Stay with me this time – I’ going to move quickly between traffic.
Stan the Man (Moron)
General Stanley McChrystal was recently relieved of his duties in Afghanistan for criticizing his civilian boss – the president. That’s a no no and he deserved to be canned for it.
However, what is more shocking is McChrystal and his staff giving this kind of access to a reporter from Rolling Stone Magazine. What did they think he was going to write?
Why not just let Osama Bin Laden in your weekly strategy meetings Stan? And by the way, don’t frisk him and his body guards as they enter the briefing room. They don’t mean any harm to Americans.
McChrystal deserves canned for stupidity alone. No wonder the war in Afghanistan is taking so long. We have morons in charge.
Then we find out McChrystal actually voted for Obama. What? Did he think that would ingratiate him and his staff with Rolling Stone?
Hey Stan, you wear a military uniform for pete sake – an American military uniform. They (Rolling Stone) wanted you’re ass and you served it up on a platter. Did you really think letting the world know you voted for Obama was going to lead to a fluff piece from a group of people who would like to see this country’s military embarrassed?
In all seriousness - this man served his country with honor for many years and we are all indebted to him. However, being naive can be a deadly weakness.
In this case, it (being naive) did McChrystal more harm than any bullet he ducked during his long and distinguished service to the nation.
I just wish he had someone around him with some PR common sense when the request from Rolling Stone came in. All this could have been avoided.
Speaking of Common Sense
While we are on the subject, I’m not a military man and never played one on television, but I hope David Petraeus’ first order is to loosen up the ridiculous rules of engagement in Afghanistan.
Make it simple – if you see a bad guy, shoot. If he drops his weapon but doesn’t surrender, shoot. If he goes into a crowd of locals, you are allowed to go get him. If bad guys go into a mosque, go in after them and forget offending the locals.
If these simple rules of engagement can’t be applied, then I say let's pack up and come home. End of story.
Erkel In Charge
Has anyone besides me noticed we have Erkel running our country?
President Obama is lauded by the Washington press corps for being a good athlete because they saw him put a basketball in a hoop – something none of them could ever do.
Most of those media members earned varsity letters in backgammon in high school you know.
The truth is Obama looks like the friendly, slightly retarded kid who always got picked last in recess when I see him running up and down the basketball court (aka: Obama with the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill).
And when he went bowling, he couldn’t come close to breaking 100. We mentioned at the time, no one, absolutely no one, should be president with that kind of game.
There’s a fat, drunk midget women out there with a stump for a leg who could break 100 a t your local bowling alley.
And did you see him when he threw out the first pitch back in April?
And I’m not a golfer, but I’ve seen his swing, and I am pretty sure with a couple weeks of practice, I could probably give the guy a game.
What’s next – are we going to see him strike out in slow pitch softball?
Again, I like the guy personally. I’m on record with that. However, if I were advising him, contrary to the morons who he has around him, I would tell the man, stay away from sports photo-ops, they aren’t helping.
The dud really needs my advice.
World Cup
The Italians giving up multiple goals in a game is like a solid Steelers’ defense getting torched for 40. My Azzurri were really bad – not advancing out of the first round.
As for the U.S. losing to Ghana, several U.S. media members were surprised with Ghana’s speed advantage over the USA. Really?
Next you’re going to tell me the sky is blue or that Al Gore expects his masseuse to play with his “Johnson” when she arrives to give him a rub down in an Oregon hotel room.
Did someone forget to tell these “sports experts” that our best athletes don’t play soccer?
Regardless, I liked the effort and solid team play from the U.S. squad. Overall, it was a decent showing for the U.S. on the world stage. And yes, I, unlike the other morons commenting on soccer, know of what I speak.
And no, I don’t have an opinion on replay and the officiating. Everyone is missing the point anyway. They don’t need replay as much as they need a second official on the field of play. You have one dude chasing the ball and having to keep an eye on 22 players. That’s ridiculous.
The side refs (dues with the sily looking flags) are there mainly to watch for off-sides, so their area of focus is narrow and doesn't really permit them to watch the rest of the action.
Think about it, in the NBA, you have three guys watching 10. Hell, even in the women’s game, they have three officials – although it’s not needed since the pace is so much slower.
Add another official who covers his half of the soccer field and you cut down on some of the missed calls. There, I fixed it. And yes, that’s the last time I will give this much space to soccer. Most of you don’t give a $#@! I know.
Baseball
Lefthanders nationwide should be mandated to donate 10% of their Major League checks to Jaimee Moyer. Here’s a soft-tossing lefty who didn’t figure it out until his early to mid-30s.
So now every manager/general manager is afraid of giving up on the soft-tosser too early for fear he’s the next Moyer. Right.
Speaking of soft-tossing lefties, if I ran the Indians, I would cut Aaron Laffey solely for this quote following his shelling after being called back up to the bigs to replace fellow soft-tosser David Huff.
“It’s kind of tough to do (go deep into the game) when you go back and forth for two years. I don’t expect to be 100% (ready to start) at this point in the season.”
Okay, I get it. So he got knocked around after coming back up because the Indians have jacked him back and forth from starter to reliever. Never mind the fact that he’s been lucky to draw a ML check at all based on past performances.
It’s someone else’s fault. Why, that post-steroids era 4.59 career ML era he has amassed deserves applause. Hell, why don’t we just make you the #1 starter and leave you alone Aaron. You’ve earned it. Moron.
How about "I just stunk tonight and didn't take advantage of my first opportunity after being called back up."
And by the way, as the Indians spend the next two months trying to dump salaries, let’s hope they don’t go off the cliff and deal Fausto Carmona. It seems like he’s figured it out – with some credit needing to go to new pitching coach Tim Belcher. Carmona is signed through 2014.
Listeb closely - there is NO good baseball related or economic reason to dump him. Period.
If you see this guy go, you should panic if you are an Indians’ fan. It would tell you the Dolans have absolutely no intention of putting a competitive team on the field anytime soon.
Hafner, Peralta and Wood should be gone. The main objective, as stated in previous posts, should be to add back of the bullpen help.
As for Westbrook, I would need to get in return a quality young Major Leaguer with skills to move him (Westbrook) right now.
Why?
A 2011 starting staff that features Carmona, Talbot and Westbrook is a decent starting point to work from in a mediocre division. You add a couple lefty bullpen power arms and move Justin Masterson to the back end of the pen, and you have the start of a decent staff.
I will keep beating that horse (Masterson to the pen) until they figure it out.
Great Thinking
I am told MLB is considering re-aligning the leagues based on market size. Really? Why not just admit the game is rigged? Could you imagine the outcry the first time the Kansas City Royals, winners of the small market league, beat the Yankees in a best of 7? Come on.
Just address the issue in the next collective bargaining agreement.
How do you do that you ask. Simple.
The mid and small market must force a lockout until this is address. They will need to stand, not only against the players and their union, but against the Yankees, Red Sox and the Dodgers of this world.
If handled correctly, public sentiment would be on their side. They just need the will and coordination to do it.
I’m available for consultation of course.
Speaking of player/management negotiations, did you ever wonder how ridiculous it is when you hear a professional sports union rep state he’s telling players to save up and prepare for a long strike/lockout?
These players are so stupid, even after being told trouble is coming, most of them couldn’t go more than six months without getting paid.
How the hell do you not have money saved if you’ve been making seven figures or close to it for several years?
Amazing.
Browns
Did you know that in 9 of the last 10 years, an NFL team has gone from 5-11 to 10-6 or better? I’m just reminding you, again, how much easier it is to run an NFL team.
Look – you can’t lose money the way it’s set up. You can re-sign most of your top players regardless of the market you are in without fear they will skip town. You can cut players a year after giving them a huge deal. And if you have half a brain in terms of talent evaluation, you should be able to turn a bad team into a good team relatively quickly.
This of course begs the question – why can’t the Browns do it?
Hey, we’ve been over this.
Let’s just remember to set the bar higher around here this year. There is no reason why this team, with some decent player personnel moves and solid coaching, can’t get into the playoffs in a couple years.
It starts with adding a couple quality veteran receivers before they break camp. It includes naming Seneca Wallace as your starter. And it involves giving Jerome Harrison the rock 22-25x a game – something they were finally forced to do at the tail end of last year.
Basketball
I can’t wait until the LeBron signing frenzy comea and goes. I’m already bored by it at this point. Here’s my advice to LBJ:
Sign with the home team that coddled you and surrounded you with enough talent to post the best record in the sport the last two years.
Sign with the city whose fans have embraced you and kissed your #@$# at every turn – even after you did the unforgivable in my book and tanked it in game #5 versus the Celtics.
Sign with the team and city you said emphatically you would bring a championship to.
Let me put it a different way LeBron– do you really want to be hated and despised in your hometown more than Art Modell is?
That would be some legacy.
By the way, why the hell would any superstar want to go to Chicago and play in Jordan’s shadow? That makes absolutely no sense.
And as for going to play with Wade in Miami – does LBJ really want to be his Scottie Pippen, because that’s how it would be seen? That’s his team and he already has a ring. You have jack!
And if you end up in New York or New Jersey, we know you’re more interested in being seen than winning titles.
One final thought. If the Cavaliers do resign James, the work isn't over. No, they don't need an verhaul lke everyone says. Again, the won more game sthan anyone the past two years.
You desperately need to get a 6-3/6-4 guard that can keep the opposing point out of the lane - one that can truly defend. And then you add a Marcus Camby type defensive presence in the post. A little toughness around the edges would also help.
One more thing, several of you have commented that I need to post more often. Fine, perhaps I will. However, please provide feedback as well so I know what is liked and disliked. And I don't mind constructive criticism. We can all learn from others.
I prefer feedback at my private home e-mail address most of you possess. Robert Jampo likes his low profile you know.
Be good!
Till next time. Be good.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Short & Quick
Tony Hayward
What did the media whores who represent us and moron members of the press expect the guy to do when Tony Hayward, the CEO of BP, was dragged in front of the cameras in Washington DC?
Did they really think he would admit fault?
You had a better chance of getting him to accept responsibility for the Holocaust then admitting liability. The guy was doing exactly what his attorneys to him to do. And you & I would do the exact same if in his shoes.
The more I see from Congress, the more I dislike those hypocritical, over-bearing, self-important, half-wits.
And how about that representative from North Carolina, who when asked by a couple snot-nosed college kids a harmless question this past week, went off and grabbed one of them – first by the shoulders, then by the arm and not letting go. That arrogant bastard assaulted the kid - pure and simple.
The old prick kept asking, in his southern drawl – “Who are you? Who are you?” – as he grabbed the kid half his size who looked like he was going to piss his pants.
If that bastard put his hands on me without provocation, he would have ended up on the ground and in need of serious medical attention. I do not believe in violence as an option of first or second resort, but understand this - the only people permitted to touch me either have the same DNA as I do or must be sleeping with me at the time.
Dan Gilbert
You have to wonder who, if anyone, if advising the Cavaliers’ new GM Dan Gilbert. Did he really think a high quality coach would take the Cleveland job without knowing if LBJ would be here?
If he wanted Izzo, why not wait until July to contact him, after the world finds out if ‘The King Without a Ring” stays put?
Here’s my favorites as of today – of those individuals currently without an NBA head coaching gig - Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello & Byron Scott, in that order. Again, these gentlemen all have one thing in common – they get the most out of the talent they work with!
As you are aware, I also like Scott Skyles a lot, but he has a job. And no, I don’t want Larry Brown. The professional gypsy, who can coach, kept LBJ on the bench in international play several years ago. Trust me, LBJ remembers that. And if he doesn’t, a member or two of his entourage will.
Cavs’ Only Card
To his credit on this front, Dan Gilbert is playing the only true basketball related card he has with LBJ. The Cavs have contacted the Raptors about a sign and trade for Chris Bosh. Of course, in order for this to work, the Raptors have to be interested in what Cleveland has to offer (aka: Andy V or JJ Hickson, Mo Williams, a #1 pick, etc.), it has to work in terms of cap space, Bosh has to be interested in coming to Cleveland, and LBJ would need to sign off and agree to stay. That’s a ton of stars aligning in order to make it work.
However, it is the only way I see the Cavaliers being able to attract James with something that might entice him to stay.
By the way, in Bosh, you would be getting a younger version of the Lakers’ P Gasol – long, skilled and relatively soft. And yes, he’s better than anything the Cavaliers currently have on the roster.
3 Hole Hitter & Soft Tossers
My early impressions of Mr. Santana – the Tribe’s new catcher - are very positive. What jumps out is the patience he shows at the plate for such a young hitter. The Indians’ brain trust (oxymoron) must agree. They wasted no time putting him in the 3 hole.
If I were in charge of this merry band of men, besides working backwards in terms of building a strong bullpen and working back to the starters, I would also be searching high and low for a true leadoff hitter.
The Indians sorely lack a guy at the top of the order who works the count and can post a .400 on base percentage or better. I could care less what position he plays. Put him in the DH role if necessary. There’s nothing etched in stone that says your DH must be a power hitter.
The best of the Indians’ soft-tossing lefties (Mike Huff) is struggling once again this summer to get out of the fifth and sixth innings. Unfortunately, it looks more and more like he’s a fifth starter at best. If that is the case, then bring up a prospect who has earned a call-up to take his place. I have seen enough.
It took the Indians too long to call up Harvard’s Frank Hermann – who was lights out pitching in the minors and has been very effective in his short stay in Cleveland to date. What do you have to lose? Why you are at it – where is Michael Brantley and Matt Laporta?
I’m going to be beating this horse until I wear it out.
Browns
Look for the Browns to run the ball early and often this fall. In fact, don’t be surprised if this team ends the 2010 season among the league-leaders in rushing yards. I know that’s hard to believe considering the team’s past rush rankings. Follow me here.
First, J. Harrison established himself as a good-looking young back at the tail end of the season – once the genius Mangini activated him. At minimum, he looks like a guy who could get you 1,300 yards this fall.
If you believe the glass is half full, you are counting on him to break the Browns’ single-season mark for yards rushing.
That’s right, you heard it here first.
The record is 1,863 yards set by Jim Brown in 1963 – in case you were wondering. That’s 116.5 yards per game Harrison needs to average to break that mark. That’s doable if they commit to running the ball, he stays healthy and gets the bulk of the carries.
The Browns may opt however to rest Harrison on occasion and give their rookie back out of Tennessee (Hardesty) some action from time to time. They traded up to get Hardesty. Therefore, they must truly like his skill set. And remember, running backs come quickly at this level. The learning curve is rather short.
Can you say Mack and Byner? Yes, back in 1985, the Browns had two guys rush for 1,000 yards. I’m not saying that will happen either this fall, but I would not be surprised if this team rushes for well over 2,000 yards this season.
Third, with Jake D. taking snaps, you want to run the ball. Again, I want my boy, Seneca Wallace at the helm. We’ve liked him for years and hope he gets a legitimate shot at the starting gig.
I know one thing - “The Walrus” wouldn’t mind if he starts. Wallace played for him in Seattle and there’s a reason he kept him around so long.
One thing is for certain, if Mangini goes with Jake D. and he starts throwing picks left and right, expect a short hook.
Finally, would you throw the ball to this receiving corps? Unless they add a couple professional receivers soon, you are likely to see, by necessity, a very boring brand of football in Cleveland this fall.
Of course, the problem with being run-oriented is you can’t play catch-up and you’d better have a good defense that keeps it close.
Did I say you need a good defense? That's another issue for another time.
Farewell
Finally, a farewell to a sports icon – Manute Bol, who passed away recently.
The “Dunking Dinka” was a true pleasure to watch. As a youngster, I always pushed hard for the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire Manute and Mugsy Boggs so I could personally watch that freak show every night. They never took my advice ofcourse.
I argued with many that Mugsy, all 5-1 of him – was perhaps “pound for pound” the greatest athlete of our time. To be that short and have a lengthy NBA career spoke volumes. It wasn’t like he was playing golf or curling. He competed against the best athletes in the world and held his own while being eligible for "midget bowling."
As for Manute, and all 7-6/165 pounds of him, you always worried a stiff draft from an open gate would knock him over. Regardless, he was a very entertaining sports figure. May he rest in peace.
Till next time. And yes, I am still taking requests.
What did the media whores who represent us and moron members of the press expect the guy to do when Tony Hayward, the CEO of BP, was dragged in front of the cameras in Washington DC?
Did they really think he would admit fault?
You had a better chance of getting him to accept responsibility for the Holocaust then admitting liability. The guy was doing exactly what his attorneys to him to do. And you & I would do the exact same if in his shoes.
The more I see from Congress, the more I dislike those hypocritical, over-bearing, self-important, half-wits.
And how about that representative from North Carolina, who when asked by a couple snot-nosed college kids a harmless question this past week, went off and grabbed one of them – first by the shoulders, then by the arm and not letting go. That arrogant bastard assaulted the kid - pure and simple.
The old prick kept asking, in his southern drawl – “Who are you? Who are you?” – as he grabbed the kid half his size who looked like he was going to piss his pants.
If that bastard put his hands on me without provocation, he would have ended up on the ground and in need of serious medical attention. I do not believe in violence as an option of first or second resort, but understand this - the only people permitted to touch me either have the same DNA as I do or must be sleeping with me at the time.
Dan Gilbert
You have to wonder who, if anyone, if advising the Cavaliers’ new GM Dan Gilbert. Did he really think a high quality coach would take the Cleveland job without knowing if LBJ would be here?
If he wanted Izzo, why not wait until July to contact him, after the world finds out if ‘The King Without a Ring” stays put?
Here’s my favorites as of today – of those individuals currently without an NBA head coaching gig - Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello & Byron Scott, in that order. Again, these gentlemen all have one thing in common – they get the most out of the talent they work with!
As you are aware, I also like Scott Skyles a lot, but he has a job. And no, I don’t want Larry Brown. The professional gypsy, who can coach, kept LBJ on the bench in international play several years ago. Trust me, LBJ remembers that. And if he doesn’t, a member or two of his entourage will.
Cavs’ Only Card
To his credit on this front, Dan Gilbert is playing the only true basketball related card he has with LBJ. The Cavs have contacted the Raptors about a sign and trade for Chris Bosh. Of course, in order for this to work, the Raptors have to be interested in what Cleveland has to offer (aka: Andy V or JJ Hickson, Mo Williams, a #1 pick, etc.), it has to work in terms of cap space, Bosh has to be interested in coming to Cleveland, and LBJ would need to sign off and agree to stay. That’s a ton of stars aligning in order to make it work.
However, it is the only way I see the Cavaliers being able to attract James with something that might entice him to stay.
By the way, in Bosh, you would be getting a younger version of the Lakers’ P Gasol – long, skilled and relatively soft. And yes, he’s better than anything the Cavaliers currently have on the roster.
3 Hole Hitter & Soft Tossers
My early impressions of Mr. Santana – the Tribe’s new catcher - are very positive. What jumps out is the patience he shows at the plate for such a young hitter. The Indians’ brain trust (oxymoron) must agree. They wasted no time putting him in the 3 hole.
If I were in charge of this merry band of men, besides working backwards in terms of building a strong bullpen and working back to the starters, I would also be searching high and low for a true leadoff hitter.
The Indians sorely lack a guy at the top of the order who works the count and can post a .400 on base percentage or better. I could care less what position he plays. Put him in the DH role if necessary. There’s nothing etched in stone that says your DH must be a power hitter.
The best of the Indians’ soft-tossing lefties (Mike Huff) is struggling once again this summer to get out of the fifth and sixth innings. Unfortunately, it looks more and more like he’s a fifth starter at best. If that is the case, then bring up a prospect who has earned a call-up to take his place. I have seen enough.
It took the Indians too long to call up Harvard’s Frank Hermann – who was lights out pitching in the minors and has been very effective in his short stay in Cleveland to date. What do you have to lose? Why you are at it – where is Michael Brantley and Matt Laporta?
I’m going to be beating this horse until I wear it out.
Browns
Look for the Browns to run the ball early and often this fall. In fact, don’t be surprised if this team ends the 2010 season among the league-leaders in rushing yards. I know that’s hard to believe considering the team’s past rush rankings. Follow me here.
First, J. Harrison established himself as a good-looking young back at the tail end of the season – once the genius Mangini activated him. At minimum, he looks like a guy who could get you 1,300 yards this fall.
If you believe the glass is half full, you are counting on him to break the Browns’ single-season mark for yards rushing.
That’s right, you heard it here first.
The record is 1,863 yards set by Jim Brown in 1963 – in case you were wondering. That’s 116.5 yards per game Harrison needs to average to break that mark. That’s doable if they commit to running the ball, he stays healthy and gets the bulk of the carries.
The Browns may opt however to rest Harrison on occasion and give their rookie back out of Tennessee (Hardesty) some action from time to time. They traded up to get Hardesty. Therefore, they must truly like his skill set. And remember, running backs come quickly at this level. The learning curve is rather short.
Can you say Mack and Byner? Yes, back in 1985, the Browns had two guys rush for 1,000 yards. I’m not saying that will happen either this fall, but I would not be surprised if this team rushes for well over 2,000 yards this season.
Third, with Jake D. taking snaps, you want to run the ball. Again, I want my boy, Seneca Wallace at the helm. We’ve liked him for years and hope he gets a legitimate shot at the starting gig.
I know one thing - “The Walrus” wouldn’t mind if he starts. Wallace played for him in Seattle and there’s a reason he kept him around so long.
One thing is for certain, if Mangini goes with Jake D. and he starts throwing picks left and right, expect a short hook.
Finally, would you throw the ball to this receiving corps? Unless they add a couple professional receivers soon, you are likely to see, by necessity, a very boring brand of football in Cleveland this fall.
Of course, the problem with being run-oriented is you can’t play catch-up and you’d better have a good defense that keeps it close.
Did I say you need a good defense? That's another issue for another time.
Farewell
Finally, a farewell to a sports icon – Manute Bol, who passed away recently.
The “Dunking Dinka” was a true pleasure to watch. As a youngster, I always pushed hard for the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire Manute and Mugsy Boggs so I could personally watch that freak show every night. They never took my advice ofcourse.
I argued with many that Mugsy, all 5-1 of him – was perhaps “pound for pound” the greatest athlete of our time. To be that short and have a lengthy NBA career spoke volumes. It wasn’t like he was playing golf or curling. He competed against the best athletes in the world and held his own while being eligible for "midget bowling."
As for Manute, and all 7-6/165 pounds of him, you always worried a stiff draft from an open gate would knock him over. Regardless, he was a very entertaining sports figure. May he rest in peace.
Till next time. And yes, I am still taking requests.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Short & Quick
Izzo
Why would Tom Izzo come to Cleveland when it is 50-50 at best LBJ will be here?
Is doubling your salary worth it if you end up with your best player being Mo Williams?
Why would the Cavaliers want a college coach with no NBA experience to run a team potentially on the brink of winning a championship?
Name me a Hall of Fame college coach who was successful in the NBA? And Larry Brown doesn’t count. First, he’s a gypsy and second he had pro experience both as a player (ABA) and a coach.
One more time – hire an NBA coach who can take his and beat yours and take yours and beat his!
Again, Pat Riley & Hubie Brown come to mind. If they say no, got get Scott Skiles, whose teams always overachieve.
A Real Shocker
Big surprise – after nearly five years of investigation, USC is going on probation. Meanwhile as predicted here, Pete Carroll is able to skip town without any repercussions.
You want to know how you might reduce some of the cheating? Read the following.
Why doesn’t the NCAA just say if your program is put on probation, the head coach in question is banned for life from coaching at the college level?
That way, when Carroll and others like him flame out in the pros, they can’t go back to college to earn a living. That’s punishing the guy ultimately responsible and it would send a message to head coaches you can’t go to the “hear, see and speak no evil’ defense. The buck stops with you scumbag.
And how does the guy who caused all this (Reggie Bush) get to keep his Heisman?
It is not as though he was a third string kicker who had no input on the success of the season. If he shouldn’t have been playing, he shouldn’t be able to keep his hardware. And all the wins should be voided.
In high school athletics in Ohio, if you use an ineligible player – what happens afterwards doesn’t count. Period. With the NCAA, there is less incentive to stay clean. The cost and reward benefits of cheating don’t necessarily scare you away.
First, you have to get caught. Second, it takes the NCAA forever to make a decision. Third, you lose scholarships, not something that really hurts – like $. And fourth, you might get a slap on the wrist, depending on the penalties given.
It makes no sense to take away scholarships – that only hurts a future head coach and kids who had nothing to do with the cheating.
You want to make it hurt? Besides no post-season play and taking away past wins, fine the school severely. Nothing gets the attention of college presidents and athletic directors like putting the athletic program/school in the red.
Then they will thin twice about hiring a coach who can win but has a shaddy reputation.
There, I fixed the problem – kinda.
Draft
The Indians recently took part in the annual amateur baseball draft. I have an idea - in the future, why not let Gordon Gund make the picks for the Tribe. While we are at it, put him in charge of the Browns’ draft as well.
Can he do any worse?
It's all about pitching
One of you wizards recently asked me what I would do if I were in charge of the Indians.
What follows is my approach and general philosophy.
First, baseball is all about pitching. Therefore, if I have a strong staff, my margin for error elsewhere is much greater. I call it the "Lempke concept."
Those of you old enough to remember know the pitching heavy Braves of the 90s won year in year out with a second baseman named Mark Lempke who epitomized a player with limted skills - to put it kindly. In fact, the Braves had several players in the line-up that never scared you. But they could pitch - especially their starters.
However, since it is extremely difficult to put together a strong starting staff, why not focus your energy on building an outstanding bullpen first – aka: what John Hart did in the mid-to-late 90s with the Tribe. See, I can give Hart credit when credit is due.
Here’s how you start the process in Cleveland – we all know the Tribe will be shopping Kerry Wood, Johnny Peralta, Jake Westbrook and others prior to the trading deadline.
I would immediately instruct my scouts/player personnel people to identify the top lefty and righty relievers at the AA & AAA level in baseball.
In discussions with other teams, I would zero in on those specific prospects and make sure I come away with as many quality young bullpen arms I could acquire for those players that would be leaving town.
Teams are more likely to trade a quality young reliever than a starter. And the Indians in particular are currently in desperate need of lefty relievers for the parent club.
In other words – have a specific plan, do your research and carry it out. Of course, the down-side immediately in Cleveland is that I would be depending on scouts and player personnel people with poor track records.
I can’t fix everything right away.
Therefore, I would begin an exhaustive search for the best talent evaluators in the game – at all levels. In simple English, I would get all the other Major League teams pissed at me because I would legally raid their personnel staffs and create a new pay scale for scouts and player personnel people.
If a good, young scout with the Twins made $75,000 a year, I would double his salary with a chance to move up quickly. Word would spread and aggressive, quality talent evaluators would be sending me resumes daily.
I would also put extra incentives in – just like you do with players.
If you sign a 20th round pick who makes it to the bigs and contributes, you get a nice bonus. If you suggest trading for John Doe in LA’s minor league system, we get him and he turns out to be a first division player, you get a very nice bonus. If your 40th round gem makes the Major League All-Star team, you get a large bonus, etc…
Think about it, for the yearly cost of an average set up man ($2 million), you could add several good talent evaluators who would make a huge difference in terms of your overall batting average in making the right decisions on players – at all levels.
This type of strategy isn’t glamorous and would barely get noticed by the media and fans, but would be the type of forward thinking that in the long-run, improve your chances of success at the Major League level.
Duncan & More
Can someone explain to me what Shelly Duncan is doing in the line-up? Are you telling me you have no young hitter in the minors who deserves a chance to get some ML at bats against lefties? Is Matt Laporta that bad?
On a lighter note, the Indians finally called up catcher Carlos Santana. Finally.
Travis Hafner is starting to drive the ball some. I PRAY the Indians have enough sense to see if there’s a market for him out there. I doubt it, but if they could get someone to take him and half his salary (the Tribe would pay the other half) in return for a nominal prospect, it would be a huge win for the Tribe.
I would then put the money I saved into talent evaluation discussed above.
Kobe
I like him more and more. I haven't seen him smile very much when on the floor during the playoffs. He's all business. The Lakers are down 3-2 but I still like them to win. It would be nice if they fed the post more when they get back home. Just a suggestion. Give the Celtics credit, those old guys compete and they are extremely well-coached (Doc Rivers).
World Cup
Yes, I have watched several World Cup games already, including the USA’s gift 1-1 tie with England. I also got up at 7:30 a.m. this morning (Monday) watching the Netherlands (otherwise known as the “Orange Army”) earn a 2-0 victory.
No, I don’t have a favorite. I don’t know enough about these players to make such predictions. However, if you watch, several things will likely happen. They include the following –
Team Azzuri (Italy), the defending WC champs, will play boring soccer as usual but not be scored on during pool play. They traditionally have the best defense in the field. See, you learned something. Italy is the Michigan State basketball of World Cup soccer – they bore you to sleep and advance.
Brazil will sign the most autographs since none of their players carry last names.
England and Netherlands will battle for the title – no, not the World Cup title but the “most drunks who get in fights and have to be jailed till they sleep in off” crown.
Some poor player who commits an own goal (likely from a South American nation) will accidently fall off a cliff back home a year from now. Ditto for a ref who causes someone to lose.
A team representing either a Muslim nation or an African country will have the most defections – since losing in those countries often results in leg amputation when you get back home.
Finally, if there’s a terrorist act at the World Cup (heaven forbid), look for the nations of the world to apologize to the terrorist and FIFA to form a committee to study what can be done to avoid such future actions.
I told you, I’m a soccer wizard. Go AZZURI!
Why would Tom Izzo come to Cleveland when it is 50-50 at best LBJ will be here?
Is doubling your salary worth it if you end up with your best player being Mo Williams?
Why would the Cavaliers want a college coach with no NBA experience to run a team potentially on the brink of winning a championship?
Name me a Hall of Fame college coach who was successful in the NBA? And Larry Brown doesn’t count. First, he’s a gypsy and second he had pro experience both as a player (ABA) and a coach.
One more time – hire an NBA coach who can take his and beat yours and take yours and beat his!
Again, Pat Riley & Hubie Brown come to mind. If they say no, got get Scott Skiles, whose teams always overachieve.
A Real Shocker
Big surprise – after nearly five years of investigation, USC is going on probation. Meanwhile as predicted here, Pete Carroll is able to skip town without any repercussions.
You want to know how you might reduce some of the cheating? Read the following.
Why doesn’t the NCAA just say if your program is put on probation, the head coach in question is banned for life from coaching at the college level?
That way, when Carroll and others like him flame out in the pros, they can’t go back to college to earn a living. That’s punishing the guy ultimately responsible and it would send a message to head coaches you can’t go to the “hear, see and speak no evil’ defense. The buck stops with you scumbag.
And how does the guy who caused all this (Reggie Bush) get to keep his Heisman?
It is not as though he was a third string kicker who had no input on the success of the season. If he shouldn’t have been playing, he shouldn’t be able to keep his hardware. And all the wins should be voided.
In high school athletics in Ohio, if you use an ineligible player – what happens afterwards doesn’t count. Period. With the NCAA, there is less incentive to stay clean. The cost and reward benefits of cheating don’t necessarily scare you away.
First, you have to get caught. Second, it takes the NCAA forever to make a decision. Third, you lose scholarships, not something that really hurts – like $. And fourth, you might get a slap on the wrist, depending on the penalties given.
It makes no sense to take away scholarships – that only hurts a future head coach and kids who had nothing to do with the cheating.
You want to make it hurt? Besides no post-season play and taking away past wins, fine the school severely. Nothing gets the attention of college presidents and athletic directors like putting the athletic program/school in the red.
Then they will thin twice about hiring a coach who can win but has a shaddy reputation.
There, I fixed the problem – kinda.
Draft
The Indians recently took part in the annual amateur baseball draft. I have an idea - in the future, why not let Gordon Gund make the picks for the Tribe. While we are at it, put him in charge of the Browns’ draft as well.
Can he do any worse?
It's all about pitching
One of you wizards recently asked me what I would do if I were in charge of the Indians.
What follows is my approach and general philosophy.
First, baseball is all about pitching. Therefore, if I have a strong staff, my margin for error elsewhere is much greater. I call it the "Lempke concept."
Those of you old enough to remember know the pitching heavy Braves of the 90s won year in year out with a second baseman named Mark Lempke who epitomized a player with limted skills - to put it kindly. In fact, the Braves had several players in the line-up that never scared you. But they could pitch - especially their starters.
However, since it is extremely difficult to put together a strong starting staff, why not focus your energy on building an outstanding bullpen first – aka: what John Hart did in the mid-to-late 90s with the Tribe. See, I can give Hart credit when credit is due.
Here’s how you start the process in Cleveland – we all know the Tribe will be shopping Kerry Wood, Johnny Peralta, Jake Westbrook and others prior to the trading deadline.
I would immediately instruct my scouts/player personnel people to identify the top lefty and righty relievers at the AA & AAA level in baseball.
In discussions with other teams, I would zero in on those specific prospects and make sure I come away with as many quality young bullpen arms I could acquire for those players that would be leaving town.
Teams are more likely to trade a quality young reliever than a starter. And the Indians in particular are currently in desperate need of lefty relievers for the parent club.
In other words – have a specific plan, do your research and carry it out. Of course, the down-side immediately in Cleveland is that I would be depending on scouts and player personnel people with poor track records.
I can’t fix everything right away.
Therefore, I would begin an exhaustive search for the best talent evaluators in the game – at all levels. In simple English, I would get all the other Major League teams pissed at me because I would legally raid their personnel staffs and create a new pay scale for scouts and player personnel people.
If a good, young scout with the Twins made $75,000 a year, I would double his salary with a chance to move up quickly. Word would spread and aggressive, quality talent evaluators would be sending me resumes daily.
I would also put extra incentives in – just like you do with players.
If you sign a 20th round pick who makes it to the bigs and contributes, you get a nice bonus. If you suggest trading for John Doe in LA’s minor league system, we get him and he turns out to be a first division player, you get a very nice bonus. If your 40th round gem makes the Major League All-Star team, you get a large bonus, etc…
Think about it, for the yearly cost of an average set up man ($2 million), you could add several good talent evaluators who would make a huge difference in terms of your overall batting average in making the right decisions on players – at all levels.
This type of strategy isn’t glamorous and would barely get noticed by the media and fans, but would be the type of forward thinking that in the long-run, improve your chances of success at the Major League level.
Duncan & More
Can someone explain to me what Shelly Duncan is doing in the line-up? Are you telling me you have no young hitter in the minors who deserves a chance to get some ML at bats against lefties? Is Matt Laporta that bad?
On a lighter note, the Indians finally called up catcher Carlos Santana. Finally.
Travis Hafner is starting to drive the ball some. I PRAY the Indians have enough sense to see if there’s a market for him out there. I doubt it, but if they could get someone to take him and half his salary (the Tribe would pay the other half) in return for a nominal prospect, it would be a huge win for the Tribe.
I would then put the money I saved into talent evaluation discussed above.
Kobe
I like him more and more. I haven't seen him smile very much when on the floor during the playoffs. He's all business. The Lakers are down 3-2 but I still like them to win. It would be nice if they fed the post more when they get back home. Just a suggestion. Give the Celtics credit, those old guys compete and they are extremely well-coached (Doc Rivers).
World Cup
Yes, I have watched several World Cup games already, including the USA’s gift 1-1 tie with England. I also got up at 7:30 a.m. this morning (Monday) watching the Netherlands (otherwise known as the “Orange Army”) earn a 2-0 victory.
No, I don’t have a favorite. I don’t know enough about these players to make such predictions. However, if you watch, several things will likely happen. They include the following –
Team Azzuri (Italy), the defending WC champs, will play boring soccer as usual but not be scored on during pool play. They traditionally have the best defense in the field. See, you learned something. Italy is the Michigan State basketball of World Cup soccer – they bore you to sleep and advance.
Brazil will sign the most autographs since none of their players carry last names.
England and Netherlands will battle for the title – no, not the World Cup title but the “most drunks who get in fights and have to be jailed till they sleep in off” crown.
Some poor player who commits an own goal (likely from a South American nation) will accidently fall off a cliff back home a year from now. Ditto for a ref who causes someone to lose.
A team representing either a Muslim nation or an African country will have the most defections – since losing in those countries often results in leg amputation when you get back home.
Finally, if there’s a terrorist act at the World Cup (heaven forbid), look for the nations of the world to apologize to the terrorist and FIFA to form a committee to study what can be done to avoid such future actions.
I told you, I’m a soccer wizard. Go AZZURI!
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