Short & Quick
Runs Scored
Runs scored is the most overrated stat in sports. Once on base, you are at the mercy of others to score. If you score 100 runs in a season, that’s considered outstanding. However, the bulk of the credit should go to the guys that follow you in the lineup. They are the ones that got the RBI.
The only exception to this rule involves the great disruptors in the game - led by Ricky 'the greatest of all-time' Henderson. Those type of players - which are rare -create scoring opportunities on their own once on base.
Hits Allowed
For several years now, when watching an Indians’ game on local television, the graphics package shown includes innings pitched, strike outs, walks and ERA when a reliever takes the hill. It’s missing one crucial element however - hits allowed.
Why this stat does not appear baffles me. It’s an extremely important stat to know when evaluating what kind of season the hurler in question is having. You would think by now someone would have pointed this fact out to those producing the broadcasts.
One More Time On Lee & Martinez
The morons who think the Indians will deal either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez before this year’s trading deadline won't stop. There is absolutely no logic to such a move unless you get in return a minimum of two major league ready top prospects in return.
Dealing either player would be signaling a large white flag being hoisted in downtown Cleveland during the summer time for the foreseeable future. That move won’t sell any tickets heading into 2010 and it would be a PR nightmare. Yet, there are those in the media who are still openly speculation these players may get moved when discussing where the Garkos, Woods, Pavanos, Carrolls, etc... will end up.
One more time - If you deal Lee, you trade your ONLY current stable starting pitcher while Martinez has been arguably the team’s BEST PLAYER the past several years. The only other near untouchable is Sizemore. Unfortunately, those three are the only true “core players” this franchise has - contrary to what Mark Shapiro and company thought. Yes, Lee may get moved before the trading deadline in 2010, but that's a question for another day.
Zero In Return For CC
Speaking of deadline deals, its one year since the CC trade and still no ML impact has been made by anyone coming this way (to Cleveland) in return. That’s not good folks. The next time Shapiro thinks about trading a 20 game winner, I suggest he gets some ML ready talent in return. Which begs the question once again - Where is Matt LaPorta? He has absolutely nothing more to prove at AAA.
Urban Legend
No player is ever ruined by bringing him up early and letting him get his feet wet at the ML level. Check that - David Clyde, an 18-year old phenom was called up by the Rangers back in the 70s and it likely screwed him up. Google his name and read if you don't believe me. That's it - ONE GUY!
If the guy is in over his head, you simply send him back down and the next time he comes up, he'll know where the shitter is in the clubhouse. That's a good thing. And there's always the chance he's ready for the big-time the first time around. That's why the Indians' strategy of playing it safe with their top prospects at the all-star break and not calling anyone up is so baffling.
That is unless they know deep down they don't have any top prospects. No, that can't be - can it?
I Don't Get It Grant
Why in the world would Grant Hill resign with the Suns? I’m told he has a home in Phoenix and didn’t want to change addresses. Fine. No one thinks he should uproot his family and move to the Midwest and take part in January snow removal. However, at this point in his career, you would think he would want to play for a contender and try to get a ring before his ankles finally give out. Perhaps he hasn’t heard about six month condo leases that include furniture and all appliances.
Organization & The Soft Label
NFL camp opens in less than a week and there are two things I want to see from the Browns during the pre-season.
First, I want to see this team organized. I don’t want to see linebackers calling timeout because the wrong defensive package is on the field, nor do I want to see the quarterback burn two timeouts per half because they couldn’t get the play in on time.
Secondly, I want to see a much more physical team. Ever since the Browns' second act began in 1999, the Browns have been a relatively soft football team. Their defensive numbers over the years in terms of rushing yards allowed and their inability to pick up first downs on third and short are leading indicators of this concern. Being soft is especially a concern in this division, where you play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year – teams that revel in punching you in the mouth.
I have no problem with Mangini bringing in his players from the Jets if they help dramatically in these two areas.
Longer But Better?
I have not seen either wing player the Cavs have recently acquired play. Therefore, I have no comment. Getting to 66 wins is a long shot at best. It doesn’t really matter though. I’ll take 55+ wins and a healthy “Diesel” come playoff time instead. One thing is certain – the Cavs are now longer on the wings. That’s a good thing. The question remains - are they simply longer or longer and better? We know the “Diesel will help. We’ll have to wait how much help the other newcomers provide.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Short & Quick
NBA Free Agency
The best talent currently on the market would also fill Cleveland’s biggest need. His name is Ron Artest. Yes, he’s high maintenance, but he would be #1 on my off-season shopping list if I had Dan Gilbert’s ear.
At age 29, Artest had fewer meltdowns in his last stop (Houston) and there should be enough of a presence in the Cavs’ locker room to keep him under control. His addition would make Cleveland the favorite to win it all in 2009-10 – for what that’s worth.
No one has mentioned his name, but I would also pursue Grant Hill, who is also on the market. Even with the bad wheels, he would still give you a high basketball IQ and 25 minutes a night of solid play off the bench.
Artest and Hill would bring the Cavs the length and talent they need in the perimeter. Neither one is a knock-down shooter, but both bring a multitude of skills to your team not easily found with younger, perhaps more athletic players.
If I can’t get Artest, then I target Trevor Ariza – late of the LA Lakers. I want Artest because he’s a warrior on the court, in his prime and simply one of the game’s 10 best current players.
No, I don’t rate Shawn Marion high. Check out his numbers since leaving Steve Nash and the Phoenix system.
Indians’ Fire Sale
If a quality big league arm comes in return, I would deal my boy, J. Peralta. It’s time. The only veterans off the market are Sizemore and Martinez. Everyone else is available.
As for Cliff Lee, it’s a question of what you get in return. Just like C.C., the better he pitches as he closes in on free agency, the less likely they can afford him. The question is - Do you trust Mark Shapiro to get it right? The last time he made a terrific deal prior to a player soon to skipping town (free agency) involved Bartolo Colon.
By the way, have you ever wondered why the Indians have had so many players who have a promising Major League debut, in terms of first year in the Show, then fade?
I can’t figure that one out.
100 MPH & Blisters
The numerous injuries to Adam Miller, once the organization’s #1 pitching prospect, seems to have set the farm system back several years. That should never happen. That’s why you now see the Indians scrambling attempting to acquire power arms from other organizations. Miller looks as though he was the only hard thrower with potential in the system that was close to Major League ready. Not good.
5.33
Are you like me and find it somewhat humorous the Tribe has so many starters with ERAs over 5. Notice, I’ve stayed away from the pen. That’s been done to death. Actually, that part of the staff is easier to fix than the starters. We'll explain at a later date.
I really think this organization will break camp next year with 80% of the starting staff not currently on the roster. That’s how bad it is.
It Ain’t Complicated
If I hear Eric Wedge one more time discussing in a post-game interview his frustration with the Indians’ starters inability to get to the late innings, I’m going to bust a vein. Not really. It's not complicated.
Those guys don’t get you to the late innings Eric because their stuff isn’t good enough! You already know this, but you just don’t want to publicly embarrass your boss (Mark Shapiro), the scouting staff, the player personnel people, etc… by admitting it. They are asking you to fight a war with BB guns.
I get it. Just don’t play dumb and confused when asked what the problem is. It insults our intelligence.
The guys (media) asking the question should also cease and desist – unless of course, they don’t know why Jeremy Sowers and company struggle so much.
Speaking of Sowers, I'm told by a friend that he's the only current ML pitcher to have been drafted in the first round twice. If that's true, that's scary.
Here’s what Wedge is actually thinking when asked his stating staff: “Most of these guys don’t have overpowering stuff – not even close. They simply have a small margin for error. Their primary stuff is mediocre at best and their secondary stuff stinks right now. So when big league hitters see then the second and third time around in a game, they wait them out, make them throw strikes, and more often than not, get the fat part of the bat on the ball. End result: 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 3Ks, 3BB. Next qestion.
New Skipper
By the way, I am guessing Mark Shapiro waits until the All-Star Break to can Wedge. That’s just a semi-educated guess. As usual, Wedge isn't totally to blame. The players and Shapiro did their share of the damage.
The question is will the Dolans let Shapiro blow it up and start over again or have someone else do it.
The best talent currently on the market would also fill Cleveland’s biggest need. His name is Ron Artest. Yes, he’s high maintenance, but he would be #1 on my off-season shopping list if I had Dan Gilbert’s ear.
At age 29, Artest had fewer meltdowns in his last stop (Houston) and there should be enough of a presence in the Cavs’ locker room to keep him under control. His addition would make Cleveland the favorite to win it all in 2009-10 – for what that’s worth.
No one has mentioned his name, but I would also pursue Grant Hill, who is also on the market. Even with the bad wheels, he would still give you a high basketball IQ and 25 minutes a night of solid play off the bench.
Artest and Hill would bring the Cavs the length and talent they need in the perimeter. Neither one is a knock-down shooter, but both bring a multitude of skills to your team not easily found with younger, perhaps more athletic players.
If I can’t get Artest, then I target Trevor Ariza – late of the LA Lakers. I want Artest because he’s a warrior on the court, in his prime and simply one of the game’s 10 best current players.
No, I don’t rate Shawn Marion high. Check out his numbers since leaving Steve Nash and the Phoenix system.
Indians’ Fire Sale
If a quality big league arm comes in return, I would deal my boy, J. Peralta. It’s time. The only veterans off the market are Sizemore and Martinez. Everyone else is available.
As for Cliff Lee, it’s a question of what you get in return. Just like C.C., the better he pitches as he closes in on free agency, the less likely they can afford him. The question is - Do you trust Mark Shapiro to get it right? The last time he made a terrific deal prior to a player soon to skipping town (free agency) involved Bartolo Colon.
By the way, have you ever wondered why the Indians have had so many players who have a promising Major League debut, in terms of first year in the Show, then fade?
I can’t figure that one out.
100 MPH & Blisters
The numerous injuries to Adam Miller, once the organization’s #1 pitching prospect, seems to have set the farm system back several years. That should never happen. That’s why you now see the Indians scrambling attempting to acquire power arms from other organizations. Miller looks as though he was the only hard thrower with potential in the system that was close to Major League ready. Not good.
5.33
Are you like me and find it somewhat humorous the Tribe has so many starters with ERAs over 5. Notice, I’ve stayed away from the pen. That’s been done to death. Actually, that part of the staff is easier to fix than the starters. We'll explain at a later date.
I really think this organization will break camp next year with 80% of the starting staff not currently on the roster. That’s how bad it is.
It Ain’t Complicated
If I hear Eric Wedge one more time discussing in a post-game interview his frustration with the Indians’ starters inability to get to the late innings, I’m going to bust a vein. Not really. It's not complicated.
Those guys don’t get you to the late innings Eric because their stuff isn’t good enough! You already know this, but you just don’t want to publicly embarrass your boss (Mark Shapiro), the scouting staff, the player personnel people, etc… by admitting it. They are asking you to fight a war with BB guns.
I get it. Just don’t play dumb and confused when asked what the problem is. It insults our intelligence.
The guys (media) asking the question should also cease and desist – unless of course, they don’t know why Jeremy Sowers and company struggle so much.
Speaking of Sowers, I'm told by a friend that he's the only current ML pitcher to have been drafted in the first round twice. If that's true, that's scary.
Here’s what Wedge is actually thinking when asked his stating staff: “Most of these guys don’t have overpowering stuff – not even close. They simply have a small margin for error. Their primary stuff is mediocre at best and their secondary stuff stinks right now. So when big league hitters see then the second and third time around in a game, they wait them out, make them throw strikes, and more often than not, get the fat part of the bat on the ball. End result: 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 3Ks, 3BB. Next qestion.
New Skipper
By the way, I am guessing Mark Shapiro waits until the All-Star Break to can Wedge. That’s just a semi-educated guess. As usual, Wedge isn't totally to blame. The players and Shapiro did their share of the damage.
The question is will the Dolans let Shapiro blow it up and start over again or have someone else do it.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Jackson & The NBA Draft
King of Pop
First, we delve into hero worship gone overboard – again.
An alleged pedophile kicks the bucket and the world comes to a complete stop. It’s wall to wall coverage on every network. I can’t get away from it and it’s driving me nuts.
Am I the only one who thinks this is just another sign of our society collapsing in front of our eyes?
Yea, I know Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. He was also a 50 year old man whose hero was Peter Pan.
He was an adult who had an amusement park in his backyard so he could lure eight-year olds over for a ride on the merry-go-round and perhaps a sleep over complete with silk sheets and wine.
The dude allegedly paid millions to make lawsuits involving inappropriate behavior with children go away.
This leads to the obvious question of what moron parent would ever let their kid near this guy?’
But that’s for another day.
I haven’t even covered the fact that he turned himself into “half man-half freak." I mean, I can’t think of another human being on this planet that looks likes Michael Jackson. He was a walking wax figure of himself.
With all this and much more revolving around this circus act, we now have adults around the globe mourning his death as if he had Mother Theresa’s impact.
No, in this case, the good does not outweigh the bad! The freak didn’t hurt just himself with self-destructive behavior, he molested children (allegedly) for Christ’s sake!
If he were a semi-normal person, he would have done serious jail time and his photo would need to be plastered on every palm tree near Southern California middle schools.
Instead, we have the networks giving him more air time than if a president had passed on. I’m especially disappointed in Fox News – who usually has the right read on the day’s events in terms of appropriate coverage. I couldn’t even get away from the Jackson coverage when I tuned that network in last night. And I tried 3x.
I don’t know what’s worse – adults gathering outside a hospital holding candlelight vigils or the fact that they had their children with them.
Check that – dragging the kids along is worse. Imagine what those parents could possibly be saying to their kids right now?
“Johnny – a great man just passed away. He was a musical genius unlike no other. Forget the fact that he liked to play – ‘Touch Jacko’s salami and win a ride on the ferris wheel.' That’s not important son. Besides, nothing was ever proven."
Right. And O.J. was innocent.
Thankfully, some of this will soon pass and the media, and the morons who live vicariosuly through people they have never met, will be on to the next reality television train wreck.
However, when historians write about our culture’s demise hundreds of years from now – like they have done with every dominant culture (Greeks, Romans, etc…) – America's hero worship culture will certainly demand a lengthy chapter.
By the way, I can see the cable networks now – planning their next fifty shows around Jackson’s toxicology reports and possible criminal indictments against some poor doctor who wrote this freak’s meds prescriptions so he could function well enough to always carry an umbrella with him outside on sunny 90 degree California days.
It’s always somebody else’s fault. Right.
NBA Draft
Those who read my pre-draft analysis know that I had little to say about the comings and goings of draft day since I did not see enough of these guys play to form real opinions on what they will do at the next level.
My college basketball viewing in 2008-09 involved mostly watching a couple Duke –North Carolina battles and the Final Four.
However, there are some post-draft observations that I need to air.
First, what the hell were the ESPN experts thinking when Minnesota drafted THREE point-guards and not one individual on the live panel at the time criticized the move?
One member of the panel (Jeff Van Gundy) did questioned if they could play two point guards at the same time.
Hey genius – Why not go farther and question the wisdom of actually drafting two players in the top six that play the exact same position?
Even Mark Jackson, usually a calm and appropriate voice when it comes to NBA analysis, didn’t raise any alarms. More on Jackson later.
When you need everything, the last thing you want to do is take three quarterbacks. That’s essentially what the Timberwolves did – NBA style.
Yea, I know they are trading one of them. But unless you have two deals ready to go when you make the picks, it makes absolutely no sense to me.
The last time I checked, you can only play one point guard at a time – especially when one is 5-11 and the other is 19 years old with spaghetti arms.
Back to Mark Jackson. He actually said the Cavaliers did not improve themselves by adding 17 points and eight boards a night (The Big Aristotle).
Right Mark.
Do the Cavaliers still need a perimeter player who can defend tall, athletic bigs? Of course. His name is Shane Battier and we wanted Cleveland to acquire this underrated player two years ago.
Regardless, the Cavaliers ARE better than they were 48 hours ago. They added a post big that still draws double teams, who can still defend the goal and who is still a physical freak – even at age 38.
Is Shack as good as he was five years ago? Of course not. But if he’s healthy come playoff time, he makes them (Cleveland) a better team because, for 28-30 minutes a night, he will be able to match up against any and all comers, including the Howards, Garnetts, Gasols, etc…
He simply gives them a much better chance of not being dominated inside - something we pointed out days after witnessing the Lakers dismantle the Cavs’ big men in Cleveland back in December.
To put it simply – you STILL have to account for Shack when he’s on the floor. Secondly, he has something to prove – being the first to five rings. And third, he takes some of the workload off LeBron James.
On occasion, when the Cavs are in the half-court set next year, LJ and company will be able to throw it into the “Big Fella” and watch as he dunks on someone.
That’s the equivalent of not asking your quarterback to sit in the shotgun and make all the plays, allowing him to hand off on occasion so he rest on occasion and let someone else do the work.
Remember – the Cavs have NOT had a post player who can consistently score with his back to the basket in SEVERAL years. Not since Z turned into a face-up 15-17 footer shooter – albeit a good one.
This move makes teams have to prepare for a post game when they play the Cavs. That’s a good thing.
And imagine James, when he's at his best, going to the hole, and Shack cleaning up his miss because the defense rotated over to help on 23? That’s also a good thing.
Now on to acquiring Shane Battier – or a facsimile there of.
Sideline Reporter
I continue to marvel at the stupidity of networks using “babes” to interview athletes during games and special events.
Instead of asking Shack what his thoughts were on potentially facing Dwight Howard in the post-season next spring on Draft Night, or inquiring how the Cavaliers now match up with the Kobe-led defending champion Lakers – this woman asks Shack if he would come off the bench next year in Cleveland?
Great f%$#@g question!
The Cavaliers added a future first ballot Hall of Famer, with four rings, who put up better numbers than anyone on the team’s front court in 2008-09, just to be part of their bench rotation.
Right.
No. We didn’t want to hear how he would have played Dwight “the impostor” Howard – as Shack calls him – had Cleveland plucked him up before the trading deadline?
No. We don’t want Shack to comment on trying to one-up Kobe in terms of rings, now that he’s on a team coming off 66 wins.
I don’t know if this is about political correctness or these networks actually believe these women know sports. All I know is 90% of the questions usually asked by these dolls are useless.
Something tells me most of these NBA sideline gals – with the exception of Cheryl Miller – wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a man or zone. Ditto for those sideline bunnies if you asked them to explain what “dime coverage” looks like during college football Saturdays or NFL Sundays.
By the way, most male sideline reporters only have a 20% success rate in asking questions in my book – especially the ones who care more about their wardrobe than asking probing questions.
Bottom line – when they go down to the sideline reporter for comment or questions between quarters or at halftime, that’s my cue to take a leak.
Vince Carter & Richard Jefferson
Orlando did not get better if they added Vince Carter and they lose Hedo T. to free agency. Carter does not make his teammates better. Hedo does – at least he did against the Cavs.
I consider it a wash at best.
I’m also not a Richard Jefferson fan, but he does give San Antonio more athleticism on the wing. It makes them better, but this group is aging, and will need to keep their key parts completely healthy to challenge come playoff time.
It's interesting how some teams (i.e. Cleveland & San Antonia) are being built specifically for April through June and the match-ups they will likely face.
It's almost as if the regular will be simply an extension of training camp with the main goal being to stay healthy. Look for the O'Neal's and Duncans to get plenty of bench time during the 82 game exhibition campaign.
First, we delve into hero worship gone overboard – again.
An alleged pedophile kicks the bucket and the world comes to a complete stop. It’s wall to wall coverage on every network. I can’t get away from it and it’s driving me nuts.
Am I the only one who thinks this is just another sign of our society collapsing in front of our eyes?
Yea, I know Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. He was also a 50 year old man whose hero was Peter Pan.
He was an adult who had an amusement park in his backyard so he could lure eight-year olds over for a ride on the merry-go-round and perhaps a sleep over complete with silk sheets and wine.
The dude allegedly paid millions to make lawsuits involving inappropriate behavior with children go away.
This leads to the obvious question of what moron parent would ever let their kid near this guy?’
But that’s for another day.
I haven’t even covered the fact that he turned himself into “half man-half freak." I mean, I can’t think of another human being on this planet that looks likes Michael Jackson. He was a walking wax figure of himself.
With all this and much more revolving around this circus act, we now have adults around the globe mourning his death as if he had Mother Theresa’s impact.
No, in this case, the good does not outweigh the bad! The freak didn’t hurt just himself with self-destructive behavior, he molested children (allegedly) for Christ’s sake!
If he were a semi-normal person, he would have done serious jail time and his photo would need to be plastered on every palm tree near Southern California middle schools.
Instead, we have the networks giving him more air time than if a president had passed on. I’m especially disappointed in Fox News – who usually has the right read on the day’s events in terms of appropriate coverage. I couldn’t even get away from the Jackson coverage when I tuned that network in last night. And I tried 3x.
I don’t know what’s worse – adults gathering outside a hospital holding candlelight vigils or the fact that they had their children with them.
Check that – dragging the kids along is worse. Imagine what those parents could possibly be saying to their kids right now?
“Johnny – a great man just passed away. He was a musical genius unlike no other. Forget the fact that he liked to play – ‘Touch Jacko’s salami and win a ride on the ferris wheel.' That’s not important son. Besides, nothing was ever proven."
Right. And O.J. was innocent.
Thankfully, some of this will soon pass and the media, and the morons who live vicariosuly through people they have never met, will be on to the next reality television train wreck.
However, when historians write about our culture’s demise hundreds of years from now – like they have done with every dominant culture (Greeks, Romans, etc…) – America's hero worship culture will certainly demand a lengthy chapter.
By the way, I can see the cable networks now – planning their next fifty shows around Jackson’s toxicology reports and possible criminal indictments against some poor doctor who wrote this freak’s meds prescriptions so he could function well enough to always carry an umbrella with him outside on sunny 90 degree California days.
It’s always somebody else’s fault. Right.
NBA Draft
Those who read my pre-draft analysis know that I had little to say about the comings and goings of draft day since I did not see enough of these guys play to form real opinions on what they will do at the next level.
My college basketball viewing in 2008-09 involved mostly watching a couple Duke –North Carolina battles and the Final Four.
However, there are some post-draft observations that I need to air.
First, what the hell were the ESPN experts thinking when Minnesota drafted THREE point-guards and not one individual on the live panel at the time criticized the move?
One member of the panel (Jeff Van Gundy) did questioned if they could play two point guards at the same time.
Hey genius – Why not go farther and question the wisdom of actually drafting two players in the top six that play the exact same position?
Even Mark Jackson, usually a calm and appropriate voice when it comes to NBA analysis, didn’t raise any alarms. More on Jackson later.
When you need everything, the last thing you want to do is take three quarterbacks. That’s essentially what the Timberwolves did – NBA style.
Yea, I know they are trading one of them. But unless you have two deals ready to go when you make the picks, it makes absolutely no sense to me.
The last time I checked, you can only play one point guard at a time – especially when one is 5-11 and the other is 19 years old with spaghetti arms.
Back to Mark Jackson. He actually said the Cavaliers did not improve themselves by adding 17 points and eight boards a night (The Big Aristotle).
Right Mark.
Do the Cavaliers still need a perimeter player who can defend tall, athletic bigs? Of course. His name is Shane Battier and we wanted Cleveland to acquire this underrated player two years ago.
Regardless, the Cavaliers ARE better than they were 48 hours ago. They added a post big that still draws double teams, who can still defend the goal and who is still a physical freak – even at age 38.
Is Shack as good as he was five years ago? Of course not. But if he’s healthy come playoff time, he makes them (Cleveland) a better team because, for 28-30 minutes a night, he will be able to match up against any and all comers, including the Howards, Garnetts, Gasols, etc…
He simply gives them a much better chance of not being dominated inside - something we pointed out days after witnessing the Lakers dismantle the Cavs’ big men in Cleveland back in December.
To put it simply – you STILL have to account for Shack when he’s on the floor. Secondly, he has something to prove – being the first to five rings. And third, he takes some of the workload off LeBron James.
On occasion, when the Cavs are in the half-court set next year, LJ and company will be able to throw it into the “Big Fella” and watch as he dunks on someone.
That’s the equivalent of not asking your quarterback to sit in the shotgun and make all the plays, allowing him to hand off on occasion so he rest on occasion and let someone else do the work.
Remember – the Cavs have NOT had a post player who can consistently score with his back to the basket in SEVERAL years. Not since Z turned into a face-up 15-17 footer shooter – albeit a good one.
This move makes teams have to prepare for a post game when they play the Cavs. That’s a good thing.
And imagine James, when he's at his best, going to the hole, and Shack cleaning up his miss because the defense rotated over to help on 23? That’s also a good thing.
Now on to acquiring Shane Battier – or a facsimile there of.
Sideline Reporter
I continue to marvel at the stupidity of networks using “babes” to interview athletes during games and special events.
Instead of asking Shack what his thoughts were on potentially facing Dwight Howard in the post-season next spring on Draft Night, or inquiring how the Cavaliers now match up with the Kobe-led defending champion Lakers – this woman asks Shack if he would come off the bench next year in Cleveland?
Great f%$#@g question!
The Cavaliers added a future first ballot Hall of Famer, with four rings, who put up better numbers than anyone on the team’s front court in 2008-09, just to be part of their bench rotation.
Right.
No. We didn’t want to hear how he would have played Dwight “the impostor” Howard – as Shack calls him – had Cleveland plucked him up before the trading deadline?
No. We don’t want Shack to comment on trying to one-up Kobe in terms of rings, now that he’s on a team coming off 66 wins.
I don’t know if this is about political correctness or these networks actually believe these women know sports. All I know is 90% of the questions usually asked by these dolls are useless.
Something tells me most of these NBA sideline gals – with the exception of Cheryl Miller – wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a man or zone. Ditto for those sideline bunnies if you asked them to explain what “dime coverage” looks like during college football Saturdays or NFL Sundays.
By the way, most male sideline reporters only have a 20% success rate in asking questions in my book – especially the ones who care more about their wardrobe than asking probing questions.
Bottom line – when they go down to the sideline reporter for comment or questions between quarters or at halftime, that’s my cue to take a leak.
Vince Carter & Richard Jefferson
Orlando did not get better if they added Vince Carter and they lose Hedo T. to free agency. Carter does not make his teammates better. Hedo does – at least he did against the Cavs.
I consider it a wash at best.
I’m also not a Richard Jefferson fan, but he does give San Antonio more athleticism on the wing. It makes them better, but this group is aging, and will need to keep their key parts completely healthy to challenge come playoff time.
It's interesting how some teams (i.e. Cleveland & San Antonia) are being built specifically for April through June and the match-ups they will likely face.
It's almost as if the regular will be simply an extension of training camp with the main goal being to stay healthy. Look for the O'Neal's and Duncans to get plenty of bench time during the 82 game exhibition campaign.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By Request
It looks like I am taking requests now.
Nationalized Health Care
First of all, we do not have 47 million Americans who can't get health care, as the advocates of a Canadian/British system would have you believe.
Approximately 10-15 million of our citizens make over $50,000 a year and choose not to buy health care for a variety of reasons, including stupidity. Some 12 million or so are immigrants who entered illegally in the first place and don’t qualify. Another 10-15 million are youngsters between 18-25, who live on their own, think they are indestructible and/or truly can’t afford it.
Add the fact that many who are currently without insurance can qualify for Medicaid benefits if they would bother to do the paperwork. In other words, we, the taxpayers pick up the tab when they get sick. For example, those currently on welfare receive Medicaid coverage and prescription drugs free of charge.
Having said that, I do believe there are problems with our current system, including the doctors’ main complaint that we need to curb the amount of lawsuits that are filed, which in turn drive up the cost of doing business.
And I do have compassion for those who truly don’t have health insurance, those between jobs, the elderly that get hammered with rising drug prescription costs, etc…
My solution?
Sorry. I’m not qualified to provide any answers other than to state the obvious – the government isn’t set up to provide a public option that works. If it did, that would be a first.
Have you checked out the Post Office's multi-billion $ a year deficit?
I do see some sort of health care bill eventually passing Congress this year. It will likely be a very watered down version. The President will claim victory. But the private sector will remain in charge overall of health care – as it should be.
The bottom line is those who have a decent job and a health care plan in place complain about the cost but generally are pleased with their overall coverage.
Meanwhile, those without work, between jobs, or have low-paying jobs are one serious car accident away from being ruined financially because they have no coverage.
Some sort of Catastrophic Health Insurance should be made available to Americans who need it. Yes, I would pay a little more in taxes to make sure families going through tough times aren’t ruined because mom needed four weeks in the hospital to recover from emergency surgery.
I just don't know how we do it. It's not my area of expertise.
North Korea & Iran
For some reason, we are currently tailing a North Korean ship carrying illegal arms to Burma but we aren’t likely to board it.
So why tail it if you don’t plan on checking out the cargo?
Plus, if we do board it, the nut jobs in North Korea might start firing missiles south – where we have 28,000 soldiers stationed in South Korea.
It’s like owning a gun. I was told several years ago – never point a weapon at someone unless you are willing to fire. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
One thing is for certain, the dictators around the world will continue to screw with the new, young President. That’s what you get when you don’t even use the term “war on terror” anymore, send terrorists to Bermuda for permanent R & R and think your persuasive skills can convince thugs to negotiate in good faith.
Think about it - if you went from state office to Senator to the most powereful man in the world in just over four years, you would think you could walk on water too.
That's a potentially dangerous mindset to possess unless Obama has some strong adults around to keep it real.
As for Iran – better late than never. Obama has finally publicly accused the Iranian regime of terrible behavior in repressing public criticism of its elections returns.
Initially, he didn’t want to “meddle.”
I’m not going to rip Obama on this one. This country, in the past, has given moral (verbal) support to folks who rose up against repressive regimes, only to stand by and watch those democracy seekers bleed in the streets after the crackdowns.
Sara Palin
I was also asked to comment on the Alaskan governor. No, she won’t be a serious candidate for president in 2012, even though her followers believe that to be the case.
Her detractors – mainly the media – have succeeded in marginalizing her to the point where I can’t see her ever getting 50+% of the vote. That doesn’t mean I don’t like her politics or her looks for that matter. She simply has too much of an uphill climb and is damaged goods.
Sorry Sara.
No, I don’t have a front-runner yet.
NBA Draft
I haven’t seen many of these guys play enough to comment on who will make it in the pros and who will flame out. That’s just a fact.
I do know this – the Cavaliers need an impact post presence – on both ends, and a young, tall wing player who can defend and run the floor. Neither of these needs will be filled with the 30th pick overall however.
It’s time for Danny to wheel and deal again.
When you get beat, you need to get better. It’s that simple – even if you were the best team in the league during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Look for Andy V. to be involved in a sign and trade. The Cavaliers need a very skilled player up front. AV is one of their few bargaining chips. This corner has been in his corner for several years. However, with this team, at this time, I would rather put $8 million a year or more toward a better all-around player than someone who has no offensive skills.
Besides, I was wrong. AV has proven he is better served coming off the bench. I can’t pay a role player, albeit it a unique one (AV), that kind of cash when I have other pressing needs.
One last look back at the Orlando series reinforces my belief that Mike Brown and his staff gagged badly. LJ should have been put on Hedo T. – which would have wiped that smirk from his face and slowed down Orlando’s offensive efficiency.
Secondly, Z should have played minimal minutes at best. That happened in game #6 – which was too little too late. He simply could not keep Howard from dunking on him at a ridiculous rate.
It was like watching a quality DI post player take on Thiel College’s best interior presence. Thiel is in PA, for those of you who did not work for me during your youth.
I would have played Ben Wallace more and gritted my teeth with him at the offensive end of the floor.
The fact remains that the 6-9 Hedo T. will make a lot of money this off-season thanks in large part to the Cavaliers putting a 6-3 guard (West) on him most of the series.
If I had a midget on me, at the age of 30, I would be smiling also, along with going anywhere on the court I pleased. Hedo was not nearly as effective against a taller and more athletic Laker perimeter presence.
As for Howard, he was exposed by the Lakers as being a freak physical specimen lacking real post skills – which is what we called him during the Cavs’ meltdown against the Magic.
Even Charles Barkley, who normally “gets it” when it comes to basketball talent, overreacted during the Cavs-Magic series. He claimed LeBron and Kobe better watch out because Howard has joined the club - or something to that affect. No – not yet Charles.
Pat Riley
The Pat Riley to Cleveland rumors are intriguing, even though I doubt this guy, who has lived in LA, New York and Miami would want to spend the next few winters in Cleveland – even if LBJ decided to stay.
One of my sports commandments has always been – you don’t fire a manager/coach unless you can clearly upgrade. Riley would be an upgrade. However, no owner has the stones to can a coach the same year he wins 66 games and is named NBA Coach of the Year. It simply has never been done. But it makes for interesting conversation.
Manny
I occasionally turn on SportsCenter. And it seems, the network has gone from covering Mark Sanchez’s every move in the Big Apple to Manny’s every BP swing as he prepares for his re-instatement after turning up a cheat.
Who gives a %$#@?
Indians
If you want to know why the Indians have been out of the post-season in seven of the last eight years, just look at their top draft picks since 1998. Only CC, a first-round 10 years ago, has made a splash. Many of them barely had a cup of coffer with the parent club.
In fact, if you analyze the “young” players Mark Shapiro and company have been touting since 2000, most of them are #4 starters –at best, and fourth outfielders. Those are just facts.
Yes, Wedge will be gone soon, but Shapiro needs to also be held accountable. He knows, in this market, he just hasn’t had a good enough batting average. And it’s not because the owner has been cheap. No, Dolan hasn’t given him a blank check, but Shapiro needed to do more with $80 million – the current team salary in 2009.
We are already on record as wanting Grover back. He knows the town, the farm system and is the only manager who had sustained success here since the 50s. Those are also facts.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Buddy Bell back in the dugout as well. If Grover doesn’t want to manage anymore, he can run the show from upstairs and Bell can call the shots in the dugout.
Yes, I want Indians running the Cleveland Indians this time around. I believe in the Bo Shembeckler philosophy – “A Michigan man will coach the Wolverines!”
By the way, I can’t see the Tribe dealing either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez this season. That would send a message to fans they are light years from competing again. It’s simply bad logic. As bad as this team is playing, no one can guess who will win this division in 2010.
I though this team would win between 85-88 games based mostly on the fact they play so many games (19) against their mediocre divisional mates. I was obviously wrong. However, it won’t take much in this division to get competitive again if you hit for a high batting average in the off-season.
In case they are looking – which I’m sure they are- someone tell the Dolans I’ll work relatively cheap and only seek a one year deal.
Hopefully, it was worth the wait.
Nationalized Health Care
First of all, we do not have 47 million Americans who can't get health care, as the advocates of a Canadian/British system would have you believe.
Approximately 10-15 million of our citizens make over $50,000 a year and choose not to buy health care for a variety of reasons, including stupidity. Some 12 million or so are immigrants who entered illegally in the first place and don’t qualify. Another 10-15 million are youngsters between 18-25, who live on their own, think they are indestructible and/or truly can’t afford it.
Add the fact that many who are currently without insurance can qualify for Medicaid benefits if they would bother to do the paperwork. In other words, we, the taxpayers pick up the tab when they get sick. For example, those currently on welfare receive Medicaid coverage and prescription drugs free of charge.
Having said that, I do believe there are problems with our current system, including the doctors’ main complaint that we need to curb the amount of lawsuits that are filed, which in turn drive up the cost of doing business.
And I do have compassion for those who truly don’t have health insurance, those between jobs, the elderly that get hammered with rising drug prescription costs, etc…
My solution?
Sorry. I’m not qualified to provide any answers other than to state the obvious – the government isn’t set up to provide a public option that works. If it did, that would be a first.
Have you checked out the Post Office's multi-billion $ a year deficit?
I do see some sort of health care bill eventually passing Congress this year. It will likely be a very watered down version. The President will claim victory. But the private sector will remain in charge overall of health care – as it should be.
The bottom line is those who have a decent job and a health care plan in place complain about the cost but generally are pleased with their overall coverage.
Meanwhile, those without work, between jobs, or have low-paying jobs are one serious car accident away from being ruined financially because they have no coverage.
Some sort of Catastrophic Health Insurance should be made available to Americans who need it. Yes, I would pay a little more in taxes to make sure families going through tough times aren’t ruined because mom needed four weeks in the hospital to recover from emergency surgery.
I just don't know how we do it. It's not my area of expertise.
North Korea & Iran
For some reason, we are currently tailing a North Korean ship carrying illegal arms to Burma but we aren’t likely to board it.
So why tail it if you don’t plan on checking out the cargo?
Plus, if we do board it, the nut jobs in North Korea might start firing missiles south – where we have 28,000 soldiers stationed in South Korea.
It’s like owning a gun. I was told several years ago – never point a weapon at someone unless you are willing to fire. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
One thing is for certain, the dictators around the world will continue to screw with the new, young President. That’s what you get when you don’t even use the term “war on terror” anymore, send terrorists to Bermuda for permanent R & R and think your persuasive skills can convince thugs to negotiate in good faith.
Think about it - if you went from state office to Senator to the most powereful man in the world in just over four years, you would think you could walk on water too.
That's a potentially dangerous mindset to possess unless Obama has some strong adults around to keep it real.
As for Iran – better late than never. Obama has finally publicly accused the Iranian regime of terrible behavior in repressing public criticism of its elections returns.
Initially, he didn’t want to “meddle.”
I’m not going to rip Obama on this one. This country, in the past, has given moral (verbal) support to folks who rose up against repressive regimes, only to stand by and watch those democracy seekers bleed in the streets after the crackdowns.
Sara Palin
I was also asked to comment on the Alaskan governor. No, she won’t be a serious candidate for president in 2012, even though her followers believe that to be the case.
Her detractors – mainly the media – have succeeded in marginalizing her to the point where I can’t see her ever getting 50+% of the vote. That doesn’t mean I don’t like her politics or her looks for that matter. She simply has too much of an uphill climb and is damaged goods.
Sorry Sara.
No, I don’t have a front-runner yet.
NBA Draft
I haven’t seen many of these guys play enough to comment on who will make it in the pros and who will flame out. That’s just a fact.
I do know this – the Cavaliers need an impact post presence – on both ends, and a young, tall wing player who can defend and run the floor. Neither of these needs will be filled with the 30th pick overall however.
It’s time for Danny to wheel and deal again.
When you get beat, you need to get better. It’s that simple – even if you were the best team in the league during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Look for Andy V. to be involved in a sign and trade. The Cavaliers need a very skilled player up front. AV is one of their few bargaining chips. This corner has been in his corner for several years. However, with this team, at this time, I would rather put $8 million a year or more toward a better all-around player than someone who has no offensive skills.
Besides, I was wrong. AV has proven he is better served coming off the bench. I can’t pay a role player, albeit it a unique one (AV), that kind of cash when I have other pressing needs.
One last look back at the Orlando series reinforces my belief that Mike Brown and his staff gagged badly. LJ should have been put on Hedo T. – which would have wiped that smirk from his face and slowed down Orlando’s offensive efficiency.
Secondly, Z should have played minimal minutes at best. That happened in game #6 – which was too little too late. He simply could not keep Howard from dunking on him at a ridiculous rate.
It was like watching a quality DI post player take on Thiel College’s best interior presence. Thiel is in PA, for those of you who did not work for me during your youth.
I would have played Ben Wallace more and gritted my teeth with him at the offensive end of the floor.
The fact remains that the 6-9 Hedo T. will make a lot of money this off-season thanks in large part to the Cavaliers putting a 6-3 guard (West) on him most of the series.
If I had a midget on me, at the age of 30, I would be smiling also, along with going anywhere on the court I pleased. Hedo was not nearly as effective against a taller and more athletic Laker perimeter presence.
As for Howard, he was exposed by the Lakers as being a freak physical specimen lacking real post skills – which is what we called him during the Cavs’ meltdown against the Magic.
Even Charles Barkley, who normally “gets it” when it comes to basketball talent, overreacted during the Cavs-Magic series. He claimed LeBron and Kobe better watch out because Howard has joined the club - or something to that affect. No – not yet Charles.
Pat Riley
The Pat Riley to Cleveland rumors are intriguing, even though I doubt this guy, who has lived in LA, New York and Miami would want to spend the next few winters in Cleveland – even if LBJ decided to stay.
One of my sports commandments has always been – you don’t fire a manager/coach unless you can clearly upgrade. Riley would be an upgrade. However, no owner has the stones to can a coach the same year he wins 66 games and is named NBA Coach of the Year. It simply has never been done. But it makes for interesting conversation.
Manny
I occasionally turn on SportsCenter. And it seems, the network has gone from covering Mark Sanchez’s every move in the Big Apple to Manny’s every BP swing as he prepares for his re-instatement after turning up a cheat.
Who gives a %$#@?
Indians
If you want to know why the Indians have been out of the post-season in seven of the last eight years, just look at their top draft picks since 1998. Only CC, a first-round 10 years ago, has made a splash. Many of them barely had a cup of coffer with the parent club.
In fact, if you analyze the “young” players Mark Shapiro and company have been touting since 2000, most of them are #4 starters –at best, and fourth outfielders. Those are just facts.
Yes, Wedge will be gone soon, but Shapiro needs to also be held accountable. He knows, in this market, he just hasn’t had a good enough batting average. And it’s not because the owner has been cheap. No, Dolan hasn’t given him a blank check, but Shapiro needed to do more with $80 million – the current team salary in 2009.
We are already on record as wanting Grover back. He knows the town, the farm system and is the only manager who had sustained success here since the 50s. Those are also facts.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Buddy Bell back in the dugout as well. If Grover doesn’t want to manage anymore, he can run the show from upstairs and Bell can call the shots in the dugout.
Yes, I want Indians running the Cleveland Indians this time around. I believe in the Bo Shembeckler philosophy – “A Michigan man will coach the Wolverines!”
By the way, I can’t see the Tribe dealing either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez this season. That would send a message to fans they are light years from competing again. It’s simply bad logic. As bad as this team is playing, no one can guess who will win this division in 2010.
I though this team would win between 85-88 games based mostly on the fact they play so many games (19) against their mediocre divisional mates. I was obviously wrong. However, it won’t take much in this division to get competitive again if you hit for a high batting average in the off-season.
In case they are looking – which I’m sure they are- someone tell the Dolans I’ll work relatively cheap and only seek a one year deal.
Hopefully, it was worth the wait.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Cavs Post Mortem & More
Back to The Drawing Board
There are times when an opponent either outplays you and/or has your number. That was the case with Orlando beating the Cavaliers in six in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers’ coaching staff also needs to do some soul searching after this series, including why it took so long to figure out that poor Z and company simply couldn’t guard Dwight Howard one-on-one in the blocks or why LeBron wasn’t defending Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic's offensive facilitator in this series, from start to finish.
Regardless, there are times when you simply don’t match up well. We were wrong - the better team clearly won.
Now the good news - The Cavaliers won a team-record 66 games and the core is young and intact - James, Moe Williams & Delonte West. Everyone else is either old or expendable.
The team also has wiggle room to wheel and deal in terms of an expired contract (i.e. Wally Z.), a potential sign and trade commodity (i.e. Anderson Varejao) and two expiring deals in 2010 (i.e. $25 million between Z & Ben Wallace).
The needs are clear – a young, multi-dimensional post player and some size/athleticism on the perimeter to off-set the small backcourt.
Self-Pity
No whining please – there’s nothing worse than hearing Cleveland fans and media complain about not winning a title since 1964. Your team lost. It wasn’t even close. Self pity is not an attractive trait.
Pulling A LeBron
There's no excuse for LeBron James' hissy fit after the Magic eliminated the Cavaliers. He needed to shake hands and address the media afterwards.
Shaking hands shows sportsmanship - even 9-year olds are expected to do it after losing. As for the post-game press conference he skipped, that's part of the job description.
As we have said in the past, anyone can answer softball questions after winning, you find out a lot more about people after a tough loss.
And I don't buy the excuse James was devastated after expecting to reach the Finals and coming up short. Anyone who followed this series and knows baskeball saw this coming after the Cavaliers went down 3-1. James has a very high basketball IQ and he had plenty of time to prepare for a potential early exit.
In fact, this corner didn't even watch most of game #6. By that point, it was clear the Cavaliers were up against a hotter/better team (take your pick).
And no one has mentioned that James made matters worse the next day (Sunday) by not manning-up and admitting his mistakes (plural).
And no, I don't give him a pass this time because he's been a solid citizen and positive role model during his career to date. Sunday's performance sealed that deal for me.
The guy is the best player on the planet and has been for several years now, but he was wrong. Period.
Until he admits his errors, not shaking hands after a loss, from here on out, will be known to many as "pulling a LeBron." That's not good for the near-perfect public image LJ and the NBA have worked hard to cultivate.
As for the NBA, we'll see now if the league has the guts to slap a large fine on him for shunning the media - but I doubt it.
MASH Unit
This season is spinning out of control fast. First, the Tribe comes out of the gate slowly – again, and now players are going on the DL faster than Tribe hitters are fanning at 2-2 breaking balls down and away. Grady Sizemore is the latest to go down.
We’ll say it again - clear the deck and play the kids. No one is going to show up this summer to watch this product either way. You might as well let your best prospects get their feet wet and see who is ready and who needs more seasoning.
Power Shortage
My boy J. Peralta has hit exactly one more home run for the Tribe than I have this season. Why Eric Wedge has him hitting in the middle of the order right now is a mystery to me.
Discipline & Organization
Those two words keep popping up when you hear players talk about their first impression of the Mangini regime in Cleveland. That’s got to be a good thing.
Hopefully, it will translate into players being held accountable for both mental and physical miscues in games, and we won’t have quarterbacks taking multiple timeouts because they couldn’t get the plays off in time.
Lakers
Yes, we like the Lakers in six over the Magic. Too much size and length up front, enough perimter size/athleticism to keep Orlando from consistently knocking down 3s and the best player on the court - Kobe.
U.S. Economic Demise
I heard a wise man the other day say "It's not what your economy consumes but what your economiy produces that matters."
That says it all and also creates a scary scenario ahead as the U.S. goes deeper and deeper in debt with no end in sight.
I'm not a economic expert - far from it. But I know you can't just keep printing money without massive inflation facing you right around the corner. Even the communist Chinese, who own much of our debt, are begging us to stop the madness.
This wise man went on - describing the 19th century as the "European Century," the
20th century as the "U.S. Century," and the 21st century as "the Chinese Century."
At this point, who can argue with that?
The good news - an election is less than two years away. The tough part is finding good candidates, regardles of party affiliation, who have the guts and knowledge to put forth the right plans to start the process of getting us out of this mess.
There are times when an opponent either outplays you and/or has your number. That was the case with Orlando beating the Cavaliers in six in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers’ coaching staff also needs to do some soul searching after this series, including why it took so long to figure out that poor Z and company simply couldn’t guard Dwight Howard one-on-one in the blocks or why LeBron wasn’t defending Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic's offensive facilitator in this series, from start to finish.
Regardless, there are times when you simply don’t match up well. We were wrong - the better team clearly won.
Now the good news - The Cavaliers won a team-record 66 games and the core is young and intact - James, Moe Williams & Delonte West. Everyone else is either old or expendable.
The team also has wiggle room to wheel and deal in terms of an expired contract (i.e. Wally Z.), a potential sign and trade commodity (i.e. Anderson Varejao) and two expiring deals in 2010 (i.e. $25 million between Z & Ben Wallace).
The needs are clear – a young, multi-dimensional post player and some size/athleticism on the perimeter to off-set the small backcourt.
Self-Pity
No whining please – there’s nothing worse than hearing Cleveland fans and media complain about not winning a title since 1964. Your team lost. It wasn’t even close. Self pity is not an attractive trait.
Pulling A LeBron
There's no excuse for LeBron James' hissy fit after the Magic eliminated the Cavaliers. He needed to shake hands and address the media afterwards.
Shaking hands shows sportsmanship - even 9-year olds are expected to do it after losing. As for the post-game press conference he skipped, that's part of the job description.
As we have said in the past, anyone can answer softball questions after winning, you find out a lot more about people after a tough loss.
And I don't buy the excuse James was devastated after expecting to reach the Finals and coming up short. Anyone who followed this series and knows baskeball saw this coming after the Cavaliers went down 3-1. James has a very high basketball IQ and he had plenty of time to prepare for a potential early exit.
In fact, this corner didn't even watch most of game #6. By that point, it was clear the Cavaliers were up against a hotter/better team (take your pick).
And no one has mentioned that James made matters worse the next day (Sunday) by not manning-up and admitting his mistakes (plural).
And no, I don't give him a pass this time because he's been a solid citizen and positive role model during his career to date. Sunday's performance sealed that deal for me.
The guy is the best player on the planet and has been for several years now, but he was wrong. Period.
Until he admits his errors, not shaking hands after a loss, from here on out, will be known to many as "pulling a LeBron." That's not good for the near-perfect public image LJ and the NBA have worked hard to cultivate.
As for the NBA, we'll see now if the league has the guts to slap a large fine on him for shunning the media - but I doubt it.
MASH Unit
This season is spinning out of control fast. First, the Tribe comes out of the gate slowly – again, and now players are going on the DL faster than Tribe hitters are fanning at 2-2 breaking balls down and away. Grady Sizemore is the latest to go down.
We’ll say it again - clear the deck and play the kids. No one is going to show up this summer to watch this product either way. You might as well let your best prospects get their feet wet and see who is ready and who needs more seasoning.
Power Shortage
My boy J. Peralta has hit exactly one more home run for the Tribe than I have this season. Why Eric Wedge has him hitting in the middle of the order right now is a mystery to me.
Discipline & Organization
Those two words keep popping up when you hear players talk about their first impression of the Mangini regime in Cleveland. That’s got to be a good thing.
Hopefully, it will translate into players being held accountable for both mental and physical miscues in games, and we won’t have quarterbacks taking multiple timeouts because they couldn’t get the plays off in time.
Lakers
Yes, we like the Lakers in six over the Magic. Too much size and length up front, enough perimter size/athleticism to keep Orlando from consistently knocking down 3s and the best player on the court - Kobe.
U.S. Economic Demise
I heard a wise man the other day say "It's not what your economy consumes but what your economiy produces that matters."
That says it all and also creates a scary scenario ahead as the U.S. goes deeper and deeper in debt with no end in sight.
I'm not a economic expert - far from it. But I know you can't just keep printing money without massive inflation facing you right around the corner. Even the communist Chinese, who own much of our debt, are begging us to stop the madness.
This wise man went on - describing the 19th century as the "European Century," the
20th century as the "U.S. Century," and the 21st century as "the Chinese Century."
At this point, who can argue with that?
The good news - an election is less than two years away. The tough part is finding good candidates, regardles of party affiliation, who have the guts and knowledge to put forth the right plans to start the process of getting us out of this mess.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday's Game #3 Pre-game
Not Intimidated
First, let’s state the obvious – this has been a terrific series so far. Orlando is certainly not intimidated by playing the Cavaliers in Cleveland, already coming back from two huge deficits.
Why
The Magic’s ability to knock down 3s at an alarming rate, Cleveland’s starting backcourt's mediocre/poor play, and the lack of frontcourt athleticism for the Cavaliers makes my five game series prediction look foolish at this point. That’s okay. You get the same credit for winning in seven as you do for sweeping. Nothing has changed. It's still the first one to 4 wins!
Game Winner
LeBron James’ fade away 3-pointer at the buzzer becomes the biggest shot in franchise history ONLY if the Cavaliers win the NBA Championship this season. All it has done so far is perhaps saved Cleveland from being embarrassed in the conference Finals.
As for the shot, give credit to Mo Williams for a strong inbound pass. It helped the Magic chose not to pressure the inbound pass – which is always a mistake. As for all the other talk about the play – just credit James on a great individual effort.
As George “Ice Man” Gervin, my favorite all-time NBA player once said – “In the NBA, great offense beats great defense every time.” The post-game panel on TBS rightfully gave "Ice Man" the credit for that comment.
Sasha
I don’t have a problem with playing Sasha Pavlovic some in this series based on the fact the Cavaliers don’t have the youth and athleticism in their front line to cover the Magic’s athletic front line. However, he had no business being on Hedo Torkoglu on Orlando’s final possession in game #2.
First-Team Defensive All-NBA
LeBron James needs to be on Turkolu for the majority of the game. Period. That will likely keep him for getting 14 assists like he did in game #1 and from burying the near game winner in game #2.
Back to Pavlovic – we have said over and over again he has a low basketball IQ. That was on display again in the final seconds of game #2 when he took a ridiculous foul on Torkoglu. That’s what you get with him – he’ll do something outstanding then take two steps backwards by doing something dumb.
Had James not nailed that game-winner, we would be talking about Sasha’s bone-head play in the final seconds. However, Brown had to play him once James called for him to be inserted prior to game #2. James runs the show. That’s how the NBA works. The stars are in charge.
Regardless what the Cavaliers do defensively, if Orlando goes 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, like they did in the second half of game #1, you aren’t going to beat them. When jump shooting teams knocks down 3s, they can come back from nearly any deficit.
Glass Half Full
On the plus side, Mo Williams is too good a shooter to continue to shoot 33% from the field and Delonte West is too good an all-around player not to make an impact over the course of the remainder of the series. We shall see if they show up in Florida. If they don’t, the Cavaliers won’t be playing in June.
By the way, James’ play in game #1 of this series is the best single-game playoff performance I have seen this side of his “out of this world” play in game #5 versus the Pistons two years ago. The fact the Cavaliers lost game #1 doesn’t take away from that performance in my mind.
Coaching Staff
Mike Brown and his platoon of coaches will need to START earning their checks from here on out.
My problem with them (coaches) in game #1 involved not posting Z up once in the entire game. They did so only on occasion in game #2. The Cavaliers have to post Z on occasion – if only to give James a rest once in awhile offensively.
It’s like having your quarterback hand it off after asking him to pass it 10 straight times. Plus, there is always the chance Z will be effective and/or draw some fouls inside. You won't know unless you try it.
LeBron James posting up has also been MIA. Why not put him in the blocks and see how Orlando deals with it?
Also, as stated early, the coaching staff inexplicably forgot James was their ONLY First-Team All NBA Defense performer when it came to drawing up who would check Turkolu in this series. This one isn’t complicated to figure out.
Torkoglu has had a comfortable smug on his face the entire series so far. That means he’s way too comfortable out there. James should be able to change that expression.
Finally, you have plenty of fouls to give with your bigs. Make Howard, who is a poor free throw shooter, convert at the line instead of allowing him dunks. That did not occur in game #1. He finished with 30 - mostly on dunks. It did in game #2. Better late than never I guess.
It would be nice if the Cavaliers were in possession of Ben Wallace circa 2003. Unfortunately, they aren't. That Ben Wallace would have been able to make life somewhat difficult for Howard inside.
Nuggets – Lakers
I am also enjoying this series as well. The Lakers are fortunate the Nuggets have a tendency to fall into bad habits and make dumb plays – including not being able to inbound the basketball in the clutch.
It looks like Cleveland and LA will have to earn it if the league office is to get its "Dream Finals." That's the way it should be.
Indians
It’s over. Last week I mentioned the season was quickly slipping away. That was wishful thinking. This group has all the looks of a 90+ loss team.
It’s time to call up the top prospects in the system and let them get their feet wet.
At some point, we will discuss which veterans are keepers and which should go. One thing is for certain – the farm system lacks quality arms – again. The garbage they’ve brought up so far makes me long for the days of Scott Bailes.
When your pitching stinks – you have NO chance. It’s like having Trent Dilfer at quarterback with the NFL’s 28th ranked defense backing him up.
Now the question turns to which veterans will be traded and when?
If Cliff Lee continues to pitch well, he is the likely candidate to bring back mucho talent. Unfortunately, based on Mark Shapiro recent track record, I wouldn’t expect another Bartolo Colon deal in the making.
As for the infield, how hard is it - DeRosa at 2B, Cabrera at SS and Peralta at 3B. What's with all the shuffling around?
First, let’s state the obvious – this has been a terrific series so far. Orlando is certainly not intimidated by playing the Cavaliers in Cleveland, already coming back from two huge deficits.
Why
The Magic’s ability to knock down 3s at an alarming rate, Cleveland’s starting backcourt's mediocre/poor play, and the lack of frontcourt athleticism for the Cavaliers makes my five game series prediction look foolish at this point. That’s okay. You get the same credit for winning in seven as you do for sweeping. Nothing has changed. It's still the first one to 4 wins!
Game Winner
LeBron James’ fade away 3-pointer at the buzzer becomes the biggest shot in franchise history ONLY if the Cavaliers win the NBA Championship this season. All it has done so far is perhaps saved Cleveland from being embarrassed in the conference Finals.
As for the shot, give credit to Mo Williams for a strong inbound pass. It helped the Magic chose not to pressure the inbound pass – which is always a mistake. As for all the other talk about the play – just credit James on a great individual effort.
As George “Ice Man” Gervin, my favorite all-time NBA player once said – “In the NBA, great offense beats great defense every time.” The post-game panel on TBS rightfully gave "Ice Man" the credit for that comment.
Sasha
I don’t have a problem with playing Sasha Pavlovic some in this series based on the fact the Cavaliers don’t have the youth and athleticism in their front line to cover the Magic’s athletic front line. However, he had no business being on Hedo Torkoglu on Orlando’s final possession in game #2.
First-Team Defensive All-NBA
LeBron James needs to be on Turkolu for the majority of the game. Period. That will likely keep him for getting 14 assists like he did in game #1 and from burying the near game winner in game #2.
Back to Pavlovic – we have said over and over again he has a low basketball IQ. That was on display again in the final seconds of game #2 when he took a ridiculous foul on Torkoglu. That’s what you get with him – he’ll do something outstanding then take two steps backwards by doing something dumb.
Had James not nailed that game-winner, we would be talking about Sasha’s bone-head play in the final seconds. However, Brown had to play him once James called for him to be inserted prior to game #2. James runs the show. That’s how the NBA works. The stars are in charge.
Regardless what the Cavaliers do defensively, if Orlando goes 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, like they did in the second half of game #1, you aren’t going to beat them. When jump shooting teams knocks down 3s, they can come back from nearly any deficit.
Glass Half Full
On the plus side, Mo Williams is too good a shooter to continue to shoot 33% from the field and Delonte West is too good an all-around player not to make an impact over the course of the remainder of the series. We shall see if they show up in Florida. If they don’t, the Cavaliers won’t be playing in June.
By the way, James’ play in game #1 of this series is the best single-game playoff performance I have seen this side of his “out of this world” play in game #5 versus the Pistons two years ago. The fact the Cavaliers lost game #1 doesn’t take away from that performance in my mind.
Coaching Staff
Mike Brown and his platoon of coaches will need to START earning their checks from here on out.
My problem with them (coaches) in game #1 involved not posting Z up once in the entire game. They did so only on occasion in game #2. The Cavaliers have to post Z on occasion – if only to give James a rest once in awhile offensively.
It’s like having your quarterback hand it off after asking him to pass it 10 straight times. Plus, there is always the chance Z will be effective and/or draw some fouls inside. You won't know unless you try it.
LeBron James posting up has also been MIA. Why not put him in the blocks and see how Orlando deals with it?
Also, as stated early, the coaching staff inexplicably forgot James was their ONLY First-Team All NBA Defense performer when it came to drawing up who would check Turkolu in this series. This one isn’t complicated to figure out.
Torkoglu has had a comfortable smug on his face the entire series so far. That means he’s way too comfortable out there. James should be able to change that expression.
Finally, you have plenty of fouls to give with your bigs. Make Howard, who is a poor free throw shooter, convert at the line instead of allowing him dunks. That did not occur in game #1. He finished with 30 - mostly on dunks. It did in game #2. Better late than never I guess.
It would be nice if the Cavaliers were in possession of Ben Wallace circa 2003. Unfortunately, they aren't. That Ben Wallace would have been able to make life somewhat difficult for Howard inside.
Nuggets – Lakers
I am also enjoying this series as well. The Lakers are fortunate the Nuggets have a tendency to fall into bad habits and make dumb plays – including not being able to inbound the basketball in the clutch.
It looks like Cleveland and LA will have to earn it if the league office is to get its "Dream Finals." That's the way it should be.
Indians
It’s over. Last week I mentioned the season was quickly slipping away. That was wishful thinking. This group has all the looks of a 90+ loss team.
It’s time to call up the top prospects in the system and let them get their feet wet.
At some point, we will discuss which veterans are keepers and which should go. One thing is for certain – the farm system lacks quality arms – again. The garbage they’ve brought up so far makes me long for the days of Scott Bailes.
When your pitching stinks – you have NO chance. It’s like having Trent Dilfer at quarterback with the NFL’s 28th ranked defense backing him up.
Now the question turns to which veterans will be traded and when?
If Cliff Lee continues to pitch well, he is the likely candidate to bring back mucho talent. Unfortunately, based on Mark Shapiro recent track record, I wouldn’t expect another Bartolo Colon deal in the making.
As for the infield, how hard is it - DeRosa at 2B, Cabrera at SS and Peralta at 3B. What's with all the shuffling around?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday's Thoughts
It’s been awhile…I know.
Some thoughts follow.
Basketball
I like the Lakers today to hammer the Rockets in game #7. That’s why you play the regular season - to win home court in the post-season.
Remember, NBA role players play much better at home. That's why the home court is so important in this sport.
Regardless, congratulations to the Rockets' players and coaching staff. They play smart and play hard. Rick Adelman got the most out of that club – especially once Yao Ming went down.
By the way, if Phil Jackson is such a genius, how come his team has to go seven to beat an undermanned Rocket team when he (Phil) has Kobe Bryant on his roster?
The guy (Phil) is simply too smug for me.
Boston should also win game 7 as well. Why? The Celtics are at home and simply have a higher basketball IQ than Orlando, even thouhg the Magic have more talent without Garnett dressed in Celtic green.
It would be nice to see Orlando take away the right elbow when Paul Pierce has the ball today. Pierce has been able to go to his sweet spot, time and time again, in this series. Maybe forcing him left occasionally or doubling him when he’s on would help.
Look for Ray Allen to show up as well in game 7. He's far from the player he was several years ago but he can still occassionally shoot lights out. I don't see him going 4-for-14 tonight.
As for Dwight Howard, he may be the “least skilled” star I have ever seen. He’s all size, power and quickness, possessing no post moves whatsoever. He’s just more athletic and stronger than the guys who cover him.
Whoever advances will likely take one from Cleveland - two max. Cleveland is just much better. Period.
Yes, I still like the Cavaliers to take the Lakers in seven games. Nothing I've seen since November tells me otherwise.
Football
Eric Mangini hasn’t coached one game as the Browns’ new boss, but we at least know he looked at film and surmised the obvious – Cleveland had arguably the worst wide receiver group in the NFL in 2008.
Mangini drafted two receivers in round two of the ’09 draft and he’s also signed several veteran wide outs trying to add depth to an extremely weak position.
Recently, a local scribe wrote a piece that has gotten a lot of local attention with the theme that Brady Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player” since the franchise’s return in 1999.
You think?
Speaking of the media, don’t expect Mangini and company to get much of a honeymoon period. Mangini is from Mr. Bill’s school of “the less information divulged the better and expect minimal access to players and coaches.”
That will result in a very short honeymoon period if Mangini doesn’t win early. They’ll be all over him ASAP.
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t sold on the quarterbacks on their roster based on their latest pursuit of Brett Favre. No kidding.
I still don’t understand why they wouldn’t want DA taking snaps for them this coming season.
They have a decent offensive line, one of the best running backs in football (Adrian Peterson) to take pressure of the quarterback, and a solid defense. It seems like a good fit for Anderson, who is available, would come relatively cheap at this point (a #2 and #3 pick) and has had more success under center than anyone on that roster.
Baseball
The Indians have finally started playing Astrubal Cabrera at SS. Again, better late than never. We called for the switch two years ago – although this corner wanted Peralta playing second.
Regardless, the defense is now stronger up the middle – as it should be. That should help a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get.
Speaking of pitching – is it me or do the Indians have more soft tossing lefties than any organization is baseball?
As for their current black hole, otherwise known as their middle relief, I would try every quality arm I had in the farm system until I found two or three guys who can help.
Instead, they recently called up a 39 year old and continue to sign veteran cast offs from other organizations. Why?
Go to the kids and see who sinks and who can swim. If a youngster fails, send him back down. The experience will do him some good and make him less anxious the next time around.
I simply don’t believe you ruin a pitcher by bringing up too early if you are only asking him to give you 20-30 pitches per outing. It’s not like they are looking for their best young prospects to give them 200+ innings at the ML level.
Soft tossers especially, who depend on changing speeds and pitch location, could be more effective in middle relief if they are able to adapt.
Most of these guys get hit the second and third time around as starters. The reason – their stuff isn’t good enough to get them much past the fifth or six innings most nights.
So why not see if a couple of these guys aren’t better suited to go through the line-up just once two or three times a week?
A third option is to trade one or two of your better position player prospects for ML established set up men.
The point is- if you are the Tribe, you have to try everything at this point or the season will quickly be lost.
Calling up 39 year olds and signing cast offs doesn’t cut it with me.
Some thoughts follow.
Basketball
I like the Lakers today to hammer the Rockets in game #7. That’s why you play the regular season - to win home court in the post-season.
Remember, NBA role players play much better at home. That's why the home court is so important in this sport.
Regardless, congratulations to the Rockets' players and coaching staff. They play smart and play hard. Rick Adelman got the most out of that club – especially once Yao Ming went down.
By the way, if Phil Jackson is such a genius, how come his team has to go seven to beat an undermanned Rocket team when he (Phil) has Kobe Bryant on his roster?
The guy (Phil) is simply too smug for me.
Boston should also win game 7 as well. Why? The Celtics are at home and simply have a higher basketball IQ than Orlando, even thouhg the Magic have more talent without Garnett dressed in Celtic green.
It would be nice to see Orlando take away the right elbow when Paul Pierce has the ball today. Pierce has been able to go to his sweet spot, time and time again, in this series. Maybe forcing him left occasionally or doubling him when he’s on would help.
Look for Ray Allen to show up as well in game 7. He's far from the player he was several years ago but he can still occassionally shoot lights out. I don't see him going 4-for-14 tonight.
As for Dwight Howard, he may be the “least skilled” star I have ever seen. He’s all size, power and quickness, possessing no post moves whatsoever. He’s just more athletic and stronger than the guys who cover him.
Whoever advances will likely take one from Cleveland - two max. Cleveland is just much better. Period.
Yes, I still like the Cavaliers to take the Lakers in seven games. Nothing I've seen since November tells me otherwise.
Football
Eric Mangini hasn’t coached one game as the Browns’ new boss, but we at least know he looked at film and surmised the obvious – Cleveland had arguably the worst wide receiver group in the NFL in 2008.
Mangini drafted two receivers in round two of the ’09 draft and he’s also signed several veteran wide outs trying to add depth to an extremely weak position.
Recently, a local scribe wrote a piece that has gotten a lot of local attention with the theme that Brady Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player” since the franchise’s return in 1999.
You think?
Speaking of the media, don’t expect Mangini and company to get much of a honeymoon period. Mangini is from Mr. Bill’s school of “the less information divulged the better and expect minimal access to players and coaches.”
That will result in a very short honeymoon period if Mangini doesn’t win early. They’ll be all over him ASAP.
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t sold on the quarterbacks on their roster based on their latest pursuit of Brett Favre. No kidding.
I still don’t understand why they wouldn’t want DA taking snaps for them this coming season.
They have a decent offensive line, one of the best running backs in football (Adrian Peterson) to take pressure of the quarterback, and a solid defense. It seems like a good fit for Anderson, who is available, would come relatively cheap at this point (a #2 and #3 pick) and has had more success under center than anyone on that roster.
Baseball
The Indians have finally started playing Astrubal Cabrera at SS. Again, better late than never. We called for the switch two years ago – although this corner wanted Peralta playing second.
Regardless, the defense is now stronger up the middle – as it should be. That should help a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get.
Speaking of pitching – is it me or do the Indians have more soft tossing lefties than any organization is baseball?
As for their current black hole, otherwise known as their middle relief, I would try every quality arm I had in the farm system until I found two or three guys who can help.
Instead, they recently called up a 39 year old and continue to sign veteran cast offs from other organizations. Why?
Go to the kids and see who sinks and who can swim. If a youngster fails, send him back down. The experience will do him some good and make him less anxious the next time around.
I simply don’t believe you ruin a pitcher by bringing up too early if you are only asking him to give you 20-30 pitches per outing. It’s not like they are looking for their best young prospects to give them 200+ innings at the ML level.
Soft tossers especially, who depend on changing speeds and pitch location, could be more effective in middle relief if they are able to adapt.
Most of these guys get hit the second and third time around as starters. The reason – their stuff isn’t good enough to get them much past the fifth or six innings most nights.
So why not see if a couple of these guys aren’t better suited to go through the line-up just once two or three times a week?
A third option is to trade one or two of your better position player prospects for ML established set up men.
The point is- if you are the Tribe, you have to try everything at this point or the season will quickly be lost.
Calling up 39 year olds and signing cast offs doesn’t cut it with me.
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