Big Three Crisis
We weren't going to mention this until our return on August 5, but so much is happening so quickly we decided to get on record now.
All three of our major sports leagues - the NBA, NFL & MLB - are currently dealing with a PR crisis. That's never happened before.
The NBA and the commissioner's office has the worst scenario of all - dealing with a potential point shaving scandal. We already stated this is a manageable crisis if it only involves one official. Nonethless, it will tarnish the league's image for some time. There is nothing worse in sports than the perception that the fix is in.
The NFL has quickly acted before camp opens, attempting to deflate the maddening constant news cycle over the Michael Vick/dog-fighting case. From a PR standpoint, keeping Vick away from the gridiron in '07 was a wise move by the NFL. The fact that the league stepped in and he did not do it voluntarily indicates he is still getting bad advice. Vick is radioactive right now and will likely remain so for some time.
If the allegations are found to be true, there will be a push by some to give him a lifetime ban. It will be interesting to see how the league will handle this long-term. There is still the possibility he (Vick) eventually pleads out and gets a reduced sentence with minimal or no jail time at all. Then what does the league do?
As for MLB, they have more of an uncomfortable mess on their hands. B. Bonds will break the career home run record soon. If he does it at home, the historical video will show a receptive audience present. If he does it on the road, the reception will not nearly be as kind. Instead of trading deadline chatter, the media discussion this week has focused on whether Bonds should be kept out of the line up or not on the road so as to ease the pain for all concerned. The commissioner (Bud Selig) is also not likely to attend the breaking of this country's greatest individual sports record. This is very uncomfortable for all concerned.
The good news for MLB is that this event's current news cycle will end relatively soon after Bonds breaks the mark and we should not have to wait another 70 years to see it shattered. A-Rod, if healthy, should ease everyone's pain before calling it quits.
All three cases are fascinating PR sports studies taking place at the exact same time - like the perfect storm! From the selfish "me society" at work to "due process" to numerous other variables in play, it's a media consultant's dream and a fan's confusing nightmare.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Random Thoughts July22'07
Vick
We were wrong when we suggested the Browns trade their #1 this year ('07) and acquire Michael Vick. If the current allegations are true, he has some serious issues and the heat will not subside anytime soon. If he were named Jones or Smith, and not Michael Vick, the league and team would have already taken action.
The other ugly factor here is that this issue seems to be breaking along racial lines - especially in Atlanta. That's not good for an image-oriented NFL. The team and league reportedly have asked Vick to take a paid leave of absence. So far, he's balked at that idea. That's another bad decision by Vick. The heat may force the powers that be to make the decision for him (Vick). That will cause many to scream - What about due process under the law?
This issue isn't going away anytime soon.
What is stunning is the fact that Atlanta made him the game's highest paid player without an appropriate background check. They already knew he wasn't a boy scout when they were about to sign him to that mega-deal. Why not make sure there wasn't anything else there before putting all your eggs (signing Vick & trading your back-up) in a leaky basket?
Or perhaps, the team knew but felt it was worth the risk. Professional teams do not invest this kind of money on a player without knowing where every wart is. It is hard for me to believe no one in the Falcons' hierarchy knew. If they didn't know, the Falcons need to fire their security people and hire pros.
Kenny
It is amazing watching Kenny Lofton perform at a relatively high level at age 40. He's the D. Green (Redskins' corner) of MLB. Usually, players who depend on speed so much don't last this long. The moody OF can still play. Give credit where credit is due.
Browns' Camp
I will be starting my vacation next Sunday, so this site will not be functional on the 29th. Therefore, a couple comments on the opening of training camp seem appropriate.
First, the most important thing to watch is not the QB battle. There is no such thing - we'll explain in a minute. It is the health of L. Bentley. If he can make a miraculous recovery and be at 90% or better in '07, that will go a long way to keeping Brady Quinn upright and functional this season.
That's right - I said Quinn. He's your QB. It might not happen on day 1, but it should at some point this season - and sooner rather than later. Why?
He is the future, the future is now and I certainly don't see Joe Montana, or even Trent Green for that matter, in front of him, do you?
And for those who feel he won't be ready, remember this - he played for the most high profile college football program in the nation, for an outstanding pro coach, in a good pro system, in front of a national television audience every week with 100,000 people in the stands.
Now he's playing for a pro coach, in a pro system (I think), on national television, in front of 70,000 fans.
End of story.
Brew Crew
The Milwaukee Brewers have the best young infield in baseball and some of the game's best arms. Unfortunately, because of baseball's economics, they won't be together long.
In the 70s, the Dodgers had Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey across the diamond for the longest time.
Brewer fans should get to see their young stars playing together for years to come. They won't. Here's hoping the Brewers can win a title in the next few years before that team has to be dismantled because they can't keep everyone. What a shame.
Indians
If Shapiro wants a quality arm for the bullpen, which is desperately needed for the stretch run, it might cost him B. Francisco or F. Gutierrez. Here's hoping that scenario can be avoided. But don't be surprised if that's part of the package. To get quality, you have to give up quality.
And they might need two arms in the pen if some of their starters (i.e. Westbrook & Lee) continue to struggle. Their #1 (CC) and #2 starters (Carmona) have carried them so far. They need help.
As it stands, I would be stunned if the Tribe doesn't at least add one arm and another bat before the trading deadline. It would be the first time this regime made such an investment at this time of year. It is long overdue. They (Indians) have been in contention now in three of the last four years. Ownership and management should finally step up and show the players and the fans they are in it to win it. Acquiring the David Weathers' of this world isn't enough.
We will be watching.
A friend told me a year ago R. Perez was a keeper. He was right. You know who you are (NM). He's (Perez) been this team's Paul Aussenmaker - a invaluable lefty out of the pen.
I am a J. Peralta fan, but even I am getting tired watching him give away at bats. He'll never reach his full potential until he focuses ALL the time.
Ditto for G. Sizemore, who is clearly the team's best all-around athlete. Sizemore, granted a terrifc player, seems to be more interested in trying to hit 30+ homers than hitting .300+. If he cut down on his swing once in awhile, he would discover that both are possible.
Finally, the Indians recently signed their manager to a contract extension. Obviously, Shapiro and Wedge get along. At first, like evryone else, I asked why now wait and see how the season plays out. But after second thought, I give management and ownership credit. In this day and age of managers and coaches beind fired by impatient owners and GMs, the Indians like their guy and the job he's doing, so they scooped him up for several more seasons.
This will look bad if they nose-dive, as they have in the past - especially if management gets Wedge some help in terms of adding a couple quality pieces for the stretch run.
But Shapiro has obviously considered all the possibilities and decided to close the deal anyway. That takes stones. I have always liked those who don't care about popular opinion and go with their gut feeling.
Besides, if they flame out in '07 and don't get it done in '08, it's Dolan's money, not ours, they'll be paying him (Wedge) to play golf while announcing Grover has taken over the helm once again.
NBA Ref
Everyone is getting excited because one referee might have bet on games. Granted it is a problem for the league, but it becomes a crisis ONLY if other officials or players are involved.
Everyone knows the best way to influence a pro game is to get to the refs, officials or umpires. The players make too much to be bought. It's not worth the risk for them. If this doesn't lead to other indictments, the NBA will survive. If there's more, the league has a serious problem on its hands.
Amber Alert
Has anyone seen or heard from Danny Ferry?
Next set of random thoughts following a long, overdue vacation - Aug5.
We were wrong when we suggested the Browns trade their #1 this year ('07) and acquire Michael Vick. If the current allegations are true, he has some serious issues and the heat will not subside anytime soon. If he were named Jones or Smith, and not Michael Vick, the league and team would have already taken action.
The other ugly factor here is that this issue seems to be breaking along racial lines - especially in Atlanta. That's not good for an image-oriented NFL. The team and league reportedly have asked Vick to take a paid leave of absence. So far, he's balked at that idea. That's another bad decision by Vick. The heat may force the powers that be to make the decision for him (Vick). That will cause many to scream - What about due process under the law?
This issue isn't going away anytime soon.
What is stunning is the fact that Atlanta made him the game's highest paid player without an appropriate background check. They already knew he wasn't a boy scout when they were about to sign him to that mega-deal. Why not make sure there wasn't anything else there before putting all your eggs (signing Vick & trading your back-up) in a leaky basket?
Or perhaps, the team knew but felt it was worth the risk. Professional teams do not invest this kind of money on a player without knowing where every wart is. It is hard for me to believe no one in the Falcons' hierarchy knew. If they didn't know, the Falcons need to fire their security people and hire pros.
Kenny
It is amazing watching Kenny Lofton perform at a relatively high level at age 40. He's the D. Green (Redskins' corner) of MLB. Usually, players who depend on speed so much don't last this long. The moody OF can still play. Give credit where credit is due.
Browns' Camp
I will be starting my vacation next Sunday, so this site will not be functional on the 29th. Therefore, a couple comments on the opening of training camp seem appropriate.
First, the most important thing to watch is not the QB battle. There is no such thing - we'll explain in a minute. It is the health of L. Bentley. If he can make a miraculous recovery and be at 90% or better in '07, that will go a long way to keeping Brady Quinn upright and functional this season.
That's right - I said Quinn. He's your QB. It might not happen on day 1, but it should at some point this season - and sooner rather than later. Why?
He is the future, the future is now and I certainly don't see Joe Montana, or even Trent Green for that matter, in front of him, do you?
And for those who feel he won't be ready, remember this - he played for the most high profile college football program in the nation, for an outstanding pro coach, in a good pro system, in front of a national television audience every week with 100,000 people in the stands.
Now he's playing for a pro coach, in a pro system (I think), on national television, in front of 70,000 fans.
End of story.
Brew Crew
The Milwaukee Brewers have the best young infield in baseball and some of the game's best arms. Unfortunately, because of baseball's economics, they won't be together long.
In the 70s, the Dodgers had Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey across the diamond for the longest time.
Brewer fans should get to see their young stars playing together for years to come. They won't. Here's hoping the Brewers can win a title in the next few years before that team has to be dismantled because they can't keep everyone. What a shame.
Indians
If Shapiro wants a quality arm for the bullpen, which is desperately needed for the stretch run, it might cost him B. Francisco or F. Gutierrez. Here's hoping that scenario can be avoided. But don't be surprised if that's part of the package. To get quality, you have to give up quality.
And they might need two arms in the pen if some of their starters (i.e. Westbrook & Lee) continue to struggle. Their #1 (CC) and #2 starters (Carmona) have carried them so far. They need help.
As it stands, I would be stunned if the Tribe doesn't at least add one arm and another bat before the trading deadline. It would be the first time this regime made such an investment at this time of year. It is long overdue. They (Indians) have been in contention now in three of the last four years. Ownership and management should finally step up and show the players and the fans they are in it to win it. Acquiring the David Weathers' of this world isn't enough.
We will be watching.
A friend told me a year ago R. Perez was a keeper. He was right. You know who you are (NM). He's (Perez) been this team's Paul Aussenmaker - a invaluable lefty out of the pen.
I am a J. Peralta fan, but even I am getting tired watching him give away at bats. He'll never reach his full potential until he focuses ALL the time.
Ditto for G. Sizemore, who is clearly the team's best all-around athlete. Sizemore, granted a terrifc player, seems to be more interested in trying to hit 30+ homers than hitting .300+. If he cut down on his swing once in awhile, he would discover that both are possible.
Finally, the Indians recently signed their manager to a contract extension. Obviously, Shapiro and Wedge get along. At first, like evryone else, I asked why now wait and see how the season plays out. But after second thought, I give management and ownership credit. In this day and age of managers and coaches beind fired by impatient owners and GMs, the Indians like their guy and the job he's doing, so they scooped him up for several more seasons.
This will look bad if they nose-dive, as they have in the past - especially if management gets Wedge some help in terms of adding a couple quality pieces for the stretch run.
But Shapiro has obviously considered all the possibilities and decided to close the deal anyway. That takes stones. I have always liked those who don't care about popular opinion and go with their gut feeling.
Besides, if they flame out in '07 and don't get it done in '08, it's Dolan's money, not ours, they'll be paying him (Wedge) to play golf while announcing Grover has taken over the helm once again.
NBA Ref
Everyone is getting excited because one referee might have bet on games. Granted it is a problem for the league, but it becomes a crisis ONLY if other officials or players are involved.
Everyone knows the best way to influence a pro game is to get to the refs, officials or umpires. The players make too much to be bought. It's not worth the risk for them. If this doesn't lead to other indictments, the NBA will survive. If there's more, the league has a serious problem on its hands.
Amber Alert
Has anyone seen or heard from Danny Ferry?
Next set of random thoughts following a long, overdue vacation - Aug5.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday's Random Thoughts J15'07
I've been asked by a couple readers - yes I have a handful of readers - to post on a regular basis at a regular time. Sunday sounds good to me. Besides, the rest of the week, I'm kind of busy hauling lumber cross country.
And we're off.
Hafner
The Indians signed Travis Hafner to a huge contract extension this week, making the DH the highest paid player in franchise history. That's the problem, he's a DH, and although we realize it sends a good sign to fans who have long been screaming about keeping the team's top tier free agents, it might end up being the wrong signing when the smoke clears.
The organization needed to get CC signed first. He's simply more valuable - which makes him much more costly ($18-20 million per). I can't see how they can afford both, but we'll wait and see.
In all the hoopla over the signing, I didn't hear anything about a no trade contract. That at least gives them another option down the road if Hafner is productive and they eventually need cap room - not only for CC, but for Sizemore and Martinez.
The fans won't like it if Hafner is sacrificed (traded), but Sizemore, CC and Martinez are simply better investments. I like Hafner and all he stands for, but business is business.
Is This A Great Country Or What?
S. Francis was just paid $30 million by his new team to not show up to camp. Francis is one of the NBA's post children for today's selfish athletes. At least he isn't as bad as S. Marbury, who didn't want to play with Kevin Garnett, or Kobe, who didn't want to play with Shaq, and now wants out of LA because they don't have anyone to take the pressure off him. Amazing. Only in America.
Mike Bibby
When are the Cavaliers going to finally pull the trigger on acquiring a quality point guard? We stated a while back that, Anderson V. was a must sign, and Drew G. needed to be dealt to make cap space. Gooden has some market value, and Bibby is obviously available.
Bibby has flaws. For instance, he is not a good defender. But he is much better than anyone on the Cavs current roster at running a team and he can knock down an open look. How do we know he is available? The Kings shopped him before the trading deadline this past season.
Get it done Danny (Ferry), unless you have something else up your sleeve that sounds better.
A-Rod
The same media people who are now talking about A-Rod becoming baseball's first $30 million a year player were the ones saying the Yankees would not keep him on their roster beyond this season a couple of months ago. What has changed? Absolutely nothing. A-Rod is having an MVP type year - which he has regularly. He's the game's best non-steroid use player for pete sake and has been for the past 10 years. The morons in New York and beyond have figured out this guy will some day be the all-time HR king and want to bask in that chase.
Too bad they figured it out. He's the one guy I would have dealt CC for straight up for if CC wouldn't sign, and said so on these pages weeks back.
Ichiro
Speaking of dumb questions. Some are questioning if Ichiro, a singles hitter, is worth the money he signed for (5 years/90+ million). Of course he is. If he had started his baseball career in the states, he might eventually have become the game's all-time hit leader. The guy is also an outstanding defender and base stealer. He's going into the Hall of Fame anyway. Because of his speed and athleticism, he's better at what he excels in than Rose, Carew or Boggs, ever were.
See you next Sunday!
And we're off.
Hafner
The Indians signed Travis Hafner to a huge contract extension this week, making the DH the highest paid player in franchise history. That's the problem, he's a DH, and although we realize it sends a good sign to fans who have long been screaming about keeping the team's top tier free agents, it might end up being the wrong signing when the smoke clears.
The organization needed to get CC signed first. He's simply more valuable - which makes him much more costly ($18-20 million per). I can't see how they can afford both, but we'll wait and see.
In all the hoopla over the signing, I didn't hear anything about a no trade contract. That at least gives them another option down the road if Hafner is productive and they eventually need cap room - not only for CC, but for Sizemore and Martinez.
The fans won't like it if Hafner is sacrificed (traded), but Sizemore, CC and Martinez are simply better investments. I like Hafner and all he stands for, but business is business.
Is This A Great Country Or What?
S. Francis was just paid $30 million by his new team to not show up to camp. Francis is one of the NBA's post children for today's selfish athletes. At least he isn't as bad as S. Marbury, who didn't want to play with Kevin Garnett, or Kobe, who didn't want to play with Shaq, and now wants out of LA because they don't have anyone to take the pressure off him. Amazing. Only in America.
Mike Bibby
When are the Cavaliers going to finally pull the trigger on acquiring a quality point guard? We stated a while back that, Anderson V. was a must sign, and Drew G. needed to be dealt to make cap space. Gooden has some market value, and Bibby is obviously available.
Bibby has flaws. For instance, he is not a good defender. But he is much better than anyone on the Cavs current roster at running a team and he can knock down an open look. How do we know he is available? The Kings shopped him before the trading deadline this past season.
Get it done Danny (Ferry), unless you have something else up your sleeve that sounds better.
A-Rod
The same media people who are now talking about A-Rod becoming baseball's first $30 million a year player were the ones saying the Yankees would not keep him on their roster beyond this season a couple of months ago. What has changed? Absolutely nothing. A-Rod is having an MVP type year - which he has regularly. He's the game's best non-steroid use player for pete sake and has been for the past 10 years. The morons in New York and beyond have figured out this guy will some day be the all-time HR king and want to bask in that chase.
Too bad they figured it out. He's the one guy I would have dealt CC for straight up for if CC wouldn't sign, and said so on these pages weeks back.
Ichiro
Speaking of dumb questions. Some are questioning if Ichiro, a singles hitter, is worth the money he signed for (5 years/90+ million). Of course he is. If he had started his baseball career in the states, he might eventually have become the game's all-time hit leader. The guy is also an outstanding defender and base stealer. He's going into the Hall of Fame anyway. Because of his speed and athleticism, he's better at what he excels in than Rose, Carew or Boggs, ever were.
See you next Sunday!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Sunday's Random Thoughts
Only In America
Vince Carter opted out of a contract with the New Jersey Nets that would have paid him $16 million in 2007-08. In of itself that seems ridiculous for a one-dimensional player (scorer) who doesn't show up every night and tends to play soft (read: falling in love with his jumper too much).
It get worse - New Jersey has stated it wants to re-sign him - perhaps at $20 million a year. Rod Thorn needs his head examined if he thinks that's money well-spent.
CC 180
A few weeks ago, we stated the Tribe should trade CC because they wouldn't be able to resign him. We felt his asking price - likely to be in the 17-20 million a year range - would be too high for the Indians. It goes even higher with every win he accumulates this summer.
After what we have seen in the first half of the 2007 season, it is evident CC has finally established himself as a true #1. Put him on the Tribe teams of the mid/late 90s, and a couple World Series banners would likely be waving in the wind at Jacobs Field right now. He is now what they so badly needed back then - a true #1 you can put out on the mound in games #1, #4 and #7 of a playoff series.
Therefore, we now advocate the Indians re-signing the young star at his likely price, and deal Haffner instead. It is simply easier to find a very good DH than a true #1 starter - especially when you consider CC is just now entering his prime years. Whatever the Indians are offering Haffner, they should lump it into a contract offer for CC. If I had to lose one - it would be Haffner. That's a no-brainer. Expecting the team to sign both is unrealistic.
CC is much more valuable, and although it would blow up the team's salary structure to have one player making so much, it is a risk worth taking when you consider his age, past performance and team needs.
He's the team's first true #1 starter since Gaylord Perry of the early 70s. CC's weight is the only red flag we can find in his game.
Grady Sizemore
He's one of the game's best young players, but he does need to cut down on his strikeouts. There is no reason what he can't shorten his swing at times - especially with two strikes. His propensity to over swing will keep him from being a true .300 hitter. That being said, he, along with CC and Victor Martinez, give the team one of the game's strongest trio of young stars in the middle of the diamond.
NFL #1 Pick Salaries
The NFL and the Players' Association should follow the lead of the NBA and reduce those outrageous rookie salaries - specifically for the high #1 picks that enter the league, the next time they revisit collective bargaining. College kids who haven't played a down in the NFL do not merit $10-20 million singing bonuses - especially when you consider the percentage of high draft picks that don't earn in.
That money should go to the current players, who have produced, and to the veterans who retired years ago and are now battling the league and the players' union for financial and health benefits.
Agents will fight this to this end, but players who have been around and produced should want the system changed. The NBA players were at the forefront of such salary structure changes in the 90s. The NBA's #1 pick overall, I believe, makes approximately $25 million over a five year period. The NFL's #1 pick makes twice that or more if he stays healthy.
The NFL is a perform first league with no guaranteed contracts. The union should fight for guaranteed contract next time around and use the #1 pick salaries as a bargaining chip with the league.
It is nearly criminal that such a collision sport does not have some semblance of guaranteed contracts protecting the players.
Vince Carter opted out of a contract with the New Jersey Nets that would have paid him $16 million in 2007-08. In of itself that seems ridiculous for a one-dimensional player (scorer) who doesn't show up every night and tends to play soft (read: falling in love with his jumper too much).
It get worse - New Jersey has stated it wants to re-sign him - perhaps at $20 million a year. Rod Thorn needs his head examined if he thinks that's money well-spent.
CC 180
A few weeks ago, we stated the Tribe should trade CC because they wouldn't be able to resign him. We felt his asking price - likely to be in the 17-20 million a year range - would be too high for the Indians. It goes even higher with every win he accumulates this summer.
After what we have seen in the first half of the 2007 season, it is evident CC has finally established himself as a true #1. Put him on the Tribe teams of the mid/late 90s, and a couple World Series banners would likely be waving in the wind at Jacobs Field right now. He is now what they so badly needed back then - a true #1 you can put out on the mound in games #1, #4 and #7 of a playoff series.
Therefore, we now advocate the Indians re-signing the young star at his likely price, and deal Haffner instead. It is simply easier to find a very good DH than a true #1 starter - especially when you consider CC is just now entering his prime years. Whatever the Indians are offering Haffner, they should lump it into a contract offer for CC. If I had to lose one - it would be Haffner. That's a no-brainer. Expecting the team to sign both is unrealistic.
CC is much more valuable, and although it would blow up the team's salary structure to have one player making so much, it is a risk worth taking when you consider his age, past performance and team needs.
He's the team's first true #1 starter since Gaylord Perry of the early 70s. CC's weight is the only red flag we can find in his game.
Grady Sizemore
He's one of the game's best young players, but he does need to cut down on his strikeouts. There is no reason what he can't shorten his swing at times - especially with two strikes. His propensity to over swing will keep him from being a true .300 hitter. That being said, he, along with CC and Victor Martinez, give the team one of the game's strongest trio of young stars in the middle of the diamond.
NFL #1 Pick Salaries
The NFL and the Players' Association should follow the lead of the NBA and reduce those outrageous rookie salaries - specifically for the high #1 picks that enter the league, the next time they revisit collective bargaining. College kids who haven't played a down in the NFL do not merit $10-20 million singing bonuses - especially when you consider the percentage of high draft picks that don't earn in.
That money should go to the current players, who have produced, and to the veterans who retired years ago and are now battling the league and the players' union for financial and health benefits.
Agents will fight this to this end, but players who have been around and produced should want the system changed. The NBA players were at the forefront of such salary structure changes in the 90s. The NBA's #1 pick overall, I believe, makes approximately $25 million over a five year period. The NFL's #1 pick makes twice that or more if he stays healthy.
The NFL is a perform first league with no guaranteed contracts. The union should fight for guaranteed contract next time around and use the #1 pick salaries as a bargaining chip with the league.
It is nearly criminal that such a collision sport does not have some semblance of guaranteed contracts protecting the players.
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