^
"Distraction" is a media invention. A player or team is faced with some kind of off-the-field issue, and, through their line of questioning, writers and broadcasters immediately look to give the player or team an out.
"Coach, are you worried your guys will be distracted by ... "
What a crock.
Yes, it will distract them if they are weak-minded losers. If they are strong-willed winners, however, the situation at hand actually will serve to motivate and unite them.
The Ray Rice drama played out in Baltimore for months, with the three-time Pro Bowl tailback and fiancee abuser finally getting cut one week ago. For the next three days, coaches and players were incessantly asked about how the situation would distract the Ravens on Thursday night, when they were to play the Steelers.
Well, the Ravens crushed the rival Steelers. Rice's replacement, relative unknown Bernard Pierce, rushed for 96 yards.
As the Rice episode unfolded, here in Charlotte folks were concentrating on All-Pro defensive end Greg Hardy, who was convicted by a judge for assaulting his girlfriend. Hardy has appealed and his case eventually will be heard by a jury. Neither the NFL nor the Panthers suspended him because they said they felt they should let the legal course play out.
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson got all choked up as he spoke publicly about his strong stance against domestic violence, but Hardy remained on the active roster for yesterday's game against Detroit. "How much of a distraction is this?" was the most-asked question at team HQ.
Finally, the day of the game, the Panthers decided to deactivate Hardy. They then went out and throttled the Lions, holding one of the NFL's most explosive teams to 7 points. Hardy's replacement, Mario Addison, had 2 1/2 sacks.
The Ravens and Panthers refused to be distracted. They refused to cave in to the perception that they couldn't live without star players. Whether or not one likes the way Ravens and Panthers management handled the situations in the days and weeks leading up to their decisions regarding Rice and Hardy, one has to be impressed with the way players and coaches responded once the ball was kicked off.
As Thomas Davis, one of the Panthers' defensive captains, told the media after the game: "We've got to continue to come to work and do what we're paid to do."
Remember these results the next time your favorite team takes the media's bait and plays the distraction card.
^
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steelers. Show all posts
Monday, September 15, 2014
Monday, December 31, 2012
Bears finally sack Lovie The Genius
^
Here's my favorite story from my five years covering Lovie Smith:
During the postgame press conference that followed a particularly horrific performance by the often-horrible Rex Grossman, the media found four different ways to ask Smith why he didn't switch to Brian Griese, the high-priced QB the Bears had acquired just in case Rex got hurt or got bad.
Four times, Lovie dismissed the questions: Rex was his quarterback; the Bears were 10-2; we were morons.
This is what happened next, as chronicled in my Dec. 7, 2006 column:
My brain was about ready to explode. Because I need my brain to think about food, Jack Bauer's plight on "24," golf, Scarlett Johansson and other worthwhile subjects, I could sit silently no longer.
Me: "You did win 10 games with (Kyle) Orton as your quarterback last year and made a change. So, I mean, it's not unprecedented ... "
Lovie, interrupting: "This year ... "
Me, interrupting right back: "I understand that. I understand. It's not an unprecedented thought, that's all. We're not coming out of thin air with this thought."
Lovie: "That doesn't mean a lot to me, though. I'm telling you what I'm going to do. Right now, we're 10-2 with Rex as our quarterback. THAT's not unprecedented."
So there!
He might as well have come back with: "Your momma's not unprecedented!" That would have made as much sense.
Too funny, eh?
I rarely had public debates with those I covered, but that day, I simply couldn't take Lovie's crapola any more.
Tom Landry and Chuck Noll and Bill Parcells and John Madden and countless other championship coaches throughout the years had benched ineffective quarterbacks.
Don Shula benched Earl Morrall at halftime of the 1972 AFC title game -- even though the score was tied and even though Morrall had led the Dolphins to 11 straight wins in place of an injured Bob Griese during the team's perfect season.
Nevertheless, Lovie had so little respect for the media -- not to mention the millions of fans who were clamoring for a QB change -- that he considered us idiots for suggesting Lovie The Genius even consider removing Rex The Unbenchable during a bad performance.
Well, Lovie is now the ex-coach of the Bears.
His dwindling ranks of supporters say he didn't deserve to be canned because the team had played mostly decent football during his time in Chicago and because he led the Bears to only their second Super Bowl appearance ever -- a game they lost to the Colts partly because of the frighteningly bad play of Rex The Unbenchable.
The facts, however, sealed Lovie's fate.
Smith's team reached the playoffs only three times in nine seasons -- and only once in the past six years. Since losing to the Colts in the '07 Super Bowl, Lovie's lads won one division title while finishing third three times and last once.
Lovie always said beating the Packers was No. 1 on the list of things the Bears had to do. Since Jan. 2, 2011, the Bears were 0-6 against the Packers, including a loss in last year's playoffs.
The Bears opened this season 7-1 but folded as soon as the schedule turned tough, dropping five of their next six games. What seemed a sure playoff berth was gone, and even wins in their last two games couldn't save Smith's Bears ... or Smith's job.
Like Rex in the Super Bowl, Lovie couldn't deliver.
Unlike Rex in the Super Bowl, Lovie got benched.
---
There will be much debate about which players deserve which awards in the NFL, but one thing is obvious:
John Elway is the Executive of the Year.
Despite immense public pressure to build around the inexplicably popular Tim Tebow, Elway traded the most overhyped player in recent NFL history to the Jets and brought in Peyton Manning.
Manning threw for 37 TDs and the Broncos ended up with the NFL's best record at 13-3. Tebow couldn't even get on the field for the Jets.
Elway, one of the 10 best QBs ever to lace up cleats, knows Manning belongs on that list, too. Elway also knows Tebow is a train wreck of a quarterback, with neither the physical ability nor mental acumen to play the most important position at the highest level.
Meanwhile, were there an award for Incompetent Executive of the Year, it would go to the Jets brain trust of owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum.
After signing overrated Mark Sanchez to a contract extension, they wasted a fourth-round draft pick to bring the distracting Tebow Circus to New York. Sanchez fell apart, Jets coach Rex Ryan realized in training camp that Tebow couldn't play and never used him during the season, and what was supposed to be a contending team finished 6-10.
Tannenbaum was fired Monday, in part because the owner couldn't fire himself.
^
Here's my favorite story from my five years covering Lovie Smith:
During the postgame press conference that followed a particularly horrific performance by the often-horrible Rex Grossman, the media found four different ways to ask Smith why he didn't switch to Brian Griese, the high-priced QB the Bears had acquired just in case Rex got hurt or got bad.
Four times, Lovie dismissed the questions: Rex was his quarterback; the Bears were 10-2; we were morons.
This is what happened next, as chronicled in my Dec. 7, 2006 column:
My brain was about ready to explode. Because I need my brain to think about food, Jack Bauer's plight on "24," golf, Scarlett Johansson and other worthwhile subjects, I could sit silently no longer.
Me: "You did win 10 games with (Kyle) Orton as your quarterback last year and made a change. So, I mean, it's not unprecedented ... "
Lovie, interrupting: "This year ... "
Me, interrupting right back: "I understand that. I understand. It's not an unprecedented thought, that's all. We're not coming out of thin air with this thought."
Lovie: "That doesn't mean a lot to me, though. I'm telling you what I'm going to do. Right now, we're 10-2 with Rex as our quarterback. THAT's not unprecedented."
So there!
He might as well have come back with: "Your momma's not unprecedented!" That would have made as much sense.
Too funny, eh?
I rarely had public debates with those I covered, but that day, I simply couldn't take Lovie's crapola any more.
Tom Landry and Chuck Noll and Bill Parcells and John Madden and countless other championship coaches throughout the years had benched ineffective quarterbacks.
Don Shula benched Earl Morrall at halftime of the 1972 AFC title game -- even though the score was tied and even though Morrall had led the Dolphins to 11 straight wins in place of an injured Bob Griese during the team's perfect season.
Nevertheless, Lovie had so little respect for the media -- not to mention the millions of fans who were clamoring for a QB change -- that he considered us idiots for suggesting Lovie The Genius even consider removing Rex The Unbenchable during a bad performance.
Well, Lovie is now the ex-coach of the Bears.
His dwindling ranks of supporters say he didn't deserve to be canned because the team had played mostly decent football during his time in Chicago and because he led the Bears to only their second Super Bowl appearance ever -- a game they lost to the Colts partly because of the frighteningly bad play of Rex The Unbenchable.
The facts, however, sealed Lovie's fate.
Smith's team reached the playoffs only three times in nine seasons -- and only once in the past six years. Since losing to the Colts in the '07 Super Bowl, Lovie's lads won one division title while finishing third three times and last once.
Lovie always said beating the Packers was No. 1 on the list of things the Bears had to do. Since Jan. 2, 2011, the Bears were 0-6 against the Packers, including a loss in last year's playoffs.
The Bears opened this season 7-1 but folded as soon as the schedule turned tough, dropping five of their next six games. What seemed a sure playoff berth was gone, and even wins in their last two games couldn't save Smith's Bears ... or Smith's job.
Like Rex in the Super Bowl, Lovie couldn't deliver.
Unlike Rex in the Super Bowl, Lovie got benched.
---
There will be much debate about which players deserve which awards in the NFL, but one thing is obvious:
John Elway is the Executive of the Year.
Despite immense public pressure to build around the inexplicably popular Tim Tebow, Elway traded the most overhyped player in recent NFL history to the Jets and brought in Peyton Manning.
Manning threw for 37 TDs and the Broncos ended up with the NFL's best record at 13-3. Tebow couldn't even get on the field for the Jets.
Elway, one of the 10 best QBs ever to lace up cleats, knows Manning belongs on that list, too. Elway also knows Tebow is a train wreck of a quarterback, with neither the physical ability nor mental acumen to play the most important position at the highest level.
Meanwhile, were there an award for Incompetent Executive of the Year, it would go to the Jets brain trust of owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum.
After signing overrated Mark Sanchez to a contract extension, they wasted a fourth-round draft pick to bring the distracting Tebow Circus to New York. Sanchez fell apart, Jets coach Rex Ryan realized in training camp that Tebow couldn't play and never used him during the season, and what was supposed to be a contending team finished 6-10.
Tannenbaum was fired Monday, in part because the owner couldn't fire himself.
^
Friday, June 1, 2012
Today's High 5: NBA conspiracies, idiotic tweets and the baldest of eagles
^
5. I am shocked -- shocked! -- that the Hornets, who have been owned and operated by the NBA this past year, won the Draft Lottery (and the right to select the only great player available).
And I am shocked -- shocked! -- that anybody would dare suggest a conspiracy or a conflict of interest.
4. It seems Albert Pujols isn't the next Mo Vaughn after all.
3. The Baldest Eagle has landed!
That's right: I carded my first-ever eagle on Thursday thanks to a boomer of a drive, a best-of-the-season 5-iron and a 2 1/2 foot putt. If I'd have choked on that putt, I never would have lived it down.
I saved my choke for the next hole, when I hit my 9-iron tee shot within 5 feet and then promptly 3-putted.
Eagle or no eagle ... I still golf like me, dammit!
2. Will any of us ever forget where we were Wednesday, when Kordell Stewart announced his retirement from pro football a mere 7 years after he last wore a uniform?
1. Has-been Wally Szczerbiak took to Twitter to rip ex-teammate Kevin Garnett for being a guy who "lacks the #clutchgene."
Yes, the famously clutch Szczerbiak ... owner of what, a dozen NBA titles? OK, not quite. But he was owner of a reputation as one of the NBA's most selfish players back in his day.
A day that has long since passed, by the way.
Wally Effin Szczerbiak ain't even the lint in KG's belly button. Put a hash-tag on that, loser.
5. I am shocked -- shocked! -- that the Hornets, who have been owned and operated by the NBA this past year, won the Draft Lottery (and the right to select the only great player available).
And I am shocked -- shocked! -- that anybody would dare suggest a conspiracy or a conflict of interest.
4. It seems Albert Pujols isn't the next Mo Vaughn after all.
3. The Baldest Eagle has landed!
That's right: I carded my first-ever eagle on Thursday thanks to a boomer of a drive, a best-of-the-season 5-iron and a 2 1/2 foot putt. If I'd have choked on that putt, I never would have lived it down.
I saved my choke for the next hole, when I hit my 9-iron tee shot within 5 feet and then promptly 3-putted.
Eagle or no eagle ... I still golf like me, dammit!
2. Will any of us ever forget where we were Wednesday, when Kordell Stewart announced his retirement from pro football a mere 7 years after he last wore a uniform?
1. Has-been Wally Szczerbiak took to Twitter to rip ex-teammate Kevin Garnett for being a guy who "lacks the #clutchgene."
Yes, the famously clutch Szczerbiak ... owner of what, a dozen NBA titles? OK, not quite. But he was owner of a reputation as one of the NBA's most selfish players back in his day.
A day that has long since passed, by the way.
Wally Effin Szczerbiak ain't even the lint in KG's belly button. Put a hash-tag on that, loser.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Today's High 5: Brady beats Tebow ... the Devil made him do it!
^
5. Remember how Tim Tebow passed for 316 yards (and averaged 31.6 yards per completion) in last week's upset of the Steelers, and his fellow ultra-believers quickly pointed out the religious significance of that total? You know, John 3:16 and all.
What a divine coincidence!
Well good news, kids: There were fun coincidences involving the performance of Tebow and his Broncos this weekend, too!
For example, Tebow passed for 136 yards. John 1:36 says: "And he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!" That's all well and good, but there's a reason no sports teams are called the Lambs.
Denver lost 45-10 to the Patriots in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated. That 35-point spread? Well, 3 + 5 = 8, and that's how many wives the Old Testament says David had. (Not sure what that has to do with football, but it's at least as meaningful a coincidence as the whole John 3:16 deal.)
Tom Brady had 6 touchdown passes. Touchdowns are worth 6 points. The lack of a Denver pass rush gave Brady 6 seconds in the pocket each time he went back to pass. 6-6-6! Obviously, Brady is the Devil's pawn!
I could go on, but that's enough biblical "coincidences" for one day, don't ya think?
4. This year's Giants remind me of last year's Packers. Good team getting better just when it matters most.
This year's Packers, meanwhile, remind me of, well, every other team that's been crowned far too early.
And to think, if the NFL ran things the way the NCAA does, the Packers would have been granted an automatic spot in the Super Bowl.
3. The Giants won despite getting royally hosed by the referee, who ignored overwhelming video evidence and refused to overturn a horrible no-fumble call.
Had that call been made correctly, the game probably would have been a rout.
2. It's only mid-January, but I'll be surprised if there is a more entertaining sporting event all year than the 49ers-Saints game.
1. I like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, but they lost me when they wondered out loud if the two-week layoff had made Aaron Rodgers and the Packers rusty.
Please.
The Patriots, 49ers and Ravens also had two-week layoffs. They somehow managed to shake off the rust.
The Giants had something to do with Rodgers having a bad game. The fact that Green Bay receivers played as if they had anvils attached to their hands had something to do with Rodgers' poor performance, too.
Bottom line: The Giants outplayed the Packers in every phase. Give them credit. Don't give the Packers excuses.
^
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Tebow to me (and millions of others): In your face!
^
Just as I predicted, there would be no stopping Tim Tebow!
Hey, give the dude credit. After a bad first quarter for him and the Broncos, he played the best long stretch of his short NFL career. Despite his many flaws, Tebow showed why playoffs are great in every sport (except Division I college football, where there aren't any):
Anything can and will happen.
Including my first couple of prognosticating screwups of 2012.
Another point hammered home: It's tough to win on the road in the NFL. All four home teams won ... and I was foolish enough to pick two road winners.
At least the Steelers made it close. The Falcons looked inept against the suddenly rolling G-Men. My buddy Mitch, a Giants fan since Lawrence Taylor was smoking crack from a high chair, is awfully giddy today!
^
Monday, January 2, 2012
Rating QBs ... from Tebow to Rodgers to Romo to Hanie
^
Nobody says "The check's in the mail" any more. For one thing, nobody under the age of 80 writes checks. And pretty much nobody mails anything other than junk.
Another saying that should go into permanent hiatus: "The quarterback gets too much credit when you win and too much blame when you lose."
QB is the single most important position in team sports. (You might say hockey goalie, but let's stick to sports that people actually watch.) A team with a great quarterback has a chance to excel and a team that lacks even a good quarterback has little chance at all. Of course, there have been a few exceptions over the years in the NFL. Very few.
The QB handles the football on every play, makes dozens upon dozens of critical in-game decisions and must execute every play properly -- be it a handoff, pitch or pass -- for an offense to function. When a close game comes down to crunch time, the ability and demeanor of the quarterback usually is the one deciding factor.
Fact is, the QB never can get too much credit or blame.
I still don't think Tim Tebow can be a winning QB in the NFL over time, but he deserves credit for the Broncos' surprising success during the eight-week stretch that put them in position to back into the playoffs. And Tebow deserves at least as much blame for the team's complete collapse during the final three weeks.
If he and his passionate-bordering-on-bonkers fans don't think such scrutiny is fair, Tebow should become a linebacker or tight end.
Which, by the way, would be better positions for him.
But enough about Tim Tebow for today. There are plenty of other QBs to talk about now that the regular season has ended:
TOM BRADY: It's hard to imagine choosing another quarterback if you have to win one game.
DREW BREES: Unless it's this guy, who is almost impossibly accurate. He and the Saints are too much fun to watch.
AARON RODGERS: Then again, maybe it's this guy, the shoo-in for league MVP. If there's a Mount Rushmore of today's ridiculously good quarterbacks, Rodgers, Brees and Brady are the equivalent of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.
PEYTON MANNING: The perfect example of the importance of having a great QB. But he isn't healthy, so right now Teddy Roosevelt would have to be ...
BEN ROETHLISBERGER: I'm fairly sure he's a jerk, and he rarely looks pretty on the field. But he has won two Super Bowls and he's got a decent chance for a third. He plays tough, he plays hurt and he usually plays really well.
ELI MANNING: Were I a Giants fan, I'd love to hate this guy. For big chunks of every game, he plays ugly. But he absolutely carried the team this year and he has a knack for pulling games out at the end. In that way, he's similar to Tebow. Except Eli's actually a QB.
MARK SANCHEZ: By far, New Jersey's worst pro QB.
CAM NEWTON: A young Steve Young, but already as polished a passer as Young became well into his career. I actually looked forward to Panthers games every week just to watch this guy.
PHILIP RIVERS: Just good enough to be not quite great enough for a Chargers team that never has quite enough.
CARSON PALMER: Still waiting to see what all the hype is about.
MIKE VICK: The rest of the NFC is glad Vick and his Philly teammates didn't realize the lockout had ended until the season was 12 weeks old.
TONY ROMO: You know this guy is talented, but there's just something missing. He's sort of Eli Manning's opposite because he far too often finds a way to lose.
REX GROSSMAN: A very, very, very poor man's Romo.
KYLE ORTON: After coming off the scrap heap to lead the Chiefs to victory over the Packers, and then helping knock off Tebow in the season finale, Orton probably earned a very nice paycheck for himself next season. And speaking of guys who earned a big payday ...
MATT FLYNN: Aaron Who? Brett Who?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Looks like he can be pretty special, at least as long as he can stay healthy -- and as long as Calvin Johnson is on the field with him.
MATT SCHAUB: A shame he got hurt just as the Texans were starting to get good.
ALEX SMITH: Finally came into his own in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does under playoff pressure.
ANDY DALTON: Obviously skilled ... but will he be more than Carson Palmer?
SAM BRADFORD: Not enough information to know if he's a superstar in the making or an injury-prone bust in the making.
CHRISTIAN PONDER: A great big "We'll see."
JOE FLACCO: Eli Manning Lite.
JAY CUTLER: Another Romo-type who can make all the plays but often doesn't. Still, Chicago fans learned the hard way this year that there are a lot worse QBs than Cutler. Such as ...
CALEB HANIE: Sure, I'll have fries with that.
^
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Today's High Five: Excuses are for losers ... and so is the BCS
^
5. I hate it when athletes, coaches and teams make excuses. I especially hate injury excuses.
The Packers won the Super Bowl last season despite a dozen important players being out with injuries. That being said ...
Aaron Rodgers wasn't one of the injured Packers.
It would seem there are injuries, and there are facts.
Fact is, the Bears are toast without Jay Cutler. Not because Cutler is a great QB but because Cutler sometimes plays great -- and because the only other option is a never-will-be named Caleb Hanie. (Which, naturally, is Jerry Angelo's fault for generally mismanaging the most important position in pro sports.)
And now, RB Matt Forte -- unquestionably the team's MVP -- is out up to a month with a knee injury.
The Bears were a flawed team with little margin for error. They managed to win 7 of their first 10 games thanks to defense, the kicking game and just enough offense led by Forte and Cutler. They are 0-2 since Hanie had to take over for Cutler, including Sunday's 10-3 home loss to a terrible Kansas City team.
OK, those are the facts. Even a skeptic such as myself should be able to differentiate between such cold facts and common, everyday excuses, right?
Well, that terrible KC team was being quarterbacked by a never-will-be named Tyler Palko because their starter, Matt Cassel is out.
Meanwhile, the playoff-bound Texans are 2-0 since starting QB Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinert got hurt, with third-stringer T.J. Yates at the helm.
If the Bears can't beat a Palko-led Chiefs team at home, they weren't good enough to matter, anyway.
4. The notable thing wasn't Tiger Woods finally winning a tournament, because it was a limited-field event that he stages for himself and his pals. For me, the big thing was the camera shot of Tiger lining up the winning putt ... with TV viewers getting a clear view of his Ping putter.
Swoosh be damned!
3. Even when Rodgers and the Packers clearly aren't at their best, they are amazing.
They will win the rest of their regular-season games, and I see absolutely no way an NFC team beats them in Green Bay during the playoffs. That means New England, Pittsburgh or maybe Baltimore will have to do it in the Super Bowl.
2. Of course, the biggest victory of the weekend involving a team from the Land of Cheese and More Cheese was ...
Marquette 61, Wisconsin 54.
My wife and I watched the game at a Charlotte establishment with several other MU alums and it was a joy to behold.
Despite playing without their starting point guard and despite getting almost no production from standout forward Jae Crowder, who was in foul trouble throughout, our Golden Warriors dominated every aspect of the game and led almost from tip to horn.
This is the deepest, most athletically dynamic team Buzz Williams has had at Marquette, and I have a feeling I'm going to be thrilling (or boring) you many times this season with tales of their exploits. Deal with it!
1. For the sixth straight year, I will not be watching one second of any of the meaningless exhibitions masquerading as college football from now until early January.
I call it Boycott College Sham.
Not the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, featuring Illinois and UCLA teams that have a combined 12-13 record and have fired their coaches; not the Pinstripe Bowl, which will take place on what's sure to be a sunny Dec. 30 day in the Bronx; not even the Beef O'Brady's Bowl, which by name alone should humiliate participants Florida International and Marshall.
And certainly not the mythical championship game, in which LSU gets another chance to beat an Alabama team that has no more of a claim to this spot than any of a half-dozen other squads.
This is not to hate on 'Bama. It might be one of the top two teams ... and it might not be. We simply cannot know as long as the BCS is allowed to exist.
I know my one-man protest means nothing. Hell, it meant nothing even when I had a real voice as a newspaper columnist and enlisted a few followers.
It just makes me feel good not to be party to a system that rewards hypocrisy, stupidity, rigidity and mediocrity.
^
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Yes, but bin Laden was a terrific dancer
^
The Bald Truth
Steelers lunkhead Rashard Mendenhall cannot believe all those not related to Osama bin Laden are so overjoyed about the cowardly murderer's demise.
"What kind of person celebrates death?" Mendenhall twatted. "It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side … "
Yes, and I wish Hitler had lived on to thrill us for years with his good side. You know, some historians say Der Fuhrer was a wonderful painter. In fact, he could paint an entire apartment in one afternoon ... two coats!
The Balder Truth
You know things are going bad for the White Sox when they get no-hit by a pitcher with an ERA of almost 10. Nelson Liriano's imperfect (6 walks) game Tuesday kind of reminded me of the first no-hitter I ever covered, also by a Twin: Scott Erickson.
Erickson, who walked four Brewers in the 1994 game, had allowed more hits the previous two seasons than any other pitcher in the majors. That's right: The Brewers couldn't scratch out a single hit against baseball's most hittable pitcher.
But at least Erickson didn't have an ERA hovering near four digits at the time.
By the way, the Brewers finished that lockout-shortened '94 season in last place. Which is where the White Sox currently reside - already 10 games behind surprise division leader Cleveland.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
I'm supposed to be impressed that NBA MVP Derrick Rose isn't even 23 yet?
My son Ben just turned 23 a few months ago, and he can sink two straight free throws without getting winded. Three on a good day!
^
The Bald Truth
Steelers lunkhead Rashard Mendenhall cannot believe all those not related to Osama bin Laden are so overjoyed about the cowardly murderer's demise.
"What kind of person celebrates death?" Mendenhall twatted. "It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side … "
Yes, and I wish Hitler had lived on to thrill us for years with his good side. You know, some historians say Der Fuhrer was a wonderful painter. In fact, he could paint an entire apartment in one afternoon ... two coats!
The Balder Truth
You know things are going bad for the White Sox when they get no-hit by a pitcher with an ERA of almost 10. Nelson Liriano's imperfect (6 walks) game Tuesday kind of reminded me of the first no-hitter I ever covered, also by a Twin: Scott Erickson.
Erickson, who walked four Brewers in the 1994 game, had allowed more hits the previous two seasons than any other pitcher in the majors. That's right: The Brewers couldn't scratch out a single hit against baseball's most hittable pitcher.
But at least Erickson didn't have an ERA hovering near four digits at the time.
By the way, the Brewers finished that lockout-shortened '94 season in last place. Which is where the White Sox currently reside - already 10 games behind surprise division leader Cleveland.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
I'm supposed to be impressed that NBA MVP Derrick Rose isn't even 23 yet?
My son Ben just turned 23 a few months ago, and he can sink two straight free throws without getting winded. Three on a good day!
^
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Here's the deal: Make Lovie wait for a new one
^
There are four reasons to extend a pro coach's contract when he still has a year remaining on his current deal:
1. His lame-duck status would distract the team.
2. He should be rewarded for consistent excellence.
3. A team is worried that another club will swoop in and steal him.
4. He is so popular with the fans that they'd revolt if he left.
Now, let's see how these apply to Lovie Smith.
1. As in most cases, the "distraction" angle is a media fabrication with zero relevance. If anything, the players love Smith because he's an enabler and a coddler and will play extra hard to "win one for Lovie."
2. Lovie has been the Bears' coach for 7 years. They have missed the playoffs in 4 of those seasons and have won a grand total of 3 playoff games on his watch. This is not what one would call runaway success. If anything, he is one of sport's most overpaid coaches.
3. If Lovie gets angry and bolts after the season, would it really be that difficult for the Bears to find a coach at least as good? If anything, several accomplished coaches would line up for the opportunity to replace him, with Bill Cowher likely first in line.
4. That's a good one. If anything, Lovie might be the only guy associated with the Bears capable of losing a popularity contest to Jay Cutler. (Actually, it probably would be a tie.)
Conclusion: There is not a single decent reason for the Bears to throw a whole bunch of cash at Lovie and guarantee his continued employment for four or five more years.
Why not wait to see how the team performs in 2011? What's the stinkin' hurry?
^
There are four reasons to extend a pro coach's contract when he still has a year remaining on his current deal:
1. His lame-duck status would distract the team.
2. He should be rewarded for consistent excellence.
3. A team is worried that another club will swoop in and steal him.
4. He is so popular with the fans that they'd revolt if he left.
Now, let's see how these apply to Lovie Smith.
1. As in most cases, the "distraction" angle is a media fabrication with zero relevance. If anything, the players love Smith because he's an enabler and a coddler and will play extra hard to "win one for Lovie."
2. Lovie has been the Bears' coach for 7 years. They have missed the playoffs in 4 of those seasons and have won a grand total of 3 playoff games on his watch. This is not what one would call runaway success. If anything, he is one of sport's most overpaid coaches.
3. If Lovie gets angry and bolts after the season, would it really be that difficult for the Bears to find a coach at least as good? If anything, several accomplished coaches would line up for the opportunity to replace him, with Bill Cowher likely first in line.
4. That's a good one. If anything, Lovie might be the only guy associated with the Bears capable of losing a popularity contest to Jay Cutler. (Actually, it probably would be a tie.)
Conclusion: There is not a single decent reason for the Bears to throw a whole bunch of cash at Lovie and guarantee his continued employment for four or five more years.
Why not wait to see how the team performs in 2011? What's the stinkin' hurry?
^
Monday, February 7, 2011
Today's High 5 - Super Bowl XLV Edition
^
5. To excuse-making coaches, GMs, owners, players and fans in every sport and every city:
The 2010 Green Bay Packers were your worst nightmare.
They lost 15 guys to injury during the season, including some of their best players. Nevertheless, they won five straight games down the stretch, including three straight road playoff games. Then, in the Super Bowl, they lost No. 1 defensive back Charles Woodson and offensive stalwart Donald Driver but still beat a good Steelers team to win it all.
More than ever, excuses are for losers. And for driving that point home, we all should thank the Packers.
4. When it comes to truly great NFL QBs, you've got Brady, Manning, Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Not necessarily in that order.
3. Ben Roethlisberger threw two INTs that led directly to Green Bay TDs. He tried to rally the Steelers but failed miserably on the final drive.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Big Bad Ben is bound to be pretty upset for the next few months, so I recommend keeping your daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers and grandmas somewhere very safe.
2. That was quite a shot at the end of the game of 325-pound Steelers DT Casey Hampton dejectedly walking off the field with his belt undone and his massive gut protruding from under his jersey.
For the record, Fox had a strong game, providing many outstanding camera angles of big plays to go along with Troy Aikman's always insightful commentary.
1. Was it just me, or were the commercials especially lame this year?
Oh, and can we please just declare Bruce Springsteen an American Treasure and beg him to do the halftime show every year until he's 80 or so?
^
5. To excuse-making coaches, GMs, owners, players and fans in every sport and every city:
The 2010 Green Bay Packers were your worst nightmare.
They lost 15 guys to injury during the season, including some of their best players. Nevertheless, they won five straight games down the stretch, including three straight road playoff games. Then, in the Super Bowl, they lost No. 1 defensive back Charles Woodson and offensive stalwart Donald Driver but still beat a good Steelers team to win it all.
More than ever, excuses are for losers. And for driving that point home, we all should thank the Packers.
4. When it comes to truly great NFL QBs, you've got Brady, Manning, Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Not necessarily in that order.
3. Ben Roethlisberger threw two INTs that led directly to Green Bay TDs. He tried to rally the Steelers but failed miserably on the final drive.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Big Bad Ben is bound to be pretty upset for the next few months, so I recommend keeping your daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers and grandmas somewhere very safe.
2. That was quite a shot at the end of the game of 325-pound Steelers DT Casey Hampton dejectedly walking off the field with his belt undone and his massive gut protruding from under his jersey.
For the record, Fox had a strong game, providing many outstanding camera angles of big plays to go along with Troy Aikman's always insightful commentary.
1. Was it just me, or were the commercials especially lame this year?
Oh, and can we please just declare Bruce Springsteen an American Treasure and beg him to do the halftime show every year until he's 80 or so?
^
Friday, February 4, 2011
Liked Packers 6 months ago, no reason to switch now
^
This is one of the easiest Super Bowl predictions I've made over the years, and not because I expect the game to be one-sided.
I'm just stickin' with the team I liked from Day 1.
Before the season, I thought the Packers had the goods to win it all. Outstanding defense, great receivers, good O-line and the best QB nobody ever put in the same sentence as Brady and Manning (or Favre, for that matter).
The injuries piled up and, I admit, I started to doubt. Late in the season, though, the Packers pulled things together, got sound play from those who replaced their many injured players, found just enough of a running game to provide some balance and won the games they had to win down the stretch.
Going into the playoffs, I said they might just run the table. And now, I see no reason to believe they won't make it 4 for 4.
Aaron Rodgers will outplay Ben Roethlisberger -- no easy feat, given that Bad Boy Ben is a two-time Super champ -- and the Green Bay D will outperform its Pittsburgh counterpart.
In this era of big-market teams dominating MLB (and, to an extent, the NBA and NHL), it's cool to see a club from BY FAR the smallest market in big-league sports play on the biggest stage of them all.
The Packers are easy to root for. And for me, they're easy to pick, too.
Packers 23, Steelers 20.
^
This is one of the easiest Super Bowl predictions I've made over the years, and not because I expect the game to be one-sided.
I'm just stickin' with the team I liked from Day 1.
Before the season, I thought the Packers had the goods to win it all. Outstanding defense, great receivers, good O-line and the best QB nobody ever put in the same sentence as Brady and Manning (or Favre, for that matter).
The injuries piled up and, I admit, I started to doubt. Late in the season, though, the Packers pulled things together, got sound play from those who replaced their many injured players, found just enough of a running game to provide some balance and won the games they had to win down the stretch.
Going into the playoffs, I said they might just run the table. And now, I see no reason to believe they won't make it 4 for 4.
Aaron Rodgers will outplay Ben Roethlisberger -- no easy feat, given that Bad Boy Ben is a two-time Super champ -- and the Green Bay D will outperform its Pittsburgh counterpart.
In this era of big-market teams dominating MLB (and, to an extent, the NBA and NHL), it's cool to see a club from BY FAR the smallest market in big-league sports play on the biggest stage of them all.
The Packers are easy to root for. And for me, they're easy to pick, too.
Packers 23, Steelers 20.
^
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
$tep right up, NCAA amateur$!
^
The biggest day in professional football is just about here.
No, not the Super Bowl, silly.
National Letter of Intent Day!
^
The biggest day in professional football is just about here.
No, not the Super Bowl, silly.
National Letter of Intent Day!
^
Friday, January 21, 2011
Prediction: A Super Sunday Parity Party
^
Whichever QB gets pounded less will win.
It says here that will be Aaron Rodgers, who also happens to be a significantly better QB than Jay Cutler.
Packers 17, Bears 13.
Also: Jets 20, Steelers 17. Why? Why not?
Two No. 6 seeds in the Super Bowl ... Pete Rozelle's dream finally will have come true.
^
Whichever QB gets pounded less will win.
It says here that will be Aaron Rodgers, who also happens to be a significantly better QB than Jay Cutler.
Packers 17, Bears 13.
Also: Jets 20, Steelers 17. Why? Why not?
Two No. 6 seeds in the Super Bowl ... Pete Rozelle's dream finally will have come true.
^
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Today's High 5 - NFL Playoff Edition
^
5. Just wondering if Cam Newton's father will be his agent in the NFL, too. And, if so, will Mr. Newton manage to get his son even more money than he did at the Triple-A level?
4. Ray Lewis vs. Ben Roethlisberger ... now there's a matchup of upstanding citizens. Can we root for both buses to run out of gas on the way to the stadium? As good as the Steelers are, they were no better at home this season (5-3) than the Ravens were on the road. So I'm smelling a road upset here. Either that, or Troy Polamalu needs to change shampoo brands again. Ravens 20, Steelers 19.
3. If the Packers really do have a running game, as certainly seemed to be the case in their playoff opener, they could run the table this postseason. Aaron Rodgers and their D are that good. Won't be easy to win in Atlanta, though. I mean, just ask any of the Atlanta franchises how difficult it is to win playoff games there! Packers 24, Falcons 20.
2. Despite going 7-9, the Seahawks got to host the Saints in their playoff opener. If only they had gone 4-12, they'd have gotten to host the Bears this Sunday, too. I'm trying to figure out if there is any possible way the Bears can blow this one, and I'm failing. We'll see if Jay Cutler proves me wrong by throwing to the same DB 4 times. Bears 27, Seahawks 10.
1. Gotta love all the trash-talking leading up to the Jets-Pats game. But enough about Rex Ryan. Given that Mark Sanchez usually messes up about four times a game ... and Tom Brady doesn't ... I'm going with Brady. Besides, without that player-tripping dude on their sideline, what chance do the Jets really have? Patriots 23, Jets 13.
^
5. Just wondering if Cam Newton's father will be his agent in the NFL, too. And, if so, will Mr. Newton manage to get his son even more money than he did at the Triple-A level?
4. Ray Lewis vs. Ben Roethlisberger ... now there's a matchup of upstanding citizens. Can we root for both buses to run out of gas on the way to the stadium? As good as the Steelers are, they were no better at home this season (5-3) than the Ravens were on the road. So I'm smelling a road upset here. Either that, or Troy Polamalu needs to change shampoo brands again. Ravens 20, Steelers 19.
3. If the Packers really do have a running game, as certainly seemed to be the case in their playoff opener, they could run the table this postseason. Aaron Rodgers and their D are that good. Won't be easy to win in Atlanta, though. I mean, just ask any of the Atlanta franchises how difficult it is to win playoff games there! Packers 24, Falcons 20.
2. Despite going 7-9, the Seahawks got to host the Saints in their playoff opener. If only they had gone 4-12, they'd have gotten to host the Bears this Sunday, too. I'm trying to figure out if there is any possible way the Bears can blow this one, and I'm failing. We'll see if Jay Cutler proves me wrong by throwing to the same DB 4 times. Bears 27, Seahawks 10.
1. Gotta love all the trash-talking leading up to the Jets-Pats game. But enough about Rex Ryan. Given that Mark Sanchez usually messes up about four times a game ... and Tom Brady doesn't ... I'm going with Brady. Besides, without that player-tripping dude on their sideline, what chance do the Jets really have? Patriots 23, Jets 13.
^
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
God to Steve Johnson: You're such a twit!
^
A few years (or maybe weeks) from now, when Twitter is but a distant memory from a bygone error, we will fondly recall the greatest tweet ever twitted -- the beleaguered God-baiting wail of Steve Johnson, whose dropped TD pass in OT cost the Bills a victory against the Steelers:
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO ...
This is beautiful on so many levels.
+++ Johnson believing God cares about the Bills, given Scott Norwood's wayward leg, Thurman Thomas' missing helmet and all that.
+++ Johnson actually thinking calling the Lord out publicly was a good idea.
+++ Johnson apparently threatening God (I'll never forget this!) before thinking better of it and thanking Him/Her.
+++ Johnson not being a hypocrite. For all the jocks who credit God for all things good, it's nice to see at least one rip the Lord when things go bad.
+++ Johnson using proper punctuation (more or less) in 5 of his 7 sentences.
And this just in: God's response ...
DON'T BLAME ME! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW BUFFALO STILL HAD A FOOTBALL TEAM!!!!!!
Note the correct punctuation and spelling. Even when twittering, the Almighty is infallable!
^
A few years (or maybe weeks) from now, when Twitter is but a distant memory from a bygone error, we will fondly recall the greatest tweet ever twitted -- the beleaguered God-baiting wail of Steve Johnson, whose dropped TD pass in OT cost the Bills a victory against the Steelers:
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO ...
This is beautiful on so many levels.
+++ Johnson believing God cares about the Bills, given Scott Norwood's wayward leg, Thurman Thomas' missing helmet and all that.
+++ Johnson actually thinking calling the Lord out publicly was a good idea.
+++ Johnson apparently threatening God (I'll never forget this!) before thinking better of it and thanking Him/Her.
+++ Johnson not being a hypocrite. For all the jocks who credit God for all things good, it's nice to see at least one rip the Lord when things go bad.
+++ Johnson using proper punctuation (more or less) in 5 of his 7 sentences.
And this just in: God's response ...
DON'T BLAME ME! I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW BUFFALO STILL HAD A FOOTBALL TEAM!!!!!!
Note the correct punctuation and spelling. Even when twittering, the Almighty is infallable!
^
Thursday, November 25, 2010
How 'bout a Big Mac for Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, so I'm back with my 13th edition of Turkey of the Year.
This tradition dates back to 1998, when Michael McCaskey had so mismanaged the Bears that his mommy took the team presidency away from him and sent him to his room without supper.
Since then, a veritable Who's Who of losers, lunkheads, dopers, dorks, bullies and boors have earned Top Turkey honors: Jerry Krause (1999); Bobby Knight (2000); David Wells & Frank Thomas (2001); Dick Jauron (2002); Sammy Sosa (2003 and 2004); Andy MacPhail, Jim Hendry & Dusty Baker (2005); Aramis Ramirez (2006); Charlie Weis (2007); Choking Cubbies (2008); Milton Bradley (2009).
You'll notice that most of those fine folks had Chicago connections. Even Knight (Big Ten) and Weis (Notre Dame) were in the region. That's because I columnized and blogged mostly about Chicago sports during those years.
Now that I'm a man of the world (North Carolina is part of the world, right?), the 2010 Turkey Countdown has a much different look.
As always, I dedicate this tradition to my absent friend, Gene Seymour, my Copley columnist predecessor and one of the great guys I ever encountered in journalism.
So let's get to it ...
10. OMAR MINAYA. Architect of the most expensive losers in baseball. Hey, at least the Mets were champs of something during Minaya's run as General Mismanager!
9. BOBBY KNIGHT. Mr. I Hate The Media is now part of the media. And on this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that most members of the sports media are better at their jobs than Bobby is at his. The man is so awful as an ESPN analyst that I find myself wishing Dickie V were on the telecast instead. Really.
8. BRETT FAVRE. Seems the only thing he can make up his mind about is being a sleazebag.
7. MLB UMPS. I get that they have a tough job and that it's almost unfair to judge them based upon super-slo-mo replays. But these guys are so routinely bad that it's almost surprising when they get big calls right. And unlike Jim Joyce, most umps take no responsibility for their incompetence.
6. PETE CARROLL and REGGIE BUSH. They teamed up to do what no opponent could: bring USC football to its knees. They didn't even stick around to deal with the carnage they wrought, having bolted for the big bucks of the NFL. Makes you want to tell Reggie what he can do with that trophy.
5. BEN ROETHLISBERGER. Big Ben ... Good QB ... Bad Guy.
4. BRUCE PEARL. Years after he ratted out a dirty Illinois program, we learn that he's been running an even dirtier program at Tennessee. Wearing ugly orange blazers isn't punishment enough for this phony jerk.
3. LeBRON JAMES. Put on one of the most unnecessary, self-serving productions in the history of the world. But at least his talents have helped the Heat to an 8-7 start.
2. TIGER WOODS. Marriage? Over. PGA Tour victories? Zip. Ryder Cup? Back in Europe. New endorsement deals? Nada. No. 1 ranking? Now belongs to Lee Westwood. Talk about a rough year for the guy who had been the world's dominant athlete for more than a decade. I guess only bad things happen when a guy can't control his Eldrick.
And now ... drumstick roll, please ... the 2010 Turkey of the Year:
MARK McGWIRE.
Big Mac finally admitted he spent years juicing - and spent years lying about it. But even his admission was full of misleading statements.
He claimed he only juiced so he could stay healthy enough to play but then said his juicing had nothing to do with his home-run totals. Uh ... hello? How do you get the HRs without staying on the field? It's hard to believe McGwire was too stupid to make the connection, so we'll just assume he was being his deceitful self.
He obviously came clean for only two reasons: One, to clear his conscience. And two, to get the job as Cardinals hitting coach for his Chief Enabler, Tony La Russa. McGwire then worked wonders with St. Louis batters, who finished in the middle of the pack in most categories. Remember: This is a group that includes the best hitter in baseball.
Redbird bats really slumbered down the stretch. And as McGwire's charges faded, the Cardinals handed Cincinnati the division title.
Sadly, Cardinals fans - who like to call themselves baseball's best - took every opportunity to cheer their beloved cheater, liar and fraud.
Turns out, they got exactly what they deserved in 2010.
^
This tradition dates back to 1998, when Michael McCaskey had so mismanaged the Bears that his mommy took the team presidency away from him and sent him to his room without supper.
Since then, a veritable Who's Who of losers, lunkheads, dopers, dorks, bullies and boors have earned Top Turkey honors: Jerry Krause (1999); Bobby Knight (2000); David Wells & Frank Thomas (2001); Dick Jauron (2002); Sammy Sosa (2003 and 2004); Andy MacPhail, Jim Hendry & Dusty Baker (2005); Aramis Ramirez (2006); Charlie Weis (2007); Choking Cubbies (2008); Milton Bradley (2009).
You'll notice that most of those fine folks had Chicago connections. Even Knight (Big Ten) and Weis (Notre Dame) were in the region. That's because I columnized and blogged mostly about Chicago sports during those years.
Now that I'm a man of the world (North Carolina is part of the world, right?), the 2010 Turkey Countdown has a much different look.
As always, I dedicate this tradition to my absent friend, Gene Seymour, my Copley columnist predecessor and one of the great guys I ever encountered in journalism.
So let's get to it ...
10. OMAR MINAYA. Architect of the most expensive losers in baseball. Hey, at least the Mets were champs of something during Minaya's run as General Mismanager!
9. BOBBY KNIGHT. Mr. I Hate The Media is now part of the media. And on this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that most members of the sports media are better at their jobs than Bobby is at his. The man is so awful as an ESPN analyst that I find myself wishing Dickie V were on the telecast instead. Really.
8. BRETT FAVRE. Seems the only thing he can make up his mind about is being a sleazebag.
7. MLB UMPS. I get that they have a tough job and that it's almost unfair to judge them based upon super-slo-mo replays. But these guys are so routinely bad that it's almost surprising when they get big calls right. And unlike Jim Joyce, most umps take no responsibility for their incompetence.
6. PETE CARROLL and REGGIE BUSH. They teamed up to do what no opponent could: bring USC football to its knees. They didn't even stick around to deal with the carnage they wrought, having bolted for the big bucks of the NFL. Makes you want to tell Reggie what he can do with that trophy.
5. BEN ROETHLISBERGER. Big Ben ... Good QB ... Bad Guy.
4. BRUCE PEARL. Years after he ratted out a dirty Illinois program, we learn that he's been running an even dirtier program at Tennessee. Wearing ugly orange blazers isn't punishment enough for this phony jerk.
3. LeBRON JAMES. Put on one of the most unnecessary, self-serving productions in the history of the world. But at least his talents have helped the Heat to an 8-7 start.
2. TIGER WOODS. Marriage? Over. PGA Tour victories? Zip. Ryder Cup? Back in Europe. New endorsement deals? Nada. No. 1 ranking? Now belongs to Lee Westwood. Talk about a rough year for the guy who had been the world's dominant athlete for more than a decade. I guess only bad things happen when a guy can't control his Eldrick.
And now ... drumstick roll, please ... the 2010 Turkey of the Year:
MARK McGWIRE.
Big Mac finally admitted he spent years juicing - and spent years lying about it. But even his admission was full of misleading statements.
He claimed he only juiced so he could stay healthy enough to play but then said his juicing had nothing to do with his home-run totals. Uh ... hello? How do you get the HRs without staying on the field? It's hard to believe McGwire was too stupid to make the connection, so we'll just assume he was being his deceitful self.
He obviously came clean for only two reasons: One, to clear his conscience. And two, to get the job as Cardinals hitting coach for his Chief Enabler, Tony La Russa. McGwire then worked wonders with St. Louis batters, who finished in the middle of the pack in most categories. Remember: This is a group that includes the best hitter in baseball.
Redbird bats really slumbered down the stretch. And as McGwire's charges faded, the Cardinals handed Cincinnati the division title.
Sadly, Cardinals fans - who like to call themselves baseball's best - took every opportunity to cheer their beloved cheater, liar and fraud.
Turns out, they got exactly what they deserved in 2010.
^
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Anything - anything! - but the NFL draft!!!!
^
Well, the worst day in sports just keeps growing. Now, it's the worst extended weekend in sports.
Well, the worst day in sports just keeps growing. Now, it's the worst extended weekend in sports.
The only five things in sports worse than watching the NFL Draft on ESPN:
5. Paying Carlos Zambrano $91.5 million to be a set-up man. (Not that any team would be stupid enough to do that.)
4. Running one's fingers through Mel Kiper Jr.'s hair.
3. Forking over hard-earned money to watch the White Sox lose 12-0 on a 39-degree night at The Cell.
2. Having to suck up to Jay Cutler, as everybody in the Bears organization has to do.
1. Letting one's daughter hang out with Ben Roethlisberger.
3. Forking over hard-earned money to watch the White Sox lose 12-0 on a 39-degree night at The Cell.
2. Having to suck up to Jay Cutler, as everybody in the Bears organization has to do.
1. Letting one's daughter hang out with Ben Roethlisberger.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Just three more steps and I'm calling you for traveling!
^
The Bald Truth
Absolutely thrilled that the NBA and its referees have agreed on a new contract.
It will be nice to hear the players stop whining about the horrible replacement refs so they can get back to whining about the horrible regular refs.
The Balder Truth
With Ozzie Guillen set to do TV work during the World Series, word is that Fox will be using new technology they're calling "double-strength 7-second delay."
THE BALDEST TRUTH
Prediction time: The Vikings will lose in Pittsburgh and the Saints will fall in Miami, leaving only the Broncos and Colts with unbeaten records.
The Broncos have a bye this week. And the Colts have something even better than a bye - a practice game against the Rams.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Don't blame Milton Bradley for being Milton Bradley
^
The Bald Truth
Milton Bradley has some serious emotional problems. He needs help ... and he has the means to afford it.
Strangely, I feel a little sorry for the man. I mean, he can't help it if he's Milton Bradley. That's all he knows how to be. He didn't hold a gun to Cubbie boss Jim Hendry's head to make Hendry sign him (though, admit it, you wouldn't be surprised if he had).
Hendry on Sunday suspended Bradley for the rest of the season, officially admitting he made the kind of mistake that can ruin a season and set a franchise back several years.
Or, in the case of this franchise, several decades.
Several more decades.
The Balder Truth
Full disclosure: While I preferred Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu to Bradley, I said at the time of the signing that Bradley made some sense because the laid-back Cubbie clubhouse needed a little pizzazz. In fact, I said that if I were a Cubs fan, I'd have been more concerned about Bradley's history of injuries than about his history of mental instability.
Well, I was wrong. Unlike Jim Hendry, however, I am not paid by Chicago National League Ball Club Inc. to be right. That $30 million mistake won't help Hendry - who had a terrible 2008-09 offseason - in the eyes of the team's new ownership. (Hendry's own long-term contract might help him survive at least another season, though.)
In typical Cubbie fashion, Hendry didn't suspend Bradley for being either a bad teammate or a bad ballplayer.
No, the GM suspended Bradley for being himself.
Hendry made the move after Bradley told Daily Herald beat writer Bruce Miles this when asked if he had enjoyed his first season in Cubbieland:
"Not really. It's just not a positive environment. I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment. There's too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Everything is just bashing you. You got out there and you play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it. It's just negativity. And you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here, because it's negative."
100 ... 101 ... who am I to quibble about a year here or a century there?
Bradley never got it. He never got that if you're the $30 million newcomer who was supposed to be the final piece of a championship puzzle and you instead drive in fewer runs than Mike Fontenot, you are going to be criticized. Then, when you blame everybody but yourself - over and over and over again - you are going to be disliked.
Obviously, Chicago was a terrible fit for Bradley, who needs to go somewhere fans don't care and where us annoying media types are few and far between.
Then again, they already had him in San Diego, right?
But hey, don't be too hard on the man. Asking Milton Bradley to be somebody other than Milton Bradley is like asking a nun to stop crossing herself or a gerbil to stop nibbling on wood shavings.
Good thing for Milton: Thirty million bucks buys a lot of psychoanalysis.
Really. I'm not kidding.
If he isn't already seeing a shrink, he needs to start. If he is, he needs to find a new one.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
Nice job by Robbie Gould to come through in the clutch for the Bears after:
A. His Steelers counterpart, Jeff Reed, blew two big field-goal attempts and ...
2. His coach, Lovie Smith, risked freezing his own kicker by calling time-out before Gould's winning kick.
The Bald Truth
Milton Bradley has some serious emotional problems. He needs help ... and he has the means to afford it.
Strangely, I feel a little sorry for the man. I mean, he can't help it if he's Milton Bradley. That's all he knows how to be. He didn't hold a gun to Cubbie boss Jim Hendry's head to make Hendry sign him (though, admit it, you wouldn't be surprised if he had).
Hendry on Sunday suspended Bradley for the rest of the season, officially admitting he made the kind of mistake that can ruin a season and set a franchise back several years.
Or, in the case of this franchise, several decades.
Several more decades.
The Balder Truth
Full disclosure: While I preferred Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu to Bradley, I said at the time of the signing that Bradley made some sense because the laid-back Cubbie clubhouse needed a little pizzazz. In fact, I said that if I were a Cubs fan, I'd have been more concerned about Bradley's history of injuries than about his history of mental instability.
Well, I was wrong. Unlike Jim Hendry, however, I am not paid by Chicago National League Ball Club Inc. to be right. That $30 million mistake won't help Hendry - who had a terrible 2008-09 offseason - in the eyes of the team's new ownership. (Hendry's own long-term contract might help him survive at least another season, though.)
In typical Cubbie fashion, Hendry didn't suspend Bradley for being either a bad teammate or a bad ballplayer.
No, the GM suspended Bradley for being himself.
Hendry made the move after Bradley told Daily Herald beat writer Bruce Miles this when asked if he had enjoyed his first season in Cubbieland:
"Not really. It's just not a positive environment. I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment. There's too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Everything is just bashing you. You got out there and you play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it. It's just negativity. And you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here, because it's negative."
100 ... 101 ... who am I to quibble about a year here or a century there?
Bradley never got it. He never got that if you're the $30 million newcomer who was supposed to be the final piece of a championship puzzle and you instead drive in fewer runs than Mike Fontenot, you are going to be criticized. Then, when you blame everybody but yourself - over and over and over again - you are going to be disliked.
Obviously, Chicago was a terrible fit for Bradley, who needs to go somewhere fans don't care and where us annoying media types are few and far between.
Then again, they already had him in San Diego, right?
But hey, don't be too hard on the man. Asking Milton Bradley to be somebody other than Milton Bradley is like asking a nun to stop crossing herself or a gerbil to stop nibbling on wood shavings.
Good thing for Milton: Thirty million bucks buys a lot of psychoanalysis.
Really. I'm not kidding.
If he isn't already seeing a shrink, he needs to start. If he is, he needs to find a new one.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
Nice job by Robbie Gould to come through in the clutch for the Bears after:
A. His Steelers counterpart, Jeff Reed, blew two big field-goal attempts and ...
2. His coach, Lovie Smith, risked freezing his own kicker by calling time-out before Gould's winning kick.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Phil wins again, Ozzie strategizes, Lou lets buddy take a fall
^
The Bald Truth
He is smug, condescending and egotistical. Often full of crap, too. Phil Jackson also is a 10-time champion.
Yes, he's had great players. Hello! What winning coach hasn't? Red Auerbach had a few great players, too. So did Scotty Bowman, Pat Riley, Casey Stengel, Chuck Noll, Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Miller Huggins, etc.
Think about all the superstars those great winners coached/managed ... and not a one
of them won 10 titles.
Jackson's secret? He empowered his players to believe in themselves and in each other. He put his players in position to succeed, getting the most out of what they could do and rarely asking them to do something they couldn't. Mostly, he was willing to get out of his very best players' way and let them lead.
Yes, Michael and Kobe were/are great players. No, Jackson never won a title without them. But you know what? They never won without him, either, and they had plenty of chances to do so.
Next Verse
No longer can Shaquille O'Neal say Kobe needed The Big Attention Hog to win championships. Fact is, Shaq never came close to winning without being carried by a great game-closer - first Kobe, then Dwyane Wade.
Anybody who thinks it was the other way around wasn't paying close enough attention.
The Balder Truth
The few who begrudgingly give Ozzie Guillen credit for being a good manager usually cite his motivational abilities. As a strategist, well, to his critics he's no Tony La Russa, no Mike Scioscia, no Bobby Cox.
Whatever.
All I know is that not many managers would have given A.J. Pierzynski the green light in the ninth inning of a tie game with two on, two out and a 3-0 count against Trevor Hoffman, a future Hall of Famer who hadn't allowed a run all season.
Ozzie did. A.J. singled. And the White Sox beat the Brewers, with Guillen outmanaging his Milwaukee counterpart for the second straight day using NL rules.
The Quote
"One thing about Wrigley Field, I puke every time I go there." - Ozzie Guillen
Yep, this is gonna be a fun week of Chicago baseball, kids.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
In canning Lou Piniella's hand-picked hitting coach, Gerald Perry, it is clear that Jim Hendry used his authority as Cubs GM to pull rank on Sweet Lou.
That means something.
For one thing, it means Piniella has less control than most of us thought he did.
For another, it means a desperate Hendry has shifted into cover-my-ass mode: I brought in these hitters. Therefore, they can hit. If they aren't hitting, it must be somebody else's fault.
There have been hundreds of Cubbie scapegoats over the years, so Perry has to get in line. But facts are facts: Right up until the day before the move, Lou was singing Perry's praises.
That the skipper would just sit there and let his friend fall on the team's sword tells us more about Lou than we knew 24 hours earlier.
I like Lou, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little disappointed in him.
The Bald Truth
He is smug, condescending and egotistical. Often full of crap, too. Phil Jackson also is a 10-time champion.
Yes, he's had great players. Hello! What winning coach hasn't? Red Auerbach had a few great players, too. So did Scotty Bowman, Pat Riley, Casey Stengel, Chuck Noll, Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Miller Huggins, etc.
Think about all the superstars those great winners coached/managed ... and not a one
of them won 10 titles.
Jackson's secret? He empowered his players to believe in themselves and in each other. He put his players in position to succeed, getting the most out of what they could do and rarely asking them to do something they couldn't. Mostly, he was willing to get out of his very best players' way and let them lead.
Yes, Michael and Kobe were/are great players. No, Jackson never won a title without them. But you know what? They never won without him, either, and they had plenty of chances to do so.
Next Verse
No longer can Shaquille O'Neal say Kobe needed The Big Attention Hog to win championships. Fact is, Shaq never came close to winning without being carried by a great game-closer - first Kobe, then Dwyane Wade.
Anybody who thinks it was the other way around wasn't paying close enough attention.
The Balder Truth
The few who begrudgingly give Ozzie Guillen credit for being a good manager usually cite his motivational abilities. As a strategist, well, to his critics he's no Tony La Russa, no Mike Scioscia, no Bobby Cox.
Whatever.
All I know is that not many managers would have given A.J. Pierzynski the green light in the ninth inning of a tie game with two on, two out and a 3-0 count against Trevor Hoffman, a future Hall of Famer who hadn't allowed a run all season.
Ozzie did. A.J. singled. And the White Sox beat the Brewers, with Guillen outmanaging his Milwaukee counterpart for the second straight day using NL rules.
The Quote
"One thing about Wrigley Field, I puke every time I go there." - Ozzie Guillen
Yep, this is gonna be a fun week of Chicago baseball, kids.
THE BALDEST TRUTH
In canning Lou Piniella's hand-picked hitting coach, Gerald Perry, it is clear that Jim Hendry used his authority as Cubs GM to pull rank on Sweet Lou.
That means something.
For one thing, it means Piniella has less control than most of us thought he did.
For another, it means a desperate Hendry has shifted into cover-my-ass mode: I brought in these hitters. Therefore, they can hit. If they aren't hitting, it must be somebody else's fault.
There have been hundreds of Cubbie scapegoats over the years, so Perry has to get in line. But facts are facts: Right up until the day before the move, Lou was singing Perry's praises.
That the skipper would just sit there and let his friend fall on the team's sword tells us more about Lou than we knew 24 hours earlier.
I like Lou, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little disappointed in him.
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