In case you missed it, Donald Driver feels that the Packers dont paid him enough money and he needs a raise plus an extension to his contract. In my opinion, there is no reason why Driver should be asking for an extension for a variety of reasons.
The first reason is Driver had his worst year since 2003 and I dont understand when you arent doing your job at your very best, why do you deserve a promotion? That is a joke for Driver to think that he deserves money right now. If he were to ask for the extra money a couple years ago, it would have made sense for Driver to make more money.
The other large reason that disappoints me is Driver is supposed to be our "Class Act" of the team doing commercials for Goodwill, McDonalds, and Time Warner Cable. Everyone loves Driver in the way that people loved LeRoy Butler because it appeared to people that he is the nicest guy.
The final reason is Greg Jennings needs an extension too and he is the top receiver on our team therefore he deserves to get the money before Driver. That makes Driver look extremely selfish and he needs to take two steps back to realize that Jennings needs the money first.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Friday, May 29, 2009
Clint Hurdle Packs Up His Coors
Today the Colorado Rockies decided to get rid of their manager Clint Hurdle and replace him with Jim Tracy, the former Pirate manager who was about as awful as Davey Lopes so the decision might not be the best one for Colorado.
The first thing to discuss is after the Rockies got to the World Series by being on fire for the last month and a half although after that everything came to a screeching halt. Troy Tulowitzki hasnt done anything in two years. Garrett Atkins is not doing that well since his great season in 2007. Brad Hawpe is hitting the hell out of the ball this season but he wasnt a factor last season for the Rockies either. Ian Stewart was supposed to be a complete stud and he hasnt amount to anything in the big leagues so far as well.
There is more to this firing though because I was reading the ESPN "Conversations" and most Rockies fans are pissed off at the Monfront brothers who own the team. They say that the Monfronts are cheap and they are unwilling to spend money to get people to come play at Coors Field. In addition, Dan O'Dowd their general manager has also done a shitty job according to the Colorado fans. He is also in the last year of his contract so I wonder if some of these guys will be on the move in July and just blow up the entire team.
-Charlie.
The first thing to discuss is after the Rockies got to the World Series by being on fire for the last month and a half although after that everything came to a screeching halt. Troy Tulowitzki hasnt done anything in two years. Garrett Atkins is not doing that well since his great season in 2007. Brad Hawpe is hitting the hell out of the ball this season but he wasnt a factor last season for the Rockies either. Ian Stewart was supposed to be a complete stud and he hasnt amount to anything in the big leagues so far as well.
There is more to this firing though because I was reading the ESPN "Conversations" and most Rockies fans are pissed off at the Monfront brothers who own the team. They say that the Monfronts are cheap and they are unwilling to spend money to get people to come play at Coors Field. In addition, Dan O'Dowd their general manager has also done a shitty job according to the Colorado fans. He is also in the last year of his contract so I wonder if some of these guys will be on the move in July and just blow up the entire team.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Memphis and Recruiting Violations? I am Shocked.
If you cant tell that is complete and utter sarcasm from me because I am not shocked to see a team coached by John Calipari has recruiting violations. This could take down the Final Four banner and thirty-eight wins from the 2007-2008 season. The other big thing is all signs point to Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.
Here is what happened according to Yahoo! "The NCAA says an unknown person took the SAT for the player, who then used that test to get into Memphis. The NCAA Clearinghouse vets players’ test scores and academic standing." Supposedly this was Rose because he was the only player to only play in the 07-08 season. Not good for Memphis but does it really bother Calipari?
This makes perfect sense why Rose got the hell out of Memphis after his first season despite being the first pick in the draft and why Calipari decided the time was right to leave the Tigers because wouldnt you know it, the coach wasnt listed in anything in the recruiting violation. Since Calipari was a scumbag, the university has to take the hit for his wrongdoings which is absolutely absurd and saddening. I think the worst part about this is Marcus Camby-Calipari had the same sort of issues at UMass which led to the Minutemen getting all sorts of violations themselves but nothing against Calipari. Also why would Kentucky take the risk with all the money when they were aware of these pending allegations and the ones before at UMass? If I were a big blue fan, I would be scared of what could happen when Calipari leaves although he may never leave if he is successful.
I hope to never hear the words "John Calipari and good guy" in the same sentence. Yet you will hear guys like Dick Vitale and others in the college basketball world talk about how great of a coach he is with his players. No one has the balls to say how crooked Calipari really is. He is a loser and sleazy coach who does everything he needs to do to get his players. The damning thing of it all is he is the richest coach in college basketball and will keep on cheating until Calipari himself is caught by the NCAA.
-Charlie.
Here is what happened according to Yahoo! "The NCAA says an unknown person took the SAT for the player, who then used that test to get into Memphis. The NCAA Clearinghouse vets players’ test scores and academic standing." Supposedly this was Rose because he was the only player to only play in the 07-08 season. Not good for Memphis but does it really bother Calipari?
This makes perfect sense why Rose got the hell out of Memphis after his first season despite being the first pick in the draft and why Calipari decided the time was right to leave the Tigers because wouldnt you know it, the coach wasnt listed in anything in the recruiting violation. Since Calipari was a scumbag, the university has to take the hit for his wrongdoings which is absolutely absurd and saddening. I think the worst part about this is Marcus Camby-Calipari had the same sort of issues at UMass which led to the Minutemen getting all sorts of violations themselves but nothing against Calipari. Also why would Kentucky take the risk with all the money when they were aware of these pending allegations and the ones before at UMass? If I were a big blue fan, I would be scared of what could happen when Calipari leaves although he may never leave if he is successful.
I hope to never hear the words "John Calipari and good guy" in the same sentence. Yet you will hear guys like Dick Vitale and others in the college basketball world talk about how great of a coach he is with his players. No one has the balls to say how crooked Calipari really is. He is a loser and sleazy coach who does everything he needs to do to get his players. The damning thing of it all is he is the richest coach in college basketball and will keep on cheating until Calipari himself is caught by the NCAA.
-Charlie.
All About LO
The game five between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers last night many people believe could go either way went only one way and that was L.A.'s way.
Throughout most of the first three quarters, it was rather back and forth plus the Nuggets took control grabbing a nine point lead until Shannon Brown dunked nasty over Chris "Birdman" Anderson. That seems to start the momentum to the Lakers and after that, it seems like the Lakers could do anything in the game.
Another big factor was Lamar Odom's huge night which when that happens the Lakers are the best team in the NBA no doubt about. LO had 19 pts 14 rbs and 4 blocks plus a thunderous dunk over Birdman once again. (Side note: I feel bad for my boy Birdman because there were two Lakers posters made on him last night, just nasty.) But see what I do not get is how LO can have these games once or twice every series yet not do it night in and night out. I think he is one of the most fascinating players in the NBA today because I truly believe its all mental with Odom. If he can get up for game 6, its lights out for Denver.
You didnt think I would go a whole Laker post without talking about Kobe Bryant did you? Kobe did something last night that his fellow puppet should take note of. He had 13 shots last night and made sure everyone on the team got involved. When Kobe doesnt shoot the ball as much and facilitates the ball to rest of his teammates like when Odom does work, they are their best.
-Charlie.
Throughout most of the first three quarters, it was rather back and forth plus the Nuggets took control grabbing a nine point lead until Shannon Brown dunked nasty over Chris "Birdman" Anderson. That seems to start the momentum to the Lakers and after that, it seems like the Lakers could do anything in the game.
Another big factor was Lamar Odom's huge night which when that happens the Lakers are the best team in the NBA no doubt about. LO had 19 pts 14 rbs and 4 blocks plus a thunderous dunk over Birdman once again. (Side note: I feel bad for my boy Birdman because there were two Lakers posters made on him last night, just nasty.) But see what I do not get is how LO can have these games once or twice every series yet not do it night in and night out. I think he is one of the most fascinating players in the NBA today because I truly believe its all mental with Odom. If he can get up for game 6, its lights out for Denver.
You didnt think I would go a whole Laker post without talking about Kobe Bryant did you? Kobe did something last night that his fellow puppet should take note of. He had 13 shots last night and made sure everyone on the team got involved. When Kobe doesnt shoot the ball as much and facilitates the ball to rest of his teammates like when Odom does work, they are their best.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
All-Star Voting is Getting Ridiculous
There are a few things that piss me off and one of those things is letting the fans vote for the All-Star Game. It just never is a good idea and unfortunately a team that is paving the trend is my Milwaukee Brewers in addition the Manny Ramirez fan club. Granted this is the first ballots that came out but still its pretty annoying. Guys like Ryan Braun deserve to be in the starting lineup and Prince Fielder should back up Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. Here is what I have a problem with.....
In the National League, Jason Kendall is right now the second catcher for the National League right now, you got to be kidding me. Kendall is batting .211 0 HRs 11 RBIs and Kendall is ahead of guys like Russell Martin (.270, o-20), Ivan Rodriguez (.259 5-21) , and Brian McCann (.313, 5-21) who are all having better years. Rickie Weeks at number two doesnt really bother me because he is having a hell of a year before his wrist injury.
JJ Hardy being the top shortstop isnt right because Hardy is hitting .234 5 HRs 23 RBIs, I like Hardy but he isnt putting up numbers like Hanley Ramirez (.320, 8-20) although in Hardy's defense no one is doing jack shit at shortstop right now.
The big problem for me is Bill Hall. How on earth is a guy who just went 1-28 on a road trip can be second in All-Star votes, you gotta be kidding me. Ryan Zimmerman deserves to start atleast be the backup for sure.
The thing that is cool about all of this is the fan support that this city has for the team. I have always said that the Brewers in Milwaukee are cared about more than the Packers when they are their peak. I think nothing excites this city more than the Crew so I am glad the fans are out voting but just vote the guys that deserve it please..
Then the final aspect about the National League that makes me chuckle is that Manny Ramirez is number four in all-star voting behind Braun, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran. What a PR disaster it would be if ManRam is an all-star this year but as Buster Olney said today "its the fan's game and its their choice on who they want in." I think if Manny did end up in the All Star Game, I think he would be advise not to play especially if a guy like Raul Ibanez whose having a career-year at age thirty-seven doesnt get in, he will step aside to let Ibanez play in my opinion.
-Charlie.
In the National League, Jason Kendall is right now the second catcher for the National League right now, you got to be kidding me. Kendall is batting .211 0 HRs 11 RBIs and Kendall is ahead of guys like Russell Martin (.270, o-20), Ivan Rodriguez (.259 5-21) , and Brian McCann (.313, 5-21) who are all having better years. Rickie Weeks at number two doesnt really bother me because he is having a hell of a year before his wrist injury.
JJ Hardy being the top shortstop isnt right because Hardy is hitting .234 5 HRs 23 RBIs, I like Hardy but he isnt putting up numbers like Hanley Ramirez (.320, 8-20) although in Hardy's defense no one is doing jack shit at shortstop right now.
The big problem for me is Bill Hall. How on earth is a guy who just went 1-28 on a road trip can be second in All-Star votes, you gotta be kidding me. Ryan Zimmerman deserves to start atleast be the backup for sure.
The thing that is cool about all of this is the fan support that this city has for the team. I have always said that the Brewers in Milwaukee are cared about more than the Packers when they are their peak. I think nothing excites this city more than the Crew so I am glad the fans are out voting but just vote the guys that deserve it please..
Then the final aspect about the National League that makes me chuckle is that Manny Ramirez is number four in all-star voting behind Braun, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran. What a PR disaster it would be if ManRam is an all-star this year but as Buster Olney said today "its the fan's game and its their choice on who they want in." I think if Manny did end up in the All Star Game, I think he would be advise not to play especially if a guy like Raul Ibanez whose having a career-year at age thirty-seven doesnt get in, he will step aside to let Ibanez play in my opinion.
-Charlie.
So Much for Guarantees
The big story yesterday which I didnt get to was that Mo Williams, the point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers guaranteed a series win before the pivotal game four last night. Well its going to be hard to do now as they are down 3 games to one with their backs clearly against the wall.
I always hate when professional athletes guarantee victory. It always leaves the athlete with pie in their face after they lose. Only Joe Namath has proven to be successful after a guarantee. The other thing is Williams has not done shit in this series to be running his mouth to the media. LeBron's back has to be sore from carrying this entire team on his back and it still isnt enough for the Cavs to win. We really should be talking about the Magic sweep if it hadnt been for LeBron's miracle shot in game 2.
Last night, the Cavs once again didnt make a statement and fell in defeat in overtime 116-114. LeBron did have forty-four points and 12 boards although he had eight turnovers which is never a good sign for a team. Williams seemed lost out there again for the fourth consecutive game and Orlando just let him sit out there to shoot threes.
The other large aspect that is killing the Cavs is Mike Brown. He is not a good coach and I really hope for the sake of Cleveland fans, he struggles next year at the get-go so he can be fired. Why on earth is Ben Wallace on Rashard Lewis?! I mean Lewis has been a straight-up assiasin throughout the series and you had to believe that he would be the first/second opition next to Hedo Turkologu. So why is f'in Ben Wallace brought in to guard him? Lewis is a matchup disaster for every team in the Eastern Conference. Also Brown has stuck with Delonte West on Turkologu which is a seven inch height difference and you got a guy like LBJ, cmon Mike. James would be able to contain Turkologu and could make a huge difference although he is stuck on Courtney Lee.
I think we can all see it now, the front line for Orlando is much greater than Cleveland's and that is proving to be the difference for the series so far. Do I believe its possible that the Cavs can come back from being down 3-1? No, they are done if not tomorrow night, Saturday for sure. Even if the Cavs win by 20+ which I could totally see happening, they will not be able to sustain it for another game.
-Charlie.
I always hate when professional athletes guarantee victory. It always leaves the athlete with pie in their face after they lose. Only Joe Namath has proven to be successful after a guarantee. The other thing is Williams has not done shit in this series to be running his mouth to the media. LeBron's back has to be sore from carrying this entire team on his back and it still isnt enough for the Cavs to win. We really should be talking about the Magic sweep if it hadnt been for LeBron's miracle shot in game 2.
Last night, the Cavs once again didnt make a statement and fell in defeat in overtime 116-114. LeBron did have forty-four points and 12 boards although he had eight turnovers which is never a good sign for a team. Williams seemed lost out there again for the fourth consecutive game and Orlando just let him sit out there to shoot threes.
The other large aspect that is killing the Cavs is Mike Brown. He is not a good coach and I really hope for the sake of Cleveland fans, he struggles next year at the get-go so he can be fired. Why on earth is Ben Wallace on Rashard Lewis?! I mean Lewis has been a straight-up assiasin throughout the series and you had to believe that he would be the first/second opition next to Hedo Turkologu. So why is f'in Ben Wallace brought in to guard him? Lewis is a matchup disaster for every team in the Eastern Conference. Also Brown has stuck with Delonte West on Turkologu which is a seven inch height difference and you got a guy like LBJ, cmon Mike. James would be able to contain Turkologu and could make a huge difference although he is stuck on Courtney Lee.
I think we can all see it now, the front line for Orlando is much greater than Cleveland's and that is proving to be the difference for the series so far. Do I believe its possible that the Cavs can come back from being down 3-1? No, they are done if not tomorrow night, Saturday for sure. Even if the Cavs win by 20+ which I could totally see happening, they will not be able to sustain it for another game.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nick Calathes is an Idiot
I think when we look back in the Billy Donovan's career in Florida I think what we will realize is that yes they did have one great squad of players that won two National Championships but other than that, he has had some real problems keeping kids at Florida. For example: Jason Williams (granted academic problems), Mike Miller, Anthony Robinson, Matt Walsh, and Walter Hodge just to name a few. The newest case of this is Nick Calathes.
He was a pretty solid player in the first two years at Florida and he had a great sophomore campaign so he decided to enter his name into the draft. The NBA people had said he might go late first round but was likely bound for the second round so Calathes atleast knew he probably was getting drafted. Not so fast my friend.
Calathes decides that it would be a good idea to sign with a pro team in Greece instead because he is a dual citizen with Greece/USA and his family is worried that he might not make the second round of the draft. I really question the excuse of his family wanted to be protected in case Calathes wasnt drafted, I mean the guy probably still gets a Euroleague deal if that happens around the same amount of money.
So whats the real reason? I think he is just settling playing in Greece because he is fimilar with how things work over there and would rather know he is playing every day for the Greek team Panathinaikos. I think the real shitty thing about this all is his agent is trying to snake Calathes' name into the draft even with this signed contract. In my opinion, you made up your mind now
live with the decision.
-Charlie.
He was a pretty solid player in the first two years at Florida and he had a great sophomore campaign so he decided to enter his name into the draft. The NBA people had said he might go late first round but was likely bound for the second round so Calathes atleast knew he probably was getting drafted. Not so fast my friend.
Calathes decides that it would be a good idea to sign with a pro team in Greece instead because he is a dual citizen with Greece/USA and his family is worried that he might not make the second round of the draft. I really question the excuse of his family wanted to be protected in case Calathes wasnt drafted, I mean the guy probably still gets a Euroleague deal if that happens around the same amount of money.
So whats the real reason? I think he is just settling playing in Greece because he is fimilar with how things work over there and would rather know he is playing every day for the Greek team Panathinaikos. I think the real shitty thing about this all is his agent is trying to snake Calathes' name into the draft even with this signed contract. In my opinion, you made up your mind now
live with the decision.
-Charlie.
Milton Bradley Drivin' the Whambulance
If you didnt read your daily ESPN Headlines today, you would see that our favorite headcase Chicago Cub Milton Bradley has complained that his strike zone is bigger than others because of his argument with umpire Larry Vanover. Give me a break.
I told all of you that Milton Bradley was a bad idea during the baseball offseason and Cub fans loved the idea because they need a powerful left-handed bat in their lineup. All of the fans believed that ole "Sweet Lou" Pinella would be able to control Bradley's attitude and he would stay healthy in the friendly confines.
Well none of that has happened. This is Bradley's second big time complaint this year already and we havent even got the month of June. Number one was the Chicago media was too harsh on him to start the year off and now he complains about the overall strike zone to the Chicago media. I have good odds that Bradley will do something crazy like he does almost every year. It would not shock me in the slightest to see him go "Ron Artest" style into the crowd.
In addition, this isnt good for the Cubs right now who going into today have lost seven straight games and are now sitting at 21-21 for the season. They have made moves like getting rid of Mark DeRosa, Kerry Wood, and Rich Hill/Felix Pie. Those are all guys who contributed to the Cubs last year and why fix things when they arent broke? Kevin Gregg, their new closer looks like the new Eric Gagne and the Cubs are still not convinced that Carlos Marmol is ready to be a closer. This next week will be critical for the Chicago Cubs.
-Charlie.
I told all of you that Milton Bradley was a bad idea during the baseball offseason and Cub fans loved the idea because they need a powerful left-handed bat in their lineup. All of the fans believed that ole "Sweet Lou" Pinella would be able to control Bradley's attitude and he would stay healthy in the friendly confines.
Well none of that has happened. This is Bradley's second big time complaint this year already and we havent even got the month of June. Number one was the Chicago media was too harsh on him to start the year off and now he complains about the overall strike zone to the Chicago media. I have good odds that Bradley will do something crazy like he does almost every year. It would not shock me in the slightest to see him go "Ron Artest" style into the crowd.
In addition, this isnt good for the Cubs right now who going into today have lost seven straight games and are now sitting at 21-21 for the season. They have made moves like getting rid of Mark DeRosa, Kerry Wood, and Rich Hill/Felix Pie. Those are all guys who contributed to the Cubs last year and why fix things when they arent broke? Kevin Gregg, their new closer looks like the new Eric Gagne and the Cubs are still not convinced that Carlos Marmol is ready to be a closer. This next week will be critical for the Chicago Cubs.
-Charlie.
Brewers Weekly: Not Pressing the Panic Button Yet
I was going to lead off with the Bill Hall-Mat Gamel situation (possible article later this week, we will see what happens) but I decided to go with this one since the Brewers were swept this weekend for the first time this season. I hope that none of you are worried about our Milwaukee Brewers because if you are right now you are an idiot. If the Crew lose the series against St. Louis starting today then I think you have to worry somewhat but even then, its only May. Also even with that sweep, we went 5-4 on the road trip. The Brewers also need to find their stroke at the plate again, I wouldnt be surprised if Ken Macha decides to mix up the line up a bit because in my opinion, we are in need of that.
Monday: The Brewers finished their sweep of the Cardinals with an impressive 8-4 win. Braden Looper pitched very well in his return to St. Louis and Mat Gamel jacked a three-run bomb in his first start to show everyone what he can bring to the table. Welcome Mat.
Tuesday: Dave Bush had a solid start once again and the Brewers got two big runs in the sixth from JJ Hardy and Prince Fielder which was enough to get the job done against the Astros. Also Trevor Hoffman shut the door for this tenth straight save who continues to impress every day he plays.
Wednesday: The winning streak comes to end with a poor performance by Yovani Gallardo and the Brewers waited until the ninth inning to wake up. I thought that Macha's confidence in Bill Hall throughout the week hurt us overall more than it helped especially in this ball game.
Thursday: It looked like the Crew was going to lose their first series in over month with Roy Oswalt dominating on the mound but after Cecil Cooper got tossed, the whole team seemed lost pulling Oswalt way too early. The Brewers mounted a big four run comeback in the seventh with Corey Hart driving in two.
Friday: Michael Cuddyer hit a three run homer to begin the game in the first leading to a blowout and Manny Parra losing mentally on the mound. Nothing really good came of this game and reminded me how much I hate the Metrodome.
Saturday: The Brewers were did in by the long ball as Joe Mauer and Joe Crede went yard also add in the Crew couldnt figure out Anthony Swarzek in his major league debut spelled disaster for the Brewers. They get their runs late in the game off of the Twins bullpen and lose their first series.
Sunday: Last night was one of the tougher losses all year because not only we were swept but in the way it happened. Dave Bush pitched a great game minus walking Nick Punto who hits under .200 in the seventh leading to a Carlos Gomez single pulling Bush for Mitch Stetter. The lefty has been so tough against other lefties so it seemed like we would get out this being down 2-1. Then he runs a pitch on Mauer which seems to hit the bat not the hand and the umpire agrees until Rod Gardenhire argues like an angry elf to put him on base. Then Stetter grooves a slider to Justin Morneau for the grand slam. Game over, series over.
-Charlie.
Monday: The Brewers finished their sweep of the Cardinals with an impressive 8-4 win. Braden Looper pitched very well in his return to St. Louis and Mat Gamel jacked a three-run bomb in his first start to show everyone what he can bring to the table. Welcome Mat.
Tuesday: Dave Bush had a solid start once again and the Brewers got two big runs in the sixth from JJ Hardy and Prince Fielder which was enough to get the job done against the Astros. Also Trevor Hoffman shut the door for this tenth straight save who continues to impress every day he plays.
Wednesday: The winning streak comes to end with a poor performance by Yovani Gallardo and the Brewers waited until the ninth inning to wake up. I thought that Macha's confidence in Bill Hall throughout the week hurt us overall more than it helped especially in this ball game.
Thursday: It looked like the Crew was going to lose their first series in over month with Roy Oswalt dominating on the mound but after Cecil Cooper got tossed, the whole team seemed lost pulling Oswalt way too early. The Brewers mounted a big four run comeback in the seventh with Corey Hart driving in two.
Friday: Michael Cuddyer hit a three run homer to begin the game in the first leading to a blowout and Manny Parra losing mentally on the mound. Nothing really good came of this game and reminded me how much I hate the Metrodome.
Saturday: The Brewers were did in by the long ball as Joe Mauer and Joe Crede went yard also add in the Crew couldnt figure out Anthony Swarzek in his major league debut spelled disaster for the Brewers. They get their runs late in the game off of the Twins bullpen and lose their first series.
Sunday: Last night was one of the tougher losses all year because not only we were swept but in the way it happened. Dave Bush pitched a great game minus walking Nick Punto who hits under .200 in the seventh leading to a Carlos Gomez single pulling Bush for Mitch Stetter. The lefty has been so tough against other lefties so it seemed like we would get out this being down 2-1. Then he runs a pitch on Mauer which seems to hit the bat not the hand and the umpire agrees until Rod Gardenhire argues like an angry elf to put him on base. Then Stetter grooves a slider to Justin Morneau for the grand slam. Game over, series over.
-Charlie.
Game 3 Thoughts
Well both game threes have past and I have a few thoughts about both series that I feel need to be shared. So here we go and I think both game fours as always is very critical.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets folded once again in the fourth quarter which is starting to become a trend that should make a lot of Nuggets fans sweating. In game three, it was the exact same thing that dooms the Nuggets in game one with a bad inbound pass with under a minute leading to a turnover that decided the game. This time it was Kenyon Martin failing to get the ball to Carmelo Anthony and Derek Fisher stole the ball. As we always say here at Chuck's Corner, rut-roh George Karl. Once again, Karl mismanaged the fourth quarter leading to demise of Denver and that cannot happen if this team expects to get out of this Western Conference Final. Lets not forgot also they had an 8 point lead at home going into the fourth to begin with in game three.
In the Eastern Conference, after the media decided to over hype "The Shot" more than anything I have seen in sports since the Brett Favre Crisis last summer. LeBron James had fourty-one points but only made 11 shots with 18 free-throws although missed five in the fourth quarter. Also the bench of the Cavs only had ten points plus no one inside has done jack shit for Cleveland. First off all, LeBron getting to line twenty-four times was absolutely ridiculous and even though I am not a fan of him, I praise Stan Van Gundy for saying "Every time he moves, its a foul" going in the fourth quarter. Like I said in my intial preview, the front lines of each teams would be the X-Factor and then mentioned how someone else needed to step up for Cleveland, none of those things are happening. I think its possible this could even in five but I have changed my mind seeing Orlando in six.
Cant wait to see what happens next.
-Charlie.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets folded once again in the fourth quarter which is starting to become a trend that should make a lot of Nuggets fans sweating. In game three, it was the exact same thing that dooms the Nuggets in game one with a bad inbound pass with under a minute leading to a turnover that decided the game. This time it was Kenyon Martin failing to get the ball to Carmelo Anthony and Derek Fisher stole the ball. As we always say here at Chuck's Corner, rut-roh George Karl. Once again, Karl mismanaged the fourth quarter leading to demise of Denver and that cannot happen if this team expects to get out of this Western Conference Final. Lets not forgot also they had an 8 point lead at home going into the fourth to begin with in game three.
In the Eastern Conference, after the media decided to over hype "The Shot" more than anything I have seen in sports since the Brett Favre Crisis last summer. LeBron James had fourty-one points but only made 11 shots with 18 free-throws although missed five in the fourth quarter. Also the bench of the Cavs only had ten points plus no one inside has done jack shit for Cleveland. First off all, LeBron getting to line twenty-four times was absolutely ridiculous and even though I am not a fan of him, I praise Stan Van Gundy for saying "Every time he moves, its a foul" going in the fourth quarter. Like I said in my intial preview, the front lines of each teams would be the X-Factor and then mentioned how someone else needed to step up for Cleveland, none of those things are happening. I think its possible this could even in five but I have changed my mind seeing Orlando in six.
Cant wait to see what happens next.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Man of the Week=Bob the Koala
So another installment of the "Man of the Week" and my buddy Seth requested that it would be Bob the Koala. You all might not know Bob but trust me if you look hard enough in Eau Claire on a given night you might see Bob. Heres the back story...
My other friend Koz had a huge beard and very long hair before I knew him then most of my freshman year. His favorite hobby was sleeping and his buddies nicknamed him "The Koala." He lost the hair/beard but didnt lose the hobby of sleeping to all hours of the day therefore he kept the nickname.
Bob was created by Seth and I this year whose an imaginary koala that likes to drink severe amounts of alcohol. Or that we saw Bob on Water Street trying to hustle people for money. By the end of the year, Bob became a legend amongst us three and any time we could fit Bob into a sentence we tried.
So here is a picture of Bob and let me know if you ever see him around EC
-Charlie.
My other friend Koz had a huge beard and very long hair before I knew him then most of my freshman year. His favorite hobby was sleeping and his buddies nicknamed him "The Koala." He lost the hair/beard but didnt lose the hobby of sleeping to all hours of the day therefore he kept the nickname.
Bob was created by Seth and I this year whose an imaginary koala that likes to drink severe amounts of alcohol. Or that we saw Bob on Water Street trying to hustle people for money. By the end of the year, Bob became a legend amongst us three and any time we could fit Bob into a sentence we tried.
So here is a picture of Bob and let me know if you ever see him around EC
-Charlie.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Missed a Good One Tonight.
I have to be honest with you all.... I missed the LeBron James buzzer-beater. I went to an outdoor event with some friends because when I left the house the game was in the 9-12 range and I had believed that Cleveland had the upper hand. I get a text from Mach saying "I have a man crush on Hedo Turkoglu." I figure something must have happened or its very close. I ask him the score and tells me "LeBron hit a game-winning three with a second left to win the game." My original thought is well I know what ESPN is talking about all day tomorrow and the second thought is I missed a great NBA playoff game.
Personally that hasnt happened alot to me this year as I really only missed the game 5 game between the Bulls-Celtics but other than that, I have caught every good game on the playoffs. But I mean can you blame me? It was Friday night and I had plans to go out around 930 so why waste another hour and half watching basketball? I really cannot be at fault here for missing LeBron buzzer beater which would have pissed me off but there are some things we should take away from it.
1. LeBron's team blew a twenty-three point lead. What happened to the world-beaters in rounds 1 and 2? Does it show that they havent played anyone yet and sort of a "paper tiger" team on the defense end. I think both of those things are true and maybe they havent took that next step like everyone thought they did already. If I am a Cleveland fan tonight, I personally am scared of what could happen in the next couple of games. This Cavalier team had shown the ability to blow teams out and had to the chance for this one to be over before the fourth. As I said a couple nights before, someone else needs to step up on this team for them to be successful not just pulling them out real late.
2. Orlando is the real deal. I think nobody can be surprised anymore if the Magic win the series. I hate Stan Van Gundy but he has done a great job so far in the first two games minus the big shot he allowed Bron to take tonight. In no possible way should you have let LBJ get a chance at a three, just surrender the two and go to OT, you had the momentum. I think I like Orlando's chances even more after the game.
3. Please dont over hype this sports media. Yes the game's best player hit the biggest shot of his life and the questions of being clutch were somewhat answered tonight although I still have a big problem letting a twenty-three point lead slip. This isnt even close to Larry Bird's steal or Jordan over Ehlo because both of those won the series for the team. Now if Cleveland goes on to win four straight games then I might be willing to say its in the top five and it propelled the Cavs the rest of the series. Until that happens, dont over hype wait and see what the outcome of the shot is.
-Charlie.
Personally that hasnt happened alot to me this year as I really only missed the game 5 game between the Bulls-Celtics but other than that, I have caught every good game on the playoffs. But I mean can you blame me? It was Friday night and I had plans to go out around 930 so why waste another hour and half watching basketball? I really cannot be at fault here for missing LeBron buzzer beater which would have pissed me off but there are some things we should take away from it.
1. LeBron's team blew a twenty-three point lead. What happened to the world-beaters in rounds 1 and 2? Does it show that they havent played anyone yet and sort of a "paper tiger" team on the defense end. I think both of those things are true and maybe they havent took that next step like everyone thought they did already. If I am a Cleveland fan tonight, I personally am scared of what could happen in the next couple of games. This Cavalier team had shown the ability to blow teams out and had to the chance for this one to be over before the fourth. As I said a couple nights before, someone else needs to step up on this team for them to be successful not just pulling them out real late.
2. Orlando is the real deal. I think nobody can be surprised anymore if the Magic win the series. I hate Stan Van Gundy but he has done a great job so far in the first two games minus the big shot he allowed Bron to take tonight. In no possible way should you have let LBJ get a chance at a three, just surrender the two and go to OT, you had the momentum. I think I like Orlando's chances even more after the game.
3. Please dont over hype this sports media. Yes the game's best player hit the biggest shot of his life and the questions of being clutch were somewhat answered tonight although I still have a big problem letting a twenty-three point lead slip. This isnt even close to Larry Bird's steal or Jordan over Ehlo because both of those won the series for the team. Now if Cleveland goes on to win four straight games then I might be willing to say its in the top five and it propelled the Cavs the rest of the series. Until that happens, dont over hype wait and see what the outcome of the shot is.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Peavy Stays in San Diego
The White Sox were ready to make a big splash in May by dealing their top two pitching prospects and two other players for San Diego pitcher Jake Peavy. In my opinion, Chicago fans should be breathing a sigh of relief that Peavy isnt a White Sox.
First off, Jake Peavy has a desire to play in the National League and to me that shows signs of being scared of playing in the much tougher American League. The other thing that would drive home my point about Peavy is his ERA is a run higher when he is away from the ultimate pitcher-friendly ballpark of Petco Park. Peavy did win the 2007 Cy Young and has proved to be very good at times but he hasnt done anything in the postseason plus only two good years. I dont understand why everyone sees Peavy as a "Sabathia-like" savior of a baseball team. I find it hard to believe that he is the type player that can carry a team. The only reason why Peavy would help Sox is because they play in an inept AL Central which like I said before will only take about 85 wins to get it done.
Second, I never like a deal that sends their two top pitching prospects in a deal. In my opinion, thats like screwing your franchise over for the next five years. Just because the Sox would have had a guy like Peavy for years to come still is only one out of five pitchers going on the mound for you. The other worry there is will Peavy stay healthy? He has already had some elbow issues and if Peavy were to go down in addition to these two guys had prospered in San Diego. The fans of the White Sox would have revolted.
Does this open the door for the Chicago Cubs who desperately want Peavy? No, I think Peavy doesnt want to pitch in a media-heavy atmosphere. I hope the Brewers arent apart of the equation either because it sounds to me that the Padres would want Alcides Escobar and Mat Gamel if the deal would get done. Also he wants to say as close to California and I will put my money on Houston if the Astros were in the mix in July. Thats the only one in the NL not in the West that is remotely close to California.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Eastern Conference Finals
I am sorry for being late on this but it was the first nice day in Milwaukee so I spent it on the beach instead of being at my computer. But let me tell you I am not surprised that the Magic took the game 1 of this series because the Cavaliers havent played a real team in the playoffs so far and they have had a long lay off. Anyways lets give my overall preview and my opinion still hasnt changed about this series.
Cleveland Cavaliers-
This team hasnt been touched so far and even with the game one lost with a great game by LeBron James dropping 49 points although it still wasnt enough to beat the Magic. The reason because the bench only scored only five points. That is big time trouble for the Cavs and if their bench doesnt score will be the death knell for them. James can drop forty points a game but if the rest of their players dont score will be the death of this team. In addition, LeBron will get the calls that any NBA superstar gets but it was proved tonight that it wasnt enough. Yes Delonte West hits big shots time after time and Mo Williams have been known to step up. But that needs to happen night in and night out in the Eastern Conference Finals if they want to get into the finals. Anderson Varejeo needs to have a good 8-10 points a game and Big Z as well for them to take control. In addition, their front line will need to neutralize Dwight Howard. I do worry that this team hasnt seen competition in three-four weeks is hurting them and Cavs fans can only hope that someone off that bench wakes up in game 2.
Orlando Magic-
We all saw it tonight about what needs to happen in this series for them to be successful and carry Ron Jeremy (hurts me to say this) to the NBA Finals. Dwight Howard has to score in the 20-30 range and take care of the men in the middle. I feel that Howard is overrated because all he can do is dunk the basketball; he has not post moves whatsoever and just muscles his way into the lane.Rashard Lewis is the absolute x-factor because he is four that can bring Varejeo out of the middle and drains threes in his face plus take him off the dribble to the lane. Lewis can be the best player on the court minus LBJ if he can rains threes like tonight. I said this in my game 7 article, Hedo Turkolgu has envoled as a player where he can help out a team and not fold like an origami like the times in Sacramento although that was the overall mantra of the team. The thing I like about the Magic more than any other team in the NBA is they have the tools that can hold the rest of the Cavaliers to nothing when LeBron goes off for forty a game.
I didnt expect Orlando to win tonight but I still think Cleveland wins in six because they have the will power to get this series done. I truly believe that they will blow out the Magic in game 2 and game 3 will be the tell-tale sign of this series. The Cavs need a "Steve Kerr" like player right now and they havent found it. I think they will and get it done. But trust both series will be epic.
-Charlie.
Cleveland Cavaliers-
This team hasnt been touched so far and even with the game one lost with a great game by LeBron James dropping 49 points although it still wasnt enough to beat the Magic. The reason because the bench only scored only five points. That is big time trouble for the Cavs and if their bench doesnt score will be the death knell for them. James can drop forty points a game but if the rest of their players dont score will be the death of this team. In addition, LeBron will get the calls that any NBA superstar gets but it was proved tonight that it wasnt enough. Yes Delonte West hits big shots time after time and Mo Williams have been known to step up. But that needs to happen night in and night out in the Eastern Conference Finals if they want to get into the finals. Anderson Varejeo needs to have a good 8-10 points a game and Big Z as well for them to take control. In addition, their front line will need to neutralize Dwight Howard. I do worry that this team hasnt seen competition in three-four weeks is hurting them and Cavs fans can only hope that someone off that bench wakes up in game 2.
Orlando Magic-
We all saw it tonight about what needs to happen in this series for them to be successful and carry Ron Jeremy (hurts me to say this) to the NBA Finals. Dwight Howard has to score in the 20-30 range and take care of the men in the middle. I feel that Howard is overrated because all he can do is dunk the basketball; he has not post moves whatsoever and just muscles his way into the lane.Rashard Lewis is the absolute x-factor because he is four that can bring Varejeo out of the middle and drains threes in his face plus take him off the dribble to the lane. Lewis can be the best player on the court minus LBJ if he can rains threes like tonight. I said this in my game 7 article, Hedo Turkolgu has envoled as a player where he can help out a team and not fold like an origami like the times in Sacramento although that was the overall mantra of the team. The thing I like about the Magic more than any other team in the NBA is they have the tools that can hold the rest of the Cavaliers to nothing when LeBron goes off for forty a game.
I didnt expect Orlando to win tonight but I still think Cleveland wins in six because they have the will power to get this series done. I truly believe that they will blow out the Magic in game 2 and game 3 will be the tell-tale sign of this series. The Cavs need a "Steve Kerr" like player right now and they havent found it. I think they will and get it done. But trust both series will be epic.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Western Conference Final Preview
And now there were four. The Western Conference Finals begin today and I have been quite torn on who will end up winning this series right now. Hopefully by the end of the article I will have a decision on who will win this one.
Los Angeles Lakers-
The Lakers have been the most confusing team in the playoffs so far. One game they look like the best team in the NBA and they are pushing people around looking like total dominators. Then the next one, they seems to not care about the game and they wish they were on Sunset Drive partying it up with Paris Hilton. I just do not get it so far and I dont really know who to blame it on. Maybe its just that they arent as deep as we thought they would be. Or that Andrew Bynum isnt ready to be a dominating player inside. The other big key about Bynum is he needs to start for him to have a successful game because he just seems rattled coming off the bench. The problem with that is Lamar Odom who will likely start in this series needs to start for him to have a successful game. It proves that there is a definte disconnect for the Lakers. Also Pau Gasol has that tag I pulled off of Turkolgu yesterday as a foregin player who fails to show up during big moments. Although when all the chips are down, I never bet against Kobe Bryant in a big game situation. I have compared guy to Brett Favre in the way he can carry a team on his shoulder when he needs to and I dont know if Denver has an answer for Kobe on defense.
Denver Nuggets-
The Thuggets er... Nuggets have been the most suprising team in the playoffs so far by bullying the hell out of the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks. A team who I thought wouldnt make it out first round because most of them are complete headcases except for Chauncey Billups who is carrying this team in a way that Kobe does and LeBron does. Sure Carmelo Anthony is the first option to score and is intritical part although Billups is the guy who is the glue. He holds this team together from going crazy. The Nuggets also need the physicallity that Kenyon Martin and Nene have brought every game this playoff season defense. If that happens, I could see Gasol folding like a Spanish tent. In addition, Chris "the Birdman" Anderson does the same thing for them. Another big key is for JR Smith to not get out of the gameplan. I feel when that happens, the Nuggets are in big time trouble. We also havent seen a George Karl meltdown.
Lakers win this in seven. I think it will be a classic series to be honest and I could see Denver taking it in six as well. I think Kobe will be able to take over because like I said before no one on Denver will be able to hold Bryant to be able to take four games from the Lakers.
-Charlie.
Los Angeles Lakers-
The Lakers have been the most confusing team in the playoffs so far. One game they look like the best team in the NBA and they are pushing people around looking like total dominators. Then the next one, they seems to not care about the game and they wish they were on Sunset Drive partying it up with Paris Hilton. I just do not get it so far and I dont really know who to blame it on. Maybe its just that they arent as deep as we thought they would be. Or that Andrew Bynum isnt ready to be a dominating player inside. The other big key about Bynum is he needs to start for him to have a successful game because he just seems rattled coming off the bench. The problem with that is Lamar Odom who will likely start in this series needs to start for him to have a successful game. It proves that there is a definte disconnect for the Lakers. Also Pau Gasol has that tag I pulled off of Turkolgu yesterday as a foregin player who fails to show up during big moments. Although when all the chips are down, I never bet against Kobe Bryant in a big game situation. I have compared guy to Brett Favre in the way he can carry a team on his shoulder when he needs to and I dont know if Denver has an answer for Kobe on defense.
Denver Nuggets-
The Thuggets er... Nuggets have been the most suprising team in the playoffs so far by bullying the hell out of the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks. A team who I thought wouldnt make it out first round because most of them are complete headcases except for Chauncey Billups who is carrying this team in a way that Kobe does and LeBron does. Sure Carmelo Anthony is the first option to score and is intritical part although Billups is the guy who is the glue. He holds this team together from going crazy. The Nuggets also need the physicallity that Kenyon Martin and Nene have brought every game this playoff season defense. If that happens, I could see Gasol folding like a Spanish tent. In addition, Chris "the Birdman" Anderson does the same thing for them. Another big key is for JR Smith to not get out of the gameplan. I feel when that happens, the Nuggets are in big time trouble. We also havent seen a George Karl meltdown.
Lakers win this in seven. I think it will be a classic series to be honest and I could see Denver taking it in six as well. I think Kobe will be able to take over because like I said before no one on Denver will be able to hold Bryant to be able to take four games from the Lakers.
-Charlie.
Kentucky Makes a Splash
I think we all knew that Kentucky would be a much-improved team next year with John Calipari taking the job in late March but now with signing John Wall whose the number one point guard recruit and in the top five in the nation right now. Do we have to consider Kentucky a final four possibility?
First of all, I hate bringing up Kentucky as an elite program again because I personally hate Kentucky. Other than a couple Big East teams, Kentucky is right up there with my least favorite teams because they always seem crooked and their fans are completely asinine with opinions that do not even seem relevant. So this article is very hard for me to write but honestly you have to look at Kentucky's team now and say wow.
They have John Wall at point guard who people have been saying if he enter this year's draft, Wall would the second pick behind Blake Griffin and he is already projected the number one pick for 2010. The other thing is Calipari has done major work with freshman point guards such as Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. That is a scary thought for all of us and now with Patrick Patterson coming back for another year, it becomes a reality really. Patterson is a complete monster and the addition of DeMarcus Cousins will make the front line even stronger.
The other thing that worries me is if Jodie Meeks comes back for his senior year then Kentucky has the best back court and a very formidable front line. What bothers me though is now Calipari is now 3 scholarships over right now so he will have to find a way to get rid of those Gillespie boys and trust me that snake will find a way.
-Charlie.
First of all, I hate bringing up Kentucky as an elite program again because I personally hate Kentucky. Other than a couple Big East teams, Kentucky is right up there with my least favorite teams because they always seem crooked and their fans are completely asinine with opinions that do not even seem relevant. So this article is very hard for me to write but honestly you have to look at Kentucky's team now and say wow.
They have John Wall at point guard who people have been saying if he enter this year's draft, Wall would the second pick behind Blake Griffin and he is already projected the number one pick for 2010. The other thing is Calipari has done major work with freshman point guards such as Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. That is a scary thought for all of us and now with Patrick Patterson coming back for another year, it becomes a reality really. Patterson is a complete monster and the addition of DeMarcus Cousins will make the front line even stronger.
The other thing that worries me is if Jodie Meeks comes back for his senior year then Kentucky has the best back court and a very formidable front line. What bothers me though is now Calipari is now 3 scholarships over right now so he will have to find a way to get rid of those Gillespie boys and trust me that snake will find a way.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Here We Go Again
I would like to announce that this is my last article about the Brett Favre saga until he decides to join the Minnesota Vikings because at this point, I am convinced that Favre will be a Viking after today choosing to go under the knife to repair his partially torn bicep and according to the Pioneer Press, Favre will join the Vikings shortly thereafter.
I really wish the Favre story would just go somewhere and die just like last seasons continuous drama. But like last year, thanks to our friends at ESPN, this will be over-hyped throughout the summer and will build up the Packer-Viking match ups next season. There will be questions like will Favre lead the Vikes to the Super Bowl? or Does it make the Vikings worse with Favre? Blah blah blah.
I was listening to 1250 AM here in Milwaukee and they are all convinced that Favre is a Viking plus many listeners including me feel that the intent of Favre is enough to feel disrespected. I mean yes the guy still loves football and wants to play although I cannot fathom how you could just pick it up to play for your ultimate rival throughout your career. Like I have said before, does the sting of what Ted Thompson did run that deep? I just shake my head and wonder.
-Charlie.
I really wish the Favre story would just go somewhere and die just like last seasons continuous drama. But like last year, thanks to our friends at ESPN, this will be over-hyped throughout the summer and will build up the Packer-Viking match ups next season. There will be questions like will Favre lead the Vikes to the Super Bowl? or Does it make the Vikings worse with Favre? Blah blah blah.
I was listening to 1250 AM here in Milwaukee and they are all convinced that Favre is a Viking plus many listeners including me feel that the intent of Favre is enough to feel disrespected. I mean yes the guy still loves football and wants to play although I cannot fathom how you could just pick it up to play for your ultimate rival throughout your career. Like I have said before, does the sting of what Ted Thompson did run that deep? I just shake my head and wonder.
-Charlie.
K-Mart and Cubes Need to Hug it Out
One NBA playoff story that has been hanging around like the ginger that no one wants at the party is the Kenyon Martin-Mark Cuban beef. It began with Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks tell Martin's mom that her baby boy was a "thug." Then K-Mart was jaw-jacking with the fans throughout game four and it felt like a Ron Artest situation was in play at some times. After that, it led Cuban to apologize to Martin and his family on his blog. That wasnt good enough for Mr. Martin as he said this today via ESPN.com
He's a coward," Martin said about Cuban, according to HoopsHype.com. "He couldn't face it. You all read the only apology that he's made [on his blog]. "The world got to see it before the person who it was meant for got to see it. That tells you how that goes. I ain't never known nobody apology to somebody through other people." Well then.
Cuban's response? We got that too... "I would also like to know if Kenyon is going to take responsibility for his actions rather than hiding behind 'no comment,' " Cuban wrote. "Will he apologize to the wife of our staff member that he called a [expletive] fat pig' immediately after Game 3? Will he apologize to fans that he threatened to, and I'm paraphrasing here, '[expletive] beat the [expletive] down' during Game 4?" Once again well then.
This is a classic battle of people just trying to make the other one look worse. The stuff about Martin doesnt shock me because he does come from the great University of Cincinnati which we all know doesnt breed model citizens all the time. Also Martin has the Los Angeles Lakers to worry about not Cuban and if his head isnt on for the series that isnt good for the Denver Nuggets. Cuban also was caught pushing a cameraman which wasnt really talked about but he wasnt happy after the game 3 defeat. Both of these guys need to let it go for the rest of the playoffs and if they want to continue the beef next fall then so be it.
-Charlie.
He's a coward," Martin said about Cuban, according to HoopsHype.com. "He couldn't face it. You all read the only apology that he's made [on his blog]. "The world got to see it before the person who it was meant for got to see it. That tells you how that goes. I ain't never known nobody apology to somebody through other people." Well then.
Cuban's response? We got that too... "I would also like to know if Kenyon is going to take responsibility for his actions rather than hiding behind 'no comment,' " Cuban wrote. "Will he apologize to the wife of our staff member that he called a [expletive] fat pig' immediately after Game 3? Will he apologize to fans that he threatened to, and I'm paraphrasing here, '[expletive] beat the [expletive] down' during Game 4?" Once again well then.
This is a classic battle of people just trying to make the other one look worse. The stuff about Martin doesnt shock me because he does come from the great University of Cincinnati which we all know doesnt breed model citizens all the time. Also Martin has the Los Angeles Lakers to worry about not Cuban and if his head isnt on for the series that isnt good for the Denver Nuggets. Cuban also was caught pushing a cameraman which wasnt really talked about but he wasnt happy after the game 3 defeat. Both of these guys need to let it go for the rest of the playoffs and if they want to continue the beef next fall then so be it.
-Charlie.
Brewers Weekly: Just Keep Turnin' Up the Heat
I really cannot say much about the Milwaukee Brewers because if you are watching them play night in night out they are pounding the ball on offense and the pitching staff has been top of the line by leading the leagues in quality starts. My dad and I have begun watching Baseball Tonight to see if the Brewers are getting any respect which hasnt been a topic. One thing I do know is the Crew deserves that respect playing in arguably the toughest division in baseball. Here was the thoughts from last week
Tuesday: The Brewers faced John Koronka who they hadnt seen before which is always a concern if you know the Brewers history with guys like that. But he was no match as Prince Fielder hit two blasts, Rickie Weeks hit one as well as Mike Cameron. Also Manny Parra delivered a solid start and it seems that Parra finally has his head on straight.
Wednesday: The Crew had their backs to the wall for awhile in this game as Braden Looper struggled in the beginning putting the Brewers in a 3-0 hole to begin the game. The Brewers kept clawing back with runs in every inning and in the fourth, they came up big with five runs to break this game wide open. Although Macha in my opinion left Looper in too long which made this a game again but the Brewers bullpen shut it down for the win.
Thursday: The Brewers knew they would be in for a tough battle with Josh Johnson on the hill, one of the best young guns today. Bill Hall hit a big blast in the second to break open the scoring and they got help from Mike Cameron as well. Dave Bush once again was consistent with a good start paving the way for Trevor Hoffman to get the save.
Friday: Rain out
Saturday: Only two hits were allowed by Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright but one of those was a big homer from Corey Hart which was enough run support for Jeff Suppan who turned in his best performance of the year so far. The Crew also got great defense from JJ Hardy in the 7th to save a run.
Sunday: Walks were the big thing of the day with Todd Wellenmeyer putting 7 Brewers on base leading to four runs in the first with RBI singles from Hardy and Jason Kendall. Once again, I feel Macha left Parra in a bit long leading to the Cards two runs but shortly there after Prince hit a three run bomb to put this one away.
5-0 last week, couldnt be happier.
-Charlie.
Tuesday: The Brewers faced John Koronka who they hadnt seen before which is always a concern if you know the Brewers history with guys like that. But he was no match as Prince Fielder hit two blasts, Rickie Weeks hit one as well as Mike Cameron. Also Manny Parra delivered a solid start and it seems that Parra finally has his head on straight.
Wednesday: The Crew had their backs to the wall for awhile in this game as Braden Looper struggled in the beginning putting the Brewers in a 3-0 hole to begin the game. The Brewers kept clawing back with runs in every inning and in the fourth, they came up big with five runs to break this game wide open. Although Macha in my opinion left Looper in too long which made this a game again but the Brewers bullpen shut it down for the win.
Thursday: The Brewers knew they would be in for a tough battle with Josh Johnson on the hill, one of the best young guns today. Bill Hall hit a big blast in the second to break open the scoring and they got help from Mike Cameron as well. Dave Bush once again was consistent with a good start paving the way for Trevor Hoffman to get the save.
Friday: Rain out
Saturday: Only two hits were allowed by Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright but one of those was a big homer from Corey Hart which was enough run support for Jeff Suppan who turned in his best performance of the year so far. The Crew also got great defense from JJ Hardy in the 7th to save a run.
Sunday: Walks were the big thing of the day with Todd Wellenmeyer putting 7 Brewers on base leading to four runs in the first with RBI singles from Hardy and Jason Kendall. Once again, I feel Macha left Parra in a bit long leading to the Cards two runs but shortly there after Prince hit a three run bomb to put this one away.
5-0 last week, couldnt be happier.
-Charlie.
Once Again Wrong About the NBA
Am I shocked? But last week I told you guys that I thought the Rockets were done for after losing Yao and went on to push to game 7. Then I tell you this week that I thought the Lakers were in more trouble for game 7 and that Boston would win handily... Wrong once again.
The Lakers took the Rockets behind the woodshed on Sunday afternoon with an 89-70 victory that was an absolute thrashing from the start of it. Showing that the Lakers could show up and dominate like they should have since game four. In all honesty, we should already be watching the Nuggets-Lakers in the Western Conference. I thought also that Kobe Bryant would take over and just do the damn thing himself in Game 7 which was also wrong haha. He only had 14 while his buddy inside Pau Gasol had 21 pts and 18 boards to boot. Also shut down Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes. Another interesting thing is that Phil Jackson went with Andrew Bynum starting who had 14 and 6 which is an admirable performance although he needs to be more aggressive on the boards in the next round.
Now on to the East, Boston what happened to Boston being a sure thing in game 7?! Wow they just officially ran out of gas because the Bulls could have beat them in the first round and they were a Glen Davis buzzer beater from losing this one in six. I also probably have to release the tag of Hedo Turkouglu of being a foreign choke like predecessors named Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic who were both classic for not showing up in big games. Also you could tell that Dwight Howard despite lack of post moves wore down the Celtic front line by running up and down the court.
The final thing I will say is how disappointed I was that neither of these games were entertaining to watch. You hope with a game 7 that it will be down to the wire and both didnt do that.
-Charlie.
The Lakers took the Rockets behind the woodshed on Sunday afternoon with an 89-70 victory that was an absolute thrashing from the start of it. Showing that the Lakers could show up and dominate like they should have since game four. In all honesty, we should already be watching the Nuggets-Lakers in the Western Conference. I thought also that Kobe Bryant would take over and just do the damn thing himself in Game 7 which was also wrong haha. He only had 14 while his buddy inside Pau Gasol had 21 pts and 18 boards to boot. Also shut down Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes. Another interesting thing is that Phil Jackson went with Andrew Bynum starting who had 14 and 6 which is an admirable performance although he needs to be more aggressive on the boards in the next round.
Now on to the East, Boston what happened to Boston being a sure thing in game 7?! Wow they just officially ran out of gas because the Bulls could have beat them in the first round and they were a Glen Davis buzzer beater from losing this one in six. I also probably have to release the tag of Hedo Turkouglu of being a foreign choke like predecessors named Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic who were both classic for not showing up in big games. Also you could tell that Dwight Howard despite lack of post moves wore down the Celtic front line by running up and down the court.
The final thing I will say is how disappointed I was that neither of these games were entertaining to watch. You hope with a game 7 that it will be down to the wire and both didnt do that.
-Charlie.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Man of the Week=Jack Bauer
This is the second winner of the Man of Week contest and this week's winner is Jack Bauer from the one of the best television shows ever made '24' in honor of the season finale this coming Monday. I was going to do this next week after the finale happened but I feel that Jack needs the attention before the week starts.
This is also my first full season watching 24 on a consistent basis and I was convinced for awhile now that Jack Bauer is my illegitimate father. I mean we both are bad asses who dont take any crap from nobody. We also are completely cool under pressure even if it means that an angry Asian man is trying to torture us by any means necessary. For example, I was put in a death lock by Ron that I escaped from and then continued to smother him because I lied I had blood rushing to my brain. You might call that a cop-out but honestly its just simply thinking on your feet.
The final reason why Jack Bauer is the man is because he might be a fictional character played by Kiefer Sutherland but in real life, Kiefer has Jack Bauer in him no matter what. For example there was a fashion designer hitting on Brooke Shields and Jack... er Kiefer nailed him with a headbutt across the nose. Just awesome.
HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Phelps- You might have lost for the first time in the year but you also had a threesome with a great looking stripper plus you went for 3 hours? Does swimming really matter when you are doing things like this? I dont think so.
-Charlie.
This is also my first full season watching 24 on a consistent basis and I was convinced for awhile now that Jack Bauer is my illegitimate father. I mean we both are bad asses who dont take any crap from nobody. We also are completely cool under pressure even if it means that an angry Asian man is trying to torture us by any means necessary. For example, I was put in a death lock by Ron that I escaped from and then continued to smother him because I lied I had blood rushing to my brain. You might call that a cop-out but honestly its just simply thinking on your feet.
The final reason why Jack Bauer is the man is because he might be a fictional character played by Kiefer Sutherland but in real life, Kiefer has Jack Bauer in him no matter what. For example there was a fashion designer hitting on Brooke Shields and Jack... er Kiefer nailed him with a headbutt across the nose. Just awesome.
HONORABLE MENTION: Michael Phelps- You might have lost for the first time in the year but you also had a threesome with a great looking stripper plus you went for 3 hours? Does swimming really matter when you are doing things like this? I dont think so.
-Charlie.
The Surprises of the American League
I have written apology letters to my friends on this blog before and I am not going to the have a full out apology article to my friend Sepehr who loves the Toronto Blue Jays and sit on top of the AL East. But I am going to take a look at the MLB teams that are top of the division and I am not going to touch on the NL Central with Brewers Weekly on Sunday night or Monday...
Toronto Blue Jays- The "Fighting Sepehrs" have really impressed me so far because they have put together a great pitching staff around their ace Roy Halladay. Brent Cecil has been great so far as well as Scott Richmond, and Brian Tallet. Now today, they trot out another young pitcher Robert Ray and he throws one unearned run today in a victory against the White Sox. Is this team slowly becoming Tampa Bay of last year? My answer... Probably. I wouldnt be surprised if they stay close to the top of the AL East because they have starting pitching and a bullpen despite the B.J. Ryan struggles who is done by July when they get a closer. Their offense is stacked with good young guys like Adam Lind and Travis Snider plus I still consider Vernon Wells a new-aged veteran.
Kansas City Royals- The Royals are back in business for the first time in my long lifetime although they are sort of like the Florida Marlins of the AL because they start off strong and fade during the year. Here's the difference though.. they have Zach Grienke who I believe we can say is the best pitcher in the AL so far right this season. They play in an AL Central that it might take only 85 wins to win the division. They still have guys like Luke Hochavar who was a number one pick and Brian Bannister whose another top pick who has a ton of potential. The big question will be can they last without Joakim Soria for the next couple of weeks. If they can withstand not having their closer, I really like their chances to win the AL Central.
Texas Rangers- I always thought that the Texas Rangers had the offense to be a force in the AL but I wasnt sure if their pitching was good enough to hold up leads for them. I was wrong in that aspect which surprises me because they have the likes of Vincente Padilla and Kevin Milwood leading your rotation, I would completely run for cover. The other big thing is Josh Hamilton wasnt playing almost all year and the Rangers still found ways to win without their best hitter. Now he is hitting the ball making that offense even tougher. I still think the Los Angeles Angles who are getting their pitching back and starting to heat up slowly are good enough to still take this division although they are not the run away favorite like in years past.
-Charlie.
Toronto Blue Jays- The "Fighting Sepehrs" have really impressed me so far because they have put together a great pitching staff around their ace Roy Halladay. Brent Cecil has been great so far as well as Scott Richmond, and Brian Tallet. Now today, they trot out another young pitcher Robert Ray and he throws one unearned run today in a victory against the White Sox. Is this team slowly becoming Tampa Bay of last year? My answer... Probably. I wouldnt be surprised if they stay close to the top of the AL East because they have starting pitching and a bullpen despite the B.J. Ryan struggles who is done by July when they get a closer. Their offense is stacked with good young guys like Adam Lind and Travis Snider plus I still consider Vernon Wells a new-aged veteran.
Kansas City Royals- The Royals are back in business for the first time in my long lifetime although they are sort of like the Florida Marlins of the AL because they start off strong and fade during the year. Here's the difference though.. they have Zach Grienke who I believe we can say is the best pitcher in the AL so far right this season. They play in an AL Central that it might take only 85 wins to win the division. They still have guys like Luke Hochavar who was a number one pick and Brian Bannister whose another top pick who has a ton of potential. The big question will be can they last without Joakim Soria for the next couple of weeks. If they can withstand not having their closer, I really like their chances to win the AL Central.
Texas Rangers- I always thought that the Texas Rangers had the offense to be a force in the AL but I wasnt sure if their pitching was good enough to hold up leads for them. I was wrong in that aspect which surprises me because they have the likes of Vincente Padilla and Kevin Milwood leading your rotation, I would completely run for cover. The other big thing is Josh Hamilton wasnt playing almost all year and the Rangers still found ways to win without their best hitter. Now he is hitting the ball making that offense even tougher. I still think the Los Angeles Angles who are getting their pitching back and starting to heat up slowly are good enough to still take this division although they are not the run away favorite like in years past.
-Charlie.
Tim Floyd is in Trouble.
I beat up on Tim Floyd earlier on in April for "supposedly" taking the Arizona job then decided to come back to USC. Now I wonder if he wishes he took the job because the O.J. Mayo story will not die, its comparable to the zombies that Doz and I slayed all week so far.
The recent story that came out earlier this week was that Tim Floyd gave $1000 dollars to one of OJ Mayo's handlers to basically convince Mayo to go play for USC. Now I have always said the NCAA needs to finally come down hard on the Trojans. Although I think we all have learned that USC seems to be the untouchable team when it comes to avoiding NCAA violations.
The Trojans had the whole Reggie Bush situation that still has some legs but really I dont think is going anywhere while the basketball case I think might go somewhere. The reason why is the coach was directly involved with the situation. Pete Carroll had nothing to do with Bush's sports agency and it wasnt like he tried to make it happen for Bush. The only thing you can blame Carroll is for being too loose and letting things slip under his nose.
Tim Floyd on the other hand has been proven a dirty coach consistently in the last couple of years. First with all of the Mayo's dilemma and strife that came with it. Then Daniel Hackett having his dad on the sidelines as an assistant coach to make sure he would go to USC. Now Hackett entered the draft and I wouldnt be shocked to see his father not be apart of Floyd's coaching staff. I think by now the NCAA needs to bring the hammer down on Trojan Basketball.
-Charlie.
The recent story that came out earlier this week was that Tim Floyd gave $1000 dollars to one of OJ Mayo's handlers to basically convince Mayo to go play for USC. Now I have always said the NCAA needs to finally come down hard on the Trojans. Although I think we all have learned that USC seems to be the untouchable team when it comes to avoiding NCAA violations.
The Trojans had the whole Reggie Bush situation that still has some legs but really I dont think is going anywhere while the basketball case I think might go somewhere. The reason why is the coach was directly involved with the situation. Pete Carroll had nothing to do with Bush's sports agency and it wasnt like he tried to make it happen for Bush. The only thing you can blame Carroll is for being too loose and letting things slip under his nose.
Tim Floyd on the other hand has been proven a dirty coach consistently in the last couple of years. First with all of the Mayo's dilemma and strife that came with it. Then Daniel Hackett having his dad on the sidelines as an assistant coach to make sure he would go to USC. Now Hackett entered the draft and I wouldnt be shocked to see his father not be apart of Floyd's coaching staff. I think by now the NCAA needs to bring the hammer down on Trojan Basketball.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Number 400
Well we have been doing this consistently for the last eight months right now and it has been awesome. Like I said in the couple posts before but I will repeat what I said here because the 400th post doesnt have much for it right now.
I am going to make an attempt to buy the domain of the blog name so its www.chuckcorner.com instead of the blog spot in the middle of it. After that happens, you will able to become a fan of us on Facebook. Then we will top off the multi-media Twitter account. I am also working on trying to make a podcast but that might not come until Fall or so.
Just please suggest this blog to your friends because I know its not the funniest stuff you'll read but I feel it has enough sports knowledge to get your through the day.
Take care,
-Charlie.
I am going to make an attempt to buy the domain of the blog name so its www.chuckcorner.com instead of the blog spot in the middle of it. After that happens, you will able to become a fan of us on Facebook. Then we will top off the multi-media Twitter account. I am also working on trying to make a podcast but that might not come until Fall or so.
Just please suggest this blog to your friends because I know its not the funniest stuff you'll read but I feel it has enough sports knowledge to get your through the day.
Take care,
-Charlie.
Hockey? I Actually Like It.
I have never been a hockey fan. It never really interest me and for that reason, its probably my dad. Most of my sports allegiance and most of my overall foundations for the sports have been my father. Thats another reason why I didnt get into soccer until the 2006 World Cup.
Last night, there were two game 7's between the Detroit Red Wings beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in a heartbreaking overtime game. Now I am sorely disappointed because Doz and I watched the overtime game saying that no team should north of Nashville should have a team. Also I think Doz was upset Milwaukee doesnt have an NHL team which they probably should have. This was also touched on by Bill Simmons and Dave Damashek mentioned in the new BS Report on ESPN.com so we are not the only ones to think this same theory.
Although I will say this the Hurricanes deserved to win the game last night because they were the more conditioned team as they pounded the goal consistently in the overtime period and finally lit the lamp with under two minutes. It was shame because Tim Thomas probably had a great playoffs so far out of all the goalies but his defense truly let him down in the overtimes. I mean there was four or five "coulda been" goals that Thomas prevented from happening.
Carolina has knocked out two of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference already but I think their run ends here with Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins. Cam Ward has had a great playoffs so far but I wonder if he will be up to the test against a tough Pens offense. The big question will be if Evgeni Malkin shows up every game because he is the true X factor.
The other thing that I love is the Detroit-Chicago Western Conference Series because these are the Original Six and its an awesome Midwest rivalry overall. You have the Red Wings who are the perennial power and who I consider the "New York Yankees" of the NHL. Then the Blackhawks are a lot like the Milwaukee Brewers who built up their franchise in the last five years and now they are in the Western Conference Finals which is pretty cool. For the first time in my lifetime, I will be cheering for a Chicago-based team and hope that they can push the Wings to get into the Stanley Cup.
-Charlie.
Last night, there were two game 7's between the Detroit Red Wings beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in a heartbreaking overtime game. Now I am sorely disappointed because Doz and I watched the overtime game saying that no team should north of Nashville should have a team. Also I think Doz was upset Milwaukee doesnt have an NHL team which they probably should have. This was also touched on by Bill Simmons and Dave Damashek mentioned in the new BS Report on ESPN.com so we are not the only ones to think this same theory.
Although I will say this the Hurricanes deserved to win the game last night because they were the more conditioned team as they pounded the goal consistently in the overtime period and finally lit the lamp with under two minutes. It was shame because Tim Thomas probably had a great playoffs so far out of all the goalies but his defense truly let him down in the overtimes. I mean there was four or five "coulda been" goals that Thomas prevented from happening.
Carolina has knocked out two of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference already but I think their run ends here with Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins. Cam Ward has had a great playoffs so far but I wonder if he will be up to the test against a tough Pens offense. The big question will be if Evgeni Malkin shows up every game because he is the true X factor.
The other thing that I love is the Detroit-Chicago Western Conference Series because these are the Original Six and its an awesome Midwest rivalry overall. You have the Red Wings who are the perennial power and who I consider the "New York Yankees" of the NHL. Then the Blackhawks are a lot like the Milwaukee Brewers who built up their franchise in the last five years and now they are in the Western Conference Finals which is pretty cool. For the first time in my lifetime, I will be cheering for a Chicago-based team and hope that they can push the Wings to get into the Stanley Cup.
-Charlie.
Two Game 7 Showdowns: Whose in more Trouble?
Finally Finals are over and they kicked my ass which isnt surprising because it was a hell of a semester. Although its over now so I can just sit here at write on the blog. I hope to get a Twitter for Chuck's Corner, my own domain name, and become a fan on Facebook in the near future. Now on to sports...
The big question right now in what home team is in danger of losing a game seven at home on Sunday. The Boston Celtics turned the ball over more than most receration teams on a Wauwatosa Wednesday night as they lost 85-77 to the Orlando Magic with a 20-20 game from Dwight Howard. Then the Los Angeles Lakers laid a complete egg once again as they fall on the road to the pesky Houston Rockets 95-80. I think the team that is in more trouble is the Los Angeles Lakers, somewhere David Stern is planning on jumping off a buliding.
The reason why the Celtics are not in trouble? Stan Van Gundy. I dont think that SVG can keep it together in a pivotal Game 7. Van Gundy has no idea it seems at sometimes what he is doing at most parts of the game. He still isnt playing Mickael Pietrus enough who has been a huge part of the offense in this series. Hedo Turkoglu I still dont believe shows up in big games and makes awful moves down the stretch. For example that step-back three he took last night was an awful idea yet it looked great because he nailed a complete dagger. The other big thing is I still dont believe in Dwight Howard because he doesnt believe that SVG will give him the ball enough and will not give him his proper touches. I think Boston wins handily.
Then again if you look at my prior articles I completely buried the Houston Rockets. I didnt realize how good Aaron Brooks was and didnt think about Andrew Bynum's inability to score on the offense end really neutralizes Yao Ming's absence. I just have no idea how the Lakers can win by forty points in the Game 5 and then just lay down in Houston twice. I am expecting that Kobe Bryant will take over and try to win this game himself because I know damn well that he is pissed off at the performance of his teammates. The other thing is Brooks is a young point guard and that usually doesnt turn out with the best results in big games. I also feel that Luis Scola will be able to beat up Pau Gasol who has look softer than Charmin paper towel in this series so far. The other big thing with the Lakers is the Nuggets are waiting for them and they are just as physical as the Rockets if they do win. I will take the Lakers but its going to be a close game.
-Charlie.
The big question right now in what home team is in danger of losing a game seven at home on Sunday. The Boston Celtics turned the ball over more than most receration teams on a Wauwatosa Wednesday night as they lost 85-77 to the Orlando Magic with a 20-20 game from Dwight Howard. Then the Los Angeles Lakers laid a complete egg once again as they fall on the road to the pesky Houston Rockets 95-80. I think the team that is in more trouble is the Los Angeles Lakers, somewhere David Stern is planning on jumping off a buliding.
The reason why the Celtics are not in trouble? Stan Van Gundy. I dont think that SVG can keep it together in a pivotal Game 7. Van Gundy has no idea it seems at sometimes what he is doing at most parts of the game. He still isnt playing Mickael Pietrus enough who has been a huge part of the offense in this series. Hedo Turkoglu I still dont believe shows up in big games and makes awful moves down the stretch. For example that step-back three he took last night was an awful idea yet it looked great because he nailed a complete dagger. The other big thing is I still dont believe in Dwight Howard because he doesnt believe that SVG will give him the ball enough and will not give him his proper touches. I think Boston wins handily.
Then again if you look at my prior articles I completely buried the Houston Rockets. I didnt realize how good Aaron Brooks was and didnt think about Andrew Bynum's inability to score on the offense end really neutralizes Yao Ming's absence. I just have no idea how the Lakers can win by forty points in the Game 5 and then just lay down in Houston twice. I am expecting that Kobe Bryant will take over and try to win this game himself because I know damn well that he is pissed off at the performance of his teammates. The other thing is Brooks is a young point guard and that usually doesnt turn out with the best results in big games. I also feel that Luis Scola will be able to beat up Pau Gasol who has look softer than Charmin paper towel in this series so far. The other big thing with the Lakers is the Nuggets are waiting for them and they are just as physical as the Rockets if they do win. I will take the Lakers but its going to be a close game.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Brewers Weekly: Ryan Braun's Swagger > than Yours
The big topic of the discussion of the Brewers 5-2 week was Ryan Braun's confidence. If you didnt know, Braun was hit in the head by Ryan Dumpster on an attempted bunt well Ryan then hit a homer next at-bat where he looked at it and kept talking shit all the way through the homer. There was a video on YouTube (got taken down), the Cubs announcers just ripped Braun and tell him "Well he will get hit in the ribs." People who feel that Braun is "overconfident" or "cocky"are just plain idiots. I love the fact that he basically says to pitchers "I am going to homer off no matter what." I personally enjoy that we have a guy on our team that a lot of teams do not like and the other thing that pisses me off is the Cubs have guys like Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez both look at their home runs like it was their first. Now on to the Brewers week...
Monday: I wrote last week about how great Rickie Weeks' year has been so far and he continued that with a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Another comeback win for the Brewers when their ace Yovani Gallardo wasnt at his best and when the Crew is winning like that, things are going well.
Tuesday: Once again, the overall ownage of the Pirates happened again with another victory. The other great thing was to see JJ Hardy break out of his season-long slump so far and Corey Hart also had big game. As Bailey said in a Facebook status, "Next time National Security has problems with Pirates, they should call the Brewers."
Wednesday: JJ Hardy hit a three run homer in the first then Ryan Braun hit a grand slam in the second and it was game over from the on out. Manny Parra needed a confidence builder and this was it so I really hope that Parra will have his shit straight for awhile.
Thursday: You hate to see the pitcher beat you but when its Micah Owings, its basically like having an actual ninth batter. Braden Looper had his first bad start of the year and I am okay with that right now at this season.
Friday: A great outing by Dave Bush and I expected to get dominated by Randy Wells making his major league debut. Then JJ puts a charge in on the sixth and Ryan Braun puts a dent to win in the 8th. Great, great win.
Saturday: This was a great game to watch because the game was in limbo for awhile until Craig Counsell, yes that Craig Counsell hits a homer then Ryan Braun hits one shortly there after. Then they tack six more in the inning then three more in the next.
Sunday: It was a game the Brewers should have win with all of the guys they left on base but what can you do it happens all the time. Just so it doesnt happen consistently its okay. The Jason Kendall (great series for him) error killed the Crew during that third inning.
-Charlie.
Monday: I wrote last week about how great Rickie Weeks' year has been so far and he continued that with a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Another comeback win for the Brewers when their ace Yovani Gallardo wasnt at his best and when the Crew is winning like that, things are going well.
Tuesday: Once again, the overall ownage of the Pirates happened again with another victory. The other great thing was to see JJ Hardy break out of his season-long slump so far and Corey Hart also had big game. As Bailey said in a Facebook status, "Next time National Security has problems with Pirates, they should call the Brewers."
Wednesday: JJ Hardy hit a three run homer in the first then Ryan Braun hit a grand slam in the second and it was game over from the on out. Manny Parra needed a confidence builder and this was it so I really hope that Parra will have his shit straight for awhile.
Thursday: You hate to see the pitcher beat you but when its Micah Owings, its basically like having an actual ninth batter. Braden Looper had his first bad start of the year and I am okay with that right now at this season.
Friday: A great outing by Dave Bush and I expected to get dominated by Randy Wells making his major league debut. Then JJ puts a charge in on the sixth and Ryan Braun puts a dent to win in the 8th. Great, great win.
Saturday: This was a great game to watch because the game was in limbo for awhile until Craig Counsell, yes that Craig Counsell hits a homer then Ryan Braun hits one shortly there after. Then they tack six more in the inning then three more in the next.
Sunday: It was a game the Brewers should have win with all of the guys they left on base but what can you do it happens all the time. Just so it doesnt happen consistently its okay. The Jason Kendall (great series for him) error killed the Crew during that third inning.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Man of the Week= Brian Scalabrine
I have decided to start a weekly article where I pick the "Man of the Week" for something he did or for just being awesome. He/She will get their picture on the front page where my high school gangsta picture is right now. This week's winner... Brian Scalabrine.
First off, let me say that Brian Scalabrine is the man. The reason why? He looks like the most guys playing Adult League in Wauwatosa and he is in the NBA taking it to some of the best players n the world. It gives uncoordinated white stiffs a chance to play in the National Basketball Association one day. I have said in a column before that if Scalabrine wins a game for the Boston Celtics that I will heavily drink in his honor.
Every time a Scalabrine three goes up, I am yelling his last name expecting every three to drop like the atomic bomb on Hiroshima because that is the power that Scalabrine possesses. Should I purchase a jersey? Probably but I think my white sweatband is enough honor. The other thing that I wonder about Scalabrine is how great must his wing man skills be? I mean he isnt the best looking dude or the best player on the team by any means although I am willing to bet that he (if not married, well... maybe if he is too) picks up the scraps left by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo. If this was ever proven true, he would forever be my idol.
Brian Scalabrine the first winner and I will proudly rock my white sweatband whenever its needed in your honor sir.
Honorable Mention: Issac from the Duel II, if you do not watch this show you are a lunatic but he picked Landon to go to the Duel with him which was considerable suicide as Landon is on more steroids than Tony Mandrich in his heyday. The reason why? He clipped Issac's four month old toenails when he was passed out and Issac claims "You never mess with a man's toenails." Issac keep fighting the good fight.
-Charlie.
First off, let me say that Brian Scalabrine is the man. The reason why? He looks like the most guys playing Adult League in Wauwatosa and he is in the NBA taking it to some of the best players n the world. It gives uncoordinated white stiffs a chance to play in the National Basketball Association one day. I have said in a column before that if Scalabrine wins a game for the Boston Celtics that I will heavily drink in his honor.
Every time a Scalabrine three goes up, I am yelling his last name expecting every three to drop like the atomic bomb on Hiroshima because that is the power that Scalabrine possesses. Should I purchase a jersey? Probably but I think my white sweatband is enough honor. The other thing that I wonder about Scalabrine is how great must his wing man skills be? I mean he isnt the best looking dude or the best player on the team by any means although I am willing to bet that he (if not married, well... maybe if he is too) picks up the scraps left by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo. If this was ever proven true, he would forever be my idol.
Brian Scalabrine the first winner and I will proudly rock my white sweatband whenever its needed in your honor sir.
Honorable Mention: Issac from the Duel II, if you do not watch this show you are a lunatic but he picked Landon to go to the Duel with him which was considerable suicide as Landon is on more steroids than Tony Mandrich in his heyday. The reason why? He clipped Issac's four month old toenails when he was passed out and Issac claims "You never mess with a man's toenails." Issac keep fighting the good fight.
-Charlie.
Melo Found The Killer Instinct
Today I think we saw something that most of us have been waiting for since Carmelo Anthony was drafted by the Denver Nuggets. If you werent watching, Denver came back from a four point deficit with under thirty seconds and won on a last second three-pointer by Anthony to win the ball game with a second left. Melo proved that he can be the guy taking the last shot and burying a team when he needs to.
I have always seen Anthony as a guy whose a great scorer doesnt really play much defense and isnt that reliable when the game is on the line because he always seems to make boneheaded decisions. Either that or he would look to J.R. Smith for the final shot instead of taking it himself. A lot of that could be pointed to being a young player because guys like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant did much of the same thing although now I think Melo is beginning stages of his veteran years.
Melo's shot today was one we seen from legends. I dont want to hear bullshit about how there was a foul on the play and the refs missed it because in my opinion unless it slows down the offensive player it shouldnt be called. That shot today could spark the rest of his career.
Also on a side note, I also am calling this series over with Josh Howard trying to pick fights and most of the players looking dejected. I cannot even begin to tell you how impressed I am with the Nuggets.
-Charlie.
I have always seen Anthony as a guy whose a great scorer doesnt really play much defense and isnt that reliable when the game is on the line because he always seems to make boneheaded decisions. Either that or he would look to J.R. Smith for the final shot instead of taking it himself. A lot of that could be pointed to being a young player because guys like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant did much of the same thing although now I think Melo is beginning stages of his veteran years.
Melo's shot today was one we seen from legends. I dont want to hear bullshit about how there was a foul on the play and the refs missed it because in my opinion unless it slows down the offensive player it shouldnt be called. That shot today could spark the rest of his career.
Also on a side note, I also am calling this series over with Josh Howard trying to pick fights and most of the players looking dejected. I cannot even begin to tell you how impressed I am with the Nuggets.
-Charlie.
Yao Ends Rockets Chances
I hate to call a series over before we havent even got to game four but I think we can all agree that the Rockets-Lakers series is completely done for with Yao Ming being out for the year with a small foot fracture. There are many problems for the Rockets now without Tracy McGrady and Yao out for the playoffs.
The first one is you have to hope and pray if you are a Rockets fan that a bunch of role players will be able to equal what Yao scores on a nightly basis. Ron Artest has only been the go-to guy of a team once in Sacramento but even then he had Kevin Martin in the early stages of his career. Aaron Brooks is another nice complementary player but he isnt going to carry a team to victory by any means. The exact same thing goes with Luis Scola.
The second big factor is on the defensive end. Of course when you lose a guy whose 7'6, its going to cost you down in the painted area but now this will lead to Kobe Bryant dishing it to the paint to Pau Gasol/Andrew Bynum all game long because no one on the Rockets can hold either of those guys on a consistent basis.
I guess the last thing to worry about as a Rockets fan is Yao being a bust? I mean he does some real nice things for the Rockets as a big man but he was supposed to be a top five player in the NBA by now which hasnt happened by a long shot. He has the big man syndrome of getting hurt almost every year and being out for a significant amount of time. I truly believe next year is a make or break year for Yao.
-Charlie.
The first one is you have to hope and pray if you are a Rockets fan that a bunch of role players will be able to equal what Yao scores on a nightly basis. Ron Artest has only been the go-to guy of a team once in Sacramento but even then he had Kevin Martin in the early stages of his career. Aaron Brooks is another nice complementary player but he isnt going to carry a team to victory by any means. The exact same thing goes with Luis Scola.
The second big factor is on the defensive end. Of course when you lose a guy whose 7'6, its going to cost you down in the painted area but now this will lead to Kobe Bryant dishing it to the paint to Pau Gasol/Andrew Bynum all game long because no one on the Rockets can hold either of those guys on a consistent basis.
I guess the last thing to worry about as a Rockets fan is Yao being a bust? I mean he does some real nice things for the Rockets as a big man but he was supposed to be a top five player in the NBA by now which hasnt happened by a long shot. He has the big man syndrome of getting hurt almost every year and being out for a significant amount of time. I truly believe next year is a make or break year for Yao.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Well See Ya Later Bob Melvin
As with every coach that gets fired from the major sports, I always like to do an article regarding if the firing was the right move. Today Bob Melvin of the Arizona Diamondbacks got fired after the Dbacks got off to a 12-17 start. Also they got rid of the hitting coach and pitching coach as well.
I think this move could have came a couple weeks later because they are only twenty-nine games into the season and a lot could happen in the next upcoming weeks. I think the Dbacks are concerned that their vast young talent such as Justin Upton, Connor Jackson, and Mark Reynolds are not being developed properly. Although I will say this Melvin has no pitching right now with Brandon Webb out until June and they really havent had a bullpen since they traded Jose Valverde away. Another thing that hurts is the absence of Stephen Drew who mashed the ball in the second half of the year for the Dbacks.
They have decided to go with A.J. Hinch who was a former MLB catcher with no mangerial expeirance and only thirty-four years of age. I find young managers a tough sell to some of the older guys but I am assuming that with the young talent mentioned before, the Dbacks hope that Hinch can reach out to the young ball players.
I think this move could have came a couple weeks later because they are only twenty-nine games into the season and a lot could happen in the next upcoming weeks. I think the Dbacks are concerned that their vast young talent such as Justin Upton, Connor Jackson, and Mark Reynolds are not being developed properly. Although I will say this Melvin has no pitching right now with Brandon Webb out until June and they really havent had a bullpen since they traded Jose Valverde away. Another thing that hurts is the absence of Stephen Drew who mashed the ball in the second half of the year for the Dbacks.
They have decided to go with A.J. Hinch who was a former MLB catcher with no mangerial expeirance and only thirty-four years of age. I find young managers a tough sell to some of the older guys but I am assuming that with the young talent mentioned before, the Dbacks hope that Hinch can reach out to the young ball players.
The other big thing is with the recent Manny Rameriez suspension, Arizona realizes that time is now to gain back those games they had lost on the Dodgers who have a comfortable seven game lead in the NL West. I wouldnt be surprised to see the Dbacks right around the top come June.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Manny Did Do Roids
I apologize for my first article because I reacted to the original media story and didnt wait to get all the facts about Manny Ramirez steroid abuse. What we learned today was that Ramirez used a women's fertility drug called hCG which masks testosterone after a steroid cycle.
There you have it. Manny did steroids and destroyed his legacy as one of the best players in baseball in last twenty years. The legacy is blown up because Manny was such a well-like player by the fans more so than A-Rod and everyone in L.A. "loved him" at the same level of Kobe Bryant. He had his own section called "Mannywood" and many jerseys were bought. Who knows what fans will think of them now.
Although despite this I gained some perspective as I was talking to my friend Craig who said,"I dont know what to think about any player in that era, I think we all knew Clemens, McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds were all on something but after A-Rod and Manny, I just dont know." I couldnt agree more with that statement because it provide a new outlook on the "Steroid Era" in baseball. I have always been one of those guys who said these players are ruining baseball and they have no right to be in the Hall of Fame which is consider the highest honer out of any four major professional sports. But now after Manny's problems with steroids, I think you have to let these guys into the Hall of Fame.
Someone will ask me the question "Is it right to support cheating?" Well no, it isnt but heres the thing everyone did in the late 90s to early 2000s with the pressure from everyone to take performance-enhancers. These guys had loose drug rules and they took advantage of them just like the NFL in the 1980s. I guess I never understood why the players of the 80s in football never got criticized like Manny or A-Rod did in this day and age. The only real reason why is the ever-growing sports media. In the 80s you didnt have college sophomores like me writing articles about steroids and why these players should be ashamed of themselves.
I truly believe what you will see in the next ten years as baseball begins to become pure again, you might start seeing Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez's names getting closer and closer to the Hall of Fame. I will reiterate it once again, yes they cheated but everyone else did too so why should they be punished more than the others? I mean I am willing to bet some guys who get elected in the Hall of Fame in the upcoming years will have had performance-enhancers and never been called out on it.
-Charlie.
There you have it. Manny did steroids and destroyed his legacy as one of the best players in baseball in last twenty years. The legacy is blown up because Manny was such a well-like player by the fans more so than A-Rod and everyone in L.A. "loved him" at the same level of Kobe Bryant. He had his own section called "Mannywood" and many jerseys were bought. Who knows what fans will think of them now.
Although despite this I gained some perspective as I was talking to my friend Craig who said,"I dont know what to think about any player in that era, I think we all knew Clemens, McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds were all on something but after A-Rod and Manny, I just dont know." I couldnt agree more with that statement because it provide a new outlook on the "Steroid Era" in baseball. I have always been one of those guys who said these players are ruining baseball and they have no right to be in the Hall of Fame which is consider the highest honer out of any four major professional sports. But now after Manny's problems with steroids, I think you have to let these guys into the Hall of Fame.
Someone will ask me the question "Is it right to support cheating?" Well no, it isnt but heres the thing everyone did in the late 90s to early 2000s with the pressure from everyone to take performance-enhancers. These guys had loose drug rules and they took advantage of them just like the NFL in the 1980s. I guess I never understood why the players of the 80s in football never got criticized like Manny or A-Rod did in this day and age. The only real reason why is the ever-growing sports media. In the 80s you didnt have college sophomores like me writing articles about steroids and why these players should be ashamed of themselves.
I truly believe what you will see in the next ten years as baseball begins to become pure again, you might start seeing Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez's names getting closer and closer to the Hall of Fame. I will reiterate it once again, yes they cheated but everyone else did too so why should they be punished more than the others? I mean I am willing to bet some guys who get elected in the Hall of Fame in the upcoming years will have had performance-enhancers and never been called out on it.
-Charlie.
Favre Does the Right Thing... For Now
Today, Brett Favre told the Minnesota Vikings "Thanks, but no thanks." As he decided to stay retired and enjoy living the dream in Mississippi instead of being the starting quarterback of the Vikings.
Now I am fairly convinced that Favre will stay retired because he said the reason he did was for his family and I am glad that Favre took that into consideration. He is the one athlete that has probably put his family through more hell than anyone else.
Also I am not sorry for what I said about Favre earlier. I would have hated the man if he were to join the Vikings and granted the rumors are the Vikings formulated this story, Favre still loves the attention. Now if the Vikings conjured up this story to put themselves in the headlines then thats absolutely shameless and when this story first came up I believe it was 90-10 Favre to the Vikes. Now I feel that its 50-50 at most with Minnesota and maybe less.
I hope that Brett enjoys retirement and I cannot wait to see him in Canton.
-Charlie.
Now I am fairly convinced that Favre will stay retired because he said the reason he did was for his family and I am glad that Favre took that into consideration. He is the one athlete that has probably put his family through more hell than anyone else.
Also I am not sorry for what I said about Favre earlier. I would have hated the man if he were to join the Vikings and granted the rumors are the Vikings formulated this story, Favre still loves the attention. Now if the Vikings conjured up this story to put themselves in the headlines then thats absolutely shameless and when this story first came up I believe it was 90-10 Favre to the Vikes. Now I feel that its 50-50 at most with Minnesota and maybe less.
I hope that Brett enjoys retirement and I cannot wait to see him in Canton.
-Charlie.
Manny Didnt Do Roids
Well you can file this under another case of "Manny being Manny" I guess as today Los Angeles Dodger slugger Manny Rameriez was tested positive for banned substances by Major League Baseball and is now suspended for fifty games. Dammit.
According to the ESPN article, Manny said this..
"Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a statement issued by the players' union.
Now Peter Gammons of ESPN has also said that the positive test was a personal health issue and not a steroid thing. The doctor said that he believe this would clear the MLB policy but Manny didnt care enough to took a look to make one hundred percent sure that he would clear the policy. Gammons also ask the Boston Red Sox front office about this and they didnt believe it for one second either.
Of course you will have people that will shrug Manny's story off to claim it's steroids but I really do trust in Manny that he wouldnt take steroids because he was so consistent, year in year out without much injury. I mean seriously think about a time where Ramirez seemed bigger almost like Barry Bonds? He never got overly big in muscle; actually Manny just got fatter as the years progressed. I think people should be ashamed of themselves if they decide to throw this one on steroids.
Another reason why this isnt steroid-related in my opinion is because Ramirez had so much guaranteed money on the line in these next two years that he wouldnt want to mess things up in that sense either. He now loses out on 7.7 million dollars off his contract for missing a third of the season and we all know Scott Boras will not be happy.
The Dodgers are thankful that they are in a division that sucks and they have already built a nice cushion therefore when Manny does return I expect them in the top two of that division. Also even without Manny, they have a good team with guys like Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Russell Martin. In addition, a great pitching staff led by Chad Billingsley and a good closer in Jonathan Broxton.
-Charlie.
According to the ESPN article, Manny said this..
"Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a statement issued by the players' union.
Now Peter Gammons of ESPN has also said that the positive test was a personal health issue and not a steroid thing. The doctor said that he believe this would clear the MLB policy but Manny didnt care enough to took a look to make one hundred percent sure that he would clear the policy. Gammons also ask the Boston Red Sox front office about this and they didnt believe it for one second either.
Of course you will have people that will shrug Manny's story off to claim it's steroids but I really do trust in Manny that he wouldnt take steroids because he was so consistent, year in year out without much injury. I mean seriously think about a time where Ramirez seemed bigger almost like Barry Bonds? He never got overly big in muscle; actually Manny just got fatter as the years progressed. I think people should be ashamed of themselves if they decide to throw this one on steroids.
Another reason why this isnt steroid-related in my opinion is because Ramirez had so much guaranteed money on the line in these next two years that he wouldnt want to mess things up in that sense either. He now loses out on 7.7 million dollars off his contract for missing a third of the season and we all know Scott Boras will not be happy.
The Dodgers are thankful that they are in a division that sucks and they have already built a nice cushion therefore when Manny does return I expect them in the top two of that division. Also even without Manny, they have a good team with guys like Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Russell Martin. In addition, a great pitching staff led by Chad Billingsley and a good closer in Jonathan Broxton.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Lets Talk Soccer
Well its been a week of firsts for the blog, first we went with the NHL and now I will writing my first article about soccer. I am all about soccer, all for soccer, I think its a great sport and I will go into later on why I dont write more about soccer in the blog.
If you didnt watch today (shame on you) Barcelona defeated Chelsea 1-1 but they had won because Barca had the advantage on the away goals. I have to say it was probably one of the best moments in sports so far this year.
Chelsea took the lead early on a Michael Essien goal which was just an awesome strike from right outside the penalty box to give the Blues the early lead in the first half. Throughout the game there were many questionable calls such as a flop by Florent Malouda which appeared to be in the penalty box yet it was right outside the box. There was a hold non-call on Didier Drogba in the box that wasnt called either in the first half. Barcelona was playing with fire during the whole first half but managed to keep it at a 1-0 game.
The second half was pretty much dominated by Chelsea and there was no reason to believe that the Blues were going to hook up with Manchester United in the Champions League Final once again. It almost seem even more certain after Eric Abidal got a red card for an absolute bullshit call leaving Barca with a man down the rest of the game.
Heading into extra time, Barca had one more chance to make an attempt on scoring a goal and they started heading on the offensive. For the first time in the game, Chelsea backfield struggles to clear the ball and Lionel Messi sent it in to Andres Iniesta drills a goal for the win. Chelsea had one more attempt to win this and they actually got a corner where they brought up goalie Petr Cech and Michael Ballack had a thunderous strike deflecting off a Barca defender which appeared after a replay to be a hand ball but if youre the ref its pretty hard to see the difference between his triceps and shoulder.
This creating an outcry from Ballack, Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Cech who are all veterans had words for the ref after the game with yellow cards for Ballack and Drogba who will probably get some more punishment after saying "Its a fucking disgrace" on live TV. Not good whatsoever.
After reading this, I bet you wish you watched this game. Its great really to see all the passion of the players and I really wish one national TV outlet would realize that they could gain great attention if they featured a game of the week from either the English Premiership, Spanish La Liga, Italy's Serie A, or even German Bundesliga. I think many people would have interest in this and maybe led to more popularity in the United States.
-Charlie.
If you didnt watch today (shame on you) Barcelona defeated Chelsea 1-1 but they had won because Barca had the advantage on the away goals. I have to say it was probably one of the best moments in sports so far this year.
Chelsea took the lead early on a Michael Essien goal which was just an awesome strike from right outside the penalty box to give the Blues the early lead in the first half. Throughout the game there were many questionable calls such as a flop by Florent Malouda which appeared to be in the penalty box yet it was right outside the box. There was a hold non-call on Didier Drogba in the box that wasnt called either in the first half. Barcelona was playing with fire during the whole first half but managed to keep it at a 1-0 game.
The second half was pretty much dominated by Chelsea and there was no reason to believe that the Blues were going to hook up with Manchester United in the Champions League Final once again. It almost seem even more certain after Eric Abidal got a red card for an absolute bullshit call leaving Barca with a man down the rest of the game.
Heading into extra time, Barca had one more chance to make an attempt on scoring a goal and they started heading on the offensive. For the first time in the game, Chelsea backfield struggles to clear the ball and Lionel Messi sent it in to Andres Iniesta drills a goal for the win. Chelsea had one more attempt to win this and they actually got a corner where they brought up goalie Petr Cech and Michael Ballack had a thunderous strike deflecting off a Barca defender which appeared after a replay to be a hand ball but if youre the ref its pretty hard to see the difference between his triceps and shoulder.
This creating an outcry from Ballack, Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Cech who are all veterans had words for the ref after the game with yellow cards for Ballack and Drogba who will probably get some more punishment after saying "Its a fucking disgrace" on live TV. Not good whatsoever.
After reading this, I bet you wish you watched this game. Its great really to see all the passion of the players and I really wish one national TV outlet would realize that they could gain great attention if they featured a game of the week from either the English Premiership, Spanish La Liga, Italy's Serie A, or even German Bundesliga. I think many people would have interest in this and maybe led to more popularity in the United States.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Nightmare Begins Once Again
Oh no. Please tell me this isnt happening. No this really cannot be happening, can it? Again, really? Why does the hero that most of Wisconsin knew and loved now meeting with the Vikings with the possible thoughts of returning. I have written 7 articles about Brett Favre and his time throughout the last year now but its just getting harder to speak good of a guy who is considering the Vikings.
What does this prove exactly? That even the great ones have no loyalty to their fans and that it doesnt matter at all what was accomplished at Green Bay in the beginning of your career. Is it the fact of the matter that Favre hates the Packer organization so much that he knows the only way he will feel comfort in life is if he beats the Packers in Lambeau (something that I hope never happens) and then raises the middle-finger to Ted Thompson. To me, thats what Favre wants to do and because there is no one in his "inner-circle" that can tell Brett to slow down and think about the things he is doing are wrong is the root of the problems. Bus Cook loves the attention he has got in the past three months now with the Jay Cutler saga and now the rebirth of the Brett Favre disaster.
I think this year if it does happen will be 10-30 times bigger of a deal for the sole fact that he is going to the Vikings. I would put it in the category of any time a beloved player goes to a rival team. The return to Lambeau would rank as the "Biggest Game Next Year." And me drinking severely seeing the guy who torched the Vikings for so many years now plays for that ball club would tear me up inside. Take a guy like Roger Clemens who was loved in Boston, then heads to Toronto for a couple years, and then just unloads a knife into Red Sox Nation when he went to New York. It didnt help that he won a World Series with the Yanks either.
Does this make the Vikings a worse team? My answer: Maybe. The thing Favre has to his advantage that Minnesota plays in a dome so he doesnt have to deal with the wintry conditions in late November and December. I think Minnesota is the leading in the clubhouse right now in terms of winning the NFC North especially with the addition of Percy Harvin. They have all the tools but a 40 year old quarterback isnt going to help as much as probably the "Favre-Fans" would like to think it is.
Some of you might be wondering where my hate level from 1-10 is with Brett Favre... Last summer for me and other friends it was at a 10 because I couldnt believe it was happening really. November it was at about 5 and I actually hoped he would make it to the AFC Playoffs and then in January, it was about 2. Hell I felt bad for the guy who was just getting ripped to shreds by the New York media who put no criticism on the Jets management. Now? Its a 15 out of 10, I dont want to hear the bullshit about "he just wants to play like everyone else" because its not that, he wants to destroy Ted Thompson any way he can which I mention earlier. Favre needs the attention because he is a media whore and I dont think he can be a part of the Packer organization for awhile at least five maybe ten years maybe never. Because going to the most-hated rival in the past ten years is pretty unforgettable and Brett you have now unloaded the knife.
We as Packer fans wait your return to Lambeau where you come out the other tunnel, on the other side of the coin toss, and where most do not cheer your touchdowns, instead its the pick six you are throwing to Charles Woodson.
-Charlie.
What does this prove exactly? That even the great ones have no loyalty to their fans and that it doesnt matter at all what was accomplished at Green Bay in the beginning of your career. Is it the fact of the matter that Favre hates the Packer organization so much that he knows the only way he will feel comfort in life is if he beats the Packers in Lambeau (something that I hope never happens) and then raises the middle-finger to Ted Thompson. To me, thats what Favre wants to do and because there is no one in his "inner-circle" that can tell Brett to slow down and think about the things he is doing are wrong is the root of the problems. Bus Cook loves the attention he has got in the past three months now with the Jay Cutler saga and now the rebirth of the Brett Favre disaster.
I think this year if it does happen will be 10-30 times bigger of a deal for the sole fact that he is going to the Vikings. I would put it in the category of any time a beloved player goes to a rival team. The return to Lambeau would rank as the "Biggest Game Next Year." And me drinking severely seeing the guy who torched the Vikings for so many years now plays for that ball club would tear me up inside. Take a guy like Roger Clemens who was loved in Boston, then heads to Toronto for a couple years, and then just unloads a knife into Red Sox Nation when he went to New York. It didnt help that he won a World Series with the Yanks either.
Does this make the Vikings a worse team? My answer: Maybe. The thing Favre has to his advantage that Minnesota plays in a dome so he doesnt have to deal with the wintry conditions in late November and December. I think Minnesota is the leading in the clubhouse right now in terms of winning the NFC North especially with the addition of Percy Harvin. They have all the tools but a 40 year old quarterback isnt going to help as much as probably the "Favre-Fans" would like to think it is.
Some of you might be wondering where my hate level from 1-10 is with Brett Favre... Last summer for me and other friends it was at a 10 because I couldnt believe it was happening really. November it was at about 5 and I actually hoped he would make it to the AFC Playoffs and then in January, it was about 2. Hell I felt bad for the guy who was just getting ripped to shreds by the New York media who put no criticism on the Jets management. Now? Its a 15 out of 10, I dont want to hear the bullshit about "he just wants to play like everyone else" because its not that, he wants to destroy Ted Thompson any way he can which I mention earlier. Favre needs the attention because he is a media whore and I dont think he can be a part of the Packer organization for awhile at least five maybe ten years maybe never. Because going to the most-hated rival in the past ten years is pretty unforgettable and Brett you have now unloaded the knife.
We as Packer fans wait your return to Lambeau where you come out the other tunnel, on the other side of the coin toss, and where most do not cheer your touchdowns, instead its the pick six you are throwing to Charles Woodson.
-Charlie.
Dear Self....
I would like to write a letter to my self right now: Watch the NHL. Why havent you Charlie watched any games throughout yet this postseason?
Here is how I answer... First of all, my roommate got kicked out of the dorms for some ridiculous reasons and the housing department truly screwed him plus me as well. It left me without a television and an Xbox360 for three weeks. Didnt really think nothing of it because I could watch 24, the Office, and most things on ESPN thanks to ESPN360. Well the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs are not on the Internet at all times so that is really screwing me up.
The second thing is I would take the NBA Playoffs over the NHL Playoffs any day of the week personally just because I grew up watching the NBA with my dad and never really the NHL at all. I wrote an article last year about how I re found my love for the NBA therefore I will watch the NBA.
The last thing that brought me to this coming of age was last night Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, the two best players in the NHL last night faced off against each other in game 2 and they both had hat tricks. That is a phenomenal sporting event that I needed to watch last night but blew it off for other things. I also need to choose a side of the Ovechkin-Crosby debate because it seems like everyone has a favorite. Only a few say Ovechkin and most say Crosby for the reason of Oveckin is too cocky, gets too excited, and is just a punk. The guy practically hit on Rachel Nichols in his ESPN's E-60 interview and says he cant talk about the stuff outside of hockey. How does that not make him the man?
My overall point with all of this is the people I know that like Oveckin usually are guys who do not follow hockey all that closely and like the swagger that he brings to the ice every night. Then the guys that do watch hockey on a consistent basis see Crosby as the role model and everything that is right with hockey.
I havent decided yet but when I sit down hopefully watch Game 3 I will have my mind made up.
-Charlie.
Here is how I answer... First of all, my roommate got kicked out of the dorms for some ridiculous reasons and the housing department truly screwed him plus me as well. It left me without a television and an Xbox360 for three weeks. Didnt really think nothing of it because I could watch 24, the Office, and most things on ESPN thanks to ESPN360. Well the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs are not on the Internet at all times so that is really screwing me up.
The second thing is I would take the NBA Playoffs over the NHL Playoffs any day of the week personally just because I grew up watching the NBA with my dad and never really the NHL at all. I wrote an article last year about how I re found my love for the NBA therefore I will watch the NBA.
The last thing that brought me to this coming of age was last night Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, the two best players in the NHL last night faced off against each other in game 2 and they both had hat tricks. That is a phenomenal sporting event that I needed to watch last night but blew it off for other things. I also need to choose a side of the Ovechkin-Crosby debate because it seems like everyone has a favorite. Only a few say Ovechkin and most say Crosby for the reason of Oveckin is too cocky, gets too excited, and is just a punk. The guy practically hit on Rachel Nichols in his ESPN's E-60 interview and says he cant talk about the stuff outside of hockey. How does that not make him the man?
My overall point with all of this is the people I know that like Oveckin usually are guys who do not follow hockey all that closely and like the swagger that he brings to the ice every night. Then the guys that do watch hockey on a consistent basis see Crosby as the role model and everything that is right with hockey.
I havent decided yet but when I sit down hopefully watch Game 3 I will have my mind made up.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Brewers Weekly: Resurgance of Rickie Weeks
I realize that I am writing this article after Rickie Weeks' clutch three-run homer against the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight but still I think it needs to be said... where the Weeks haters at?! All of you guys said we needed to get rid of Weeks and explore other options. Now he looks like the player we expected him to be and he is once again everyone's favorite player, crazy.
Monday: The Brewers brought out the bats with Ryan Braun, Weeks, and Mike Cameron all going yard plus it got a little heated with Jeff Karstens hitting Braunie who wasnt too happy about it. He told Mr. Selig took take a look at it. More to come on why the Pirates are the biggest bitches of the NL Central.
Tuesday: The Brewers didnt get a great start out of Dave Bush but they responded in the sixth inning with big homers from Bill Hall and once again, Weeks. He had himself a hell a week for sure. Also this was the beginning of TREVOR TIME (credited to Mach). Great to hear Hells Bells.
Wednesday: All that really needs to be said is YOOOOOOOOO! He strikes out 11 and gives up 2 hits, also he hits a homer for the only run for the Brewers on that Wednesday. The only negetive about this is it leads to the Brewers falling off a bit on offensive. The LaRoche brothers made comments that Yo got help from the umps and he is not that good. Well there is a reason why Pittsburgh feeds at the bottom.
Thursday: The offense struggles against the phenom that is Max Schrezer but once the Brewers got to the Diamondback bullpen, it was game over. Big hit from Cameron that put the Crew over the top and we also got to see Hoffman dominate again. In addition, another good start by Jeff Suppan who only gave up the leadoff homer in that one.
Friday: This one we really have but I guess you cannot complain when you go 5-2. The bats once again went silent for most of the game before getting to Jon Garland late in the game only until Carlos Villanueva plus an awful call down the line cost the Brewers in this one.
Saturday: The Brewers learned they would be without Ryan Braun who had back stiffness and it really didnt matter if Braunie played because Dan Haren was the man on Saturday night. He really should be 5-0 but until the last three starts, he is finally getting run support.
Sunday: I missed the one due to frolf but according to my sources, the homers Bush gave up where all good pitches and there was nothing most pitchers could do about it. It didnt matter because the Crew got it done in the late inning and the Hoff closes out his third of the week.
-Charlie.
Monday: The Brewers brought out the bats with Ryan Braun, Weeks, and Mike Cameron all going yard plus it got a little heated with Jeff Karstens hitting Braunie who wasnt too happy about it. He told Mr. Selig took take a look at it. More to come on why the Pirates are the biggest bitches of the NL Central.
Tuesday: The Brewers didnt get a great start out of Dave Bush but they responded in the sixth inning with big homers from Bill Hall and once again, Weeks. He had himself a hell a week for sure. Also this was the beginning of TREVOR TIME (credited to Mach). Great to hear Hells Bells.
Wednesday: All that really needs to be said is YOOOOOOOOO! He strikes out 11 and gives up 2 hits, also he hits a homer for the only run for the Brewers on that Wednesday. The only negetive about this is it leads to the Brewers falling off a bit on offensive. The LaRoche brothers made comments that Yo got help from the umps and he is not that good. Well there is a reason why Pittsburgh feeds at the bottom.
Thursday: The offense struggles against the phenom that is Max Schrezer but once the Brewers got to the Diamondback bullpen, it was game over. Big hit from Cameron that put the Crew over the top and we also got to see Hoffman dominate again. In addition, another good start by Jeff Suppan who only gave up the leadoff homer in that one.
Friday: This one we really have but I guess you cannot complain when you go 5-2. The bats once again went silent for most of the game before getting to Jon Garland late in the game only until Carlos Villanueva plus an awful call down the line cost the Brewers in this one.
Saturday: The Brewers learned they would be without Ryan Braun who had back stiffness and it really didnt matter if Braunie played because Dan Haren was the man on Saturday night. He really should be 5-0 but until the last three starts, he is finally getting run support.
Sunday: I missed the one due to frolf but according to my sources, the homers Bush gave up where all good pitches and there was nothing most pitchers could do about it. It didnt matter because the Crew got it done in the late inning and the Hoff closes out his third of the week.
-Charlie.
NBA Eastern Semifinals Picks
Scroll down a bit for the Western Conference if you are interested in my picks....
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
NBA Western Conference Semifinals Pics
Here they are and I went 2-2 in the West. I really should have went 4-0 if I thought with a brain but as you all know, I am idiot sometimes.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. Houston Rockets- Now there is a part of me that feels that the NBA should adopt the NHL rule because if an underdog wins, they should have to go through the gauntlet if they want to win a championship. This is a series that I think will be overhyped and not as exiciting as people probably will want it to be. One of the reasons why is because Kobe Bryant gets up for Ron Artest. He hates Artest for some reason and always wants to prove that he is one of the best offensive player in the game against one of the best defender in the game. I am still not convinced with Yao because now we will see Yao's teeth going up against Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum who minus game 3 did a pretty good job with Carlos Boozer. Rockets are going to need to have their bench like Kyle Lowery and Von Wafer to have big games almost every game if they want to get ahead at any point in the series. There is a part of me that wants to take L.A. in five but we will go Los Angeles in six.
2. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks- They have already played a game but it really wouldnt have changed my opinion. I have already wrote an article about how much I forgot how clutch Chauncey Billups is in the postseason. Billups can also have a good series with going up against an even older Jason Kidd and Juan Jose Berra whose defense is nowhere near Billups' offense ability. I think the matchup between Kenyon Martin-Dirk Nowitzki will be an awesome matchup with K-Mart refounded defense. The key x-factor will be Josh Howard if he has the series like he did in the first round, the Mavs may be able to push through into the Western Conference Finals. There really isnt a player who can stop Howard on Denver, I mean Melo is a great offensive player although not so much on defense. Bench play will be a big time factor as well. I will take Denver in seven.
On to the East....
-Charlie.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. Houston Rockets- Now there is a part of me that feels that the NBA should adopt the NHL rule because if an underdog wins, they should have to go through the gauntlet if they want to win a championship. This is a series that I think will be overhyped and not as exiciting as people probably will want it to be. One of the reasons why is because Kobe Bryant gets up for Ron Artest. He hates Artest for some reason and always wants to prove that he is one of the best offensive player in the game against one of the best defender in the game. I am still not convinced with Yao because now we will see Yao's teeth going up against Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum who minus game 3 did a pretty good job with Carlos Boozer. Rockets are going to need to have their bench like Kyle Lowery and Von Wafer to have big games almost every game if they want to get ahead at any point in the series. There is a part of me that wants to take L.A. in five but we will go Los Angeles in six.
2. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks- They have already played a game but it really wouldnt have changed my opinion. I have already wrote an article about how much I forgot how clutch Chauncey Billups is in the postseason. Billups can also have a good series with going up against an even older Jason Kidd and Juan Jose Berra whose defense is nowhere near Billups' offense ability. I think the matchup between Kenyon Martin-Dirk Nowitzki will be an awesome matchup with K-Mart refounded defense. The key x-factor will be Josh Howard if he has the series like he did in the first round, the Mavs may be able to push through into the Western Conference Finals. There really isnt a player who can stop Howard on Denver, I mean Melo is a great offensive player although not so much on defense. Bench play will be a big time factor as well. I will take Denver in seven.
On to the East....
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thanks Bulls-Celtics
I have only wrote one article about this series after Ray "Jesus Shuttlesworth" Allen performance in game two and with the upcoming finals season I have had little time to write but I really could have wrote articles for 6 out of the 7 games.
I remember watching Game 1, a bit hungover on a Saturday afternoon trying to remember the night before and Derrick Rose's performance all caught our eyes although none of us thought that this series would be in the "epic category". This series had absolutely everything that someone who enjoys basketball would want.
Rajon Rondo was being protected by David Stern, dont get me wrong but Rondo needed to be protected because he was one of the key cogs in making this series what it was. Marc Stein of ESPN on the BS Report in his opinion thinks Rondo has a better chance of ending a year with a triple-double. Which people dismissed when I brought up in conversation but its not like he needs "LeBron" numbers of 34-12-13, Rondo could easily go out and have 13-12-10.
The other main factor of what made the Bulls-Celtics great was my remembrance of how clutch Ray Allen really is. Last postseason he struggled mightily in the playoffs, but this year brought back so many memories of him raining clutch threes in Milwaukee. Then in game six, Allen carried the team on his back with 51 points and did almost everything to win the series in six. Now every time he shoots my buddy Tim and I yell JESUS!
One of my favorite aspects of the series was how everyone remembered how much they hated Joakim Noah or Brad Miller. The Bulls are never going to be a team I like because they are from Chicago and Noah-Miller. Granted, Noah's dunk over Paul Pierce was one of the sickest dunks I had seen all playoffs. Also he is still a complete punk and an asshole. After game six, he will was celebrating like Noah had won the NBA Finals and he was the GD reason. Miller is the biggest piece of white trash I have seen on the basketball court. Usually I cheer for the white guy but no way am I ever cheering for a guy like Miller.
I will probably do another article about him but Brian Scalabrine you are my idol. You are keeping us big white guys relevant. I have said it before and will say it on the blog, if Scalabrine wins a game for the Celtics, I will drink heavily.
Once again, thank you Bulls-Celtics.
-Charlie.
I remember watching Game 1, a bit hungover on a Saturday afternoon trying to remember the night before and Derrick Rose's performance all caught our eyes although none of us thought that this series would be in the "epic category". This series had absolutely everything that someone who enjoys basketball would want.
Rajon Rondo was being protected by David Stern, dont get me wrong but Rondo needed to be protected because he was one of the key cogs in making this series what it was. Marc Stein of ESPN on the BS Report in his opinion thinks Rondo has a better chance of ending a year with a triple-double. Which people dismissed when I brought up in conversation but its not like he needs "LeBron" numbers of 34-12-13, Rondo could easily go out and have 13-12-10.
The other main factor of what made the Bulls-Celtics great was my remembrance of how clutch Ray Allen really is. Last postseason he struggled mightily in the playoffs, but this year brought back so many memories of him raining clutch threes in Milwaukee. Then in game six, Allen carried the team on his back with 51 points and did almost everything to win the series in six. Now every time he shoots my buddy Tim and I yell JESUS!
One of my favorite aspects of the series was how everyone remembered how much they hated Joakim Noah or Brad Miller. The Bulls are never going to be a team I like because they are from Chicago and Noah-Miller. Granted, Noah's dunk over Paul Pierce was one of the sickest dunks I had seen all playoffs. Also he is still a complete punk and an asshole. After game six, he will was celebrating like Noah had won the NBA Finals and he was the GD reason. Miller is the biggest piece of white trash I have seen on the basketball court. Usually I cheer for the white guy but no way am I ever cheering for a guy like Miller.
I will probably do another article about him but Brian Scalabrine you are my idol. You are keeping us big white guys relevant. I have said it before and will say it on the blog, if Scalabrine wins a game for the Celtics, I will drink heavily.
Once again, thank you Bulls-Celtics.
-Charlie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)