* Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports authored a column earlier this week proposing a BCS playoff system that was unlike the majority of the suggestions I have seen. In this proposal, each of the conference champions for all 11 conferences in D-I, along with 5 at large teams, would be entered into a 16 team playoff. I thought it was an innovative, inclusive, and great idea. Of course, it won't ever happen, primarily because it would require the 6 power BCS conferences to share the riches with their inferior brethren. Not only that, but, last time I checked, Notre Dame is an independent. Where do they fit? Because they can't be left to only fend for one of the five at large berths, can they? The horror!
* For an outfielder who the Mets seemed to previously hold in high regard and who several teams throughout MLB supposedly had sought in trades in earlier years, the Mets did not seem to get a premium return for OF Lastings Milledge. Ryan Church and Brian Schneider? Really? Not only do the Mets unload one of their premium prospects for a platoon outfielder and an offensively challenged catcher, but they fail to obtain any pitching in exchange for Milledge, which seemed to be the primary need for the Mets going into this offseason.
* Could Mitt Romney's answer to a question posed to him regarding torture and waterboarding during the Republican debate this past week been more evasive? Could he have looked more uncomfortable? Actually, yes. His answers to a question about gays in the military was even worse. Brutal. And wholly indicative of the type of leader he may be. Shuffle him and his consistently changing convictions to the rear of the pack.
30 November 2007
The ESPN Ombudsman and Sean Taylor...
After listening to Colin Cowherd's commentary on the death of Sean Taylor on Wednesday, I was motivated to actually send an email to Le Anne Schreiber, the ESPN.com ombudsman, which I'm sure will have no effect and join the pile of venomous correspondence that I hope his words have generated. Dan Steinberg of DC Sports Bog on washingtonpost.com, initially posted excerpts of Cowherd's comments and his reaction to those comments on Wednesday. Bravo to Steinberg for calling out this kind of hateful BS. Here's the comments I sent on, likely to disappear into the ether of ESPN.com:
Ms. Schreiber--
On Wednesday, November 28, Colin Cowherd provided commentary regarding the shooting death of Sean Taylor. Normally, I do not listen to his show in the mornings due to my experiences in having listened to his show when he initially took the time slot after Tony Kornheiser's departure from ESPN Radio. He is a stereotypical example of a sports talk show host, making inflammatory and absolute statements on issues, deriding those who disagree with his point of view. I feel that ESPN Radio greatly devalued its programming lineup when it brought him onto the air. ESPN Radio, to that point, seemed to provide a reasonable platform that made their bevy of knowledgeable experts even more accessible to the public.
Due to the death of Sean Taylor, I was listening to multiple platforms to glean information and listen to reaction. While former ESPN personality Dan Patrick attempted to not rush to judgment and encouraged others to not do so as well, Cowherd plowed forward, declaring that he was providing "big boy radio", insulting those who felt his "analysis" was insulting, unfounded, and out of place. Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post, posted multiple excerpts of Cowherd's broadcast on his DC Sports Bog at washingtonpost.com. Based upon what I personally heard on Cowherd's broadcast, as well as what I subsequently read on the Washington Post website, Cowherd indeed seemed to take on a sanctimonious and superior attitude based upon his conclusions about the motivations surrounding the crime perpetrated on Sean Taylor, principally based on the widely reported comments of the Arizona Cardinals' Antrel Rolle. Listening to Cowherd's commentary, hearing him criticize and mock those who may have disagreed with his commentary and his timing, observing his interaction with multiple callers (one of whom had the gall to forward a theory that Taylor may have been the victim of a "love triangle" type situation, to which Cowherd responded by thanking him for the call and doing nothing to balance this outrageous, unfounded, and disrespectful theory), I was left open mouthed, shocked, and completely disgusted.
As in most cases where sports radio types such as Cowherd are shown to be incorrect upon further contemplation or the unfolding of events, I am sure that Cowherd will not revisit the issue now that his theories have been proven to be extremely detached from reality.
His representation of the issue was simply the final straw in the disappointing coverage of the Sean Taylor case, particularly in its early going when ESPN chose to keep its broadcasting emphasis on a re-hashing of one of its prized properties, Monday Night Football.
A disgraceful display was put on by many facets of the media on this story, but to see ESPN and one of its seemingly showcase members take the lead in this fashion is disturbing and will cause me to forego listening to ESPN Radio until Cowherd is removed from the lineup.
Thank you.
Ms. Schreiber--
On Wednesday, November 28, Colin Cowherd provided commentary regarding the shooting death of Sean Taylor. Normally, I do not listen to his show in the mornings due to my experiences in having listened to his show when he initially took the time slot after Tony Kornheiser's departure from ESPN Radio. He is a stereotypical example of a sports talk show host, making inflammatory and absolute statements on issues, deriding those who disagree with his point of view. I feel that ESPN Radio greatly devalued its programming lineup when it brought him onto the air. ESPN Radio, to that point, seemed to provide a reasonable platform that made their bevy of knowledgeable experts even more accessible to the public.
Due to the death of Sean Taylor, I was listening to multiple platforms to glean information and listen to reaction. While former ESPN personality Dan Patrick attempted to not rush to judgment and encouraged others to not do so as well, Cowherd plowed forward, declaring that he was providing "big boy radio", insulting those who felt his "analysis" was insulting, unfounded, and out of place. Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post, posted multiple excerpts of Cowherd's broadcast on his DC Sports Bog at washingtonpost.com. Based upon what I personally heard on Cowherd's broadcast, as well as what I subsequently read on the Washington Post website, Cowherd indeed seemed to take on a sanctimonious and superior attitude based upon his conclusions about the motivations surrounding the crime perpetrated on Sean Taylor, principally based on the widely reported comments of the Arizona Cardinals' Antrel Rolle. Listening to Cowherd's commentary, hearing him criticize and mock those who may have disagreed with his commentary and his timing, observing his interaction with multiple callers (one of whom had the gall to forward a theory that Taylor may have been the victim of a "love triangle" type situation, to which Cowherd responded by thanking him for the call and doing nothing to balance this outrageous, unfounded, and disrespectful theory), I was left open mouthed, shocked, and completely disgusted.
As in most cases where sports radio types such as Cowherd are shown to be incorrect upon further contemplation or the unfolding of events, I am sure that Cowherd will not revisit the issue now that his theories have been proven to be extremely detached from reality.
His representation of the issue was simply the final straw in the disappointing coverage of the Sean Taylor case, particularly in its early going when ESPN chose to keep its broadcasting emphasis on a re-hashing of one of its prized properties, Monday Night Football.
A disgraceful display was put on by many facets of the media on this story, but to see ESPN and one of its seemingly showcase members take the lead in this fashion is disturbing and will cause me to forego listening to ESPN Radio until Cowherd is removed from the lineup.
Thank you.
27 November 2007
The Passing of Sean Taylor...
It's striking to sift through the coverage of the shooting death of 'Skins safety Sean Taylor and see the different viewpoints emanating from so many writers. Articles range from paeans to his athletic talents, testimonials on the personal evolution he had experienced, commentaries on what his killing embodies for society, and, at least from my perspective, columns, with cold regard for the circumstances, speculating on what his loss means for the Washington Redskins from an on field view. Perhaps most interesting are those who have, to varying degrees, speculated on the role that Taylor himself played in his own demise. Some explicitly contemplate if Taylor had indeed separated himself from his history, others insinuated that their forum was not the proper place or at the proper time to speculate, but then asked a throwaway question along the lines of whether or not his past had caught up to him. In either case, it's a microcosm of the constant need to assign blame in every situation.
Sometimes, bad things happen. Sometimes, they happen to good people. And, while there may have been bumps in the road, it appears that, by the majority of accounts, Sean Taylor was a good person. The outpouring of grief in the DC area is proof positive of that.
I have no personal stake in his passing. But, as a fan of the 'Skins and a fan of football, I know that I will miss watching him play. He was a phenomenal and unique talent who had a boundless future on the football field. That football future has been irrevocably taken. If only the rest of his future had remained intact.
Sometimes, bad things happen. Sometimes, they happen to good people. And, while there may have been bumps in the road, it appears that, by the majority of accounts, Sean Taylor was a good person. The outpouring of grief in the DC area is proof positive of that.
I have no personal stake in his passing. But, as a fan of the 'Skins and a fan of football, I know that I will miss watching him play. He was a phenomenal and unique talent who had a boundless future on the football field. That football future has been irrevocably taken. If only the rest of his future had remained intact.
25 November 2007
Six Turnovers!? SIX!?
Coach Joe and his staff have gotten a lot of heat over the course of the season. After this game, the focus likely will (and should) shift to the performance of the players. The Redskins turned the ball over on 6 different occasions, with 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions. QB Jason Campbell was responsible for 3 of those turnovers as he again played very well, but overshadowed his own performance by giving the ball away, particularly with 2 late egregious interceptions. His wide receivers continued to drop passes at an alarming rate, with at least 4 drops throughout the game, the worst coming on a drop by Keenan McCardell, that would have given the Skins a first down at inside the red zone, which, instead, resulted in a Suisham field goal. Coach Joe departed from some of this conservative tendencies as he twice elected to go for it on 4th downs, with the Skins failing to convert on the more crucial of the two at the Bucs 2 yard line.
Shockingly, at 5-6, the Skins are still in the playoff race in the putrid NFC. They join the Saints, the Cardinals (who were very 'Zona like in losing to the Trent Dilfer led 49ers in a shootout), Vikings (how do the Giants lose to this one dimensional team? Oh yeah, Eli provides the aerial attack FOR the Vikings.), Bears (DON'T KICK IT TO HESTER!), and, likely, the Eagles (and, on the first pass for Feeley...Asante Samuel to the house.) after they get blasted by the Patriots. One game ahead, at 6-5, are the rapidly decelerating Lions. The Saints are the only team of the group with a winning record in the conference, giving them a lead in the tiebreaker department.
Even if the Skins get into the playoffs, will it really matter? I still hold hope that it could, with the battle tested Gibbs at the helm and an improving offense and capable defense, particularly once S Sean Taylor returns from injury. The Redskins continue to give games away while demonstrating glimpses of a team that can compete with the best that the NFC has to offer. But, unless they can develop some sort of killer instinct and eliminate the mistakes that have plagued this team for the last 3 years, they're likely to spend the offseason ruminating about what went wrong.
Whoops. I meant to say Seven Turnovers!? SEVEN! Forgot the turnover on downs. Nicely done.
Shockingly, at 5-6, the Skins are still in the playoff race in the putrid NFC. They join the Saints, the Cardinals (who were very 'Zona like in losing to the Trent Dilfer led 49ers in a shootout), Vikings (how do the Giants lose to this one dimensional team? Oh yeah, Eli provides the aerial attack FOR the Vikings.), Bears (DON'T KICK IT TO HESTER!), and, likely, the Eagles (and, on the first pass for Feeley...Asante Samuel to the house.) after they get blasted by the Patriots. One game ahead, at 6-5, are the rapidly decelerating Lions. The Saints are the only team of the group with a winning record in the conference, giving them a lead in the tiebreaker department.
Even if the Skins get into the playoffs, will it really matter? I still hold hope that it could, with the battle tested Gibbs at the helm and an improving offense and capable defense, particularly once S Sean Taylor returns from injury. The Redskins continue to give games away while demonstrating glimpses of a team that can compete with the best that the NFC has to offer. But, unless they can develop some sort of killer instinct and eliminate the mistakes that have plagued this team for the last 3 years, they're likely to spend the offseason ruminating about what went wrong.
Whoops. I meant to say Seven Turnovers!? SEVEN! Forgot the turnover on downs. Nicely done.
Hokies-'Hoos...
And the senior class of 2007 goes out a perfect 4 of 4 against the 'Hoos. Both QBs make it through the entire game and demonstrate the diverse skills that each brings to the offense. Taylor provided the dual threat, particularly inside the red zone. Glennon continued to take advantage of the excellent play of the offensive line, making outstanding throws, particularly on the late strike to Eddie Royal to end the first half. Branden Ore showed the jump cuts and acceleration that were hallmarks of his outstanding 2006 season. The defense played well enough, though they did struggle to keep the 'Hoos from scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Jud Dunlevy continues to have a nice season and reserve safety Davon Morgan blocked a punt, ensuring contributions from every unit.
The Hokies now get another crack at BC, looking vastly improved from the version that coughed up a late lead in Lane. With a win, the Hokies get to go to a BCS bowl and look back at what might have been had they not suffered that heartbreaker against BC.
The Hokies now get another crack at BC, looking vastly improved from the version that coughed up a late lead in Lane. With a win, the Hokies get to go to a BCS bowl and look back at what might have been had they not suffered that heartbreaker against BC.
23 November 2007
Torii and the Angels...
A few days ago, when the trade of Orlando Cabrera for Jon Garland was announced, the general reaction seemed to be a big "huh"? In an offseason where every expert across every platform has decried the Angels' need to obtain a big stick to accompany Vlad Guerrero in the batting order, this subtraction of one of the better run producers from the lineup in exchange for, in essence, a sixth member of the pitching rotation, seemed directly contrary to those opinions. It also seemed to be a move that was indicative of several more to come in GM Tony Reagins' first offseason at the helm of the organization.
In the case of the Cabrera trade, an analysis focused solely on the merits of each player outside of the framework of the respective teams would seem to indicate a win for the Angels. Cabrera is an above average defensive shortstop (on the surface...delving deeply into range factor and other fielding stats is a little too time consuming) who enjoyed a career type year at the plate. Trading him at the top of his value for a pitcher who has won double digit games each of the past three years in an MLB universe where the current premium is clearly on the pitching side of the equation, where a reliever like Scott Linebrink gets almost 5 million per, where starters like Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse are seeking more than 10 million per year.
Hunter replaces some of the offense lost. The net gain requires that the Angels and Reagins continue the quest for additional offensive pieces. The cost of the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera remains prohibitive, particularly as the current demands of the Marlins would require some of the few remaining pieces of quality youth in the infield, which is currently stocked with a lot of young, inexpensive, and relatively unproven players. The Angels have done a great job of filling holes in the ballclub with youth from the minors, particularly when dealing with injuries last season. If the Angels can replace some of the infield pieces (Wood, Kendrick) with members of their currently stocked outfield (Rivera, Willits) or their pitching staff (Santana, Saunders), the Angels will strengthen themselves for now and later years down the road. If the Marlins can not be persuaded to modify their demands, Reagins will have to employ his imagination and use some persuasion in a similar fashion to the thinking that enabled the decision makers to choose to sign a CF when they signed one to an overvalued contract just last season.
In the case of the Cabrera trade, an analysis focused solely on the merits of each player outside of the framework of the respective teams would seem to indicate a win for the Angels. Cabrera is an above average defensive shortstop (on the surface...delving deeply into range factor and other fielding stats is a little too time consuming) who enjoyed a career type year at the plate. Trading him at the top of his value for a pitcher who has won double digit games each of the past three years in an MLB universe where the current premium is clearly on the pitching side of the equation, where a reliever like Scott Linebrink gets almost 5 million per, where starters like Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse are seeking more than 10 million per year.
Hunter replaces some of the offense lost. The net gain requires that the Angels and Reagins continue the quest for additional offensive pieces. The cost of the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera remains prohibitive, particularly as the current demands of the Marlins would require some of the few remaining pieces of quality youth in the infield, which is currently stocked with a lot of young, inexpensive, and relatively unproven players. The Angels have done a great job of filling holes in the ballclub with youth from the minors, particularly when dealing with injuries last season. If the Angels can replace some of the infield pieces (Wood, Kendrick) with members of their currently stocked outfield (Rivera, Willits) or their pitching staff (Santana, Saunders), the Angels will strengthen themselves for now and later years down the road. If the Marlins can not be persuaded to modify their demands, Reagins will have to employ his imagination and use some persuasion in a similar fashion to the thinking that enabled the decision makers to choose to sign a CF when they signed one to an overvalued contract just last season.
Everything Just Changed...
...as LSU goes down at home in triple OT to Arkansas, 50-48. A lot of the punditocracy believed that the Razorbacks would give LSU some trouble. For weeks, LSU has struggled, looking nothing like the team that started the season routing Miss St and VT. A great deal of that could be heaped upon the attrition of their personnel. While players such as Dorsey, Flynn, Hester, Steltz, Favorite and Doucet were in the lineup, they seemed to be limited physically, unable to put up the kind of performances that LSU had built its reputation on. Week after week, LSU was escaping against some relatively mediocre teams (Ole Miss, Alabama). This loss was set up by the struggles that LSU's defense had against Ole Miss last week as they generated no pressure on Rebel QBs and gave up a lot of yards to a bad offense. In the end, they lost to an Arkansas team that was up and down all year and whose uneven performance has reportedly cost their head coach his job. The LSU team that started the season may have been national championship caliber. This LSU team is not and has not been for several weeks.
(On a side note...what a block by Arkansas QB Casey Dick on McFadden's long distance touchdown run in the 3rd QTR. Phenomenal.)
Can WVU take care of business tomorrow and put away the Huskies? And follow that up with what everyone will assume to be a blowout against Wannstedt's Pitt Panthers?
The madness continues...
(On a side note...what a block by Arkansas QB Casey Dick on McFadden's long distance touchdown run in the 3rd QTR. Phenomenal.)
Can WVU take care of business tomorrow and put away the Huskies? And follow that up with what everyone will assume to be a blowout against Wannstedt's Pitt Panthers?
The madness continues...
05 November 2007
Steve Phillips is a Genius...
Just listened to Steve Phillips give his prescription to make the Dodgers a contender once again. In a segment on ESPNews on the introduction of Joe Torre as Dodgers' manager (who, by the way, looked really odd in a Dodgers cap and jersey), Phillips mentioned two areas that the Dodgers need to upgrade in order to add power to the lineup.
First, third base. According to the former Mets' GM, the Dodgers should get in on the trade talks for the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera. Failing that, the Dodgers should check with Scott Boras to see what the price would be for A-Rod.
Second, center field. Move Juan Pierre to left and pursue Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter. If unable to entice one of those two, make a call to Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron.
Lastly, once you've gotten those two positions addressed, give the Twins a call and trade for Johan Santana. Genius!!
I'm not sure how Phillips was ever fired! Why hasn't anyone else in MLB thought of this?
Let's see here. Let's say you sign A-Rod (30 mil per) and Hunter/Jones (15 mil per?). The Dodgers spent around 90 mil for their entire payroll last year. So, McCourt, an owner who reportedly took on a great deal of debt just to purchase the Dodgers and has not thus far demonstrated the will or ability to REALLY loosen the purse strings, would increase his payroll by 50%? Whoops. Forgot about Santana's extension. After all, you're not going to trade some combination from the pupu platter of Martin, LaRoche, Lu, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, and Kershaw and then lose Johan in a year. So, another, what, 23 mil for Santana? That brings the final total to around 160 million a year, trailing only the Yankees in total payroll.
Take a different route and you're likely going to have to shell out a similar amount of money to extend Cabrera, sign Cameron/Roward, and extend Santana. In that case, it's doubtful that, after trading for Cabrera, you'd have the necessary pieces for Santana unless the Dodgers choose to completely gut the farm system they have spent the last 7 years building.
Listening to Phillips is like listening to a drunken fan speculate on what Colletti should do. The only thing that would make this worse is to listen to the two Steves debate their differing viewpoints. No wonder you don't hear this guy's name come back up for a vacant GM job. Idiot.
First, third base. According to the former Mets' GM, the Dodgers should get in on the trade talks for the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera. Failing that, the Dodgers should check with Scott Boras to see what the price would be for A-Rod.
Second, center field. Move Juan Pierre to left and pursue Andruw Jones or Torii Hunter. If unable to entice one of those two, make a call to Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron.
Lastly, once you've gotten those two positions addressed, give the Twins a call and trade for Johan Santana. Genius!!
I'm not sure how Phillips was ever fired! Why hasn't anyone else in MLB thought of this?
Let's see here. Let's say you sign A-Rod (30 mil per) and Hunter/Jones (15 mil per?). The Dodgers spent around 90 mil for their entire payroll last year. So, McCourt, an owner who reportedly took on a great deal of debt just to purchase the Dodgers and has not thus far demonstrated the will or ability to REALLY loosen the purse strings, would increase his payroll by 50%? Whoops. Forgot about Santana's extension. After all, you're not going to trade some combination from the pupu platter of Martin, LaRoche, Lu, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, and Kershaw and then lose Johan in a year. So, another, what, 23 mil for Santana? That brings the final total to around 160 million a year, trailing only the Yankees in total payroll.
Take a different route and you're likely going to have to shell out a similar amount of money to extend Cabrera, sign Cameron/Roward, and extend Santana. In that case, it's doubtful that, after trading for Cabrera, you'd have the necessary pieces for Santana unless the Dodgers choose to completely gut the farm system they have spent the last 7 years building.
Listening to Phillips is like listening to a drunken fan speculate on what Colletti should do. The only thing that would make this worse is to listen to the two Steves debate their differing viewpoints. No wonder you don't hear this guy's name come back up for a vacant GM job. Idiot.
01 November 2007
Quick Hits...
* That scream emanating from LA? Nope, it's not reaction to another Kobe rumor, but the agony of Dodgers' reliever Scott Proctor, who thought he had escaped Joe Torre and his abusive treatment of Proctor's right arm. With Torre taking on the head job with the Dodgers, Proctor may be headed for a Dravecky-like moment on the mound next year.
* Nice hire by the Dodgers, who increase their cachet in LA in their race against the Angels for regional supremacy. However, the way they went about it was pretty poor. Then again, it shouldn't be surprising as the McCourts' have generally showen a lack of regard for those that work for them since they took over the club.
* Luckily, one of their rumored prime targets in free agency seems to have a commensurate lack of class. Rumors that A-Rod will want to follow Torre to LA are overblown. A-Rod and Torre didn't seem to be best friends in New York. Plus, A-Rod is after dollars. Torre won't serve as motivation to join the Dodgers if the McCourts won't pony up the dollars. If the Dodgers are willing to pay, then A-Rod will find himself in Chavez Ravine next year. But, as I speculated earlier in this blog, I still think that this is the most natural fit for A-Rod, surpassing the favored Angels, due to Arte Moreno's widely reported opposition to paying one player the sums that Boras wants for his client.
* Signing A-Rod to man the hot corner under Torre will return the buzz to the Dodgers, particularly with the backlash the Lakers and Kobe seem to be suffering from. However, unless GM Ned Colletti can follow the signing by spinning some of their then superfluous prospects for starting pitching (Penny, Billingsley, a rehabilitated and aging Schmidt, Loaiza, etc., won't get it done), the hype will quickly wear off.
* The Angels and new GM Tony Reagins should be moving hard to put together a package for Marlins' 3B Miguel Cabrera. Not sure what it will take to get this done. It will be interesting if some of the Angels hyped prospects still have their luster after Stoneman's reticence to trade them and the somewhat average performance some have put up since then (Wood, Adenhart, Morales, Kotchman, Mathis, Aybar, etc.). Surely, the Marlins will be looking for a package similar to the Hanley Ramirez/Anibal Sanchez package they obtained from the Red Sox for Josh Beckett. Cabrera offers similar or better ability than A-Rod and Tejada, respectively, while being significantly younger and cheaper. If he does end up in Anaheim, just keep him away from Vlad's mom and her cooking.
* It was absolutely pathetic watching the Skins take their beating against the Patriots. If that kind of pile on had taken place in a hockey game, gloves, sticks, helmets would have been scattered all over the ice until the losers struggled to put a line on the ice. If a player had stolen a base, laid down a drag bunt, or even taken too big a hack up a ton of runs in a baseball game, the next batter and most of the ones after him would have been diving for the dirt. Instead of griping about the score being run up, do something about it. Not sure that you want to try and earn one of the numerous bounties being placed on the web for Brady's head (or knees), but show some pride. Yes, Gibbs is a classy coach. But, I'm not sure that Gibbs would have accepted this during his hey day against the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants. There were some brutal games in those days and there seemed to be genuine hatred between the members and coaching staffs of those teams. Gibbs and his players need to go out and find their inner asshole, starting this weekend with the Jets. Maybe Pete Kendall's hatred of the Jets will transfer over to the rest of his teammates.
* Not a good start for the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas made Jamaal Tinsley look like...well, Gilbert Arenas. Even Mike Dunleavy put up a triple double! Not a good first step in the continued quest by the Eddie Jordan and the Wizards to play some defense this year.
* Nice hire by the Dodgers, who increase their cachet in LA in their race against the Angels for regional supremacy. However, the way they went about it was pretty poor. Then again, it shouldn't be surprising as the McCourts' have generally showen a lack of regard for those that work for them since they took over the club.
* Luckily, one of their rumored prime targets in free agency seems to have a commensurate lack of class. Rumors that A-Rod will want to follow Torre to LA are overblown. A-Rod and Torre didn't seem to be best friends in New York. Plus, A-Rod is after dollars. Torre won't serve as motivation to join the Dodgers if the McCourts won't pony up the dollars. If the Dodgers are willing to pay, then A-Rod will find himself in Chavez Ravine next year. But, as I speculated earlier in this blog, I still think that this is the most natural fit for A-Rod, surpassing the favored Angels, due to Arte Moreno's widely reported opposition to paying one player the sums that Boras wants for his client.
* Signing A-Rod to man the hot corner under Torre will return the buzz to the Dodgers, particularly with the backlash the Lakers and Kobe seem to be suffering from. However, unless GM Ned Colletti can follow the signing by spinning some of their then superfluous prospects for starting pitching (Penny, Billingsley, a rehabilitated and aging Schmidt, Loaiza, etc., won't get it done), the hype will quickly wear off.
* The Angels and new GM Tony Reagins should be moving hard to put together a package for Marlins' 3B Miguel Cabrera. Not sure what it will take to get this done. It will be interesting if some of the Angels hyped prospects still have their luster after Stoneman's reticence to trade them and the somewhat average performance some have put up since then (Wood, Adenhart, Morales, Kotchman, Mathis, Aybar, etc.). Surely, the Marlins will be looking for a package similar to the Hanley Ramirez/Anibal Sanchez package they obtained from the Red Sox for Josh Beckett. Cabrera offers similar or better ability than A-Rod and Tejada, respectively, while being significantly younger and cheaper. If he does end up in Anaheim, just keep him away from Vlad's mom and her cooking.
* It was absolutely pathetic watching the Skins take their beating against the Patriots. If that kind of pile on had taken place in a hockey game, gloves, sticks, helmets would have been scattered all over the ice until the losers struggled to put a line on the ice. If a player had stolen a base, laid down a drag bunt, or even taken too big a hack up a ton of runs in a baseball game, the next batter and most of the ones after him would have been diving for the dirt. Instead of griping about the score being run up, do something about it. Not sure that you want to try and earn one of the numerous bounties being placed on the web for Brady's head (or knees), but show some pride. Yes, Gibbs is a classy coach. But, I'm not sure that Gibbs would have accepted this during his hey day against the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants. There were some brutal games in those days and there seemed to be genuine hatred between the members and coaching staffs of those teams. Gibbs and his players need to go out and find their inner asshole, starting this weekend with the Jets. Maybe Pete Kendall's hatred of the Jets will transfer over to the rest of his teammates.
* Not a good start for the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas made Jamaal Tinsley look like...well, Gilbert Arenas. Even Mike Dunleavy put up a triple double! Not a good first step in the continued quest by the Eddie Jordan and the Wizards to play some defense this year.
Solid Win for the Hokies...
The Hokies traveled to Atlanta and are in the midst of wrapping up a nice win against the Yellow Jackets. The Hokies went into this game knowing that the Jackets would be shorthanded with their top two tailbacks sidelined with injuries. With an inability to lean on the running game, as they have all year, QB Taylor Bennett struggled as he was forced to shoulder the load. The Hokies continued to do a good job of generating pressure with their front four, but also mixed in some aggressive blitzes by the linebackers, perhaps taking advantage of the inexperience of the Jackets new running backs in pass protection. This may have also been in response to some of the criticism that Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster has taken this week after a perceived lack of aggression at the end of the BC game. The pressure that the defense generated forced Bennett to make several poor throws and the defense responded by picking off GT QB's 5 times.
The Hokies not only took chances by bringing pressure on the defensive side of the ball but they also took a chance on special teams. After tying the game at 3 on a Dunlevy field goal, Coach Beamer called for an onsides kick. Maybe Beamer saw the front line cheat back in film study. Either way, the Hokies took a chance, with Dunlevy recovering his own kick.
Finally, the Hokies opened up slightly on offense. Employing a game plan that was similar to the first half against BC, offensive coordinator Stinespring called for shorter routes, allowing Glennon to throw the ball in rhythm, situations in which he has demonstrated success. Glennon got the ball out quickly and the Hokies wide receivers showed their superior athleticism. In the 3rd quarter, after an ill advised attempt by Glennon to pitch the ball to Ore as he was being tripped by an offensive lineman, the Hokies faced a 3rd and 15. In a situation that historically results in a patented Stinespring draw call, Glennon dropped back and heaved one down the right side, where Josh Morgan, matched up one on one, made a terrific catch, going over the CB, corralling the pass and taking it in for a 71 touchdown that put the game out of reach. This was particularly encouraging as the Hokies offense, which looked smooth and efficient in the first half, had come out in the second half and struggled early, seeming to pull back into a conservative game plan, potentially letting GT back in the game. Instead, the Hokies took a more aggressive route and stepped on the neck of their opponents.
On a side note, the jerseys of four Hokies - Glennon, Taylor, Flowers, and Chancellor - mysteriously disappeared from the Hokies locker room before the game. With no backup jerseys on hand, the four Hokies wore three year old Yellow Jackets jerseys with black marker used to scribble over the Yellow Jackets wording and to letter on the players respective names on the backs (which, incidentally, looked horrid). The final look was pretty damn funny. You have to wonder, could this have been a motivational ploy made by someone associated with the Hokies? I can't imagine that someone would actually think up something like this but, in the end, the Hokies won the game. Slap that jersey on Glennon again next week!
With the game out of reach late, the ESPN crew digressed into some conversation. Discussing GT QB Taylor Bennett's decision to dress up as the Teletubbies Tinky Winky on Halloween (no wonder they lost), Chris Fowler easily named all four Teletubbies. When questioned how he knew this info, Fowler responded with something along the lines of, "I've watched the Teletubbies.....I might no have been all there." Hmmm.....maybe he picked up some bad habits in Boulder?
In any case, the Hokies march on, set to face Florida State (who, led by Coach Bowden, have never lost to the Beamer led Hokies) in Lane. Let's hope the aggressive nature continues...
The Hokies not only took chances by bringing pressure on the defensive side of the ball but they also took a chance on special teams. After tying the game at 3 on a Dunlevy field goal, Coach Beamer called for an onsides kick. Maybe Beamer saw the front line cheat back in film study. Either way, the Hokies took a chance, with Dunlevy recovering his own kick.
Finally, the Hokies opened up slightly on offense. Employing a game plan that was similar to the first half against BC, offensive coordinator Stinespring called for shorter routes, allowing Glennon to throw the ball in rhythm, situations in which he has demonstrated success. Glennon got the ball out quickly and the Hokies wide receivers showed their superior athleticism. In the 3rd quarter, after an ill advised attempt by Glennon to pitch the ball to Ore as he was being tripped by an offensive lineman, the Hokies faced a 3rd and 15. In a situation that historically results in a patented Stinespring draw call, Glennon dropped back and heaved one down the right side, where Josh Morgan, matched up one on one, made a terrific catch, going over the CB, corralling the pass and taking it in for a 71 touchdown that put the game out of reach. This was particularly encouraging as the Hokies offense, which looked smooth and efficient in the first half, had come out in the second half and struggled early, seeming to pull back into a conservative game plan, potentially letting GT back in the game. Instead, the Hokies took a more aggressive route and stepped on the neck of their opponents.
On a side note, the jerseys of four Hokies - Glennon, Taylor, Flowers, and Chancellor - mysteriously disappeared from the Hokies locker room before the game. With no backup jerseys on hand, the four Hokies wore three year old Yellow Jackets jerseys with black marker used to scribble over the Yellow Jackets wording and to letter on the players respective names on the backs (which, incidentally, looked horrid). The final look was pretty damn funny. You have to wonder, could this have been a motivational ploy made by someone associated with the Hokies? I can't imagine that someone would actually think up something like this but, in the end, the Hokies won the game. Slap that jersey on Glennon again next week!
With the game out of reach late, the ESPN crew digressed into some conversation. Discussing GT QB Taylor Bennett's decision to dress up as the Teletubbies Tinky Winky on Halloween (no wonder they lost), Chris Fowler easily named all four Teletubbies. When questioned how he knew this info, Fowler responded with something along the lines of, "I've watched the Teletubbies.....I might no have been all there." Hmmm.....maybe he picked up some bad habits in Boulder?
In any case, the Hokies march on, set to face Florida State (who, led by Coach Bowden, have never lost to the Beamer led Hokies) in Lane. Let's hope the aggressive nature continues...
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