Portland fans, we've had a tough time the past couple of years due to injuries. I could take the time to list them, but I think we are all so familiar with each player's injury report we could recite them in our sleep. We do have a tendency to pity ourselves as sports fans so let's just stop wallowing for a moment and take a look at our situation a little more objectively.
The two biggest pieces to our franchise, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, appear basically done. Barring some kind of miracle, Roy will never again have menisci. Goodbye athleticism, we won't ever see you again. His reluctance to pass the crown of "franchise player" to Aldridge makes this even more complicated. Greg Oden technically still has a chance to return and be a dominant force. But does anyone believe this will happen? I say it is more likely that Boston College wins the national championship in football next year than any kind of Oden dominance.
Okay, so that leaves us with a core of Aldridge, Nic Batum and Wes Matthews. That isn't a bad core at all. But those are the players that you want to be your 2nd, 3rd and 4th best players. The organization would have to surround that group with incredible role players to make it into a contender. The good news? The Blazers do have two or three trade pieces to try and make that happen.
Miller is in the second year of a three year contract, but the last year is a team option. Camby has one year and ten million dollars after this year. Pryzbilla is in the final year of his contract and could be traded to a team looking for cap relief.
There are several glaring issues with these trade pieces though. First, Miller's market is limited, at best. Take a look at the top contenders, none of them need a point guard. There was a lot of talk about the Blazers making another run at Devin Harris earlier in the year. But the problem there is that New Jersey wanted to deal Harris in order to clear more cap space to sign Carmelo to an extension in the event they acquired him from the Nuggets. Carmelo is clearly not going to New Jersey, so the Nets have no reason to trade Harris now. Miller's tank remains full and his durability is impressive, but his trade value is limited at best.
Marcus Camby is an enticing piece, much more so than Andre Miller. An elite defender and rebounder, a reasonable contract and could fill a hole in the middle for several teams. But one has to think that GM's are a little skeptical of his health (notorious for missing games during the regular season) after his recent arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago. How many teams want to take a chance on a 36 year old with a lot of miles on those freshly operated knees? And if we trade Camby, we can seriously forget about the rest of this year (not that we have any chance of anything other than a first round sweep by the Spurs or Lakers). But of the three pieces, Camby is the most likely to get traded in my opinion.
Pryzbilla is the final piece of the trade puzzle. Joel's surgery evidently robbed him of his already meager athleticism. His inability to play effectively for more than twenty minutes a game don't exactly bring in phone calls from other GM's. Cap relief would be the largest motivator for a team to trade for Joel, but with a lockout basically guaranteed next year, do teams care that much about clearing cap space right now? That would kill the free agent market for next year and as long as there is a lockout, teams do not have to pay their players. Cap space becomes a secondary priority in this case.
So of these three players, Camby is the most likely to be traded. If the Blazers are lucky, maybe they can package another one of these contracts for an equitable return, but I do not see that happening. And if the Blazers do somehow manage to acquire some good young pieces, how do we know they will be any good for us? The basis of this question is the impending lockout and the collective bargaining agreement discussions taking place between the league and the player's union currently.
Let's say the players and the owners come to an agreement where one of the agreements is a hardcap for the league. This puts the Blazers in an incredibly precarious position. With a max contract in Brandon Roy, a near max deal for Aldridge, a full mid-level exception for Matthews and Batum needing an extension, a great deal of the Blazers' caps space is tied up. So if the Blazers do trade for any young players, is there any guarantee that we will have the cap space to sign them to an extension given how much money we have invested right now in our roster?
The Blazers' future depends heavily on the results of the CBA. Right now our future is bleak, but if the owners win out and the league institutes a hard cap, life will become worse for the Blazers. I personally think the best course of action is to let these three big contracts expire and save the cap space for after the new league adopts the new CBA. There is too much instability in the league right now to take a risk. Stay patient, play it safe for now and hope that with the new CBA, we can build around our new core of three. Doesn't seem too long ago that core included Roy and Oden, does it?
Monday, 31 January 2011
Friday, 28 January 2011
I Thought It Was "Take The Money And Run"
You're fresh out of college and just start a job with a investment firm. You sign the contract and start off making six figures, with the salary increasing each year as you progress. Let's say you have one required year left and your heart just isn't in it anymore. You can either half-ass your job for the last year, cash in on the final paycheck and then leave the company, or you can walk away right then and forfeit your last year of salary. What would you do?
Well Gil Meche had that exact choice and his decision probably shocked a few people. Meche signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals before the 2007 season, 5 years and 55 million dollars. He was entering the final year of the contract this season, worth approximately 12 million dollars. However, Meche was not worth anywhere near the 12 million dollars the team owed him.
Meche's shoulder has needed several operations and its condition has worsened significantly this season. Meche likely would not have made the starting rotation and would require extensive rehabilitation in order to even come out of the bullpen. But in Major League Baseball, contracts are guaranteed by the teams, so if Meche wanted to earn his salary then all he had to do was go through the motions from spring training until the Royals inevitably finished with 100+ losses in September and he could retire with 12 million extra in the bank.
In a surprising turn of events, Meche walked away. Decided that the 12 million wasn't worth it. More importantly, he figured that him as a pitcher wasn't worth the money.
“When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn it. Once I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, I felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of money for not even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I didn’t want to have those feelings again.”
The idea of walking away from Jamba Juice this summer early and giving up a week of salary was difficult for me. How in the world does Meche just wave goodbye to 12 million dollars? I know that he's amassed an exorbitant amount of money for a pitcher of his caliber, but that's hardly a reason to essentially stack the money up in a pile and light it on fire.
The more admirable reason that he retired? He believed that he needed to spend more time with his children, who do not live in Kansas City with him. In a world where athletes are reviled for cheating, illegitimate children and prominent media stories, Gil Meche restores a little faith in athletes' ability to act appropriately. He put his family first and saved his organization millions of dollars for his honesty. It is a rare act from an athlete that deserves recognition from someone, even if it is just me.
Well Gil Meche had that exact choice and his decision probably shocked a few people. Meche signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals before the 2007 season, 5 years and 55 million dollars. He was entering the final year of the contract this season, worth approximately 12 million dollars. However, Meche was not worth anywhere near the 12 million dollars the team owed him.
Meche's shoulder has needed several operations and its condition has worsened significantly this season. Meche likely would not have made the starting rotation and would require extensive rehabilitation in order to even come out of the bullpen. But in Major League Baseball, contracts are guaranteed by the teams, so if Meche wanted to earn his salary then all he had to do was go through the motions from spring training until the Royals inevitably finished with 100+ losses in September and he could retire with 12 million extra in the bank.
In a surprising turn of events, Meche walked away. Decided that the 12 million wasn't worth it. More importantly, he figured that him as a pitcher wasn't worth the money.
“When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn it. Once I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, I felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of money for not even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I didn’t want to have those feelings again.”
The idea of walking away from Jamba Juice this summer early and giving up a week of salary was difficult for me. How in the world does Meche just wave goodbye to 12 million dollars? I know that he's amassed an exorbitant amount of money for a pitcher of his caliber, but that's hardly a reason to essentially stack the money up in a pile and light it on fire.
The more admirable reason that he retired? He believed that he needed to spend more time with his children, who do not live in Kansas City with him. In a world where athletes are reviled for cheating, illegitimate children and prominent media stories, Gil Meche restores a little faith in athletes' ability to act appropriately. He put his family first and saved his organization millions of dollars for his honesty. It is a rare act from an athlete that deserves recognition from someone, even if it is just me.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
UConn Booster Has Had Enough
In case you missed this little gem, UConn's number one football booster, Robert Burton, lost his cool a little bit when he sent this long-winded email cutting all ties with Connecticut football. If you don't feel like taking the time to read the five page letter, let me just sum it up for you: the university slighted Burton when they ignored his opinion on the hiring of new head coach, Paul Pasqualoni, and consequently, Burton was finished with Connecticut.
Look, I'll be the first to admit it: Burton's brash response to a seemingly small infraction is reminiscent to Dan Gilbert's infamous comic sans letter. To me, and most sports fans, this is an overreaction of the worst kind. But couldn't this event have been avoided entirely?
Robert Burton is your number one booster. He has given more than seven million dollars of his own money to the football program. The athletic facility is named after him. He's provided scholarships for athletes and students. He received an honorary PhD from UConn. Now, all he is asking is that he is able to give his opinion on the head coaching search. That is a pretty small request given his commitment to the program.
A simple conference call could have solved all of this. The AD could listen to his opinion, pretend to care about it, tell him they will consider his thoughts, still hire Pasqualoni and they would maintain their top booster. Instead, his calls were ignored and he heard of the hire from other sources before UConn attempted to contact him. What is the point of having a booster like Burton if you ignore not only his opinion on the matter, but his existence as the top booster? UConn's program is not strong as it is; it can hardly afford to lose a man who donates as much money as Burton.
The other part of this that confuses me is this cannot be the first time that Burton voiced displeasure with the program. He has supported UConn over the past decade and I cannot imagine he's never shown any instability like this. UConn showed extreme irresponsibility when they ignored his simple request, whether or not his reaction was justifiable or not.
UConn's program is no more or less impressive than BC. And the reason that I think this story holds significance for smaller programs like ours is that I can only hope that this isn't how we treat our boosters (if we even have any). I'd be furious too if I gave that kind of money and they brushed my voice aside, marking it equivalent to the average fan.
Burton's ultimate decision to cut all ties with UConn may seem brash; one can hardly blame him for being upset, however, when his voice and more importantly, his wallet, were ignored.
Look, I'll be the first to admit it: Burton's brash response to a seemingly small infraction is reminiscent to Dan Gilbert's infamous comic sans letter. To me, and most sports fans, this is an overreaction of the worst kind. But couldn't this event have been avoided entirely?
Robert Burton is your number one booster. He has given more than seven million dollars of his own money to the football program. The athletic facility is named after him. He's provided scholarships for athletes and students. He received an honorary PhD from UConn. Now, all he is asking is that he is able to give his opinion on the head coaching search. That is a pretty small request given his commitment to the program.
A simple conference call could have solved all of this. The AD could listen to his opinion, pretend to care about it, tell him they will consider his thoughts, still hire Pasqualoni and they would maintain their top booster. Instead, his calls were ignored and he heard of the hire from other sources before UConn attempted to contact him. What is the point of having a booster like Burton if you ignore not only his opinion on the matter, but his existence as the top booster? UConn's program is not strong as it is; it can hardly afford to lose a man who donates as much money as Burton.
The other part of this that confuses me is this cannot be the first time that Burton voiced displeasure with the program. He has supported UConn over the past decade and I cannot imagine he's never shown any instability like this. UConn showed extreme irresponsibility when they ignored his simple request, whether or not his reaction was justifiable or not.
UConn's program is no more or less impressive than BC. And the reason that I think this story holds significance for smaller programs like ours is that I can only hope that this isn't how we treat our boosters (if we even have any). I'd be furious too if I gave that kind of money and they brushed my voice aside, marking it equivalent to the average fan.
Burton's ultimate decision to cut all ties with UConn may seem brash; one can hardly blame him for being upset, however, when his voice and more importantly, his wallet, were ignored.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Top 10 Albums of 2010
Alright, plenty of time to let all that music settle in from 2010 and I am going to give you my list of the top ten albums of the year. One of my favorite parts about music is the wide array of opinions that people offer and how one top ten list can be completely different from another. Obviously, there is no objective standard for whether an album is well-crafted or not, so allow me to indulge and list of my favorite albums of the year.
Let's start with the honorable mentions that just quite didn't make the cut:
Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
The National - High Violet
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt
The Morning Benders - Big Echo
Local Natives - Gorilla Manner
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Sorry guys, I loved all of these albums and listened to them extensively pretty much all year, but the top ten is a pretty exclusive list.
10. Sleigh Bells - Treats
9. Best Coast - Crazy For You
8. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
7. Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring
6. Beach House - Teen Dream
5. Robyn - Body Talk
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
3. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
2. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
1. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Here's the thing, I can't write about music the same way that I do sports so I am forced to just list my top ten. I'm also much better about talking about music in person so if you ever want to ask me how I arrived at my top ten, feel free to do so. Also, drop your thoughts in the comments section and feel free to list your favorite albums as well. I love hearing different opinions and looking into new tunes.
There is no way that I can decide on a favorite song of the year, but I do have a favorite video:
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Let's start with the honorable mentions that just quite didn't make the cut:
Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
The National - High Violet
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt
The Morning Benders - Big Echo
Local Natives - Gorilla Manner
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Sorry guys, I loved all of these albums and listened to them extensively pretty much all year, but the top ten is a pretty exclusive list.
10. Sleigh Bells - Treats
9. Best Coast - Crazy For You
8. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
7. Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring
6. Beach House - Teen Dream
5. Robyn - Body Talk
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
3. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
2. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
1. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Here's the thing, I can't write about music the same way that I do sports so I am forced to just list my top ten. I'm also much better about talking about music in person so if you ever want to ask me how I arrived at my top ten, feel free to do so. Also, drop your thoughts in the comments section and feel free to list your favorite albums as well. I love hearing different opinions and looking into new tunes.
There is no way that I can decide on a favorite song of the year, but I do have a favorite video:
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Look Past Sports and Look at Character
We see athletes every day whether we notice them or not. In commercials. On shows. Billboards. Advertisements. In person. In games. Athletes, although representing a minuscule portion of the population, appear as frequently to us as the average Joe.
But the average Joe doesn't get the same leeway athletes get. Everyone knows this. Their experience in the real world makes Joe wonder if the athlete's lives are even real. Their lives seem like a dream and sometimes this delusion has terrible consequences.
Part of the issue of being a professional athlete in today's world is that any mistake you make, on the field or off, will be reported almost immediately. No athlete is safe from criticism. But despite the heightened publicity and lack of privacy, excuses for athletes' behavior is far too rampant. And in most cases, the very thing they are criticized for is all too quickly forgotten by media, fans and bystanders alike.
Jezebel, a branch of Gawker Media, posted a fantastic article on exactly this issue that I found incredibly insightful. And it made me realize that I am guilty of precisely the issue they discuss. I often overlook the simply unacceptable behavior of athletes simply because they are athletes, they don't seem like real people to me. When I hear of a woman being raped on the news, I think to myself: "That is absolutely disgusting. I hope that that creep has exactly what is coming to him." When I hear of Ben Roethlisberger facing the accusation of his second rape case, I crack jokes with my friends about what a disgusting human being he is. But as quickly as we do that, we're right back to discussing his merits as a crunch-time quarterback and ability to control games.
We hold athletes in too high esteem. I'm not saying that Big Ben should have been convicted (I know nothing of the case that what was reported); I am just upset with myself that I can have such two contradictory reactions to similar situations. And I don't even give a crap about the Steelers.
The article discusses the need for a change in the justice system to prevent these situations from taking the blame off the athlete and placing it on the victims. But I think differently. I think that the change needs to occur with us, the fans. Athletes can't keep receiving the same free pass that we give them. And until each individual makes the conscious choice to hold athletes more personally accountable for their actions, we'll still be discussing whether we'd rather have a pocket-passer or scrambler leading us down the field at the end of the day.
But the average Joe doesn't get the same leeway athletes get. Everyone knows this. Their experience in the real world makes Joe wonder if the athlete's lives are even real. Their lives seem like a dream and sometimes this delusion has terrible consequences.
Part of the issue of being a professional athlete in today's world is that any mistake you make, on the field or off, will be reported almost immediately. No athlete is safe from criticism. But despite the heightened publicity and lack of privacy, excuses for athletes' behavior is far too rampant. And in most cases, the very thing they are criticized for is all too quickly forgotten by media, fans and bystanders alike.
Jezebel, a branch of Gawker Media, posted a fantastic article on exactly this issue that I found incredibly insightful. And it made me realize that I am guilty of precisely the issue they discuss. I often overlook the simply unacceptable behavior of athletes simply because they are athletes, they don't seem like real people to me. When I hear of a woman being raped on the news, I think to myself: "That is absolutely disgusting. I hope that that creep has exactly what is coming to him." When I hear of Ben Roethlisberger facing the accusation of his second rape case, I crack jokes with my friends about what a disgusting human being he is. But as quickly as we do that, we're right back to discussing his merits as a crunch-time quarterback and ability to control games.
We hold athletes in too high esteem. I'm not saying that Big Ben should have been convicted (I know nothing of the case that what was reported); I am just upset with myself that I can have such two contradictory reactions to similar situations. And I don't even give a crap about the Steelers.
The article discusses the need for a change in the justice system to prevent these situations from taking the blame off the athlete and placing it on the victims. But I think differently. I think that the change needs to occur with us, the fans. Athletes can't keep receiving the same free pass that we give them. And until each individual makes the conscious choice to hold athletes more personally accountable for their actions, we'll still be discussing whether we'd rather have a pocket-passer or scrambler leading us down the field at the end of the day.
Monday, 24 January 2011
NBA First Half Surprises
Let me preface this by saying: IT IS INSANELY COLD OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. I woke up, got dressed and was all ready to walk to class this morning. Then I took one step outside and it was like I was stabbed repeatedly in the chest with an icicle ice pick. Not pleasant. I took the bus instead and had to wait for about ten minutes for it to arrive. That was at 8:35. It is now 10:10 and I am still not warm. -2 and with the wind chill, a teeth-chattering -23 degrees. No, that is not a typo. It is simply a cruel joke that the world decided to play on the Northeast.
The NBA season is halfway done and many of the stories we expected to play out (Cleveland's utter humiliating summer continuing into the season, Minnesota and Sacramento as the bottom dwellers of the West, and the Celtics and the Heat battling for Eastern supremacy) unfolded exactly as anticipated.
But this season has had a couple of wild twists to it so far and these are just a few of the most notable, in my humble opinion:
The San Antonio Spurs - 37-7? The same Spurs that were swept by the Suns in the Western Conference Semis last year and clearly looked to be in their demise? Give credit to Gregg Popovich and a healthy squad for their success this year. Popovich has managed Duncan's minutes effectively, while incorporating in the young players like George Hill, DeJuan Blair, and Gary Neal to make sure the Spurs stay fresh throughout the year. A completely healthy Ginobli and the resurrection of Richard Jefferson's corpse hasn't hurt the Spurs either. The Spurs are the number one threat to the Lakers out West right now and easily the surprise of the season.
Blake Griffin: Enough said.
No, but seriously, people had a pretty good idea that Blake Griffin was a special player. I don't think anyone expected him to come out, post 27 straight double doubles, be second in the league in that category, provide fans with more jaw-dropping moments since Dr. J and take a Clipper team and make them NOT the laughingstock of the league. Not bad for a guy just two months from turning 22. He makes the Clippers, the Clippers, watchable. That just by itself is worthy of an MVP candidacy in my book.
Derek Rose for MVP: Why not? Averaging 25, 8, and 5. Posts and astounding 31.8 percent usage rate and still manages a true shooting percentage of almost 54 percent. And he is doing this while missing Boozer for the majority of the season and Noah who remains out after thumb surgery. Did I mention that he has done all this and led the Bulls to the third best record in the East, just a game back from the Heat? Sounds like a pretty strong case to me.
Evan Turner's Struggles: Maybe the media doesn't talk about this one as much because he plays for an abysmal 76ers team, but Turner hasn't even been serviceable so far this year. This lack of production is coming from a guy that most analysts touted as the most NBA ready player in the 2010 draft. Some even called for the Wizards to draft him ahead of John Wall. And instead, he is losing minutes to Jodie Meeks. I'll give you all a second to remember that he was a second round draft pick in the '09 draft out of Kentucky. Maybe it is Doug Collins' system, or maybe Turner was a little over-hyped, but he has failed to live up the his number two pick status thus far.
Carmelo Anthony: Still a Nugget. I think this has to be the biggest surprise of the year so far. I wrote a post earlier last week about Anthony so I will try to keep this short but if we see Anthony in a Nuggets jersey after the February trading deadline, I will be shocked. Clearly Melo did not want to go to New Jersey, but instead still has his heart set on New York. But the Nuggets front office has held firm in trade talks with the Knicks, claiming that they will not receive enough in return to warrant a trade to New York. But, if they aren't careful, they're going to end up with a Chris Bosh situation on their hands and they will walk away with nothing in the end. This is a situation to keep a close eye on as the trade deadline looms closer.
There, a couple of the stories that I believe are worthy of blogging about from the first half of the season. I still like (or dislike, depending on how you want to look at it) the Lakers coming out of the West and if both the Heat and the Celtics make it to the Eastern Conference Finals healthy, I think we'll have a hell of a battle in that series. I'm making it a toss-up right now for that side. What a cop out, I know.
The NBA season is halfway done and many of the stories we expected to play out (Cleveland's utter humiliating summer continuing into the season, Minnesota and Sacramento as the bottom dwellers of the West, and the Celtics and the Heat battling for Eastern supremacy) unfolded exactly as anticipated.
But this season has had a couple of wild twists to it so far and these are just a few of the most notable, in my humble opinion:
The San Antonio Spurs - 37-7? The same Spurs that were swept by the Suns in the Western Conference Semis last year and clearly looked to be in their demise? Give credit to Gregg Popovich and a healthy squad for their success this year. Popovich has managed Duncan's minutes effectively, while incorporating in the young players like George Hill, DeJuan Blair, and Gary Neal to make sure the Spurs stay fresh throughout the year. A completely healthy Ginobli and the resurrection of Richard Jefferson's corpse hasn't hurt the Spurs either. The Spurs are the number one threat to the Lakers out West right now and easily the surprise of the season.
Blake Griffin: Enough said.
No, but seriously, people had a pretty good idea that Blake Griffin was a special player. I don't think anyone expected him to come out, post 27 straight double doubles, be second in the league in that category, provide fans with more jaw-dropping moments since Dr. J and take a Clipper team and make them NOT the laughingstock of the league. Not bad for a guy just two months from turning 22. He makes the Clippers, the Clippers, watchable. That just by itself is worthy of an MVP candidacy in my book.
Derek Rose for MVP: Why not? Averaging 25, 8, and 5. Posts and astounding 31.8 percent usage rate and still manages a true shooting percentage of almost 54 percent. And he is doing this while missing Boozer for the majority of the season and Noah who remains out after thumb surgery. Did I mention that he has done all this and led the Bulls to the third best record in the East, just a game back from the Heat? Sounds like a pretty strong case to me.
Evan Turner's Struggles: Maybe the media doesn't talk about this one as much because he plays for an abysmal 76ers team, but Turner hasn't even been serviceable so far this year. This lack of production is coming from a guy that most analysts touted as the most NBA ready player in the 2010 draft. Some even called for the Wizards to draft him ahead of John Wall. And instead, he is losing minutes to Jodie Meeks. I'll give you all a second to remember that he was a second round draft pick in the '09 draft out of Kentucky. Maybe it is Doug Collins' system, or maybe Turner was a little over-hyped, but he has failed to live up the his number two pick status thus far.
Carmelo Anthony: Still a Nugget. I think this has to be the biggest surprise of the year so far. I wrote a post earlier last week about Anthony so I will try to keep this short but if we see Anthony in a Nuggets jersey after the February trading deadline, I will be shocked. Clearly Melo did not want to go to New Jersey, but instead still has his heart set on New York. But the Nuggets front office has held firm in trade talks with the Knicks, claiming that they will not receive enough in return to warrant a trade to New York. But, if they aren't careful, they're going to end up with a Chris Bosh situation on their hands and they will walk away with nothing in the end. This is a situation to keep a close eye on as the trade deadline looms closer.
There, a couple of the stories that I believe are worthy of blogging about from the first half of the season. I still like (or dislike, depending on how you want to look at it) the Lakers coming out of the West and if both the Heat and the Celtics make it to the Eastern Conference Finals healthy, I think we'll have a hell of a battle in that series. I'm making it a toss-up right now for that side. What a cop out, I know.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Two Additions to my Shit List
Alright let's start out this post by saying that if Mother Nature were a real person, then she would be the first person on my list to get the axe. When I was in Greece, all the Greeks were telling me how the weather all the way into December was uncommon. I was still wearing sandals and shorts to class the first week of December. We even had a 70 degree day early in December. That I could get used to, in a big way.
Well I guess I blew my weather karma a little prematurely because Boston is kicking my ass right now. Look, I don't have a problem with a little bit of snow. Really, I think it is beautiful to watch fall, creates a feeling of serenity all around, and the pristine white gives the world an image of innocence. That is until I am trying to trudge through the sidewalks that haven't been plowed and I end up with a shoe full of snow. Then snow can burn in hell. And quickly. Because once the snow stops falling, it all goes downhill from there. It mixes in with dirt and turns a disgusting, sad brown. It turns to slush in the salt which just soaks your shoes. The salt cakes on the bottom of your jeans making them look terrible. And when you get hit with two plus feet over the span of a week and a half, snow really sucks. Nothing good about it. So thanks Mother Nature, I'm trudging along, literally, through your bull shit. I better get an awesome summer.
One of my friends one time said that he is glad he didn't go to southern California or somewhere warm like that for school because then you wouldn't appreciate the warm weather. I disagreed then and I vehemently disagree now. After having spent a semester in warm, sunny Athens, I am fairly confident that I could get pretty used to warm weather. Could anything in the world be wrong if it were 70-80 degrees right now? No, and I challenge you to find a reason why it could be bad.
Now, on to my real rant. Wednesday morning, at around 7 AM, the garbage men came to our house to collect the trash. Great, wonderful, because we accumulate a lot of it in a house of 10 guys. Now I wouldn't have known they came if it weren't for the jackass driving the truck who just lays on his horn for a FULL FIVE SECONDS. Okay, I'm thinking, "someone must've been backing out and he almost hit them or something like that." So I get up and peek out the window. THERE'S NOTHING THERE. No cars in the way. No walkers. No dogs. Nothing. Just the guy grabbing the bags and throwing them in the back. Alright dude, thanks for waking me up. And if that weren't bad enough, one I get back in bed, just for shits and giggles as far as I know, he just honks his horn again for another two or three seconds. Cool, dude, cool. While I appreciate you collecting our trash, I could really do without the excessive honking. Thanks.
So who is guilty party number two? Well any guy who takes a pee and doesn't lift the seat and pees on the seat. Honestly, are you kidding me? This has to be a joke. You were potty-trained when you were two or three, have been going to the bathroom for close to 20 years and you can't pee straight and hit the toilet? And you're too dumb to realize that if you raise the seat you have more room to pee into the bowl? And then, as if this first infraction weren't bad enough, you don't even take the time to wipe off the seat for the next person. DAMNIT, THAT IS GROSS. Then the next innocent person who walks in and has to use the power must first clean off your piss because you're too incompetent to pee like a normal person.
If I were in charge of the world, there would be fewer issues like the two that I mentioned. Unfortunately for everyone though, Mother Nature would still be safe to screw with us.
Well I guess I blew my weather karma a little prematurely because Boston is kicking my ass right now. Look, I don't have a problem with a little bit of snow. Really, I think it is beautiful to watch fall, creates a feeling of serenity all around, and the pristine white gives the world an image of innocence. That is until I am trying to trudge through the sidewalks that haven't been plowed and I end up with a shoe full of snow. Then snow can burn in hell. And quickly. Because once the snow stops falling, it all goes downhill from there. It mixes in with dirt and turns a disgusting, sad brown. It turns to slush in the salt which just soaks your shoes. The salt cakes on the bottom of your jeans making them look terrible. And when you get hit with two plus feet over the span of a week and a half, snow really sucks. Nothing good about it. So thanks Mother Nature, I'm trudging along, literally, through your bull shit. I better get an awesome summer.
One of my friends one time said that he is glad he didn't go to southern California or somewhere warm like that for school because then you wouldn't appreciate the warm weather. I disagreed then and I vehemently disagree now. After having spent a semester in warm, sunny Athens, I am fairly confident that I could get pretty used to warm weather. Could anything in the world be wrong if it were 70-80 degrees right now? No, and I challenge you to find a reason why it could be bad.
Now, on to my real rant. Wednesday morning, at around 7 AM, the garbage men came to our house to collect the trash. Great, wonderful, because we accumulate a lot of it in a house of 10 guys. Now I wouldn't have known they came if it weren't for the jackass driving the truck who just lays on his horn for a FULL FIVE SECONDS. Okay, I'm thinking, "someone must've been backing out and he almost hit them or something like that." So I get up and peek out the window. THERE'S NOTHING THERE. No cars in the way. No walkers. No dogs. Nothing. Just the guy grabbing the bags and throwing them in the back. Alright dude, thanks for waking me up. And if that weren't bad enough, one I get back in bed, just for shits and giggles as far as I know, he just honks his horn again for another two or three seconds. Cool, dude, cool. While I appreciate you collecting our trash, I could really do without the excessive honking. Thanks.
So who is guilty party number two? Well any guy who takes a pee and doesn't lift the seat and pees on the seat. Honestly, are you kidding me? This has to be a joke. You were potty-trained when you were two or three, have been going to the bathroom for close to 20 years and you can't pee straight and hit the toilet? And you're too dumb to realize that if you raise the seat you have more room to pee into the bowl? And then, as if this first infraction weren't bad enough, you don't even take the time to wipe off the seat for the next person. DAMNIT, THAT IS GROSS. Then the next innocent person who walks in and has to use the power must first clean off your piss because you're too incompetent to pee like a normal person.
If I were in charge of the world, there would be fewer issues like the two that I mentioned. Unfortunately for everyone though, Mother Nature would still be safe to screw with us.
Monday, 17 January 2011
In Battle to Keep Fans Interested, NFL Trumps NBA
I've got a problem with the NBA. Well, I have a lot of problems with the NBA but this particular one irks me quite a bit. And it has to do with how Roger Goodell handles the NFL.
In the week leading up to the New York Jets and New England Patriots AFC playoff game, fans were treated to some of the best trash talk that professional football has to offer. Threats of ending players' careers, hopes for serious injuries, shots taken at Rex Ryan's wife, coaches having personal issues with players, family members insulted and everything culminating in the ultimate game of put up or shut up. The Jets backed up their talk and walked away winners.
But the jawing didn't stop at the final whistle. Bart Scott gave this gem of an interview that undoubtedly perpetuate the bitterness of this rivalry. Patriot players complained of Jets players demonstrating little class at the end, and Darrelle Revis fired right back. I don't care one bit about either one of these teams, and I have loved watching every second of this trash talk and dog-eat-dog attitude.
Which is why I have such an issue with the NBA. Everything about the league has transformed from the heated rivalries of the 80's and early 90's, to the fist and chest bumping, buddy buddy attitude that we see today. Could you ever imagine Chris Paul tweeting, "Man, I hope that we beat the Heat by 50 tonight and that LeBron ends his career with an injury." No, it just wouldn't happen. And, granted, that is an extreme example but the league has softened to a point of frustration. For God's sake, Chris Bosh just complained about a hustle play involving Omer Asik which resulted in a sprained ankle for him.
Not only is there the issue of every player in the league being every others' best friend, David Stern ensures that any trash talk or interaction during games will come at the cost of a fine. So even if players wanted to mix it up with each other, they would do so at the expense of their pocketbook. And NBA players are the most money-conscious athletes in my opinion so even if it would basically be pennies to them, they hoard all those pennies and don't want the league to have them.
I'm not asking players to return to the days where a normal foul would draw you a flagrant two and an ejection nowadays, I just want everyone to stop being so damn friendly. I hate to say it, but the only guy I don't see doing this is Kobe. He's all business every game, and even though he isn't using the media as his podium for trash talk, he doesn't spend ten minutes at the beginning of games to exchange pleasantries with the opponent.
The saddest part about all of this, the closest thing I can think of to the end of the Jets Patriots game is when LeBron walked off the court after game six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic without shaking hands. And you know what? I liked that he did that. Don't stand around and act like old chums. And maybe he could've given them a brief handshake, but I still like the idea of LeBron feeling so displeased with losing that he just needed to leave.
I wish that David Stern would back off a little and commission a little more like Goodell. I wish that the NBA were more like the Jets and Patriots season series. But most of all, I wish that NBA players would toughen up and show a little more killer instinct out there. The league could use a shock like that.
In the week leading up to the New York Jets and New England Patriots AFC playoff game, fans were treated to some of the best trash talk that professional football has to offer. Threats of ending players' careers, hopes for serious injuries, shots taken at Rex Ryan's wife, coaches having personal issues with players, family members insulted and everything culminating in the ultimate game of put up or shut up. The Jets backed up their talk and walked away winners.
But the jawing didn't stop at the final whistle. Bart Scott gave this gem of an interview that undoubtedly perpetuate the bitterness of this rivalry. Patriot players complained of Jets players demonstrating little class at the end, and Darrelle Revis fired right back. I don't care one bit about either one of these teams, and I have loved watching every second of this trash talk and dog-eat-dog attitude.
Which is why I have such an issue with the NBA. Everything about the league has transformed from the heated rivalries of the 80's and early 90's, to the fist and chest bumping, buddy buddy attitude that we see today. Could you ever imagine Chris Paul tweeting, "Man, I hope that we beat the Heat by 50 tonight and that LeBron ends his career with an injury." No, it just wouldn't happen. And, granted, that is an extreme example but the league has softened to a point of frustration. For God's sake, Chris Bosh just complained about a hustle play involving Omer Asik which resulted in a sprained ankle for him.
Not only is there the issue of every player in the league being every others' best friend, David Stern ensures that any trash talk or interaction during games will come at the cost of a fine. So even if players wanted to mix it up with each other, they would do so at the expense of their pocketbook. And NBA players are the most money-conscious athletes in my opinion so even if it would basically be pennies to them, they hoard all those pennies and don't want the league to have them.
I'm not asking players to return to the days where a normal foul would draw you a flagrant two and an ejection nowadays, I just want everyone to stop being so damn friendly. I hate to say it, but the only guy I don't see doing this is Kobe. He's all business every game, and even though he isn't using the media as his podium for trash talk, he doesn't spend ten minutes at the beginning of games to exchange pleasantries with the opponent.
The saddest part about all of this, the closest thing I can think of to the end of the Jets Patriots game is when LeBron walked off the court after game six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic without shaking hands. And you know what? I liked that he did that. Don't stand around and act like old chums. And maybe he could've given them a brief handshake, but I still like the idea of LeBron feeling so displeased with losing that he just needed to leave.
I wish that David Stern would back off a little and commission a little more like Goodell. I wish that the NBA were more like the Jets and Patriots season series. But most of all, I wish that NBA players would toughen up and show a little more killer instinct out there. The league could use a shock like that.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
A Nugget of Advice to Carmelo
Carmelo wants out of Denver. If you truly believe that he wants to stay there, then you haven't been reading between the lines on everything he says in the media. The writing on the wall has been there since he held his wedding in New York, where his wife Lala is from, and the report of Chris Paul's insinuation that he, Carmelo and Amar'e will form their own Big Three in New York to compete with the Heat's.
The situation has reached a boiling point with Anthony's admission that his "ultimate dream" is to play in New York. But that hasn't stopped him from reassuring, and I use the term loosely, Nuggets fans that he is still a Denver Nugget for another day.
I can't be the only one who would rather see a player come out and say that they want to be traded, right? Carmelo sounds as interested in staying in Denver as Megan Fox would be going on a date with me. All the bull shit that comes out of his mouth about how he will remain a Nugget as long as the organization keeps him around makes me sick. It is the same song and dance that we saw with LeBron and Bosh and what we will see with Chris Paul in 2012.
If my franchise player wanted out, I would much rather he come out and admit it. This passive aggressive charade that Anthony is pulling right now, both with his words and his play (which has been comically apathetic) is what give NBA players such a bad name. I know it doesn't matter to him because he's going to get what he wants, but he owes it to the fans to act more maturely than this.
In theory, there is the issue that if Anthony admits he wants a trade, he weakens the Nuggets position in negotiations. I'm not entirely sold on this point because ultimately it is up to the Nuggets to decide if they want to trade him or not. It wouldn't be the first time that a team didn't grant the player his wish to be traded when they wanted out (see Chris Bosh last year).
But when it comes down to it, Carmelo needs to grow up. It is the same story with Anthony every time. "Stop snitchin'." The punch thrown in New York in 2006. And now his "ultimate dream" of playing in New York. If I were a Nuggets fan, I would be the first to open the door for Anthony to leave and I would be investing in a Derrick Favors jersey. I want players who want to play for my team. But clearly Carmelo isn't mature enough to outright announce he wants out of Denver.
The situation has reached a boiling point with Anthony's admission that his "ultimate dream" is to play in New York. But that hasn't stopped him from reassuring, and I use the term loosely, Nuggets fans that he is still a Denver Nugget for another day.
I can't be the only one who would rather see a player come out and say that they want to be traded, right? Carmelo sounds as interested in staying in Denver as Megan Fox would be going on a date with me. All the bull shit that comes out of his mouth about how he will remain a Nugget as long as the organization keeps him around makes me sick. It is the same song and dance that we saw with LeBron and Bosh and what we will see with Chris Paul in 2012.
If my franchise player wanted out, I would much rather he come out and admit it. This passive aggressive charade that Anthony is pulling right now, both with his words and his play (which has been comically apathetic) is what give NBA players such a bad name. I know it doesn't matter to him because he's going to get what he wants, but he owes it to the fans to act more maturely than this.
In theory, there is the issue that if Anthony admits he wants a trade, he weakens the Nuggets position in negotiations. I'm not entirely sold on this point because ultimately it is up to the Nuggets to decide if they want to trade him or not. It wouldn't be the first time that a team didn't grant the player his wish to be traded when they wanted out (see Chris Bosh last year).
But when it comes down to it, Carmelo needs to grow up. It is the same story with Anthony every time. "Stop snitchin'." The punch thrown in New York in 2006. And now his "ultimate dream" of playing in New York. If I were a Nuggets fan, I would be the first to open the door for Anthony to leave and I would be investing in a Derrick Favors jersey. I want players who want to play for my team. But clearly Carmelo isn't mature enough to outright announce he wants out of Denver.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Back In Boston, Running Ragged
First off, anyone who tells you that a long run is a great cure for a hangover isn't lying. I know, I am as surprised as you are since that sounds about as appealing as ripping off every one of my fingernails for fun. But this morning, as I was a little under the weather I just said, "fuck it, let's just go for it because if I don't run now, I will definitely not run later in the day." About twenty minutes into the run, with my head still pounding, I was about ready to kill my runner friends who suggested this idea to me. But by the time I finished, a little over 50 minutes, I felt remarkably better. Chugged down a Gatorade and stretched and I felt like a new person. So at first I was a skeptic, but now I am a believer. Just give it a try, it'll change your hungover Saturday and Sunday mornings like none other.
Now the second important step in ensuring that you will avoid any headaches later in the day, and you live around BC, you should probably stop by Jim's diner in Brighton off of Washington Street. Incredible service, a mind-blowingly enormous menu and, of course, delicious food. It is rapidly becoming one of my favorite places to eat around this area and I have no doubt that I will be a frequent eater there this semester and summer. Go and you won't regret it.
Okay, now on to my post. Here is one of the issues that I have with being back in Boston. I have no soft surface to run anywhere. Roads and sidewalks everywhere and then when it snows, like it did earlier this week, those are covered in snow. The worst part is that you can be running along a sidewalk and going along at a nice pace and then you run right into a part of the sidewalk that hasn't been touched by a shovel or snowblower. Your choices: plow right through the snow (not advised, leads to cold shoes, feet and general frustration), weave your way through a smaller snow bank onto the road and run through the slush or just avoid the sidewalks all together and then run the risk of crazy Boston drivers blowing by you and not moving over.
I just said screw it and decided to run on the road because it made life a lot easier to not have to be running sideways onto the road as much as you run forward. And I will say this: I think that Boston drivers have actually become more courteous in my time gone as almost all of them slowed down and moved over in order to give me space. Either they got nicer or drivers in Greece really were just that crazy and now Boston seems a little more tamed. Regardless of which one is true, it has been a nice change since being back.
Alright, I want to do a real sports post actually. That was just me rambling and some people have complained about me writing about sports too much so I am just trying to give the people what they want. Since I did so well last week picking games, I guess I will give it another go this week.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore
Alright, this is some smashmouth football right here. These two teams played twice this season, splitting each game to the home team. Over their last 17 meetings, Pittsburgh holds a 9-8 advantage, but both teams have scored the same number of points. But when it comes down to it, the defenses will neutralize each other and whichever quarterback outplays his opposition will win. And as much as it pains me to put money on a borderline rapist, I am going to have to go with Big Ben's consistently outstanding play in the playoffs and give the edge to the Steelers. Pittsburgh wins 24-17
Green Bay and Atlanta
Two of the best young quarterbacks in the league going head to head in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers withstood a last-minute attack by the Eagles, intercepting Michael Vick in the endzone to seal the deal. Matt Ryan and the Falcons, boasting the best record in the NFC, had last week off to get healthy for this week's matchup. Matt Ryan is 20-2, 20-2, in the Georgia Dome and that is reason enough for me to give the edge to Atlanta. That and I won't try and hide my BC bias for Ryan so I just want to see the Falcons win. Atlanta wins 35-24
Now the second important step in ensuring that you will avoid any headaches later in the day, and you live around BC, you should probably stop by Jim's diner in Brighton off of Washington Street. Incredible service, a mind-blowingly enormous menu and, of course, delicious food. It is rapidly becoming one of my favorite places to eat around this area and I have no doubt that I will be a frequent eater there this semester and summer. Go and you won't regret it.
Okay, now on to my post. Here is one of the issues that I have with being back in Boston. I have no soft surface to run anywhere. Roads and sidewalks everywhere and then when it snows, like it did earlier this week, those are covered in snow. The worst part is that you can be running along a sidewalk and going along at a nice pace and then you run right into a part of the sidewalk that hasn't been touched by a shovel or snowblower. Your choices: plow right through the snow (not advised, leads to cold shoes, feet and general frustration), weave your way through a smaller snow bank onto the road and run through the slush or just avoid the sidewalks all together and then run the risk of crazy Boston drivers blowing by you and not moving over.
I just said screw it and decided to run on the road because it made life a lot easier to not have to be running sideways onto the road as much as you run forward. And I will say this: I think that Boston drivers have actually become more courteous in my time gone as almost all of them slowed down and moved over in order to give me space. Either they got nicer or drivers in Greece really were just that crazy and now Boston seems a little more tamed. Regardless of which one is true, it has been a nice change since being back.
Alright, I want to do a real sports post actually. That was just me rambling and some people have complained about me writing about sports too much so I am just trying to give the people what they want. Since I did so well last week picking games, I guess I will give it another go this week.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore
Alright, this is some smashmouth football right here. These two teams played twice this season, splitting each game to the home team. Over their last 17 meetings, Pittsburgh holds a 9-8 advantage, but both teams have scored the same number of points. But when it comes down to it, the defenses will neutralize each other and whichever quarterback outplays his opposition will win. And as much as it pains me to put money on a borderline rapist, I am going to have to go with Big Ben's consistently outstanding play in the playoffs and give the edge to the Steelers. Pittsburgh wins 24-17
Green Bay and Atlanta
Two of the best young quarterbacks in the league going head to head in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers withstood a last-minute attack by the Eagles, intercepting Michael Vick in the endzone to seal the deal. Matt Ryan and the Falcons, boasting the best record in the NFC, had last week off to get healthy for this week's matchup. Matt Ryan is 20-2, 20-2, in the Georgia Dome and that is reason enough for me to give the edge to Atlanta. That and I won't try and hide my BC bias for Ryan so I just want to see the Falcons win. Atlanta wins 35-24
Thursday, 13 January 2011
LeBron James: It Is Time For The Real Decision
It is amazing that anyone outside of Miami can like LeBron James. Nevermind the fact that his free agent extravaganza this summer and his pathetic no-show in game 6 of the Eastern Conference semis soured even the most devout fans, ESPN's gratuitous coverage of anything-and-everything LeBron is enough to drive a deaf and blind person crazy. I always thought to myself that I would hate LeBron much less if he didn't have all that excessive coverage. I mean, lots of free agents have shopped themselves around like he did. And plenty of players have thrown in the towel in games before.
But then I read about his child-like defense of his tweet and it immediately reminds me that I hate LeBron because he is a sophomoric fool who can't decide whether he wants to be loved or hated.
LeBron plainly calls out the Cavs after their humiliating defeat against the Lakers. It is about as unveiled of a comment as they come. Logically, there is a media backlash because the comment was remarkably superfluous. LeBron gains absolutely nothing by blasting the Cavs on Twitter. He already destroyed them on national television on their home court, tearing off their heads and stomping on their beheaded body. He's continuing to play into this persona that the media has created for him of being the bad guy.
But then he comes out and says that the tweet was directed at another person. Why would anyone ever believe that it was directed to someone else when he tweeted it a few hours after the Cavs lost? LeBron clearly does not, or cannot more accurately, handle the media backlash of his juvenile actions. He still wants to be the Golden Boy, Global Icon and the Heir of Jordan. And he cannot do that if he reads and hears about articles that tarnish his names.
So LeBron needs to make a decision: villain or attempt to repair his image. But this whole flip-flop of personalities needs to stop.
But then I read about his child-like defense of his tweet and it immediately reminds me that I hate LeBron because he is a sophomoric fool who can't decide whether he wants to be loved or hated.
LeBron plainly calls out the Cavs after their humiliating defeat against the Lakers. It is about as unveiled of a comment as they come. Logically, there is a media backlash because the comment was remarkably superfluous. LeBron gains absolutely nothing by blasting the Cavs on Twitter. He already destroyed them on national television on their home court, tearing off their heads and stomping on their beheaded body. He's continuing to play into this persona that the media has created for him of being the bad guy.
But then he comes out and says that the tweet was directed at another person. Why would anyone ever believe that it was directed to someone else when he tweeted it a few hours after the Cavs lost? LeBron clearly does not, or cannot more accurately, handle the media backlash of his juvenile actions. He still wants to be the Golden Boy, Global Icon and the Heir of Jordan. And he cannot do that if he reads and hears about articles that tarnish his names.
So LeBron needs to make a decision: villain or attempt to repair his image. But this whole flip-flop of personalities needs to stop.
BRoy Has Surgery on Both Knees
So BRoy has just opted to have arthroscopic surgery on both his knees. Now this is the same surgery he had during the playoffs last year to help take care of his ailing knees and we all know how well that one turned out.
The Blazers are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. If I were Blazers management, I would tell Roy that we are shutting him down for the season until we can find a viable option that may find a way to lengthen his career. The team is worse with him on the court, there is no question about that. And they have been clicking as of lately, despite the woeful shooting. They don't gain a thing by bringing him back especially since other teams know how is he a shell of his former self.
Unfortunately for the Blazers are paying him max money, marking him as the franchise player. But Brandon Roy will never be a franchise player again, barring a medical miracle. And he still thinks that he is. From his comments earlier in the year regarding Andre Miller, he still thinks that this offense and team runs through him. Because the Blazers tagged him as the franchise player, they can't really shut him down for the year without worrying about alienating him.
And the worst part is, the announcement that he is getting arthroscopic surgery only seems to indicate that the Blazers hope to bring him back on the court, not unlike they did in the Phoenix series.
The Blazers MUST make a stand and tell him that he isn't seeing the floor until he accepts his diminish role and hands over the franchise tag to Aldridge (a part of me just died when I typed that) or until they find a medical procedure that will return him to '08-'09 BRoy because it is obvious that the Blazers are an inferior team with Brandon Roy on the floor.
Anyone else feel like it is going to be another five years or so until our championship window reopens? I don't think that it is a coincidence that that is when Roy's contract is up.
And for the record, no, this is not an anti-BRoy post. But sometimes you have to set aside your personal feelings for a player and recognize that this is a business and the team has to do what is best for the team, not for the player.
The Blazers are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. If I were Blazers management, I would tell Roy that we are shutting him down for the season until we can find a viable option that may find a way to lengthen his career. The team is worse with him on the court, there is no question about that. And they have been clicking as of lately, despite the woeful shooting. They don't gain a thing by bringing him back especially since other teams know how is he a shell of his former self.
Unfortunately for the Blazers are paying him max money, marking him as the franchise player. But Brandon Roy will never be a franchise player again, barring a medical miracle. And he still thinks that he is. From his comments earlier in the year regarding Andre Miller, he still thinks that this offense and team runs through him. Because the Blazers tagged him as the franchise player, they can't really shut him down for the year without worrying about alienating him.
And the worst part is, the announcement that he is getting arthroscopic surgery only seems to indicate that the Blazers hope to bring him back on the court, not unlike they did in the Phoenix series.
The Blazers MUST make a stand and tell him that he isn't seeing the floor until he accepts his diminish role and hands over the franchise tag to Aldridge (a part of me just died when I typed that) or until they find a medical procedure that will return him to '08-'09 BRoy because it is obvious that the Blazers are an inferior team with Brandon Roy on the floor.
Anyone else feel like it is going to be another five years or so until our championship window reopens? I don't think that it is a coincidence that that is when Roy's contract is up.
And for the record, no, this is not an anti-BRoy post. But sometimes you have to set aside your personal feelings for a player and recognize that this is a business and the team has to do what is best for the team, not for the player.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
115 Year For That?
Well, that sucked. All the hype, all the talk, the articles, the Sportscenter segments and that is the performance that we give? Actually, not even just Oregon, Auburn looked like 50% of what they were capable of too. Besides the obvious pain that I and all Oregon fans feel today, the most glaring issue with the BCS is the fact that there were 37 days between the two teams final games and the National Championship game. That is too long. Wayyyyyyyyy too long. Spectators were treated to about one solid quarter of football after trudging through three of the sloppiest quarters I've watched in a college football game. Imagine the promise of a four course meal at an expensive steakhouse only to be force-fed three courses of dog shit just to get to an overcooked filet mignon and steamed vegetables. That's what last night's game was like. So that is my first observation from last night: cut down the amount of time from the end of the season to the championship game, for everyone's sake.
Now, as for this little gem, I have one thing to say: "Are you fucking kidding me?" That dude has been a referee for 38 season. 38 seasons. And he can't pronounce the name of the state in the National Championship game? You think someone would've told him beforehand how to say "Oregon," but I guess he'd rather settle for looking like a moron on national television.
The Cliff Harris interception and the tackle on Michael Dyer. Whether or not the refs got the calls right, and I don't vehemently disagree with either one, tough to conclusively overturn those, the overarching theme of the night is that the Ducks just didn't execute. They made too many mistakes throughout the whole game to let those two plays be at fault for the loss. Let's not blame the refs when we were the ones making all the mistakes.
The Ducks made the National Championship game for the first time in 115 years. If it takes them another 115 years to make another one, you probably won't here from me again, because I will be completely despondent, but mostly because I'll be dead.
Nick Fairley is significantly better than any other defensive player that the Ducks saw this season. Stephen Paea could not even hold the jock strap of Fairley. He will be a top five pick in the NFL draft and rightfully so. But Herbstreet and Musburger are way off when they say that he is as close to dominating a game as Ndamukong Suh. Fairley is outstanding but Suh is on a completely different planet.
Well fortunately for me, the Blazers are starting to play a little better now that BRoy has shut it down for the season so now that the Ducks are done, at least I will still have one moderately successful franchise. Hooray for another first round exit!
*begins weeping softly in the corner*
Now, as for this little gem, I have one thing to say: "Are you fucking kidding me?" That dude has been a referee for 38 season. 38 seasons. And he can't pronounce the name of the state in the National Championship game? You think someone would've told him beforehand how to say "Oregon," but I guess he'd rather settle for looking like a moron on national television.
The Cliff Harris interception and the tackle on Michael Dyer. Whether or not the refs got the calls right, and I don't vehemently disagree with either one, tough to conclusively overturn those, the overarching theme of the night is that the Ducks just didn't execute. They made too many mistakes throughout the whole game to let those two plays be at fault for the loss. Let's not blame the refs when we were the ones making all the mistakes.
The Ducks made the National Championship game for the first time in 115 years. If it takes them another 115 years to make another one, you probably won't here from me again, because I will be completely despondent, but mostly because I'll be dead.
Nick Fairley is significantly better than any other defensive player that the Ducks saw this season. Stephen Paea could not even hold the jock strap of Fairley. He will be a top five pick in the NFL draft and rightfully so. But Herbstreet and Musburger are way off when they say that he is as close to dominating a game as Ndamukong Suh. Fairley is outstanding but Suh is on a completely different planet.
Well fortunately for me, the Blazers are starting to play a little better now that BRoy has shut it down for the season so now that the Ducks are done, at least I will still have one moderately successful franchise. Hooray for another first round exit!
*begins weeping softly in the corner*
Monday, 10 January 2011
The Biggest Game of My Life
As a fan of Oregon (not just the university) sports, I haven'd had a lot to celebrate in my life. I have never seen a championship, or even a division title for the Blazers. The Ducks won the Pac-10 title last year which was the first time I had ever seen that. And the Ducks also won the Pac-10 basketball tournament in 2007. Yep, that about sums it up. I know that OSU won back-to-back national championships in baseball, but I am only really counting sports that I care about. Sorry Beaver and baseball fans.
In fact, last year's Rose Bowl was probably the biggest sporting event that I have ever been able to cheer for. Think about it: Ducks win the Pac-10 and play in a BCS bowl game. The only other event that is as significant would be the 2001 Fiesta Bowl when the Ducks were robbed out of a National Championship birth and proceeded to destroy Colorado.
Not this year though. This year, it is the big dance for the Oregon Ducks and their fans. They have a chance to prove themselves as the best team in the country (sorry TCU, sucks to suck). And this is the first championship game that I have ever rooted for my team in. So win or lose, this will be the biggest sporting contest I've seen.
Just for shits and giggles, let's take a look at the list that this tops (this is going to be painful, just a heads up):
Western Conference Finals, Game 7, 2000
Do I even need to describe this one? Is there any point? If you are a Blazers fan and you don't have this date etched in your mind forever, you need to reconsider your fandom. If I write anything more about this, I might cry, so I think I will just move on.
2010 Rose Bowl
The Ducks make it to their first BCS game since 2001, meeting Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks secondary has feasted on quarterbacks who make mistakes, intercepting passes with impunity. So of course, with Terelle Pryor leading Ohio State, this one seemed like a gimmie for the Ducks. Nope, Terelle Pryor plays like a first round draft pick, completing 23 of 37 passes for 266 yards and rushes for 72 yards as Ohio State won 26-17. His numbers weren't outstanding, but it was the way that Pryor efficiently and effectively led drives, refusing to let Oregon's offense see the field while gassing the defense. Disappointment again.
2002 and 2007 Elite Eights
Oregon made the Elite Eight twice in my lifetime, and these were the two times. In 2002, I was in 6th grade, and loving life as the Ducks ran through the tournament. Then they ran into Kansas and were steamrolled in the quarterfinals, 104-86, a score much closer than the game actually was. Then, in 2007, when the team should have been renamed the Oregon Aaron Brooks, they met the reigning champions Florida, who beat them 85-77, another score closer than game was. Why do all the most significant games of my life end in defeat?
1st Round NBA Playoffs, 2009, Game 1
The Blazers haven't seen the playoffs since 2003, we've been through hell and back, overachieved this season and became the media darlings. Blazer fans had waited and waited for this. Then, they laid an egg. And badly. The Blazers were manhandled by the Rockets, 108-81.
Alright, so the top five games of my life have all ended in bitter disappointment. I am noticing a trend. But this time I have a good feeling. I don't feel like breaking down the game since ESPN has done that ad nauseum and did a much better job of it. So I am just going to make a prediction and that's it.
Oregon 33 - Auburn 28
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
In fact, last year's Rose Bowl was probably the biggest sporting event that I have ever been able to cheer for. Think about it: Ducks win the Pac-10 and play in a BCS bowl game. The only other event that is as significant would be the 2001 Fiesta Bowl when the Ducks were robbed out of a National Championship birth and proceeded to destroy Colorado.
Not this year though. This year, it is the big dance for the Oregon Ducks and their fans. They have a chance to prove themselves as the best team in the country (sorry TCU, sucks to suck). And this is the first championship game that I have ever rooted for my team in. So win or lose, this will be the biggest sporting contest I've seen.
Just for shits and giggles, let's take a look at the list that this tops (this is going to be painful, just a heads up):
Western Conference Finals, Game 7, 2000
Do I even need to describe this one? Is there any point? If you are a Blazers fan and you don't have this date etched in your mind forever, you need to reconsider your fandom. If I write anything more about this, I might cry, so I think I will just move on.
2010 Rose Bowl
The Ducks make it to their first BCS game since 2001, meeting Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks secondary has feasted on quarterbacks who make mistakes, intercepting passes with impunity. So of course, with Terelle Pryor leading Ohio State, this one seemed like a gimmie for the Ducks. Nope, Terelle Pryor plays like a first round draft pick, completing 23 of 37 passes for 266 yards and rushes for 72 yards as Ohio State won 26-17. His numbers weren't outstanding, but it was the way that Pryor efficiently and effectively led drives, refusing to let Oregon's offense see the field while gassing the defense. Disappointment again.
2002 and 2007 Elite Eights
Oregon made the Elite Eight twice in my lifetime, and these were the two times. In 2002, I was in 6th grade, and loving life as the Ducks ran through the tournament. Then they ran into Kansas and were steamrolled in the quarterfinals, 104-86, a score much closer than the game actually was. Then, in 2007, when the team should have been renamed the Oregon Aaron Brooks, they met the reigning champions Florida, who beat them 85-77, another score closer than game was. Why do all the most significant games of my life end in defeat?
1st Round NBA Playoffs, 2009, Game 1
The Blazers haven't seen the playoffs since 2003, we've been through hell and back, overachieved this season and became the media darlings. Blazer fans had waited and waited for this. Then, they laid an egg. And badly. The Blazers were manhandled by the Rockets, 108-81.
Alright, so the top five games of my life have all ended in bitter disappointment. I am noticing a trend. But this time I have a good feeling. I don't feel like breaking down the game since ESPN has done that ad nauseum and did a much better job of it. So I am just going to make a prediction and that's it.
Oregon 33 - Auburn 28
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Rex Ryan Dismisses the Critcs: He Remains a Douchebag
Seattle and New Orleans are already underway and, well, frankly nobody outside of those two cities care about this game. Although, as I am typing this, the score is 17-14, New Orleans, which does mildly surprise me. Still though, anyone else think that the NFL playoff system may need to undergo a few changes? 7-9 Seattle makes it to the playoff and gets homefield advantage? Can we please get the Sonics back and pronto?
The second game of the night should be a little more interesting though. The Jets have the misfortune of drawing the surging Colts in Indianapolis. They're going to lose and I am going to laugh. Not because I like the Colts. Not because I like the Patriots.
I am going to laugh because Rex Ryan is a loud-mouthed, obnoxious, egocentric who needs to shut his goddamn mouth one time.
I understand that if he were the coach of my team that I would probably love him. I like to call it "Joakim Noah Syndrome." He loves his job and his team and would do every thing he possibly could to help his team win (including tacit approval of an assistant coach tripping a player on the field). I also get that his players love him and consider him an incredible leader.
Every time he opens his mouth, he feels the need to say something to stir the pot. Just this week he was taking shots at Tom Brady, but the JETS ARE PLAYING PAYTON MANNING AND THE COLTS. Can someone explain to me why he is taking shots at the quarterback whose team curb stomped the Jets 45-3? Why is he predicting a Superbowl when they haven't played a single playoff game yet?
So when Payton Manning throws for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns and the Colts win by ten, I will just sit back and have a nice hearty laugh.
But its okay, Rex Ryan can give his wife a nice foot rub at the end of the game to calm himself down.
Santogold - I'm a Lady
The second game of the night should be a little more interesting though. The Jets have the misfortune of drawing the surging Colts in Indianapolis. They're going to lose and I am going to laugh. Not because I like the Colts. Not because I like the Patriots.
I am going to laugh because Rex Ryan is a loud-mouthed, obnoxious, egocentric who needs to shut his goddamn mouth one time.
I understand that if he were the coach of my team that I would probably love him. I like to call it "Joakim Noah Syndrome." He loves his job and his team and would do every thing he possibly could to help his team win (including tacit approval of an assistant coach tripping a player on the field). I also get that his players love him and consider him an incredible leader.
Every time he opens his mouth, he feels the need to say something to stir the pot. Just this week he was taking shots at Tom Brady, but the JETS ARE PLAYING PAYTON MANNING AND THE COLTS. Can someone explain to me why he is taking shots at the quarterback whose team curb stomped the Jets 45-3? Why is he predicting a Superbowl when they haven't played a single playoff game yet?
So when Payton Manning throws for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns and the Colts win by ten, I will just sit back and have a nice hearty laugh.
But its okay, Rex Ryan can give his wife a nice foot rub at the end of the game to calm himself down.
Santogold - I'm a Lady
Friday, 7 January 2011
Hey, Pete, Where'd You Go? We Missed You So.
Alrighty, one month later, Pete returns to blogging. I know that you all greatly missed me in your absence and I apologize for taking a one month hiatus from posting. Believe it or not, the last week and a half of Greece consumed a great deal of my time, then it was the Christmas season and then I packed up and moved to Boston. What I am trying to say is that I was super busy at all seconds of the day and couldn't ever find a free moment to share my thoughts with the internet world.
What's that? Nobody believes that bull shit? Probably a good call. Of course I had free time where I could've passed along little nuggets of information to all my loyal fans out there (I still believe, in vain, that they are out there), but come on, sometimes you just don't feel like doing it. So therefore, I take one month off, recharge my batteries and now you get to enjoy me for another extended period of time. And those of you who didn't enjoy reading about my study abroad experiences, now you get your wish and get all the sports articles and random rage-filled rants you could ever want! Those who don't like those types of posts, you can show yourself the door (but seriously, don't do that. Just keep reading, it makes me feel like my work actually means something when it clearly doesn't).
I'll tell you what really took the wind out of my sails though. I had just arrived at home after my 31 hour travel day from Athens, which is as horrendous as it sounds, and in the morning I began crafting final reflections on study abroad. I worked on the post for about an hour, hoping to make it sound insightful, profound and eloquently weaved to provide a comprehensive look of what study abroad truly offers (yeah, I realize that that is not my style at all and I would've been better off writing about how I wanted to tape the mouth of the baby behind me that screamed for the entire flight from Philly to Phoenix). Then, autosave on blogger screwed up somehow, it then signed me out and I had to sign back in, only to find my post with only the very first line of my post still there. Fortunately, there were no breakable objects nearby, so my exasperated expletive sufficed. That pretty much killed my desire to post for a while.
BUT GREAT NEWS, I'M BACCCCCCCCCCK.
Okay Pete, shut up, you're rambling. Let's get to the topic of sports. Alright, wait, one more quick note: do you know how many awesome stories there were during this month long period that I missed writing about? I had a gold mine of stories and I just blew it. Damnit Pete, swing and a miss.
Standford was definitely one of the biggest surprises of the college football season. They finished the season 12-1 and capped it off with a complete dismantling of VaTech, 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. And I am willing to bet that if they had another crack at the Ducks to try and avenge their one loss this season, they would put up a better fight than they did the first time around. Andrew Luck solidified his status as the best quarterback in the nation and as Rich Rod was shown the door at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh was touted as the coach to take his place with the Maize and Blue.
Then, surprisingly, Andrew Luck decided that he wanted to stay for his junior year next year. He's committed to completing his degree in architectural design (wait, he goes to Standford, would be a lock for the number one pick in the NFL draft, AND is going to graduate with a degree in architectural design? Well I write a blog, so suck it Andrew Luck). Nice to see a student-athlete put some stock in the student part of his title (no surprise that it would happen at Standford though). He's taking a huge risk by doing this of course: jeopardizing millions of guaranteed dollars to return to school instead of entering the draft. One bad hit and his career alters indefinitely. But Luck decided to risk it and return.
Which brings us to Harbaugh. Harbugh recently announced that if he were going to change jobs, he would not make a jump to the NFL. He already stated that he didn't want the Michigan job either. So assuming that Harbaugh is telling the truth about not wanting to go to the NFL (see Bobby Petrino at Louisville after signing a ten year extension before jumping ship to the Falcons), where would he go? Florida already hired a new head coach. Would anywhere else even interest him? Should anywhere else interest him is the better question.
In college football, there is always this desire by coaches to jump to some big program or the NFL, leaving the comfort of their smaller schools for the big dollars and possible even-greater fame. Why though? Am I the only one who thinks they would rather stay at the plush situation than take the gamble of going down in flames at a bigger program? Mike Price attempted to jump from Washinton State the year after their trip to the Rose Bowl for Alabama. Now he's coaching at UTEP after never coaching a game at Bama after an incident at a strip club. Bobby Petrino ditched Louisville after a BCS trip, coached 10 games for the Falcons and then quit in the middle of the year. Dan Hawkins had enormous success coaching Boise State as the underdog and he's now out of a job after being fired at Colorado. Rich Rodriguez dips out of West Virginia for Michigan and after three embarrassing seasons, he too joins the ranks of the unemployed. There are a dozen more stories out there just like these of coaches trying to make it at a bigger stage and flopping.
I hope that Harbaugh knows what he is doing. The NFL teams that are reaching out to him, 49ers, Broncos and Dolphins are no more desirable that coaching the fine program he has developed at Standford. At what point does the extra money he would make become so significant that he would leave Standford? He already makes 1.25 million per year and he has the number one pick in the draft returning for another year. I can't be the only one who thinks it makes sense to stay in Palo Alto, right?
When I played NCAA football growing up, I loved taking small time programs and turning them into perennial powerhouses. There was something immensely gratifying about watching Navy or Wyoming playing in the National Championship game. That always seemed so much more enjoyable than playing as one of the big name programs, scoring all the blue chip recruits and coasting through season after season. Why not establish a smaller program as a fixture among the elites?
I hope that Harbaugh stays. I have enjoyed watching him coach at Standford and witnessing the success that program has experienced under his tenure. Plus, with their rigorous academic standards, it takes away from Notre Dame's excuse of tougher academic standards for why they can't win games (there, I filled my quota for obligatory ND dig). I would like to see him create a lasting legacy at that school. Maybe a Standford man will be the one smart enough to stay.
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
What's that? Nobody believes that bull shit? Probably a good call. Of course I had free time where I could've passed along little nuggets of information to all my loyal fans out there (I still believe, in vain, that they are out there), but come on, sometimes you just don't feel like doing it. So therefore, I take one month off, recharge my batteries and now you get to enjoy me for another extended period of time. And those of you who didn't enjoy reading about my study abroad experiences, now you get your wish and get all the sports articles and random rage-filled rants you could ever want! Those who don't like those types of posts, you can show yourself the door (but seriously, don't do that. Just keep reading, it makes me feel like my work actually means something when it clearly doesn't).
I'll tell you what really took the wind out of my sails though. I had just arrived at home after my 31 hour travel day from Athens, which is as horrendous as it sounds, and in the morning I began crafting final reflections on study abroad. I worked on the post for about an hour, hoping to make it sound insightful, profound and eloquently weaved to provide a comprehensive look of what study abroad truly offers (yeah, I realize that that is not my style at all and I would've been better off writing about how I wanted to tape the mouth of the baby behind me that screamed for the entire flight from Philly to Phoenix). Then, autosave on blogger screwed up somehow, it then signed me out and I had to sign back in, only to find my post with only the very first line of my post still there. Fortunately, there were no breakable objects nearby, so my exasperated expletive sufficed. That pretty much killed my desire to post for a while.
BUT GREAT NEWS, I'M BACCCCCCCCCCK.
Okay Pete, shut up, you're rambling. Let's get to the topic of sports. Alright, wait, one more quick note: do you know how many awesome stories there were during this month long period that I missed writing about? I had a gold mine of stories and I just blew it. Damnit Pete, swing and a miss.
Standford was definitely one of the biggest surprises of the college football season. They finished the season 12-1 and capped it off with a complete dismantling of VaTech, 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. And I am willing to bet that if they had another crack at the Ducks to try and avenge their one loss this season, they would put up a better fight than they did the first time around. Andrew Luck solidified his status as the best quarterback in the nation and as Rich Rod was shown the door at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh was touted as the coach to take his place with the Maize and Blue.
Then, surprisingly, Andrew Luck decided that he wanted to stay for his junior year next year. He's committed to completing his degree in architectural design (wait, he goes to Standford, would be a lock for the number one pick in the NFL draft, AND is going to graduate with a degree in architectural design? Well I write a blog, so suck it Andrew Luck). Nice to see a student-athlete put some stock in the student part of his title (no surprise that it would happen at Standford though). He's taking a huge risk by doing this of course: jeopardizing millions of guaranteed dollars to return to school instead of entering the draft. One bad hit and his career alters indefinitely. But Luck decided to risk it and return.
Which brings us to Harbaugh. Harbugh recently announced that if he were going to change jobs, he would not make a jump to the NFL. He already stated that he didn't want the Michigan job either. So assuming that Harbaugh is telling the truth about not wanting to go to the NFL (see Bobby Petrino at Louisville after signing a ten year extension before jumping ship to the Falcons), where would he go? Florida already hired a new head coach. Would anywhere else even interest him? Should anywhere else interest him is the better question.
In college football, there is always this desire by coaches to jump to some big program or the NFL, leaving the comfort of their smaller schools for the big dollars and possible even-greater fame. Why though? Am I the only one who thinks they would rather stay at the plush situation than take the gamble of going down in flames at a bigger program? Mike Price attempted to jump from Washinton State the year after their trip to the Rose Bowl for Alabama. Now he's coaching at UTEP after never coaching a game at Bama after an incident at a strip club. Bobby Petrino ditched Louisville after a BCS trip, coached 10 games for the Falcons and then quit in the middle of the year. Dan Hawkins had enormous success coaching Boise State as the underdog and he's now out of a job after being fired at Colorado. Rich Rodriguez dips out of West Virginia for Michigan and after three embarrassing seasons, he too joins the ranks of the unemployed. There are a dozen more stories out there just like these of coaches trying to make it at a bigger stage and flopping.
I hope that Harbaugh knows what he is doing. The NFL teams that are reaching out to him, 49ers, Broncos and Dolphins are no more desirable that coaching the fine program he has developed at Standford. At what point does the extra money he would make become so significant that he would leave Standford? He already makes 1.25 million per year and he has the number one pick in the draft returning for another year. I can't be the only one who thinks it makes sense to stay in Palo Alto, right?
When I played NCAA football growing up, I loved taking small time programs and turning them into perennial powerhouses. There was something immensely gratifying about watching Navy or Wyoming playing in the National Championship game. That always seemed so much more enjoyable than playing as one of the big name programs, scoring all the blue chip recruits and coasting through season after season. Why not establish a smaller program as a fixture among the elites?
I hope that Harbaugh stays. I have enjoyed watching him coach at Standford and witnessing the success that program has experienced under his tenure. Plus, with their rigorous academic standards, it takes away from Notre Dame's excuse of tougher academic standards for why they can't win games (there, I filled my quota for obligatory ND dig). I would like to see him create a lasting legacy at that school. Maybe a Standford man will be the one smart enough to stay.
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
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