12/21/24
April 11, 2016
SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle:
A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.
Some commentators portrayed Spieth's final round as the worst collapse ever, but I would disagree.
The collapse was so stunning and swift that I almost couldn't grasp what had happened. His late bogey when he seemed headed for a miraculous comeback to perhaps force a playoff was almost as tough to witness.
Norman's collapse to my mind was worse to watch and played out over a longer, more agonizing stretch. The downfall began right at the start of his round.
Rory's 2011 collapse was also worse, because he seemed so vulnerable to the course and the pressure. He gave away more strokes on Sunday and fell further down the leaderboard than either Spieth or Norman.
Also can't believe how little credit was given to the quality of Willett's round. Faldo, Schwartzel, and Willett all played great final rounds to claim their Masters titles.
The one thing I didn't do was listen to Faldo's commentary as Spieth descended into Augusta hell. I now wish I had heard what Faldo had said. I remember him being understanding and empathetic during Rory's collapse.
posted by beaverboard at 11:28 AM on April 11, 2016
Some commentators portrayed Spieth's final round as the worst collapse ever, but I would disagree.
I think their reasoning would be:
1) Norman's collapse, as you said, was a 3-hour nightmare that never stopped. It was more of a crumbling than a collapse, like a 100-year-old house starting to slowly show cracks and splinters, and then slowly sinking to the ground over the span of a few months. Spieth's collapse was like someone dynamited the foundation of the house while you were out getting groceries, and when you came back you found a pile of rubble.
2) Your description of McIlroy's collapse is correct, in that everyone was almost expecting it. For that reason, Spieth's collapse is worse because he had finished 2nd, 1st, and was leading every round until that 11th hole. There was no indication (and previous contradicting evidence) that he could collapse like that at Augusta. It would be like watching Steve Nash (90% success rate) miss 6 free throws in a row after sinking the first 12 of the game.
3) van de Velde's single hole implosion wasn't as bad because this was a relatively unknown doing something insanely stupid on a single hole. That's not unheard of at all.
Spieth's "I'd like to be anywhere but here" look on his face during the green jacket ceremony was tough to look at. Unless Willett wins another major, or otherwise makes a name for himself beyond this moment, I think everyone is going to remember Jordan's collapse more than Danny's win.
posted by grum@work at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2016
Flyers founder Ed Snider dies at 83
posted by tommybiden at 01:50 PM on April 11, 2016
I'm watching the pre-game festivities from Fenway Park before the Red Sox play their home opener. As usual, it was a bit overdone, but there were a couple of moments worth mentioning. On the pleasant side, the National Anthem was sung by David Ortiz's daughter. The fun part was that Ortiz did not know she was to be the singer until she was introduced, and the look on his face was priceless. Young MS Ortiz has a decent voice and did a good job on the Anthem.
The sad part was seeing who was throwing out the first pitch. Patriots' star Ty Law, Bruins' immortal Bobby Orr, Celtics' legend Bill Russell, and Ortiz were those who threw the first pitch. The sad part is twofold. First, placing Ortiz into the same category as the other 3 is a bit premature. Maybe he is deserving, maybe not. He certainly contributed a great deal to the success the team has had during his time here.
The second, and really sad part, was watching Bill Russell. Instead of waiting in the dugout to be introduced, Russell sat in a chair along the fence behind 3rd base. He needed to be helped to the area near the mound to deliver his pitch, and the throw itself was quite feeble. In December of 1956 I sat in the first balcony seats in Boston Garden and watched the young Bill Russell make his NBA debut. Now, nearly 60 years later, I see what time has done to a man whom I will always remember as athletic, strong, graceful, and a leader. Time is doing the same things to me, but I know it cannot be avoided. It makes me think too much about my own fate to see what the calendar can do, but I will not allow it to slow me down. As old and feeble as Russell appeared today, I will always see him leaping to block a shot, recovering the ball, and making the perfect outlet pass to a streaking Bob Cousy.
posted by Howard_T at 02:24 PM on April 11, 2016
The collapse was so stunning and swift that I almost couldn't grasp what had happened.
The commentators noted that Spieth lost (I think) seven strokes to Willett in the span of 50 minutes.
posted by Etrigan at 04:10 PM on April 11, 2016
How is Nigel de Jong still a thing?
posted by yerfatma at 08:01 PM on April 11, 2016
placing Ortiz into the same category as the other 3 is a bit premature
From a distance, and not a local Boston sports fan but one who appreciates the teams there (OK, I do love the Sox), I would suggest Ortiz is a great player but not in the same class as Russell and Orr and I don't understand the relevance of Ty Law to the others.
Regard aging .. I was fortunate enough to be at a game in the mid to late 90's where the Giants were honoring Willie Mays. Willie rode around the field sitting in the back seat of a convertible throwing balls into the upper decks with what appeared to me as a simple flick of the wrist. I won't ever forget the "are you kidding me?" amazement I had that day. He would have been in his early sixties at the time.
posted by cixelsyd at 08:24 PM on April 11, 2016
I knew de Jong would bring the stupid to LA when his signing was announced, and I'm still puzzling on why Bruce Arena did it. This is Nigel's second vicious tackle in a season only a month old and, with any luck, the league will slam him with a six game ban. Even so, previous punishments have clearly done nothing to stop his animalistic nature so I expect more before the season ends.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:47 AM on April 12, 2016
I don't understand the relevance of Ty Law to the others.
I think it's because there isn't a retired (local) Patriot at the same tier of greatness they can leverage. John Hannah is too long ago.
Fun perspective from yesterday's PTI: the Spurs have a chance to finish with 67 wins, which would be tied for 7th most all-time. The Warriors have beaten them 3 times this year.
posted by yerfatma at 02:00 PM on April 12, 2016
So, an Englishman wins the Masters after watching the leader of the first three rounds collapses on the final round.
Is it live, or is it Memorex?