The 2012 season is finally here and to be honest I can't wait for it to get going. After the way the 2011 season ended nobody wanted the off season. How you can race the finally ten races and end up in a tie is unbelievable. Nascar has a ton of momentum this season. I hope things continue this way. This year its hard guessing who will make the chase. I'll give it a shot though.
Tony Stewart: You have to start with the champ. He'll make it but I bet his season will look a lot like last years. Steve Addington coming over there will be a getting to know you period. I don't think we will ever see a run of ten races like Smoke had in the Chase ever again, but it would be awesome to see him finally win the 500.
Jimmie Johnson: Might as well end the suspense now and say he'll make it. 2011 was a bit of a downer, but he was still in contention for the championship with four races left. Chad and Jimmie are the Brady and Belichick(that's sick I know) of Nascar. They'll get back on track and win there four or five races before the Chase.
Jeff Gordon: I'm throwing this out there. 2012 Sprint Cup Champion. Yep I said it. I've always wanted my driver Dale Jr to get hooked up with Alan Gustafson. He's only won with every driver he's had. Heading into the chase I thought 24 was going to take it, but he couldn't put it together the last ten. I think he changes that.
Carl Edwards: Ford and Jack Roush's cash cow. What Carl wants he gets. All the sponsors that Roush kept all wanted to be on the 99. A couple things I think hurts Carl this year. First losing last year by a tie has to be a little crushing. One spot over ten races that's it. I'd rather get blown out than be that close. Second since we've seen Carl in cup hes always raced Nationwide or Trucks. This year he said hes focusing on Cup. I bet it hurts him a little bit. Waltrip always says learn on Saturday apply on Sunday.
Matt Kenseth: Boring, sponsor nightmare. All he does is run up front every week. Guess that's not enough to get you a full time sponsor. I said I thought 24 was gonna win the Chase, but he faded. Halfway through Martinsville I thought Matt's sitting pretty. Tony's winning all these races and Matt's hanging with him. Then Matt goes anti Matt and gets aggressive. We all know how that ended. Matt torn up and the Chase basically over. He only runs great everywhere that doesn't turn right.
Brad Keselowski: What a summer run this guy had. April and May I was thinking Penske doesn't put up with this middle of the pack crap very long. Brad was 20-25 week after week. Not sure what exactly happened but during the summer he was a man on a mission. 2012 he is the face of Penske. I hope that's not to much pressure on him.
Dale Earnhardt Jr: Rick Hendrick did a great thing pairing Jr with Steve Letarte. Steve was a great cheerleader and put him great position to win a couple races. This year I think he'll take one or two. I know I know I'm a fan so I have to say that.
Denny Hamlin: This guy got a great gift during the off season. Darian Grubb will help Denny return to the front. Some relationships just run their course and that's what happened with Mike Ford and Denny.
Kevin Harvick: Three wins last year an uneventful Chase got a new crew chief for the effort. RCR downsized this off season so they now can put my resources towards their bread and butter the 29.
Kasey Kahne: The big new addition to Hendrick. Kasey's always said he could so much more if he was in great equipment. Here's his shot. He does get to bring long time crew chief Kenny Francis with him so that should make the transition fairly easy.
Kyle Busch: The man everybody loves to hate. I'll make this short and sweet. He'll win a bunch of races beating up on the Nationwide guys as usual. Win a couple of Cup races and fade like always in the chase. Its the same story year after year
Jeff Burton: Gotta have a wild card and here's mine. The past couple years have a struggle for the 31. For some reason I think he'll return to form. I've been thinking the whole time Newman, Allmendinger, Biffle or Burton. I keep coming up with Burton. He ran strong the last ten. New crew chief and smaller RCR will help.
Some things off the track
I think the whole season will be interesting for Kurt Busch. Hes not great at kissing ass, but that's his job this year. Where does he end up though is the question. Give me Gibbs and he'll race the 20 in 2013. Also the rivalry between Kurt and Jimmie gets put on hold this year. I don't think Rick would like two of his cars beating on each other week after week.
Roush Racing: Hes got a big problem. Not enough sponsor money for everybody and has two very talented drivers waiting in the wings in Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Jack has already said they won't race a full season in the Nationwide season. I think both have to look outside Roush sooner or later. Here's my two cents. We'll start with Trevor Bayne. RCR would like to get back up to four cars. I think if money can be found Trevor would be great for them. Hes young and would be great teaming up when its time for Austin and Ty to move up. Childress is always good at find sponsors. Ricky Stenhouse Jr: Stewart Hass. Ricky raced in the dirt for Tony a few years back. Newmans contract is up. Ryan says hes coming back but has no deal yet. Ricky and Tony have similar driving styles. I think that would be a great place for Ricky to go.
Nationwide Series
Not going to get to much in depth here.
Owners Championship. KBM ya there gonna dominate everything.
Driver Championship. Elliot Sadler.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Ham Bone
Last week in the midst of all the hype of the Super Bowl a big news story got pushed off the shelves b/c it wasn't a football story. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers violated his sobriety and had a few drinks at a restaurant in the Dallas area. This is a tough story to analyze Hamilton is a recovering addict, booze is least of his past vices. This is his second relapse in 3 years with alcohol, he gets drug tested 3 times a week regular and off season by Major League Baseball, so relapsing into drugs would be hard for him, also booze is easier to get your hands on. I have a couple of views on this personally and professionally.
First of all, I feel terrible for Josh. He has been fighting this since he got drafted in 1999, and has been suspended by MLB for over a season and a half. He has a wife and children so you have to hope he has the support system to help him through these times when he feels the need to use. As someone who isn't considered an addict I don't know where he's coming from and what his demons are, but I think sometimes he needs to make better decisions. Josh said the reason for the relapse was a family matter, maybe he needed someone outside the family to help him. I don't root for the Rangers, I in fact dislike them, but I root for Hamilton to stay healthy and sober and continue his career. Addiction isn't something to joke about, and the fact Hamilton admits he has a problem is a great thing. Sometimes, we need to separate sports from real life and this year it seems those two keep crossing each other, so it'd be nice if they would stop.
Now onto the professional part of this problem. The Texas Rangers have made mistakes this off season that have direct influences on Hamilton. For one they let C.J. Wilson go, the guy who lives a clean lifestyle, and along with Hamilton had the team have Ginger Ale celebrations before the champagne celebrations after clinching playoff series or division championships. C.J. was a direct supporter for Josh, and helped him on road trips by playing X Box and hanging with him while his teammates are at the bars and strip clubs. The second mistake the Rangers made was letting Hamilton's personal accountability partner walk away to become hitting coach for the Brewers and not hiring someone right away to spend the off season with Josh. These two losses had a huge effect on Josh violating his sobriety. In his time of need he called Ian Kinsler to have supper with and afterward Kinsler dropped Josh off and didn't worry about him, well Hamilton went back to the bar and started drinking. Had he one of the two closest people in the organization with him at the time he may not have gotten that chance to head back.
A thing though that most people missed is the fact the Rangers may have missed a huge free agent in hopes of getting Hamilton resigned next year. The Rangers who had a shot at Prince Fielder decided investing in Hamilton for around the same money was a better idea. So now because of this if your the Rangers do you still give Hamilton an 8 year deal next year or do you only give him 3 years, or do you put a clause in there about sobriety and risk the chance of alienating him. I know this is a lot to take in, but if your gonna invest 200 million plus in a guy you gotta know he's not gonna be facing suspension from the league, or be spending time in prison during this contract. I know Josh has a sickness and I hope he can keep beating it, but if he keeps having these little hiccups he's gonna run himself out of the league that he fought so hard to get back. Stay well Josh and get a support system that will help you since the Rangers didn't try to keep the one you had in tact.
First of all, I feel terrible for Josh. He has been fighting this since he got drafted in 1999, and has been suspended by MLB for over a season and a half. He has a wife and children so you have to hope he has the support system to help him through these times when he feels the need to use. As someone who isn't considered an addict I don't know where he's coming from and what his demons are, but I think sometimes he needs to make better decisions. Josh said the reason for the relapse was a family matter, maybe he needed someone outside the family to help him. I don't root for the Rangers, I in fact dislike them, but I root for Hamilton to stay healthy and sober and continue his career. Addiction isn't something to joke about, and the fact Hamilton admits he has a problem is a great thing. Sometimes, we need to separate sports from real life and this year it seems those two keep crossing each other, so it'd be nice if they would stop.
Now onto the professional part of this problem. The Texas Rangers have made mistakes this off season that have direct influences on Hamilton. For one they let C.J. Wilson go, the guy who lives a clean lifestyle, and along with Hamilton had the team have Ginger Ale celebrations before the champagne celebrations after clinching playoff series or division championships. C.J. was a direct supporter for Josh, and helped him on road trips by playing X Box and hanging with him while his teammates are at the bars and strip clubs. The second mistake the Rangers made was letting Hamilton's personal accountability partner walk away to become hitting coach for the Brewers and not hiring someone right away to spend the off season with Josh. These two losses had a huge effect on Josh violating his sobriety. In his time of need he called Ian Kinsler to have supper with and afterward Kinsler dropped Josh off and didn't worry about him, well Hamilton went back to the bar and started drinking. Had he one of the two closest people in the organization with him at the time he may not have gotten that chance to head back.
A thing though that most people missed is the fact the Rangers may have missed a huge free agent in hopes of getting Hamilton resigned next year. The Rangers who had a shot at Prince Fielder decided investing in Hamilton for around the same money was a better idea. So now because of this if your the Rangers do you still give Hamilton an 8 year deal next year or do you only give him 3 years, or do you put a clause in there about sobriety and risk the chance of alienating him. I know this is a lot to take in, but if your gonna invest 200 million plus in a guy you gotta know he's not gonna be facing suspension from the league, or be spending time in prison during this contract. I know Josh has a sickness and I hope he can keep beating it, but if he keeps having these little hiccups he's gonna run himself out of the league that he fought so hard to get back. Stay well Josh and get a support system that will help you since the Rangers didn't try to keep the one you had in tact.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Diary 2012
We are live from the man cave, got a couple of extra commentators tonight. In addition to our normal extra helpers, Chris via text, and Jessica here, we also will have my friends Nick and Shannon quoted throughout. As always this is unedited and what I write stays on the paper.
5:09 liked how they did the starters there, but come on Manningham say Michigan.
5:10 Al Micheals brings out the Giants
5:11 to a round of boos and Ozzie he come the Pats, Bellichek of course shoving it to the NFL by wearing the sweatshirt with cut off sleaves.
5:14 Must say I'm happy to have Al and Chris tonight Fox and CBS A-Squads suck.
5:15 Miranda and Blake to sing America the Beautiful, nobody represents America like drunk country singers.
5:16 All the players look annoyed by this and then they show Tom Coughlin and he's singing the song, that guy kills me.
5:18 Kelly Clarkson time, with a choir behind her nice rendition except for those bangs.
5:19 Jessica says good job didn't screw up the words.
5:23 Collinsworth just pick the Giants, b/c he said whoever gets a pass rush will win, the Pats have no pass rush, Nick agrees.
5:24 Tom Brady is fired up, nice to hear that, and you don't want a pissed off Brady I've always said that. New HOF guys out there for coin toss, still BS that Cris Carter can't get in.
5:25 who gets to flip the coin, former Patriot Curtis Martin, who also played in New York for the Jets.
5:26 Pats defer Giants get the ball, and NBC brings up lame stat that for the first time in 15 years the AFC wins the coin toss who cares. Shannon just asked who is everyone cheering for Jessica says I don't care, Nick hates the Pats, so he goes NYG, I'm not voicing my opinion.
5:27 Al says the Super Bowl is next don't think the kick will get off by 5:29.
5:30 the Helmet catch makes me sick too this day. No touchback that was weird I thought for sure it would be.
5:31 Al compares this Giants team to the one that won the Super bowl 4 years ago, can't run on the Patriots they have a bad d but you can't run on them.
5:33 and Eli strikes, his 3rd down numbers are amazing this year, against Green Bay and San Fran 3rd down was his down. The Giants don't look sloppy sometimes the layoff hurts doesn't look like it for them.
5:35 Collingsworth says the Pats need to stop the Giants last ranked running game. Patriots DB needs to make a better play there.
5:36 Sack on first down by the Pats, the play before Eli made a poor decision, he'll do that about 5 times a game you need to capitlize to beat the Giants.
5:37 here is the key to the game get off the field on 3rd down, and Mark Anderson gets a sack
5:38 great punt Tom Brady will get the ball at the 5.
5:39 can Vampires and werewolves just go away.
5:40 my bold prediction the Pats will use Chad 85 a lot.
5:41 grounding on Brady, safety big mistake by Tom. who had safety for first points of the game you just made some bank.
5:43 replay of the safety shows Tom made a stupid throw and nobody was going down the middle of the field.
5:44 need to tackle those FB's
5:45 tired of seeing the Giants offense already, Pats need to start tackling.
5:46 that safety was terrible for the Pats D, got off the field feeling good about themselves get one play off then boom your back on the field.
5:48 Al gives us a break down as if someone just came in and went why is it 2-0.
5:49 the Pats are shooting themselves in the foot, thought this was what Bellichek teams didn't do?
5:51 and we're salsa dancing with Victor Cruz, Eli should've had a pick there, I'm telling you he does this 6-7 times a game, you gotta pick him off when you get your shots.
5:53 new M&M's oh Red you kill me, that one was funny.
5:57 the Giants d finally has to play, and Aaron Ross makes a great play, is anyone cockier than the Giants? Anyone?
5:58 screen to the law firm, 3rd down Brady hits Deion Branch, let's go.
5:59 UH OH Brady is grooving, Pats go no huddle, expect a Giants "injury" soon.
6:00 Aaron Ross your so good making a tackle 10 yards down field, end of the first quarter 9-0 Giants. Only took a half hour.
6:02 thank you go daddy for not having Danica or Jillian naked this year.
6:03 new Liam Neeson movie I would pay to watch Liam Neeson order coffee at Starbucks, "I'll have a Venti coffee, with 2 sugars" the movie btw is Battleship, guessing like the board game?
6:04 Pats in the red zone this is where a healthy Gronk helps, 3rd down let's see what happens.
6:05 batted down, even if he completes that ball to Hernandez he won't get the 1st poor decision making by Brady, Gostkowski on is good 9-3.
6:12 big gap there was getting some food, Dorito's commercial with the dog was funny and the little boy peeing in the pool was funny
6:15 I like Collinsworth and all but he over analyzes, big 3rd down here. Once again Eli connects, the Giants are so good on 3rd down, so good.
6:17 fans wanted a flag on the previous play but Chung had perfect technique.
6:18 3rd and forever here Pats make the tackle, do the Giants go for it? no they punt. Al that was a terrible joke with the Dodge pun
6:21 Shannon wanted the bear to open the coke bottle after all that.
6:22 another knocked down pass for JPP, Pats may want to run some draws of something to get the arms down.
6:23 the Pats again run a route short of the 1st down on 3rd down, gotta be better, anyone seen Gronk yet?
6:25 Giants keep hitting the flats for 6 or 8 yard chunks.
6:26 eating my words the Giants are starting to run the ball, thought for sure the Pats would make the plays.
6:27 for the 1000th time we have to hear Snee is Coughlin's son-in-law.
6:28 the one thing Brandon Jacobs does is run his mouth more than the ball. Holding on the Giants, now Eli on 3rd and 11.
6:29 Once again Eli just throws it up and hopes someone makes a play on the ball, he's not better than his brother don't ever say anything different.
6:30 Weatherford is on, Shannon says he looks like a total ass when he does well.
6:32 if they redo every Star Wars movie in 3d I may choke myself. Another safety here? maybe
6:33 if Gronk doesn't get going he won't play the 2nd half that ankle will only stiffen up with the long break.
6:34 GRONK is here, made a nice catch there.
6:35 2 minute warning we are moving right along tonight, The Avengers might be good.
6:38 Pats almost across midfield they need a score here any score at all, b/c they get the ball after half.
6:40 Brady is going to Hernandez a lot more than normal, this Gronk injury is a big deal, bigger than I thought it would be. Hernandez again on 3rd down.
6:42 not sure what the Pats are doing here letting a lot of the clock run off, Time out their in the Red zone.
6:43 new E-Trade baby, Bruce Willis is GI Joe, now that's funny since his ex was GI Jane.
6:45 Woodhead running through tackles after I said he wasn't very good. Woodhead again down to the 5
6:46 why the hell isn't the Law Firm in this situation, Woodhead is ok but he isn't a goaline back put in the law firm.
6:47 Brady to Woodhead TD Pats, Brady had 3 days to throw that ball, the Giants outthought themselves dropping JPP into coverage.
6:49 I hear "This is Our House" in the background almost as if I'm a Dubuque Fighting Saints game.
6:51 halftime 10-9 my 1st half thoughts, the Giants are lucky to be this close, the only reason they scored is b/c of Brady's mistake and then they scored the TD after the D had no rest, Brady is cutting up this defense, should be a good 2nd half whoever makes the right adjustments will win.
7:09 can we get rid of halftime shows please this is terrible, Niki Minaj was so off on her lip-synching. Seriously though get rid of haltime shows.
7:21 after we've all raided the buffet on the bar we are back and ready to go, Pats get the ball first.
7:22 Bellichek says we need to use the red zone better, hey Bill you made it twice got a fg and a TD, that's good use of the red zone.
7:23 Chad 8 5 makes a play NO WAY.
7:24 The Law Firm breaks a run, Pats are stomring the castle. 14 straight completions for 12, he's pretty good.
7:26 of course they have to remind us that Tom Brady loves Joe Montana.
7:27 Pats are in the red zone again, Welker with the catch, for all the talk of how easy he is to stop the Giants can't do it.
7:28 TOUCHDOWN HERNANDEZ, nice play to run over the DB. 17-9 Pats.
7:29 I think Smash is gonna make it 2 episodes.
7:31 enough about the TE's being the difference maker for the Pats, there big WR's who are slow that's all they are. They are match up nightmares I get it but seriously we don't need to keep hearing about it.
7:33 3rd down here for the Giants if the Pats keeping getting off the field they'll be fine this half.
7:34 Pats keep doubling Cruz so Nicks keeps getting the looks. Again Eli goes to the flat on 1st down, Pats need to shut that down
7:35 Eli is heating up, Nicks is starting to tear it up.
7:36 that should've been a flag for defense less player, Patrick Chung killed Nicks there. Eli got away with another stupid pass 3rd down.
7:37 could be FG time, Manningham got floored there. FG is good, "snuck it in" according to Nick, 17-12 Pats.
7:41 good job NBC took till the 2nd half to show "the Manning" box.
7:43 it's been 5 minutes since a play has been made, Blackburn makes a great play on the Law Firm. JPP is down and instead of showing it we go to commercial.
7:45 lots of GE commercials of courese we're watching the Super Bowl on the network they own.
7:47 not a good series for the Pats there, 3 and out.
7:48 this quarter is taking forever.
7:49 Bud and Bud Light are way down this year, not memorable at all.
7:50 Cris Collinsworth goes with "He's giving it that thing" in regards to Brady stretching his left arm excellent analysis.
7:51 typical Giants fumble the ball and somehow offensive lineman come down and recover it. Giants always get these breaks.
7:53 G-men in the red zone we may be salsa dancing real soon. Pats d is hanging on by a thread here,
7:55 3 man rush gets to Eli on 3rd down, another FG attempt for Tynes. sneaks that one in too 17-15 Pats still lead.
7:58 Gronk is done, if I were the Pats I'd stop using him, get Chad 85 in there and let him take over. 1st down to Branch Pats needed that one.
7:59 after 3 it's 17-15, 15 minutes to go still no feel for who has the advantage in this game.
8:01 just took a poll of the room and it's a consesus the Pats are gonna win unless the Giants d steps up.
8:02 I'm sure MVP voting is now open who ya got, guessing it'll be the QB.
8:04 Brady throws a deep pick basically a punt there, should've been interference in my eyes he pushed Gronk out of the way.
8:05 Typical Giants again fumble and recover it, I'm gonna puke, 3rd down.
8:07 Metlife nice play using cartoons of my youth.
8:08 incomplete flag on the play, looks against the Pats, 3rd and 2. can't have dump penalties.
8:09 Eli magic again on 3rd down the guy is automatic. Nicks has 7 catches Cruz has 2 who do you think Bellichek is keying on?
8:11 Ballard is down Collinsworth well that changes everything.
8:12 Bud Light your still sucking tonight.
8:14 Cruz on back to back plays, Eli threw into double coverage telling you he takes chances.
Giants are turning it on, see what happens if they get to the red zone again.
8:16 Manningham should've stayed in bounds there terrible play by him. Can someone do a study to see if a timeout is worth more than 5 yards, the Giants have used 2 to's on this drive.
8:18 then they get a 5 yard false start penalty anyway, not good use of the timeout. Collinsworth says that's interference right away. Great play in my eyes.
8:20 Kia did a good job there liked the Crue.
8:21 it will be interesting to see how Tom reacts here after the pick on the last drive. 3rd drive for the pats that starts inside the 10.
8:22 Giants front is starting to get there, last 3 plays Brady has had happy feet in the pocket. 3rd down.
8:23 Woodhead excellent run after the catch. Now the Pats need to start working the clock some. Just under 8 to go
8:24 Al brings up the Law Firm has never fumbled in his career, Antrel Rolle is hurt maybe his jaw sore from all the talking he does.
8:25 Samsung pulls out the Darkness wow, and Urlacher that was cool.
8:27 Pats with a little trickeration, Brady got in the way a little. Less than 7 to go.
8:28 not gonna lie this game has been very ho-hum not a single HUGE play yet, last 5 minutes could interesting or boring. Big 3rd down here, I say Gronk time, instead Hernandez out of the backfield, the Pats are assaulting the clock now.
8:29 Collinsworth says stop covering Hernandez with a LB, good luck doing it with a DB.
8:30 this is shaping up to be a game winning drive for the Giants, Welker needs to catch that Brady was a little off. Collinsworth says he makes that catch a 100 times out of a 100 well I guess not dumbass. Incomplete on 3rd and 11 Pats will punt.
8:31 Eli has 3:46, 1 timeout, and 89 yards to go. Collinsworth says we should have these two play all the time, both the girls groaned.
8:33 great play by Manningham, that might be the HUGE play I was talking about Bill is gonna challenge, to be honest there is no reason not to challenge b/c it's not like you need 3 to's.
8:35 seriously I'm gonna be sick, Collinsworth says this is gonna be the play you see for 50 years if the Giants win, yuck, don't care if Manningham is a Michigan man.
8:36 Manningham is the go to guy on this drive, Giants in FG range just over 3 minutes to go.
8:37 4th play of the drive, 4th pass to Manningham 3 catches on 4 targets this drive. 2 minute warning Nicks gets the ball inside the Red Zone.
8:41 if I were the Pats I'd start to think about letting them score. 1st and goal Giants,
8:42 timeout Pats 1:04 to go
8:43 Collinsworth is starting to claim Eli is elite he is, but get over it. TD Giants Bradshaw didn't want to score but he did, Giants going for 2 don't get it 21-17 G-men.
8:45 4 years ago Brady had his chance and didn't come up with the plays, let's see if Welker Hernandez Gronk 85 and Branch can make it happen.
8:46 Nick is not happy even though he has 5 in the numbers, says he hates Brady that much.
8:47 Al says no GRONK, that ankle is dead, Branch drops an easy one.
8:48 I'm gonna puke, another DROP by Hernandez, not happy. Giants are starting to feel it. Sack on 3rd down, brings up 4th and 17. Timeout Pats.
8:50 HUGE catch by Branch, 1st down, Brady shows some elusiveness. another 1st down 17 seconds left.
8:51 too many man on the Giants, 9 seconds left.
8:52 incomplete to Branch 5 seconds left, starting to think of how I can avoid ESPN till next year.
8:53 Hail Mary comes up incomplete Gronk almost had it. That was possibly the worst Super Bowl in years, not a good one in my eyes.
8:54 Redskins beat the Giants twice this year yet these elite teams can't beat them.
8:55 that's all for tonight what a terrible game, see you at the draft I'll be avoiding all ESPN for at least a week don't expect much football talk from me. I might check in this week with my thoughts on Josh Hamilton
5:09 liked how they did the starters there, but come on Manningham say Michigan.
5:10 Al Micheals brings out the Giants
5:11 to a round of boos and Ozzie he come the Pats, Bellichek of course shoving it to the NFL by wearing the sweatshirt with cut off sleaves.
5:14 Must say I'm happy to have Al and Chris tonight Fox and CBS A-Squads suck.
5:15 Miranda and Blake to sing America the Beautiful, nobody represents America like drunk country singers.
5:16 All the players look annoyed by this and then they show Tom Coughlin and he's singing the song, that guy kills me.
5:18 Kelly Clarkson time, with a choir behind her nice rendition except for those bangs.
5:19 Jessica says good job didn't screw up the words.
5:23 Collinsworth just pick the Giants, b/c he said whoever gets a pass rush will win, the Pats have no pass rush, Nick agrees.
5:24 Tom Brady is fired up, nice to hear that, and you don't want a pissed off Brady I've always said that. New HOF guys out there for coin toss, still BS that Cris Carter can't get in.
5:25 who gets to flip the coin, former Patriot Curtis Martin, who also played in New York for the Jets.
5:26 Pats defer Giants get the ball, and NBC brings up lame stat that for the first time in 15 years the AFC wins the coin toss who cares. Shannon just asked who is everyone cheering for Jessica says I don't care, Nick hates the Pats, so he goes NYG, I'm not voicing my opinion.
5:27 Al says the Super Bowl is next don't think the kick will get off by 5:29.
5:30 the Helmet catch makes me sick too this day. No touchback that was weird I thought for sure it would be.
5:31 Al compares this Giants team to the one that won the Super bowl 4 years ago, can't run on the Patriots they have a bad d but you can't run on them.
5:33 and Eli strikes, his 3rd down numbers are amazing this year, against Green Bay and San Fran 3rd down was his down. The Giants don't look sloppy sometimes the layoff hurts doesn't look like it for them.
5:35 Collingsworth says the Pats need to stop the Giants last ranked running game. Patriots DB needs to make a better play there.
5:36 Sack on first down by the Pats, the play before Eli made a poor decision, he'll do that about 5 times a game you need to capitlize to beat the Giants.
5:37 here is the key to the game get off the field on 3rd down, and Mark Anderson gets a sack
5:38 great punt Tom Brady will get the ball at the 5.
5:39 can Vampires and werewolves just go away.
5:40 my bold prediction the Pats will use Chad 85 a lot.
5:41 grounding on Brady, safety big mistake by Tom. who had safety for first points of the game you just made some bank.
5:43 replay of the safety shows Tom made a stupid throw and nobody was going down the middle of the field.
5:44 need to tackle those FB's
5:45 tired of seeing the Giants offense already, Pats need to start tackling.
5:46 that safety was terrible for the Pats D, got off the field feeling good about themselves get one play off then boom your back on the field.
5:48 Al gives us a break down as if someone just came in and went why is it 2-0.
5:49 the Pats are shooting themselves in the foot, thought this was what Bellichek teams didn't do?
5:51 and we're salsa dancing with Victor Cruz, Eli should've had a pick there, I'm telling you he does this 6-7 times a game, you gotta pick him off when you get your shots.
5:53 new M&M's oh Red you kill me, that one was funny.
5:57 the Giants d finally has to play, and Aaron Ross makes a great play, is anyone cockier than the Giants? Anyone?
5:58 screen to the law firm, 3rd down Brady hits Deion Branch, let's go.
5:59 UH OH Brady is grooving, Pats go no huddle, expect a Giants "injury" soon.
6:00 Aaron Ross your so good making a tackle 10 yards down field, end of the first quarter 9-0 Giants. Only took a half hour.
6:02 thank you go daddy for not having Danica or Jillian naked this year.
6:03 new Liam Neeson movie I would pay to watch Liam Neeson order coffee at Starbucks, "I'll have a Venti coffee, with 2 sugars" the movie btw is Battleship, guessing like the board game?
6:04 Pats in the red zone this is where a healthy Gronk helps, 3rd down let's see what happens.
6:05 batted down, even if he completes that ball to Hernandez he won't get the 1st poor decision making by Brady, Gostkowski on is good 9-3.
6:12 big gap there was getting some food, Dorito's commercial with the dog was funny and the little boy peeing in the pool was funny
6:15 I like Collinsworth and all but he over analyzes, big 3rd down here. Once again Eli connects, the Giants are so good on 3rd down, so good.
6:17 fans wanted a flag on the previous play but Chung had perfect technique.
6:18 3rd and forever here Pats make the tackle, do the Giants go for it? no they punt. Al that was a terrible joke with the Dodge pun
6:21 Shannon wanted the bear to open the coke bottle after all that.
6:22 another knocked down pass for JPP, Pats may want to run some draws of something to get the arms down.
6:23 the Pats again run a route short of the 1st down on 3rd down, gotta be better, anyone seen Gronk yet?
6:25 Giants keep hitting the flats for 6 or 8 yard chunks.
6:26 eating my words the Giants are starting to run the ball, thought for sure the Pats would make the plays.
6:27 for the 1000th time we have to hear Snee is Coughlin's son-in-law.
6:28 the one thing Brandon Jacobs does is run his mouth more than the ball. Holding on the Giants, now Eli on 3rd and 11.
6:29 Once again Eli just throws it up and hopes someone makes a play on the ball, he's not better than his brother don't ever say anything different.
6:30 Weatherford is on, Shannon says he looks like a total ass when he does well.
6:32 if they redo every Star Wars movie in 3d I may choke myself. Another safety here? maybe
6:33 if Gronk doesn't get going he won't play the 2nd half that ankle will only stiffen up with the long break.
6:34 GRONK is here, made a nice catch there.
6:35 2 minute warning we are moving right along tonight, The Avengers might be good.
6:38 Pats almost across midfield they need a score here any score at all, b/c they get the ball after half.
6:40 Brady is going to Hernandez a lot more than normal, this Gronk injury is a big deal, bigger than I thought it would be. Hernandez again on 3rd down.
6:42 not sure what the Pats are doing here letting a lot of the clock run off, Time out their in the Red zone.
6:43 new E-Trade baby, Bruce Willis is GI Joe, now that's funny since his ex was GI Jane.
6:45 Woodhead running through tackles after I said he wasn't very good. Woodhead again down to the 5
6:46 why the hell isn't the Law Firm in this situation, Woodhead is ok but he isn't a goaline back put in the law firm.
6:47 Brady to Woodhead TD Pats, Brady had 3 days to throw that ball, the Giants outthought themselves dropping JPP into coverage.
6:49 I hear "This is Our House" in the background almost as if I'm a Dubuque Fighting Saints game.
6:51 halftime 10-9 my 1st half thoughts, the Giants are lucky to be this close, the only reason they scored is b/c of Brady's mistake and then they scored the TD after the D had no rest, Brady is cutting up this defense, should be a good 2nd half whoever makes the right adjustments will win.
7:09 can we get rid of halftime shows please this is terrible, Niki Minaj was so off on her lip-synching. Seriously though get rid of haltime shows.
7:21 after we've all raided the buffet on the bar we are back and ready to go, Pats get the ball first.
7:22 Bellichek says we need to use the red zone better, hey Bill you made it twice got a fg and a TD, that's good use of the red zone.
7:23 Chad 8 5 makes a play NO WAY.
7:24 The Law Firm breaks a run, Pats are stomring the castle. 14 straight completions for 12, he's pretty good.
7:26 of course they have to remind us that Tom Brady loves Joe Montana.
7:27 Pats are in the red zone again, Welker with the catch, for all the talk of how easy he is to stop the Giants can't do it.
7:28 TOUCHDOWN HERNANDEZ, nice play to run over the DB. 17-9 Pats.
7:29 I think Smash is gonna make it 2 episodes.
7:31 enough about the TE's being the difference maker for the Pats, there big WR's who are slow that's all they are. They are match up nightmares I get it but seriously we don't need to keep hearing about it.
7:33 3rd down here for the Giants if the Pats keeping getting off the field they'll be fine this half.
7:34 Pats keep doubling Cruz so Nicks keeps getting the looks. Again Eli goes to the flat on 1st down, Pats need to shut that down
7:35 Eli is heating up, Nicks is starting to tear it up.
7:36 that should've been a flag for defense less player, Patrick Chung killed Nicks there. Eli got away with another stupid pass 3rd down.
7:37 could be FG time, Manningham got floored there. FG is good, "snuck it in" according to Nick, 17-12 Pats.
7:41 good job NBC took till the 2nd half to show "the Manning" box.
7:43 it's been 5 minutes since a play has been made, Blackburn makes a great play on the Law Firm. JPP is down and instead of showing it we go to commercial.
7:45 lots of GE commercials of courese we're watching the Super Bowl on the network they own.
7:47 not a good series for the Pats there, 3 and out.
7:48 this quarter is taking forever.
7:49 Bud and Bud Light are way down this year, not memorable at all.
7:50 Cris Collinsworth goes with "He's giving it that thing" in regards to Brady stretching his left arm excellent analysis.
7:51 typical Giants fumble the ball and somehow offensive lineman come down and recover it. Giants always get these breaks.
7:53 G-men in the red zone we may be salsa dancing real soon. Pats d is hanging on by a thread here,
7:55 3 man rush gets to Eli on 3rd down, another FG attempt for Tynes. sneaks that one in too 17-15 Pats still lead.
7:58 Gronk is done, if I were the Pats I'd stop using him, get Chad 85 in there and let him take over. 1st down to Branch Pats needed that one.
7:59 after 3 it's 17-15, 15 minutes to go still no feel for who has the advantage in this game.
8:01 just took a poll of the room and it's a consesus the Pats are gonna win unless the Giants d steps up.
8:02 I'm sure MVP voting is now open who ya got, guessing it'll be the QB.
8:04 Brady throws a deep pick basically a punt there, should've been interference in my eyes he pushed Gronk out of the way.
8:05 Typical Giants again fumble and recover it, I'm gonna puke, 3rd down.
8:07 Metlife nice play using cartoons of my youth.
8:08 incomplete flag on the play, looks against the Pats, 3rd and 2. can't have dump penalties.
8:09 Eli magic again on 3rd down the guy is automatic. Nicks has 7 catches Cruz has 2 who do you think Bellichek is keying on?
8:11 Ballard is down Collinsworth well that changes everything.
8:12 Bud Light your still sucking tonight.
8:14 Cruz on back to back plays, Eli threw into double coverage telling you he takes chances.
Giants are turning it on, see what happens if they get to the red zone again.
8:16 Manningham should've stayed in bounds there terrible play by him. Can someone do a study to see if a timeout is worth more than 5 yards, the Giants have used 2 to's on this drive.
8:18 then they get a 5 yard false start penalty anyway, not good use of the timeout. Collinsworth says that's interference right away. Great play in my eyes.
8:20 Kia did a good job there liked the Crue.
8:21 it will be interesting to see how Tom reacts here after the pick on the last drive. 3rd drive for the pats that starts inside the 10.
8:22 Giants front is starting to get there, last 3 plays Brady has had happy feet in the pocket. 3rd down.
8:23 Woodhead excellent run after the catch. Now the Pats need to start working the clock some. Just under 8 to go
8:24 Al brings up the Law Firm has never fumbled in his career, Antrel Rolle is hurt maybe his jaw sore from all the talking he does.
8:25 Samsung pulls out the Darkness wow, and Urlacher that was cool.
8:27 Pats with a little trickeration, Brady got in the way a little. Less than 7 to go.
8:28 not gonna lie this game has been very ho-hum not a single HUGE play yet, last 5 minutes could interesting or boring. Big 3rd down here, I say Gronk time, instead Hernandez out of the backfield, the Pats are assaulting the clock now.
8:29 Collinsworth says stop covering Hernandez with a LB, good luck doing it with a DB.
8:30 this is shaping up to be a game winning drive for the Giants, Welker needs to catch that Brady was a little off. Collinsworth says he makes that catch a 100 times out of a 100 well I guess not dumbass. Incomplete on 3rd and 11 Pats will punt.
8:31 Eli has 3:46, 1 timeout, and 89 yards to go. Collinsworth says we should have these two play all the time, both the girls groaned.
8:33 great play by Manningham, that might be the HUGE play I was talking about Bill is gonna challenge, to be honest there is no reason not to challenge b/c it's not like you need 3 to's.
8:35 seriously I'm gonna be sick, Collinsworth says this is gonna be the play you see for 50 years if the Giants win, yuck, don't care if Manningham is a Michigan man.
8:36 Manningham is the go to guy on this drive, Giants in FG range just over 3 minutes to go.
8:37 4th play of the drive, 4th pass to Manningham 3 catches on 4 targets this drive. 2 minute warning Nicks gets the ball inside the Red Zone.
8:41 if I were the Pats I'd start to think about letting them score. 1st and goal Giants,
8:42 timeout Pats 1:04 to go
8:43 Collinsworth is starting to claim Eli is elite he is, but get over it. TD Giants Bradshaw didn't want to score but he did, Giants going for 2 don't get it 21-17 G-men.
8:45 4 years ago Brady had his chance and didn't come up with the plays, let's see if Welker Hernandez Gronk 85 and Branch can make it happen.
8:46 Nick is not happy even though he has 5 in the numbers, says he hates Brady that much.
8:47 Al says no GRONK, that ankle is dead, Branch drops an easy one.
8:48 I'm gonna puke, another DROP by Hernandez, not happy. Giants are starting to feel it. Sack on 3rd down, brings up 4th and 17. Timeout Pats.
8:50 HUGE catch by Branch, 1st down, Brady shows some elusiveness. another 1st down 17 seconds left.
8:51 too many man on the Giants, 9 seconds left.
8:52 incomplete to Branch 5 seconds left, starting to think of how I can avoid ESPN till next year.
8:53 Hail Mary comes up incomplete Gronk almost had it. That was possibly the worst Super Bowl in years, not a good one in my eyes.
8:54 Redskins beat the Giants twice this year yet these elite teams can't beat them.
8:55 that's all for tonight what a terrible game, see you at the draft I'll be avoiding all ESPN for at least a week don't expect much football talk from me. I might check in this week with my thoughts on Josh Hamilton
Friday, January 27, 2012
Super Preview 2012
Well I've noticed I do this in waves so I think another wave of energy is coming my way. It does usually happen around this time of year. This has turned into an annual post for me, the Super breakdown where I go position by position and pick a winner the last two I've been right on with Green Bay and New Orleans winning. So without further ado let's go to the tale of the tape.
QB, Advantage Patriots, Brady is better than Eli nough said. You wanna say Eli passed him somewhere, I don't think so 2 weeks ago Brady threw 6 TD's in a playoff game. Another note, you don't piss off Brady, 2 weeks ago Tebow got twice as much attention Brady went off, now he's getting his shot to get a Super Bowl from the team that stole his last one game on.
RB, Advantage Giants. Bradshaw and Jacobs are both beasts, even though Jacobs is a dipshit who runs his mouth. The Pats have a merry-go-round at RB, with the Law Firm, Woodhead, and Ridley (if he plays). The Pats also throw Aaron Hernandez back there sometimes but none of those four are better than Bradshas who has speed and size and moves.
WR, Advantage Giants. Cruz, and Nicks would be starters in New England and Manningham would be the 2nd option in that offense is he was there. The Pats have Welker, Branch, and Edeleman but 2 of those guys are white and Edeleman plays defense and returns punts so he's not much of a factor on offense. Crua and Nicks should dominate New Englands secondary. If Bellichek wants to throw a HUGE curveball start Chad 85 and go to him early and often.
TE, HUGE Advantage Patriots. Gronk and Hernandez are amazing, whoever the Giants have stink compared to them, Beckum and Ballard are ok but neither are great. Only question is Gronk's ankle
OL Advantage Push, both lines are tough and are gonna have to protect especially New Englands. I also think both teams are gonna run the ball well, New England did it last week a few plays and the Giants can torch this Pat's D.
DL HUGE Advantage Giants. The Pats have Vince Wilfork and 3 other guys, the Giants have Osi, Tuck, Canty, and JPP. They can sub pass rushers in and still have better players than New England.
LB Advantage Patriots. The only reason I say this is b/c the Giants have a starting MLB who they signed 6 weeks ago or so, the Pats have Ninkovich and Mayo who both have the ability to play well. If they can tackle Bradshaw and Jacobs inside the 10 they'll win this game.
Secondary Advantage Giants, I can barely name guys for either team but this I know the Giants get help b/c their front 4 gets pressure. If New England has Julian Edeleman on Cruz like they had him Boldin last week Eli will kill them. Kenny Phillips is gonna have to be huge for the Giants in stopping Gronk.
Kicker Advantage Push, it's indoors so weather is no factor, Tynes and Gostkowski are both good kickers and can make kicks. Only question is will Bellichek push the envelope and go for it on 4th down when the pats get past midfield.
Punter Advantage Push, punters suck
Return men, Advantage Giants, Will Blackmon returns kicks for New York, the Pats use Edeleman, Welker, and Woodhead (who fumbled against Baltimore). Woodhead makes bad decisions on kick off's so that won't help.
Coach Advantage Patriots. This is very close but Coughlin sometimes rubs guys the wrong way, Bellichek always does but his players love him for it.
Final Score Giants 5 Patriots 4, BUT again for the 3rd straight year I go against the scoreboard and pick the Pats to win. I already said it Brady and Bellichek don't like to be scorned and the Giants took their perfect season away with a guy who's no longer in the league. Revenge will be a huge factor and even though New England has no defense I think they win 49-28. Stay tuned for the Super Diary after the game, until then enjoy the Pro/Harbaugh Bowl.
QB, Advantage Patriots, Brady is better than Eli nough said. You wanna say Eli passed him somewhere, I don't think so 2 weeks ago Brady threw 6 TD's in a playoff game. Another note, you don't piss off Brady, 2 weeks ago Tebow got twice as much attention Brady went off, now he's getting his shot to get a Super Bowl from the team that stole his last one game on.
RB, Advantage Giants. Bradshaw and Jacobs are both beasts, even though Jacobs is a dipshit who runs his mouth. The Pats have a merry-go-round at RB, with the Law Firm, Woodhead, and Ridley (if he plays). The Pats also throw Aaron Hernandez back there sometimes but none of those four are better than Bradshas who has speed and size and moves.
WR, Advantage Giants. Cruz, and Nicks would be starters in New England and Manningham would be the 2nd option in that offense is he was there. The Pats have Welker, Branch, and Edeleman but 2 of those guys are white and Edeleman plays defense and returns punts so he's not much of a factor on offense. Crua and Nicks should dominate New Englands secondary. If Bellichek wants to throw a HUGE curveball start Chad 85 and go to him early and often.
TE, HUGE Advantage Patriots. Gronk and Hernandez are amazing, whoever the Giants have stink compared to them, Beckum and Ballard are ok but neither are great. Only question is Gronk's ankle
OL Advantage Push, both lines are tough and are gonna have to protect especially New Englands. I also think both teams are gonna run the ball well, New England did it last week a few plays and the Giants can torch this Pat's D.
DL HUGE Advantage Giants. The Pats have Vince Wilfork and 3 other guys, the Giants have Osi, Tuck, Canty, and JPP. They can sub pass rushers in and still have better players than New England.
LB Advantage Patriots. The only reason I say this is b/c the Giants have a starting MLB who they signed 6 weeks ago or so, the Pats have Ninkovich and Mayo who both have the ability to play well. If they can tackle Bradshaw and Jacobs inside the 10 they'll win this game.
Secondary Advantage Giants, I can barely name guys for either team but this I know the Giants get help b/c their front 4 gets pressure. If New England has Julian Edeleman on Cruz like they had him Boldin last week Eli will kill them. Kenny Phillips is gonna have to be huge for the Giants in stopping Gronk.
Kicker Advantage Push, it's indoors so weather is no factor, Tynes and Gostkowski are both good kickers and can make kicks. Only question is will Bellichek push the envelope and go for it on 4th down when the pats get past midfield.
Punter Advantage Push, punters suck
Return men, Advantage Giants, Will Blackmon returns kicks for New York, the Pats use Edeleman, Welker, and Woodhead (who fumbled against Baltimore). Woodhead makes bad decisions on kick off's so that won't help.
Coach Advantage Patriots. This is very close but Coughlin sometimes rubs guys the wrong way, Bellichek always does but his players love him for it.
Final Score Giants 5 Patriots 4, BUT again for the 3rd straight year I go against the scoreboard and pick the Pats to win. I already said it Brady and Bellichek don't like to be scorned and the Giants took their perfect season away with a guy who's no longer in the league. Revenge will be a huge factor and even though New England has no defense I think they win 49-28. Stay tuned for the Super Diary after the game, until then enjoy the Pro/Harbaugh Bowl.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Nickname Game
I love nicknames, I myself have a few, Feedbag and Brady for starters. I love to try to nickname people all the time, whether it's at work or hanging with friends, it's fun for me. Another thing I love is sports nicknames. Athletes get all the best nicknames, George "Babe" Ruth, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, Willie "The Say Hey Kid" Mayes, and of course Ervin "Magic" Johnson. 3 of those are what you actually call guys. I have a few problems with the state of nicknames though. We're just getting lazy, seems these days it's mostly intials (LdT or LT-Ladanian Tomlinson, DW-Darrell Waltrip) or using the first or last name to create some (A-Rod, Alex Rodriguez and Aaron Rodgers, or Revis Island-Darrelle Revis) Don't get me wrong we have some goodies currently being used I love Megatron for Calvin Johnson and The Freak for Tim Lincecum. It makes me wonder why we're not getting some of the lasting nicknames like the Galloping Ghost or Crazy Legs Hirsch. I have a few ideas.
The large number of great Latin players in baseball, instead of coming up with something new people just take the easy way out. Your last name is Rodriguez, guess your nickname is first name intial then "Rod," A-Rod or K-Rod (I guess K-rod is a bad example but it's almost the same thing). Gonzales is another favorite, Car-Go, Lui-Go, A-Gone, guess what all those guys names are, Carlos, Luis and Adrian. Martinez has V-Mart, no originallity at all, a few have gotten sweet names Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, (the second "Pudge" but I'll get into that later. Why do we have to take the easy way out why not give guys real nicknames. Why not something without their name in it. Just saying.
Another problem could be the fact we're running out of names, I referenced "Pudge" earlier, there are two Pudges, Carlton Fisk and Ivan Rodriguez. The name fits both so no reason not for them to have it. I think if a name fits a guy he should be able to carry a nickname of someone who came before him. Why can't we use "Babe" or "Air" ever again just because they were the best we have to retire the nicknames like jersey numbers. In boxing there are 100 guys with the name Sugar and people didn't stop after Ray Leonard retired. If a guy warrants the name "Hammer" he should get it and he shouldn't be held up in Hank Aaron's light, I think Prince Fielder fits the name "Hammer" very well, of course some call his current teammate Ryan Braun "the Herbrew Hammer" so maybe that'd get confusing.
I think the biggest culprit to the fad of using the name is Chris Berman, who for a time gave everyone a nickname using their name, some are good Andre "bad moon" Rison, others even though funny the guy has a better nickname that was "Boomer" gives him. Albert "Winnie the" Pujols is more commonly known as "The Machine" I like that more than the bear reference. Maybe since Bermann made it common place to just use the guys name people stopped getting creative. Let's do this America, let's start to get creative again stop using initals (T.O.), stop using the easy way out using last names (King James), stop combining the first and last name into one (J-Roll). One more thing don't shoten a nickname to an even small nickname (AD for All Day, Adrian Peterson). To have a little fun though I'm gonna list some of favorite current nicknames and maybe I'll give away my favs of all time another time.
All Day-Adrian Peterson, great name and he is a horse so he can get the ball All Day.
Megatron-Calvin Johnson, the guy is huge, fast, great hands he's amazing.
The Freak-Tim Lincecum, he's small, weird motion and is effective, it is freaky.
Any Time-Devin Hester, it's a play on his hero's name "Prime Time" but Devin is defiantly Any Time but it does seem he gets his biggest returns in "prime time."
The Machine-Albert Pujols, it fits the guy, he's a machine in his mechanics and looks effortless.
The Big Donkey-Adam Dunn, rumor is he's a very gifted man, and I'm not talking about how far he can hit the ball.
Pronk-Travis Hafner, part project part donkey, not sure what that means but awesome name.
5-Time-Jimmie Johnson, this term of endearment started as 4-time which Jeff Gordon called him when he was pissed after the two had a tift last season.
Sex Cannon-Rex Grossman, not sure who thought of this but me and Chris have called Rex this for year.
Dirty-Mark Sanchez, it's what Chris calls him, I believe it's for Dirty Sanchez a not so nice thing to give your lady friend.
Lil Schrub-Kyle Busch, a play on his last name and being the younger Busch brother in Nascar.
If you have any feel free to leave some, and seriously we need more cool nicknames not just abbreviated names D-Wade I'm looking at you.
The large number of great Latin players in baseball, instead of coming up with something new people just take the easy way out. Your last name is Rodriguez, guess your nickname is first name intial then "Rod," A-Rod or K-Rod (I guess K-rod is a bad example but it's almost the same thing). Gonzales is another favorite, Car-Go, Lui-Go, A-Gone, guess what all those guys names are, Carlos, Luis and Adrian. Martinez has V-Mart, no originallity at all, a few have gotten sweet names Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, (the second "Pudge" but I'll get into that later. Why do we have to take the easy way out why not give guys real nicknames. Why not something without their name in it. Just saying.
Another problem could be the fact we're running out of names, I referenced "Pudge" earlier, there are two Pudges, Carlton Fisk and Ivan Rodriguez. The name fits both so no reason not for them to have it. I think if a name fits a guy he should be able to carry a nickname of someone who came before him. Why can't we use "Babe" or "Air" ever again just because they were the best we have to retire the nicknames like jersey numbers. In boxing there are 100 guys with the name Sugar and people didn't stop after Ray Leonard retired. If a guy warrants the name "Hammer" he should get it and he shouldn't be held up in Hank Aaron's light, I think Prince Fielder fits the name "Hammer" very well, of course some call his current teammate Ryan Braun "the Herbrew Hammer" so maybe that'd get confusing.
I think the biggest culprit to the fad of using the name is Chris Berman, who for a time gave everyone a nickname using their name, some are good Andre "bad moon" Rison, others even though funny the guy has a better nickname that was "Boomer" gives him. Albert "Winnie the" Pujols is more commonly known as "The Machine" I like that more than the bear reference. Maybe since Bermann made it common place to just use the guys name people stopped getting creative. Let's do this America, let's start to get creative again stop using initals (T.O.), stop using the easy way out using last names (King James), stop combining the first and last name into one (J-Roll). One more thing don't shoten a nickname to an even small nickname (AD for All Day, Adrian Peterson). To have a little fun though I'm gonna list some of favorite current nicknames and maybe I'll give away my favs of all time another time.
All Day-Adrian Peterson, great name and he is a horse so he can get the ball All Day.
Megatron-Calvin Johnson, the guy is huge, fast, great hands he's amazing.
The Freak-Tim Lincecum, he's small, weird motion and is effective, it is freaky.
Any Time-Devin Hester, it's a play on his hero's name "Prime Time" but Devin is defiantly Any Time but it does seem he gets his biggest returns in "prime time."
The Machine-Albert Pujols, it fits the guy, he's a machine in his mechanics and looks effortless.
The Big Donkey-Adam Dunn, rumor is he's a very gifted man, and I'm not talking about how far he can hit the ball.
Pronk-Travis Hafner, part project part donkey, not sure what that means but awesome name.
5-Time-Jimmie Johnson, this term of endearment started as 4-time which Jeff Gordon called him when he was pissed after the two had a tift last season.
Sex Cannon-Rex Grossman, not sure who thought of this but me and Chris have called Rex this for year.
Dirty-Mark Sanchez, it's what Chris calls him, I believe it's for Dirty Sanchez a not so nice thing to give your lady friend.
Lil Schrub-Kyle Busch, a play on his last name and being the younger Busch brother in Nascar.
If you have any feel free to leave some, and seriously we need more cool nicknames not just abbreviated names D-Wade I'm looking at you.
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Tebow "Thing"
At home watching Sportcenter, they're breaking down the Denver/Dallas game from last night. It's preseason so I don't care, but of course they're making a huge deal about Tim Tebow leading Denver, and making plays with his feet and arm. I don't like Tim Tebow, I don't know why. The kid wins, I like winners, he plays tough, I like tough guys. Yet, everytime I see him I say he's not a NFL QB, he doesn't have the fundamentals to lead a team. I think I do have a couple things, for one he's shoved down our throats, he's a back-up yet has advertising deals. His jersey sells like crazy (hence why he's shoved down our throats, people want to see who they like). It could also be the God thing, not many guys are as up front about their love of the lord and savior. Is that my problem, is he too unthugish for me? I don't like Mike Vick b/c he's a punk, but I don't like Tim Tebow b/c he's too good of a guy? That makes no sense at all.
Tebow is probably the most polarizing guy in the NFL. No matter what he does, good or bad, the people that like him will like him, the people that don't will always not like him. Unless the guy wins a Super Bowl he'll never get credit for being a "real" QB. When he was at Florida he ran more than he passed, I didn't look that up I'm just assuming. He won 1 national championship, and was the back-up for another, he won the Heisman, but since when does winning that make you a good pro QB, Matt Leinart I'm looking at you. My main problem is he's not a natural thrower, and in the age of the robots that are Manning, Brady, and Matt Ryan, guys who don't "look" right stand out and make you think they can't make it. He's a big kid, so big he looks shorter than what he actually is, I think he's 5'10" but he's actually 6'3" so he's not tall and big like Ben. He's also a runner, that really bugs the crap out of me, it's easy to run when guys are running routes and the DB's have their backs turned. I want my QB to stand in the pocket and only run when needed much the way a your Donovan McNabb was, I liked that, I don't like Vick and Tebow who take 2 seconds see nothing then take off. It's almost unfair, especially since their both so damn fast. That's another thing about Tebow he doesn't look athletic, he looks like a FB, but he's quick and will run you over. The more I type the more I think I should love this guy, but I don't. I can't wait for the fall of Tim Tebow and when he does I'll say I told you so, but when I'm wrong and he wins a ring you can shove in my face and I'll take it I promise. I know my opinion is backed up by much fact, but it is what it is.
Tebow is probably the most polarizing guy in the NFL. No matter what he does, good or bad, the people that like him will like him, the people that don't will always not like him. Unless the guy wins a Super Bowl he'll never get credit for being a "real" QB. When he was at Florida he ran more than he passed, I didn't look that up I'm just assuming. He won 1 national championship, and was the back-up for another, he won the Heisman, but since when does winning that make you a good pro QB, Matt Leinart I'm looking at you. My main problem is he's not a natural thrower, and in the age of the robots that are Manning, Brady, and Matt Ryan, guys who don't "look" right stand out and make you think they can't make it. He's a big kid, so big he looks shorter than what he actually is, I think he's 5'10" but he's actually 6'3" so he's not tall and big like Ben. He's also a runner, that really bugs the crap out of me, it's easy to run when guys are running routes and the DB's have their backs turned. I want my QB to stand in the pocket and only run when needed much the way a your Donovan McNabb was, I liked that, I don't like Vick and Tebow who take 2 seconds see nothing then take off. It's almost unfair, especially since their both so damn fast. That's another thing about Tebow he doesn't look athletic, he looks like a FB, but he's quick and will run you over. The more I type the more I think I should love this guy, but I don't. I can't wait for the fall of Tim Tebow and when he does I'll say I told you so, but when I'm wrong and he wins a ring you can shove in my face and I'll take it I promise. I know my opinion is backed up by much fact, but it is what it is.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Team Love vs. Player Love
We're coming to intersting time in sports, one never seen before. NFL free agency and the MLB trade deadline are going to be at the same time. This has never happened b/c usually football gets done in April. Another thing going on is NASCAR free agents are trying to sign for their rides for next season so merchandise and sponsors can be lined up. This brings the question of the day up, what do you do when your team signs a guy you hate? Has it happened before sure I would guess it happens all the time, I for one disliked that Edgar Renteria was making 18 million a year from the Giants, did he pay it off with a World Series MVP, maybe but I still don't like that we had him. (Side Note, I still think Tim should have won MVP for the series, went toe to toe with Cliff Lee both games and beat him both times.) If you've been paying attention to facebook the last two days I've been in a discussion of a guy I hate Nyjer Morgan and my opposition says if he were a Giant I'd love him. I doubt it.
This matter was first brought to light by NASCAR, where Chris has been telling for month that Carl Edwards is coming to Joe Gibbs Racing. My dislike for Carl is not rivaled by anyone in NASCAR, he's mr. media, mr. backflip, mr. if I pay you back for wreaking me I may kill you. He's annoying when he wins, loses or gets a top 5. It's not a good situation for me. I already have to tire myself defending Kyle Busch against everyone because he drives for my owner, and if Denny doesn't win I want JGR to win a race. If this Carl deal goes through I don't think I can do that. NASCAR is a little different than team sports, your cheering for one guy, not a group of 9 or 11. Look at this way, I don't care for Miguel Tejeda, but he does something good I can be happy b/c he's helping my team win, in racing Carl wins in my eyes he's only helping himself. I can stand Kyle b/c he actually isn't wrong all that much (maybe I'm jaded, hell I know I'm jaded), Carl is douche bag in my eyes. So what do I do? Same as football or baseball, let's say someday the Skins get Eli, I'll cut my eyes out before I watch him. Let's say the Giants do get Morgan, my god I'll go crazy, that cock doesn't belong on a winner.
What do you do? Do you root for him? Do you root against him, that can't be good, if I hope bad luck on Carl in JGR stuff he'll cost us money and knowledge that could be used to help us get better. I'm actually lost on this, I can't stand Carl what if he drives for us? I'm actually reaching out here for help, let me know what you think, is team allegiance above athlete allegiance? Tell me what to do leave a comment. Also, tell me who the guy on your team right now you can't stand we all have them, that guy who's overpaid, maybe a little too cocky for your liking. For the Skins it's DeAngelo Hall the guy had one game last year that's it other than that I can't stand him, for the Giants it is Miguel Tejeda, when we signed him I knew it was bad news and he's only proved my point by being benched for a guy who's hitting .200 but can actually field a ball.
This matter was first brought to light by NASCAR, where Chris has been telling for month that Carl Edwards is coming to Joe Gibbs Racing. My dislike for Carl is not rivaled by anyone in NASCAR, he's mr. media, mr. backflip, mr. if I pay you back for wreaking me I may kill you. He's annoying when he wins, loses or gets a top 5. It's not a good situation for me. I already have to tire myself defending Kyle Busch against everyone because he drives for my owner, and if Denny doesn't win I want JGR to win a race. If this Carl deal goes through I don't think I can do that. NASCAR is a little different than team sports, your cheering for one guy, not a group of 9 or 11. Look at this way, I don't care for Miguel Tejeda, but he does something good I can be happy b/c he's helping my team win, in racing Carl wins in my eyes he's only helping himself. I can stand Kyle b/c he actually isn't wrong all that much (maybe I'm jaded, hell I know I'm jaded), Carl is douche bag in my eyes. So what do I do? Same as football or baseball, let's say someday the Skins get Eli, I'll cut my eyes out before I watch him. Let's say the Giants do get Morgan, my god I'll go crazy, that cock doesn't belong on a winner.
What do you do? Do you root for him? Do you root against him, that can't be good, if I hope bad luck on Carl in JGR stuff he'll cost us money and knowledge that could be used to help us get better. I'm actually lost on this, I can't stand Carl what if he drives for us? I'm actually reaching out here for help, let me know what you think, is team allegiance above athlete allegiance? Tell me what to do leave a comment. Also, tell me who the guy on your team right now you can't stand we all have them, that guy who's overpaid, maybe a little too cocky for your liking. For the Skins it's DeAngelo Hall the guy had one game last year that's it other than that I can't stand him, for the Giants it is Miguel Tejeda, when we signed him I knew it was bad news and he's only proved my point by being benched for a guy who's hitting .200 but can actually field a ball.
Friday, July 22, 2011
NFL Lockout
Lots of talk about the NFL Lockout coming to an end soon. The owners like the deal the players don't. The longer this takes the better chance games get cancelled in the pre-season. The Hall of Fame game is already cancelled what could be next. Well I'm here to help ease your worries, as long as your a common fan, not some crazy guy who can name the whole depth chart down to the back-up punter and your only goal in life is to get the long snappers autograph to complete your team photo. I'm talking about common fans, people who tune in Sunday, watch the local news for team news, and the only reason you care about anyone but your team is fantasy football. If your that type fan here is a little help to ease your tension.
What the players and owners are fighting about now, we as common fans don't give a crap. What is the difference between 51 and 49 percent. Nothing in my eyes. I wish pro football were like politics, we don't like that these two sides are fighting over 9 billion and crying over every little penny, it's 9 billion freaking dollars. If it were politics next election we'd vote out the owners or players that are annoying us. I'd love nothing more than to vote Dan Snyder out of office in Washington D.C. All these players are crying on twitter that the owners tried pulling a fast one on them, shut up we don't care. It's been over 100 days get over it, your gonna cry over what the last guy on every roster is gonna make, that's where I'm mad, if your a stud you'll get paid no matter what, middle of the road just be happy to make some money.
To the beef of the matter these two sides aren't idiots and guess what the season will start on time. We'll have at least two pre season games and the coaches will have to make decisions based on what they see in practice, but like always about 35 spots on the roster are spoken for, and we as common fans only care about those guys, I mean what does is it matter if we make the wrong choice on the 3rd Tight End. I can't wait for the season to start so fantasy and gambling can begin, and don't worry it will, on time. This has been my stance the whole time two rich sides fighting over money in a recession, we should hate them for being greedy but of course when they suit back up we'll all be there worshipping their every move.
What the players and owners are fighting about now, we as common fans don't give a crap. What is the difference between 51 and 49 percent. Nothing in my eyes. I wish pro football were like politics, we don't like that these two sides are fighting over 9 billion and crying over every little penny, it's 9 billion freaking dollars. If it were politics next election we'd vote out the owners or players that are annoying us. I'd love nothing more than to vote Dan Snyder out of office in Washington D.C. All these players are crying on twitter that the owners tried pulling a fast one on them, shut up we don't care. It's been over 100 days get over it, your gonna cry over what the last guy on every roster is gonna make, that's where I'm mad, if your a stud you'll get paid no matter what, middle of the road just be happy to make some money.
To the beef of the matter these two sides aren't idiots and guess what the season will start on time. We'll have at least two pre season games and the coaches will have to make decisions based on what they see in practice, but like always about 35 spots on the roster are spoken for, and we as common fans only care about those guys, I mean what does is it matter if we make the wrong choice on the 3rd Tight End. I can't wait for the season to start so fantasy and gambling can begin, and don't worry it will, on time. This has been my stance the whole time two rich sides fighting over money in a recession, we should hate them for being greedy but of course when they suit back up we'll all be there worshipping their every move.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bold Predections
We're nearing the trade deadline in baseball and the second half is heating up so I figured why not throw out some predictions for the rest of the year.
1.) The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold on and win the NL Central. They have pitching and timely hitting sounds like a team I know from last year. I like Milwaukee's offense, but not their pitching. I like St. Louis but something seems off. The Reds may turn into sellers in the next week, so maybe Pitt can keep this run going. Another thought, this isn't like Cleveland who got hot early and then have been coming back to the pack, the Pirates are gaining momentum not losing it.
2.) The White Sox will catch the Indians and Tigers to win the AL Central. As I type they are 4.5 games out of first. Ken Williams will make a deal for a hitter if Adam Dunn doesn't wake up. Also the bullpen market is wide open and they could make a move for some back end help. Ozzie is a great manager and gets the most from his guys I think this is a safe bet.
3.) Ubaldo Jiminez will be a Yankee. I think the Rockies are gonna sell and the Yankees need starting pitchers. This only makes sense to happen. If the Yanks can find enough prospects and maybe through in a pro player, like Brett Gardner or Nick Swisher this could happen.
4.) The Giants will get a power bat. We have no choice the offense is struggling and Pablo Sandoval can stay hot for only so long. Carlos Beltran is supposed to be a viable option but he doesn't have the power we need. I love our team right now and don't want to mortgage a the future this team won it last year and frankly if Tim, Cain, Vogelsong, and Madison can keep it up we won't need that many runs.
5.) The Cubs will be a farm team by the end of the year. Zambrano, Dempster, and Soriano are all gone. Carlos Pena may get moved as well. I think the Cubs have no choice but sell these guys and get something for them. For the most part they are all dissapointments, but have good trade value.
6.) Jose Bautista will hit 60 HR's. I'm pretty sure he's day to day right now but this guy kills the ball and is on a torrid pace. Besides Toronto has nobody else so if the dude hits a solo shot the game won't be changed.
7.) Prince Fielder will win NL MVP. Contract year, his team in the race, the guys get on in front of him. He's gonna put up huge RBI numbers and of course the dingers. The rest of the league is mostly pitching and Lance Berkman so not much competition I guess.
8.) The Phillies will NOT represent the National League in the World Series. Well duh of course I say that. I'm on record that I don't think their big pitchers have what it takes in the playoffs and last year we proved it against all 4. I like the Braves, Pirates and Giants pitching just as much so if they end up against each other those teams can shut down Phillies offense which is completely overrated. I mean Raul Ibanez is 45 or something yet bats in the middle of that order.
9.) The Rays will catch either the Yankees or Red Sox for the AL Wild Card. I'm record about the Yanks starting pitching, and the Red Sox are banged up. Besides, they'll play eachother enought that if the Rays get Evan Longoria going they'll catch one of these two.
10.) Prince Fielder will be a Yankee next year. I know that isn't till the offseason, but Prince will go there to DH b/c Jorge Posada is as good as gone. The Yanks will pay up and Prince will be a full-time DH the next 7 years.
11.) The Cardinals will trade Albert Pujols before July 31st. Yeah right I can't even back this up, but if it happens this would have to happen. In the next 11 days the Cardinals would have to lose a lot, the Pirates and Brewers would have to run away a little, and Albert would have to agree to go get a ring somewhere else and then come back next year as a Free Agent.
12.) The Giants win it all over the White Sox. I have no evidence to back this up, just what I think. We have the pitching let's do it again.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Annoying list
You ever watch something it just annoys the crap out of you. You have in movies, TV, magazines, friends, work, and of course sports. We're going to get into the sports things that just make me upset when I hear/see them. Let's get into it......
11) No double-headers in baseball, this past week the Giants and Cubs played 2 on Tuesday and during the late game they said Ernie Banks played 1/4 of his career games in double-headers, what happened to that. These days with pitch counts, bullpens, and injury prevention, not many double-headers get played. I wish they did, even if it was everyother Saturday play a day nighter, you could easily cut at least a week off the season if not more. Teams could adjust easily to the rules, in fact if you wanted expand the roster to 27 guys so teams could carry and extra fielder and pitcher, seems simple enough. Also, you could make more money in having events between the games so the fans don't have to leave, it could be a win-win for baseball, think about it. Besdides what's a good arguement against?
10) The Designated Hitter in baseball. By far the most annoying thing of interleague play and the World Series. The rules of the games are different depending on where the game is played, that's dumb. I of course being a Giants fan like when pitchers hit, and I think managing the game without the DH is harder. So a guy like Tony La Russa is a better mangager to me than Terry Francona, Tony has to worry about when he changes a pitcher when is he gonna hit, where Tito just can change the guy no reprecussions. Also, it let's guys hang on for too long, let's guys be one dimensional. I mean David Ortiz can barely play first that should be pretty easy, Jorge Posada is a washed up catcher, however keeps getting to play every day becasue he can still sort of hit. This all boils down to how can two leagues in the same sport have different rules, it's not like the Western conference in basketball has a deeper 3 point line than the East.
9) College Basketball players going one and done. A few years ago the NBA put in an age limit, making players be at least one year removed from high school to play. So guys go to school for one semester then basically leave. That wasn't a misprint I said semester not year. What happens is guys make sure they make grades for the second semester then check out and focus on basketball b/c they know there isn't a reason to stay onboard. I would like them to go to the NFL rules, where you have to be in 3 years before you come out. This would help scouting so much and guys like Greg Oden wouldn't happen as much. This rule also let's what Derrick Rose did happen, submit false test scores to the school and by time they figure it out your gone and don't have to worry about being punished, where the school catches hell.
8) People who dislike fighting in hockey. You ever been to a hockey game, there are cheap shots everywhere, guys take liberties constantly when the officials aren't watching. Hockey players tend to police themselves, take liberties with our best player, our best fighter will take liberties with your face. People who argue it's barbareck are dead wrong, if you outlawed fighting cheapshots would go up, and players would be getting hurt constantly. I like fighting and it should be allowed, on the other side of the spectrum, you fans who go to watch hockey for fights stay home, if that's all you want to see you don't need to show up and start chanting "less hockey more fights."
7) Idiots who argue, this could be used in a number of categories, politics and sports are the most common. I try to stay current with my sports, baseball, NASCAR, and football, and when people try to argue their points who don't know crap it makes you so mad. I understand if you just want to talk to talk, but think your dead right no matter what I say, your fighting a battle you can't win and I'm just never gonna talk sports with you again. This leads right into number 6
6) Blind fans. I don't mean to single out a certain fan base, but sorry I lived in Wisconsin almost my whole life, and those fans don't know talent from their asses. I know every year your good, every year you turn out a couple of guys, but your not a powerhouse, your a good big ten school that's it, Iowa is the same way, everyone in Iowa loves our 10-15 guys that are in the pro's. This isn't only true in college sports but in the pro's as well. Cubs fans are the worst at this they love all their guys but sorry half of them couldn't start for anyone else, and people do this a lot with young guys. You ever hear, he should be playing everyday, or he should be starting over that guy, well guess what, the coaches see these guys prepare everyday and they know who the better player is. Sometimes young guys have an advantage b/c nobody knows the book on them but eventually scouting catches up to them and they start to struggle. I myself can fall into this category sometimes, especially with this Buster Posey injury I'll argue to I'm dead that Scott Cousins had plenty of plate to hit. I think Chris Cooley is a top 5 tight end, and every year I think the Skins deserve at least 5 pro bowlers, well sometimes you can't help being a homer but when someone shoots you down at least take a second to look at their point and not just shoot it down b/c their rallying against your team.
5) The phrase "That's the way it's always been," dumbest arguement you can ever have, if we lived our lives that way then guess what no cars, medicine, or internet. That's the way it's always been. Just stop tradition is a good thing to hang onto but if something is better, like interleague play in baseball then the way it's always been isn't gonna work anymore.
4) Multi-team fans, I know this one is gonna hit pretty close to another writer on this blog. I cheer for my teams, Skins, Giants, Denny, and Hawkeyes. I do sometimes pick teams in the playoffs I'd like to see win, mainly b/c of who they're playing against. However, there isn't another team in baseball I cheer for or keep up. Same for football, it's the Skins that's it for me, nobody else. As I said sometimes in the playoffs I'll pick a horse to ride, but that's just who I think is gonna win, like last year I said I was on the Packer bandwagon. I wasn't cheering for them I just saw the way they played against Atlanta and went whoa, these guys are good and are gonna win it all. I'm not a packer backer, just who I thought was gonna win the Super Bowl. If your a fan be a fan of one team, and frankly how can you cheer for 2 teams what if they play each other, do you go well I like them more so go them. NO, if you like a team stick with them. You know people who cheer for two teams like say their home team and a traditional power, well when the home team get's good and traditional power starts to stink, all the sudden I've been with my boys the whole time. No you haven't, you cheered for good team while your team was down.
3) Announcers who can't admit a mistake/when they're wrong. Phil Simms is the worst of this he sees what he wants to see and can't admit when that isn't what happened. In general announcing as a whole is garbage these days, too many former players are doing color. They still hold grudges from their playing days. I wish they'd go back to media guys doing this but it'll never happen.
2) Fair weather fans. Is there anything more annoying? I don't think so. Who do you like now the Giants huh? Can you name the starting 9? No, you can't, how about the rotation? No, so what part of them do you like, the winning part? I've been a Skins fan since I was a kid, granted I can't keep up on them as much as I should but I know when we sign someone, when someone is hurt, and so on. When the playoffs start don't all the sudden start wearing your gear, or when the team is down for a long time, then get good start saying how you've been there the whole time, no you haven't. Like I said I've been with the Skins my whole life, we've been good like 3 years of that, I still cheer for them, and wear my gear.
1) Without further ado here it is the most annoying thing in sports, ESPN. WHAT, the network devoted to sports annoys you? Damn right it does. You know why everyone hates LeBron, b/c ESPN gave him an hour special to say where he was gonna play, he said I want to announce where I'm going ESPN says let's make an event out of it. Then they shove LeBron down your throat for a whole year. ESPN overdoes stories worse than soap operas and proffesional wrestling. You know why guys do stupid shit like change their names to Ochocinco and Meta World Peace because those guys know ESPN will slurp them up and put them on every show they have. In baseball all they care about is the Yanks, Sox, and Phillies. Football Jets, Cowboys, and Patriots. They put Chad 85 and T.O. on TV so much it makes people hate them even though their decent football players, same with LeBron, if ESPN hadn't shoved LeBron down our throats he wouldn't have the hate of most Americans. Another thing they do is give credit to their insiders on everything, Jay Glazer breaks a lot of news regarding the NFL, but Mort and Sheffty take credit for his stuff constantly. ESPN used to be cool, but now they break down one game 4 times a show and the rest of the sports world can suck it.
BONUS ITEM, the overated chant and court storming in college basketball. If you BFE university and you beat a traditional power go get some, but if your Louisville and you just beat number 1 rated UCONN, stay in your seats. Chanting overated at college players is also dumb, like they have any contorl on rankings, if your undefeated your gonna be ranked high that's how it is, it's mostly based on record. This is especially true when too top 25 teams play, stop it, your just as good as the other team, and your at home you should beat them.
11) No double-headers in baseball, this past week the Giants and Cubs played 2 on Tuesday and during the late game they said Ernie Banks played 1/4 of his career games in double-headers, what happened to that. These days with pitch counts, bullpens, and injury prevention, not many double-headers get played. I wish they did, even if it was everyother Saturday play a day nighter, you could easily cut at least a week off the season if not more. Teams could adjust easily to the rules, in fact if you wanted expand the roster to 27 guys so teams could carry and extra fielder and pitcher, seems simple enough. Also, you could make more money in having events between the games so the fans don't have to leave, it could be a win-win for baseball, think about it. Besdides what's a good arguement against?
10) The Designated Hitter in baseball. By far the most annoying thing of interleague play and the World Series. The rules of the games are different depending on where the game is played, that's dumb. I of course being a Giants fan like when pitchers hit, and I think managing the game without the DH is harder. So a guy like Tony La Russa is a better mangager to me than Terry Francona, Tony has to worry about when he changes a pitcher when is he gonna hit, where Tito just can change the guy no reprecussions. Also, it let's guys hang on for too long, let's guys be one dimensional. I mean David Ortiz can barely play first that should be pretty easy, Jorge Posada is a washed up catcher, however keeps getting to play every day becasue he can still sort of hit. This all boils down to how can two leagues in the same sport have different rules, it's not like the Western conference in basketball has a deeper 3 point line than the East.
9) College Basketball players going one and done. A few years ago the NBA put in an age limit, making players be at least one year removed from high school to play. So guys go to school for one semester then basically leave. That wasn't a misprint I said semester not year. What happens is guys make sure they make grades for the second semester then check out and focus on basketball b/c they know there isn't a reason to stay onboard. I would like them to go to the NFL rules, where you have to be in 3 years before you come out. This would help scouting so much and guys like Greg Oden wouldn't happen as much. This rule also let's what Derrick Rose did happen, submit false test scores to the school and by time they figure it out your gone and don't have to worry about being punished, where the school catches hell.
8) People who dislike fighting in hockey. You ever been to a hockey game, there are cheap shots everywhere, guys take liberties constantly when the officials aren't watching. Hockey players tend to police themselves, take liberties with our best player, our best fighter will take liberties with your face. People who argue it's barbareck are dead wrong, if you outlawed fighting cheapshots would go up, and players would be getting hurt constantly. I like fighting and it should be allowed, on the other side of the spectrum, you fans who go to watch hockey for fights stay home, if that's all you want to see you don't need to show up and start chanting "less hockey more fights."
7) Idiots who argue, this could be used in a number of categories, politics and sports are the most common. I try to stay current with my sports, baseball, NASCAR, and football, and when people try to argue their points who don't know crap it makes you so mad. I understand if you just want to talk to talk, but think your dead right no matter what I say, your fighting a battle you can't win and I'm just never gonna talk sports with you again. This leads right into number 6
6) Blind fans. I don't mean to single out a certain fan base, but sorry I lived in Wisconsin almost my whole life, and those fans don't know talent from their asses. I know every year your good, every year you turn out a couple of guys, but your not a powerhouse, your a good big ten school that's it, Iowa is the same way, everyone in Iowa loves our 10-15 guys that are in the pro's. This isn't only true in college sports but in the pro's as well. Cubs fans are the worst at this they love all their guys but sorry half of them couldn't start for anyone else, and people do this a lot with young guys. You ever hear, he should be playing everyday, or he should be starting over that guy, well guess what, the coaches see these guys prepare everyday and they know who the better player is. Sometimes young guys have an advantage b/c nobody knows the book on them but eventually scouting catches up to them and they start to struggle. I myself can fall into this category sometimes, especially with this Buster Posey injury I'll argue to I'm dead that Scott Cousins had plenty of plate to hit. I think Chris Cooley is a top 5 tight end, and every year I think the Skins deserve at least 5 pro bowlers, well sometimes you can't help being a homer but when someone shoots you down at least take a second to look at their point and not just shoot it down b/c their rallying against your team.
5) The phrase "That's the way it's always been," dumbest arguement you can ever have, if we lived our lives that way then guess what no cars, medicine, or internet. That's the way it's always been. Just stop tradition is a good thing to hang onto but if something is better, like interleague play in baseball then the way it's always been isn't gonna work anymore.
4) Multi-team fans, I know this one is gonna hit pretty close to another writer on this blog. I cheer for my teams, Skins, Giants, Denny, and Hawkeyes. I do sometimes pick teams in the playoffs I'd like to see win, mainly b/c of who they're playing against. However, there isn't another team in baseball I cheer for or keep up. Same for football, it's the Skins that's it for me, nobody else. As I said sometimes in the playoffs I'll pick a horse to ride, but that's just who I think is gonna win, like last year I said I was on the Packer bandwagon. I wasn't cheering for them I just saw the way they played against Atlanta and went whoa, these guys are good and are gonna win it all. I'm not a packer backer, just who I thought was gonna win the Super Bowl. If your a fan be a fan of one team, and frankly how can you cheer for 2 teams what if they play each other, do you go well I like them more so go them. NO, if you like a team stick with them. You know people who cheer for two teams like say their home team and a traditional power, well when the home team get's good and traditional power starts to stink, all the sudden I've been with my boys the whole time. No you haven't, you cheered for good team while your team was down.
3) Announcers who can't admit a mistake/when they're wrong. Phil Simms is the worst of this he sees what he wants to see and can't admit when that isn't what happened. In general announcing as a whole is garbage these days, too many former players are doing color. They still hold grudges from their playing days. I wish they'd go back to media guys doing this but it'll never happen.
2) Fair weather fans. Is there anything more annoying? I don't think so. Who do you like now the Giants huh? Can you name the starting 9? No, you can't, how about the rotation? No, so what part of them do you like, the winning part? I've been a Skins fan since I was a kid, granted I can't keep up on them as much as I should but I know when we sign someone, when someone is hurt, and so on. When the playoffs start don't all the sudden start wearing your gear, or when the team is down for a long time, then get good start saying how you've been there the whole time, no you haven't. Like I said I've been with the Skins my whole life, we've been good like 3 years of that, I still cheer for them, and wear my gear.
1) Without further ado here it is the most annoying thing in sports, ESPN. WHAT, the network devoted to sports annoys you? Damn right it does. You know why everyone hates LeBron, b/c ESPN gave him an hour special to say where he was gonna play, he said I want to announce where I'm going ESPN says let's make an event out of it. Then they shove LeBron down your throat for a whole year. ESPN overdoes stories worse than soap operas and proffesional wrestling. You know why guys do stupid shit like change their names to Ochocinco and Meta World Peace because those guys know ESPN will slurp them up and put them on every show they have. In baseball all they care about is the Yanks, Sox, and Phillies. Football Jets, Cowboys, and Patriots. They put Chad 85 and T.O. on TV so much it makes people hate them even though their decent football players, same with LeBron, if ESPN hadn't shoved LeBron down our throats he wouldn't have the hate of most Americans. Another thing they do is give credit to their insiders on everything, Jay Glazer breaks a lot of news regarding the NFL, but Mort and Sheffty take credit for his stuff constantly. ESPN used to be cool, but now they break down one game 4 times a show and the rest of the sports world can suck it.
BONUS ITEM, the overated chant and court storming in college basketball. If you BFE university and you beat a traditional power go get some, but if your Louisville and you just beat number 1 rated UCONN, stay in your seats. Chanting overated at college players is also dumb, like they have any contorl on rankings, if your undefeated your gonna be ranked high that's how it is, it's mostly based on record. This is especially true when too top 25 teams play, stop it, your just as good as the other team, and your at home you should beat them.
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