I know a couple of guys who really having a dying love for Rasheed Wallace. My love for Sheed isn't at their level so I had to have one of those guys, Minkley do a post honoring Rasheed.
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
The New Logo
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
How to Solve a Pitching Log Jam
I wrote last week about how the Milwaukee Brewers recent home stand was the biggest part of the year so far and they have risen up to the occasion. Now with one pitcher hanging out in Nashville awaiting his fate, the Brewers can officially say they are in a logjam.
I think the Crew is happy with the team they have right now and really do not want to ruin the chemistry especially when they have won the last six of seven playing their best baseball. They are hitting with runners in scoring positions, the pitchers are making it past the fifth inning, and the bullpen is rock solid. I don't think any of us expect this at the beginning of June, and now I am beginning to read that the Brewers might even be buyers during the trading deadline. What kind of alternate world am I living in right now? A team that still is seven games under is going to be a buyer?
That tells me the Brewers believe the turn is being made and now the question remains what will they do about their starting staff with Doug Davis ready to come back? My dad's theory was the Crew is keeping Davis down there as long as possible because they are trying to work out a trade. I tend to agree that might want to deal Davis but no one is safe right now amongst the lefties. Dave Bush is probably safe because he is the lone righty other than Yovani Gallardo who we all know is safe. I will be level five pissed if Davis is immediately inserted into the rotation because Ken Macha says 'the players make the lineup' and if that's the case, Davis doesn't deserve to start. My plead to management is they learned from the Jeff Suppan mistake that they shouldn't reward pitchers with a start just because they have a larger contract than a guy like Chris Narveson or Manny Parra.
Both of those guys belong in the rotation due to their great performance. I personally love that Manny had 5 wild pitches, why? He is throwing his splitter with confidence, something that he has never done before. So far this month, we haven't seen Manny lose his shit as he has done in the past. Narveson just gave his best performance of his career and with a big start against St. Louis this weekend, he can really make a name for himself. Like Parra, Narverson's confidence is getting higher and higher by each start. No reason why they should ruin confidence of two young pitchers.
The Brewers have had to make these decisions before and usually they have been the wrong choice. Please do not let it happen again because that turn you think is happening will hit a stone wall.
-Charlie.
I think the Crew is happy with the team they have right now and really do not want to ruin the chemistry especially when they have won the last six of seven playing their best baseball. They are hitting with runners in scoring positions, the pitchers are making it past the fifth inning, and the bullpen is rock solid. I don't think any of us expect this at the beginning of June, and now I am beginning to read that the Brewers might even be buyers during the trading deadline. What kind of alternate world am I living in right now? A team that still is seven games under is going to be a buyer?
That tells me the Brewers believe the turn is being made and now the question remains what will they do about their starting staff with Doug Davis ready to come back? My dad's theory was the Crew is keeping Davis down there as long as possible because they are trying to work out a trade. I tend to agree that might want to deal Davis but no one is safe right now amongst the lefties. Dave Bush is probably safe because he is the lone righty other than Yovani Gallardo who we all know is safe. I will be level five pissed if Davis is immediately inserted into the rotation because Ken Macha says 'the players make the lineup' and if that's the case, Davis doesn't deserve to start. My plead to management is they learned from the Jeff Suppan mistake that they shouldn't reward pitchers with a start just because they have a larger contract than a guy like Chris Narveson or Manny Parra.
Both of those guys belong in the rotation due to their great performance. I personally love that Manny had 5 wild pitches, why? He is throwing his splitter with confidence, something that he has never done before. So far this month, we haven't seen Manny lose his shit as he has done in the past. Narveson just gave his best performance of his career and with a big start against St. Louis this weekend, he can really make a name for himself. Like Parra, Narverson's confidence is getting higher and higher by each start. No reason why they should ruin confidence of two young pitchers.
The Brewers have had to make these decisions before and usually they have been the wrong choice. Please do not let it happen again because that turn you think is happening will hit a stone wall.
-Charlie.
Went Down Fighting.
I never can remember in my 21 years, a time where a sport caught wildfire like soccer did when the United States made the knockout rounds. I was sitting in the Milwaukee Brewers press box with a mix of guys, some knew a lot about soccer and others were asking for explanations about extra time amongst others things. But everybody was pulled in and wanted the US to win. That didn't happen on Saturday as they fell in defeat to Ghana 2-1.
I am not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback as I am with other sports because frankly, I am an average fan of soccer and do not know enough from a tactical perspective to talk about the decisions that Bob Bradley made. I talked to my buddy Ron on the phone that night and believed Bradley cost us the game with having Ricardo Clark out there plus Robbie Findlay being out there was absolutely puzzling in his opinion. According to others on social media and other things, people believed the same sort of stuff that Ron told me.
I am just happy people like Jim Rome who spoke countless times about how he hates soccer decided to have three guests on his show that were soccer-related. First off, it shows how much of a professional Rome is but secondly, he gets the big picture aspect of things. Before Saturday, soccer was the hottest topic in the United States and people wanted to talk about as much as possible. But there are many people who believe that the soccer hype will fizzle out once the World Cup is over and just come back like the Olympics.
I think the way to keep this going is to try to promote Fox Soccer Channel to basic cable like they did with the Big Ten Network. The reason Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, and others should do this is because the NFL and NBA might lock out in 2011. If that happens, soccer would be the perfect equation for professional sports fans. It wouldn't be hard for a sports fans to find a team to jump on their bandwagon, and hopefully soccer will stay alive for years to come.
-Charlie.
I am not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback as I am with other sports because frankly, I am an average fan of soccer and do not know enough from a tactical perspective to talk about the decisions that Bob Bradley made. I talked to my buddy Ron on the phone that night and believed Bradley cost us the game with having Ricardo Clark out there plus Robbie Findlay being out there was absolutely puzzling in his opinion. According to others on social media and other things, people believed the same sort of stuff that Ron told me.
I am just happy people like Jim Rome who spoke countless times about how he hates soccer decided to have three guests on his show that were soccer-related. First off, it shows how much of a professional Rome is but secondly, he gets the big picture aspect of things. Before Saturday, soccer was the hottest topic in the United States and people wanted to talk about as much as possible. But there are many people who believe that the soccer hype will fizzle out once the World Cup is over and just come back like the Olympics.
I think the way to keep this going is to try to promote Fox Soccer Channel to basic cable like they did with the Big Ten Network. The reason Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, and others should do this is because the NFL and NBA might lock out in 2011. If that happens, soccer would be the perfect equation for professional sports fans. It wouldn't be hard for a sports fans to find a team to jump on their bandwagon, and hopefully soccer will stay alive for years to come.
-Charlie.
Ramblings From The NBA Draft
I am trying to get caught up to the best of my abilities, two jobs and other things to worry about in the summer tend to keep me away from the blog. I will do a NBA Draft post, USA Soccer, and Brewer post plus later this week an odds makers on LeBron James (think I know that one already). For this, I will give my thoughts on the top 15 and Lazar Hayward.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
-John Wall is going to be good to great pro. I think he is a slasher with the capabilities to hit the three and if he works on turning the ball over less, he will become a real threat. Another thing I love about Wall is his defense, he plays like a pitbull out there always making hustle plays.
-Evan "The Villian" Turner will be the best player out of this draft because he is a versatile player that can spread the floor not to mention a mean three pointer. The other thing I like about Turner is his fourth quarter clutchness, he seems to live for that quarter.
-Derrick Favors if not given enough time will be an absolute bust. I could see him having a Jermaine O'Neal type career where he is bad with his first team and excels on the second team. There will be no in-between for him.
-People are hounding Wesley Johnson and honestly, I have no idea why. Sure he is an older player but really is that big disadvantage? If anything, I think that will help him and Johnson will make the proper adjustments to be an NBA player.
-DeMarcus Cousins will be a monster with an attitude problem. I already know Cousins will rake in the technicals like Sheed but I think he is the Rookie of the Year next year. He already has a great skill set and getting the ball from Tyreke Evans will be deadly. Look for the Kings to be this year's Thunder.
-Epke Udoh is a great defense prowess who I wanted to fall to the Bucks, he will help the Warriors right away with their defense comparable to an adult summer league.
-Greg Monroe interests me for two reasons... 1) I think he will make an impact right away from his passing and will lead big men in assists this year, so smooth with the ball. 2.) Although he is soft and doesn't like contact as much as he should.
-Only thing I can say about the next pick is reserved for my good friend Simmons,
-- Me: Did you know Al-Farouq Aminu means "the chief has arrived" in Nigerian?
-- JackO: "I'm screaming 'Al-Farouq Aminu!!!' during my next 25 orgasms."
-As Vinnie Chase was Queens Boulevard, Gordan Hayward is Salt Lake City. A perfect fit for everyone involved and he will contribute right away for that team. Only downfall is it will take away time from Wes Matthews.
-Indiana takes some scrub who actually isn't white and we all pray Reggie Miller returns to save their team.
-Cole Aldrich is what the Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade with N.O.) needed last year down the stretch. A guy who can play defense and give them valuable minutes to beat up the other post players. Aldrich will make a huge difference for the Fighting Durants.
-I like Xavier Henry, I thought he came on strong at the end of the season and could of used another year to put him in the top five. He will be a nice replacement when Rudy Gay leaves.
-Ed Davis wins my bust of the year award. I just do not think he is ready and the shades of Joe Forte are creeping in. He had a horrible sophomore year and to still get drafted 13th is unreal.
-Patrick Patterson should do wonders for the Rockets who always seem to lack size. He can shoot from the outside once in awhile but has really sweet post moves, love that pick.
-The Bucks drafted Larry Sanders who rocks a 7'7 wingspan and gives us more depth plus an add a defensive presence in the post. I could care less that he really isn't an offensive player right now because I think the Bucks have enough scorers. I personally loved what the Bucks did with all big men, they were undersized all season and they finally added some meat for their interior.
Charlie.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
United We Stand.
Rick Reilly: Shut up.
Dan Shaughnessy: Shut up.
All others who don't give a rat ass' about soccer: Shut up.
Soccer has been brought to life by the 2010 World Cup. The United States team takes Group C with a last second goal by Landon Donovan and successfully brought in so many new fans who need to prep themselves for Saturday's game against Ghana. I sadly missed the game due to work and will for Saturday's as well but my sister taped the second half letting me listen to Ian Darke's beautiful call and the massive celebration.
Before the World Cup, everybody's criticism of Donovan is he never came up in big games and he basically shut that up real quick. I agreed with those people because I watched him sail a PK in the MLS Championship to win it. Donavon just appeared to tense up when he played in big games and now, he appears fearless looking like the best soccer player the United States has ever had. He did one of the most simple things in soccer for that goal, just follow up on the rebound and drill it in there.
Now my buddy Eric tweeted about Tim Howard not getting enough credit but I will do it here. Howard's throw couldn't been any better and he saw something developing in the middle of the pitch leading to the goal. Howard facilitated that goal more than anyone else on the pitch and he made a bunch of clutch saves giving him what I believe is his first or second clean sheet in the World Cup.
Right now, not many midfielders are playing better than Donovan and not many keepers are doing things like Howard. Are you telling me we might win this thing? I think that is bit intense now but do I think the semifinals is possible? Absolutely, the United States will remember their defeat from the Black Stars in 06 then move on to Uruguay/South Korea, they can definitely do things to be one of the last teams and stun the world like only the 1980 US Hockey team has.
This is why the so-called haters need to jump on the overflowing bandwagon. Now, that we, the United States Men National Team is through to knockout stages, it is time for our country to get together just like we did in February when everybody was fixated on the US Men's Hockey team's run to the Silver Medal. It's not about if you like soccer, hate soccer, it is about the United States and representing your country.
USA USA
-Charlie.
Dan Shaughnessy: Shut up.
All others who don't give a rat ass' about soccer: Shut up.
Soccer has been brought to life by the 2010 World Cup. The United States team takes Group C with a last second goal by Landon Donovan and successfully brought in so many new fans who need to prep themselves for Saturday's game against Ghana. I sadly missed the game due to work and will for Saturday's as well but my sister taped the second half letting me listen to Ian Darke's beautiful call and the massive celebration.
Before the World Cup, everybody's criticism of Donovan is he never came up in big games and he basically shut that up real quick. I agreed with those people because I watched him sail a PK in the MLS Championship to win it. Donavon just appeared to tense up when he played in big games and now, he appears fearless looking like the best soccer player the United States has ever had. He did one of the most simple things in soccer for that goal, just follow up on the rebound and drill it in there.
Now my buddy Eric tweeted about Tim Howard not getting enough credit but I will do it here. Howard's throw couldn't been any better and he saw something developing in the middle of the pitch leading to the goal. Howard facilitated that goal more than anyone else on the pitch and he made a bunch of clutch saves giving him what I believe is his first or second clean sheet in the World Cup.
Right now, not many midfielders are playing better than Donovan and not many keepers are doing things like Howard. Are you telling me we might win this thing? I think that is bit intense now but do I think the semifinals is possible? Absolutely, the United States will remember their defeat from the Black Stars in 06 then move on to Uruguay/South Korea, they can definitely do things to be one of the last teams and stun the world like only the 1980 US Hockey team has.
This is why the so-called haters need to jump on the overflowing bandwagon. Now, that we, the United States Men National Team is through to knockout stages, it is time for our country to get together just like we did in February when everybody was fixated on the US Men's Hockey team's run to the Silver Medal. It's not about if you like soccer, hate soccer, it is about the United States and representing your country.
USA USA
-Charlie.
Transforming Head Cases in Milwaukee
I hate getting headcases. Simply put, it's something I would rather not see my teams do and since the Milwaukee Bucks picked up one in the past couple of days, I had a lot of mixed feelings about what a headcase would bring to this team. I think I have a handle on it and I think Corey Maggette will relish his time in Milwaukee.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
People talked about how we got Maggette for table scraps named Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Now, I would say that's a throw away deal and the Warriors are just trying to open the cap room a bit plus it makes you wonder why they would take two bench players for a guy who scored nearly 20 points a game in an inflated offense system. Although throwing in a second-round pick might mean that the Warriors' management saw some talent in Gadzuric/Bell to give the Bucks another draft pick.
Maggette has been called selfish, injury-prone, and a guy who gives up easily. I think the injury-prone is definitely something to look out for because Maggette hasn't played an entire season yet in his 10 year career but has played around 70 games a year for half of his time. Only twice did Maggette miss a significant amount of time. I do not expect Maggette to play all 82 because it's rare when someone in the NBA actually does, so to call him injury-prone is a bit strong, maybe a statement saying Maggette struggles battling through injury would sound better.
The selfish tag I don't think applies to him very well as his career high for shot attempts doesn't even clear into the thirties and not to mention, it seems Maggette gets into a rhythm when he shoots more. That is something about John Salmons I hated but loved at the same time, he would take some ridiculous shots that would drop to set the pace for him. I think Maggette is basically Salmons with a little less touch from the outside and more of a slasher mentality.
Even though the Bucks are young, I think they have the will power to bring a guy like Maggette into their family and show him what it means to be a part of a team. You cannot tell me in his 10 years in the NBA, he ever played on a team? Nope, just a bunch of individuals really. Hell, he played at Duke for two years under a tough as nails coach in Coach K so what makes people instantaneously believe that he will struggle with Scott Skiles? Maggette is a big nominee of a guy who could make an impact that not a lot of people saw coming.
-Charlie.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Here To Deliver the Pain to Algeria
My buddy Votto, a former interviewee on the Corner told me he enjoyed my hater post to Slovenia and that I should keep it up for the World Cup for the United States. Well I listen to my fans when they make respectable requests unlike someone's request for a lovefest about the Toronto Blue Jays post. Before we get started, let me give a few thoughts about Slovenia and Malian official.
I hate Slovenia for their comments about beating the US but when we actually started playing these hacks, I realize how much I do hate this country of 2 million. First of all, what is with that dance that I would guess is done at most gay bars around the United States? Also the haircut by Milivoje Novakovic was Three Stooges and should never be allowed in the world, just plain ugly. Then Koman Coulibaly decided to bend us over like Jenna Jameson with his 'make-up call' on a game-winning goal. I will not say much more but this guy can plain suck it, he is horrible and doesn't deserve to screw another World Cup team. On to Algeria.
ALGERIA: I will say something positive before I go all Brett Boyer on this country and hate everything about them. I love their kits (jerseys for not futbol fans) are awesome. In addition, at least they were their actual colors too. The first strike against Algeria is their nickname: the Desert Foxes, you know who was nicknamed the Desert Fox? Oh that's right, a Nazi General known as Edwin Rommel. Good job borrowed a nickname from a Nazi, solid move by Algeria. In the 1800s, they let the French take over their country? Wow, if you are that weak to allow the French to come in and take command of your land, something is wrong for sure. Although now, France would probably lay down if Algeria decided to come into France then the US would have to bail them out again for like the 98341 time. Once again, we have a former socialist nation so I will say it again, capitalism rules all. The final thing, why haven't they invade Mali? I mean God knows they deserved and they are bordered by that loser country. That's pretty much all I got for Algeria, they aren't as unlikeable as Slovenia.
I really hope the US can advance because they have been fun to watch so far and I really would like to see soccer start being embraced by the rest of America. We know one thing as Americans we love winners and if the U.S. can keep playing more people will tune it to watch. I have mixed feelings about who I want to win between England-Slovenia because I would like to laugh at the British and all their batshit crazy fans, yet I think I hate Slovenia more. I think at the end of Wednesday, US will be on the top of the table.
-Charlie.
I hate Slovenia for their comments about beating the US but when we actually started playing these hacks, I realize how much I do hate this country of 2 million. First of all, what is with that dance that I would guess is done at most gay bars around the United States? Also the haircut by Milivoje Novakovic was Three Stooges and should never be allowed in the world, just plain ugly. Then Koman Coulibaly decided to bend us over like Jenna Jameson with his 'make-up call' on a game-winning goal. I will not say much more but this guy can plain suck it, he is horrible and doesn't deserve to screw another World Cup team. On to Algeria.
ALGERIA: I will say something positive before I go all Brett Boyer on this country and hate everything about them. I love their kits (jerseys for not futbol fans) are awesome. In addition, at least they were their actual colors too. The first strike against Algeria is their nickname: the Desert Foxes, you know who was nicknamed the Desert Fox? Oh that's right, a Nazi General known as Edwin Rommel. Good job borrowed a nickname from a Nazi, solid move by Algeria. In the 1800s, they let the French take over their country? Wow, if you are that weak to allow the French to come in and take command of your land, something is wrong for sure. Although now, France would probably lay down if Algeria decided to come into France then the US would have to bail them out again for like the 98341 time. Once again, we have a former socialist nation so I will say it again, capitalism rules all. The final thing, why haven't they invade Mali? I mean God knows they deserved and they are bordered by that loser country. That's pretty much all I got for Algeria, they aren't as unlikeable as Slovenia.
I really hope the US can advance because they have been fun to watch so far and I really would like to see soccer start being embraced by the rest of America. We know one thing as Americans we love winners and if the U.S. can keep playing more people will tune it to watch. I have mixed feelings about who I want to win between England-Slovenia because I would like to laugh at the British and all their batshit crazy fans, yet I think I hate Slovenia more. I think at the end of Wednesday, US will be on the top of the table.
-Charlie.
The Time Is Now.
The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off a 3-3 road trip on the West Coast, which usually would mean I am optimistic for the next couple of weeks because we tend to be turrible out west and the road is always an adventure. Sadly, I have the same feeling I did Friday morning when Mali dicked the US worse than offshore banking.. 'I really like being .500 but damn they are better than that.' The Crew could have won 5 out of 6 with the way they played this week. But the first bullpen blow up in awhile, and no timely hitting led to a couple defeats in Denver.
Starting Tuesday night, the Brewers begin 16 games at home out of the next 20 and if they want to put themselves back in the playoff race, this is when it needs to happen. Let's remember that the Brewers have been much improved at home compared to the beginning of the year. The other thing that is encouraging is the Brewers face a couple teams that are very beatable. The beginning series against Minnesota is the biggest one. They get two out of three against a good team, the ball will get rolling and maybe start making a push.
People probably reading this believe that I am drinking the ultra-optimistic 'Tim Allen Kool-aid' but if the Crew cannot garner a series win against the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, or the Pittsburgh Pirates then we are just a bad team that I will accept. But cue up the #1 overplayed 80s bar song, Don't Stop Believin' in this team for the reason that haunted our nightmares like Rosie O'Donnell in a thong, pitching.
The Brewers have either started smoking more of Ric Peterson's weed or just completely ignore him, no in between from that but they are locked in. Chris Narveson is struggling a bit but I feel if someone can get figure out his early inning problems he will be good. Manny Parra's 1-5 record is agerious with the way he has pitched in the month of June and Yovani Gallardo has developed into the ace pitcher we all wanted. This team couldn't be pitching better and if our hitting comes around a bit more the Brewers become so dangerous.
Our buddy Jon over at Brewers Daily hinted at bringing up Mat Gamel who is T.J. Lavin-style killing it and giving the slumping Casey McGehee some time off. I think this is an excellent idea but in the mean time, I wouldn't mind seeing Jonathan Lucroy in the two spot and moving Corey Hart down to the 5th spot, maybe even send Prince Fielder to that 5th spot. Then McGehee bats six, I think the pressure of getting the big hit might be off of him somewhat. In addition, I am willing to bet Alcedes Escobar has a huge finish leading to the All Star Break, I can tell he is seeing the ball as good as he ever has and could become a real threat.
Tuesday will begin the biggest 20 game stretch for the Brewers and I didn't even mention the big weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals on the road. The Crew could do some real damage and hope they do so I can invite everyone back on the Brewer bandwagon.
-Charlie.
Starting Tuesday night, the Brewers begin 16 games at home out of the next 20 and if they want to put themselves back in the playoff race, this is when it needs to happen. Let's remember that the Brewers have been much improved at home compared to the beginning of the year. The other thing that is encouraging is the Brewers face a couple teams that are very beatable. The beginning series against Minnesota is the biggest one. They get two out of three against a good team, the ball will get rolling and maybe start making a push.
People probably reading this believe that I am drinking the ultra-optimistic 'Tim Allen Kool-aid' but if the Crew cannot garner a series win against the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, or the Pittsburgh Pirates then we are just a bad team that I will accept. But cue up the #1 overplayed 80s bar song, Don't Stop Believin' in this team for the reason that haunted our nightmares like Rosie O'Donnell in a thong, pitching.
The Brewers have either started smoking more of Ric Peterson's weed or just completely ignore him, no in between from that but they are locked in. Chris Narveson is struggling a bit but I feel if someone can get figure out his early inning problems he will be good. Manny Parra's 1-5 record is agerious with the way he has pitched in the month of June and Yovani Gallardo has developed into the ace pitcher we all wanted. This team couldn't be pitching better and if our hitting comes around a bit more the Brewers become so dangerous.
Our buddy Jon over at Brewers Daily hinted at bringing up Mat Gamel who is T.J. Lavin-style killing it and giving the slumping Casey McGehee some time off. I think this is an excellent idea but in the mean time, I wouldn't mind seeing Jonathan Lucroy in the two spot and moving Corey Hart down to the 5th spot, maybe even send Prince Fielder to that 5th spot. Then McGehee bats six, I think the pressure of getting the big hit might be off of him somewhat. In addition, I am willing to bet Alcedes Escobar has a huge finish leading to the All Star Break, I can tell he is seeing the ball as good as he ever has and could become a real threat.
Tuesday will begin the biggest 20 game stretch for the Brewers and I didn't even mention the big weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals on the road. The Crew could do some real damage and hope they do so I can invite everyone back on the Brewer bandwagon.
-Charlie.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Where the Lakers Will Say Queensbridge Whenever They Want
I buried the Lakers, I thought that after Game 5 they appeared uninspired and a lack of willingness to play. But like many other things written on this blog, it was wrong. Kobe Bryant's ferocity somehow fed into the rest of his teammates and he made them be better. The Lakers fought like warriors to win this series and now they have back-to-back crowns.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Although what happened was Kobe realize that there were other players than himself in those last two ball games therefore making the team better around him. I thought that Pau Gasol's play was excellent and probably shakes off the whole thing about him being 'soft' or Europeans not named Tony Parker 'not stepping up when it matters.' Bury that topic for 1st and 10 since Gasol took control of Game 6 and 7 being the catalyst to victory. He took full advantage of Kendrick Perkins getting injured in the early part of Game 6 and dominated Rasheed Wallace down low.
Even though, it didn't feel like Kobe deserved the MVP honors especially after an ugly 6/24 performance in Game 7 (can't forget he grabbed 15 boards), he still ended up averaging 28.6 40% 8.0 rebs 3.3 assts. I would consider those numbers to be MVP-like and as one person put it on Twitter, "If the Lakers didn't have Gasol, they lose but if they don't have Kobe, they get swept." An obvious response, but if you follow the award by the 'most valuable' no one in the NBA Finals were more valuable than Kobe Bryant. Another guy who deserves credit for the comeback is Ron Artest.
Offensively, Artest compared to my freshman year of high school with how poor he shot the ball plus his horrid shot selection. Two things single-handily saved Artest's season for him, 1.) His buzzer-beater against the Phoenix Suns and 2.) Gutting the Celts in Game 7 knocking down the three with only a minute left. He also had 15 and 20 in the last two games. Artest shook off people who claimed he couldn't step up in big game and then he became Artest, we all know and love. First off, he delivered an excellent press conference and probably ranks higher than Brian Scalabrine in 2008 who was awesome as well. List of great things about Artest press conference
-Making the people with the laptops in his words "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!"
-His family brought out some champagne, he goes "David won't like that." After all the meetings with Stern, he is on David status
-He then thanks his psychiatrist for keeping him level headed. It actually didn't sound as crazy as people made it seemed, a guy like Artest needs that shit and honestly, can't blame him
-"Hey Jeff Van Gundy, say Queensbridge next time." From now on when I win a game of beer pong or any drinking activity, I am going "SAY QUEENSBRIDGE!"
-Weirdly, Artest recognizes that he has been inconsistent throughout the year, Lamar Odom thinking "Well I am glad one of us talked about our inconsistency, looks like I am out of the woods back to Khole."
- Ron acts like a third grader when he claims "Kobe passed me the ball! Kobe passed me the ball!" and then goes "He can hear Phil Jackson in his head."
Basically, it sums up why Artest is one of the goofiest guys in the NBA but at the same time, I think he really is a genuinely good guy. I mean he apologized to his teammates in Indiana for giving up on them, what player would do that right after winning an NBA Championship? Two other Artest links: Getting a Goose Shower, and his new single "Champions." Enjoy both of those.
Now comes the question can the Lakers three-peat? I would say the chances are even, I think they need to bring in a replacement for Derek Fisher who can start, and bring Fisher off the bench. There has been the presistent rumor that the Chris Bosh-Andrew Bynum trade and if that happens, holy shit. The Lakers will be an unreal team with Bosh. Who knows after the most exciting summer but I do know the Lakeshow will contend.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
It's On Komac.
I think sometimes I am too serious on the blog but I do like giving my opinions on things that truly do matter plus things that need opinion (I still need to give my take on Texas staying but I am putting that off like math homework). Anyways, I saw today that a Slovenia player guaranteed victory over the United States. Really? Well let's break down first the country and then what this guy said.
Slovenia: What I can see is it's by the Mediterranean Sea and that it is a mountainous region. They joined up with socialists after World War II and then broke free in 1991. Strike one, they were once socialists, we all know as red-blooded Americans that capitalism is the only way. Strike two, I noticed their jerseys were green, why? They have red, white, and blue in their flag and in their Crest, you are telling me you don't want to wear the colors of America? These colors don't bleed partner! Also, they have no famous hot Eastern European models... Strike three! All they have for us is Sasha Vujacic, child please, I cannot believe they gave this country its independence. Basically, I vote that besides France this is the worst country in the European union.
We here in the US of A have many great things like Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair just to name a few that would love to lay the smackdown on Komac's candy ass! I am glad Tim Howard came out and said basically a PC version of 'this Slovenian bastard is just talking out of his ass.' I hope for one good clean hit on this pansy for even thinking he could guarantee victory. Now I really want to win tomorrow because nothing is worse than losing to a team where they ensured victory against you. USA USA USA USA USA!
-Charlie.
We here in the US of A have many great things like Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair just to name a few that would love to lay the smackdown on Komac's candy ass! I am glad Tim Howard came out and said basically a PC version of 'this Slovenian bastard is just talking out of his ass.' I hope for one good clean hit on this pansy for even thinking he could guarantee victory. Now I really want to win tomorrow because nothing is worse than losing to a team where they ensured victory against you. USA USA USA USA USA!
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Epitome of Kobe.
After LeBron's collapse, I made a big deal about Game 5's of series especially when they were knotted at 2-2 and proclaimed that Kobe Bryant really hasn't cost a team a game five defeat. Honestly, he played a great game Sunday but this sums up Kobe's career without Shaq.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
It was the perfect example of Kobe Bryant and why people can never say he is the best player ever. The Lakers needed their best performance out of Kobe and they sure as hell got it, but here's the thing when Kobe is at his very best he will go into a mode where he makes nobody better, just himself. Then after the game, calling out his teammates for not playing defense is ridiculous.
I think Kobe thinks he is playing with the 2005/2006 teams and completely forgot that when the Lakers were at their best this playoffs, Kobe dropped around 10 assists a game and still got his points. Nobody is getting involved and Kobe just went into a mode where he said 'fuck it' I am going to have win this game myself because no one else hit shots in the first half. Sure what we saw in the third quarter was amazing but still, the Lakers were still trailing in the ball game. I remember seeing performances like that out of Michael Jordan but he will spread his 38 points over four quarters which in turns leads his team to victory because he is doing other things than scoring. People who hate Kobe loved Sunday night for this reason, they can play this tape back and say 'no way would MJ lose a game where he had this kind of shooting night.' Kobe lost it mentally and now if you're a Laker fan, you have to worry that the series might be over.
How do the Lakers respond? I mean the first quarter will be the key for sure because we will get a sense of what Los Angeles team came to play. I personally believe emotionally other Lakers not named Kobe are shot, I mean Ron Artest looked shaky at best after Bryant told Coach Phil Jackson that he wanted to 'cover Paul Pierce. Then add the fact, Artest missed two free throws to cut the lead to three is just the evidence I need. Tonight could be a very weird game and the Lakers will need Kobe at a level where he drops 25 and 10 or so instead of 40 5 4.
I think the Celtics end it tonight, the Lakers are rattled and Andrew Bynum not being able to be 100 percent is killing their team. I think Boston is poised and ready to go back to L.A. to win this game. Also if the Lakers win tonight, they will take the series in Game 7. Boston has them on the ropes, they just need to deliver the knockout punch.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
How Game 4 Changed My Opinion on Big Baby
I have told people that I like the Boston Celtics but I really do hate Glen 'Big Baby' Davis. The reasons were multiple, one he decided that he needed a nickname change because he grew out of Big Baby, which earned a child please from all of us here at Chuck's Corner. Two, he always tried to start shit with Brandon Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks therefore making him the number one enemy on the squad. But last night proved to me that Davis can play with anyone in the league.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
When he came out early from LSU I didn't see him as even a contributor in the NBA. It felt like in college he was a poor man's Sean May who really didn't pan out in the NBA and fair to call him a bust. The nickname Big Baby fit well because the guy seemed like a complete headcase whether it was Davis crying due to Kevin Garnett ripping into you like the dog that shitted all over the carpet. Or getting into a fist fight with your buddy leading to you being out for two months, it just felt like Big Baby couldn't keep up with the NBA. But things are starting to work for Davis...
I truly believe that Davis could be a starter for an NBA team next season. It might not be a playoff team, but he could provide big things for a team as probably their third-best player or fourth. I love his aggressive style that sometimes gets him into trouble with the refs but I think Davis really does bust his ass. In my opinion, it's due to playing with Kevin Garnett in practice and KG pushing Davis everyday. Davis still could afford to lose a couple pounds so he can keep up defensively with the guys who play outside the lane. If he dealing with a guy who is a primary post player, Davis is very solid. In addition, this isn't the only good performance by Davis, he has been doing big things for the Celts with KG not being 100 percent (c'mon we all know it even though no one has said it). My gushing of Davis probably wouldn't have come if Nate Robinson hadn't been playing on Thursday night.
Honestly, I would pitch to ESPN a reality show featuring Robinson and Davis. They seemed like guys who played all throughout high school, college, and now the pros. My opinion of this grew when they did the press conference together and Nate nicknamed the combination "Shrek and Donkey". Awesome nickname for those two guys and really they fed off of each other so nicely, which is something you usually do not see from two bench players.
The bench for the Celtics might be the difference in this 2-2 series. The Lakers are over-using Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others because their bench is giving them nothing. I mean Lamar Odom had one decent game but still, nobody hasn't risen to the occasion like Davis and others. Another underrated player has been Tony Allen and his defense on Kobe. I am taking the Celtics in Game 5, I think the bench will be too strong for the Lakers.
-Charlie.
End.
USA-England and Who Advances Into The Round of 16
Ideally, I wanted a couple buddies of mine to put together a post with their thoughts about the World Cup and who would advance, how far, and other nuggets of information that I couldn't provide you. I myself was going to do is this huge post breaking down each team but it doesn't make sense so of course I had to say something about USA and England.
I believe this is the biggest soccer game in American history because there are people who say 'you know I don't like it that much but I will watch.' People recognize that England is one of the best countries for soccer and they know their best athletes are soccer players unlike the US. There is a general interest in this game compared to if the Yanks were playing Cameroon. To me, it reminds me of the US Hockey this year.
Both teams are playing at their best internationally, and they have been building up throughout the decade to where we are now. The US Hockey team took on Canada in the group stages and they ended up crushing the Canadians drawing big time interest to fans everywhere including me. The Yanks have the same opportunity tomorrow to officially put soccer on the map in the United States. If they beat England, it will be headline news all over America and people will be immediately drawn in. The next question can they do it?
My answer would be maybe. I believe England's goalkeeper whoever they decide to go with David James or Robert Green is faulty. I feel the US has a considerable advantage with Tim Howard in goal and sometimes the difference can be the goalkeeper. In the Confederations Cup, Howard couldn't have played better making some unbelievable saves and truly played his ass off. I think he lives for the big moment and I expect a huge game out of Howard. I do worry about the United States back line whoever coach Bob Bradley decides to put out there in the back.
I told people earlier this week that I think it's going to be a tie at 1-1 but you know what? That's a cop out and I trust in the Yanks to win this match 2-1. It will be a thrill-seeking game and something I cannot wait for as we are merely 12 hours away. I hope the Three Lions know... The Yanks are coming.
For anyone who cares, here is who I think advances then your champion
GROUP A: 1.) Mexico 2.) France- 3.) Uruguay 4.)South Africa
GROUP B: 1.) Argentina 2.) Nigeria 3.) South Korea 4.) Greece
GROUP C: 1.) United States 2.) England 3.) Slovenia 4.)
GROUP D: 1.) Ghana 2.) Germany 3.) Serbia 4.) Australia
GROUP E: 1.) Netherlands 2.) Cameroon 3.)Denmark 4.) Japan
GROUP F: 1.) Italy 2.) Paraguay 3.) Slovakia 4.) New Zealand
GROUP G: 1.)Brazil 2.) Ivory Coast 3.) Portugal 4.) North Korea
GROUP H: 1.) Spain 2.) Chile 3.) Switzerland 4.)Honduras
ROUND OF 16: Nigeria over Mexico, Argentina over France, Germany over United States, England over Ghana, Netherlands over Paraguay, Italy over Cameroon Brazil over Chile, Ivory Coast over Spain (Upset pick! why not, I know nothing and can look like a genius!)
ROUND of 8: Nigeria over Germany, Brazil over Netherlands, Argentina over England, Italy over Ivory Coast
SEMI FINALS: Brazil over Nigeria, Argentina over Italy
FINAL: Brazil over Argentina- Original pick, I know but like I said, it is half-assed at best so who knows.
-Charlie.
I believe this is the biggest soccer game in American history because there are people who say 'you know I don't like it that much but I will watch.' People recognize that England is one of the best countries for soccer and they know their best athletes are soccer players unlike the US. There is a general interest in this game compared to if the Yanks were playing Cameroon. To me, it reminds me of the US Hockey this year.
Both teams are playing at their best internationally, and they have been building up throughout the decade to where we are now. The US Hockey team took on Canada in the group stages and they ended up crushing the Canadians drawing big time interest to fans everywhere including me. The Yanks have the same opportunity tomorrow to officially put soccer on the map in the United States. If they beat England, it will be headline news all over America and people will be immediately drawn in. The next question can they do it?
My answer would be maybe. I believe England's goalkeeper whoever they decide to go with David James or Robert Green is faulty. I feel the US has a considerable advantage with Tim Howard in goal and sometimes the difference can be the goalkeeper. In the Confederations Cup, Howard couldn't have played better making some unbelievable saves and truly played his ass off. I think he lives for the big moment and I expect a huge game out of Howard. I do worry about the United States back line whoever coach Bob Bradley decides to put out there in the back.
I told people earlier this week that I think it's going to be a tie at 1-1 but you know what? That's a cop out and I trust in the Yanks to win this match 2-1. It will be a thrill-seeking game and something I cannot wait for as we are merely 12 hours away. I hope the Three Lions know... The Yanks are coming.
For anyone who cares, here is who I think advances then your champion
GROUP A: 1.) Mexico 2.) France- 3.) Uruguay 4.)South Africa
GROUP B: 1.) Argentina 2.) Nigeria 3.) South Korea 4.) Greece
GROUP C: 1.) United States 2.) England 3.) Slovenia 4.)
GROUP D: 1.) Ghana 2.) Germany 3.) Serbia 4.) Australia
GROUP E: 1.) Netherlands 2.) Cameroon 3.)Denmark 4.) Japan
GROUP F: 1.) Italy 2.) Paraguay 3.) Slovakia 4.) New Zealand
GROUP G: 1.)Brazil 2.) Ivory Coast 3.) Portugal 4.) North Korea
GROUP H: 1.) Spain 2.) Chile 3.) Switzerland 4.)Honduras
ROUND OF 16: Nigeria over Mexico, Argentina over France, Germany over United States, England over Ghana, Netherlands over Paraguay, Italy over Cameroon Brazil over Chile, Ivory Coast over Spain (Upset pick! why not, I know nothing and can look like a genius!)
ROUND of 8: Nigeria over Germany, Brazil over Netherlands, Argentina over England, Italy over Ivory Coast
SEMI FINALS: Brazil over Nigeria, Argentina over Italy
FINAL: Brazil over Argentina- Original pick, I know but like I said, it is half-assed at best so who knows.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Now Bandwagon USC Fans Like Me Know How Paul Hackett Era Felt.
If you don't know who Paul Hackett is, he is the last coach for USC that didn't lead the Trojans to a bowl game, and if you didn't hear today the Trojans will not be in the postseason for the next two years. Oof, I have a bunch of random thoughts about this one due to this being the first powerhouse since Auburn to get the harsh postseason ban.
Did anyone not expect this though? Kind of like how people all knew that Lindsey Lohan would violate her probation multiple times. I knew the hammer was coming down on USC because they gave them more strikes than Carmella Soprano, it had to happen. Is this the death of USC Football? No way, but it still means that there will be some rebuilding to do. You might say 'no way' but I am willing to bet my piggy bank that there will be flux of USC recruits who a.) will not go there and b.) players who will transfer. Trust me, USC will have to rebuild that stature of being a top 5 program unless they dominate the Pac-10 in the coming years.
Something tells me these guys will not try as hard as Lane Kiffin would want them to. I don't think Matt Barkely came to USC to spend two years watching teams play in the Rose Bowl and the BCS while he sits at home. There are only so many times that Kiffin will be able to play up the fact that the "Trojans are the spoiler this week guys, we are going to ruin their season." I just cannot see the effort being there for the Trojans all year but I do think this gives Kiffin a two-year window to do really whatever they want.
I almost believe USC knew this was going to happen or something close to it. That's why they didn't try too hard to keep Pete Carroll, a laid-back guy who I cannot see handling all of this very well. In addition, Carroll called up John Calipari to ask how to get the hell out of dodge before the NCAA comes down on me? To me, he is the best coach of the 2000 and now his reputation definitely has to come into question like Calipari. Carroll will go down as a "guy who cheated but won a lot because of it." Bobby Bowden agrees with this statement.
A better question is did Lane Kiffin know that USC probably wouldn't be playing in the postseason? I am going to say no, but they probably warned Kiffin it could happen and they pitched the idea that this team needed to get hard. Therefore the Trojans transformed into this hard-ass program with Lane Kiffin who will not take shit from anyone. Then he calls out his offense in the spring game and Kiffin seems to be the right fit for what is going on at SC, I still believe his players won't buy in yet a hard-ass in this situation is so much better.
My title would say I am a USC fan. I like the Trojans and really liked the teams who cheated. I guess this is how it feels to like a team who didn't do it the right way. But let's be real, what team or coach does it the right way anymore? People pamper these recruits like they are the King of Dubai and it's the old adage of it's not called 'cheating unless you get caught.' USC got busted red-handed.
-Charlie.
Did anyone not expect this though? Kind of like how people all knew that Lindsey Lohan would violate her probation multiple times. I knew the hammer was coming down on USC because they gave them more strikes than Carmella Soprano, it had to happen. Is this the death of USC Football? No way, but it still means that there will be some rebuilding to do. You might say 'no way' but I am willing to bet my piggy bank that there will be flux of USC recruits who a.) will not go there and b.) players who will transfer. Trust me, USC will have to rebuild that stature of being a top 5 program unless they dominate the Pac-10 in the coming years.
Something tells me these guys will not try as hard as Lane Kiffin would want them to. I don't think Matt Barkely came to USC to spend two years watching teams play in the Rose Bowl and the BCS while he sits at home. There are only so many times that Kiffin will be able to play up the fact that the "Trojans are the spoiler this week guys, we are going to ruin their season." I just cannot see the effort being there for the Trojans all year but I do think this gives Kiffin a two-year window to do really whatever they want.
I almost believe USC knew this was going to happen or something close to it. That's why they didn't try too hard to keep Pete Carroll, a laid-back guy who I cannot see handling all of this very well. In addition, Carroll called up John Calipari to ask how to get the hell out of dodge before the NCAA comes down on me? To me, he is the best coach of the 2000 and now his reputation definitely has to come into question like Calipari. Carroll will go down as a "guy who cheated but won a lot because of it." Bobby Bowden agrees with this statement.
A better question is did Lane Kiffin know that USC probably wouldn't be playing in the postseason? I am going to say no, but they probably warned Kiffin it could happen and they pitched the idea that this team needed to get hard. Therefore the Trojans transformed into this hard-ass program with Lane Kiffin who will not take shit from anyone. Then he calls out his offense in the spring game and Kiffin seems to be the right fit for what is going on at SC, I still believe his players won't buy in yet a hard-ass in this situation is so much better.
My title would say I am a USC fan. I like the Trojans and really liked the teams who cheated. I guess this is how it feels to like a team who didn't do it the right way. But let's be real, what team or coach does it the right way anymore? People pamper these recruits like they are the King of Dubai and it's the old adage of it's not called 'cheating unless you get caught.' USC got busted red-handed.
-Charlie.
The Fish That Saved L.A.
In a game where the refs decided to make their presence felt and KG rose from the crypt, it was one of those games where a role player stepped up when they needed him the most and that guy was Derek Fisher whose 13 points in the fourth quarter propelled the Lakers to a 91-84 and took a commanding 2-1 lead.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Fisher was guy that I rode off heading into the playoffs even because I felt he couldn't keep up defensively with all of the great point guards he faced (Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo) and would break down by this time. But Fisher proved us all wrong with his gritty performance in Game 3 and his continued clutch play throughout the entire playoff season.
As someone who is watching with no favoritism to either team, I felt every time Fisher had the ball in the fourth quarter he was going to make the shot. He outplayed Rondo down the stretch, which is something most point guards cannot say especially in the 2010 playoffs. The other big thing Fisher did is save Kobe Bryant.
He bailed out Kobe Bryant like it was that night in Colorado and then some. Bryant had an awful performance in the fourth quarter going something like 1-7 but everybody talked about how he dropped 29 points without any mention of his woeful performance. If the LeBron Fan Club were smart this would be the perfect game for their argument because the playoff experience that Kobe has around him allowed him to have a poor showing in the final minutes of the game.
If anyone deserves any blame from Boston is anyone near Derek Fisher when he took the ball right to the lane under a minute getting an and-one pretty much putting the icing on the cake. I can still remember my dad yelling at kids to pick up the guy with the ball. Anyone who played organized basketball would know that Fisher needed to be picked up right outside of the three-point line. Who knows what happens if Fisher never gets to the lane with it only being a four point game.
Derek Fisher is like having someone's dad at a house party. Everybody loves him because he is quite older than the rest of people there, usually comes up with big moments whether buying a sweet bottle of alcohol or hitting that big shot in beer pong, and pays for a ton of drinks at the bar.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Why Do This To Me?
I am not kidding you if I had time or diligence today, I would have told you that I was ready to start re-building the Milwaukee Brewers and after listening on the radio about the same thing, I bought in even more. Then I discussed it with my dad and told him I am not ready to let go of this pipe dream because I invested so much in this team and after the Casey McGehee walk-off base hit against Carlos Marmol, there is a sense of belief in me.
The last three games I have seen the Brewers lose in 11, which they fought back after being down 4-1 quicker than Hank Moody can get a girl into bed, then the bullpen bails out the team winning 4-3 in extras with a big sac fly from Corey Hart, and tonight, the walk-off winner. Tell me, you aren't started to buy into the fact that this might be the run we've been waiting for.
I hate to play 'what if' but let's say the Brewers cut Jeff Suppan before the New York Mets series, do the Brewers lose the final game of that series? Who knows, I mean Zach Braddock still blew up in the 9th inning and then the Brewers' bullpen once again blew up in the first two Florida games. Since they went 5-1, they had two games where I could admit they flat out lost the game (Josh Johnson and Adam Wainwright) but other than that, they have been close yet one part isn't working.
The other reason why I feel this sense of optimism is because the Brewers are winning ugly. They aren't hitting the ball that well right now, okay that's fine we win two straight games with good pitching and timely hits. I know it's insane to be this excited about a two-game winning streak and Carlos Zambrano could end up pitching a gem that would send us in another tailspin, but can't a guy dream?
I want to believe the last two nights were the beginning of a special summer for all of us as Brewer fans where we are glued to every moment. Sadly, this isn't Entourage where everything works out at the end and the Brewers end up prevailing. But we aren't even half way in this marathon of a season and something tells me... the Brewers aren't dead.
-Charlie.
The last three games I have seen the Brewers lose in 11, which they fought back after being down 4-1 quicker than Hank Moody can get a girl into bed, then the bullpen bails out the team winning 4-3 in extras with a big sac fly from Corey Hart, and tonight, the walk-off winner. Tell me, you aren't started to buy into the fact that this might be the run we've been waiting for.
I hate to play 'what if' but let's say the Brewers cut Jeff Suppan before the New York Mets series, do the Brewers lose the final game of that series? Who knows, I mean Zach Braddock still blew up in the 9th inning and then the Brewers' bullpen once again blew up in the first two Florida games. Since they went 5-1, they had two games where I could admit they flat out lost the game (Josh Johnson and Adam Wainwright) but other than that, they have been close yet one part isn't working.
The other reason why I feel this sense of optimism is because the Brewers are winning ugly. They aren't hitting the ball that well right now, okay that's fine we win two straight games with good pitching and timely hits. I know it's insane to be this excited about a two-game winning streak and Carlos Zambrano could end up pitching a gem that would send us in another tailspin, but can't a guy dream?
I want to believe the last two nights were the beginning of a special summer for all of us as Brewer fans where we are glued to every moment. Sadly, this isn't Entourage where everything works out at the end and the Brewers end up prevailing. But we aren't even half way in this marathon of a season and something tells me... the Brewers aren't dead.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Stephen Strasburg Taking Over D.C.
I realize he just started his Major League Debut but comin' in hot late is my thing. The Washington Nationals superstar Stephan Strasburg has got more hype today than anyone in Major League Baseball in recent memory.After having one of the worst professional sports seasons of recent memory, Washington seems to be on the rebound with John Wall probably coming to the Wizards and the dawning of a new era with Strasburg. The young stars of D.C. will be marketed like crazy and there will be a ton of kids in the DMV area that will rep their hero whether it be Strasburg, Wall, or Ovie. I am personally excited to watch him perform and I really do think he will be the best thing in Washington D.C.'
I wouldn't be surprised if Strasburg struggles in his first star with more than 200 media personal in attendance (usually those type of numbers are for League Championship Series) but I think as the season continues, he will blossom into a pretty reliable pitcher. I am not ready to say he will be a Cy Young favorite in his first couple of years, but he will be a guy you can count on in the middle of the starting rotation. Another question that needs to be answered especially after the Nationals added power hitter stud Bryce Harper last night, will the Nationals be in the playoffs in the next three to five years?
My answer would be yes. I joked years ago that in 2010 we would see a Tampa Bay-Milwaukee World Series (whoops on the Brewers end) but seriously, the Nationals will be a playoff contender in the coming years with the money coming in with near sellouts every time Strasburg takes the mound this summer/fall and the merchandise revenue that will come with it will lead to them being able to re-sign their prized possessions and bring in big name free agents. Although,Philadelphia still has a chance to be lethal for years to come but their pitching continues to get older, Florida could contend if they don't decide to blow everything up, Atlanta with Heyward, and who knows with New York. The NL East will be the most competitive division for years to come and the Nationals will be right in the mix, no more days of cellar-dwelling.
I will predict Strasburg finishes with about 8 wins and 3 losses somewhere with a 3.85-4 ERA. I know if Washington plays in Milwaukee and he is scheduled to pitch, I am making it a point to go to the game to see him pitch because I am buying into the hype that he is the next pitcher and I want to be able tell people I saw Strasburg pitch.
-Charlie.
I wouldn't be surprised if Strasburg struggles in his first star with more than 200 media personal in attendance (usually those type of numbers are for League Championship Series) but I think as the season continues, he will blossom into a pretty reliable pitcher. I am not ready to say he will be a Cy Young favorite in his first couple of years, but he will be a guy you can count on in the middle of the starting rotation. Another question that needs to be answered especially after the Nationals added power hitter stud Bryce Harper last night, will the Nationals be in the playoffs in the next three to five years?
My answer would be yes. I joked years ago that in 2010 we would see a Tampa Bay-Milwaukee World Series (whoops on the Brewers end) but seriously, the Nationals will be a playoff contender in the coming years with the money coming in with near sellouts every time Strasburg takes the mound this summer/fall and the merchandise revenue that will come with it will lead to them being able to re-sign their prized possessions and bring in big name free agents. Although,Philadelphia still has a chance to be lethal for years to come but their pitching continues to get older, Florida could contend if they don't decide to blow everything up, Atlanta with Heyward, and who knows with New York. The NL East will be the most competitive division for years to come and the Nationals will be right in the mix, no more days of cellar-dwelling.
I will predict Strasburg finishes with about 8 wins and 3 losses somewhere with a 3.85-4 ERA. I know if Washington plays in Milwaukee and he is scheduled to pitch, I am making it a point to go to the game to see him pitch because I am buying into the hype that he is the next pitcher and I want to be able tell people I saw Strasburg pitch.
-Charlie.
The Soup is Off The Stove
A movie has came out recently titled the Human Centipede where an evil doctor does some pretty gruesome grizzly stuff to people where I think I couldn't handle watching it the whole way through. There are some horror movies that are like that where there is just too much gore to handle for one person and they must shut it off. Brewer fans feel like they are in that kind of horror movie when they watched Jeff Suppan pitch in the last couple of years and today he was released by the club.
Suppan signed a big Christmas day deal and I remember being fairly excited for the deal. Suppan had just came off an excellent performance in the 2006 MLB Playoffs and he seemed to have the leadership we needed at the time. I wish Santa would have slapped me in the face to remind me that it indeed was Jeff Suppan not Nolan Ryan. To take a look at what Suppan did for the Crew in his years, his stats say it all...
Not once did Suppan have an ERA below 4.50, I can understand being in the fours with how people hit the ball but 4.5? That is not even giving your team a chance to win. Not to mention, Suppan gave up over 200 hits and 100 runs in his three full seasons with the team. Therefore you get the high ERA but still, just unacceptable numbers for a guy who got over 40 million dollars. The one thing I am happy about is Doug Melvin and Mark Attanasio admitted his mistake and moved on from it because it took awhile to finally own up that we made a mistake bringing this guy in.
Granted it took awhile, Suppan started over 30 games for the team in three years and not once did he get regulated to the bullpen even though he had above a 4.5 ERA going for him. Soup needed to be benched last season but the Crew were too hasty to admit fault for their actions especially after they swallowed Bill Hall's enormous contract like Jenna Jameson. Soup never deserved to be out there after his 10 run disaster against Washington. Yes, he did go on the DL with a phantom injury but we all know they needed that opportunity to do that so he wasn't a part of their rotation. At least, this year they realized Soup wasn't heading anywhere and only gave him two chances to start.
The beginning of all of it, they gave Suppan the role of the garbage reliever and actually he didn't do a terrible job at it. Then, Ken Macha felt more comfortable with putting Suppan into different relief roles and that's when the wheels came off. I cannot blame Macha for this because he thought Soup had got it together and maybe became a reliable arm out of the bullpen.
Finally, I do want to thank Soup for being a class act. I know we rip on you a lot Jeff but trust me, it's not you, it's the contract.
-Charlie.
Suppan signed a big Christmas day deal and I remember being fairly excited for the deal. Suppan had just came off an excellent performance in the 2006 MLB Playoffs and he seemed to have the leadership we needed at the time. I wish Santa would have slapped me in the face to remind me that it indeed was Jeff Suppan not Nolan Ryan. To take a look at what Suppan did for the Crew in his years, his stats say it all...
Not once did Suppan have an ERA below 4.50, I can understand being in the fours with how people hit the ball but 4.5? That is not even giving your team a chance to win. Not to mention, Suppan gave up over 200 hits and 100 runs in his three full seasons with the team. Therefore you get the high ERA but still, just unacceptable numbers for a guy who got over 40 million dollars. The one thing I am happy about is Doug Melvin and Mark Attanasio admitted his mistake and moved on from it because it took awhile to finally own up that we made a mistake bringing this guy in.
Granted it took awhile, Suppan started over 30 games for the team in three years and not once did he get regulated to the bullpen even though he had above a 4.5 ERA going for him. Soup needed to be benched last season but the Crew were too hasty to admit fault for their actions especially after they swallowed Bill Hall's enormous contract like Jenna Jameson. Soup never deserved to be out there after his 10 run disaster against Washington. Yes, he did go on the DL with a phantom injury but we all know they needed that opportunity to do that so he wasn't a part of their rotation. At least, this year they realized Soup wasn't heading anywhere and only gave him two chances to start.
The beginning of all of it, they gave Suppan the role of the garbage reliever and actually he didn't do a terrible job at it. Then, Ken Macha felt more comfortable with putting Suppan into different relief roles and that's when the wheels came off. I cannot blame Macha for this because he thought Soup had got it together and maybe became a reliable arm out of the bullpen.
Finally, I do want to thank Soup for being a class act. I know we rip on you a lot Jeff but trust me, it's not you, it's the contract.
-Charlie.
Rondo Amazes Me Again.
My man-crush for Rajon Rondo is probably one of the biggest ones I have had in awhile for a player in any professional sport but c'mon his legend is growing by the game. Rondo last night went off for 18 pts 12 rbs 10 assts, as Bill "The Rock" Schroeder says on a nightly basis, "Are you kiddin' me?" Seriously, it's time to reevaluate the not only is Rondo the best point guard in the NBA, but is he in the top 10 of best right now.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
I am not talking like pick a team of 5 v. 5, I am actually talking the ten best players in the league. I mean the classic "Rondo-fake" gets guys every time and no knows how to stop it. It's a lot like LeBron James who would swat the hell out of any lay-up with no one thinking 'Gee what about a pump fake?' Although who was the guy to fake out LeBron? Oh yeah, Rondo. I have trouble coming up with words to describe the rise of Rondo in these NBA Playoffs. To me, that is the story of the postseason. Not that Kobe Bryant might get his fifth title, or where LeBron is going, but a Kentucky point guard who no one believed could be an offensive threat is now taking over games like the other guys mentioned before him.
If I have a chance when I am in Milwaukee for one of my breaks, I am praying Boston is in town because I would like to see Rondo in person. I said a couple weeks ago, that he is a guy I would pay top-dollar to watch perform due to his speed, his attacking ways, and his great defense. Before the playoffs started, my roommate Dan was absolutely mesmerized by Rondo, always making comments about his quickness and agility. I liked him myself, kind of a punk but never really noticed him that much due to the Big 3 out there. Now, he is the star and they are beneath him.
Can anyone remember a team where a role player has become the star overnight for an entire playoffs? Sure, there are those special nights where a guy like Aaron Boone becomes the hero because of one swing of the bat, but the entire playoffs? I cannot come up with one really, I mean you can't use Tom Brady because he wasn't a role player more of a back up, maybe Magic Johnson in the 1980 Finals with his 47 and 15 but even then he was considered an up and coming star. No one projected this for Rondo for reasons of he couldn't shoot or make free throws on a consistent basis.
I have told people this for weeks, if Rondo learns how to make a 15 ft. jumper next season we are looking at a top five candidate off the bat for MVP next season. Hell, we might be already without the jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Rondo could average a triple-double next season but we will have to wait to see if he can finish off the Lakers before any talk about next season.
-Charlie.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Take It Easy LeBrett
I had a couple conversations with people about LeBron James and his free agency especially the day after he got ousted from the playoffs. Some told me how sick they were of all of the coverage, I personally thought that it was fascinating because I consider this the most important story of 2010, the free agency that is not LeBron James himself. But to me, the Larry King interview he did on Friday was the definition of 'over-the-top.'
First of all, this is all happening during the NBA Finals and even with the biggest rivalry in their sport, the focus still remains on LeBron James. People want to know everything that is going on or is about to happen. Like this piece from Adrian Wojnarowski who writes that the Chicago Bulls are making a down payment by getting Tom Thibodeau who just signed an agent from Worldwide Wes' agency. Hmm interesting developments right here, but it doesn't seal it because every team who has a chance will make their pitch at LeBron for why he should come here. Reading and listening to all the different approaches reminds me so much of what it would have been like had James had to go to school for a year. Every school who had a shot would pull out their biggest guns to try to get LBJ for one year.
I think this summer is comparable if not worse than the Brett Favre drama that unfolded in the past couple of years because LeBron is going to do interviews with major news networks, he is going to do things that will keep himself in the news for the sole fact of... he loves the attention. Rumor has it, according to ESPN's Bill Simmons and Ric Bucher that LeBron was going to sit courtside last night, but cancelled 90 minutes before the game started. Thank God his PR people prevented him from sitting courtside, I couldn't even imagine the media outcry if he was there. Finally, someone got in his head last night and said "Look man you can't keep pulling this shit without your fans starting to get mad." Personally, I think it would be embarrassing for him to sit courtside to watch a team that kicked his ass in the playoffs and the Lakers play. I would have no problem if he sat in the press box or something, but to be right in the middle of the action seems a bit contrived.
As excited as I am for July 1st, I think the media's focus should remain on the NBA Finals and talentless hacks like me should be also be held to that standard. But, it's so damn fascinating that you cannot help but talk about LeBron James, maybe that what he desires.
-Charlie.
First of all, this is all happening during the NBA Finals and even with the biggest rivalry in their sport, the focus still remains on LeBron James. People want to know everything that is going on or is about to happen. Like this piece from Adrian Wojnarowski who writes that the Chicago Bulls are making a down payment by getting Tom Thibodeau who just signed an agent from Worldwide Wes' agency. Hmm interesting developments right here, but it doesn't seal it because every team who has a chance will make their pitch at LeBron for why he should come here. Reading and listening to all the different approaches reminds me so much of what it would have been like had James had to go to school for a year. Every school who had a shot would pull out their biggest guns to try to get LBJ for one year.
I think this summer is comparable if not worse than the Brett Favre drama that unfolded in the past couple of years because LeBron is going to do interviews with major news networks, he is going to do things that will keep himself in the news for the sole fact of... he loves the attention. Rumor has it, according to ESPN's Bill Simmons and Ric Bucher that LeBron was going to sit courtside last night, but cancelled 90 minutes before the game started. Thank God his PR people prevented him from sitting courtside, I couldn't even imagine the media outcry if he was there. Finally, someone got in his head last night and said "Look man you can't keep pulling this shit without your fans starting to get mad." Personally, I think it would be embarrassing for him to sit courtside to watch a team that kicked his ass in the playoffs and the Lakers play. I would have no problem if he sat in the press box or something, but to be right in the middle of the action seems a bit contrived.
As excited as I am for July 1st, I think the media's focus should remain on the NBA Finals and talentless hacks like me should be also be held to that standard. But, it's so damn fascinating that you cannot help but talk about LeBron James, maybe that what he desires.
-Charlie.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Celtics. Lakers. No Clever Title Needed.
After a pretty lackluster NBA Playoffs, we have arrived at the NBA Finals which begin tonight and we are blessed with the best rivalry in all of professional basketball, the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Many people are excited for this series because even though, the Lakers have home court, many believe this series is up in the air. I thought of 10 things to consider when watching Game 1 and I think they all will be big factors.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
10. Artest-Sheed- I talked about this earlier this week but how great is it that we have two biggest ticking time bombs playing each other for the NBA Finals? Not to mention, the hatred that stems from all of the talk of the rivalry is sure to get them fired up. I am praying for a Sheed-Artest brawl because we haven't seen a good professional sports fight in awhile and it would be just awesome. Also if the WWE were smart, they would bring on Artest and Sheed a la Rodman/Malone for WCW to have them fight in a tag-team match for July's PPV... I can only dream.
9. Phil vs. Doc- An interesting coaching match up because in reality, Phil has all the titles so he is immediately heralded as this great coach. I personally think he is pretty good but right now, I think he lets Kobe Bryant control and dictate the game more than he even let Jordan do on the court. But I think he does a great job with adjustments in-game and after the game, also he is fantastic finding match ups that work for the Lakers. Rivers is sort of the same way letting his players run things and he has been improving on making in-game decision. Also a guy who deserves a ton credit is the defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau and helps Rivers with the defensive end. I do not believe one game will be decided by "x coach out coached y coach."
8. Front Line Play- Pau Gasol was going to fit this top 10 but seriously, the front lines of each teams will be crucial in this series. I will continue thoughts on Lamar Odom later in the post but for Gasol and Andrew Bynum, they are in for a complete battle. I really think people are underplaying the fact Bynum probably will give the Lakers maybe 20 minutes at most. He will be getting beat up by Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett continuously will be too much for him. In addition, I feel Garnett dials it up a notch for the Lakers for a variety of reasons and I expect a big series from KG.
7. Refs- I put the refs in the mix because this will be physical series. Nobody is getting an easy lay-up and the question will be how tight is the game going to be called? I hope they allow some physicality and as I called it last week, a happy medium of calls and non-calls. Unlike the coaching match up, I think the refs could contribute to swinging one of the games of the Finals. I will set the over/under on technical fouls at 7 and that Perkins gets suspended for one game for going over the limit.
6. Lamar Odom- The most intriguing man in the Finals because he is the Wesbter's definition of inconsistency. He will have a game where he goes off for 15 and 15 then disappear during the next game. The Lakers need Odom to be strong every game and not fall into a sugar low. When he is playing effectively, Los Angeles really seems to play that much better. Odom is the Lakers X factor in this series.
'
5. Paul Pierce- A lot of people are talking about how Pierce could have a similar series like the one in Cleveland because he will be guarded by Ron Artest. To me, I think Pierce is crafty enough to score baskets against Artest and he loves playing at home in Los Angeles (born and raised). Pierce lived in the moment last time in 2008 with the 'wheelchair game' and his MVP performance. Pierce will do some things but to me, he will not be the biggest factor like in 08.
4. Bench play- Sadly, I am not talking about Brian Scalabrine but honestly, I believe whoever's bench plays the best will probably win the series. Who knows how good Big Baby Davis will be after his concussion, even though he played Game 6 you have to wonder. I am curious if Nate Robinson will be factor and if Tony Allen can recover from a sprained ankle. The Lakers bench of Jordan Farmar, Odom, Shannon Brown and Sasha Vujacic can all provide a spark for Los Angeles.
3. Rajon Rondo- He is now acclimated as the best Boston Celtic and people are worried about Rondo's back spasms, something he told the Associated Press that he was 'fine'. I have gushed about Rondo this playoffs about how incredible he has been throughout and especially in the Cleveland series. He will be utterly dangerous if fully healthy in this series because nobody can guard him on L.A. Maybe Kobe for a good amount of minutes but I do not believe he will be able to contain Rondo. If the Celtics win, I believe he will be the MVP of the NBA Finals.
2. Kobe Bryant- Other than Rondo, I have been all over Kobe and I do think he is playing on a level we haven't seen from him since his first NBA Finals run with Shaq, but this one is completely different. In the fourth quarter, nobody wants Kobe to have the ball and I have the feeling that Bryant will hit a shot every time he shoots the ball. If the Lakers were to win, Kobe would have his fifth title in seven tries and people will once again have to re-evaluate his legacy. It's stupid to even think of his legacy until his career is said and done. Kobe can deliver the Lakers a championship and if he loses, he will have a cloud of haze that like Magic Johnson hasn't got over the Boston hump. Another prediction here, Kobe will hit a game-winner or two in this series.
1. Prediction- I do not believe that one game will be a blowout. I think every game will be down to wire and yes, some games might involve a team pulling away in the final two minutes of a game. I have been wavering the whole week about how will actually win the series and I honestly believe it will be as close as they come in the NBA Finals. The Lakers will win it in seven games, I think they split the first four games and Boston will take Game 5 but the 2-3-2 format will benefit the Lakers as they come back to win the final two.
-Charlie.
Jim Joyce: Hated More Than Honda
My roommates and I started using people's last names to describe a tendency that said person does a lot. For instance, one of them tends to expand the truth a wee bit so his last name gets inserted into anything we believe to be a lie. Anyways, there is a new last name that we can put in that category, Joycin it also known as missing something big. For example, "Hey did you catch the new Entourage?!" "Nope, I really Joyced that one guys. Or "Dude she flashed the whole party, where were you?!" "I was in the bathroom, man I really Joyced it tonight."
If you didn't hear already from ESPN, Brian Anderson, talk radio, or your grandmother... Jim Joyce called Jacob McDonald safe on a close play in the 9th inning of a perfect game being spun by Armando Galarraga. People were pissed to say the least after the game let out, and manager Jim Leyland who likely was drunk just became irate at Joyce and for good reason. He missed a call that would have gave the Tigers a perfect game performance and our third perfect game this year plus two in one week. All of those stats would be phenomenal and something to talk about for the coming days. Instead, we have to listen to people talk about Galarraga should be awarded a no-hitter or a perfect game and how this is the clear-cut example to add instant replay in baseball
Of course, a ninny like Keith Olbermann believes Galarraga should get a perfect game but to be honest, I do not think he wants that sort of treatment. He had the best reaction after McDonald was called safe, almost like my buddy Eric's look of "Yeah that would happen to me." After the game, both sides were complete class acts about the whole ordeal. Joyce apologized profusely in his post-game interview and Galarraga talked to him ending it with a bromance hug. That is the reason why it should just be a one-hitter, mistakes happen all the time in various fields of work and both parties seemed to understand that tonight. Nothing made me happier than Joyce owning up to his mistake and Galarraga acting like he pitched a helluva game with no chance of a perfect game.
As for instant replay, if replay is expanded I want to hear people shut up about the length of the game. Because if you add replay, you add vital minutes in a game. I really could care less either way, I mean all professional sports have it except for baseball but what will piss me off are the people who campaigned for replay but also want shorter games. Face it, you cannot make it work in my opinion. Who knows what the outcome will be but to me, it would be shocking if nothing changed after tonight's ordeal.
-Charlie.
If you didn't hear already from ESPN, Brian Anderson, talk radio, or your grandmother... Jim Joyce called Jacob McDonald safe on a close play in the 9th inning of a perfect game being spun by Armando Galarraga. People were pissed to say the least after the game let out, and manager Jim Leyland who likely was drunk just became irate at Joyce and for good reason. He missed a call that would have gave the Tigers a perfect game performance and our third perfect game this year plus two in one week. All of those stats would be phenomenal and something to talk about for the coming days. Instead, we have to listen to people talk about Galarraga should be awarded a no-hitter or a perfect game and how this is the clear-cut example to add instant replay in baseball
Of course, a ninny like Keith Olbermann believes Galarraga should get a perfect game but to be honest, I do not think he wants that sort of treatment. He had the best reaction after McDonald was called safe, almost like my buddy Eric's look of "Yeah that would happen to me." After the game, both sides were complete class acts about the whole ordeal. Joyce apologized profusely in his post-game interview and Galarraga talked to him ending it with a bromance hug. That is the reason why it should just be a one-hitter, mistakes happen all the time in various fields of work and both parties seemed to understand that tonight. Nothing made me happier than Joyce owning up to his mistake and Galarraga acting like he pitched a helluva game with no chance of a perfect game.
As for instant replay, if replay is expanded I want to hear people shut up about the length of the game. Because if you add replay, you add vital minutes in a game. I really could care less either way, I mean all professional sports have it except for baseball but what will piss me off are the people who campaigned for replay but also want shorter games. Face it, you cannot make it work in my opinion. Who knows what the outcome will be but to me, it would be shocking if nothing changed after tonight's ordeal.
-Charlie.
Thanks Junior
On a crazy Wednesday night of sports, one of the best players in baseball retired from the Major Leagues and rides off into the sunset. That man is Ken Griffey Jr. He is probably one of the best cases in baseball of asking ourselves "what if?" because his career obviously was hindered by all of the injuries throughout the years.
I am glad that he finished his career with the Seattle Mariners and not the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers. He did it the way that everyone envisions their personal hero to end their career, I mean in the perfect world for me, Brett Favre would have retired on March 4th. The Ken Griffey Jr. everyone has etched in their minds is the guy who made spectacular catches at the Kingdome plus his monster home runs to all fields with his perfect swing. Other than the Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball game for SNES I played religiously, my childhood memories bring me back to his backwards hat.
It might sound funny to you, but as a kid, I always remember him in the backwards hat and found it to be the coolest thing (same goes for Deion Sanders and his bandannas). I thought that Griffey obviously was cooler than the other guys who wore their hats the right way and why couldn't he wear like that the whole the game. If you were a kid growing up in the mid to late 90s you wanted to be Griffey Jr.
Granted, a few impact players of the 90s are still playing but most of the guys I grew up and whose baseball cards I have are long gone from the game. Griffey Jr. was one of the remaining hold outs from that group and I believe he will remembered highly as the years go on because when people look back at the steroid era, they will look for the best player who did the right way... Ken Griffey Jr.
-Charlie.
I am glad that he finished his career with the Seattle Mariners and not the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers. He did it the way that everyone envisions their personal hero to end their career, I mean in the perfect world for me, Brett Favre would have retired on March 4th. The Ken Griffey Jr. everyone has etched in their minds is the guy who made spectacular catches at the Kingdome plus his monster home runs to all fields with his perfect swing. Other than the Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball game for SNES I played religiously, my childhood memories bring me back to his backwards hat.
It might sound funny to you, but as a kid, I always remember him in the backwards hat and found it to be the coolest thing (same goes for Deion Sanders and his bandannas). I thought that Griffey obviously was cooler than the other guys who wore their hats the right way and why couldn't he wear like that the whole the game. If you were a kid growing up in the mid to late 90s you wanted to be Griffey Jr.
Granted, a few impact players of the 90s are still playing but most of the guys I grew up and whose baseball cards I have are long gone from the game. Griffey Jr. was one of the remaining hold outs from that group and I believe he will remembered highly as the years go on because when people look back at the steroid era, they will look for the best player who did the right way... Ken Griffey Jr.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Ubaldo is Unreal
The reason why people love great sports figures is because they are so dominate in their profession that no one can even come close to sniffing their level. Right now, there is one person like that in sports. That man is Ubaldo Jimenez. Let's break down some of his stats and put it into perspective for the month of June 1st.
ERA: 0.78- He has only given up seven runs in 11 starts. That is incredible, he has yet to give up three runs this season and Jimenez only twice against San Diego and Washington has he let in two runs. Other than that, nobody has been able to touch him, six of his starts have resulted in scoreless outings.
Hits Allowed: 46- If you take away his no-hitter performance against the Atlanta Braves, Jimenez is averaging 4.6 hits allowed in his stars. Not to mention, if you spread that out over his innings pitched, basically a team is lucky to get a runner on in an inning.
Walks: 26- Once again dividing that stat by 11, he is only walking a little over 2 batters. So to continue with the prior stat, Jimenez is roughly only allowing six batters to get on base. Somebody please explain to me how anyone will get a win against this guy?
Strikeouts: 70- I think one of the reasons Jimenez is so successful is because he is pitching to contact instead of mowing down batters. He has only one game against San Diego where he struck out 13 but he isn't getting up into the high numbers therefore shortening his pitch count allowing him to pitch deep into games.
Innings Pitched: 80.1- For you math majors out there, he is pitching over 7 innings a start, something that me as a Brewer fan would love to see every five days from one of our starter. Mix all of these basic stats together and you have a guy who is putting together arguably one of the best seasons in the last 25 years from a pitcher.
NOTE: I realize his advanced stats are off the charts as well but personally, I do not know enough about all of them to sound educated talking about them.
In my opinion, he is the MVP of the National League so far. Who else can you make an argument for? No one from the St. Louis Cardinals or the Philadelphia Phillies where most MVPs have come from in the last five years. Jimenez is the Cy Young and the MVP for the first part of the season but he needs to adjust as teams will start to figure him out. I think the sky is the limit for Jimenez and winning 25 plus games is not out of the question by any means.
-Charlie.
ERA: 0.78- He has only given up seven runs in 11 starts. That is incredible, he has yet to give up three runs this season and Jimenez only twice against San Diego and Washington has he let in two runs. Other than that, nobody has been able to touch him, six of his starts have resulted in scoreless outings.
Hits Allowed: 46- If you take away his no-hitter performance against the Atlanta Braves, Jimenez is averaging 4.6 hits allowed in his stars. Not to mention, if you spread that out over his innings pitched, basically a team is lucky to get a runner on in an inning.
Walks: 26- Once again dividing that stat by 11, he is only walking a little over 2 batters. So to continue with the prior stat, Jimenez is roughly only allowing six batters to get on base. Somebody please explain to me how anyone will get a win against this guy?
Strikeouts: 70- I think one of the reasons Jimenez is so successful is because he is pitching to contact instead of mowing down batters. He has only one game against San Diego where he struck out 13 but he isn't getting up into the high numbers therefore shortening his pitch count allowing him to pitch deep into games.
Innings Pitched: 80.1- For you math majors out there, he is pitching over 7 innings a start, something that me as a Brewer fan would love to see every five days from one of our starter. Mix all of these basic stats together and you have a guy who is putting together arguably one of the best seasons in the last 25 years from a pitcher.
NOTE: I realize his advanced stats are off the charts as well but personally, I do not know enough about all of them to sound educated talking about them.
In my opinion, he is the MVP of the National League so far. Who else can you make an argument for? No one from the St. Louis Cardinals or the Philadelphia Phillies where most MVPs have come from in the last five years. Jimenez is the Cy Young and the MVP for the first part of the season but he needs to adjust as teams will start to figure him out. I think the sky is the limit for Jimenez and winning 25 plus games is not out of the question by any means.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
It's About That Time.
Dan Patrick does something on 1250 AM WSSP where he gives his two cents on some thing and today, he was talking about successful small market teams so far this season and compared the Major League Baseball season as a three act play and June 1st is the start of Act II. Maybe, that will be a good thing for the Brewers this season but my expectations are low.
I am starting to talk myself into the fact that the Brewers just aren't a good team and that I shouldn't expect this team to go off on a 10 game winning streak or win something crazy like 14 out of 16. I want that to happen and there were times these first two months I believed that would actually happen. Any optimistic Brewer fan believed that they could make a run and putting themselves back into the NL Central race.
Currently, they have the NL league leader in RBI (Casey McGehee) even though thats becoming an irrelevant stat, still shows how much production the Brewers are putting on the base pads. Also they have the NL league leader in triples (Alcides Escobar) and home runs (Corey Hart). I think if you looked at the offensive stats, people would believe the Brewers are in the NL Central mix. But sadly, they have no pitching and things will probably not get better.
I tried to think of a team they remind me of and all I could think of is the 2008 Green Bay Packers who could score a ton of points but their defense couldn't stop anyone partly due to the monumental amount of injuries. Thankfully, they fixed the next year and got to the playoffs making a four win turnaround with heighten expectations for this upcoming year. The Brewers aren't dead just yet but can they really win ball games with three starters that have above 4.50 ERAs and the real disturbing thing is the Crew only has four guys who are under four. I know that if you don't have pitching, you won't win many ball games, simple as that. I have no idea how I would fix it and who knows maybe Chris Capuano lights a fire, baseball is a crazy game sometimes.
In January, I buried the Marquette Golden Eagles and they made an unreal run where they figured everything out putting together one of the more incredible seasons I have seen. Looking at their schedule, it's pretty daunting but they just need to keep winning series. The focus shouldn't be the top, just getting to third first by playing better than the Chicago Cubs. If we as fans think of smaller goals and be more supportive (minus Jeff Suppan), it makes things easier.
This team isn't dead but the expectations have been lower. Now it's the Brewers turn to raise the bar again by having a great June. Only time will tell if things will improved but you bet I will watch every game with hopes of a win.
-Charlie.
I am starting to talk myself into the fact that the Brewers just aren't a good team and that I shouldn't expect this team to go off on a 10 game winning streak or win something crazy like 14 out of 16. I want that to happen and there were times these first two months I believed that would actually happen. Any optimistic Brewer fan believed that they could make a run and putting themselves back into the NL Central race.
Currently, they have the NL league leader in RBI (Casey McGehee) even though thats becoming an irrelevant stat, still shows how much production the Brewers are putting on the base pads. Also they have the NL league leader in triples (Alcides Escobar) and home runs (Corey Hart). I think if you looked at the offensive stats, people would believe the Brewers are in the NL Central mix. But sadly, they have no pitching and things will probably not get better.
I tried to think of a team they remind me of and all I could think of is the 2008 Green Bay Packers who could score a ton of points but their defense couldn't stop anyone partly due to the monumental amount of injuries. Thankfully, they fixed the next year and got to the playoffs making a four win turnaround with heighten expectations for this upcoming year. The Brewers aren't dead just yet but can they really win ball games with three starters that have above 4.50 ERAs and the real disturbing thing is the Crew only has four guys who are under four. I know that if you don't have pitching, you won't win many ball games, simple as that. I have no idea how I would fix it and who knows maybe Chris Capuano lights a fire, baseball is a crazy game sometimes.
In January, I buried the Marquette Golden Eagles and they made an unreal run where they figured everything out putting together one of the more incredible seasons I have seen. Looking at their schedule, it's pretty daunting but they just need to keep winning series. The focus shouldn't be the top, just getting to third first by playing better than the Chicago Cubs. If we as fans think of smaller goals and be more supportive (minus Jeff Suppan), it makes things easier.
This team isn't dead but the expectations have been lower. Now it's the Brewers turn to raise the bar again by having a great June. Only time will tell if things will improved but you bet I will watch every game with hopes of a win.
-Charlie.
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