ItsTheBlog™
ITL: The blog itself is designed to serve as a means of entertainment to the public as well as to provide some insight into what we are all about here at ITL. ItsTheBlog stems from the website dedicated to all things sports, www.itstheleague.com. We love sports and we're always looking to make improvements and build on what we have, so feel free to leave us some feedback.Tuesday, July 31, 2007
All hail the kings
If you’ve been alive the last couple of months then you undoubtedly know that David Beckham is playing for the L.A. Galaxy. Now that’s fine and dandy for any avid soccer fan but the harsh reality of the situation is, and I’m sure this is sac religious to someone, but David Beckham isn’t really all that good. Ok, ok, ok, I should rephrase that, when it comes to free kicks the man is a god and he’s a great overall player and he works hard at what he does, but in all honesty, he’s not the best Europe has to offer. Most soccer fans already know this and if you talk to most fans about his appearance in the states, you’ll get one of two responses. The first being, “Beckham is a joke and he’s only playing here to be a movie star and has given up on the game” or “This is great, Beckham’s gonna bring American soccer to the level of Europe.” So with those to different views on the man, what is an average Joe supposed to see about this guy. Well for starters he IS going to boost American soccer views and help the sport become more popular in America. In fact, the Galaxy sold over 5000 season tickets the week after he was signed. However, the majority of those people were already season ticket holders and it didn’t really get many new buyers. It’s like imagining one of the best Hockey players coming to America from Canada. Most people are going to start talking about Hockey again but its still going to maintain the same fan base and probably only grab a few more. But the reality of this whole thing is that Beckham knows this. The Galaxy knows this even. For the Galaxy Owners Beckham coming over here was about ticket sales, while for the players it was an opportunity to play with one of the most well known and talented players around. But this once again brings it back to the fans, from the avid to the average, what does this guy offer to America. Well to me, it’s a stunt. He’s told interviewers that his goal is to boost American soccer and be a movie star. Yes, a movie star. And that’s becoming more and more apparent with his current photo shoots and paparazzi sightings. It’s almost as if he doesn’t have to play the game. O wait, he hasn’t been. At his first practice with the Galaxy, he did the normal stretch routine then sit and watches everyone else play the game he apparently loves. That’s just ridiculous and to most people looked like he was making sure everyone knew he was David “Our Savior” Beckham. Granted he did have a bad ankle and I understand resting but do you have to make it so obvious. At least pull out a crutch or two or anything to let people know you’re serious about this whole thing. When it really comes down to it, I’m sure he’s going to do a lot of good for the sport and it makes me happy to see people talking about it but I just wish it looked more like he was here to play and not to party.
Newbie on the net
Introducing our newest blogger...
Toto in Africa is the name. He'll talk mostly soccer and lame ass sports like that, but we like diversity here, so we're gonna let it slide. Try to take an objective approach here and with all our posts. Keep on keepin' on readers.
Toto in Africa is the name. He'll talk mostly soccer and lame ass sports like that, but we like diversity here, so we're gonna let it slide. Try to take an objective approach here and with all our posts. Keep on keepin' on readers.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Garnett in Green
It's a little strange, because some media outlets are reporting it as being "agreed to," while others aren't going so far. In any event, it appears that Kevin Garnett is finally being traded.
The Celtics have reportedly agreed to sending half their roster to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for one of the best big men in the league. So what does it mean?
Well, for starters, with their trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics vault up the Eastern Conference. The problem? They literally have nothing else. Rajon Rondo is their 4th best player. That's right, unless you live in Boston, or play intense fantasy basketball, you haven't heard of him. He'll run the point with the trio at the 2, 3, and 4. Kendrick Perkins will perhaps play down low.
Fortunately, that trio can score about 70+ points per game and the Celtics won't need much else. Barring injury and assuming some cohesion, we could be seeing something special.
On the other hand, we've seen All-star experiments such as this go terribly wrong (see 2004 LA Lakers with Kobe, Shaq, Malone, Payton). That said, terribly wrong meant a trip to the NBA Finals, which the Celtics faithful would love, win or lose after so many years of futility.
The trade isn't final yet, so it's hard to say too much at the moment. But, if it goes through, I'll be glad to be in Boston this coming winter, and watch the trio in action live. Pierce can be the point man and score at will from the inside and out, Garnett can own the boards and the post, while Allen can rest his legs and sit on the outside and drain the 3 all day. If only these 3 never had to sit on the bench.
I like it. Way to go Danny Ainge. It only took some awful years for you to make some good moves, assuming it all happens.
The Celtics have reportedly agreed to sending half their roster to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for one of the best big men in the league. So what does it mean? Well, for starters, with their trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics vault up the Eastern Conference. The problem? They literally have nothing else. Rajon Rondo is their 4th best player. That's right, unless you live in Boston, or play intense fantasy basketball, you haven't heard of him. He'll run the point with the trio at the 2, 3, and 4. Kendrick Perkins will perhaps play down low.
Fortunately, that trio can score about 70+ points per game and the Celtics won't need much else. Barring injury and assuming some cohesion, we could be seeing something special.
On the other hand, we've seen All-star experiments such as this go terribly wrong (see 2004 LA Lakers with Kobe, Shaq, Malone, Payton). That said, terribly wrong meant a trip to the NBA Finals, which the Celtics faithful would love, win or lose after so many years of futility.
The trade isn't final yet, so it's hard to say too much at the moment. But, if it goes through, I'll be glad to be in Boston this coming winter, and watch the trio in action live. Pierce can be the point man and score at will from the inside and out, Garnett can own the boards and the post, while Allen can rest his legs and sit on the outside and drain the 3 all day. If only these 3 never had to sit on the bench.
I like it. Way to go Danny Ainge. It only took some awful years for you to make some good moves, assuming it all happens.
Labels: basketball, Boston Celtics, Garnett, Kevdog, Lakers, NBA, Pierce, Ray Allen
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Get out of Chicago!
First, Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker gets robbed at gunpoint outside of his Chicago home, and now, just 2 1/2 weeks later, new York Knicks big man Eddy Curry was the victim of a similar incident at his Chicago home.
$10,000 and jewelry was stolen from Curry, while Walker had cash, jewelry, and a car stolen. Both were bound at gunpoint; Curry supposedly was bound with duct tape.
That's pretty freaky. Sounds like some people have it out for NBA players with Chicago roots but don't play for the Bulls. Think the incidents were related? My guess is that they were. It's not so crazy. You want to rob someone to get rich quick? Rob an NBA player. Both live in the suburbs of Chicago, and now play for rival Eastern Conference teams. Perhaps a crazy Bulls fan, or perhaps I'm completely wrong.
Interesting thought though, and makes me wanna stay away from Chicago if I were an NBA player. Or perhaps it'd make me wanna stay in Chicago if I was a Bull. That is, if I could play well, and I didn't piss off the crazy fans.
Labels: basketball, Bulls, Criminals, Curry, Kevdog, NBA, Walker
Saturday, July 28, 2007
D-Rays
Kevin Kennedy and Jeannie Zelasko just ripped the D-Rays a new one because they suck in nearly every aspect of the game.
Jeannie:Stop using the division you play in as an excuse for failure.
Are you serious? If I was the D-Rays, I would use that excuse until the END of time. They are NEVER going to win in the NL East. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER going to compete with the Yanks, Sox, or even Blue Jays.
For so many reasons it's ridiculous. They have no money. They are in Tampa Bay, probably one of the smallest baseball markets in the country. THey draft pretty badly. Oh, wait did I mention they're never going to compete in the AL East? Here's why: Red Sox. Yankees. Blue Jays. NEVER NEVER NEVER. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!
Guys, get off the D-Rays case.
Jeannie:Stop using the division you play in as an excuse for failure.
Are you serious? If I was the D-Rays, I would use that excuse until the END of time. They are NEVER going to win in the NL East. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER going to compete with the Yanks, Sox, or even Blue Jays.
For so many reasons it's ridiculous. They have no money. They are in Tampa Bay, probably one of the smallest baseball markets in the country. THey draft pretty badly. Oh, wait did I mention they're never going to compete in the AL East? Here's why: Red Sox. Yankees. Blue Jays. NEVER NEVER NEVER. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!
Guys, get off the D-Rays case.
Labels: Devil Rays, Jeannie Zelasko, Kevin Kennedy, TWIB
Friday, July 27, 2007
Another Reason Why He's My Favorite
Barry Bonds took a shot at announcer Bob Costas this week, calling him a "little midget man."
I, for one, resent that.
Apparently, so did Costas. But, little or not, Mr. Costas, perhaps my favorite basketball announcer of all time, battled back.
Bob: "As anyone can plainly see, I'm 5'6 1/2", and a strapping 150, and unlike some people, I came by it all naturally."
Ouch. Way to go, Bob.
For those that don't remember, here's one of my more favorite Bob Costas calls. And yes, it helps that this was a shot that beat the Chicago Bulls in 1998, but still, it was pretty sweet.
Labels: Bob Costas, Bonds, Kevdog, midget, Reggie, steroids
Thursday, July 26, 2007
It's on like Donkey Kong
One of my fav's, Skip Bayless, has more to say, and he's on his game today.
So the topic on 1st and 10 is whether Craig Biggio is a HOFer. (see "punching his ticket" [June archives] for more)
Dana Jacobsen: Is Craig Biggio a HOFer?
Skippy: No. Great guy, good player.
Ok guys, the language may flow a bit more freely in this post then in previous. I'll try to keep it PG-13. And here's why you're wrong Skip: YOU DON'T KNOW CRAIG BIGGIO!!! So instead of basing an opinion off of something you have clear access to (his stats) you decide that he's a great guy. YOU HAVE NO FLIPPING clue about what a great guy he is aside from what people tell you. I'm sure he is, Craig's gotta be great, but damnit Skip, he's one of the best second basemen of all freaking time!
Skippy: Give him the name test. Does the name ring? Craig Biggio. No.
Are you shitting me, Skip? This is how you determine a HOFer??? Does he sound like a HOFer? This is a joke. What does sound more "HOFish" Skip? Uhh... Bobby Doer. Johnny Evers. Red Schoendienst??? I bet you've never heard of these 3 guys, and they're all 2nd basemen in the HOF. Give them the name test, see if they pass Skip. You're such a jack ass.
Skippy: You can stat me to death but the name doesn't ring.
This is Joe Morgan worthy. Absolutely one of the most ingnorant, unintelligent, stupid and lazy things to say. In fact, I will stat you to fucking death Skip!
Biggio:
.282 BA
.365 OBP
3,017 hits... and counting.
1160 RBI... as A LEADOFF HITTER! and counting...
1827 runs... and counting.
1155 BB...and counting.
661 doubles...and counting.
Wait, what was that one thing you said again, Skip? Great guy, good player? Or... stat you to death? Okay now that that's out of the way.
Skippy:Most people agree with me who really get baseball.
Who? Who in THE HELL agrees with you Skip? Find one. Please. Just one. ONE! Because the guys that inducted this one guy, Ryne Sandberg is his name I think (one of the best 2B of all time) sure as shit don't:
Ryne Sandberg: 2005 HOF inductee.
.285 BA. (that's 3 perecentage points more then Biggio)
2,386 hits. (and about 700 fewer hits)
.344 OBP. (21% points lower then Biggio)
1,061 RBI's. (99 less then)
282 HR. (5 less than)
1,318 runs. (a shitload less)
761 BB. (a shitload's load less)
403 2B. (about 250 less)
Well, I feel better. ESPN, the more idiots you employ like Skip, the more true sports fans you lose. For Skip's sake, atleast give him some stats sheets and let him feel like he stands a chance to answer a question somewhat halfway intelligent. Or here's an idea, hire one of the thousands of people that watched Skip embarrass himself on national tv.
So the topic on 1st and 10 is whether Craig Biggio is a HOFer. (see "punching his ticket" [June archives] for more)
Dana Jacobsen: Is Craig Biggio a HOFer?
Skippy: No. Great guy, good player.
Ok guys, the language may flow a bit more freely in this post then in previous. I'll try to keep it PG-13. And here's why you're wrong Skip: YOU DON'T KNOW CRAIG BIGGIO!!! So instead of basing an opinion off of something you have clear access to (his stats) you decide that he's a great guy. YOU HAVE NO FLIPPING clue about what a great guy he is aside from what people tell you. I'm sure he is, Craig's gotta be great, but damnit Skip, he's one of the best second basemen of all freaking time!
Skippy: Give him the name test. Does the name ring? Craig Biggio. No.
Are you shitting me, Skip? This is how you determine a HOFer??? Does he sound like a HOFer? This is a joke. What does sound more "HOFish" Skip? Uhh... Bobby Doer. Johnny Evers. Red Schoendienst??? I bet you've never heard of these 3 guys, and they're all 2nd basemen in the HOF. Give them the name test, see if they pass Skip. You're such a jack ass.
Skippy: You can stat me to death but the name doesn't ring.
This is Joe Morgan worthy. Absolutely one of the most ingnorant, unintelligent, stupid and lazy things to say. In fact, I will stat you to fucking death Skip!
Biggio:
.282 BA
.365 OBP
3,017 hits... and counting.
1160 RBI... as A LEADOFF HITTER! and counting...
1827 runs... and counting.
1155 BB...and counting.
661 doubles...and counting.
Wait, what was that one thing you said again, Skip? Great guy, good player? Or... stat you to death? Okay now that that's out of the way.
Skippy:Most people agree with me who really get baseball.
Who? Who in THE HELL agrees with you Skip? Find one. Please. Just one. ONE! Because the guys that inducted this one guy, Ryne Sandberg is his name I think (one of the best 2B of all time) sure as shit don't:
Ryne Sandberg: 2005 HOF inductee.
.285 BA. (that's 3 perecentage points more then Biggio)
2,386 hits. (and about 700 fewer hits)
.344 OBP. (21% points lower then Biggio)
1,061 RBI's. (99 less then)
282 HR. (5 less than)
1,318 runs. (a shitload less)
761 BB. (a shitload's load less)
403 2B. (about 250 less)
Well, I feel better. ESPN, the more idiots you employ like Skip, the more true sports fans you lose. For Skip's sake, atleast give him some stats sheets and let him feel like he stands a chance to answer a question somewhat halfway intelligent. Or here's an idea, hire one of the thousands of people that watched Skip embarrass himself on national tv.
Labels: 1st and 10, Craig Biggio, Ryne Sandberg, Skip Bayless
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The Bad Side of Sports
Last week's activity in the basketball world reinforced a common motto that has been upheld by the rest of sporting sector: having money and handling it are two separate things.
This past week, the Suns made a trip to the Goodwill store. They weighed the benefits and preferred a tax write off over what Center Kurt Thomas could provide. But before Goodwill could agree to such a deal, they requested and received two first round picks in the 2008 and 2010 drafts.
Coincidentally, the Seattle Supersonics happened to be in the right place at the right time. Ah who am I kidding? The Sonics, since Shawn Kemp left, have been frequent shoppers at Goodwill. In fact this recent acquistion of Kurt Thomas they got practically free of charge. This had been their 10th purchase and because they were so responsible in getting their Goodwill card stamped each and every time, they were able to reap the benefits of Kurt Thomas only giving up 2nd round pick in the upcoming draft of 2008.
Maybe Kurt Thomas isn't what he use to be, but he's far more valuable than a 2nd round pick at this point in his career so what gives? Money. It begins with money and ends with money. Money also runs the show in between.
In an era in which contracts are guaranteed and battled over in the free market, general managers have their hands tied but still are able to manage to find that panic button and press it repeatedly. They do it during the signings and they do it in the subsequent years. Sometimes it doesn't even take a year for the GM to cut ties (ie: Jeff Weaver).
Is there someone to blame here? Or is this just an inevitable result from the type of markets, general managers are faced with today? Well if it's the latter, then it doesn't seem too appealing to become a fan of a sport in which the richest team in the league is having subsidized the contract of their best player and arguably the best player in all of the sport. (Alex Rodriguez)
While General Managers continue this behavior of firing a gun in the dark and hoping to minimize risk, other GM's should be watching and looking to take advantage of these mistakes. Nobody has done it better than Oakland's General Manager, Billy Beane. Is he the only competent manager? Or maybe he's the only one that reads the Bible, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
Fly away Kurt Thomas. Fly Away.
This past week, the Suns made a trip to the Goodwill store. They weighed the benefits and preferred a tax write off over what Center Kurt Thomas could provide. But before Goodwill could agree to such a deal, they requested and received two first round picks in the 2008 and 2010 drafts.
Coincidentally, the Seattle Supersonics happened to be in the right place at the right time. Ah who am I kidding? The Sonics, since Shawn Kemp left, have been frequent shoppers at Goodwill. In fact this recent acquistion of Kurt Thomas they got practically free of charge. This had been their 10th purchase and because they were so responsible in getting their Goodwill card stamped each and every time, they were able to reap the benefits of Kurt Thomas only giving up 2nd round pick in the upcoming draft of 2008.
Maybe Kurt Thomas isn't what he use to be, but he's far more valuable than a 2nd round pick at this point in his career so what gives? Money. It begins with money and ends with money. Money also runs the show in between.
In an era in which contracts are guaranteed and battled over in the free market, general managers have their hands tied but still are able to manage to find that panic button and press it repeatedly. They do it during the signings and they do it in the subsequent years. Sometimes it doesn't even take a year for the GM to cut ties (ie: Jeff Weaver).
Is there someone to blame here? Or is this just an inevitable result from the type of markets, general managers are faced with today? Well if it's the latter, then it doesn't seem too appealing to become a fan of a sport in which the richest team in the league is having subsidized the contract of their best player and arguably the best player in all of the sport. (Alex Rodriguez)
While General Managers continue this behavior of firing a gun in the dark and hoping to minimize risk, other GM's should be watching and looking to take advantage of these mistakes. Nobody has done it better than Oakland's General Manager, Billy Beane. Is he the only competent manager? Or maybe he's the only one that reads the Bible, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
Fly away Kurt Thomas. Fly Away.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
count the criminals
Let's see how many we can shove into a single post...
Ok that's 3 in 2 google searches. Well, I'll go with 2, Kobe got lucky.
Ok that's 3 in 2 google searches. Well, I'll go with 2, Kobe got lucky.
Labels: Criminals, Mike Vick, Tim Donaghy
No more pencils, no more books
Location: Mannassas, VA.
Time: 10:42.
Topic: One of the rare posts where I will just type and see what happens. If this proves to be disastrous, my laptop will self destruct 15 seconds after the post is made and our blog will be shut down permanently.
Thoughts in italics...
If Bud Selig's job as commissioner isn't to be in attendance on the day the single most sacred and notable record in all of sports history is broken, what exactly does he do? Bud, make the pilgrimage to wherever Barry is going to be the night he makes history, and do yourself a favor: stand and applaud when he jacks it out.
It's that simple. It's your job, Bud. Get your ass there. Barry is one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game, and quite honestly, I think you'd like to be there just to watch Barry swing the stick.
Michael Vick may feel like a saint compared to Tim Donaghy right now.
This is bad... bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad for the NBA. See post below by KevDog.
The more and more I think about it, the more fantasy baseball is fairly to majorly screwed up. We attribute points to categories like RBI's, Wins, Losses and BA when we should be counting categories like OPS, OBP, SLG and WHIP. Ryan Howard has no control over how many RBI's he has in one week. What he has control if his hitting the evaliving snot out of the ball and just hoping J-Roll is on base when he does it. He controls his OBP (On Base Percentage) and OPS (OBP+Slugging) and SLG. Johan Santana has no control over how many runs the Twinkies score on any given night, or how many they don't. All he can control is his WHIP, BB's, K's. If he throws a CG and loses 1-0, he loses points for the "L". Inversely, he could go 5 innings, give up 6 runs, walk 7 guys (not likely, so lets say this is Ervin of the Santanas), while the Twinkies score 10 runs, and he gets a "W". I'd get more into this but I'm tired and its late.
Time: 10:42.
Topic: One of the rare posts where I will just type and see what happens. If this proves to be disastrous, my laptop will self destruct 15 seconds after the post is made and our blog will be shut down permanently.
Thoughts in italics...
If Bud Selig's job as commissioner isn't to be in attendance on the day the single most sacred and notable record in all of sports history is broken, what exactly does he do? Bud, make the pilgrimage to wherever Barry is going to be the night he makes history, and do yourself a favor: stand and applaud when he jacks it out.
It's that simple. It's your job, Bud. Get your ass there. Barry is one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game, and quite honestly, I think you'd like to be there just to watch Barry swing the stick.
Michael Vick may feel like a saint compared to Tim Donaghy right now.
This is bad... bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad badbad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad for the NBA. See post below by KevDog.
The more and more I think about it, the more fantasy baseball is fairly to majorly screwed up. We attribute points to categories like RBI's, Wins, Losses and BA when we should be counting categories like OPS, OBP, SLG and WHIP. Ryan Howard has no control over how many RBI's he has in one week. What he has control if his hitting the evaliving snot out of the ball and just hoping J-Roll is on base when he does it. He controls his OBP (On Base Percentage) and OPS (OBP+Slugging) and SLG. Johan Santana has no control over how many runs the Twinkies score on any given night, or how many they don't. All he can control is his WHIP, BB's, K's. If he throws a CG and loses 1-0, he loses points for the "L". Inversely, he could go 5 innings, give up 6 runs, walk 7 guys (not likely, so lets say this is Ervin of the Santanas), while the Twinkies score 10 runs, and he gets a "W". I'd get more into this but I'm tired and its late.
What Does it All Mean?
Frankly, I don't know. But, it's bad.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy is being investigated by the FBI for betting on NBA games, both that he officiated and those that he didn't. What does that mean? Well, I don't know, but based on numbers crunchers, outcomes of games Donaghy reffed in the past 2 seasons were clearly altered. Over/Under bets were on average much more volatile, and, in what I think is the most damning piece of evidence, ESPN reports that the over/under bets shifted by more than a point in just minutes before the tip. That means that big money was being placed in the final minutes of games that Donaghy was reffing.
So, what does it all mean for the future of the NBA? Stern calls Donaghy's action an isolated incident--but is it? Who knows if other referees are acting in the same way? Who knows if this has been a long storied tradition among refs? What can stop them? Who let the cat out of the bag for Donaghy? I wish I knew the answers to these questions. We all do.
More importantly, did Donaghy effect the outcome of games? If he did, that unleashes a spiral effect on everything. If Donaghy even had an impact on a victory or loss of even 1 game, that could have ultimately had an effect on the way the playoff seedings played out, and therefore the playoff matchups, and therefore the NBA Champion. It's cheating. That's all there is to it.
Bonds (allegedly) taking steroids? Awful, but he still had to make contact with the ball.
Floyd Landis (allegedly) taking steriods? Awful, but he still had to pedal, train, and work hard
Pete Rose gambling on games? Awful, but it's hard to be solely responsible for the outcome of a game in baseball.
Donaghy? He's the ref. Everyone listens. He blows the whistle, and decides who gets kicked out of the game, who shoots free throws, and in general, who gets the ball, and when.
Foxsports.com says that Donaghy led the NBA in the last two seasons in technical fouls, free throw attempts, and foul outs per game.
There's a reason for that. And it's sad.
What does it all mean? I don't really know. But it's not good.
Labels: Bonds, cheating, Donaghy, Floyd Landis, Kevdog, NBA, Pete Rose, scandal
Monday, July 23, 2007
This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorites...
Tim Brown. We went over this last time. He went to USC or some garbage like that, big time writer for Yahoo! Sports. I'm just gonna delve right into this and see if I can get him fired sooner rather then later. Ok well I won't get him fired, but it could be fun...
"Going on August now, and it seems odd to not have the Oakland A's around.
The best second-half team in the game since 1999 – ask the Los Angeles Angels – the A's don't look to have it in them this summer."
Since 1999, The Oakland A's have 4 AL West Titles: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006. In 2002, the Angels won the whole freakin'thing. In 2003, the Angels weren't even in the race, so I wouldn't have asked the Halos then. In 2003 and 2004 the Angels WON THE FREAKING DIVISION.
I'm not even going to mention that in 2001 (yes, the quote said "since 1999") the Mariners won like 6 bagillion games.
But sure, ask the Angels.
"Rather than making one of their signature runs, sending little crawlies down Bill Stoneman's neck, the A's instead are shopping players."
Little crawlies. I bet Bill just despises those things. I bet one thing that one Bill (Bavasi) get little crawlies from is letting a 12 game lead slip away to Seattle in 1997, but I don't know if Stoneman has the same creepy crawly buggars climbing all over him.
Lets recount the reasons why Bill Stoneman and the Angels are deathly afraid of the always hard charging Oakland A's...
A's Division Titles since 1999: 4. Angels: 2. Good point Tim, getting to the post season is all that has ever mattered. Get there, and you've basically won it. Yes, the A's are a great second half team, but oh wait... damnit... forgot one thing...
A's WS Titles since 1999: zero. Angels: 1. Well hell, one's better then nothing. And yes, being an Angels fan helps in the bias of this article, but I'm not sure anyone would argue that the franchise on the up here is clearly Los Angeles. Billy Beane is a genius, and I'm as big a fan of Moneyball as Joe Morgan...err... wait... ESPN's best baseball analyst hasn't even read the book yet. Scratch that. Ok I'm as big a Moneyball fan as any respectable (insert Joe Morgan insult here) baseball fan, but that's not enough for Oakland in this case. And quite honestly, they are not that good this year.
Okay the rest goes on to blah blah blah about their injuries and where they are shipping all their talent. The End. Tim Brown, I'm bookmarking your blog. Thanks for the material.
Read on, Readers
"Going on August now, and it seems odd to not have the Oakland A's around.
The best second-half team in the game since 1999 – ask the Los Angeles Angels – the A's don't look to have it in them this summer."
Since 1999, The Oakland A's have 4 AL West Titles: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006. In 2002, the Angels won the whole freakin'thing. In 2003, the Angels weren't even in the race, so I wouldn't have asked the Halos then. In 2003 and 2004 the Angels WON THE FREAKING DIVISION.
I'm not even going to mention that in 2001 (yes, the quote said "since 1999") the Mariners won like 6 bagillion games.
But sure, ask the Angels.
"Rather than making one of their signature runs, sending little crawlies down Bill Stoneman's neck, the A's instead are shopping players."
Little crawlies. I bet Bill just despises those things. I bet one thing that one Bill (Bavasi) get little crawlies from is letting a 12 game lead slip away to Seattle in 1997, but I don't know if Stoneman has the same creepy crawly buggars climbing all over him.
Lets recount the reasons why Bill Stoneman and the Angels are deathly afraid of the always hard charging Oakland A's...
A's Division Titles since 1999: 4. Angels: 2. Good point Tim, getting to the post season is all that has ever mattered. Get there, and you've basically won it. Yes, the A's are a great second half team, but oh wait... damnit... forgot one thing...
A's WS Titles since 1999: zero. Angels: 1. Well hell, one's better then nothing. And yes, being an Angels fan helps in the bias of this article, but I'm not sure anyone would argue that the franchise on the up here is clearly Los Angeles. Billy Beane is a genius, and I'm as big a fan of Moneyball as Joe Morgan...err... wait... ESPN's best baseball analyst hasn't even read the book yet. Scratch that. Ok I'm as big a Moneyball fan as any respectable (insert Joe Morgan insult here) baseball fan, but that's not enough for Oakland in this case. And quite honestly, they are not that good this year.
Okay the rest goes on to blah blah blah about their injuries and where they are shipping all their talent. The End. Tim Brown, I'm bookmarking your blog. Thanks for the material.
Read on, Readers
Labels: Bill Stoneman, Creepy Crawlies, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland A's
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Feels familiar
This morning begins our 3+ hour journey from Washington, D.C. to New York City. After seeing the Nationals stadium (RFK) and their performance early last week, I can see them taking a "Major League" style bus down to play the Mets. I mean seriously, this franchise is garbage. Stadium gets an "F". I felt like I was going to get mugged just walking around the tunnels in the outfield bleachers. They have nothing but hot dogs and chicken tenders to eat. Their fan base blows. I felt like I was at a minor league baseball game. Their team blows. I felt like I was at a minor league baseball game.
If you're a baseball fan in D.C., I'm sorry. If you're a parent raising your kid in D.C., by all means, make the journey to Camden Yards, Philly, or NY for your kid's first baseball experience. Whatever you have to do, keep him away from RFK. Just being there made me hate the game for a split second.
Ok gotta run, don't wanna miss the bus...
If you're a baseball fan in D.C., I'm sorry. If you're a parent raising your kid in D.C., by all means, make the journey to Camden Yards, Philly, or NY for your kid's first baseball experience. Whatever you have to do, keep him away from RFK. Just being there made me hate the game for a split second.
Ok gotta run, don't wanna miss the bus...
Labels: franchise, Nationals, RFK, sucks
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thank you
Thank you, Jesus.
(looking to the sky)
Look what just fell into my lap courtesy of our friends at FJM.
(looking to the sky)
Look what just fell into my lap courtesy of our friends at FJM.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Hey Vick
I'll take $200 on the pitbull with 3 legs.
Labels: dog fighting, Vick
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Beantown Pride
A 1 hour layover in Boston means only one thing for me: How much of Beantown can I observe from the airport? Answer: very little. What I did notice was, that out of probably 100 different people I saw walk by me as I was waiting for my connecting flight to DC, about 65 of them had either a Bo Sox hat or shirt on. As I frantically searched through my carry on to see if I could find my Angels hat to dawn (No I didn't crap out like Boyd and Kevin when they were scared to wear their Angels hats to the Yanks/Angels game), I realized, "Man, these fans are hardcore."
I never stepped foot outside the airport in Boston, but I could tell these fans were actually baseball fans. It was 4:45 in the morning and those colors didn't run. Nevermind the fact that I didn't speak to a single fan, I just built a bit of an image of a true baseball fan from that scene at the airport. I bet these fans truly appreciate advancing runners to 2nd and 3rd with less then 2 outs, or moving from 1st to 3rd on a single. I think Southern California is being groomed into that, but we're not there yet.
Ok this post is being cut incredibly short, time to go pick up Alexa from the airport...
I never stepped foot outside the airport in Boston, but I could tell these fans were actually baseball fans. It was 4:45 in the morning and those colors didn't run. Nevermind the fact that I didn't speak to a single fan, I just built a bit of an image of a true baseball fan from that scene at the airport. I bet these fans truly appreciate advancing runners to 2nd and 3rd with less then 2 outs, or moving from 1st to 3rd on a single. I think Southern California is being groomed into that, but we're not there yet.
Ok this post is being cut incredibly short, time to go pick up Alexa from the airport...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Futility Witnessed
I was at Citizens' Bank Park last night to see the Philadelphia Phillies lose their 10,000th game in team history. Yes, that's the correct number of zeros: 10,000.
I had to read into it a bit just to believe it. Apparently, to their credit, they've also got 8,810 wins. They've been around for 124 years. One sign in the crowd read:
10,000 losses
124 years
1 WS Title
No Surprise
Poor Philadelphia. In the last inning, with the score 10-0 Cardinals (a somewhat appropriate tally for that 10,000th loss), the fans finally had a milestone to cheer about. The Phils notched a run to botch the Cardinals shutout, then Chase Utley came to the plate with 2 outs, and the Phils down 10-1. Those that were left in the crowd rose to their feet and cheered as loud as they had the entire game.
Claps and chants of "10,000!" filled Citizens' Bank Park. It didn't matter what Chase Utley did in that at-bat, he was going to be cheered for. If he struck out, the fans were ready to embrace the new record of futility. Instead, Utley doubled to the gap, scoring another run. The fans loved it, not surprisingly. Ryan Howard struck out in the next at-bat, and the Philly faithful cheered just as hard as they did for Utley.
If you're gonna be bad, at least you should admit it. I respect that.
I had to read into it a bit just to believe it. Apparently, to their credit, they've also got 8,810 wins. They've been around for 124 years. One sign in the crowd read:
124 years
1 WS Title
No Surprise
Poor Philadelphia. In the last inning, with the score 10-0 Cardinals (a somewhat appropriate tally for that 10,000th loss), the fans finally had a milestone to cheer about. The Phils notched a run to botch the Cardinals shutout, then Chase Utley came to the plate with 2 outs, and the Phils down 10-1. Those that were left in the crowd rose to their feet and cheered as loud as they had the entire game.
Claps and chants of "10,000!" filled Citizens' Bank Park. It didn't matter what Chase Utley did in that at-bat, he was going to be cheered for. If he struck out, the fans were ready to embrace the new record of futility. Instead, Utley doubled to the gap, scoring another run. The fans loved it, not surprisingly. Ryan Howard struck out in the next at-bat, and the Philly faithful cheered just as hard as they did for Utley.
If you're gonna be bad, at least you should admit it. I respect that.
Labels: 000, 10, futility, Kevdog, MLB, Phillies, record, Utley
Friday, July 13, 2007
There's Something About Gary...
I guess I'll just go one by one...
Sheffield says Torre treats black players differently from white players and says Jeter, who is from a mixed-race marriage, "ain't all the way black," during the interview with Andrea Kremer, as reported by Newsday.
You're right, Gary. He's half black. Which means he's half as awesome as you. And half as likely to get screwed by Torre. Hell, it must be so hard on you Sheff. I'm sure you really had a hard time taking your multi-bagillion dollar check from Steinbrenner every month. If that's being treated "differently," show me where to sign.
Later, he said there was no real significance to Jeter's bi-racial heritage, but added: "Derek Jeter used to come to me and try to tell you what Joe Torre is all about, he's a good man, he's this, he's that, but like I tell Derek Jeter, that's you. It's one thing that they treat you a certain way; you don't feel what other people feel."
There you go, Gary, come to your senses. It's all in your head. Your emotions are spinning out of control, I understand. Mid-life crisis is well on it's way...
As for Bonds, Sheffield says "if I took what Barry Bonds took, why don't I look like him?" He also says that he never took steroids because "the bottom line is steroids is something you stick in your butt -- period."
Trading on a brother: not cool G-man. Not cool. Oh, and you probably don't look like Barry because he took the good sh**. And really, you didn't take them because you have to stick them in your butt? You're that much of a homophobe?
Merlin the Magician: Hey Trent, here's a magic potient. When you take it, you'll get straight A's in college. Not just any college, you'll get into whatever college you want. And then after that, you'll have a job lined up for you where you'll make 6 figures your first year. There's only one catch: You have to sit on a fence once a week and risk the chance of a mini-martian coming by and shoving a giant dildo up your ass.
Trent: No thanks, I'm good. That would almost pretty much basically make me gay. I'm fine being mediocre.
And finally...
Sheffield reportedly began the interview by saying: "I tell myself every offseason I'm not going to say anything crazy. I'm just going to have a peaceful season ... Can't do it. I'm cut from a different cloth."
Too good to be true, TGTBT... you're cut from the I'm bitter because I never won a World Series in New York cloth Gary.
I hope you fall off the team bus and break every bone in your body...
Sheffield says Torre treats black players differently from white players and says Jeter, who is from a mixed-race marriage, "ain't all the way black," during the interview with Andrea Kremer, as reported by Newsday.
You're right, Gary. He's half black. Which means he's half as awesome as you. And half as likely to get screwed by Torre. Hell, it must be so hard on you Sheff. I'm sure you really had a hard time taking your multi-bagillion dollar check from Steinbrenner every month. If that's being treated "differently," show me where to sign.
Later, he said there was no real significance to Jeter's bi-racial heritage, but added: "Derek Jeter used to come to me and try to tell you what Joe Torre is all about, he's a good man, he's this, he's that, but like I tell Derek Jeter, that's you. It's one thing that they treat you a certain way; you don't feel what other people feel."
There you go, Gary, come to your senses. It's all in your head. Your emotions are spinning out of control, I understand. Mid-life crisis is well on it's way...
As for Bonds, Sheffield says "if I took what Barry Bonds took, why don't I look like him?" He also says that he never took steroids because "the bottom line is steroids is something you stick in your butt -- period."
Trading on a brother: not cool G-man. Not cool. Oh, and you probably don't look like Barry because he took the good sh**. And really, you didn't take them because you have to stick them in your butt? You're that much of a homophobe?
Merlin the Magician: Hey Trent, here's a magic potient. When you take it, you'll get straight A's in college. Not just any college, you'll get into whatever college you want. And then after that, you'll have a job lined up for you where you'll make 6 figures your first year. There's only one catch: You have to sit on a fence once a week and risk the chance of a mini-martian coming by and shoving a giant dildo up your ass.
Trent: No thanks, I'm good. That would almost pretty much basically make me gay. I'm fine being mediocre.
And finally...
Sheffield reportedly began the interview by saying: "I tell myself every offseason I'm not going to say anything crazy. I'm just going to have a peaceful season ... Can't do it. I'm cut from a different cloth."
Too good to be true, TGTBT... you're cut from the I'm bitter because I never won a World Series in New York cloth Gary.
I hope you fall off the team bus and break every bone in your body...
Labels: black, Gary, racist, Torre
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Mariners not Miners
The Seattle Mariners, throughout the 90's and until now, has fielded a team that arguably could be one of the strongest, if not, most talented teams in the big leagues. They've had Griffey, Arod, Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Nelson, Jay Buhner. They set the league record, at the time, most home runs by a team in a season. They won 116 games in 2001. Yet they've failed to even reach the World Series in their franchise history. The problem? Well it's difficult to pinpoint just one but the failure to keep their stars is definitely near the top.
Griffey...gone. Arod...gone. Randy Johnson...gone. After letting three superstars and future hall of famers walk, General Manager Bill Bavasi is instituting a new strategy: overpay to stay. And this is exactly what he's done in the rumored Ichiro contract extension worth roughly 100 million over 5 seasons. At 20 million a year, Ichiro would become tied for the 4th highest annual contract in baseball with Barry Bonds only behind Arod, Jeter, and Giambi (all yankees...surprised?). The question remains: is he worth it?
Contracts are normally crazy to begin with. Many contracts that are issued are regretted within the subsquent years. For example...let's see...the Texas Rangers are picking up a good portion of Alex Rodriguez's contract still. Get that? The Texas Rangers are paying the best player in the game to play on the richest team in the league. I think that speaks volumes. Even given this, Ichiro's contract makes Alfonso Soriano's look like a bargain. To give 20 million a year to a slap hitter is pure stupidity. Bill James' infamous sabrematrics will tell you that and I will tell you that.
Ichiro's production will not justify his contract, his position will not justify his contract, and his age will certainly not justify his contract. Ichiro, as productive as he is now, will not nearly be as productive come 5 years down the line when the Mariners are paying him a gaudy 20 million a year. Upwards to 20% of the Mariner's payroll will hamper the M's ability to acquire a supporting casts capable of bringing in their first World Series title.
But what does justify his contract is his marketability; namely that he is from Japan and he is playing in the United States. He will bring in more than he will eat up. But what he will eat up is any chance the Mariners will have in the next 5 years to win a World Series. And if you think the Mariner's performance this year is any indication of their capabilities, then my audience is dumber than I thought.
Ichiro asked to have his first name printed on the back of his jersey in Japan because his last name, Suzuki, was too common of a name. He attempted to set himself apart from the rest of the players. He's established himself as a player enough here in the states to set himself apart. But if he needed anything else, this ridiculous contract will surely be the corrective lenses to the no longer blurry image.
Griffey...gone. Arod...gone. Randy Johnson...gone. After letting three superstars and future hall of famers walk, General Manager Bill Bavasi is instituting a new strategy: overpay to stay. And this is exactly what he's done in the rumored Ichiro contract extension worth roughly 100 million over 5 seasons. At 20 million a year, Ichiro would become tied for the 4th highest annual contract in baseball with Barry Bonds only behind Arod, Jeter, and Giambi (all yankees...surprised?). The question remains: is he worth it?
Contracts are normally crazy to begin with. Many contracts that are issued are regretted within the subsquent years. For example...let's see...the Texas Rangers are picking up a good portion of Alex Rodriguez's contract still. Get that? The Texas Rangers are paying the best player in the game to play on the richest team in the league. I think that speaks volumes. Even given this, Ichiro's contract makes Alfonso Soriano's look like a bargain. To give 20 million a year to a slap hitter is pure stupidity. Bill James' infamous sabrematrics will tell you that and I will tell you that.
Ichiro's production will not justify his contract, his position will not justify his contract, and his age will certainly not justify his contract. Ichiro, as productive as he is now, will not nearly be as productive come 5 years down the line when the Mariners are paying him a gaudy 20 million a year. Upwards to 20% of the Mariner's payroll will hamper the M's ability to acquire a supporting casts capable of bringing in their first World Series title.
But what does justify his contract is his marketability; namely that he is from Japan and he is playing in the United States. He will bring in more than he will eat up. But what he will eat up is any chance the Mariners will have in the next 5 years to win a World Series. And if you think the Mariner's performance this year is any indication of their capabilities, then my audience is dumber than I thought.
Ichiro asked to have his first name printed on the back of his jersey in Japan because his last name, Suzuki, was too common of a name. He attempted to set himself apart from the rest of the players. He's established himself as a player enough here in the states to set himself apart. But if he needed anything else, this ridiculous contract will surely be the corrective lenses to the no longer blurry image.
Magic Back in Orlando
The Orlando Magic introduced sharp-shooter Rashard Lewis yesterday, after finalizing a sign-and-trade deal with the Seattle Supersonics to acquire the small forward. The Magic will pay Lewis more than $110 million over 6 years, while only sacrificing a future second round pick and a trade exception worth about $9 million.
That's right, the Magic lost no one to acquire what many thought was this summer's best free agent. That's fantastic. Kudos to Magic GM Otis Smith on this one.
Lewis brings a proven shooter, who really has flourished in the past 3 seasons in Seattle, averaging more than 20 points/game in that time, including over 22 points/game this season. Lewis will combine forces with young All-Star big man Dwight Howard down low to form one of the league's best inside-outside combinations in the league.
The Magic let veteran forward Grant Hill go this year, after he limped through a couple of injury riddled seasons for them, and just yesterday let Darko Milicic sign with the Memphis Grizzlies. While they could have used Hill to help this young team mesh together, Orlando will be sitting pretty with their upgraded squad.
While Lewis and Howard will form the core, don't forget about rising point guard Jameer Nelson, who will now have plenty of options to dish the ball to, former Sacramento Kings sharp-shooter Hedo Turkoglu, who filled in (sometimes brilliantly) for the oft-injured Grant Hill last season, and summer-league and former Duke stud J.J. Redick. Redick has been wowing folks in Las Vegas so far this year, convincing some that he may break out this season.
Either way, the Orlando Magic just got a heck of a lot stronger. Lewis feels they can compete for a championship this season--I don't think they are quite there yet. But they just got a heck of a lot closer. Solid young point guard, amazingly talented young big man, and one of the best 3-point shooters in the league is a pretty special trio. And Rashard is the oldest at 27. Give it a few years, but this could be the beginning of something pretty special.
Side note: doesn't Magic GM Otis Smith look like Stuart Scott (minus the lazy eye)?
That's right, the Magic lost no one to acquire what many thought was this summer's best free agent. That's fantastic. Kudos to Magic GM Otis Smith on this one.Lewis brings a proven shooter, who really has flourished in the past 3 seasons in Seattle, averaging more than 20 points/game in that time, including over 22 points/game this season. Lewis will combine forces with young All-Star big man Dwight Howard down low to form one of the league's best inside-outside combinations in the league.
The Magic let veteran forward Grant Hill go this year, after he limped through a couple of injury riddled seasons for them, and just yesterday let Darko Milicic sign with the Memphis Grizzlies. While they could have used Hill to help this young team mesh together, Orlando will be sitting pretty with their upgraded squad.
While Lewis and Howard will form the core, don't forget about rising point guard Jameer Nelson, who will now have plenty of options to dish the ball to, former Sacramento Kings sharp-shooter Hedo Turkoglu, who filled in (sometimes brilliantly) for the oft-injured Grant Hill last season, and summer-league and former Duke stud J.J. Redick. Redick has been wowing folks in Las Vegas so far this year, convincing some that he may break out this season.
Either way, the Orlando Magic just got a heck of a lot stronger. Lewis feels they can compete for a championship this season--I don't think they are quite there yet. But they just got a heck of a lot closer. Solid young point guard, amazingly talented young big man, and one of the best 3-point shooters in the league is a pretty special trio. And Rashard is the oldest at 27. Give it a few years, but this could be the beginning of something pretty special.
Side note: doesn't Magic GM Otis Smith look like Stuart Scott (minus the lazy eye)?
Labels: Dwight Howard, Kevdog, NBA, Orlando Magic, Rashard Lewis, Stuart Scott
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Need My Phil
I'm a Phil Mickelson fan. Something about watching Lefty play (specifically when he gives competition to Mr. Woods) gets me excited. There's not too much better than watching either Woods or Mickelson duel (preferably against each other, but that hasn't happened for a while) on Sunday of a Major.
Unfortunately, though, Phil's had some issues lately. After his double-bogey on the 72nd hole of the 2006 U.S. Open, things just haven't quite been the same for Phil. Let's not forget that he won at the The Players Championship at the TPC at Sawgrass in early May, among publicity for switching to swing coach Butch Harmon. Since then, though, he's been at his worst.
He's missed 2 straight cuts. That's right--2 CUTS. That means after 2 days of play, he hasn't been within 10 strokes of the leader. And this is the 3rd ranked golfer in the world (behind Woods and Jim Furyk). Granted, he's had some injuries (wrist), and some swing-coach switching. But, Mickelson's troubles are frustrating for golf fans.
We all heard that the U.S. Open last month was supposed to be the hardest course in PGA history. And Phil didn't disappoint, by showing us how hard it was and shooting a 77 and 74 in 2 days to miss the weekend.
Phil played in Tiger Woods' AT&T Tournament this past weekend, and again, missed the cut. He'll play in Scotland this week, in an effort to ready himself for next week's British Open.
Prediction? I think it's a good sign that Mickelson has decided to play this week in Europe before the British, meaning that his wrist injury may be behind him. Perhaps he'll take this week to get his head on straight and be squared away for the British Open.
I'd really like a Woods/Phil battle on Sunday. I've been missing it for a while. Come back, Phil.
Labels: Kevdog, PGA, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods
Buy Stocks not Bonds
Barry Bonds, in what might be his last All Star Game ever, was able to strike out in the Home Run Derby without even stepping up to the plate. Bonds had the opportunity to say thank you to the fans. And not just any fans but the very fans that stuck their neck out there and opened their mouth defending the Giant slugger when allegations of steroids and cheating took place. But screwing over the fans and pursuing an ego focused life shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
According to Barry he admits to enjoying the consistent boo's he receives throughout stadiums across America. Barry doesn't need fans. He doesn't need anybody else. But what Bonds fails to realize is that he does. If Bonds wishes to be remembered as the greatest hitter of all time (which he does), he's going to need the support of sportswriters and fans everywhere because as we have learned over time: nobody is bigger then the game though applaud Barry for his effort in attempt to be.
The following paragraph were written in response to an article in the UCSD guardian. I'm choosing to copy and paste because it's easier and feel as if I cannot state how I feel better than I did in this response.
"If you want us to consider only the man that played the game, then we should only, fittingly, reward the man that played the game. When he hits a major league baseball over the fence, then we shall give him his four bases. But when he attempts to get into the Hall of Fame, he has to face reality. Entrance into the hall of fame comes down to the opinion, yes I said opinion, of sports writers. If all we ever did was look at statistics, then why would we need sports writers to evaluate a player's value to be entered into the Hall of Fame? Couldn't we make this like College entrance admissions? We have a bar, and those players that achieve numbers superior are entered. Well it isn't like that. If numbers were the only thing sportswriters and fans cared about, then we wouldn't have such strong feelings for players like David Eckstein. We wouldn't. But we do because baseball is more about numbers. Just ask Pete Rose."
Is Bonds an ammbassador for baseball...you decide, "And if it does happen, the only number I care about is Babe Ruth's. Because as a left-handed hitter, I wiped him out. That's it. And in the baseball world, Babe Ruth's everything, right? I got his slugging percentage and I'll take his home runs and that's it. Don't talk about him no more."
Bonds needed to work out 6 days a week and take steroids to pass a guy that would drink after ballgames and stay in worser shape then Mo Vaughn. Who has more talent? Who has a candy bar named after him?
Bonds missed a chance to gain some "respect" in the baseball world by declining to participate in the Home Run Derby contest. But Bonds won't be missed in the coming years of baseball.
According to Barry he admits to enjoying the consistent boo's he receives throughout stadiums across America. Barry doesn't need fans. He doesn't need anybody else. But what Bonds fails to realize is that he does. If Bonds wishes to be remembered as the greatest hitter of all time (which he does), he's going to need the support of sportswriters and fans everywhere because as we have learned over time: nobody is bigger then the game though applaud Barry for his effort in attempt to be.
The following paragraph were written in response to an article in the UCSD guardian. I'm choosing to copy and paste because it's easier and feel as if I cannot state how I feel better than I did in this response.
"If you want us to consider only the man that played the game, then we should only, fittingly, reward the man that played the game. When he hits a major league baseball over the fence, then we shall give him his four bases. But when he attempts to get into the Hall of Fame, he has to face reality. Entrance into the hall of fame comes down to the opinion, yes I said opinion, of sports writers. If all we ever did was look at statistics, then why would we need sports writers to evaluate a player's value to be entered into the Hall of Fame? Couldn't we make this like College entrance admissions? We have a bar, and those players that achieve numbers superior are entered. Well it isn't like that. If numbers were the only thing sportswriters and fans cared about, then we wouldn't have such strong feelings for players like David Eckstein. We wouldn't. But we do because baseball is more about numbers. Just ask Pete Rose."
Is Bonds an ammbassador for baseball...you decide, "And if it does happen, the only number I care about is Babe Ruth's. Because as a left-handed hitter, I wiped him out. That's it. And in the baseball world, Babe Ruth's everything, right? I got his slugging percentage and I'll take his home runs and that's it. Don't talk about him no more."
Bonds needed to work out 6 days a week and take steroids to pass a guy that would drink after ballgames and stay in worser shape then Mo Vaughn. Who has more talent? Who has a candy bar named after him?
Bonds missed a chance to gain some "respect" in the baseball world by declining to participate in the Home Run Derby contest. But Bonds won't be missed in the coming years of baseball.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Re: Joe Morgan
Ryan Howard's total in round one: 3 Homeruns. Eliminated.
Joe:"I'm going with Ryan Howard to win this thing because he didn't make the All-Star team."
Minutes later... "I definitely think its easier to hit the ball out as a righty here”
Wait...what?
That's why you picked Howard to win?
Good call Joe. You never disappoint.
Joe:"I'm going with Ryan Howard to win this thing because he didn't make the All-Star team."
Minutes later... "I definitely think its easier to hit the ball out as a righty here”
Wait...what?
That's why you picked Howard to win?
Good call Joe. You never disappoint.
Labels: Eliminated, Howard
This is going to be a long night...
Baseball Tonight pregame show for the Homerun Derby:
Karl Ravech (to Eduardo Perez): "Eduardo, you hit a lot of homeruns, what's the perfect homerun pitch?"
Eddie's career HR total: 79. In 1,800 AB's. And 754 games. Not terrible. But definitely not A LOT of home runs.
Sit tight guys, I'm anxious too.
Karl Ravech (to Eduardo Perez): "Eduardo, you hit a lot of homeruns, what's the perfect homerun pitch?"
Eddie's career HR total: 79. In 1,800 AB's. And 754 games. Not terrible. But definitely not A LOT of home runs.
Sit tight guys, I'm anxious too.
Labels: Eduardo Perez, Karl Ravech
Oh Here We Go...
Joe Morgan is calling the homerun Derby. I'm sure there is so much more to come... the happened in the first 60 seconds:
Joe:"I'm going with Ryan Howard to win this thing because he didn't make the All-Star team."
That makes sense, Joe. That makes perfect sense. I really hate you.
Joe:"I'm going with Ryan Howard to win this thing because he didn't make the All-Star team."
That makes sense, Joe. That makes perfect sense. I really hate you.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Major League Baseball beans ESPN
Major League Baseball laid the smackdown on ESPN telling them "Oh, no you di-int." The words could have been uttered on any daytime TV show from Maury to Springer, but this time they were directed at Sports Cable Channel ESPN. What gives? Why is MLB no longer in bed with ESPN?
It appears that ESPN, much like the spoiled obnoxious child it is, reported information that was supposed to be exclusive. Here's what went down....Major League Baseball gives exclusive licenses to certain content providers (TBS, ESPN, Fox Sports, etc.) so that the provider is allowed to televise or report on the results of baseball related news. Major League Baseball gets a hefty paycheck and the tv channel gets an exclusive right to deliver the goods-be it information or a telecast of a game.
What happened here is that TBS was granted an embargo in that TBS was, for a limited time, the only entity allowed to report the selection of the all star teams. The selection show was scheduled from 4-5 Eastern Time on Sunday. Prior to selection show coverage, TBS was covering a baseball game that was delayed 85 minutes because of rain and went into extra innings. As a result, the selection show did not air until after 6 p.m. ESPN delivered via "Sportscenter" the results of the selection just minutes after TBS announced them.
This pissed off MLB which has revoked any special treatment ESPN was to get at the baseball game. This upset MLB because TBS bargained for the right to be the exclusive carrier of that information (ie. any fan who wanted to immediately know who was selected for AL and NL All Star teams would have to tune into TBS). As a result, MLB decided to treat ESPN as a non-rights holder. What does this mean?
Well, ESPN won't be able to televise Baseball Tonight or a portion of Sportscenter from AT&T Park in San Francisco as they had originally planned. Instead, ESPN will have to cover from their principal place of business--Bristol, Connecticut.
Will we see ESPN at the All Star game at all? The ESPN set was taken down on Thursday, so it appears not.
Interestingly enough, ESPN is quite dependent on its good relationship with the anchor four sports leagues (particularly the NFL and the NBA). Is this a sign of things to come from ESPN? Are they going to continue to test the waters and try to push forward with their monopoly of all things sports and quasi-sports related (that spelling bee is barely quasi-sports...although I won't argue against those cheer competitions).
Labels: ESPN, Maury, MLB, Springer, TBS
Friday, July 6, 2007
Grace's fall from grace?
Grace in Buehrle's corner
He's a Buehrle fan and an aficionado of bars in Chicago.
Grace called last Saturday's Brewers-Cubs game for Fox, and afterward did some bar-hopping with friends around Wrigley Field.
Asked where he went, Grace replied: "Where didn't I go?"
Keep livin' the dream, Markie Mark.
He's a Buehrle fan and an aficionado of bars in Chicago.
Grace called last Saturday's Brewers-Cubs game for Fox, and afterward did some bar-hopping with friends around Wrigley Field.
Asked where he went, Grace replied: "Where didn't I go?"
Keep livin' the dream, Markie Mark.
There's Something About Larry
ESPN.com reports that Tony Parker, in a last minute fit of premarital insanity, took the famed Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy and eloped to Las Vegas on Friday, July 6th (the eve of the day he was to wed Eva Longoria). Tony became a suspected trophysexual when he admitted to kicking his then-fiancee out of his bed so he could to spoon with the championship trophy for the night.
The understandably shocked and devastated Longoria had this to say in response:
"I can't believe he would leave me for a trophy named Larry. Whatever. I'll just go marry the Alma award I won for my role in The Young and The Restless. No I'm NOT a desperate housewife, @%$#*!"
It remains to be seen how this will affect the ratings of ABC's broadcasts next season. Since Longoria started to attend Spurs games in support of her boyfriend, ABC has reported an average of a 15% ratings increase per 10 seconds of Eva coverage. Although it has been rumored that Parker plans to keep Eva's old season seats and actually place his polished partner in the seat for home games.
ABC has not announced their plans to adjust to the change, but TNT is reportedly negotiating with the AT&T Center for exclusive rights to install a "Larry-Cam" in the cup holder directly in front of the trophy's seat.
The AT&T Center also revealed preliminary plans to introduce a halftime promotional feature called "Larry, Barry, and Dairy" in which Spurs guard Brent Barry would attempt to hit the championship trophy with a basketball-sized water balloon filled with 2% milk from anywhere on the court.
+ 
+ 
= 
Where will the line be drawn in this shameless exploitation of Tony Parker and Larry's new relationship? Only time will tell. Until then, I'm keeping my peeled for Eva and her Alma.
_________________________________________
On a serious note, my sincere congratulations to both Tony Parker and Eva Longoria, who were married today, Friday the 6th.
Labels: ABC, basketball, Brent Barry, Eva Longoria, marriage, milk, NBA, Tony Parker, trophy, trophysexual, wedding
Guys, he cares more than anyone knows
On the Reds firing Jerry Narron.
Here's an idea...
"He's a good manager," said president and CEO Bob Castellini. "I believe he'll be a manager again."
Chin:Uhh... you just fired the guy. I don't think he or anyone cares if you blow smoke up his ass or not. Please stop.
"As a person, as a baseball man, a passionate, caring, wanting-to-do-the-right-thing, respecting-the-game ... I can't say enough good things about Jerry Narron," said Wayne Krivsky, the GM who had just fired him.
Chin::This guy sounds swell. If he asked permission to take my daughter out, I might let him...
I hope these weren't the qualities you were looking for in a manager or anything. If they were, you just screwed up. But let's hope for your sake, they weren't, and you might be ok. Who am I kidding, you're still the Cincifreakinnati Reds. Eeeekkkk...
Chin:Well, apparently you could say enough good things, because you stopped. And he's fired. And you're still the Reds. And you'll always blow, even though Joe Morgan probably has you picked to win the WS this year. In fact, I think Joe may have mentioned something about coming out of retirement to take Brandon Phillip's job. Keep your eyes peeled.
"He's a fine human being," Castellini said. "And he cares more than anybody knows."
Chin:Wait... what...does this... have to do... with anything? I'm sure he's a fine human being. So was Mother Theresa, but we're not gonna give her a playbook and let her call the shots are we? And yes, I'm sure he cares more than anbody (anybody in the whole wide freaking world) knows. What he cares about is irrelevant apparently, because cares more.
Here's an idea...
"He's a good manager," said president and CEO Bob Castellini. "I believe he'll be a manager again."
Chin:Uhh... you just fired the guy. I don't think he or anyone cares if you blow smoke up his ass or not. Please stop.
"As a person, as a baseball man, a passionate, caring, wanting-to-do-the-right-thing, respecting-the-game ... I can't say enough good things about Jerry Narron," said Wayne Krivsky, the GM who had just fired him.
Chin::This guy sounds swell. If he asked permission to take my daughter out, I might let him...
I hope these weren't the qualities you were looking for in a manager or anything. If they were, you just screwed up. But let's hope for your sake, they weren't, and you might be ok. Who am I kidding, you're still the Cincifreakinnati Reds. Eeeekkkk...
Chin:Well, apparently you could say enough good things, because you stopped. And he's fired. And you're still the Reds. And you'll always blow, even though Joe Morgan probably has you picked to win the WS this year. In fact, I think Joe may have mentioned something about coming out of retirement to take Brandon Phillip's job. Keep your eyes peeled.
"He's a fine human being," Castellini said. "And he cares more than anybody knows."
Chin:Wait... what...does this... have to do... with anything? I'm sure he's a fine human being. So was Mother Theresa, but we're not gonna give her a playbook and let her call the shots are we? And yes, I'm sure he cares more than anbody (anybody in the whole wide freaking world) knows. What he cares about is irrelevant apparently, because cares more.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
It's About Time
Hector Carrasco was designated for assignment earlier this week. The Angels have ten days to either trade him or give him his out right release. And because I majored in economics and know the laws of demand and supply, I would imagine it will be the latter. Even though the Angels will most likely be eating his multi million dollar contract and getting nothing in return, we must focus on the positives. Simply put: addition by subtraction.
To replace Hector the "gas can" Carrasco, the Angels brought up right handed Chris Resop from the AAA club in Salt Lake City. After throwing a scoreless inning in relief on tuesday night, the skipper Mike Scioscia had this to say, "In spring training and in the first month of the season it looked like he was searching for something. He pounded the zone, and you can see his stuff is there. We're very excited about him."
Forget that Mike's entire comments seem to have an implicit sexual reference, it's obvious that Resop is an upgrade over Carrasco and at a cheaper price [no puns intended]. When asked about what he liked most in Resop, Scioscia responded, "that his last name isn't Carrasco."
Scioscia also iterated that Resop has the stuff to be a potential closer and also the mound presence to fill in during pressure situations. While his role is still unclear, his versatility seems to be his biggest asset to the team. Scioscia ended the interview with this, "the most difficult thing with Resop won't be where we decide to pitch him, but how to replace Carrasco. Hector was one of a kind. It's not often a guy of his calibar comes along and just knows how to wave the white flag so efficiently and effectively." Mike has considered passing the flag to the next kin, Darren Oliver.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
D-Fish Back to LA?
Derek Fisher was released by the Utah Jazz on Monday, after the Jazz granted the guard's request so that he could move to a city where he could get care for his 11-month old daughter who has a rare form of cancer in her left eye.
It's a really awful story, but it's good to see a class act in the NBA, as Fox Sports' Kevin Hench notes. But, to be sure, Fisher's a fighter, and he wants to play basketball. Despite the success he experienced with the Utah Jazz this past season (Fisher played an integral role in getting the Jazz to within 3 games of the NBA Finals), he sacrificed what he had in Utah to care for his family.
Perhaps Latrell "Need to Feed My Family" Spreewell should take a cue from Fisher's book.
Anyway, interestingly, the biggest rumor which came about after Fisher's release was a scenario bringing him back to Los Angeles, with the Lakers desperately in need of a point guard. Having released Smush Parker, the Lakers best point guard at the moment is Jordan Farmar, a decent player, but not a starter.
I'm sure nearly every Laker fan would love to see Fisher back in LA. I was sad to see him go. He always fought hard, had a great demeanor, and, most importantly, got along well with Kobe. Perhaps a Fisher return could help ease Bryant's concerns?
For any doubters, who wouldn't want to go back to a team with the guy who did this?
I still smile every time I see that. Come back, D-Fish! We need you!
Labels: Bryant, class act, Fisher, Kevdog, Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers
Reputation not Reality?
For those that have followed this year's baseball season, you have been rewarded with a memorable one: Frank Thomas reaches the 500 homerun plateau and then gets ejected, Craig Biggio collects hit number 3000 only to be thrown out at second base, and we are treated to the best matchup of maybe all time: Barry Bonds vs. Roger Clemens. Clemens came out of relief, for the first time in 23 years, and not surprisingly walked Bonds on 5 pitches. But the the icing on the cake, is that the New York Yankees are well for the lack of a better word, normal.
For as long as I can remember, I was taught to believe Yankees stadium possessed some aura about it. When you entered Yankees stadium, you are made to believe you are entering into hallowed and sacred grounds. Take off your shoes and remember that: baseball is a religion with the Yankees being at the forefront of it all.
Was it the tradition speaking? Or was it just a belief that turned real because you were told it?
What makes a dream a dream? The awakening. Santa Claus sure seemed real when I was 5 and then 10 and then 15...The point here is that something doesn't even have to be "realistic" to be led to believe it. You don't need any DNA evidence. All you really need is the absence of a competiting theory. Throw in the success the Yankees have had in the past and what you have is a belief that Yankees stadium (allegedly but I will know hopefully this weekend) maybe is hallowed and sacred.
Big deal. So what? Well, if you've ever played golf, you've sworn. And if you've sworn during golf, you've played bad. And if you ever played badly, you attempt to provide some justification or in some cases, excuses for such a poor performance. You blame the golf gods or the bum shoulder sustained pitching the complete game shutout in a baseball game a day earlier. But something that goes unmentioned sometimes is the mental aspect.
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Yogi Berra is known exclusively by people for this quote. It's an accomplishment to show utter brilliance and obvious stupidity in one sentence. I've accomplished the latter on several occasions and now I'm just trying to polish up the former. We believe sports contain a mental aspect because we are told it and we have no competiting theory to explain performances when health is not a matter of question.
And we see it throughout sports. Icing the kicker on the last play of the game by calling a timeout before the snap is one of just many indications that this belief is not isolated. Having the mental edge can allegedly determine the outcome of the game.
The New York Yankees have enjoyed many years of success. They've had 12 straight seasons of reaching the playoffs, 15 straight seasons of winning 85+ games, and have won more championships in baseball then any team has in any sport. They have won more championships then the Cardinals, Red Sox, Dodgers and Athletics combined. They're the only team in baseball history to have a hall of famer at each position. They've retired 15 jersey numbers, tops in baseball. There's no doubt about it. They have been the most successful franchise in all of sports. But to say they've only gotten there because of the superior talent or 200 million dollar payrolls would be a mistake. When they pay their luxury tax of 30+ million a year, they aren't just paying for their high payroll, they're also paying for a mental edge the Yankees possess over any opponent that steps onto that grass and into that batter's box.
Does the mental aspect affect the physicalities of sports? Or asked in better terms: do you really think the Angels could have won the 2002 World Series without the Rally Monkey?
For as long as I can remember, I was taught to believe Yankees stadium possessed some aura about it. When you entered Yankees stadium, you are made to believe you are entering into hallowed and sacred grounds. Take off your shoes and remember that: baseball is a religion with the Yankees being at the forefront of it all.
Was it the tradition speaking? Or was it just a belief that turned real because you were told it?
What makes a dream a dream? The awakening. Santa Claus sure seemed real when I was 5 and then 10 and then 15...The point here is that something doesn't even have to be "realistic" to be led to believe it. You don't need any DNA evidence. All you really need is the absence of a competiting theory. Throw in the success the Yankees have had in the past and what you have is a belief that Yankees stadium (allegedly but I will know hopefully this weekend) maybe is hallowed and sacred.
Big deal. So what? Well, if you've ever played golf, you've sworn. And if you've sworn during golf, you've played bad. And if you ever played badly, you attempt to provide some justification or in some cases, excuses for such a poor performance. You blame the golf gods or the bum shoulder sustained pitching the complete game shutout in a baseball game a day earlier. But something that goes unmentioned sometimes is the mental aspect.
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Yogi Berra is known exclusively by people for this quote. It's an accomplishment to show utter brilliance and obvious stupidity in one sentence. I've accomplished the latter on several occasions and now I'm just trying to polish up the former. We believe sports contain a mental aspect because we are told it and we have no competiting theory to explain performances when health is not a matter of question.
And we see it throughout sports. Icing the kicker on the last play of the game by calling a timeout before the snap is one of just many indications that this belief is not isolated. Having the mental edge can allegedly determine the outcome of the game.
The New York Yankees have enjoyed many years of success. They've had 12 straight seasons of reaching the playoffs, 15 straight seasons of winning 85+ games, and have won more championships in baseball then any team has in any sport. They have won more championships then the Cardinals, Red Sox, Dodgers and Athletics combined. They're the only team in baseball history to have a hall of famer at each position. They've retired 15 jersey numbers, tops in baseball. There's no doubt about it. They have been the most successful franchise in all of sports. But to say they've only gotten there because of the superior talent or 200 million dollar payrolls would be a mistake. When they pay their luxury tax of 30+ million a year, they aren't just paying for their high payroll, they're also paying for a mental edge the Yankees possess over any opponent that steps onto that grass and into that batter's box.
Does the mental aspect affect the physicalities of sports? Or asked in better terms: do you really think the Angels could have won the 2002 World Series without the Rally Monkey?
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Camden
I was on hand to see the Angels lose to the Baltimore Orioles last night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The game wasn't terribly entertaining. The Angels got to within 3-2 to make it halfway exciting, before Ramon Hernandez hit a 3-run homerun to give the Orioles a lead that the Angels couldn't overcome.
The Angels fell 6-3, but with their win today, they took the series 2-1.
Camden Yards is a great park. The warehouse has become somewhat iconic in baseball, especially after Cal Ripken's streak was posted on it in the mid-1990s.
What was interesting, though, was how FEW fans there were in the ballpark. A quick glance at the boxscore shows that there were a whopping 26,235 fans in Baltimore last night. Camden's capacity: 48,262. That's 54.4% of the capacity. Sad. On a Saturday night. Note that the above picture was not taken last night.
When the Angels made their mini-run in the 6th inning, I stood up and cheered with my Angels hat on. No one blinked. Not a single person cared that I was rooting against their home team. No hecklers, no bad looks, no nothing. Why? Because there was no one there, and the people that were there couldn't care less. This isn't east coast baseball at its finest. Fenway Park is a 180 degree difference. Fans look at you funny and yell at you if you've got a hat on that doesn't have a big "B" on it. Even recently at a Padres game, there were some Padre fans heckling the opponents' fans. Good for them.
The park was great, but the fans were a disappointment. Lesson learned? Save the $3.50 Ticketmaster fee, show up to Camden Yards on game day and buy tickets at the Box Office. There will be plenty of seats available.
Labels: Angels, Camden Yards, Kevdog, orioles, Ripken
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