I'm back like Whitney on crack!
With that ridiculous intro aside, welcome back to Sports are Dunn. The place where opinions are thrown like Nyjer Morgan pucnches, and the only bias is towards anything that has has had any relation to any organization that has ever been reffered, or referred to itself as, America's Team.
With that.....
Ladies and Gentlemen please recognize the fact that my Twins are up 9.5 games (Sox played Sunday Night baseball game) with like two weeks left, all but solidifying a post season berth. Now this may not be fresh news to you and neither may be the next tid bit, but I am sure you and many others have neglested to notice that this is coming despite the presence of our best power hitter and shut down closer. Now think about that. Take away the other contenders main power threat and their closer and ask me would they be in the postion the Twins are in.
(I included all possible contenders)
Yanks- A-Rod & Mo
Rays- Longoria & Soriano
Rangers- Hamilton & Feliz
Braves- Glaus & Wagner
Phillies- Howard & Lidge(though I do deem this an upgrade in the closers role)
Reds- Votto & Cordero
Giants- Huff & Wilson
Padres- Gonzalez & Bell
Rockies- Tulo(especially now!) & Street
Now you may say well the Twins still have a beast in Mauer. Yes. Yes they do, but he is not the reason we have prevailed. An agesless Thome, a starting to figure things out, 100 RBI, 24 year old Delmon Young, a god send in Valencia, and solid pitching that has bailed each other out time in and time out is the cause. In other words, team baseball. Would the other teams have it. Probably, but in the case of the Twins, we know this to be a fact.
AND THAT'S HOW YOU COMEBACK!
In football news, soooo I guess we all are biting our tounges over the Hollywood Jets now huh? Sanchez played his ass off, Braylon didn't drop anything significant, and LT gave me solid fantasy points, which all led to a Jets mind fuck of the Pats. Bieber, who looked so solid first half, threw two badly thrown picks in the second half and looked deflated late. That was all I have to say about the Jets. I'm a Bills fan remember. Don't worry, neither do I sometimes.
My picks for the upcoming NFL seaosn. (Just cause)
AFC
East- Jets
North- Colts
South- Steelers (solely based on their dominate D)
West- Chargers (by default)
NFC
East- Eagles (Vick baby!!!!)
North- Packers (Rodgers is as goofy as Eli, but three billion times better)
South- Falcons (they'll dominate devision play)
West- Seahwaks will lose the least
AFC Champion: Colts in another classic with the Sexy Rexy's (Sue me. I just watched Empire Records.)
NFC Champion: Packers (by default)
Champ: Peyton's win
I would go backwards and comment on Roddick's inevitable collapse at another Major, or Nadal's Major accomplishment for that matter. Or how Jimmy is gearing up to win his fifth Cup in a row, well on his way to the Russell. Or should I say the Red? How about we just win five first. Moving on. Or the three's Artest had no business hitting, or the South Beach Talent Takers(P, is this name trademarked?), or Reggie's "confession", or how Tiger's across the horizon comeback (I say this simply because if it doesn't happen, I can just shrug my shoulders and say oh well. If he does comeback and I bet against it, trust me, I'll feel heavily annoyed by it), or a certain Latin reporter who was dressed more like she was looking to score free drinks, rather than score exclusives.
No, I am in a state of positive progression. With The Twins not fighting towards an eventual 163rd game, I am looking at sports more clearly. With more confidence. I can honestly say that the Bills are playing so devastatingly poor right now so that come draft time, they can pluck Mallet, or Kellen Moore, or (fingers crossed) Pryor #1 overall. And I can look at Kentucky basketball having another incoming freshman being investigated, and look you in the eye and swear to you that their recruiting practices are legit. That we aren't the USC of men's college basketball. And I can see My Vols get demolished by yet another team, FLORIDA no less!, and tell you with the most forthright of earnestness that we are rebuilding, and attempting to wash the Kiffin stank off us.
So please, enjoy this new enlightened Chris. Because as soon as the Twins get eliminated in the playoffs by those other mind fucks known as the New York Yankees, I'm coming for asses like Roethlisberger at a college afterparty, alone, with two passed out stragglers.
Til next time.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The C's will have smooth sailing
So with my upcoming cruise creeping up on me like NCAA officials on Eric Bledsoe, this edition will be a two week wrap up. Not the last two weeks, but the upcoming two weeks. I'll give you my synopsis on Championship outcomes and other tid bits. So with that.....
The C's are beating the Lakers again, enough said. Why? Well for the same reason they beat them the first time. Pierce (and someone else) will tighten up Kobe, Odom will digress with the intense pressure that Sheed(Posey) and Perkins (even semi-injured) will throw at him (something offensive minded Ama're didn't think of doing), and D Fisher's lucky ass three's that always seem to cripple an opponent in late game scenarios will be handcuffed by an even better Rondo. Who is left? Oh yeah, Gasol. Well seeing as he couldn't dominate against an undersized, no defense presenting Phoenix team, I really can't see him doing much of anything against a team that would rather win 10-4, then score 140 points in a game. And please don't mention Ron Artest. He hasn't been a factor since St. John's. Even with that B.S. layup. I am not saying that LA probably won't fight as hard as anyone in order for Kobe to knock another notch in his quest to surpass Jordan as the greatest person named Kobe Bryant, but they just aren't good enough. We already saw how the Suns second unit absolutely terrorized the Lakers' secondaries, and with the way the C's are like a hockey team with their line changes, who am I to even speculate that this won't happen again. Kobe can't do it all. The Lakers bench is their achilles heel and this is why they will lose.
-Celtics in 6.
Speaking of the puck, if the Flyers don't find a way to 1.) stop missing golden opportunities and 2.) find a way to slow down Eager, this series will be wrapped up before I set sail Sunday. Remember the 'Hawks are doing this without the services of Kane or Toews, who both decided to sit and watch game 2. Philly should take solice in getting to the Finals, kind of like the Colts in February. This is Chicago's year. It's destiny. In hockey anyways.
-Blackhawks in 5.
From ice to clay, I have to say that I am now solely rooting for Soderling. With his unbelievable upset of Feds I have to say that now not only with Rafa easily dispose of whomever meets him in the Final,(not that Roger would have posed any kind of real threat. This is clay you know) but because of this; he may just let off the gas long enough for Soderling to surprise him. Probably not though. Where's my true Frenchman Monfils!? Oh yeah, second round exit. And as noted, Roddick once again took an early exit. So early that he wasn't even the last American man standing. What is it with this guy?
As far as the ladies go, with Henin's early exit I believe this is once again, Sarena's tourney to lose.
From clay to concrete, I just have to say once again how much I hate the Busch's. But I did enjoy seeing Kurt get mashed up Sunday. Speaking of crashing, who does it twice in the same race!? Jimmy does, that's who. Thank God this is still early season. 48 definitely will turn it on in the second half.
I'll end with a little baseball news.
So just in time for me to start cheering for the Redlegs, Pujols decided to stop playing around and become superhuman again. 3 taters is always an impressive feat, but after watching the Cards lineup dismantle Arroyo yesterday, the Reds quite simply aren't there yet. Garcia is a young monster for the Cards and teaming him up with Carpenter and Wainwright(Is he related to Rufus?), formidable is a word that comes to mind. Central Division champs are three others. And that could easily go to National League champs if the Fightin's don't start well, fightin'. I would have never thought they would just completely stop hitting as a whole unit. If this is the type of team unity that the analysts are all saying that other squads need in order to consistently win, then I am not sure that's a model I need my Twins to follow. Especially as we finally begin to separate ourselves from the rest of the Central. I don't think this will last too much longer, but then again, I never expected it to start. Oh, and Ubaldo Jiminez has the worst first name in the game, but the sickest and most electric stuff. 10-1 ERA under 1! Who does that? Oh yeah, no one. Here's to him keeping it up and the rest of the Rockies doing anything besides sending an underachieving CF down, so we can get this guy some Goddamn pub.
With that, adios! and I'll see you after the 14th.
The C's are beating the Lakers again, enough said. Why? Well for the same reason they beat them the first time. Pierce (and someone else) will tighten up Kobe, Odom will digress with the intense pressure that Sheed(Posey) and Perkins (even semi-injured) will throw at him (something offensive minded Ama're didn't think of doing), and D Fisher's lucky ass three's that always seem to cripple an opponent in late game scenarios will be handcuffed by an even better Rondo. Who is left? Oh yeah, Gasol. Well seeing as he couldn't dominate against an undersized, no defense presenting Phoenix team, I really can't see him doing much of anything against a team that would rather win 10-4, then score 140 points in a game. And please don't mention Ron Artest. He hasn't been a factor since St. John's. Even with that B.S. layup. I am not saying that LA probably won't fight as hard as anyone in order for Kobe to knock another notch in his quest to surpass Jordan as the greatest person named Kobe Bryant, but they just aren't good enough. We already saw how the Suns second unit absolutely terrorized the Lakers' secondaries, and with the way the C's are like a hockey team with their line changes, who am I to even speculate that this won't happen again. Kobe can't do it all. The Lakers bench is their achilles heel and this is why they will lose.
-Celtics in 6.
Speaking of the puck, if the Flyers don't find a way to 1.) stop missing golden opportunities and 2.) find a way to slow down Eager, this series will be wrapped up before I set sail Sunday. Remember the 'Hawks are doing this without the services of Kane or Toews, who both decided to sit and watch game 2. Philly should take solice in getting to the Finals, kind of like the Colts in February. This is Chicago's year. It's destiny. In hockey anyways.
-Blackhawks in 5.
From ice to clay, I have to say that I am now solely rooting for Soderling. With his unbelievable upset of Feds I have to say that now not only with Rafa easily dispose of whomever meets him in the Final,(not that Roger would have posed any kind of real threat. This is clay you know) but because of this; he may just let off the gas long enough for Soderling to surprise him. Probably not though. Where's my true Frenchman Monfils!? Oh yeah, second round exit. And as noted, Roddick once again took an early exit. So early that he wasn't even the last American man standing. What is it with this guy?
As far as the ladies go, with Henin's early exit I believe this is once again, Sarena's tourney to lose.
From clay to concrete, I just have to say once again how much I hate the Busch's. But I did enjoy seeing Kurt get mashed up Sunday. Speaking of crashing, who does it twice in the same race!? Jimmy does, that's who. Thank God this is still early season. 48 definitely will turn it on in the second half.
I'll end with a little baseball news.
So just in time for me to start cheering for the Redlegs, Pujols decided to stop playing around and become superhuman again. 3 taters is always an impressive feat, but after watching the Cards lineup dismantle Arroyo yesterday, the Reds quite simply aren't there yet. Garcia is a young monster for the Cards and teaming him up with Carpenter and Wainwright(Is he related to Rufus?), formidable is a word that comes to mind. Central Division champs are three others. And that could easily go to National League champs if the Fightin's don't start well, fightin'. I would have never thought they would just completely stop hitting as a whole unit. If this is the type of team unity that the analysts are all saying that other squads need in order to consistently win, then I am not sure that's a model I need my Twins to follow. Especially as we finally begin to separate ourselves from the rest of the Central. I don't think this will last too much longer, but then again, I never expected it to start. Oh, and Ubaldo Jiminez has the worst first name in the game, but the sickest and most electric stuff. 10-1 ERA under 1! Who does that? Oh yeah, no one. Here's to him keeping it up and the rest of the Rockies doing anything besides sending an underachieving CF down, so we can get this guy some Goddamn pub.
With that, adios! and I'll see you after the 14th.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hump-day thoughts
Get your mind out of the gutter. I's jus talkin' 'bout spotes. Today's edition will be a concoction of random thoughts from yours truly. They will touch on everything from the French Open to the World Cup. With that said, away we gooooo......
-You're lucky Yanks. Baker was looking strong like bull last night. Yeah, yeah Burnett was matching him pitch for pitch, but Burnett would have eventually lost control. And as the Yankee announcers have constantly, apparently just to mock me, let us know throughout EVERY Yankee-Twins game, you know, the Twins pitchers pound the strike zone. They are a constant at the top of the rankings in fewest team walks. (that was Michael Kay and Co.) Now we just have to keep this momentum through today. Two wins in a day against the Yanks would guaranteeingly put us on a roll.
-So which round will Roddick break our hearts? Third? Quarters? Semis? You know it won't be the final because Nadal is finally back up to snuff. Oh, and this is clay.
-I love how the U.S. always loses in World Cup prelims and then go on this magical run in the Cup tourney. (nervous laughter)
-One win only told me one thing about D-Howard and his mates. The didn't want to be completely humiliated. They've already been utterly embarrassed. So the C's took their collective foots off the pedal for one game? (one quarter really) It won't happen again. They are extra motivated now that they didn't sweep. In other questioning, where's all that Vin-sanity rejuvenation now? I thought so.
-Speaking of the new millennium Houdini,
You know what that space was? It was the thunderous roaring of the crowd from another dominate game from Andrew Bynum. Kristic. Yes. Stoudemire. Not so much. You'll get em next year when they are watching you torch Oden for 16 and 8, and they start comparing you to Moses. Malone that is, but I wouldn't be surprised by these deep throaters AKA analysts for any Laker game.
-Cano still sucks. He has managed to go from leading the league in hitting to battling Swisher in a higher average contest. Once again, if we remove the surrounding Hall of Famers, again tell me how good this kid would be? And that's all of them. A-Rod, Jeter, Posada(maybe), Tex(maybe), Pettite, and Mo. Put him on the Reds and he still would get overshadowed. Garbage, I'm telling you. The Yankee faithful are giving this kid a free pass and I can't believe it.
-Bay's hitting. Reyes is hitting. The pitching is still coming in by the innings. Morale is up. Go Mets.
-The Flyers are playing unbelievably well right now. Kind of reminds me of the Rays run in baseball a couple years back. The only problem is, the Hawks better mirror them. Is this a dooming sign for Chicago. Well that, and Phil Jackson 86ing any thought of coaching a Chicago team sans MJ and Scottie. Then subsequently stating that the Nets opening is intriguing. Somewhere in L.A. Kobe is sulking with his arms crossed.
-The Medowlands got the 2014 SB!!!! There is so much hysteria up here over this that you would have thought we all got a share of an infinite lottery. Who cares? I'm not going and neither are the majority of these revelers. All this means is a billion more people on top of the billion that are already here. Which sucks for me.
Til next time.
-You're lucky Yanks. Baker was looking strong like bull last night. Yeah, yeah Burnett was matching him pitch for pitch, but Burnett would have eventually lost control. And as the Yankee announcers have constantly, apparently just to mock me, let us know throughout EVERY Yankee-Twins game, you know, the Twins pitchers pound the strike zone. They are a constant at the top of the rankings in fewest team walks. (that was Michael Kay and Co.) Now we just have to keep this momentum through today. Two wins in a day against the Yanks would guaranteeingly put us on a roll.
-So which round will Roddick break our hearts? Third? Quarters? Semis? You know it won't be the final because Nadal is finally back up to snuff. Oh, and this is clay.
-I love how the U.S. always loses in World Cup prelims and then go on this magical run in the Cup tourney. (nervous laughter)
-One win only told me one thing about D-Howard and his mates. The didn't want to be completely humiliated. They've already been utterly embarrassed. So the C's took their collective foots off the pedal for one game? (one quarter really) It won't happen again. They are extra motivated now that they didn't sweep. In other questioning, where's all that Vin-sanity rejuvenation now? I thought so.
-Speaking of the new millennium Houdini,
You know what that space was? It was the thunderous roaring of the crowd from another dominate game from Andrew Bynum. Kristic. Yes. Stoudemire. Not so much. You'll get em next year when they are watching you torch Oden for 16 and 8, and they start comparing you to Moses. Malone that is, but I wouldn't be surprised by these deep throaters AKA analysts for any Laker game.
-Cano still sucks. He has managed to go from leading the league in hitting to battling Swisher in a higher average contest. Once again, if we remove the surrounding Hall of Famers, again tell me how good this kid would be? And that's all of them. A-Rod, Jeter, Posada(maybe), Tex(maybe), Pettite, and Mo. Put him on the Reds and he still would get overshadowed. Garbage, I'm telling you. The Yankee faithful are giving this kid a free pass and I can't believe it.
-Bay's hitting. Reyes is hitting. The pitching is still coming in by the innings. Morale is up. Go Mets.
-The Flyers are playing unbelievably well right now. Kind of reminds me of the Rays run in baseball a couple years back. The only problem is, the Hawks better mirror them. Is this a dooming sign for Chicago. Well that, and Phil Jackson 86ing any thought of coaching a Chicago team sans MJ and Scottie. Then subsequently stating that the Nets opening is intriguing. Somewhere in L.A. Kobe is sulking with his arms crossed.
-The Medowlands got the 2014 SB!!!! There is so much hysteria up here over this that you would have thought we all got a share of an infinite lottery. Who cares? I'm not going and neither are the majority of these revelers. All this means is a billion more people on top of the billion that are already here. Which sucks for me.
Til next time.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It's 10 pm. Do you know where your mama is?
So on the heels of the revelation of Delonte' West knocking down mama James (atleast now I know why he was so off against the C's), I read this morning that Amare' Stoudamire's mom's was pulled over with glassy eyes for straddling the driving lanes and speeding. Or, as we'll soon find out, drinking and driving. This is already bad enough, but Carrie Mae is supposed to have a court ordered ignition interlock device on all vehicles she commandeers. She told the officers shoe didn't know she needed it on her rented Navigator. Really? That's about a valid of an argument as Plaxico thinking it was ok to come strapped in a NY night club, or Agent Asshole bringing gats to the arena. She's lucky though that it was just drinking and driving, and not walking and breathing. I mean, it was Arizona. She could get deported for the latter.
So with that, on to the conclusion of our free agent free for all.....
Bosh
So this could be the most up in the air choice ever. Every ounce of me sees him going back home to Texas. He would be a phenomenal force beside Dirk (who will re-sign BTW), and will give a PG the chance to average 10-12 assists a night. We all know Cuban is tired of losing and needs to win now because his franchise player is a few years away from McGradytown. And he'll have the greenbacks to pay Bosh the salary he will command. But that's the thing, will Bosh go for a winner? Or will he simply go for the win, in the bank sense. Because if so, New York or New Jeruse will be the winner. This Russian owner truly seems as if he is all about basketball and his recent acknowledgement that Kiki is gone shows me he wants to win. Hell, he has to sell tickets to compensate for his, Ratner's, and Hov's big money sitting in the Brooklyn move. The last scenario would come in the form of the Cavs slashing all of their un-needed talent and breaking the bank on Bosh. A Bosh-James combo would be the epitome of devastating. For the League that is. Final verdict-the Mavs.
Joe Johnson
I'm not sure why I even am writing anything on this guy. He is a good shooter, but not someone I would even take over Michael Redd. And that's right now. Johnson is not even in the arena during big games and I'm not sure if spending big money on him is a plausible option. There is one team dumb enough to do it though and I can almost guarantee that they will. I think I did just see him looking for real estate near the Garden. And he'll be an ok complement to the Tony Parker. Oh you didn't know he was coming to the Knicks. He is, because George Hill is the one who will lead the post Big 3 Spurs into the next generation. Although, depending on what Wade does, he could end up in Miami or Chicago. All of these teams need capable 2 guards, and that is one way I would describe him, capable. Final verdict- Knickerbockers
Ray Allen
If he doesn't re-sign in Boston, which I think he will, for two years with only the first guaranteed, then he could also be a Maverick. They need a shooter to spread the floor so Dirk can attempt to grab maybe a rebound a game.
Final verdict- Boston
Shaq
Just retire already! But he won't, and he also could end up in Dallas or, wait for it, back in Miami.
Final Verdict- Dallas (for alot less money)
and lastly,
David Lee
I really hope he signs with someone who appreciates his intangibles. This guy is a beast and plays hard every minute he's on the floor. He has wasted the early portion of his career on the Knicks and deserves to be on a contender. The ideal place for him, with a nice 4 year deal, in Chicago. Having the ability to play his game and not be entirely depended upon for offense would fit him nicely. And the activity around the basket with he and Noah would be annoying to opponents.
Final verdict- Chicago
So with that, on to the conclusion of our free agent free for all.....
Bosh
So this could be the most up in the air choice ever. Every ounce of me sees him going back home to Texas. He would be a phenomenal force beside Dirk (who will re-sign BTW), and will give a PG the chance to average 10-12 assists a night. We all know Cuban is tired of losing and needs to win now because his franchise player is a few years away from McGradytown. And he'll have the greenbacks to pay Bosh the salary he will command. But that's the thing, will Bosh go for a winner? Or will he simply go for the win, in the bank sense. Because if so, New York or New Jeruse will be the winner. This Russian owner truly seems as if he is all about basketball and his recent acknowledgement that Kiki is gone shows me he wants to win. Hell, he has to sell tickets to compensate for his, Ratner's, and Hov's big money sitting in the Brooklyn move. The last scenario would come in the form of the Cavs slashing all of their un-needed talent and breaking the bank on Bosh. A Bosh-James combo would be the epitome of devastating. For the League that is. Final verdict-the Mavs.
Joe Johnson
I'm not sure why I even am writing anything on this guy. He is a good shooter, but not someone I would even take over Michael Redd. And that's right now. Johnson is not even in the arena during big games and I'm not sure if spending big money on him is a plausible option. There is one team dumb enough to do it though and I can almost guarantee that they will. I think I did just see him looking for real estate near the Garden. And he'll be an ok complement to the Tony Parker. Oh you didn't know he was coming to the Knicks. He is, because George Hill is the one who will lead the post Big 3 Spurs into the next generation. Although, depending on what Wade does, he could end up in Miami or Chicago. All of these teams need capable 2 guards, and that is one way I would describe him, capable. Final verdict- Knickerbockers
Ray Allen
If he doesn't re-sign in Boston, which I think he will, for two years with only the first guaranteed, then he could also be a Maverick. They need a shooter to spread the floor so Dirk can attempt to grab maybe a rebound a game.
Final verdict- Boston
Shaq
Just retire already! But he won't, and he also could end up in Dallas or, wait for it, back in Miami.
Final Verdict- Dallas (for alot less money)
and lastly,
David Lee
I really hope he signs with someone who appreciates his intangibles. This guy is a beast and plays hard every minute he's on the floor. He has wasted the early portion of his career on the Knicks and deserves to be on a contender. The ideal place for him, with a nice 4 year deal, in Chicago. Having the ability to play his game and not be entirely depended upon for offense would fit him nicely. And the activity around the basket with he and Noah would be annoying to opponents.
Final verdict- Chicago
Monday, May 17, 2010
Cleveland rocks?
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.
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.
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.
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