I don't think there was a big surprise at the NFL draft over the weekend. I don't think I could have gone with Matthew Stafford number one, but the pick doesn't surprise anyone. And yes, the New York Jets traded up for the number five pick, but that wasn't a surprise either.
I think Mark Sanchez will be good for New York. Coming out of USC, he understands what pressure is and what it's like to have a very large city watching you play. That and his seemingly great presence will help him charm New York, if he can win.
I like what the Carolina Panthers did even though they didn't have a first round pick. When they saw a first round quality defensive end available at the 11th spot in the second round, they made a move to get him. This makes tons of sense with the Julius Peppers situation.
I was a little surprised to see Michael Crabtree fall to San Francisco at tenth. I do think it made their draft though. Now the quarterbacks there won't have the excuse of not having a viable wide receiver.
I think Al Davis needs to let someone else make the football decisions in Oakland, and this draft shows why once again. I think there were two better receivers on the board when he took Darrius Heyward-Bey, but Davis' love of speed won out again.
Philadelphia benefited the most from Al Davis' pick, winding up getting Jeremy Maclin with the 19th pick. If Maclin can learn the system quickly, it gives Donovan McNabb an elite wide receiver for the first time in years.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
LeBron, Cleveland survive Detroit's comeback bid
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 2-0 series lead last night by defeating the Detroit Pistons 94-82. The Cavs came out on fire and jumped to an early lead. Up by 27 at the end of the third quarter, it looked as if the starters were done for the night.
Detroit had other ideas. They came out shooting well and playing defense to start the fourth quarter and got the lead under 10. Mike Brown was forced to put his starters back in.
The Cavs starters seemed to have adopted the mindset they were done for the night, so it took them a while to get back into the flow of the game. Eventually they did, and they started to play the way they're supposed too.
James ended up with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. As always, he looked dominate and like he was having fun at the same time. This is one of the reasons I want to continue to see him walk all the way to the NBA Finals. I love watching him play.
Don't get me wrong, I love the NBA in general, but watching some of the things LeBron can do is simply amazing. Unlike some other NBA players, his first instinct doesn't seem to be to score, even though he can score at will. His first instinct is to get the ball to the player with the best chance of scoring on that possession. He's also smart enough to know who that is.
I look forward to seeing him for another decade, since he's only 24, but I want his championships to start collecting this year. I'd love to see him win as many as Bill Russell, but that's crazy talk.
Detroit had other ideas. They came out shooting well and playing defense to start the fourth quarter and got the lead under 10. Mike Brown was forced to put his starters back in.
The Cavs starters seemed to have adopted the mindset they were done for the night, so it took them a while to get back into the flow of the game. Eventually they did, and they started to play the way they're supposed too.
James ended up with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. As always, he looked dominate and like he was having fun at the same time. This is one of the reasons I want to continue to see him walk all the way to the NBA Finals. I love watching him play.
Don't get me wrong, I love the NBA in general, but watching some of the things LeBron can do is simply amazing. Unlike some other NBA players, his first instinct doesn't seem to be to score, even though he can score at will. His first instinct is to get the ball to the player with the best chance of scoring on that possession. He's also smart enough to know who that is.
I look forward to seeing him for another decade, since he's only 24, but I want his championships to start collecting this year. I'd love to see him win as many as Bill Russell, but that's crazy talk.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Spurs and Celtics even their series
The two surprises from the NBA Playoffs on Saturday were corrected last night. San Antonio and Boston won their games in totally different fashions.
San Antonio sent Dallas a message by responding to Saturday's loss with a 21 point win. They did it behind Tony Parker's 38 points, 21 in the first half. By the end of the game the Dallas bench was looking completely dejected, which isn't surprising.
It will be interesting to see how Dallas responds. They have the next two games in Dallas, which will help, but with all the playoff disappointment they've experienced over the last several years, will this mess with their head?
In Boston, it was a much closer game that came down to the wire. Chicago won a very close game on Saturday, and Boston did the same last night. Ray Allen hit the last shot and Boston held on as a half court heave fell short.
Ben Gordon had the best playoff game for a Bull since Michael Jordan retired, scoring 42 and hitting six threes. This probably would have worked out better for him and the Bulls if he could play defense like MJ too.
As it were, Ray Allen also went off in the 2nd half. He had 30 points and also hit six threes, including the game winner. The Celtics are extremely happy to get Allen on a hot shooting streak heading to Chicago, especially as they seem to get someone hurt every game.
San Antonio sent Dallas a message by responding to Saturday's loss with a 21 point win. They did it behind Tony Parker's 38 points, 21 in the first half. By the end of the game the Dallas bench was looking completely dejected, which isn't surprising.
It will be interesting to see how Dallas responds. They have the next two games in Dallas, which will help, but with all the playoff disappointment they've experienced over the last several years, will this mess with their head?
In Boston, it was a much closer game that came down to the wire. Chicago won a very close game on Saturday, and Boston did the same last night. Ray Allen hit the last shot and Boston held on as a half court heave fell short.
Ben Gordon had the best playoff game for a Bull since Michael Jordan retired, scoring 42 and hitting six threes. This probably would have worked out better for him and the Bulls if he could play defense like MJ too.
As it were, Ray Allen also went off in the 2nd half. He had 30 points and also hit six threes, including the game winner. The Celtics are extremely happy to get Allen on a hot shooting streak heading to Chicago, especially as they seem to get someone hurt every game.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
NBA PLayoffs 2009 Round 1
Cavs vs Detroit
The Cleveland Cavaliers rested it’s starting lineup Wednesday night after securing the best record in the NBA. The good news for Cleveland is that even with those guys out, they still pushed another playoff team into overtime before losing. That does not bode well for anyone else in the NBA.
The Detroit Pistons on the other hand, have limped into the playoffs. A month ago, they were thinking about being the sixth seed in the playoffs. Now they have lost their last three and six of nine. They are the eighth seed and looking over the hill.
The one thing Detroit has is experience. I think that will get them a win in the series, but not more than that. Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace are playing again after missing time with injuries, and that will help, but it won’t be enough.
The season series was won by Cleveland three games to one, with Detroit’s lone win coming in November at Detroit. Even with the odds against them, don’t expect Detroit to role over and play dead. Tayshaun Prince, Wallace, and Hamilton all have a championship ring and are more than eager to show that shutting down Allen Iverson was good for the team.
Cleveland will just be too much for Detroit to handle though. LeBron James is a man on a mission. He only wants one thing now, a championship. He’s having the time of his life, but only for one end. He will face a lot of good defense coming from the Pistons, but this year he has good teammates to help him.
Mo Williams is new to Cleveland this year, and made his first all-star team. Zydrunas Ilgauskas played more games this year than he normally does, and he’s healthy. Anderson Varejao has made great strides this year too, showing a lot in the 42 games he started.
The one question mark for Cleveland going into the playoffs is Ben Wallace. He strained his knee after sitting out a couple of months with a broken leg.
So my prediction? Cavs win the series, four games to one.
The Cleveland Cavaliers rested it’s starting lineup Wednesday night after securing the best record in the NBA. The good news for Cleveland is that even with those guys out, they still pushed another playoff team into overtime before losing. That does not bode well for anyone else in the NBA.
The Detroit Pistons on the other hand, have limped into the playoffs. A month ago, they were thinking about being the sixth seed in the playoffs. Now they have lost their last three and six of nine. They are the eighth seed and looking over the hill.
The one thing Detroit has is experience. I think that will get them a win in the series, but not more than that. Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace are playing again after missing time with injuries, and that will help, but it won’t be enough.
The season series was won by Cleveland three games to one, with Detroit’s lone win coming in November at Detroit. Even with the odds against them, don’t expect Detroit to role over and play dead. Tayshaun Prince, Wallace, and Hamilton all have a championship ring and are more than eager to show that shutting down Allen Iverson was good for the team.
Cleveland will just be too much for Detroit to handle though. LeBron James is a man on a mission. He only wants one thing now, a championship. He’s having the time of his life, but only for one end. He will face a lot of good defense coming from the Pistons, but this year he has good teammates to help him.
Mo Williams is new to Cleveland this year, and made his first all-star team. Zydrunas Ilgauskas played more games this year than he normally does, and he’s healthy. Anderson Varejao has made great strides this year too, showing a lot in the 42 games he started.
The one question mark for Cleveland going into the playoffs is Ben Wallace. He strained his knee after sitting out a couple of months with a broken leg.
So my prediction? Cavs win the series, four games to one.
Friday, April 17, 2009
NBA PLayoffs 2009
The NBA Playoffs begin tomorrow. I love this time of year. My love of basketball has been waiting for this since the NCAA Champion was crowned a few weeks ago.
There should be some good games to watch this year. In the Western Conference, the only matchup that should be heavily favored to one team is the one vs. eight, Lakers vs Jazz. I think the other three matchups could be one by either team.
In the East, I expect the top three seeds to advance, but with Kevin Garnett out for Boston, that's a little less assured than I originally would have thought. The Miami vs Atlanta series should be good, if for no other reason than just to watch Dwayne Wade.
I can't imagine anyone beating Cleveland in a seven game series before the NBA Finals, especially with them having home court advantage. They have enough of a supporting cast now, that if Lebron is having a slightly off shooting night, he can rack up the assists until he finds his rhythm.
I feel the same way about the Lakers. They have proven they can win against good teams when Kobe doesn't score a ton of points. Pau Gasol was a great addition to the team. They have some good players coming off the bench in Jordan Farmar, Sasha Pavlovic, and Lamar Odom when Bynum is healthy.
So that means I think the top seeds from each conference will be in the Finals. That's a little more likely that when picking NCAA teams, mainly it's because of the seven game series instead of the one and done.
And the NBA champions? I think that's the Cleveland Cavaliers. The home court advantage will be big in this one, and I think that's what it will come down to. The Lakers do have more playoff experience, but I don't think that will win it for them. I expect Lebron and company to win in six.
There should be some good games to watch this year. In the Western Conference, the only matchup that should be heavily favored to one team is the one vs. eight, Lakers vs Jazz. I think the other three matchups could be one by either team.
In the East, I expect the top three seeds to advance, but with Kevin Garnett out for Boston, that's a little less assured than I originally would have thought. The Miami vs Atlanta series should be good, if for no other reason than just to watch Dwayne Wade.
I can't imagine anyone beating Cleveland in a seven game series before the NBA Finals, especially with them having home court advantage. They have enough of a supporting cast now, that if Lebron is having a slightly off shooting night, he can rack up the assists until he finds his rhythm.
I feel the same way about the Lakers. They have proven they can win against good teams when Kobe doesn't score a ton of points. Pau Gasol was a great addition to the team. They have some good players coming off the bench in Jordan Farmar, Sasha Pavlovic, and Lamar Odom when Bynum is healthy.
So that means I think the top seeds from each conference will be in the Finals. That's a little more likely that when picking NCAA teams, mainly it's because of the seven game series instead of the one and done.
And the NBA champions? I think that's the Cleveland Cavaliers. The home court advantage will be big in this one, and I think that's what it will come down to. The Lakers do have more playoff experience, but I don't think that will win it for them. I expect Lebron and company to win in six.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sports Legend John Madden Retires
John Madden retired from the broadcast booth today. He has been broadcasting football games for 30 years, and before that he was the Oakland Raiders coach for 10, winning one SuperBowl with them.
John Madden will always be a part of my childhood. I heard him announce games almost every week, and I owned about 80 percent of the Madden video games over the last 20 years.
I will always remember that he toured the country in a bus because he was afraid of flying. And that he had turkey with eight legs created for the annual Thanksgiving Day turkey leg awards at whatever game he was working, usually a Cowboys game.
Of course, none of this has spoken to his knowledge of the game. He is a fantastic football mind. He always had some Yogi Berra type sayings to throw into a broadcast, but you never doubted he knew the game, even if you didn't agree with what he was saying.
As a big sports video game player, his games were an annual staple for me. I can't tell you how many seasons I've played over the last 20 years, I probably don't want to know. In many ways, those video games helped me learn and understand the game of football.
What I missed of Madden was his coaching career. He coached very young, won a lot and then left. Not many people do that now, so it's hard to believe. But, he has a very high winning percentage.
But most of all, I will remember John Madden as someone who was passionate about the game. He sometimes seemed as if he would burst because of joy watching a game. He loved a great block or hard hit more than a long pass.
We will miss you every week John, thank you for everything.
John Madden will always be a part of my childhood. I heard him announce games almost every week, and I owned about 80 percent of the Madden video games over the last 20 years.
I will always remember that he toured the country in a bus because he was afraid of flying. And that he had turkey with eight legs created for the annual Thanksgiving Day turkey leg awards at whatever game he was working, usually a Cowboys game.
Of course, none of this has spoken to his knowledge of the game. He is a fantastic football mind. He always had some Yogi Berra type sayings to throw into a broadcast, but you never doubted he knew the game, even if you didn't agree with what he was saying.
As a big sports video game player, his games were an annual staple for me. I can't tell you how many seasons I've played over the last 20 years, I probably don't want to know. In many ways, those video games helped me learn and understand the game of football.
What I missed of Madden was his coaching career. He coached very young, won a lot and then left. Not many people do that now, so it's hard to believe. But, he has a very high winning percentage.
But most of all, I will remember John Madden as someone who was passionate about the game. He sometimes seemed as if he would burst because of joy watching a game. He loved a great block or hard hit more than a long pass.
We will miss you every week John, thank you for everything.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
NFL Schedule Release
Last night the NFL released the schedule for the coming season. As a Panthers fan, all I have to say is- WHAT?! OK, I know that the best teams get the toughest schedules, but the Panthers did not have the best record last year, and yet their schedule looks impossible.
First of all, they start the year against the Eagles,at the Falcons, and at the Cowboys. That could be three losses to start the season, easily.
Second, they four AFC teams they play against are Buffalo in week 7, Miami in week 11, at New York in week 12, and at New England in week 14. Buffalo is an unknown with TO joining the team, but the other three are playoff contenders and two are considerations for the Super Bowl.
Third, their easiest teams they play at home. They have a lot of tough road games; Dallas, Arizona, NY Jets, NY Giants, New England.
With the NFC South always seeming to be the most wide open in football, this schedule could sink the Panthers. When you add the lack of fan support for Jake Delhomme, the fans could sour quickly if the Panthers start slowly. The Panthers have to play well at home again this year to have a good season.
GO PANTHERS!
First of all, they start the year against the Eagles,at the Falcons, and at the Cowboys. That could be three losses to start the season, easily.
Second, they four AFC teams they play against are Buffalo in week 7, Miami in week 11, at New York in week 12, and at New England in week 14. Buffalo is an unknown with TO joining the team, but the other three are playoff contenders and two are considerations for the Super Bowl.
Third, their easiest teams they play at home. They have a lot of tough road games; Dallas, Arizona, NY Jets, NY Giants, New England.
With the NFC South always seeming to be the most wide open in football, this schedule could sink the Panthers. When you add the lack of fan support for Jake Delhomme, the fans could sour quickly if the Panthers start slowly. The Panthers have to play well at home again this year to have a good season.
GO PANTHERS!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wade Goes Off
Yet another MVP candidate used the New York Knicks to have a huge game. Kobe and Lebron had huge nights earlier in the year, and last night was Wade's turn, as he scored 55 points.
In addition to his career high 55 points, Wade also had nine rebounds. The difference between this game and the other two MVP's is that this one was at home for Wade, while Kobe and Lebron did it in NY.
So how does this shape the MVP race? I don't think it does. NY isn't a defensive team and all these guys had comparable games versus the same team. This team is a Mike D'Antonio team, meaning they don't play defense and they and their opponents score a lot of points.
So with a couple of games left to play, my choice for MVP hasn't changed, it's Lebron James. I think he has been the MVP all year, doing more than any other player. It's a tough year to pick, but that's my choice.
In addition to his career high 55 points, Wade also had nine rebounds. The difference between this game and the other two MVP's is that this one was at home for Wade, while Kobe and Lebron did it in NY.
So how does this shape the MVP race? I don't think it does. NY isn't a defensive team and all these guys had comparable games versus the same team. This team is a Mike D'Antonio team, meaning they don't play defense and they and their opponents score a lot of points.
So with a couple of games left to play, my choice for MVP hasn't changed, it's Lebron James. I think he has been the MVP all year, doing more than any other player. It's a tough year to pick, but that's my choice.
Friday, April 10, 2009
To Stay or not to Stay
With the college basketball national champions declared a few days ago, it's time for underclassmen to decide if they want to continue playing in college or try the pros. There are plenty of reasons to stay, and millions of reasons to go.
There are a number of players that have already declared for the draft, and I'd be amazed if the coming weeks didn't involve several more declaring. Since the draft will be an increasingly popular topic over the next few weeks and months, I think it's time to tell you what I think of the players that have declared for the draft and those that stayed all four years.
My top 5:
1)Ricky Rubio, PG Spain- Talented point guard that gave the US team a lot of problems in the Olympics. He's also been a star on the best European teams. Has good size for a PG- 6'4
2)Blake Griffin, PF Oklahoma University- He's a young, athletic talent who can explode off the floor. The knock is that he needs to develop a jump shot. He seems to be strong enough already to bang inside with the big guys. Also has a great attitude.
3)Hasheem Thabeet, C University of Connecticut- He may go earlier, because he's 7'3. Has progressed tremendously in his three years in college and the pros will be expecting that progression in the future. Already good on defense, he'll need to improve his offense.
4)James Harden, SG Arizona State- His stock dropped some towards the end of the year, but he's great at getting the ball in the whole.
5)Jordan Hill, PF Arizona- A good rebounder whose offense improved this year. He needs to add strength, but I think he'll be a project for someone.
This list will most likely change as more people declare. I think Tyler Hansborough will be a top 25 pick, but his skill set isn't tailored to the NBA.
There are a number of players that have already declared for the draft, and I'd be amazed if the coming weeks didn't involve several more declaring. Since the draft will be an increasingly popular topic over the next few weeks and months, I think it's time to tell you what I think of the players that have declared for the draft and those that stayed all four years.
My top 5:
1)Ricky Rubio, PG Spain- Talented point guard that gave the US team a lot of problems in the Olympics. He's also been a star on the best European teams. Has good size for a PG- 6'4
2)Blake Griffin, PF Oklahoma University- He's a young, athletic talent who can explode off the floor. The knock is that he needs to develop a jump shot. He seems to be strong enough already to bang inside with the big guys. Also has a great attitude.
3)Hasheem Thabeet, C University of Connecticut- He may go earlier, because he's 7'3. Has progressed tremendously in his three years in college and the pros will be expecting that progression in the future. Already good on defense, he'll need to improve his offense.
4)James Harden, SG Arizona State- His stock dropped some towards the end of the year, but he's great at getting the ball in the whole.
5)Jordan Hill, PF Arizona- A good rebounder whose offense improved this year. He needs to add strength, but I think he'll be a project for someone.
This list will most likely change as more people declare. I think Tyler Hansborough will be a top 25 pick, but his skill set isn't tailored to the NBA.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A black cloud over the season
The baseball season has a few games under it's belt. Some pretty exciting things have happened already, the Braves hit eight homers in three games, the Yankees are 0-2, but today the season turned sad.
Nick Adenhart, 22 and a rookie Angels pitcher, died in a car accident early this morning. Two others also died in the accident. The first thing that comes to mind was Bobby Phills, a Hornets basketball player that died racing his car after practice one day, but this wasn't his fault, a minivan ran a red light and hit his car into a power pole.
The season will never be the same in the Angels clubhouse, or throughout major league baseball. It will be a sobering thought that it could happen to anyone at anytime. I expect and hope that the Angels will now dedicate the season to him.
Adenhart had the start Wednesday night, and had pitched well. Hopefully this means he was happy just before he died.
Let us all stop to appreciate the sanctity of life, and to miss a young professional who will miss most of his life through no fault of his own. We're sorry to see you go, but we all hope you are in a better place.
Nick Adenhart, 22 and a rookie Angels pitcher, died in a car accident early this morning. Two others also died in the accident. The first thing that comes to mind was Bobby Phills, a Hornets basketball player that died racing his car after practice one day, but this wasn't his fault, a minivan ran a red light and hit his car into a power pole.
The season will never be the same in the Angels clubhouse, or throughout major league baseball. It will be a sobering thought that it could happen to anyone at anytime. I expect and hope that the Angels will now dedicate the season to him.
Adenhart had the start Wednesday night, and had pitched well. Hopefully this means he was happy just before he died.
Let us all stop to appreciate the sanctity of life, and to miss a young professional who will miss most of his life through no fault of his own. We're sorry to see you go, but we all hope you are in a better place.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Master's to remember
What a week in sports. Monday was opening day in baseball and the national title game. Tomorrow is the first round of the Master's golf tournament.
The Master's should be great this year, if the weather improves. Tiger is back full force after eight months away from the game, so he will be the lead story all week, unless of course he has an awful two or three days.
There are more interesting stories to keep you going, if you get burnt out on Tiger. Rory McIlroy is a 19 year old from Ireland that has been playing lights out golf and is playing in his first Master's event. I've seen him play twice and I really like his style and his charisma. I don't expect him to win, but I won't be surprised if he's in the top 10 on Sunday.
There's also Phil Mickelson. He has two Green Jackets already and is probably considered Tiger's strongest competitor. Sergio Garcia is still looking to live up to his potential, in the eyes of most people in the sport. Which is kind of funny, since he almost unseated Tiger as the number one player in the world a few weeks ago.
Today is the traditional par-3 golf tournament at Augusta before the real thing starts tomorrow. No one really wants to win today, because the Par-3 winner has never won the main event, but it's a great thing to see.
I always reminisce on Par-3 day. Nine years ago, my dad and I were lucky enough to be in Augusta on Wednesday for the practice round and Par-3. I got to see (and take good pictures of) Jack, Arnold, Tiger, Vijay and a host of others.
The par-3 is more about family and fun than about fierce competition. Frequently you'll see kids carrying their dad's bags. One of my clearest memories from that day is watching Vijay Singh let his son putt and then when it wasn't quite hard enough to get over the ridge in the green, he got down ground level and starting blowing the ball until it rolled down the crest.
So get ready for some good golf and southern tradition. What a great week for sports!
The Master's should be great this year, if the weather improves. Tiger is back full force after eight months away from the game, so he will be the lead story all week, unless of course he has an awful two or three days.
There are more interesting stories to keep you going, if you get burnt out on Tiger. Rory McIlroy is a 19 year old from Ireland that has been playing lights out golf and is playing in his first Master's event. I've seen him play twice and I really like his style and his charisma. I don't expect him to win, but I won't be surprised if he's in the top 10 on Sunday.
There's also Phil Mickelson. He has two Green Jackets already and is probably considered Tiger's strongest competitor. Sergio Garcia is still looking to live up to his potential, in the eyes of most people in the sport. Which is kind of funny, since he almost unseated Tiger as the number one player in the world a few weeks ago.
Today is the traditional par-3 golf tournament at Augusta before the real thing starts tomorrow. No one really wants to win today, because the Par-3 winner has never won the main event, but it's a great thing to see.
I always reminisce on Par-3 day. Nine years ago, my dad and I were lucky enough to be in Augusta on Wednesday for the practice round and Par-3. I got to see (and take good pictures of) Jack, Arnold, Tiger, Vijay and a host of others.
The par-3 is more about family and fun than about fierce competition. Frequently you'll see kids carrying their dad's bags. One of my clearest memories from that day is watching Vijay Singh let his son putt and then when it wasn't quite hard enough to get over the ridge in the green, he got down ground level and starting blowing the ball until it rolled down the crest.
So get ready for some good golf and southern tradition. What a great week for sports!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Opening Day
Today is one of the annual days where people all over the country call in sick to work, a day when parents keep their kids home from school. Today is the beginning of summer. Today is opening day.
Today is a day when adults get to be kids again. Today is a day when parents teach their children the rules of the game, a day when kids learn about teamwork. Today is a day when kids put on there newly broken in glove for the first time.
Baseball is the national pastime. It connects generation to generation, because it’s everywhere. If you don’t have a major league team close to you, you have a minor league team nearby. It is time to reminisce about days gone by and celebrate those ahead.
It doesn’t matter what team you root for, today every team is tied and anyone can win the championship. Every team will play 162 games in the next 182 days. In the next three months fans will be overcome with joy, overwhelmed with heartache and they will show up every day to pull for their team.
From Seattle to Miami and San Diego to Boston, in small towns and big cities, today starts with a new hope. It is a time for cheering, and time to come together with old friends. Sit in the stands today with family, friends and the ghosts of days gone by.
Get out the peanuts and cracker jacks, it’s time to watch the boys of summer. Today is opening day.
Today is a day when adults get to be kids again. Today is a day when parents teach their children the rules of the game, a day when kids learn about teamwork. Today is a day when kids put on there newly broken in glove for the first time.
Baseball is the national pastime. It connects generation to generation, because it’s everywhere. If you don’t have a major league team close to you, you have a minor league team nearby. It is time to reminisce about days gone by and celebrate those ahead.
It doesn’t matter what team you root for, today every team is tied and anyone can win the championship. Every team will play 162 games in the next 182 days. In the next three months fans will be overcome with joy, overwhelmed with heartache and they will show up every day to pull for their team.
From Seattle to Miami and San Diego to Boston, in small towns and big cities, today starts with a new hope. It is a time for cheering, and time to come together with old friends. Sit in the stands today with family, friends and the ghosts of days gone by.
Get out the peanuts and cracker jacks, it’s time to watch the boys of summer. Today is opening day.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
NCAA tourney
There was one great game yesterday and one good game. Michigan State against UConn was a great game that was anybody's game until there was 30 seconds left. Carolina- Villanova was a good game, but you knew for a while Carolina was going to win.
Uconn gave away a chance to play for the national title by not hitting free throws. They shot 63 percent from the line. With there play down low and the amount of fouls they were drawing, they probably should have won by ten. The Michigan State guards kept them in it long enough to overcome the foul issues. I actually thought the officials were giving UConn the game. It seemed like they were getting every little call while Michigan State wasn't getting any in the first half. Seven of the first eight fouls were against Michigan State. Luckily for them they play ten guys and the fouls were spread out.
Carolina overcame a slow start to dominate for most of their game. There were about three minutes in the first half and a couple in the second where Carolina let Villanova back in the game, but they didn't let those mini runs phase them.
I'm a little disappointed not to see Hasheem Thabeet go against Tyler Hansborough. But I think Monday night holds a great matchup. Suton is a good big man that has shooting range, so Hansborough will have to play away from the basket some. I also think Ty Lawson will have his hands full with the Michigan State guards.
I think Carolina holds the edge so far. They seem like they can run with Michigan State, but they've also been shooting lights out all tournament. Unless Michigan State can change that, I don't think they can win. They need to gets lots of turnovers and transition baskets to win.
Uconn gave away a chance to play for the national title by not hitting free throws. They shot 63 percent from the line. With there play down low and the amount of fouls they were drawing, they probably should have won by ten. The Michigan State guards kept them in it long enough to overcome the foul issues. I actually thought the officials were giving UConn the game. It seemed like they were getting every little call while Michigan State wasn't getting any in the first half. Seven of the first eight fouls were against Michigan State. Luckily for them they play ten guys and the fouls were spread out.
Carolina overcame a slow start to dominate for most of their game. There were about three minutes in the first half and a couple in the second where Carolina let Villanova back in the game, but they didn't let those mini runs phase them.
I'm a little disappointed not to see Hasheem Thabeet go against Tyler Hansborough. But I think Monday night holds a great matchup. Suton is a good big man that has shooting range, so Hansborough will have to play away from the basket some. I also think Ty Lawson will have his hands full with the Michigan State guards.
I think Carolina holds the edge so far. They seem like they can run with Michigan State, but they've also been shooting lights out all tournament. Unless Michigan State can change that, I don't think they can win. They need to gets lots of turnovers and transition baskets to win.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Michael Vick
Michael Vick was in court in civilian clothes yesterday and it looks like he'll be out of jail by the summer. It's also been reported he's reached an agreement with the Falcons that will allow him to be released. All this paves the way for some NFL team to take a chance on signing him.
After he gets out of jail, I think there are two major obstacles standing between him and playing. First the commissioner has to reinstate him. This basically means Vick needs to go say he's sorry, he knows how wrong he was, and that he has learned from his time in jail and will stay out of trouble for the rest of his career.
The other big obstacle is going to be finding a team that doesn't mind a little negative publicity, because I'm sure PETA is going to be at the stadium gates the day after Vick is signed.
I'm sure after some time away from the game there is going to be some rust, but, if his head is on straight, I still think he has some things to offer a team. Although I don't think he will get the ten million a year that he reportedly is expecting.
I am an animal lover and I think bank rolling a dog fighting ring is atrocious, but I also think he has done his jail time, lost everything he owned through bankruptcy and deserves a chance to work again. If he shows any signs of not having learned from his mistake, that needs to be addressed. Maybe the commissioner should require a psych evaluation before he reinstates him, just to make it look even better to the public, but I think he should be reinstated and that he will get a chance to play....but I don't want him on my team.
What do you think of Vick?
After he gets out of jail, I think there are two major obstacles standing between him and playing. First the commissioner has to reinstate him. This basically means Vick needs to go say he's sorry, he knows how wrong he was, and that he has learned from his time in jail and will stay out of trouble for the rest of his career.
The other big obstacle is going to be finding a team that doesn't mind a little negative publicity, because I'm sure PETA is going to be at the stadium gates the day after Vick is signed.
I'm sure after some time away from the game there is going to be some rust, but, if his head is on straight, I still think he has some things to offer a team. Although I don't think he will get the ten million a year that he reportedly is expecting.
I am an animal lover and I think bank rolling a dog fighting ring is atrocious, but I also think he has done his jail time, lost everything he owned through bankruptcy and deserves a chance to work again. If he shows any signs of not having learned from his mistake, that needs to be addressed. Maybe the commissioner should require a psych evaluation before he reinstates him, just to make it look even better to the public, but I think he should be reinstated and that he will get a chance to play....but I don't want him on my team.
What do you think of Vick?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Jay Cutler and the Broncos
Ok, again I'm going to take a personal moment, this time to curse the Bobcats. They blew a 9 point lead in the final 2 minutes of their game last night. It would have had them beating the Lakers one night and the Celtics the next. So irritating.
OK, onto the rest of the blog. Yesterday, the Denver Broncos said they were giving into the trade demands of Jay Cutler. This has been building for a few weeks now, and I'm not surprised by this. For those of you that may not know, Cutler got offended when he was involved in trade rumors with New England. To Jay, this is pro sports, you can't get offended about trade rumors. No one in pro sports is untradeable, if the right offer is on the table. If the Lakers were offering Kobe and Pau for Lebron, the Cavs would consider it. If you get traded and you feel like you are traded for a player that has less value than you, then you can get a little offended, but you have to understand the business of sports. These things will happen. If you don't get used to them, you will be upset every couple years and have a bad reputation in the league and in the public eye. I blame you for this whole mess. I think Denver has to trade you, because they don't need a disturbing presence in their locker room, especially with a new coach. I hope you can adjust to wherever you go and end up having a good career, but you need to grow up a bit.
Your turn! What do you think of Jay Cutler, the Broncos and the whole situation?
OK, onto the rest of the blog. Yesterday, the Denver Broncos said they were giving into the trade demands of Jay Cutler. This has been building for a few weeks now, and I'm not surprised by this. For those of you that may not know, Cutler got offended when he was involved in trade rumors with New England. To Jay, this is pro sports, you can't get offended about trade rumors. No one in pro sports is untradeable, if the right offer is on the table. If the Lakers were offering Kobe and Pau for Lebron, the Cavs would consider it. If you get traded and you feel like you are traded for a player that has less value than you, then you can get a little offended, but you have to understand the business of sports. These things will happen. If you don't get used to them, you will be upset every couple years and have a bad reputation in the league and in the public eye. I blame you for this whole mess. I think Denver has to trade you, because they don't need a disturbing presence in their locker room, especially with a new coach. I hope you can adjust to wherever you go and end up having a good career, but you need to grow up a bit.
Your turn! What do you think of Jay Cutler, the Broncos and the whole situation?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Coaching Changes
Someone asked me my opinion on Calipari changing jobs, so I thought I'd make today's blog about recent college coaching changes and rumors, but first, I have to talk about one of my teams. Last night was one of four times this season I got to see the Bobcats play, because I live in LA and the Bobcats get zero national games. I'm happy to say that I got to see the Bobcats sweep the Lakers this season. I'm not sure why they have the Lakers number, but they've won 6 of 7 against them over the past 4 seasons. I'm not crazy enough to think they would win a 7 game series against them, but it's still exciting to see. The win also put them in control of their playoff destiny. They are tied with Chicago in the loss column and hold the tie break against them and play them one more time. They play 6 of their last 8 on the road, so it won't be easy, but I'm hoping!
OK, on to the coaching changes. I'm going to start with the smallest to keep you all reading. Tony Bennett left Washington State on Monday to become the head coach at Virginia. I have a couple of worries about this. First, Bennett is still relatively young for a coach. Second, I don't think he can possibly understand the pressure and basketball climate of an acc school. He went to a small school, Green Bay, WI if I remember correctly. He did play some pro ball in Charlotte and was a decent back up, so he might understand a little bit of the culture. You can ask Herb Sendek what happens to coaches in the ACC that before just better than average. One thing that might help Bennett is that UVA is about even on the football basketball scale, not like Duke, Carolina or Kentucky where it is all about Bball.
I was going to talk about Anderson in Missouri next, but I just learned he's not going anywhere and his salary is getting doubled to stay, so I'll move on to the big coaching move, Calipari has left Memphis to go to Kentucky. I'm sure some Memphis fans are upset and think the school could have done more to keep him, but I'm not sure if doubling what UK is paying him would have made him stay. UK is one of the top 5, maybe 10, historical basketball programs in the country. Calipari will finally stop being asked questions about being the dominate team in a weak conference, recruiting won't be an issue, he'll have all the boosters he wants, and as a bonus gets Rick Pitino as a rival. I've heard several times that Calipari has wanted to be Pitino for years, and this is his chance. He takes over his old job and gets him as an in-state rival. For those UK fans that are expecting the final four next year, stop now. I'm sure Calipari will have you winning, but he'll be coaching guys he didn't recruit and he won't have any veteran players that are used to his style and can help teach the freshman what coach means when he's yelling "you got man up" or whatever he yells at them. Give him three years, and then you can expect to be in final four every year again. Just remember that that pressure tends to push coaches out the door.
Now, for you poor Memphis fans, what to do? You're not a big enough school to likely lure a big name away from a school like a Rick Barnes. You might be able to steal Ok State's coach away, but that's close to a lateral move so you have to offer more than OSU can. That's what makes filling this job harder than filling the UK job. You might be big enough steal a guy from the lower half of a bigger conference the way ASU got Sendek when he was tired of the high expectations of the ACC. I think it's more likely you'll get a mid-major coach looking up though, like a guy from Davidson or Morehead state or something like those. Unless, of course, they can find an unemployed coach looking to come back that doesn't want to go to Georgia. I hope you find a good coach to continue you're success.
OK, on to the coaching changes. I'm going to start with the smallest to keep you all reading. Tony Bennett left Washington State on Monday to become the head coach at Virginia. I have a couple of worries about this. First, Bennett is still relatively young for a coach. Second, I don't think he can possibly understand the pressure and basketball climate of an acc school. He went to a small school, Green Bay, WI if I remember correctly. He did play some pro ball in Charlotte and was a decent back up, so he might understand a little bit of the culture. You can ask Herb Sendek what happens to coaches in the ACC that before just better than average. One thing that might help Bennett is that UVA is about even on the football basketball scale, not like Duke, Carolina or Kentucky where it is all about Bball.
I was going to talk about Anderson in Missouri next, but I just learned he's not going anywhere and his salary is getting doubled to stay, so I'll move on to the big coaching move, Calipari has left Memphis to go to Kentucky. I'm sure some Memphis fans are upset and think the school could have done more to keep him, but I'm not sure if doubling what UK is paying him would have made him stay. UK is one of the top 5, maybe 10, historical basketball programs in the country. Calipari will finally stop being asked questions about being the dominate team in a weak conference, recruiting won't be an issue, he'll have all the boosters he wants, and as a bonus gets Rick Pitino as a rival. I've heard several times that Calipari has wanted to be Pitino for years, and this is his chance. He takes over his old job and gets him as an in-state rival. For those UK fans that are expecting the final four next year, stop now. I'm sure Calipari will have you winning, but he'll be coaching guys he didn't recruit and he won't have any veteran players that are used to his style and can help teach the freshman what coach means when he's yelling "you got man up" or whatever he yells at them. Give him three years, and then you can expect to be in final four every year again. Just remember that that pressure tends to push coaches out the door.
Now, for you poor Memphis fans, what to do? You're not a big enough school to likely lure a big name away from a school like a Rick Barnes. You might be able to steal Ok State's coach away, but that's close to a lateral move so you have to offer more than OSU can. That's what makes filling this job harder than filling the UK job. You might be big enough steal a guy from the lower half of a bigger conference the way ASU got Sendek when he was tired of the high expectations of the ACC. I think it's more likely you'll get a mid-major coach looking up though, like a guy from Davidson or Morehead state or something like those. Unless, of course, they can find an unemployed coach looking to come back that doesn't want to go to Georgia. I hope you find a good coach to continue you're success.
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