The iPhone is taking the world by storm. You are not even close to cool unless you got an iPhone. Word on the street is that Osama Bin Laden has one along with Michael Jackson’s sterling silver casket. With peer pressure mounting and my intense hatred for my Nokia, I have looked into the iPhone. For the price of one I could buy a lot of Pabst Blue Ribbon, which is a conversation beer. Read this as I get a little buzzed and talk to girls and mention my no-hitter in little league.
With the iPhone it’s not that you can call people and text them, but find restaurants, baseball scores and highlights but also do a whole bunch of other shit, you never thought was imaginable on a cellular phone. The folks at Apple allow others to concoct half baked ideas for applications that for some reason Apple actually create! Paying two hundred bucks for a phone is a pretty steep price to me (I’m cheap, I’m a Pohorence!)
Though with anyone and everything getting an app, why don’t I think of some? I have actually and I think you might like them.
The Ultimate Question App: Throughout life, we sometimes question why things happen or whether or not happenings occur because of fate or luck. Heck, we sometimes question our existence. This app will let you ask your iPhone the ultimate question, for which the answer will always be 42. (Not to be used on Math exams)
What if we mated App: Much like the old Conan bit, this will come in handy for dates. For a guy like me, who tends to be in long term relationships, this will answer the question, “Will our kids look good?” Granted my genes are beautiful genes but this will allow me to see if there are any u-g-l-y (you ain’t got no alibi, you’re UGLY!) genes to help keep the human race looking good. Granted this app will be not needed in Sweden where every woman is amazing looking. Coming soon: what will she look like in ten years APP!
Hand Dryer App: I carry my phone everywhere. I don’t carry hand towels with me. When using a bathroom that has no towels or have those horrible hand dryers, the iPhone will light up to about 450 degrees and will warm your hands. Just hover them around the screen for 2 seconds and then touch the bottom button. Note: The screen will cause third degree burns.
CB Radio App: Be able to live all your mid 1970’s communication desires or relive your favorite scenes from Smokey & the Bandit! Looks like we got a convoy!
Razor App: This is two fold. For the man on the go and wants to save money, why spend money of razor blades when you can shave with your iPhone. Also for you clinically depressed, don’t spend hours and hundreds of dollars with psychologist when you can kill yourself. Remember don’t use the arm, go across the jugular.
X-Ray vision App: Using the camera function of the phone, hit the x-ray button and use it to look into locks, wrapped presents and co-workers blouses.
Major League Baseball Rule App: Sometime during an intense discussion of what the right call should be in a baseball game, it would be beneficial to have the official league rules. Now you can and this app allows you to access every rule in the Major League Baseball rule book. Oh and you cannot grab the runner going to third, that’s interference asshole!
The Reassurance App: This app will allow all insecure women to be validated on many issues they have in their tough lives. “Am I fat?” “Do these Jeans make me look fat?” “Does John love me?” “Do I Look Fat in this dress?” “How does my hair look?” “Does this wallpaper make me look fat?” “While I ever find love?” and of course the most important question, “Is Love Actually on TV?” Warning: any man who uses this is a sissy.
The Thermometer App: When you think you have a fever running, you can check with the iPhone. To use, pull down your drawers and insert, since it makes your phone a rectal thermometer. Just like those visits from the doctor during the Great Depression.
All of those ideas are definitely owned by Seth Pohorence INC. and Seth Pohorence Industries. Don’t be jealous you didn’t think of that before hand. Now if you will excuse me I’m gonna go to the Camaro dealership and use my App millions to buy some IROC-Z’s.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Megan Fox: You have been warned!
So with the new Transformers movie out, every homoerotic guy who needs to prove that he finds women attract will go out and see this movie. Much like the first one, the plot will be weak and the explosions will cost around the GDP of a third world nation. All the while I won't care. I won't even see the movie.
I won't see the movie not because Michael Bay goes overboard with blowing shit up. I won't see this film because I thought the first one was not as great as I was told. I won't see it because the plot if just stupid, when in fact the original premise was sufficient. I don't plan on seeing Transformers 2 because that ugly hooker Megan Fox is in it. I just won't. She has no talent. I will repeat.
SHE
HAS
NO
TALENT!!!
She sucks at acting. If acting were a home run hitter, she would be Rafael Belliard. Her gawd-awful acting along with Shia or Shea or whatever Le Boof made me want to forget I actually enjoyed Transformers growing up.
Then to complement her bad acting, she says the dumbest stuff in the world. She called out Scarlett Johanson for using big words to make herself sound smart. Babe, let's look at Scarlett's resume. She's been in movies far superior to your crap. When you hit your thirties, no one will be looking to cast some has been broad that should be referred only to as a "bit of tail". That's all you are. Last time I checked Tara Reid wasn't in too many movies now.
Megan, shut your mouth and just pose for Play Boy and keep some moeny in the savings... you're gonna need it.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
NBA Needs Big Men, Birdmen
Last Thursday night, watching Carmelo Anthony score 38 points against the Portland Trailblazers, I couldn't help think if Hakeem or Ewing had been in the middle, 'Melo wouldn't have gotten past the free throw line.
It reminds me of 1994. A 7-year old me, taking after-school naps on game days to prove to my parents I could stay up late. My dad let me sit in his chair (which was, and still is a big deal) with my 33 Knicks jersey on, holding a basketball.
In the first round, Dikembe Motombo's Nuggets upset the No. 1 seed Sonics, after being down 2-0 in the series. In the Easten Conference, the Knicks won games six and seven against the Pacers to meet up with Houston in the finals.
It came down to Ewing vs. Olajuwon. At times, the series looked more like Rangers / Stars than Knicks / Rockets. Not once, in seven games, did a team reach 100 points. The big men took over, Hakeem scored 26.9 ponts per game and blocked a John Starks three-point attempt at the buzzer to seal game six.
Little Matthew was devastated, but the memories of the two superstar centers are still the best I have of the NBA.
Today, talented big men have gone out of style like Pearl Jam T-shirts. With them, fans too have headed to the exits. The 1993 NBA finals Neilson TV rating was 27.21, in 2007 the rating was 9.29.
How many times can you watch Kobe slice or LeBron freight train through the lane without screaming at the TV, "Can't anyone stop him!?!?"
One of the biggest complaints about the NBA is that nobody plays defense. That's because there isn't anyone to play defense. In the 1994-95 season, the league leader in blocks was 3.9 per game and in rebounds was 16.8 per game. Currently, those numbers are 2.8 and 14, both by Howard. After Howard, the next best is 2.3 and 11.9.
The current leaders in scoring are Wade, LeBron, Kobe and Kevin Durant. Notice anything? All are Jordan wannabes, products of the Isolation play (where four guys stand and watch them drive) and chronic three-point chuckers.
It makes the game about as exciting as minor league curling.
Maybe another reason for NBA apathy is the lack of bad boys. Where is Rodman? Lambeer? Mason? Seems like most guys spend more time slapping hands with the opposition than hacking elbows.
Though little me hated Rodman and the Bulls, reflective me remembers loving to hate him. Who in the NBA do you love to hate in 2009? Um...Howard is a nice guy. Kobe just complains a lot. Ron Artest? Well, you have to be relevant to be hated, so he's out.
The NBA needs more guys like the Nuggets Chris "Birdman" Anderson. Anderson has spiked blonde hair and tattoos of mythical birds colored across both lanky arms. After blocking a shot, the Birdman runs his hands through his hair and sticks out his tongue.
OK so he won't win a sportsmanship award, but it was fun. Trash talk is part of the game of basketball, that's why Shaq still entertains with his occasional "big man pecking order" or "choke artist" comments.
There seems to be no help in sight for the NBA. Hasheem Thabeet of the University of Connecticut may be the only up-and-coming big man, and even he lacks the offensive game of any great centers of the past. Shaq is on his way out, as is Duncan.
Grown up Matthew would love to spend the month of May clutching a basketball, waiting for the next big block or slam, but hopes aren't high considering the finals center matchup could be Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins....yick...maybe next year.
It reminds me of 1994. A 7-year old me, taking after-school naps on game days to prove to my parents I could stay up late. My dad let me sit in his chair (which was, and still is a big deal) with my 33 Knicks jersey on, holding a basketball.
In the first round, Dikembe Motombo's Nuggets upset the No. 1 seed Sonics, after being down 2-0 in the series. In the Easten Conference, the Knicks won games six and seven against the Pacers to meet up with Houston in the finals.
It came down to Ewing vs. Olajuwon. At times, the series looked more like Rangers / Stars than Knicks / Rockets. Not once, in seven games, did a team reach 100 points. The big men took over, Hakeem scored 26.9 ponts per game and blocked a John Starks three-point attempt at the buzzer to seal game six.
Little Matthew was devastated, but the memories of the two superstar centers are still the best I have of the NBA.
Today, talented big men have gone out of style like Pearl Jam T-shirts. With them, fans too have headed to the exits. The 1993 NBA finals Neilson TV rating was 27.21, in 2007 the rating was 9.29.
How many times can you watch Kobe slice or LeBron freight train through the lane without screaming at the TV, "Can't anyone stop him!?!?"
One of the biggest complaints about the NBA is that nobody plays defense. That's because there isn't anyone to play defense. In the 1994-95 season, the league leader in blocks was 3.9 per game and in rebounds was 16.8 per game. Currently, those numbers are 2.8 and 14, both by Howard. After Howard, the next best is 2.3 and 11.9.
The current leaders in scoring are Wade, LeBron, Kobe and Kevin Durant. Notice anything? All are Jordan wannabes, products of the Isolation play (where four guys stand and watch them drive) and chronic three-point chuckers.
It makes the game about as exciting as minor league curling.
Maybe another reason for NBA apathy is the lack of bad boys. Where is Rodman? Lambeer? Mason? Seems like most guys spend more time slapping hands with the opposition than hacking elbows.
Though little me hated Rodman and the Bulls, reflective me remembers loving to hate him. Who in the NBA do you love to hate in 2009? Um...Howard is a nice guy. Kobe just complains a lot. Ron Artest? Well, you have to be relevant to be hated, so he's out.
The NBA needs more guys like the Nuggets Chris "Birdman" Anderson. Anderson has spiked blonde hair and tattoos of mythical birds colored across both lanky arms. After blocking a shot, the Birdman runs his hands through his hair and sticks out his tongue.
OK so he won't win a sportsmanship award, but it was fun. Trash talk is part of the game of basketball, that's why Shaq still entertains with his occasional "big man pecking order" or "choke artist" comments.
There seems to be no help in sight for the NBA. Hasheem Thabeet of the University of Connecticut may be the only up-and-coming big man, and even he lacks the offensive game of any great centers of the past. Shaq is on his way out, as is Duncan.
Grown up Matthew would love to spend the month of May clutching a basketball, waiting for the next big block or slam, but hopes aren't high considering the finals center matchup could be Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins....yick...maybe next year.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
LeBron is all kinds of money: Manny still wants it
Before I post of LeBron still trying to be the savior of Ohio, I just want to congratulate the Flaming Lips for having their song, "Do You Realize??" be named the official rock song of Oklahoma. I remember hearing "She Don't Use Jelly" back in middle school. I wish I had that warming up while wearing my Kevin Garnett Nike's at Dick O'D gym.
LeBron is love-hate with me. Sometime I love him, he will lead a Cavs rally, like last night, and do things I am shocked by. I hate him when he does things he should never do. I usually consider him shooting long distance or trying to shoot any ball with a few seconds left as a liability.
Against the Heat he was amazing scoring 42 and my new love Mo Williams dropping 30 of his own. Better yet they had to rally to win. At times I want to think this team could go all the way. But then the Celtics play amazing the next night or Kobe shoots lights out. It's just not fair.
LeBron is love-hate with me. Sometime I love him, he will lead a Cavs rally, like last night, and do things I am shocked by. I hate him when he does things he should never do. I usually consider him shooting long distance or trying to shoot any ball with a few seconds left as a liability.
Against the Heat he was amazing scoring 42 and my new love Mo Williams dropping 30 of his own. Better yet they had to rally to win. At times I want to think this team could go all the way. But then the Celtics play amazing the next night or Kobe shoots lights out. It's just not fair.
Hello Katie, it's me Alex
Story Link
Today on A-Rod, Alex is weighed down by his demons. Now that he has hit rock bottom he turns to the only person who can help... Katie Couric?
Yes, this is the never ending soap opera called the New York Yankees. If the YES Network were really intelligent (and they are not) they would cancel those stupid programs like Yankee Road Trip and just follow the endless story lines of their franchise's key players. Better yet you can make it like Running Man and just manipulate the truth and set everyone against each other. Or EDTV or whatever overlord of TV movie you like.
Now, Katie was doing this to set up the interview where he blatantly lied to us, saying he never took steroids. This is twice I've seen interviews where people lied to me. I could never forget President Clinton doing that, classic, NHL '95 classic.
Granted he was trying to avoid the whole interview, which could easily set off warning lights. Though we should be forgiving since he has apologized to Katie Couric... but not to the Sports Illustrated reporter who tried to contact him face-to-face when the test result was leaked.
Someday I hope we can go back to when guys just played the game the way it was supposed to... hungover, right Mickey?
ETC: I never would have imagined Katie Couric would have appeared on this site. Shouldn't she be in a Brooks Brother catalog with that new haircut?
Today on A-Rod, Alex is weighed down by his demons. Now that he has hit rock bottom he turns to the only person who can help... Katie Couric?
Yes, this is the never ending soap opera called the New York Yankees. If the YES Network were really intelligent (and they are not) they would cancel those stupid programs like Yankee Road Trip and just follow the endless story lines of their franchise's key players. Better yet you can make it like Running Man and just manipulate the truth and set everyone against each other. Or EDTV or whatever overlord of TV movie you like.
Now, Katie was doing this to set up the interview where he blatantly lied to us, saying he never took steroids. This is twice I've seen interviews where people lied to me. I could never forget President Clinton doing that, classic, NHL '95 classic.
Granted he was trying to avoid the whole interview, which could easily set off warning lights. Though we should be forgiving since he has apologized to Katie Couric... but not to the Sports Illustrated reporter who tried to contact him face-to-face when the test result was leaked.
Someday I hope we can go back to when guys just played the game the way it was supposed to... hungover, right Mickey?
ETC: I never would have imagined Katie Couric would have appeared on this site. Shouldn't she be in a Brooks Brother catalog with that new haircut?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Manny to Dodgers: "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
Looking in the world of baseball contract negotiations, Manny Ramirez is still team-less. In a related story, the Dodgers are not wit-less. Scott Boras feels that he knows more than anyone and he will get what he wants!
If this negotiation were like a hostage negotiation the person being held would be dead along with the hostage negotiatior and maybe a squirrel, named Jimmy. I know it's a tragedy when the squirrel was hit by the cop car, but he will always be remembered by his playful and curious nature. He leaves behind a family that will honor his spirit and love for life. This is how I really feel about it.
Look, during the playoffs the Dodgers knew, the baseball community knew and so did everyone standing near the TV knew, players were not coming back for 2009. The Dodgers had a lot of fat to trim and they did. Jeff Kent was not going to resign. Nomar was up for auction. Manny was surely expendible. Frank McCourt was working the numbers and why shouldn't he. He bought this team when they did spend on overpaid but little produced free agents and rookies. Nomo, Valdes, Hollandsworth, Ashley, Mondesi were taking roster spots and mainly salary.
Even in his statement McCourt sounds sarcastic about the threat of Ramirez leaving LA with big money and a big contract, “When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to restart the negotiations.” He is calling your bluff Scott and he will win.
Manny did a great job boosting a Dodgers team that had the chance to take the pennant, but we all had a feeling it was temporary. His .396 average, 17 homers and 53 RBIs in the last two months of the season were huge pluses. However, Manny is going around demanding long term contracts from a team and a league unwilling to do so in this recession. Then he goes off bragging about getting an offer from the Yankees that never existed. As far as I'm concerned Scott Boras never talked to Cashman or the Evil Empire. He cried wolf and no one even bothered to check the sheep.
This is a first ballot Hall of Fame talent with a checkered personality, but his bat will still provided wins for any club. Though he needs to realize that it's not 2001 and he is not 28 anymore. He is in his thirties and needs to think about his bottom line. The Dodgers have no problem losing Manny. They got some kids in the farm system they showed off last year.
Now I want to take this time to talk directly to Manny:
"Manny, baby, I was a huge fan of you when you were with Kenny and Albert in the Cuyahoga. However I need you to wise up. Take the money. C'mon $25 Million is $24,085,000 more than I make in a year and I threw a no-hitter in Little League. TAKE THE MONEY!"
Batting fourth for the Dodgers is number 99, Rod Tidwell.
If this negotiation were like a hostage negotiation the person being held would be dead along with the hostage negotiatior and maybe a squirrel, named Jimmy. I know it's a tragedy when the squirrel was hit by the cop car, but he will always be remembered by his playful and curious nature. He leaves behind a family that will honor his spirit and love for life. This is how I really feel about it.
Look, during the playoffs the Dodgers knew, the baseball community knew and so did everyone standing near the TV knew, players were not coming back for 2009. The Dodgers had a lot of fat to trim and they did. Jeff Kent was not going to resign. Nomar was up for auction. Manny was surely expendible. Frank McCourt was working the numbers and why shouldn't he. He bought this team when they did spend on overpaid but little produced free agents and rookies. Nomo, Valdes, Hollandsworth, Ashley, Mondesi were taking roster spots and mainly salary.
Even in his statement McCourt sounds sarcastic about the threat of Ramirez leaving LA with big money and a big contract, “When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to restart the negotiations.” He is calling your bluff Scott and he will win.
Manny did a great job boosting a Dodgers team that had the chance to take the pennant, but we all had a feeling it was temporary. His .396 average, 17 homers and 53 RBIs in the last two months of the season were huge pluses. However, Manny is going around demanding long term contracts from a team and a league unwilling to do so in this recession. Then he goes off bragging about getting an offer from the Yankees that never existed. As far as I'm concerned Scott Boras never talked to Cashman or the Evil Empire. He cried wolf and no one even bothered to check the sheep.
This is a first ballot Hall of Fame talent with a checkered personality, but his bat will still provided wins for any club. Though he needs to realize that it's not 2001 and he is not 28 anymore. He is in his thirties and needs to think about his bottom line. The Dodgers have no problem losing Manny. They got some kids in the farm system they showed off last year.
Now I want to take this time to talk directly to Manny:
"Manny, baby, I was a huge fan of you when you were with Kenny and Albert in the Cuyahoga. However I need you to wise up. Take the money. C'mon $25 Million is $24,085,000 more than I make in a year and I threw a no-hitter in Little League. TAKE THE MONEY!"
Batting fourth for the Dodgers is number 99, Rod Tidwell.
The Curious Case of Kurt Warner's Employment
Everyone is talking about Kurt Warner. He is this knight in shining armor to GM's. The funny thing is I don't know why.
Yes, he was the feel good story of the NFL and the Super Bowl. We all love the underdog; coming from Arena Football and your local grocery store, but we have to let that die.
The fact is Kurt Warner is not worth a lot of money. He not worth much. First off he is 38 years old this fall. That will not help you out, especially with the cap on most teams and a financial crisis hitting pro sports. Secondly he is not an overly successful QB. In all his pro career, he only has 5 winning seasons and only two of them featured more than 10 wins. Even then those years were in a dome and sunny Arizona. Though to counter when he traveled to the East Coast or heaven forbid a cold climate, he falls apart (see New England this year).
The time to act for Kurt Warner was like 7 years ago, when he was worth a damn. Now, I cannot see spending money on him, even if I am Minnesota. The economics and time are just not on his side. Granted he didn't win the big game, he should have walked away from football. Though he will never be a Hall of Famer (those stats are not impressive to the history of the game) he will be remembered in the same light as Rudy or Vince Papale.
Yes, he was the feel good story of the NFL and the Super Bowl. We all love the underdog; coming from Arena Football and your local grocery store, but we have to let that die.
The fact is Kurt Warner is not worth a lot of money. He not worth much. First off he is 38 years old this fall. That will not help you out, especially with the cap on most teams and a financial crisis hitting pro sports. Secondly he is not an overly successful QB. In all his pro career, he only has 5 winning seasons and only two of them featured more than 10 wins. Even then those years were in a dome and sunny Arizona. Though to counter when he traveled to the East Coast or heaven forbid a cold climate, he falls apart (see New England this year).
The time to act for Kurt Warner was like 7 years ago, when he was worth a damn. Now, I cannot see spending money on him, even if I am Minnesota. The economics and time are just not on his side. Granted he didn't win the big game, he should have walked away from football. Though he will never be a Hall of Famer (those stats are not impressive to the history of the game) he will be remembered in the same light as Rudy or Vince Papale.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
OH NO HE DI'NT!
Interior (Sal's 401K Victor Bureau)
(Seth is typing on his computer, searching the Internet for Joe Namath pictures. He finds this photo and quickly opens up a browser and sends Sal Fasano the pic.)
Seth (With a worried look): Oh no, I hope he doesn't know.
(Pause)
(Phone Rings)
Seth (Picking up receiver): Hello?
Sal (through phone): What the F*CK!?! WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS!?!
Seth: Listen I found it on the Internet -
(Over the phone a huge crash is heard, its the sound of Sal throwing his computer out the window.)
Sal: WHO SAID HE COULD DO THAT!?! That's my 'Stache, nobody wears the FU-MANCHU, unless I, Salfonso Fasano APPROVES!
Seth: Sal, baby, it's not what it seems, he just grew it -
Sal: I DIDN'T APPROVE SH*T!!! I am going to cut that mother a new one! Then I'm going to eat his children!
Seth: Sal, you can't go back to jail again!
(Dial Tone)
Seth (turning to camera): Don't ever grow a Fu-Manchu with out his consent. (Points finger at camera.) GOT IT!
Sal Sez: You never grow it, unless I approve it. F*cking Joe Willie Namath!
Youth Sports Suck!
This morning on The John DiTullio Show, John had a legendary round table with local writers and sports anchors. The point of the visit was to talk about free agent picks for the Buffalo Bills. Somehow the conversation was sidetracked by callers complaining about their kids not getting enough coverage in town.
"Youth sports are not getting represented!"
"No one covers my kids games!"
"How come no one talks about youth hockey in Rochester!"
"GARBLE GARBLE GARBLE!"
Can I get a HAR-UMPH!
WHAM-TV sports anchor Mike Catalana neutralized the blaze of annoying calls by mentioning that local media only have enough time and resources to cover games. In fact due to our lack of top-tier major league team, we have a lot of high school and youth sports coverage.
Then like a wise sports writer he is, Scott Pitoniak laid out the wisdom. He pointed out that the problem lies in the parents. It could not have been spoken any better.
See the parents are the one's pushing for coverage. They push for the exclusives and the footage and the interviews. The athletes are out to play, especially in this market.
Let's be honest in Rochester, New York, there are very few, if any blue chip recruits who know the game of media and are playing it. That happens in LA, New York City or Chicago... not in market listed in the low 80's of over 180 markets.
The Roundtable of Flower City Journalism discussed the impact coaches have on young athletes and the parents damaging those coaches. Both writers of Sal's 401K have seen in our own lives.
I hate parents. I said it. I don't want to say it. At a high school level, especially in some communities, they use their kids athletic ability as currency to buy attention and admiration for their household. That kind of attitude cheapens kids and athletes out to play a simple game for fun. Sports are important to us... but they are not the end of the world.
Growing up, baseball was my sport. Basketball was okay, I could not play hockey, so nothing came close to baseball. My father loved baseball too and he was always supportive of things I participated in. Baseball was that great connector between my father and I where he would practice hours with me. He didn't do it out of hopes of getting a kid signed by a Major League team, but because I loved to play the game.
When I was in Little League, my team needed a coach. Parents noticed how my father always attended my games and was always there giving tips to kids on their mechanics (which they actually listened to). My father refused to be a head coach but rather an assistant coach. He did not want to deal with the responsibility of dealing with irate parents or playing politics. He coached because he loved me and the game.
I always remember what my dad did for my games. Playing at a private high school 45 minutes away from my home, my dad would drive an hour or more to catch my game. Then on the drive back we would talk. Not about what I did wrong and how I needed to make adjustments. No, never, it was always about what happened in the game and why did I do that. My father wanted to have me understand and strategize about the game, rather than tear down my playing. He knew that by high school, baseball was a sport I played in my spare time, to have fun.
When I was covering the Geneva Red Wings or covering the college teams, you see these kids who do love baseball. Though in reality they are working, its a job. Then they go out and play hard, pour their hearts into it. If they fail (something they cannot stand) they get a verbal lashing from parents. That's one thing I never saw or could imagine from my father.
It is clearly evident that I look up to my father. He taught me a lot of things; how to pitch, how to skate, change oil, roofing but most importantly how to be a real man and a real parent.
Sports are important... but they are not that important.
"Youth sports are not getting represented!"
"No one covers my kids games!"
"How come no one talks about youth hockey in Rochester!"
"GARBLE GARBLE GARBLE!"
Can I get a HAR-UMPH!
WHAM-TV sports anchor Mike Catalana neutralized the blaze of annoying calls by mentioning that local media only have enough time and resources to cover games. In fact due to our lack of top-tier major league team, we have a lot of high school and youth sports coverage.
Then like a wise sports writer he is, Scott Pitoniak laid out the wisdom. He pointed out that the problem lies in the parents. It could not have been spoken any better.
See the parents are the one's pushing for coverage. They push for the exclusives and the footage and the interviews. The athletes are out to play, especially in this market.
Let's be honest in Rochester, New York, there are very few, if any blue chip recruits who know the game of media and are playing it. That happens in LA, New York City or Chicago... not in market listed in the low 80's of over 180 markets.
The Roundtable of Flower City Journalism discussed the impact coaches have on young athletes and the parents damaging those coaches. Both writers of Sal's 401K have seen in our own lives.
I hate parents. I said it. I don't want to say it. At a high school level, especially in some communities, they use their kids athletic ability as currency to buy attention and admiration for their household. That kind of attitude cheapens kids and athletes out to play a simple game for fun. Sports are important to us... but they are not the end of the world.
Growing up, baseball was my sport. Basketball was okay, I could not play hockey, so nothing came close to baseball. My father loved baseball too and he was always supportive of things I participated in. Baseball was that great connector between my father and I where he would practice hours with me. He didn't do it out of hopes of getting a kid signed by a Major League team, but because I loved to play the game.
When I was in Little League, my team needed a coach. Parents noticed how my father always attended my games and was always there giving tips to kids on their mechanics (which they actually listened to). My father refused to be a head coach but rather an assistant coach. He did not want to deal with the responsibility of dealing with irate parents or playing politics. He coached because he loved me and the game.
I always remember what my dad did for my games. Playing at a private high school 45 minutes away from my home, my dad would drive an hour or more to catch my game. Then on the drive back we would talk. Not about what I did wrong and how I needed to make adjustments. No, never, it was always about what happened in the game and why did I do that. My father wanted to have me understand and strategize about the game, rather than tear down my playing. He knew that by high school, baseball was a sport I played in my spare time, to have fun.
When I was covering the Geneva Red Wings or covering the college teams, you see these kids who do love baseball. Though in reality they are working, its a job. Then they go out and play hard, pour their hearts into it. If they fail (something they cannot stand) they get a verbal lashing from parents. That's one thing I never saw or could imagine from my father.
It is clearly evident that I look up to my father. He taught me a lot of things; how to pitch, how to skate, change oil, roofing but most importantly how to be a real man and a real parent.
Sports are important... but they are not that important.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Solving the Hall of Fame Problem
Cooperstown, New York. The baseball Hall of Fame, the Mecca of the sport. The $27.5 Million dollar question: should steroid users be allowed past Saint Peter into baseball heaven.
Of course, St. Pete isn't a guy in a robe with a crown, he's a group of baseball writers who have no idea what to do about the Bondses, Clemenses and Palmieros of the world. Since I don't have a vote, I have some suggestions:
First, there are a few numbers (3000 hits, 200 wins, 500 home runs) that have, throughout history, guaranteed Hall of Fame bids, right? With the steroid era, Hall of Fame voters will just have to rethink the bar.
The new numbers should be 200, nine-and-three-eighths and three. A player should have less than 200 pounds of pure muscle, have a hat size under nine-and-three-eighths and shouldn't be able to pull any more than three airplanes with their teeth.
OK if not that, the Hall should consider building a new wing in Cooperstown. Maybe the one closest to a back alley and most shaped like a syringe.
Here's a blue print: As you walked in, there would be a statue of Bud Selig standing next to Big Mac and Sosa, all three with gleaming smiles and dollar-sign eyeballs. Behind glass and well lit are Barry Bonds before-and-after photos and before-and-after hats. The Hall won't be able to get a hold Bonds's 73rd or 756th home run balls because, well, upon landing, both baseballs exploded like water balloons. You see, cork and leather weaken when leaving and reentering the earth's atmosphere.
As you get to the plunger part of the syringe-shaped wing, Alex Rodriguez's note cards, Tic Tacs and a photo of him and Peter Gammons hugging. There next to it is the first base bag Palmerio stepped on after his 3000th hit. Well, whats left of it anyway.
Cooperstown can even hire Jose Canseco as a tour guide. Alright, maybe not. That should be Selig or Tom Hicks job, they'd know more.
Upon exiting the needle part of the steroid wing in Cooperstown, visitors will be able to enjoy the All-Anti-Steroid team. Some will, some won't get a statue in the actual Hall, but credit is due for out-performing the Supermen and doing it, as Bob Costas said, "all natural."
Catcher: Brad Ausmus - The only guy in the state of Texas who couldn't hit home runs. But you could always count on Ausmus to hold 'em at first, never allowing more than 10 passed balls or more than 50 stolen bases.
First Base: John Olerud - Wore the same size helmet in the field for 17 seasons. Olerud walked 259 more times than struck out and won three gold gloves.
Second Base: Craig Biggio - Holding my breath, crossing my fingers and knocking on wood here. It's hard to argue with over 3,000 hits, 414 stolen bases and eight seasons over 100 runs though.
Third Base: Scott Rolen - Had a swing and glove straight out of Hornsby's days. He hit between 21 and 34 home runs for nine straight seasons. Rolen also won seven gold gloves.
Shortstop: Omar Vizquel - I'm guessing the juice doesn't help with sacrifice bunts. Vizquel is the active leader with 239. In 2000, he made just three errors in 156 games.
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki - All-time single-season hits leader. Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player. Eight straight gold gloves and All-Star appearances. Five-foot-nine-inches, 160 pounds, enough said.
Centerfield: Kenny Lofton - The ultimate leadoff hitter. He is the active leader in stolen bases, including 75 in 1996. Lofton has four gold gloves, seven All-Star games and a .299 career batting average....and somehow, with 130 home runs, his name never appeared in a Canseco publication.
Leftfield: Garrett Anderson - Played over 100 games every season of his career. Had career highs of 201 hits, 56 doubles, 123 runs batted in and only struck out over 100 times once. If you want to be paranoid, Anderson had one season over 30 home runs....hopefully the ball was just hanging up in the smog that year.
Starting pitcher: Gred Maddux - It isn't easy to win four straight Cy Young awards throwing 85 miles per hour and looking more like a calculus professor than a pitcher, but Maddux did it.
Reliver: Mariano Rivera - A few blips (2001 World Series and 2004 ALCS) but he'll likely go down as the best closer ever, despite often being blown down by brisk winds.
Honorable mention: Bernie Williams, Placido Polanco, David Cone, Trevor Hoffman, David Eckstein, every backup catcher, pinch runner and knuckle-baller pitcher ever, Juan Pierre and Jamie Moyer.
Of course, St. Pete isn't a guy in a robe with a crown, he's a group of baseball writers who have no idea what to do about the Bondses, Clemenses and Palmieros of the world. Since I don't have a vote, I have some suggestions:
First, there are a few numbers (3000 hits, 200 wins, 500 home runs) that have, throughout history, guaranteed Hall of Fame bids, right? With the steroid era, Hall of Fame voters will just have to rethink the bar.
The new numbers should be 200, nine-and-three-eighths and three. A player should have less than 200 pounds of pure muscle, have a hat size under nine-and-three-eighths and shouldn't be able to pull any more than three airplanes with their teeth.
OK if not that, the Hall should consider building a new wing in Cooperstown. Maybe the one closest to a back alley and most shaped like a syringe.
Here's a blue print: As you walked in, there would be a statue of Bud Selig standing next to Big Mac and Sosa, all three with gleaming smiles and dollar-sign eyeballs. Behind glass and well lit are Barry Bonds before-and-after photos and before-and-after hats. The Hall won't be able to get a hold Bonds's 73rd or 756th home run balls because, well, upon landing, both baseballs exploded like water balloons. You see, cork and leather weaken when leaving and reentering the earth's atmosphere.
As you get to the plunger part of the syringe-shaped wing, Alex Rodriguez's note cards, Tic Tacs and a photo of him and Peter Gammons hugging. There next to it is the first base bag Palmerio stepped on after his 3000th hit. Well, whats left of it anyway.
Cooperstown can even hire Jose Canseco as a tour guide. Alright, maybe not. That should be Selig or Tom Hicks job, they'd know more.
Upon exiting the needle part of the steroid wing in Cooperstown, visitors will be able to enjoy the All-Anti-Steroid team. Some will, some won't get a statue in the actual Hall, but credit is due for out-performing the Supermen and doing it, as Bob Costas said, "all natural."
Catcher: Brad Ausmus - The only guy in the state of Texas who couldn't hit home runs. But you could always count on Ausmus to hold 'em at first, never allowing more than 10 passed balls or more than 50 stolen bases.
First Base: John Olerud - Wore the same size helmet in the field for 17 seasons. Olerud walked 259 more times than struck out and won three gold gloves.
Second Base: Craig Biggio - Holding my breath, crossing my fingers and knocking on wood here. It's hard to argue with over 3,000 hits, 414 stolen bases and eight seasons over 100 runs though.
Third Base: Scott Rolen - Had a swing and glove straight out of Hornsby's days. He hit between 21 and 34 home runs for nine straight seasons. Rolen also won seven gold gloves.
Shortstop: Omar Vizquel - I'm guessing the juice doesn't help with sacrifice bunts. Vizquel is the active leader with 239. In 2000, he made just three errors in 156 games.
Rightfield: Ichiro Suzuki - All-time single-season hits leader. Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player. Eight straight gold gloves and All-Star appearances. Five-foot-nine-inches, 160 pounds, enough said.
Centerfield: Kenny Lofton - The ultimate leadoff hitter. He is the active leader in stolen bases, including 75 in 1996. Lofton has four gold gloves, seven All-Star games and a .299 career batting average....and somehow, with 130 home runs, his name never appeared in a Canseco publication.
Leftfield: Garrett Anderson - Played over 100 games every season of his career. Had career highs of 201 hits, 56 doubles, 123 runs batted in and only struck out over 100 times once. If you want to be paranoid, Anderson had one season over 30 home runs....hopefully the ball was just hanging up in the smog that year.
Starting pitcher: Gred Maddux - It isn't easy to win four straight Cy Young awards throwing 85 miles per hour and looking more like a calculus professor than a pitcher, but Maddux did it.
Reliver: Mariano Rivera - A few blips (2001 World Series and 2004 ALCS) but he'll likely go down as the best closer ever, despite often being blown down by brisk winds.
Honorable mention: Bernie Williams, Placido Polanco, David Cone, Trevor Hoffman, David Eckstein, every backup catcher, pinch runner and knuckle-baller pitcher ever, Juan Pierre and Jamie Moyer.
The Anti-Steroid team will be there to remind us why we still watch. Because David Eckstein won World Series MVP, because Ichiro gunned Terrance Long at third and because no matter what steroid you use, Maddux's change was still unhittable.
The steroid wing will allow roiders to still be in the Hall of Fame so as not to be forgotten. It will give finality and closure for those of us who will always feel betrayed Major League Baseball.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Barkley's Apology
It's cheap entertainment. The never-ending supply of squirming superstars under the white hot light of scandal. Who hasn't chuckled at a millionaire athlete choking on arranged tears saying, "mistakes were made, I'm giving my life to God now."
In the downplay and dishonesty category, Mike Vick went with God. Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps played the, "I was young and stupid," card. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds tried the "nuh uhh" approach.
But in the case of former Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns All-Star power forward Charles Barkley, something was different.
Barkley was arrested December 31, 2008, for driving under the influence. When Barkley was arrested, he was with a woman who was not his wife. He told the arresting officer he ran a stop sign because he was in a hurry to receive oral sex from the woman.
Barkley returned from leave last Thursday night to his anaylist position on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Former NBA players such as Karl Malone, Chris Webber and Gary Peyton unsuccessfully filled in during the absence.
No, "I'm sorry, but...." No note cards. No false tears.
In the downplay and dishonesty category, Mike Vick went with God. Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps played the, "I was young and stupid," card. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds tried the "nuh uhh" approach.
But in the case of former Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns All-Star power forward Charles Barkley, something was different.
Barkley was arrested December 31, 2008, for driving under the influence. When Barkley was arrested, he was with a woman who was not his wife. He told the arresting officer he ran a stop sign because he was in a hurry to receive oral sex from the woman.
Barkley returned from leave last Thursday night to his anaylist position on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Former NBA players such as Karl Malone, Chris Webber and Gary Peyton unsuccessfully filled in during the absence.
Before Barkley spoke, I couldn't help but expect the usual. I expected 33 minutes of prepared lies sprinkled with insincerity and hidden smirks. I expected anything from a Spitzer subterfuge to a Palmiero point.
But Barkley looked into the camera and said, "I embarrassed everybody in my life. I'm sorry."No, "I'm sorry, but...." No note cards. No false tears.
I kept waiting for a bus load of excuses to arrive. You know the, "I didn't go to college," or, "I didn't know what I was putting in my body," type we've heard lately. But the bus never pulled in.
Barkley continued to speak, seemingly unrehearsed, and never once sounded as if he was blaming anyone but number one.
When host Ernie Johnson asked Barkley what he'd said to his daughter about the incident, Barkley gave an answer any shamed man would give. "I told her I really, really screwed up and that's all you can say. You can't make excuses, this was 100 percent my fault and it's unacceptable," he said.
I must give TNT credit for allowing Johnson to ask Barkley some tough, at-times awkward, questions. He asked about everything from Charles seeking professional help to what went through his mind as he saw the lights flashing.
The most amazing part: Johnsons concise interview included follow ups.
Maybe it's his natural charisma, the same that makes Sir Charles one of the most popular sports analysts, that makes him seem more believable than A-Rod or Phelps. But more than likely, its because he actually is sorry.
And that, is all we want.
We don't expect athletes to be saints when they grow up showered with praise, doused in money and put in sinful situations aplenty. But they must, upon miscue, understand that they are not beyond consequence. That their ability to hit home runs or catch touchdowns does not mean instant exoneration.
Barkley's apology may be the only one I can remember not thinking that he's only sorry because he got caught.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A-Rod did steroids and Johnny Damon thinks it could have been worse.
The world of Major League Baseball is in shambles, proclaim the general media, because Alex Reodriguez used steroids. Somehow we were all transported into the world of 2003, where people were shocked that professional baseball players used enhancing drugs.
With A-Rod being the "latest and greatest to fall" (Sports Illustrated), the media believes we need every member of the New York Yankees to chime in. Derek Jeter spoke, as if the voice of God was coming down from heaven giving his opinion. Jeter, being the team captain and not trying to make clubhouse conflict, stated that the team was there to support Alex. Then Captain Derek tried to turn the attention away the Yankees.
Last night, Johnny Damon provided one of the best, unintentional humor, interviews of all time. When asked about his feelings towards A-Rod, Damon took a pro-team, pro-A-Rod stance. He then explained that there were other, more serious things Rodriguez could have done. This allowed a female reporter (they always seem to play a great set-up woman - see A.I.'s "practice" interview) to follow up asking, what things would he consider worse. Damon, straight faced, responds, he could have murdered someone. Thank you everyone and good night.
However, I'm still pretty sure Ray Lewis killed that dude in Atlanta.
With A-Rod being the "latest and greatest to fall" (Sports Illustrated), the media believes we need every member of the New York Yankees to chime in. Derek Jeter spoke, as if the voice of God was coming down from heaven giving his opinion. Jeter, being the team captain and not trying to make clubhouse conflict, stated that the team was there to support Alex. Then Captain Derek tried to turn the attention away the Yankees.
Last night, Johnny Damon provided one of the best, unintentional humor, interviews of all time. When asked about his feelings towards A-Rod, Damon took a pro-team, pro-A-Rod stance. He then explained that there were other, more serious things Rodriguez could have done. This allowed a female reporter (they always seem to play a great set-up woman - see A.I.'s "practice" interview) to follow up asking, what things would he consider worse. Damon, straight faced, responds, he could have murdered someone. Thank you everyone and good night.
However, I'm still pretty sure Ray Lewis killed that dude in Atlanta.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
RE:WHat?
Listen.
On behalf of those guys who write about their love for the rugged and never emotional or physically soft Sal Fasano, it was not my suggestion to mention such movie as Love Actually. That really happened. Granted this same ex-girlfriend was very open to watching games all the time... granted her taste in teams was questionable at times.
Though I am a big enough man so... I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
Oh and Love Actually is not endorsed and will never be endorsed by this website. Though if your like Clockwork Orange, you better watch 2001, that is some pretty deep stuff.
On behalf of those guys who write about their love for the rugged and never emotional or physically soft Sal Fasano, it was not my suggestion to mention such movie as Love Actually. That really happened. Granted this same ex-girlfriend was very open to watching games all the time... granted her taste in teams was questionable at times.
Though I am a big enough man so... I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
Oh and Love Actually is not endorsed and will never be endorsed by this website. Though if your like Clockwork Orange, you better watch 2001, that is some pretty deep stuff.
Mike Milbury is mad as hell and he is not going to take it!
So during Sunday's game, Flyers-Rangers, NBC's Mike Milbury was more than upset with the Rangers playing in a crucial rivalry match-up. Granted this was during the first intermission when New York was trailing only 1-0. This was before the Flyers skated all over Lundi and the lackluster Rangers.
Milbury, back to the main point, was near the point where he would be saying four letter words. He felt ashamed that Rangers fans paid good money (which they did) during a poor economy (which we are in) and got to see a travesty of a team. It seemed that viewers were going to see Milbury from his coaching days; swearing at refs and tossing equipment on the ice.
Mad Mike was right, that team played so dull, no life, no emotion and the scoreboard proved that. Despite some effort and a few fights in the third period, there was no pride regained by the blue shirts. In fact I think that when some little kid was struck by a puck (the kid didn't cry!) he would have been more useful on the ice than Coltan Orr or any of their other goons.
This team feels familiar, you know, like those old late 90's Rangers squads that were financed with top dollar free agents but failed to even make the playoffs. Take into consideration about a half a dozen team don't make the playoffs each year, so it's not like the numbers are against them. Poor playing and lack of enthusiasm causes you to miss the playoffs.
Milbury, back to the main point, was near the point where he would be saying four letter words. He felt ashamed that Rangers fans paid good money (which they did) during a poor economy (which we are in) and got to see a travesty of a team. It seemed that viewers were going to see Milbury from his coaching days; swearing at refs and tossing equipment on the ice.
Mad Mike was right, that team played so dull, no life, no emotion and the scoreboard proved that. Despite some effort and a few fights in the third period, there was no pride regained by the blue shirts. In fact I think that when some little kid was struck by a puck (the kid didn't cry!) he would have been more useful on the ice than Coltan Orr or any of their other goons.
This team feels familiar, you know, like those old late 90's Rangers squads that were financed with top dollar free agents but failed to even make the playoffs. Take into consideration about a half a dozen team don't make the playoffs each year, so it's not like the numbers are against them. Poor playing and lack of enthusiasm causes you to miss the playoffs.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
WHat?
Please allow me to make a statement reguarding Sal's Keeper's post on Valentines Day:
I in no way advocate the dumb ass non-sense that flowed so seemingly easily out of him in light of the day. It is to be noted that Sal's Keeper knows about has much about relationships as I do about Cricket.
The urge must have struck him to be a complete pussy and suggest a garbage film. My girlfriend and I watched the Stanly Kubrik classic, "A Clockwork Orange," becuase all women are not interested in roses, puppies and chick flicks.
It is offensive that he used our beloved sports blog to discuss such issues and even suggest that games should be skipped to celebrate a made-up holiday.
I apologize to anyone who read his piece and became physically ill such as I did.
In the future, we - as a team - plan to keep our softer sides out of it and stick to the most important things in life like backup catchers such as Sal Fasano.
I in no way advocate the dumb ass non-sense that flowed so seemingly easily out of him in light of the day. It is to be noted that Sal's Keeper knows about has much about relationships as I do about Cricket.
The urge must have struck him to be a complete pussy and suggest a garbage film. My girlfriend and I watched the Stanly Kubrik classic, "A Clockwork Orange," becuase all women are not interested in roses, puppies and chick flicks.
It is offensive that he used our beloved sports blog to discuss such issues and even suggest that games should be skipped to celebrate a made-up holiday.
I apologize to anyone who read his piece and became physically ill such as I did.
In the future, we - as a team - plan to keep our softer sides out of it and stick to the most important things in life like backup catchers such as Sal Fasano.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Why We Watch
It's official: The 2009 New York Yankees are the least likeable team in the history of professional sports.
This off-season, the Yankees signed C.C Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Texiera, three players who are probably more concerned with which kind of private jet to invest in rather than winning. With these shining additions, the team now has the personality of a ceiling fan and the heart and charisma of a shoe rack.Then of course, there is Alex Rodriguez.
The Yankees statement in light of Rodriguez's admittance to the use of steroids was classic. "Alex - like all of us - is not immune to fault," the Yankees statement said.
Hmm. OK, nobody is perfect, true. But when I think immune to fault, I think, oops I locked my keys in the car, darn. Oops, spilled coffee on white carpet, geez. Not, I spent thousands of dollars to purchase illegal steroids so I could hit a zillion home runs, betray millions of fans and make myself 27.5 million dollars a year.
Now players and coaches are, "rallying around him." My stomach just turned.Something about his mushy interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons must have made Yankees players forget that Alex is an ultra-arrogant, October-choking, cheating-numb-skull, who has always cared more about his own batting average more than where the Yankees fall in the standings.
I'd rally around Michael Phelps before Alex Rodriguez.
A column per day could be written on why to hate this year's Yankees, but rather than waste our time, it is more fitting that we talk about the most likable team in baseball history: the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Coming into 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers had lost four of the last seven World Series', all to the New York Yankees. The mechanical Yankees owned the city, seeming to prove each season that they didn't need a black player or personality to win.
The '55 Dodgers’ had a mixture of stars such as Duke Snider and NL MVP Roy Campanella, with role players like 36-year old infielders Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Their powerful pitching staff was led by the first black player to ever win 20 games, Don Newcombe and All-Star Johnny Podres. Newcombe also added a .359 batting average and seven home runs.
Brooklyn featured four black players (the most in the league at the time) who added a flare to the game that had never been seen across town.
They finished 13.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Braves and won first place in the National League. In the American League, the New York Yankees held off the Cleveland Indians by three games to win the pennant.
In the World Series, the Dodgers fell behind 2-0. The series went back to Ebbets Field where the Dodgers found their bats, scoring eight runs two games in a row. They then took a pitchers duel 5-3 - won by Roger Craig - to move ahead 3-2.
Legendary Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford took game six. The home team won each of the first six games, for game 7, it would be back to Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers would have to go in front of 62,000 Yankee fans and take down the giant.
Game 7 stood for far more than just a win or loss for a franchise. It was the separation of two time eras. It was no mistake that this series fell five years after the 50s and five years before the 60s.
The Dodgers represented a pull toward individualism and progression. The Yankees, with their all-white, close cropped crew, pulled toward conservatism. It wasn't until 1956, nine years after the color barrier had been broken, that the Yankees took a team picture with a black player.
Johnny Podres shut out the Yankees in game 7 and Brooklyn finally celebrated its first World Series. Author Pete Hamill said “In Brooklyn that day, it was the Liberation of Paris, Vee Jay Day, New Years Day all rolled into one.”
The '55 Dodgers encompassed the beauty of baseball. It was, for six summer months, a team with skill, desire and personality who came together to create on-field poetry.
So every time you hear a crowd erupt for an A-Rod home run, keep in mind there was a wonderful time in baseball where the game meant more than steroids and salaries.
This off-season, the Yankees signed C.C Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Texiera, three players who are probably more concerned with which kind of private jet to invest in rather than winning. With these shining additions, the team now has the personality of a ceiling fan and the heart and charisma of a shoe rack.Then of course, there is Alex Rodriguez.
The Yankees statement in light of Rodriguez's admittance to the use of steroids was classic. "Alex - like all of us - is not immune to fault," the Yankees statement said.
Hmm. OK, nobody is perfect, true. But when I think immune to fault, I think, oops I locked my keys in the car, darn. Oops, spilled coffee on white carpet, geez. Not, I spent thousands of dollars to purchase illegal steroids so I could hit a zillion home runs, betray millions of fans and make myself 27.5 million dollars a year.
Now players and coaches are, "rallying around him." My stomach just turned.Something about his mushy interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons must have made Yankees players forget that Alex is an ultra-arrogant, October-choking, cheating-numb-skull, who has always cared more about his own batting average more than where the Yankees fall in the standings.
I'd rally around Michael Phelps before Alex Rodriguez.
A column per day could be written on why to hate this year's Yankees, but rather than waste our time, it is more fitting that we talk about the most likable team in baseball history: the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Coming into 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers had lost four of the last seven World Series', all to the New York Yankees. The mechanical Yankees owned the city, seeming to prove each season that they didn't need a black player or personality to win.
The '55 Dodgers’ had a mixture of stars such as Duke Snider and NL MVP Roy Campanella, with role players like 36-year old infielders Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Their powerful pitching staff was led by the first black player to ever win 20 games, Don Newcombe and All-Star Johnny Podres. Newcombe also added a .359 batting average and seven home runs.
Brooklyn featured four black players (the most in the league at the time) who added a flare to the game that had never been seen across town.
They finished 13.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Braves and won first place in the National League. In the American League, the New York Yankees held off the Cleveland Indians by three games to win the pennant.
In the World Series, the Dodgers fell behind 2-0. The series went back to Ebbets Field where the Dodgers found their bats, scoring eight runs two games in a row. They then took a pitchers duel 5-3 - won by Roger Craig - to move ahead 3-2.
Legendary Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford took game six. The home team won each of the first six games, for game 7, it would be back to Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers would have to go in front of 62,000 Yankee fans and take down the giant.
Game 7 stood for far more than just a win or loss for a franchise. It was the separation of two time eras. It was no mistake that this series fell five years after the 50s and five years before the 60s.
The Dodgers represented a pull toward individualism and progression. The Yankees, with their all-white, close cropped crew, pulled toward conservatism. It wasn't until 1956, nine years after the color barrier had been broken, that the Yankees took a team picture with a black player.
Johnny Podres shut out the Yankees in game 7 and Brooklyn finally celebrated its first World Series. Author Pete Hamill said “In Brooklyn that day, it was the Liberation of Paris, Vee Jay Day, New Years Day all rolled into one.”
The '55 Dodgers encompassed the beauty of baseball. It was, for six summer months, a team with skill, desire and personality who came together to create on-field poetry.
So every time you hear a crowd erupt for an A-Rod home run, keep in mind there was a wonderful time in baseball where the game meant more than steroids and salaries.
Valentine's Day: A Day of Love and A Day To Love
With today being Valentine's Day and I all I thought it would be a great idea to tell guys to be nice to their girlfriends and actually do something they want to do today. Listen, I understand there are games to be watched, you might have to miss them. Also, there might be some sports related thing you want to do, you might have to postpone it. You might want to watch Hoosiers today, you might have save that for tomorrow.
The thing is today was never designed for a guy in a relationship. Unless your married, you might get some leeway. So this is a sacrifice day. Some of the above problems can be solved if your girl loves sports. Though it obviously backfires if you love watching a Saturday hockey game, but she is not a hockey fan. I know I've been there before.
So guys let me make this simple. Skip the game today (DVR it or if you're retro throw in a VHS) and let her do whatever she wants for today. If she wants to watch Love Actually, suck it up and watch it. It wasn't that bad... well some scenes are. If she wants to go shopping, make sure you act interested, that will pick you up points. Remember this is crucial to building a relationship... and getting something in return at the end of the day.
Now let me direct this towards the ladies. While the guys are being nice to you and doing many of your commands, try to be supportive of the sports loving guy. Yes, you may think sports are stupid and accomplish nothing, but they rank pretty high with us. Second to only women, sports has been the backbone of our lives. We wear that same hat from 1996 or treat the reporting of pitchers and catchers as its own holiday, sports is a part of our lives. You have your things (chick flicks) and we have our things (Karl Malone picks). So go to a game and actually try to learn the game and a few players to make it easier on us. I know one of my last girlfriends wanted to learn something about hockey so I taught her a little.
So guys remember be kind to your woman and ladies give us a little gift on pitchers and catchers reporting... maybe a new hat of our favorite team.
The thing is today was never designed for a guy in a relationship. Unless your married, you might get some leeway. So this is a sacrifice day. Some of the above problems can be solved if your girl loves sports. Though it obviously backfires if you love watching a Saturday hockey game, but she is not a hockey fan. I know I've been there before.
So guys let me make this simple. Skip the game today (DVR it or if you're retro throw in a VHS) and let her do whatever she wants for today. If she wants to watch Love Actually, suck it up and watch it. It wasn't that bad... well some scenes are. If she wants to go shopping, make sure you act interested, that will pick you up points. Remember this is crucial to building a relationship... and getting something in return at the end of the day.
Now let me direct this towards the ladies. While the guys are being nice to you and doing many of your commands, try to be supportive of the sports loving guy. Yes, you may think sports are stupid and accomplish nothing, but they rank pretty high with us. Second to only women, sports has been the backbone of our lives. We wear that same hat from 1996 or treat the reporting of pitchers and catchers as its own holiday, sports is a part of our lives. You have your things (chick flicks) and we have our things (Karl Malone picks). So go to a game and actually try to learn the game and a few players to make it easier on us. I know one of my last girlfriends wanted to learn something about hockey so I taught her a little.
So guys remember be kind to your woman and ladies give us a little gift on pitchers and catchers reporting... maybe a new hat of our favorite team.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Jamal Anderson is doing the dirty bird... and the white horse
This weekend Jamal Anderson, former Pro Bowler for the Atlanta Falcons was arrested for possession of cocaine and marijuana.
Last week a photo of Michael Phelps was leaked where he was at a college party taking a hit from a bong.
Saturday, reports were released that Alex Rodriguez failed a drug test, testing positive for steroids in 2003.
They say celebrity deaths happen in three's... I guess you can say athletes with drug problems happen in three's as well.
Let's break these down one at a time.
First off, Jamal... what the hell man!?! Sure, this isn't 1998 and not everyone knows or cares where you are... but both of those drugs are illegal! You volunteered and help kids and you go and do this stuff. Use your head!
Michael... I understand your still a young guy, a kid. Lots of people in their early 20's smoke pot. However, not all people in their early 20's win eight gold medals breaking a mark set by Mr. Spitz. You have a reputation as an American hero and you cannot do something that stupid when you have high regard in this country.
Finally, Alex.... you said that you took the steroids because you felt the huge pressure to succeed in Texas. The only way you were going to succeed in the Lone Star state was if you also pitched 2 of every five game. You should have been learning pitching mechanics from Tom House instead of shooting up illegal substances to get bigger muscles. Now, you're legacy and stats have been compromised.
Listening to the John DiTullio Show this morning with a bunch of Yankee fans still fawning, hoping there is some loop hole to get A-Rod out of his A-Fraud state, it got me to thinking. Well, it's more of me re-thinking a point I love to make.
As Americans, especially young boys, we grow up with this strong hero worship thing involving professional athletes. I'm not saying it's bad, because we all do it at one point. Though for people my age, we got to see what athletes are really like off the field. Courtesy of TMZ and ESPN, we have so much access to LeBron James and Alex Rodriguez. We knew LeBron was pulled over for speeding and Madonna dropped Guy for Alex.
I remember when I was a fan of young, rookie Allen Iverson... before the cornrows. I remember his Reebok commercials and the way it seemed like he was playing on a level I never saw a rook play. Then... he gets nailed for having weed on his person. I tried to defend him, I knew he probably did, but I still denied it.
Then it was Randy Moss. This guy was unreal. His game is so amazing, he can take a one yard wide out screen and turn it into a 75 yard touchdown. Then he is caught lighting up the Mary Jane and running down meter maids.
From then on I picked up from Thomas Boswell's philosophy on admiring athletes. He is quoted in Ken Burn's Baseball when they focused on drug users in 1980's baseball, that we have a thing with hero worship. For a certain number of years we looked up to ball players. Though we should not do that or look down on players either. We should look at them on the level and not place them higher than ourselves or members of our own family. Essentially the core of his argument is that we need to take these guys for who they are... human beings. We place them, the President of the United States and members of the clergy on such a high pedestal. Though we are all human and as the saying goes, err is to human.
The moral of the story is we should not trying to defend, hero worship athletes for when they fall. As members of the human race, they, much like us, are prone to do stupid things. Granted we don't mess up on national television and on the Internet. So let's cut them a little slack but not let them off the hook. That is how O.J. got off of murder.
Last week a photo of Michael Phelps was leaked where he was at a college party taking a hit from a bong.
Saturday, reports were released that Alex Rodriguez failed a drug test, testing positive for steroids in 2003.
They say celebrity deaths happen in three's... I guess you can say athletes with drug problems happen in three's as well.
Let's break these down one at a time.
First off, Jamal... what the hell man!?! Sure, this isn't 1998 and not everyone knows or cares where you are... but both of those drugs are illegal! You volunteered and help kids and you go and do this stuff. Use your head!
Michael... I understand your still a young guy, a kid. Lots of people in their early 20's smoke pot. However, not all people in their early 20's win eight gold medals breaking a mark set by Mr. Spitz. You have a reputation as an American hero and you cannot do something that stupid when you have high regard in this country.
Finally, Alex.... you said that you took the steroids because you felt the huge pressure to succeed in Texas. The only way you were going to succeed in the Lone Star state was if you also pitched 2 of every five game. You should have been learning pitching mechanics from Tom House instead of shooting up illegal substances to get bigger muscles. Now, you're legacy and stats have been compromised.
Listening to the John DiTullio Show this morning with a bunch of Yankee fans still fawning, hoping there is some loop hole to get A-Rod out of his A-Fraud state, it got me to thinking. Well, it's more of me re-thinking a point I love to make.
As Americans, especially young boys, we grow up with this strong hero worship thing involving professional athletes. I'm not saying it's bad, because we all do it at one point. Though for people my age, we got to see what athletes are really like off the field. Courtesy of TMZ and ESPN, we have so much access to LeBron James and Alex Rodriguez. We knew LeBron was pulled over for speeding and Madonna dropped Guy for Alex.
I remember when I was a fan of young, rookie Allen Iverson... before the cornrows. I remember his Reebok commercials and the way it seemed like he was playing on a level I never saw a rook play. Then... he gets nailed for having weed on his person. I tried to defend him, I knew he probably did, but I still denied it.
Then it was Randy Moss. This guy was unreal. His game is so amazing, he can take a one yard wide out screen and turn it into a 75 yard touchdown. Then he is caught lighting up the Mary Jane and running down meter maids.
From then on I picked up from Thomas Boswell's philosophy on admiring athletes. He is quoted in Ken Burn's Baseball when they focused on drug users in 1980's baseball, that we have a thing with hero worship. For a certain number of years we looked up to ball players. Though we should not do that or look down on players either. We should look at them on the level and not place them higher than ourselves or members of our own family. Essentially the core of his argument is that we need to take these guys for who they are... human beings. We place them, the President of the United States and members of the clergy on such a high pedestal. Though we are all human and as the saying goes, err is to human.
The moral of the story is we should not trying to defend, hero worship athletes for when they fall. As members of the human race, they, much like us, are prone to do stupid things. Granted we don't mess up on national television and on the Internet. So let's cut them a little slack but not let them off the hook. That is how O.J. got off of murder.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Best Save of the Season
December 7, 2008. Between 800 and 1000 unenthusiastic fans mosey in to Blue Cross Arena, expecting the usual.
The Rochester Americans will play their 24th game of the season, three of which they've won. Until their docile mascot "Moose" skates out, you could be convinced it's a Section C high school game. The one to 10 ratio of people to dark blue seats makes the arena look like a planetarium backdrop.
As the Amerks starters take the ice, there is an unfamiliar face in net. Six-foot-three-inch goalie Mike Brodeur, in black pads and mask, takes his Darth Vador look between the pipes.
Amerks lose the opening face-off. Brodeur faces shots, penalties and too many defensive lapses to count, but stays strong. He collapses on the puck like a Venus Fly Trap. Twenty-eight shots against, 28 stops for Brodeur.
For the first time in a long time, Amerks fans, all 800, gave their goalie a standing ovation.
"A debut like that is huge," Brodeur said. "You feel the guys take a deep breath. It's a good way to get on the guys' side right away."
Two months later, turns out Brodeur's early December shutout was no fluke. He seemed to shut down every two-on-one, break away and 5-on-3 the Amerks defense gave up.
In his first 20 games in goal, he won 13 with a save percentage of .931 and goals against average of 2.16. He was named to the AHL All-Star team and was awarded a 1-year contract with the Amerks.
Pretty impressive for a guy who was let go by both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers' organizations.
Director of Player Personnel for the Amerks parent club the Florida Panthers Jack Birch said, "He has the potential to play at the next level."
As Mike hears Birch's quote, he gives a grin that slightly betrays his classical "who me?" goalie attitude. "It's been my goal since I was 5-years old," he said. "Now getting that chance is a good feeling."
After playing for nine minor league teams in five years and fighting through major back surgery, being signed to a 25-day professional tryout contract with 3-18-0-2 Rochester wasn't bleak, it was an opportunity. "I just wanted to go there and try to turn things around," he said.
Brodeur's success may have as much to do with positioning and rebound control as it does his personality. His eyes don't see turnovers and giveaways, they see the next chance to flash his glove and stick, then wait for the applause.
"I see it as my chance to stop the puck," he said. "You can't get frustrated with that stuff or you aren't going to be good in net."
Good in net, he is. In games Brodeur has not been the Amerks goalie, the team is 4-24 and has given up 112 goals.
When it comes to numbers though, it seems like Mike would rather talk about video games (NHL '09 of course) golf or his favorite Adam Sandler comedies, including "Happy Gilmour."
"Once per round, I do the 'Happy Gilmour' shot," he said laughing enthusiastically, "I've perfected it, 300 yards, right down the middle."
He also claims to shoot around 80 on 18 holes. If his scorecard is correct, Rochester may lose him to the PGA before the NHL.
But for right now, Rochester can't afford to lose him. His goaltending has been amnesia for those still feeling the sting of Rochester losing its long beloved affiliation with the Buffalo Sabers. The only thing to complain about now is finding a parking spot.
It is a joy to see the blue sea of seats colored in with fans wearing red and white. Rochester is a city where parents send their children to school in hockey gloves instead of mittens. Where skating is easier than breathing.
Brodeur may never understand his impact on Rochester and the Amerks franchise, but those who have watched him will never forget.
The Rochester Americans signed Mike Brodeur with nothing to lose. Brodeur signed because no one else would take the risk. One embodied the other in the need for redemption. Even though the they won't make the playoffs this season, Rochestarians can have their redemption and love the Amerks again.
The Rochester Americans will play their 24th game of the season, three of which they've won. Until their docile mascot "Moose" skates out, you could be convinced it's a Section C high school game. The one to 10 ratio of people to dark blue seats makes the arena look like a planetarium backdrop.
As the Amerks starters take the ice, there is an unfamiliar face in net. Six-foot-three-inch goalie Mike Brodeur, in black pads and mask, takes his Darth Vador look between the pipes.
Amerks lose the opening face-off. Brodeur faces shots, penalties and too many defensive lapses to count, but stays strong. He collapses on the puck like a Venus Fly Trap. Twenty-eight shots against, 28 stops for Brodeur.
For the first time in a long time, Amerks fans, all 800, gave their goalie a standing ovation.
"A debut like that is huge," Brodeur said. "You feel the guys take a deep breath. It's a good way to get on the guys' side right away."
Two months later, turns out Brodeur's early December shutout was no fluke. He seemed to shut down every two-on-one, break away and 5-on-3 the Amerks defense gave up.
In his first 20 games in goal, he won 13 with a save percentage of .931 and goals against average of 2.16. He was named to the AHL All-Star team and was awarded a 1-year contract with the Amerks.
Pretty impressive for a guy who was let go by both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers' organizations.
Director of Player Personnel for the Amerks parent club the Florida Panthers Jack Birch said, "He has the potential to play at the next level."
As Mike hears Birch's quote, he gives a grin that slightly betrays his classical "who me?" goalie attitude. "It's been my goal since I was 5-years old," he said. "Now getting that chance is a good feeling."
After playing for nine minor league teams in five years and fighting through major back surgery, being signed to a 25-day professional tryout contract with 3-18-0-2 Rochester wasn't bleak, it was an opportunity. "I just wanted to go there and try to turn things around," he said.
Brodeur's success may have as much to do with positioning and rebound control as it does his personality. His eyes don't see turnovers and giveaways, they see the next chance to flash his glove and stick, then wait for the applause.
"I see it as my chance to stop the puck," he said. "You can't get frustrated with that stuff or you aren't going to be good in net."
Good in net, he is. In games Brodeur has not been the Amerks goalie, the team is 4-24 and has given up 112 goals.
When it comes to numbers though, it seems like Mike would rather talk about video games (NHL '09 of course) golf or his favorite Adam Sandler comedies, including "Happy Gilmour."
"Once per round, I do the 'Happy Gilmour' shot," he said laughing enthusiastically, "I've perfected it, 300 yards, right down the middle."
He also claims to shoot around 80 on 18 holes. If his scorecard is correct, Rochester may lose him to the PGA before the NHL.
But for right now, Rochester can't afford to lose him. His goaltending has been amnesia for those still feeling the sting of Rochester losing its long beloved affiliation with the Buffalo Sabers. The only thing to complain about now is finding a parking spot.
It is a joy to see the blue sea of seats colored in with fans wearing red and white. Rochester is a city where parents send their children to school in hockey gloves instead of mittens. Where skating is easier than breathing.
Brodeur may never understand his impact on Rochester and the Amerks franchise, but those who have watched him will never forget.
The Rochester Americans signed Mike Brodeur with nothing to lose. Brodeur signed because no one else would take the risk. One embodied the other in the need for redemption. Even though the they won't make the playoffs this season, Rochestarians can have their redemption and love the Amerks again.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Classless Joe.....
Former Beverly Hills 90210 actress Tori Spelling did it. That idiot who played Screech on Saved By The Bell wrote one. Now Joe Torre, a long-time pillar of tact in Major League Baseball has stooped to a tell-all.
Torre's new book The Yankee Years is apparently filled with more drama than an episode of The Bronx is Burning mixed with Behind the Music's Metallica saga.
A few questions are burning more than the '77 Yankees: why now? And, why have Tom Verducci write the book in third-person narrative?
Maybe Torre had some things to get off his chest, but was ashamed. Maybe he was bitter about the Yankees back-door firing. Or maybe he bought condo in Malibu, scuba gear and a top-notch Yoga instructor to try to fit in to the Los Angeles lifestyle, but couldn't foot the bill.
Or maybe Torre went the Barbra Walters route, saying, "Hey, I'm old and probably won't accomplish anything else, so why not drop a few bomb shells?" Could be, but at least Baawaa Waawaa had the guts to write in first person.
Reports say Torre winds up and tosses everyone from David Wells, to Alex Rodriguez to Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman swiftly under the bus. Great reporting Joe. Isn’t saying Wells is a pain and A-rod a narcissist like calling Dennis Rodman weird and Barry Bonds a liar?
This book is likely similar to Oliver Stone's recent film W. about our 43rd president. It's a bunch of stuff we already knew, rehashed with a few bells and whistles to stir up some old-school controversy to make money.
In this case, Torre is more transparent than Terrell Owens' tear drops.
Torre is taking a nose dive off the pedestal New York Yankee fans built for him. Even those who couldn't forget his pathetic attempts at managing the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals learned to respect Torre. Now, he’s just a wrinkly version of Jose Canseco.
And just like Canseco, he’s bashing the very thing that made him. Canseco came out like some kind of moralist in a Crusade against steroid users, but steroids made him an All-Star and a World Series champion.
Torre sleep-walked his way through four World Series wins. He had the strongest rosters since the Yankees of the 50s and the league’s highest payroll. Those teams practically managed themselves and when they didn’t, Don Zimmer, Torre’s Karl Rove, was there to whisper in Clueless Joe’s ear.
Often you had to wonder if former Yankee pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre had to nudge Joe awake when it was time to make a pitching change.
Torre should be writing letters of gratitude rather than hanging out the same dirty laundry that has been hanging from the Yankee clothes line for years now. Before Torre joined the Yankees he had a winning percentage of .471, as a Yankee .605. Think that had anything to do with being handed players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Bernie Williams?
When it came down to actually having to manage, Torre failed to win for seven straight seasons despite having George’s blank checks.
He should have waited five years after retirement, wrote a nice rose-colored memoir and let it go.
Classless Joe was all set to ride off into the California sun set, likely as a Hall of Fame manager and known as an all-around nice guy. Before two weeks ago, you mention his name to a Yankee fan and they beamed and giggled like a high school cheerleader when James Dean came on. Because of this silly book, instead of James Dean, he’ll be Screech.
Torre's new book The Yankee Years is apparently filled with more drama than an episode of The Bronx is Burning mixed with Behind the Music's Metallica saga.
A few questions are burning more than the '77 Yankees: why now? And, why have Tom Verducci write the book in third-person narrative?
Maybe Torre had some things to get off his chest, but was ashamed. Maybe he was bitter about the Yankees back-door firing. Or maybe he bought condo in Malibu, scuba gear and a top-notch Yoga instructor to try to fit in to the Los Angeles lifestyle, but couldn't foot the bill.
Or maybe Torre went the Barbra Walters route, saying, "Hey, I'm old and probably won't accomplish anything else, so why not drop a few bomb shells?" Could be, but at least Baawaa Waawaa had the guts to write in first person.
Reports say Torre winds up and tosses everyone from David Wells, to Alex Rodriguez to Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman swiftly under the bus. Great reporting Joe. Isn’t saying Wells is a pain and A-rod a narcissist like calling Dennis Rodman weird and Barry Bonds a liar?
This book is likely similar to Oliver Stone's recent film W. about our 43rd president. It's a bunch of stuff we already knew, rehashed with a few bells and whistles to stir up some old-school controversy to make money.
In this case, Torre is more transparent than Terrell Owens' tear drops.
Torre is taking a nose dive off the pedestal New York Yankee fans built for him. Even those who couldn't forget his pathetic attempts at managing the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals learned to respect Torre. Now, he’s just a wrinkly version of Jose Canseco.
And just like Canseco, he’s bashing the very thing that made him. Canseco came out like some kind of moralist in a Crusade against steroid users, but steroids made him an All-Star and a World Series champion.
Torre sleep-walked his way through four World Series wins. He had the strongest rosters since the Yankees of the 50s and the league’s highest payroll. Those teams practically managed themselves and when they didn’t, Don Zimmer, Torre’s Karl Rove, was there to whisper in Clueless Joe’s ear.
Often you had to wonder if former Yankee pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre had to nudge Joe awake when it was time to make a pitching change.
Torre should be writing letters of gratitude rather than hanging out the same dirty laundry that has been hanging from the Yankee clothes line for years now. Before Torre joined the Yankees he had a winning percentage of .471, as a Yankee .605. Think that had anything to do with being handed players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Bernie Williams?
When it came down to actually having to manage, Torre failed to win for seven straight seasons despite having George’s blank checks.
He should have waited five years after retirement, wrote a nice rose-colored memoir and let it go.
Classless Joe was all set to ride off into the California sun set, likely as a Hall of Fame manager and known as an all-around nice guy. Before two weeks ago, you mention his name to a Yankee fan and they beamed and giggled like a high school cheerleader when James Dean came on. Because of this silly book, instead of James Dean, he’ll be Screech.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SUPER BOWL MEDIA: So much hype for so little action
Yesterday was the media day for the Super Bowl.
No, no one said anything that would warrant a posting on a cork board prior to Sunday's game. Yes there were stupid people dressed in outfits asking retarded questions. Actually scratch that, retarded is not the word because it's offense to what retarded means. I need a word that is like retarded but is more powerful and means something is so ludicrous and outrageous and utterly stupid one's head would explode like that guy in Scanners.
Man, I hate the two weeks before the Super Bowl. Granted I hate the NFL because all it is, is non-stop hype about stuff that could be summed up in two minutes but must be repeated several million times on all 839 airings of NFL, which itself is a lark of programming. Do we need NFL in the summer... NO! It takes away from Baseball Tonight, truly amazing broadcasting.
Back from the sidebar... the Super Bowl hype is outrageous. Yes, Kurt Warner is back. No, I don't care if he is confident in his chances. Yes, I know Mike Tomlin is black. No, I don't think he could be President of these United States. Football allows itself to swell with all this context, pretext and background and match ups. It hemorrhages and before you know it, you forgot what was so big about it when the game was over. Basketball doesn't have it, neither does hockey. Baseball could never have it since they play everyday and pointless build up would be... well... pointless.
Could someone tell the league to eliminate the bye week and just end this damn season... pitchers and catchers are going to report soon.
Sal Sez: "You play to win the game... and go to Hooters afterwards!"
No, no one said anything that would warrant a posting on a cork board prior to Sunday's game. Yes there were stupid people dressed in outfits asking retarded questions. Actually scratch that, retarded is not the word because it's offense to what retarded means. I need a word that is like retarded but is more powerful and means something is so ludicrous and outrageous and utterly stupid one's head would explode like that guy in Scanners.
Man, I hate the two weeks before the Super Bowl. Granted I hate the NFL because all it is, is non-stop hype about stuff that could be summed up in two minutes but must be repeated several million times on all 839 airings of NFL, which itself is a lark of programming. Do we need NFL in the summer... NO! It takes away from Baseball Tonight, truly amazing broadcasting.
Back from the sidebar... the Super Bowl hype is outrageous. Yes, Kurt Warner is back. No, I don't care if he is confident in his chances. Yes, I know Mike Tomlin is black. No, I don't think he could be President of these United States. Football allows itself to swell with all this context, pretext and background and match ups. It hemorrhages and before you know it, you forgot what was so big about it when the game was over. Basketball doesn't have it, neither does hockey. Baseball could never have it since they play everyday and pointless build up would be... well... pointless.
Could someone tell the league to eliminate the bye week and just end this damn season... pitchers and catchers are going to report soon.
Sal Sez: "You play to win the game... and go to Hooters afterwards!"
Saturday, January 24, 2009
LeBron hits a game winner and ESPN is very impressed
Oh LeBron, you play the hometown team... you really are the hometown team. You led them to an NBA Finals, you adorn t-shirts and billboards around the city of Cleveland. Ohio is proud of you, representing us as well as Jim Tressell. Granted if you did play for the Browns and did all you did in the commercial we would erect a statue taller than Moses Cleveland.
However, despite your great game-winning shot in last nights victory over Golden State, this is one Ohioan who is not impressed.
ESPN would like to argue otherwise. During the report on Good Morning America, the anchor, Matt Winer, wrote his story as if James was the conquering hero. This conquering hero and the rest of his merry men played poorly against a crummy Warriors team. If the Cavs want to prove that they are the best in the league they cannot have close games against Golden State.
To top things off Winer was very impressed with LeBron's game winning jumper that was the first of his young career. What he fails to note that in close games LeBron always takes the last shot and much to my dismay he is not Jimmy Chitwood. If he was Cleveland would have won an NBA title by now and people would jump on the Cavs bandwagon, not so much the LeBron bandwagon.
ESPN, don't praise the play of a guy and the rest of his team in a game that should have been decided by twenty points, not one. Also, more importantly, LeBron has been in the league for a while now, don't talk about his career as being young. He's actually a mentor to rookies now, he past being the baby on the club.
However, despite your great game-winning shot in last nights victory over Golden State, this is one Ohioan who is not impressed.
ESPN would like to argue otherwise. During the report on Good Morning America, the anchor, Matt Winer, wrote his story as if James was the conquering hero. This conquering hero and the rest of his merry men played poorly against a crummy Warriors team. If the Cavs want to prove that they are the best in the league they cannot have close games against Golden State.
To top things off Winer was very impressed with LeBron's game winning jumper that was the first of his young career. What he fails to note that in close games LeBron always takes the last shot and much to my dismay he is not Jimmy Chitwood. If he was Cleveland would have won an NBA title by now and people would jump on the Cavs bandwagon, not so much the LeBron bandwagon.
ESPN, don't praise the play of a guy and the rest of his team in a game that should have been decided by twenty points, not one. Also, more importantly, LeBron has been in the league for a while now, don't talk about his career as being young. He's actually a mentor to rookies now, he past being the baby on the club.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back in the Ol' Days
Yesterday was a Sal's 401K retreat. It's a great way to fortify the team that brings you these lovely posts on the world of sports and sports history.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Shawshank Super Bowl
This year's Super Bowl looks a lot like the movie Shawshank Redemption.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Larry Fitzgerald: He's been good for awhile
My buddy Ed was texting me during the NFC Championship game about the marvelous display of talent Larry Fitzgerald was providing all us viewers outside the Arizona Cardinals market.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
How is it not pass interference?
I hate NFL referees. NBA officials with money on the spread call better games than NFL refs.
On a crucial 4th and 10, Hood trips up Kevin Curtis as he tries to make the reception and the result was an incomplete pass, turnover on downs. Now, despite Troy Aikman's lawyering for a flag but barely justifying the refs view, the Eagles were cheated out of a chance to tie the ballgame.
Even though Curtis still had a chance at the ball, despite the contact, the flag was not thrown. What?
Excuse me? How does that register as a reason for not throwing the flag.
Breaking it down: Hood interfered with a receiver trying to play the ball. Hood was playing the receiver. Curtis as the receiver still attempts to catch the pass, but cannot haul it in because of the contact. The refs feel that this contact which prevented Curtis from catching a catch able ball is not worthy of a penalty which would give Philadelphia a first down.
See where I grew up and was taught about football, Ohio, when a defensive back comes into contact with a receiver on a catch able ball and the receiver cannot make the catch... it's PASS INTERFERENCE! This isn't rocket science! This is football! Philly was cheated.
I also wanted this put on record, I am not a bitter Eagles fan. In fact most Philly fans bother me. They threw batteries at Dick Allen (despite how he was their best player for most years). They hate Donovan McNabb (despite how far he has taken the team). They cheered when Michael Irvin got injured... wait, I actually thought that was a little bit funny.
When is baseball season starting?
On a crucial 4th and 10, Hood trips up Kevin Curtis as he tries to make the reception and the result was an incomplete pass, turnover on downs. Now, despite Troy Aikman's lawyering for a flag but barely justifying the refs view, the Eagles were cheated out of a chance to tie the ballgame.
Even though Curtis still had a chance at the ball, despite the contact, the flag was not thrown. What?
Excuse me? How does that register as a reason for not throwing the flag.
Breaking it down: Hood interfered with a receiver trying to play the ball. Hood was playing the receiver. Curtis as the receiver still attempts to catch the pass, but cannot haul it in because of the contact. The refs feel that this contact which prevented Curtis from catching a catch able ball is not worthy of a penalty which would give Philadelphia a first down.
See where I grew up and was taught about football, Ohio, when a defensive back comes into contact with a receiver on a catch able ball and the receiver cannot make the catch... it's PASS INTERFERENCE! This isn't rocket science! This is football! Philly was cheated.
I also wanted this put on record, I am not a bitter Eagles fan. In fact most Philly fans bother me. They threw batteries at Dick Allen (despite how he was their best player for most years). They hate Donovan McNabb (despite how far he has taken the team). They cheered when Michael Irvin got injured... wait, I actually thought that was a little bit funny.
When is baseball season starting?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Santana: Unsure about WBC Me: We're still do that?
With Johan Santana coming off of knee surgery, he is unsure about his status for this winter's/spring's World Baseball Classic.
Johan, it's a no brainer, don't play.
I'm not saying this in hopes of the U.S. winning the WBC... far from it. I think the whole concept is nice but its unrealistic for a game that plays all spring, summer and nearly fall now (thank you long postseason). The game is entirely dependant on pitching and well, if your team's ace hurts his arm because of a non-MLB tournament, then there goes a quality chance for the pennant.
The World Cup of Hockey works... so many countries play hockey and well goalies are playing early in their off season. Much like the Olympics, each team has three goalies, along the same lines each team in the NHL has more goalies than they ever need. Also, it's worth noting that Felix Potvin and Ron Tugnutt are only a phone call away.
Baseball needs pitchers and plenty of them. These guys only play once every five days. Goalies play everyday for about 10-20 games (the latter for Brodeur).
Basketball doesn't need to worry about... who do you worry about on a basketball team? It doesn't matter anyway because we invented the game (rather use it from a Canadian working in Springfield, MA). No one is really better than the United States. I mean we win all the time (when we try or not get screwed over against the Russians *cough* 1972 *cough*).
So Johan, on behalf of baseball viewers and writers who have no vote in the Hall of Fame... DON'T PLAY. Venezuela wasn't going to win anyway because Omar Visquel is like 40 now.
Johan, it's a no brainer, don't play.
I'm not saying this in hopes of the U.S. winning the WBC... far from it. I think the whole concept is nice but its unrealistic for a game that plays all spring, summer and nearly fall now (thank you long postseason). The game is entirely dependant on pitching and well, if your team's ace hurts his arm because of a non-MLB tournament, then there goes a quality chance for the pennant.
The World Cup of Hockey works... so many countries play hockey and well goalies are playing early in their off season. Much like the Olympics, each team has three goalies, along the same lines each team in the NHL has more goalies than they ever need. Also, it's worth noting that Felix Potvin and Ron Tugnutt are only a phone call away.
Baseball needs pitchers and plenty of them. These guys only play once every five days. Goalies play everyday for about 10-20 games (the latter for Brodeur).
Basketball doesn't need to worry about... who do you worry about on a basketball team? It doesn't matter anyway because we invented the game (rather use it from a Canadian working in Springfield, MA). No one is really better than the United States. I mean we win all the time (when we try or not get screwed over against the Russians *cough* 1972 *cough*).
So Johan, on behalf of baseball viewers and writers who have no vote in the Hall of Fame... DON'T PLAY. Venezuela wasn't going to win anyway because Omar Visquel is like 40 now.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pac Man Jones - a Tragic Character
I like to think that if Shakespeare were alive today, he would first off get rid of that gardening imagry in his works, because let's face it, not many men garden... but then again it is theatre.
I was getting off-topic, so sorry.
Anyway, he would create a tragedy called, Pac-Man. It's be about this professional American footballer (remember he's English) and how everywhere he goes, be it a strip club, night club or strip club, violence follows him. Then in the fourth act (this would be a lighter, happier act for Billy Shakes) he would be interviewed by James Brown on the CBS NFL Pregame show.
Now, everyone watches the CBS Pre-game show or supposedly that's what the promos say for it... made by CBS. This would be his chance to set his name striaght. He is mainly saying it to a whole host of white people who love football and already judged him when he got arrested/suspended/arrested/suspended the first time.
James Brown, being the respected journalist he is would dish out the tough questions and let Pac Man get his story told... but I honestly think he ruined himself when given this question:
James Brown: Adam what is it about strip clubs that make you want to go there?
PacMan: Well, strip clubs are like any other club -
Really. PacMan, I'm not saying you are a liar... well, yeah you are a liar or have never been to an actual club. I've been to clubs. Never have I been to a club where girls are paid and compensated by me, in the club, for taking off articles of their clothing and shaking their naughty bits in my direction, preferabbly my face. Never... I wish sometimes, but never.
See, PacMan is not so wrong in going to strip clubs, but it's the fact that he does and trouble follows him there that makes him seem so sleazy and untrustworthy. I don't want to judge him on that, it's not fair. He is not paid by a team to go to strip clubs, so that is not my place or anyone elses to judge him for. However, he will be judge when violence and trouble keeps rearing it head whenever he enters one. We never know if he causes it or not... though the signs keep leading there.
I was getting off-topic, so sorry.
Anyway, he would create a tragedy called, Pac-Man. It's be about this professional American footballer (remember he's English) and how everywhere he goes, be it a strip club, night club or strip club, violence follows him. Then in the fourth act (this would be a lighter, happier act for Billy Shakes) he would be interviewed by James Brown on the CBS NFL Pregame show.
Now, everyone watches the CBS Pre-game show or supposedly that's what the promos say for it... made by CBS. This would be his chance to set his name striaght. He is mainly saying it to a whole host of white people who love football and already judged him when he got arrested/suspended/arrested/suspended the first time.
James Brown, being the respected journalist he is would dish out the tough questions and let Pac Man get his story told... but I honestly think he ruined himself when given this question:
James Brown: Adam what is it about strip clubs that make you want to go there?
PacMan: Well, strip clubs are like any other club -
Really. PacMan, I'm not saying you are a liar... well, yeah you are a liar or have never been to an actual club. I've been to clubs. Never have I been to a club where girls are paid and compensated by me, in the club, for taking off articles of their clothing and shaking their naughty bits in my direction, preferabbly my face. Never... I wish sometimes, but never.
See, PacMan is not so wrong in going to strip clubs, but it's the fact that he does and trouble follows him there that makes him seem so sleazy and untrustworthy. I don't want to judge him on that, it's not fair. He is not paid by a team to go to strip clubs, so that is not my place or anyone elses to judge him for. However, he will be judge when violence and trouble keeps rearing it head whenever he enters one. We never know if he causes it or not... though the signs keep leading there.
Jim Rice is in the Hall of Fame... oh yeah and so is Ricky
I'm so excited, it finally happened.... JIM RICE WOO!
Despite the fact the writers barely voted him in (76.4%), Rice is in putting in 2/4 of the 1975 Red Sox outfield. Yaz of course counts, even though he was sharing time as a first baseman.
But Rice put up consistent, strong numbers in Beantown, nearly won the 1975 Rookie of the Year (he lost to AL MVP teammate Fred Lynn), but got no love from the writers. He hit a solid number of home runs for the time period (he led the league three times with 39, 46, 39) before teams built these tiny matchbox stadiums with shallow walls. Also his career fielding was near 98%, not too shabby for having to play leftfield at Fenway half the year.
Ricky was no surprise here to see, his stolen base record dramatically overshadows the fact he's played since the game was invented. Though in his defense he created the power hitting lead off man position, much to my dismay (Lofton didn't need to hit 30 home runs at lead off, that's what Ramirez was for).
Here are the other guys who didn't deserve to get in but got a huge amount of votes:
Jack Morris 44% - Granted I love him, especially since his 1991 World Series clincher, but his victories fall short of being a legend, despite having three seasons with 20 wins.
Tommy John 31.7% - Okay, so you have a surgery, apart from that out of over 25 years of pitching only three 20 win seasons, even then he never blew the league away.
Tim Raines 22.6% - He would be in for the Drug Users Hall of Fame (with Dale Berra and Keith "I'm Keith Hernandez" Hernandez, but what did he do after the 1980's? He floated around from team to team, especially late in his career, as a pinch-hitter and back-up outfielder. A .334 AVG in 1986 isn't enough to put him in Cooperstown.
Mark McGwire 21.9% - Why is he still even mentioned? Despite the league not banning his substances until after 1998, his play to the game is unofficial stricken from the record. He does not embody the game.
Don Mattingly 11.9% - I'll say this, I grew up loving Donny Baseball. However, my heart is not voting, his stats vote for him and despite his lovable spirit, his numbers do not come close to even being considered. He was like Dale Murphy, great at first but the quality just never really sustained time. Also, his career ended earlier than his likelihood of enrollment would allow.
Harold Baines 5.9% - I love ya, but really, should we vote in Ellis Burks (his time will be soon, I believe next year)
Mo Vaughn, Jay Bell, Jesse Orosco, Ron Gant, Dan Plesac, Greg Vaughn less than 2% - Are you kidding me? Who and why would you vote for them!?! Take away those writers votes!
Though again the things that troubles me is the lack of votes for Andre Dawson (67%). Every year it feels like he is getting passed over. The Hawk was a strong outfielder for Montreal and Chicago for the peak of his career, where he was the best of the players of that decade the 1980's. He held a steady average over time but did show flashes of power (49 homers in '87). He is similar to Rice in that respect though Rice was a stronger average hitter.
Also Lee Smith deserves his day in the sun. Lee Arthur Smith Jr. is one of the best closers in the game's history. He was a closer when those guys were required to pitch more than one inning, unlike today's closers. In 1991 and 1992, respectively, he had 47 and 43 saves, led the league. Better yet he was so effective in most seasons he was striking out more than innings pitched.
I hope in the future the writers will consider them next year, even though that class is stronger with Barry Larkin, Roberto Alomar and Edgar Martinez up to the plate.
Despite the fact the writers barely voted him in (76.4%), Rice is in putting in 2/4 of the 1975 Red Sox outfield. Yaz of course counts, even though he was sharing time as a first baseman.
But Rice put up consistent, strong numbers in Beantown, nearly won the 1975 Rookie of the Year (he lost to AL MVP teammate Fred Lynn), but got no love from the writers. He hit a solid number of home runs for the time period (he led the league three times with 39, 46, 39) before teams built these tiny matchbox stadiums with shallow walls. Also his career fielding was near 98%, not too shabby for having to play leftfield at Fenway half the year.
Ricky was no surprise here to see, his stolen base record dramatically overshadows the fact he's played since the game was invented. Though in his defense he created the power hitting lead off man position, much to my dismay (Lofton didn't need to hit 30 home runs at lead off, that's what Ramirez was for).
Here are the other guys who didn't deserve to get in but got a huge amount of votes:
Jack Morris 44% - Granted I love him, especially since his 1991 World Series clincher, but his victories fall short of being a legend, despite having three seasons with 20 wins.
Tommy John 31.7% - Okay, so you have a surgery, apart from that out of over 25 years of pitching only three 20 win seasons, even then he never blew the league away.
Tim Raines 22.6% - He would be in for the Drug Users Hall of Fame (with Dale Berra and Keith "I'm Keith Hernandez" Hernandez, but what did he do after the 1980's? He floated around from team to team, especially late in his career, as a pinch-hitter and back-up outfielder. A .334 AVG in 1986 isn't enough to put him in Cooperstown.
Mark McGwire 21.9% - Why is he still even mentioned? Despite the league not banning his substances until after 1998, his play to the game is unofficial stricken from the record. He does not embody the game.
Don Mattingly 11.9% - I'll say this, I grew up loving Donny Baseball. However, my heart is not voting, his stats vote for him and despite his lovable spirit, his numbers do not come close to even being considered. He was like Dale Murphy, great at first but the quality just never really sustained time. Also, his career ended earlier than his likelihood of enrollment would allow.
Harold Baines 5.9% - I love ya, but really, should we vote in Ellis Burks (his time will be soon, I believe next year)
Mo Vaughn, Jay Bell, Jesse Orosco, Ron Gant, Dan Plesac, Greg Vaughn less than 2% - Are you kidding me? Who and why would you vote for them!?! Take away those writers votes!
Though again the things that troubles me is the lack of votes for Andre Dawson (67%). Every year it feels like he is getting passed over. The Hawk was a strong outfielder for Montreal and Chicago for the peak of his career, where he was the best of the players of that decade the 1980's. He held a steady average over time but did show flashes of power (49 homers in '87). He is similar to Rice in that respect though Rice was a stronger average hitter.
Also Lee Smith deserves his day in the sun. Lee Arthur Smith Jr. is one of the best closers in the game's history. He was a closer when those guys were required to pitch more than one inning, unlike today's closers. In 1991 and 1992, respectively, he had 47 and 43 saves, led the league. Better yet he was so effective in most seasons he was striking out more than innings pitched.
I hope in the future the writers will consider them next year, even though that class is stronger with Barry Larkin, Roberto Alomar and Edgar Martinez up to the plate.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Get Your Priorities Straight CBS
CBS announced this week that instead of covering Barak Obama's inauguration, they are going to have Katie Couric interview a homeless man.
During the World Series, FOX will have an exclusive one-on-one with admitted steroid user and lifetime minor leaguer Howie Clark.
After the Boston Marathon, ESPN will go in depth with the guy who finished 247th. Why? Because he has three outstanding parking tickets.
These make about as much sense as CBS's James Brown sitting down with recently released cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Weren't there games going on that would determine the fate of four franchises? Couldn't those games affect lives, careers and most importantly (to them) money?
I've got it, the Dallas Cowboys must be in the playoffs, right? That's why CBS interviewed Jones! What scandal! This is dynamite! What? Oh wait.....that's right, no Cowboys.
So let's get this straight, CBS has James Brown interviewing a cornerback who had 31 tackles, 0 interceptions and averaged 4.5 yards per punt return instead of, well, anybody who is actually playing or has ever done anything in the NFL. Jones has a grand whopping total of four interceptions in his NFL career. Now that is something to talk about.
When O.J. Simpson got arrested, it was news, the guy is a Hall of Famer. Michael Vick, also news, he was the highest paid quarterback in history. But Pacman Jones? It must be the nickname.
Steve Howe didn't get this much press after his 43rd cocaine posession arrest.
This silly interview is further proof the major networks will take any opportunity to talk about the Dallas Cowboys, playoffs or not. If Tony Romo steps in a mud puddle and stains his favorite pair of Khaki's, it's headline news on Sports Center. If Owens went to the Zoo and caught foul looks from chimpanzees, it's news. Or if a few guys who saw Adam Jones in a strip club -which is like saying you saw Dennis Rodman in a dress - claim he said mean things to them, it's an ESPN investigative report.
According to the police, Jones wasn't involved in the shooting and no one was injured. A guy like Jones, because of his celebrity status, is open to this type of thing. I'm not saying he did or didn't do it, but lets be honest, a strange fellow once accused Demi Moore of sexually harassment.
I will give Pacman some credit for giving those who think Division I NCAA athletes don't go to class some new material. Pacman said he hadn't been to a strip club in three years, the night that caused all the controversy took place in 2007. Now I'm no math whiz but.... oh, nevermind.
Anyway, if this was week six and the headlining game was Bengles vs. Lions, I would understand CBS gripping on to any old athlete-slash-criminal to talk about. Putting on an interview that the local news in Jones' hometown would even deem unworthy was, to put it lightly, pointless.
Let's quickly go over what we learned from the interview: Jones isn't that bright. Bam! Whoa! I could have told you that one. That's like someone telling me Stephen Baldwin won't win an Oscar, thanks!
The point of a pre-game show, is to talk about the game, not to gossip. CBS stooped to an ESPN-like level. They went for, "what dress is Jennifer wearing?" or "how long will Clooney stay single?" When they should have stuck to Steelers-Chargers.
During the World Series, FOX will have an exclusive one-on-one with admitted steroid user and lifetime minor leaguer Howie Clark.
After the Boston Marathon, ESPN will go in depth with the guy who finished 247th. Why? Because he has three outstanding parking tickets.
These make about as much sense as CBS's James Brown sitting down with recently released cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Weren't there games going on that would determine the fate of four franchises? Couldn't those games affect lives, careers and most importantly (to them) money?
I've got it, the Dallas Cowboys must be in the playoffs, right? That's why CBS interviewed Jones! What scandal! This is dynamite! What? Oh wait.....that's right, no Cowboys.
So let's get this straight, CBS has James Brown interviewing a cornerback who had 31 tackles, 0 interceptions and averaged 4.5 yards per punt return instead of, well, anybody who is actually playing or has ever done anything in the NFL. Jones has a grand whopping total of four interceptions in his NFL career. Now that is something to talk about.
When O.J. Simpson got arrested, it was news, the guy is a Hall of Famer. Michael Vick, also news, he was the highest paid quarterback in history. But Pacman Jones? It must be the nickname.
Steve Howe didn't get this much press after his 43rd cocaine posession arrest.
This silly interview is further proof the major networks will take any opportunity to talk about the Dallas Cowboys, playoffs or not. If Tony Romo steps in a mud puddle and stains his favorite pair of Khaki's, it's headline news on Sports Center. If Owens went to the Zoo and caught foul looks from chimpanzees, it's news. Or if a few guys who saw Adam Jones in a strip club -which is like saying you saw Dennis Rodman in a dress - claim he said mean things to them, it's an ESPN investigative report.
According to the police, Jones wasn't involved in the shooting and no one was injured. A guy like Jones, because of his celebrity status, is open to this type of thing. I'm not saying he did or didn't do it, but lets be honest, a strange fellow once accused Demi Moore of sexually harassment.
I will give Pacman some credit for giving those who think Division I NCAA athletes don't go to class some new material. Pacman said he hadn't been to a strip club in three years, the night that caused all the controversy took place in 2007. Now I'm no math whiz but.... oh, nevermind.
Anyway, if this was week six and the headlining game was Bengles vs. Lions, I would understand CBS gripping on to any old athlete-slash-criminal to talk about. Putting on an interview that the local news in Jones' hometown would even deem unworthy was, to put it lightly, pointless.
Let's quickly go over what we learned from the interview: Jones isn't that bright. Bam! Whoa! I could have told you that one. That's like someone telling me Stephen Baldwin won't win an Oscar, thanks!
The point of a pre-game show, is to talk about the game, not to gossip. CBS stooped to an ESPN-like level. They went for, "what dress is Jennifer wearing?" or "how long will Clooney stay single?" When they should have stuck to Steelers-Chargers.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
He bit him?
The National Hockey League (NHL) has fined and suspended Jarko Ruutu for biting Andrew Peters in last nights game between the Sabres and the Senators.
So let me get this straight, Ruutu, after being face washed by Peters, decided to bite Peters' thumb. According to the AP, he bite down and broke through the glove drawing blood. Really? Was that necessary? I mean its for one thing to leap into the stands and beat a guy with his own loafer or throw a cheap shot when you are about to lose the Stanley Cup (remember that Hextall?), but bite a guy? I find that horribly juvenile. The worst he could have done was actually fought Peters, he's a crummy NHL fighter, so he's got a chance. But no, you decided to play Hannibal Lector.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Peters when he played in Rochester, he was a great fighter, but now, he just prances around and clutches guys during a scrap. THROW A PUNCH! Put some foil on those hands!
Unbelievable!
So let me get this straight, Ruutu, after being face washed by Peters, decided to bite Peters' thumb. According to the AP, he bite down and broke through the glove drawing blood. Really? Was that necessary? I mean its for one thing to leap into the stands and beat a guy with his own loafer or throw a cheap shot when you are about to lose the Stanley Cup (remember that Hextall?), but bite a guy? I find that horribly juvenile. The worst he could have done was actually fought Peters, he's a crummy NHL fighter, so he's got a chance. But no, you decided to play Hannibal Lector.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Peters when he played in Rochester, he was a great fighter, but now, he just prances around and clutches guys during a scrap. THROW A PUNCH! Put some foil on those hands!
Unbelievable!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It's All About The Quarterback
When it comes to voting for NFL Most Valuable Player, the ole' boys of the Associated Press end up looking more like a group of giggling goo-goo eyed high school cheerleaders than the most informed and intelligent sports minds in the world. When they selected Peyton Manning as MVP this week, they might as well have said, "Ohhh Peyton, he's sooo dreamy."
Given, Manning had an amazing second half of the season. But, his first eight games looked similar to Brett Favre's last five. In those first eight, the Colts lost four and Manning had four multi-interception games and managed a quarterback rating over 100 only twice.
From week 9 on, Manning threw 17 touchdowns with just three interceptions and the Colts won each game. Unbelievable, right? But can you really give someone the Most Valuable Player award when they were only valuable after week 9?
Statistically, Manning isn't even the best quarterback. Four quarterbacks had higher QB ratings, five threw for more yards and four had more touchdowns.
If anyone was MVP, it was the Colts offensive line, who allowed only 14 sacks of Manning all season.
It has truly become insulting that the award is still called Most Valuable Player. Most Valuable Quarterback is more like it. Why even bother allowing other positions to win the award when eight quarterbacks have won MVP in the last 10 years.
The last non-quarterback or running back to win the award was in 1986. Twenty-two straight years without the other positions on the field even being mentioned. If you think the most valuable player in the league was a quarterback in every one of those seasons, you'd be more confused than ESPN executives at an Ethics in Broadcasting seminar.
There are two non-quarterback candidates that should have placed ahead of Manning. Falcons running back Michael Turner and Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Turner finished second in the NFL in yards with 1699, only 61 behind Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Turner scored 17 touchdowns (seven more than Peterson) and only fumbled three times (six less than Peterson).
But what makes Turner the MVP isn't just his statistics, it's the role he played in turning a broken Falcons team into a playoff contender. Averaging 4.5 yards per carry controlled the clock and kept the Falcons defense off the field. Turner kept the Falcons in second-and-short, opening up the downfield passing game, which Roddy White and Matt Ryan fully took advantage of.
Given, Manning had an amazing second half of the season. But, his first eight games looked similar to Brett Favre's last five. In those first eight, the Colts lost four and Manning had four multi-interception games and managed a quarterback rating over 100 only twice.
From week 9 on, Manning threw 17 touchdowns with just three interceptions and the Colts won each game. Unbelievable, right? But can you really give someone the Most Valuable Player award when they were only valuable after week 9?
Statistically, Manning isn't even the best quarterback. Four quarterbacks had higher QB ratings, five threw for more yards and four had more touchdowns.
If anyone was MVP, it was the Colts offensive line, who allowed only 14 sacks of Manning all season.
It has truly become insulting that the award is still called Most Valuable Player. Most Valuable Quarterback is more like it. Why even bother allowing other positions to win the award when eight quarterbacks have won MVP in the last 10 years.
The last non-quarterback or running back to win the award was in 1986. Twenty-two straight years without the other positions on the field even being mentioned. If you think the most valuable player in the league was a quarterback in every one of those seasons, you'd be more confused than ESPN executives at an Ethics in Broadcasting seminar.
There are two non-quarterback candidates that should have placed ahead of Manning. Falcons running back Michael Turner and Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Turner finished second in the NFL in yards with 1699, only 61 behind Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Turner scored 17 touchdowns (seven more than Peterson) and only fumbled three times (six less than Peterson).
But what makes Turner the MVP isn't just his statistics, it's the role he played in turning a broken Falcons team into a playoff contender. Averaging 4.5 yards per carry controlled the clock and kept the Falcons defense off the field. Turner kept the Falcons in second-and-short, opening up the downfield passing game, which Roddy White and Matt Ryan fully took advantage of.
Being the most important player on a team who goes from 4-12 to 11-5 automatically makes you valuable, but putting up those fantasy stats like Turner did should have put him at the top of the heap. No dice, apparently the AP didn't see any Michael Turner Wonder Bread, Subway, Addidas, etc. etc. etc. commercials that they've seen Manning on.
DeMarcus Ware had the best season for a linebacker since Derrick Thomas in 1990. Ware had 20 sacks, 86 tackles and six forced fumbles. Ware had three of those sacks against the defending Super Bowl champ New York Giants.
When Lawrence Taylor won MVP in 1986, he had 20.5 sacks. Maybe it was the .5. Otherwise, considering there wasn't an obvious offensive MVP, Ware should have been at least somewhere near the top of the voting.
Since Ware isn't a quarterback and was no where near as publicized as his premodanna teammates Romo and Owens, he didn't make the radar. Ware will likely win the defensive MVP, but why is it always the offensive guy who is more valuable? Was Trent Dilfer more valuable than Ray Lewis on the 2001 Super Bowl champion Ravens?
It's all about bells and whistles with these guys. It's the reason Joe Namath is a Hall of Famer. It's the reason eight of the last nine Heisman Trophy winners were quarterbacks. Not because it's deserved, but because they are in the lime light and our friends with the AP are blinded.
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