* Wow, it looks cold in New York. I'm cold in my living room in Huntington Beach. Never mind being in the middle of a bunch of Giant blowhards in the swamps of Jersey.
* If the ball rolls off the tee and is blown across the field by the wind, odds are it won't remain on the tee the second time. So, why wait to have someone hold the damn thing? Even Madden points this out. If Madden has a grasp of the obvious that exceeds your own, there is trouble to be had.
* Reed Doughty stands out like a sore thumb when the lineups introduce themselves. Still painful.
* If Smoot weren't a 'Skin, I would despise him. Burress goes by you like you're a traffic cone, has you beat by ten yards but, because brother of Peyton underthrows the ball by 10 yards, you're able to get back in the play and interfere with Burress before the ball gets there. This was not something to celebrate.
* Holy shit, that was a terrible punt. Frost just about lodged that in the upback's ass. This game might not match the classic that was Browns 8, Bills 0, but there might not be much more scoring than that.
* I don't know how good I'm feeling if, because of the wind, Eli is reduced to handing the ball off and this game is decided by whose offensive and defensive lines are better.
* Madden observes that Eli and Burress look pretty good going through the passing tree in pre-game warmups. Then again, when there's no one on the field and there's no one trying to rip the QB's head off, I look pretty good throwing the ball to my dog. Aaaaaannnnndddd, right on cue, Eli fumbles the ball away. Eli Manning, x-factor.
* Three straight three and outs for the Skins. But, they have turned the field position around. So, that's progress, right?
* I thought there was no way you kick the 50 yarder in the swirling winds. Shazam is a slight improvement on John Hall, isn't he?
* Shades of Thurman Thomas for Randle-El, losing track of his helmet. Thomas' blunder came in the Super Bowl, so maybe a slight degree of difference there.
* One of the Hogs is in the crowd! You know, I bet the muumuu is nice on a cold and windy night like tonight.
* Collins completes a deep ball! And, here comes the double point, muscle flex from Moss. So many variations. First down!
* Collins to Yoder! Between last week and this, they've become the most productive Skins connection. Who knew?
* And the dreaded Red Zone Affliction continues to manifest itself. Here comes Shazam...and plays the wind to perfection. That kick looked like it was headed for the corner of the stands, not the middle of the uprights.
* Drops and bad throws for Eli and the Jints offense. It would be awesome if the fans, fed up with Eli, start pelting their own QB with snowballs. Please let this happen.
* I've tried licking my fingers before gripping a football. Just makes it slippery. Do I have some type of genetically inferior saliva that ensured I would never be an NFL quarterback? My wife is horrified when she sees players licking their fingers or picking their mouthpieces off the ground and putting them right back into their mouths. I guess I see her point...but, we're men baby!
* The wind just blew the ball from the 19 to the 4 yard line on Frost's punt. Perhaps God has forsaken Jon Kitna and can now fully get behind Gibbs and the Skins.
Digression Numero Uno:
Michigan hires Rich Rodriguez, ending the run of rejection in Ann Arbor. The heir apparent at QB in Michigan is Ryan Mallett, a big, rocket armed statue of a QB. Not exactly a fit for the spread option attack Rodriguez favors. What happens there?
A painful loss for WVU. Rodriguez, a Mountaineer alum, leaves for greener pastures. Had they not shit the bed against Pitt, I doubt Rodriguez is on his way to Michigan right now. So, the pain of that loss just increased exponentially.
* Great hit by Landry on Burress to separate the ball and prevent the big play. Then, in standard 2007 Skins style, he taunts Burress and gets the unsportsmanlike penalty. Pure stupidity. Gibbs, courtesy of lip reading the replay, "What a dumb play." Come on Joe...go over and tell Laron how un-Christian that was. He'll never do it again.
* Smoot just got knocked the fuck out by Brandon Jacobs. Small winged houseboats full of strippers were circling his head. No celebrating that hit. Ow.
* With a Gibbs offense getting the ball inside of 2 minutes, you have to know the clock killing runs are coming, right? Portis busts the draw for a long gain and the refs tack on a questionable 15 yard face mask. Beauty.
* Here comes the Gibbs school of clock management. They run to Portis again, don't take a time out, take their sweet ass time getting to the line, run it again, and now take a timeout. Good grief. Maybe Gibbs doesn't know that you can't take your three timeouts into the second half with you?
* And the RZA strikes again. Wu-Tang lives on. Shazam converts another sidewinder of a field goal and the Giants fans boo the team off the field. Don't be discouraged Giants fans! This is the Gibbs II Redskins....no lead too big, no advantage too secure. This team has increased my pessimism ten fold.
* I have to focus my energies on the second half. After all, my encouragement and focus impacts the outcome of this game.
*
16 December 2007
01 December 2007
What Happens Now???
In a fitting conclusion to the college football regular season, #1 Missouri and #2 West Virginia both lose, throwing the BCS into utter and complete chaos. Already, the talking heads are dissecting the various situations, trying to determine who will be going to the national championship game. One of the solutions posited is:
* Blow up last week's ballot and have the pollsters start over, ranking the teams based on who they believe to be the top teams.
If this is the case, can you insert Ohio State into the top spot, as so many are assuming? Ohio State's one loss this season came at home to 3 loss Illinois. Their final appearance of the season came in an uninspiring win against a disappointing Michigan. It almost seems as if people are begrudgingly placing Ohio State into the national championship game while casting a skeptical eye at their disappearance in last year's BCS championship.
Further, how do you then decide how to rank the remaining teams? People keep stating that USC and Georgia are hottest teams.
USC, since losing to Oregon, has played 4 games. They handled Oregon State. They struggled to top a Cal team that has absolutely gone in the tank. They dominated Arizona State on Thanksgiving, giving the impression that most people seem to be carrying with them right now. USC largely struggled against an injury decimated UCLA team today, doing little to cement the reputation that many seem to hold.
Georgia, as many have documented, did not play in today's SEC championship game due to their two losses earlier this season. One was at home to a South Carolina team that has lost it's final five games of the season. The other was a blowout loss at Tennessee. Georgia wrapped their season by putting up a rather unimpressive win that was not wrapped until the late moments of the game at Georgia Tech. So, I'm unsure where the assertion that they are one of the hottest teams in the land comes from. It would seem that they are riding on the wide ranging belief that the SEC is head and shoulders the toughest conference in the land and that wins over Florida, Auburn, and Kentucky to end their SEC slate is enough to elevate them.
In both cases, I'm not sure that either team is as hot as people seem to believe. At the very least, they are not unquestionably the two top teams based on their current level of play.
* It would seem that, based on the fact that most seem to assume that Ohio State is a given for #1, that the contenders for the #2 slot are Georgia, Kansas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, and West Virginia. Yes, West Virginia just lost to unranked Pittsburgh. But, if you exclude West Virginia for that reason, you would think that Oklahoma, LSU, and USC would have to also be excluded for their losses to unranked Colorado, Arkansas, and Stanford, respectively. The only reason West Virginia isn't in the argument is because their loss took place today. I understand the recency argument and I would personally remove them but, based on a review of the TOTAL record, they're either in or removing a lot of teams along with them.
Since it seems that most have removed West Virginia from the argument, you have to also remove Oklahoma, LSU, and USC from the debate. That would leave Georgia, Kansas and Virginia Tech. Georgia didn't reach their conference championship game. Neither did Kansas.
Does this leave Virginia Tech standing alone? (I'm such a homer.) The argument against the Hokies is that they were shellacked by LSU and could not be in the national championship game ahead of LSU. It's a valid argument. But, consider that VT's two losses were to teams that were, at the time, ranked #2 in the country. The makeup of the football team is drastically different from the team that lost at LSU, with a two QB system, a reconstituted offensive line, and a defense that has rebounded to again finish in the top 10 in the nation. They avenged their second loss by defeating BC in the ACC Championship game.
How do you weigh the damage of the respective losses of each team? I could attempt to analyze this but I'm not sure I'd get any sleep tonight. Plus, I'm not paid to do this. Yet another argument for a comprehensive playoff system. Not a plus one though. Good gracious, there would be as much confusion trying to determine the top 4 this season as there is the top 2. A playoff would be oustanding, allowing so many of these issues to be settled on the field, creating a hallmark event for college football and putting money is everyone's pockets (since the decision to go to a playoff will eventually be the result of a comprehensive economic breakdown of the profit the event would generate. Sounds like a job for Ben Bernanke and the Fed.).
I obviously would love to see the Hokies in the national championship. Had they been able shut down Matt Ryan on that fateful rainy night, they'd be making reservations for New Orleans. Since they were unable, they are now part of the BCS morass. And unlikely to overcome their loss to LSU, who has already squandered two appearences in the top two yet is the likeliest candidate for selection to face Ohio State.
* Blow up last week's ballot and have the pollsters start over, ranking the teams based on who they believe to be the top teams.
If this is the case, can you insert Ohio State into the top spot, as so many are assuming? Ohio State's one loss this season came at home to 3 loss Illinois. Their final appearance of the season came in an uninspiring win against a disappointing Michigan. It almost seems as if people are begrudgingly placing Ohio State into the national championship game while casting a skeptical eye at their disappearance in last year's BCS championship.
Further, how do you then decide how to rank the remaining teams? People keep stating that USC and Georgia are hottest teams.
USC, since losing to Oregon, has played 4 games. They handled Oregon State. They struggled to top a Cal team that has absolutely gone in the tank. They dominated Arizona State on Thanksgiving, giving the impression that most people seem to be carrying with them right now. USC largely struggled against an injury decimated UCLA team today, doing little to cement the reputation that many seem to hold.
Georgia, as many have documented, did not play in today's SEC championship game due to their two losses earlier this season. One was at home to a South Carolina team that has lost it's final five games of the season. The other was a blowout loss at Tennessee. Georgia wrapped their season by putting up a rather unimpressive win that was not wrapped until the late moments of the game at Georgia Tech. So, I'm unsure where the assertion that they are one of the hottest teams in the land comes from. It would seem that they are riding on the wide ranging belief that the SEC is head and shoulders the toughest conference in the land and that wins over Florida, Auburn, and Kentucky to end their SEC slate is enough to elevate them.
In both cases, I'm not sure that either team is as hot as people seem to believe. At the very least, they are not unquestionably the two top teams based on their current level of play.
* It would seem that, based on the fact that most seem to assume that Ohio State is a given for #1, that the contenders for the #2 slot are Georgia, Kansas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, and West Virginia. Yes, West Virginia just lost to unranked Pittsburgh. But, if you exclude West Virginia for that reason, you would think that Oklahoma, LSU, and USC would have to also be excluded for their losses to unranked Colorado, Arkansas, and Stanford, respectively. The only reason West Virginia isn't in the argument is because their loss took place today. I understand the recency argument and I would personally remove them but, based on a review of the TOTAL record, they're either in or removing a lot of teams along with them.
Since it seems that most have removed West Virginia from the argument, you have to also remove Oklahoma, LSU, and USC from the debate. That would leave Georgia, Kansas and Virginia Tech. Georgia didn't reach their conference championship game. Neither did Kansas.
Does this leave Virginia Tech standing alone? (I'm such a homer.) The argument against the Hokies is that they were shellacked by LSU and could not be in the national championship game ahead of LSU. It's a valid argument. But, consider that VT's two losses were to teams that were, at the time, ranked #2 in the country. The makeup of the football team is drastically different from the team that lost at LSU, with a two QB system, a reconstituted offensive line, and a defense that has rebounded to again finish in the top 10 in the nation. They avenged their second loss by defeating BC in the ACC Championship game.
How do you weigh the damage of the respective losses of each team? I could attempt to analyze this but I'm not sure I'd get any sleep tonight. Plus, I'm not paid to do this. Yet another argument for a comprehensive playoff system. Not a plus one though. Good gracious, there would be as much confusion trying to determine the top 4 this season as there is the top 2. A playoff would be oustanding, allowing so many of these issues to be settled on the field, creating a hallmark event for college football and putting money is everyone's pockets (since the decision to go to a playoff will eventually be the result of a comprehensive economic breakdown of the profit the event would generate. Sounds like a job for Ben Bernanke and the Fed.).
I obviously would love to see the Hokies in the national championship. Had they been able shut down Matt Ryan on that fateful rainy night, they'd be making reservations for New Orleans. Since they were unable, they are now part of the BCS morass. And unlikely to overcome their loss to LSU, who has already squandered two appearences in the top two yet is the likeliest candidate for selection to face Ohio State.
Hokies-Eagles...
The Hokies came out awfully flat at the beginning of this game. They were consistently unable to generate any pressure on Matt Ryan, whether with a 4 man rush or by bringing a blitz, which was in direct contrast to their meeting earlier this season when the defensive line treated the Eagles offensive line like a bunch of amusement park turnstiles. However, the Eagles lack of athletes on the perimeter allowed the Hokies to keep the opposition in front of them, preventing the slants and swing passes from causing greater damage. While the Eagles racked up yards and dominated time of possession, they were only able to generate 9 offensive points in the game. The defense kept up the bend but don't break philosophy in the first half and then turned up the heat in the second half, limiting the length of the Eagles' drives and doing an excellent job of stuffing the running game.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Hokies continued with their two QB shuffle. Taylor was largely ineffective today, appearing to suffer some lingering effects from a high ankle sprain he suffered earlier in the season, with the exception of one long gain on a draw play in the 4th quarter. Glennon had a very efficient day, making decisive decisions and throwing the ball with a high degree of accuracy. With the running game struggling all day, the Hokies leaned on Glennon and their senior receiving corps to move the ball.
Overall, a solid and workmanlike effort by the Hokies. Near the end of the broadcast, ABC's Bob Griese played the "what might have been" card, regarding the Hokies' heartbreaking loss earlier in the season to the Eagles. Ouch...
On the offensive side of the ball, the Hokies continued with their two QB shuffle. Taylor was largely ineffective today, appearing to suffer some lingering effects from a high ankle sprain he suffered earlier in the season, with the exception of one long gain on a draw play in the 4th quarter. Glennon had a very efficient day, making decisive decisions and throwing the ball with a high degree of accuracy. With the running game struggling all day, the Hokies leaned on Glennon and their senior receiving corps to move the ball.
Overall, a solid and workmanlike effort by the Hokies. Near the end of the broadcast, ABC's Bob Griese played the "what might have been" card, regarding the Hokies' heartbreaking loss earlier in the season to the Eagles. Ouch...
30 November 2007
Quick Hits...
* 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.
* 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.
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...
26 October 2007
56 Minutes of Dominance...
An absolutely gut wrenching loss last night for the Hokies. In a national showcase game that served as the start of a pivotal weekend in college football, the Hokies defense revisited prior years with a dominant performance over the course of the first 56 minutes of the football game. Unfortunately, Boston College QB Matt Ryan chose that moment to legitimize himself as a Heisman trophy candidate and future first round NFL draft choice, leading the Eagles to consecutive touchdown drives, with the final score coming with 11 seconds remaining, in a scene that reminded me of the loss the Hokies suffered in 1998 to Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. In both cases, the QB made a throw across the field, barely avoiding the outstretched hand of a Hokie defender, and subsequently booted their breakfast all over the sideline.
In this case, the loss was more costly as the Hokies removed themselves from the group of one loss teams trying to claw their way back into the National Championship picture. Even with a win, the Hokies would have struggled to remove the images of their early season lopsided loss to LSU from the minds of the voters. However, by demonstrating some of the same deficiencies that have plagued the team and performing in a way that has not been characteristic of Hokie football, they gave Matt Ryan and BC an opening that they took advantage of.
In most losses of this fashion, fans seek to assign blame. After all, someone must have screwed up, right? There is no doubt that mistakes were made by the Hokies in this game. WR Josh Morgan was unable to handle the onside kick that gave the Eagles their final possession, which also required the defense to return to the field with little time to recover from BC's last long drive. QB Sean Glennon, who effectively managed the game in the first half and made several plays with his arm and his feet, reverted to the form that led to his struggles last year and his benching at the beginning of this season. In the first half, Glennon made quick and decisive decisions in rhythm, choosing to make quick reads and, if the receiver wasn't available, made plays with his feet. In the second half, Glennon began holding the ball, not trusting the scheme or his receivers, getting out of rhythm, taking sacks. The failure to generate any sort of drive placed greater pressure on the defense. RB Branden Ore came through with a solid game, performing as if healthy for the first time this year. However, at a pivotal moment in the game, immediately after DB D.J. Parker had intercepted Ryan in BC territory, the coaching staff inserted RB Kenny Lewis, Jr into the game, a questionable move that resulted in two runs with minimal gains. At that point, why isn't the workhorse, the rusher that you have stuck with all year in spite of his being less than 100%, who clearly is the most talented back on the roster, in the game? Some have questioned the strategy of rushing 3 and 4 lineman on the last two drives. However, the Hokies D had generated pressure all night with the 4 man rush (one of the hallmarks of a Bud Foster defense). On the game winning drive, the Hokies were consistently generating pressure on Ryan and actually had him scrambling from sideline to sideline.
Individually, none of these plays cost the Hokies the game. Realistically, they didn't lose as the result of these plays or decisions collectively. Instead, the Hokies were beaten by a QB who had the best 4 minutes of play of the college football season, making pinpoint throws while running for his life. It is a credit to the defense and the coaching staff that they managed to make that same QB and his offense look harried, confused, and inept for 56 minutes. The Hokies can only hope that they can build on those 56 minutes and, should they win out, get an opportunity to take those 4 minutes back from Matt Ryan in a rematch in the ACC Championship game.
In this case, the loss was more costly as the Hokies removed themselves from the group of one loss teams trying to claw their way back into the National Championship picture. Even with a win, the Hokies would have struggled to remove the images of their early season lopsided loss to LSU from the minds of the voters. However, by demonstrating some of the same deficiencies that have plagued the team and performing in a way that has not been characteristic of Hokie football, they gave Matt Ryan and BC an opening that they took advantage of.
In most losses of this fashion, fans seek to assign blame. After all, someone must have screwed up, right? There is no doubt that mistakes were made by the Hokies in this game. WR Josh Morgan was unable to handle the onside kick that gave the Eagles their final possession, which also required the defense to return to the field with little time to recover from BC's last long drive. QB Sean Glennon, who effectively managed the game in the first half and made several plays with his arm and his feet, reverted to the form that led to his struggles last year and his benching at the beginning of this season. In the first half, Glennon made quick and decisive decisions in rhythm, choosing to make quick reads and, if the receiver wasn't available, made plays with his feet. In the second half, Glennon began holding the ball, not trusting the scheme or his receivers, getting out of rhythm, taking sacks. The failure to generate any sort of drive placed greater pressure on the defense. RB Branden Ore came through with a solid game, performing as if healthy for the first time this year. However, at a pivotal moment in the game, immediately after DB D.J. Parker had intercepted Ryan in BC territory, the coaching staff inserted RB Kenny Lewis, Jr into the game, a questionable move that resulted in two runs with minimal gains. At that point, why isn't the workhorse, the rusher that you have stuck with all year in spite of his being less than 100%, who clearly is the most talented back on the roster, in the game? Some have questioned the strategy of rushing 3 and 4 lineman on the last two drives. However, the Hokies D had generated pressure all night with the 4 man rush (one of the hallmarks of a Bud Foster defense). On the game winning drive, the Hokies were consistently generating pressure on Ryan and actually had him scrambling from sideline to sideline.
Individually, none of these plays cost the Hokies the game. Realistically, they didn't lose as the result of these plays or decisions collectively. Instead, the Hokies were beaten by a QB who had the best 4 minutes of play of the college football season, making pinpoint throws while running for his life. It is a credit to the defense and the coaching staff that they managed to make that same QB and his offense look harried, confused, and inept for 56 minutes. The Hokies can only hope that they can build on those 56 minutes and, should they win out, get an opportunity to take those 4 minutes back from Matt Ryan in a rematch in the ACC Championship game.
20 October 2007
By the Skin of Their Teeth...
* The best ending of the year in college football just took place in Baton Rouge, LA. LSU QB Matt Flynn completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to WR Demetrius Byrd with one second remaining on the clock to beat the Auburn Tigers 30-24. Though the action on the field was outstanding, the questionable decisions on both sidelines makes you question if the athletes can overcome some poor coaching the rest of this season.
Auburn led this game 17-7 at the half, dominating LSU's offense, with LSU's longest drive comprising 6 plays. Auburn capitalized on a Ryan Perriloux fumble deep in LSU territory, converting the turnover into a touchdown. LSU immediately asserted itself in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered points. On its last possession, Auburn put together its best drive of the game, taking the ball 82 yards in 9 plays, capping the drive with a 3 yard touchdown pass by QB Brandon Cox, leaving 2:32 on the clock.
Auburn, seeking to keep the ball away from the speed of LSU's returners, had employed a strategy of squibbing kicks along the ground to the upbacks on all their kickoffs. In this case, with little time remaining in the game, LSU having squandered two timeouts earlier in the half, facing an offense which had driven the field on several occasions in the second half with little resistance, you have to kick the ball deep, don't you? Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville did not deviate from his plan for the evening in a situation that absolutely called for a kick deep. In spite of the danger of kicking it to the talented returners of LSU, you have to put it upon LSU to make plays to win the game instead of shortening the field for that offense. Not only that, isn't this a situation where you have prepared your special teams, coaching them thoroughly to combat the scouting reports that indicated the speed of the LSU returners? Tuberville made a coaching decision that is sure to get him excoriated by the media at Auburn, resulting in LSU beginning their drive at their own 42. QB Matt Flynn quickly and easily drove the Tigers to the Auburn 22 (admittedly aided by a questionable first down that was awarded in spite of several replays that showed that WR Richard Murphy was down a half yard short of the first down on a 3rd and 3...how is that call not reviewed when, supposedly, every play is reviewed in college football? ESPN had time to show the replay twice with clear evidence that the receivers elbow was down short of the line of gain. Even Mike Patrick, with Britney Spears dancing in the back of his mind, was able to discern the proper call.), with about 45 seconds remaining in the game. Tuberville again makes a questionable coaching decision, not using either of his two remaining timeouts to try and save some time for his offense with LSU already in makeable field goal range. LSU chooses to run the clock down, trying to remove any chance for Auburn to get the ball back. Les Miles and his staff decide to run one play before attempting a game winning 39 yard field goal and, with one timeout, seem to have enough margin to do so. Except, they allow the clock to run down to 8 seconds before snapping the football. Flynn drops back and, with a three receiver set and Byrd split wide to the left with single coverage, floats a perfect pass to the back of the end zone that is narrowly missed by the Auburn DB, who has excellent coverage on the play but fails to get his head around in time to see the incoming pass, and gathered in by Byrd. As the referee signals touchdown, there are 2 seconds remaining in the game. Should that ball be bobbled or the referee take his time in blowing the whistle, there is a strong likelihood that the game would have been over and Tiger fans would have thrown Miles into Mike VI's million dollar habitat. Miles made a highly questionable and ill timed decision that, admittedly, has been in keeping with his gambler's stance this season. But, with so little time remaining on the clock at the snap of the ball, Miles nearly handed this game over to Tuberville, who was trying his best to give it away.
(On a side note, was Holly Rowe even watching the end of the game? In a situation where LSU did not use their final timeout and made the above mentioned questionable time management decision, she asks the following:
Rowe: Coach, you called timeout, what happened next? Take us through that process...your decision there.
Miles: On...what?
Is anyone else as confused as Miles must have been? And what timeout is Rowe talking about? Did the end of the game not conform to one of the canned questions that she always asks?)
For the second straight week, LSU's defense struggled, with the physical play of the SEC perhaps taking a toll. An Auburn team which has struggled mightily on offense all season put up 24 points on this defense in Baton Rouge. LSU next travels to Tuscaloosa to face former coach Nick Saban and an Alabama offense whose passing game improves each week and today decimated Tennessee's weak secondary. With Glenn Dorsey's status up in the air with a sprained knee, inflicted by a dirty and vicious chop block by Auburn's center, you have to wonder if LSU can get things together in time for next week's trip and whether or not Les Miles' streak of gambles will continue to pay off.
Does anyone want to win the national championship??????
Auburn led this game 17-7 at the half, dominating LSU's offense, with LSU's longest drive comprising 6 plays. Auburn capitalized on a Ryan Perriloux fumble deep in LSU territory, converting the turnover into a touchdown. LSU immediately asserted itself in the second half, scoring 16 unanswered points. On its last possession, Auburn put together its best drive of the game, taking the ball 82 yards in 9 plays, capping the drive with a 3 yard touchdown pass by QB Brandon Cox, leaving 2:32 on the clock.
Auburn, seeking to keep the ball away from the speed of LSU's returners, had employed a strategy of squibbing kicks along the ground to the upbacks on all their kickoffs. In this case, with little time remaining in the game, LSU having squandered two timeouts earlier in the half, facing an offense which had driven the field on several occasions in the second half with little resistance, you have to kick the ball deep, don't you? Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville did not deviate from his plan for the evening in a situation that absolutely called for a kick deep. In spite of the danger of kicking it to the talented returners of LSU, you have to put it upon LSU to make plays to win the game instead of shortening the field for that offense. Not only that, isn't this a situation where you have prepared your special teams, coaching them thoroughly to combat the scouting reports that indicated the speed of the LSU returners? Tuberville made a coaching decision that is sure to get him excoriated by the media at Auburn, resulting in LSU beginning their drive at their own 42. QB Matt Flynn quickly and easily drove the Tigers to the Auburn 22 (admittedly aided by a questionable first down that was awarded in spite of several replays that showed that WR Richard Murphy was down a half yard short of the first down on a 3rd and 3...how is that call not reviewed when, supposedly, every play is reviewed in college football? ESPN had time to show the replay twice with clear evidence that the receivers elbow was down short of the line of gain. Even Mike Patrick, with Britney Spears dancing in the back of his mind, was able to discern the proper call.), with about 45 seconds remaining in the game. Tuberville again makes a questionable coaching decision, not using either of his two remaining timeouts to try and save some time for his offense with LSU already in makeable field goal range. LSU chooses to run the clock down, trying to remove any chance for Auburn to get the ball back. Les Miles and his staff decide to run one play before attempting a game winning 39 yard field goal and, with one timeout, seem to have enough margin to do so. Except, they allow the clock to run down to 8 seconds before snapping the football. Flynn drops back and, with a three receiver set and Byrd split wide to the left with single coverage, floats a perfect pass to the back of the end zone that is narrowly missed by the Auburn DB, who has excellent coverage on the play but fails to get his head around in time to see the incoming pass, and gathered in by Byrd. As the referee signals touchdown, there are 2 seconds remaining in the game. Should that ball be bobbled or the referee take his time in blowing the whistle, there is a strong likelihood that the game would have been over and Tiger fans would have thrown Miles into Mike VI's million dollar habitat. Miles made a highly questionable and ill timed decision that, admittedly, has been in keeping with his gambler's stance this season. But, with so little time remaining on the clock at the snap of the ball, Miles nearly handed this game over to Tuberville, who was trying his best to give it away.
(On a side note, was Holly Rowe even watching the end of the game? In a situation where LSU did not use their final timeout and made the above mentioned questionable time management decision, she asks the following:
Rowe: Coach, you called timeout, what happened next? Take us through that process...your decision there.
Miles: On...what?
Is anyone else as confused as Miles must have been? And what timeout is Rowe talking about? Did the end of the game not conform to one of the canned questions that she always asks?)
For the second straight week, LSU's defense struggled, with the physical play of the SEC perhaps taking a toll. An Auburn team which has struggled mightily on offense all season put up 24 points on this defense in Baton Rouge. LSU next travels to Tuscaloosa to face former coach Nick Saban and an Alabama offense whose passing game improves each week and today decimated Tennessee's weak secondary. With Glenn Dorsey's status up in the air with a sprained knee, inflicted by a dirty and vicious chop block by Auburn's center, you have to wonder if LSU can get things together in time for next week's trip and whether or not Les Miles' streak of gambles will continue to pay off.
Does anyone want to win the national championship??????
Quick Hits...
* Notre Dame is wearing some awful uniforms in today's game against USC. They look like an old school version of the Oregon Ducks. Is this supposed to inspire the team and their fans? Or is Charlie Weis hoping that USC will be confused by this unrecognizable opponent and think they are playing a team that actually possesses the team speed to keep up with the Trojans? (Then again, Notre Dame may not recognize this USC team that, with an offensive line of reserves and WRs that can't actually catch the ball, doesn't resemble the recent powerhouses that typically rolled over the Irish.)
* I'm sure that Dane Cook will once again be proclaiming that there is only one OCTOBER (!) tonight. But, if, after a 9 day layoff for the Colorado Rockies' that removes them even further from the national consciousness and dampens the momentum of their 21 victories in 22 games, they are able to extend the World Series to seven games, with game 7 scheduled for November 1, will there be only one NOVEMBER!? And will the Fall Classic become a winter classic?
* Two more top 10 teams down (USF and South Carolina), with both falling to unranked opponents. This now makes 12 on the year. And the confusion continues...
* Good for Joe Torre for standing up to the arrogance of the Yankees ownership and turning down their contract offer. Torre is one of the few personalities that could navigate the sports media of New York that seems to multiply exponentially year after year. His willingness to subjugate his own ego and cover his players from the constant attention and pressure foisted upon them has been as important to the success of this team as their $200 million plus payroll. I'm not sure that many managers would have gotten the support and praise from the New York media after such a tumultuous season that ended in the Division Series, indicating Torre's acumen and savvy in his media dealings. The next manager will likely be judged as much for his off the field leadership as for his on field game management, a situation that isn't likely to lend itself well to a first time manager such as Don Mattingly.
* In retrospect, perhaps Coach Weis chose those terrible uniforms, to attempt to take the attention away from from the Irish's terrible play. Not a successful ploy as the final score provided the largest victory margin for the Trojans in the course of their rivalry with the Irish.
* Does anyone else hate the Saturday night college football theme on ABC? This "song", "I Just Want to Celebrate" or whatever they call that steaming pile, is terrible. What the hell is the point of that song? And, with Perry Farrell, 50 cent, John Ondrasik, and some unidentified lady, etc, couldn't they have come up with something better? This is even worse than the Big and Rich with Cowboy Troy theme song Gameday employed for the last few years. Ugh.
* The Red Sox have pushed the ALCS to a game 7. The pressure seemingly shifts to the shoulders of the Cleveland Indians, who, for a fourth game in this series, were unable to get an ace like performance from their two top of the rotation starters. However, the confidence of the Red Sox and their fans has to be a little shaken with Dice-K lined up to toe the rubber.
* I'm sure that Dane Cook will once again be proclaiming that there is only one OCTOBER (!) tonight. But, if, after a 9 day layoff for the Colorado Rockies' that removes them even further from the national consciousness and dampens the momentum of their 21 victories in 22 games, they are able to extend the World Series to seven games, with game 7 scheduled for November 1, will there be only one NOVEMBER!? And will the Fall Classic become a winter classic?
* Two more top 10 teams down (USF and South Carolina), with both falling to unranked opponents. This now makes 12 on the year. And the confusion continues...
* Good for Joe Torre for standing up to the arrogance of the Yankees ownership and turning down their contract offer. Torre is one of the few personalities that could navigate the sports media of New York that seems to multiply exponentially year after year. His willingness to subjugate his own ego and cover his players from the constant attention and pressure foisted upon them has been as important to the success of this team as their $200 million plus payroll. I'm not sure that many managers would have gotten the support and praise from the New York media after such a tumultuous season that ended in the Division Series, indicating Torre's acumen and savvy in his media dealings. The next manager will likely be judged as much for his off the field leadership as for his on field game management, a situation that isn't likely to lend itself well to a first time manager such as Don Mattingly.
* In retrospect, perhaps Coach Weis chose those terrible uniforms, to attempt to take the attention away from from the Irish's terrible play. Not a successful ploy as the final score provided the largest victory margin for the Trojans in the course of their rivalry with the Irish.
* Does anyone else hate the Saturday night college football theme on ABC? This "song", "I Just Want to Celebrate" or whatever they call that steaming pile, is terrible. What the hell is the point of that song? And, with Perry Farrell, 50 cent, John Ondrasik, and some unidentified lady, etc, couldn't they have come up with something better? This is even worse than the Big and Rich with Cowboy Troy theme song Gameday employed for the last few years. Ugh.
* The Red Sox have pushed the ALCS to a game 7. The pressure seemingly shifts to the shoulders of the Cleveland Indians, who, for a fourth game in this series, were unable to get an ace like performance from their two top of the rotation starters. However, the confidence of the Red Sox and their fans has to be a little shaken with Dice-K lined up to toe the rubber.
Angels' Offseason...
Plaschke recently discussed the resignation of Angels' GM Bill Stoneman and the front office dynamics that will result. The increased influence that manager Mike Scioscia and speculation about the possible resulting moves serve as the basic premise for the column.
Since the Angels' World Series victory in 2002, the work of Stoneman was viewed through two prisms. On one hand, he and his staff did an excellent job of building one of the most highly regarded stables of prospects in MLB. On the other hand, Stoneman valued those same prospects to the point where he could not be persuaded to part with any of them in order to procure the slugger that the Angels' desperately needed to enable them to again reach the Fall Classic. While those prospects have now begun fulfilling some of their promise, taking hold of everyday jobs with at the major league level (1B Casey Kotchman, Cs Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli, 2B Howie Kendrick, OF Reggie Willits, and Ps Jeff Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana), none have been thus far able to fill the considerable void behind Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup.
Plaschke indicates that some definite changes can be expected with the introduction of new GM Tony Reagins and the increased role that Scioscia is expected to play in player personnel decisions. Plaschke speculates that the aggressive methods that Scioscia displays in game management will be replicated in the Angels' personnel moves, postulating about possible deals for the Twins' Johan Santana and the Orioles' Miguel Tejada. Though it is no secret that the Angels covet both players (the Angels even reached a deal in principle with the Orioles prior to the trading deadline in 2006 for Tejada in exchange for Santana and Erick Aybar, which was scuttled by Orioles owner Peter Angelos), the reality is that Santana will extract an exorbitant price that may leave the cupboard too bare to be able to also acquire Tejada.
With a likely starting pitching staff that will comprise John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Jeff Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana, the Angels are beginning from a position of strength. While Santana ranks amongst the top five pitchers in the game, he may be a luxury that the Angels can not afford if they want to upgrade the offense. The Angels would be better off pursuing the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera, as posited in earlier posts. He provides better numbers than Tejada right now, with the principal difference being that Cabrera is about to turn 25 while Tejada is on the verge of the age of 32. Tejada also spent time on the disabled list for the first time in six seasons this past year, while his production has been slowly declining at the plate over the last two years.
Johan Santana's contract with the Twins expires after next season. If a member of the Angels staff struggles during the year, they can attempt to extract Santana from the Twins at that time, when the price will have likely gone down slightly due to Santana's impending status as a free agent. Should the price be too high, the Angels could bide their time, give an opportunity to one of their minor league prospects, and use Arte Moreno's considerable resources to big for Santana's services next offseason. Perhaps the idea of pitching with fellow Venezuelan Kelvim Escobar will serve as an additional enticement for Santana, who, with his pointed criticism of the Twins organization after their midseason trade of 2B Luis Castillo, clearly wants to play for an aggressive and competitive organization?
I hope that this offseason will provide a glimpse of a new aggressive stance on the part of the Angels' leadership, with Scioscia's influence leading that charge. However, with little roster flexibility, their moves must be shrewd in addition to aggressive. A third baseman fits well with the current strengths of the roster. With Guerrero likely to require additional starts at the DH spot, Chone Figgins can rotate between third base and right field to spell Guerrero and any new additions at 3B. Center field, a position of strength in this year's free agent market, is not a likely source of relief for the Angels, as has been postulated in several mediums. Even if the Angels' could entice Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter, or Aaron Roward to the big A, the large and long term contact signed by Gary Matthews is not one the Angels can easily set aside. And, with his struggles at the plate this past year, it is unlikely the Angels would be able to extract much in the way of value from another organization. In spite of his struggles on the offensive side of the ball, Matthews served as a stabilizing force for the up the middle defense, covering a great deal of ground between Guerrero and LF Garrett Anderson, once again making the Angels' defense a source of strength for the team after a difficult and error prone 2006. Therefore, 3B appears to be a likely position for the Angels to address, but, with the Angels' unlikely to dole out the funds A-Rod and Scott Boras will require and the Red Sox likely to re-sign Mike Lowell, they will have to be creative in their dealings with other franchises.
Since the Angels' World Series victory in 2002, the work of Stoneman was viewed through two prisms. On one hand, he and his staff did an excellent job of building one of the most highly regarded stables of prospects in MLB. On the other hand, Stoneman valued those same prospects to the point where he could not be persuaded to part with any of them in order to procure the slugger that the Angels' desperately needed to enable them to again reach the Fall Classic. While those prospects have now begun fulfilling some of their promise, taking hold of everyday jobs with at the major league level (1B Casey Kotchman, Cs Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli, 2B Howie Kendrick, OF Reggie Willits, and Ps Jeff Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana), none have been thus far able to fill the considerable void behind Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup.
Plaschke indicates that some definite changes can be expected with the introduction of new GM Tony Reagins and the increased role that Scioscia is expected to play in player personnel decisions. Plaschke speculates that the aggressive methods that Scioscia displays in game management will be replicated in the Angels' personnel moves, postulating about possible deals for the Twins' Johan Santana and the Orioles' Miguel Tejada. Though it is no secret that the Angels covet both players (the Angels even reached a deal in principle with the Orioles prior to the trading deadline in 2006 for Tejada in exchange for Santana and Erick Aybar, which was scuttled by Orioles owner Peter Angelos), the reality is that Santana will extract an exorbitant price that may leave the cupboard too bare to be able to also acquire Tejada.
With a likely starting pitching staff that will comprise John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Jeff Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana, the Angels are beginning from a position of strength. While Santana ranks amongst the top five pitchers in the game, he may be a luxury that the Angels can not afford if they want to upgrade the offense. The Angels would be better off pursuing the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera, as posited in earlier posts. He provides better numbers than Tejada right now, with the principal difference being that Cabrera is about to turn 25 while Tejada is on the verge of the age of 32. Tejada also spent time on the disabled list for the first time in six seasons this past year, while his production has been slowly declining at the plate over the last two years.
Johan Santana's contract with the Twins expires after next season. If a member of the Angels staff struggles during the year, they can attempt to extract Santana from the Twins at that time, when the price will have likely gone down slightly due to Santana's impending status as a free agent. Should the price be too high, the Angels could bide their time, give an opportunity to one of their minor league prospects, and use Arte Moreno's considerable resources to big for Santana's services next offseason. Perhaps the idea of pitching with fellow Venezuelan Kelvim Escobar will serve as an additional enticement for Santana, who, with his pointed criticism of the Twins organization after their midseason trade of 2B Luis Castillo, clearly wants to play for an aggressive and competitive organization?
I hope that this offseason will provide a glimpse of a new aggressive stance on the part of the Angels' leadership, with Scioscia's influence leading that charge. However, with little roster flexibility, their moves must be shrewd in addition to aggressive. A third baseman fits well with the current strengths of the roster. With Guerrero likely to require additional starts at the DH spot, Chone Figgins can rotate between third base and right field to spell Guerrero and any new additions at 3B. Center field, a position of strength in this year's free agent market, is not a likely source of relief for the Angels, as has been postulated in several mediums. Even if the Angels' could entice Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter, or Aaron Roward to the big A, the large and long term contact signed by Gary Matthews is not one the Angels can easily set aside. And, with his struggles at the plate this past year, it is unlikely the Angels would be able to extract much in the way of value from another organization. In spite of his struggles on the offensive side of the ball, Matthews served as a stabilizing force for the up the middle defense, covering a great deal of ground between Guerrero and LF Garrett Anderson, once again making the Angels' defense a source of strength for the team after a difficult and error prone 2006. Therefore, 3B appears to be a likely position for the Angels to address, but, with the Angels' unlikely to dole out the funds A-Rod and Scott Boras will require and the Red Sox likely to re-sign Mike Lowell, they will have to be creative in their dealings with other franchises.
16 October 2007
Quick Hits...
* Will the plaintive cries emanating from Boston after game 4 drown out the strains of "Icky Thump" being played yet again during a return from commercial on Fox?
* Is there a better way for Tom Osborne to resurrect his political future in Nebraska than to rescue its citizens from the morass of mediocrity currently surrounding Lincoln and its proud power running tradition? (And can you imagine the anguish of the boosters surrounding this program that they're willing to finance the departure of AD Pederson at a reported cost of $2.2 million and the inevitable buyout of coach Bill Callahan for more than $3 million?)
* I understand Francona's desire to not display a sense of panic by going to Beckett on short rest, but do you think that there's a sense of panic after losing three straight and knowing that, should they fight back and get to a game 7, the specter of Dice-K looms? (And I don't want to hear any of this "we take it one game at a time" stuff.) The Red Sox could have pitched Beckett in game 4, Wakefield in game 5, Schilling in game 6 (keeping him on extended rest), and brought Beckett back for game 7. The Sox have obviously come back from worse in the past but Beckett, Schilling, and Matsuzaka isn't the same as Pedro, Schilling and Lowe.
* Rarely do you see a trade, period, in the NFL, much less one in sports that makes sense for both teams. A terrific trade by the Chargers and Dolphins. Chambers will enable the Chargers to stretch the field (though whether or not Rivers can throw it that far with his shot put motion remains to be seen) and open things up underneath for LT and Gates. The Dolphins pick up a second round pick for a receiver they didn't need with little experience at QB behind the punch drunk Trent Green. The only way this trade is better was if they could have convinced the 'Fins to take Norv Turner along with that pick.
* Can someone inform the blogosphere christened "Schrutebag" that, now that the Rockies have won 21 of 22 to reach the World Series, they are a serious threat to take down whoever emerges from the ALCS, regardless of the fact that they have emerged from a weaker NL. 21 of 22 takes down all paradigms and, with a likely rotation of ace Jeff Francis, power pitching youngster Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Fogg (whose "Dragonslayer" nickname was uttered at least 200 times by Chip Caray), and a returning Aaron Cook, who was the Rockies second best pitcher all year, combined with their confident bullpen, impregnable defense, and deep lineup, will present a serious challenge to the AL pennant winner. So, abandon your now expired "conventional" wisdom and actually pay some attention to the stable of writers, far more qualified than yourself, from your own network, who are lauding this team.
* By the way, it's nice to be able to banish Cowturd now that an alternative exists to listen to in LA with the arrival of Dan Patrick on KLAC to fill in the gaps during Kevin and Bean commercial breaks. Dan Patrick in the mornings and Petros and Money in the afternoons makes commuting slightly more manageable.
* A serious fall from grace for Coach Fran. After a puzzling decision to leave Alabama for a less prestigious post at A&M, he may lose out on an $8 million check to go away because of the $30K plus that he earned from his insider newsletter. $8 million in one hand, $30K in the other...
* With Stoneman's departure from the Angels' front office, will the new triumvirate of Moreno, Scioscia, and new GM Tony Reagins be able to formulate an enticing offer to pry away Marlins' 3B Miguel Cabrera, who is bound for arbitration this offseason and likely to command a budget busting $11 million or more? After all, the Marlins will be able to request a higher premium for Cabrera, in spite of his battles with weight, than they will for a seemingly declining Dontrelle Willis.
* First prediction for the 2008 MLB season? The Indians' dust Manny in his first plate appearance against them next season after his decision to admire his shot at the tail end of the back to back to back chain the Red Sox put together tonight. No need to take revenge during the ALCS but I guarantee that the Indians will remember Ramirez's self-admiration.
* Curtis Granderson has already established himself a post playing career, bringing the personality and composure from the playing field to the broadcast desk. Good stuff.
* Did Peter Gammons just ask Paul Byrd if he's ever done a "triple pump"?
* Is there a better way for Tom Osborne to resurrect his political future in Nebraska than to rescue its citizens from the morass of mediocrity currently surrounding Lincoln and its proud power running tradition? (And can you imagine the anguish of the boosters surrounding this program that they're willing to finance the departure of AD Pederson at a reported cost of $2.2 million and the inevitable buyout of coach Bill Callahan for more than $3 million?)
* I understand Francona's desire to not display a sense of panic by going to Beckett on short rest, but do you think that there's a sense of panic after losing three straight and knowing that, should they fight back and get to a game 7, the specter of Dice-K looms? (And I don't want to hear any of this "we take it one game at a time" stuff.) The Red Sox could have pitched Beckett in game 4, Wakefield in game 5, Schilling in game 6 (keeping him on extended rest), and brought Beckett back for game 7. The Sox have obviously come back from worse in the past but Beckett, Schilling, and Matsuzaka isn't the same as Pedro, Schilling and Lowe.
* Rarely do you see a trade, period, in the NFL, much less one in sports that makes sense for both teams. A terrific trade by the Chargers and Dolphins. Chambers will enable the Chargers to stretch the field (though whether or not Rivers can throw it that far with his shot put motion remains to be seen) and open things up underneath for LT and Gates. The Dolphins pick up a second round pick for a receiver they didn't need with little experience at QB behind the punch drunk Trent Green. The only way this trade is better was if they could have convinced the 'Fins to take Norv Turner along with that pick.
* Can someone inform the blogosphere christened "Schrutebag" that, now that the Rockies have won 21 of 22 to reach the World Series, they are a serious threat to take down whoever emerges from the ALCS, regardless of the fact that they have emerged from a weaker NL. 21 of 22 takes down all paradigms and, with a likely rotation of ace Jeff Francis, power pitching youngster Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Fogg (whose "Dragonslayer" nickname was uttered at least 200 times by Chip Caray), and a returning Aaron Cook, who was the Rockies second best pitcher all year, combined with their confident bullpen, impregnable defense, and deep lineup, will present a serious challenge to the AL pennant winner. So, abandon your now expired "conventional" wisdom and actually pay some attention to the stable of writers, far more qualified than yourself, from your own network, who are lauding this team.
* By the way, it's nice to be able to banish Cowturd now that an alternative exists to listen to in LA with the arrival of Dan Patrick on KLAC to fill in the gaps during Kevin and Bean commercial breaks. Dan Patrick in the mornings and Petros and Money in the afternoons makes commuting slightly more manageable.
* A serious fall from grace for Coach Fran. After a puzzling decision to leave Alabama for a less prestigious post at A&M, he may lose out on an $8 million check to go away because of the $30K plus that he earned from his insider newsletter. $8 million in one hand, $30K in the other...
* With Stoneman's departure from the Angels' front office, will the new triumvirate of Moreno, Scioscia, and new GM Tony Reagins be able to formulate an enticing offer to pry away Marlins' 3B Miguel Cabrera, who is bound for arbitration this offseason and likely to command a budget busting $11 million or more? After all, the Marlins will be able to request a higher premium for Cabrera, in spite of his battles with weight, than they will for a seemingly declining Dontrelle Willis.
* First prediction for the 2008 MLB season? The Indians' dust Manny in his first plate appearance against them next season after his decision to admire his shot at the tail end of the back to back to back chain the Red Sox put together tonight. No need to take revenge during the ALCS but I guarantee that the Indians will remember Ramirez's self-admiration.
* Curtis Granderson has already established himself a post playing career, bringing the personality and composure from the playing field to the broadcast desk. Good stuff.
* Did Peter Gammons just ask Paul Byrd if he's ever done a "triple pump"?
I Hope the Hokies Don't Read Shanoff...
Just a teeny, tiny mention by Dan Shanoff at the tail end of his weekly post on Deadspin.
With even the slightest whiff of expectation, the Hokies have a disturbing tendency to fold like a lawn chair. So, please, let them continue to stay under the radar, reading press clippings detailing their struggles on offense and their rapidly dwindling depth at linebacker (Cam Martin is joining Vince Hall on the sidelines with a recently diagnosed case of mono), steadily moving up the rankings as they take advantage of the fact that they lost in week two of the season, while team after team stumbles in front of them, and all the while hoping that voters will mitigate their lopsided loss in Baton Rouge with the understanding that this is an evolving and different team from the one that got the piping on their Nike uniforms blown off in the Bayou.
Of course, all this will be moot unless:
1) Ore can get healthy to take advantage of the reconstituted offensive line.
2) The Hogs' progeny (though he wasn't a lineman, Donnie Warren was an honorary Hog) fill the void left by the absence's of Hall and Martin.
3) Beamer, Stinespring, and O'Cain can find a way to make teams game plan for BOTH Taylor and Glennon, taking a cue from the Flynn/Perriloux combo that gave them trouble, and demonstrate the offensive imagination that all too often has been missing under Stinespring.
So, root for Ohio State to get buckeyed in Happy Valley, BC to fall in Blacksburg, South Florida to go down on the banks of the Raritan, LSU to stumble in Tuscaloosa (or in the SEC championship), Oklahoma to trip in Lubbock, South Carolina to suffer in Knoxville, Kentucky to suffer a letdown at home against Florida, Arizona State to implode in Autzen, and Oregon to get overconfident at home against USC, leaving VT to try to emerge from the wreckage and curry the favor of the computers and the pollsters. Luckily, no one reads any of this so I can postulate about this in private, without fear of a midge of expectation landing on the neck of the Hokies.
With even the slightest whiff of expectation, the Hokies have a disturbing tendency to fold like a lawn chair. So, please, let them continue to stay under the radar, reading press clippings detailing their struggles on offense and their rapidly dwindling depth at linebacker (Cam Martin is joining Vince Hall on the sidelines with a recently diagnosed case of mono), steadily moving up the rankings as they take advantage of the fact that they lost in week two of the season, while team after team stumbles in front of them, and all the while hoping that voters will mitigate their lopsided loss in Baton Rouge with the understanding that this is an evolving and different team from the one that got the piping on their Nike uniforms blown off in the Bayou.
Of course, all this will be moot unless:
1) Ore can get healthy to take advantage of the reconstituted offensive line.
2) The Hogs' progeny (though he wasn't a lineman, Donnie Warren was an honorary Hog) fill the void left by the absence's of Hall and Martin.
3) Beamer, Stinespring, and O'Cain can find a way to make teams game plan for BOTH Taylor and Glennon, taking a cue from the Flynn/Perriloux combo that gave them trouble, and demonstrate the offensive imagination that all too often has been missing under Stinespring.
So, root for Ohio State to get buckeyed in Happy Valley, BC to fall in Blacksburg, South Florida to go down on the banks of the Raritan, LSU to stumble in Tuscaloosa (or in the SEC championship), Oklahoma to trip in Lubbock, South Carolina to suffer in Knoxville, Kentucky to suffer a letdown at home against Florida, Arizona State to implode in Autzen, and Oregon to get overconfident at home against USC, leaving VT to try to emerge from the wreckage and curry the favor of the computers and the pollsters. Luckily, no one reads any of this so I can postulate about this in private, without fear of a midge of expectation landing on the neck of the Hokies.
14 October 2007
Advancing a Green Country...
In today's op-ed column by Tom Friedman in the New York Times, he discusses the contrasting leadership of President George Bush and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Al Gore. Within this article, regarding conservatives, Friedman states, "They can’t see what is staring us in the face — that in pushing American companies to become greener, we are pushing them to become more productive, more innovative, more efficient and more competitive" and "In pushing our companies to go green we are spurring them to take the lead in the next great global industry — clean power."
Under the guise of protecting their constituents, legislation raising emissions and efficiency standards for automobiles in the United States has been unable to gain a foothold due to the opposition of numerous representatives and Senators, as well as President Bush, with support from the nation's big domestic automakers, as well as representatives from the current leading innovator in the field of clean automobiles, Toyota. In doing so, the belief is that the government is protecting the interests of domestic automakers (never mind the prurient interests of the oil companies). Instead, they are failing these automakers by not pushing them to become "more productive, more innovative, more efficient, and more competitive". This has resulted in the continuing failures of the domestic automobile industry, falling well behind foreign corporations who have aggressively taken on the challenge of developing lower emissions, higher efficiency and alternative power vehicles, resulting in the ascendancy of Toyota as the #1 automobile maker in the US.
This serves as a microcosm of the greater issues that Friedman cites in his piece. Until the leaders in government raise the standards for domestic companies, they will continue to fall behind their international competition and see declines in their future profitability and prosperity, damaging the citizens who comprise their workforces in the present and the future.
Under the guise of protecting their constituents, legislation raising emissions and efficiency standards for automobiles in the United States has been unable to gain a foothold due to the opposition of numerous representatives and Senators, as well as President Bush, with support from the nation's big domestic automakers, as well as representatives from the current leading innovator in the field of clean automobiles, Toyota. In doing so, the belief is that the government is protecting the interests of domestic automakers (never mind the prurient interests of the oil companies). Instead, they are failing these automakers by not pushing them to become "more productive, more innovative, more efficient, and more competitive". This has resulted in the continuing failures of the domestic automobile industry, falling well behind foreign corporations who have aggressively taken on the challenge of developing lower emissions, higher efficiency and alternative power vehicles, resulting in the ascendancy of Toyota as the #1 automobile maker in the US.
This serves as a microcosm of the greater issues that Friedman cites in his piece. Until the leaders in government raise the standards for domestic companies, they will continue to fall behind their international competition and see declines in their future profitability and prosperity, damaging the citizens who comprise their workforces in the present and the future.
Parsing the Polls...
The first edition of this year's BCS standings were released during Fox's NFL Football postgame today. (I was incorrect in stating that the BCS standings are released on Tuesdays in an earlier post. My bad. Though I still don't understand the rationale in releasing the standings on a Sunday.)
No point in discussing the rankings at this point, as there is a lot of football yet to be played. And, in a season where surprises abound, there is no one who can say with any degree of certainty what the remainder of the season holds. Of course, that does little to dissuade people from doing exactly that. To recap, the debate has moved from the possibility of having three undefeated and dominant teams (USC, LSU, and Oklahoma), to the emergence of non-traditional powers, and now to the relative merit of USF and BC to be ranked in the top three. I've read and heard multiple arguments about the remaining schedules of Ohio State, USF, BC, LSU, Oklahoma, etc, etc, and the paucity of tough opponents and the likelihood of those teams running the table, agitating the masses and necessitating the need for a playoff. While a loss for these teams might be unexpected, did anyone expect USC to lose to Stanford, Cal to lose to Oregon State, or LSU to lose to Kentucky? So, before everyone gets their respective nuts in a twist, watch and enjoy the games remaining this season.
By the way, since Fox spent so much money for the right to televise the BCS bowls, as well as be the first to release the BCS standings each week, shouldn't they bring in some people who are capable of talking about those rankings? Instead, we're subjected to listening to Charles Davis, Fox's lead college football analyst, talk about the lack of respect for USF amongst the human voters. Isn't USF ranked #2 in the AP and #3 in the USA Today and Harris polls, all of whom are comprised of human voters? How is that disrespect? We were also exposed to the expert analysis of Curt Menefee, who, while running down the list of teams ranked 11-20, noted that #14 USC's title hopes were extinguished based on their ranking, only to be immediately contradicted by Charles Davis and other members of the team, who noted (correctly) that USC has a schedule populated by three teams that are ranked above them in the BCS in Cal, Arizona State, and Oregon. While this crew may do a decent job in talking about the NFL, they were brutal to listen to when it came to talking about college football. Save us from Jimmy Johnson's assertions that Oregon should be #1 (didn't they lose to the same Cal team that just went down to Oregon State due to turning the ball over THREE times late in the 4th quarter?) and his previous lambasting of Alabama head coach Nick Saban for his criticism of USF and their academic standards. With Fox's resources, I'm sure that they could throw it to a different team to discuss and needlessly parse the new BCS standings each week.
No point in discussing the rankings at this point, as there is a lot of football yet to be played. And, in a season where surprises abound, there is no one who can say with any degree of certainty what the remainder of the season holds. Of course, that does little to dissuade people from doing exactly that. To recap, the debate has moved from the possibility of having three undefeated and dominant teams (USC, LSU, and Oklahoma), to the emergence of non-traditional powers, and now to the relative merit of USF and BC to be ranked in the top three. I've read and heard multiple arguments about the remaining schedules of Ohio State, USF, BC, LSU, Oklahoma, etc, etc, and the paucity of tough opponents and the likelihood of those teams running the table, agitating the masses and necessitating the need for a playoff. While a loss for these teams might be unexpected, did anyone expect USC to lose to Stanford, Cal to lose to Oregon State, or LSU to lose to Kentucky? So, before everyone gets their respective nuts in a twist, watch and enjoy the games remaining this season.
By the way, since Fox spent so much money for the right to televise the BCS bowls, as well as be the first to release the BCS standings each week, shouldn't they bring in some people who are capable of talking about those rankings? Instead, we're subjected to listening to Charles Davis, Fox's lead college football analyst, talk about the lack of respect for USF amongst the human voters. Isn't USF ranked #2 in the AP and #3 in the USA Today and Harris polls, all of whom are comprised of human voters? How is that disrespect? We were also exposed to the expert analysis of Curt Menefee, who, while running down the list of teams ranked 11-20, noted that #14 USC's title hopes were extinguished based on their ranking, only to be immediately contradicted by Charles Davis and other members of the team, who noted (correctly) that USC has a schedule populated by three teams that are ranked above them in the BCS in Cal, Arizona State, and Oregon. While this crew may do a decent job in talking about the NFL, they were brutal to listen to when it came to talking about college football. Save us from Jimmy Johnson's assertions that Oregon should be #1 (didn't they lose to the same Cal team that just went down to Oregon State due to turning the ball over THREE times late in the 4th quarter?) and his previous lambasting of Alabama head coach Nick Saban for his criticism of USF and their academic standards. With Fox's resources, I'm sure that they could throw it to a different team to discuss and needlessly parse the new BCS standings each week.
'Skins Give One Away...
Joe Gibbs led his team into Lambeau Field today, where the Redskins proceeded to make the mistakes that have plagued the team since Gibbs' return to the franchise. The Redskins continually shot themselves in the foot with multiple mistakes, ranging from dropped passes to fumbles, as well as a disturbing and continuing inability by the coaching staff to manage the clock. At one point, Fox noted that the Redskins had dropped seven passes, the most egregious of which was Santana Moss' drop on a deep pass which ended up bouncing off of his face mask. This drop has been characteristic of Moss' season thus far, having dropped multiple passes. With at least two drops today (the one mentioned above, as well as one which, though thrown a bit high, as QB Jason Campbell has a tendency to do, is usually reeled in by Moss, which ended up being intercepted on the deflection), Moss further compounded his bad day by fumbling on a reverse. The fumble was picked up by Packer DB Charles Woodson and returned for a touchdown, putting the Packers ahead for good. Moss has struggled with injuries since the preseason (though the injuries that have been disclosed have nothing to do with his hands). Though he has battled through these injuries, missing only last week's game, it may be time for Moss to take some time and regain his health as his play is only hurting the Redskins at this point, particularly since WR seems to be a position at which the Redskins do have some depth.
In the fourth quarter, Fox analyst Troy Aikman was discussing an upcoming 3rd and 9 play for the Redskins during the timeout the 'Skins had just taken. With about seven minutes left in the game, Coach Gibbs took a timeout to contemplate the upcoming play. Aikman immediately started talking about the fact that, with the Redskins at GB's 37 yard line, the coaching staff should be thinking about whether or not they would attempt a field goal or go for it on 4th down, should they not make the first down on the play. After the play, a four yard pass to TE Chris Cooley, the Redskins took yet another timeout. Aikman wondered why the timeout was taken, noting that the coaching staff should have discussed the situation during the previous timeout and that this was a waste. A shot of Gibbs on the sideline showed him roaming around with an air of indecision. This look was similar to the confused look he exhibited at the end of the first half earlier this season against the Eagles, when the Skins again mismanaged the clock but were bailed out by a commensurately bad decision by Eagles coach Andy Reid. In this case, the coaching staff chose to forego a 50 yard field goal attempt by Shaun Suisham on a wet field, and went for it on 4th and 2. Campbell, with a bevy of options with approximately 6 players in the pattern, threw the ball to the only one who wasn't actually past the line of gain. RB Ladell Betts was unable to shake LB Nick Barnett on the swing pass and was quickly brought down. The Redskins failed to threaten the remainder of the game as, with no need to worry about the run, the Packers front four teed off and continually outplayed a depleted offensive line.
In the end, the Redskins went into a difficult environment, outplayed a good team, and gave a game away, taking away an opportunity to likely tie the Dallas Cowboys at the top of the NFC East (pending the Cowboys' result against the Patriots). Hopefully, this is the type of game that the Redskins will learn from and improve on, rather than an indication of another slide into the abyss.
In the fourth quarter, Fox analyst Troy Aikman was discussing an upcoming 3rd and 9 play for the Redskins during the timeout the 'Skins had just taken. With about seven minutes left in the game, Coach Gibbs took a timeout to contemplate the upcoming play. Aikman immediately started talking about the fact that, with the Redskins at GB's 37 yard line, the coaching staff should be thinking about whether or not they would attempt a field goal or go for it on 4th down, should they not make the first down on the play. After the play, a four yard pass to TE Chris Cooley, the Redskins took yet another timeout. Aikman wondered why the timeout was taken, noting that the coaching staff should have discussed the situation during the previous timeout and that this was a waste. A shot of Gibbs on the sideline showed him roaming around with an air of indecision. This look was similar to the confused look he exhibited at the end of the first half earlier this season against the Eagles, when the Skins again mismanaged the clock but were bailed out by a commensurately bad decision by Eagles coach Andy Reid. In this case, the coaching staff chose to forego a 50 yard field goal attempt by Shaun Suisham on a wet field, and went for it on 4th and 2. Campbell, with a bevy of options with approximately 6 players in the pattern, threw the ball to the only one who wasn't actually past the line of gain. RB Ladell Betts was unable to shake LB Nick Barnett on the swing pass and was quickly brought down. The Redskins failed to threaten the remainder of the game as, with no need to worry about the run, the Packers front four teed off and continually outplayed a depleted offensive line.
In the end, the Redskins went into a difficult environment, outplayed a good team, and gave a game away, taking away an opportunity to likely tie the Dallas Cowboys at the top of the NFC East (pending the Cowboys' result against the Patriots). Hopefully, this is the type of game that the Redskins will learn from and improve on, rather than an indication of another slide into the abyss.
13 October 2007
Opening the Aperture...
Straying slightly from the thus far sports based posts this morning.
Some national furor has erupted this week over newly inflammatory comments from right wing conservative commentator and all around crazy bitch, Ann Coulter. Appearing on CNBC's The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Coulter stated that the country would be better off if everyone were Christian. Deutsch, who is Jewish, asked if she wanted to get rid of Judaism, to which Coulter responded, "We just want Jews to be perfected."
Even more stunning, in the face of this blatant anti-semitism, spokespersons from each of the major networks would not rule out future appearances by Coulter on their platforms. From Matea Gold at the Los Angeles Times:
"The decision to put someone like Ann Coulter on our air is not one we would ever take lightly," said NBC News spokesman Allison Gollust. "However, when you talk about banning someone from the airwaves because of their views -- whatever they may be -- you are getting into dangerous territory."
ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said the network has "to cover the news, so it's nearly impossible to say you won't ever have someone on. That said, we certainly don't have any plans to have her on."
CBS News also does not plan to interview Coulter in the near future, although spokeswoman Sandy Genelius added, "It seems as though no news organization could justifiably say 'never.' "
Fox News did not rule out having her on as a guest again, but a network executive said if she came on she would be pressed about her statements. A CNN spokeswoman said bookings are left up to each show's producer.
Why not take a stand? Coulter comments on news and is not necessarily a newsmaker (except when she is seeking publicity for her myriad of conservative publishings and making comments such as this). There is no need to "cover" her. However, Coulter inspires outrage and garners attention and ratings for these networks, which is the prime driver for news networks, supplanting the desire to present journalistic value.
*******************************************************************
The Associated Press is reporting that Ammar al-Hakim, a member and purported future leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, the country's largest Shiite party, has initiated debate for Iraq to potentially move away from a central, multi-party government to one which splits the country into regions based upon ethnic and religious lines. This call comes amid perceived growing frustration with the stops and stalls of the current institutions led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
This call for change from a party leader in the Iraqi government is could be a step toward the citizens of Iraq taking greater control over their political future. What is puzzling is the continued role the government of the United States is taking in determining the shape of that future. Last month, the Senate passed a non-binding resolution calling upon President Bush to make a push for a federalized system if the Iraqis called for it. Iraqi leadership pushed back against this, stating that this was a potential move against the sovereignty of Iraq, which, to me, seems to be a good point. Why Congress is pushing forward bills such as this, which is a successor to earlier debated resolutions which were to potentially call for the removal of al-Maliki from his elected role as Prime Minister. These are decisions that should and must be made by the citizens and elected leaders of Iraq in order for Iraq to assume the mantle of leadership once the US makes its inevitable drawdown and withdrawal from the country.
I am far from an expert in politics and public policy but, shouldn't a country where democracy is attempting to gain a foothold make it's own decisions in these arenas? And, shouldn't a domestic political apparatus that is struggling to extricate its military forces from Iraq avoid even the perception of undermining the fledgling democratic government of Iraq?
Some national furor has erupted this week over newly inflammatory comments from right wing conservative commentator and all around crazy bitch, Ann Coulter. Appearing on CNBC's The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Coulter stated that the country would be better off if everyone were Christian. Deutsch, who is Jewish, asked if she wanted to get rid of Judaism, to which Coulter responded, "We just want Jews to be perfected."
Even more stunning, in the face of this blatant anti-semitism, spokespersons from each of the major networks would not rule out future appearances by Coulter on their platforms. From Matea Gold at the Los Angeles Times:
"The decision to put someone like Ann Coulter on our air is not one we would ever take lightly," said NBC News spokesman Allison Gollust. "However, when you talk about banning someone from the airwaves because of their views -- whatever they may be -- you are getting into dangerous territory."
ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said the network has "to cover the news, so it's nearly impossible to say you won't ever have someone on. That said, we certainly don't have any plans to have her on."
CBS News also does not plan to interview Coulter in the near future, although spokeswoman Sandy Genelius added, "It seems as though no news organization could justifiably say 'never.' "
Fox News did not rule out having her on as a guest again, but a network executive said if she came on she would be pressed about her statements. A CNN spokeswoman said bookings are left up to each show's producer.
Why not take a stand? Coulter comments on news and is not necessarily a newsmaker (except when she is seeking publicity for her myriad of conservative publishings and making comments such as this). There is no need to "cover" her. However, Coulter inspires outrage and garners attention and ratings for these networks, which is the prime driver for news networks, supplanting the desire to present journalistic value.
*******************************************************************
The Associated Press is reporting that Ammar al-Hakim, a member and purported future leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, the country's largest Shiite party, has initiated debate for Iraq to potentially move away from a central, multi-party government to one which splits the country into regions based upon ethnic and religious lines. This call comes amid perceived growing frustration with the stops and stalls of the current institutions led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
This call for change from a party leader in the Iraqi government is could be a step toward the citizens of Iraq taking greater control over their political future. What is puzzling is the continued role the government of the United States is taking in determining the shape of that future. Last month, the Senate passed a non-binding resolution calling upon President Bush to make a push for a federalized system if the Iraqis called for it. Iraqi leadership pushed back against this, stating that this was a potential move against the sovereignty of Iraq, which, to me, seems to be a good point. Why Congress is pushing forward bills such as this, which is a successor to earlier debated resolutions which were to potentially call for the removal of al-Maliki from his elected role as Prime Minister. These are decisions that should and must be made by the citizens and elected leaders of Iraq in order for Iraq to assume the mantle of leadership once the US makes its inevitable drawdown and withdrawal from the country.
I am far from an expert in politics and public policy but, shouldn't a country where democracy is attempting to gain a foothold make it's own decisions in these arenas? And, shouldn't a domestic political apparatus that is struggling to extricate its military forces from Iraq avoid even the perception of undermining the fledgling democratic government of Iraq?
"Son, do you know who you're playing?"
"YOU PLAYING VIRGINIA TECH!"
- Rick "Doc" Walker
Doc Walker uttered the above quote during a replay of a blocked punt by Virginia Tech against Duke in the second quarter of today's game in Durham, NC. For what currently seems like the first time all year, the Hokies are demonstrating an ability to execute in all three phases of the game. The defense has made great strides since getting embarrassed at LSU, the special teams broke out and asserted itself last week against Clemson with a kick return and a punt return for touchdowns, and the offense appears much smoother and multi-dimensional in today's contest against the Blue Devils. Even more surprisingly, the offense's emergence has been on the arm of backup quarterback and former starter Sean Glennon. Tyrod Taylor had led the Hokies to two early field goals after benefiting from excellent field position and had also thrown for a touchdown on a nicely executed play that took advantage of blown coverage. However, Hokie fans were sighing deeply when Taylor appeared to suffer an ankle injury early in the second quarter on a third down play, resulting in Glennon's appearance in the game to begin their next drive.
A change in the offense was immediately apparent as VT opened in a more traditional power-I formation, abandoning the spread that Taylor had operated in much of the game, and Glennon began confidently throwing the ball down the field, taking advantage of the Hokies athletic advantage at the wide receiver position, making big plays on his first two plays from scrimmage. The offense looked confident and efficient for the remainder of the first half as Glennon led the Hokies to 24 unanswered points. The operation was noticeable for the outstanding protection the revamped Hokies' offensive line provided to the largely immobile Glennon, aided largely by the full time return of RT Ed Wang and the shifting of former RT Nick Marshman to his customary LG position. Configured as planned in the offseason for the first time this season, the line provided Glennon with ample time to drop back, set his feet, and throw to Tech's gifted wide receiver corps of Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Josh Hyman, and Justin Harper, along with TE Sam Wheeler. This group looked rejuvenated as they broke open time and again, gaining separation and yards after the catch. Though mobile and mature, providing a spark to the team, Taylor had struggled to consistently get the ball to his teammates. Glennon, demonstrating the poise that coaches and teammates had raved about in the offseason, was throwing the ball accurately and on time. Instead of hanging onto the ball and slowly moving through his progressions, Glennon appeared decisive and quickly got rid of the ball, trusting his wideouts to execute their routes and get open.
Now, caveat all of this with the fact that they are playing Duke, who, though markedly improved this year, competing in all their contests this year, is still a 1-5 team. However, VT is finally putting on the kind of multi-pronged domination that is a hallmark of their best teams and results in the type of quotes at the top of this post. Virginia Tech has been swarming to the ball on defense, thoroughly shutting down one of the top QBs in the ACC this season, Thaddeus Lewis, in spite of the absence of MLB and defensive leader Vince Hall. LB Brett Warren has capably filled in while the remainder of the defense has applied pressure and yielded few big plays, thus far causing Duke to go 0 for 9 on third downs. The special teams has blocked a punt, caused and recovered a fumble on a kickoff return, made numerous big hits on kickoff returns, and thoroughly harried Duke's punter into several poor punts. The offense, again keyed by Sean Glennon, has consistently moved the football through the air. The worry that continues to persist on offense is the relative inability to run the ball with power and consistency. RB Branden Ore continues to look tentative, playing with a variety of ailments. Instead of attacking defenders and making the decisive jump cuts he displayed last year, he appears to shuffle his feet and search for contact at the point of attack. The offensive line appears to be creating space and it's up to Ore, backup Kenny Lewis, Jr, and perhaps third string RB Jahre Cheeseman, to take advantage of these openings. The offensive line, assuming that it can avoid injury (LT Duane Brown limped off the field early in the third quarter after getting his knee rolled up, but has returned to the game, exhibiting a slight limp and some decreased mobility), looks much better and provides the time for Glennon to throw the ball down the field, as he just did on a beautiful 45 yard touchdown pass to Josh Morgan. Of course, PK Jud Dunleavy just missed his first extra point of the season, to go along with his first missed field goal earlier in the game (he has hit successfully from over 40 three times today though).
QB Tyrod Taylor, wearing no pads and watching the game while sitting in a golf cart on the sidelines, may not be a candidate for the October 25 Thursday night game against #4 Boston College. If healthy, he and Sean Glennon (with a big assist from the offensive line), has given coach Frank Beamer a difficult decision as Tech continues to climb the national rankings and contend for an ACC title.
- Rick "Doc" Walker
Doc Walker uttered the above quote during a replay of a blocked punt by Virginia Tech against Duke in the second quarter of today's game in Durham, NC. For what currently seems like the first time all year, the Hokies are demonstrating an ability to execute in all three phases of the game. The defense has made great strides since getting embarrassed at LSU, the special teams broke out and asserted itself last week against Clemson with a kick return and a punt return for touchdowns, and the offense appears much smoother and multi-dimensional in today's contest against the Blue Devils. Even more surprisingly, the offense's emergence has been on the arm of backup quarterback and former starter Sean Glennon. Tyrod Taylor had led the Hokies to two early field goals after benefiting from excellent field position and had also thrown for a touchdown on a nicely executed play that took advantage of blown coverage. However, Hokie fans were sighing deeply when Taylor appeared to suffer an ankle injury early in the second quarter on a third down play, resulting in Glennon's appearance in the game to begin their next drive.
A change in the offense was immediately apparent as VT opened in a more traditional power-I formation, abandoning the spread that Taylor had operated in much of the game, and Glennon began confidently throwing the ball down the field, taking advantage of the Hokies athletic advantage at the wide receiver position, making big plays on his first two plays from scrimmage. The offense looked confident and efficient for the remainder of the first half as Glennon led the Hokies to 24 unanswered points. The operation was noticeable for the outstanding protection the revamped Hokies' offensive line provided to the largely immobile Glennon, aided largely by the full time return of RT Ed Wang and the shifting of former RT Nick Marshman to his customary LG position. Configured as planned in the offseason for the first time this season, the line provided Glennon with ample time to drop back, set his feet, and throw to Tech's gifted wide receiver corps of Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Josh Hyman, and Justin Harper, along with TE Sam Wheeler. This group looked rejuvenated as they broke open time and again, gaining separation and yards after the catch. Though mobile and mature, providing a spark to the team, Taylor had struggled to consistently get the ball to his teammates. Glennon, demonstrating the poise that coaches and teammates had raved about in the offseason, was throwing the ball accurately and on time. Instead of hanging onto the ball and slowly moving through his progressions, Glennon appeared decisive and quickly got rid of the ball, trusting his wideouts to execute their routes and get open.
Now, caveat all of this with the fact that they are playing Duke, who, though markedly improved this year, competing in all their contests this year, is still a 1-5 team. However, VT is finally putting on the kind of multi-pronged domination that is a hallmark of their best teams and results in the type of quotes at the top of this post. Virginia Tech has been swarming to the ball on defense, thoroughly shutting down one of the top QBs in the ACC this season, Thaddeus Lewis, in spite of the absence of MLB and defensive leader Vince Hall. LB Brett Warren has capably filled in while the remainder of the defense has applied pressure and yielded few big plays, thus far causing Duke to go 0 for 9 on third downs. The special teams has blocked a punt, caused and recovered a fumble on a kickoff return, made numerous big hits on kickoff returns, and thoroughly harried Duke's punter into several poor punts. The offense, again keyed by Sean Glennon, has consistently moved the football through the air. The worry that continues to persist on offense is the relative inability to run the ball with power and consistency. RB Branden Ore continues to look tentative, playing with a variety of ailments. Instead of attacking defenders and making the decisive jump cuts he displayed last year, he appears to shuffle his feet and search for contact at the point of attack. The offensive line appears to be creating space and it's up to Ore, backup Kenny Lewis, Jr, and perhaps third string RB Jahre Cheeseman, to take advantage of these openings. The offensive line, assuming that it can avoid injury (LT Duane Brown limped off the field early in the third quarter after getting his knee rolled up, but has returned to the game, exhibiting a slight limp and some decreased mobility), looks much better and provides the time for Glennon to throw the ball down the field, as he just did on a beautiful 45 yard touchdown pass to Josh Morgan. Of course, PK Jud Dunleavy just missed his first extra point of the season, to go along with his first missed field goal earlier in the game (he has hit successfully from over 40 three times today though).
QB Tyrod Taylor, wearing no pads and watching the game while sitting in a golf cart on the sidelines, may not be a candidate for the October 25 Thursday night game against #4 Boston College. If healthy, he and Sean Glennon (with a big assist from the offensive line), has given coach Frank Beamer a difficult decision as Tech continues to climb the national rankings and contend for an ACC title.
Same Old for the O's?
The Orioles announced today that pitching coach Leo Mazzone would not be returning for his third year with the organization, following his good friend and former O's manager, Sam Perlozzo, out the door. Mazzone came to the Orioles in order to take advantage of the opportunity to coach with his longtime friend. Instead of allowing him to continue to aid in the latest attempt to try to restore the franchise to past glory under the new leadership of Andy Macphail, the Orioles chose to let Mazzone walk, with an additional $500K in his pockets, which he may use to subsidize his salary next year with a new employer.
While I understand the need for new manager Dave Tremblay to bring in a staff that he is comfortable with, the break in continuity for the young staff could be troubling. Additionally, the struggles of the pitching staff could likely be attributed more to the personnel that comprised it and the injuries that befell the members the front office brought in. From the season ending injuries to Adam Loewen, Kris Benson, Jaret Wright, Chris Ray, and Danys Baez, to the associated premature promotions of Radhames Liz, Garrett Olson, Brian Burres, etc.
During Mazzone's tenure, Erik Bedard became one of the top five pitchers in the AL. Jeremy Guthrie, claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians, contended for Rookie of the Year honors before tailing off in the final month of the season. Kris Benson demonstrated marked improvement in the 2006 season prior to his off season shoulder surgery. Improvement could be seen with Adam Loewen and Daniel Cabrera, though injury clouded Loewen's improvement and inconsistency plagued Cabrera.
While reason can be discerned behind this move, it is also one that smacks of an attempt to make rapid improvement with an inflexible roster loaded with subpar players with bloated long term contracts. The Orioles must commit to a long term strategy, similar to the efforts that are coming to fruition with organizations like the Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Indians. Hopefully, this can be a positive step in removing the putridity of the cloud of Angelos that has overshadowed this organization for the last 11 years.
While I understand the need for new manager Dave Tremblay to bring in a staff that he is comfortable with, the break in continuity for the young staff could be troubling. Additionally, the struggles of the pitching staff could likely be attributed more to the personnel that comprised it and the injuries that befell the members the front office brought in. From the season ending injuries to Adam Loewen, Kris Benson, Jaret Wright, Chris Ray, and Danys Baez, to the associated premature promotions of Radhames Liz, Garrett Olson, Brian Burres, etc.
During Mazzone's tenure, Erik Bedard became one of the top five pitchers in the AL. Jeremy Guthrie, claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians, contended for Rookie of the Year honors before tailing off in the final month of the season. Kris Benson demonstrated marked improvement in the 2006 season prior to his off season shoulder surgery. Improvement could be seen with Adam Loewen and Daniel Cabrera, though injury clouded Loewen's improvement and inconsistency plagued Cabrera.
While reason can be discerned behind this move, it is also one that smacks of an attempt to make rapid improvement with an inflexible roster loaded with subpar players with bloated long term contracts. The Orioles must commit to a long term strategy, similar to the efforts that are coming to fruition with organizations like the Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Indians. Hopefully, this can be a positive step in removing the putridity of the cloud of Angelos that has overshadowed this organization for the last 11 years.
11 October 2007
Prognosticating the NLCS...
A series that matches two teams that are far off the national radar, Rockies v. Diamondbacks is one that seems to be causing a bit of consternation amongst many columnists and analysts. In hearing some of the central stats that surround this series and in looking at the participants, I'm not entirely sure why. The Rockies boast the best defensive team in baseball history (at least in looking at fielding percentage), a lineup that, one through seven, can compete with the best in baseball, and a pitching staff that has improved as the season progressed and young, power arms were called upon to fill holes created by injury and, nominally, is the equal of the Diamondbacks staff. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, feature a team with the worst batting average in the NL, scored the third fewest runs, boasts an ace who, though dominant, struggled in six starts against the Rockies during the regular season, and ended with a negative run differential that was frequently cited as a statistic that should have left the Diamondbacks as a playoff outlier. Again, the pick is easy as the Rockies should win this series going away. While the Diamondbacks have defied statistics all year, they will not be able to overcome the Rockies and the wave of momentum upon which they ride.
The Evolution of a Season...
With USC’s loss to Stanford on Saturday and the resultant shuffling of teams in the top 10 has resulted in the ascendance of several unlikely teams toward the top of the rankings. The early season debate over possible scenarios of three and four unbeaten teams is well back in the rear view mirror at this point and further demonstrates why rancor over such scenarios so early in the season is unnecessary. With rosters of 18-21 year old college students, maddening inconsistency and letdowns should be expected. Columns have now shifted the debate from ones about the dominance of the large programs at the beginning of the season to discussions on the emergence of parity in college football. Unfortunately, these discussions would also seem to be premature as half the season still remains to be played. As the season lengthens, the depth of a team is tested. While smaller schools are able to now obtain an initial layer of talented players that enable those schools to put more talented programs to the test thanks to scholarship limits and the proliferation of college football across a nationwide multimedia landscape, providing increased exposure for those small schools, larger institutions will still benefit from building rosters with top prospects two and three deep at key positions. As injuries and fatigue mount, expect some of the non-traditional powers to begin suffering their own unexpected losses.
I would still maintain that this may be a season that sees no team reach the BCS championship game with an unblemished record, with the possible exception of an Ohio State team that faces a remaining schedule that consists of unremarkable conference foes who have already had multiple facets of their game exposed. Many surprises in this season likely still remain, with one lurking in Lexington this weekend as LSU finally leaves the Gulf Coast region to play in a classic trap game coming off their emotional and gutsy defeat of Florida in Baton Rouge.
I would still maintain that this may be a season that sees no team reach the BCS championship game with an unblemished record, with the possible exception of an Ohio State team that faces a remaining schedule that consists of unremarkable conference foes who have already had multiple facets of their game exposed. Many surprises in this season likely still remain, with one lurking in Lexington this weekend as LSU finally leaves the Gulf Coast region to play in a classic trap game coming off their emotional and gutsy defeat of Florida in Baton Rouge.
Timing the Release of the Weekly Polls...
Why do the weekly rankings for college football come out on Sundays? I have read several times in stories from AP voters such as Stewart Mandel and Pat Forde about the struggle to submit their rankings in a timely fashion, oftentimes after not having had a chance to fully digest or review the games of teams that would be affected by the day’s results. With what I imagine to be only a limited window in which the only recourse is to review box scores or catch highlights of games, all while likely on location at the site of one of the weekend’s marquee matchups, fully informed decisions would appear to be difficult.
While the writers’ votes in the AP poll do not impact the BCS standings, the coaches’ votes in the USA Today poll do have an impact. In this case, coaches would seem to stand at even more of a disadvantage as their professional obligations do not necessarily rest with the evaluation of the top 25 teams in the land.
This would seem to cause poll voters to continue to vote for rankings that place teams based more on reputation and perception than actual results. By releasing the poll results on a Monday or Tuesday, college football would not only allow its voters (or, in the case of many coaches, their surrogates, such as sports information directors) to more responsibly and thoroughly evaluate the weekend’s results while simultaneously allowing for the rankings to emerge from the shadow of the NFL’s slate of Sunday games. This would likely still provide the NCAA time to input the poll results into their computers for the computation of the official BCS standings, released each Tuesday. This would seem to pass the common sense test, which may make it even more difficult for the NCAA to see it as an alternative.
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While the writers’ votes in the AP poll do not impact the BCS standings, the coaches’ votes in the USA Today poll do have an impact. In this case, coaches would seem to stand at even more of a disadvantage as their professional obligations do not necessarily rest with the evaluation of the top 25 teams in the land.
This would seem to cause poll voters to continue to vote for rankings that place teams based more on reputation and perception than actual results. By releasing the poll results on a Monday or Tuesday, college football would not only allow its voters (or, in the case of many coaches, their surrogates, such as sports information directors) to more responsibly and thoroughly evaluate the weekend’s results while simultaneously allowing for the rankings to emerge from the shadow of the NFL’s slate of Sunday games. This would likely still provide the NCAA time to input the poll results into their computers for the computation of the official BCS standings, released each Tuesday. This would seem to pass the common sense test, which may make it even more difficult for the NCAA to see it as an alternative.
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What Now for A-Rod and the Yankees?
With their game 4 loss to the Cleveland Indians, a tumultuous offseason has kicked off for the New York Yankees. No issue looms larger than the two headed monster of Alex Rodriguez and his agent, Scott Boras. Speculation has run rampant throughout the media, not only from journalists in New York, but from writers in cities that have already turned their attention to the hot stove league and see Rodriguez as a potential panacea for the ailments that caused expectations to go unfulfilled.
The Yankees are the obvious frontrunners to resign Rodriguez, though it will obviously come at a tremendous cost. Expect the Yankees to push heavily to extend Rodriguez’s current contract, taking advantage of the $21 million subsidy provided by the Texas Rangers over the remaining three years of the contract. The incentive to sign Rodriguez becomes heightened when considering the fact that the makeup of the team appears to be shifting. After a year in which the offense propped up a struggling pitching staff that employed multiple unknowns early in the season and carried the team to the postseason, it is doubtful that the Bombers will be able to live up to their moniker with a lineup missing Rodriguez in the clean up spot. With diminishing returns from the likes of aging superstars such as Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, and Bobby Abreu and few positional prospects on the immediate horizon beyond Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano, the Yankees can ill afford to lose the immense offensive production of Rodriguez, who, in spite of his postseason struggles, has served as one of the primary drivers in ensuring that the Yankees even have a chance to disappoint their legions in the postseason. With an apparent bright future for the pitching staff with the likes of Wang, Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain, particularly if headed by the veteran leadership of Pettitte, questions about the offense are likely to face the Yankees should Rodriguez depart. Looming over all of this is the final season of the House that Ruth Built and the opening of the new Yankee Stadium in 2009, which provide even more impetus for George Steinbrenner to keep Rodriguez in Yankee pinstripes.
Much of the speculation about competition for Rodriguez has centered on the Angels. With a clear hole in the lineup behind Vladimir Guerrero, exacerbated by the front row seat the Angels possessed for the show that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez put on in their Division Series, the Angels have been designated as a party likely to pounce on Rodriguez. In spite of owner Arte Moreno’s known fondness for Rodriguez; he does not seem to fit into the organizational philosophy of the Angels, who are unlikely to throw close to one third of their entire payroll at one player.
In looking for a more likely destination for Rodriguez, one need only look up the freeway to Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles is a town built on stars and, in spite of the Angels adding Los Angeles to their moniker, the Dodgers still serve as the lead organization in town. However, that gap has diminished significantly with the success of the Angels and the struggles of the Dodgers, both on the field and off, under the ownership of the McCourts. Los Angeles would still provide the major media market that Rodriguez and Boras seem to crave. The Dodgers struggled at the end of the season as the veterans and rookies openly clashed. Rodriguez would appear to serve as an excellent bridge between veterans nearing their retirement and rookies looking to make their mark. Additionally, Rodriguez would be able to stamp the Dodgers as his team, serving as their leader, a role that is and will be unavailable to him as long as Derek Jeter remains in town. On the field, Rodriguez would fill a void at third base that the Dodgers struggled with throughout the year. Additionally, the Dodgers would be able to utilize some of their organizational depth to fill out their pitching staff via trade, dangling a package fronted by the then expendable Andy LaRoche and the talented but seemingly aloof Matt Kemp, perhaps to the Twins as the foundation of an offer for Johan Santana. Frank and Jamie McCourt would have made a signature move that would enable them to thoroughly reclaim Los Angeles as Dodgers territory, while providing the franchise with an Hispanic superstar around whom to build a marketing campaign for the next decade that would rival Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for city wide popularity. The only question then would be, can GM Ned Colletti pry the McCourts’ fingers from their checkbooks long enough to make an offer that catches Scott Boras’ attention?
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The Yankees are the obvious frontrunners to resign Rodriguez, though it will obviously come at a tremendous cost. Expect the Yankees to push heavily to extend Rodriguez’s current contract, taking advantage of the $21 million subsidy provided by the Texas Rangers over the remaining three years of the contract. The incentive to sign Rodriguez becomes heightened when considering the fact that the makeup of the team appears to be shifting. After a year in which the offense propped up a struggling pitching staff that employed multiple unknowns early in the season and carried the team to the postseason, it is doubtful that the Bombers will be able to live up to their moniker with a lineup missing Rodriguez in the clean up spot. With diminishing returns from the likes of aging superstars such as Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, and Bobby Abreu and few positional prospects on the immediate horizon beyond Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano, the Yankees can ill afford to lose the immense offensive production of Rodriguez, who, in spite of his postseason struggles, has served as one of the primary drivers in ensuring that the Yankees even have a chance to disappoint their legions in the postseason. With an apparent bright future for the pitching staff with the likes of Wang, Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain, particularly if headed by the veteran leadership of Pettitte, questions about the offense are likely to face the Yankees should Rodriguez depart. Looming over all of this is the final season of the House that Ruth Built and the opening of the new Yankee Stadium in 2009, which provide even more impetus for George Steinbrenner to keep Rodriguez in Yankee pinstripes.
Much of the speculation about competition for Rodriguez has centered on the Angels. With a clear hole in the lineup behind Vladimir Guerrero, exacerbated by the front row seat the Angels possessed for the show that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez put on in their Division Series, the Angels have been designated as a party likely to pounce on Rodriguez. In spite of owner Arte Moreno’s known fondness for Rodriguez; he does not seem to fit into the organizational philosophy of the Angels, who are unlikely to throw close to one third of their entire payroll at one player.
In looking for a more likely destination for Rodriguez, one need only look up the freeway to Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles is a town built on stars and, in spite of the Angels adding Los Angeles to their moniker, the Dodgers still serve as the lead organization in town. However, that gap has diminished significantly with the success of the Angels and the struggles of the Dodgers, both on the field and off, under the ownership of the McCourts. Los Angeles would still provide the major media market that Rodriguez and Boras seem to crave. The Dodgers struggled at the end of the season as the veterans and rookies openly clashed. Rodriguez would appear to serve as an excellent bridge between veterans nearing their retirement and rookies looking to make their mark. Additionally, Rodriguez would be able to stamp the Dodgers as his team, serving as their leader, a role that is and will be unavailable to him as long as Derek Jeter remains in town. On the field, Rodriguez would fill a void at third base that the Dodgers struggled with throughout the year. Additionally, the Dodgers would be able to utilize some of their organizational depth to fill out their pitching staff via trade, dangling a package fronted by the then expendable Andy LaRoche and the talented but seemingly aloof Matt Kemp, perhaps to the Twins as the foundation of an offer for Johan Santana. Frank and Jamie McCourt would have made a signature move that would enable them to thoroughly reclaim Los Angeles as Dodgers territory, while providing the franchise with an Hispanic superstar around whom to build a marketing campaign for the next decade that would rival Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for city wide popularity. The only question then would be, can GM Ned Colletti pry the McCourts’ fingers from their checkbooks long enough to make an offer that catches Scott Boras’ attention?
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03 October 2007
Josh Beckett Was Dealing Tonight...
An absolutely dominating performance from Josh Beckett tonight, going the distance while yielding only four hits, with only two runners getting into scoring position, and fanning eight. Beckett was consistently getting ahead of hitters, pounding the zone with first pitch strikes. While the Angels did attempt to take hacks early in the count to prevent falling behind in the count, his command of the two seamer and a vicious hammer prevented the hitters from getting any decent cuts. Rather than serving as a commentary on the relative weakness of the Angels' lineup, this performance was indicative of the pure talent Beckett possesses. On a night when no lineup in the majors was likely to have success, Sox fans hops that Beckett set the tone for the rotation on the first night of the postseason.
The pain of watching the Angels get mowed down by Beckett was exacerbated by the quality, or lack thereof, of the initial foray of TBS into postseason baseball. The team of Ted Robinson and Steve Stone was awkward, as would be expected of a team in its initial pairing. Additionally, their relative lack of recent commentary was evident, with Robinson serving primarily as the lead tennis play by play man for NBC and Stone doing assorted ESPN telecasts, as little rhythm was exhibited and anecdotes seemed to be forced into spaces, resulting in the duo frequently carrying those anecdotes over the action. Stone, in particular, seemed to be off kilter, once referring to Josh Beckett's 5:1 "strikeout to fastball" ratio during his conversation with Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell and failing to breakdown Angels pitcher John Lackey's early struggles with his location, particularly with the breaking ball, which he was consistently hanging in the zone and resulted in David Ortiz' two run home run. The direction of the TBS broadcast was also astonishingly poor, marred by multiple occasions of returning to action at the start of a half inning after the action had already begun. Perhaps MLB should have given more thought to placing the full slate of Division Series games in the lap of a network with limited experience in executing sports broadcasts from multiple locations on the same night. Then again, there's not much in the way of anticipation for Fox initiating its coverage and subjecting the world to more commentary by the team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Ow...
The pain of watching the Angels get mowed down by Beckett was exacerbated by the quality, or lack thereof, of the initial foray of TBS into postseason baseball. The team of Ted Robinson and Steve Stone was awkward, as would be expected of a team in its initial pairing. Additionally, their relative lack of recent commentary was evident, with Robinson serving primarily as the lead tennis play by play man for NBC and Stone doing assorted ESPN telecasts, as little rhythm was exhibited and anecdotes seemed to be forced into spaces, resulting in the duo frequently carrying those anecdotes over the action. Stone, in particular, seemed to be off kilter, once referring to Josh Beckett's 5:1 "strikeout to fastball" ratio during his conversation with Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell and failing to breakdown Angels pitcher John Lackey's early struggles with his location, particularly with the breaking ball, which he was consistently hanging in the zone and resulted in David Ortiz' two run home run. The direction of the TBS broadcast was also astonishingly poor, marred by multiple occasions of returning to action at the start of a half inning after the action had already begun. Perhaps MLB should have given more thought to placing the full slate of Division Series games in the lap of a network with limited experience in executing sports broadcasts from multiple locations on the same night. Then again, there's not much in the way of anticipation for Fox initiating its coverage and subjecting the world to more commentary by the team of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Ow...
30 September 2007
A Brutal Finish...
The New York Mets completed their historic collapse by throwing out a horrendously uninspired performance today against the Florida Marlins. Tom Glavine served as the principal instigator in the latest episode, lasting 1/3 of an inning and being charged with seven earned runs. With speculation surrounding his future in New York, he likely precluded a return to the team next year with a performance that was wholly uncharacteristic of his likely Hall of Fame career. Quickly finding themselves in a deep hole and fighting to avoid going down in the annals of baseball history as one of the all time cautionary tales, they compounded their situation by not taking advantage of the gifts that Marlins' starting pitcher, Dontrelle Willis, tried to give them. The Mets left 8 men on base in the first three innings, a result that could not be wholly unexpected based on their performance over their last seventeen games.
The talent of this Mets' team was overcome by their startling lack of leadership and heart, in stark contrast to the inspired, joyful, and fiery performance of the NL East champion Phillies. Omar Minaya will be faced with an offseason of difficult decisions and unexpected choices. As ESPN.com's Buster Olney discussed in his blog Saturday, Minaya will hopefully accept his commensurate share of the blame in this situation and stand by manager Willie Randolph. In this sports world that demands attribution and seeks to find a party to blame for lesser collapses than this, Randolph may find himself following Glavine on his way out of the Big Apple.
The talent of this Mets' team was overcome by their startling lack of leadership and heart, in stark contrast to the inspired, joyful, and fiery performance of the NL East champion Phillies. Omar Minaya will be faced with an offseason of difficult decisions and unexpected choices. As ESPN.com's Buster Olney discussed in his blog Saturday, Minaya will hopefully accept his commensurate share of the blame in this situation and stand by manager Willie Randolph. In this sports world that demands attribution and seeks to find a party to blame for lesser collapses than this, Randolph may find himself following Glavine on his way out of the Big Apple.
This Is Why They Play the Games...
Saturday served as a reminder of why championships are not decided within the columns of writers, the posts of bloggers, or on message boards. Defying expectations, five of the top ten teams in the USA Today Top 25 went down to defeat.
The first four weeks of the regular season had precipitated a great deal of debate regarding the potential for three teams (USC, LSU, and Oklahoma) to contend for two spots in the BCS championship, reprising the 2003-2004 season where the same three teams battled for the national championship. That debate has been silenced as a result of Oklahoma's defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated program at the University of Colorado. Columnists and fans largely looked at this past weekend as a set up for a "Showdown Saturday", with the Red River Shootout (Oklahoma-Texas) and Florida visiting LSU on the slate for next weekend. Many Oklahoma fans were lamenting their potential fate should all three teams finish their respective schedules undefeated. Oklahoma fans can now root for the future opponents of those teams ranked above them.
Each season, college football provides a reminder of why the games are actually played, with upsets littering the landscape and altering the consensus perceptions of the public. In spite of that, anguish and speculation continue to be emblematic of the early weeks in college football, when teams feast on non-conference opponents, who are unfamiliar with their oppositions' schemes and personnel. Teams build reputations based on these performances but, regardless of how dominant those performances might be, they must be placed in perspective. Danger resides amongst those familiar opponents (see Kansas State's and Auburn's two consecutive defeats of Oklahoma and Florida, respectively).
At this time next year, similar debates will undoubtedly proliferate through the public domain. It is also likely that the debate will reflect back upon this season, when early perceptions were quickly altered and altered again. It's also likely that all the surprises of this season have not yet been unveiled. Familiarity, combined with depth, will play large roles in two of the biggest games looming over the remaining season. Cal and head coach Jeff Tedford, who have demonstrated an ability to attack the defense of USC over the years, will provide a stiff test for the Trojans, particularly as they continue to suffer personnel attrition on the defensive side of the football. Florida visits Baton Rouge to take on an LSU team which is struggling with injuries on both sides of the football, ranging from the ankle of QB Matt Flynn, to the questionable health of WR Early Doucet, and the loss of DT Charles Alexander, and demonstrated difficulty in establishing an offensive rhythm in the first half against Tulane.
There are lots of games remaining this season and it looks increasingly likely that each week will see teams continue to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. The early talk about the dominance of USC, LSU, and Oklahoma is now shifting. The current arguments over who deserves to be ranked #1, USC or LSU, is one which will be decided over the coming weeks (and one which only serves to provide fodder for the pundits nationwide). In the end, it is increasingly possible that both of these teams will be clawing their way back into the race after suffering their own unexpected surprises.
The first four weeks of the regular season had precipitated a great deal of debate regarding the potential for three teams (USC, LSU, and Oklahoma) to contend for two spots in the BCS championship, reprising the 2003-2004 season where the same three teams battled for the national championship. That debate has been silenced as a result of Oklahoma's defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated program at the University of Colorado. Columnists and fans largely looked at this past weekend as a set up for a "Showdown Saturday", with the Red River Shootout (Oklahoma-Texas) and Florida visiting LSU on the slate for next weekend. Many Oklahoma fans were lamenting their potential fate should all three teams finish their respective schedules undefeated. Oklahoma fans can now root for the future opponents of those teams ranked above them.
Each season, college football provides a reminder of why the games are actually played, with upsets littering the landscape and altering the consensus perceptions of the public. In spite of that, anguish and speculation continue to be emblematic of the early weeks in college football, when teams feast on non-conference opponents, who are unfamiliar with their oppositions' schemes and personnel. Teams build reputations based on these performances but, regardless of how dominant those performances might be, they must be placed in perspective. Danger resides amongst those familiar opponents (see Kansas State's and Auburn's two consecutive defeats of Oklahoma and Florida, respectively).
At this time next year, similar debates will undoubtedly proliferate through the public domain. It is also likely that the debate will reflect back upon this season, when early perceptions were quickly altered and altered again. It's also likely that all the surprises of this season have not yet been unveiled. Familiarity, combined with depth, will play large roles in two of the biggest games looming over the remaining season. Cal and head coach Jeff Tedford, who have demonstrated an ability to attack the defense of USC over the years, will provide a stiff test for the Trojans, particularly as they continue to suffer personnel attrition on the defensive side of the football. Florida visits Baton Rouge to take on an LSU team which is struggling with injuries on both sides of the football, ranging from the ankle of QB Matt Flynn, to the questionable health of WR Early Doucet, and the loss of DT Charles Alexander, and demonstrated difficulty in establishing an offensive rhythm in the first half against Tulane.
There are lots of games remaining this season and it looks increasingly likely that each week will see teams continue to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. The early talk about the dominance of USC, LSU, and Oklahoma is now shifting. The current arguments over who deserves to be ranked #1, USC or LSU, is one which will be decided over the coming weeks (and one which only serves to provide fodder for the pundits nationwide). In the end, it is increasingly possible that both of these teams will be clawing their way back into the race after suffering their own unexpected surprises.
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