The Sports Apple

Saturday, May 23, 2009

College Baseball Uniforms

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

A few years back, the thought of me criticizing SportsCenter was incomprehensible. It was sacrilegious. The show was a titan amongst other TV shows for the 18-35 year old male demographic into which I fell. To kids my age, there was SportsCenter and then there was everything else.

Those males of my generation grew up watching SportsCenter before we went to school at 6am and before we went to bed at 11pm. It was our one source for all the sports news we would need to hold a quality debate at school the next day. “Did you guys see how many points Michael put up last night against the Knicks,” my friend would say. And I would respond “Yeah, but I think Phil Jackson was smart for doubling Ewing to force him to shoot 15% in the second half.” Of course the only reason I would say something like that was because SportsCenter told me that stat while I was watching it the night before. Mind you, this of course was before the days when everyone had a Blackberry to check who the Giants drafted at the click of the bottom while you are a groomsman at your sister’s wedding (Eli Manning if you are playing at home).

The nightly edition of SportsCenter gave us ammunition to debate in gym class about whether Magic was better than Larry, or if Dennis Rodman was sane. Our sick days from schools used to consist of SportsCenter, The Price is Right, and then the same SportsCenter five more times. That was the beauty – with so many great highlights combined with great commentary, you could watch an episode over and over again.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re witnessing the end of an era. SportsCenter, my third parent, is officially dead. Now, I realize I’m pissing on hallowed ground here, that criticizing SportsCenter is like questioning Bruce Springsteen’s blue-collar credentials, but we have to stop living in denial. Unfortunately somewhere in the mid to late 90s, SportsCenter started to try to become hip, edgy, and trendy instead of just reporting the sports news. Gone forever are the days of the late 80s and early 90s when I'd wake up and get to watch real sports journalists plow through comprehensive clips of all of the prior night’s games in all of the major sports. Instead now, viewers have to deal with smarmy wannabe comedians trying to deliver pun induced catchphrases about how Kobe Bryant is as cool as the other side of the pillow and when LeBron rises for a dunk, “it’s levitation, Holmes”. Really? You’re going to expect me to sit and watch at home and laugh about how clever the anchor is for telling me LeBron James can jump high while dunking? What happened to the good old days of Steve Levy just telling me that Wayne Gretzkey had 2 goals and an assist in a 3-0 victory over the Nordiques?

Obviously with the rise of the Internet, sports blogs, the Iphone, and numerous other devices that keep people connected and up to date on sports, ESPN had to come up with a way to keep its viewers coming back for me. So gone are our fond memories of the days when SportsCenter used to show highlights. Those were simpler times. We are now living in a post-9/11 world. Terrorists want to eat our entrails. So SportsCenter went the Fox News route and began focusing on mini-debates and flashy graphics. Mangini or Belichick? Brady or Manning? Sox or Yankees? Fact or Fiction? Contender or Pretender? Pick a side, we’re at war. Today, if you watch an episode more than once, you’ll have a seizure from all the hot air and flashing colors.

As far as I can tell, SportsCenter’s Britney-like tailspin commenced about the same time Stuart Scott started wearing glasses for his lazy eye. Boo-yah! Since then, the Big Show has been like one giant ADD-fest. How many segments can you possibly cram into an hour? SC Rewind, What2Watch4, Now on ESPN.com, Field Pass, Take Your Pick, SC Film Session, Fantasy Minute (sounds like my dream about Jessica Biel), My Wish, Who’s Now, SC Express, See Tom Brady Cure Cancer, Watch Tim Tebow part the Red Sea, etc.

As if these segments weren’t bad enough, now we have the sponsored segments. Watching SportsCenter is starting to have the same artificial feeling as listening to Mike without the Mad Dog. There’s the Budweiser Hot Seat, Coors Light Cold Hard Facts, Miller Lite Good Call Bad Call (in case you were wondering, that one’s brought to you by Miller Lite), Gatorade Ultimate Highlight, Hardly the Usual Top Ten presented by Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Now they leave the stats up for about five milliseconds so that they can rush to show the Natty Light logo.

What happened to the tried and true formula of highlights, stats, (repeat 20 times), standings, highlights, stats, standings, top plays, Did You Know? What happened to the segments baseball, football, hockey, basketball, golf?

SportsCenter was so great because it was so simple: maximize the highlights, minimize the fluff. The sports were the entertainment. Now, SportsCenter tries (really hard) to entertain us, and fails.

Ironically, the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network has finally lived up to its name – entertainment first, sports second – and that has been its downfall. Fact or Fiction: SportsCenter is damaged beyond repair? Fact.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Hey, Boston, Shut the F#%* Up!

Boston, I used to like you. I used to visit every couple of years, go for a long run along the Charles, eat some chowder down on the Fish Pier. But this year, something began to curdle inside me. The slobbery tears at midcourt (this was for Red!), the icy Papelbon glare (ooh, we're scared!), the creepy cult of (the genius) Bill Belichick and (the golden) Theo Epstein and (the dashing) Tom Brady and (the extremely fucking annoying) Yoooooooook... Enough. We get it. You rule the universe. Yes, it's quite an impressive run you're on here. (For a small city.) But remember, fifteen years ago, your teams sucked large donkey balls (Pats:5-11; Celtics: 32-50; Red Sox: 80-82). And because sports go in cycles, they will soon suck again. So relax. Try some humility. It becomes you.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

2008-09 College Basketball Pre-Season Top 25

1. North Carolina

Defense will be the key as to whether the Tar Heels win the National Championship. They shouldn't have an issue scoring as they return all of their top scorers from a team that ranked 2nd in scoring with 88.6 points per game.

2. Connecticut

UConn adds freshman sensation Kemba Walker to a team that already has eight players capable of starting. With AJ Price and 7-foot-3 center Hasheem Thabeet back, expect Jim Calhoun to lead the Huskies to the Final Four.

3. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh needs to find a consistent outside threat (perhaps Jermaine Dixon). Another question mark will be if guard Lavence Fields is healthy after foot surgery this past summer. But with Sam Young back for his senior season, a good home court advantage, and experience, the Panthers should challenge for the Big East title and the Final Four.

4. Louisville

Earl Clark decided to stay away from the NBA Draft and the Cardinals added freshman Samardo Samuels inside. Couple them with stronger play out of the perimeter and Louisville has the makings of a team poised to make a run deep into March. They do need to improve their free throws (64.7%).

5. UCLA

The Bruins are loaded with future NBA players and has a good blend of veterans who know how to win and young players hungry to prove themselves.

6. Duke

The Blue Devils should finish in the top 3 in the ACC, however, they still lack a low-post player with size. They will play second fiddle to UNC all season long. Coach K still has a load of talent on the perimeter and one of the best home court advantages.

7. Michigan State

Drew Neitzel is gone, but the Spartans return plenty of talent. Delvin Roe is finally healthy and will help Ramar Morgan inside. Kalin Lucas continues to be one of the more underrated point guards. A weak Big Ten helps lead Sparty to the conference title.

8. Notre Dame

With weapons like Luke Harongody and Kyle McAlarney, the Irish can score with any team in the country. If ND can ramp up their defense, improve on the boards and find a defensive stopper on the perimeter, the Irish can challenge for the Big East title.

9. Gonzaga

The Zags have been to 10 consecutive NCAA tournaments, and that streak is not in jeopardy. Four starters return from a team that went 13-1 in the WCC. And some say this may be Mark Few's best team.

10. Oklahoma

The surprising return of Blake Griffin will help the Sooners finish in the top two of the Big XII. The addition of highly regarded freshman guard Willie Warren may help the Sooners win some games in March.

11. Purdue

The surprise team of last season returns all but one starter. The Boilermakers are a coach's dream, a bunch of players who work hard and do the little things it takes to win games.

12. Texas

Size in the interior is a weakness for Texas. The Longhorns lack a true playmaker now that DJ Augustin is gone. Defensive is a concern for Rick Barnes' squad and they have arguably the toughest non-conference schedule of any top-15 team.

13. Memphis

The Tigers lost a lot of talent (No. 1 pick Derrick Rose, All-American Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey) to the NBA, but they reloaded with the 4th best recruiting class that includes Tyreke Evans. Expect the Tigers to be more tested in Conference USA than last season.

14. Tennessee

Even though the Vols are bringing in six newcomers, their roster is still loaded. Tyler Smith should challenge for SEC player of the year and freshman Scotty Hopson is highly touted. In a weak SEC, they are the class of the league.

15. Wake Forest

Bringing in the best recruiting class in its schools history has put the Demon Deacons in the conversation with Duke and Miami to challenge UNC for the ACC title. Their drawback will be experience in late game, tight situations due to playing 3 freshman and 2 sophomores.

16. Arizona State

The Sun Devils return every scholarship player from a team that was snubbed by the NCAA last season. James Harden has a chance to be the Pac-10 player of the year. This team doesn't intimidate but they do manufacture wins efficiently.

17. Miami

As long as the big men step up and do an adequate job rebounding, the 'Canes will finish in the top half of the ACC. The question remains how they will play now that they are expected to win games like never before.

18. Southern California

The Trojans should finish no lower than 3rd in the Pac-10 as the conference isn't nearly as tough as it was last year. DeMar DeRozan should step in for OJ Mayo but this team will only go as far as its inside players will take it.

19. Marquette

With just one starter taller than 6-6, the Golden Eagles will face as many mismatches as they create. Throw in a new coach and a difficult Big East schedule and Marquette may be lucky to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

20. Georgetown

Anyone predicting a huge downturn for the Hoyas should take a closer look. They have three returning starters, an excellent coach and a highly ranked recruiting class that includes 7 foot center Greg Monroe to replace Roy Hibbert.

21. Davidson

Cinderella no longer resigns in Davidson, NC as this underdog reached the elite eight last season. The Wildcats lost PG Jason Richards will be sorely missed. Stephen Curry will move to PG but that just means he'll have the ball in his hands more often. Don't expect his scoring average to score at all.

22. UNLV

Lon Kruger has the Runnin' Rebels rolling with consecutive NCAA tourney appearances and 57 wins the past two seasons. They are the class of the Mountain West and with Wink Adams and Joe Darger back they have solid veterans.

23. Florida

The Gators struggled mightily with a young team last season. Nick Calathes has star power and the role players will be vastly improved from last season. Factor in Billy Donovan's track record and the Gators should be on the right side of the selection process in March.

24. Kansas

National Champ Kansas is starting over with an overhauled roster, and that could mean a slow start. Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich are the only contributors coming back but the Jayhawks are bringing in a stellar recruiting class and play in a weaker Big XII.

25. Baylor

Last season's breakthrough shouldn't be considered an anomaly.All the key pieces are back in Waco. The Bears need to defend and score in the post to make it to the tournament.

The next five: Villanova, Saint Mary's, Wisconsin, LSU, Ohio State

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NY Knicks 2008-09 Preview

The New York Knicks are set to tip off their 63rd season of professional basketball on October 30 against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ar

e coming off a season in which they finished with a 23-59 record, good enough for last place in the Atlantic Division. The season was an outright failure resulting with the firing of Head Coach and GM Isiah Thomas. In come former Suns head Coach Mike D'Antoni and former Pacers GM Donnie Walsh. But can D'Antoni and Walsh provide any light at the end of a dark tunnel for the Knicks in the upcoming season?

Hiring Mike D'Antoni was a fantastic P.R. move for the Knicks. They needed to give their fans something to be optimistic about and who better to hire then the most fan-friendly coach in the NBA. Unfortunately, D'Antoni won't make much of a difference this season because the Knicks still have the same roster bogged down by incohesive parts and over-inflated egos that Isiah Thomas coached last year. The Eastern Conference has slowly improved and the Knicks do not have the pieces to compete yet.

Mike D'Antoni is known for his "7 Seconds or Less" offense because he believes the best chance to score is within the first 7 seconds of each possession. This offense in Phoenix was predicated on having a player that could be his facilitator on the court. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they do not have a player capable of this role. Neither incumbent PG Stephon Marbury nor newly acquired PG Chris Duhon is that type of player. Therefore this season will be an experiment and a slow integration of D'Antoni's offensive philosophies.

Despite all the managerial and coaching changes, the Knicks haven't trul

y started rebuilding yet. Right now they are in a quagmire; stuck between the mistakes of Isiah Thomas's past and Donnie Walsh's vision of the future. The goal is to free up cap room for 2010 to make a run at LeBron James or Dwayne Wade. This factor makes it impossible to deal with this team seriously today because they are trying desperately to shed salary for the future. No one, including team management, sees this iteration of the Knicks as anything but a stumbling block. There is not a player on this roster that can be said to be an integral part to any kind of rebuilding process that is about to kick-off. Even rookie Danilo Gallinari remains a question mark until he proves he can play ball in the NBA. While guys like Gallinari, Wilson Chandler or Jamal Crawford may prove indispensable under D'Antoni's offense, only Gallinari could be left on the roster in two years.

So is this season already a wasted season? Not necessarily. There is much left to transpire in the ensuing months that could have a huge impact not only on the Knicks but on several NBA teams. Consider that Marbury does eventually have to be dealt with (or simply dealt outright). Ditto Eddy Curry and/or Zach Randolph, who failed miserably as a tandem a year ago. Any team that makes a swap for them will be sending back a bad player with a large contract to even out the deal. Without unloading some of their salary cap-killers, the Knicks will be irrelevant through 2010. The goal in the next two seasons is to cut salary and not take on too many bad contacts.

Another useful part of this season will be watching to see how the youngsters acquit themselves. The aforementioned Gallinari and Chandler each have a wonderful opportunity to blend in with D'Antoni's free-flowing offense. Both could be huge surprises in an otherwise dreary season. Nate Robinson, likewise, will be tasked with a similar role as Leandro Barbosa in Phoenix, coming off the bench to spark the offense. While it's virtually unimaginable that Robinson could be nearly as effective as Barbosa, a season like this is a perfect opportunity to prove that he can be.

Look for the Knicks to finish second to last (ahead of the lowly Nets) in the Atlantic Division. But this season is more about the many things that occur outside of the standings and competitive action. It's about the first glimmers of light after a long, dark night. It's not much, but to Knick fans it has to be better than anything that's come about in recent memory.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A (New York) Giant Change

Maybe it started with Eli Manning. The much-maligned former No. 1 overall pick and youngest member of Football’s Royal Family blossomed in epic fashion last season. After tossing an NFC-high

20 interceptions during his fourth regular season as a pro, Manning entered the playoffs and matured into an estimable field general, leading his troops to four consecutive road victories. He threw six touchdowns and just one pick along the way. Now, gone are the gripes about his wisdom, leadership, passion and poise.

Or maybe it began with Tom Coughlin. The cantankerous veteran head coach had long been pilloried by fans and the New York media. His teams had made a habit of late-season collapses, which instigated his perennial lame duck status. But that was before Coughlin’s Giants defeated the Cowboys, Packers and Patriots in the playoffs, avenging four of their six regular season losses.

Or maybe it had actually been initiated by the changes in leadership. Jerry Reese replaced Ernie Accorsi as the team’s GM after the ’06 season. For the first time, the ownership posterity––John Mara and Steve Tisch, sons of the late Wellington Mara and Tim Tisch––entered a season with a full year under their belt. With the front office stabilized, now absent are the criticisms about who is at left tackle, which defensive lineman is playing where or how the secondary is being meshed together.

Or maybe it wasn’t a person at all. Maybe it started that December night in New Jersey, when the country saw the Giants fight blow-for-blow with the history-chasing Patriots in a game that was supposed to mean nothing to New York. Football America tipped its cap to the gallant Giants that night; never before had a playoff-bound team drawn so much praise after losing a home game.

We’ll never know what started it. All we know is that the New York Giants changed this past January. Not just the quarterback and coach––everyone. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress went from quitter to role model. Once unwilling to play hard, Burress valorously played hurt. Running back Brandon Jacobs morphed from a bruising goal-line specialist to a formidable all-around force. He was still bruising––he was just bruising outside the tackles and in the open field for a change. Michael Strahan transformed from extroverted superstar to sagacious veteran. That helped Justin Tuck evolve from little-used backup to a multi-faceted d

ifference-maker. Cornerback Corey Webster was once a downright disappointment on the verge of losing his roster spot. Then, he mutated into a suffocating defender bordering on shutdown status.

The myriad of change in New York was like nothing football has ever seen. There was no single galvanizing incident or eureka moment behind it––at least not one visible to mere mortals. All of it just sort of happened. Serendipitously, at the same time. Trying to explain the force behind it is like trying to explain the configuration of love or the will of God. Anyone can try; in fact, it’s important that people do. But arrogant is the one who thinks they can find an answer that doesn’t inherently generate more questions.

So complex is New York’s change that, when broken back down into individual parts, some of the key elements don’t seem to actually exist. Does Manning not still have the same aw-shucks demeanor as before? Does Coughlin no longer yell when he’s upset?

Perhaps there was no change at all.

And yet, we see the Super Bowl rings.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

College Football Games of the Week 2008

The 2008 College Football season is 35 days away. It all begins on Thursday, Aug 28th with 6 games followed by 2 games on Friday,

25 games on Saturday and even 2 games on Sunday! The fun doesn't stop there as 2 games will be played on Monday (Labor Day).

But out of those games, which ones should you watch? Unless you have a favorite team that you follow it may be hard to sift through all the channels and find the big games that actually matter.

Don't fear because I have gone through the schedule and selected the games of the week for the upcoming season. Now of course the "it" games to watch may change as at least one Cinderella team rises to the top every season. But as the schedule sits now, these are the games to watch for 2008 in college football:

(Games are all on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Time and Channel follow. I'll pick approx 5 games per week)

Sat. Aug 30 Hawaii at Florida 12:30pm Raycom
Sat. Aug 30 Alabama at Clemson 8:00pm ABC
Sat. Aug 30 Illinois at Missouri 10:00pm FSN
Mon. Sept 1 Fresno State at Rutgers 4:00pm ESPN
Mon. Sept 1 Tennessee at UCLA 8:00pm ESPN

Sat. Sept 6 Georgia Tech at Boston College 12:00pm Raycom
Sat. Sept 6 Cincinnati at Oklahoma 3:30pm ABC
Sat. Sept 6 Oregon State at Penn State 3:30pm ABC
Sat. Sept 6 South Florida at Central Florida 7:00pm ESPN2
Sat. Sept 6 Miami (FL) at Florida 8:00pm ESPN

Fri. Sept 12 Kansas at South Florida 8:00pm ESPN2

Sat. Sept 13 Oregon at Purdue 3:30pm ABC
Sat. Sept 13 Arkansas at Texas 3:30pm ABC
Sat. Sept 13 Auburn at Miss. State 7:oopm ESPN2
Sat. Sept 13 Ohio State at USC 8:00pm ABC
Bonus game: Michigan at Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

Thu. Sept 18 West Virginia at Colorado 8:30pm ESPN
Sat. Sept 20 Florida at Tennessee 3:30pm CBS
Sat. Sept 20 Wake Forest at Florida State
Sat. Sept 20 Utah at Air Force 4:00pm Vs.
Sat. Sept 20 LSU at Auburn
Sat. Sept 20 Georgia at Arizona State 8:13pm ABC

Thu. Sept 26 USC at Oregon State 9:00pm ESPN
Sat. Sept 27 Alabama at Georgia TBA
Sat. Sept 27 Tennessee at Auburn TBA
Sat. Sept 27 Virginia Tech at Nebraska TBA
Sat. Sept 27 Illinois at Penn State 8:00PM ABC

Thu. Oct 2 Oregon State at Utah 9:00pm Vs.
Sat. Oct 4 Rutgers at West Virginia 12:00pm PPV Gameplan
Sat Oct 4. Missouri at Nebraska TBA
Sat. Oct 4 Oregon at USC 8:00pm ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Sat. Oct 4 Ohio State at Wisconsin 8:00pm ABC, ESPN or ESPN2

That's it for part 1 of the best games as this schedule takes us through the first 6 weeks of the 2008 College Football season. I will re access the teams after the first 6 weeks in order to determine the best games of the final 11 weeks of the season.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

New York Sports Talk Radio: Feedback Wanted

Last month, WFAN turned 21, introduced to the world on July 1, 1987. As we sit here in 2008, the world of sports talk radio and the

evolution of the Internet have given rise to the voice of the fan like never before. Instant feedback from the paying customers tells the people who run our local teams how they’re doing on a daily basis. No need to wait for the word from the Daily News or Posts’ columnists. Talk radio allows Tony from Queens or bloghead123 to tell us how they feel after each game, sometimes even during the game. And the access to information makes statistics a dangerous tool sometimes.

How do you think talk radio and the Internet would have affected the New York Sports scene say…50 years ago?

June 15, 1958: The Yankees are swept four straight by the Tigers, including a Sunday doubleheader. The Yanks have now lost seven of their last 10…Benny from the Bronx is next on the FAN….
"I know they’re still up seven games, but these guys gotta do something. Mantle’s won two MVPs in a row and he goes 1-for-7 in a doubleheader? C’mon, where’s this guy when you need him? I don’t care if he wins six MVPs, he ain’t no Joe D!”

Joey from Brooklyn is next up on the FAN…
“They gotta get rid of Stengal, he’s done…This team just doesn’t respond to him anymore. He’s only won the World Series once in the last 4 years. They shoulda let him go after he lost to the Braves last year! Now they get shut out in both games of a doubleheader by the stinkin’ Tigers?! Time for some fresh blood.”
A few days later, June 20, 1958, Sandy Koufax goes four innings and loses as the Dodgers fall to the Pirates.

Sal from Yonkers is next on the FAN…
“I know they left us for Los Angeles, but I’m one of the only guys here still following this team and I think they’re making a mistake with this Koufax guy. His ERA is 4.43! When am I gonna see this great pitcher everyone is talking about? They gotta get rid of him now. This guy hasn’t done squat! He can’t throw the ball over the plate. I’ve had it with this bum!”

As the July 31 trading deadline approaches, Willie Mays’ power numbers are down, just 3 home runs total in June and July. Larry from Times Square is next on the FAN…
“I think Mays is slipping…his power numbers are down, maybe he was one of those juicers. The Giants should get rid of him now. He’s gonna be a free agent at the end of the season. They should trade him now for some young starting pitchers.”

Next caller is Hank from the Staten Island…
“Just changing gears a little…I’m still disappointed in the Giants, I think they did a bad job in the draft. I mean, they passed on Ray Nitschke and Jerry Kramer. Do you know how impressive Kramer was at the Combine? And one more thing…what do you know about this John Madden fellow the Eagles took in the 21st round?”

Joe from Jersey City is next up on the FAN…
“Is it too early to talk about the Knicks and Rangers? I’m tired of these teams coming up short. The Knicks haven’t made it to the Finals in 5 years! They finished under .500 this year. Isn’t there anybody out there that can play defense? And what about the Rangers? C’mon…it’s been 18 years since they won the Stanley Cup! I’m tired of seeing my teams come up short every stinkin’ year!

I guess maybe we’ve always been reactionary as fans, but nowadays it’s moved beyond the local watering hole and everyone in the world can listen in.

I just hope the time we live in doesn’t keep us from appreciating how good the players in front of us really are. When we tear them down after every 0-for-4 we may not realize we’re getting a chance to watch some all-time greats. One day you are going to catch yourself booing A-Rod after a postseason game without an RBI. But he belongs in the same breath as the immortals that came before him. After all, even Willie Mays struck out with the bases loaded from time to time. He just didn’t have Bobby from 181st Street calling him out on the radio an hour later.

With help from Baseball-Reference.com for the stats and Sweeney Murti for the concept.

Friday, June 6, 2008

2008 NBA Finals: Point/Counterpoint

(As Seen on afraidofedhochuli)

When Mike came to The Hoch, I was hoping he would bring insight into the game of basketball as well intriguing articles from the East Coast perspective. Well, he has succeeded in this venture. Now that we are facing a great NBA Finals series that could go down as the biggest in 15 years; o

ne that will add to the legacy of some of the games best players and two of the leagues most storied franchises. It is time for a Point/Counterpoint. Mike is defiantly more versed in the NBA, so a good point by me will just be plain old luck. I gave him the choice of the team to argue; he chose the Lakers. Great, fine…I can find joy in the Celtics; they have Ray Allen.

This is how it works: we are on opposite sides of the country so we are doing this by email. One makes a point, the other recants; we then go back and forth until we get tired or we change the other person's mind. This could be 300 words or it could be 300,000 words…we'll see.

This is where we start with Matt arguing for the Boston Celtics and Mike arguing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Opening Statements

Matt:
As frustrating as it may be, the construction of a team by purchasing contracts and

"shooting the moon" has worked. The trading of the future to win in the present was proven to work this season as the Celtics won 20 of their first 22, finished the season 66 and 16 (tied with the 1970 Milwaukee Bucks for 10th best all time) and then took down 2 of the best teams in the playoffs – and the surprise of the year in Atlanta.

Doc Rivers has led a team that includes the "Big 3" into the finals for the first time since they were defeated in the 1985-1986 season by – who else – the Lakers.

Do you think they have a bad taste in their mouth?

If so, they need to get over it; it has been 12 years. This is a new team, most of which were not even alive to see Magic take on Bird.

Mike:
Thanks for the kinds words Matt. Actually I was more defiantly versed on the NBA back when I watched it more because, let's face it, the Knicks are extremely unwatchable these days. Oh how I long for the days of Charles Smith. Yeah, I bet you never thought you would hear that from a Knicks fans!

Anyways, on to the "Historic, Amazing, Mythical, Legendary before Game 1 is even played" matchup in the NBA Finals where the Bandwagoners of Beantown take on the Los Angeles Stealing Centers from Other Teams and Only Giving up .20 Cents on the Dollar. I think this was David Stern's ultimate wet dream. OK, so can you tell I'm a bit bitter

about this series. I hate Boston and Insane Garnett almost as much as Spike Lee hated on Reggie Miller back in the 90s. Actually, if these two teams can make such blockbuster (and by blockbuster I mean steal from other inept GMs) moves it gives my Knicks some hope. Now where did I put my LeBron in 2010 t-shirt?

Ok, on to the Finals. Am I going to watch? Sure. Am I happy that Boston is in the Finals? Not at all. Am I going to enjoy Kobe putting up 35 ppg against a grade school like defensive trio of James Posey, Eddie House and Tony Allen? Yes. Actually, I think I can put up 13 and 7 against that trio and I'm only 5'9, 150lbs and white! Am I going to enjoy when Kobe gets in Sasha Vujacic's face and bitch slaps him for missing an assignment on defense? Absolutely. Ok, so after all I may enjoy these Finals. As long as the Lakers win in 5, max.

The Lakers seem to be the more trendy pick in this series partly because they were the 1 seed in a far superior Western Conference, even though Boston has home court advantage. Besides the Big 2 featuring Ray Allen, LA has there own kind of Big 3 featuring the Black Mamba, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. If Odom plays lights out, there is no way LA loses this series. It's that plain and simple.

This version of the Lakers is much different than the past Lakers teams that have went to the Finals. They are not flashy like the Magic's Showtime Lakers in the 80s and they don't feature 2 Hall of Famers because Kobe is sans the Diesel this time around. This squad features a bunch of role players and a quasi dominant finesse center that the Lakers traded a bag of peanuts and a piece of bazooka Joe for. Just look at what happens to the Lakers when Bryant goes to the bench to start the 2nd quarter and players like Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf come in. Its energy central at the Staples Center as these guys play an up-tempo in your face style that always keeps the Lakers in the game when the starters rest.

This series features so many fun questions to look ahead at. Can Kendrick Perkins continue to play at the level he did against Detroit? Will Los Angeles expose Rajon Rondo on offense and force him to continuously knock down mid range jump shots? Who will guard Kobe? Will Ray Allen show up to these Finals or is it another series where Jesus Shuttlesworth bricks his way to 2-11 on a nightly basis? Will the triangle offense be enough to break the rotation and communication of Boston's furious defense? Will Kevin Garnett murder someone? Ok, that last one was a joke. I think. Seriously that guy is psycho! How badly will the Zenmaster out coach Doc Rivers? And speaking of Rivers, will he use more than 7 man rotation (the answer is yes and I will tell you why later).

So now that ESPN has almost wrapped up their weeklong love affair with everything LA-Boston, the series promises, if nothing else, to be entertaining. Unfortunately for Boston, the only entertaining they will do is playing host when the Lakers celebrate the championship on the parquet floors of the new Boston Garden.

Matt:
When you think of them what do you remember? The memory that comes to my head is the wispy mustache of one of the greatest blondes to ever play the game (sorry Lauren Jackson). Other images are the hook shots from Kareem and the fast breaks from "Magic" in the Lakers Championships over the Boston team.

That was then.

Now they have an 11-Time All-Star in Kevin Garnett who earned Defensive Player of the year award this season, was 14th in the postseason in scoring (21.1), 11th in Rebounds per game (9.8), 11th in Field-Goal percentage (51.7%) and second to Tim Duncan with Double-Doubles.

Add to him Ray Allen who seems to have lost a step this season, yet still was 5th in 3-point shots made (180).

Rounding out the "Big 3" is Paul Pierce who averaged 19.6 points/game and 4.5 assists, while playing in 80 of the 82 games.

The role players have played solid with guys like Rajon Rondo leading the team with 5.1 assists/game and 1.68 steals/game.

What does all this mean? It means that they are a very talented team. They didn't dominate any given statistic this year but they were solid across the board: 4th in FG%, 5th in 3-point%, 8th in FT% and 9th in turnovers forced.

The match ups will be where this is made (coming later) but with the strength of Garnett, skills of Pierce and the "eagle eye" of Allen this team is going to be hard to beat.

Mike:
If I could only grow a moustache 1/10th as cool as Larry Legends I would be a happy man!

To counter the Celtics “Big 2 featuring the corpse of Ray Allen”, the Lakers have the Big 1: Kobe Bryant. The self-proclaimed Black Mamba took home the League’s

MVP award this season while averaging 28.3 ppg (2nd behind Bron-Bron). More importantly he won’t have to face Bruce Bowen this series and may even get to the line once or twice.

Laker haters want to get on Memphis’ GM Chris Wallace for gift wrapping Paul Gasol to the Lakers for next to nothing yet everyone seems to overlook Minnesota GM and ex Celtic Kevin McHale for handing Kevin Garnett to the C’s for the poo poo platter of Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, and Sebastian Telfair. Both trades smell fishy but improved both teaming dramatically. The Lakers have been 34-7 since the Pau Gasol trade. That would equate to 68 wins in a full season. Better than the 66 the Celtics put up.

The Lakers have averaged 105 ppg (1st) in the playoffs and the Celtics have only managed 91 ppg (11th). Yes the Celtics defense has been good (giving up only 87 ppg) but they have faced the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland LeBrons, and Detroit Pistons. Not exactly top scoring teams. And can the Celtics win at the Staples Center? They may not have to but don’t expect the Lakers to get swept at the TD Bank North Center.

Closing Statements

Matt:
I am trying to argue a point I don't really believe in; I am truthfully in the Lakers' corner. However, I do think that the Celtics have a great chance. Why? Because other people tell me so.

Scouts Inc. said it the best:

Can a young bruiser like Kendrick Perkins make life difficult for a world-class player like Pau Gasol? The same question exists for Rajon Rondo, who has exceeded many expectations this season but now faces veteran point guard Derek Fisher and his multiple rings. Then there's mercurial talent Lamar Odom, against Hall of Famer-to-be Kevin Garnett, who's never been to the Finals before -- few players have the skills to give Garnett fits like Odom can. And can Paul Pierce, a top NBA player with a long career, carry his team to a title against the league's best player, Kobe Bryant?"

Mike said: "Yes the Celtics defense has been good (giving up only 87 ppg) but they have faced the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland LeBrons, and Detroit Pistons. Not exactly top scoring teams." That is true, but incomplete. Those numbers are for the playoffs, yet the Celtics were 2nd in the league giving up only 90.3 ppg during the regular season. They will be facing the Lakers who were 4th with 108.6 ppg scored.

My match ups will go like this.

Gasol over Perkins
Rondo over Fisher
Garnett over Odom (overall…I think that this will be a great battle)
Bryant over Pierce (but expect Pierce to show up)

Lakers in 7

Mike:
My prediction for this series is the Lakers will win in 6 games. Of course I could be totally wrong and the Celtics could sweep. No one knows what will happen, not even the experts. But here are the reasons why I think the Lakers will bring home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The Lakers have a great coach who is one of basketball’s top 10 minds along with the likes of Auerbach, Riley, Daly, Wilkins, and Ramsey among others. Notice how I didn’t mention Doc Rivers anywhere close to that. If Rivers makes more poor decisions like even letting Sam Cassel sniff the court during the Finals, he may be the next thing hanging in the rafters of the New Boston Garden, not another championship banner.

Reason number 2 is obvious: Kobe Bryant. The Celtics have any one (and don’t tell me James Posey is a Kobe Stopper) that can shut down #24. He can create his shot at will all the while making his teammates better (Is this the same Bryant who wanted out and who was ripped by Phil in his book “The Last Season”)?

The Lakers have a deeper, more productive bench and that will be the X factor. Boston can't match it. The Celtics go through stretches when they can't score; they don't get easy baskets. LA has 11 players who can score (Sorry Chris Mihm). The Lakers have a distinct advantage at every spot on the floor. The only spot where the Celtics might have an edge is Kevin Garnett against Odom or Gasol, depending on who guards him.

Derek Fischer is better than Rajon Rondo. I will give credit to Rondo’s on the ball defense but Fischer is better in every single other aspect of the game including 3 point shooting, mid range jumper’s, leadership, calmness, and not turning the ball over. The Lakers are never lost when Fischer is running the show.

Boston does not close out games well. They lack that killer instinct that championship teams are made of. Look at KG, he has been known for years for disappearing in the 4th quarter. In 19 playoff games this postseason, the Celtics have been outscored 450-403 in the fourth quarter, an average deficit of 2.47 points. In the other three quarters, they've outscored their opponents 1,339-1,214, an average of 6.58 points. They're 3-2 in closeout games, having failed to win series-clinching Game 6s in Atlanta and Cleveland. And Paul Pierce was even quotes as saying, Throughout the game we played well," Pierce said, "but the fourth quarters are something we're going to have to go back and look at." (Thanks to Ken Berger from Newsday for the stats and quote).

I don’t like Boston teams. Therefore LA will win. Easy enough.

Matt: Lakers in 7
Mike: Lakers in 6

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

College Majors of Professional Athletes

TheSportsApple has uncovered the college majors of some of the best professional athletes. And let me just say I am very happy that Michael Jordan did not pursue that Geography major he was earned at the University of North Carolina. On a side note, since Jordan is a US American, I would hope he knows where Iraq is on a map.

Imagine if your favorite ballplayer was not good enough to make the Big Leagues. What would he being doing these days? He would have had to put his college degree to good use. Let's find out what would have happened to some of the best professional athletes if they did not make in their sport:

Michael Jordan received a Geography degree from UNC. I didn't know geography was still offered as a major. What was he going to do, become a teacher or, I guess that's it.

Joe Schmo College Student: Sweet, I have Professor Jordan this semester for Geography. I heard he's pretty cool and he likes to gamble.
Friend: Yeah, I had him last semester and he was really clutch with his Powerpoint presentation on Eastern Africa.

Mike Mussina earned a degree from Stanford in Economics in 3 and 1/2 years. He must have been very smart. I could see him these days being all GQ with perfectly shined shoes, his sideburns exquisitely trimmed to perfection, riding to work in a sports car with the top down and thinking to himself "The Moose is going to solve this country's weakening economy today."

Eli Manning has a degree in Marketing from the University of Mississippi. This way if his pro football career hadn't worked out, he could have used his marketing skills to get brother Peyton into another commercial.

Isiah Thomas earned a Criminal Justice degree from Indiana University. Seriously, the jokes here are endless....(insert your favorite here)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

2008 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Not much has changed since last week's Mock Draft 1.0.

The only new story this week will be the NBA's only official pre-draft camp which takes place in Orlando. Look for this to shape the draft field as some potential late 1st rounders are working out. Ty Lawson, Davon Jefferson, and DeVon Hardin are among 79 players who will be there. Most of the top 30 players have chosen to skip the camp.

Since nothing is concrete at this point, the following is my best educated guess as to what each team may do in the first round:

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose - Memphis
From every interview that GM John Paxson gives, it sounds like he is favoring Rose over Michael Beasley. And the Bulls need a player with some leadership skills to insert into their lineup of underachievers so Rose should be the choice. Beasley may fill an immediate need for the Bulls but Paxson cannot pass on a long term point guard who will put the Bulls in contention in the East immediately.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwayne Wade / Jason Kidd
Last week's Pick: Derrick Rose

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley - Kansas State
Pat Riley has some difficult decisions to make. Do you trade this pick because he isn't in love with Beasley? Will he start to rebuild and will Dwayne Wade opt out of his contract as a result? Will he use Shawn Marion as trade bait to bring in some vets to compete for a playoff spot immediately? Beasley would be a huge addition over Udonis Haslem because of his offensive ability. The Heat also have shown interest in OJ Mayo and may opt to bring his star potential to South Beach.

NBA Player Comparison: Carmelo Anthony
Last week's Pick: Michael Beasley

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - OJ Mayo - Southern California
The Timber wolves are going to decide which way this draft goes. Last week I had them taking Brook Lopez because he could be the team's starting center for the next decade. Scouts say he is more of an Emeka Okafor than a Dwight Howard. That means this would not be a value pick but it would fill an immediate need. That's why this week I have the Wolves going in a different direction. Kevin McHale's team has a lot of needs but they are lacking a star player to go alongside Al Jefferson. Enter Mayo, who some believe might entice the Heat to take him at #2.

NBA Player Comparison: Ben Gordon
Last week's Pick: Brook Lopez

4. Seattle Sonics - Anthony Randolph - Louisiana State
This is one of the relative unknowns in the lottery as there wasn’t a lot of buzz surrounding Randolph this season. However, much like former LSU forward Tyrus Thomas, scouts are in love with his athletic ability and it looks like an NBA team will bite on him in the lottery because of his hops and height. This is also the kind of player that could drop on draft night due to teams getting cold feet. That, or he could go as high as this and form a dynamic duo with Kevin Durant that will terrorize teams for the next decade.

NBA Player Comparison: Lamar Odom / Tayshaun Prince
Last Week's Pick: Jerryd Bayless

5. Memphis Grizzlies - DeAndre Jordan - Texas A&M
Jordan jumps up this week from #16 to #5 mainly because it has been floating around that a top 9 team has all but promised to take him. It's likely it could be the Bobcats at 9 or he may go at 5 or 6 but he won't fall past the Nets at 10. Jordan's individual workouts may be the most meaningful to how the draft falls.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwight Howard
Last Week's Pick: OJ Mayo

6. New York Knicks - Jerryd Bayless - Arizona
It's been rumored that while watching film on Danillo Gallinari last season, then Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni was not at all impressed. However, the final decision on this matter will be new GM Donnie Walsh's. The Knicks would love nothing more than to get a PG who can push the ball and score. Bayless is an excellent athlete an can shoot. The Knicks would take who ever is available between Mayo, Rose, or Bayless.

NBA Player Comparison - Gilbert Arenas / Jay Williams
Last Week's Pick: Danilo Gallinari

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Danilo Gallinari - Italy
The Clip need a PG because Shaun Livingston has not worked out. They could opt for Russell Westbrook here but that may be too high. Another option would be to take Eric Gordon and let Corey Maggette walk in free agency. The Clippers have been known to covet Gallinari so with him available they would take him.

NBA Player Comparison: Detlef Schrempf
Last Week's Pick: Russell Westbrook

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Eric Gordon - Indiana
Eric Gordon's late season slump will cause him to fall a bit to 8. The Bucks are loaded up front with Yi Jianlian, Andrew Bogut, and Charlie Villanueva. If the Bucks take Gordon it will mean they may explore trades for Michael Redd who is not getting any younger. The Bucks can change their losing atmosphere by taking Gordon who can be an instant impact guy.

NBA Player Comparison: Mitch Richmond
Last Week's Pick: Eric Gordon

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Brook Lopez - Stanford
Lopez was at #3 last week but slid this week because he has scouts convinced that he will be a solid center but nothing sensational. The Timberwolves, Grizzlies and Knicks all could take him if he has excellent workouts. The Bobcats will try to take the best center left so they could slide Emeka Okafor to the 4.

NBA Player Comparison: Brad Daugherty
Last Week's Pick: Darrell Arthur

10. New Jersey Nets - Darrell Arthur - Kansas
The Nets are set in the back court but they desperately need a big because Josh Boone and Sean Williams have limited upside. That's why they are in excellent position to take on a high risk high reward type player like Jordan or Randolph. If they are both gone, they will be left to choose between Arthur, Lopez, and Kevin Love.

NBA Player Comparison: Antonio McDyess
Last Week's Pick: Anthony Randolph

11. Indiana Pacers - DJ Augustin - Texas
Augustin can shoot it and he can handle it. He’s only 6-feet tall, which got him in trouble against taller PG in college but he has NBA skills. He has great character, which attracts him to the Pacers, who have had continuing off-court problems. This pick will be the replacement for Jaamal Tinsley and may be Westbrook if he is available.

NBA Player Comparison: Travis Best
Last Week's Pick: DJ Augustin

12. Sacramento Kings - Russell Westbrook - UCLA
The Kings will be pleased with either Westbrook or Augustin falling to them here. With Augustin going to the Pacers because he fits Jim O'Brien's system, that leaves Westbrook, may many think is a better prospect, to the Kings. If both PGs are gone, the Kings would opt for one of the remaining power forwards in Arthur or Love.

NBA Player Comparison: Rajon Rondo / Monta Ellis
Last Week's Pick: Nicolas Batum

13. Portland Trail Blazers - Joe Alexander - West Virginia
Joe Alexander still hasn't announced if he is indeed staying in the draft but with each passing day it is looking more and more likely that he will be a late lottery pick. Alexander would compliment LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy immediately. His size and athleticism has some scouts in awe.

NBA Player Comparison: Tom Gugliotta / Shawn Marion
Last Week's Pick: Kevin Love

14. Golden State Warriors - Kevin Love - UCLA
Kevin Love slips one spot this week even though its been reported that he has lost 15lbs and is in pretty good shape. His lack of athleticism and size do have scouts concerned but he would compliment Andris Biedrins. Also, Love is said to be one the most NBA ready players in the draft and with the Warriors finishing 1 spot out of the playoffs last season, they need a draft pick that is ready to contribute.

NBA Player Comparison: Wes Unseld
Last Week's Pick: Joe Alexander

15. Phoenix Suns (via Atlanta) - Brandon Rush - Kansas
I still think Donte Green will be the selection here but there have been rumors swirling that Rush is a lock to go here to the Suns. Steve Kerr acknowledged that the Suns like Rush but he said they are bringing in 20 other players to workout.

NBA Player Comparison: Reggie Lewis
Last Week's Pick: Donte Green

16. Philadelphia 76ers - JaVale McGee - Nevada
At this point in his career, McGee is a crap shoot. On one side he has freakishly long arms: around a 7-6 wingspan which makes him a great rebounder and shot blocker. On the other hand he is incredibly thin, only shoots 50% from the stripe and must develop maturity and some low post moves. McGee may pay off big dividends in a couple of years.

The 76ers may look to acquire Elton Brand this summer. If they do not get him, look for them to take the best big available with this pick.

NBA Player Comparison: Andrew Bynum
Last Week's pick: DeAndre Jordan

17. Toronto Raptors - Donte Greene - Syracuse
Last week I had Robin Lopez going here to the Raptors because the Raptors could use his size and hustle. However, if a talent like Greene is still available at this point in the draft you take him no matter what. Greene has the potential to be the steal of the draft this late as some think he may go as high as the late lottery.

NBA Player Comparison: Rashard Lewis / Marvin Williams
Last Week's Pick: Robin Lopez

18. Washington Wizards - Marreese Speights - Florida
The Wizards need bodies inside. Speights brings length and an excellent shooting touch down low. He will be a good shot blocker at 6'10 he can play either the 4 or 5. His biggest knock would be a lack of post up moves.

NBA Player Comparison: Juwan Howard
Last Week's Pick: JaVale McGee

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kosta Koufos - Ohio State
The Cavaliers would love to keep Koufos in the state of Ohio. With Zydrunas Ilgauskas breaking down any day now, they could use another 7 footer. The benefit will Koufos over Big Z is that Koufas can really get up and down the floor which will benefit King James.

NBA Player Comparison: Mehmet Okur
Last Week's Pick: Brandon Rush

20. Denver Nuggets - Bill Walker - Kansas State
The Nuggets may opt to get a big to replace Marcus Camby here. But with Bill Walker still on the board, how can you pass up his potential talent at this point in the draft. Prior to his injuries, he was considered by many as a top 5 draft pick. Reports are his explosiveness is back and his weight is down.

NBA Player Comparison: Ruben Patterson
Last Week's Pick: Marreese Speights

21. New Jersey Nets (Via Dallas) - Robin Lopez -Stanford
No one knows what direction the Nets will go with their second pick but taking a hustle guy with excellent size is a great option for the Nets. Lopez has been compared to Anderson Varejao. That kind of player is exactly what a Vince Carter led team needs.

NBA Player Comparison: Andris Biedrins / Anderson Varejao
Last Week's Pick: Kousta Koufos

22. Orlando Magic - Nicolas Batum - France
The Magic need a small forawrd who can shoot. Batum brings just about everything to the table. He is competitive, has perhaps the most potential of anyone in this draft, clutch player, incredible wingspan, and 3 point range for a 6'8 SG/SF. If Batum is gone, the Magic may take Bill Walker here.

NBA Player Comparison: Rudy Gay
Last Week's Pick: Chase Budinger

23. Utah Jazz (Via Phoenix) - Roy Hibbert - C - Georgetown
Hibbert was a sure fire late lottery pick but he had a rather so so Senior season at Georgetown after 2006-07 Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green left. Many felt he did not take over games and became to mechanical and predictable at times. The Jazz would love for him to be available as it will add size inside and there methodical half court pace will suit Hibbert perfectly.

NBA Player Comparison: Joel Przybilla
Last Week's Pick: Roy Hibbert

24. Seattle Sonics (Via Phoenix) - Serge Ibaka - PF - Congo
Ibaka is said to have insane athletism. He is only 220 lbs on a 6'10 frame, but he will have time to develop and bulk up as this pick is for the future. Ibaka not only is relentless on the glass but possesses a jumper with solid touch. If this pans out and the Sonics grab Bayless at 3 to go along with ROY Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, the Oklahoma Sonics could be a perennial contender for the Western Conference title in a few years.

NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Kemp
Last Week's Pick: Serge Ibaka

25. Houston Rockets - Chase Budinger - Arizona
If Budinger stays in the draft he most likely will be selected somewhere in the late first round. He does not have great defensive skills and lacks aggressiveness but he more than makes that up with his scoring ability. The Rockets can take the chance that he will take some of the offensive pressure off Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

NBA Player Comparison: Grant Hill
Last Week's Pick: Bill Walker

26. San Antonio Spurs - Ante Tomic - Croatia
Tomic makes sense for the Spurs since they don't need him to step in and play immediately because he is stuck in a contract overseas. He has size at 7'1 but lacks strength and wieght at 230lbs. He can handle the ball for a big man since he was a PG before he grew an additional 7 inches. This will be another foreigner picked by the Spurs but they could once again be reaping the benefits in a couple of years.

NBA Player Comparison: Gregor Fucka
Last Week's Pick: Wayne Ellington

27. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Douglas-Roberts - SG - Memphis
CDR will fit in the rotation in NO and will benefit from CP3 continually getting him clean looks. CDR can play the 2 or 3 and he is a good mid range jump shooter. However, he does not have a deep outside shot and is not explosive, but he has a feel for the game and can bury you at the rim on the break. His shots go in the basket.

NBA Player Comparison:
Last Week's Pick: Chris Douglas-Roberts

28. Memphis Grizzlies (Via Los Angeles) - Nathan Jawai - C - Australia
The Grizzle have an obundance of guards so take a second big man in the first round is not a bad move. They will likely have to go with the best big man available. Jawai has size (6'10, 275) and some real power. He could bring respectability back down low for the Grizzlies. At this late in the draft, he is worth the risk.

NBA Player Comparison: Charles Oakley
Last Week's Pick: Nathan Jawai

29. Detroit Pistons - DJ White - Indiana
The Pistons need size and strength down low. Although White is only 6'8 he has very broad shoulders and plays with great energy. He is different than Jason Maxiell in that he has outstanding footwork and an array of back to the basket moves.

NBA Player Comparison: Wayne Simien
Last Week's Pick: JJ Hickson

30. Boston Celtics - JJ Hickson - North Carolina State
Hickson could step in and replace the retiring PJ Brown as a back up center. The Celtics do have Glen Davis and Leon Powe but Hickson brings a mean nasty style of lowpost play that reminds some of the Bad Boys.

NBA Player Comparison: Chris Wilcox
Last Week's Pick: Jason Thompson

Dropping Out of the First Round this Week: Wayne Ellington, Jason Thompson

Entering the First Round this Week: Ante Tomic, DJ White

First Round Bubble: Ty Lawson, Courtney Lee, Mario Chalmers, Richard Hendrix, DeVon Hardin, Davon Jefferson, Trent Plaisted, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Lester Hudson

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Superstitions in Sports

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it is near impossible to not see them in the sporting world. Maybe it is how someone wraps the tape on their bat, or the shirt they wear under their shoulder pads, but every sport – and seemingly every player – seems to have some sort of superstition.

While fishing last week with my Dad and Grandfather, I learned that they each have their ways of trying to coax “the bite”. My Grandfather believes in the power of a cigar. My Father washed his hands before getting on board.

This is where I started feeling the “thought juice” flow. I thought about my own; including taking the first pitch, drinking from the same coffee cup on game day and other things like these.

Then I hear about Jason Giambi's way of getting out of a hitting slump (if you haven’t heard about it…think of gold lame and a very small amount of material) and the deal was sealed.

Of course there are “curses” but these are a small compilation of individual superstitions.

Here are some others I have found.

By Player:
- Michael Jordan always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform.
- Nomar Garciaparra gets dressed the same way every day.
- Wade Boggs would eat only chicken the day of a game.
- Roger Clemens always touched the head of the Babe Ruth statue before pitching in Yankee Stadium.
- Turk Wendell use to brush his teeth and chew licorice between every inning.
- Tiger Woods wears a red shirt on Sundays.
- Patrick Roy (Hockey) would talk to his goalposts during the game: "They're my friends." He never stepped on the red or blue lines. Before a game, he would skate out to the blue line and stare at the net, visualizing it shrinking.
- Goran Invanisevic (Tennis) always rises from his chair after his opponent and never steps on the lines of the court.
- If Red Sox pitcher Brendan Donnelly has a bad outing, he tosses his undershirt in the trash. "It's never my fault," he told The Boston Globe. "It's the stupid shirt."
- Mark McGwire wore the same protective cup from high school.
- Mike "The Human Rain Delay" Hargrove would walk up the first-base line and take three practice swings before stepping into the batter's box. He would then adjust his batting gloves, pants, sleeves, wipe perspiration off his lips and push down on the top of his batting helmet before he was ready to step in. He would do this again after every pitch.

A few by Sport:

Baseball
- It is not okay to talk to a pitcher when he is in the midst of a “no-hitter”.
- No stepping on the foul line when taking the field.
- "Statting" a player by mentioning his excellent statistics in this situation is seen to jinx that player.
- Not shaving after the first postseason win

Basketball
- Wipe the soles of your sneakers for good luck.

Football
- It's bad luck for a professional football player to take a new number when he is traded to another team.
- It's good luck for a player to have a double number

What sort of other Sports Superstitions do you know of?

Credit to: Sports Superstitions, Wikipedia, Psychology of Sports, Sidebits, ESPN Page 2

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

2008 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

The NBA Lottery took place last night with the Chicago Bulls capturing the number 1 pick despite only having a 1.7% of getting it. Now the Bulls top question becomes do they take Kansas State forward Michael Beasley or Memphis point guard Derrick Rose? Who will the rest of the teams pick and will there be trades?

So now that the ping pong balls have bounced Chicago's way, it's time to answer these questions. With the Draft still over 1 month away expect tons teams to flip flop on decisions. After all, the NBA pre draft workout in Orlando has not yet taken place. Also, the June 16th deadline for players that have not hired an agent to withdraw has not passed so the players available on draft day may be different than they are today.

Now on to the selections. (In my best David Stern voice) With the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select......

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose - PG - Memphis
The Chicago native may get a chance to return home and bring the Bulls their first championship sans Jordan. The Bulls have a PG Kirk Hinriech locked up for 5 more years but they will not pass on the best player in the draft. Rose immediately will step in as a floor general and make the Bulls one of the favorites in the East. One thing is for sure though, Rose won't be able to his #23 that he wore at Memphis.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwayne Wade/Jason Kidd

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley - PF - Kansas State
The Heat had an admirable tank job last season and now face a win win situation. They may get the number 1 player on their board (Rose) if Chicago takes Beasley. If Chicago takes Rose, look for the Heat to try and trade this pick because Pat Riley is not completely sold on Beasley. That may also signal the beginning of the end for Dwayne Wade in South Florida when his contract expires.

NBA Player Comparison: Carmelo Anthony

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brook Lopez - C - Stanford
The 7 foot Lopez will fill the Timberwolves need for a big man to compliment Al Jefferson inside. Lopez is the most polished big man in the draft. However, because Kevin McHale is in charge of the Wolves draft don't count out the possibility of the them taking OJ Mayo or even Danilo Gallinari.

NBA Player Comparison: Brad Daugherty

4. Seattle Sonics - Jerryd Bayless - PG - Arizona
The Sonics were the big loser on NBA Lottery night falling from 2 to 4. However, they can still pick up a "must see to believe" type point guard not named Rose. By taking Bayless, they will be adding a scoring guard who will take offensive pressure off Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

NBA Player Comparison: Gilbert Arenas

5. Memphis Grizzlies - OJ Mayo - SG - Southern California
The Grizzlies are loaded at PG (Kyle Lowery, Mike Conley, and Javaris Crittenton) so they will opt for the best SG in the draft in OJ Mayo. Also, look for them to perhaps part with a loaded back court and move down if they favor Eric Gordon or a PF. Mayo's star potential may be too much to resist. A trio or Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, and OJ Mayo may put the Grizzlies in playoff contention in a few years.

NBA Player Comparison: Ben Gordon

6. New York Knicks - Danilo Gallinari - SF - Italy
This Knick will be widely unpopular in NY and booed on draft night. Knicks fans need to trust new coach Mike D'Antoni as he has deep connections to the Italian League. The Knicks need a small forward that can step back and shoot. He will eventually fit into D'Antoni's run and gun offense when the Knicks find the right point guard. This pick will be made by Donnie Walsh with the thoughts of overhauling the team and rebuilding with pieces around Gallinari and perhaps free agent to be in 2010 Lebron James. Also, look for the Knicks to trade down to gather more picks and take Eric Gordon or either of the two best remaining point guards DJ Augustin and Russell Westbrook.

NBA Player Comparison - Detlef Schrempf

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Russell Westbrook - PG - UCLA
The Clippers would love to have Gallinari fall to to them but with him gone look for them to take a guard who will fill an immediate need. This guy is fearless in a wide-open game. He just goes to the basket, though maybe a little too hard when a big man is waiting. Westbrook has good size and some muscle to go with his decent mid-range jumper. He also gets into a defensive stance and will try and match up and move his feet and guard. The Clippers need a point guard with Shaun Livingston’s injury issues and they land a local guy. Look for the Clippers to try to trade down to (perhaps Indiana at 11 that desperately needs a PG) take one of the next best small forwards in Donte Green or Joe Alexander.

NBA Player Comparison: Monta Ellis

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Eric Gordon - SG - Indiana
Eric Gordon's late season slump will cause him to fall a bit to 8. The Bucks are loaded up front with Yi Jianlian, Andrew Bogut, and Charlie Villanueva. If the Bucks take Gordon it will mean they may explore trades for Michael Redd who is not getting any younger. The Bucks can change their losing atmosphere by taking Gordon who can be an instant impact guy.

NBA Player Comparison: Mitch Richmond

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Darrell Arthur - PF - Kansas
Michael Jordan and new Coach Larry Brown have been known to not sit around let the fruit ripen on the vine. That's why they will take veteran Arthur over longer term project Anthony Randolph. Also look for the Bobcats to give a hard look at Kevin Love but ultimately they will pass on Love because of lack of condition and athleticism. This is also the franchise that took Emeka Okafor over Dwight Howard and Adam Morrison over Rudy Gay.

NBA Player Comparison: Antonio McDyess

10. New Jersey Nets - Anthony Randolph - PF - Louisiana State
The Nets can afford to gamble on a high risk/high reward guy because they are in rebuilding mode. Randolph has tons of buzz around him being a 6-foot-10 raw power forward. He has upside with the speed and length and touch, but still there is work to be done. A major weakness is he can be a turnover machine.

NBA Player Comparison: Lamar Odom

11. Indiana Pacers - DJ Augustin - PG - Texas
Augustin can shoot it and he can handle it. He’s only 6-feet tall, which got him in trouble against taller PG in college but he has NBA skills. He has great character, which attracts him to the Pacers, who have had continuing off-court problems. This pick will be the replacement for Jaamal Tinsley and may be Westbrook if he is available.

NBA Player Comparison: Travis Best

12. Sacramento Kings - Nicholas Batum - SF - France
Agile forward with size, an incredible wingspan, and great all around skills. Batum will need more time to develop and the Kings are a perfect situation where he can learn for a few years before contributing. Like Rudy Gay, his struggles have diminished his draft stock, but he's oozing with potential and could end up going higher.

NBA Player Comparison: Rudy Gay

13. Portland Trail Blazers - Kevin Love - C - UCLA
He could go higher, but if he is around, Portland can grab a local hero and a really good player. He is a glue guy who would thrive with an emerging team. D.J. Augustin’s value as a point guard moves him up the ladder and makes Love available.

NBA Player Comparison: Wes Unseld

14. Golden State Warriors - Joe Alexander - SF - West Virginia
The Warriors could look to go in a number of directions. Alexander would be an excellent upgrade over Al Harrington at the forward position. JaVale McGee would be a nice long-term pick for them if their intention is to unload Baron Davis and build for the future around their young nucleus (Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright).

NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Marion/Tom Chambers

15. Phoenix Suns (via Atlanta) - Donte Greene - SF - Syracuse
Greene would be a tremendous pick if the Suns decide to keep a first rounder for a change. He will make them younger and he will eventually remind Suns fans of a Shawn Marion combo forward with size. He has a lot of different shots in his game, which includes three-pointers, some post-up stuff, and mid-range jumpers. The issue is going to be teaching him some shot selection. It’s not good when a player who is 6-10 shoots 133 free throws and 261 three-pointers. Is he coachable?

NBA Player Comparison: Rashard Lewis

16. Philadelphia 76ers - DeAndre Jordan - C - Texas A&M
The 76ers are looking for size down low. If Jordan slips out of the lottery to them, they will be ecstatic. Jordan drops this far because of his lack of motivation. A good showing at the pre draft workouts will mean a lot to GMs and he will move back up. He is high risk/high reward but he will not fall further than 16.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwight Howard

17. Toronto Raptors - Robin Lopez - C - Stanford
Toronto has a big man in former number one overall pick Andrea Bargnani. However, he has been a bust and Lopez is the exact opposite kind of player who can hits the glass hard and really hustles. The Raptors need a solid role player like Lopez to get them out of the first round of the playoffs.

NBA Player Comparison: Andris Biedrins

18. Washington Wizards - JaVale McGee - PF - Nevada
At this point in his career, McGee is a crapshoot. On one side he has freakishly long arms: around a 7-6 wingspan which makes him a great rebounder and shot blocker. On the other hand he is incredibly thin, only shoots 50% from the stripe and must develop maturity and some low post moves. McGee may pay off big dividends in a couple of years.

NBA Player Comparison: Andrew Bynum

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Brandon Rush - SG - Kansas
LeBron James needs help. Rush has size and shooting ability to help out offensively. He is an above average defender which fits into the Cavs defense first mentality. Rush played 4 years at Kansas so he is mature player that can step in right away. He can explode over the rim, but he needs to be a better ball handler and can be indecisive on the wing closing out the break; he looks better coming from the left or down the middle.

NBA Player Comparison: Reggie Lewis

20. Denver Nuggets - Marreese Speights - PF - Florida
Speights doesn't have great conditioning so he will fit in well when the Nuggets mail in the game in the third quarter. All kidding aside, once Speights develops he will bring a hard nosed attitude to the low blocks for the Nuggets. He will a safety net in case Camby and Martin go down with injuries. Look for the Nuggets to take the best available big man with this pick.

NBA Player Comparison: Juwan Howard

21. New Jersey Nets (Via Dallas) - Kousta Koufos - C - Ohio State
Koufas turned down millions to play professionally in Europe so there is a good chance he gooes in the middle to late first round. He is a skilled big man who can run the floor and step outside to shot. However, he tends to fade away on too many shots and hardly ever gets to the free throw line (2.7 per game). Will he fit in the rough and tumble NBA? With no pure center on the roster, the Nets will chance it.

NBA Player Comparison: Mehmet Okur

22. Orlando Magic - Chase Budinger - SG - Arizona
Orlando needs a SG and will risk this pick on a guy that can shoot and has great size at 6'7 but cannot play defense. Budinger carried his team offensively last season at times but at other times he disappeared. He would would fit in in Orlando who had Lewis to be the primary scorer.

NBA Player Comparison: Grant Hill

23. Utah Jazz (Via Phoenix) - Roy Hibbert - C - Georgetown
Hibbert was a sure fire late lottery pick but he had a rather so so Senior season at Georgetown after 2006-07 Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green left. Many felt he did not take over games and became to mechanical and predictable at times. The Jazz would love for him to be available as it will add size inside and there methodical half court pace will suit Hibbert perfectly.

NBA Player Comparison: Joel Przybilla

24. Seattle Sonics (Via Phoenix) - Serge Ibaka - PF - Congo
Ibaka is said to have insane athletism. He is only 220 lbs on a 6'10 frame, but he will have time to develop and bulk up as this pick is for the future. Ibaka not only is relentless on the glass but possesses a jumper with solid touch. If this pans out and the Sonics grab Bayless at 3 to go along with ROY Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, the Oklahoma Sonics could be a perennial contender for the Western Conference title in a few years.

NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Kemp

25. Houston Rockets - Bill Walker - SG - Kansas State
It is time for him to come to the NBA because he shouldn’t have to play another year and wonder if there is another knee injury around the corner. He is the worth the shot in the first round with explosive leaping ability and finishing ability. If not for the knee issues he would be a top 10 pick; even with them he should get a first round look.

NBA Player Comparison: Ruben Patterson

26. San Antonio Spurs - Wayne Ellington - SG - North Carolina
Ellington has improved his defensive play so much in the past two seasons that he is not jsut considered an outside spot up shooter. However, he does shoot the ball beautifully from outside whether its that stop and pop from 3 or mid range, he has nice ark and rotation and decent size at 6'4 to come in off the bench to aid a vetern team.

NBA Player Comparison: Cuttino Mobley

27. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Douglas-Roberts - SG - Memphis
CDR will fit in the rotation in NO and will benefit from CP3 continually getting him clean looks. CDR can play the 2 or 3 and he is a good mid range jump shooter. However, he does not have a deep outside shot and is not explosive, but he has a feel for the game and can bury you at the rim on the break. His shots go in the basket.

NBA Player Comparison: Julius Hodge

28. Memphis Grizzlies (Via Los Angeles) - Nathan Jawai - C - Australia
By not addressing a big man earlier in round 1, the Grizzle will likely have to go with the best big man available. Jawai has size (6'10, 275) and some real power. At this late in the draft, this is worth the risk.
NBA Player Comparison: Charles Oakley

29. Detroit Pistons - JJ Hickson - PF - North Carolina State
The Pistons can groom in a back for Rasheed Wallace by taken the raw Hickson. He is a bruising power forward that fans in Detroit will appreciate. He provides instant defense and size in a more skilled version of Jason Maxiell.

NBA Player Comparison: Chris Wilcox

30. Boston Celtics - Jason Thompson - PF/C - Rider
Thompson needs to improve the streangth in his legs to last a full NBA season but he will come in and split time with Kendrick Perkins as PJ Brown will likely hang it up after this season.Thompson has 1 gear and that is overdrive. He will fit in nicely with KG.

NBA Player Comparison: Jason Smith

FIRST ROUND BUBBLE: Ty Lawson, Courtney Lee, Ante Tomic, Mario Chalmers, Richard Hendrix, DeVon Hardin, Davon Jefferson, DJ White

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

2008-09 Preseason College Basketball Rankings

The Kansas Jayhawks won the National Championship exactly 43 days ago. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft was 23 days ago. The Draft itself is still over 1 month away. Schools don't even start practicing for the season for another six months. And you know what all this tells me? That it's never to early to start ranking the teams for the upcoming 2008-09 college basketball season.

(Since the June 16th deadline for players that have not hired an agent to withdraw and come back to school has not passed yet, these picks will be made under the premise that all players who have declared are going to stay in the draft.)

All scouting notes and numbers courtesy of Rivals.com top 150.

1. Connecticut
With 7'3 Center Hasheem Thabeet returning to UCONN, the Huskies are bringing back all 5 starters from a 24 win team. The core of this team, AJ Price, Jeff Adrien, Thabeet, and Jerome Dyson will be playing there third year together until the tutelage of Coach Jim Calhoun. Don't be fooled by the first round exit of the Huskies in the NCAA Tournament last year as this team with have the chemistry and the experience (not to mention be tested heavily in a loaded Big East) to bring a National Title back to Storrs. UCONN will also be getting the 13th and 14th ranked recruits in F Ater Majok and G Kemba Walker.

Key to their season: Will the Huskies leading scorer, AJ Price, be fully healthy after tearing his ACL against USD in the NCAA Tournament ?

2. North Carolina
Reigning AP Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough is back for his Senior season. That in itself is enough to put the Tar Heels in the conversation to win it all. As of right now, PG Ty

Lawson, SG Wayne Ellington, and SF Danny Green have declared for the draft. Look for Danny Green to return to Chapel Hill though. The Tar Heels bring in 3 highly touted recruits: 5 star recruit F Ed Davis (15th in class of 2008) and two 4 star recruits: PG Larry Drew and C Tyler Zeller (33rd in class of 2008).

Key to their season: Can anyone replace Lawson? When he was injured last season, the team struggled as it had no ball distributor and lost some of its transition game.

3. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh brings back its top 3 players -PG Lavance Fields, SF Sam Young and C DeJuan Blair. This may be the best trio of any team in the country. Add in the fact that Pitt owns one of the best home court advantages in college hoops. They are 55-1 against non conference opponents since the Peterson Events Center opened. The are tournament tested (winning the Big East title last season) and play a hard nosed style of defense that wins championships.

Key to their season: Replacing departed senior guards Ronald Ramon and Keith Benjamin with solid role players that don't turn the ball over. Gilbert Brown may be expected to fill that role.

4. Oklahoma
Besides Thabeet and Hansbrough, the other stellar big man to surprisingly return to school was OU's super freshman Blake Griffin. The only major loss is Longar Longar however his departure will allow Jeff Capel's Sooners to run a bit more. Add in 5 star recruit Willie Warren (10th in class of 2008) with Griffin and you have a star studded 1-2 inside/outside combo. Warren is a power guard who is very good with the ball. The Sooners also return their starting back court in junior Tony Crocker (11.3 pts, 3.8 rebs) and senior Austin Johnson (8.3 pts, 2.7 assists).

Key to their season: Along with keeping Griffin healthy for the entire season, watch how the inside outside game between Griffin and Warren materializes. This combo may the best in the country.

5. Notre Dame
The Irish return the Big East Player of the Year and leading scorer Senior F Luke Harongody, Senior SG Kyle McAlarny who averaged 15.1 and 108 made 3's, and Big East assist leader Junior PG Tory Jackson. The Irish will have a target on their back this season as they finished 2nd in the Big East last season. Urgency will be key for the Irish as they do not have 1 player in Rivals top 150 recruiting class for 2008.

Key to their season: Can the Irish exceed as the hunted this season unlike past years when they have been the huntee?

6. Purdue
The Baby Boilers surprised the country last season finishing second in the Big Ten with three freshman. Assuming the three freshman - G/F Robbie Hummel, G/F Scott Martin, and leading scorer guard E'Twuan Moore - each improve this season, the Boilermakers should win a weak Big Ten and get a nice seed come March.

Key to their season: With more expectations this year, can the youngsters perform with a target on their backs? Can raw big man JaJuan Johnson improve enough to anchor the front court?

7. Wake Forest
WF finished below .500 in the ACC last season but this year they may be UNC's top challenger. With Rival.com's top ranked recruiting class, which features three five-star recruits – 6-8 forward Al-Farouq Aminu (7th overall ) and 6-11 centers Ty Walker (17th overall) and Tony Woods (20th overall), the Deamon Deacons's sky is the limit. The Deacs also bring back their top 2 scorers in Sophomores James Johnson and Jeff Teague.

Key to their season: Is a starting five of 3 freshman and 2 sophomores too young to bring a national title back to Winston-Salem?

8. Louisville
The Cardinals are the Big East's fourth legitimate Final Four candidate. They lost

Derrick Caracter but Rick Pitino wanted him gone hence some addition by subtraction. They also lost leading scorer and team leader David Padgett. However, Earl Clark and senior wing man Terrance Williams are back as is Juan Palacios, Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa. Louisville also will be bringing in 6'9 F Samardo Samuels (9th overall) who is said to be an automatic double double guy as well as 6'10 F shot blocker Terrence Jennings (18th overall).

Key to their season: The Cardinals need to be more consistent than last season. Who will emerge as the team leader? Can Sosa be a true point guard and distribute the basketball better?

9. Florida
The Gators suffered last season from lack of expereince. With another year under Billy Donovan, this team such be the class of the SEC. Co-SEC Rookie of the Year Nick Calathes will be in the running for Conference Player of the Year as he averaged 15.3 pts last season. Marresse Speights has declared for the Draft but no one knows if he will stay in. Regardless the Gators are reloading with 26th and 27th ranked recruits F Eloy Vargas and C Kenny Kadji.

Key to their season: Can anyone replace Speights inside if he stays in the Draft?

10. Duke
Duke lost SG DeMarcus Nelson but bring back the entire rest of the team that finished #16 in the AP poll. Sophomore Taylor King has transferred but he wasn't part of the rotation. Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson look to be the go to scoring options. Look for five star recruit G Elliot Williams (a slashing lefty and 16th overall) to contribute right away.

Key to their season: Duke still lacks an inside presence and depth. Will the 7 man rotation wear out the Dukies by the end of the season? Will no legit big man hurt them in a conference full of more than capable centers.

11. UCLA
UCLA will be somewhat of a sleeper as Kevin Love, Luc Richard Mah a Moute, Russell Westbrook, and Josh Shipp leave for the NBA. However, Shipp has not hired an agent and he may be back in Westwood. Second leading scorer G Darren Collison will be back. Ben Howland has a proven defensive mind that has helped guide UCLA to the past 3 Final Fours. Also factor in five star recruit and incoming freshman Jrue Holiday (2nd overall) who is this years poor mans version of Derrick Rose.

Key to their season: Can Collison handle the scoring pressure and will the younger guys step up?

12. Michigan State
State had an up and down 2007-08 season and will need more consistency this year. Tom Izzo

has brought in five star recruit power forward Delvon Roe (24th overall) to bang down low under th boards with Senior Goran Sutan. Sparty lost one key player, G Drew Nietzel but has speedy Kalim Lucas to fill his shoes. Raymar Morgan led the team in scoring last season and could be the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2008.

Key to their season: The Spartans were soft down low so adding Roe will add firepower. Assuming they make the tournament field, can MSU rise to the occasion much like many of Tom Izzo's proir team have?

13. UNLV
In case you have missed it, the Runnin' Rebels have won the Mountain West the past two seasons. In 2007, Lon Kruger's bunch made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Last season they made it to the second round of the Tournament. UNLV has 3 returning starters (all of whom are seniors)from a team that won 27 games. Leading scorer G Wink Adams leads the team. Add redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga, a 7-foot former five-star prospect, and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis, and you have the makings of a serious sleeper.

Key to their season: How well will Hamga and Willis fit in? Will they have enough quality out of conference wins and how strong will the Mountain West be?

14. Gonzaga
PG Jeremy Pargo would be a major loss if he indeeds stays in the draft. The Zags however will still be the class of the West Coast Conference because they will be returning 3 of their top 4 scorers icluding G Matt Bouldin and C Josh Heytvelt. The Bulldogs seem to always play a tough out of conference schedule that mentally toughens them. Former stud recruit Austin Daye will look to improve on his 10.5 ppg 4.7 rebound freshman campaign.

Key to their season: Will they have Pargo back? Can Heytvelt keep his head on straight this season? The Zags season will largely depend on the improvement of Daye.

15. Tennessee
The bad news for the Volunteers is that they lose their top two scorers in Chris

Lofton and JuJuan Smith. The good news is that F Tyler Smith is returning to Knoxville along with junior F Wayne Chism. More good news for the Vols: 5 star recruit SG Scotty Hopson (5th overall) fled the state of Kentucky in order to suit up for Bruce Pearl in Volunteer orange. The Vols also have two 4 star recruits: F Renaldo Woolridge (58th overall) and C Phillip Jurick (68th overall).

Key to their season: Who will replace the 30 ppg they lost in Lofton and J. Smith? Will they be able to run a high transition game with the new players coming in?

16. Memphis
The almost champions lost all 5 of its starting lineup to the NBA or graduation this year. The best players back from the national runners up are juniors G Doneal mack and F Shawn Taggert. Having national recongnition and being able to dominate a weak Conference USA will help keep Memphis in the hunt. 5 Star recruit G Tyreke Evans (6th overall) will help ease the pain of losing PG Derrick Rose as he is the 3rd ranked PG in the class.

Key to their season: How long will it take John Calipari to fully learn the strenghts and weaknesses of his new players enough to consistently put out the best lineup?

17. Georgetown
With glue guy Patrick Ewing Jr, PG Jonathan Wallace, and 7'3 C Roy Hibbert all graduating not to mention junior PG Jeremiah Rivers transferring, Coach John Thompson III has his hands full in DC. Enter 3 year started DaJuan Summers and Jessie Sapp. They will have more control this season in the Princeton offense. Five star recruit Greg Monroe (8th overall) will look to fill Hibbert's shoes inside immediately.

Key to their season: Who will be the point guard and run the team? Who will be the emtional leader? Will they lack chemistry with all of the changes?

18. USC
USC lost two of its best players in freshmen OJ Mayo and Davon Jefferson. The two were also a distraction as Tim Floyd will look to team unity instad of individual one on one player. It starts with vertern leadership in juniors F Taj Gibson and G Daniel Hackett. Incoming stud freshman Demar DeRozan (3rd overall) is the classes #1 ranked shooting guard. He is an extremely atheltic scorer and at 6'5 posseses great size.

Key to their season: Tim Floyd needs to get his Trojans to play more as a cohesive unit. USC's DeRozan should be right up their with Arizona's Brandon Jennings and UCLA Jrue Holiday for Conference Rookie of the Year.

19. Kansas
The defending nation champions lost all 5 of their starters. The only player that was a significant piece of the championship that is coming back is junior G Sherron Collins who averaged 9.3ppg. The Jayhawks do bring in the 8th best recruiting class including two 4 star recruits: brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris (29th and 50th overall) as well as a verbal commitment from another 4 star recruit PG Tyshawn Taylor (77th overall). Interestingly all 3 recruits are from NJ.

Key to their season: Will Cole Aldrich improve his game to take pressure off the guards? Will they freshman step in and contribute immediately.

20. Marquette
3 of the Golden Eagles top 5 scorers return including dynamic PG Dominic James and F Lazar Hayward. Marquette reached the Finals of the Big East Tournament and finished the year ranked 21. Their biggest loss is losing coach Tom Crean to Indiana. Another giant loss is Jerel McNeal who has declared early for the Draft but not hired an agent. McNeal was the leading scorer last season as well as one of the best one on one defenders in the country.

Key to their season: Can new coach Buzz Williams keep the Golden Eagles in the upper echelon of a loaded Big East? Because of the coaching change, Marquette only managed to grab one 3 star recruit and one two star recruit.

21. Ohio State
7'0 C Kosta Koufos went one and done for the Buckeyes. They also loose their leader and top scorer G Jamar Butler. Not need to panic though in Columbus as Thad Matta went out and got himself the top recruit in the country: 7'1, 265 C BJ Mullens. It is said he reminds people of Bill Walton and could be a potential Dirk Notwitzki type player in the Association. Matta also landed 5 star recruit G William Buford (19th overall). Junior G/F David Lighty (9.0ppg) will be a key third option for the Buckeyes.

Key to their season: While losing Koufos and Othello Hunter down low, can Mullens resurrect the paint for the Buckeyes? How long will the team be lost without leader Jamar Butler and who will step into that role?

22. Syracuse
4 of their starting 5 are coming including G Eric Devendorf who was injured all of last season. Their major loss is F Donte Green who averaged 17.7 ppg. The team will lean on its veteran leadership in Devendorf and Junior F Paul Harris. The Cuse bring in F Mookie Jones (35th overall), a combo forward with a developing skill game.

Key to their season: Can they eliminate the inconsistencies that plagued them last season? How much have the freshman improved from last season? Can Scoop Jardine keep his head on straight all season?

23. Arizona State
ASU's back with their dynamic 1-2 scoring combo of senior F Jeff Pendergraph and sophomore James Harden (17.8 ppg). The Sun Devils had 21 wins last season and finished 5th in what many called the best conference a year ago. Sophomore G Ty Abbott brings back 9 ppg and junior Derek Glasser brings back 6 ppg. No one early departures or graduations has affected this team. On the other hand no star recruits have been brought in by Herb Sendek. However a rejuventated ASU program may may chomping at the bit when the season starts as it was the last team left out of the NCAA tournament. They will have revenge on their mind.

Key to their season: Having a stronger out of conference schedule with some key wins that will force the committee to not leave them out of teh Big Dance this season.

24. Villanova
The Wildcats make a late season charge to make the tournament and advance to the Sw

eet Sixteen. Junior G Scottie Reynolds and fellow guards Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes lead a lethal outside threat. All seven of Nova's leading scorers return. While Nova is bringing everyone back they have yet to sign a top 150 recruit.

Key to their season: Where will the inside threat come from? This teams reminds me of Marquette last season with 3 dynamic outside shooters and slashers.

25. Miami (FL)
Miami engineered a 10 game turn around last season and made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002. Four starters, including top scorer Jack McClinton, return. Two of the others are in the backcourt with McClinton—Lance Hurdle and James Dews—and the fourth, Dwayne Collins, has on occasion demonstrated the ability to be a force inside. Coach Frank Haith has replacements for departing seniors Anthony King and Raymond Hicks waiting, with Cryus McGowan, a transfer from Arkansas, and Julian Gamble, who sat out 2007-08 as a redshirt. Miami also landed 5 star recruit F Dequan Jones (23rd overall).

Key to their season: How will the replacements step in? Can the Hurricanes improve from last seson and hang with the UNC's and Duke's of the conference? Frank haith needs to land a top stud recruit in the state of Miami to help maintain Miami as a top 25 basketball school (Dequan Jones is from GA)

Others Considered: Arizona, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Xavier, Kentucky, Davidson

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Top Alternative Rock Songs of the 90s

Reader Beware: Music Column Ahead!

To borrow a line from Chris Rock, "Get out of here! Go on.

I don't believe it. You don't say! Really? Get out of here. Go on. I don't believe it."

You better believe it.

Today's column will not be about sports! Instead today's lesson will be about music boys and girls. More specifically, the top alternative songs of the 1990s. So go on break out your flannel shirt. Dust off your work boots or Doc Martins. And try to grow out your long stringy hair again. Its time to take a quick trip back to the wonderful world of the 1990s.

If you are like me, your teenage years were mostly in the 90s. At that point in your life image was

everything. You tried to keep up with the latest trends (baggy jeans sagged below your ass), be part of the popular crowd at school, and listen to the coolest music.

And what a decade it was for music. The 90s were great, not as good as the 60s, but still fantastic. I am so happy I grew up in the 90s and not the synthesizer 80s with its hair bands and love ballads.

This got me thinking of what the best songs of the 90s were. But

then again, I don't like rap, hip hop, heavy metal, and boy bands among others. That's why I'm just going to stick with the music I listened to back then: alternative rock. (Quick aside. Everyone defines alt rock completely differently. I'm sticking to commercial alternative rock with mainstream success that was played on radio stations. Could be anything from poprock to college/indie rock to Brit-pop)

Here it is, the Top 105 Alternative Rock Songs of the 1990s:

#	Artist	Song	Album
1	Nirvana	Smells Like Teen Spirit	Nevermind
2	Radiohead	Creep	Pablo Honey
3	Beck	Loser	Mellow Gold
4	Pearl Jam	Alive	Ten
5	REM	Losing My Religion	Out of Time
6	Red Hot Chili Peppers	Under the Bridge	Blood Sugar Sex Magik
7	Oasis	Wonderwall	(What's the Story) Morning Glory?
8	Goo Goo Dolls	Iris	Dizzy Up the Girl
9	Counting Crows	Mr. Jones	August and Everything After
10	U2	One	Atchung Baby
11	Green Day	Basket Case	Dookie
12	Third Eye Blind	Semi Charmed Life	Third Eye Blind
13	Soundgarden	Black Hole Sun	Superunknown
14	Blur	Song 2	Blur
15	Sublime	Santeria	Sublime
16	Smashing Pumpkins	1979	Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
17	Radiohead	Karma Police	OK Computer
18	Pearl Jam	Last Kiss	No Boundaries
19	Foo Fighters	Everlong	Colour &Shape
20	The Pixies	Velouria	Bossanova
21	Weezer	Say It Ain't So	Weezer (The Blue Album)
22	Oasis	Don't Look Back in Anger	(What's the Story) Morning Glory?
23	Pearl Jam	Jeremy	Ten
24	Stone Temple Pilots	Plush	Core
25	Dave Matthews Band	Crash into Me	Crash
26	The Wallflowers	One Headlight	Bringing Down the Horse
27	Nirvana	Heart Shaped Box	In Utero
28	Sublime	What I Got	Sublime
29	Red Hot Chili Peppers	Scar Tissue	Californication
30	REM	Everybody Hurts	Automatic for the People
31	Smashing Pumpkins	Tonight, Tonight	Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
32	Foo Fighters	Learn to Fly	There is Nothing Left to Lose
33	Radiohead	Fake Plastic Trees	The Bends
34	Nine Inch Nails	Closer	The Downward Spiral
35	Pearl Jam	Black	Ten
36	Goo Goo Dolls	Slide	Dizzy Up the Girl
37	Third Eye Blind	Jumper	Third Eye Blind
38	Smashing Pumpkins	Bullet with Butterfly Wings	Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
39	Nirvana	Come As You Are	Nevermind
40	Pearl Jam	Even Flow	Ten
41	Blink 182	All the Small Things	Enema of the State
42	Red Hot Chili Peppers	Californication	Californication
43	Matchbox Twenty	3 AM	Yourself or Someone Like You
44	Green Day	When I Come Around	Dookie
45	Bush	Glycerine	Sixteen Stone
46	Pearl Jam	Better Man	Vitalogy
47	Soul Asylum	Runaway Train	Grave Dancer's Union
48	Hootie & the Blowfish	Let Her Cry	Cracked Rear View
49	Blind Melon	No Rain	Blind Rain
50	Offspring	Self Esteem	Smash
51	Dave Matthews Band	What Would You Say	Under the Table & Dreaming
52	Blink 182	What's My Age Again?	Enema of the State
53	Smashing Pumpkins	Today	Siamese Dream
54	Live	Lightning Crashes	Throwing Copper
55	Green Day	Longview	Dookie
56	Third Eye Blind	How's It Gonna Be	Third Eye Blind
57	Pearl Jam	Yellow Ledbetter	Jeremy (Single)
58	Gin Blossoms	Hey Jealousy	New Miserable Experience
59	The Verve Pipe	Freshman	Villians
60	Matchbox Twenty	Push	Yourself or Someone Like You
61	Bush	Comedown	Sixteen Stone
62	The Verve	Bittersweet Symphony	Urban Hymns
63	Collective Soul	Shine	Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid
64	Barenaked Ladies	One Week	Stunt
65	Stone Temple Pilots	Interstate Love Song	Purple
66	Marcy Playground	Sex and Candy	Marcy Playground
67	Red Hot Chili Peppers	Give it Away	Blood Sugar Sex Magik
68	Weezer	Buddy Holly	Weezer (The Blue Album)
69	Semisonic	Closing Time	Feeling Strangely Fine
70	Candlebox	Far Behind	Candlebox
71	New Radicals	You Get What You Give	Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too
72	Fastball	The Way	All the Pain Money Can Buy
73	Eve 6	Inside Out	Eve 6
74	Hootie & the Blowfish	Only Wanna Be With You	Cracked Rear View
75	Blink 182	Dammit	Dude Ranch
76	Harvey Danger	Flagpole Sitta	Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?
77	Stone Temple Pilots	Creep	Core
78	Collective Soul	The World I Know	Collective Soul
79	Dave Matthews Band	Crush	Before These Crowded Streets
80	Sister Hazel	All For You	Sister Hazel
81	Gin Blossoms	Follow You Down	Congratulations I'm Sorry
82	Smash Mouth	Allstar	Astro Lounge
83	Filter	Take a Picture	Title of Record
84	Duncan Sheik	Barely Breathing	Duncan Sheik
85	Better than Ezra	Good	Deluxe
86	311	Down	311
87	Mighty Mighty Bosstones	The Impression That I Get	Let's Face It
88	Live	I Alone	Throwing Copper
89	Jane's Addiction	Been Caught Stealing	Ritual De Lo Habitual
90	Spacehog	In the Mean Time	Resident Alien
91	Cracker	Low	Kerosene Hat
92	Better than Ezra	Desparetely Wanting	Friction Baby
93	Sponge	Plowed	Rotting Pinata
94	Everclear	Santa Monica	Sparkle & Fade
95	Local H	Bound for the Floor	As Good As Dead
96	Silverchair	Tomorrow	Frogstomp
97	The Spin Doctors	Two Princes	Pocket Full of Kryptonite
98	Toadies	Possum Kingdom	Rubberneck
99	Hole	Violet	Live Through This
100	Butthole Surfers	Pepper	Electriclarryland
101	Black Crowes	Hard to Handle	Shake Your Money Maker
102	Dishwalla	Counting Blue Cars	Pet Your Friends
103	Toad the Wet Sprocket	Walk on the Ocean	Fear
104	Nada Surf	Popular	High/Low
105	Seven Mary Three	Cumbersome	American Standard

Obviously, some songs were worthy to make this list but I had to narrow it down to 105. I tried not to pick too many songs from the same artist. For example, you could rightfully make an argument for about 8 to 10 Pearl Jam songs. I wanted the list to be an eclectic mix of artists.

With that being said, I know this list is not perfect. It was extremely difficult to determine what song should go where. After all, how can you compare some of these songs to each other. Feel to agree or disagree with this list. But remember, music is in the ear of the beholder. One song could be great to me and suck to you. I respect everyone elses opinions and this list was simply my opinion of the top 105 alternative rock songs of the 1990s.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Best Baseball Players by Uniform Number: 26-50

Please be sure to check out Best Baseball Players by Uniform Number: 0-25 before reading this.

Numbers define legends. Whether its 23 in basketball or 99 in hockey, greatness can often be described by the use of a single number and some clever adjectives. But no matter the sport, fans can identify these legends but just one look at the stitching on their back. And while many numbers have numerous Hall of Famers, others struggle to have just one All-Star.

So who is the best #27? There are a couple of greats that immediately come to mind. But what about 37? I dare you to even name one relevant #37 ballplayer.

#26 Satchel Paige
Paige was 58 when he threw his last pitch in the Majors! He only had a lifetime 26-31 record in the Bigs but he absolutely dominated the Negro Leagues. He claimed that he won 104 of the 105 games he pitched in 1934. If it wasn't for segregation, Paige might be known as one of the best pitchers of all time. Joe DiMaggio once said of Paige he is "the best and fastest pitcher I have ever faced."
Runner Up: Wade Boggs and Billy Williams

#27 Juan Marichal
The Dominican Dandy was known for his high leg kick and intimidating antics (clubbing Johnny Roseboro with a bat). Marichal was also a dominating pitcher sporting a career 2.89 ERA and winning 263 games. This 10 time All-Star had 52 career shutouts which ranks him 18th all time.
Runners Up: Carlton Fisk, Catfish Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero

#28 Bert Blyleven
The first time I ever heard Bert Blyleven's name was on Sportscenter. Chris Berman liked to call him Bert "Be home" Blyleven. That aggravates me that that is basically my only memories of this future Hall of Famer (2008 perhaps?). Blyleven was best known for his nasty curve ball. He collected 287 wins, a 3.31 ERA, and almost 5,000 innings pitched. Interesting aside: He was only a 2 time All-Star.
Runner Up: David Justice

#29 Rod Carew
Carew could beat you with his bat and with his speed. He hit .328 with 3,053 hits. He also stole 353 career bases. He was the NL MVP in 1977 and went to the All-Star game 18 times (9 times as 2B and 9 times as a 1B.)
Runner Up: John Smoltz

#30 Tim Raines
Rock gets the nod here even though Orlando Cepeda was probably slightly better. Raines finished his career with 2,605 hits, 808 stolen bases (90 in 1983), 1,330 walks, and 1571 runs scored. Bonus point for having the wits to always slide head first to protect his cocaine he played with in his back pocket.
Runner Up: Orlando Cepeda, Nolan Ryan (Angels)

#31 Greg Maddux
Mad Dog basically invented how to pitch with a below average fastball and still be dominant. He perfected the 2 seam fastball that comes back over the plate against lefties and is still going strong today after 22 seasons. He has racked up 350 wins, 3,299 strikeouts, and 4 NL Cy Youngs. He is also known as one of the best fielding pitchers ever (17 consecutive Gold Gloves and counting).
Runners Up: Mike Piazza, Dave Winfield, and Fergie Jenkins

#32 Sandy Koufax
With a .655 win percentage, many regard Koufax as one of the best lefties to ever pitch. His stats aren't overpowering because he only pitched for 11 seasons but he was dominant posting a 2.54 ERA or less in his last 5 seasons. He pitched over 300 innings in 3 of his 4 final seasons. He also collected 3 Cy Youngs and an NL MVP award to go along with a 2.93 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio.
Runners Up: Steve Carlton, Elston Howard

#33 Eddie Murray
Murray was called Steady Eddie for a reason. An average year for Murray consisted of .287/.359/27/103. In 12 of his first 13 seasons he had over 20 home runs but never more than 32. He was the third player to collect 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. He is also the all time RBI leader amongst switch hitters with 1,917. Add that up for 20 seasons and you have a 2003 Hall of Fame inductee.
Runners Up: Mike Scott, Jose Canseco, and Joe Carter

#34 Nolan Ryan (Houston and Texas)

This first ballot Hall of Famer holds the record for most no-hitters (7), most strikeouts (5,714), and hits allowed per 9 innings (6.56). This workhorse started 773 career games (2nd all time) and threw over 5,000. The one knock against him is the 2,795 walks he gave up.
Runners Up: Kirby Puckett and Rollie Fingers

#35 Frank Thomas
The Big Hurt has been abusing AL pitching for 18 seasons. He has hit 516 career home runs and drove in 1,695 runs. He is also a .302 lifetime hitter which makes him a rare hitting breed of power and average. Slugging .557 is also impressive. He was one of the most feared right handed hitter of the 90s.
Runners Up: Phil Niekro, Mike Mussina

#36 Gaylord Perry
Perry is notorious for doctoring baseballs and for making batters think he was intentionally throwing at them. He has admitted to throwing a "spitter" that led to 3,534 strikeouts and 314 wins. He also pitched over 5,300 innings and collected a Cy Young in both leagues.
Runners Up: Robin Roberts and Jim Kaat

#37 Casey Stengal
While Stengal was not a player with this number, he did manage the Yankees and Mets while wearing 37. The Old Professor had 1,227 wins between both NY ball clubs including 7 World Series titles with the Yankees.
Runner Up: Dave Steib

#38 Curt Schilling

Schilling has 3,116 career strikeouts. He was a six time All-Star and was an MVP of both the NLCS and World Series. Negative point for the whole bloody sock scam.
Runner Up: None

#39 Roy Campanella
Campy never put up monster numbers because his career was cut short by an automobile accident. He was however, a 3 time NL MVP and hit 242 homers (including a then catcher record 41 in 1953). He had a rifle for an arm and was a master at handling pitching staffs.
Runner Up: Mike Greenwell

#40 Troy Percival
Percival ranks 10th in career saves with 333. He's a 4 time All-Star and a career WHIP of 1.077.
Runner Up: Don Wilson

#41 Eddie Matthews
Eddie Matthews is on the short list of best third baseman. He and teammate Hank Aaron were one of the most feared power hitting combo's in history. Matthews slugged 512 home runs while driving in 1,453 runs. He also was a 9 time All-Star and twice finished second in MVP balloting.
Runner Up: Tom Seaver

#42 Jackie Robinson
Robinson transcended the game. Listing statistics here would not do the man justice. He is an American hero. His number 42 was rightfully retired around the major leagues in 1997.
Runner Up: Mariano Rivera, Bruce Sutter

#43 Dennis Eckersley

Eck took an interesting path to the Hall of Fame. He was a starter for half of his 24 year career. He posted over 150 career wins and then turned to his arm towards the bullpen. He then saved 390 games as a closer. He also struck out over 2,400.
Runner Up: None

#44 Hank Aaron
An average year for Hammerin Hank consisted of a .305 average, 37 home runs, and 113. In fact for being such a great power hitter, the Hammer never struck out 100 times in a season (his high was 97). He averaged only 68 k's to go along with the 37 home runs per season. He was a regular on the NL All-Star team 20 times.
Runner Up: Willie McCovey, Reggie Jackson

#45 Pedro Martinez
Martinez was perhaps the smallest dominant pitcher ever. He has posted a 2.81 ERA in the middle of the steroid era. He has 3 Cy Youngs and 8 All-Star appearances. He averages 10.19 strikeouts per 9 innings and 3,031 k's for his career. He also has a hefty .692 win percentage and has let to lose his 100th game.
Runner Up: Bob Gibson

#46 Andy Pettite
Whatever you may think of Pettite because of the supposed steroids, he has over 200 career wins and a 3.83 ERA. He has made his mark pitching in the postseason with a 3.95 ERA and 278 strikeouts in 50 games. He also has been to 2 All-Star games and has 4 World Series rings.
Runner Up: Lee Smith

#47 Tom Glavine
Glavine may be the last pitcher of his generation to get to the elusive 300 win plateau. He got their by nibbling on the outside corner for 21 years so far. He also has 2 Cy Youngs and 10 All-Star game appearances. Bonus point for a very hot wife.
Runner Up: None

#48 Torii Hunter

Hunter is more known for his glove work in center field than his bat. He is just 3 home runs shy of 200 however, he has a highlight reel full of spectacular catches he has made in center. He has been to 2 All-Star games (who can forget his robbing Barry Bonds in right center in 2002) and has earned 7 Gold Gloves.
Runner Up: No idea

#49 Ron Guidry
Louisiana Lightning had one of the greatest seasons ever by a pitcher in 1971. He was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA in 273 innings. He has 5 Gold Gloves and 1 Cy Young on his mantle to go along with 4 All-Star games.
Runner Up: Tim Wakefield, Larry Dierker

#50 Sid Fernandez
OK, guilty as charged. I got really lazy with this last one. There really aren't that many #50s. It was either Sid or Matt Lawton so I'm going with Sid because those Mets pinstripes in 80s made his physique flourish. Surprisingly Ferandez ranks 3rd all time with 6.85 hits allowed per 9 innings.
Runner Up: JR Richard

Friday, May 9, 2008

The "All-Stupid Names" Team

My friends know how much I hate Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Why? Because his name is stupid and it makes me mad…so, I am going to build the All-Stupid Names Team – and I will try my hardest to not add a “foreign” name, because I don’t want to make light of something that might be normal – sorry Kiko Calero. Also, they have to be on a roster – sorry Dylan Axelrod.

Pitcher: Rocky Cherry – Baltimore Orioles
Full Name: Rocky Ty Cherry
Career Stats: 1-1, 5.46 ERA in 31.1 IP

Not only is his name totally dumb, he is totally mediocre…but it isn’t about his numbers; it is about their names. His name: Rocky Cherry. This guy sounds like a

stripper in a Quentin Tarantino movie.

Catcher: Jarrod Saltalamacchia – Texas Rangers
Full Name: Jarrod Scott Saltalamacchia
Career Stats: .262 AVG, 11 HR

This guy is my mortal enemy. Some may think his name rolls off the tongue; I say his name sounds like a fish dish on a menu at a crappy restaurant in South Texas. Also, his name doesn't fit on a jersey!!!

1st Base: Josh Whitesell – Arizona Diamondbacks
Full Name: Joshua S. Whitesell
Career Stats: ZERO across the board

This guy should win an award for his dumb hat. Seriously, check it out. It was hard to find a 1st baseman with a dumb name, so I settled on a guy who sounds like a Labor Day “Blow-Out Extravaganza”.

2nd Base: Travis Denker – San Francisco Giants
Full Name: Travis Norton Denker
Career Stats: ZERO across the board

I almost gave it to him just because of his middle name: Norton? But he got it because of Denker. Good thing he played baseball or he could have ended up sitting at sum plush country club somewhere in middle-America. “Master Denker, your quiche is ready.”

3rd Base: Christian Colonel – N/A

Full Name: Christian Burkhardt Colonel
Career Stats: ZERO across the board

Okay, I know I said they had to be on a roster, but this “non-roster invitee” for the Rockies had too good of a name to pass up. Christian Colonel??!?!? I bet his family was really mad when he went in to baseball; I mean he has the perfect name for many other things: the papacy, the military, Rock ‘n Roll.

SS: Brian Bocock - San Francisco Giants
Full Name: Brian Bocock
Career Stats: .143 AVG, 0 HR

I am twelve. I giggle thinking about the Double Play: Bocock to Danker to Whitesell.

LF: Skip Schumaker – St. Louis Cardinals

Full Name: Jared Michael Schumaker
Career Stats: .296 AVG, 5 HR

Anyone who spells his real first name: J-A-R-E-D and then calls himself “Skip” is able to make this list, anyone. I also would love to hear the story of how he got called Skip. His name was Jared and then got changed? I had nicknames as a kid, but I don’t use them as my name.

CF: Coco Crisp – Boston Red Sox
Full Name: Covelli Loyce Crisp
Career Stats: .281 AVG, 49 HR

I know this is passé, even overused, but his name is that of a cereal. Why go by Coco when you have so many other options? This makes the list no matter what. You can deal with it.

RF: Vince Sinisi – N/A

Full Name: Vincent James Sinisi
Career Stats: ZERO across the board

“Non-roster invitee” for the Padres. I’m sure he is good…and probably has “connections” so I will not say anything. I am sure he is a very nice fella.

My Honorable Mentions:
These are based SOLELY on the name…not on where they are from.

Dallas Buck (P-AZ), Nick Noonan (2B-SF), Antonio Bastardo (P-PHI) and Wilmer Font (P-TEX).

Best Baseball Players By Uniform Number 0-25

Baseball uniform numbers have come a long way.

They first appeared as small numbers on the sleeves of the 1916 Cleveland

Indians, as a way of identifying the players. Perhaps Tris Speaker's .386 batting average that year didn't distinguish him enough from fellow outfielder's Jack Graney and Braggo Roth. Amazingly, the numbers experiment was short lived.

(Warning: somewhat large digression, proceed at your own risk - What has happened to the art of a good nickname? Take the '16 Indians. Braggo Roth was known as The Globetrotter, pitcher Charles Smith was Pop-Boy, 3B Terry Turner was Cotton Top, and pitcher Guy Morton was simply known as Alabama Blossom. Nowadays we have A-Rod, K-Rod, and I-Rod. How unoriginal. Maybe we can start calling Tim McCarver T-Mac. Oh wait, that's already taken in sports. I guess gone are the days of the cool nicknames like The Georgia Peach, the Little Steam Engine, the Human Rain Delay, and the Mad Hungarian. And while I'm digressing did you know that the 1916 Indians home run leader was the aforementioned Graney who hit 5? And 5 of the starting 9 Indians didn't even homer once during the entire season. OK I'm done. Back to the originally scheduled column.)

In 1929, the New York Yankees decided to wear numbers on the backs of their jerseys. The numbers corresponded to each player's general position in the lineup. For example lead off hitter Earle Combs wore #1 right on down to Bill Dickey wearing #10 since he shared batting last. (By the way Combs nickname was the Kentucky Colonel and Dickey was the Man Nobody Knows.)

Visible from long distances, the numbers made it easier for fans to distinguish players from their seats, and easier for play-by-play radio announcers to identify players during their broadcasts. Other teams soon followed, and by 1932, every one of the 16 major league teams featured numbers on the backs of their jerseys.

Since then, there have been countless players to use all of the numbers. But who exactly is the best player to wear each number? Let's take a look.

#0 Al Oliver

One of the most forgotten about ballplayers of his generation, Oliver hit .303 and drove in over 1,300 RBI during his productive major league career.
Runner Up: None

#1 Ozzie Smith
The Wizard of Oz flashed some of the finest glovework ever to appear on a major league diamond. Ozzie was a 14 time All-Star and league MVP in 1985. Not known for his bat, Ozzie won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves at SS.
Runners Up: Pee Wee Reese, Richie Ashburn, Bobby Doerr, and Chuck Klein

#2 Charlie Gehringer
The Mechanical Man hit .320 with 1,427 rbi's. 9 times he finished in the top 14 for MVP . He also sported a .404 lifetime on base percentage and slugged .480.
Runners Up: Derek Jeter, Nellie Foxx, Red Schoendienst

#3 Babe Ruth
The Bambino is arguably the greatest baseball player or all time. If Alex Rodriguez had played his entire career with number 3, this could have become an interesting debate.
Runners Up: Alex Rodriguez (Mariners and Rangers), Jimmie Foxx (Athletics and Red Sox) and Harmon Killibrew, and Frankie Frisch

#4 Lou Gehrig
Gehrig is most known for his then record 2,130 consecutive games played. He also hit .340 and finished 5 rbi's shy of 2,000. He also won a triple crown in 1934 along with 2 MVP awards (1927 and 1936)
Runners Up: Paul Molitor, Mel Ott, Ralph Kiner, Luke Appling, Joe Cronin, and Duke Snider

#5 Joe DiMaggio
Joltin Joe won 3 MVP awards. He hit .325 with 361 career home runs (in an extemely spacious Yankee Stadium that featured Death Valley at 490 feet.) He made 13 all star game appearances and had the famous 56 game hitting streak. Bonus points for being married to Marilyn Monroe and being Italian.
Runners Up: Johnny Bench, Albert Pujols, Hank Greenberg, George Brett, & Brooks Robinson

#6 Stan Musial

Perhaps one of the most underrated players of all time, he played in 24 all star games. Musial's career stats include 475 home runs and over 3,600 hits.
Runner Up: Al Kaline and Tony Lazzeri

#7 Mickey Mantle
He won his jersey number in World Series rings along with mashing 536 career homers. Bonus point for his liver lasting as long as it did.
Runners Up: Al Simmons and Ivan Rodriguez

#8 Cal Ripken Jr
Ripken was an All star for every one of his 21 big league seasons. He holds the record for most homers by a SS with 431. He is a savior in the state of Maryland. Oh, and there was that little record of 2,632 consecutive games he played.
Runners Up: Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Carl Yastrzemski, Joe Morgan, Gary Carter, and Willie Stargell

#9 Ted Williams
Williams maybe be the best hitter to ever walk this planet. He broke down hitting to a science. He is remembered for being the last player to bat over .400 in a season and hit .344 for his career.
Runners Up: Reggie Jackson, Roger Maris, and Bill Mazeroski

#10 Lefty Grove
Robert Moses Grove had a lifetime .680 win percentage (300 wins with 298 complete games), a career 3.06 ERA, and 2,266 strikeouts.
Runners Up: Johnny Mize, Andre Dawson and Phil Rizzuto

#11 Carl Hubbell
The Meal Ticket sported a sub 3 ERA along with 253 wins. He averaged less than one hit per inning pitched and was a 2 time NL MVP.
Runners Up: Paul Waner, Luis Aparicio, Lefty Gomez

#12 Roberto Alomar
Alomar is one of the very best 5 tool second baseman. He could run (474 stolen bases), hit for power (210 home runs), hit for average (career .300 hitter), field (10 time gold glove winner) and throw. Negative point for spitting on John Hirschbeck's face.
Runner Up: none

#13 Alex Rodriguez
When all is said and done, he may become the greatest player of all time. A couple of postseason hits and a title will surely help his cause as he is well on his way to becoming the all time home run leader.
Runner Up: Dave Concepcion

#14 Ernie Banks
Who would you rather have: Player A with 2, 583 hits, 512 hrs, 1,636 rbis, .500 slg, 2,528 games played or Player B with 4,256 hits, 160 hrs, 1,314 rbis, .409 slg, 3,562 games played. Player A is Mr. Cub and Player B is Charlie Hustle. Its a toss up and I'll take Banks because of character.
Runners Up: Pete Rose, Larry Doby, and Jim Bunning

#15 Dick Allen
Allen slugged .534 and hit 351 home runs. He was also a NL Rookie of the Year and MVP. Thurman Munson would have been this if his career wasn't tragically cut short at age 32.
Runner Up: Thurman Munson, Red Ruffing

#16 Whitey Ford
The Chairman of the Board boasts a .690 win percentage and 236 career wins. He was lights out in World Series play and went to 10 all star games. Had a lifetime 2.75 career era.
Runner Up: Hal Newhouser

#17 Dizzy Dean
Wasn't dominant for very long but was a center piece of the Gang House Gang Cardinals. He collected over 20 wins in 4 straight seasons including 30-7 in 1934. He was league MVP that season. He only won double digit games in 1 other season. Dean was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1953.
Runner Up: Enos Slaughter

#18 Ted Kluszewski
Big Klu finished his career with a .298 batting average while slugging .498 and hitting 279 home runs.
Runner Up: Red Faber

#19 Bob Feller

Feller may be known for his unique nicknames (the Heater from Van Meter and Bullett Bob), but Feller could also pitch. He is also believed to have thrown the fastest fastball on record at 107 mph. Along with the heat he managed to rack up 266 career wins.
Runners Up: Tony Gwynn,Robin Yount, and Waite Hoyt

#20 Mike Schmidt
Schmidt is arguably the best third baseman ever and with 548 career home runs it's no wonder. He was one of the most feared batters in the 1980's while he drove in almost 1,600 rbi's.
Runners Up: Frank Robinson, Lou Brock, Pie Traynor, and Don Sutton

#21 Roger Clemens (Red Sox and Blue Jays)
Steroids and current day events aside, Clemens is one of the best pitchers to ever toe the rubber. 4,672 strikeouts, 354 wins and a 3.12 era along with 7 Cy Young Awards.
Runners Up: Roberto Clemente, Warren Spahn, George Kell, Dazzy Vance, and Sammy Sosa

#22 Jim Palmer

Palmer collected 3 Cy Young Awards as a prominent member of the Orioles. He won 268 games and had eight 20-win seasons. Fun fact: He was part of the last picthing staff to have 4 20-game winners.
Runners Up: Jack Clark and Will Clark

#23 Ryne Sandberg
Ryno batted .285, had 282 career homers and over 1,000 rbi's. He was the 1984 NL MVP and a 10 time all star. He also collected 8 consecutive gold glove awards from 1983-91.
Runner Up: Don Mattingly

#24 Willie Mays
Some call the Say-Hey kid the best all around position player of all time. He won 12 straight Gold Gloves in the OF and went to 20 straight All-Star games. He was also a 2 time NL MVP and hit a then record for an NL player with 660.
Runners Up: Ken Griffey Jr. (Mariners), Manny Ramirez, Rickey Henderson, Tony Perez

#25 Barry Bonds
.Just like Clemens, if you put the steroids issue to the side, Bonds is on the short list of best players of all time. Whatever your opinion of him is, it is clear that he was the most dominant player of his generation putting up video game like statistics. He is a 7 time NL MVP, holds the current MLB record with 762 home runs, over 2,500 walks, and is just 4 rbi's shy of 2,000.
Runner Up: Mark McGwire and Jim Thome

With help from http://www.baseball-reference.com/ for the statistics and Sports Illustrated for the column idea

Thursday, May 8, 2008

US Cellular Field Review

This is installment 2 of my 11 part series Reviewing Major League Baseball Stadiums

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - In August of 2003, I attended a White Sox game at US Cellular Field.

Wait, it's not called Comiskey Park anymore?

That's a shame because Charlie Comiskey was one of baseball's most not

orius bastards, the George Steinbrenner of his day. But South Siders still love Comiskey. In fact the very first vendor I saw outside the ballpark was selling T-shirts that said, "I STILL call it Comiskey."

And I also still would rather call the stadium after Comiskey than a corporation that paid for the naming rights. And that's what I will do.

Whatever name you prefer to call the stadium, let's just say it was a surprisingly good place to watch a ballgame. While North-side fans talk lovingly of the ivy and the bleachers and the Friendly Confines at Wrigley Field, Comiskey is known mostly for its ridiculously steep upper-deck, for the way Reinsdorf blackmailed the state into building it and for being built just before Camden Yards ushered in the retro-ballpark era.

Unfortunately by Comiskey Park and White Sox fans alike, they get neglected by the rest of Chicago. The White Sox are to the Cubs as the Mets are to the Yankees. Maybe one day, someone will remember that there is a second team in Chicago.

Side note: The August 18, 2003 game I saw was between the White Sox and Angels. Angels pitcher Jerod Washburn had a no-hitter going into the 7th before Frank Thomas homered. Thomas also hit a 2 run game winning homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth to send the White Sox faithful home happy.

The Review:

Price of Ticket: $29.00 for lower level seats about 15 rows back from the tarp in right. Coming from NJ I thought this was a misprint. It wasn't and the seats were fantastic. Coincidentally the guy in the seat in front of me was from Lakewood, NJ. Very wierd.

Beer: This was the very first place my dad ever bought me a beer in public. Actually it was right in front of my mom, I was underage and it was a Pilsner Urquell. 3 for 3 Frank, well done! The only negative was the beer was $5.00.

Scoreboard: The scoreboard features the same distinctive pinwheels that were on the old scoreboard in Comiskey Park 1. Not to mention it is still an exploding scoreboard! Otherwise the graphics are very average at best.

Neighborhood: Let's just say, don't leave any valuables unattended in car. The South Side of Chicago is less safe than Matt Holiday was in last year's play in game.

Access: You could take the El Train to get to Comiskey as it has a stop directly outside. Or you can take a car as it is located right off of the Dan Ryan Expressway. We preferred to drive and there was plenty of parking within a reasonable distance from the stadium.

Architecture: The stadium is very plain from the outside. Gone are the

arches that were associated with Comiskey 1. The extremely steep upper deck is very visible from the outside and can be a daunting task to hike up. Once inside, the stadium provides solid sight lines from the lower level. There are plenty of concession stands (named after former White Sox such as Harold Baines Fries) and bathrooms. There is even a "rain room" where fans can sit when the game is in delay.

Additional Comments: While Comiskey Park doesn't boast the newest amenities or the latest in retro ballpark designs, it still is a very decent place to catch a ballgame. While I was there in 2003, they added a life size bronze sculpture of Charlie Comiskey, a Fan Deck in center field, and painted the ballpark black. The major drawback to this stadium is its location in Chicago's Armour Park neighborhood. There is nothing around the stadium, no bars and its even hard to fetch a cab.

Grade: C+

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

2028 Mock Draft

With the 2008 NFL Draft in the books and the "experts" done handing out grades (even though the players haven't stepped foot onto a field), I'm turning my attention to future NFL Drafts. Way in the future NFL Drafts. Like the one happening in 2028. Some of the projected picks are not born yet and others will be counted on to lead their franchises to the Promised Land. One thing is for sure though, the picks will definitely happen. You can take it to the bank (or to your bookie, but he may look at you a little strangely).

1. New England Patriots

Harry Belichick -- Harvard University
LB, Senior, 6-4, 257 lbs

**TRADE WITH MINNESOTA** In one of the most lopsided draft day trades of all-time, Patriots GM Tom Brady swaps a 4th and 5th round pick with Minnesota for the rights to the number 1 pick. The Patriots then select LB Harry Belichick, who football analysts call "quite, ominous with an uncanny knack for knowing which play is coming."

2. Detroit Lions
Test Tube 4291 -- University of Tennessee Medical Center
WR, Freshman, 6'8, 324 lbs

Currently has never played one down of organized football however, GM Matt Millen can not resist the urge to draft a WR with size and 3.91 40 yard dash time. The downside is this draftee is still in the In-Vitro Lab of the Nashville Fertilization Clinic. According to the secretary of the clinic, the father is Shawn Kemp and the mother is an a stripper from Memphis. Hence the final product has large hands and long legs built for speed.
Millen hopes this pick will redeem him with Lions fans who banned together to set Ford Field ablaze after another draft fiasco last year.

3. New York Jets
Chester Wellingtonham-Bedingtonford IV -- Oxford University
QB, Senior, 5'7, 159 lbs

Ever since the NFL started playing American football in London way back in 2006, the NFL has constantly tried to gain popularity in England. This draft pick is the latest example as the Jets take this British-signal caller who also happens to the heir apparent to the mighty Tillington Crumpets fortune. Jets fans will surely boo, but with Test Tube 4291 and Belichick already taken, a classical lit major is the obvious guy to make everyone instantly recall Chad Pennington.

4. Oakland Raiders

Jayden Agassi-Graf -- International Tennis Academy (Delray Beach, FL)
AP #1 Junior Singles, Sophomore, 6'2, 181 lbs

Al Davis desperately wants to win another Championship before he croaks. But with each and every passing day he is turning more and more into Mr. Burns. However, with Davis electing to not have a Smithers to assist him in the War Room, he again selects "the best player available." He passes on consensus number 1 pick Troy Johnson, instead selecting budding tennis star Jayden Agassi-Graf. When reached for comment Al Davis said, "No one will want to kiss me after this, eh, Smithers?"

5. Cincinnati Bengals
Bradley John Walker -- Kansas-Leavenworth
RB, 3rd Grade reading level, 6'5, 240 lbs

Marvin Lewis surprises no one with this pick selecting the player with the least character. The armed robbery charges against Walker impressed Lewis in showing his "superior escapeability and quick, elusive feet." Also impressing Lewis was Walker's breakaway speed and ability to not be caught from behind.
If Cincinnati did not select Walker, he was going to be transferred to San Quentin on premeditated murder charges.

6. Dallas Cowboys

Cara Farmer -- Arkansas Punt, Pass, & Kick
QB, 11 years old, 4'3, 87 lbs

With the recent retirement of Tony Romo, Dallas was in the market for a quarterback. Being that 51 of 52 players on the current Cowboys roster are graduates of Arkansas, Jerry Jones keeps with tradition selecting Arkansas Punt, Pass, & Kick winner Cara Farmer. When reached for comments, Farmer's parents said, "Cara throwing arm is so strong because of the thousands of cows utters she has yanked on."

7. Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre's brother's, wives's third nephew's son Samuel -- University of Southern Mississippi
QB, Junior, 6'1, 202 lbs

With the unfortunate explosion of a bbq pitt at last year's Favre Family Reunion in Kiln, MS, the only remaining Favre on the planet is Brett's brother's wives's third nephew's son Samuel. Seeking any traces of Favre's genes to bring them back to prominence, this is an easy pick for the Packer's front office.

8. Buffalo Bills
Typhoid Feverton -- University of Oregon
DE, Senior, 6'2, 302 lbs

**TRADE WITH MIAMI** Ignoring the eye-patch, wooden leg, and none ability to forge the river, Bills are enamored with Feverton's gutsy refusal to quit, which they find symbolic of the scrappy, struggling city in Western New York that the NFL has been steadily boxing and shipping to Toronto.
Miami inherits Buffalo's 3rd round pick which they turn into a bottle of moustache wax.

9. Seattle Seahawks
Derek "Cordon" Blue -- Culinary Institute of America
OT,Junior, 6'0, 371 lbs

With Mike Holmgren threatening to retire again following the upcoming 2028 season, he drafts this meaty OT simply to tickle his belly by whipping up 5 star pre, post, and during game spreads. With a double major in French Pastry Arts and Italian-American cuisine under his size 52 XXXXXL belt, Blue will become a regular Julia Child in the Seahawks locker room.

10. Houston Texans
Anthony Parker-Longoria -- University of Texas at San Antonio
OG, Senior, 5'11, 272 lbs

The Texans would have been thrilled with either Test Tube 4291 or the Punt, Pass & Kick Competition winner falling to them but no dice. Instead they had to settle for the 3rd player on their Big Board, Anthony Parker-Longoria. A-PL's stock has dropped lately after comments from his mom Eva stating, "Anthony takes the occasional flop to draw a penalty against the defensive lineman." With a grin from ear to ear, his father Tony politely declined to comment.