The Baseball season is here at last. Finally I can out from winter hibernation.
The season began last night with an American League West match up between the Texas Rangers and the newest member of the AL, the Houston Astros. They might make less than Alex Rodriguez combined but they certainly know how to start the season off right. They were up 4-2 yesterday in the bottom of the 6th when Rick Ankiel managed to hit a three run home run to basically seal the victory for the 'stros. Houston wins their first game as part of the America League 8-2.
As for season predictions, lets stick with the AL West for a second and just say I fully expect the Angels to float away with it. The Rangers are weaker and the Angel's are stronger while the A's might challenge them for the top spot. Tommy Hanson might be more of an impact than Josh Hamilton's bat but that lineup is to be the one to fear now in the AL West.
Moving to the AL Central, how could you not pick the Detroit Tigers. They were impressive leading up to the World Series and it's not likely they won't manage to win the division. The team I'm watching, however, is the Indians. They started off well last season and then fell off the face of the earth. I would like to see if Terry Francona will be able to get this club back on pace.
The AL East, all the attention is going to the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring big at that clearance sale the Marlins were having. It might be them or the Rays but don't forget about the O's or the Yanks either. The O's will want to prove last year wasn't a fluke while the Yankees are, uh, well let's just say to never underestimate the Dark Side. Everyone but my Red Sox seems to have a fair shot at the division crown heading into the race. My pick is ultimately the Rays but their hitting has to come alive just enough in order for that to work. Great pitching may win titles but you still have to get to October first with fair hitting.
Moving to the National League East, all signs point to the Washington Nationals (that's right, the "Nationals") will take the division with Strasburg coming off the leash and Bryce Harper set for a sophomore year. The intrigue here, however, is with Atlanta and the arrival of the Upton brothers in the outfield. If their pitching comes through, they might be able to challenge the Nationals. Still picking Washington, however.
In the NL Central, I'm going bold in saying the Milwaukee Brewers will take the division. There has been no repeat winner in the division for a few years now and I think the Brewers could surprise some with Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in the Rotation. You can't sleep on St. Louis or Cincinnati but I'm going with Milwaukee.
Lastly, the NL West and who else am I going to pick besides the San Francisco Giants? Nobody. Go Giants!!!
Perhaps the Dodgers do present a challenge with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in their rotation but Kershaw is the only one there that is consistent. While Greinke will probably end up with an ERA around the 3's, the rest of the rotation is shaky. They can't be written off completely but they will likely be playing in the Wild Card playoff game.
As for my World Series picks, Rays over Giants. I love my Giants and seeing how they will themselves through the playoffs last year, I can't ignore them for another pennant. Plus they've played a season after winning a title before and are used to it. But I have a feeling about the Rays and their rotation. They'll be playing playoff type baseball all year round like the Giants usually do and they have a better rotation as well. Got to pick the Rays.
P.S. Don't kill me at the Park, Giants fans. Look at my Final Four picks: I'M WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Syracuse and Wichita State into the Final Four
The NCAA Tournament's Elite 8 started off earlier today with two teams punching their tickets into the Final Four.
In the East Regional Final, #4 Syracuse took on #3 Marquette and ultimately dismantled them. They held them to under 25% shooting and under 15% from behind the arch. Though the Orange shot under their average, their 38% shooting was still enough to beat Marquette comfortably 55-39. This marks the first time Syracuse has reached the Final Four since 2003 when Carmelo Anthony was on the team.
As for the West Regional Final, #9 Wichita State managed to prove they're the Cinderella team to root for with their win over Ohio State 70-66. The Shockers had a half time lead over the Buckeyes of 35-22. Ohio State managed to come back a bit but still fell short. Wichita State Shocks and Awes the college basketball world advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1965.
Congrats to the two teams able to get to the Final Four, especially Wichita State. They beat Gonzaga, then La Salle, and then they took down mighty Ohio State.
The Elite 8 concludes tomorrow with #1 Louisville vs. #2 Duke for the Midwest and then in the South, its #4 Michigan vs. #3 Florida.
In the East Regional Final, #4 Syracuse took on #3 Marquette and ultimately dismantled them. They held them to under 25% shooting and under 15% from behind the arch. Though the Orange shot under their average, their 38% shooting was still enough to beat Marquette comfortably 55-39. This marks the first time Syracuse has reached the Final Four since 2003 when Carmelo Anthony was on the team.
As for the West Regional Final, #9 Wichita State managed to prove they're the Cinderella team to root for with their win over Ohio State 70-66. The Shockers had a half time lead over the Buckeyes of 35-22. Ohio State managed to come back a bit but still fell short. Wichita State Shocks and Awes the college basketball world advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1965.
Congrats to the two teams able to get to the Final Four, especially Wichita State. They beat Gonzaga, then La Salle, and then they took down mighty Ohio State.
The Elite 8 concludes tomorrow with #1 Louisville vs. #2 Duke for the Midwest and then in the South, its #4 Michigan vs. #3 Florida.
UCLA Hires Random Guy From New Mexico
The UCLA Bruins have finally found someone to accept the college basketball job at their school.
UCLA has taken almost a week to name their head coach because their first choices wouldn't accept. Shaka Smart turned them down and Minnesota as well to stay at VCU. He even signed an extension with the Rams. Brad Stevens of Butler also turned down UCLA saying he's still the coach for Butler. Even Ashton Kutcher refused the job insisting he's happy at CBS.
However, the Bruins finally found someone they liked. New Mexico head coach Steve Alford has been hired by UCLA to be the next head coach for the basketball team. Alford has had an impressive regular season record but whenever New Mexico has been in the tournament, they have been eliminated rather early on. In fact, the Lobos were eliminated in what is technically the 2nd round of the tournament this year by #14 Harvard.
The Bruins finally pulled a name out of the hat after several tries. No I don't know if Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are really loyal enough to not want to leave their respective school for another destination. They might be or just want to build their names up further in places not known for their basketball programs. But the fact that both of them turned down UCLA says something about the instant allure of being the basketball coach for the Bruins: it's faded considerably.
The eyes of coaches, fans, and players don't necessarily see it as a place to look up to anymore like in the John Wooden era. The Bruins have only won one national title (1995) since Wooden retired and have struggled to get far in the tournament, if they get in at all. True, their last coach Ben Howland managed to get them to three Final Fours in a row but the program has since dropped along with the prestige and excitement once again.
Steve Alford now becomes UCLA's head coach with high expectations indeed. It's not that New Mexico didn't expect a lot from Alford but UCLA certainly expects the moon. And in terms of the tournament at New Mexico, Alford had barely gotten out of the atmosphere.
UCLA has taken almost a week to name their head coach because their first choices wouldn't accept. Shaka Smart turned them down and Minnesota as well to stay at VCU. He even signed an extension with the Rams. Brad Stevens of Butler also turned down UCLA saying he's still the coach for Butler. Even Ashton Kutcher refused the job insisting he's happy at CBS.
However, the Bruins finally found someone they liked. New Mexico head coach Steve Alford has been hired by UCLA to be the next head coach for the basketball team. Alford has had an impressive regular season record but whenever New Mexico has been in the tournament, they have been eliminated rather early on. In fact, the Lobos were eliminated in what is technically the 2nd round of the tournament this year by #14 Harvard.
The Bruins finally pulled a name out of the hat after several tries. No I don't know if Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are really loyal enough to not want to leave their respective school for another destination. They might be or just want to build their names up further in places not known for their basketball programs. But the fact that both of them turned down UCLA says something about the instant allure of being the basketball coach for the Bruins: it's faded considerably.
The eyes of coaches, fans, and players don't necessarily see it as a place to look up to anymore like in the John Wooden era. The Bruins have only won one national title (1995) since Wooden retired and have struggled to get far in the tournament, if they get in at all. True, their last coach Ben Howland managed to get them to three Final Fours in a row but the program has since dropped along with the prestige and excitement once again.
Steve Alford now becomes UCLA's head coach with high expectations indeed. It's not that New Mexico didn't expect a lot from Alford but UCLA certainly expects the moon. And in terms of the tournament at New Mexico, Alford had barely gotten out of the atmosphere.
Friday, March 29, 2013
$167 Million Deal for Buster Posey
Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a 9 year $167 million contract. The contract covers 2013-21 with a club option for 2022. It also comes with a no trade clause. Buster Posey has been an essential player in each of the Giants two World Series Seasons. He was also named 2012 NL MVP last year after batting .336 with 24 home runs and 103 RBI's.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Johan Santana Likely to Miss Season with a Re-tear?
If you're a Mets fan, I'm just sorry for you in general. But I'm even more sorry about the fact that Johan Santana will likely miss the 2013 season with another injury.
According to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the two time Cy Young winner has likely suffered a re-tear of the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It seems very likely that Santana will have to have shoulder surgery to repair the tear. Santana had torn his anterior capsule before and had surgery to repair it back in September of 2010. He had to wait until the 2012 season to throw in the Majors again.
More injuries plague the only pitcher to have ever thrown a no hitter for the Mets. Except for that June night, Santana's career with the Mets have been marred by one injury after another. Santana has had health problems every year as part of the Mets with the first season in 2008 being the closest to the exception only to reveal he had a torn meniscus in his left knee which was surgically repaired after the season has ended.
To take in the fact that there's an expensive 2014 club option for the now 34 year old pitcher, it's likely that Johan has thrown his last pitch for the Mets.
According to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the two time Cy Young winner has likely suffered a re-tear of the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It seems very likely that Santana will have to have shoulder surgery to repair the tear. Santana had torn his anterior capsule before and had surgery to repair it back in September of 2010. He had to wait until the 2012 season to throw in the Majors again.
More injuries plague the only pitcher to have ever thrown a no hitter for the Mets. Except for that June night, Santana's career with the Mets have been marred by one injury after another. Santana has had health problems every year as part of the Mets with the first season in 2008 being the closest to the exception only to reveal he had a torn meniscus in his left knee which was surgically repaired after the season has ended.
To take in the fact that there's an expensive 2014 club option for the now 34 year old pitcher, it's likely that Johan has thrown his last pitch for the Mets.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Bulls Snap the Heat's 27 Game Winning Streak
The streak is over.
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
Is the NFL Ready for an Openly Gay Player?
CBSSports.com reporter Mike Freeman wrote on Monday that a current NFL Player is considering coming out publicly over the next few months and to resume playing in the league. Freeman doesn't know the identity of the player as he's based this on several interviews with active and former NFL Players. For the article, click here.
Some NFL Players have been in the news recently in showing support for gay marriage. Two notable advocates are Baltimore Ravens' Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings' Punter Chris Kluwe.
An openly gay player in the NFL, however, might not have such support. Leading up to the Super Bowl, 49ers corner Chris Culliver made negative comments about gay football players in the league while doing an interview with comedian and radio host Artie Lange saying "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.... Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah…can't be…in the locker room man. Nah." He also added to that saying gay players should wait ten years before coming out.
Culliver has since apologized for his remarks he made and said he would welcome a gay teammate saying "I treat everyone equal."
The possibility of an active NFL Player saying that he's gay comes at an interesting juncture in the country itself what with the issue of Gay Marriage now before the Supreme Court.
The question then needs to be stated: Are the Fans and the NFL ready for an active football player that is openly gay?
No, but it needs to happen anyway.
While views towards gay marriage and the LGBT community in general are shifting, there will still be considerable backlash towards a gay player that is still in the league from the outside and within. If the initial views expressed by Chris Culliver hold true for many players in locker rooms, there could be some conflict. As for the fans, they might be more tolerant but backlash can still be expected in some form.
Whether these fears are probable or not, I ask you: Is society ever really ready for any legitimate civil rights movement or issue when it arises? The answer is a resounding no. There was backlash when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 from fans issuing death threats to trouble within the Dodgers' clubhouse. There was plenty of violent backlash directed at African Americans during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. And Parents cried out that Spongebob Squarepants was a gay show as it's popularity with kids soared.
Sorry, can't stay serious forever. It's just not in my nature.
The point is change never just happens. Parts of society have to be challenged if views and attitudes are ever going to change. The only way for the NFL and the sports world at large to ever be 'ready' for gay players is to have one play openly in their sight.
Some NFL Players have been in the news recently in showing support for gay marriage. Two notable advocates are Baltimore Ravens' Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings' Punter Chris Kluwe.
An openly gay player in the NFL, however, might not have such support. Leading up to the Super Bowl, 49ers corner Chris Culliver made negative comments about gay football players in the league while doing an interview with comedian and radio host Artie Lange saying "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.... Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah…can't be…in the locker room man. Nah." He also added to that saying gay players should wait ten years before coming out.
Culliver has since apologized for his remarks he made and said he would welcome a gay teammate saying "I treat everyone equal."
The possibility of an active NFL Player saying that he's gay comes at an interesting juncture in the country itself what with the issue of Gay Marriage now before the Supreme Court.
The question then needs to be stated: Are the Fans and the NFL ready for an active football player that is openly gay?
No, but it needs to happen anyway.
While views towards gay marriage and the LGBT community in general are shifting, there will still be considerable backlash towards a gay player that is still in the league from the outside and within. If the initial views expressed by Chris Culliver hold true for many players in locker rooms, there could be some conflict. As for the fans, they might be more tolerant but backlash can still be expected in some form.
Whether these fears are probable or not, I ask you: Is society ever really ready for any legitimate civil rights movement or issue when it arises? The answer is a resounding no. There was backlash when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 from fans issuing death threats to trouble within the Dodgers' clubhouse. There was plenty of violent backlash directed at African Americans during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. And Parents cried out that Spongebob Squarepants was a gay show as it's popularity with kids soared.
Sorry, can't stay serious forever. It's just not in my nature.
The point is change never just happens. Parts of society have to be challenged if views and attitudes are ever going to change. The only way for the NFL and the sports world at large to ever be 'ready' for gay players is to have one play openly in their sight.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
There Goes a 2nd Final Four Pick
That's it. The bracket is going in the shredder.
The 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament started yesterday and the first #1 seed has been eliminated. While Louisville got by Colorado State with ease 82-56, #1 Gonzaga of the West faced off against Wichita State. The Shockers were playing catch up with the Bulldogs in the 2nd half but managed to grab the lead late in the half. They would hold off the Bulldogs and pull off the upset 76-70. Gonzaga is out while #9 Wichita State moves onto the Sweet 16.
A big upset in the second round as Gonzaga can't be trusted again. Analysts didn't think they had the staying power but I thought they could beat the odds anyway. So much for that. Now the Shockers will take on Ole Miss or La Salle in the next round.
The nation's eyes will certainly now be drawn to Wichita State. I, of course, will begrudgingly root against them.
P.S. If they are a Cinderella, then I am a wicked stepmo... okay, maybe a stepfather.
The 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament started yesterday and the first #1 seed has been eliminated. While Louisville got by Colorado State with ease 82-56, #1 Gonzaga of the West faced off against Wichita State. The Shockers were playing catch up with the Bulldogs in the 2nd half but managed to grab the lead late in the half. They would hold off the Bulldogs and pull off the upset 76-70. Gonzaga is out while #9 Wichita State moves onto the Sweet 16.
A big upset in the second round as Gonzaga can't be trusted again. Analysts didn't think they had the staying power but I thought they could beat the odds anyway. So much for that. Now the Shockers will take on Ole Miss or La Salle in the next round.
The nation's eyes will certainly now be drawn to Wichita State. I, of course, will begrudgingly root against them.
P.S. If they are a Cinderella, then I am a wicked stepmo... okay, maybe a stepfather.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
My Picks for the 2013 NCAA Tournament
As you can see, it's time to dance until we're mad. I'm already there and I haven't even gotten up yet.
Filling out bracket sheets is fun but I only do one myself. Not because I have honor or like to feign it. It's because it's college basketball and I'm still turned off by the whole NCAA system. But I digress so that I can fill out space on a blog post about a subject I know almost nothing about.
That being said, here is my bracket.
You'll notice the type is really small (unless you click on the picture/bracket) and with the only things legible being the ESPN logos and the All State sponsor. But if you look closely I have picked Creighton, Gonzaga, Kansas, and UNLV for my Final Four. Seems risky with picking two #1's in this crazy year of college basketball but the fact I picked Creighton and UNLV seem even more nuts.
My title game has Kansas beating Gonzaga 68-56. When I said on my youtube channel thesportskhansf (selfish plug) that I think Gonzaga can go far, I meant it. At least I'm consistent in my lunacy. But I think the Bulldogs will fall short of the national title with the Jayhawks spoiling the fun.
Well, hope you all will be able to fill out your brackets in time and be able to watch some of the action. I will be following the results feverishly.
P.S. Watch actual basketball games be played out? I'm not that Mad.
Monday, March 18, 2013
John Harbaugh for "Change is Good" (and So am I)
The last thing you would think about doing if you are the Super Bowl Champions is trying to change too much. However, that just seems to be the cards that the Ravens are dealt with... or playing?
Baltimore's off-season has been mostly about losing players after their Super Bowl win in February. They have lost Ray Lewis to retirement and two other linebackers to other teams, Anquan Boldin in a trade to the 49ers for a 6th round pick, and other notable starters along the way. Ed Reed's days in Baltimore also look like they are over as he's getting looks from other teams like the Texans.
The only thing that they have been able to do is keep Joe Flacco with a 6 year $120 million plus contract to eat up a lot of cap space.
Despite all of this, the PR department known as John Harbaugh has spun it the best way he can. "The worst mistake you can make is trying to hold a team together," Harbaugh said in an interview. "It's impossible." He also cited Bo Schembechler's (the late family friend) advice of "if you try to stay the same you end up getting worse."
Full article at http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9066834/john-harbaugh-baltimore-ravens-roster-change-part-nfl
An interesting question gets raised by all this: Is all this "change" better for the team/John Harbaugh long term? Also, is it best to break up a Super Bowl team rather than try and keep it together nowadays?
I'm not sure anyone can ever answer the second question perfectly but the first one seems to be a yes. The Ravens team that won it all was old and heading down the other side of the hill anyway. They certainly made a great postseason push with a deer antler charged Ray Lewis leading the pack. But now with the Ray Lewis era is over in Baltimore, the Ravens took it as a sign to start a new era with some different players.
While they did lose players in their prime, they also let aged veterans go like Ed Reed (34) and Anquan Boldin (32). Keeping them would've been too hard with the cap restrictions what they are and even if they had managed to do so, they might only be productive for a couple more seasons. (I must reiterate that I still like that the 49ers got Boldin).
The next couple of the years for the Ravens will have them trying to return to contender status. But don't despair, Baltimore. They weren't predominantly seen as contenders last season. As you all have seen, anything can happen once you get into the postseason and with a quarterback like Joe, getting to January is always a possibility.
P.S. Now my best shot at answering the 2nd question: I'm leaning towards saying yes. Just look at the Super Bowl winners over the past decade or so. Except for the Pats about ten years ago, there have been no repeat winners. It's not that Super Bowl teams haven't been contenders the season after they've won it. It's just that the path to the Super Bowl nowadays is too chaotic to navigate and predict.
Lately, it hasn't been what are considered the great teams that end up winning the Super Bowl. The last three winners have just been teams that have gotten hot at exactly the right time.
Also, of the teams that have won it multiple times over the past ten years, the common denominator is that they had great quarterbacks. The Pats have Brady, the Steelers have Ben, and the Giants have Peyton's younger brother. By that logic, the Ravens think they are set for the foreseeable future seeing how well Joe Flacco performed this past postseason.
With quarterback being the far and away clear centerpiece of a team today, everything else is interchangeable. Just look at how Bill Belichick and the Patriots deal with players not named Brady. He casually let's players go or trades them the instant he thinks their ability will tank. He then manages to find suitable enough replacements (not always the best) and gems in the draft to keep the team afloat.
While they haven't been able to close the deal since February of 2005, the Pats have been in the playoff hunt every season except for two since their first Super Bowl title at the end of the 2001 season.
Unless you have a great defense, a great quarterback, and a lot of luck, there are no dynasty's anymore in the NFL. Talent level is pretty well spread out in the league, even at the quarterback position. That's right, even at QB.
Let's name the QB's that have been good enough to lead a team to the Super Bowl: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Peyton's younger brother, Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Ben Roethlisberger. Now quarterback's that possibly join the list above as soon as next season? Colin Kaepernick (HA!!!), Matt Ryan, and Matt Schaub (bit of a stretch).
Now quarterbacks that are just good enough to get their team to the postseason at the present time: Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, and Andrew Luck.
If the standard nowadays is just getting into the postseason while hoping your team is peaking at the right time, I count 16 quarterbacks that are eligible for the job. That's not even counting quarterbacks that have potential to become that or those that have faded away.
If that's the case, it's about finding the right parts for your ever changing team year after year. You can't have too many star players on your team too long because of that pesky salary cap and winning a Super Bowl just has everyone able to renegotiate at that time chirping for more money. It's today's NFL and it's what champions now have to do to remain in contention.
P.P.S. Is my P.S. longer my than original post?
Baltimore's off-season has been mostly about losing players after their Super Bowl win in February. They have lost Ray Lewis to retirement and two other linebackers to other teams, Anquan Boldin in a trade to the 49ers for a 6th round pick, and other notable starters along the way. Ed Reed's days in Baltimore also look like they are over as he's getting looks from other teams like the Texans.
The only thing that they have been able to do is keep Joe Flacco with a 6 year $120 million plus contract to eat up a lot of cap space.
Despite all of this, the PR department known as John Harbaugh has spun it the best way he can. "The worst mistake you can make is trying to hold a team together," Harbaugh said in an interview. "It's impossible." He also cited Bo Schembechler's (the late family friend) advice of "if you try to stay the same you end up getting worse."
Full article at http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9066834/john-harbaugh-baltimore-ravens-roster-change-part-nfl
An interesting question gets raised by all this: Is all this "change" better for the team/John Harbaugh long term? Also, is it best to break up a Super Bowl team rather than try and keep it together nowadays?
I'm not sure anyone can ever answer the second question perfectly but the first one seems to be a yes. The Ravens team that won it all was old and heading down the other side of the hill anyway. They certainly made a great postseason push with a deer antler charged Ray Lewis leading the pack. But now with the Ray Lewis era is over in Baltimore, the Ravens took it as a sign to start a new era with some different players.
While they did lose players in their prime, they also let aged veterans go like Ed Reed (34) and Anquan Boldin (32). Keeping them would've been too hard with the cap restrictions what they are and even if they had managed to do so, they might only be productive for a couple more seasons. (I must reiterate that I still like that the 49ers got Boldin).
The next couple of the years for the Ravens will have them trying to return to contender status. But don't despair, Baltimore. They weren't predominantly seen as contenders last season. As you all have seen, anything can happen once you get into the postseason and with a quarterback like Joe, getting to January is always a possibility.
P.S. Now my best shot at answering the 2nd question: I'm leaning towards saying yes. Just look at the Super Bowl winners over the past decade or so. Except for the Pats about ten years ago, there have been no repeat winners. It's not that Super Bowl teams haven't been contenders the season after they've won it. It's just that the path to the Super Bowl nowadays is too chaotic to navigate and predict.
Lately, it hasn't been what are considered the great teams that end up winning the Super Bowl. The last three winners have just been teams that have gotten hot at exactly the right time.
Also, of the teams that have won it multiple times over the past ten years, the common denominator is that they had great quarterbacks. The Pats have Brady, the Steelers have Ben, and the Giants have Peyton's younger brother. By that logic, the Ravens think they are set for the foreseeable future seeing how well Joe Flacco performed this past postseason.
With quarterback being the far and away clear centerpiece of a team today, everything else is interchangeable. Just look at how Bill Belichick and the Patriots deal with players not named Brady. He casually let's players go or trades them the instant he thinks their ability will tank. He then manages to find suitable enough replacements (not always the best) and gems in the draft to keep the team afloat.
While they haven't been able to close the deal since February of 2005, the Pats have been in the playoff hunt every season except for two since their first Super Bowl title at the end of the 2001 season.
Unless you have a great defense, a great quarterback, and a lot of luck, there are no dynasty's anymore in the NFL. Talent level is pretty well spread out in the league, even at the quarterback position. That's right, even at QB.
Let's name the QB's that have been good enough to lead a team to the Super Bowl: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Peyton's younger brother, Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Ben Roethlisberger. Now quarterback's that possibly join the list above as soon as next season? Colin Kaepernick (HA!!!), Matt Ryan, and Matt Schaub (bit of a stretch).
Now quarterbacks that are just good enough to get their team to the postseason at the present time: Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, and Andrew Luck.
If the standard nowadays is just getting into the postseason while hoping your team is peaking at the right time, I count 16 quarterbacks that are eligible for the job. That's not even counting quarterbacks that have potential to become that or those that have faded away.
If that's the case, it's about finding the right parts for your ever changing team year after year. You can't have too many star players on your team too long because of that pesky salary cap and winning a Super Bowl just has everyone able to renegotiate at that time chirping for more money. It's today's NFL and it's what champions now have to do to remain in contention.
P.P.S. Is my P.S. longer my than original post?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wes Welker Going to Denver
Why would you ever want to leave New England and give up playing for quarterback Tom Brady? To play for quarterback Peyton Manning.
Wes Welker has agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos. The contract is worth $12 million over two years. Welker has spent most of his career with the Patriots with this last season being put under the franchise tag. The team opted not to tag him this time around and tried to reach terms with the 31 year old receiver. They failed and are now trying to pursue other options like Danny Amendola.
I didn't think that Welker could better than Belichick and Brady but Peyton Manning in Denver seems just as good. Manning can make any receiver look good but it's hard to believe that he can make Welker look any better than he already is. Welker has caught over 110 receptions in 5 of his 6 seasons with the Patriots. He's a chain mover that will be valuable for Broncos.
Where does this leaves the Patriots? While something tells me that they will do fine without Welker, their offense is still significantly weakened. Welker was their top receiver with the only player with over a thousand receiving yards in 2012 (1,354). To rely on your injury prone tight ends along with Bradon Lloyd might not be enough. Hopefully New England can find a suitable replacement for Welker or at least come up a better way to distribute the ball more evenly.
P.S. Broncos are not my favorite in the AFC, at least not until the rest of the offseason plays out. Both Welker and Manning have great regular seasons and then drop off a bit in the postseason. I can say they are still the overwhelming favorite in the AFC West, though.
Wes Welker has agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos. The contract is worth $12 million over two years. Welker has spent most of his career with the Patriots with this last season being put under the franchise tag. The team opted not to tag him this time around and tried to reach terms with the 31 year old receiver. They failed and are now trying to pursue other options like Danny Amendola.
I didn't think that Welker could better than Belichick and Brady but Peyton Manning in Denver seems just as good. Manning can make any receiver look good but it's hard to believe that he can make Welker look any better than he already is. Welker has caught over 110 receptions in 5 of his 6 seasons with the Patriots. He's a chain mover that will be valuable for Broncos.
Where does this leaves the Patriots? While something tells me that they will do fine without Welker, their offense is still significantly weakened. Welker was their top receiver with the only player with over a thousand receiving yards in 2012 (1,354). To rely on your injury prone tight ends along with Bradon Lloyd might not be enough. Hopefully New England can find a suitable replacement for Welker or at least come up a better way to distribute the ball more evenly.
P.S. Broncos are not my favorite in the AFC, at least not until the rest of the offseason plays out. Both Welker and Manning have great regular seasons and then drop off a bit in the postseason. I can say they are still the overwhelming favorite in the AFC West, though.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Derrick Rose's Non-Injury Status
More for kicks than seriousness.
Derrick Rose has been out of the Basketball spotlight since April 28 but has been in the 'gossip mill' for quite a while. A lot of it started when Derrick's brother and manager Reggie Rose criticized the Chicago Bulls for not making any improvements to hasten his brother's return. A few days ago, we found out that Derrick Rose's doctor cleared him to play but that he wouldn't come back until he's confident he dunk off his left foot. Now we hear from Derrick Rose saying he needs his confidence back and also...
"I really don't know [about a return this season]," Rose said. "I'm just like you all where I'm waiting till that day where I feel normal.
"Until then I would just wait. I haven't had any pressure from the organization and no one else to push me to go out there and play. My teammates have been doing great with just playing hard for me. They're still out there playing hard, fighting, so that's a good sign and we're winning games, so I'm not worried about anything right now." (Courtesy of ESPNChicago.com)
Okay, if Derrick Rose is cleared medically to play, why isn't David Stern fining Chicago a** off for not starting a star player? Don't the fine people of Sacramento deserve to see ONE star player at least once in their lives? (Bulls next game reference)
Seriously, the responsible thing to do is to rest and make sure you can play the way you're used to. The Bulls are not winning any titles this year and anytime beyond this season until they get another star player anyway. Might as well just sit back and make sure you're healthy enough to play. Heck, I'd wait until another star player came to Chicago. Then again, I would be waiting an awful longtime for that one to happen.
I do feel a bit sorry for the Bulls teammates though. While Rose shouldn't care about analysts, fans, and amateur bloggers not named me, he should care about what his teammates think of him. I'm sure they're fine with him getting back in the groove right now but that tune could change later come playoff time.
P.S. Then again, it's the NBA. "All for one while one screws them all."
Derrick Rose has been out of the Basketball spotlight since April 28 but has been in the 'gossip mill' for quite a while. A lot of it started when Derrick's brother and manager Reggie Rose criticized the Chicago Bulls for not making any improvements to hasten his brother's return. A few days ago, we found out that Derrick Rose's doctor cleared him to play but that he wouldn't come back until he's confident he dunk off his left foot. Now we hear from Derrick Rose saying he needs his confidence back and also...
"I really don't know [about a return this season]," Rose said. "I'm just like you all where I'm waiting till that day where I feel normal.
"Until then I would just wait. I haven't had any pressure from the organization and no one else to push me to go out there and play. My teammates have been doing great with just playing hard for me. They're still out there playing hard, fighting, so that's a good sign and we're winning games, so I'm not worried about anything right now." (Courtesy of ESPNChicago.com)
Okay, if Derrick Rose is cleared medically to play, why isn't David Stern fining Chicago a** off for not starting a star player? Don't the fine people of Sacramento deserve to see ONE star player at least once in their lives? (Bulls next game reference)
Seriously, the responsible thing to do is to rest and make sure you can play the way you're used to. The Bulls are not winning any titles this year and anytime beyond this season until they get another star player anyway. Might as well just sit back and make sure you're healthy enough to play. Heck, I'd wait until another star player came to Chicago. Then again, I would be waiting an awful longtime for that one to happen.
I do feel a bit sorry for the Bulls teammates though. While Rose shouldn't care about analysts, fans, and amateur bloggers not named me, he should care about what his teammates think of him. I'm sure they're fine with him getting back in the groove right now but that tune could change later come playoff time.
P.S. Then again, it's the NBA. "All for one while one screws them all."
Tony Gonzalez Will Return in 2013
Despite all the rumors that Tony was going to hang up the cleats after this last season, he's coming back for one more year.
Tony Gonzalez has informed the Atlanta Falcons that he will come back for the 2013 season. Most people thought he had played his last game in the NFC Championship game back in January but he appears to have had a change of heart. Despite his age of 37, Gonzalez has said in the past that he could play a few more years and he's proved that with 93 catches for 930 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.
I am happy that Tony will play another year in the league. He's a fun player to watch and I hope he gets another good playoff run out of it. Not everything works out for a returning vet thinking about retiring (Favre) but sometimes you can't resist another encore. Good Luck in 2013, Tony.
Tony Gonzalez has informed the Atlanta Falcons that he will come back for the 2013 season. Most people thought he had played his last game in the NFC Championship game back in January but he appears to have had a change of heart. Despite his age of 37, Gonzalez has said in the past that he could play a few more years and he's proved that with 93 catches for 930 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.
I am happy that Tony will play another year in the league. He's a fun player to watch and I hope he gets another good playoff run out of it. Not everything works out for a returning vet thinking about retiring (Favre) but sometimes you can't resist another encore. Good Luck in 2013, Tony.
Monday, March 11, 2013
49ers Getting Anquan Boldin? (STILL NOT PICKING THEM!!!)
I love it when an owner and player have a contract dispute... at least when it's on other teams.
There were plenty of reasons why the Ravens overpowered the 49ers in the 1st half of their Super Bowl victory. One of those reasons was Anquan Boldin. Six catches for 104 receiving yards and one touchdown to start the scoring off. Even though he had left Arizona, he was still a pain in our butt.
Now it seems like he will be a pain in our opponents behind.
A trade agreement between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers now sends Anquan Boldin our way as first reported by the Baltimore Sun. In exchange, the 49ers will give the Ravens a 6th round draft pick for the 32 year old receiver. Baltimore had asked Boldin to take a large pay cut with Anquan refusing to do so and Joe Flacco backing him up. It's likely the contract dispute is what lead up to this trade.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seemed excited by the trade when he talked to ESPN.
"If it's true, it's a great trade," Kaepernick said. "We're happy to have him. Having a play maker like that at receiver is something you always want. It's another weapon for our offense and our team."
This is a great get for the 49ers as they are clearly trying to make a large effort to improve their passing game. Getting Anquan Boldin is a good fit for the team as he will be a solid receiver along Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis. He's also a different kind of receiver than Randy Moss is which is a slot receiver which will work nicely along the demands of the team.
On top of that, the 49ers didn't have to waste too much to get him. They traded a meager 6th round pick to get Boldin and still have 14 picks in the upcoming draft. The whole thing seems like a no brainer.
P.S. I'm still not picking the 49ers as the Super Bowl favorite in 2013. Not now, not ever.
There were plenty of reasons why the Ravens overpowered the 49ers in the 1st half of their Super Bowl victory. One of those reasons was Anquan Boldin. Six catches for 104 receiving yards and one touchdown to start the scoring off. Even though he had left Arizona, he was still a pain in our butt.
Now it seems like he will be a pain in our opponents behind.
A trade agreement between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers now sends Anquan Boldin our way as first reported by the Baltimore Sun. In exchange, the 49ers will give the Ravens a 6th round draft pick for the 32 year old receiver. Baltimore had asked Boldin to take a large pay cut with Anquan refusing to do so and Joe Flacco backing him up. It's likely the contract dispute is what lead up to this trade.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seemed excited by the trade when he talked to ESPN.
"If it's true, it's a great trade," Kaepernick said. "We're happy to have him. Having a play maker like that at receiver is something you always want. It's another weapon for our offense and our team."
This is a great get for the 49ers as they are clearly trying to make a large effort to improve their passing game. Getting Anquan Boldin is a good fit for the team as he will be a solid receiver along Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis. He's also a different kind of receiver than Randy Moss is which is a slot receiver which will work nicely along the demands of the team.
On top of that, the 49ers didn't have to waste too much to get him. They traded a meager 6th round pick to get Boldin and still have 14 picks in the upcoming draft. The whole thing seems like a no brainer.
P.S. I'm still not picking the 49ers as the Super Bowl favorite in 2013. Not now, not ever.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Blackhawks Points Streak Snapped After 24 Games
The amazing points streak of 24 straight games to open the season has ended for the Chicago Blackhawks.
They played two straight games against the Colorado Avalanche with the second one being in Denver. They managed to creep away with a win on Wednesday Night at home managing to score the winning goal with less than a minute left in regulation. Tonight wasn't so lucky for the Blackhawks.
After a 1-1 1st period, the Avalanche overwhelmed the Blackhawks like their name suggests and managed to score 4 2nd period goals. Chicago wasn't able to answer with any until the third period and they were still down by 3. Colorado would add on another goal with less than 5 minutes left and would win it 6-2.
The streak is snapped as Chicago finally suffers their first loss in regulation of the season. Pretty good considering it comes just beyond the halfway point of a 48 game season schedule. While it is considered a streak to start the season, it actually goes back to the last regular season which would put it at 30 games. But the streak to start the year was impressive on it's own considering the shortened season, the time off, and no practice games.
This loss will surely be a test of the Blackhawks skill and will, especially considering one of their star players Patrick Sharp is out with an upper body injury. At least their next test is at home vs. the Oilers. Then they hit the road again for four straight games.
They played two straight games against the Colorado Avalanche with the second one being in Denver. They managed to creep away with a win on Wednesday Night at home managing to score the winning goal with less than a minute left in regulation. Tonight wasn't so lucky for the Blackhawks.
After a 1-1 1st period, the Avalanche overwhelmed the Blackhawks like their name suggests and managed to score 4 2nd period goals. Chicago wasn't able to answer with any until the third period and they were still down by 3. Colorado would add on another goal with less than 5 minutes left and would win it 6-2.
The streak is snapped as Chicago finally suffers their first loss in regulation of the season. Pretty good considering it comes just beyond the halfway point of a 48 game season schedule. While it is considered a streak to start the season, it actually goes back to the last regular season which would put it at 30 games. But the streak to start the year was impressive on it's own considering the shortened season, the time off, and no practice games.
This loss will surely be a test of the Blackhawks skill and will, especially considering one of their star players Patrick Sharp is out with an upper body injury. At least their next test is at home vs. the Oilers. Then they hit the road again for four straight games.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Keep an 'Eye Out' for Visors in the NHL
The other night, Marc Staal of the New York Rangers was hit right in the eye with a puck during Tuesday night's game vs. the Philadelphia Flyers. It was redirected off a shot and hit him right in the eye.
While it seems like the 26 year old defenseman will make a full recovery, he's out indefinitely and the incident has reignited the debate of whether or not to make visors mandatory in the NHL. They are right now optional for the players but the league would like to see them as mandatory. The NHL Deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPNNewYork.com "We have consistently been in favor of a rule mandating visors. The PA has historically been in favor of maintaining 'Player choice,' coupled with continued education and sensitization."
Hockey is a dangerous sport what with all the hits, puck shots and deflections, and the fights that we all scream for night after night. So a simple thing like adding visors to helmets seems like a no brainer. I would even go a step further and either get full visor masks or face masks like in football.
Maybe players are afraid that they'll break and cause facial damage. Maybe some can't see through them. Or maybe they wouldn't be able to fight properly what with some visor in the way... it's agreed; the visors remain optional. Hell, get rid of them all together. AND I AM NOT ENTERTAINED!!!
P.S. I only need two more blog titles like that to complete my "Inappropriate Comedian" card. After that, I get a footlong sub.
While it seems like the 26 year old defenseman will make a full recovery, he's out indefinitely and the incident has reignited the debate of whether or not to make visors mandatory in the NHL. They are right now optional for the players but the league would like to see them as mandatory. The NHL Deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPNNewYork.com "We have consistently been in favor of a rule mandating visors. The PA has historically been in favor of maintaining 'Player choice,' coupled with continued education and sensitization."
Hockey is a dangerous sport what with all the hits, puck shots and deflections, and the fights that we all scream for night after night. So a simple thing like adding visors to helmets seems like a no brainer. I would even go a step further and either get full visor masks or face masks like in football.
Maybe players are afraid that they'll break and cause facial damage. Maybe some can't see through them. Or maybe they wouldn't be able to fight properly what with some visor in the way... it's agreed; the visors remain optional. Hell, get rid of them all together. AND I AM NOT ENTERTAINED!!!
P.S. I only need two more blog titles like that to complete my "Inappropriate Comedian" card. After that, I get a footlong sub.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Real Madrid Win Contrversial Game in Machester
The Champions League is certainly the worst time for there to be a controversial call, especially when the teams involved are very well known.
Real Madrid and Manchester United played the 2nd leg of their UCL match up last night at Old Trafford. Man U managed to grab a 1-0 lead when Nani was sent off with a Red Card in the 56' by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir. Nani had tried to bring the ball down with his leg when he inadvertently hit Madrid defender Arbeloa in the mid-section. With Man U down a man, Real Madrid managed to score 2 goals to win the game with the clincher coming from Cristiano Ronaldo. Final was 2-1 with Real Madrid advancing to the quarterfinals on a 3-2 aggregate.
Controversy is something that the world sport doesn't need more of what with the match fixing scandals all over the place these days. When you see Nani sent off in that circumstance, you have to question the referee and the validity of the match to some extent. I am not saying that Nani deserved a pass because a yellow would've been appropriate. But a red card was just a misuse of the referee's power.
Either way, Real Madrid caught a break while Manchester United got Royally screwed.
Real Madrid and Manchester United played the 2nd leg of their UCL match up last night at Old Trafford. Man U managed to grab a 1-0 lead when Nani was sent off with a Red Card in the 56' by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir. Nani had tried to bring the ball down with his leg when he inadvertently hit Madrid defender Arbeloa in the mid-section. With Man U down a man, Real Madrid managed to score 2 goals to win the game with the clincher coming from Cristiano Ronaldo. Final was 2-1 with Real Madrid advancing to the quarterfinals on a 3-2 aggregate.
Controversy is something that the world sport doesn't need more of what with the match fixing scandals all over the place these days. When you see Nani sent off in that circumstance, you have to question the referee and the validity of the match to some extent. I am not saying that Nani deserved a pass because a yellow would've been appropriate. But a red card was just a misuse of the referee's power.
Either way, Real Madrid caught a break while Manchester United got Royally screwed.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Blackhawks' Points Streak Still Alive
I have to applaud the Chicago Blackhawks further on this streak.
They went to Detroit, who would've loved to give them their first regulation loss, and managed to pull off a victory over Red Wings 2-1 after a shootout. Patrick Kane scored the only goal in the shootout on Chicago's 2nd attempt. The Blackhawks have now won 9 in a row and are on a 22 game points streak to start the season.
Still sad that they are blossoming so early in this short 48 game season. They still need to play 26 games and the playoffs. I hope this is just how good they are and not primarily how hot they are at the moment. It would be a shame to have a start like this to go to waste.
The good thing about this, though, is not that the Blackhawks are proving to be the team to beat in the league but that this points streak is providing a lot of attention for the NHL. The lockout certainly took a lot of awareness away from the sport and while it cannot be fully recovered this year, Chicago's streak brings a lot of that back. A big market team like the Blackhawks and history being made so early in the season means more fans tuning in and wondering how long Chicago can keep this going.
Spotlight or not, Blackhawks just need to worry about the next game and that's against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
They went to Detroit, who would've loved to give them their first regulation loss, and managed to pull off a victory over Red Wings 2-1 after a shootout. Patrick Kane scored the only goal in the shootout on Chicago's 2nd attempt. The Blackhawks have now won 9 in a row and are on a 22 game points streak to start the season.
Still sad that they are blossoming so early in this short 48 game season. They still need to play 26 games and the playoffs. I hope this is just how good they are and not primarily how hot they are at the moment. It would be a shame to have a start like this to go to waste.
The good thing about this, though, is not that the Blackhawks are proving to be the team to beat in the league but that this points streak is providing a lot of attention for the NHL. The lockout certainly took a lot of awareness away from the sport and while it cannot be fully recovered this year, Chicago's streak brings a lot of that back. A big market team like the Blackhawks and history being made so early in the season means more fans tuning in and wondering how long Chicago can keep this going.
Spotlight or not, Blackhawks just need to worry about the next game and that's against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
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