was never really a fan but I thought he put on a good show. I honestly thought he might have been different from the other sluggers of the era. I mean he was very different from them on the field after all. But sadly this week we have found that he is no different.
I pity him. That's right, one of the most ardent steroid opponents, feels pity for Manny Ramirez. Why? Because he has fallen so far so fast and he, unlike A-Rod, probably does not have enough in the tank to win fans back.
Look at what he lost. "Mannywood" has been stripped away and was renamed Dodgertown. The Dodgers have stopped selling his merchandise. And he has been suspended for 50 games and will forfeit over $7 million in salary.
So yes I feel bad for Manny, but he got what he deserved. And kudos to major league baseball.
What?! Kudos to major league baseball? Yes. MLB has done the one thing that would make be begin to respect them again. They have suspended a superstar player, from a big three market team, who was that teams biggest gate and TV draw. Yes I know there was a smoking gun in this case, but as Bones would tell you (again allegedly) a smoking gun can be covered up by major league baseball.
So MLB doubters you have been put on notice. While there is still work to be done, the first major shot in the war to clean up the game has been fired. Baseball seems to finally be serious about trying to fix its problems, and I have taken notice.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bracketology
I love this time of year. Conference tournaments have started, the brackets are being built, automatic births are being distributed, and like every year, there are going to be some snubs. What I don't like about the current system is that some good and worthy teams are snubbed, while two teams that have "earned" a "tournament birth" by winning their conference tournament have to play a game just to get into the real tournament.
So what is the solution? I think we need more play in games.
Wait, more play in games. There already is a play in game and most people hate it...
Yes, people don't like the play in game, but that is because it is not interesting and it always pits two small schools that will lose in the first round against each other.
Here are my suggestions:
1) If a team earns an automatic bid, they should be seeded in the tournament.
2) Instead of seeding the 11 and 12 seeds of each bracket with the dregs of the major conferences, make those spots the play in games and pit two major programs against each other for the right to enter the tournament.
What will this do?
Instead of a battle of almost 16 seeds that are destined to lose, it will pit some schools that could actually make a run in the tournament against each other. In addition, it will reward the small schools who won the right to be seeded. (Which for my money the small schools are what give the tournament its texture and intrigue.)
So can this work?
I think so. Here is my bracket prediction for this year's tournament if they put in eight elimination games.
So what is the solution? I think we need more play in games.
Wait, more play in games. There already is a play in game and most people hate it...
Yes, people don't like the play in game, but that is because it is not interesting and it always pits two small schools that will lose in the first round against each other.
Here are my suggestions:
1) If a team earns an automatic bid, they should be seeded in the tournament.
2) Instead of seeding the 11 and 12 seeds of each bracket with the dregs of the major conferences, make those spots the play in games and pit two major programs against each other for the right to enter the tournament.
What will this do?
Instead of a battle of almost 16 seeds that are destined to lose, it will pit some schools that could actually make a run in the tournament against each other. In addition, it will reward the small schools who won the right to be seeded. (Which for my money the small schools are what give the tournament its texture and intrigue.)
So can this work?
I think so. Here is my bracket prediction for this year's tournament if they put in eight elimination games.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Kudos
This is going to be a short post but I am hoping that I will be able to post a longer one soon.
Now I know that ESPN is the sports reporting equivilent to the Evil Empire but I am forced to given them kudos for the creation of thier NBA trade machine. It has made a science out of the wide speculation that follows any major pro sport trading dealine. If you have not tried it you have about 5 hours to do so.
Oh and a note to my home town Bulls: Great Trade! (Gooden, Ruffin, Simmons, and Nocioni for Miller and Salmons) but you are not done yet, get one or two more done! (ie Larry Hughes to the Knicks)
Now I know that ESPN is the sports reporting equivilent to the Evil Empire but I am forced to given them kudos for the creation of thier NBA trade machine. It has made a science out of the wide speculation that follows any major pro sport trading dealine. If you have not tried it you have about 5 hours to do so.
Oh and a note to my home town Bulls: Great Trade! (Gooden, Ruffin, Simmons, and Nocioni for Miller and Salmons) but you are not done yet, get one or two more done! (ie Larry Hughes to the Knicks)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Roid Rage
I sit before you as a sufferer of roid rage. Specifically I am unbelievablely, undeniably angry at Major League Baseball and everything that is to do with it.
Of course A-Rod's admission to the use of steriods is what has set me off at this particular time, but I have been arguing the case against steroid use since the time of Grady Anderson.
But to the point...A-Rod's scripted apology and admission of "guilt" have me boiling. I could have forgiven him. I could have forgiven everyone who took steroids, if they would just come out and admit it. Not admit it like A-rod did (an admission full of half truths and pleas of ignorance) but come out and tell us what you did and why. We will, I will, forgive you...just come completely clean.
That said I do forgive A-Rod but now no matter what he does for the rest of his career I will speak out against his entry into the hall of fame. (Unless he comes clean with full disclosure then I will reconsider him)
I feel that way with all of my heroes who have fallen in this steroid scandal. (Big Mac, Sammy, Ralphy, Bones, and the rest) Just come clean and all will be forgiven.
That said I will never stop arguing for Bud Selig and Donald Fehr to be fired.
Bud Selig the commish who oversaw the strike (which is never a fight between players and the owners but between owners and the owners), the commish who looked the other way during the home run chase, and the commish who lied to congress and was rewarded with a $18 million plus salary. He needs to be gone
Donald Fehr who is so busy trying to get the players money that he is not taking care of the players lives and health. The man who lets agents walk all over the CBA and looked away with Bud Selig while steroids threatened to destroy the game. He should be gone.
It is time for a new system in baseball. Its time for the best interests of the game clause to be involved to create a new position. Create a real commissioner who does not work for the players or the owners but acts in the best interests of the sport. It will never happen, but until it does baseball will continue to slowly die.
Of course A-Rod's admission to the use of steriods is what has set me off at this particular time, but I have been arguing the case against steroid use since the time of Grady Anderson.
But to the point...A-Rod's scripted apology and admission of "guilt" have me boiling. I could have forgiven him. I could have forgiven everyone who took steroids, if they would just come out and admit it. Not admit it like A-rod did (an admission full of half truths and pleas of ignorance) but come out and tell us what you did and why. We will, I will, forgive you...just come completely clean.
That said I do forgive A-Rod but now no matter what he does for the rest of his career I will speak out against his entry into the hall of fame. (Unless he comes clean with full disclosure then I will reconsider him)
I feel that way with all of my heroes who have fallen in this steroid scandal. (Big Mac, Sammy, Ralphy, Bones, and the rest) Just come clean and all will be forgiven.
That said I will never stop arguing for Bud Selig and Donald Fehr to be fired.
Bud Selig the commish who oversaw the strike (which is never a fight between players and the owners but between owners and the owners), the commish who looked the other way during the home run chase, and the commish who lied to congress and was rewarded with a $18 million plus salary. He needs to be gone
Donald Fehr who is so busy trying to get the players money that he is not taking care of the players lives and health. The man who lets agents walk all over the CBA and looked away with Bud Selig while steroids threatened to destroy the game. He should be gone.
It is time for a new system in baseball. Its time for the best interests of the game clause to be involved to create a new position. Create a real commissioner who does not work for the players or the owners but acts in the best interests of the sport. It will never happen, but until it does baseball will continue to slowly die.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
0:05
Why, after such a great Super Bowl did I feel disappointed? Was it because the Steelers who were the favorites won? No. Was it because the half time show featured the overrated Bruce Springsteen? No. Was it because the commercials (while having more heart) had less humor in them again this year? No.
The reason why I was disappointed with the Super Bowl is because of the way it ended. Instead of doing the right thing and reviewing and overturning the call of a fumble on the last play of the game, the referees deprived us, the fans, of a last second Hail Mary that could have determined the game.
Yes I know people were already storming the field. Yes I know 99 times out of 100 the pass will be intercepted or fall incomplete.
But with the addition of a 15 yard Unnecessary Roughness penalty against the Steelers, the Hail Mary would have been about a 45 yard pass. More than do able for Warner and his magnificent receivers.
And without that last pass the game just seemed anticlimactic.
The reason why I was disappointed with the Super Bowl is because of the way it ended. Instead of doing the right thing and reviewing and overturning the call of a fumble on the last play of the game, the referees deprived us, the fans, of a last second Hail Mary that could have determined the game.
Yes I know people were already storming the field. Yes I know 99 times out of 100 the pass will be intercepted or fall incomplete.
But with the addition of a 15 yard Unnecessary Roughness penalty against the Steelers, the Hail Mary would have been about a 45 yard pass. More than do able for Warner and his magnificent receivers.
And without that last pass the game just seemed anticlimactic.
Kurt Warner: Hall of Fame Worthy?
We have all heard his zero to hero story. We have all heard how great of a guy he is. But is Kurt Warner a hall of fame player.
I say no, but let’s look at the arguments on both sides.
Pro:
Great Story
He took two traditional terrible franchises and brought them to the super bowl. (with one win)
He has comparable stats with other hall of fame QBs.
He has the top three passing yard totals in super bowl history.
2 time NFL MVP
Super Bowl MVP
Has lost 2 super bowls on 2 last second plays that were outside of his control
Con:
He does not have a hall of fame name: 10 years from now will Kurt Warner be remembered with a reverent pause like Dan Marino or Joe Montana
He had 5 AMAZING years spread out in 11 seasons
Lots of injuries
Benched 3 times
In the 3 seasons that he went to the superbowl, he has arguably the best wide receiving tandem in the league. (Holt and Bruce, Boldin and Fitzgerald)
I have heard it said that what defines a hall of fame is who is left out. I think that Kurt Warner falls just short of enshrinement. Of course with one more great season I think my opinion would change.
I say no, but let’s look at the arguments on both sides.
Pro:
Great Story
He took two traditional terrible franchises and brought them to the super bowl. (with one win)
He has comparable stats with other hall of fame QBs.
He has the top three passing yard totals in super bowl history.
2 time NFL MVP
Super Bowl MVP
Has lost 2 super bowls on 2 last second plays that were outside of his control
Con:
He does not have a hall of fame name: 10 years from now will Kurt Warner be remembered with a reverent pause like Dan Marino or Joe Montana
He had 5 AMAZING years spread out in 11 seasons
Lots of injuries
Benched 3 times
In the 3 seasons that he went to the superbowl, he has arguably the best wide receiving tandem in the league. (Holt and Bruce, Boldin and Fitzgerald)
I have heard it said that what defines a hall of fame is who is left out. I think that Kurt Warner falls just short of enshrinement. Of course with one more great season I think my opinion would change.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
"I'm Coming Back"
That's right Tim Tebow, I too am coming back. After a almost 7 month on hiatus I have returned because it is the start of NFL draft season.
That's right, after the flurry of college prospects have announced their intentions for Aprils draft I believe that I am ready to give an my first assessment of of their decisions, and like any good blogger I am going to devote this post to the most important position on the field.
Here is my review of...the Quarterbacks.
Now to be honest, even though there will be around 30 QBs in the draft this year, there are only 6 quarterbacks that I am going to touch on. I do thins not because I think the other 24 are bad people, I just think they are irrelevant as pro prospects this year. (With the exception of Nate Davis who I may cover another time if he has a good combine.)
I am going to judge the quarterbacks decisions in several areas: career potential, financial potential, draft stock, and finally intelligence.
Tim Tebow - Florida #15 Junior 6'3" 240 lbs
Pros - Superior Athlete and Leader, Intelligent and Hard Working, Great Intangibles, NFL Size and Body, High Character, Fast, Threat to Run, Good Decision Maker
Cons - Does Not Have Pro Quarterback Skill Set, Accuracy Concerns, Does Not Have NFL Arm Strength
Career Potential- By staying out of this year's draft Tim Tebow has given himself an opportunity to try to develop into a legitimate NFL quarterback. Even if he is not able to develop his passing game he will still find his way on to an NFL roster.
Financial Potential- Waiting one more year to get paid will not hurt Tim at all. He can consider one more year in college as a financial investment in his NFL career.
Draft Stock- Can only go up. Tim is a 3rd or 4th rounder right now and will not fall any lower than that. He could rise to a 2nd or even 1st rounder if he improves.
Intelligence- This was a smart well researched move that went against Tim's plans and ego.
Result- Tim made the best decision of anyone in the draft.
That's right, after the flurry of college prospects have announced their intentions for Aprils draft I believe that I am ready to give an my first assessment of of their decisions, and like any good blogger I am going to devote this post to the most important position on the field.
Here is my review of...the Quarterbacks.
Now to be honest, even though there will be around 30 QBs in the draft this year, there are only 6 quarterbacks that I am going to touch on. I do thins not because I think the other 24 are bad people, I just think they are irrelevant as pro prospects this year. (With the exception of Nate Davis who I may cover another time if he has a good combine.)
I am going to judge the quarterbacks decisions in several areas: career potential, financial potential, draft stock, and finally intelligence.
Tim Tebow - Florida #15 Junior 6'3" 240 lbs
Pros - Superior Athlete and Leader, Intelligent and Hard Working, Great Intangibles, NFL Size and Body, High Character, Fast, Threat to Run, Good Decision Maker
Cons - Does Not Have Pro Quarterback Skill Set, Accuracy Concerns, Does Not Have NFL Arm Strength
Career Potential- By staying out of this year's draft Tim Tebow has given himself an opportunity to try to develop into a legitimate NFL quarterback. Even if he is not able to develop his passing game he will still find his way on to an NFL roster.
Financial Potential- Waiting one more year to get paid will not hurt Tim at all. He can consider one more year in college as a financial investment in his NFL career.
Draft Stock- Can only go up. Tim is a 3rd or 4th rounder right now and will not fall any lower than that. He could rise to a 2nd or even 1st rounder if he improves.
Intelligence- This was a smart well researched move that went against Tim's plans and ego.
Result- Tim made the best decision of anyone in the draft.
Sam Bradford - Oklahoma #14 Sophomore (RS) 6'4" 218 lbs
Pros- Heisman Trophy Winner, Athletic Playmaker, Good Accuracy, Good Intangibles, High Character
Cons-Does Not Have Big Arm, Does Not Read Defences Well, Small Body of Work to Draw From, Side Arm Delivery, Sloppy Footwork At Times
Career Potential- Aside from being drafted by the Lions or Chiefs, Bradford's career potential could not have been better than in this draft. His stock will never be higher and will most likely be lower. Oklahoma is losing 4 out of 5 linemen so Sam will most likely have a tough season next year.
Financial Potential- By going back to school Bradford is costing himself millions.
Draft Stock- At best will stay the same but most likely will go down. Look for Bradford in the mid to late 1 round or even early second
Intelligence- An all around bad decision
Results- I still like him but he has made a bad move.
Matthew Stafford - Georgia #7 Junior 6'3" 237 lbs
Pros- Huge Arm, Pro Body, The Best Of This Group Right Now
Cons- Does Not Read Defenses Well, Questions About His Decision Making
Career Potential- The only thing that hurts Stafford in this draft is that the Detroit Lions have the first pick.
Financial Potential- He will be filthy dirty rich
Draft Stock- Perfect time to come out.
Intelligence- A good decision.
Result- Too bad he will be playing for the Lions
Mark Sanchez - USC #6 Junior (RS) 6'3" 225 lbs
Pros- Played In A Pro Style Offense, Dominated Inferior Competition
Cons- Never Faced A Real Challenge In College, Needs More Experience, Needs More Development To Be A Starter
Career Potential- He will go to the Chiefs or the 49ers who are both on the rise, but neither have shown that they can develop a quarterback so his future may be bleak.
Financial Potential- He will get his money in the draft but he has hurt his long term earning potential.
Draft Stock- He will go in the first 15.
Intelligence- If he was looking for money this was the draft to enter. If he was looking for a long term career she should have come back to school.
Result - I never liked him, I think he is Matt Leinart part 2.
Colt McCoy - Texas #12 Junior (RS) 6'3" 210 lbs
Pros- May Be The Best Long Term Pro Quarterback Of The Group, Good Arm, Good Decision Making, Very Accurate, BEST QUARTERBACK NAME EVER
Cons- May Be A One Year Wonder, Need Another Year To Polish His Game
Career Potential- Could be the best of this bunch.
Financial Potential- He will make big money if he has a solid year.
Draft Stock- First rounder right now, top 5 with another good season next year.
Intelligence- The right decision.
Result - He would look good in a Chicago Bears Uniform.
Graham Harrell - Texas Tech #6 Senior (RS) 6'3" 205 lbs
Pros- Had A Great Season, Big Numbers, Good Arm, Accurate
Cons- Plays In A Gimmick Offense With A History Of Bad Pro QBs,
Career Potential- He is a wild card, but most wild cards turn up as bad QBs
Financial Potential- He will be a mid round pick and had no more eligibility left.
Draft Stock- Mid-Round guy who could grow as a backup.
Intelligence- It was the only choice he could make.
Results- He is a longshot, but I wish him the best.
Well here are my opinions on these QBs. What do you think?
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