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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Phoenix: Apparently In The Molting Process.

phoenix (fē'nĭks)
1. Mythology. A bird in Egyptian mythology that lived in the desert for 500 years and then consumed itself by fire, later to rise renewed from its ashes.


This name is getting more and more appropriate every game. Since the trade that brought Shaq over from Miami the self consumption has continued. Apparently the fire that will consume this Phoenix will be fueled by all the gas coming from Shaquille O'neal.

I was one of those who doubted that this was a good trade. In fact I knew it wasn't. As a Laker fan I watched Shaq peak in LA. Then I watched the decline begin in Miami. This season the downhill slide became a drop off of a cliff. Shaq's promises of a ring in Phoenix didn't bother me. What else was he supposed to say. "You all are a bunch of suckers for taking on the Big Grand Canyon of Talent" isn't really a reasonable thing for him to shout over the microphone when they introduce him. So instead he stands up and points to one finger. The crowd thinks championship. Shaq was thinking 1st man off the bench sounds good to me.

Those were just the beginnings though. The real sign of trouble came against Detroit the other night. After a game that included Steve Nash whining to the officials—everyone made this out to be rare, I think he is whiny little punk—Grant Hill even complained, that actually is rare.

Grant Hill's whining was at least humorous. He said he knew it had gotten bad when even Rasheed Wallace was agreeing with him on calls that favored Wallace's Pistons.

Whether the game was officiated poorly or not—I think a lot of NBA games are— isn't the point. The point is that when you start complaining about the officials, the game is over. In this case the name of the game is "Will Phoenix Get That Ring Shaq promised". They're still playing but, like I said...GAME OVER.

Phoenix may win in the court of public opinion. But I have never seen on old retired NBA players reminisce about his wins there. They usually get nostalgic while they are rubbing their rings. If Phoenix can they should suck it up and worry about what they are doing not what the refs are doing, and what the other team thinks about what the refs are doing. Neither helps them. In fact both hurt them.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

How does this even get made(Gizmodo)

If these drunk, naked cheerleaders are from the OCC near by I am going to their games tomorrow(WithLeather)

This Just In: John Daly, he like the boozeeyy(TheSportingBlog)

Seriously kid; Run, run as fast as you can(Fanhouse)

I hope they have Winnie the Pooh in Macedonia, other wise they are missing a nice one(Yahoo)

Terry Bowden apparently done coaching, He certainly isn't gonna try and talk some mother into sending him her son after this, is he?(EDSBS)

A friend dared me to drink the top portion of a bottle of Tobasco sauce. There was a lot of people sitting their including a girl I wanted to impress(Girls are impressed by commiting to stupid dares, right?) A few minutes later the waitress arrived with a milkshake, a plate of celery, and pity on her face.

I thought then, for the first of many times, That sounded like a good idea at the time.

This guy will need this story soon(Neatorama)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

Lasorda being Lasorda; I might start paying attention to the Dodgers again(Deadspin)

Today's Reason to Love Nascar: This is Where Blasting Your Sport's Equipment Happens(ESPN) - Remember all the unnamed sources that didn't like the synthetic basketball; Yeah, NASCAR drivers just a little more willing to speak their minds.

Carr signs 1-YR,1-Million With Giants - This Just In:2006-2007 Texans Offensive Line, Not As Bad As We Thought.(ESPN)


Oden ignores the advice of everyone with experience and rushes back to practice(Fanhouse)

The Big Lead revealed(Fanhouse)

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

These are the people that make the rest of us NASCAR fans look bad(Yahoo)

Piniella apologizes to Marquis. Dibble still waiting; phone still not ringing(BabesLoveBaseball)

It wouldn't be tragic it would be Natural Selection(Neatorama)

Hatton loses to Golden Boy fighter Mayweather Jr., then signs with Golden Boy; I can't figure out why people think boxing is rigged(ESPN)

Garnett's Sam Cassell impression is hilarious(Fanhouse)

This is what makes NASCAR fans look smart(SportsbyBrooks)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

Rams apparently didn't see enough concussions last season, sign Trent Green(ESPN)

I just can't figure why the south has that backwards image(Yahoo)

Hansbrough's jersey to be retired(ESPN)

Yesterday: Dan Le Batard's hariness, Today: Solutions(Gizmodo)

Barabara Sue came up with a clever tombstone, her kids were not so clever with that epitaph(Neatorama)

Only hilarious for the first 1/4 mile(Gizmodo)

Monday, March 10, 2008

Dwayne Wade Shuts it Down; Thanks Riley

The Miami Heat continue to do there part for the environment, producing exactly no heat. Dwayne Wade has officially shut it down for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs (AHHHHH HA HA HA). Following move after move that signifies the absolute black hole this franchise is in, this last one can hardly be considered a surprise.

To start the year the Heat were just terrible. The league held it's collective tongue, though. The only comments were to the effect that everything would be fine when Wade returned from his shoulder injury.

As the losses piled up with no sign of improvement, the talk of Wade's return seemed to remind Ricky Davis that there is a glimmer of talent within him some where and he and better shine it up to coincide with Wade's return. When Wade returned assumptions were made about Shaq, Davis and all of the Heat's play rising to meet the ability of Wade.

One problem, Wade's ability seems to be hiding under something thicker than Dan Le Batard's chest hair. Now Shaq has been dealt and Wade has shut it down. Wade certainly can't be faulted, Head coach and GM Pat Riley said recently he was planning to skip a few weeks. Planning on taking the time to scout players in NCAA tournaments.

I can only imagine how that went over with Wade "Sounds great coach. See you next season, my uhhh, let's say... knee hurts."

Now with this season a complete waste, Shaq gone to Phoenix (woo hoo a win, over a team with talent), and Wade on the shelf Shawn Marion has got to be wondering how fast he can get to Boston, or Detroit, hell he's probably take Minnesota right now.

If the team doesn't seem commited to winning—trading away a legendary player for a contract move, the coach doesn't seem commited to winning —yet another early exit when the team plays poorly, we certainly can't expect the star player to grit it out. It will be interesting to see what Marion can do with a team that has zero pressure to win and no real stars other than him.

Linking up with RonDean

It's Monday morning, I am out from under the mountain of my own work and the work I have been helping others with so without further adeiu,"let's Superman this post"

Soccer Hooligaans once again take it just a bit too far(Yahoo)

At this point can't you just lug around your eagle all-in-one(Gizmodo) - this actually was my first computer thanks Pop and Mamz

I appreciate athletes picking the worst era in fashion to make all these music videos(Babes Love Baseball)

The bright colors of the Crocs cellphone holder allow you to identify from a distance, people you want to avoid.(Gizmodo)

Miguel Tejada; Just Living the Dream(UmpBump)

Brits attempting to ruin natural selection; next they'll start using dentistry to prevent all those tooth infection related deaths(Gizmodo)

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

First off a little update; as you may have noticed the posting has been a little light over the last few days. I had a fellow writer take on a little more project than he could handle and I am assisting him. Before you think that sounds to kind of me, know that I am robbing him blind to help him. Back to the part of this that you care about I'll be slowly working my way back to a reasonable amount of posts as her and I get this little project done.



Rick Hendrick; Kind of a big deal(Fanhouse)

MCBias of Moderately Cerebral Bias is moving from his independant blog to join another. I am not surprised by the interest he writes well and is certainly unique, but I wonder what blog has a niche that he'll fit in.(MC Bias)

NSFW after the fold I bet nobody thought we would be wishing for that wholesome Bob Knight era to return to Indiana(Don Chavez via With Leather)

Who ya gonna call?: Honestly, if you really can get rid of ghosts, you might wanna bump your fees up from 20 bucks an hour(Yahoo)

I'm not sure which is funnier David Ortiz's butt shaped chin strap or all that meat jammed into a dixie cup(Deadspin)

I'm just guessing here but I doubt that the guy who base jumped off of the Empire state building is shaking in his aerodynamic suit(leotard?) at the thought of facing charges(Yahoo)

I don't particularly like the Sawkxs or the Yanks but I do like the rivalry. So stop trying to ruin it; or I hate Hank Steinbrenner more every second that his mounth is open(Fanhouse)

I think getting Sam Cassell was a good move, but Rajon Rondo is making it look less than necessary(Fanhouse)

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Brett Favre Retires; Like Everything Else, It's the Patriots Fault

It appears as though Brett Favre is retiring for what will likely be the final time. There seems to be no question why he retired. The Moss factor.

I find it less than coincidental that less than 24 hours after Randy Moss's deal to return to the Patriots was announced Favre's decision was made. Favre spent a good portion of last years offseason publicly asking that the Packers make the moves required to bring Moss to Green Bay. Green Bay apparently felt that Moss was not worth the 4th rounder that ended up pulling him out oh Oakland. (Hindsight is twenty-twenty, but that record setting season Moss put up in New England makes that 4th round pick look like a real bargain now.) With Moss leading the Free Agency market this offseason, Favre had to be hoping to see the Packers make the move they were to short sighted to see last season. Instead the Packers missed out on Moss and now, no matter what Aaron Rodgers does, they will miss the legend for years to come.


Though Favre has contemplated retirement during the past few offseasons, this time seems official. With a statement released by Packers GM Ted Thompson

Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay
Packers and the NFL, he has had one of the greatest careers in the history of
the National Football League, and he is able to walk away from the game on his
own terms — not many players are able to do that.


The Brett Favre is the greatest thing since sliced bread comments continued from Thompson, but here at the Opinion that started a month ago with our letter that Brett must have missed. We can surely find some time to heap on more praise.

Favre gave the Packers the rare blessing of long running consistency of his 16 years in Green Bay, crushing the games-started streak and continuing it right up until the end of his career. The end of his career is certainly not the ride off into the sunset that one would dream up for a gritty legend. Favre ended a magical season by throwing an interception in overtime of the NFC Championship game. The teams season was a great one, made even more so by the fact it was unexpected. That interception being the final ball that Favre will wing down the field while scrambling under pressure is a little hard to swallow.

While it lacks the final moment Favre's Career was made up of those. Favre's overall numbers will lead to my kids likely, and their kids surely under appreciating him. But the moments , where he truly shined made up for the bad games and even the bad seasons. His greatness was not only so impressive but so fun to watch it made the hard times a little easier to swallow. (Note: I'm a Vikings fan so while I have enjoyed his magic, his hard times actually went down like bourbon for breakfast. In my world that's GRRRREAAAAT)

One of his finest moments wasn't that long ago. If you didn't have the pleasure of seeing the Monday Night Football game that Favre played against the Raiders mere hours after his father's passing, it was inspiring. He threw for 5 million yards and every thing he put up there was escorted by angels and the almighty himself to the hands of his receivers. Ok that might be a little grander than it actually was but the second most interesting thing in that game was listening to Madden call the game. He went nuclear-Fanboy about Favre. basically describing his play as divine he was gushing so much.

I have to say while the fans will be saddened I think Madden is going to be crushed, unless they get Favre in the booth which just might make his life. The saddest person though will be Frank Caliendo, since the only funny impersonation he does is Madden gushing about Favre.

Linking up with RonDean

Just what I want, a building to rise out of the ground everytime I have to crap in public(Neatorama)

Alison Stokke's is back and she's handling a whole new pole(TheBigLead)



Robbery, huh? Not our bar, not tonight(Yahoo)

A very timely pole; Best NFC north QB(Nosebleed)



Never lose your keys; or get laid again(Gizmodo)



Nothing scream date material like a book full of cocktail napkins(Nerd Approved)

Monday, March 3, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

Steve & Barry's gets a chance to make Ben Wallce's shoe not so ugly the second time around. Though with Clevelands colors I don't see it working out well(Fanhouse)

Tired of girls in skirts receiving all the attention, Catholic School teachers take it to the next level(FoxNews)

Losers of the world, Unite!! - Do you see the girl in this picture, Neither do I(Neatorama)

Speaking of Girls Now you can pick them up with your Mac Book Air(Gizmodo)

10 Funny Celeb Tombstones(Mental Floss)

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Linking up with RonDean

The Chairman of one of the 397 soccer leagues I don't care about wants to let unruly, scottish soccer fans drink before durng and after games, adding Let's Superman this riot(SportsbyBrooks)

As Coach K's wife let the officials now that they were wrong, and they were. Coach K pulled out his 800th win(Fanhouse)
Mike Krzyzewski: 799 wins
Coach K's wife:1 Win


Brady Quinn thinks he has a shot to start; applies the same logic that helped him think Notre Dame was a contender(Fanhouse)

George Karl is not amused by FireGeorgeKarl.com, he plans to start FireFireGeorgeKarl.com in retaliation(Rocky Mountain News)

Matt Millen: "If I was sitting at home and I was a Lion fan, you've got to blame somebody" - I think the problem is that you're not a Lions fan, your moves over the last few years have made it clear that you Love Green Bay, Wish Chicago the best and plan on retiring to Minnesota the moment the Ford family pulls it's head out and fires you(Fanhouse)

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Free Agency: Reconsidering the Early Leaders

I posted a few hours ago about the New York Jets being the early leader in this years NFL Free Agency. I would like to repeat what I said then.

It is too early to pick a winner but it's never to early to pick a leader.
It is also never to late to change your mind. With the moves that Cleveland has made already, not only helping themselves but hurting division rival, Cincinnatti, they were making a strong case as the number one team in free agency. Now they have added to their wide receiver corps.

The Browns have come to terms with receiver Donte Stallworth, who spent last season on the Patriots, who have to be the losers of free agency. The seven-year, $35 million dollar deal comes with 10 million guaranteed.

Stallworth joins a receiver corps that includes Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicious, and tight end Kellen Winslow.With those kind of weapons in place Derek Anderson reprising his 2007 breakout, while Jamal Lewis keeps old age and injury at bay one more year could be just what the Browns need to take all these new additions deep into the playoffs.



Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

Tyrese Rice was Michael Jordan for 20 Minutes

When Boston College and UNC laced up this afternoon, everyone was talking about the North Carolina win that would help them keep pace with Duke. It would also put them as the likely #1 in the country Monday. Tyrese Rice and The Boston College Eagles had other plans.

Jumping out to a 16-2 lead behind the shooting of Rice the Eagles slammed a scare into the Tarheels. By the time the first 20 minutes was up, the Eagles had sustained that scare. The buzzer sounded with the eagles leading by 14 points. No matter what the 'Heels threw at Rice he was working his way for open shots and making the ones that weren't open. Rice started the first half by going 5-for-5 with 4 of those from behind the arc. He kept that going finishing the first half with 34 points and 8 buckets from behind the arc.

The Second half; NC came back and then some winning the game by. Even with that comeback in the game Rice's first half was still that show stealer. He dominated that 20 minutes more than any player I've ever seen. Rice finished the game with 46 points. His coach closed the game nicely by subbing Rice out with 46 seconds left so the Boston College crowd could show give him the appreciation that he deserves.

Free Agency: Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn

In the middle of the night, early Friday morning, just hours into the NFL's Free Agency period, Derek Anderson signed a big deal, with the team he was on. While it cleared up some issued for the team it left some remaining.

One of the biggest questions last year was "How long until we start the guy we just drafted. The one we are paying a lot more than Derek Anderson." The Browns eliminated that question by guaranteeing Anderson just a bit more than they guaranteed Brady Quinn. It doesn't get rid of the questions though it just changes them.

It still leaves the issue of the amount of money a team that didn't even make the playoffs is shelling out for the quarterback position. The "How can we give so much to guy on the bench" questions are right around the corner. if they aren't beaten to the punch by "Look at the this guy's making, last year was a fluke put Quinn in" that are coming the minute Anderson has one bad game. No quarterback needs the pressure of doubtful job security. Especially not the kind that comes from a guy the team moved up into the first round to get.

The biggest contributing factor to the Browns trouble might just be success. If the Browns young talent on offense can get them in the neighborhood of the playoffs, the cries for using one of the two quarterbacks for trade bait will be loud and frequent.





Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.


My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.


SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE


If you can donate great if not just check out her comment


Free Agency, The Patriots Second Loss This Year

The NFL's most dominate team during the 07-08 season is not having the same success during Free Agency. Already suffering a few setbacks with big name players, the New England Patriots have managed to lock up one of their key guys.


The loss of Asante Samuel, was expected. After the year he had the Patriots, who are not known for paying big money to defensive backs, knew that they weren't going to come to a number that worked for them and kept Samuel happy. Samuel signing with the Eagles wasn't devastating but the accumulation of losses will add up.

Prior to Free Agency officially starting Zach Thomas was released by the Miami Dolphins. On his first trip to Foxboro the Patriots offered Thomas a contract. The offer was tabled while Thomas shopped his services to New Orleans and Dallas. Signing with Dallas a few days after the Patriots made their offer, Thomas began the trend of players opting not to sign with the Patriots.

The latest addition to the list of guys shopping their services, Randy Moss, is now weighing his options. The Patriots chose not to franchise tag Moss. The feeling prior to free agency was that it was a matter of when, not if the Patriots would bring Moss back into the fold. Now that guys are moving all over, it appears the two parties are any where near a deal. The Patriots it seems are trying to get Moss to give a hometown discount to a team he has only played one season for.

Tedi Bruschi on the other hand did resign with Patriots. Whether he got the discount or gave the discount isn't known yet. The details of the one-year deal aren't public yet. Though the fact he wanted a deal for more than one year is known.

That maybe the key point for guys who are deciding to look elsewhere. The Patriots now have a consistent trend of getting rid of guys if they anticipate any kind of decline in performance. I don't fault them it is a business and the team has to do what's best for it. They shouldn't be surprised though when players start to look elsewhere to take care of their own best interest.





Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.


My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.


SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE


If you can donate great if not just check out her comment


A Casual Fan Dips His Toe In Spring Training

Baseball has had a growing place in my life over the last few years. The casual fanhood of my youth had me attending one baseball game a year and watching when the World Series began. As my love of the game has grown I have become more and more attached each year. This year I finally reached the level that the regular season just isn't enough. As I started watching Spring Training games I learned something; just like the regular season there will be up and there will be downs.

On day one of the Spring Training games season was the Joe Torre debut as the Los Angeles Dodgers manager. The buzz around his impact on the young players was evident on the field. Just in case I had missed it every one with a microphone or a keyboard remind me how Joe Torre was going to change thing for the Dodgers who haven't seen much of the post season lately.

One day after kicking myself for missing all the things I could have learned from spring baseball all these years, I sat with anticipation as Johann Santana took the mound for the first time as a member of the New York Mets. I could hardly wait. If Torre, a big time manager, could help the Dodgers so much from the dugout; how much more would Santana, an impact player, do on the field. After watching a few innings worth of Santanna getting shelled I began to realize, maybe spring baseball is just about as valuable as the NFL preseason.

Just like the NFL preseason though, I'm going to watch. It may not be the best performances, I may not be able to learn the future of a franchise, but I still love the crack of the bat.





Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.


My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.


SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE


If you can donate great if not just check out her comment


Linking up with RonDean

I hope to be important enough to be fired one day(Fanhouse)

Narcissism: When you believe your teams dominance would "restore the universe to order."(ESPN)

Just in time to draw attention from Clemens, more dirt on Bonds(ESPN)

You don't have to copy everything the NFL does(SportsbyBrooks)

I hate China more everyday(SportsbyBrooks)

Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

Free Agency: New York Jets Your Early Leaders

NFL's Free Agency period is just one day old, a little early to be declaring a winner. Just right for declaring a leader. The early lead has to go to the Jets. Teams have made bigger splashes in single moves, but no franchise has done as much to improve their whole team. Moves involving big names like Jonathan Vilma, and Alan Faneca are sure to help your team even if one of them is addition by subtraction.

No one, not even the brass at the New York Jets thinks Vilma isn't a standout talent. He just doesn't fit with the Jets defense. Vilma was originally a nice fit for the 4-3 that the Jets ran prior to head coach Eric Mangini's arrival. As Mangini has worked to integrate the 3-4 defense Vilma has seemed more and more out of place. The trade to New Orleans will hopefully get Vilma's career back on track, while getting the Jets some value for the linebacker. The Saints are sending a 4th round pick to the Jets. That could get upgraded to a 3rd or even 2nd round pick based on Vilma's playing time and him signing an extension with the Saints.

The "guys finding a better fit" theme continues with the Jets signing of left Guard Alan Faneca. Faneca who felt the Steelers who had played for 9 years let him down heading into the 07-08 season, his 10th with the team. He felt that for the team to make him play the whole year with no security should he get injured, wasn't a fair reward for his 10 years of service. He showed a fair amount of class; after explaining his side logically, he informed everyone he would be showing up for all required functions, he would play just as hard as he always had, and he would find a new team at the end of the year. He did just that, signing with the Jets for $32 million over 4-years, the first $23 of that is guaranteed. Did somebody say security?

Alan Faneca brings more than just his impressive skills at left guard. He will line up between D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold; both have only 2 years experience, and will benefit from Faneca's leadership between them. Once the three of them develop a little chemistry they should provide some nice lanes between the tackles for Thomas Jones



Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.


My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.


SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE


If you can donate great if not just check out her comment


Free Agency: Isaac Bruce Signs with the Niners

Looks like the Niners are trying to recreate that old magic. That VERY old magic. The San Francisco Forty-Niners threw their hat in the NFL's Free Agency ring. Signing long time St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce to a two-year $6 million dollar contract.



The move reunites him with former Rams Coach Mike Martz who was recently added to try and get the 49ers offense to look more like the Rams offense circa 2000. Apparently the role of Isaac Bruce; sure handed receiver will be played by Isaac Bruce; washed up receiver. With role of Kurt Warner; the quarterback no one believes in being played quite convincingly by Alex Smith; the quarterback no one, including Niners head coach Mike Nolan, believes in.



Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the San Franciso 49ers


Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

Free Agency: Devil's in the Details

This years NFL Free Agency has brought more action than well... the NBA trade deadline. Late Friday night The league gave us something I haven't seen before. A trade being voided. The league voided the trade the sent Shaun Rogers from the Detriot Lions to the Cincinnatti Bengals for a 1st and a 3rd round draft pick. Then the Cleveland Browns got into the mix, sending Leigh Bodden and a 3rd rounder for Rogers.

It may very well be that trades have gotten voided in recent memory. We just don't hear about it. Trades get submitted to the league office where they are reviewed. I am sure that often times the convoluted languages necessary to make these trades and the contracts they involve, gets screw up. That was the case in the Rogers to Cincinnatti part of this mess. On a normal day the two teams would get back together and hash out whatever language was required to get the leagues ok.

This is not a normal day. Tonight(Friday) at midnight if Shaun Rogers gets a 1 million dollar bonus. The Lions didn't want to be saddled with that, not for a guy that won't be playing for them next season. In their desperation to make a move, they ended up turning to Cincinnatti's division rival, the Browns. Not only do the Browns get better on the defensive line they do it at the expense of Cincinnatti. They also do it cheaper than Cincinnatti.

Leigh Bodden is a talented player, for sure. But the Lions basically just took him over a first round draft pick, the 9th overall draft pick. Anybody want to try and make a case that is a good decision. Sounds pretty Matt Millen to me.



Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

Friday, February 29, 2008

Free Agency: Corey Williams traded to the Browns

With all the action in the NFL Free Agent market, it is not surprising to see some trades to balance out the wins and losses teams are suffering. The Browns are involved in yet another move. Getting Corey Williams from the Packers for a second round pick this year.

The details weren't released but it will likely involve Williams signing the tendered offer tied to the Franchise tag that the Packers placed on him. He will get the average of the top 5 defensive tackles in 2007.

Williams is a good addition to a team that needs to strengthen its defense. The Browns young weapons scored a lot in 2007, but their defense gave up even more.

Alright people it's March and to us sports fans that means March Madness, Spring Training, and NFL Free Agency. To a lot of people March means March of Dimes.

My sister is walking for the March of Dimes, click on her banner below, and head to the comments section where you'll find a woman who mentions that March of Dimes helped her family care for her when she was young. That's my Grandmother. Along with beating me for my abuse of the English language on this blog, she has beaten Polio, and a stroke.

SHE DRINKS YOUR MILKSHAKE

If you can donate great if not just check out her comment

It's Never To Late To Admit You Were Wrong Minnesota

As the NFL's Free Agency machine continues to whirl. I can't help but think back to this time of year a few years back. What could have been and what could still be.

As Draft day approached in 2005 the chemistry problems between Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss were ugly. The previous season their locker room issues spilled over, affecting their play on the field and their behavior on the side line. With Cris Carter a few years removed from mentoring Moss and keeping the peace between the Culpepper and Moss, things reached a breaking point.

Deciding that a premier quarterback would be harder to replace that an premier receiver they dealt Moss to the Oakland Raiders for Napolean Harris and the 7th over all pick. In a move clearly meant to replace Moss's presence as a deep threat, the Vikings took Troy Williams out of South Carolina.

It didn't work. None of it worked. Williamson was just traded after 3 years of poor production for a 6th round pick. Moss who was miserable in Oakland and played like it, was traded to New England before the 07-08 season. The worst part, the guy the Vikings decided to stick with has been on 3 teams since the Moss deal, he was cut by two of them and currently isn't on an NFL roster.

Moss got a small amount of redemption last year playing up to his old standards. He ended his final year with a bitter taste in his mouth, losing the Superbowl. Now he is a free agent and appears to be pretty far from a deal with New England. Oh, What could be.

Vikings please, swallow you pride and get Randy back in Minnesota. It shouldn't be that hard. It's pretty easy to see now that it was a bad move. It also wasn't their move, Rick Speilman now the Vikings GM wasn't brought in until a year later- probably as a result of the moronic Moss trade made by his predecessor. Moss still has ties in Minnesota and the people he had problems with are gone.

I am a huge Mike Tice fan and really enjoyed him as the coach. I am certainly not going to say that Randy Moss's behavior was his fault, but the issues Randy and Daunte had involved their own discipline. Tice was such a players coach that a stronger disciplinarian like Childress could be just the fit that Moss needs. He has shown he is willing to play for a tough coach. Whatever you may think of Belichick no one thinks he is soft.

I know it isn't likely to happen but this fantasy was going to run around my head 'til I got it out.

Jerry Porter Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Free Agency action continues to come in a flurry. Former Oakland Raider has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

ESPN is reporting the Porter signed a deal for six-years, $30 million. Porter, 29, will try to follow in Randy Moss's footsteps when he start his 9th season with Jags in 2008. He spent the previous 8 seasons in Oakland.

Moss who was traded away after two lackluster years in Oakland went to the Patriots for next to nothing. Adding Moss's big play ability and the fact defenses had to roll coverage to him most certainly helped the Patriots to their perfect almost perfect season. He was in fact such a benefit that Tom Brady said publicly "They better resign him, wherever Randy goes, I go."

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, who didn't have a big time receiver to throw to last year, hopes Porter as well as Troy Williamson, can propel the Jags past the early playoff exit they suffered last season. Williamson, acquired for a 6th round pick from Minnesota, has certainly not delivered on his 7th overall draft selection in the 2005 Draft. The Jaguars hope he will perform a little better, with Garrard throwing him the ball, than he did with the revolving door at quarterback Minnesota has employed over the last few seasons.

Looks like my projection of the Jags draft will involve a defensive end just got stronger.

Free Agency: Minnesota Vikings In The Mix

As the NFL Free Agency machine continues to roll forward faster than I can keep track of I can't help but take some time to wrap up the moves my team has made so far, and some moves they ought to make.

As will happen with Pro Bowl fullbacks Tony Richardson is gone to free agency. Pro Bowl fullbacks always go; in part because they are under appreciated, in part because they over value themselves. Just because they have to vote someone into the fullback position does not all of a sudden mean that you deserve an extra 3 million a year.

The Vikings signed former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Thomas Tapeh. I don't see any details on the deal yet, but it looks like it'll be a good fit. He has blocked for the shifty backs in Philadelphia's west coast offense. Tapeh will transition nicely to the Childress, a former Reid assistant, version of that same offense.

When Dwight Smith was released last week, the need for a safety became almost as big as the Vikings wide receiver needs. Signing former Bengal Madieu Williams to a 6-year $33 million dollar deal answers the safety question and let's the Vikings get back to the wide receiver issue.

Troy Williamson has certainly not lived up to the 7th overall pick that the Vikings used on him in 2005. With a trade to the Jaguars for their 6th round selection this year the Vikings receiving core got even more shallow, especially in the area of deep threat guys. The Vikings are currently talking to Bernard Berrian about coming to Minnesota to be that deep threat.

As teams scramble over the top of each other during free agency I think the Vikings need to take some time before bringing in Berrian. He hasn't set the world on fire in Chicago. That could be blamed on the lack of consistent quarterback play in Chicago but the situation in Minnesota hasn't been any more stable than the Bears have been.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Vikings offseason

Free Agency: Asante Samuel Signs With Philadeplhia

The NFL Free Agency Carousel has come to a stop again. This time corner back Asante Samuel, got off in Philadelphia. The Eagles are reportedly paying him $57 million over the next 6 years.

The Eagles are getting Samuel at a bargain. Expected to command a little higher price, it's likely he is in Philly as much for money as personal preference. His press conference this afternoon was full of comments about the future and helping a team that is close to the Superbowl to get there.

The Eagles have to be pleased with the addition. Having Samuel in the secondary should free up Brian Dawkins to concentrate even more heavily on playing the run. With teams likely to throw away from Samuel, Dawkins will also be able to cheat towards the other side of the field in deep coverage.

I am sure Donovan McNabb wasn't referring to cornerbacks when he said the Eagles needed play makers, but he should still be happy to see some help arrive in Philly.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for Philadelphia

Linking up with RonDean

Dream Shake continues the prediction streak(Dream Shake)

The begining of the end for Victoria's Secret(Yahoo)

Red Sox visit the White House and Bush get's his joke on(Fanhouse)

Denver, Colorado leading the county in lust-great now I associate Denver with Woody Paige and Sex, Gross(Forbes)

Denver athletes doing their part to bring in that #1 in lust(SportsbyBrooks)

I hate this website; but it keeps making me laugh(StuffWhitePeopleLike)

Like it or not UFC/MMA is getting more and more mainstream, it's all about the money(MMAJunkie)



Hitler Humor: Turns out it's still to soon(Yahoo)

Dallas Cowboys Feeling the Flo-Zell Adams

Just hours before the Free Agency period began Friday morning the Dallas Cowboys locked up stand out left tackle Flozell Adams.

The 4-time pro-bowler has been keeping Tony Romo's backside and blindside safe for the last two years. His services convinced the cowboys to give him $42 million for 6 more years. After the deal was announced he was asked about if he had considered leaving he of course said the right thing "Nope, not at all." It's not like he was going to say he really wanted to get the hell out of Dallas but the money was too good.

Not only was he saying the right thing he also did the right thing, for the Cowboys and for himself. He fits well on that line and he has played well there. That doesn't always translate to a new team and a new system. With the Cowboys offering him good money with nearly a third of it guaranteed there is no reason for him to leave.

The Cowboys got a good deal as well. For a guy performing as well as Adams, they could have been forced to pay more. The fact he wouldn't have performed as well elsewhere doesn't lower his value to them. After a year that started with an offensive bang and ended with a whimper, the last thing the Cowboys need is to mess with the chemistry on the offensive line.

Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Cowboys Offseason

Free Agency: Todd Collins

NFL Free Agency isn't even 24 hours old yet and the hits keep on coming. The Washington Redskins re-signing QB Todd Collins is a hit to Jason Campbell's job security.

The Redskins signed Collins to a three year deal. It's somewhat surprising that Collins didn't test the waters a little longer. After a Jason Campbell knee injury, Collins took the helm with 4 games remaining in the season. He led the team well enough to beat out the Minnesota Vikings for the final Wild-Card spot. His performance against Seattle in the first round of the playoffs didn't help him but it wasn't bad enough to have really hurt him either.

Maybe he didn't leave because he has his eye on the quarterback spot in Washington. New head coach Jim Zorn doesn't have any more ties to, Campbell, than he does Collins. Campbell will likely get the benefit of the doubt for the first few tough games. If Campbell struggles consistently it will be hard for a new coach, already facing accusations that he is not cut out for the job, to stick with him. Especially with a back up that has shown already that he can lead the team to wins.

Pre Free Agency projection for Washington's offseason

Raiders Give Biggest DT Contract Ever To John Doe


The Raiders have signed, Tommy Kelly, some guy 90% of the league has never even heard of the biggest contract ever for a defensive tackle. As NFL Free Agency was looming the Black Hole of franchises, who have lost player after player as well as a head coach, all of a sudden opened up Al Davis's old man coin pouch.

The Raiders doled out an NFL-record seven-year, $50.5 million contract. Just over $18 million is guaranteed. This guy came into the league as AN UNDRAFTED FREE-AGENT. I am all for guys getting money they earned, not being held back by draft status and all that but this is just bat shit crazy.

While the other 31 teams are cursing AL Davis right now for driving the value of defensive tackles with actual talent through the roof. Those same tackles are right now counting the increase their contracts are going to see. Right before they upgrade their mistresses to the more expensive model.

All of them except for Warren Sapp. Sapp, who retired at he end of the 2007-2008 season has got to be thinking about unretiring. If that stiff Kelly got $50 Million, Sapp should be able to get $7-$10 for a year.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

No Vandeweghe In Hell I'd Take That Job

Kiki Vandeweghe might be on his way to the New York Knicks. The rumors have him becoming Isiah Thomas's new boss. Vandeweghe would become the Team President replacing Thomas in that role while Thomas would maintain his position as the head coach.

The Knicks are amazing, how do you take a good idea; replace Isiah Thomas. Let it get even better; choose Vandeweghe to replace Thomas. Then Knickerbocker the situation by allowing Thomas to stay on as coach.

Vandeweghe may take the job, and probably should. He can do no worse. The team is losing left and right, they are the laughing stock of the NBA on and off the court, his predecessor (here after known as the moron on the sideline) overpaid every player who busted on their potential in the last 5 years. As long as he doesn't drop the body of a small child from the rafters of Madison Square Garden in the closing minutes of the Knicks 57th loss in a row he will be an improvement.

Being a good idea for Vandeweghe, doesn't make it a good idea. Owner James Dolan, who clearly turns towards Isiah's house in the morning to pray that his franchise stops being a crumbling house of cards, loves Isiah. That is the only explanation for the fact Isiah still has a job. Vandeweghe is a step in the right direction but not a complete solution.

After making some of the worst contracts in the NBA you would figure the over paid players, all 12 of them, would at least hustle for the guy over paying you. Not your New York Knicks. Now the coach they been dogging it on is going to get semi-fired. I don't see that raising the respect level on the Knicks bench. Now that the one thing Isiah has had in his corner, James Dolans undying support, is starting to fracture. Knick players are going to give even less to their coach.

Vandeweghe is not a very outspoken guy, something that makes him quite popular around the league, especially in the league offices. He has however been put in a position to give his opinion on Isiah as a columnist for ESPN. From his daily dime in November where he covered the challenges coaches were facing.

3. Isiah Thomas, New York KnicksThe
challenge: Dealing with a superstar The superstar player,
Stephon
Marbury
-- and he certainly is a superstar --is being asked to mold his game
into what the coach wants him to do. But he's not being productive and the team
is not winning. In fact, the team is doing better with the energy guys in there
instead.
No easy answers here, but the great thing to remember about
basketball is you start fresh at 0-0 each game. Marbury can be the star, but he
can't hesitate, can't be afraid to make mistakes. Marbury (notwithstanding his
2-for-13 FG in Tuesday loss to Bulls) has the talent to do it.


Vandeweghe certainly didn't blast Isiah for putting Marbury in a position to fail, but it isn't exactly a ringing endorsement from a guy who might be your boss a few losses from now.

NFL Moves

Small disclaimer:I know the posting has been a little light lately. I have been busy. (Yes, despite what Tony Kornheiser thinks, I am not sitting in my mom's basement waiting to write the next post) Now that I have a little time let get to the business at hand

The New England Patriots off season moves are always top billing for me. While despising the franchise is easy, arguing with their results is not. This year's surprising moves include not only what they've done but also what's been done to them.

They started their offseason shockfest by choosing not to franchise tag Randy Moss. He doesn't officially become a free agent until February 29th. I think at that point we'll find out if the Patriots have a deal in place with Randy or if they really know something we don't.

One of the areas where New England is aging quickly is at linebacker. With retirement questions swirling around Tedi Bruschi and Junior Seau, the Patriots surprised no one when they brought in recently released Zach Thomas, offering him a contract before he even left the facility. The surprises started coming when Thomas opted not to sign with the Patriots, choosing Dallas instead(ending my string of referring to him as Seau 2.0). The Patriots then did the last thing people expected cut Roosevelt Colvin from their already questionable linebacking core.

With any other team I would be boldly prediciting that both Randy Moss and Roosevelt Colvin will be back in Foxboro. That these moves were simply adjustments to the salary cap and how the contract numbers play out. With the Patriots though the only thing I am ever sure of is that I have no idea what is coming next. I do know better than to question the moves of a team that was won win away from a dynasty. A word that is rare these days in the parity driven NFL.

Linking up with RonDean

I'd be screaming in outrage too, but I can't stop blowing bubbles(ESPN)

Houston wins Yao-less debut; gives fans false hope(Dreamshake)

March is white basket ball history month, what did you get me for Larry Bird Day(Can't stop the Bleeding)

If we get any more sports trials ESPN is going to have to start up: ESPN Court, no that could be tennis. LAW & ORDER: ESPN. (Fanhouse)

Jordan jeans second worst idea in the jeans department(TheBigLead)

Goodell's sallary not that good when you figure it out; 147 dollars per player suspended(TheAngryT)

Oregon fans finally decide to quit complaining Kevin Love went to UCLA and do something(excessive) about it(Fanhouse)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I Didn't Mean All That Stuff I Said Sean


I have been hoping year after year for less frequent ridiculous screaming matches between Sean Salisbury and Mr.Mackey. I found out my wish was coming true Tuesday when news started spreading that Salisbury was done at ESPN. It's like they say though, careful what you wish for. I actually enjoyed Salisbury, and not just because he was a Viking. I certainly didn't enjoy that at all. In a semi-interesting twist the guy replacing him will be another Viking, Cris Carter.(He should be in HOF) Don't worry though ESPN remains the World Wide Leader, in back up quarterbacks. Thanks Sean King.

As a football player Salisbury did not have the physical skills to keep up with his knowledge of the game. After retiring he managedd to turn that knowledge into a succeful career at ESPN. It seems that he also thinks he did well.


"I'd grown tired of being punished for not being an NFL superstar. Analysts
who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my
resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch
a football."


"Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the opportunity ESPN gave me, but
they had capped my ceiling. There was only so far I could go there."


"I'd done nothing wrong, and if you hear otherwise, it's not true. I did everything that
was asked of me."


"I have created a brand and it's time to expand into other
opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking,
among others. My resume speaks for itself."



As much as I liked Salisbury, that brand comment'sa stretch. Dana Jacobsen has a brand "Vodka-Swilling Lush", Skip Bayless has a brand "Mountain-Dew Hyped Moron". Salisbury on the other hand isn't really indentifiable in any way. There is no signatue style or gimmick that I associate with him.


Apparently Fox and CBS disagree. According to Salisbury he already has offers from both.

Linking up with RonDean

Sam Cassell a Celtic?; the Process Has to Start Today(FanHouse)

Thanks Mark Kotsay for getting semi-famous so your wife could the attention she deserves(umpbump)

Randy Moss and TO Together; Putting the Nitro in Nitroglycerine(TheBigLead)

Juicy Break up news(HitbyaPitch)

With Leather has a lot of time on their hands, but I appreciate all the hot women(WithLeather)

Apparently Skip Bayless is writing the headlines for Sports by brooks "Did Yao shut it down early for the Olympics?", Cough::MORON::Cough(SportsbyBrooks)

If the opinion of a semi-umployed kid who didn't finsh college sways your vote, don't vote(Fanhouse)

Boxing on the legitimacy bubble; what's that popping noise(The Big Lead)

Clemens has some more misremembering(Fanhouse)

Best News All Week: More Chuck in Your Life(The Big Lead)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Yao Ming's Injured; Who's To Blame

ESPN is reporting that Lee from Dream Shake is giant jinx. Ok that not exactly what they said but I'm paraphrasing here. Maybe I am the jinx for metinong Dream Shakes Nostradamus skills. In either case Yao Ming is is out for the year, with a stress fracture in his foot.

Over the last few weeks Lee, over at Dream Shake, has been predicting win after win. I found it quite impressive, so impressive in fact that when the Rockets finally hit that tenth win and Lee's prediction was completed, I decided I'd give I'd give credit where credit was due and acknowledge his brilliance with a post of my own. Unfortunately I showed my lack of brilliance by crediting Dave who also writes for Dream Shake. Lee left me comment to clear things up. Now that we have all that cleared up though I can't help but wonder. Does Lee really want credit for jinxing the Rockets right out of the playoffs.

Yao is going to miss the rest of the year, including the playoffs-along with the rest of the Rockets now. An MRI revealed fluid around one of the bones in Yao's foot, upon further examination, the teams doctor think Yao should have surgery. There is an alternative to the surgery but either way the recovery time is 4-months. In related news that I could care less about that means that Yao will be available for the Communist Reds uhhh I mean China for the Olympics

Linking up with RonDean

More interesting Logo development, Google(Neatorama)

Taking stalker to a whole new, buttered-popcorn flavored, level(Neatorama)

Bears, two wrongs do not make a right. After signing Rex Grossman last week, Chicago is nearing a deal to resign Kyle Orton(Fanhouse)

Mustafa Redonkulous breaks down the match made in heaven that is Darren McFadden and the Cincinnatti Bengals. RunDMCYouInOrange(DueceofDavenport)

Niners feel amazing(ly bad) performance last year warrants a ticket price hike; fans say no(SFGate)

Nader to run for president in 2008. Apparently he is tired of the same old Black son of a muslim candidate again(NyTimes)

PTI Guys are OK with the Oregon sequin on black uniforms; they're wrong(Fanhouse)

Vikings Trade Troy Williamson to Jags

Anthony Hall of Vikings War Cry is reporting that Vikings receiver Troy Williamson has come to terms on a trade with Jacksonville. Reportedly it will be a pick from the 2nd day of the draft.

Last week Williamson's agent was total he could shop around to see what other teams might be willing to give for his player. I am sure the Vikings like myself expected the answer to be "nothing, I wouldn't trade you anything for the biggest draft bust in recent memory."Apparently Jacksonville has a short memory, as in, "can't remember how bad Williamson was last season" short. At this point I am having the most difficulty with two simple choices; Am I more pissed off they are only getting a day 2 draft pick or am I more surprised they got anything at all.

While it is impressive that the Vikings aren't being forced to just release him, the disappointment still kills me. It isn't that he was 7th overall and now we are getting a 6th or 7th rouunder for him. It is the fact we chose him in the first place, a junior out of a smaller school like South Carolina just isn't the 7th pick overall. Especially in a year where the Vikings passed on Antrel Rolle, Carlos Rogers, Demarcus Ware, and Shawne Merriman. Those 4 came in the next 5 picks, forget the late round surprises that did well. These 4 were known talents, but the Vikings thought they were smarter than everyone else.

I am willing to let this go, I promise not to rant on for the next 20 years about it the way I do about the Herschell Walker deal. In return I want only one thing from the Vikings. Don't try and hit a home run in the draft this year; just take the best guy out there. When the Vikings took Randy Moss inspite of the issues that had cause him to drop that worked out. When they got Adrian Peterson because of his durability questions it seemed to work. So just take the best guy on the board, everytime you go for the surprise it seems as though us fans are the ones who are surprised, and not pleasently.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Dream Shake is Being Run By Nostradamus

Recent trade action around the NBA has managed to keep another story under the radar. Grungedave over at Dreamshake(Note: I was mistaken the prediction was made by Lee- though now that the Jinx has come in with Yao going down for the season, I am wondering if Lee really wants all that credit) has predicited correctly win after win for his Houston Rockets, who are on a 12-game win streak. His over the top claim that Houston is the hottest team in the NBA, is a litte suspect with the Los Angeles Lakers succes since the Pau Gasol trade. Phoenix, is be given credit for 11 straight agaisnt the east. A streak that ended against Detroit on Sunday.

GrungeDave's constant predictions are impressive. They are made even more so by the fact he realistic about his team shortcomings. People often predict a win every game for their team, celebrating easily when they get it right. If the Rockets momentum carries with them to the playoffs, they will be a force to contend with.

I doubt the Lakers will be shaking in their sneakers at that thought. The Lakers have only lost one game since Pau Gasol's arrival. Their 7-game win streak is reassuring while their hottest emerging players this season, Andrew Bynum, is out recovering from a knee injury. If the chemistry that seemed evident from the moment Gasol donned the Purple and Gold continues when Bynum returns, the Lakers wont fear anyone in the league.

While it is to early for full scale panic; Phoenix GM, Steve Kerr, is likely experiencing some fear. He pulled the trigger on the questionable deal that brought Shaquille O'neal to Phoenix. In the game Phoenix won it appeared to be in spite of Shaq. The two losses seemed directly tied to him. His non-impact in his debut against the Lakers was not an endoresement of the trade. Yesterday's loss against Detroit was strongly tied to Shaq. Phoenix, one of the highest scoring teams in league history finishes a loss with only 86 points, 30 points short of their opponent. The anemic offense and lack of scoring on the break is easily tied to the new, immobile big man.

Barry Bonds Sinks To A New Low

While both of Barry Bonds fans wait, along with the millions who despise him, for him to sign with another club. Rumors are surfacing that he may be finding a new low. and by new low I mean a place that is still too good for him. Fanhouse is reporting that Barry is not ready to retire. If no Major League teams want his bat in their lineup, he will look to play over seas. Barry has a few strikes against him; his looming indictment for perjury, his ties to the steroids era, his black hole of a personality; and his lack of mobility in the outfield.

Bonds, the all-time home run champ, would on the surface be an easy pick-up. He still has power at the plate, as well as box office power. He is no doubt a hall of fame caliber player, but a lot of that is past him now.

Denials of his steroid use to federal investigators got Bonds a perjury indictment receently. Media attention has been drawn away by Roger Clemens and the Mitchell report. General Mangers it seems do not follow the media, and have opinions of their own. Bonds agent has taken to "driving from training camp to training camp in Florida, hoping to persuade a general manager of some major-league club to give Bonds a new opportunity"

While the indictment creates playing time, courtroom appearance conflicts. The larger issue for the General Managers my be the actual issue of steroids. No GM wants his team and clubhouse associated with steroids. It ould clearly be a gamble to have the greates hitter of the modern era wearing your uniform if the steroid allegations finally stuck.

As the Bonds approaches his twilight, he doesn't seem suited to the path that most diminishing veterans take. Clubhouse mentor just doesn't fit Bonds, from his public fued with Jeff Kent. to his general Vader like presence in a locker room. When beat writers are dropping quotes like "a reporter who visited the home clubhouse at Fenway Park when the Giants played in Boston in June was struck by the jocularity and fellowship inside a room populated by youngsters and superstars who together won a World Series four months later. It was a stark contrast to the way the Giants tiptoed through Bonds' clubhouse." you know you are a parriah.

The final piece to the Bonds puzzle is his ever decreasing mobility. His defense is lacking, no longer able to cover as much ground in the outfield. With diminshed speed on the base paths, he is not far removed from the David Ortiz Homerun or a single scenario. This leaves him only available to teams in need of a DH and even amongst that small group a team would have to be desperate to take on all the other baggage.

Would you take Barry on your team??

Linking up with RonDean

Just think LSU fan you can use the license plate from your trailerhome, once you park it(Neatorama)

Bruce Perl, Just living the dream(TheBigLead)

For the man that hooks to the left(Neatorama)

Primoz Brezec put's Sam Vincent on blast- and knows what on blast means(Fanhouse)

Wanna get away?(Gizmodo)

Bikini Girls Maxim spread still possible(Towards the end)(MilwaukeeJournalSentinel)

This Week In Sports February 25, 2008

Not much this week, thankfully the NFL always has legal problems and MLB has steroids.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

NFL Combine: Winners and Losers

As the NFL Combine comes to the midway point the draft picture becomes clearer. Team needs clear as players are signed and released. Available talent is clearing up as well. The widely reported physical results have been matched in importance, in recent years, by the Wonderlic test. Saturday, the most important players; Offensive Lineman and Tight Ends, along side Specialists show their stuff. Those results will be met by Sunday's perfprmers; quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. With the following two days covering the four defensive slots; defensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties .

The big three stats; 40-yard time, reps bench pressing 225 lbs, and Wonderlic scores are the benchmark for measuring players. (Wonderlic results are not reported but rumors do get out there) Soem embraced the test as a chance to really raise their stock, while others left hoping their in-game performance outways their poor results at the combine.

Heading into the draft talented Junior, Darren McFadden(RB-Ark), was the subject of some behind the scenes doubt. While few days of drills and testing can't wipe away questions of charachter or durability, his event leading 4.33 40-time, 33" vertical leap, and 10'8" broad jump certainly make the risk of drafting him a lot easier to swallow.

Day one's biggest surprise was Dustin Keller. Keller outperformed expectations across the drills; 4.54 in the 40, 38" vertical, 26 reps @ 225 lbs. Keller's reps were some of the most important for him. Adding to his reputation as an athletic, pass-catching tight end, he showed that he has the strength to block in the NFL.

I had Jeff Otah as an early to mid-first rounder, based on his potential more than his performance. The potential, based primarily on his size, remains at 6'6" 332 lbs; performance didn't get much help though. His 5.56 time, 27 reps, and average-at-best agility drill performance moved him down to late first at best, more likely early to mid second round. Early looks could come from a team with some mentors on the O-line that could surround Otah.

Ryan Torain When you're a larger tailback you need to show your strength if you cant impress with your speed. With a 4.69 time, and only 21 reps Torain did neither.

I'll be back with a day 3 and a day 4 update over the next few days.

Rivals.com has a complete list of top 5 and bottom 5 combine performers.

Linking up with RonDean

In spite of their new bathrooms MBSR is comfortable with their homosexuality(Neatorama and MBSR)
Doug Gottlieb was kind enough to add to the English language tonight. Prasing OU for their Sticktoitivness. Gosh, I hope I spelled that right.
Sharper Image: Going out of Business. I didn't even know they sold stuff I thought they provided free chair massages while I was waiting, waiting, waiting... for my girl to get done at Nordstrom(Wired)


McCain sprinting down the Bill Clinton path to the Presidency(CatsandBeer)


Not quite Honus Wagner but still pretty cool(Neatorama)
Bears sign Rex Grossman; Another Chance? That's very Lovie(Fanhouse)
Best Picture Posters through the years(Neatorama)
NSFKYLD--Not Suitable For Keeping Your Lunch Down(With Leather)
Crazy glowing worms turn kids into wide-eyed zombies(Neatorama)
In the event you have; a kid, an extra $250, and a complete lack of judgement(Neatorama)

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Neuheisel's a jackass, great fit for UCLA

The powder blue JUCO across town brought on a new coach this offseason. After a bunch of spinning their wheels Rick Neuheisel was named as the leader for the Bruins football program. What a leader they have chosen.

When UCLA Athletic Director, Dan Guerrero, was asked about the trouble that seemed to follow Neuheisal from Clorado to Washington. Guerrero showed what UCLA is all about "In the end, it was all about 66 collegiate wins." referring to the number of wins Neuheisel got while head coach at Washington.

What else did Neuheisel get while he was in Washington. He got a safety onto the field despite being aware that the player had a warrant in his name to address charges that he cut his wife's face, broke her arm and nose.


Neuheisel also got Seattle PD to wait until the end of the season to charge one of his Linebackers with murder. The SPD already had his bloddy print before the season started but Neuheisels protective umbrella was wide enough to keep him safe, Until Neuheisel got his eligibilty out of him, and then the murder charges were filed.

Neuheisel got his star wide receiver out of charge after charge starting fromt he time he had signed his letter of intent, with an assualt, escalating to charges of hit-and-run as well as rape in his senior season. The cases that occured once he was producing touchdowns for UW were all dropped . The case he got before he actually got to UW was reduced to the extent that he no longer had to remain confined and was allowed to practice with the team.

After all of this was detailed recently in a great Seattle Times series Kurt Streeter of the La Times sat down to talk with Neuheisel. When Streeter asked why no internal university investigation into allegations regarding tight end, Jerramy Stevens , was completed as the university had promised. Neuheisel leaned back on his couch, looked out the window and said it just wasn't his place. He said that after the arrest was made he met with his athletic director, and that an agreement was made to not penalize his player until more facts emerged.


Dan Guerrero seemed pretty confident defending Neuheisel as his hire. With Neuheisel so comfortable playing pass the buck. Guerrero better be sure he is comfortable with him. Looks like he just made his bed with Neuheisel.

New England Patriots Offseason

New England Patriots have certainly had better offseasons recently. After one of the greatest seasons in history, an offseason begun watching the other team celebrate your defeat is difficult. The continuing, evergrowing struggle of spygate isn't helping. New England, in typical fashion, are not allowing that to detour them from the business of getting better.

The season long "what if they go 19-0" session was certainly entertainimg, but New England now faces the truth; they didn't shank a field goal, have a fluke fumble, or suffer catastrophic injuries. They were outplayed on the field, simple football, along with some great scheming by Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnoulo, defeated them.

Which weakness, laid bare in the final game, will the Patriots address through the draft. With definite need at linebacker, Kieth Rivers(LB-USC) would be a likely prospect. Belichick has said in the past, he doesn not like to draft linebackers. Feeling that they can be evaluated much better after a few years in the league. Belichick's evaluation of recently released Dolphin, Zach Thomas, must have been good. Thomas was offered a contract during his visit to New England shortly after the Dolphins cut him loose.

Those two factors make a LB unlikely in the first round. The front line of the Patriots defense needs some attention. A solid group all year long, but they began to show their age as the season progressed, a situation likely to get worse not better. frontline options this earlyin the draft should still be good. Franchise defensive prospects Sedrick Ellis(DT-USC) and Vernon Gholston could still be available for New England. Ellis would be a great fit for Belichick, his motor suits Belichick play 60 minutes mantra. After his performance at the Senior Bowl he may not last until the Patriots pick. Gholston, certanly not be a bad consolation prize, may not be the best fit for the 3-4 the Patriots play. Whichever they choose to address it will be with the Niners #7 pick. The Patriots #31 pick was surredered as a penaty for spygate. The Giants now have the #31 pick.

New England is making all these preperations amidst ongiong spygate drama. Former video Assistant, Matt Walsh, has claimed he video taped the Rams wolk through prior to their Superbowl meeting with the Patriots. Belichick has denied ever filming or seeing film of a walk through. Alongside that back and forth Senator Arlen Specter is pressuring Roger Goodell with a laundry list of accusations; why did he punish Belichick priot to seeing the tapes, why did he destroy the tapes, why if he knew about Matt Walsh hasn't he persued questioning him.

Belichick has flatly denied Walsh's accusations. Along with personell director, Scott Pioli, Belicheck has gone out of his way to minimize Walsh. While Goodell and Belichick would love to see this go away; Specter, and the group of former Rams suing Belichick and the Patriots, seem bound to make sure that doesn't happen.

Linking up with RonDean


Gene Simmons sex tape somehow leaked; ::sniff::, ::sniff:: is that desperation in the air(People)


Video of that falling satelite getting owned(Engadget)


Get out your tin-foil hat kids it's conspiracy theory hour(MC Bias)


Rare double dip. I endorse womens basketball, and El Paso(Inside El Paso)(Pictured)
Something finally goes right for the Falcons(ESPN)
Kelvin Sampson run out of resigns from IU, his players say they may boycott(Deadspin)
Photos from the Canseco party, looks like Clemens is the one who Misremembered(ESPN)
Meet your next Randy Moss, charachter issues, steal of the draft- Darren McFadden(SMQB)
Looks like we have someone ready to take his place as the number one runningback(Fanhouse)
NFL's Competition Committee says Goodell handled Spygate well. I normally don't tell my boss he screwed up either. It's called job security.(ESPN)
List of NFL Players Franchise tagged(EMQB)
Roger Goodell continues his God complex(ESPN)

Friday, February 22, 2008

NBA Trades in 2008: You Make the Call

I've listed the major trades below and a couple are entertaining because of how pointless they are. My top three trades became my top three teirs as I realized some of the moves were on equal footing.

Celtics are still the one-A impact leaders. Garnett's a top 5 player the NBA and the intangibles he brings to Boston make him even more valuable. Paul Pierce no longer loafing on defense, Rajon Rondo playing up to the confidence KG has shown in him, and the emergence of Big Baby. None of these things would be happening, at least not as much, without the trade for Garnett. The Lakers are pulling a strong one-B right now. Bynums fit when he returns will determine the legacy of the Pau Gasol trade.So far the Lakers have lost one gaem in the Gasol era. Gasol is not only bringing his game to the Lakers, he is bringing up the game of the guys around him.

The Kidd and Shaq deals are the second impact teir. Their age limits their impact to some extent. Kidd will have a larger impact, but it still wont be enough to put the Mavs over the top. 3 years from now, when Devin Harris is a top 5 NBA point guard; the Mavs will be talking about having mortgaged the future, only to be disappointed. Phoenix wont find any more success from their trade, but they didn't give nearly as much either. Marion is more talented than Harris is, but he had one foot out the door already.

The Spurs move, seemingly minor, bringing Kurt Thomas in ,could have the biggest impact.He may be the little bit the Spurs need to put them over the top. His hieght and physical presence on defense and the boards will help the Spurs match up with the large front lines of the west.

What about you how do you rate the different moves?

Boston/Seattle & Boston/Minnesota

  • Celtics get Ray Allen and the rights to Glen Davis. Seattle Supersonics get Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak the rights to Jeff Green.
  • Celtics get Kevin Garnett. Timberwolves get Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota's conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade and cash.

San Antonio/Memphis & San Antonio/Seattle
  • Spurs Sign Damon Stoudemire a week after he was released by the Memphis Grizzlies to make room for Mike Conley at the starting spot. (Not really a trade but it's a move)
  • Spurs get Kurt Thomas from the SuperSonics in exchange for Francisco Elson, Brent Barry and the team’s 2009 first round draft pick

Los Angeles/Orlando & Los Angeles/Memphis
  • Lakers get Trevor Ariza trading Maurice Evans and Brian Cook to Magic
  • Lakers receive Pau Gasol and a 2010 2nd-rounder. Grizzlies gets Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Pau's brother Marc Gasol, and Aaron McKie(signed for the trade), and 1st-rounders in 2008 and 2010.
Phoenix/Miami
  • Suns get Shaquille O’Neal. Heat receive Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks

Atlanta/Sacramento
  • Hawks get Mike Bibby from the Kings who get Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second round draft

Dallas.New Jersey
  • Mavs get Jason Kidd, Malik Allen and Antoine Wright from Nets in return for Devin Harris, Degana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Moe Ager, Keith Van Horn, a pair of draft picks and cash
Chicago/Cleveland/Seattle
  • Bulls get Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons from the Cavaliers who got Joe Smith, Ben Wallace and Chicago’s 2009 2nd-rounder. The Cavs will also get Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West from Sonics who will receive Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall from Cavs and Adrian Griffin from Chicago(Who goes where)

Denver/Portland
  • Nuggets receive Taurean Green from the Trailblazers who get Von Wafer.

Toronto/Detroit
  • Raptors get Primoz Brezec and cash from Pistons who receives Juan Dixon.
Houston/New Orleans/Memphis & Houston/Minnesota
  • Hornets receive Bonzi Wells, Mike James, and cash from Rockets who get Adam Haluska, Bobby Jackson, Marcus Vinicius and a 2008 2nd-rounder. As part of the three-team deal, Grizzlies get involved and a bunch of europeans you've never heard of move around.
  • Houston also got Gerald Green from Minnesota for Kirk Snyder, a 2010 2nd-rounder and cash.