Since everyone, including they Grandmama are chiming in on the upcoming free agency free for all (especially now that the fan based tone has changed to "Why should we care about who's still playing?", mainly because LeBron is out of the playoffs), I figured why shouldn't I give my input. I, as we all know, represent the true variable when it comes to stars deciding their ultimate destination. I am a FAN! I have the most "knowledge" of anyone out there. Yeah it may base it self solely around my love for the (Indiana) Pacers, but so what? I don't see any of them coming to town anyways. That is if we even have a team next year. Why is it that my teams are always on the block. First it was the Twins, now the Pacers. Hey Buffalo, I'd start winning and doing it soon or you'll be singing a new national anthem at home games. (Ladies and Gentlemen your Toronto Bills?) Yet, I digress. For this edition I'll simply write a bunch of nonsense, eventually giving my take on where players will end up and why. And I'll try my best to stick to Unrestricted FA, but I can't promise anything.
Mr. 2010
I, like most, can not see LeBron leaving. Besides the fact that he is Cleveland's Mauer, actually that comparison in itself is why I think he is staying put. One thing I can say about LBJ is that he's loyal. That's one thing he made for certain by shunning all these new-age agencies and sticking with the boys that got him to the level to go number 1. So what if they weren't BAR certified agents. They have your complete best interests in mind and you, there's. Is that not what an agent should be? So add to that his $30 million dollar compound on the outskirts of Cleveland and you'll see why he'll pull a Mauer and sign a (modest) hometown discount and eventually stay. Oh best believe there will be changes though. I can not say honestly that Mike Brown is the reason they failed in this year's playoffs, but someone has to take the blame. And that person won't be Number 23 (or 6?). Expect Jamison, Shaq, Z, and maybe even Mo Williams and his incredible disappearing act, to all have new homes next year. This will be a revamped Cleveland squad, and I can see a sign and trade venture bringing into town the big man and PG that he needs to win. Who they will be I'm not quite sure because their best option (Boozer) burned this bridge a long time ago. Maybe they can put the past behind them and just play for the sake of a Championship. Boozer is too iffey for me though, and I am not sure LBJ will appreciate him taking days off. If they can't fill their needs in quality time, then expect James to sign in Brooklyn, er NJ. Which of course will leave Cleveland reeling like mein Deutschland, who just saw their chances for a World Cup title all but get shot down.
Update: The more I have thought about this the more I suspect that James may bolt. Mauer had an easy choice because we have built a productive, capable of winning team around him. So I say this with the utmost certainty, if James doesn't get an AS big man capable of double teams and a PG who distributes and doesn't disappear in the big game then he's gone. Why wouldn't he? Does he owe Cleveland so much that he is willing to sacrifice career success at it's highest level. Because if he isn't putting himself in the best position to win then what's the point? No one goes into their field to just make it. People go in expecting to come out on top. Wouldn't he be doing himself a disservice by staying with another sub par supporting cast? Wouldn't the Cavs brass also be doing the same if they don't break the bank? And the fans booed him for crying out loud!
Now as far a Wade, that's a little more guaranteed. Seeing that the Heat have the cap room for the supporting cast and Riles is threatening his yearly comeback to coaching, I suspect that the Heat are anticipating on doing whatever they need to do in order to keep Wade in Miami. They will get a big man, I believe Amare', especially after how the Lake Show made easy work of the Suns last night, or Boozer, and a PG who will come via sign and trade. not sure who that will be, but it will happen. if not, then expect Wade to go to Chicago and dominate with Rose and Co. What if the Heat signed Bosh?! Oh, man.
I have to say though that I initially thought that LBJ's best destination would have also been Chicago, regardless of how much i think Noah blows. But then my brother broke down a valid point. Why would LBJ digress his legacy just to go the Bulls? He can win elsewhere and he wouldn't have to deal with that huge "Monkey on his back" i.e. Jordan's big ass statue outside. Lebron is good enough to have his own statue. Is Wade? Yeah, but he has ties to Chicago, hell he's Jordan's new face of Jumpman. He should be the prodigal son to return Chitown back to glory. Of course this is all saying that he will turn down the billions Miami will throw at him. And considering he is being sued by not only his bonkers ex, but also partners in a failed business deal to the tune of $25 million, I don't believe he has a choice. The Bulls might end up with Joe Johnson and Bosh. Or they absolutely won't.......more on this tomorrow.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Col-lapses in heart
So whom should I rip apart first? The gutless Pens, who let a undermanned Cinderella beat you down at home to advance. Or the rest of the Cavs, for playing like the second tier players they are labeled as and coming up short in Game 5? Let's start off with Crosby's kids.
So I won't mention how the Habs have taken out the Caps and Penguins. (the two best teams in the regular season BTW) Instead, I will focus primarily on the pluses and minuses, so to speak, on why this outcome was inevitable. First off, the one thing the Pens should have taken from Montreal's first round triumph over Washington was how hard the Habs played the Caps. They were physical and unflinching. The Penguins came out soft, played harder in the middle games, and then thought talent alone would prevail over shear guts. Maybe in the financial sector, but this is hockey. I believe that after Crosby's blink and he's gone penalty that led off the game immediately threw him off of his game. This of course exasperated his frustration; an anger that pigeon-holed him into ending up with just one goal. In the series. Problem is Malkin could only match that total. Two goals from your premiere players will not, and did not get it done.
Now to the folks that earned the recognition and are still playing. I must say kudos to Montreal for becoming the first team since the new playoff system was put in place, to take out the President's trophy winner and defending Stanley Cup champs back to back. This is the equivalent of the Bobcats taking out the Cavs (well before the second round. More on that later) and the Lake Show consecutively. Amazing. High fives to Cammalleri and the netminder Halak for unbelievable playoff play so far. I love hearing about new players! And the fact that they completely upstaged Malkin and Crosby makes it even crazier. So here's to the Habs. Not only for shutting down the penguins, but doing it without their top defensive player. And here's to the Penguins for pulling a G-Men and losing with utter embarrassment in your stadiums swan song. The real kicker would be if the Flyers upset the Bruins tonight. Oh man, the Habs taking out both Penn squads. Sounds enticing.
Now to the other choker. No, not LeBron because bottom line, he is allowed to have an off game. I don't think he half-assed it. I just believe that this is what happens when an entire franchise is based on one player scoring in bunches. I, just as most, have no idea what caused LebBron to have such a piss poor game. My guess would be something completely unbasketball related. Bottom line is he had an off game and there was no one else to shoulder the load. Shaq is too old and out of shape. Jamison's shoulders are too hurt to carry a t-shirt, let alone a team. And we all know about Mo's playoff disappearing act. Mike had Scottie. Dream had Clyde. Shaq had Kobe. Duncan had Park...err Ginobili. Isiah had Joe. Magic had Kareem. Bird had McHale. LeBron....uhh..Z? Exactly. When your star has an off game, there has to be someone else to pick up the slack. Jamison has always been a dodger when it comes to the spotlight so he was a non-issue. So what happens now. Well simply, LBJ can't have another game like this. The critics say go harder, then go harder. If you don't, well ball game. The C's have been here before and I can't see them choking. All I've seen LBJ do these situations (beyond that historical night against Detroit), is come up short. What I do know is if this turns out to be another turnover laden, no help contest like last game, my next blog entry could very well be about where LeBron, and all these soon-to-be free agents, ends up this summer.
So I won't mention how the Habs have taken out the Caps and Penguins. (the two best teams in the regular season BTW) Instead, I will focus primarily on the pluses and minuses, so to speak, on why this outcome was inevitable. First off, the one thing the Pens should have taken from Montreal's first round triumph over Washington was how hard the Habs played the Caps. They were physical and unflinching. The Penguins came out soft, played harder in the middle games, and then thought talent alone would prevail over shear guts. Maybe in the financial sector, but this is hockey. I believe that after Crosby's blink and he's gone penalty that led off the game immediately threw him off of his game. This of course exasperated his frustration; an anger that pigeon-holed him into ending up with just one goal. In the series. Problem is Malkin could only match that total. Two goals from your premiere players will not, and did not get it done.
Now to the folks that earned the recognition and are still playing. I must say kudos to Montreal for becoming the first team since the new playoff system was put in place, to take out the President's trophy winner and defending Stanley Cup champs back to back. This is the equivalent of the Bobcats taking out the Cavs (well before the second round. More on that later) and the Lake Show consecutively. Amazing. High fives to Cammalleri and the netminder Halak for unbelievable playoff play so far. I love hearing about new players! And the fact that they completely upstaged Malkin and Crosby makes it even crazier. So here's to the Habs. Not only for shutting down the penguins, but doing it without their top defensive player. And here's to the Penguins for pulling a G-Men and losing with utter embarrassment in your stadiums swan song. The real kicker would be if the Flyers upset the Bruins tonight. Oh man, the Habs taking out both Penn squads. Sounds enticing.
Now to the other choker. No, not LeBron because bottom line, he is allowed to have an off game. I don't think he half-assed it. I just believe that this is what happens when an entire franchise is based on one player scoring in bunches. I, just as most, have no idea what caused LebBron to have such a piss poor game. My guess would be something completely unbasketball related. Bottom line is he had an off game and there was no one else to shoulder the load. Shaq is too old and out of shape. Jamison's shoulders are too hurt to carry a t-shirt, let alone a team. And we all know about Mo's playoff disappearing act. Mike had Scottie. Dream had Clyde. Shaq had Kobe. Duncan had Park...err Ginobili. Isiah had Joe. Magic had Kareem. Bird had McHale. LeBron....uhh..Z? Exactly. When your star has an off game, there has to be someone else to pick up the slack. Jamison has always been a dodger when it comes to the spotlight so he was a non-issue. So what happens now. Well simply, LBJ can't have another game like this. The critics say go harder, then go harder. If you don't, well ball game. The C's have been here before and I can't see them choking. All I've seen LBJ do these situations (beyond that historical night against Detroit), is come up short. What I do know is if this turns out to be another turnover laden, no help contest like last game, my next blog entry could very well be about where LeBron, and all these soon-to-be free agents, ends up this summer.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Giving Respect When it's Due
Congratulations....A-Rod. Not for your history tying homer, but for removing all doubt in my questioning as if you truly are a jerk. Instead of using Braden's unbelievable Perfect Game (only the 19th in the history of the game) as a springboard to squashing this back and forth between he and Dallas, Mr. Ego goes and trumps anything Arenas' punk ass could have done by showing that bitterness prevails over all. I don't care if you are Hank Aaron, Pete Rose, or Cynthia Rodriguez, give respect when respect is due to a man that achieves perfection at his craft. Good news though is that Rodriguez is on the wrong side of his career and Braden should have a productive career long after a washed-up A-Rod is campaigning for a team to sign him, a'la Bonds a couple seasons ago. Karma is a bitch A-Rod and Dallas' perfection should show you that. As much as he pretends not to care (although I love his Rays quip), Alex does. No one likes getting shown up. When do the Yanks play the A's again? I can't wait because this sparring match is not over. Point to Humility/Braden
In more baseball tidbits:
-David Wright is striking out waaaay too much. Check these stats so far on the young season. 108 AB 29 hits 41 K's. 41!!! That's a strike out every 2 and half at bats. How do you get half of an at bat? Not sure, but regardless D-Wright is approaching Rob Deer numbers. At a pace of 40% of your at bats and Bay so far a no show, thank God the pitching is holding up and your catchers and a Rook are saving your ass. If the Mets weren't completely overachieving, then this would definitely be highlighted. Do you understand that if he keeps this up his whiff total will reach the notorious 200 mark? That's with an average of 500 at bats. That's at bat total is annual for him. The sad part is his OnBase% is at .400. Makes you think what if.
-The Mariners finally fired their hitting coach and subsequently scored 8 runs on their way to a blow out victory. This is always an interesting phenomenon when teams react this way. Let's see how they do over the next week or two. Then we'll know whether it was the coach or the players.
I'll comment on Tiger briefly. See A-Rod's predicament. Karma is karma. Ba-leeve dat.
Congrats to Tim Clark who went 206 matches before wining his first PGA tournament. And he had to comeback from 7 shots back! See what happens when ol' Hounddog is indisposed? We get feel good stories like Lefty winning the Green jacket for his wife and Clark ending a tournament drought that could parallel a desert. Here's to Tiger "healing" and coming back more Tiger-ish.
Lastly, I would like to present a large middle-finger-you to the masses for not recognizing what Rondo is doing for the C's. The Big 3 are a Medicaid setback from being done and Rondo is single handily keeping them afloat. Did you see his stat like from Sunday? 29/18/13! Really?! And this was his fourth triple-double in the playoffs. Wow! If bitch ass Tony Parker or even Lebron would have done this the media would be blowing all over themselves. But because it is from a self assure, supposed fourth best player, then we just get a small clip. This is history right now so all you CP3, Day-ron, DRose lovers. Recognize that the best true PG in the game just might be in Beantown. Oh and Boston, that's Rondo with an R, not an H.
In more baseball tidbits:
-David Wright is striking out waaaay too much. Check these stats so far on the young season. 108 AB 29 hits 41 K's. 41!!! That's a strike out every 2 and half at bats. How do you get half of an at bat? Not sure, but regardless D-Wright is approaching Rob Deer numbers. At a pace of 40% of your at bats and Bay so far a no show, thank God the pitching is holding up and your catchers and a Rook are saving your ass. If the Mets weren't completely overachieving, then this would definitely be highlighted. Do you understand that if he keeps this up his whiff total will reach the notorious 200 mark? That's with an average of 500 at bats. That's at bat total is annual for him. The sad part is his OnBase% is at .400. Makes you think what if.
-The Mariners finally fired their hitting coach and subsequently scored 8 runs on their way to a blow out victory. This is always an interesting phenomenon when teams react this way. Let's see how they do over the next week or two. Then we'll know whether it was the coach or the players.
I'll comment on Tiger briefly. See A-Rod's predicament. Karma is karma. Ba-leeve dat.
Congrats to Tim Clark who went 206 matches before wining his first PGA tournament. And he had to comeback from 7 shots back! See what happens when ol' Hounddog is indisposed? We get feel good stories like Lefty winning the Green jacket for his wife and Clark ending a tournament drought that could parallel a desert. Here's to Tiger "healing" and coming back more Tiger-ish.
Lastly, I would like to present a large middle-finger-you to the masses for not recognizing what Rondo is doing for the C's. The Big 3 are a Medicaid setback from being done and Rondo is single handily keeping them afloat. Did you see his stat like from Sunday? 29/18/13! Really?! And this was his fourth triple-double in the playoffs. Wow! If bitch ass Tony Parker or even Lebron would have done this the media would be blowing all over themselves. But because it is from a self assure, supposed fourth best player, then we just get a small clip. This is history right now so all you CP3, Day-ron, DRose lovers. Recognize that the best true PG in the game just might be in Beantown. Oh and Boston, that's Rondo with an R, not an H.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Here's to advancement.....
So a quick edition today. This should wrap up faster than D-Wade's divorce trial.....(screeeech), uh not so much, as Ms. Ex-DWade just filed a lawsuit against the Union. No, not the NBA Union, but Gabrielle Union, the actress/new girlfriend. Apparently the ex's beef is with her kissing and hugging Wade in front of his kids. Did you read that: HIS kids. They are also his children and isn't that what he should be doing with his lady friend. Before you think I am siding with Wade, let me tell you this. I have read a few accounts of this story and three matching points from all led me to the same conclusion. She's bitter. Why, I'll tell you. First, he has tried to settle multiple times out of court, offers which she repeatedly turned down. Knowing that they are former high school sweethearts tells me that the man I believe Wade to truly be would have offered, I am sure, a nice meaty package (no pun intended). Though, I don't personally know Wade so I could be wrong. He could be low-balling her. But I doubt it. Secondly, he wants custody of the kids. She won't give it. As lady Dunn point blank told me, "She ain't giving up them kids. No real mother would." I think she is keeping them for the alimony and child support. Maybe not, but how many NBA father's do you see fighting for the right to raise their children? Wade explains that her mental instability is one of the main contributing factors in him wanting custody. How do I know this to be a certainty? Because Ex-Wade told her lawyers (her third set of representation BTW*), that his dating Union has caused emotional strife and stress to their children. If this were the case, would he really want them? Wouldn't the kids be completely against it? Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. This all brings me to my final point, Why even bring Gabrielle Union in it? Ex-Wade stated that her strong willed movie characters and sexual deviance's on screen have led to an eerie life-imitating-art kind of result. Or, those were characters in film and ex-Wade hasn't got a leg to stand on. Regardless, it is all a little crazy. All I know is this is very convenient considering Basketball Wives on VH1 (produced by Shaq's ex BTW) is getting no ratings. LOL But seriously, I smell a need to move on here. J/S
More to come as this develops.
*Because the first two removed themselves from the case citing "irreconcilable differences". Isn't this the reason for a divorce in the first place? How strong of a case does she have if even those representing her are bailing for lack of a valid argument?
In much better news, I am so proud of Milton Bradley for seeking help. Seriously. This is America and despite my beloved Virginia going by the wayside because of ignorant representation, I believe that all people should be given the benefit of help when they recognize that they have a problem. Milton used to be just crazy. Now I see that it's so much more. Raised in an inner city, single mom who worked hellish hours and couldn't pay bills, a constant need to succeed as a way of payback to said mother. I can't help but to understand him seeing that those also explained my upbringing. Am I crazy? No. Opinionated? Very. Simply put, I just see Bradley finally for what he is. The great part is, finally, so did he. Good luck buddy.
On a final note, to touch somewhat on the title, KUDOS!!!!! to the Suns for wearing the now even more socially conscious Los Suns jerseys. Lady Dunn stated this was a must do because alot of their fan base is Hispanic. Regardless, and this is all I will publicly say on the matter, regardless of what race you are, this entire country was generated on immigrants. How is it our right to deny them the rights that our ancestors, well half of my ancestors, or none of my ancestors if you ask Va's new government, had. Yes we live in different times, but in a rotten world this is the one thing I find great about America. Through all the turmoil this truly is the still the country that allows anyone to make it. ANYONE. So should we have safe guards? Of course. But asking a Mexican if he has papers is racist. Bottom-line.
More to come as this develops.
*Because the first two removed themselves from the case citing "irreconcilable differences". Isn't this the reason for a divorce in the first place? How strong of a case does she have if even those representing her are bailing for lack of a valid argument?
In much better news, I am so proud of Milton Bradley for seeking help. Seriously. This is America and despite my beloved Virginia going by the wayside because of ignorant representation, I believe that all people should be given the benefit of help when they recognize that they have a problem. Milton used to be just crazy. Now I see that it's so much more. Raised in an inner city, single mom who worked hellish hours and couldn't pay bills, a constant need to succeed as a way of payback to said mother. I can't help but to understand him seeing that those also explained my upbringing. Am I crazy? No. Opinionated? Very. Simply put, I just see Bradley finally for what he is. The great part is, finally, so did he. Good luck buddy.
On a final note, to touch somewhat on the title, KUDOS!!!!! to the Suns for wearing the now even more socially conscious Los Suns jerseys. Lady Dunn stated this was a must do because alot of their fan base is Hispanic. Regardless, and this is all I will publicly say on the matter, regardless of what race you are, this entire country was generated on immigrants. How is it our right to deny them the rights that our ancestors, well half of my ancestors, or none of my ancestors if you ask Va's new government, had. Yes we live in different times, but in a rotten world this is the one thing I find great about America. Through all the turmoil this truly is the still the country that allows anyone to make it. ANYONE. So should we have safe guards? Of course. But asking a Mexican if he has papers is racist. Bottom-line.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May Day?
Is it time to abandon ship? Well, maybe. There are a couple of teams/players that are having early season troubles and are an injury away from phoning in 2010. I am not saying they can't turn it around, but early forecasts look bleak. Who are these teams/individuals you ask? Heck, I'll tell ya.
This may be too early into the season to dissect, but there should definitely be panic in the Nation. Your ace (newly resigned Beckett) has done nothing but get shelled, and you're already placing your hopes on a youngster (Buchholz), and a vet who is coming off of a major injury (Matsuzaka). Lackey has been ok (he beat my Twins), but not nearly enough to stave off a completely done Papi, ageing Varitek, and injuries galore (Ellsbury and Cameron to name a couple). Not to mention Drew, Victor Martinez, and Pedroia aren't hitting consistently yet. Since I am not sold on the Bill Hall/Jeremy Hermida platoon, unless their pitching starts to come around, abandon ship is right. Although seeing how the Rays can't lose and the Yanks are the Yanks, hope might need some help like the words if, maybe, or probably. (Yes, I did just incorporate Andre 3000 in my blog) Good luck Francona.
BTW, I am assuming those who chose Cano as AL player of the month didn't read my most recent blog entry. They should have. If so, then they wouldn't have been completely wrong in their pick.
Also, a quick aww shucks to the Royals for demoting Alex Gordon to the minors. He has not hit over 16 taters or batted over .280 in any one season, and number 1 pick or not, that just ain't getting it done. Something smells very Delmon Young about him. Maybe he'll turn it around eventually like Delmon has shown this season. Maybe not. I'm hoping for the latter. Unless he comes to Minny. Actually no thanks. We've had our fill of disappointing talent. See Santana trade.
Now there were a couple of people that pulled a Red Sox and almost made me leave them out of this edition. Quick "just-barely" noms to Peavy (yesterday's shutdown performance most certainly helped), D-Train (great game against my Twinkies no doubt. But we see him again tonight so he could get right back on the list), and Grady Sizemore (batting like .100 and might have a couple RBI's, if any). I would include the rookie Heyward (he hasn't quite made the adjustment, but does have 7 homers already), but he is only 20.
Now that we have the underachievers out of the way, here's a tip of the 'ol cap to those impressing the pants off of me right now.(My chinos are sans on my legs as we speak).
My two utter surprises are the Mets starting pitching and two rookies. The first, here's to Manual and the Mets brass for sticking with youngsters who had the talent, but had problems pitching consistently game to game. Santana (his usual self, minus the Philly game) and Pelfrey (finally finding his rhythm, also minus the Philly game)are a major reason the Mets aren't already out of it. And extra kudos must be presented to their young, overachieving pen. Mejia (1.50) and Nieve (2.81) both pitched their way onto the team in Spring Training and haven't disappointed. Feliciano (0.71!!) seems like he is rewarding the Mets for keeping him as their only holdover from the mid-2000's pen that sucked dick. And please pay attention to Ike Davis. He is THAT good. He could very well steal ROY right from under Heyward's nose. Unless of course Strasburg (promoted to AAA) decides not to pitch until August, which will never happen considering the Nats tough play so far.
Just for my main man Marbles, I must say I never expected Jaime Garcia (3-1, 1.13 ERA) to develop this quickly, but Jesus!, this kid is killing. Speaking of shutdown performance. Where exactly were the mighty Phils last night? Not in the batters box.
Lastly, my I-told-you-so dominate effort so far this season goes to two people. First, my Mauer replacement Wilson Ramos. 7 for 9, 3 extra base hits, and his first RBI, all in the first two games! Yeah, I said we needed to figure out what to do with him and I was right. My opinion. Trade him for major 3rd base talent because it seems that Valencia is never gonna see the Show. We need help at third like yesterday. Who's our starter? Uh Punto, Harris, sometimes Cuddyer, the rookie Luke Hughes? Exactly. We are solid everywhere else. Now if we could just find a player good enough. My pick is.....Valencia. And trade Ramos for a front of the line starter because Baker is no more than a 3 and Liriano is our only ace. If we are to compete with the Yanks, Rays, and M's we need a true number 2.
Second, Ethier from the Dodgers. Remember last season when Manny was killing and then got suspended. This of course led to a domino effect of lackluster play offensively from most of the Dodgers batters. All that is, except Ethier. Here we are now in 2010 and it seems as if times have not changed so much. Manny is out and all those hot bats have cooled, most notably Kemp, who I big uped in an earlier blog entry. All, that is, except Ethier. All he's done in Manny's absence is post Triple Crown numbers(as of May 3rd), leading the NL in homers, RBI's, and average. His sweet swing should be talked about more. He'll be an All-Star this year and in coming year's. Hey, does he play 3B?
This may be too early into the season to dissect, but there should definitely be panic in the Nation. Your ace (newly resigned Beckett) has done nothing but get shelled, and you're already placing your hopes on a youngster (Buchholz), and a vet who is coming off of a major injury (Matsuzaka). Lackey has been ok (he beat my Twins), but not nearly enough to stave off a completely done Papi, ageing Varitek, and injuries galore (Ellsbury and Cameron to name a couple). Not to mention Drew, Victor Martinez, and Pedroia aren't hitting consistently yet. Since I am not sold on the Bill Hall/Jeremy Hermida platoon, unless their pitching starts to come around, abandon ship is right. Although seeing how the Rays can't lose and the Yanks are the Yanks, hope might need some help like the words if, maybe, or probably. (Yes, I did just incorporate Andre 3000 in my blog) Good luck Francona.
BTW, I am assuming those who chose Cano as AL player of the month didn't read my most recent blog entry. They should have. If so, then they wouldn't have been completely wrong in their pick.
Also, a quick aww shucks to the Royals for demoting Alex Gordon to the minors. He has not hit over 16 taters or batted over .280 in any one season, and number 1 pick or not, that just ain't getting it done. Something smells very Delmon Young about him. Maybe he'll turn it around eventually like Delmon has shown this season. Maybe not. I'm hoping for the latter. Unless he comes to Minny. Actually no thanks. We've had our fill of disappointing talent. See Santana trade.
Now there were a couple of people that pulled a Red Sox and almost made me leave them out of this edition. Quick "just-barely" noms to Peavy (yesterday's shutdown performance most certainly helped), D-Train (great game against my Twinkies no doubt. But we see him again tonight so he could get right back on the list), and Grady Sizemore (batting like .100 and might have a couple RBI's, if any). I would include the rookie Heyward (he hasn't quite made the adjustment, but does have 7 homers already), but he is only 20.
Now that we have the underachievers out of the way, here's a tip of the 'ol cap to those impressing the pants off of me right now.(My chinos are sans on my legs as we speak).
My two utter surprises are the Mets starting pitching and two rookies. The first, here's to Manual and the Mets brass for sticking with youngsters who had the talent, but had problems pitching consistently game to game. Santana (his usual self, minus the Philly game) and Pelfrey (finally finding his rhythm, also minus the Philly game)are a major reason the Mets aren't already out of it. And extra kudos must be presented to their young, overachieving pen. Mejia (1.50) and Nieve (2.81) both pitched their way onto the team in Spring Training and haven't disappointed. Feliciano (0.71!!) seems like he is rewarding the Mets for keeping him as their only holdover from the mid-2000's pen that sucked dick. And please pay attention to Ike Davis. He is THAT good. He could very well steal ROY right from under Heyward's nose. Unless of course Strasburg (promoted to AAA) decides not to pitch until August, which will never happen considering the Nats tough play so far.
Just for my main man Marbles, I must say I never expected Jaime Garcia (3-1, 1.13 ERA) to develop this quickly, but Jesus!, this kid is killing. Speaking of shutdown performance. Where exactly were the mighty Phils last night? Not in the batters box.
Lastly, my I-told-you-so dominate effort so far this season goes to two people. First, my Mauer replacement Wilson Ramos. 7 for 9, 3 extra base hits, and his first RBI, all in the first two games! Yeah, I said we needed to figure out what to do with him and I was right. My opinion. Trade him for major 3rd base talent because it seems that Valencia is never gonna see the Show. We need help at third like yesterday. Who's our starter? Uh Punto, Harris, sometimes Cuddyer, the rookie Luke Hughes? Exactly. We are solid everywhere else. Now if we could just find a player good enough. My pick is.....Valencia. And trade Ramos for a front of the line starter because Baker is no more than a 3 and Liriano is our only ace. If we are to compete with the Yanks, Rays, and M's we need a true number 2.
Second, Ethier from the Dodgers. Remember last season when Manny was killing and then got suspended. This of course led to a domino effect of lackluster play offensively from most of the Dodgers batters. All that is, except Ethier. Here we are now in 2010 and it seems as if times have not changed so much. Manny is out and all those hot bats have cooled, most notably Kemp, who I big uped in an earlier blog entry. All, that is, except Ethier. All he's done in Manny's absence is post Triple Crown numbers(as of May 3rd), leading the NL in homers, RBI's, and average. His sweet swing should be talked about more. He'll be an All-Star this year and in coming year's. Hey, does he play 3B?
Friday, April 30, 2010
God I hate Cano
Thank you all for your patience. Between acting rehearsals and wedding planning, Hay Dios Mio, there's not enough Dunn to go around. But here I am back to complain. And oh aren't there so many reasons. Tiger looks like a jerk with that goatee (BTW, so he confessed to Elin that the total number of infidelities is now 120. Does it matter? 1 or 120. Tiger, women don't care which it is. Ask MJ.) In addition to this blasphemy, what's the deal with Gordon getting his panties all in a bunch because JJ hurt his only chance for a win. You know what Jeff, get better. Than you won't have to wait to win. Crybaby.
Also, I must comment, briefly albeit, on the Caps collapse. This should be talked about more. This has new era Dallas Mavericks written all over it. And irony is alive and well looking at the now ended Spurs/Mavs series. Sorry no knowledgeable hockey match up to compare. Maybe the Sharks recent meltdowns, but this was 3-1! No way the Caps should have lost. And what happened? Did the Canadiens really want it that much more? Doubtful. Dirk..ehemm...sorry, Ovechkin simply could not do it all on his own. After being held without a SOG in game 1, Washington should have known something was up. Instead of adjusting accordingly they decided to take the 'ol this-can't-possibly-happen-again-in-a-million-years-approach and sat idly by whilst(love that word) Montreal decided to go all Red Sawx on them and take out the champ. Or should I say supposed Champ. My new pick: Blackhawks babay!
Now for the true purpose of this blog. I debated heavily if I should write what Lee suggested and talk about the lack of black athletes in boxing. Or was it baseball? Regardless, half of me is losing representation in two major sports. The RBI program can't possibly help it all, can it? Well Howard did just get $125 million, so maybe it can. More on this in a future entry. Instead, I decided to talk about the athletes that I hate. I love to complain about everything in sports and these "good" players, for whatever reasons, just haven't been able to convince me that they are worthy. My perception can be changed so don't think I am simply a hater. I hated Neyo the singer. I thought he was being force fed down my throat because their just weren't any other R&B singers out there. Are you truly good if you are the only one? A question T-Pain should ask himself. Eventually Neyo convinced me through an interview that he is just a guy who likes music and tries to make it to the best of his ability. Fine. I'll take that. I just think these athletes are all garbage for their very own personal reasons, which I will detail. This will start with the players I only kind of dislike and will end with a full meltdown on Robinson Cano. It actually just angered me to even type his name.
First up: Andrew Bynum/Joakim Noah
They get coupled in a category simply because essentially they embody the kind of garbage play/announcer love that only Varajao or Bruce Bowen could have garnered. First Bynum.
Has there ever been a more garbage player who the Association thought was a beast? Before you answer, ask yourself this question. Since Bynum has come into the league, when he hasn't been injured (which is always), name me one All-Star caliber, no, not even, name me one average CENTER (Not PF masking as C, but true C) he has dominated? Anyone? Anyone? And Nenad Kristic definitely doesn't fucking count. (Waiting patiently as the Jeopardy theme plays) Any? Exactly. None. He is the softest, weakest, most untested, shrinking when the game is on the line, big man I have ever seen. And you're reading someone who witnessed the Kwame Brown, Darko, Oden, AND Never Nervous Pervis fiasco's. He whines when he's touched. A 14 and 7 night is a BIG deal for him, AND he plays in an era where it is widespread knowledge that the true Center is an endangered position. He plays with the best player in the game (barely) right now, another big man who can shoot or play inside, who's an All-Star himself BTW which causes the other teams big to leave Bynum for a better player, and he still can't dominate. Regardless how much shorter or lighter the comp is. Bynum is a soft bitch and because of my hatred for him I won't even get into Noah. I will say this about Noah though. If Florida didn't have Brewer and Horford to help them win b2b National Championships, Noah wouldn't even have gotten drafted. Now he has the balls to question the Cavs? Get serious Noah. Make 1 jumper. Just 1, and then you can compare games. And I am not talking about Noah in the Monte' Ellis sense. A player who was so good that a rookie made him instantly trade bait and insignificant. Yeah you're a beast Ellis. To the Ellis family.
Before I get to the most overrated player in the history of sports please let me send huge F.U.'s to these players who could have gotten a comment or two, but the human brain doesn't have that much of an attention span. So, Redskins version of McNabb, T.O., Romo, the Cowboys, and the Bills brass, your NFL time will come.
Til then....
Oh Robinson Cano, how I loathe thee. Has there ever been a player in a more forgiving situation who thought that being surrounded by HofF talent actually made you one? Maybe Wes Welker? Or Bruce Bowen? Or Derek Fisher? No, they don't come close. Cano is garbage. Why you ask? Because he has had constant protection around him since he joined the Yankees. And how hard is it to play on a team that I could start 2nd base for? If you can remotely hit a fastball you can thrive in his position. Having Jete, Tex, Posada, Matsui, A-Rod, and Damon all hitting before you will get you a lot of fastballs. The pitcher is so worried about the other true All-Stars (not Torre picking you because of favoritism, but true All-Stars), he is ready to burn right through Cano, Nady, Swisher, Cairo, Gardner, and what ever other filler is down there. Ok, so you hit a few solid shots over that Little League porch in right. Congrats. Here's my proof that he sucks. Put Cano on any other team. Matter of fact, switch him with Hill form the Jays and try to tell me that you would have even heard of Cano by now. The only reason anyone knows who he is is because he plays for the Yanks. He would be a .275/18/78 guy a season easily away from the confines of the Bronx. Is that an All-Star? Maybe if he was the lone rep from the Pirates. And I know for a fact he couldn't beat out McCutcheon or maybe even Lastings. Well Lastings might have been a stretch, but you get the point. Please debate me on this issue because I love to bash this guy. The League, and myself, will be much happier when he finally loses his spot on the team. Until then, I guess I'll have to endure you. Did I just quote Edward Cullen? I wish a vampire was here to massacre Cano. Oh dreams. Til Monday.
Also, I must comment, briefly albeit, on the Caps collapse. This should be talked about more. This has new era Dallas Mavericks written all over it. And irony is alive and well looking at the now ended Spurs/Mavs series. Sorry no knowledgeable hockey match up to compare. Maybe the Sharks recent meltdowns, but this was 3-1! No way the Caps should have lost. And what happened? Did the Canadiens really want it that much more? Doubtful. Dirk..ehemm...sorry, Ovechkin simply could not do it all on his own. After being held without a SOG in game 1, Washington should have known something was up. Instead of adjusting accordingly they decided to take the 'ol this-can't-possibly-happen-again-in-a-million-years-approach and sat idly by whilst(love that word) Montreal decided to go all Red Sawx on them and take out the champ. Or should I say supposed Champ. My new pick: Blackhawks babay!
Now for the true purpose of this blog. I debated heavily if I should write what Lee suggested and talk about the lack of black athletes in boxing. Or was it baseball? Regardless, half of me is losing representation in two major sports. The RBI program can't possibly help it all, can it? Well Howard did just get $125 million, so maybe it can. More on this in a future entry. Instead, I decided to talk about the athletes that I hate. I love to complain about everything in sports and these "good" players, for whatever reasons, just haven't been able to convince me that they are worthy. My perception can be changed so don't think I am simply a hater. I hated Neyo the singer. I thought he was being force fed down my throat because their just weren't any other R&B singers out there. Are you truly good if you are the only one? A question T-Pain should ask himself. Eventually Neyo convinced me through an interview that he is just a guy who likes music and tries to make it to the best of his ability. Fine. I'll take that. I just think these athletes are all garbage for their very own personal reasons, which I will detail. This will start with the players I only kind of dislike and will end with a full meltdown on Robinson Cano. It actually just angered me to even type his name.
First up: Andrew Bynum/Joakim Noah
They get coupled in a category simply because essentially they embody the kind of garbage play/announcer love that only Varajao or Bruce Bowen could have garnered. First Bynum.
Has there ever been a more garbage player who the Association thought was a beast? Before you answer, ask yourself this question. Since Bynum has come into the league, when he hasn't been injured (which is always), name me one All-Star caliber, no, not even, name me one average CENTER (Not PF masking as C, but true C) he has dominated? Anyone? Anyone? And Nenad Kristic definitely doesn't fucking count. (Waiting patiently as the Jeopardy theme plays) Any? Exactly. None. He is the softest, weakest, most untested, shrinking when the game is on the line, big man I have ever seen. And you're reading someone who witnessed the Kwame Brown, Darko, Oden, AND Never Nervous Pervis fiasco's. He whines when he's touched. A 14 and 7 night is a BIG deal for him, AND he plays in an era where it is widespread knowledge that the true Center is an endangered position. He plays with the best player in the game (barely) right now, another big man who can shoot or play inside, who's an All-Star himself BTW which causes the other teams big to leave Bynum for a better player, and he still can't dominate. Regardless how much shorter or lighter the comp is. Bynum is a soft bitch and because of my hatred for him I won't even get into Noah. I will say this about Noah though. If Florida didn't have Brewer and Horford to help them win b2b National Championships, Noah wouldn't even have gotten drafted. Now he has the balls to question the Cavs? Get serious Noah. Make 1 jumper. Just 1, and then you can compare games. And I am not talking about Noah in the Monte' Ellis sense. A player who was so good that a rookie made him instantly trade bait and insignificant. Yeah you're a beast Ellis. To the Ellis family.
Before I get to the most overrated player in the history of sports please let me send huge F.U.'s to these players who could have gotten a comment or two, but the human brain doesn't have that much of an attention span. So, Redskins version of McNabb, T.O., Romo, the Cowboys, and the Bills brass, your NFL time will come.
Til then....
Oh Robinson Cano, how I loathe thee. Has there ever been a player in a more forgiving situation who thought that being surrounded by HofF talent actually made you one? Maybe Wes Welker? Or Bruce Bowen? Or Derek Fisher? No, they don't come close. Cano is garbage. Why you ask? Because he has had constant protection around him since he joined the Yankees. And how hard is it to play on a team that I could start 2nd base for? If you can remotely hit a fastball you can thrive in his position. Having Jete, Tex, Posada, Matsui, A-Rod, and Damon all hitting before you will get you a lot of fastballs. The pitcher is so worried about the other true All-Stars (not Torre picking you because of favoritism, but true All-Stars), he is ready to burn right through Cano, Nady, Swisher, Cairo, Gardner, and what ever other filler is down there. Ok, so you hit a few solid shots over that Little League porch in right. Congrats. Here's my proof that he sucks. Put Cano on any other team. Matter of fact, switch him with Hill form the Jays and try to tell me that you would have even heard of Cano by now. The only reason anyone knows who he is is because he plays for the Yanks. He would be a .275/18/78 guy a season easily away from the confines of the Bronx. Is that an All-Star? Maybe if he was the lone rep from the Pirates. And I know for a fact he couldn't beat out McCutcheon or maybe even Lastings. Well Lastings might have been a stretch, but you get the point. Please debate me on this issue because I love to bash this guy. The League, and myself, will be much happier when he finally loses his spot on the team. Until then, I guess I'll have to endure you. Did I just quote Edward Cullen? I wish a vampire was here to massacre Cano. Oh dreams. Til Monday.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The week that still is
What a sports weeks! Everything that is possible happened in every sport. Hat tricks, No-Hitters, Retirements, Signings, Suspensions, AND Roethlisberger got suspended 6 games! I exclaimed that simply out of hate. Really. This is the second girl he has "raped". Why doesn't society realize just how much of a creep this guy is. These assholes would probably let their virgin sister camp out at one of his Hang with Big Ben fan sleepovers. As his sister shows up the next day, a much more tormented person than the day previous, this asshole is sitting there wondering why not only why was his sister the only person who showed up, but why he wasn't also invited. Big Ben is a creep and karma will come.... guns blazing. Phew, now that I got that out, how bout some ranting.....
Lorena Ochoa retired from the LPGA this week, citing the need to start a family. So is that what we're calling it on the women's side? Tiger just admitted to banging mad girls. Having only consistently seen one female golfer that shared Ochoa's dominance, I have to only assume that she's doing as Tiger did. The same as in having sex with mad women. Because Sorenstam was a lesbot. Get that?
Speaking of retiring, the Pats signed Torry Holt this week to a 1-year deal. So after this FA signing, mark that as another FA signing with an AFC East team. And, that team once again is not the Buffalo Bills. Got it. Just keeping score here.
Not to be outdone, the Jets signed their own aging beast, Jason Taylor to a 2 year deal. Hmh. Scratch that. Other AFC East teams: a billion signings. Buffalo: zero. Thanks Bills.
As much as I have enjoyed watching Sid the Kid toy with the opposition in his new quest to overtake Gretzky as the best ever, instead of just becoming a great player, I have just slightly less enjoyed watching Papi's utter collapse, Sosa-style, right before my eyes. "I didn't never take steroids!" Is that what he said? Maybe not, but it should have been. Then I would have chalked up his blatant lie as complete ignorance. Seeing that Volquez just somewhat derailed his career by taking the wrong Dominican drug in an effort to heal more rapidly from Tommy John surgery,(in my own opinion BTW) I can only assume that Papi was seeing the same quack. This is what you get for leaving the Twins, Ortiz. Enjoy. Ask Marty Cordova, Chuck Knobluach, Jacque Jones, Eric Milton, and Corey Koskie. It's a curse. Watch out Garza and Bartlett. Or should I say Rays?
In extra kudos, high fives to Matt Kemp for leading the NL in RBIs(through Tuesday) and to Rihanna for leading the music industry in back shots taken. Here's to both of you in finally finding your swing. Yahtzee!
Lastly I'd like to express my remorse for the International athletes that risked their lives in order to trek across land and sea, just to lose in the Boston Marathon. I mean if it was the New York I'd get it. At least you would be in NY. Hope it was worth it. And you still can't get back home. Idiots.
Lorena Ochoa retired from the LPGA this week, citing the need to start a family. So is that what we're calling it on the women's side? Tiger just admitted to banging mad girls. Having only consistently seen one female golfer that shared Ochoa's dominance, I have to only assume that she's doing as Tiger did. The same as in having sex with mad women. Because Sorenstam was a lesbot. Get that?
Speaking of retiring, the Pats signed Torry Holt this week to a 1-year deal. So after this FA signing, mark that as another FA signing with an AFC East team. And, that team once again is not the Buffalo Bills. Got it. Just keeping score here.
Not to be outdone, the Jets signed their own aging beast, Jason Taylor to a 2 year deal. Hmh. Scratch that. Other AFC East teams: a billion signings. Buffalo: zero. Thanks Bills.
As much as I have enjoyed watching Sid the Kid toy with the opposition in his new quest to overtake Gretzky as the best ever, instead of just becoming a great player, I have just slightly less enjoyed watching Papi's utter collapse, Sosa-style, right before my eyes. "I didn't never take steroids!" Is that what he said? Maybe not, but it should have been. Then I would have chalked up his blatant lie as complete ignorance. Seeing that Volquez just somewhat derailed his career by taking the wrong Dominican drug in an effort to heal more rapidly from Tommy John surgery,(in my own opinion BTW) I can only assume that Papi was seeing the same quack. This is what you get for leaving the Twins, Ortiz. Enjoy. Ask Marty Cordova, Chuck Knobluach, Jacque Jones, Eric Milton, and Corey Koskie. It's a curse. Watch out Garza and Bartlett. Or should I say Rays?
In extra kudos, high fives to Matt Kemp for leading the NL in RBIs(through Tuesday) and to Rihanna for leading the music industry in back shots taken. Here's to both of you in finally finding your swing. Yahtzee!
Lastly I'd like to express my remorse for the International athletes that risked their lives in order to trek across land and sea, just to lose in the Boston Marathon. I mean if it was the New York I'd get it. At least you would be in NY. Hope it was worth it. And you still can't get back home. Idiots.
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