- 05:16 AM
- 11/24/24
Congrats to Davis on his big win, but it's hard to root for the guy when he looks and acts pissed off after winning Olympic gold. When Hendrick learns how to skate the first two hundred better I suspect he will be the guy to beat in every event he enters. As far as Shani not racing in the team pursuit, whatever. Both guys have valid points, the team would have had a much better chance to medal with Davis and you can understand Hendrick's frustration that Shani didn't care to skate in that event. However Shani's best event was the next day and he did show up and deliver. The guy skated an amazing race and that can't be taken from him. He probably should have just skipped the interview instead of looking like a jackass, but if he doesn't care about the endorsement money that's his deal.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:34 PM on February 19, 2006
I personally think mid-season contracts are for recruits. Let's them know that if they sign a letter of intent, the coach they signed up with will be there for them. That's exactly the reason. Recruits want to know that the coach will be around for their Junior/Senior year - although that can never be guaranteed.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:30 PM on December 20, 2005
Red Sox West How about Giants south? With Mueller at third Kent at second and Coletti expressing interest in Aurillia, Snow, Sanders, and Lofton. I assume Snow is not really of interest any more with nomar playing first, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the other three happen. As far as Johnny D is concerned, is there serious talk of him going to LA? My understanding was that the Dodgers were anticipating an $85 million payroll. The Nomar signing puts them around $88-91 Million. If Damon is coming does that mean someone else will be traded, or are they just planning to break the bank and make a legit playoff run? Who plays more games this year JD Drew of Nomar? Do the two combine for more or less than 162?
posted by bigrobbieb at 10:25 PM on December 18, 2005
I don't think Nomar is capable of being a bargain to any team. It looks like whoever gets him is going to be paying 8-9 mil for his (likely) part-time services. It seems to me that is a pretty penny for a guy without a clear cut position (although the Cubs have made it very clear he can't play shortstop anymore), who is also a major injury risk. However what is 8 or 9 mil to the Yankees with the chance to land the sexy name on the free agent market? Give me the Colts with the over and Nomar on the DL by June, here is the deed to the family farm.
posted by bigrobbieb at 11:58 AM on December 16, 2005
My point is that productive corner outfielders are fairly common, whereas shortstops that produce offensively are very rare.
posted by bigrobbieb at 01:42 PM on December 09, 2005
Oh, but he is. Ramirez, warts and all, is one of the best right handed hitters of all time - averaging 40 hrs and 130 rbi in the last six years. Tejada is a perennial All-Star and one of the top 3 SS in the game I think we would all agree that Manny is a better hitter than Tejada, but the positional difference can't be overlooked. Manny is a terrible outfielder, while Tejada plays solid shorttop. The simple fact is; a big bat at shortstop is much more valuable than a big bat in a corner outfield position. If you lose Tejada what production could you hope to get from your SS? .270/10/65 would be reasonable. If you lose Manny it wouldn't be difficult to replace him with a corner outfielder that can give you .285/25/90. Manny is the better player, but Tejada has more relative value becuase a highly productive shortstop is a rarity.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:48 PM on December 09, 2005
virginia vs asu nc state vs oregon state clemson vs cal florida vs fresno state?... my money is on the 4 teams that beat FSU not the rejects of mediocre football Take a minute and look at each teams schedule and explain to me how those four teams are any better. Nevermind, they play on the East Coast so they have to be better right? The ACC has three mid-level teams and a whole lot of mediocrity. Look no further than the non-confrence schedule of the bowl teams from that confrence and try to convince yourself they are significantly better teams than the Pac-10. Pac-10 has the best team in the country, a second team better than anyone in the ACC, as evidenced by them not losing to mediocre teams, and the same jumble of average D-I programs.
posted by bigrobbieb at 07:14 PM on December 07, 2005
That goddamn reading comprehension gets me again. I hate it when my teachers prove to be right ten years too late. The current pitching situation is definately not up to Dodger standards, but it is still better than most teams. The bullpen figures to be strong again, with or without Gagne, although a healthy Gagne to close things out would make a huge difference. The rotation has some question marks, but when you look at the pitchers available (now that Burnett has signed with Toronto) there is not much chance reasonably upgrade, whereas an outfielder or corner infielder that can be put in the middle of the lineup is attainable.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:23 PM on December 06, 2005
I agree that I would take the hitting/fielding combo Kent brings any day of the week. Having watched nearly ewvery game he played during his entire tenure in SF I can't see how you would take issue with him being called a defensive liability, but to each their own. IF Choi doesn't work out, Izzy moves to 2B, Kent moves to 1B. Can Hee Sop see the ball? I have never seen a player hit 7-8 HRs in a week who looks so clueless at the plate. "Izzy" is out until midseason and will have a hard time showing he is healthy enough to warrent any trade consideration, so playing at 2B might be an option, at least against lefties. Kent has made it very clear that he will not play 1B everyday as he is concered it will effect his team's chance to win...I mean Hall of Fame chances. Hopefully he can avoid washing his truck this offseason. we'll find out whether his struggles stem from Tracy's micro-managing line-ups or not. Maybe you missed the memo, but Tracy was fired the day after the season. The Dodgers are in far greater need of starting pitching and a slugging OF or 3B. Pitching is really the least of their problems. A little production from the outfield and corner infield positions would go a long way for them. JD Drew healthy should help, if ever healthy that is.
posted by bigrobbieb at 03:43 PM on December 06, 2005
My point was that it is very possible to be 10-1 and undeserving of a big BCS game because your biggest wins of the year are Cal and Fresno State, who themselves beat no one. 4 losses against Virginia, NC State, Clemson, and Florida and you have the nerve to talk about what teams you have beat. Thank your lucky stars for the BCS system or you could be making your quality wins arguement to the Motor City Bowl commitee. 10-1 with a loss to the best team in the country is more deserving of a BCS bowl than FSUs 4 losses, Ohio State's two, or Notre Dame being f'in Notre Dame. Last I checked Oregon beat the Virginia(ASU), NC State(Oregon State), Clemson(Cal), and Florida(Fresno State) on their schedule. Part of the reason Oregon is getting the shaft is their own damn fault. They have refused to alter game times to allow them to be seen on national broadcasts (not that the East Coast would watch anyways). I live in Portland and don't even get most Oregon games on tv, how can anyone else see them play.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:20 PM on December 06, 2005
What's going to turn Derek Lowe back into a Cy Young candidate is the fact it's an even-numbered year. For some reason he has a distinct up-and-down cycle. Is Furcal really that much better than Izturis or whomever defensively? I thought LA had great defense up the middle. Izturis is a terrific defensive shortstop. The upgrade they are getting with Furcal is on the offensive side of the ball. LA still has the same recipe for disaster, ground ball pitchers and limited range on the infield. Jeff Kent at 2B is a liability, he would be better served as a first baseman. Hee Sop Choi/Olmedo Saenz/whoever else they play at first are below average and Valentin at third is in the same boat. Unless more changes are made to the infield Lowe will be in line for another tough year in 2006.
posted by bigrobbieb at 11:49 AM on December 06, 2005
Personally I feel Oregon is a team deserving of a BCS bid instead of ...the Holiday Bowl? Unfortunatly the system got the best of them this year. FSU gets in with the auto-bid despite 4 losses! Argue all you want but a four loss team wouldn't have a place in a major bowl game pre-BCS, unless that school was Notre Dame. Ohio State had to be in as a result of the Kansas State rule, making a mandatory inclusion for a school in a BCS conference ranked #4 or above in final BCS rankings. And finally Notre Dame is Notre Dame. I find it hard to believe that a one loss season in a premier confrence, with the one loss being to a damn near pro team, can leave you on the outside of a major bowl game, but at least we have #1 v #2 so Big-12 fans can inch a little closer to reality after seeing their dominate team decimated by USC for the 3rd consecutive year.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:47 PM on December 05, 2005
The comparison with TO isn't warrented in this case. I can understand Bly's comments. He is playing on a terrible team with a horrible quarterback. The defense has played well enough to win and the offense continues to struggle despite every effort to put the weapons in place...I can understand his frustration. Furthermore, I think he's mostly right. If the Lions had an average to good quarterback they would be a playoff team. I have to disagree with Dre on Jeff Garcia being that guy, but he is better than Joey freaking Harrington.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:37 PM on November 30, 2005
With the Texas deal the Marlins would then need to turn around and trade Blaylock for prospects...and from what I have heard Texas didn't want to include either of their top two pitching prospects. The Boston deal is kinda BS no real problems solved for either team, the Sox will end up getting another pitcher with a 4+ ERA. We are discussing the Beckett trade right? When healthy he is the legitimate top tier pitcher the Sox were so sorely missing last year w/out Pedro and Schilling. This is one of those that could end up being a good deal for both sides. Florida is able to cut salary, get rid of Lowell, which allows them to move Cabrera to third where he would prefer to be, and possibly have a helluva shortstop if Ramirez pans out. Boston gets the front line pitcher to fill the void in their rotation and, if Lowell reverts to prior form (that is a big if), an upgrade at third, although I love Billy Mueller, kid has no pop. Is it just me or is Lowell the least clutch player in MLB? Even in his good years he never amassed RBI totals to match his power numbers and has never put up good numbers with RISP. I going to go out on a limb and guess that a move to Boston will not help his career...what is left of it anyways.
posted by bigrobbieb at 09:53 PM on November 21, 2005
I bet the kids today want to be Ron Mexico. ...or his big brother...perhaps Ron Jeremy (but good-looking without the hairy back)
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:52 PM on November 21, 2005
Reminds me of the 13-3 team from a few years back I don't think you can compare the two teams. That season was a total fluke. They should have lost at least half of the games they won. This team actually has a running game and the defense is much more dominating than that year. They were the worst 13-3 team I had ever seen. I think it's a fair comparison. Both teams have benefited from a good defense and timely scoring from the defense and special teams. This years version of the defense is stronger up front, but the key ingrediant is the opportunistic scoring. At some point the offense is going to be forced to score 17 points to win a game and this offense can't do it I don't care what defense they are up against, the Rams, USC's, or the Iraqi Republican Gaurd. There is no room for mistakes on the defensive side of the ball and it will catch up to them eventually.
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:48 PM on November 21, 2005
I'm also not sure how I feel about Carr. I thought last year was going to be a breakout year for him since he finally had some pieces in place with Andre Johnson and Dominick Davis. However all I see from Carr is 5-8 yard hitches and dump offs to Davis. I don't know if this is a function of his decision making and comfort level or the play-calling, but he could relieve a lot of pressure by making some plays downfield. Carr is a very mobile quarterback who should be able to buy enough time to make some plays. I just convinced myself, Carr is the problem. The O-line isn't doing him any favors, but he gives the defense no reason to respect anything past 10 yards. That being said, if they end up #1 trade down and strockpile some picks. This team needs help in too many areas for one player to put them over the top.
posted by bigrobbieb at 01:04 PM on November 21, 2005
my kids have to do cup stacking in PE class.(among other non threatening activities) If I were a PE teacher at the elementary level, I couldn't look myself in the mirror. Man, things sure have changed in 30 years. PE just isn't what it used to be. Kids aren't allowed to play dodgeball because it's not good for self-esteem so they stack cups instead. Maybe I'm missing the point but anything kids do that they completely suck at is not going to be good for their self-esteem. Fifteen years from now instead of "out like the fat kid in dodgeball" you're going to hear people say "down like the fat kids cups in...cup stacking"?
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:32 PM on November 14, 2005
Would some one please inform Raffy that his fate has already been sealed. Whether or not he ever admits to the truth is really just academic at this point. Be a man about it and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. My guess is ten years down the road when he realizes he will never make it into the Hall and he falls into complete obscurity his true story will be published somewhere - except at that point no one will care.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:04 PM on November 09, 2005
It's a shame about Cherbet, however, Wayne has nothing to regret - he should be immortalized as a Jet - from Hofstra walk-on to 11 year vet, he deserves to have his number retired. I'm guessing Chrebet's close personal friend Me-Shawn feels otherwise. Of course I have no evidence to support this claim, but I'll roll the dice on my gut instinct here.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:00 PM on November 09, 2005
I don't care much for the Braves, but Cox had to be rewarded for winning with all those rookies in the lineup. His players always have great things to say about him as a manager. If the NL Manager of the Year Award went to anyone else it would be an outrage. On a side note I'm suprised to see Felipe Alou didn't recieve any votes. That guy manages a bullpen like others only dream of. *sarcastic*
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:58 PM on November 09, 2005
Shortstop should have been Furcal or Wilson. Vizquel is still an excellent choice. He's not the SS he was a few years ago, but he is still the best at a strong defensive position and had the best fielding percentage in 2005. Wilson doesn't get much national attention because he plays on a bad team and does nothing offensively, which shouldn't matter but contiually does. Furcal is a deserving candidate, but the reputation of inconsistancy has to bite him in the voting.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:58 PM on November 02, 2005
Next up: the United States and England Which would amount to what? Combining the soccer teams and England having athletes to cheer for in the other events?
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:34 PM on November 01, 2005
I've heard of living up to your name, but that Greg sure is full of Gall...and possibly Jack Daniels.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:26 PM on October 31, 2005
The first football game I ever went to was a Raiders/Patriots preseason game about 10 years ago. At the time Pat Swilling was playing with the Raiders. They were in the defensive huddle when a fan ran onto the field. Swilling came out from the huddle, took 5 or 6 hard steps and leveled the guy. I think it was great, but I'm pretty sure the NFL would prefer to see security get these idiots first.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:20 PM on October 31, 2005
Seriously, why doesn't Steven Jackson get 25 carries a game. The guy is a beast and can pop a big one at any time. Martz being out may be a blessing in disguise for the Rams since his in-game coaching has really hindered the team in recent years.
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:57 PM on October 25, 2005
USC go's down to Texas 42-28 I''l take all comers.. Gladly take that action. And yes, I would put money on USC against Texas. I forgot about that dominant effort the 'Horns put up against Ohio State. Looked like a game the Bucs lost than one UT won, if you're going to go down that route. I would also have to second this comment and your reply doesn't make very much sense, if you have seen college football you would know that Notre Dame is a much improved team than last year's version. USC is not as dominant on defense as they have been the past two years, I will certainly give you that, but in their close win they pulled off a game-winning drive, while in Texas v. Ohio State, OSU collapsed.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:45 PM on October 24, 2005
Have to disagree with you there DrJimmy. The 20 points a night Hill was putting up was much different than the 20 points many Glenn Robinson types have scored over the years. Grant wasn't just a guy who threw up a bunch of shots to get his numbers, he was also a great distributor. The reason we talk about him is he was on the verge of becoming a true superstar when his injury problems began. Remember that off season when T-Mac was the other guy Orlando signed to play alongside Grant Hill. That, and Hill is a class act and a very likeable guy. I also can't stand Duke, but him playing there is not the reason we talk about him. Without the injuries he is a perennial 22-6-6 player that you can build a team around. Last I checked there aren't too many of those guys out there.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:33 PM on October 24, 2005
If they win every game by 3, against weaker opponents, then they don't deserve to be rated higher than a team that plays against harder teams and wins more convincingly. You do get points for style in college football. This is the worst arguement I have ever heard. USC only had one game finish by less than double digits and we all remeber that one. Need I remind you that in their one game against a Notre Dame caliber opponent, also on the road, Texas also escaped with a narrow three point victory. Outside of the Ohio State game they haven't had a close game, but they also haven't played anybody. I know Oklahoma was a big win for them since they haven't beat OK in a long damn time, but we are talking about the same OK team that lost to TCU and is not very good. The only other impressive team worth mentioning is Texas Tech, who amassed an incredible ranking by blowing out nobodies in classic T Tech fashion. Their only credible win came on a forth-down last second TD to beat Nebraska (not exactly a powerhouse). Meanwhile USC has beat a tough Oregon team @ Oregon and an ASU team that gave LSU all they could handle @ ASU. Take your bull shit arguement somewhere else. USC is the best team in the country until someone proves otherwise. Texas is just gearing up to be this year's Oklahoma, a team good enough to make another USC 'ship look legitimate. I just curious to see if Mack Brown can convince voters that they should be ranked ahead of another Pac-10 team this season.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:32 PM on October 24, 2005
Another great McCarver moment from game 2: "It looks like he threw a split-finger fastball." Replay runs... "Yep sure was." he realizes the ball makes no movement downward... "either that or a cut fastball." Replay shows pitchers grip before releasing ball... "like I said definately a cut fastball." To sum up: A cutter is to a splitter as a walk is to a homer.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:10 PM on October 24, 2005
Garnett for anything short of a young MJ would be a bad trade. This guy is probably the best all-around player in the league, not to mention a guy who makes his teammates better. If I was Dallas I would be willing to trade Dirk, Terry, and a half-dozen first rounders for Garnett's services. wtf? Thats the most lop sided trade ever!!! Maybe now my buddy Isaiah Thomas can get Garnett...... lol Now that is funny. Isaiah may be the GM equivilant of Sam Smith. I think by rule if you are named S. Smith and cover basketball you are required to be a complete moron.
posted by bigrobbieb at 07:10 PM on October 22, 2005
Yeah, Piazza should have been playing his entire career in the AL as a DH. He is a major defensive liability and an injury waiting to happen. DHing would likely take care of both of those problems.
posted by bigrobbieb at 07:03 PM on October 22, 2005
The census appears to be a Non-Working Piece of Crap. I'll try it again later. Have to agree with that. This is my first attempt to try it again later. Usually I wouldn't allow for a second attempt, but I'm interested in seeing this.
posted by bigrobbieb at 03:31 PM on October 21, 2005
I'm going to lobby Congress to ban all sports weblogging on Mondays except for SportsFilter. Either that or a $50 million bridge connecting my house to the nearest comic book store. I would like a $50 million bridge to the nearest liquor store. I think it's funny that the NCAA begged and pleaded for this law under the premise that Saturdays were for college and Fridays for high school and now regularly have Friday night national games, along with Thursday and all day Saturday. It's always about the money for the organization that is in place for the best interest of student athletes (allegedly).
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:25 PM on October 21, 2005
Excellent move from the Orioles. They have some lively young arms that will certainly be helped by Leo. He is the best in the business and has proven it year in and year out. This is horrible news for Braves fans. No more reclamation projects like Jaret Wright or John Burkett. This is bad news for Braves fans for sure. Once their amazing playoff streak ends next year, maybe their fans will start to appreciate and show up for playoff games in Atlanta.
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:14 PM on October 21, 2005
I don't think it's any coincidence that when Eddie D an Carmen Policy were in place the team was winning and players would accept significantly less money to come and play for the Niners, and what was always described as a "first class organization." Since York took the team over have you ever once heard anything about the niners described as "first class." The bottom line is in the NFL the salary cap creates a fair market for both buyers and sellers. The Niners have overspent for average talent for the last five years. If you need a specific example look no further than this offseason when they gave Jennings that ridiculous contract. They paid top dollar for an average tackle - not exactly a guy who is going to be a franchise cornerstone. They draft Smith instead of dealing the pick and now have a franchise QB for Eli Manning money and minus the skill sets. No the future doesn't look bright in SF and it's due to bad management.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:46 PM on October 20, 2005
Speaking of the socks, I heard mention on the radio that bandwagon fans who cheered for the Red Sox last year and the White Sox this year are officially bisoxual. Thought it was funny enough to share, but not funny enough to attempt to take credit for.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:37 PM on October 20, 2005
That is why I and many others moved out of Cali.
posted by bigrobbieb at 01:39 PM on October 20, 2005
Two points here. 1. The niners haven't been screwed by the salary cap and neither have the Raiders. The niners have been screwed by having that piece of shit York running the team instead of Eddie "mob boss" D. The niners have been hiding behind the salary cap excuse. Nobody wants to play for them, because they have a crappy owner and a worse front office. Can you think of one intellegent football move they have made in the last five years? The Raiders have not been screwed by the cap either - they have been able to pony up for the players they want every off-season (even when the "experts" thought they had no money to spend). I vaguely remember them ponying up for Moss, Jordan, and Burgess this past offseason. Not only are you comments biased, they are wrong. In the salary cap era the teams that win cannot afford to make big personnal mistakes, of which the niner and raiders have made plenty. 2. Drevl, while you make some excellent points on NY and Boston not being able to support multiple teams, I have to disagree with you on your cost of living point. Have you ever been to California? I think we invented the ridiculous cost of living standards. Ny and Boston are catching up to SF with the absurdity in cost, but still have a ways to go.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:28 PM on October 20, 2005
I personally happen to agree with the notion that any event where the winner is determined by a judge is not a sport. While the umpire/ref agruement is valid the difference has been hit on in several other posts. What it comes down to is, the winner of a sporting event is determined by a known object, i.e. most points/runs/goals, fastest time, fewest strokes, farthest distance, etc. Non sports have winners which are deterimined by observation. Think about it this way if nobody was watching, would you know who won? In sports in the answer is yes (assuming you don't forget the score) and in non-sports the answer is no. If 10 guys get together for a pickup b-ball game there is a winning team and a losing team. if those same ten guys preform floor exercises they are, 1. gay and 2. have know idea who won.
posted by bigrobbieb at 12:07 PM on October 20, 2005
his Duke teams are built around flopping D and throwing up 100s of short college 3 pointers, neither of which will work in the international game. I would argue that is exactly what works in the international game. The teams that beat the US did so by taking charges and hitting short threes. (Anyone remember when they chose Laetner over Shaq for the first dream team? the difference between then and now is that that team was going to win no matter what, so they could afford a silly move for the sake of PR) If I remember correctly Shaq was also invited to play on the team. He turned the spot down and was replaced by Clyde Drexler. I think going with a college coach is the right move for USA basketball, because the international game is much more comperable to the college version than the NBA. The biggest factor in whether or not they win the gold is going to be if they add a couple guys on this roster that can knock down some jumpers and a second big man so foul trouble isn't as much of an issue.
posted by bigrobbieb at 02:58 PM on October 13, 2005
In game 3 I would love to see Molina tag the hitter after every strike three, regardless of where the pitch is...Chest high fastball, swing and miss, apply the tag. That shit would be worth watching. Sad end to a good game. I could care less what team wins, but last nights game left me unfulfilled.
posted by bigrobbieb at 11:59 AM on October 13, 2005
Weedy, we will see how it really goes down. I know they adressed some issues with the roster moves, but when I look at this roster with Amare out it doesn't look good. I'm not even attempting to downplay Nash's game, but outside of him they don't have a go-to guy on offense. Marion will get his points, but his buckets are generally fast breaks and put backs. In Johnson and Amare they are losing two guys on the offensive end that you can go-to in the half court for a bucket when you need one. The only reason I mention Richardson is that in combination with Johnson leaving they don't have the perimeter threats that spread out defenses and allowed Nash and Amare to destroy the paint wihtout being surrounded by four or five defenders.
posted by bigrobbieb at 11:19 AM on October 12, 2005
I guess all sports junkies don't think alike. i have spent many nights here on the West Coast wishing I lived on the East Coast so that I would have games to watch in the middle of the night, instead of crappy reruns and old movies. I think that's a perfect situation, the teams you care about play in primetime and if there is a game worth watching you can stay up for it, or if you are up anyways there is a game on.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:07 PM on October 11, 2005
The Suns are in serious trouble. They have lost a ton of offense with Joe Johnson, Quentin Richarson, and now Amare. Steve Nash will create and Shawn Marion is a nice player, but they don't have anybody they can go to for consistant scoring. Couple that with subpar defense and this is a recipe for disaster. All the haters were crying that Amare made Nash look as good as vice versa Nash is a greater creator and distributor, but it doesn't matter how good of a creator you are if there is nobody to score the basket, and Amare is the best finisher in the game right now. Their offensive relationship is much like Stockton/Malone, great distributor and great finisher. Both players are individually very good, but the combination is dynamic. My prediction: Suns 10th in Western Conference.
posted by bigrobbieb at 04:15 PM on October 11, 2005
Don't forget to mention that her nickname "The Big Wiezy" is the best in golf. I can't halp but get a little nostalgic thinking of George and Louise on The Jeffesons. "Come On Weezy!"
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:05 PM on October 04, 2005
Heart issue aside, I like this trade for the Knicks. Wow, haven't been able to say that since Isaiah first came to New York. Curry is a young player that has played very well at times and has tremendous upside at this point in his career. He also has that rare size and strength that teams drool over. Tim Thomas hasn't been the player they had hoped they were acquiring from the Bucks and Sweetney is an undersized PF with decent skills, but limited NBA value. Antonio Davis is nowhere near the player he once was, but you could do worse for a salary cap throw in. The team as a whole still has a ton of problems to adress, but the trade is one step in the right direction.
posted by bigrobbieb at 06:01 PM on October 04, 2005
The reason the statistics don't show much difference between being hot at the end of the season or good throughout is simple. There are dozens of different ways to win the World Series and it is different each year. Some years you find a team that is that much better than everybody else, 1998 Yankees are a recent example - there was no team in baseball that was going to beat them. It is rarely that simple, but there is some variation from what makes a great regular season team vs. a great postseason team. Teams with a top heavy rotation (Johnson and Shilling in AZ) are better equiped for the post season whereas teams with g a good 1-5 rotation (Chicago White Sox, this year) are suited to win a bunch of games in the regular season, but generally don't fare as well in the postseason because they don't have a guy that can shut down the other team.
posted by bigrobbieb at 04:29 PM on October 04, 2005
Bond tested positive, and the HOF would vote him in, but not the Mac? There may be suspicion, but with out proof, are we not innocent until proven guilty? Key word 'PROVEN'. Court of public opinion differs of course. I would hope the HOF would not allow themselves to look like a bunch of asses by letting a known roider like Bonds in the hall, and not Mac. If that’s the case, Rafi Palm is a shoo-in. I don't even know where to start with this one. First off reread my original post and get your rant headed in the right direction, then try to get your facts straight. What has not been "proven" about Bonds has been well documented on SportsFi and I won't waste the space repeating it. I should however note that Bonds has never failed a steroid test. The earlier post was just an explanation as to why some Hall of Fame voters would vote against McGwire, while still voting for Bonds. Both players are just as guilty in the court of public opinion and just as clean in actual tests. Palmeiro on the other hand did fail an MLB sanctioned steroid test, which carries a much different significance. Just so I am clear, you’re saying that a known riod user, who has broken MBL record Just so you are clear they are speculated 'roid users who have broken MLB records.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:38 PM on September 29, 2005
Thank you. Let's put some if not more than some of the blame on the people who have the greatest influence on a childs life...The Parents! Blaming a ballplayer or entertainer for the death of a child is scapegoating. Are you saying Marilyn Manson wasn't the real reason kids were shooting their classmates? I guess it is human nature to attempt to assign blame to any source but yourself. Especially so in the case of a parent who would never do anything to harm their child. Assigning blame to athletes and entertainers has to make life more bearable than having to blame themselves.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:49 PM on September 28, 2005
Now it is funny that a poll taken of the HOF voters showed that they would not vote Big Mac in but they would vote Barry in. Makes no sense. Well if some sense is to be made here it is: McGwire was a one dimensional player his entire career. He hit for power but never a high average and played below average defense at first base. Bonds on the other hand is, well at one point was, a five-tool player, as evidenced by the gold gloves, stolen bases, and a high batting average, not to mention the ridiculous strikeout-to-walk ratio. My point is that if you were to cut Bonds HR total in half he is still a Hall-of-Famer. If you cut McGwire's HR total in half his name probably doesn't find its way to a ballot. Users should be banned for life on the first offense and have all of their numbers erased from the books, like they never even played in the majors. Who is a user and who isn't? Drug testing is always behind the drug user and many users will never be caught. So how do you decide which guys numbers to erase? If you want to use a failed drug test you are giving a free pass to everyone who played before testing was put into place. McGwire was never caught so his numbers stand - Palmeiro was caught so he is out. Tough agrument to make because in all honesty we have no idea who the "users" are.
posted by bigrobbieb at 04:47 PM on September 28, 2005
Dyams, you do bring up an interesting name on your list of crappy QBs. Patrick Ramsey. I wouldn't even attempt to say that he is a good NFL quarterback, but I think not only is he better than their other options, he is good enough to give them a shot at making the playoffs. Ramsey had some success in Spurrier's offense in Washington, that is before he sent to the turf more often than any QB this side of David Carr. Yeah, he looked horrible in Joe Gibbs system, but Gibbs offense is old enough to make Clinton Portis look like Eddie George in a Cowboy uniform. That and he has experience throwing to the Jets best offensive weapon, LaColes. If the NYJ offensive coordinator (not even gonna try to spell his name) is as good as advertised Ramsey could produce enough big plays to allow Curtis Martin some running lanes. However putting testeverde in the starting lineup is sure to improve their 2006 draft position.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:38 PM on September 27, 2005
Wasn't the whole concept of ESPN2 to allow ESPN to focus on mainstream sports coverage, while continuing to cover the niche sports on a sister station. Now what do we have - the mainstream sports coverage split between two stations, niche sports almost completely cut out - save the Great Outdoor Games - and a day full of talking jarheads discussing the same topics in 30-minute segments. The only intellegent thing I have seen from ESPN coverage is continuing the NFL Films segements in the afternoon. ESPN Hollywood? You've got to be kidding me! This is a sports channel who still targets males between 18 and 45 right? So to sum it up - ESPN programming gets continually worse and my cable bill goes up exponentially as a result.
posted by bigrobbieb at 05:17 PM on September 27, 2005
What is the point of constantly attacking Bonds on the steroids issue. A couple facts seem relevant and often overlooked to people who want to villify a half dozen players for steroids and ignore how rampant big league steroid use really is, the truth of which we will obviously never know. I can understand the frustration of all fans who feel betrayed by professional athletes with artificially enhanced muscular structures, but here is what most people seem to miss. Baseball is a game of eras. Some where the pitchers dominate and some where the hitters clearly rule. Every so often the balance of power shifts in one direction or the other. These changes in the game make it impossible to comapre players of different generations, although the debate is always interesting. Look at Barry for what you definately know. He is (by far) the best player of this generation of offensive explosion. Enjoy his ABs while you still have a chance to watch him play. It is only so often you get the opportunity to watch greatness perform.
posted by bigrobbieb at 07:19 PM on September 21, 2005
Portland trades away the last of the Jailblazers
That means that the Blazers are at least 4 superstars away from a championship. I don't know if they are four superstars away from a championship, but I do know that they are three good players away from being a respectable NBA franchise again. Maybe using some of those lottery picks a little more wisely would be a good start.