Ok so the statement to follow won't be a newsflash but it isnt exactly something that I was yelling through the playoffs.
Lebron is the truth.
Forget about being witness. Forget about the religious overtones that the message has. Lets remember, the guy is still only a kid. He is 22 years old. This is a pick up game in Akron for him. This is what every kid practices in their backyards. Kids can only dream of willing teams to victory like Lebron did.
Game 5 did more for the sport and that kid than anything else. It fortified the Lebron legacy. It put it in people's heads that he is the absolute beast that we thought he was. It laid more concrete on top of that assesment.
Its one more "but" that we can remove from his resume. We never could say that Lebron just willed his team to victory in a high stakes game. In Game 1 he passed on that opportunity. In Game 2, he took it and blew it. But in Game 5 something was different. Perhaps it was the water. Perhaps it was the air. It was that unending and unfair criticism that he got for being too unselfish and hten for being selfish. While the media's unusually contradictory assesments proved, we dont know what to measure Lebron against.
We all proved that we will not label him the next Michael because that would be a curse. We have seen many flash of the pan stars that have had our eyes fixated on their radiance until their light fizzled out.
Holy crap Lebron made me sit out a saturday nite with the fellas so I could sit home and watch the NBA playoffs. That hasnt happened since the Knicks made that improbable run in 1999.
For whatever the reason may be, we are now fully granting Lebron to Mike status. He hasnt won a single championship. He had one single game. He had that game where we will all talk about. Now for the rest of his career, any real discussion of when everyone knew he was great will begin with this game. This was HIS legend beginning for real. Although we know about him. Perhaps this will be known as one of those games where we all ask ourselves: WHERE WE WERE WHEN THE GAME WAS GOING ON. I was at the bar, enjoying a drink and watching a basketbal league be revitalized by king James.
He's the truth and i'm a witness.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
CLEMENS
Ok, so all Yankee fans, rejoice. Your savior has come back to you now at the time of your greatest need. Your pitching is decimated to the point that you had illusions of seeing Carl Pavano anchoring your rotation. You entrusted three very inexperienced players with valuable rotation spots. You thrust your rookie phenom into the spotlight when it seemed that everything else failed.
Now, you give us the biggest PR move ever. You bring out Roger Clemens, during a game and have him announce his return to the pinstripes since leaving in 2003 for retirement (also known as Houston).
Lets look at the positives of the deal:
Now, dont get me wrong, this is a great pick up for the Yankees because he is still very serviceable and will be able to give them a very good outing every five days. Also, Boston's quick start and fantastic push in the beginning had two great outcomes for the Yankees. It got Cashman hungry to go back to the old ways of throwing cash and it made Boston get heady by thinking that they didnt need to sign Roger and dropped the urgency that the Yankees clearly possessed. The Yankees were also able to be put in a position to throw the most amount of money in this deal because clearly they were the ones that were most starved for help in the rotation.
Now the negatives:
How sad is it that they have to announce his return ala WWF style by asking everyone to turn their attention to the owner's box. Roger was definitely uncomfortable and gave the worst good guy speech in front of a crowd that would've literaly exploded for anything. This was the biggest desparation move of the century and ignites the discussion that there is real worry amongst Yankee brass about this team competing this year. Granted, playing in New York is the toughest, it is clearly something that drives the owners of this town to spend and spend until they put out a winner. Lets not even forget to mention that the Yankees are showing signs of weakness that they have never resonated since the early 90's. Their old tactics arent working for them and their new tactics will take time. And to bide time, they decided to splurge now and worry about the rest later.
Regardless of what your opinions are on this deal, the only real winner is Roger Clemens. Here's a guy who will get paid at 45 to do what they pay 29 and 30 year olds to do. Imagine what Johan Santana is thinking right now as he is being outpaid by a guy who is almost 20 years older than him. There's no question that he came back, not for competition BUT for the money.
Lets be real here, Roger has plenty of cash, yet he knew as his agents did (Hendricks brothers) that the Yankees were the ones that were going to shell out the cash and they had to squeeze now while they saw blood. The Yankees were desparate. Roger's value to the Yankees might have dropped had their starters began to make a run. So, they struck when the iron was hot and cashed in. As your agent, that is the right thing to do but again, they are only instructed to do as they are told by their player. Roger made the final decision to come to the Yankees. The Red Sox were offering him about 4 million less but on paper, had the better team. If he stuck true to his word that he was going to go to the team that had the best chance to win, then i suppose you could make a case for the Yankees but purely based on records alone, he could've went to the Red Sox. But since the Red Sox didnt show him the green, he went the other way.
Its not rocket science (i kill myself sometimes) to figure out that Roger has been about making money all his life. No one can ever doubt his skills. He was slighted by the Red Sox and Yankees the first time when he tried to angle for more money so went to Toronto and that anger fueled him to some of the best numbers ever. That then got him to the Yankees and allowed him to make the money and the championships. Now, he is just toying with MLB. He gets to fly when he wants to. he can show up when he wants to. Hell, if he told Joe Torre to jump up, i bet all Torre would do is say how high.
This is high comedy and highway robbery. But hey, its Roger and its worth every penny!
Now, you give us the biggest PR move ever. You bring out Roger Clemens, during a game and have him announce his return to the pinstripes since leaving in 2003 for retirement (also known as Houston).
Lets look at the positives of the deal:
Now, dont get me wrong, this is a great pick up for the Yankees because he is still very serviceable and will be able to give them a very good outing every five days. Also, Boston's quick start and fantastic push in the beginning had two great outcomes for the Yankees. It got Cashman hungry to go back to the old ways of throwing cash and it made Boston get heady by thinking that they didnt need to sign Roger and dropped the urgency that the Yankees clearly possessed. The Yankees were also able to be put in a position to throw the most amount of money in this deal because clearly they were the ones that were most starved for help in the rotation.
Now the negatives:
How sad is it that they have to announce his return ala WWF style by asking everyone to turn their attention to the owner's box. Roger was definitely uncomfortable and gave the worst good guy speech in front of a crowd that would've literaly exploded for anything. This was the biggest desparation move of the century and ignites the discussion that there is real worry amongst Yankee brass about this team competing this year. Granted, playing in New York is the toughest, it is clearly something that drives the owners of this town to spend and spend until they put out a winner. Lets not even forget to mention that the Yankees are showing signs of weakness that they have never resonated since the early 90's. Their old tactics arent working for them and their new tactics will take time. And to bide time, they decided to splurge now and worry about the rest later.
Regardless of what your opinions are on this deal, the only real winner is Roger Clemens. Here's a guy who will get paid at 45 to do what they pay 29 and 30 year olds to do. Imagine what Johan Santana is thinking right now as he is being outpaid by a guy who is almost 20 years older than him. There's no question that he came back, not for competition BUT for the money.
Lets be real here, Roger has plenty of cash, yet he knew as his agents did (Hendricks brothers) that the Yankees were the ones that were going to shell out the cash and they had to squeeze now while they saw blood. The Yankees were desparate. Roger's value to the Yankees might have dropped had their starters began to make a run. So, they struck when the iron was hot and cashed in. As your agent, that is the right thing to do but again, they are only instructed to do as they are told by their player. Roger made the final decision to come to the Yankees. The Red Sox were offering him about 4 million less but on paper, had the better team. If he stuck true to his word that he was going to go to the team that had the best chance to win, then i suppose you could make a case for the Yankees but purely based on records alone, he could've went to the Red Sox. But since the Red Sox didnt show him the green, he went the other way.
Its not rocket science (i kill myself sometimes) to figure out that Roger has been about making money all his life. No one can ever doubt his skills. He was slighted by the Red Sox and Yankees the first time when he tried to angle for more money so went to Toronto and that anger fueled him to some of the best numbers ever. That then got him to the Yankees and allowed him to make the money and the championships. Now, he is just toying with MLB. He gets to fly when he wants to. he can show up when he wants to. Hell, if he told Joe Torre to jump up, i bet all Torre would do is say how high.
This is high comedy and highway robbery. But hey, its Roger and its worth every penny!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
O boy
So its happened. He's done it. I'm beginning to like him.
Before you start getting your John Amaechi jokes prepared, let me save you the trouble. I am not turning gay. But you got to admit, this guy is getting man crushed on more than any one else currently on this planet.
His name is Kobe Bryant.
Now he's not a saint. He's got a criminal history, and i'm NOT talking about Colorado either.
For Laker fans, its a nice consolation prize to see Kobe putting up historic numbers in such rapid fire succession. But its got to suck that it won't mean squat come June.
You see, he robbed L.A. of a sure fire three to four more championships. He robbed himself of more lucrative offers. You see, he became yet another story of a guy who couldnt keep his ego in check to share the spotlight.
But lets get past that. I think L.A. is so I will too. I enjoy Shaq for his witty humor and the fact that he can back all that smack up with play. So it hurt me to hear that Kobe was unable to continue sharing the headlines with his 7 foot compatriot. So when they split, it was easier to hate Kobe rather than place the blame on the nimble footed giant.
So what did Kobe do next? He raped a girl in Colorado. Now, we were all right to place the blame on Kobe. Not only did America feel Kobe was wrong, but corporate America ran so fast, you thought they were Mexicans that saw an INS officer. He was officially a monster.
So how to repair the image? You mend things with your coach. You show America that you can shake Shaq's hand and not be completely disgusted like we thought you were.
You go and show us a different side of yourself. Then came that 81 point game and we said, ok, we knew you were the best player in the game but damn. That's crazy.
But you weren't done were you Kobe. At the beginning of the season you were averaging 21 a game and doing everything right to get teammates involved and had your team surprising everybody.
Then the NBA started suspending you again, proving that David Stern was still not sure about you. Once the untouchable star of the NBA, you were seen as yet another fish in that big old pool. Your coach started something about witch hunts. You were put in the headlines.
So what did you do decide to do Kobe? Well you decided to keep yourself there but on your terms.
Now your on a barrage of point scoring. You've got a buffet line of 60+ and 50+ games that you have everyone forgetting about Colorado and Shaq. Suddenly its, wow Kobe is great. I'm rooting for Kobe. GO KOBE!
Suddenly, I'm a cheerleader!
Now I start shaking my head in awe everytime i hear something about Kobe. The guy is just too good. He's now entered the ranks of guys who just absolutely are the worst things on the planet to me, but I cant help but admire because of their skill.
Jordan is there, so is Pippen. Admittedly until after their prime years had passed, you know, after they stopped destroying the Knicks chances.
When a player's skills demand that you pay honor to him, it is time for that person to get his just due. Kobe deserves it. I have never been a fan of his but you cant do anything but just stand in awe and be aware that every night could be history with him. Nothing is ever dull.
You feel chills when he enters a room. You look at him warming up and you realize that he realizes that every eye is on him yet it does NOT bother him or affect him at all. There's nothing deterring him or getting in his way. He does what he wants, when he wants and does not apologize for who he is.
As for those blatant elbows, well, sometimes to get someone's attention you need a lil elbow fever.
I'm not one to promote violence, but hey, I never thought I'd be rooting for Kobe either.
Before you start getting your John Amaechi jokes prepared, let me save you the trouble. I am not turning gay. But you got to admit, this guy is getting man crushed on more than any one else currently on this planet.
His name is Kobe Bryant.
Now he's not a saint. He's got a criminal history, and i'm NOT talking about Colorado either.
For Laker fans, its a nice consolation prize to see Kobe putting up historic numbers in such rapid fire succession. But its got to suck that it won't mean squat come June.
You see, he robbed L.A. of a sure fire three to four more championships. He robbed himself of more lucrative offers. You see, he became yet another story of a guy who couldnt keep his ego in check to share the spotlight.
But lets get past that. I think L.A. is so I will too. I enjoy Shaq for his witty humor and the fact that he can back all that smack up with play. So it hurt me to hear that Kobe was unable to continue sharing the headlines with his 7 foot compatriot. So when they split, it was easier to hate Kobe rather than place the blame on the nimble footed giant.
So what did Kobe do next? He raped a girl in Colorado. Now, we were all right to place the blame on Kobe. Not only did America feel Kobe was wrong, but corporate America ran so fast, you thought they were Mexicans that saw an INS officer. He was officially a monster.
So how to repair the image? You mend things with your coach. You show America that you can shake Shaq's hand and not be completely disgusted like we thought you were.
You go and show us a different side of yourself. Then came that 81 point game and we said, ok, we knew you were the best player in the game but damn. That's crazy.
But you weren't done were you Kobe. At the beginning of the season you were averaging 21 a game and doing everything right to get teammates involved and had your team surprising everybody.
Then the NBA started suspending you again, proving that David Stern was still not sure about you. Once the untouchable star of the NBA, you were seen as yet another fish in that big old pool. Your coach started something about witch hunts. You were put in the headlines.
So what did you do decide to do Kobe? Well you decided to keep yourself there but on your terms.
Now your on a barrage of point scoring. You've got a buffet line of 60+ and 50+ games that you have everyone forgetting about Colorado and Shaq. Suddenly its, wow Kobe is great. I'm rooting for Kobe. GO KOBE!
Suddenly, I'm a cheerleader!
Now I start shaking my head in awe everytime i hear something about Kobe. The guy is just too good. He's now entered the ranks of guys who just absolutely are the worst things on the planet to me, but I cant help but admire because of their skill.
Jordan is there, so is Pippen. Admittedly until after their prime years had passed, you know, after they stopped destroying the Knicks chances.
When a player's skills demand that you pay honor to him, it is time for that person to get his just due. Kobe deserves it. I have never been a fan of his but you cant do anything but just stand in awe and be aware that every night could be history with him. Nothing is ever dull.
You feel chills when he enters a room. You look at him warming up and you realize that he realizes that every eye is on him yet it does NOT bother him or affect him at all. There's nothing deterring him or getting in his way. He does what he wants, when he wants and does not apologize for who he is.
As for those blatant elbows, well, sometimes to get someone's attention you need a lil elbow fever.
I'm not one to promote violence, but hey, I never thought I'd be rooting for Kobe either.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Sometimes...
Sometimes I wonder about the state of being of certain Sports stars. Their rationale, their reasoning behind the headlines I read each morning.
I woke up yesterday to reports that Joey Porter was being cited for punching OL Levi Jones of the Cincinatti Bengals. Apparently, and this is from my well informed sources, they fought over a chicken wing.
Ok, so they weren't fighting over that, but could you possibly see a reason for this mindless violence? If your a public figure, why would you go seeking problems? Now, I understand if your A-Rod, and you cant help but make ridiculously dumb comments like "Gee, I wonder what Lou Piniella is doing" or "Man, I miss those sleepovers with Jeter" and my personal favorite "I will come back to NY, only if NY wants me". Ok, so i'm paraphrasing all these quotes because I'm too lazy to verify them, but what makes these sports stars do what they do?
I read a column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the Minnesota Twins' stars getting used to their fame and not being able to walk around Minnesota. I would hate to be a star in a place like Minnesota. I mean, sure, being one in NY can't be easy, but in NY and LA, people are too stuck up to give anyone else that kind of attention. Everyone thinks they are better than everyone in this town and they dont bother each other by appearing to be any less important in the food chain. Especially in the shark tank known as Manhattan.
I suppose Jim Jones' (the rapper) constant motto of "not being a prisoner of fame" is a motto that should be echoed by many sports stars. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer can't even go out to pick up milk without it turning into an hour long autograph session.
I dont feel sorry for the fame they have achieved but I do feel bad and cheated when they ruin it all by doing something stupid. First off, Jerry Porter should be kept in a mental facility during the offseason. That man just looks like he should be on a Top 25 most wanted list. Are we sure that he's not wanted for murder? Some athletes need to understand the price of their fame. I dont make ESPN headlines if I were to punch somebody. So my stupidity is not multiplied 100 times worse. These athletes should not shrug their shoulders and ask why me. They should just deal with the situation they are in and try to live quietly.
Dont try to be a super hero and don't worry about not being such a gangster when there are more important interests to consider. Kobe wanted some and now, he lost mucho sponsors who he's trying to win back (although not with Kobe throwing 'bows in each game like the Ludacris song replaying in his head).
I wish I could be in the head of Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson, two more residents of dumbest sports players alive. These guys have so much skill with a basketball, yet the stimuli to the brain takes a bit longer and their hands dont wait for reason to enter the thought process. People like that don't separate themselves from their old lives. I'm not say change completely who you are, but the fame does make you wonder, boy I better start living a bit more clean because alot of people are watching me.
So I have decided that if I were to ever do something horrendously eggregious, I should imagine it being plastered on an ESPN headline and perhaps that will stop me for a second. Although, it didnt stop them, why would it stop me?
I woke up yesterday to reports that Joey Porter was being cited for punching OL Levi Jones of the Cincinatti Bengals. Apparently, and this is from my well informed sources, they fought over a chicken wing.
Ok, so they weren't fighting over that, but could you possibly see a reason for this mindless violence? If your a public figure, why would you go seeking problems? Now, I understand if your A-Rod, and you cant help but make ridiculously dumb comments like "Gee, I wonder what Lou Piniella is doing" or "Man, I miss those sleepovers with Jeter" and my personal favorite "I will come back to NY, only if NY wants me". Ok, so i'm paraphrasing all these quotes because I'm too lazy to verify them, but what makes these sports stars do what they do?
I read a column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press about the Minnesota Twins' stars getting used to their fame and not being able to walk around Minnesota. I would hate to be a star in a place like Minnesota. I mean, sure, being one in NY can't be easy, but in NY and LA, people are too stuck up to give anyone else that kind of attention. Everyone thinks they are better than everyone in this town and they dont bother each other by appearing to be any less important in the food chain. Especially in the shark tank known as Manhattan.
I suppose Jim Jones' (the rapper) constant motto of "not being a prisoner of fame" is a motto that should be echoed by many sports stars. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer can't even go out to pick up milk without it turning into an hour long autograph session.
I dont feel sorry for the fame they have achieved but I do feel bad and cheated when they ruin it all by doing something stupid. First off, Jerry Porter should be kept in a mental facility during the offseason. That man just looks like he should be on a Top 25 most wanted list. Are we sure that he's not wanted for murder? Some athletes need to understand the price of their fame. I dont make ESPN headlines if I were to punch somebody. So my stupidity is not multiplied 100 times worse. These athletes should not shrug their shoulders and ask why me. They should just deal with the situation they are in and try to live quietly.
Dont try to be a super hero and don't worry about not being such a gangster when there are more important interests to consider. Kobe wanted some and now, he lost mucho sponsors who he's trying to win back (although not with Kobe throwing 'bows in each game like the Ludacris song replaying in his head).
I wish I could be in the head of Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson, two more residents of dumbest sports players alive. These guys have so much skill with a basketball, yet the stimuli to the brain takes a bit longer and their hands dont wait for reason to enter the thought process. People like that don't separate themselves from their old lives. I'm not say change completely who you are, but the fame does make you wonder, boy I better start living a bit more clean because alot of people are watching me.
So I have decided that if I were to ever do something horrendously eggregious, I should imagine it being plastered on an ESPN headline and perhaps that will stop me for a second. Although, it didnt stop them, why would it stop me?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Thoughts
Random thoughts pop up in my head like an AIM window. I like to think about things other than sports but usually my best thoughts flow when it comes to thinking about something related to the sporting world.
So as I was riding the train, doing my best to stay awake long enough for my stop, I started doing one of those mischevous laughs. I tried best to hide it and had a smile on my face. I didnt want people to automatically just assume I was crazy (I'd rather people get to know me and come to that conclusion by themself). So I did my best to hide it.
I was thinking about Alex Rodriguez admitting to getting together with Derek Jeter and having sleepovers.
The guy actually said "sleepovers". COME ON A-ROD. We know you're a bit wound up, with this season probably being the most nervous you've been in a while. We understand the frustration of having to deal with the question of Jeter every single day.
We understand having the Esquire magazine article from 2000 brought up every single time, in which you said Derek Jeter could never be a leader, is a bit much.
But COME ON A-Rod. You told the press that you had a sleepover. What I want to know more than anything is who told him to say that? Did his psychiatrist advise him to say sleepover? I mean this is proof that the there were three men having sleepovers over the age of 20 in the 90's, Jeter, A-Rod, and Michael Jackson.
Now Mike, we understand he's a bit of an...umm...yeah, there's not a word in the dictionary for what Michael Jackson is anymore. But now A-Rod is in that group. Not only that, he included Jeter in that group.
Imagine what Jeter was thinking when he read the quote about the sleepover. He must've rolled his eyes and thought to himself "come on A-Rod." He probably broke some expensive vases and glasses and then calmed himself down.
No way do you get to be Derek Jeter, king of cool, the best known ladies man since James Bond, multiple World Series Rings on his finger, with sleepovers on your resume.
The point I guess I'm making is that A-Rod's head was in the right place. But think about it, couldn't he have taken the macho stance and said "I crashed at his place for a few days and we'd chill."
No, there is no pencil-neck geek way of saying that so he said "sleep-over". I guess that is what they actually did. They played scrabble, talked about the girls they liked (jeter taking that list seriously and crossing off each name like an assasin), saying what they would do when they would grow up (Arod say be the greatest player, Jeter say winning championships), and do it all in sweats, eating ice cream while watching the Color Purple.
I suppose none of that happened (i'm betting on 2/3) but hey, A-Rod did say it happened.
Its nice to know that their relationship has deteriorated now where they are just teammates and root for each other.
Jeter meanwhile gave his cool, calculated response by saying "I root for him just as hard as anyone else". All while gritting his teeth and wanting to say how absolutely fourth grader-like A-Rod sounded.
Some like to assume that A-Rod was right to just put his relationship with Jeter out there for everyone to see instead of continuing to lie about it, but in many ways, this probably cracked that exit door for A-Rod just a bit wider. He never fit in here at NY. He is still a great player, but almost 7 years after that Esquire article, Jeter has become the leader that A-Rod can't be. Jeter is the guy with the championship rings and the toast of New York that A-Rod might've been had he signed with New York.
But in the city where he has not proven himself, A-Rod chose to have the New York Yankee faithful suffer him while this, his final year with the Yankees (unless a miraculous shift happens) plays out.
Beyond all this, where is A-Rod's head at? Is that what he needed to get his mind clear? To unlock Pandora's box and reveal things about his life? He tried and look what he told us? Do we really want to know more?
Needless to say, the year in the Bronx should be mighty interesting.
So as I was riding the train, doing my best to stay awake long enough for my stop, I started doing one of those mischevous laughs. I tried best to hide it and had a smile on my face. I didnt want people to automatically just assume I was crazy (I'd rather people get to know me and come to that conclusion by themself). So I did my best to hide it.
I was thinking about Alex Rodriguez admitting to getting together with Derek Jeter and having sleepovers.
The guy actually said "sleepovers". COME ON A-ROD. We know you're a bit wound up, with this season probably being the most nervous you've been in a while. We understand the frustration of having to deal with the question of Jeter every single day.
We understand having the Esquire magazine article from 2000 brought up every single time, in which you said Derek Jeter could never be a leader, is a bit much.
But COME ON A-Rod. You told the press that you had a sleepover. What I want to know more than anything is who told him to say that? Did his psychiatrist advise him to say sleepover? I mean this is proof that the there were three men having sleepovers over the age of 20 in the 90's, Jeter, A-Rod, and Michael Jackson.
Now Mike, we understand he's a bit of an...umm...yeah, there's not a word in the dictionary for what Michael Jackson is anymore. But now A-Rod is in that group. Not only that, he included Jeter in that group.
Imagine what Jeter was thinking when he read the quote about the sleepover. He must've rolled his eyes and thought to himself "come on A-Rod." He probably broke some expensive vases and glasses and then calmed himself down.
No way do you get to be Derek Jeter, king of cool, the best known ladies man since James Bond, multiple World Series Rings on his finger, with sleepovers on your resume.
The point I guess I'm making is that A-Rod's head was in the right place. But think about it, couldn't he have taken the macho stance and said "I crashed at his place for a few days and we'd chill."
No, there is no pencil-neck geek way of saying that so he said "sleep-over". I guess that is what they actually did. They played scrabble, talked about the girls they liked (jeter taking that list seriously and crossing off each name like an assasin), saying what they would do when they would grow up (Arod say be the greatest player, Jeter say winning championships), and do it all in sweats, eating ice cream while watching the Color Purple.
I suppose none of that happened (i'm betting on 2/3) but hey, A-Rod did say it happened.
Its nice to know that their relationship has deteriorated now where they are just teammates and root for each other.
Jeter meanwhile gave his cool, calculated response by saying "I root for him just as hard as anyone else". All while gritting his teeth and wanting to say how absolutely fourth grader-like A-Rod sounded.
Some like to assume that A-Rod was right to just put his relationship with Jeter out there for everyone to see instead of continuing to lie about it, but in many ways, this probably cracked that exit door for A-Rod just a bit wider. He never fit in here at NY. He is still a great player, but almost 7 years after that Esquire article, Jeter has become the leader that A-Rod can't be. Jeter is the guy with the championship rings and the toast of New York that A-Rod might've been had he signed with New York.
But in the city where he has not proven himself, A-Rod chose to have the New York Yankee faithful suffer him while this, his final year with the Yankees (unless a miraculous shift happens) plays out.
Beyond all this, where is A-Rod's head at? Is that what he needed to get his mind clear? To unlock Pandora's box and reveal things about his life? He tried and look what he told us? Do we really want to know more?
Needless to say, the year in the Bronx should be mighty interesting.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Silly Philly
It was bound to happen. It was definitely bound to happen. We hear it all the time. As a matter of fact, we were doing it prior to last season.
What is "it" you may ask? "It" refers to the proclamation of one teams yet to be determined success.
And who opened their big mouth this spring training? Jimmy Rollins, shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies. This from the guy who plays on a team in a city that has not had a major championship since the Sixers in '83.
So it should come as no surprise that for cities like Philadelphia the term "hope springs eternal" has more than just a metaphorical meaning, it has a literal meaning as well. Apparently delusions spring eternal there as well.
Granted, I applaud Jimmy Rollins for standing up and making a bold proclamation there are only two outcomes that can result from his statement:
1. They rally around him and go on a tear.
2. They hide their heads in shame and revert to their old ways.
Now Jimmy, I know where you are coming from. I've been a Met fan since 92 and we've been chasing the Braves for so long that we still havent gotten used to the fact that we are the defending division champs heading into 2007. Every year we all made bold statements and talked about how big and bad we were too, only to hear the snickers of Braves fans and their team waiting to shove it in our faces.
But for the first time in a while, the Braves are looking up at the Mets and so is everyone else. Not only do the Mets sport an AL type of offense, their team has a very good bullpen and a ::cough:: experienced ::cough:: rotation. No matter what you may believe of the Mets pitching woes, they sport a very good group of relievers that will allow Willie to put his pitchers into better spots and in more limited duty.
While the postseason may be won by pitching, the regular season is won by offense. The Mets are clearly ahead of the Phillies in that respect.
The Phillies sport a very good and deep pitching rotation but their bullpen has more questions surrounding it than Anna Nicole's death. Cole Hamels is a superstar in waiting but is too inconsistent and must turn it around. Brett Myers is the type of guy that can win 20 games but he plays in a hitters park and barring any sidetracks this season can fullfill some of that potential people see in him. Freddy Garcia is an innings eater and nothing more. He has excellent stuff but has never put it together for a lengthy stretch for teams to invest the big dollars in him. But as we all know from Gil Meche's deal, sometimes potential is enough to warrant millions of dollars.
Their offense is good from 1-4, probably number 2 to the Mets, but no matter what, Pat Burrel is a superstar fading faster than Charles Barkley's chips at a casino. The back end of the lineup can be had and exploited. The Mets don't offer that luxury to opposing teams.
I might sound a bit bias, but let's not forget, we're talking about Philly here. This is sorry sports town number 2 just behind Chicago in the annals of sorry sports towns. They live for preseason hype and getting caught up in it, just enough to buy tickets. But by the trading deadline they will be sellers. Mets will get a rejuvenated Pedro and won't force their rotation to carry them through the regular season. By October those 40 something year old arms will still be fresh whereas Philly and everyone else's rotation will be running on fumes.
I dont possess the ability to read the future. But from what Jimmy Rollins is saying, you can be assured that it is a whole lot of nothing but talk. That is until he shuts up everyone. But we won't know a thing until October.
What is "it" you may ask? "It" refers to the proclamation of one teams yet to be determined success.
And who opened their big mouth this spring training? Jimmy Rollins, shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies. This from the guy who plays on a team in a city that has not had a major championship since the Sixers in '83.
So it should come as no surprise that for cities like Philadelphia the term "hope springs eternal" has more than just a metaphorical meaning, it has a literal meaning as well. Apparently delusions spring eternal there as well.
Granted, I applaud Jimmy Rollins for standing up and making a bold proclamation there are only two outcomes that can result from his statement:
1. They rally around him and go on a tear.
2. They hide their heads in shame and revert to their old ways.
Now Jimmy, I know where you are coming from. I've been a Met fan since 92 and we've been chasing the Braves for so long that we still havent gotten used to the fact that we are the defending division champs heading into 2007. Every year we all made bold statements and talked about how big and bad we were too, only to hear the snickers of Braves fans and their team waiting to shove it in our faces.
But for the first time in a while, the Braves are looking up at the Mets and so is everyone else. Not only do the Mets sport an AL type of offense, their team has a very good bullpen and a ::cough:: experienced ::cough:: rotation. No matter what you may believe of the Mets pitching woes, they sport a very good group of relievers that will allow Willie to put his pitchers into better spots and in more limited duty.
While the postseason may be won by pitching, the regular season is won by offense. The Mets are clearly ahead of the Phillies in that respect.
The Phillies sport a very good and deep pitching rotation but their bullpen has more questions surrounding it than Anna Nicole's death. Cole Hamels is a superstar in waiting but is too inconsistent and must turn it around. Brett Myers is the type of guy that can win 20 games but he plays in a hitters park and barring any sidetracks this season can fullfill some of that potential people see in him. Freddy Garcia is an innings eater and nothing more. He has excellent stuff but has never put it together for a lengthy stretch for teams to invest the big dollars in him. But as we all know from Gil Meche's deal, sometimes potential is enough to warrant millions of dollars.
Their offense is good from 1-4, probably number 2 to the Mets, but no matter what, Pat Burrel is a superstar fading faster than Charles Barkley's chips at a casino. The back end of the lineup can be had and exploited. The Mets don't offer that luxury to opposing teams.
I might sound a bit bias, but let's not forget, we're talking about Philly here. This is sorry sports town number 2 just behind Chicago in the annals of sorry sports towns. They live for preseason hype and getting caught up in it, just enough to buy tickets. But by the trading deadline they will be sellers. Mets will get a rejuvenated Pedro and won't force their rotation to carry them through the regular season. By October those 40 something year old arms will still be fresh whereas Philly and everyone else's rotation will be running on fumes.
I dont possess the ability to read the future. But from what Jimmy Rollins is saying, you can be assured that it is a whole lot of nothing but talk. That is until he shuts up everyone. But we won't know a thing until October.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
ALL STAAAAAAAAA
Ok, so the NBA trading deadline is here and the names that are going to be traded read like a whos- who of the NBA.
JASON KIDD, KEVIN GARNETT, PAU GASOL, RAY ALLEN, RASHARD LEWIS, VINCE CARTER, and MIKE BIBBY.
This group of six could probably make one hell of a team but unfortunately, these six players are trying to get in to better teams.
They seem to believe that their team can no longer offer them the right situation so they want out. And fast.
A few days removed from what was one of the laziest ALL STAR GAMES (I turned the game off by the second quarter), it seems that the NBA is lulling itself along till the playoffs which should be great. I dont want to say the obvious but come on, Sunday, there were probably more hangovers than a college frat house after a kegger.
Putting the NBA All Star Game in Las Vegas is like expecting an alcoholic to go the Johnny Walker factory and not sample the goods. You know its going to be about as pure as the nightclub down there.
Few observations from what I DID see:
- Players need to stop doing the off the backboard dunk. Lebron's attempt looked like it was going to end up ugly by the way he ran into Amare Stoudemire. Everyone in Cleveland must've started closing their eyes and having their knees knock in nervousness.
- NBA took a major risk by bringing the All Star Game to Vegas. The mood is very laid back and relaxed and pretty much everything is legal out there. So two things must happen: let the Maloofs bring the Kings over to Las Vegas OR just make the NBA All Star game there permanently. I agree with only one opinion about Vegas: that place, with all its pending situations that can occur is a goldmine for whatever sport lands its flag!
- Craig Sager's suits are enough to convince me NOT to upgrade to HD. Somethings should be seen in regular or dim lighting.
- Nate Robinson needs to have a limit on attempts, but man when he completes a dunk it is spectacular. He's like that little kid that you want to see do the dunk just because of the effort he gives.
- The best thing to happen in that weekend aside from Charles Barkley's race with a 60 year old referee was Dwight Howard's dunk. The crowd had the same puzzled reaction after Vince Carter's elbow in the rim dunk back when he won it. I think in my generation, Vince Carter had the best array of dunks to win a contest.
- There is no legitemate shooting threat anymore. Remember how Larry Bird used to enter a 3 point shooting contest and you just knew that he was going to win it? Unfortunately, Dirk doesnt live up to the promise in those contests.
Ok, in the annals of sporting All Star festivities, I think baseball's All star game is the best, followoed by the NBA's and then third is the NFL.
The MLB's game is interesting because there are a good number of guys actually trying to play hard to let his league get home field advantage in the World Series. It ups the ante for the players to rise up to the occasion. The NFL's regular and post season are the best but their All Star Game is without a doubt the worst. There's no blitzing, no real competition, and its like the NBA being in Vegas. Who wants to play a serious game of football when you would rather catch a tan in sunny Hawaii?
The NBA's overall weekend is number two because of all the pre All Star Game festivities, but its game is soo horrible that it brings it down to number 2.
Thats all, I'm freezing. Time to catch some sleep.
JASON KIDD, KEVIN GARNETT, PAU GASOL, RAY ALLEN, RASHARD LEWIS, VINCE CARTER, and MIKE BIBBY.
This group of six could probably make one hell of a team but unfortunately, these six players are trying to get in to better teams.
They seem to believe that their team can no longer offer them the right situation so they want out. And fast.
A few days removed from what was one of the laziest ALL STAR GAMES (I turned the game off by the second quarter), it seems that the NBA is lulling itself along till the playoffs which should be great. I dont want to say the obvious but come on, Sunday, there were probably more hangovers than a college frat house after a kegger.
Putting the NBA All Star Game in Las Vegas is like expecting an alcoholic to go the Johnny Walker factory and not sample the goods. You know its going to be about as pure as the nightclub down there.
Few observations from what I DID see:
- Players need to stop doing the off the backboard dunk. Lebron's attempt looked like it was going to end up ugly by the way he ran into Amare Stoudemire. Everyone in Cleveland must've started closing their eyes and having their knees knock in nervousness.
- NBA took a major risk by bringing the All Star Game to Vegas. The mood is very laid back and relaxed and pretty much everything is legal out there. So two things must happen: let the Maloofs bring the Kings over to Las Vegas OR just make the NBA All Star game there permanently. I agree with only one opinion about Vegas: that place, with all its pending situations that can occur is a goldmine for whatever sport lands its flag!
- Craig Sager's suits are enough to convince me NOT to upgrade to HD. Somethings should be seen in regular or dim lighting.
- Nate Robinson needs to have a limit on attempts, but man when he completes a dunk it is spectacular. He's like that little kid that you want to see do the dunk just because of the effort he gives.
- The best thing to happen in that weekend aside from Charles Barkley's race with a 60 year old referee was Dwight Howard's dunk. The crowd had the same puzzled reaction after Vince Carter's elbow in the rim dunk back when he won it. I think in my generation, Vince Carter had the best array of dunks to win a contest.
- There is no legitemate shooting threat anymore. Remember how Larry Bird used to enter a 3 point shooting contest and you just knew that he was going to win it? Unfortunately, Dirk doesnt live up to the promise in those contests.
Ok, in the annals of sporting All Star festivities, I think baseball's All star game is the best, followoed by the NBA's and then third is the NFL.
The MLB's game is interesting because there are a good number of guys actually trying to play hard to let his league get home field advantage in the World Series. It ups the ante for the players to rise up to the occasion. The NFL's regular and post season are the best but their All Star Game is without a doubt the worst. There's no blitzing, no real competition, and its like the NBA being in Vegas. Who wants to play a serious game of football when you would rather catch a tan in sunny Hawaii?
The NBA's overall weekend is number two because of all the pre All Star Game festivities, but its game is soo horrible that it brings it down to number 2.
Thats all, I'm freezing. Time to catch some sleep.
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