Mr. Armchair Speaks: Mr. Armchair's College Football Preview – Boomer S...: After spending some well rested and relaxing time down in the basement, I thought I would make my first appearance out with my 2011 College ...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Mr. Armchair's College Football Preview – Boomer Sooners are #1...for now?
After spending some well rested and relaxing time down in the basement, I thought I would make my first appearance out with my 2011 College Football Preview and first rankings of the season. While Labor Day normally signals the end of summer and kids dreading going back to school, Labor Day only fires me up. Labor Day weekend signals the start of college football, a sports that ranks third on my favorite sports to watch list, right behind Major League Baseball and NFL Football. And there is nothing like going to a collegiate football game at a University where football has been installed as part of that campus’ tradition and culture. Unfortunately, I did not attend such a University, but like all people who attended smaller Universities, we are afforded the right to adopt a University as I describe above as our school of choice to root for, even though we did not attend college there. For me, I have adopted the University of California, Berkeley (CAL) Golden Bears as my collegiate football team.
My reasoning for adopting CAL as my collegiate team is that it’s a family school. My father attended CAL for his undergrad as did a lot of my family on my mother’s side. I’ve had several aunts and uncles, as well as cousins attend CAL and still remain loyal donors and supports of the University. I have two cousins in particular, who are major donors and border-line boosters for the CAL Athletic Program, so I am able to get my tickets through them. It all started for me when my Alma Mater, Sacramento State University, was playing a non-conference game against CAL in Berkeley. I attended the game through tickets my cousins had floated me and since then, I have been a season ticket holder for CAL football for 6 years now.
The atmosphere was incredible. The town was painted with blue and gold and walking up frat row to get to the stadium and seeing the hoards of students drinking beer and doing keg-stands while yelling their school chants was something that I wish I could be a part of. Now that I’m older and getting married, I stand on the outskirts and observe from afar; though if asked, I am not one to turn down a red plastic Dixie cup. If this is the scene at a lonely, hippie school like CAL, imagine what the atmosphere must be like at Universities where not only does college football rule, it’s a religion. Schools like Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Texas, Oklahoma, FSU, The U, Penn State, any school in the SEC, and I hate to say it, Notre Dame. It must be crazy!! Next year, I will be attending CAL’s season opener when they go on the road to Columbus, Ohio and play Ohio State University. The game might not be what it was suppose to be because of all the sanctions that will soon be handed down against Ohio State, but I’m mainly going just to be a part of the atmosphere surrounding Ohio State Football on a Saturday, and attend a game in the historic Horseshoe. It should be a great time
There is a large part of me that loves and admires college football. I would like to think, and still believe in my heart, that the athletes participating are still pure and are playing for what it says on the front of their jerseys, not for what it says on the back. I know with the recent allegations stemming from Ohio State and The U, that makes it hard to believe, but I can’t bring myself to believe that there aren’t still collegiate athletes out there who still play their sports for the love and pride of a University. If I had the skills and abilities to play collegiate football (although in my prime, I have been known to run a 4.7 40-yard dash), that I would have been the type of player who plays for the reasons I believe in. I’m not ready to give that belief up yet.
So now that I’ve bored you with why I love college football, here is my top 25.
1. Oklahoma - The Boomer Sooners have a Heisman caliber QB in Landry Jones and a legit #1 WR in Ryan Broyles, to add to an always stout Bob Stoop's defense that features sophomore OLB Corey Nelson and Junior CB Demontre Hurst. The combo of a powerful offense with a stout defense makes for a National Championship contending team. Their schedule is tough, with a non-conference game in Tallahassee against FSU to go along with their BIG 12 conference schedule. They are the favorite to win the ship.
2. Alabama - They say defense wins championships, and Bama may have the best defense in the country that features potentially 3 NFL first-round draft picks in CB Dre Kirkpatrick, ILB Dont'a Hightower, and OLB Courtney Upshaw. Their season hinges on the arm of their QB, which will either be sophomore A.J. McCarron or redshirt freshman Phillip Sims. If they win the SEC Championship, the BCS will not keep them out of the National Championship game.
3. Oregon - Oregon is returning a lot of key players from their National Championship runner-up team. QB Darron Thomas returns to lead the offense as well as leading rusher LaMichael James. Dynamic CB Cliff Harris returns to lead the Ducks defense, but his eligibility remains to be seen with his own possible NCAA violations. If they get pass LSU week one, who is going to stop them in the Pac-12 from making the National Championship game?
4. Stanford - When you return the possible Heisman Trophy winner and the consensus number #1 pick in next years NFL draft in QB Andrew Luck, your team is going to be ranked high. While Stanford may have lost several key players from last year's Orange Bowl winning team, including Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, Luck will keep Stanford in the National Championship hunt. He is that good folks!!
5. Boise State - Quarterback play is so important in college football, and Boise State is returning a very good one. Senior QB Kellen Moore is on his way to setting all kinds of records at Boise State, that has been known for its high power offenses and strong QB play. Moore lost his two starting WR from last years team to the NFL draft, but does it really matter in the Boise State offense. If they beat Georgia week one, they may be in the National Champion game this year (finally).
6. LSU - I would have considered ranking LSU higher, but with all of the recent allegations surrounding QB Jordan Jefferson, LSU's season is now up in the air. With CB Patrick Peterson got to the NFL now, Junior CB Morris Claiborne now is the star of a defense that many are saying is the best that LSU has had in years. They also have a very underrated Head Coach in Les Miles. Why LSU fan wants this guy run out of town is beyond me.
7. Nebraska - Sophomore Taylor Martinez exploded on the scene last year with a huge coming out game against Washington last year. He returns to improve on his stellar freshman year. RB Rex Burkhead is now the lone star in the backfield with Roy Helu leaving for the draft. Also, Nebraska may have the best defensive down lineman in DT Jared Crick. The question is: will the change in conferences have a positive or negative impact on their schedule? I'm thinking it was a good switch for Nebraska.
8. Florida State - Jimbo Fisher is finally starting to get his own players into the starting lineup, with his prized player being QB E.J. Manuel. And if there is one thing you can count on from FSU, they are going to be a fast team and with players flying around the field both on offense and defense, especially with CB Greg Reid and OLB Nigel Bradham. They'll have to beat Oklahoma and Florida to even get mentioned in the National Championship conversation, but with a soft ACC schedule that doesn't feature Va Tech, FSU may have an outside shoot of making it.
9. South Carolina - Many forget that this team made the SEC Championship game last season and are still loaded with talent. They return RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffrey, but will QB Stephen Garcia be able to stay out of trouble and on the field to get them the ball? Plus, the Gamecocks are bringing in number #1 high school recruit DE Jadeveon Clowney, who will almost certainly get immediate playing time.
10. Texas A&M - The Aggies return 17 starters from last year's team. Their offense is as high-powered as any in the country, featuring QB Ryan Tannehill. When inserted as the starter midway through last season, all he did was beat Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas. With a full offseason to practice and having leading rusher RB Cyrus Gray and leading receiver WR Jeff Fuller coming back, this offense will put up some points.
11. Oklahoma State - They have the best receiver in the country in WR Justin Blackmon, who shocked the NFL draft world and decided to return to school for his junior year. If they can get him the ball, he can make special things happen. Side note, their QB Brandon Weeden is 28 years old, coming back to college after a washed up minor league baseball career. Last college team to feature a 28 year old washed out baseball player won the National Championship. Name that team and player??
12. Wisconsin - This team always features a bruising RB, and RB Montee Ball is just that. Built in the same mold as another big Wisconsin RB, Heisman winner Ron Dayne, Ball will help lead the Badgers back in a Big 10 title. They also have QB transfer Russell Wilson from North Carolina State starting this year.
13. TCU - They lost a lot from their 2010 Rose Bowl victory team, but Head Coach Gary Patterson is one of the best in the country and they play in the semi-competitive Mountain West Conference. Their schedule features two tough games: BYU and Boise State. Win both of those and we have another undefeated mid-major, National Championship debate.
14. Michigan State - Who would have thought that perfectly executing a fake field goal to win a game would propel a team to such national predominance? Michigan State was definitely a surprise team last season. However, their fortunes may change this season, as in the month of October, they play at Ohio State, Michigan at home, Wisconsin at home, and then at Nebraska. Good luck Spartans.
15. Notre Dame - I refuse to talk about this team!!!! (I'm sorry, but I can't be objective when analysing ND. They suck!! But I have to be realistic and put them somewhere.)
16. Arkansas - They lost both their starting QB and RB from last year's team, QB Ryan Mallet to the draft and RB Knile Davis to injury. Davis led the SEC in rushing but got injured in spring ball and is now out for the year. With their tough schedule that features games at Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, South Carolina, and at LSU, I don't see them finishing the year in the top 25.
17. Virginia Tech - Beamer Ball always plays tough, close games. They play a very soft schedule, especially sense they don't have to play FSU. They special teams and defense will always be good, but with no Tyrod Taylor at QB and no Ryan Williams at RB, how will they score points? They may always play tough, close games, but they always lose one or two of those.
18. Ohio State - Believe it or not, this team actually has something to play for. And no, it's not tattoos. Despite all that has happened this offseason to THE Ohio State University, they may actually come out and play with a chip on their shoulder, and that may lead to wins. Teams with that kind of mentality sometimes surprise you. Once they get RB Dan Herron back from suspension (first five games), depending on where they are in the standings, they could make a run.
19. USC - Not Bowl eligible. Not Conference Championship eligible. Not worth my time talking about. Still, for some reason, they are still allowed to be ranked.
20. Mississippi State - Dan Mullen is doing some good things at Mississippi State. They are returning 15 starters from a 9-4 SEC team. They could cause some problems for teams in the SEC trying to make the National Championship, if you catch my drift.
21. Arizona State - Since USC can't win their conference division, ASU is the likely favorite to go to the PAC-12 championship game from the South. They do have talent, with standout OLB Vontaze Burfict on defense, but if they falter again this year, it could be the end of Dennis Erickson as Head Coach.
22. West Virginia - They have a QB guru as Head Coach in Dana Holgorsen and have a talented QB in Geno Smith to run their spread-offense. The Big East is way down this year so despite being ranked this low, you may find West Virginia playing in a BCS Bowl game come NYE.
23. Florida - This team is ranked this high based on reputation. The reputation of their previous Head Coach, and the reputation of their new Head Coach. New Head Coach Will Muschamp has a challenge in front of him, starting with getting his QB (Jeff Brantley) to play the position.
24. Texas - They can't stay down for too long. Their is just too much talent in Texas for this team not to start winning again. They have had too many good recruiting classes over the years for someone not to step up. QB Garrett Gilbert had a full season to start and should be better this year.
25. Auburn - How can you not rank the defending National Champions in the Top 25 to start the season? I know they lost all of their key players from their National Championship team, but now its time for other players to shine, most notably RB Michael Dyer.
Predictions:
National Championship Game - Alabama over Oregon
Heisman Winner - Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Predictions:
National Championship Game - Alabama over Oregon
Heisman Winner - Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen!!!: Normally, I don’t like to use my blog to repost something others have written. I like to use this forum to share with you my own original ...
Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen!!!
Normally, I don’t like to use my blog to repost something others have written. I like to use this forum to share with you my own original thoughts and opinions on news, stories, and issues relating to the sports world. I try to be unique and highlight stories and moments that may otherwise go unnoticed or are given little attention. But every now and then there will be a sports news story so big that you can’t help but not talk or in this case, blog about it. Even with those cases, I try my best to give an original opinion and take about what happened. And then there are the earth-shattering, bombing dropping sports stories that no matter what you write or how eloquently you try to express your original thought and or opinion, it will do the story no justice. We had a moment like that occur this week.
As you may have read, the University of Miami, known to us as "The U", is having their football and basketball programs investigated by NCAA for possible infractions involving players, coaches and staff members, past and present, from both programs. It was reported by Yahoo! Sports that a renegade Miami booster - who is now serving time in prison for his involvement in a multi-million dollar ponzi scheme - provided improper, illicit benefits to approximately 72 players, past and present, of the Miami football and basketball programs, spanning a period of 8 years. Benefits include: "straight cash homie" payments, free lodging, night and strip club tab pick-ups, free meals and alcohol, travel for family members, jewelry, an engagement ring, big screen TVs, usage of a yacht, bounties on opposing players, and my personal favorite, one abortion.
I'm going to make this quick so I can let you guys get to reading the article I provided below because Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports did an excellent, excellent job at detailing all of the alleged allegations and telling the story of Nevin Shapiro. It is a very well-written investigative report, which is why I am posting it. My thoughts are this; if even half of these allegations are found to be true, the NCAA has no choice but to give the University of Miami, in particular their football program since most of the allegations center around that program, the unheard of "death penalty." Not since SMU in the 1980's has a football program been handed down this type of punishment. Briefly, the "death penalty" is basically the NCAA shutting down a program and not allowing it to participate in games, recruiting, or basic operations for a period of time. In the case of SMU, they ban their football program for two years, and allowing their football players to transfer to other schools. By the time the school's program was eligible for reinstatement and the NCAA granted, their program was decimated. They fielded a team of walk-ons and only now, 20 some odd years later, is their football program becoming relevant again.
If the allegations in the Yahoo! Sports investigative report doesn't cause the NCAA to hand down their "death penalty," then what does a school have to do that will? There are some serious, serious allegations made in the report by Nevin Shapiro that if found to be true, simply vacating wins, going on probation, or losing scholarships will not cut it as a punishment. The University of Miami has had a history with players receiving illicit benefits from their boosters and the university continues to let it happen. The NCAA needs to come down hard on the university and needs to make an example out of them, especially in the wake of what happened at USC and Ohio State. USC and Ohio States' violations look like parking tickets compared to what the violations are being alleged at The U.
I don't blame the players necessarily for their participation in what is being alleged with The U. These players are coming from dire family situations and when you have a booster willing to throw gobs of money your way, how can they not accept it or par-take? You can argue that this, again, highlights a much bigger problem the NCAA has with players accepting illicit benefits and what the solution should be, i.e. paying players. And like the Ohio State situation, I hold the university and their compliance department accountable for this. They should have done a better job at policing their own and monitoring player and booster interactions. That is their job. And when they are made aware of allegation or potential violations, it is also their job to report it properly to the NCAA. But when you have millions upon millions of dollars flowing through the university and their doors, sometimes the dollar signs cloud their judgment. Just ask Jim Tressel about that.
It is unknown what the future has in store for The U's football program, but with USC's program already being handed their stiff penalty but managing to tread water, and with the NCAA yet to hand down their punishment to The Ohio State, which is expected to also be harsh, that makes three storied universities that could potentially have some lean years ahead of them. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
Enjoy the read!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Renegade Miami football booster spells out illicit benefits to players - Investigations - Yahoo! Sports
http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611
As you may have read, the University of Miami, known to us as "The U", is having their football and basketball programs investigated by NCAA for possible infractions involving players, coaches and staff members, past and present, from both programs. It was reported by Yahoo! Sports that a renegade Miami booster - who is now serving time in prison for his involvement in a multi-million dollar ponzi scheme - provided improper, illicit benefits to approximately 72 players, past and present, of the Miami football and basketball programs, spanning a period of 8 years. Benefits include: "straight cash homie" payments, free lodging, night and strip club tab pick-ups, free meals and alcohol, travel for family members, jewelry, an engagement ring, big screen TVs, usage of a yacht, bounties on opposing players, and my personal favorite, one abortion.
I'm going to make this quick so I can let you guys get to reading the article I provided below because Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports did an excellent, excellent job at detailing all of the alleged allegations and telling the story of Nevin Shapiro. It is a very well-written investigative report, which is why I am posting it. My thoughts are this; if even half of these allegations are found to be true, the NCAA has no choice but to give the University of Miami, in particular their football program since most of the allegations center around that program, the unheard of "death penalty." Not since SMU in the 1980's has a football program been handed down this type of punishment. Briefly, the "death penalty" is basically the NCAA shutting down a program and not allowing it to participate in games, recruiting, or basic operations for a period of time. In the case of SMU, they ban their football program for two years, and allowing their football players to transfer to other schools. By the time the school's program was eligible for reinstatement and the NCAA granted, their program was decimated. They fielded a team of walk-ons and only now, 20 some odd years later, is their football program becoming relevant again.
If the allegations in the Yahoo! Sports investigative report doesn't cause the NCAA to hand down their "death penalty," then what does a school have to do that will? There are some serious, serious allegations made in the report by Nevin Shapiro that if found to be true, simply vacating wins, going on probation, or losing scholarships will not cut it as a punishment. The University of Miami has had a history with players receiving illicit benefits from their boosters and the university continues to let it happen. The NCAA needs to come down hard on the university and needs to make an example out of them, especially in the wake of what happened at USC and Ohio State. USC and Ohio States' violations look like parking tickets compared to what the violations are being alleged at The U.
I don't blame the players necessarily for their participation in what is being alleged with The U. These players are coming from dire family situations and when you have a booster willing to throw gobs of money your way, how can they not accept it or par-take? You can argue that this, again, highlights a much bigger problem the NCAA has with players accepting illicit benefits and what the solution should be, i.e. paying players. And like the Ohio State situation, I hold the university and their compliance department accountable for this. They should have done a better job at policing their own and monitoring player and booster interactions. That is their job. And when they are made aware of allegation or potential violations, it is also their job to report it properly to the NCAA. But when you have millions upon millions of dollars flowing through the university and their doors, sometimes the dollar signs cloud their judgment. Just ask Jim Tressel about that.
It is unknown what the future has in store for The U's football program, but with USC's program already being handed their stiff penalty but managing to tread water, and with the NCAA yet to hand down their punishment to The Ohio State, which is expected to also be harsh, that makes three storied universities that could potentially have some lean years ahead of them. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
Enjoy the read!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Renegade Miami football booster spells out illicit benefits to players - Investigations - Yahoo! Sports
http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Why are we even having this discussion?
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Why are we even having this discussion?: I wanted to congratulate Jim Thome, Designated Hitter (DH) for the Minnesota Twins, for hitting his 600 th career home run yesterday in a 9...
Why are we even having this discussion?
I wanted to congratulate Jim Thome, Designated Hitter (DH) for the Minnesota Twins, for hitting his 600th career home run yesterday in a 9-6 Twins victory over the Detroit Tigers (actually, he hit his 599th and 600th home runs in the same game. Very cool!). He becomes only the 8th player in Major League Baseball history to achieve this mark, joining Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Willie Mays, Alex Rodriquez, Sammy Sosa, and Babe Ruth. An elite club of major leaguers this group is, Thome probably has the least amount of hardware of the club. He has only been an All-Star five times in his career, has never won an MVP award (only finishing as high as 4th in the voting), and has never won a World Series ring. What is also impressive and over-looked about Thome's accomplishment, while playing his career in the era of steroids, he has been a clean player. No allegations of steroid use have been associated with Jim Thome. Obviously a product of nutrition, he has been able to prolong his career, playing in his 21st season, and allowing him to accumulate his home run totals. But even with as little accolade as he has, there is no doubt in my mind that he should be a hall of framer, possibly a first ballot hall of famer, when he retires. So why is ESPN campaigning as if there is any question?
On my drive home from work, I had switched the radio dial to ESPN Radio and decided to listen to the Brian Kenny Show, and he posed the question to his listeners, “Is Jim Thome a hall of famer?” Odd question to ask upon first hearing it. Later that night during my nightly viewing of Sportscenter, they showed one of their slow music, Shawshank Redemption like video montages of Jim Thome, with clips of Cooperstown in the background and Tim Kurkjian doing the voice over as if he were Morgan Freeman, sounding like he was pleading his case for Thome to be in the hall. Then the montage led to a discussion from ESPN’s Baseball Tonight crew about whether or not Jim Thome is a hall of famer. Are you kidding me? The guy just hit his 600th career home run!!! What more does he need to do? He has a .280 career batting average and is a five-time All-Star. He has probably been one of the most over-looked baseball players of our generation. Yes, for the latter part of his career he has been delegated to being a designated hitter, but there was a point in his career where he played both third and first base, and pretty well. He has quietly put up hall of fame numbers, and the fact that ESPN felt like they had to put together a campaign video for Jim Thome to be in the hall of fame leaves he puzzled.
I know the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame is one of the most hallowed places in all of sports, and entrance into those walls is a privileged that only few players will ever be granted, but whatever happened to the trigger factor? With baseball and all of its unwritten rules, standards, and traditions, doesn’t hitting 600 career home runs "trigger" your automatic entrance into Baseball’s Hall of Fame? In years past, it was also thought that hitting 500 career home runs would automatically "trigger" your guarantee entrance into the hall of fame. Same with hitting 3,000 career hits. You’re telling me now that those numbers have somewhat escalated? Does baseball account for inflation now with its unwritten quota and hall of fame standards for current players trying to make the hall? A guy just hit his 600th career home run and we’re questioning whether or not he is a hall of famer? As Ozzie Guillen would say, "PPPPSSSSTTTT...Please!!"
The Baseball Writers Association is funny about who they let into Baseball's hall of fame, especially when it comes to first ballot players. And never has any player in baseball history received 100% admittance. I’m sure when Jim Thome retires and waits his 5 years before he becomes eligible for the hall, we will undoubtedly revisit this conversation, but to this blogger, it’s a no brainer. He belongs in the hall, and he deserves to go on the first ballot. Need I remind you: 600 career home runs!!! Why are we even having this discussion?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Friday, August 12, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life -- Part II
Mr. Armchair Speaks: The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life -- Part II: "Well, I promised that I would post about the second worst sports game of my life, so here it is. This is actually three games wrapped into..."
The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life -- Part II
Well, I promised that I would post about the second worst sports game of my life, so here it is. This is actually three games wrapped into one; for all three are equally as bad and hurt the same. Also, you can’t really mention one game without talking about the others, so why not just lump them into one big game. I won’t go too much into detail and specifics, nor write with the same intensity as my number one worst sports game (Game 6 of the 2002 World Series), and in hind sight, should have probably just left the original topic as one, but since I mentioned two, I feel obligated to meet that requirement. I know that this won’t be nearly as well-written, but I’ll give it my best shot. Hopefully, this too will bring back painful, or maybe joyous, memories for you.
In 2002, the Sacramento Kings were arguably the best team in the NBA. Finishing with a regular season record of 61 – 21, the Kings were the #1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. After easily beating the Utah Jazz in 4 games, the Kings met their first real challenge of the playoffs when they squared off against the Dallas Mavericks. Each game was hard fought, but too much surprise, the Kings were able to move pass the Mavericks in 5 games. Unexpectedly easy, but also a fortunate occurrence, as in the next round, they would be facing their arch nemesis in the Los Angeles Lakers. Thought of as the “true” NBA Finals, experts predicted every game to be highly fought after and many strenuous battles on the court, with both teams leaving nothing behind. Tempers would flare, as a true hatred between these two teams developed during the past few years. This would definitely go down as one of the most contentious playoff series in NBA history. And many would be left heart-broken, including this blogger. Here is a my number two worst sports game (games) of my life.
Game 2 – Games 4, 6, and 7 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals, Sacramento Kings v. Los Angeles Lakers. Game 4, Kings lose 100–99; Game 6, Kings lose 106–102; and Game 7, Kings lose 112–106.
This was suppose to be our year. We finally had the pieces in place. The team was assembled perfectly, with the right amount of balance. Built around All-Star power forward Chris Webber and center Vlade Divac, and up and coming sharp shooter in small forward Peja Stojakovic, all that was missing was a legitimate, true point guard to run the show. That piece would soon be coming. Coming into the 2002 season, the Kings had traded away their flashy point guard, Jason Williams (J-Will) - a player who helped fueled the resurgence of the Kings, as well as bring the always sold out crowd to their feet with his spectacular plays - for a little known, more grounded point guard in Mike Bibby. The casual fans of the Kings hated the trade, as their enthusiasm for J-Will's electric plays was something they would miss. But the purest of basketball observers knew that this trade was a great one for the Kings. Bibby's overall skill set was much better than J-Will's and while Bibby would always settle for simple rather than flashy, his talent and play would be a welcomed addition, eventually winning fans over, and games. The team was now complete.
Move forward through the regular season and early stages of the playoffs, and onto the Western Conference Finals against our much hated rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. High tension was reached with every game. The Kings would take a early 2-1 lead in the series, splitting the homes games in Sacramento and taking the first game in L.A. Everything seemed to go according to the script, expect in Game 4, the Kings came to play. They led the entire game, leading at halftime by 14, with the lead as big as 24 at one point in the first half. Lakers power forward Samaki Walker would hit a three pointer at the buzzer before halftime, but if instant replay were available and instituted back then, it wouldn't have counted (it is now because of this play). First atrocity. Replayed showed that the shot left his hand well after the buzzer sounded. In the second half and 4th quarter, the Lakers continued to chop away at the lead, however the Kings still remained ahead. The Kings would maintain a 2 point lead going into the final possession. If the Kings could just hold on for one more possession, they would take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
The Lakers inbounded the ball into the lower post. Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal would take it in the post and flip up a shot that would hit the back of the iron and bounce out. Time ticks and stands still. Shot is missed!! Somehow, Shaq grabs the offensive rebound and again puts up another shot. Again, time ticks and stands still. Again, shot is missed!! The ball continues to bounce around the rim and eventually would land in the vicinity of Vlade Divac. Knowing that there is little time left on the clock, instead of simply grabbing the rebound and ball, he decides to tip it out to the middle of the court so that a teammate can grab it. Instead, it lands in the hands of Lakers power forward Will Smith...eerrr...Robert Horry. Commonly referred to as "Big Shot Bob" he quickly gathers the ball, takes one dribble step backwards behind the three-point line, and puts up a shot over the outstretched arm of Chris Webber. Time ticks and stands still. The ball in the air for a mere second if not a minute. This time...SSSSSWISH!!!!! Game Over!!!! Shot goes in, Kings lose by one 100-99. Falling to feet in disbelief. Did that just happen? Yes, and it gets worst. Much worst!!
While this was a heartbreaking lost that most Kings fans would identify as the worst lost in franchise history and one that still stings at the core of all Kings fans; the game for me that I still can't live down is the Game 6 lost, Kings 102 - Lakers 106. Michael Wilbon of ESPN's PTI still refers to that game whenever the subject of bad officiating comes up on the show. In fact, it's actually wrong of me to call Game 6 of the series a "lost", rather I should say that Game 6, and the series, and the NBA Finals, and the NBA Championship (I'm convinced the Kings would have smoked the New Jersey Nets in the Finals), were stolen from us with that game. It would go down as the worst officiated professional sports game in history.
I had decided to make the trek out to UC Davis and watch the game with my buddy Matt and his suite mates. I also decided to bring along the girl I was dating at the time. Normally, this would be a big mistake, as I knew that my emotions may get the better of me and a side of me that I might not want her to see may come out. However, I really wasn't that into her, so the give-oh-sh** factor ran strong. Anyways, this game was a well-played game by the Kings and they deserved to be victorious. many high-fives and cheers were shared. Victory seemed in hand. However, the 4th quarter would start, and the refs and NBA Commissioner David Stern felt differently. In the 4th quarter, the tides would quickly change, and the Lakers would go on to attempt 21 free throws and "supposedly" fouled out all of the Kings centers. Playng 8 on 5, it was a stunning defeat, as the Kings lost 106 - 102, a close game despite all of the missed calls and phantom fouls. Words and obscenities were yelled and objects were tossed around the suite. Most Kings fans, along with myself, knew that something wasn't right with that game, and our suspicions were confirmed when outed ex-NBA ref Tim Donaghy (outed for fixing games for gamblers) had it on good authority and alleged that two of the refs in that game were told by the NBA to make calls against the Kings and preserve the series of a Game 7. The NBA strongly denies these calms. Of the game, Michael Wilbon would go on to write in the Washington Post, "I wrote down in my notebook six calls that were stunningly incorrect, all against Sacramento, all in the fourth quarter when the Lakers made five baskets and 21 foul shots to hold on to their championship." It still hurts, and I still believe the game was fixed.
There would be a Game 7 in Sacramento. Many would say that this is were the Kings lost the series, as they missed 14 free throws throughout the game (they shot 12-26 for the game) and cost themselves the victory and the series. I am of the mindset that there shouldn't have ever been a Game 7 to play. The last second shot in Game 4 that shouldn't have counted and with the atrocity of the officiating in Game 6, the Kings should have wrapped up the Western Conference Finals and begin preparing to play the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. However, the NBA got their wish, and a Game 7.
It was just painful to watch, as clank after clank of missed free throws went off of the rim. My parents and I were at our church that Sunday evening because our pastor was leaving our church for another and it was his going away party. But Game 7 consumed everyone's attention. We had brought out TVs and chairs and watched the game outside. But with each clank, the hope would fade even more. In overtime, Bobby Jackson would miss a free throw to put the Kings within a position of the Lakers, and I yelled out the loudest, one-word obscenity (not starting with an F though), that made everyone's head turn. I just had to let it out. The Kings lost Game 7 112-106, and the series. The Lakers would easier beat the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals, winning (stealing) the (our) championship.
It's hard to talk about each one of these games without mentioning or linking the others together. This is why I had to talk about all three as one. I know this post is jumbled and not as intense and detailed as my one number, but make no mistake about it, these were three tough loses that I've had to wear. 2002 turned out not to be such a great year for me.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaks: The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life!!!: "After coming off what was probably one of the most amazing weeks I’ve ever had (golfing Pebble Beach, followed by my Vegas Bachelor Party), ..."
The Two Worst Sports Games of My Life!!!
After coming off what was probably one of the most amazing weeks I’ve ever had (golfing Pebble Beach, followed by my Vegas Bachelor Party), along with what will be the greatest day of my life coming up (my pending nuptials – about two months out), and one-year removed from the greatest sports day of my life (Giants winning the World Series), I’ve been pretty lucky throughout the course of my life. Not a lot of "worst" days in my short life. But while listening to the Grant Napier Show on the radio today, the topic was “the worst sports game of your life?” These are games that just make you sick to your stomach and even throw up in your own month. Just seeing the replay of the highlights makes you want to throw the remote through the TV, again. They are burned and etched into your memory.
When posing the question to myself, I started to think about it and there are two games that without question stick out the most in my head. While I try to be original with my blog posts, I thought this was too good of a topic to not keep alive and also became curious about other people's worst sports game. Here are my 1 and 2a and 2b (2a and 2b will come tomorrow) worst sports games of my life.
Game 1 - Game 6 of the 2002 World Series, San Francisco Giants v. Anaheim Angels. Giants lose 6-5.
10-12 people were crammed into my 8 x 12 dorm room with one futon and a 20 inch TV. Cans of silver bullets were being shared, calming nerves but spirits still high. The Giants had a 3-2 series lead going into game 6. With one victory, they would be crowned World Champs, a first since moving to San Francisco. The setting was perfect for an eruption of celebration. Made up of mostly Giants fans, my packed dorm room was electric. The atmosphere felt like a stadium of 40,000. We were determined to bring home the championship.
The game started out being somewhat subdued, as through 4 innings it looked like a pitchers duel between the Giants starting pitcher Russ Ortiz and the Angels Kevin Appier. In the 5th inning however, the game broke open as the Giants scored 3 runs off of a Shawon Dunston (Giants designated hitter) 2-run homer run and Giants center fielder Kenny Lofton hitting a double to deep center field and then eventually scoring on a wild pitch. Giants would go up 3-0 and Russ Ortiz was cursing. In the following two inning, GOD Wears 25 (Barry Bonds, left fielder) would hit a home run off of Angels reliever Francisco Rodriguez and then that next inning, second baseman Jeff Kent would single home Kenny Lofton to put the Giants up 5-0 going into the bottom of the 7th inning. Then; tragedy!!
During the commercial break between the top and bottom of the 7th inning, some other diehard Giants' fans and I would begin to map out where we felt the Giants World Series parade would start and finish, where we would position ourselves on the route, and what day and time the parade would be on, so that we could ditch class and go to San Francisco for the festivities. The confidence level in that room was so high that Prop. 19 users would be jealous. The bottom of the 7th started off fine with Russ Ortiz getting Angels left fielder Garrett Anderson to ground out to second base for the first out. Then, Angels third baseman Troy Glaus and designated hitter Brad Fullmer would go back-to-back singles, leaving Giants' manager Dusty Baker to make a discussion that would live in Giants infamy. Dusty would pull starting pitcher Russ Ortiz from the game in favor of bullpen reliever Felix Rodriguez. Upon Russ Ortiz leaving the pitcher's mound, Dusty Baker would pull him back after taking a couple of steps, and hand him the game ball in his mitt for keeping. Strike one.
During the pitching change, the Anaheim Angels thought it would be a perfect time to unleash their symbolic good luck charm, that freaking Rally Monkey. Throughout the latter part of the Angels' regular season and carrying into the postseason, the Angels had adopted what they would call, "The Rally Monkey," as their good luck, comeback charm. They would employ it whenever they needed a comeback and or felt that the tide of the game was changing in their favor. This was that moment.
Subsequently, a toy stuffed monkey had made its way into my dorm room during the World Series, and prior to the game, we had ceremonially killed and buried it under pillows. During the pitching change, a person who shall remain nameless and is dead to me, decided to unearth the monkey, and play with it as if he were a 4 year old. Sternly, I tell him to put away the monkey, as I am a very superstitious human being. He reneged on the request and brushed it off as if I were a crazy person to think that a stuffed toy monkey could change the course of the World Series. I let it slide for the moment and wait to see if just maybe the Giants were bigger and more powerful. I was dead wrong. After an 8 pitch at-bat, on a 3-2 count, Angels first baseman Scott Spiezio would 9-iron a slide in the dirt over the right field fence for a 3-run homer. As Spiezio would round the bases, I would rip the stuffed toy monkey from said person's hands and unleash a fury of words and obscenities at this person that the FCC would have a field day fining me. I also throw him out of the room and continued to yell at him some more as he walked back down the hall. Strike Two.
The following inning, the Giants would retire in order, still up 5-3. Hope remains, but doubt has succumbed over the room. Giants reliever Tim Worrell was brought in to face Angels center fielder Darin Erstad, and like dooms day clockwork, Worrell gives up a solo home run to him to lead off the inning. Rage is starting to bubble within myself. After giving up a single to right fielder Tim Salmons and another to Garrett Anderson, Giants closer Rob Nen is summoned from the bullpen in an act of desperation and hopefully prevent the runners on base from scoring. My fingers start to move up and down frantically as the cold silver bullets used to calm the nerves have rapidly wore off. Hope is fading. Nen would give up a double to Troy Glaus, scoring both runners, and giving the Angels a 6-5 lead. Outburst would ensue. Losing my mind and becoming a shell of myself, I grab the first thing I see, which happens to be my alarm clock, grab said alarm clock by the cord and rip it from the wall and outlet, and fling the clock down the hall and into a solid brick wall, shattering it into pierces. Strike Three. Oh, I'm not done!!!
The inning would end with the Angels now leading 6-5, and their closer, Troy Percival, greased up and ready to go. What little hope remained, quickly vanishes as he retired the Giants in order in the top of the 9th inning, ending the game. Still in my fit of rage, I leave my dorm room and occupants in silences. I see my alarm clock, still at the base of the brick wall. I pick up the only piece still attached to the cord, move my hands down to where the cord is located, grab it by the chord, and begin repeatedly swinging the remains of my alarm clock against the brick wall, yelling obscenities at the top of my lungs. Seeing that I'm not making any progress, I take it then to my neighbor's door (well, he lived across from me), and began hitting his door with the remains of my clock. After getting tired of swinging the remains by the chord, I tie the remains of my clock to his door knob using the chord, and begin kicking the remains with my foot against his door. Still yelling obscenities, I walk down the hall, still looking to give it to the person who unveiled the monkey from the pillows and started this whole disaster. After being extremely calmed down, I begin to start breathing again.
After this whole spectacle was over and the dust and obscenities were settled, someone had the nerve to remind me that there is still a Game 7. But to me, the series was already over. I knew what the outcome of that Game 7 would already be. The next day, the Giants would go on to lose Game 7 by a score of 4-1, also losing the World Series.
Tomorrow, I will unveil my second worst sports game / day of my life.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Is This Really Happening, Again???
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Is This Really Happening, Again???: "This is getting really hard to watch. What is going on with the San Francisco Giants? Five game losing streak? Cody Ross batting leadoff?..."
Is This Really Happening, Again???
This is getting really hard to watch. What is going on with the San Francisco Giants? Five game losing streak? Cody Ross batting leadoff? The abyss that is Aubrey Huff still starting at first base? And a first place lead that seemed to be safe in mid July now hangs in the balance in the NL West. On paper, the Giants are the more talented team than the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have managed to close the first place gap the Giants once maintained to a mere one game lead (after tonight, that lead is no more, as the Giants just lost to the Diamondbacks 6-1, now tied for first place). The fact that I am evening typing out this blog post on my laptop, instead of picking up the pierces of it after threwing it against the wall is a miracle onto itself. The Giants, after making major changes to their team at the trade deadline with the acquisitions of Carlos Beltran, Jeff Keppinger, and Orlando Cabrera, still need to make major changes, and I have four of them. (For credit purposes, the numbers used belows are provided by ESPN and their splits figures.)
First Change - Decrease Aubrey Huff At-Bats.
I understand he was a big part of last season's magical run, but he has provided the Giants with nothing this season and is now becoming a detriment to the team. He is batting .240 for the season, with 10 Hrs, and 49 RBIs. He has a 2-1 strikeout to walk ratio, with 67 strikeouts and only 32 walks on the season so far. Last season, Huff had a 1-1 strikeout to walk ratio, with 91 strikeouts and 83 walks. He is not taking pitches either, as only 46 of his 387 at-bats so far have come with 3-1 or 3-2 counts, 11%. Plus, you have a capable first baseman in Brandon Belt on the bench. Yes, he is 23. Yes, this is his first season in the majors. Yes, his batting average is only .218. But he will give you better at-bats than Huff will right now. Of Belt's 77 at-bats this season so far, 16 of those came with 3-1 or 3-2 counts, 20%. He is a plus defender as well. Benching Aubrey Huff may be a little extreme and gives off a bad impression, but the Giants should seriously look into giving some at-bats to Brandon Belt. Where is a red thong when you need one?
Second Change - Move Nate Schierholtz Back to Right Field.
Some people just aren't to accepting of change. Case in point, Nate Schierholtz. In the past 7 days, coincidentally about the same time the Giants traded for Carlos Beltran and gave him right field and moved Schierholtz to left, Nate has been hitting .154 with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk in 26 at-bats. While I'm sure Nate doesn't mind playing left field and is happy just getting at-bats, ball players are creatures of habits and routines. Nate was accustomed to showing up to the ballpark and expecting to play his position, right field. Now he has to relinquish it to the high-priced rental? Let's get Nate back in his rhythm and move Beltran to left. Beltran is perfectly capable of playing a much easier left field at AT&T Park. Nate knows those walls in right too well to not play him there.
Third Change - Barry Zito Never Starts Another Game This Season.
I know, how obvious is this change. Well, not very according to Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, as he kept running Zito out to the hill every 5th day, and we had to watch him get lite up for a combined 19 earned runs his past three starts. His fastball is back at a beach ball speed of 83 MPH, and he is leaving all of his pitches up in the strikezone. Pre All-Star break, he was throwing the fastball at 85-87 MPH and down in the zone, giving him a 3-1 win/lost record and a 3.18 ERA. But post All-Star break, Zito is 0-3 with a 10.91 ERA. The Giants finally put Zito on the DL earlier this week with a "right foot sprained" also known as "suckiness" and put him out of his misery. It is clear, now that Jonathan Sanchez is fully healthy from his arm injury, Zito is going to be apartment hunting in scenic Fresno.
Fourth Change - Get Andres Torres Back In The Line-Up.
I am of the baseball mindset that a good leadoff hitter with speed is just as valuable as a run-producing power hitter. By no means is Andres Torres a good leadoff hitter this season, but the fact that he is our only true leadoff hitter on the roster, makes it even more necessary to start him. Duane Kiper said in an interview with Murph and Mac the other morning, "the Giants will only go as far as Andres Torres will take them." That couldn't be a more true statement. Andres needs to be batting leadoff and playing his above-average defense in center field. And when he gets on base, he needs to be running as well. He only has 12 stolen bases this season so far. They need him getting on-base and getting into scoring position. I understand trying to find at-bats for Cody Ross, but it shouldn't be in center field. If you wanted to replace Torres in center field, you should have traded for B.J. Upton. Wait, you would have suggested that (two thumbs pointing at this blogger)?
I know it's only August 2nd and their is still a lot of baseball left, so their is no need to pull the rip cord and eject, but this is getting ridiculous. In the last 7 games, they have lost 5 in a row, have scored a combined 15 runs total, and the team has a batting average of .191. So much for those trade deadline deals providing that offense spark they were suppose too. I know it wouldn't be Giants baseball without a little torture, but is this really happening, again?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
First Change - Decrease Aubrey Huff At-Bats.
I understand he was a big part of last season's magical run, but he has provided the Giants with nothing this season and is now becoming a detriment to the team. He is batting .240 for the season, with 10 Hrs, and 49 RBIs. He has a 2-1 strikeout to walk ratio, with 67 strikeouts and only 32 walks on the season so far. Last season, Huff had a 1-1 strikeout to walk ratio, with 91 strikeouts and 83 walks. He is not taking pitches either, as only 46 of his 387 at-bats so far have come with 3-1 or 3-2 counts, 11%. Plus, you have a capable first baseman in Brandon Belt on the bench. Yes, he is 23. Yes, this is his first season in the majors. Yes, his batting average is only .218. But he will give you better at-bats than Huff will right now. Of Belt's 77 at-bats this season so far, 16 of those came with 3-1 or 3-2 counts, 20%. He is a plus defender as well. Benching Aubrey Huff may be a little extreme and gives off a bad impression, but the Giants should seriously look into giving some at-bats to Brandon Belt. Where is a red thong when you need one?
Second Change - Move Nate Schierholtz Back to Right Field.
Some people just aren't to accepting of change. Case in point, Nate Schierholtz. In the past 7 days, coincidentally about the same time the Giants traded for Carlos Beltran and gave him right field and moved Schierholtz to left, Nate has been hitting .154 with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk in 26 at-bats. While I'm sure Nate doesn't mind playing left field and is happy just getting at-bats, ball players are creatures of habits and routines. Nate was accustomed to showing up to the ballpark and expecting to play his position, right field. Now he has to relinquish it to the high-priced rental? Let's get Nate back in his rhythm and move Beltran to left. Beltran is perfectly capable of playing a much easier left field at AT&T Park. Nate knows those walls in right too well to not play him there.
Third Change - Barry Zito Never Starts Another Game This Season.
I know, how obvious is this change. Well, not very according to Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, as he kept running Zito out to the hill every 5th day, and we had to watch him get lite up for a combined 19 earned runs his past three starts. His fastball is back at a beach ball speed of 83 MPH, and he is leaving all of his pitches up in the strikezone. Pre All-Star break, he was throwing the fastball at 85-87 MPH and down in the zone, giving him a 3-1 win/lost record and a 3.18 ERA. But post All-Star break, Zito is 0-3 with a 10.91 ERA. The Giants finally put Zito on the DL earlier this week with a "right foot sprained" also known as "suckiness" and put him out of his misery. It is clear, now that Jonathan Sanchez is fully healthy from his arm injury, Zito is going to be apartment hunting in scenic Fresno.
Fourth Change - Get Andres Torres Back In The Line-Up.
I am of the baseball mindset that a good leadoff hitter with speed is just as valuable as a run-producing power hitter. By no means is Andres Torres a good leadoff hitter this season, but the fact that he is our only true leadoff hitter on the roster, makes it even more necessary to start him. Duane Kiper said in an interview with Murph and Mac the other morning, "the Giants will only go as far as Andres Torres will take them." That couldn't be a more true statement. Andres needs to be batting leadoff and playing his above-average defense in center field. And when he gets on base, he needs to be running as well. He only has 12 stolen bases this season so far. They need him getting on-base and getting into scoring position. I understand trying to find at-bats for Cody Ross, but it shouldn't be in center field. If you wanted to replace Torres in center field, you should have traded for B.J. Upton. Wait, you would have suggested that (two thumbs pointing at this blogger)?
I know it's only August 2nd and their is still a lot of baseball left, so their is no need to pull the rip cord and eject, but this is getting ridiculous. In the last 7 games, they have lost 5 in a row, have scored a combined 15 runs total, and the team has a batting average of .191. So much for those trade deadline deals providing that offense spark they were suppose too. I know it wouldn't be Giants baseball without a little torture, but is this really happening, again?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Best Week Ever!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Best Week Ever!!!: "Could last week have been any better? Not only did we have the end of the NFL lockout and the start of their free agent offseason, but it ..."
Best Week Ever!!!
Could last week have been any better? Not only did we have the end of the NFL lockout and the start of their free agent offseason, but it also happened to coincide with the MLB trading deadline. Not since Mrs. Loveseat and I first started the courting process that have I received so many text messages on my phone. ESPN Alerts instantly become my mistress as I was constantly checking for text messages on player movement for both sports. I’m sure the radiation admitted from having my phone in my pocket probably killed a few thousand swimmers. But it was all worth it, as with every move and alert that came across the wire left me in disbelief, utter shock, or sheer enthusiasm. Let’s run through the week that was.
Tuesday, July 26th
NFL Free Agency and the MLB Trade deadline deals are just getting started, as rumors are starting to fly and handshake deals are starting to be announced. The Baltimore Raves and Carolina Panthers announced that they are going to be able to retain their prized free agents, OT Marshal Yamba for the Ravens and DE Charles Johnson for the Panthers. These were moves that each team needed to make, so well done. Also, our beloved San Francisco 49ers also announced that they are not going to be able to retain team and emotional leader, Takeo Spikes, as he leaves to join the San Diego Chargers. This was a surprise, as people felt that despite his age, Spike would be retained by the 49ers for his other attributes. Also the Nnamdi Asomugha watch begins as details emerge about the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers making contact with his agent.
In baseball, trade talks heat up involving Carlos Beltran as the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants are all in the hunt to land him. In a minor deal, the Cincinnati Reds traded Mrs. Loveseat’s hometown hero Jonny Gomes, of Petaluma fame, to the Washington Nationals for a couple of minor leaguers. Not significant, but her and Jonny are high school alumnus of the Casa Grande High School.
Wednesday, July 27th
Things are rolling now. In the NFL, Buffalo Bills star ILB Paul Posluszny has agreed to a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Posluszny is a very good young linebacker and a great grab by the Jaguars. He will definitely help sure up their linebacking core and overall defense. Other teams continued to re-sign their own in the Indianapolis Colts re-upping K Adam Vinatieri, New Orleans Saints keep WR Lance Moore, and the San Diego Chargers sign their starting FS Eric Weddle. All three players played key roles on their teams and were good keeps by them.
The first major trade in MLB is pulled off as the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago White Sox pulled off a three-team trade. The Jays trade RP Jason Frasor and pitching prospect Zach Stewart to the White Sox for SP Edwin Jackson and utility player Mark Teahen. They then spun Jackson, RP Octavio Dotel, RP Marc Rzepczynski, OF Corey Patterson, and three players to be named or cash to the Cards for CF Colby Rasmus and three prospects. This is a great trade for the Jays, as Rasmus is a five-tool player and potential star in this league. From what I read about the prospects involved, the pitching prospect Stewart that the White Sox received in the deal should project out to be a mid-rotation starter, which works out for them, as the well-traveled Edwin Jackson carries that title with him for a reason. Why the Cards felts they needed to add his services at the cost of a player of the talent as Rasmus I can’t understand. I understand Rasmus fell out of favor with manager Tony LaRussa, but you could have received more for him.
Thursday, July 28th
And the Dominoes are starting to fall. In the NFL, first-round draft picks and other picks are starting to sign with their teams, cap casualties, and we actually have three big trades down go in the NFL and MLB. First-round picks Julio Jones (WR, Atlanta Falcons), A.J. Green (WR, Cincinnati Bengals), Tyron Smith (OT, Dallas Cowboys), Von Miller (OLB, Denver Broncos), Nick Fairley (DT, Detroit Lions), Blaine Gabbert (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars), and Aldon Smith (OLB, San Francisco 49ers), all signed with their respective teams. We also saw the start of cap casualties, players getting released from teams because their team of origin is over the salary cap. The Dallas Cowboys release a hole host of contributing players such as Tackle Marc Colombo, Guard Leonard Davis, Receiver Roy Williams, and Running Back Marion Barber, to name a few. A couple of QB's were casted off, as Jake Delhomme was released by the Cleveland Browns and Vince Young will have plenty of time to visit and beat club strip club bouncers as he was finally released by the Tennessee Titans. We also had the long -talked about trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizone Cardinals, as the Eagles traded QB Kevin Kolb to the Cards for CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd-round pick. This is a lot to give up for a QB that hasn't even started a full season combined in his career, so they better hope that he is the second coming of Kurt Warner. The Bears also made a surprising trade by trading TE Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers for a 2012 draft pick. This is a great trade for the Panthers, as it gives the Panthers and new starting QB Cam Newton (yes, he will be the starting QB) a solid safety outlet for him. What the Bears were thinking, I don't know. This only adds salt to the open wound that is the Kristin Cavallari-less Jay Culter.
We also had the first real, huge, trade in baseball, and it involved my beloved Giants. They finally broke down and cracked at the deadline pressure, and dealt highly-touted pitching prospect Zach Wheeler for Mets OF Carlos Beltran, arguably the best available bat. All I have to say is, Wheeler better not turn out to be Cy Young, because we just paid a steep price to get Beltran. I know flags fly forever, and I'm a hopefully man, but I can't help but second guess here. Baseball also saw two minor deals made as the Chicago Cubs dealt OF Kosuke Fukudome to the Cleveland Indians for two prospects that will be lucky to make it to the bigs for a DL relief stint, and the Tampa Bay Rays traded infielder Felipe Lope to the Milawaukee Brewers for straight cash homie. The only reason I wanted to mention the Cubs / Indians trade is because has any really looked at Kosuke Fukudome's last name? Let's phonetically break this down: Fuk-u-do-me. Need I say more.
Friday, July 29th
The storm is just starting to pick up. We have tons of action in the NFL, as more first-round and other draft picks are getting signed, as well as free agents. We also see more trades in the NFL, as trades are normally far and few between during the offseason, and we are starting to see major free agent movement, included the prized free agent signing. Of the first-round picks who signed, DT Marcel Dareus (Buffalo Bills), T Gabe Carimi (Chicago Bears), WR Jonathan Baldwin (Kansas City Chiefs), DT Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers), QB Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans), OT James Carpenter (Seattle Seahawks), and DE Ryan Kerrigan (Washington Redskins). We also see two major trades go down. The Washington Redskins pulled off a couple of trades, trading starting QB Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings for a couple of draft picks, and the disgruntled DT Fat Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patroits for a draft pick. And the prized of the free agency class, CB Namdi Asomugha, finally picked a horse in the race. The winning stud was thought to be the New York Jets, with the Dallas Cowboys finishing a distant second. But out of the far came the Philadelphia Eagles to win by a nose, and were able to sign Nnamdi. This signing puts the Eagles as the clear-cut favorite to win the NFC Championship, as they now have their own triple-threat of corners, with Nnamdi, Asante Samuels, and Rodgers-Cromartie. We'll see them in February in my early opinion. In minor deals, the Seahawks nab a couple of quality signings in WR Sidney Rice and OG Robert Gallery. They also show their stupidity by signing QB Tavaris Jackson to compete for the starting job. The Jacksonville Jaguars sign safety Dawan Landry from the Baltimore Ravens to add to their improving defense. The Oakland Raiders sign OT Jared Gaither to sure up the O-line. And our beloved 49ers keep their own by signing DE Ray McDonald and QB Custer Alex Smith.
In the MLB, another major trade goes down as the Houston Astros trade their young promising outfielder Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies for four prospects, two of which are rated as the best in the Phillies farm system. The trade greatly helps the Phillies as Pence is a quality bat in the outfield. He hits for a great average and has some pop and good speed. Plus, he is young and under team control for a couple of years. Why the Astros felt they had to deal him is beyond me. I understand you are in last place and he isn't helping your team, but you have to rebuild around some players and he should have been one of them. It wasn't like he was a veteran nearing his prime. You can argue that he was just coming into it. It's a dump move from the Astros' stance and looking at their roster now, even if the two top-rated prospect show their faces in the big leagues within the next couple of years, they are still going to be bad.
Saturday, July 30th
Things calm down a little in the NFL, but it only heats up in the MLB. First football, as more first-round picks finalize deals and more free agents sign. CB Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals), OT Derrek Sherrod (Green Bay Packers), C Mike Pouncey (Miami Dolphins), RB Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints), DE Muhammad Wilkerson (New York Jets), and Robert Quinn (St. Louis Rams) all sign. As expected, Peyton Manning signs his mega-deal with the Indianapolis Colts, and WR Santonio Holmes re-ups with the Jets. The big move though that needs to be highlighted again involves the Philadelphia Eagles, as they sign free agent DT Cullen Jenkins away from the Green Bay Packers. Are you kidding me? Talk about the rich getting richer. First Nnamdi, now Jenkins! Jenkins is a beast in the middle of the d-line and will provide added pressure on the QB. He is also a run-stuffer in the middle, and he will clog running lanes. Another great signing by the Eagles.
In baseball however, the trades are starting to come down the wire as the deadline moves closer. Their were some nice minor deals made of note. The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired SP Jason Marquis from the Washington Nationals for a prospect; team Wonder the Pittsburgh Pirates made a show move to acquire IB Derrek Lee from the Baltimore Orioles for a prospect; Detroit sure up their rotation by getting SP Doug Fister and RP David Pauley from the Seattle Mariners for high rated prospects; and the Texas Rangers got a solid bullpen arm in RP Koji Uehara from the Baltimore Orioles for prospects. Oh, and let's not forgot our beloved Giants adding another aging veteran who is primrose ready in SS Orlando Cabrera from the Cleveland Indians for outfield prospect Thomas Neal. There is one major trade of note, with the Colorado Rockies trading away their ace, SP Ubaldo Jimenez, to the Cleveland Indians for a boatload of top-notch prospects. From what I read on these prospects, the Rockies did very well for themselves. All four should see time in the big leagues and be contributors. From the Indians prospective, I'm not sure if Jimenez will be enough to get them to the playoffs. I'm still wondering where their run production will come from, as the Indians have been calling up prospect after prospect to provide a punch to the offense. Plus, scouts have said that Jimenez's fastball is loosing gas. While he is affordable and under team control for a couple of years, the Indians gave up a lot of their future to get him. I hope for their sake he finds his pitch again.
Sunday Funday, July 31st
The NFL takes a break for the sabbath with minor moves, and gives way to MLB, as it's their trade deadline. Only one first-round pick in DE J.J. Watts (Houston Texans) signs with his team. A splash is made though, when jail-time WR Plaxico Burress signs with the New York Jets. I'm all about people getting second chances, and for Plaxico, this is a good situation that he is coming into. He gets to stay home in NY, and he gets to play for a coach that will be able to guide him through his transition, yet also be light-heart with him. It will be interested to see what his production will be this year.
The MLB trade deadline is finally here, and I sure the phone line are blowing up their magic jacks. Two major moves of note that I really like are what the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers did. The Atlanta Braves trades mid-tier prospects to the Houston Astros for CF Michael Bourne. This is a great move. Boure is a plus defender and has blazing speed. He is a good leadoff hitter that can get on base. I'm of the baseball mind that your team will only go as far as your leadoff hitter will take you. Atlanta got a solid leadoff hitter without having to give up their top 4 pitching prospects as well. Another highway robbery trade pulled on the Houston Astros. I'm so glad I'm not a fan of that organization. They are going to be bad for a while. I also really like what the Texas Rangers did by trading two prospect to the San Diego Padres for RP Mike Adams. This is a great move to sure up the bullpen. Talk was that the Rangers were going after Padres' closer Heath Bell, but in reality, Adams is the better pitcher. And why trade for a closer to only turn him into a set-up man, when you can trade for a great set-up man? Adams still pitches in the same role that he had with the Padres, expect he will be doing it for a winning team, and pitching with a lead late in games. Excellent move by the Rangers. The other minor deadline deals, Boston Red Sox picking up SP Erik Bedard from the Seattle Mariners in a three-team trade, St. Louis getting Rafael Furcal from the Dodgers for a prospect, and the Oakland A's trading Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a couple of prospect, are worth noting in this sentence, but that's about it.
All in all, it was a great week in sports. The constant iphone dinging from the ESPN Alerts drove Mrs. Loveseat to almost chuck my phone into the wall because it was driving her crazy. But for us sports enthusiast, it can best be described by three words: BEST WEEK EVER!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaking
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