Just the other day I was copied on a series of e-mails. These e-mails were about who’s the better baseball player: Manny Ramirez or A-Rod. Those of you who read here often know my take on this situation, at least from my opinion of A-Rod.
Aside from the fact that Manny is just flat out clutch, I went on to talk about Manny and his ability to be a professional hitter. What Manny brings to the table is so much more than the home runs and the RBI’s. His presence makes that lineup what it is. My key comparison between Manny and A-Rod was the following:
Say the hitter in front of each of the players at question leads off the inning with a double. What is the approach at the plate for each player?
This is what differentiates the two hitters. Manny’s thought process is to look to the right side and try to get the runner over at all costs. Sure if he gets a pitch he can crush, he’ll turn on it but his focus is the runner. A-Rod however, is looking to pull a ball down the line to that short porch. That’s even a low percentage play for him. Manny’s game is taking balls the other way and if he gets a pitch he can handle, going deep. A-Rod doesn’t think like that.
Not to mention, Big Papi gets a lot of the credit for clutch hits. Rightfully so. But what you also have to remember is that the best right handed hitter in baseball is sitting in that on deck circle. I’d rather face Papi any day. Manny’s presence has made Ortiz such a big name in the game.
So now, we’re talking about two guys on the Red Sox. We’re now talking about a lineup that is being affected by perfect placement of players. And this is what I’m getting at. It’s really hard to argue that there is a better franchise in sports right now than the Boston Red Sox.
Sure, they have a large payroll, but you know they’re going to sell the tickets. You know they’re going to make the money back in merchandising that they pay their players. So we could talk business all day, but they get that aspect and you know that. But what differentiates them from the Yankees?
After all, that is their competition. Their job is to beat the Yankees. Coincidentally, beating the Yankees does wonders for your chances of winning titles. But it’s no different than Army’s job or North Carolina’s job. So if we are talking about the two most powerful franchises in America, what makes the Red Sox so superior?
It’s this simple. They know the business of baseball. They understand structure….not only in the board room, but in their lineup. The Yankees, aside from what business cards say, are run by the ownership group. The Red Sox let the titles from their business cards mean something, and that creates expertise opposed to egoism.
That expertise does what? Well, the Yankees have the highest payroll. We know that. But I’ve been saying forever that they don’t have the right players. They think in most cases, the most expensive players, the ones with the best stats, are the ones to have. I see the point. But look at their recent pitchers….guys like Kevin Brown, Unit, Mussina, the recent Andy Petite. They paid a lot of money for these guys who couldn’t stay healthy at the back ends of their careers. The Red Sox pick their spots. Sure Schilling isn’t getting younger, but he doesn’t have the complicated motion of Kevin Brown, nor does he put stress on his elbow like Unit.
So then you look at their lineup. And this is what I love about the Red Sox. The Yankees say, we need someone to play this position, who’s the best I can get? So they end up with guys who hit 3-4-5 in lineups but hit 7-8 for the Yankees. I mean, A-Rod was hitting in the 7 spot in his first post season. Seriously. The Yankees say, who’s the best player, let’s throw him in there. Damon was a liability. End of his career. Beat up. There’s a reason the Red Sox didn’t try too hard to keep him.
When they knew they couldn’t afford him, or really want to, what’d they do. They said, “We need a CF to play in our ball park. We have a huge centerfield…we need a guy with reckless abandon. We have our future in this Ellsbury guy, but who can we go and get.” Coco Crisp was that guy and though he didn’t do what was expected of him offensively, he provided the defense that oh…won a championship. Plus, he was a good guy to have at the bottom of the order to do the little things.
Take a look at the lineup. It is absolutely perfect. Today, you have a rugged blue collar centerfielder at the top who’s going to be the face of that franchise for years. A second baseman who goes the other way and makes great contact. Then Papi and Ramirez…a first baseman who hits in the gaps, and has an OBP up around .400 ever year. Lowell to drive in runs, Varitek who can do whatever you need him to, throw in a nice left-handed JD Drew in there somewhere and a shortstop and you have a balanced lineup of guys who can do all the right things for you. Not a bunch of guys who are going to hit 50 jacks, but guys who have the ability to do what you need to win games in the post season.
Put all of those things together for the Red Sox and you have a tough team to beat. The see what the value is for their players. That’s why they didn’t keep Damon or Derek Lowe around. DICE-K has been worth every penny they paid. And you look at the big money they paid to Varitek. The leadership that he provides, supposedly since I’m not in the clubhouse, is incredibly important, especially from your rock behind the plate.
The Red Sox just get it. They get it in all accounts. They see the angles and they see how the business angles affect the game of baseball. Front office guys like to talk about the “Product they put on the Field.” That product is so well put together, it’s ridiculous. They have a team of ball players, role players, and they all fit together in the right way. You may not like them, but you have to watch them at least once a week because they seem to always be on. But even though you may be sick of it, they do it right on the field. And they have the wins and the rings to prove it.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Surprise? I Think Not
When you pull up your Internet browser this morning, aside from the obvious political attacks on your homepage, there's bound to be something about the Masters. Along with that, is something using the word "surprise" concerning Trevor Immelman's new wardrobe addition.
Alright, who really thought Immelman would win this thing going in? Probably not you and definitely not me. So maybe we should be a little surprised that he won...if we didn't watch any of the tournament.
Trevor Immelman played so well last week it was ridiculous. He drove the ball better than anyone in the field and subsequently hit more greens than anyone else (those things do go hand in hand whether the putter companies want to tell you it or not). He didn't play 18 from the 9th fairway (Goose) or the 10th (Tiger). In fact, he didn't really do anything spectacular at all other than knock a few approaches to about 5 feet on Sunday and make that long par putt from off the green on...11 was it?
Immelman was a mechanic all week. I got my breaks fixed on Saturday. For all I know Trevor Immelman could have been replacing my rotors. They sound great.
The other thing is he didn't have to play with Tiger on the last day. Which is nice. But playing with Brandt Snedeker can't be too easy. Snedeker constantly looks like a guy who's out with Luke and me playing Gettysvue CC in Knoxville for free and being trashy enough to sneak in our own beers once we lost that little connection. Snedeker is so laid back that for a guy with the demeanor of Immelman on the course, it had to be hard to be with such a free spirit. Not that there's anything wrong with the Nashville native, but how many guys do you see go out there and actually look like they enjoy playing golf? Whenever Tiger steps on the course, he looks like the majority of his portfolio was invested in Bear Stearns. It would have to be tough to play with someone who genuinely was having a good time, don't you think?
Speaking of Tiger. The announcers talked about how poorly he played and still managed to finish second. Well, Tiger played pretty well. Immelman played better. And Tiger didn't make enough putts to win. Sure Tiger made some big shots, but he's going to do that as we all know. But what did he play 13/15 at all week? I mean, he couldn't have been more than -1 on the back's par 5's. Why? He was hitting the ball from the pine needles seemingly every time the camera was on him. And...what's he doing hitting a punch 7 iron at the pin on 12? We all know how hard it is to get at that pin on Sunday, and we've never played there. So he hits a punch 7? He's not going to have the trajectory on the ball to get it to stop...hence why he as off the back. Tiger played well. The course ate him up and he didn't make enough shots. You take the score that he had and you cannot possibly say that anyone with that number played poorly at Augusta...I don't care who it is.
Oh. I finally want to say that obviously there has been someone in the Mickelson camp reading No Owens. Why? Did you see how much weight Phil's lost? I mean, he still can't really wear that cut of golf shirt, but still. Good for him. I guess he played better when he was fat though. Either way, thanks for blowing up on Saturday Phil. I had a GREAT TIME watching it.
Alright, who really thought Immelman would win this thing going in? Probably not you and definitely not me. So maybe we should be a little surprised that he won...if we didn't watch any of the tournament.
Trevor Immelman played so well last week it was ridiculous. He drove the ball better than anyone in the field and subsequently hit more greens than anyone else (those things do go hand in hand whether the putter companies want to tell you it or not). He didn't play 18 from the 9th fairway (Goose) or the 10th (Tiger). In fact, he didn't really do anything spectacular at all other than knock a few approaches to about 5 feet on Sunday and make that long par putt from off the green on...11 was it?
Immelman was a mechanic all week. I got my breaks fixed on Saturday. For all I know Trevor Immelman could have been replacing my rotors. They sound great.
The other thing is he didn't have to play with Tiger on the last day. Which is nice. But playing with Brandt Snedeker can't be too easy. Snedeker constantly looks like a guy who's out with Luke and me playing Gettysvue CC in Knoxville for free and being trashy enough to sneak in our own beers once we lost that little connection. Snedeker is so laid back that for a guy with the demeanor of Immelman on the course, it had to be hard to be with such a free spirit. Not that there's anything wrong with the Nashville native, but how many guys do you see go out there and actually look like they enjoy playing golf? Whenever Tiger steps on the course, he looks like the majority of his portfolio was invested in Bear Stearns. It would have to be tough to play with someone who genuinely was having a good time, don't you think?
Speaking of Tiger. The announcers talked about how poorly he played and still managed to finish second. Well, Tiger played pretty well. Immelman played better. And Tiger didn't make enough putts to win. Sure Tiger made some big shots, but he's going to do that as we all know. But what did he play 13/15 at all week? I mean, he couldn't have been more than -1 on the back's par 5's. Why? He was hitting the ball from the pine needles seemingly every time the camera was on him. And...what's he doing hitting a punch 7 iron at the pin on 12? We all know how hard it is to get at that pin on Sunday, and we've never played there. So he hits a punch 7? He's not going to have the trajectory on the ball to get it to stop...hence why he as off the back. Tiger played well. The course ate him up and he didn't make enough shots. You take the score that he had and you cannot possibly say that anyone with that number played poorly at Augusta...I don't care who it is.
Oh. I finally want to say that obviously there has been someone in the Mickelson camp reading No Owens. Why? Did you see how much weight Phil's lost? I mean, he still can't really wear that cut of golf shirt, but still. Good for him. I guess he played better when he was fat though. Either way, thanks for blowing up on Saturday Phil. I had a GREAT TIME watching it.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
475 Yards, Looks Like He's Got about a 2 Iron I think...
Anyone who doesn't love the Masters can pretty much be termed un-American. And as you know, we are very American here at NO. Like, we don't even deal with prefixes before names. Strong.
The Masters is the most unique sporting event in all of sports. Why? Because it's the only event in a sport that changes it's Majors every year to stay the same. Golfers are challenged every year by rotating tourneys, I mean, is the US Open going to be at Congressional, Winged Foot (East or West) or is it going to be at Oakland Hills? The same goes for the PGA and all of those crazy courses in the UK. But the Masters is constant.
Because it can be. Unless Tiger decides otherwise. Look at the previous scores of the winners. Seldom is the winner about -10. And that's at a course that everyone plays and is completely predictable. I mean, we all pretty much know where every pin placement is going to be on Sunday, and pretty much Saturday. We know where to hit every shot. You don't go for the pin on 12 on Sunday. You just don't. But what Augusta does more than anything is mess with the players' head.
The aura and the mystique get to even the patrons. I've never been, will some day, but from what my parents say, you walk in the gate and it's just silent. The respect that the patron has is astounding. There isn't "Get in the hole" guy there. There aren't people crushing beers and yelling in Tiger's backswing. If I was there, I might yell in Phil's, but it's ok because I am the most adamant anit-Mickelson person in the world. They also said it was amazing when Chris Weinke walked in the door of the house they were staying at. Jeff Sluman referred to Weinke as Weink-Dog. I think they're the same age.
The tournament is just amazing. You can even feel the mystique on TV. Even Jim Nantz brings it to another level on Sunday at Augusta. Who do I like to win? Well, as I've said before. I picked Mike Weir to win in 2003. He did. I don't pick the Masters anymore. But if I did, I'd go with anyone that wears a Mizuno hat. Mizuno makes the hardest to hit clubs ever. And Luke Chill has an amazing Mizuno driver. All this being said, watch out for Mizuno guys to take it. They know how to hit the toughest shots in the game.
On another note, congratulations to the KU fans that read. Bill Self coached his way into that win...while Derrick Rose and CDR basically blew it and handed the game to you, but still, a title is a title and Mario Chalmers isn't really caring that he could make more foul shots blind folded than anyone in Memphis.
The Masters is the most unique sporting event in all of sports. Why? Because it's the only event in a sport that changes it's Majors every year to stay the same. Golfers are challenged every year by rotating tourneys, I mean, is the US Open going to be at Congressional, Winged Foot (East or West) or is it going to be at Oakland Hills? The same goes for the PGA and all of those crazy courses in the UK. But the Masters is constant.
Because it can be. Unless Tiger decides otherwise. Look at the previous scores of the winners. Seldom is the winner about -10. And that's at a course that everyone plays and is completely predictable. I mean, we all pretty much know where every pin placement is going to be on Sunday, and pretty much Saturday. We know where to hit every shot. You don't go for the pin on 12 on Sunday. You just don't. But what Augusta does more than anything is mess with the players' head.
The aura and the mystique get to even the patrons. I've never been, will some day, but from what my parents say, you walk in the gate and it's just silent. The respect that the patron has is astounding. There isn't "Get in the hole" guy there. There aren't people crushing beers and yelling in Tiger's backswing. If I was there, I might yell in Phil's, but it's ok because I am the most adamant anit-Mickelson person in the world. They also said it was amazing when Chris Weinke walked in the door of the house they were staying at. Jeff Sluman referred to Weinke as Weink-Dog. I think they're the same age.
The tournament is just amazing. You can even feel the mystique on TV. Even Jim Nantz brings it to another level on Sunday at Augusta. Who do I like to win? Well, as I've said before. I picked Mike Weir to win in 2003. He did. I don't pick the Masters anymore. But if I did, I'd go with anyone that wears a Mizuno hat. Mizuno makes the hardest to hit clubs ever. And Luke Chill has an amazing Mizuno driver. All this being said, watch out for Mizuno guys to take it. They know how to hit the toughest shots in the game.
On another note, congratulations to the KU fans that read. Bill Self coached his way into that win...while Derrick Rose and CDR basically blew it and handed the game to you, but still, a title is a title and Mario Chalmers isn't really caring that he could make more foul shots blind folded than anyone in Memphis.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Shot at the Title
When I was driving in this morning, Mike and Mike brought up an interesting comment before the break. They were talking about what tonight's game means to the coaches. Both guys with accomplished careers, but no titles to show for it. Does tonight put them over the top?
Coach Calapari has had a great career in college basketball. He's won a LOT of games. So too has Coach Self. But who really cares about either of them if they don't have a title?
Greenie then posed the question, who right now are the top five coaches in college hoops, and while they were at break i was thinking about who I'd have in there. After about two minutes, it was really pretty easy: K, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, Billy Donovan and Pitino. After that I had a couple of 1A's, not myself, Pace and Pat Kelley in Bob Daman's eyes, but Izzo and Jim Boehim, then the hot coaches like Ben Howland, Thad Matta and probably Calapari and Self. What do the first seven guys have? Right.
So what does the regular season mean? I mean, Jim Boeheim has how many wins? A million? I guarantee you he would trade every one of those wins for another ring. I don't even think there's an argument. Great regular seasons solidify keeping your job for a while in most places minus UCLA basketball, Notre Dame football, and the New York Yankees. But when it comes down to it, in every other sport other than the three listed, what does the regular season really mean?
In college basketball, you can make the tourney if you're a big program every year. Look at Arizona this year. Even UConn had a terrible start but had the athletes to scavenge for a four spot. In the NBA, you make the playoffs with a losing record in the East. In hockey, the bottom three teams in each conference that make it are usually pretty bad unless they get a hot goalie at the last second.
Even in college basketball, the only thing that really matters is what your perceived ranking is at the end of the year. Example. RPI means nothing. Who had the #1 RPI? Tennessee. What are we doing now? Hoping Memphis wins tonight so we can tell everyone that we were the -1 in their record. RPI only means something if you are in the 50-60's and your fighting for an at large big, that means nothing because you'll be lucky to get out of the first round anyway. And if you do, have fun playing UNC in the second.
If the regular season really meant anything to anyone, people would still be talking about the 16-0 New England Patriots. A great accomplishment. Didn't win the big one. No one cares. Years later when we're talking about Super Bowl champions, we'll probably say, "2008 New York Giants. Oh yeah, that was the year the Pats were undefeated going in and blew it." They're an afterthought and now always will be. Dusty Baker is always referred to as one of the best managers in baseball. I mean, he's good at...having Barry Bonds almost win him a Series against a team that was better and had a superior coach. But again, an afterthought.
So what's really the point of a great regular season? Regular seasons are only very important in a number of sports: baseball, NFL, college football. The first two because of how difficult it is to get into the post season given the few spots and college football because you can go 9-3, win a conference title, but still end up at best 5th in the country. But with the title comes immortality. You're a legend. A coach that wins a title is one of how many in D1 history? That's a strong fraternity. There are a lot of good coaches out there. But to be great, and be a legend, you have to have a title. Period. And with that, you have great regular seasons. You get the wins. You win as many games as the great ones do, you're going to get your big one. Tonight, two guys have a shot at legendary status. I like Cal.
Coach Calapari has had a great career in college basketball. He's won a LOT of games. So too has Coach Self. But who really cares about either of them if they don't have a title?
Greenie then posed the question, who right now are the top five coaches in college hoops, and while they were at break i was thinking about who I'd have in there. After about two minutes, it was really pretty easy: K, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, Billy Donovan and Pitino. After that I had a couple of 1A's, not myself, Pace and Pat Kelley in Bob Daman's eyes, but Izzo and Jim Boehim, then the hot coaches like Ben Howland, Thad Matta and probably Calapari and Self. What do the first seven guys have? Right.
So what does the regular season mean? I mean, Jim Boeheim has how many wins? A million? I guarantee you he would trade every one of those wins for another ring. I don't even think there's an argument. Great regular seasons solidify keeping your job for a while in most places minus UCLA basketball, Notre Dame football, and the New York Yankees. But when it comes down to it, in every other sport other than the three listed, what does the regular season really mean?
In college basketball, you can make the tourney if you're a big program every year. Look at Arizona this year. Even UConn had a terrible start but had the athletes to scavenge for a four spot. In the NBA, you make the playoffs with a losing record in the East. In hockey, the bottom three teams in each conference that make it are usually pretty bad unless they get a hot goalie at the last second.
Even in college basketball, the only thing that really matters is what your perceived ranking is at the end of the year. Example. RPI means nothing. Who had the #1 RPI? Tennessee. What are we doing now? Hoping Memphis wins tonight so we can tell everyone that we were the -1 in their record. RPI only means something if you are in the 50-60's and your fighting for an at large big, that means nothing because you'll be lucky to get out of the first round anyway. And if you do, have fun playing UNC in the second.
If the regular season really meant anything to anyone, people would still be talking about the 16-0 New England Patriots. A great accomplishment. Didn't win the big one. No one cares. Years later when we're talking about Super Bowl champions, we'll probably say, "2008 New York Giants. Oh yeah, that was the year the Pats were undefeated going in and blew it." They're an afterthought and now always will be. Dusty Baker is always referred to as one of the best managers in baseball. I mean, he's good at...having Barry Bonds almost win him a Series against a team that was better and had a superior coach. But again, an afterthought.
So what's really the point of a great regular season? Regular seasons are only very important in a number of sports: baseball, NFL, college football. The first two because of how difficult it is to get into the post season given the few spots and college football because you can go 9-3, win a conference title, but still end up at best 5th in the country. But with the title comes immortality. You're a legend. A coach that wins a title is one of how many in D1 history? That's a strong fraternity. There are a lot of good coaches out there. But to be great, and be a legend, you have to have a title. Period. And with that, you have great regular seasons. You get the wins. You win as many games as the great ones do, you're going to get your big one. Tonight, two guys have a shot at legendary status. I like Cal.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Welcome to April
And also, welcome to baseball. Everything is just better now. I mean, we had how much time between the end of college football and baseball? Too much is the answer. We have eluded a little bit for things to watch for, but before we get to that, let me address college basketball briefly before we get to baseball.
This is probably the most boring NCAA Basketball tournament of all time. The one's just ripped through everyone, other than Kansas, but no offense to the Jayhawk readers, it's about time for their annual choke/running out of gas. Memphis looks like an NBA team. I was doing something on Friday before I got home just before half time to the site of Memphis leading by 30. I mean, it was almost boring. I hope that these teams really are the real deal, because I can't stand to see another blow out.
Anyhow. The big stories yesterday as we kicked off the season, because the games in Japan don't count as the teams actually go back to Spring Training upon arrival in the states, really centered around the big acquisitions. We'll start with my first round fantasy pick Miguel Cabrera who hit the first home run of opening day. Cabrera who got a just absurd contract showed everyone that he is all business and ready to take on the task of being the man in Detroit. The only thing is, their lineup is so stacked that he's hitting fifth. Fantasy owners such as myself are loving that right about now.
Kosuke Fukudome certainly made his presence felt at his Wrigley opener going 3-3 with a big homer and 3 RBI. Now, certainly his 3 run jack kept the game alive, but his base running error really was the difference in the game. Welcome to America where we have arms in our outfield.
Johan Santana showed up for the Mets. He lit it up and looked like the Santana that we know and pretty much love unless he's pitching against us. Though Jake Peavy was the most impressive opening day pitcher, it's pretty nice to see Santana get it right and show up in a big way on the biggest stage. Now, I don't even know so I'm going to look it up right now. But who is starting for the Mets today? Oh, it's Pedro Martinez. Probably the two most dominant pitchers of the past 15 years are pitching on back to back days for the same team. If you recall, we are big Pedro fans here with his ability to adjust. Hopefully he can stay healthy for our sake. You want to see Pedro chucking against the Yankees.
Finally. I really expect this to be the year of the injury. Look at recent years and the big names that go down. Pretty much everyone big has spent time on the DL in the past 3 years. Everyone except A-Rod. I'm not wishing injury on anyone, but all of these guys go down and often times see major time on the DL. Look at the percentages...it's A-Rod's time. Pujols is flirting with disaster with the elbow and that thing could very well blow up in his face. The old pitchers are starting to really get into trouble. And what happens when the young guns get back into it? CC Sabathia has seemingly forgotten how to beat people. Usually a sign of major injury. I'm telling you, don't be surprised if some big timers go down for significant time this year. It's coming.
This is probably the most boring NCAA Basketball tournament of all time. The one's just ripped through everyone, other than Kansas, but no offense to the Jayhawk readers, it's about time for their annual choke/running out of gas. Memphis looks like an NBA team. I was doing something on Friday before I got home just before half time to the site of Memphis leading by 30. I mean, it was almost boring. I hope that these teams really are the real deal, because I can't stand to see another blow out.
Anyhow. The big stories yesterday as we kicked off the season, because the games in Japan don't count as the teams actually go back to Spring Training upon arrival in the states, really centered around the big acquisitions. We'll start with my first round fantasy pick Miguel Cabrera who hit the first home run of opening day. Cabrera who got a just absurd contract showed everyone that he is all business and ready to take on the task of being the man in Detroit. The only thing is, their lineup is so stacked that he's hitting fifth. Fantasy owners such as myself are loving that right about now.
Kosuke Fukudome certainly made his presence felt at his Wrigley opener going 3-3 with a big homer and 3 RBI. Now, certainly his 3 run jack kept the game alive, but his base running error really was the difference in the game. Welcome to America where we have arms in our outfield.
Johan Santana showed up for the Mets. He lit it up and looked like the Santana that we know and pretty much love unless he's pitching against us. Though Jake Peavy was the most impressive opening day pitcher, it's pretty nice to see Santana get it right and show up in a big way on the biggest stage. Now, I don't even know so I'm going to look it up right now. But who is starting for the Mets today? Oh, it's Pedro Martinez. Probably the two most dominant pitchers of the past 15 years are pitching on back to back days for the same team. If you recall, we are big Pedro fans here with his ability to adjust. Hopefully he can stay healthy for our sake. You want to see Pedro chucking against the Yankees.
Finally. I really expect this to be the year of the injury. Look at recent years and the big names that go down. Pretty much everyone big has spent time on the DL in the past 3 years. Everyone except A-Rod. I'm not wishing injury on anyone, but all of these guys go down and often times see major time on the DL. Look at the percentages...it's A-Rod's time. Pujols is flirting with disaster with the elbow and that thing could very well blow up in his face. The old pitchers are starting to really get into trouble. And what happens when the young guns get back into it? CC Sabathia has seemingly forgotten how to beat people. Usually a sign of major injury. I'm telling you, don't be surprised if some big timers go down for significant time this year. It's coming.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Just Bad
I haven't been this angry the day after a loss in a long time. In fact, I don't know if ever. I really don't have anything nice to say today. Well, not like I ever really have anything nice to say on here, but you want none of this today. Trust me. Only thing is, don't be surprised if Bruce Pearl is the head coach and Indiana next year. I don't know where his head is, but I'm telling you it wasn't in this tournament.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
How Terrible is A-Rod?
If you read No Owens, you understand that is an underlying lack of taste for a few prominent sports figures. Phil Mickelson, Derek Jeter, Michelle's Kwan and Wie, Brady Quinn are the biggest. Along with A-Rod. And now, he just goes and does it again.
Earlier this week, for whatever reason, A-Rod felt the need to tell the Post or the Times, I forget which one, that he wished he'd never signed with Texas and gone to the Mets. He would have been something great, on a great team, and he did admit that he took the money in Texas. I mean, he denied it for how long? It's not like everyone who follows baseball knows he followed the cash. And it's really ok. Most guys do. At least own it though.
How can we leave this out. He said he should have gone to the Mets. I'm sure that's exactly what all of the Yankee fans who are irritated that they haven't won a Series since the Paul O'Neil era want hear. He might as well talk about how he was almost a member of the Red Sox. You all know how I feel...Manny is the best right handed hitter in baseball, period.
But A-Rod, apparently, tries really hard to do everything right. Which on the field, other than coming up with big hits when it does actually count, he does. He gives monster cash to the U which is where he was going to play his college ball before he went number one overall. I mean, the stadium has his name on it. He tries to deal with the press. Not well. He always dresses well and has one smokin' hot wife, but the guy, for lack of a better word, is an idiot when it comes to deal with his personal image. He can't win, and it's his fault.
We talk about the lack of maturity that the high school kids in the NBA have. But how many careers in baseball have been like A-Rod's? The guy was drafted in 1993 as one of the best prospects ever. He saw 17 games in the bigs at the age of 18. 48 games at 19. At the age of 20, he hit .358 and won his only batting title. I mean, look at his stat line for that year: http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodrial01.shtml
It's unreal. At 20, he had probably his best season ever, even when you take into consideration that he was hitting second in the lineup, in front of Junior, Edgar and that Jay Buhner. By 25, he'd signed the biggest contract in the history of professional sports.
Again, we've talked about the basketball players. This guy has had more come to him at a faster pace than just about anyone. With no time to mature. I get it. This guy expects the world because it's been given to him. He tries to give back and that's nice. But the fact of the matter is that he still has no maturity. He still can't handle himself. He wasn't born with it and it's a skill he hasn't yet grasped. Jeter was a prospect much like A-Rod, but at least Jeter has the ability to be savvy. A-Rod just doesn't have it, just like you and I can't hit 50 jacks a year. So do I feel bad for the amount of pressure this guy has had to deal with? No. At 250 million dollar signs to play baseball, something we would kill to do for 50 thousand, no. He doesn't deserve it. He needs to learn to be an adult. And he still can't. Maybe he doesn't deserve the cash anyway.
Jose Canseco's new book allegedly states that Canseco introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer at a party. A-Rod later tried to go plumbing with the guy's wife. Did anything happen? Well, A-Rod has nothing to say whatsoever about it to the press. The thing is...as trashy as Canseco is, he seems to be correct just about 100% of the time. Look what happened to Clemens when he decided to ignore the allegations. We are talking about the next 700 home run hitter here. I mean, if you could ignore how much bigger A-Rod has gotten since Seattle, you'd be one thing. A liar. I put those pics up that time. Go find them if you'd like. Moral of the story is that if Canseco calls you out, you're in trouble.
I don't feel bad for A-Rod. Not one bit. No one should. The guy is a plague. He's a terrible clubhouse guy who is as close to Barry Bonds in about every category as it gets. A-Rod likes Armani a whole lot more, other than that, there isn't much. So don't ignore this A-Rod stuff, but think about it like the basketball kids who have never grown up. Or like Deion Sanders. Oh, A-Rod and Bonds have another thing in common. No ring.
Earlier this week, for whatever reason, A-Rod felt the need to tell the Post or the Times, I forget which one, that he wished he'd never signed with Texas and gone to the Mets. He would have been something great, on a great team, and he did admit that he took the money in Texas. I mean, he denied it for how long? It's not like everyone who follows baseball knows he followed the cash. And it's really ok. Most guys do. At least own it though.
How can we leave this out. He said he should have gone to the Mets. I'm sure that's exactly what all of the Yankee fans who are irritated that they haven't won a Series since the Paul O'Neil era want hear. He might as well talk about how he was almost a member of the Red Sox. You all know how I feel...Manny is the best right handed hitter in baseball, period.
But A-Rod, apparently, tries really hard to do everything right. Which on the field, other than coming up with big hits when it does actually count, he does. He gives monster cash to the U which is where he was going to play his college ball before he went number one overall. I mean, the stadium has his name on it. He tries to deal with the press. Not well. He always dresses well and has one smokin' hot wife, but the guy, for lack of a better word, is an idiot when it comes to deal with his personal image. He can't win, and it's his fault.
We talk about the lack of maturity that the high school kids in the NBA have. But how many careers in baseball have been like A-Rod's? The guy was drafted in 1993 as one of the best prospects ever. He saw 17 games in the bigs at the age of 18. 48 games at 19. At the age of 20, he hit .358 and won his only batting title. I mean, look at his stat line for that year: http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodrial01.shtml
It's unreal. At 20, he had probably his best season ever, even when you take into consideration that he was hitting second in the lineup, in front of Junior, Edgar and that Jay Buhner. By 25, he'd signed the biggest contract in the history of professional sports.
Again, we've talked about the basketball players. This guy has had more come to him at a faster pace than just about anyone. With no time to mature. I get it. This guy expects the world because it's been given to him. He tries to give back and that's nice. But the fact of the matter is that he still has no maturity. He still can't handle himself. He wasn't born with it and it's a skill he hasn't yet grasped. Jeter was a prospect much like A-Rod, but at least Jeter has the ability to be savvy. A-Rod just doesn't have it, just like you and I can't hit 50 jacks a year. So do I feel bad for the amount of pressure this guy has had to deal with? No. At 250 million dollar signs to play baseball, something we would kill to do for 50 thousand, no. He doesn't deserve it. He needs to learn to be an adult. And he still can't. Maybe he doesn't deserve the cash anyway.
Jose Canseco's new book allegedly states that Canseco introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer at a party. A-Rod later tried to go plumbing with the guy's wife. Did anything happen? Well, A-Rod has nothing to say whatsoever about it to the press. The thing is...as trashy as Canseco is, he seems to be correct just about 100% of the time. Look what happened to Clemens when he decided to ignore the allegations. We are talking about the next 700 home run hitter here. I mean, if you could ignore how much bigger A-Rod has gotten since Seattle, you'd be one thing. A liar. I put those pics up that time. Go find them if you'd like. Moral of the story is that if Canseco calls you out, you're in trouble.
I don't feel bad for A-Rod. Not one bit. No one should. The guy is a plague. He's a terrible clubhouse guy who is as close to Barry Bonds in about every category as it gets. A-Rod likes Armani a whole lot more, other than that, there isn't much. So don't ignore this A-Rod stuff, but think about it like the basketball kids who have never grown up. Or like Deion Sanders. Oh, A-Rod and Bonds have another thing in common. No ring.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Production Meetings
Remember last week what the world was talking about? No Owens didn't get into it because of how absurd it was. But it is now necessary to recap.
Sometime after the brackets were unveiled, Bob Knight, excuse me, ESPN Analyst Bob Knight (do you think he has a business card?) came out and said how they should do away with the automatic bids for the tourney and double the field and play it out. All of a sudden, about half of the ESPN "crew" agreed with Coach Knight.
I didn't get into it because this is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of. Why would you do that? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This year we have only two #2 seeds in the Sweet 16 (No Owens has both WV and Davidson by the way) not to mention there was a 12-13 game resulting in Western Kentucky hitting the Sweet 16 after winning a game in the most dramatic fashion. Games have been great this year. Why do we need to change anything?
So this week what have we got. We have Dicky V coming out on Monday saying that players shouldn't be able to foul out of games. Um. Thanks Dick. The reasoning being that officials have too much control over a game and after one player gets in trouble, say it's a key player, a team is completely effected.
Apparently V had Georgetown doing something in the tourney. They ogre Hibbert was in foul trouble all day in the second round and allowed that crazy little sophomore from Davidson to get in the lane and shoot runners...when he wasn't crushing threes. Davidson was going to win that game regardless. Georgetown doesn't play a tourney like game these days. Davidson has the hot player. Ask Wally's World about what one person can do.
Regardless. V said that maybe after the fifth foul, you get two shots and the ball. Ok. What's going to stop that ogre from just hacking people all over the place? I mean, go big or go home, right? Knight and V are so out of line, I just find it hard that they would actually come up with some ridiculous scheme like that.
Is it a coincidence that all this is happening? I mean, I listen to some ESPN Radio, only because I can't stand amateur mornings on the radio in Nashville. And I like the legit guests they bring on. But seriously...what do the ESPN executives talk about in their production meetings? I mean, they have to say something like, "Look, let's come up with something ridiculous. Then we'll have someone reputable back it and have the whole country talk about it for a week, until we have to come up with something else ridiculous."
I mean, these concepts are out there. And how can you take anyone who comes up with/agrees with this seriously? I miss old school ESPN. Before it became a beauty contest. Give me info. I don't really care what you think. That's why you read No Owens.
Sometime after the brackets were unveiled, Bob Knight, excuse me, ESPN Analyst Bob Knight (do you think he has a business card?) came out and said how they should do away with the automatic bids for the tourney and double the field and play it out. All of a sudden, about half of the ESPN "crew" agreed with Coach Knight.
I didn't get into it because this is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of. Why would you do that? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This year we have only two #2 seeds in the Sweet 16 (No Owens has both WV and Davidson by the way) not to mention there was a 12-13 game resulting in Western Kentucky hitting the Sweet 16 after winning a game in the most dramatic fashion. Games have been great this year. Why do we need to change anything?
So this week what have we got. We have Dicky V coming out on Monday saying that players shouldn't be able to foul out of games. Um. Thanks Dick. The reasoning being that officials have too much control over a game and after one player gets in trouble, say it's a key player, a team is completely effected.
Apparently V had Georgetown doing something in the tourney. They ogre Hibbert was in foul trouble all day in the second round and allowed that crazy little sophomore from Davidson to get in the lane and shoot runners...when he wasn't crushing threes. Davidson was going to win that game regardless. Georgetown doesn't play a tourney like game these days. Davidson has the hot player. Ask Wally's World about what one person can do.
Regardless. V said that maybe after the fifth foul, you get two shots and the ball. Ok. What's going to stop that ogre from just hacking people all over the place? I mean, go big or go home, right? Knight and V are so out of line, I just find it hard that they would actually come up with some ridiculous scheme like that.
Is it a coincidence that all this is happening? I mean, I listen to some ESPN Radio, only because I can't stand amateur mornings on the radio in Nashville. And I like the legit guests they bring on. But seriously...what do the ESPN executives talk about in their production meetings? I mean, they have to say something like, "Look, let's come up with something ridiculous. Then we'll have someone reputable back it and have the whole country talk about it for a week, until we have to come up with something else ridiculous."
I mean, these concepts are out there. And how can you take anyone who comes up with/agrees with this seriously? I miss old school ESPN. Before it became a beauty contest. Give me info. I don't really care what you think. That's why you read No Owens.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day One?
A strong effort tourney side yesterday. How ridiculous was that X UGA game? (Xavier will only be referred to at No Owens as X. This is because when you write in your pick for them on a bracket, putting anything besides X is unacceptable. Hence, chalk up another rule in No Owens grammar) That game was about the most dangerous thing I've ever seen. It looked like a warzone out there and that point guard for X was a kamikaze. I love that team. Too bad the Vols took care of business on the road with them earlier in the year.
Do any of us need another reason to dislike Duke's hoops program? I mean, I still don't understand why the McD's All American starting five goes there every year since they don't really produce NBA players. I know I am an advocate for college coaches coaching college sports, but in terms of basketball, we are really in the Escalade generation. I don't get it. Anyway they barely got passed Belmont. I didn't see the game as I was with Mike eating at Ruth's Chris. Fair trade. Some of us have West Virginia beating Duke in round two. I'd hate to be the rest of you.
The thing is, of all the teams that were the most impressive yesterday, you have to look at really two. Remember back in the 90's when the #1 seeds would win first round games but more than doubling up their opponents? I mean, Duke would beat someone 106-38? That hasn't been happening recently. Kansas took care of business yesterday, old school. They look good. Be scared. The only thing is the other most impressive team was Kansas State. Some of us have the two meeting in the CoPat. Be afraid of Beasley. He's a beast and so is that other guy. You know the other top 10 overall player that went to play for Huggins? Yeah, we tend to forget about him. Not like I know his name or anything.
I'll leave you with this. Yesterday OfSean Stevenson started talking smack the TheBron again. What is this guy thinking? He even told TheBron to stop copying him because of his beard. First, that's a Baron Davis thing...see like the first week of No Owens posts. Second, why doesn't Stevenson just call out Tiger Woods, or Wayne Gretzky, or MJ for that matter. Apparently, this guy is beyond legit.
Do any of us need another reason to dislike Duke's hoops program? I mean, I still don't understand why the McD's All American starting five goes there every year since they don't really produce NBA players. I know I am an advocate for college coaches coaching college sports, but in terms of basketball, we are really in the Escalade generation. I don't get it. Anyway they barely got passed Belmont. I didn't see the game as I was with Mike eating at Ruth's Chris. Fair trade. Some of us have West Virginia beating Duke in round two. I'd hate to be the rest of you.
The thing is, of all the teams that were the most impressive yesterday, you have to look at really two. Remember back in the 90's when the #1 seeds would win first round games but more than doubling up their opponents? I mean, Duke would beat someone 106-38? That hasn't been happening recently. Kansas took care of business yesterday, old school. They look good. Be scared. The only thing is the other most impressive team was Kansas State. Some of us have the two meeting in the CoPat. Be afraid of Beasley. He's a beast and so is that other guy. You know the other top 10 overall player that went to play for Huggins? Yeah, we tend to forget about him. Not like I know his name or anything.
I'll leave you with this. Yesterday OfSean Stevenson started talking smack the TheBron again. What is this guy thinking? He even told TheBron to stop copying him because of his beard. First, that's a Baron Davis thing...see like the first week of No Owens posts. Second, why doesn't Stevenson just call out Tiger Woods, or Wayne Gretzky, or MJ for that matter. Apparently, this guy is beyond legit.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
National Holiday Stance
Today/tomorrow are the two most important days of the year in sports, and for that matter, arguably everything. There isn't a sporting event like the tourney that everyone can relate to. Whoever invented the bracket pool is a genius. Not only has he probably lost more money than the rest of us over time, but he created a sense of community around a sporting event. We all have one team who is our go to team during the year, but often times that team doesn't make the tourney or have a shot at the title. I have the Vols. I don't fit in that category.
But for the most part, you can root for your bracket because you want 60% of that take in your office, plus bragging rights for the next year. "Hey remember when you actually picked Kansas to beat Arizona in 1996?" That's a line I use often. I was in 7th grade I think and everyone in the Ernst and Young office in Chicago hated me. I didn't care. Still don't. Good think accounting isn't in my repertoire.
Moral of the story is, I'm showing up to work today. I'm going to crush work until about 11, which I guess includes doing this, and then I'm signing into CBS and watching games on my 24 inch LCD panel. It's going to be great, other than I won't be crushing beers at the CPM.
I am getting paid though. Much like many of you who read this at work and waste your boss' time, today, I'm going to waste more than the 20 minutes it takes me to get this posting done. I'm going to waste the entire afternoon. In fact, I'm probably going to waste most of the morning too because I can't do anything besides think about how excited I am about basketball. What's funny is that you are the exact same way. Everyone is the same. Why do we work today? The workaholics out there probably have a good reason. The rest of us normal people don't. Today should be like the Thanksgiving weekend...the Thursday-Friday bonus. It's not.
Many of you know that since about the 6th grade, I have been formulating the best political platform in the history of the world. It rocks. I've even recently solved the health care "problems" in America. We can get to that another time. Should I run for President some day, I will also throw on my platform that the first Thursday-Friday of the tourney are National Holidays, celebrating the greatest event in American sports. I think that's fair. So do you. We aren't being productive anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. WAYNE CHISM STYLE.
But for the most part, you can root for your bracket because you want 60% of that take in your office, plus bragging rights for the next year. "Hey remember when you actually picked Kansas to beat Arizona in 1996?" That's a line I use often. I was in 7th grade I think and everyone in the Ernst and Young office in Chicago hated me. I didn't care. Still don't. Good think accounting isn't in my repertoire.
Moral of the story is, I'm showing up to work today. I'm going to crush work until about 11, which I guess includes doing this, and then I'm signing into CBS and watching games on my 24 inch LCD panel. It's going to be great, other than I won't be crushing beers at the CPM.
I am getting paid though. Much like many of you who read this at work and waste your boss' time, today, I'm going to waste more than the 20 minutes it takes me to get this posting done. I'm going to waste the entire afternoon. In fact, I'm probably going to waste most of the morning too because I can't do anything besides think about how excited I am about basketball. What's funny is that you are the exact same way. Everyone is the same. Why do we work today? The workaholics out there probably have a good reason. The rest of us normal people don't. Today should be like the Thanksgiving weekend...the Thursday-Friday bonus. It's not.
Many of you know that since about the 6th grade, I have been formulating the best political platform in the history of the world. It rocks. I've even recently solved the health care "problems" in America. We can get to that another time. Should I run for President some day, I will also throw on my platform that the first Thursday-Friday of the tourney are National Holidays, celebrating the greatest event in American sports. I think that's fair. So do you. We aren't being productive anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. WAYNE CHISM STYLE.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Draft Will Continue Tomorrow
For anyone that missed it, and it may be possible, the Houston Rockets own the second longest winning streak in NBA history and they will until some team comes along and wins 23 straight. The thing is, after last night they don't have a chance to extend their lead.
The Rockets lost last night, at home, to the Boston Celtics who played without Ray Allen. I just want to make this point quickly. The Rockets didn't get much respect for the streak. I really don't understand why. There are plenty of "experts" out there that will tell you "look at who they've played" and lines like that. I want to remind you of one thing first. The second most recent loss was in a time when the Patriots were still undefeated. To go for such an extended period time, in a professional league without a loss in unreal.
I've been on this before and I'll do it again. Some teams are better than others in all of the sports leagues, but they are all professionals. They are the very very best in the world at what they do. And night in and night out players face players that are for the most part on the same playing field...otherwise they wouldn't be professionals. There's a reason that North Carolina is going to crush Copping State or Mount Saint Marys, or whoever won that game last night. I think it was the dark grey team...and there's a reason they don't play but maybe once a year. They aren't in the same league. The NBA teams are for the most part, on any given night, on the same playing field. The fact that the Rockets beat that many teams in a row, in professional sports, is unreal and those who try to depreciate it are just flat out stupid. I can't come up with another word for stupid except for wrong. There's a reason it doesn't happen often.
Chances are, you don't care. Not because you disagree with this point, but because you don't care about the NBA. It happens often. But respect the wins and the streak. The Lakers didn't win those games in a row.
The Rockets lost last night, at home, to the Boston Celtics who played without Ray Allen. I just want to make this point quickly. The Rockets didn't get much respect for the streak. I really don't understand why. There are plenty of "experts" out there that will tell you "look at who they've played" and lines like that. I want to remind you of one thing first. The second most recent loss was in a time when the Patriots were still undefeated. To go for such an extended period time, in a professional league without a loss in unreal.
I've been on this before and I'll do it again. Some teams are better than others in all of the sports leagues, but they are all professionals. They are the very very best in the world at what they do. And night in and night out players face players that are for the most part on the same playing field...otherwise they wouldn't be professionals. There's a reason that North Carolina is going to crush Copping State or Mount Saint Marys, or whoever won that game last night. I think it was the dark grey team...and there's a reason they don't play but maybe once a year. They aren't in the same league. The NBA teams are for the most part, on any given night, on the same playing field. The fact that the Rockets beat that many teams in a row, in professional sports, is unreal and those who try to depreciate it are just flat out stupid. I can't come up with another word for stupid except for wrong. There's a reason it doesn't happen often.
Chances are, you don't care. Not because you disagree with this point, but because you don't care about the NBA. It happens often. But respect the wins and the streak. The Lakers didn't win those games in a row.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Draft Break, Round Two
I would imagine all of you out there, so many of you in fact, were really fired up about yesterday's post. Well, I apologize for it not happening. Today, we get into the seeding and there are a couple of strong topics to discuss.
First Virginia Tech fan, you should not have gotten in. Why? Well, you play in the ACC? You have to beat people in the ACC in order to qualify for the tourney. I mean, at least Florida had quality wins in the SEC, unlike the Hokies. Billy Donovan isn't complaining. He's cutting scholarships. Correct move.
Second Arizona State fan, no one cares. Neither you nor Arizona fan has any real reason to care. Why? Either of you wouldn't/won't get out of the first round. Therefore, the only thing that Sun Devils are missing out on is a little vacation paid for by the NCAA. A one day vacation. At least the Sun Devils players can probably hit the beach for Spring Break.
Third Tennessee and Wisconsin fans, you are about the only ones allowed to be upset about the bracket. You guys got shafted. Wisconsin, Big Ten regular season and tourney champions, get a three-seed. The fifth ranked team in America is a three-seed. No Owens is very anti-Big Ten but even that is absurd. Why didn't they get a two? Oh, yeah. Because DUKE grabbed one in stead. You know, Duke who is only ranked in the top ten because they're DUKE. No championships on the year, Duke? Nice job committee.
Back to you (us) Tennessee fan. Here's my question to the committee: what is the purpose of having the RPI? What is the purpose of going on the road and getting the biggest road win of the year out of conference? Not to mention playing the toughest schedule in the country? Apparently, all of that stuff means nothing. It means that Kansas has a better name than Tennessee does, actually. You know what's also funny? According to that committee, they look at the body of work. You know, because of all of Kansas' out of conference road wins were really impressive. Did they go Memphis and win? What about Xavier? Here's the thing...if what they are saying is really true, and that Tennessee losing to Arkansas (who played the game of their lives) wasn't important, it means that before the conference tourneys started, the committee knew that Tennessee was going to be a two-seed and not a one! They say the loss didn't matter. That means it was pre-meditated. Great. Thanks. Also, Tennessee has the hardest road to get to the CoPat (E8) than anyone else in the country, other than Memphis who won't get passed Pitt. And if they get there, hello North Carolina! In North Carolina! Yes!
Here's the thing about Tennessee. I believe if they want a shot at the title, or for anyone for that matter, they have to get through Psycho T and his cast of characters. So, having to play UNC isn't really all that bad because it would have to happen eventually. But, playing them in essence at their place is pretty awful. I'm pretty sure that Tennessee would have preferred to travel an extra couple hundred miles in another direction to play Kansas. No dice.
The selection committee actually usually gets it right. This is why one and two seeds are usually the predominant teams in the CoPat and the Final Four. That being said, they really jobbed a few teams. And to be honest, no one outside that committee room knows why.
First Virginia Tech fan, you should not have gotten in. Why? Well, you play in the ACC? You have to beat people in the ACC in order to qualify for the tourney. I mean, at least Florida had quality wins in the SEC, unlike the Hokies. Billy Donovan isn't complaining. He's cutting scholarships. Correct move.
Second Arizona State fan, no one cares. Neither you nor Arizona fan has any real reason to care. Why? Either of you wouldn't/won't get out of the first round. Therefore, the only thing that Sun Devils are missing out on is a little vacation paid for by the NCAA. A one day vacation. At least the Sun Devils players can probably hit the beach for Spring Break.
Third Tennessee and Wisconsin fans, you are about the only ones allowed to be upset about the bracket. You guys got shafted. Wisconsin, Big Ten regular season and tourney champions, get a three-seed. The fifth ranked team in America is a three-seed. No Owens is very anti-Big Ten but even that is absurd. Why didn't they get a two? Oh, yeah. Because DUKE grabbed one in stead. You know, Duke who is only ranked in the top ten because they're DUKE. No championships on the year, Duke? Nice job committee.
Back to you (us) Tennessee fan. Here's my question to the committee: what is the purpose of having the RPI? What is the purpose of going on the road and getting the biggest road win of the year out of conference? Not to mention playing the toughest schedule in the country? Apparently, all of that stuff means nothing. It means that Kansas has a better name than Tennessee does, actually. You know what's also funny? According to that committee, they look at the body of work. You know, because of all of Kansas' out of conference road wins were really impressive. Did they go Memphis and win? What about Xavier? Here's the thing...if what they are saying is really true, and that Tennessee losing to Arkansas (who played the game of their lives) wasn't important, it means that before the conference tourneys started, the committee knew that Tennessee was going to be a two-seed and not a one! They say the loss didn't matter. That means it was pre-meditated. Great. Thanks. Also, Tennessee has the hardest road to get to the CoPat (E8) than anyone else in the country, other than Memphis who won't get passed Pitt. And if they get there, hello North Carolina! In North Carolina! Yes!
Here's the thing about Tennessee. I believe if they want a shot at the title, or for anyone for that matter, they have to get through Psycho T and his cast of characters. So, having to play UNC isn't really all that bad because it would have to happen eventually. But, playing them in essence at their place is pretty awful. I'm pretty sure that Tennessee would have preferred to travel an extra couple hundred miles in another direction to play Kansas. No dice.
The selection committee actually usually gets it right. This is why one and two seeds are usually the predominant teams in the CoPat and the Final Four. That being said, they really jobbed a few teams. And to be honest, no one outside that committee room knows why.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Break from the Draft
There has been a request for there to be a break in the draft. So you will get it. Apparently, some readers have never heard of any of the guys mentioned here. Maybe you should watch more college football.
Today we talk about the joke and mockery that is the New York Yankees. I believe it was the great Jack Parkman that said, "Don't stand on the tracks when the trains coming through." Joe Girardi is out of line. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a switch that you could flip when you were playing sports and you could just say, hey I'm going to not go hard right here? If you're a baseball player, you go hard. You don't have to to react by thinking, this is Spring Training, I better not go hard. You see something in a split second and you react. Done.
So Girardi spoke of his lack of pleasure for a Rays player going head on into his catcher, breaking his wrist and causing surgery. The kid doing the damage is fighting for a spot on the roster. The Yankees are fighting for tee times. The Yankee roster is set and they don't have anything to play for. For the majority of the players invited to Spring Training who wear numbers in the 60's and 70's, are playing for a dream they've had since they knew what pine tar was. Joe needs to take a page out of Jack Parkman's playbook if he doesn't want guys to play hard.
But then we get the retaliation. A guy going hard into second base, sliding late and cleats up. I played a lot of baseball in my day. I got a lot of hits and made a lot of put outs but the one play that I will always remember above all was in the first regional game my senior year. We were playing at home and to lead off our half of the first, Brandon Hillier doubled. I walked and then Grez came up. Grez hit a hard grounder to second and I must have gotten a good jump on the ball but I got on the shortstop quick and took him out with a strong slide before he got a handle on the ball. We scored 3 I think that inning and those were the difference in the game. But, I didn't go in late nor high. Yeah, he did get a pretty good kick in the shin when I went in, but too would have the base. Not to mention the state of Illinois would probably give you the death penalty, which is about what you get for running over the catcher. None the less, breaking up two is really an important play in the game. It keeps an inning alive.
In the pros, there aren't too many rules on breaking them up. I mean, there are but guys can slide closer to third base than second and get away with it. The bottom line is most every slide into second is dirty but never spoken of. If someone actually thinks a slide is dirty going into second, it's really bad. The Yankees said they were going to retaliate. They did. Well, I'm not really sure what they retaliated for. A kid going hard? Nice.
This is what the Yankees have come to. Their best player yells at third basemen while the pop fly is in the air and tries to knock gloves off of pitchers. They had Billy Crystal lead off for them yesterday. In case you haven't noticed, the Yankees are flustered. The Red Sox have won two titles this decade to the Yankees ZERO. No one likes the Yankees other than Yankee fans and this whole Red Sox nation thing has really gotten to the Yankees. It's true, I think a lot of Red Sox nation has to do with ESPN. But no one feels it like the Yankees. They are under more pressure than any other team in sports to not just win, but win championships and appear to be more elite than anyone else. They aren't America's team. And they are feeling it.
The Yankees are a joke. Girardi had a shot to make a stance for his team being hard nosed. He went with typical Yankee fashion. He complained. He whined...just like A-Rod would do. I said a few weeks ago about how much it may be the Rays' time. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But the Rays have set the tone for their season. They are going to be a tough, scrappy team. You know, guys like the A's. Are they going to finish ahead of the Yankees? No. But as usual, they are going to play them tough. And you know what, they have nothing to lose. Unlike the Yankees.
Today we talk about the joke and mockery that is the New York Yankees. I believe it was the great Jack Parkman that said, "Don't stand on the tracks when the trains coming through." Joe Girardi is out of line. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a switch that you could flip when you were playing sports and you could just say, hey I'm going to not go hard right here? If you're a baseball player, you go hard. You don't have to to react by thinking, this is Spring Training, I better not go hard. You see something in a split second and you react. Done.
So Girardi spoke of his lack of pleasure for a Rays player going head on into his catcher, breaking his wrist and causing surgery. The kid doing the damage is fighting for a spot on the roster. The Yankees are fighting for tee times. The Yankee roster is set and they don't have anything to play for. For the majority of the players invited to Spring Training who wear numbers in the 60's and 70's, are playing for a dream they've had since they knew what pine tar was. Joe needs to take a page out of Jack Parkman's playbook if he doesn't want guys to play hard.
But then we get the retaliation. A guy going hard into second base, sliding late and cleats up. I played a lot of baseball in my day. I got a lot of hits and made a lot of put outs but the one play that I will always remember above all was in the first regional game my senior year. We were playing at home and to lead off our half of the first, Brandon Hillier doubled. I walked and then Grez came up. Grez hit a hard grounder to second and I must have gotten a good jump on the ball but I got on the shortstop quick and took him out with a strong slide before he got a handle on the ball. We scored 3 I think that inning and those were the difference in the game. But, I didn't go in late nor high. Yeah, he did get a pretty good kick in the shin when I went in, but too would have the base. Not to mention the state of Illinois would probably give you the death penalty, which is about what you get for running over the catcher. None the less, breaking up two is really an important play in the game. It keeps an inning alive.
In the pros, there aren't too many rules on breaking them up. I mean, there are but guys can slide closer to third base than second and get away with it. The bottom line is most every slide into second is dirty but never spoken of. If someone actually thinks a slide is dirty going into second, it's really bad. The Yankees said they were going to retaliate. They did. Well, I'm not really sure what they retaliated for. A kid going hard? Nice.
This is what the Yankees have come to. Their best player yells at third basemen while the pop fly is in the air and tries to knock gloves off of pitchers. They had Billy Crystal lead off for them yesterday. In case you haven't noticed, the Yankees are flustered. The Red Sox have won two titles this decade to the Yankees ZERO. No one likes the Yankees other than Yankee fans and this whole Red Sox nation thing has really gotten to the Yankees. It's true, I think a lot of Red Sox nation has to do with ESPN. But no one feels it like the Yankees. They are under more pressure than any other team in sports to not just win, but win championships and appear to be more elite than anyone else. They aren't America's team. And they are feeling it.
The Yankees are a joke. Girardi had a shot to make a stance for his team being hard nosed. He went with typical Yankee fashion. He complained. He whined...just like A-Rod would do. I said a few weeks ago about how much it may be the Rays' time. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But the Rays have set the tone for their season. They are going to be a tough, scrappy team. You know, guys like the A's. Are they going to finish ahead of the Yankees? No. But as usual, they are going to play them tough. And you know what, they have nothing to lose. Unlike the Yankees.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Draft, 21-24
With the twenty-first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select:
NO - Pass rusher is the obvious choice for the Skins. The question is what is the value here? The best guy on the board is USC's Lawrence Jackson but is he the value that you want here? The Skins could certainly stretch and take him, or potentially trade back. There are a lot of receivers that are worthy of this area in the first round and a team may have one they really really want. Malcolm Kelly may be my favorite receiver in this draft. He's big (6'4 225) and that size is needed with the little guys they have in Santana Moss and Antwan Randel-El. I think Kelly is the right pick, but I don't think they agree with me.
WAS - Lawrence Jackson
With the twenty-second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select:
NO - They really like Darren McFadden. But...they won't get him. I don't see the Raiders passing on McFadden whatsoever. The best available back is the other Hog, Felix Jones, and he fits nicely into Dallas' system. This one should be pretty easy.
DAL - Felix Jones.
With the twenty-third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:
NO - Interesting spot here. What do the Steelers really need? They are always capable of going the distance. Receiver may be a good spot here for them. I don't know though. I like them going offensive line as that really is the trademark of a Steelers team. Branden Albert from UVA is listed as a guard but can play tackle as well. I like this to be the pick for them. Could be wrong, but I think this is a good spot for them to take a good value and quality pick.
PIT - Branden Albert
With the twenty-fourth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:
NO - This is going to be a receiver, and why not? There are great guys on the board: Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham. All three guys are very similar in style. If VY had his way, he'd be all over Sweed for obvious reasons. But I think the other two guys are better prospects for the Titans. Manningham has a killer highlight reel. But I like Kelly, as previously mentioned. That being said, I don't think they will go with Kelly.
TEN - Mario Manningham
NO - Pass rusher is the obvious choice for the Skins. The question is what is the value here? The best guy on the board is USC's Lawrence Jackson but is he the value that you want here? The Skins could certainly stretch and take him, or potentially trade back. There are a lot of receivers that are worthy of this area in the first round and a team may have one they really really want. Malcolm Kelly may be my favorite receiver in this draft. He's big (6'4 225) and that size is needed with the little guys they have in Santana Moss and Antwan Randel-El. I think Kelly is the right pick, but I don't think they agree with me.
WAS - Lawrence Jackson
With the twenty-second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select:
NO - They really like Darren McFadden. But...they won't get him. I don't see the Raiders passing on McFadden whatsoever. The best available back is the other Hog, Felix Jones, and he fits nicely into Dallas' system. This one should be pretty easy.
DAL - Felix Jones.
With the twenty-third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:
NO - Interesting spot here. What do the Steelers really need? They are always capable of going the distance. Receiver may be a good spot here for them. I don't know though. I like them going offensive line as that really is the trademark of a Steelers team. Branden Albert from UVA is listed as a guard but can play tackle as well. I like this to be the pick for them. Could be wrong, but I think this is a good spot for them to take a good value and quality pick.
PIT - Branden Albert
With the twenty-fourth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:
NO - This is going to be a receiver, and why not? There are great guys on the board: Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham. All three guys are very similar in style. If VY had his way, he'd be all over Sweed for obvious reasons. But I think the other two guys are better prospects for the Titans. Manningham has a killer highlight reel. But I like Kelly, as previously mentioned. That being said, I don't think they will go with Kelly.
TEN - Mario Manningham
Monday, March 10, 2008
Draft, 17-20
With the seventeenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select:
NO - Vikings sit here at an interesting spot. They are close to being an elite team in the NFC. They stop the run, and they can do all of the running they want. Winning in the NFC North is going to be an easy thing to do this year. Favre leaving takes the Packers into an area of uncertainty. The Bears can win with their defense. The Lions are terrible, but have a shot at being pretty not bad. So what do you need to do? I say get after the quarterback. They can stop the run, now, if they can get after someone their D-Line could become the best in the league. Derrick Harvey is there and he's the best pass rusher on the board. Lock it up.
MIN - Derrick Harvey
With the eighteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:
NO - The Texans get lucky here. They had a better season last year and Mario Williams looks pretty good. Here, we see the deepest draft at tackle in a while. It's time to get a quarterback off his back. Chris Williams is gone, Jeff Otah from Boise State is a strong pick up at 18 and a great value. Dial it up.
HOU - Jeff Otah
With the nineteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:
NO - The Eagles are in a tough spot. They need to keep their big mouthed quarterback happy. They also are pretty close to being a contender in the NFC. The Eagles need help in the secondary, but I think this is where you take my favorite pick in the draft. The Eagles could use a tight end, and McNabb would love to see my man Fred Davis right here. Best value in the draft.
PHI - Fred Davis
With the twentieth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs select:
NO - The Bucs are in a pretty interesting spot here. They need help everywhere and somehow they won their division last year. I really don't like what the Bucs are doing but I guess that just goes to show how good Gruden is. Kentwan Balmer is the best DT left, but is he worth the 20th pick? Is Kenny Phillips ready to go here and stay in state? I think Chuckie goes simply with the play making receiver, not defense.
TAM - OfSean Jackson
NO - Vikings sit here at an interesting spot. They are close to being an elite team in the NFC. They stop the run, and they can do all of the running they want. Winning in the NFC North is going to be an easy thing to do this year. Favre leaving takes the Packers into an area of uncertainty. The Bears can win with their defense. The Lions are terrible, but have a shot at being pretty not bad. So what do you need to do? I say get after the quarterback. They can stop the run, now, if they can get after someone their D-Line could become the best in the league. Derrick Harvey is there and he's the best pass rusher on the board. Lock it up.
MIN - Derrick Harvey
With the eighteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:
NO - The Texans get lucky here. They had a better season last year and Mario Williams looks pretty good. Here, we see the deepest draft at tackle in a while. It's time to get a quarterback off his back. Chris Williams is gone, Jeff Otah from Boise State is a strong pick up at 18 and a great value. Dial it up.
HOU - Jeff Otah
With the nineteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:
NO - The Eagles are in a tough spot. They need to keep their big mouthed quarterback happy. They also are pretty close to being a contender in the NFC. The Eagles need help in the secondary, but I think this is where you take my favorite pick in the draft. The Eagles could use a tight end, and McNabb would love to see my man Fred Davis right here. Best value in the draft.
PHI - Fred Davis
With the twentieth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs select:
NO - The Bucs are in a pretty interesting spot here. They need help everywhere and somehow they won their division last year. I really don't like what the Bucs are doing but I guess that just goes to show how good Gruden is. Kentwan Balmer is the best DT left, but is he worth the 20th pick? Is Kenny Phillips ready to go here and stay in state? I think Chuckie goes simply with the play making receiver, not defense.
TAM - OfSean Jackson
Friday, March 7, 2008
NFL Draft, 13-16
With the thirteenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:
NO - I think this is an easy pick. In theory. The reason I say in theory is because the Panthers have wasted a recent pick on a running back. Do they go with Rashard Mendenhall? I think so. They have the need here and they need to upgrade. If I'm them do I take him? I don't know. Ryan Grant proved last year that there are gems out there. You know the Panther defense is going to be strong. Steve Smith, if he's alive is a big time threat. Maybe do you go get the big body of Limas Sweed to compliment him? I don't think Sweed is as good as the others do, but I think if he falls to Tennessee, VY would be happy to see him.
CAR - Rashard Mendenhall
With the fourteenth picking the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
NO - The Bears are in worse shape offensively than maybe anyone. They have an outstanding running back that they don't care about (Adrian Peterson), a terrible running back they care a lot about (Cedric Benson), Kyle Orton, and they lost their two top receivers (who weren't really good anyway). But their defense is there and will make them a contender next year in the North. Must be nice. That being said, the Bears need offense. McNabb isn't going anywhere. There aren't a lot of receivers out there that are a good value at this pick. They took Greg Olson last year. So what do you do? Go offensive tackle! Maybe if I'm the Bears I look to trade down but of the value out there, everything is pretty much at the same positions. So what are you going to get? A tackle, who do they have higher on their board, Pitt's Jeff Otah or Vandy's Mike Williams. I like Williams because he's played in the SEC. I think the Bears will see things the same way.
CHI - Mike Williams
With the fifteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select:
NO - Well, if they go receiver, I wouldn't be surprised. Ernie Simms is a solid guy in the middle. Again, we are assuming that this pick didn't get swapped with Buffalo for Rivers. But they are still going to go defense, and rightfully so. The question is, who do they have higher on the board at corner: South Florida's Mike Jenkins or the little seen Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie of Tennessee State. Rodgers - Cromartie is a freak athlete at 6-1 and a 4.33. Jenkins is a shade over 5-10 and a 4.40. Jenkins got good air-time and looked strong. But I think it's time to take a chance on this superior specimen.
DET - Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie
With the sixteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
This one's easy. It's Mike Jenkins. He's the best defensive player on the board. A strong value at 16 and really fills a need that the Cardinals need. I don't see anyone trying to move up here as there aren't any really big names on the block. There are some good lineman out there on both sides, none of which require moving. There are also very strong receivers available. Everyone should be quite happy with the end of the first round.
ARI - Mike Jenkins
NO - I think this is an easy pick. In theory. The reason I say in theory is because the Panthers have wasted a recent pick on a running back. Do they go with Rashard Mendenhall? I think so. They have the need here and they need to upgrade. If I'm them do I take him? I don't know. Ryan Grant proved last year that there are gems out there. You know the Panther defense is going to be strong. Steve Smith, if he's alive is a big time threat. Maybe do you go get the big body of Limas Sweed to compliment him? I don't think Sweed is as good as the others do, but I think if he falls to Tennessee, VY would be happy to see him.
CAR - Rashard Mendenhall
With the fourteenth picking the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
NO - The Bears are in worse shape offensively than maybe anyone. They have an outstanding running back that they don't care about (Adrian Peterson), a terrible running back they care a lot about (Cedric Benson), Kyle Orton, and they lost their two top receivers (who weren't really good anyway). But their defense is there and will make them a contender next year in the North. Must be nice. That being said, the Bears need offense. McNabb isn't going anywhere. There aren't a lot of receivers out there that are a good value at this pick. They took Greg Olson last year. So what do you do? Go offensive tackle! Maybe if I'm the Bears I look to trade down but of the value out there, everything is pretty much at the same positions. So what are you going to get? A tackle, who do they have higher on their board, Pitt's Jeff Otah or Vandy's Mike Williams. I like Williams because he's played in the SEC. I think the Bears will see things the same way.
CHI - Mike Williams
With the fifteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select:
NO - Well, if they go receiver, I wouldn't be surprised. Ernie Simms is a solid guy in the middle. Again, we are assuming that this pick didn't get swapped with Buffalo for Rivers. But they are still going to go defense, and rightfully so. The question is, who do they have higher on the board at corner: South Florida's Mike Jenkins or the little seen Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie of Tennessee State. Rodgers - Cromartie is a freak athlete at 6-1 and a 4.33. Jenkins is a shade over 5-10 and a 4.40. Jenkins got good air-time and looked strong. But I think it's time to take a chance on this superior specimen.
DET - Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie
With the sixteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
This one's easy. It's Mike Jenkins. He's the best defensive player on the board. A strong value at 16 and really fills a need that the Cardinals need. I don't see anyone trying to move up here as there aren't any really big names on the block. There are some good lineman out there on both sides, none of which require moving. There are also very strong receivers available. Everyone should be quite happy with the end of the first round.
ARI - Mike Jenkins
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Draft 9-12
With the ninth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:
The Bengals are the enigma of the NFL. As much talent as anyone, they just can't get it done. They have 85 complaining about anything, wanting a trade that he's not going to get, and probably the longest probation list outside of Knoxville. If I'm the Bengals, and have no defense, I'd like to trade up to get my hands on Dorsey, especially if he continues to fall like No Owens has suggested. They need a character guy and Dorsey is the character guy in this top 10. But...he probably won't be there and they need to address the defensive side. The nice thing is there are a number of options for a good value here so defensively, I don't think they can go too wrong. I think Ellis will be off the board here and the Ohio State DE with incredible upside could be the way to go for them here. They need to get athletic and get pressure. Go for it.
CIN - Vernon Gholston
With the tenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:
The Saints could really use some help on defense. Clemson DE Phillip Merling or USC LB Keith Rivers are great picks right here and could be where they go. My favorite pick in this entire draft is Fred Davis, TE out of USC. I don't understand why he is slated to go anywhere from this range to mid 2nd round. I mean, I don't know what the guy did at the combine or in a workout. But I'm pretty sure Justin Gatlin could show up at the combine and have a great workout. If I'm the Saints, I'm going to add a premier TE, who, playing on turf, could stretch the field even further for Drew Brees. Not to mention, great offense puts butts in seats. A TE is going to stretch the field in the middle to allow for more room for Reggie Bush to create. It's the pick, don't expect it though.
NO - Phillip Merling
With the eleventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select:
I've seen Limas Sweed here. Not sure if he's the value guy here. Not sure if he's the talent here either. There are some good receivers out there but I don't see why the Bills need one. If they want a receiver, I'd trade back for someone who wants to get Keith Rivers before Denver does with the next pick. There you can get a better value with Malcolm Kelly or Early Doucet. Taking a receiver here is a stretch financially. With this pick, expect someone like Detroit or Arizona to swap picks at 15/16 to get the best backer on the board. If the pick isn't moved, expect the Bills to go defense.
BUF - Aqib Talib
With the twelfth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select:
Backer is their need right now and it seems that Ian Gold is on the block. Rivers is their guy and he's a good value here. It's not often that you can get the top backer in the draft this late. The thing is, will he be around? How long are teams willing to wait for the gamble of him still being there? Let's just play the game that Buffalo doesn't move the pick and they stick with Talib. This puts Rivers in Denver. But for arguments sake, what if Rivers is gone to Detroit or Arizona right here? The next two backers are Dan Connor and Jerod Mayo...Connor who is a late first round value and Mayo who is an early second round prospect. They can't stretch for a backer here but they could play for Mayo in round two. If Rivers is gone, the best DT on the board is UNC's Kentwan Balmer and Florida's Derrick Harvey is available at DE, who I think is a solid pick. We will say that the pick will stay, but again don't expect it to.
DEN - Keith Rivers
The Bengals are the enigma of the NFL. As much talent as anyone, they just can't get it done. They have 85 complaining about anything, wanting a trade that he's not going to get, and probably the longest probation list outside of Knoxville. If I'm the Bengals, and have no defense, I'd like to trade up to get my hands on Dorsey, especially if he continues to fall like No Owens has suggested. They need a character guy and Dorsey is the character guy in this top 10. But...he probably won't be there and they need to address the defensive side. The nice thing is there are a number of options for a good value here so defensively, I don't think they can go too wrong. I think Ellis will be off the board here and the Ohio State DE with incredible upside could be the way to go for them here. They need to get athletic and get pressure. Go for it.
CIN - Vernon Gholston
With the tenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:
The Saints could really use some help on defense. Clemson DE Phillip Merling or USC LB Keith Rivers are great picks right here and could be where they go. My favorite pick in this entire draft is Fred Davis, TE out of USC. I don't understand why he is slated to go anywhere from this range to mid 2nd round. I mean, I don't know what the guy did at the combine or in a workout. But I'm pretty sure Justin Gatlin could show up at the combine and have a great workout. If I'm the Saints, I'm going to add a premier TE, who, playing on turf, could stretch the field even further for Drew Brees. Not to mention, great offense puts butts in seats. A TE is going to stretch the field in the middle to allow for more room for Reggie Bush to create. It's the pick, don't expect it though.
NO - Phillip Merling
With the eleventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select:
I've seen Limas Sweed here. Not sure if he's the value guy here. Not sure if he's the talent here either. There are some good receivers out there but I don't see why the Bills need one. If they want a receiver, I'd trade back for someone who wants to get Keith Rivers before Denver does with the next pick. There you can get a better value with Malcolm Kelly or Early Doucet. Taking a receiver here is a stretch financially. With this pick, expect someone like Detroit or Arizona to swap picks at 15/16 to get the best backer on the board. If the pick isn't moved, expect the Bills to go defense.
BUF - Aqib Talib
With the twelfth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select:
Backer is their need right now and it seems that Ian Gold is on the block. Rivers is their guy and he's a good value here. It's not often that you can get the top backer in the draft this late. The thing is, will he be around? How long are teams willing to wait for the gamble of him still being there? Let's just play the game that Buffalo doesn't move the pick and they stick with Talib. This puts Rivers in Denver. But for arguments sake, what if Rivers is gone to Detroit or Arizona right here? The next two backers are Dan Connor and Jerod Mayo...Connor who is a late first round value and Mayo who is an early second round prospect. They can't stretch for a backer here but they could play for Mayo in round two. If Rivers is gone, the best DT on the board is UNC's Kentwan Balmer and Florida's Derrick Harvey is available at DE, who I think is a solid pick. We will say that the pick will stay, but again don't expect it to.
DEN - Keith Rivers
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Draft Analysis, 5-8
Welcome back to the draft analysis. Writing about it isn't going to get me over yesterdays events. So here at No Owens, we are trying to move on.
With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
NO - Here's the thing about the Chiefs. They are the Cubs of the NFL, in the fact that they can't get through to the Super Bowl, but they still sell out their stadium every week and have some of the best fans in all of sports. So what does this mean? In terms of the draft, I don't know, other than no matter what they do, they can't really lose. For a long time, they had Willie Roaf at the left tackle and he clearly developed into the premier tackle in the league, before anyone knew what a premier tackle was. They lost with LJ, at least for now. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs take the value pick here at DE/DT, but I think they may stretch and take the next best tackle on the board.
KC - Ryan Clady
With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select:
This is where the draft gets interesting. There are a lot of players that fit really nicely into the 6-15 range, but that may not necessarily be top 5 guys. What's funny about this? The one guy who is about as top 5 as anyone else is still on the NO draft board, and he can't be passed up. the value pick right here, right now is Glenn Dorsey and as the stars have aligned, now it's time to take a shot on his injury prone status. Assuming he's available, lock it up.
NYJ - Glenn Dorsey
With the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Yeah, in case you didn't know, they have this pick. They did have to forfeit their standard pick in the first round, but this was acquired through trade. I don't think Asanti Samuel is as good as he thinks he is. But none the less, he's good and this is a deep draft in the defensive backfield. So the question becomes, can the Pats wait until round 2 to get a corner? I think they really are going to look at the defensive linemen that are available but I think they need to go get Aqib Talib. From what I've seen, he's the best corner on the board, but that's not the opinion of most. I'd take Talib, but don't expect it to happen.
NYE - Sederick Ellis
With the eighth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:
The Ravens need is well, quarterback. They will hope that Atlanta passes on Matt Ryan, which they should but won't. Matt Ryan is a better value here at 8. However, there really isn't another quarterback of interest so the Ravens will address the defensive backfield. Again, everyone is still available back there, and with him out there, I'd still take Talib. But Troy's Leodis McKelvin is the #1 CB on the table in the eyes of the experts. Not a bad pick, and expect them to go there here.
BAL - Leodis McKelvin
With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
NO - Here's the thing about the Chiefs. They are the Cubs of the NFL, in the fact that they can't get through to the Super Bowl, but they still sell out their stadium every week and have some of the best fans in all of sports. So what does this mean? In terms of the draft, I don't know, other than no matter what they do, they can't really lose. For a long time, they had Willie Roaf at the left tackle and he clearly developed into the premier tackle in the league, before anyone knew what a premier tackle was. They lost with LJ, at least for now. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs take the value pick here at DE/DT, but I think they may stretch and take the next best tackle on the board.
KC - Ryan Clady
With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select:
This is where the draft gets interesting. There are a lot of players that fit really nicely into the 6-15 range, but that may not necessarily be top 5 guys. What's funny about this? The one guy who is about as top 5 as anyone else is still on the NO draft board, and he can't be passed up. the value pick right here, right now is Glenn Dorsey and as the stars have aligned, now it's time to take a shot on his injury prone status. Assuming he's available, lock it up.
NYJ - Glenn Dorsey
With the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Yeah, in case you didn't know, they have this pick. They did have to forfeit their standard pick in the first round, but this was acquired through trade. I don't think Asanti Samuel is as good as he thinks he is. But none the less, he's good and this is a deep draft in the defensive backfield. So the question becomes, can the Pats wait until round 2 to get a corner? I think they really are going to look at the defensive linemen that are available but I think they need to go get Aqib Talib. From what I've seen, he's the best corner on the board, but that's not the opinion of most. I'd take Talib, but don't expect it to happen.
NYE - Sederick Ellis
With the eighth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:
The Ravens need is well, quarterback. They will hope that Atlanta passes on Matt Ryan, which they should but won't. Matt Ryan is a better value here at 8. However, there really isn't another quarterback of interest so the Ravens will address the defensive backfield. Again, everyone is still available back there, and with him out there, I'd still take Talib. But Troy's Leodis McKelvin is the #1 CB on the table in the eyes of the experts. Not a bad pick, and expect them to go there here.
BAL - Leodis McKelvin
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
No Owens NFL Draft Analysis, Picks 1-4
As previously mentioned, we are going to break down the first round of the NFL draft here at No Owens. Not only with what we think is going to happen, but what should happen given the team's needs and the value of players available. Without any further delay, let's get started.
With the First Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select:
NO - they need to trade this pick and they need to do it bad. The biggest issue with this draft is that there is no one to spend #1 type money on. I didn't see JaMarcus as being #1 money really either, but he was the right pick. Williams, Bush, Young and maybe even Leinart were worth #1 pick guaranteed cash. So this comes down to business...you can take the best player available...which is anyone...but no one is worth the cash. PS. The Dolphins needs players. They blew the draft last year. They can't screw it up this year. If they can't move the pick, they should take it easy, safe and lock of a left tackle for the next 12 seasons with Jake Long.
MIA - I think they'll end up with Howie Long, Jr. Watch out for the Firestorm.
With the Second Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select:
NO - Marc Bulger can still chuck it. When he's not on his back. The Rams have to address their offensive line and they have to do it now. Linemen can come in and make an impact day one. If Jake Long goes off the board, they should try to trade back to someone looking to get Matt Ryan at the three spot. If Ryan is going to be the sure pick of the Falcons, this second pick becomes more valuable in terms of trade than the first...Ryan can't command the cash that a number one overall can. If Jake Long is available, you wrap him up. If the pick can't be traded down to one of the other OT's in this class, extend out and take Ryan Clady from Boise State, the next best OT on the board. They won't get another shot.
STL - Jake Long
With the Third Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
I am not a big Darren McFadden guy whatsoever. I think he's a big risk and I think the back from Illinois is a better prospect given his size and strength. I think McFadden and the struggling Reggie Bush have a lot in common. Most of McFadden's dynamic runs are in space. He has those skinny legs and I don't think I've ever seen him do anything spectacular squaring a college backer up and taking him for a ride. Also, I watched McFadden play a couple of times and not play well. This either means he takes it off when things aren't going well, or he's really only as good as his line if they can get him to level two. All this being said, he's the best raw talent on the board and Atlanta needs a face-guy right now. I think Glenn Dorsey is the better face guy. If I'm the Falcons, I take the good guy not the bad guy.
ATL - Matt Ryan...have fun with that
With the Fourth Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select:
NO - Dorsey should still be there and without a doubt, he's the best player on the board. But we aren't' talking about a normal team, we're talking about Al Davis. I think Al Davis is going to take a good look at McFadden and that will be that. They need to take Dorsey, but someone is surely going to be happy they didn't.
OAK - Darren McFadden
With the First Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select:
NO - they need to trade this pick and they need to do it bad. The biggest issue with this draft is that there is no one to spend #1 type money on. I didn't see JaMarcus as being #1 money really either, but he was the right pick. Williams, Bush, Young and maybe even Leinart were worth #1 pick guaranteed cash. So this comes down to business...you can take the best player available...which is anyone...but no one is worth the cash. PS. The Dolphins needs players. They blew the draft last year. They can't screw it up this year. If they can't move the pick, they should take it easy, safe and lock of a left tackle for the next 12 seasons with Jake Long.
MIA - I think they'll end up with Howie Long, Jr. Watch out for the Firestorm.
With the Second Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select:
NO - Marc Bulger can still chuck it. When he's not on his back. The Rams have to address their offensive line and they have to do it now. Linemen can come in and make an impact day one. If Jake Long goes off the board, they should try to trade back to someone looking to get Matt Ryan at the three spot. If Ryan is going to be the sure pick of the Falcons, this second pick becomes more valuable in terms of trade than the first...Ryan can't command the cash that a number one overall can. If Jake Long is available, you wrap him up. If the pick can't be traded down to one of the other OT's in this class, extend out and take Ryan Clady from Boise State, the next best OT on the board. They won't get another shot.
STL - Jake Long
With the Third Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
I am not a big Darren McFadden guy whatsoever. I think he's a big risk and I think the back from Illinois is a better prospect given his size and strength. I think McFadden and the struggling Reggie Bush have a lot in common. Most of McFadden's dynamic runs are in space. He has those skinny legs and I don't think I've ever seen him do anything spectacular squaring a college backer up and taking him for a ride. Also, I watched McFadden play a couple of times and not play well. This either means he takes it off when things aren't going well, or he's really only as good as his line if they can get him to level two. All this being said, he's the best raw talent on the board and Atlanta needs a face-guy right now. I think Glenn Dorsey is the better face guy. If I'm the Falcons, I take the good guy not the bad guy.
ATL - Matt Ryan...have fun with that
With the Fourth Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select:
NO - Dorsey should still be there and without a doubt, he's the best player on the board. But we aren't' talking about a normal team, we're talking about Al Davis. I think Al Davis is going to take a good look at McFadden and that will be that. They need to take Dorsey, but someone is surely going to be happy they didn't.
OAK - Darren McFadden
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