Nothing bothers me more than at a professional sporting event where people wear jerseys of guys who aren't on the team or they suck that bad, almost like it's embarrassing to wear the jersey. After the month of April, I thought that was going to happen to my retro Corey Hart jersey. Like the LeBron thing, I finally bought in that maybe Hart wasn't the same player as the guy who got to the All Star Game. Now, the last three weeks have been awesome for all the Hart fans as he has went off like never before.
He is currently leading the National League in home runs with 13 and he is doing it in ways to assist his team such as the walk-off he had Friday night and the first inning Grand Slam on Saturday night. As my buddy Doz texts me "Your jersey keeps looker better and better by each day." I couldn't agree more and the next chance I get I am wearing my Hart jersey out to show support for him. The guy deserves it from his believers.
Let me take you back to April where everyone wanted him to be shipped out of Milwaukee after a horrendous Spring Training and people were already pissed at him for winning 5 million in arbitration. The fans jumped on him faster than three fat girls fighting for the last couple Twinkies. Now, Hart got a standing ovation from the fans on Saturday night before hitting his grand slam. It's fair to say that everyone is on his bandwagon again and hoping for big results from him the rest of the year.
I still think that the jersey might get retired either in July or December. I mean right now Hart could be a valuable assist to trade if the Brewers are still struggling and it appears they will not make the playoffs. Then I believe he is a free agent, and if the Crew inks Prince Fielder then there will likely be no money left for Hart. This worries me as a fan but I understand that baseball is a business, sometimes your favorite player will not be back to the team. But I hope that Hart stays as long as he can so I can keep wearing that #1 proudly.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Opinion on Kobe and Quick Laker Tangent
I should have never opened my mouth when it came to the argument of whose better Kobe or LeBron. I had always been an ardent Kobe guy and probably hurting my credibility even by making some ridiculous cases in defense of Kobe. Finally, I gave into all of the LeBron fans and said earlier this month, that LeBron was indeed the best player in the game hands down. Sadly after these playoffs, we have to tweak that statement a little bit.
LeBron James: The player I would draft first in a fantasy draft if I had to start a franchise from scratch and a guy I would want on my team throughout the regular season because he would make our team that much better. In addition, he is a great teammate so he will keep the guys together during the season.
Kobe Bryant: The player I want from the fourth quarter and on, a true warrior who hasn't missed a clutch shot in ages (look at the one he sank last night with Grant Hill in his jock, drilled it.). He might be an asshole but that's a quality you need in the playoffs. No nice guy has really ever won a title, even Magic Johnson got a bit nasty in his later years.
With all that being said, Kobe Bryant finds himself in the NBA Finals for a seventh time and in search of his fifth title. Everybody rode off Kobe in the Oklahoma City series claiming he was tired and the hype around LeBron James grew to mammoth proportions before the Boston series. What did Kobe do? He took his game to a second gear and started dropping 30 points a game like it was nobody business. Then after LeBron exited in the semifinals and everybody talked about the off season when the Mamba was still in there, he goes off for 40 to throw the focus back on him.
I think we cannot make an argument for either player right now because they are so valuable in different ways and both players are the best right now. One is number 1 and the other is 1a. So let's put this discussion to rest and then when we look at it in ten years we can then form our opinion.
Real quick about the Lakers, I said earlier I think they are in big trouble with Derek Fisher trying to guard Rajon Rondo and I doubt they throw Kobe on Rondo because they have to keep Ray Allen in check. Ron Artest versus Paul Pierce will be a great battle plus can we get odds makers on a Ron vs. Rasheed Wallace fight? I would bet this happens but I have been asking for a good ole NBA brawl for the last two weeks. The uncertainty of Andrew Bynum could be the difference because no matter what, he will get beat up even more by the front line of the Celts.
More on the NBA Finals later this week on Chuck's Corner, gotta love it. Boston and Los Angeles, like it should be.
LeBron James: The player I would draft first in a fantasy draft if I had to start a franchise from scratch and a guy I would want on my team throughout the regular season because he would make our team that much better. In addition, he is a great teammate so he will keep the guys together during the season.
Kobe Bryant: The player I want from the fourth quarter and on, a true warrior who hasn't missed a clutch shot in ages (look at the one he sank last night with Grant Hill in his jock, drilled it.). He might be an asshole but that's a quality you need in the playoffs. No nice guy has really ever won a title, even Magic Johnson got a bit nasty in his later years.
With all that being said, Kobe Bryant finds himself in the NBA Finals for a seventh time and in search of his fifth title. Everybody rode off Kobe in the Oklahoma City series claiming he was tired and the hype around LeBron James grew to mammoth proportions before the Boston series. What did Kobe do? He took his game to a second gear and started dropping 30 points a game like it was nobody business. Then after LeBron exited in the semifinals and everybody talked about the off season when the Mamba was still in there, he goes off for 40 to throw the focus back on him.
I think we cannot make an argument for either player right now because they are so valuable in different ways and both players are the best right now. One is number 1 and the other is 1a. So let's put this discussion to rest and then when we look at it in ten years we can then form our opinion.
Real quick about the Lakers, I said earlier I think they are in big trouble with Derek Fisher trying to guard Rajon Rondo and I doubt they throw Kobe on Rondo because they have to keep Ray Allen in check. Ron Artest versus Paul Pierce will be a great battle plus can we get odds makers on a Ron vs. Rasheed Wallace fight? I would bet this happens but I have been asking for a good ole NBA brawl for the last two weeks. The uncertainty of Andrew Bynum could be the difference because no matter what, he will get beat up even more by the front line of the Celts.
More on the NBA Finals later this week on Chuck's Corner, gotta love it. Boston and Los Angeles, like it should be.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Beantown Back in the Finals
Everyone can be deemed guilty for not believing the Boston Celtics at the beginning of the playoffs but honestly, who ever thought this team would be representing the Eastern Conference? Everybody was all over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hell, I don't even like the Cavs but I still believed they would win the Eastern Conference. But lying like a snake in the grass was the Boston Celtics.
One of the things that amazed me is the Celtics took two games in Miami, which is about as easy as a stripper on a Friday night. Then they did the unthinkable by beating the best home team in the entire league... twice. After Game 2 of the Eastern Semifinals, everybody took notice that the Celtics are for real and they also took two from Orlando. They aren't afraid of the road and I personally believe they feed off being the bad guy (more to come on that later) so they relish being on the road, bad news L.A. The other big thing that people took notice is there is another kid on the block with the big three.
Rajon Rondo played like the best point guard in the NBA, and to think when the playoffs started, people probably would have picked five different point guards or more before listing Rondo's name. He is super quick and even if he doesn't score, he seems to find a way to make a difference with his passing or getting inside with rebounds. The Lakers are in big trouble facing a guy like Rondo. Even though, Derek Fisher is playing pretty well right now, I cannot see him making any difference on defense and I wouldn't bet anything they would be able to keep up with Rondo in a full seven game series.
Another thing that I don't know if the Lakers can keep up is the front line of the Celtics. People will discuss about how Kevin Garnett disappeared in the Magic series but look no further than Mr. Dwight Howard. I expect a big performance out of KG and it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to the powerful three of these guys. I had buddies bitching about the physicality that the Celtics get away and to me, I think they want people to hate their post players for the way they play basketball. They want to be the guys with the biggest balls on the court and nobody will mess with their team. That's why you see Paul Pierce and other running their mouth because they have their bodyguards to protect him.
I couldn't believe how good they played throughout the playoffs like they just had Jay-Z on repeat.. "On to the Next One." They just kept mowing teams down and didn't miss a beat whatsoever. The only time the Celts looked somewhat shaky was the two games they dropped to the Orlando Magic. I have yet to formulate an opinion on how this series will go but I know one thing, the Celts aren't afraid of the road or L.A. Game on.
-Charlie.
One of the things that amazed me is the Celtics took two games in Miami, which is about as easy as a stripper on a Friday night. Then they did the unthinkable by beating the best home team in the entire league... twice. After Game 2 of the Eastern Semifinals, everybody took notice that the Celtics are for real and they also took two from Orlando. They aren't afraid of the road and I personally believe they feed off being the bad guy (more to come on that later) so they relish being on the road, bad news L.A. The other big thing that people took notice is there is another kid on the block with the big three.
Rajon Rondo played like the best point guard in the NBA, and to think when the playoffs started, people probably would have picked five different point guards or more before listing Rondo's name. He is super quick and even if he doesn't score, he seems to find a way to make a difference with his passing or getting inside with rebounds. The Lakers are in big trouble facing a guy like Rondo. Even though, Derek Fisher is playing pretty well right now, I cannot see him making any difference on defense and I wouldn't bet anything they would be able to keep up with Rondo in a full seven game series.
Another thing that I don't know if the Lakers can keep up is the front line of the Celtics. People will discuss about how Kevin Garnett disappeared in the Magic series but look no further than Mr. Dwight Howard. I expect a big performance out of KG and it will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond to the powerful three of these guys. I had buddies bitching about the physicality that the Celtics get away and to me, I think they want people to hate their post players for the way they play basketball. They want to be the guys with the biggest balls on the court and nobody will mess with their team. That's why you see Paul Pierce and other running their mouth because they have their bodyguards to protect him.
I couldn't believe how good they played throughout the playoffs like they just had Jay-Z on repeat.. "On to the Next One." They just kept mowing teams down and didn't miss a beat whatsoever. The only time the Celts looked somewhat shaky was the two games they dropped to the Orlando Magic. I have yet to formulate an opinion on how this series will go but I know one thing, the Celts aren't afraid of the road or L.A. Game on.
-Charlie.
Happy for Cappy
The Brewers blog announced today that the Brewers will purchase the contract of Chris Capuano who has been fighting a long battle with Tommy John Surgery and is now finally back in the big leagues. I couldn't be happier because Cappy really did seem like a class act and has really fought when nobody really believe he would be in a Brewer uniform. Now this raises two questions...
1.) Does he start?- I will go with a solid maybe. I think it might be a big hasty to throw him to the wolves right away therefore possibly taking the place of Marco Estrada who pitches after Manny Parra's three or four innings of work would make more sense for the start at least. I think if he does well in the first two weeks, you could see him starting in Parra's place. One commenter on the Brewers Blog mentioned taking Chris Narverson's spot but I really don't see why that is necessary. I think Narverson has done a good job in the starting role and it's been proven he really isn't that great in the bullpen.
2.) Who Leaves?- In a perfect world, it would be Jeff Suppan. But honestly, that cannot happen. We already have the Bill Hall Contract on our hands, and the Crew doesn't need to have two useless contracts when they are trying to sign Prince this summer or fall. I would like to see them send Claudio Vargas to waivers because it's starting to feel just like the last time around with him, just does enough to get by and it usually doesn't satisfy the Brewers needs. Right now, the Crew has a good thing going winning the last four of five and maybe the infusion of young talent is giving this team some chemistry it desperately needed. I think getting rid of Vargas is the ultimate solution.
The one thing I hope Brian Anderson brings back when Capuano takes the mound is discuss feverishly about Capuano's great pick off because I miss hearing about it. Good for you Cappy.
-Charlie.
1.) Does he start?- I will go with a solid maybe. I think it might be a big hasty to throw him to the wolves right away therefore possibly taking the place of Marco Estrada who pitches after Manny Parra's three or four innings of work would make more sense for the start at least. I think if he does well in the first two weeks, you could see him starting in Parra's place. One commenter on the Brewers Blog mentioned taking Chris Narverson's spot but I really don't see why that is necessary. I think Narverson has done a good job in the starting role and it's been proven he really isn't that great in the bullpen.
2.) Who Leaves?- In a perfect world, it would be Jeff Suppan. But honestly, that cannot happen. We already have the Bill Hall Contract on our hands, and the Crew doesn't need to have two useless contracts when they are trying to sign Prince this summer or fall. I would like to see them send Claudio Vargas to waivers because it's starting to feel just like the last time around with him, just does enough to get by and it usually doesn't satisfy the Brewers needs. Right now, the Crew has a good thing going winning the last four of five and maybe the infusion of young talent is giving this team some chemistry it desperately needed. I think getting rid of Vargas is the ultimate solution.
The one thing I hope Brian Anderson brings back when Capuano takes the mound is discuss feverishly about Capuano's great pick off because I miss hearing about it. Good for you Cappy.
-Charlie.
Ron-Ron Really?
One thing that is great about sports is that a player can go from being the biggest goat of the game and somebody everybody will blame the defeat on, then hit the game-winning shot and be portrayed as this clutch player. I nearly threw my drink at the TV when I saw SportsCenter headline of "Big Shot Ron." I understand he hit the game winner but seriously, does a guy who goes 1 for 9 really deserve the credit?
A guy who deserves big time props is Derek Fisher, a guy I have ragged on during these playoffs came up huge once again in a big game dropping 22 points and hit a couple of big shots down the stretch. Fisher should have been the guy that everybody talked about on Friday. He was the reason the Lakers won on Thursday night picking up the slack for the 'supposed' twin towers of Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol. Fisher did his thing and I wonder if he factors into tonight's game. This one is an obvious but another guy who stepped his game up was the Black Mamba himself.
Remember about two weeks ago when we discussed how the great ones handled critical 2-2 Game 5s? Once again, Kobe pulled it out with a ridiculous 30 pts 9 rbs 11 assts. While the LeBron James fan club will tell me that's a normal night for LBJ, my counter is he is a monster inside and has great vision, two different styles relax. For whatever reason in the playoffs, Kobe has figured out how to pass the ball to his teammates at a high rate and still get his points. I haven't seen this type of Kobe and it's really makes you wonder, is this guy unlike any other player? I don't believe you can compare him to anyone because he played so many roles in his career, you could call him chameleon more so than a mamba.
I think the Lakers end the Suns run tonight, I just think the Ron Artest Queensbridge Knockout might be too much for them to come back from but I could see a very close battle to the very end. Not to be John Madden, but the key for the Suns really how good their bench plays. When the bench is successful, it results in good things.
-Charlie.
A guy who deserves big time props is Derek Fisher, a guy I have ragged on during these playoffs came up huge once again in a big game dropping 22 points and hit a couple of big shots down the stretch. Fisher should have been the guy that everybody talked about on Friday. He was the reason the Lakers won on Thursday night picking up the slack for the 'supposed' twin towers of Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol. Fisher did his thing and I wonder if he factors into tonight's game. This one is an obvious but another guy who stepped his game up was the Black Mamba himself.
Remember about two weeks ago when we discussed how the great ones handled critical 2-2 Game 5s? Once again, Kobe pulled it out with a ridiculous 30 pts 9 rbs 11 assts. While the LeBron James fan club will tell me that's a normal night for LBJ, my counter is he is a monster inside and has great vision, two different styles relax. For whatever reason in the playoffs, Kobe has figured out how to pass the ball to his teammates at a high rate and still get his points. I haven't seen this type of Kobe and it's really makes you wonder, is this guy unlike any other player? I don't believe you can compare him to anyone because he played so many roles in his career, you could call him chameleon more so than a mamba.
I think the Lakers end the Suns run tonight, I just think the Ron Artest Queensbridge Knockout might be too much for them to come back from but I could see a very close battle to the very end. Not to be John Madden, but the key for the Suns really how good their bench plays. When the bench is successful, it results in good things.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 28, 2010
David Stern Will Fine Me For This
If you have ever had a conversation with my dad about sports, you would realize two things if you brought up the Milwaukee Brewers, you are there for another hour talking and if the NBA were discussed he would give you two simple words: "Who Cares." He is one of those guys who once the lockout happened, he left the NBA game pretty much all together. Sure like any Milwaukee resident he cared about the Bucks playoff run this spring but it didn't really affect him when they bowed out. But one of the main reasons he left was due to the poor officiating that seems to take over games like we saw last night in Orlando's defeat of Boston.
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Without a shout of a doubt, the Magic clearly beat the Celtics and sets up a very interesting Game 6 yet the officiating still needs to be looked at. The refs threw out 5 technical fouls and kicked Kendrick Perkins out of the game, which resulted in one game suspension originally. Thankfully, the NBA got it right and took away one of Perkins' technicals. Still, this doesn't excuse how the refs feel the need to be the stars of the game.
During this series, the Cleveland-Boston series, and Phoenix-Los Angeles series, I have found myself looking what else is on because there is no flow to the game. The refs feel the need to call every ticky-tack foul they see inside and really do not let the players play. The only game I can remember where you could call it a physical game was Game 1 of BOS-ORL other than that, it looks like an elementary school playground where the teachers will get pissed if little Johnny bumps into little Tommy leading to a timeout in the NBA's case a foul. I realize David Stern wants to get away from the mid-90s where it looked like a bar room brawl, but seriously can we find a happy medium?
Probably not, I think most refs are so set in their ways that you will get the same sort of effort. No one will drastically change the way they call a game therefore it's something we have to live with. Does it suck that only in the NBA does it feel like the league has its hands in the decision-making process? Yes, trust me I loved the 2000-2001 Milwaukee Bucks who got royally screwed against the Philadelphia 76ers because they wanted to showcase Allen Iverson vs. the Lakers, no one wanted Milwaukee. I know it sucks, but I think complaining about the refs gets us nowhere as writers or as people because the outcome is still the same minus Perkins' case. I know I want a happy medium, but I am satisfied to know I will never get it.
-Charlie
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
God Bless Jack Bauer
Before we talk about how sweet Jack Bauer is, let me assure you that my post count will rise in the summer and that my low count in May really is a fluke although each one you are getting at least 400-600 words in my estimation.
Last night, the clock struck zero on 24. A show that I didn't really watch because like a lot of great television in the past decade it happened before I was old enough. Last winter break, Coach told me that I had to watch 24, he raves about how much Jack Bauer kicks ass and how he is a great American hero. I said okay I will watch so I came over and watched Bauer with the rest of the clubhouse. From then on, I bought in like nobody business. I stayed up until 3 or 4 the first couple nights after to watch Season 1 illegally on my computer and after a few faulty connections starting renting them. I believe I got through three seasons in under two months while watching the newest season. It was fair to say that I became hooked on 24.
People told me that the show deteriorated as the years went on and I haven't watched Season Six which everyone says is the eventual 'jump off the bandwagon' for 24 so I will have to see it to believe what happened but I must say I enjoyed season seven a lot with many entertaining twists/turns. This season compared to fine wine, got better with time. The first eight episodes were sort of sub par and then after that, the tension couldn't be higher for every week. Then after Renee Walker dies, we see a whole other side of Jack Bauer who becomes a killing machine.
Jack Bauer is a real life superhero, a man who can and has put a fight with being handcuffed among other things. I hope they do a feature film of 24 because I believe according to Coach there are still some unanswered questions about Bauer plus the ending only means how aggressive the Russians will be come the movie. I think it would be awesome and I would be there for the midnight showing.
-Charlie.
Last night, the clock struck zero on 24. A show that I didn't really watch because like a lot of great television in the past decade it happened before I was old enough. Last winter break, Coach told me that I had to watch 24, he raves about how much Jack Bauer kicks ass and how he is a great American hero. I said okay I will watch so I came over and watched Bauer with the rest of the clubhouse. From then on, I bought in like nobody business. I stayed up until 3 or 4 the first couple nights after to watch Season 1 illegally on my computer and after a few faulty connections starting renting them. I believe I got through three seasons in under two months while watching the newest season. It was fair to say that I became hooked on 24.
People told me that the show deteriorated as the years went on and I haven't watched Season Six which everyone says is the eventual 'jump off the bandwagon' for 24 so I will have to see it to believe what happened but I must say I enjoyed season seven a lot with many entertaining twists/turns. This season compared to fine wine, got better with time. The first eight episodes were sort of sub par and then after that, the tension couldn't be higher for every week. Then after Renee Walker dies, we see a whole other side of Jack Bauer who becomes a killing machine.
Jack Bauer is a real life superhero, a man who can and has put a fight with being handcuffed among other things. I hope they do a feature film of 24 because I believe according to Coach there are still some unanswered questions about Bauer plus the ending only means how aggressive the Russians will be come the movie. I think it would be awesome and I would be there for the midnight showing.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The NBA... One Big Chess Game
If anything the NBA has proven to me in the last couple of weeks now is that it is completely dominated by the players and most NBA coaches are really just pawns for the most part making little to none significant impact on a team. Mike Brown is the ultimate pawn in the NBA and he was shown the door yesterday evening as the Cleveland Cavaliers fired him in hopes that they could bring back LeBron James.
Do I think that is highly unfair that players dictate what happens in the coaching realm? Yeah a bit, but I think basketball is a sport where the players can cover up your mistakes better than any professional sport. The decision making that is made in professional football and baseball is much more coach-oriented than in professional basketball. I have said many times that LeBron single-handily kept Brown employed for all these years because if he didn't have him, Brown would be still looking for a job.
To me, Brown looks clueless out there most of the time and I really feel like LeBron is more of a coach out there running things his way. Brown agrees with him and let's things happen James' way. That is fine and dandy in the regular season because sadly, the NBA teams give lackluster efforts from time to time and the intensity really isn't there until playoff time. The Cavs were a great regular season team due to getting to feast on the likes of the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and so on. Those teams had no answer for LeBron and company, it was only when the good teams who get upwards to seven games against the Cavs where Brown became exposed.
The playoffs forced Brown to coach and that was something he frankly didn't excel at in the top spot. It seemed like he made too many quick decisions and wanted to appease the players more than he actually wanted to do things. The perfect example is J.J. Hickson. He started 43 games for the Cavs where they went 39-4, which to me shows a good chemistry when Hickson is on the floor. Then when Shaq comes back, Hickson's minutes fell faster than Snooki's dress after meeting a juicehead. It didn't make any sense to me and others, why get rid of the things Hickson did all year?
As for the Cavs, this doesn't do much for LeBron in my estimate. They will tell him "LBJ, you get 30 million more and you can pick your coach, is that something you might be interested in?" This is an awful idea because Cleveland will get another pawn that LeBron and the Cavs will be able to control with what they want to do and not someone who will put their foot down to LeBron and others. I believe there are about 5 coaches who will demand respect... Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, and Scott Skiles (I know it seems rash to put Skiles in a category with legends but the man is a hard ass).
In Brown's case, he will get a job somewhere else this year and I will be interested to see how well he does. I think the Clippers (assuming they do not partake in the LBJ sweepstakes), Nets, and Hornets are all places that Brown could land a job in because his resume looks the best compared to the other candidates out there. Some team will say they just want to get the playoffs and they could care less about the NBA Finals, therefore they bring in Brown. Even though his in-game coaching isn't great, he still can will a team to low seed in the playoffs.
Every team in the LeBron Sweepstakes is trying to find that perfect coach that will woo LeBron there and everybody is looking to make Mr. James, the happiest NBA player. I think LeBron wants a guy he respects and not some cheeseball like Terry Stotts running things but in all honesty, I think whoever the coach will have little to none impact on LBJ's decision.
-Charlie.
Do I think that is highly unfair that players dictate what happens in the coaching realm? Yeah a bit, but I think basketball is a sport where the players can cover up your mistakes better than any professional sport. The decision making that is made in professional football and baseball is much more coach-oriented than in professional basketball. I have said many times that LeBron single-handily kept Brown employed for all these years because if he didn't have him, Brown would be still looking for a job.
To me, Brown looks clueless out there most of the time and I really feel like LeBron is more of a coach out there running things his way. Brown agrees with him and let's things happen James' way. That is fine and dandy in the regular season because sadly, the NBA teams give lackluster efforts from time to time and the intensity really isn't there until playoff time. The Cavs were a great regular season team due to getting to feast on the likes of the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and so on. Those teams had no answer for LeBron and company, it was only when the good teams who get upwards to seven games against the Cavs where Brown became exposed.
The playoffs forced Brown to coach and that was something he frankly didn't excel at in the top spot. It seemed like he made too many quick decisions and wanted to appease the players more than he actually wanted to do things. The perfect example is J.J. Hickson. He started 43 games for the Cavs where they went 39-4, which to me shows a good chemistry when Hickson is on the floor. Then when Shaq comes back, Hickson's minutes fell faster than Snooki's dress after meeting a juicehead. It didn't make any sense to me and others, why get rid of the things Hickson did all year?
As for the Cavs, this doesn't do much for LeBron in my estimate. They will tell him "LBJ, you get 30 million more and you can pick your coach, is that something you might be interested in?" This is an awful idea because Cleveland will get another pawn that LeBron and the Cavs will be able to control with what they want to do and not someone who will put their foot down to LeBron and others. I believe there are about 5 coaches who will demand respect... Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, and Scott Skiles (I know it seems rash to put Skiles in a category with legends but the man is a hard ass).
In Brown's case, he will get a job somewhere else this year and I will be interested to see how well he does. I think the Clippers (assuming they do not partake in the LBJ sweepstakes), Nets, and Hornets are all places that Brown could land a job in because his resume looks the best compared to the other candidates out there. Some team will say they just want to get the playoffs and they could care less about the NBA Finals, therefore they bring in Brown. Even though his in-game coaching isn't great, he still can will a team to low seed in the playoffs.
Every team in the LeBron Sweepstakes is trying to find that perfect coach that will woo LeBron there and everybody is looking to make Mr. James, the happiest NBA player. I think LeBron wants a guy he respects and not some cheeseball like Terry Stotts running things but in all honesty, I think whoever the coach will have little to none impact on LBJ's decision.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Who Will Stop the Rays?
Honestly before the month of June, I do not watch much baseball other than the Milwaukee Brewers and the reason why I haven't wrote about any of the other things in the league. But that doesn't mean I haven't kept my ear to the baseball world and today, we are going to talk about the Tampa Bay Rays who are at a stunning 29-11.
Everybody taught the Rays were a 'flash in the pan' after they struggled last season after making it to the 2009 somewhat disappointing season and now Tampa is playing great baseball with an unreal record in the first two months. Unbelievable start to the season and they destroyed the New York Yankees last night 10-6 (it was 9-2 at one point too). There are a couple crazy things to point out about the team first in offense.
Two of their bigger players on their team have gotten off to an awful start so far, Carlos Pena and B.J. Upton. Both guys are not hitting the ball so far .185 and .224 respectively and still they are 18 games above .500, unreal. I cannot even fathom what the Rays could be when Pena and Upton start hitting regularly again. Not to mention, has anyone suggested Upton to be traded to make room for Desmond Jennings? If you don't know, Jennings is a superstar prospect ready and waiting in Triple A. I realize that Upton is younger and maybe more potential but Crawford has been as consistent as anyone else in baseball. Another thing that is crazy to point out is Ben Zobrist who was awesome last year for the Rays hasn't hit a homer yet this season so this obviously points to one thing.
Pitching. I would wish I could look at the Brewers' pitching and see the pitching staff highest-rated E.R.A is at 3.35 ERA with uber-prospect Wade Davis who people feel can dominate in the coming years. David Price right now is playing like a Cy Young at his young age with dominating E.R.A at 1.81 and six wins already this season. Matt Garza and Jeff Niemann are both throwing smoke all over the place making the Rays look awfully tough for the rest of the year. Another thing the Rays have compared to last year is a closer. They couldn't shut down a game last year and bringing in Rafael Soriano this year he has really helped shut the door in late game situations. This team will win ugly with scores like 2-0, 2-1, 4-3 and you will not be entertained if you like a lot of scoring.
Right now with the way they are pitching, nothing is impossible for the Rays. I learned a long time ago that if you can pitch, you can win games even if your offense is sub-par. But if your offense starts to hit, then it becomes big time trouble for the rest of the league.
-Charlie.
Everybody taught the Rays were a 'flash in the pan' after they struggled last season after making it to the 2009 somewhat disappointing season and now Tampa is playing great baseball with an unreal record in the first two months. Unbelievable start to the season and they destroyed the New York Yankees last night 10-6 (it was 9-2 at one point too). There are a couple crazy things to point out about the team first in offense.
Two of their bigger players on their team have gotten off to an awful start so far, Carlos Pena and B.J. Upton. Both guys are not hitting the ball so far .185 and .224 respectively and still they are 18 games above .500, unreal. I cannot even fathom what the Rays could be when Pena and Upton start hitting regularly again. Not to mention, has anyone suggested Upton to be traded to make room for Desmond Jennings? If you don't know, Jennings is a superstar prospect ready and waiting in Triple A. I realize that Upton is younger and maybe more potential but Crawford has been as consistent as anyone else in baseball. Another thing that is crazy to point out is Ben Zobrist who was awesome last year for the Rays hasn't hit a homer yet this season so this obviously points to one thing.
Pitching. I would wish I could look at the Brewers' pitching and see the pitching staff highest-rated E.R.A is at 3.35 ERA with uber-prospect Wade Davis who people feel can dominate in the coming years. David Price right now is playing like a Cy Young at his young age with dominating E.R.A at 1.81 and six wins already this season. Matt Garza and Jeff Niemann are both throwing smoke all over the place making the Rays look awfully tough for the rest of the year. Another thing the Rays have compared to last year is a closer. They couldn't shut down a game last year and bringing in Rafael Soriano this year he has really helped shut the door in late game situations. This team will win ugly with scores like 2-0, 2-1, 4-3 and you will not be entertained if you like a lot of scoring. Right now with the way they are pitching, nothing is impossible for the Rays. I learned a long time ago that if you can pitch, you can win games even if your offense is sub-par. But if your offense starts to hit, then it becomes big time trouble for the rest of the league.
-Charlie.
Game 2 Ramblings
Seriously right now, I realize that my writing is slacking but really I had finals and I didn't feel like writing for awhile. Anyways, you will get basically NBA playoffs posts and the Milwaukee Brewers, maybe I should give you another baseball post about overall thoughts of the season so we will do three for you guys today. NBA, MLB, Brewers... I do this because I love all my readers, also I am officially putting pictures on every blog post.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Kobe Bryant seems to be doing everything for the Lakers and unlike Nash, I said it before he is getting better and better with all of the games. I mean he drops 21 5 rebs 13 asst which is an awesome game and a career high for Kobe. Do I think that Kobe gets it that the Suns cannot keep up with the scary front line of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum? Yes, yes i do... I think Bryant will be passing the ball more in the next couple of games and B-squared asked me if surprised me that Kobe's career high in assists was last night? Nope, he never needed to pass the ball because Derk Fisher and others made sure they got the ball to Shaq and let's face Kobe thought about himself more than usual in the last ten years ago plus no way he gets 13 dishes with the likes of Kwame Brown and Smush Parker.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship. It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles
-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not. I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one. The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.
-I think the one thing we love about playoffs in professional sports is that players will make a complete name for themselves in a mere two months. Rajon Rondo is doing that and no one would have had Rondo is his top five point guards list before the playoff started, now he is top 3 or... maybe the best? I haven't seen Rondo's arsenal be stopped by any one in the league even LeBron James. Yes, LBJ shut him down scoring wise, but he still made things happen by creating space in the floor. In addition, Rondo is definitely a guy I would pay to see at Bradley Center and on my list of jerseys I would love to own. Also because the Celtic green is awesome.
-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke. There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."
-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!
-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his.
-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired. He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night. That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.
-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.
-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay? I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thoughts From Game 1: Kobe's Rest, Look out for LO, Gasol's Respect
I think everyone I have talked to you enjoys the NBA were pretty excited for the series between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. I know that I am pumped for that one for a variety of reasons and it's one of those series where I am torn. I enjoy the Los Angeles Lakers because I consider myself someone who stands in Kobe's corner even though I would put LBJ ahead of him as best overall and who I probably built my team around (age reasons) but he is the best closer in the game, no one better. But I like Steve Nash plus a variety of others on the Suns. There are only a few teams I actually don't like which is the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz (except for Wes!), Chicago Bulls (sorta), and Cleveland Cavaliers
Anyways here are a few thoughts about last night blow out where the Lakers dominated 128-107 and if things continue this could be another quick series for the Lakers, which I think is a big reason L.A. is playing that much better. The Lakers have a variety of old and young players but I think they are a team who needs rest to regroup and it makes the team that much better.
Whose benefits the most out of this? Kobe Bryant, he looked tired against Oklahoma City, and then things seemed to get better against Utah, then last night Bryant dropped 40 pts (13/23) 5 5. He only shot 23 times, got to the line twelve times and basically lived up to the ill-advised Spike Lee documentary because Bryant did work. There is no one on the Suns who can keep up with a rested Kobe and that is a big fat rut-roh for the Suns.
Another rut-roh for the Suns is the play of Lamar Odom. We saw this last year in the Western Conference Championship and the NBA Finals. I devoted an entire post to him last year because LO was that damn good deep in the playoffs and he came up with a 19 and 19, abused Amar'e Stoudamire on the glass in Game 1 today. Odom is a type of guy who needs one good game and he appears to take off for the next couple of games. I expect some big things out of Odom in the coming weeks and the fact you can have a front line of 6'11 7'0 7'1 is just plain scary and no one in the NBA can stop that combination when they are playing like they did in Game 1.
When are we going to all agree that Pau Gasol is a top three power forward right now in the NBA? He plays pretty good defense and I believe he has washed off the reputation of being softer than Charmin inside the lane. I personally would love him on my team and I can only think of a couple big men that I would rather have on my team. I believe people don't like him because he yells alot, complains about calls, and looks like he lives outside of the Staples Center. I can't blame those people but you gotta give respect when it's due.
Finally, a quick thought on the Suns. They cannot have Steve Nash only shooting the ball twelve times and getting to the line only twice in a game. They need more out of Nash and he can exploit the Lakers in the lane with Derek Fisher inside. They can win the second game but they will need ten times a better defensive performance.
-Charlie.
Anyways here are a few thoughts about last night blow out where the Lakers dominated 128-107 and if things continue this could be another quick series for the Lakers, which I think is a big reason L.A. is playing that much better. The Lakers have a variety of old and young players but I think they are a team who needs rest to regroup and it makes the team that much better.
Whose benefits the most out of this? Kobe Bryant, he looked tired against Oklahoma City, and then things seemed to get better against Utah, then last night Bryant dropped 40 pts (13/23) 5 5. He only shot 23 times, got to the line twelve times and basically lived up to the ill-advised Spike Lee documentary because Bryant did work. There is no one on the Suns who can keep up with a rested Kobe and that is a big fat rut-roh for the Suns.
Another rut-roh for the Suns is the play of Lamar Odom. We saw this last year in the Western Conference Championship and the NBA Finals. I devoted an entire post to him last year because LO was that damn good deep in the playoffs and he came up with a 19 and 19, abused Amar'e Stoudamire on the glass in Game 1 today. Odom is a type of guy who needs one good game and he appears to take off for the next couple of games. I expect some big things out of Odom in the coming weeks and the fact you can have a front line of 6'11 7'0 7'1 is just plain scary and no one in the NBA can stop that combination when they are playing like they did in Game 1.
When are we going to all agree that Pau Gasol is a top three power forward right now in the NBA? He plays pretty good defense and I believe he has washed off the reputation of being softer than Charmin inside the lane. I personally would love him on my team and I can only think of a couple big men that I would rather have on my team. I believe people don't like him because he yells alot, complains about calls, and looks like he lives outside of the Staples Center. I can't blame those people but you gotta give respect when it's due.
Finally, a quick thought on the Suns. They cannot have Steve Nash only shooting the ball twelve times and getting to the line only twice in a game. They need more out of Nash and he can exploit the Lakers in the lane with Derek Fisher inside. They can win the second game but they will need ten times a better defensive performance.
-Charlie.
Monday, May 17, 2010
It's About That Time Ken.
No matter what happen today in the Brewer game, I was planning on writing something because going 1-5 or 0-6 is godawful at home and really should never happen. But now the Milwaukee Brewers go from winning five of six and now lose six straight at home nonetheless. The Crew are currently 4-14 at home, which is something you cannot have in a year you want the fans to come in droves so more money is available for Prince Fielder in the coming off-season. A message needs to be sent and that message is firing Ken Macha.
I think you cannot tell me why this man deserves his job right now. This team is underachieving big time and I really do not think it is all the players fault. Macha's horrible job at the lineup, which was still producing but not having Alcides Escobar in a position to steal bases is ridiculous. Further having Gregg Zaun hitting six is like asking for an out. When Arizona intentionally walked Casey McGehee to get to our six hitter than should be a clear sign to Ken. Not to mention, does Zaun suffer some of the blame here? What's there to prove that he calls a great game and maybe it's not a coincidence that Randy Wolf hasn't had a bad start with Kottaras back there. The offense is just the tip of the iceberg of problems, the majority of their Titantic-size iceberg is pitching.
Macha decision making with the pitching has been more than puzzling. The starters have been decent for the most part but Doug Davis has been less than stellar plus Jeff Suppan should have never started. He showed time and time again last year that he just doesn't have it to start a game and I swear to Uecker if he takes Davis' spot in the rotation, I will be really pissed. (Checked, it's Manny Parra... I am in between on that one). I think the starters can stop nibbling and just throw pitches plus get good defense they can start stringing together longer starts.
He seems to trot out a laughable bunch of pitchers back-to-back and they led to more runs coming in. For example, a couple weeks ago he went with Claudio Vargas (8.04 ERA), Jeff Suppan (6.20 ERA), and LaTroy Hawkins (9.26 ERA). Hawkins was the only one who let in any runs but still that is asking for trouble. Right now, Todd Coffey and Carlos Villanueva are the best relievers right now plus they are durable guys who can pitch multiple games. If I were Macha, I would try my best to throw one of those guys out every day, that needs to happen without any question. By no means, am I throwing Suppan/John Axford/Mitch Stetter/Vargas all together. I like Stetter for the left-handed role to get the job done, but he isn't guy I am recommending for an entire inning. In addition, I cannot make out whether Trevor Hoffman can close anymore, probably not but there is no one on our team right now could close.
Since the Brewers didn't fire Macha today, I think he has been given a vote of confidence for the road series to see what happens. I think there is a good chance that Macha could be gone if the Crew get swept in Cincinnati especially if the Brewers put up an awful effort in a park they have good success. If Macha goes around 4-3 or better he will be there for the home series against Houston Astros/New York Mets. The only reason I called for his ousting is because all you have to look at is the Colorado Rockies of last year around the same record, fire their manager and hired an experienced intern manager (Jim Tracy), then resulted in the NLCS. The Brewers probably won't get there but who knows, the NL Central is wide open right now and the Crew need to find a way to capitalize.
-Charlie.
I think you cannot tell me why this man deserves his job right now. This team is underachieving big time and I really do not think it is all the players fault. Macha's horrible job at the lineup, which was still producing but not having Alcides Escobar in a position to steal bases is ridiculous. Further having Gregg Zaun hitting six is like asking for an out. When Arizona intentionally walked Casey McGehee to get to our six hitter than should be a clear sign to Ken. Not to mention, does Zaun suffer some of the blame here? What's there to prove that he calls a great game and maybe it's not a coincidence that Randy Wolf hasn't had a bad start with Kottaras back there. The offense is just the tip of the iceberg of problems, the majority of their Titantic-size iceberg is pitching.
Macha decision making with the pitching has been more than puzzling. The starters have been decent for the most part but Doug Davis has been less than stellar plus Jeff Suppan should have never started. He showed time and time again last year that he just doesn't have it to start a game and I swear to Uecker if he takes Davis' spot in the rotation, I will be really pissed. (Checked, it's Manny Parra... I am in between on that one). I think the starters can stop nibbling and just throw pitches plus get good defense they can start stringing together longer starts.
He seems to trot out a laughable bunch of pitchers back-to-back and they led to more runs coming in. For example, a couple weeks ago he went with Claudio Vargas (8.04 ERA), Jeff Suppan (6.20 ERA), and LaTroy Hawkins (9.26 ERA). Hawkins was the only one who let in any runs but still that is asking for trouble. Right now, Todd Coffey and Carlos Villanueva are the best relievers right now plus they are durable guys who can pitch multiple games. If I were Macha, I would try my best to throw one of those guys out every day, that needs to happen without any question. By no means, am I throwing Suppan/John Axford/Mitch Stetter/Vargas all together. I like Stetter for the left-handed role to get the job done, but he isn't guy I am recommending for an entire inning. In addition, I cannot make out whether Trevor Hoffman can close anymore, probably not but there is no one on our team right now could close.
Since the Brewers didn't fire Macha today, I think he has been given a vote of confidence for the road series to see what happens. I think there is a good chance that Macha could be gone if the Crew get swept in Cincinnati especially if the Brewers put up an awful effort in a park they have good success. If Macha goes around 4-3 or better he will be there for the home series against Houston Astros/New York Mets. The only reason I called for his ousting is because all you have to look at is the Colorado Rockies of last year around the same record, fire their manager and hired an experienced intern manager (Jim Tracy), then resulted in the NLCS. The Brewers probably won't get there but who knows, the NL Central is wide open right now and the Crew need to find a way to capitalize.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Boston-Orlando: Surprising in Many Aspects
At the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, not many people would have told you that the Celtics and Magic would be meeting the Eastern Conference Finals for a chance to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Orlando has had the route that everyone believed the Fightin' LeBrons would have done.
Orlando has kicked ass and taken names so far this playoffs by winning all eight games they have played. People might argue that the Atlanta Hawks quit on their coach leading to the significant blowouts but still that doesn't excuse the way the Magic have been playing in the past month. The biggest reason is they are deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
They have 10 guys that play and do with hustle. My buddy Mach likes Orlando because of this, he really buys into the effort guys they have like Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Rashard Lewis and JJ Redick. He is a big time fan of the grit they all show and to me, the biggest reason they have been so successful. They buy into Stan Van Gundy's system, everyone is unselfish, and people know their role as if the Rock told them, even the classic example of a "me first" player in Vince Carter. But now looms the big bad Celtics
Face it, people want to see the Celtics win this series because a.) it will be a bigger draw if it's Boston-LA/PHX and b.) seeing the Celts in the Finals is the standard. Does this mean they will get calls their way? Who knows really but I do know that Rajon Rondo is the star of their team. He controls the game in way I have only seen from Steve Nash and Chris Paul, he has a similar style but it's much more quick. He knifes the lane like Allen Iverson use to and has that fearless gene that Ivo showed off so many times. Jameer Nelson will be a huge test for him because Nelson is as physical as you are going to get and he will force Rondo to make some outside shots.
6-0. The Celtics record in series that Kevin Garnett play in and he looks like he is five years younger. He really seems to be moving well, running the floor, and hitting the mid-range jumpers with ease. If there is one thing that I could see being a difference is Garnett. He will get Dwight Howard in foul trouble, and push him out of the lane with that lethal mid-range shot. I would be amazed if Van Gundy put Howard on Kendrick Perkins. The Cavs forced his hand in Game 6 to shoot that shot and buried five of them in the first half.
I am taking the Celtics in six because I think they are a very good road team and could steal a game or two in Orlando. The Magic haven't be tested like the C's have in the playoffs and if Howard gets into foul trouble like he did in Charlotte in will be a bigger deal than it was three weeks ago. The Celtics will out physical the Magic in a brutal series where I expect one fight... Rasheed vs. Vince make it happen.
-Charlie.
Orlando has kicked ass and taken names so far this playoffs by winning all eight games they have played. People might argue that the Atlanta Hawks quit on their coach leading to the significant blowouts but still that doesn't excuse the way the Magic have been playing in the past month. The biggest reason is they are deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
They have 10 guys that play and do with hustle. My buddy Mach likes Orlando because of this, he really buys into the effort guys they have like Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Rashard Lewis and JJ Redick. He is a big time fan of the grit they all show and to me, the biggest reason they have been so successful. They buy into Stan Van Gundy's system, everyone is unselfish, and people know their role as if the Rock told them, even the classic example of a "me first" player in Vince Carter. But now looms the big bad Celtics
Face it, people want to see the Celtics win this series because a.) it will be a bigger draw if it's Boston-LA/PHX and b.) seeing the Celts in the Finals is the standard. Does this mean they will get calls their way? Who knows really but I do know that Rajon Rondo is the star of their team. He controls the game in way I have only seen from Steve Nash and Chris Paul, he has a similar style but it's much more quick. He knifes the lane like Allen Iverson use to and has that fearless gene that Ivo showed off so many times. Jameer Nelson will be a huge test for him because Nelson is as physical as you are going to get and he will force Rondo to make some outside shots.
6-0. The Celtics record in series that Kevin Garnett play in and he looks like he is five years younger. He really seems to be moving well, running the floor, and hitting the mid-range jumpers with ease. If there is one thing that I could see being a difference is Garnett. He will get Dwight Howard in foul trouble, and push him out of the lane with that lethal mid-range shot. I would be amazed if Van Gundy put Howard on Kendrick Perkins. The Cavs forced his hand in Game 6 to shoot that shot and buried five of them in the first half.
I am taking the Celtics in six because I think they are a very good road team and could steal a game or two in Orlando. The Magic haven't be tested like the C's have in the playoffs and if Howard gets into foul trouble like he did in Charlotte in will be a bigger deal than it was three weeks ago. The Celtics will out physical the Magic in a brutal series where I expect one fight... Rasheed vs. Vince make it happen.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Milwaukee Brewers: The Cheating Husband of Baseball
Just when you think you can write something positive about the Milwaukee Brewers, they come back and get swept by the Atlanta Braves. Not to mention, Ryan Braun got hurt in game one but that still doesn’t excuse the fact the pitching staff decided to lay a stink bomb in the form of Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva. I cannot understand how the pitching staff could give up five or more runs in three straight games to a team who is 14th in batting and an awful road team. As I did with Marquette in the middle of the season, I cannot put too much stock in the Brewers because they always seem to let me down.
Can someone give me another reason to go Miller Park other than enjoying a tailgate and a couple beers? I mean the Crew right now are the worst team at home so far this season. They have played good teams at home but still that doesn't excuse putting a bad performance at home. If you are still reading, my title can be explain perfectly from my recent watching stint of the Sopranos... When the Crew is with their mistress (on the road) they play pretty well and seem to loose out there. But when they are back with their wife (the fans) the team looks tired, disinterested, and have no desire to be there. In addition, this is the same thing that happened with Tony Soprano when he is with his Russian mistress he doesn't have a care in the world and then at home he just seems pissed all the time ready to whack somebody on sight.
Also I am starting to lose faith in Ken Macha. I am not saying I am ready to call for his head but some decisions he has made in the past couple of days makes it appear that Macha might pulling a Griffey Jr. and sleeping in the clubhouse between innings. I already discussed the decision to bring in Parra on Monday, and then on Wednesday, the Brewers had a big inning started in the six inning, already run in (2-1 ATL) and runners on first and second. Prince Fielder flies out again which has become natural occurrence for the big fella, then Casey McGehee comes out who is the hottest Brewer right now comes to plate....
In what way would it be a good idea to steal Jody Gerut to third? I could understand maybe if Gregg Zaun/Corey Hart/Alcides Escobar, but McGehee?! This guy has hit everything in sight in the past week and is really hitting the ball. After sending Gerut who is called out, the Brewers had two outs and wouldn't you know McGehee drives in the lone run on the base with a deep double. I understand Macha trying to create offense but it makes no sense when the middle of the order is up to the plate.
My confidence level for the Brewers against the Phillies this weekend: 3. The Phils always have our number and seem to dominate us every time they play the Crew. I expect 1-2 or even a sweep leaving them with a pathetic home stand. I wish I had listened to the anonymous commenter who told me the Brewers finish no better than fourth, I had too much faith and now I have none.
-Charlie.
Can someone give me another reason to go Miller Park other than enjoying a tailgate and a couple beers? I mean the Crew right now are the worst team at home so far this season. They have played good teams at home but still that doesn't excuse putting a bad performance at home. If you are still reading, my title can be explain perfectly from my recent watching stint of the Sopranos... When the Crew is with their mistress (on the road) they play pretty well and seem to loose out there. But when they are back with their wife (the fans) the team looks tired, disinterested, and have no desire to be there. In addition, this is the same thing that happened with Tony Soprano when he is with his Russian mistress he doesn't have a care in the world and then at home he just seems pissed all the time ready to whack somebody on sight.
Also I am starting to lose faith in Ken Macha. I am not saying I am ready to call for his head but some decisions he has made in the past couple of days makes it appear that Macha might pulling a Griffey Jr. and sleeping in the clubhouse between innings. I already discussed the decision to bring in Parra on Monday, and then on Wednesday, the Brewers had a big inning started in the six inning, already run in (2-1 ATL) and runners on first and second. Prince Fielder flies out again which has become natural occurrence for the big fella, then Casey McGehee comes out who is the hottest Brewer right now comes to plate....
In what way would it be a good idea to steal Jody Gerut to third? I could understand maybe if Gregg Zaun/Corey Hart/Alcides Escobar, but McGehee?! This guy has hit everything in sight in the past week and is really hitting the ball. After sending Gerut who is called out, the Brewers had two outs and wouldn't you know McGehee drives in the lone run on the base with a deep double. I understand Macha trying to create offense but it makes no sense when the middle of the order is up to the plate.
My confidence level for the Brewers against the Phillies this weekend: 3. The Phils always have our number and seem to dominate us every time they play the Crew. I expect 1-2 or even a sweep leaving them with a pathetic home stand. I wish I had listened to the anonymous commenter who told me the Brewers finish no better than fourth, I had too much faith and now I have none.
-Charlie.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Stunned. Shocked. Bamboozled.
Obviously, you all know who this is about... LeBron James. We all saw one of most mesmerizing games of an NBA MVP that we have ever seen. LeBron's line last night was 15 pts (3/14) 7 rebs 6 asst and for a superstar that is bad. Comparable to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's making a movie and naming it Gigli, LeBron was Gigli bad. In addition, I made an Entourage comparison about LBJ and here's another one, this is his Medellin. Obviously, Vinnie Chase is LBJ, Mo Williams is E (someone who cannot bail Vince out of this shitty movie), and Billy Walsh is Mike Brown (Hey Suit! Go fuck yer motha! Love Walsh, I hope he is back this year). Now it took awhile for Vince to respond until the end of season five where Ari rescues Vince and gets him a Scorsese movie... Is LeBron's new movie a relocation project? Who knows really.
I am almost mad that I defended him last week because like I said in years past I was a big time hater of LeBron. But I also know of thing called bias and I am not going to throw the blinders to discredit what he did in the regular season. But the playoffs? I mean wow, he just looked like he didn't care and didn't want to play for Cleveland anymore. LeBron wanted to be at home trying to figure out Lost instead of playing at the Q. B-Squared is the biggest LBJ fan and honestly, it was the first time he couldn't make one argument that made me think. Usually, he makes one good point that I will agree with but today, he couldn't say a single word. I feel like I should just stuck to my guns so I could be laughing at all of you LeBron fans but then again, I am trying to establish myself so I apologize.
Seriously, LeBron laid the biggest egg drawing memories of Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson in the playoffs. I tweeted he looked like the first three guys not Bird, Magic, Jordan, and Kobe. Now could LeBron come in hot with a 35 points 15 rbs 12 assts in Game 6 and lead them to victory? Absolutely, but do people still say, so this was just a mirage and we should never remember this? I think no one should ever forget this performance because it was that bad from a superstar. Read Simmons column where he points out some bad Kobe Bryant starts, but what I am doing is looking at critical Game 5s.
Now there are different kinds of Game 5s and they all have a certain level of Game 5... Desperation (1-3) High alert (2-2) Close out game (3-1)... The players involved Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. In addition, I am not including any games where the team (BOS/LA/CHI/CLEV) closed out in five of if the said team was up 3-1. So I decided to look from 1980 and here's what I have for you.
1980: Magic Johnson: I cannot find the box score to give you the official numbers but his team did win in Game 5 plus in a critical game 6 up 3-2 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with injury, Magic dropped 42 7 6 and won Finals MVP. (1-0)
1981: Larry Bird: Sadly, Basketball Reference has let me down for now but Bird won two game 5’s that year where the series was at 3-1 Philly (desperation) and 2-2 (high alert) going on to win both. One against Philadelphia and the other against Houston in the Conference Finals (2-0)
1982: Larry Bird: One game five for Bird again down 3-1, his team blows out the Philadelphia 76ers and then gets the victory in game six as well before running out of gas in game seven (3-0)
1984: Larry Bird: In a critical game 5 against Bernard King and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the C’s blow out the Knicks 121-99 and the Hick from French Lick still has a perfect record. (4-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: In the first of their classic match ups in the NBA Finals, after a heated Game 4 where punches flew in L.A., the Celtics go on to beat the Showtime Lakers in a redhead stepchild way 121-103. Also this was a high alert game for both of them. (4-0) (1-1) Also the Celtics would end up taking the series.
1985: Larry Bird: In the Eastern Semifinals young upstart Detroit Pistons teams come through and forces a game five with the series tied at 2-2. The Celtics win 130-123, keeping Bird record perfect in this little game we are playing (5-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: For the first time, the NBA converted to a 2-3-2 in the NBA Finals and it played to Magic’s advantage as the Lakers beat Bird and the C’s in a game five 120-111 and go on to win the title. (5-1) (2-1)
1986: Magic Johnson: The Lakers ended up bowing out the Western Conference Finals but once again in a high alert situation, Magic wins again over the Dallas Mavericks 116-113 and the Lakers close them out in the next game. (3-1)
1987: Larry Bird: High alert situation at its finest for Bird as they are playing hurt with a bunch other guys that are hurt, Kevin McHale had a broken foot for Christ Sakes. Anyways, the famous Dennis Johnson steals the ball and Bird hits the game-winner, the Celtics win 108-107, that my friends is clutch. (6-1)
1988: Magic Johnson: Another pivotal game 5 with the Utah Jazz and the upstart team of Malone/Stockton. The Lakers win another game 111-109 and Magic wins again. Magic continues to show his strength in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks as he blew out the Mavs in a key game five. Detroit Pistons is killing this theory right now as they beat the Lakers by 10 being up 2-2 and another thing killing this theory is the 2-3-2, can’t tell you how mad this makes me. One thing if you look at this closer, Magic did lose a lot of 3-1 games in his career but still when the chips were down, Magic did work.
Larry Bird: The Celtics were playing an upstart Atlanta Hawk team and the Celtics were starting to hit the down slopes so Bird’s team falls in defeat in the first 2-2 Game 5 that didn’t involve Magic. Also continuing with this theme as the Detroit Pistons beat them in Game 5 at the Garden and ended up beating them again in Game 6, my argument with Bird is he started fading right around this time. (6-3)
1989: Michael Jordan: For the first time, the Royal Airness makes an appearance in our little experiment and MJ once again gets ruined by the Bad Boys of Detroit. I already hate the city of Detroit and this is continuing the theme, my argument for MJ… the team wasn’t ready yet. (0-1)
1990: Michael Jordan: Detroit… Suck it. (0-2) Also may I say why can I get a random game from the Kings-Blazers but I cannot get a box score for a critical game like this one? CMONN MANNNN!
1991: Larry Bird: One of the last years of his career where his back is comparable to Abe Vigoda but once again, Detroit spoils the party but good news we finally have stats to back up our research! Beautiful day, Bird: 16 pts (7/18) 5 asst 5 rebs. Bird finishes 6-4 and all of the losses except for the one against Magic where in the twilight of his career, it’s unfair to put Bird under a microscope deep in his career.
1992: Michael Jordan: The Jordan experience had already begun with Jordan running through Bird, the Bad Boys, and Magic in 91 and then he had a critical game five with the Knicks where he goes off for 37 pts (11/23) 5 rbs 3 assts and they win 96-88 and then in a Cleveland-Chicago series in the Conference Finals, Jordan puts up nearly the same stat line in a win. Then in an incredible performance in the Finals against the Blazers, Jordan drops 46 (14/23) 5 5 and basically gives a lesson on what clutch is. (3-2)
1993: Michael Jordan: This one is a special one, down 2-0 to the Knicks and they end up coming all the way back including a game five victory where he goes 29 (11/24) 8 14 guiding his team to a 97-94 win (4-2)
1995: Michael Jordan: Jordan makes his return and this is an unfair look at him yet he still drops 39 4 4 when nobody else does anything. Honestly, if there is one game to look at a LeBron comparison it would be this one, no one helped Jordan in that one (4-3)
1997: Michael Jordan: What’s fascinating about MJ’s career in the playoffs is he rarely let a series get to the 2-2 and when he did, he TJ Lavin-style killed it. Game 5 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz and one of the toughest crowds in the NBA, they gut out 90-88 victory with Jordan going 37 (13/27) 7 5. (5-3)
1998: Michael Jordan: I believe this our last Jordan 2-2 game five situation and MJ drops 29 (12/20) 7 4 and it was a complete rout of Indiana Pacers as they win by 17. Jordan ends up finishing 6-3 and all of the losses can be defended; two he was young and the other was a half-assed comeback attempt. Other than that, Jordan dominated these games.
2000: Kobe Bryant: I am not giving out stats on this one but I will point out that Kobe’s team did lose a game five and took it all the way to seven games, doesn’t count against his record but good fodder for the Anti-Kobe.
2002: Kobe Bryant: Interesting that we haven’t seen a game like this because the Lakers were that damn good in those years and then the Lakeshow ended up losing in Game 5 to the Sacramento Kings on the road by one point. Kobe finishes with 30 (11/29) 5 3 (0-1)
2003: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers who were actually underdogs in the first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves (let’s remember they move to seven games in first round) and the Lakers blew out the T’Wolves by 30. Kobe goes 30 (12/21) 8 5. The Lakers then face a far better San Antonio Spurs team in the next round and it goes to 2-2 where they lose to the Spurs by 2 on the road. Kobe ends up with 36 (15/31) 7 6 (1-2)
2004: Kobe Bryant: Could also be known as the “Derek Fisher Shot” as they beat the Spurs in an ugly game of 74-73 victory. Kobe 22 (11/27) 4 5, ugly performance but that was a great victory on the road. (2-2)
2006: Kobe Bryant: Another one that is worth noting that Kobe and his gang of idiots blew a 3-1 lead against the Phoenix Suns so he has that Magic thing of not closing it out at 3-1 when he can.
LeBron James: He makes a thunderous debut to this theory as they beat the Washington Wizards by one and I believe he made a game winner. LBJ finishes with 45 7 6. Also LeBron wins another 2-2 series against the defending champions Detroit Pistons as he goes for 32 5 5 and wins. But also worth noting, LBJ’s teams of idiots lose two straight and blows it. (2-0)
2007: LeBron James: This is actually the game that everybody says “Holy shit this guy is really effin good.” I remember watching some of this game at BW3’s and the LBJ experience started then. He dropped a mass amount of points and a victory 48 9 7 (3-0)
2008: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are back into this mix and they were facing the Jazz. This victory is what we would call a team effort and something great to see as they win by seven. Just look at the Mamba’s numbers. 26 (6/10) 6 7 (3-2)
LeBron James: The Cavs ended up dropping the game to the Celtics and the Big 3 yet LBJ dropped a ton of points in the defeat but he doesn’t do much other than score buckets. 35 (12/25) 3 5 (3-1)
2009: Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba had himself a crucial game against the Houston Rockets were they thrashed the team by 40 points. 26 (10/19) 4 3. There was another game that playoff game where they were knotted at 2-2, thinking this could be a series… and the Lakers shut the door without Kobe, I remember this game well because I wrote about Lamar Odom’s worth. 22 (6/13) 5 8 (5-2)
2010: Kobe Bryant: Another game five that Bryant didn’t real play that well but Kobe did the thing that LBJ couldn’t do, lock down Russell Westbrook and take control of the series, 13 (4/9) 3 7. So Kobe finishes up 6-2 for his career in these critical game fives plus the two he probably blew it but Kobe had three games that were awful in these games.
LeBron James: And here we are. 3-2 for his career in these games where he has had great success in these vital games, I couldn’t believe the numbers I saw from LeBron in these games but here we have the game against Boston. 15 (3/14) 6 7, who knows what we are going to see in tonight’s game.
I am beyond giddy for this game, I think people will know who the real LeBron James is. I am currently listening to Brian Windhorst, Cavs beat writer talking about how LeBron looked disinterested and there is a part of him that seems to not care anymore. I thought some of the same things with LeBron not attacking the lane or go into the post, getting cross-screens from Shaq. LeBron didn't once go into the post and try to do things near the basket, which in addition makes it that much more polarizing of the game. I think you will see a great performance with LBJ dropping near 30-35 pts, 10-12 rbs, and 8-12 assts. I have no idea if they will win this game but I do believe we will see a jaw-dropping performance from LeBron... And if we don't?
It will only get worse and people will then keep raising questions about what the hell happen in this series? And why can't LeBron win in the playoffs? It might be that Mike Brown is a corpse of a coach and wouldn't have a job if he didn't have LBJ every night. LeBron is really a player-coach out there and Brown is doing nothing to help his team.
The city of Cleveland is on pins and needles right now, probably sitting on their couch knocking back a few beers because if I were a fan? There is no way I could be stone-cold sober for this one because if there is a lost, questions will be raised all over the place and a city will be left for answers, something that might be better intoxicated tonight.
-Charlie.
I am almost mad that I defended him last week because like I said in years past I was a big time hater of LeBron. But I also know of thing called bias and I am not going to throw the blinders to discredit what he did in the regular season. But the playoffs? I mean wow, he just looked like he didn't care and didn't want to play for Cleveland anymore. LeBron wanted to be at home trying to figure out Lost instead of playing at the Q. B-Squared is the biggest LBJ fan and honestly, it was the first time he couldn't make one argument that made me think. Usually, he makes one good point that I will agree with but today, he couldn't say a single word. I feel like I should just stuck to my guns so I could be laughing at all of you LeBron fans but then again, I am trying to establish myself so I apologize.
Seriously, LeBron laid the biggest egg drawing memories of Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson in the playoffs. I tweeted he looked like the first three guys not Bird, Magic, Jordan, and Kobe. Now could LeBron come in hot with a 35 points 15 rbs 12 assts in Game 6 and lead them to victory? Absolutely, but do people still say, so this was just a mirage and we should never remember this? I think no one should ever forget this performance because it was that bad from a superstar. Read Simmons column where he points out some bad Kobe Bryant starts, but what I am doing is looking at critical Game 5s.
Now there are different kinds of Game 5s and they all have a certain level of Game 5... Desperation (1-3) High alert (2-2) Close out game (3-1)... The players involved Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. In addition, I am not including any games where the team (BOS/LA/CHI/CLEV) closed out in five of if the said team was up 3-1. So I decided to look from 1980 and here's what I have for you.
1980: Magic Johnson: I cannot find the box score to give you the official numbers but his team did win in Game 5 plus in a critical game 6 up 3-2 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with injury, Magic dropped 42 7 6 and won Finals MVP. (1-0)
1981: Larry Bird: Sadly, Basketball Reference has let me down for now but Bird won two game 5’s that year where the series was at 3-1 Philly (desperation) and 2-2 (high alert) going on to win both. One against Philadelphia and the other against Houston in the Conference Finals (2-0)
1982: Larry Bird: One game five for Bird again down 3-1, his team blows out the Philadelphia 76ers and then gets the victory in game six as well before running out of gas in game seven (3-0)
1984: Larry Bird: In a critical game 5 against Bernard King and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the C’s blow out the Knicks 121-99 and the Hick from French Lick still has a perfect record. (4-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: In the first of their classic match ups in the NBA Finals, after a heated Game 4 where punches flew in L.A., the Celtics go on to beat the Showtime Lakers in a redhead stepchild way 121-103. Also this was a high alert game for both of them. (4-0) (1-1) Also the Celtics would end up taking the series.
1985: Larry Bird: In the Eastern Semifinals young upstart Detroit Pistons teams come through and forces a game five with the series tied at 2-2. The Celtics win 130-123, keeping Bird record perfect in this little game we are playing (5-0)
Johnson vs. Bird: For the first time, the NBA converted to a 2-3-2 in the NBA Finals and it played to Magic’s advantage as the Lakers beat Bird and the C’s in a game five 120-111 and go on to win the title. (5-1) (2-1)
1986: Magic Johnson: The Lakers ended up bowing out the Western Conference Finals but once again in a high alert situation, Magic wins again over the Dallas Mavericks 116-113 and the Lakers close them out in the next game. (3-1)
1987: Larry Bird: High alert situation at its finest for Bird as they are playing hurt with a bunch other guys that are hurt, Kevin McHale had a broken foot for Christ Sakes. Anyways, the famous Dennis Johnson steals the ball and Bird hits the game-winner, the Celtics win 108-107, that my friends is clutch. (6-1)
1988: Magic Johnson: Another pivotal game 5 with the Utah Jazz and the upstart team of Malone/Stockton. The Lakers win another game 111-109 and Magic wins again. Magic continues to show his strength in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks as he blew out the Mavs in a key game five. Detroit Pistons is killing this theory right now as they beat the Lakers by 10 being up 2-2 and another thing killing this theory is the 2-3-2, can’t tell you how mad this makes me. One thing if you look at this closer, Magic did lose a lot of 3-1 games in his career but still when the chips were down, Magic did work.
Larry Bird: The Celtics were playing an upstart Atlanta Hawk team and the Celtics were starting to hit the down slopes so Bird’s team falls in defeat in the first 2-2 Game 5 that didn’t involve Magic. Also continuing with this theme as the Detroit Pistons beat them in Game 5 at the Garden and ended up beating them again in Game 6, my argument with Bird is he started fading right around this time. (6-3)
1989: Michael Jordan: For the first time, the Royal Airness makes an appearance in our little experiment and MJ once again gets ruined by the Bad Boys of Detroit. I already hate the city of Detroit and this is continuing the theme, my argument for MJ… the team wasn’t ready yet. (0-1)
1990: Michael Jordan: Detroit… Suck it. (0-2) Also may I say why can I get a random game from the Kings-Blazers but I cannot get a box score for a critical game like this one? CMONN MANNNN!
1991: Larry Bird: One of the last years of his career where his back is comparable to Abe Vigoda but once again, Detroit spoils the party but good news we finally have stats to back up our research! Beautiful day, Bird: 16 pts (7/18) 5 asst 5 rebs. Bird finishes 6-4 and all of the losses except for the one against Magic where in the twilight of his career, it’s unfair to put Bird under a microscope deep in his career.
1992: Michael Jordan: The Jordan experience had already begun with Jordan running through Bird, the Bad Boys, and Magic in 91 and then he had a critical game five with the Knicks where he goes off for 37 pts (11/23) 5 rbs 3 assts and they win 96-88 and then in a Cleveland-Chicago series in the Conference Finals, Jordan puts up nearly the same stat line in a win. Then in an incredible performance in the Finals against the Blazers, Jordan drops 46 (14/23) 5 5 and basically gives a lesson on what clutch is. (3-2)
1993: Michael Jordan: This one is a special one, down 2-0 to the Knicks and they end up coming all the way back including a game five victory where he goes 29 (11/24) 8 14 guiding his team to a 97-94 win (4-2)
1995: Michael Jordan: Jordan makes his return and this is an unfair look at him yet he still drops 39 4 4 when nobody else does anything. Honestly, if there is one game to look at a LeBron comparison it would be this one, no one helped Jordan in that one (4-3)
1997: Michael Jordan: What’s fascinating about MJ’s career in the playoffs is he rarely let a series get to the 2-2 and when he did, he TJ Lavin-style killed it. Game 5 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz and one of the toughest crowds in the NBA, they gut out 90-88 victory with Jordan going 37 (13/27) 7 5. (5-3)
1998: Michael Jordan: I believe this our last Jordan 2-2 game five situation and MJ drops 29 (12/20) 7 4 and it was a complete rout of Indiana Pacers as they win by 17. Jordan ends up finishing 6-3 and all of the losses can be defended; two he was young and the other was a half-assed comeback attempt. Other than that, Jordan dominated these games.
2000: Kobe Bryant: I am not giving out stats on this one but I will point out that Kobe’s team did lose a game five and took it all the way to seven games, doesn’t count against his record but good fodder for the Anti-Kobe.
2002: Kobe Bryant: Interesting that we haven’t seen a game like this because the Lakers were that damn good in those years and then the Lakeshow ended up losing in Game 5 to the Sacramento Kings on the road by one point. Kobe finishes with 30 (11/29) 5 3 (0-1)
2003: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers who were actually underdogs in the first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves (let’s remember they move to seven games in first round) and the Lakers blew out the T’Wolves by 30. Kobe goes 30 (12/21) 8 5. The Lakers then face a far better San Antonio Spurs team in the next round and it goes to 2-2 where they lose to the Spurs by 2 on the road. Kobe ends up with 36 (15/31) 7 6 (1-2)
2004: Kobe Bryant: Could also be known as the “Derek Fisher Shot” as they beat the Spurs in an ugly game of 74-73 victory. Kobe 22 (11/27) 4 5, ugly performance but that was a great victory on the road. (2-2)
2006: Kobe Bryant: Another one that is worth noting that Kobe and his gang of idiots blew a 3-1 lead against the Phoenix Suns so he has that Magic thing of not closing it out at 3-1 when he can.
LeBron James: He makes a thunderous debut to this theory as they beat the Washington Wizards by one and I believe he made a game winner. LBJ finishes with 45 7 6. Also LeBron wins another 2-2 series against the defending champions Detroit Pistons as he goes for 32 5 5 and wins. But also worth noting, LBJ’s teams of idiots lose two straight and blows it. (2-0)
2007: LeBron James: This is actually the game that everybody says “Holy shit this guy is really effin good.” I remember watching some of this game at BW3’s and the LBJ experience started then. He dropped a mass amount of points and a victory 48 9 7 (3-0)
2008: Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are back into this mix and they were facing the Jazz. This victory is what we would call a team effort and something great to see as they win by seven. Just look at the Mamba’s numbers. 26 (6/10) 6 7 (3-2)
LeBron James: The Cavs ended up dropping the game to the Celtics and the Big 3 yet LBJ dropped a ton of points in the defeat but he doesn’t do much other than score buckets. 35 (12/25) 3 5 (3-1)
2009: Kobe Bryant: The Black Mamba had himself a crucial game against the Houston Rockets were they thrashed the team by 40 points. 26 (10/19) 4 3. There was another game that playoff game where they were knotted at 2-2, thinking this could be a series… and the Lakers shut the door without Kobe, I remember this game well because I wrote about Lamar Odom’s worth. 22 (6/13) 5 8 (5-2)
2010: Kobe Bryant: Another game five that Bryant didn’t real play that well but Kobe did the thing that LBJ couldn’t do, lock down Russell Westbrook and take control of the series, 13 (4/9) 3 7. So Kobe finishes up 6-2 for his career in these critical game fives plus the two he probably blew it but Kobe had three games that were awful in these games.
LeBron James: And here we are. 3-2 for his career in these games where he has had great success in these vital games, I couldn’t believe the numbers I saw from LeBron in these games but here we have the game against Boston. 15 (3/14) 6 7, who knows what we are going to see in tonight’s game.
I am beyond giddy for this game, I think people will know who the real LeBron James is. I am currently listening to Brian Windhorst, Cavs beat writer talking about how LeBron looked disinterested and there is a part of him that seems to not care anymore. I thought some of the same things with LeBron not attacking the lane or go into the post, getting cross-screens from Shaq. LeBron didn't once go into the post and try to do things near the basket, which in addition makes it that much more polarizing of the game. I think you will see a great performance with LBJ dropping near 30-35 pts, 10-12 rbs, and 8-12 assts. I have no idea if they will win this game but I do believe we will see a jaw-dropping performance from LeBron... And if we don't?
It will only get worse and people will then keep raising questions about what the hell happen in this series? And why can't LeBron win in the playoffs? It might be that Mike Brown is a corpse of a coach and wouldn't have a job if he didn't have LBJ every night. LeBron is really a player-coach out there and Brown is doing nothing to help his team.
The city of Cleveland is on pins and needles right now, probably sitting on their couch knocking back a few beers because if I were a fan? There is no way I could be stone-cold sober for this one because if there is a lost, questions will be raised all over the place and a city will be left for answers, something that might be better intoxicated tonight.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Momentum Guides the Brewers
I am still going to write something nice about the Milwaukee Brewers after they came off a sweep to only get blown out last night because I even know better not to put Manny Parra in a bases loaded situation. That's like picking on a guy three times your size, you are just asking for it. Anyways, I believe that I have figured out what drives the Brewers this season, it's not Prince Fielder like I said last week rather it's a little thing I like to call momentum.
I know that seems like an easy answer, but really except for the 3-2 victory Saturday night when have you seen the Crew grit a game out? They don't. Simply put, I will head to beautiful Miller Park in the end of May hoping that I see Bernie Brewer sliding down a bunch of times and a crooked number on the scoreboard. I doubt I will come to the ball park and see a pitcher's duel, this doesn't appear to be that kind of team. There is a lot of guys who deserve credit for playing well and I think even with the next five being brutal, the Crew could find themselves above .500.
The momentum thing is pretty obvious if you ask me. The Brewers have put up 10-plus runs more than anyone else in the major leagues right now and it appears that when one person starts hitting everybody does. I mean the first two games of the Los Angeles series were clear indications of that and the second Arizona game also showed what one player can do to power the team (see Jody Gerut who wins the "Most Unlikely Brewer to Hit for the Cycle Award."). The whole momentum thing basically was my point about Fielder last week, once he starts really hitting the ball and not just the occasional homer (hit two in six games, promising! haha) the Brewers will become really good. But it's not just the hitting, the pitching seems to be settling in.
Doug Davis had a pretty solid performance last night, which makes a second straight start that DD has looked good in. Yes, he did hit a "Dave Bush Wall" in sixth but the Rickie Weeks' error had a lot to do with that inning continuing the way it did. Like I said before, the decision to bring Parra in was mesmerizing and the wrong one at that. The way Davis is pitching gives me hope that the Crew can get things going in the right direction.
Another guy who deserves a ton of credit for his work on the mound is Chris Narveson. He has done work so far replacing Jeff Suppan and a guy who definitely has a bright future. Narveson seems to be the kind of guy who gets into a groove and once he is there, no one is touching him. I would also add that if he doesn't find that groove, things turn ugly quick. We saw that once this year in the first inning of his first start, which Bill 'the Rock' Schroeder has reminded us a million times about already. I do wonder what might happen in two months when teams start to have a book on him though, could be a different story.
Who knows, I sounded down and out about the Brewers who then rattled off five out of six games to prove me wrong therefore they might lose that same amount just to spite me. Whatever the case may be, I still believe in a good Brewer season.
-Charlie.
I know that seems like an easy answer, but really except for the 3-2 victory Saturday night when have you seen the Crew grit a game out? They don't. Simply put, I will head to beautiful Miller Park in the end of May hoping that I see Bernie Brewer sliding down a bunch of times and a crooked number on the scoreboard. I doubt I will come to the ball park and see a pitcher's duel, this doesn't appear to be that kind of team. There is a lot of guys who deserve credit for playing well and I think even with the next five being brutal, the Crew could find themselves above .500.
The momentum thing is pretty obvious if you ask me. The Brewers have put up 10-plus runs more than anyone else in the major leagues right now and it appears that when one person starts hitting everybody does. I mean the first two games of the Los Angeles series were clear indications of that and the second Arizona game also showed what one player can do to power the team (see Jody Gerut who wins the "Most Unlikely Brewer to Hit for the Cycle Award."). The whole momentum thing basically was my point about Fielder last week, once he starts really hitting the ball and not just the occasional homer (hit two in six games, promising! haha) the Brewers will become really good. But it's not just the hitting, the pitching seems to be settling in.
Doug Davis had a pretty solid performance last night, which makes a second straight start that DD has looked good in. Yes, he did hit a "Dave Bush Wall" in sixth but the Rickie Weeks' error had a lot to do with that inning continuing the way it did. Like I said before, the decision to bring Parra in was mesmerizing and the wrong one at that. The way Davis is pitching gives me hope that the Crew can get things going in the right direction.
Another guy who deserves a ton of credit for his work on the mound is Chris Narveson. He has done work so far replacing Jeff Suppan and a guy who definitely has a bright future. Narveson seems to be the kind of guy who gets into a groove and once he is there, no one is touching him. I would also add that if he doesn't find that groove, things turn ugly quick. We saw that once this year in the first inning of his first start, which Bill 'the Rock' Schroeder has reminded us a million times about already. I do wonder what might happen in two months when teams start to have a book on him though, could be a different story.
Who knows, I sounded down and out about the Brewers who then rattled off five out of six games to prove me wrong therefore they might lose that same amount just to spite me. Whatever the case may be, I still believe in a good Brewer season.
-Charlie.
WILTW: Music, Old TV, & Maxim Hot 100
Hey everyone sorry for not writing the last couple of days. I haven't seen much to deliver my opinions on things but I have about three things that I would like to write about today, maybe four. Those topics are the Monday usual entertainment post, Brewers, Brian Cushing, and NBA Playoff stuff so let's get it.
MUSIC: I have a couple selections for the Corner today. A guy who has been getting a lot of hype in the past couple of weeks is B.o.B., the talented hip-hop artist out of Atlanta. He is worth the hype and the CD is something worth listening all the way through. He is definitely a big time player in the hip hop game right now. 1.) Don't Let Me Fall 2.) I'll Be In The Sky 3.) Ghost in a Machine
Another group for you guys today is Blitzen Trapper. I realize that I am late on this group but like I said last week until Pretty Much Amazing, I couldn't find good non hip-hop music. Blitzen Trapper is very good, I find it enjoyable and like to listen to it as much as possible. It's been running non stop for the last couple of days. 1.) Furr 2.) Black River Killer 3.) Asleep for Days
TV: I had a top 10 hangover on Saturday morning, I blame the vodka and the drinks that were 90 percent hard liquor 10 percent soda. Anyways, I was looking for stuff to watch and I stumbled upon the first seven episodes of the Sopranos. I watched all seven that day and then two more than evening. I am hooked for sure and definitely recommend it if you have never watched.
THOUGHTS: So the Maxim Hot 100 came out today and I have to say they did a good job. I have said multiple times that Katy Perry is underrated in terms of being hot and now finally she is getting her due. Can't say I told you so. Also big fan of Brooklyn Decker, I think Zoe Saldana is a bit overrated for being a hot smurf, I mean c'mon. Other than that, I am pretty content with the top 10.
-Charlie.
MUSIC: I have a couple selections for the Corner today. A guy who has been getting a lot of hype in the past couple of weeks is B.o.B., the talented hip-hop artist out of Atlanta. He is worth the hype and the CD is something worth listening all the way through. He is definitely a big time player in the hip hop game right now. 1.) Don't Let Me Fall 2.) I'll Be In The Sky 3.) Ghost in a Machine
Another group for you guys today is Blitzen Trapper. I realize that I am late on this group but like I said last week until Pretty Much Amazing, I couldn't find good non hip-hop music. Blitzen Trapper is very good, I find it enjoyable and like to listen to it as much as possible. It's been running non stop for the last couple of days. 1.) Furr 2.) Black River Killer 3.) Asleep for Days
TV: I had a top 10 hangover on Saturday morning, I blame the vodka and the drinks that were 90 percent hard liquor 10 percent soda. Anyways, I was looking for stuff to watch and I stumbled upon the first seven episodes of the Sopranos. I watched all seven that day and then two more than evening. I am hooked for sure and definitely recommend it if you have never watched.
THOUGHTS: So the Maxim Hot 100 came out today and I have to say they did a good job. I have said multiple times that Katy Perry is underrated in terms of being hot and now finally she is getting her due. Can't say I told you so. Also big fan of Brooklyn Decker, I think Zoe Saldana is a bit overrated for being a hot smurf, I mean c'mon. Other than that, I am pretty content with the top 10.
-Charlie.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Ramblings From a Unitellgent Hockey Fan
I have gone on record that I know very little about the NHL but because I have roommates who really enjoy hockey, I watch more than I ever have before. I think I might have watched more than them, I begged with Eric to watch the third period of the Bruins-Flyers game alas he told me no, whatever E. So here are some observations.....
-I know this happened a week ago, but you have to feel for the DMV area (D.C./Maryland/Virgina who aren't smart or listen to Wale). The Capitals were their team this year out of the four professional sports and they had big dreams of winning the Stanley Cup which would wash the season of Gilbert Arenas and the horrid Wizards, the pitiful Redskins, and the Nationals are well... the Nationals. Then Alexander Oveckhin pulled out his own Karl Malone performance of just not showing up when his team needed him the most.
- I have not moved on from the US losing to Canada in the Olympics therefore I haven't cheered for the Montreal Canadians or the Vancouver Canucks. Screw them, I want the United States to win something in hockey this year.
-Sorry to the NHL purists out there but I find Sidney Crosby absolutely boring to watch. I never feel like I need to watch him even though he is the best. People out there are probably ready to choke me but as a casual fan, he brings nothing to the table. If I am the NHL, I would want to figure how to make Sid the Kid more marketable.
-I jumped on the Boston Bruins bandwagon because well, I rule out the Penguins, Habs, Flyers, so they are the defaulted choice. I don't know if they can make it to the Stanley Cup with all the injuries that are mounting right now. Tuukka Rask might be my favorite player left in the playoffs and you gotta love 43 year old Mark Recchi doing work out there.
-I never saw myself as someone would cheer for a Chicago team but I am riding the Blackhawks in the Western Conference. I mean they are the closest to Milwaukee and they have a vat of young talent who are all very exciting. I would probably watch every game if there was a Boston-Chicago Final.
-The last part of it, I am so happy to see the Detroit Red Wings down 3-1. They are in the same fan club with New York Yankees Fan Club that I talked about in the LBJ post and others, I do not feel like putting them all done.
-Charlie.
-I know this happened a week ago, but you have to feel for the DMV area (D.C./Maryland/Virgina who aren't smart or listen to Wale). The Capitals were their team this year out of the four professional sports and they had big dreams of winning the Stanley Cup which would wash the season of Gilbert Arenas and the horrid Wizards, the pitiful Redskins, and the Nationals are well... the Nationals. Then Alexander Oveckhin pulled out his own Karl Malone performance of just not showing up when his team needed him the most.
- I have not moved on from the US losing to Canada in the Olympics therefore I haven't cheered for the Montreal Canadians or the Vancouver Canucks. Screw them, I want the United States to win something in hockey this year.
-Sorry to the NHL purists out there but I find Sidney Crosby absolutely boring to watch. I never feel like I need to watch him even though he is the best. People out there are probably ready to choke me but as a casual fan, he brings nothing to the table. If I am the NHL, I would want to figure how to make Sid the Kid more marketable.
-I jumped on the Boston Bruins bandwagon because well, I rule out the Penguins, Habs, Flyers, so they are the defaulted choice. I don't know if they can make it to the Stanley Cup with all the injuries that are mounting right now. Tuukka Rask might be my favorite player left in the playoffs and you gotta love 43 year old Mark Recchi doing work out there.
-I never saw myself as someone would cheer for a Chicago team but I am riding the Blackhawks in the Western Conference. I mean they are the closest to Milwaukee and they have a vat of young talent who are all very exciting. I would probably watch every game if there was a Boston-Chicago Final.
-The last part of it, I am so happy to see the Detroit Red Wings down 3-1. They are in the same fan club with New York Yankees Fan Club that I talked about in the LBJ post and others, I do not feel like putting them all done.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hating LeBron is the New Cool Thing
I have never been a big LeBron James fan. As a kid, I use to hang different Sports Illustrated covers and pictures around my walls and actually the LeBron cover from his junior in high school had a spot. I also probably had another cover from an NBA preview. But I had a quote from some magazine on my wall that said "You call yourself King James and you're in dunking on pimple-faced dorks in high school?" I never liked the name King James because it bothers me to crown this guy as the next one without winning a damn thing.
I always held a grudge to LeBron when everybody loved the guy starting in the 2004 season. People would talk about how amazing some of the things he was doing and that this guy for sure is the next "Michael Jordan." I still respected what LeBron did, just not like a bunch of my friends who were attracted to him and were completely in his camp over any other player. Let's also remember this is the same time Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers hit the wall in the middle 2000s therefore people gravitated towards LBJ. Some might say Dwyane Wade was put on a pedestal after his 2006 NBA Finals victory but still people put James >Wade which I could agree even if DWade has a ring.
Now let's go to 2009-2010 season, LeBron is the best player in the NBA period. Kevin Durant isn't there yet, great player especially after watching him against the Lakers, Kobe is banged up and he is on the downside of his career, and Melo/Wade have flaws (no defense/three point shots). There is no more Kobe-LeBron debates that ruled my senior of high school and the doubters have been silence about the flaws of James. He improved his three-point shooting and free throws plus James has got better in the late game heroics. Hell, he put up 29.7 PPG 7.3 RPG 8.6 APG, that is a mammoth season. The point I am trying to make now three paragraphs in is people want to hate LeBron now in my age range.
When I did my Three E's of LeBron, you can tell I didn't want to hear an excuse if they lose because he is playing through injury. I stand by that, but I cannot get out of my head how many people from age 17-23 dislike LeBron. I thought I was a minority member of this fan club, and now I am a part of the majority. In that same post, some commenter listed "You forgot one, Egomaniac." Maybe people got fed up with ego and do not like his cocky demeanor to the game. I said in January about the ego of LeBron and the problems with Mr. James. I also said that it isn't his fault for feeling like Vinnie Chase of Entourage. Chase gets his ego blown up by everyone around him whether it's girls, Drama/Turtle, and somewhat Ari. E is the only one to step up to him and say "hey you're wrong." LBJ is living that Chase's dreamworld where no one is telling him no and letting him do whatever he wants.
Last night as the Cavs got thrashed by the Boston Celtics 104-86, all sorts of statuses of Facebook and Twitter popped up about ripping on LeBron because now liking LeBron is comparable to liking the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, and Kentucky Wildcat basketball. It wasn't like that two years ago because people could choose sides, now they have to accept that LeBron is the best. When someone is the best at something, it bothers the big time sports fans to no avail. They do not want to be "that guy" who is a big LBJ fan and talks him up all the time. If you don't believe, look at some recent tweets from my friends... JSStephan: Big time LeBron fan The others (Yeedoski/hehateme4/CMONMANN- LBJ Haters).
CMONMANN: I don't care who wins the NBA Championship as long as it's not the Cavs...
JSStephan: @CMONMANN don't make me stomp u when I get home.
Yeedoski: @CMONMANN I'd have to agree, anyone but the cavs, @JSStephan lebron doesn't deserve it, he doesn't even ball he just gorillas people
hehateme4 @yeedoski I couldn't have put it better myself. I gotta agree with @CMONMANN and say fuck that gorilla. @JSStephan likes fags aka Cristiano
JSStephan @hehateme4 @CMONMANN @yeedoski all you haters keep talking.
CMONMANN @JSStephan drunk dialin' me to explain the loss?
JSStephan @CMONMANN not answering cu your too busy with with @FroggysB ?thanks ass.
CMONMANN @JSStephan No sir just didn't feel my phone vibrate...better be worried about that elbow
All of these are friends of mine who are just ragging on LeBron. I cannot understand it because I remember certain guys who were dissing Bron were on his bandwagon a couple years ago. People never want to like the player they seen posted all over the SportsCLeBron, go for it but don't expect me to be agreeing with everything you say like years past.
-Charlie.
I always held a grudge to LeBron when everybody loved the guy starting in the 2004 season. People would talk about how amazing some of the things he was doing and that this guy for sure is the next "Michael Jordan." I still respected what LeBron did, just not like a bunch of my friends who were attracted to him and were completely in his camp over any other player. Let's also remember this is the same time Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers hit the wall in the middle 2000s therefore people gravitated towards LBJ. Some might say Dwyane Wade was put on a pedestal after his 2006 NBA Finals victory but still people put James >Wade which I could agree even if DWade has a ring.
Now let's go to 2009-2010 season, LeBron is the best player in the NBA period. Kevin Durant isn't there yet, great player especially after watching him against the Lakers, Kobe is banged up and he is on the downside of his career, and Melo/Wade have flaws (no defense/three point shots). There is no more Kobe-LeBron debates that ruled my senior of high school and the doubters have been silence about the flaws of James. He improved his three-point shooting and free throws plus James has got better in the late game heroics. Hell, he put up 29.7 PPG 7.3 RPG 8.6 APG, that is a mammoth season. The point I am trying to make now three paragraphs in is people want to hate LeBron now in my age range.
When I did my Three E's of LeBron, you can tell I didn't want to hear an excuse if they lose because he is playing through injury. I stand by that, but I cannot get out of my head how many people from age 17-23 dislike LeBron. I thought I was a minority member of this fan club, and now I am a part of the majority. In that same post, some commenter listed "You forgot one, Egomaniac." Maybe people got fed up with ego and do not like his cocky demeanor to the game. I said in January about the ego of LeBron and the problems with Mr. James. I also said that it isn't his fault for feeling like Vinnie Chase of Entourage. Chase gets his ego blown up by everyone around him whether it's girls, Drama/Turtle, and somewhat Ari. E is the only one to step up to him and say "hey you're wrong." LBJ is living that Chase's dreamworld where no one is telling him no and letting him do whatever he wants.
Last night as the Cavs got thrashed by the Boston Celtics 104-86, all sorts of statuses of Facebook and Twitter popped up about ripping on LeBron because now liking LeBron is comparable to liking the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, and Kentucky Wildcat basketball. It wasn't like that two years ago because people could choose sides, now they have to accept that LeBron is the best. When someone is the best at something, it bothers the big time sports fans to no avail. They do not want to be "that guy" who is a big LBJ fan and talks him up all the time. If you don't believe, look at some recent tweets from my friends... JSStephan: Big time LeBron fan The others (Yeedoski/hehateme4/CMONMANN- LBJ Haters).
CMONMANN: I don't care who wins the NBA Championship as long as it's not the Cavs...
JSStephan: @CMONMANN don't make me stomp u when I get home.
Yeedoski: @CMONMANN I'd have to agree, anyone but the cavs, @JSStephan lebron doesn't deserve it, he doesn't even ball he just gorillas people
hehateme4 @yeedoski I couldn't have put it better myself. I gotta agree with @CMONMANN and say fuck that gorilla. @JSStephan likes fags aka Cristiano
JSStephan @hehateme4 @CMONMANN @yeedoski all you haters keep talking.
CMONMANN @JSStephan drunk dialin' me to explain the loss?
JSStephan @CMONMANN not answering cu your too busy with with @FroggysB ?thanks ass.
CMONMANN @JSStephan No sir just didn't feel my phone vibrate...better be worried about that elbow
All of these are friends of mine who are just ragging on LeBron. I cannot understand it because I remember certain guys who were dissing Bron were on his bandwagon a couple years ago. People never want to like the player they seen posted all over the SportsCLeBron, go for it but don't expect me to be agreeing with everything you say like years past.
-Charlie.
Prince Needs to Shoulder Some Blame
Tom Hardicourt, the Brewer beat writer and an absolute must follow on Twitter if you are a fan of the Crew pointed out that the Brewers have scored 128 runs, but half of those runs have been scored in 5 games. If you are not a math major, take away those five games and the Brewers are averaging 3.2 runs. I think the biggest reason why the offense and maybe the pitching is to is Prince Fielder.
Let's take a look at Prince Fielder's stats this year. .234 BA 2 HR 9 RBI for the month of April. That is a huge fat rut-roh. I mean I understand that Fielder is a slow starter and when it's all the chips are down in September, he will be probably end up something like .275 35-43 HR 100+ RBI. So in no way thing this is a post to diss Fielder, rather I am just making the point that this team will not win without Fielder hitting the baseball.
People can bitch all they want about the pitching staff and the horrible numbers thrown up by the starters plus the four wins that Trevor Hoffman surrendered (cannot blame anyone else about those). But I believe that pitchers are at their best when they are getting run support, only the true aces of Major League Baseball can do the 2-1 1-0 games like its their job. Doug Davis, Randy Wolf and others try too hard when they are involved in tight games and it leads to bad things.
Baseball is a funny sport where you need more than one player to carry a team but at the same time, Fielder's performance has been known to propel the team. To bust out the advanced stats, Fielder's Wins Above Replacement (WAR) meaning how many wins is Fielder's play worth. 5.1 in 2007, 2.8 in 2008, and an all-time high 6.8 for Fielder. I believe the team sees Prince as a leader and when he does well, it somehow inspires the team to play better.
The Crew sits at 10-15 right now and we all agreed that the beginning of the schedule would be tough. I would say like to see the Brewers try to take the series from either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Arizona Diamondbacks. I do not expect both but if the Crew could gain some momentum heading into a six game home stand, it could be a sign of good things.
-Charlie.
Let's take a look at Prince Fielder's stats this year. .234 BA 2 HR 9 RBI for the month of April. That is a huge fat rut-roh. I mean I understand that Fielder is a slow starter and when it's all the chips are down in September, he will be probably end up something like .275 35-43 HR 100+ RBI. So in no way thing this is a post to diss Fielder, rather I am just making the point that this team will not win without Fielder hitting the baseball.
People can bitch all they want about the pitching staff and the horrible numbers thrown up by the starters plus the four wins that Trevor Hoffman surrendered (cannot blame anyone else about those). But I believe that pitchers are at their best when they are getting run support, only the true aces of Major League Baseball can do the 2-1 1-0 games like its their job. Doug Davis, Randy Wolf and others try too hard when they are involved in tight games and it leads to bad things.
Baseball is a funny sport where you need more than one player to carry a team but at the same time, Fielder's performance has been known to propel the team. To bust out the advanced stats, Fielder's Wins Above Replacement (WAR) meaning how many wins is Fielder's play worth. 5.1 in 2007, 2.8 in 2008, and an all-time high 6.8 for Fielder. I believe the team sees Prince as a leader and when he does well, it somehow inspires the team to play better.
The Crew sits at 10-15 right now and we all agreed that the beginning of the schedule would be tough. I would say like to see the Brewers try to take the series from either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Arizona Diamondbacks. I do not expect both but if the Crew could gain some momentum heading into a six game home stand, it could be a sign of good things.
-Charlie.
WILTW: Whales/Blogs/Entourage Reruns
Welcome to another edition of WILTW. If you missed the first time around, it is happily titled What I Liked This Week, basically a wrap up of the shit I discovered or like from the week. Here's what we are getting into this week.
MUSIC: Freelance Whales- This is an indie group I found searching around a couple days ago and I really like their style. It's just a real enjoyable music to listen to in the morning when you are regretting class, the hangover, or the girl who made out with at the local bar. Here are my top three for you guys.
1.) Broken Horses
2.) Ghosting
3.) Great Estates
4.) Hannah (Song is extended big time, but still a good listen)
BLOG: I have two of those this week, the first one is a blog called Pretty Much Amazing. It's a great music blog to find everything from hip-hop to the indie alternative scene. All the time you have rap blogs where you can find the latest mixtape material but never the other types of music, really enjoyable.
BLOG: Another one is Boston Barstool Sports, it has everything you want if you are a guy. Sports talk, good looking women, and funny stories from all over the world. God bless my father who introduced me to this website thanks to a guy who works with him.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: One of the biggest regrets as a young male you can ever do is rewatch Entourage from the beginning. It is one of the most addicting shows to watch, you can never just watch one episode. I like the older seasons but I am not one of those snobs that complains about how the seasons are.
-Charlie.
MUSIC: Freelance Whales- This is an indie group I found searching around a couple days ago and I really like their style. It's just a real enjoyable music to listen to in the morning when you are regretting class, the hangover, or the girl who made out with at the local bar. Here are my top three for you guys.
1.) Broken Horses
2.) Ghosting
3.) Great Estates
4.) Hannah (Song is extended big time, but still a good listen)
BLOG: I have two of those this week, the first one is a blog called Pretty Much Amazing. It's a great music blog to find everything from hip-hop to the indie alternative scene. All the time you have rap blogs where you can find the latest mixtape material but never the other types of music, really enjoyable.
BLOG: Another one is Boston Barstool Sports, it has everything you want if you are a guy. Sports talk, good looking women, and funny stories from all over the world. God bless my father who introduced me to this website thanks to a guy who works with him.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: One of the biggest regrets as a young male you can ever do is rewatch Entourage from the beginning. It is one of the most addicting shows to watch, you can never just watch one episode. I like the older seasons but I am not one of those snobs that complains about how the seasons are.
-Charlie.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not So Fast KD & Laker/Jazz Discussion
Everybody got very exciting including myself of what the Oklahoma City Thunder could do in the NBA Playoffs because of the play of Kevin Durant throughout the season. Then that all came crashing down to earth when their team had to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
The Curse of the Desmond Mason Jersey
It's probably overkill that I am writing about the Bucks-Hawks series for the third time in as many days but to be honest, I have invested more in this series than ever before. Already I was pretty much all in on the NBA this year, now it's official. Despite the bad first-round games, I have watched a ton of them and really like where the league is headed even though it will be locked out after next year... ugh let's continue.
And then there was a Game Seven. I credited myself with the Game 5 victory and I will credit myself with the Game 6 defeat. I wore a Desmond Mason jersey for most of the game, which were the old Buck colors and had the stench of Larry Harris all over it. I never should of put it on for the game, I should have worn red like I had initially planned. If the third quarter didn't exist tonight, the Bucks may have been alright.
It's pretty sad when you have to compare the Bucks performance to late 90s New York Knicks who couldn't hit sand if they fell off a camel and even the Knicks would have played better than the Bucks in that third quarter. I couldn't understand why the Bucks took every 18-22 footer they saw when they weren't falling and wouldn't attack the basket even if the fouls weren't going their way. It ranks right up there with the most frustrated I have been watching basketball in the past couple years with so many ill-advised shots, I thought we relapse to game 1 like Mike on the Sober House. The disappointing thing of the whole game is the Hawks had one good quarter and half, other than they played like shit.
The Bucks had them on the ropes ready to deliver the knock out punch after Carlos Delfino started spraying threes but once again, the Bucks went quiet. I said today that if the Bucks could pull away in the first half, they would be golden and headed to Florida for game one on Sunday, it didn't happen and now I worry that Sunday might be the last day we watch professional basketball in Milwaukee.
I am not waving the white flag, but it's hard to argue with the numbers plus one thing Hawks' Head Coach Mike Woodson figured out. At the Highlight Factory (great nickname for a stadium by the way, top five), the Hawks have won 14 of their last 15 games there and seemingly play two times better basketball at home minus that fourth quarter on Wednesday. The other big concern is Woodson woke up as a coach, he finally realized his best defender on Brandon Jennings is Joe Johnson. When I heard Mike Trico of ESPN say Johnson was on Jennings, I said "Shit they figured out Mike Bibby is on life support on D." If the Hawks continue this approach, Milwaukee will be in big trouble.
All of this being said, I still think the Bucks could win today. The biggest key will be the offensive rebounding of the Hawks. If Atlanta gets as many reloads as they got in the last game, this one will not be even close. I am interesting to see if we will see Joe Johnson Game 5 or Game 6 version and if Jamal Crawford steps up again the way he did in Game 6. The Bucks need to come out with some passion and energy from tip-off because that will be the best way to keep themselves in the game.
FEAR THE DEER.
-Charlie.
And then there was a Game Seven. I credited myself with the Game 5 victory and I will credit myself with the Game 6 defeat. I wore a Desmond Mason jersey for most of the game, which were the old Buck colors and had the stench of Larry Harris all over it. I never should of put it on for the game, I should have worn red like I had initially planned. If the third quarter didn't exist tonight, the Bucks may have been alright.
It's pretty sad when you have to compare the Bucks performance to late 90s New York Knicks who couldn't hit sand if they fell off a camel and even the Knicks would have played better than the Bucks in that third quarter. I couldn't understand why the Bucks took every 18-22 footer they saw when they weren't falling and wouldn't attack the basket even if the fouls weren't going their way. It ranks right up there with the most frustrated I have been watching basketball in the past couple years with so many ill-advised shots, I thought we relapse to game 1 like Mike on the Sober House. The disappointing thing of the whole game is the Hawks had one good quarter and half, other than they played like shit.
The Bucks had them on the ropes ready to deliver the knock out punch after Carlos Delfino started spraying threes but once again, the Bucks went quiet. I said today that if the Bucks could pull away in the first half, they would be golden and headed to Florida for game one on Sunday, it didn't happen and now I worry that Sunday might be the last day we watch professional basketball in Milwaukee.
I am not waving the white flag, but it's hard to argue with the numbers plus one thing Hawks' Head Coach Mike Woodson figured out. At the Highlight Factory (great nickname for a stadium by the way, top five), the Hawks have won 14 of their last 15 games there and seemingly play two times better basketball at home minus that fourth quarter on Wednesday. The other big concern is Woodson woke up as a coach, he finally realized his best defender on Brandon Jennings is Joe Johnson. When I heard Mike Trico of ESPN say Johnson was on Jennings, I said "Shit they figured out Mike Bibby is on life support on D." If the Hawks continue this approach, Milwaukee will be in big trouble.
All of this being said, I still think the Bucks could win today. The biggest key will be the offensive rebounding of the Hawks. If Atlanta gets as many reloads as they got in the last game, this one will not be even close. I am interesting to see if we will see Joe Johnson Game 5 or Game 6 version and if Jamal Crawford steps up again the way he did in Game 6. The Bucks need to come out with some passion and energy from tip-off because that will be the best way to keep themselves in the game.
FEAR THE DEER.
-Charlie.
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