Hoosierfan has triumphantly returned from Europe and promptly wrote this detailed report on the Summer Olympics.
How much of a home-field advantage is too much? Since I've returned to the states, I have had access to 24 hours/day HD olympics coverage. I have watched boxing, gymnastics, diving, as well as a mileu of other random sports. In event after event, the Chinese seem to edge the Americans by a tenth of a hundredth, or several hundredths of a point.
Example 1: Alicia Sacramone, who had a nearly flawless vault, was ousted from the medals by Chang Fei, who fell flat on her face and had serious technical flaws in her vault. Amazingly, the Chinese participant was not penalized for these errors as much as is standard. This was followed by a rant from the U.S. gymnastics director, or whoever that Russian guy is who is always on TV.
Example 2: Despite a near-flawless performance by American gymnast Jonathan Horton, on a daredevil high-bar performance, he was ousted by Zou Kai by 2 hundredths of a point, to which the CHINESE crowd booed! (The announcers said - "I believe the crowd is booing the low marks for Jonathan Horton.") As the Chicago Tribune writes - "Of course, it was a man from China, Zou Kai, who won gold." Indeed, the Chinese gymnasts were impressive. And they're performing on their own turf, but do they really need help?
Example 3: Despite Canadian Alexandre Despatie's near flawless dives, the Chinese diver, and in particular He Chong, despite major, major flaws in his dives, continued to receive perfect 10's, to the dismay of the announcers. Needless to say, the Chinese took first and third.
Example 4: American boxer, and 2007 World Welterweight Champion, Dee Andrade, loses to Jungjoo Kim (OK, he's Korean, not Chinese, but nonetheless) - despite peppering Kim with punches the entire match. They did not credit Andrade with many of the punches, and Kim pretty much just blocked and cowered the entire bout. I have no clue what the judges were doing - and most of the American boxing team is just as clueless. "Honestly, this don't make other kids want to come here or do this Olympic thing at all," said Andrade, who thought he'd connected with enough punches in the final period to win his fight. "To come here and know you're going to get treated like that (by judges) — what's the point in even coming?" Andrade didn't even stick around for the referee to raise Kim's hand. "It was pointless for me to be in there," he said.
U.S. coach Dan Campbell felt Andrade's pain. "I thought that was totally ridiculous," Campbell said. "He clearly landed more scoring punches. I was talking to the people back in the tape room and they saw the same thing we did. Demetrius should have had at least eight points going into that last round."
In fact, the entire American boxing team did poorly, with only one fighter, Deontay Wilder, qualifying past the first round.
So, who is it to blame for the poor performance by the Americans, and the amazing insurgence of the Chinese? I offer 4 explanations:
1) Home team bias - refs blatantly are biased towards the home team - usually at the urging of a large crowd. Not too much can be done about this - other than to get rid of all the sports that based on human judges, as these are notoriously inconsistent.
2) Poor strategy by the American teams / boxers: In Andrade's loss, it was clear that the judges were not awarding inside punches because those punches are less visible than the outside punches. OK then - change the strategy, start hitting him with outside punches. In fact, Andrade usually fights with outside punches, and it was highly unclear why the strategy was changed for this match (which it was).
In diving and gymnastics, the judges were awarding much higher scores for more difficult routines - which is why Horton was able to break through to silver. Too often, however, the Americans were satisfied with easy dives, and gymnastics routines. The Olympics is a high- risk, high reward venue. You got to go for it all because finishing 4th or 5th, just doesn't really matter. Also, despite not having any diving experience or knowledge, I could tell that the judges were awarding higher scores simply based on how high the diver got on their jump off of the springboard - because that is easily visible, whereas whether or not the feet are together during the somersaults is not so easily visible. So, why do a standing dive? Choose the high-flying dives that the judges (re)ward with higher points!
3) Judge bias based on preconceived notions: OK, so, we read ahead of time that the Chinese diver He Chong is the best diver in the world. So, no matter what his performance is, even if he separates his legs, makes a splash, goes in crooked and veers to the left on his dive, we will give him perfect 10's (this actually happened!). I can imagine a study that would prove this very easily: how many 'ranked' #1 athletes in judged events end up winning, versus how many 'ranked' #1 athletes win in timed events. Even though it should be easier to repeat in a track / swimming event, I imagine that the judged performance events will show greater consistency between ratings before the match, and actual performance. Further, I imagine the variance between judged events and timed events is much smaller.
4) Blatant anti-Americanism / anti-Canadianism. The poor Canadians just get the burden since most people think of them as our northern states. With much of the world despising the U.S. for our foreign policy over the past 8 years, perhaps we will be better off once relations are repaired. But the IOC is taking shots at the U.S. as well: discussions of removing baseball, despite its popularity throughout Latin America, Japan, and the U.S. - because the big names are not there (I don't see how this is different than soccer!?) The IOC is also discussing the removal of softball, due to the American dominance in the sport. Nevertheless, fringe / outdated sports such as fencing, equestrian, synchronized swimming, and the "modern" pentathalon stay on the agenda. Seriously, I would place a bet that more people play Ultimate Frisbee globally, than are modern pentathalon, or synchronized swimming "athletes." Speaking of which, why don't we try to get Ultimate as an Olympic sport??? There are 10 club teams in Berlin, and over 50 in Germany alone, and there is already a bi-annual world championships, with teams from 19 countries represented! Its also considered to be the fastest growing team sport in the world!
Either way, the IOC and the judging here is bordering on offensive. When the controversy arose over the age of the 12-14 year old Chinese gymnasts (who look like they're 8), the IOC decided that because their passports say they're 16, they must be 16. Look at them. And consider the facts that:
a) their old coach said they're not 16;
b) they magically produced a new, revised passport, when old passports said they were younger than 16; and
c) Did anyone consider the idea that the Chinese government could make a new passport for these girls declaring them whatever age they want?
Seriously, the incompetence. The incompetence extends beyond judged events and age discrepancies: the umpires and other referees in the Olympics really make U.S. umps and refs look fantastically competent. Today's baseball game between Japan and the U.S. required a conference among umpires to confirm that there were 3 outs in the inning (despite the scoreboard clearly displaying the correct situation).
Further, the ability of athletes to gain passports to whatever country they would like to play in the Olympics is jeopardizing the legitimacy of the sport. You should have to be a citizen for 5 years of a state before you can compete. You should not be able to decide in May to be a citizen of Georgia, and then compete for them in August at the Olympics. I'm telling you, we should all start trying to become Olympic swimmers from Djibouti.
One last point of complaint: Why can't the U.S. be more competitive at sports we should be good at?
1) Handball: We don't even have a qualifiying team. We have so many athletes who would be good at this sort of sport. We need a Jamaican bobsled team type of initiative, where we recruit former collegiate quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, and I'm sure we could destroy the pansy European teams in this sport.
2) Field hockey - especially women's. Don't we have college teams throughout the country? Most countries don't have collegiate sports at all!
3) I'm sure I could think of a few others.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
NFL Preview Part III: AFC Fallers
While the NFC has had teams bounce around like me at a mosh pit, the AFC playoff picture has really been a picture of stability. Honestly in drawing up a list of those AFC teams that made the playoff last year who might not make it this year do I even bother making comments on Indy and New England? For them its all about the health of Brady and Manning. Both are coming off injuries really for the first time in their careers. However none of the injuries appear lingering, debilitating or ultimately team destructive. How do I know this? I don't have the first clue. But until there's evidence it affects their regular season play I'm not even bothering listing them falling. So out of the remaining 4.....
1) Tennessee - Lets be honest the Titans only made the playoffs last year because the Colts rested their entire team and then didn't even try in the final week. That's it. They haven't drafted well as they now have 7 running backs (including Vince Young). If anyone screams natgonnahappen its the Titans.
2) Jacksonville - This is less a direct commentary on Jacksonville then it is on their division. I'm willing to argue the AFC South is the most competitive division in the AFC (maybe the NFL) and any slip up could spell the Jaguars missing the playoffs. 2nd year quarterbacks sometimes take steps back as teams get better at game planning. The idea of that Fred Taylor will be healthy for two straight years might be a stretch. Oh and that once vaunted DL is way down (they still can't bring in their top draft pick).
3) Pittsburgh - Personally I think Jacksonville is a better team. Pittsburgh has THE toughest. Their offensive line last year was near atrocious and thats before they lost Alan Faneca (not to say Faneca is his old self but is the replacement better). And now they're star NT that really anchored the D was out with being a big fatty. So with all these negatives whats the positive. Its the AFC North. Baltimore won't compete given that they don't actually field a QB. Cinci could surprise some teams if they can avoid arrests and find a healthy RB. The big question is the Browns. Can they finally beat the hated Yinzers? That'll determine who will take the AFC North
4) San Diego- Similar to Pittsburgh if not San Diego who else can the West? Denver is relying on Jay Cutler to manage the offense and his diabetes. The chargers seem to have less margin this year as Michael Turner is gone, Antonio Gates is still hurt and I think River had his leg replaced with some sort of cybernetic implant. I'm betting the Chargers will continue to rule the West but it seems much less secure on paper....
1) Tennessee - Lets be honest the Titans only made the playoffs last year because the Colts rested their entire team and then didn't even try in the final week. That's it. They haven't drafted well as they now have 7 running backs (including Vince Young). If anyone screams natgonnahappen its the Titans.
2) Jacksonville - This is less a direct commentary on Jacksonville then it is on their division. I'm willing to argue the AFC South is the most competitive division in the AFC (maybe the NFL) and any slip up could spell the Jaguars missing the playoffs. 2nd year quarterbacks sometimes take steps back as teams get better at game planning. The idea of that Fred Taylor will be healthy for two straight years might be a stretch. Oh and that once vaunted DL is way down (they still can't bring in their top draft pick).
3) Pittsburgh - Personally I think Jacksonville is a better team. Pittsburgh has THE toughest. Their offensive line last year was near atrocious and thats before they lost Alan Faneca (not to say Faneca is his old self but is the replacement better). And now they're star NT that really anchored the D was out with being a big fatty. So with all these negatives whats the positive. Its the AFC North. Baltimore won't compete given that they don't actually field a QB. Cinci could surprise some teams if they can avoid arrests and find a healthy RB. The big question is the Browns. Can they finally beat the hated Yinzers? That'll determine who will take the AFC North
4) San Diego- Similar to Pittsburgh if not San Diego who else can the West? Denver is relying on Jay Cutler to manage the offense and his diabetes. The chargers seem to have less margin this year as Michael Turner is gone, Antonio Gates is still hurt and I think River had his leg replaced with some sort of cybernetic implant. I'm betting the Chargers will continue to rule the West but it seems much less secure on paper....
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Watching the Olympics in Europe
The following article is from our European correspondent, Hoosierfan, as he lives in Europe during this summer.
Moving to another country, especially when you don’t know the language, is a little bit like walking out of a atomic bomb bunker and being in the future. It also feels a bit like the awful movie Encino man, where you wake up after being frozen for a thousand years.
For example – take a trip to the grocery store, where you have to have a 1 Euro deposit, inserted into the handle of the cart in order to unlock the chains on it, and you have to purchase each plastic bag for your groceries. Plastic and glass bottles all have a 20 cent deposit, and since I have no idea how to return them, I just give them to the homeless.
I’ve been attempting to follow the Olympics on Eurosport TV. It’s really irritating when they dub over the English interviews in German. Even the broadcasters actually speak English, since its an EU-wide channel – but they dub over them in German. Sometimes, they don’t show actual races, they just show the last 3 seconds of a race, or they show these “highlights” of fans, each shown in 1-2 second clips, separated by a really irritating graphic and sound effect. They also love to show post-race celebrations, and medal ceremonies, without actually showing the races. It’s really horrible – there is just no good way to describe it.
I attempted to go to a sports bar to watch the U.S. – Greece basketball game. I was told that the only game they were showing is Lithuania – Russia. They also were showing the women’s swimming preliminaries of the 800m (where Katie Hoff and the other girl didn’t qualify), the 200 fly, and all kinds of other really boring irrelevant swimming prelims.
Speaking of pointless preliminaries shown on TV: props to Stany Kempompo Ngangola, of the Congo, who finished seconds behind the other 50M swimmers. Ngangola finished at 35.19, which is, I estimate, a good 10 seconds slower than decent U.S. high school swimmers, and a good 14 seconds off of the top preliminary times. Do the dictators of these countries get up and say: "All right folks – can anyone swim? We need someone for the Olympics!" I also really wonder who the genius is at Eurosport who decides they should show guys thrashing around in the water, practically drowning, rather than showing a handball match, a soccer game, or the U.S. - Greece basketball game.
I also wonder why do the swimmers, after they are finished, duck their mouths into the water, and gargle pool water that they know all the swimmers pee in? Michael Phelps – I’m watching you.
Germany is a place of very different standards. First of all, they love sausage. And I’m not just talking about blood sausage, veal sausage, pork sausage, or curry pork sausage. Germans love to be naked. Whether it is frolicking naked at the park… or going to co-ed naked saunas (apparently bathing suits in saunas are forbidden!)… or taking their clothes off in clubs… they really don’t mind being naked. For example, when going to play ultimate Frisbee, Germans, who travel by bike, will arrive in jeans and a shirt. They proceed to get completely naked, changing into their athletic wear. When they’re done, they will get completely naked again, and then change back into jeans – just to ride their bikes home. Apparently, it’s not OK to be wearing dirty, sweaty clothes in public (even while riding a bike or taking the subway), but it is completely OK (perhaps even encouraged) to be naked. Anyhow, coincidentally, Germans all think Americans are very prudish. I've been told that the nudist culture really got going once the East Germans joined up. The further east you go, the more they love to be naked.
The other bizarre thing is that I see so many European men wearing purses, wearing eyeliner, wearing Capri pants, eating sausage, and frolicking naked… and it's funny because in America, there's a greater chance they would be considered gay. But here, it appears that wearing Capri pants and having a purse is just part of being European.
Moving to another country, especially when you don’t know the language, is a little bit like walking out of a atomic bomb bunker and being in the future. It also feels a bit like the awful movie Encino man, where you wake up after being frozen for a thousand years.
For example – take a trip to the grocery store, where you have to have a 1 Euro deposit, inserted into the handle of the cart in order to unlock the chains on it, and you have to purchase each plastic bag for your groceries. Plastic and glass bottles all have a 20 cent deposit, and since I have no idea how to return them, I just give them to the homeless.
I’ve been attempting to follow the Olympics on Eurosport TV. It’s really irritating when they dub over the English interviews in German. Even the broadcasters actually speak English, since its an EU-wide channel – but they dub over them in German. Sometimes, they don’t show actual races, they just show the last 3 seconds of a race, or they show these “highlights” of fans, each shown in 1-2 second clips, separated by a really irritating graphic and sound effect. They also love to show post-race celebrations, and medal ceremonies, without actually showing the races. It’s really horrible – there is just no good way to describe it.
I attempted to go to a sports bar to watch the U.S. – Greece basketball game. I was told that the only game they were showing is Lithuania – Russia. They also were showing the women’s swimming preliminaries of the 800m (where Katie Hoff and the other girl didn’t qualify), the 200 fly, and all kinds of other really boring irrelevant swimming prelims.
Speaking of pointless preliminaries shown on TV: props to Stany Kempompo Ngangola, of the Congo, who finished seconds behind the other 50M swimmers. Ngangola finished at 35.19, which is, I estimate, a good 10 seconds slower than decent U.S. high school swimmers, and a good 14 seconds off of the top preliminary times. Do the dictators of these countries get up and say: "All right folks – can anyone swim? We need someone for the Olympics!" I also really wonder who the genius is at Eurosport who decides they should show guys thrashing around in the water, practically drowning, rather than showing a handball match, a soccer game, or the U.S. - Greece basketball game.
I also wonder why do the swimmers, after they are finished, duck their mouths into the water, and gargle pool water that they know all the swimmers pee in? Michael Phelps – I’m watching you.
Germany is a place of very different standards. First of all, they love sausage. And I’m not just talking about blood sausage, veal sausage, pork sausage, or curry pork sausage. Germans love to be naked. Whether it is frolicking naked at the park… or going to co-ed naked saunas (apparently bathing suits in saunas are forbidden!)… or taking their clothes off in clubs… they really don’t mind being naked. For example, when going to play ultimate Frisbee, Germans, who travel by bike, will arrive in jeans and a shirt. They proceed to get completely naked, changing into their athletic wear. When they’re done, they will get completely naked again, and then change back into jeans – just to ride their bikes home. Apparently, it’s not OK to be wearing dirty, sweaty clothes in public (even while riding a bike or taking the subway), but it is completely OK (perhaps even encouraged) to be naked. Anyhow, coincidentally, Germans all think Americans are very prudish. I've been told that the nudist culture really got going once the East Germans joined up. The further east you go, the more they love to be naked.
The other bizarre thing is that I see so many European men wearing purses, wearing eyeliner, wearing Capri pants, eating sausage, and frolicking naked… and it's funny because in America, there's a greater chance they would be considered gay. But here, it appears that wearing Capri pants and having a purse is just part of being European.
Friday, August 15, 2008
John Lynch Signs With Patriots, New England's Legions Of Racists Thrilled
You could see this move coming from a mile away. Another old man looking for work in the NFL? Why not go to the Patriots? Bonus points for the fan base that he’s white. You know how those folks up there only have a taste for white meat.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
NBA Offseason Instant Analysis: Cavs Acquire PG Mo Williams
The Cavs get: PG Mo Williams (4 more years at $8.5 million per season) but averaged 17 ppg and 6 assists each of the last two seasons.
The Cavs give up: expiring contracts in PG Damon Jones (last year at $4.5 million); PF Joe Smith (last year at $5 million)
Why the Cavs got involved: To get a scoring PG! Mo Williams has much greater offensive skills than current PG Delonte West (who is still holding out). Mo Williams isn't known for his defensive skills, but it can't be any worse than the defensive skills of Delonte West. This should send a strong message to everyone: the Cavs are going to assemble the best team humanly possible between now and 2010 (when LeBron's contract expires). Not only did the Cavs get a solid PG, the Cavs still haven't even played their 3 best trading chips: 1) Wally's expiring $12 million contract, 2) Eric Snow's expiring $7 million contract, 3) Anderson Varejao. It's still entirely possible for the Cavs to swoop in and pick up a solid contributor at mid-season, once some other team gives up on its season (similar to when the Grizzlies gave up last year and dumped Pau Gasol).
Milwaukee gets: PG Luke Ridnour (2 years remaining at $6.5 million), expiring contract of PG Damon Jones, expiring contract of Adrian Griffin
Milwaukee gives up: PG Mo Williams, SF Desmond Mason
Why Milwaukee got involved: To get rid of Mo Williams and his long-term contract. Apparently, the Bucks believe they can still contend this year with a more traditional non-scoring PG (Ridnour) since they now have Michael Redd, R. Jefferson, Bogut, and Villanueva. I am also wondering whether the late season success of PG Ramon Sessions made the Bucks confident enough to unload Mo Williams. Sessions only played in 17 games, all at the end of the season, but averaged 8.1 ppg and 7.5 assists, but dished out over 10 assists in 6 of the last 7 games, including a 24 assist game against Chicago.
Oklahoma City (formerly Supersonics) gets: expiring contract of PF Joe Smith (last year at $5 million), expiring contact of SF Desmond Mason (last year at $5 million)
OK City gives up: Luke Ridnour, Adrian Griffin
Why OK City got involved: The Sonics got rid of Ridnour, and instead got back an expiring contract in PF Joe Smith and "fan favorite" Desmond Mason (who played college in Oklahoma, and was on the OK City Hornets).
The Cavs give up: expiring contracts in PG Damon Jones (last year at $4.5 million); PF Joe Smith (last year at $5 million)
Why the Cavs got involved: To get a scoring PG! Mo Williams has much greater offensive skills than current PG Delonte West (who is still holding out). Mo Williams isn't known for his defensive skills, but it can't be any worse than the defensive skills of Delonte West. This should send a strong message to everyone: the Cavs are going to assemble the best team humanly possible between now and 2010 (when LeBron's contract expires). Not only did the Cavs get a solid PG, the Cavs still haven't even played their 3 best trading chips: 1) Wally's expiring $12 million contract, 2) Eric Snow's expiring $7 million contract, 3) Anderson Varejao. It's still entirely possible for the Cavs to swoop in and pick up a solid contributor at mid-season, once some other team gives up on its season (similar to when the Grizzlies gave up last year and dumped Pau Gasol).
Milwaukee gets: PG Luke Ridnour (2 years remaining at $6.5 million), expiring contract of PG Damon Jones, expiring contract of Adrian Griffin
Milwaukee gives up: PG Mo Williams, SF Desmond Mason
Why Milwaukee got involved: To get rid of Mo Williams and his long-term contract. Apparently, the Bucks believe they can still contend this year with a more traditional non-scoring PG (Ridnour) since they now have Michael Redd, R. Jefferson, Bogut, and Villanueva. I am also wondering whether the late season success of PG Ramon Sessions made the Bucks confident enough to unload Mo Williams. Sessions only played in 17 games, all at the end of the season, but averaged 8.1 ppg and 7.5 assists, but dished out over 10 assists in 6 of the last 7 games, including a 24 assist game against Chicago.
Oklahoma City (formerly Supersonics) gets: expiring contract of PF Joe Smith (last year at $5 million), expiring contact of SF Desmond Mason (last year at $5 million)
OK City gives up: Luke Ridnour, Adrian Griffin
Why OK City got involved: The Sonics got rid of Ridnour, and instead got back an expiring contract in PF Joe Smith and "fan favorite" Desmond Mason (who played college in Oklahoma, and was on the OK City Hornets).
College Football: A New Season and New Questions
Well its a new college football season and while its nearly impossible to follow everything here's a few storylines I came up with to follow
1) Top Team v. Schedule From Hell - Georgia has possibly the hardest schedule I've seen for a top ranked team, can they survive the gauntlet? The world's biggest Cocktail Party between Florida and Georgia could decide a trip to the BCS Championship Game
2) New Faces in New Places - The odd couple of sleezy Neuheisel and standup Chow in UCLA, RichRod in West Fucking Virginia North, Houston Nutt at U of Missippi,
3) Building on Success - Arizona State, Pitt, Clemson, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas all made huge strides last season. Can they break into the big boy land?
4) Year 2 - Year 2s have been good for coaches this decade...will it be good for king of douchebags Nick Saban
5) Last Stands - Its odd that in different ways Ty Willingham and Charlie Weis in many ways have their backs to the walls. Repeats of last year and well at least one won't survive.
6) Terrell Pryor and Tim Tebow- Come on. You know you're curious if they can live up to the hype
7) Hegemon in Decline? USC lost a number of games it shouldn't have (umm Stanford anyone) and were beginning to exhibit classic symptoms of hegemon in decline. However USC continues to win the big games by big margins against any and all not named Vince Young. So what about this year? Is this the year like the U at the start of the decade that the program crashes or will its unparalleled recruiting success let it continue on...
8) The Great Conference Debate- The SEC is ascendant and the Big 10 is despondent. Conventional wisdom in the land of subjective polling is king. Will anything change the meme?
What else do we have out there?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
An American-Jewish guy is the Head Coach of the Russian Basketball Team
We all complain about the craptacular journalism on ESPN and other places.
However, in the article that I have linked to here on Yahoo!, we have a display of quality writing, and a great story about the Head Coach of the Russian Basketball Team, David Blatt, who actually played college ball at Princeton under Pete Carril where he obviously learned the Princeton offense!
However, in the article that I have linked to here on Yahoo!, we have a display of quality writing, and a great story about the Head Coach of the Russian Basketball Team, David Blatt, who actually played college ball at Princeton under Pete Carril where he obviously learned the Princeton offense!
Sheff's Bitching...What Else Is New?
Here’s more of the same from the game’s second-biggest asshole (after Barry Bonds). Let the record state that Sheffield played in 133 games for the Tigers last year, all but 12 of those as the DH. If Sheffield doesn’t like DH’ing, why didn’t he complain last year? As usual, Sheffield wears out his welcome in three years or less.
No matter what happens to the three kids the Yanks got when they traded Sheff out of town, we don’t miss him one bit here in New York. He’s Detroit’s headache now.
No matter what happens to the three kids the Yanks got when they traded Sheff out of town, we don’t miss him one bit here in New York. He’s Detroit’s headache now.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NFL Preview Part II: NFC Fallers
As sure as teams go up they inevitably go down. Certainly while its unknown which of the playoff teams won't make the playoffs some of them won't. So who will it be? Well last year I sure blew it on New Orleans so take everything with a grain of salt but in order of most to least likely to miss the playoffs
1. Tampa Bay - How long can ride the Jeff Garcia train? Yes they have solid lines but uncertainty at the running back position, aging star receiver and Jeff Garcia. Add in my prediction of a resurgent New Orleans and Tampa is my top selection for missing the playoffs.
2. New York Giants - The past few years the losing team of the Super Bowl failed to make the playoffs the following year. Why? Well I have a theory that the losing team strung together improbable successes, played over their head, had off-season issues and the following year everyone gunned for them resulting in a crash and burn. It applies to one of the Super Bowl teams and I'll give you two guesses who it is?
3. Green Bay - On the plus side going for them they're playing in the NFC North. On the minus side your relying on Aaron Rodgers. Yes he's been in the league for awhile now but crazy expectations are on a first time starter. Add in a depleted d-line and the Packers could be for a world of hurt.
4. Washington - Washington is an enigma wrapped a puzzle with queso sauce on it. Which means I don't have a clue what to make of them. They have a solid defense and a solid offense. Now the question surround Jason Campbell and head coach Zorn (who requires all players to finish practice by yelling "Kneel Before Zorn!" ) They are dark horse Super Bowl entry and a possible 8-8 miss the playoffs team.
5. Seattle - Honestly nothing Seattle has or does gives me confidence that its a good team. An aging team. A coach waiting to retire. And yet who else can win the NFC West. When your relying on Arizona to take the crown well you know your reaching.
6. Dallas - Dallas seems to be the de facto favorite to win the NFC. Too much talent on paper not to. And yet every single intangible seems to against Dallas. The only organization with more employees that were indicted might be the White House. A coach who's a place holder. An insane owner that could go a murder spree. Oh and choking in the playoffs the past two years. The talent on paper should be enough to make the playoffs but if not well that'll be one delicious non-stop Cowboy bitch fest.
1. Tampa Bay - How long can ride the Jeff Garcia train? Yes they have solid lines but uncertainty at the running back position, aging star receiver and Jeff Garcia. Add in my prediction of a resurgent New Orleans and Tampa is my top selection for missing the playoffs.
2. New York Giants - The past few years the losing team of the Super Bowl failed to make the playoffs the following year. Why? Well I have a theory that the losing team strung together improbable successes, played over their head, had off-season issues and the following year everyone gunned for them resulting in a crash and burn. It applies to one of the Super Bowl teams and I'll give you two guesses who it is?
3. Green Bay - On the plus side going for them they're playing in the NFC North. On the minus side your relying on Aaron Rodgers. Yes he's been in the league for awhile now but crazy expectations are on a first time starter. Add in a depleted d-line and the Packers could be for a world of hurt.
4. Washington - Washington is an enigma wrapped a puzzle with queso sauce on it. Which means I don't have a clue what to make of them. They have a solid defense and a solid offense. Now the question surround Jason Campbell and head coach Zorn (who requires all players to finish practice by yelling "Kneel Before Zorn!" ) They are dark horse Super Bowl entry and a possible 8-8 miss the playoffs team.
5. Seattle - Honestly nothing Seattle has or does gives me confidence that its a good team. An aging team. A coach waiting to retire. And yet who else can win the NFC West. When your relying on Arizona to take the crown well you know your reaching.
6. Dallas - Dallas seems to be the de facto favorite to win the NFC. Too much talent on paper not to. And yet every single intangible seems to against Dallas. The only organization with more employees that were indicted might be the White House. A coach who's a place holder. An insane owner that could go a murder spree. Oh and choking in the playoffs the past two years. The talent on paper should be enough to make the playoffs but if not well that'll be one delicious non-stop Cowboy bitch fest.
Watching the Olympics on Direct TV
I started to watch the Olympics this morning and as I was watching the US suck it up in the seconds against those crazy Flying Dutchmen in football, I noticed a little red menu button on my TV screen that said Menu. I pushed it out of curiousity and a menu came up saying NBC Olympics Guide, Medal Count and Today's Trivia. When I picked the NBC Olympics Guide it gave me an entire schedule of all of the Olympics TV coverage including horse dancing, which I find quite funny. The really cool thing is that NBC/Direct TV (not sure if they have it on Comcast) has two channels each devoted to basketball and football (soccer for you Yankees). I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. Maybe I am behind the times. This is the first time that I have been interested in the Olympics. It is very cool to flip between watching Yao Ming take on Kobe live and turn to the the football channel and watch the South Koreans take on the might Italian Sausages. Great coverage. The menu feature also gives tracking medal coverage and some fun filled trivia about the Olympics. If only they could contract with Nintendo and I could use my Wii remotes to play basketball or table tennis along with the Olympians.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Even My Grandma Does Not Like Favre
The following is a completely true account of a telephone conversation with my Grandma, as she and my Grandpa had the TV on and were watching the Cleveland Browns-NY Jets game, which Brett Favre was watching since he is now a member of the NY Jets.
Grandma: Who is this Favre (pronounced Favor) guy?
Gutsy: What?!?
Grandma: Brett Favre (pronounced Favor). Who is this guy?
Gutsy: Oh, you mean Brett Favre. He was Green Bay's QB for about SIXTEEN YEARS, won a Super Bowl once, finally retired last season, but now he wanted to come back. But his starting spot was gone, so he then demanded a trade.
Grandma: SIXTEEN YEARS??? How old is this guy?
Gutsy: I think he's 39.
Grandma: 39! Who would want him to be their QB? That's too old!
The moral of the story: even my Grandma is skeptical of Brett Favor! And she didn't even know who he was until today!
Grandma: Who is this Favre (pronounced Favor) guy?
Gutsy: What?!?
Grandma: Brett Favre (pronounced Favor). Who is this guy?
Gutsy: Oh, you mean Brett Favre. He was Green Bay's QB for about SIXTEEN YEARS, won a Super Bowl once, finally retired last season, but now he wanted to come back. But his starting spot was gone, so he then demanded a trade.
Grandma: SIXTEEN YEARS??? How old is this guy?
Gutsy: I think he's 39.
Grandma: 39! Who would want him to be their QB? That's too old!
The moral of the story: even my Grandma is skeptical of Brett Favor! And she didn't even know who he was until today!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Across The Pond
Not that I’m rooting for the Cavs to lose Lebron (although I’d be ecstatic if he chose to throw sanity aside and join the worst franchise in the NBA here in my hometown) but the mere possibility of him leaving the NBA for Europe is pretty exciting. Unlikely as it may be, I’d be thrilled if an All-Star level player spurned David Stern’s bullshit league for opportunities abroad. It would be a much-needed poke in the eye of a league and a commissioner that have grown arrogant and out of touch.
So, to reiterate, the best thing for the NBA is that Lebron James stays at home in Ohio and keeps the Cavs relevant. But if he wants to leave – and he doesn’t want to play for the Knicks – then he should consider playing for Olympiakos and hanging with my relatives in Athens.
So, to reiterate, the best thing for the NBA is that Lebron James stays at home in Ohio and keeps the Cavs relevant. But if he wants to leave – and he doesn’t want to play for the Knicks – then he should consider playing for Olympiakos and hanging with my relatives in Athens.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Beijing 2008 - Basketball and Soccer Mini-Preview
Editor's Note: I am personally excited as the Summer Olympics are about to get underway! The reason for my excitement? It's the one event that BSD has not yet had a chance to cover, since we did not start coverage until the football season began back in fall 2004.
Basketball Mini-Preview
Even if you are upset about the NBA's refereeing issues, Basketball at the Olympics should be a very entertaining and exhilerating event. Anything really is possible for the U.S. team, so by no means am I expecting a gold medal, though the U.S. should certainly be one of the top contenders for the gold medal.
Format: Only 12 teams competing, split into two groups. Top 4 in each group qualify for the knockout tournament.
World Ranks provided by FIBA ; rosters courtesy of Wikipedia.
Group A - the "easy" group
Argentina - World Rank: 2
Top players: SG Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs); SG Carlos Delfino (just left Toronto for a Russian team); C Fabricio Oberto (San Antonio Spurs); PF Luis Scola (Houston Rockets); SF Andres Nocioni (Chicago Bulls)
Argentina again has one of the best teams in the tournament. They won the 2004 Gold Medal, and finished a "disappointing" 4th place at the 2006 World Championships. The good news for them is that they are in the easier Group A, so they should have a better seed for the knockout stage.
Lithuania - World Rank: 5
Top Players: F Linas Kleiza (Denver Nuggets); PG Sarunas Jaskivecius (formerly of the Pacers, now playing in Greece)
Australia - World Rank: 10
Top Players: C Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee Bucks); PF David Andersen (one of the top players in Europe)
Russia - World Rank: 16
Top Players: PF Andrei Kirilenko (Utah Jazz); PG Jon Holden (played at Bucknell, plays in Russia); C Sasha Kaun (played at Kansas and now plays in Russia)
Croatia - World Rank: 20
Top players: PG Roko Ukic (just signed w/ Toronto Raptors)
Iran - World Rank: 33
Top Players: 7'2" Hamed Haddadi (supposedly going to the NBA in the next year)
Group B - includes the top 3 teams from the 2006 World Championships! (Spain, Greece, and the US)
U.S.A. - World Rank: 1
Top Players: Boozer, Carlos; Kidd, Jason; James, LeBron; Williams, Deron; Redd, Michael; Wade, Dwyane; Bryant, Kobe; Howard, Dwight; Bosh, Chris; Paul, Chris; Prince, Tayshaun; Anthony, Carmelo
Only need to say they are calling themselves the "Redeem Team" after finishing 6th at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis, 3rd at the 2004 Olympics, and 3rd at the 2006 World Championships.
Spain - World Rank: 3
PG Jose Calderon (Raptors); SG Juan Carlos Navarro (formerly of the Grizzlies); C Pau Gasol (Lakers); SF Jorge Garbajosa (formerly of the Raptors); PF Marc Gasol (Grizzlies); SG Rudy Fernandez (Portland TrailBlazers)
I really think this is still the best team. They won the 2006 World Championships, they have an amazing starting 5 of NBA-caliber talent, and they have not one, but TWO Gasols!!!!
Greece - World Rank: 6
Top players: PG Theodoros Papaloukas; SG V-Span (formerly of the Rockets and Spurs);
All of these guys play in Greece except for SG Nikolaos Zisis. They play great as a team as evidenced by their defeat of the US in 2006. Something tells me the US will be out for revenge when they play on August 14, 2008 during the Group stage.
Germany - World Rank: 9
Top Players: C Chris Kaman (Clippers); PF Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks);
With players like Kaman playing on Germany at the last second by obtaining citizenship in July 2008, I can't really get mad at the player. What irks me more is that the Olympics have such flexible rules that allow Kaman to suddenly show up on the German team just before the qualification tournament. On the women's side, one of the better WNBA players decided to play for Russia after not getting on the US team. Again, I think more anger should be directed to the IOC.
China - World Rank: 11
Top Players: C Yao Ming (Houston); F Yi Jianlin (NJ Nets)
Angola - World Rank: 14
Um.... yeah. This team is in trouble in this very tough group.
Soccer Mini-Preview
Athlete eligibility: 23 and under only, with THREE exemptions per team (anyone of any age, professional or amateur).
Format: 4 groups of 4 teams; top 2 from each group advance to knockout tournament.
Wikipedia provided group info and athlete info . Complete, more expert analysis is available at goal.com.
Group A
Ivory Coast - top players: Kalou (Chelsea), Drogba (Chelsea - but not yet committed to attending Olympics)
Argentina - top players: Riquelme (Boca Juniors), Mascherano (Liverpool), Messi (Barcelona),
Australia -
Serbia -
Group B
Netherlands - winners of previous underage championships, and considered one of the favorites!
Nigeria - goal.com predicts Nigeria to advance over the U.S.!
Japan -
USA - top players: G Seitz, G Guzan (just transferred to Aston Villa); M M.Bradley, F. Adu (Monaco), Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Brian McBride at age 36!
Group C
China - top players: Zheng Zhi (Charlton Athletic), Dong Fangzhuo (Manchester United)
New Zealand - top players: Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Simon Elliott (Fulham)
Brazil - top players: Ronaldhino (AC Milan), Robinho (?)
Belgium -
Group D
Korea -top players: missing due to injury!
Cameroon - top players: Eto'o ; Song (Portsmouth)
Honduras -
Italy - top players: all under 23!
Basketball Mini-Preview
Even if you are upset about the NBA's refereeing issues, Basketball at the Olympics should be a very entertaining and exhilerating event. Anything really is possible for the U.S. team, so by no means am I expecting a gold medal, though the U.S. should certainly be one of the top contenders for the gold medal.
Format: Only 12 teams competing, split into two groups. Top 4 in each group qualify for the knockout tournament.
World Ranks provided by FIBA ; rosters courtesy of Wikipedia.
Group A - the "easy" group
Argentina - World Rank: 2
Top players: SG Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs); SG Carlos Delfino (just left Toronto for a Russian team); C Fabricio Oberto (San Antonio Spurs); PF Luis Scola (Houston Rockets); SF Andres Nocioni (Chicago Bulls)
Argentina again has one of the best teams in the tournament. They won the 2004 Gold Medal, and finished a "disappointing" 4th place at the 2006 World Championships. The good news for them is that they are in the easier Group A, so they should have a better seed for the knockout stage.
Lithuania - World Rank: 5
Top Players: F Linas Kleiza (Denver Nuggets); PG Sarunas Jaskivecius (formerly of the Pacers, now playing in Greece)
Australia - World Rank: 10
Top Players: C Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee Bucks); PF David Andersen (one of the top players in Europe)
Russia - World Rank: 16
Top Players: PF Andrei Kirilenko (Utah Jazz); PG Jon Holden (played at Bucknell, plays in Russia); C Sasha Kaun (played at Kansas and now plays in Russia)
Croatia - World Rank: 20
Top players: PG Roko Ukic (just signed w/ Toronto Raptors)
Iran - World Rank: 33
Top Players: 7'2" Hamed Haddadi (supposedly going to the NBA in the next year)
Group B - includes the top 3 teams from the 2006 World Championships! (Spain, Greece, and the US)
U.S.A. - World Rank: 1
Top Players: Boozer, Carlos; Kidd, Jason; James, LeBron; Williams, Deron; Redd, Michael; Wade, Dwyane; Bryant, Kobe; Howard, Dwight; Bosh, Chris; Paul, Chris; Prince, Tayshaun; Anthony, Carmelo
Only need to say they are calling themselves the "Redeem Team" after finishing 6th at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis, 3rd at the 2004 Olympics, and 3rd at the 2006 World Championships.
Spain - World Rank: 3
PG Jose Calderon (Raptors); SG Juan Carlos Navarro (formerly of the Grizzlies); C Pau Gasol (Lakers); SF Jorge Garbajosa (formerly of the Raptors); PF Marc Gasol (Grizzlies); SG Rudy Fernandez (Portland TrailBlazers)
I really think this is still the best team. They won the 2006 World Championships, they have an amazing starting 5 of NBA-caliber talent, and they have not one, but TWO Gasols!!!!
Greece - World Rank: 6
Top players: PG Theodoros Papaloukas; SG V-Span (formerly of the Rockets and Spurs);
All of these guys play in Greece except for SG Nikolaos Zisis. They play great as a team as evidenced by their defeat of the US in 2006. Something tells me the US will be out for revenge when they play on August 14, 2008 during the Group stage.
Germany - World Rank: 9
Top Players: C Chris Kaman (Clippers); PF Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks);
With players like Kaman playing on Germany at the last second by obtaining citizenship in July 2008, I can't really get mad at the player. What irks me more is that the Olympics have such flexible rules that allow Kaman to suddenly show up on the German team just before the qualification tournament. On the women's side, one of the better WNBA players decided to play for Russia after not getting on the US team. Again, I think more anger should be directed to the IOC.
China - World Rank: 11
Top Players: C Yao Ming (Houston); F Yi Jianlin (NJ Nets)
Angola - World Rank: 14
Um.... yeah. This team is in trouble in this very tough group.
Soccer Mini-Preview
Athlete eligibility: 23 and under only, with THREE exemptions per team (anyone of any age, professional or amateur).
Format: 4 groups of 4 teams; top 2 from each group advance to knockout tournament.
Wikipedia provided group info and athlete info . Complete, more expert analysis is available at goal.com.
Group A
Ivory Coast - top players: Kalou (Chelsea), Drogba (Chelsea - but not yet committed to attending Olympics)
Argentina - top players: Riquelme (Boca Juniors), Mascherano (Liverpool), Messi (Barcelona),
Australia -
Serbia -
Group B
Netherlands - winners of previous underage championships, and considered one of the favorites!
Nigeria - goal.com predicts Nigeria to advance over the U.S.!
Japan -
USA - top players: G Seitz, G Guzan (just transferred to Aston Villa); M M.Bradley, F. Adu (Monaco), Jozy Altidore (Villareal), Brian McBride at age 36!
Group C
China - top players: Zheng Zhi (Charlton Athletic), Dong Fangzhuo (Manchester United)
New Zealand - top players: Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Simon Elliott (Fulham)
Brazil - top players: Ronaldhino (AC Milan), Robinho (?)
Belgium -
Group D
Korea -top players: missing due to injury!
Cameroon - top players: Eto'o ; Song (Portsmouth)
Honduras -
Italy - top players: all under 23!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
NFL Preview Part I: NFC Risers
Its finally here. Football time. That most wonderful time of the year. 27 days till College Football (and yes previews are coming from that too) but first up Part I of our 5 part series the agonizing pain I live in as a Cleveland fan...I mean preview of the NFL. Huzzah. Up first handicapping the NFC risers. Teams that missed out on the playoffs last year that have a shot of getting in this year. Now the point isn't (yet) to identify who on this list will actually make the playoffs but if I was to make guesses as to most likely to least likely here's my list....Let the debate begin
1) Nawlin Saints
After a surprising rebirth two years ago the Saints came back to Earth last year. However they made a few key offseason moves (namely solidifying linebackers with getting Jonathan Vilma and adding Shockey for the offense). Their schedule includes trips to the arguable less than stellar AFC West and NFC South and its looking like a return. Plus Ghengis McCain approves of them.
2) Philadelphia Eagles
Everything seemed to go wrong for the Iggles last year: distracted coach, injuries galore , actual Philly fans, etc. And yet despite all of those problems the Eagles ended at a respectful 8-8. Sure they don't have receivers but when did that stop them from making the playoffs? The NFC East is easily the hardest division to predict so hey why not...
3) Minnesota Vikings
All Day, the Purple Avenger, Purple Jesus. Whatever name you give Adrian Peterson he instantly made the Vikings respectable. They can run the ball, stop the run and with Jared Allen possibly rush the passer. The only minor detail is Tavaris Jackson. Can he be adequate? That's a big if but IF......
4) Arizona Cardinals
I swear every year might be THE year that the Cardinals get into the playoffs. And every year they disappoint. Perpetual teases (much like Autumn Reeser) Last year they got close at 8-8 but as always fell short. You have to feel though that the Coaching staff of Wisenhunt has them moving in the right direction. Right? More than Dennis Green right? Leinart is in the spotlight returning from injury as is Edgerin James fighting father time.
5) San Francisco
I wanted to put one controversial choice in there. That way if I'm right I seem like a genius. Here's my argument. The defense was all injured so they'll be better. They play in the NFC West. Anyone want to argue that there's an unstoppable juggernaut there? They play the AFC East. Mike Nolan may have perfected a secret formula to give Alex Smith super-human powers. I dunno but I like their chances better than the teams listed below
6) Carolina Panthers
The d-line isn't what it used to be. Jake Delhomme never was what he was possibly hyped to be (skilled). John Fox back is against the wall. Its playoffs or a pink slip. Same with the GM. They traded up to improve their o-line and get Jonathan Stewart. Rumor has it Fox has taken various members of the Panthers' families to a remote location in Inner Mongolia and will only return them if they put up a good fight (although Steve Smith seems to think that applies to other Panthers)
7) The Rest: Detroit, Chicago, Saint Louis, Atlanta
Maybe if you combined all these teams into one they might have a chance. Otherwise it'll be the surprise of the year for any of these......
1) Nawlin Saints
After a surprising rebirth two years ago the Saints came back to Earth last year. However they made a few key offseason moves (namely solidifying linebackers with getting Jonathan Vilma and adding Shockey for the offense). Their schedule includes trips to the arguable less than stellar AFC West and NFC South and its looking like a return. Plus Ghengis McCain approves of them.
2) Philadelphia Eagles
Everything seemed to go wrong for the Iggles last year: distracted coach, injuries galore , actual Philly fans, etc. And yet despite all of those problems the Eagles ended at a respectful 8-8. Sure they don't have receivers but when did that stop them from making the playoffs? The NFC East is easily the hardest division to predict so hey why not...
3) Minnesota Vikings
All Day, the Purple Avenger, Purple Jesus. Whatever name you give Adrian Peterson he instantly made the Vikings respectable. They can run the ball, stop the run and with Jared Allen possibly rush the passer. The only minor detail is Tavaris Jackson. Can he be adequate? That's a big if but IF......4) Arizona Cardinals
I swear every year might be THE year that the Cardinals get into the playoffs. And every year they disappoint. Perpetual teases (much like Autumn Reeser) Last year they got close at 8-8 but as always fell short. You have to feel though that the Coaching staff of Wisenhunt has them moving in the right direction. Right? More than Dennis Green right? Leinart is in the spotlight returning from injury as is Edgerin James fighting father time.
5) San Francisco
I wanted to put one controversial choice in there. That way if I'm right I seem like a genius. Here's my argument. The defense was all injured so they'll be better. They play in the NFC West. Anyone want to argue that there's an unstoppable juggernaut there? They play the AFC East. Mike Nolan may have perfected a secret formula to give Alex Smith super-human powers. I dunno but I like their chances better than the teams listed below
6) Carolina Panthers
The d-line isn't what it used to be. Jake Delhomme never was what he was possibly hyped to be (skilled). John Fox back is against the wall. Its playoffs or a pink slip. Same with the GM. They traded up to improve their o-line and get Jonathan Stewart. Rumor has it Fox has taken various members of the Panthers' families to a remote location in Inner Mongolia and will only return them if they put up a good fight (although Steve Smith seems to think that applies to other Panthers)
7) The Rest: Detroit, Chicago, Saint Louis, Atlanta
Maybe if you combined all these teams into one they might have a chance. Otherwise it'll be the surprise of the year for any of these......
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Culture Shock
Beyond the perception of compromised officiating and league-mandated results, beyond the fact that the regular season is too long and too meaningless, we have the real root cause of why the NBA is moving closer and closer to irrelevance: players whose behavior and utterances are so offensive that tolerance for it is reaching its nadir.
This, in a nutshell, is why more and more people are turning away from the NBA.
Holy shit, Ron Artest can’t truly believe that he’s representing his culture, can he? The last time I checked, African-American culture was not actually centered on racist, homophobic, and violent behavior. The last time I checked, Ron Artest wasn’t being saluted as a future leader of African-American youth. He might be a hero to those that think its cool to be an uneducated and violent piece of shit but I’d bet that the average black guy on the street doesn’t think much of Artest, let alone see him as a leader of their culture (keeping in mind that I’m not even sure “culture” is the appropriate nomenclature here).
I sound like a frightened honkey but I’m really not frightened at all. I’m just appalled that, so many years later, Artest still doesn’t understand that his actions during the brawl in Detroit are nothing to be proud of. The guy’s clueless. For that reason alone, I’m convinced that Yao Ming is right; this was a bad trade. There’s no way you can win with a guy that doesn’t know the meaning of the word responsibility.
Culture...man, I’m still shaking my head over that one...
This, in a nutshell, is why more and more people are turning away from the NBA.
Holy shit, Ron Artest can’t truly believe that he’s representing his culture, can he? The last time I checked, African-American culture was not actually centered on racist, homophobic, and violent behavior. The last time I checked, Ron Artest wasn’t being saluted as a future leader of African-American youth. He might be a hero to those that think its cool to be an uneducated and violent piece of shit but I’d bet that the average black guy on the street doesn’t think much of Artest, let alone see him as a leader of their culture (keeping in mind that I’m not even sure “culture” is the appropriate nomenclature here).
I sound like a frightened honkey but I’m really not frightened at all. I’m just appalled that, so many years later, Artest still doesn’t understand that his actions during the brawl in Detroit are nothing to be proud of. The guy’s clueless. For that reason alone, I’m convinced that Yao Ming is right; this was a bad trade. There’s no way you can win with a guy that doesn’t know the meaning of the word responsibility.
Culture...man, I’m still shaking my head over that one...
Green Bay, Favre Reach New Levels Of Insanity
Despite the giant middle finger directly below that beckons us to not talk about a certain former drug-addicted quarterback who is now high on the stench of his own narcissism, this most recent development – if true – is patently absurd.
Why would the Green Bay Packers want to pay someone $20M to stay home? It’s not money that counts against the salary cap so if the owner wants to be reckless with an amount I can’t even dream of, then that’s his business. That being said, this situation is getting out of hand. As much as Brett Favre’s indecisiveness is both infuriating and selfish, I don’t quite understand why the Packers are being so obstinate in their refusal to take him back. And if you don’t want him on your team, why not just make a trade to send him to the Jets, Falcons, Panthers, or some other non-NFC North team that desperately needs a QB? The Packers certainly need Brett Favre more than he needs them. Keeping him out of camp out of spite seems outrageous to me, especially if the Packers are committed to winning football games in 2008.
Paying him to stay home is preposterous. Either let him come back and play for the Packers or trade him to another city. A bribe is beyond all levels of comprehension. Frankly, I wish both parties nothing but the worst. I hope the Packers go 1-15 and I hope Favre goes to another team and sucks beyond words. They both deserve the misery.
Why would the Green Bay Packers want to pay someone $20M to stay home? It’s not money that counts against the salary cap so if the owner wants to be reckless with an amount I can’t even dream of, then that’s his business. That being said, this situation is getting out of hand. As much as Brett Favre’s indecisiveness is both infuriating and selfish, I don’t quite understand why the Packers are being so obstinate in their refusal to take him back. And if you don’t want him on your team, why not just make a trade to send him to the Jets, Falcons, Panthers, or some other non-NFC North team that desperately needs a QB? The Packers certainly need Brett Favre more than he needs them. Keeping him out of camp out of spite seems outrageous to me, especially if the Packers are committed to winning football games in 2008.
Paying him to stay home is preposterous. Either let him come back and play for the Packers or trade him to another city. A bribe is beyond all levels of comprehension. Frankly, I wish both parties nothing but the worst. I hope the Packers go 1-15 and I hope Favre goes to another team and sucks beyond words. They both deserve the misery.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dear Favre and Packers,
Since ESPN can't help but overexpose the story please do what you can to end this story. It was funny for a bit but now its just annoying. Any additional questions about my feelings on the topic can be directed to the picture below.
sincerely,
Mighty Mike
sincerely,
Mighty Mike
Artest Happily Moves to Houston, Gutsy Sulking in Cleveland
The Kings have agreed to ship Ron Artest to Houston in exchange for Donte Green (2008 1st round selection), Bobby Jackson (1 year remaining at $6 mill), and Houston's 1st round pick in 2009 (which should be in the mid-20s if not even lower).
I have to applaud the Houston Rockets for making this move! It's a fantastic move, even in spite of Donte Green's sometimes stellar play during summer league (which apparently started out with a 40-point debut, but then he shot 31% for three games after that, before rebounding with a 20+ performance).
The Rockets now have a sweet starting lineup in:
PG - R. Alston, SG-T. McGrady, C-Yao, SF-R. Artest, PF-L. Scola ; with S. Battier, A. Brooks, and recent addition B. Barry coming off the bench. The Rockets quite simply have to be considered amongst the top teams for next season, even with the Western Conference still being brutal.
The thing that upsets me in all of this? Why didn't the Cleveland Cavaliers pull a trade off for Artest to help LeBron??? The Cavs have the expiring contracts of Wally ($13 million) and Snow ($7 million), as well as Damon Jones ($4.5 million). The Cavs also have future 1st round draft picks to trade away! Similarly, the Cavs could have traded their current 1st round draft pick, JJ Hickson, who's only 19, for Artest. I suppose the Cavs have decided that JJ Hickson should be ready to contribute much faster than anticipated. Otherwise, I can't understand why the Cavs aren't the team celebrating the arrival of Ron Artest.
Of course, as mentioned in the comments a few weeks ago, the fact that Ben Wallace happens to be on the Cavs could be another reason that the Cavs did not trade for Artest, since the two do not like each other and it was their original fight that started the 2004 Brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
I have to applaud the Houston Rockets for making this move! It's a fantastic move, even in spite of Donte Green's sometimes stellar play during summer league (which apparently started out with a 40-point debut, but then he shot 31% for three games after that, before rebounding with a 20+ performance).
The Rockets now have a sweet starting lineup in:
PG - R. Alston, SG-T. McGrady, C-Yao, SF-R. Artest, PF-L. Scola ; with S. Battier, A. Brooks, and recent addition B. Barry coming off the bench. The Rockets quite simply have to be considered amongst the top teams for next season, even with the Western Conference still being brutal.
The thing that upsets me in all of this? Why didn't the Cleveland Cavaliers pull a trade off for Artest to help LeBron??? The Cavs have the expiring contracts of Wally ($13 million) and Snow ($7 million), as well as Damon Jones ($4.5 million). The Cavs also have future 1st round draft picks to trade away! Similarly, the Cavs could have traded their current 1st round draft pick, JJ Hickson, who's only 19, for Artest. I suppose the Cavs have decided that JJ Hickson should be ready to contribute much faster than anticipated. Otherwise, I can't understand why the Cavs aren't the team celebrating the arrival of Ron Artest.
Of course, as mentioned in the comments a few weeks ago, the fact that Ben Wallace happens to be on the Cavs could be another reason that the Cavs did not trade for Artest, since the two do not like each other and it was their original fight that started the 2004 Brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Corrections: Aug 1
It was incorrectly noted that Archaeologist had disturbed the tomb of Ahmanehotep III and thereby were cursed by his mummy. Archaeologists had disturbed the tomb of Brett Favre and thereby brought down a terrible curse on the state of Wisconsin.
It was incorrectly noted that Federal investigators raided the home of Nick Saban due to allegation of his involvement in the white slave trade. Federal investigators raided the home of Nick Saban, in fact for his involvement in trafficking of heroine.
It was incorrectly noted that Qantas had a new policy for flying with giant holes in its planes in order to reduce weight and jet fuel consumption. The giant hole in the side of its planes is actually part of its new baggage handling policy.
It was incorrectly noted that John McCain was mistaken when he said "Iraq was the first major conflict after 9/11". I'm not sure what the incorrect statement is but McCain can't possibly make those kind gaffes.
It was incorrectly reported that Erica Campbell was seen talking to Mighty Mike about what sort of lingerie she should wear. It should have read "Erica Campbell was seen talking to Mighty Mike about what sort of lingerie she should wear for her boyfriend who is no way shape or form is Mighty Mike"
It was incorrectly noted that Federal investigators raided the home of Nick Saban due to allegation of his involvement in the white slave trade. Federal investigators raided the home of Nick Saban, in fact for his involvement in trafficking of heroine.
It was incorrectly noted that Qantas had a new policy for flying with giant holes in its planes in order to reduce weight and jet fuel consumption. The giant hole in the side of its planes is actually part of its new baggage handling policy.
It was incorrectly noted that John McCain was mistaken when he said "Iraq was the first major conflict after 9/11". I'm not sure what the incorrect statement is but McCain can't possibly make those kind gaffes.
It was incorrectly reported that Erica Campbell was seen talking to Mighty Mike about what sort of lingerie she should wear. It should have read "Erica Campbell was seen talking to Mighty Mike about what sort of lingerie she should wear for her boyfriend who is no way shape or form is Mighty Mike"
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
The Mets STILL don’t get it. Team owner Fred Wilpon says he “screwed up” during the whole Randolph firing fiasco but, in typical Mets fashion, he’s missing the point of HOW he screwed up. Firing Willie Randolph the next day wouldn’t have made it any better. The point is that the Mets never should’ve let Willie Randolph get on a plane to Anaheim.
If the Mets were resolved to fire their manager, they should’ve done it immediately after their last home game. Making the man board a plane to the west coast just to manage the ballclub one last time (a victory, by the way) was the mistake, not the timing of the firing (although that was a disaster too).
The Mets are a pathetic joke of ineptitude and self-deception. Sensitivity and perceptiveness are not their strong suits.
If the Mets were resolved to fire their manager, they should’ve done it immediately after their last home game. Making the man board a plane to the west coast just to manage the ballclub one last time (a victory, by the way) was the mistake, not the timing of the firing (although that was a disaster too).
The Mets are a pathetic joke of ineptitude and self-deception. Sensitivity and perceptiveness are not their strong suits.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sports Tidbits
1. Something rubs me the wrong way when I think about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell interjecting himself into the Packers-Favre situation.
“Sources have told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that Thompson reaffirmed to the commissioner that the organization wants to “move on” without Favre. Consequently, Goodell encouraged the GM to accelerate the process by surveying teams around the league to determine if there is a trade partner, the sources said.
The commissioner made it clear to Thompson that Favre will be reinstated as an active player if he makes the request. Goodell also has spoken with Favre, the sources said, telling the veteran passer that he was willing to assist in the process, if necessary. (Source: ESPN.com)
The Packers should do what’s best for them. I don’t think it’s the commissioner’s place to tell teams to accelerate the process of making trades. I understand that it’s in the NFL’s best interest to have Favre back in the mix for 2008 because of the hype it will generate but the Packers have to do what’s right for them as an organization, Goodell’s encouragements be damned.
2. As a Greek citizen with many close relatives living in Athens and as a proud Olympiakos fan, I am happy to report that Josh Childress, formerly of the Atlanta Hawks, is taking his game to the birthplace of Western civilization.
Let’s be realistic for a moment here: Josh Childress is the anti-European basketball player. He has a very tenuous grasp on the fundamentals of basketball and isn’t known for his shooting, passing, ball-handling, or hoops IQ. What he is, however, is a talented athlete who can run and jump with the best of them. I’m not sure his game will work very well in Greece but he’ll certainly be the most athletic and physically-fit player on the court. In that regard, I expect him to be a very good shot-blocker and an explosive trailing player on fast breaks. Beyond that, I can’t see him scoring against zone defenses in the Euroleague.
3. Yuck. ‘Nuff said.
“Sources have told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that Thompson reaffirmed to the commissioner that the organization wants to “move on” without Favre. Consequently, Goodell encouraged the GM to accelerate the process by surveying teams around the league to determine if there is a trade partner, the sources said.
The commissioner made it clear to Thompson that Favre will be reinstated as an active player if he makes the request. Goodell also has spoken with Favre, the sources said, telling the veteran passer that he was willing to assist in the process, if necessary. (Source: ESPN.com)
The Packers should do what’s best for them. I don’t think it’s the commissioner’s place to tell teams to accelerate the process of making trades. I understand that it’s in the NFL’s best interest to have Favre back in the mix for 2008 because of the hype it will generate but the Packers have to do what’s right for them as an organization, Goodell’s encouragements be damned.
2. As a Greek citizen with many close relatives living in Athens and as a proud Olympiakos fan, I am happy to report that Josh Childress, formerly of the Atlanta Hawks, is taking his game to the birthplace of Western civilization.
Let’s be realistic for a moment here: Josh Childress is the anti-European basketball player. He has a very tenuous grasp on the fundamentals of basketball and isn’t known for his shooting, passing, ball-handling, or hoops IQ. What he is, however, is a talented athlete who can run and jump with the best of them. I’m not sure his game will work very well in Greece but he’ll certainly be the most athletic and physically-fit player on the court. In that regard, I expect him to be a very good shot-blocker and an explosive trailing player on fast breaks. Beyond that, I can’t see him scoring against zone defenses in the Euroleague.
3. Yuck. ‘Nuff said.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cheers and Jeers: Bonecrusher Edition
Ingredients:
That's right boys and girls its NFL time which means..... its the return of Cheers and Jeers. This week also happens to include To a happiest of happy birthday to our very own MJ. MJ will be making his yearly pilgrimage to the fetid swamp that in theory is in charge of the US. While the plans of what the Birthday Includes Here are Few Expected Highlights
File photo of MJ
Early Afternoon - For those that are unaware MJ has an intense dislike of mules. I think it has something to do with the incident where a mule forced him into the trucking business but I'm not sure. In any event due to gasoline prices MJ will be forced to travel by casino boat. During the journey while MJ will win a small presbyterian church and then leverage it for a bottle of bourbon, brownest of the brown liquors. MJ always places liquor above religion (I think this also might have something to do with mules)
Later Afternoon - Sunday - Everything will be blurry after the bourbon. I can only assume that it will end in at least one of the following outcomes: 1) Harry Reid being blinded by a Jumbo Slice 2) Me being duct taped to a clown 3) Curses at the heat emanating for the Swamp that passes itself off as the seat of American power 4) Flaming bag of poop being mailed to Bill Simmons 5) More Bourbon
Anyway without further ado cheering and jeering
Cheers - To the NFC East. Between the Redskins trade for Twinkle Toes Taylor and the Giants shipping Shockey out for a second round draft pick and a case of heinkein they've made sure everyone is watching NFL training camp. It seems to hard not to think the Saints have a pretty potent offense now.
Jeers - To Carson Palmer. Look Carson I realize time with Chad Johnson has made you loopy enough to think that hot dog ads are the way to market yourself. Anyway I just wanted to take the time to tell you to suck it.
Cheers: To the Original Captain Chaos...Chris Cooley and his great guest post at KSK
Cheers: To great ad placement. From my understanding that ad is real, just the place (somewhere called California) is fake
Jeers: 30 odd days till the start of College Football. I can't wait. Who knows what'll happen this year? Bobby Petrino v. Nick Saban? Really can a stadium truly handle the amount of douchebaggery?
And now your Cheers and Jeers Gal of the Week.....Emily Scott. Who seems to have misplaced her pants
- 1/2 oz Rum
- 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Vodka
- 1 splash Sprite
- 1 splash Grenadine
- Lemon squeeze
- 1 shot Champagne
That's right boys and girls its NFL time which means..... its the return of Cheers and Jeers. This week also happens to include To a happiest of happy birthday to our very own MJ. MJ will be making his yearly pilgrimage to the fetid swamp that in theory is in charge of the US. While the plans of what the Birthday Includes Here are Few Expected Highlights
File photo of MJ
Later Afternoon - Sunday - Everything will be blurry after the bourbon. I can only assume that it will end in at least one of the following outcomes: 1) Harry Reid being blinded by a Jumbo Slice 2) Me being duct taped to a clown 3) Curses at the heat emanating for the Swamp that passes itself off as the seat of American power 4) Flaming bag of poop being mailed to Bill Simmons 5) More Bourbon
Anyway without further ado cheering and jeering
Cheers - To the NFC East. Between the Redskins trade for Twinkle Toes Taylor and the Giants shipping Shockey out for a second round draft pick and a case of heinkein they've made sure everyone is watching NFL training camp. It seems to hard not to think the Saints have a pretty potent offense now.
Jeers - To Carson Palmer. Look Carson I realize time with Chad Johnson has made you loopy enough to think that hot dog ads are the way to market yourself. Anyway I just wanted to take the time to tell you to suck it.
Cheers: To the Original Captain Chaos...Chris Cooley and his great guest post at KSK
Cheers: To great ad placement. From my understanding that ad is real, just the place (somewhere called California) is fake
Jeers: 30 odd days till the start of College Football. I can't wait. Who knows what'll happen this year? Bobby Petrino v. Nick Saban? Really can a stadium truly handle the amount of douchebaggery?And now your Cheers and Jeers Gal of the Week.....Emily Scott. Who seems to have misplaced her pants
Monday, July 21, 2008
NBA Free Agency 2008 - New Jersey Nets' Quest to Have 22 Players Under Contract
It may only be the end of July, but the New Jersey Nets have made one thing clear during this off-season: their goal is to have enough cap-space in 2010 to go after LeBron James. This part of the New Jersey Nets' plan has been widely reported, and overly analyzed and speculated on.
The more confusing thing? What in the world is the Nets' goal for 2008 (aside from making sure that no one is under contract for 2010?)
At this point, they've dumped Richard Jefferson in exchange for Bobby Simmons' rotting contract and a Chinese attraction in Yi Jianlin. The Nets also lost Diop and Bostjan Nachbar (to Russia). However, the Nets have now added:
Draft picks:
Brook Lopez (No. 10), Ryan Anderson (No. 21), Chris Douglas-Roberts (No. 40)
FREE AGENTS
Jarvis Hayes (Detroit), Eduardo Najera (Denver)
TRADES
Bobby Simmons (Milwaukee), Yi Jianlian (Milwaukee), Keyon Dooling (Orlando).
This means the Nets now have 16 players under contract, with their Keyon Dooling addition! Plus, Nenad Kristic is a restricted free agent. Now, with all these additions, I think the Nets' 5th best player may be as good as their 12th best player. Problem is, their 5th best player is probably the 8th best player on most teams. For posterity sake, I'll try to come up with some hockey lines to guide their coach next season, assuming Kristic gets signed:
PF1 S. Williams..PF2 E. Najera.....PF3 S. Swift
SF1 Y. Jianlin.....SF2 B. Simmons..SF3 M. Ager
C1 N. Kristic.......C2 B. Lopez.........C3 J. Boone
SG1 V. Carter....SG2 J. Hayes........SG3 T. Hassell
PG1 D. Harris....PG2 K. Dooling.....PG3 M. Williams
NBDL: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Ryan Anderson (though it's more likely Ager gets waived, and Hassell doesn't ever play).
With all these players, I think the Nets' only goal for 2008 is to become a college all-star season for the next 2 seasons. I suppose the Nets are planning to move at least one more player before the season begins, unless they really are planning on stashing 2 players in the D-League (which may not be a bad strategy, though it may be depressing and a big gut check for whomever gets that fate). Personally, I'm rooting for the Nets to somehow have 22 players under contract in 2008, so they can then have enough players to have a sizable bench so they can compete in soccer, hockey, and football.
The more confusing thing? What in the world is the Nets' goal for 2008 (aside from making sure that no one is under contract for 2010?)
At this point, they've dumped Richard Jefferson in exchange for Bobby Simmons' rotting contract and a Chinese attraction in Yi Jianlin. The Nets also lost Diop and Bostjan Nachbar (to Russia). However, the Nets have now added:
Draft picks:
Brook Lopez (No. 10), Ryan Anderson (No. 21), Chris Douglas-Roberts (No. 40)
FREE AGENTS
Jarvis Hayes (Detroit), Eduardo Najera (Denver)
TRADES
Bobby Simmons (Milwaukee), Yi Jianlian (Milwaukee), Keyon Dooling (Orlando).
This means the Nets now have 16 players under contract, with their Keyon Dooling addition! Plus, Nenad Kristic is a restricted free agent. Now, with all these additions, I think the Nets' 5th best player may be as good as their 12th best player. Problem is, their 5th best player is probably the 8th best player on most teams. For posterity sake, I'll try to come up with some hockey lines to guide their coach next season, assuming Kristic gets signed:
PF1 S. Williams..PF2 E. Najera.....PF3 S. Swift
SF1 Y. Jianlin.....SF2 B. Simmons..SF3 M. Ager
C1 N. Kristic.......C2 B. Lopez.........C3 J. Boone
SG1 V. Carter....SG2 J. Hayes........SG3 T. Hassell
PG1 D. Harris....PG2 K. Dooling.....PG3 M. Williams
NBDL: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Ryan Anderson (though it's more likely Ager gets waived, and Hassell doesn't ever play).
With all these players, I think the Nets' only goal for 2008 is to become a college all-star season for the next 2 seasons. I suppose the Nets are planning to move at least one more player before the season begins, unless they really are planning on stashing 2 players in the D-League (which may not be a bad strategy, though it may be depressing and a big gut check for whomever gets that fate). Personally, I'm rooting for the Nets to somehow have 22 players under contract in 2008, so they can then have enough players to have a sizable bench so they can compete in soccer, hockey, and football.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Taylor Will Dance For Snyder
As if Daniel Snyder could resist the temptation to add a veteran, probably over the hill, player. Ha. Following the loss of their one of their starting DEs, the Washington Redskins traded for Jason Taylor. Consider this an open thread on the trade and the official start to the NFL training camp season.....
Rather than bore you with a picture of Jason Taylor dancing I just went with Ali Landry
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
There's Just Something About the McCown Brothers!
I don't know why, but I have never found a pair of more irrelevant NFL QB brothers more entertaining than the McCowns! Maybe it's their names? Maybe it's the fact that they never play more than one good game per season? Maybe it's the fact that someone is always willing to roll the dice with one of the McCowns.
But now... the McCowns have outdone themselves. Apparently, younger brother Luke McCown (Tampa Bay QB #3?), was chopping firewood... and actually cut older brother Josh McCown's finger! Yes, that sounds horrifically violent, but yet at the same time, it just makes me laugh because its almost too absurd to even believe because both McCowns were involved. I still want to know if oldest brother, Randy McCown was there. For those who aren't avid readers, Wikipedia helped me discover the eldest, and clearly the wisest, McCown brother. He may not be in the NFL, but at least he's not involved in any strange incidents that involve chopping someone's finger with an axe!
Unfortunately, Josh McCown was supposed to be part of a 3-way QB duel in Miami this season, between John Beck and Chad Henne... hopefully Josh's finger will heal quickly allowing him to have yet another crack at a starting job.
But now... the McCowns have outdone themselves. Apparently, younger brother Luke McCown (Tampa Bay QB #3?), was chopping firewood... and actually cut older brother Josh McCown's finger! Yes, that sounds horrifically violent, but yet at the same time, it just makes me laugh because its almost too absurd to even believe because both McCowns were involved. I still want to know if oldest brother, Randy McCown was there. For those who aren't avid readers, Wikipedia helped me discover the eldest, and clearly the wisest, McCown brother. He may not be in the NFL, but at least he's not involved in any strange incidents that involve chopping someone's finger with an axe!
Unfortunately, Josh McCown was supposed to be part of a 3-way QB duel in Miami this season, between John Beck and Chad Henne... hopefully Josh's finger will heal quickly allowing him to have yet another crack at a starting job.
All-Star Memories (Abridged)
I want to do a full post on my experiences at last night’s All Star Game but I need to wait until my pictures (225 of them!) are developed. In lieu of a full post I will give you a quickie recap of my thoughts:
-The atmosphere all around the ballpark was tremendous. For those that have never been to Yankee Stadium, you have to understand that one would never spend any time in that neighborhood for any reason other than to attend a ballgame. It’s not dangerous, per se, but it’s just run down and depressed. I’ve been going to Yankee games since I was 10 years old and I can’t remember a time when there was more life and excitement around the ballpark – and that includes the playoffs and World Series.
-The weather was absolutely perfect. It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t chilly, and the humidity was virtually non-existent. The baseball gods were certainly wearing t-shirts and shorts and smiling down upon us last night.
-My favorite part of every All-Star Game is during player introductions. I love when the players come out onto the field wearing their individual team uniforms and tip their caps or wave to the crowd upon having their names called. Last night was no different. But when the Hall of Famers were brought out and introduced, I had goosebumps. Seeing Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken, Mike Schmidt, and all the other old-timers was awesome.
-For the most part, the game was well played until the 8th inning. After that point, the errors came in leaps and bounds and neither team could execute at the plate. The AL stranded the go-ahead run at third base in three consecutive innings. It looked like Little League out there for a while.
-My favorite moment of the night was when Jonathan Papelbon came into the game in the top of the 8th inning to the sound of throaty boos and alternating chants of “overrated” and “Mariano.” A partisan crowd at Yankee Stadium is one of those little things that make life worth living. Equally enjoyable was watching Billy “other Sandman” Wagner come in and blow the save in the bottom of the 8th inning. Two of the most annoying Rivera wannabes both eating shit from Yankee fans on national TV. It just doesn’t get better than that.
I’ll have pictures up this weekend!
-The atmosphere all around the ballpark was tremendous. For those that have never been to Yankee Stadium, you have to understand that one would never spend any time in that neighborhood for any reason other than to attend a ballgame. It’s not dangerous, per se, but it’s just run down and depressed. I’ve been going to Yankee games since I was 10 years old and I can’t remember a time when there was more life and excitement around the ballpark – and that includes the playoffs and World Series.
-The weather was absolutely perfect. It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t chilly, and the humidity was virtually non-existent. The baseball gods were certainly wearing t-shirts and shorts and smiling down upon us last night.
-My favorite part of every All-Star Game is during player introductions. I love when the players come out onto the field wearing their individual team uniforms and tip their caps or wave to the crowd upon having their names called. Last night was no different. But when the Hall of Famers were brought out and introduced, I had goosebumps. Seeing Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken, Mike Schmidt, and all the other old-timers was awesome.
-For the most part, the game was well played until the 8th inning. After that point, the errors came in leaps and bounds and neither team could execute at the plate. The AL stranded the go-ahead run at third base in three consecutive innings. It looked like Little League out there for a while.
-My favorite moment of the night was when Jonathan Papelbon came into the game in the top of the 8th inning to the sound of throaty boos and alternating chants of “overrated” and “Mariano.” A partisan crowd at Yankee Stadium is one of those little things that make life worth living. Equally enjoyable was watching Billy “other Sandman” Wagner come in and blow the save in the bottom of the 8th inning. Two of the most annoying Rivera wannabes both eating shit from Yankee fans on national TV. It just doesn’t get better than that.
I’ll have pictures up this weekend!
Shut Your Piehole! Shut Your Piehole! Shut Your Piehole! Shut Your Piehole! Edition
Did you know that Terry Francona did everything he could tonight to avoid pitching Scott Kazmir? Or that, if he was forced to use Kazmir, Francona would limit him to a strict pitch count?
I learned that during the All-Star Game because Joe Buck mentioned it no less than 18 FUCKING TIMES!
It is understandably difficult for an announcer to consistently add to the TV viewing experience by saying smart things. The corollary is that an announcer can make the experience worse by saying dumb things - or, in this case, by repeating the same damn two sentences over and over and over and over again.
Tonight's All-Star Game was a classic, full of some great pitching and defense, plenty of compelling storylines, all set against the historic backdrop of Yankee Stadium and all those Hall-of-Famers. What a damn shame that the most overrated announcer in the country made watching tonight's game that much less enjoyable.
Joe Buck: Shut your babbling repetitive piehole!
I'm going to bed.
I learned that during the All-Star Game because Joe Buck mentioned it no less than 18 FUCKING TIMES!
It is understandably difficult for an announcer to consistently add to the TV viewing experience by saying smart things. The corollary is that an announcer can make the experience worse by saying dumb things - or, in this case, by repeating the same damn two sentences over and over and over and over again.
Tonight's All-Star Game was a classic, full of some great pitching and defense, plenty of compelling storylines, all set against the historic backdrop of Yankee Stadium and all those Hall-of-Famers. What a damn shame that the most overrated announcer in the country made watching tonight's game that much less enjoyable.
Joe Buck: Shut your babbling repetitive piehole!
I'm going to bed.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
NBA Free Agency 2008 - the Allen Iverson Effect
Apparently, in a strict salary dumping move, the Denver Nuggets dumped Marcus Camby in exchange for a 2nd-round pick. Camby was due to make $8 million this season, and almost $8 next season. What's most interesting about this maneuver, is that the Denver Nuggets have appeared to have conceded this season, as it would be unlikely that they can find a capable center to replace Camby. Moreover, Camby was one of the few players on the team even playing defense.
The most ironic part about this Camby deal is that Iverson was traded in December 2006 out of Philly, to Denver, so he could be play for a "contending team." Denver gave up PG Andre Miller, F Joe Smith, and two 1st round picks. Who could of guessed that only 1.5 seasons later, Iverson's departure would have only helped to created the cap space for the 76ers to acquire Elton Brand, which then resulted in the Clippers stealing Camby to fill the void left by Brand's departure! The 76ers have rapidly rebuilt their team with PG Andre Miller, a more traditional PG, who has helped make the 76ers into a better team as Iguodala and Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young all played well this past season. Interestingly enough, Iguodala, Louis Williams, and Dalembert were already on the 76ers when Iverson left... he just did not stay long enough for those players to develop.
Perhaps even more interesting in this trade is the fact that this makes Allen Iverson completely expendable. Iverson is in the last year of his deal which pays him $21 million. This means that Iverson could be traded elsewhere at some point this season once the Nuggets start losing games, most likely for a combination of younger players. Of course, for the Nuggets to complete a trade, they would have to find a suitor. It should be interesting to see which team decides to roll the dice with Iverson, and to see what kind of market value Iverson has at this point in his career.
The most ironic part about this Camby deal is that Iverson was traded in December 2006 out of Philly, to Denver, so he could be play for a "contending team." Denver gave up PG Andre Miller, F Joe Smith, and two 1st round picks. Who could of guessed that only 1.5 seasons later, Iverson's departure would have only helped to created the cap space for the 76ers to acquire Elton Brand, which then resulted in the Clippers stealing Camby to fill the void left by Brand's departure! The 76ers have rapidly rebuilt their team with PG Andre Miller, a more traditional PG, who has helped make the 76ers into a better team as Iguodala and Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young all played well this past season. Interestingly enough, Iguodala, Louis Williams, and Dalembert were already on the 76ers when Iverson left... he just did not stay long enough for those players to develop.
Perhaps even more interesting in this trade is the fact that this makes Allen Iverson completely expendable. Iverson is in the last year of his deal which pays him $21 million. This means that Iverson could be traded elsewhere at some point this season once the Nuggets start losing games, most likely for a combination of younger players. Of course, for the Nuggets to complete a trade, they would have to find a suitor. It should be interesting to see which team decides to roll the dice with Iverson, and to see what kind of market value Iverson has at this point in his career.
Josh Hamilton
I’m going to the All-Star Game tonight. I’m beyond excited and I can’t wait for the player introductions, the first pitch, and the chance to cheer (or boo) for all the players out there. After last night’s Home Run Derby, I will be cheering for someone I’ve stood up for in the past but have never really cared about one way or another.
I have no clue how to upload a video so I’ll have to ask you to watch this and then think about the following:
Watching Josh Hamilton put on that kind of display was a lot of fun. Granted, it would be hard to do that in game conditions but it was still neat to see balls hit and land in places that I’ve never seen before.
The kid wasted a lot of his youth polluting his body and trying to kill himself. As a result, it’s unlikely that he’ll have the longevity required to climb the ladder of great players. But, for one night, it must’ve been amazing for him to get his name chanted by the fans at Yankee Stadium. I hope that memory sustains him for life and reminds him that staying clean can lead to more great memories. Had he died, he’d never have had the chance to live for last night’s fun. I don’t mean to preach, I’m just really proud of Josh Hamilton and I can’t wait to clap for him in person.
I have no clue how to upload a video so I’ll have to ask you to watch this and then think about the following:
Watching Josh Hamilton put on that kind of display was a lot of fun. Granted, it would be hard to do that in game conditions but it was still neat to see balls hit and land in places that I’ve never seen before.
The kid wasted a lot of his youth polluting his body and trying to kill himself. As a result, it’s unlikely that he’ll have the longevity required to climb the ladder of great players. But, for one night, it must’ve been amazing for him to get his name chanted by the fans at Yankee Stadium. I hope that memory sustains him for life and reminds him that staying clean can lead to more great memories. Had he died, he’d never have had the chance to live for last night’s fun. I don’t mean to preach, I’m just really proud of Josh Hamilton and I can’t wait to clap for him in person.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
RIP Bobby Murcer
Bobby Murcer, a beloved member of the Yankees family, passed away today. He was the best player on a series of very poor Yankee teams in the early 1970's but he played hard for the Yanks and did the uniform justice. After retiring, he became our TV announcer for 17 years and his voice will always be a part of my childhood and adolescence.The neatest bit of trivia about Murcer is that he's the only Yankee player to have played with both Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly. Forever in our hearts here in New York, we'll miss you #1.
As the Favre Turns.....
Here's FAAAAAVREEEE!**I watched sportscenter and I forget which dumbass was on but it was like talking to a brick wall when it brought up not everyone team wants Favre and he has put the Packers in a difficult position.
I'm interested in how this turns out because well Favre is Jonesing for another hit and he's not going to be denied.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Woohoo! A Dream Comes True
Big news! Our humble blog will have an on-site reporter at Tuesday's All-Star Game. Thanks to the Hitman, yours truly gets to be there for what may turn out to be one of the greatest baseball moments of my life.
The sound of booing you'll hear will be coming from me just as soon as the loathsome Red Sox scumbags* are announced. Stay tuned for pictures and a write-up to hit the presses by the middle of next week.
*Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez, Jonathan Papelbon, David Ortiz, and JD Drew.
The sound of booing you'll hear will be coming from me just as soon as the loathsome Red Sox scumbags* are announced. Stay tuned for pictures and a write-up to hit the presses by the middle of next week.
*Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez, Jonathan Papelbon, David Ortiz, and JD Drew.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Future Is Now - Say Hello to Shawn Kemp Jr!
It may only be the year 2008, but some amazing things took place this past week that I did not think would be happening now, but only sometime in the future...
1) 17-year old Shawn Kemp Jr. has arrived in the media, as Shawn Jr. is a top-100 prospect being pursued by half of the SEC! I did not think I would be reading about any of Shawn Kemp's 7? children until at least 2012. Kemp's Kids should dominate both male and female athletics for many years... at least some half-brothers and half-sisters have been contacting Shawn Jr. on MySpace so there's still hope for a starting five of Kemp's Kids on an NBA team.
2) Marty McFly's shoes from 2015 are now available... in the year 2008! Nike may have only produced 350 pairs of the sneakers that Marty wore in Back to the Future Part II, but you'd think they would have waited until 2015. Perhaps in 2015, the shoes will actually self-tie themselves.
3) The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to win it all this season, now that they creatively acquired Elton Brand, who took less money to try to win it all with the 76ers! I thought they were still a few players short, but the sudden teaming of PF Elton Brand, SF Iguodala, C Dalembert, SG L. Williams, PG A. Miller could challenge the Celtics this year, so long as Elton Brand's body doesn't get injured.
1) 17-year old Shawn Kemp Jr. has arrived in the media, as Shawn Jr. is a top-100 prospect being pursued by half of the SEC! I did not think I would be reading about any of Shawn Kemp's 7? children until at least 2012. Kemp's Kids should dominate both male and female athletics for many years... at least some half-brothers and half-sisters have been contacting Shawn Jr. on MySpace so there's still hope for a starting five of Kemp's Kids on an NBA team.
2) Marty McFly's shoes from 2015 are now available... in the year 2008! Nike may have only produced 350 pairs of the sneakers that Marty wore in Back to the Future Part II, but you'd think they would have waited until 2015. Perhaps in 2015, the shoes will actually self-tie themselves.
3) The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to win it all this season, now that they creatively acquired Elton Brand, who took less money to try to win it all with the 76ers! I thought they were still a few players short, but the sudden teaming of PF Elton Brand, SF Iguodala, C Dalembert, SG L. Williams, PG A. Miller could challenge the Celtics this year, so long as Elton Brand's body doesn't get injured.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Happy Belated Birthday America
Because the flag is one of the few things that can break the malaise........
Thursday, July 03, 2008
NBA: Still Not Credible
Like MJ part my utter disdain for the NBA is its lack of credibility. The referee scandal was the sledgehammer that broke the camel's back. David Stern, as always, rather than fix the problem has reached into the old PR playbook and announced that a retired military general would be "watching" the referees. He's from the military, so you know it solves that problem, right?
Well it turns out that retired general Ronald Johnson was "commanding general of the Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region division, from 2003-04, responsible for overseeing $18 billion of reconstruction in Iraq." Now it happens that during that time this general lost track of $ 9 billion of that. Now I'm not an HR specialist but someone will need to let me know how losing track of half your assets and horribly bungling a job qualifies you to oversee anything ever again, let alone an already corrupted process. Well done David. Once again you've driven home the point of why I hate your league.
Well it turns out that retired general Ronald Johnson was "commanding general of the Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region division, from 2003-04, responsible for overseeing $18 billion of reconstruction in Iraq." Now it happens that during that time this general lost track of $ 9 billion of that. Now I'm not an HR specialist but someone will need to let me know how losing track of half your assets and horribly bungling a job qualifies you to oversee anything ever again, let alone an already corrupted process. Well done David. Once again you've driven home the point of why I hate your league.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Why LeBron James Will Stay in Cleveland
I am sick of all the stories about LeBron wanting to go to New Jersey, New York, New Dehli, etc. The time is now for the Cavs to bring in that elusive 2nd banana that LeBron has never had, which will become the reason that LeBron will stay in Cleveland because the 2nd banana will help LeBron win at least one championship.
Assets the Cavs Have
The Cavs have Wally Szczerbiak's $12 million expiring contract, Anderson Varejao ($5.8million, player option for 2009-2010), and, if the Cavs want to get absurd, they can also trade Eric Snow's $7 million contract. With Anderson Varejao and tons of expiring contracts (they also have Joe Smith's $5 million contract, and Damon Jones's $4.5 million contract), the Cavs can trade for virtually any player in the league, because they can instantly give the other team a boatload of cap space.
So, without further ado, here are the top logical choices I can find as trading partners for the Cavs. By logical, I'm not including a trade with division rival for Chauncey Billups, or a logic-defying move for Carmelo Anthony where the Nuggets give up on Carmelo.
PLAN A: Summer 2008 Trade Possibilities for LeBron's 2nd Banana
1) Shawn Marion, Miami Heat, 6'-7" SF, 30 yrs old - Marion could become expendable as the Heat realize that they are not winning it all this year so instead of just letting Marion and his $17 million contract expire at season's end, the Heat could get themselves Varejao and $18 million (or more) in expiring cap space!
2) Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings, 6'-7" SF, 28 yrs old - You want to play with fire? Bring in Artest! He still has skills and still is crazy. If Michael Jordan could keep Dennis Rodman under control, surely LeBron can keep Ron Artest under control. Right? The great thing is, Artest is only under contract for one more season, at $8 million, so you could even trade for him, and wait until after the season to decide what to do, meaning this just becomes a one-year gamble. As an FYI, Artest still was able to get 20ppg during last season's campaign on 45% FG shooting, and he still had one of the highest +/- on his sub-par Sacramento Kings' team, as Artest posted a +1.8ppg, and a -7.3ppg.
3) Jason Richardson, Charlotte Bobcats, 6'-6" SG, 27 yrs old - The Bobcats just got Richardson last season. They still even have cap space this summer (though it probably will be used to sign Emeka Okafor to a big contract) and Larry Brown is the coach, so they may be unwilling to move Richardson. This transaction actually becomes even more unlikely when you realize that the Cavs' GM is Danny Ferry and the Bobcats' GM is Michael Jordan. Ferry once tried to connect with TWO WILD ROUNDHOUSES on Jordan's face. My memory is foggy on whether Ferry actually connected, but I'm sure this did not create a good impression on Jordan.
PLAN B: Mid-season Trade
Of course, if none of these three options work out for LeBron, there will be more players available come January, when some of the Western Conference teams realize that they can't make the playoffs when 12 teams have legitimate shots of making it.
PLAN C: Summer 2009 Shopping Spree!
Worst case scenario: summer 2009, the Cavs have boat loads of cap space after Wally's, Snow's, and Damon Jones contracts come off the books, for a total of almost $24 million. The Cavs can then use that money to go after someone like: Danny Granger, Devin Harris, or even... to orchestrate the homecoming of Carlos Boozer! If that doesn't make headlines, I'm not sure what will!
Assets the Cavs Have
The Cavs have Wally Szczerbiak's $12 million expiring contract, Anderson Varejao ($5.8million, player option for 2009-2010), and, if the Cavs want to get absurd, they can also trade Eric Snow's $7 million contract. With Anderson Varejao and tons of expiring contracts (they also have Joe Smith's $5 million contract, and Damon Jones's $4.5 million contract), the Cavs can trade for virtually any player in the league, because they can instantly give the other team a boatload of cap space.
So, without further ado, here are the top logical choices I can find as trading partners for the Cavs. By logical, I'm not including a trade with division rival for Chauncey Billups, or a logic-defying move for Carmelo Anthony where the Nuggets give up on Carmelo.
PLAN A: Summer 2008 Trade Possibilities for LeBron's 2nd Banana
1) Shawn Marion, Miami Heat, 6'-7" SF, 30 yrs old - Marion could become expendable as the Heat realize that they are not winning it all this year so instead of just letting Marion and his $17 million contract expire at season's end, the Heat could get themselves Varejao and $18 million (or more) in expiring cap space!
2) Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings, 6'-7" SF, 28 yrs old - You want to play with fire? Bring in Artest! He still has skills and still is crazy. If Michael Jordan could keep Dennis Rodman under control, surely LeBron can keep Ron Artest under control. Right? The great thing is, Artest is only under contract for one more season, at $8 million, so you could even trade for him, and wait until after the season to decide what to do, meaning this just becomes a one-year gamble. As an FYI, Artest still was able to get 20ppg during last season's campaign on 45% FG shooting, and he still had one of the highest +/- on his sub-par Sacramento Kings' team, as Artest posted a +1.8ppg, and a -7.3ppg.
3) Jason Richardson, Charlotte Bobcats, 6'-6" SG, 27 yrs old - The Bobcats just got Richardson last season. They still even have cap space this summer (though it probably will be used to sign Emeka Okafor to a big contract) and Larry Brown is the coach, so they may be unwilling to move Richardson. This transaction actually becomes even more unlikely when you realize that the Cavs' GM is Danny Ferry and the Bobcats' GM is Michael Jordan. Ferry once tried to connect with TWO WILD ROUNDHOUSES on Jordan's face. My memory is foggy on whether Ferry actually connected, but I'm sure this did not create a good impression on Jordan.
PLAN B: Mid-season Trade
Of course, if none of these three options work out for LeBron, there will be more players available come January, when some of the Western Conference teams realize that they can't make the playoffs when 12 teams have legitimate shots of making it.
PLAN C: Summer 2009 Shopping Spree!
Worst case scenario: summer 2009, the Cavs have boat loads of cap space after Wally's, Snow's, and Damon Jones contracts come off the books, for a total of almost $24 million. The Cavs can then use that money to go after someone like: Danny Granger, Devin Harris, or even... to orchestrate the homecoming of Carlos Boozer! If that doesn't make headlines, I'm not sure what will!
GroundHog's Day
Favre: Hey Aaron, Its me Brett. Yeah same routine as last year. See you at Camp!
Rogers: No! No! Its happening again. I told my therapist this would happen. WHY?!?!?
Favre: Yeah it'll be great. We can do this every year. FOREVER
Rogers (Hangs Up Phone And Sobs in Corner)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tiger Woods vs. Roger Federer: Who's The Best?
Back in September 2007, shortly after the US Open (tennis), Gutsy Goldberg began to believe that Federer “IS the best ever… BEYOND Tiger Woods.” MJ saw a chance to slam some logic into Gutsy Goldberg! Finally, we have this entertaining debate on who is indeed better: Tiger Woods in golf? Or Roger Federer in tennis?
Facts (courtesy of Wikipedia):
Résumé – Tiger Woods
Résumé – Roger Federer
Tiger Woods: 14 majors in 12 years; (second only to Jack Nicklaus with 18 in 25 years)
-Woods and Bobby Jones only golfers to win 10 Majors before age 30
-Fastest to win all four Majors (in 93 tournaments, compared to 125 for Nicklaus)
-Youngest to win all four Majors
-Only golfer to win all four Majors by at least five strokes
-Holds record for most consecutive weeks at #1 (264) and most total weeks (497)
Roger Federer: 12 grand slam titles in 6 years (tied for second with Emerson, only 2 behind Sampras’s 14 in 12 years)
-Only man in Open era to win three straight grand slams TWICE in his career
-Five consecutive Wimbledons (currently tied w/ Bjorg); Federer has only lost 8 sets at Wimbledon in that span, compared with 19 sets lost by Bjorg
-Currently holds the Open era record, with 15 straight Grand Slam semifinals appearances (breaking the old record of 10 by Lendl)
-Reached 10 straight grand slam finals to break the old record of 7, set in 1934
-Currently #1 for record 231 consecutive weeks
-Won 24 straight finals (open era record)
-Currently has a record 63-match winning streak on grass
ARGUMENT #1
MJ’s Argument: Tiger Woods is the best golfer to ever play and is better in his sport than Roger Federer.
Tiger Woods has dominated his sport more completely based on the number of victories and his rank on the all-time lists in his sport. My argument is backed by the fact that I view golf, in this day and age, as far more difficult to dominate and a more difficult sport to master on the whole. As great as Federer is, I perceive him to be a player in an era of weaker competition where the men’s circuit is no longer as stacked with great players as it was from the 70’s to the mid 90’s.
Gutsy’s Argument: Roger Federer is the best tennis player to ever play and is better in his sport than Tiger Woods.
In an age where injuries, exhaustion, and parity are the norm, Federer has won 8 of the last 10 Grand slams. He is BEYOND Tiger Woods. The thing that makes him so dominating? He can play any style that is advantageous for the surface or the opponent. He can play serve-and-volley, or he can just run around the baseline all day. Either way, he’s going to dominate you!
MJ’s Counterargument: Tennis is less competitive today.
Unlike Pete Sampras, who was a contemporary of Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic, Patrick Rafter, and Stefan Edberg, Federer never had to face players on that level. The two best players Federer has beaten would be Andy Roddick (not ready for prime time and may never be) and Rafael Nadal (currently a one-surface specialist).
Further to the above, all of Federer’s opponents are baseliners who rely on power. Obviously that is the new direction of the game, but it calls into question Federer’s versatility in terms of what sorts of opponents he can beat. He’s never been tested against serve-and-volley players like Becker, Sampras, or Edberg.
Gutsy’s Counterpoint: Tennis is just as competitive today as it has been in the past.
You call this era of tennis “less competitive.” But isn’t this a chicken-and-egg problem? It’s less competitive because Federer is DOMINATING everyone! I beg to differ about both Roddick and Nadal. Roddick is ready for prime-time...just not for Federer. Roddick actually already won a US Open and has finished as a runner-up to Federer in three other events. Nadal is no longer a one-trick pony. In fact, Nadal has won the last four French Opens and made the finals at WIMBLEDON each of the last 2 years, which is quite impressive considering that grass is not typically suited for the “clay-court specialist.” Lleyton Hewitt should be considered one of Federer’s contemporaries. Hewitt has won two grand slams and has been runner-up twice (losing once to Federer), and recently losing this week in the round of 16 to Federer. You could also consider the inconsistent Marat Safin, winner of two Grand Slams, former #1, who also lost once to Federer in a final. Plus, how can Federer be blamed for the fact that he doesn’t allow anyone else to win a grand slam? The competition is there but Federer just can’t be stopped.
In addition, Federer HAS been tested by serve-and-volleyers. In fact, there’s a famous match that’s been called the “passing of the torch” – where Federer upsets Sampras in the 4th round of Wimbledon AND ends Sampras 31-match Wimbledon streak. Plus, Federer beat Philippoussis in the Wimbledon final in 2003, a classic serve-and-volleyer, as well as Tim Henman in Wimbledon (but not in the finals of course). It’s true though – there won’t be any further examples of serve-and-volleyers for the time being. My theory is that the game moves too fast for anyone to get immediately to the net after the serve. Granted, Federer can do it in matches because he is the best ever, even in this modern age of powerful tennis.
MJ’s Interruption: The passing of the torch was symbolic and should not be taken as an example of Federer’s mettle against arguably the greatest serve-and-volley player in Wimbledon history. Pete Sampras was on the tail end of his career and would only play one more season of competitive tennis. Citing Federer’s victory over Sampras without mentioning the fact that Sampras’s career was essentially over is a bit disingenuous.
ARGUMENT #2
MJ’s Argument: Weather and the Golf Course are Ever-Changing
The reason why I still put Tiger ahead of Federer is because Tiger (and all golfers) are competing against a golf course. The ball bounces in a very predictable way on each of the three major surfaces (grass, clay, hardcourt). It’s not to say that it’s easy to play those surfaces, but you can prepare for the environment of each surface. By contrast, golfers play tournaments where the course conditions are not only very different from one another but can vary from day to day. It can be a slow green one day and a speed-demon the next. The consistency of the rough can change in a matter of hours based on moisture or heat.
All of this isn’t meant to disparage Roger Federer. He’s an incredible tennis player and the best there is at what he does right now. He might even be the best tennis player of all time. But there are definitely arguments for the other side too.
Gutsy’s Counterargument: Tennis courts at Wimbledon and the French Open change throughout the tournament
I’m still placing Federer ahead of Tiger. To address your argument about the conditions of the course, Wimbledon and the French Open have surfaces that actually change throughout the course of the tournament. For example, the courts at Wimbledon tend to get dried and worn out as the tournament progresses and so the balls move slower in the first week and the balls start to move faster and faster during the second week.
MJ’s Counterpoint: Tennis Courts still the same dimensions
One of your other arguments – that weather and surface conditions at tennis tournaments are as variable as they are in golf – misses one crucial element, however. While there is no question that heat or rain, as well as court wear-and-tear can affect a tennis tournament, the net and the dimensions of the court remain the same. Therefore, there is a relatively predictable element of change in all tennis tournaments.
ARGUMENT #3
MJ’s Argument: Pin Placement Makes Golf Harder
Golf tournaments, however, change from day to day given that the pin placement on the green changes after each round. The course will play differently in each of the four days of a golf tournament and the change in pin placement, coupled with the change in elements of heat, moisture, and wind, make a golf course far more unpredictable.
When I play golf at my regular course, I’ve played it enough times to know the lay of the land well enough to know how to approach each shot. Obviously wind/heat/moisture play a part but I’m not yet a good enough golfer to shape my shot to take those factors into consideration. But the point is that I know my course very well and I know, for the most part, how the ball will react and what shot I’ll have to make on the next turn. Tournament golf is different in that the hole location moves around every day. On the first (easiest) day, the hole will usually be most accessible to all golfers in terms of its position on the green. On the last (hardest) day, the hole will usually be protected by all sorts of barriers including water, bunkers, and steep incline/decline approaches. My overriding point about pin placement, then, is to point out that while both sports have to battle weather and court/course conditions, only golf has a constantly changing landscape. No two days of a tournament are ever the same. While the grass at Wimbledon may get worn down by the second week, it’s still a grass court. But the US Open at Torrey Pines, as we saw, was four separate mini-tournaments where, depending on all the variables, different players had advantages. The one overriding theme is that Tiger is so far and away better than his opponents on the tour that nothing affects him, despite all the challenges he faces.
Gutsy’s Counterargument: Courts are not Static
Yes, Wimbledon is a grass court, (and the French is a clay court); but both courts change throughout the tournament based on wear and tear and moisture accumulated. My whole point is that it is not a static grass court. The courts at Wimbledon speed up throughout the two weeks, which also changes the different players that may benefit from its condition. Of course, one could say that the changes in golf are more pronounced perhaps, but tennis still has its variables on the courts, including the basic argument of the ball moving, spinning, and the strategy of hitting shots and trying to outmaneuver your opponent. The one overriding theme is that Federer is so far and away better than his opponents on the tour that nothing affects him, despite all the challenges he faces.
ARGUMENT #4
MJ’s Argument: Federer still does not have the “career” Grand Slam! He’s never won the French Open!
Federer is the best men’s tennis player of all time. But it’s definitely a blemish if you can’t win the career Grand Slam. Granted, Sampras (the previous owner of the title “best men’s tennis player of all time”) never finished the career grand slam either. But I think it’s a big deal if you’re not well-rounded enough to cover all four surfaces. If Agassi could do it, why couldn’t Sampras/Federer?
Gutsy’s Counterargument: Federer has the Tools; He Just Cannot Beat Nadal on Clay
Agassi had the tools to win all four, but not the consistency to win enough grand slams (in addition to multiple “off” years ranked below 70 in the world).
Sampras - Was a dominant serve-and-volleyer but could not grind out points on the baseline. Only one semi-final appearance at the French, three quarterfinal appearances, and a whole bunch of early exits proved only one sad thing: Sampras only could play one style, so he was unable to complete the Career Grand Slam.
As to Federer, I have to reiterate that he can play serve-and-volley OR be a baseliner. Unlike Sampras, Federer is a three-time finalist at the French open only losing to Nadal who is; well, virtually unbeatable on clay. In almost any other era, Federer would have the career grand slam... He’ll still get another chance next year, but it’s not as though he can’t compete on clay, which is more of the case in Sampras’s situation, as Sampras can only play one style (serve-and-volley).
MJ’s Counterpoint: Federer Could Not Beat Nadal, Nor Could he Beat Someone like Gustavo Kuerten
I don’t believe you cay say that Federer would’ve won the French if not for Nadal since that’s an assumption only based on the fact that Federer has reached the finals. It’s safe to say that Federer is far better on clay than Sampras ever was but would Federer have beaten Gustavo Kuerten, “Guga,” on clay? Guga was Nadal before we knew who Nadal was...
Conclusion:
Perhaps only time will tell who is the BEST EVER!
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