AhhhhhhhhhhuhhhhhhhhAHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, ooohdelah, ohdelAHHH ohdelay ohdelay AH aaaa ahh yah a a yah…
Previously on SURVIVOR!
Misty and Kerri are a little steamed about last night’s vote. They ask to speak to Brandi and Brandi says, “Go ahead.” They ask why she cut loose Bruce; doesn’t she know this will put their numbers down.
“Associating with him would have hurt us in the long run. Once the merge happened, we’d have had a target on our backs.”
“WE aren’t WE anymore,” Kerri says, before trudging off. Misty shakes her head then runs after Kerri.
In Wumba camp Nash and Amanda are on the beach, glad they didn’t have a tribal council. “2 vs 2 with one wild card. What do we do?” Amanda asks.
“We just get Sergio on board with us. We have to, no choice,” Nash responds.
Meanwhile Sergio tells Nash he is going fish. He is looking for a sack for fish when all of a sudden he happens upon Danica’s bag. He finds the idol! He peaks around, sees no one, and pockets the idol.
In Chumba camp, Misty and Kerri are recruiting Tebow right in front of Ichiro because they don’t think he can understand. Tebow rebuffs them and then Misty and Kerri decide that Tebow would be the next target. Ichiro hears this but again pretends that he cannot understand.
Probst welcomes the two tribes in for the immunity challenge. Tebow eventually catches up and passes her! Chumba wins immunity!
Fifth vote and next person voted out of Survivor: Cuba….Amanda. Grab your torch.
Nash is blindsided and Sergio gives TO a fistbump. Amanda is shocked but then smiles.
AhhhhhhhhhhuhhhhhhhhAHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, ooohdelah, ohdelAHHH ohdelay ohdelay AH aaaa ahh yah a a yah…
Chumba Tribe….Tim Tebow, Brandi Chastain, Sean Avery, Ichiro, Misty May, Kerry Walsh. Wumba Tribe… Steve Nash, Danica Patrick, Sergio Garcia, TO
Day 19
Wumba makes their way back to camp. Nash feels alone and says as much in a confessional. Danica doesn’t know that Sergio has the idol; she still thinks that Nash or Amanda has it. TO and Danica eat some rice while Sergio collects broad leaves for shelter. They call out for Nash to join them in the hut, but Nash declines. He claims he wants nothing to do with them.
In Chumba camp, Tebow and Ichiro are sitting by the fire with Sean beside them. Across the way, Brandi sits by herself with Kerry and Misty walking around in the water. Tebow and Sean are quietly discussing whether or not to bring Brandi into the alliance. Avery thinks they should but Tebow is a bit more cautious. They decide to wait and see if a merge is coming soon. If need be they can bring her in, especially if it will split a tie between the two other girls. “We’d be talking about a final six decision here,” Avery concedes. “True. I DO think that if we DO merge, we stick together as a tribe because I’d rather know my enemies than not know them,” Tebow argues.
Misty and Kerri walk over and offer an olive branch. “A merge has to be coming soon, right? The numbers dictate it,” Kerri starts.
“What if we, once we merge, stick it out together, vote every one of the Wumba off, then do our own battles,” Misty offers.
“We have to be one then,” Tebow counters. “You have to forgive Brandi because she voted off Bruce, WHICH by the way, was a GOOD thing.”
Misty and Kerri look at each other, shrug and agree. Brandi looks up at Tebow, then over at Walsh and May and back to Avery. She nods.
“Bring it in guys,” Tebow orders. “Chumba on three……CHUMBA!” They all put their hands in the circle and shout.
Commercial…Confused as to when Fletcher is on the radio waves? So is he! This week there isn’t Tech baseball so tune in from 4-6 on 790 The Zone to hear Fletcher and Scott discuss the local recruiting scene as well as some Hawks, no doubt. Score Atlanta’s Official Visit!
Wumba and Chumba both get a visit from Probst telling them to pack their belongings because they will be merging today! Nash breathes a sigh of relief while Sergio, TO and Danica raise eyebrows. They know they will need help to vote out Nash now. In Chumba camp, the tribe joins for another Chumba shout. They meet at the beach and enjoy a feast. Avery and Nash embrace while TO and Danica size up Misty and Kerri, the two they believe is the mastermind behind Chumba. They don’t know about the drama with Brandi. In the middle of the meal, Nash privately confronts Sergio about Amanda leaving. Sergio sneers that TO and Danica had a better plan. “A better plan?” Nash questions.
“Yeah, they were always together and they never cut off one of their own like you did with Hogan. How would I know you wouldn’t do that to me?” Sergio wonders.
“Because I gave you my word. I never gave Hogan my word. He assumed. Don’t worry though Sergey, I’ll get you back,” Nash promises.
As the feast is winding down, Nash alerts everyone that Sergio has the immunity idol, which he stole from Danica. “Just so you guys know who you are playing with. Hide your stuff. Sergio is basically a pirate who steals things,” Nash warns.
“So he took our rice?” Avery asks.
“No that was me!” TO shouts, then immediately regrets saying that.
“Thanks jerk. I guess we know who to vote out now,” Misty responds.
Probst appears and tells them that they can open up a secret message that is hidden under the table before heading back to the old Chumba camp. Also, they will have to name their tribe. Nash flips over the table, revealing a clue about a potential hidden immunity idol hidden at the old Wumba camp. If anyone can figure out how to get to Wumba from Chumba, more power to them. Nash, TO and Sergio know how. Nash admits in a confessional that if he tells Avery he knows, he is admitting that he was in on the raid. But he figures that would get out soon enough. Maybe he should risk it.
Commercial…Have you read Four from Score with Tim Hudson? Visit www.scoreatl.com for the story!
Back at the old Chumba camp, Tebow and Avery and Ichiro have seemingly joined forces and Avery admits privately that he has a connection with Nash. “If we get Nash with us, it doesn’t matter who Misty and Kerri get with them. We’ll have some one from their side,” Avery begins. Tebow reminds him that they will be going Chumba until all of Wumba is gone.
“That’s stupid Tim. We have to be smart about this. Bringing Nash in is smart. We’ve got to do it. Do it now!” Avery whisper-yells.
“We’ll see,” is all Tebow lets out. Tebow walks away and Ichiro stares blankly at Avery. “He’s making a mistake Ich,” Avery confesses.
Tebow approaches Nash and invites him to go for a walk. They discuss what happened with Wumba and how Nash is out on his own now. Nash admits that he and Avery have a secret bond. “I know, he just told me,” Tebow agrees. Tebow decides to bring Nash in and they find Ichiro and Avery getting water and Tebow declares the good news. “What about Brandi?” Ichiro asks. Avery and Nash look amazed that he speaks English.
“We bring her in if we have to,” Tebow says. “We vote out Danica, TO, Sergio, then when Misty and Kerri think Nash is next, we go one, then the other, then Brandi is out and it is final four. Once there…”Tebow trails off.
“Every man for himself,” Avery finishes.
“Deal,” Nash nods.
“Not a word. No one can know,” Ichiro orders.
Nash parts ways to keep the secret and Sergio approaches. “We are thinking about making a run over to camp tonight to find the idol. We think it is to the right of where our tree mail was. You in?” Sergio asks Nash.
“I don’t think so. I cannot afford to let these guys know I was in on the raid,” Nash plays coy.
“You know the way. And if you don’t go, we’ll spill the secret that you were in,” TO says as he approaches the two.
“How are you not pissed at Sergio for lying about the idol?” Nash wonders.
“He didn’t steal it from me,” TO says. Nash exhales; he is not liking the current situation.
Brandi and Misty are talking but Kerri looks like she is still holding a grudge. They decide to name the tribe “Quest.” A tribe called quest! “I love it,” Brandi claps. Misty smiles but Kerri rolls her eyes.
Commercial…wondering what is going on in the sports world every morning? Check out the Morning Roundup M-F on scoreatl.com. Links to the real stories in Atlanta sports!
All of the remaining survivor head to the beach and face a ropes course. Probst explains that the first three to make it through the first course will move on to the finals where they will race to make it through with the winner earning individual immunity. “Let’s go!”
The survivors line up and they will be connected to a rope that must go thru a jungle gym and make it through. Probst says go and the survivors take off. Brandi has trouble while Danica more or less gives up. Tebow, Ichiro, TO and Nash are flying through. Sergio is making it through, but slowly. Avery seems caught up. TO makes it through first and does the gator chomp as Tebow makes it through. Tebow gets in TO’s face saying that is classless. “Oh so when YOU guys do it, it is fine, but when some one ELSE does the chomp, THEN it’s classless? You are allowed to showboat, but no one else can? Doesn’t make a lot of sense there Timmy,” TO argues. Tebow realizes that it IS a bit classless when they do it, like they are showing up the opponent. “I’ll keep that in mind. You’re right. It’s not very Christian. Kind of like David Pollack walking through the Zone Frat House naked when he KNOWS women are in the house.”
Ichiro makes it through as well. Those three will compete in the finals. Probst says go and Tebow takes off. Ichiro is also quick, but TO sits back to watch them. TO sees where Tebow gets caught and then TO begins. He is using them as the guinea pigs to find the way, then he goes much quicker. Ichiro is stuck so it is down to TO and Tebow. TO is close, but then he gets hung up. Tebow pulls and he is unstuck and he races to the finish line…TEBOW wins immunity! TO smacks the sand. As Tebow gets the immunity necklace, TO whispers to Danica that he thinks he is done. “I need that idol from the other camp.” Nash hears this and looks over.
Back at camp, the old Chumba camp convenes to decide they are going to target Danica. “Sergio has the idol, so we vote off Danica. Done,” Avery tells the group. They all nod and Danica looks sunk.
Meanwhile TO tells Nash that he has to come otherwise…. And he makes a throat slashing gesture. Nash agrees and he and TO take off. Avery wonders where Nash is as he wants to let him in on the plan. Sergio approaches Kerri and asks if he is getting the death sentence. Kerri admits that she shouldn’t be saying this, but “No, Danica is. You’ve got the idol and would be stupid to give it up. I think we should knock out TO, but they all feel that he would be easy to go against in the final.” Sergio thanks her and slinks off. Nash and TO hit the old Wumba camp and go straight to Tree mail. They dig and find the idol and TO breaths a sigh of relief. “Wait, how come you get it?” Nash asks.
“Because I don’t have a secret to hide,” TO counters.
Commercial…Did SportsbyFletch call it or WHAT on Idol. We had Matt Moley Moley going home and he did. Who will go home next week? Check next Wednesday’s Midweek entertainment report for our prediction.
Back at camp, Danica and Sergio tell TO about what the tribe is planning. Nash doesn’t want anything to do with this, but TO tells Nash that he will spill the beans if he doesn’t vote with them. “You’ll be sorry,” TO says.
At tribal council, Jeff asks Tebow if Florida will stop doing the gator chomp. “I doubt it. Urban is pretty classless himself and pretty much a hypocrite. I mean, he runs the score up, but Georgia ran onto the field in the first quarter in 07 and he held a grudge. I think he likes US showing up our opponents, but heaven forbid our opponents show us up. Double standard Jeff,” Tebow admits.
Probst asks Avery what the merge is like and Avery says that even though they are “one tribe” now, there is still a split. Probst asks Danica if she feels safe since her tribe has smaller numbers. “No. None of us do. Except Tim,” Danica responds.
Let’s vote.
Everyone goes to vote and Brandi is seen voting for Danica. Tebow votes Danica, TO votes Misty. “It had to be somebody,” TO says.
Probst goes to count the votes. He returns and says that once the votes are read, the person eliminated will have to leave immediately. Also, if anyone has an immunity idol and wants to use it tonight, they must use it now. TO stands up and hands his hidden idol to Danica, who hands it to Jeff. Avery’s eyes get super wide. “This was Stevie’s idea. He took me to find the hidden idol since he knew his way to camp from the raid. He masterminded this whole thing. Good job Steve. Way to stick strong for Wumba!” Nash’s eyes get super wide and he shakes his head no. Probst reveals a vote for Danica which he throws away. Another for Danica, which he throws away. Another for Danica, which he tosses into the fire. Another for Danica and another. One more vote for Danica thrown away. One vote for Misty. Another vote for Misty. Another vote for Misty. That will do it. Misty is stunned. TO, Danica and Sergio look pleased with themselves. Nash is shaking his head no to Avery and Tebow.
Misty leaves the tribal council. Probst says that all it takes is one person to turn the minority into a majority sometimes. Is that the case here? Maybe it isn’t as split down the middle as we thought.
NEXT TIME ON SURVIVOR CUBA….Nash has some explaining to do. Tebow questions Avery on whether or not they want a liar in their group. Sergio and Danica approach Kerri, who now seems shut off without Misty. TO and Nash get nose to nose in the rewards challenge.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Four from Score.....Tim Hudson
Braves pitcher Tim Hudson is trying to come back from tommy john surgery and he managed to give us a few minutes as he is rehabbing the injury.
SportsByFletch: You and your wife are very active in the community with giving back to kids that are less fortunate. What are your plans for the future in terms of community outreach.
Hudson: We’re always really involved with the Make-a-Wish foundation. It’s a big organization we’ve been involved with, gosh, going on about ten years now. The Make-a-Wish and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we’ve been involved with a bunch, including the golf tournament. We’re forming out own foundation right now, the Hudson Family Foundation.
SBF: What will be the focus of that organization?
TH:It will be geared towards children’s charities, children who are less fortunate due to illness or what-have-you. It’s something that we’ve been passionate about for a long time, children’s charities and children in need. It’s something that long after baseball, we’re going to be passionate about.
SBF: Is there anyway people can go on-line to find out more about how they can help?
TH: Our website is going to be up and going in the next week or so, the Hudson Family Foundation. You can get on there and look up different things that we’ve got going on, a lot of different events that we’ll have. We’ve got a bunch of different fundraisers coming up. We’ll have a lot of things like a concert to raise some money and obviously some golf tournaments and some other little things. We’re going to try to be creative and have some fun.
SBF:I know you are anxious to get out there from the injury. While you are rehabbing from surgery, is it great to be able to come into the clubhouse and hang out with the guys and feel like you are still a part of the team?
TH:Absolutely. Last year was really tough, not being able to dress out with the team and not traveling, so it’s nice to come in and get in my locker and put my uniform on and help pull for these guys.
Thanks Tim! Good luck with the rehab!
SportsByFletch: You and your wife are very active in the community with giving back to kids that are less fortunate. What are your plans for the future in terms of community outreach.
Hudson: We’re always really involved with the Make-a-Wish foundation. It’s a big organization we’ve been involved with, gosh, going on about ten years now. The Make-a-Wish and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we’ve been involved with a bunch, including the golf tournament. We’re forming out own foundation right now, the Hudson Family Foundation.
SBF: What will be the focus of that organization?
TH:It will be geared towards children’s charities, children who are less fortunate due to illness or what-have-you. It’s something that we’ve been passionate about for a long time, children’s charities and children in need. It’s something that long after baseball, we’re going to be passionate about.
SBF: Is there anyway people can go on-line to find out more about how they can help?
TH: Our website is going to be up and going in the next week or so, the Hudson Family Foundation. You can get on there and look up different things that we’ve got going on, a lot of different events that we’ll have. We’ve got a bunch of different fundraisers coming up. We’ll have a lot of things like a concert to raise some money and obviously some golf tournaments and some other little things. We’re going to try to be creative and have some fun.
SBF:I know you are anxious to get out there from the injury. While you are rehabbing from surgery, is it great to be able to come into the clubhouse and hang out with the guys and feel like you are still a part of the team?
TH:Absolutely. Last year was really tough, not being able to dress out with the team and not traveling, so it’s nice to come in and get in my locker and put my uniform on and help pull for these guys.
Thanks Tim! Good luck with the rehab!
What was he mourning?
I just saw this AP brief on yahoo!
AP - Virulent swine flu spread to 10 U.S. states from coast to coast Wednesday and swept deeper into Europe, extending its global reach as President Barack Obama mourned the first U.S. death, a Mexican toddler who had traveled with his family to Texas. Total American cases surged to nearly 100, and Obama said wider school closings might be necessary.
What was he mourning? A US death? Nope, because you just said it was a Mexican toddler!
No I think he was mourning the fact that an illegal with swine flu was able to sneak past the border patrol. That's what I am mourning!
AP - Virulent swine flu spread to 10 U.S. states from coast to coast Wednesday and swept deeper into Europe, extending its global reach as President Barack Obama mourned the first U.S. death, a Mexican toddler who had traveled with his family to Texas. Total American cases surged to nearly 100, and Obama said wider school closings might be necessary.
What was he mourning? A US death? Nope, because you just said it was a Mexican toddler!
No I think he was mourning the fact that an illegal with swine flu was able to sneak past the border patrol. That's what I am mourning!
Midweek Entertainment report 4/29
The Swine Flu hits, The Hills WILL be back, Idol goes Rat Pack-but not really.
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
The swine flu has put TT into a tizzy about my trip to Cabo next week. Let me put this out there....SPORTSBYFLETCH's Mexico correspondent WILL be going to Mexico next week, swine flu be darned. So if I do go to Cabo (to a 5-star resort btw and not the inner-city of Mexico City aka the dirtiest city in the world), and I get the flu, BIG WHOOP! I don't get sick except once a year anyways and last time I went, I didn't even get that Montezuma's revenge that everyone was telling me I'd get. I doubt my nose will turn into a snout and I doubt I will sprout a tail. Listen, I am a healthy 27 year old who works out regularly. I am not an OLD frail person and I am not a newborn baby that hasn't gotten his shots yet. As for the school in NY that are closing....the wussification of America right there. GET A GRIP parents! It is the sniffles. THE FREAKING FLU! This is America NOT MEXICO. Of course people are dying from the flu down there. They don't have Walgreens down there to go out and by some Dimeatap. Bottom line, I am not scared of the swine flu. I'm healthy, I've had my shots as an infant and if I DO get sick, I'll get over the flu in 3 or 4 days like I ALWAYS do! THE FLU! Quit freaking out people!
The Hills will go on, only it will be without LC. MTV and the rest of the crew will continue Season 5 but it will be without Lauren because I guess she is getting tired of having her life scripted for her. What will she do next? Continue her clothing line? (Is anyone buying that?) Star in cinemax movies? Marry a rich guy? I wonder. Apparently the next season will center on Speidi. I still think MTV missed out on doing the entire wedding process, (That would have been great TV), but Spiedi will be WAY better than ANYTHING LC could have done. Her ship has sailed. More Brodrina and More Speidi! Bring it ON!
Finally, Idol last night was supposed to do The Rat Pack, but then they changed it to "Standards" and NO ONE did ANY Rat Pack. Oh well. If I had to rank the performances, I'd say GohomeGokey was best, followed by Kris Allen, Adam (pretty disappointing, considering I was pumped when I heard what song he was planning), Allison and then Moley-er Matt. I think the bottom three will be MoleyMatt, 17-going-on-57 Allison, and Kris. I think Moley will be going home.
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week! Avoid the Swine flu, but if you DO get it, DON'T WORRY. You live in America and will be FINE! OINK! OINK!
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
The swine flu has put TT into a tizzy about my trip to Cabo next week. Let me put this out there....SPORTSBYFLETCH's Mexico correspondent WILL be going to Mexico next week, swine flu be darned. So if I do go to Cabo (to a 5-star resort btw and not the inner-city of Mexico City aka the dirtiest city in the world), and I get the flu, BIG WHOOP! I don't get sick except once a year anyways and last time I went, I didn't even get that Montezuma's revenge that everyone was telling me I'd get. I doubt my nose will turn into a snout and I doubt I will sprout a tail. Listen, I am a healthy 27 year old who works out regularly. I am not an OLD frail person and I am not a newborn baby that hasn't gotten his shots yet. As for the school in NY that are closing....the wussification of America right there. GET A GRIP parents! It is the sniffles. THE FREAKING FLU! This is America NOT MEXICO. Of course people are dying from the flu down there. They don't have Walgreens down there to go out and by some Dimeatap. Bottom line, I am not scared of the swine flu. I'm healthy, I've had my shots as an infant and if I DO get sick, I'll get over the flu in 3 or 4 days like I ALWAYS do! THE FLU! Quit freaking out people!
The Hills will go on, only it will be without LC. MTV and the rest of the crew will continue Season 5 but it will be without Lauren because I guess she is getting tired of having her life scripted for her. What will she do next? Continue her clothing line? (Is anyone buying that?) Star in cinemax movies? Marry a rich guy? I wonder. Apparently the next season will center on Speidi. I still think MTV missed out on doing the entire wedding process, (That would have been great TV), but Spiedi will be WAY better than ANYTHING LC could have done. Her ship has sailed. More Brodrina and More Speidi! Bring it ON!
Finally, Idol last night was supposed to do The Rat Pack, but then they changed it to "Standards" and NO ONE did ANY Rat Pack. Oh well. If I had to rank the performances, I'd say GohomeGokey was best, followed by Kris Allen, Adam (pretty disappointing, considering I was pumped when I heard what song he was planning), Allison and then Moley-er Matt. I think the bottom three will be MoleyMatt, 17-going-on-57 Allison, and Kris. I think Moley will be going home.
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week! Avoid the Swine flu, but if you DO get it, DON'T WORRY. You live in America and will be FINE! OINK! OINK!
The Falcons don't want Moorehead. Hmmmmm
Our Falcons correspondent Paul Mac cannot believe the Falcons don't want Moorehead. WOW. We at Sportsbyfletch can't either!
Here are Paul's thoughts, in staccato bursts...
The Falcons released veteran defensive linemen Simon Fraser and Kindal Moorehead, in addition to signing John Parker Wilson.
Problems on the defensive line? What problems? Um… Simon Fraser and Kindal Moorehead played quite a bit last year for the Falcons down the stretch… They weren’t thin…. They were looking for warm bodies. After the Fatheads were discovered on the cardboard cutouts… I guess they signed Moorehead and Fraser.
That makes 11-5 look that much more astonishing. Freaking amazing what the coaches did with the talent they were given on defense. They covered up a lot to say the least.
Apparently they also signed Troy Bergeron AGAIN…. I guess he’s just a great guy to hang with in the weight room and on the practice field. He’s always there from April to August.
Here are Paul's thoughts, in staccato bursts...
The Falcons released veteran defensive linemen Simon Fraser and Kindal Moorehead, in addition to signing John Parker Wilson.
Problems on the defensive line? What problems? Um… Simon Fraser and Kindal Moorehead played quite a bit last year for the Falcons down the stretch… They weren’t thin…. They were looking for warm bodies. After the Fatheads were discovered on the cardboard cutouts… I guess they signed Moorehead and Fraser.
That makes 11-5 look that much more astonishing. Freaking amazing what the coaches did with the talent they were given on defense. They covered up a lot to say the least.
Apparently they also signed Troy Bergeron AGAIN…. I guess he’s just a great guy to hang with in the weight room and on the practice field. He’s always there from April to August.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The best of the (w)rest(lers)
With all apologies to Sportsbyfletch's wrestling correspondent Brian Jones, I decided to compile my own list of the best grapplers and wrestlers of all time. Everyone can agree that Hogan and Flair are at the top of the list with either of the two in either position. They are the Hall of Famers so I won't even include them in my list of the next best 19. Now remember, this is my list of the ones I have seen and I admit that there were probably much better wrestlers going at it before I was born. But they won't make my list. Why? Because I don't go back and watch the old stuff because it isn't as fun. So this list is can be viewed as MY best since 1987ish.
19 Batista. The Animal himself is still going at it and while it took him a while he is the most dominant wrestler out there ever since Brock left to pursue the NFL and MMA. The Batista Bomb is unstoppable. If wrestling were real, he'd never lose. Pure dominance. And he's getting better on the mic, at least he was when I stopped watching on a regular basis.
18. Jake the Snake Roberts. After this guy DDT'ed you (devastating BTW) he threw a snake on you. I remember when he was blinded by Rick the Model Martel's perfume and had to fight him blind. I remember crying when Earthquake sat on the snake. I keep going back to the DDT though. You were done.
17 Kevin Nash/Diesel. The Jacknife powerbomb ruled the WWF right after he stopped Bob Backlund in about 8 seconds at MSG. Diesel started out as a valet and moved up and became a champ. a real rags-to-riches story there. And let's not forget that when HE went to WCW and created nWo, it changed wrestling FOREVER.
16 Brock Lesner. The next big thing would have owned the WWF if he had stuck around but he tried football and then MMA. Oh well. The unstoppable force rules the wrestling video game "Here Comes the Smackdown." You cannot stop him on that game.
15 Lex Lugar. He ruled the WCW then came to the WWF and, once he turned into "The All-American" he made me proud to be an American. He was able to bodyslam Yukozuma when NO ONE ELSE could. Amber Waves and Lex Lugar. You cannot get more American than that.
14 Sting. Whether it was fueding with Lugar for the US Title in WCW or turning into The Crow or the Wolfpack Sting, he was intimidating with the black bat, dropping from the rafters. In the WCW/nWo game for N64, Sting is simply badass. STINGER SPLASH!
13. Jimmy Superfly Snuka. When he jumped off the cage at MSG (is that right?) that earned him a place in my heart.
12. Macho Man. Ooooooooooooooooooooo, yeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhhhhhhhhh Randy Savage. I dig it. The Macho King/Man was always competing for championships and was always a fan of sunglasses at night. I don't care that he aged faster than the guy from the second episode of Fringe.
11. The Rock. He would be higher, but the early part of his career was stupid and after a while he became a bit like Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura 2; he was just amping up what worked and ignoring everything else. PLUS he LEFT wrestling for movies. Come on.
10. HHH. Time to play the game! The Game is the biggest thing IN wrestling right now and is the franchise as we speak. He can go against ANYONE, play any angle and is willing to go the distance for the company. By the end of his career after his battles with Mankind, Stone Cold, The Rock, HBK, this guy could be mentioned in the same breath as Flair and Hogan.
9. Goldberg. When he was in his prime (too short or he would be higher) Goldberg was a beast, a machine, he was lesner and batista before they were. You couldn't stop him. That entrance. That finisher. Everything about Goldberg was intense. He was a supernova that burned out too quickly.
8. Stone Cold. He raged against the machine and for that people love him. But he wasn't a good wrestler, he was just good on the mic. For that, he is #8 and not #2.
7. Rick Steamboat Dragon. I don't remember much about him, just that he was one of the first wrestlers that got me hooked.
6. Ultimate Warrior. The way this guy would run into the ring....wow. He owned the WWF until he got popped for roids and came back a shell of his former self. I never got over that. WHO IS THIS IMPOSTER?
5. Andre the Giant. Anybody got a peanut? He didn't do much, but you couldn't bring him down. He ONLY lost matches when he wanted to. I guess this was when I realized it was fake. NO ONE could have beaten him.
4. Shawn Michaels HBK. With his skills in the ring and on the mic, he was hard to top. He was the sexy boy, NOT your boy toy. He was pushed for good reason and despite all of the injuries, I was a fan. I guess he gets penalized because it wasn't believable.
3. The Undertaker. This guy was impossible to stop early on. What grace he had when he climbed the rope. The tombstone piledriver. The white eyes. The Urn. The streak at wrestlemania. The only thing that bugged me was when he came back as a biker. What was that?
2. Mankind/Mick Foley/Cactus Jack. One of my co-workers Damian thinks that he should be #1. He wasn't good on the mic, but boy could he take a hit. I think he MIGHT have been a one-trick pony (all he did was take falls) but BOY could he take a fall. He probably is in 9 or 10 or the greatest matches if I were to put together a top 25 matches list. Remember when the Undertaker threw him off the Hell in the Cell? They created matches and a belt for this guy? He gave us Mr. Socko!
1. Bret the Hitman Hart. The excellence of execution. Nuff said.
19 Batista. The Animal himself is still going at it and while it took him a while he is the most dominant wrestler out there ever since Brock left to pursue the NFL and MMA. The Batista Bomb is unstoppable. If wrestling were real, he'd never lose. Pure dominance. And he's getting better on the mic, at least he was when I stopped watching on a regular basis.
18. Jake the Snake Roberts. After this guy DDT'ed you (devastating BTW) he threw a snake on you. I remember when he was blinded by Rick the Model Martel's perfume and had to fight him blind. I remember crying when Earthquake sat on the snake. I keep going back to the DDT though. You were done.
17 Kevin Nash/Diesel. The Jacknife powerbomb ruled the WWF right after he stopped Bob Backlund in about 8 seconds at MSG. Diesel started out as a valet and moved up and became a champ. a real rags-to-riches story there. And let's not forget that when HE went to WCW and created nWo, it changed wrestling FOREVER.
16 Brock Lesner. The next big thing would have owned the WWF if he had stuck around but he tried football and then MMA. Oh well. The unstoppable force rules the wrestling video game "Here Comes the Smackdown." You cannot stop him on that game.
15 Lex Lugar. He ruled the WCW then came to the WWF and, once he turned into "The All-American" he made me proud to be an American. He was able to bodyslam Yukozuma when NO ONE ELSE could. Amber Waves and Lex Lugar. You cannot get more American than that.
14 Sting. Whether it was fueding with Lugar for the US Title in WCW or turning into The Crow or the Wolfpack Sting, he was intimidating with the black bat, dropping from the rafters. In the WCW/nWo game for N64, Sting is simply badass. STINGER SPLASH!
13. Jimmy Superfly Snuka. When he jumped off the cage at MSG (is that right?) that earned him a place in my heart.
12. Macho Man. Ooooooooooooooooooooo, yeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhhhhhhhhh Randy Savage. I dig it. The Macho King/Man was always competing for championships and was always a fan of sunglasses at night. I don't care that he aged faster than the guy from the second episode of Fringe.
11. The Rock. He would be higher, but the early part of his career was stupid and after a while he became a bit like Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura 2; he was just amping up what worked and ignoring everything else. PLUS he LEFT wrestling for movies. Come on.
10. HHH. Time to play the game! The Game is the biggest thing IN wrestling right now and is the franchise as we speak. He can go against ANYONE, play any angle and is willing to go the distance for the company. By the end of his career after his battles with Mankind, Stone Cold, The Rock, HBK, this guy could be mentioned in the same breath as Flair and Hogan.
9. Goldberg. When he was in his prime (too short or he would be higher) Goldberg was a beast, a machine, he was lesner and batista before they were. You couldn't stop him. That entrance. That finisher. Everything about Goldberg was intense. He was a supernova that burned out too quickly.
8. Stone Cold. He raged against the machine and for that people love him. But he wasn't a good wrestler, he was just good on the mic. For that, he is #8 and not #2.
7. Rick Steamboat Dragon. I don't remember much about him, just that he was one of the first wrestlers that got me hooked.
6. Ultimate Warrior. The way this guy would run into the ring....wow. He owned the WWF until he got popped for roids and came back a shell of his former self. I never got over that. WHO IS THIS IMPOSTER?
5. Andre the Giant. Anybody got a peanut? He didn't do much, but you couldn't bring him down. He ONLY lost matches when he wanted to. I guess this was when I realized it was fake. NO ONE could have beaten him.
4. Shawn Michaels HBK. With his skills in the ring and on the mic, he was hard to top. He was the sexy boy, NOT your boy toy. He was pushed for good reason and despite all of the injuries, I was a fan. I guess he gets penalized because it wasn't believable.
3. The Undertaker. This guy was impossible to stop early on. What grace he had when he climbed the rope. The tombstone piledriver. The white eyes. The Urn. The streak at wrestlemania. The only thing that bugged me was when he came back as a biker. What was that?
2. Mankind/Mick Foley/Cactus Jack. One of my co-workers Damian thinks that he should be #1. He wasn't good on the mic, but boy could he take a hit. I think he MIGHT have been a one-trick pony (all he did was take falls) but BOY could he take a fall. He probably is in 9 or 10 or the greatest matches if I were to put together a top 25 matches list. Remember when the Undertaker threw him off the Hell in the Cell? They created matches and a belt for this guy? He gave us Mr. Socko!
1. Bret the Hitman Hart. The excellence of execution. Nuff said.
How can you have a draft wrapup without Paul Mac?
Answer: YOU. JUST. CANNOT.
NFL correspondent Paul Mac weighs in with his thoughts on the weekend's draft. Enjoy!
This draft honestly went fantastically at the top end for the Falcons. For Jerry to fall to us at 24 is unexpected and tremendous. It's exactly the proper fit. That said, Michael Oher was almost available and with the other DT's around I still think they have a rougher time deciding if he's still there. Unfortunately a lot of the first round fringe steals went in the top of the 2nd. That being said... The Falcons we most hurting at Strong Safety where the law dog just vacated due to old age. Now they'll have Thomas Decou compete with the arguably best SS prospect in THIS draft in William Moore. I have been consistently impressed with Dimitroff and Smith's honesty in the media. There is no smoke screen nor media hype other than for ticket sales. They tell you EXACTLY what they are going to do. Speed and Urgency have been the hit points all off season. They get much more urgent through the middle with this draft and give their 2nd year MLB much needed inside toughness. I feel like they will be out of position quite a bit this year but they will recover quickly. The offense should be productive enough to make up for some mistakes, and this defense will be vastly more opportunistic than they have been in the past. I feel like in the fall they will have 2 new starters on defense in the top two picks and two instant contributors with the next two picks. Chris Owens is sort of in the Chris Houston mold. Should be tough in run support with decent speed. They'll likely still play a lot of zone coverage and try to keep it in front as is Van Gorder's style. Middleton and the Miami kid scream special teams. They also pick up Lawerence "Sid Vicious" Sidberry.
Sidberry is going to back up Abraham and he'll probably play a lot if he shows he's physically ready for it. Smith feels he can get more out of Abraham if he plays less. It's also put up or shut up time for Three A's Anderson. With the 7th round pick of Vance Walker I think one of the emergency DT's from last season will be jettisoned shortly. Tony Gonzo just puts the icing on the cake.
OK, other thoughts on the draft. Tyson Jackson at 3? Seriously? SERIOUSLY? WTF? Oh scheme fit right. Ok. Did he miss Glenn Dorsey all that much? Guess so. That LSU defense was AWFUL last year then again I can lay that blame on the offense too I guess. DHB was going to be a Raider. I find it slightly curious they didn't like Maclin more. Crabtree could be better than both... but they aren't asking DHB to do more than run Go's Skinny Post's and square outs/in's so I think he'll be ok. No double moves, just out run your guy and run under it.... Under WHAT? You asked... yeah... vertical offenses don't work to well when your line sucks... but the good news for the black hole is that Tom Cable is a pretty good line coach... he also got them to beat two pretty good teams to end the year last year... washing off the stench of Lane Kiffin was difficult... Tom Cable might be better than we thought... he did great work overcoming the former coach and the OWNER/GM (almost never works attention idiots in Arlington) at the same time. Hint Hint... clock is ticking Jim Zorn.
Speaking of Zorn... freaking tremendous get in Orakpo. Super Value. He should fit right in next to the new man mountain they bought. Hopefully Jason Campbell can adequately convert first downs enough to give them breathers.
Philly and Cincinnati jumped out to me. Yeah Green Bay plugged some holes as well but these guys continue to overrate the ability of Aaron Rodgers to make it through the season.
Cincinnati definitely got the most accomplished Left Tackle in the draft... period. Yes we had a laugh at him and his gravy sweating work out run...but he was ready to start in the NFL out of High School. 95% of his time at Bama he was golden.... I'm not worried about him. Maualuga could have gone top 5 if that's where Aaron Curry went. Explain to me how Patrick Willis is less of a player than Aaron Curry. Is Curry good? Sure... but people have made him out to be Ray Lewis... I'm not ready for that yet. They get a very LOW risk HIGH reward in Johnson in the 3rd. They don't have to pay him much and if he decides to play hard... he could wind up in the John Abraham range of players. Luigs could start right now at center... he was probably the best in the SEC. Pick up Southerland in FA and they'll find the next Alstott. Someone is getting a bargain in Southerland...and you don't have to pay him 18 million over 3 years Rich Mckay.
Ok other ESPN made stories. Mark Sanchez... wow 5 players for a guy who looked really average in Corvallis and other road venues. Is it that difficult to out coach and out play a very talented but very bland Penn State defense in essentially your home town with a month to prepare. The Big 10 has yet to come into the 21st century though Penn State tried this year... ONE Safety deep vs 3 wide... really Joe Pa? REALLY? ESPN jumped on Sanchez because this draft was fairly boring.... we had the positions most teams would go very early even the Jackson pick was hinted on. Sanchez was the drama.. So the Jets did what they had to do and got him... for a crap ton of picks and players.... um... ok. He is the Perfect fit for NYC.. They haven't had a guy with looks and talent since Joe Willy Namath... but honestly...the man love that was poured over him vs Stafford was a little nay A LOT much. UGA plays a pro offense too, Stafford started 3 years and has more experience in games. As much as teams keep talking about oh USC is the second coming their defense is sooooo good in practice look at Cassel. Um. Cassel sat for what 6 years and practiced behind 2 Heisman winners and Tom Brady under the Tutelage of Belicheck. It's going to take Dirty a while to get NFL ready. These guys act like the Jets just won the super bowl. The lions did just as well getting Stafford... unfortunately they failed to fix Jeff Backus unless they drafted him some HGH too. Dirty Dirty will have the benefit of a very nice line. I think Detroit and the Jets did right by themselves. I'm just turned off by the man love attached to Sanchez... exactly what did he win at USC?... no mention of Character issues with this guy who has had numerous run ins with the legal system regarding things he did with women yet they drag down Maualuga... yeah ok. Dirty Dirty could...easily slip into the Matt Leinart hole... oh wait but he's the alpha male... yeah remember that when he's in a hot tub with hookers in New Jersey and telling members of the media in a drunken stupor that he wants to kiss them.
Philly had a great draft. They FINALLY get a WR with some ability in the first round... they filled some holes with Jason Peters and Hobbs. They still pickup a fat kid from BYU to fulfill the quota in FA. All in all they got a lot of guys I like though.
Ryan Succop is Mr Irrelevant... well not exactly... Yeah they had a lot of guys drafted late but I think that South Carolina's football program is a much more appropriate MR. Irrelevant. They win the prize for greatness in their heads though. Really Capt. Munnerlyn you came out after THAT season? Maybe you and Ko Simpson can hang out and tell people how great you are as they escort you to jail.
Oh and someone give Mike Leech a film of the Oklahoma game and the National Championship game. Mike. Your team is a product of your offense. You had an Elite receiver, a good line with a spread to keep most crappy teams off of your QB... Harrell was GARBAGE under pressure. Sorry. It's cute he can throw very accurately in the shotgun. Congrats, you beat Texas who played a terrible game and their Achilles heel (secondary) was exploited by your best player in the final second. The truth came out when you played Oklahoma... and that truth came out when they played Florida. You are NOT an Elite program. The Jones boys are foolish and ridiculous...who cares why they chose Stephen Mcgee. Grahame Harrell NEVER played under center. We've already seen him 5 times before remember Kliff Kingsbury? How did that work out? Just shut the hell up Mike Leech when people are talking to you... your program got more than enough respect last year. Blame YOURSELF for the reason Harrell didn't get drafted. Well that and his embarrassing performance in the Senior Bowl. Wide Receivers don't have the same value as other players... that's why Crabtree fell.. well that and Al Davis still makes picks on the other side of the Bay.
Cheers,
Paul Mac
NFL correspondent Paul Mac weighs in with his thoughts on the weekend's draft. Enjoy!
This draft honestly went fantastically at the top end for the Falcons. For Jerry to fall to us at 24 is unexpected and tremendous. It's exactly the proper fit. That said, Michael Oher was almost available and with the other DT's around I still think they have a rougher time deciding if he's still there. Unfortunately a lot of the first round fringe steals went in the top of the 2nd. That being said... The Falcons we most hurting at Strong Safety where the law dog just vacated due to old age. Now they'll have Thomas Decou compete with the arguably best SS prospect in THIS draft in William Moore. I have been consistently impressed with Dimitroff and Smith's honesty in the media. There is no smoke screen nor media hype other than for ticket sales. They tell you EXACTLY what they are going to do. Speed and Urgency have been the hit points all off season. They get much more urgent through the middle with this draft and give their 2nd year MLB much needed inside toughness. I feel like they will be out of position quite a bit this year but they will recover quickly. The offense should be productive enough to make up for some mistakes, and this defense will be vastly more opportunistic than they have been in the past. I feel like in the fall they will have 2 new starters on defense in the top two picks and two instant contributors with the next two picks. Chris Owens is sort of in the Chris Houston mold. Should be tough in run support with decent speed. They'll likely still play a lot of zone coverage and try to keep it in front as is Van Gorder's style. Middleton and the Miami kid scream special teams. They also pick up Lawerence "Sid Vicious" Sidberry.
Sidberry is going to back up Abraham and he'll probably play a lot if he shows he's physically ready for it. Smith feels he can get more out of Abraham if he plays less. It's also put up or shut up time for Three A's Anderson. With the 7th round pick of Vance Walker I think one of the emergency DT's from last season will be jettisoned shortly. Tony Gonzo just puts the icing on the cake.
OK, other thoughts on the draft. Tyson Jackson at 3? Seriously? SERIOUSLY? WTF? Oh scheme fit right. Ok. Did he miss Glenn Dorsey all that much? Guess so. That LSU defense was AWFUL last year then again I can lay that blame on the offense too I guess. DHB was going to be a Raider. I find it slightly curious they didn't like Maclin more. Crabtree could be better than both... but they aren't asking DHB to do more than run Go's Skinny Post's and square outs/in's so I think he'll be ok. No double moves, just out run your guy and run under it.... Under WHAT? You asked... yeah... vertical offenses don't work to well when your line sucks... but the good news for the black hole is that Tom Cable is a pretty good line coach... he also got them to beat two pretty good teams to end the year last year... washing off the stench of Lane Kiffin was difficult... Tom Cable might be better than we thought... he did great work overcoming the former coach and the OWNER/GM (almost never works attention idiots in Arlington) at the same time. Hint Hint... clock is ticking Jim Zorn.
Speaking of Zorn... freaking tremendous get in Orakpo. Super Value. He should fit right in next to the new man mountain they bought. Hopefully Jason Campbell can adequately convert first downs enough to give them breathers.
Philly and Cincinnati jumped out to me. Yeah Green Bay plugged some holes as well but these guys continue to overrate the ability of Aaron Rodgers to make it through the season.
Cincinnati definitely got the most accomplished Left Tackle in the draft... period. Yes we had a laugh at him and his gravy sweating work out run...but he was ready to start in the NFL out of High School. 95% of his time at Bama he was golden.... I'm not worried about him. Maualuga could have gone top 5 if that's where Aaron Curry went. Explain to me how Patrick Willis is less of a player than Aaron Curry. Is Curry good? Sure... but people have made him out to be Ray Lewis... I'm not ready for that yet. They get a very LOW risk HIGH reward in Johnson in the 3rd. They don't have to pay him much and if he decides to play hard... he could wind up in the John Abraham range of players. Luigs could start right now at center... he was probably the best in the SEC. Pick up Southerland in FA and they'll find the next Alstott. Someone is getting a bargain in Southerland...and you don't have to pay him 18 million over 3 years Rich Mckay.
Ok other ESPN made stories. Mark Sanchez... wow 5 players for a guy who looked really average in Corvallis and other road venues. Is it that difficult to out coach and out play a very talented but very bland Penn State defense in essentially your home town with a month to prepare. The Big 10 has yet to come into the 21st century though Penn State tried this year... ONE Safety deep vs 3 wide... really Joe Pa? REALLY? ESPN jumped on Sanchez because this draft was fairly boring.... we had the positions most teams would go very early even the Jackson pick was hinted on. Sanchez was the drama.. So the Jets did what they had to do and got him... for a crap ton of picks and players.... um... ok. He is the Perfect fit for NYC.. They haven't had a guy with looks and talent since Joe Willy Namath... but honestly...the man love that was poured over him vs Stafford was a little nay A LOT much. UGA plays a pro offense too, Stafford started 3 years and has more experience in games. As much as teams keep talking about oh USC is the second coming their defense is sooooo good in practice look at Cassel. Um. Cassel sat for what 6 years and practiced behind 2 Heisman winners and Tom Brady under the Tutelage of Belicheck. It's going to take Dirty a while to get NFL ready. These guys act like the Jets just won the super bowl. The lions did just as well getting Stafford... unfortunately they failed to fix Jeff Backus unless they drafted him some HGH too. Dirty Dirty will have the benefit of a very nice line. I think Detroit and the Jets did right by themselves. I'm just turned off by the man love attached to Sanchez... exactly what did he win at USC?... no mention of Character issues with this guy who has had numerous run ins with the legal system regarding things he did with women yet they drag down Maualuga... yeah ok. Dirty Dirty could...easily slip into the Matt Leinart hole... oh wait but he's the alpha male... yeah remember that when he's in a hot tub with hookers in New Jersey and telling members of the media in a drunken stupor that he wants to kiss them.
Philly had a great draft. They FINALLY get a WR with some ability in the first round... they filled some holes with Jason Peters and Hobbs. They still pickup a fat kid from BYU to fulfill the quota in FA. All in all they got a lot of guys I like though.
Ryan Succop is Mr Irrelevant... well not exactly... Yeah they had a lot of guys drafted late but I think that South Carolina's football program is a much more appropriate MR. Irrelevant. They win the prize for greatness in their heads though. Really Capt. Munnerlyn you came out after THAT season? Maybe you and Ko Simpson can hang out and tell people how great you are as they escort you to jail.
Oh and someone give Mike Leech a film of the Oklahoma game and the National Championship game. Mike. Your team is a product of your offense. You had an Elite receiver, a good line with a spread to keep most crappy teams off of your QB... Harrell was GARBAGE under pressure. Sorry. It's cute he can throw very accurately in the shotgun. Congrats, you beat Texas who played a terrible game and their Achilles heel (secondary) was exploited by your best player in the final second. The truth came out when you played Oklahoma... and that truth came out when they played Florida. You are NOT an Elite program. The Jones boys are foolish and ridiculous...who cares why they chose Stephen Mcgee. Grahame Harrell NEVER played under center. We've already seen him 5 times before remember Kliff Kingsbury? How did that work out? Just shut the hell up Mike Leech when people are talking to you... your program got more than enough respect last year. Blame YOURSELF for the reason Harrell didn't get drafted. Well that and his embarrassing performance in the Senior Bowl. Wide Receivers don't have the same value as other players... that's why Crabtree fell.. well that and Al Davis still makes picks on the other side of the Bay.
Cheers,
Paul Mac
Monday, April 27, 2009
Harder than it should have been...
(That's what she said)
I read last week on yahoo! about a 23 year old guy born with no arms or legs that was preparing for an MMA fight over the weekend in Alabama. Sadly, this kid who suffers from congenital amputation (his arms end above the elbows and his legs stop above the knees) is from Suwanee, GA. Yep, that is where I reside these days. Great I share my town with an MMA fighter that doesn't have arms or legs. Awesome.
As for the fight, the guy lost (no shock there) but the way he lost is what is surprising. His opponent used the strategy of avoidance, only using forearms to keep the "little guy" at bay and the guy WITH legs and arms would only open-hand hit the guy with NO ABILITY to block anything. At NO TIME did the fight with legs ever kick the guy sans limbs.
WHAT THE HECK?
I've seen a UFC fight or two in my life and they are always choking and kicking and hooking and punching. Basically there are no rules (You can pretty much rip a guy's penis off) but this one guy didn't even kick the Venus de Milo ONCE!? COME ON!
I went off on this the other day. In essence, preparing for this fight, you might as well have used an office chair. It blocks the same as this guy. It doesn't fight back.
Are you kidding me? This was a joke and ONLY in Alabama could this have gone down.
What was this guy trying to prove? Oh, that he can be in an MMA fight? was this some sort of Make-A-Wish thing? I wish the guy had NOT taken mercy on him and taught him a lesson. Kick the crap out of him like he was a penguin. All this guy (pussy) that stayed away from him did was make Stretch think that he could compete again. No, you should have kicked the crap out of him to disabuse him of thinking that he might be able to do this again. Hey, you wrestled at Collins Hill. Good For You man. In that sport, you start out sometimes in a grapple. In MMA, you circle around and punches and kicks are thrown.
How did you think you were going to be able to do that? I am not trying to be mean, I really want to know.
This isn't a feel-good story; no, this is a sad tale that should be addressed and we should then forget about it. I wish he had been stomped. That way he won't try this again. I'm not sure if he IS going to try it again, but he should not. Eventually you are going to run into a real fighter (read: NOT A PUSSY) that is going to punt you Gordon Ely-Kelso style.
I tell you, between the Pirate situation (ever hear of throwing the hook ladder off of your boat?) and this no-armed/no-legged MMA fighter (kick him in the face! HE CAN'T BLOCK IT!), common sense is seriously going out of the window. Thank goodness Sportsbyfletch is here to bring it back, one dose at a time.
I read last week on yahoo! about a 23 year old guy born with no arms or legs that was preparing for an MMA fight over the weekend in Alabama. Sadly, this kid who suffers from congenital amputation (his arms end above the elbows and his legs stop above the knees) is from Suwanee, GA. Yep, that is where I reside these days. Great I share my town with an MMA fighter that doesn't have arms or legs. Awesome.
As for the fight, the guy lost (no shock there) but the way he lost is what is surprising. His opponent used the strategy of avoidance, only using forearms to keep the "little guy" at bay and the guy WITH legs and arms would only open-hand hit the guy with NO ABILITY to block anything. At NO TIME did the fight with legs ever kick the guy sans limbs.
WHAT THE HECK?
I've seen a UFC fight or two in my life and they are always choking and kicking and hooking and punching. Basically there are no rules (You can pretty much rip a guy's penis off) but this one guy didn't even kick the Venus de Milo ONCE!? COME ON!
I went off on this the other day. In essence, preparing for this fight, you might as well have used an office chair. It blocks the same as this guy. It doesn't fight back.
Are you kidding me? This was a joke and ONLY in Alabama could this have gone down.
What was this guy trying to prove? Oh, that he can be in an MMA fight? was this some sort of Make-A-Wish thing? I wish the guy had NOT taken mercy on him and taught him a lesson. Kick the crap out of him like he was a penguin. All this guy (pussy) that stayed away from him did was make Stretch think that he could compete again. No, you should have kicked the crap out of him to disabuse him of thinking that he might be able to do this again. Hey, you wrestled at Collins Hill. Good For You man. In that sport, you start out sometimes in a grapple. In MMA, you circle around and punches and kicks are thrown.
How did you think you were going to be able to do that? I am not trying to be mean, I really want to know.
This isn't a feel-good story; no, this is a sad tale that should be addressed and we should then forget about it. I wish he had been stomped. That way he won't try this again. I'm not sure if he IS going to try it again, but he should not. Eventually you are going to run into a real fighter (read: NOT A PUSSY) that is going to punt you Gordon Ely-Kelso style.
I tell you, between the Pirate situation (ever hear of throwing the hook ladder off of your boat?) and this no-armed/no-legged MMA fighter (kick him in the face! HE CAN'T BLOCK IT!), common sense is seriously going out of the window. Thank goodness Sportsbyfletch is here to bring it back, one dose at a time.
A good draft for Cincinnati and J-ville.
The NFL draft was this past weekend and somehow I was able to avert my eyes every now and then from the waitresses at The Tavern at Phipps to see how was drafted where. My thoughts (Other than the fact that I cannot wait for the Tavern Waitresses to get their summer unis...)
I think Cincinnati had a zonetastic draft. Not only do they get Andre Smith (a frigging great OLineman) in the first, but they grab Rey Maualuga in the second and Michael Johnson in the third. Ummm, those two were in some mocks ALSO first rounders. Throw in Chase Coffman for Carson Palmer to throw to as well as the center Luigs (who could start right away) and I'd say that Cincy had a pretty dadgum good draft. Character issues? Please. Andre Smith will be fine and Rey was a leader on USC last season. Throw in Michael Johnson, (assuming he wants to play) and this might rival only Detroit for most pure talent acquired.
Jacksonville has just rebuilt the OLine and MoJoDrew should have plenty of holes now through which to run. Eugene Monroe in the first AND Eben Britton in the second? WOW. Those two will make great bookends for the next 8 years. At WORST, they will make a great left side of the line for the next 9 years. WOW. Good for the Jags.
Detroit got three first round talents in the first 33 picks. Stafford WILL be a MUCH better pro than he ever was college QB (sadly for Georgia fans) and he now has a security blanket in TE Brandon Pettigrew (I think maybe Michael Oher should have been the pick) and then safety Louis Delmas in the second. Throw in Derrick Williams in the third and the Roy Williams trade has ALREADY gotten them better. Imagine Culpepper prepping Pettigrew, Williams, Johnson and the running back for Stafford to begin throwing to late in 2009 and starting in 2010. The Lions are going to be picking high again in 2010, but look for them to be a "team to watch" in 2010.
As for Washington, Orakpo hopefully will get them some pressure from the the end opposite Andre Carter and beside Albert Haynesworth. I don't have a problem with this pick at all. This was a guy I thought would go top ten and the fact that he was still there at No.13....good for Washington. He will be better than Jason Taylor, hands down. The only bad news is that Jason Campbell is still the QB and is in a lameduck season. Either he goes out and puts up huge numbers and Washington has to pay through the nose to keep him or he walks away. I wish the Skins had taken a QB late such as Nate Davis. Let him develop for a season then take over next year. And ANYONE calling for Colt Brennan to take over next season.....please stop reading my blog. Seriously. Stop. Next thing you know, you'll be saying, "Maybe the skins should take Tim Tebow!"
And I will wait for Paul Mac to weigh in on the Falcons, but the rumor of sending No.24 and a fifth rounder to KC for Glen Dorsey was really exciting, but with Peria Jerry falling to No.24 that should have been out the window. Jerry will do just fine at less money and everything is cool. As far as the safety Moore in the second round, the guy has a REAL shot to start immediately. He is a playmaker so it is a good thing that the Falcons picked up one of those with the second round pick. As far was everyone else...it is a shame they missed out on Asher Allen and I'll have to Trust Thomas that the rest of the picks are as good as last season. Of course Paul Mac will weigh in.
Who had a bad draft? Oakland for one (the Maryland WR at #7 when Crabtree AND Maclin still on the board?). San Diego (I don't know why I dislike Larry English, but I do) for another. And Buffalo took Aaron Maybin (11) and Eric Wood (28) with the team's TWO first round picks. Wow. A future Courtney Brown and a center. WOW. Headscratcher.
Otherwise what a fun draft for the Georgia Bulldogs. Stafford #1, Knowshon #12 (Hey Denver, quit ripping the guy just because he isn't defense. If isn't HIS fault that his new team decided to take him instead of going for defense!) MoMas in round two and Asher and Irvin in three with Wynn in the later rounds. Too bad Southerlin and Ellerbe didn't get drafted, but overall a good draft for the Dawgs. Good job guys, now go to the NFL and do well so CMR can go into recruits homes and sell them on becoming the next YOU!
I think Cincinnati had a zonetastic draft. Not only do they get Andre Smith (a frigging great OLineman) in the first, but they grab Rey Maualuga in the second and Michael Johnson in the third. Ummm, those two were in some mocks ALSO first rounders. Throw in Chase Coffman for Carson Palmer to throw to as well as the center Luigs (who could start right away) and I'd say that Cincy had a pretty dadgum good draft. Character issues? Please. Andre Smith will be fine and Rey was a leader on USC last season. Throw in Michael Johnson, (assuming he wants to play) and this might rival only Detroit for most pure talent acquired.
Jacksonville has just rebuilt the OLine and MoJoDrew should have plenty of holes now through which to run. Eugene Monroe in the first AND Eben Britton in the second? WOW. Those two will make great bookends for the next 8 years. At WORST, they will make a great left side of the line for the next 9 years. WOW. Good for the Jags.
Detroit got three first round talents in the first 33 picks. Stafford WILL be a MUCH better pro than he ever was college QB (sadly for Georgia fans) and he now has a security blanket in TE Brandon Pettigrew (I think maybe Michael Oher should have been the pick) and then safety Louis Delmas in the second. Throw in Derrick Williams in the third and the Roy Williams trade has ALREADY gotten them better. Imagine Culpepper prepping Pettigrew, Williams, Johnson and the running back for Stafford to begin throwing to late in 2009 and starting in 2010. The Lions are going to be picking high again in 2010, but look for them to be a "team to watch" in 2010.
As for Washington, Orakpo hopefully will get them some pressure from the the end opposite Andre Carter and beside Albert Haynesworth. I don't have a problem with this pick at all. This was a guy I thought would go top ten and the fact that he was still there at No.13....good for Washington. He will be better than Jason Taylor, hands down. The only bad news is that Jason Campbell is still the QB and is in a lameduck season. Either he goes out and puts up huge numbers and Washington has to pay through the nose to keep him or he walks away. I wish the Skins had taken a QB late such as Nate Davis. Let him develop for a season then take over next year. And ANYONE calling for Colt Brennan to take over next season.....please stop reading my blog. Seriously. Stop. Next thing you know, you'll be saying, "Maybe the skins should take Tim Tebow!"
And I will wait for Paul Mac to weigh in on the Falcons, but the rumor of sending No.24 and a fifth rounder to KC for Glen Dorsey was really exciting, but with Peria Jerry falling to No.24 that should have been out the window. Jerry will do just fine at less money and everything is cool. As far as the safety Moore in the second round, the guy has a REAL shot to start immediately. He is a playmaker so it is a good thing that the Falcons picked up one of those with the second round pick. As far was everyone else...it is a shame they missed out on Asher Allen and I'll have to Trust Thomas that the rest of the picks are as good as last season. Of course Paul Mac will weigh in.
Who had a bad draft? Oakland for one (the Maryland WR at #7 when Crabtree AND Maclin still on the board?). San Diego (I don't know why I dislike Larry English, but I do) for another. And Buffalo took Aaron Maybin (11) and Eric Wood (28) with the team's TWO first round picks. Wow. A future Courtney Brown and a center. WOW. Headscratcher.
Otherwise what a fun draft for the Georgia Bulldogs. Stafford #1, Knowshon #12 (Hey Denver, quit ripping the guy just because he isn't defense. If isn't HIS fault that his new team decided to take him instead of going for defense!) MoMas in round two and Asher and Irvin in three with Wynn in the later rounds. Too bad Southerlin and Ellerbe didn't get drafted, but overall a good draft for the Dawgs. Good job guys, now go to the NFL and do well so CMR can go into recruits homes and sell them on becoming the next YOU!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Needless to say, Paul Mac is excited...
Falcons correspondent Paul Mac weighs in on the trade announced yesterday between the Falcons and the Chiefs of Tony Gonzalez TO the ATL for a 2010 second rounder going to Kansas City...
FALCONS Get GONZO for a 2nd in 2010. This should be a low 2nd rounder and they will have several compensatory picks next year. In other words... NO BRAINER.
This is AWESOME. Roddy White will see more single coverage. This will force defenses to think about doubling Gonzo in the red zone which puts more pressure on the defensive front 4 to stop Michael Turner and Norwood. If Douglass is on the field as well he will get single coverage if not more space to work in the middle. This is freaking AWESOME btw.
This is like the Real World Cuba being picked up by MTV and Fletcher Proctor becoming the next Josh Schwartz.
FALCONS Get GONZO for a 2nd in 2010. This should be a low 2nd rounder and they will have several compensatory picks next year. In other words... NO BRAINER.
This is AWESOME. Roddy White will see more single coverage. This will force defenses to think about doubling Gonzo in the red zone which puts more pressure on the defensive front 4 to stop Michael Turner and Norwood. If Douglass is on the field as well he will get single coverage if not more space to work in the middle. This is freaking AWESOME btw.
This is like the Real World Cuba being picked up by MTV and Fletcher Proctor becoming the next Josh Schwartz.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
DO YOU BLAME THEM?
From the AP....
The Hawks’ real-life mascot got a little flying time during the playoffs. “Spirit,” an actual hawk that flies down from the rafters during the pre-game introductions, decided to hang around for the start of Game 2 against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
The bird was perched atop the scoreboard at tipoff, refusing to go to his handler. Then he swooped around the arena while the game was going on, landing on a railing in the lower deck before he settled on the top of the basket at the Hawks end of the court. When the players spotted the bird, they refused to go on. The game was halted with 8:28 remaining in the first quarter until the handler finally arrived, luring Spirit to his arm and carrying him out of the arena to cheers from the crowd—and several players.
IT IS A FREAKING BIRD OF PREY! I'D HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE THE COURT AS WELL! ARE YOU FRIGGIN' KIDDING ME?
The Hawks’ real-life mascot got a little flying time during the playoffs. “Spirit,” an actual hawk that flies down from the rafters during the pre-game introductions, decided to hang around for the start of Game 2 against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
The bird was perched atop the scoreboard at tipoff, refusing to go to his handler. Then he swooped around the arena while the game was going on, landing on a railing in the lower deck before he settled on the top of the basket at the Hawks end of the court. When the players spotted the bird, they refused to go on. The game was halted with 8:28 remaining in the first quarter until the handler finally arrived, luring Spirit to his arm and carrying him out of the arena to cheers from the crowd—and several players.
IT IS A FREAKING BIRD OF PREY! I'D HAVE REFUSED TO TAKE THE COURT AS WELL! ARE YOU FRIGGIN' KIDDING ME?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
SportsbyFletch gives back to our readers!
This is an actual email from an actual reader:
Was SportsByFletch the vehicle that banished Tex? If so, whenever the next guy is banished… try and get a little more back. Thanks.
Anyways I would like to see an SBF opinion piece on the Braves everyday players and where you think they can improve to become the playoff team we think they could be in 2010 or 11 or 12.
Thanks!
Well, how can our baseball correspondent turn down a request from one of our VIRs?
With no further ado...............
While it is far too early to write off the Braves 2009 season (Atlanta isn't as good as what we saw at first and the team is not as bad as dropping the first two to Washington) we can ALWAYS look to the future of this team. As I said last season during Extra Innings on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, this team is going to tread water until 2010,2011 and 2012. THAT is when the next two waves of prospects will hit the ATL and THAT is when Braves fans should be really expecting postseason play.
Since our reader doesn't want me to discuss the pitching staff (which by 2011 should have Tom Hanson as at least the #3 starter behind Lowe and Jurrjens, yet ahead of Medlin and Kawakami), I will discuss what the players on the current roster can do.
Let's start behind the plate. Brian McCann cannot really improve much more than he has already. This guy should be locked in by the Braves brass to be a Brave for life if they can do it. He has made three straight all-star teams. He is pretty much the ONLY clutch hitter the team has. He can go 24 hr with a .300+ average all while CATCHING! Best hitting catcher in the bigs and perhaps the best catcher the Braves have EVER had (Sorry Javy and Charlie). Not sure how he can improve, we just need him to stay healthy, get this eye problem fixed and stay in the lineup for 145 games a season. BMac, just give me 22HR/96RBI/.296/much higher ops/fairly high slugging in 145 per season. Mac also told me recently (sorry to drop that in there, but HEY, ALL of the beat writers do that stuff, right?) that he believes he will be playing catcher throughout his career. He didn't anticipate a move. Good work, Mac. Way to show up a little leaner this year. Shows you are committed. I like it!
Over at first base, Casey Kotchman is a seat warmer and not much more. I originally thought he'd be the future of the position at first base, but then he struggled so much, and while he CAN pick it at first, it was exciting watching, hearing and reading about Freddie Freeman in spring training. Matt Diaz spoke highly of him when I talked to him last week and we need to remember this: Freeman is 19 and this good. Cannot wait until he is 21 and gets called up in 2011 to take over. He looks like he will never be Adam Dunn, but if he turns out to be Fred McGriff part two, aka, doubles and about 28 HR a season, I'll be happy. Dunn strikes out too much anyways. But what can Casey Kotchman do to improve? Play great defense, hit well from the 6 hole and get out of the way after 2010.
Kelly Johnson at second base is a guy that really leaves me in a funk. I LOVE his swing (and so does former MLBer HT Crawley. We agree: ONE PRETTY SWING), and I think that he might be the best athlete on the team. But is he a second baseman? No. Not really sure of his position but I like him in the lineup. If I have to have him at second, then so be it. Would I rather have him in leftfield right now with Furcal at second or Yunel Escobar at second with Elvis Andrus at short? You bet your sweet bippy. But what are you going to do? You keep KJ there with his sweet swing until a second baseman is ready. I've checked into the minor league system and one isn't ready too soon. Diory Hernandez? Sorry, no. KJ is it for a while. Not that that is bad. He is getting better defensively all the time. (I keep telling myself this at least...)
As far as shortstop, I am probably the most excited about this position. Yunel Escobar reminds me of A-Rod's days with Seattle: before the juice when he was a young player about to blossom into something really special. I don't believe I am out of line when I predicted Yunel to approach 20 HR with 45 doubles and 115 runs. He can do that if he stays in the #2 spot, Chipper stays healthy and so does BMac. Yunel is on the cusp and he is getting better by the day. By 2012, we should be looking at the NL East as the new mecca of shortstops with Hanley (actually, he might be gone by then), Rollins, Reyes and Escobar. WOW. talk about talent, talent and more talent! Escobar should soon be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.
Over at third, we cannot expect Chipper to be a huge part of the future of this team. He is the team's present NO DOUBT, but as he gets older, with his recent injury history, he just isn't a guy we can honestly count on to be a part of the 2011 and 2012 race for the playoffs. And because of the contract the team just rewarded him with, and with Freeman the future at first base, third base will be a bit of a hole during that time. Will he still be manning the No3 spot? Will he accept a demotion in the lineup as his skillz fade? Who knows? Let's just hope he can give the team .315 with 18 HR and 65 RBI in 2012. Coming down the pipe, I would think that the team tries out Prado, Diory Hernandez and ??? at third before ...hmmm....no real options at third.
Out in leftfield we are simply playing a waiting game. No need tying up salary in a leftfielder (though I'd have loved to have had Bobby Abreau out there for 5M or Pat the Bat for 8M) when Jason Heyward is a future 2010 late-season callup and 2011 regular waiting to happen. Diaz, I love the guy, but he needs to be the DH for a team like KC or Seattle. Sorry Matty. Garrett Anderson, I have no problem with the signing because he was holding the seat for Heyward. The future is bright here, so fret not. Heyward is the future cleanup hitter for the next 8 years. Let's just hope he doesn't turn fat like Andruw did.
Centerfield is going to be a bit tricky however. Jordan Schafer came out on fire, but he has since cooled, leaving my mental door open to Gorkys Hernandez to take over in 2011. Schafer will likely bounce back and at worst will be a servicable CF but perhaps Hernandez will be the next Otis Nixon-minus all of the crack. Hernandez would make me feel a lot better because he would likely be the CF this team needs, one it hasn't had since Deion and Otis were out there. Schafer could find himself then traded or out in right.
Speaking of rightfield, has Frenchy turned his stuff around? Let's hope so. This team NEEDS Frenchy to get back to reaching his potential which is 28 HR, 85 RBI and 80+ runs. Dude, you want the superstar contract? Start giving me Grady Sizemore numbers. You don't HAVE to hit 300. Shoot, give me .278, but give me the 28 dingers if the average is going to be that low. Or if you only want to jack 23 per season, I'll need some more doubles and a .280 average. That isn't asking too much Jeff, and I KNOW you can do it.
That's a spin around the diamond. The future of the team will be in two waves: the 2009 wave of Hanson, Schafer, Sammons and Medlin....and the 2011 wave of Heyward, Freeman, Julio Tehan, Hernandez and Jon Gilmore. It sucks to say, "Just be patient," but that is the plan right now. And you know what? I like it when a team is on the verge. You get to watch the young kids out there: true they struggle a bit, but like a young horse learning how to walk, eventually you see the horse learn how to walk, then RUN. And I think that is the better way too. Grow the players yourself. Don't just run off and raid everyone else's team. This way you feel connected with the kids. And it makes the success THAT much sweeter.
Just my opinion though. This team isn't far away. A leftfielder-on the way(Heyward). A cleanup hitter-on the way(Heyward). A true leadoff hitter-on the way(GHernandez). A future new #3 hitter-already here(Escobar). Top flight pitching-on the way(Hanson,Jurrjens,Medlin,Tehan). We aren't far off. Let's enjoy the ride. And once the pieces are in place, a run of 10 straight postseason appearances isn't out of the question, especially with the rest of the NLEast getting older....just saying.
Was SportsByFletch the vehicle that banished Tex? If so, whenever the next guy is banished… try and get a little more back. Thanks.
Anyways I would like to see an SBF opinion piece on the Braves everyday players and where you think they can improve to become the playoff team we think they could be in 2010 or 11 or 12.
Thanks!
Well, how can our baseball correspondent turn down a request from one of our VIRs?
With no further ado...............
While it is far too early to write off the Braves 2009 season (Atlanta isn't as good as what we saw at first and the team is not as bad as dropping the first two to Washington) we can ALWAYS look to the future of this team. As I said last season during Extra Innings on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, this team is going to tread water until 2010,2011 and 2012. THAT is when the next two waves of prospects will hit the ATL and THAT is when Braves fans should be really expecting postseason play.
Since our reader doesn't want me to discuss the pitching staff (which by 2011 should have Tom Hanson as at least the #3 starter behind Lowe and Jurrjens, yet ahead of Medlin and Kawakami), I will discuss what the players on the current roster can do.
Let's start behind the plate. Brian McCann cannot really improve much more than he has already. This guy should be locked in by the Braves brass to be a Brave for life if they can do it. He has made three straight all-star teams. He is pretty much the ONLY clutch hitter the team has. He can go 24 hr with a .300+ average all while CATCHING! Best hitting catcher in the bigs and perhaps the best catcher the Braves have EVER had (Sorry Javy and Charlie). Not sure how he can improve, we just need him to stay healthy, get this eye problem fixed and stay in the lineup for 145 games a season. BMac, just give me 22HR/96RBI/.296/much higher ops/fairly high slugging in 145 per season. Mac also told me recently (sorry to drop that in there, but HEY, ALL of the beat writers do that stuff, right?) that he believes he will be playing catcher throughout his career. He didn't anticipate a move. Good work, Mac. Way to show up a little leaner this year. Shows you are committed. I like it!
Over at first base, Casey Kotchman is a seat warmer and not much more. I originally thought he'd be the future of the position at first base, but then he struggled so much, and while he CAN pick it at first, it was exciting watching, hearing and reading about Freddie Freeman in spring training. Matt Diaz spoke highly of him when I talked to him last week and we need to remember this: Freeman is 19 and this good. Cannot wait until he is 21 and gets called up in 2011 to take over. He looks like he will never be Adam Dunn, but if he turns out to be Fred McGriff part two, aka, doubles and about 28 HR a season, I'll be happy. Dunn strikes out too much anyways. But what can Casey Kotchman do to improve? Play great defense, hit well from the 6 hole and get out of the way after 2010.
Kelly Johnson at second base is a guy that really leaves me in a funk. I LOVE his swing (and so does former MLBer HT Crawley. We agree: ONE PRETTY SWING), and I think that he might be the best athlete on the team. But is he a second baseman? No. Not really sure of his position but I like him in the lineup. If I have to have him at second, then so be it. Would I rather have him in leftfield right now with Furcal at second or Yunel Escobar at second with Elvis Andrus at short? You bet your sweet bippy. But what are you going to do? You keep KJ there with his sweet swing until a second baseman is ready. I've checked into the minor league system and one isn't ready too soon. Diory Hernandez? Sorry, no. KJ is it for a while. Not that that is bad. He is getting better defensively all the time. (I keep telling myself this at least...)
As far as shortstop, I am probably the most excited about this position. Yunel Escobar reminds me of A-Rod's days with Seattle: before the juice when he was a young player about to blossom into something really special. I don't believe I am out of line when I predicted Yunel to approach 20 HR with 45 doubles and 115 runs. He can do that if he stays in the #2 spot, Chipper stays healthy and so does BMac. Yunel is on the cusp and he is getting better by the day. By 2012, we should be looking at the NL East as the new mecca of shortstops with Hanley (actually, he might be gone by then), Rollins, Reyes and Escobar. WOW. talk about talent, talent and more talent! Escobar should soon be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.
Over at third, we cannot expect Chipper to be a huge part of the future of this team. He is the team's present NO DOUBT, but as he gets older, with his recent injury history, he just isn't a guy we can honestly count on to be a part of the 2011 and 2012 race for the playoffs. And because of the contract the team just rewarded him with, and with Freeman the future at first base, third base will be a bit of a hole during that time. Will he still be manning the No3 spot? Will he accept a demotion in the lineup as his skillz fade? Who knows? Let's just hope he can give the team .315 with 18 HR and 65 RBI in 2012. Coming down the pipe, I would think that the team tries out Prado, Diory Hernandez and ??? at third before ...hmmm....no real options at third.
Out in leftfield we are simply playing a waiting game. No need tying up salary in a leftfielder (though I'd have loved to have had Bobby Abreau out there for 5M or Pat the Bat for 8M) when Jason Heyward is a future 2010 late-season callup and 2011 regular waiting to happen. Diaz, I love the guy, but he needs to be the DH for a team like KC or Seattle. Sorry Matty. Garrett Anderson, I have no problem with the signing because he was holding the seat for Heyward. The future is bright here, so fret not. Heyward is the future cleanup hitter for the next 8 years. Let's just hope he doesn't turn fat like Andruw did.
Centerfield is going to be a bit tricky however. Jordan Schafer came out on fire, but he has since cooled, leaving my mental door open to Gorkys Hernandez to take over in 2011. Schafer will likely bounce back and at worst will be a servicable CF but perhaps Hernandez will be the next Otis Nixon-minus all of the crack. Hernandez would make me feel a lot better because he would likely be the CF this team needs, one it hasn't had since Deion and Otis were out there. Schafer could find himself then traded or out in right.
Speaking of rightfield, has Frenchy turned his stuff around? Let's hope so. This team NEEDS Frenchy to get back to reaching his potential which is 28 HR, 85 RBI and 80+ runs. Dude, you want the superstar contract? Start giving me Grady Sizemore numbers. You don't HAVE to hit 300. Shoot, give me .278, but give me the 28 dingers if the average is going to be that low. Or if you only want to jack 23 per season, I'll need some more doubles and a .280 average. That isn't asking too much Jeff, and I KNOW you can do it.
That's a spin around the diamond. The future of the team will be in two waves: the 2009 wave of Hanson, Schafer, Sammons and Medlin....and the 2011 wave of Heyward, Freeman, Julio Tehan, Hernandez and Jon Gilmore. It sucks to say, "Just be patient," but that is the plan right now. And you know what? I like it when a team is on the verge. You get to watch the young kids out there: true they struggle a bit, but like a young horse learning how to walk, eventually you see the horse learn how to walk, then RUN. And I think that is the better way too. Grow the players yourself. Don't just run off and raid everyone else's team. This way you feel connected with the kids. And it makes the success THAT much sweeter.
Just my opinion though. This team isn't far away. A leftfielder-on the way(Heyward). A cleanup hitter-on the way(Heyward). A true leadoff hitter-on the way(GHernandez). A future new #3 hitter-already here(Escobar). Top flight pitching-on the way(Hanson,Jurrjens,Medlin,Tehan). We aren't far off. Let's enjoy the ride. And once the pieces are in place, a run of 10 straight postseason appearances isn't out of the question, especially with the rest of the NLEast getting older....just saying.
Midweek entertainment report 4/22/09
Flo Rida isn't creative, reason number 9847903 why PETA sucks, Slumlord's father apparently DIDN'T try to sell her, third time's a charm for SPEIDI on MTV and Why is Lil still singing?
Ladies and gentlemen, THE MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
Apparently the father of the young girl in that Slumlordofdogtown Millionaire movie DIDN'T try to sell his daughter after all. Reports stated that a sting operation initially uncovered an attempt by the young "actress"'s father to sell the "actress" for 200,000 pounds aka $290K. But the guy now claims he never tried to sell her. Here is what I ask: how bad was her contract that she won't get WAY more than that in royalties? I thought the movie won all of those awards and Oscars? OH, I guess I was correct: NO ONE ACTUALLY SAW THE MOVIE AFTER ALL! I love being right.
Spencer and Heidi from Le Hills are expected to tie the knot (again) this Saturday and OF COURSE the MTV cameras will be there. But I sort of feel like we've done this before. How come MTV hasn't spun this off TLC style and done an entire season of wedding planning and whatnot? Heidi goes to the florist could be an episode. Spencer picks out his best man. The bachlor/ette parties. Meeting with the minister who tells them they are going to Hell. These are all great episode ideas. Word is that Brody, Lo and She-Pratt all are headed to the wedding, but LC isn't. Ahhh, too bad. At a recent Hills function, producers said that they are in negotiations for another season, but LC already said this was it....but she said that last season too. I guess the Hills will go on FOREVER. At least until LC pops out a kid. Then they'll move the show to VH1.
Can someone tell Flo Rida that he's allowed to make a song with an original beat? Thanks
I saw where PETA is asking Guinness to ignore NASCAR fans attempting to set the world record for Chicken Dancing at a recent Talladega Race because KFC is sponsoring the race. PETA says that KFC is cruel to chickens.
So many jokes here... let's run thru them all in bulletpoint format
-KFC isn't cruel to chickens. They don't make THEM eat the food.
-are the NASCAR fans sure the record isn't for drunkest version of the dance?
-NASCAR fans can dance?
-There is a record for largest chicken dance? I didn't realize the Spears/Federline wedding had THAT many people there....
I am all for ignoring NASCAR fans, but I hate PETA that much, so I'll have to side with the leftturnlovers here.
Finally, last night was Disco night on American Idol, except for what Anoop and Adam did. I am on the Adam bandwagon but thought what he did last night, WHILE STILL REALLY GOOD wasn't as good as the song two weeks ago and four weeks ago. That is his niche, maybe I am just getting tired of it? But he is still zonetastic at it. I missed Kris's act but from the phone clip at the end, it sounded pretty cool. I also missed Lil (thankfully) but from her phone clip, it appeared that she was asking everyone else to sing, and not her. HEY LIL, NOT GOOD WHEN YOU ARE BEING JUDGED! Of what I saw, I'd put 1)Adam 2)Kris 3)60 year old Allison 4)Danny 5)Anoop 6)Matt 7)Lil. I have to think that Lil and either Anoop or Matt are going home. Ehhh, what if, after Anoop gets eliminated, it is discovered that his father tried to sell him too? OH THE SCANDAL!
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week!
Ladies and gentlemen, THE MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
Apparently the father of the young girl in that Slumlordofdogtown Millionaire movie DIDN'T try to sell his daughter after all. Reports stated that a sting operation initially uncovered an attempt by the young "actress"'s father to sell the "actress" for 200,000 pounds aka $290K. But the guy now claims he never tried to sell her. Here is what I ask: how bad was her contract that she won't get WAY more than that in royalties? I thought the movie won all of those awards and Oscars? OH, I guess I was correct: NO ONE ACTUALLY SAW THE MOVIE AFTER ALL! I love being right.
Spencer and Heidi from Le Hills are expected to tie the knot (again) this Saturday and OF COURSE the MTV cameras will be there. But I sort of feel like we've done this before. How come MTV hasn't spun this off TLC style and done an entire season of wedding planning and whatnot? Heidi goes to the florist could be an episode. Spencer picks out his best man. The bachlor/ette parties. Meeting with the minister who tells them they are going to Hell. These are all great episode ideas. Word is that Brody, Lo and She-Pratt all are headed to the wedding, but LC isn't. Ahhh, too bad. At a recent Hills function, producers said that they are in negotiations for another season, but LC already said this was it....but she said that last season too. I guess the Hills will go on FOREVER. At least until LC pops out a kid. Then they'll move the show to VH1.
Can someone tell Flo Rida that he's allowed to make a song with an original beat? Thanks
I saw where PETA is asking Guinness to ignore NASCAR fans attempting to set the world record for Chicken Dancing at a recent Talladega Race because KFC is sponsoring the race. PETA says that KFC is cruel to chickens.
So many jokes here... let's run thru them all in bulletpoint format
-KFC isn't cruel to chickens. They don't make THEM eat the food.
-are the NASCAR fans sure the record isn't for drunkest version of the dance?
-NASCAR fans can dance?
-There is a record for largest chicken dance? I didn't realize the Spears/Federline wedding had THAT many people there....
I am all for ignoring NASCAR fans, but I hate PETA that much, so I'll have to side with the leftturnlovers here.
Finally, last night was Disco night on American Idol, except for what Anoop and Adam did. I am on the Adam bandwagon but thought what he did last night, WHILE STILL REALLY GOOD wasn't as good as the song two weeks ago and four weeks ago. That is his niche, maybe I am just getting tired of it? But he is still zonetastic at it. I missed Kris's act but from the phone clip at the end, it sounded pretty cool. I also missed Lil (thankfully) but from her phone clip, it appeared that she was asking everyone else to sing, and not her. HEY LIL, NOT GOOD WHEN YOU ARE BEING JUDGED! Of what I saw, I'd put 1)Adam 2)Kris 3)60 year old Allison 4)Danny 5)Anoop 6)Matt 7)Lil. I have to think that Lil and either Anoop or Matt are going home. Ehhh, what if, after Anoop gets eliminated, it is discovered that his father tried to sell him too? OH THE SCANDAL!
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week!
Paul Mac's midweek rantings
We might try this out and see if it could fly. Hit us back with comments. Thanks!
SBF's Paul Mac is considering if you will Terry Pendleton and or Roger McDowell as the next grassroots project.
Evidence: Chipper and Mac are the best most consistent hitters on the team, both use their fathers predominantly when they are having hitting issues. The rest of the team is largely a grease fire except for natural ability. Francouer had a horrific year and when it came to fixing his swing he had to go to Rudy Jaramillo in Texas who is not employed by the Braves. TP has not been able to produce consistent hitting.
McDowell. You could give him a pass and say… well he wasn’t given a good lot to work with, but the ancillary pitchers have NOT become better under him either. The bullpen is a disaster and it’s not all based on lack of talent. Some of these guys can’t throw strikes.
As much as I dislike blaming coaches… Rudy Jaramillo has made Francouer and another lost cause A. Jones better and it’s obvious.
Moving on to NFL draft thoughts......
Also, love your Moala pick but it’s too high. If the Falcons do that I’d LOVE to get an extra first rounder for next year or a 2nd and 3rd this year. We know they need DT,OLB,S,CB in this draft with Center right there and starting Right or Left Tackle.
I liked your skins pick of Oher too. I’m not sure Vonte Davis is the pick by the Pats though. I think they like the corner from Connecticut better.
Finally, Paul takes on Colin Cowherd.....
I heard where our competition Colin Cowherd labeled former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick a bust. I disagree. Vick sold out the arena for 5 years, they went to the NFC championship; they beat Brett Favre in the playoffs. Etc. etc. Vick was fantastic as a player in his first several years. The Falcons then screwed everything up by firing Dan Reeves and then following him up with the inflexible and inexperienced Jim Mora Jr. who hired the completely wrong OC for Vick’s style of play… then they gave Vick that RIDICULOUS contract to try and make him happy while he still had bad QB coaches around him. Finally they got a good QB coach and that helped his footwork but then Mora was fired for stupidity and Vick self destructed due to his own stupidity.
I would draft him again if I could absolutely in 2002 with a dead end franchise. He put them nationally on the map and made a historically dreadful team interesting. I’m happy the way it went down in the end because I think Matt Ryan will be better for the team in the long run but Mike Vick the player was no bust, he was very good in the right offense with the right coach but he was too stupid to keep his job. Still they got a lot of good out of him and Blank will have made far more off of him when it’s said and done than what they lost when he was exposed for what he was. The demise of Vick as a QB had more to do with front office and coaching mistakes as it did with him. One man’s opinion. Good coaches get the best out of the talent they have. TP, McDowell and Jim Mora Jr. Certainly have not to date. (I think JMJ will do fine with Seattle because it’s his area, and he’s got the right people to do what his OC wants to do but they got worse in Atlanta because he was inflexible.)
Did you enjoy Paul's rants? Do you want to see this become a regular feature? Let us know!
SBF's Paul Mac is considering if you will Terry Pendleton and or Roger McDowell as the next grassroots project.
Evidence: Chipper and Mac are the best most consistent hitters on the team, both use their fathers predominantly when they are having hitting issues. The rest of the team is largely a grease fire except for natural ability. Francouer had a horrific year and when it came to fixing his swing he had to go to Rudy Jaramillo in Texas who is not employed by the Braves. TP has not been able to produce consistent hitting.
McDowell. You could give him a pass and say… well he wasn’t given a good lot to work with, but the ancillary pitchers have NOT become better under him either. The bullpen is a disaster and it’s not all based on lack of talent. Some of these guys can’t throw strikes.
As much as I dislike blaming coaches… Rudy Jaramillo has made Francouer and another lost cause A. Jones better and it’s obvious.
Moving on to NFL draft thoughts......
Also, love your Moala pick but it’s too high. If the Falcons do that I’d LOVE to get an extra first rounder for next year or a 2nd and 3rd this year. We know they need DT,OLB,S,CB in this draft with Center right there and starting Right or Left Tackle.
I liked your skins pick of Oher too. I’m not sure Vonte Davis is the pick by the Pats though. I think they like the corner from Connecticut better.
Finally, Paul takes on Colin Cowherd.....
I heard where our competition Colin Cowherd labeled former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick a bust. I disagree. Vick sold out the arena for 5 years, they went to the NFC championship; they beat Brett Favre in the playoffs. Etc. etc. Vick was fantastic as a player in his first several years. The Falcons then screwed everything up by firing Dan Reeves and then following him up with the inflexible and inexperienced Jim Mora Jr. who hired the completely wrong OC for Vick’s style of play… then they gave Vick that RIDICULOUS contract to try and make him happy while he still had bad QB coaches around him. Finally they got a good QB coach and that helped his footwork but then Mora was fired for stupidity and Vick self destructed due to his own stupidity.
I would draft him again if I could absolutely in 2002 with a dead end franchise. He put them nationally on the map and made a historically dreadful team interesting. I’m happy the way it went down in the end because I think Matt Ryan will be better for the team in the long run but Mike Vick the player was no bust, he was very good in the right offense with the right coach but he was too stupid to keep his job. Still they got a lot of good out of him and Blank will have made far more off of him when it’s said and done than what they lost when he was exposed for what he was. The demise of Vick as a QB had more to do with front office and coaching mistakes as it did with him. One man’s opinion. Good coaches get the best out of the talent they have. TP, McDowell and Jim Mora Jr. Certainly have not to date. (I think JMJ will do fine with Seattle because it’s his area, and he’s got the right people to do what his OC wants to do but they got worse in Atlanta because he was inflexible.)
Did you enjoy Paul's rants? Do you want to see this become a regular feature? Let us know!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Don't cross Sportsbyfletch. YOU WILL LOSE!
Some one queue up QUEEN.....Another bites the DUST!
Toodles Blaine Boyer. I appreciate that you are the "Pride of Walton," but your constantly suckery coming out of the Braves bullpen made you my whipping boy last year on Ed Voyles Honda Extra Innings. The fact that you had redhair just added to the fun. Paul Mac, Bobby and I made it our mission to drive him out of town, and though it took a while, Blaine is requiring a forwarding address. Shipped out to St. Louis for a minor leaguer. Yeppers. You, Braves fans, are WELCOME.
2009 has been pretty good for Sportsbyfletch since his campaign to give Felton the boot also paid off, as Dennis Felton became "Former UGA basketball coach" earlier this calendar year. I've gone on WAY too much about this topic. Let's just move on. LET'S GO FOX!
Remember in 2008 when Mark Teixeira said that he doesn't take Spring Training seriously? Yep, he said it. And EVHEI took it upon themselves to make sure Atlanta heard about it EVERY time he went 0-4 with two Ks, leaving 6 men on base. Hey Yankees fans, you guys enjoying Big Tex? If it were up to Sportsbyfletch, the guy would have been shipped out much earlier when the bounty was bigger than Krotchman and Stephen Marek. Oh well. (PS, SBF also wishes that the Braves could jump in the time machine and undo that deal. Matt Harrison, Neftali, Elvis and Salty, not to mention Beau Jones.....for Tex? Cripes!)
Do I take FULL credit for Keith Brooking "signing" with Dallas? No, not FULL credit. But I did call say that he should make the Pro Bowl every year in the PJ position. PJ, you may ask? Pile-Jumper. Ray Lewis has NOTHING on Keith Brooking! Take a look at his tackles at HOME v on the road over the last 8 years. Let's just say the Georgia Dome stat-keeper was a little nicer than other teams...
So DON'T CROSS Sportsbyfletch! Otherwise you will lose (eventually. It may take me a while, but HEY, grassroots campaigns usually do!) Who should I go after next? I am thinking of just ONE PERSON.........Josh Smith. Yeah bro, you keep hoisting up those 29 footers in the playoffs because you are bored. I guess 12M doesn't hold the attention it once did.
Toodles Blaine Boyer. I appreciate that you are the "Pride of Walton," but your constantly suckery coming out of the Braves bullpen made you my whipping boy last year on Ed Voyles Honda Extra Innings. The fact that you had redhair just added to the fun. Paul Mac, Bobby and I made it our mission to drive him out of town, and though it took a while, Blaine is requiring a forwarding address. Shipped out to St. Louis for a minor leaguer. Yeppers. You, Braves fans, are WELCOME.
2009 has been pretty good for Sportsbyfletch since his campaign to give Felton the boot also paid off, as Dennis Felton became "Former UGA basketball coach" earlier this calendar year. I've gone on WAY too much about this topic. Let's just move on. LET'S GO FOX!
Remember in 2008 when Mark Teixeira said that he doesn't take Spring Training seriously? Yep, he said it. And EVHEI took it upon themselves to make sure Atlanta heard about it EVERY time he went 0-4 with two Ks, leaving 6 men on base. Hey Yankees fans, you guys enjoying Big Tex? If it were up to Sportsbyfletch, the guy would have been shipped out much earlier when the bounty was bigger than Krotchman and Stephen Marek. Oh well. (PS, SBF also wishes that the Braves could jump in the time machine and undo that deal. Matt Harrison, Neftali, Elvis and Salty, not to mention Beau Jones.....for Tex? Cripes!)
Do I take FULL credit for Keith Brooking "signing" with Dallas? No, not FULL credit. But I did call say that he should make the Pro Bowl every year in the PJ position. PJ, you may ask? Pile-Jumper. Ray Lewis has NOTHING on Keith Brooking! Take a look at his tackles at HOME v on the road over the last 8 years. Let's just say the Georgia Dome stat-keeper was a little nicer than other teams...
So DON'T CROSS Sportsbyfletch! Otherwise you will lose (eventually. It may take me a while, but HEY, grassroots campaigns usually do!) Who should I go after next? I am thinking of just ONE PERSON.........Josh Smith. Yeah bro, you keep hoisting up those 29 footers in the playoffs because you are bored. I guess 12M doesn't hold the attention it once did.
Fletcher's Mock Draft*
That is, as of Tuesday and assuming no teams trade any picks. I DO think that multiple teams WILL trade picks, but this mock is if everyone stays in their spot. I will say who I think they should take in some cases or in other cases who I think they will take, DESPITE who I think they should. And don't worry draftniks, we will have Paul Mac weigh in with his thoughts before the Falcons draft in the No.24 spot (or whenever they trade down! wink!)
No.1 Detroit Lions select Georgia Quarterback Matthew Stafford. No brainer. And anyone who doesn't think this kid's arm and QB skills somehow won't make it in the NFL, I laugh at you. This kid was better than anyone gave him credit for at UGA. He made all of the throws. He led them into Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa, Columbia, Jacksonville and Tempe and walked out a winner. His arm may be the best the NFL has seen since Elway (sorry Cutler) and his moxie will be better suited in the Pros than it was in Athens. He was a Pro QB just serving a three-year prison term at UGA and we could all tell that. I wish him the best and realize that he was a Sunday QB just playing on Saturday. (As a Georgia fan, I am excited about the next few seasons with several Saturday QBs in Cox and Murray ready to take the snaps)
No2 Rams. Eugene Monroe from UVa. The Rams raid Charlottesville once again for its top pick and they get the top LT in the draft. WHY? Because I've seem him work and he IS. SORRY Andre Smith. Sorry Jason Smith. Monroe is the real deal.
No3 Chiefs. Michael Crabtree from TexTech. This is a pick that SHOULD happen. Could you imagine Bowe on one side, Crabtree on the other with Cassel throwing it up off the Larry Johnson play-action. Heck, if they keep Gonzo, then this team could be a big-time sleeper. Honestly though, Haley could have Arizona east with this QB and potential WR combo.
No4 Seattle. Aaron Curry from Wake. "The safest, surest pick in the draft." A linebacker that doesn't sack the QB. Snore. But I think he would do just fine beside Lofa in Seattle. SOME ONE has to chase around Larry Fitzgerald!
No5 Browns. Mark Sanchez from USC. He is the future here because I think BQuinn gets traded to SanFran for SOMETHING. Not sure Quinn warrants the No.10 overall pick, but maybe a #2 and #3 or something along those lines. Derek Anderson can hang out a year or two then Sanchez will be ready to take over.
No6 Bengals. Jason Smith from Baylor. This guy will get taken ahead of Andre Smith because teams love his workouts. I never remember him clearing any big holes or protecting the Baylor QB in his time in Waco, but apparently teams love him. (This is one of those "what they WILL do picks.")
No7 Raiders. BJ Raji from BC. This guy has THA RAIDERS written all over him. From the name to the potentially failed drug test. A space-eater that Al Davis loves and he is like a baby Sapp. Since that was an easy pick, did you see The Hills last night when the therapist asked Spencer "Tell me something you are thinking right now," and he responded "OK, I feel like I am in a nightmare!" I was expecting him to say, "Aren't we in the tree, in the nest?" Great stuff. And how could Heidi forget that they DID get married in Mexico.....right? And what was up with that Jayde chick not wanting Brody to even TALK to Audrina? Come on. Possessive much? Like that chick in Obsessed.
No8 Jaguars. Brian Orakpu from Texas. The pass-rush gets a little help. They might be a little bummed Sanchez isn't there, but they should cheer up. This Longhorn was unstoppable at times last season. And PS, I was thinking about this the other day, is Mack Brown the least insufferable coach to win the NCAA BCS title in quite some time? Urban, Les, and Urban were all pricks. Before Mack, Carroll was a bit...enh. Stoops is a monster and so is Saban. Larry Coker I guess would be a niceguy. Tressel cheated to get his title. So yeah, Mack Brown. Not that bad of a dude after all.
No9 Green Bay. Everrett Brown from FSU. Is he a DE? Is he a DT? Doesn't matter. He's hard to block. He can get after the QB and he will help run after Sage, Aaron and newcomer Cutler in Chitown.
No10 49ers. Andre Smith from Alabama. How can so many teams pass on this guy? While not as good as Eugene Monroe, he is 9753X better than Jason Smith. Andre was great at Alabama and he will protect whomever is back under center. And has an organization ever neutered a coach IMMEDIATELY after officially hiring him quite like SanFran did with Singletary by bringing Stafford in for another interview after MS said "Never on my team!"? Take that! Why don't you pull your pants down again!
No11 Bills. Tyson Jackson from LSU. The Bills need DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE and Tyson Jackson would bring JUST THAT. The Bayou Bengal may find it a little cold in upstate New York, but he'll heat up the pass rush in a hurry.
No12 Broncos. Robert Ayers from Tennessee. What was the problem last year for Denver? (Besides Cutler utterly choking down the stretch last season?) The DEFENSE. That is why trying to get a RB should be on the backburner. Grab Ayers who probably should be a late 1st round talent but instead because of need, will be much richer than he should be. And you will see that in the NFL over the next few years that the 08 Tennessee team had some serious talent on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe Fulmer was right to get the ax.
No13 Washington. Michael Oher from Ole Miss. As a Redskins fan, I would LOVE to get another QB (because Campbell was a waste and I think it is right to go ahead and flush him!) but I wouldn't take Josh Freeman because he is Campbell version 2.0. I'd love it if Andre Smith fell, but he won't. WHY? BECAUSE HE IS GOOD! So the Skins will settle for Blindside's Michael Oher. He has the raw talent to where he should excel. The line needs some youth so here we go. Do it Danny! Take Oher!
No 14 Nawlins. Beanie Wells from Ohio State. Durability is a question, but that makes him PERFECT for New Orleans, with Deuce and Reggie and their injury history! Seriously though, why not take this "Big" back to pair with Reggie and allow you to cut Deuce loose. True, you should probably go after defense, but why not give Brees another weapon and try to copycat the Cardinals in trying to win the Super Bowl with strictly O-ffense!?
No15 Houston. Jeremy Maclin from Mizzou. Andre Johnson gets double-teamed all the time. This might give Schaub another viable option and with a steadily improving defense, maybe Houston finally makes the playoffs? It COULD happen, right? Well maybe not, but Maclin could at least return some punts. He is exciting!
No16 San Diego. Brian Cushing from USC. Some people are calling for Knowshon here, but with LDT and Sproles both making BIG TIME money, why tie up more cashish in that position? Especially when you don't know if Shawn "Cheater" Merriman will ever be what he was? Take the LB as insurance. you can NEVER have too much defense.
No17 Jets. Percy Harvin from Florida. Yes, this is a reach but my thinking is that the Jets won't draft Josh Freeman, instead going with a weapon for Kellen Clemens. Harvin is another undersized WR with durability issues, but he is a playmaker that the offense would need and he can return punts.
No18 Broncos. Peria Jerry from Ole Miss. MORE beef for the defense. I don't care that Kyle Orton is the QB. The offense still has Brandon Marshall to catch passes. The offense will be fine. The defense will be built like New England was built and Josh McDaniels attempts to do what Weis, Crenel and Mangenius couldn't. Good for McDaniels. He gets his Seymour and Wilfork in his first two picks.
No19 Bucs. Clay Matthews from USC. The former walk-on turned into a first round pick. Hmmm. Hearing him recently on a local radio station, the kid seems like he has his head on straight. Now, could that just have been the roids talking? Don't know...
No.20 Detroit. Eben Britton from Zona. The Lions follow the Falcons mold by taking the franchise QB with the first selection then a LT to protect said franchise QB with a second first round pick. Good for Detroit...follow the Falcons mold. It worked for them! Too bad Detroit's airport still leads to 98 suicides a year (that was a guess)
No21 Eagles. Knowshon Moreno from Georgia. Perfect pick for this team. KM24 fits RIGHT in with what they do. He can catch the ball on a screen, turn it up field and score. He can block. KM24 is the nextgen of Bryan Westbrook. Won't even miss a beat. Too bad he will have to probably take care of McNabb's beard during his rookie year. The rookie Hazing thing is just stupid. How does it bring you together? "Oh, you treated me like crap all last year, but let's be BUDS now!" F-YOU, is what I would say.
No22 Vikings. Alphonso Smith from Wake. Hmmm two first round picks from Wake and went to a BCS bowl in a weak ACC, right? Wait, they DIDN'T? Hmmmm, maybe these guys aren't as good as they are projecting out to be? MAYBE? But taking overrated players is NOTHING new for Minnesota. Sorry Adam. But I will give the local kid some love. You GO, Boy! (not as popular as "You go girl!" I guess I need Oprah on my side, which she isn't because her girlfriend-I mean editor thinks Chris Brown should apologize to HER!)
No23 New England. Vontae Davis from Illinois. SOME ONE has to cover TO twice a year, right? Honestly though, New England needs a talent infusion in the defensive secondary. He is a good start.
No24 Atlanta. Fili Moala from USC. I don't know why, but I've been high on this kid ever since last season. I think he is a space-eater up front that Atlanta needs now that Gravy is gone and the team never replaced Rod Coleman after his runin with a Manitee. WHICH NEVER HAPPENED.................. Seriously though, this Fili kid should fit RIGHT IN with Mike Smith's defensive philisophy. I will have to ask Paul Mac his opinion, but unless they trade back, I have to think that Fili is the pick.
No25 Miami. Aaron Maybin from Penn State. GOSH, as a quasi-Falcons fan (hey, I like to see them win because it gets me more airtime and more callers to my Sunday show during the season. I'm selfish, what can I say?) I hope TD doesn't take this asshat with his #24. I'd rather the Falcons trade back then take this future waste of space. This guy has "Defensive Blair Thomas" written all over him. Honestly, name the past first round draft pick from Penn State that wasn't a bust? Kerry Collins? That is a ways back. And tell Panthers and Saints fans he wasn't a bust. Curtis Enis anyone?
No26 Ravens. William Beatty from UConn. Replacing Jonathan Odgen is a tough task. They got the one kid (From Auburn?) but you can ALWAYS use bodies on the front, right? Although maybe they should address their defensive losses? Rey Maualuga possibly? Nah, they'll go offense.
No27 Indy Colts. Darrius Heyward-Bay from Maryland. With Harrison out, plug Heyward-Bay in. Another weapon for Peyton. Because that's all he needs...... Speaking of needing things, Fletcher needs another Braves whipping boy now that Blaine Boyer has been traded. Who will Fletcher pick on now? Ummmmm Moylan? No, he is funny. Maybe Kotchman some more? Sounds good. Especially with Freddie Freeman just a few years away.
No28 Bills. Clint Sintim from UVa. Two first round draft picks from UVA in a weak ACC? They were in a BCS bowl game right? No? Did they underachieve? Oh, wait, Al Groh is the coach. THAT'S what happened. He just happens to be Jim Donnan at a school that doesn't care as much as UGA does. Sintim, along with Tyson Jackson will help the Bills get a defense going again.
No 29 Giants. Kenny Britt from Rutgers. They cut Plax loose. Will they get Braylon Edwards from Cleveland or Bolden from Zona? Why not just take this 6'2 target at a fraction of the cost? Oh, because he isn't proven. But he is still cheaper. And in this economy...
No30 Titans. Brandon Pettigrew from Okie State. I know Ziggy Hood would probably be better to help the team recover from the loss of Haynesworth, but how do you turn down Pettigrew when Bo Scafie and Alge Crumpler are your best options? You take Pettigrew and score touchdowns. The Titans were a Crumpler fumble away from advancing to the AFC title game last year.
No 31 Arizona. Rey Maualuga from USC. They might look at the Brown RB from UConn but with Rey Maualuga sitting there, how do you turn that down? This is one of those "What they SHOULD do" picks. Take Maualuga. THAT'S WHAT YOU DO.
No32 Pittsburgh. Evander "Ziggy" Hood from Mizzou. Pittsburgh loves the defense and this guy is just a plug-in and play guy. He would fit right in there in the Steel Curtain defense because he isn't flashy and wouldn't need to be with Harrison and Troy getting most of the pub.
SO there you have it. My first round mock board. I think Cleveland unloads BOTH Braylon and Brady and possibly gets two more first rounders. I think Washington trades (either up or down, not sure which). Could the Jets make a play? Maybe.
Maybe I'll do another mock by Friday....Good to be back.
No.1 Detroit Lions select Georgia Quarterback Matthew Stafford. No brainer. And anyone who doesn't think this kid's arm and QB skills somehow won't make it in the NFL, I laugh at you. This kid was better than anyone gave him credit for at UGA. He made all of the throws. He led them into Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa, Columbia, Jacksonville and Tempe and walked out a winner. His arm may be the best the NFL has seen since Elway (sorry Cutler) and his moxie will be better suited in the Pros than it was in Athens. He was a Pro QB just serving a three-year prison term at UGA and we could all tell that. I wish him the best and realize that he was a Sunday QB just playing on Saturday. (As a Georgia fan, I am excited about the next few seasons with several Saturday QBs in Cox and Murray ready to take the snaps)
No2 Rams. Eugene Monroe from UVa. The Rams raid Charlottesville once again for its top pick and they get the top LT in the draft. WHY? Because I've seem him work and he IS. SORRY Andre Smith. Sorry Jason Smith. Monroe is the real deal.
No3 Chiefs. Michael Crabtree from TexTech. This is a pick that SHOULD happen. Could you imagine Bowe on one side, Crabtree on the other with Cassel throwing it up off the Larry Johnson play-action. Heck, if they keep Gonzo, then this team could be a big-time sleeper. Honestly though, Haley could have Arizona east with this QB and potential WR combo.
No4 Seattle. Aaron Curry from Wake. "The safest, surest pick in the draft." A linebacker that doesn't sack the QB. Snore. But I think he would do just fine beside Lofa in Seattle. SOME ONE has to chase around Larry Fitzgerald!
No5 Browns. Mark Sanchez from USC. He is the future here because I think BQuinn gets traded to SanFran for SOMETHING. Not sure Quinn warrants the No.10 overall pick, but maybe a #2 and #3 or something along those lines. Derek Anderson can hang out a year or two then Sanchez will be ready to take over.
No6 Bengals. Jason Smith from Baylor. This guy will get taken ahead of Andre Smith because teams love his workouts. I never remember him clearing any big holes or protecting the Baylor QB in his time in Waco, but apparently teams love him. (This is one of those "what they WILL do picks.")
No7 Raiders. BJ Raji from BC. This guy has THA RAIDERS written all over him. From the name to the potentially failed drug test. A space-eater that Al Davis loves and he is like a baby Sapp. Since that was an easy pick, did you see The Hills last night when the therapist asked Spencer "Tell me something you are thinking right now," and he responded "OK, I feel like I am in a nightmare!" I was expecting him to say, "Aren't we in the tree, in the nest?" Great stuff. And how could Heidi forget that they DID get married in Mexico.....right? And what was up with that Jayde chick not wanting Brody to even TALK to Audrina? Come on. Possessive much? Like that chick in Obsessed.
No8 Jaguars. Brian Orakpu from Texas. The pass-rush gets a little help. They might be a little bummed Sanchez isn't there, but they should cheer up. This Longhorn was unstoppable at times last season. And PS, I was thinking about this the other day, is Mack Brown the least insufferable coach to win the NCAA BCS title in quite some time? Urban, Les, and Urban were all pricks. Before Mack, Carroll was a bit...enh. Stoops is a monster and so is Saban. Larry Coker I guess would be a niceguy. Tressel cheated to get his title. So yeah, Mack Brown. Not that bad of a dude after all.
No9 Green Bay. Everrett Brown from FSU. Is he a DE? Is he a DT? Doesn't matter. He's hard to block. He can get after the QB and he will help run after Sage, Aaron and newcomer Cutler in Chitown.
No10 49ers. Andre Smith from Alabama. How can so many teams pass on this guy? While not as good as Eugene Monroe, he is 9753X better than Jason Smith. Andre was great at Alabama and he will protect whomever is back under center. And has an organization ever neutered a coach IMMEDIATELY after officially hiring him quite like SanFran did with Singletary by bringing Stafford in for another interview after MS said "Never on my team!"? Take that! Why don't you pull your pants down again!
No11 Bills. Tyson Jackson from LSU. The Bills need DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE and Tyson Jackson would bring JUST THAT. The Bayou Bengal may find it a little cold in upstate New York, but he'll heat up the pass rush in a hurry.
No12 Broncos. Robert Ayers from Tennessee. What was the problem last year for Denver? (Besides Cutler utterly choking down the stretch last season?) The DEFENSE. That is why trying to get a RB should be on the backburner. Grab Ayers who probably should be a late 1st round talent but instead because of need, will be much richer than he should be. And you will see that in the NFL over the next few years that the 08 Tennessee team had some serious talent on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe Fulmer was right to get the ax.
No13 Washington. Michael Oher from Ole Miss. As a Redskins fan, I would LOVE to get another QB (because Campbell was a waste and I think it is right to go ahead and flush him!) but I wouldn't take Josh Freeman because he is Campbell version 2.0. I'd love it if Andre Smith fell, but he won't. WHY? BECAUSE HE IS GOOD! So the Skins will settle for Blindside's Michael Oher. He has the raw talent to where he should excel. The line needs some youth so here we go. Do it Danny! Take Oher!
No 14 Nawlins. Beanie Wells from Ohio State. Durability is a question, but that makes him PERFECT for New Orleans, with Deuce and Reggie and their injury history! Seriously though, why not take this "Big" back to pair with Reggie and allow you to cut Deuce loose. True, you should probably go after defense, but why not give Brees another weapon and try to copycat the Cardinals in trying to win the Super Bowl with strictly O-ffense!?
No15 Houston. Jeremy Maclin from Mizzou. Andre Johnson gets double-teamed all the time. This might give Schaub another viable option and with a steadily improving defense, maybe Houston finally makes the playoffs? It COULD happen, right? Well maybe not, but Maclin could at least return some punts. He is exciting!
No16 San Diego. Brian Cushing from USC. Some people are calling for Knowshon here, but with LDT and Sproles both making BIG TIME money, why tie up more cashish in that position? Especially when you don't know if Shawn "Cheater" Merriman will ever be what he was? Take the LB as insurance. you can NEVER have too much defense.
No17 Jets. Percy Harvin from Florida. Yes, this is a reach but my thinking is that the Jets won't draft Josh Freeman, instead going with a weapon for Kellen Clemens. Harvin is another undersized WR with durability issues, but he is a playmaker that the offense would need and he can return punts.
No18 Broncos. Peria Jerry from Ole Miss. MORE beef for the defense. I don't care that Kyle Orton is the QB. The offense still has Brandon Marshall to catch passes. The offense will be fine. The defense will be built like New England was built and Josh McDaniels attempts to do what Weis, Crenel and Mangenius couldn't. Good for McDaniels. He gets his Seymour and Wilfork in his first two picks.
No19 Bucs. Clay Matthews from USC. The former walk-on turned into a first round pick. Hmmm. Hearing him recently on a local radio station, the kid seems like he has his head on straight. Now, could that just have been the roids talking? Don't know...
No.20 Detroit. Eben Britton from Zona. The Lions follow the Falcons mold by taking the franchise QB with the first selection then a LT to protect said franchise QB with a second first round pick. Good for Detroit...follow the Falcons mold. It worked for them! Too bad Detroit's airport still leads to 98 suicides a year (that was a guess)
No21 Eagles. Knowshon Moreno from Georgia. Perfect pick for this team. KM24 fits RIGHT in with what they do. He can catch the ball on a screen, turn it up field and score. He can block. KM24 is the nextgen of Bryan Westbrook. Won't even miss a beat. Too bad he will have to probably take care of McNabb's beard during his rookie year. The rookie Hazing thing is just stupid. How does it bring you together? "Oh, you treated me like crap all last year, but let's be BUDS now!" F-YOU, is what I would say.
No22 Vikings. Alphonso Smith from Wake. Hmmm two first round picks from Wake and went to a BCS bowl in a weak ACC, right? Wait, they DIDN'T? Hmmmm, maybe these guys aren't as good as they are projecting out to be? MAYBE? But taking overrated players is NOTHING new for Minnesota. Sorry Adam. But I will give the local kid some love. You GO, Boy! (not as popular as "You go girl!" I guess I need Oprah on my side, which she isn't because her girlfriend-I mean editor thinks Chris Brown should apologize to HER!)
No23 New England. Vontae Davis from Illinois. SOME ONE has to cover TO twice a year, right? Honestly though, New England needs a talent infusion in the defensive secondary. He is a good start.
No24 Atlanta. Fili Moala from USC. I don't know why, but I've been high on this kid ever since last season. I think he is a space-eater up front that Atlanta needs now that Gravy is gone and the team never replaced Rod Coleman after his runin with a Manitee. WHICH NEVER HAPPENED.................. Seriously though, this Fili kid should fit RIGHT IN with Mike Smith's defensive philisophy. I will have to ask Paul Mac his opinion, but unless they trade back, I have to think that Fili is the pick.
No25 Miami. Aaron Maybin from Penn State. GOSH, as a quasi-Falcons fan (hey, I like to see them win because it gets me more airtime and more callers to my Sunday show during the season. I'm selfish, what can I say?) I hope TD doesn't take this asshat with his #24. I'd rather the Falcons trade back then take this future waste of space. This guy has "Defensive Blair Thomas" written all over him. Honestly, name the past first round draft pick from Penn State that wasn't a bust? Kerry Collins? That is a ways back. And tell Panthers and Saints fans he wasn't a bust. Curtis Enis anyone?
No26 Ravens. William Beatty from UConn. Replacing Jonathan Odgen is a tough task. They got the one kid (From Auburn?) but you can ALWAYS use bodies on the front, right? Although maybe they should address their defensive losses? Rey Maualuga possibly? Nah, they'll go offense.
No27 Indy Colts. Darrius Heyward-Bay from Maryland. With Harrison out, plug Heyward-Bay in. Another weapon for Peyton. Because that's all he needs...... Speaking of needing things, Fletcher needs another Braves whipping boy now that Blaine Boyer has been traded. Who will Fletcher pick on now? Ummmmm Moylan? No, he is funny. Maybe Kotchman some more? Sounds good. Especially with Freddie Freeman just a few years away.
No28 Bills. Clint Sintim from UVa. Two first round draft picks from UVA in a weak ACC? They were in a BCS bowl game right? No? Did they underachieve? Oh, wait, Al Groh is the coach. THAT'S what happened. He just happens to be Jim Donnan at a school that doesn't care as much as UGA does. Sintim, along with Tyson Jackson will help the Bills get a defense going again.
No 29 Giants. Kenny Britt from Rutgers. They cut Plax loose. Will they get Braylon Edwards from Cleveland or Bolden from Zona? Why not just take this 6'2 target at a fraction of the cost? Oh, because he isn't proven. But he is still cheaper. And in this economy...
No30 Titans. Brandon Pettigrew from Okie State. I know Ziggy Hood would probably be better to help the team recover from the loss of Haynesworth, but how do you turn down Pettigrew when Bo Scafie and Alge Crumpler are your best options? You take Pettigrew and score touchdowns. The Titans were a Crumpler fumble away from advancing to the AFC title game last year.
No 31 Arizona. Rey Maualuga from USC. They might look at the Brown RB from UConn but with Rey Maualuga sitting there, how do you turn that down? This is one of those "What they SHOULD do" picks. Take Maualuga. THAT'S WHAT YOU DO.
No32 Pittsburgh. Evander "Ziggy" Hood from Mizzou. Pittsburgh loves the defense and this guy is just a plug-in and play guy. He would fit right in there in the Steel Curtain defense because he isn't flashy and wouldn't need to be with Harrison and Troy getting most of the pub.
SO there you have it. My first round mock board. I think Cleveland unloads BOTH Braylon and Brady and possibly gets two more first rounders. I think Washington trades (either up or down, not sure which). Could the Jets make a play? Maybe.
Maybe I'll do another mock by Friday....Good to be back.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Survivor: Cuba, battle of the Sports Stars Episode six
Previously on SURVIVOR!
TO and Danica are huddled around the fire. “So is Sergio aboard?” Danica asks TO.
“He was tonight,” TO responds.
Over in Chumba camp the next morning, Tebow and Ichiro are racing on the sand. Tebow then starts lifting logs to try and keep in shape. “Tim, don’t you think you should calm down? You might hurt yourself man,” Misty begs the mealticket to stop.
“I’m fine Misty. The Lord will take care of me
Tebow is BLOWING THROUGH THE COURSE and is more than halfway done before Nash even starts. Nash is still running hard but it looks like it won’t matter. Tebow is still pumping hard when he pulls up and grabs his hamstring. Tebow falls to the beach and Nash realizes what is going on. Probst announces that Chumba has won but he wonders if Tebow needs medical attention. “If you need it Tim, you would have to leave the game,” Probst warns.
“I’m fine,” a pained Tebow lies. He is up and limping around
In Chumba camp Bruce is complaining that Sean ruined his letter from Brody. “What did he write about his Bromance?” Avery mocks.
“Keep it up you Cancer! We will cut you out of this tribe!” Bruce threatens.
May and Chastain grab Jenner and tell him to stop talking about the plans of the Femme Fatals. “What are you talking about? Everyone knows about us!” Jenner snipes.
Tebow is getting a rubdown from Ichiro. Tebow is clearly in pain. Avery is standing beside and is worried about MealTicket’s leg. “Dude, are you going to be able to run?”
“I don’t know right now. It is in the Lord’s hands right now,” Tebow answers Avery.
“Jesus, Tim. Enough of all of the God-speak,” Jenner complains. “How is he?” Jenner asks Avery. Avery doesn’t look at Jenner but says, “He’ll be fine once the game starts.”
Jenner leaves and Avery apologizes to Tebow.
“You don’t need to apologize Sean. He was the one who said it.” Tebow is CLEARLY in pain though.
. Just when it looks like Chumba will pull victory out, Wumba unintentionally solves the puzzle. Probst declares Wumba the winner. Tebow hangs his head. Wumba celebrates and Probst reminds Chumba this will be their second trip to Tribal council.
Final vote and next Survivor going home, Bruce.”
Bruce, Misty and Kerri look shocked while Brandi looks at the ground. Tebow is smiling and Avery looks at Brandi. She doesn’t look back. Ichiro pats Tebow on the back.
AhhhhhhhhhhuhhhhhhhhAHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, ooohdelah, ohdelAHHH ohdelay ohdelay AH aaaa ahh yah a a yah…
Chumba Tribe….Tim Tebow, Brandi Chastain, Sean Avery, Ichiro, Misty May, Kerry Walsh. Wumba Tribe…Amanda Beard, Steve Nash, Danica Patrick, Sergio Garcia, TO
Day 16
In Chumba camp, Brandi is starting to make a fire and Avery is measuring out beans. Misty and Kerri are a little steamed about last night’s vote. They ask to speak to Brandi and Brandi says, “Go ahead.” They ask why she cut loose Bruce; doesn’t she know this will put their numbers down.
“Associating with him would have hurt us in the long run. Once the merge happened, we’d have had a target on our backs.”
“WE aren’t WE anymore,” Kerri says, before trudging off. Misty shakes her head then runs after Kerri.
“You know you did the right thing. They might be pissed, but that was awesome, your sending Bruce home. This tribe will be a lot stronger because of that,” Avery comforts.
“If I had voted with them, you were gone,” Brandi reveals.
“But you didn’t. If you had, then they were going to send Tebow home next because they wouldn’t want to go head to head against him in singles and they would have lost in the finals. And you know that in a final five or final four, they are cutting you out. It might be time to start thinking about a new clique.” Avery goes back to prepping the beans.
In confessional, Brandi reveals that she knew she would have been tied in with Bruce in a final four and she couldn’t have stood for that.
Meanwhile Tebow and Ichiro are walking, Tebow still holding Ichiro’s secret. They discuss strategy, deciding whether to keep Brandi around, or go ahead and team up with Misty and Kerri and knocking Brandi out. Tebow argues that she could be an asset, but Ichiro comes back with, if we keep her, they will “let her back in if she votes out one of us.”
“Guys vs. girls then, right Ichiro?” Tebow laughs. He is still limping, but he is mobile.
In Wumba camp Nash and Amanda are on the beach, glad they didn’t have a tribal council. “2 vs 2 with one wild card. What do we do?” Amanda asks.
“We just get Sergio on board with us. We have to, no choice,” Nash responds.
Meanwhile Danica and TO are in the river on a raft they made and are also discussing strategy. “I think we drop this challenge, then go after them. Nash, Beard, doesn’t matter. This HAS to be the final tribal immunity before the merge. HAS to be.” TO is confident.
“Well I have the immunity and we can maybe use Sergio as a spy, promise him the idol if he can get the goods on what they are doing,” Danica offers.
“Keep that wild card in yo’ pocket,” TO tells her.
As Danica is pulling back onto shore, Amanda confronts her. “So you have the idol?”
“What? No!” Danica shoots back
“Yes you do. What Hulk had wasn’t real so that means you planted something. Didn’t you?” Amanda fires.
“If I had the idol, wouldn’t I have played it at the last council when I was almost voted out?” Danica offers.
“No because you knew Sergio was voting with you. I don’t care, just admit you have it.”
“No. I admit nothing,” Danica says before stomping off.
Meanwhile Sergio tells Nash he is going fish. He is looking for a sack for fish when all of a sudden he happens upon Danica’s bag. He finds the idol! He peaks around, sees no one, and pockets the idol.
Commercial…If you are tuning in to Sports Radio 790 The Zone this Sunday from 10-3 hoping to hear Fletcher, sorry. This Sunday will be Fletcher and Wifey’s one year wedding anniversary. Fletcher is taking the week off. Be sure to check back next week!
Jeff Probst welcomes the two tribes in to a reward challenge and Wumba sees Chumba minus Bruce Jenner for the first time. Nash nods to Sean Avery. Probst reveals that it looks like Tim is still limping, but Tebow boasts that he will tough it out.
The game is sort of like beer pong. The players will separate into two teams and each throw a ball onto the other team’s cups. If a ball lands in the cups, the person whose cup it lands in will have to drink whatever liquid is in the cup. The team that sinks all of the other team’s cups, wins reward. “Want to know what you are playing for?”
YEAH!
The winning team will get to visit a tobacco farm. They will get to see how Cuban cigars are rolled and illegally exported to the US. They will also get to pick a cigar and smoke it. They can enjoy a nice brandy to go with the cigar as well. Also cheese and crackers will be there. “Sound good?”
“No.” Tebow says. Probst laughs.
Wumba, you are down a player, so you go first. Nash takes aim and sinks a cup. Ichiro drinks the cup: it is ocean water. Wumba shoots again and Sergio misses. Tebow steps up and knocks down a cup. Danica drinks coconut milk. Brandi is up and she sinks a cup. Amanda drinks honey. Misty misses. Amanda misses. Kerri misses. Danica sinks a cup and Avery drinks ocean water. “Jeff, if all of ours are ocean water, I’m coming after you!” Avery barks. Nash is up next and he nails one. Tebow drinks coconut milk. Sergio misses again. Avery aims and sinks a cup to tie it up 3-3. Ichiro nails a cup. 4-3. Tebow hits a cup 5-3. Brandi misses. TO makes his cup then Nash sinks his to tie. 5-5. Danica misses and it is Chumba’s turn. It goes back and forth as each player misses. Finally Nash makes it, but Tebow gets a last shot. HE SINKS IT! Probst announces that for the tiebreaker, each team will select a player and he will have 3 shots to make as many in the cup as he can. Nash and Ichiro are selected. Ichiro makes 2 but Nash cans all three. WUMBA WINS REWARD!
Chumba is about to head back when Wumba selected Brandi to go to exile.
Wumba heads off to enjoy the cigars.
Commercial. Did you enjoy Four from Score: Fletcher’s interview with Braves catcher Brian McCann? Check out www.scoreatl.com and sportsbyfletch this weekend for Four From Score: Matt Diaz. Hey, I do what I can!
Wumba is shown visiting the cigar farm and watching the Cubans roll the cigars. Nash and Amanda roll some and everyone is laughing. We see TO smoking a cigar and Danica drinking brandy. They toast to their victory
In Chumba camp, Misty and Kerri are recruiting Tebow right in front of Ichiro because they don’t think he can understand. Tebow rebuffs them and then Misty and Kerri decide that Tebow would be the next target. Ichiro hears this but again pretends that he cannot understand.
Tebow is talking to Avery when Ichiro motions him over. Ichiro tells Tebow the info and Tim and Ichiro decide that, if need be, either Kerri or Misty is gone.
Meanwhile Avery and Misty start to talk and they get into an argument over Bruce’s value to the tribe. Misty tries to remind Avery that he should thank his lucky stars he is still here when Avery shouts that is Misty really had control over her alliance, they would still be in control of the game and not teetering like they are now. Kerri comes and grabs Misty and leads her away. “He is right. We’ve got to do something otherwise we are both gone.”
“We ride it out and when the merge comes, we get Nash and Amanda on our side.”
The Wumba tribe returns and Danica realizes her idol is gone. She is quietly freaking out then accuses Amanda of taking it. Amanda says she didn’t be then accuses Danica of lying about not having it. “Well I don’t have it NOW!”
“I didn’t take your idol. I wish I did, because that would be nice to have in my back pocket, but I don’t have it. Check my stuff,” Amanda offers. Danica storms off.
Sergio witnesses the entire thing and shares with Nash and Amanda that he has it. “Nice,” Nash says, and gives Sergio a high five.
Commercial. Want to know Fletcher’s mock NFL draft? Check in next week! ONLY on sportsbyfletch!
Probst welcomes the two tribes in for the immunity challenge. This will be a race where an entire tribe save for one person will be blindfolded and the one person with sight calls out to the others on how to get through a maze. First team to get all players through wins immunity. Chumba will have to sit a person out and everyone votes to keep Ichiro out because they don’t think he understands English. Chumba’s guide will be Misty and Wumba will have Danica as a guide. Ready, go! Everyone is sent out into the maze together, but from different starting points and Misty and Danica have to guide the survivors through while others are trying to feel their way out on their own. Danica starts helping TO first, then switches to Nash. Then she switches again to help Sergio. Misty is guiding Kerri then switches to Tebow, then Avery. Danica purposely walks Amanda into a wall. Nash is THROUGH! Kerri is through! Sergio is close….Sergio is through. Avery is through for Chumba. Now only Amanda and Tebow remain. Tebow is feeling himself and not really paying attention to Misty. Amanda is close. Misty is starting to get frustrated with Tim and she yells at him to LISTEN! Amanda is somehow turned around right near the exit…Tebow eventually catches up and passes her! Chumba wins immunity!
Chumba celebrates and Probst tells Wumba he will see them in council!
Wumba heads back and they are still bickering about Danica’s lost idol. Nash wants to know why Danica never said she had it to begin with. “Would you have announced you had it?” Danica asks. Nash is steamed, at least he is pretending.
Sergio and Danica and TO plot to vote Amanda and then she’ll use the idol and it will knock out Nash. “But someone will have to vote for Nash. Why don’t we just vote for him?” Danica asks.
“We have to get the idol played,” Sergio tells her. “Vote Amanda and I will vote Nash and he goes home.”
“Unless they both vote for one of us, then we have a tie,” TO reckons.
“Can you both make fire? Can you make it faster than Amanda?”
“No, if she uses the idol, then we could lose to Nash 2-1,” Danica figures.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Sergio says, before heading off.
Sergio goes over the gameplan with Nash and Amanda. They vote out TO. Done.
In confessional, Sergio wonders who he will side with.
Sergio runs back to TO and alerts them that Nash has it and will play it tonight. “Amanda gave it to Nash after she took it from you. Nash showed me!” Sergio lies to Danica.
At tribal council Probst asks if they are nervous with the shrinking numbers and a merge coming. Nash says that yes, he is always nervous at tribal council. TO says that it is a numbers game now and when the merge comes. If you have a solid core, just add a wild card and you’re fine. Probst says that TO knows what it is to be a wild card. TO laughs.
Let’s get to the Vote. Probst goes and tallies the votes. If anyone has the immunity idol, use it now.
“First vote: TO. Second vote: Amanda. One for TO, one for Amanda. Third vote: TO. Two for TO, one for Amanda. Fourth vote: Amanda. Fifth vote and next person voted out of Survivor: Cuba….Amanda. Grab your torch.
Nash is blindsided and Sergio gives TO a fistbump. Amanda is shocked but then smiles.
Grab your torches Wumba, We finally see the true colors of the BPs. And Steve is all alone. Head back to camp!
On the next Survivor: Cuba.
The merge happens. Everyone enjoys a meal. Nash confronts Sergio about Amanda leaving. Sergio sneers that TO and Danica had a better plan. Nash vows revenge. At the merge feast, Nash alerts everyone that Sergio has the immunity idol, which he stole from Danica.
TO and Danica are huddled around the fire. “So is Sergio aboard?” Danica asks TO.
“He was tonight,” TO responds.
Over in Chumba camp the next morning, Tebow and Ichiro are racing on the sand. Tebow then starts lifting logs to try and keep in shape. “Tim, don’t you think you should calm down? You might hurt yourself man,” Misty begs the mealticket to stop.
“I’m fine Misty. The Lord will take care of me
Tebow is BLOWING THROUGH THE COURSE and is more than halfway done before Nash even starts. Nash is still running hard but it looks like it won’t matter. Tebow is still pumping hard when he pulls up and grabs his hamstring. Tebow falls to the beach and Nash realizes what is going on. Probst announces that Chumba has won but he wonders if Tebow needs medical attention. “If you need it Tim, you would have to leave the game,” Probst warns.
“I’m fine,” a pained Tebow lies. He is up and limping around
In Chumba camp Bruce is complaining that Sean ruined his letter from Brody. “What did he write about his Bromance?” Avery mocks.
“Keep it up you Cancer! We will cut you out of this tribe!” Bruce threatens.
May and Chastain grab Jenner and tell him to stop talking about the plans of the Femme Fatals. “What are you talking about? Everyone knows about us!” Jenner snipes.
Tebow is getting a rubdown from Ichiro. Tebow is clearly in pain. Avery is standing beside and is worried about MealTicket’s leg. “Dude, are you going to be able to run?”
“I don’t know right now. It is in the Lord’s hands right now,” Tebow answers Avery.
“Jesus, Tim. Enough of all of the God-speak,” Jenner complains. “How is he?” Jenner asks Avery. Avery doesn’t look at Jenner but says, “He’ll be fine once the game starts.”
Jenner leaves and Avery apologizes to Tebow.
“You don’t need to apologize Sean. He was the one who said it.” Tebow is CLEARLY in pain though.
. Just when it looks like Chumba will pull victory out, Wumba unintentionally solves the puzzle. Probst declares Wumba the winner. Tebow hangs his head. Wumba celebrates and Probst reminds Chumba this will be their second trip to Tribal council.
Final vote and next Survivor going home, Bruce.”
Bruce, Misty and Kerri look shocked while Brandi looks at the ground. Tebow is smiling and Avery looks at Brandi. She doesn’t look back. Ichiro pats Tebow on the back.
AhhhhhhhhhhuhhhhhhhhAHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, ooohdelah, ohdelAHHH ohdelay ohdelay AH aaaa ahh yah a a yah…
Chumba Tribe….Tim Tebow, Brandi Chastain, Sean Avery, Ichiro, Misty May, Kerry Walsh. Wumba Tribe…Amanda Beard, Steve Nash, Danica Patrick, Sergio Garcia, TO
Day 16
In Chumba camp, Brandi is starting to make a fire and Avery is measuring out beans. Misty and Kerri are a little steamed about last night’s vote. They ask to speak to Brandi and Brandi says, “Go ahead.” They ask why she cut loose Bruce; doesn’t she know this will put their numbers down.
“Associating with him would have hurt us in the long run. Once the merge happened, we’d have had a target on our backs.”
“WE aren’t WE anymore,” Kerri says, before trudging off. Misty shakes her head then runs after Kerri.
“You know you did the right thing. They might be pissed, but that was awesome, your sending Bruce home. This tribe will be a lot stronger because of that,” Avery comforts.
“If I had voted with them, you were gone,” Brandi reveals.
“But you didn’t. If you had, then they were going to send Tebow home next because they wouldn’t want to go head to head against him in singles and they would have lost in the finals. And you know that in a final five or final four, they are cutting you out. It might be time to start thinking about a new clique.” Avery goes back to prepping the beans.
In confessional, Brandi reveals that she knew she would have been tied in with Bruce in a final four and she couldn’t have stood for that.
Meanwhile Tebow and Ichiro are walking, Tebow still holding Ichiro’s secret. They discuss strategy, deciding whether to keep Brandi around, or go ahead and team up with Misty and Kerri and knocking Brandi out. Tebow argues that she could be an asset, but Ichiro comes back with, if we keep her, they will “let her back in if she votes out one of us.”
“Guys vs. girls then, right Ichiro?” Tebow laughs. He is still limping, but he is mobile.
In Wumba camp Nash and Amanda are on the beach, glad they didn’t have a tribal council. “2 vs 2 with one wild card. What do we do?” Amanda asks.
“We just get Sergio on board with us. We have to, no choice,” Nash responds.
Meanwhile Danica and TO are in the river on a raft they made and are also discussing strategy. “I think we drop this challenge, then go after them. Nash, Beard, doesn’t matter. This HAS to be the final tribal immunity before the merge. HAS to be.” TO is confident.
“Well I have the immunity and we can maybe use Sergio as a spy, promise him the idol if he can get the goods on what they are doing,” Danica offers.
“Keep that wild card in yo’ pocket,” TO tells her.
As Danica is pulling back onto shore, Amanda confronts her. “So you have the idol?”
“What? No!” Danica shoots back
“Yes you do. What Hulk had wasn’t real so that means you planted something. Didn’t you?” Amanda fires.
“If I had the idol, wouldn’t I have played it at the last council when I was almost voted out?” Danica offers.
“No because you knew Sergio was voting with you. I don’t care, just admit you have it.”
“No. I admit nothing,” Danica says before stomping off.
Meanwhile Sergio tells Nash he is going fish. He is looking for a sack for fish when all of a sudden he happens upon Danica’s bag. He finds the idol! He peaks around, sees no one, and pockets the idol.
Commercial…If you are tuning in to Sports Radio 790 The Zone this Sunday from 10-3 hoping to hear Fletcher, sorry. This Sunday will be Fletcher and Wifey’s one year wedding anniversary. Fletcher is taking the week off. Be sure to check back next week!
Jeff Probst welcomes the two tribes in to a reward challenge and Wumba sees Chumba minus Bruce Jenner for the first time. Nash nods to Sean Avery. Probst reveals that it looks like Tim is still limping, but Tebow boasts that he will tough it out.
The game is sort of like beer pong. The players will separate into two teams and each throw a ball onto the other team’s cups. If a ball lands in the cups, the person whose cup it lands in will have to drink whatever liquid is in the cup. The team that sinks all of the other team’s cups, wins reward. “Want to know what you are playing for?”
YEAH!
The winning team will get to visit a tobacco farm. They will get to see how Cuban cigars are rolled and illegally exported to the US. They will also get to pick a cigar and smoke it. They can enjoy a nice brandy to go with the cigar as well. Also cheese and crackers will be there. “Sound good?”
“No.” Tebow says. Probst laughs.
Wumba, you are down a player, so you go first. Nash takes aim and sinks a cup. Ichiro drinks the cup: it is ocean water. Wumba shoots again and Sergio misses. Tebow steps up and knocks down a cup. Danica drinks coconut milk. Brandi is up and she sinks a cup. Amanda drinks honey. Misty misses. Amanda misses. Kerri misses. Danica sinks a cup and Avery drinks ocean water. “Jeff, if all of ours are ocean water, I’m coming after you!” Avery barks. Nash is up next and he nails one. Tebow drinks coconut milk. Sergio misses again. Avery aims and sinks a cup to tie it up 3-3. Ichiro nails a cup. 4-3. Tebow hits a cup 5-3. Brandi misses. TO makes his cup then Nash sinks his to tie. 5-5. Danica misses and it is Chumba’s turn. It goes back and forth as each player misses. Finally Nash makes it, but Tebow gets a last shot. HE SINKS IT! Probst announces that for the tiebreaker, each team will select a player and he will have 3 shots to make as many in the cup as he can. Nash and Ichiro are selected. Ichiro makes 2 but Nash cans all three. WUMBA WINS REWARD!
Chumba is about to head back when Wumba selected Brandi to go to exile.
Wumba heads off to enjoy the cigars.
Commercial. Did you enjoy Four from Score: Fletcher’s interview with Braves catcher Brian McCann? Check out www.scoreatl.com and sportsbyfletch this weekend for Four From Score: Matt Diaz. Hey, I do what I can!
Wumba is shown visiting the cigar farm and watching the Cubans roll the cigars. Nash and Amanda roll some and everyone is laughing. We see TO smoking a cigar and Danica drinking brandy. They toast to their victory
In Chumba camp, Misty and Kerri are recruiting Tebow right in front of Ichiro because they don’t think he can understand. Tebow rebuffs them and then Misty and Kerri decide that Tebow would be the next target. Ichiro hears this but again pretends that he cannot understand.
Tebow is talking to Avery when Ichiro motions him over. Ichiro tells Tebow the info and Tim and Ichiro decide that, if need be, either Kerri or Misty is gone.
Meanwhile Avery and Misty start to talk and they get into an argument over Bruce’s value to the tribe. Misty tries to remind Avery that he should thank his lucky stars he is still here when Avery shouts that is Misty really had control over her alliance, they would still be in control of the game and not teetering like they are now. Kerri comes and grabs Misty and leads her away. “He is right. We’ve got to do something otherwise we are both gone.”
“We ride it out and when the merge comes, we get Nash and Amanda on our side.”
The Wumba tribe returns and Danica realizes her idol is gone. She is quietly freaking out then accuses Amanda of taking it. Amanda says she didn’t be then accuses Danica of lying about not having it. “Well I don’t have it NOW!”
“I didn’t take your idol. I wish I did, because that would be nice to have in my back pocket, but I don’t have it. Check my stuff,” Amanda offers. Danica storms off.
Sergio witnesses the entire thing and shares with Nash and Amanda that he has it. “Nice,” Nash says, and gives Sergio a high five.
Commercial. Want to know Fletcher’s mock NFL draft? Check in next week! ONLY on sportsbyfletch!
Probst welcomes the two tribes in for the immunity challenge. This will be a race where an entire tribe save for one person will be blindfolded and the one person with sight calls out to the others on how to get through a maze. First team to get all players through wins immunity. Chumba will have to sit a person out and everyone votes to keep Ichiro out because they don’t think he understands English. Chumba’s guide will be Misty and Wumba will have Danica as a guide. Ready, go! Everyone is sent out into the maze together, but from different starting points and Misty and Danica have to guide the survivors through while others are trying to feel their way out on their own. Danica starts helping TO first, then switches to Nash. Then she switches again to help Sergio. Misty is guiding Kerri then switches to Tebow, then Avery. Danica purposely walks Amanda into a wall. Nash is THROUGH! Kerri is through! Sergio is close….Sergio is through. Avery is through for Chumba. Now only Amanda and Tebow remain. Tebow is feeling himself and not really paying attention to Misty. Amanda is close. Misty is starting to get frustrated with Tim and she yells at him to LISTEN! Amanda is somehow turned around right near the exit…Tebow eventually catches up and passes her! Chumba wins immunity!
Chumba celebrates and Probst tells Wumba he will see them in council!
Wumba heads back and they are still bickering about Danica’s lost idol. Nash wants to know why Danica never said she had it to begin with. “Would you have announced you had it?” Danica asks. Nash is steamed, at least he is pretending.
Sergio and Danica and TO plot to vote Amanda and then she’ll use the idol and it will knock out Nash. “But someone will have to vote for Nash. Why don’t we just vote for him?” Danica asks.
“We have to get the idol played,” Sergio tells her. “Vote Amanda and I will vote Nash and he goes home.”
“Unless they both vote for one of us, then we have a tie,” TO reckons.
“Can you both make fire? Can you make it faster than Amanda?”
“No, if she uses the idol, then we could lose to Nash 2-1,” Danica figures.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Sergio says, before heading off.
Sergio goes over the gameplan with Nash and Amanda. They vote out TO. Done.
In confessional, Sergio wonders who he will side with.
Sergio runs back to TO and alerts them that Nash has it and will play it tonight. “Amanda gave it to Nash after she took it from you. Nash showed me!” Sergio lies to Danica.
At tribal council Probst asks if they are nervous with the shrinking numbers and a merge coming. Nash says that yes, he is always nervous at tribal council. TO says that it is a numbers game now and when the merge comes. If you have a solid core, just add a wild card and you’re fine. Probst says that TO knows what it is to be a wild card. TO laughs.
Let’s get to the Vote. Probst goes and tallies the votes. If anyone has the immunity idol, use it now.
“First vote: TO. Second vote: Amanda. One for TO, one for Amanda. Third vote: TO. Two for TO, one for Amanda. Fourth vote: Amanda. Fifth vote and next person voted out of Survivor: Cuba….Amanda. Grab your torch.
Nash is blindsided and Sergio gives TO a fistbump. Amanda is shocked but then smiles.
Grab your torches Wumba, We finally see the true colors of the BPs. And Steve is all alone. Head back to camp!
On the next Survivor: Cuba.
The merge happens. Everyone enjoys a meal. Nash confronts Sergio about Amanda leaving. Sergio sneers that TO and Danica had a better plan. Nash vows revenge. At the merge feast, Nash alerts everyone that Sergio has the immunity idol, which he stole from Danica.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Midweek Entertainment (and sports) Report 4/15
Tax DAY!, Burger King Europa offends Mexico, Chris Brown moves on to another victim-err girlfriend and your Idol recap. Will Simon walk away?
Ladies and gentlement, the midweek entertainment and sports report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPLCAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
Today is April 15. Have you filed your taxes yet? Just a reminder!
Apparently Mexico is upset with Burger King over a whopper commercial. An ad airing in Europe shows a midget wrestler wearing a wrestling mask and draped in a mexican flag teaming up with a Cowboy, doing various things like putting away stock and cleaning windows. The ad is for the new Texican Whopper that shows the classic whopper with a little taste of Mexico mixed in. And the ad is airing ONLY in Europe, did I mention that? (How did Mexico even find out about it?)
I am guessing that Mexico is upset that they think Burger King is stereotyping the country? It isn't like the commercial is showing a random white van driving like a maniac then unloading like cockroaches at a construction site.
Chris Brown has apparently been seen dating the "girlicious" Natalie Mejia. She'd better watch out otherwise she'll be "blackeyecious"
Idol did songs from movies last night. And the 70 year old Allison did the best as she led off the show. I'd put Danny Gokey in #2, Adam was a solid #3 and Kris Allen #4. Anoop came in 5th best, with Moley Moleson #6 and Lil #7. That is how I think they did. Now, the bottom three..... Anoop, Lil and Kris (because no one knew his song.) Moley deserves to be in the bottom three, but I think he sneaks through.
Lil.....good bye. I cannot understand why you get so pissed. The judges are doing their jobs, which is to find talent and critique it and ultimately put THEIR reputations on the line with a record contract. Sorry Lil. But I do see your crafty ways in that you KNOW you will be voted off soon, so you are already angling for a gospel deal. Good thinking ahead.
PS, What is this I see that Cowell is considering walking away after next season? The show would NOT be the same because whomever they get to replace him will go overboard in being critical or will not be critical enough so we get Randy part2. Pony up Fox!
MOVING ON to sports report (these topics weren't enough to warrant their own blogs, so I threw them in a grab-bag)
Isiah Thomas was hired to be the new coach of the FIU men's basketball program. Yeah, because EVERYTHING this guy touches turns to gold. I guess FIU wanted their program to be run into the ground....
Jonny Flynn is now coming back to Syracuse? I thought he was leaving? His coach now says it is up in the air. Right after the season, Flynn said he was returning and I immediately put them in my top 5 for 2009-10. With Flynn and Devendorf and Paul Harris, these guys could have made a run. But now Harris is gone and Devendorf says he is gone (though I am not certain why?) and I don't think Flynn (if he DOES come back) can take this team to a title singlehandedly. nope. Instead, I think my top 5 would look like this 1KU (Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins both coming back! two in three years?) 2UK (Coach Cal brining in those recruits PLUS Patterson and if Meeks comes back...) 3 Purdue (they have Hummel and Johnson returning and throw in the fact they can lock up a 1-seed due to a weak Big11 conference) 4 Duke (UNC will be down and Wake is losing everyone except Aminu, so Duke with the new big man should own the ACC...ONLY if Henderson comes back.) 5 Villanova (most of the pieces remain from a Final Four team...including the coach!) I will have my official preseason look after the April 26 deadline passes for underclassmen to declare in-or-out.
Finally, Dookie PG Greg Paulus worked out at QB for the Green Bay Packers earlier this week, then reportedly met with RichRod of Michigan about transferring to play one season for Big Blue. Paulus was the Gatorade PotY his senior year in New York and had scholarship offers to play the QB position at Miami and Notre Dame, but he decided to get his Wojo on at Duke. But since he has now graduated from Duke, he can take advantage of the grad-school rule and play one year for Michigan and potentially get drafted in the NFL. Sort of be the ANTI-Charlie Ward. That would be crazy, really. Interesting how Ted Roof and Cutcliffe could never get this guy on the field, but RichRod potentially could. Hmmmmm. It would be fun to boo him for another year. I hope he does it!
That's it everybody. Enjoy the rest of the week! Check back soon for Real World:Atlanta and Survivor:Cuba!
Ladies and gentlement, the midweek entertainment and sports report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPLCAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!
Today is April 15. Have you filed your taxes yet? Just a reminder!
Apparently Mexico is upset with Burger King over a whopper commercial. An ad airing in Europe shows a midget wrestler wearing a wrestling mask and draped in a mexican flag teaming up with a Cowboy, doing various things like putting away stock and cleaning windows. The ad is for the new Texican Whopper that shows the classic whopper with a little taste of Mexico mixed in. And the ad is airing ONLY in Europe, did I mention that? (How did Mexico even find out about it?)
I am guessing that Mexico is upset that they think Burger King is stereotyping the country? It isn't like the commercial is showing a random white van driving like a maniac then unloading like cockroaches at a construction site.
Chris Brown has apparently been seen dating the "girlicious" Natalie Mejia. She'd better watch out otherwise she'll be "blackeyecious"
Idol did songs from movies last night. And the 70 year old Allison did the best as she led off the show. I'd put Danny Gokey in #2, Adam was a solid #3 and Kris Allen #4. Anoop came in 5th best, with Moley Moleson #6 and Lil #7. That is how I think they did. Now, the bottom three..... Anoop, Lil and Kris (because no one knew his song.) Moley deserves to be in the bottom three, but I think he sneaks through.
Lil.....good bye. I cannot understand why you get so pissed. The judges are doing their jobs, which is to find talent and critique it and ultimately put THEIR reputations on the line with a record contract. Sorry Lil. But I do see your crafty ways in that you KNOW you will be voted off soon, so you are already angling for a gospel deal. Good thinking ahead.
PS, What is this I see that Cowell is considering walking away after next season? The show would NOT be the same because whomever they get to replace him will go overboard in being critical or will not be critical enough so we get Randy part2. Pony up Fox!
MOVING ON to sports report (these topics weren't enough to warrant their own blogs, so I threw them in a grab-bag)
Isiah Thomas was hired to be the new coach of the FIU men's basketball program. Yeah, because EVERYTHING this guy touches turns to gold. I guess FIU wanted their program to be run into the ground....
Jonny Flynn is now coming back to Syracuse? I thought he was leaving? His coach now says it is up in the air. Right after the season, Flynn said he was returning and I immediately put them in my top 5 for 2009-10. With Flynn and Devendorf and Paul Harris, these guys could have made a run. But now Harris is gone and Devendorf says he is gone (though I am not certain why?) and I don't think Flynn (if he DOES come back) can take this team to a title singlehandedly. nope. Instead, I think my top 5 would look like this 1KU (Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins both coming back! two in three years?) 2UK (Coach Cal brining in those recruits PLUS Patterson and if Meeks comes back...) 3 Purdue (they have Hummel and Johnson returning and throw in the fact they can lock up a 1-seed due to a weak Big11 conference) 4 Duke (UNC will be down and Wake is losing everyone except Aminu, so Duke with the new big man should own the ACC...ONLY if Henderson comes back.) 5 Villanova (most of the pieces remain from a Final Four team...including the coach!) I will have my official preseason look after the April 26 deadline passes for underclassmen to declare in-or-out.
Finally, Dookie PG Greg Paulus worked out at QB for the Green Bay Packers earlier this week, then reportedly met with RichRod of Michigan about transferring to play one season for Big Blue. Paulus was the Gatorade PotY his senior year in New York and had scholarship offers to play the QB position at Miami and Notre Dame, but he decided to get his Wojo on at Duke. But since he has now graduated from Duke, he can take advantage of the grad-school rule and play one year for Michigan and potentially get drafted in the NFL. Sort of be the ANTI-Charlie Ward. That would be crazy, really. Interesting how Ted Roof and Cutcliffe could never get this guy on the field, but RichRod potentially could. Hmmmmm. It would be fun to boo him for another year. I hope he does it!
That's it everybody. Enjoy the rest of the week! Check back soon for Real World:Atlanta and Survivor:Cuba!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Paul recaps the Tradition unlike ANY other!
Hello Friends, Paul Mac has made his way back from Augusta and gives us his thoughts on the Masters that was.
Among the highlights were UGA Boy Bubba Watson's 350 yd drive on 15 and his easter egg pink outfit (Saturday) along with a hot pink driver shaft to go along with it. Other than the pink it's uncanny how much he looks like Fred Couples from far away. Bubba unfortunately 3 putted from 20ft Saturday on the same hole. Saturday was largely dull: no one making a move, everyone playing safe an tentative. Only Steve Stricker managed an Eagle on 15 that I saw, and Jim Furyk had the round of the day, I believe, a 67 with a wonderful little chip on 15 for birdie. Mickelson had a nice shot at Eagle from just off the green but unfortunately he pulled out that stupid 64 degree wedge and flopped it about 12 feet short of the hole instead of just using a more common 56 or 60 and being much closer. I had thought of ways that Bones could be a better caddie.
1) At the US Open loss, break both driver shafts, only hand Phil the 3 wood.
2)At 12 when he asks for 9 give him the 8 instead
3)break the 64 against a tree.
4) whenever Phil is ahead in a tournament, throw the driver into the woods or the nearest lake
5) Keep some ho ho's or bacon in the bag. If he gets to the back 9 with a lead dangle them in front of him before a 2 ft putt. Clearly he's got the yips better he think of food than golf.
The amount of people following Tiger and Phil Sunday is not easily conveyed by television. It was a massive wave of humanity and those not in it eagerly watched the mechanical score boards for the posted numbers. There was a buzz on the course all over just watching the incredible numbers Phil put up on the front 9. His 30 matched Johnny Miller, Greg Norman and KJ Choi on the front 9 but alas it wouldn't have been Sunday at the masters without Tin Cup committing more than a few blunders.
Before we get to that first let me say the course could not have been better. The weather was perfect, the course drained perfectly Friday night and even the high travel areas looked better this year than in years past. They have built permanent concessions buildings that are much nicer than the dark tents. The Sandwiches are still as good as ever.. the import beer is now Stella Artois a HUGE upgrade to the usual Heineken. Chips are Cape Cod... no expense spared... however... one improvement could be made... BRING BACK KLONDIKE bars. When I want chocolate covered turbo fat ice cream I want Klondike not Dove... what is this thing on a stick..?? How am I supposed to watch golf with this obviously sub par ice cream bar? The Dove bar is the snow man of ice creams... a box and a wrapper? What is this a freaking drumstick? Did I order a Push Pop? It comes in a freaking box? It's not even a delicious Mayfield Ice Cream Sandwich I want chocolate all over my hands and in my belly, the skilled eater can down the roughly half saturated fat sensation without even getting dirty. Bring back KLONDIKE... Thanks.
OK back to observations from the gallery. My buddy Too Tall managed to make the trip up so My Brother in law Brian and I got their early and then made the rounds. We got a good spot on the first to watch the guys tee off up the hill. Walking around the top of the hill really shows off the fashion statements by the way. Having money does not account for taste. One kid had Gold moon boots some guy was wearing a purple shirt with a glitter eagle and Capri pants... some other douche and his kids were in all white with white sweaters tied around their necks as if they were going to Wimbledon. Loved the argyle and knickers on display though... Payne Stewart would be proud. Props to the women in the gallery too. Women in the south in the spring no matter where they are from really know how to dress for events. Why is it that "that guy" gets into every sports event? As we await Rocco and Miguel Anhel Himenez to go off the first tee some guy behind me goes... hey there goes that MigUel AnJEL JIMenez...it's Sunday dude you should know his name by now... and then there is the WHOOOOO! Scream when nothing is happening. D bag. This is why they don't serve beer until 12 and stop at 4. There is also the 2 fairways away (Oh BE THE ONE or GET IN THE HOLE!) guy. It's a tee shot douche get a grip. This tournament on the course at least on the front nine had a decidedly Happy Gilmore feel to it. (shooters going to choke happy the gold jackets yours) Phil was killing it and the thunderous roars were almost felt as much as they were heard then all of a sudden the crouching Tiger FINALLY struck at 8 with a HUGE eagle. We were on the 10th fairway at the time waiting for Anthony Kim's approach when we heard a roar and having observed the T shots assumed it was Phil. Could he post 29 on the front? We thought. Then the score was posted... Phil put up 30 I knew that tied the record but now Tiger was at 7 under. These guys started the day well back at 4 under but no one there expected any of the leaders to stand pat and we all felt that if either of these guys could get to 10 or 11 that it would be a tournament to remember or at least a ridiculous back 9. The gallery all but ignored Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell and Angel Cabrera on the front and rightfully so... they were freaking dull Saturday. Tiger and Phil were where the action was in addition to being uber famous.
The tension was in the air... again it was felt and the hopes and prayers were palpable on this Easter Sunday. Phil got to 10 under and then... the 12th. An ill timed wave of Phil judgement and he slid the 9 iron into Ray's creek. Temporary setback right? 13 and 15 with chances at Eagles looming with 16 easily approachable too. 14 was tough right behind that ominous false front that lulls you to sleep before the green chews you up and spits you out. Tiger and Phil would both birdie 13 and remain in contention. Then on the 15th with the lead at an accessable 11 under (Cabrera was at 12 and then bogeyed and Kenny Perry would rock along making pars before finally making a little run of his own) The fateful 15th would play large again. Tiger and Phil hit HUGE drives with Phil outdriving tiger by some 10 yards well on the down slope. Then they each hit beautiful approach shots to have a good eagle try.. Tiger still well off by his standards but roughly 12 ft. Phil knocked his shot within 4 feet with roughly no break strait in from that distance... impossible to screw up right? Wrong. Tiger would miss over reading the break like so many before him and going off right... so what does Phil do? Overcompensates and pulls it left. He would tap in for birdie though and get back in somewhat before they each again screwed the pooch on the last two holes and left many headed for the exits.
At this point Paul Mac's support is squarely on the Kentuckian Kenny Perry. Kenny made good at 15 and then a brilliant shot at 16 almost had me looking brilliant. At 14 under with 2 to play 274 was indeed the score to beat. An easy par par victory would be nice. Hey he had at this point 22 holes without a bogey. What happens? Bogey. Bogey. Chad Campbell quietly put some putts home to lead in the club house at 12 under. Angel Cabrera made several CLUTCH putts especially the one on 16 to get him to 12 under. Perry inexplicably pulled out the driver on 18 and put it in the 305+ bunker right there waiting for well hit drives left in the fairway on 18. You saw the end result, a nearly missed par put from 15 ft and we had playoff golf. Unfortunately it wasn't the 5 way playoff between Tiger, Phil, Campbell, Cabrera, and Perry we wanted. I'm thinking.. ok cool we get a great finish now this is good. Wrong. Now it's I don't want it you take it golf. Cabrera is Shank-a-potamous and puts it in the woods. Campbell and Perry shank their approaches. Perry nearly holes his birdie chip which would have been 1987 all over again but no, it wasn't to be Campbell missed his putt and we go to 10. Instead of 1987 we got 2003. Yeah... the most boring playoff ever. When Mike Weir 2 putted to victory when Olin Browne shanked his approach left. Unfortunately for 48 year old Kenny Perry Mint Julups would not go all around... instead we get argentinian steaks... though that's not too bad just lackluster. The way it ended. Perry absolutely shanked his approach on 10 to the left and Cabrera 2 putted for the win. I hate the way this ended. This is like ending a race under caution. I much prefer a really good shot like a chip or a hole out from the fairway or a really nice long put beating a shorter putt but it's what we got. This has been one of the better Masters weeks in a while with joy and sorrow great shots and bad shots.... perfect weather, perfect course. The ending just could have been much better. I sure hope Kenny Perry gets another shot at a major and comes through next time if so... bourbon is on me.
Until next year Friends, Cheers!
Paul Mac
Among the highlights were UGA Boy Bubba Watson's 350 yd drive on 15 and his easter egg pink outfit (Saturday) along with a hot pink driver shaft to go along with it. Other than the pink it's uncanny how much he looks like Fred Couples from far away. Bubba unfortunately 3 putted from 20ft Saturday on the same hole. Saturday was largely dull: no one making a move, everyone playing safe an tentative. Only Steve Stricker managed an Eagle on 15 that I saw, and Jim Furyk had the round of the day, I believe, a 67 with a wonderful little chip on 15 for birdie. Mickelson had a nice shot at Eagle from just off the green but unfortunately he pulled out that stupid 64 degree wedge and flopped it about 12 feet short of the hole instead of just using a more common 56 or 60 and being much closer. I had thought of ways that Bones could be a better caddie.
1) At the US Open loss, break both driver shafts, only hand Phil the 3 wood.
2)At 12 when he asks for 9 give him the 8 instead
3)break the 64 against a tree.
4) whenever Phil is ahead in a tournament, throw the driver into the woods or the nearest lake
5) Keep some ho ho's or bacon in the bag. If he gets to the back 9 with a lead dangle them in front of him before a 2 ft putt. Clearly he's got the yips better he think of food than golf.
The amount of people following Tiger and Phil Sunday is not easily conveyed by television. It was a massive wave of humanity and those not in it eagerly watched the mechanical score boards for the posted numbers. There was a buzz on the course all over just watching the incredible numbers Phil put up on the front 9. His 30 matched Johnny Miller, Greg Norman and KJ Choi on the front 9 but alas it wouldn't have been Sunday at the masters without Tin Cup committing more than a few blunders.
Before we get to that first let me say the course could not have been better. The weather was perfect, the course drained perfectly Friday night and even the high travel areas looked better this year than in years past. They have built permanent concessions buildings that are much nicer than the dark tents. The Sandwiches are still as good as ever.. the import beer is now Stella Artois a HUGE upgrade to the usual Heineken. Chips are Cape Cod... no expense spared... however... one improvement could be made... BRING BACK KLONDIKE bars. When I want chocolate covered turbo fat ice cream I want Klondike not Dove... what is this thing on a stick..?? How am I supposed to watch golf with this obviously sub par ice cream bar? The Dove bar is the snow man of ice creams... a box and a wrapper? What is this a freaking drumstick? Did I order a Push Pop? It comes in a freaking box? It's not even a delicious Mayfield Ice Cream Sandwich I want chocolate all over my hands and in my belly, the skilled eater can down the roughly half saturated fat sensation without even getting dirty. Bring back KLONDIKE... Thanks.
OK back to observations from the gallery. My buddy Too Tall managed to make the trip up so My Brother in law Brian and I got their early and then made the rounds. We got a good spot on the first to watch the guys tee off up the hill. Walking around the top of the hill really shows off the fashion statements by the way. Having money does not account for taste. One kid had Gold moon boots some guy was wearing a purple shirt with a glitter eagle and Capri pants... some other douche and his kids were in all white with white sweaters tied around their necks as if they were going to Wimbledon. Loved the argyle and knickers on display though... Payne Stewart would be proud. Props to the women in the gallery too. Women in the south in the spring no matter where they are from really know how to dress for events. Why is it that "that guy" gets into every sports event? As we await Rocco and Miguel Anhel Himenez to go off the first tee some guy behind me goes... hey there goes that MigUel AnJEL JIMenez...it's Sunday dude you should know his name by now... and then there is the WHOOOOO! Scream when nothing is happening. D bag. This is why they don't serve beer until 12 and stop at 4. There is also the 2 fairways away (Oh BE THE ONE or GET IN THE HOLE!) guy. It's a tee shot douche get a grip. This tournament on the course at least on the front nine had a decidedly Happy Gilmore feel to it. (shooters going to choke happy the gold jackets yours) Phil was killing it and the thunderous roars were almost felt as much as they were heard then all of a sudden the crouching Tiger FINALLY struck at 8 with a HUGE eagle. We were on the 10th fairway at the time waiting for Anthony Kim's approach when we heard a roar and having observed the T shots assumed it was Phil. Could he post 29 on the front? We thought. Then the score was posted... Phil put up 30 I knew that tied the record but now Tiger was at 7 under. These guys started the day well back at 4 under but no one there expected any of the leaders to stand pat and we all felt that if either of these guys could get to 10 or 11 that it would be a tournament to remember or at least a ridiculous back 9. The gallery all but ignored Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell and Angel Cabrera on the front and rightfully so... they were freaking dull Saturday. Tiger and Phil were where the action was in addition to being uber famous.
The tension was in the air... again it was felt and the hopes and prayers were palpable on this Easter Sunday. Phil got to 10 under and then... the 12th. An ill timed wave of Phil judgement and he slid the 9 iron into Ray's creek. Temporary setback right? 13 and 15 with chances at Eagles looming with 16 easily approachable too. 14 was tough right behind that ominous false front that lulls you to sleep before the green chews you up and spits you out. Tiger and Phil would both birdie 13 and remain in contention. Then on the 15th with the lead at an accessable 11 under (Cabrera was at 12 and then bogeyed and Kenny Perry would rock along making pars before finally making a little run of his own) The fateful 15th would play large again. Tiger and Phil hit HUGE drives with Phil outdriving tiger by some 10 yards well on the down slope. Then they each hit beautiful approach shots to have a good eagle try.. Tiger still well off by his standards but roughly 12 ft. Phil knocked his shot within 4 feet with roughly no break strait in from that distance... impossible to screw up right? Wrong. Tiger would miss over reading the break like so many before him and going off right... so what does Phil do? Overcompensates and pulls it left. He would tap in for birdie though and get back in somewhat before they each again screwed the pooch on the last two holes and left many headed for the exits.
At this point Paul Mac's support is squarely on the Kentuckian Kenny Perry. Kenny made good at 15 and then a brilliant shot at 16 almost had me looking brilliant. At 14 under with 2 to play 274 was indeed the score to beat. An easy par par victory would be nice. Hey he had at this point 22 holes without a bogey. What happens? Bogey. Bogey. Chad Campbell quietly put some putts home to lead in the club house at 12 under. Angel Cabrera made several CLUTCH putts especially the one on 16 to get him to 12 under. Perry inexplicably pulled out the driver on 18 and put it in the 305+ bunker right there waiting for well hit drives left in the fairway on 18. You saw the end result, a nearly missed par put from 15 ft and we had playoff golf. Unfortunately it wasn't the 5 way playoff between Tiger, Phil, Campbell, Cabrera, and Perry we wanted. I'm thinking.. ok cool we get a great finish now this is good. Wrong. Now it's I don't want it you take it golf. Cabrera is Shank-a-potamous and puts it in the woods. Campbell and Perry shank their approaches. Perry nearly holes his birdie chip which would have been 1987 all over again but no, it wasn't to be Campbell missed his putt and we go to 10. Instead of 1987 we got 2003. Yeah... the most boring playoff ever. When Mike Weir 2 putted to victory when Olin Browne shanked his approach left. Unfortunately for 48 year old Kenny Perry Mint Julups would not go all around... instead we get argentinian steaks... though that's not too bad just lackluster. The way it ended. Perry absolutely shanked his approach on 10 to the left and Cabrera 2 putted for the win. I hate the way this ended. This is like ending a race under caution. I much prefer a really good shot like a chip or a hole out from the fairway or a really nice long put beating a shorter putt but it's what we got. This has been one of the better Masters weeks in a while with joy and sorrow great shots and bad shots.... perfect weather, perfect course. The ending just could have been much better. I sure hope Kenny Perry gets another shot at a major and comes through next time if so... bourbon is on me.
Until next year Friends, Cheers!
Paul Mac
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)