Adios.
I am moving to a different website with a couple of friends because I started to realize awhile ago that I cannot keep up with everything that happens and also I do not have an opinion on every little thing that ESPN/Yahoo/Deadspin/etc posted. Maybe someone does have one and that's one of the many reasons why I created Sports on Tap.
The five guys that will be working on this website will be Eric, Patrick, Michael, Mitch, and myself bringing you various opinions on sports. The launch date is set for August 2nd. There will be a Daily Debate where we will talk back and forth about topic like we would be on Friday night having a few cold ones.
In the next couple of weeks, I will link all of my articles that I personally write so you guys can all I get used to the new site. The url will be www.snotap.com as I said before, get ready on August 2nd for up to the minute sports blog network where we will never you leave you thirsting for more.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
TOcho=The Disaster of 2010 Season
The Cincinnati Bengals might be the most frustrating team in the NFL. I wrote last week about how the Baltimore Ravens weren't a lock for the Super Bowl and that they might not even win the division because the Bengals are that damn good. Then they go and screw things up by bringing in Terrell Owens. Kevin McAillister can sum it up for me... buzz's girlfriend.. woof.
I thought the Bengals had a lot of promise after they made the playoffs last year getting Antwan Odom back and Rey Maualuga getting better. They also had a pretty good draft and adding Antonio Bryant/Jordan Shipley made their passing offense much better than that 26th rank from last year. Then T.O. has to come into the picture and ruin things like Nexus in the WWE (best idea in awhile by the way).
I have never been on the T.O. bandwagon because he is a headcase. Not like Chad OchoCinco who is more of an entertainer but never really damages the team like Owens has done so many times before. Tell me which team has left missing Owens? None of them. Nobody wants the guy around after awhile because he is a big baby and everything has to be about him.
People are going to spin this in the direction of that Ocho can reel this guy in and get his head straight. I will believe it when I see it, he doesn't make the offense any better and Cedric Benson will have an off year, just don't see him able to keep it up. Owens and Ocho will not be as close as friends by the end of the year. It reminds me of when you and your best friend want to live together in college because "all we will do is rage and bone chicks without any drama due to the fact that we are bros." Then things can get ugly between the two for a variety of reasons. This same will happen with T.O and Ocho.
I cannot believe I saw a couple people excited about this, I love Chad but Owens will not make him better nor improve their team by more than one win. He will show up when he wants to and will blow up like a Fourth of July firework display. But just like Favre, we will shrug it off because all of us know it's just T.O. destroying another franchise.
-Charlie.
I thought the Bengals had a lot of promise after they made the playoffs last year getting Antwan Odom back and Rey Maualuga getting better. They also had a pretty good draft and adding Antonio Bryant/Jordan Shipley made their passing offense much better than that 26th rank from last year. Then T.O. has to come into the picture and ruin things like Nexus in the WWE (best idea in awhile by the way).
I have never been on the T.O. bandwagon because he is a headcase. Not like Chad OchoCinco who is more of an entertainer but never really damages the team like Owens has done so many times before. Tell me which team has left missing Owens? None of them. Nobody wants the guy around after awhile because he is a big baby and everything has to be about him.
People are going to spin this in the direction of that Ocho can reel this guy in and get his head straight. I will believe it when I see it, he doesn't make the offense any better and Cedric Benson will have an off year, just don't see him able to keep it up. Owens and Ocho will not be as close as friends by the end of the year. It reminds me of when you and your best friend want to live together in college because "all we will do is rage and bone chicks without any drama due to the fact that we are bros." Then things can get ugly between the two for a variety of reasons. This same will happen with T.O and Ocho.
I cannot believe I saw a couple people excited about this, I love Chad but Owens will not make him better nor improve their team by more than one win. He will show up when he wants to and will blow up like a Fourth of July firework display. But just like Favre, we will shrug it off because all of us know it's just T.O. destroying another franchise.
-Charlie.
Jim Edmonds: Just Brings It
I remember when the Milwaukee Brewers' signed Jim Edmonds. I talked to a variety of my buddies and we were all really excited for the signings. The reason was because he always hit the ball well at Miller Park plus he seemed like a class act.
He had a great Spring Training and earned himself a starting spot on Opening Day with the struggles of Corey Hart. Edmonds looked okay throughout the first couple of months but nothing special, just a bench player who hit the ball once in awhile. He went on the disabled list for awhile and guys like Eric started to be very negative about him. I think he said something like 'of course now that he is on the Brewers, he struggles.' I don't blame with the example of Jeff Suppan. But ever since the All Star Break, Edmonds has been on fire.
He is seeing the ball like he is 28, making those Gold Glove catches that we all remember, and as he announced his retirement on Saturday, he said he was going out with a bang. Forget the fact that Edmonds is banged up with an Achilles injury but he pulled a Russell Branyan tonight who just came in to hit a home run Monday night. Even with the bum Achilles, Edmonds continues to rake in any way he can. In addition, everyone has got behind him and is one of the fan favorites of the 2010 season.
As he rides into the sunset like Solomon Torres and others did after a successful final year with the Brewers, I would like to personally thank Edmonds for bringing it every day even when some of the team doesn't. I believe some day he will be an excellent baseball coach and could be valuable for an organization.
He had a great Spring Training and earned himself a starting spot on Opening Day with the struggles of Corey Hart. Edmonds looked okay throughout the first couple of months but nothing special, just a bench player who hit the ball once in awhile. He went on the disabled list for awhile and guys like Eric started to be very negative about him. I think he said something like 'of course now that he is on the Brewers, he struggles.' I don't blame with the example of Jeff Suppan. But ever since the All Star Break, Edmonds has been on fire.
He is seeing the ball like he is 28, making those Gold Glove catches that we all remember, and as he announced his retirement on Saturday, he said he was going out with a bang. Forget the fact that Edmonds is banged up with an Achilles injury but he pulled a Russell Branyan tonight who just came in to hit a home run Monday night. Even with the bum Achilles, Edmonds continues to rake in any way he can. In addition, everyone has got behind him and is one of the fan favorites of the 2010 season.
As he rides into the sunset like Solomon Torres and others did after a successful final year with the Brewers, I would like to personally thank Edmonds for bringing it every day even when some of the team doesn't. I believe some day he will be an excellent baseball coach and could be valuable for an organization.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Quiet Down Roy.
I wondered to myself why Dez Bryant's refusal to take Roy Williams' pads was such a big story today. I assumed this reason, it's the first football story of the 2010-2011 season and it's the Dallas Cowboys therefore it will be a bigger story than it needs to be. People who believe that Bryant is already a diva receiver are mistaken.
Bryant falls into the category of 'you would be a top 10 favorite of mine if you didn't play for such a shitty team.' I cannot stand the Cowboys so cheering on Bryant would be a crime to my Packer fan hood but do I think Bryant has a very good chance to win Rookie of the Year plus make a big time dent. You bet your ass.
First off, Bryant signed for less money and is already in training camp working hard unlike other wide receivers (cough Michael Crabtree cough) in their first season. Second of all, I am hearing that he is following around Tony Romo around like Romo is his older brother. Bryant is just absorbing everything he can right now and you know who he isn't learning from? Roy Williams, that's who.
Face it, this guy knows that Bryant will take Williams' spot by week three, maybe earlier. Williams has been nothing but trouble for the Cowboys. He has complained about a variety of things already in his career and this is just another thing for him to whine about. He should be more worried about competing for his spot rather than some 'rook' not taking his pads.
-Charlie.
Bryant falls into the category of 'you would be a top 10 favorite of mine if you didn't play for such a shitty team.' I cannot stand the Cowboys so cheering on Bryant would be a crime to my Packer fan hood but do I think Bryant has a very good chance to win Rookie of the Year plus make a big time dent. You bet your ass.
First off, Bryant signed for less money and is already in training camp working hard unlike other wide receivers (cough Michael Crabtree cough) in their first season. Second of all, I am hearing that he is following around Tony Romo around like Romo is his older brother. Bryant is just absorbing everything he can right now and you know who he isn't learning from? Roy Williams, that's who.
Face it, this guy knows that Bryant will take Williams' spot by week three, maybe earlier. Williams has been nothing but trouble for the Cowboys. He has complained about a variety of things already in his career and this is just another thing for him to whine about. He should be more worried about competing for his spot rather than some 'rook' not taking his pads.
-Charlie.
Monday, July 26, 2010
CP3 Stays Loyal For Now...
I have to admit I was pretty upset to learn that Chris Paul wanted out of New Orleans after one disappointing year and gave his personal wish list of places he would like to play. Honestly, it couldn't have made me more mad because I am old school in terms of loyalty, I like it when it happens but I also understand that it's a business more than I like to believe.
So today when I heard from ESPN and others that Paul seemed extremely positive after the meeting with the management after he acted as if he didn't want to be apart of the Nola, he had this to say...
"I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come."
I am glad Paul went that route because even though New Orleans doesn't clutch on him as much as they did before the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl victory, they still need Paul. That arena and the team will die faster than anything going on in Cleveland right now and once again, kill professional basketball in the state of Louisiana.
Paul worried that New Orleans couldn't win with the team they have and honestly, I don't see it. I think the Western Conference isn't as strong as it's been in years past. If Paul can stay healthy, the Hornets will find themselves in the playoffs. They have good veterans like Peja Stojakovic, David West, Emeka Okafor and James Posey. Not to mention, two talented young guys who came on strong last season-Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison. The lineup of Paul-Thornton-Peja-West-Okafor would not be a bad one to make a playoff run with a couple guys contributing off their bench.
In my opinion, Paul wanted what his buddy LeBron James just got. All the attention in the world and a great, not a good team around him so he could win right now. I have no idea if Paul realized that leaving New Orleans isn't a good move right now or that he just isn't ready to move on from the team who drafted him.
-Charlie.
So today when I heard from ESPN and others that Paul seemed extremely positive after the meeting with the management after he acted as if he didn't want to be apart of the Nola, he had this to say...
"I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come."
I am glad Paul went that route because even though New Orleans doesn't clutch on him as much as they did before the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl victory, they still need Paul. That arena and the team will die faster than anything going on in Cleveland right now and once again, kill professional basketball in the state of Louisiana.
Paul worried that New Orleans couldn't win with the team they have and honestly, I don't see it. I think the Western Conference isn't as strong as it's been in years past. If Paul can stay healthy, the Hornets will find themselves in the playoffs. They have good veterans like Peja Stojakovic, David West, Emeka Okafor and James Posey. Not to mention, two talented young guys who came on strong last season-Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison. The lineup of Paul-Thornton-Peja-West-Okafor would not be a bad one to make a playoff run with a couple guys contributing off their bench.
In my opinion, Paul wanted what his buddy LeBron James just got. All the attention in the world and a great, not a good team around him so he could win right now. I have no idea if Paul realized that leaving New Orleans isn't a good move right now or that he just isn't ready to move on from the team who drafted him.
-Charlie.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Expected Rant
Are the Milwaukee Brewers the most unwatchable team in Major League Baseball?
People would probably say no because of teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and the Pittsburgh Pirates but here me out on this one. The Brewers are like the hot girl at school who always wear sweatpants and a hoodie on most days never showing off their true assets that God gave them. Then there are those stretches where she actually looks hot and turns heads. That is exactly what the Milwaukee Brewers do to their fans. For the most part, we are an underachieving team but there are those instances where the Crew appears they can make the playoffs.
Right now, we look like the girl who added 15 pounds from her first year of college, just ugly, unattractive, nothing like we were two years ago. The Brewers' starters have given up 10 runs in their last three of four starts, which is something that has only happened one other time (1937!) and nobody can just flat out say "Look we suck right now." The worst part about this was reading about how Randy Wolf who leads the league in runs allowed, walks, and tied for home runs given up (29 million right there boys!) says he would rather be out there than murder the bullpen. Yeah that sounds about as good as herpes, let's keep a guy out there who is hanging curveballs and let's really get our asses kicked instead of trying to salvage a game. Good thoughts all around.
Everyone is just stroking everybody else's egos in that clubhouse with nobody wanting to be the asshole as my dad said last night. No one (Macha/Melvin/Attanasio) in the management has ripped this team like they need to. All we can resort to is hearing on the various sports talk radio shows about how angry the fans are right now on this team.
Why are we angry? Let's see forget about the stuff above but how about designating a guy like Lorenzo Cain who has the chance to outplay Carlos Gomez who is Willie 'Mays' Hayes from Major League II when he is up on the plate. I mean it's understandable but what about cutting our ties with somebody else? I mean I get Cain will get everyday playing time down there but he still could get some experience up here. I have a feeling we will see him again soon because Jim Edmonds' Achilles seems like it's more of a problem than it needs to be.
Another reason why there is anger from the fans is the fact Manny Parra gets more chances than a cheating boyfriend. Chris Capuano pitched his ass off on Monday night and has been the only bright spot this week, therefore it makes the most sense to send him back to the bullpen. What is going with this team, every move feels like the wrong one and I believe most of us are fed up with the Brewers' decision making right now. Parra still in the rotation after multiple bad starts in the month of July doesn't make any sense to me at least.
They better hope Yovani Gallardo can give them a great performance because if not, ruuuut rooh. Big time changes will be coming on Friday before the home stand. I have no idea what they will be but I have a feeling there will be a Black Friday just as there was a Black Wednesday last season. But knowing the Brewers, they will prolong this until it really gets out of hand.
-Charlie.
People would probably say no because of teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and the Pittsburgh Pirates but here me out on this one. The Brewers are like the hot girl at school who always wear sweatpants and a hoodie on most days never showing off their true assets that God gave them. Then there are those stretches where she actually looks hot and turns heads. That is exactly what the Milwaukee Brewers do to their fans. For the most part, we are an underachieving team but there are those instances where the Crew appears they can make the playoffs.
Right now, we look like the girl who added 15 pounds from her first year of college, just ugly, unattractive, nothing like we were two years ago. The Brewers' starters have given up 10 runs in their last three of four starts, which is something that has only happened one other time (1937!) and nobody can just flat out say "Look we suck right now." The worst part about this was reading about how Randy Wolf who leads the league in runs allowed, walks, and tied for home runs given up (29 million right there boys!) says he would rather be out there than murder the bullpen. Yeah that sounds about as good as herpes, let's keep a guy out there who is hanging curveballs and let's really get our asses kicked instead of trying to salvage a game. Good thoughts all around.
Everyone is just stroking everybody else's egos in that clubhouse with nobody wanting to be the asshole as my dad said last night. No one (Macha/Melvin/Attanasio) in the management has ripped this team like they need to. All we can resort to is hearing on the various sports talk radio shows about how angry the fans are right now on this team.
Why are we angry? Let's see forget about the stuff above but how about designating a guy like Lorenzo Cain who has the chance to outplay Carlos Gomez who is Willie 'Mays' Hayes from Major League II when he is up on the plate. I mean it's understandable but what about cutting our ties with somebody else? I mean I get Cain will get everyday playing time down there but he still could get some experience up here. I have a feeling we will see him again soon because Jim Edmonds' Achilles seems like it's more of a problem than it needs to be.
Another reason why there is anger from the fans is the fact Manny Parra gets more chances than a cheating boyfriend. Chris Capuano pitched his ass off on Monday night and has been the only bright spot this week, therefore it makes the most sense to send him back to the bullpen. What is going with this team, every move feels like the wrong one and I believe most of us are fed up with the Brewers' decision making right now. Parra still in the rotation after multiple bad starts in the month of July doesn't make any sense to me at least.
They better hope Yovani Gallardo can give them a great performance because if not, ruuuut rooh. Big time changes will be coming on Friday before the home stand. I have no idea what they will be but I have a feeling there will be a Black Friday just as there was a Black Wednesday last season. But knowing the Brewers, they will prolong this until it really gets out of hand.
-Charlie.
Dear Roy Oswalt and the Major Leagues,
This is an open letter to both Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt who is the hottest thing since Amber from Teen Mom and the rest of the major leagues.
I do not understand why anyone would be batshit crazy enough to trade for you Roy. Yeah your numbers this season for the Astros are awesome if you are an advanced stats guy (let's be honest, this guy is Jonah Keri and other stat guys wet dream right now). You are as talented as any pitcher in the big leagues but if anyone thinks it's a good idea to pitch up for 16 million dollar option for 2012 must have had five Dan Gilbert strength Gin and Tonics to talk themselves into this idea.
Right now, Oswalt is 32 years old and he would be 34 years old when that said option gets picked up. Are you kidding me? There is no way that Oswalt who has some injury issues would be as dominate as he is today. To be honest, I would take a chance on Dan Haren before I would even touch Oswalt. He is not worth the money that he wants and the Astros are asking for three prospects on that of that. Is it really worth it to some teams?
For Philadelphia, it would be idiotic. They cannot get run support with their ace right now Roy Halladay so what's them think that they would do with Oswalt? I think the only reason they are involved is because the Phillies know they can rip off former clueless GM Ed Wade. Now, I am hearing that St. Louis is believed to be the favorite. I do understand that if they land Oswalt, no one I mean no one in the Major Leagues is touching their pitching staff but where would be the money for Pujols?
There was an article out last year that maybe Will Leitch wrote or he linked it, I forget how it went but it basically explained how the new management has a new style that Tony LaRussa isn't a fan of for the most part. People rumored that he might retire as Pujols' contract is up and that Albert would leave St. Louis for greener pastures with LaRussa out of the picture. If we follow that theory, I think the Oswalt trade would add another top line pitcher (Wainwright/Carpenter/Oswalt if healthy is destructive) and they still have Matt Holliday. It would be very interesting to see him head to the Arch.
-Charlie.
I do not understand why anyone would be batshit crazy enough to trade for you Roy. Yeah your numbers this season for the Astros are awesome if you are an advanced stats guy (let's be honest, this guy is Jonah Keri and other stat guys wet dream right now). You are as talented as any pitcher in the big leagues but if anyone thinks it's a good idea to pitch up for 16 million dollar option for 2012 must have had five Dan Gilbert strength Gin and Tonics to talk themselves into this idea.
Right now, Oswalt is 32 years old and he would be 34 years old when that said option gets picked up. Are you kidding me? There is no way that Oswalt who has some injury issues would be as dominate as he is today. To be honest, I would take a chance on Dan Haren before I would even touch Oswalt. He is not worth the money that he wants and the Astros are asking for three prospects on that of that. Is it really worth it to some teams?
For Philadelphia, it would be idiotic. They cannot get run support with their ace right now Roy Halladay so what's them think that they would do with Oswalt? I think the only reason they are involved is because the Phillies know they can rip off former clueless GM Ed Wade. Now, I am hearing that St. Louis is believed to be the favorite. I do understand that if they land Oswalt, no one I mean no one in the Major Leagues is touching their pitching staff but where would be the money for Pujols?
There was an article out last year that maybe Will Leitch wrote or he linked it, I forget how it went but it basically explained how the new management has a new style that Tony LaRussa isn't a fan of for the most part. People rumored that he might retire as Pujols' contract is up and that Albert would leave St. Louis for greener pastures with LaRussa out of the picture. If we follow that theory, I think the Oswalt trade would add another top line pitcher (Wainwright/Carpenter/Oswalt if healthy is destructive) and they still have Matt Holliday. It would be very interesting to see him head to the Arch.
-Charlie.
Dashing Super Bowl Hopes on July 22
If you gamble on sports, something I do not do right now (seriously considered this for the upcoming year) I am saving you a ton of money with this blog post. Do not put any money on a future bet that the Baltimore Ravens will be in the Super Bowl or that they will even get there.
The biggest reason why I feel this way is Ed Reed announced yesterday that he will be out six weeks of the NFL season from hip surgery. Even though he will be back for most of the season, I think this is something that could really hinder the Ravens all season. As a defensive back, he needs his hips to rotate and make plays. In the last couple years, Reed has been the defensive stalwart for their team more so than Ray Lewis. Reed is also getting pretty old (31) and I cannot imagine that the Ravens being a top notch team with this problem.
Also the first six games are pretty tough for the most part: at the New York Jets, at Cincinnati, vs. Cleveland, at Pittsburgh, vs. Denver, and at New England. I could see 3-3 for the Ravens to start out the season but I could also see 2-4, the Browns game in week three is their only real lock to start the year off without Ed Reed. Thankfully, they have the Buffalo Bills and a bye week in the next two games if Reed's injury took longer than believed.
This isn't their only problem in the defensive secondary. They have no cornerbacks right now, Chris McAillister and Samari Rolle are both out and they really have a bunch of nobodies who will go up against the best wide recievers. Did everyone forget how much Baltimore was penalized last season too? I mean yes they added Anquan Boldin, which is a huge upgrade offensively but to me, it's a bunch of smoke and mirrors for Baltimore.
-Charlie
The biggest reason why I feel this way is Ed Reed announced yesterday that he will be out six weeks of the NFL season from hip surgery. Even though he will be back for most of the season, I think this is something that could really hinder the Ravens all season. As a defensive back, he needs his hips to rotate and make plays. In the last couple years, Reed has been the defensive stalwart for their team more so than Ray Lewis. Reed is also getting pretty old (31) and I cannot imagine that the Ravens being a top notch team with this problem.
Also the first six games are pretty tough for the most part: at the New York Jets, at Cincinnati, vs. Cleveland, at Pittsburgh, vs. Denver, and at New England. I could see 3-3 for the Ravens to start out the season but I could also see 2-4, the Browns game in week three is their only real lock to start the year off without Ed Reed. Thankfully, they have the Buffalo Bills and a bye week in the next two games if Reed's injury took longer than believed.
This isn't their only problem in the defensive secondary. They have no cornerbacks right now, Chris McAillister and Samari Rolle are both out and they really have a bunch of nobodies who will go up against the best wide recievers. Did everyone forget how much Baltimore was penalized last season too? I mean yes they added Anquan Boldin, which is a huge upgrade offensively but to me, it's a bunch of smoke and mirrors for Baltimore.
-Charlie
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Let's Talk About Golf
I watched maybe an hour or two hours of the British Open this weekend, which was probably an all time low for me for a major golf tournament in awhile. Granted, I had to work a lot but if I didn't I would not have made it a point to wake up to watch it with the blowout inflicted by Louis Oosthuizen.
He played some great golf and I am not taking that away from him, but no one wants to see a nobody blow away the competition. It's an impression and who knows with his age (27), Oosthuizen could make some waves. I just want one of these nobodies to win some majors or at least be around in the top 10 in big tournaments. That's what pisses me off is a lot of these nobodies do not do anything after they win a major. I think they have the theory of 'this is the apex, I never expected a major championship so now that I am here, I don't need to try as hard.'
When it all boils down to it, I miss Tiger Woods' dominance. I loved the tournaments where Tiger would blow away the competition like Oosthuizen did this weekend because it just proved he was the best player in the world. I think he probably will never regain the form that he once had because he is getting older, not due to the scandal. Woods will get his first win some point and it will be great, yet Tiger will not be that same player who could win the major slam.
-Charlie.
He played some great golf and I am not taking that away from him, but no one wants to see a nobody blow away the competition. It's an impression and who knows with his age (27), Oosthuizen could make some waves. I just want one of these nobodies to win some majors or at least be around in the top 10 in big tournaments. That's what pisses me off is a lot of these nobodies do not do anything after they win a major. I think they have the theory of 'this is the apex, I never expected a major championship so now that I am here, I don't need to try as hard.'
When it all boils down to it, I miss Tiger Woods' dominance. I loved the tournaments where Tiger would blow away the competition like Oosthuizen did this weekend because it just proved he was the best player in the world. I think he probably will never regain the form that he once had because he is getting older, not due to the scandal. Woods will get his first win some point and it will be great, yet Tiger will not be that same player who could win the major slam.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
2. LeBron's Legacy Doesn't Exist
A reader, Green Bay asked me to comment on LeBron James' legacy and since I am a whore to my readers, I absolutely will do this for him. I have had a long time to look at it and I have come to my conclusion. He is never going to compared with Michael Jordan/Henry Aaron/Joe Montana/Wayne Gretzky any of 'the greatest of all time.'
He will be in the category of Bo Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Julius Erving, Deion Sanders, Eric Lindros, and Ken Griffey Jr. Also you wonder why I put Deion in there is because he is in the freak athlete category of guys we will probably not see for another fifteen to twenty years. These guys are all uber athletes who could have been the greatest of all time at their sport but they never lived up to the potential that everybody wanted them to be.
LeBron will never be the greatest of all time. I cannot call the guy the greatest who wanted to play with his buddy instead of kicking his ass. Would Jordan had wanted to come to Phoenix to play with Charles Barkley? Hell no, he wanted to kicks Chuck's ass every time they played and we would have never seen Magic Johnson/Larry Bird together. There is no hate in the NBA anymore, Kobe is so old school compared to these other jokers in the league because he is the only one with the serial killer look in his eyes. Dwyane Wade doesn't have that look nor does LeBron.
He latched on to the Heat because LeBron did not want to be Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, or Dan Marino of great players who never win a title. LeBron couldn't deal with that so he jettisoned to a place where he and his tremendous PR team believed that would happen. If LeBron was like Kobe, he would have said, "You know what who cares about Donald Sterling, I am joining the Clippers and battling Kobe Bryant out for the Staples Center for six months." Honestly had he decided to join the Clips, I would have been a LeBron fan. As Vince McMahon says, "LeBron doesn't have the grapefruits to do anything like that."
The one thing that told me LeBron hated pressure like A-Rod and others before him was the comment "It will be really nice to not have to score 30 points a game." I think Kobe goes on a Mel Gibson-like rant when he doesn't get his 30 so for Bron to tell people he doesn't want to score like that makes absolutely no sense. To me, that is the quote that I will point out and tell you that he doesn't want it as much as others before.
He is like the kids we all knew in high school who had all the talents in the world but never worked hard enough to reach their full potential. They let everybody tell them how good they were and they never tried to be better than what they were. Nobody ever told them they were wrong or that is a bad idea. LeBron needs that person and sadly, he will never get that.
-Charlie.
He will be in the category of Bo Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Julius Erving, Deion Sanders, Eric Lindros, and Ken Griffey Jr. Also you wonder why I put Deion in there is because he is in the freak athlete category of guys we will probably not see for another fifteen to twenty years. These guys are all uber athletes who could have been the greatest of all time at their sport but they never lived up to the potential that everybody wanted them to be.
LeBron will never be the greatest of all time. I cannot call the guy the greatest who wanted to play with his buddy instead of kicking his ass. Would Jordan had wanted to come to Phoenix to play with Charles Barkley? Hell no, he wanted to kicks Chuck's ass every time they played and we would have never seen Magic Johnson/Larry Bird together. There is no hate in the NBA anymore, Kobe is so old school compared to these other jokers in the league because he is the only one with the serial killer look in his eyes. Dwyane Wade doesn't have that look nor does LeBron.
He latched on to the Heat because LeBron did not want to be Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, or Dan Marino of great players who never win a title. LeBron couldn't deal with that so he jettisoned to a place where he and his tremendous PR team believed that would happen. If LeBron was like Kobe, he would have said, "You know what who cares about Donald Sterling, I am joining the Clippers and battling Kobe Bryant out for the Staples Center for six months." Honestly had he decided to join the Clips, I would have been a LeBron fan. As Vince McMahon says, "LeBron doesn't have the grapefruits to do anything like that."
The one thing that told me LeBron hated pressure like A-Rod and others before him was the comment "It will be really nice to not have to score 30 points a game." I think Kobe goes on a Mel Gibson-like rant when he doesn't get his 30 so for Bron to tell people he doesn't want to score like that makes absolutely no sense. To me, that is the quote that I will point out and tell you that he doesn't want it as much as others before.
He is like the kids we all knew in high school who had all the talents in the world but never worked hard enough to reach their full potential. They let everybody tell them how good they were and they never tried to be better than what they were. Nobody ever told them they were wrong or that is a bad idea. LeBron needs that person and sadly, he will never get that.
-Charlie.
3. What the World Cup Meant to Me
On Sunday, the World Cup ended and left me disappointed. I looked forward to waking up early at 9 to watch the games and learn about the beautiful game. I was always an outside fan and I liked to watch plus play a ton of FIFA against a lot of my friends. But I think the World Cup transformed me into a fan.
I do not want to sound like John Madden but as the games go on, the games got better. I really became excited to watch and check my work schedule to see if I was able to watch the games. In 2006, I thought i hated the Netherlands but after watching them against Brazil, I liked their physical play and that Wesley Sneijder was playfully patting the Brazilians on their face after making a bad call. Although, the downside of the Dutch was Nigel De Jong, that man is a bonafide asshole who broke the American's Stuart Holden's ankle in a friendly and dropkicked a Spainard who I cannot think of. De Jong is a man I will not root for but the Dutch are okay with me.
I have to also give credit to my man Doz who jumped on Diego Forlan bandwagon before everybody else did. He told me when we were still in group stages, how much he loved Forlan. He began to call them Fightin' Forlans and texted me with updates whenever he could. He had a love affair with Petr Cech last World Cup, and now it's Forlan. Also let me add, everybody loved him by the quarterfinals and wanted Urugauy to advance as far as possible. I hope he moves on to greener pastures than Athletico Madrid so we can watch him more.
I have already watched a couple MLS games to quench my pallet for soccer even if it's sub-par compared to the European style, which I have to wait to watch in August. I have already declared I am a Tottingham Hotspur fan and before you say "This is only because of Simmons!!!!!" It's not, I liked the squad when I played with them in FIFA 08 and stayed on the bandwagon because I didn't want to jump to the usual teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. That would be too easy, and I had to convert to a team who not many people would like. I cannot wait until the English Premier League starts in August and I hope ESPN continues their wonderful coverage of futbol.
-Charlie.
I do not want to sound like John Madden but as the games go on, the games got better. I really became excited to watch and check my work schedule to see if I was able to watch the games. In 2006, I thought i hated the Netherlands but after watching them against Brazil, I liked their physical play and that Wesley Sneijder was playfully patting the Brazilians on their face after making a bad call. Although, the downside of the Dutch was Nigel De Jong, that man is a bonafide asshole who broke the American's Stuart Holden's ankle in a friendly and dropkicked a Spainard who I cannot think of. De Jong is a man I will not root for but the Dutch are okay with me.
I have to also give credit to my man Doz who jumped on Diego Forlan bandwagon before everybody else did. He told me when we were still in group stages, how much he loved Forlan. He began to call them Fightin' Forlans and texted me with updates whenever he could. He had a love affair with Petr Cech last World Cup, and now it's Forlan. Also let me add, everybody loved him by the quarterfinals and wanted Urugauy to advance as far as possible. I hope he moves on to greener pastures than Athletico Madrid so we can watch him more.
I have already watched a couple MLS games to quench my pallet for soccer even if it's sub-par compared to the European style, which I have to wait to watch in August. I have already declared I am a Tottingham Hotspur fan and before you say "This is only because of Simmons!!!!!" It's not, I liked the squad when I played with them in FIFA 08 and stayed on the bandwagon because I didn't want to jump to the usual teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. That would be too easy, and I had to convert to a team who not many people would like. I cannot wait until the English Premier League starts in August and I hope ESPN continues their wonderful coverage of futbol.
-Charlie.
4. The Michael Myers of the NBA
One of the bigger questions going on right now is bringing three of the bigger names of the NBA to one team a good thing? I have wonder the same thing, and honestly it is good for one big time reason... we finally have a villain in the NBA.
If you think about the NFL, NHL, College Football/Basketball, and MLB have hated teams that nobody can stand (Cowboys, Red Wings, Fightin' Irish, Wildcats, Yankees). The NBA hasn't had that since Detroit's Bad Boys teams who did some classless things throughout their years. It could be argued the 90s New York Knicks also were a hated team, and that the Los Angles Lakers have always been hated. As much as when LeBron James signed, I thought many people would begin their jump to the bandwagon because of James. I do not think that is happening like I thought it would.
People who didn't mind James really do not like him anymore. Everyone talks about how much of a 'douche' he was about the whole process and that they cannot stand the Heat. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the backlash for a team who just brought back Dwyane Wade, and brought in Chris Bosh/James. This team had to well-liked but they vaulted the Lakers as the number hated team.
This will be a team that when they go to opposing arenas, the chorus of boos will rain down on them like if it was a monsoon. I couldn't imagine some of the people who supported James through the years will be on his side this year. In addition, can someone clarify if James does his powder toss on the road? If so, fans should ask their management to not allow James to do that as another big FU.
People love to say "God I am really glad the Yankees/Cowboys/Fightin Irish are sucking, it just puts a smile on my face when they lose." A lot of people including myself will be happy when the Heat lose even though they have a Marquette graduate on the team, no one wants see a super team succeed. Finally, DWade has his ring, why does LeBron need one too?
-Charlie.
If you think about the NFL, NHL, College Football/Basketball, and MLB have hated teams that nobody can stand (Cowboys, Red Wings, Fightin' Irish, Wildcats, Yankees). The NBA hasn't had that since Detroit's Bad Boys teams who did some classless things throughout their years. It could be argued the 90s New York Knicks also were a hated team, and that the Los Angles Lakers have always been hated. As much as when LeBron James signed, I thought many people would begin their jump to the bandwagon because of James. I do not think that is happening like I thought it would.
People who didn't mind James really do not like him anymore. Everyone talks about how much of a 'douche' he was about the whole process and that they cannot stand the Heat. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the backlash for a team who just brought back Dwyane Wade, and brought in Chris Bosh/James. This team had to well-liked but they vaulted the Lakers as the number hated team.
This will be a team that when they go to opposing arenas, the chorus of boos will rain down on them like if it was a monsoon. I couldn't imagine some of the people who supported James through the years will be on his side this year. In addition, can someone clarify if James does his powder toss on the road? If so, fans should ask their management to not allow James to do that as another big FU.
People love to say "God I am really glad the Yankees/Cowboys/Fightin Irish are sucking, it just puts a smile on my face when they lose." A lot of people including myself will be happy when the Heat lose even though they have a Marquette graduate on the team, no one wants see a super team succeed. Finally, DWade has his ring, why does LeBron need one too?
-Charlie.
5. Cleveland Still Hungover From The Decision
I realize this is a few days late but I already explained my situation. I cannot help but think that Cleveland is still hurting from Thursday night even though they signed Kyle Lowry today. I can understand somewhat Cavs fans of what you are going through right now. I don't believe I am on your level of grieving but I truly do get what is going on. It's an uber reality where you believe it's a sports nightmare where you might have been the only one happy for 12 hour coverage of George Steinbrenner today because you didn't have to see LeBron.
The wheels began to turn on this when your friend Eric asked the Sports Guy on Twitter, what is a bigger slap in the face: LBJ leaving Cleveland or Brett Favre leaving Green Bay for Minnesota. I thought about this for awhile because I knew Simmons probably wouldn't tweet Eric back. I had trouble coming with a decision and had to remind myself how mad I was about the Brett Favre to Minnesota thing last season.
What's funny is I told people that LeBron was much worse but then looking back on the Favre thing, I couldn't have been more mad. I really had so much hate in my stomach that week, that first game the Minnesota Viking plays, and the first game against Favre. Then when the Packers got swept, and lost the division, I felt like I needed to drink 50 beers to swallow the pain.
But what I haven't dealt with it is none of my three local teams never winning a championship for the city. Since 1948, there hasn't been a victory parade in the city of Cleveland. At least I have the Packers 97' Super Bowl to go off and I can be content knowing I saw one championship in my lifetime while some fans have never seen one. It's not just that Cleveland has a bunch of shitty teams for years upon years (right now all three are awful). The Fumble, The Drive, Jose Mesa, and the two LeBron choke jobs are all examples of the pain this city has felt without winning one championship.
The LeBron's choice to leave for Miami hurt more than Favre because this dealt blow for the Cleveland fan base to win championship or even have a competitive team. The Packers went to the playoffs when Favre went to Minnesota and we had a star in Aaron Rodgers. The Cavs have none of that, I mean who they look to... Antwan Jamison? That is about it for the Cavs and let's not forget, LeBron is from Ohio. I wrote two weeks ago that LeBron didn't care about the city for the franchises he adored in other sports. I think that point made it clear when LeBron decide to announce on national television that he would leave Cleveland for South Beach.
An Ohio kid basically told the state that it was too small for him and he needed to move on to create new memories. He didn't care about the history of Cleveland ever and for that I am sorry to the fans who believed that. I am sorry that you had a selfish basketball player even though your ownership should shoulder more blame than they actually have. Cleveland weeps again and hopefully they will find a championship in something before I turn 50.
-Charlie.
The wheels began to turn on this when your friend Eric asked the Sports Guy on Twitter, what is a bigger slap in the face: LBJ leaving Cleveland or Brett Favre leaving Green Bay for Minnesota. I thought about this for awhile because I knew Simmons probably wouldn't tweet Eric back. I had trouble coming with a decision and had to remind myself how mad I was about the Brett Favre to Minnesota thing last season.
What's funny is I told people that LeBron was much worse but then looking back on the Favre thing, I couldn't have been more mad. I really had so much hate in my stomach that week, that first game the Minnesota Viking plays, and the first game against Favre. Then when the Packers got swept, and lost the division, I felt like I needed to drink 50 beers to swallow the pain.
But what I haven't dealt with it is none of my three local teams never winning a championship for the city. Since 1948, there hasn't been a victory parade in the city of Cleveland. At least I have the Packers 97' Super Bowl to go off and I can be content knowing I saw one championship in my lifetime while some fans have never seen one. It's not just that Cleveland has a bunch of shitty teams for years upon years (right now all three are awful). The Fumble, The Drive, Jose Mesa, and the two LeBron choke jobs are all examples of the pain this city has felt without winning one championship.
The LeBron's choice to leave for Miami hurt more than Favre because this dealt blow for the Cleveland fan base to win championship or even have a competitive team. The Packers went to the playoffs when Favre went to Minnesota and we had a star in Aaron Rodgers. The Cavs have none of that, I mean who they look to... Antwan Jamison? That is about it for the Cavs and let's not forget, LeBron is from Ohio. I wrote two weeks ago that LeBron didn't care about the city for the franchises he adored in other sports. I think that point made it clear when LeBron decide to announce on national television that he would leave Cleveland for South Beach.
An Ohio kid basically told the state that it was too small for him and he needed to move on to create new memories. He didn't care about the history of Cleveland ever and for that I am sorry to the fans who believed that. I am sorry that you had a selfish basketball player even though your ownership should shoulder more blame than they actually have. Cleveland weeps again and hopefully they will find a championship in something before I turn 50.
-Charlie.
6. Brewers At The Break
Today when you watched the All Star Game and see that your Milwaukee Brewers have the two corner outfielders starting for the National League, you have to figure the team has to be at least be .500 or maybe even better. Nope. They are nine games under .500 and need a remarkable second half to get to the playoffs.
It has been a frustrating season but there are some bright spots like Corey Hart. A player whose jersey I had in 2007 and loved him as a player because he could pretty much do it all. In addition, I tried my best not to give up on him but I did take a lot of shit to the point, I couldn't wear my jersey out in public. I didn't feel like having to defend and I really couldn't say anything positive about him. I am glad I can now wear it with pride and glory.
Another player that has a great season is John Axford. A guy everyone seemed to fall in love with because of his tremendous mustache including myself because I understand a good stache. Then when the Crew was losing 10 straight games, Ken Macha decided to throw out Axford for shits and giggles in the 9th inning to close out a game against the Pirates. Now, he is our closer and has been a great one since that time. I hope the Ax man can keep it up for the rest of the season.
I mean sure it's great Prince Fielder has a bunch of homers, Rickie Weeks is doing well, before the DL Yovani Gallardo made a name for himself, and Casey McGehee isn't suffering the sophomore slump. Notice, most has been about the offense, the pitching has been the cause for concern and the reason why ball games have been lost at an alarming rate.
Pitching was a problem last season as well when the Brewers finished a disappointing .500. This led to Doug Melvin busting out the wallet to get Doug Davis and Randy Wolf, which worked out about as good as the Bay of Pigs. Wolf has been alright but he hasn't been a game changer for the Brewers, which I thought he would be. But it's the classic thing about getting excited about a signing your team makes when you probably should just take it for what it is. I was never excited about Davis, I felt we could have done better like the time you see your buddy dating a 4. Granted, he did pitch well in his last start and hopefully he will showcase his talents in the coming weeks for the trade deadline because I would rather see Manny Parra/Chris Narveson than Davis.
The back end of the bullpen is the reason why we are nine games under .500. If we had cut the cord with Trevor Hoffman earlier in the year, we might not be where we are today. The Crew have a stunning 11 blown saves already, which is extremely high for this time of the year. I expect about five or six games by now to go wrong in the 9th or later but eleven? They could be right in the thick of things if they stayed the course. I mean when people at the Clubhouse and Twitter joked about how Trevor Hoffman could have cost the National League the game tonight.
I have no idea what will happened in the months of July, August, and September yet I am guessing it will not be how we all want it. Either Hart or Fielder will be gone by July 31st plus the Brewers will keep hanging around third through fifth unless of an amazing second half run.
-Charlie.
It has been a frustrating season but there are some bright spots like Corey Hart. A player whose jersey I had in 2007 and loved him as a player because he could pretty much do it all. In addition, I tried my best not to give up on him but I did take a lot of shit to the point, I couldn't wear my jersey out in public. I didn't feel like having to defend and I really couldn't say anything positive about him. I am glad I can now wear it with pride and glory.
Another player that has a great season is John Axford. A guy everyone seemed to fall in love with because of his tremendous mustache including myself because I understand a good stache. Then when the Crew was losing 10 straight games, Ken Macha decided to throw out Axford for shits and giggles in the 9th inning to close out a game against the Pirates. Now, he is our closer and has been a great one since that time. I hope the Ax man can keep it up for the rest of the season.
I mean sure it's great Prince Fielder has a bunch of homers, Rickie Weeks is doing well, before the DL Yovani Gallardo made a name for himself, and Casey McGehee isn't suffering the sophomore slump. Notice, most has been about the offense, the pitching has been the cause for concern and the reason why ball games have been lost at an alarming rate.
Pitching was a problem last season as well when the Brewers finished a disappointing .500. This led to Doug Melvin busting out the wallet to get Doug Davis and Randy Wolf, which worked out about as good as the Bay of Pigs. Wolf has been alright but he hasn't been a game changer for the Brewers, which I thought he would be. But it's the classic thing about getting excited about a signing your team makes when you probably should just take it for what it is. I was never excited about Davis, I felt we could have done better like the time you see your buddy dating a 4. Granted, he did pitch well in his last start and hopefully he will showcase his talents in the coming weeks for the trade deadline because I would rather see Manny Parra/Chris Narveson than Davis.
The back end of the bullpen is the reason why we are nine games under .500. If we had cut the cord with Trevor Hoffman earlier in the year, we might not be where we are today. The Crew have a stunning 11 blown saves already, which is extremely high for this time of the year. I expect about five or six games by now to go wrong in the 9th or later but eleven? They could be right in the thick of things if they stayed the course. I mean when people at the Clubhouse and Twitter joked about how Trevor Hoffman could have cost the National League the game tonight.
I have no idea what will happened in the months of July, August, and September yet I am guessing it will not be how we all want it. Either Hart or Fielder will be gone by July 31st plus the Brewers will keep hanging around third through fifth unless of an amazing second half run.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
7. Boozer Doesn't Scare Me
All weekend I was around a couple Bulls fans who were depressed about losing out on LeBron James and I tried to lighten the mood by saying "HEY, at least you got Boozer!"
They liked the deal and still believe they can be the third or fourth best team in the NBA. I also liked the deal because Boozer is a double-double machine that is a tough nose defender and they have a formidable front line. Not to mention, they also added Kyle Korver for some three-point shooting and with the Cavs probably out of the picture, people are penciling them into the Central Division. But what about the Milwaukee Bucks?
I think this year will be the first year of a long going rivalry between the Bulls-Bucks, much in the way we as Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites hate the Chicago Cubs. The reason why some people do not have the same animosity for the Bulls is Michael Jordan. So many 18-25 year olds growing up were huge Jordan supporters therefore they jumped on the Bulls bandwagon and I have heard guys tell me "Still have something in my heart for the Bulls due to the Jordan years." This goes out the window this year.
The Bulls now have two of the biggest whiners in the middle with Joakim Noah/Carlos Boozer. Both of those guys bitch more than any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo. They complain about calls and they're over-the-top emotional when they do well. Granted, I would love them both if they played for the Bucks but that's not the point. Chicago will be a playoff team and a top 5 team in the East, although in my opinion, they will probably play Milwaukee in the first round.
I think these two teams are the fourth and fifth best teams in the Eastern Conference. Both have key role players that will be big parts of the team. In addition,the Bulls probably have the only star with Derrick Rose (can't s say Brandon Jennings yet but he could be there during this season) will probably be a time and a half better than last season. It's tough for me to say which team is better right now, maybe the Bulls due to the Rose factor. Still the Deer needs to feared.
-Charlie.
They liked the deal and still believe they can be the third or fourth best team in the NBA. I also liked the deal because Boozer is a double-double machine that is a tough nose defender and they have a formidable front line. Not to mention, they also added Kyle Korver for some three-point shooting and with the Cavs probably out of the picture, people are penciling them into the Central Division. But what about the Milwaukee Bucks?
I think this year will be the first year of a long going rivalry between the Bulls-Bucks, much in the way we as Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites hate the Chicago Cubs. The reason why some people do not have the same animosity for the Bulls is Michael Jordan. So many 18-25 year olds growing up were huge Jordan supporters therefore they jumped on the Bulls bandwagon and I have heard guys tell me "Still have something in my heart for the Bulls due to the Jordan years." This goes out the window this year.
The Bulls now have two of the biggest whiners in the middle with Joakim Noah/Carlos Boozer. Both of those guys bitch more than any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo. They complain about calls and they're over-the-top emotional when they do well. Granted, I would love them both if they played for the Bucks but that's not the point. Chicago will be a playoff team and a top 5 team in the East, although in my opinion, they will probably play Milwaukee in the first round.
I think these two teams are the fourth and fifth best teams in the Eastern Conference. Both have key role players that will be big parts of the team. In addition,the Bulls probably have the only star with Derrick Rose (can't s say Brandon Jennings yet but he could be there during this season) will probably be a time and a half better than last season. It's tough for me to say which team is better right now, maybe the Bulls due to the Rose factor. Still the Deer needs to feared.
-Charlie.
Monday, July 12, 2010
8. Texas Saves The Season
The first major blow in the Major League Baseball trading deadline happened over the weekend when the Seattle Mariners dealt Cliff Lee to their division rival the Texas Rangers for Justin Smoak and three other prospects. This is a good decision and a potentially really bad decision.
The Rangers are currently bankrupt without an owner and need money very bad right now. So they turn their prized prospect for one of the front-runners for the AL Cy Young. This will bring in ticket revenue and every start by Lee will probably be a sell out a lot like C.C. Sabathia for the Milwaukee Brewers. Then you add if they do make the playoffs, which they probably will means even more money for them. A franchise who hasn't seen October since the early 2000s had to make a move, but who would have thought it would be probably the biggest one?
I sure as hell didn't and I didn't think the Minnesota Twins would be able to land him either. Then as the LeBron saga is going on and I am getting ready for Mitch-a-Palooza, SportsCenter said the New York Yankees were getting close to landing Lee. I thought, "Shit, here we go again and Lee-Sabathia-Hughes will be unstoppable." But Texas came in hot and had to offer their best offensive prospect. But this doesn't compare to the Sabathia-Milwaukee deal for a big reason.
The Rangers gave up too much in hopes of making a decent playoff run unless Texas knows something we don't about Smoak or they believe it's possible to re-sign Lee at the end of the year. The Brewers made the big splash because management realized how important a playoff berth was to this city. I don't know if that's the same thing for Arlington right now, but it might have just been a way to halt the New York Yankees too.
The Yankees had they got Lee could have guaranteed themselves a World Series berth and probably back-to-back titles. I have to think Texas believes that with Lee they can play with the Yanks, Tampa Bay Rays/Boston Red Sox, and White Sox/Twins/Tigers when it comes to the playoffs. If they can add another mid-level pitcher with not giving up much (you want Doug Davis or Randy Wolf?), the Rangers are the second best team in the American League. They have arguably the best lineup in baseball with Josh Hamilton/Ian Kinsler/Vlad Guerrero, etc. and then add Lee, a clutch pitcher in postseason and another pretty solid pitcher they might be a force to be reckoned with.
-Charlie.
The Rangers are currently bankrupt without an owner and need money very bad right now. So they turn their prized prospect for one of the front-runners for the AL Cy Young. This will bring in ticket revenue and every start by Lee will probably be a sell out a lot like C.C. Sabathia for the Milwaukee Brewers. Then you add if they do make the playoffs, which they probably will means even more money for them. A franchise who hasn't seen October since the early 2000s had to make a move, but who would have thought it would be probably the biggest one?
I sure as hell didn't and I didn't think the Minnesota Twins would be able to land him either. Then as the LeBron saga is going on and I am getting ready for Mitch-a-Palooza, SportsCenter said the New York Yankees were getting close to landing Lee. I thought, "Shit, here we go again and Lee-Sabathia-Hughes will be unstoppable." But Texas came in hot and had to offer their best offensive prospect. But this doesn't compare to the Sabathia-Milwaukee deal for a big reason.
The Rangers gave up too much in hopes of making a decent playoff run unless Texas knows something we don't about Smoak or they believe it's possible to re-sign Lee at the end of the year. The Brewers made the big splash because management realized how important a playoff berth was to this city. I don't know if that's the same thing for Arlington right now, but it might have just been a way to halt the New York Yankees too.
The Yankees had they got Lee could have guaranteed themselves a World Series berth and probably back-to-back titles. I have to think Texas believes that with Lee they can play with the Yanks, Tampa Bay Rays/Boston Red Sox, and White Sox/Twins/Tigers when it comes to the playoffs. If they can add another mid-level pitcher with not giving up much (you want Doug Davis or Randy Wolf?), the Rangers are the second best team in the American League. They have arguably the best lineup in baseball with Josh Hamilton/Ian Kinsler/Vlad Guerrero, etc. and then add Lee, a clutch pitcher in postseason and another pretty solid pitcher they might be a force to be reckoned with.
-Charlie.
Blame Mitch-a-Palooza
The reason why nothing has been updated in this crazy five day stretch is I had arguably the wildest weekend of the year, definitely the summer. No time to write when I had to crush beers like I was John Belushi. Seriously, one of the best times of my life and I remember about 30 percent of last night so I did a lot of stupid shit. Anyways, I am going to create a Top so the most important stories will be on the top and the ones with less piss and vinegar can be on the bottom. I will link all of them to one post and I will try to have it done by Monday evening. Love you all, Charles.
7. Cliff Lee to the Mariners
6. Boozer to the Bulls
5. Brewers at the Break
4. Cleveland's Heartbreak
3. Good for the NBA?
2. LeBron's Legacy
1. Heat's Chances Next Year
7. Cliff Lee to the Mariners
6. Boozer to the Bulls
5. Brewers at the Break
4. Cleveland's Heartbreak
3. Good for the NBA?
2. LeBron's Legacy
1. Heat's Chances Next Year
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I Got 99 Problems, But LeBron Aint One.
If you read this blog consistently, you learn a couple things... I make obscure pop culture references, I really suck at grammar, and I am not the biggest LeBron fan like most 18-25 year olds. I cannot believe I came to his defense after people made it the cool thing to hate LeBron James after Game 2 of the Boston Celtics series because after the shit he pulled today, he deserves to be booed around America for whatever franchise he plays for.
It went something like this... "Hi, LeBron would like to announce his decision on ESPN like he is a high school player and going to put on the hat of the lucky team." And you are going to watch like little minions because everybody loves LeBron James outside of Los Angeles where anally-denied guy still plays."
I really wish I could have a 60 minute argument with the guy who loves LeBron James like an eleven year old girl who loves Justin Bieber about this chaos my roommate Bert aka Debbie Downer. I wonder what he would say when I would tell him that once again I was right. I told him in February that LeBron James will become Tiger Woods where everybody bows down on their knees loving everything he does and blowing his ego like Pam did Tommy Lee. But you know what the difference is between these two people...
Tiger Woods was the man because he won every tournament in sight, nobody wanted to be in the final group with him, and railed anything in sight. Has anyone ever been scared to face LeBron in a Game 7? Nope. Has LeBron won an NBA Final Game? Nope. Did he have his best performance of the playoffs against an aging Detroit Piston team? Yup. Is he the best regular season player we've seen since Karl Malone? Yup Does this dime piece have more rings than LeBrick? Yup. People cannot keep giving this guy credit for his regular season accomplishments can they? I have asked way too many questions about the topic but you get my point by now.
This guy is a self-absorbed egomanic who lives for seeing his name as a trending topic on Twitter. A guy whose Twitter handle is King James and of course I follow him because I just want to see what kind of shit he will say about the oil spill, Iraq, Arizona immigration, and other things that are important.As Jason Whitlock put it today, "Did Jordan ever call himself "Air Jordan" or did he allow us 2 call him Air? LeBron calling himself King James is a joke. We created monster." Alot of people hate Whitlock but goddamnit, he was dead on today about James. Same goes for Buzz Bissinger the guy who wrote a book with LBJ and he didn't shy away from calling LeBron 'douche juice.' I couldn't of said it better than myself.
I really hope that even the truest LeBron supporters will stop buying what he sells. I respect the fact the man plays basketball unlike anyone else ever has. I think he might be the best dunker of all time (yet won't join the Dunk Contest, go figure) but I still think he is a shitty teammate. But Chuck, he gets 8 assists a game thats amazing!!!! OMFG... Well little Berty when you have the ball 80 percent of the time, you are able to fill up a stat book.
LeBron is the definition of what's wrong with most of the media today... Make a person into some kind of superhero who cannot be stopped or does nothing wrong in his life therefore he never gets called out on his bullshit. Then when the shit hits the fan (it always does with these types), the media has no idea who to spin the story in favor of the ego-riddled superstar leading to them looking like big time assholes.
I will finish our lesson with Kanye West, a guy who owns up to his ego and acknowledges it with this one.. "I wanna act ballerific like it's all terrific. I got a couple past due bills, I won't get specific. I got a problem with spending before I get it. We all self conscious I'm just the first to admit it".
-Charlie.
It went something like this... "Hi, LeBron would like to announce his decision on ESPN like he is a high school player and going to put on the hat of the lucky team." And you are going to watch like little minions because everybody loves LeBron James outside of Los Angeles where anally-denied guy still plays."
I really wish I could have a 60 minute argument with the guy who loves LeBron James like an eleven year old girl who loves Justin Bieber about this chaos my roommate Bert aka Debbie Downer. I wonder what he would say when I would tell him that once again I was right. I told him in February that LeBron James will become Tiger Woods where everybody bows down on their knees loving everything he does and blowing his ego like Pam did Tommy Lee. But you know what the difference is between these two people...
Tiger Woods was the man because he won every tournament in sight, nobody wanted to be in the final group with him, and railed anything in sight. Has anyone ever been scared to face LeBron in a Game 7? Nope. Has LeBron won an NBA Final Game? Nope. Did he have his best performance of the playoffs against an aging Detroit Piston team? Yup. Is he the best regular season player we've seen since Karl Malone? Yup Does this dime piece have more rings than LeBrick? Yup. People cannot keep giving this guy credit for his regular season accomplishments can they? I have asked way too many questions about the topic but you get my point by now.
This guy is a self-absorbed egomanic who lives for seeing his name as a trending topic on Twitter. A guy whose Twitter handle is King James and of course I follow him because I just want to see what kind of shit he will say about the oil spill, Iraq, Arizona immigration, and other things that are important.As Jason Whitlock put it today, "Did Jordan ever call himself "Air Jordan" or did he allow us 2 call him Air? LeBron calling himself King James is a joke. We created monster." Alot of people hate Whitlock but goddamnit, he was dead on today about James. Same goes for Buzz Bissinger the guy who wrote a book with LBJ and he didn't shy away from calling LeBron 'douche juice.' I couldn't of said it better than myself.
I really hope that even the truest LeBron supporters will stop buying what he sells. I respect the fact the man plays basketball unlike anyone else ever has. I think he might be the best dunker of all time (yet won't join the Dunk Contest, go figure) but I still think he is a shitty teammate. But Chuck, he gets 8 assists a game thats amazing!!!! OMFG... Well little Berty when you have the ball 80 percent of the time, you are able to fill up a stat book.
LeBron is the definition of what's wrong with most of the media today... Make a person into some kind of superhero who cannot be stopped or does nothing wrong in his life therefore he never gets called out on his bullshit. Then when the shit hits the fan (it always does with these types), the media has no idea who to spin the story in favor of the ego-riddled superstar leading to them looking like big time assholes.
I will finish our lesson with Kanye West, a guy who owns up to his ego and acknowledges it with this one.. "I wanna act ballerific like it's all terrific. I got a couple past due bills, I won't get specific. I got a problem with spending before I get it. We all self conscious I'm just the first to admit it".
-Charlie.
White Towel Has Been Waved.
I just want to let everyone know before they read these next two posts that I am very angry and probably will say some things that I regret yet I do not care. And if you think I sound like prick then you are probably right, just in a bad mood about the world of sports right now. First, we will start with the Milwaukee Brewers.
A team who has scored 3 runs in the last three games, has kicked the ball around like a Little League team, replaced their All-Star ace with Doug Davis, in the series against San Francisco they have went a masterful 0-16 with runners in scoring position, and they face Tim Linecum tomorrow night. Fuck me right?
They have fallen to 10 games under .500 and the team who looked so good in a three game sweep against the Minnesota Twins is ready for the bottom to fall out. They are the most frustrating team in baseball this year and maybe in history, one week we will have pitching and no hitting/defense, then the next week we tear the cover off the ball with no pitching and probably a leaky bullpen. I really believed after Seattle series that the Brewers had turned the corner and even after a split in St. Louis I saw some promise.
Then the unclutch skills of the team came out to play. My dad calls them a bunch of gaggers (not like Sasha Grey) because he feels none of them want to rise to occasion. He doesn't think they want to be 'that guy' and hope that 'other people step up'. I tried for a long time to dismiss this theory but it keeps happening where the Crew cannot advance a runner who begins on second base with a leadoff double. I cannot understand it.
I will admit my knee jerk reaction for the Brewers to fire Ken Macha in May was the wrong one because I haven't seen enough bad baseball to say he deserves to be fired. I don't know anymore, I believe a commenter or a buddy mine talked about how it was more Doug Melvin than anybody else. I have trouble with that one because he has done so many good things but could it be the Major League Baseball version of the Detroit Pistons where the little guy leaves (Jack Z./John Hammond) and the boss falls apart without him? I need more time for that one.
So yes I am done thinking this team will get to the playoffs and accept the fact that this isn't our season. I also accept that Prince Fielder, Corey Hart and others might get dealt. I hope not but I understand if it happens. Look at this way, you can all print this out if something great happens in the next three months and prove me wrong...
But I doubt it.
-Charlie.
A team who has scored 3 runs in the last three games, has kicked the ball around like a Little League team, replaced their All-Star ace with Doug Davis, in the series against San Francisco they have went a masterful 0-16 with runners in scoring position, and they face Tim Linecum tomorrow night. Fuck me right?
They have fallen to 10 games under .500 and the team who looked so good in a three game sweep against the Minnesota Twins is ready for the bottom to fall out. They are the most frustrating team in baseball this year and maybe in history, one week we will have pitching and no hitting/defense, then the next week we tear the cover off the ball with no pitching and probably a leaky bullpen. I really believed after Seattle series that the Brewers had turned the corner and even after a split in St. Louis I saw some promise.
Then the unclutch skills of the team came out to play. My dad calls them a bunch of gaggers (not like Sasha Grey) because he feels none of them want to rise to occasion. He doesn't think they want to be 'that guy' and hope that 'other people step up'. I tried for a long time to dismiss this theory but it keeps happening where the Crew cannot advance a runner who begins on second base with a leadoff double. I cannot understand it.
I will admit my knee jerk reaction for the Brewers to fire Ken Macha in May was the wrong one because I haven't seen enough bad baseball to say he deserves to be fired. I don't know anymore, I believe a commenter or a buddy mine talked about how it was more Doug Melvin than anybody else. I have trouble with that one because he has done so many good things but could it be the Major League Baseball version of the Detroit Pistons where the little guy leaves (Jack Z./John Hammond) and the boss falls apart without him? I need more time for that one.
So yes I am done thinking this team will get to the playoffs and accept the fact that this isn't our season. I also accept that Prince Fielder, Corey Hart and others might get dealt. I hope not but I understand if it happens. Look at this way, you can all print this out if something great happens in the next three months and prove me wrong...
But I doubt it.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Big Rotten Apple
The Knicks finally made their splash after long years of dealing with Isiah Thomas' awesome signings throughout the years, James Dolan being a part of the Batshit Owners Union, and the movie Eddie. But I think the signing of Amar'e Stoudemire might not help the cause of bringing a title back to Madison Square Garden or even the playoffs.
People seem to forget a couple things about Stoudemire... like the fact he has mircofracture surgery and that he mailed in the season until the team floated his name around in trade talks then all the sudden, Amar'e looks inspired. Not to mention, he doesn't play defense whatsoever which is perfect for the Knicks system who allows about 110 points a game.
I will give you guys the bright side of Stoudemire and why the Knicks could prove me wrong by signing him. Except for the year he tore up his knee, he has averaged above 20 a game and almost 9 rebounds a game. He also has been developing a 'KG'-like shot from the elbow. Stoudemire has shown a great ability to run the court with a great point guard. Wait.. the Knicks don't have a point guard?
Steve Nash will not be there for Stoudemire and that is another big problem for him. He will not get the same amount of paint touches and the fast break dunks/alley oops that he was so use to throughout the years in the Valley of the Sun. A lot like in the NFL where some players are only as good as their quarterback, I believe you can say the same thing about post players in NBA with good point guards.
Stoudemire is a young player with bad knees already and yes if he gets LeBron James, it will be a different story. But I do not think he is that much of a game changer for the Knicks if he is the only piece of the puzzle they will add. He has never shown flashes of being an MVP-caliber player so why should think any differently?
-Charlie.
People seem to forget a couple things about Stoudemire... like the fact he has mircofracture surgery and that he mailed in the season until the team floated his name around in trade talks then all the sudden, Amar'e looks inspired. Not to mention, he doesn't play defense whatsoever which is perfect for the Knicks system who allows about 110 points a game.
I will give you guys the bright side of Stoudemire and why the Knicks could prove me wrong by signing him. Except for the year he tore up his knee, he has averaged above 20 a game and almost 9 rebounds a game. He also has been developing a 'KG'-like shot from the elbow. Stoudemire has shown a great ability to run the court with a great point guard. Wait.. the Knicks don't have a point guard?
Steve Nash will not be there for Stoudemire and that is another big problem for him. He will not get the same amount of paint touches and the fast break dunks/alley oops that he was so use to throughout the years in the Valley of the Sun. A lot like in the NFL where some players are only as good as their quarterback, I believe you can say the same thing about post players in NBA with good point guards.
Stoudemire is a young player with bad knees already and yes if he gets LeBron James, it will be a different story. But I do not think he is that much of a game changer for the Knicks if he is the only piece of the puzzle they will add. He has never shown flashes of being an MVP-caliber player so why should think any differently?
-Charlie.
The Problem With All-Star Snubs
Every sort of All Star Game whether it be high school, college, or pros. People usually moaned about how their guy deserves to be there and frankly, I could care less about snubs, which is the hot topic of conversation around the sports world. I mean yeah it sucks that you might not be able to say "Theodore Oates, an All Star this year." But really there are flaws in the system we have in Major League Baseball.
1. Fan Voting- It's worse in the NBA but the MLB letting their fans decide who start is ridiculous. Are you telling me that I will care more because over 50 percent of the guys I voted for are in the All-Star Game? I do not see it that way and I would assume that others feel the same way. Yeah it's cool the Milwaukee Brewers have three All-Stars and hope the two that can play will do well who knows maybe win MVP for the National League.
Here is an idea, why don't we play United States/Canada/Mexico versus the World? Wouldn't that be a fresh alternative that might draw interest? I can already hear the crotchy old sportswriters complaining that it ruins the integrity of the game and all the bullshit that comes along with it. Another thing that they could do instead of the fans is since the baseball world is obsessed with stats, why don't we go strictly off the stats that matter? All of the fun ones I have to explain to my dad and then we can truly determine who are All-Stars.
2. Every Team Needs a Player- To me this is a crime. It's like the same people who say "Dodgeball is too competitive" and "Everyone wins!" That is bullshit, I mean it was nice to see Ricky Bones or whoever get an All-Star bid when the Brewers sucked but they didn't deserve it. Just like Ty Wiggenton of the Baltimore Orioles, Michael Bourn of the Houston Astros, Evan Meek of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and finally Omar Infante. I hear he is a great clubhouse guy and that's fine, but look a guy who hits one homer a few rbis plus a bit above .300 is nuts. So what that he is a super utility player, Infante is nowhere near what the definition of an All-Star. To put the cherry top, Joey Votto, the San Diego Padre pitching staff, and others get left who are all having great years.
3. Stop Saying It Matters- One thing the behind the times MLB did a couple years ago is give homefield advantage to whoever won the game after there was a tie in 2002 and led to a 15th inning game in 2008. The other thing is I am willing to admit the AL's firepower is two times better than the NL and honestly, I am willing to bet next week will be a blowout for the AL. It's not fair if an NL team has a great record and a better record than the AL team who might be the Wild Card to not get the homefield advantage. MLB is like that guy who tries too hard to be funny and goes over-the-top with every thing he says. C'mon the All-Star is sort of lame just like the Pro Bowl, and the NBA All Star Game.
-Charlie.
1. Fan Voting- It's worse in the NBA but the MLB letting their fans decide who start is ridiculous. Are you telling me that I will care more because over 50 percent of the guys I voted for are in the All-Star Game? I do not see it that way and I would assume that others feel the same way. Yeah it's cool the Milwaukee Brewers have three All-Stars and hope the two that can play will do well who knows maybe win MVP for the National League.
Here is an idea, why don't we play United States/Canada/Mexico versus the World? Wouldn't that be a fresh alternative that might draw interest? I can already hear the crotchy old sportswriters complaining that it ruins the integrity of the game and all the bullshit that comes along with it. Another thing that they could do instead of the fans is since the baseball world is obsessed with stats, why don't we go strictly off the stats that matter? All of the fun ones I have to explain to my dad and then we can truly determine who are All-Stars.
2. Every Team Needs a Player- To me this is a crime. It's like the same people who say "Dodgeball is too competitive" and "Everyone wins!" That is bullshit, I mean it was nice to see Ricky Bones or whoever get an All-Star bid when the Brewers sucked but they didn't deserve it. Just like Ty Wiggenton of the Baltimore Orioles, Michael Bourn of the Houston Astros, Evan Meek of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and finally Omar Infante. I hear he is a great clubhouse guy and that's fine, but look a guy who hits one homer a few rbis plus a bit above .300 is nuts. So what that he is a super utility player, Infante is nowhere near what the definition of an All-Star. To put the cherry top, Joey Votto, the San Diego Padre pitching staff, and others get left who are all having great years.
3. Stop Saying It Matters- One thing the behind the times MLB did a couple years ago is give homefield advantage to whoever won the game after there was a tie in 2002 and led to a 15th inning game in 2008. The other thing is I am willing to admit the AL's firepower is two times better than the NL and honestly, I am willing to bet next week will be a blowout for the AL. It's not fair if an NL team has a great record and a better record than the AL team who might be the Wild Card to not get the homefield advantage. MLB is like that guy who tries too hard to be funny and goes over-the-top with every thing he says. C'mon the All-Star is sort of lame just like the Pro Bowl, and the NBA All Star Game.
-Charlie.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Bucks Here To Win Now
I talked about being pumped for the NBA Offseason and it basically was for the LeBron extravaganza but also it had something to do with the Milwaukee Bucks. I wanted to see what the Executive of the Year was going to do. He has made an impact and it appears to make a dent in the Eastern Conference. On day 1 of the NBA Offseason, they signed Drew Gooden and John Salmons, I couldn't be happier.
While five years for both is a lot, these are two players that are in their late 20s that want to win now and know the Bucks started something last season with their sixth place finish in the Eastern Conference. Both of these players get that the Deer have a fan base coming back and people that will support them like they wouldn't believe. So with these two signings and the other stuff that Hammond has done, is it fair to call the Bucks a top four team in the Eastern Conference?
Sure we have to wait to see what all the free agents do this summer, but if you look at their starting lineup with Jennings-Salmons-Maggette-Gooden-Bogut that equates to four guys who can get 20 on any given night and two guys who can definitely get 10 boards a game. Then you look at their bench, Mbah-Moute, Douglas-Roberts, Ilyasova, Sanders, and there are more players after that. The Bucks all the sudden have a deep bench with a bunch of guys who can score plus they all have good size making them deep inside, which was something we needed last season.
The other thing that speaks volumes about the two early signings from two veterans, I believe the entire team really loves what Scott Skiles preaches and his bulldog demeanor works for this group of players. The reputation on Skiles is that everyone gets tired of him by about the third or fourth year, and with players willingly knowing what they are signing on for, it shows they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. If you need proof, read the Journal's piece on Brandon Jennings where he talks about Corey Maggette talking to him about work outs and that he loves that Sanders can run the floor. Jennings appears to be 10 years older than he really is.
Trust me, just like last season you will want to Fear the Deer and trust me, it will be with homecourt advantage in the playoffs. The Bucks are ready to make their leap.
-Charlie.
While five years for both is a lot, these are two players that are in their late 20s that want to win now and know the Bucks started something last season with their sixth place finish in the Eastern Conference. Both of these players get that the Deer have a fan base coming back and people that will support them like they wouldn't believe. So with these two signings and the other stuff that Hammond has done, is it fair to call the Bucks a top four team in the Eastern Conference?
Sure we have to wait to see what all the free agents do this summer, but if you look at their starting lineup with Jennings-Salmons-Maggette-Gooden-Bogut that equates to four guys who can get 20 on any given night and two guys who can definitely get 10 boards a game. Then you look at their bench, Mbah-Moute, Douglas-Roberts, Ilyasova, Sanders, and there are more players after that. The Bucks all the sudden have a deep bench with a bunch of guys who can score plus they all have good size making them deep inside, which was something we needed last season.
The other thing that speaks volumes about the two early signings from two veterans, I believe the entire team really loves what Scott Skiles preaches and his bulldog demeanor works for this group of players. The reputation on Skiles is that everyone gets tired of him by about the third or fourth year, and with players willingly knowing what they are signing on for, it shows they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. If you need proof, read the Journal's piece on Brandon Jennings where he talks about Corey Maggette talking to him about work outs and that he loves that Sanders can run the floor. Jennings appears to be 10 years older than he really is.
Trust me, just like last season you will want to Fear the Deer and trust me, it will be with homecourt advantage in the playoffs. The Bucks are ready to make their leap.
-Charlie.
Honestly I Didn't Have a Title (Tried One and It Sucked)
Many people around the state of Wisconsin are upset over the Marquette Golden Eagles deciding to cut D.J. Newbill, an incoming recruit loose after Jamil Wilson, the once top 50 recruit out of Racine, Wisconsin was available. Wilson is now a Golden Eagle and will make a very formidable squad in 2011-2012, yet people are being the ethics police here in southeast Wisconsin.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible for Newbill. He seemed like he had a great desire to play for Buzz Williams and wanted to at all costs. There were reports that Newbill was fine with sitting on the bench and watch the games as the 12th man. But Marquette claimed that paperwork was wrong and they had to cut a character guy off their team. Sad stuff, but to be honest this is sport is a business and anyone who doesn't think that way still remembers watching Jimmy Chitwood.
The reason why I think it has caught so much heat is the other Division 1 program in Madison is cleaner than prude virgin. Their football team might be another story, but basketball keeps a reputation of bringing in their type of players plus never doing it the wrong way. I would consider 85% of the NCAA to have more of business-like approach than thinking about the kids first. I do think Wisconsin is in the minority, which I give them a lot of credit. But do not think everyone is like you.
I heard someone compared Williams to John Calipari/Nick Saban which is ridiculous. Those two guys have built a reputation of making multiple controversial decisions and doing things that are downright wrong. Tell me another time that Williams has taken away a scholarship from a player? Sure, there are the 'BuzzCuts' as my buddy Ron calls them, but seriously look at any university... you have guys who want to transfer for a variety of reasons. Tell me one player who came out afterwards saying he didn't want to leave? None of them. We never know what happens behind the scenes therefore our ideas could be entirely different than what actually happened.
Williams isn't a dirty coach nor should ever be considered for one possible poor decision. People hate the NCAA because they claim they do not care about the students and why then when something like this happens, people make such a big deal? Doesn't make sense to me.
-Charlie.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible for Newbill. He seemed like he had a great desire to play for Buzz Williams and wanted to at all costs. There were reports that Newbill was fine with sitting on the bench and watch the games as the 12th man. But Marquette claimed that paperwork was wrong and they had to cut a character guy off their team. Sad stuff, but to be honest this is sport is a business and anyone who doesn't think that way still remembers watching Jimmy Chitwood.
The reason why I think it has caught so much heat is the other Division 1 program in Madison is cleaner than prude virgin. Their football team might be another story, but basketball keeps a reputation of bringing in their type of players plus never doing it the wrong way. I would consider 85% of the NCAA to have more of business-like approach than thinking about the kids first. I do think Wisconsin is in the minority, which I give them a lot of credit. But do not think everyone is like you.
I heard someone compared Williams to John Calipari/Nick Saban which is ridiculous. Those two guys have built a reputation of making multiple controversial decisions and doing things that are downright wrong. Tell me another time that Williams has taken away a scholarship from a player? Sure, there are the 'BuzzCuts' as my buddy Ron calls them, but seriously look at any university... you have guys who want to transfer for a variety of reasons. Tell me one player who came out afterwards saying he didn't want to leave? None of them. We never know what happens behind the scenes therefore our ideas could be entirely different than what actually happened.
Williams isn't a dirty coach nor should ever be considered for one possible poor decision. People hate the NCAA because they claim they do not care about the students and why then when something like this happens, people make such a big deal? Doesn't make sense to me.
-Charlie.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Melo... The Consolation Prize?
One of the more interesting things that has come out in the past day about free agency has nothing to with the guys who are free agents this year, rather the biggest free agent for next summer Carmelo Anthony.
The Denver Post is reporting that the Nuggets would rather deal Melo than lose him in free agency. Which I can define for you as we have about as good of chance as Chuck bangin Marisa Miller. The Nugs feel as if they aren't getting Melo back so why not acquire a bunch of players in a mega deal. Not only that but teams who do not get LeBron will panic and know they have to do something, insert Carmelo.
Right now, his career is an interesting one because he has made it to a Western Conference Final yet people talk about him as he is a second rate player. I think Melo probably is in my top 10 players I would want on a team but definitely not a part of the first five. He hasn't done anything yet to separate himself from the pack, all he does really is scores and makes no real dent on the defensive end. Although with all this, if teams believed he was available, there will be teams putting together their best deals to bring him. There is one big problem for the Nuggets with some of these teams if they are actively seeking to deal Carmelo.
The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks have sort of cleaned the cupboard to try to bring in 2 max contracts, which means there aren't that many good players left for a deal. Sure, the Knicks could send David Lee plus some other pieces, but for Carmelo that wouldn't be getting enough back. The Bulls could revolve it around Loul Deng but once again, he is worse than Lee. The team I could see looking at Melo is the New Jersey Nets.
They have the young talent that would entice the Nuggets with pieces like Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Not to mention, would Denver dare ask for the new Net Derrick Favors? Even though they are two different sports with different monetary issues, baseball and basketball are similar in deals. Management wants talent that can contribute right away or will be very good in the coming years, not acquiring a bunch of late 20s to early 30s players.
I personally believe Melo doesn't get traded this summer, but I think this might be the most interesting story in February when teams are looking to add a piece for the playoff run. That is when I believe you will see Melo dealt but I wouldn't be shocked if it was this summer.
The Denver Post is reporting that the Nuggets would rather deal Melo than lose him in free agency. Which I can define for you as we have about as good of chance as Chuck bangin Marisa Miller. The Nugs feel as if they aren't getting Melo back so why not acquire a bunch of players in a mega deal. Not only that but teams who do not get LeBron will panic and know they have to do something, insert Carmelo.
Right now, his career is an interesting one because he has made it to a Western Conference Final yet people talk about him as he is a second rate player. I think Melo probably is in my top 10 players I would want on a team but definitely not a part of the first five. He hasn't done anything yet to separate himself from the pack, all he does really is scores and makes no real dent on the defensive end. Although with all this, if teams believed he was available, there will be teams putting together their best deals to bring him. There is one big problem for the Nuggets with some of these teams if they are actively seeking to deal Carmelo.
The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks have sort of cleaned the cupboard to try to bring in 2 max contracts, which means there aren't that many good players left for a deal. Sure, the Knicks could send David Lee plus some other pieces, but for Carmelo that wouldn't be getting enough back. The Bulls could revolve it around Loul Deng but once again, he is worse than Lee. The team I could see looking at Melo is the New Jersey Nets.
They have the young talent that would entice the Nuggets with pieces like Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Not to mention, would Denver dare ask for the new Net Derrick Favors? Even though they are two different sports with different monetary issues, baseball and basketball are similar in deals. Management wants talent that can contribute right away or will be very good in the coming years, not acquiring a bunch of late 20s to early 30s players.
I personally believe Melo doesn't get traded this summer, but I think this might be the most interesting story in February when teams are looking to add a piece for the playoff run. That is when I believe you will see Melo dealt but I wouldn't be shocked if it was this summer.
The Month of July Belongs to LeBron
July 1st, 2010.
A date that any professional sports fan has been waiting for all summer. I am more excited than a 12 year old girl going to a Justin Biebler concert because this will alter a professional sports if some the major players decided to take the game elsewhere. Obviously, the biggest player in this game is LeBron James and I have already told people this will be Brett Favre times 10 in terms of media coverage starting on Thursday. So I recommend staying away from ESPN if you will be sick of this by hour two of free agency. Hell, they might break in from the World Cup to tell us if LeBron has signed with a team. Anyone who has a blog is writing their own theory about where LeBron will go and what needs to happen to land the biggest fish in NBA history. I, myself cannot wait and I am ready to tell you what I think might happen.
Originally, I thought James would go to New York because in my opinion, he loved the city and wanted to be the 'king' of it. He relished his opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden and I assumed the Knicks would make all the right moves with Donnie Walsh calling the shots. Once again, the Knicks find a way to screw things up and they look more out of it than the Memphis Grizzlies. I think James doesn't want to deal with a batshit owner like James Dolan. I will only spend a couple sentences on another batshit owner Donald Sterling of the Los Angeles Clippers, there isn't a snowball chance in hell that LeBron lives in L.A. either where for a couple years he shares the stage with Kobe Bryant, his ego wouldn't allow second fiddle. The other thing about the Knicks more so than the Clippers is they are a team that could drawn strong comparisons to his Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaking of the Cavs, they are out of it. You cannot convince me otherwise, LeBron's entourage benefits big time if he leaves the city of Cleveland so why would they spin anything positive for Cleveland? LeBron doesn't want to break the city's collective soul but he doesn't give a shit about Cleveland and their heartbreaks. Not once did he come out and say "Man, I remember where I was when Jose Mesa cost us Indian fans the World Series." or "When Art Modell took the Browns from us, I stopped caring about the NFL for awhile." If you find something like this please comment, but LeBron's fanhood (New York Yankees & Dallas Cowboys) speaks volumes of the type of person he is. James doesn't want to see losers, he wants winners therefore James is a 'fan' of two of the most successful franchises when he was growing up. James' ego will be bruised like a peach when he returns to Cleveland with more boos than Modell, but in the long run, he knows I might see Cleveland twice a year, that's it. He will move out of Akron and live wherever his new destination is.
I have already destroyed three fan bases, and now I will give the four candidates that have the best chance bringing LeBron on to their team. We will first start with the land of the Situation. The Nets are the Charlie Day wild card in all of this. I firmly think LeBron is intrigued by Mikhal Prokcohaov and the fact that he makes LeBron the biggest star in the tri-state area plus Russia. The fact his buddy Jay-Z is a part of the team helps out a lot and I know the Jigga man will use his pull to try to lure LeBron in. It would have helped them tremendously if they knew the new arena and the move to Brooklyn was legit, nothing has been finalized and LBJ could be playing in Newark for the rest of his career. I do not think they land LeBron but I am willing to bet a bigger name free agent will play the Bond Villain next fall.
Now let's move to South Beach where they are probably throwing a Free Agency Rager down there. I found it hilarious that Stephan A. Smith already broke the story about it's a done deal, stick to trying to pronounce Slava Medvedenko buddy. Now on to the Heat, I believe that Dwyane Wade will resign with the Heat and then he will make his best pitch to Bron to come play with him and probably Pat Riley. I almost hope for this because I know Riley will not take any of his occasional baby back bullshit and make all the decisions for LeBron, not the other way around. The Heat right now do not have a team with all the cap space they have cleared out therefore Wade can not only bring LeBron in, but also Chris Bosh or Amar'e Stoudamire. That leads to a super team for the next decade where they complete a hostile takeover of the NBA and win about four to five titles. One reason that could deter LeBron from sipping champagne in Florida is the lack of fans the Heat really have. No one in Miami cares about their professional teams and LeBron understands that no matter what he does, people still won't embrace him. If you see all the viral campaigns for LBJ, where is the Miami one? Nowhere to be found, they are just expecting DWade to deliver.
One team that could sneak in and steal LeBron is Dallas. I know it sounds crazy with their lack of cap space but they have a super weird deal with Erick Dampier (quick tangent, Fant, Eric, and I introduced ourselves as lowly NBA players at one all day drinkfest in Eau Claire, Fant went with the Mississippi State alum, high comedy) that allows for a sign and trade. Out of all the owners, I personally believe LeBron will want to play for Mark Cuban especially after resigning Dirk, he can play a year with Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, and Dirk plus a growing star in Rodrigue Beaubois. Cuban will pimp him out more than West Coast Customs does to all those shitty rides and make no mistake about it that Cuban saying he would want to play a couple of games in Jerryland was a subtle hint to LeBron. I mean imagine the pitch when Cubes tells LBJ, "Think about you versus Kobe, Saturday night prime time on ABC in Jerryland with a near sellout and everybody cheering for you against Kobe." If that's me, I am like where is the contract to sign? Even if it's a smaller market than others, LeBron knows that Dallas had the biggest stars in the 90s and could again in 2010 and beyond.
Finally, the team that I and others believe LeBron will play for next year is Chicago. I mean why wouldn't you right now? Derrick Rose running point guard and a physical force down low in Joakim Noah. If they could bring in another guy to complement Bron such as a Bosh or Dirk, they would be in awesome shape. Everything started to move towards the Bulls way after they hire Tom Thibodeau who has an agent with Worldwide Wes' company and helped Boston win a title plus get their this year. The inexperience might scare LeBron but only a couple teams who are fighting for King James have longstanding coaches. People argue that he wouldn't want to play under Jordan's large shadow but I think the opposite, he loves Michael and wants to be like him to the T. He wore his jersey in honor of him and said it should be a retired number anyways. He knows with the young talent they have plus a Stanley Cup Hockey, LeBron could make the Windy City, the epicenter of sports.
Should be a fun one
-Charlie.
A date that any professional sports fan has been waiting for all summer. I am more excited than a 12 year old girl going to a Justin Biebler concert because this will alter a professional sports if some the major players decided to take the game elsewhere. Obviously, the biggest player in this game is LeBron James and I have already told people this will be Brett Favre times 10 in terms of media coverage starting on Thursday. So I recommend staying away from ESPN if you will be sick of this by hour two of free agency. Hell, they might break in from the World Cup to tell us if LeBron has signed with a team. Anyone who has a blog is writing their own theory about where LeBron will go and what needs to happen to land the biggest fish in NBA history. I, myself cannot wait and I am ready to tell you what I think might happen.
Originally, I thought James would go to New York because in my opinion, he loved the city and wanted to be the 'king' of it. He relished his opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden and I assumed the Knicks would make all the right moves with Donnie Walsh calling the shots. Once again, the Knicks find a way to screw things up and they look more out of it than the Memphis Grizzlies. I think James doesn't want to deal with a batshit owner like James Dolan. I will only spend a couple sentences on another batshit owner Donald Sterling of the Los Angeles Clippers, there isn't a snowball chance in hell that LeBron lives in L.A. either where for a couple years he shares the stage with Kobe Bryant, his ego wouldn't allow second fiddle. The other thing about the Knicks more so than the Clippers is they are a team that could drawn strong comparisons to his Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaking of the Cavs, they are out of it. You cannot convince me otherwise, LeBron's entourage benefits big time if he leaves the city of Cleveland so why would they spin anything positive for Cleveland? LeBron doesn't want to break the city's collective soul but he doesn't give a shit about Cleveland and their heartbreaks. Not once did he come out and say "Man, I remember where I was when Jose Mesa cost us Indian fans the World Series." or "When Art Modell took the Browns from us, I stopped caring about the NFL for awhile." If you find something like this please comment, but LeBron's fanhood (New York Yankees & Dallas Cowboys) speaks volumes of the type of person he is. James doesn't want to see losers, he wants winners therefore James is a 'fan' of two of the most successful franchises when he was growing up. James' ego will be bruised like a peach when he returns to Cleveland with more boos than Modell, but in the long run, he knows I might see Cleveland twice a year, that's it. He will move out of Akron and live wherever his new destination is.
I have already destroyed three fan bases, and now I will give the four candidates that have the best chance bringing LeBron on to their team. We will first start with the land of the Situation. The Nets are the Charlie Day wild card in all of this. I firmly think LeBron is intrigued by Mikhal Prokcohaov and the fact that he makes LeBron the biggest star in the tri-state area plus Russia. The fact his buddy Jay-Z is a part of the team helps out a lot and I know the Jigga man will use his pull to try to lure LeBron in. It would have helped them tremendously if they knew the new arena and the move to Brooklyn was legit, nothing has been finalized and LBJ could be playing in Newark for the rest of his career. I do not think they land LeBron but I am willing to bet a bigger name free agent will play the Bond Villain next fall.
Now let's move to South Beach where they are probably throwing a Free Agency Rager down there. I found it hilarious that Stephan A. Smith already broke the story about it's a done deal, stick to trying to pronounce Slava Medvedenko buddy. Now on to the Heat, I believe that Dwyane Wade will resign with the Heat and then he will make his best pitch to Bron to come play with him and probably Pat Riley. I almost hope for this because I know Riley will not take any of his occasional baby back bullshit and make all the decisions for LeBron, not the other way around. The Heat right now do not have a team with all the cap space they have cleared out therefore Wade can not only bring LeBron in, but also Chris Bosh or Amar'e Stoudamire. That leads to a super team for the next decade where they complete a hostile takeover of the NBA and win about four to five titles. One reason that could deter LeBron from sipping champagne in Florida is the lack of fans the Heat really have. No one in Miami cares about their professional teams and LeBron understands that no matter what he does, people still won't embrace him. If you see all the viral campaigns for LBJ, where is the Miami one? Nowhere to be found, they are just expecting DWade to deliver.
One team that could sneak in and steal LeBron is Dallas. I know it sounds crazy with their lack of cap space but they have a super weird deal with Erick Dampier (quick tangent, Fant, Eric, and I introduced ourselves as lowly NBA players at one all day drinkfest in Eau Claire, Fant went with the Mississippi State alum, high comedy) that allows for a sign and trade. Out of all the owners, I personally believe LeBron will want to play for Mark Cuban especially after resigning Dirk, he can play a year with Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, and Dirk plus a growing star in Rodrigue Beaubois. Cuban will pimp him out more than West Coast Customs does to all those shitty rides and make no mistake about it that Cuban saying he would want to play a couple of games in Jerryland was a subtle hint to LeBron. I mean imagine the pitch when Cubes tells LBJ, "Think about you versus Kobe, Saturday night prime time on ABC in Jerryland with a near sellout and everybody cheering for you against Kobe." If that's me, I am like where is the contract to sign? Even if it's a smaller market than others, LeBron knows that Dallas had the biggest stars in the 90s and could again in 2010 and beyond.
Finally, the team that I and others believe LeBron will play for next year is Chicago. I mean why wouldn't you right now? Derrick Rose running point guard and a physical force down low in Joakim Noah. If they could bring in another guy to complement Bron such as a Bosh or Dirk, they would be in awesome shape. Everything started to move towards the Bulls way after they hire Tom Thibodeau who has an agent with Worldwide Wes' company and helped Boston win a title plus get their this year. The inexperience might scare LeBron but only a couple teams who are fighting for King James have longstanding coaches. People argue that he wouldn't want to play under Jordan's large shadow but I think the opposite, he loves Michael and wants to be like him to the T. He wore his jersey in honor of him and said it should be a retired number anyways. He knows with the young talent they have plus a Stanley Cup Hockey, LeBron could make the Windy City, the epicenter of sports.
Should be a fun one
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Need for Sheed
I know a couple of guys who really having a dying love for Rasheed Wallace. My love for Sheed isn't at their level so I had to have one of those guys, Minkley do a post honoring Rasheed.
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
Monday, June 28, 2010
How to Solve a Pitching Log Jam
I wrote last week about how the Milwaukee Brewers recent home stand was the biggest part of the year so far and they have risen up to the occasion. Now with one pitcher hanging out in Nashville awaiting his fate, the Brewers can officially say they are in a logjam.
I think the Crew is happy with the team they have right now and really do not want to ruin the chemistry especially when they have won the last six of seven playing their best baseball. They are hitting with runners in scoring positions, the pitchers are making it past the fifth inning, and the bullpen is rock solid. I don't think any of us expect this at the beginning of June, and now I am beginning to read that the Brewers might even be buyers during the trading deadline. What kind of alternate world am I living in right now? A team that still is seven games under is going to be a buyer?
That tells me the Brewers believe the turn is being made and now the question remains what will they do about their starting staff with Doug Davis ready to come back? My dad's theory was the Crew is keeping Davis down there as long as possible because they are trying to work out a trade. I tend to agree that might want to deal Davis but no one is safe right now amongst the lefties. Dave Bush is probably safe because he is the lone righty other than Yovani Gallardo who we all know is safe. I will be level five pissed if Davis is immediately inserted into the rotation because Ken Macha says 'the players make the lineup' and if that's the case, Davis doesn't deserve to start. My plead to management is they learned from the Jeff Suppan mistake that they shouldn't reward pitchers with a start just because they have a larger contract than a guy like Chris Narveson or Manny Parra.
Both of those guys belong in the rotation due to their great performance. I personally love that Manny had 5 wild pitches, why? He is throwing his splitter with confidence, something that he has never done before. So far this month, we haven't seen Manny lose his shit as he has done in the past. Narveson just gave his best performance of his career and with a big start against St. Louis this weekend, he can really make a name for himself. Like Parra, Narverson's confidence is getting higher and higher by each start. No reason why they should ruin confidence of two young pitchers.
The Brewers have had to make these decisions before and usually they have been the wrong choice. Please do not let it happen again because that turn you think is happening will hit a stone wall.
-Charlie.
I think the Crew is happy with the team they have right now and really do not want to ruin the chemistry especially when they have won the last six of seven playing their best baseball. They are hitting with runners in scoring positions, the pitchers are making it past the fifth inning, and the bullpen is rock solid. I don't think any of us expect this at the beginning of June, and now I am beginning to read that the Brewers might even be buyers during the trading deadline. What kind of alternate world am I living in right now? A team that still is seven games under is going to be a buyer?
That tells me the Brewers believe the turn is being made and now the question remains what will they do about their starting staff with Doug Davis ready to come back? My dad's theory was the Crew is keeping Davis down there as long as possible because they are trying to work out a trade. I tend to agree that might want to deal Davis but no one is safe right now amongst the lefties. Dave Bush is probably safe because he is the lone righty other than Yovani Gallardo who we all know is safe. I will be level five pissed if Davis is immediately inserted into the rotation because Ken Macha says 'the players make the lineup' and if that's the case, Davis doesn't deserve to start. My plead to management is they learned from the Jeff Suppan mistake that they shouldn't reward pitchers with a start just because they have a larger contract than a guy like Chris Narveson or Manny Parra.
Both of those guys belong in the rotation due to their great performance. I personally love that Manny had 5 wild pitches, why? He is throwing his splitter with confidence, something that he has never done before. So far this month, we haven't seen Manny lose his shit as he has done in the past. Narveson just gave his best performance of his career and with a big start against St. Louis this weekend, he can really make a name for himself. Like Parra, Narverson's confidence is getting higher and higher by each start. No reason why they should ruin confidence of two young pitchers.
The Brewers have had to make these decisions before and usually they have been the wrong choice. Please do not let it happen again because that turn you think is happening will hit a stone wall.
-Charlie.
Went Down Fighting.
I never can remember in my 21 years, a time where a sport caught wildfire like soccer did when the United States made the knockout rounds. I was sitting in the Milwaukee Brewers press box with a mix of guys, some knew a lot about soccer and others were asking for explanations about extra time amongst others things. But everybody was pulled in and wanted the US to win. That didn't happen on Saturday as they fell in defeat to Ghana 2-1.
I am not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback as I am with other sports because frankly, I am an average fan of soccer and do not know enough from a tactical perspective to talk about the decisions that Bob Bradley made. I talked to my buddy Ron on the phone that night and believed Bradley cost us the game with having Ricardo Clark out there plus Robbie Findlay being out there was absolutely puzzling in his opinion. According to others on social media and other things, people believed the same sort of stuff that Ron told me.
I am just happy people like Jim Rome who spoke countless times about how he hates soccer decided to have three guests on his show that were soccer-related. First off, it shows how much of a professional Rome is but secondly, he gets the big picture aspect of things. Before Saturday, soccer was the hottest topic in the United States and people wanted to talk about as much as possible. But there are many people who believe that the soccer hype will fizzle out once the World Cup is over and just come back like the Olympics.
I think the way to keep this going is to try to promote Fox Soccer Channel to basic cable like they did with the Big Ten Network. The reason Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, and others should do this is because the NFL and NBA might lock out in 2011. If that happens, soccer would be the perfect equation for professional sports fans. It wouldn't be hard for a sports fans to find a team to jump on their bandwagon, and hopefully soccer will stay alive for years to come.
-Charlie.
I am not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback as I am with other sports because frankly, I am an average fan of soccer and do not know enough from a tactical perspective to talk about the decisions that Bob Bradley made. I talked to my buddy Ron on the phone that night and believed Bradley cost us the game with having Ricardo Clark out there plus Robbie Findlay being out there was absolutely puzzling in his opinion. According to others on social media and other things, people believed the same sort of stuff that Ron told me.
I am just happy people like Jim Rome who spoke countless times about how he hates soccer decided to have three guests on his show that were soccer-related. First off, it shows how much of a professional Rome is but secondly, he gets the big picture aspect of things. Before Saturday, soccer was the hottest topic in the United States and people wanted to talk about as much as possible. But there are many people who believe that the soccer hype will fizzle out once the World Cup is over and just come back like the Olympics.
I think the way to keep this going is to try to promote Fox Soccer Channel to basic cable like they did with the Big Ten Network. The reason Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, and others should do this is because the NFL and NBA might lock out in 2011. If that happens, soccer would be the perfect equation for professional sports fans. It wouldn't be hard for a sports fans to find a team to jump on their bandwagon, and hopefully soccer will stay alive for years to come.
-Charlie.
Ramblings From The NBA Draft
I am trying to get caught up to the best of my abilities, two jobs and other things to worry about in the summer tend to keep me away from the blog. I will do a NBA Draft post, USA Soccer, and Brewer post plus later this week an odds makers on LeBron James (think I know that one already). For this, I will give my thoughts on the top 15 and Lazar Hayward.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
United We Stand.
Rick Reilly: Shut up.
Dan Shaughnessy: Shut up.
All others who don't give a rat ass' about soccer: Shut up.
Soccer has been brought to life by the 2010 World Cup. The United States team takes Group C with a last second goal by Landon Donovan and successfully brought in so many new fans who need to prep themselves for Saturday's game against Ghana. I sadly missed the game due to work and will for Saturday's as well but my sister taped the second half letting me listen to Ian Darke's beautiful call and the massive celebration.
Before the World Cup, everybody's criticism of Donovan is he never came up in big games and he basically shut that up real quick. I agreed with those people because I watched him sail a PK in the MLS Championship to win it. Donavon just appeared to tense up when he played in big games and now, he appears fearless looking like the best soccer player the United States has ever had. He did one of the most simple things in soccer for that goal, just follow up on the rebound and drill it in there.
Now my buddy Eric tweeted about Tim Howard not getting enough credit but I will do it here. Howard's throw couldn't been any better and he saw something developing in the middle of the pitch leading to the goal. Howard facilitated that goal more than anyone else on the pitch and he made a bunch of clutch saves giving him what I believe is his first or second clean sheet in the World Cup.
Right now, not many midfielders are playing better than Donovan and not many keepers are doing things like Howard. Are you telling me we might win this thing? I think that is bit intense now but do I think the semifinals is possible? Absolutely, the United States will remember their defeat from the Black Stars in 06 then move on to Uruguay/South Korea, they can definitely do things to be one of the last teams and stun the world like only the 1980 US Hockey team has.
This is why the so-called haters need to jump on the overflowing bandwagon. Now, that we, the United States Men National Team is through to knockout stages, it is time for our country to get together just like we did in February when everybody was fixated on the US Men's Hockey team's run to the Silver Medal. It's not about if you like soccer, hate soccer, it is about the United States and representing your country.
USA USA
-Charlie.
Dan Shaughnessy: Shut up.
All others who don't give a rat ass' about soccer: Shut up.
Soccer has been brought to life by the 2010 World Cup. The United States team takes Group C with a last second goal by Landon Donovan and successfully brought in so many new fans who need to prep themselves for Saturday's game against Ghana. I sadly missed the game due to work and will for Saturday's as well but my sister taped the second half letting me listen to Ian Darke's beautiful call and the massive celebration.
Before the World Cup, everybody's criticism of Donovan is he never came up in big games and he basically shut that up real quick. I agreed with those people because I watched him sail a PK in the MLS Championship to win it. Donavon just appeared to tense up when he played in big games and now, he appears fearless looking like the best soccer player the United States has ever had. He did one of the most simple things in soccer for that goal, just follow up on the rebound and drill it in there.
Now my buddy Eric tweeted about Tim Howard not getting enough credit but I will do it here. Howard's throw couldn't been any better and he saw something developing in the middle of the pitch leading to the goal. Howard facilitated that goal more than anyone else on the pitch and he made a bunch of clutch saves giving him what I believe is his first or second clean sheet in the World Cup.
Right now, not many midfielders are playing better than Donovan and not many keepers are doing things like Howard. Are you telling me we might win this thing? I think that is bit intense now but do I think the semifinals is possible? Absolutely, the United States will remember their defeat from the Black Stars in 06 then move on to Uruguay/South Korea, they can definitely do things to be one of the last teams and stun the world like only the 1980 US Hockey team has.
This is why the so-called haters need to jump on the overflowing bandwagon. Now, that we, the United States Men National Team is through to knockout stages, it is time for our country to get together just like we did in February when everybody was fixated on the US Men's Hockey team's run to the Silver Medal. It's not about if you like soccer, hate soccer, it is about the United States and representing your country.
USA USA
-Charlie.
Transforming Head Cases in Milwaukee
I hate getting headcases. Simply put, it's something I would rather not see my teams do and since the Milwaukee Bucks picked up one in the past couple of days, I had a lot of mixed feelings about what a headcase would bring to this team. I think I have a handle on it and I think Corey Maggette will relish his time in Milwaukee.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Here To Deliver the Pain to Algeria
My buddy Votto, a former interviewee on the Corner told me he enjoyed my hater post to Slovenia and that I should keep it up for the World Cup for the United States. Well I listen to my fans when they make respectable requests unlike someone's request for a lovefest about the Toronto Blue Jays post. Before we get started, let me give a few thoughts about Slovenia and Malian official.
I hate Slovenia for their comments about beating the US but when we actually started playing these hacks, I realize how much I do hate this country of 2 million. First of all, what is with that dance that I would guess is done at most gay bars around the United States? Also the haircut by Milivoje Novakovic was Three Stooges and should never be allowed in the world, just plain ugly. Then Koman Coulibaly decided to bend us over like Jenna Jameson with his 'make-up call' on a game-winning goal. I will not say much more but this guy can plain suck it, he is horrible and doesn't deserve to screw another World Cup team. On to Algeria.
ALGERIA: I will say something positive before I go all Brett Boyer on this country and hate everything about them. I love their kits (jerseys for not futbol fans) are awesome. In addition, at least they were their actual colors too. The first strike against Algeria is their nickname: the Desert Foxes, you know who was nicknamed the Desert Fox? Oh that's right, a Nazi General known as Edwin Rommel. Good job borrowed a nickname from a Nazi, solid move by Algeria. In the 1800s, they let the French take over their country? Wow, if you are that weak to allow the French to come in and take command of your land, something is wrong for sure. Although now, France would probably lay down if Algeria decided to come into France then the US would have to bail them out again for like the 98341 time. Once again, we have a former socialist nation so I will say it again, capitalism rules all. The final thing, why haven't they invade Mali? I mean God knows they deserved and they are bordered by that loser country. That's pretty much all I got for Algeria, they aren't as unlikeable as Slovenia.
I really hope the US can advance because they have been fun to watch so far and I really would like to see soccer start being embraced by the rest of America. We know one thing as Americans we love winners and if the U.S. can keep playing more people will tune it to watch. I have mixed feelings about who I want to win between England-Slovenia because I would like to laugh at the British and all their batshit crazy fans, yet I think I hate Slovenia more. I think at the end of Wednesday, US will be on the top of the table.
-Charlie.
I hate Slovenia for their comments about beating the US but when we actually started playing these hacks, I realize how much I do hate this country of 2 million. First of all, what is with that dance that I would guess is done at most gay bars around the United States? Also the haircut by Milivoje Novakovic was Three Stooges and should never be allowed in the world, just plain ugly. Then Koman Coulibaly decided to bend us over like Jenna Jameson with his 'make-up call' on a game-winning goal. I will not say much more but this guy can plain suck it, he is horrible and doesn't deserve to screw another World Cup team. On to Algeria.
ALGERIA: I will say something positive before I go all Brett Boyer on this country and hate everything about them. I love their kits (jerseys for not futbol fans) are awesome. In addition, at least they were their actual colors too. The first strike against Algeria is their nickname: the Desert Foxes, you know who was nicknamed the Desert Fox? Oh that's right, a Nazi General known as Edwin Rommel. Good job borrowed a nickname from a Nazi, solid move by Algeria. In the 1800s, they let the French take over their country? Wow, if you are that weak to allow the French to come in and take command of your land, something is wrong for sure. Although now, France would probably lay down if Algeria decided to come into France then the US would have to bail them out again for like the 98341 time. Once again, we have a former socialist nation so I will say it again, capitalism rules all. The final thing, why haven't they invade Mali? I mean God knows they deserved and they are bordered by that loser country. That's pretty much all I got for Algeria, they aren't as unlikeable as Slovenia.
I really hope the US can advance because they have been fun to watch so far and I really would like to see soccer start being embraced by the rest of America. We know one thing as Americans we love winners and if the U.S. can keep playing more people will tune it to watch. I have mixed feelings about who I want to win between England-Slovenia because I would like to laugh at the British and all their batshit crazy fans, yet I think I hate Slovenia more. I think at the end of Wednesday, US will be on the top of the table.
-Charlie.
The Time Is Now.
The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off a 3-3 road trip on the West Coast, which usually would mean I am optimistic for the next couple of weeks because we tend to be turrible out west and the road is always an adventure. Sadly, I have the same feeling I did Friday morning when Mali dicked the US worse than offshore banking.. 'I really like being .500 but damn they are better than that.' The Crew could have won 5 out of 6 with the way they played this week. But the first bullpen blow up in awhile, and no timely hitting led to a couple defeats in Denver.
Starting Tuesday night, the Brewers begin 16 games at home out of the next 20 and if they want to put themselves back in the playoff race, this is when it needs to happen. Let's remember that the Brewers have been much improved at home compared to the beginning of the year. The other thing that is encouraging is the Brewers face a couple teams that are very beatable. The beginning series against Minnesota is the biggest one. They get two out of three against a good team, the ball will get rolling and maybe start making a push.
People probably reading this believe that I am drinking the ultra-optimistic 'Tim Allen Kool-aid' but if the Crew cannot garner a series win against the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, or the Pittsburgh Pirates then we are just a bad team that I will accept. But cue up the #1 overplayed 80s bar song, Don't Stop Believin' in this team for the reason that haunted our nightmares like Rosie O'Donnell in a thong, pitching.
The Brewers have either started smoking more of Ric Peterson's weed or just completely ignore him, no in between from that but they are locked in. Chris Narveson is struggling a bit but I feel if someone can get figure out his early inning problems he will be good. Manny Parra's 1-5 record is agerious with the way he has pitched in the month of June and Yovani Gallardo has developed into the ace pitcher we all wanted. This team couldn't be pitching better and if our hitting comes around a bit more the Brewers become so dangerous.
Our buddy Jon over at Brewers Daily hinted at bringing up Mat Gamel who is T.J. Lavin-style killing it and giving the slumping Casey McGehee some time off. I think this is an excellent idea but in the mean time, I wouldn't mind seeing Jonathan Lucroy in the two spot and moving Corey Hart down to the 5th spot, maybe even send Prince Fielder to that 5th spot. Then McGehee bats six, I think the pressure of getting the big hit might be off of him somewhat. In addition, I am willing to bet Alcedes Escobar has a huge finish leading to the All Star Break, I can tell he is seeing the ball as good as he ever has and could become a real threat.
Tuesday will begin the biggest 20 game stretch for the Brewers and I didn't even mention the big weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals on the road. The Crew could do some real damage and hope they do so I can invite everyone back on the Brewer bandwagon.
-Charlie.
Starting Tuesday night, the Brewers begin 16 games at home out of the next 20 and if they want to put themselves back in the playoff race, this is when it needs to happen. Let's remember that the Brewers have been much improved at home compared to the beginning of the year. The other thing that is encouraging is the Brewers face a couple teams that are very beatable. The beginning series against Minnesota is the biggest one. They get two out of three against a good team, the ball will get rolling and maybe start making a push.
People probably reading this believe that I am drinking the ultra-optimistic 'Tim Allen Kool-aid' but if the Crew cannot garner a series win against the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, or the Pittsburgh Pirates then we are just a bad team that I will accept. But cue up the #1 overplayed 80s bar song, Don't Stop Believin' in this team for the reason that haunted our nightmares like Rosie O'Donnell in a thong, pitching.
The Brewers have either started smoking more of Ric Peterson's weed or just completely ignore him, no in between from that but they are locked in. Chris Narveson is struggling a bit but I feel if someone can get figure out his early inning problems he will be good. Manny Parra's 1-5 record is agerious with the way he has pitched in the month of June and Yovani Gallardo has developed into the ace pitcher we all wanted. This team couldn't be pitching better and if our hitting comes around a bit more the Brewers become so dangerous.
Our buddy Jon over at Brewers Daily hinted at bringing up Mat Gamel who is T.J. Lavin-style killing it and giving the slumping Casey McGehee some time off. I think this is an excellent idea but in the mean time, I wouldn't mind seeing Jonathan Lucroy in the two spot and moving Corey Hart down to the 5th spot, maybe even send Prince Fielder to that 5th spot. Then McGehee bats six, I think the pressure of getting the big hit might be off of him somewhat. In addition, I am willing to bet Alcedes Escobar has a huge finish leading to the All Star Break, I can tell he is seeing the ball as good as he ever has and could become a real threat.
Tuesday will begin the biggest 20 game stretch for the Brewers and I didn't even mention the big weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals on the road. The Crew could do some real damage and hope they do so I can invite everyone back on the Brewer bandwagon.
-Charlie.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Where the Lakers Will Say Queensbridge Whenever They Want
I buried the Lakers, I thought that after Game 5 they appeared uninspired and a lack of willingness to play. But like many other things written on this blog, it was wrong. Kobe Bryant's ferocity somehow fed into the rest of his teammates and he made them be better. The Lakers fought like warriors to win this series and now they have back-to-back crowns.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
It's On Komac.
I think sometimes I am too serious on the blog but I do like giving my opinions on things that truly do matter plus things that need opinion (I still need to give my take on Texas staying but I am putting that off like math homework). Anyways, I saw today that a Slovenia player guaranteed victory over the United States. Really? Well let's break down first the country and then what this guy said.
Slovenia: What I can see is it's by the Mediterranean Sea and that it is a mountainous region. They joined up with socialists after World War II and then broke free in 1991. Strike one, they were once socialists, we all know as red-blooded Americans that capitalism is the only way. Strike two, I noticed their jerseys were green, why? They have red, white, and blue in their flag and in their Crest, you are telling me you don't want to wear the colors of America? These colors don't bleed partner! Also, they have no famous hot Eastern European models... Strike three! All they have for us is Sasha Vujacic, child please, I cannot believe they gave this country its independence. Basically, I vote that besides France this is the worst country in the European union.
We here in the US of A have many great things like Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair just to name a few that would love to lay the smackdown on Komac's candy ass! I am glad Tim Howard came out and said basically a PC version of 'this Slovenian bastard is just talking out of his ass.' I hope for one good clean hit on this pansy for even thinking he could guarantee victory. Now I really want to win tomorrow because nothing is worse than losing to a team where they ensured victory against you. USA USA USA USA USA!
-Charlie.
We here in the US of A have many great things like Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair just to name a few that would love to lay the smackdown on Komac's candy ass! I am glad Tim Howard came out and said basically a PC version of 'this Slovenian bastard is just talking out of his ass.' I hope for one good clean hit on this pansy for even thinking he could guarantee victory. Now I really want to win tomorrow because nothing is worse than losing to a team where they ensured victory against you. USA USA USA USA USA!
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Epitome of Kobe.
After LeBron's collapse, I made a big deal about Game 5's of series especially when they were knotted at 2-2 and proclaimed that Kobe Bryant really hasn't cost a team a game five defeat. Honestly, he played a great game Sunday but this sums up Kobe's career without Shaq.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
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