Ranking every World Series in MLB history
-
Scandals, scapegoats, superstars and, yes, the Yankees. Sam Miller judges
every October since 1903.
6 years ago
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The alleged Kristen
These are photos of the woman allegedly to be involved with soon-to-be former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer...
NFL Draft Spotlight on . . . Chris Long of Virginia
Today's spotlight is on defensive end Chris Long of the Virginia Cavaliers...in 2007 he registered 14 sacks....Long is 6'4", 277 lbs and is rated as the top defensive end....he is the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long....Jerry Ratcliffe of the The Daily Progress of Charlottesville, Va was kind enough to respond to my questions about Long...it is much appreciated...
Q1. Chris Long is being touted as one of the top 5 players in this year's draft. How would you rate him among the various other college football players (Virginia and their opponents) you have covered over the years?
A. First, you must understand that I have been covering sports for more than three decades, so that's a lot of players. While I have covered a lot of players that have been first round draft choices, I must say that none of them were quite like Chris Long. You hear people say "his motor never stops," which is a somewhat over-used phrase these days.
However, with Chris, this is truly the case. He admits that he's wound too tight, but he is one of the most motivated individuals I have ever known. He actually made himself into what he is today with hard work and incredible drive. He really was a borderline Division I-A prospect until his junior year of high school, when he made some significant strides, strides that have never stopped. He works so hard in the weightroom and the practice field. He is truly a self-made success. For him to accomplish what he did his senior season against double teams and even triple teams, was remarkable.
Also consider that he was held so many times in games, that if refs had called all those holds, Virginia would have probably not given up many points on defense because teams would be facing long yardage all day. Playing the two-gap at his size was incredible because he was pit against 310 to 330 pounders and still managed to excel.
Chris is truly one of a kind. What an NFL team will get when they draft him is more than they might expect. He's not only a great athlete, he's a great leader, the kind of kid that's going to unite a team, inspire a team. He is a great spokesperson. He's a high-character guy, a great teammate and a great representative of an organization.
Q2. What type of person is Chris Long? Did he have an attitude because he is Howie Long's son?
A. Here is where Chris separates himself from some of the great athletes I have seen over the years. Some are great athletes but not great people. Chris is both a great athlete as witnessed in his NFL Combine performance, and a great person. I have gotten to know him better than many athletes in Virginia's program because he's a hometown kid. I've seen him around for years prior to his college career. As far as him having an attitude because of being Howie's son, well, quite the contrary.
While growing up with a famous father has its advantages, Chris also had to carry the burden of having a dad in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A lot of people looked at him in high school and thought that he was getting a scholarship because of who his dad was, not because of Chris' talent. They soon found out that wasn't the case.
He is proud of being Howie's son, but to show the kind of kid he is, he would never single out just his dad. He also credited his mom, Diane, who is a very special lady, with making him who he is, just as much as he credited Howie. He also shared all glory with his two younger brothers, Kyle, who may be a first-round baseball draft choice right out of high school, and little Howie, who will play lacrosse for Virginia.
Chris received an award in our state recently that honored the top college player who was from the state of Virginia. Chris asked his high school coach to be his presenter in order to give that coach credit for helping him reach his goals. He is a very thoughtful kid. He was one of UVa's best recruiters during his four years here because all the prospects coming in really liked him.
Q3. Did Howie ever interfere or give advice to Virginia head coach Al Groh on how to coach Chris?
A. Howie couldn't have been better in the way he has handled Chris' career at Virginia. He always preferred to stay in the background and wanted Chris to be known for what Chris accomplished and not for being Howie's son. I remember one game at Georgia Tech, where Howie was in a skybox watching Chris play and the TV cameras kept flashing to Howie over and over again. Howie was disturbed by it all because he wanted all the attention to focus on Chris and his teammates and not himself. From that point on, Howie would watch the game in a TV truck or try to hide somewhere the cameras couldn't find him.
No, Howie never interfered with how Al Groh coached Chris. As Al proudly points out, there were several times when Howie would come by to pay a cordial visit to pay respect to Al, and sometimes they would get into football conversations, and even the two of them get down in stances in Al's office because Al would be curious about picking Howie's brain on some things. But never at Howie's suggestion. Howie was very good about that. He would only help if asked, but never interjected himself into the equation otherwise.
Same with the way he handled Chris. If Chris came to him and asked him for help on a technique or philosophy or any type of tips, Howie would do anything to assist his son, but only if Chris asked for help.
Q4. Are there any other Virginia players that we should keep an eye on for this year's draft?
A. Yes, offensive guard Branden Albert. He might be the best offensive line prospect in the draft. He was first-team All-ACC as a junior this past season and decided to come out. He is huge, strong and is incredible on the move. He would fit in well with a team that likes to pull its guards to lead plays out on the edge. He was a player that Groh plucked out of suburban Baltimore late in the signing process. No one else wanted this kid, but Groh offered him a scholarship, Albert went to prep school for a year, then came in and started as a true freshman and started ever since.
Q5. Who are some of the future NFL prospects that we should pay attention to on the 2008 Virginia team?
A. I would think that rising senior left offensive tackle Eugene Monroe (6-6, 310) will be someone to keep an eye on. He was the No. 1 ranked offensive line prospect in the nation coming out of high school and should be a first-team All-ACC selection his final year.
Outside linebacker Clint Sintim, rising senior, should be someone worth watching. While it's early in his career, sophomore quarterback Peter Lalich, has a chance to make a big splash this coming season. He played some last year as a true freshman and the job should be his. Great arm. Reminds a lot of folks of Matt Schaub.
Two running backs bear watching: rising senior Cedric Peerman (led the ACC in rushing until injuring his foot midway through last season and didn't return), and the guy who replaced him, rising junior Mikell Simpson, who had the longest run by a running back in college football bowl history this past season against Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl.
Once again I want to thank Jerry for his time...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
NFL Draft Spotlight on - Kevin Smith of Central Florida
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and once again Stiles Points will be putting the spotlight on various players and NFL teams leading up to the Draft...the first feature is on running back Kevin Smith from Central Florida...last season, as a junior, Smith carried the ball 450 times for 2,567 yards and 29 touchdowns....Smith is listed as 6'1", 211 lbs....Kyle Hightower of the Orlando Sentinel was kind enough to respond with some thoughts about Smith...I want to thank Kyle for taking the time...
Q1. Kevin Smith is rated as one of the top 12 running backs in this year's NFL Draft. What type of running back is he? What other running back in the NFL reminds you of Kevin Smith?
A. Kevin definitely falls into that "gliding style" running back category. He won't wow you with how he hits the hole with his speed, but he's very smart in how he follows his blocks/waits for them to develop. Then once he hits the open field, he kind of glides away. That said, having seen all of his 80-plus yard runs his junior year at UCF, I never recall him getting caught from behind. If I had to pick an NFL back to compare him to, it would probably be current De'Angelo Williams and past O.J. Simpson.
Q2. What type of person is Kevin Smith off the field?
A. Off the field Kevin is that guy that everybody wants to be around. Always joking, always interacting and the center of attention without trying to be. I always loved watching him driving around with teammates in his neon purple Chevy Caprice Classic, gold toothed in the sun. He was always having a blast, no matter what he was doing. And extremely personable. Probably a product of being underestimated by people coming out of high school, but he never turned down an interview request or failed to answer his cell when I needed to get him, even when the spotlight started increasing on him last year.
Q3. I watched Smith in this year's bowl game and I remember the announcers saying that Smith was going to come back for his senior year. What happened that made Smith change his mind?
A. We've talked several times about it and he assures me that there wasn't some big thing to it. Seems that once the spotlight of the season was gone and he really had a chance to sit quietly and think about it, he reassesed what he was passing on. Helping out his mom and brother was a factor, but I think in the end he just decided it was time. I know it was hard because he truly loves UCF and had connected with the city. He could have easily waited, but the guy is fearless and isn't worried about the deep draft pool or anything. He wears his heart on the outside of his chest and speaks and makes decisions from it. So I'm inclined to take him at his word.
Q4. Smith had a heavy workload last year with 450 carries. Do you see that as a positive or negative as he heads into the NFL?
A. I think it's actuallly a positive because he has already shown himself to be durable. I think it would be a bigger issue if he'd stayed and did it again as a senior. He won't get 450 in the NFL anytime soon, so in a way he saved some wear and tear already in my opinion.
Q5. Who are some of the future NFL prospects that we should pay attention to on the 2008 UCF team?
A. It has to start with senior-to-be and CB Joe Burnett. He had a breakout freshmen year with lots of INTs and a few punt returns on special teams. He had some injuries that slowed him down as a sophomore, but he broke back out as junior and led C-USA and ranked high nationally in INTs and got back on track as a punt returner as well. Also an entire core of sophomore-to-be receivers led by A.J. Guyton, Kamar Aiken and Brian Watters.
Once again I want to thank Kyle for his time...
Monday, March 10, 2008
Big East Tournament Bracket
The Big East is one of the best conference tournaments...from the days of Patrick Ewing and Pearl Washington to the recent amazing performance of Gerry McNamara...this week's tournament starts Wednesday at Madison Square Garden with these match-ups...
Afternoon sessions
Noon - #8 Villanova (19-11) vs. #9 Syracuse (19-12)
The winner will probably make the tournament...the loser will have to hope and pray, but will more than likely be NIT bound...
2:00 - #5 West Virginia (22-9) vs. #12 Providence (15-15)
The Friars need to win just to make the NIT...won't happen...
Evening sessions
7:00 - #7 Pitt (22-9) vs. #10 Cincinnati (13-17)
This should be an easy one for the Panthers
9:00 - #6 Marquette (22-8) vs. # 11 Seton Hall (17-14)
Marquette did not look good on Saturday at Syracuse...Seton Hall must make it to the conference title game if they even want to consider the Big Dance...
Thursday
Afternoon Sessions
Noon - #1 Georgetown (25-4) vs. winner of Villanova-Syracuse
2:00 - #4 Connecticut (24-7) vs. winner of West Virginia-Providence
Evening sessions
7:00 - #2 Louisville (24-7) vs. winner of Pitt-Cincinnati
9:00 - #3 Notre Dame (24-6) vs. winner of Marquette-Seton Hall
Friday
7:00 - Georgetown winner vs. Connecticut winner
9:00 - Louisville winner vs. Notre Dame winner
Saturday
9:00 - Championship Game - ESPN
Afternoon sessions
Noon - #8 Villanova (19-11) vs. #9 Syracuse (19-12)
The winner will probably make the tournament...the loser will have to hope and pray, but will more than likely be NIT bound...
2:00 - #5 West Virginia (22-9) vs. #12 Providence (15-15)
The Friars need to win just to make the NIT...won't happen...
Evening sessions
7:00 - #7 Pitt (22-9) vs. #10 Cincinnati (13-17)
This should be an easy one for the Panthers
9:00 - #6 Marquette (22-8) vs. # 11 Seton Hall (17-14)
Marquette did not look good on Saturday at Syracuse...Seton Hall must make it to the conference title game if they even want to consider the Big Dance...
Thursday
Afternoon Sessions
Noon - #1 Georgetown (25-4) vs. winner of Villanova-Syracuse
2:00 - #4 Connecticut (24-7) vs. winner of West Virginia-Providence
Evening sessions
7:00 - #2 Louisville (24-7) vs. winner of Pitt-Cincinnati
9:00 - #3 Notre Dame (24-6) vs. winner of Marquette-Seton Hall
Friday
7:00 - Georgetown winner vs. Connecticut winner
9:00 - Louisville winner vs. Notre Dame winner
Saturday
9:00 - Championship Game - ESPN
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Sunday Stories
New York Times sports reporter Tyler Kepner wrties about Mariano Rivera and how he dealt with the death of a mentor... "When Rivera speaks of Heron, he mentions his willingness to give advice to anybody who asked. It is trait that has made Rivera as important a leader on the Yankees as Derek Jeter, the team’s designated captain." ... Tyler Kepner
Cleveland Plain Dealer sports columnist Bill Livingston writes where LeBron james ranks among the greats... "LeBron James is far and away the best player in the NBA, outpointing, outrebounding and outassisting Kobe Bryant, although Bryant might win the Most Valuable Player award as some kind of lifetime achievement." ...Bill Livingston
The New York Times has Oscar Robertson write about his first games at Madison Square Garden... "In 1958, I was just another unsophisticated 19-year-old college sophomore from the provinces, looking forward to his first visit to the big city. I had not imagined it would be in a Cincinnati uniform." ...Oscar Robertson
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington writes about the struggle of former Dallas Cowboy Buddy Dial... "Dial's story eventually became a landmark legal case. He was one of the first NFL players to be declared permanently disabled in 1993. His ex-wife eventually sued for half his monthly disability check, lost, then won on appeal." ...Kevin Sherrington
Houston Chronicle sports columnist Richard Justice writes about Tracy McGrady and the red-hot Houston Rockets... "If this wasn't a perfect game, it was close. McGrady was on the floor for all 48 minutes, scored 41 points, handed out nine assists and grabbed six rebounds." ...Richard Justice
Los Angeles Times sports columnist T.J. Simers writes that he is not a Kobe-hater... "Everybody thinks I've got it in for the guy, angry people e-mailing all week to point out fans were even chanting for him in Sacramento, so get with it." ...T.J. Simers
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti writes about the possibility of the Cubs playing their games on the Southside while Wrigley gets a facelift... "And they'll effectively tell Cubdom to go to hell, even if the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority -- which owns and operates The Cell for the people of the state -- rubber-stamps the blasphemous concept of the North Siders playing home games on the South Side while Wrigley Field is reconstructed." ...Jay Mariotti
Cleveland Plain Dealer sports columnist Bill Livingston writes where LeBron james ranks among the greats... "LeBron James is far and away the best player in the NBA, outpointing, outrebounding and outassisting Kobe Bryant, although Bryant might win the Most Valuable Player award as some kind of lifetime achievement." ...
The New York Times has Oscar Robertson write about his first games at Madison Square Garden... "In 1958, I was just another unsophisticated 19-year-old college sophomore from the provinces, looking forward to his first visit to the big city. I had not imagined it would be in a Cincinnati uniform." ...
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington writes about the struggle of former Dallas Cowboy Buddy Dial... "Dial's story eventually became a landmark legal case. He was one of the first NFL players to be declared permanently disabled in 1993. His ex-wife eventually sued for half his monthly disability check, lost, then won on appeal." ...
Houston Chronicle sports columnist Richard Justice writes about Tracy McGrady and the red-hot Houston Rockets... "If this wasn't a perfect game, it was close. McGrady was on the floor for all 48 minutes, scored 41 points, handed out nine assists and grabbed six rebounds." ...
Los Angeles Times sports columnist T.J. Simers writes that he is not a Kobe-hater... "Everybody thinks I've got it in for the guy, angry people e-mailing all week to point out fans were even chanting for him in Sacramento, so get with it." ...
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti writes about the possibility of the Cubs playing their games on the Southside while Wrigley gets a facelift... "And they'll effectively tell Cubdom to go to hell, even if the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority -- which owns and operates The Cell for the people of the state -- rubber-stamps the blasphemous concept of the North Siders playing home games on the South Side while Wrigley Field is reconstructed." ...
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Sports Stories
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 Shpigel
The 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 Wilbon
Chicago 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 Mariotti
Los 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 Plaschke
The 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 Jenkins
Miami 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
The 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." ...
Chicago 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." ...
Los 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." ...
The 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." ...
Miami 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." ...
Friday, March 07, 2008
Random Thoughts
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...
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...
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Beers with Bloggers - Graig from The Money Shot
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...
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...
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Allison Stokke reappears
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....
Sports Stories
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 Svrluga
Chicago 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 Mariotti
Kansas 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 LeDuc
Los 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
Chicago 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." ...
Kansas 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."
Los 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." ...
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Voting Day in Ohio
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...
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...
Monday, March 03, 2008
This week's big games
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...
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...
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Sunday Stories
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 LeDuc
Jay 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 Mariotti
Gordon 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 Edes
Bill 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 Plaschke
In 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 Brennan
The following links are stories which appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the great Myron Cope who died this past week...
Gene Collier
Ed Bouchette
Jay 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." ...
Gordon 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." ...
Bill 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." ...
In 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." ...
The following links are stories which appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the great Myron Cope who died this past week...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Five Good Questions with Brian Bennett about the Louisville Cardinals
Today's Five Good Questions is with Brian Bennett of The Louisville Courier-Journal...Brian covers the red-hot Louisville Cardinals....I want to thank Brian for his time...
Q1. It looks like Louisville is finally on the right track. What is the feeling in Louisville about the Cardinals chances going into the Big Dance?
A. Louisville has won seven straight games and is one of the hottest teams in the country. The Cardinals have a good chance of being a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with an outside shot at a No. 2 if they win out. They look to me like a team that will make the second weekend and a darkhorse Final Four candidate with the right draw.
Q2. What are the strengths of this Louisville team?
A. This is not a great shooting team. But they defend every night, almost always holding opponents to under 40 percent shooting. They have great size and length up front with David Padgett, Earl Clark, Juan Palacios, Derrick Caracter and Terrence Williams. They're deep and athletic. They pass the ball well, and when they're doing that they get open shots and make the offense work. They're deep.
Q3. How do you think the Cardinals would match-up against a Memphis or Tennessee?
A. They might have trouble matching their offensive firepower, but they have more size than either team and would make it more of a halfcourt game with their defense. I actually like their chances against a team like that moreso than a deliberate team like UCLA.
Q4. What do you see the Cardinals doing in the Big East Tournament?
A. I think Louisville will get to the final and possibly win it, depending on the matchups. The Cardinals seem like they're on a mission to me.
Q5. In your opinion, how far can this Louisville team go in the NCAA Tournament?
A. As I said earlier, I think they're a Sweet 16/Elite Eight team with Final Four potential if things break their way.
Once again, I want to thank Brian for his time...
Q1. It looks like Louisville is finally on the right track. What is the feeling in Louisville about the Cardinals chances going into the Big Dance?
A. Louisville has won seven straight games and is one of the hottest teams in the country. The Cardinals have a good chance of being a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with an outside shot at a No. 2 if they win out. They look to me like a team that will make the second weekend and a darkhorse Final Four candidate with the right draw.
Q2. What are the strengths of this Louisville team?
A. This is not a great shooting team. But they defend every night, almost always holding opponents to under 40 percent shooting. They have great size and length up front with David Padgett, Earl Clark, Juan Palacios, Derrick Caracter and Terrence Williams. They're deep and athletic. They pass the ball well, and when they're doing that they get open shots and make the offense work. They're deep.
Q3. How do you think the Cardinals would match-up against a Memphis or Tennessee?
A. They might have trouble matching their offensive firepower, but they have more size than either team and would make it more of a halfcourt game with their defense. I actually like their chances against a team like that moreso than a deliberate team like UCLA.
Q4. What do you see the Cardinals doing in the Big East Tournament?
A. I think Louisville will get to the final and possibly win it, depending on the matchups. The Cardinals seem like they're on a mission to me.
Q5. In your opinion, how far can this Louisville team go in the NCAA Tournament?
A. As I said earlier, I think they're a Sweet 16/Elite Eight team with Final Four potential if things break their way.
Once again, I want to thank Brian for his time...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Beers with Bloggers - Jon from Complete Sports
Today's Beers with Bloggers feature is with Jon from Complete Sports....Jon is quietly one of the upper echelon of sports bloggers...I encourage everyone to bookmark his site...before we begin, I want to thank him for taking the time to respond...
Q1. Here is the basic blog question - but why do you blog? How long have you been doing Complete Sports?
I blog mostly because I love sports. I love watching sports, I love reading about sports, I love talking about sports, and as I have discovered, I love writing. What I like about doing a general sports blog like I do is that there is never a shortage of information... once baseball is over there is football. Once football is over there is basketball. Once basketball is over there is baseball. Wash, rinse, repeat. There is never a time where there is nothing in the sports world to discuss or write about... any time I'm not writing it's more so because I just don't have the time, not because there's nothing to talk about.
Also, on a personal level, I suppose it's a little bit about the small bit of recognition. I mean, obviously it's not like my blog is being read by thousands of people per day, but it might be read by hundreds of people on a given day... and it gives me satisfaction when someone has found my writing interesting enough to comment on it and want to discuss it. Because to be honest, as much as I love writing and I love sports, I probably wouldn't blog if nobody ever read it.
As for length, I've been doing Complete Sports for a little over 2 years now. I have slowed down a little bit lately as real life (read: lots and lots and lots of homework) has interfered, but I still post as much as I can and I love doing it.
Q2. What makes a good blog?
This is maybe a little cliche, but having your own voice and style. I don't like blogs that just report the news... I'm not going to read a blog to get my news, because it's simply not feasible. But having opinions on what happens or what will happen, that makes for a good blog. Don't tell me who got traded where, because I'll already know that information - tell me what you think about the deal. I love reading people's opinions, because it gives me different perspectives to consider when forming my own opinions.
Also, and I suppose this is a bit hypocritical of me to say when looking at my blog lately, but posting on a very regular basis is a must. Especially if you're just starting out, you should be posting basically everyday. You can't expect people to come back if they know it probably won't be updated. This can be a really hard thing to do (again, as I'm finding out!), but posting everyday is pretty key.
Also, humor can be good - a la Zach at The Big Picture as well as a plethora of other sites. Lastly, you should probably be able to write if you want to have a good blog. I mean, I'm an accounting student, not an English teacher, but if I see obvious errors with grammar, I'm not going to read it. Take a couple extra minutes to proofread your post, make sure you're capitalization and punctuation is OK, and then hit post. I'm kind of an elitist snob like that.
Q3. What are your strengths at blogging? Why is Complete Sports a good blog?
My strength, I think, is that I know sports pretty well, especially basketball and baseball. I've been playing these sports for most of my life, and watching them for even longer. I've played and coached basketball for a long time, and I think I know a lot of the intricacies of the game pretty well. Same for baseball. Also, in my mind(!), I can look at things in a fairly reasonable manner and base my opinion on that (well, unless it comes to the Vikings or Twins, in which case I cannot even feign objectivity). Also, and the readers can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I think my writing is at least OK.
Q4. Enough about blogging. The NCAA Tournament is fast approaching. Who are your picks to make the Final Four and why?
The greatest sporting event on Earth! Going into the season, I had UCLA, Memphis, Kansas, and Tennessee, with UCLA beating Kansas for the title. I feel pretty good about these choices right now.
I think, when they're healthy and playing at their best, UCLA is the best team in the country. Defensively, we all know about Ben Howland. But they're efficient offensively, and for a couple of reasons are even better on this side of the ball than they have been over the past 2 seasons. One, they have Kevin Love, a model of efficiency. Two, the emergence of Russell Westbrook as a legit threat. He's a solid shooter, but he's also very quick off the dribble, gets to the rim, and can find the open man. His emergence as a really good player adds a little more athleticism that they were missing last year.
Among the other teams, I like their chances. We saw what Tennessee can do when they beat Memphis on the road. I think adding Tyler Smith will be enough to put them over the top and into the Final Four. Kansas is extremely deep and talented. Memphis is really good defensively, and they're fine as long as they're knocking shots down. All of these teams are deep, can wreak havoc defensively, and have enough offensive firepower to reach the Final Four.
Q5. What are your thoughts about the NBA not allowing high school graduates to go straight to the NBA? Do you think the league should have went a step further and made it mandatory that a player has to play at least two years of college ball?
I admittedly have some qualms about not allowing a high school kid to decide whether he wants to enter the NBA Draft, but I'm not going to complain about it because I think the rule helps both the NBA and NCAA. For the NCAA, the benefits are obvious... guys like Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, etc. make the college game so much more exciting. There is so much more star talent in the NCAA because of this rule (and because of some of the stars that have entered the college game in the past 2 seasons), and it's a really fun thing to see. For the NBA, it benefits them because for every LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire that has immediate success in the NBA, there are guys like Leon Smith and Ndudi Ebi, talented guys who might have had a better chance of being successful if they had played college ball rather than riding the pine in the Association.
By the same token, I would love to see the NBA make it mandatory for players to have to stay 2 years in college for selfish reasons, but I'm not really sure that it should. That seems like it might be overstepping its boundaries a little more.
Q6. Real quick - your thoughts about the opinionated Charles Barkley?
I LOVE Charles Barkley. Absolutely, unequivocally hilarious. This is basically already an accepted fact, but the trio of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley is almost too awesome for words.
Q7. With all the moves that took place before the NBA trading deadline, which team improved the most?
Obviously we have to look at the Lakers, who appear to be the best team in the NBA at the moment. Beyond the fact that they didn't give up anything of real consequence (with all apologies to Javaris Crittenton), Gasol was a perfect addition as an unselfish, skilled big man. As their record since the trade attests to, he's a perfect fit for the triangle and makes the Lakers so very dangerous.
Beyond that, I love what the Cavaliers did. LeBron is now surrounded by shooters, which is the perfect situation. They saw Ben Wallace as the key cog in the deal, but I thought the addition of Joe Smith flew under the radar a little as a great addition. With range out to 17-18 feet, that's a great fit playing next to LeBron. He should be able to make a living off of those midrange jumpers. I actually like the Cavs to win the East after that deal.
Looking a little deeper (and perhaps going beyond the scope of the question, which asked for the most improved team), I loved the Spurs addition of Kurt Thomas. Just a solid role player that fits in well. The Spurs are still awesome.
Q8. I have to ask a non-sports question - Obama, Clinton, or McCain? Why?
Right now I'm an Obama guy. To be honest, I don't follow politics all that much, but I like Obama's ideas, and I think he's got a fresh face and a fresher perspective which would be good for the country. Plus, I'm in college, and the cool thing to do in college is to be Pro-Obama!
Q9. Who are the five hottest women in sports and/or broadcasting?
Hmmm... hopefully it doesn't take away from my manliness to say that I hardly pay attention to sideline reporters (which seems to be the primary function that women in broadcasting serve at this point)... I'm not even sure I could name 5 total. So I'll just take the one obvious choice of Erin Andrews, and then take Stacey Dales, who is pretty cute and a solid broadcaster to boot. It's a little lame of me to only take 2 rather than 5, but that's really all I can think of at the moment.
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?
Again, hopefully this doesn't take down my manliness as a blogger :), but I barely ever drink. Like, I'm probably one of the least qualified people to answer this question, being that I can about count on one hand the number of times in my life I have drank. Hmmm... maybe it's a good thing that this wasn't well known before this interview, or I might not have qualified to be interviewed!! So I'll do the lame thing and abstain from answering, since I really have no answer.
For the record, my favorite beverage is Dr. Pepper! What else do you need??
Once again, I want to thank Jon for taking the time to respond...it is much appreciated...
Q1. Here is the basic blog question - but why do you blog? How long have you been doing Complete Sports?
I blog mostly because I love sports. I love watching sports, I love reading about sports, I love talking about sports, and as I have discovered, I love writing. What I like about doing a general sports blog like I do is that there is never a shortage of information... once baseball is over there is football. Once football is over there is basketball. Once basketball is over there is baseball. Wash, rinse, repeat. There is never a time where there is nothing in the sports world to discuss or write about... any time I'm not writing it's more so because I just don't have the time, not because there's nothing to talk about.
Also, on a personal level, I suppose it's a little bit about the small bit of recognition. I mean, obviously it's not like my blog is being read by thousands of people per day, but it might be read by hundreds of people on a given day... and it gives me satisfaction when someone has found my writing interesting enough to comment on it and want to discuss it. Because to be honest, as much as I love writing and I love sports, I probably wouldn't blog if nobody ever read it.
As for length, I've been doing Complete Sports for a little over 2 years now. I have slowed down a little bit lately as real life (read: lots and lots and lots of homework) has interfered, but I still post as much as I can and I love doing it.
Q2. What makes a good blog?
This is maybe a little cliche, but having your own voice and style. I don't like blogs that just report the news... I'm not going to read a blog to get my news, because it's simply not feasible. But having opinions on what happens or what will happen, that makes for a good blog. Don't tell me who got traded where, because I'll already know that information - tell me what you think about the deal. I love reading people's opinions, because it gives me different perspectives to consider when forming my own opinions.
Also, and I suppose this is a bit hypocritical of me to say when looking at my blog lately, but posting on a very regular basis is a must. Especially if you're just starting out, you should be posting basically everyday. You can't expect people to come back if they know it probably won't be updated. This can be a really hard thing to do (again, as I'm finding out!), but posting everyday is pretty key.
Also, humor can be good - a la Zach at The Big Picture as well as a plethora of other sites. Lastly, you should probably be able to write if you want to have a good blog. I mean, I'm an accounting student, not an English teacher, but if I see obvious errors with grammar, I'm not going to read it. Take a couple extra minutes to proofread your post, make sure you're capitalization and punctuation is OK, and then hit post. I'm kind of an elitist snob like that.
Q3. What are your strengths at blogging? Why is Complete Sports a good blog?
My strength, I think, is that I know sports pretty well, especially basketball and baseball. I've been playing these sports for most of my life, and watching them for even longer. I've played and coached basketball for a long time, and I think I know a lot of the intricacies of the game pretty well. Same for baseball. Also, in my mind(!), I can look at things in a fairly reasonable manner and base my opinion on that (well, unless it comes to the Vikings or Twins, in which case I cannot even feign objectivity). Also, and the readers can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I think my writing is at least OK.
Q4. Enough about blogging. The NCAA Tournament is fast approaching. Who are your picks to make the Final Four and why?
The greatest sporting event on Earth! Going into the season, I had UCLA, Memphis, Kansas, and Tennessee, with UCLA beating Kansas for the title. I feel pretty good about these choices right now.
I think, when they're healthy and playing at their best, UCLA is the best team in the country. Defensively, we all know about Ben Howland. But they're efficient offensively, and for a couple of reasons are even better on this side of the ball than they have been over the past 2 seasons. One, they have Kevin Love, a model of efficiency. Two, the emergence of Russell Westbrook as a legit threat. He's a solid shooter, but he's also very quick off the dribble, gets to the rim, and can find the open man. His emergence as a really good player adds a little more athleticism that they were missing last year.
Among the other teams, I like their chances. We saw what Tennessee can do when they beat Memphis on the road. I think adding Tyler Smith will be enough to put them over the top and into the Final Four. Kansas is extremely deep and talented. Memphis is really good defensively, and they're fine as long as they're knocking shots down. All of these teams are deep, can wreak havoc defensively, and have enough offensive firepower to reach the Final Four.
Q5. What are your thoughts about the NBA not allowing high school graduates to go straight to the NBA? Do you think the league should have went a step further and made it mandatory that a player has to play at least two years of college ball?
I admittedly have some qualms about not allowing a high school kid to decide whether he wants to enter the NBA Draft, but I'm not going to complain about it because I think the rule helps both the NBA and NCAA. For the NCAA, the benefits are obvious... guys like Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, etc. make the college game so much more exciting. There is so much more star talent in the NCAA because of this rule (and because of some of the stars that have entered the college game in the past 2 seasons), and it's a really fun thing to see. For the NBA, it benefits them because for every LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire that has immediate success in the NBA, there are guys like Leon Smith and Ndudi Ebi, talented guys who might have had a better chance of being successful if they had played college ball rather than riding the pine in the Association.
By the same token, I would love to see the NBA make it mandatory for players to have to stay 2 years in college for selfish reasons, but I'm not really sure that it should. That seems like it might be overstepping its boundaries a little more.
Q6. Real quick - your thoughts about the opinionated Charles Barkley?
I LOVE Charles Barkley. Absolutely, unequivocally hilarious. This is basically already an accepted fact, but the trio of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley is almost too awesome for words.
Q7. With all the moves that took place before the NBA trading deadline, which team improved the most?
Obviously we have to look at the Lakers, who appear to be the best team in the NBA at the moment. Beyond the fact that they didn't give up anything of real consequence (with all apologies to Javaris Crittenton), Gasol was a perfect addition as an unselfish, skilled big man. As their record since the trade attests to, he's a perfect fit for the triangle and makes the Lakers so very dangerous.
Beyond that, I love what the Cavaliers did. LeBron is now surrounded by shooters, which is the perfect situation. They saw Ben Wallace as the key cog in the deal, but I thought the addition of Joe Smith flew under the radar a little as a great addition. With range out to 17-18 feet, that's a great fit playing next to LeBron. He should be able to make a living off of those midrange jumpers. I actually like the Cavs to win the East after that deal.
Looking a little deeper (and perhaps going beyond the scope of the question, which asked for the most improved team), I loved the Spurs addition of Kurt Thomas. Just a solid role player that fits in well. The Spurs are still awesome.
Q8. I have to ask a non-sports question - Obama, Clinton, or McCain? Why?
Right now I'm an Obama guy. To be honest, I don't follow politics all that much, but I like Obama's ideas, and I think he's got a fresh face and a fresher perspective which would be good for the country. Plus, I'm in college, and the cool thing to do in college is to be Pro-Obama!
Q9. Who are the five hottest women in sports and/or broadcasting?
Hmmm... hopefully it doesn't take away from my manliness to say that I hardly pay attention to sideline reporters (which seems to be the primary function that women in broadcasting serve at this point)... I'm not even sure I could name 5 total. So I'll just take the one obvious choice of Erin Andrews, and then take Stacey Dales, who is pretty cute and a solid broadcaster to boot. It's a little lame of me to only take 2 rather than 5, but that's really all I can think of at the moment.
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?
Again, hopefully this doesn't take down my manliness as a blogger :), but I barely ever drink. Like, I'm probably one of the least qualified people to answer this question, being that I can about count on one hand the number of times in my life I have drank. Hmmm... maybe it's a good thing that this wasn't well known before this interview, or I might not have qualified to be interviewed!! So I'll do the lame thing and abstain from answering, since I really have no answer.
For the record, my favorite beverage is Dr. Pepper! What else do you need??
Once again, I want to thank Jon for taking the time to respond...it is much appreciated...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Myron Cope Dies
Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers announcer Myron Cope died today at the age of 79....he served in the Steelers broadcast booth for 35 years and was the originator of The Terrible Towel...
Myron Cope (born January 23, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), whose given name is Myron Sydney Kopelman, was a color commentator for the Pittsburgh Steelers' radio broadcasts for 35 years. He is known for his nasal voice and a level of excitement rarely exhibited in the broadcast booth.
He is so far the only football announcer to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and is also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cope was born in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He was originally a journalist before becoming a broadcaster. His first job was in Erie, Pennsylvania with the Daily Times. Cope then became a freelance journalist, most notably for Sports Illustrated. Cope's profile of Howard Cosell was selected by Sports Illustrated during its 50th Anniversary as one of the 50 best pieces ever published in the magazine.
In the late 1960s, Cope was being heard on the radio in Pittsburgh. His unique nasal voice was noticed by the Steelers' brass. He was made a member of the Steelers' radio team in 1970. As the Steelers won the Super Bowl four times, Cope gained a measure of fame.
His gold towel, called The Terrible Towel, has become a rallying tool for the black and gold.Like other sports announcers in Pittsburgh, particularly the late Pirates announcer Bob Prince, Cope has a repertoire of unique catchphrases employed in his broadcasts such as "Hum-Hah!" and "Okel Dokel" (his version of "okey dokey").
Cope often uses Yiddish expressions, especially "Feh!" and "Yoi!" (sometimes multiplied as "Double Yoi" or "Triple Yoi").In keeping with his comic personality, a series of television commentaries on WTAE TV saw Cope calling himself "Doctor Cope" and wearing a white lab coat while pretending to examine the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses through a microscope he called "the Cope-roscope".Cope has also created nicknames for key players. It was Cope who gave Steelers running back Jerome Bettis the highly marketable nickname of "The Bus," and Kordell Stewart the name "Slash".
Cope's style was an important influence on Pittsburgh Penguins announcer Mike Lange and ESPN commentator Chris Berman.Cope used a wide range of nicknames for other teams including "Bungles" (Cincinnati Bengals), "Cleve Sandlotters" and "Cleve Brownies" (Cleveland Browns), "Mini Vikes" (Minnesota Vikings) and "Redfaces" (Washington Redskins).Cope's autobiography Double Yoi was published in 2002.Cope announced his retirement from broadcasting on June 21, 2005, citing his recent health concerns.
His retirement was major news in the entire Pittsburgh area. On June 28, 2005, it was announced Cope would receive the Pete Rozelle Award for long time exceptional contributions to pro football in television and radio.
On October 31, 2005, Cope was honored for his lifetime accomplishments at halftime of the contest between the Steelers and the Ravens.
Myron Cope (born January 23, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), whose given name is Myron Sydney Kopelman, was a color commentator for the Pittsburgh Steelers' radio broadcasts for 35 years. He is known for his nasal voice and a level of excitement rarely exhibited in the broadcast booth.
He is so far the only football announcer to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and is also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cope was born in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He was originally a journalist before becoming a broadcaster. His first job was in Erie, Pennsylvania with the Daily Times. Cope then became a freelance journalist, most notably for Sports Illustrated. Cope's profile of Howard Cosell was selected by Sports Illustrated during its 50th Anniversary as one of the 50 best pieces ever published in the magazine.
In the late 1960s, Cope was being heard on the radio in Pittsburgh. His unique nasal voice was noticed by the Steelers' brass. He was made a member of the Steelers' radio team in 1970. As the Steelers won the Super Bowl four times, Cope gained a measure of fame.
His gold towel, called The Terrible Towel, has become a rallying tool for the black and gold.Like other sports announcers in Pittsburgh, particularly the late Pirates announcer Bob Prince, Cope has a repertoire of unique catchphrases employed in his broadcasts such as "Hum-Hah!" and "Okel Dokel" (his version of "okey dokey").
Cope often uses Yiddish expressions, especially "Feh!" and "Yoi!" (sometimes multiplied as "Double Yoi" or "Triple Yoi").In keeping with his comic personality, a series of television commentaries on WTAE TV saw Cope calling himself "Doctor Cope" and wearing a white lab coat while pretending to examine the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses through a microscope he called "the Cope-roscope".Cope has also created nicknames for key players. It was Cope who gave Steelers running back Jerome Bettis the highly marketable nickname of "The Bus," and Kordell Stewart the name "Slash".
Cope's style was an important influence on Pittsburgh Penguins announcer Mike Lange and ESPN commentator Chris Berman.Cope used a wide range of nicknames for other teams including "Bungles" (Cincinnati Bengals), "Cleve Sandlotters" and "Cleve Brownies" (Cleveland Browns), "Mini Vikes" (Minnesota Vikings) and "Redfaces" (Washington Redskins).Cope's autobiography Double Yoi was published in 2002.Cope announced his retirement from broadcasting on June 21, 2005, citing his recent health concerns.
His retirement was major news in the entire Pittsburgh area. On June 28, 2005, it was announced Cope would receive the Pete Rozelle Award for long time exceptional contributions to pro football in television and radio.
On October 31, 2005, Cope was honored for his lifetime accomplishments at halftime of the contest between the Steelers and the Ravens.
Stories around the nation
Nashville Tennessean sports columnist David Climer writes how the #1 Volunteers melted down at Vanderbilt... "Simply put, the Vols lost their composure. Why? Because Vanderbilt forced the issue. The same team that stared down so much adversity at the FedExForum on Saturday in the upset of then-No. 1 Memphis, lost its grip three nights later." ... David Climer
Newark Star-Ledger sports columnist Steve Politi writes how organ donation has helped other... "Eleven months ago, the Rays made a much different trip to New Jersey. They left their home in Concord, N.C., to find their 21-year-old son, a vibrant college senior who was here to entertain North Carolina basketball fans as the furry ram mascot, in a coma and on life support." ....Steve Politi
Washington Post sports reporter Camille Powell writes how Georgetown freshman Austin Freeman is one cool person.... "DeMatha Coach Mike Jones noticed that the first time he saw Freeman play, when he was in the seventh grade. Jones was struck by his maturity, and how he never played out of control -- so much so, that Jones assumed Freeman was already in high school." ....Camille Powell
Portland Oregonian sports columnist John Canzano writes how Barack Obama give Portland rookie Greg Oden a call recently... "Greg Oden took a two-minute telephone call from Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday in which the men discussed basketball, mohawk haircuts and Oden's knee." ...John Canzano
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington writes how Pat Knight is not guaranteed success at Texas Tech.... "Pat Knight is now fodder for the scientific debate over the effects of genes and environment and their impact on the win-loss column. His father, Bob, has done all he could. He raised him, coached him, employed him and took a job where his son would be assured of succeeding him." ...Kevin Sherrington
Newark Star-Ledger sports columnist Steve Politi writes how organ donation has helped other... "Eleven months ago, the Rays made a much different trip to New Jersey. They left their home in Concord, N.C., to find their 21-year-old son, a vibrant college senior who was here to entertain North Carolina basketball fans as the furry ram mascot, in a coma and on life support." ....
Washington Post sports reporter Camille Powell writes how Georgetown freshman Austin Freeman is one cool person.... "DeMatha Coach Mike Jones noticed that the first time he saw Freeman play, when he was in the seventh grade. Jones was struck by his maturity, and how he never played out of control -- so much so, that Jones assumed Freeman was already in high school." ....
Portland Oregonian sports columnist John Canzano writes how Barack Obama give Portland rookie Greg Oden a call recently... "Greg Oden took a two-minute telephone call from Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday in which the men discussed basketball, mohawk haircuts and Oden's knee." ...
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington writes how Pat Knight is not guaranteed success at Texas Tech.... "Pat Knight is now fodder for the scientific debate over the effects of genes and environment and their impact on the win-loss column. His father, Bob, has done all he could. He raised him, coached him, employed him and took a job where his son would be assured of succeeding him." ...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hat Trick of Stories
Tyler Kepner of the New York Times writes how Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes is a blogger.... "Hughes has seen a lot on his Web site, philhughes.wordpress.com, since starting it Jan. 16. Through Monday afternoon, the site had attracted more than 340,000 visitors from six continents." .... Tyler Kepner
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti writes that Tiger Woods has over taken MJ as DA MAN... "As Jordan blends into a relatively subdued mid-life existence -- except when Cuba Gooding Jr. screams that he's wearing MJ's underwear -- Woods is elevating the bar of dominance to unprecedented levels." ...Jay Mariotti
Los Angeles Times sports reporter Sam Farmer writes about NFL Draft stud Chris Long and dealing with being Howie's son... "The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Long has gone from the hunter to the hunted, and stands a good chance of becoming the first overall pick of the Miami Dolphins -- a distinction that would lead to a rookie contract including about $35 million guaranteed." ......Sam Farmer
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti writes that Tiger Woods has over taken MJ as DA MAN... "As Jordan blends into a relatively subdued mid-life existence -- except when Cuba Gooding Jr. screams that he's wearing MJ's underwear -- Woods is elevating the bar of dominance to unprecedented levels." ...
Los Angeles Times sports reporter Sam Farmer writes about NFL Draft stud Chris Long and dealing with being Howie's son... "The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Long has gone from the hunter to the hunted, and stands a good chance of becoming the first overall pick of the Miami Dolphins -- a distinction that would lead to a rookie contract including about $35 million guaranteed." ......
Monday, February 25, 2008
Big Games of the Weekday
Here are this week's big games in college hoops....the rating is the most recent RPI rating....
Monday, February 25
#5 Texas (22-4) @ #38 Kansas State (17-8)
K-State got upset by Baylor...they cannot be looking ahead to their Saturday match-up at Kansas either...the Longhorns are on a 7 game win streak...
Tuesday, February 26
#54 Ohio State (17-10) @ #19 Indiana (23-4)
The Hoosiers were not impressive with their 3 point win over pitiful Northwestern....the players need to make up their mind - are they going to stew about Kelvin Sampson resigning or are they going to show the nation their resiliency and play to their potential?...
#1 Tennessee (24-2) @ #10 Vanderbilt (23-4)
The Volunteers have to be on extra special upset alert...72 hours after the biggest win in their program's history, Tennessee goes into another in-state hornet's nest at Vanderbilt...the Vols smoked Vandy by 20 in mid-January....watch out Bruce Pearl!!!...
Wednesday, February 27
#45 Ole Miss (18-8) @ #65 Kentucky (15-10)
A month ago, the Rebels looked like a lock for the tournament...but over the last 10 games they are sputtering at 3-7...suddenly Kentucky is working their way back into the tourney picture...Big Blue is 9-3 in the conference and are 8-1 over their last nine including a win over Tennessee...
#55 Texas Tech (15-11) @ #47 Texas A&M (20-7)
T2 has won three of its last four games...if they want to mount a charge for the Big Dance, it begins against A&M, a team they beat earlier this season...
#68 UAB (19-8) @ #83 UTEP (16-9)
UAB won the earlier meeting...a UTEP win will help Conference USA get possibly four teams to the Big Dance...
Thursday, February 28
#20 Notre Dame (21-5) @ #14 Louisville (22-6)
Right now, these may be the two best teams in the Big East...this should be a donnybrook...
#66 Maryland (17-11) @ #62 Wake Forest (16-9)
The Terps are coming off a loss at The U...this is a must win for Maryland...Wake is in better shape of making the tournament...
#15 Michigan State (22-5) @ #13 Wisconsin (22-4)
This is the only match-up of the season for these two Big 10 superpowers...
Monday, February 25
#5 Texas (22-4) @ #38 Kansas State (17-8)
K-State got upset by Baylor...they cannot be looking ahead to their Saturday match-up at Kansas either...the Longhorns are on a 7 game win streak...
Tuesday, February 26
#54 Ohio State (17-10) @ #19 Indiana (23-4)
The Hoosiers were not impressive with their 3 point win over pitiful Northwestern....the players need to make up their mind - are they going to stew about Kelvin Sampson resigning or are they going to show the nation their resiliency and play to their potential?...
#1 Tennessee (24-2) @ #10 Vanderbilt (23-4)
The Volunteers have to be on extra special upset alert...72 hours after the biggest win in their program's history, Tennessee goes into another in-state hornet's nest at Vanderbilt...the Vols smoked Vandy by 20 in mid-January....watch out Bruce Pearl!!!...
Wednesday, February 27
#45 Ole Miss (18-8) @ #65 Kentucky (15-10)
A month ago, the Rebels looked like a lock for the tournament...but over the last 10 games they are sputtering at 3-7...suddenly Kentucky is working their way back into the tourney picture...Big Blue is 9-3 in the conference and are 8-1 over their last nine including a win over Tennessee...
#55 Texas Tech (15-11) @ #47 Texas A&M (20-7)
T2 has won three of its last four games...if they want to mount a charge for the Big Dance, it begins against A&M, a team they beat earlier this season...
#68 UAB (19-8) @ #83 UTEP (16-9)
UAB won the earlier meeting...a UTEP win will help Conference USA get possibly four teams to the Big Dance...
Thursday, February 28
#20 Notre Dame (21-5) @ #14 Louisville (22-6)
Right now, these may be the two best teams in the Big East...this should be a donnybrook...
#66 Maryland (17-11) @ #62 Wake Forest (16-9)
The Terps are coming off a loss at The U...this is a must win for Maryland...Wake is in better shape of making the tournament...
#15 Michigan State (22-5) @ #13 Wisconsin (22-4)
This is the only match-up of the season for these two Big 10 superpowers...
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday Stories
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti is exasperated that Rex Grossman is back with the Bears... "Have you ever seen such a sorry quarterback hold a city hostage for so long? Welcome to Year Six of Turnoversaurus Rex, an experiment that should have ended last season but is prolonged to ad nauseum by an organization of dubious competence." .... Jay Mariotti
To read more about the Kelvin Sampson fallout, check out the Indianapolis Star...Indianapolis Star
The Kansas City Star has an interview with blogger demigod Will Leitch of Deadspin...Will Leitch
New York Times reporter Ben Shpigel writes about Sandy Koufax's annual visit to the Mets spring training facility... "Koufax, who has long enjoyed counseling players but rarely, if ever, speaks about it, put himself back into a spotlight that he has tried so hard to avoid." ...Ben Shpigel
New York Times sports columnist George Vecsey writes about the early morning rise for Olympian Michael Phelps in preparation to time change in China... "He is turning his biorhythms upside down because he will be swimming finals in the middle of the morning in August, courtesy of the collaboration between the organizers of the Beijing Summer Games and that most capitalistic of entities, the National Broadcasting Company." ...George Vecsey
Seattle Times sports columnist Jerry Brewer writes about the Mariners new pitching coach - Mel Stottlemyre... "He has mastered the subtlety of coaching. Even this early in spring training, with a staff he barely knows, Stottlemyre can make his points through looks and body language. When he speaks, he's normally positive." ...Jerry Brewer
To read more about the Kelvin Sampson fallout, check out the Indianapolis Star...
The Kansas City Star has an interview with blogger demigod Will Leitch of Deadspin...
New York Times reporter Ben Shpigel writes about Sandy Koufax's annual visit to the Mets spring training facility... "Koufax, who has long enjoyed counseling players but rarely, if ever, speaks about it, put himself back into a spotlight that he has tried so hard to avoid." ...
New York Times sports columnist George Vecsey writes about the early morning rise for Olympian Michael Phelps in preparation to time change in China... "He is turning his biorhythms upside down because he will be swimming finals in the middle of the morning in August, courtesy of the collaboration between the organizers of the Beijing Summer Games and that most capitalistic of entities, the National Broadcasting Company." ...
Seattle Times sports columnist Jerry Brewer writes about the Mariners new pitching coach - Mel Stottlemyre... "He has mastered the subtlety of coaching. Even this early in spring training, with a staff he barely knows, Stottlemyre can make his points through looks and body language. When he speaks, he's normally positive." ...
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