GOR/Week #1 – vs. Dallas
Coaching
The coaching match-up is a wash. Neither is entering the Hall anytime soon.
Offense
Both offensive units are equally capable of putting up a 30 spot against a subpar defense. Jamaal Lewis not being 100% could hurt the Browns dearly – especially if the Cowboys are able to pin their ears backs and go after a rusty DA. Remember, the Browns’ “O” line, the team’s strongest unit in 2007, struggled in this pre-season.
Defense
The Cowboys have a solid defensive unit while the Browns come off a season that had them rank #30 overall in the NFL – advantage America’s Team.
Special Teams
Cribbs may not play – bad news for the Brownies.
Summary
It’s shaping up to be a “first team to 30” type of game with both QBs expected to make a ton of plays. It’s not a “manage the game” match-up looming.
The Cowboys' trigger-man, Tony Romo, is healthy, athletic and should have plenty of time to throw and thus have a field day against a porous Browns’ pass defense.
Derek Anderson is coming off a concussion, hasn’t played in two weeks, and much more likely to have one of those 2 TDs/3 INT performances. Look for Anthony Henry and PacMan Jones to jump some routes.
Final Score
It's very hard to rationalize the Browns winning this one unless Romo has a terrible day. That's not likely with the weapons he has around him and the defense he's facing. Thus, we like the BOYS – 34-24.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
GOR, Aug. 31, '08
Browns In 2008
I’ve got them finishing 9-7 – no better, no worse. Why?
Their defense ranked 30th overall in the NFL in 2007. Name me one impact player on that side of the ball heading into '08? Get the point?
Yes, they added a pair of 300 pounders up front in the off-season. The hope is that will help them against the run – especially on first down holding teams to second and 8 instead of second and 5.
But even if they improve against the run – which is likely – I don’t see the Browns defense consistently getting to the quarterback and getting off the field on third down.
They also have NO established, quality NFL corner on the roster. That’s a recipe for disaster – a weak pass rush and kid corners. A quality NFL QB and a good WR should once again be able to play pitch and catch against this team this fall.
Secondly, the Browns won’t be facing nearly as many cupcakes and back-up quarterbacks as they faced last fall. The schedule is more difficult, and since they are the trendy pick this year to be much-improved, no one will take them lightly.
The Browns will be featured on national television several times this fall based on expectations coming off a 10-win ’07 campaign. Their play in pre-season did nothing to indicate this is an improved football team.
Third, the Brownies made it through the 2007 season without suffering key injuries. We haven’t reached Labor Day yet and Cleveland already has run into trouble on the injury front this time around. That's part of the reason the team struggled in August and the odds they can just flick the switch and turn it on come September is wishful thinking.
In order for the Browns to make the playoffs this fall, they will need to outscore teams once again. But that is likely to be a more difficult task in 2008 due to the uncertainty of the special teams heading into week #1.
Josh Cribbs is not healthy. The team relied heavily on him to make plays on special teams last season. He gave the offense tremendous field position in ’07. If he does not repeat that performance this season, the Browns will be weak in two of the three phases of the game – defense and special teams. That will put even more heat on the offense – from farther out.
So let’s recap. The 2008 Browns should win more than they lose. But a lack of talent on defense, a more difficult schedule and the uncertainty of Cribbs’ health heading into September makes them likely to take a small step backwards instead of moving forward.
Ofcourse I've been wrong before - like when I picked the Broncos to reach the Super Bowl last fall.
Glaring Needs Breaking Camp
The Brows clearly still need a cover corner. So I will continue to bang the Ty Law drum until he signs with someone. The team also badly needs another WR (i.e Joe Horn). A legitimate pass rusher would also help a great deal. Those guys are like gold however - very hard to find, especially on the waiver wire.
Super Bowl Picks
I like the Pats beating the Cowboys come next February. The Patriots were clearly the best team in football in ’07. And it wasn’t even close. Unfortunately, they ran into a hot team with a good pass rush in the Super Bowl and came up short.
No one in their right mind would pick a low seed from an inferior conference to take the Pats had it been a five-game series. But football does not work that way. It’s truly one-and-out in the post-season. The Pats found out the hard way.
Therefore, I’ll go with the team that played the best from beginning to nearly the end last fall. This isn’t college. New England didn’t lose any letter winners to graduation. Brady and company are still present and accounted for. Yes, their defense is aging, but I see atleast one more run in that group.
As for picking the Cowboys, that’s just a guess. They seem solid on both sides of the ball, and if Romo is as good as the media makes him out to be, he has enough talent around him to advance out of that conference.
Pats 30
Cowboys 20
I’ve got them finishing 9-7 – no better, no worse. Why?
Their defense ranked 30th overall in the NFL in 2007. Name me one impact player on that side of the ball heading into '08? Get the point?
Yes, they added a pair of 300 pounders up front in the off-season. The hope is that will help them against the run – especially on first down holding teams to second and 8 instead of second and 5.
But even if they improve against the run – which is likely – I don’t see the Browns defense consistently getting to the quarterback and getting off the field on third down.
They also have NO established, quality NFL corner on the roster. That’s a recipe for disaster – a weak pass rush and kid corners. A quality NFL QB and a good WR should once again be able to play pitch and catch against this team this fall.
Secondly, the Browns won’t be facing nearly as many cupcakes and back-up quarterbacks as they faced last fall. The schedule is more difficult, and since they are the trendy pick this year to be much-improved, no one will take them lightly.
The Browns will be featured on national television several times this fall based on expectations coming off a 10-win ’07 campaign. Their play in pre-season did nothing to indicate this is an improved football team.
Third, the Brownies made it through the 2007 season without suffering key injuries. We haven’t reached Labor Day yet and Cleveland already has run into trouble on the injury front this time around. That's part of the reason the team struggled in August and the odds they can just flick the switch and turn it on come September is wishful thinking.
In order for the Browns to make the playoffs this fall, they will need to outscore teams once again. But that is likely to be a more difficult task in 2008 due to the uncertainty of the special teams heading into week #1.
Josh Cribbs is not healthy. The team relied heavily on him to make plays on special teams last season. He gave the offense tremendous field position in ’07. If he does not repeat that performance this season, the Browns will be weak in two of the three phases of the game – defense and special teams. That will put even more heat on the offense – from farther out.
So let’s recap. The 2008 Browns should win more than they lose. But a lack of talent on defense, a more difficult schedule and the uncertainty of Cribbs’ health heading into September makes them likely to take a small step backwards instead of moving forward.
Ofcourse I've been wrong before - like when I picked the Broncos to reach the Super Bowl last fall.
Glaring Needs Breaking Camp
The Brows clearly still need a cover corner. So I will continue to bang the Ty Law drum until he signs with someone. The team also badly needs another WR (i.e Joe Horn). A legitimate pass rusher would also help a great deal. Those guys are like gold however - very hard to find, especially on the waiver wire.
Super Bowl Picks
I like the Pats beating the Cowboys come next February. The Patriots were clearly the best team in football in ’07. And it wasn’t even close. Unfortunately, they ran into a hot team with a good pass rush in the Super Bowl and came up short.
No one in their right mind would pick a low seed from an inferior conference to take the Pats had it been a five-game series. But football does not work that way. It’s truly one-and-out in the post-season. The Pats found out the hard way.
Therefore, I’ll go with the team that played the best from beginning to nearly the end last fall. This isn’t college. New England didn’t lose any letter winners to graduation. Brady and company are still present and accounted for. Yes, their defense is aging, but I see atleast one more run in that group.
As for picking the Cowboys, that’s just a guess. They seem solid on both sides of the ball, and if Romo is as good as the media makes him out to be, he has enough talent around him to advance out of that conference.
Pats 30
Cowboys 20
Sunday, August 24, 2008
GOR/Aug 24, '08
Browns' O-Line Woes
After three pre-season games, the most disturbing aspect of Browns' camp isn't the injury list - all the key characters are expected to be healthy when the bell rings in September. The most distressing aspect of camp has been the horrid play of the first unit offensive line.
In the last two weeks, Derek Anderson suffered a concussion against the Giants following a blind-side hit, and Brady Quinn was hit early and often by the Lions.
The Browns can't excuse this to injuries. The line is healthy. It's just not performing well. Check that - it's performing poorly.
Coach Crennel needs to light a fire under what was the strongest unit on the team just one year ago. Otherwise, it will be a long season. Remember, in 2007, DA rarely got his jersey dirty because of the OL.
Defense
There does not seem to be any improvement on defense so far this camp. There has been no pass rush and the secondary has been torched by just about everyone who has been under center against them in the first three pre-season games. And I haven't even mentioned the linebackers - who don't scare anyone.
Needs
The Browns are still a work in progress but it's clear the team needs another quality receiver and a legitimate cover corner (I keep repeating myself with the CB needs, I know). We begged them to sign Ty Law weeks ago. I cannot imagine them opening the season with this secondary and expect to be successful getting off the field on third down - especially when you combine the talent level in the secondary with the lack of pass rush up front. That's a nasty stew waiting to happen.
As for the receiving group - when Edwards is out, the team lacks a true #1 wideout and the ability to get YAC yards (yards after the catch). It was ugly watching the Browns' wide receivers try to get separation against the Lions' secondary this past Thursday. Either the Lions have an oustanding secondary or the Browns' WRs are clearly less than average by NFL standards with Braylon and Joe J. out.
Good News & pre-season week #4
The good news is these games don't count -whether you are 0-4 or 4-0. The final pre-season game takes on added meaning however. With so many starters out in pre-season game #3, the coaching staff may want to play the starters at least one half in the final tune-up to get everyone on the same page. Most teams take their starters out early in pre-season game #4 to avoid injuries. Cleveland may not be able to afford that luxury since their #1s - especially on offense - have not played much or well to date.
Cliff Lee
CLiff Lee is quietly having the best season I have ever witnessed from an Indians' starter.
I go back to the early 70s and Gaylord Perry - so we are talking nearly 40 years. He's 18-2 and has an ERA in the 2s on a bad club. Imagine where they would be without him - perhaps looking at a 100 loss campaign. Lee isn't overpowering hitters - even though his strikeouts are up. He's throwing a ton of first pitch strikes, then challenging hitters with his best stuff. It's a simple formula but one that works - get ahead then trust your stuff!
Jensen Lewis.
He's 5-for-5 as a closer. If he finishes strong, it may give the Indians' deep thinkers second thoughts about acquiring a veteran closer in the off-season. I would still pursue a true closer - depending on the asking price of course.
Redeem Team
Good for them - they won the gold. The best news for Cavs' fans is that 23 did not get hurt. Several media members covering the Olympics got to see James up close and personal the past few weeks. Most came to the conclusion that 23 established himself as the best player on the planet. We already knew as much.
Obama & McCain
Joe Biden is a solid VP choice for B. Obama. He brings to the ticket what Obama lacks - foreign policy credentials and 30+ years of Wshington D.C. experience. However, there clearly was a better choice if Team Obama wanted its best chance of winning - choosing Hillary Clinton to be VP. Althought she carries a ton of baggage and then some (Bill Clinton), she would have energized and united the democratic party. Biden was probably the best of the next best choices but it might not be enough.
This gives John McCain a clear opening to get a good percentage of Hillary's 18 million voters. Polls consistently show that as many as 20% may either not vote or vote for McCain - that's between 3-4 million voters. That's a lot of voters folks, and it could be the difference in a close race.
McCain should pick a strong women to run with him - remember Condi Rice was our first choice for McCain months ago. We see no reason to change that view. If he does not want Rice because she's from Bush's team, then KB Hutchinson out of Texas woud be a good fit.
For those of you who have no idea who I am talking about - relax. She's more than qualified and would be solid in a debate versus Biden - who loves to hear himself speak.
The point is there are clearly several qualified female republicans who would bring with them the group republicans have trouble getting on election day - women. Older women (40+) especially are there for the taking this time around. McCain needs to be bold (think out of the box) and go with a qualified female to attract disgruntled Hillary voters.
In the end, it's true - people vote for the presidential candidate, not the running mate. However, such a unique pick by McCain would indicate he is willing to roll the dice. And who doesn't like a gambler?
No, we don't like Mitt Romney - the odds-on favorite to be his VP pick. He and Romney dislike each other. Trying to sell him as your #2 after you spent the better part of the primary knifing each other will not sell with the voting public. Plus, Romney's hair is too perfect. I always worry about model-looking types with perfect hair. Although qualified, Romney looks too much like someone you would see inside an LL Bean catalog.
Finally, we don't believe Obama giving his acceptance speech in a large stadium front of 75,000 people is a bit too much. Americans are not electing a rock star. They are electing a president. His speech in front of 200,000 people in Germany did not go over well in the U.S. The acceptance speech site is also a risk. For example, what happens if it rains?
Till next time.
After three pre-season games, the most disturbing aspect of Browns' camp isn't the injury list - all the key characters are expected to be healthy when the bell rings in September. The most distressing aspect of camp has been the horrid play of the first unit offensive line.
In the last two weeks, Derek Anderson suffered a concussion against the Giants following a blind-side hit, and Brady Quinn was hit early and often by the Lions.
The Browns can't excuse this to injuries. The line is healthy. It's just not performing well. Check that - it's performing poorly.
Coach Crennel needs to light a fire under what was the strongest unit on the team just one year ago. Otherwise, it will be a long season. Remember, in 2007, DA rarely got his jersey dirty because of the OL.
Defense
There does not seem to be any improvement on defense so far this camp. There has been no pass rush and the secondary has been torched by just about everyone who has been under center against them in the first three pre-season games. And I haven't even mentioned the linebackers - who don't scare anyone.
Needs
The Browns are still a work in progress but it's clear the team needs another quality receiver and a legitimate cover corner (I keep repeating myself with the CB needs, I know). We begged them to sign Ty Law weeks ago. I cannot imagine them opening the season with this secondary and expect to be successful getting off the field on third down - especially when you combine the talent level in the secondary with the lack of pass rush up front. That's a nasty stew waiting to happen.
As for the receiving group - when Edwards is out, the team lacks a true #1 wideout and the ability to get YAC yards (yards after the catch). It was ugly watching the Browns' wide receivers try to get separation against the Lions' secondary this past Thursday. Either the Lions have an oustanding secondary or the Browns' WRs are clearly less than average by NFL standards with Braylon and Joe J. out.
Good News & pre-season week #4
The good news is these games don't count -whether you are 0-4 or 4-0. The final pre-season game takes on added meaning however. With so many starters out in pre-season game #3, the coaching staff may want to play the starters at least one half in the final tune-up to get everyone on the same page. Most teams take their starters out early in pre-season game #4 to avoid injuries. Cleveland may not be able to afford that luxury since their #1s - especially on offense - have not played much or well to date.
Cliff Lee
CLiff Lee is quietly having the best season I have ever witnessed from an Indians' starter.
I go back to the early 70s and Gaylord Perry - so we are talking nearly 40 years. He's 18-2 and has an ERA in the 2s on a bad club. Imagine where they would be without him - perhaps looking at a 100 loss campaign. Lee isn't overpowering hitters - even though his strikeouts are up. He's throwing a ton of first pitch strikes, then challenging hitters with his best stuff. It's a simple formula but one that works - get ahead then trust your stuff!
Jensen Lewis.
He's 5-for-5 as a closer. If he finishes strong, it may give the Indians' deep thinkers second thoughts about acquiring a veteran closer in the off-season. I would still pursue a true closer - depending on the asking price of course.
Redeem Team
Good for them - they won the gold. The best news for Cavs' fans is that 23 did not get hurt. Several media members covering the Olympics got to see James up close and personal the past few weeks. Most came to the conclusion that 23 established himself as the best player on the planet. We already knew as much.
Obama & McCain
Joe Biden is a solid VP choice for B. Obama. He brings to the ticket what Obama lacks - foreign policy credentials and 30+ years of Wshington D.C. experience. However, there clearly was a better choice if Team Obama wanted its best chance of winning - choosing Hillary Clinton to be VP. Althought she carries a ton of baggage and then some (Bill Clinton), she would have energized and united the democratic party. Biden was probably the best of the next best choices but it might not be enough.
This gives John McCain a clear opening to get a good percentage of Hillary's 18 million voters. Polls consistently show that as many as 20% may either not vote or vote for McCain - that's between 3-4 million voters. That's a lot of voters folks, and it could be the difference in a close race.
McCain should pick a strong women to run with him - remember Condi Rice was our first choice for McCain months ago. We see no reason to change that view. If he does not want Rice because she's from Bush's team, then KB Hutchinson out of Texas woud be a good fit.
For those of you who have no idea who I am talking about - relax. She's more than qualified and would be solid in a debate versus Biden - who loves to hear himself speak.
The point is there are clearly several qualified female republicans who would bring with them the group republicans have trouble getting on election day - women. Older women (40+) especially are there for the taking this time around. McCain needs to be bold (think out of the box) and go with a qualified female to attract disgruntled Hillary voters.
In the end, it's true - people vote for the presidential candidate, not the running mate. However, such a unique pick by McCain would indicate he is willing to roll the dice. And who doesn't like a gambler?
No, we don't like Mitt Romney - the odds-on favorite to be his VP pick. He and Romney dislike each other. Trying to sell him as your #2 after you spent the better part of the primary knifing each other will not sell with the voting public. Plus, Romney's hair is too perfect. I always worry about model-looking types with perfect hair. Although qualified, Romney looks too much like someone you would see inside an LL Bean catalog.
Finally, we don't believe Obama giving his acceptance speech in a large stadium front of 75,000 people is a bit too much. Americans are not electing a rock star. They are electing a president. His speech in front of 200,000 people in Germany did not go over well in the U.S. The acceptance speech site is also a risk. For example, what happens if it rains?
Till next time.
Friday, August 15, 2008
GOR/8-15-08
Maurice Williams
The Cavaliers have not had a point guard average 17 points a game since Mark Price did it some 15 years ago. The addition of Maurice Williams is clearly an upgrade over anything the Cavaliers have had at that position since Andre Miller – Jim Paxson’s best draft choice during his less than illustrious run as Cavs’ GM.
What people are missing is the fact that Williams’ ability and tendency to think shoot first and pass second as a point guard is just what the team needs – not something to be afraid of like some local fans and media types are already groaning about.
They have it backwards – as usual.
Any player that can score on his own without 23s help is a big addition to this roster. The Cavaliers do not need any more complementary players. They need a couple players who can “get theirs” without help. That will allow James to take a few offensive possessions off from time to time. This is a luxury he did not have last year, or the year before, etc.
Remember, early in James' career with the Cavaliers, he had Z who could still be counted on to get some easy post possession baskets. With each passing season however, Z has floated more and more away from the basket – needing James’ pick and roll game or 23’s penetration and kick to get the bulk of his points now.
For those who are still worried Williams will hog the ball - Relax.
Come the fourth quarter, James will be in charge and Williams will take a back seat when necessary. Overall however, having a player who can take some pressure off James on some occasional offensive possessions will allow 23 to stay stronger longer.
Remember - you want to reduce his (23s) workload as much as possible during the 82-game regular season grind.
Understand this – I have only seen Williams play a handful of times and have not made a complete judgment on his abilities – at either end of the floor. But facts don't lie - his numbers have improved each of the past three seasons and he led all Eastern Conference point guards in points per game in 2007-08 while shooting 48% from the field. That’s impressive.
I will be focusing on two things when he takes the floor for the Cavs this fall – his basketball IQ and his ability to defend penetration.
Yes, I now he played in Milwaukee last season – where they were out of it early and played very little defense, either as individuals or as a team. But 17 points and six assists from a 25-year old point guard is nothing to sneeze at. Besides, he’ll be playing next to 23 in 2008-09. That should help his game even more.
Good move Danny.
Obviously, this move was also made because the Cavaliers felt they could trade Joe Smith and not lose much off the bench. Remember, Smith is a pro’s pro who has a high basketball IQ, and who at this point in his career, is a solid role player off the bench – something he provided for the Cavaliers during his short stay in Cleveland last season.
JJ Hickson’s summer league performance most likely convinced the Cavaliers’ front office the rookie first round pick would be ready for some minutes off the bench this fall in the front court– thus making Smith expendable.
I hope they are right. I am looking forward to seeing the youngster play along with watching Williams fit in.
Indians Fire Sale
As we predicted in an early summer posting, CC, Casey Blake and Paul Bird were all likely to leave town prior to the end of the season. Obviously, it’s impossible to judge the deals because prospects take time to develop. We are glad however the team kept shortstop J. Peralta and did not listen to some of the media and fans who wanted Peralta banished.
This is becoming a yearly request with Peralta bashers. It's ass though it's his fault when things go south for the Tribe. Morons.
No, he's not Cal Ripken. However, there is nothing wrong with a POST STEROIDS ERA middle infielder who hits 20+ home runs, drives in 70-80 runs and hits .270 on a regular basis. No, Peralta is not a good defensive shortstop. We were the first to call for Cabrera to move to SS a year ago. However, a consistent middle of the infield power bat is hard to find these days.
Peralta lacks certain non-verbals that lead local fans and scribes to judge him as being lackadaisical. No, he doesn’t do back flips like Ozzie Smith when running out to his position, nor does he always have a smile on his face like Omar did. But don’t mistake that for lack of talent.
Consistency should NEVER be taken for granted. Managers and head coaches know this better than anyone. Bat him sixth or seventh in your line-up and give him 600 at bats and hell put up solid numbers - year in year out. That is, unless you can do better there. Right now, I don't see anyone better on the horizon.
Think about it, the Indians don’t have a clue who will be starting a first base in 2009, nor who will be at third base in next season, or if Cabrera’s sophomore slump at the plate was a one-year occurrence or a sign of things to come. Why unload, or unload on, the one infielder who has given you good numbers every year but one - 2006?
Kelly Shoppach
Last year, we suggested the Indians sign Kelly Shoppach to a long-term deal and give him more playing time behind the plate while moving Victor Martinez around between catching, playing first and the DH role.
After watching Shoppach on an everyday basis since Martinez went down in 2008, it is clear to this observer we were right in our early appraisal that Shoppach could be a solid everyday receiver. No, he won’t ever come close to hitting .300 like Victor, but he has 20+ home run and 80+ RBI potential while having very good defensive skills. There are only a handful of big league catchers out there today who are better than Shoppach behind the dish and can produce better power numbers.
When he returns, I would like to see Martinez play the bulk of the time at first base while Shoppach handles the work behind the plate. Call it an audition for next year. If the Indians can get his pre-2008 offensive numbers from Martinez at first base and Shoppach can keep producing at the plate, the team is stronger for it.
Brett Favre
You all know where I stood on the Brett Favre – Packers melodrama. It seems Vegas agreed with me. I’m told the Jets’ chances of winning the Super Bowl this season improved dramatically with the Favre acquisition while the Packers odds went down. Geez, that’s a surprise.
Michael Phelps
I was asked to comment on Michael Phelps in terms of where swimming rates comparing it to other sports. Understand this – I just learned to swim last summer so I REALLY have no idea what he does and how he does it.
I will say this however. I have tuned in to watch his races and marveled at his dominance. It’s not like he’s competing against the best swimmers in the county, state or country. The guy is going up against the world and taking names every time out.
As to where swimming is in terms of sport – here’s my list and accompanying explanations. Please do not take offense if you play one of these sports that I rate near or at the bottom of the pack. Remember – it’s just one man’s opinion.
Let’s first give you my general parameters.
SPORTS DEFINITION: If you can do it well while drinking heavily - it’s not a sport. If you don’t sweat while doing it – it’s not a sport. If you don’t move at all – it’s not a sport. And finally, if you can dominate while approaching 50 (without performance-enhancing drugs), it’s not a sport.
With that – we are off and running.
1. Basketball – I believe basketball players are the best athletes in the world. As a group, they possess great physical stamina, outstanding hand-eye coordination, quickness, strength, balance, etc…They’ve got the whole package. It’s not hard to imagine NBA players playing other sports and playing them at a high level (i.e. Antonio Gates).
2. Football – The average NFL defensive back ranks right up there with basketball players in my book. Wide receivers are a close second. As a group, they obviously possess better hand-eye coordination than defensive backs but lack the toughness their counterparts possess. There are exceptions of course.
3. Baseball - Yes, I know. Some pitchers look like they are having a heart attack running from first to third. On the whole however, most baseball players were very good all-around athletes growing up – especially those in the middle of the diamond.
4. Decathlon Athletes – These guys aren’t just running in circles. They have to be able to do it all.
5. Soccer – Yes, it’s the world’s sport. Being originally from Europe, I enjoy, understand and appreciate a 1-0 soccer game between two outstanding international teams. This observer watched the World Cup from start to finish recently. Now, here’s the bad news for soccer – it’s a very soft sport culturally. Guys go down like they have been shot with an UZI to get fouls called. I can’t place the sport any higher on the list just because of what I call its “natural softness.” Could you imagine Ronnie Lott faking an injury? Enough said.
6. Hockey – These guys are much tougher than soccer players. However, we have them below soccer just because soccer is the world’s game. So out of respect – we place “football” first and hockey second.
7. Rugby - If we were judging on toughness alone, we would place rugby at or near the top. We have rugby seventh – just ahead of boxing. These guys constantly crash into each other without any protective gear on. That’s sick. They also have to be able to run and use their feet as well. I loved watching Australian Rules Football back in the early 80s during ESPN’s infancy. That’s probably why I rate it above other more recognized sports.
8. Boxing – These guys are built, in great physical shape and I would probably want one of them with me – over any other type of athlete – if I were walking down a dark alley at night. However, I place boxers eighth because I can’t think of two many boxers who would be studs elsewhere – with the exception of my favorite recent college football player, now turned pro - (ZIBBY out of ND).
9. Sprinters – Great quickness, speed and body development. One-dimensional
or they would be higher.
10. Wrestling – These guys work their ass off and get very little attention. It’s somewhat of a specialized sport. You don’t see wrestlers elsewhere often except on on the offensive and defensive lines. I have tremendous respect for the work put in, but I can’t go any higher than #9.
Swimming – The BEST sport available in terms of getting in shape. However, it doesn’t crack the top-10. Much like wrestling, it’s another specialized sport where you do not see a lot of cross-over in terms of the athlete potentially playing other sports at a high level.
I’ll stop at top-10. From here on out, it gets rough.
For example, I can’t rate golfers or tennis players because I do not recognize any sport where the audience MUST remain silent. That just goes against everything that sports is all about. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose, I would put tennis above golf. I’m sorry. I can’t get over the fact that in golf the athlete STANDS STILL when he performs.
I realize it may be harder to get a PGA card than hit a ML fastball, but I keep thinking about John Daly being liquored up and being competitive in his sport. I can’t imagine someone drinking a fifth of Jack Daniels and hitting a 90+ mile per hour fastball from a ML pitcher, or nailing a 20-foot jumper over a 6-6 NBA player, or catching a pass 30 yards downfield with a 220 pound safety coming at you.
La Crosse – Rich kid sport.
Car Racing – Great hand-eye coordination needed along with lots of guts and a special type of stamina, but you AIN’T moving. Sorry.
Horse Racing – This one is simple. If there’s an animal in tow, it AIN’T no sport! That also eliminates dog-fighting. Sorry Michael.
Bowling – Already covered above in terms of drinking and being effective. Add smoking a pack of camels and you have bowling.
Distance Running – Please.
I know I have probably forgotten one or two legitimate sports. However, I did not want to drag this on forever. Therefore, I left out pool, darts, dwarf tossing, etc… You get the point.
Again, don’t be mad if you were the best frisbee player in your high school and I didn’t even give it a mention.
The Cavaliers have not had a point guard average 17 points a game since Mark Price did it some 15 years ago. The addition of Maurice Williams is clearly an upgrade over anything the Cavaliers have had at that position since Andre Miller – Jim Paxson’s best draft choice during his less than illustrious run as Cavs’ GM.
What people are missing is the fact that Williams’ ability and tendency to think shoot first and pass second as a point guard is just what the team needs – not something to be afraid of like some local fans and media types are already groaning about.
They have it backwards – as usual.
Any player that can score on his own without 23s help is a big addition to this roster. The Cavaliers do not need any more complementary players. They need a couple players who can “get theirs” without help. That will allow James to take a few offensive possessions off from time to time. This is a luxury he did not have last year, or the year before, etc.
Remember, early in James' career with the Cavaliers, he had Z who could still be counted on to get some easy post possession baskets. With each passing season however, Z has floated more and more away from the basket – needing James’ pick and roll game or 23’s penetration and kick to get the bulk of his points now.
For those who are still worried Williams will hog the ball - Relax.
Come the fourth quarter, James will be in charge and Williams will take a back seat when necessary. Overall however, having a player who can take some pressure off James on some occasional offensive possessions will allow 23 to stay stronger longer.
Remember - you want to reduce his (23s) workload as much as possible during the 82-game regular season grind.
Understand this – I have only seen Williams play a handful of times and have not made a complete judgment on his abilities – at either end of the floor. But facts don't lie - his numbers have improved each of the past three seasons and he led all Eastern Conference point guards in points per game in 2007-08 while shooting 48% from the field. That’s impressive.
I will be focusing on two things when he takes the floor for the Cavs this fall – his basketball IQ and his ability to defend penetration.
Yes, I now he played in Milwaukee last season – where they were out of it early and played very little defense, either as individuals or as a team. But 17 points and six assists from a 25-year old point guard is nothing to sneeze at. Besides, he’ll be playing next to 23 in 2008-09. That should help his game even more.
Good move Danny.
Obviously, this move was also made because the Cavaliers felt they could trade Joe Smith and not lose much off the bench. Remember, Smith is a pro’s pro who has a high basketball IQ, and who at this point in his career, is a solid role player off the bench – something he provided for the Cavaliers during his short stay in Cleveland last season.
JJ Hickson’s summer league performance most likely convinced the Cavaliers’ front office the rookie first round pick would be ready for some minutes off the bench this fall in the front court– thus making Smith expendable.
I hope they are right. I am looking forward to seeing the youngster play along with watching Williams fit in.
Indians Fire Sale
As we predicted in an early summer posting, CC, Casey Blake and Paul Bird were all likely to leave town prior to the end of the season. Obviously, it’s impossible to judge the deals because prospects take time to develop. We are glad however the team kept shortstop J. Peralta and did not listen to some of the media and fans who wanted Peralta banished.
This is becoming a yearly request with Peralta bashers. It's ass though it's his fault when things go south for the Tribe. Morons.
No, he's not Cal Ripken. However, there is nothing wrong with a POST STEROIDS ERA middle infielder who hits 20+ home runs, drives in 70-80 runs and hits .270 on a regular basis. No, Peralta is not a good defensive shortstop. We were the first to call for Cabrera to move to SS a year ago. However, a consistent middle of the infield power bat is hard to find these days.
Peralta lacks certain non-verbals that lead local fans and scribes to judge him as being lackadaisical. No, he doesn’t do back flips like Ozzie Smith when running out to his position, nor does he always have a smile on his face like Omar did. But don’t mistake that for lack of talent.
Consistency should NEVER be taken for granted. Managers and head coaches know this better than anyone. Bat him sixth or seventh in your line-up and give him 600 at bats and hell put up solid numbers - year in year out. That is, unless you can do better there. Right now, I don't see anyone better on the horizon.
Think about it, the Indians don’t have a clue who will be starting a first base in 2009, nor who will be at third base in next season, or if Cabrera’s sophomore slump at the plate was a one-year occurrence or a sign of things to come. Why unload, or unload on, the one infielder who has given you good numbers every year but one - 2006?
Kelly Shoppach
Last year, we suggested the Indians sign Kelly Shoppach to a long-term deal and give him more playing time behind the plate while moving Victor Martinez around between catching, playing first and the DH role.
After watching Shoppach on an everyday basis since Martinez went down in 2008, it is clear to this observer we were right in our early appraisal that Shoppach could be a solid everyday receiver. No, he won’t ever come close to hitting .300 like Victor, but he has 20+ home run and 80+ RBI potential while having very good defensive skills. There are only a handful of big league catchers out there today who are better than Shoppach behind the dish and can produce better power numbers.
When he returns, I would like to see Martinez play the bulk of the time at first base while Shoppach handles the work behind the plate. Call it an audition for next year. If the Indians can get his pre-2008 offensive numbers from Martinez at first base and Shoppach can keep producing at the plate, the team is stronger for it.
Brett Favre
You all know where I stood on the Brett Favre – Packers melodrama. It seems Vegas agreed with me. I’m told the Jets’ chances of winning the Super Bowl this season improved dramatically with the Favre acquisition while the Packers odds went down. Geez, that’s a surprise.
Michael Phelps
I was asked to comment on Michael Phelps in terms of where swimming rates comparing it to other sports. Understand this – I just learned to swim last summer so I REALLY have no idea what he does and how he does it.
I will say this however. I have tuned in to watch his races and marveled at his dominance. It’s not like he’s competing against the best swimmers in the county, state or country. The guy is going up against the world and taking names every time out.
As to where swimming is in terms of sport – here’s my list and accompanying explanations. Please do not take offense if you play one of these sports that I rate near or at the bottom of the pack. Remember – it’s just one man’s opinion.
Let’s first give you my general parameters.
SPORTS DEFINITION: If you can do it well while drinking heavily - it’s not a sport. If you don’t sweat while doing it – it’s not a sport. If you don’t move at all – it’s not a sport. And finally, if you can dominate while approaching 50 (without performance-enhancing drugs), it’s not a sport.
With that – we are off and running.
1. Basketball – I believe basketball players are the best athletes in the world. As a group, they possess great physical stamina, outstanding hand-eye coordination, quickness, strength, balance, etc…They’ve got the whole package. It’s not hard to imagine NBA players playing other sports and playing them at a high level (i.e. Antonio Gates).
2. Football – The average NFL defensive back ranks right up there with basketball players in my book. Wide receivers are a close second. As a group, they obviously possess better hand-eye coordination than defensive backs but lack the toughness their counterparts possess. There are exceptions of course.
3. Baseball - Yes, I know. Some pitchers look like they are having a heart attack running from first to third. On the whole however, most baseball players were very good all-around athletes growing up – especially those in the middle of the diamond.
4. Decathlon Athletes – These guys aren’t just running in circles. They have to be able to do it all.
5. Soccer – Yes, it’s the world’s sport. Being originally from Europe, I enjoy, understand and appreciate a 1-0 soccer game between two outstanding international teams. This observer watched the World Cup from start to finish recently. Now, here’s the bad news for soccer – it’s a very soft sport culturally. Guys go down like they have been shot with an UZI to get fouls called. I can’t place the sport any higher on the list just because of what I call its “natural softness.” Could you imagine Ronnie Lott faking an injury? Enough said.
6. Hockey – These guys are much tougher than soccer players. However, we have them below soccer just because soccer is the world’s game. So out of respect – we place “football” first and hockey second.
7. Rugby - If we were judging on toughness alone, we would place rugby at or near the top. We have rugby seventh – just ahead of boxing. These guys constantly crash into each other without any protective gear on. That’s sick. They also have to be able to run and use their feet as well. I loved watching Australian Rules Football back in the early 80s during ESPN’s infancy. That’s probably why I rate it above other more recognized sports.
8. Boxing – These guys are built, in great physical shape and I would probably want one of them with me – over any other type of athlete – if I were walking down a dark alley at night. However, I place boxers eighth because I can’t think of two many boxers who would be studs elsewhere – with the exception of my favorite recent college football player, now turned pro - (ZIBBY out of ND).
9. Sprinters – Great quickness, speed and body development. One-dimensional
or they would be higher.
10. Wrestling – These guys work their ass off and get very little attention. It’s somewhat of a specialized sport. You don’t see wrestlers elsewhere often except on on the offensive and defensive lines. I have tremendous respect for the work put in, but I can’t go any higher than #9.
Swimming – The BEST sport available in terms of getting in shape. However, it doesn’t crack the top-10. Much like wrestling, it’s another specialized sport where you do not see a lot of cross-over in terms of the athlete potentially playing other sports at a high level.
I’ll stop at top-10. From here on out, it gets rough.
For example, I can’t rate golfers or tennis players because I do not recognize any sport where the audience MUST remain silent. That just goes against everything that sports is all about. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose, I would put tennis above golf. I’m sorry. I can’t get over the fact that in golf the athlete STANDS STILL when he performs.
I realize it may be harder to get a PGA card than hit a ML fastball, but I keep thinking about John Daly being liquored up and being competitive in his sport. I can’t imagine someone drinking a fifth of Jack Daniels and hitting a 90+ mile per hour fastball from a ML pitcher, or nailing a 20-foot jumper over a 6-6 NBA player, or catching a pass 30 yards downfield with a 220 pound safety coming at you.
La Crosse – Rich kid sport.
Car Racing – Great hand-eye coordination needed along with lots of guts and a special type of stamina, but you AIN’T moving. Sorry.
Horse Racing – This one is simple. If there’s an animal in tow, it AIN’T no sport! That also eliminates dog-fighting. Sorry Michael.
Bowling – Already covered above in terms of drinking and being effective. Add smoking a pack of camels and you have bowling.
Distance Running – Please.
I know I have probably forgotten one or two legitimate sports. However, I did not want to drag this on forever. Therefore, I left out pool, darts, dwarf tossing, etc… You get the point.
Again, don’t be mad if you were the best frisbee player in your high school and I didn’t even give it a mention.
Friday, July 25, 2008
GOR, Browns Open Camp Edition
Browns Camp Opens
Some observations follow as Browns Camp opened this week.
First, let us cool down the Super Bowl talk. Everything fell into place in 2007. An extremely weak schedule – including facing some of the worst quarterbacking imaginable, an almost injury-free 17-week ride and the ball bouncing right more often than not, all contributed to a solid 10-6 season last fall.
Much like the Indians of 2007, the Browns had things go their way. Ask the Tribe’s hierarchy and fan base how things can change quickly from one season to the next. Injuries and players underperforming contributed to the Tribe being sellers instead of buyers before Major League Baseball’s first trading deadline of July 31.
The point is the Browns will not sneak up on anyone this fall. In order for Cleveland to take the next logical step – a playoff appearance – they will need to once again stay relatively healthy, have players perform up to expectations and find ways to beat teams with winning records – something that rarely happened in ’07. Otherwise, they could fall back to .500 or worse and leave Browns scratching their collective heads once again.
Now it is time to get into the specifics as camp gets rolling.
The Browns have among the best special teams in the NFL – thanks in no small part to standout return man Josh Cribbs, who has home run potential on every touch.
Offensively, the Browns have the most explosive offense they have had since this observer has been watching them play – that’s since the early 1970s folks.
The offensive line is coming off an amazing season which saw them keep a statue of a quarterback (DA) upright and often untouched all season look. The running game features a 1,200 yard back in Jamal Lewis. And the receiving corps features a pair of young, athletic Pro Bowlers. Name me the last time the Browns had two receivers earn Pro Bowl status in the same year? You figure it out.
The defense however stil has major question marks even though the team spent the off-season revamping the front three in their 3-4 set. The linebackers are average at best by NFL standards, and the secondary is especially vulnerable, especially at corner, with the departure of Leigh Bodden – the team’s #1 cover corner of a year ago.
The key question that dogs this team - no pun intended - is can this defense consistently get off the field on third down in 2008?
A strong season from the newcomers up front and a bounce-back season from Kameron Wimbley would go a long way toward answering that question in the affirmative.
And no, we won’t touch the quarterback situation. We are making this a DA bash free zone until further notice.
But rest assured, this observer will not be joining DA widening fan base until he minimizes the meltdowns and consistently plays well on the road against quality opponents. Those are the best signs indicating that an NFL quarterback has arrived.
Here are a few suggestions for the Browns as they prepare to open this September.
Play Winslow at wide receiver more once the bell rings, especially now since third down specialist Joe Jurevicius is out indefinitely. Playing K2 out wide would save the wear and tear on his body having to take hit after hit from safeties and 240 pound linebackers. It would also work the size and strength advantage he has on NFL corners.
By the way, it’s time to remind you of Romeo’s dumbest statement ever as Browns Head Coach. He said it three years ago when protecting his beleaguered offensive coordinator and friend Maurice Carthon.
“Kellen Winslow is not a wide receiver. He’s a tight end,” stated the coach in a press conference. Right. And LeBron James is not a small forward. He’s only a big guard.
It’s okay Romeo. We all say stupid things. I wanted Michael Vick in Cleveland before it was discovered he preferred to train dogs to fight instead of spending time studying film on his third down reads.
Our second suggestion involves acquiring a quality, veteran NFL cover corner prior to game #1. Do it Phil, sooner rather than later. It makes little sense to invest so much on beefing up the run defense in the off-season and not following it up by making sure you haven’t created another leak in the secondary (Bodden departure).
Third, get Cribbs more touches. Put him behind center on short yardage situations occasionally. Use him on the end around. Use him as a decoy. Just use him. As of now, it does not look like he has taken to being a legitimate NFL receiver, but that may change with more work and reps. What we do know is he is electric with the ball in his hands. You don’t have to throw it to him 20 yards downfield to make him effective. Be as creative as possible with this unique talent.
Finally, tie Winslow to the bench during pre-season. He’s had numerous surgeries on his legs already and generally takes a beating when he plays. There is nothing for him to prove during the pre-season. Take a long look at the rest of the tight ends and keep him strapped to the bench as much as possible until September rolls around.
There will be more to come as September approaches.
Brett Favre
Someone explain to me why a business (Green Bay Packers) worth somewhere between $750million and 1 billion is about to let, in effect, an inexperienced novice (Aaron Rogers) be its CEO instead of a proven commodity that has brought positive profits time and time again for its board of directors (the organization) and the company shareholders (fans).
The Packers deserve what they are about to get in 2008. Never have I seen such a lack of common sense judgment on such a grand scale in sports. No one in their right mind believes Rogers is a better quarterback than Bret Favre right now. That includes everyone from the eight year old Pack fan in Madison who loves his Green Bay pajamas to every GM in the league and everyone in-between.
Someone remind the Packers it’s still a business and they are making a potential horrible business decision for 2008. It's simple - Why roll the dice when you don’t have to?
J.J. Hickson
Cavaliers’ rookie power-forward J.J. Hickson averaged 19 points and nearly eight boards in the NBA summer league recently. We’re told he impressed everyone. I’ll wait to see if the 2008 first round pick (19 overall) is in Mike Brown’s rotation come November. That will impress me much more. Until then, it’s just summer league.
Casey Blake
He could be gone soon as the trading deadline approaches, but we believe the Tribe should offer Casey Blake a two-to-three year deal worth the ML average of $5-6 million per. There is something to be said for versatility and consistency. Blake has proven his worth. If he turns it down, then deal him before the 31st. If he accepts, you have someone who can be plugged into four different positions and do a decent job for you both in the field and at the plate.
Till next time.
Some observations follow as Browns Camp opened this week.
First, let us cool down the Super Bowl talk. Everything fell into place in 2007. An extremely weak schedule – including facing some of the worst quarterbacking imaginable, an almost injury-free 17-week ride and the ball bouncing right more often than not, all contributed to a solid 10-6 season last fall.
Much like the Indians of 2007, the Browns had things go their way. Ask the Tribe’s hierarchy and fan base how things can change quickly from one season to the next. Injuries and players underperforming contributed to the Tribe being sellers instead of buyers before Major League Baseball’s first trading deadline of July 31.
The point is the Browns will not sneak up on anyone this fall. In order for Cleveland to take the next logical step – a playoff appearance – they will need to once again stay relatively healthy, have players perform up to expectations and find ways to beat teams with winning records – something that rarely happened in ’07. Otherwise, they could fall back to .500 or worse and leave Browns scratching their collective heads once again.
Now it is time to get into the specifics as camp gets rolling.
The Browns have among the best special teams in the NFL – thanks in no small part to standout return man Josh Cribbs, who has home run potential on every touch.
Offensively, the Browns have the most explosive offense they have had since this observer has been watching them play – that’s since the early 1970s folks.
The offensive line is coming off an amazing season which saw them keep a statue of a quarterback (DA) upright and often untouched all season look. The running game features a 1,200 yard back in Jamal Lewis. And the receiving corps features a pair of young, athletic Pro Bowlers. Name me the last time the Browns had two receivers earn Pro Bowl status in the same year? You figure it out.
The defense however stil has major question marks even though the team spent the off-season revamping the front three in their 3-4 set. The linebackers are average at best by NFL standards, and the secondary is especially vulnerable, especially at corner, with the departure of Leigh Bodden – the team’s #1 cover corner of a year ago.
The key question that dogs this team - no pun intended - is can this defense consistently get off the field on third down in 2008?
A strong season from the newcomers up front and a bounce-back season from Kameron Wimbley would go a long way toward answering that question in the affirmative.
And no, we won’t touch the quarterback situation. We are making this a DA bash free zone until further notice.
But rest assured, this observer will not be joining DA widening fan base until he minimizes the meltdowns and consistently plays well on the road against quality opponents. Those are the best signs indicating that an NFL quarterback has arrived.
Here are a few suggestions for the Browns as they prepare to open this September.
Play Winslow at wide receiver more once the bell rings, especially now since third down specialist Joe Jurevicius is out indefinitely. Playing K2 out wide would save the wear and tear on his body having to take hit after hit from safeties and 240 pound linebackers. It would also work the size and strength advantage he has on NFL corners.
By the way, it’s time to remind you of Romeo’s dumbest statement ever as Browns Head Coach. He said it three years ago when protecting his beleaguered offensive coordinator and friend Maurice Carthon.
“Kellen Winslow is not a wide receiver. He’s a tight end,” stated the coach in a press conference. Right. And LeBron James is not a small forward. He’s only a big guard.
It’s okay Romeo. We all say stupid things. I wanted Michael Vick in Cleveland before it was discovered he preferred to train dogs to fight instead of spending time studying film on his third down reads.
Our second suggestion involves acquiring a quality, veteran NFL cover corner prior to game #1. Do it Phil, sooner rather than later. It makes little sense to invest so much on beefing up the run defense in the off-season and not following it up by making sure you haven’t created another leak in the secondary (Bodden departure).
Third, get Cribbs more touches. Put him behind center on short yardage situations occasionally. Use him on the end around. Use him as a decoy. Just use him. As of now, it does not look like he has taken to being a legitimate NFL receiver, but that may change with more work and reps. What we do know is he is electric with the ball in his hands. You don’t have to throw it to him 20 yards downfield to make him effective. Be as creative as possible with this unique talent.
Finally, tie Winslow to the bench during pre-season. He’s had numerous surgeries on his legs already and generally takes a beating when he plays. There is nothing for him to prove during the pre-season. Take a long look at the rest of the tight ends and keep him strapped to the bench as much as possible until September rolls around.
There will be more to come as September approaches.
Brett Favre
Someone explain to me why a business (Green Bay Packers) worth somewhere between $750million and 1 billion is about to let, in effect, an inexperienced novice (Aaron Rogers) be its CEO instead of a proven commodity that has brought positive profits time and time again for its board of directors (the organization) and the company shareholders (fans).
The Packers deserve what they are about to get in 2008. Never have I seen such a lack of common sense judgment on such a grand scale in sports. No one in their right mind believes Rogers is a better quarterback than Bret Favre right now. That includes everyone from the eight year old Pack fan in Madison who loves his Green Bay pajamas to every GM in the league and everyone in-between.
Someone remind the Packers it’s still a business and they are making a potential horrible business decision for 2008. It's simple - Why roll the dice when you don’t have to?
J.J. Hickson
Cavaliers’ rookie power-forward J.J. Hickson averaged 19 points and nearly eight boards in the NBA summer league recently. We’re told he impressed everyone. I’ll wait to see if the 2008 first round pick (19 overall) is in Mike Brown’s rotation come November. That will impress me much more. Until then, it’s just summer league.
Casey Blake
He could be gone soon as the trading deadline approaches, but we believe the Tribe should offer Casey Blake a two-to-three year deal worth the ML average of $5-6 million per. There is something to be said for versatility and consistency. Blake has proven his worth. If he turns it down, then deal him before the 31st. If he accepts, you have someone who can be plugged into four different positions and do a decent job for you both in the field and at the plate.
Till next time.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Agent O, Goodbyes & Cupcakes
Thank You Agent O
This is a story of a professional athlete who recently provided us with the most dead-on quote of our current free agent (aka: mercenary) team sports era.
Gilbert Arenas of the NBA’s Washington Bullets – we still like the original name better – recently gave his team a “hometown discount.” They offered him the max contract worth $127 years, and he in essence gave back $16 million, settling for a mere $111 over the length of the deal.
Arenas refreshingly said the following to explain his reasoning – “What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can’t do with $111 million.”
Absolutely brilliant! In sports terms history, that ranks up there with E=MC2 in my book.
Compare that to Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s infamous statement when he was the NBA Players’ Rep during the lockout of the mid-90s – “Yea, we make a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too.”
Folks, we have now come full circle. There is some sanity in the sports world after all. Every once in a while it shines through.
Arenas, as we stated in our July 4 entry, is “different” to say the least. His thoughts, which are often put into words for the media and public to decipher, confuse folks because he seems thoughtful, reflective and not like those that often come from your average NBA player.
He proved it again by taking less money. For him, it was never about leaving Washington. In his blog, he made clear he wanted to stay with the Bullets and if the team re-signed teammate and friend Atwaan Jamison, he would do so as well at a slight discount.
So when he made good on his promise, it confused some. Why should it? This was Gilbert being Gilbert.
No, we stated last week we did not think Arenas was a max player – especially coming off a serious knee injury. However, we applaud Agent O for showing everyone that some sanity remains in sports – even at a price tag of $111 million.
He did what he said he would do all along and did it literally his way – by negotiating his own deal. Arenas is already a millionaire many times over, who was comfortable in Washington, wanted to stay right there, playing with his friends and teammates, in an organization he appreciated and appreciated him.
That is simple and refreshing. The two sides found common ground.
So the next time a player of Arenas’ caliber enters his free agent season and tells you he loves his hometown team and the organization, he truly enjoys his teammates, and he adores the fans, etc…
Well, you get the point.
When that player says all the right things, but clearly is going to “test the market” at year’s end, remember there is still some loyalty left in sports. There isn’t much, but there is some. Gilbert Arenas provided a reminder of it last week and we thank him for it. It doesn’t happen often.
Goodbyes
By the way, I wonder what the Milwaukee Brewers’ rental, CC Sabathia, – a multi-millionaire many times over already - will be able to provide his family with the $20million a year he will sign for this coming off season he would not have been able to provide them with the $16-18 million per the Indians were offering?
I hope CC helps the Brewers win a World Series. I really do. I root for the small market teams in baseball as you know. I would like to see nothing better than a Devil Rays - Brewers World Series.
But as I have said many times over – I do not like my intelligence insulted.
CC was doing just that by talking a good game and waiting for free agency. The Indians did the right thing – albeit six months too late. For Tribe fans sake, let’s hope Mark Shapiro got real quality in return.
We also wish Joe Borowski the best. We saw his release coming over a month ago and stated as such, but that does not diminish his efforts. He’s the “Wayne Chrebet” of MLB – an overachiever of the first order.
No Comment
We hear Astrubal Cabrera is not talking to the media since his demotion to AAA.
Grow a pair Astrubal! You aren’t the first player to be sent down after making a splash as a rookie.
Anyone can be professional when things are going well, but can you be professional when things aren’t going your way? In his case, the answer is a resounding NO. That’s disappointing. We like his talent.
More & More Cupcakes For OSU
Hurry up and sign up for the Big Ten Network or you will miss viewing Ohio State butcher Youngstown State and Troy State to open the college football season next Fall. Right. I’m sure the phones are ringing off the hook at the BTN.
Someone should tell Jim Tressel scheduling cupcake after cupcake year after year doesn’t help you in the long run against SEC teams come January.
And please don't tell me about playing Texas in the past and USC in the future. When you schedule only one good non-conference team a year, and you play the bulk of your schedule at home year in year out, it tells me you like playing it safe.
Imagine the heat Tressel would be taking had not absolutely everything bounced the Buckeyes' way during their magical National Championship year in 2002?
This is a story of a professional athlete who recently provided us with the most dead-on quote of our current free agent (aka: mercenary) team sports era.
Gilbert Arenas of the NBA’s Washington Bullets – we still like the original name better – recently gave his team a “hometown discount.” They offered him the max contract worth $127 years, and he in essence gave back $16 million, settling for a mere $111 over the length of the deal.
Arenas refreshingly said the following to explain his reasoning – “What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can’t do with $111 million.”
Absolutely brilliant! In sports terms history, that ranks up there with E=MC2 in my book.
Compare that to Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s infamous statement when he was the NBA Players’ Rep during the lockout of the mid-90s – “Yea, we make a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too.”
Folks, we have now come full circle. There is some sanity in the sports world after all. Every once in a while it shines through.
Arenas, as we stated in our July 4 entry, is “different” to say the least. His thoughts, which are often put into words for the media and public to decipher, confuse folks because he seems thoughtful, reflective and not like those that often come from your average NBA player.
He proved it again by taking less money. For him, it was never about leaving Washington. In his blog, he made clear he wanted to stay with the Bullets and if the team re-signed teammate and friend Atwaan Jamison, he would do so as well at a slight discount.
So when he made good on his promise, it confused some. Why should it? This was Gilbert being Gilbert.
No, we stated last week we did not think Arenas was a max player – especially coming off a serious knee injury. However, we applaud Agent O for showing everyone that some sanity remains in sports – even at a price tag of $111 million.
He did what he said he would do all along and did it literally his way – by negotiating his own deal. Arenas is already a millionaire many times over, who was comfortable in Washington, wanted to stay right there, playing with his friends and teammates, in an organization he appreciated and appreciated him.
That is simple and refreshing. The two sides found common ground.
So the next time a player of Arenas’ caliber enters his free agent season and tells you he loves his hometown team and the organization, he truly enjoys his teammates, and he adores the fans, etc…
Well, you get the point.
When that player says all the right things, but clearly is going to “test the market” at year’s end, remember there is still some loyalty left in sports. There isn’t much, but there is some. Gilbert Arenas provided a reminder of it last week and we thank him for it. It doesn’t happen often.
Goodbyes
By the way, I wonder what the Milwaukee Brewers’ rental, CC Sabathia, – a multi-millionaire many times over already - will be able to provide his family with the $20million a year he will sign for this coming off season he would not have been able to provide them with the $16-18 million per the Indians were offering?
I hope CC helps the Brewers win a World Series. I really do. I root for the small market teams in baseball as you know. I would like to see nothing better than a Devil Rays - Brewers World Series.
But as I have said many times over – I do not like my intelligence insulted.
CC was doing just that by talking a good game and waiting for free agency. The Indians did the right thing – albeit six months too late. For Tribe fans sake, let’s hope Mark Shapiro got real quality in return.
We also wish Joe Borowski the best. We saw his release coming over a month ago and stated as such, but that does not diminish his efforts. He’s the “Wayne Chrebet” of MLB – an overachiever of the first order.
No Comment
We hear Astrubal Cabrera is not talking to the media since his demotion to AAA.
Grow a pair Astrubal! You aren’t the first player to be sent down after making a splash as a rookie.
Anyone can be professional when things are going well, but can you be professional when things aren’t going your way? In his case, the answer is a resounding NO. That’s disappointing. We like his talent.
More & More Cupcakes For OSU
Hurry up and sign up for the Big Ten Network or you will miss viewing Ohio State butcher Youngstown State and Troy State to open the college football season next Fall. Right. I’m sure the phones are ringing off the hook at the BTN.
Someone should tell Jim Tressel scheduling cupcake after cupcake year after year doesn’t help you in the long run against SEC teams come January.
And please don't tell me about playing Texas in the past and USC in the future. When you schedule only one good non-conference team a year, and you play the bulk of your schedule at home year in year out, it tells me you like playing it safe.
Imagine the heat Tressel would be taking had not absolutely everything bounced the Buckeyes' way during their magical National Championship year in 2002?
Thursday, July 3, 2008
GOR Fourth of July Edition
Indians
Here’s the Quote of the Week from Indians’ skipper Eric Wedge as his team continues to fade into oblivion as the heat of the summer approaches – “My focus right now is to keep these guys (players) focused.”
You learn a lot from listening to Wedge, don’t you?
In all seriousness, Wedge did mention in passing he was going to begin using others to close out games for a while. We noted back when Joe Borowski came off the DL, his velocity – which was in the high 80s at best to start with – was down several miles per hour prohibiting him from pitching in the ninth inning anymore. It took several late inning Borowski meltdowns for the Indians’ brass to figure out what they had to know. Better late than never.
Borowski is a good guy who got the most out of limited stuff. But you simply can’t consistently get out big leaguers, especially in the ninth inning, if you have absolutely no velocity coupled with no out pitch. Many Division III collegiate pitchers throw harder than him right now.
This allows us to transition again to one of the team’s major needs – power arms in the pen. You will likely start to hear for the same from local media types as the trading deadline approaches. As usual, they are behind the curve.
I also read the Indians are not sure what to do with Andy Marte. What?
It must be because some in the organization were spooked by the Brandon Phillips mis-diagnosis. Phillips, as you know, didn’t tear the world on fire either at AAA or with his brief stints with the parent club when in Cleveland. The Tribe gave up on him and you know the rest of the story.
My guess is the Indians will give Marte some consistent at bats while playing third base soon to see what he can do. They have nothing to lose – especially if they deal Blake before the deadline.
Here’s another quote that caught my ear the other day. Tom Hamilton said this late in the game with the Tribe down a pair - “The Indians will have the heart of their order up this inning, their 3-4-5 hitters, Francisco, Peralta and Choo.”
I wonder if Hamilton realized what he was saying and if he was chuckling inside when he said those words. I know I was. That line tells you all you need to know about how the season has gone for the Tribe.
Manny
Manny Ramirez recently knocked down the Red Sox's 60 year old plus traveling secretary because he could not get him the 16 game tickets Manny needed for his entourage. The Red Sox did nothing. No suspension. Nothing.
Shoving to the ground a 60 year old man for no reason deserved at least a three-game suspension. The Sox wouldn't do it because it could cost them in the standings having their slugger watching instead of batting fourth. MLB should have stepped in and suspended the mercurial outfielder. Instead, Manny and the secretary had a heart-to-heart and everything is cool according to Manny. Nice.
Good Versus Evil
Tampa Bay just swept the Red Sox. Good. For once, a small market team has momentum. The reality is it is still next to impossible to overcome the money disadvantage the Tampa Bays of this world work under. Reinforcing that thought, I just saw a scroll on ESPN yesterday indicating this is the first time since July of 1997 that neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees led their division this late into the season.
Cavaliers
We hear the Cavaliers are in pursuit of James Posey, a Cleveland native, who has had a rotation role with two teams winning NBA Championships lately – Miami and Boston. Don’t get me wrong, Posey is a solid 25 minute a night player who defends, can knock down an occasional three and does the “intangibles.”
But remember this – when the talking heads say a player does “the little things” or gives you the “intangibles,” it means he’s not a starter and is a solid role player at best. That’s the case with Posey. Again, signing him would be working around the edges and not solve the team’s huge need for another scorer who can get his every night without LeBron’s help.
How many times do we have to say it?
Let’s now then suggest, once again, how to start solving the problem. Our past suggestion of acquiring Kevin Garnett fell on deaf ears. I think he ended up elsewhere this past season and had a decent season. I think.
This time around, we will scale it down some for Ferry and company and suggest acquiring a quality player who should be on the block and would at least address the team’s backcourt needs.
Like his team, he had a horrid 2007-08 season dropping his stock significantly. However, after the 2006-07 season, he was regarded as one of the best young multi-purpose guards in the league. He possesses good size, can play the point and can shoot it.
My guess is he’s somewhere between the player who had an All-Star caliber season in 2006-07 and the guy who lost all his confidence this past season.
I will now give it away if you haven’t put the pieces together yet.
He should be available since his team took a point-guard (Rose) with the first pick in the 2008 draft a few weeks ago.
Yes – it’s Kirk Hinrich, and he would be a significant upgrade at the point.
Pay attention come July 9. That’s the day NBA free agency movement can officially begin. We expect the Cavaliers to be busy this summer. They’d better be if they have any hope of keeping LJ beyond the 2009-10 season. James recently noted in a trip to the Big Apple that New York was his favorite city with Akron coming in fifth. Cleveland was nowhere on the list.
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then you are probably part of the moron majority that believes CC Sabathia will resign with the Tribe this winter – just like Joey Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome did. Right.
This time around, we want Danny to heed our words of the past and acquire quality, rather than quantity.
As for the Cavaliers on draft night, I have no opinion. I never saw their first round pick play, so I would be a fool to comment. I did expect the team to use the pick as trade bait along with others to acquire an established NBA starter who could score the basketball. That did not happen. They acquired three second round type front court pieces in response to having an aging frontcourt. Logical. However, Danny Ferry does not have a good record when it comes to drafting players. Let's hope that changes.
Remember, we noted well over a year ago, the team’s only tradable assets were Daniel G. and Andy V. Nothing has changed. I suspect one or both will not be on the roster when the team takes the floor this Fall. Otherwise, I can’t see how Ferry can swing a major deal that bring back a running-mate for 23. Unlike others, I am not a dreamer and do not expect the Bucks to GIVE the Cavaliers Michael Redd for Wally Z’s expiring contract and a bag of basketball. It doesn’t work that way unless you are the Lakers and the Grizzlies.
NBA Max Deals
Gibert Arenas, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, and is "different" to say the least, is not a max player. Neither is Elton Brand, although I like Brand's skills if healthy, more than Arenas'.
Brett Fabvre
Big surprise – Brett Fabvre has “an itch” to play. Is anyone really surprised? He’s an Hall of Famer who can still play at a high level and his team is coming off a good season. What did you expect?
And what should Green Bay do if Fabvre is serious? This is a no-brainer – welcome him back and ride him as far as he can take you. And please, don’t tell me about Aaron Rodgers. Who the hell is he? This is a business.
Browns Corner
The name Ty Law has come up in terms of an available starting corner the Browns may be interested it. What’s taking so long? Law is probably nowhere near the player he was when he helped the “Evil Empire” win the Super Bowl, but if he can still remember how to put on his uniform and find his helmet, he has to be better than what the Browns will trot out at the corners this season.
NFL Salary Cap
Finally, the NFL owners, through the commissioner, have floated the trial balloon of wanting a cap on rookie salaries. What took them so long? The NBA went to this years ago when veterans like Charles Barkley and company complained the top rookies, who had not done anything yet at the NBA level, made more than veterans who could play.
My guess is the majority of NFL players agree with the owners on this one. Now it’s up to the Players’ Union and the league to work it out in collective bargaining. The league will have to give something up to get their wish.
If I were the players, I would want more guaranteed money in contracts as part of the package beyond the current signing bonus and first year of a new deal.
The NBA and MLB contracts are guaranteed. NFL players have a shorter lifespan and take more physical abuse. That’s where they need to go with their demands – they get more guaranteed years and the owners get team friendly deals for high picks - most of whom don't end up living up to expectations. NFL owners are starting to fiugure it out - these #1 picks are getting paid a ton and floundering. They (owners) have two choices - either they hire better talent evaluators or demand a new system so it does not hurt as much in the pocketbook when the latest "franchise quaterback of the future" (insert your choice of busts) doesn't make it.
Seattle SuperSonics
It’s a tragedy when a city supports a pro team and the team is permitted to leave town. The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City. That’s just wrong. The commissioner has already stated Seattle is in line for another franchise if they build a “state of the art” new facility. Those type of words from league officials in the major sports always sound like extortion to me.
It’s just wrong if they (fans) come and you move it. That’s just how I feel.
Politics
It’s time for your political lesson.
This one is simple - We need more oil, we have the oil on our own turf, but have refused to drill for the oil because some folks are concerned about the environment, the caribou or think we need to use other “clean” sources of fuel (i.e. wind power).
I’ll tell you what I’ll do, I’ll go along with alternative sources of energy if the tree-huggers (you know who you are) go along with drilling on our own turf. Sounds reasonable doesn’t it?
Bottom line – the Chinese are drilling for oil less than 100 miles off OUR shore! Let’s invest in all potential sources of energy (oil, nuclear, solar, wind, etc..).
Only someone who thinks the spotted owl is equal on the evolutionary scale to mankind (my apologies to feminist) could disagree. Unfortunately, we have many citizens, some who vote, who think that way.
If you ask me, that’s scary.
And pleae, don't tell me it will "take years to get the oil" or "it won't solve the problem." Those talking points only work on the mentally ill.
The sooner you start drilling, the sooner we'll get the oil. And as for it not solving the problem - so what. It will help. That's the point. Besides, how long will it take to perfect wind, solar power. etc. And who in their right mind claims "clean" sources of energy will solve the problem alone and solve it soon?
Turn American ingenuity loose on ALL potential sources of energy and let's have a "War To Achieve Energy Independence" and great things will happen. We put a dude on the moon and saved Europe's ass twice in one century from tyranny. We can surely solve this problem.
Are you listening John McCain?
Meanwhile, Americans wil do what they have done in the past - they will adjust. Four day work weeks for some, buying smaller cars for others, using mass transit for even more. I suspect sweater sales will go up this winter as homes are kept at 65 degrees to try to offset higher heating fuel costs.
It is what it is.
Here’s the Quote of the Week from Indians’ skipper Eric Wedge as his team continues to fade into oblivion as the heat of the summer approaches – “My focus right now is to keep these guys (players) focused.”
You learn a lot from listening to Wedge, don’t you?
In all seriousness, Wedge did mention in passing he was going to begin using others to close out games for a while. We noted back when Joe Borowski came off the DL, his velocity – which was in the high 80s at best to start with – was down several miles per hour prohibiting him from pitching in the ninth inning anymore. It took several late inning Borowski meltdowns for the Indians’ brass to figure out what they had to know. Better late than never.
Borowski is a good guy who got the most out of limited stuff. But you simply can’t consistently get out big leaguers, especially in the ninth inning, if you have absolutely no velocity coupled with no out pitch. Many Division III collegiate pitchers throw harder than him right now.
This allows us to transition again to one of the team’s major needs – power arms in the pen. You will likely start to hear for the same from local media types as the trading deadline approaches. As usual, they are behind the curve.
I also read the Indians are not sure what to do with Andy Marte. What?
It must be because some in the organization were spooked by the Brandon Phillips mis-diagnosis. Phillips, as you know, didn’t tear the world on fire either at AAA or with his brief stints with the parent club when in Cleveland. The Tribe gave up on him and you know the rest of the story.
My guess is the Indians will give Marte some consistent at bats while playing third base soon to see what he can do. They have nothing to lose – especially if they deal Blake before the deadline.
Here’s another quote that caught my ear the other day. Tom Hamilton said this late in the game with the Tribe down a pair - “The Indians will have the heart of their order up this inning, their 3-4-5 hitters, Francisco, Peralta and Choo.”
I wonder if Hamilton realized what he was saying and if he was chuckling inside when he said those words. I know I was. That line tells you all you need to know about how the season has gone for the Tribe.
Manny
Manny Ramirez recently knocked down the Red Sox's 60 year old plus traveling secretary because he could not get him the 16 game tickets Manny needed for his entourage. The Red Sox did nothing. No suspension. Nothing.
Shoving to the ground a 60 year old man for no reason deserved at least a three-game suspension. The Sox wouldn't do it because it could cost them in the standings having their slugger watching instead of batting fourth. MLB should have stepped in and suspended the mercurial outfielder. Instead, Manny and the secretary had a heart-to-heart and everything is cool according to Manny. Nice.
Good Versus Evil
Tampa Bay just swept the Red Sox. Good. For once, a small market team has momentum. The reality is it is still next to impossible to overcome the money disadvantage the Tampa Bays of this world work under. Reinforcing that thought, I just saw a scroll on ESPN yesterday indicating this is the first time since July of 1997 that neither the Red Sox nor the Yankees led their division this late into the season.
Cavaliers
We hear the Cavaliers are in pursuit of James Posey, a Cleveland native, who has had a rotation role with two teams winning NBA Championships lately – Miami and Boston. Don’t get me wrong, Posey is a solid 25 minute a night player who defends, can knock down an occasional three and does the “intangibles.”
But remember this – when the talking heads say a player does “the little things” or gives you the “intangibles,” it means he’s not a starter and is a solid role player at best. That’s the case with Posey. Again, signing him would be working around the edges and not solve the team’s huge need for another scorer who can get his every night without LeBron’s help.
How many times do we have to say it?
Let’s now then suggest, once again, how to start solving the problem. Our past suggestion of acquiring Kevin Garnett fell on deaf ears. I think he ended up elsewhere this past season and had a decent season. I think.
This time around, we will scale it down some for Ferry and company and suggest acquiring a quality player who should be on the block and would at least address the team’s backcourt needs.
Like his team, he had a horrid 2007-08 season dropping his stock significantly. However, after the 2006-07 season, he was regarded as one of the best young multi-purpose guards in the league. He possesses good size, can play the point and can shoot it.
My guess is he’s somewhere between the player who had an All-Star caliber season in 2006-07 and the guy who lost all his confidence this past season.
I will now give it away if you haven’t put the pieces together yet.
He should be available since his team took a point-guard (Rose) with the first pick in the 2008 draft a few weeks ago.
Yes – it’s Kirk Hinrich, and he would be a significant upgrade at the point.
Pay attention come July 9. That’s the day NBA free agency movement can officially begin. We expect the Cavaliers to be busy this summer. They’d better be if they have any hope of keeping LJ beyond the 2009-10 season. James recently noted in a trip to the Big Apple that New York was his favorite city with Akron coming in fifth. Cleveland was nowhere on the list.
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then you are probably part of the moron majority that believes CC Sabathia will resign with the Tribe this winter – just like Joey Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome did. Right.
This time around, we want Danny to heed our words of the past and acquire quality, rather than quantity.
As for the Cavaliers on draft night, I have no opinion. I never saw their first round pick play, so I would be a fool to comment. I did expect the team to use the pick as trade bait along with others to acquire an established NBA starter who could score the basketball. That did not happen. They acquired three second round type front court pieces in response to having an aging frontcourt. Logical. However, Danny Ferry does not have a good record when it comes to drafting players. Let's hope that changes.
Remember, we noted well over a year ago, the team’s only tradable assets were Daniel G. and Andy V. Nothing has changed. I suspect one or both will not be on the roster when the team takes the floor this Fall. Otherwise, I can’t see how Ferry can swing a major deal that bring back a running-mate for 23. Unlike others, I am not a dreamer and do not expect the Bucks to GIVE the Cavaliers Michael Redd for Wally Z’s expiring contract and a bag of basketball. It doesn’t work that way unless you are the Lakers and the Grizzlies.
NBA Max Deals
Gibert Arenas, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, and is "different" to say the least, is not a max player. Neither is Elton Brand, although I like Brand's skills if healthy, more than Arenas'.
Brett Fabvre
Big surprise – Brett Fabvre has “an itch” to play. Is anyone really surprised? He’s an Hall of Famer who can still play at a high level and his team is coming off a good season. What did you expect?
And what should Green Bay do if Fabvre is serious? This is a no-brainer – welcome him back and ride him as far as he can take you. And please, don’t tell me about Aaron Rodgers. Who the hell is he? This is a business.
Browns Corner
The name Ty Law has come up in terms of an available starting corner the Browns may be interested it. What’s taking so long? Law is probably nowhere near the player he was when he helped the “Evil Empire” win the Super Bowl, but if he can still remember how to put on his uniform and find his helmet, he has to be better than what the Browns will trot out at the corners this season.
NFL Salary Cap
Finally, the NFL owners, through the commissioner, have floated the trial balloon of wanting a cap on rookie salaries. What took them so long? The NBA went to this years ago when veterans like Charles Barkley and company complained the top rookies, who had not done anything yet at the NBA level, made more than veterans who could play.
My guess is the majority of NFL players agree with the owners on this one. Now it’s up to the Players’ Union and the league to work it out in collective bargaining. The league will have to give something up to get their wish.
If I were the players, I would want more guaranteed money in contracts as part of the package beyond the current signing bonus and first year of a new deal.
The NBA and MLB contracts are guaranteed. NFL players have a shorter lifespan and take more physical abuse. That’s where they need to go with their demands – they get more guaranteed years and the owners get team friendly deals for high picks - most of whom don't end up living up to expectations. NFL owners are starting to fiugure it out - these #1 picks are getting paid a ton and floundering. They (owners) have two choices - either they hire better talent evaluators or demand a new system so it does not hurt as much in the pocketbook when the latest "franchise quaterback of the future" (insert your choice of busts) doesn't make it.
Seattle SuperSonics
It’s a tragedy when a city supports a pro team and the team is permitted to leave town. The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City. That’s just wrong. The commissioner has already stated Seattle is in line for another franchise if they build a “state of the art” new facility. Those type of words from league officials in the major sports always sound like extortion to me.
It’s just wrong if they (fans) come and you move it. That’s just how I feel.
Politics
It’s time for your political lesson.
This one is simple - We need more oil, we have the oil on our own turf, but have refused to drill for the oil because some folks are concerned about the environment, the caribou or think we need to use other “clean” sources of fuel (i.e. wind power).
I’ll tell you what I’ll do, I’ll go along with alternative sources of energy if the tree-huggers (you know who you are) go along with drilling on our own turf. Sounds reasonable doesn’t it?
Bottom line – the Chinese are drilling for oil less than 100 miles off OUR shore! Let’s invest in all potential sources of energy (oil, nuclear, solar, wind, etc..).
Only someone who thinks the spotted owl is equal on the evolutionary scale to mankind (my apologies to feminist) could disagree. Unfortunately, we have many citizens, some who vote, who think that way.
If you ask me, that’s scary.
And pleae, don't tell me it will "take years to get the oil" or "it won't solve the problem." Those talking points only work on the mentally ill.
The sooner you start drilling, the sooner we'll get the oil. And as for it not solving the problem - so what. It will help. That's the point. Besides, how long will it take to perfect wind, solar power. etc. And who in their right mind claims "clean" sources of energy will solve the problem alone and solve it soon?
Turn American ingenuity loose on ALL potential sources of energy and let's have a "War To Achieve Energy Independence" and great things will happen. We put a dude on the moon and saved Europe's ass twice in one century from tyranny. We can surely solve this problem.
Are you listening John McCain?
Meanwhile, Americans wil do what they have done in the past - they will adjust. Four day work weeks for some, buying smaller cars for others, using mass transit for even more. I suspect sweater sales will go up this winter as homes are kept at 65 degrees to try to offset higher heating fuel costs.
It is what it is.
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