Saturday, August 30, 2008
Football
What are you doing reading this?..it's the 1st Saturday of college football..go watch some games!
Monday, August 25, 2008
NFL Preview(AFC South)
AFC South
1-Colts(12-4)
I initially was going to pencil them in for 13 wins..but after I thought about it...I know nothing about Peyton Manning's knee injury...is it major?...minor?...how is Marvin Harrison's knee?....I would assume that both knees are fine..but I feel that this team is a little older..and they could show their age this year..if not this year then next year...regardless...if Manning is throwing the passes,you have a reallly good chance to win.Joseph Addai is the main running back and he is a very good option..even with Harrison's questionable knee,they still have Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez and that is alot more than other teams have.Defensively they have a really nice unit headlined by the defensive player of the year Bob Sanders.As long as he and Dwight Freeney stay on the field...their defense will be in really good shape.Other than keeping its stars healthy..expect to see them in the playoffs.
2-Jaguars(11-5)
This team is knocking on the door.They have just about everything you'd want in a contender:accurate quarterback(Garrard),tandem in the backfield(Jones Drew& Fred Taylor) and a dominate defense.The one question I would have would be the options at wide receiver.Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson followed by Reggie Williams and Matt Jones together are serviceable at best,so when they go up against another elite defense with elite corners,I would question their ability to catch the ball and be effective.
3-Titans(9-7)
Tennessee is similar to the Jags except one thing..Vince Young isnt very accurate.Atleast not yet.But to his credit he is a playmaker because he is very mobile,so that semi-evens everything out.He also doesnt have very many weapons at the wide receiver spot.Justin Gage,Justin McCareins and Levelle Hawkins are names that will scare you,but Vince can make it happen.Also the Titans have an pretty underrated defense,but they can really get it done..here are two names you should know already...David Thornton and Cortland Finnegan.Quality players.
4-Texans(6-10)
This team has too many ifs...can Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson stay healthy?....can they muster any semblance of a running game out of 5 running backs?....whos the 2nd receiver?...the defense has some really nice pieces with DeMeco Ryans and Morion Greenwood,and dont forget about the player that they picked over Reggie Bush,Mario Williams...who had 14 sacks last year..not bad huh?..but I dont feel that their "ifs" will produce anything to make noise in this division this year.
1-Colts(12-4)
I initially was going to pencil them in for 13 wins..but after I thought about it...I know nothing about Peyton Manning's knee injury...is it major?...minor?...how is Marvin Harrison's knee?....I would assume that both knees are fine..but I feel that this team is a little older..and they could show their age this year..if not this year then next year...regardless...if Manning is throwing the passes,you have a reallly good chance to win.Joseph Addai is the main running back and he is a very good option..even with Harrison's questionable knee,they still have Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez and that is alot more than other teams have.Defensively they have a really nice unit headlined by the defensive player of the year Bob Sanders.As long as he and Dwight Freeney stay on the field...their defense will be in really good shape.Other than keeping its stars healthy..expect to see them in the playoffs.
2-Jaguars(11-5)
This team is knocking on the door.They have just about everything you'd want in a contender:accurate quarterback(Garrard),tandem in the backfield(Jones Drew& Fred Taylor) and a dominate defense.The one question I would have would be the options at wide receiver.Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson followed by Reggie Williams and Matt Jones together are serviceable at best,so when they go up against another elite defense with elite corners,I would question their ability to catch the ball and be effective.
3-Titans(9-7)
Tennessee is similar to the Jags except one thing..Vince Young isnt very accurate.Atleast not yet.But to his credit he is a playmaker because he is very mobile,so that semi-evens everything out.He also doesnt have very many weapons at the wide receiver spot.Justin Gage,Justin McCareins and Levelle Hawkins are names that will scare you,but Vince can make it happen.Also the Titans have an pretty underrated defense,but they can really get it done..here are two names you should know already...David Thornton and Cortland Finnegan.Quality players.
4-Texans(6-10)
This team has too many ifs...can Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson stay healthy?....can they muster any semblance of a running game out of 5 running backs?....whos the 2nd receiver?...the defense has some really nice pieces with DeMeco Ryans and Morion Greenwood,and dont forget about the player that they picked over Reggie Bush,Mario Williams...who had 14 sacks last year..not bad huh?..but I dont feel that their "ifs" will produce anything to make noise in this division this year.
NFL Preview(AFC West)
AFC West
1-Chargers(12-4)
Yes...Merriman is veeeery iffy with the 2 bad knee ligaments...but even without him..their defense is still very stout at every level.The offensive side of the ball is really good as well..everyone knows LT who is still the best running back in the game..the much criticized Phillip Rivers came up lame in the playoffs last year(so did LT btw) but I expect Rivers to build on the year he had with his WR crew and go deep in the playoffs.One key would be who is giving LT a break as a backup,Michael Turner was shown the money from Atlanta and how he's gone....all thats left is Sproles(who is 5-6) and Marcus Thomas(a rookie)...yeah thats an issue.
2-Raiders(7-9)
A small surprise here..but no one else here cracks .500.I like the 3-headed monster of McFadden,Bush(Michael) and Fargas...those 3 should lighten the load for JaMarcus Russell,who I think will be pretty decent this season.On the outside they are a little thin with Drew Carter being out for the season...but then again..when you are depending on Drew Carter for anything...you assume the worst.Anyways Javon Walker should be a dependable target(when he's not thinking about retirement) and Ronald Curry is pretty underrated as well.Most of the credit should go to the defense.The standouts are corners DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha..despite all the mouth and temper issues Hall is still a top corner in the league and should contribute right away.
3-Broncos(6-10)
This team..I'm not quite sure about...Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are pretty good..but other than that?..I've got nothing...one would assume that Selvin Young is the starter at running back..but history says..you have no idea until you see him get the ball..take in account that Marshall is suspended 2 games for off the field stuff...you're next receiving options are rookie Eddie Royal,Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.Unimpressed?....you should be..the defense you dont really know about either.Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game...Dre Bly is okay as well..the linebackers are solid with DJ Williams..but again..you look at the roster and you kinda shrug at yourself and ask..is this it?..and honestly..it is..
4-Chiefs(4-12)
Ew..this team is rebuilding....4 wins was being semi generous as well...they have an issue at quarterback..Brodie Croyle has thus far been on the lower side of "okay" and that will be an issue for every other skill position for the Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are both pretty reliable options..but without a reliable QB to get them the ball...there is an issue.Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles are both good runningbacks..but if you dont have someone throwing the ball effectively to get the pressure off them...expect last year's results.
1-Chargers(12-4)
Yes...Merriman is veeeery iffy with the 2 bad knee ligaments...but even without him..their defense is still very stout at every level.The offensive side of the ball is really good as well..everyone knows LT who is still the best running back in the game..the much criticized Phillip Rivers came up lame in the playoffs last year(so did LT btw) but I expect Rivers to build on the year he had with his WR crew and go deep in the playoffs.One key would be who is giving LT a break as a backup,Michael Turner was shown the money from Atlanta and how he's gone....all thats left is Sproles(who is 5-6) and Marcus Thomas(a rookie)...yeah thats an issue.
2-Raiders(7-9)
A small surprise here..but no one else here cracks .500.I like the 3-headed monster of McFadden,Bush(Michael) and Fargas...those 3 should lighten the load for JaMarcus Russell,who I think will be pretty decent this season.On the outside they are a little thin with Drew Carter being out for the season...but then again..when you are depending on Drew Carter for anything...you assume the worst.Anyways Javon Walker should be a dependable target(when he's not thinking about retirement) and Ronald Curry is pretty underrated as well.Most of the credit should go to the defense.The standouts are corners DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha..despite all the mouth and temper issues Hall is still a top corner in the league and should contribute right away.
3-Broncos(6-10)
This team..I'm not quite sure about...Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are pretty good..but other than that?..I've got nothing...one would assume that Selvin Young is the starter at running back..but history says..you have no idea until you see him get the ball..take in account that Marshall is suspended 2 games for off the field stuff...you're next receiving options are rookie Eddie Royal,Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.Unimpressed?....you should be..the defense you dont really know about either.Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game...Dre Bly is okay as well..the linebackers are solid with DJ Williams..but again..you look at the roster and you kinda shrug at yourself and ask..is this it?..and honestly..it is..
4-Chiefs(4-12)
Ew..this team is rebuilding....4 wins was being semi generous as well...they have an issue at quarterback..Brodie Croyle has thus far been on the lower side of "okay" and that will be an issue for every other skill position for the Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are both pretty reliable options..but without a reliable QB to get them the ball...there is an issue.Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles are both good runningbacks..but if you dont have someone throwing the ball effectively to get the pressure off them...expect last year's results.
Odds and Ends
A few things to cover before I start giving season predictions for football..I havent decided if I'll do college football...I would have more depth in the NFL...we'll see.
So..a few people got hurt this past weekend...Jason Taylor out for like 2 weeks..Carson Palmer getting smashed in the nose..and Usi Umenyiora being knocked out for the year...which "begs" the question of...do we need 4 preseason games?....yes and no....do people need to attend these games for the same prices?....no..never..3rd and 4th stringers going at it isnt the price of NFL games..but it is needed for coaches and players to be evaluated...I think 3 may be a better number...but 4 is just fine for me.
The Falcons finally made a good move..they declared Matt Ryan the opening day starter...if you look at that team..they're going to suck...point blank..so why not play him and get experience going as soon as possible?...it also helps that he was playing the best of the 4(dont ask) quarterbacks anyways.
Matt Leinart to the bench?....what!?...no way...Matt is way better than Kurt Warner...(gets word that this past weekend Leinart threw for 4-12 for 24yds and 3 picks vs the Raiders)...well...kinda hard to defend that...Arizona is a team that needs a bit more consistency with their quarterback...but I havent given up on Leinart...Warner is old...and brittle..he'll get another shot.
So..a few people got hurt this past weekend...Jason Taylor out for like 2 weeks..Carson Palmer getting smashed in the nose..and Usi Umenyiora being knocked out for the year...which "begs" the question of...do we need 4 preseason games?....yes and no....do people need to attend these games for the same prices?....no..never..3rd and 4th stringers going at it isnt the price of NFL games..but it is needed for coaches and players to be evaluated...I think 3 may be a better number...but 4 is just fine for me.
The Falcons finally made a good move..they declared Matt Ryan the opening day starter...if you look at that team..they're going to suck...point blank..so why not play him and get experience going as soon as possible?...it also helps that he was playing the best of the 4(dont ask) quarterbacks anyways.
Matt Leinart to the bench?....what!?...no way...Matt is way better than Kurt Warner...(gets word that this past weekend Leinart threw for 4-12 for 24yds and 3 picks vs the Raiders)...well...kinda hard to defend that...Arizona is a team that needs a bit more consistency with their quarterback...but I havent given up on Leinart...Warner is old...and brittle..he'll get another shot.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Where Winning Does Matter?
I'll lead with baseball..
Tampa Bay Rays?...yeah you know them right?...top 2 record in baseball(with Anaheim) but here is something I was looking at when I was watching the game vs the Halos earlier in the week....
alot of empty seats...
Hmm..upon researched...they average a bit over 21,000 for their home games..seems like alot right?....nah..not really..its only26th out of 30 teams...um..thats not good...I know what you're saying...
"Its a small market"
Yeah..it is..but other "small" markets are pulling more than them...Anaheim..Cleveland...San Diego..Minnesota..Cincinnati..all pulling more than Tampa...and you know what the difference is?...except for Minnesota and Anaheim..all of those teams are at the bottom of the league in wins and losses....so...does winning matter?...
Shifting topics to football
You know when I was bashing the Niners QB JT O'Sullivan last post?....yeah...well I got a good chance to see him Thursday night against the Chicago Bears..and well...he looked really good..he was making really good throws and looked composed..I was impressed...and when Alex Smith came in..looked decent..but not good enough to pry away what JT had done earlier in the game...sorry Alex..you're out of a job...
A bit of college football news that relates to me...Cal named sophomore Kevin Riley the starter over senior Nate Longshore...I figured the senior would get the nod over the underclassman considering he had the advantage statistically...but Riley played really well in the bowl game(269 yds 3tds)...we'll see how long that lasts
Moving to the League..
Denver re-signs JR Smith...no idea why it took this long..nor why no one else seemed interested...I mean yeah he's a bit immature..he's 22..his defense and shot selection are a bit shaky..but when he gets it going he can shoot the lights out..Denver will need him to be waaay more consistent since defense wont be an option next year.
Boston signs Darius Miles...I heard he was having impressive workouts for other teams...I know there is one person is hoping it doesnt work out...the Portland GM...there is a clause for Miles saying if he doesnt play this coming year Portland would get a $27 million relief against their salary cap....well...ouch if that happens..anyways if Miles is anything like he was before he'll do alot of things for Boston...defend..he's long and may have focus since his role model was KG growing up...he can score around the basket really well so any help in that department can help Boston...basically its a low risk,high reward deal for Boston.
*Uni Watch*
New Orleans is trying to stick it to the city of Charlotte...remember these?
Lol...its like they wanted to use the same jersey...thumbs down on this oneOne that was debuted here earlier..heres the full version
Hmm...I was downing these early on...WNBA-ish is the term I used...I think I may take it back...well..the lettering is still WNBA=ish..but the short design is interesting..
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Welcome Back....Welcome Back,Welcome Back
Cincinnati Bengals welcome back the off-arrested Chris Henry..after cutting him in the off-season for...his arrests...makes sense?....it shouldnt..I dont have a list of free agent WRs..but I know there has to be a talented WR without ANY baggage like Henry's...I mean Henry is very very talented..but you have to come to point where you take a stand...and stick to it...imagine the Portland Trail Blazers cutting a player like...Darius Miles....tell everyone we're cleaning up the character of our team....then....re-sign him?....oh yeah..Henry is suspended the 1st 4 games of the season anyways..not sure how that could help the team much with Chad and TJ already hurt.
Speaking of WRs....Joe Horn was cut from the Falcons...whos is Joe Horn?...good I can move on..
There is no way you can justify to me that QB Alex Smith isnt better than JT O'Sullivan...there isnt..JT to this point has done absolutely nothing in his 6yr NFL career..and granted Alex hadnt shown much either(average 2 yrs ago with 16TD/16 Int) but at the same time the offense hasnt been good at all...his only real weapon has been RB Frank Gore.I think with Quarterbacks is consistency...if you are constantly in..out..in..out confidence is lost and you wont get the best out him most of the time.Alex couldnt build off the average season prior because he got smashed up and had a really serious shoulder injury in which the coach was questioning his toughness in the process...I think the relationship is nearing its end..but I blame the coach more than Alex Smith.
Speaking of quarterbacks..is there a QB who people think less of after a super bowl than Eli Manning?....its weird really.His last name is Manning...AND he beat the mighty Patriots in the super bowl...yeah..that was him...but...no one seems to care.I think he still hasnt gotten the credit he deserves for having a super bowl ring..is he a top 5 QB?...nah..not yet..10?..you may be able to convince people of that I think.
Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin..is in a bad spot...he wants to get a new,fat contract...Cardinals say nah..unhappy star players arent good..a small injury can muster itself into a missing game situation...he already doesnt speak much to the head coach..it does not fair well for Boldin..but hopefully he can still be productive for the Cardinals.
Eagles player is hurt...no not..McNabb...this time...its WR Kevin Curtis..with a hernia..so he's out indefinitely..it helps that McNabb spreads the ball around..so its not like he's losing his main target or anything..but I think this is more an opportunity for Cal standout DeSean Jackson..he's a speedster and if you can get him in space he'll pay dividends for the Eagles if given the opportunity...well..here you go.
SF pitcher Barry Zito won again..he's 7-15..he's improving..
The overly credible Foxsports.com complied a list of the top 5 overrated players in the NBA.
-Dwyane Wade(#5)
-Robert Horry(#4)
-Yao Ming(#3)
-Shawn Marion(#2)
-Shane Battier(#1)
Hmm....I think...with the exception of Yao Ming...I could on some level agree with all of these players..Wade is the clear benefiter of the NBA's hyper-sensitive foul calling..he goes near 10x a game..which is up from the last generation of basketball....Horry...look..hes hit some clutch shots...alot of shots...but he averaged 2.5 points last year...and has only averaged in double-digits 3x in his career that dates back to 1992...and people say he's a hall a famer...sorry..I'm on the no side...Yao Ming gets on this list because he's get hurt alot..and the 22 game streak continued a long way without him..but when he's on the court..he'll get off that list quick...with Marion there has always been a mumbles about what Nash has done for him and his creating his own shot...but while you may hit on something semi right(check the numbers pre-Nash) I would say that the biggest person benefiting from Nash would be Amare...regardless..I think the money Marion gets could get him a bullseye to be on this list...Shane is overrated to me...he plays defense...but isnt a great defender...actually..he doesnt do ANYTHING well...you name it..defense..shooting %...passing,scoring...he's okay at everything though..I think #1 is a bit much..but I do think he gets waaaay too much pub for the..."things" he "does."
Speaking of WRs....Joe Horn was cut from the Falcons...whos is Joe Horn?...good I can move on..
There is no way you can justify to me that QB Alex Smith isnt better than JT O'Sullivan...there isnt..JT to this point has done absolutely nothing in his 6yr NFL career..and granted Alex hadnt shown much either(average 2 yrs ago with 16TD/16 Int) but at the same time the offense hasnt been good at all...his only real weapon has been RB Frank Gore.I think with Quarterbacks is consistency...if you are constantly in..out..in..out confidence is lost and you wont get the best out him most of the time.Alex couldnt build off the average season prior because he got smashed up and had a really serious shoulder injury in which the coach was questioning his toughness in the process...I think the relationship is nearing its end..but I blame the coach more than Alex Smith.
Speaking of quarterbacks..is there a QB who people think less of after a super bowl than Eli Manning?....its weird really.His last name is Manning...AND he beat the mighty Patriots in the super bowl...yeah..that was him...but...no one seems to care.I think he still hasnt gotten the credit he deserves for having a super bowl ring..is he a top 5 QB?...nah..not yet..10?..you may be able to convince people of that I think.
Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin..is in a bad spot...he wants to get a new,fat contract...Cardinals say nah..unhappy star players arent good..a small injury can muster itself into a missing game situation...he already doesnt speak much to the head coach..it does not fair well for Boldin..but hopefully he can still be productive for the Cardinals.
Eagles player is hurt...no not..McNabb...this time...its WR Kevin Curtis..with a hernia..so he's out indefinitely..it helps that McNabb spreads the ball around..so its not like he's losing his main target or anything..but I think this is more an opportunity for Cal standout DeSean Jackson..he's a speedster and if you can get him in space he'll pay dividends for the Eagles if given the opportunity...well..here you go.
SF pitcher Barry Zito won again..he's 7-15..he's improving..
The overly credible Foxsports.com complied a list of the top 5 overrated players in the NBA.
-Dwyane Wade(#5)
-Robert Horry(#4)
-Yao Ming(#3)
-Shawn Marion(#2)
-Shane Battier(#1)
Hmm....I think...with the exception of Yao Ming...I could on some level agree with all of these players..Wade is the clear benefiter of the NBA's hyper-sensitive foul calling..he goes near 10x a game..which is up from the last generation of basketball....Horry...look..hes hit some clutch shots...alot of shots...but he averaged 2.5 points last year...and has only averaged in double-digits 3x in his career that dates back to 1992...and people say he's a hall a famer...sorry..I'm on the no side...Yao Ming gets on this list because he's get hurt alot..and the 22 game streak continued a long way without him..but when he's on the court..he'll get off that list quick...with Marion there has always been a mumbles about what Nash has done for him and his creating his own shot...but while you may hit on something semi right(check the numbers pre-Nash) I would say that the biggest person benefiting from Nash would be Amare...regardless..I think the money Marion gets could get him a bullseye to be on this list...Shane is overrated to me...he plays defense...but isnt a great defender...actually..he doesnt do ANYTHING well...you name it..defense..shooting %...passing,scoring...he's okay at everything though..I think #1 is a bit much..but I do think he gets waaaay too much pub for the..."things" he "does."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
What If My Name Was A Number?
Oddly enough a few more things have popped up for me to speak about..
Basketball 1st....
Andre Iguodala finally got what he wanted...6yr 80mil from Philly....overpaid?....oh yeah..for now..his career is at a bit of a crossroad...yeah..he averaged just under 20 per game(19.9) throw in about 5 rebounds and 5 assists we have a pretty good player....right?....yeah..but...Philly...well..doesnt have a perimeter go to guy..Brand will be the guy getting 20 and 10 every night..but if you are down in the shot clock..or to take the final shot...is Iggy that guy?...so far?....no...even in college he could be as great as he wanted to be,but scoring was never something he cared to do..even with other talented players who would defer to him...he would defer even more..getting 10 assists..but only taking 7 shots..and making like 5 of them..he has a team concept..but they need you to be the top 1 or 2 options every night..not 4th or 5th..and hes done both...he might be the new Joe Johnson..in career and in playing style.
-Cavs get Mo Williams
-Oklahoma whoevers get Joe Smith,Desmond Mason and Adrian Griffin
-Bucks get Luke Ridnour and Damon Jones
Well..um..I'll cut it like it is..pretty mediocre on all parts...in theory the Cavs get the "point guard" they've been looking for(?)...he averaged 17 and 6 last year..but gets injured a bit too much for me...but definitely underrated..but not a savior for that team at all...mainly because who knows how he'll play with Lebron..my guess is that he'll be the main leader of the "Throw the ball into Lebron and stand around" fanclub..he'll rack up assists...
Oklahoma is just racking up dead-weight contracts..to clear salary...for who?..no idea..I cant think of a soul who would go out there to live and play...sorry
The Bucks get Luke Ridnour..who I thought got a bum-rap in Seattle the last couple of years..regardless he's atleast a decent point guard who can pass the ball(and with Michael Redd,Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson,helps alot) doesnt turn over the ball..but sadly I can see how this ends...the bull-headed defensive coach Scott Skiles will bench the better point guard of Ridnour in favor of the aging,yet "defensive" player in Tyronn Lue..and their play will falter...quote me on that...I'm willing to put all the money in my wallet right now on the line that the Bucks had no idea they traded for Damon Jones as well...all of it..
Since I live in this city for the time being..the Atlanta Hawks are just god awful..theres nothing around it..everything about them is bad..I guess Joe Johnson and Al Horford are the other things..but the management...the fans..everything else is bad...heres what they've done this summer:
-Lost 6th man Josh Childress to Greece for nothing
-Re-signed coach Mike Woodson
-Re-signed Josh Smith for 58 mil for 5 yrs(matched offer from Memphis,who also dislikes Woodson)
-Signed Maurice Evans
-Signed Flip Murray
-Signed Thomas Gardner
-Signed Othello Hunter
Its never been so apparent of a management team being so incompetent in every aspect...you would think since making the playoffs last year(with a below .500 record as an 8th seed mind you) they would make some kind of effort to build off of for the next year...right?..nah...lets take
multiple steps backwards..I really wished I lived in another city so this team would fade into a oblivion like some west coast teams do out here..just so I dont have to see them fail as much as I do.
Moving off basketball...
Cincinnati Bengals WR is looking into changing his name..well his last name..to "Ocho Cinco"(which is 85 for the non-spanish speaking community) Remember this?
Funny right?...I thought so..if he does this he will have topped any celebration ever...for anything sports related...Chad is awesome.
It will be interesting to see if the Tampa Rays can stay afloat in the AL East without Carl Crawford(6-8 weeks) and Evan Longoria(15-day DL)..I think I'm one of the few people who isnt on the Tampa bangwagon..I thought I would be refreshed by a new team in the post season hunt..eh..not really..I wont be rooting for them if/when they make it in..
Basketball 1st....
Andre Iguodala finally got what he wanted...6yr 80mil from Philly....overpaid?....oh yeah..for now..his career is at a bit of a crossroad...yeah..he averaged just under 20 per game(19.9) throw in about 5 rebounds and 5 assists we have a pretty good player....right?....yeah..but...Philly...well..doesnt have a perimeter go to guy..Brand will be the guy getting 20 and 10 every night..but if you are down in the shot clock..or to take the final shot...is Iggy that guy?...so far?....no...even in college he could be as great as he wanted to be,but scoring was never something he cared to do..even with other talented players who would defer to him...he would defer even more..getting 10 assists..but only taking 7 shots..and making like 5 of them..he has a team concept..but they need you to be the top 1 or 2 options every night..not 4th or 5th..and hes done both...he might be the new Joe Johnson..in career and in playing style.
-Cavs get Mo Williams
-Oklahoma whoevers get Joe Smith,Desmond Mason and Adrian Griffin
-Bucks get Luke Ridnour and Damon Jones
Well..um..I'll cut it like it is..pretty mediocre on all parts...in theory the Cavs get the "point guard" they've been looking for(?)...he averaged 17 and 6 last year..but gets injured a bit too much for me...but definitely underrated..but not a savior for that team at all...mainly because who knows how he'll play with Lebron..my guess is that he'll be the main leader of the "Throw the ball into Lebron and stand around" fanclub..he'll rack up assists...
Oklahoma is just racking up dead-weight contracts..to clear salary...for who?..no idea..I cant think of a soul who would go out there to live and play...sorry
The Bucks get Luke Ridnour..who I thought got a bum-rap in Seattle the last couple of years..regardless he's atleast a decent point guard who can pass the ball(and with Michael Redd,Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson,helps alot) doesnt turn over the ball..but sadly I can see how this ends...the bull-headed defensive coach Scott Skiles will bench the better point guard of Ridnour in favor of the aging,yet "defensive" player in Tyronn Lue..and their play will falter...quote me on that...I'm willing to put all the money in my wallet right now on the line that the Bucks had no idea they traded for Damon Jones as well...all of it..
Since I live in this city for the time being..the Atlanta Hawks are just god awful..theres nothing around it..everything about them is bad..I guess Joe Johnson and Al Horford are the other things..but the management...the fans..everything else is bad...heres what they've done this summer:
-Lost 6th man Josh Childress to Greece for nothing
-Re-signed coach Mike Woodson
-Re-signed Josh Smith for 58 mil for 5 yrs(matched offer from Memphis,who also dislikes Woodson)
-Signed Maurice Evans
-Signed Flip Murray
-Signed Thomas Gardner
-Signed Othello Hunter
Its never been so apparent of a management team being so incompetent in every aspect...you would think since making the playoffs last year(with a below .500 record as an 8th seed mind you) they would make some kind of effort to build off of for the next year...right?..nah...lets take
multiple steps backwards..I really wished I lived in another city so this team would fade into a oblivion like some west coast teams do out here..just so I dont have to see them fail as much as I do.
Moving off basketball...
Cincinnati Bengals WR is looking into changing his name..well his last name..to "Ocho Cinco"(which is 85 for the non-spanish speaking community) Remember this?
Funny right?...I thought so..if he does this he will have topped any celebration ever...for anything sports related...Chad is awesome.It will be interesting to see if the Tampa Rays can stay afloat in the AL East without Carl Crawford(6-8 weeks) and Evan Longoria(15-day DL)..I think I'm one of the few people who isnt on the Tampa bangwagon..I thought I would be refreshed by a new team in the post season hunt..eh..not really..I wont be rooting for them if/when they make it in..
Monday, August 11, 2008
Cleaning Up
Just a few thoughts on things early in the week..
-I think I'm one of the few people who believe Lebron or Kobe could take the "hypothetical" $50 million a year to go to a European league team...my question would be this..are you crazy enough to take $50 million for one year in another country?...and its not some bull $50 after taxes..Josh Childress got the full amount he signed for because that team paid the taxes for him..I think I am that crazy...and I think they are too...I think people are still in the mid-90s mindset of NBA or day job...with the D-League and countless basketball teams worldwide,not being drafted isnt the end of the world..I mean yeah thats the dream for kids(see?..mindset..thats all they could watch when we grew up) but its also about the love of the game and feeding your kids..in which can take you all over the world..not saying that Kobe or Lebron are pulling a Latrell Sprewell or anything like that,but at the same time Kobe has won 3 rings..and is as of this second a Hall of Famer..so...who cares what he does with the rest of his career?...I believe there are Euros in the Hall of Fame who have never played in the NBA..its the basketball hall..not the NBA hall...so I dont buy into every columnist on TV who bashes the idea just because its the NBA..if the players have changed from the 80s and 90s like everyone says they have...you may want to just pay attention to how much money.
-Reds outfielder Adam Dunn was traded to Arizona for 3 prospects...good trade I feel...nice way to sidestep the whole sign Barry Bonds ordeal..but yeah..good trade he gives them a shot in the arm for offense which was why they got bounced last year..lack of offense..sadly it came a few days after 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson got the news that his broken wrist will keep him out for the year..add him with outfielders Justin Upton(out since July 9th) and Eric Byrnes(out since July 1st) they need all the help they can get.The race between them and the Dodgers for the West.
-Byron Leftwich got the nod for the Steelers as the backup QB(which dashes Oregon's own Dennis Dixon)..which surprises me because I think he's a decent QB..but just has a few..um..knocks against him..like his long throwing motion..or his zero mobility...or because of those 2 reasons I just named he takes alot of hits and as a result is a bit injury prone..hm..maybe I answered my own question..but I do like his leadership ability as well as his cannon arm..maybe the goods can outweigh the bads for Pittsburgh should something happen to Big Ben.
-Seahawks WR Bobby Engram is out for 6-8 weeks with a cracked shoulder..uh oh..well..let me just say as a fan..yes..Seattle still has a football team..no they didnt move that team to Oklahoma City...okay..now that I got that out of the way...I'm worried now..Deion Branch is already out for who knows how long with his ACL tear in the playoff game last year..so..now..we're down to Nate Burleson as our "experienced" receiver...and the rest?...
Ben Obomanu
Courtney Taylor
Jordan Kent
Logan Payne
And those 4 people only have 17 catches between them...and only Obomanu and Taylor have all of them..Matt Hasselbeck will have to do his best impression of Donovan McNabb(on field,not get hurt) for any kind of success on the season.
My only Olympics reference will be this...so...the Spain team..had a photoshoot,you know of the whole team..and its in China this time around..so I'll just show you the photo
Want to explain that?...they arent pointing to their temples..they are making their eyes slanted..as narrowed-eyed person..not cool..not cool..
What to watch
-Bengals at Packers 8pm-...come on...tell me you arent interested even a little about who is replacing Brett Favre....come on..Chad Johnson will be involved a little bit..I'm sold...but just make sure you have your TV near mute to escape the Chad is a cancer and all the Brett Favre references...
-Phillies at Dodgers 10pm..Manny is being Manny out in La-La land now..and is swinging a hot bat..Ryan Howard,Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are involved..so I'd pay attention
Honestly these are only time killers until around midnight where I can go pick up Madden 2009...
-I think I'm one of the few people who believe Lebron or Kobe could take the "hypothetical" $50 million a year to go to a European league team...my question would be this..are you crazy enough to take $50 million for one year in another country?...and its not some bull $50 after taxes..Josh Childress got the full amount he signed for because that team paid the taxes for him..I think I am that crazy...and I think they are too...I think people are still in the mid-90s mindset of NBA or day job...with the D-League and countless basketball teams worldwide,not being drafted isnt the end of the world..I mean yeah thats the dream for kids(see?..mindset..thats all they could watch when we grew up) but its also about the love of the game and feeding your kids..in which can take you all over the world..not saying that Kobe or Lebron are pulling a Latrell Sprewell or anything like that,but at the same time Kobe has won 3 rings..and is as of this second a Hall of Famer..so...who cares what he does with the rest of his career?...I believe there are Euros in the Hall of Fame who have never played in the NBA..its the basketball hall..not the NBA hall...so I dont buy into every columnist on TV who bashes the idea just because its the NBA..if the players have changed from the 80s and 90s like everyone says they have...you may want to just pay attention to how much money.
-Reds outfielder Adam Dunn was traded to Arizona for 3 prospects...good trade I feel...nice way to sidestep the whole sign Barry Bonds ordeal..but yeah..good trade he gives them a shot in the arm for offense which was why they got bounced last year..lack of offense..sadly it came a few days after 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson got the news that his broken wrist will keep him out for the year..add him with outfielders Justin Upton(out since July 9th) and Eric Byrnes(out since July 1st) they need all the help they can get.The race between them and the Dodgers for the West.
-Byron Leftwich got the nod for the Steelers as the backup QB(which dashes Oregon's own Dennis Dixon)..which surprises me because I think he's a decent QB..but just has a few..um..knocks against him..like his long throwing motion..or his zero mobility...or because of those 2 reasons I just named he takes alot of hits and as a result is a bit injury prone..hm..maybe I answered my own question..but I do like his leadership ability as well as his cannon arm..maybe the goods can outweigh the bads for Pittsburgh should something happen to Big Ben.
-Seahawks WR Bobby Engram is out for 6-8 weeks with a cracked shoulder..uh oh..well..let me just say as a fan..yes..Seattle still has a football team..no they didnt move that team to Oklahoma City...okay..now that I got that out of the way...I'm worried now..Deion Branch is already out for who knows how long with his ACL tear in the playoff game last year..so..now..we're down to Nate Burleson as our "experienced" receiver...and the rest?...
Ben Obomanu
Courtney Taylor
Jordan Kent
Logan Payne
And those 4 people only have 17 catches between them...and only Obomanu and Taylor have all of them..Matt Hasselbeck will have to do his best impression of Donovan McNabb(on field,not get hurt) for any kind of success on the season.
My only Olympics reference will be this...so...the Spain team..had a photoshoot,you know of the whole team..and its in China this time around..so I'll just show you the photo
Want to explain that?...they arent pointing to their temples..they are making their eyes slanted..as narrowed-eyed person..not cool..not cool..
What to watch
-Bengals at Packers 8pm-...come on...tell me you arent interested even a little about who is replacing Brett Favre....come on..Chad Johnson will be involved a little bit..I'm sold...but just make sure you have your TV near mute to escape the Chad is a cancer and all the Brett Favre references...
-Phillies at Dodgers 10pm..Manny is being Manny out in La-La land now..and is swinging a hot bat..Ryan Howard,Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are involved..so I'd pay attention
Honestly these are only time killers until around midnight where I can go pick up Madden 2009...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Finally!
There is a god....Brett Favre and the Packers have come to an agreement...by sending Brett to the New York Jets
New York hype+Brett Favre hype.....well..there is a god..but we werent specific in our prayers..
Anyways...the Jets arent...well..overly terrible on paper...the WRs are decent in Coles and Cotchery(who had a very quiet 1100+ yds last year) with newcomer Keller at the tight end...and Thomas Jones in the backfield...the offense looks like it could do something once Brett gets to speed with the plays....how that translates into wins..I'm...not sure..the defense isnt really much to speak about...and oh yeah..they get to play the Patriots 2x a year..in which I think I could take bets on how Brett will throw over 3 interceptions in one game...ultimately...its a football "story" more than an football move to me...atleast so far
What?...the Jets had quarterbacks before yesterday?...you're kidding?....Chad Pennington(the soft throwing Chad to some) has already been cut and the growth of Kellen Clemens will be held off for a few years....Chad is the most accurate quarterback in NFL history...take that for what its worth...but he is a pretty good QB...so he has options..such as
-Miami
-Minnesota
-Chicago
-San Francisco?
-Kansas City
Other than Minnesota...ew right?....I'd say so
The Panthers Steve Smith...has an anger issue...he broke a teammate's nose and gave him a blackeye when he wasnt looking(well...sorta lol)..his suspension for 2 games was needed..but I dont think it will help the team at all...they have talent issues(*cough*quarterback *cough*) but personal issues isnt what they need either..even from their best player
Now I can shrink the small readers I do have for this next small statement....Yay!....no more Jose Vidro!!...sorry for that..
The Olympics start....::shrugs:: sometime?....soon...dont really care...nothing against the Olympics..even though its more marketing than competition..but that is another convo..but I'm not watching any of it...I cant support what China has been doing involving the Dali Lama as well as having a hand in Darfur...no thanks..I wont tell anyone what they should and shouldnt be watching..but what they are doing is wrong...and shouldnt be rewarded for it...
Speaking of which...I really hate what Lebron and Kobe did involving China...both were outspoken about Darfur and genocide prior to the Olympics..Lebron spoke in-depth about it on Outside the Lines...Kobe had a PSA about it..but recently when asked about the same thing...they play it coy.."Let the political people handle that stuff...we just play basketball"..something to that effect...so..."all of a sudden" you dont have an opinion?..even though you go on record of saying you did?....older people are right...athletes are different...today they are more worried about bank statements than right or wrong..no matter how wrong it is..I understand that there is a time and a place for everything,but talking noise initially and then when you get there you forget what you were talking about is shameful and selfish...athletes can hold great influence..if they want to.
New York hype+Brett Favre hype.....well..there is a god..but we werent specific in our prayers..
Anyways...the Jets arent...well..overly terrible on paper...the WRs are decent in Coles and Cotchery(who had a very quiet 1100+ yds last year) with newcomer Keller at the tight end...and Thomas Jones in the backfield...the offense looks like it could do something once Brett gets to speed with the plays....how that translates into wins..I'm...not sure..the defense isnt really much to speak about...and oh yeah..they get to play the Patriots 2x a year..in which I think I could take bets on how Brett will throw over 3 interceptions in one game...ultimately...its a football "story" more than an football move to me...atleast so far
What?...the Jets had quarterbacks before yesterday?...you're kidding?....Chad Pennington(the soft throwing Chad to some) has already been cut and the growth of Kellen Clemens will be held off for a few years....Chad is the most accurate quarterback in NFL history...take that for what its worth...but he is a pretty good QB...so he has options..such as
-Miami
-Minnesota
-Chicago
-San Francisco?
-Kansas City
Other than Minnesota...ew right?....I'd say so
The Panthers Steve Smith...has an anger issue...he broke a teammate's nose and gave him a blackeye when he wasnt looking(well...sorta lol)..his suspension for 2 games was needed..but I dont think it will help the team at all...they have talent issues(*cough*quarterback *cough*) but personal issues isnt what they need either..even from their best player
Now I can shrink the small readers I do have for this next small statement....Yay!....no more Jose Vidro!!...sorry for that..
The Olympics start....::shrugs:: sometime?....soon...dont really care...nothing against the Olympics..even though its more marketing than competition..but that is another convo..but I'm not watching any of it...I cant support what China has been doing involving the Dali Lama as well as having a hand in Darfur...no thanks..I wont tell anyone what they should and shouldnt be watching..but what they are doing is wrong...and shouldnt be rewarded for it...
Speaking of which...I really hate what Lebron and Kobe did involving China...both were outspoken about Darfur and genocide prior to the Olympics..Lebron spoke in-depth about it on Outside the Lines...Kobe had a PSA about it..but recently when asked about the same thing...they play it coy.."Let the political people handle that stuff...we just play basketball"..something to that effect...so..."all of a sudden" you dont have an opinion?..even though you go on record of saying you did?....older people are right...athletes are different...today they are more worried about bank statements than right or wrong..no matter how wrong it is..I understand that there is a time and a place for everything,but talking noise initially and then when you get there you forget what you were talking about is shameful and selfish...athletes can hold great influence..if they want to.
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