Well, this is just about to be one of my favorite times of year. Honestly, late March into early April is a great time for sports. The NCAA tournament is going on, the NBA season is dwindling down in preparation for the playoffs, and anticipation is at its peak for the beginning of the Major League Baseball season culminating in Opening Day. With ESPN airing the first game of the season this Thursday, I felt it more than appropriate to share my MLB Preview. We will be looking at the teams themselves and where they will land in their divisions for the season, followed by a playoff prognostication as well and pre-season awards. Right now, we are looking at the American League, with more of the preview to come in the near future. In advance, this is more than likely to be a long post, but it also should be worth it to sit and read. As they say on those dumb Miller Lite commercials... "Here we go"...
AL West
1. Texas Rangers
Projected Record: 93-69
Synopsis: The Rangers emerged as the toast of the AL West last year behind a solid all-around pitching staff and hardly duplicated offensive firepower. This year they are one more year experienced and veteran. Yes, Cliff Lee is gone, but really, he didn't even pitch that well in the regular season for the Rangers in the 2nd half. Health is more than likely the true key for the Rangers. Keeping key players like Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler healthy will take them a long way. Expect great things from a young improving pitching staff ultimately under the tutelage of Nolan Ryan.
2. Oakland Athletics
Projected Record: 87-75
Synopsis: Little known fact: Oakland had the best ERA as a team in the American League last year. They were arguably a couple of hitters away from seriously contending with the Rangers. Adding Josh Willingham, David DeJesus and Hideki Matsui is a step in the right direction for the As. I think they make the Rangers think twice about the division and make a strong run for the wildcard. The young guys just need to learn how to win in a pennant race. The next step might be a division title.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Projected Record: 78-84
Synopsis: The Angels clearly took a step backwards last season. They looked old and inconsistent. Adding a continually underacheiving Vernon Wells isn't going to fix that. Having Kendrys Morales back and healthy is a major spark, but I don't think the Angels have the bats to compete with Texas and Oakland 19 times each. They simply have too many question marks, not enough power in their lineup, and two starting pitchers in Dan Haren and Scott Kazmir that are major unknowns. The Angels reign in the AL West is really over.
4. Seattle Mariners
Projected Record: 65-97
Synopsis: Hiring Eric Wedge to be the Mariners' manager is not going to change the fact the Mariners severely lack talent at the major league level. Outside of Ichiro and Felix Hernandez everyone has a major defect. There are positives, 1B Justin Smoak has a lot of potential, 2B Jack Wilson is a wizard with the glove, 3B Chone Figgins is fast, SP Erik Bedard may finally be healthy, but the negatives certainly outweigh the positives. Simply not enough talent.
AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins
Projected Record: 89-73
Synopsis: Same song and dance here. Everyone's all concerned about the Twins and if they can still compete in another season. Guess what? The Twins will be in the thick of at least a playoff race in September like they are every year, its just the way they work and the way Ron Gardenhire manages. One major asset the Twins have is depth. Say 1B Justin Morneau isn't ready for the start of the season. Oh well, Michael Cuddyer moves from RF to first, Jason Kubel plays RF instead of DHing, and Jim Thome and his 589 career homers fill in at DH. There's nothing flashy about the Twins pitching staff, but they do the job, and Joe Nathan is back as potentially the most consistent closer in the game.
2. Chicago White Sox
Projected Record: 85-77
Synopsis: The White Sox added a major player in DH/1B Adam Dunn in the offseason, and with the way the ball flies out of US Cellular Field I think he's poised for a fantastic season. The key to this team is their pitching staff. Mark Buerhle had his first season with an ERA over 4 last year after being in the 3s for 3 straight campaigns, Edwin Jackson needs to be consistent, as does Gavin Floyd, and Jake Peavy's durability is a question. I love all the great arms out of their bullpen though. This team is just too iffy, and the Twins are too automatic.
3. Detroit Tigers
Projected Record: 83-79
Synopsis: I love the Tigers offense. Adding Victor Martinez to hit behind 1B Miguel Cabrera (most probably) may be as good of a move as the Sox adding Dunn, but their questions also lay in their pitching. Justin Verlander should be great, and lots of people are sold on Max Scherzer's stuff, but behind them Rick Porcello took a major step back last year and Brad Penny continues to find ways to not stay in the majors. What really pushes the Sox ahead of the Tigers though is the bullpens. Jose Valverde is good enough but Joaquin Benoit could be a 1 year wonder and behind them is no one established.
4. Cleveland Indians
Projected Record: 78-84
Synopsis: Cleveland's got a lot of talent, but they are too raw. This is probably a moment of truth season for the Indians, they got a lot of young talented prospects coming up through the ranks to the majors and its time to see if they can really cut it. Amongst these players is CF Michael Brantley, 1B Matt LaPorta, C Carlos Santana, and SPs Carlos Carrasco and Justin Masterson. If these guys outperform expectations, the Indians could do really well, otherwise, they don't compete. On the positive side, getting Grady Sizemore back should be a surge and closer Chris Perez really established himself last year.
5. Kansas City Royals
Projected Record: 73-89
Synopsis: I feel like the Royals are about a half step behind the Indians. They too have moment of truth guys in SS Alcides Escobar and 1B Kila Ka'aihue, but they have more roster fillers and guys they're hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with. Losing Zack Greinke is a major deal, that basically means not having an assured opportunity to win one out of every 5 games. Even with that, I think the Royals are going the right direction. 1B/DH Billy Butler and closer Joakim Soria are 2 of the league best kept secrets, but guys like never-status-achieving LF Alex Gordon, 3B Wilson Betemit, and SP Bruce Chen hold the Royals back.
AL East
1. Boston Red Sox
Projected Record: 95-67
Synopsis: The Red Sox missed the playoffs last season, but replied by adding stars in LF Carl Crawford and 1B Adrian Gonzalez in the offseason. Lester, Lackey, Bucholz, Beckett, and Matsuzaka is a very formidable starting 5 when healthy, which they finally may be. They also have one of the more deep bullpens in the major leagues. This team is stacked. The questions come from health, particularly the starting rotation and RF JD Drew. But there is also a question at catcher. Can Jarrod Saltalamacchia play at the major league level? I guess we will find out. Either way, the major steps in the offseason pay big dividends for the Red Sox.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
Projected Record: 91-71
Synopsis: Lots of people are down on the Rays, and I understand why, they lost a lot of talented players this offseason, but I feel they can be another Twins type team. They are well managed, have a great pipeline of guys from the minors to majors, and have experience to get the job done. They're also a small market team that isn't afraid to stand toe to toe with the Yanks or Sox. There are a lot of questions on this team, but the pitching is still solid even after losing Matt Garza and much of the bullpen. Lots will also ride on the additions of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, if they have anything left in the tank the Rays offense could be a challenge.
3. New York Yankees
Projected Record: 87-75
Synopsis: The Yankees completely failed this offseason in fixing their biggest issue, their starting rotation. Outside of CC Sabathia, the entire staff is questionable. Phil Hughes had more wins that quality starts last season, meaning he was the lucky recepient of a lot of offense.AJ Burnett is a mental case that could be fantastic or tragically bad, Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia essentially made the rotation by default. The Yankees will score... a lot, I like adding C Russell Martin, but I really don't think they can pitch and they will definitely suffer for it.
4. Toronto Blue Jays
Projected Record: 75-87
Synopsis: On the other hand, the Blue Jays have the potential to craft a strong starting rotation in the coming seasons. Ricky Romero is already an unknown but solid ace; Kyle Drabek, the crowning jewel of the Roy Halladay, trade is major league ready. LF Travis Snider and C JP Arencibia are two other prospects that could also provide a spark. 3B Jose Baustita was the best power threat in the game last year. The problem is a lack of experience, and inconsistency at the positions in the middle of the field. The Jays may be a season or two from putting it all together though and really having a chance to compete, they have a great farm system yet to build off of.
5. Baltimore Orioles
Projected Record: 73-89
Synopsis: The Orioles revamped their infield in the offseason, making their lineup much more formidable, but strikeouts and a reliance on the home run will probably be their undoing, along with a poor starting rotation. 3-5 starters Jake Arrieta, Brad Bergesen, and Chris Tillman are a combined 16-23 in their careers and none of them had an ERA below 4.50 last season. Much like the Yankees, I think the Orioles could score quite a bit, but they don't even have Sabathia, although Jeremy Guthrie is a solid pitcher. Things could be positive if 3B Mark Reynolds can not strike out 200 times this season, 1B Derek Lee doesn't get hurt, LF Luke Scott is consistent, and CF Adam Jones reaches his potential, but that's a lot to ask.
What's the baseline?
AL East Champs: Red Sox
AL Central Champs: Twins
AL West Champs: Rangers
AL Wildcard: Rays
more to come...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
NCAA Basketball Bracket, a Day Late
But better late than never...
That's my NCAA Bracket (I encourage you to click on it for a better look), as clearly I have partaken in the national tradition of filling out a bracket in hopes of predicting the future. I'm not doing this for any type of pool or anything, I just like filling out a bracket and seeing how I do. Allow me to explain a bracket, Hype-style though.
My brackets are characteristically me. There's a method to the madness (no pun intended) if you will.
-Yes, Notre Dame is my champion. I always go for a bit of an unorthodox yet possible champion. I'd don't know if I've ever picked a 1 seed to win it all. I like to go out on that kind of limb.
-Admittedly there are teams that I always extend too far and teams that I always sell short. Teams I favor and teams I don't trust is another way to look at it.
- I always have Ohio teams get deeper than they should since I'm a homer and I'm from Ohio. I actually toned that down this year though. I snubbed Akron against my eventual champ, Notre Dame (like that's going to happen anyway, I have my limits). However, I have Cincinnati in the Sweet 16 after defeating UConn. That's the major Ohio team I favor this year. I also somewhat sell Ohio St. short, in an effort to stick to my tradition of not going with the favorite to win, but they still reach the Final 4.
- Syracuse, Arizona and UCLA also tend to do really well in my brackets, mostly because they are traditional powerhouses that I like (not anything more complex than that). This year is no exception. 'Cuse beats North Carolina and reaches the Elite 8 before running into Ohio St. UCLA doesn't fair as well, losing to BYU in the Sweet 16, but they do beat Florida in the process. Arizona is also an Elite 8 team that beats both Texas and Duke on the way before running into San Diego St. Which leads me to my next tendency.
- Really good small name teams do really well on my bracket too. San Diego St and BYU are this year's recipients of that benefit. San Diego St. makes it to the championship game for me and BYU is an Elite 8 team before losing to Pitt.
- As you can tell, notably Christian schools do well in my brackets. I actually snub St. John's this year, though I've had them and St. Mary's travel deep before, this year I like Gonzaga more. And I had never heard of St. Peter before, no way I'm having them beat a 3. But ND is more champ, so that goes without saying.
As far as selling teams short, I do that a little too.
- I'm tired of both Duke and North Carolina so I tend to cut them short early. I have them both lose in the Sweet 16 here.
- Kansas St. has always for some reason never done well in my brackets either. I think its because I don't really consider K State a basketball school, probably because they are overshadowed in state by Kansas. I have K State upset by Utah St, as my biggest upset actually (too bad that already didn't work out).
-Also, the aforementioned Florida tends to not do well in my brackets. That's mostly because they continue to beat OSU in major sports.
That's at least a Reader's Almanac version of my tendencies and motives of my bracket. A lot of it is a sense of feel as well. Those are the things that make filling out the bracket so fun though. There are so many options, you can easily make a bracket and have it be characteristically you, which is also why I don't bother to make 64646464873 of them. That's my take on it at least.
So far I'm 13-5 in the first round, that's 72.2%. That's okay, good I guess, not great, but all my Elite 8 teams are still in. Unfortunately, I missed Richmond and Morehead St., but got Gonzaga. I swung and missed on Penn St. and Utah St.
Perhaps I will update where my bracket stands in the coming days and weeks.
Until then, world, what say you? Share your tendencies or own aspects for your bracket this year.
What's the baseline?
Pretty simple. NCAA brackets are fun and cool to make individually to a person. This is truly MY bracket. It my thoughts and tendencies. I'd love to pull it off and seem like a genius. You very well may feel similar about yours.
That's my NCAA Bracket (I encourage you to click on it for a better look), as clearly I have partaken in the national tradition of filling out a bracket in hopes of predicting the future. I'm not doing this for any type of pool or anything, I just like filling out a bracket and seeing how I do. Allow me to explain a bracket, Hype-style though.
My brackets are characteristically me. There's a method to the madness (no pun intended) if you will.
-Yes, Notre Dame is my champion. I always go for a bit of an unorthodox yet possible champion. I'd don't know if I've ever picked a 1 seed to win it all. I like to go out on that kind of limb.
-Admittedly there are teams that I always extend too far and teams that I always sell short. Teams I favor and teams I don't trust is another way to look at it.
- I always have Ohio teams get deeper than they should since I'm a homer and I'm from Ohio. I actually toned that down this year though. I snubbed Akron against my eventual champ, Notre Dame (like that's going to happen anyway, I have my limits). However, I have Cincinnati in the Sweet 16 after defeating UConn. That's the major Ohio team I favor this year. I also somewhat sell Ohio St. short, in an effort to stick to my tradition of not going with the favorite to win, but they still reach the Final 4.
- Syracuse, Arizona and UCLA also tend to do really well in my brackets, mostly because they are traditional powerhouses that I like (not anything more complex than that). This year is no exception. 'Cuse beats North Carolina and reaches the Elite 8 before running into Ohio St. UCLA doesn't fair as well, losing to BYU in the Sweet 16, but they do beat Florida in the process. Arizona is also an Elite 8 team that beats both Texas and Duke on the way before running into San Diego St. Which leads me to my next tendency.
- Really good small name teams do really well on my bracket too. San Diego St and BYU are this year's recipients of that benefit. San Diego St. makes it to the championship game for me and BYU is an Elite 8 team before losing to Pitt.
- As you can tell, notably Christian schools do well in my brackets. I actually snub St. John's this year, though I've had them and St. Mary's travel deep before, this year I like Gonzaga more. And I had never heard of St. Peter before, no way I'm having them beat a 3. But ND is more champ, so that goes without saying.
As far as selling teams short, I do that a little too.
- I'm tired of both Duke and North Carolina so I tend to cut them short early. I have them both lose in the Sweet 16 here.
- Kansas St. has always for some reason never done well in my brackets either. I think its because I don't really consider K State a basketball school, probably because they are overshadowed in state by Kansas. I have K State upset by Utah St, as my biggest upset actually (too bad that already didn't work out).
-Also, the aforementioned Florida tends to not do well in my brackets. That's mostly because they continue to beat OSU in major sports.
That's at least a Reader's Almanac version of my tendencies and motives of my bracket. A lot of it is a sense of feel as well. Those are the things that make filling out the bracket so fun though. There are so many options, you can easily make a bracket and have it be characteristically you, which is also why I don't bother to make 64646464873 of them. That's my take on it at least.
So far I'm 13-5 in the first round, that's 72.2%. That's okay, good I guess, not great, but all my Elite 8 teams are still in. Unfortunately, I missed Richmond and Morehead St., but got Gonzaga. I swung and missed on Penn St. and Utah St.
Perhaps I will update where my bracket stands in the coming days and weeks.
Until then, world, what say you? Share your tendencies or own aspects for your bracket this year.
What's the baseline?
Pretty simple. NCAA brackets are fun and cool to make individually to a person. This is truly MY bracket. It my thoughts and tendencies. I'd love to pull it off and seem like a genius. You very well may feel similar about yours.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What Up With Johan Santana?
Before I begin, I'd like to send out best wishes to all those effected by the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. You're in our thoughts here at Baseline Sports. Now for the post...
Anyone who follows the New York Mets knows they certainly can only go as far as their ace pitcher Johan Santana, which is why having Santana miss any time this season is a major setback. Not only has the original setback of surgery and recovery been put in place, reports have been going around the baseball world that Santana has faced his own setback in his recovery. I'm no athletic trainer or doctor, but I do know that Santana had a torn anterior capsule in his shoulder. Shoulder injuries are often considered the most crippling to a pitcher. Santana did pitch most of last season with the injury, and pitched phenomenally when all things are considered, before shutting himself down in September as the Mets found their playoff hopes greatly diminished. Santana shortly had surgery thereafter.
On the one hand, there's this report of Santana not progressing with his off-season rehab like he or the Mets would hope. On the other hand is Santana's and the Mets' own words that he is progressing. They say he's feeling stronger every day. The plan was for Santana to be throwing in the minors by May, as of now though, that has yet to be seen. Santana has not thrown to batters in a game this spring and is just working to get stronger.
At this point, there are a couple of questions to ask about Santana. First, will he pitch this season? Personally, I don't think he will. Where there's smoke, there is usually fire. Talks of Santana having a setback probably mean he's at least not where he'd like to be. It would be very easy for the Mets' southpaw to rush himself back, feeling the pressure of an underachieving team and a huge contract. And of course, rushing himself back will more than likely lead to more injury. If Johan were smart, he'd take his time and hope to come back this season at some point, but not require it like he seems to want to let on. That alone is a bad sign for his season.
The other question is what does this all mean for the Mets? Its going to be hard for the Mets to compete in the NL East as it is. The Phillies most likely have the best pitching staff in the world right now. The Braves could be a very formidable team with their own very good pitching staff. The Marlins are going to be competitive, although young and probably a year away from really being a threat. Without Santana, the Mets lose their stopper. They lose the pitcher they can easily go to and ensure a great chance to win that night's ball game. Those type of guys are incredibly valuable, the Yankees can attest to that with CC Sabathia. Also, the Mets had a fairly quiet offseason, offensively I think they are hoping on the health of Carlos Beltran to boost their offense. Beltran is probably just as if not more fragile than Santana. His backup is more than likely Scott Hairston, who hit .210 in 104 games with San Diego last year. Looking at this, I wouldn't expect the Mets to get much better than they're 25th ranking in OBP or 26th in OPS last year, especially with a weighted schedule meaning they will be facing the Phillies and Braves 19 times. The Mets were 7th in ERA and 12th in quality starts last season, but that was with Santana for most of the year and a strange year from RA Dickey (in his defense, he became a knuckleballer) where he had an ERA almost 2 runs lower than his career ERA. I wouldn't expect to get the same performances from either of these pitchers this year. So, namely, without Santana to anchor the staff or an offense that appears to be able to outscore anybody, this very well could be a down year for the Mets.
What's the baseline?
Don't be surprised if Johan Santana's return date is continually moved back or if he re-injures himself trying to come back too fast. Furthermore, don't be surprised if the Mets don't have much of a leg to stand on this season. All that payroll spent and nothing to show for it...
Anyone who follows the New York Mets knows they certainly can only go as far as their ace pitcher Johan Santana, which is why having Santana miss any time this season is a major setback. Not only has the original setback of surgery and recovery been put in place, reports have been going around the baseball world that Santana has faced his own setback in his recovery. I'm no athletic trainer or doctor, but I do know that Santana had a torn anterior capsule in his shoulder. Shoulder injuries are often considered the most crippling to a pitcher. Santana did pitch most of last season with the injury, and pitched phenomenally when all things are considered, before shutting himself down in September as the Mets found their playoff hopes greatly diminished. Santana shortly had surgery thereafter.
On the one hand, there's this report of Santana not progressing with his off-season rehab like he or the Mets would hope. On the other hand is Santana's and the Mets' own words that he is progressing. They say he's feeling stronger every day. The plan was for Santana to be throwing in the minors by May, as of now though, that has yet to be seen. Santana has not thrown to batters in a game this spring and is just working to get stronger.
At this point, there are a couple of questions to ask about Santana. First, will he pitch this season? Personally, I don't think he will. Where there's smoke, there is usually fire. Talks of Santana having a setback probably mean he's at least not where he'd like to be. It would be very easy for the Mets' southpaw to rush himself back, feeling the pressure of an underachieving team and a huge contract. And of course, rushing himself back will more than likely lead to more injury. If Johan were smart, he'd take his time and hope to come back this season at some point, but not require it like he seems to want to let on. That alone is a bad sign for his season.
The other question is what does this all mean for the Mets? Its going to be hard for the Mets to compete in the NL East as it is. The Phillies most likely have the best pitching staff in the world right now. The Braves could be a very formidable team with their own very good pitching staff. The Marlins are going to be competitive, although young and probably a year away from really being a threat. Without Santana, the Mets lose their stopper. They lose the pitcher they can easily go to and ensure a great chance to win that night's ball game. Those type of guys are incredibly valuable, the Yankees can attest to that with CC Sabathia. Also, the Mets had a fairly quiet offseason, offensively I think they are hoping on the health of Carlos Beltran to boost their offense. Beltran is probably just as if not more fragile than Santana. His backup is more than likely Scott Hairston, who hit .210 in 104 games with San Diego last year. Looking at this, I wouldn't expect the Mets to get much better than they're 25th ranking in OBP or 26th in OPS last year, especially with a weighted schedule meaning they will be facing the Phillies and Braves 19 times. The Mets were 7th in ERA and 12th in quality starts last season, but that was with Santana for most of the year and a strange year from RA Dickey (in his defense, he became a knuckleballer) where he had an ERA almost 2 runs lower than his career ERA. I wouldn't expect to get the same performances from either of these pitchers this year. So, namely, without Santana to anchor the staff or an offense that appears to be able to outscore anybody, this very well could be a down year for the Mets.
What's the baseline?
Don't be surprised if Johan Santana's return date is continually moved back or if he re-injures himself trying to come back too fast. Furthermore, don't be surprised if the Mets don't have much of a leg to stand on this season. All that payroll spent and nothing to show for it...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Jim Tressel Controversy: A Reaction
Before I begin, I think I need to preface this post. I'm from Ohio, I support Ohio State athletics. I'm not a very fervent follower of them, more of a casual fan, as I find my passion to be more in the professional level of sports, but I still pay attention on a fairly large scale. My allegiance to Ohio St. is more in geographics and the fact that many Ohio St. players come from the Cleveland area, where I'm from, than anything else. With all that said, this is not about to be me being a complete and total apologist for Jim Tressel. I refuse to do that. This is merely my opinion, my theory if you will... much speculation is involved to be honest.
Jim Tressel screwed up... in multiple ways. Tressel up until now had been viewed by many as a moral beacon of what college athletics should be. Yes, his program has had issues in the past, but he's always done the right thing. He's been accountable, he's been transparent, and he's been fair. That is, up until this tattoo fiasco with Terrelle Pryor and co. So what does this mean? Is Tressel really just a typical college football coach that schemes and cheats to get around NCAA regulations? Are his mentality and his practices really just as impure as everyone else? I think it would be fair to say coming into this whole situation that if there were anyone you would expect to run a clean program in major college athletics it would be Tressel. And I think at one point he did. Since though, he's lost his way. Honestly, this issue has probably been a couple years coming. At some point, Tressel caved. It became more about winning and the cash that winning creates. It became a lot less about what it once was about at Youngstown St and in the early OSU days. That is, helping to build capable young men while being as successful as possible on the field. Its very easy to fall off-kilter like this. Pressure built on Tressel after Troy Smith left to find the next big QB to run his team. He got desperate and tries to recruit Terrelle Pryor, never mind the fact Pryor doesn't fit into OSU's system. Nor is Pryor the mature hard worker that Kraig Krenzel, Smith, and even Todd Boeckmen were/became. But Pryor is really athletically talented and would put butts in the seats. Never mind the fact that the last time Tressel had a major firecracker of a player, he tried to leave school after his freshman year and was later arrested while in possession of an arsenal of weapons (Maurice Clarett anyone?). Regardless, this move will win OSU games and get them on ESPN all the time. I wouldn't be surprised if Tressel was pressured to do this, but ultimately he did it, not anyone else.
And that was the beginning of the snowball. Pryor admits that he was a whiny punk early in his career at OSU (in not so many words), but Tressel let him play and lead the team throughout his sophomore year, even if he really didn't have all that great of a year outside his Rose Bowl performance. Then coming into his junior year Pryor claimed to be a more mature person, because using Rose Bowl memorabilia to buy tattoos screams maturity. This combination of Tressel letting Pryor do what he wants while essentially being a jerk and they're being no repercussions for it enables the other players to follow suit as well. Ohio State football becomes just like any other college football program: smug, with a greater than thou attitude. They're overly-privileged young people for all the wrong reasons. Then, when Tressel finds out about the violations of his players, he knows he's invested too much and already put too much at risk to turn in his players and give it all in now. He's officially at the mercy of the NCAA and the media finding out. All he can do is hope for the best. And it worked for a while, but not ultimately. Tressel really was wrong in this, had he just turned in his players to college officials he would have at least been in the clear from being marred with this controversy. All that I am saying above is that I understand why he didn't. That however, certainly doesn't make it right.
What's the baseline?
I'd contend Tressel's first mistake was recruiting Terrelle Pryor, and honestly I would not be surprised if he actually regrets it right now. Pryor is a symbol of Tressel getting away from his core values, and ultimately it has bit him on the butt. I think Tressel really did start as a genuinely intentioned man, and I think he could be again, but he was clearly at fault for poor judgment from the day he went after Terrelle Pryor and even until today, as he has yet to apologize for his actions. I'd be embarrassed too.
(photo courtesy of oregonlive.com)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Motivated Lakers Still Scary Good
Yes, everyone in the basketball world right now is talking about the Miami Heat and their fourth straight loss to a quality opponent. It happens, and I'm frustrated. We learned nothing new from Sunday's Heat loss at the hands of the Chicago Bulls. The Heat are disjointed, they've yet to play well together. Its the same song and dance we have been doing most of the season. People are really missing the relevant story.
Something else happened Sunday in San Antonio that was a lot more of a declaration to the NBA world than the Heat's defeat. In case you hadn't noticed, the Los Angeles Lakers actually showed up to play yesterday. Not only did they show up to play, they absolutely handed it to the San Antonio Spurs, the best team record-wise in the NBA. This game was more of a blowout than the 99-83 final score would even dictate. The Lakers led by 32 at one point in the 3rd quarter. They jumped out early and didn't let the Spurs back into the game.
Could it be that the LA Lakers that we've been waiting for all season have finally arrived? I've been hard on them for most of the NBA campaign, and I think rightfully so. The Lakers have looked very disinterested at times, they have very few big wins this season and haven't been the toast of the Western Conference. To be honest, they've been outplayed by both the Spurs and the Mavericks most of the way. However, that may finally be turning around. Not only did the Lakers jump out in front, the given circumstances of their victory were just that much more of a statement.
Kobe Bryant shot an efficient 48% from the floor, while still taking 25 shots. Overall, the Lakers shot 47% and only surrendered 6 turnovers against one of if not the best defense in the NBA. Their 26 assists made for a fantastic assist/turnover ratio of 4.33. In fact, LA looked like the defensive standard setters last night. San Antonio shot 36%. Tony Parker was their only starter in double figures. Ron Artest essentially deactivated Richard Jefferson, who had 1 point. Tim Duncan had a +/- of -29. On the other side, Andrew Bynum was big. He pulled down 17 rebounds.
The resounding victory also came on San Antonio's home floor, where the Spurs had won a franchise record 22 in a row. Furthermore, this wasn't a back-to-back for the Spurs, and they don't play again until Wednesday. There's no way they took the night off, let alone when you consider the fact this is a Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan led team playing a major playoff competitor. The Lakers have now also won seven straight games and may be getting hot at the right time to make a statement and ride their wave into the playoffs.
Sunday was just the beginning of the Lakers getting their mettle tested though, they play the Heat, Mavericks, and Magic all within the next seven days. The Orlando game is the only home one. I think at least showing up with the same competitive fire to win these games is the statement the Lakers need to make to really prove themselves going into the playoffs. With that, they can really resolidify themselves as the ultimate force to be dealt with in a Western Conference that's seen them either lose their way or not take anything seriously all season.
Then again, they may not feel the need to prove their own ability to themselves. Maybe Sunday was enough, maybe they think they can just continue to cruise their way into the playoffs and then turn it on. With most teams, I wouldn't subscribe to that theory, but after a night like last night, the Lakers may have convinced me they are capable of just that sort of thing. If nothing else, the contrast of the three games the Lakers and Spurs have played this season really draws me to the idea of a Lakers-Spurs 7 game series this May.
What's the baseline?
The Lakers haven't gone anywhere, they've just been taking it easy, a luxury that they may actually have and utilize. People have questioned the Lakers ability to come back and win a third straight Western Conference Title, and rightfully so. They've looked lackadaisical all season. After a night like last night though, I think its fair to say the Lakers are far from dead in the water. Watch them this week. It will say a lot about their team.
Something else happened Sunday in San Antonio that was a lot more of a declaration to the NBA world than the Heat's defeat. In case you hadn't noticed, the Los Angeles Lakers actually showed up to play yesterday. Not only did they show up to play, they absolutely handed it to the San Antonio Spurs, the best team record-wise in the NBA. This game was more of a blowout than the 99-83 final score would even dictate. The Lakers led by 32 at one point in the 3rd quarter. They jumped out early and didn't let the Spurs back into the game.
Could it be that the LA Lakers that we've been waiting for all season have finally arrived? I've been hard on them for most of the NBA campaign, and I think rightfully so. The Lakers have looked very disinterested at times, they have very few big wins this season and haven't been the toast of the Western Conference. To be honest, they've been outplayed by both the Spurs and the Mavericks most of the way. However, that may finally be turning around. Not only did the Lakers jump out in front, the given circumstances of their victory were just that much more of a statement.
Kobe Bryant shot an efficient 48% from the floor, while still taking 25 shots. Overall, the Lakers shot 47% and only surrendered 6 turnovers against one of if not the best defense in the NBA. Their 26 assists made for a fantastic assist/turnover ratio of 4.33. In fact, LA looked like the defensive standard setters last night. San Antonio shot 36%. Tony Parker was their only starter in double figures. Ron Artest essentially deactivated Richard Jefferson, who had 1 point. Tim Duncan had a +/- of -29. On the other side, Andrew Bynum was big. He pulled down 17 rebounds.
The resounding victory also came on San Antonio's home floor, where the Spurs had won a franchise record 22 in a row. Furthermore, this wasn't a back-to-back for the Spurs, and they don't play again until Wednesday. There's no way they took the night off, let alone when you consider the fact this is a Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan led team playing a major playoff competitor. The Lakers have now also won seven straight games and may be getting hot at the right time to make a statement and ride their wave into the playoffs.
Sunday was just the beginning of the Lakers getting their mettle tested though, they play the Heat, Mavericks, and Magic all within the next seven days. The Orlando game is the only home one. I think at least showing up with the same competitive fire to win these games is the statement the Lakers need to make to really prove themselves going into the playoffs. With that, they can really resolidify themselves as the ultimate force to be dealt with in a Western Conference that's seen them either lose their way or not take anything seriously all season.
Then again, they may not feel the need to prove their own ability to themselves. Maybe Sunday was enough, maybe they think they can just continue to cruise their way into the playoffs and then turn it on. With most teams, I wouldn't subscribe to that theory, but after a night like last night, the Lakers may have convinced me they are capable of just that sort of thing. If nothing else, the contrast of the three games the Lakers and Spurs have played this season really draws me to the idea of a Lakers-Spurs 7 game series this May.
What's the baseline?
The Lakers haven't gone anywhere, they've just been taking it easy, a luxury that they may actually have and utilize. People have questioned the Lakers ability to come back and win a third straight Western Conference Title, and rightfully so. They've looked lackadaisical all season. After a night like last night though, I think its fair to say the Lakers are far from dead in the water. Watch them this week. It will say a lot about their team.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Why I Can't Support the NFL Lockout
Unless you haven't bothered to watch a minuscule amount of sports coverage over the last week or so, you probably know that this past week the NFL nearly escaped a lockout and work stoppage for the time being. The NFL and the NFL Players Association had a deadline of Thursday before the collective bargaining agreement between the two sides would be at an impasse. At that point the NFL teams would lock their doors and refute any of the players attempts to play the new 2011 season in September. However, the two sides were able to come together to extend the old collective bargaining agreement for another week, in hopes that by the time the new deadline comes the two sides will be able to settle their differences. The two sides could then avoid a lockout that would send a profound divide between them. As of now no such new deal has been made and we are still on pace for a lockout. There are some positives though.
The extension brings hope. The fact that both sides were willing to agree to an extension says that they both feel they are close enough in their talks that an agreement doesn't seem that far off. Furthermore, now with the precedent set, if another extension of the CBA is needed, it can be done. I think there is therefore a definite possibility that the NFL will avoid a lockout.
And honestly, I really hope such a scenario can be avoided. I'd like to explain why.
For one, the whole idea of millionaires and billionaires squabbling over how much money they are making to me is distasteful. Personally, I have no issue with the fact athletes make as much as they do. Its capitalism. Hardly any American professional sports teams deficit spend, particularly on payroll. These players are merely being paid a portion of the revenue the teams are making; money they have made in goodwill by selling a highly popular product that millions consume. Unless people stop watching sports, its not going to change, and really people shouldn't have to stop watching sports anyway.
That's all just a tangent though. The real point is that, these people DO make all this money, and the fact they can't be grateful about it is disturbing. The idea that the players want a larger portion of the revenue is asinine. The get paid handsomely to play a game, that's a distinct privilege and for the players to thumb their nose at that privilege and want more simply reeks of greed. As for the people that say the players will suffer from a lockout because they won't get paid; I have no sympathy for the players in such an instance. The players knew this lockout was possible, they were warned about it 2 years ago. No one held a gun to their heads and told them to buy that new Bugatti as opposed to saving their cash for a rainy day.
At Super Bowl week Hines Ward mentioned that if the lockout comes the players "won't even have health insurance'". Once again, I have very little sympathy. How many of the 40 million people in this country right now that don't have health insurance make at least six figures a year? My guess is not that many. Those people deserve sympathy and help, not these well-paid athletes. Finally, I do concede that the average NFL players' career is only 3 and a half years and players get tossed out of the league and onto the street fast, especially in a contact sport without guaranteed contracts, but those elements are just as much a part of capitalism as the fact the players get paid so handsomely. NFL players talk about how getting hurt is part of the game. Lots of current players mentioned in relation to concussions this year that they play the game assuming that risk for injury. Do they not assume similar risks when they decide to sign a contract to play football? They created their own destiny. If they want to focus their lives around a profession where the average employee last 3.5 years, that's their choice and they need to live with the consequences.
Now, I've probably painted a bad picture of the players, but let me clear, they are not solely at fault in this scenario. The NFL is the most profitable sports entity in the world. ESPN has spent billions of dollars on Monday Night Football rights. Most stadiums sell out every week and football is the most popular sport in America. The NFL owners could afford to cough up some of their share of the revenue too. They really are just as greedy. Also, the 18 game schedule is a terrible idea. Roger Goodell cannot sit and say he wants to focus on the health and safety of his players and then extend the season 2 games. That just doesn't make any sense. Yet, I do think the NFL has a duty to ensure the safety of its players. OSHA does it most other places. People need to be safe at work, no matter what their work is, and that shouldn't be any different for athletes.
In the end, I would say both sides just need to make their concessions and move on. Everybody in this scenario is a privileged individual, and they stand to make a lot of money no matter the outcome. The real people that would lose out from a lockout are all the people that work for the teams that aren't players or executives, basically everyone not involved in this spat. The facility people, the marketers, the accountants, and so on stand to lose their jobs. They aren't making millions. They need their work, and the greed of a handful of millionaires is going to create more unemployment. Its wrong. Maybe the NFL can drop the schedule change and the league can work towards more safety. In return the players will take the same cut of the revenue.
What's the baseline?
Its a slippery situation, but when it really comes down to it, both sides really need to get a grip. The greed of already millionaires and billionaires is going to rob the common folk of their jobs and entertainment. Everyone needs to spend their money smarter, and athletes and executives shouldn't be exempt from that.
The extension brings hope. The fact that both sides were willing to agree to an extension says that they both feel they are close enough in their talks that an agreement doesn't seem that far off. Furthermore, now with the precedent set, if another extension of the CBA is needed, it can be done. I think there is therefore a definite possibility that the NFL will avoid a lockout.
And honestly, I really hope such a scenario can be avoided. I'd like to explain why.
For one, the whole idea of millionaires and billionaires squabbling over how much money they are making to me is distasteful. Personally, I have no issue with the fact athletes make as much as they do. Its capitalism. Hardly any American professional sports teams deficit spend, particularly on payroll. These players are merely being paid a portion of the revenue the teams are making; money they have made in goodwill by selling a highly popular product that millions consume. Unless people stop watching sports, its not going to change, and really people shouldn't have to stop watching sports anyway.
That's all just a tangent though. The real point is that, these people DO make all this money, and the fact they can't be grateful about it is disturbing. The idea that the players want a larger portion of the revenue is asinine. The get paid handsomely to play a game, that's a distinct privilege and for the players to thumb their nose at that privilege and want more simply reeks of greed. As for the people that say the players will suffer from a lockout because they won't get paid; I have no sympathy for the players in such an instance. The players knew this lockout was possible, they were warned about it 2 years ago. No one held a gun to their heads and told them to buy that new Bugatti as opposed to saving their cash for a rainy day.
At Super Bowl week Hines Ward mentioned that if the lockout comes the players "won't even have health insurance'". Once again, I have very little sympathy. How many of the 40 million people in this country right now that don't have health insurance make at least six figures a year? My guess is not that many. Those people deserve sympathy and help, not these well-paid athletes. Finally, I do concede that the average NFL players' career is only 3 and a half years and players get tossed out of the league and onto the street fast, especially in a contact sport without guaranteed contracts, but those elements are just as much a part of capitalism as the fact the players get paid so handsomely. NFL players talk about how getting hurt is part of the game. Lots of current players mentioned in relation to concussions this year that they play the game assuming that risk for injury. Do they not assume similar risks when they decide to sign a contract to play football? They created their own destiny. If they want to focus their lives around a profession where the average employee last 3.5 years, that's their choice and they need to live with the consequences.
Now, I've probably painted a bad picture of the players, but let me clear, they are not solely at fault in this scenario. The NFL is the most profitable sports entity in the world. ESPN has spent billions of dollars on Monday Night Football rights. Most stadiums sell out every week and football is the most popular sport in America. The NFL owners could afford to cough up some of their share of the revenue too. They really are just as greedy. Also, the 18 game schedule is a terrible idea. Roger Goodell cannot sit and say he wants to focus on the health and safety of his players and then extend the season 2 games. That just doesn't make any sense. Yet, I do think the NFL has a duty to ensure the safety of its players. OSHA does it most other places. People need to be safe at work, no matter what their work is, and that shouldn't be any different for athletes.
In the end, I would say both sides just need to make their concessions and move on. Everybody in this scenario is a privileged individual, and they stand to make a lot of money no matter the outcome. The real people that would lose out from a lockout are all the people that work for the teams that aren't players or executives, basically everyone not involved in this spat. The facility people, the marketers, the accountants, and so on stand to lose their jobs. They aren't making millions. They need their work, and the greed of a handful of millionaires is going to create more unemployment. Its wrong. Maybe the NFL can drop the schedule change and the league can work towards more safety. In return the players will take the same cut of the revenue.
What's the baseline?
Its a slippery situation, but when it really comes down to it, both sides really need to get a grip. The greed of already millionaires and billionaires is going to rob the common folk of their jobs and entertainment. Everyone needs to spend their money smarter, and athletes and executives shouldn't be exempt from that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)