I'm sitting here watching the 2008 World Series Game 5 on espn classic and I'm wondering why the 2010 Phillies aren't preparing to at least attempt to accomplish what that team did with far less talent.
The 2008 Phillies roster consisted many home-grown players and role players brought in by then-GM Pat Gillick. Growing up with a father who is a diehard Phillies fan, I saw most of this home-grown talent play for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, the Phillies Triple-A farm team from 1989-2006. I was so proud to see them succeed in the major leagues and rooted for them like any other raucous Phillies fan throughout the playoffs despite my allegiance to the Atlanta Braves since the early 90's. Their lineup with the exception of Raul Ibanez for Pat Burrell in Left and Placido Polanco for Pedro Feliz at Third, was identical to this year's lineup. Offensively, I considered these swaps an upgrade. Ibanez was a run-producing machine in the American League and continued that with the Phillies. Burrell, one of the those home-grown players, never quite lived up to expectations and was a very inconsistent hitter throughout his career. Polanco was always a great contact, get on base, hit for average hitter whereas Feliz had a little pop in his bat but couldn't hit for average. Their starting pitchers heading into the playoffs were Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, and Joe Blanton. Going into the 2010 playoffs, the Phillies added two elite starting pitchers in Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt to go along with Hamels and Blanton.
The 2010 Phillies had it all! They had an all-star lineup full of veterans with speed, power, and playoff experience. With Hamels, Halladay, and Oswalt almost unhittable down the stretch, the Phillies went 22-7 from September 1st on. They headed into the playoffs with the best record in baseball, home field advantage, and the hottest team peaking at the right time. The Reds didn't know what hit them. They had no answer for H2O or the intimidating lineup and were swept in the blink of an eye. Then came the San Francisco Giants, who won a very close and competitive series with my Atlanta Braves. I predicted the Phils would beat them in six games because I thought the Phils were just too powerful. So what went wrong with these Phils who were in the NLCS for the third year in a row?
Clutch Hitting
The Phillies as a team hit .216 with 3 HRs, 18 RBIs, and 56Ks. Ryan Howard went 7 for 22 with 12Ks and ZERO RBIs. I'm not just going bash and blame him though. Chase Utley went 4 for 22 with ONE RBI. Raul Ibanez went 4 for 19 with ZERO RBIs and was benched in game 5 because he was struggling so much. Carlos Ruiz, a .293 hitter with runners in scoring position (risp) during the season, went 3 for 18 with 1HR, ONE RBI, and 7Ks. Jayson Werth, despite his .150 avg. with risp during the regular season had 2HRs and 5RBI in the series to lead a very poor showing by the Phils run producers. In fact, normal run scorers Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, and Shane Victorino combined for the 11 of the team's 18 RBIs in the series. You're not going to win many playoff games with those kinds of numbers from a supposed all-star lineup.
Lack of Bullpen Depth
Because of the Phillies lack of reliable relievers, Ryan Madson pitched in five games and was working on his second inning of relief in game 6 when he gave up the series-clinching home run to Juan Uribe. Chad Durbin blew a 4-3 Phils lead in his only appearance in game 4. The Phillies eventually lost game 4 in the bottom of the 9th when Charlie Manuel summoned starter Roy Oswalt to pitch with Brad Lidge still in the bullpen and Madson on the bench after pitching the last inning and a 2/3rds. H2O can't do it all. A few more dependable relievers would've helped in those close, late-inning games.
Poor Game Management
I could see what Charlie Manuel was thinking when he went with Joe Blanton to start game 4. He'd had Halladay for game 5, Oswalt in 6, and Hamels for game 7 if necessary. However, down 2-1 in the series and with the known lack of success teams have in coming back from being down 3-1 (my Braves did it in '96!), this is a must-win game. If my ace says he's ready to go whenever you want him to pitch before this game, I'm going with my ace. Who knows if the end result would've been different with Halladay on the mound in Game 4 but if I'm a betting man, I'd bet that Halladay would've given the Phils at least 6 or 7 solid innings and they wouldn't have had to use Chad Durbin early in relief or have to go with Roy Oswalt to pitch the ninth. I didn't like Manuel's decision to go with Oswalt in the ninth either. He should've went with Lidge in his normal ninth inning spot and then went to Oswalt or another well rested starter or reliever if it went to extras.
Ben Francisco is your pinch-hitter with runners in scoring position and one out in game 6? This just shows how weak their bench really was. His other options were Ross Gload, Domonic Brown, Wilson Valdez, and the veteran former RBI machine Mike Sweeney. Francisco was never a run producer. Brown is rookie who was just called up in September. Valdez is known for his slick fielding. I'd have went with Sweeney who had a hit in his only previous at bat in the series. He was enjoying his first postseason in his long career. He would've loved getting this opportunity to drive in the go-ahead run. Coulda, shoulda, maybe woulda! The Phillies will have to improve in these areas if they want to live up to their potential.
Looking Ahead to 2011
The Phillies need to shore up their bullpen whether it comes from their farm system, free agency, or via trade. Their four postseason starters are back. Kyle Kendrick, who shared the fifth spot with Jamie Moyer during the regular season, is eligible for salary arbitration. Moyer is a free agent. Kendrick is still young and could be brought back for a one year trial and another year under the tutelage of pitching coach Rich Dubee. Despite some success earlier in the year, I wouldn't give the ageless wonder Moyer more than a minor league deal and invite to spring training to tutor and compete with the Phillies young pitchers.
Besides Jayson Werth who is a free agent, the rest of the Phillies lineup is signed through next year. I highly doubt they can afford to keep Werth with Scott BorASS as his agent. The Phillies want to keep Werth and he would like to stay but Boras is known to persuade his clients to try the open market first. He's also known to be a tough negotiator and I don't think the Phillies' offer will be match what Boras thinks Jayson is worth. As a cheaper alternative, Baseball America's no. 1 prospect Domonic Brown is also waiting for his turn at the major league level. The Phillies have mentioned possibly using him in a platoon role with Ben Francisco in right field next year. Werth is a great talent but I see the Phils going a different direction and giving Brown his chance along with an opporunity for Ben Francisco to show what he could do with more playing time than he's had the last two years. I also see them bringing in another veteran outfielder or two to spring training to push and compete with them.
I can't wait for next year. I'm hoping for another to another pennant race between the Phils and Braves! Until then, I will be watching the World Series because I love baseball but not with as much interest. I'm picking the Rangers because I love their team, their potent offense, and clutch pitching. Let's see if the Giants prove me wrong again and shut down another powerful lineup.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Do Ask, Do Tell and I'd Still Be Proud to Serve Our Country With You
I'm not a gay rights activist or speaking on behalf of anybody but myself. I'm just a military man with an opinion and here's my view homosexuals in the military:
Why Not?
On December 21, 1993, the Clinton Administration issued Defense Directive 1304.26. In its provisions on homosexual conduct it states that a person's sexual orientation is considered a PERSONAL and PRIVATE matter, and is not a bar to service entry or continued service unless manifested by homosexual conduct. Applicants for enlistment, appointment, or induction shall not be asked to or required to reveal whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual and also will not be asked or required to reveal whether they have engaged in homosexual conduct, unless independent evidence is received indicating that an applicant engaged in such conduct or unless the applicant volunteers a statement that he or she is a homosexual or bisexual, or words to that effect. This is what became known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
I highlighted the words personal and private because that's exactly what this is. It's personal. It's private. It's your way of life and who you are away from work place. At work, everyone should go about their job in a professional manner. Whether someone is gay, straight, bi, or no preference whatsoever should not affect your ability to do your job or work together with anyone. It's the same way in the military. When you put on that uniform, you are expected to live up to and abide by all the values that come with it. In the Army, they are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Shouldn't any able person who has all these values and wants to serve their country be allowed to freely? Why not I say. If he or she can meet all the requirements to be a professional soldier regardless of sexual orientation, why can't they stand next to me in a foxhole and defend our country? Right now in the military if you state that you are gay or evidence is found that shows you are, you will be kicked out. It doesn't matter if you are one of the best in your unit or the next aspiring leader being groomed at West Point like Katie Miller. Being gay is a No Go. But yet I see these stories of soldiers who have served overseas or have served in units where everyone knew they were gay, getting discharged after openly saying they were gay. You serve your country on the frontlines for a year or two and then upon coming home and the military later finding out your sexual preference, their thanks for your service is kicking you out???? How about a big thank you, a pat on the back, a hug, or a promotion like everyone else receives for a job well done?
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a policy compromise. Clinton wanted the entire ban lifted while others wanted the ban to remain in effect. I'm all about compromises and sides giving a little to get a little but this compromise just isn't working in today's world. It should be either allow people of all sexual orientations in or only heterosexuals. I'm in favor of eliminating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I'd much rather know that someone is gay than trying to guess and then seeing all rumors going around a unit and all the drama that goes with that. I'd also rather not see a fellow comrade who served our nation proudly be kicked out because he is gay. Supporters of the ban believe having homosexuals in the military affects troop morale and unit cohesion. Well what do you think happens to troop morale and unit cohesion when you discharge a soldier who is a great leader, person, and one of the best at his job because he is gay? As long as being gay does not affect you being able to do your job and work well with others in uniform, you should be able raise your right hand and serve your country. If the soldier gets out of hand with his or her sexual desires, he or she should be handled accordlingly by a supervisor and counseled. If their advances become a serious problem, then the next step is reporting them and tried under Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) where they can reprimanded and charged with a crime just like any other soldier. You've desegregated the military. You've allowed women to serve in many more prominent roles in the military. In an everchanging world, it's time to adjust fire again and allow the best and brightest regardless of sexual orientation, serve our country openly, proudly, and without fear of being who they are.
Why Not?
On December 21, 1993, the Clinton Administration issued Defense Directive 1304.26. In its provisions on homosexual conduct it states that a person's sexual orientation is considered a PERSONAL and PRIVATE matter, and is not a bar to service entry or continued service unless manifested by homosexual conduct. Applicants for enlistment, appointment, or induction shall not be asked to or required to reveal whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual and also will not be asked or required to reveal whether they have engaged in homosexual conduct, unless independent evidence is received indicating that an applicant engaged in such conduct or unless the applicant volunteers a statement that he or she is a homosexual or bisexual, or words to that effect. This is what became known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
I highlighted the words personal and private because that's exactly what this is. It's personal. It's private. It's your way of life and who you are away from work place. At work, everyone should go about their job in a professional manner. Whether someone is gay, straight, bi, or no preference whatsoever should not affect your ability to do your job or work together with anyone. It's the same way in the military. When you put on that uniform, you are expected to live up to and abide by all the values that come with it. In the Army, they are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Shouldn't any able person who has all these values and wants to serve their country be allowed to freely? Why not I say. If he or she can meet all the requirements to be a professional soldier regardless of sexual orientation, why can't they stand next to me in a foxhole and defend our country? Right now in the military if you state that you are gay or evidence is found that shows you are, you will be kicked out. It doesn't matter if you are one of the best in your unit or the next aspiring leader being groomed at West Point like Katie Miller. Being gay is a No Go. But yet I see these stories of soldiers who have served overseas or have served in units where everyone knew they were gay, getting discharged after openly saying they were gay. You serve your country on the frontlines for a year or two and then upon coming home and the military later finding out your sexual preference, their thanks for your service is kicking you out???? How about a big thank you, a pat on the back, a hug, or a promotion like everyone else receives for a job well done?
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a policy compromise. Clinton wanted the entire ban lifted while others wanted the ban to remain in effect. I'm all about compromises and sides giving a little to get a little but this compromise just isn't working in today's world. It should be either allow people of all sexual orientations in or only heterosexuals. I'm in favor of eliminating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I'd much rather know that someone is gay than trying to guess and then seeing all rumors going around a unit and all the drama that goes with that. I'd also rather not see a fellow comrade who served our nation proudly be kicked out because he is gay. Supporters of the ban believe having homosexuals in the military affects troop morale and unit cohesion. Well what do you think happens to troop morale and unit cohesion when you discharge a soldier who is a great leader, person, and one of the best at his job because he is gay? As long as being gay does not affect you being able to do your job and work well with others in uniform, you should be able raise your right hand and serve your country. If the soldier gets out of hand with his or her sexual desires, he or she should be handled accordlingly by a supervisor and counseled. If their advances become a serious problem, then the next step is reporting them and tried under Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) where they can reprimanded and charged with a crime just like any other soldier. You've desegregated the military. You've allowed women to serve in many more prominent roles in the military. In an everchanging world, it's time to adjust fire again and allow the best and brightest regardless of sexual orientation, serve our country openly, proudly, and without fear of being who they are.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Football: Play At Your Risk (Seriously!)
Happy Start of the Work Week or Job Hunt Week! Got a few stories to cover so let's get to it...
The Most Dangerous Sport to Play
I know injuries, serious or not, happen in every sport every year no matter how much is done to prevent them. You can debate with me all you want but football by far the most dangerous sport you can dare to play. This weekend is just another prime example.
As of earlier today, Rutgers Defensive Tackle Eric LeGrand remains paralyzed from the neck down after a violent collision while trying to tackle the Army kickoff returner in the Army vs Rutgers game at the Meadowlands Saturday afternoon. He is currently hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center after having emergency surgery overnight Saturday for his C-3 and C-4 vertebrae. Spinal injuries are one of the scariest if not the scariest injuries in sports. They are very hard to recover from and doctors rarely give spinal injury patients much of a chance to make a full recovery and walk again. To go along with the many very saddening stories, there's also some very inspiring stories of some who have defied the odds, made full recoveries, and walked again. LeGrand and Rutgers don't have to look far for help and inspiration. Former Penn State Cornerback Adam Taliaferro suffered a very similar spinal injury during a 2000 Penn State football game vs Ohio State. Doctors gave him very little chance to recover. Five months later he led Penn State onto the field. After learning about LeGrand, Taliaferro and his foundation have offered their support to LeGrand, his family, and Rutgers. As with any serious injury, and Taliaferro will tell you this, everyone needs to remain positive and keep all the negative influences away. It's so beneficial to have some as experienced with an injury like this as Adam is and I hope the LeGrand family and Rutgers will let Adam be there to support them. College Football Live interviewed Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano today and he said he's already called Penn State Coach/Mentor Joe Paterno to ask him if there was anything else he could do when dealing with an injury like this, given Paterno and the Penn State program's experience with Adam Taliaferro. Thoughts and prayers go out to Eric, his fam, friends, teammates, and everyone at Rutgers. I hope he makes a full recovery and walks out on the field with Rutgers football team soon.
I don't think I've seen a more vicious hit than the one that occurred Sunday when Falcons CB Dunta Robinson leveled Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and knocked each other out of the game. Apparently, there was quite a few of these violent collisions according to Peter King. Steelers LB James Harrison knocked Browns wide receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out of the game against the Browns with two helmet first hits . Pats Safety Brandon Meriweather also laid a questionable hit on Raven TE Todd Heap. With player safety in consideration, the NFL has a made a new rule this year that makes launching into a defenseless receiver a penalty and subject to discipline. Will this stop players known for making these crushing hits? Not fines alone according to former Pats Safety and bruising hitter Rodney Harrison. Harrison, now an NBC Football Night in America Analyst, said last night that he used to put money aside every year to pay for his crushing hits and he only changed his play after he was suspended a game for them. He makes a good point by reminding everyone that NFL players make millions of dollars and can afford those fines. However, if a player is suspended for a game or two that hurts the team. I don't think after a few suspensions many coaches or team owners are going to tolerate a head hunter for very much longer. They may be great football players, tacklers, and leaders on the team, but no team can afford to have a player who is continuously being suspended for head hunting. There's a fine line between having rules that make the game safer and rules that degrade the sport. This rule is definitely in that gray area and suspensions are probably a good next step. This will make the game a little safer and make those bone crushing hitters think about the consequences before head hunting. Many players will say they're not going to change their game and I understand that. It's how they've played the game for years. Maybe it's not even something they realize they're doing when they go to hit an opposing player. Like my title today says, play at your own risk. Eric LeGrand ran down the field on the kickoff team looking to hit the kickoff returner and got hurt himself instead when he did hit him. When wide receivers run across the middle of the defense, they are doing it at their own risk and know they're going to get hit hard. Hard hits are a part of the game. You can't change that. You can only try to mitigate it without changing the game too much and be ready for the kind of injuries that can result from these collisions. Based on what I've seen the past few years, the immediate medical attention received by injured players has been outstanding. Let's hope Eric LeGrand recovers and the NFL and all levels of football be even more wary of these hits and the injuries that result from them.
The Most Dangerous Sport to Play
I know injuries, serious or not, happen in every sport every year no matter how much is done to prevent them. You can debate with me all you want but football by far the most dangerous sport you can dare to play. This weekend is just another prime example.
As of earlier today, Rutgers Defensive Tackle Eric LeGrand remains paralyzed from the neck down after a violent collision while trying to tackle the Army kickoff returner in the Army vs Rutgers game at the Meadowlands Saturday afternoon. He is currently hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center after having emergency surgery overnight Saturday for his C-3 and C-4 vertebrae. Spinal injuries are one of the scariest if not the scariest injuries in sports. They are very hard to recover from and doctors rarely give spinal injury patients much of a chance to make a full recovery and walk again. To go along with the many very saddening stories, there's also some very inspiring stories of some who have defied the odds, made full recoveries, and walked again. LeGrand and Rutgers don't have to look far for help and inspiration. Former Penn State Cornerback Adam Taliaferro suffered a very similar spinal injury during a 2000 Penn State football game vs Ohio State. Doctors gave him very little chance to recover. Five months later he led Penn State onto the field. After learning about LeGrand, Taliaferro and his foundation have offered their support to LeGrand, his family, and Rutgers. As with any serious injury, and Taliaferro will tell you this, everyone needs to remain positive and keep all the negative influences away. It's so beneficial to have some as experienced with an injury like this as Adam is and I hope the LeGrand family and Rutgers will let Adam be there to support them. College Football Live interviewed Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano today and he said he's already called Penn State Coach/Mentor Joe Paterno to ask him if there was anything else he could do when dealing with an injury like this, given Paterno and the Penn State program's experience with Adam Taliaferro. Thoughts and prayers go out to Eric, his fam, friends, teammates, and everyone at Rutgers. I hope he makes a full recovery and walks out on the field with Rutgers football team soon.
I don't think I've seen a more vicious hit than the one that occurred Sunday when Falcons CB Dunta Robinson leveled Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and knocked each other out of the game. Apparently, there was quite a few of these violent collisions according to Peter King. Steelers LB James Harrison knocked Browns wide receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out of the game against the Browns with two helmet first hits . Pats Safety Brandon Meriweather also laid a questionable hit on Raven TE Todd Heap. With player safety in consideration, the NFL has a made a new rule this year that makes launching into a defenseless receiver a penalty and subject to discipline. Will this stop players known for making these crushing hits? Not fines alone according to former Pats Safety and bruising hitter Rodney Harrison. Harrison, now an NBC Football Night in America Analyst, said last night that he used to put money aside every year to pay for his crushing hits and he only changed his play after he was suspended a game for them. He makes a good point by reminding everyone that NFL players make millions of dollars and can afford those fines. However, if a player is suspended for a game or two that hurts the team. I don't think after a few suspensions many coaches or team owners are going to tolerate a head hunter for very much longer. They may be great football players, tacklers, and leaders on the team, but no team can afford to have a player who is continuously being suspended for head hunting. There's a fine line between having rules that make the game safer and rules that degrade the sport. This rule is definitely in that gray area and suspensions are probably a good next step. This will make the game a little safer and make those bone crushing hitters think about the consequences before head hunting. Many players will say they're not going to change their game and I understand that. It's how they've played the game for years. Maybe it's not even something they realize they're doing when they go to hit an opposing player. Like my title today says, play at your own risk. Eric LeGrand ran down the field on the kickoff team looking to hit the kickoff returner and got hurt himself instead when he did hit him. When wide receivers run across the middle of the defense, they are doing it at their own risk and know they're going to get hit hard. Hard hits are a part of the game. You can't change that. You can only try to mitigate it without changing the game too much and be ready for the kind of injuries that can result from these collisions. Based on what I've seen the past few years, the immediate medical attention received by injured players has been outstanding. Let's hope Eric LeGrand recovers and the NFL and all levels of football be even more wary of these hits and the injuries that result from them.
Friday, October 15, 2010
BMart In The House!!
Top of the Morning!! For some reason I woke up today at 530 after going to bed at like 230 after a brew or two with a good friend of mine last night. Does that ever happen to any of you ? Up late drinking and then wake up early for no reason the next day? Anyhuu....
In The News:
Was anyone else glued to CNN the last couple days with their excellent coverage of the Chilean Mine Disaster Rescue? I just happened to be flipping around the other night and started watching it right after the 1st miner was brought up safely. It is truely amazing what can be accomplished when you combine brilliant minds, modern technology, and global support.
Around The Sports World:
MLB: Yankees vs Rangers tonight! C.C. Sabathia vs C.J. Wilson at the Ballpark in Arlington
I'm thinking/hoping that Girardi's strategy to avoid Cliff Lee and the Rangers and play the Minnesota (I've never beat the Yankees in the Playoffs) Twins in 1st Round comes back to haunt him in this series. The way it's set as of now the Yanks will only have to face Cliff Lee once if it doesn't go to game 6 or 7 but.....thanks to the Yanks being the Wildcard, the Rangers have homefield advantage and will be playing games 1 & 2 and games 6 & 7 if necessary in Arlington. I'm not saying the Yanks are at a disadvantage in this series or that they've never won a series where they didn't have homefield but by taking the easy route at the end of the season and beating a very intimidated Twins team in the ALDS, they've set themselves up for a very tough road ahead to defend their championship. No homefield in this series and thanks to my boy Brian McCann, no homefield in the World Series if they make it.
Prediction: The Yankees don't have the great pitching of a year ago. Good luck with combo platter of Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, and Vlad Guerrero. Rangers in 6
Saturday: Phils vs Giants, Halladay vs Linceum at The Bank
Halladay's No-No against the Reds was one of the best pitching performances I've ever seen. He is clearly in a groove and thrilled to be in the postseason. But so is the Freak Linceum. I saw him blank my Braves. He was just as lights out. They call this season the Year of the Pitcher and it has extended into the postseason. Both teams have good starting pitchers, decent bullpens, and most of the time seal the deal closers. However, the Fightin Phils have a 4 year playoff run going with most of the core players of this run still on the team. Their three aces have been almost unhittable the last month and a half. There is power and speed up and down their lineup. And the Phillies have just been Red Hot since the beginning of September. The Giants have some pop, wiley vets, and a few budding young hitters and pitchers but the Phils will be too much for them to handle.
Prediction: It's another Red Doctober! Phils in 6
NFL:
Favorite Team: Buffalo Bills ( I know....) Shooting for the top pick in the draft next year! Hope they win a game!
Fantasy Lineup: QB-Rivers, RB-Ray Rice, Jahvid Best, WR- Davone Bess, Greg Jennings, Mike Williams, TE- Antonio Gates, K- Green Akers, D/ST- Ravens
Record: 4-1
Game of the Week: tie..Ravens vs Pats, Vikings vs Cowboys
Must wins for Vikes and Cowgirls. I love Brett Favre and Randy Moss. The Cowboys haven't stopped any offense yet. I love the Ravens as a team. I think they'll go far again this year. We'll see how the Pats adjust without Moss. Ravens and Vikes with the big wins!
Good NFL Insider: Follow Peter King! He's the man! His column is great!
....Apparently not the first time either...check it out
Is anyone else excited to see the Miami Heat play this year??!! You can say whatever you want about them but they are going to be fun to watch....pending they stay healthy.
John Wall is my pick for Rookie of the Year! I know it's only preseason but he looks like he's going to run circles around a lot of teams. Now, if he can get some help from the ever troublesome Arenas and company.....the Wizards might be in the news for something other than gun charges this year.
BOXING:
Notable Fights this wkd:
Tonight, Super Middleweight Champ Lucian Bute vs Jesse Brinkley live on espn3.com
- Bute has been a stud since winning the title three years ago. From Montreal where he has a huge following, this will be his 6th title defense and is currently still undefeated.
Also tonight on Showtime, former Light-Heavyweight (175) Champ Antonio Tarver will be making his heavyweight debut vs Nagy Aguilera.
- You may remember Tarver as Mason "The Line" Dixon in the movie Rocky Balboa. Well he was the heavyweight champ in the movie and now he's trying to make it a reality. Tarver, 42, has not fought in 17 months. The last time he fought he got his ass kicked in a rematch with former Light Heavyweight Champ Bad Chad Dawson. The rematch was not demanded at all and only happened because Tarver exercised his rematch clause in the contract. In the first fight, Dawson ran circles around Tarver, outboxed him, knocked him down, and made Tarver really look his age. Tarver was once a legitimate champ and claimed his belt with this Sic K.O. of the great but fading Roy Jones Jr. Since then, he has been taught a boxing lesson by Bernard Hopkins and totally outclassed by Dawson. Tarver is another sad tale of a fighter not knowing when to quit. I wish him luck in his heavyweight endeavor but I don't see him going very far with Klitschko brothers still reigning far above everyone else in that division. He might win this fight and maybe one more in a weak heavyweight division but for him to be a heavyweight champ, he'll just have to keep watchin himself in Rocky Balboa.
On Saturday, WBC(don't even ask what this stands for) Heavyweight Champ Vitali Klitschko fights Shannon Briggs on espn3.com.
- Vitali, 39, is the older brother and more entertaining fighter. He has won all of his fights by KO except for 2. In the heavyweight division there is the Klitschko Bros and then there's everyone else. No one has been a threat to them in years and I don't expect a washed up Shannon Briggs to make it very far in this fight either. Briggs has lost to every notable fighter he's fought. He's only beat no names and club fighters. The Klitschkos like to keep busy and fight a few times a year. Briggs is a name, has won a few fights recently (against nobody you've ever heard of), and was available. Hence, another fighter for Vitali to get some ring time with and beat the shit out of. This just shows how bad and weak the division is.
On a more positive note, I cannot wait for the new Iron Mike Tyson iPhone App to come out! Remember the 90's Mike Tyson Punch Out video game? Should be similar and ridic!
Weekend Plans:
T.G.I.F!! Going to see the new Jackass Movie tonight!! Should be entertaining to say the least. On Saturday night I'll be at my army unit's annual NCO Dining In dressed in my Army Best and having a good time with my fellow army leaders. Penn State has its bye week so they have an extra week to figure out how to play football again for the next game at Minnesota. Sunday is the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) 5k in Happy Valley. Fun Run for a great cause! FTK! Hope to see some of you there!
That's all for now!! Hope you enjoyed it and have a cowabunga weekend!!
Peace Out,
BMart
In The News:
Was anyone else glued to CNN the last couple days with their excellent coverage of the Chilean Mine Disaster Rescue? I just happened to be flipping around the other night and started watching it right after the 1st miner was brought up safely. It is truely amazing what can be accomplished when you combine brilliant minds, modern technology, and global support.
Around The Sports World:
MLB: Yankees vs Rangers tonight! C.C. Sabathia vs C.J. Wilson at the Ballpark in Arlington
I'm thinking/hoping that Girardi's strategy to avoid Cliff Lee and the Rangers and play the Minnesota (I've never beat the Yankees in the Playoffs) Twins in 1st Round comes back to haunt him in this series. The way it's set as of now the Yanks will only have to face Cliff Lee once if it doesn't go to game 6 or 7 but.....thanks to the Yanks being the Wildcard, the Rangers have homefield advantage and will be playing games 1 & 2 and games 6 & 7 if necessary in Arlington. I'm not saying the Yanks are at a disadvantage in this series or that they've never won a series where they didn't have homefield but by taking the easy route at the end of the season and beating a very intimidated Twins team in the ALDS, they've set themselves up for a very tough road ahead to defend their championship. No homefield in this series and thanks to my boy Brian McCann, no homefield in the World Series if they make it.
Prediction: The Yankees don't have the great pitching of a year ago. Good luck with combo platter of Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, and Vlad Guerrero. Rangers in 6
Saturday: Phils vs Giants, Halladay vs Linceum at The Bank
Halladay's No-No against the Reds was one of the best pitching performances I've ever seen. He is clearly in a groove and thrilled to be in the postseason. But so is the Freak Linceum. I saw him blank my Braves. He was just as lights out. They call this season the Year of the Pitcher and it has extended into the postseason. Both teams have good starting pitchers, decent bullpens, and most of the time seal the deal closers. However, the Fightin Phils have a 4 year playoff run going with most of the core players of this run still on the team. Their three aces have been almost unhittable the last month and a half. There is power and speed up and down their lineup. And the Phillies have just been Red Hot since the beginning of September. The Giants have some pop, wiley vets, and a few budding young hitters and pitchers but the Phils will be too much for them to handle.
Prediction: It's another Red Doctober! Phils in 6
NFL:
Favorite Team: Buffalo Bills ( I know....) Shooting for the top pick in the draft next year! Hope they win a game!
Fantasy Lineup: QB-Rivers, RB-Ray Rice, Jahvid Best, WR- Davone Bess, Greg Jennings, Mike Williams, TE- Antonio Gates, K- Green Akers, D/ST- Ravens
Record: 4-1
Game of the Week: tie..Ravens vs Pats, Vikings vs Cowboys
Must wins for Vikes and Cowgirls. I love Brett Favre and Randy Moss. The Cowboys haven't stopped any offense yet. I love the Ravens as a team. I think they'll go far again this year. We'll see how the Pats adjust without Moss. Ravens and Vikes with the big wins!
Good NFL Insider: Follow Peter King! He's the man! His column is great!
NBA:
Did anyone else see Deron Williams crossover Steve Nash last night? That was sic!!....Apparently not the first time either...check it out
Is anyone else excited to see the Miami Heat play this year??!! You can say whatever you want about them but they are going to be fun to watch....pending they stay healthy.
John Wall is my pick for Rookie of the Year! I know it's only preseason but he looks like he's going to run circles around a lot of teams. Now, if he can get some help from the ever troublesome Arenas and company.....the Wizards might be in the news for something other than gun charges this year.
BOXING:
Notable Fights this wkd:
Tonight, Super Middleweight Champ Lucian Bute vs Jesse Brinkley live on espn3.com
- Bute has been a stud since winning the title three years ago. From Montreal where he has a huge following, this will be his 6th title defense and is currently still undefeated.
Also tonight on Showtime, former Light-Heavyweight (175) Champ Antonio Tarver will be making his heavyweight debut vs Nagy Aguilera.
- You may remember Tarver as Mason "The Line" Dixon in the movie Rocky Balboa. Well he was the heavyweight champ in the movie and now he's trying to make it a reality. Tarver, 42, has not fought in 17 months. The last time he fought he got his ass kicked in a rematch with former Light Heavyweight Champ Bad Chad Dawson. The rematch was not demanded at all and only happened because Tarver exercised his rematch clause in the contract. In the first fight, Dawson ran circles around Tarver, outboxed him, knocked him down, and made Tarver really look his age. Tarver was once a legitimate champ and claimed his belt with this Sic K.O. of the great but fading Roy Jones Jr. Since then, he has been taught a boxing lesson by Bernard Hopkins and totally outclassed by Dawson. Tarver is another sad tale of a fighter not knowing when to quit. I wish him luck in his heavyweight endeavor but I don't see him going very far with Klitschko brothers still reigning far above everyone else in that division. He might win this fight and maybe one more in a weak heavyweight division but for him to be a heavyweight champ, he'll just have to keep watchin himself in Rocky Balboa.
On Saturday, WBC(don't even ask what this stands for) Heavyweight Champ Vitali Klitschko fights Shannon Briggs on espn3.com.
- Vitali, 39, is the older brother and more entertaining fighter. He has won all of his fights by KO except for 2. In the heavyweight division there is the Klitschko Bros and then there's everyone else. No one has been a threat to them in years and I don't expect a washed up Shannon Briggs to make it very far in this fight either. Briggs has lost to every notable fighter he's fought. He's only beat no names and club fighters. The Klitschkos like to keep busy and fight a few times a year. Briggs is a name, has won a few fights recently (against nobody you've ever heard of), and was available. Hence, another fighter for Vitali to get some ring time with and beat the shit out of. This just shows how bad and weak the division is.
On a more positive note, I cannot wait for the new Iron Mike Tyson iPhone App to come out! Remember the 90's Mike Tyson Punch Out video game? Should be similar and ridic!
Weekend Plans:
T.G.I.F!! Going to see the new Jackass Movie tonight!! Should be entertaining to say the least. On Saturday night I'll be at my army unit's annual NCO Dining In dressed in my Army Best and having a good time with my fellow army leaders. Penn State has its bye week so they have an extra week to figure out how to play football again for the next game at Minnesota. Sunday is the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) 5k in Happy Valley. Fun Run for a great cause! FTK! Hope to see some of you there!
That's all for now!! Hope you enjoyed it and have a cowabunga weekend!!
Peace Out,
BMart
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