I'd like to begin with full disclosure. I am in fact a Cleveland native. My sporting allegiances lie far outside the walls of the Rock 'N Roll city. However, I am here to give the fans of the Cleveland Indians hope for the season to come.
Larry Dolan has come under a lot of heat lately for he and Mark Shapiro's comments relating to their spending habits over the past couple of years. Yes, they did trade Cy Young Award winning pitchers in back to back seasons. Yes, they haven't been willing to shell out major dollars for players like Victor Martinez. I have acted as an antagonist toward both the Dolans and Shapiro for these maneuvers. But it is today that I realize the validity of these moves and see the promise of the future.
Fact: The Cleveland Indians have made the post season two times in the last ten years. Maybe these aren't New York Yankees numbers, but it certainly isn't the 30 year drought that this franchise had from 1960-1990. Nor is it 18 consecutive losing seasons like Pittsburgh Pirates. In that span of 16 years the Indians have had eight 90-win seasons. three of those in the last decade.
Fact: Since 1995 the Cleveland Indians are 2-2 in playoff series against the Boston Red Sox, and 3-1 against the New York Yankees. These are two of the most storied franchises in league history and the Indians have had their number in recent memory. Most people will argue that they should be 3-1 vs. the Red Sox after going up 3games to 1 in 2007.
The Dolans catch a lot of flack for being unwilling to spend money. First, Cleveland is a mid market city. And secondly, not everyone can spend like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Phillies. Ultimately, you've got to work with the cards you are dealt. The largest means of funding in any sport is ticket sales. The Cleveland Indians ticket sales have declined every year since 2007. And it took until well after the all-star in that 2007 season to achieve regular sell outs. This season they have reduced ticket sales drastically. The cheapest of which being only ten dollars in an effort to fill Progressive Field.
What the people of Cleveland fail to realize is that the strategy of not spending what you don't have is the status quot around the league. It is bad business to deficit spend. And while they don't have people on the payroll making 20 mil a year, the Dolans are still deficit spending. The biggest comparison in Cleveland is between former owner Dick Jacobs and current owner Larry Dolan. Ultimately, these two owners had very similar business strategies. Jacobs never in his tenure with the team never deficit spent. It just so happened that the successes of the Indians in the mid and late 90's were derived from an abundance of attention by the Cleveland fans. They had a record 455 consecutive sell outs. The major contributing factor being that they were the only draw in the city. The football team had been moved to Baltimore and the basketball team was terrible. This gave Jacobs the money to spend on big bats.
This year the Cleveland Indians will field a roster that is very similar to last year's 69-93 team. It is my contention that this roster will be drastically improved from that abysmal record. The improvement will be a direct result of a healthy roster and the emergence of star power from the farm system. baseballamerica.com sites the Indians with the 7th best farm system in the league. The prized possession being last year's first round pick 3rd baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. This lefty can mash. I suspect Chisenhall will be called up by July. His added bat will bolster a lineup that will have a healthy CF Grady Sizemore, and C Carlos Santana. Asdrubal Cabrera will also be back at SS and of course fan favorite Shin Soo Choo returns at LF. Trevor Crowe made strides last year and should make a fantastic OF Utility option for the coming season. The x factor for this year is the health and POWER of DH Travis Hafner. If he is being paid 14 mil for singles there could be problems. This would present a lineup of six potentially great bats. Even minimal production out of Jason Nix, Jason Donald, Austin Kearns, Michael Brantley and Matt LaPorta could make for a greatly improved offense.
Some doubts may rise in the pitching staff. Fausto Carmona returned to form last season and with some extra run support could easily win 15 games this year. The progression of Justin Masterson and Gomez is the wild card for this team. If both can reach 10 wins, you could easily be looking at a team that is .500 or better. And in the AL Central that could be enough to win.
What's the baseline?
Watch out for the Indians this year. The pieces they've received after trading away Cy Young winners, and all-star bats are finally falling into place. A deep playoff run may be a couple of years away, but the Dolans and Mark Shapiro have a system in place that could keep this team relevant for the next 5+ years.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
New NHL All-Star Game Format Is a Keeper
Okay everybody brace yourselves. I'm about to make a post about hockey. Before I begin I want you to keep in mind that hockey is not one of my closest passions, but I have a growing amount of respect for the sport, and especially the NHL. To me, the NHL is a league that seems to really have hit its stride at being of high quality and fair to its fans since returning from a lockout a few years ago.
What this post is about though, is the NHL All-Star Game tonight and its new format. Honestly, I wish the NHL would have marketed this game a lot better because the new way of playing the game to me, is really cool and I think a lot of people should at least known about it even if they ended up choosing not to watch it in the end. For those that don't know, instead of having the fans vote for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference All-Stars like a normal pro league would and then making All-Star rosters from that, the NHL decided the fans would vote in order to create a pool of about 40 players, regardless of conference that would be deemed All-Stars, in tandem with choices made my the Hockey Operations Department of the NHL. From there, those 40 or so players would vote on a team captain, and the 2 players with the most votes would be deemed captains of the 2 teams. From there, the 2 team captains pick the players for their team, much like an old-school pick up game.
I think this was a brilliant idea. It created many avenues for conversation about the game. Who would be the captains? What kind of strategy should they use to pick their teams? Die-hard hockey fans all over were making their own mock drafts trying to figure out how the All-Star teams would shake out once Nicklas Lidstrom and Eric Staal were named captains. I think there's the possibility of capturing the attention of the ever growing fantasy sport population's interest in this game as well. Like I said, it makes for a really cool idea, and creates a mashup of players you truly would never otherwise be able to see. It really is a fun fantasy game, and that's what All-Star games should be. Granted, there were some stipulations to the rules. Teams needed 3 goalies and 6 defensemen, and both positions had to have their spots filled by a certain pick in the draft, but such structure probably just took the chaos and made it organized chaos, which is even better.
A couple cool odds and ends that came out of the All-Star game draft are that Team Captain Eric Staal made his brother, Marc sweat it out a while before being chosen to his team (he could have just been sent home). Staal also plays for Carolina, where the game is being held, a very nice gesture for the hometown player, not to mention a veteran. He went on to pick 2 of his own teammates as well, to really provide something for the hometown fans to cheer for. Also, in an interesting turn of events identical twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who have practically never played against each other ever, will be playing on opposite teams tonight, in what could be a very captivating split for hockey fans. Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs is Mr. Irrelevant for this year's draft, and you heard it here first, he's going to score the game winner.
One more thing I'd like to say about this is that I'd love to see this tried in other sports, particularly the NBA. How cool would that be to have a pool of NBA players that were voted on by the fans and they are the All-Stars, then have them vote on 2 captains, and from there they pick the teams, or even better, have them shoot for teams at the free throw line (once again, a la a pick up game). Granted, we might be waiting a while if we shoot for teams and both Dwight Howard and Shaq are in the game, but once the game starts I think it would be really cool. Plus, the fact the NBA's personalities are more known and more expressive should really make for some good television. I'd like to see Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, and Carmelo Anthony together on the same floor as a team (outside of a ridiculous superteam scenario). It may never happen, someone would probably get their feather's ruffled for not getting picked, meaning the players union wouldn't like it, but I think it would be fun to watch. I guess I can dream.
What's the baseline?
The new NHL All-Star game format is a really innovative idea that brings a new dimension to All-Star games everywhere. It appeals to a very informal pick up game type view of things and creates scenarios we would otherwise never see. I wish the NBA would adopt a similar All-Star game, if only just once. Its an All-Star game, it should be light and fun, and this format is. The only shame is that the Versus Network has the TV deal with the NHL, meaning not that many people are going to be even able to see this game, nor were they able to see the draft. Disappointing.
What this post is about though, is the NHL All-Star Game tonight and its new format. Honestly, I wish the NHL would have marketed this game a lot better because the new way of playing the game to me, is really cool and I think a lot of people should at least known about it even if they ended up choosing not to watch it in the end. For those that don't know, instead of having the fans vote for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference All-Stars like a normal pro league would and then making All-Star rosters from that, the NHL decided the fans would vote in order to create a pool of about 40 players, regardless of conference that would be deemed All-Stars, in tandem with choices made my the Hockey Operations Department of the NHL. From there, those 40 or so players would vote on a team captain, and the 2 players with the most votes would be deemed captains of the 2 teams. From there, the 2 team captains pick the players for their team, much like an old-school pick up game.
I think this was a brilliant idea. It created many avenues for conversation about the game. Who would be the captains? What kind of strategy should they use to pick their teams? Die-hard hockey fans all over were making their own mock drafts trying to figure out how the All-Star teams would shake out once Nicklas Lidstrom and Eric Staal were named captains. I think there's the possibility of capturing the attention of the ever growing fantasy sport population's interest in this game as well. Like I said, it makes for a really cool idea, and creates a mashup of players you truly would never otherwise be able to see. It really is a fun fantasy game, and that's what All-Star games should be. Granted, there were some stipulations to the rules. Teams needed 3 goalies and 6 defensemen, and both positions had to have their spots filled by a certain pick in the draft, but such structure probably just took the chaos and made it organized chaos, which is even better.
A couple cool odds and ends that came out of the All-Star game draft are that Team Captain Eric Staal made his brother, Marc sweat it out a while before being chosen to his team (he could have just been sent home). Staal also plays for Carolina, where the game is being held, a very nice gesture for the hometown player, not to mention a veteran. He went on to pick 2 of his own teammates as well, to really provide something for the hometown fans to cheer for. Also, in an interesting turn of events identical twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who have practically never played against each other ever, will be playing on opposite teams tonight, in what could be a very captivating split for hockey fans. Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs is Mr. Irrelevant for this year's draft, and you heard it here first, he's going to score the game winner.
One more thing I'd like to say about this is that I'd love to see this tried in other sports, particularly the NBA. How cool would that be to have a pool of NBA players that were voted on by the fans and they are the All-Stars, then have them vote on 2 captains, and from there they pick the teams, or even better, have them shoot for teams at the free throw line (once again, a la a pick up game). Granted, we might be waiting a while if we shoot for teams and both Dwight Howard and Shaq are in the game, but once the game starts I think it would be really cool. Plus, the fact the NBA's personalities are more known and more expressive should really make for some good television. I'd like to see Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, and Carmelo Anthony together on the same floor as a team (outside of a ridiculous superteam scenario). It may never happen, someone would probably get their feather's ruffled for not getting picked, meaning the players union wouldn't like it, but I think it would be fun to watch. I guess I can dream.
What's the baseline?
The new NHL All-Star game format is a really innovative idea that brings a new dimension to All-Star games everywhere. It appeals to a very informal pick up game type view of things and creates scenarios we would otherwise never see. I wish the NBA would adopt a similar All-Star game, if only just once. Its an All-Star game, it should be light and fun, and this format is. The only shame is that the Versus Network has the TV deal with the NHL, meaning not that many people are going to be even able to see this game, nor were they able to see the draft. Disappointing.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Sports Geek's Mock NFL Draft: 1-5
For all but two teams in the NFL, attention has shifted to two things; the NFL CBA and the NFL DRAFT. That being said, here are my projected top five picks for this year's draft. A lot can change between now and draft, including the NFL Combine, private workouts, and interview; but this is how I (for the time being at least) see the top five shaping up.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
Projected pick: DT Nick Fairley (University of Auburn). It seems strange that a team whose largest contributing factor to earning this pick was an abysmal offense will draft a defensive player. However, with Andrew Luck earning his degree next season, there simply is not an offensive talent that could compete against the wave of defensive lineman available. Fairley and Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers could easily be interchangeable at this point. It is evident however, that Carolina has no choice but to draft a pass rushing, playmaking defensive lineman. Right now, coming off of a great national championship performance, Fairley has the hot hand.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
Projected pick: CB Patrick Peterson (Louisiana State University). A once proud franchise was recently decimated by the poor judgment calls of an over ambitious and outspoken head coach and personnel man. Denver's defense, a problem over the last decade, hit rock bottom this year finishing dead last in every relevant defensive category. The front seven was the largest problem with this defense. It is anticipated that new head coach John Fox will transition the defense back to a 4-3 scheme. That being said, outstanding pass rusher Elvis Dumervil will likely be converted back to RE. The seventeenth overall pick from two years ago, Robert Ayers, played defensive line in college at Tennessee. His size made him versatile as an edge rusher and an inside option on passing downshttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2367182159301305624. Considering that Champ Bailey's return is in question, and the recent legal troubles of rookie standout Parish Cox, Peterson is a great choice as a lockdown corner who could start as a rookie.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
Projected pick: DE Da'quan Bowers (Clemson). Buffalo has a number of options at the third pick. Ultimately, Bowers is too good to pass up at the third pick overall. Bowers has the size to play the five technique in Chan Gailey's 3-4 scheme. He also has the play making ability to rival any DE in the league. A consistent pass rush will improve this defense drastically, putting less pressure on CBs Leodis McKlevin and Terrance McGee.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Projected pick: QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri). It is my belief that Mike Brown is putting on a public face regarding Carson Palmer's requested trade. Once the CBA is in place, I anticipate that Palmer will likely be traded to one of five options that I'll chronicle in a blog later. That being said, this franchise will be restarting at the QB position. Gabbert may not be Andrew Luck, but he's the next best thing in this year's draft. I could see the Bengals opt to trade down in hopes of acquiring Cameron Newton from Auburn. Or, in the even that Brown does stand strong regarding Palmer, They'll need a big play weapon to keep him happy. In that case, they'd draft Georgia WR A.J. Green.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Projected picks: MLB Von Miller (Texas A&M). Arizona is one of the potential destinations for Carson Palmer. It is more likely that the Cards will trade down for a Jake Locker in this situation. But assuming they stick with the fifth pick, defense is a major need. The front seven struggled a lot this season and Von Miller is quickly climbing a number of draft boards. A good combine could solidify this stud as a top five pick.
What's the Baseline?
This year's NFL Draft is more open at the top than any in recent memory. With Luck staying at Stanford, there is no clear no.1 pick, and Carolina's choice will have a drastic trickle down effect on the rest of the draft. Another deciding factor in this draft will be a new CBA. Remember, existing player contracts cannot be traded until a CBA is in effect. Moving draft picks will likely be more difficult this draft than any other in NFL history. The next five picks are coming up here at Baseline sports, so check in soon.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
Projected pick: DT Nick Fairley (University of Auburn). It seems strange that a team whose largest contributing factor to earning this pick was an abysmal offense will draft a defensive player. However, with Andrew Luck earning his degree next season, there simply is not an offensive talent that could compete against the wave of defensive lineman available. Fairley and Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers could easily be interchangeable at this point. It is evident however, that Carolina has no choice but to draft a pass rushing, playmaking defensive lineman. Right now, coming off of a great national championship performance, Fairley has the hot hand.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12)
Projected pick: CB Patrick Peterson (Louisiana State University). A once proud franchise was recently decimated by the poor judgment calls of an over ambitious and outspoken head coach and personnel man. Denver's defense, a problem over the last decade, hit rock bottom this year finishing dead last in every relevant defensive category. The front seven was the largest problem with this defense. It is anticipated that new head coach John Fox will transition the defense back to a 4-3 scheme. That being said, outstanding pass rusher Elvis Dumervil will likely be converted back to RE. The seventeenth overall pick from two years ago, Robert Ayers, played defensive line in college at Tennessee. His size made him versatile as an edge rusher and an inside option on passing downshttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2367182159301305624. Considering that Champ Bailey's return is in question, and the recent legal troubles of rookie standout Parish Cox, Peterson is a great choice as a lockdown corner who could start as a rookie.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12)
Projected pick: DE Da'quan Bowers (Clemson). Buffalo has a number of options at the third pick. Ultimately, Bowers is too good to pass up at the third pick overall. Bowers has the size to play the five technique in Chan Gailey's 3-4 scheme. He also has the play making ability to rival any DE in the league. A consistent pass rush will improve this defense drastically, putting less pressure on CBs Leodis McKlevin and Terrance McGee.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Projected pick: QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri). It is my belief that Mike Brown is putting on a public face regarding Carson Palmer's requested trade. Once the CBA is in place, I anticipate that Palmer will likely be traded to one of five options that I'll chronicle in a blog later. That being said, this franchise will be restarting at the QB position. Gabbert may not be Andrew Luck, but he's the next best thing in this year's draft. I could see the Bengals opt to trade down in hopes of acquiring Cameron Newton from Auburn. Or, in the even that Brown does stand strong regarding Palmer, They'll need a big play weapon to keep him happy. In that case, they'd draft Georgia WR A.J. Green.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Projected picks: MLB Von Miller (Texas A&M). Arizona is one of the potential destinations for Carson Palmer. It is more likely that the Cards will trade down for a Jake Locker in this situation. But assuming they stick with the fifth pick, defense is a major need. The front seven struggled a lot this season and Von Miller is quickly climbing a number of draft boards. A good combine could solidify this stud as a top five pick.
What's the Baseline?
This year's NFL Draft is more open at the top than any in recent memory. With Luck staying at Stanford, there is no clear no.1 pick, and Carolina's choice will have a drastic trickle down effect on the rest of the draft. Another deciding factor in this draft will be a new CBA. Remember, existing player contracts cannot be traded until a CBA is in effect. Moving draft picks will likely be more difficult this draft than any other in NFL history. The next five picks are coming up here at Baseline sports, so check in soon.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
No Wonder Carson Palmer Wants to Leave
The news broke Sunday that QB Carson Palmer went to the Cincinnati Bengals front office and asked for a trade from the franchise. Several media sources have stated that Palmer made such a statement, and also, he was prepared to retire if the Bengals did not grant him his wish. The 31 year old franchise QB finds himself in a state of flux with the Bengals, a team one season removed from a 10-6 season and a AFC North Championship. That same team plummeted to last in the AFC North in 2010, finishing 4-12 even though they held almost all the same roster from the previous season (outside the addition of Terrell Owens).
On the greater whole though, the Bengals haven't impressed much since 2005 when they made the playoffs under Head Coach Marvin Lewis and then were ousted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some would say that a leg injury Palmer suffered in that playoff game has led him to never meeting his full potential, as he spent the next 8 months rehabbing, and truly hasn't ever been the QB he seemed destined to be before the injury. The Bengals didn't make another playoffs under Lewis until '09, finishing 19-28-1 in the 3 seasons in between playoff appearances. In hindsight, that '09 season seems like fools gold, the product of a defense that overachieved and a ground game that became underutilized in 2010. Yet, when Marvin Lewis's contract expired at the end of the season Bengals' GM Mike Brown decided to keep him on, never mind the 60-67-1 overall record, the lack of a playoff win, and the countless number of disorderly and unruly players that have passed through his regime over its 8 seasons in existence.
But I suppose that much is fine. The Bengals must be assured that the status quo will help them prevail, 2010 was simply a bad year and the magic the Bengals brought to life in 2009 is the true capability of the team, despite all the warning flags. If that were the case though, why is practically every star offensive player the Bengals have outside of Palmer a free agent, and not just a free agent, but a free agent that don't have much interest in bringing back? Star wide outs Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, who were 1st and 2nd on the team in receiving yards this past season fit this bill. Star running back Cedric Benson, the teams top ball carrier does as well. In a way, it seems like the Bengals are cleaning house, but if they are, they sure aren't putting their full hearts into it. I mean, why bother bring back Lewis? Do you really trust in him that much? Was your first rebuild process with Palmer & Lewis that successful? You got 2 first round exits in 8 years. It just doesn't make sense, at least from an offensive standpoint.
And no wonder Palmer wants out. They're taking all the big weapons away from him, and leaving him with Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham, 2 really nice young receivers, but they can't carry an offense, they're 2nd year players in the battle tested AFC North. Who's going to play running back? Palmer flourished in '09 when the Bengals focused on the run.
Wouldn't it make a lot more sense for both Palmer and the Bengals' brass to just go their separate ways? The Bengals are going young anyway, Palmer's 31 years old, by the time you're ready to compete he's going to really be on the back end of his career, and with is leg problems who knows how long he is willing to play? And playing on a young, inexperienced, mediocre offense is just going to drive him away faster. The Bengals should trade Palmer and really step into this whole youth movement thing, granted, they aren't sending the right message by bringing back the same old coach either. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they draft a QB (a terrible decision this year by the way, there's no really lockdown guys since Luck isn't coming out), and they want Palmer to play and mentor, but why keep Lewis? I just don't know what to make of it. I get Palmer's side though, he's still a more than capable QB on a talented team (Arizona anyone? maybe even Oakland?) and he'd like to play on a legitimate winner before he becomes any lesser. Sticking around on a weak team, teaching a kid how to play after all he's done for that organization just seems a little sour to me. But I guess it just makes too much sense for the Bengals to want to go that direction.
What's the baseline?
If I were Carson Palmer, I'd want out too. The Bengals are mismanaging their offensive situation. Either stick with your veterans and compete now, or give in and start fresh, but if you're going to do that, why keep your old franchise QB around and a head coach that didn't advance you past the 1st round of the playoffs in 8 seasons? The Bengals get a "C'Mon Man!".
On the greater whole though, the Bengals haven't impressed much since 2005 when they made the playoffs under Head Coach Marvin Lewis and then were ousted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some would say that a leg injury Palmer suffered in that playoff game has led him to never meeting his full potential, as he spent the next 8 months rehabbing, and truly hasn't ever been the QB he seemed destined to be before the injury. The Bengals didn't make another playoffs under Lewis until '09, finishing 19-28-1 in the 3 seasons in between playoff appearances. In hindsight, that '09 season seems like fools gold, the product of a defense that overachieved and a ground game that became underutilized in 2010. Yet, when Marvin Lewis's contract expired at the end of the season Bengals' GM Mike Brown decided to keep him on, never mind the 60-67-1 overall record, the lack of a playoff win, and the countless number of disorderly and unruly players that have passed through his regime over its 8 seasons in existence.
But I suppose that much is fine. The Bengals must be assured that the status quo will help them prevail, 2010 was simply a bad year and the magic the Bengals brought to life in 2009 is the true capability of the team, despite all the warning flags. If that were the case though, why is practically every star offensive player the Bengals have outside of Palmer a free agent, and not just a free agent, but a free agent that don't have much interest in bringing back? Star wide outs Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, who were 1st and 2nd on the team in receiving yards this past season fit this bill. Star running back Cedric Benson, the teams top ball carrier does as well. In a way, it seems like the Bengals are cleaning house, but if they are, they sure aren't putting their full hearts into it. I mean, why bother bring back Lewis? Do you really trust in him that much? Was your first rebuild process with Palmer & Lewis that successful? You got 2 first round exits in 8 years. It just doesn't make sense, at least from an offensive standpoint.
And no wonder Palmer wants out. They're taking all the big weapons away from him, and leaving him with Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham, 2 really nice young receivers, but they can't carry an offense, they're 2nd year players in the battle tested AFC North. Who's going to play running back? Palmer flourished in '09 when the Bengals focused on the run.
Wouldn't it make a lot more sense for both Palmer and the Bengals' brass to just go their separate ways? The Bengals are going young anyway, Palmer's 31 years old, by the time you're ready to compete he's going to really be on the back end of his career, and with is leg problems who knows how long he is willing to play? And playing on a young, inexperienced, mediocre offense is just going to drive him away faster. The Bengals should trade Palmer and really step into this whole youth movement thing, granted, they aren't sending the right message by bringing back the same old coach either. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they draft a QB (a terrible decision this year by the way, there's no really lockdown guys since Luck isn't coming out), and they want Palmer to play and mentor, but why keep Lewis? I just don't know what to make of it. I get Palmer's side though, he's still a more than capable QB on a talented team (Arizona anyone? maybe even Oakland?) and he'd like to play on a legitimate winner before he becomes any lesser. Sticking around on a weak team, teaching a kid how to play after all he's done for that organization just seems a little sour to me. But I guess it just makes too much sense for the Bengals to want to go that direction.
What's the baseline?
If I were Carson Palmer, I'd want out too. The Bengals are mismanaging their offensive situation. Either stick with your veterans and compete now, or give in and start fresh, but if you're going to do that, why keep your old franchise QB around and a head coach that didn't advance you past the 1st round of the playoffs in 8 seasons? The Bengals get a "C'Mon Man!".
Monday, January 24, 2011
Jay Cutler Criticism Undeserved
The gun-slinging Bears QB has caught a lot of flack over the last 24 hours or so for his removal from the NFC Title Game, that the Bears went on to lose to the Packers. Its my feeling that Cutler's been wrongfully criticized for stepping down from a situation when he really didn't have much of another choice. That hasn't kept most of the universe (or at least the twitterverse) from questioning Cutler's drive, desire, and toughness. All of which are ridiculous.
Let's look at the facts, shall we? We now know, Cutler left the game in the 3rd quarter, with a 2nd grade MCL tear, also known as an MCL sprain. Now I'm no doctor, but from what I understand, such an injury severely hampers the strength and range of motion of a leg. A leg Cutler needed to be able to plant and drive off of, on a torn up, cold, harsh track that was hard enough to maneuver on with 2 good legs, let alone one, in the Chicago tundra. Any questions of the true severity of his injury were answered when former Pro Bowl veteran, team captain, all-around tough guy, and starting center Olin Kruetz saw Cutler's knee shaking within the context of the game and was astounded when Cutler tried to come back out for the 2nd half.
When Cutler did play, it certainly didn't seem like he was playing with a full bill of health or effectiveness anyway. He was 6 of 14 for 80 yards and an interception. Its almost like the decision was made for him, and it very well could have been. Cutler wasn't 100%, and he wasn't playing anywhere near it. Why leave him in? His injury and therefore play were a detriment to the team and holding them back, as shown by the fact Caleb Hanie came right in and got the offense moving, bringing the Bears within a touchdown of tying the score before throwing his 2nd pick and sending the Chicago faithful home disappointed.
It comes off to me as a only lose situation for Cutler. He either plays, plays poorly and costs his team the game at least in part. Or he steps down and gets criticized and called heartless. I actually commend him for stepping down, and letting someone else give his team the best chance to win.
This all goes without mentioning that team doctors restricted him anyway, and playing could have led to further injury and not only getting a lousy Cutler for the rest of the game, but maybe no Cutler for the Super Bowl if they were to make it. I'd rather take my chances with a back up and not run the risk of further injury to Cutler, in hopes that he could play in 2 weeks. I can completely understand the rationale of the Chicago coaching staff.
Cutler's toughness and heart are a whole other issue of course. But I don't sell him short. This is the fiery Jay Cutler, he's a competitor. This is the guy that wanted to fight Philip Rivers when he was the QB in Denver. He took more sacks this season by a wide margin than any other QB, but got back up and went back to the huddle for the next play. After getting rocked by 9 sacks in one half by the New York Giants and earning a concussion for his effort, he only missed one week and was back out and competing again. He plays with the passion and daring of a gun-slinging QB. Jay Cutler is a tough guy, and I think he meant well for his team despite not being on the field for most of the 2nd half Sunday. Why would Cutler bother to come back to the sideline and be present, to his teammates and to the fans that were booing him just minutes earlier, if he didn't care? He wouldn't. He would hide in the locker room, but he didn't.
Lastly, lots of people have made a big deal about Cutler's body language on the sideline. They say he looked aloof, uncaring, distant, and resoundingly quiet. I have a strong beef with this. I don't know why, but most typical sports fans can't stand it when an athlete is placid, calm, or inanimate. Look at it logically. The guy just got taken out of easily the biggest game of his life, robbed of the chance to perform at his peak capability, and left his team in a big hole, not to mention he's injured and more than likely feeling a great amount of discomfort. Forgive him for not doing cartwheels on the sideline to support his team at that very instant. Was it a little immature of him to be so aloof? Probably. But he's a professional and so are all his teammates, they will get over it and ultimately understand.
What's the baseline?
A lot of Monday Morning QBs that never strapped on the helmet in the NFL are going to criticize Cutler for not playing when they really don't know the story, nor do they really want to. They want a scapegoat. So be it. The Bears and Jay Cutler had a heck of a year and they'll be right back there competing, hopefully healthily, again next season. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be this time... there goes my Super Bowl pick.
Let's look at the facts, shall we? We now know, Cutler left the game in the 3rd quarter, with a 2nd grade MCL tear, also known as an MCL sprain. Now I'm no doctor, but from what I understand, such an injury severely hampers the strength and range of motion of a leg. A leg Cutler needed to be able to plant and drive off of, on a torn up, cold, harsh track that was hard enough to maneuver on with 2 good legs, let alone one, in the Chicago tundra. Any questions of the true severity of his injury were answered when former Pro Bowl veteran, team captain, all-around tough guy, and starting center Olin Kruetz saw Cutler's knee shaking within the context of the game and was astounded when Cutler tried to come back out for the 2nd half.
When Cutler did play, it certainly didn't seem like he was playing with a full bill of health or effectiveness anyway. He was 6 of 14 for 80 yards and an interception. Its almost like the decision was made for him, and it very well could have been. Cutler wasn't 100%, and he wasn't playing anywhere near it. Why leave him in? His injury and therefore play were a detriment to the team and holding them back, as shown by the fact Caleb Hanie came right in and got the offense moving, bringing the Bears within a touchdown of tying the score before throwing his 2nd pick and sending the Chicago faithful home disappointed.
It comes off to me as a only lose situation for Cutler. He either plays, plays poorly and costs his team the game at least in part. Or he steps down and gets criticized and called heartless. I actually commend him for stepping down, and letting someone else give his team the best chance to win.
This all goes without mentioning that team doctors restricted him anyway, and playing could have led to further injury and not only getting a lousy Cutler for the rest of the game, but maybe no Cutler for the Super Bowl if they were to make it. I'd rather take my chances with a back up and not run the risk of further injury to Cutler, in hopes that he could play in 2 weeks. I can completely understand the rationale of the Chicago coaching staff.
Cutler's toughness and heart are a whole other issue of course. But I don't sell him short. This is the fiery Jay Cutler, he's a competitor. This is the guy that wanted to fight Philip Rivers when he was the QB in Denver. He took more sacks this season by a wide margin than any other QB, but got back up and went back to the huddle for the next play. After getting rocked by 9 sacks in one half by the New York Giants and earning a concussion for his effort, he only missed one week and was back out and competing again. He plays with the passion and daring of a gun-slinging QB. Jay Cutler is a tough guy, and I think he meant well for his team despite not being on the field for most of the 2nd half Sunday. Why would Cutler bother to come back to the sideline and be present, to his teammates and to the fans that were booing him just minutes earlier, if he didn't care? He wouldn't. He would hide in the locker room, but he didn't.
Lastly, lots of people have made a big deal about Cutler's body language on the sideline. They say he looked aloof, uncaring, distant, and resoundingly quiet. I have a strong beef with this. I don't know why, but most typical sports fans can't stand it when an athlete is placid, calm, or inanimate. Look at it logically. The guy just got taken out of easily the biggest game of his life, robbed of the chance to perform at his peak capability, and left his team in a big hole, not to mention he's injured and more than likely feeling a great amount of discomfort. Forgive him for not doing cartwheels on the sideline to support his team at that very instant. Was it a little immature of him to be so aloof? Probably. But he's a professional and so are all his teammates, they will get over it and ultimately understand.
What's the baseline?
A lot of Monday Morning QBs that never strapped on the helmet in the NFL are going to criticize Cutler for not playing when they really don't know the story, nor do they really want to. They want a scapegoat. So be it. The Bears and Jay Cutler had a heck of a year and they'll be right back there competing, hopefully healthily, again next season. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be this time... there goes my Super Bowl pick.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The New York Jets: Why I'm Not a Non-Believer
This video alone brings out a large indication of why unlike the majority of the country, I am not ruling out the New York Jets in tomorrow's AFC Title Game (6:30 pm, CBS). Rather, I actually think the Jets are going to win. For one, Bart Scott, as brash and blunt as he is, just made a statement that embodies what this 2010 New York Jets team is. That's mad. Mad at the world, with the feeling that they're being disrespected, and in a way... they have been.
You're talking about a team that took a 9-7 record, and a small hope of making the playoffs last season (a hope that even their Head Coach, the outspoken Rex Ryan, at one point thought was gone) and ran with it. The Jets capitalize on everything. Any opportunity, any chance, and they have made the most of it. You're talking about a team that stumbled into those playoffs then rattled off playoff wins in Cincinnati, and in San Diego. They competed in last year's AFC Title Game against the Colts, led at the half, and looked in control until RB Shonn Greene went down with an injury that ended his game.
Those games were important, the Jets grew, they became a competitive team, and they learned, as Scott said "Anyone can be beat". They added of some extra pieces to an already talented team, including more playoff experience in LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Cromartie, and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes in the offseason. More talent and a confident football team led to the Jets coming out gangbusters. They started 9-2 and 2nd year QB Mark Sanchez looked greatly improved, keeping away from the interceptions that plagued him in the '09 regular season. Then they hit a tough stretch, they lost to New England by 42, and again the next week in division at home against Miami. The critics piped up, the fact that they hadn't beaten a competitive team since Week 2 (New England) arose. Sanchez's play declined, and people were leaving the Jets, at 9-2 for dead in terms of being a Super Bowl threat. Its been that way ever since. That's a stigma they don't deserve. They were 11-5, they beat both Pittsburgh and New England in the regular season, and had the 3rd best defense in the league to go with enough weapons to make a NRA member happy. They've proved they are worthy to be here.
Furthermore, the Jets have the intangibles. First, they simply tend to play really well in January. They arguably came one less injury away from really giving the Colts a run for the AFC slot in the Super Bowl last year. In the last 2 years, they've won 4 playoffs games, all on the road, in Cincinnati, San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England. To recap that, they've beaten Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady without playing a home game. And in those 4 wins, plus the loss against Indy as well, they averaged 20.6 per game. If you go by the old adage of "if you score 17 points or more in a game, you have a good chance to win", then their offense has been adequate. Greene shows up in the playoffs, he's run for 5 yards a game in his playoff career (90 carries for 450 yards). Sanchez does too, he's got a 92.2 QB rating in his playoff career (922 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT). Receivers Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Dustin Keller all have playoff experience and combine to make one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. Simply put, this time of year, the Jets offense isn't the question everyone deems it to be. And the defense doesn't need to go explained. Just this year it made both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady look foolish.That's near impossible to do at all, let alone in back to back weeks when you gave Bill Belichek an extra week to prepare through a bye week. And for those saying that the Jets won't beat a physical running team; they did it last January in the Bengals, who at the time hung their hat on running with Cedric Benson.
Lastly, the proof of the Jets capability lies in their counterpart's history, a Steelers team of the past. I feel this New York Jets team is a dang near close to a spitting image of the 2005 Super Bowl Champion Steelers. Let's look at it: they have a 2nd year QB (Ben Roethlisberger to Sanchez) who is coming of age and done his best competing in the playoffs, an intangibles guy that has done nothing but win important games. They have an experienced running back tandem, one future Hall of Famer and one young skilled back to make a tough ground game (Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker to Tomlinson and Greene). They have very solid but not perfect offensive lines on both teams. And they have 2 incredibly talented defenses that have game-changing players at DB (Troy Polamalu to Darrelle Revis), along with 3-4 defenses with skilled LBs that charge and attack the football hard. I feel these 2 teams are eerily similar, and those Steelers ended up Super Bowl Champs. If anything these Jets are more talented at the WR position, and provide for a better opportunity for Sanchez to flourish, they are predisposed to having a better chance.
These Jets are a tough, confident team that isn't going to shy away from the big moment, they never have to this point. Every week since their trouncing by New England they have been written off, but just continue to win football games when its meant the most. No one expected them to beat Indy or New England, and they did. They can and will do it again tomorrow against Pittsburgh. Its just another opportunity for Bart Scott & co. to prove themselves, and they will be up to the challenge.
Buckle up tomorrow, its going to be a tough played, violent, football game, and its a game the Jets are poised to win.
What's the baseline?
This is one more for the non-believers. The Jets are the best team in the NFL when motivated and confident, and they are both right now. The Steelers are a heck of a football team, and will give the Jets everything they can handle, but I don't see anyone right now taking the wind out of the sails of the Jets. For the heck of it, I'll put a score on it. 21-17 Jets.
Welcome to the Baseline
Hello America and the rest of the world. This is Baseline Sports.
We are Just-if-I'd Hype, and the Sports Geek and we are here to provide you with the best sports analysis and opinion on the planet conceivable. This blog here today is the beginnings of a opportunity to provide you, the reader, with cutting edge analysis and description of the current events most relevant to sports. Sports Geek and I will be working both in tandem and on our own endeavours in order to fulfill this goal, along with the use of a number of guest appearances and opinions of a number of other capable sport minded associates. We will touch on any anything and everything we can, anything we feel strongly about, anything especially relevant, and we will bring it to you, in a timely fashion.
Speaking of timely, our name is more than a moniker. One of Baseline Sports' ultimate goals is to sum up and truly provide a succinct and specific point of view to any issue. Upon the ending of most if not all our posts the question "What's the baseline?" will be asked, and that question will be followed by the true essence of the above post. Communication and clarity are imperative in this line of work, and we ensure those qualities.
You may ask what's the credentials of these two men; what makes their opinion worth the Internet space it takes up (which was free by the way)? Well, we are of meager beginnings no doubt, just simple young men with high ambitions. Sports Geek is a journalism major with the aspirations of one day becoming a true sports writer. He's already one of the better writers I know, and primed for growth and improvement still. He has an especially vast knowledge of football. On the other hand, I am a sport management major with the hopes of one day working in Baseball Operations in the Major Leagues. Naturally then, most of my expertise falls upon the realm of baseball. However, it is more than fair to say we both have more than a working knowledge of the other major American sports, and when we don't, we'll be sure to bring in a guest appearance to guide us as needed.
That is who we are, that is what we will do and we hope that you enjoy the ride that comes. I can tell you right now you very well may expect a first sample of our works later today.
'Til we meet again though America, and the world, best wishes. And at the end of the day, may the baseline bring you home.
- Just-if-I'd Hype
We are Just-if-I'd Hype, and the Sports Geek and we are here to provide you with the best sports analysis and opinion on the planet conceivable. This blog here today is the beginnings of a opportunity to provide you, the reader, with cutting edge analysis and description of the current events most relevant to sports. Sports Geek and I will be working both in tandem and on our own endeavours in order to fulfill this goal, along with the use of a number of guest appearances and opinions of a number of other capable sport minded associates. We will touch on any anything and everything we can, anything we feel strongly about, anything especially relevant, and we will bring it to you, in a timely fashion.
Speaking of timely, our name is more than a moniker. One of Baseline Sports' ultimate goals is to sum up and truly provide a succinct and specific point of view to any issue. Upon the ending of most if not all our posts the question "What's the baseline?" will be asked, and that question will be followed by the true essence of the above post. Communication and clarity are imperative in this line of work, and we ensure those qualities.
You may ask what's the credentials of these two men; what makes their opinion worth the Internet space it takes up (which was free by the way)? Well, we are of meager beginnings no doubt, just simple young men with high ambitions. Sports Geek is a journalism major with the aspirations of one day becoming a true sports writer. He's already one of the better writers I know, and primed for growth and improvement still. He has an especially vast knowledge of football. On the other hand, I am a sport management major with the hopes of one day working in Baseball Operations in the Major Leagues. Naturally then, most of my expertise falls upon the realm of baseball. However, it is more than fair to say we both have more than a working knowledge of the other major American sports, and when we don't, we'll be sure to bring in a guest appearance to guide us as needed.
That is who we are, that is what we will do and we hope that you enjoy the ride that comes. I can tell you right now you very well may expect a first sample of our works later today.
'Til we meet again though America, and the world, best wishes. And at the end of the day, may the baseline bring you home.
- Just-if-I'd Hype
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