"I’m coming home." With these words, LeBron James completed the narrative cycle that began half a decade ago. The NBA's biggest star's decision to return to Cleveland is being called, "The Redemption", but his choice resonates with NBA fans across the league for a larger reason: the most powerful person in the game has finally lived up to the hero trope that we have projected on him.
By returning home, James becomes the embodiment of the Campbellian archetypal hero, having completed his hero's journey and riding to the aid of his home town. The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell describes the monomyth, or the basic pattern in storytelling around the world. In summary, the monomyth story is as follows:
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day at the urging of a wise man, into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man
In James we see each part of this story fulfilled. The year before the infamous decision to leave Cleveland, James watched as he was surrounded by players who can only be described as common. These were players of inferior talent or players who's prime had passed them by. There were rumors of James wanting to see major changes or he would consider leaving.
Next we see the entrance of the wise man who encourages the hero to embark on this journey, a roll neatly filled in by Pat Riley.
Next the hero must enter a region of supernatural wonder with fabulous forces. I would submit that Miami would seem like a supernatural paradise when compared to Cleveland and the combined powers of Wade and Bosh as fabulous forces when compared to the level of talent James was surrounded by.
A decisive victory must be won. you could argue that James tenure in Miami was not decisive, however I would say that 2 championship and 4 finals appearances were major victories for a player who's greatness was continually questioned until he became a champion.
And here the story ended, until today. The monomyth unfinished, the narrative circle left open, and the tenuous existence of the monomyth parallel teetering on the edge of destruction should James go somewhere other than Cleveland or stay in Miami.
But today the journey arc of the story closes and James brings not only his talent but his knowledge of how to win, and his ambition to find success in his hometown. I wish him well in the next part of his story, for the bestowing of boons will not be a simple path, but I know that he has made the right choice. He has upheld the highest tradition of being a hero, coming home again to change to common world.
Good Luck LeBron. (I still hope my Bulls beat you)
Friday, July 11, 2014
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Mock Draft Version 3 with 1st round trades and 2nd Round
1 Kansas City – Eric Fisher OT
The talk that the Chiefs prefer Fisher is just too loud to
ignore.
2 Jacksonville –Luke Joeckel OT
Jaguars are going to pick the best player available, so
Joeckel is just too good to pass up.
3 Arizona (from Oakland) – Lane Johnson OT
Arizona has to fend off Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, and
Philadelphia and does so by trading up to number 3. They get the left tackle they
desperately need.
4 Philadelphia – Dion Jordan OLB
Eagles get Chip a familiar face to build around.
5 Detroit - Ezekiel Ansah DE
A powerful defensive line gets better.
6 Cleveland – Dee Milliner CB
Cleveland wants to move back, but with Arizona jumping to 3
there isn’t a player worth moving up for.
7 Oakland (from Arizona) – Sharrif Floyd DT
Oakland pulls a major coup getting picks and the guy they
were targeting the whole time.
8 Buffalo – Jonathan Cooper OG
This pick could get traded or Buffalo could go QB here, but
I think they take a player who could be a future hall of famer even if it isn’t
a sexy pick.
9 NY Jets – Barkevious Mingo OLB
Saints may want this pick, but they do not have enough picks
to get it done. Jets start rebuilding their spotty defense.
10 Tennessee – Chance Warmack OG
Titans pick a potential hall of famer to block for CJ2K
11 San Diego – D.J. Fluker OT
Chargers fill a major need with a top athlete.
12 San Francisco (from Miami) - Kenny Vaccaro S
Miami can’t find anyone to fill a need, so they trade out to
build up more picks. 49ers get the best safety in the draft.
13 NY Jets (from Tampa Bay) - Star Lotulelei DT
The Jets get a bigtime talent who falls and suddenly their
defense is beginning to take shape.
14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT
Panthers take an athletic defensive tackle to fill a big
need.
15 Pittsburg (from New Orleans) – Jarvis Jones OLB
After failing to trade up the saints get a solid pass
rushing outside linebacker.
16 St. Louis – Alec Ogletree OLB
Fisher adds a major piece to a good young defense.
17 New Orleans (from Pittsburg) – Manti Te’o ILB
The Saints solidify the middle of their defense.
18 Atlanta (from Dallas) - Tyler Eifert TE
The Falcons jump up to grab a new weapon for Ryan
19 NY Giants – Desmond Trufant CB
With most of the linebackers off the board, the Giants
strengthen a weak secondary.
20 Miami (from Chicago) – Tavon Austin WR
Miami moves back up in order to get a falling Austin.
21 Cincinnati – John Cyprien S
Cincinnati fills the biggest hole in their defense.
22 St. Louis – Sylvester Williams DT
Fisher puts the finishing touch on his developing defense.
23 Minnesota – Cordarrelle Patterson WR
Vikings pick a WR with major upside.
24 Indianapolis – Kyle Long OG
Colts find some protection for Andrew Luck.
25 Minnesota (From Seattle) – Kevin Minter ILB
Minnesota fills the biggest need on their defense.
26 Green Bay – Menelik Watson OT
Green Bay solidifies a terrible offensive line.
27 Houston – Robert Woods WR
Texans take the most polished WR to put across from Johnson even if his measurables were lacking.
28 Denver – Xavier Rhodes CB
Denver addresses the issue that kept them from advancing in
last year’s playoffs.
29 New England – Justin Hunter WR
New England picks a WR to mollify Brady.
30 Dallas (from Atlanta) – Cornellius (Tank) Carradine DE
Dallas gets a versatile pass rusher to strength a weak
defense.
31 Philadelphia (from San Francisco via Miami via Chicago) –
E.J. Manuel
Philadelphia jumps back in to get their QB of the future
32 Buffalo (from Baltimore) – Ryan Nassib QB
Buffalo trades back in to get their coach his old QB
2nd Round
33 Jacksonville – Gino Smith QB
34 Miami (from KC via SF)– Bjoern Werner DE
35 Chicago (from Philadelphia)- Zach Ertz TE
34 Detroit – Terron Armstead OT
37 Cincinnati (from Oakland) – Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB
38 Oakland (from
Arizona) – Jonathan Jenkins DT
39 NYJets – Justin Pugh OL
40 Tennessee – DeAndre Hopkins WR
41Baltimore (from Buffalo) – Matt Elam S
42 Kansas City (from Miami) – Arthur Brown ILB
43 Tampa Bay – KaWann Short DT
44 Carolina – Quinton Patton WR
45 San Diego – Larry Warford OG
46 St. Louis – Shamarko Thomas S
47 Dallas – D.J. Swearinger S
48 Pittsburg – Cornelius Washington OLB
49 NY Giants – Corey Lemonier DE
50 Chicago – Sio Moore ILB
51 Washington – Johnthan Banks CB
52 Vikings – Darius Slay CB
53 Cincinnati – Khaseem Greene LB
54 Miami (from Indianapolis) – Margus Hunt DE
55 Green Bay – Monte Ball RB
56 Seattle – Gavin Escobar TE
57 Houston – Jesse Williams DT
58 Denver – Damontre Moore DE
59 New England – B.W. Webb CB
60 Dallas (from Atlanta) – Travis Frederick OL
61 Chicago (from SF via Miami) – Brandon Williams DT
62 Baltimore – Markus Wheaton WR
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
2013 NFL Mock Draft Version 2
2013 Mock Draft Version 2 with trade projections
1 Kansas City – Luke Joeckel OT
Trade rumors abound, but the serious contenders to move up
just don’t have enough picks.
2 Jacksonville – Dion Jordan OLB
Jaguars need a difference maker on defense, Jordan is the
best fit.
3 Cleveland (Via Oakland) – Dee Milliner CB
Cleveland moves up to snag the corner they crave.
4 Miami (Via Philadelphia) – Eric Fisher OT
The Dolphins have the picks to make a big more and Philadelphia
is looking for value.
5 Detroit – Ezekiel Ansah DE
Lions come up short in the Milliner derby but still walk
away with a quality defensive addition.
6 Oakland (Via Cleveland) – Sharrif Floyd DT
Raiders get the picks they need, and still get their guy.
7 Arizona – Lane Johnson OT
No brainer for the Cardinals to upgrade its terrible
offensive line.
8 Philadelphia (Via Buffalo) – Geno Smith QB
Eagles jump back into the top ten to snag their quarterback
of the future.
9 New York Jets – Barkevious Mingo OLB
Jets have to do something to help their defense, Mingo is
the safest pick.
10 Tennessee – Chance Warmack G
Titans get the safest player in the draft.
11 San Diego – Jonathan Cooper G
Chargers get all the upside of Warmack at a cheaper price.
12 Buffalo (From Miami via Philadelphia) – Tavon Austin WR
Bills get a playmaker to pair with Johnson.
13 Tampa Bay – Star Lotulelei DT
Buccaneers benefit from a top 10 talent falling.
14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT
Carolina gets the guy they have been targeting all along.
15 New Orleans – Jarvis Jones OLB
Saints find a dynamic pass rusher from the outside.
16 Saint Louis – Kenny Vaccaro S
Rams plug a major hole in their secondary with the best
safety in the draft.
17 Pittsburg – Cordarrelle Patterson WR
Steelers gamble on Pattersons huge upside to replace
Wallace.
18 Dallas – Sylvester Williams DT
Cowboys shock the world by making a safe pick.
19 New York Giants – D.J. Fluker OT
An athletic tackle to protect a grateful Eli.
20 Arizona (Via Chicago) – Matt Barkley QB
Cardinal get their QB of the future, Bears recoup some
picks.
21 Cincinnati – Alex Ogletree ILB
Bengals value potential more than they fear character issues.
22 Saint Louis – DeAndre Hopkins WR
Rams reach for a weapon in a make or break
year for their not-so-young-anymore quarterback.
23 Minnesota – Justin Hunter WR
Vikings try to replace Harvin’s productivity with a big
target.
24 Indianapolis – Xavier Rhodes CB
Colts bolster a weak secondary.
25 Minnesota (Via Seattle) – Manti Te’o ILB
Vikings fill a major need with a solid leader.
26 Green Bay – John Cyprien S
Packers address their biggest weakness.
27 Houston – Menelik Watson OT
With the top four wide receivers off the board the Texans
reinforce their offensive line.
28 Denver – Kevin Minter ILB
Broncos fill a big hole in the middle with a solid player
29 New England – Keenan Allen WR
Patriots reach for a often injured but very productive wide
receiver to mollify Brady.
30 Atlanta – Tyler Eifert TE
Falcons address next year’s biggest need while getting
another weapon for Ryan.
31 San Francisco – Cornellius (Tank) Carradine DE
An aging defensive line gets an infusion of talented youth.
32 Buffalo (Via Baltimore) – Ryan Nassib QB
After missing on Smith, Buffalo jumps back into the first
round to get a quarterback their new coach is very familiar with.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
2013 NFL Mock Draft Version 1
2013 Mock Draft Version 1
1 Kansas City – Luke Joeckel OT
The Chiefs solidify the core of what could be an explosive offense.
2 Jacksonville – Dion Jordan OLB/DE
A team with many needs invests in a player with huge upside.
3 Oakland– Shariff Floyd DT - Trade Possibility
If the Raiders keep this pick they need a sure thing.
4 Philadelphia – Eric Fisher OT – Trade Possibility
Eagles fix a hole in the oline, but may trade back if the right offer comes along.
5 Detroit – Ezekiel Ansah DE
The best 4-3 lineman available is a must for the Lions in a increasingly offensive-minded NFC North
6 Cleveland – Dee Milliner CB
The Brown plug the biggest hole in their defense.
7 Arizona – Lane Johnson OT
The worst o-line in the league gets an instant upgrade.
8 Buffalo – Geno Smith QB
The Bills need a franchise QB, the only question is: do they move up to try to get Smith?
9 New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB
A hot name to an over the hill defense.
10 Tennessee – Star Lotulelei DT
While they need a guard, Star’s upside is too much for the Titans to pass up.
11 San Diego - Jonathan Cooper OG
The Chargers take a versatile guard to strengthen a weak unit.
12 Miami – Xavier Rhodes CB
The Dolphins need a corner to challenge the receiver talent in the AFC East.
13 Tampa Bay – Travon Austin WR
Trade possibility, but the Bucs can’t pass up the opportunity to finish building an elite receiver corps.
14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT
Panthers steal a big time talent in the middle of the first round.
15 New Orleans – Jarvis Jones OLB
Major upside talent with the speed and power to frighten NFC South quarterbacks
16 St. Louis – Kenny Vaccaro S
Rams fill a major defensive hole after cutting Mikell and losing Dahl.
17 Pittsburg - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Steelers replace Wallace and give Big Ben a big target.
18 Dallas – Chance Warmack OG
Cowboys can’t pass up this much value at such a huge need position.
19 New York Giants – D.J Fluker OT
Giants nab an athletic tackle to protect Eli.
20 Chicago – Arthur Brown LB
Expect the Bears to trade back, but if they keep the pick Brown has the potential to secure the middle of the defense for a decade.
21 Cincinatti – Desmond Trufant LB
Bengals begin the rebuild of the defense that is holding them back.
22 Saint Louis (from Washington) – Sylvester Williams DT Trade Possibility
May trade back but Fisher’s love for powerful defensive tackles will make it hard for him to pass Williams up.
23 Minnesota – Keenan Allen WR
Vikings try to replace Harvin with the best of the rest of the receivers
24 Indianapolis – Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB
Colts add a solid piece to a defense in transition.
25 Minnesota (from Seattle) – Kevin Minter ILB
Vikings add a solid middle linebacker to fill their biggest need.
26 Green Bay – Menelik Watson OT
Packers try solidify a shaky offensive line with another late 1st round tackle.
27 Houston – DeAndre Hopkins WR
Texans try again to fill the spot opposite Andre Johnson
28 Denver – Manti Te’o LB
Broncos get a leader for great value.
29 New England – Justin Hunter WR
Trade possibility, but after a tough offseason for Brady, the Pats give him a new weapon.
30 Atlanta – Tyler Eifert TE
Falcons give Ryan a new weapon and address next offseason’s biggest need with one pick.
31 San Francisco – Cornellius Carradine DE
Trade possibility, but I think the 49ers stay put and strengthen their impressive defense.
32 Baltimore – John Cyprien S
Ravens plug the hole left by Reed.
1 Kansas City – Luke Joeckel OT
The Chiefs solidify the core of what could be an explosive offense.
2 Jacksonville – Dion Jordan OLB/DE
A team with many needs invests in a player with huge upside.
3 Oakland– Shariff Floyd DT - Trade Possibility
If the Raiders keep this pick they need a sure thing.
4 Philadelphia – Eric Fisher OT – Trade Possibility
Eagles fix a hole in the oline, but may trade back if the right offer comes along.
5 Detroit – Ezekiel Ansah DE
The best 4-3 lineman available is a must for the Lions in a increasingly offensive-minded NFC North
6 Cleveland – Dee Milliner CB
The Brown plug the biggest hole in their defense.
7 Arizona – Lane Johnson OT
The worst o-line in the league gets an instant upgrade.
8 Buffalo – Geno Smith QB
The Bills need a franchise QB, the only question is: do they move up to try to get Smith?
9 New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB
A hot name to an over the hill defense.
10 Tennessee – Star Lotulelei DT
While they need a guard, Star’s upside is too much for the Titans to pass up.
11 San Diego - Jonathan Cooper OG
The Chargers take a versatile guard to strengthen a weak unit.
12 Miami – Xavier Rhodes CB
The Dolphins need a corner to challenge the receiver talent in the AFC East.
13 Tampa Bay – Travon Austin WR
Trade possibility, but the Bucs can’t pass up the opportunity to finish building an elite receiver corps.
14 Carolina – Sheldon Richardson DT
Panthers steal a big time talent in the middle of the first round.
15 New Orleans – Jarvis Jones OLB
Major upside talent with the speed and power to frighten NFC South quarterbacks
16 St. Louis – Kenny Vaccaro S
Rams fill a major defensive hole after cutting Mikell and losing Dahl.
17 Pittsburg - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Steelers replace Wallace and give Big Ben a big target.
18 Dallas – Chance Warmack OG
Cowboys can’t pass up this much value at such a huge need position.
19 New York Giants – D.J Fluker OT
Giants nab an athletic tackle to protect Eli.
20 Chicago – Arthur Brown LB
Expect the Bears to trade back, but if they keep the pick Brown has the potential to secure the middle of the defense for a decade.
21 Cincinatti – Desmond Trufant LB
Bengals begin the rebuild of the defense that is holding them back.
22 Saint Louis (from Washington) – Sylvester Williams DT Trade Possibility
May trade back but Fisher’s love for powerful defensive tackles will make it hard for him to pass Williams up.
23 Minnesota – Keenan Allen WR
Vikings try to replace Harvin with the best of the rest of the receivers
24 Indianapolis – Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB
Colts add a solid piece to a defense in transition.
25 Minnesota (from Seattle) – Kevin Minter ILB
Vikings add a solid middle linebacker to fill their biggest need.
26 Green Bay – Menelik Watson OT
Packers try solidify a shaky offensive line with another late 1st round tackle.
27 Houston – DeAndre Hopkins WR
Texans try again to fill the spot opposite Andre Johnson
28 Denver – Manti Te’o LB
Broncos get a leader for great value.
29 New England – Justin Hunter WR
Trade possibility, but after a tough offseason for Brady, the Pats give him a new weapon.
30 Atlanta – Tyler Eifert TE
Falcons give Ryan a new weapon and address next offseason’s biggest need with one pick.
31 San Francisco – Cornellius Carradine DE
Trade possibility, but I think the 49ers stay put and strengthen their impressive defense.
32 Baltimore – John Cyprien S
Ravens plug the hole left by Reed.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Thoughts on a Past Love
Recently, I was talking with a friend about Albert Pujols and his chances to break Bond's home run record. It lead me to a sad realization:
Those records don't mean anything to me anymore.
I feel like baseball broke my trust
Part of my love for that game that I grew up with has died
I am not sure i will be able to revive it
Even when my Cubs were good I was still holding back
One of the things that enthralled me as a kid was the idea of these epic numbers and the idea of watching someone approach them
But now the numbers seem smaller
And mean less
Part of what made baseball so magical for me is that it was such an old game with so much tradition
Almost anything amazing that happened had happened before
But when you got to see something that had never happened before in baseball
You knew it was something that you would likely never see again in your life
And in that context every game had to opportunity to be The Game that changed baseball history forever
Now changing baseball history is like turning the page of a newspaper
Almost simplicity itself to do, yet somehow you still end up with dirty hands
Saturday, April 28, 2012
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down Day Two Trades
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade 1: New York Jets acquire No. 43 pick from Seattle Seahawks for No. 47 pick, No. 154 pick and No. 232 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Packers get a steal and underpay by the value of an early 4th
Under the Old Value Chart: Broncos underpay by the value of a late 4th
Under my chart: Broncos overpay by the value of a late 7th
Under my chart: Bills underpay by the value of an early 7th
Trade 8: San Diego Chargers acquire No. 73 pick from Miami Dolphins for No. 78 pick and No. 183 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Chargers overpay by the value of a late 7th
Under the Old Value Chart: Ravens underpay by the value of a mid 6th
Under the Old Value Chart: This trade is even
Under my chart: This trade is even
Trade 1: New York Jets acquire No. 43 pick from Seattle Seahawks for No. 47 pick, No. 154 pick and No. 232 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: This trade is even
Under my chart: Jets underpay by the value of an early
6th
Trade 2: Chicago
Bears acquire No. 45 pick from St. Louis Rams for No. 50 pick and No. 150 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Bears under pay by the value
of a late 6th
Under my chart: Bears underpay by the value of a mid 6th
Trade 3: Green
Bay Packers acquire No. 51 pick from Philadelphia Eagles for No. 59 pick and
No. 123 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Packers under pay by the value of a late 5th
Under my chart: Packers overpay by the value of a mid 7th
Trade 4: Tampa
Bay Buccaneers acquire No. 58 pick and No. 233 pick from Houston Texans for No.
68 pick and No. 126 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Buccaneers underpay by the
value of a late 5th
Under my chart: Buccaneers overpay by value of an early
5th
Trade 5: Green
Bay Packers acquire No. 62 pick from New England Patriots for No. 90 pick and
No. 163 pick.Under the Old Value Chart: Packers get a steal and underpay by the value of an early 4th
Under my chart: Packers get a steal and underpay by the
value of a mid 4th
Trade 6: Denver
Broncos acquire No. 67 pick from Cleveland Browns for No. 87 pick and No. 120
pick.Under the Old Value Chart: Broncos underpay by the value of a late 4th
Under my chart: Broncos overpay by the value of a late 7th
Trade 7: Buffalo
Bills acquire No. 69 pick from Washington Redskins for No. 72 pick and No. 217
pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Bills underpay by the value of
a late 7thUnder my chart: Bills underpay by the value of an early 7th
Trade 8: San Diego Chargers acquire No. 73 pick from Miami Dolphins for No. 78 pick and No. 183 pick.
Under the Old Value Chart: Chargers overpay by the value of a late 7th
Under my chart: Chargers underpay by the value of a late
7th
Trade 9: Baltimore
Ravens acquire No. 84 pick from Atlanta Falcons for No. 91 pick and No. 164
pick.Under the Old Value Chart: Ravens underpay by the value of a mid 6th
Under my chart: Ravens get a steal and underpay by the
value of a late 5th
Trade 10: San
Francisco 49ers acquire No. 97 pick in 2012 and a fifth-rounder in 2013 from Indianapolis
Colts for No. 92 pick in 2012 draft.Under the Old Value Chart: This trade is even
Under my chart: This trade is even
Friday, April 27, 2012
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Buccaneers and Broncos
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #9 Denver trades the 31st and 126th pick to Tampa Bay for the 36th and 101st picks
Under the old system: This trade is dead even.
Under my chart: This trade is dead even.
Eye Test: A dead even trade. Enough said.
Trade #9 Denver trades the 31st and 126th pick to Tampa Bay for the 36th and 101st picks
Under the old system: This trade is dead even.
Under my chart: This trade is dead even.
Eye Test: A dead even trade. Enough said.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Ravens and Vikings
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #8 Baltimore trades the 29th pick to Minnesota for the 35th and 98th picks.
Under the old system: Vikings overpay by a mid 6th rounder to move back in to the 1st.
Under my chart: Ravens win as Vikings overpay by the value of a late 4th round pick.
Eye Test: Vikings reach for a need. Ravens win the pick, unless the Harrison Smith turns out to solidify a weak secondary.
Trade #8 Baltimore trades the 29th pick to Minnesota for the 35th and 98th picks.
Under the old system: Vikings overpay by a mid 6th rounder to move back in to the 1st.
Under my chart: Ravens win as Vikings overpay by the value of a late 4th round pick.
Eye Test: Vikings reach for a need. Ravens win the pick, unless the Harrison Smith turns out to solidify a weak secondary.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Broncos and Patriots
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #7 Denver trades the 25th pick to New England for the 31st and 135th picks
Under the old system: Patriots slightly underpay for the ability to move back into the first round by the value of a early 5th round pick
Under my chart: This trade is nearly even.
Eye Test: Another surprise by the Patriots. Both teams get good value. "Eye" have to call this one a tie.
Trade #7 Denver trades the 25th pick to New England for the 31st and 135th picks
Under the old system: Patriots slightly underpay for the ability to move back into the first round by the value of a early 5th round pick
Under my chart: This trade is nearly even.
Eye Test: Another surprise by the Patriots. Both teams get good value. "Eye" have to call this one a tie.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Patriot and Bengals
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #6 Cincinnati trades the 21st pick to New England for the 27th and 93rd picks
Under the old system: The value of this trade is even.
Under my chart: The Bengals narrowly win this trade by the value of a mid 5th round pick.
Eye Test: The Patriots surprise everyone by trading up, but this is a good deal for both teams. The eye test shows this as an even trade.
Trade #6 Cincinnati trades the 21st pick to New England for the 27th and 93rd picks
Under the old system: The value of this trade is even.
Under my chart: The Bengals narrowly win this trade by the value of a mid 5th round pick.
Eye Test: The Patriots surprise everyone by trading up, but this is a good deal for both teams. The eye test shows this as an even trade.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Seahawks and Eagles
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #5 Seattle trades the 11th pick to Philadelphia for the 15th, 114th, and 172 picks
Under the old system: The Eagles win the trade by underpaying by the value of an late third round pick
Under my chart: The Eagles win the trade by the value of a mid third round pick.
Eye Test: Another desperation trade, the Seahawks top targets were both taken in the top 10. While it was smart to move back, the Seahawks didn't move far enough back for who they picked and failed to maximize the value of their pick. Eagles take advantage of a team known to make mistakes under pressure.
Trade #5 Seattle trades the 11th pick to Philadelphia for the 15th, 114th, and 172 picks
Under the old system: The Eagles win the trade by underpaying by the value of an late third round pick
Under my chart: The Eagles win the trade by the value of a mid third round pick.
Eye Test: Another desperation trade, the Seahawks top targets were both taken in the top 10. While it was smart to move back, the Seahawks didn't move far enough back for who they picked and failed to maximize the value of their pick. Eagles take advantage of a team known to make mistakes under pressure.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Rams and Cowboys
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #4 St. Louis trades the 6th pick to Dallas for the 14th and 45th picks
Under the old system: Dallas wins this nearly even trade by the value of a late 4th round pick
Under my chart: St. Louis gives back any value it gained for this draft in the Washington deal. Dallas wins the trade by the value of a late 2nd round pick
Eye Test: This deal was made from desperation. All of the Ram's first tier targets had been taken already so they had to get out of the 6th pick. Dallas takes advantage of this and gets a good player at a great value. Dallas wins.
Trade #4 St. Louis trades the 6th pick to Dallas for the 14th and 45th picks
Under the old system: Dallas wins this nearly even trade by the value of a late 4th round pick
Under my chart: St. Louis gives back any value it gained for this draft in the Washington deal. Dallas wins the trade by the value of a late 2nd round pick
Eye Test: This deal was made from desperation. All of the Ram's first tier targets had been taken already so they had to get out of the 6th pick. Dallas takes advantage of this and gets a good player at a great value. Dallas wins.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Buccaneers and Jaguars
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #3 Tampa Bay trades the 5th pick to Jacksonville for the 7th and 101st picks
Under the old system: The trade nearly breaks even, but Jacksonville win the trade by underpaying by the value of an early 4th round pick
Under my chart: Tampa Bay got robbed. Jacksonville should have had to give up an early second round pick to swap spots. Jacksonville wins the trade.
Eye Test: I don't understand why Tampa made this deal. Perhaps they didn't like Claiborne, perhaps they just wanted more picks. Regardless of the reason why the trade was made, Jacksonville clearly comes out on top.
Trade #3 Tampa Bay trades the 5th pick to Jacksonville for the 7th and 101st picks
Under the old system: The trade nearly breaks even, but Jacksonville win the trade by underpaying by the value of an early 4th round pick
Under my chart: Tampa Bay got robbed. Jacksonville should have had to give up an early second round pick to swap spots. Jacksonville wins the trade.
Eye Test: I don't understand why Tampa made this deal. Perhaps they didn't like Claiborne, perhaps they just wanted more picks. Regardless of the reason why the trade was made, Jacksonville clearly comes out on top.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Browns and Vikings
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #2 Minnesota trades the 3rd pick to Cleveland for the 4th, 118th, 139th, and 211th picks
Under the old system: The Vikings gets robbed in this deal by the value of a late second round pick. Cleveland wins the trade
Under my chart: I would say that the Browns underpay for the Viking's pick by the value of an early 4th round pick. Browns win the trade
Eye Test: I think this too is a win-win for both teams. The Browns had 13 picks coming into the draft so giving up 3 late round picks is not particularly damaging. The Vikings get 3 extra picks and still get the player who everyone thought that they were targeting anyway. The eye test says in spite of the difference in value, the Vikings in the trade.
Trade #2 Minnesota trades the 3rd pick to Cleveland for the 4th, 118th, 139th, and 211th picks
Under the old system: The Vikings gets robbed in this deal by the value of a late second round pick. Cleveland wins the trade
Under my chart: I would say that the Browns underpay for the Viking's pick by the value of an early 4th round pick. Browns win the trade
Eye Test: I think this too is a win-win for both teams. The Browns had 13 picks coming into the draft so giving up 3 late round picks is not particularly damaging. The Vikings get 3 extra picks and still get the player who everyone thought that they were targeting anyway. The eye test says in spite of the difference in value, the Vikings in the trade.
2012 NFL Draft: Breaking Down First Round Trades Rams and Redskins
Since there is a new CBA in the NFL, the traditional draft pick value chart is out of date. I have taken it upon myself to make a new one and I will be breaking down all of the trade deals to see who came out on top.
Trade #1 St. Louis trades the 2nd pick to Washington for the 6th, and 39th picks in 2012 plus a first round pick in 2013 and 2014.
Under the old system: According to the draft value chart, the value of the 2013 and 2014 picks add up to the same value of the 41st pick this year. A clear undervaluing of those picks and as far as pure value of the picks the Rams should have gotten more. Washington wins the trade.
Under my chart: I would say that the Redskins overpaid for the 2nd overall pick by the value of a late second round pick in this year draft. While overpaying this much is reasonable when you are talking about getting a franchise quarterback, the Rams come out on top in this trade.
Eye Test: I think this is a win-win for both teams. The Rams get picks, the Redskins get a quarterback who should start for a decade. But the luster will be off this trade by the time the next two drafts roll around so I have to give a slight edge on this trade to the Rams.
Trade #1 St. Louis trades the 2nd pick to Washington for the 6th, and 39th picks in 2012 plus a first round pick in 2013 and 2014.
Under the old system: According to the draft value chart, the value of the 2013 and 2014 picks add up to the same value of the 41st pick this year. A clear undervaluing of those picks and as far as pure value of the picks the Rams should have gotten more. Washington wins the trade.
Under my chart: I would say that the Redskins overpaid for the 2nd overall pick by the value of a late second round pick in this year draft. While overpaying this much is reasonable when you are talking about getting a franchise quarterback, the Rams come out on top in this trade.
Eye Test: I think this is a win-win for both teams. The Rams get picks, the Redskins get a quarterback who should start for a decade. But the luster will be off this trade by the time the next two drafts roll around so I have to give a slight edge on this trade to the Rams.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Remembering Ron Santo
This morning I heard the sad news of Ron Santo’s passing. Honestly, it hit me pretty hard, because even though I know that he has been in poor health for a long time, he was still expecting to analyze Cubs baseball on the radio again this season. I am grieving as a fan for him more than I grieved for Harry Carrey, which surprises me. I think it was because Harry had retired before he passed away. So I had time to process his loss as a broadcaster before I had to grieve his loss as a person. With Ronnie I have to grieve both his loss as a broadcaster and his loss as a person at the same time.
I think the reason that I and so many other Cubs fans related so strongly to Ron was because he expressed exactly what we were feeling on the air. When the Cubs won there was no one more ecstatic than Ron Santo. When the Cubs lost there was no one more despondent. During the ups and downs of every game, Ron bellowed in agony or cheered relentlessly with the rest of us. He was that fun, strange baseball uncle who most of the time made little sense but made up for it with mirth, personality, and passion. He taught us about the game, and showed us that it was ok to let our guard down and authentically live and enjoy the emotions of the game, good and bad.
Ron was never there to be an intellectual like Steve Stone, he was there to be the biggest Cubs fan of us all and to lead the fans in cheerleading our favorite team. Should he occasionally teach us something, that was a plus, but he was there to make what many consider to be a slow and monotonous game an accessible if not engaging experience.
We feel like we know Ron because his love and our love was so real that even though most of have never met him in person we feel that we have an intimate connection to the man that supersedes the paltry things like a two-way relationship and face to face contact.
I grew up listening to Ron Santo. I loved how he related the game. In 1998 when Brant Brown dropped a fly ball my best friend and I were watching the game on TV with the television broadcast’s sound turned off and the radio broadcast on. The cry of horror that escaped from Ron’s lips matched our own and that memory alone cements Ron’s legacy in my mind.
As a person he always seemed pleasant but also intensely passionate. Other players and media types have called him a jerk and ignorant and maybe he was these things as well. But one of the great professional tragedies of Ron’s life is that because of his personality he was denied an honor that should be his, induction into the baseball Hall of Fame. It makes me sick that he did not live to experience this honor, but I do believe that with his death the veteran’s committee will finally relent, having exacted their revenge for his alleged misdeeds, and induct him.
The other great professional tragedy is that, like so many other Cubs fans, he did not live to see a Cubs World Series Championship. It was my hope that I would get to hear his joy of finally experiencing a championship. It makes me sad to think that if I am ever lucky enough to see the Cubs win it all, I will not be able share that with Ron.
My condolences go out to all Cubs fans, but more to Ron’s friends and family. We will all miss him. Be sad for your loss today, but tomorrow be hopeful just like Ron always was. Be happy, donate to the fight against Juvenile Diabetes, and cheer for the Cubs just a little bit harder, because without Ron we all need to step up to fill the silence he left behind.
I think the reason that I and so many other Cubs fans related so strongly to Ron was because he expressed exactly what we were feeling on the air. When the Cubs won there was no one more ecstatic than Ron Santo. When the Cubs lost there was no one more despondent. During the ups and downs of every game, Ron bellowed in agony or cheered relentlessly with the rest of us. He was that fun, strange baseball uncle who most of the time made little sense but made up for it with mirth, personality, and passion. He taught us about the game, and showed us that it was ok to let our guard down and authentically live and enjoy the emotions of the game, good and bad.
Ron was never there to be an intellectual like Steve Stone, he was there to be the biggest Cubs fan of us all and to lead the fans in cheerleading our favorite team. Should he occasionally teach us something, that was a plus, but he was there to make what many consider to be a slow and monotonous game an accessible if not engaging experience.
We feel like we know Ron because his love and our love was so real that even though most of have never met him in person we feel that we have an intimate connection to the man that supersedes the paltry things like a two-way relationship and face to face contact.
I grew up listening to Ron Santo. I loved how he related the game. In 1998 when Brant Brown dropped a fly ball my best friend and I were watching the game on TV with the television broadcast’s sound turned off and the radio broadcast on. The cry of horror that escaped from Ron’s lips matched our own and that memory alone cements Ron’s legacy in my mind.
As a person he always seemed pleasant but also intensely passionate. Other players and media types have called him a jerk and ignorant and maybe he was these things as well. But one of the great professional tragedies of Ron’s life is that because of his personality he was denied an honor that should be his, induction into the baseball Hall of Fame. It makes me sick that he did not live to experience this honor, but I do believe that with his death the veteran’s committee will finally relent, having exacted their revenge for his alleged misdeeds, and induct him.
The other great professional tragedy is that, like so many other Cubs fans, he did not live to see a Cubs World Series Championship. It was my hope that I would get to hear his joy of finally experiencing a championship. It makes me sad to think that if I am ever lucky enough to see the Cubs win it all, I will not be able share that with Ron.
My condolences go out to all Cubs fans, but more to Ron’s friends and family. We will all miss him. Be sad for your loss today, but tomorrow be hopeful just like Ron always was. Be happy, donate to the fight against Juvenile Diabetes, and cheer for the Cubs just a little bit harder, because without Ron we all need to step up to fill the silence he left behind.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
OK so this is a bit ambitious
Obviously I am not able to keep up with a daily blog right now. So I am going to try to scale it back to once a week. I should have a new post soon, but for right now I am really excited that that the Rangers are doing so well against the Yankees.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sorry
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to this blog. After the internet outage we had, my wife and I got a puppy and this has been taking up all of my time.
On to the post.
Welcome to one of the best sports weekends of the year!
Look at what you have to watch this weekend. Hockey is back in full swing. The final four of major league baseball will be playing 5 games this weekend. College football on Saturday, NFL on Sunday. There is even a Nascar race Saturday night if that is your thing.
As I write this the Rangers are beating the Yankees 3-0 in game one of the ALCS.
So who I am cheering for this weekend?
Rangers and Phillies. Which kind of hurts me because the baseball fan in me wants to see the Yankees and the Phillies for the benefit of the game. The sports fan in me wants to see the Giants vs the Yankees based on the history. The underdog in me is rooting for Giants/Rangers.
However I think Rangers/Phillies would have the best baseball. Could Cliff Lee single handedly win the world series for the Rangers so that he could get paid the largest contract in MLB history from the Yankees next year. The Phillies are the best team in baseball and of all of the teams still playing I think are the most deserving to hold up that trophy.
Enjoy this weekend, there are not many this great left.
On to the post.
Welcome to one of the best sports weekends of the year!
Look at what you have to watch this weekend. Hockey is back in full swing. The final four of major league baseball will be playing 5 games this weekend. College football on Saturday, NFL on Sunday. There is even a Nascar race Saturday night if that is your thing.
As I write this the Rangers are beating the Yankees 3-0 in game one of the ALCS.
So who I am cheering for this weekend?
Rangers and Phillies. Which kind of hurts me because the baseball fan in me wants to see the Yankees and the Phillies for the benefit of the game. The sports fan in me wants to see the Giants vs the Yankees based on the history. The underdog in me is rooting for Giants/Rangers.
However I think Rangers/Phillies would have the best baseball. Could Cliff Lee single handedly win the world series for the Rangers so that he could get paid the largest contract in MLB history from the Yankees next year. The Phillies are the best team in baseball and of all of the teams still playing I think are the most deserving to hold up that trophy.
Enjoy this weekend, there are not many this great left.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Can 3-0 Not Mean Much?
Sorry for the long layoff guys. Between internet issues and traveling to a wedding I have had no time to do a post.
There are 3 undefeated teams left in the NFL, but what does that mean. Well the NFL says that a team that starts 3 - 0 has a 78% chance to make the playoffs, but at least one team who started 3-0 in each of the last 3 seasons has not made the playoffs.
So this year who is in, who is out, and what does 3-0 mean this year?
The three undefeated teams are the Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. There is only one team on this list that 3-0 means something: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are missing their first, second, and third string Quarterbacks, but still are undefeated. Furthermore this team has played good teams. This team will make the playoffs, and I think is a serious contender to play in the Super Bowl.
The Bears and the Chiefs can may make the playoffs but neither team is ready to make a move towards being a serious contender. The Chiefs will play some real competition this week and I predict a huge loss.
The Bears are another thing all together. It is possible that they will go 7-0 before they play a team who can really compete with them. This does not mean they are good, it means that this is a down season in the NFL, and a team that can start 7-0 based on schedule could also go 7-9 when they get to playing the big boys in the second half.
There are 3 undefeated teams left in the NFL, but what does that mean. Well the NFL says that a team that starts 3 - 0 has a 78% chance to make the playoffs, but at least one team who started 3-0 in each of the last 3 seasons has not made the playoffs.
So this year who is in, who is out, and what does 3-0 mean this year?
The three undefeated teams are the Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. There is only one team on this list that 3-0 means something: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are missing their first, second, and third string Quarterbacks, but still are undefeated. Furthermore this team has played good teams. This team will make the playoffs, and I think is a serious contender to play in the Super Bowl.
The Bears and the Chiefs can may make the playoffs but neither team is ready to make a move towards being a serious contender. The Chiefs will play some real competition this week and I predict a huge loss.
The Bears are another thing all together. It is possible that they will go 7-0 before they play a team who can really compete with them. This does not mean they are good, it means that this is a down season in the NFL, and a team that can start 7-0 based on schedule could also go 7-9 when they get to playing the big boys in the second half.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Internet Outage
I currently am without internet. Once I get my internet access back I will continue to post a daily post on sports.
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