A sign in left field during Sunday's Phily/Giants game that reads "Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer; Aaron did it with class; How did YOU do it?"Monday, May 8, 2006
just one more reason to hate barry bonds
Barry Bonds is a selfish prick, and that's putting it nicely. He's going to pass Babe Ruth soon, and unfortunately, that's unavoidable. We can only hope that weak knees, a bad elbow and without steriods, Bonds will retire before being able to pass Aaron. After hitting #713 Sunday night, he refused to autograph the ball for the fan that caught it which happened to be a Giants fan in the Air Force currently stationed in Philadelphia. Barry did, however, require the fan to sign a waiver so that Bonds could use this for his Bonds on Bonds reality show on ESPN. Read more on the Barry the jackass here.
A sign in left field during Sunday's Phily/Giants game that reads "Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer; Aaron did it with class; How did YOU do it?"
A sign in left field during Sunday's Phily/Giants game that reads "Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer; Aaron did it with class; How did YOU do it?"
Saturday, May 6, 2006
random musings
A one man show...
No one showed up for the Lakers tonight except Kobe Bryant... No one from the Lakers, outside of Kobe, could hit the broad side of a barn tonight leading to a Phoenix rout in Game 7 of the opening round of the playoffs. Kobe had 23 in the first half but LA was still down 15 and never got any closer. In addition to not being able to buy a shot, the Laker defense looked like swiss cheese as Phoenix scored at will.
Still in first, but barely...
The Rangers still lead the West, but barely. After back to back loses to the Yankees, the Rangers hold a slim 1/2 game lead over the A's. The Rangers are finally playing a quality team, after beating up on lowly Tampa Bay recently, but are coming up on the short end of the scoreboard. Hopefully they can salvage a win in the series on Sunday.
Number 8s...
Dale Jr. won at Richmond tonight, beating Denny Hamlin to the line. Kevin Harvick led the most laps but decided not to pit with the lead during a late caution and ended up 3rd.
Barbaro was untested in today's Kentucky Derby despite a full field of 20 horses. Unbeaten and well rested heading into the Derby, he will carry that same momentum to the Preakness in two weeks.
Junior's win at Richmond
Barbaro with Prado aboard runs away from the field
No one showed up for the Lakers tonight except Kobe Bryant... No one from the Lakers, outside of Kobe, could hit the broad side of a barn tonight leading to a Phoenix rout in Game 7 of the opening round of the playoffs. Kobe had 23 in the first half but LA was still down 15 and never got any closer. In addition to not being able to buy a shot, the Laker defense looked like swiss cheese as Phoenix scored at will.
Still in first, but barely...
The Rangers still lead the West, but barely. After back to back loses to the Yankees, the Rangers hold a slim 1/2 game lead over the A's. The Rangers are finally playing a quality team, after beating up on lowly Tampa Bay recently, but are coming up on the short end of the scoreboard. Hopefully they can salvage a win in the series on Sunday.
Number 8s...
Dale Jr. won at Richmond tonight, beating Denny Hamlin to the line. Kevin Harvick led the most laps but decided not to pit with the lead during a late caution and ended up 3rd.
Barbaro was untested in today's Kentucky Derby despite a full field of 20 horses. Unbeaten and well rested heading into the Derby, he will carry that same momentum to the Preakness in two weeks.
Junior's win at Richmond
Barbaro with Prado aboard runs away from the fieldThursday, May 4, 2006
rangers in first?
Don't look now, but the Texas Rangers are the hottest team in MLB right now with a 6 game win streak and a 1 1/2 game lead in the West over Oakland. They get a real test this weekend as former Ranger Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees come to town. Vincente Padilla starts things off tomorrow night against Mike Mussina.
To Raja Bell, Steve Nash and Co. - Just shut up already! If you saw Bell's close line of Kobe in Game 5 and you don’t think he should have been suspended, then you're just plain ignorant so go away, you're too stupid to be here. Nash is complaining because he choked Game 4 away. Bell is whining because he can't guard Kobe and he needs the officials help. Personally, I think Bell got off easy. Not only did he throw Bryant to the court by his neck, the next day he said he didn't regret doing it and if he could do things over again, might do the same thing. Not only does that show a lack of respect to his competitors, but also to his team and the league. He probably should have been suspended two games easily but the league wanted to give the Suns a chance in a possible Game 7, so they just sat him for one game. You do the crime, you do the time. Just shut up already!
To Raja Bell, Steve Nash and Co. - Just shut up already! If you saw Bell's close line of Kobe in Game 5 and you don’t think he should have been suspended, then you're just plain ignorant so go away, you're too stupid to be here. Nash is complaining because he choked Game 4 away. Bell is whining because he can't guard Kobe and he needs the officials help. Personally, I think Bell got off easy. Not only did he throw Bryant to the court by his neck, the next day he said he didn't regret doing it and if he could do things over again, might do the same thing. Not only does that show a lack of respect to his competitors, but also to his team and the league. He probably should have been suspended two games easily but the league wanted to give the Suns a chance in a possible Game 7, so they just sat him for one game. You do the crime, you do the time. Just shut up already!
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
a tad bit of a gambling problem
John Daly claims to have dropped somewhere between $50M-$60M in casinos over the years, and, he observes, if he keeps it up, it’s going to ruin him. Hmm. Kind of makes you wonder how long it took to come to that conclusion. Most of us probably would have figured it out after dropping the first $5M or so, don’t ya think? The comment was prompted by the imminent release of Daly’s book, “John Daly: My Life In and Out of the Rough.” In it, sports’ favorite good old boy confesses that he’s got a bit of a gambling problem. A bit of a problem, that is, in the same way that the Pacific Ocean is a bit of water.
Now Charles Barkley has come out saying that, he too, has a gambling problem and has lost at least $10M. Even though he acknowledges he has a problem, he has no plan of quitting because it's "his money". Back in the '90s, Jordan had a little gambling issue made public and this last off-season Arod was seen in some underground NY poker houses. They're not losing the $10M+ that Barkley and Daly have claimed, but there's plenty of gambling going among athletes and as long as they aren't gambling on the sport they play, it doesn't violate any of the league policies.
Question of the day - Why does every Barry Bonds homer rank as the #1 play of the day on ESPN's Sportscenter? Is Barry going opposite field really all that exciting considering that a high majority of fans would rather he never hit another home run, ever? He's going for second and as we all know second is the first loser, and maybe in this case, the biggest loser! Even Commissioner Selig stated there will be no fanfare when/if Bonds passes Ruth's mark. This isn't a record he's breaking. More proof that ESPN must be in bed with Bonds and his sham of a series on that network. I'd boycott the channel, but then I'd miss all my Kobe highlights... speaking of, the dunk over Nash in Game 3 SHOULD have been the #1 highlight of the day.
Kobe dunks over Nash
Now Charles Barkley has come out saying that, he too, has a gambling problem and has lost at least $10M. Even though he acknowledges he has a problem, he has no plan of quitting because it's "his money". Back in the '90s, Jordan had a little gambling issue made public and this last off-season Arod was seen in some underground NY poker houses. They're not losing the $10M+ that Barkley and Daly have claimed, but there's plenty of gambling going among athletes and as long as they aren't gambling on the sport they play, it doesn't violate any of the league policies.
Question of the day - Why does every Barry Bonds homer rank as the #1 play of the day on ESPN's Sportscenter? Is Barry going opposite field really all that exciting considering that a high majority of fans would rather he never hit another home run, ever? He's going for second and as we all know second is the first loser, and maybe in this case, the biggest loser! Even Commissioner Selig stated there will be no fanfare when/if Bonds passes Ruth's mark. This isn't a record he's breaking. More proof that ESPN must be in bed with Bonds and his sham of a series on that network. I'd boycott the channel, but then I'd miss all my Kobe highlights... speaking of, the dunk over Nash in Game 3 SHOULD have been the #1 highlight of the day.
Kobe dunks over NashTuesday, May 2, 2006
dakota dowd
whats in the nhl western conf water
The Red Wings have followed the Stars in exiting stage right in the playoffs. The Red Army, the President's tophey winners have been ousted by the lowly Oilers who hadn't won a playoff series in 8 years! Detroit pulled off a bigger choke than the Stars by twice giving up 2 goal leads in the 3rd period to lose games in Edmonton and gave up 4 goals in the 3rd tonite to choke away the series clincher. It's only the 3rd time ever that the President's Trophey winner has lost in the first round. Time to say goodbye to Stevie Y.
The 1, 2 and 4 seeds have now been eliminated in the western conference and the 3 seeded Flames are now in a must win Game 7 situation against the Mighty Ducks. By Wednesday night, its quite possible only the bottom 4 seeds will remain from the western conference.
The Mavs wrapped up their series in 4 as predicted and the Griz still have never won a playoff game.
The Clippers won a playoff series for the first time since moving to LA. The last time the Clippers had advanced was when they played in Buffalo back in 1976 where they beat Phily in the opening round only to lose to the Celtics in the next round.
If the Lakers can beat the Suns one more time (in 3 chances) they will set up an all LA series vs the Clippers. The edge there would go to the Zen Master.
The 1, 2 and 4 seeds have now been eliminated in the western conference and the 3 seeded Flames are now in a must win Game 7 situation against the Mighty Ducks. By Wednesday night, its quite possible only the bottom 4 seeds will remain from the western conference.
The Mavs wrapped up their series in 4 as predicted and the Griz still have never won a playoff game.
The Clippers won a playoff series for the first time since moving to LA. The last time the Clippers had advanced was when they played in Buffalo back in 1976 where they beat Phily in the opening round only to lose to the Celtics in the next round.
If the Lakers can beat the Suns one more time (in 3 chances) they will set up an all LA series vs the Clippers. The edge there would go to the Zen Master.
Monday, May 1, 2006
mavs in four?
An interesting little NBA factoid... the Mavs have never swept an opponent in the playoffs (never won in just 5 games either btw) and the Grizzlies have never won a playoff game. One of those streaks will end tonight. My guess is that the Mavs will sweep as the Griz appear pretty down and out after the OT loss in Game 3.
So tired of all the Dirk hype again after Game 3... he's playing Memphis who has no one that can guard him. When Dirk carries the Mavs to a series win over a real team, we'll talk.
So tired of all the Dirk hype again after Game 3... he's playing Memphis who has no one that can guard him. When Dirk carries the Mavs to a series win over a real team, we'll talk.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
tough way to go out
So for a third time the Stars outplayed the Avs only to lose in overtime. Three loses in OT and three loses at home wont get it done in the playoffs. They again out shot the Avs in a huge way, 52-30. When you put 50+ shots on goal, you need to get more than 2 through to the net. Theodore gave up fat rebounds all game but the Stars didn't have anyone out front to bang them home.
Similar to Games 2 and 3, Turco allowed one soft goal, when he left a small opening between his pad and the post when the Stars had momentum and a 1-0 lead in the second period. Jim Dowd found the hole from the side on a rebound.
With the Stars having some momentum in the latter half of the 3rd, Modano took a brutal shoulder-to-jaw hit from Colorado defenseman Brett Clark that should have drawn a penalty. Modano was out cold and had to be helped off the ice, looking for sure that he was done for at least today. The Stars were a team that looked loss on two power plays it was awarded late in the 3rd while Modano was in the locker room gathering his senses while trying to remember what day it was.
Without Modano the Stars had no go to guy, no one to create with the puck. Tippett tried to turn to Jason Arnott, but Arnott, who despite having produced a career year, had just one game-winning goal to show for 90 previous career playoff games. Arnott, a key unrestricted free agent, failed to score in the playoffs.
Modano miraculously came back to play in the overtime and despite an 11-4 SOG edge, the Stars still couldn't find the net. That seemed to be the theme of this years playoffs for the Stars. So there will be no magic comeback in the series, no Stars in 7. A series they should have won in 5 games they instead lost and now Doug Armstrong needs to figure out who from this team should stay and who should go. A task made tougher by the 53-win season, Turco's 40 wins, Guerin's season long MIA (though he played very well in the playoffs) and Arnott's career year then playoff disappearing act.
Stars in 7, next year.
Scattershooting...
The Rangers lead the West after one month and have 5 blown saves.
Though its not official yet, explain to me how Steve Nash is the NBA's MVP? Over Kobe, Dirk and LeBron? Get real.
First there was the monster dunk over Nash in Game 3 and then the winning buzzer beater in OT in Game 5 to put his Lakers up 3-1 over Nash's Suns. I think that's Kobe's way of saying "I got your MVP right here."
So the Texans decide to pass on hometown favorite Vince Young and Heisman winner/superstar Reggie Bush for a defensive end... that will really help the ticket sales.
Similar to Games 2 and 3, Turco allowed one soft goal, when he left a small opening between his pad and the post when the Stars had momentum and a 1-0 lead in the second period. Jim Dowd found the hole from the side on a rebound.
With the Stars having some momentum in the latter half of the 3rd, Modano took a brutal shoulder-to-jaw hit from Colorado defenseman Brett Clark that should have drawn a penalty. Modano was out cold and had to be helped off the ice, looking for sure that he was done for at least today. The Stars were a team that looked loss on two power plays it was awarded late in the 3rd while Modano was in the locker room gathering his senses while trying to remember what day it was.
Without Modano the Stars had no go to guy, no one to create with the puck. Tippett tried to turn to Jason Arnott, but Arnott, who despite having produced a career year, had just one game-winning goal to show for 90 previous career playoff games. Arnott, a key unrestricted free agent, failed to score in the playoffs.
Modano miraculously came back to play in the overtime and despite an 11-4 SOG edge, the Stars still couldn't find the net. That seemed to be the theme of this years playoffs for the Stars. So there will be no magic comeback in the series, no Stars in 7. A series they should have won in 5 games they instead lost and now Doug Armstrong needs to figure out who from this team should stay and who should go. A task made tougher by the 53-win season, Turco's 40 wins, Guerin's season long MIA (though he played very well in the playoffs) and Arnott's career year then playoff disappearing act.
Stars in 7, next year.
Scattershooting...
The Rangers lead the West after one month and have 5 blown saves.
Though its not official yet, explain to me how Steve Nash is the NBA's MVP? Over Kobe, Dirk and LeBron? Get real.
First there was the monster dunk over Nash in Game 3 and then the winning buzzer beater in OT in Game 5 to put his Lakers up 3-1 over Nash's Suns. I think that's Kobe's way of saying "I got your MVP right here."
So the Texans decide to pass on hometown favorite Vince Young and Heisman winner/superstar Reggie Bush for a defensive end... that will really help the ticket sales.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
gut check time
The Stars finally played a complete game this series and look what happens when they did. They crushed the Avs in every aspect of the game in a 4-1 victory. The Stars outshot the Avalanche, 39-23 (Bill Guerin had nine shots), had a 21-15 advantage in hits, had 23 blocked shots to Colorado's 16 and won 38-of-59 face-offs. What's more, the penalty kill shut down the vaunted Avs power play on six opportunities. When the Stars show up and play for 3 periods, they're a tough team for anyone to beat. After Friday's game, Philippe Boucher said, "We had flashes and spots in the last two games, but tonight we had 60 minutes. We've shown all year that if we play 60 minutes, we can be a really good team." Quite a novell concept, play the whole game. What should be a 3-1 Stars lead is a 3-1 deficit in this series because they've been playing about 50 minutes, letting up at the end trying to nurse home one goal leads. Turco looked much better, a good call by Tippett to start him. There's still hope. The Stars are the best come from behind team in NHL history. They are playing a franchise that has a history of blowing series leads, and they know they should be ahead in the series. They have to take it one game at a time, and play all 60 minutes.
Stars in 7.
Stars in 7.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
long road back
For the second time in as many games, the Stars outplayed the Avs but gave up a late 3rd period goal, allowing the Avs to force overtime. Once again, it took just one shot for the Avs to finish things off. Now down 0-3, look for Johan Hedberg to be in goal for Game 4 in Denver on Friday night. It will take a lot of heart for the Stars, who could easily be up 2-1, to come out and play good enough to win Game 4. If they do and can come home and win one, anything could happen. Win two in a row and shift the momentum and the Avs might get tight for a Game 6. But thats a long way away, tomorrow will tell if the Stars live to see another day.
Stars in 7.
Stars in 7.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
stick a fork in them
They're done. The Stars playoffs aren’t officially over, but that's a mere formality. In the NHL, you can't lose the first two games at home and have much chance at winning the series. Sure its been done, most recently by Tampa Bay during their Cup run in 2003. But right now, the way they are playing, the Stars will be lucky to make it to Game 5 back in Dallas.
How does a team that many predicted would contend for the Stanley Cup play so poorly? Goaltending is atrocious, defense is horrible, and coaching is terrible. How did this team win 53 games? They've had leads in both games though they were thoroughly outplayed in Game 1. Game 2 was a different story. They won every aspect of the game except the final score. Put this one on Turco and Tippett. Turco can’t give up 5 goals a game, the last two he definitely should have stopped. Franchise goalies must make those stops. And Tippett, he throws 50+ wins out the window with some crazy line changes that did nothing but turn over the puck creating odd-man rushes. Modano, Guerin and Hagman? wtf? Arnott, Barnes and Miettinen? Huh? Morrow, Kapanen and Lehtinen? What was Tippett smoking? Those lines hadn't ever seen ice time together and it showed. And why didn't Tippett use a TO after the Stars were down 2-0 or even 3-0 to try and settle his team down? Very poor coaching on Tippett's part. Sitting Daley though wasn't a bad move. The defense sucked on Saturday so something needed to change and sitting a rookie for a playoff vet isnt a bad call and Niinimaa responded with a good game. If the Stars bow out here in 4 or 5 games, Tippett's job security should go out with it.
So yeah, its been done, several times actually in the last few years, but it must start with Game 3 Wednesday night.
Fifteen teams in NHL history have come back to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two at home. Here's the list since 1994:
How does a team that many predicted would contend for the Stanley Cup play so poorly? Goaltending is atrocious, defense is horrible, and coaching is terrible. How did this team win 53 games? They've had leads in both games though they were thoroughly outplayed in Game 1. Game 2 was a different story. They won every aspect of the game except the final score. Put this one on Turco and Tippett. Turco can’t give up 5 goals a game, the last two he definitely should have stopped. Franchise goalies must make those stops. And Tippett, he throws 50+ wins out the window with some crazy line changes that did nothing but turn over the puck creating odd-man rushes. Modano, Guerin and Hagman? wtf? Arnott, Barnes and Miettinen? Huh? Morrow, Kapanen and Lehtinen? What was Tippett smoking? Those lines hadn't ever seen ice time together and it showed. And why didn't Tippett use a TO after the Stars were down 2-0 or even 3-0 to try and settle his team down? Very poor coaching on Tippett's part. Sitting Daley though wasn't a bad move. The defense sucked on Saturday so something needed to change and sitting a rookie for a playoff vet isnt a bad call and Niinimaa responded with a good game. If the Stars bow out here in 4 or 5 games, Tippett's job security should go out with it.
So yeah, its been done, several times actually in the last few years, but it must start with Game 3 Wednesday night.
Fifteen teams in NHL history have come back to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two at home. Here's the list since 1994:
Year Team Opponent Series
1994 New Jersey Boston Won in 6
1995 Chicago Toronto Won in 7
1996 NY Rangers Montreal Won in 6
1996 Pittsburgh Washington Won in 6
1999 Colorado Detroit Won in 6
2000 Philadelphia Pittsburgh Won in 6
2002 Detroit Vancouver Won in 6
2003 Tampa Bay Washington Won in 6
2006 Dallas Colorado ????
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
stop the dirk insanity
I'm sure I've mentioned it before but I'm REALLY freakin tired of all the local media homers proclaiming that Dirk is the NBA's MVP. Pleeeeeeeease get real! The MVP is for the best player in the league, not who someone arbitrarily thinks is the most valuable to their team, how can you really even determine that. The award is for the most valuable player of the LEAGUE, and this year that player is Kobe Bryant. Dirk could never carry the Mavs the way Kobe has carried the Lakers into the playoffs. This year, picking anyone ahead of Kobe Bryant as the NBA's most valuable player is insane. Dirk's a great player on a great team, but also one that Kobe outscored by himself until taking the fourth quarter off! Kobe's beaten Dirk 2 out of 3 times this year, not that it really matters. The important factors are that Kobe's the first player to average 35+ points/game since Jordan did it 19 years ago, not to mention the 81 he put up in a game back in January.
With the #1 seed on the line at Golden State a week ago, did Dirk carry his team to victory? Nope.. he scored a whopping 2 pts over his average... on a night when the Mavs needed someone to step up, to be a team leader and it didn't happen. Dirk doesn't play D and cant carry the team on his own, two things Kobe does night in and night out. What has Kobe done with the Lakers playoff birth on the line? Led the team to four straight wins while averaging 40+ points per game.
Up next is LeBron, because supposedly his overall numbers are better? What? An assist and two boards more but 5 less points? Lets get real, only 5 teams in the East even have a above .500 record! What a pathetic bunch the East is after Detroit and Miami. Put the Lakers in the East and they're the 3rd best team in the conference. Put the Cavs in the West however (against which they are merely .500) and they are fighting Sactown for the last playoff spot. LeBron hasn't carried the Cavs, the weak East has, where 3 of the playoff teams dont have a winning record.
Anyone who doesn’t vote Kobe as MVP isn’t voting for the best player but instead voting for a more likeable player. You may not like him, but Kobe's carried a team that everyone said had no chance of making the playoffs to a 45 win season and the #7 seed and deserves more respect as the best player in the league. Enough with the homer calls here in Dallas, Dirk's good, but he's not the best. Two words - Eighty One.
With the #1 seed on the line at Golden State a week ago, did Dirk carry his team to victory? Nope.. he scored a whopping 2 pts over his average... on a night when the Mavs needed someone to step up, to be a team leader and it didn't happen. Dirk doesn't play D and cant carry the team on his own, two things Kobe does night in and night out. What has Kobe done with the Lakers playoff birth on the line? Led the team to four straight wins while averaging 40+ points per game.
Up next is LeBron, because supposedly his overall numbers are better? What? An assist and two boards more but 5 less points? Lets get real, only 5 teams in the East even have a above .500 record! What a pathetic bunch the East is after Detroit and Miami. Put the Lakers in the East and they're the 3rd best team in the conference. Put the Cavs in the West however (against which they are merely .500) and they are fighting Sactown for the last playoff spot. LeBron hasn't carried the Cavs, the weak East has, where 3 of the playoff teams dont have a winning record.
Anyone who doesn’t vote Kobe as MVP isn’t voting for the best player but instead voting for a more likeable player. You may not like him, but Kobe's carried a team that everyone said had no chance of making the playoffs to a 45 win season and the #7 seed and deserves more respect as the best player in the league. Enough with the homer calls here in Dallas, Dirk's good, but he's not the best. Two words - Eighty One.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
nba playoff seeding - how to win by losing
With two games left in the season, Memphis and the Clippers are battling it out for the 5th seed in the West. Denver has their division locked up ensuring the 3rd seed. The 5th seed plays the 4th and the 3rd seed plays the 6th seed. The interesting piece here however is between the 3rd and 6th seed where the team with the better record gets home court advantage, even if they are the lower seed.
So now both the Grizzlies and Clippers both have clinched home court advantage over the Nuggets so basically the team that loses more of the their last two games gets home court advantage against the Nuggets. The team that wins more earns the 5 seed and gets to play the Mavs while starting on the road.
Something doesn’t seem quite right there. Normally the goal of the whole season is to win as many games as possible in order to gain home court advantage for the playoffs. How much fun is it going to be to see these teams trying to lose games? Or more to the point, lying about trying to win games while “resting” their players.
And home court isn’t just about having a better chance to win with your fans behind you, its an opportunity for teams to make more money. Sounds like the NBA needs to restructure their playoff format so teams cant win by losing.
So now both the Grizzlies and Clippers both have clinched home court advantage over the Nuggets so basically the team that loses more of the their last two games gets home court advantage against the Nuggets. The team that wins more earns the 5 seed and gets to play the Mavs while starting on the road.
Something doesn’t seem quite right there. Normally the goal of the whole season is to win as many games as possible in order to gain home court advantage for the playoffs. How much fun is it going to be to see these teams trying to lose games? Or more to the point, lying about trying to win games while “resting” their players.
And home court isn’t just about having a better chance to win with your fans behind you, its an opportunity for teams to make more money. Sounds like the NBA needs to restructure their playoff format so teams cant win by losing.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
more kobe for mvp
A good article on the NBA MVP race..
Who's the NBA MVP? By Bill Simmons of ESPN.com
Say what you want about the NBA, but the league offers seven superior features to every other professional sport: a wildly entertaining draft, a new dress code that caused "Big and Tall Store" stock to jump eight points, the wit and wisdom of Mr. Jalen Rose, cheerleaders who dress like hookers, a ridiculously surreal All-Star Weekend and, of course, the only "Most Valuable Player" award that truly matters.
Can you name the last 10 NFL MVPs? Of course not. Can you remember the last 10 MVPs in each baseball league, and definitively say which guy was better every year? Nope. Do you even know the name of the NHL trophy? Unless you're Canadian, probably not. The MVP concept works best in the NBA: Every player is eligible, everyone plays against one another, it's relatively simple to compare statistics and, if you watch the games, you can always figure out which players stand out over everyone else.
Of course, the experts seem just as confused as they were last season, when Steve Nash stumbled into the award because some people thought it would be fun to vote for a white Canadian dude with bad hair who didn't play defense. As it turned out, Nash raised his game in the playoffs and vindicated everyone who picked him. (Note: I thought Shaq should have won the award and still do.) But that raises a bigger question: What makes for an NBA MVP?
I concentrate on three questions:
1. Ten years from now, who will be the first player from this season that pops into my head?
2. In a giant pickup game with every NBA player waiting to play, and two fans forced to pick sides with their lives depending on the outcome of the game (I think this is how the annual Rucker League tournament works), who would be the first player picked based on the way everyone played that season?
3. If you replaced every MVP candidate with a decent player at their position for the entire season, what would be the effect on their teams' records?
The first two questions are subjective. You might think the 2004-05 season belonged to Nash, whereas I thought it belonged to Shaq. And until this season, I would have picked Shaq first in any pickup game, you may have picked Kobe or LeBron. But the third question isn't nearly as subjective, it's also crucial to this year's dilemma. We're dealing with the deepest pool of potential MVP candidates ever (eight by my count). And I think the choice is pretty clear. But before we get to that, check out some of the names who didn't make the cut:
Read the rest of the article here
Who's the NBA MVP? By Bill Simmons of ESPN.com
Say what you want about the NBA, but the league offers seven superior features to every other professional sport: a wildly entertaining draft, a new dress code that caused "Big and Tall Store" stock to jump eight points, the wit and wisdom of Mr. Jalen Rose, cheerleaders who dress like hookers, a ridiculously surreal All-Star Weekend and, of course, the only "Most Valuable Player" award that truly matters.
Can you name the last 10 NFL MVPs? Of course not. Can you remember the last 10 MVPs in each baseball league, and definitively say which guy was better every year? Nope. Do you even know the name of the NHL trophy? Unless you're Canadian, probably not. The MVP concept works best in the NBA: Every player is eligible, everyone plays against one another, it's relatively simple to compare statistics and, if you watch the games, you can always figure out which players stand out over everyone else.
Of course, the experts seem just as confused as they were last season, when Steve Nash stumbled into the award because some people thought it would be fun to vote for a white Canadian dude with bad hair who didn't play defense. As it turned out, Nash raised his game in the playoffs and vindicated everyone who picked him. (Note: I thought Shaq should have won the award and still do.) But that raises a bigger question: What makes for an NBA MVP?
I concentrate on three questions:
1. Ten years from now, who will be the first player from this season that pops into my head?
2. In a giant pickup game with every NBA player waiting to play, and two fans forced to pick sides with their lives depending on the outcome of the game (I think this is how the annual Rucker League tournament works), who would be the first player picked based on the way everyone played that season?
3. If you replaced every MVP candidate with a decent player at their position for the entire season, what would be the effect on their teams' records?
The first two questions are subjective. You might think the 2004-05 season belonged to Nash, whereas I thought it belonged to Shaq. And until this season, I would have picked Shaq first in any pickup game, you may have picked Kobe or LeBron. But the third question isn't nearly as subjective, it's also crucial to this year's dilemma. We're dealing with the deepest pool of potential MVP candidates ever (eight by my count). And I think the choice is pretty clear. But before we get to that, check out some of the names who didn't make the cut:
Read the rest of the article here
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
more local musings and mvp talk
• Today marked the first time in 45 years that the SF Giants had back to back home games rained out... Maybe God is trying to give Bonds a hint?
• The Mavs can beat the Spurs on the road, but not Golden State (playing on back to back nights)?
• The Rangers won for the first time in their last 9 tries against the Angels and stopped a 9 game losing streak in Anaheim.
• The Rangers have put Ian Kinsler, their best hitter thus far this season, on the 15 day DL with a dislocated thumb that happened while trying to steal second base on Tuesday. He was thrown out on the play. Kinsler was batting .476.
• Is Mike Modano a serious contender for the NHL MVP award?
• Who's the NBA MVP this year? My rankings:
Kobe Bryant - he simply does it all and if you have one shot to win a game, who else would you want taking it? Carried Lakers on his back and into the playoffs. Can you say 81?
Chauncey Billups - the best player on the best team
Dirk Nowitzki - consistent 25-10 guy but cant carry the team when needed
Steve Nash - heart and soul of the Suns, but not on Kobe's level
Lebron James - good scorer but not quite at mvp level
• The Mavs can beat the Spurs on the road, but not Golden State (playing on back to back nights)?
• The Rangers won for the first time in their last 9 tries against the Angels and stopped a 9 game losing streak in Anaheim.
• The Rangers have put Ian Kinsler, their best hitter thus far this season, on the 15 day DL with a dislocated thumb that happened while trying to steal second base on Tuesday. He was thrown out on the play. Kinsler was batting .476.
• Is Mike Modano a serious contender for the NHL MVP award?
• Who's the NBA MVP this year? My rankings:
Kobe Bryant - he simply does it all and if you have one shot to win a game, who else would you want taking it? Carried Lakers on his back and into the playoffs. Can you say 81?
Chauncey Billups - the best player on the best team
Dirk Nowitzki - consistent 25-10 guy but cant carry the team when needed
Steve Nash - heart and soul of the Suns, but not on Kobe's level
Lebron James - good scorer but not quite at mvp level
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
random musings...
I attended both the Rangers and Stars games yesterday starting with some tailgating at the Ballpark at around 10am, ending with a late PP goal by Joe Thorton lifting the Sharks to an OT win with 20 seconds left ending the chances of a possible shoot out. What a buzz-kill that was, but it was still a great day of sports capped with watching the end of the NCAA Championship game.
I dont want to over-react with just two games played for the Texas Rangers but isn't this the same type of team they had last year? They lose 7-3 yesterday, only generating offense on two long balls and then win 10-4 today, again getting the bulk of the offense from the long ball. How long before they feel the affect of losing Soriano's 35-40 HRs? The pitching again appears to be Jekel and Hyde. That rotation would look imensly better with Kenny Rogers in the #2 spot.
The Rangers pulled out all the stops for Roger Clemens yesterday, even going so far as to have Mack Brown throw out the first pitch with Daryl Royal along with him. Geez Tom, could you be a bigger orange koolaid homer? Besides it's not going to be enough to bring Clemens to Arlington. If he ends up playing, it will be in Houston again.
Jesse Jackson, just shut up already! Said Jackson regarding the syringe incident Monday in San Diego, "That fan should have been arrested. That object could have had a needle in it. It could have hit him. The commissioner of baseball must be outspoken in protecting any players whose lives are in jeopardy, whose security is at risk." Ok, there was no needle, it was actually some type of toy and not even real. Shut up Jesse and go back to what you do best, having illegitamate kids.
Barry Bonds deserves every bit of ridicule and criticism he gets this year. He should leave the game now and stop tarnishing the record books.
If two women's teams play a basketball title game in Boston and no one cares to watch, does it still count?
This came out a couple months ago, but with April 15th coming up, it just cracks me up.
I dont want to over-react with just two games played for the Texas Rangers but isn't this the same type of team they had last year? They lose 7-3 yesterday, only generating offense on two long balls and then win 10-4 today, again getting the bulk of the offense from the long ball. How long before they feel the affect of losing Soriano's 35-40 HRs? The pitching again appears to be Jekel and Hyde. That rotation would look imensly better with Kenny Rogers in the #2 spot.
The Rangers pulled out all the stops for Roger Clemens yesterday, even going so far as to have Mack Brown throw out the first pitch with Daryl Royal along with him. Geez Tom, could you be a bigger orange koolaid homer? Besides it's not going to be enough to bring Clemens to Arlington. If he ends up playing, it will be in Houston again.
Jesse Jackson, just shut up already! Said Jackson regarding the syringe incident Monday in San Diego, "That fan should have been arrested. That object could have had a needle in it. It could have hit him. The commissioner of baseball must be outspoken in protecting any players whose lives are in jeopardy, whose security is at risk." Ok, there was no needle, it was actually some type of toy and not even real. Shut up Jesse and go back to what you do best, having illegitamate kids.
Barry Bonds deserves every bit of ridicule and criticism he gets this year. He should leave the game now and stop tarnishing the record books.
If two women's teams play a basketball title game in Boston and no one cares to watch, does it still count?
This came out a couple months ago, but with April 15th coming up, it just cracks me up.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
ground zero
A different view of New York... here's the live webcam that was just brought on line to keep tabs on the upcoming construction at ground zero.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
tomahawk chop...
If this doesn't make you want to go to FSU, nothing will. Jenn Sterger and two of her friends have gained national recognition from ABC's tv coverage of the FSU/Miami game last fall. They are in the May issue of Maxim and she's written an article for SI. Apparantly she's quite the football fan as well.
Jenn Sterger
Sunday, March 26, 2006
the t.o. bounty
Howard Eskin, a sports radio host in Philadelphia, is raising money in order to pay the fine for any Philadelphia Eagle who “takes out” Terrell Owens. The guy who sent in the tip didn’t give a definition for “take out,” but given the nature of the Philadelphia sports fan, you have to assume that a stretcher has to be involved. And according to the tipster, thousands of dollars have already been raised.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
The Stars, Soriano and Owens
I've been to about 10 or 11 Stars games this year and not once have I seen them play as poorly as they did last night. Actually, last night was the first game they've lost that I've attended this season. What an absolutely horrible game by the Stars. To quote Mike Modano, "It was ugly to play and ugly to watch." Can I get an Amen? The Stars appeared to be just going through the motions. Bad passes, turning the puck over in their own zone. Poor power play execution. Weak goaltending. You name it, they did it poorly. The Stars have 5 home games in the next 8 days and I'll be at each of them so here's hoping they shake off that funk from last night against Anaheim starting tomorrow night against Minnesota.
Big shock that Soriano isn't planning on playing the outfield for Washington. The Nationals never asked Soriano prior to trading for him if he would be willing to play outfield and now they are paying the price. Texas had asked him to switch when he came over from the Yankees so why did the Nationals think it would be different this time around?
New Cowboy Terrel Owens has a new rap song out. Listen to it here. Word out of the Cowboys marketing organization is that Owen's new Cowboy jersey is already the top selling jersey on the Dallas Cowboys website.
Big shock that Soriano isn't planning on playing the outfield for Washington. The Nationals never asked Soriano prior to trading for him if he would be willing to play outfield and now they are paying the price. Texas had asked him to switch when he came over from the Yankees so why did the Nationals think it would be different this time around?
New Cowboy Terrel Owens has a new rap song out. Listen to it here. Word out of the Cowboys marketing organization is that Owen's new Cowboy jersey is already the top selling jersey on the Dallas Cowboys website.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
four seconds
Thats how close A&M was to making the Sweet 16... 4 seconds. 3.9 actually. With a two point lead and time running out in the game, the Aggies let Darrel Mitchell launch an uncontested 3-pointer that put LSU up by 1 with 3.9 seconds left. The Aggies fumbled the ball trying to get off a desparation shot at the end and the team that everyone said shouldn't have been in the tourney goes home 1 point away from reaching Atlanta and the Sweet 16. All you haters now can just shut up! They earned their at-large bid and proved they deserved it.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
tourney picks
Here's my initial bracket, the first pass at filling it out. I'll probably enter a couple different variations in different pools, but these are my main picks...
Atlanta Region
1st Round
Duke over Southern
GW over NC-Wilmington
Texas A&M over Syracuse
LSU over Iona
West Virginia over Southern Illinois
Iowa over NW St
NC State over California
Texas over Penn
2nd Round
Duke over GW
Texas A&M over LSU
West Virginia over Iowa
Texas over NC State
Sweet Sixteen
Duke over A&M
Texas over West Virginia
Regional Final
Duke over Texas
Oakland
1st Round
Memphis over Oral Roberts
Arkansas over Bucknell
Pittsburgh over Kent State
Kansas over Bradley
Indiana over San Diego State
Gonzaga over Xavier
Marquette over Alabama
UCLA over Belmont
2nd Round
Memphis over Arkansas
Pittsburgh over Kansas
Gonzaga over Indiana
UCLA over Marquette
Sweet Sixteen
Pittsburgh over Memphis
UCLA over Gonzaga
Regional Final
UCLA over Pittsburgh
Washington D.C.
1st Round
UConn over Albany
Kentucky over UAB
Washington over Utah State
Illinois over Air Force
Michigan St over George Mason
North Carolina over Murray St
Wichita St over Seton Hall
Tennesse over Winthrop
2nd Round
UConn over Kentucky
Illinois over Washington
North Carolina over Michigan St
Wichita St over Tennessee
Sweet Sixteen
UConn over Illinois
North Carolina over Wichita St
Regional Final
UConn over North Carolina
Minneapolis
1st Round
Villanova over Monmouth
Arizona over Wisconsin
Montana over Nevada
BC over Pacific
Wisc-Milw over Oklahoma
Florida over South Ala
Georgetown over Northern Iowa
Ohio State over Davidson
2nd Round
Villanova over Arizona
BC over Montana
Florida over Wisc-Milw
Ohio State over Georgetown
Sweet Sixteen
Boston College over Villanova
Ohio State over Florida
Regional Final
Ohio State over Boston College
Final Four
Duke over UCLA
UConn over Ohio State
UConn over Duke
Atlanta Region
1st Round
Duke over Southern
GW over NC-Wilmington
Texas A&M over Syracuse
LSU over Iona
West Virginia over Southern Illinois
Iowa over NW St
NC State over California
Texas over Penn
2nd Round
Duke over GW
Texas A&M over LSU
West Virginia over Iowa
Texas over NC State
Sweet Sixteen
Duke over A&M
Texas over West Virginia
Regional Final
Duke over Texas
Oakland
1st Round
Memphis over Oral Roberts
Arkansas over Bucknell
Pittsburgh over Kent State
Kansas over Bradley
Indiana over San Diego State
Gonzaga over Xavier
Marquette over Alabama
UCLA over Belmont
2nd Round
Memphis over Arkansas
Pittsburgh over Kansas
Gonzaga over Indiana
UCLA over Marquette
Sweet Sixteen
Pittsburgh over Memphis
UCLA over Gonzaga
Regional Final
UCLA over Pittsburgh
Washington D.C.
1st Round
UConn over Albany
Kentucky over UAB
Washington over Utah State
Illinois over Air Force
Michigan St over George Mason
North Carolina over Murray St
Wichita St over Seton Hall
Tennesse over Winthrop
2nd Round
UConn over Kentucky
Illinois over Washington
North Carolina over Michigan St
Wichita St over Tennessee
Sweet Sixteen
UConn over Illinois
North Carolina over Wichita St
Regional Final
UConn over North Carolina
Minneapolis
1st Round
Villanova over Monmouth
Arizona over Wisconsin
Montana over Nevada
BC over Pacific
Wisc-Milw over Oklahoma
Florida over South Ala
Georgetown over Northern Iowa
Ohio State over Davidson
2nd Round
Villanova over Arizona
BC over Montana
Florida over Wisc-Milw
Ohio State over Georgetown
Sweet Sixteen
Boston College over Villanova
Ohio State over Florida
Regional Final
Ohio State over Boston College
Final Four
Duke over UCLA
UConn over Ohio State
UConn over Duke
Monday, March 13, 2006
a little bracket talk
I'd have to say the committee did a pretty good job of selecting the 65 teams this year... no huge surprises and no major snubs. I'd have put in Cincinnati instead of Air Force. So who pissed in Billy Packer's cheerios yesterday? We all know the MVC is no ACC, but they had 4 decent schools (some say 5) that were maybe a bit better than the 5th and 6th place ACC teams this year. I think Missouri St probably should have gotten the MVC's 4th bid instead of Bradley.
As far as seeds go, the biggest stand out is Tennessee as a 2 seed. What did they do to deserve that? Well they went 3-4 down the stretch and lost in the first round of the SEC tourney, doesn't sound like #2 seed material to me. Iowa's probably a bit over-seeded as well along with Syracuse who before the Big East tourney, probably wasn't even getting into the big dance. Georgetown's better than a 7 seed and will have to play Ohio State to make the Sweet 16.
Ahh and the Aggies will make their first appearance since 1987 gaining their first ever at-large bid. A 12 seed almost always beats a 5 in the tourney and I think A&M has maybe the best chance playing a slightly over-rated Syracuse team.
A few interesting Tourney facts:
• The last five national champions have come from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East.
• The lowest seed to make the Final Four were the #11 LSU Tigers in 1986.
• Since seeding began in 1979, on only three occasions have three No. 1 seeds made the Final Four (1993, 1997 and 1999).
A few other opinions on who made the dance:
Mid-major schools create major second-guessing
Cincy gets snubbed
As far as seeds go, the biggest stand out is Tennessee as a 2 seed. What did they do to deserve that? Well they went 3-4 down the stretch and lost in the first round of the SEC tourney, doesn't sound like #2 seed material to me. Iowa's probably a bit over-seeded as well along with Syracuse who before the Big East tourney, probably wasn't even getting into the big dance. Georgetown's better than a 7 seed and will have to play Ohio State to make the Sweet 16.
Ahh and the Aggies will make their first appearance since 1987 gaining their first ever at-large bid. A 12 seed almost always beats a 5 in the tourney and I think A&M has maybe the best chance playing a slightly over-rated Syracuse team.
A few interesting Tourney facts:
• The last five national champions have come from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East.
• The lowest seed to make the Final Four were the #11 LSU Tigers in 1986.
• Since seeding began in 1979, on only three occasions have three No. 1 seeds made the Final Four (1993, 1997 and 1999).
A few other opinions on who made the dance:
Mid-major schools create major second-guessing
Cincy gets snubbed
Sunday, March 12, 2006
is the mo-valley really the lo-valley
I definitely agree with this opinion... the Missouri Valley is over-rated! Count me as one who will be majorly pissed off (pun intended) if the Mo-Valley gets 5 bids.
Selective MVC Analysis
Published by Jason Kent March 11th, 2006
I’m not going to write off the College Basketball Ratings Percentage Index, but it needs to be deemphasized as an evaluating tool for NCAA Tournament berths. Qualitative analysis over quantitive. From my view point, this conference is overrated.
The objective for the selection committee is to select the best 34 remaining teams after automatic bids have been handed out. Right now as many as 6 Missouri Valley Conference teams are being discussed due to their inclusion in the RPI top 40 as of today. That’s more teams than the ACC, Big 12, SEC, Pac 10 and as many teams as the Big Ten. Only the Big East with 7 in the top 40 have more. Credit the MVC athletic directors for figuring out the finer details of the formula and taking advantage of it. I’m not trying to bash the conference, it’s the best of the mid-majors, but the possibility of the MVC drawing more teams than the ACC is a joke. The best 34 teams is what we are taking about here, and the RPI should only be a small part of the formula. Qualitative takes precedence.
Current RPI rankings of MVC and notable teams close by:
Missouri State - 19
Wisconsin - 20
Northern Iowa - 23
Wichita State - 24
Southern Illinois - 27
Boston College - 30
West Virginia - 34
Bradley - 35
Creighton - 40
Cincinnati - 41
Michigan - 46
Southern Illinois doesn’t need to be discussed as they secured a berth with a conference tournament victory against Bradley, in what was one of the ugliest games I’ve watched all season. The Salukis have a proven track record in the tournament so I’ll leave them alone. Tough team that could hang with the middle of the Big 10 pack.
Another worthy team is regular season champion, Wichita State. The Shockers actually went out and played some top teams in the non-conference schedule. Michigan State and Illinois can attest they’re a very solid ball club. Quantitative numbers are in their favor as well, but it’s the qualitative analysis of how they’ve performaned that makes them a tournament team.
Now to bubbleville, with Northern Iowa. Bracket Expert Joe Lunardi says they’re easily in as a 10 seed. Credit UNI for having the most quality wins of any of their peers. Victories over Iowa at home and LSU should be rewarded, and for that I wouldn’t be too upset with the Panthers getting a dance ticket. However, on the other end they finished 5th in conference play, and lost 5 of their last 7. Stack them up against other bubble teams and I’d struggle to place them above Michigan, Seton Hall, Texas A&M, and Florida State. Put the Panthers in the ACC and tell me how they’d finish? I’d have them amongst Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
Missouri State, considered the very best according to the RPI has already received more air time than they deserve. The Bears most impressive non-conference win comes against Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Midly impressive. Only one major conference opponent graced their schedule, and they fell to an average Arkansas team. MVC apologists don’t give me the “you’ve never seen them play”. The beauty of DirectTV have provided more MVC telecasts than I could handle. Are the Bears a good team, sure, but are they more deserving than Michigan, Seton Hall, and Florida Sate? Quality wins from those three include: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois, NC State, West Virginia, and Duke. Anyone one of those is more impressive than the entire Missouri State resume in my opinion. Convince me they would have ever even made it to Madison Square Garden for the Big East tournament?
On to two teams who don’t even deserve mention, Bradley and Creighton. For starters they finished 6th and 4th respectively during the MVC regular season. The Braves don’t have a notable non-conference win and didn’t play ANYBODY. It’s a lot easier to get to 20 wins that way. The Bluejays have a slightly more polished resume with victories over George Mason and Nebraska, however they struggled down the stretch (injuries didn’t help) and the overall product just doesn’t compare to other bubble hopefuls.
The RPI has created the illusion these teams are just as good as the tournament teams in the ACC, Big Ten and Big East. I don’t think I need to elaborate any further where each of these would finish in the aforementioned conference. As I said before, credit the AD’s for understanding the system and working it to their favor … but qualitative analyis proves overwhelmingly the Missouri Valley is vastly overrated.
Selective MVC Analysis
Published by Jason Kent March 11th, 2006
I’m not going to write off the College Basketball Ratings Percentage Index, but it needs to be deemphasized as an evaluating tool for NCAA Tournament berths. Qualitative analysis over quantitive. From my view point, this conference is overrated.
The objective for the selection committee is to select the best 34 remaining teams after automatic bids have been handed out. Right now as many as 6 Missouri Valley Conference teams are being discussed due to their inclusion in the RPI top 40 as of today. That’s more teams than the ACC, Big 12, SEC, Pac 10 and as many teams as the Big Ten. Only the Big East with 7 in the top 40 have more. Credit the MVC athletic directors for figuring out the finer details of the formula and taking advantage of it. I’m not trying to bash the conference, it’s the best of the mid-majors, but the possibility of the MVC drawing more teams than the ACC is a joke. The best 34 teams is what we are taking about here, and the RPI should only be a small part of the formula. Qualitative takes precedence.
Current RPI rankings of MVC and notable teams close by:
Missouri State - 19
Wisconsin - 20
Northern Iowa - 23
Wichita State - 24
Southern Illinois - 27
Boston College - 30
West Virginia - 34
Bradley - 35
Creighton - 40
Cincinnati - 41
Michigan - 46
Southern Illinois doesn’t need to be discussed as they secured a berth with a conference tournament victory against Bradley, in what was one of the ugliest games I’ve watched all season. The Salukis have a proven track record in the tournament so I’ll leave them alone. Tough team that could hang with the middle of the Big 10 pack.
Another worthy team is regular season champion, Wichita State. The Shockers actually went out and played some top teams in the non-conference schedule. Michigan State and Illinois can attest they’re a very solid ball club. Quantitative numbers are in their favor as well, but it’s the qualitative analysis of how they’ve performaned that makes them a tournament team.
Now to bubbleville, with Northern Iowa. Bracket Expert Joe Lunardi says they’re easily in as a 10 seed. Credit UNI for having the most quality wins of any of their peers. Victories over Iowa at home and LSU should be rewarded, and for that I wouldn’t be too upset with the Panthers getting a dance ticket. However, on the other end they finished 5th in conference play, and lost 5 of their last 7. Stack them up against other bubble teams and I’d struggle to place them above Michigan, Seton Hall, Texas A&M, and Florida State. Put the Panthers in the ACC and tell me how they’d finish? I’d have them amongst Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
Missouri State, considered the very best according to the RPI has already received more air time than they deserve. The Bears most impressive non-conference win comes against Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Midly impressive. Only one major conference opponent graced their schedule, and they fell to an average Arkansas team. MVC apologists don’t give me the “you’ve never seen them play”. The beauty of DirectTV have provided more MVC telecasts than I could handle. Are the Bears a good team, sure, but are they more deserving than Michigan, Seton Hall, and Florida Sate? Quality wins from those three include: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois, NC State, West Virginia, and Duke. Anyone one of those is more impressive than the entire Missouri State resume in my opinion. Convince me they would have ever even made it to Madison Square Garden for the Big East tournament?
On to two teams who don’t even deserve mention, Bradley and Creighton. For starters they finished 6th and 4th respectively during the MVC regular season. The Braves don’t have a notable non-conference win and didn’t play ANYBODY. It’s a lot easier to get to 20 wins that way. The Bluejays have a slightly more polished resume with victories over George Mason and Nebraska, however they struggled down the stretch (injuries didn’t help) and the overall product just doesn’t compare to other bubble hopefuls.
The RPI has created the illusion these teams are just as good as the tournament teams in the ACC, Big Ten and Big East. I don’t think I need to elaborate any further where each of these would finish in the aforementioned conference. As I said before, credit the AD’s for understanding the system and working it to their favor … but qualitative analyis proves overwhelmingly the Missouri Valley is vastly overrated.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
beginning of the madness
Championship week is underway with the major conferences getting things kicked off today or tomorrow. Syracuse got a nice win over Cincinnati but will need to knock off UConn as well to get serious consideration for an at-large bid. Gerry McNamara make an amazing 3-pointer for the win, but watching the replay, it was an obvious travel on the play. They will need much more than luck to beat the Huskies tomorrow.
So CBS Sportsline is making the NCAA Tournament available On Demand on your computer for free this Thursday... all games, streaming onto your desktop. Sounds great, right? It's like the American dream! Except there could be some issues. Because of the intense demand expected (every year, ESPN and other sports sites notch record traffic during the first two days of the tournament), CBS Sportsline and the NCAA are sending out “400,000 to 1 million” VIP invites, allowing only those people immediate access to watch the games. If you’re not one of the VIPs, you’ll be put in a virtual waiting room until someone leaves … all I can say is, if I get in, there's no chance I'll even think of signing off. If by some miracle you do happen to get in, you better hope your server doesn’t go down (which you can almost count on happening), because then you’re not getting back in.
So CBS Sportsline is making the NCAA Tournament available On Demand on your computer for free this Thursday... all games, streaming onto your desktop. Sounds great, right? It's like the American dream! Except there could be some issues. Because of the intense demand expected (every year, ESPN and other sports sites notch record traffic during the first two days of the tournament), CBS Sportsline and the NCAA are sending out “400,000 to 1 million” VIP invites, allowing only those people immediate access to watch the games. If you’re not one of the VIPs, you’ll be put in a virtual waiting room until someone leaves … all I can say is, if I get in, there's no chance I'll even think of signing off. If by some miracle you do happen to get in, you better hope your server doesn’t go down (which you can almost count on happening), because then you’re not getting back in.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
lots of action tonight
The Mavs play the Spurs for the top spot in the Western Conf. at 8:30pm on TNT and the Stars play in Phoenix at 8pm... looks like I'll be doing a good bit of channel flipping. If the Mavs are at full strength tonight, they have a great chance to beat the Spurs even in San Antonio. With Phoenix still in disaray over the gambling scandle, the Stars will start things up after the break with a much needed win after falling apart in two defeats out west prior to the Olympics. In Survivor, Bobby gets the boot, so say the spoiler forums.
Monday, February 27, 2006
not so spectacular winter games
So the Winter Olympics are over and did anyone watch any of it? It’s hard to want to watch the events when everyone already knows the outcome. There was no real star of these Olympics for the US. Bode Miller drank more than he skied, Lindsey Kildow crashed, the hockey team was brutal and Sasha Cohen couldn't finish the deal. Shaun White, the Flying Tomato, along with Hannah Teter are probably the best known names to come from the games and both were gold medal winners in the snowboarding halfpipe. The snowboarders won 1/3 of the US gold medals and should have had one more had Lindsey Jacobellis not decided to showboat just a little too soon and fallen on her butt for silver instead of gold. How bout that Gretchen Bleiler... probably the hottie of the US olympic team followed closely by her snowboard teammates Teter and Jacobellis. So does the US just suck in Alpine skiing? Two medals in 10 events is a pretty poor showing, even if both medals were golds. Hated to see Finland (aka Dallas Stars Euro) lost to Sweden. The Fins were the best team all olympics but just didn't produce in the gold medal game on Sunday.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
make up your mind already
So this is going to be Barry Bond's last season... no wait, maybe not. Barry can't seem to make up his mind, not that I really care if he ever plays again. He doesn't deserve to break Aaron's HR record and has clearly been playing most of his years in SF on steroids. Good riddence, I say.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
nba all-star musing
About to watch the NBA all-star game... wouldn't you think the Mavs with the best record in the Western conference would have more than just one all-star??? And how does Yao Ming make the all-star game, let alone start the game as the leading vote getter?!? The dude has no game. Lucky for him most of the voting is done via the internet. He wont do anything tonight. I suspect either Kobe Bryant or Dwayne Wade will win the MVP. I didn't realize this is Kobe's 8th all-star game! That's a lot for a guy who's only 27.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
simply incredible beauty
Does it get any better? Throw in Maria Sharapova and Heidi Klum... simply amazing.
Monday, February 13, 2006
hockey and the halfpipe
It was difficult to watch. The Stars 3rd period collapse against the Kings Sunday was of epic proportion. Four goals given up in the period and 3 within 2 minutes and 12 seconds. You CANNOT give up a 5-2 lead ever, let alone in the 3rd period. I cant decide which was worse, Turco's goaltending or the Stars porous defense which gave up a whopping 40 shots! The last 2 goals were definitely stoppable by Turco. Those are goals he cant give up in the playoffs, especially if I'm shelling out my cash to be there to see it. I'll be at the remaining home games this year which don’t resume until March due to the Olympic break (one which the Stars decided to take a period too early). They're 6-0 this year when I've gone so hopefully I didn't just jinx that. Hopefully the Stars come back refreshed and ready to play as they have a difficult schedule leading up to the playoffs and are only 2 points behind Detroit for the best record in the West. With Guerin starting to score, if the Modano line can get it in gear, the Stars will be a force to recon with come playoff time.
I'm now a big fan of the halfpipe. First the men go 1-2 and now the women as well.
Hannah Teter with a golden pose
Gretchen Bleiler and Hannah Teter
Gretchen, Hannah and Kjersti Buaas
I'm now a big fan of the halfpipe. First the men go 1-2 and now the women as well.
Hannah Teter with a golden pose
Gretchen Bleiler and Hannah Teter
Gretchen, Hannah and Kjersti BuaasTuesday, February 7, 2006
the hanger goes from ice to hardwood
Time-lapse photography of transforming the American Airlines Center from hockey rink to basketball court on 01/28/05... the Stars/Red Wings game started at 1pm and ended in a Stars shootout win (which I attended) shortly after 4pm. The AAC ice was covered and the court was ready for hoops team warm-ups shortly before 6pm, less than two hours after the hockey game ended. The Mavs game vs Utah tipped off at 8pm, in which they beat the Jazz.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Sunday, February 5, 2006
the olympics
I think I've found a reason to watch the winter olympics, other than for hockey... her name is Lindsey Kildow. Maybe I've found two... ahh Sasha.
Friday, February 3, 2006
random thought
Kevin Mench made $345k in 2005. He hit 25 HRs and had 73 RBI while hitting .264 (not much higher than his weight). Somehow that entitled him to a $2.5M raise. Mench will make $2.8M in 2006! You've got to be kidding me. He's average at best... I wish I could make almost $3M for being just average.
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
dallas sports random musings
• The Stars won their sixth game in a row with a 2-1 win over Nashville tonight. It's their second 6-game win streak of the year, generating some good momentum going into the Olympic break.
• The Mavs squeaked out an 81-80 win in Memphis tonight to push their winning streak to 10 games.
• The Aggies had a good, but not spectacular signing day that ranked 22nd in the nation. The potential for a top 15 class dissipated within the last 12 hours preceding signing day with Mesquite Horn RB Mon Williams choosing Florida over the Aggies and Skyline LB Michael Morgan deciding to go to USC. The recruiting class met most of the Aggies needs and includes several impact players that could see immediate playing time come next fall.
• Southlake Carroll had an area high (possibly state high) 12 players sign Division I Letters of Intent.
• Chris Chelios will be the captain of the US Olympic hockey team. WHY? At 44, he skates with a walker. Watched him live vs the Stars the other day and he's a fossil of the player he used to be with only 5 points on the year.
• The Mavs squeaked out an 81-80 win in Memphis tonight to push their winning streak to 10 games.
• The Aggies had a good, but not spectacular signing day that ranked 22nd in the nation. The potential for a top 15 class dissipated within the last 12 hours preceding signing day with Mesquite Horn RB Mon Williams choosing Florida over the Aggies and Skyline LB Michael Morgan deciding to go to USC. The recruiting class met most of the Aggies needs and includes several impact players that could see immediate playing time come next fall.
• Southlake Carroll had an area high (possibly state high) 12 players sign Division I Letters of Intent.
• Chris Chelios will be the captain of the US Olympic hockey team. WHY? At 44, he skates with a walker. Watched him live vs the Stars the other day and he's a fossil of the player he used to be with only 5 points on the year.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
red. wings. suck.
I was at the Dallas Stars game Saturday vs the Red Wings and will be there again tomorrow night against San Jose. But talk about a great game and an electric crowd, the Detroit game definitely had the look and feel of a playoff game. The media, among many, have been on the Stars fans and their lack of support. Well look at some of the games the Stars played at home earlier this season and you should be able to see why. Too many times they've come out and played down to the level of their opponent, only to lose a close game that they should have won. Too many times the Stars have come out and played a great first period and decided that should be enough to win and put in on cruise control the rest of the game. Too many games like that and loses that shouldn't have been are a direct reflect of the crowd and the support they provide. This Stars team has the talent to go far into the playoffs, there's not another team playing as well as the Stars are right now. If the Stars bring the intensity they brought to Saturday's Red Wings game to every game, first, they wont lose many between now and the end of the season and second, the crowd will be 'electric' every night.
I heard several people say that the Detroit game was the best they'd ever been to. Outside of some of the Colorado playoff games and the Stanley Cup Finals, it ranks right up there. The Stars have the chance to do something very special this year; hopefully they realize that and play to their potential. The Stars have some of the most skilled players in the league, witnessed by their 8-0 record in shootouts. With Marty Turco on top of his game, the Stars have a chance to win every game they play.
No team is more hated in Dallas than the Red Wings. Colorado is a close second, but when Detroit comes to town, bandwagon Red Wing fans emerge from the woodwork. How great was the expression on those Red Wing fan's faces when Lehtinen tied the game and the realization of a potential shootout loomed. The Wing fans were boisterous all game until all the sudden they didn't have the lead and chants of 'Red Wings Suck' echoed through the arena. The Stars were jobbed all game long by the refs, as if NBC was dictating that Detroit needed to win because they have a bigger following and to segue into the upcoming Super Bowl. The Stars PK did a great job with only giving up one PP goal, that on a penalty by Turco for slashing. The Stars made the most of their chances, tied it late in regulation, killed another penalty in the OT and won where have so often before, in the Shootout. Modano provided the difference maker with a blistering wrister going top shelf and all the Dead Wing Fans went home to cry. A great game, start to finish and a great crowd as well. I'll be at most of the home games the rest of the year so LETS GO STARS!
I heard several people say that the Detroit game was the best they'd ever been to. Outside of some of the Colorado playoff games and the Stanley Cup Finals, it ranks right up there. The Stars have the chance to do something very special this year; hopefully they realize that and play to their potential. The Stars have some of the most skilled players in the league, witnessed by their 8-0 record in shootouts. With Marty Turco on top of his game, the Stars have a chance to win every game they play.
No team is more hated in Dallas than the Red Wings. Colorado is a close second, but when Detroit comes to town, bandwagon Red Wing fans emerge from the woodwork. How great was the expression on those Red Wing fan's faces when Lehtinen tied the game and the realization of a potential shootout loomed. The Wing fans were boisterous all game until all the sudden they didn't have the lead and chants of 'Red Wings Suck' echoed through the arena. The Stars were jobbed all game long by the refs, as if NBC was dictating that Detroit needed to win because they have a bigger following and to segue into the upcoming Super Bowl. The Stars PK did a great job with only giving up one PP goal, that on a penalty by Turco for slashing. The Stars made the most of their chances, tied it late in regulation, killed another penalty in the OT and won where have so often before, in the Shootout. Modano provided the difference maker with a blistering wrister going top shelf and all the Dead Wing Fans went home to cry. A great game, start to finish and a great crowd as well. I'll be at most of the home games the rest of the year so LETS GO STARS!
Monday, January 23, 2006
eighty-one
Eighty-one points in a game... eighty-freakin-one! Simply an incredible achievement for Kobe Bean Bryant. The second most points EVER scored in a game. It was quite possibly the greatest scoring performance in NBA history. Yeah Wilt had 100 back in '62, but there wasn't anyone with his size that could guard him in that day and virtually all his points were down in the paint.
I watched Kobe drop 62 on the Mavericks in three quarters back in December. The Mavs threw everyone they had at him, double and triple-teamed him to no avail. Sunday night, the Raptors did the same thing, with the same result. What a shame this game wasn't on national television though most of Kobe's 28 field goals were shown on every sportscast in town. Here's a scary thought... if Phil lets Kobe play the 4th against the Mavs, Kobe probably has TWO 80 point games within a month! Michael Jordan never scored 80, his career high was 69.
Kobe rallied the Lakers from 18 points down in the 3rd quarter, single-handedly delivering an 18 point win. That’s a 36 point swing! Bryant's performance was the greatest show that the NBA has ever seen. Kobe is averaging 36 points a game, the most in the last 18 years since MJ was averaging 37 for the Bulls back in the day. These weren't all easy baskets and dunks by any means; several shots were put up with hands right in his face, only to find the bottom of the net.
The man is virtually unguardable. His shooting range goes way beyond the three-point line, and his ball-handling ability allows him to get to any spot on the floor. His strength and fearlessness puts him at the free-throw line time and again, and his steely nature at the end of games makes him lethal in the clutch. He is a basketball machine.
If Kobe had come before Michael, they would be comparing MJ to Kobe instead of the other way around, he's that good. Kobe Bryant has to win the NBA's MVP award. No one else is even close right now. Elton Brand was the early-season favorite after his fast start, and Steve Nash has been mentioned as a repeat winner for leading the Suns to first place in the Pacific Division. Dirk Nowitzki also deserves consideration for his play and for the success of the Mavericks. But Kobe has elevated his game to an entirely different level – one that has rarely been seen in the history of the NBA.
He is far and away the best player in the league. And after the show he put on Sunday, can anyone argue that he's not the MVP?
Two of his 81
Congrats from Phil and the rest of the team
I watched Kobe drop 62 on the Mavericks in three quarters back in December. The Mavs threw everyone they had at him, double and triple-teamed him to no avail. Sunday night, the Raptors did the same thing, with the same result. What a shame this game wasn't on national television though most of Kobe's 28 field goals were shown on every sportscast in town. Here's a scary thought... if Phil lets Kobe play the 4th against the Mavs, Kobe probably has TWO 80 point games within a month! Michael Jordan never scored 80, his career high was 69.
Kobe rallied the Lakers from 18 points down in the 3rd quarter, single-handedly delivering an 18 point win. That’s a 36 point swing! Bryant's performance was the greatest show that the NBA has ever seen. Kobe is averaging 36 points a game, the most in the last 18 years since MJ was averaging 37 for the Bulls back in the day. These weren't all easy baskets and dunks by any means; several shots were put up with hands right in his face, only to find the bottom of the net.
The man is virtually unguardable. His shooting range goes way beyond the three-point line, and his ball-handling ability allows him to get to any spot on the floor. His strength and fearlessness puts him at the free-throw line time and again, and his steely nature at the end of games makes him lethal in the clutch. He is a basketball machine.
If Kobe had come before Michael, they would be comparing MJ to Kobe instead of the other way around, he's that good. Kobe Bryant has to win the NBA's MVP award. No one else is even close right now. Elton Brand was the early-season favorite after his fast start, and Steve Nash has been mentioned as a repeat winner for leading the Suns to first place in the Pacific Division. Dirk Nowitzki also deserves consideration for his play and for the success of the Mavericks. But Kobe has elevated his game to an entirely different level – one that has rarely been seen in the history of the NBA.
He is far and away the best player in the league. And after the show he put on Sunday, can anyone argue that he's not the MVP?
Two of his 81
Congrats from Phil and the rest of the teamTuesday, January 17, 2006
march madness cant come soon enough
Is there anything more painful than American Idol?!? I think not.
I was 3-2 on this weekend's NFL game picks, a slip off from last week's 3-1.
So our local LBOH (Little Ball of Hate) Jen Engel is still ranting about how "horrible" the officiating was this weekend in the NFL playoffs. I'll admit, the Polamalu non-interception call was pretty bad, but other than that, there wasn't much to complain about. A missed delay of game and a questionable pass interference call we're maybe the only other calls that were game impacting. All in all, the teams that played better and won the turnover battle came out on top.
You can't review every play until 'everyone' is happy and thinks they got it right. No one would every watch a game that takes 5 or 6 hours to play. Comparison to the systems employed in college football is a joke, as NO ONE likes the current college football review system to begin with. There's going to be judgment calls in every game, which people are going to disagree about, and that's part of what makes the game interesting. Outside of the non-interception call, the refs didn't miss any obvious calls this weekend and no more than they have been all year. The only difference is that there were only 4 games this weekend and they were all televised. Calls will be missed in every game, it’s the nature of the game and you live with it.
I was 3-2 on this weekend's NFL game picks, a slip off from last week's 3-1.
So our local LBOH (Little Ball of Hate) Jen Engel is still ranting about how "horrible" the officiating was this weekend in the NFL playoffs. I'll admit, the Polamalu non-interception call was pretty bad, but other than that, there wasn't much to complain about. A missed delay of game and a questionable pass interference call we're maybe the only other calls that were game impacting. All in all, the teams that played better and won the turnover battle came out on top.
You can't review every play until 'everyone' is happy and thinks they got it right. No one would every watch a game that takes 5 or 6 hours to play. Comparison to the systems employed in college football is a joke, as NO ONE likes the current college football review system to begin with. There's going to be judgment calls in every game, which people are going to disagree about, and that's part of what makes the game interesting. Outside of the non-interception call, the refs didn't miss any obvious calls this weekend and no more than they have been all year. The only difference is that there were only 4 games this weekend and they were all televised. Calls will be missed in every game, it’s the nature of the game and you live with it.
Monday, January 16, 2006
love-shaq
Anyone see the love-fest Shaq and Kobe put on before their game at The Staples Center tonight? I kept waiting for them to pull a Magic-Isaiah pre-tipoff kiss. They didn't quite go that far though. Kobe put on a show once again, knocking down jumpers at crunch time in the 4th quarter with Gary Payton and Dwayne Wade in his face. Sure, I’ve got a man crush on Kobe, but straight up, the dude is the best player in the NBA and after he carries this Laker team into the playoffs, he deserves to win the league MVP.
awhhh
awhhhSaturday, January 14, 2006
divisional playoff picks...
Saturday's games:
Washington +9 at Seattle - Total 41
Washington had a whopping 120 total yards against the Bucs last week; expect much of the same vs the Seahawks who will look to take Clinton Portis out of the game. Brunell's gone 8 straight games without a 200 yard passing day and has completed only 23 total passes the last 3 games.
Seattle is rested, and at home, both good things and are 9 point favorites (history says this a a good thing). Seattle rolls in having turned it over only 17 times in 16 games! They have the best red zone offense in the league and offer an incredibly balanced offense. The Skins are not likely to get steady pressure against the veteran (and perhaps best in the league) offensive line. Less pressure = less turnovers. And it's turnovers that have been feeding these Skins the last month and a half. Expect Shawn Alexander and Seattle to roll and win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Pick: SEATTLE MINUS THE POINTS
New England +3 at Denver - Total 43.5
With the kind of roll NE's been on (7-2 SU in their last 9), spotting them 3 points seems to invite a play on the Pats. But look closely at those 7 wins. Their victims include Miami, New Orleans, Tampa, Buffalo and the Jets twice before pulling away from Jacktown last week in the second half. In fact, only 2 of NE's 11 wins came over playoff teams: Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. Denver has only 2 such wins also but one of them was a 28-20 beating of the Pats in Denver in mid-October. The Broncos didn't lose a home game this year.
NE's run has been fueled by a return to health of several key defenders. That health's seen them cut their rushing yards allowed just about in half since the eighth game of the year. The Broncos finished last in the league in sacks and 29th in passing yards allowed. That last stat's understandable given that Denver's been ahead of everyone, forcing them to throw and abandon the run.
NE's won 10 straight in the playoffs, two as a dog. Maybe the most important stat of this game is Bill Belichick has been incredible when facing the same QB for a second time in the same season (as he is Plummer). Coach Belichick is 14-1 SU and 12-3 ATS in such situations while at NE, the one SU loss coming against Miami in the last week of the season when the starters were pulled early.
One last interesting stat, the three winningest QBs in the NFL over the last three years are:
1. P. Manning
2. T. Brady
3. J. Plummer
This appears to be a close game and I'll take Brady to make the plays over Plummer.
Pick: NEW ENGLAND PLUS THE POINTS
Sunday's Games:
Pittsburgh +9.5 at Indianapolis - Total 48
Indy has by far the better offense and an underated defense that quite possibly is as good as the Steelers if not better. Indy will be able to shut down the Steeler running game forcing Ben Rothelberger to win this game with his arm. Special teams might give an edge to Pittsburgh and the coaching matchup is even. Indy had a bye week and will be well rested. This game comes down to two factors... Indianapolis is the better team and is playing indoors at home. From a betting standpoint, this is could be the playoff game of the year.
Pick: INDIANAPOLIS MINUS THE POINTS
Carolina +3 at Chicago - Total 31
An obvious defensive battle between the Bears and Panthers which will feature many punts and a battle for field position. A key stat is Rex Grossman has only played 6 qtrs all year. Carolina has a definite edge on the offensive side of the ball. Can anyone stop Steve Smith? The defenses are about even with maybe a slight edge to the Bears. I think the overall edge here goes to the Panthers as this team's been to the playoffs before, the Bears haven't sniffed the playoffs in years. A close game to be decided by turnovers.
Pick: CAROLINA PLUS THE POINTS AND OVER THE TOTAL
Washington +9 at Seattle - Total 41
Washington had a whopping 120 total yards against the Bucs last week; expect much of the same vs the Seahawks who will look to take Clinton Portis out of the game. Brunell's gone 8 straight games without a 200 yard passing day and has completed only 23 total passes the last 3 games.
Seattle is rested, and at home, both good things and are 9 point favorites (history says this a a good thing). Seattle rolls in having turned it over only 17 times in 16 games! They have the best red zone offense in the league and offer an incredibly balanced offense. The Skins are not likely to get steady pressure against the veteran (and perhaps best in the league) offensive line. Less pressure = less turnovers. And it's turnovers that have been feeding these Skins the last month and a half. Expect Shawn Alexander and Seattle to roll and win by at least 2 touchdowns.
Pick: SEATTLE MINUS THE POINTS
New England +3 at Denver - Total 43.5
With the kind of roll NE's been on (7-2 SU in their last 9), spotting them 3 points seems to invite a play on the Pats. But look closely at those 7 wins. Their victims include Miami, New Orleans, Tampa, Buffalo and the Jets twice before pulling away from Jacktown last week in the second half. In fact, only 2 of NE's 11 wins came over playoff teams: Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay. Denver has only 2 such wins also but one of them was a 28-20 beating of the Pats in Denver in mid-October. The Broncos didn't lose a home game this year.
NE's run has been fueled by a return to health of several key defenders. That health's seen them cut their rushing yards allowed just about in half since the eighth game of the year. The Broncos finished last in the league in sacks and 29th in passing yards allowed. That last stat's understandable given that Denver's been ahead of everyone, forcing them to throw and abandon the run.
NE's won 10 straight in the playoffs, two as a dog. Maybe the most important stat of this game is Bill Belichick has been incredible when facing the same QB for a second time in the same season (as he is Plummer). Coach Belichick is 14-1 SU and 12-3 ATS in such situations while at NE, the one SU loss coming against Miami in the last week of the season when the starters were pulled early.
One last interesting stat, the three winningest QBs in the NFL over the last three years are:
1. P. Manning
2. T. Brady
3. J. Plummer
This appears to be a close game and I'll take Brady to make the plays over Plummer.
Pick: NEW ENGLAND PLUS THE POINTS
Sunday's Games:
Pittsburgh +9.5 at Indianapolis - Total 48
Indy has by far the better offense and an underated defense that quite possibly is as good as the Steelers if not better. Indy will be able to shut down the Steeler running game forcing Ben Rothelberger to win this game with his arm. Special teams might give an edge to Pittsburgh and the coaching matchup is even. Indy had a bye week and will be well rested. This game comes down to two factors... Indianapolis is the better team and is playing indoors at home. From a betting standpoint, this is could be the playoff game of the year.
Pick: INDIANAPOLIS MINUS THE POINTS
Carolina +3 at Chicago - Total 31
An obvious defensive battle between the Bears and Panthers which will feature many punts and a battle for field position. A key stat is Rex Grossman has only played 6 qtrs all year. Carolina has a definite edge on the offensive side of the ball. Can anyone stop Steve Smith? The defenses are about even with maybe a slight edge to the Bears. I think the overall edge here goes to the Panthers as this team's been to the playoffs before, the Bears haven't sniffed the playoffs in years. A close game to be decided by turnovers.
Pick: CAROLINA PLUS THE POINTS AND OVER THE TOTAL
Monday, January 9, 2006
musings from the weekend in sports...
• New England is not the team Indianapolis is hoping to see coming to town in two weeks.
• It was only a matter of time until Eli Manning was going to cost the Giants an important game.
• Tough loss for the Bucs though I think we've seen this version of Chris Simms before. John Gruden didn't shield poor Simms from the media a la Mack Brown though.
• Marcus Vick and Sean Taylor, what in the world is going through your heads?
• Many have anointed the Red Wings as the best team in the Western Conference... they must have not seen the Stars come back from 3 goals down to beat the Wings in Detroit 6-3 on Sunday. Dallas is tied for the most wins in the NHL with 28.
• Kobe Bryant's point totals in his last 4 games... 45, 48, 50 and 45, making him the first player to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games in more than 41 years.
• It was only a matter of time until Eli Manning was going to cost the Giants an important game.
• Tough loss for the Bucs though I think we've seen this version of Chris Simms before. John Gruden didn't shield poor Simms from the media a la Mack Brown though.
• Marcus Vick and Sean Taylor, what in the world is going through your heads?
• Many have anointed the Red Wings as the best team in the Western Conference... they must have not seen the Stars come back from 3 goals down to beat the Wings in Detroit 6-3 on Sunday. Dallas is tied for the most wins in the NHL with 28.
• Kobe Bryant's point totals in his last 4 games... 45, 48, 50 and 45, making him the first player to score 45 points or more in four consecutive games in more than 41 years.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
it was a classic... choke job
Texas got a late Christmas gift tonight from SC as So. Cal. gave away the national championship. Texas played a great game tonight no doubt, but they should be thanking Pete Carroll though for some boneheaded play calling including not kicking the chip shot field goal to go up 10-0, not running LenDale White 3 straight times on the last possession (which resulted in at least 10 yds ALL game long), passing the ball on second down at the end instead and stopping the clock, and going for it on 4th and 2 at mid-field when running 3 times and punting (if it was still needed) would have made Texas go 80-90 yds with at most 90 seconds. If you use more clock, punt it deep on 4th if you're short and leave less than 90 seconds for Texas, you make Vince beat you with the pass, not the run. Knowing that, USC has a better chance of stopping Texas and they probably win. Sure it was a gutsy call by Carroll, but a bad one on 4th and 2 on the 45 with over 2 minutes left in the game.
SC came out and thought it could play Texas like they did everyone else, show up and win instead of playing smart. It was a great game to watch and Texas brought their best, though I would have to agree with Matt Leinart, SC is the better team, but the better team doesn't win if they don’t bring their A game in the championship game. They came in with that SC swagger that just stepping on the field would let them win, but that doesn't happen against a good team like Texas. Probably the most amazing thing to me was that Mack Brown out-coached Pete Carroll, which I would never have expected.
Finally, shame on SC if they didn't know Vince was going to run it on 4th down. I bet the thought of throwing the ball never even crossed his mind. He hadn't hit a receiver that wasn't wide open all game and with the end zone working as an extra defender and shortening the field, no one was going to be wide open. The Vince run was more obvious than the Leinart sneak on 4th down early in the game yet SC was dropping back and playing pass. Too many gifts, not to even mention the bonehead pitch by Reggie Bush after he had already made a big gain, to overcome just by showing up. I won’t even go into how bad the replay booth was, that was simply horrible with two plays clearly going against SC that were wrong, one taking a turnover away.
It was a great game to watch, Vince Young played a great game as did Matt Leinart and LenDale White, but the best team didn’t win.
USC's Pete Carroll
SC came out and thought it could play Texas like they did everyone else, show up and win instead of playing smart. It was a great game to watch and Texas brought their best, though I would have to agree with Matt Leinart, SC is the better team, but the better team doesn't win if they don’t bring their A game in the championship game. They came in with that SC swagger that just stepping on the field would let them win, but that doesn't happen against a good team like Texas. Probably the most amazing thing to me was that Mack Brown out-coached Pete Carroll, which I would never have expected.
Finally, shame on SC if they didn't know Vince was going to run it on 4th down. I bet the thought of throwing the ball never even crossed his mind. He hadn't hit a receiver that wasn't wide open all game and with the end zone working as an extra defender and shortening the field, no one was going to be wide open. The Vince run was more obvious than the Leinart sneak on 4th down early in the game yet SC was dropping back and playing pass. Too many gifts, not to even mention the bonehead pitch by Reggie Bush after he had already made a big gain, to overcome just by showing up. I won’t even go into how bad the replay booth was, that was simply horrible with two plays clearly going against SC that were wrong, one taking a turnover away.
It was a great game to watch, Vince Young played a great game as did Matt Leinart and LenDale White, but the best team didn’t win.
USC's Pete CarrollTuesday, January 3, 2006
some musings from the bowl games...
• Does anyone care about any Bowl game played before Christmas? They generally have second-tier teams playing in places like Boise, Fort Worth and Shreveport.
• Teams that forgot to show up in no particular order: Georgia Tech, Miami, Iowa, Auburn, the Texas Tech offense and Georgia (in the 1st qtr)
• Teams lucky to win: Penn State, Nebraska, TCU, UCLA and Nevada
• No way is Texas Tech the second best team in the Big 12 and the team that should have been in the Cotton Bowl.
• The most dominating performance so far goes to the Ohio State Buckeyes who beat up Notre Dame on both sides of the ball. LSU's dismantaling of Miami (The U as they like to be called) comes in a close second, but anytime you hang 600+ yards on a ND team, that's quite an accomplishment. The score could have been much worse as well.
• AJ Hawk sacked his girlfriend's brother, Brady Quinn twice... gotta wonder how that affects the relationship?
• Ohio State's offense is much improved from earlier in the year when they gave a game away to Texas. I think its easy to say that had Tressel not split series between Smith and Zwick, a rare bad coaching decision on Jim Tressel's part, that the Buckeyes win that game. They also had a dropped touchdown pass late in the game that would have given them a win. If they played today, no doubt to me that Ohio State wins.
AJ and Troy
Santonio Holmes and Troy Smith
Laura Quinn not sure who to root for
• Teams that forgot to show up in no particular order: Georgia Tech, Miami, Iowa, Auburn, the Texas Tech offense and Georgia (in the 1st qtr)
• Teams lucky to win: Penn State, Nebraska, TCU, UCLA and Nevada
• No way is Texas Tech the second best team in the Big 12 and the team that should have been in the Cotton Bowl.
• The most dominating performance so far goes to the Ohio State Buckeyes who beat up Notre Dame on both sides of the ball. LSU's dismantaling of Miami (The U as they like to be called) comes in a close second, but anytime you hang 600+ yards on a ND team, that's quite an accomplishment. The score could have been much worse as well.
• AJ Hawk sacked his girlfriend's brother, Brady Quinn twice... gotta wonder how that affects the relationship?
• Ohio State's offense is much improved from earlier in the year when they gave a game away to Texas. I think its easy to say that had Tressel not split series between Smith and Zwick, a rare bad coaching decision on Jim Tressel's part, that the Buckeyes win that game. They also had a dropped touchdown pass late in the game that would have given them a win. If they played today, no doubt to me that Ohio State wins.
AJ and Troy
Santonio Holmes and Troy Smith
Laura Quinn not sure who to root forMonday, January 2, 2006
thoughts on the cotton bowl
After watching the Cotton Bowl, hopefully it became apparent to everyone else what I’ve known all year. Texas Tech is a much over-rated team. Tech was controlled on both sides of the ball by Alabama and though the game was decided by a late field goal, you wouldn’t have thought so by watching the game. Tech fans have been whining that the ‘Bama TD on the second play of the game should have been reviewed as the receiver’s knee was close to being on the ground as he caught a quick screen pass. Some have even inferred that Fox Sports is partially to blame for not showing replays soon enough. Say what? Fox is to blame for a possible missed call? This is a call that most likely would be difficult to overturn to begin with. What are people smoking these days?!?
It's not Fox Sports’ job to officiate the game. The booth should have access to all available replays even when TV isn't showing them to the audience (if not, it's pretty useless to begin with) so any blame there may be lies strictly with the officiating crew. And that's only if you could 'conclusively' say that the knee was for sure down. And I'll add that's a ridiculous rule to begin with in college football that should be changed.
But can we stop whining about whether the Alabama receiver's knee touched the ground or not. This is Texas Tech with ‘innovative’ Mike Leach running the show. This is the offense that was featured on the cover of the NY Times Magazine. Could they not get more than one touchdown by the end of the game? This is the offense that brags about hanging 75 or 80 points on inferior opponents. Can the great Tech offense not generate more than seven points?
It simply shows that the spread offense is a wonderful gimmick scheme that lets teams like Tech, Northwestern and now Vanderbilt that don't have the talent base of the top football powers compete against many teams. But when they play teams that are physically superior they struggle. No shame in that, but that's the reality. Tech has maybe the best 5-yard passing offense in the nation... and that's about it!
It's not Fox Sports’ job to officiate the game. The booth should have access to all available replays even when TV isn't showing them to the audience (if not, it's pretty useless to begin with) so any blame there may be lies strictly with the officiating crew. And that's only if you could 'conclusively' say that the knee was for sure down. And I'll add that's a ridiculous rule to begin with in college football that should be changed.
But can we stop whining about whether the Alabama receiver's knee touched the ground or not. This is Texas Tech with ‘innovative’ Mike Leach running the show. This is the offense that was featured on the cover of the NY Times Magazine. Could they not get more than one touchdown by the end of the game? This is the offense that brags about hanging 75 or 80 points on inferior opponents. Can the great Tech offense not generate more than seven points?
It simply shows that the spread offense is a wonderful gimmick scheme that lets teams like Tech, Northwestern and now Vanderbilt that don't have the talent base of the top football powers compete against many teams. But when they play teams that are physically superior they struggle. No shame in that, but that's the reality. Tech has maybe the best 5-yard passing offense in the nation... and that's about it!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
kobe, part ii
So it was less than two weeks ago that I was blogging about how Kobe had just ripped the Mavs a new one. Last night in LA, he utterly destroyed them. Blowing up huge is an understatement. Through 3 quarters, Kobe Bryant outscored the whole Dallas Mavericks team, 62-61. Not often do coaches care to acknowledge individual accomplishments in team sports, let alone do it during the game, but at the time out before the 4th qtr Phil Jackson wrote on the white board during the Laker team huddle 'Bryant 62, Mavs 61'. It was that spectacular to watch.
Before the game, Coach Avery Johnson stated that the Mavs would 'use the whole team to defend him' based on his 43 point output 10 days ago in Dallas. Well it was quite apparent that no one on the Mavs could even get close enough to Kobe to smell his cologne. He torched everyone that tried to guard him. Sixty-two points in 33 minutes. Not a bad nights work. If only the Mavs could have kept themselves in the game, Kobe might have made even more history by playing in the 4th qtr. To not play Kobe up by 33 points was really a no win situation for Phil Jackson. He sits him and everyone says he should have played him to see what might have been, Kobe was only 9 points from setting the all time Lakers scoring record. And quite possibly, he could have hit 80 points, which only has been done once, by Wilt Chamberlain. If he had played Kobe with the big lead, he would have been second-guessed for sure for putting him at risk and letting him go for personal records. Hey, Kobe didn't seem to mind so what’s the big deal?
One thing is for sure, the Mavs, who don’t play much defense to begin with, have no idea how to stop Kobe Bryant. He's scored 105 points in the last two games against the Mavs while sitting out a whole quarter. Many teams have had trouble stopping Kobe, he's one of the best players in the league. He may be the best player in the league. If he can carry this Lakers team into the playoffs, it will take an MVP type performance from Kobe. Maybe the Lakers can request to play the Mavs every other night? And for the Mavs to get anyone to seriously consider that they are a threat to win the West, they better learn to play some D.
Before the game, Coach Avery Johnson stated that the Mavs would 'use the whole team to defend him' based on his 43 point output 10 days ago in Dallas. Well it was quite apparent that no one on the Mavs could even get close enough to Kobe to smell his cologne. He torched everyone that tried to guard him. Sixty-two points in 33 minutes. Not a bad nights work. If only the Mavs could have kept themselves in the game, Kobe might have made even more history by playing in the 4th qtr. To not play Kobe up by 33 points was really a no win situation for Phil Jackson. He sits him and everyone says he should have played him to see what might have been, Kobe was only 9 points from setting the all time Lakers scoring record. And quite possibly, he could have hit 80 points, which only has been done once, by Wilt Chamberlain. If he had played Kobe with the big lead, he would have been second-guessed for sure for putting him at risk and letting him go for personal records. Hey, Kobe didn't seem to mind so what’s the big deal?
One thing is for sure, the Mavs, who don’t play much defense to begin with, have no idea how to stop Kobe Bryant. He's scored 105 points in the last two games against the Mavs while sitting out a whole quarter. Many teams have had trouble stopping Kobe, he's one of the best players in the league. He may be the best player in the league. If he can carry this Lakers team into the playoffs, it will take an MVP type performance from Kobe. Maybe the Lakers can request to play the Mavs every other night? And for the Mavs to get anyone to seriously consider that they are a threat to win the West, they better learn to play some D.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
the dragons are back to back national champs
Southlake Carroll avenged its only loss as a Class 5A program to claim its third state title in the last four seasons. Carroll defeated Katy, 34-20, in the 5A Division II final Saturday at Texas Stadium. Katy beat Carroll, 16-15, in the 2003 final, a game that most say Carroll let slip away after getting an early lead and then taking Katy lightly. Carroll again got an early lead but this time they went for the jugular. Carroll led by 21 points most of the fourth quarter until a Katy touchdown on the next to last play of the game.
Quarterback Greg McElroy earned MVP honors by completing 21 of 31 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the season with 56 touchdown passes, breaking the 5A record set by Carroll’s Chase Wasson in 2002. Carroll receiver Corbin Smiter had eight catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Receiver McKay Jacobson had six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. Jacobson’s touchdown came after Katy scored 13 consecutive points to trim Carroll’s lead to four early in the third quarter.
It was the second straight Division II state title and mythical national championship for Carroll, which went 16-0 for the third time in four seasons and improved to 63-1 as a 5A school. Katy (14-1) defeated Carroll 16-15 in the 2003 championship game.
Dragons capture state title over Katy at Texas Stadium
Quarterback Greg McElroy earned MVP honors by completing 21 of 31 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the season with 56 touchdown passes, breaking the 5A record set by Carroll’s Chase Wasson in 2002. Carroll receiver Corbin Smiter had eight catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Receiver McKay Jacobson had six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. Jacobson’s touchdown came after Katy scored 13 consecutive points to trim Carroll’s lead to four early in the third quarter.
It was the second straight Division II state title and mythical national championship for Carroll, which went 16-0 for the third time in four seasons and improved to 63-1 as a 5A school. Katy (14-1) defeated Carroll 16-15 in the 2003 championship game.
Dragons capture state title over Katy at Texas StadiumTuesday, December 13, 2005
kobe the mav killer
This wasn't the first time Kobe Bryant has blown up huge against the Mavericks. Nor will it probably be the last. Kobe is arguably the best scorer in the NBA and can create his a shot (though not always the best shot) from anywhere on the floor. Last night he single-handedly took down the Mavs. Interestingly enough, there wasn't much talk of his performance of the Mavs game in general on sports radio this morning. No talk of scoring at will against the Mavs or of his 43 points or of his beat the shot clock 30' 3-pointer. What Kobe displayed last night is exactly what the Mavs are missing and needing to become a championship contender - a go to guy. Well that and a little defense now and then but Avery Johnson is working on that. Defense can be taught, wanting the ball in the clutch cannot. The Mavs have plenty of scorers but no go-to guy. Yeah Dirk can put up points, but he's never proven to be clutch at the end of the game. Kobe's 30' three as the shot clock wound down shouldn't be seen as luck or shocking to anyone. He's been doing that to teams his entire career and when it went up, you know he was thinking 'money'. The Mavs need someone with that mentality if they ever want to win it all. Kobe has it, along with three championship rings to go with.
Thursday, December 8, 2005
soriano for wilkerson... wtf???
Anyone else think the Rangers should have been able to get more for Soriano? He’s statistically in the top 10-15 players in the majors and by far the best second baseman. Sure he can misplay a ball now and then, but his defense has improved and his offense ranks with baseballs best. He's a 5-tool player for crying out loud. Yeah he's eligible for arbitration and it's the last year of his contract, but c'mon... Brad Wilkerson and some spare named Sledge? Jon Daniels has to do better than that... Washington pulled the wool over his eyes on this one.
Rumor is that this was a trade to free up cash and to set up a trade of the surplus the Rangers have in the outfield for some quality starting pitching that the Rangers sorely lack. That begs the question, if Soriano can’t bring you quality pitching, how do you get it with Kevin Mench, Gary Mathews Jr. or Wilkerson? The answer most likely is that you don't. The opinion here is that this is a very reactionary move based on first missing out on landing Josh Beckett and then yesterday getting scooped by the Cubs for Juan Pierre, who would have been a very nice addition both in center field and in the leadoff spot. As shown last year, Wilkerson is not a leadoff hitter so now the Rangers still don’t have a leadoff hitter, they don't have an everyday centerfielder and now they don't have a second baseman either. And seriously, how do you let the Cubs beat you out? Not a good start Jon.
Rumor is that this was a trade to free up cash and to set up a trade of the surplus the Rangers have in the outfield for some quality starting pitching that the Rangers sorely lack. That begs the question, if Soriano can’t bring you quality pitching, how do you get it with Kevin Mench, Gary Mathews Jr. or Wilkerson? The answer most likely is that you don't. The opinion here is that this is a very reactionary move based on first missing out on landing Josh Beckett and then yesterday getting scooped by the Cubs for Juan Pierre, who would have been a very nice addition both in center field and in the leadoff spot. As shown last year, Wilkerson is not a leadoff hitter so now the Rangers still don’t have a leadoff hitter, they don't have an everyday centerfielder and now they don't have a second baseman either. And seriously, how do you let the Cubs beat you out? Not a good start Jon.
Friday, December 2, 2005
its not mine
So Michael Irvin gets pulled over for speeding and lo and behold he has an outstanding warrant for another speeding ticket. I'm guessing 'oops' is an understatement. So he claims it’s not his, did so from the start saying it was a friends. Unfortunately for Irvin he has a checkered past so whether it his or not, many aren't going to believe him. What's even worse for Michael is the timing as he is once again up for vote for the Hall of Fame. He deserves to be in, should have made it last year. The football HOF is unique as the guidelines specifically state the candidates are to be judged solely from their on the field performance. If that were true though, Irvin would be a lock. Some though will see this as another reason not to vote him in. Add to that Troy Aikman is in his first year of eligibility and sure to be voted in with Rayfield Wright and three Cowboys will seem like too many for the anti-Cowboy HOF voters. He should get in. He deserves to get in. Unfortunately this year he probably won’t.
So now almost a week after the fact ESPN decides to suspend Irvin for one weekend of telecasts for not divulging the incident to ESPN quickly enough. Quite honestly, I don’t see the point in suspending Irvin for a week. What purpose does it really serve? Sounds like a typical CYA. Not sure if he did it but we cant just sit by and do nothing because we look stupid already so lets do something even if it makes us look even dumber. The corporate world at its best! I don’t necessarily think he needs to be suspended at all unless its proven that he lied about the whole thing. And if he had been guilty and said so from the start, I don’t see a need to suspend him then either. It wasn't on the job and if he wasn't Michael Irvin, none of us would have known or cared.
So now almost a week after the fact ESPN decides to suspend Irvin for one weekend of telecasts for not divulging the incident to ESPN quickly enough. Quite honestly, I don’t see the point in suspending Irvin for a week. What purpose does it really serve? Sounds like a typical CYA. Not sure if he did it but we cant just sit by and do nothing because we look stupid already so lets do something even if it makes us look even dumber. The corporate world at its best! I don’t necessarily think he needs to be suspended at all unless its proven that he lied about the whole thing. And if he had been guilty and said so from the start, I don’t see a need to suspend him then either. It wasn't on the job and if he wasn't Michael Irvin, none of us would have known or cared.
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