Lockout or no lockout, the Cleveland Browns STILL have the worst receiver corps in the NFL dating back since I started following the sport - circa 1970.
If John Hart had Antonelli’s balls, the Tribe would have had a World Series Championship or two in tow already. I have no idea if their big trade was a good one – I have never seen the dude from Colorado pitch – but I give the front office an A for effort. Unfortunately, they are likely to get no more than about 8 starts out of this guy the rest of the way, and with those bats, it likely won't matter. In a week's time, they might not be smelling .500. The one upside for the remainder of the year is the fact that the pitcher has the advantage the first time he faces you. You would think the large majority of the 8 starts are good ones if he's truly healthy and doesn't have a "2 cent" brain like Carmona.
Although, I would have chased a big bat or two instead of a potential #1 starter, I understand what the thinking process is – if they get to October, they have a potential true #1 for game #1, Masterson at #2 and Tomlin pitching game #3. The problem is the offense is so anemic, the Indians are likely to be out of it before we get to September. The only way they avoid falling out of it is if they can somehow survive this week’s road trip to Boston and Texas. I don’t see how with that offense.
Isn’t it time for the Matt LaPorta experiment to end? The guy hits for a mediocre average, has mediocre power (for a corner infielder) and is at best, a mediocre defensive first baseman. Yea, I know he’s young. But we are two years in now. How much longer do I need to wait? I never thought I’d say this but where is Nick Johnson when you need him?
We were wrong on Justin Masterson. He is turning into a very good starter. I still think he would have been lights out toward the back-end of the bullpen, but they got this one right – it seems. I never thought he’d consistently get out lefties the second and third time around.
Here's one we nailed early - DA is available now that the Cardinals picked up the Eagles' back-up? Any takers? Morons!!!
Speaking of "Right" - Eric Wright recently signed a one-year deal with that powerhouse Detroit Lions football team. What that tells you is there were NO takers for a multi-year deal! None. Nada. This reinforces what we had been saying for nearly three years - he ain't no good! And the best part is I heard a couple local scribes bemoan the fact that EW will be missed by the Browns because the team now lacks depth at that position and he might be a "decent nickel guy." And here I thought he was bordering on All-Pro a couple years back. Right. If some coach tells you the sky is yellow, are you going to believe that too? Another reminder why I follow this stuff less and less every year.
Grady Sizemore went from being one of the game’s 15 best players to a .230 hitting/injury-plagued talent. Those are facts. And no, I don’t want to hear the injuries are because he “throws his body around.” Who doesn’t? This should worry the Indians’ brass. Granted, it’s hard to tell what kind of numbers he would put up in the post-steroids era, but the fact that he hasn’t played a full season since, tells us a lot. The up-side is he can’t ask for billions when his contract is up since he’s damaged goods. This is sad. We never liked his approach at the plate (free swinger even with two strikes), but this team clearly misses his defense, 20+ steals and 25 bombs a year. And if he ever gets healthy, what kind of player remains?
Some high school coach in Cleveland wants to honor Jim Tressel by having all the area coaches wear ties on opening night in Ohio HS football this fall. Nice. I have a better idea – Why not have all the coaches write books on “integrity/doing it right” all the while acting like a deaf/mute while your players run wild, then follow it up by lying to your superiors and the NCAA when they ask what is going on, only coming clean when they have video of you hovering over the dead body with smoking gun in hand. Coaches, as a group, aren’t the brightest lot – you can quote me on that.
Hey, I heard some NBA players are going to play in Europe during the lockout. Right. Any moron who risks injury playing against plumbers in Tikrit deserves a high ankle sprain or worse. And any agent who recommends it just to get a paycheck should have his head examined.
The Patriots are at it again - trading near worthless future draft picks for talented, yet high maintenance pro talents. You can do that when you have a hallway full of Super Bowl memorabilia to show off in your complex - complete with a handful of Super Bowl trophies on display.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Better Late Than Never
First, congratulations to Dallas for persevering and finally winning the NBA Championship. I am not a Mark Cuban fan, but he didn’t blow it up after several failures. He kept tinkering until he found the right combination. Most owners get impatient and blow it up if they level off at 50+ wins a season.
It helped facing a team with no interior scoring, a squad that lives off jumpers and minimal shot blocking inside. That allowed the Mavs to continually take the ball to the basket in crunch time without fear of being knocked down or getting shots blocked.
As for Dirk, we have ridden him and the Mavs hard for being soft in the past – and with good reason, but they finally started to shed that label. They added three players in the last couple years to help them get rid of that label – Tyson Chandler – a defensive minded post player, Jason Kidd, a gritty veteran and good defender and Caron Butler, a physical/talented wing player, who actually missed most of the season to an injury. Again, it helped playing the Heat – a soft team themselves with a superstar with mush for toughness.
Regardless, the Heat win the series if LeBron James shows up. Period. As for his disappearing act, don’t ask me to analyze it – I am not a psychologist. I have no idea why he wilted – again. I do know it’s in his head and not his body. His elbow was fine this time – I think. And no, I don’t feel sorry for him.
I found it interesting that the talking head postgame analysis focused on LeBron needing to get in the gym and work on his main weak over the summer – developing a post game. You think? We’ve been on that kick since 2004! Once again, it’s nice to see the rest of the planet coming around – once it’s so obvious even a child can figure it out. Yes, he does need to play without the ball and he needs to work on his jumper more, but the lack of doing the dirty work inside has kept him from reaching a special level as a player. Something tells me he’ll be out with JZ just as much as in the gym alone in July. Old habits die hard.
Can we now FINALLY stop the Michael Jordan comparisons, please? Even when we had LBJ pegged as the best player in the world as early as four years ago, we also stated that until he started winning multiple wins rings, you can’t compare him to MJ. Of all people, I wonder how Scottie Pippen, MJ’s running mate feels today after saying LBJ was in MJ’s league a few weeks ago.
This is why I can’t work in PR at the highest level – pro sports. Someone needed to tell Dan Gilbert, before the series ended, to keep his mouth shut if the Mavs won. Instead, he tweeted “there are no shortcuts to winning!” Like we didn’t know Dan. Had I been working for the Cavs, I would have taken his laptop away months ago. But then again, I would never have been offered the job following the initial interview – too blunt!
Ad for the Tribe, yes they are finally coming back down to earth. A 162-game season will do that to you – it eventually shows all your warts. However, if they can somehow weather the storm, they can still have a very competitive season. We’ll see how they handle themselves. Bottom line – it’s hard to win when your 3 & 4 hitters (Choo & Santana) are hitting .240. The good news during this stretch, if there is any, is the fact that the pitching hasn’t totally gone south.
The problem is as follows – this ownership is not likely to go add a piece or two via trade that will help stop the bleeding. That costs money. The players will likely be on their own.
And while we are on giving credit where credit is due, it’s finally good to see Travis Hafner , who we have blasted time and time again, earning some of that salary. He’s still on the DL way too much, but at least he’s not a physical liability any more when in the line-up. I hope he keeps it up – they need his bat, especially since several other key figures in the line-up are having off years offensively (fill in the blank with your choice of player this side of the SS).
By the way, my favorite storyline on the Tribe this year took place when Hafner recently came off the DL and a short rehab stint. He played on a Friday night then they sat him/rested him on Saturday before putting back in the DH spot on Sunday. What? He’s a F%$#@ing DH, how the hell was he not able to swing the bat 4x in back-to-back games after one day back up from Akron/Canton?
And no, I have no idea who the Cavaliers should draft. I simply haven’t seen enough of these collegiate players. I do know I would prefer to trade one of their two first round picks for an established outstanding player – preferably a wing player who can get buckets at will (aka: 18-20 a night). You simply can’t win in this league with all kids.
I do know one thing - their strongest position is point guard with Davis and Sessions. If they take T. Irving out of Duke, he’d better be a perennial All-Star, or it's a bad pick. I assume if Irving is their choice, a trade should be forthcoming soon after with one of their other guards. Again, I have not seen enough of these kids to give an opinion at this point. However, their GM and scouting staff get paid to get this right. There is little margin for error. And remember my approach – I would rather have a proven commodity than a rookie with potential.
As for their needs – an athletic small forward who can consistently score the basketball, a legitimate, physical center who can board, block shots and rebound, and a two-guard with size and athleticism. Notice the athleticism label coming up twice.
Why the hell would any established coach take the OSU job right now? The sharks will wait until OSU is about to come off probation before being serious about wanting that gig. That’s why they gave it to a guy in his 30s, who has never been a head coach before. I actually want to see this guy succeed. Trust me, the powers that be at OSU were forced to go this route. They want a shark in there as soon as possible. That’s why I hope he screws up their plan and wins.
And someone explain to me why the GEEK Gee and Smith, the AD, still have jobs? I mocked them after their press conference months ago, saying I would have fired them on the spot back then. Remember that moron Gee going to the “I hope coach Tressel doesn’t fire me” card? Nice. That’s a classic case of a guy with a high IQ having absolutely no common sense. I knew this guy was “off” when I realized he had a WEEKLY radio gig on the OSU football pre-game radio schedule. We hammered him then and were right on the money. Again, he was part of the problem.
By the way, next time, I will explain in detail why paying college athletes will do absolutely nothing to stem cheating. I am tired of hearing morons going to “let’s pay these kids.” They get paid – what the hell do you call a $100,000+ free education?
Be good.
It helped facing a team with no interior scoring, a squad that lives off jumpers and minimal shot blocking inside. That allowed the Mavs to continually take the ball to the basket in crunch time without fear of being knocked down or getting shots blocked.
As for Dirk, we have ridden him and the Mavs hard for being soft in the past – and with good reason, but they finally started to shed that label. They added three players in the last couple years to help them get rid of that label – Tyson Chandler – a defensive minded post player, Jason Kidd, a gritty veteran and good defender and Caron Butler, a physical/talented wing player, who actually missed most of the season to an injury. Again, it helped playing the Heat – a soft team themselves with a superstar with mush for toughness.
Regardless, the Heat win the series if LeBron James shows up. Period. As for his disappearing act, don’t ask me to analyze it – I am not a psychologist. I have no idea why he wilted – again. I do know it’s in his head and not his body. His elbow was fine this time – I think. And no, I don’t feel sorry for him.
I found it interesting that the talking head postgame analysis focused on LeBron needing to get in the gym and work on his main weak over the summer – developing a post game. You think? We’ve been on that kick since 2004! Once again, it’s nice to see the rest of the planet coming around – once it’s so obvious even a child can figure it out. Yes, he does need to play without the ball and he needs to work on his jumper more, but the lack of doing the dirty work inside has kept him from reaching a special level as a player. Something tells me he’ll be out with JZ just as much as in the gym alone in July. Old habits die hard.
Can we now FINALLY stop the Michael Jordan comparisons, please? Even when we had LBJ pegged as the best player in the world as early as four years ago, we also stated that until he started winning multiple wins rings, you can’t compare him to MJ. Of all people, I wonder how Scottie Pippen, MJ’s running mate feels today after saying LBJ was in MJ’s league a few weeks ago.
This is why I can’t work in PR at the highest level – pro sports. Someone needed to tell Dan Gilbert, before the series ended, to keep his mouth shut if the Mavs won. Instead, he tweeted “there are no shortcuts to winning!” Like we didn’t know Dan. Had I been working for the Cavs, I would have taken his laptop away months ago. But then again, I would never have been offered the job following the initial interview – too blunt!
Ad for the Tribe, yes they are finally coming back down to earth. A 162-game season will do that to you – it eventually shows all your warts. However, if they can somehow weather the storm, they can still have a very competitive season. We’ll see how they handle themselves. Bottom line – it’s hard to win when your 3 & 4 hitters (Choo & Santana) are hitting .240. The good news during this stretch, if there is any, is the fact that the pitching hasn’t totally gone south.
The problem is as follows – this ownership is not likely to go add a piece or two via trade that will help stop the bleeding. That costs money. The players will likely be on their own.
And while we are on giving credit where credit is due, it’s finally good to see Travis Hafner , who we have blasted time and time again, earning some of that salary. He’s still on the DL way too much, but at least he’s not a physical liability any more when in the line-up. I hope he keeps it up – they need his bat, especially since several other key figures in the line-up are having off years offensively (fill in the blank with your choice of player this side of the SS).
By the way, my favorite storyline on the Tribe this year took place when Hafner recently came off the DL and a short rehab stint. He played on a Friday night then they sat him/rested him on Saturday before putting back in the DH spot on Sunday. What? He’s a F%$#@ing DH, how the hell was he not able to swing the bat 4x in back-to-back games after one day back up from Akron/Canton?
And no, I have no idea who the Cavaliers should draft. I simply haven’t seen enough of these collegiate players. I do know I would prefer to trade one of their two first round picks for an established outstanding player – preferably a wing player who can get buckets at will (aka: 18-20 a night). You simply can’t win in this league with all kids.
I do know one thing - their strongest position is point guard with Davis and Sessions. If they take T. Irving out of Duke, he’d better be a perennial All-Star, or it's a bad pick. I assume if Irving is their choice, a trade should be forthcoming soon after with one of their other guards. Again, I have not seen enough of these kids to give an opinion at this point. However, their GM and scouting staff get paid to get this right. There is little margin for error. And remember my approach – I would rather have a proven commodity than a rookie with potential.
As for their needs – an athletic small forward who can consistently score the basketball, a legitimate, physical center who can board, block shots and rebound, and a two-guard with size and athleticism. Notice the athleticism label coming up twice.
Why the hell would any established coach take the OSU job right now? The sharks will wait until OSU is about to come off probation before being serious about wanting that gig. That’s why they gave it to a guy in his 30s, who has never been a head coach before. I actually want to see this guy succeed. Trust me, the powers that be at OSU were forced to go this route. They want a shark in there as soon as possible. That’s why I hope he screws up their plan and wins.
And someone explain to me why the GEEK Gee and Smith, the AD, still have jobs? I mocked them after their press conference months ago, saying I would have fired them on the spot back then. Remember that moron Gee going to the “I hope coach Tressel doesn’t fire me” card? Nice. That’s a classic case of a guy with a high IQ having absolutely no common sense. I knew this guy was “off” when I realized he had a WEEKLY radio gig on the OSU football pre-game radio schedule. We hammered him then and were right on the money. Again, he was part of the problem.
By the way, next time, I will explain in detail why paying college athletes will do absolutely nothing to stem cheating. I am tired of hearing morons going to “let’s pay these kids.” They get paid – what the hell do you call a $100,000+ free education?
Be good.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May Entry
Steelers
You can see some things coming a mile away. Such is the case with the Steelers taking Iron Head’s kid out of OSU late in the first round of the recent NFL Draft. There’s a reason Pittsburgh is always competitive – they know what they are doing and keep it simple.
Blood Lines
The same goes for the Eagles landing Clay’s kid in the fourth round. I’d bet my next paycheck he overachieves at the next level. You take a kid like that in the fourth round on blood lines alone. What’s the risk?
Seneca II
By the way, I also like the V-tech QB (Taylor). I would have taken him had I been the Browns in the middle rounds. That’s the other dude I saw play and liked – as much if not more than the guys taken early.
Browns Draft
As for the Browns’ draft – I have no idea. I never saw any of their picks play. Remember – that’s my first rule of sports. The two kids above I saw play enough to tell you I believe they will be good pros and had hoped the Browns had snatched them up. The same goes for the red-headed TCU quarterback (Dalton) – who the Bills grabbed in round 2. I didn’t think any quarterback in this draft was worth a first round pick, and yet, a ton of them went early. We’ll see in a couple years if these draft gurus and player personnel wizards got it right and I’m just full of S#@. I don’t do this for a living. But I do have common sense.
Trading Down
I don’t have problems with Cleveland trading down if they didn’t think there was a perennial Pro-Bowler at 6 available. Let’s hope they are right. I do know if you can’t stop the run, you have NO chance of winning in the NFL. Even the Colts, who won a Super Bowl with a porous rush defense a few years back, actually stopped the run some in their post-season run that season. So taking a huge D-tackle 1 makes sense if he and Rubin stuff the run consistently the next few years. I don’t have hopes the end out of Pitt will get them 10 sacks a season because it’s never been done in this town since I landed from Europe in ’68. But here’s hoping this crew got it right. I would get the kid some immediate help on the other side so all isn’t on his shoulders next fall. That would be asking too much of a 22 year old. I’ll explain further soon.
Here's How You Tell
One final thing on the Browns – here’s how I will know if their new coaching staff
(#5 in 12 years) gets it: if Mohammad Ali, Robiskie’s kid and E. Wright are on this roster when September gets here. If they are considered relevant pieces of the puzzle come Fall '11, we might as well prepare for a sixth try in 14 years with another group of wizards at the helm two or three years from now.
Daddy Wants $180,000
I’m told C. Newton’s wants the #2 jersey, currently held by the Panthers’ starting QB (Clausen). What more do you need to know about this kid and why it was lunacy to take him #1 overall? It’s like playing the lottery. It’s a long shot at best this kid will be anywhere near worth the pick. How soon before we hear stories about Newton having poor work habits or his new teammates thinking he’s arrogant? This is a classic case of where the football people needed to be overruled by someone with common sports sense whispering in the owner’s ear to just say “NO” to Newton. Look for this guy to be a terrific locker room presence and the first one in and last one out at the facility every day. Right!
Nick is Right
By the way, I am starting to believe what one of my boys keeps telling me – that there is a Notre Dame bias out there. It sure seems that way when it comes to QBs. Clausen gets picked in round 1 just one year ago and the Panthers are ready to cast him aside for a head case and BQ is sitting at 3 in Denver and can’t sniff a #1 gig anywhere in this league even though 1/3 of the current starters are two consecutive bad outings away from wearing a ball cap once again and taking notes on game-day.
Banging That Drum Until it's Addressed
Back to the Browns - as for not drafting a stud receiver – relax. They can’t be that stupid. They will trade for or sign a couple quality veterans at some point. For starters, Steve Smith would be an excellent fit. That would be my first move when the smoke clears (agreement is reached)
Tribe Mystery
Don’t ask me to explain what the Indians are doing. They have one young (Tomlin), who throws in the mid to high 80s, and who has started his career with 17 consecutive starts where he’s gotten them to the 5th inning or better. Over 90% of the guys in the HOF didn’t do that. They also have the Jack Hannahan’s and Shelly Duncan’s of this world giving them clutch hitting – time after time. You get the point. I still think they will come back to earth, but if they keep this up for another couple weeks, they could play .500 ball the rest of the way and finish with around 90 wins – which would be enough to win this lousy division. Remember they play these bad teams within their division a ton with this silly unbalanced schedule. Enjoy it – no one saw this coming. It will be interesting to see if and when they are in the hunt come late July if ownership gets them another piece of the puzzle or two to make a serious run for October and beyond.
OSAMA
OBL is finally dead. Now, let’s clear up a couple facts some morons in the media don’t get. First, of course the Pakistani’s knew where he was. They put him there and told him to stay put. The dude was parked yards away from their version of West Point for Pete Sake in a huge compound with 12 foot walls and barbed wire. Nice. And second, there was no chance in hell he was going to be taken prisoner even though some in the media have actually reported our military had orders to “capture” OBL. Yea, and extremely good looking broads come cheap. This was a “kill” mission – simple as that. An assassination if you will. Did you really think we would take him alive and give him a world-wide arena to spew his garbage for the next 10 years? Even a soft democratic president understood this one. And credit Obama for going in with Navy Seals instead of a safer bombing mission of some type. Having boots on the ground meant more risk, but made identification a lot easier. And most importantly - made it clear this was all about "two taps to the head" mafia style. Good for you BA. Now if the Navy Seals could double up and silence a couple loud-mouth broads on “The View,” we’d all hang flags out in front for a month instead of just one week. There’s one in particular that truly gets under my grill – Joy Behar. I don’t believe in spousal abuse, but if I had to give a guy a mulligan on this offense it would be to her husband if he ever decided to go Johnson/Finnegan on her. Who could blame him? And by the way - screw those who want the photos released or video from the burial. There are morons out there you will never convince. They are the idiots (conspiracy theorists) who believe Tupac and Biggy are alive and well on a remote island in the South Pacific owned by Elvis and living in JFK's new crib. Let's hope most of these geniuses never reproduce.
Media Morons
Since I worked in it for 20 years, I can’t leave this computer without taking one shot at the sports media. The locals are in my sights this time. I heard and also read where some local geniuses are buying the company line that the Browns' holdover receivers are better suited for the new offense (WEST Coast) and therefore will be much more productive now. This begs the question - can they possibly be less productive? If Ali and Robo each catch 40 balls and score 5 TDs each we might be building a shrine to them here in Canton soon. I remind you - they were second round picks, not free agents out of Thiel College (PA). I actually heard “The Walrus” spew this same garbage the other day at a draft press conference. And there wasn’t one reporter who had the stones to ask him to explain that asinine statement further. And many are now repeating this reframe. Look – you have to be able to separate, catch the football and run with it with some authority after the reception if you are an NFL receiver. That’s the job description here. I don’t want to hear about hip movement, how fluid they are, their size or how they come out of their routes so cleanly. These guys CAN’T SEPARATE! So the rest don’t matter. Stop it Mike. You piss me off when you go there. There are a few of us – not many - who aren’t that stupid. And if you want to argue about it, I’ll just put the Jets’ game tape on that gives you visual evidence when the game was in the balance near the goal line, NY put the arguably the league’s best cover guy on Evan Moore - a part-time player/TE you picked up off ther scrap heap. Case closed.
This is my last entry for at least a month. I’m getting on that big bird (Delta) next week and visiting my home (Europe) turf till June 1.
I hope it was worthy of your time. Be good!
You can see some things coming a mile away. Such is the case with the Steelers taking Iron Head’s kid out of OSU late in the first round of the recent NFL Draft. There’s a reason Pittsburgh is always competitive – they know what they are doing and keep it simple.
Blood Lines
The same goes for the Eagles landing Clay’s kid in the fourth round. I’d bet my next paycheck he overachieves at the next level. You take a kid like that in the fourth round on blood lines alone. What’s the risk?
Seneca II
By the way, I also like the V-tech QB (Taylor). I would have taken him had I been the Browns in the middle rounds. That’s the other dude I saw play and liked – as much if not more than the guys taken early.
Browns Draft
As for the Browns’ draft – I have no idea. I never saw any of their picks play. Remember – that’s my first rule of sports. The two kids above I saw play enough to tell you I believe they will be good pros and had hoped the Browns had snatched them up. The same goes for the red-headed TCU quarterback (Dalton) – who the Bills grabbed in round 2. I didn’t think any quarterback in this draft was worth a first round pick, and yet, a ton of them went early. We’ll see in a couple years if these draft gurus and player personnel wizards got it right and I’m just full of S#@. I don’t do this for a living. But I do have common sense.
Trading Down
I don’t have problems with Cleveland trading down if they didn’t think there was a perennial Pro-Bowler at 6 available. Let’s hope they are right. I do know if you can’t stop the run, you have NO chance of winning in the NFL. Even the Colts, who won a Super Bowl with a porous rush defense a few years back, actually stopped the run some in their post-season run that season. So taking a huge D-tackle 1 makes sense if he and Rubin stuff the run consistently the next few years. I don’t have hopes the end out of Pitt will get them 10 sacks a season because it’s never been done in this town since I landed from Europe in ’68. But here’s hoping this crew got it right. I would get the kid some immediate help on the other side so all isn’t on his shoulders next fall. That would be asking too much of a 22 year old. I’ll explain further soon.
Here's How You Tell
One final thing on the Browns – here’s how I will know if their new coaching staff
(#5 in 12 years) gets it: if Mohammad Ali, Robiskie’s kid and E. Wright are on this roster when September gets here. If they are considered relevant pieces of the puzzle come Fall '11, we might as well prepare for a sixth try in 14 years with another group of wizards at the helm two or three years from now.
Daddy Wants $180,000
I’m told C. Newton’s wants the #2 jersey, currently held by the Panthers’ starting QB (Clausen). What more do you need to know about this kid and why it was lunacy to take him #1 overall? It’s like playing the lottery. It’s a long shot at best this kid will be anywhere near worth the pick. How soon before we hear stories about Newton having poor work habits or his new teammates thinking he’s arrogant? This is a classic case of where the football people needed to be overruled by someone with common sports sense whispering in the owner’s ear to just say “NO” to Newton. Look for this guy to be a terrific locker room presence and the first one in and last one out at the facility every day. Right!
Nick is Right
By the way, I am starting to believe what one of my boys keeps telling me – that there is a Notre Dame bias out there. It sure seems that way when it comes to QBs. Clausen gets picked in round 1 just one year ago and the Panthers are ready to cast him aside for a head case and BQ is sitting at 3 in Denver and can’t sniff a #1 gig anywhere in this league even though 1/3 of the current starters are two consecutive bad outings away from wearing a ball cap once again and taking notes on game-day.
Banging That Drum Until it's Addressed
Back to the Browns - as for not drafting a stud receiver – relax. They can’t be that stupid. They will trade for or sign a couple quality veterans at some point. For starters, Steve Smith would be an excellent fit. That would be my first move when the smoke clears (agreement is reached)
Tribe Mystery
Don’t ask me to explain what the Indians are doing. They have one young (Tomlin), who throws in the mid to high 80s, and who has started his career with 17 consecutive starts where he’s gotten them to the 5th inning or better. Over 90% of the guys in the HOF didn’t do that. They also have the Jack Hannahan’s and Shelly Duncan’s of this world giving them clutch hitting – time after time. You get the point. I still think they will come back to earth, but if they keep this up for another couple weeks, they could play .500 ball the rest of the way and finish with around 90 wins – which would be enough to win this lousy division. Remember they play these bad teams within their division a ton with this silly unbalanced schedule. Enjoy it – no one saw this coming. It will be interesting to see if and when they are in the hunt come late July if ownership gets them another piece of the puzzle or two to make a serious run for October and beyond.
OSAMA
OBL is finally dead. Now, let’s clear up a couple facts some morons in the media don’t get. First, of course the Pakistani’s knew where he was. They put him there and told him to stay put. The dude was parked yards away from their version of West Point for Pete Sake in a huge compound with 12 foot walls and barbed wire. Nice. And second, there was no chance in hell he was going to be taken prisoner even though some in the media have actually reported our military had orders to “capture” OBL. Yea, and extremely good looking broads come cheap. This was a “kill” mission – simple as that. An assassination if you will. Did you really think we would take him alive and give him a world-wide arena to spew his garbage for the next 10 years? Even a soft democratic president understood this one. And credit Obama for going in with Navy Seals instead of a safer bombing mission of some type. Having boots on the ground meant more risk, but made identification a lot easier. And most importantly - made it clear this was all about "two taps to the head" mafia style. Good for you BA. Now if the Navy Seals could double up and silence a couple loud-mouth broads on “The View,” we’d all hang flags out in front for a month instead of just one week. There’s one in particular that truly gets under my grill – Joy Behar. I don’t believe in spousal abuse, but if I had to give a guy a mulligan on this offense it would be to her husband if he ever decided to go Johnson/Finnegan on her. Who could blame him? And by the way - screw those who want the photos released or video from the burial. There are morons out there you will never convince. They are the idiots (conspiracy theorists) who believe Tupac and Biggy are alive and well on a remote island in the South Pacific owned by Elvis and living in JFK's new crib. Let's hope most of these geniuses never reproduce.
Media Morons
Since I worked in it for 20 years, I can’t leave this computer without taking one shot at the sports media. The locals are in my sights this time. I heard and also read where some local geniuses are buying the company line that the Browns' holdover receivers are better suited for the new offense (WEST Coast) and therefore will be much more productive now. This begs the question - can they possibly be less productive? If Ali and Robo each catch 40 balls and score 5 TDs each we might be building a shrine to them here in Canton soon. I remind you - they were second round picks, not free agents out of Thiel College (PA). I actually heard “The Walrus” spew this same garbage the other day at a draft press conference. And there wasn’t one reporter who had the stones to ask him to explain that asinine statement further. And many are now repeating this reframe. Look – you have to be able to separate, catch the football and run with it with some authority after the reception if you are an NFL receiver. That’s the job description here. I don’t want to hear about hip movement, how fluid they are, their size or how they come out of their routes so cleanly. These guys CAN’T SEPARATE! So the rest don’t matter. Stop it Mike. You piss me off when you go there. There are a few of us – not many - who aren’t that stupid. And if you want to argue about it, I’ll just put the Jets’ game tape on that gives you visual evidence when the game was in the balance near the goal line, NY put the arguably the league’s best cover guy on Evan Moore - a part-time player/TE you picked up off ther scrap heap. Case closed.
This is my last entry for at least a month. I’m getting on that big bird (Delta) next week and visiting my home (Europe) turf till June 1.
I hope it was worthy of your time. Be good!
Friday, April 15, 2011
12 Items
We'll cover a dozen items this time around in case we are out of action for a while (explained later).
I have never seen a college game where the teams locked down defensively as well as Connecticut and Butler did for 40 minutes a few weeks ago. No, it wasn’t an “ugly game” like many would have you believe. That was very good defense played by Butler and phenomenal defense played by the Huskies. Connecticut was more athletic and longer overall and that was the difference when the smoke cleared.
Some players get traded because they have a poor work ethics, some because they can’t knock down a jumper while others are banished elsewhere because they don’t guard anyone. In Phoenix, Jason Richardson was traded because he allegedly fathered a child with Hall of Famer Steve Nash’s wife. Ouch! By the way, that sort of drama happens more often than you think in pro sports.
Based on what I saw during the NCAA Tournament, there isn’t a lot of difference between the first pick in the upcoming NBA draft and the 10th. Therefore, the teams with the best player personnel departments will earn their keep this June.
Kudos to Byron Scott for getting the Cavaliers to play hard down the stretch. That’s not easy to do when you have the league’s worst record for all but one week of the season. By the way, the OSU kid (JS) is crazy if he doesn't come out early. He's a top-3 pick in my book based on what I saw. He is extremely polished with his back to the basket for a 19-year old, is fundamentally sound and has an NBA body. The only question with him is if he will eventually be just an 18/10 guy or 21+/11+ player. That answer will depend to a great degree on if/when he develops an elbow jumper facing the hoop. If he does, it will extend his career (less wear and tear inside) and make him awful difficult to defend. And yes, I know he doesn't play above the rim. But that's why he's so skilled below it. He's had to work at it.
The Indians are over .500 at the moment. Enjoy it fans – they won’t likely stay there. The starting pitching is mediocre at best and ditto for the offense and defense. Sorry. It is what it is. Now, if Sizemore comes all the way back, Travis Hafner dips his shoulder in steroids goo and Fausto Carmona goes off all year, they could contend, but I don’t see them going 3–for-3. A 75-87 record looks about right.
How does Cam Newton go from not being able complete passes playing simple catch with receivers in shorts and a t-shirt on a pro day to being considered the #1 pick in the draft? Someone explain that to me. While you are at it, explain how these same experts who think he should go #1 add that he’s "not polished, possesses poor mechanics, is somewhat immature, isn't ready for a pro-system, and is a project (aka: needs time on the bench)"? If you go #1, shouldn’t you be ready to play? If he’s the best player in this draft, I’m a founding member of mensa (“a top 2% intellectual” for those of you verbally challenged). The NFL first round is the easiest evaluation process to get right. You heard me. You have several years of tape on most of these guys, you have access to all their coaches, and opposing coaches, these kids aren't 18 and wet behind the ears but are in the early 20s already, and you get to pick them apart in person in Indianapolis and in individual personal workouts. Come on. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck.
Speaking of Newton, Auburn is putting up a monument/statue of him in front of their stadium, along with the school’s two previous Heisman Trophy winners. I’m not sure that’s a good idea, especially if/when the NCAA tells Auburn it has to give its national championship and Heisman (aka: Reggie Bush) back because of high jinks with Newton and/or his old man. I’d lay the odds at 50-50 right now of that happening. Of course, the statue will probably stay since the NCAA can’t make you take that down. Oh well, I guess one out of three isn’t bad. Those numbers get you into the baseball HOF.
My new whipping boy is Blake Griffith of the Clippers. Yes, I know he went 22/11 in his rookie year and he’s an exciting, hard-nosed player who will get better, but this dude has had more air time on ESPN than MJ received when he was winning titles every year. The guy can really dunk – we get it!
D. Ware of the Cowboys gave back his $60,000 check from the NFL Players’ Union given out to all NFL player so they feed their families and pay the light bill during the strike. The story isn’t that Ware did a nice thing by basically saying “I don’t need it, give it to someone who does.” The story here is that athletes who average $1.7 million a year in earnings need “get by” money during a work stoppage. Amazing. Geez, I wonder how long the average American can get by on $60,000? Obviously, pro athletes are a different breed or as that wise man Patrick Ewing once said – “Yes, we NBA players make a lot of money, but we also spend a lot of money too!” A mere $60,000 will probably last a month once you make the Mercedes and BMW payments, pay the mortgage on both houses, give cousin Sperm and aunt Pap Smear their allowances, buy the wife her anniversary present and take that two-week vacation to Bermuda.
I’m starting to wonder about our president. Even though I don’t agree with him on many issues, I have been a fan of his personality from day one – thinking he’s an okay guy. However, I’m having doubts. This past week he invited Paul Ryan – the dude I tagged as a great future presidential candidate two years ago – to his speech on attacking the debt problem. Ryan went and then had to sit there in the front row while Obama ripped his (Ryan’s) debt reduction plan to shreds, including a line or two about how “autistic children” would suffer dearly under Ryan’s Republican plan. Nice. I’m sure that made Ryan and the Republicans eager to start negotiations on finding middle ground with the President on tackling our huge national debt. Yes, Obama’s speech writers wrote the lines, but that doesn’t mean the President has to read them. Why not take the high road when you invite folks to dinner instead of slapping them in the face once they walk through the door? What did he gain by that approach other than hugs and kisses from his base. It seemed like a real bad play to me, and worse, it seemed cruel and unusual punishment at that. Like I said, I’m starting to think BO isn’t just a narcissist – something I can excuse him of being since he’s an historical figure – but he’s starting to look like an SOB as well. That play just wasn’t necessary and inappropriate in that setting my man. You’re better than that – or I thought you were.
The NBA playoffs begin promptly. I'll keep it simple - even with all their injuries and turmoil, I still like the Lakers and Celtics to meet in the Finals with LA coming out on top. Why? The Lakers have been there done that and they have a finisher when needed (KB). As for Boston, I'll take experience in a seven-game series every time over younger legs. I just think it's awful difficult beating quality veteran squads 4x in two weeks. And I didn't pick SA because I don't see Duncan having enough gas left in the tank to go 20/10 in a series against LA. Yes, I know LA can't stop quick point guards and Boston doesn't have real depth in the post any more (Perkins trade).
And in case I don't post before the upcoming NFL draft, I'll recap what I would do if I ran the Browns' ship, even though I will sound like a broken record. First, take the guy you have highest on your board in the first round. Period. If everyone on the planet thinks the LSU corner (PP) is the next Champ Bailey, why hesitate? If he's gone, go to the next guy on your list. Second, fill one of the two open receiver spots on the team and pass rush needs through free agency (when it gets here) and through being aggressive via trades. Remember, NFL teams treat draft picks like they are gold. The right team will give a you a quality NFL wideout or perhaps even a pass rusher for a 2nd round pick and a bag of footballs. I don't get it, but history tells us this is the norm. Would you rather have to depend on another rookie receiver to get you 75 grabs or someone who has already done it at this level? And if you read me, you know not to go to the "Yhey might have guys on their roster who might do that." We covered that years ago when everyone else, including the Browns, were walking around on all fours with that line.
By the way, I will be out of the country soon visiting relatives I have not seen since early in Reagan's first term. So if you need to reach me, get a hold of me before May 11. I will be unavailable until June 2. I will check my e-mail sporadically during that stretch. However, phone lines will be much harder to secure. Actually, I'll be in Pakistan following a couple leads on OBL's whereabouts.
Be good!
I have never seen a college game where the teams locked down defensively as well as Connecticut and Butler did for 40 minutes a few weeks ago. No, it wasn’t an “ugly game” like many would have you believe. That was very good defense played by Butler and phenomenal defense played by the Huskies. Connecticut was more athletic and longer overall and that was the difference when the smoke cleared.
Some players get traded because they have a poor work ethics, some because they can’t knock down a jumper while others are banished elsewhere because they don’t guard anyone. In Phoenix, Jason Richardson was traded because he allegedly fathered a child with Hall of Famer Steve Nash’s wife. Ouch! By the way, that sort of drama happens more often than you think in pro sports.
Based on what I saw during the NCAA Tournament, there isn’t a lot of difference between the first pick in the upcoming NBA draft and the 10th. Therefore, the teams with the best player personnel departments will earn their keep this June.
Kudos to Byron Scott for getting the Cavaliers to play hard down the stretch. That’s not easy to do when you have the league’s worst record for all but one week of the season. By the way, the OSU kid (JS) is crazy if he doesn't come out early. He's a top-3 pick in my book based on what I saw. He is extremely polished with his back to the basket for a 19-year old, is fundamentally sound and has an NBA body. The only question with him is if he will eventually be just an 18/10 guy or 21+/11+ player. That answer will depend to a great degree on if/when he develops an elbow jumper facing the hoop. If he does, it will extend his career (less wear and tear inside) and make him awful difficult to defend. And yes, I know he doesn't play above the rim. But that's why he's so skilled below it. He's had to work at it.
The Indians are over .500 at the moment. Enjoy it fans – they won’t likely stay there. The starting pitching is mediocre at best and ditto for the offense and defense. Sorry. It is what it is. Now, if Sizemore comes all the way back, Travis Hafner dips his shoulder in steroids goo and Fausto Carmona goes off all year, they could contend, but I don’t see them going 3–for-3. A 75-87 record looks about right.
How does Cam Newton go from not being able complete passes playing simple catch with receivers in shorts and a t-shirt on a pro day to being considered the #1 pick in the draft? Someone explain that to me. While you are at it, explain how these same experts who think he should go #1 add that he’s "not polished, possesses poor mechanics, is somewhat immature, isn't ready for a pro-system, and is a project (aka: needs time on the bench)"? If you go #1, shouldn’t you be ready to play? If he’s the best player in this draft, I’m a founding member of mensa (“a top 2% intellectual” for those of you verbally challenged). The NFL first round is the easiest evaluation process to get right. You heard me. You have several years of tape on most of these guys, you have access to all their coaches, and opposing coaches, these kids aren't 18 and wet behind the ears but are in the early 20s already, and you get to pick them apart in person in Indianapolis and in individual personal workouts. Come on. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck.
Speaking of Newton, Auburn is putting up a monument/statue of him in front of their stadium, along with the school’s two previous Heisman Trophy winners. I’m not sure that’s a good idea, especially if/when the NCAA tells Auburn it has to give its national championship and Heisman (aka: Reggie Bush) back because of high jinks with Newton and/or his old man. I’d lay the odds at 50-50 right now of that happening. Of course, the statue will probably stay since the NCAA can’t make you take that down. Oh well, I guess one out of three isn’t bad. Those numbers get you into the baseball HOF.
My new whipping boy is Blake Griffith of the Clippers. Yes, I know he went 22/11 in his rookie year and he’s an exciting, hard-nosed player who will get better, but this dude has had more air time on ESPN than MJ received when he was winning titles every year. The guy can really dunk – we get it!
D. Ware of the Cowboys gave back his $60,000 check from the NFL Players’ Union given out to all NFL player so they feed their families and pay the light bill during the strike. The story isn’t that Ware did a nice thing by basically saying “I don’t need it, give it to someone who does.” The story here is that athletes who average $1.7 million a year in earnings need “get by” money during a work stoppage. Amazing. Geez, I wonder how long the average American can get by on $60,000? Obviously, pro athletes are a different breed or as that wise man Patrick Ewing once said – “Yes, we NBA players make a lot of money, but we also spend a lot of money too!” A mere $60,000 will probably last a month once you make the Mercedes and BMW payments, pay the mortgage on both houses, give cousin Sperm and aunt Pap Smear their allowances, buy the wife her anniversary present and take that two-week vacation to Bermuda.
I’m starting to wonder about our president. Even though I don’t agree with him on many issues, I have been a fan of his personality from day one – thinking he’s an okay guy. However, I’m having doubts. This past week he invited Paul Ryan – the dude I tagged as a great future presidential candidate two years ago – to his speech on attacking the debt problem. Ryan went and then had to sit there in the front row while Obama ripped his (Ryan’s) debt reduction plan to shreds, including a line or two about how “autistic children” would suffer dearly under Ryan’s Republican plan. Nice. I’m sure that made Ryan and the Republicans eager to start negotiations on finding middle ground with the President on tackling our huge national debt. Yes, Obama’s speech writers wrote the lines, but that doesn’t mean the President has to read them. Why not take the high road when you invite folks to dinner instead of slapping them in the face once they walk through the door? What did he gain by that approach other than hugs and kisses from his base. It seemed like a real bad play to me, and worse, it seemed cruel and unusual punishment at that. Like I said, I’m starting to think BO isn’t just a narcissist – something I can excuse him of being since he’s an historical figure – but he’s starting to look like an SOB as well. That play just wasn’t necessary and inappropriate in that setting my man. You’re better than that – or I thought you were.
The NBA playoffs begin promptly. I'll keep it simple - even with all their injuries and turmoil, I still like the Lakers and Celtics to meet in the Finals with LA coming out on top. Why? The Lakers have been there done that and they have a finisher when needed (KB). As for Boston, I'll take experience in a seven-game series every time over younger legs. I just think it's awful difficult beating quality veteran squads 4x in two weeks. And I didn't pick SA because I don't see Duncan having enough gas left in the tank to go 20/10 in a series against LA. Yes, I know LA can't stop quick point guards and Boston doesn't have real depth in the post any more (Perkins trade).
And in case I don't post before the upcoming NFL draft, I'll recap what I would do if I ran the Browns' ship, even though I will sound like a broken record. First, take the guy you have highest on your board in the first round. Period. If everyone on the planet thinks the LSU corner (PP) is the next Champ Bailey, why hesitate? If he's gone, go to the next guy on your list. Second, fill one of the two open receiver spots on the team and pass rush needs through free agency (when it gets here) and through being aggressive via trades. Remember, NFL teams treat draft picks like they are gold. The right team will give a you a quality NFL wideout or perhaps even a pass rusher for a 2nd round pick and a bag of footballs. I don't get it, but history tells us this is the norm. Would you rather have to depend on another rookie receiver to get you 75 grabs or someone who has already done it at this level? And if you read me, you know not to go to the "Yhey might have guys on their roster who might do that." We covered that years ago when everyone else, including the Browns, were walking around on all fours with that line.
By the way, I will be out of the country soon visiting relatives I have not seen since early in Reagan's first term. So if you need to reach me, get a hold of me before May 11. I will be unavailable until June 2. I will check my e-mail sporadically during that stretch. However, phone lines will be much harder to secure. Actually, I'll be in Pakistan following a couple leads on OBL's whereabouts.
Be good!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
10 Items
The United States military should not be in Libya. This is an Arab nation embroiled in a Civil War. Neighboring Arab nations should be involved instead if they so desire to help the helpless. The only reason we are present is due to Libya’s oil production –which only accounts for 2% of the world’s production. Our nation simply does not a strong strategic or national interest in Libya outside of its meager oil production. And if there were no oil there, we wouldn’t even be considering action. We did not engage in Rwanda or the Sudan, just to name a pair of places recently where genocide on a much greater scale took place. We can’t be the world’s policeman and then pick and choose which burglaries we investigate and which we don’t. And finally, this country has a $14 trillion debt and simply cannot afford to spend $100 million a day in someone else’s Civil War. Each of the tomahawk missiles we are launching off nearby ships coast $1.2 million apiece. You do the math – we’re at 124 and counting.
Jim Tressel recently self-imposed a 5 game suspension on himself. How nice of him. Look for the NCAA to hammer OSU and Tressel by giving him a full year suspension, to go along with multiple other sanctions, including loss of scholarships and no post-season appearances for 2 years. That’s what I would do if I were the NCAA and the allegations are found to be true. I just hope it doesn’t take the NCAA five years to make a decision.
And yes, if Bruce Pearl had his team in the top-10 and still alive in the NCAA tournament, he probably would still have his job at Tennessee. From what I can tell, Brigham Young is the only major college that maintains its credibility when it comes to mixing big time college sports and academics. But sex? Come on.
Chris Bosh, of the Miami Heat, recently complained he wasn’t getting enough touches. Nice. What did he expect choosing to play on a team with two superstars that dominate the ball? The guy is not only clueless but is arguable the softest player in the NBA today. Moron
Charlie Bach, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, may file for bankruptcy. What? The guy has been in the NFL forever, he got an
$11 million deal from the Lions way back when and he’s broke? This is one guy I wouldn’t trust my team to. If he’s that stupid where he’s made millions and still might have to pawn his championship rings to pay the bills, he can’t be trusted to run a team.
Along similar lines, A. Peterson of the Vikings recently compared being an NFL player to slavery. Wonderful. Tell you what – you give me his salary for the upcoming season ($10.7 million) and I will volunteer to ride in the interior of a slave ship taking off from Tripoli destined for the Outer banks.
I have never seen two bonehead plays in the closing seconds of a basketball game comparable to the Pitt/Butler game last week. The closest I can think of is when former Dallas Mavs’ guard Derek Harper dribbled out the game clock some 20 years ago, coming off a timeouts with seconds remaining, with the score tied.
Speaking of college basketball, I watched some of the tournament this past week and the NCAA needs to add an NBA style circle under the bucket so players aren’t allowed to take charges under the goal. When you penetrate to that point, you shouldn’t be penalized by having to avoid another defender who just sits under the basket waiting on you.
By the way, we were asked before the tournament who would win it. I told a friend I had not seen much college basketball this year, but the little I saw told me Ohio State has at least four players who will get looks at the next level. Therefore, I told him, take the Buckeyes – they have the most pros of the few teams I watched. I see no reason to change my mind after the first couple rounds. If the Cavaliers end up with Sullinger with their first pick and Lighty with their high second round choice, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Yes, I know they also own the Clippers’ #1. I just don’t have a pick there yet.
The moron who tried to tell me the Knicks are closing in on Boston and company in the East with the Anthony acquisition can apologize now. One final time – you have to defend to win big!!! Their coach doesn’t emphasize defense, and Amare and Carmelo don’t play it. What did you expect? Again – Carmelo Anthony is the most overrated player perhaps in the history of the game. His teams made the playoffs 7x while in Denver with a decent supporting cast. They made it out of the first round once. He doesn’t guard people, he hogs the ball, he doesn’t make teammates better and he sulks on occasion. As for Amare, he’s not far behind CA in terms of being overrated. He’s a scoring machine also – that’s it. I wouldn’t want either guy. By the way, where are those media geniuses who back in December were pushing Amare for MVP?
Reading my semi-weekly thoughts, when I get around to putting them in print, should be mandatory for those who do this for a living. Next, I'll be told Reggie Bush isn't a superstar.
Jim Tressel recently self-imposed a 5 game suspension on himself. How nice of him. Look for the NCAA to hammer OSU and Tressel by giving him a full year suspension, to go along with multiple other sanctions, including loss of scholarships and no post-season appearances for 2 years. That’s what I would do if I were the NCAA and the allegations are found to be true. I just hope it doesn’t take the NCAA five years to make a decision.
And yes, if Bruce Pearl had his team in the top-10 and still alive in the NCAA tournament, he probably would still have his job at Tennessee. From what I can tell, Brigham Young is the only major college that maintains its credibility when it comes to mixing big time college sports and academics. But sex? Come on.
Chris Bosh, of the Miami Heat, recently complained he wasn’t getting enough touches. Nice. What did he expect choosing to play on a team with two superstars that dominate the ball? The guy is not only clueless but is arguable the softest player in the NBA today. Moron
Charlie Bach, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, may file for bankruptcy. What? The guy has been in the NFL forever, he got an
$11 million deal from the Lions way back when and he’s broke? This is one guy I wouldn’t trust my team to. If he’s that stupid where he’s made millions and still might have to pawn his championship rings to pay the bills, he can’t be trusted to run a team.
Along similar lines, A. Peterson of the Vikings recently compared being an NFL player to slavery. Wonderful. Tell you what – you give me his salary for the upcoming season ($10.7 million) and I will volunteer to ride in the interior of a slave ship taking off from Tripoli destined for the Outer banks.
I have never seen two bonehead plays in the closing seconds of a basketball game comparable to the Pitt/Butler game last week. The closest I can think of is when former Dallas Mavs’ guard Derek Harper dribbled out the game clock some 20 years ago, coming off a timeouts with seconds remaining, with the score tied.
Speaking of college basketball, I watched some of the tournament this past week and the NCAA needs to add an NBA style circle under the bucket so players aren’t allowed to take charges under the goal. When you penetrate to that point, you shouldn’t be penalized by having to avoid another defender who just sits under the basket waiting on you.
By the way, we were asked before the tournament who would win it. I told a friend I had not seen much college basketball this year, but the little I saw told me Ohio State has at least four players who will get looks at the next level. Therefore, I told him, take the Buckeyes – they have the most pros of the few teams I watched. I see no reason to change my mind after the first couple rounds. If the Cavaliers end up with Sullinger with their first pick and Lighty with their high second round choice, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Yes, I know they also own the Clippers’ #1. I just don’t have a pick there yet.
The moron who tried to tell me the Knicks are closing in on Boston and company in the East with the Anthony acquisition can apologize now. One final time – you have to defend to win big!!! Their coach doesn’t emphasize defense, and Amare and Carmelo don’t play it. What did you expect? Again – Carmelo Anthony is the most overrated player perhaps in the history of the game. His teams made the playoffs 7x while in Denver with a decent supporting cast. They made it out of the first round once. He doesn’t guard people, he hogs the ball, he doesn’t make teammates better and he sulks on occasion. As for Amare, he’s not far behind CA in terms of being overrated. He’s a scoring machine also – that’s it. I wouldn’t want either guy. By the way, where are those media geniuses who back in December were pushing Amare for MVP?
Reading my semi-weekly thoughts, when I get around to putting them in print, should be mandatory for those who do this for a living. Next, I'll be told Reggie Bush isn't a superstar.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
10 Items
Carson Palmer, another “franchise quarterback” who never was, wants out of Cincinnati. The guy allegedly made it be known he’d quit before playing again for the Bengals. Nice. Meanwhile, the front office, with a straight face, responded by saying he will not be dealt. Right. The guy is on the back 9 of his career, the teams he’s led have underachieved for the most part, he said he's done if you don't deal him and you want him back? Yea. Right. Who are you kidding? Get what you can and move on. The guy is doing you a favor.
In the middle of a serious economic downturn in the country, the NFL and the Players Union can’t figure out how to split up $9 billion. You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried. Here’s a solution – split it 50-50. The owners get their 18-game season and the players get lifetime medical care. Finally, veteran players get more guaranteed money left over after the Cam Newton’s of this world, who complete 11 of 21 passes throwing to an uncovered receiver in shorts in Indianapolis, don’t get $50 million+ right out of the gate because some team was stupid enough to take him in the top-5. Problem solved.
Speaking of Cam Newton – never invest a ton of money in a player, in any sport, who uses the word "ICON” when describing himself. Even the best modern day baseball player I have seen (Rickey Henderson) never went to the "icon" card. Yes, I know - he was the first to go "third person." I would argue you can do that after stealing 100 bases in a season. It's part of what made Ricky, Rickey.
The Cavaliers have hope. There, I said it. No, that’s not based on their win in New York against the Chauncey-less Knicks. They have a young point guard who has some skills (R. Sessions), a young post player who looks like he could be a consistent double-double guy down the road – no, not J.J. “I have atrocious hands” Hickson, but S. Samuels. They have also added a veteran guard in Baron Davis, who is still a top-10 point guard when motivated and asked to play 28-30 minutes a night instead of 38-40. Throw in an immediate impact player with their top pick in the draft, and at minimum, a top-8 rotation guy with the top-10 pick they got from the Clippers, and you have the makings of a semi-competitive team heading in the right direction next season. One piece of advice – I would dangle J.J. Hickson in the off-season and see what the market value is for him. If you go big in the draft and Andy V. returns from injury, Hickson could be dealt in a move to add a much-needed long, wing player who can score the ball.
The Browns resigned my boy Seneca Wallace. Go ahead and snicker, but the guy will be a good fall-back if Joe Thomas gets Colt McCoy killed on the way to his annual Hawaii vacation.
I have been asked who the Browns should draft. Since I haven’t seen most of these guys play enough, I can’t say for sure. I do know they desperately need a #1 and a #2 receiver, a true pass rusher, and a third down running back. Having said that, if there is a “Champ Bailey” on the board when they select at 6, I would take him if the #1 receiver is already gone. That would be copying the late 80s Browns when the Minnifield/Dixon combo roamed the secondary during the Kosar years. Having Joe Haden and friend gives your defense an identity for the next 10 years. Secondly, if Ironhead’s kid out of Ohio State drops to late in the first round due to his off-season surgery, I move up and grab him. I have seen him play enough to know he’ll be a good pro – whether you play him inside at tackle or outside at end.
Carmelo went to the Knicks and now I have to hear from the national media centered on the East Coast how New York is emerging as a potential contender. Wrong. One more time – you have to defend to win. The system in place in New York didn’t win anything in Phoenix and it won’t win in the Big Apple either. And by the way, the New York Knicks are the most overrated franchise in U.S. sports. I believe this “storied” franchise has won 2 championships. That’s 2, not 12, not 22. And please stop with how Madison Square Garden is the “mecca” for pro basketball. If New York is the “mecca,” what does that make San Antonio, Chicago, the Lakers or Boston?
Governor Scott Walker and John Kasich of Ohio are battling federal unions over compensation packages. To make a long story short, the public sector unions for years have been negotiating their benefits with folks they have helped get into office (mostly democrats). That leads to ridiculous pension plans for public employees when there is no adversarial relationship between the two sides in negotiations. They are beholding to each other. The states are broke, partly because of these more than generous pension plans. This is a key moment in this national debate on debt. If Walker and Kasich win, state governments will begin to right themselves financially and this wave will likely sweep across the nation. If the governors lose this battle, these public unions will get stronger instead of weaker and balancing state and federal budgets will be a pipe dream. One other note, in years past, state public workers were provided with generous pensions because they made a lot less than private sector employees – thus justifying those inflated pension plans. However, recent studies have shown public employees now make comparable salaries to private sector employees, making these pension plans problematic for the rest of us – the people that flip the bill. By the way, I am public employee now and expect to take a hit in terms of future pension benefits. I am okay with it. Everyone needs to have skin in the game. Everyone.
The answer is NO if you are asking me if the U.S. should get involved heavily in Libya’s emerging Civil War. We have enough problems at home to deal with. No, I am not an isolationist, but we can’t be the “world’s policeman” any more. Besides, real U.S. involvement would be spun as American intervention in another Muslim nation. You want to fly in some food and aid – fine. But beyond that, leave it up to Europe to handle this one. No, we shouldn’t be the lead dog in a no-fly zone. It’s not our business. I know that sounds cruel, but the only reason we are even considering action is because of Libya’s oil. Libya produces only 3% of the world’s oil, with Europe getting most of that oil. Like I said, it is time others with more at stake take the lead.
With the increase in oil prices, you will hear more political hot air in the coming weeks and months about drilling here and drilling now, building more nuclear power plants, more coal production, etc. The problem is simple – once the prices go back down, the public’s interest will wane once again. Unless the prices stay around $4 a gallon or more, there will not be the public pressure to force the political will for the federal government to move on this issue – especially with democrats in office. And stop with the “we need “alternative fuel sources.” Until someone comes up with an electric car that doesn’t cost $40 grand and doesn’t need to be re-charged every time you fetch groceries, no one is buying the crap. Check that - college professors, wealthy housewives with too much time on their hands and environmental nuts who think animals first and people second will fork out the cash and deal with the inconvenience. For the rest of us, thank goodness it’s still a free market and you can still purchase a Yukon or Denali if you have the cash. By the way, I drive a Honda Civic. I can’t afford the car I truly want – a black Audi or BMW with leather interior. As for energy, for years, I have been for all of the above regardless of what gas costs me. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of us to move Washington to act unless a sustained crisis takes hold.
Till next time. Be good.
In the middle of a serious economic downturn in the country, the NFL and the Players Union can’t figure out how to split up $9 billion. You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried. Here’s a solution – split it 50-50. The owners get their 18-game season and the players get lifetime medical care. Finally, veteran players get more guaranteed money left over after the Cam Newton’s of this world, who complete 11 of 21 passes throwing to an uncovered receiver in shorts in Indianapolis, don’t get $50 million+ right out of the gate because some team was stupid enough to take him in the top-5. Problem solved.
Speaking of Cam Newton – never invest a ton of money in a player, in any sport, who uses the word "ICON” when describing himself. Even the best modern day baseball player I have seen (Rickey Henderson) never went to the "icon" card. Yes, I know - he was the first to go "third person." I would argue you can do that after stealing 100 bases in a season. It's part of what made Ricky, Rickey.
The Cavaliers have hope. There, I said it. No, that’s not based on their win in New York against the Chauncey-less Knicks. They have a young point guard who has some skills (R. Sessions), a young post player who looks like he could be a consistent double-double guy down the road – no, not J.J. “I have atrocious hands” Hickson, but S. Samuels. They have also added a veteran guard in Baron Davis, who is still a top-10 point guard when motivated and asked to play 28-30 minutes a night instead of 38-40. Throw in an immediate impact player with their top pick in the draft, and at minimum, a top-8 rotation guy with the top-10 pick they got from the Clippers, and you have the makings of a semi-competitive team heading in the right direction next season. One piece of advice – I would dangle J.J. Hickson in the off-season and see what the market value is for him. If you go big in the draft and Andy V. returns from injury, Hickson could be dealt in a move to add a much-needed long, wing player who can score the ball.
The Browns resigned my boy Seneca Wallace. Go ahead and snicker, but the guy will be a good fall-back if Joe Thomas gets Colt McCoy killed on the way to his annual Hawaii vacation.
I have been asked who the Browns should draft. Since I haven’t seen most of these guys play enough, I can’t say for sure. I do know they desperately need a #1 and a #2 receiver, a true pass rusher, and a third down running back. Having said that, if there is a “Champ Bailey” on the board when they select at 6, I would take him if the #1 receiver is already gone. That would be copying the late 80s Browns when the Minnifield/Dixon combo roamed the secondary during the Kosar years. Having Joe Haden and friend gives your defense an identity for the next 10 years. Secondly, if Ironhead’s kid out of Ohio State drops to late in the first round due to his off-season surgery, I move up and grab him. I have seen him play enough to know he’ll be a good pro – whether you play him inside at tackle or outside at end.
Carmelo went to the Knicks and now I have to hear from the national media centered on the East Coast how New York is emerging as a potential contender. Wrong. One more time – you have to defend to win. The system in place in New York didn’t win anything in Phoenix and it won’t win in the Big Apple either. And by the way, the New York Knicks are the most overrated franchise in U.S. sports. I believe this “storied” franchise has won 2 championships. That’s 2, not 12, not 22. And please stop with how Madison Square Garden is the “mecca” for pro basketball. If New York is the “mecca,” what does that make San Antonio, Chicago, the Lakers or Boston?
Governor Scott Walker and John Kasich of Ohio are battling federal unions over compensation packages. To make a long story short, the public sector unions for years have been negotiating their benefits with folks they have helped get into office (mostly democrats). That leads to ridiculous pension plans for public employees when there is no adversarial relationship between the two sides in negotiations. They are beholding to each other. The states are broke, partly because of these more than generous pension plans. This is a key moment in this national debate on debt. If Walker and Kasich win, state governments will begin to right themselves financially and this wave will likely sweep across the nation. If the governors lose this battle, these public unions will get stronger instead of weaker and balancing state and federal budgets will be a pipe dream. One other note, in years past, state public workers were provided with generous pensions because they made a lot less than private sector employees – thus justifying those inflated pension plans. However, recent studies have shown public employees now make comparable salaries to private sector employees, making these pension plans problematic for the rest of us – the people that flip the bill. By the way, I am public employee now and expect to take a hit in terms of future pension benefits. I am okay with it. Everyone needs to have skin in the game. Everyone.
The answer is NO if you are asking me if the U.S. should get involved heavily in Libya’s emerging Civil War. We have enough problems at home to deal with. No, I am not an isolationist, but we can’t be the “world’s policeman” any more. Besides, real U.S. involvement would be spun as American intervention in another Muslim nation. You want to fly in some food and aid – fine. But beyond that, leave it up to Europe to handle this one. No, we shouldn’t be the lead dog in a no-fly zone. It’s not our business. I know that sounds cruel, but the only reason we are even considering action is because of Libya’s oil. Libya produces only 3% of the world’s oil, with Europe getting most of that oil. Like I said, it is time others with more at stake take the lead.
With the increase in oil prices, you will hear more political hot air in the coming weeks and months about drilling here and drilling now, building more nuclear power plants, more coal production, etc. The problem is simple – once the prices go back down, the public’s interest will wane once again. Unless the prices stay around $4 a gallon or more, there will not be the public pressure to force the political will for the federal government to move on this issue – especially with democrats in office. And stop with the “we need “alternative fuel sources.” Until someone comes up with an electric car that doesn’t cost $40 grand and doesn’t need to be re-charged every time you fetch groceries, no one is buying the crap. Check that - college professors, wealthy housewives with too much time on their hands and environmental nuts who think animals first and people second will fork out the cash and deal with the inconvenience. For the rest of us, thank goodness it’s still a free market and you can still purchase a Yukon or Denali if you have the cash. By the way, I drive a Honda Civic. I can’t afford the car I truly want – a black Audi or BMW with leather interior. As for energy, for years, I have been for all of the above regardless of what gas costs me. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of us to move Washington to act unless a sustained crisis takes hold.
Till next time. Be good.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
10 Items
Yea, I took a week off - just like the Packers and Steelers.
Joe Thomas is outright stealing money. Not only did he get named to the Pro Bowl after having getting all three Browns’ QBs hurt, as we noted a few weeks ago, but he picked up another cool $1.5 million doing it. What genius front office wizard agreed to that little incentive in his contract and is he still employed by the Browns?
We like the Steelers 27-20 over the Packers – too physical and too much experience. How the Packers are favored over a team that’s been there done that, comes from a better conference, had a better record (12 wins to 10) and is a number #2 seed overall compared to a #6, is beyond me. The Steelers should be laying 3 1/3 in my book.
Speaking of the Super Bowl, we totally missed on Clay Mathews’ kid coming out of USC. We got it wrong. My apologies. Like I said several weeks ago – you never make the same mistake twice. His kid at Oregon will be an overachiever at the next level.
The Browns hired Dick Jauron (this is a correction - last week I wrote Dick Labeau) as their D-coordinator. Whoopie fizz! Until they get a couple pass rushers and a linebacker or two who play downhill, it won’t matter. You can dress up a pig, but it’s still a f%$#@ing pig. For example, both D-coordinators in the Super are considered outstanding at what they do, but it helps their resumes immensely having MVP-type players on the roster playing for them (i.e. Mathews/Harrison).
I hear the Lakers are old and done because they have a lousy record against very good teams. So what? It’s only the beginning of February. They will likely be left standing at the end. That’s who I would put my money on still. And you can probably get some decent odds taking LA right now in Vegas.
Why do they even play the NFL Pro Bowl? I have never watched more than 5 minutes of that game in my life. Moving it prior to the Super Bowl was a good idea – and we suggested it years ago – but now I want it abolished. It’s still unwatchable. You want to know when you have a gambling problem? You have a problem when you put $ on the Pro Bowl or which Super Bowl team wins the coin flip.
Some local talk show wizard stirred up conversation last week asking fans if the Browns should take Cam Newton because Cleveland has passed on Flacco, Big Ben, etc…, and now they have to face these “top tier” QBs in their division twice a year. First of all, they also passed on a ton of QB busts. And secondly, Flacco is better than average, Ben is going to the HOF, but no one is his right mind would say he carries teams like Manning and Brady do, and Carson Palmer is just about done. So stop the madness – no Cam Newton, please. This team has a dozen holes to fill. The Texas rancher proved he can play some. Now let’s find out how good he can be, starting with getting him a couple professional receivers and a pass rusher or two who can get him a few more possessions each week. By the way, I hear from the local media the Browns need a pass rush and some receivers. Really? Welcome on board fellas. It took you nearly 40 years on the pass rush. But look at the bright side – it only took two full seasons to figure out they were lacking at WR. Like I said several times, Mangini should have been canned based on his drafting second round busts alone.
The Indians’ equipment truck went west this past week without any fanfare. That organization went from the model of the mid-market MLB teams 10 years ago to an afterthought during the Mark Shapiro era. Meanwhile, their PR head was on the radio the other day spinning how they have been mostly competitive the past 10 years if it wasn’t for injuries and the loss of two Cy Young Award winners. Really? The last time I checked, had you allocated your funds properly you could have signed at least one of those two (CC). We gave you the blueprint a year in advance – use the money you were going to allocate for Hafner and add it in to what you offer CC. You can always get a decent DH, but you can’t find 20 game winners hanging on trees. As for the injuries – come on. The Packers lost ¼ of their roster early on this season and they are in the Super Bowl this week. Perhaps if you hadn’t blown so many draft picks over the past 10 years, you would have had some depth in the organization to withstand injuries better. Of course, the host never questioned DiBiasio. He didn’t know any better.
I almost feel sorry for Byron Scott. And I never feel sorry for a professional coach making several million dollars a year. But this guy went from thinking he was going to coach LBJ to coaching a CBA team. How that team never had a plan B in place is still beyond me. We begged and demanded they have one in place back in May of last year.
As for the Egyptian crisis, our friends/allies around the world must be thinking “Wow, this is how the U.S. treats a strong ally after 30 years?” Hosni Mubarek, the leader of Egypt, has been arguabl the United States’ strongest ally in the Middle East, this side of Israel. The guy is no wallflower. He’s an autocrat. We know. But he’s our autocrat. Now, the current administration wants him to high-tail it out the door yesterday, leaving a potential power vacuum behind. Nice. I’m not saying we should be telling this guy he should stay in power indefinitely, but the messages we are currently sending are the wrong ones and show off how naïve this administration is when it comes to foreign affairs. Then again, this is the same President who has said on numerous occasions he envisions a world without nuclear weapons. Right – and I believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny.
Joe Thomas is outright stealing money. Not only did he get named to the Pro Bowl after having getting all three Browns’ QBs hurt, as we noted a few weeks ago, but he picked up another cool $1.5 million doing it. What genius front office wizard agreed to that little incentive in his contract and is he still employed by the Browns?
We like the Steelers 27-20 over the Packers – too physical and too much experience. How the Packers are favored over a team that’s been there done that, comes from a better conference, had a better record (12 wins to 10) and is a number #2 seed overall compared to a #6, is beyond me. The Steelers should be laying 3 1/3 in my book.
Speaking of the Super Bowl, we totally missed on Clay Mathews’ kid coming out of USC. We got it wrong. My apologies. Like I said several weeks ago – you never make the same mistake twice. His kid at Oregon will be an overachiever at the next level.
The Browns hired Dick Jauron (this is a correction - last week I wrote Dick Labeau) as their D-coordinator. Whoopie fizz! Until they get a couple pass rushers and a linebacker or two who play downhill, it won’t matter. You can dress up a pig, but it’s still a f%$#@ing pig. For example, both D-coordinators in the Super are considered outstanding at what they do, but it helps their resumes immensely having MVP-type players on the roster playing for them (i.e. Mathews/Harrison).
I hear the Lakers are old and done because they have a lousy record against very good teams. So what? It’s only the beginning of February. They will likely be left standing at the end. That’s who I would put my money on still. And you can probably get some decent odds taking LA right now in Vegas.
Why do they even play the NFL Pro Bowl? I have never watched more than 5 minutes of that game in my life. Moving it prior to the Super Bowl was a good idea – and we suggested it years ago – but now I want it abolished. It’s still unwatchable. You want to know when you have a gambling problem? You have a problem when you put $ on the Pro Bowl or which Super Bowl team wins the coin flip.
Some local talk show wizard stirred up conversation last week asking fans if the Browns should take Cam Newton because Cleveland has passed on Flacco, Big Ben, etc…, and now they have to face these “top tier” QBs in their division twice a year. First of all, they also passed on a ton of QB busts. And secondly, Flacco is better than average, Ben is going to the HOF, but no one is his right mind would say he carries teams like Manning and Brady do, and Carson Palmer is just about done. So stop the madness – no Cam Newton, please. This team has a dozen holes to fill. The Texas rancher proved he can play some. Now let’s find out how good he can be, starting with getting him a couple professional receivers and a pass rusher or two who can get him a few more possessions each week. By the way, I hear from the local media the Browns need a pass rush and some receivers. Really? Welcome on board fellas. It took you nearly 40 years on the pass rush. But look at the bright side – it only took two full seasons to figure out they were lacking at WR. Like I said several times, Mangini should have been canned based on his drafting second round busts alone.
The Indians’ equipment truck went west this past week without any fanfare. That organization went from the model of the mid-market MLB teams 10 years ago to an afterthought during the Mark Shapiro era. Meanwhile, their PR head was on the radio the other day spinning how they have been mostly competitive the past 10 years if it wasn’t for injuries and the loss of two Cy Young Award winners. Really? The last time I checked, had you allocated your funds properly you could have signed at least one of those two (CC). We gave you the blueprint a year in advance – use the money you were going to allocate for Hafner and add it in to what you offer CC. You can always get a decent DH, but you can’t find 20 game winners hanging on trees. As for the injuries – come on. The Packers lost ¼ of their roster early on this season and they are in the Super Bowl this week. Perhaps if you hadn’t blown so many draft picks over the past 10 years, you would have had some depth in the organization to withstand injuries better. Of course, the host never questioned DiBiasio. He didn’t know any better.
I almost feel sorry for Byron Scott. And I never feel sorry for a professional coach making several million dollars a year. But this guy went from thinking he was going to coach LBJ to coaching a CBA team. How that team never had a plan B in place is still beyond me. We begged and demanded they have one in place back in May of last year.
As for the Egyptian crisis, our friends/allies around the world must be thinking “Wow, this is how the U.S. treats a strong ally after 30 years?” Hosni Mubarek, the leader of Egypt, has been arguabl the United States’ strongest ally in the Middle East, this side of Israel. The guy is no wallflower. He’s an autocrat. We know. But he’s our autocrat. Now, the current administration wants him to high-tail it out the door yesterday, leaving a potential power vacuum behind. Nice. I’m not saying we should be telling this guy he should stay in power indefinitely, but the messages we are currently sending are the wrong ones and show off how naïve this administration is when it comes to foreign affairs. Then again, this is the same President who has said on numerous occasions he envisions a world without nuclear weapons. Right – and I believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny.
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