Wow
It's been awhile since I've posted! Ah well a sign of the times of winter and a time with no baseball. But luckily my friends Spring Training is back and so am I! Look for more informative and brilliant commentary in the days and weeks to come!!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Chompions Again!!!!
Well the site has taken a couple weeks off due to the Holidays, but what a way to return! As it is blatantly stated in the profile on this page I am a Gator fan and boy is it a good time to be a Gator!
Florida id now the only team in NCAA DI history to hold the basketball and football championship at the same time, truly making them National Chompions!
Yes we are loud and we like to brag and come up with clever little catch phrases, but why not? The University of Florida (yes Ohio State that was for you) deserves a lot of credit. UF AD Jeremy Foley has done a great job of hiring coaches who recruit winning players. And not only do they recruit winning players, for the most part the have been players with good character. Florida has created a winning tradition both on and off the field.
I also feel it is appropriate to congratulate Ohio State for a great season. Like Florida they have some men with real character on that team, and Jim Tressel is a great coach, even though in this game he was outdone by Urban Meyer.
Now how much better would this win have been if the Gators could have made a playoff run and played teams like Boise state and Oklahoma. Even though the Gators are number 1 i am and still will continue to campaign for a playoff system for DI college football.
By the way, Michigan fans are you sure you want a piece of the Urban Renewal project? Beat USC, then we'll talk.
Chomp! Chomp!
Florida id now the only team in NCAA DI history to hold the basketball and football championship at the same time, truly making them National Chompions!
Yes we are loud and we like to brag and come up with clever little catch phrases, but why not? The University of Florida (yes Ohio State that was for you) deserves a lot of credit. UF AD Jeremy Foley has done a great job of hiring coaches who recruit winning players. And not only do they recruit winning players, for the most part the have been players with good character. Florida has created a winning tradition both on and off the field.
I also feel it is appropriate to congratulate Ohio State for a great season. Like Florida they have some men with real character on that team, and Jim Tressel is a great coach, even though in this game he was outdone by Urban Meyer.
Now how much better would this win have been if the Gators could have made a playoff run and played teams like Boise state and Oklahoma. Even though the Gators are number 1 i am and still will continue to campaign for a playoff system for DI college football.
By the way, Michigan fans are you sure you want a piece of the Urban Renewal project? Beat USC, then we'll talk.
Chomp! Chomp!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
D-Wade or Kobe
OK, I think we can all admit after watching Kobe and D-Wade going head-to-head on Chirtsmas day without Shaq to muddy the waters that Dwayne Wade is the best player in the NBA. Ever since Michael Jordan retired for the second time in 1998, the NBA has been looking for a player to be the face of the league, someone who isn't a gangster, and for darn sure someone who isn't Michael Jordan.
Kobe Bryant has worked so hard to be MJ he forgot the most important thing to follow in Jordan's steps. Jordan tried to be Michael Jordan, not Larry Bird or Magic Johnson or Jerry West. Kobe Bryant always tries to be Michael, the way he walks, the way he talks, the way he shoots the jumper, even the way he chews his gum. All the hype surrounding Kobe when he came into the league didn't help. He was tapped to be the next great NBA player, the next Jordan.
D-Wade has not had that pressure, he flew in under the radar, 'Melo and LeBron were the class of the draft. And D-Wade doesn't try to be someone else. He is Dwayne Wade. He is comfortable with being Dwayne Wade, and he is always trying to be better. Like Jordan he makes the players around him better, and he is never satisfied. Also like Jordan he has a great public image, someone the league can promote and be proud of.
Unfortunately that is something Kobe threw away in a Colorado hotel 4 years ago. It is to bad Kobe become so obsessed with being Michael Jordan, that it destroyed him. If Kobe would just be Kobe how much greater would this new rivalry be?
Kobe Bryant has worked so hard to be MJ he forgot the most important thing to follow in Jordan's steps. Jordan tried to be Michael Jordan, not Larry Bird or Magic Johnson or Jerry West. Kobe Bryant always tries to be Michael, the way he walks, the way he talks, the way he shoots the jumper, even the way he chews his gum. All the hype surrounding Kobe when he came into the league didn't help. He was tapped to be the next great NBA player, the next Jordan.
D-Wade has not had that pressure, he flew in under the radar, 'Melo and LeBron were the class of the draft. And D-Wade doesn't try to be someone else. He is Dwayne Wade. He is comfortable with being Dwayne Wade, and he is always trying to be better. Like Jordan he makes the players around him better, and he is never satisfied. Also like Jordan he has a great public image, someone the league can promote and be proud of.
Unfortunately that is something Kobe threw away in a Colorado hotel 4 years ago. It is to bad Kobe become so obsessed with being Michael Jordan, that it destroyed him. If Kobe would just be Kobe how much greater would this new rivalry be?
Friday, December 22, 2006
Why the Braves should trade Adam LaRoche
Atlanta Braves 1st Baseman Adam LaRoche has been the subject of numerous trade rumors this off season. Many teams have been coveting the left handed power bat LaRoche showed last season. Many people wonder why the Braves would trade a rising star with All-Star potential.
I am not one of these people. I have never been a fan of LaRoche. He is inconsistent, is not a clutch player, and has lost focus on the field more then one time in his career. Thus coming off a career year I must say what better time to trade him then now? Scott Thorman proved last year that he can certainly do an admirable job both defensively and offensively at 1st, and with Jarrod Saltamachia coming up through the minor leagues, the 1st base position is about to get crowded.
Now rumor has it the Pirates are willing to deal their closer Mike Gonzalez to the Braves for LaRoche straight up. The Braves (rightfully) want a second player either 2nd baseman Jose Castillo or center fielder Chris Duffy.
If I were John Schuerholz I would insist that Chris Duffy be included in this trade, then I would take the papers to the League office as fast as possible and here's why:
Mike Gonzalez is the real thing. until an injury late last year Gonzalez was 24 for 24 in save opportunities with 2.17 ERA. For his career he is 28 for 31 with a 2.37 ERA. Bob Wickman is not going to be around forever. Infact he might not be around after this season. Rafael Soriano the heir apparent the closer's role has never been a closer. Oh, did I mention Gonzalez is left handed?
Secondly and as a Braves fan it pains me to say this, Andruw Jones will not be a Brave in 2008. With the Vernon Wells contract extension you can guarantee Jones will command at least $18-20 million per year. The Braves can not pay that especially with the rising talent of Brian McCann, Jeff Francouer, Kyle Davies and Chuck James. These guys are going to command big money within the next three or four years. Thus the Braves need a center fielder for 2008 and I feel confident saying Ryan Langerhans i not the franchise future. Enter Chris Duffy
Duffy is a very good defensive center fielder with great speed, a must at cavernous Turner Field. Duffy also has the potential to be a leadoff man, a desperate need for the Braves. Last year Duffy hit .255 about ten points less then Marcus Giles this season. He hit over .300 his rookie year in somewhat limited duty. He also had 26 steals with just over 300 at bats in 2006. He can play left field in 2007 until Andruw exits, is young and will be relatively inexpensive for the next 5 years or so.
So if I were the Braves GM I would sell Adam LaRoche now while his stock is high. I would even be willing to throw in a pitching prospect such as Oscar Villareal, Lance Cormier, Blaine Boyer, Joey Devine, Anthony Lerew, Kevin Barry, or Will Startup.
To me if Chris Duffy is involved in this deal there is no reason for the Braves to make this deal. 1st base will be fine without LaRoche and the team will be much stronger in 2007 and beyond with Mike Gonzalez and Chris Duffy on the roster.
I am not one of these people. I have never been a fan of LaRoche. He is inconsistent, is not a clutch player, and has lost focus on the field more then one time in his career. Thus coming off a career year I must say what better time to trade him then now? Scott Thorman proved last year that he can certainly do an admirable job both defensively and offensively at 1st, and with Jarrod Saltamachia coming up through the minor leagues, the 1st base position is about to get crowded.
Now rumor has it the Pirates are willing to deal their closer Mike Gonzalez to the Braves for LaRoche straight up. The Braves (rightfully) want a second player either 2nd baseman Jose Castillo or center fielder Chris Duffy.
If I were John Schuerholz I would insist that Chris Duffy be included in this trade, then I would take the papers to the League office as fast as possible and here's why:
Mike Gonzalez is the real thing. until an injury late last year Gonzalez was 24 for 24 in save opportunities with 2.17 ERA. For his career he is 28 for 31 with a 2.37 ERA. Bob Wickman is not going to be around forever. Infact he might not be around after this season. Rafael Soriano the heir apparent the closer's role has never been a closer. Oh, did I mention Gonzalez is left handed?
Secondly and as a Braves fan it pains me to say this, Andruw Jones will not be a Brave in 2008. With the Vernon Wells contract extension you can guarantee Jones will command at least $18-20 million per year. The Braves can not pay that especially with the rising talent of Brian McCann, Jeff Francouer, Kyle Davies and Chuck James. These guys are going to command big money within the next three or four years. Thus the Braves need a center fielder for 2008 and I feel confident saying Ryan Langerhans i not the franchise future. Enter Chris Duffy
Duffy is a very good defensive center fielder with great speed, a must at cavernous Turner Field. Duffy also has the potential to be a leadoff man, a desperate need for the Braves. Last year Duffy hit .255 about ten points less then Marcus Giles this season. He hit over .300 his rookie year in somewhat limited duty. He also had 26 steals with just over 300 at bats in 2006. He can play left field in 2007 until Andruw exits, is young and will be relatively inexpensive for the next 5 years or so.
So if I were the Braves GM I would sell Adam LaRoche now while his stock is high. I would even be willing to throw in a pitching prospect such as Oscar Villareal, Lance Cormier, Blaine Boyer, Joey Devine, Anthony Lerew, Kevin Barry, or Will Startup.
To me if Chris Duffy is involved in this deal there is no reason for the Braves to make this deal. 1st base will be fine without LaRoche and the team will be much stronger in 2007 and beyond with Mike Gonzalez and Chris Duffy on the roster.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
NBA Fights
Ok, I'm going to take a guess here but I'm probably not the only person tired of watching basketball games and then all of a sudden a street fight breaks out.
The latest disaster for David Stern and the NBA was the brawl in New York on Saturday between the Knicks and Nuggets. The suspensions came down yesterday with Carmelo Anthony getting the biggest chunk with a 15 game whopper.
Now to me the only problem I have with the suspension's are they aren't long enough. Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith, and Nate Robinson should all have gotten 30 games each and Carmelo shouldn't be allowed in the All-Star Game. Harsh you say? Dang right! It is ridiculous to have this much blatant thuggery on display in a professional sport. Players whine when the have to actually look like professionals because a dress code is imposed. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and must be treated as such. Punching, slapping, chasing people around the court, I've seen more civilized behavior in the WWE. David Stern is accused of being to dictatorial as the Commissioner of the NBA, but I'm starting to wonder if he's not tough enough. At some point Stern has got to crack the whip and say enough is enough. Players must be held responsible for their actions.
I think Marvin Lewis, coach of the Bengals, said it best. "The only way to punish athletes is to take away their stage." I agree. Take it away. Send them away, let them sit in the corner and think about what they did wrong like the children they are.
The latest disaster for David Stern and the NBA was the brawl in New York on Saturday between the Knicks and Nuggets. The suspensions came down yesterday with Carmelo Anthony getting the biggest chunk with a 15 game whopper.
Now to me the only problem I have with the suspension's are they aren't long enough. Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith, and Nate Robinson should all have gotten 30 games each and Carmelo shouldn't be allowed in the All-Star Game. Harsh you say? Dang right! It is ridiculous to have this much blatant thuggery on display in a professional sport. Players whine when the have to actually look like professionals because a dress code is imposed. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and must be treated as such. Punching, slapping, chasing people around the court, I've seen more civilized behavior in the WWE. David Stern is accused of being to dictatorial as the Commissioner of the NBA, but I'm starting to wonder if he's not tough enough. At some point Stern has got to crack the whip and say enough is enough. Players must be held responsible for their actions.
I think Marvin Lewis, coach of the Bengals, said it best. "The only way to punish athletes is to take away their stage." I agree. Take it away. Send them away, let them sit in the corner and think about what they did wrong like the children they are.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Is AI the Answer?
The entire NBA has been holding their collective breath for the last weak waiting to see where Allen Iverson is going to land. Golden State, Indiana, Boston, Sacramento, Dallas just to name a few. However the question I must ask is will it matter where he lands?
Does Allen Iverson make that much of a difference? Sure 5 years ago that would be a stupid question, but at this point in his career does he bring enough benefit to negate his negatives. He is a locker room cancer. He doesn't like to practice and he doesn't always play hard. He can score sure and he does pass (sometimes), but is it worth giving up young talent for a guy that may or may not take you to the top?
Boston: Does it really matter? This franchise is in shambles. The Celtics are quickly becoming the Detroit Lions of the NBA. Danny Ainge changes his mind so may times it' impossible to know what he'll do from day to day. AI will put some butts in the seats in B town but that's about it. The Celts need much more than an aging AI.
Sacramento: Props to the Kings. Philly rightfully wanted Kevin Martin but the Kings said no. The one thing teams can't do is give up Franchise players for AI who is really just an expensive roll player.
Indiana: This is a realistic possibility. The Pacers are a team on the verge of needing to rebuild. The can afford to take a risk and trade some younger players to add a scorer of Iverson's ability. AI outside and Jermaine O'Neal inside makes for a scary combination and in a weak Eastern Conference who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
Golden State: An intriguing possibility. Iverson would definitelyfit with "Nelley Ball" and they do have some intriguing players that should interest the Sixers. The real question for the Warriors is are you willing to give up Jason Richardson and probaly Troy Murphy and a draft pick for AI?
Dallas: Actually this is probably the best place for AI, however Mark Cuban denies the Mavs are interested. Dallas could probably get Iverson without giving up the franchise and he would definitely help Dirk Nowitzki. However I don't see AI getting along with Avery Johnson and I don't think he'd be happy with playing second fiddle to Dirk.
All of this leads to this conclusion: who knows where he'll end up. I'd guess Indiana will win the sweepstakes but really nobody knows.
Does Allen Iverson make that much of a difference? Sure 5 years ago that would be a stupid question, but at this point in his career does he bring enough benefit to negate his negatives. He is a locker room cancer. He doesn't like to practice and he doesn't always play hard. He can score sure and he does pass (sometimes), but is it worth giving up young talent for a guy that may or may not take you to the top?
Boston: Does it really matter? This franchise is in shambles. The Celtics are quickly becoming the Detroit Lions of the NBA. Danny Ainge changes his mind so may times it' impossible to know what he'll do from day to day. AI will put some butts in the seats in B town but that's about it. The Celts need much more than an aging AI.
Sacramento: Props to the Kings. Philly rightfully wanted Kevin Martin but the Kings said no. The one thing teams can't do is give up Franchise players for AI who is really just an expensive roll player.
Indiana: This is a realistic possibility. The Pacers are a team on the verge of needing to rebuild. The can afford to take a risk and trade some younger players to add a scorer of Iverson's ability. AI outside and Jermaine O'Neal inside makes for a scary combination and in a weak Eastern Conference who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
Golden State: An intriguing possibility. Iverson would definitelyfit with "Nelley Ball" and they do have some intriguing players that should interest the Sixers. The real question for the Warriors is are you willing to give up Jason Richardson and probaly Troy Murphy and a draft pick for AI?
Dallas: Actually this is probably the best place for AI, however Mark Cuban denies the Mavs are interested. Dallas could probably get Iverson without giving up the franchise and he would definitely help Dirk Nowitzki. However I don't see AI getting along with Avery Johnson and I don't think he'd be happy with playing second fiddle to Dirk.
All of this leads to this conclusion: who knows where he'll end up. I'd guess Indiana will win the sweepstakes but really nobody knows.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Jim Hendry What Are You THINKING!!!?
Look I am no fan of the Chicago Cubs. In fact they are one of my least favorite teams in baseball. Never the less I would like to offer some advice to the Cubs. STOP WASTING MONEY!!!
I'm sure everyone is aware of the huge amounts of green currency the Cubs handed out last week at the winter meetings. The Soriano signing would be somewhat justified if the cubs planned to hit him 4th or even 3rd. But seriously $17 million for a lead off hitter?
What about Aramis "the ball just bounced off my head" Ramirez? $15 million for a streaky bat and an average defender at best.
Don't forget Ted Lilly. I guess it proves that all you really have to be is left handed. I mean seriously $10 million for this guy? He's not even an innings eater, but I will give him his due at least he's over .500 for his career, by a game. Yeah baby!
But we can't finish this conversation without my favorite Cub signing of all time. Jason Marquis for $7 million a year. What a joke. This guy should be lucky to sign a minor league deal much less a contract worth $7 million. I mean come on. 14-16 with an ERA over 6. The Braves and Cardinals have already tried to turn this guy into something and he just gets worse. Don't think that the Cubs will be able to give him some magic potion that turns him into Greg Maddux. Marquis' agent should probably be in jail. This contract is straight up highway robbery. I mean Jesse James never stole this much dough.
But never fear Cardinal fans. With signings like this the curse is sure to plague your northern neighbors for at least another 100 years!
I'm sure everyone is aware of the huge amounts of green currency the Cubs handed out last week at the winter meetings. The Soriano signing would be somewhat justified if the cubs planned to hit him 4th or even 3rd. But seriously $17 million for a lead off hitter?
What about Aramis "the ball just bounced off my head" Ramirez? $15 million for a streaky bat and an average defender at best.
Don't forget Ted Lilly. I guess it proves that all you really have to be is left handed. I mean seriously $10 million for this guy? He's not even an innings eater, but I will give him his due at least he's over .500 for his career, by a game. Yeah baby!
But we can't finish this conversation without my favorite Cub signing of all time. Jason Marquis for $7 million a year. What a joke. This guy should be lucky to sign a minor league deal much less a contract worth $7 million. I mean come on. 14-16 with an ERA over 6. The Braves and Cardinals have already tried to turn this guy into something and he just gets worse. Don't think that the Cubs will be able to give him some magic potion that turns him into Greg Maddux. Marquis' agent should probably be in jail. This contract is straight up highway robbery. I mean Jesse James never stole this much dough.
But never fear Cardinal fans. With signings like this the curse is sure to plague your northern neighbors for at least another 100 years!
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