It seems as though each major sport is in a whole lot of trouble, and the economy hasn't even taken its full toll on professional sports yet.
Major League Baseball - Phillies versus the Rays? Are you serious? The Royals facing the Pirates would make a better storyline than this, ESPECIALLY with the Phillies winning game one. Best case scenario: Joe the Manager pulls out all the stops, continuing to turn water into wine, and the Rays finish a miracle season. Great story for baseball.
Worst case scenario: Joe the Pitcher ends up being a more beneficial midseason transaction than the Dodgers trading for Manny or the Brew crew trading for C.C.--Philadelphia wins the title, and the most arrogant team with the most arrogant fans (that's right...sorry Yankee and Boston fans, there are bigger jackasses just a few hours away. I only say this because they don't have any grounds to gloat, yet still somehow savor the smell of their own brand anyway) gain bragging rights for a whole year. Let's go Rays.
National Football League - Further proof that everything I touch turns into anything but gold. Since I discovered my deep down amorous feelings for Tom Brady, how has his life been? The 18-0 Patriots lost the Super Bowl, he gets injured in the first quarter of the first game of the 2008-2009 campaign, out for the season, and now surgery complications have raised even more questions for the NFL's poster boy. It's a shame what's happening there. Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. No Joe the Savior in this league. Peyton Manning is struggling, Tony Romo's wittle finguh has him out until mid-November at least, and Joe the Ravens' quarterback sure as hell isn't going to give fans what they need in a star. The league's best team has a racist alcoholic backup quarterback starting for the disgruntled suicidal former college star. We're a long way from the 2006 AFC Championship game.
Best Case Scenario: Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens bust out some old school end zone dances, Matt Ryan and Brady Quinn emerge as stars, and Julius Jones and Larry Johnson start giving me some fantasy production. A Jets/Packers championship game wouldn't hurt the league, either, as far fetched as it sounds.
Worst Case Scenario: Kerry Collins and Gus Frerotte run 1 & 2 in the MVP voting. A dozen more players miss time due to staph infections. Al Davis looks like a genius for firing Lane Kiffin, as the Raiders win the Super Bowl. Hey, at least JaMarcus Russell is taking the snaps.
National Basketball Association: Allan Houston needs to stop trying to come back. It's getting kind of sad. Michael Jordan pulled it off, Roger Clemens pulled it off, hell, Doug Flutie pulled it off...but Houston just can't pull it off.
Best Case Scenario: LeBron, Kobe, Shaq, or Greg Oden win a title. A repeat with the Boston Three Party wouldn't be TOO bad.
Worst Case Scenario: LeBron or Kobe win a title and decide they've finished their business in the United States...now it's time to make some REAL green. The NBA loses one of its biggest stars to some crappy European league that will pay them tens of millions of dollars AND allow them to average 70 points per game. Or seven points per game--what do they care? The $$ is guaranteed.
National Hockey League: Huh?
Best Case Scenario: People miraculously start to care. Sid the Kid is the only one who can make this happen.
Worst Case (and most likely) Scenario: Things stay as they are. Who even runs the NHL? How do they still have a job?
College sports need to save the professional sports right now. I absolutely HATE HATE HATE to even suggest this, but Joe the College Football Coach winning a National Title at age 82 would be a great story for sports. First, the Nittany Lions need to get through Ohio State. THEN the crappy defensive Big Ten style of play needs to find a way to beat a high powered offensive AND defensive showcase put on by an SEC, Big XII, or Pac-10 school.
College basketball on the Men's side is fine. I would just like to see Wisconsin win less than ten games this year. On the Women's side, Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma either need to continue their feud to make things interesting, or they need to work together to salvage the sport. Oh yeah, and Marist making a Final Four run and winning the National Title would be good, too. That's right, it's almost time for Marist Women's Basketball blogs again!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Bedlam in St. Pete!
Last night, I did the unthinkable. I rooted for the Tampa Bay Rays. All signs pointed to another Red Sox victory last night and another page in the their storied legacy. I couldn't possibly be rooting for the Rays. After I skewered the Drew Carey glasses wearing manager in a live blog last week, I didn't expect to be rooting for the Rays in Game Seven. But there I was, blaring the theme song to the "Price is Right" after JD Drew struck out in the 8th inning. Good on the Tampa Bay Rays for winning in 7. On to the World Series.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Chris Crocker is in the house!
LEAVE PACMAN ALONE!!
Cowboys' cornerback Adam Jones' indefinite suspension, four games minimum, is way too excessive. I understand he had little or no room to screw up with his reinstatement agreement, but if nobody was arrested or injured in the most recent incident, I don't see why this particular off-field infraction merits anything more than a fine or maybe a one-game suspension.
The NFL brass just needs a scapegoat to take a dump on, and since Mike Vick is in prison, Jones is their guy. There was too much backlash when they tried going after T.O. and Chad Johnson for excessive celebrations, so they seem to be picking on Jones. There is an inconsistency in punishment for behavioral issues in the league...just look at the Bengals' roster...or how about Larry Johnson? I bet he doesn't get a four-game suspension, even if he's found guilty in December. For fantasy purposes, I hope he's not found guilty.
Speaking of fantasy purposes, why the hell did the Cowboys trade for Roy the wide receiver Williams? Tony Romo is out for a month, so Brad Johnson is going to be handing the ball off to Marion Barber A LOT for the next four weeks. Even when Romo comes back, this really kills the fantasy value of Jason Witten, T.O., and Patrick Crayton.
Maybe I'm just pissed because I have two of those three on my fantasy team (and Miles Austin). And my fantasy team is already collapsing around me, I can't have T.O. and Witten sharing touches with another pro-bowl wide receiver! I guess it's good that I own Calvin Johnson, too, so he'll be the main squeeze in Detroit now.
Too bad the Lions suck. Go Bills.
Cowboys' cornerback Adam Jones' indefinite suspension, four games minimum, is way too excessive. I understand he had little or no room to screw up with his reinstatement agreement, but if nobody was arrested or injured in the most recent incident, I don't see why this particular off-field infraction merits anything more than a fine or maybe a one-game suspension.
The NFL brass just needs a scapegoat to take a dump on, and since Mike Vick is in prison, Jones is their guy. There was too much backlash when they tried going after T.O. and Chad Johnson for excessive celebrations, so they seem to be picking on Jones. There is an inconsistency in punishment for behavioral issues in the league...just look at the Bengals' roster...or how about Larry Johnson? I bet he doesn't get a four-game suspension, even if he's found guilty in December. For fantasy purposes, I hope he's not found guilty.
Speaking of fantasy purposes, why the hell did the Cowboys trade for Roy the wide receiver Williams? Tony Romo is out for a month, so Brad Johnson is going to be handing the ball off to Marion Barber A LOT for the next four weeks. Even when Romo comes back, this really kills the fantasy value of Jason Witten, T.O., and Patrick Crayton.
Maybe I'm just pissed because I have two of those three on my fantasy team (and Miles Austin). And my fantasy team is already collapsing around me, I can't have T.O. and Witten sharing touches with another pro-bowl wide receiver! I guess it's good that I own Calvin Johnson, too, so he'll be the main squeeze in Detroit now.
Too bad the Lions suck. Go Bills.
Friday, October 10, 2008
ALCS Game 1...It's A Live Blog!
8:20: Game One of RaySox. Thought a live blog would be appropriate. Get up, Tampa fans! Make some noise! Okay, make a little noise? I think the Rays to Sox fan ratio has got to be 2 to 1 tops. That could definitely be an issue in this series.
8:24: I'm not ashamed to admit this, but I love that Bon Jovi song they play. There is zero sarcasm in there at all, it will never get old. Thank God we don't have to hear "Our Country" anymore.
8:26: Oh, I missed you HR. No way he should have been fired by the Worldwide Leader. What's a woman doing working at ESPN anyway? It's good to see that he's still alive though and not eaten by John Kruk.
8:31: Nobody fake smiles at Buck Martinez and nods like Chip Carey. He really is an first ballot Hall of Famer for manufactured excitement.
8:33: Everyone that had pink or orange in the Craig Sager's jacket pool is cursing right now. Purple it is.
8:34: That's why IIIIIIIIIIIII love this town!
8:36: Love the end of that Mastercard commercial where the kids in Japan are playing baseball in the street and break a window. Once they hear the shattered glass, everyone books it out of there like there aren't 30 witnesses on the sidewalk.
8:38: I like how the manager always throws in that his players are tremendous competitors. I'd love to see an interview where a manager gives a scouting report, but then throws in "Yeah, he really backs down at the big spots."
8:40: That's a 4 pitch K to start off the game. Way to make him work, Jacoby. Pedroia's one of those guys that I'm sure I'd love if he was on my team, but I can't stand him. Same with Youk.
8:43: Yes, James Shields. Let's walk a guy that went 1-17 in the ALDS. This is the second year in a row that Ortiz has been a shadow of himself in the playoffs. Big Papi getting old?
8:45: Lob wedge to center field. 2 gone for Beardy.
8:46: I think James Shields is trying to break the record for most bounced pitches in one inning. Joba's BFF just doubled down the line. Lucky break for the Rays that that ball bounced into the stands.
8:50: JD Drew killing rallies? That's never happened. Why is Frank TV still advertising?
8:52: Is it possible that Brooke Shields gets hotter as she gets older?
8:55: Stop the presses. DiceK walked someone. BTW, it takes a big man to go by BJ as an adult. A big man or a perverted mind.
8:58: Buck Martinez is trying to describe the Jason Giambi dilemma. Why doesn't someone bunt the ball down the line when there's a huge shift? Maybe because Carlos Pena hasn't bunted since tee-ball.
9:00: The league might be hitting .211 against Dice but the on base percentage has to be close to .400.
9:03: Carl Crawford's walk-up music is M.I.A. I'm now officially rooting for Carl Crawford. My walk-up song would have to be Rick Astley. That way I can Rick Roll 50,000 plus on a nightly basis.
9:07: Dice-K is absolute garbage. If the Rays don't score here, they will not win this series.
9:08: The Rays will not win this series. Looks like Tampa is playing Yankee baseball. I think Hank is going to throw a lot of money at Cliff Floyd so he can christen the new ballpark by grounding out to second with the bases loaded.
9:10: So far the tally is "I Love This Town" 2, Frank Caliendo 2. Come on, Jon. Plus, that Direct-TV Commercial with Jimmy Kimmel has gotten very old. Let's give Eli credit for a 10 yard pass to Plax with Plax getting 42 YAC. No, I'm not bitter.
9:13: You gotta give it up for the Red Sox really making Shields work in the second inning. What's it been, 2 outs, 4 pitches?
9:15: Shields Ks the world's second most famous Jed. In other news, I hear Dice-K walked 2 more guys in between innings.
9:17: I'm confused. There are 3 Octobers, correct?
9:23: OK, perhaps I was a bit hasty in calling Dice-K "garbage". Great start by striking out Dave Navarro and Gabe Gross.
9:25: Varitek didn't catch that because he was thinking about his next at-bat. Pop-out to Youk dog.
9:29: When Ron Darling does games with Chip Carey and Buck Martinez, he really needs to go by Junior or Ace.
9:32: Another easy inning by "Big Game" James. This could be a pitcher's duel yet!
9:35: I hate repeating commercials. If I have to see that Miller High Life commercial again, I'm going to flip.
9:38: I think McCleland makes himself a sandwich before calling the pitches. My god.
9:42: Buck just said David OR-tiz. LON-goria strikes out again. OR-tiz to lead off next inning.
9:44: Caliendo takes the lead. His Trump is awful, BTW. I am looking forward to the Office coming back on TBS. Good ep last night, too.
9:48: JD Drew. Killing rallies since 98.
9:50: Another commercial that I can't get enough of: the Friday Night Lights one with the song "Devil Town". If you haven't seen FNL, you need to Hulu that shit. Best show on TV.
9:55: Another 3 up 3 down for Dice. And guess what? He's pitching a no-hitter through 4. YOU HEAR THAT, DICE K? YOU HAVE A NO-HITTER!! YOU HAVE A NO-HITTER!!
9:57: Brian Urlacher smiling is a strange sight. Kind of scares me a little bit.
10:01: Second and third and no out for Big Game Jimmy. Let's see if he can dance out of this one. Nope. Sac Fly, 1-0 Sox.
10:04: I think Sox fans are hoping that someone can DH for Varitek.
10:07: Inning over. Good job by Jimmy getting out of that with minimal damages.
10:15: Oh my god. Another 1-2-3 inning? Did the Rays leave their bats at home. HEY DICE! NO-NO! NO-NO!
10:18: Thanks for the close-up of Youk's beard. That's just what I want in HD.
10:20: Pena with the scoop! Put a star next to that one. OR-tiz. OR-tiz.
10:21: Rays fans finally awake. OR-tiz with the K. It would be so awesome if there was a backwards K button on the keyboard.
10:23: I love the way Youk Dog plays, but he is a baby. WAH! Pop out. SWITCH!
10:26: Hey, remember when I called Dice-K garbage? Good times. One out in the sixth. STILL A NO-HITTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10:29: Great play by Pedroia on the bullet by Pena. 2 out.
10:31: Ugh. Clearly this trying to jinx Dice thing isn't working. No-no through 6.
10:34: Nothing says clutch like a single to lead off an inning, JD Drew.
10:36: Single, single to lead off the inning. Shields is tiring out there. Great catch by Aki for the first out in shallow center.
10:39: After this game, I think the Rays fans are going to their SNL convention with all those cowbells. I've got a fever...
10:39: Two straight balls called by Mclelland draws ire by the Ray fans. But who knows, maybe he'll call the strike in ten minutes. Big K for Shields.
10:42: Varitek strikes again. I hear he calls a good game though.
10:44: Archie. You're allowed to open your eyes.
10:45: I think I know why we haven't heard Bon Jovi that much this game. Because, honestly, nobody loves the town of St. Pete.
10:47: Carl Crawford finally realizes that Dice-K is not an ace. Let's go, Rays.
10:49: Now we're playing Rays baseball! First and third after Cliff Floyd (who always needs to be referred to as "the veteran" or "veteran Cliff Floyd") singles to center. The former Mr. Carmen Electra up.
10:57: Actually, now we're playing Rays baseball. Pop out and a K. It all comes down to Jason Bartlett.
10:59: What an awful 1-2 punch. The Rays end their inning and I have to sit through another Frank Caliendo terrible impression. Keep doing Barkley man, enough with this Pacino shit.
11:03: All heart performance by Shields tonight. And they're going to lost this god damn game 1-0.
11:04: Seriously TBS. Stop showing me that beard in HD. Great performance, Shields.
11:06: Wow, Cal was named the AL MVP of the World Series? Nicely said, Chipper.
11:10: Big matchup here with Howell v Papi.
11:10: Advantage ORtiz. The old base on balls. 2 on 1 out for Beardy.
11:14: The Rays bullpen catcher there needs to take one for the team and catch that pop out. Maybe we have a Jeff Maier situation.
11:15: Way to be, Crawford. What a garbage double for Beardy.
11:17: Thank you, Holiday Inn commercial. You make me happy when I'm blue.
11:19: I really hope someone pulls an Orlando Cabrera and kicks dirt at Balfour. A brawl will make this game interesting.
11:20: Wow. Looks like JD Drew reminded Balfour a bit too much of Cabrera.
11:22: The Sox need to stop crying. Balfour wasn't trying to hit him.
11:25: Great job by Balfour getting out of that jam. How about you do something now, Rays offense?
11:27: Geico has ruined Gekkos with cockney accents for me. NO JIMMY KIMMEL! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS AGAIN!
11:27: Hey, who's Kelly Pavlik fighting? You'd think they'd advertise about it during a playoff game.
11:30: Why oh why is Dice still in this game? Francona has a death wish.
11:31: Single and a wild pitch? Great managerial move, Tito.
11:33: 2 batters too late, Francona. Out goes Dice.
11:35: That's why I......LOVE THIS TOWN!
11:38: Shows how much you know saying that there's no way Pena has the green light on a 3-0 pitch, Buck Martinez. I think you underestimate how mediocre of a manager Joe Maddon is. That's why you don't have a job, my friend.
11:40: Actual texted response from my brother in law (huge Sox fan) in re: why Dice came out for the eighth. "b/c he had pitched 108 pitches, had come off an emotional 7th and sat for a wicked long time...wait did you argue for or against?"
11:42: The long lost brother of acting brothers Christopher and Danny Masterson in the game to face a slumping Longoria.
11:42: Now we're playing Rays baseball. Joe Maddon should remove himself from consideration for coach of the year for mishandling that.
11:46: Since when is a walk, a double, and a sac fly to the track a manufactured run?
11:49: ENOUGH WITH THE BEARD!
11:49: Wait...a .220 hitter who hasn't had a clutch hit in years is hard-nosed? In what world is Ron Darling living in? Travis, how do you put up with this guy?
11:52: In honor of the late great Rod Roddy, The Price is Right!!
11:53: 5-6-7 against Pap? Game over. Shut up Frank Caliendo!
11:58: Buck sure loves talking about the quadrants of the strike zone. 0-2 on Crawford. Sure enough, there's the K.
12:00: Veteran Cliff Floyd vs. Paps? Mismatch much? And let's end the whole midnight/Cinderella business, Chip Carey. Just fake smile and nod along with Buck Martinez.
12:02: Foul out. Great walk-up music for Navarro at least.
12:05: Ugh. I hate the Sox. And BTW, Chip Carey, they didn't make the most of their scoring situations today. The scored two runs.
8:24: I'm not ashamed to admit this, but I love that Bon Jovi song they play. There is zero sarcasm in there at all, it will never get old. Thank God we don't have to hear "Our Country" anymore.
8:26: Oh, I missed you HR. No way he should have been fired by the Worldwide Leader. What's a woman doing working at ESPN anyway? It's good to see that he's still alive though and not eaten by John Kruk.
8:31: Nobody fake smiles at Buck Martinez and nods like Chip Carey. He really is an first ballot Hall of Famer for manufactured excitement.
8:33: Everyone that had pink or orange in the Craig Sager's jacket pool is cursing right now. Purple it is.
8:34: That's why IIIIIIIIIIIII love this town!
8:36: Love the end of that Mastercard commercial where the kids in Japan are playing baseball in the street and break a window. Once they hear the shattered glass, everyone books it out of there like there aren't 30 witnesses on the sidewalk.
8:38: I like how the manager always throws in that his players are tremendous competitors. I'd love to see an interview where a manager gives a scouting report, but then throws in "Yeah, he really backs down at the big spots."
8:40: That's a 4 pitch K to start off the game. Way to make him work, Jacoby. Pedroia's one of those guys that I'm sure I'd love if he was on my team, but I can't stand him. Same with Youk.
8:43: Yes, James Shields. Let's walk a guy that went 1-17 in the ALDS. This is the second year in a row that Ortiz has been a shadow of himself in the playoffs. Big Papi getting old?
8:45: Lob wedge to center field. 2 gone for Beardy.
8:46: I think James Shields is trying to break the record for most bounced pitches in one inning. Joba's BFF just doubled down the line. Lucky break for the Rays that that ball bounced into the stands.
8:50: JD Drew killing rallies? That's never happened. Why is Frank TV still advertising?
8:52: Is it possible that Brooke Shields gets hotter as she gets older?
8:55: Stop the presses. DiceK walked someone. BTW, it takes a big man to go by BJ as an adult. A big man or a perverted mind.
8:58: Buck Martinez is trying to describe the Jason Giambi dilemma. Why doesn't someone bunt the ball down the line when there's a huge shift? Maybe because Carlos Pena hasn't bunted since tee-ball.
9:00: The league might be hitting .211 against Dice but the on base percentage has to be close to .400.
9:03: Carl Crawford's walk-up music is M.I.A. I'm now officially rooting for Carl Crawford. My walk-up song would have to be Rick Astley. That way I can Rick Roll 50,000 plus on a nightly basis.
9:07: Dice-K is absolute garbage. If the Rays don't score here, they will not win this series.
9:08: The Rays will not win this series. Looks like Tampa is playing Yankee baseball. I think Hank is going to throw a lot of money at Cliff Floyd so he can christen the new ballpark by grounding out to second with the bases loaded.
9:10: So far the tally is "I Love This Town" 2, Frank Caliendo 2. Come on, Jon. Plus, that Direct-TV Commercial with Jimmy Kimmel has gotten very old. Let's give Eli credit for a 10 yard pass to Plax with Plax getting 42 YAC. No, I'm not bitter.
9:13: You gotta give it up for the Red Sox really making Shields work in the second inning. What's it been, 2 outs, 4 pitches?
9:15: Shields Ks the world's second most famous Jed. In other news, I hear Dice-K walked 2 more guys in between innings.
9:17: I'm confused. There are 3 Octobers, correct?
9:23: OK, perhaps I was a bit hasty in calling Dice-K "garbage". Great start by striking out Dave Navarro and Gabe Gross.
9:25: Varitek didn't catch that because he was thinking about his next at-bat. Pop-out to Youk dog.
9:29: When Ron Darling does games with Chip Carey and Buck Martinez, he really needs to go by Junior or Ace.
9:32: Another easy inning by "Big Game" James. This could be a pitcher's duel yet!
9:35: I hate repeating commercials. If I have to see that Miller High Life commercial again, I'm going to flip.
9:38: I think McCleland makes himself a sandwich before calling the pitches. My god.
9:42: Buck just said David OR-tiz. LON-goria strikes out again. OR-tiz to lead off next inning.
9:44: Caliendo takes the lead. His Trump is awful, BTW. I am looking forward to the Office coming back on TBS. Good ep last night, too.
9:48: JD Drew. Killing rallies since 98.
9:50: Another commercial that I can't get enough of: the Friday Night Lights one with the song "Devil Town". If you haven't seen FNL, you need to Hulu that shit. Best show on TV.
9:55: Another 3 up 3 down for Dice. And guess what? He's pitching a no-hitter through 4. YOU HEAR THAT, DICE K? YOU HAVE A NO-HITTER!! YOU HAVE A NO-HITTER!!
9:57: Brian Urlacher smiling is a strange sight. Kind of scares me a little bit.
10:01: Second and third and no out for Big Game Jimmy. Let's see if he can dance out of this one. Nope. Sac Fly, 1-0 Sox.
10:04: I think Sox fans are hoping that someone can DH for Varitek.
10:07: Inning over. Good job by Jimmy getting out of that with minimal damages.
10:15: Oh my god. Another 1-2-3 inning? Did the Rays leave their bats at home. HEY DICE! NO-NO! NO-NO!
10:18: Thanks for the close-up of Youk's beard. That's just what I want in HD.
10:20: Pena with the scoop! Put a star next to that one. OR-tiz. OR-tiz.
10:21: Rays fans finally awake. OR-tiz with the K. It would be so awesome if there was a backwards K button on the keyboard.
10:23: I love the way Youk Dog plays, but he is a baby. WAH! Pop out. SWITCH!
10:26: Hey, remember when I called Dice-K garbage? Good times. One out in the sixth. STILL A NO-HITTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10:29: Great play by Pedroia on the bullet by Pena. 2 out.
10:31: Ugh. Clearly this trying to jinx Dice thing isn't working. No-no through 6.
10:34: Nothing says clutch like a single to lead off an inning, JD Drew.
10:36: Single, single to lead off the inning. Shields is tiring out there. Great catch by Aki for the first out in shallow center.
10:39: After this game, I think the Rays fans are going to their SNL convention with all those cowbells. I've got a fever...
10:39: Two straight balls called by Mclelland draws ire by the Ray fans. But who knows, maybe he'll call the strike in ten minutes. Big K for Shields.
10:42: Varitek strikes again. I hear he calls a good game though.
10:44: Archie. You're allowed to open your eyes.
10:45: I think I know why we haven't heard Bon Jovi that much this game. Because, honestly, nobody loves the town of St. Pete.
10:47: Carl Crawford finally realizes that Dice-K is not an ace. Let's go, Rays.
10:49: Now we're playing Rays baseball! First and third after Cliff Floyd (who always needs to be referred to as "the veteran" or "veteran Cliff Floyd") singles to center. The former Mr. Carmen Electra up.
10:57: Actually, now we're playing Rays baseball. Pop out and a K. It all comes down to Jason Bartlett.
10:59: What an awful 1-2 punch. The Rays end their inning and I have to sit through another Frank Caliendo terrible impression. Keep doing Barkley man, enough with this Pacino shit.
11:03: All heart performance by Shields tonight. And they're going to lost this god damn game 1-0.
11:04: Seriously TBS. Stop showing me that beard in HD. Great performance, Shields.
11:06: Wow, Cal was named the AL MVP of the World Series? Nicely said, Chipper.
11:10: Big matchup here with Howell v Papi.
11:10: Advantage ORtiz. The old base on balls. 2 on 1 out for Beardy.
11:14: The Rays bullpen catcher there needs to take one for the team and catch that pop out. Maybe we have a Jeff Maier situation.
11:15: Way to be, Crawford. What a garbage double for Beardy.
11:17: Thank you, Holiday Inn commercial. You make me happy when I'm blue.
11:19: I really hope someone pulls an Orlando Cabrera and kicks dirt at Balfour. A brawl will make this game interesting.
11:20: Wow. Looks like JD Drew reminded Balfour a bit too much of Cabrera.
11:22: The Sox need to stop crying. Balfour wasn't trying to hit him.
11:25: Great job by Balfour getting out of that jam. How about you do something now, Rays offense?
11:27: Geico has ruined Gekkos with cockney accents for me. NO JIMMY KIMMEL! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS AGAIN!
11:27: Hey, who's Kelly Pavlik fighting? You'd think they'd advertise about it during a playoff game.
11:30: Why oh why is Dice still in this game? Francona has a death wish.
11:31: Single and a wild pitch? Great managerial move, Tito.
11:33: 2 batters too late, Francona. Out goes Dice.
11:35: That's why I......LOVE THIS TOWN!
11:38: Shows how much you know saying that there's no way Pena has the green light on a 3-0 pitch, Buck Martinez. I think you underestimate how mediocre of a manager Joe Maddon is. That's why you don't have a job, my friend.
11:40: Actual texted response from my brother in law (huge Sox fan) in re: why Dice came out for the eighth. "b/c he had pitched 108 pitches, had come off an emotional 7th and sat for a wicked long time...wait did you argue for or against?"
11:42: The long lost brother of acting brothers Christopher and Danny Masterson in the game to face a slumping Longoria.
11:42: Now we're playing Rays baseball. Joe Maddon should remove himself from consideration for coach of the year for mishandling that.
11:46: Since when is a walk, a double, and a sac fly to the track a manufactured run?
11:49: ENOUGH WITH THE BEARD!
11:49: Wait...a .220 hitter who hasn't had a clutch hit in years is hard-nosed? In what world is Ron Darling living in? Travis, how do you put up with this guy?
11:52: In honor of the late great Rod Roddy, The Price is Right!!
11:53: 5-6-7 against Pap? Game over. Shut up Frank Caliendo!
11:58: Buck sure loves talking about the quadrants of the strike zone. 0-2 on Crawford. Sure enough, there's the K.
12:00: Veteran Cliff Floyd vs. Paps? Mismatch much? And let's end the whole midnight/Cinderella business, Chip Carey. Just fake smile and nod along with Buck Martinez.
12:02: Foul out. Great walk-up music for Navarro at least.
12:05: Ugh. I hate the Sox. And BTW, Chip Carey, they didn't make the most of their scoring situations today. The scored two runs.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
LCS
Of course, I make BS predictions and get two right. Meaning if I made real predictions, I would have gotten two right. Sticking with the 50% game, here are my LCS previews and predictions. For real this time.
American League Championship Series
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The home team dominated in the regular season, but as we saw with the BoSox against the Angels, the regular season doesn't really matter too much in October, does it?
Another case of experience versus youth. I'd love for the Rays to win this and go to the World Series, but it just isn't gonna happen. Red Sox in six.
National League Championship Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
If the Mets had made the playoffs, it would be Dodgers/Mets, and the Mets would be facing the Red Sox in a rematch of the '86 series. I guess it will have to wait until next year. I'd love for the Phillies to get swept here, because they DON'T HAVE STARTING PITCHING. I'm sick of saying it, I need it to to be proven here. Like the ALCS matchup, home teams dominated in the regular season, but who cares? L.A. is hot, Philly is not, but unfortunately the Phillies will probably pull off a few wins with their slugging and decent bullpen. Dodgers in seven.
With my math, I'll get one of these right. I hope its the Dodgers, because I want Philly to lose and Tampa Bay to win. But let's pretend I'll get both right.
World Series---Dodgers featuring Joe Torre, Manny Ramirez, and NomAHHHH versus the Red Sox?! Can't write a better script. Except maybe the Cubs winning for the first time in 100 years. Or the Mets actually making the playoffs.
Dodgers in five!
American League Championship Series
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The home team dominated in the regular season, but as we saw with the BoSox against the Angels, the regular season doesn't really matter too much in October, does it?
Another case of experience versus youth. I'd love for the Rays to win this and go to the World Series, but it just isn't gonna happen. Red Sox in six.
National League Championship Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
If the Mets had made the playoffs, it would be Dodgers/Mets, and the Mets would be facing the Red Sox in a rematch of the '86 series. I guess it will have to wait until next year. I'd love for the Phillies to get swept here, because they DON'T HAVE STARTING PITCHING. I'm sick of saying it, I need it to to be proven here. Like the ALCS matchup, home teams dominated in the regular season, but who cares? L.A. is hot, Philly is not, but unfortunately the Phillies will probably pull off a few wins with their slugging and decent bullpen. Dodgers in seven.
With my math, I'll get one of these right. I hope its the Dodgers, because I want Philly to lose and Tampa Bay to win. But let's pretend I'll get both right.
World Series---Dodgers featuring Joe Torre, Manny Ramirez, and NomAHHHH versus the Red Sox?! Can't write a better script. Except maybe the Cubs winning for the first time in 100 years. Or the Mets actually making the playoffs.
Dodgers in five!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Power Rankings
1) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
-The most complete team. They have starting pitching, a great offense, speed, defense, and a bullpen.
2) Tampa Bay Rays
-Five great starting pitchers, youth, and plenty of energy. They also have the motivation of being a terrible team for their first 10 years of existence. With that rotation, they can win games by scoring 2-3 runs per game. More is always nice, but I'm just saying they CAN win games with mediocre offensive output.
3) Chicago Cubs
-They can run into problems against decent right-handed pitchers and lefties with a good changeup...but what National League team actually poses that threat? Oh yeah, and Rich Harden, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, and Jason Marquis are the best starting five in the NL.
4) Boston Red Sox
-Do injuries trump experience? Probably when you're playing the Angels in the first round. Get to the ALCS and you may have a new favorite to win it all. That new favorite still being the Rays or the Cubs.
5) Los Angeles Dodgers
-Unfortunate for them that they're playing the Cubs instead of the Phillies or Brewers in the first round.
6) Philadelphia Phillies
-Unreliable starting pitching, and I doubt they've got the fortitude to win away from home (except against the Brewers). It helps that they'll probably be visiting Wrigley in the NLCS, but the Cubs' pitching can neutralize the Phillies' bats. If they play the Dodgers in the NLCS, they're toast.
7) Chicago White Sox
-They've got a great mix of youth and experience, but they've also got two of the craziest people in baseball in their dugout. One manages the game and the other is behind the plate calling pitches for nine innings. Alexei Ramirez can't hit grand slams every game, and Jim Thome and Ken Griffey, Jr. aren't the type of players who can carry a team through the entire playoffs.
8) Milwaukee Brewers
-A piss poor excuse for a playoff team, slightly better than the Mets, apparently. They don't even have a manager. How are they supposed to win any games NOT started by C.C.?
-The most complete team. They have starting pitching, a great offense, speed, defense, and a bullpen.
2) Tampa Bay Rays
-Five great starting pitchers, youth, and plenty of energy. They also have the motivation of being a terrible team for their first 10 years of existence. With that rotation, they can win games by scoring 2-3 runs per game. More is always nice, but I'm just saying they CAN win games with mediocre offensive output.
3) Chicago Cubs
-They can run into problems against decent right-handed pitchers and lefties with a good changeup...but what National League team actually poses that threat? Oh yeah, and Rich Harden, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, and Jason Marquis are the best starting five in the NL.
4) Boston Red Sox
-Do injuries trump experience? Probably when you're playing the Angels in the first round. Get to the ALCS and you may have a new favorite to win it all. That new favorite still being the Rays or the Cubs.
5) Los Angeles Dodgers
-Unfortunate for them that they're playing the Cubs instead of the Phillies or Brewers in the first round.
6) Philadelphia Phillies
-Unreliable starting pitching, and I doubt they've got the fortitude to win away from home (except against the Brewers). It helps that they'll probably be visiting Wrigley in the NLCS, but the Cubs' pitching can neutralize the Phillies' bats. If they play the Dodgers in the NLCS, they're toast.
7) Chicago White Sox
-They've got a great mix of youth and experience, but they've also got two of the craziest people in baseball in their dugout. One manages the game and the other is behind the plate calling pitches for nine innings. Alexei Ramirez can't hit grand slams every game, and Jim Thome and Ken Griffey, Jr. aren't the type of players who can carry a team through the entire playoffs.
8) Milwaukee Brewers
-A piss poor excuse for a playoff team, slightly better than the Mets, apparently. They don't even have a manager. How are they supposed to win any games NOT started by C.C.?
Blogging against my will.
It's been over a week since my last entry, and three days since I was finally put out of my misery.
On all the sports talk shows yesterday, nobody even entertained the thought of a pitchers' duel in the White Sox/Twins game. Everybody expected a high-scoring affair since John Danks had never thrown on three days rest, nor could he keep the Twins at bay all season, and Chicago's offense had been pumping on all cylinders this weekend.
Long story short, there were a total of seven hits and one run scored in the game, and Chicago advanced to the divisional series.
Where am I going with this? Nobody's predictions are ever right.
With that, here are my playoff previews, alongside ass-backwards predictions which have absolutely no chance of being correct. Or do they?
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Yovani Gallardo goes up against Cole Hamels in game one. Gallardo was lights out against the Cubbies in his first start since returning from injury, but now faces a Philadelphia team with killer left-handed bats in the small excuse for a stadium the Phillies call home. Hamels hasn't been an ace lately, and the Brew-crew has a bunch of righties who can hurt him down the short left field line.
With high-powered offenses in mind, I predict the Brewers win this game 3-2 and the series, 3-1.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster will not be the stories tonight. We're going to the bullpen early and often. Pitchers better pray the wind is blowing in at Wrigley, but we all know it isn't.
Dodgers win 9-6, and take the series in five games.
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The young and upstart Jon Lester faces the dominant postseason force, John Lackey. Pitchers' duel, right? Hell no! I predict Lackey crumbles under the pressure from the high expectations the Angels have finally earned. Boston will smack him around like a ragdoll, and the rally monkey will not be able to save the Angels from Jon Lester's off-speed pitches. Boston wins, 8-1, and sweeps the series.
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The adrenaline from playing so many consecutive games with their season on the line will roll over to the series against Tampa Bay. Experienced veterans will have their way with the inexperienced youth for the Rays. White Sox sweep.
Hey, it could happen.
On all the sports talk shows yesterday, nobody even entertained the thought of a pitchers' duel in the White Sox/Twins game. Everybody expected a high-scoring affair since John Danks had never thrown on three days rest, nor could he keep the Twins at bay all season, and Chicago's offense had been pumping on all cylinders this weekend.
Long story short, there were a total of seven hits and one run scored in the game, and Chicago advanced to the divisional series.
Where am I going with this? Nobody's predictions are ever right.
With that, here are my playoff previews, alongside ass-backwards predictions which have absolutely no chance of being correct. Or do they?
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Yovani Gallardo goes up against Cole Hamels in game one. Gallardo was lights out against the Cubbies in his first start since returning from injury, but now faces a Philadelphia team with killer left-handed bats in the small excuse for a stadium the Phillies call home. Hamels hasn't been an ace lately, and the Brew-crew has a bunch of righties who can hurt him down the short left field line.
With high-powered offenses in mind, I predict the Brewers win this game 3-2 and the series, 3-1.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster will not be the stories tonight. We're going to the bullpen early and often. Pitchers better pray the wind is blowing in at Wrigley, but we all know it isn't.
Dodgers win 9-6, and take the series in five games.
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The young and upstart Jon Lester faces the dominant postseason force, John Lackey. Pitchers' duel, right? Hell no! I predict Lackey crumbles under the pressure from the high expectations the Angels have finally earned. Boston will smack him around like a ragdoll, and the rally monkey will not be able to save the Angels from Jon Lester's off-speed pitches. Boston wins, 8-1, and sweeps the series.
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The adrenaline from playing so many consecutive games with their season on the line will roll over to the series against Tampa Bay. Experienced veterans will have their way with the inexperienced youth for the Rays. White Sox sweep.
Hey, it could happen.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Just to add an exclamation point
In a Jayson Stark article from Monday, he cited some research from Bill James Online.
If Major League games only last six innings, the Mets would lead the division by 11.5 games.
If games only lasted eight innings, the Mets would lead the division by 6.5 games.
Here's another interesting statistic I researched on my own:
The Mets are 0-2 this season in games where they give up a grand slam to the opposing pitcher.
Every time you think "Today will be different. The Mets' bullpen will keep a one-run lead today," they blow your mind and rape any confidence you have by giving up four runs to the Braves in the eighth inning.
Any other team with a one-game lead and six games left, two of which are being started by Johan Santana, would be punching their ticket for October.
As for the Mets, this is their mind set: "We're going to win our Shea finale on Sunday. Johan is pitching. But will we really have anything left to celebrate at that point?"
Santana will probably get shelled by the Cubs today, who are completely stacked from the right side. It will be a miracle if the Mets can go 3-3 the rest of the way. That won't earn a playoff spot.
I am the epitome of a disgruntled Mets' fan. I can't talk sports right now. I don't have it in me.
If Major League games only last six innings, the Mets would lead the division by 11.5 games.
If games only lasted eight innings, the Mets would lead the division by 6.5 games.
Here's another interesting statistic I researched on my own:
The Mets are 0-2 this season in games where they give up a grand slam to the opposing pitcher.
Every time you think "Today will be different. The Mets' bullpen will keep a one-run lead today," they blow your mind and rape any confidence you have by giving up four runs to the Braves in the eighth inning.
Any other team with a one-game lead and six games left, two of which are being started by Johan Santana, would be punching their ticket for October.
As for the Mets, this is their mind set: "We're going to win our Shea finale on Sunday. Johan is pitching. But will we really have anything left to celebrate at that point?"
Santana will probably get shelled by the Cubs today, who are completely stacked from the right side. It will be a miracle if the Mets can go 3-3 the rest of the way. That won't earn a playoff spot.
I am the epitome of a disgruntled Mets' fan. I can't talk sports right now. I don't have it in me.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Week 3 Picks
After a winning week 2, let's keep this up, huh?
Tennessee (-5) over Houston
Arizona (+3) over Washington
Carolina (+3.5) over Minnesota
Atlanta (-5.5) over Kansas City
New England (-12.5) over Miami
Buffalo (-9.5) over Oakland
Cincinatti (+13.5) over NYG
Chicago (-3) over Tampa Bay
New Orleans (+5.5) over Denver
San Francisco (-4) over Detroit
Seattle (-9.5) over St. Louis
Jacksonville (+5) over Indianapolis
Cleveland (+2.5) over Baltimore
Pittsburgh (+3.5) over Philadelphia
Green Bay (+3) over Dallas
San Diego (-9) over NY Jets
Tennessee (-5) over Houston
Arizona (+3) over Washington
Carolina (+3.5) over Minnesota
Atlanta (-5.5) over Kansas City
New England (-12.5) over Miami
Buffalo (-9.5) over Oakland
Cincinatti (+13.5) over NYG
Chicago (-3) over Tampa Bay
New Orleans (+5.5) over Denver
San Francisco (-4) over Detroit
Seattle (-9.5) over St. Louis
Jacksonville (+5) over Indianapolis
Cleveland (+2.5) over Baltimore
Pittsburgh (+3.5) over Philadelphia
Green Bay (+3) over Dallas
San Diego (-9) over NY Jets
Monday, September 15, 2008
Vol. II
Meet the Mets,
Greet the Mets,
Come on out and beat the Mets!
Greet the Mets,
Come on out and beat the Mets!
Hola! Bienvenidos a "Collapse, Volume II," starring those lovable losers, Los Mets!
Amidst another collapse, a little less impressive than last year's, and possibly overshadowed by that of the Diamondbacks and the Brewers, the Mets are having another domino effect.
It starts with the bullpen. New York relievers have been blowing games all year long, and just like last year, that's how it started. As the morale dropped, the starting pitching faltered. Then it drifted slowly but surely into the offense. I'm currently witnessing the beginning of stage three, where one of the most potent lineups in the National League can't put more than a single run on the board against the Washington Nationals, a team that has given up the second most runs in the league (Colorado).
I'm never big on trashing players I normally like and support, so I need to choose my next words wisely. But first, let me get this off my chest:
I've never supported Luis Castillo as a Met. I liked him...on my fantasy team...about eight years ago. He shouldn't have a four year, $25 million contract. He's getting traded in the offseason...if anyone will take him. Our GM doesn't work Brian Cashman-like miracles here (Randy Johnson, Kyle Farnsworth, Jaret Wright), though Omar Minaya does have the Guillermo Mota-for-Johnny Estrada trade under his belt (the Mets released Estrada about a week after acquiring him--how valuable does that make you feel, Guillermo Mota?).
Trashing the bullpen is too easy, so I won't contribute to my impending Carpal Tunnel.
I'm leaving the offense alone, because today was the first really embarrassing game for them. Wright has been hot, Delgado has been carrying the team, and Reyes and Beltran have been making timely contributions.
Onto the starting pitching. Pedro Martinez reminds me of a pitcher I watched contribute more than his fair share to last year's collapse, a man by the name of Tom Glavine.
I appreciate all that Pedro has done in his career, even some of the diminutive contributions he's allegedly made in his years in Queens (yeah, ouch.). Right now, he isn't much appreciated by Mets fans. Pedro is a competitor, and his consistently poor performances have to be eating him alive. The Mets won't resign him this offseason. I'll be one of the least happy people in the world if they do. I don't want Pedro to leave on bad terms, because the last thing anyone needs is the media perpetuating a war of words between Pedro and the Mets. Pedro should just realize he isn't effective anymore, and call it a career. No needs to stick around getting beaten around like Glavine, Jose Lima, or pitchers of that sort.
I feel a little better now. Still, the Mets are in the middle of a 12-game span where they only play the Nationals and the Braves. I hoped they would go 10-2 over the dozen games. Halfway through, they're only 3-3. They're trying to give the division to the Phillies again. The last thing those pompous...(taking the high road here) need is another comeback division title. The only thing happening right now is the Brewers collapse. It has allowed the Mets some breathing room, so the Wild Card AND the division are both available to ride into October. However, as I cut myself off from saying before, the Phillies are cocky, and don't need inflated egos. The Mets need to either win the division, or beat the Phillies in the NLCS to shut them up.
I had a lot more I wanted to say, but T.O. (fantasy purposes) is making it very hard for me to write an angry blog right now.
LONG LIVE NED YOST!!!
(just kidding, he should have been fired last year)
I need to start blogging about football. Look for that this week.
Amidst another collapse, a little less impressive than last year's, and possibly overshadowed by that of the Diamondbacks and the Brewers, the Mets are having another domino effect.
It starts with the bullpen. New York relievers have been blowing games all year long, and just like last year, that's how it started. As the morale dropped, the starting pitching faltered. Then it drifted slowly but surely into the offense. I'm currently witnessing the beginning of stage three, where one of the most potent lineups in the National League can't put more than a single run on the board against the Washington Nationals, a team that has given up the second most runs in the league (Colorado).
I'm never big on trashing players I normally like and support, so I need to choose my next words wisely. But first, let me get this off my chest:
I've never supported Luis Castillo as a Met. I liked him...on my fantasy team...about eight years ago. He shouldn't have a four year, $25 million contract. He's getting traded in the offseason...if anyone will take him. Our GM doesn't work Brian Cashman-like miracles here (Randy Johnson, Kyle Farnsworth, Jaret Wright), though Omar Minaya does have the Guillermo Mota-for-Johnny Estrada trade under his belt (the Mets released Estrada about a week after acquiring him--how valuable does that make you feel, Guillermo Mota?).
Trashing the bullpen is too easy, so I won't contribute to my impending Carpal Tunnel.
I'm leaving the offense alone, because today was the first really embarrassing game for them. Wright has been hot, Delgado has been carrying the team, and Reyes and Beltran have been making timely contributions.
Onto the starting pitching. Pedro Martinez reminds me of a pitcher I watched contribute more than his fair share to last year's collapse, a man by the name of Tom Glavine.
I appreciate all that Pedro has done in his career, even some of the diminutive contributions he's allegedly made in his years in Queens (yeah, ouch.). Right now, he isn't much appreciated by Mets fans. Pedro is a competitor, and his consistently poor performances have to be eating him alive. The Mets won't resign him this offseason. I'll be one of the least happy people in the world if they do. I don't want Pedro to leave on bad terms, because the last thing anyone needs is the media perpetuating a war of words between Pedro and the Mets. Pedro should just realize he isn't effective anymore, and call it a career. No needs to stick around getting beaten around like Glavine, Jose Lima, or pitchers of that sort.
I feel a little better now. Still, the Mets are in the middle of a 12-game span where they only play the Nationals and the Braves. I hoped they would go 10-2 over the dozen games. Halfway through, they're only 3-3. They're trying to give the division to the Phillies again. The last thing those pompous...(taking the high road here) need is another comeback division title. The only thing happening right now is the Brewers collapse. It has allowed the Mets some breathing room, so the Wild Card AND the division are both available to ride into October. However, as I cut myself off from saying before, the Phillies are cocky, and don't need inflated egos. The Mets need to either win the division, or beat the Phillies in the NLCS to shut them up.
I had a lot more I wanted to say, but T.O. (fantasy purposes) is making it very hard for me to write an angry blog right now.
LONG LIVE NED YOST!!!
(just kidding, he should have been fired last year)
I need to start blogging about football. Look for that this week.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Week 2 Lines
After a disappointing week one for me (for multiple reasons!), here we go with week 2.
Kansas City (-3.5) over Oakland
Tennessee (+1) over Cincinnati
Minnesota (+1.5) over Indianapolis
New Orleans (Pick) over Washington
Green Bay (-3) over Detroit
Chicago (+3) over Carolina
NY Giants (8.5) over St. Louis
Buffalo (+5) over Jacksonville
Tampa Bay (-7) over Atlanta
San Francisco (+6.5) over Seattle
Arizona (-6.5) over Miami
New England (+1) over NY Jets
Denver (Pick) over San Diego
Pittsburgh (-6.5) over Cleveland
Philadelphia (+6.5) over Dallas
Kansas City (-3.5) over Oakland
Tennessee (+1) over Cincinnati
Minnesota (+1.5) over Indianapolis
New Orleans (Pick) over Washington
Green Bay (-3) over Detroit
Chicago (+3) over Carolina
NY Giants (8.5) over St. Louis
Buffalo (+5) over Jacksonville
Tampa Bay (-7) over Atlanta
San Francisco (+6.5) over Seattle
Arizona (-6.5) over Miami
New England (+1) over NY Jets
Denver (Pick) over San Diego
Pittsburgh (-6.5) over Cleveland
Philadelphia (+6.5) over Dallas
Friday, September 12, 2008
NFL Week One, Facebook Mini-Feed Version
Chad Ocho Cinco has changed his name to Chad Johnson.
Chad Johnson and Reebok are no longer friends.
Jessica Simpson posted on Tony Romo's wall:
"We're gonna kill the Indians today, right baby?"
Michael J. Clark posted a comment in the group "Patriots 19-0 in 09!"
Michael J. Clark has left the group "Patriots 19-0 in 09!"
Bernard Pollard has 2982 new friends.
Brett Favre and Jerricho Cotchery are now friends.
Mike Holmgrem created event "Open Wide Receiver Tryout!!!!!"
Scott Linehan is hoping Donovan McNabb would just get hurt already!!
Vince Young wants his mommy.
Michael Turner posted on Ernie Sims' wall:
"Later bro!"
Jon Gruden and Jeff Garcia are no longer friends.
Torry Holt and Chad Johnson have added "Without a Trace" to their Favorite TV Shows.
Terrell Owens wrote on Usain Bolt's wall
"Yo, make sure you tune in! LOL!!!!"
Rashard Mendenhall is wondering why his Willie Parker voodoo doll isn't working yet.
Braylon Edwards has removed "catching the ball" from his interests.
LeBron James and Pacman Jones are now friends.
It's Complicated between Giselle Bundchen and Tom Brady.
Steve Smith wrote on Ken Lucas' wall:
"Great win today. I still want to punch you in the face."
Kurt Warner is saying an Our Father for Matt Leinart.
Matt Leinart is looking for his Beer Bong.
Peyton Manning is hoping John Madden doesn't demand his promise ring back.
Brett Favre has created the group "Aaron Rodgers Blows"
Brett Favre has changed the name of his group to "Aaron Rodgers Got Lucky in Week One But Still Blows"
Eddie Royal has joined Facebook.
Chad Johnson and Reebok are no longer friends.
Jessica Simpson posted on Tony Romo's wall:
"We're gonna kill the Indians today, right baby?"
Michael J. Clark posted a comment in the group "Patriots 19-0 in 09!"
Michael J. Clark has left the group "Patriots 19-0 in 09!"
Bernard Pollard has 2982 new friends.
Brett Favre and Jerricho Cotchery are now friends.
Mike Holmgrem created event "Open Wide Receiver Tryout!!!!!"
Scott Linehan is hoping Donovan McNabb would just get hurt already!!
Vince Young wants his mommy.
Michael Turner posted on Ernie Sims' wall:
"Later bro!"
Jon Gruden and Jeff Garcia are no longer friends.
Torry Holt and Chad Johnson have added "Without a Trace" to their Favorite TV Shows.
Terrell Owens wrote on Usain Bolt's wall
"Yo, make sure you tune in! LOL!!!!"
Rashard Mendenhall is wondering why his Willie Parker voodoo doll isn't working yet.
Braylon Edwards has removed "catching the ball" from his interests.
LeBron James and Pacman Jones are now friends.
It's Complicated between Giselle Bundchen and Tom Brady.
Steve Smith wrote on Ken Lucas' wall:
"Great win today. I still want to punch you in the face."
Kurt Warner is saying an Our Father for Matt Leinart.
Matt Leinart is looking for his Beer Bong.
Peyton Manning is hoping John Madden doesn't demand his promise ring back.
Brett Favre has created the group "Aaron Rodgers Blows"
Brett Favre has changed the name of his group to "Aaron Rodgers Got Lucky in Week One But Still Blows"
Eddie Royal has joined Facebook.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Man...
I feel bad for Roy Halladay.
He has a career earned run average of 3.51, a record of 129-64, and he's done it all while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East since 1998, which hasn't exactly been an open race over those years.
Halladay DID win the Cy Young award in 2003, but thanks to names like Roger Clemens, Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, Bartolo Colon, C.C. Sabathia, and the forever dominant Barry Zito, he's only got the one trophy.
Here we are in 2008, where Halladay has posted an 18-9 record so far with an e.r.a of 2.64 on top of it. Unfortunately, there's a man named Cliff Lee throwing over in Cleveland who is 21-2 with a 2.28 e.r.a.!
Though I desperately want to, I can't argue that Lee is a shoe-in for the Cy Young award this season. Halladay is having a remarkable season, but once again, he's second best.
This is how Mike Mussina must have felt throughout the 90's, how 98 Degrees felt next to N*Sync and the Backstreet Boys, and how the Mets feel next to the Phillies (thanks, Mike Schmidt).
Browsing through Halladay's stats last night, I thought I found the kicker that could potentially overtake Lee when the voting is done. Halladay's last five starts have been against the Rays, at the Yankees, at the Rays, against the Yankees, and at Boston. He is 5-0 in those starts with a 2.25 e.r.a.
His team has risen from the depths, and is now 10 games over .500, good for third in the A.L. East. The Blue Jays have scored 127 runs in Halladay's 29 starts, which is a little less than four and a half runs per game. That's decent run support for someone with such a low e.r.a., but the Jays have been shutout three times when Halladay takes the hill.
He has 21 quality starts, eight complete games, leads the league in innings pitched and WHIP, and is third in strikeouts.
Sounds like a solid Cy Young resume.
But then I looked at Lee's statistics.
Aside from the 21-2 record and the 2.28 e.r.a., Lee has 23 quality starts with a little extra run support (149 runs in 28 starts), and ranks second to Halladay in WHIP, innings pitched, and complete games. He has only 31 strikeouts less than Halladay, and the Indians' bullpen has actually blown two saves for Lee, whereas the Blue Jays' bullpen has been rock solid, never giving up one of Halladay's leads.
When all of the numbers are this close and neither team is in a pennant race, you've gotta give the nod to the wins and losses. Sorry, Roy. Maybe next year.
He has a career earned run average of 3.51, a record of 129-64, and he's done it all while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East since 1998, which hasn't exactly been an open race over those years.
Halladay DID win the Cy Young award in 2003, but thanks to names like Roger Clemens, Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, Bartolo Colon, C.C. Sabathia, and the forever dominant Barry Zito, he's only got the one trophy.
Here we are in 2008, where Halladay has posted an 18-9 record so far with an e.r.a of 2.64 on top of it. Unfortunately, there's a man named Cliff Lee throwing over in Cleveland who is 21-2 with a 2.28 e.r.a.!
Though I desperately want to, I can't argue that Lee is a shoe-in for the Cy Young award this season. Halladay is having a remarkable season, but once again, he's second best.
This is how Mike Mussina must have felt throughout the 90's, how 98 Degrees felt next to N*Sync and the Backstreet Boys, and how the Mets feel next to the Phillies (thanks, Mike Schmidt).
Browsing through Halladay's stats last night, I thought I found the kicker that could potentially overtake Lee when the voting is done. Halladay's last five starts have been against the Rays, at the Yankees, at the Rays, against the Yankees, and at Boston. He is 5-0 in those starts with a 2.25 e.r.a.
His team has risen from the depths, and is now 10 games over .500, good for third in the A.L. East. The Blue Jays have scored 127 runs in Halladay's 29 starts, which is a little less than four and a half runs per game. That's decent run support for someone with such a low e.r.a., but the Jays have been shutout three times when Halladay takes the hill.
He has 21 quality starts, eight complete games, leads the league in innings pitched and WHIP, and is third in strikeouts.
Sounds like a solid Cy Young resume.
But then I looked at Lee's statistics.
Aside from the 21-2 record and the 2.28 e.r.a., Lee has 23 quality starts with a little extra run support (149 runs in 28 starts), and ranks second to Halladay in WHIP, innings pitched, and complete games. He has only 31 strikeouts less than Halladay, and the Indians' bullpen has actually blown two saves for Lee, whereas the Blue Jays' bullpen has been rock solid, never giving up one of Halladay's leads.
When all of the numbers are this close and neither team is in a pennant race, you've gotta give the nod to the wins and losses. Sorry, Roy. Maybe next year.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Time For More Crappy Picks!
One of the things I have been looking forward to this year is showing the world how terrible I am with picking the games.
NYG (-4) over WASHINGTON: While I think that the Giants will not finish over .500 (!), I really see the Giants winning this game.
SEA (+1) over BUFFALO: I do like the Bills, but I get burned way too much by the Seahawks. They just don't lose games that I think they will lose.
DETROIT (-3) over ATLANTA: The Matt Ryan era will not start well.
CINCINNATI (-1.5) over BALTIMORE: You can't trust a rookie to win their first game in the season. Neither of these teams will be any good this year anyway.
PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) over ST. LOUIS: The Rams defense can't stop anyone at all. Philly takes this easily.
PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over HOUSTON: Could be a good game, but I think Pitt will win by a TD.
JACKSONVILLE (-3) over TENNESSEE: Your AFC South winner will have a tough game against the Titans, but the Jags will pull this out.
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over TAMPA BAY: The high flying offense will get off to a better start in 08. Could they get to a worse start?
NEW ENGLAND (-16.5) over KANSAS CITY: The Pats couldn't stop anyone this preseason, but come on. Brodie Croyle against the Pats? Come on, man.
NEW YORK JETS (-3) over MIAMI: Interesting game this week. Lots of subplots.
SAN FRANCISCO (+2.5) over ARIZONA: One of my few "upsets" this week. SF will take this game.
SAN DIEGO (-9) over CAROLINA: A Steve Smithless Panthers team scares exactly nobody. Come on.
DALLAS (-5.5) over CLEVELAND: I still don't believe in the Browns.
INDY (-9.5) over CHICAGO: Terrible Bears offense vs. a better than average Colts defense? Easy pick.
MINNESOTA (+3) over GREEN BAY: The Tarvaris Jackson/Aaron Rodgers matchup is about as exciting as...well, the second Monday night QB matchup.
DENVER (-3) over OAKLAND: If you are watching this game, you are either a fan of Denver or Oakland, or you have a gambling problem.
NYG (-4) over WASHINGTON: While I think that the Giants will not finish over .500 (!), I really see the Giants winning this game.
SEA (+1) over BUFFALO: I do like the Bills, but I get burned way too much by the Seahawks. They just don't lose games that I think they will lose.
DETROIT (-3) over ATLANTA: The Matt Ryan era will not start well.
CINCINNATI (-1.5) over BALTIMORE: You can't trust a rookie to win their first game in the season. Neither of these teams will be any good this year anyway.
PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) over ST. LOUIS: The Rams defense can't stop anyone at all. Philly takes this easily.
PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over HOUSTON: Could be a good game, but I think Pitt will win by a TD.
JACKSONVILLE (-3) over TENNESSEE: Your AFC South winner will have a tough game against the Titans, but the Jags will pull this out.
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over TAMPA BAY: The high flying offense will get off to a better start in 08. Could they get to a worse start?
NEW ENGLAND (-16.5) over KANSAS CITY: The Pats couldn't stop anyone this preseason, but come on. Brodie Croyle against the Pats? Come on, man.
NEW YORK JETS (-3) over MIAMI: Interesting game this week. Lots of subplots.
SAN FRANCISCO (+2.5) over ARIZONA: One of my few "upsets" this week. SF will take this game.
SAN DIEGO (-9) over CAROLINA: A Steve Smithless Panthers team scares exactly nobody. Come on.
DALLAS (-5.5) over CLEVELAND: I still don't believe in the Browns.
INDY (-9.5) over CHICAGO: Terrible Bears offense vs. a better than average Colts defense? Easy pick.
MINNESOTA (+3) over GREEN BAY: The Tarvaris Jackson/Aaron Rodgers matchup is about as exciting as...well, the second Monday night QB matchup.
DENVER (-3) over OAKLAND: If you are watching this game, you are either a fan of Denver or Oakland, or you have a gambling problem.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Legit NFL Preview NFC Edition
Scroll down to see my AFC Preview....for some reason, it was posted below Travis' opening weekend post.
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (11-5): The Dallas Cowboy 3 ring circus is back in full force. With troubled stars like TO, Pacman, and Tank, this team looks a lot like America's Team of the 1990s. It's tough to predict any other team coming out of the NFC because right now, there isn't a more talented bunch then the Boys in the NFC. If Patrick Crayton steps up and has a good season this year, I can't see them missing the Super Bowl.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7): This Philly team, if McNabb stays healthy all year, is another one of those dangerous teams. While they just went 8-8 last year, it was a fairly impressive 8-8. Brian Westbrook might be the most dangerous weapon in the league. I see good things from the Iggles this year.
3. New York Giants (8-8): If you want to call me biased, that's fine. Sorry Giant fans, but without Strahan and Osi, this team is not a playoff caliber squad.
4. Washington Redskins (8-8): A tough schedule for the Skins this year. Their first 3 road games are all divisional games. This pesky team, which went to the playoffs 2 of the past 3 years (I was surprised too when I realized that), will rollover for exactly no one. This is Jason Campbell's year to step up.
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (9-7): Had the Vikings somehow gotten Brett Favre, I would rate them a bit higher than where they are. The truth is, I don't trust Tavaris Jackson as a reliable playoff quarterback. Their defense, especially their front line, is unstoppable though.
2. Green Bay Packers (8-8): They will miss Favre more than they realize. That's not a shot at Aaron Rodgers, but they went through a significant downgrade at the quarterback position. It will be a struggle for the Pack to make the playoffs again this year.
3. Detriot Lions (6-10): You have to feel for the fans in Motown. They haven't had a quality football team there in years. Last year was supposed to be their year, but they just collapsed down the stretch. Kitna can still make things happen with his arm, but he throws too many picks. On a lighter note, kudos to the Lions for taking a chance on a chubby writer/director as their starting running back. Wait, it's a different Kevin Smith?
4. Chicago Bears (4-12): When your quarterback and running back is Kyle Orton and Matt Forte, you're not going anywhere this year.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (10-6): The Saints ended last year strong after starting 0-4. They have so many offensive weapons and a healthy Deuce McAllister will really help them out this year. Reggie Bush should not be a featured back, but a change of pace back instead.
2. Carolina Panthers (9-7): I immediately regret giving the Panthers a winning record. Jake Delhomme is coming off of Tommy John surgery, Steve Smith is suspended for two games, and they lost DeShawn Foster. But their schedule is kind of easy, so I got to give them a winning record.
3. Tampa Bay Devil Bucs (7-9): While they return most of their playoff team from last year, something tells me that the Bucs were overachievers last year. I'm not trying to hate on Jeff Garcia, but they just don't have the offense to make a return trip to January football.
4. Atlanta Falcons (3-13): I do like Matt Ryan, but this will be a long year for the BC alum.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6): Seattle might be the most boring good team in all of sports. Nobody really cares about Seattle. They're just there. But every year, they finish atop the West.
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-7): Shocker of the year! I see J.T. O'Sullivan (who Matt Berry and Bill Simmons hilariously suggested has a name that sounds like a bar/restaurant) as a guy who will not make mistakes (a game manager). I really think this is the year that the Niners step up.
3. Arizona Cardinals (7-9): Hey, remember when everybody loved Matt Leinart?
4. St. Louis Rams (5-11): If Bulger, Holt, and Jackson play every game, they can actually be a 9-7 team, but I doubt all three of them will be injury free this year.
Playoff Picks
Wild Card Weekend
Philly over Seattle
New Orleans over Carolina
Divisional Round
Dallas over Philly
New Orleans over Minnesota
Conference Championship
Dallas over New Orleans
Super Bowl
New England over Dallas
I am a homer.
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (11-5): The Dallas Cowboy 3 ring circus is back in full force. With troubled stars like TO, Pacman, and Tank, this team looks a lot like America's Team of the 1990s. It's tough to predict any other team coming out of the NFC because right now, there isn't a more talented bunch then the Boys in the NFC. If Patrick Crayton steps up and has a good season this year, I can't see them missing the Super Bowl.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7): This Philly team, if McNabb stays healthy all year, is another one of those dangerous teams. While they just went 8-8 last year, it was a fairly impressive 8-8. Brian Westbrook might be the most dangerous weapon in the league. I see good things from the Iggles this year.
3. New York Giants (8-8): If you want to call me biased, that's fine. Sorry Giant fans, but without Strahan and Osi, this team is not a playoff caliber squad.
4. Washington Redskins (8-8): A tough schedule for the Skins this year. Their first 3 road games are all divisional games. This pesky team, which went to the playoffs 2 of the past 3 years (I was surprised too when I realized that), will rollover for exactly no one. This is Jason Campbell's year to step up.
NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (9-7): Had the Vikings somehow gotten Brett Favre, I would rate them a bit higher than where they are. The truth is, I don't trust Tavaris Jackson as a reliable playoff quarterback. Their defense, especially their front line, is unstoppable though.
2. Green Bay Packers (8-8): They will miss Favre more than they realize. That's not a shot at Aaron Rodgers, but they went through a significant downgrade at the quarterback position. It will be a struggle for the Pack to make the playoffs again this year.
3. Detriot Lions (6-10): You have to feel for the fans in Motown. They haven't had a quality football team there in years. Last year was supposed to be their year, but they just collapsed down the stretch. Kitna can still make things happen with his arm, but he throws too many picks. On a lighter note, kudos to the Lions for taking a chance on a chubby writer/director as their starting running back. Wait, it's a different Kevin Smith?
4. Chicago Bears (4-12): When your quarterback and running back is Kyle Orton and Matt Forte, you're not going anywhere this year.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (10-6): The Saints ended last year strong after starting 0-4. They have so many offensive weapons and a healthy Deuce McAllister will really help them out this year. Reggie Bush should not be a featured back, but a change of pace back instead.
2. Carolina Panthers (9-7): I immediately regret giving the Panthers a winning record. Jake Delhomme is coming off of Tommy John surgery, Steve Smith is suspended for two games, and they lost DeShawn Foster. But their schedule is kind of easy, so I got to give them a winning record.
3. Tampa Bay Devil Bucs (7-9): While they return most of their playoff team from last year, something tells me that the Bucs were overachievers last year. I'm not trying to hate on Jeff Garcia, but they just don't have the offense to make a return trip to January football.
4. Atlanta Falcons (3-13): I do like Matt Ryan, but this will be a long year for the BC alum.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6): Seattle might be the most boring good team in all of sports. Nobody really cares about Seattle. They're just there. But every year, they finish atop the West.
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-7): Shocker of the year! I see J.T. O'Sullivan (who Matt Berry and Bill Simmons hilariously suggested has a name that sounds like a bar/restaurant) as a guy who will not make mistakes (a game manager). I really think this is the year that the Niners step up.
3. Arizona Cardinals (7-9): Hey, remember when everybody loved Matt Leinart?
4. St. Louis Rams (5-11): If Bulger, Holt, and Jackson play every game, they can actually be a 9-7 team, but I doubt all three of them will be injury free this year.
Playoff Picks
Wild Card Weekend
Philly over Seattle
New Orleans over Carolina
Divisional Round
Dallas over Philly
New Orleans over Minnesota
Conference Championship
Dallas over New Orleans
Super Bowl
New England over Dallas
I am a homer.
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