Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Seriously, stop talking about the dang painting!
Stop it! STOP! RIGHT NOW! STOP IT!
I just read where now "scholars" are thinking that perhaps the Mona Lisa was a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci in disguise.
OK, so add that theory to
-a random wife of a merchant from Florence (Italy, not South Carolina)
-his mother
-his gay lover
Seriously? Now we think it is him? Sure. Great!
"Scholars" are saying that perhaps that is why Mona Lisa is smiling, because da Vinci, a known prankster, is playing a trick on everyone.
What do I think? I think these "scholars" need to get a real job instead of looking at the paiting then drinking wine starting at 10 am. Yeah.
But honestly I am just tired of people trying to disect this painting. It isn't all that big from what people tell me and is just a "woman" (or maybe a guy?) semi-smiling. It isn't The David or the Sistine Chapel or even Dogs Playing Poker.
How about we just accept that it is a lady smiling and leave it at that.
Nope, these "scholars" want to exhume da Vinci's carcas and examine the skull, because apparently that could lead to clues on whether the Mona Lisa was him. I guess that would work, because the Mona Lisa is 3D and all....wait, it ISN'T, so then it would just be another guess as well! I guess the "scholars" in France and Italy really have nothing better to do. I wonder if these Italian scholars are related to The Situation or Vinny or Snooki.
Actually, I hope the Italians DO go ahead and dig up da Vinci and have Pauley D and JWoww assist in the process. "We were diggin' up da Vinci and it was all nasty mad gross." "Nah, it was a'ight."
And PS if the French people or Italians ever attempt to make fun of America again, I will just point out that they are DIGGING UP LEONARDO da VINCI TO SEE IF HE WAS MONA LISA. (And the fact that France would be Germany if not for us. PERIOD!)
I just read where now "scholars" are thinking that perhaps the Mona Lisa was a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci in disguise.
OK, so add that theory to
-a random wife of a merchant from Florence (Italy, not South Carolina)
-his mother
-his gay lover
Seriously? Now we think it is him? Sure. Great!
"Scholars" are saying that perhaps that is why Mona Lisa is smiling, because da Vinci, a known prankster, is playing a trick on everyone.
What do I think? I think these "scholars" need to get a real job instead of looking at the paiting then drinking wine starting at 10 am. Yeah.
But honestly I am just tired of people trying to disect this painting. It isn't all that big from what people tell me and is just a "woman" (or maybe a guy?) semi-smiling. It isn't The David or the Sistine Chapel or even Dogs Playing Poker.
How about we just accept that it is a lady smiling and leave it at that.
Nope, these "scholars" want to exhume da Vinci's carcas and examine the skull, because apparently that could lead to clues on whether the Mona Lisa was him. I guess that would work, because the Mona Lisa is 3D and all....wait, it ISN'T, so then it would just be another guess as well! I guess the "scholars" in France and Italy really have nothing better to do. I wonder if these Italian scholars are related to The Situation or Vinny or Snooki.
Actually, I hope the Italians DO go ahead and dig up da Vinci and have Pauley D and JWoww assist in the process. "We were diggin' up da Vinci and it was all nasty mad gross." "Nah, it was a'ight."
And PS if the French people or Italians ever attempt to make fun of America again, I will just point out that they are DIGGING UP LEONARDO da VINCI TO SEE IF HE WAS MONA LISA. (And the fact that France would be Germany if not for us. PERIOD!)
Around the Dial for Score Atlanta 1/29/10
Here is your free Friday Snack for Score Atlanta's Around the Dial! Grab yourself a copy at metro-Atlanta QuikTrip, Kroger and Blockbuster!
With both NFL conferences holding their championships on the same day, all of the big guns came out for the coverage. CBS had the AFC and spent most of the telecast reminding everyone that Super Bowl would be airing on the EYE network this year. The Colts rallied to knock off the Jets for the AFC crown and CBS’s postgame was spent mostly discussing Peyton Manning, and rightfully so. Manning, having won his fourth MVP award this season, has a chance to earn his second Super Bowl title in the last four years. Last week on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday, (Sundays on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, 1-4 p.m.), Brian Jones and I got into a debate over whether or not Manning had passed Tom Brady as preeminent quarterback of this generation. Brady has the ring count in his favor with 3 and he had one MVP, but I argued that Peyton has 4 MVP trophies and one ring and he’s favored to earn his second. I also noted that Peyton never had the defensive talent that Brady did and Manning turns his receivers into superstars, see Collie and Garcon this year. Several callers argued that Manning had Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but I countered that Brady has/had Welker and Moss and Stallworth among others. It was an interesting debate and one that I think will not be one after next week, when Peyton Manning wins his second Super Bowl title. And I think Manning is more likely to reach another Super Bowl before Brady will, which would even the ring count out at 3-3 and then the MVPs would be in play, ending the discussion.
On FOX, the NFC title was decided when the Vikings turned the ball over six times and the officials awarded a few fishy calls to the New Orleans Saints as Drew Brees and Co. punched the Saints first ever trip to the Super Bowl. After rolling my eyes about 900 times during the game when Joe Buck and Troy Aikman kept referring to Brett Favre as “a legend” among other things, Favre threw a late interception when his team was trying to get into position to win the game in regulation. In overtime, the Saints were the beneficiaries of two eye-rubbing, jaw-droppingly “interesting” calls by the officials, first on a phantom pass interference penalty where replays showed no contact was involved and another on a “catch” by a Saints wide receiver where the ball wasn’t truly secured when the player went to the ground. In neither case did Buck or Aikman say anything about it; perhaps they were just ready for the game to be over? After the game, the talk was all about New Orleans going to the Super Bowl and how far the city had come since Hurricane Katrina. Come on guys, that is a lousy angle. That was your angle back in 2006 when the Saints made the NFC championship game, yet lost to Chicago. If the Saints lose the Super Bowl, then make it back to the NFC title game in three years, will that still be the focus? Let’s move on please; get some fresh angles.
If you haven’t caught The Mark Fox Show, that airs Sunday nights on SportSouth (as well as several other times during the week) please watch it next Sunday. I’m not certain I saw anything as funny as Chuck Dowdle’s performance on this week’s edition. Dowdle does a fine job with Fox, who seems to be adjusting to life as a big-time basketball coach. Dowdle is kind of like that crazy uncle that always seems to entertain at any Christmas gathering or family reunion, though you are glad he’s just your uncle and you get to leave after 30 minutes. I’m not certain I could take much more of the campiness that Dowdle provides in thirty minutes, but he certainly is good for a laugh and helps ease Fox into a joke or two.
Finally, for the second time in three weeks, Norcross High School will host some of the country’s top basketball talent. This weekend, the Blue Devils will host the Second Annual Marriott Invitational, including five local teams and three from across the southeast. The teams participating include, Norcross, Centennial, Greater Atlanta Christian School, Berkmar, Daniel High School (SC), Quality Education Academy (NC) and Greene County High School (AL). Greene County is ranked No.2 in Alabama’s AAA rankings while Daniel is No.1 in South Carolina’s AAA class. Quality Education Academy features four players nationally ranked by recruiting services. For ticket information and to find the pairings, visit www.norcrossbasketball.com.
With both NFL conferences holding their championships on the same day, all of the big guns came out for the coverage. CBS had the AFC and spent most of the telecast reminding everyone that Super Bowl would be airing on the EYE network this year. The Colts rallied to knock off the Jets for the AFC crown and CBS’s postgame was spent mostly discussing Peyton Manning, and rightfully so. Manning, having won his fourth MVP award this season, has a chance to earn his second Super Bowl title in the last four years. Last week on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday, (Sundays on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, 1-4 p.m.), Brian Jones and I got into a debate over whether or not Manning had passed Tom Brady as preeminent quarterback of this generation. Brady has the ring count in his favor with 3 and he had one MVP, but I argued that Peyton has 4 MVP trophies and one ring and he’s favored to earn his second. I also noted that Peyton never had the defensive talent that Brady did and Manning turns his receivers into superstars, see Collie and Garcon this year. Several callers argued that Manning had Harrison and Reggie Wayne, but I countered that Brady has/had Welker and Moss and Stallworth among others. It was an interesting debate and one that I think will not be one after next week, when Peyton Manning wins his second Super Bowl title. And I think Manning is more likely to reach another Super Bowl before Brady will, which would even the ring count out at 3-3 and then the MVPs would be in play, ending the discussion.
On FOX, the NFC title was decided when the Vikings turned the ball over six times and the officials awarded a few fishy calls to the New Orleans Saints as Drew Brees and Co. punched the Saints first ever trip to the Super Bowl. After rolling my eyes about 900 times during the game when Joe Buck and Troy Aikman kept referring to Brett Favre as “a legend” among other things, Favre threw a late interception when his team was trying to get into position to win the game in regulation. In overtime, the Saints were the beneficiaries of two eye-rubbing, jaw-droppingly “interesting” calls by the officials, first on a phantom pass interference penalty where replays showed no contact was involved and another on a “catch” by a Saints wide receiver where the ball wasn’t truly secured when the player went to the ground. In neither case did Buck or Aikman say anything about it; perhaps they were just ready for the game to be over? After the game, the talk was all about New Orleans going to the Super Bowl and how far the city had come since Hurricane Katrina. Come on guys, that is a lousy angle. That was your angle back in 2006 when the Saints made the NFC championship game, yet lost to Chicago. If the Saints lose the Super Bowl, then make it back to the NFC title game in three years, will that still be the focus? Let’s move on please; get some fresh angles.
If you haven’t caught The Mark Fox Show, that airs Sunday nights on SportSouth (as well as several other times during the week) please watch it next Sunday. I’m not certain I saw anything as funny as Chuck Dowdle’s performance on this week’s edition. Dowdle does a fine job with Fox, who seems to be adjusting to life as a big-time basketball coach. Dowdle is kind of like that crazy uncle that always seems to entertain at any Christmas gathering or family reunion, though you are glad he’s just your uncle and you get to leave after 30 minutes. I’m not certain I could take much more of the campiness that Dowdle provides in thirty minutes, but he certainly is good for a laugh and helps ease Fox into a joke or two.
Finally, for the second time in three weeks, Norcross High School will host some of the country’s top basketball talent. This weekend, the Blue Devils will host the Second Annual Marriott Invitational, including five local teams and three from across the southeast. The teams participating include, Norcross, Centennial, Greater Atlanta Christian School, Berkmar, Daniel High School (SC), Quality Education Academy (NC) and Greene County High School (AL). Greene County is ranked No.2 in Alabama’s AAA rankings while Daniel is No.1 in South Carolina’s AAA class. Quality Education Academy features four players nationally ranked by recruiting services. For ticket information and to find the pairings, visit www.norcrossbasketball.com.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tim Tebow WILL be a successful NFL player. Just saying
If you were looking for my weekly college basketball blog, well maybe I'll do one Saturday after hopefully Georgia can pull off an upset of South Carolina in Columbia. I don't want to write one right now after watching them go from five up early to down 12 at halftime to down nearly 20 to within 8 with 6 to play to losing by 16. Sorry. Isn't going to happen. Meanwhile, I am filling in for IJ Rosenberg this week in Score Atlanta. Just call me The Understudy or The Stand-in for From The Cheap Seats. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I want to get this out into the open first and foremost. I am a University of Georgia graduate (not just a fan, I actually went to school there and left with a diploma after four years), and I bleed red and black. I also acknowledge that if Tim Tebow went to ANY school other than the University of Florida, I would have far less vitriol for him than I do right now. I just wanted to get that out in the open. Was I rooting for every player that went against him to knock his block off? Yes I was.
Tim Tebow is the greatest college football player ever. And that just ticks me off. Big time. I hate that little skip he does after a big play. I hate that he mugs for the camera. I hate that he seems to just tiptoe through the line of scrimmage without anyone ever getting a real hit on him. I hate that ESPN covered his concussion like the Pope had just been shot. A little much.
But here is the bottom line: with the game on the line, there is NO ONE ELSE I would have wanted under center. He was a winner. Without him Florida does not win two national titles and come within an eyelash of another. This guy willed his team to victory after victory, and he did it all under HUGE expectations. There was hype out the wazoo and this guy not only lived up to it, he bypassed the hype with alarming speed.
Tim Tebow should have won the Heisman when Sam Bradford took it home in 2008. No matter, Tebow won the National Title. Tim Tebow meant more to his team in 2009 then the winner Mark Ingram did. If you really sit back and think about who was the most dominant player in the county, the answer was Tim Tebow.
But now his college career is over. It is time for him to move on to the NFL. Remember, I’m a Georgia guy and you are all going to be calling sour grapes on this one, but he won’t make it as a QB. Nope. Not going to happen. Sorry.
Waiting for everyone to quit rolling their eyes after thinking, “Boy this Georgia guy is jealous.” Jealous? You bet your life. I would have LOVED for this kid to have worn the silver britches. But he didn’t.
Tim Tebow isn’t going to make it as an NFL quarterback. He just isn’t. Even now as Senior Bowl practice draws to a close, NFL scouts are backing me. Reports out of Mobile say that Tebow is having trouble taking snaps from under center. They say that he fumbled four straight snaps and five of six at one point. The next day Tebow had trouble hitting players on the intermediate routes, i.e., the passes tailor-made for the west coast offense. While Tebow has shown some ability to complete the deep pass, other passes are as lame duck as Jeff Zucker at NBC. Tebow was facing such harsh criticism earlier this week that his agent came up with the story that the former Gator QB had a fever of 103 and was hospitalized with a sore throat. Yeah, that will make the kid look tough in the huddle while trying to lead a team on a potential game-winning drive.
The scouts agree with me: he isn’t going to make it as a professional NFL quarterback. But who is to say he isn’t going to make it in the NFL? Haven’t we seen plenty of cases where a college QB moves to a different position and excels at the next level? And here’s the thing: Tebow has already said he’d be open to that, as long as a team gave him a shot at signal-caller first. If you are a team, wouldn’t you take a shot at drafting Tebow, maybe with a fourth or fifth round pick, and “giving a shot at QB,” then moving him after his rookie season? He could be one HECK of a tight end. He could be an H-Back. He could be a wide receiver. After you do that, maybe you keep Tebow happy and add a wrinkle to your offense by making him a wildcat if you feel you need to.
This kid is a gamer and I fully believe that he will make it in the NFL. He will bust his tail and be the best tight end we’ve ever seen. He’ll make Heath Miller and Todd Heaps look ordinary. He’s got the height and the strength. Plus he’d be a fast tight end. And PS, how hard is it to learn tight end? Antonio Gates didn’t play in college and he’s a Pro Bowler. Or maybe you switch him to H-Back. How many times have we seen Tebow run over a South Carolina linebacker en route to a touchdown? The kid relishes contact. He’d love to hit somebody for a living.
Or maybe you switch him to wide receiver, my choice if I was a GM and had drafted Tebow. Here is why this move makes the most sense. If you put him at Tight End, yes, he’ll be faster but will he be big enough to get out on the block? I’m not certain. At wide receiver though he could use that height and speed to abuse smaller defensive backs. Look at Hines Ward. He played a little bit of everything at Georgia and now he’s one of the best wide receivers in the game and even won a Super Bowl MVP. Ward blazed the path for former QBs to turn into wide receivers. Brad Smith in New York, Michael Robinson in San Francisco, Antwaan Randle El in Pittsburgh and now Washington. Tebow could totally pull a Hines Ward and turn into a physical, punishing wide receiver that is fast, can take some contact (are you telling me that a cornerback can hit harder than a defensive end coming full bore?) and can even skip back after catching a touchdown.
Tim Tebow will make it in the NFL, but it won’t be at quarterback. The scouts agree with me. I just hope the scouts also take into account this kid’s heart and willingness to bust his hump WHEN he switches positions.
Fletcher Proctor fills in for IJ on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone so much he wasn’t surprised IJ asked him to fill in on his column for his week. Don’t worry, IJ will be back next week.
Disclaimer: I want to get this out into the open first and foremost. I am a University of Georgia graduate (not just a fan, I actually went to school there and left with a diploma after four years), and I bleed red and black. I also acknowledge that if Tim Tebow went to ANY school other than the University of Florida, I would have far less vitriol for him than I do right now. I just wanted to get that out in the open. Was I rooting for every player that went against him to knock his block off? Yes I was.
Tim Tebow is the greatest college football player ever. And that just ticks me off. Big time. I hate that little skip he does after a big play. I hate that he mugs for the camera. I hate that he seems to just tiptoe through the line of scrimmage without anyone ever getting a real hit on him. I hate that ESPN covered his concussion like the Pope had just been shot. A little much.
But here is the bottom line: with the game on the line, there is NO ONE ELSE I would have wanted under center. He was a winner. Without him Florida does not win two national titles and come within an eyelash of another. This guy willed his team to victory after victory, and he did it all under HUGE expectations. There was hype out the wazoo and this guy not only lived up to it, he bypassed the hype with alarming speed.
Tim Tebow should have won the Heisman when Sam Bradford took it home in 2008. No matter, Tebow won the National Title. Tim Tebow meant more to his team in 2009 then the winner Mark Ingram did. If you really sit back and think about who was the most dominant player in the county, the answer was Tim Tebow.
But now his college career is over. It is time for him to move on to the NFL. Remember, I’m a Georgia guy and you are all going to be calling sour grapes on this one, but he won’t make it as a QB. Nope. Not going to happen. Sorry.
Waiting for everyone to quit rolling their eyes after thinking, “Boy this Georgia guy is jealous.” Jealous? You bet your life. I would have LOVED for this kid to have worn the silver britches. But he didn’t.
Tim Tebow isn’t going to make it as an NFL quarterback. He just isn’t. Even now as Senior Bowl practice draws to a close, NFL scouts are backing me. Reports out of Mobile say that Tebow is having trouble taking snaps from under center. They say that he fumbled four straight snaps and five of six at one point. The next day Tebow had trouble hitting players on the intermediate routes, i.e., the passes tailor-made for the west coast offense. While Tebow has shown some ability to complete the deep pass, other passes are as lame duck as Jeff Zucker at NBC. Tebow was facing such harsh criticism earlier this week that his agent came up with the story that the former Gator QB had a fever of 103 and was hospitalized with a sore throat. Yeah, that will make the kid look tough in the huddle while trying to lead a team on a potential game-winning drive.
The scouts agree with me: he isn’t going to make it as a professional NFL quarterback. But who is to say he isn’t going to make it in the NFL? Haven’t we seen plenty of cases where a college QB moves to a different position and excels at the next level? And here’s the thing: Tebow has already said he’d be open to that, as long as a team gave him a shot at signal-caller first. If you are a team, wouldn’t you take a shot at drafting Tebow, maybe with a fourth or fifth round pick, and “giving a shot at QB,” then moving him after his rookie season? He could be one HECK of a tight end. He could be an H-Back. He could be a wide receiver. After you do that, maybe you keep Tebow happy and add a wrinkle to your offense by making him a wildcat if you feel you need to.
This kid is a gamer and I fully believe that he will make it in the NFL. He will bust his tail and be the best tight end we’ve ever seen. He’ll make Heath Miller and Todd Heaps look ordinary. He’s got the height and the strength. Plus he’d be a fast tight end. And PS, how hard is it to learn tight end? Antonio Gates didn’t play in college and he’s a Pro Bowler. Or maybe you switch him to H-Back. How many times have we seen Tebow run over a South Carolina linebacker en route to a touchdown? The kid relishes contact. He’d love to hit somebody for a living.
Or maybe you switch him to wide receiver, my choice if I was a GM and had drafted Tebow. Here is why this move makes the most sense. If you put him at Tight End, yes, he’ll be faster but will he be big enough to get out on the block? I’m not certain. At wide receiver though he could use that height and speed to abuse smaller defensive backs. Look at Hines Ward. He played a little bit of everything at Georgia and now he’s one of the best wide receivers in the game and even won a Super Bowl MVP. Ward blazed the path for former QBs to turn into wide receivers. Brad Smith in New York, Michael Robinson in San Francisco, Antwaan Randle El in Pittsburgh and now Washington. Tebow could totally pull a Hines Ward and turn into a physical, punishing wide receiver that is fast, can take some contact (are you telling me that a cornerback can hit harder than a defensive end coming full bore?) and can even skip back after catching a touchdown.
Tim Tebow will make it in the NFL, but it won’t be at quarterback. The scouts agree with me. I just hope the scouts also take into account this kid’s heart and willingness to bust his hump WHEN he switches positions.
Fletcher Proctor fills in for IJ on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone so much he wasn’t surprised IJ asked him to fill in on his column for his week. Don’t worry, IJ will be back next week.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 1/27/10
Obama to make his first state of the Union, Greg Oden naked?, the closest Tebow will EVER come to the Super Bowl, PETA wants robots to take over the world!
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE! CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP
TOnight Prez Obama will make his first state of the Union address. I don't know why all of the major networks have cancelled most of their primetime lineups. How long do you think it'll take him to say, "It sucks," I mean honestly? We had two hours of Mary J Blige but we'll only get about 30 minutes (well 17 minutes after commercials and crappy backstories) of Katy Perry because she is splitting the hour with Avril Lavigne and then we have the SotU. Come on. Even West Wing was smart enough to realize that no one wanted to watch the speech, just hear the afterthoughts of everyone. Let's have that here too....only just on the cable news networks. I don't know of a single person that wants to watch this over a new LOST or American Idol or Vampire Diaries (that's for Wifey). I'm just pissed that WSB750AM is bumping the Georgia game to the NEW 97.1 The River (even though 97.1 has been THE RIVER for four years.) I hope the game is on CSS and they don't bump it for Obama.
Prepare to shiver everyone. Greg Oden took naked pix of himself and texted them to an old girlfriend. After getting dumped I guess the girl decided to get back at him by posting the pictures on the internet. Hey Chicky, you aren't punishing him, you are punishing US! We don't want to see that.
So CBS is trying to decide whether or not to run the Super Bowl ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mother in an anti-abortion "commercial" during next week's big game. Apparently Tebow's mommy will talk about how she had complications with her fifth pregnancy after a mission trip and the doctor suggested an abortion, but she said NO! and out came Timmy. Note: Urban Meyer is having that doctor shot for even suggesting it. But women's groups are getting all pissy because of the ad and they want women to have a choice. Fine. They do, the last time I checked and if ANYTHING, people are going to want Roe v Wade upheld just because Tebow is against it. If that is what Tebow believes, he's allowed to say that people. Get a grip. You don't like it? Come up with the cash and run your own ad.
Finally PETA is at it again. First they want the University of Georgia to create a robot Uga because apparently the extremely pampered real-live Uga is "abused" by riding around in a car with A/C and rubbed and petted and loved by millions. Now PETA wants the folks in Pennsylvania to use a ROBOT groundhog. Umm, I'm pretty sure a robot groundhog would be programmable, so you want to control the weather now, PETA? I am afraid that these numbskulls are going to start creating robot animals and these things will try and take over the world. It will be like Starship Troopers or something. They aren't very smart, so they'll probably forget to install the "controlled by humans" switch. And by me writing about them, they've won what they were looking for: free publicity. Crap. I am such a FOOL! I fell for it. Crud.
Have a great rest of the week.
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE! CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP
TOnight Prez Obama will make his first state of the Union address. I don't know why all of the major networks have cancelled most of their primetime lineups. How long do you think it'll take him to say, "It sucks," I mean honestly? We had two hours of Mary J Blige but we'll only get about 30 minutes (well 17 minutes after commercials and crappy backstories) of Katy Perry because she is splitting the hour with Avril Lavigne and then we have the SotU. Come on. Even West Wing was smart enough to realize that no one wanted to watch the speech, just hear the afterthoughts of everyone. Let's have that here too....only just on the cable news networks. I don't know of a single person that wants to watch this over a new LOST or American Idol or Vampire Diaries (that's for Wifey). I'm just pissed that WSB750AM is bumping the Georgia game to the NEW 97.1 The River (even though 97.1 has been THE RIVER for four years.) I hope the game is on CSS and they don't bump it for Obama.
Prepare to shiver everyone. Greg Oden took naked pix of himself and texted them to an old girlfriend. After getting dumped I guess the girl decided to get back at him by posting the pictures on the internet. Hey Chicky, you aren't punishing him, you are punishing US! We don't want to see that.
So CBS is trying to decide whether or not to run the Super Bowl ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mother in an anti-abortion "commercial" during next week's big game. Apparently Tebow's mommy will talk about how she had complications with her fifth pregnancy after a mission trip and the doctor suggested an abortion, but she said NO! and out came Timmy. Note: Urban Meyer is having that doctor shot for even suggesting it. But women's groups are getting all pissy because of the ad and they want women to have a choice. Fine. They do, the last time I checked and if ANYTHING, people are going to want Roe v Wade upheld just because Tebow is against it. If that is what Tebow believes, he's allowed to say that people. Get a grip. You don't like it? Come up with the cash and run your own ad.
Finally PETA is at it again. First they want the University of Georgia to create a robot Uga because apparently the extremely pampered real-live Uga is "abused" by riding around in a car with A/C and rubbed and petted and loved by millions. Now PETA wants the folks in Pennsylvania to use a ROBOT groundhog. Umm, I'm pretty sure a robot groundhog would be programmable, so you want to control the weather now, PETA? I am afraid that these numbskulls are going to start creating robot animals and these things will try and take over the world. It will be like Starship Troopers or something. They aren't very smart, so they'll probably forget to install the "controlled by humans" switch. And by me writing about them, they've won what they were looking for: free publicity. Crap. I am such a FOOL! I fell for it. Crud.
Have a great rest of the week.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Poor South Carolina. Wait, not really!
I saw this article below in the AJC and it just proves what I've been saying forever: South Carolina has an identity complex. First they try and call themselves USC, but we all know that there is just ONE USC and it resides in Southern California. Then they try and call themselves Carolina, but anyone that knows anything realizes that a Carolina fan wears baby blue and supports basketball. When will South Carolina realize that they are third-class citizens and quit trying to rip off powerhouses to try and bring attention to themselves. You aren't good in basketball, so stop trying to confuse people by calling yourself Carolina! You aren't good in football, so stop trying to hoodwink people by calling yourself USC.
Enjoy this, because I certainly did.
Which is the real USC?
In a case that has sparked a coast-to-coast war of words, the University of Southern California just won a trademark battle with the University of South Carolina.
At issue was whether South Carolina could put an interlocking "SC" logo on its baseball team's hats and uniforms. A federal appeals court said no.
The court upheld a trademark board's decision that the logos would likely confuse consumers, particularly gift buyers and "new or casual fans," according to Courthouse News Service.
An attorney for Southern Cal, Scott Edelman, said the ruling protected the school's "primary athletic mark" and added there was potential for South Carolina merchandise to be mistaken for that of Southern Cal, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Then Edelman added a dig, saying the logo fit the Trojans' warrior image more than "a goofy little chicken," the newspaper said.
Neil White, who writes for The State in Columbia, S.C., couldn't let that pass.
"Come on, dude, that's the best you got? If you want to go with sophomoric arguments, I'll respond with two little words: Lane Kiffin.
And let me throw out a couple of other numbers before I rest my case.
USC was founded in 1801. Southern Cal was founded in 1880.
The last football meeting? USC 38, Southern Cal 14 in 1983."
White asserted that confusion over the logos is a non-issue.
"There is no confusing the caps when you put them side by side -- from the different colors to the style of the "SC" logo -- unless, of course, you're a clueless Southern California lawyer," he wrote.
The court dismissed South Carolina's counterclaim that Southern Cal's logo falsely suggests an affiliation with the state of South Carolina.
"To avoid summary judgment, South Carolina must have shown that there was a genuine issue for trial on whether the initials ‘SC' ‘point uniquely' to the state," U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken ruled for the three-judge panel, according to Courthouse News Service.
"We agree that ‘SC' may refer to the State of South Carolina. But as the evidence offered by Southern California demonstrates, ‘SC' refers to many entities aside from the state."
South Carolina has not decided whether to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Actually, I hope South Carolina DOES decide to appeal to the Supreme Court, only to be shot down again and then they will be FORCED to call themselves South Carolina. DONE. Period. Quit trying to be other people and just be yourself. Wait, if I was a South Carolina fan or alum, I'd want to be someone else too. Nevermind. I've been through Columbia, I'd try to pretend too!
Enjoy this, because I certainly did.
Which is the real USC?
In a case that has sparked a coast-to-coast war of words, the University of Southern California just won a trademark battle with the University of South Carolina.
At issue was whether South Carolina could put an interlocking "SC" logo on its baseball team's hats and uniforms. A federal appeals court said no.
The court upheld a trademark board's decision that the logos would likely confuse consumers, particularly gift buyers and "new or casual fans," according to Courthouse News Service.
An attorney for Southern Cal, Scott Edelman, said the ruling protected the school's "primary athletic mark" and added there was potential for South Carolina merchandise to be mistaken for that of Southern Cal, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Then Edelman added a dig, saying the logo fit the Trojans' warrior image more than "a goofy little chicken," the newspaper said.
Neil White, who writes for The State in Columbia, S.C., couldn't let that pass.
"Come on, dude, that's the best you got? If you want to go with sophomoric arguments, I'll respond with two little words: Lane Kiffin.
And let me throw out a couple of other numbers before I rest my case.
USC was founded in 1801. Southern Cal was founded in 1880.
The last football meeting? USC 38, Southern Cal 14 in 1983."
White asserted that confusion over the logos is a non-issue.
"There is no confusing the caps when you put them side by side -- from the different colors to the style of the "SC" logo -- unless, of course, you're a clueless Southern California lawyer," he wrote.
The court dismissed South Carolina's counterclaim that Southern Cal's logo falsely suggests an affiliation with the state of South Carolina.
"To avoid summary judgment, South Carolina must have shown that there was a genuine issue for trial on whether the initials ‘SC' ‘point uniquely' to the state," U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken ruled for the three-judge panel, according to Courthouse News Service.
"We agree that ‘SC' may refer to the State of South Carolina. But as the evidence offered by Southern California demonstrates, ‘SC' refers to many entities aside from the state."
South Carolina has not decided whether to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Actually, I hope South Carolina DOES decide to appeal to the Supreme Court, only to be shot down again and then they will be FORCED to call themselves South Carolina. DONE. Period. Quit trying to be other people and just be yourself. Wait, if I was a South Carolina fan or alum, I'd want to be someone else too. Nevermind. I've been through Columbia, I'd try to pretend too!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Manning is now past Brady. Done and done.
It's over. Peyton Manning just passed Tom Brady in the discussion for best QB of our generation. This generation. Not Steve Young/Troy Aikman/Jim Kelly/Brett Favre. THIS generation. Manning is headed back to the Superbowl, his second in four seasons and will likely be favored against either the Saints or the Vikings. Manning just claimed his 4th MVP trophy. Manning is a 40X pro bowler (well maybe not 40X) and Manning is also serving, with all due respect to Tom Moore, as his own Offensive coordinator. Moore moreorless admits he gives Peyton four plays and the QB picks the play. Way to steal money there Tommy.
I know Brady has the ring count right now at 3 to 1, could be 3-2 in two weeks and if David Tyree doesn't make the helmet catch, we aren't even having this discussion. If Brady claimed 4, plus the undefeated season, Brady is it and no questions are asked.
But he didn't win that game, then Brady went out and got hurt and this season he looked pedestrian-like out there WITH Wes Welker and Randy Moss and Ben Watson.
Peyton has Reggie Wayne and several rookies, and no running game. Manning made studs out of Marvin Harrison, Wayne, Dallas Clarke, Brandon Stokely and countless other (including Garcon and Austin Collie today) and oh yeah, Peyton doesn't get hurt.
Four MVPs is pretty strong as well and he had then potentially going undefeated if his coach and GM and owner didn't taken him out due to Franchise strategy. You think Peyton couldn't go 16-0 or 19-0? I bet he could if Caldwell had wanted to go for it. The Colts were better than the Jets, and were beating them when Peyton was lifted. The Colts also were better than the Bills. Come on. EVERYONE was better than the Bills this season. They got homefield though and the organization decided to lift them to protect the players. Fine. But please don't try and tell me that the Colts couldn't go undefeated. They could have. That isn't an argument for Brady.
People will say that Brady never had the supporting cast that Peyton does, but I respond, WHO IS PEYTON'S SUPPORTING CAST THIS YEAR? Austin Collie? Pierre Garcon? rookie RB Donald Brown? And Brady had Deion Branch and Randy Moss and Corey Dillion and that defense was a pretty good collection of HoFers too, FYI/BTW. Peyton has NEVER had a great defense. Bob Sanders? Injured. Dwight Freeney? Pretty good, yes, but Seymore, Vrabel, Bruschi, Seau, Harrison, Samuel, Wilfork, Thomas, Law, Milloy, should I continue? Better players on the defensive side of the ball for New England, certainly helped Brady over the years.
Brady has the ring total and one MVP, yes. But Peyton has the 4 MVPs, one ring with a chance for another and has Brady's number of late. Brady seems like now he's along for the ride and was right place/right time in those first two Super Bowls. Manning has also been the Colts and is the Colts again this season. If Peyton got hurt, Matt Cassell isn't winning 11 games with this team. Sorry.
With a ring, my argument will be sealed but Peyton has passed Brady and that's just the bottom line.
I know Brady has the ring count right now at 3 to 1, could be 3-2 in two weeks and if David Tyree doesn't make the helmet catch, we aren't even having this discussion. If Brady claimed 4, plus the undefeated season, Brady is it and no questions are asked.
But he didn't win that game, then Brady went out and got hurt and this season he looked pedestrian-like out there WITH Wes Welker and Randy Moss and Ben Watson.
Peyton has Reggie Wayne and several rookies, and no running game. Manning made studs out of Marvin Harrison, Wayne, Dallas Clarke, Brandon Stokely and countless other (including Garcon and Austin Collie today) and oh yeah, Peyton doesn't get hurt.
Four MVPs is pretty strong as well and he had then potentially going undefeated if his coach and GM and owner didn't taken him out due to Franchise strategy. You think Peyton couldn't go 16-0 or 19-0? I bet he could if Caldwell had wanted to go for it. The Colts were better than the Jets, and were beating them when Peyton was lifted. The Colts also were better than the Bills. Come on. EVERYONE was better than the Bills this season. They got homefield though and the organization decided to lift them to protect the players. Fine. But please don't try and tell me that the Colts couldn't go undefeated. They could have. That isn't an argument for Brady.
People will say that Brady never had the supporting cast that Peyton does, but I respond, WHO IS PEYTON'S SUPPORTING CAST THIS YEAR? Austin Collie? Pierre Garcon? rookie RB Donald Brown? And Brady had Deion Branch and Randy Moss and Corey Dillion and that defense was a pretty good collection of HoFers too, FYI/BTW. Peyton has NEVER had a great defense. Bob Sanders? Injured. Dwight Freeney? Pretty good, yes, but Seymore, Vrabel, Bruschi, Seau, Harrison, Samuel, Wilfork, Thomas, Law, Milloy, should I continue? Better players on the defensive side of the ball for New England, certainly helped Brady over the years.
Brady has the ring total and one MVP, yes. But Peyton has the 4 MVPs, one ring with a chance for another and has Brady's number of late. Brady seems like now he's along for the ride and was right place/right time in those first two Super Bowls. Manning has also been the Colts and is the Colts again this season. If Peyton got hurt, Matt Cassell isn't winning 11 games with this team. Sorry.
With a ring, my argument will be sealed but Peyton has passed Brady and that's just the bottom line.
Huge win for Hoop Dawgs, first of many, we hope
The University of Georgia Bulldog basketball team got new coach Mark Fox his first conference win last night as well as his first win over a top ten opponent in Athens when Georgia dominated Tennessee 78-63. The Dawgs actually led by 24 late in the second half and Trey Thompkins had 21 while Travis Leslie nearly went triple-double on us with 9 rebounds and 7 assists to go with this 17/19 points.
Earlier this week I wrote that Fox inherited a less than stellar collection of talent from Felton, and I still believe that. However unlike what Felton did with this team, Fox has been able to make them believers and they seem to want to play defense because they seem to enjoy offense.
Apparently what we saw last night (a 19-point lead with 20 seconds to go before halftime and a 24 point lead with ~6 minutes to go in the game) is what happens when you let the team shoot some threes, attempt some alley-oops and not get pulled after turnovers like under Felton. They seem to enjoy jumping the passing lanes because they aren't scolded when the other team scores. Oh, they scored, let's go score too!
And what is interesting is that when the defense wasn't working, instead of calling a timeout to yell at his players, Fox continued to coach, switched his defense and then watched the new defense work.
WOW
When Fox was hired, I was a bit "huh? Who is this guy?" But then I looked up his resume and saw that his track record was pretty dadgum impressive. Fox is saying the right things and realizes that he is sitting on a sleeping giant at Georgia. With all of the talent at his disposal just 60-80 miles away, he could be on top of the SEC East (well, maybe behind UK until they go on probation) within three seasons.
And if he keeps using Ware, Leslie, Thompkins and Ebuka Anayorah (NC-C, Columbia, Wesleyan, North Gwinnett) like he is, local kids will WANT to go play for him in Athens. Why go to Tennessee or Memphis or NC State, when Georgia is going to be going to the Big Dance before long.
If they keep playing like they did last night and keep finishing games like last night, they might make the tourney this season.
OK, I won't get ahead of myself. But the Dawgs have played with passion ever since the Mizzou blowout and with wins over Illinois, GT and now Tennessee, this team has shown that the UK loss (when they had a halftime and late lead), the Ole Miss loss (down with a chance to tie with 10 seconds left), and the Miss State loss (had the now-ranked Bulldogs on the ropes in Starkvegas late but blew a double-digit lead late) were not flukes but just the door that needed to be burst through to find success.
Hopefully Fox has finally pushed the Dawgs through that door. If it takes 100 swipes to crack a rock, it isn't just the 100th swing that breaks the rock, ie the Tennessee game, it is also the Wofford loss, the UAB loss, the New Orleans win and the GT win that help too.
Stegeman looked packed last night on the TV and people will come out for a winner. Fox appears to have the fans interested, something Felton never seemed to be able to do. Now this giant may be done hitting the snooze button. He may be ready to get out of bed and into the discussion. And if Fox does get some of the local talent in here, Florida, Texas and Tennessee won't be the only football "powers" to also have a basketball team to keep folks entertained until two-a-days start.
Earlier this week I wrote that Fox inherited a less than stellar collection of talent from Felton, and I still believe that. However unlike what Felton did with this team, Fox has been able to make them believers and they seem to want to play defense because they seem to enjoy offense.
Apparently what we saw last night (a 19-point lead with 20 seconds to go before halftime and a 24 point lead with ~6 minutes to go in the game) is what happens when you let the team shoot some threes, attempt some alley-oops and not get pulled after turnovers like under Felton. They seem to enjoy jumping the passing lanes because they aren't scolded when the other team scores. Oh, they scored, let's go score too!
And what is interesting is that when the defense wasn't working, instead of calling a timeout to yell at his players, Fox continued to coach, switched his defense and then watched the new defense work.
WOW
When Fox was hired, I was a bit "huh? Who is this guy?" But then I looked up his resume and saw that his track record was pretty dadgum impressive. Fox is saying the right things and realizes that he is sitting on a sleeping giant at Georgia. With all of the talent at his disposal just 60-80 miles away, he could be on top of the SEC East (well, maybe behind UK until they go on probation) within three seasons.
And if he keeps using Ware, Leslie, Thompkins and Ebuka Anayorah (NC-C, Columbia, Wesleyan, North Gwinnett) like he is, local kids will WANT to go play for him in Athens. Why go to Tennessee or Memphis or NC State, when Georgia is going to be going to the Big Dance before long.
If they keep playing like they did last night and keep finishing games like last night, they might make the tourney this season.
OK, I won't get ahead of myself. But the Dawgs have played with passion ever since the Mizzou blowout and with wins over Illinois, GT and now Tennessee, this team has shown that the UK loss (when they had a halftime and late lead), the Ole Miss loss (down with a chance to tie with 10 seconds left), and the Miss State loss (had the now-ranked Bulldogs on the ropes in Starkvegas late but blew a double-digit lead late) were not flukes but just the door that needed to be burst through to find success.
Hopefully Fox has finally pushed the Dawgs through that door. If it takes 100 swipes to crack a rock, it isn't just the 100th swing that breaks the rock, ie the Tennessee game, it is also the Wofford loss, the UAB loss, the New Orleans win and the GT win that help too.
Stegeman looked packed last night on the TV and people will come out for a winner. Fox appears to have the fans interested, something Felton never seemed to be able to do. Now this giant may be done hitting the snooze button. He may be ready to get out of bed and into the discussion. And if Fox does get some of the local talent in here, Florida, Texas and Tennessee won't be the only football "powers" to also have a basketball team to keep folks entertained until two-a-days start.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Your weekly fix of Around the Dial
who loves ya? THIS GUY. That's who. As always though, make sure to pick up a copy of Score Atlanta at Kroger, Quiktrip or Blockbuster.
As FRIEND Phoebe Buffay once said, “Hey Kettle, this is Pot. You’re black!” Former Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking earlier this season “exacted revenge” on his former team during the Cowboys 37-21 win over Atlanta in Dallas. And then after registering TWO WHOLE TACKLES, Brooking decided, while on the sidelines as his new teammates were playing and winning the game, to flap dirty-bird style to rub in the victory. Brooking also was flip with reporters afterwards, saying he guessed he wasn’t too old, implying that is why the Falcons cut him for Mike Peterson. VERY CLASSY, bashing the organization that drafted you and (over)paid you for so many seasons.
With that said, I guess I find it weird (and by weird I mean hypocritical) that Brooking was on the field Sunday, seeking out the opposition’s sidelines yet again towards the end of the game, only this time, it was to whine. Brooking apparently didn’t like that his defense couldn’t stop a 40+ year-old QB on 4th-and-three from dropping back and finding a wide open tight end after the Cowboys bit on play-action and the coverage was busted. Brooking tried to find Brad Childress but instead settled for several players that weren’t listening and a few coaches that were to tell them how classless they were. Funny, he was yelling at coaches but once Jared Allen approached, Brooking immediately started walking back to his sidelines.
After the game, Brooking was telling any reporter that was listening how classless the Vikings were for throwing that late in the game and scoring when Minnesota was up already.
Hey Keith, weren’t you guys still trying out there? So Minnesota should just take a bunch of kneel downs while your offense gets to keep throwing and trying to come back? I don’t understand that. And if you don’t want the opposing offense to score, HOW ABOUT YOU MAKE A PLAY YOURSELF? Or do you still have visions of last season in Glendale? Bottom line Keith, you don’t get to act “classless,” and then call someone else classless after they throw a TD on you. And PS, I saw the replay where you just kind of stood there on that fourth down play. You didn’t really do much. Not a lot of moving around from you, even after you saw that Favre still had the ball. Maybe if you had made the play….
Brooking wasn’t the only one a tad upset with the Vikings throwing to the end zone that late in the game. The University of Georgia’s new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had one final game as Dallas defensive line coach and after the game, reporters asked Grantham about the final score. “What goes around comes around,” was the response that Grantham gave, noting that the Cowboys play the Vikings next season, though Grantham will be between the hedges and not on the sidelines of JerryWorld.
Could the bad feelings between Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves be water under the bridge? According to the Sporting News and the AJC, Braves brass and the former two-time Braves lefthander have discussed Glavine’s potential return to the organization. The Sporting News cites the AJC’s report saying that John Schuerholz and Glavine have discussed one of several different roles for Glavine, including the possibility of a front office position, a minor league instructor job or a spot in the team’s broadcast booth. As of right now, no deal has been struck with the 300-game winner.
Finally, just like Georgia, Georgia Tech secured a defensive coordinator last week. Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Johnson hired former University of Virginia head coach Al Groh to coach his defense. Groh won a Super Bowl ring in the NFL as an assistant before leading the New York Jets to the playoffs in his only season as an NFL head man. Groh took over at his alma mater following the 2000 season but was fired after several down seasons. Groh’s hire has had the radio airwaves buzzing. Last Sunday on Score Atlanta’s Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, several callers praised the hire, saying that Groh should immediately fix the defense. The only drawback is that Groh will likely look to employ a 3-4 defense opposed to the former staff’s 4-3/3-3-5 alternating scheme. Co-host Alex Ewalt made the case that while this season might be rocky as the defense learns the new scheme, ultimately a coach with Groh’s qualifications will improve the defense even if the players take a while to adapt to the new scheme.
As FRIEND Phoebe Buffay once said, “Hey Kettle, this is Pot. You’re black!” Former Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking earlier this season “exacted revenge” on his former team during the Cowboys 37-21 win over Atlanta in Dallas. And then after registering TWO WHOLE TACKLES, Brooking decided, while on the sidelines as his new teammates were playing and winning the game, to flap dirty-bird style to rub in the victory. Brooking also was flip with reporters afterwards, saying he guessed he wasn’t too old, implying that is why the Falcons cut him for Mike Peterson. VERY CLASSY, bashing the organization that drafted you and (over)paid you for so many seasons.
With that said, I guess I find it weird (and by weird I mean hypocritical) that Brooking was on the field Sunday, seeking out the opposition’s sidelines yet again towards the end of the game, only this time, it was to whine. Brooking apparently didn’t like that his defense couldn’t stop a 40+ year-old QB on 4th-and-three from dropping back and finding a wide open tight end after the Cowboys bit on play-action and the coverage was busted. Brooking tried to find Brad Childress but instead settled for several players that weren’t listening and a few coaches that were to tell them how classless they were. Funny, he was yelling at coaches but once Jared Allen approached, Brooking immediately started walking back to his sidelines.
After the game, Brooking was telling any reporter that was listening how classless the Vikings were for throwing that late in the game and scoring when Minnesota was up already.
Hey Keith, weren’t you guys still trying out there? So Minnesota should just take a bunch of kneel downs while your offense gets to keep throwing and trying to come back? I don’t understand that. And if you don’t want the opposing offense to score, HOW ABOUT YOU MAKE A PLAY YOURSELF? Or do you still have visions of last season in Glendale? Bottom line Keith, you don’t get to act “classless,” and then call someone else classless after they throw a TD on you. And PS, I saw the replay where you just kind of stood there on that fourth down play. You didn’t really do much. Not a lot of moving around from you, even after you saw that Favre still had the ball. Maybe if you had made the play….
Brooking wasn’t the only one a tad upset with the Vikings throwing to the end zone that late in the game. The University of Georgia’s new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had one final game as Dallas defensive line coach and after the game, reporters asked Grantham about the final score. “What goes around comes around,” was the response that Grantham gave, noting that the Cowboys play the Vikings next season, though Grantham will be between the hedges and not on the sidelines of JerryWorld.
Could the bad feelings between Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves be water under the bridge? According to the Sporting News and the AJC, Braves brass and the former two-time Braves lefthander have discussed Glavine’s potential return to the organization. The Sporting News cites the AJC’s report saying that John Schuerholz and Glavine have discussed one of several different roles for Glavine, including the possibility of a front office position, a minor league instructor job or a spot in the team’s broadcast booth. As of right now, no deal has been struck with the 300-game winner.
Finally, just like Georgia, Georgia Tech secured a defensive coordinator last week. Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Johnson hired former University of Virginia head coach Al Groh to coach his defense. Groh won a Super Bowl ring in the NFL as an assistant before leading the New York Jets to the playoffs in his only season as an NFL head man. Groh took over at his alma mater following the 2000 season but was fired after several down seasons. Groh’s hire has had the radio airwaves buzzing. Last Sunday on Score Atlanta’s Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone, several callers praised the hire, saying that Groh should immediately fix the defense. The only drawback is that Groh will likely look to employ a 3-4 defense opposed to the former staff’s 4-3/3-3-5 alternating scheme. Co-host Alex Ewalt made the case that while this season might be rocky as the defense learns the new scheme, ultimately a coach with Groh’s qualifications will improve the defense even if the players take a while to adapt to the new scheme.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Halfway through the college basketball season...
Can you believe it? We are in fact halfway through the college basketball season and Sportsbyfletch, in lieu of a preview (oops, we missed out on that one, didn't we?) we'll just do a first half look back and a second half look ahead.
Kentucky and Syracuse have really impressed me thus far this season. UK is doing it with mostly freshmen and a new coach with a new system, so that really impresses me. Coach Cal has John Wall (the best player in the county, hands down!) has Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins and Pat Patterson. If Derrick Rose was tailor-made for Calipari's Dribble-Drive-Motion offense, then John Wall is just Rose on steroids. HE is perfect for the offense and after next season, Wall will give Cal three straight rookies-of-the-year in the NBA with Rose, Evans and then Wall. Kentucky REALLY has it cooking and, YES they will lose one or two before the tourney starts (Georgia took them to the wire IN Lexington. Go Mark Fox!) but expect another Final Four run for the Cats and for Calipari. I wonder if it gets taken away...
Syracuse might just make this a 1996 flashback as they seem loaded for bear as well. Da Cuse lost a bunch after last season but transfer Wes Johnson is tearing it up and people are forgetting about the two mistakes that left early. (Though Johnny Flynn could certainly help Da Cuse right now. He is so good, he'd help out Scoop and Rautins, no question). If these two keep it up, look out final four.
Who else is a top seed for me? (I don't like to say Final Four teams becaue only ONCE have all four No.1s made it to the Final Four.) Kansas. Bill Self has Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins leading a talented troup. Collins hit 5 three-pointers last night against Baylor. Dude can score. KU is so deep that Self may just worry about finding the right mix but talent talent talent always wins.
My final top seed. You could say Texas. You could go with West Va (but Huggins always seems to falter in the tourney and Syracuse laid it to them in their own building last Saturday.) you could go with Nova. I'll go with Michigan State. I know UNC beat them early in the season (then UNC fell off the map. More on them later) but Izzo has tons of weapons in Lucas, Morgan, Green, Summers and Roe that you have to think that Tommy and Sparty can make another run at the final four after making the title game last season. Plus, I think Michigan State gets battle tested in the top-heavy Big11 with Purdue (Hummel and Kramer and the other dude) and Wisco.
The ACC, yesh. Duke lost last night to NC State and the Devils will likely fall from No.7. Duke is ONLY ranked that highly because of the name on the chest and not the players. Scheyer is really good but he lost the job at the end of last season and though he was ACC tourney MVP, he only won the job back because the one guy transfered. Let's be honest. Duke is the same team that underachieved the last two seasons and that likely won't change come March.
UNC lost three straight for the first time in the Roy Williams era. It had to happen sooner or later. Davis and Drew weren't healthy last night and they got down by 20 agaisnt Tech, yet came back and should have won. By the time this crew makes March, they'll be ready. It is REALLY similar to when Roy won the title with UNC back in 2005 and struggled early in 06. How'd that team finish in the ACC tourney? Yeah, expect that to happen here too. Just saying. This team MUST get better point guard play. I don't know if Drew2 is the answer. Not sure if the answer is on the roster right now. They could have used John Wall. Actually, everyone could have used John Wall....But I think Ole Roy will get this turned around; it would be hard NOT to with Ed Davis and the rest of that lineup.
Otherwise in the ACC, GT beat Clemson as the Tigers begin to fall from the rankings. When are people going to realize that Clemson plays a collection of crap to start the season EVERY year before falling off the map as the ACC slate starts. Yet for WHATEVER reason, voters in Colorado and Iowa only look at the record and think "wow Clemson has 21 wins, they must be good!" They aren't! GT beat them and if Paul Hewitt is going to try and hang his hat on this game, he also has a tract of land to sell in Alaska. Actually, Tech beat one of its own. But good for Tech, I guess. The better you guys do, the better Georgia looks after beating you.
Also Wake Forest has Al-Faroq back and he's playing well. I'm just glad he isn't shooting any women in the stomach with BB guns.
UConn loses Jim Calhoun due to medical reasons but his Huskies win last night. UConn will be hard pressed though to continue a run through the Big East without its leader out there. Not that he can really do that much for this team. No wonder a bunch of people thought he would retire after last season. Hmmmmm.
He has to play teams like Louisville (not impressing me like I thought they might) and Nova (looking REALLY good to me right now. If Sparty stumbles, these guys might take their spot as top seed. Certainly Final Four potential here.
Georgetown and Pitt played with GTown winning but I think Pitt is still better. Sorry. I Do. Allen Iverson bias, maybe? And West Va....they'll do well until March. That's Bobby H's MO. He always seems snake-bitten or something come tourney time.
Finally, K-State's coach is still over his head. He got his job because he delivered Billy Walker and Michael Beasley, let's be serious here. He got a big win over Texas. Good job. But Bobby Knight, though it was a dick-move "if you need help on offense, call me!" was right. The coach should probably take him up on it. I'll just say OVER his head.
And one last thing (you know I couldn't go a whole basketball blog without discussing Georgia hoops!), I must say that I've been VERY impressed with Mark Fox at Georgia. He is playing with very little talent (some pieces but ultimately not what he SHOULD have and CERTAINLY not what Felton had his first season in Athens) and yet he is just a few bounces away from being 3-0 in SEC play. Fox has taken the pieces left in the cupboard and polished up Thompkins and Leslie and Ware and managed to put a VERY competitive team out there that gives me hope for an exciting finish to the year (maybe he can win 5 or 6 SEC games?), maybe win a game in the SEC tourney before hopefully raiding the local high schools for talent for next season. Fox's offense looks like it will work and I just plain like his attitude when I hear him interviewed. He ISN'T happy that Georgia nearly beat Kentucky. He ISN'T happy that his team played well on the road at Miss State or had a lead against ranked Ole Miss. Nope. He seemed pissed his team couldn't finish things out. If Fox's team starts finishing off games (and you KNOW it will happen before the end of the year) this team will certainly have a little MO heading into next year. Just keep Trey around for one more year and year two of the Fox Era in Athens will end up with a tourney bid. Yep. I said it.
Felton had Rashad Wright, Damien Wilkins, Chris Daniels, Steve Thomas, Wayne Arnold, Jonas Hayes and three recruits, not to mention the potential of Ezra Williams coming back. He kicked Arnold and Thomas off, send two of the recruits packing, was such a douche that Williams LEFT THE Hemisphere to get away from him and managed to f-up an NCAA berth that was LOCKED UP if he had just rolled a ball to midcourt. Year two for Felton was 8-20 or something like that.
Fox won't let that happen and he won't use previous coaches as an excuse for shortcomings. I don't think Fox is that sort of man. Yes Felton took the Dawgs to two NITs as well as an SEC championship and NCAA appearance, but his best teams always seemed to end up in the NIT. (he lucked into that SEC title. I'll admit it. It WAS fun though, that crazy weekend!)
Fox won't let his best teams end up in the NIT. He doesn't seem like that type of coach that will just settle.
And the best part...I don't think Fox will ever give me a nosebleed from yelling at the TV.
Kentucky and Syracuse have really impressed me thus far this season. UK is doing it with mostly freshmen and a new coach with a new system, so that really impresses me. Coach Cal has John Wall (the best player in the county, hands down!) has Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins and Pat Patterson. If Derrick Rose was tailor-made for Calipari's Dribble-Drive-Motion offense, then John Wall is just Rose on steroids. HE is perfect for the offense and after next season, Wall will give Cal three straight rookies-of-the-year in the NBA with Rose, Evans and then Wall. Kentucky REALLY has it cooking and, YES they will lose one or two before the tourney starts (Georgia took them to the wire IN Lexington. Go Mark Fox!) but expect another Final Four run for the Cats and for Calipari. I wonder if it gets taken away...
Syracuse might just make this a 1996 flashback as they seem loaded for bear as well. Da Cuse lost a bunch after last season but transfer Wes Johnson is tearing it up and people are forgetting about the two mistakes that left early. (Though Johnny Flynn could certainly help Da Cuse right now. He is so good, he'd help out Scoop and Rautins, no question). If these two keep it up, look out final four.
Who else is a top seed for me? (I don't like to say Final Four teams becaue only ONCE have all four No.1s made it to the Final Four.) Kansas. Bill Self has Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins leading a talented troup. Collins hit 5 three-pointers last night against Baylor. Dude can score. KU is so deep that Self may just worry about finding the right mix but talent talent talent always wins.
My final top seed. You could say Texas. You could go with West Va (but Huggins always seems to falter in the tourney and Syracuse laid it to them in their own building last Saturday.) you could go with Nova. I'll go with Michigan State. I know UNC beat them early in the season (then UNC fell off the map. More on them later) but Izzo has tons of weapons in Lucas, Morgan, Green, Summers and Roe that you have to think that Tommy and Sparty can make another run at the final four after making the title game last season. Plus, I think Michigan State gets battle tested in the top-heavy Big11 with Purdue (Hummel and Kramer and the other dude) and Wisco.
The ACC, yesh. Duke lost last night to NC State and the Devils will likely fall from No.7. Duke is ONLY ranked that highly because of the name on the chest and not the players. Scheyer is really good but he lost the job at the end of last season and though he was ACC tourney MVP, he only won the job back because the one guy transfered. Let's be honest. Duke is the same team that underachieved the last two seasons and that likely won't change come March.
UNC lost three straight for the first time in the Roy Williams era. It had to happen sooner or later. Davis and Drew weren't healthy last night and they got down by 20 agaisnt Tech, yet came back and should have won. By the time this crew makes March, they'll be ready. It is REALLY similar to when Roy won the title with UNC back in 2005 and struggled early in 06. How'd that team finish in the ACC tourney? Yeah, expect that to happen here too. Just saying. This team MUST get better point guard play. I don't know if Drew2 is the answer. Not sure if the answer is on the roster right now. They could have used John Wall. Actually, everyone could have used John Wall....But I think Ole Roy will get this turned around; it would be hard NOT to with Ed Davis and the rest of that lineup.
Otherwise in the ACC, GT beat Clemson as the Tigers begin to fall from the rankings. When are people going to realize that Clemson plays a collection of crap to start the season EVERY year before falling off the map as the ACC slate starts. Yet for WHATEVER reason, voters in Colorado and Iowa only look at the record and think "wow Clemson has 21 wins, they must be good!" They aren't! GT beat them and if Paul Hewitt is going to try and hang his hat on this game, he also has a tract of land to sell in Alaska. Actually, Tech beat one of its own. But good for Tech, I guess. The better you guys do, the better Georgia looks after beating you.
Also Wake Forest has Al-Faroq back and he's playing well. I'm just glad he isn't shooting any women in the stomach with BB guns.
UConn loses Jim Calhoun due to medical reasons but his Huskies win last night. UConn will be hard pressed though to continue a run through the Big East without its leader out there. Not that he can really do that much for this team. No wonder a bunch of people thought he would retire after last season. Hmmmmm.
He has to play teams like Louisville (not impressing me like I thought they might) and Nova (looking REALLY good to me right now. If Sparty stumbles, these guys might take their spot as top seed. Certainly Final Four potential here.
Georgetown and Pitt played with GTown winning but I think Pitt is still better. Sorry. I Do. Allen Iverson bias, maybe? And West Va....they'll do well until March. That's Bobby H's MO. He always seems snake-bitten or something come tourney time.
Finally, K-State's coach is still over his head. He got his job because he delivered Billy Walker and Michael Beasley, let's be serious here. He got a big win over Texas. Good job. But Bobby Knight, though it was a dick-move "if you need help on offense, call me!" was right. The coach should probably take him up on it. I'll just say OVER his head.
And one last thing (you know I couldn't go a whole basketball blog without discussing Georgia hoops!), I must say that I've been VERY impressed with Mark Fox at Georgia. He is playing with very little talent (some pieces but ultimately not what he SHOULD have and CERTAINLY not what Felton had his first season in Athens) and yet he is just a few bounces away from being 3-0 in SEC play. Fox has taken the pieces left in the cupboard and polished up Thompkins and Leslie and Ware and managed to put a VERY competitive team out there that gives me hope for an exciting finish to the year (maybe he can win 5 or 6 SEC games?), maybe win a game in the SEC tourney before hopefully raiding the local high schools for talent for next season. Fox's offense looks like it will work and I just plain like his attitude when I hear him interviewed. He ISN'T happy that Georgia nearly beat Kentucky. He ISN'T happy that his team played well on the road at Miss State or had a lead against ranked Ole Miss. Nope. He seemed pissed his team couldn't finish things out. If Fox's team starts finishing off games (and you KNOW it will happen before the end of the year) this team will certainly have a little MO heading into next year. Just keep Trey around for one more year and year two of the Fox Era in Athens will end up with a tourney bid. Yep. I said it.
Felton had Rashad Wright, Damien Wilkins, Chris Daniels, Steve Thomas, Wayne Arnold, Jonas Hayes and three recruits, not to mention the potential of Ezra Williams coming back. He kicked Arnold and Thomas off, send two of the recruits packing, was such a douche that Williams LEFT THE Hemisphere to get away from him and managed to f-up an NCAA berth that was LOCKED UP if he had just rolled a ball to midcourt. Year two for Felton was 8-20 or something like that.
Fox won't let that happen and he won't use previous coaches as an excuse for shortcomings. I don't think Fox is that sort of man. Yes Felton took the Dawgs to two NITs as well as an SEC championship and NCAA appearance, but his best teams always seemed to end up in the NIT. (he lucked into that SEC title. I'll admit it. It WAS fun though, that crazy weekend!)
Fox won't let his best teams end up in the NIT. He doesn't seem like that type of coach that will just settle.
And the best part...I don't think Fox will ever give me a nosebleed from yelling at the TV.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 1/20/10
Adam Lambert wants to help Haiti, Conan gets paid, Florida's Voice gets popped for kiddie porn and Atlanta is sooooo GAY!
Ladies and Gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP
After yet ANOTHER earthquake hit Haiti, now it seems EVERYONE is coming out of the woodwork to do work for the VERY small and VERY poor (unless you are one of the 3% that happens to be rich) country.
(And if we could send a map to Greg Gumbel, Haiti itself is not an island; it borders the Dominican Republic and together they make up the island of Hispaniola. I learned this in the third grade. Greg Gumbel is on CBS and the NFL Network. That's fair....how? No wonder on Family Guy's mock TV show Gumbel and Gumbel, Bryant was the smart one and Greg just rode around on a segway!)
Anywoo, after I nearly threw up after the Golden Globes where everyone was talking about it (I get it. A big earthquake hit, destroying a bunch of huts! The country is POOR. Can we say that much will have to be rebuilt?) now we have Fox doing a telethon on Friday and even Adam Lambert is reaching out. Wait, Adam Lambert? Is he going to bring a year's worth of guyliner down to them? Sing them a Queen song and then make out with all of the gentlemen down there? I feel bad, sure, but then again I wish some of these celebs would get fired up about problems in America....like homeless people and/or pets. Put all of that effort into that and BOOM, Paws Atlanta gets all of its animals adopted. That would be nice.
Conan and NBC apparently have finally worked out the buyout, with Conan leaving the Peacock, having to ride the pine quietly for 9 months all while counting his $32.5M. Several pundits have said that Conan stepped on his wiener by refusing to move the slot and therefore making FOX his only suitor (and costing himself maybe 15M a year, down to JUST 6 or 7M) but a check for 32.5M plus the chance to go on FOX and turn into MJ and just (attempt to) destroy an aging Leno on NBC. And you KNOW FOX will let him get away with nearly anything in the process. Conan gets paid and gets to go to FOX for more money than he would have gotten a few months back. How is this NOT a good thing for him. PLUS Leno's rep took a hit and he sort of looks like the bad guy for taking his show back. Good move Conan.
Florida sideline reporter Steve Babik was arrested for allegedly having kiddie porn on his home computer and the Gators have fired him from their broadcasts. Wow, the fact that Tebow couldn't even save this guy....could this be the beginning of the end for the Gators? Wait, no, The Sporting News thinks that John Brantley will do really well this season and Janovitz thinks he wins the Heisman in 2011. If I'm a Georgia homer, he's a Gator homer. Come on. But that recruiting class IS impressive....
Finally, Atlanta is SOOOO gay. Seriously. It is the gayest. No, I'm being for real here. The Advocate (the oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender magazine in the country) named Atlanta the gayest city in America, ahead of Burlington, VT, Iowa City, Madison, and Bloomington, IN. They say that the 29 gay bars helps and give the odds as 50-50 that if you are gay you'll someday end up in Atlanta. Wow. Maybe Lambert sets up his "Let's Help Haiti" base here. 50-50 chance apparently.
Have a great rest of the week everybody and if you asked Steve Babik to babysit for you tonight, get a new sitter! NOW!
Ladies and Gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP
After yet ANOTHER earthquake hit Haiti, now it seems EVERYONE is coming out of the woodwork to do work for the VERY small and VERY poor (unless you are one of the 3% that happens to be rich) country.
(And if we could send a map to Greg Gumbel, Haiti itself is not an island; it borders the Dominican Republic and together they make up the island of Hispaniola. I learned this in the third grade. Greg Gumbel is on CBS and the NFL Network. That's fair....how? No wonder on Family Guy's mock TV show Gumbel and Gumbel, Bryant was the smart one and Greg just rode around on a segway!)
Anywoo, after I nearly threw up after the Golden Globes where everyone was talking about it (I get it. A big earthquake hit, destroying a bunch of huts! The country is POOR. Can we say that much will have to be rebuilt?) now we have Fox doing a telethon on Friday and even Adam Lambert is reaching out. Wait, Adam Lambert? Is he going to bring a year's worth of guyliner down to them? Sing them a Queen song and then make out with all of the gentlemen down there? I feel bad, sure, but then again I wish some of these celebs would get fired up about problems in America....like homeless people and/or pets. Put all of that effort into that and BOOM, Paws Atlanta gets all of its animals adopted. That would be nice.
Conan and NBC apparently have finally worked out the buyout, with Conan leaving the Peacock, having to ride the pine quietly for 9 months all while counting his $32.5M. Several pundits have said that Conan stepped on his wiener by refusing to move the slot and therefore making FOX his only suitor (and costing himself maybe 15M a year, down to JUST 6 or 7M) but a check for 32.5M plus the chance to go on FOX and turn into MJ and just (attempt to) destroy an aging Leno on NBC. And you KNOW FOX will let him get away with nearly anything in the process. Conan gets paid and gets to go to FOX for more money than he would have gotten a few months back. How is this NOT a good thing for him. PLUS Leno's rep took a hit and he sort of looks like the bad guy for taking his show back. Good move Conan.
Florida sideline reporter Steve Babik was arrested for allegedly having kiddie porn on his home computer and the Gators have fired him from their broadcasts. Wow, the fact that Tebow couldn't even save this guy....could this be the beginning of the end for the Gators? Wait, no, The Sporting News thinks that John Brantley will do really well this season and Janovitz thinks he wins the Heisman in 2011. If I'm a Georgia homer, he's a Gator homer. Come on. But that recruiting class IS impressive....
Finally, Atlanta is SOOOO gay. Seriously. It is the gayest. No, I'm being for real here. The Advocate (the oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender magazine in the country) named Atlanta the gayest city in America, ahead of Burlington, VT, Iowa City, Madison, and Bloomington, IN. They say that the 29 gay bars helps and give the odds as 50-50 that if you are gay you'll someday end up in Atlanta. Wow. Maybe Lambert sets up his "Let's Help Haiti" base here. 50-50 chance apparently.
Have a great rest of the week everybody and if you asked Steve Babik to babysit for you tonight, get a new sitter! NOW!
Top talent descends upon Norcross this weekend!
(I hope Mark Fox can maybe catch a game or two of this!)
The Norcross boys basketball program has been a state power over the last few seasons and now the Blue Devils will have a chance to flex its muscles against top competition as some of best teams in the country descend upon Norcross High School this weekend. Norcross High School has assembled a 12-team field to take part in this weekend’s Atlanta National Invitational Showcase. Five teams from the state of Georgia will participate in the showcase along with two Florida schools, a Texas squad, a DC power, a top Virginia program and a school from Alabama.
The action starts Friday afternoon at 4:30 when South Florida Prep Academy (FL), a top 20 independent team in Florida takes on God’s Academy (TX), a top ten independent team from the Lone Star State. God’s Academy is led by K.C. Ross-Miller who is ranked No.37 nationally by ESPN.com. Florida’s West Oak Academy will then face Covenant Christian (GA) at 6 p.m. Friday night. Covenant Christian is one of the top independent schools in Georgia while West Oak is in a similar boat in Florida and is led by Anthony Lee, who has committed to Temple. Friday’s final contest features T.C. Williams (VA) going up against Thomas Jefferson (NY), which is No.5 in the New York City rankings. Jefferson is led by Dave Cooley, headed to Stony Brook University and Devonta Grace, headed to Saint John’s. TC Williams meanwhile is ranked No.6 in Virginia.
Saturday afternoon gets underway with God’s Academy facing West Oak. Central Park Christian (AL), led by Cheir Ajou (committed to New Mexico), will go up against Covenant Christian. Later that afternoon, defending Class AAAA state champion and current No.5 Miller Grove, led by Tony Parker (Scout.com’s No.4 player nationally) and Henry Brooks (ESPN.com top 30 player), will square off with South Florida Prep. The host Blue Devils, currently ranked No.3 in Class AAAAA, will face Thomas Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. Norcross features a plethora of talented players, including future UConn Husky Jeremy Lamb and E. Victor Nickerson, a top 15 player in Georgia. No.6 Centennial will face TC Williams and the Knights will be sparked by Devonta White and Jeremy Burgess. In the weekend’s final game, Meadowcreek will face traditional power Anacostia from Washington DC. Meadowcreek, ranked No.10 in Class AAAAA is led by Terrance Glass, a top 25 player in Georgia.
The Norcross boys basketball program has been a state power over the last few seasons and now the Blue Devils will have a chance to flex its muscles against top competition as some of best teams in the country descend upon Norcross High School this weekend. Norcross High School has assembled a 12-team field to take part in this weekend’s Atlanta National Invitational Showcase. Five teams from the state of Georgia will participate in the showcase along with two Florida schools, a Texas squad, a DC power, a top Virginia program and a school from Alabama.
The action starts Friday afternoon at 4:30 when South Florida Prep Academy (FL), a top 20 independent team in Florida takes on God’s Academy (TX), a top ten independent team from the Lone Star State. God’s Academy is led by K.C. Ross-Miller who is ranked No.37 nationally by ESPN.com. Florida’s West Oak Academy will then face Covenant Christian (GA) at 6 p.m. Friday night. Covenant Christian is one of the top independent schools in Georgia while West Oak is in a similar boat in Florida and is led by Anthony Lee, who has committed to Temple. Friday’s final contest features T.C. Williams (VA) going up against Thomas Jefferson (NY), which is No.5 in the New York City rankings. Jefferson is led by Dave Cooley, headed to Stony Brook University and Devonta Grace, headed to Saint John’s. TC Williams meanwhile is ranked No.6 in Virginia.
Saturday afternoon gets underway with God’s Academy facing West Oak. Central Park Christian (AL), led by Cheir Ajou (committed to New Mexico), will go up against Covenant Christian. Later that afternoon, defending Class AAAA state champion and current No.5 Miller Grove, led by Tony Parker (Scout.com’s No.4 player nationally) and Henry Brooks (ESPN.com top 30 player), will square off with South Florida Prep. The host Blue Devils, currently ranked No.3 in Class AAAAA, will face Thomas Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. Norcross features a plethora of talented players, including future UConn Husky Jeremy Lamb and E. Victor Nickerson, a top 15 player in Georgia. No.6 Centennial will face TC Williams and the Knights will be sparked by Devonta White and Jeremy Burgess. In the weekend’s final game, Meadowcreek will face traditional power Anacostia from Washington DC. Meadowcreek, ranked No.10 in Class AAAAA is led by Terrance Glass, a top 25 player in Georgia.
You want a little Braves news? Here ya go!
Barring a late move before spring training, the Braves roster appears to be locked in with pitchers and catchers headed down to Florida for spring training in the next few weeks. The Braves brass came to terms with two players last week, avoiding arbitration with reliever Peter Moylan and new outfielder Melky Cabrera. Moylan was signed to a one-year/$1.15M deal after posting a 2.84 ERA with a 6-2 record in 2009. Moylan returned from major arm surgery that cost him most of the 2008 season and was a bit rocky early, but managed to post a 2.22 ERA over his final 85 appearances. Moylan appeared in 87 games, second-most in all of the majors last year for pitchers. Another impressive feat from Moylan was his going the entire season without allowing a home run. The Aussie reliever just turned 31.
Melky Cabrera was signed as well after coming over in the Javier Vazquez trade with the New York Yankees. Cabrera was arbitration-eligible, but Atlanta was able to sign him to a one-year deal worth just over $3M. The newcomer to Atlanta will likely play one of the corner spots after starting for most of 2009 in centerfield for the World Series champion Yankees. Cabrera hit .274 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI last year and for his career is a .269 hitter. Much debate has been made over where Cabrera will hit in the lineup. He appeared mostly at the bottom of the order in New York and will likely wind up hitting in the No.7 or No.8 hole with the Braves. Bobby Cox recently confirmed the thought that new first baseman Troy Glaus will bat cleanup.
One final roster move was made earlier this week as the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers from Atlanta after the Braves were forced to designate the young leftfielder after signing utilityman Eric Hinske to the roster.
Tom Glavine could soon be back with the Atlanta Braves, though not as a pitcher. The Sporting News followed up on an interview conducted by the AJC, in regards to the former two-time Braves lefty potentially returning the organization in one of several roles. The story noted that Glavine and former GM John Schuerholz have talked about down the line Glavine returning to the organization in a front office role or as a minor league instructor or even in the broadcast booth. In the interview with the AJC, Glavine did not elude to a timetable for any return. The Braves released Glavine last season to pave the way for Kris Medlen and Tommy Hanson.
Finally, down on the farm, the Gwinnett Braves named North Johnson as its new general manager, replacing Bruce Baldwin, who had been with the franchise for 23 seasons. Johnson spent the last few seasons with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans after coming over from the Cleveland Indians organization. Johnson has been honored multiple times over his career with top executive awards and was named top executive of the Carolina League for his work in 2008.
Melky Cabrera was signed as well after coming over in the Javier Vazquez trade with the New York Yankees. Cabrera was arbitration-eligible, but Atlanta was able to sign him to a one-year deal worth just over $3M. The newcomer to Atlanta will likely play one of the corner spots after starting for most of 2009 in centerfield for the World Series champion Yankees. Cabrera hit .274 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI last year and for his career is a .269 hitter. Much debate has been made over where Cabrera will hit in the lineup. He appeared mostly at the bottom of the order in New York and will likely wind up hitting in the No.7 or No.8 hole with the Braves. Bobby Cox recently confirmed the thought that new first baseman Troy Glaus will bat cleanup.
One final roster move was made earlier this week as the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers from Atlanta after the Braves were forced to designate the young leftfielder after signing utilityman Eric Hinske to the roster.
Tom Glavine could soon be back with the Atlanta Braves, though not as a pitcher. The Sporting News followed up on an interview conducted by the AJC, in regards to the former two-time Braves lefty potentially returning the organization in one of several roles. The story noted that Glavine and former GM John Schuerholz have talked about down the line Glavine returning to the organization in a front office role or as a minor league instructor or even in the broadcast booth. In the interview with the AJC, Glavine did not elude to a timetable for any return. The Braves released Glavine last season to pave the way for Kris Medlen and Tommy Hanson.
Finally, down on the farm, the Gwinnett Braves named North Johnson as its new general manager, replacing Bruce Baldwin, who had been with the franchise for 23 seasons. Johnson spent the last few seasons with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans after coming over from the Cleveland Indians organization. Johnson has been honored multiple times over his career with top executive awards and was named top executive of the Carolina League for his work in 2008.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I don't know why these guys are even trying....
Granted it is early in the game and I missed the first episode (Wifey told me I didn't miss much) AND Fox rarely shows GOOD people, opting instead to show crappy ones and 4-star "generals" who sing about pants on the ground, but I haven't seen ANYONE yet that can crack the SBF top ten from American Idol history.
Am I embarrassed that I watch this show? No. I think there are some REALLY good singers every season and I like hearing new takes on songs (Chris Daughtry doing Walk The Line, David Cook doing Always Be My Baby and Hello, Kris Allen doing Heartless).
I am still trying to figure out why FOX decides NOT to show all of the finalist during the auditions show. Shoot, some of the shows are two hours long and are on three days a week. You can't bump one or two of the crappy singers or drop one or two of the sappy backstories to show the good ones? Fox already knows who makes it to the next few rounds, edit appropriately please.
I'm sure ONCE AGAIN we'll see very few of the really good ones before we get to Hollywood, which is a shame because it would be fun to be able to follow the eventual winner all the way from when they walked in to see the judges for the first time. But instead we get the trailer girl who will be gone after her first song in Hollywood. And we get the 62-year-old Pants on the ground guy. Funny-sorta-but come on.
Now then, on to Sportsbyfletch's top ten ON show and Following the show when their career started.
Top Ten AI performers WHILE on the show.
10. Kelly Clarkson. I didn't watch the show back then, but she won the first season. She had to have been good, right?
9.Blake. Call me a dork, but I thought his skat/rap/singing was pretty cool.
8.Fantasia. Her take of Summertime was haunting. Too bad she couldn't read. Too bad she came out with a song called babymama... but that song was good enough to put her on the list.
7.Clay Aiken. I never watched that season, but people say he was really good. He had fans called Claymates.
6.Chris Daughtry. So what if he stole almost everything from Live or the RHCP. He was a ROCKER and was everything that Constantine wished he could have been. Have you ever really loved a woman, Higher Ground, Walk the Line, all CLASSIC. This dude should have closed EVERY show that season. But Elliot and Taylor lasted longer? WTF? He is the classic example of what happens when some one locks up the title with 8 weeks left. People stop voting and the winner loses votes he should have locked up. His loss actually helped Idol in future seasons.
5. Jennifer Hudson. Upset of the century when she was voted off. I didn't think so at the time, but she owned Latoya London and Fantasia. What a crock that she was sent packing.
4. Carrie Underwood. So likeable and PS INCREDIBLY talented that this season was over once the top ten was announced. Bo had ZERO shot at the end.
3. David Archuleta. One song is all it took to put him on this list...Imagine. His version gave me chills even though his father could kick my butt.
2.David Cook. Dude was so creative in coming up with takes on Hello, Always be my Baby, Elenor Rigby and Little Sparrow. A REAL musician who could play his butt off and owned every song he did. Sorry to go Paula on you there
1. Adam Lambert. Now this isn't the ESPN-like "greatest ever" because it just happened and everyone has ADD and/or short-term memories and cannot remember two years ago. Nope, he was incredible, plain and simple. 4 performances that are in the Hall of Fame (Tracks of my tears, Mad World, Satisfaction, A Change is gonna come)
Top ten AI alums since leaving the show.
10. Adam Lambert. He kissed a guy on some awards show. You can tell he is GOING to explode eventually but I couldn't name one of his songs right now. He'll go off though. Don't worry.
9. David Cook. His career SHOULD be taking off, but for whatever reason it hasn't yet. Perhaps it is because he's trying to NOT sell out, but you might need to compromise a touch in order to be an artist that can do what he wants. Even John Mayer had to do Body is a Wonderland before he could make what he wanted to make.
8. Kat McPhee. Have you seen her as a blond? Hot. Just saying. She's been dropped once by a label, but another picked her up. Just wear the short shorts and look sexy. The mediocre voice will be enough.
7. Kellie Pickler. I thought she was a funny interview, then I realized she was just playing up the "dumb blond card" ala Jess Simpson. She's a smart and crafty one that Pickler! And she is also cashing in on some of the dumbios that confuse her with Underwood. Can't fault her for that.
6. Jordin Sparks. I feared for her safety when she dueted with Chris Brown on No Air, but she was able to avoid the biting and punches to the face. Apparently people like to download her Battlefield song too. Who knew?
5. Clay Aiken. So he finally came out but that hasn't stopped him from pumping out Christmas album after Christmas album! Joyful Noise!
4. Daughtry. The guy took being voted off just like how MJ did after he was cut by his high school coach: he decided to kick Elliot, Kat and Taylor's butts forever. He had the Vote off song the next year, he kicked off RayCom college football games, it was not over, and he's still pumping out music. He'll probably make the HoF eventually (if his numbers keep up and why wouldn't they?) and he'll pull the MJ and mock Taylor Hicks in his speech. Take THAT Hicks! Where's your harmonica?
3. Kelly Clarkson. She OWNED the VMAs a few years ago and just by virtue of the fact that The Hills uses her CD as a soundtrack counts high on my list.
2. Jennifer Hudson. She got her revenge on America and Fantasia by winning an Oscar and snagging a few Grammy noms. Fantasia was in a Lifetime movie, but she couldn't read her script...
1.Carrie Underwood. How many Grammys and AMAs and People's Choice do you need before you're called the best. Oh, and Forbes agrees with me, considering she made 14M last year. Move over Reba and Dolly and Faith, Carrie and Taylor are going to duke it out for the next 20 years.
Finally, stealing an idea from ESPN's Bill Simmons, if today's young stars had to do the AI route, I think John Mayer beats Taylor Swift in the finals after they outlast Alicia Keys and Rihanna. Chris Brown makes the top ten before he is thrown out after beating up a fellow contestant. I think Jason Mraz has a good run and Michael Buble gets voted out WAY too soon. Miley Cyrus gets the boot as the first finalist voted off. Colbie Cailat sticks around for a bit too but goes out probably at No.5 Jason Aldean is the token country guy rounding out the top ten.
If I was making out the way the show likely goes....
Miley goes first, followed by Chris Brown, Michael Buble, Jason Aldean, Jason Mraz, Colbie Cailat, Rihanna, Alicia Keys then Swift falls to Mayer in the finals. I'd watch.
Am I embarrassed that I watch this show? No. I think there are some REALLY good singers every season and I like hearing new takes on songs (Chris Daughtry doing Walk The Line, David Cook doing Always Be My Baby and Hello, Kris Allen doing Heartless).
I am still trying to figure out why FOX decides NOT to show all of the finalist during the auditions show. Shoot, some of the shows are two hours long and are on three days a week. You can't bump one or two of the crappy singers or drop one or two of the sappy backstories to show the good ones? Fox already knows who makes it to the next few rounds, edit appropriately please.
I'm sure ONCE AGAIN we'll see very few of the really good ones before we get to Hollywood, which is a shame because it would be fun to be able to follow the eventual winner all the way from when they walked in to see the judges for the first time. But instead we get the trailer girl who will be gone after her first song in Hollywood. And we get the 62-year-old Pants on the ground guy. Funny-sorta-but come on.
Now then, on to Sportsbyfletch's top ten ON show and Following the show when their career started.
Top Ten AI performers WHILE on the show.
10. Kelly Clarkson. I didn't watch the show back then, but she won the first season. She had to have been good, right?
9.Blake. Call me a dork, but I thought his skat/rap/singing was pretty cool.
8.Fantasia. Her take of Summertime was haunting. Too bad she couldn't read. Too bad she came out with a song called babymama... but that song was good enough to put her on the list.
7.Clay Aiken. I never watched that season, but people say he was really good. He had fans called Claymates.
6.Chris Daughtry. So what if he stole almost everything from Live or the RHCP. He was a ROCKER and was everything that Constantine wished he could have been. Have you ever really loved a woman, Higher Ground, Walk the Line, all CLASSIC. This dude should have closed EVERY show that season. But Elliot and Taylor lasted longer? WTF? He is the classic example of what happens when some one locks up the title with 8 weeks left. People stop voting and the winner loses votes he should have locked up. His loss actually helped Idol in future seasons.
5. Jennifer Hudson. Upset of the century when she was voted off. I didn't think so at the time, but she owned Latoya London and Fantasia. What a crock that she was sent packing.
4. Carrie Underwood. So likeable and PS INCREDIBLY talented that this season was over once the top ten was announced. Bo had ZERO shot at the end.
3. David Archuleta. One song is all it took to put him on this list...Imagine. His version gave me chills even though his father could kick my butt.
2.David Cook. Dude was so creative in coming up with takes on Hello, Always be my Baby, Elenor Rigby and Little Sparrow. A REAL musician who could play his butt off and owned every song he did. Sorry to go Paula on you there
1. Adam Lambert. Now this isn't the ESPN-like "greatest ever" because it just happened and everyone has ADD and/or short-term memories and cannot remember two years ago. Nope, he was incredible, plain and simple. 4 performances that are in the Hall of Fame (Tracks of my tears, Mad World, Satisfaction, A Change is gonna come)
Top ten AI alums since leaving the show.
10. Adam Lambert. He kissed a guy on some awards show. You can tell he is GOING to explode eventually but I couldn't name one of his songs right now. He'll go off though. Don't worry.
9. David Cook. His career SHOULD be taking off, but for whatever reason it hasn't yet. Perhaps it is because he's trying to NOT sell out, but you might need to compromise a touch in order to be an artist that can do what he wants. Even John Mayer had to do Body is a Wonderland before he could make what he wanted to make.
8. Kat McPhee. Have you seen her as a blond? Hot. Just saying. She's been dropped once by a label, but another picked her up. Just wear the short shorts and look sexy. The mediocre voice will be enough.
7. Kellie Pickler. I thought she was a funny interview, then I realized she was just playing up the "dumb blond card" ala Jess Simpson. She's a smart and crafty one that Pickler! And she is also cashing in on some of the dumbios that confuse her with Underwood. Can't fault her for that.
6. Jordin Sparks. I feared for her safety when she dueted with Chris Brown on No Air, but she was able to avoid the biting and punches to the face. Apparently people like to download her Battlefield song too. Who knew?
5. Clay Aiken. So he finally came out but that hasn't stopped him from pumping out Christmas album after Christmas album! Joyful Noise!
4. Daughtry. The guy took being voted off just like how MJ did after he was cut by his high school coach: he decided to kick Elliot, Kat and Taylor's butts forever. He had the Vote off song the next year, he kicked off RayCom college football games, it was not over, and he's still pumping out music. He'll probably make the HoF eventually (if his numbers keep up and why wouldn't they?) and he'll pull the MJ and mock Taylor Hicks in his speech. Take THAT Hicks! Where's your harmonica?
3. Kelly Clarkson. She OWNED the VMAs a few years ago and just by virtue of the fact that The Hills uses her CD as a soundtrack counts high on my list.
2. Jennifer Hudson. She got her revenge on America and Fantasia by winning an Oscar and snagging a few Grammy noms. Fantasia was in a Lifetime movie, but she couldn't read her script...
1.Carrie Underwood. How many Grammys and AMAs and People's Choice do you need before you're called the best. Oh, and Forbes agrees with me, considering she made 14M last year. Move over Reba and Dolly and Faith, Carrie and Taylor are going to duke it out for the next 20 years.
Finally, stealing an idea from ESPN's Bill Simmons, if today's young stars had to do the AI route, I think John Mayer beats Taylor Swift in the finals after they outlast Alicia Keys and Rihanna. Chris Brown makes the top ten before he is thrown out after beating up a fellow contestant. I think Jason Mraz has a good run and Michael Buble gets voted out WAY too soon. Miley Cyrus gets the boot as the first finalist voted off. Colbie Cailat sticks around for a bit too but goes out probably at No.5 Jason Aldean is the token country guy rounding out the top ten.
If I was making out the way the show likely goes....
Miley goes first, followed by Chris Brown, Michael Buble, Jason Aldean, Jason Mraz, Colbie Cailat, Rihanna, Alicia Keys then Swift falls to Mayer in the finals. I'd watch.
Monday, January 18, 2010
New Dawgs DCoor adding to staff
Now THIS is what I'm talking about. The Dawgs are going out and getting some fresh faces and new ideas and new blood and it will pay off.
The University of Georgia has hired former UConn secondary coach Scott Lakatos in the same role for new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Here is the resume for Lakatos, according to the banner-herald....
Lakatos, a native of Long Valley, N.J., coached Rutgers' secondary for three years prior to going to Connecticut. He played at Western Connecticut under former Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni and began his coaching career there, working with the defensive backs. He coached outside linebackers at Boston University, was a graduate assistant at Syracuse, defensive coordinator at New Haven and secondary and special teams coach at Maine, where he served as defensive coordinator in 2000.
His secondary was 9th in 2008 and 10th in 2007, though they slipped to 85th last year after his best player was shot and killed in the middle of the season after his other best player was drafted by the New England Pats in the second round. He also had a 2008 4th round pick out of his defensive secondary.
I like that the new blood is being brought in and I think this guy could potentially move into a dc role if Grantham were to go back to the NFL after his 3-year deal is up.
I like the move. Maybe because I'm a blind Georgia homer, but HEY...you can never call me unloyal!
The University of Georgia has hired former UConn secondary coach Scott Lakatos in the same role for new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Here is the resume for Lakatos, according to the banner-herald....
Lakatos, a native of Long Valley, N.J., coached Rutgers' secondary for three years prior to going to Connecticut. He played at Western Connecticut under former Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni and began his coaching career there, working with the defensive backs. He coached outside linebackers at Boston University, was a graduate assistant at Syracuse, defensive coordinator at New Haven and secondary and special teams coach at Maine, where he served as defensive coordinator in 2000.
His secondary was 9th in 2008 and 10th in 2007, though they slipped to 85th last year after his best player was shot and killed in the middle of the season after his other best player was drafted by the New England Pats in the second round. He also had a 2008 4th round pick out of his defensive secondary.
I like that the new blood is being brought in and I think this guy could potentially move into a dc role if Grantham were to go back to the NFL after his 3-year deal is up.
I like the move. Maybe because I'm a blind Georgia homer, but HEY...you can never call me unloyal!
Kudos to Collins Hill for winning another wrestling title
Last weekend at the Macon Centreplex, history was made as the Collins Hill Eagle wrestling team became the first school in Georgia to win three consecutive Class AAAAA state titles. Collins Hill claimed the victory with a 38-9 whipping of Pope in the dual state finals. Collins Hill scorched its way to the title with victories over Johnson-Savannah (84-0), Centennial (58-11) and Valdosta (60-6) and lost just six individual matches the entire tournament. In the finals, Bazell Partridge, Joseph Doyague, TJ Mitchell (committed to Virginia Tech), Steven Bradtmueller, Joel Smith (committed to Arizona State), Jamie Hentica, Nick Holbert, Mac Bennett, Thomas Delain, Drew Ferguson and Devante Brown all scored victories to secure the title for the Eagles. Mitchell’s win was the 200th of his career. Overall it was Collins Hill’s fourth dual state title since 2002. Next month the Eagles will attempt to defend its traditional state championship, only after facing the No.1 team in the country, Blair Academy out of New Jersey in the Final Four dual tournament, which will be held in Pennsylvania this weekend. Coach Cliff Ramos’s Eagles are ranked No.11 in the Amateur Wrestling News’ nationwide poll.
Last year, before his team won the 2009 traditional state title, I had a chance to interview coach Ramos. This is a look back at the story I wrote after speaking with the Coach!
Over the past decade, two teams have achieved unparalleled success in Georgia High School wrestling. The Dragons of Jefferson County have dominated in Class A and now in Class AA while the Collins Hill program has built a dynasty in Area 7-AAAAA and Class AAAAA. How do the two programs do it? Everything starts with Collins Hill coach Cliff Ramos and Jefferson County coach Doug Thurmond.
The class of Class AAAAA Collins Hill features many all-stars. Senior Taylor Knapp, who is ranked No.10 in the country on Amateur Wrestling News National’s No. 22 Collins Hill team, leads by example. Coach Cliff Ramos said that Knapp is just one of the many seniors that does “a good job, especially in practice.” John Allgood is another senior that Coach Ramos was quick to cite as being so strong for this team. “There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that make this program successful.” Coach Ramos credited the “six outstanding assistant coaches, supportive parents and a fantastic youth program,” in helping the program win two straight team state championships and three since 2005.
Thirteen Collins Hill wrestlers qualified for state sectionals and two of Coach Ramos’s juniors were his picks to go on to win state individual titles. TJ Mitchell and Joel Smith were favored to win state while Gary Tiller, a previous state runner up (152lb), will try to overcome injuries to win what he missed out on last year. Nine other individual region champions will join those three in seeking state championships. Look out for Bazell Partridge (103), Nick Holbert (171), CJ Collins (215), and Allen Willard (130). These wrestlers have been pushed all season by the team’s nine seniors who help keep the team motivated, which at times can be pretty tough according to Ramos. “We’ve wrestled all over the country and sometimes you come back to the in-state meets and motivation is tough.” Knapp, named most outstanding middleweight in the recent Sham Slam and Caleb Sawchuck were huge in clinching the dual state title when the team knocked out Pope 47-9 to win the team crown. Coach Ramos is proud of the fact that his program has done something no other Class AAAAA team in any sport has done: finish in the top three every season since 2000.
Last year, before his team won the 2009 traditional state title, I had a chance to interview coach Ramos. This is a look back at the story I wrote after speaking with the Coach!
Over the past decade, two teams have achieved unparalleled success in Georgia High School wrestling. The Dragons of Jefferson County have dominated in Class A and now in Class AA while the Collins Hill program has built a dynasty in Area 7-AAAAA and Class AAAAA. How do the two programs do it? Everything starts with Collins Hill coach Cliff Ramos and Jefferson County coach Doug Thurmond.
The class of Class AAAAA Collins Hill features many all-stars. Senior Taylor Knapp, who is ranked No.10 in the country on Amateur Wrestling News National’s No. 22 Collins Hill team, leads by example. Coach Cliff Ramos said that Knapp is just one of the many seniors that does “a good job, especially in practice.” John Allgood is another senior that Coach Ramos was quick to cite as being so strong for this team. “There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that make this program successful.” Coach Ramos credited the “six outstanding assistant coaches, supportive parents and a fantastic youth program,” in helping the program win two straight team state championships and three since 2005.
Thirteen Collins Hill wrestlers qualified for state sectionals and two of Coach Ramos’s juniors were his picks to go on to win state individual titles. TJ Mitchell and Joel Smith were favored to win state while Gary Tiller, a previous state runner up (152lb), will try to overcome injuries to win what he missed out on last year. Nine other individual region champions will join those three in seeking state championships. Look out for Bazell Partridge (103), Nick Holbert (171), CJ Collins (215), and Allen Willard (130). These wrestlers have been pushed all season by the team’s nine seniors who help keep the team motivated, which at times can be pretty tough according to Ramos. “We’ve wrestled all over the country and sometimes you come back to the in-state meets and motivation is tough.” Knapp, named most outstanding middleweight in the recent Sham Slam and Caleb Sawchuck were huge in clinching the dual state title when the team knocked out Pope 47-9 to win the team crown. Coach Ramos is proud of the fact that his program has done something no other Class AAAAA team in any sport has done: finish in the top three every season since 2000.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Best night EVER...at least the 10pm timeslot on MTV
If you didn't catch last night's two hours of The Jersey Shore, what the heck were you doing? Were you watching Jay Leno's failed show? Some "exciting" A-10 college basketball? Private Practice? COME ON! FLIP ON THE JERSEY SHORE!
Well, a quick recap since apparently you did miss it (or a reminder if you caught it...) everything started out the fallout from Ronnie "domestically abusing" Sammi. Umm, Sam, you were the one who wouldn't shut her mouth and while Wifey says that Ronnie did push her (i think he was just getting her away from the situation...no not that situation!) she also admitted that Sammi was totally blowing it out of proportion. (This was all while Wifey was "reading her book" and not watching that trash!)
The next night, after Snooki admitted that she wanted everyone to hang out and Sam and Ronnie not to take off early, seemingly everyone brought someone back to the house for a "slumber party." Vinny decided to bring his mother's friend back to the house. This chick wasn't a cougar; she was a sabertooth tiger, is how old she was. Mike brought home a quasi-attractive chick (a change for the Situation!) and Snooki brought home a farmer. That entire exchange was funny in that she couldn't wrap her head around the fact that a non-guido would go to the Jersey Shore (and frankly I cannot understand that either!). But both Snooki and Vinny broke up the Situation's sexin' in the hottub, which is quite funny.
Snooki ultimately just made out with the farmer though she wanted sex. Why? because "he was clean!"
Vinny later starts to shitetalk The Situation which was classic in that the Situation tells Vinny he has no game and he has all of the game. He then openly admits that the chicks he brings home are 3s and 4s, but at least he's bringing home girls. Mike, I guess you could also always just bring home blind and retarted girls too....
How does Vinny get him back? He nails Mike sister. NICE!
Pauley D gets stalked by a Jewish girl he went out with once though it looked later in the two hours like, despite the fact they broke up and she is BAT SHIT CRAZY, that he was still trying to hit that. Why? I don't know why. I also don't know why he thinks his hair looks good.
Then the crew goes to Atlantic City where Mike makes fun of Snooki for being fat, and he caught Ty-sized crap for it (RW:DC reference there) despite the fact he was telling the truth. Why? He was being truthful, yet he gets yelled at.
Later JWowW gets mega-drunk and asks Mike to take her up to her room. He declines because he is creeping on a girl he just committed a Robbery on Vinny with. JWowW slaps him and is thrown out of the club, to walk back to the room alone....which she successfully does. Why could she not do this without Mike's help? Dunno. Back to the robbery, Mike do you REALLY want to make out with this who-ahh after she was JUST sticking her tongue down Vinny's throat? I wonder how many STDs he caught from her?
Vinny tries to play it off like he gave Mike the girl...Vin, Vin, Vin, he stole her and you should have just said as much, then called her a whore and remind him you boinked his sister. YOU'LL WIN EVERY ARGUMENT WITH HIM BY SAYING THAT!
So JWowW punches Mike, and I didn't think that was a big deal. Mike tries to make it a big deal, but BFD is all I have to say. Trash hitting the situation, big whoop.
Back in Seaside, the Situation puts pickles under Snooki's bed then puts milk and cheese under Vinny's. Is he 27 or 7? I'm not sure. No wonder all you can get is 2s and 3s Mike. The best part was thought that Snooki was upset, not about the smell, but that the pickles were gone. HA!
Snooki also later was trying to be classy when she once again started making out with a dude with a boyfriend, then left him "because she doesn't do that!" and then jumped on the farmer's back but quickly got down. Her reasoning: I'm not trashy...unless I'm drunk. THAT IS WHAT SHE ACTUALLY SAID!
So the crew goes out one last time and Ronnie and Sam don't leave early and for the SECOND STRAIGHT TIME OUT, Ronnie gets into a fight on the way home. This time though, after it is 4 am and they've been there since midnight, so I'm tired after 5 hours, (yep, he said that!) they are on the way home, he punches a guy and gets arrested.
And scene. Hey ROID HEAD, quit getting into fights with the townies who just want to be on TV. Realize that! They just want to be on TV! move on! But that wouldn't be the guido code I guess.
Lastly, next week is the finale and that's sad. MTV had BETTER let these guys on the challenges otherwise I don't know WHAT I'm going to do. Just saying...
Well, a quick recap since apparently you did miss it (or a reminder if you caught it...) everything started out the fallout from Ronnie "domestically abusing" Sammi. Umm, Sam, you were the one who wouldn't shut her mouth and while Wifey says that Ronnie did push her (i think he was just getting her away from the situation...no not that situation!) she also admitted that Sammi was totally blowing it out of proportion. (This was all while Wifey was "reading her book" and not watching that trash!)
The next night, after Snooki admitted that she wanted everyone to hang out and Sam and Ronnie not to take off early, seemingly everyone brought someone back to the house for a "slumber party." Vinny decided to bring his mother's friend back to the house. This chick wasn't a cougar; she was a sabertooth tiger, is how old she was. Mike brought home a quasi-attractive chick (a change for the Situation!) and Snooki brought home a farmer. That entire exchange was funny in that she couldn't wrap her head around the fact that a non-guido would go to the Jersey Shore (and frankly I cannot understand that either!). But both Snooki and Vinny broke up the Situation's sexin' in the hottub, which is quite funny.
Snooki ultimately just made out with the farmer though she wanted sex. Why? because "he was clean!"
Vinny later starts to shitetalk The Situation which was classic in that the Situation tells Vinny he has no game and he has all of the game. He then openly admits that the chicks he brings home are 3s and 4s, but at least he's bringing home girls. Mike, I guess you could also always just bring home blind and retarted girls too....
How does Vinny get him back? He nails Mike sister. NICE!
Pauley D gets stalked by a Jewish girl he went out with once though it looked later in the two hours like, despite the fact they broke up and she is BAT SHIT CRAZY, that he was still trying to hit that. Why? I don't know why. I also don't know why he thinks his hair looks good.
Then the crew goes to Atlantic City where Mike makes fun of Snooki for being fat, and he caught Ty-sized crap for it (RW:DC reference there) despite the fact he was telling the truth. Why? He was being truthful, yet he gets yelled at.
Later JWowW gets mega-drunk and asks Mike to take her up to her room. He declines because he is creeping on a girl he just committed a Robbery on Vinny with. JWowW slaps him and is thrown out of the club, to walk back to the room alone....which she successfully does. Why could she not do this without Mike's help? Dunno. Back to the robbery, Mike do you REALLY want to make out with this who-ahh after she was JUST sticking her tongue down Vinny's throat? I wonder how many STDs he caught from her?
Vinny tries to play it off like he gave Mike the girl...Vin, Vin, Vin, he stole her and you should have just said as much, then called her a whore and remind him you boinked his sister. YOU'LL WIN EVERY ARGUMENT WITH HIM BY SAYING THAT!
So JWowW punches Mike, and I didn't think that was a big deal. Mike tries to make it a big deal, but BFD is all I have to say. Trash hitting the situation, big whoop.
Back in Seaside, the Situation puts pickles under Snooki's bed then puts milk and cheese under Vinny's. Is he 27 or 7? I'm not sure. No wonder all you can get is 2s and 3s Mike. The best part was thought that Snooki was upset, not about the smell, but that the pickles were gone. HA!
Snooki also later was trying to be classy when she once again started making out with a dude with a boyfriend, then left him "because she doesn't do that!" and then jumped on the farmer's back but quickly got down. Her reasoning: I'm not trashy...unless I'm drunk. THAT IS WHAT SHE ACTUALLY SAID!
So the crew goes out one last time and Ronnie and Sam don't leave early and for the SECOND STRAIGHT TIME OUT, Ronnie gets into a fight on the way home. This time though, after it is 4 am and they've been there since midnight, so I'm tired after 5 hours, (yep, he said that!) they are on the way home, he punches a guy and gets arrested.
And scene. Hey ROID HEAD, quit getting into fights with the townies who just want to be on TV. Realize that! They just want to be on TV! move on! But that wouldn't be the guido code I guess.
Lastly, next week is the finale and that's sad. MTV had BETTER let these guys on the challenges otherwise I don't know WHAT I'm going to do. Just saying...
Hooters magazine MLB '10 preview....part2
Sportsbyfletch was clearly cool enough to be spotted by the Hooters magazine people and we were commissioned to write the 2010 MLB preview. Yesterday I gave you the American League look ahead. Today, we give you the NL forecast. Enjoy.
If the 2000 decade was in fact Star Wars with Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York fighting for supreme baseball power, the New York Yankee Empire struck back with its 27th title in 2009. Those teams were also seemingly the only ones that went after the major stars all decade, with nearly every major free agent signing with one of those clubs. The Yankees won the 2000 title and the 2009 title and reached the World Series two other times. The Red Sox broke an 86 year championship drought then won another three seasons later. Philadelphia, Los Angeles/Anaheim and the Chicago White Sox claimed titles with the Cubs and the Mets both nearly claiming titles themselves. Some of the smaller teams were fun to watch too as they made postseason runs with the Marlins claiming a title, the A’s playing Moneyball and the Twins employing two MVPs.
In 2010, expect the small market teams to return to the forefront for a big-time battle with the larger markets this postseason. Player movement has made the big fish even bigger but several of the “small market” teams have the resources to make a serious run at a title. While Philadelphia traded one former Cy Young award winner (Cliff Lee) for another Cy Young award winner (Roy Halladay), the San Francisco Giants still boast a two-time winner themselves in Tim Lincecum and another potential winner in Matt Cain. Oh and Barry Zito once won one himself. The National League will be won by one of those two squads with the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets, despite the huge payrolls, watching the pennant play out with all of the other small market clubs.
In the American League, Boston reloaded to take another run at the Yankees but Seattle seemingly had the best off-season, picking up Cliff Lee. The Yankees picked up Javy Vazquez from Atlanta to fortify its already strong pitching staff and if the offense keeps raking, I’m not certain anyone can catch the Bombers. Out west, the Angels lost too much to continue its run of dominance, so Seattle should take the division and Boston will take the Wild Card. In the Central, expect reigning MVP Joe Mauer to continue to impressing the heck out of everyone and lead the Twins right to the World Series. Does Minnesota have enough to knock off Philadelphia? I doubt it. That’s why the Phillies take their second World Series title in three years.
Over on the senior circuit…
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
Dugout: Charlie Manuel, 6th season with Philadelphia. Manuel is in NO danger of a hotseat and is just a handful of games away from his 700th career victory.
Analysis: Losing Cliff Lee, the team’s best pitcher in the postseason should have been a big blow, but the team voluntarily sent him out of town while importing Roy Halladay. The former Blue Jay pitcher will likely dominate the National League like he did the American League and the Phillies, with all of those bats are near locks to make it back to the World Series. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins already have MVP awards, could Chase Utley add one this year? He might have some competition with Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth on his own team. Philly is loaded for another run with no visible flaws.
Atlanta Braves
Dugout: Bobby Cox, 21st year with Atlanta. Cox enters his final season with Atlanta and a good year gets him to 2500 wins.
Analysis: Very few teams were as hot as Atlanta was after the All-Star break in 2009. This season Atlanta must start hot if it wants to have any shot at the division or more likely the Wild Card. Newcomer Troy Glaus will play at first base (only 6 career starts there) and hit fourth after missing most of last year with an injury. The rotation is one of the best in baseball, with Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson giving hope for the future. Brian McCann is also the best catcher outside of Minnesota in baseball today. The Wild Card is likely if key guys (Chipper Jones, McCann, and Glaus) can stay healthy.
New York Mets
Dugout: Jerry Manuel, 3rd year with New York. In New York, with this payroll, if Manuel doesn’t challenge for a playoff spot, expect a new manager by 2011.
Analysis: After watching the cross-town Yankees claim yet another World Series title, the Mets brass once again went out and spent big, bringing in OF Jason Bay. Bay should crush National League pitching if he can avoid falling victim to the New York Mets “free agent curse” that always seems to affect any player that takes the Mets big dollars. Bay will flank Carlos Beltran in the New York outfield and provide some cover for third baseman David Wright in the lineup. Jose Reyes can still fly around the base paths when not in the manager’s doghouse. Johan Santana might need some help too in the rotation.
Florida Marlins
Dugout: Fredi Gonzalez, 4th year with Florida. Gonzalez has improved the win total in each of his three seasons in Florida. The only danger here is if Atlanta pursues its former coach.
Analysis: The Florida Marlins went from fifth to third to second in the NL East and won 87 games last year. Now as Hanley Ramirez is entering his prime, the Fish could find themselves in the division hunt or out of contention after another fire sale. Josh Johnson might be dealt and Dan Uggla could find a new home by July. If the Marlins have early success, expect the team to try one last time with this collection of pitchers. If the Marlins fall out of the gate, the “expensive players” could follow Nick Johnson and Jeremy Hermida out of town.
Washington Nationals
Dugout: Jim Riggleman, 2nd season with Washington. Riggleman was 33-42 after taking over in midseason. The Nats have lost 100+ two straight seasons, fans expect improvement.
Analysis: Washington has been a player this off-season, signing Ivan Rodriguez to be the team’s new catcher as well as Matt Capps to serve as its new closer. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn are still nice pieces at the corner spots of the infield but the middle is lacking. The outfield offers little pop to help out the pitching staff. No.1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg will see the majors sooner rather than later and could team with Jordan Zimmerman to form quite a duo.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Dugout: Tony La Russa, 15th year with St. Louis. La Russa is just 211 wins behind John McGraw for second all-time in wins. Will he manage long enough to pass him?
Analysis: Let’s be honest: Albert Pujols will likely win yet another MVP award, especially with Matt Holiday backing him up in the lineup. Pujols is the best player alive and he’s doing with without PEDs. Speaking of which, how will the team do with admitted user Mark McGwire as its new hitting coach? That distraction could be around all season long. The pitching should once again be DOM with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter being joined by Brad Penny. Both Wainwright and Carpenter finished in the top three of the Cy Young voting last season as Wainwright won 19 games and Carpenter led the NL with a 2.48 ERA.
Cincinnati Reds
Dugout: Dusty Baker, 3rd season with Cincinnati. Baker loves playing vets over rookies; this team is starting to accommodate that.
Analysis: Have the Baby Reds grown up? The Reds seem to have put a team together that is ready to contend for a postseason berth. The infield imported third baseman Scott Rolen to pair up with Joey Votto on the corners. Brandon Phillips, at 28, is a “seasoned veteran” that led the team with 98 RBI last year. Votto and Phillips are strong in the heart of the order as Votto can rake (25 home runs). Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto are young studs on the pitching staff. Aaron Harang struck out 142 last year and Bronson Arroyo won 15 games. Homer Bailey and Micah Owings add rotation depth, and the Reds also won the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes, signing the 21-year-old Cuban to a big deal.
Chicago Cubs
Dugout: Lou Piniella, 4th year with Chicago. If Piniella misses the playoffs yet again, expect Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg to get a shot at manager.
Analysis: Good thing the Cubs have Derrek Lee. The first baseman led the team in average, home runs, RBI, runs and OPS. Lee probably wishes he could get more help from expensive third baseman Aramis Ramirez and left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Right fielder Kosuke Fukudome is another money pit in the outfield that must step his game up or be replaced in the lineup. As far as the rotation goes, Carlos Zambrano has lights-out potential; he just needs to keep his emotions in check. Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster and newcomer Carlos Silva will help Randy Wells and Zambrano out. Carlos Marmol has dominating stuff and can backend a bullpen.
Milwaukee Brewers:
Dugout: Ken Macha, 2nd season with Milwaukee. Last year’s 80 wins were the fewest in Macha’s career. He gets to 500 career wins with 52 victories.
Analysis: The Brew Crew is yet another addition of Harvey’s Wallbangers, a collection of power hitters with some pitching thrown in for good measure. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun can both flat out yardsail and opposing pitchers would be wise to avoid both of these guys if possible. Alcides Escobar can play defense and the club is hoping his offense comes around soon. The pitching staff meanwhile is good enough to let the runs Fielder and Braun provide stand up. Yovani Gallardo is the future ace of the team, though last season he showed that the future may be now. Gallardo struck out 205 in over 185 innings of word while winning 13 games.
Houston Astros
Dugout: Brad Mills, 1st year with Houston. The rookie manager will have to find a way to move from the bottom half of the division into the top half.
Analysis: The Houston Astros are in a bit of an offensive bind after apparently letting the team’s best offensive player Miguel Tejada walk as a free agent this off-season. Lance Berkman remains and the team signed Pedro Feliz but the offense will feature little pop in 2010. Carlos Lee will be seeing a lot of walks this season with opposing pitchers looking to avoid the only threat Houston has. The pitching staff will have to make due with little run support, but does Wandy Rodriguez have another season in him like 2009? Can Roy Oswalt rediscover his filthy stuff? Can anyone step up as closer?
Pittsburgh Pirates
Dugout: John Russell, 3rd season in Pittsburgh. The Pirates haven’t had a winning season since 1992. Don’t expect Russell to turn it around.
Analysis: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Pirates actually a few good young pieces in place, though not enough to challenge for the playoffs. Just a few seasons after boasting Xavier Nady, Nate McLouth and Jason Bay in the outfield, the outfield once again appears to be crowded with good young players in Andrew McCutchen, Gorkys Hernandez, Jose Tabata and the yet-to-explode Lastings Milledge. McCutchen showed last season that he will be quite a player at the major league level and Hernandez came over in the McLouth trade and could slide over to right. The infield is a little less promising with only Steve Pearce and Andy LaRoche scaring anyone, and they hardly do that.
NL West
San Francisco Giants
Dugout: Bruce Bochy, 4th season with San Francisco. Bochy will pass 1200 career victories early in the season and could move to over .500 for his career with a good finish.
Analysis: Last season the Giants had the pitching to make a postseason play but the offense was lacking. The Giants brass remedied that need this off-season by signing Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff to team with Pablo Sandoval. Last season “Kung-Fu Panda,” stroked 25 home runs with a .330 average to lead the team in both categories. The pitching staff should love the new run support but it barely needed any. Tim Lincecum won another Cy Young award and Matt Cain showed that he might bring one home down the road. Barry Zito gives the Giants another former winner though he hasn’t been in that form since signing with the Giants. Brian Wilson was lights out in the closer role last season.
LA Dodgers
Dugout: Joe Torre, 3rd season with LA. The Dodgers have reached the postseason with Torre but haven’t had Yankee-like success. This might be Torre’s last try.
Analysis: The Dodgers youth movement from a few seasons ago has netted back-to-back trips to the postseason under Torre and this season the team will look to get back via the offense. Manny Ramirez will continue to crush in Dodger Stadium and he’ll get cover from Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and James Loney in the lineup. None of those three is over 27 and all have played well under Torre. Casey Blake and Rafael Furcal offer nice options in the infield. As far as the pitching goes, Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley have the stuff of No.1s but were outdone by Philly in the postseason last year.
Colorado Rockies
Dugout: Jim Tracy, 2nd season with Colorado. Tracy assumed the manager role midway through last season and took the Rockies to the playoffs.
Analysis: Once again the Rockies rallied after a slow start to make noise in the playoffs. Todd Helton is ageless and continues to hit as he seems revitalized with this crew. Troy Tulowitzki seems to have found his offense after an injury-filled sophomore slump in 2008 and is poised to improve on his high average and 32 home runs. The outfield is also full of young talent. The pitching staff may be the only thing holding Colorado back as pitchers never can count on being dominant in the thin air of Denver. Jeff Francis is recovering from an injury and Ubaldo Jimenez has highs and lows. This team always finds ways to win though. Don’t ever count them out.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Dugout: AJ Hinch, 2nd season with Arizona. Hinch took over last May and guided the team to just 70 wins. The D-Backs have too much talent to finish that low.
Analysis: Taking just a look at the roster and the numbers the offense put up last season, you’d never think that Arizona struggled to just 70 wins. The pitching staff is led by Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, both very capable pitchers that have Cy Young ability. Factor in new editions Ian Kennedy and all-star Edwin Jackson and the rotation could be just behind San Fran in the division. The offense is led by Mark Reynolds (44 home runs) and Justin Upton (.300 average, 86 RBI). Stephen Drew, Eric Byrnes and Connor Jackson also dot the lineup. A major win increase should take place but this talent was here last year too. What happened?
San Diego Padres
Dugout: Bud Black, 4th season in San Diego. The former pitching coach has back-to-back losing seasons on his resume. The talent isn’t there to break that string.
Analysis: The face of this team right now is a question mark. Adrian Gonzalez should be a player that this team pushes to the forefront however trade rumors follow him and his 40 home runs around every corner. Gonzalez managed to do well last season despite zero help from anyone else in the lineup. The pitching staff is even lacking with major league arms other than Chris Young. Kevin Correia led the team in victories last year with just 12 and posted a 3.91 ERA with 142 strikeouts. This team is one man and one man only yet by the time you read this, that man might already be in Boston or Atlanta or Chicago.
If the 2000 decade was in fact Star Wars with Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York fighting for supreme baseball power, the New York Yankee Empire struck back with its 27th title in 2009. Those teams were also seemingly the only ones that went after the major stars all decade, with nearly every major free agent signing with one of those clubs. The Yankees won the 2000 title and the 2009 title and reached the World Series two other times. The Red Sox broke an 86 year championship drought then won another three seasons later. Philadelphia, Los Angeles/Anaheim and the Chicago White Sox claimed titles with the Cubs and the Mets both nearly claiming titles themselves. Some of the smaller teams were fun to watch too as they made postseason runs with the Marlins claiming a title, the A’s playing Moneyball and the Twins employing two MVPs.
In 2010, expect the small market teams to return to the forefront for a big-time battle with the larger markets this postseason. Player movement has made the big fish even bigger but several of the “small market” teams have the resources to make a serious run at a title. While Philadelphia traded one former Cy Young award winner (Cliff Lee) for another Cy Young award winner (Roy Halladay), the San Francisco Giants still boast a two-time winner themselves in Tim Lincecum and another potential winner in Matt Cain. Oh and Barry Zito once won one himself. The National League will be won by one of those two squads with the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets, despite the huge payrolls, watching the pennant play out with all of the other small market clubs.
In the American League, Boston reloaded to take another run at the Yankees but Seattle seemingly had the best off-season, picking up Cliff Lee. The Yankees picked up Javy Vazquez from Atlanta to fortify its already strong pitching staff and if the offense keeps raking, I’m not certain anyone can catch the Bombers. Out west, the Angels lost too much to continue its run of dominance, so Seattle should take the division and Boston will take the Wild Card. In the Central, expect reigning MVP Joe Mauer to continue to impressing the heck out of everyone and lead the Twins right to the World Series. Does Minnesota have enough to knock off Philadelphia? I doubt it. That’s why the Phillies take their second World Series title in three years.
Over on the senior circuit…
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
Dugout: Charlie Manuel, 6th season with Philadelphia. Manuel is in NO danger of a hotseat and is just a handful of games away from his 700th career victory.
Analysis: Losing Cliff Lee, the team’s best pitcher in the postseason should have been a big blow, but the team voluntarily sent him out of town while importing Roy Halladay. The former Blue Jay pitcher will likely dominate the National League like he did the American League and the Phillies, with all of those bats are near locks to make it back to the World Series. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins already have MVP awards, could Chase Utley add one this year? He might have some competition with Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth on his own team. Philly is loaded for another run with no visible flaws.
Atlanta Braves
Dugout: Bobby Cox, 21st year with Atlanta. Cox enters his final season with Atlanta and a good year gets him to 2500 wins.
Analysis: Very few teams were as hot as Atlanta was after the All-Star break in 2009. This season Atlanta must start hot if it wants to have any shot at the division or more likely the Wild Card. Newcomer Troy Glaus will play at first base (only 6 career starts there) and hit fourth after missing most of last year with an injury. The rotation is one of the best in baseball, with Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson giving hope for the future. Brian McCann is also the best catcher outside of Minnesota in baseball today. The Wild Card is likely if key guys (Chipper Jones, McCann, and Glaus) can stay healthy.
New York Mets
Dugout: Jerry Manuel, 3rd year with New York. In New York, with this payroll, if Manuel doesn’t challenge for a playoff spot, expect a new manager by 2011.
Analysis: After watching the cross-town Yankees claim yet another World Series title, the Mets brass once again went out and spent big, bringing in OF Jason Bay. Bay should crush National League pitching if he can avoid falling victim to the New York Mets “free agent curse” that always seems to affect any player that takes the Mets big dollars. Bay will flank Carlos Beltran in the New York outfield and provide some cover for third baseman David Wright in the lineup. Jose Reyes can still fly around the base paths when not in the manager’s doghouse. Johan Santana might need some help too in the rotation.
Florida Marlins
Dugout: Fredi Gonzalez, 4th year with Florida. Gonzalez has improved the win total in each of his three seasons in Florida. The only danger here is if Atlanta pursues its former coach.
Analysis: The Florida Marlins went from fifth to third to second in the NL East and won 87 games last year. Now as Hanley Ramirez is entering his prime, the Fish could find themselves in the division hunt or out of contention after another fire sale. Josh Johnson might be dealt and Dan Uggla could find a new home by July. If the Marlins have early success, expect the team to try one last time with this collection of pitchers. If the Marlins fall out of the gate, the “expensive players” could follow Nick Johnson and Jeremy Hermida out of town.
Washington Nationals
Dugout: Jim Riggleman, 2nd season with Washington. Riggleman was 33-42 after taking over in midseason. The Nats have lost 100+ two straight seasons, fans expect improvement.
Analysis: Washington has been a player this off-season, signing Ivan Rodriguez to be the team’s new catcher as well as Matt Capps to serve as its new closer. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn are still nice pieces at the corner spots of the infield but the middle is lacking. The outfield offers little pop to help out the pitching staff. No.1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg will see the majors sooner rather than later and could team with Jordan Zimmerman to form quite a duo.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Dugout: Tony La Russa, 15th year with St. Louis. La Russa is just 211 wins behind John McGraw for second all-time in wins. Will he manage long enough to pass him?
Analysis: Let’s be honest: Albert Pujols will likely win yet another MVP award, especially with Matt Holiday backing him up in the lineup. Pujols is the best player alive and he’s doing with without PEDs. Speaking of which, how will the team do with admitted user Mark McGwire as its new hitting coach? That distraction could be around all season long. The pitching should once again be DOM with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter being joined by Brad Penny. Both Wainwright and Carpenter finished in the top three of the Cy Young voting last season as Wainwright won 19 games and Carpenter led the NL with a 2.48 ERA.
Cincinnati Reds
Dugout: Dusty Baker, 3rd season with Cincinnati. Baker loves playing vets over rookies; this team is starting to accommodate that.
Analysis: Have the Baby Reds grown up? The Reds seem to have put a team together that is ready to contend for a postseason berth. The infield imported third baseman Scott Rolen to pair up with Joey Votto on the corners. Brandon Phillips, at 28, is a “seasoned veteran” that led the team with 98 RBI last year. Votto and Phillips are strong in the heart of the order as Votto can rake (25 home runs). Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto are young studs on the pitching staff. Aaron Harang struck out 142 last year and Bronson Arroyo won 15 games. Homer Bailey and Micah Owings add rotation depth, and the Reds also won the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes, signing the 21-year-old Cuban to a big deal.
Chicago Cubs
Dugout: Lou Piniella, 4th year with Chicago. If Piniella misses the playoffs yet again, expect Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg to get a shot at manager.
Analysis: Good thing the Cubs have Derrek Lee. The first baseman led the team in average, home runs, RBI, runs and OPS. Lee probably wishes he could get more help from expensive third baseman Aramis Ramirez and left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Right fielder Kosuke Fukudome is another money pit in the outfield that must step his game up or be replaced in the lineup. As far as the rotation goes, Carlos Zambrano has lights-out potential; he just needs to keep his emotions in check. Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster and newcomer Carlos Silva will help Randy Wells and Zambrano out. Carlos Marmol has dominating stuff and can backend a bullpen.
Milwaukee Brewers:
Dugout: Ken Macha, 2nd season with Milwaukee. Last year’s 80 wins were the fewest in Macha’s career. He gets to 500 career wins with 52 victories.
Analysis: The Brew Crew is yet another addition of Harvey’s Wallbangers, a collection of power hitters with some pitching thrown in for good measure. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun can both flat out yardsail and opposing pitchers would be wise to avoid both of these guys if possible. Alcides Escobar can play defense and the club is hoping his offense comes around soon. The pitching staff meanwhile is good enough to let the runs Fielder and Braun provide stand up. Yovani Gallardo is the future ace of the team, though last season he showed that the future may be now. Gallardo struck out 205 in over 185 innings of word while winning 13 games.
Houston Astros
Dugout: Brad Mills, 1st year with Houston. The rookie manager will have to find a way to move from the bottom half of the division into the top half.
Analysis: The Houston Astros are in a bit of an offensive bind after apparently letting the team’s best offensive player Miguel Tejada walk as a free agent this off-season. Lance Berkman remains and the team signed Pedro Feliz but the offense will feature little pop in 2010. Carlos Lee will be seeing a lot of walks this season with opposing pitchers looking to avoid the only threat Houston has. The pitching staff will have to make due with little run support, but does Wandy Rodriguez have another season in him like 2009? Can Roy Oswalt rediscover his filthy stuff? Can anyone step up as closer?
Pittsburgh Pirates
Dugout: John Russell, 3rd season in Pittsburgh. The Pirates haven’t had a winning season since 1992. Don’t expect Russell to turn it around.
Analysis: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Pirates actually a few good young pieces in place, though not enough to challenge for the playoffs. Just a few seasons after boasting Xavier Nady, Nate McLouth and Jason Bay in the outfield, the outfield once again appears to be crowded with good young players in Andrew McCutchen, Gorkys Hernandez, Jose Tabata and the yet-to-explode Lastings Milledge. McCutchen showed last season that he will be quite a player at the major league level and Hernandez came over in the McLouth trade and could slide over to right. The infield is a little less promising with only Steve Pearce and Andy LaRoche scaring anyone, and they hardly do that.
NL West
San Francisco Giants
Dugout: Bruce Bochy, 4th season with San Francisco. Bochy will pass 1200 career victories early in the season and could move to over .500 for his career with a good finish.
Analysis: Last season the Giants had the pitching to make a postseason play but the offense was lacking. The Giants brass remedied that need this off-season by signing Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff to team with Pablo Sandoval. Last season “Kung-Fu Panda,” stroked 25 home runs with a .330 average to lead the team in both categories. The pitching staff should love the new run support but it barely needed any. Tim Lincecum won another Cy Young award and Matt Cain showed that he might bring one home down the road. Barry Zito gives the Giants another former winner though he hasn’t been in that form since signing with the Giants. Brian Wilson was lights out in the closer role last season.
LA Dodgers
Dugout: Joe Torre, 3rd season with LA. The Dodgers have reached the postseason with Torre but haven’t had Yankee-like success. This might be Torre’s last try.
Analysis: The Dodgers youth movement from a few seasons ago has netted back-to-back trips to the postseason under Torre and this season the team will look to get back via the offense. Manny Ramirez will continue to crush in Dodger Stadium and he’ll get cover from Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and James Loney in the lineup. None of those three is over 27 and all have played well under Torre. Casey Blake and Rafael Furcal offer nice options in the infield. As far as the pitching goes, Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley have the stuff of No.1s but were outdone by Philly in the postseason last year.
Colorado Rockies
Dugout: Jim Tracy, 2nd season with Colorado. Tracy assumed the manager role midway through last season and took the Rockies to the playoffs.
Analysis: Once again the Rockies rallied after a slow start to make noise in the playoffs. Todd Helton is ageless and continues to hit as he seems revitalized with this crew. Troy Tulowitzki seems to have found his offense after an injury-filled sophomore slump in 2008 and is poised to improve on his high average and 32 home runs. The outfield is also full of young talent. The pitching staff may be the only thing holding Colorado back as pitchers never can count on being dominant in the thin air of Denver. Jeff Francis is recovering from an injury and Ubaldo Jimenez has highs and lows. This team always finds ways to win though. Don’t ever count them out.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Dugout: AJ Hinch, 2nd season with Arizona. Hinch took over last May and guided the team to just 70 wins. The D-Backs have too much talent to finish that low.
Analysis: Taking just a look at the roster and the numbers the offense put up last season, you’d never think that Arizona struggled to just 70 wins. The pitching staff is led by Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, both very capable pitchers that have Cy Young ability. Factor in new editions Ian Kennedy and all-star Edwin Jackson and the rotation could be just behind San Fran in the division. The offense is led by Mark Reynolds (44 home runs) and Justin Upton (.300 average, 86 RBI). Stephen Drew, Eric Byrnes and Connor Jackson also dot the lineup. A major win increase should take place but this talent was here last year too. What happened?
San Diego Padres
Dugout: Bud Black, 4th season in San Diego. The former pitching coach has back-to-back losing seasons on his resume. The talent isn’t there to break that string.
Analysis: The face of this team right now is a question mark. Adrian Gonzalez should be a player that this team pushes to the forefront however trade rumors follow him and his 40 home runs around every corner. Gonzalez managed to do well last season despite zero help from anyone else in the lineup. The pitching staff is even lacking with major league arms other than Chris Young. Kevin Correia led the team in victories last year with just 12 and posted a 3.91 ERA with 142 strikeouts. This team is one man and one man only yet by the time you read this, that man might already be in Boston or Atlanta or Chicago.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Just a taste of Around The Dial....
You are only getting a small taste of Around the Dial today on Sportsbyfletch. As Vince Vaughn might say, "just the tip," if you will. If you want the whole thing, stop by a metro-Atlanta QuikTrip, Kroger or Blockbuster and pick up a copy of Score Atlanta. Back page, BABY!
Enjoy!
....Finally, Baltimore was able to overcome three opponents last Sunday when knocking off New England. The Raves beat the Patriots, the cold conditions and apparently the officials. I’m not saying that there is NBA-like officiating going on in the NFL because the commissioner wants to protect the best teams in the biggest markets, but on that muffed punt in the second quarter? Come on. Even the CBS announcers talked about how the New England special teamer never had control of the ball when falling out of bounds, but after halftime, the controversy wasn’t discussed again. There is the unwritten rule where you don’t criticize the officials but that error was so egregious that it warranted another mention or two.
Enjoy!
....Finally, Baltimore was able to overcome three opponents last Sunday when knocking off New England. The Raves beat the Patriots, the cold conditions and apparently the officials. I’m not saying that there is NBA-like officiating going on in the NFL because the commissioner wants to protect the best teams in the biggest markets, but on that muffed punt in the second quarter? Come on. Even the CBS announcers talked about how the New England special teamer never had control of the ball when falling out of bounds, but after halftime, the controversy wasn’t discussed again. There is the unwritten rule where you don’t criticize the officials but that error was so egregious that it warranted another mention or two.
Hooters baseball preview Part One!
Sportsbyfletch was obviously cool enough to be asked to do the official MLB 2010 preview for its upcoming issue. Hey, we are global, what can we say?
Anyways, because we preview ALL of the teams, we decided to break it into two parts. We'll do the AL today and then move to the senior circuit tomorrow. Enjoy the American League look today!
If the 2000 decade was in fact Star Wars with Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York fighting for supreme baseball power, the New York Yankee Empire struck back with its 27th title in 2009. Those teams were also seemingly the only ones that went after the major stars all decade, with nearly every major free agent signing with one of those clubs. The Yankees won the 2000 title and the 2009 title and reached the World Series two other times. The Red Sox broke an 86 year championship drought then won another three seasons later. Philadelphia, Los Angeles/Anaheim and the Chicago White Sox claimed titles with the Cubs and the Mets both nearly claiming titles themselves. Some of the smaller teams were fun to watch too as they made postseason runs with the Marlins claiming a title, the A’s playing Moneyball and the Twins employing two MVPs.
In 2010, expect the small market teams to return to the forefront for a big-time battle with the larger markets this postseason. Player movement has made the big fish even bigger but several of the “small market” teams have the resources to make a serious run at a title. While Philadelphia traded one former Cy Young award winner (Cliff Lee) for another Cy Young award winner (Roy Halladay), the San Francisco Giants still boast a two-time winner themselves in Tim Lincecum and another potential winner in Matt Cain. Oh and Barry Zito once won one himself. The National League will be won by one of those two squads with the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets, despite the huge payrolls, watching the pennant play out with all of the other small market clubs.
In the American League, Boston reloaded to take another run at the Yankees but Seattle seemingly had the best off-season, picking up Cliff Lee. The Yankees picked up Javy Vazquez from Atlanta to fortify its already strong pitching staff and if the offense keeps raking, I’m not certain anyone can catch the Bombers. Out west, the Angels lost too much to continue its run of dominance, so Seattle should take the division and Boston will take the Wild Card. In the Central, expect reigning MVP Joe Mauer to continue to impressing the heck out of everyone and lead the Twins right to the World Series. Does Minnesota have enough to knock off Philadelphia? I doubt it. That’s why the Phillies take their second World Series title in three years.
In the American League…
AL East
New York Yankees
In the dugout: Joe Girardi, 3rd year with team. The Yankees skipper may not be as loved as Joe Torre, but he won a title in his second season.
Analysis: The Bombers are called that for a reason: Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira can crush with the best of them and the rest of the lineup isn’t too shabby itself. Derek Jeter always shows up when the game is on the line and Jorge Posada, whose numbers might be declining, can still call an impressive game. New addition Curtis Granderson improves the outfield defense and is a threat on the base paths. The pitching staff is the most impressive part of the team though as CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett are both joined by Javier Vazquez, Atlanta’s best pitcher last season. Oh, and Mariano Rivera is still closing games. If you didn’t know, he’s GOOD.
Boston Red Sox
In the dugout: Terry Francona, 7th year with team. After winning two World Series titles, this guy owns Boston.
Analysis: Red Sox Nation could not have been happy watching the hated rival Yankees celebrate yet another title last Fall. That is probably why GM Theo Epstein was all over the trade market and free agent market, attempting to get back to postseason play. Boston signed pitcher John Lackey from the Angels and plucked Adrian Beltre from Seattle, improving itself and weakening two Wild Card rivals. Victor Martinez returns to a DH role and will give Jason Varitek an occasional breather behind the plate and Kevin Youkilis a rest at first. And if something isn’t working come July, these guys have the ability to add payroll via a trade.
Tampa Bay Rays
In the dugout: Joe Maddon, 5th year with the team. Maddon is well respected around the league and the players seem to like him too.
Analysis: Tampa finished above .500 again last season for the second straight year but it was a big drop off from reaching the World Series. The pieces are still in place for a run towards the postseason…in any division except the AL East. Unless stud third baseman Evan Longoria can reach his potential now and Carl Crawford can steal 200 bases this season so that Carlos Pena can drive him in every time up to bat, this team won’t challenge the Yankees for the division. The pitching staff has two young guns headlining in James Shields and David Price, but those two aren’t quite at the level of Beckett and Lester/Lackey or Sabathia and Burnett/Vazquez/Pettitte.
Baltimore Orioles
In the dugout: Dave Trembley, 4th year with the team. Trembley had better hope the Baby Birds grow this season, otherwise he’s likely out.
Analysis: The Orioles roster is full of young talent but is this the year the team pulls a Tampa-2008? Adam Jones has gotten better each year with the Orioles since coming over from Seattle a few years ago. He and Nick Markakis form one of the best one-two outfield punches in the division. Behind the plate, Matt Wieters brings his array of skills that rival Atlanta’s Brian McCann and Minnesota’s Joe Mauer. Wieters, the former Baseball America minor league player of the year, made his debut last season and figures to only get better this year.
Toronto Blue Jays
In the dugout: Cito Gaston, 12th season with Toronto. Gaston, a two-time World Series champion, will oversee one of the worst seasons ever for the Jays.
Analysis: The Blue Jays didn’t give its fans much of a reason to go to games last season, except to see Roy Halladay. Well Halladay now pitches in Philadelphia so what will the draw be in Toronto this season, especially since Marco Scutaro also left for Boston? The team still has two home run bashers in Aaron Hill (36 HR in 2009) and Adam Lind (35 HR, 114 RBI). And several years ago the team brass gave Vernon Wells big money; perhaps he earns some of it this year, otherwise the Blue Jays may cut him free.
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Dugout: Ron Gardenhire, 12th year with Minnesota. Why does it take a while to come to Gardenhire’s name when naming the game’s best managers?
Analysis: Any discussion about the Twins must start with 2009 MVP Joe Mauer. The catcher-extraordinaire has the potential to crank 30 home runs and flirt with .400, all while calling one of the best games in baseball. This kid can do it all and was once recruited by Bobby Bowden to play QB for the Seminoles. The Paul to Mauer’s John has to be Justin Morneau, the 2006 MVP. Morneau has a pair of Silver Slugger awards on his resume and would be a superstar in a bigger market. While the starting pitching isn’t what it once was, the bullpen is headed up by closer Joe Nathan, one of the game’s best.
Chicago White Sox
Dugout: Ozzie Guillen, 7th year with Chicago. The combustible manager won a World Series title in 2004 but has fallen below .500 twice since then.
Analysis: The Chicago White Sox were aggressive this offseason in an attempt to get back over .500 and back into the playoffs. Several moves the team made last season were with 2010 in mind including the acquisition of starting pitcher Jake Peavy and outfielder Alex Rios. Peavy was hurt most of 2009 but should be fully healthy in 2010 and ready to contribute for Guillen. Add in Mr. Perfecto Mark Buehrle and the rotation seems strong enough to get to the bullpen one-two combo of JJ Putz and Bobby Jenks. Rookie of the year Gordon Beckham might be on the move on the infield and the outfield gets a new CF in Andruw Jones, who could also DH.
Detroit Tigers
Dugout: Jim Leyland, 5th year with Detroit. After a World Series appearance in his first year, Detroit has hovered around .500 since.
Analysis: Despite on of the biggest payrolls in baseball the last few seasons, the Tigers have missed the playoffs ever since going to the World Series. Last year the team began to get some big efforts from the talented yet enigmatic Miguel Cabrera, receiving 34 HR, 103 RBI with a .324 average. This season he will have a little less help however after the team traded Granderson. Carlos Guillen will have to return to his all-star form for the Tigers to really challenge in the division. The pitching staff will be built around youngsters Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer while Justin Verlander mentors both.
Cleveland Indians
Dugout: Manny Acta, 1st year with Cleveland. Acta spent three seasons on the Nationals pine, never winning more than 73 games. He will have about as much talent here as he did there.
Analysis: Cleveland is in a rebuilding phase right now, after reaching the playoffs just a few seasons ago. The last two years have found the team dealing a former Cy Young award winner in midseason, but don’t worry Cleveland fans: that won’t happen this year! Fans longing for the days of CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee will have to make due with Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook, more than just a small drop from Lee and Sabathia. The offense meanwhile is centered around the declining Travis Hafner and the plateaued Grady Sizemore. Shin-Soo Choo had a nice season last year and Matt LaPorta offers hope for the future…distant future.
Kansas City Royals
Dugout: Trey Hillman, 3rd season with Kansas City. The Royals won 75 games under Hillman in his first season, though that number dropped to just 65 last year. If it drops by 10 more in 2010, look for a new manager in 2011.
Analysis: Zack Greinke was 16-8 last season and led the league with a 2.16 ERA. And that’s about all that can be positively said about Kansas City last season. Seriously though, Greinke was tough to hit in 2009 and the 25-year-old’s win total keeps climbing. The rest of the rotation has pieces that just need to pitch their butts off for the Royals to sniff the playoffs. On offense, Jose Guillen and Jason Kendall make most of the money, but Billy Butler and Alberto Callaspo make the lineup flip over. Expect Scott Podsednik to make an impact on the base paths.
AL West
Seattle Mariners
Dugout: Don Wakamatsu, 2nd season with Seattle. In just his first season on the bench, Wakamatsu led the M’s to an 85-77 record. Now that his team is loaded, look out win total.
Analysis: How do you push Felix Hernandez to become even better after the King wins 19 games, strikes out 217 and posts a 2.49 ERA? Acquire for Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, Philly’s best pitcher in the postseason who’s in a contract year. Then have David Aardsma close out their games, like he did 38 times last year. Behind those two might be one of the better defensive outfields in baseball as Ichiro mans right field and Franklin Gutierrez patrols center. And the Ms will hit the ball too with Jack Wilson, Chone Figgins and Jose Lopez all calling Seattle home now. Seattle looks ready for a run.
LA Angels
Dugout: Mike Scioscia, 11th season with Los Angeles of Anaheim. Five division titles and a World Series title give Scioscia plenty of leash. Should the Angels win 100 games this year, Scioscia would have 1000 for his career.
Analysis: The Angels lost yet another big-time pitcher this off-season in John Lackey and yet everything seems fine in Disneyland. Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver return and Scott Kazmir will be counted on to pick up the slack in Lackey’s absence. The offense took a few huge hits as well as Chone Figgins went north to division-rival Seattle and Vlad Guerrero signed with Texas. Hideki Matsui was signed to DH and Kendry Morales will need to prove that his 2009 (34 HR) was no fluke. The Angles always seem to lose players (Teixeira, Lackey, K-Rod) yet they keep rolling. That doesn’t happen this year.
Oakland A’s
Dugout: Bob Geren, 4th season with Oakland. Geren’s win total has been 76, 75, and 75 with a shoestring budget. The skipper will reach 500 career wins with just 15 victories this year.
Analysis: Oakland once again was active in sending out “big” contracts and bringing in prospects under GM Billy Beane’s Moneyball philosophy. The starting rotation though doesn’t seem to have another Mulder/Hudson/Zito/Harden/Haren though on the current roster. Justin Duchscherer was resigned to a one-year deal to get things done in 2010 but the A’s are counting on younger arms in the pipeline to help make noise in 2011 or 2012. On offense, newcomer Coco Crisp and Jack Cust will find help scarcely available. Catcher Kurt Suzuki led the team in RBI last season and that happens again, Oakland may finish below Texas in a suddenly competitive AL West.
Texas Rangers
Dugout: Ron Washington, 4th season with Texas. After nearly being fired before last season, Washington had the Rangers competing well into the summer months. Washington is just 4 games under .500 for his career.
Analysis: The Texas Rangers franchise is on the road back to respectability and potentially the playoffs and the Atlanta Braves are to thank. Atlanta gave Texas six players in exchange for Mark Teixeira several seasons ago and the Rangers are starting to reap the benefits. Elvis Andrus has already established himself as one of the top defensive players in the AL and Neftali Feliz was nearly unhittable last season. The pitching staff will rely on newcomer Rich Harden to replace Kevin Millwood and hope Matt Harrison overcomes injury problems. If Josh Hamilton returns to 2008-form, the Rangers could contend well into the summer and maybe the fall.
Anyways, because we preview ALL of the teams, we decided to break it into two parts. We'll do the AL today and then move to the senior circuit tomorrow. Enjoy the American League look today!
If the 2000 decade was in fact Star Wars with Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York fighting for supreme baseball power, the New York Yankee Empire struck back with its 27th title in 2009. Those teams were also seemingly the only ones that went after the major stars all decade, with nearly every major free agent signing with one of those clubs. The Yankees won the 2000 title and the 2009 title and reached the World Series two other times. The Red Sox broke an 86 year championship drought then won another three seasons later. Philadelphia, Los Angeles/Anaheim and the Chicago White Sox claimed titles with the Cubs and the Mets both nearly claiming titles themselves. Some of the smaller teams were fun to watch too as they made postseason runs with the Marlins claiming a title, the A’s playing Moneyball and the Twins employing two MVPs.
In 2010, expect the small market teams to return to the forefront for a big-time battle with the larger markets this postseason. Player movement has made the big fish even bigger but several of the “small market” teams have the resources to make a serious run at a title. While Philadelphia traded one former Cy Young award winner (Cliff Lee) for another Cy Young award winner (Roy Halladay), the San Francisco Giants still boast a two-time winner themselves in Tim Lincecum and another potential winner in Matt Cain. Oh and Barry Zito once won one himself. The National League will be won by one of those two squads with the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets, despite the huge payrolls, watching the pennant play out with all of the other small market clubs.
In the American League, Boston reloaded to take another run at the Yankees but Seattle seemingly had the best off-season, picking up Cliff Lee. The Yankees picked up Javy Vazquez from Atlanta to fortify its already strong pitching staff and if the offense keeps raking, I’m not certain anyone can catch the Bombers. Out west, the Angels lost too much to continue its run of dominance, so Seattle should take the division and Boston will take the Wild Card. In the Central, expect reigning MVP Joe Mauer to continue to impressing the heck out of everyone and lead the Twins right to the World Series. Does Minnesota have enough to knock off Philadelphia? I doubt it. That’s why the Phillies take their second World Series title in three years.
In the American League…
AL East
New York Yankees
In the dugout: Joe Girardi, 3rd year with team. The Yankees skipper may not be as loved as Joe Torre, but he won a title in his second season.
Analysis: The Bombers are called that for a reason: Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira can crush with the best of them and the rest of the lineup isn’t too shabby itself. Derek Jeter always shows up when the game is on the line and Jorge Posada, whose numbers might be declining, can still call an impressive game. New addition Curtis Granderson improves the outfield defense and is a threat on the base paths. The pitching staff is the most impressive part of the team though as CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett are both joined by Javier Vazquez, Atlanta’s best pitcher last season. Oh, and Mariano Rivera is still closing games. If you didn’t know, he’s GOOD.
Boston Red Sox
In the dugout: Terry Francona, 7th year with team. After winning two World Series titles, this guy owns Boston.
Analysis: Red Sox Nation could not have been happy watching the hated rival Yankees celebrate yet another title last Fall. That is probably why GM Theo Epstein was all over the trade market and free agent market, attempting to get back to postseason play. Boston signed pitcher John Lackey from the Angels and plucked Adrian Beltre from Seattle, improving itself and weakening two Wild Card rivals. Victor Martinez returns to a DH role and will give Jason Varitek an occasional breather behind the plate and Kevin Youkilis a rest at first. And if something isn’t working come July, these guys have the ability to add payroll via a trade.
Tampa Bay Rays
In the dugout: Joe Maddon, 5th year with the team. Maddon is well respected around the league and the players seem to like him too.
Analysis: Tampa finished above .500 again last season for the second straight year but it was a big drop off from reaching the World Series. The pieces are still in place for a run towards the postseason…in any division except the AL East. Unless stud third baseman Evan Longoria can reach his potential now and Carl Crawford can steal 200 bases this season so that Carlos Pena can drive him in every time up to bat, this team won’t challenge the Yankees for the division. The pitching staff has two young guns headlining in James Shields and David Price, but those two aren’t quite at the level of Beckett and Lester/Lackey or Sabathia and Burnett/Vazquez/Pettitte.
Baltimore Orioles
In the dugout: Dave Trembley, 4th year with the team. Trembley had better hope the Baby Birds grow this season, otherwise he’s likely out.
Analysis: The Orioles roster is full of young talent but is this the year the team pulls a Tampa-2008? Adam Jones has gotten better each year with the Orioles since coming over from Seattle a few years ago. He and Nick Markakis form one of the best one-two outfield punches in the division. Behind the plate, Matt Wieters brings his array of skills that rival Atlanta’s Brian McCann and Minnesota’s Joe Mauer. Wieters, the former Baseball America minor league player of the year, made his debut last season and figures to only get better this year.
Toronto Blue Jays
In the dugout: Cito Gaston, 12th season with Toronto. Gaston, a two-time World Series champion, will oversee one of the worst seasons ever for the Jays.
Analysis: The Blue Jays didn’t give its fans much of a reason to go to games last season, except to see Roy Halladay. Well Halladay now pitches in Philadelphia so what will the draw be in Toronto this season, especially since Marco Scutaro also left for Boston? The team still has two home run bashers in Aaron Hill (36 HR in 2009) and Adam Lind (35 HR, 114 RBI). And several years ago the team brass gave Vernon Wells big money; perhaps he earns some of it this year, otherwise the Blue Jays may cut him free.
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Dugout: Ron Gardenhire, 12th year with Minnesota. Why does it take a while to come to Gardenhire’s name when naming the game’s best managers?
Analysis: Any discussion about the Twins must start with 2009 MVP Joe Mauer. The catcher-extraordinaire has the potential to crank 30 home runs and flirt with .400, all while calling one of the best games in baseball. This kid can do it all and was once recruited by Bobby Bowden to play QB for the Seminoles. The Paul to Mauer’s John has to be Justin Morneau, the 2006 MVP. Morneau has a pair of Silver Slugger awards on his resume and would be a superstar in a bigger market. While the starting pitching isn’t what it once was, the bullpen is headed up by closer Joe Nathan, one of the game’s best.
Chicago White Sox
Dugout: Ozzie Guillen, 7th year with Chicago. The combustible manager won a World Series title in 2004 but has fallen below .500 twice since then.
Analysis: The Chicago White Sox were aggressive this offseason in an attempt to get back over .500 and back into the playoffs. Several moves the team made last season were with 2010 in mind including the acquisition of starting pitcher Jake Peavy and outfielder Alex Rios. Peavy was hurt most of 2009 but should be fully healthy in 2010 and ready to contribute for Guillen. Add in Mr. Perfecto Mark Buehrle and the rotation seems strong enough to get to the bullpen one-two combo of JJ Putz and Bobby Jenks. Rookie of the year Gordon Beckham might be on the move on the infield and the outfield gets a new CF in Andruw Jones, who could also DH.
Detroit Tigers
Dugout: Jim Leyland, 5th year with Detroit. After a World Series appearance in his first year, Detroit has hovered around .500 since.
Analysis: Despite on of the biggest payrolls in baseball the last few seasons, the Tigers have missed the playoffs ever since going to the World Series. Last year the team began to get some big efforts from the talented yet enigmatic Miguel Cabrera, receiving 34 HR, 103 RBI with a .324 average. This season he will have a little less help however after the team traded Granderson. Carlos Guillen will have to return to his all-star form for the Tigers to really challenge in the division. The pitching staff will be built around youngsters Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer while Justin Verlander mentors both.
Cleveland Indians
Dugout: Manny Acta, 1st year with Cleveland. Acta spent three seasons on the Nationals pine, never winning more than 73 games. He will have about as much talent here as he did there.
Analysis: Cleveland is in a rebuilding phase right now, after reaching the playoffs just a few seasons ago. The last two years have found the team dealing a former Cy Young award winner in midseason, but don’t worry Cleveland fans: that won’t happen this year! Fans longing for the days of CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee will have to make due with Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook, more than just a small drop from Lee and Sabathia. The offense meanwhile is centered around the declining Travis Hafner and the plateaued Grady Sizemore. Shin-Soo Choo had a nice season last year and Matt LaPorta offers hope for the future…distant future.
Kansas City Royals
Dugout: Trey Hillman, 3rd season with Kansas City. The Royals won 75 games under Hillman in his first season, though that number dropped to just 65 last year. If it drops by 10 more in 2010, look for a new manager in 2011.
Analysis: Zack Greinke was 16-8 last season and led the league with a 2.16 ERA. And that’s about all that can be positively said about Kansas City last season. Seriously though, Greinke was tough to hit in 2009 and the 25-year-old’s win total keeps climbing. The rest of the rotation has pieces that just need to pitch their butts off for the Royals to sniff the playoffs. On offense, Jose Guillen and Jason Kendall make most of the money, but Billy Butler and Alberto Callaspo make the lineup flip over. Expect Scott Podsednik to make an impact on the base paths.
AL West
Seattle Mariners
Dugout: Don Wakamatsu, 2nd season with Seattle. In just his first season on the bench, Wakamatsu led the M’s to an 85-77 record. Now that his team is loaded, look out win total.
Analysis: How do you push Felix Hernandez to become even better after the King wins 19 games, strikes out 217 and posts a 2.49 ERA? Acquire for Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, Philly’s best pitcher in the postseason who’s in a contract year. Then have David Aardsma close out their games, like he did 38 times last year. Behind those two might be one of the better defensive outfields in baseball as Ichiro mans right field and Franklin Gutierrez patrols center. And the Ms will hit the ball too with Jack Wilson, Chone Figgins and Jose Lopez all calling Seattle home now. Seattle looks ready for a run.
LA Angels
Dugout: Mike Scioscia, 11th season with Los Angeles of Anaheim. Five division titles and a World Series title give Scioscia plenty of leash. Should the Angels win 100 games this year, Scioscia would have 1000 for his career.
Analysis: The Angels lost yet another big-time pitcher this off-season in John Lackey and yet everything seems fine in Disneyland. Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver return and Scott Kazmir will be counted on to pick up the slack in Lackey’s absence. The offense took a few huge hits as well as Chone Figgins went north to division-rival Seattle and Vlad Guerrero signed with Texas. Hideki Matsui was signed to DH and Kendry Morales will need to prove that his 2009 (34 HR) was no fluke. The Angles always seem to lose players (Teixeira, Lackey, K-Rod) yet they keep rolling. That doesn’t happen this year.
Oakland A’s
Dugout: Bob Geren, 4th season with Oakland. Geren’s win total has been 76, 75, and 75 with a shoestring budget. The skipper will reach 500 career wins with just 15 victories this year.
Analysis: Oakland once again was active in sending out “big” contracts and bringing in prospects under GM Billy Beane’s Moneyball philosophy. The starting rotation though doesn’t seem to have another Mulder/Hudson/Zito/Harden/Haren though on the current roster. Justin Duchscherer was resigned to a one-year deal to get things done in 2010 but the A’s are counting on younger arms in the pipeline to help make noise in 2011 or 2012. On offense, newcomer Coco Crisp and Jack Cust will find help scarcely available. Catcher Kurt Suzuki led the team in RBI last season and that happens again, Oakland may finish below Texas in a suddenly competitive AL West.
Texas Rangers
Dugout: Ron Washington, 4th season with Texas. After nearly being fired before last season, Washington had the Rangers competing well into the summer months. Washington is just 4 games under .500 for his career.
Analysis: The Texas Rangers franchise is on the road back to respectability and potentially the playoffs and the Atlanta Braves are to thank. Atlanta gave Texas six players in exchange for Mark Teixeira several seasons ago and the Rangers are starting to reap the benefits. Elvis Andrus has already established himself as one of the top defensive players in the AL and Neftali Feliz was nearly unhittable last season. The pitching staff will rely on newcomer Rich Harden to replace Kevin Millwood and hope Matt Harrison overcomes injury problems. If Josh Hamilton returns to 2008-form, the Rangers could contend well into the summer and maybe the fall.
I give you permission to punch me in the face...
....if I ever throw myself a party.
I guess I am lucky in the fact that I have a wonderful wife and awesome friends that get together to plan and throw me parties if I have big events happening in my life. I would never need to throw myself a party.
And on that end, I am also grateful for a party that my friends and family provide for me and I don't feel the need to throw one for myself. I have faith in my loved ones and they always come through. And that is plenty enough for me. And if for whatever reason a party wasn't thrown for me, that's fine too. I don't need one. Anytime everyone is together is party enough for me.
Listen, just like everyone else, I like to be the center of attention, but I like to come by that naturally and not where I am thrusting myself into a situation that dictates that I be praised because everyone came at my bidding. That just isn't me.
If I ever decide to say, "Friends, Family, Loved ones, whatever you were planning is NOT good enough. I'm going to do things myself!" and then create my own party complete with E-Vite and then send out reminders/additions on the e-vite everyday to the point where people just want the friggin' party to be overwith, I give you permission to punch me RIGHT in the face.
I guess I am lucky in the fact that I have a wonderful wife and awesome friends that get together to plan and throw me parties if I have big events happening in my life. I would never need to throw myself a party.
And on that end, I am also grateful for a party that my friends and family provide for me and I don't feel the need to throw one for myself. I have faith in my loved ones and they always come through. And that is plenty enough for me. And if for whatever reason a party wasn't thrown for me, that's fine too. I don't need one. Anytime everyone is together is party enough for me.
Listen, just like everyone else, I like to be the center of attention, but I like to come by that naturally and not where I am thrusting myself into a situation that dictates that I be praised because everyone came at my bidding. That just isn't me.
If I ever decide to say, "Friends, Family, Loved ones, whatever you were planning is NOT good enough. I'm going to do things myself!" and then create my own party complete with E-Vite and then send out reminders/additions on the e-vite everyday to the point where people just want the friggin' party to be overwith, I give you permission to punch me RIGHT in the face.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 1/13/10
Spiderman is repeating itself, Jay Leno's show sucks, NBC only NOW figured it out, Sarah Palin debuts on Fox and Simon decides he's had enough of Idol.
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
Clapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclap!
Tobey McGuire and Sam Remi are out of Spiderman4 and the franchise will apparently hit the restart button and go back to Peter Parker in high school. Look, maybe this isn't such a bad thing. Did anyone REALLY believe Tobey McGuire was a superhero? I say no. I believe he was a nerd ala Peter Parker, but he couldn't beat up any villains. I just never bought it. Kind of like how Michael Keaton was "Bruce Wayne" and "Batman." Sorry just not buying it. I believe Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, but Keaton? No. Perhaps they can even get Chris Nolan to do the Spiderman stuff like how he saved the Batman franchise. The reset button was pressed there, for the better. Hopefully the Spiderman franchise can be saved too...Though I don't know any of the villains of the spiderman comics like I did with Batman (for my thoughts on 28-year-olds reading comics, click on our archives to get my opinion), I'm sure a better director/writer and a better lead could really set Spiderman up for good things. Sam, Tobey, PEACE. If you really care about the character, you both should be happy.
Sarah Palin has dropped out of office as Alaska Governor and has written a book. Yep, TV was the next logical thing, though I'm not certain that this will help her if she REALLY DOES want to run for Prez in 2012. This is step two in a money grab though, after the book and next would be turning the book into a movie where she is an exec producer with Brian Glazer. Who knows, she may go on to a starring role on The View. It could happen. ya never know.
SO NBC has announced that Jay Leno's 10pm show is being scrapped after the Olympics and he'll maybe move back to 11:35 to 12:05, thus backing up Conan to 12:05 (JUST LIKE JIMMY K!) and thus backing up Fallon. CBS looks like the big winner here with Letterman and the awful Craig Ferguson...Expect FOX to make another run at Conan, who might actually go. I'd be kinda pissed with NBC and you KNOW Fox would promote the HECK out of you on NFL and MLB and everything else. Oh, but where will I watch reruns of News Radio and Elimidate if Conan moves to late night Fox Affiliates? Crud.
Finally, American Idol kicked off yet another season last night (I was doing basketball for gpb.org/basketball, so I missed it. darn) and it will be Simon's final season as a judge. All of what is airing now was taped before he announced that this is it. It will be interesting to see how everyone plays it as his last season. Will Seacrest mention it until the finale? Will they make a point to discuss it? Will everyone just ignore it? Hmmmmmmmmmm, only randy will remain as an original judge. But at least Ellen is on board now. Gawd, that should be AWFUL. And PS, I don't know why Fox shows all of these losers in the early episodes. I think America is getting sick of them. Show more good people PLEASE. Otherwise you have people like me that only start to watch once they get to Hollywood.
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week!
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
Clapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclap!
Tobey McGuire and Sam Remi are out of Spiderman4 and the franchise will apparently hit the restart button and go back to Peter Parker in high school. Look, maybe this isn't such a bad thing. Did anyone REALLY believe Tobey McGuire was a superhero? I say no. I believe he was a nerd ala Peter Parker, but he couldn't beat up any villains. I just never bought it. Kind of like how Michael Keaton was "Bruce Wayne" and "Batman." Sorry just not buying it. I believe Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, but Keaton? No. Perhaps they can even get Chris Nolan to do the Spiderman stuff like how he saved the Batman franchise. The reset button was pressed there, for the better. Hopefully the Spiderman franchise can be saved too...Though I don't know any of the villains of the spiderman comics like I did with Batman (for my thoughts on 28-year-olds reading comics, click on our archives to get my opinion), I'm sure a better director/writer and a better lead could really set Spiderman up for good things. Sam, Tobey, PEACE. If you really care about the character, you both should be happy.
Sarah Palin has dropped out of office as Alaska Governor and has written a book. Yep, TV was the next logical thing, though I'm not certain that this will help her if she REALLY DOES want to run for Prez in 2012. This is step two in a money grab though, after the book and next would be turning the book into a movie where she is an exec producer with Brian Glazer. Who knows, she may go on to a starring role on The View. It could happen. ya never know.
SO NBC has announced that Jay Leno's 10pm show is being scrapped after the Olympics and he'll maybe move back to 11:35 to 12:05, thus backing up Conan to 12:05 (JUST LIKE JIMMY K!) and thus backing up Fallon. CBS looks like the big winner here with Letterman and the awful Craig Ferguson...Expect FOX to make another run at Conan, who might actually go. I'd be kinda pissed with NBC and you KNOW Fox would promote the HECK out of you on NFL and MLB and everything else. Oh, but where will I watch reruns of News Radio and Elimidate if Conan moves to late night Fox Affiliates? Crud.
Finally, American Idol kicked off yet another season last night (I was doing basketball for gpb.org/basketball, so I missed it. darn) and it will be Simon's final season as a judge. All of what is airing now was taped before he announced that this is it. It will be interesting to see how everyone plays it as his last season. Will Seacrest mention it until the finale? Will they make a point to discuss it? Will everyone just ignore it? Hmmmmmmmmmm, only randy will remain as an original judge. But at least Ellen is on board now. Gawd, that should be AWFUL. And PS, I don't know why Fox shows all of these losers in the early episodes. I think America is getting sick of them. Show more good people PLEASE. Otherwise you have people like me that only start to watch once they get to Hollywood.
Thanks everybody. Have a great rest of the week!
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