Yesterday, Milton Bradley, everyone's favorite hot head signed a three year 30 million dollar deal with the Chicago Cubs and once again, I disagree with the FIB decision on this one.
First off all, Bradley is historic for his outbursts and add more craziness to the Cubs who already have a top tier hot heads in Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez so I predict a fight by at least June if not, I am sorely disappointed. Lets a take a look at all of Bradley's incidents... he left Cleveland after an altercation with manager Eric Wedge, he tore his ACL arguing with an umpire during a pennant race nonetheless, Bradley went up to a press box to confront an announcer who was just giving his opinion.
Second of all granted he was an All-Star last year, he is historically injury prone. He has never played a full season, his high is 141 but has only got over hundred in three years out eight and one very close to that. He hasnt hit above twenty-five home runs in a season, I thought he is the new left-handed power for the Cubs? I will give the guy credit he knows ways to get on base but thats just about it.
Then again you have the usual Cubs fan who think like every else the Cubs do will work out. some idiot from the Tribune tried to spin this in the direction of the Cubs saying they needed someone to light a fire under their asses. Isnt that what Lou is for? There is a reason the Tribune is bankrupt. I can almost guarantee you that Bradley will have a huge series against the Brewers at Miller Park and every one will think he is God until he gets hurt in July.
Enjoy the black eye Theriot will get from Bradley.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
This Week in College Basketball
After nine teams in the top 25 went down, who knows what we will get this week.
Monday:
10. Georgetown at 13. Notre Dame- Both teams are coming off a defeat on Saturday and the Hoyas have had a brutal schedule to start off the month of January. This game will not be any easier as the Fighting Irish have won forty-three straight in South Bend. Its clear to me that Notre Dame feeds of Kyle McAlarney when he doesnt hit threes, the Irish dont seem to win. Georgetown needs to find a scorer on the bench. The Irish take this one. ND 74-72
Tuesday:
5. Connecticut at 22. West Virigina- With the Mountaineers apperance in the top 25, that makes nine teams from the Big East in the top 25 which is insane. Morgentown is a tough place to play as the Huskies almost lost their last season. Haseem Thabeet needs to get going if the Huskies want to do anything in the Big East season. The Mountaineers need to prove they arent a one-week wonder and need a home win here. It wont happen, the Huskies will get it done. UCONN 78-72
Ohio State at 12. Michigan State- The Buckeyes have struggled in the past couple weeks with losses at home to West Virgina and at Minnesota. Now they head to East Lansing playing the red hot Spartans who have drastically improved having Goran Suton back. The Buckeyes need more production out of freshman B.J. Mullins; he has proved so far to be the most overrated freshman so far. Sparty wins big. MSU 72-57
7. Texas at Arkansas- A big time rivalry more so in football but also in basketball. The Razorbacks are playing great basketball of late knocking off Oklahoma at home. The Longhorns have lost both games by combined four points total. Connor Acthley has been cold of late, it would be good to get him going before Big 12 play starts. The Razorbacks featured a balanced scoring attack with four players over 10 points a game, they need to keep that up.
Wednesday:
Davidson at 2. Duke- Stephan Curry welcome to Cameron Indoor and get ready to be sweltered by Duke's defense. One thing that people look past because of the Blue Devils three point shooting is their tough as nails defense. Big key for Duke is to look inside much more than they have this year. Davidson needs find another option then Curry if they expect to win this game. DUKE 75-59
Gonzaga at 25. Tennessee- This game sure as lost its luster as both teams have struggled in the non-conference so far. The Zags have lost three straight games which were very surprising to many in college basketball. A good road win would definitely boost their confidence although the Vols are difficult to beat at home. Both of these teams desperately need this win and I think the Zags will take this one on the road. ZAGS 85-83
-Charlie.
Monday:
10. Georgetown at 13. Notre Dame- Both teams are coming off a defeat on Saturday and the Hoyas have had a brutal schedule to start off the month of January. This game will not be any easier as the Fighting Irish have won forty-three straight in South Bend. Its clear to me that Notre Dame feeds of Kyle McAlarney when he doesnt hit threes, the Irish dont seem to win. Georgetown needs to find a scorer on the bench. The Irish take this one. ND 74-72
Tuesday:
5. Connecticut at 22. West Virigina- With the Mountaineers apperance in the top 25, that makes nine teams from the Big East in the top 25 which is insane. Morgentown is a tough place to play as the Huskies almost lost their last season. Haseem Thabeet needs to get going if the Huskies want to do anything in the Big East season. The Mountaineers need to prove they arent a one-week wonder and need a home win here. It wont happen, the Huskies will get it done. UCONN 78-72
Ohio State at 12. Michigan State- The Buckeyes have struggled in the past couple weeks with losses at home to West Virgina and at Minnesota. Now they head to East Lansing playing the red hot Spartans who have drastically improved having Goran Suton back. The Buckeyes need more production out of freshman B.J. Mullins; he has proved so far to be the most overrated freshman so far. Sparty wins big. MSU 72-57
7. Texas at Arkansas- A big time rivalry more so in football but also in basketball. The Razorbacks are playing great basketball of late knocking off Oklahoma at home. The Longhorns have lost both games by combined four points total. Connor Acthley has been cold of late, it would be good to get him going before Big 12 play starts. The Razorbacks featured a balanced scoring attack with four players over 10 points a game, they need to keep that up.
Wednesday:
Davidson at 2. Duke- Stephan Curry welcome to Cameron Indoor and get ready to be sweltered by Duke's defense. One thing that people look past because of the Blue Devils three point shooting is their tough as nails defense. Big key for Duke is to look inside much more than they have this year. Davidson needs find another option then Curry if they expect to win this game. DUKE 75-59
Gonzaga at 25. Tennessee- This game sure as lost its luster as both teams have struggled in the non-conference so far. The Zags have lost three straight games which were very surprising to many in college basketball. A good road win would definitely boost their confidence although the Vols are difficult to beat at home. Both of these teams desperately need this win and I think the Zags will take this one on the road. ZAGS 85-83
-Charlie.
Pat Burrell Heads to the Runner Up
Today, the Tampa Bay Rays landed the big bat they have wanted and needed last year. They signed Pat Burrell to a two-year deal.
I like this move by the Rays because they didnt give him too many years and I think they have very realistic expectations for him in the next couple of years. They dont really need Burrell to hit for average just give them twenty-five homers or more and hit around .265 at best.
Another reason why Burrell becomes a bigger threat is because the Rays are already have enough outfields so they have announced he will be the designed hitter. Burrell whose defense was average at best now can focus on what he does best hitting the ball. Plus he is still playing in a homer friendly ball park without the weather conditions when he is at home.
The only concern I might have for Burrell is the pitching in the American League is much more difficult than the National League. Usually a change in leagues makes a player better although with hitters, I think it can be reverse effect. I wouldnt be surprised if Burrell gets off to a slow start in Tampa.
I like this move by the Rays because they didnt give him too many years and I think they have very realistic expectations for him in the next couple of years. They dont really need Burrell to hit for average just give them twenty-five homers or more and hit around .265 at best.
Another reason why Burrell becomes a bigger threat is because the Rays are already have enough outfields so they have announced he will be the designed hitter. Burrell whose defense was average at best now can focus on what he does best hitting the ball. Plus he is still playing in a homer friendly ball park without the weather conditions when he is at home.
The only concern I might have for Burrell is the pitching in the American League is much more difficult than the National League. Usually a change in leagues makes a player better although with hitters, I think it can be reverse effect. I wouldnt be surprised if Burrell gets off to a slow start in Tampa.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Bob Sanders Gets the Pink Slip with 5 Others
Well all Packer fans got their wish, Bob Sanders got the boot, and I cannot be happier.
Sanders was awful this season as a defensive coordinator despite losing Nick Barnett, Cullen Jenkins, and Atari Bigby during the year but it was still no excuse for having your defense be a doormat of the NFL. A decent coordinator works around the injuries and at least puts up a fight in games. They could not stop Houston, Carolina, and especially New Orleans which was the worst of the overall season. One of the worst Sanders moves all year was moving Charles Woodson to strong safety, I liked Tramon Williams but I thought it hurt us not having Woodson at cornerback.
The Packers basically cleaned house on the defensive side of the football by letting go Carl Hariston defensive ends coach, Robert Nunn defensive tackles coach, Kurt Schottenheimer secondary coach, and Lionel Washington cornerbacks coach. I was surprised to see both of the secondary coaches but other than, it really comes as no shocker to see all these coaches getting released.
McCarthy says he is not convinced that the 4-3 defense is the way to go and it seems that Mike Nolan former San Francisco 49ers coach who is known for his 3/4 defense. Which in my opinion could work if they could pick up a free agent Linebacker, maybe draft Rey Malaugua. I just would advise against hiring Winston Moss the current Green Bay linebacker coach would be an awful decision.
-Charlie.
Sanders was awful this season as a defensive coordinator despite losing Nick Barnett, Cullen Jenkins, and Atari Bigby during the year but it was still no excuse for having your defense be a doormat of the NFL. A decent coordinator works around the injuries and at least puts up a fight in games. They could not stop Houston, Carolina, and especially New Orleans which was the worst of the overall season. One of the worst Sanders moves all year was moving Charles Woodson to strong safety, I liked Tramon Williams but I thought it hurt us not having Woodson at cornerback.
The Packers basically cleaned house on the defensive side of the football by letting go Carl Hariston defensive ends coach, Robert Nunn defensive tackles coach, Kurt Schottenheimer secondary coach, and Lionel Washington cornerbacks coach. I was surprised to see both of the secondary coaches but other than, it really comes as no shocker to see all these coaches getting released.
McCarthy says he is not convinced that the 4-3 defense is the way to go and it seems that Mike Nolan former San Francisco 49ers coach who is known for his 3/4 defense. Which in my opinion could work if they could pick up a free agent Linebacker, maybe draft Rey Malaugua. I just would advise against hiring Winston Moss the current Green Bay linebacker coach would be an awful decision.
-Charlie.
So Much for Being Unbeaten
My dad and I were discussing the upcoming conference season for college basketball on Saturday; we both agreed that the "Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-10 all had a legitimate chance of having four-five teams winning the conference and the ACC is good although no one would come close to North Carolina." So much for that thought...
I was enjoying the Wild Card weekend, so I was unable to watch much of the game. When I saw the final score, I couldn't believe that a Boston College team, who only has one senior (a damn good one in that, Tyrese Rice is baller), came into Chapel Hill and knocked off North Carolina 85-77. I think it proves that no one is perfect in college basketball.
Also, I think its a good kick in the ass for the Tar Heels. They could head several directions for the ACC season; they might not lose a game the rest of the year and become a number one seed, or they could lose a couple games in the ACC. A big test will be next weekend when they play 6. Wake Forest who despite being a young team have shown some real promise after beating Brigham Young on the road who had a fifty-three game winning streak at home before the lost.
-Charlie.
I was enjoying the Wild Card weekend, so I was unable to watch much of the game. When I saw the final score, I couldn't believe that a Boston College team, who only has one senior (a damn good one in that, Tyrese Rice is baller), came into Chapel Hill and knocked off North Carolina 85-77. I think it proves that no one is perfect in college basketball.
Also, I think its a good kick in the ass for the Tar Heels. They could head several directions for the ACC season; they might not lose a game the rest of the year and become a number one seed, or they could lose a couple games in the ACC. A big test will be next weekend when they play 6. Wake Forest who despite being a young team have shown some real promise after beating Brigham Young on the road who had a fifty-three game winning streak at home before the lost.
-Charlie.
Marquette Wrap-Up vs. Cincinnati
Well this one felt good. It was like watching Eric play NBA Jam, just on fire throughout the entire game. I mean my God they could not miss if they were asked to. They won 84-60 and went 15/25 from the three point line including Jerel McNeal 7/7 from three. Here are some thoughts...
-First off McNeal is on complete fire in the last couple of games whether it'd be taking it to the hole, shooting the three, or on the defensive end. Hopefully, McNeal doesnt get too confident with his shot because after a couple games like this.
-The whole team was red hot from the three point line something that hasnt really happened all year. If that continues that Marquette can average 45% from the three point line, they are going to be a matchup disaster for all Big East teams.
-Dominic James has improved leaps and bounds on the defensive side of the ball. James shut down Deonta Vaughan today and did a great job on Scottie Reynolds on Wednesday. Vaughan who was an all Big East first teamer last year had zero points.
-The sole fact that they contained a team known for its offensive rebounding and post play in the first half without Lazar Hayward who had two fouls was really something special. I think it showed Buzz Williams that his bench might be stronger than he thinks.
-My buddy Owen texted me saying "Marquette is one big guy away from being great on defense." I completely agree but I also feel that a rotation of Dwight Burke, Patrick Hazel, and Chris Otule only need to do things on defense. I hope they become stronger on the offense end
-Always great to kick Cincinnati's ass after all of the pain and heartbreak in the past 15 years they have caused.
-I guess my biggest thing with MU is the hope that they do not get too cocky, they can win their next four games but they need to come into every one of those with a level head. If not, they could easily get knocked off by Rutgers on Wednesday.
-Charlie.
-First off McNeal is on complete fire in the last couple of games whether it'd be taking it to the hole, shooting the three, or on the defensive end. Hopefully, McNeal doesnt get too confident with his shot because after a couple games like this.
-The whole team was red hot from the three point line something that hasnt really happened all year. If that continues that Marquette can average 45% from the three point line, they are going to be a matchup disaster for all Big East teams.
-Dominic James has improved leaps and bounds on the defensive side of the ball. James shut down Deonta Vaughan today and did a great job on Scottie Reynolds on Wednesday. Vaughan who was an all Big East first teamer last year had zero points.
-The sole fact that they contained a team known for its offensive rebounding and post play in the first half without Lazar Hayward who had two fouls was really something special. I think it showed Buzz Williams that his bench might be stronger than he thinks.
-My buddy Owen texted me saying "Marquette is one big guy away from being great on defense." I completely agree but I also feel that a rotation of Dwight Burke, Patrick Hazel, and Chris Otule only need to do things on defense. I hope they become stronger on the offense end
-Always great to kick Cincinnati's ass after all of the pain and heartbreak in the past 15 years they have caused.
-I guess my biggest thing with MU is the hope that they do not get too cocky, they can win their next four games but they need to come into every one of those with a level head. If not, they could easily get knocked off by Rutgers on Wednesday.
-Charlie.
Cassel gets Tagged
It was announced today by the Patriots that Matt Cassel will have the Franchise tag on him which is If the designated franchise player elects to play for the team that designated him with the franchise tag, and does not negotiate a contract with another team his one year salary is guaranteed. Also its for a player with high-skilled importance.
I think this all boils down to that the Pats worry that Tom Brady will not be ready by the beginning of the year. Its a smart move by New England because it's likely the worst case scenario is that Brady will be ready before the trading deadline and if Cassel looks good for those first couple of weeks, some team will want to trade for him. Further, if Brady is ready by some part of preseason the Patriots can deal Cassel before the season starts. It really is the best of both worlds.
Just to update all of you curious on Brady's status, I got this from Wissports via NBC.com... "After the infection was detected [in October], Brady went through six weeks of antibiotics and surgical irrigation of the infected area. The infection finally cleared but as it currently stands, both the ACL and MCL remain "loose," the league source said. Meanwhile, scar tissue that built up in the knee as Brady's body battled the infection is still present and might need to be surgically removed." That doesnt sound promising if you're a Patriot fan.
-Charlie.
I think this all boils down to that the Pats worry that Tom Brady will not be ready by the beginning of the year. Its a smart move by New England because it's likely the worst case scenario is that Brady will be ready before the trading deadline and if Cassel looks good for those first couple of weeks, some team will want to trade for him. Further, if Brady is ready by some part of preseason the Patriots can deal Cassel before the season starts. It really is the best of both worlds.
Just to update all of you curious on Brady's status, I got this from Wissports via NBC.com... "After the infection was detected [in October], Brady went through six weeks of antibiotics and surgical irrigation of the infected area. The infection finally cleared but as it currently stands, both the ACL and MCL remain "loose," the league source said. Meanwhile, scar tissue that built up in the knee as Brady's body battled the infection is still present and might need to be surgically removed." That doesnt sound promising if you're a Patriot fan.
-Charlie.
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