Ichiro
I was made aware of an amazing stat the other day. Ichiro is closing in on either 10or 11 consecutive 200+ hit seasons. He’s in Ty Cobb/Pete Rose territory here. That’s amazing when you consider he's also been a Gold Glove caliber outfielder player during that span.
If you had to pick a First, Second & Third All-Time MLB team, he’d have to be on it. Of course, since he’s playing in Seattle, he’s gone relatively unnoticed. Imagine the run he’d be getting if he did his work in New York or Boston?
Jets
Speaking of New York - I don’t give a damn about the Jets and no, I don’t have them in the Super Bowl already like a lot of moron national pundits are predicting.
Their quarterback, already in the Hall of Fame according to some, has to do better than 12TDs/20INTs, especially when you consider he has a good running game and a very good defense.
Pre-Season Game 2/Browns Impressions
Same old same old when it comes to a pass rush or lack thereof. If they don’t blitz, they don’t come near the QB. That’s bad news waiting to happen.
Eric Wright is what I said he was two years ago–a nickel back at best. You’ll know their secondary talent is truly improving when this guy isn’t out there on every play.
As for Brandon McDonald – forget about it! I expect him to get cut.
For those morons who are raving about Jake D., I’ll jump on board when he completes a few downfield passes. Everything he’s done in the passing game to date has been underneath.
Yes, Seneca Wallace is still much better in my book – especially when you consider how weak their right side of the “O” line is. Wallace will keep many more plays alive that JD and he has a much better arm.
I’ll say it again – SW has been better than 50% of the starting QBs in this league since he’s been a pro. Period.
Their jumbo back combination of Vickers and Hillis is intriguing. Hillis runs downhill, he’s not flashy, but more athletic than he appears. Running back actually looks to be strength on this team – even if the second coming of Jim Brown Hardesty) according to some doesn’t play a lot.
Along with running back, I like the depth at linebacker. The new additions are actually starting NFL backers. They are good tacklers, are usually in the right place and seem to have a high football IQ.
The end result -this team should be improved against the run in 2010. That’s saying something when you consider this organization has been starting a ton of #2s since 1999.
The same can be said for S. Brown at corner. He’s their best corner right now – it’s not even close. As for the rookie from Florida – we shall see. It’s way too early to come to any conclusions. But if he’s truly talented and a quick study, he should pass up Wright rather quickly.
And no, I haven’t changed my mind. 7-9 looks about right still. I do believe however that Wallave might be able to get them to 8 or 9 wins if he took every snap in 2010.
What should one look for tonight's pre-season game #3 - the dress rehearsal?
Can JD complete a few passes downfield so teams don't put 8 in the box when it counts?
Can the receivers get open? Notice I said "receivers." Their TEs look solid.
Does the O line begin to open holes for J. Harrison like they did in December of last year?
Who the hell will handle the right guard and right tackle spots?
Can the Browns get a pass rushing just 4?
Are the corners making plays on a consistent basis or just tackling guys after the catch like we've been accustomed to seeing?
Indians
The Tribe may lose 100 after all – not that it matters. Regardless, the on the job training continues. Boy, this line-up really stinks without the young catcher in the 3-hole.
Look at the bright side, they are finding out who can and can’t play every day. The sad part is, many are failing the test.
I certainly hope they bring up their top 3rd base prospect in September and give him the final month’s 120 at bats. To do otherwise, makes absolutely no sense.
And if the kid struggles and hits 190, so what? He at least figured out what highway to take to work and where the weight room is located.
Speaking of the Tribe, I hope they bring back Jim Thome next year so he can close out his career in Cleveland. First, it would be good PR. Secondly, he's still good enough to hit somewhere in the middle of that order. Third, he'd come relatively cheap. And finally, the youngest team in baseball could use some veteran leadership.
We wondered why they went the Branyan route months ago instead of Thome in 2010. In 2011, they have a chance to get it right for all the right reasons. Besides, Thome is going to go into the HOF as an Indian. Why not finish up as an Indian?
Yes, I know he $#@ed us when he left for Phily. But it's time to move on.
Think about it. Next year's top of the order should look like this - 1-Sizemore, 2-Cabrera, 3-Choo, 4-Santana, 4-Thome. That's not top-shelf, but it's not terrible either.
Finally on the Tribe, I like Jason Nix. I hope they keep him. The guy won't hit for average, he's an average defender at best, but he can play several positions and has some legitimate pop in his bat.
Cavaliers
I’m told some national publications are actually predicting the Cavaliers to win more than half their games and be a playoff team. Right - and I spent 10 years as a Navy Seals even though I just learned to swim in 2009.
Based on their current roster, if they get 30+ wins, it will be a minor miracle. And I truly hope I’m dead wrong on this one.
And if I hear one more idiot say they hope the team tanks the season so they acquire a higher draft choice, I’m going to pop an artery. You play to win the game. Period!
Anyone with the opposite belief has never put a strap on in his/her life. Either that or they were pussies when they played.
Final Thought – “Tell a lie enough and it becomes the truth.” Lenin
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Short @ Quick
South Beach Déjà
I had a request to comment on Butterfingers, so here goes. And I thought I was done with him.
What are the odds two former well-known Cleveland athletes go to the “South Beach” card in the same year? This time its Braylon Edwards taking a shot at Cleveland as a hick town shortly following LBJ’s first utterances describing his exit from town.
James can at least play. He has a reason to be arrogant as hell. We already covered the fact that he had a whole market enabling him since puberty. You can see the narcissistic progression developing if you wanted to see it.
As for Edwards, some guys never get it and never will. And for me to beat on this guy again would be piling on. I could care less. It's just another case of a pro athlete with an inflated opinon of his self-worth.
Like there aren't many of those around? Be glad he's gone.
Media Morons
I have heard numerous local media morons whine about the fact the Browns’ starting running back is on the shelf for several weeks.
The problem is Jerome Harrison is fine. These geniuses already have the Browns' 2010second round pick out of Tennessee sharing time or playing ahead of Harrison.
I don’t mention his name on purpose. Until rookies do something, especially in the NFL where at least half flame out quickly, they should be seen and not heard.
Therefore, ‘No names please” until this young man makes plays on a consistent basis -when it counts.
As for the media getting their panties in a bunch because he’s not available just yet. Relax guys.
It’s pre-season and you have a starting back that went nuts when given the ball at the end of 2009. He gets first dibs. It’s that simple.
By the way, I was impressed with the safety from Oregon during the Browns’ first exhibition game. Yes, he got beat for a touchdown. But the coverage was pretty good for a safety and that quarterback/receiver combination in Green Bay will do that to you.
The kid flew around all night, hit people and generally made his presence felt. He looked like he belonged. Unlike others, I’m not going to get excited by one performance. That’s not how I roll. But it was a good a start. Hopefully, there’s more to come.
And no, I’m not excited they beat the Packers. I’m just pleased at this point they lined up right, didn’t get a ton of illegal procedure penalties, too much time in the huddle infractions or 12 defensive players on the field calls.
Baby steps my friend, baby steps.
I’ve got some politics for you now.
VP
Some media geniuses are pushing the idea Hillary Clinton will be Obama’s VP prior to his next term. Right.
Why would she want that gig and how does she benefit from such a move?
The answer is simple. She wouldn’t want it and she wouldn’t benefit.
Hell, we've already covered she could challenge him in 2012 and give him a run for his money.
The only reason he’d want her as #2 is to keep her from running against him. She’s not stupid. Her and her hubby (Bill) can figure that out if I can.
His offer, if it actually were to take place, to dump Biden and make her number #2 would be a classic case of “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”
Come on, she’s not going to fall for that twice.
Election Numbers
A writer wrote an OP ED recently surmising the President may attempt to win re-election solely by going after the 90+% African-American vote, 2/3+ of the Latino vote and approximately 37% of the white vote.
According to this writer, a heavy African-American and Latino turnout in 2012 would mean Obama could win re-election with less than 40% of the expected white vote.
I have no idea if the math actually holds up, but I do know it would be a terrible strategy for both Obama and more importantly the country. This man came to office under the guise of being a post-racial president.
And to follow a re-election strategy along these lines would further divide the nation. He doesn’t need that for his legacy and the country certainly would be worse off for it.
Hopefully, no one in the White House is contemplating such an approach. It would be disastrous for all.
We simply don’t need further identity politics – that is where folks are separated into individual groups with individual grievances. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party seems to be doing that more and more recently.
One could argue this strategy helped win them control of Congress and the White House.
But one could also make the argument it divided the country further and soon the nation will begin making a correction at the ballot box come November.
We shall see.
Robert Gibbs
The President’s press secretary, Robert Gibbs, who’s main job is to keep a low profile and control news flow actually recently committed what is normally a fatal PR flaw by making news with comments attacking the left wing of the Democratic Party.
He stated that many in the left won’t be happy until the Pentagon (those who defend us) is shut down and we have a Canadian health care system in place.
He then went on to say these folks wouldn’t be pleased with Cleveland’s own Dennis Kucinich as president. Kucinich is about as far-left a Politian as there is in Congress. But to his credit, he (DK) doesn’t back down from his positions and ideas.
First off, Gibbs did this on purpose. How do I know? Because he still has his job. He’s the president’s mouthpiece and picking a small fight with the far left might even help Obama with some centrists. That's the strategy.
No, he didn’t do this at a bar late one night after a long day and several drinks. He did it during a scheduled interview with a Washington reporter.
It’s called being the president’s wing man – as simple as that.
Besides, he was dead on.
The far left is bashing a guy (Obama) who’s overall approval ratings are in the mid 40’s and falling because he is passing legislation and governing like a lefty. And these nuts want him to more further to the left?
Amazing!
Till next time. Be good.
I had a request to comment on Butterfingers, so here goes. And I thought I was done with him.
What are the odds two former well-known Cleveland athletes go to the “South Beach” card in the same year? This time its Braylon Edwards taking a shot at Cleveland as a hick town shortly following LBJ’s first utterances describing his exit from town.
James can at least play. He has a reason to be arrogant as hell. We already covered the fact that he had a whole market enabling him since puberty. You can see the narcissistic progression developing if you wanted to see it.
As for Edwards, some guys never get it and never will. And for me to beat on this guy again would be piling on. I could care less. It's just another case of a pro athlete with an inflated opinon of his self-worth.
Like there aren't many of those around? Be glad he's gone.
Media Morons
I have heard numerous local media morons whine about the fact the Browns’ starting running back is on the shelf for several weeks.
The problem is Jerome Harrison is fine. These geniuses already have the Browns' 2010second round pick out of Tennessee sharing time or playing ahead of Harrison.
I don’t mention his name on purpose. Until rookies do something, especially in the NFL where at least half flame out quickly, they should be seen and not heard.
Therefore, ‘No names please” until this young man makes plays on a consistent basis -when it counts.
As for the media getting their panties in a bunch because he’s not available just yet. Relax guys.
It’s pre-season and you have a starting back that went nuts when given the ball at the end of 2009. He gets first dibs. It’s that simple.
By the way, I was impressed with the safety from Oregon during the Browns’ first exhibition game. Yes, he got beat for a touchdown. But the coverage was pretty good for a safety and that quarterback/receiver combination in Green Bay will do that to you.
The kid flew around all night, hit people and generally made his presence felt. He looked like he belonged. Unlike others, I’m not going to get excited by one performance. That’s not how I roll. But it was a good a start. Hopefully, there’s more to come.
And no, I’m not excited they beat the Packers. I’m just pleased at this point they lined up right, didn’t get a ton of illegal procedure penalties, too much time in the huddle infractions or 12 defensive players on the field calls.
Baby steps my friend, baby steps.
I’ve got some politics for you now.
VP
Some media geniuses are pushing the idea Hillary Clinton will be Obama’s VP prior to his next term. Right.
Why would she want that gig and how does she benefit from such a move?
The answer is simple. She wouldn’t want it and she wouldn’t benefit.
Hell, we've already covered she could challenge him in 2012 and give him a run for his money.
The only reason he’d want her as #2 is to keep her from running against him. She’s not stupid. Her and her hubby (Bill) can figure that out if I can.
His offer, if it actually were to take place, to dump Biden and make her number #2 would be a classic case of “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”
Come on, she’s not going to fall for that twice.
Election Numbers
A writer wrote an OP ED recently surmising the President may attempt to win re-election solely by going after the 90+% African-American vote, 2/3+ of the Latino vote and approximately 37% of the white vote.
According to this writer, a heavy African-American and Latino turnout in 2012 would mean Obama could win re-election with less than 40% of the expected white vote.
I have no idea if the math actually holds up, but I do know it would be a terrible strategy for both Obama and more importantly the country. This man came to office under the guise of being a post-racial president.
And to follow a re-election strategy along these lines would further divide the nation. He doesn’t need that for his legacy and the country certainly would be worse off for it.
Hopefully, no one in the White House is contemplating such an approach. It would be disastrous for all.
We simply don’t need further identity politics – that is where folks are separated into individual groups with individual grievances. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party seems to be doing that more and more recently.
One could argue this strategy helped win them control of Congress and the White House.
But one could also make the argument it divided the country further and soon the nation will begin making a correction at the ballot box come November.
We shall see.
Robert Gibbs
The President’s press secretary, Robert Gibbs, who’s main job is to keep a low profile and control news flow actually recently committed what is normally a fatal PR flaw by making news with comments attacking the left wing of the Democratic Party.
He stated that many in the left won’t be happy until the Pentagon (those who defend us) is shut down and we have a Canadian health care system in place.
He then went on to say these folks wouldn’t be pleased with Cleveland’s own Dennis Kucinich as president. Kucinich is about as far-left a Politian as there is in Congress. But to his credit, he (DK) doesn’t back down from his positions and ideas.
First off, Gibbs did this on purpose. How do I know? Because he still has his job. He’s the president’s mouthpiece and picking a small fight with the far left might even help Obama with some centrists. That's the strategy.
No, he didn’t do this at a bar late one night after a long day and several drinks. He did it during a scheduled interview with a Washington reporter.
It’s called being the president’s wing man – as simple as that.
Besides, he was dead on.
The far left is bashing a guy (Obama) who’s overall approval ratings are in the mid 40’s and falling because he is passing legislation and governing like a lefty. And these nuts want him to more further to the left?
Amazing!
Till next time. Be good.
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