I love Fred Willard's character in A Mighty Wind repeating that and thought it was appropriate for this editions title. What an engaging weekend, and not just because I put a ring on it. Memories.....On with the much sadder news......
My Wildcats broke Ashley's and my heart with their Boy's and Girl's Club 6 year old instructional league shooting display, en route to their early exit (again!) out of this year's big boy's tournament. All hail to the one D Butler. Another great all around effort, showing Wall and other youngsters just how to make other's around you not just better, but winners. I will say it again. Butler will be an impact NBA guard. Maybe not out of the gate, but down the line. Not an All-Star, but a solid starter. Watch. I must add that Wall and Cousins, and maybe Bledsoe and Patterson will be monsters in the league. J/S But enough hole licking, my boys couldn't buy a bucket. That's been our Achilles heel all season. If we are on, we're deadly. And, on most occasions, if our shooting was off, our overpowering defense would make up for it. Problem with this game though was the fact the opponent was also an elite team. They never slipped, and played hard, and consistent for the full forty minutes. They never wained, which never allowed us to make our customary late game surge. Our knockout punch worked in the SEC tourney against Miss. St. Too bad this was West Virginia. With their improbable win, they get a date with the new tourney fave....
Dooooookie! Once again I reiterate how easy of a path this team has had to the Final Four. Baylor was their toughest opponent, and not to make excuses, but when you've played warm up games the first two rounds, this of course allows the Devils to become noticeably more well rested down the stretch. And that just so happens to be where they won the game. A haggard and exhausted Baylor squad looked helpless late, deferring to touch fouls and hands-on-knees enthusiasm. I will give kudos to Duke for exploiting this. Plus the fact that Baylor's main inside presence fouled out with about half of the second half to go. But that couldn't have help the Blue Devils right? Well Zoubek's Serge Zwikker reminding garbageness had four fouls and looked worried. Three seconds later Baylor's whole inside game fouls out and the look the Plumlee twins and Zoubek had on their faces resembled six year olds at Dylan's Candy Shop. Suffice it to say Zoubek was a dominating force late, grabbing two monster offensive rebounds for kick out spasm inducing threes, that in turn left Baylor with nothing but gasped air to focus on. Clutch free throw shooting from Scheyer, Mr. O-fer Singler, Smith, and even Lance Thomas sealed the game for Duke. Hey, maybe Cal should conference with Coach K in the off season and learn free throw teaching drills. Lord knows we could have used those against the Mountaineers.
Final Four....WVU dammit. Screw Duke. I'm a hater til the end.
Other side tommorrow.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Closing time? Not if your an MLB team.
So today's edition will include my take on some of sports most recent stories. You might not agree, but dammit you'll listen. So with that said, here we go.
-Tiger Woods is an idiot. That's a given, but what makes him even more moronic is the lackadaisical effort he is putting into his apologies. Any man will tell you if you expect to win your significant other back in any way, shape, or form the word is grovel. I mean, like a damn mole. And not a witty mole like in Fantastic Mr. Fox, but an actual sympathetic partner. Does he realize not only did he sleep with half of the porn industry, but he very likely brought something back from those excursions that was not obtained with money. Or was it? Haha, they were whores mind you. Yet I digress. So the real question at hand is how much he truly wants his wife back. Not his life, because Golf can cure that ill. What I speak of is his relationship with her. Because if you ask me, based on the two interviews I have seen, Golf is all that he's concerned about. If I would have made this large of a Do'h I instantly would have gotten my wife's name tattooed on my forehead and dared some uppity golf jerk to question it. But that's me, and I ain't Tiger. I honestly think he could give two shits about his family. The only people he is interested in getting back into their good graces is the American public. And unfortunately, Elin is Swiss. Tiger just make up your mind so I can start rooting for you again. Hey, MJ did Ok after Juanita. Have you seen his new arm candy!? Google her right now.
-So the Jets are talking about giving LT more carries than Leon Washington this upcoming season. So let me get this straight. You are committing to an aging back when you have one of the most dynamic ball carriers in the league partnering in the backfield? And little Ryan's comment was we want to get him back to a Pro Bowl returner. Who the hell is he, Vai Sikahema? You know why Sikahema was a returner? Becasue he couldn't run or fucking catch. Nor did Dante Hall, Mel Gray, or any other only returner throughout history. Leon has game and if the Jets want to curb Sanchez's inevitable sophomore slump they will adhere to this. If not, 6-10 here we come! Oh, and an injured LT.
- Is Favre coming back? Is he not? I could give two shits because his body WILL NOT make it through another 16 game season and playoffs. I said this last year, and the year before that, but this time I'm right. Or, maybe I'm not. Someone get me Digger Phelps!
-Andy Reid and the rest of the Eagles brass are apparently listening to offers from other teams on all three of their QB's. My take? Yes baby!! My dream 2010 ticket of Vick/Tebow is still a possibility. Vick come on over to Buffalo. McNabb enjoy your eventual collapse into obscurity a'la Culpepper, and Kolb, welcome to the League.
UPDATE *now it's eventually just McNabb. Dammit. Stop toying with me Eagles. Give Vick up or not. The Eagles are like a straggler at the end of a drunk bar night. You've been eyeing her all night and she keeps slobbering over drinks telling you how cute you are, but won't confirm that she's going home with you. Stupid Andy Reid stragglers.
-Did you see that Help Needed sign outside of almost every major league teams gates? No, well there should be. With seemingly every closer battling some kind of ailment I am guessing that teams won't truly make their surges until May, at the earliest. My Twinkies (Nathan), Rockies (Houston Street), Indians (Wood), and even the Champs (Lidge) all have problems at the closer position, just to name a few. Add to that a number of other teams that are looking "in house" to solve their own problems and what you have is a market with a need, and not enough quality pieces to fulfill that demand. Bottom line is teams better score runs in bunches because any close games will not have a guaranteed savior at the end. I don't trust the Mets Rodriguez or another-year-older Mo either. If there was ever a time to summon a job as a closer, now is the time. Someone get me Rod Beck!
-Tiger Woods is an idiot. That's a given, but what makes him even more moronic is the lackadaisical effort he is putting into his apologies. Any man will tell you if you expect to win your significant other back in any way, shape, or form the word is grovel. I mean, like a damn mole. And not a witty mole like in Fantastic Mr. Fox, but an actual sympathetic partner. Does he realize not only did he sleep with half of the porn industry, but he very likely brought something back from those excursions that was not obtained with money. Or was it? Haha, they were whores mind you. Yet I digress. So the real question at hand is how much he truly wants his wife back. Not his life, because Golf can cure that ill. What I speak of is his relationship with her. Because if you ask me, based on the two interviews I have seen, Golf is all that he's concerned about. If I would have made this large of a Do'h I instantly would have gotten my wife's name tattooed on my forehead and dared some uppity golf jerk to question it. But that's me, and I ain't Tiger. I honestly think he could give two shits about his family. The only people he is interested in getting back into their good graces is the American public. And unfortunately, Elin is Swiss. Tiger just make up your mind so I can start rooting for you again. Hey, MJ did Ok after Juanita. Have you seen his new arm candy!? Google her right now.
-So the Jets are talking about giving LT more carries than Leon Washington this upcoming season. So let me get this straight. You are committing to an aging back when you have one of the most dynamic ball carriers in the league partnering in the backfield? And little Ryan's comment was we want to get him back to a Pro Bowl returner. Who the hell is he, Vai Sikahema? You know why Sikahema was a returner? Becasue he couldn't run or fucking catch. Nor did Dante Hall, Mel Gray, or any other only returner throughout history. Leon has game and if the Jets want to curb Sanchez's inevitable sophomore slump they will adhere to this. If not, 6-10 here we come! Oh, and an injured LT.
- Is Favre coming back? Is he not? I could give two shits because his body WILL NOT make it through another 16 game season and playoffs. I said this last year, and the year before that, but this time I'm right. Or, maybe I'm not. Someone get me Digger Phelps!
-Andy Reid and the rest of the Eagles brass are apparently listening to offers from other teams on all three of their QB's. My take? Yes baby!! My dream 2010 ticket of Vick/Tebow is still a possibility. Vick come on over to Buffalo. McNabb enjoy your eventual collapse into obscurity a'la Culpepper, and Kolb, welcome to the League.
UPDATE *now it's eventually just McNabb. Dammit. Stop toying with me Eagles. Give Vick up or not. The Eagles are like a straggler at the end of a drunk bar night. You've been eyeing her all night and she keeps slobbering over drinks telling you how cute you are, but won't confirm that she's going home with you. Stupid Andy Reid stragglers.
-Did you see that Help Needed sign outside of almost every major league teams gates? No, well there should be. With seemingly every closer battling some kind of ailment I am guessing that teams won't truly make their surges until May, at the earliest. My Twinkies (Nathan), Rockies (Houston Street), Indians (Wood), and even the Champs (Lidge) all have problems at the closer position, just to name a few. Add to that a number of other teams that are looking "in house" to solve their own problems and what you have is a market with a need, and not enough quality pieces to fulfill that demand. Bottom line is teams better score runs in bunches because any close games will not have a guaranteed savior at the end. I don't trust the Mets Rodriguez or another-year-older Mo either. If there was ever a time to summon a job as a closer, now is the time. Someone get me Rod Beck!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dance, Dance
As we continue on......
In the East we have a for sure blowout (UK v. Cornell) and the most intriguing match up on the right side of the bracket (Washington v. WVU). As far as Cornell goes, what a great story. And your witty quips and team camaraderie really makes me wish you weren't playing the team that is just now slated to win it all. Although biasly, I always knew that UK would take out KU come title time, but now I know for sure that we have a clean path to the trophy. Who's going to stop us? Surely not an Ivy league school that beat up on Temple and Wisconsin. What is this the 90's? Don't they know we have the best PG in the country and an absolute tree trunk in Cousins? All that snippy "Friday Night Lights" quoting won't stop you from getting J'd up. Sorry.
In the regions other match up I can honestly say that I had Washington losing in the first round to Marquette, but I always knew that if Isaiah Thomas went off, the rest of the tournament needed to worry. I would also warn W.V. of the same, but Butler is a beast. Period. He'll be a fine pro and because of his unwillingness late in games to allow his team to lose (Did you see the Big East tourney?), they'll pile it on and beat a over matched U Dub squad. I guess the real question to ask is whether Butler can beat UK by himself? Uh, No way.
Final Four: UK all the way!
In the South, God's team stayed the course and rubbed out purposely placed weaker teams, and of course has a Sweet 16 match up with the most downtrodden of all participants. How Purdue has advanced this far still boggles me, but that will all end here. No Hummel means no one to stop Singler. (Whom I despise, but I recognize game when it's elevated) The Blue Devils cruise into the Elite 8, but then lose to..... Baylor baby! My new favorite cuz Dunn and the boys will continue their unbelievable story by crushing the Gaels slipper and taking out a too-easy-so-far Duke squad. Or should I say Dukie. Ha ha How have I never thought about that? Reverting back to Baylor for a second. How unbelievable is their story? First a player murders a teammate. Then their coach breaks all kinds of collegiate rules to get the program suspended. How does this school respond? You then scrape the bottom of the talent pool in order to recruit, and now a decade later you are dancing into the Final Four. Now that's Cinderella.
But I ain't one of the gossips so you ain't heard that from me.
In the East we have a for sure blowout (UK v. Cornell) and the most intriguing match up on the right side of the bracket (Washington v. WVU). As far as Cornell goes, what a great story. And your witty quips and team camaraderie really makes me wish you weren't playing the team that is just now slated to win it all. Although biasly, I always knew that UK would take out KU come title time, but now I know for sure that we have a clean path to the trophy. Who's going to stop us? Surely not an Ivy league school that beat up on Temple and Wisconsin. What is this the 90's? Don't they know we have the best PG in the country and an absolute tree trunk in Cousins? All that snippy "Friday Night Lights" quoting won't stop you from getting J'd up. Sorry.
In the regions other match up I can honestly say that I had Washington losing in the first round to Marquette, but I always knew that if Isaiah Thomas went off, the rest of the tournament needed to worry. I would also warn W.V. of the same, but Butler is a beast. Period. He'll be a fine pro and because of his unwillingness late in games to allow his team to lose (Did you see the Big East tourney?), they'll pile it on and beat a over matched U Dub squad. I guess the real question to ask is whether Butler can beat UK by himself? Uh, No way.
Final Four: UK all the way!
In the South, God's team stayed the course and rubbed out purposely placed weaker teams, and of course has a Sweet 16 match up with the most downtrodden of all participants. How Purdue has advanced this far still boggles me, but that will all end here. No Hummel means no one to stop Singler. (Whom I despise, but I recognize game when it's elevated) The Blue Devils cruise into the Elite 8, but then lose to..... Baylor baby! My new favorite cuz Dunn and the boys will continue their unbelievable story by crushing the Gaels slipper and taking out a too-easy-so-far Duke squad. Or should I say Dukie. Ha ha How have I never thought about that? Reverting back to Baylor for a second. How unbelievable is their story? First a player murders a teammate. Then their coach breaks all kinds of collegiate rules to get the program suspended. How does this school respond? You then scrape the bottom of the talent pool in order to recruit, and now a decade later you are dancing into the Final Four. Now that's Cinderella.
But I ain't one of the gossips so you ain't heard that from me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
"Mauer" bang for your buck
Oh, I'll get to that news ray of sunshine later. First, let's pick apart these Sweet 16 match ups shall we? What a helluva weekend in college basketball! I have watched alot of tournament games in my day and have not been more perplexed by an outcome than Northern Iowa's beat down of Kansas. Of course upon its finale I was clamoring for a ODU-UNI Championship rematch. I swore we could have taken them this time. That was until my distant Texan cousin LaceDarius Dunn decided to be the Dunn to take out ODU. (I was gearing up for it you know) Anyways, shall we start this dance?....
Like before, day 1 will cover the West and Midwest.
The West gives us 'Cuse v. Butler and Kansas St. v. Xavier. At first glance both games look like for sure blowouts. But beneath the surface, oh how things, well look, the exact same. 'Cuse has won convincingly without their most dominating inside presence. These Orange "crushes" (how many times do I have the chance to quote R.E.M.?) occurred against a Vermont team that dominated their conference all season, in addition to having dunk-of-the-year momentum, and over a Zag team that never loses by 20 this time of season. If they can make it look that easy against those opponents without an interior defensive presence then I can't see Butler winning. Even though they are playing out of their minds right now. But they only beat UTEP (not as good as I thought) and Murray St.(ditto), so Cuse should walk through this one. Kansas State, with Clemente and Black Wolverine, uh I mean Pullen, were the best team to take out Kansas during the season in the Big 12 and now they have shown it. If Crawford doesn't miss, Xavier can win. If he does his best Aerenas impression, then it will be a long night for the Ohio representers.
Final Four: Still 'Cuse
In the Midwest we have a Cinderella who could very well March on and another match up that truly should be this divisions final. First, if you would have asked me yesterday I would have told you that the Panthers of UNI had absolutely no shot against Kalin Lucas and Izzo's unwillingness to lose in the tournament. But then news broke that Michigan St. has all but guaranteed Lucas out for the remainder of the tournament, and oh how the wheels of destiny have turned. Farokhmanesh is clutch and Spartan countries best player just took a nosedive off of that cliff those Mastadon/elephants fell off of in "300". America, get yourself familiar with the Northern Iowa Panthers. In the other match up, If Tennessee can somehow stop Turner, and Hopson plays the game I know he can, UT will advance. If Hopson and Chism's bitch ass both lay eggs like in the SEC tournament then the Buckeyes can punch their ticket to Indianapolis. Those are both strong if's though.
Final Four: Ohio St
To the topic du jour. Yes, yes, yes Mauer deserved every penny of this deal. And if one more person comes at me with that "this move will invariably tie up the Twins payroll in the future, disallowing them to add key guys later" argument I'll kill you myself. So is this the "double-edge sword" that everyone was jarring about last week? No. Because if we didn't sign him, we Twins fans would have been crushed and the reverberations of Johan number two would have been broadcast in high definition for all to debate over. Bottom line is we had to do this signing. For Minny. For fans. Heck, even for Mauer. Do you think he would have appreciated not being given maximum dollars from his hometown team. A team he killed himself for since being drafted. A team that he has not been shy about stating his unfathomed love and devotion for. I mean if I were his lady I would be scared of him cheating on me with the Twin cities. That's how much he loves this town. So before you go ripping the signing let me give you a few pointers to think about. First, we have billionaire owners. The money was there so we spent it. If we aren't competing in five years, Mauer will wave his full no trade clause anyways and another team, I'm sure, will be happy to scoop him up. So not being able to sign big time free agents or resign hometown pieces won't matter because we'll be rebuilding anyways. Second, allow me to remind you that three of the top four salaries in baseball belong in New York, with CC's not being far behind. If they can pay Jeter six million dollars more and Tex only four million less, and Mauer is giving you Jete's no lose attitude and leadership,and Tex's power and plate discipline, how could you not resign him. Third, do you even begin to understand the consequences of us NOT resigning him. The Twin cities would have imploded and caused a ripple effect in the sports circuit that my hero Kirby would have felt in his grave. The Vikes, T-Wolves, and even the Gophers would have felt the pinch. Their are die-hard fans there. They would not have accepted anything less. Lastly, read my Re-sign Mauer. Yes, we can! article. This backs up these points and provides you with more. This guy just made a wonderful decision. A decision that will ripple through sports as well. No? You telling me that LeBron, D-Wade, the Cavs, and Heat weren't all paying attention to this display of loyalty. It proves that you can have your cake AND eat it too. Or at least your millions. Thumbs up Twins!!
A quick note from this weekend to end on.
Chew on this. You know there are only four tracks that Jimmy hasn't won on. Only four! That's like the amount of people that think Cornell actually has a shot against UK. Or the amount of times I have watched "Winning Time". Or, the amount of times the lady has made me watch 500 Days of Summer.(An extremely well acted and underrated film BTW) So what does this all mean? It simply means that 48 is as an unstoppable force as Nascar has seen in sometime. Reggie is the purest jump shooter of all time. And, I am slowly falling in love with Zooey Deschanel. And Joseph Gordan Levitt for that matter. (Sorry but I have to say Bella and Edward they were not. Chemistry was actually alive and well here, whereas with those two, dare I say it, the chemistry seemed to have been sucked out of them. ha ha Had to do it.) Great show Jimmy! Sorry Kurt Busch. Maybe five tire changes would have worked on that last pit. Or simply a winning car. Next time, try harder. In the immortal words of one Richard Bobby "If you ain't first, you're last!"
Like before, day 1 will cover the West and Midwest.
The West gives us 'Cuse v. Butler and Kansas St. v. Xavier. At first glance both games look like for sure blowouts. But beneath the surface, oh how things, well look, the exact same. 'Cuse has won convincingly without their most dominating inside presence. These Orange "crushes" (how many times do I have the chance to quote R.E.M.?) occurred against a Vermont team that dominated their conference all season, in addition to having dunk-of-the-year momentum, and over a Zag team that never loses by 20 this time of season. If they can make it look that easy against those opponents without an interior defensive presence then I can't see Butler winning. Even though they are playing out of their minds right now. But they only beat UTEP (not as good as I thought) and Murray St.(ditto), so Cuse should walk through this one. Kansas State, with Clemente and Black Wolverine, uh I mean Pullen, were the best team to take out Kansas during the season in the Big 12 and now they have shown it. If Crawford doesn't miss, Xavier can win. If he does his best Aerenas impression, then it will be a long night for the Ohio representers.
Final Four: Still 'Cuse
In the Midwest we have a Cinderella who could very well March on and another match up that truly should be this divisions final. First, if you would have asked me yesterday I would have told you that the Panthers of UNI had absolutely no shot against Kalin Lucas and Izzo's unwillingness to lose in the tournament. But then news broke that Michigan St. has all but guaranteed Lucas out for the remainder of the tournament, and oh how the wheels of destiny have turned. Farokhmanesh is clutch and Spartan countries best player just took a nosedive off of that cliff those Mastadon/elephants fell off of in "300". America, get yourself familiar with the Northern Iowa Panthers. In the other match up, If Tennessee can somehow stop Turner, and Hopson plays the game I know he can, UT will advance. If Hopson and Chism's bitch ass both lay eggs like in the SEC tournament then the Buckeyes can punch their ticket to Indianapolis. Those are both strong if's though.
Final Four: Ohio St
To the topic du jour. Yes, yes, yes Mauer deserved every penny of this deal. And if one more person comes at me with that "this move will invariably tie up the Twins payroll in the future, disallowing them to add key guys later" argument I'll kill you myself. So is this the "double-edge sword" that everyone was jarring about last week? No. Because if we didn't sign him, we Twins fans would have been crushed and the reverberations of Johan number two would have been broadcast in high definition for all to debate over. Bottom line is we had to do this signing. For Minny. For fans. Heck, even for Mauer. Do you think he would have appreciated not being given maximum dollars from his hometown team. A team he killed himself for since being drafted. A team that he has not been shy about stating his unfathomed love and devotion for. I mean if I were his lady I would be scared of him cheating on me with the Twin cities. That's how much he loves this town. So before you go ripping the signing let me give you a few pointers to think about. First, we have billionaire owners. The money was there so we spent it. If we aren't competing in five years, Mauer will wave his full no trade clause anyways and another team, I'm sure, will be happy to scoop him up. So not being able to sign big time free agents or resign hometown pieces won't matter because we'll be rebuilding anyways. Second, allow me to remind you that three of the top four salaries in baseball belong in New York, with CC's not being far behind. If they can pay Jeter six million dollars more and Tex only four million less, and Mauer is giving you Jete's no lose attitude and leadership,and Tex's power and plate discipline, how could you not resign him. Third, do you even begin to understand the consequences of us NOT resigning him. The Twin cities would have imploded and caused a ripple effect in the sports circuit that my hero Kirby would have felt in his grave. The Vikes, T-Wolves, and even the Gophers would have felt the pinch. Their are die-hard fans there. They would not have accepted anything less. Lastly, read my Re-sign Mauer. Yes, we can! article. This backs up these points and provides you with more. This guy just made a wonderful decision. A decision that will ripple through sports as well. No? You telling me that LeBron, D-Wade, the Cavs, and Heat weren't all paying attention to this display of loyalty. It proves that you can have your cake AND eat it too. Or at least your millions. Thumbs up Twins!!
A quick note from this weekend to end on.
Chew on this. You know there are only four tracks that Jimmy hasn't won on. Only four! That's like the amount of people that think Cornell actually has a shot against UK. Or the amount of times I have watched "Winning Time". Or, the amount of times the lady has made me watch 500 Days of Summer.(An extremely well acted and underrated film BTW) So what does this all mean? It simply means that 48 is as an unstoppable force as Nascar has seen in sometime. Reggie is the purest jump shooter of all time. And, I am slowly falling in love with Zooey Deschanel. And Joseph Gordan Levitt for that matter. (Sorry but I have to say Bella and Edward they were not. Chemistry was actually alive and well here, whereas with those two, dare I say it, the chemistry seemed to have been sucked out of them. ha ha Had to do it.) Great show Jimmy! Sorry Kurt Busch. Maybe five tire changes would have worked on that last pit. Or simply a winning car. Next time, try harder. In the immortal words of one Richard Bobby "If you ain't first, you're last!"
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Today is the day for "Dancing" in the street
As we continue on here is my breakdown of the East......
Although every game in this bracket is a game to watch, a few stand out. Texas v. Wake, Temple v. Cornell, Marquette v. Washington, and Clemson v. Mizz all seem like tasty treats. Texas, who has played sub par all season, seems like that "they should be better than they are" team, ala Michigan St. last year, that just turns it on in the dance and rides that momentum to the title game. Many say VT should have made it over Wake. I agree. Because of this Texas handles this ACC lightweight easily before succumbing to a championship ready Kentucky squad. PPatt and Cousins are just too much for Pittman's whiny antics. When we pass them, we then face either Temple(my pick) or Cornell(the analysts "sexy" pick). This could be a huge upset for Cornell. They can shoot and play extremely well-executed basketball. But Temple has big guns who have played well all season. Close game early, but the Owls pull it out late. Then, I don't seem them advancing past Trevon Hughes and Wisconsin. This is a team that plays so slow it could hurt UK. Next up is speedy Marquette at U-Dub. Many people are picking Marquette to make an extended run. Yeah, really? Well I heard that as well during the Big East tournament. They are good, but please do not sleep on Isiah Thomas(not the coach) and the Huskies. I had them on upset alert last year, and these guys are only more experienced with another year under their belts. Although should Marquette advance, it won't get past my Wildcats. Why? Because there is no unknown powerhouse of a guard generating the first triple double I have ever seen in the dance, let alone college, by the name of Dwayne Wade playing for them, that's why. I still pick Marquette over UW, but barely. Lastly, I agree Da'Sean Butler is a beast. I did witness his complete dominance over the comp in the Big East tourney, but Clemson and Missouri look like they types of teams that show up every year and you ask yourself "Who are these guys?". A sweet 16 appearance later and you realize just why they are so good. They are a team in every since of the word and play with heart. Plus, having big talent doesn't hurt. I wouldn't compare them to Mason of a few years back, but watch out for these two. Or Butler will just dice them for like 25 and WVU waits to play Marquette.
Final Four: Kentucky
On to the South.....
I just want to start this off with a reminder of the B.S. that goes on in college basketball. Thank you jackass committee members for giving Kentucky by far the hardest bracket on the road to the championship. Less, Morgan St. (Who dominated the MEAC), Montana(Who erased a 20 point halftime deficit to win their conference title), and maybe Wofford(Who was good enough to merit a 13 seed), any team could beat us. And what do the assholes give bitch ass Duke!!! The play-in game! I hope they lose to APB. Jerks. OK, I'm good now.
Not much to add here that wasn't just covered, but a few games do stand out. The best game of this bracket is going to be over early in coverage as Cal takes on Louisville. I can't just give this to Louisville. I know Pitino always has them ready, but I don't trust the inconsistency of Sosa. I do give the Cards the edge though because California just lost a big time player inside and that could be the difference. Next up is my upset city alert team as Siena will beat a demoralized Purdue team, as well as take out A&M on their way to the Sweet 16. This team, I just like. I hear about them in the Dance every year and this just seems like the time where they really push. Call me crazy, but this is my team. Now simply for shits and giggles, you know I picked ODU over Notre Dame. I don't trust the Irish basketball team in big games like I don't trust their football team. Boo, Harangody! Watch out for that locomotive known as Gerald Lee baby! Go Monarchs.
Final Four: Duke (just because I want the chance to see them get waxed by Kentucky)
I also must add a quick comment on Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington dabbling with the white devil. LOLOLOL, love it. That is all.
See you tomorrow.
Although every game in this bracket is a game to watch, a few stand out. Texas v. Wake, Temple v. Cornell, Marquette v. Washington, and Clemson v. Mizz all seem like tasty treats. Texas, who has played sub par all season, seems like that "they should be better than they are" team, ala Michigan St. last year, that just turns it on in the dance and rides that momentum to the title game. Many say VT should have made it over Wake. I agree. Because of this Texas handles this ACC lightweight easily before succumbing to a championship ready Kentucky squad. PPatt and Cousins are just too much for Pittman's whiny antics. When we pass them, we then face either Temple(my pick) or Cornell(the analysts "sexy" pick). This could be a huge upset for Cornell. They can shoot and play extremely well-executed basketball. But Temple has big guns who have played well all season. Close game early, but the Owls pull it out late. Then, I don't seem them advancing past Trevon Hughes and Wisconsin. This is a team that plays so slow it could hurt UK. Next up is speedy Marquette at U-Dub. Many people are picking Marquette to make an extended run. Yeah, really? Well I heard that as well during the Big East tournament. They are good, but please do not sleep on Isiah Thomas(not the coach) and the Huskies. I had them on upset alert last year, and these guys are only more experienced with another year under their belts. Although should Marquette advance, it won't get past my Wildcats. Why? Because there is no unknown powerhouse of a guard generating the first triple double I have ever seen in the dance, let alone college, by the name of Dwayne Wade playing for them, that's why. I still pick Marquette over UW, but barely. Lastly, I agree Da'Sean Butler is a beast. I did witness his complete dominance over the comp in the Big East tourney, but Clemson and Missouri look like they types of teams that show up every year and you ask yourself "Who are these guys?". A sweet 16 appearance later and you realize just why they are so good. They are a team in every since of the word and play with heart. Plus, having big talent doesn't hurt. I wouldn't compare them to Mason of a few years back, but watch out for these two. Or Butler will just dice them for like 25 and WVU waits to play Marquette.
Final Four: Kentucky
On to the South.....
I just want to start this off with a reminder of the B.S. that goes on in college basketball. Thank you jackass committee members for giving Kentucky by far the hardest bracket on the road to the championship. Less, Morgan St. (Who dominated the MEAC), Montana(Who erased a 20 point halftime deficit to win their conference title), and maybe Wofford(Who was good enough to merit a 13 seed), any team could beat us. And what do the assholes give bitch ass Duke!!! The play-in game! I hope they lose to APB. Jerks. OK, I'm good now.
Not much to add here that wasn't just covered, but a few games do stand out. The best game of this bracket is going to be over early in coverage as Cal takes on Louisville. I can't just give this to Louisville. I know Pitino always has them ready, but I don't trust the inconsistency of Sosa. I do give the Cards the edge though because California just lost a big time player inside and that could be the difference. Next up is my upset city alert team as Siena will beat a demoralized Purdue team, as well as take out A&M on their way to the Sweet 16. This team, I just like. I hear about them in the Dance every year and this just seems like the time where they really push. Call me crazy, but this is my team. Now simply for shits and giggles, you know I picked ODU over Notre Dame. I don't trust the Irish basketball team in big games like I don't trust their football team. Boo, Harangody! Watch out for that locomotive known as Gerald Lee baby! Go Monarchs.
Final Four: Duke (just because I want the chance to see them get waxed by Kentucky)
I also must add a quick comment on Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington dabbling with the white devil. LOLOLOL, love it. That is all.
See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Dance, Dance.... Resolution?
It feels great to be back and oh what a weekend we had.
So the NCAA wants to expand the field to a ridiculous 96 teams. Considering there are only three teams that have a legitimate beef with being left out of the guest list (Miss St., VT, and maybe Illinois), I don't see why this would be a good idea at all. The disparity amongst good teams and awful teams would be drastic. Could you imagine Coastal Carolina facing Wisconsin: Blowout city! (This actually almost happened. Nice job losing to Winthrop in the Big South title game after winning 28 games CC. The main problem is that teams like this would get in. Do they deserve to, no way. The toughest team they played all season was the team that beat them in the conference championship, or the D-1 powerhouse that beat them by 30. There is always the sad case for a few teams that should have gotten in but didn't. But with talent either wanting to forge their own name at a non power conference school, or some life choice forcing them to, the days of the guarantee just aren't there anymore. Heck, ask UNC, UConn, Arizona, and UCLA. This is why we have two mini-dances. Middle school socials if you will. The NIT and the CBI will gladly take those that just missed the invite handout, and give them a chance to say "See, we were good." Yes you were, just not good enough to play in the Varsity tournament. Maybe next year.
Speaking of the DANCE, here we go. Today I'll give you the Midwest and West. Tomorrow will feature the East and South.
Let's start with the Midwest.
The intriguing match ups of this bracket are Maryland v. Houston and OK St. v. Ga Tech. First off, I watched Houston in their conference tournament final and they are good. Simple as that. Add to that the fact that they are rolling, and Maryland with their lone star player in Vasquez is just the type of team ripe for the upset. If Houston can keep this hot streak going and find a way to neutralize Greivis, then Houston is on their way to a second round match up with Michigan St. If not, then oh what a joy I will have watching Kalin Lucas battle Vasquez. Next up, I'm really excited for OK State's James Anderson to reach the big stage. If you don't know him, this guy can shoot the sky out. I mean watermaker does not call it. I know Favors is a NBA talent in the waiting, but he is not a guard and Anderson very well could make GT pay with his outside shooting. The winner of this game also sets up a tasty second round match up with Ohio St. I'm calling an OK St. upset over GT, but they fall to Mr. Everything, Evan Turner and Ohio St. This of course is all to play second fiddle to Kansas in the Elite 8. And I don't see Ohio St. beating Georgetown. Monroe is too much for any big man Ohio State has (Lauderdale is garbage.), and I think Freeman can offset some of the work Turner will put in. I watched OSU almost lose to Illinois. And the this Illini team, with all due respect to Bruce Weber, finished 19-14, is weak, and does not deserve to be in the dance. Unless they are a lucky mid-major who just happen to upset a stud in conference play (Here's looking at you ETSU). This Illini squad though, is just a subpar Big Ten team.
Final Four: Kansas
Next is the West.
Quite a few first round dandies in this bracket. Florida St v. the Zags, UTEP v. Butler, Murray St. v. Vandy, and BYU v. Florida. (interesting note that there are two Florida schools in there. Isn't this the West?) Upset City baby! The first two are Murray St over Vandy and UTEP over Butler. Yes, Jenkins, Beal, and Ogilvie are good, but I watched UK neutralize their offense with touch match ups, tiring Vandy with multiple weapons on the floor. Have I mentioned that Murray State has five double digit scorers? I think Vandy's lack of size will cause early foul trouble for Ogilvie, and without his tenacity on the court I think Murray St. will pull away early and hold on. Plus, Murray St. already has won 30 games this year. This team can, and will, win. Alot of people are jumping on the Butler bandwagon and rightfully so. They are always a sleeper around St. Patty's Day, but they very well could have gotten the toughest first round draw this side of the Bucs of ETSU. Yes, UTEP was upset by the aforementioned Houston (they were hot, remember?), but I believe they are built for the long haul and with a win, will have a clean path to the Sweet 16 because of the outcome of the Murray State game. Butler has shooters but no monsters to take over late in a close game. UTEP just so happens to have those big guns with Character's massive inside presence and Culpepper's sweet J. I won't go as far as to say the Miners will beat Cuse in the Sweet 16, but they could. They could.
Next we have the Zags who will annihilate Florida State. Sorry to say this. Coach Few makes sure the Bulldogs guard play is always top notch this time of year. In the second round, Cuse being without Onuaku poses a big hole in what would have otherwise been a dominating inside presence. Because of this maybe loss, Gonzaga might a have a chance against the Orange. As far as BYU, I am just excited to watch Jimmer Fredette shoot the sky out against the Hokies..oops I meant Gators. Oh what the karma Gods can do. Hopefully UF doesn't lose by 30. Why always a 30 point loss to signify a blowout? Because it just seems like a beatdown. Say it aloud; "Yo, Florida lost by thirty to BYU." Ouch is right. This all leads up to what looks to be a nice scrappy match up between guard play in Cuse and K-State. Whomever comes out might not have enough for Kansas.
Final Four: Syracuse
Lastly, in case you were assuming otherwise, I watched Miller Time: Reggie Miller vs the New York Knicks and yes I cried from sheer excitement. Great job all around. Oh, and yes, Ewing DID travel.
So the NCAA wants to expand the field to a ridiculous 96 teams. Considering there are only three teams that have a legitimate beef with being left out of the guest list (Miss St., VT, and maybe Illinois), I don't see why this would be a good idea at all. The disparity amongst good teams and awful teams would be drastic. Could you imagine Coastal Carolina facing Wisconsin: Blowout city! (This actually almost happened. Nice job losing to Winthrop in the Big South title game after winning 28 games CC. The main problem is that teams like this would get in. Do they deserve to, no way. The toughest team they played all season was the team that beat them in the conference championship, or the D-1 powerhouse that beat them by 30. There is always the sad case for a few teams that should have gotten in but didn't. But with talent either wanting to forge their own name at a non power conference school, or some life choice forcing them to, the days of the guarantee just aren't there anymore. Heck, ask UNC, UConn, Arizona, and UCLA. This is why we have two mini-dances. Middle school socials if you will. The NIT and the CBI will gladly take those that just missed the invite handout, and give them a chance to say "See, we were good." Yes you were, just not good enough to play in the Varsity tournament. Maybe next year.
Speaking of the DANCE, here we go. Today I'll give you the Midwest and West. Tomorrow will feature the East and South.
Let's start with the Midwest.
The intriguing match ups of this bracket are Maryland v. Houston and OK St. v. Ga Tech. First off, I watched Houston in their conference tournament final and they are good. Simple as that. Add to that the fact that they are rolling, and Maryland with their lone star player in Vasquez is just the type of team ripe for the upset. If Houston can keep this hot streak going and find a way to neutralize Greivis, then Houston is on their way to a second round match up with Michigan St. If not, then oh what a joy I will have watching Kalin Lucas battle Vasquez. Next up, I'm really excited for OK State's James Anderson to reach the big stage. If you don't know him, this guy can shoot the sky out. I mean watermaker does not call it. I know Favors is a NBA talent in the waiting, but he is not a guard and Anderson very well could make GT pay with his outside shooting. The winner of this game also sets up a tasty second round match up with Ohio St. I'm calling an OK St. upset over GT, but they fall to Mr. Everything, Evan Turner and Ohio St. This of course is all to play second fiddle to Kansas in the Elite 8. And I don't see Ohio St. beating Georgetown. Monroe is too much for any big man Ohio State has (Lauderdale is garbage.), and I think Freeman can offset some of the work Turner will put in. I watched OSU almost lose to Illinois. And the this Illini team, with all due respect to Bruce Weber, finished 19-14, is weak, and does not deserve to be in the dance. Unless they are a lucky mid-major who just happen to upset a stud in conference play (Here's looking at you ETSU). This Illini squad though, is just a subpar Big Ten team.
Final Four: Kansas
Next is the West.
Quite a few first round dandies in this bracket. Florida St v. the Zags, UTEP v. Butler, Murray St. v. Vandy, and BYU v. Florida. (interesting note that there are two Florida schools in there. Isn't this the West?) Upset City baby! The first two are Murray St over Vandy and UTEP over Butler. Yes, Jenkins, Beal, and Ogilvie are good, but I watched UK neutralize their offense with touch match ups, tiring Vandy with multiple weapons on the floor. Have I mentioned that Murray State has five double digit scorers? I think Vandy's lack of size will cause early foul trouble for Ogilvie, and without his tenacity on the court I think Murray St. will pull away early and hold on. Plus, Murray St. already has won 30 games this year. This team can, and will, win. Alot of people are jumping on the Butler bandwagon and rightfully so. They are always a sleeper around St. Patty's Day, but they very well could have gotten the toughest first round draw this side of the Bucs of ETSU. Yes, UTEP was upset by the aforementioned Houston (they were hot, remember?), but I believe they are built for the long haul and with a win, will have a clean path to the Sweet 16 because of the outcome of the Murray State game. Butler has shooters but no monsters to take over late in a close game. UTEP just so happens to have those big guns with Character's massive inside presence and Culpepper's sweet J. I won't go as far as to say the Miners will beat Cuse in the Sweet 16, but they could. They could.
Next we have the Zags who will annihilate Florida State. Sorry to say this. Coach Few makes sure the Bulldogs guard play is always top notch this time of year. In the second round, Cuse being without Onuaku poses a big hole in what would have otherwise been a dominating inside presence. Because of this maybe loss, Gonzaga might a have a chance against the Orange. As far as BYU, I am just excited to watch Jimmer Fredette shoot the sky out against the Hokies..oops I meant Gators. Oh what the karma Gods can do. Hopefully UF doesn't lose by 30. Why always a 30 point loss to signify a blowout? Because it just seems like a beatdown. Say it aloud; "Yo, Florida lost by thirty to BYU." Ouch is right. This all leads up to what looks to be a nice scrappy match up between guard play in Cuse and K-State. Whomever comes out might not have enough for Kansas.
Final Four: Syracuse
Lastly, in case you were assuming otherwise, I watched Miller Time: Reggie Miller vs the New York Knicks and yes I cried from sheer excitement. Great job all around. Oh, and yes, Ewing DID travel.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
C.A.P.S. continued.....
UPDATE!!!
Thomas Jones signs a 2 year deal with the Chiefs to split time with Jamaal Charles. I like this signing. This gives Cassel another option on offense, and if Charles was able to break 1,000 yards rushing without playing a full season, the O-line seems capable enough to block down front for Jones. He's a weapon, and as always is the case with TJ, he has something to prove. Look for the Cheifs to make strides next season. Especially since their divisions best weapon.....
LT just scheduled a visit with the Vikes. This could be dangerous for the league. Since we all know that AP (why am I initialling every player?) couldn't continue his headfirst running style as the lone back if he wanted to play past 2013, so this would be a great pick up. A smarter, quicker, Chester Taylor to star opposite an absolute bruiser. Think Favre would come back for that? I do.
In yet another insignificant release Mangini may have signaled his own version of the Brady era, as the Browns let Derek Anderson go. I don't know how to feel about this. I mean a few years ago Anderson looked great, now he looks awful. The problem is the Brown's "Brady" is of the Quinn variety, and his hairline has looked sharper than his passes. Is this the guy you want to commit to? The "Arenas" of the NFL. At least Gilbert has a couple of All Star selections under his belt. I am just praying that my immediate fear doesn't come to fruition. Ever since the K-Gun left town, someone loves taking castaways under their belts under the belief that they can re-mold them into a star. (Bledsoe, Flutie, T.O. to rattle off a few) Here's looking at you Buffalo. Let's just stick to our Vick/Tebow '10 campaign shall we.
Speaking of Mr. VH-1, he is reportedly meeting with the Bengals. I have to say first and foremost if this happens, HBO better bring the Bengals back for Hard Knocks next season. OMG T.O. and Ochocinco of Dancing with the Stars fame together! My wish finally came true! I can't wait for these two to battle it out for screen time. Also Cincy, thank you for resigning Tank Johnson. I swear I have eight cousins in Florida just like him. Great guy. As far as on the field, this could be a good thing. Maybe T.O. will take motivation from knowing he's the second best receiver on the team. Something he couldn't seem to grasp in Buffalo. Or, he could not do anything and waste my fantasy pick, like last year. Your call Cincy.
In quick baseball news.
Solid outing for Strasburg yesterday. Wicked bender after wicked bender. Then he smokes 98 high! This kid has it. Maybe I should rethink this whole minors thing. Maybe not, but he'll be up in the Show long before September.
Also, sayonara to Nomah!! Great career. Of the elite SS in the late '90's I always liked him best. Here's to gaining weight and playing second fiddle to Mia.
Lastly, as promised, my favorite analysts decision came down to a tight race. One of the finalists were the tandem of Mark Jackson, Mike Breen, and Jeff Van Gundy. I mean Van Gundy plays little brother to the other two so well I catch myself laughing at times. Mark Jackson and Van Gundy go after Breen nonstop over his lack of direct basketball knowledge, which Breen rebuttals ever so nicely time after time. The winner though by a hair was Walt "Clyde" Fraizer on MSG during Knicks telecasts. I mean how many people can make up this many words in a one game telecast and still be on the air? Please YouTube it if you can. My favorite of all time "There goes David Lee swishing and dishing through the lane." What? Exactly. Gold.
Thomas Jones signs a 2 year deal with the Chiefs to split time with Jamaal Charles. I like this signing. This gives Cassel another option on offense, and if Charles was able to break 1,000 yards rushing without playing a full season, the O-line seems capable enough to block down front for Jones. He's a weapon, and as always is the case with TJ, he has something to prove. Look for the Cheifs to make strides next season. Especially since their divisions best weapon.....
LT just scheduled a visit with the Vikes. This could be dangerous for the league. Since we all know that AP (why am I initialling every player?) couldn't continue his headfirst running style as the lone back if he wanted to play past 2013, so this would be a great pick up. A smarter, quicker, Chester Taylor to star opposite an absolute bruiser. Think Favre would come back for that? I do.
In yet another insignificant release Mangini may have signaled his own version of the Brady era, as the Browns let Derek Anderson go. I don't know how to feel about this. I mean a few years ago Anderson looked great, now he looks awful. The problem is the Brown's "Brady" is of the Quinn variety, and his hairline has looked sharper than his passes. Is this the guy you want to commit to? The "Arenas" of the NFL. At least Gilbert has a couple of All Star selections under his belt. I am just praying that my immediate fear doesn't come to fruition. Ever since the K-Gun left town, someone loves taking castaways under their belts under the belief that they can re-mold them into a star. (Bledsoe, Flutie, T.O. to rattle off a few) Here's looking at you Buffalo. Let's just stick to our Vick/Tebow '10 campaign shall we.
Speaking of Mr. VH-1, he is reportedly meeting with the Bengals. I have to say first and foremost if this happens, HBO better bring the Bengals back for Hard Knocks next season. OMG T.O. and Ochocinco of Dancing with the Stars fame together! My wish finally came true! I can't wait for these two to battle it out for screen time. Also Cincy, thank you for resigning Tank Johnson. I swear I have eight cousins in Florida just like him. Great guy. As far as on the field, this could be a good thing. Maybe T.O. will take motivation from knowing he's the second best receiver on the team. Something he couldn't seem to grasp in Buffalo. Or, he could not do anything and waste my fantasy pick, like last year. Your call Cincy.
In quick baseball news.
Solid outing for Strasburg yesterday. Wicked bender after wicked bender. Then he smokes 98 high! This kid has it. Maybe I should rethink this whole minors thing. Maybe not, but he'll be up in the Show long before September.
Also, sayonara to Nomah!! Great career. Of the elite SS in the late '90's I always liked him best. Here's to gaining weight and playing second fiddle to Mia.
Lastly, as promised, my favorite analysts decision came down to a tight race. One of the finalists were the tandem of Mark Jackson, Mike Breen, and Jeff Van Gundy. I mean Van Gundy plays little brother to the other two so well I catch myself laughing at times. Mark Jackson and Van Gundy go after Breen nonstop over his lack of direct basketball knowledge, which Breen rebuttals ever so nicely time after time. The winner though by a hair was Walt "Clyde" Fraizer on MSG during Knicks telecasts. I mean how many people can make up this many words in a one game telecast and still be on the air? Please YouTube it if you can. My favorite of all time "There goes David Lee swishing and dishing through the lane." What? Exactly. Gold.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)