College Football Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous college football thoughts and observations.
Dominic Randolph of Holy Cross goes into Saturday as the leader in 1-AA in passing yards with 2,607 and I've been told that even though he's not one of the players pictured at the Payton Award Watch list that he is on the list. Randolph has a slim lead (one single yard) over Elon's Scott Riddle. It should be noted that even though both Randolph and Riddle have 23 passing TD's - Randolph has only thrown 5 interceptions compared to Riddle's 8 picks. I did not realize till this morning though that Scott Riddle is just a freshman... BTW - Elon is in North Carolina. I did not know that... Expert trash picker? It seems like a good description for a defensive back but kinda gross when it is meant literally...
Friday, November 02, 2007
Now I Just Need the Excercise Part
This is good news. Beer after working out is good for you.
Does that mean that beer without working out is just as good?
This is good news. Beer after working out is good for you.
Does that mean that beer without working out is just as good?
Fredo Corleone for President?
I saw this bumpersticker and I did a double take. My brain first thought "Fredo 8?" And wondered what the heck that means. Then it registered - oh Fred Thompson for President in 08. Now I get it.
Not sure if the Fred Thompson people thought that one all the way through because any comparisons to the weakest of the Corleone brothers can't be good. On the other hand - Fredo 8 would be a good name for a band.
I saw this bumpersticker and I did a double take. My brain first thought "Fredo 8?" And wondered what the heck that means. Then it registered - oh Fred Thompson for President in 08. Now I get it.
Not sure if the Fred Thompson people thought that one all the way through because any comparisons to the weakest of the Corleone brothers can't be good. On the other hand - Fredo 8 would be a good name for a band.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Patriots Running Up the Score
The topic of the Patriots supposedly running up the score continues to be a sports talk staple. A couple of things occurred to me while listening to the blather.
First, when speaking of highly paid athletes - many people pull out the justification that pro athletes are entertainers and when compared to TV and movie stars and that the athletes are actually underpaid. (As an aside I also remember many of the very same people who are now complaining about Tom Brady and the rest of the starters playing in the 4th quarter are the very same people who were complaining that in pre-season games that Brady and the starters did not play enough - that the consumer wasn't getting their monies worth.)
Second, often pro football players are compared to gladiators in the ring.
My mind has coupled these two thoughts and now I cannot help but seeing Maximus from the movie Gladiator when I see Patriots coach Bill Belichick. My hope is that the Patriots crush the Colts on Sunday and at the end of the game Belichick throws his headset into the crowd yelling:
The topic of the Patriots supposedly running up the score continues to be a sports talk staple. A couple of things occurred to me while listening to the blather.
First, when speaking of highly paid athletes - many people pull out the justification that pro athletes are entertainers and when compared to TV and movie stars and that the athletes are actually underpaid. (As an aside I also remember many of the very same people who are now complaining about Tom Brady and the rest of the starters playing in the 4th quarter are the very same people who were complaining that in pre-season games that Brady and the starters did not play enough - that the consumer wasn't getting their monies worth.)
Second, often pro football players are compared to gladiators in the ring.
My mind has coupled these two thoughts and now I cannot help but seeing Maximus from the movie Gladiator when I see Patriots coach Bill Belichick. My hope is that the Patriots crush the Colts on Sunday and at the end of the game Belichick throws his headset into the crowd yelling:
"Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?"
Hot Stove Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous offseason baseball thoughts and observations.
Less than a week removed from the Red Sox winning the World Series and the sentimentality is starting to drop by the wayside. Monday if you asked me - I would have said that the Red Sox need to do whatever it takes to sign Mike Lowell. Today I'm not so sure. Yes I think it would be worth it to sign Lowell to something like a 3-year $40 million deal but anything over that in time or in money may not be worth it. Don't get me wrong - I want Lowell back and I think even though he's 34-years old I don't see a great drop off for Lowell either offensively or defensively, however, I do see him being dead money in 2011 if a 4th year is added to the contract... I would bring back Curt Schilling for the one-year deal he's looking for. The Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Dice-K, Jon Lester, and Clay Buchholtz in the rotation for next year but Tim Wakefield is a question mark. Having Schilling back as the number 3 starter (he did have a 3.34 ERA post All-Star game this year) would take the pressure off the younger pitchers and would be insurance against injury. There is no pitcher available for free agency that could give the Red Sox such a known quantity at just a one-year deal. If all six starters remain healthy that also gives the Red Sox the flexibility to rest the starters more often which paid big dividends during the playoffs this year. Even though you are over-paying Schilling at $13 million its just for one year and that allows them to wait for the free agent class after next season to add a big arm... If I were Joe Girardi - I would be lighting prayer candles around the clock hoping that Andy Pettitte returned to pitch for the team in 2008. Pettitte is the rock of the Yankees pitching staff. All the other starters have question marks - Wang is so-so away from home, Mussina may be cooked, Hughes is young and has injury issues and Chamberlain may be better suited to the bullpen. The Yankees need Pettitte if they are to contend next year... I'm sure the Red Sox will offer Eric Gagne arbitration. It will be interesting to see down the line what becomes of the draft picks the Red Sox will get when Gagne signs elsewhere... I wasn't aware that Tom Werner was such a disliked person in San Diego. Just knowing that he had anything to do with Rosanne signing that national anthem that time makes my respect for Werner drop several notches...
Miscellaneous offseason baseball thoughts and observations.
Less than a week removed from the Red Sox winning the World Series and the sentimentality is starting to drop by the wayside. Monday if you asked me - I would have said that the Red Sox need to do whatever it takes to sign Mike Lowell. Today I'm not so sure. Yes I think it would be worth it to sign Lowell to something like a 3-year $40 million deal but anything over that in time or in money may not be worth it. Don't get me wrong - I want Lowell back and I think even though he's 34-years old I don't see a great drop off for Lowell either offensively or defensively, however, I do see him being dead money in 2011 if a 4th year is added to the contract... I would bring back Curt Schilling for the one-year deal he's looking for. The Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Dice-K, Jon Lester, and Clay Buchholtz in the rotation for next year but Tim Wakefield is a question mark. Having Schilling back as the number 3 starter (he did have a 3.34 ERA post All-Star game this year) would take the pressure off the younger pitchers and would be insurance against injury. There is no pitcher available for free agency that could give the Red Sox such a known quantity at just a one-year deal. If all six starters remain healthy that also gives the Red Sox the flexibility to rest the starters more often which paid big dividends during the playoffs this year. Even though you are over-paying Schilling at $13 million its just for one year and that allows them to wait for the free agent class after next season to add a big arm... If I were Joe Girardi - I would be lighting prayer candles around the clock hoping that Andy Pettitte returned to pitch for the team in 2008. Pettitte is the rock of the Yankees pitching staff. All the other starters have question marks - Wang is so-so away from home, Mussina may be cooked, Hughes is young and has injury issues and Chamberlain may be better suited to the bullpen. The Yankees need Pettitte if they are to contend next year... I'm sure the Red Sox will offer Eric Gagne arbitration. It will be interesting to see down the line what becomes of the draft picks the Red Sox will get when Gagne signs elsewhere... I wasn't aware that Tom Werner was such a disliked person in San Diego. Just knowing that he had anything to do with Rosanne signing that national anthem that time makes my respect for Werner drop several notches...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
This is a Story Worth Keeping an Eye On
Hillary Clinton is being held accountable by a couple of bloggers who have filed an FEC complaint about her shady fund raising.
Follow the money used to a mantra of Woodward and Bernstein wannabes. It will be interesting to see what play this story gets in the MSM. On one hand many outlets don't want to get on the wrong side of the Clinton's but on the other they cannot risk lagging behind a story that could turn out to be really big.
My guess is that the blogosphere will do all the heavy lifting and not just the right. There are many blogs on the left who don't like Hillary and they will be just as active.
People want a chief executive to be trustworthy with financial matters whether that person is CEO, governor or President. It will be "the economy stupid" in 2008 election and Hillary's fund raising scandals along with Bill's ties to the Chinese coupled with coddling illegal immigrants will be the three strikes which, in my opinion, will ultimately cost Hillary the White House.
Hillary Clinton is being held accountable by a couple of bloggers who have filed an FEC complaint about her shady fund raising.
Follow the money used to a mantra of Woodward and Bernstein wannabes. It will be interesting to see what play this story gets in the MSM. On one hand many outlets don't want to get on the wrong side of the Clinton's but on the other they cannot risk lagging behind a story that could turn out to be really big.
My guess is that the blogosphere will do all the heavy lifting and not just the right. There are many blogs on the left who don't like Hillary and they will be just as active.
People want a chief executive to be trustworthy with financial matters whether that person is CEO, governor or President. It will be "the economy stupid" in 2008 election and Hillary's fund raising scandals along with Bill's ties to the Chinese coupled with coddling illegal immigrants will be the three strikes which, in my opinion, will ultimately cost Hillary the White House.
Belichick Derangement Syndrome
Lyford has an excellent post on the Patriots and the critics who have come out of the woodwork lately. I think he hits the nail on the head that Belichick and the Patriots know exactly what they are doing and which records they will be breaking and I'm all for it.
I do think he has the term wrong though. He mentions "Patriots Derangement Syndrome" but more correctly it should be "Belichick Derangement Syndrome" since almost all of the animosity is aimed at coach hoodie.
Lyford has an excellent post on the Patriots and the critics who have come out of the woodwork lately. I think he hits the nail on the head that Belichick and the Patriots know exactly what they are doing and which records they will be breaking and I'm all for it.
I do think he has the term wrong though. He mentions "Patriots Derangement Syndrome" but more correctly it should be "Belichick Derangement Syndrome" since almost all of the animosity is aimed at coach hoodie.
With $1.25 Beers - The Yankees would be the Toast of MLB
This was a great post.
I think almost every baseball fan would agree that they would rather have $1.25 beer than have Derek Jeter on the roster. Waive Jeter and even I will become a Yankees fan.
This was a great post.
I think almost every baseball fan would agree that they would rather have $1.25 beer than have Derek Jeter on the roster. Waive Jeter and even I will become a Yankees fan.
Running Up the Score
The Cold, Hard Football Facts looks at whether the Patriots have been running up the score and more importantly - how has been saying that they have.
I also want to point out that anyone who has ever played football knows that when you go half-speed - that's when you get hurt. I'm not saying that the Patriots aren't playing with a "screw you" attitude right now but I am asking "what else would you have them do?"
The Cold, Hard Football Facts looks at whether the Patriots have been running up the score and more importantly - how has been saying that they have.
I also want to point out that anyone who has ever played football knows that when you go half-speed - that's when you get hurt. I'm not saying that the Patriots aren't playing with a "screw you" attitude right now but I am asking "what else would you have them do?"
A-Rod
Two wrong thinking articles on where Alex Rodriguez will end up and what I think is a very understated slam at A-Rod.
First Rich Lederer (who I greatly respect) suggests that Boston may be in the hunt for A-Rod. That ship sailed long ago. The Boston owners are very savvy marketing wise and they know that the distaste for A-Rod among "Red Sox Nation" can only harm their brand. They've won 2 World Series without A-Rod - why would they want to take on such a potential albatross of a contract? My guess is that either they sign Mike Lowell or they move Kevin Youkilis to 3rd and have a lefty/righty platoon or someone lower cost like Brad Wilkerson at 1st. Rich Lederer is wrong in thinking Boston will be in on the bidding for A-Rod.
Next, Johan Keri (who I've never heard of) of ESPN.com's Page 2 suggests that just maybe Atlanta might be in on the bidding. Here's Keri's smoking gun logic:
Finally, SI's Jon Heyman takes a look at possible landing spots for A-Rod and he manages to toss in this gem (emphasis added):
Two wrong thinking articles on where Alex Rodriguez will end up and what I think is a very understated slam at A-Rod.
First Rich Lederer (who I greatly respect) suggests that Boston may be in the hunt for A-Rod. That ship sailed long ago. The Boston owners are very savvy marketing wise and they know that the distaste for A-Rod among "Red Sox Nation" can only harm their brand. They've won 2 World Series without A-Rod - why would they want to take on such a potential albatross of a contract? My guess is that either they sign Mike Lowell or they move Kevin Youkilis to 3rd and have a lefty/righty platoon or someone lower cost like Brad Wilkerson at 1st. Rich Lederer is wrong in thinking Boston will be in on the bidding for A-Rod.
Next, Johan Keri (who I've never heard of) of ESPN.com's Page 2 suggests that just maybe Atlanta might be in on the bidding. Here's Keri's smoking gun logic:
Come to think of it, Renteria made $10 million in 2007. Andruw Jones, who's becoming a free agent, made $14 million. Bob Wickman won't be back, shaving another $6.5 million. The Braves would be on the hook for a chunk of Mike Hampton's $14.5 million salary in '08, then he'd be gone too. Hey, wait a minute ... (the light clicks on) ... they could make a run at A-Rod!See - that's why I don't bother with ESPN's Page 2 anymore. The Braves need to lock up Mark Teixeira and the words "biggest contract in baseball" and "Atlanta Braves" just don't mix.
Finally, SI's Jon Heyman takes a look at possible landing spots for A-Rod and he manages to toss in this gem (emphasis added):
[San Francisco] Ownership is sick of losing, well-heeled and willing to go for the gusto, as they proved last winter when they spent $126 million for Barry Zito, a No. 2 pitcher who pitched like a No. 4. They also seem to love the idea of employing a megastar to market around and might want the chance to celebrate an all-time home-run record without any taint. The lovely city would also allow A-Rod to pursue his cultural interests.I may be wrong but I think Heyman just took a jab at A-Rod's sexual proclivities and maybe even his sexual orientation. Heh heh - nicely done.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Democratic Debate
I watched the Democratic Presidential candidates debate from Drexel University and I haven't seen such comedy on TV in a long time. In case you missed it - let me sum it up for you.
Dennis Kucinich sees aliens and Hillary wants to give them drivers licenses.
EDIT: Damn! Kathryn Jean Lopez beat me to the punchline by 40 minutes!
I watched the Democratic Presidential candidates debate from Drexel University and I haven't seen such comedy on TV in a long time. In case you missed it - let me sum it up for you.
Dennis Kucinich sees aliens and Hillary wants to give them drivers licenses.
EDIT: Damn! Kathryn Jean Lopez beat me to the punchline by 40 minutes!
Just Saying
The odds for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to win the World Series in 2008 are 100-1.
The odds for Dennis Kucinich to win the Presidency in 2008 are also 100-1.
The odds are via Bodog.
No real point in bringing this up. I just find it amusing to think of Dennis Kucinich as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Presidential candidates.
The odds for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to win the World Series in 2008 are 100-1.
The odds for Dennis Kucinich to win the Presidency in 2008 are also 100-1.
The odds are via Bodog.
No real point in bringing this up. I just find it amusing to think of Dennis Kucinich as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Presidential candidates.
Matt Ryan
Some people continue to be blinded when it comes to Matt Ryan and his chances for the Heisman Award. I'm talking to you Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com.
Some people continue to be blinded when it comes to Matt Ryan and his chances for the Heisman Award. I'm talking to you Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com.
Neither team would be in the championship hunt without them. Same for Ryan. But this week I can't vote him No. 1, or even No. 2 [in Heisman rankings]. It shouldn't matter, but it does. Thursday is going to stick with me as a Heisman voter. Ryan could end up being the ACC Player of the Year, even an All-American. But I'll remember those first 56 minutes more than the final four.Dennis - I posit that if you knew what you were talking about that those final 4 minutes would count way more than the first 56. The only person I've seen or heard make this point is Sean McDonough during Friday's Boise State telecast. McDonough correctly noted that Ryan calls his own plays when the team goes into the 2-minute offense which they did during the final 4-minutes of the Virginia Tech game. Ryan was not only making the big plays - he was calling them as well.
Hot Stove Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous hot stove baseball thoughts and observations.
The biggest item on the Red Sox offseason "to-do" list is to sign Mike Lowell. I think in spring training they could have gotten a 2-year $20 million deal done but now it will probably be at least 3-years and $40 million. Here's what I wrote about signing Lowell back in April:
Miscellaneous hot stove baseball thoughts and observations.
The biggest item on the Red Sox offseason "to-do" list is to sign Mike Lowell. I think in spring training they could have gotten a 2-year $20 million deal done but now it will probably be at least 3-years and $40 million. Here's what I wrote about signing Lowell back in April:
One final note - if the Red Sox let Mike Lowell's contract lapse into free agency then they run the risk of being used as a pawn by Scott Boras in his attempt to get A-Rod an even bigger payday. Signing Mike Lowell before the end of the season lets them avoid that circus.Edgar Renteria traded to Tigers. I like this trade for both teams. The Braves acquire a couple of top prospects and the Tigers fill their top need at short. By shedding Renteria's contract the Braves now have close to $20 million (Renteria's contract and Andruw Jone's money) to sign Mark Teixeira and fill the hole in centerfield. I admit that my first thought when I saw this trade was that the Braves would bring back Marcus Giles at a reduced price and move Kelly Johnson over to short (similar to the Rangers moving Michael Young to short when A-Rod was traded) but that was silly. Giles may have been a fan favorite but his time has past. More likely the Braves will hand short to Yunel Escobar... I just don't see Joe Torre going to the Dodgers. He could easily make as much doing advertisements in New York and occasional talks to business groups as he would make as manager of the Dodgers. Why would he want the headache?
A-Rod Classless
Scott Miller is not happy with Alex Rodriguez and he goes all scatological on his ass:
Scott Miller is not happy with Alex Rodriguez and he goes all scatological on his ass:
There is no such restraint on individual players. So Sunday night, we learn this is the only way A-Rod has figured out a way to get himself into a World Series.Now there's an image to ponder over breakfast. Miller wasn't done with the bathroom imagery:
By squatting and dumping on it.
But A-Rod urinating on the World Series, the arrogance of his bankrupt soul growing faster than the national debt?This was a huge mistake by A-Rod and Scott Boras and I think it will cost A-Rod millions of dollars because the outcry against this blatant "look at me" attention whore timing gives the lie to Boras' attempt to market A-Rod as a guy people will want to watch.
Ronald Reagan vs. Ted Baxter
Time for another installment of the Ronald Reagan vs. Ted Baxter betting NFL football contest.
The conservative theory of NFL betting is to take a home team getting 3 or fewer points. Who is more conservative than Ronald Reagan? Note - this theory does not include games which are a "pick". The Ted Baxter theory of football betting says to take the NFL teams getting 10 or more points under the idea that both teams are professionals and how much difference could there be between two groups of professionals? Ted Baxter used this method to soundly whip Lou Grant betting football games.
Week 8 NFL Picks
Ronald Reagan - going into Sunday the Ronald Reagan theory has been 8-5 for the season. Sunday, however, was not a good day for the Ronald Reagan Theory as it went 0-3 with St. Louis getting 3 losing to the Browns, Minnesota getting 1 losing to the Eagles, and San Francisco getting 2.5 losing to New Orleans. That puts the Ronald Reagan Theory at .500 for the season at 8-8.
Ted Baxter - going into Sunday Ted's record was at 5-8-1 for the season. On Sunday Ted's theory went 1-2 with the Dolphins getting 10 covering, San Diego easily covering giving 10 and the Patriots giving 15 smoking the Redskins. That puts the Ted Theory at 6-10-1 for the season. It should be noted that if you did not include the Patriots games (I don't think even Ted Baxter would bet against the Patriots) then the Ted Baxter theory becomes 6-7 for the season.
Time for another installment of the Ronald Reagan vs. Ted Baxter betting NFL football contest.
The conservative theory of NFL betting is to take a home team getting 3 or fewer points. Who is more conservative than Ronald Reagan? Note - this theory does not include games which are a "pick". The Ted Baxter theory of football betting says to take the NFL teams getting 10 or more points under the idea that both teams are professionals and how much difference could there be between two groups of professionals? Ted Baxter used this method to soundly whip Lou Grant betting football games.
Week 8 NFL Picks
Ronald Reagan - going into Sunday the Ronald Reagan theory has been 8-5 for the season. Sunday, however, was not a good day for the Ronald Reagan Theory as it went 0-3 with St. Louis getting 3 losing to the Browns, Minnesota getting 1 losing to the Eagles, and San Francisco getting 2.5 losing to New Orleans. That puts the Ronald Reagan Theory at .500 for the season at 8-8.
Ted Baxter - going into Sunday Ted's record was at 5-8-1 for the season. On Sunday Ted's theory went 1-2 with the Dolphins getting 10 covering, San Diego easily covering giving 10 and the Patriots giving 15 smoking the Redskins. That puts the Ted Theory at 6-10-1 for the season. It should be noted that if you did not include the Patriots games (I don't think even Ted Baxter would bet against the Patriots) then the Ted Baxter theory becomes 6-7 for the season.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday Sports Hangover
The above picture is real and the article Bush is holding up was a real article. It seems unreal - like a photoshop job but its real (though I'd bet that the photo in the article is a photoshop job). Today being a sports fan in Boston seems unreal but it too is real. Last night the Red Sox won the World Series and the New England Patriots just completely blew away the Washington Redskins.
Did I mention that the Boston Red Sox won the World Series? For the second time in 4 years. Unreal. I went out to watch the game and everyone I was with seemed to feel the same way. It just wasn't the same as in 2004. Now its kind of expected. No more people saying things like "Now I can die in peace." Now we expect the Red Sox to make the playoffs and beat the teams they are supposed to beat - like the Colorado Rockies. We have become the 1996 Yankees.
The winning of the World Series against the Rockies was so expected that most of the buzz around New England today is actually about the New England Patriots who completely dismantled the Redskins. When the Pats decided to go for it on 4th down - not once but twice - everyone in that bar I was at gave the same laugh of "Huh oh". Many have been complaining that the Patriots are running up the score but they are not taking ANY prisoners this year. They are truly a special team. I truly believe that the defense is pissed off today that they didn't get the shut out. They are so special that even the morning after the Red Sox won the World Series (for the second time in 4 years) - they are sharing billing on sports talk show radio. For a regular season victory!
Last week I mused that it would be interesting to have a prop bet between the number of runs the Red Sox scored in the World Series against the number of points the Patriots would score on Sunday. The final score of that prop bet would have been 52-29 Patriots. Unreal.
How good are the Patriots? Consider that next week they play the undefeated reigning Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis and they are favored by 4.5 points!
The Patriots are scary good. They are potentially 1986 Celtics greatest team in history good.
I feel bad for the Boston College Eagles who are also putting together a potential once in a lifetime season. BC is #2 in the country and they have a QB who is now the front runner for the Heisman Trophy. Anywhere else in the country and everyone is going crazy for the team. Except here in New England where the Red Sox just won the World Series (for the second time in 4 years) and the Patriots are putting together a once in a lifetime season.
The above picture is real and the article Bush is holding up was a real article. It seems unreal - like a photoshop job but its real (though I'd bet that the photo in the article is a photoshop job). Today being a sports fan in Boston seems unreal but it too is real. Last night the Red Sox won the World Series and the New England Patriots just completely blew away the Washington Redskins.
Did I mention that the Boston Red Sox won the World Series? For the second time in 4 years. Unreal. I went out to watch the game and everyone I was with seemed to feel the same way. It just wasn't the same as in 2004. Now its kind of expected. No more people saying things like "Now I can die in peace." Now we expect the Red Sox to make the playoffs and beat the teams they are supposed to beat - like the Colorado Rockies. We have become the 1996 Yankees.
The winning of the World Series against the Rockies was so expected that most of the buzz around New England today is actually about the New England Patriots who completely dismantled the Redskins. When the Pats decided to go for it on 4th down - not once but twice - everyone in that bar I was at gave the same laugh of "Huh oh". Many have been complaining that the Patriots are running up the score but they are not taking ANY prisoners this year. They are truly a special team. I truly believe that the defense is pissed off today that they didn't get the shut out. They are so special that even the morning after the Red Sox won the World Series (for the second time in 4 years) - they are sharing billing on sports talk show radio. For a regular season victory!
Last week I mused that it would be interesting to have a prop bet between the number of runs the Red Sox scored in the World Series against the number of points the Patriots would score on Sunday. The final score of that prop bet would have been 52-29 Patriots. Unreal.
How good are the Patriots? Consider that next week they play the undefeated reigning Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis and they are favored by 4.5 points!
The Patriots are scary good. They are potentially 1986 Celtics greatest team in history good.
I feel bad for the Boston College Eagles who are also putting together a potential once in a lifetime season. BC is #2 in the country and they have a QB who is now the front runner for the Heisman Trophy. Anywhere else in the country and everyone is going crazy for the team. Except here in New England where the Red Sox just won the World Series (for the second time in 4 years) and the Patriots are putting together a once in a lifetime season.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
World Series Notes
Miscellaneous World Series thoughts and observations.
The Red Sox now lead the series 3-0 and in the past when a team goes up 3-0 they win the series (22 out of 22 times)... With the series all but over in most people's minds - it is understandable that some folks like myself can't help but think of next year already. I have to say that I feel for Coco Crisp. Sure his offense was so-so this year but his defense was stellar. Every night it seemed you'd see Coco on ESPN's web gems. It is clear though that Jacoby Ellsbury is going to be the starting centerfielder from here on out. Coco has two more years on his contract (with and option for 2010) at reasonable prices - $4.75 million in 2008 and $5.75 million in 2009. Everyone will point to Atlanta, Minnesota and the Phillies as natural trading partners because those teams will likely be losing their centerfielders to free agency. The Red Sox will most likely trade Coco for prospects but why not shoot for the moon and offer Crisp, Jon Lester and a prospect to the Twins for Johan Santana?... I think Eric Gangne may even be booed during the celebration parade... I'm hoping that the Red Sox sweep and that Jon Lester gets the win. Can you imagine how inspirational that will be (not that Lester isn't already inspirational) to cancer patients all over the country (and world)? Even if you hate "Red Sox Nation" - you have to root for this guy... Its at the point now that when I see Mike Lowell on TV - I hear the Teddy KGB character from Rounders say, "Pay that man his money"... Professional sports journalists at work:
Miscellaneous World Series thoughts and observations.
The Red Sox now lead the series 3-0 and in the past when a team goes up 3-0 they win the series (22 out of 22 times)... With the series all but over in most people's minds - it is understandable that some folks like myself can't help but think of next year already. I have to say that I feel for Coco Crisp. Sure his offense was so-so this year but his defense was stellar. Every night it seemed you'd see Coco on ESPN's web gems. It is clear though that Jacoby Ellsbury is going to be the starting centerfielder from here on out. Coco has two more years on his contract (with and option for 2010) at reasonable prices - $4.75 million in 2008 and $5.75 million in 2009. Everyone will point to Atlanta, Minnesota and the Phillies as natural trading partners because those teams will likely be losing their centerfielders to free agency. The Red Sox will most likely trade Coco for prospects but why not shoot for the moon and offer Crisp, Jon Lester and a prospect to the Twins for Johan Santana?... I think Eric Gangne may even be booed during the celebration parade... I'm hoping that the Red Sox sweep and that Jon Lester gets the win. Can you imagine how inspirational that will be (not that Lester isn't already inspirational) to cancer patients all over the country (and world)? Even if you hate "Red Sox Nation" - you have to root for this guy... Its at the point now that when I see Mike Lowell on TV - I hear the Teddy KGB character from Rounders say, "Pay that man his money"... Professional sports journalists at work:
Reporter (to Francona): Since you came back from down 3 games to the Yankees, what advice... ummm... even though you don't want to help them... could you give Colorado?Everybody on the Red Sox has played so well that it will be difficult to pick an MVP. Let me just throw this out there but Jacoby Ellsbury just may be the front runner for the award right now. Of course if it gets to a game 5 and Josh Beckett shuts the Rockies down again - then there will be no question at all about who gets the award... Assuming the Red Sox re-sign Lowell and Curt Schilling ($13 million one-year) then the two biggest needs are another reliever and a back-up catcher. There is a good chance that Boston could turn to Japan to fill those two positions. Boston is getting to be very big in Japan.... Howard Bryant has a nice column up on the current state of the Red Sox.
Francona: I don't know how to answer this... I really don't want them to win. (laughter) I mean really, what kind of a question is that?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Teddy Roosevelt
Today would have been Teddy Roosevelt's 149th birthday. Here's perhaps my favorite Roosevelt quote:
Today would have been Teddy Roosevelt's 149th birthday. Here's perhaps my favorite Roosevelt quote:
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
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