- 12:05 PM
- 11/21/24
I think this might be the year for the Blackhawks... Who knows--Carolina wasn't picked to make the playoffs by many--much less win the Cup--; and the Rangers were picked to finish dead last in the NHL by SI. I have a feeling that Wirtz would unload any top players and their contracts even if the 'Hawks were in playoff contention though.
posted by curtangle at 10:24 PM on July 02, 2006
My condolences go out to the Odom family and to anyone who's gone through an ordeal like this; I can't even fathom the pain Odom or others in the same situation must feel. RIP Jayden.
posted by curtangle at 10:12 PM on July 02, 2006
The brother should've stayed undercover.
posted by curtangle at 09:57 PM on July 02, 2006
Jovocop to the Coyotes for 5 Years @ 6.5/yr Damn--that's a good sign for Phoenix IF Jovo can stay healthy; I'd hoped but didn't think realistically that the 'Nucks would be able to re-sign him after signing Luongo. Well--time to sign a younger defenseman or two. The Bruins MAY have overpaid for Chara; but many other NHL teams might've offered him the same contract (I wish Vancouver could've signed him; but they couldn't afford Jovocop much less Chara.) Good signing by Boston (and the Savard signing as well); I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs next year.
posted by curtangle at 09:38 PM on July 02, 2006
Of the teams remaining, I think Germany has to be the clear favourite. I agree. Euro 2006. Nobody's giving Portugal a chance...again.... Hmmm..but Portugal were at home for Euro 2004. I've done SO well with my predictions lately (Mavs in 6 in the NBA Finals; U.S. over Ghana; ENG 2, POR 1; and BRA over GER in the WC final) but here goes: GER 1, ITA 0 (aet)--Two tough defenses; probably very few shots taken; should be a very KLOSE game--Miroslav with the GW. FRA 1, POR 0--Another stifling defensive game by Les Bleus; Oh Henry!--Thierry with the GW.
posted by curtangle at 09:08 PM on July 02, 2006
There’s your answer to the question of England’s future success – “You vill score ze goals und win ze game or else you vill be put against ze vall und shot.” LOL! Achtung! And that sarong--that's just sowrong (so wrong.)
posted by curtangle at 08:29 PM on July 02, 2006
Don't use Yahoo! for links; I've learned the hard way that their stories generally only last about 1 or 2 days (bookmarks turned out to be expired when I went back to read them a few days later.) Liriano's damn impressive so far (just 22 and less than 2 months as a starter!) and looks like a Cy Young winner; I'm interested in seeing how he does when he starts against the Yankees, Red and White Sox, and the Tigers. If Johan and Francisco can keep pitching well, then the Twins could make the AL Central a 3-team race.
posted by curtangle at 08:19 PM on July 02, 2006
Four year/$27 million deal for Luongo--now I'm REALLY looking forward to next season. (Of course I felt that way the past few years and look what happened--and what didn't happen.) Keep Noronen as the back-up and trade Cloutier. Bye Dan--it's been real (disappointing.) Now if the 'Nucks could just keep Jovo somehow...
posted by curtangle at 12:19 AM on June 30, 2006
Next up: Rafael Nadal--good luck Andre!
posted by curtangle at 10:19 PM on June 29, 2006
Bure will probably make it in because he's the exact kind of player that deserves to be in the hall of fame: a superstar whose career was cut short and may be forgotten otherwise. His style of game should be celebrated by future generations. If Cam Neely got in Pavel Bure should get in. They both would have been 500+ goal scorers had thier careers not been cut short. Pavel Bure: 1992 Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) 2 Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophies (2000 & 2001; 58 and 59 goals) 6 All-Star Game appearances (1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001) NHL goals leader in 1994 (60) 702 regular-season games: 437 goals and 342 assists 64 playoff games: 35 goals and 35 assists Damn he was a fun player to watch in his prime--without the games lost to injury (plus he played 3+ seasons for CSKA Moscow) he probably would've potted up to 600 goals and perhaps would've had 500 assists as well. He'll make the Hall--and I'm sure Gilmour, Anderson, and Ciccarelli will as well.
posted by curtangle at 10:08 PM on June 29, 2006
Come on, everybody. Nobody posting to this thread has ANY information on which to base an opinion about Michael Strahan's personal life. Let's get back to sports. Dr. Ian Smith izzat you?
posted by curtangle at 11:15 PM on June 28, 2006
Nice post evixir. I remember reading about LaChappa a while back; kudos to the Pads and to Priscilla Oppenheimer.
posted by curtangle at 11:02 PM on June 28, 2006
In the 1996 Western Conference semi-finals between the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks Jeremy Roenick said, "I'd like to know where Patrick was in Game 3 (a game in which Roenick had scored on Patrick), probably up trying to get his jock out of the rafters," Roy retorted with his now-famous line, "I can't hear what Jeremy says, because I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears." <--from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Roy <--one of my favorite quotes/retorts. Even as a 'Nucks fan i can't/won't hate on Patrick Roy--he's the best goalie I've ever seen play. And of course Herb Brooks for the unforgettable Miracle on Ice in 1980. "Do you believe in miracles?" Congratulations to Roy, Brooks, Duff, and Hotchkiss for making the HHOF-all well-deserved.
posted by curtangle at 10:48 PM on June 28, 2006
I'm ambivalent (at least I think I am--I'm not sure) about whether or not I'll buy the basketball--but I would REALLY like to buy one of those black boxes.
posted by curtangle at 05:13 PM on June 28, 2006
I can't say I'm surprised.... I can't either. Too bad he couldn't kick his drug habit long ago--R.I.P.
posted by curtangle at 05:03 PM on June 28, 2006
Celebrity endorsement by Rob Zombie? Or by Flesh-N-Bone (Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)?
posted by curtangle at 03:25 PM on June 28, 2006
Doubt it will happen. I am pretty certain that American copyright law allows for artistic expression that acts as criticism as falling under fair use. Thanks smithers. Enlightening--and I hope you're right. I'm certainly a supporter of artistic expression--even if the art in question is OOGLY!
posted by curtangle at 03:21 PM on June 28, 2006
I wish he would've named it something cool, in the tradition of Nike. Scare Jordan?
posted by curtangle at 02:56 AM on June 28, 2006
"Can't you use a lewd term in America if you want?" *uses lewd term to describe John (off his) Rocker*
posted by curtangle at 02:44 AM on June 28, 2006
How long will it be before Nike's lawyers issue a cease-and-desist letter (or letters)?
posted by curtangle at 02:06 AM on June 28, 2006
Damn..hope his recovery goes well.
posted by curtangle at 02:01 AM on June 28, 2006
Two tough losses in a row for UNC--but kudos to the Beavers for their comeback wins. How strange is it for these two teams to have met for the championship? I'm admittedly not a regular follower of college baseball; but I'm used to reading/hearing about Southern Cal, Texas, CSF, Ariz. St. , LSU, Miami, Wich. St. , Stanford, and Fla. St. playing for/winning titles.
posted by curtangle at 01:10 AM on June 27, 2006
Thanks walrus. Hmm--so this isn't new for A.C. Milan or Lazio. Has match fixing ever occurred in the EPL or the Bundesliga--or any other league?
posted by curtangle at 07:48 PM on June 26, 2006
Here's a tip, fellas. When the link doesn't lead to an actual story, don't bother commenting on the thread at all. It's going to be deleted. Point taken..but why's the thread "Phillies pitcher charged with hitting wife" from June 23rd still around?
posted by curtangle at 05:04 PM on June 26, 2006
A "likely" WS title? A "possible" WS title is closer to the truth. Fair enough..I'm still mad though that the best Expos team I've ever seen lost any shot at winning the WS because of the strike. Then to add insult to injury the 'Spos lost so many good/great players and haven't seriously contended since. I have high hopes for the Nats now though and I'm VERY pleased with Soriano's play thus far after the infield/outfield controversy.
posted by curtangle at 12:32 AM on June 26, 2006
Yeah the players falling like they've been shot gets annoying--but I chalk it up as strategy (if they act convincingly the players can win foul calls to help their teams) much like flopping in the NBA which annoys me as well (Laimbeer, Divac, and Ginobli come immediately to mind.) The Netherlands-Portugal game was ugly--but kudos to Portugal for the win. Whatta performance by Beckham--first he gets nauseous then he makes Ecuador nauseous. It will be interesting to see how England do against a Portugal side missing Costinha and Deco (to red cards) and perhaps C. Ronaldo (to injury). I would've picked England to win (injuries or not) anyway--my call: ENG 2, POR 1.
posted by curtangle at 12:09 AM on June 26, 2006
*pre-orders Washington Nationals urn* *prays that my ashes aren't put in an Atlanta Braves one* (Throwback caskets and urns would be cool too. I'd like a Montreal Expos urn for its symbolism--seeing as how the 'Spos '94 WS title hopes went up in flames and came down as ashes.)
posted by curtangle at 11:38 PM on June 25, 2006
Lidge obviously hasn't been the same since last year's NLCS--even before the Pujols homer in game 5 his seeming aura of invincibility got punctured by St. Louis scoring off him in game 3 and threatening to score in game 4. Then the White Sox got to him in the WS and now tonight..if Lidge doesn't regain his pre-2005 NLCS form (or if the 'Stros can't find an adequate replacement) then I doubt they return to the WS. Iguchi with 7 RBI. The White Sox are so good it's almost frightening. I picked them to beat the Cards in 6 in this year's WS--but I didn't think they'd be THIS good.
posted by curtangle at 11:30 PM on June 25, 2006
*In Joe Buck's Voice* What a classy act!
posted by curtangle at 07:14 PM on June 25, 2006
**Sorry igottheblues--the copy/paste/italicization trio wigged out on me when I tried to edit my post--my response to your quote was in italics initially.**
posted by curtangle at 05:19 PM on June 25, 2006
More March Madness! Wasn't it Jim Harrick Jr. who suggested 256 teams participating? Methinks 256 would be WAY too many--after all, how often have the lowest seeds (not named Princeton) had REALLY competitive games in the tourney? However, I enjoy seeing teams such as George Mason, Bucknell, and Albany get some rare national exposure and wouldn't mind other small schools sharing the stage with Duke/North Carolina/Connecticut, etc. But expanding the tournament even more would negatively affect the student-athletes! *sarcasmeter explodes* Won't somebody please think of the NIT!?! LOL--with an expanded tourney there wouldn't be much use for NIT picking. I'm sure South Carolina wouldn't mind keeping the NIT around though.
posted by curtangle at 05:11 PM on June 25, 2006
Someone's going to have to throw a sabot into the works of a certain little Swiss cuckoo clock in order for that to happen. LOL--Yeah I can't see Federer losing to Agassi. *throws sabot* *clogs clock*
posted by curtangle at 04:45 PM on June 25, 2006
Vancouver gets Luongo -- for a year, and then either loses him or has to pay him up the wazoo on a long-term deal. If that year included winning the Cup then I'd take it. My guess is that the Canucks sign him. $6 million a year, four or five years. Do it Nonis! I have a better idea. The original 6 (Bruins, Leafs, Redwings, Blackhawks, Rangers, Canadians) should be in their own Division! That's an intriguing idea--8 games a year between the Wings/Habs especially seem like they would be fun to watch; maybe a major network would even broadcast them in the U.S. (or not.)
posted by curtangle at 04:38 PM on June 25, 2006
Thanks for the vid Folkways. I knew Andre and Steffi already had a kid (I'd forgotten the kid's name); but Dominic may not want to play tennis when he's older. If he does, though, then major titles may be in his future. LOL-he already plays tennis better than I do/have.
posted by curtangle at 04:12 PM on June 25, 2006
Thanks Mr Bismarck, squealy, and etagloh. And yes worldcup2002--Go Australia!
posted by curtangle at 11:17 AM on June 25, 2006
I've only read about/seen older footage of players like Ashe, Borg, McEnroe, and Connors. I really only followed (men's) tennis casually when Wilander/Becker/Edberg had successful runs. But it was the Agassi/Sampras rivalry that made me more than a casual observer. Straight-laced Pete Sampras vs. expressive Andre Agassi made for great tennis. From the long hair (remember the EOS Rebel/image is everything ads?) to the shaved head and the "immaturity" to the "maturity" Agassi is my second-favorite men's tennis player (behind McEnroe) of all time. Andre winning the U.S. Open before retiring would make for a storybook ending to a GREAT career. Best of luck to Andre--if he and Steffi have any kids who grow up to play tennis, then many titles could be added to their family (they'd certainly have the right genes.)
posted by curtangle at 11:00 AM on June 25, 2006
Yeah commander cody..I should've typed pro sports which is what I meant. Fighting Artichokes? Wow..what next? The Punching Pineapples? Agreed grum..Minneapolis Lakers made sense for obvious reasons while Los Angeles Lakers doesn't sound right--Los Angeles Stars would've been better.
posted by curtangle at 02:22 PM on June 24, 2006
Mio Dio! That's a major scandal..wonder if Juventus, Fiorentina, and Lazio have lawyers good enough to save them from relegation. Bill or psmealey--how common are match-fixing scandals in European futbol? Is this one of the most major examples?
posted by curtangle at 01:43 PM on June 24, 2006
YES! This makes my damn day! I appreciate the great play Bertuzzi gave the 'Nucks for years; but he needed a change of scenery after the Moore sucker-punch incident and the (well-deserved) backlash from it. In Florida he won't have to play the Avs 8 times a year or more (counting a possible playoff encounter) and may return to pre-Moore form. Luongo's certainly capable (if the 'Nucks don't screw up and finish 9th or worse again) of duplicating Kirk McLean's stellar play from the '94 playoffs. I'd like Vancouver to keep Jovo (trade Cloutier and his great regular season/lousy playoff performances for a later round draft pick/cash) because his injury last year was part of the reason they missed they playoffs (along with an anemic offense at times.) Anson Carter and the Sedins had good seasons last year and that line could well be the #1 scoring punch again. Naslund may well have a better season than last year. I also like the hiring of Vigneault as coach (even though I would've wanted Quinn as coach for nostalgic reasons--but would he still have the drive to coach a team with such high expectations?) Add Krajicek replacing Allen and I actually feel optimistic about the 'Nucks chances for a top 4 seed and a deep playoff run--IF they get Luongo signed! Do it now Nonis!
posted by curtangle at 01:16 PM on June 24, 2006
The dumbest name in sports is the Utah Jazz. (I did read that there are some jazz clubs in Utah--but it doesn't have NEARLY the cache that it did in New Orleans. Utah and New Orleans should switch team names. Utah Hornets and New Orleans Jazz sound about right.) I liked the original 'Yotes logo but don't like the current one; and the Isles' fisherman logo should've been on boxes of fish sticks. Bring back one of the older Ducks logos!
posted by curtangle at 07:39 PM on June 23, 2006
Good column BPP. I certainly hope MLB succeeds in D.C.--and winning 2/3 from the Yanks with all 3 games being exciting can't hurt. Hey--maybe the Nats can finish in 3rd ahead of the Marlins and the Braves! (I'll dare to dream.) *remembers '94 strike costing the Expos a likely WS title* *stabs Bud Selig and Donald Fehr voodoo dolls* P.S.--F**k Peter Angelos too.
posted by curtangle at 01:02 AM on June 23, 2006
Huh? Whu..uhh sorry: I got distracted by that Brazilian Beyonce look-alike. If Arena didn't shake Dujkovic's hand, then he displayed a distinct lack of class. Perhaps Bruce read too much into the hype (#5 FIFA ranking; the great showing in the '02 Cup; and the higher expectations.) I don't know how else to explain such a flat performance against the Czech Republic; followed by a spirited game against Italy; and then a weak offensive (VERY offensive) effort against Ghana. If Arena DOES step down/get fired as coach, then John Harkes or Claudio Reyna might be viable candidates to replace him (amongst other previous choices other SpoFi posters mentioned.)
posted by curtangle at 12:49 AM on June 23, 2006
So Dave came not to praise the Heat but to Barry them?
posted by curtangle at 12:24 AM on June 23, 2006
So Tim Raines was a crackhead? I wonder if he ran the bases while coked up (Ol' Tyrone Biggums ass muffa.)
posted by curtangle at 12:15 AM on June 23, 2006
I'm sure that Uecker would prefer that woman to stay JUST a bit outside.
posted by curtangle at 11:58 PM on June 22, 2006
Replace the D with an S and that's what I think of their new unis--they're mighty lame. I actually liked the older purple/green/gold/gray joints even though the duck head/mask did look cartoonish.
posted by curtangle at 11:49 PM on June 22, 2006
Houston seems to be in better position to make a serious run than last year. The Braves might not make the playoffs this year (I won't count those zombies out unless they're officially eliminated); the Reds are over-achieving; and the NL West teams will likely spend this summer beating up on each other. That leaves the Cardinals and the Mets--and St. Louis DOES appear vulnerable (especially with Pujols injured and Mulder struggling.) I don't foresee the 'Stros beating the Mets..but Oswalt would likely be matched up with Pedro (leaving Clemens to face Orlando Hernandez perhaps) so Houston could pull an upset. Will Lidge be the weak link though? *envisions Lidge serving up a game-winning homer to Beltran* Clemens should not even be considered to win the Cy unless he has a (half) season akin to Greg Maddux's in '95. Even if Houston and Clemens return to the WS I still can't see them beating Boston, New York, or the Chisox. (I don't consider Detroit, Toronto, or Oakland--and certainly not Texas--serious contenders.)
posted by curtangle at 01:55 PM on June 22, 2006
Another summertime brownout in New York? Isiah as coach--might as well make him Knicks coach; it's not like they'll seriously contend for a title for many years with all those horrible contracts on the books. Why not--Thomas did so well as a part-owner of the Raps; as a CBA part-owner; and as a Pacers coach. As for Brown--maybe he could be the next Raptors coach. I can't see Sam Mitchell lasting long if the Raps get off to a similar start next season to the 1-15 start from this past season. (Larry Brown--the coaching version of MLB's Mike Morgan.)
posted by curtangle at 01:11 PM on June 22, 2006
Bruce thou art loosed! I didn't believe the U.S. was really the 5th-best in the world; but the offense in these three games was, well..offensive. Best of luck to the Black Stars and I will mos def be rooting for Ghana against Brazil. I'm hoping they can advance to the quarterfinals like Senegal in '02; but realistically I'm hoping for a close game like Nigeria had against Italy in '94.
posted by curtangle at 12:51 PM on June 22, 2006
***bad joke alert*** Well...Strahan is best known for the number of sac(k)s he gets...
posted by curtangle at 03:22 AM on June 22, 2006
White Sox fans/observers: was Ozzie this outspoken as a player? Did he say things this controversial and just escape widespread notice because he was a light-hitting (but solid defensively) shortstop? I'm sure that the "Blizzard of Ozz" will turn to slush or melt completely the more Chicago wins and Guillen gets increased publicity. "If you don't know now you know."
posted by curtangle at 03:12 AM on June 22, 2006
mkn: Ward helped Carolina win games 3-6 against Montreal in the first round; and then the first 3 games against New Jersey in the second round before struggling and getting pulled in game 4. Ward's stellar play, IMHO, had to be the turning point for the 'Canes. If Gerber had stayed in goal and Ward hadn't played as well as he did, then Carolina not only wouldn't have won the Cup but probably would've been swept by the Habs. Burnside's list is pretty well on point--especially about the veterans hoisting the Cup for Carolina and about the Oilers fans' passion during BOTH national anthems (and might I add during the playoff games as well.) (All this praise I've typed for the Oil Slicks recently makes me sick as a Canucks fan. Excuse me while I choke like Cloutier in the playoffs.)
posted by curtangle at 02:55 AM on June 22, 2006
The Mavs had no answer for Dwyane. Comparisons to Jordan are nowhere near warranted; but Wade willed the Heat to the title and played like the league's best in this series. Congrats to GP and 'Zo on getting rings. Shaq should consider going out on top. As for the Mavs--they MIGHT HAVE blown their best shot at winning a 'ship. (I predict a Spurs-Cavs final next year with Duncan winning a fourth title.)
posted by curtangle at 11:50 PM on June 20, 2006
Nowitzki--check; Howard--check; double-digit 1st quarter Mavs lead--check; Wade--unchecked.
posted by curtangle at 11:21 PM on June 20, 2006
Good one smithers!
posted by curtangle at 04:23 PM on June 20, 2006
About Cuban's writing skills or lack thereof: Somehow I picture Mark typing his blog (s) while ice-grilling a framed photo or a .jpg of David Stern and/or (fill in ref's name here ___________.)
posted by curtangle at 04:11 PM on June 20, 2006
Yet another generous donation by Cuban to the Stern's Obvious Referee Empathy (S.O.R.E.) fund. Refs are human too (well..Steve Javie and Dick Bavetta might not be considered human by some) so Mark's comments may not help the Mavs' causes. I support his right to speak out, however, and hope that NBA officiating does come under review in the off-season.
posted by curtangle at 04:07 PM on June 20, 2006
Hah--amen to that rumple! Maybe Noronen should get a shot. Maybe the 'Nucks can remember that they're SUPPOSED to MAKE the playoffs. Give Noronen the starting nod! (Hey Edmonton--can you spare one of your goalies?)
posted by curtangle at 02:11 AM on June 20, 2006
Conspiracy (to have this series go 7?) or not--and both sides of the issue have merit--I still think Dallas takes it in 7 IF Nowitzki and Howard bring their A games. The Mavs might also consider guarding that Wade guy better. That foul call at the end of the game was weak and a horrible way to end a great game..but Dallas needs to show the poise they displayed during much of the Spurs series. Prediction for game 6: Mavs come out strong in the first quarter and lead by double digits; the Heat keep the game close until late in the 4th; and Dallas rides their fan support and their frustration with the last three games to win by 10-12 points (say 109-97.)
posted by curtangle at 01:55 AM on June 20, 2006
Chara to the Bruins for 5 Years @ 7.5/yr
but the Savard signing is just awful. "contract year" + "great teammates" = "deceptive numbers". True..contract years can result in inflated numbers for some players. Perhaps (as v3rity typed above) Savard could be paired with Sturm--and Marc may put up similar numbers to last year. (Of course I'm just speculating--but Savard may even be motivated to have a good season while playing for a possible playoff team.) I don't know about his getting a 5-year contract, though, and how motivated he'll be for its duration. Maybe he'll play at a higher level in Boston than Atlanta; if I had the choice between playing for the Thrashers with their 0 playoff appearances and the Bruins with their myriad playoff appearances and 5 Cups (and of course if there wasn't a huge disparity in money offered), then I'd choose to play for the B's.