The New York Times' Ben Shpigel writes about New York Mets Pedro Martinez and his first big workout... "MartÃnez can often get a sense of his pitches from the hitters’ reactions, and he generated only two swings and misses among his 53 pitches. He was not overly concerned, he said, because the batters also looked as if they were still waking up." .... Ben ShpigelThe Washington Post's Michael Wilbon writes how the stress is building for the small and mid-major conference teams... "Selection Sunday is eight days away, but the desperation and anxiety that can only be produced by March is already here. It can be felt this weekend in North Charleston, S.C., where the Southern Conference will determine its champion. It can be felt in Nashville, where the Atlantic Sun will determine its one automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. It can be felt at the Summit League tournament in Tulsa, at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in St. Louis, at the Metro Atlantic tournament in Albany, N.Y." ... Michael WilbonChicago Sun-Times' Jay Mariotti writes about the maturity of LeBron James and the immaturity of Tyrus Thomas... "In two years, he'll be tempted to opt out of his contract with the middle-market Cleveland Cavaliers and join his ownership buddy, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, with the relocated Nets franchise in Brooklyn." ... Jay MariottiLos Angeles Times' Bill Plaschke writes how Nomar Garciaparra has a chance to redeem himself after a horrible 2007... "The most enigmatic of Dodgers veterans has suddenly become perhaps the most important, Garciaparra's being pushed into the lineup as the starting third baseman Friday after his young competition, Andy LaRoche, tore up his thumb." ... Bill PlaschkeThe San Francisco Chronicle's Bruce Jenkins writes about a variety of topics - starting with Barry Bonds... "A week in Arizona left the indelible impression that Barry Bonds, lurking about baseball's perimeter, remains a lively topic of conversation." ... Bruce JenkinsMiami Herald's Greg Cote writes about a variety of topics - starting with Pat Riley and the Miami Heat... "The Heat, surfing the sludge of an 11-47 record, will hold a "town hall meeting" tonight at which season-ticket holders may express themselves to coach/prez Pat Riley, owner Micky Arison and a few players." ... Greg Cote
How can Isaiah Thomas keep his job as head coach of the New York Knicks...the Knicks are sitting at 18-43....all I know, this crap would not happen if George Steinbrenner owned the team....
Brett Favre is finally gone...he was a great player and a definite first ballot Hall of Famer...the media was totally in love with the guy...but as great as he was, let's be honest - he made some real dumb ass passes during the course of his career...but somehow the media had a short memory when those bonehead plays occurred...that is why he will never be #1 on my all-time QB list...
Now that God, I mean Favre has retired, all the networks will be battling for his services....that gets me sick when these network studios are all filled with former players who say shit (aka nothing)...I remember when NBC hired Joe Montana - the guy was a freakin stiff...
It's Friday, March 7th - does Terrelle Pryor know where he is signing yet?...why doesn't he just get it over with and sign with Ohio State already...
#1 North Carolina at #5 Duke on Saturday...Dickie V will be in heaven with that match-up...
Whatever happened to former Carolina assistant coach and star player Phil Ford?...
Barack Obama needs to step up and attack Hillary and her sleeze husband if he plans to be President...
During the Duke-Carolina game on Saturday, IBM will reveal who is rated the greatest college basketball player of all time....it will be Lew Alcindor...
Today's Beers with Bloggers feature is with Graig from The Money Shot...he is from Hilliard, Ohio and is a graduate from THE REAL U - Miami (Ohio) with a degree in Sport Organization...Book Mark His Blog...before we begin, I want to thank him for taking the time to respond...
Q1. Why do you blog? How long have you been doing The Money Shot?
A. It's pretty simple really. I blog because I hate my job and it gives me something to look forward to everyday. While that is pretty much true, I just love blogging. Everything about it is great. You can get news anywhere but it takes something special to spin satire into a story.
I've been doing The Money Shot for about 20 months now and we are continually growing when it comes to site traffic. It's really helped that in the past month I've been fortunate enough to receive links from SI's Extra Mustard and Deadspin though. But I don't do it for the links. I blog to express my opinion and I am fortunate enough to have a loyal base of friends/commenters who stop by daily to tell me that I am an idiot.
Q2. What are your strengths at blogging? Why is The Money Shot a good blog?
A. Well, you aren't going to find any breaking stories on my site and you're only getting one post a day. Those are the rules. Since frequency of posts is a weakness, I think that my strengths are loud opinions, tasteless jokes, and the fact that locally (Ohio), there are always a ton of related stories that drive conversation from my readers.
I really do think that I run a good blog. Others likely disagree, but when the traffic continues to grow, the comments pour in, and people come up to me at bars and say that they loved so-and-so topic, it makes me feel like I'm doing something right. I sometimes fall into the trap of talking about things that only I would care about, so I try to stay away from that as much as possible. I mean, how many people want to read about a Miami/Kent State football game? Hell, when my dad tells me that he likes the blog, I have to think that it's good!
Q3. What are your thoughts about two coaching legends. Bobby Knight is supposedly retired. Do you think he will come back and coach again. Then in football, what are your thoughts about Joe Paterno at Penn State?
A. I'm actually quite indifferent about both. They are both legends and they both have tarnished their legacies by staying around way too long. The Texas Tech experience was abysmal for Knight and his eyebrows in HD are scarier than the Hamburgler. If there is one thing that I will always remember about JoePa, it would be the game two years ago in Columbus when he ran off the field to take a dump. That was priceless. Oh, and he used to be a great coach, too. I guess to summarize, both Knight and Paterno were/are doing more damage than they realize and probably need to go enjoy the rest of their lives. Coaching is a young man's game these days anyway.
Q4. The NCAA Tournament is fast approaching. Who are your picks to make the Final Four and why? A. Let me just say that college basketball is a true passion of mine and I could watch any game on TV. I can't do that for any other sport besides the NFL. But college hoops is true pageantry for me. Anyway, before the season began, I predicted at Storming The Floor a Final Four of Memphis, Tennessee, UCLA, and Louisville. I'm sticking with that. I realize that the Tigers and Vols absolutely suck from the free throw line, but whatever. The fact that all 4 of those teams are top 15 teams still amazes me. I'm picking UCLA over Tennessee in the Finals. I love what Ben Howland has done out there and the Bruins have no weaknesses. But since the Bruins are likely to be the chic pick, I'm sure they will lose in round two.
Q5. What are your thoughts about this upcoming baseball season? Every year there is surprise team that makes the playoffs. Who is this year's surprise team?
A. To be honest, I'm really not the biggest baseball fan anymore. Don't get me wrong, I pay attention, but as a Yankees fan, it just isn't as fun as it used to be. It's almost become too business-like in the Bronx and my expectations are so high for them that if they don't win the World Series, it's a disappointment. I mean, it's great to have high goals for yourself, but it sucks to know that every season comes down to winning a ring or complete failure. Whew, enough of that. As far as surprise teams go this year...I really like the Mariners. If King Felix can finally put it all together, he and Bedard make up one hell of a 1-2. The bullpen in Seattle remains strong and they will always score runs with Ichiro at the top. The fact that the Angels are in a decline (and apparently I'm the only who sees this), only makes me feel stronger that the M's win the West.
Q6. Real quick - your thoughts about Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel?
A. I know that you know this, but I HATE anything Ohio State. It isn't easy living in Columbus and putting up with their fan's constant egotistic bullshit. I've had to listen to freaking Terrelle Pryor updates every damn day for the past 2 months. I hate it. But, I do respect Gentleman Jim. He's a great football mind that almost always has his boys up to the task even though they have a bullseye on their chests each and every week. Whether he's a cheater or a liar or not is beside the point. The guy can coach. I just hope that he doesn't waste everyone's time by getting to a BCS Title game again.
Q7. Personally I love following the NFL Draft. People like me have been ripped for "not having a life" by such great American thinkers like Rick Reilly. What are your thoughts about the NFL Draft? Do you follow it, why or why not?
A. First of all, Rick Reilly is the biggest pompous ass in all of sports journalism (narrowly defeating Stephen A.). I, for one, LOVE the NFL Draft. I watch it all. Even Day 2...I love it. This is how NFL teams are built. You don't do it through free agency (I'm looking at you, Phil Savage), you do it through the draft. It's the only time of the year when I can stand Chris Berman. And while many people hate him, I enjoy Mel Kiper, Jr. I think that deep down, we all would love to have his job. And I love that hair...
Q8. I have to ask a non-sports question - Obama, Clinton, or McCain? Why?
A. Personally, I'm in the Obama camp. I do NOT pay close attention to politics though. I'm a democrat at heart as I embrace the ideals and priorities of the party. To me, as a guy who never watches the news, I choose my candidate based on likeability and their message. If someone is running smear ads on TV, I'm done with them. I hate that. Tell me what YOU plan on doing, not what your opponent did 25 years ago when they were in college.
Hillary seems robotic and cold-hearted. John McCain looks more and more like Monty Burns everyday. I like Barack's message of change. No, he isn't the most experienced candidate out there but look where "experience" has gotten us over the past 7 years. Change is good and should not be feared. But I'm leary that Hillary will end up getting the nod due to Obama's bad day yesterday and the "Super delegates"...whatever the hell that means.
Q9. Who are the five hottest women in sports and/or broadcasting?
1. EA - God, I love her
2. Stacey Dales - became a much bigger fan when she dropped the Schumann from her name
3. Pam Oliver - a chick with a nice ass and knowledge of football is always welcomed
4. Jillian Barberie or whatever her name is now - she might just look better standing next to those idiots on FOX though
5. Linda Cohn - what can I say, I have a horse fetish
Q10. Last question, this segment is called "Beers with Bloggers." So what are some of your favorite brews? What are some beers that you like that may not be well known nationally?
A. Ah yes, the grand finale question. Personally, I'm pretty easy to please. As long as it doesn't say Natural Light or Coors Light on the bottle, I'll probably drink it. I'm a Bud guy at heart. I've also dabbled into Heineken recently. A brew that I love that is primarily local to Central Ohio is Gordon Biersch. It is fantastic. I'm assuming that you're picking up the tab?
Once again, thank you Graig for your time....keep up the good work...and by the way, I will pick up the tab...
The blog Busted Coverage released the newest photo of Allison Stokke, who became the love of almost every sports blogger...she is now a pole vaulter at Cal....
Washington Post sports reporter Barry Svrluga writes about Dmitri Young of the Washington Nationals and his battle with diabetes... "Nearly 21 million Americans are afflicted with diabetes, and each must learn to handle it as best they can. Young, who received his diagnosis in late 2006, is still figuring what solutions best suit him. He currently takes insulin injections two, three or even four times a day." ... Barry SvrlugaChicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti writes about the Bears arch-rival - Brett Favre... "We've pegged him as a simple study, a 38-year-old kid running barefoot around the backyard in an enduring Mississippi adolescence. In truth, Brett Favre is a bafflingly complex man, never more so than on the day he left football. His career was a celebration of joy, creativity and survival, making him one of the most popular icons of American life, and yet, in the end, he leaves us shocked, disappointed and befuddled." ... Jay MariottiKansas City Star sports columnist Bryan Burwell gives his list of most entertaining athletes - in which Brett Favre is on that list... "When the great ones like Brett Favre retire, we like to put things in some sort of meaningful historic context. So we like to make lists and rank folks and stir some healthy debate. When it comes to ranking Brett Favre, he belongs on more than one list of all-time greats."
Daniel LeDucLos Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke gives his thoughts about Brett Favre... "With his beard stubble and fiery eyes and gaping grin, has anybody ever symbolized the game's rough-hewn hope better than Favre? Football has lost its voice." ... Bill Plaschke
Today I am writing about a non-sports topic - voting....it is voting day here in Ohio...after casting my ballot, for Barack Obama, and heading into work, I was thinking about some of the discussion and lack of discussion over the last few weeks heading into today's big day...
Just yesterday, I was sitting with a co-worker when I asked her who she was voting for...she told me that her mother taught her never to discuss politics or religion with anyone...WHAT?!?!?!....
Like I told her, I could care less who she was voting for...I was not going to persuade her to vote for my person...heck, my one good friend is a big-time Hillary supporter...him and I have often exchanged barbs over the last few months...but it was all in good spirit...luckily most are not like my co-worker because it is good to communicate and hear different views...
I will say this though, what does upset me is when people will not vote for a candidate because of their race or gender or name...I have heard people say they will not vote for Obama because he is black.....WHAT??!?!?!....so, the man is black...are white people afraid that Obama will put whites into slavery if he should become president?....
As I stated earlier, I voted for Obama....the reason I did not vote for Hillary had nothing to do with her being a woman...I just felt that I could trust Obama more than I could Hillary...
Another co-worker said she was not voting for Obama because his name sounds Muslim...WHAT!?!?!?!....so I guess that only a white man with a non-ethnic name can become president....
That rules out any Asian-American with the name of Ling, Chow, Ming, Liu, etc...
That rules out any Hispanic-American with the name of Rodriguez, Chavez, Montero, Valentin, etc....
That rules out any Jewish-American with the name of Cooperman, Stein, Lehman, etc...
That rules out any European-American with the name of Pierre, Paterno, Lemieux, Hoffmeister, O'Leary, Georgiopolous, Natyshak, Rossi, Gruber, etc..
Of course, it goes with out saying that it rules out all African-Americans, even if their name is Williams, Smith, Hall, etc., just because they are black....
Often times people blame the politicians for messing up this country....but with some of the public's views and beliefs, they should also share in the burden for holding this country back...
Here are this week's big college basketball games with the latest RPI rating (games are through Thursday, March 6)
Monday, March 3
#23 Pitt (20-8) @ #41 West Virginia (19-9)
The Panthers eeked out a win in their earlier meeting...the Panthers punched their ticket to The Big Dance with their comeback win at Syracuse on Saturday...the Mountaineers need this win to help their claim...
#47 Texas Tech (15-12) @ #8 Kansas (25-3)
On Wednesday, A&M beatdown Tech by 44 points...on Saturday, Tech upset Texas...which Tech team will be on the floor in Lawrence...a win here may get the Red Raiders into the tournament...
Tuesday, March 4
#164 Colorado (10-17) @ #43 Kansas State (17-10)
A few weeks back K-State seemed like a lock for the tournament...but they have stumbled of late losing five of their last six games....they need to win this game - and win it BIG...
Wednesday, March 5
#57 Syracuse (17-12) @ #73 Seton Hall (17-12)
The Cuse choked on Saturday against Pitt...even with that devastating loss, they can still make the tournament by beating Seton Hall, Marquette, and winning at least one game in the Big East tournament...a big win here would help their chances...
#4 Duke (25-3) @ #123 Virginia (13-13)
Duke squeeked out a 1 point win over N.C. State on Saturday...will they be looking ahead to their big match-up on Saturday against North Carolina?
#29 Purdue (23-6) @ #54 Ohio State (17-12)
Ohio State has won only 2 of their last 8 games...right now, they are headed to the NIT...if they have any chance at making the tournament, they have to win, and win big against Purdue...
#1 Tennessee (25-3) @ #62 Florida (21-8)
If the tournament began today, the two-time defending champs are out...a win against Tennessee would put them in though...
Thursday, March 6
#17 Stanford (24-4) @ #9 UCLA (25-3)
Stanford has been playing good ball with the Lopez twins...but UCLA is still the beast of the west...
#94 Cal (15-12) @ #40 Southern Cal (18-10)
USC is probably in the tournament, but they need two more victories to feel better about their chances...
Daniel LeDuc of The Washington Post writes about the new ballpark that is ready to open in D.C.... "With visions of cherry trees blooming beyond the outfield and the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop, the team is right on target to open the $611 million ballpark off South Capitol Street." ... Daniel LeDucJay Mariotti of The Chicago Sun-Times writes that Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber needs to apologize to Indiana freshman Eric Gordon after the treatment he received at Illinois.... "I sat courtside in Assembly Hall that evening and was stunned when no one of an official capacity -- including a security cop sitting beside me -- seemed to care about escalating tensions in a decidedly hostile environment." ... Jay MariottiGordon Edes of The Boston Globe writes about a man named Felix Maldonado - a person who has been with the Red Sox for 45 years... "The mystery, as Felix Maldonado enters his 50th year in baseball, 45th with the Red Sox, may be that his name is not better known, except as a source of puzzlement for Sox fans who visit the team's training complex when they notice that one of the practice diamonds is named Felix Maldonado Field and wonder who that might be." ... Gordon EdesBill Plaschke of The Los Angeles Times writes how Lakers owner Jerry Buss has the team on the right road... "Buss is back, bigger and more powerful than ever, the only owner in sports who seemingly can move mountains with an idea, the aging mathematician whose equations never get old." ... Bill PlaschkeIn Thrusday's USA Today, sports columnist Christine Brennan wrote a good column about the father of one of the players who died in the bus accident involving the Bluffton (Ohio) baseball team.... "Snow had fallen overnight in northwestern Ohio, so when John Betts made his regular stop at the cemetery on his way to work Wednesday morning, he grabbed the ice scraper before closing his car door. He walked to the spot he has visited twice a day for nearly a year, leaned over and poked through the snow for a moment before finding what he was looking for — a rubber home plate over the grave of his 20-year-old son, David." ... Christine BrennanThe following links are stories which appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the great Myron Cope who died this past week...
Gene CollierEd Bouchette
