Many sports fans turn to the NFL when their baseball teams are knocked out of playoff contention and the month of October swirls around. Baseball is my favorite professional sport and I actually get depressed when it ends. I start counting down the days to Spring Training. I love watching the games or listening to the broadcasts on the radio. I do not mind the pace of the game itself or the fact some games take hours to end. Boring is not something I’ve ever associated with baseball.
I remember when I was growing up, I would always ask my dad, mom, sister, or anyone else who had a hand that fit my extra Rawlings leather baseball glove to play catch with me outside. Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer was not a concern. I would play catch any time, anywhere. My dad was my usual throwing partner. He would toss the ball high in the air and I would pretend to be an outfielder coming in on a lazy fly ball. Then he would sidearm a twirling toss to the ground, it would conveniently hop into my glove, and I would make the scooping pickup like a showy shortstop. Next, a sharp shot would sting the back of my hand as he nailed a linedrive to me at third base. Any scenario was possible and it was those moments that made me a great player. I learned to prepare for any position on the field and was provided the knowledge of situational baseball.
I was a pitcher for my Little League softball team. Ironically, the team was the Phillies and we were pathetic. The Phillies came in last place every year, had rinky-dink, retro-looking uniforms and were known as the laughing stock around the league. I was considered the best player on the team and one of the best pitchers in the entire league. I was a star on a team of bad news Bears basically. I remember the countless pitching sessions I had in my backyard as my dad squatted and played the backstop position. Every time I took the mound in a Little League game, I focused on the catcher’s glove in order to throw strikes. That is not unusual because you do need a target to throw to. But what went through my head were images of being in my backyard throwing to my father. I pretended the batter was my best friend or sister and it made pitching out there quite frankly, easy. I was used to striking out ten batters in one game but losing my one run because of a passed ball or an error on the field. I was used to being down by five runs but continuing to baffle batters with my pitches. The Phillies were losers and I learned how to accept losing. I learned how to motivate myself to improve despite being handed a hopeless, futile team. I think what I learned in addition to how to pitch to each batter was how to mentally prepare for each situation. I was involved in every single pitch when my team was on the field. I had a hand in every batter that crossed my path. That is why I love following the game of baseball and watching each and every pitch of each and every inning. It’s my belief you have to experience the game to enjoy it. Winning is most enjoyable of course, and when the Phillies changed their team name to the Reds, we finally won our league championship. I still have the 1995 trophy placed high on top my bookshelf at home. It’s my most proud possession and I am not ashamed to admit that. I waited a long time to win but I always imagined I would while I was pitching to my father in our quaint backyard. My father was my greatest influence as I reflect on those dubious days of burgundy baseball.
Parting points: “Success—it’s what you do with what you’ve got” -Woody Hayes
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wiffin’ Willie Wilson While Watchful World Waits
Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia lived to tell the tale of a World Series Game 6 on Tuesday, October 21, 1980. Twenty eight years ago, world championship baseball was initiated for the hometown Phillies. In the crisp autumn night, a clutch Kansas City Royals leadoff leftfielder named Willie Wilson ambled to home plate. Phillies rambunctious relief pitcher, Tug McGraw clung to a 4-1 lead. The bases were loaded in the top of the ninth inning. Starter, Steve Carlton, had endured an efficient mound effort that evening. “Lefty” was on track to win his second game of the dramatic 1980 World Series if McGraw could secure the final out. Talented all-star third baseman, Mike Schmidt, batted .381 in the Fall classic and anchored the lineup in game six. Schmidt smugly hit safely, showing he was the driving force in the October 21st lineup.
Wilson worked a 2-1 count before sheepishly striking out with a swing and miss on a sluggish McGraw fastball. The fighting 1980 Phillies won the World Series and they remind me so much of the 2008 Philadelphia team. The fiery shortstop, Larry Bowa, could be an older version of the intense Jimmy Rollins. Nerve-racking but surefire closer Brad Lidge is this year’s Tug McGraw. Cole Hamels is the confident and quiet Steve Carlton going about his business on the mound. The “Flying Hawaiian” Shane Victorino shows signs of becoming the next “Charlie Hustle” Pete Rose. MVP Mike Schmidt reminds me of MVP first baseman Ryan Howard with his strength and power. And both players are class acts. Veteran 1980 Phillie Greg Luzinski compares to Jamie Moyer. I see a little bit of Bret Boone in Pat Burrell. Second baseman Manny Trillo was signed as an amateur free agent and bounced around from team to team like Matt Stairs has done. Bob Walk pitched one season for the ’80 team similar to JC Romero performing one full season in Philadelphia. Brett Myers and Dick Ruthven were both drafted by the Phillies as starting pitchers. The 1980 Phillies had Bake McBride, Tim McCarver and Garry Maddox. This year, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Jayson Werth are key components. Head coaches Dallas Green and Charlie Manuel bring a high level of professionalism to the Phillies organization. The parallels are all there. The one major component missing from this series is Veterans Stadium. If the series does go six games and the Phillies happen to win again, the victory will occur in Florida. I can see it happening—another six game Phillies world championship series for the city of Brotherly Love.
Parting points: Four days and counting down until the Big 10 showdown between Ohio State and Penn State.
Song of the day: “Where it’s at” by Beck
Wilson worked a 2-1 count before sheepishly striking out with a swing and miss on a sluggish McGraw fastball. The fighting 1980 Phillies won the World Series and they remind me so much of the 2008 Philadelphia team. The fiery shortstop, Larry Bowa, could be an older version of the intense Jimmy Rollins. Nerve-racking but surefire closer Brad Lidge is this year’s Tug McGraw. Cole Hamels is the confident and quiet Steve Carlton going about his business on the mound. The “Flying Hawaiian” Shane Victorino shows signs of becoming the next “Charlie Hustle” Pete Rose. MVP Mike Schmidt reminds me of MVP first baseman Ryan Howard with his strength and power. And both players are class acts. Veteran 1980 Phillie Greg Luzinski compares to Jamie Moyer. I see a little bit of Bret Boone in Pat Burrell. Second baseman Manny Trillo was signed as an amateur free agent and bounced around from team to team like Matt Stairs has done. Bob Walk pitched one season for the ’80 team similar to JC Romero performing one full season in Philadelphia. Brett Myers and Dick Ruthven were both drafted by the Phillies as starting pitchers. The 1980 Phillies had Bake McBride, Tim McCarver and Garry Maddox. This year, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Jayson Werth are key components. Head coaches Dallas Green and Charlie Manuel bring a high level of professionalism to the Phillies organization. The parallels are all there. The one major component missing from this series is Veterans Stadium. If the series does go six games and the Phillies happen to win again, the victory will occur in Florida. I can see it happening—another six game Phillies world championship series for the city of Brotherly Love.
Parting points: Four days and counting down until the Big 10 showdown between Ohio State and Penn State.
Song of the day: “Where it’s at” by Beck
Monday, October 20, 2008
Resilient Rocco Rules Rays
I’m fascinated with Rays’ centerfielder Rocco Badelli. Baldelli beckons notions of Lou Gehrig. Rocco is reminiscent of the iconic Iron Horse in stature, style and skillfulness. Their fragile but fluid manner is comparable. Sinuous and supply, the structured stars shine when they swing. In the field, all eyes extract their attention. Baldelli’s pure gift for the game and fielding forte effect affection in my heart. I am fond of his diamond displays and natural knack for baseball. Gehrig causes the same feelings to stir up in my soul whenever I read about him or watch film of his days in pinstripes. Gehrig was the prototypical, epitome of respect and humility. Rocco exhibits all those traits and qualities even if he is the least likely to ever break a consecutive games played record. Both players are the soft-spoken leaders who define their teams.
I declared Baldelli my favorite major leaguer in 2003 despite him playing for the division rival Devil Rays. His first season in Tampa Bay was incredibly over hyped. Many sportswriters, scouts and coaches declared him the next Joe DiMaggio. He shared the Clippers’ position and jersey number 5. Baldelli finished his rookie year with a standout 78 RBIs and respectable .289 batting average. He is a free swinger at the plate so his strikeouts were glaring numbers. The speedster stole 27 bases in 2003 and had a incredible .989 fielding percentage. As far as five tool players went, Rocco ranked right up there.
Maybe it was the Yankees’ lack of a homegrown kid with raw talent or the need to associate with an anonymous athlete that attracted me to Baldelli. Rocco drew me in somehow though and I’ve not stopped following his career. Through injury setbacks, struggling teams and being handed unfair standards and placed on a pedestal, Rocco remained the same player. He’s been on the disabled list more often than some who’ve been in the league for a dozen years. But, his endurance and overall perserverance deserve mention. Baldelli’s go-ahead hit against Boston last night was a sweet scene for this Rocco supporter. In Monday’s 9-1 socking of the Sox, Baldelli had 3 RBI’s. He’s an unsung hero, much like my hero Lou Gehrig was in NY. Gehrig played in the shadows of Babe Ruth. Rocco doesn’t stand out either. His team of up-and-comers Evan Longoria, BJ Upton and David Price overshadow the centerfielder. He is even considered one of the older, more experienced players on the team. The 26 year old has been almost a mentor to the newbies.
I was saddened by the news of Rocco’s mitochondrial abnormalities. It seems to hinder his performance and cause him fatigue. Some days, he cannot go all out because his body just won’t allow it. His muscles do not work or recover as they should. Gehrig suffered later in his career from ALS. We all remember his Fourth of July speech at Yankee Stadium with tears and the way he accepted the challenge of fate. Rocco’s condition is not terminal but Baldelli is proving he has the same demeanor and outlook on life and in baseball. He is proving adversity wrong in order to play. The Rays have an option of re-signing their farm product after this year. Baldelli becomes a free agent at the end of 2008. I can think of no better home than the Bronx for Baldelli. He’s injury prone and not the same prospect he once was, but would be a terrific Yankees. Looking back on the Rays of 2003, you can argue Rocco started it all. He was the focal point and centerpiece the team was built around. Look where they are now and how far they’ve come. Wednesday night, the baby Rays will play their first game in the World Series of baseball.
Parting points: I was happy to read Mark Ellis was given a two year contract with Oakland. The A’s second baseman has also been a favorite of mine, along with third baseman Eric Chavez.
I declared Baldelli my favorite major leaguer in 2003 despite him playing for the division rival Devil Rays. His first season in Tampa Bay was incredibly over hyped. Many sportswriters, scouts and coaches declared him the next Joe DiMaggio. He shared the Clippers’ position and jersey number 5. Baldelli finished his rookie year with a standout 78 RBIs and respectable .289 batting average. He is a free swinger at the plate so his strikeouts were glaring numbers. The speedster stole 27 bases in 2003 and had a incredible .989 fielding percentage. As far as five tool players went, Rocco ranked right up there.
Maybe it was the Yankees’ lack of a homegrown kid with raw talent or the need to associate with an anonymous athlete that attracted me to Baldelli. Rocco drew me in somehow though and I’ve not stopped following his career. Through injury setbacks, struggling teams and being handed unfair standards and placed on a pedestal, Rocco remained the same player. He’s been on the disabled list more often than some who’ve been in the league for a dozen years. But, his endurance and overall perserverance deserve mention. Baldelli’s go-ahead hit against Boston last night was a sweet scene for this Rocco supporter. In Monday’s 9-1 socking of the Sox, Baldelli had 3 RBI’s. He’s an unsung hero, much like my hero Lou Gehrig was in NY. Gehrig played in the shadows of Babe Ruth. Rocco doesn’t stand out either. His team of up-and-comers Evan Longoria, BJ Upton and David Price overshadow the centerfielder. He is even considered one of the older, more experienced players on the team. The 26 year old has been almost a mentor to the newbies.
I was saddened by the news of Rocco’s mitochondrial abnormalities. It seems to hinder his performance and cause him fatigue. Some days, he cannot go all out because his body just won’t allow it. His muscles do not work or recover as they should. Gehrig suffered later in his career from ALS. We all remember his Fourth of July speech at Yankee Stadium with tears and the way he accepted the challenge of fate. Rocco’s condition is not terminal but Baldelli is proving he has the same demeanor and outlook on life and in baseball. He is proving adversity wrong in order to play. The Rays have an option of re-signing their farm product after this year. Baldelli becomes a free agent at the end of 2008. I can think of no better home than the Bronx for Baldelli. He’s injury prone and not the same prospect he once was, but would be a terrific Yankees. Looking back on the Rays of 2003, you can argue Rocco started it all. He was the focal point and centerpiece the team was built around. Look where they are now and how far they’ve come. Wednesday night, the baby Rays will play their first game in the World Series of baseball.
Parting points: I was happy to read Mark Ellis was given a two year contract with Oakland. The A’s second baseman has also been a favorite of mine, along with third baseman Eric Chavez.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Lovin' L.A.
The NHL season is officially underway and although I do not watch the games often, I frequently check the scores around the league. My interest in the L.A. Kings started when I was young and my parents bought me Kings Flannel pajamas for Christmas. I am not sure why that particular sports team would even be on display in a New York children’s store, but it probably had something to do with Wayne Gretzky. The Great One skated for LA back then, and he was my favorite player. I became a N.J. Devils fan the year they won the Stanley Cup but have always allotted some attention to the Kings.
This years’ team appears to be an arrangement of amateurs. They won their first game against the Ducks in an efficient manner. Their next notch on the NHL belt presented a come from behind win against Carolina. Terry Murray is the new Head Coach and boasts about his team not allowing a power play goal so far this season. While I doubt the Kings will keep that statistic up, I do feel they have become a better, more disciplined unit than they were last year. They are in rebuilding mode and Murray is remaining patient with the team newcomers. Murray seems to be focused on improving L.A.’s defense. With the loss of Jack Johnson to injury, it will be tough going in the beginning. I would love to see L.A. become a defensive minded team though.
Jason LaBarbera is the number one goalie for the Kings. He is only three years my elder but plays the net like a veteran. Jason has emerged as somewhat of a team leader having played three seasons for an inexperienced L.A. team. LaBarbera is not a very mobile goalie but he does make the saves he needs to make. He adjusts adeptly and shows smoothness, but needs to concentrate on becoming a consistent professional goalie. It wasn’t long ago he spent time playing goalie in the AHL. Murray seems to want him as a fulltime netminder, but the Kings do have the unseasoned Swede, Erik Ersberg, as a second option. Despite his size and strength, Erik is a hard worker and smart player.
Michal Handuz is the surprise Kings’ leading scorer. He scored twice against Carolina and has scored four total. After signing as a free agent from Chicago last season, Handuz only scored 7 goals for the Kings in 2007. Maybe this is a sign of him stepping it up and becoming more aggressive on offense.
Dustin Brown also has two goals on the year. Right winger Brown plays a demanding defensive style game, pursuing the opposition with tacit command. Since he was drafted in 2003, his scoring and assists have been up and down and he’s been injured on and off. I like Brown because he is power forward who makes big hits. Ironically, the knock on the kid is his lack of strength.
Youngster, Wayne Simmonds, scored his first NHL goal in the win over the Ducks. He slowly is solidifying his superiority and could join Handuz and Alexander Frolov on defense. Right wing Wayne is only 20 years old so his flaws are going to be there until he becomes more familiar with the league. The second round draft pick certainly has the potential to score twenty goals this season.
Twenty three year old, Kyle Quincey, was added to the blue line. Quincey is a great puck handler and works well on the left side with Matt Greene. Brown, Anze Kopitar and Patrick O’Sullivan, along with winger, Matt Moulson add intrigue to this Kings team. Magnificent Moulson is my age and can get to the net quickly, make things happen, and has stellar skating ability. He seems to play with admirable ambition and an instinctive grace too.
Kopitar is a budding future star at center, garnering constant consideration. The youthful Yugoslavian has two assists and a goal and is the Kings’ best overall player. His record-breaking career year in 2007 was remarkable enough to earn him an extension. This year, I expect more of the same from his all-around awesome style of hockey.
O’Sullivan has the skills to really make a difference in the assist department. Patrick is practically proficient at all up front positions. If he can play stronger defense when Kopitar and Moulson have the puck, the Kings will succeed.
I don’t know too much about the rest of the squad but am looking forward to a Pacific pounding out west. These may not be Wayne’s Kings, but I will root for their success anyway.
Parting points: “You don’t know what love is, you just do as your told” –The White Stripes
This years’ team appears to be an arrangement of amateurs. They won their first game against the Ducks in an efficient manner. Their next notch on the NHL belt presented a come from behind win against Carolina. Terry Murray is the new Head Coach and boasts about his team not allowing a power play goal so far this season. While I doubt the Kings will keep that statistic up, I do feel they have become a better, more disciplined unit than they were last year. They are in rebuilding mode and Murray is remaining patient with the team newcomers. Murray seems to be focused on improving L.A.’s defense. With the loss of Jack Johnson to injury, it will be tough going in the beginning. I would love to see L.A. become a defensive minded team though.
Jason LaBarbera is the number one goalie for the Kings. He is only three years my elder but plays the net like a veteran. Jason has emerged as somewhat of a team leader having played three seasons for an inexperienced L.A. team. LaBarbera is not a very mobile goalie but he does make the saves he needs to make. He adjusts adeptly and shows smoothness, but needs to concentrate on becoming a consistent professional goalie. It wasn’t long ago he spent time playing goalie in the AHL. Murray seems to want him as a fulltime netminder, but the Kings do have the unseasoned Swede, Erik Ersberg, as a second option. Despite his size and strength, Erik is a hard worker and smart player.
Michal Handuz is the surprise Kings’ leading scorer. He scored twice against Carolina and has scored four total. After signing as a free agent from Chicago last season, Handuz only scored 7 goals for the Kings in 2007. Maybe this is a sign of him stepping it up and becoming more aggressive on offense.
Dustin Brown also has two goals on the year. Right winger Brown plays a demanding defensive style game, pursuing the opposition with tacit command. Since he was drafted in 2003, his scoring and assists have been up and down and he’s been injured on and off. I like Brown because he is power forward who makes big hits. Ironically, the knock on the kid is his lack of strength.
Youngster, Wayne Simmonds, scored his first NHL goal in the win over the Ducks. He slowly is solidifying his superiority and could join Handuz and Alexander Frolov on defense. Right wing Wayne is only 20 years old so his flaws are going to be there until he becomes more familiar with the league. The second round draft pick certainly has the potential to score twenty goals this season.
Twenty three year old, Kyle Quincey, was added to the blue line. Quincey is a great puck handler and works well on the left side with Matt Greene. Brown, Anze Kopitar and Patrick O’Sullivan, along with winger, Matt Moulson add intrigue to this Kings team. Magnificent Moulson is my age and can get to the net quickly, make things happen, and has stellar skating ability. He seems to play with admirable ambition and an instinctive grace too.
Kopitar is a budding future star at center, garnering constant consideration. The youthful Yugoslavian has two assists and a goal and is the Kings’ best overall player. His record-breaking career year in 2007 was remarkable enough to earn him an extension. This year, I expect more of the same from his all-around awesome style of hockey.
O’Sullivan has the skills to really make a difference in the assist department. Patrick is practically proficient at all up front positions. If he can play stronger defense when Kopitar and Moulson have the puck, the Kings will succeed.
I don’t know too much about the rest of the squad but am looking forward to a Pacific pounding out west. These may not be Wayne’s Kings, but I will root for their success anyway.
Parting points: “You don’t know what love is, you just do as your told” –The White Stripes
“All I wanna do is have some fun until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard”- Sheryl Crow
Friday, October 17, 2008
Ringer, Romo, Red Sox & Routs
Red Sox fans must have been feeling like Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. David Ortiz couldn’t hit a lick in the league championship series and barely blasted the ball in the division series against Anaheim. Last night, however, he erupted with a vengeance as the Boston Red Sox shell-shocked the raw Rays from Tampa Bay. The Fenway faithful found fascination in a ferocious flood back win. Down by seven runs in the seventh, Boston clawed back, scoring eight runs over the final three innings. Their Great Pumpkin Big Papi led the charge with a towering homerun off Rays’ reliever, Grant Balfour. Why Joe Maddon decided to pull Scott Kazmir after a brilliant performance is baffling, but you have to credit Boston for finally flipping the switch on. Game 6 is going to be great.
So Tony Romo wants to play on Sunday against St. Louis despite breaking his pinky finger. The Cowboys’ fumbling quarterback would be wise to take a backseat at least for the week. It is not necessary to play hurt against a beat up Rams team. The Cowboys are good enough to win with Romo sidelined for Sunday. The Rams’ defense will know Romo is playing with a broken finger and pick on him all day.
Remember the name Ringer. Javon Ringer. No, it’s not the newest line of men’s fragrance in your local department store. He’s the star running back for the Michigan State Spartans. Ringer has 14 rushing touchdowns, which leads the nation this season. Michigan State is the 20th ranked team in college football and boasts a 6-1 record. The 6-1 Ohio State Buckeyes will play in East Lansing Saturday in a feature Big 10 game. Both are undefeated at 3-0 in the conference and both have excellent running backs. The Buckeyes are favored to win this road game, which makes me wary. Next week, Ohio State plays Penn State in what very well could be the Big 10 Championship determining game. I fear the team will be looking ahead to that game just like they did the week before playing out in Southern California. That time, they almost lost to an inferior Ohio team. Perhaps there were other factors (no Beanie Wells) for that squeaky win, but beware of the upset. I have this feeling OSU is going to lose the game and Javon Ringer is going to run wild on the defense. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is probably just as effective as Pryor is at this stage. Beanie Wells and Ringer are game changers and if Ringer outshines Beanie, Mark Dantonio’s Spartans will win. They can control the clock and time of possession with Ringer just like OSU can do (but often does not) with Wells. Michigan State is scary because they do not make many errors. The team does not turn the ball over but they are not good at defending the pass or run. If Ohio State is going to win this game, it will be on offense. Therefore, Pryor has to be more decisive with his passes and stop hesitating to make the big plays. Tressel has provided him with the options and this game would be a great opportunity to try a few of them out before facing Penn State in a week.
Here are a few more college games to keep an eye on:
Florida State won a close game, coming back to defeat NC State last night. Chief Osceloa should be proud of these Seminoles for putting together a 5-1 season thus far. I can’t say he would be too proud of the athletic department at FSU with all the infractions they are facing this week. Apparently, student athletes taking a course entitled, “Music of World Cultures” has been the focal point of a scandal. The NCAA is cracking down on the program and taking away scholarships, as they should. Division I athletes have plenty of perks academically and athletically. I’ve always believed it a privilege to play sports in college. Athletes do not deserve special treatment of extra benefits just because they are on a sports team. Kudos to a FSU for their third straight victory last night though.
Texas hosts Missouri in the clash of the colossal offenses. Chase Daniel is going to light up the Longhorns like a Jack-o-lantern in Texas. That doesn’t declare a Missouri win because Texas’ Colt McCoy we know can throw the ball with the best of them too. He has pinpoint control and a great arm. Look for the number one to go down again this week however. Missouri wins a close, high scoring game.
Alabama is number two? Ok, so Nick Saban has his team very focused. The running Crimson Tide and John Parker Wilson play the Ole Miss Rebels this week in what should result in another win. Jevon Snead is a quarterback who needs to limit his picks. He’s thrown the same number of touchdown passes and intercepted balls (9).
The Georgia Bulldogs are hard to read but I think they will beat surprising rising Vanderbilt this weekend in Athens. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno solidify the Georgia offense. Stafford has thrown for 8 scores and Moreno has three 100 yard games as his running back. The Bulldogs don’t lose or win pretty but they have held a #10 ranking. They did beat Tennessee this year, but that doesn’t tell you much. Vanderbilt is going to bench starting QB Chris Nickson. Nickson will be replaced by Mackenzi Adams, who brings a double whammy act as a rusher. He has 6 rushing touchdowns. Vandy is looking to avenge for last season’s heartbreaking loss when the ‘Dogs scored on a final play field goal.
North Carolina vs. Virginia. Another upset. I liked the Tar Heels all season long, but they are going to lose to Virginia in a rout.
Parting points: “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid” by the Offspring is spinning in my system.
So Tony Romo wants to play on Sunday against St. Louis despite breaking his pinky finger. The Cowboys’ fumbling quarterback would be wise to take a backseat at least for the week. It is not necessary to play hurt against a beat up Rams team. The Cowboys are good enough to win with Romo sidelined for Sunday. The Rams’ defense will know Romo is playing with a broken finger and pick on him all day.
Remember the name Ringer. Javon Ringer. No, it’s not the newest line of men’s fragrance in your local department store. He’s the star running back for the Michigan State Spartans. Ringer has 14 rushing touchdowns, which leads the nation this season. Michigan State is the 20th ranked team in college football and boasts a 6-1 record. The 6-1 Ohio State Buckeyes will play in East Lansing Saturday in a feature Big 10 game. Both are undefeated at 3-0 in the conference and both have excellent running backs. The Buckeyes are favored to win this road game, which makes me wary. Next week, Ohio State plays Penn State in what very well could be the Big 10 Championship determining game. I fear the team will be looking ahead to that game just like they did the week before playing out in Southern California. That time, they almost lost to an inferior Ohio team. Perhaps there were other factors (no Beanie Wells) for that squeaky win, but beware of the upset. I have this feeling OSU is going to lose the game and Javon Ringer is going to run wild on the defense. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is probably just as effective as Pryor is at this stage. Beanie Wells and Ringer are game changers and if Ringer outshines Beanie, Mark Dantonio’s Spartans will win. They can control the clock and time of possession with Ringer just like OSU can do (but often does not) with Wells. Michigan State is scary because they do not make many errors. The team does not turn the ball over but they are not good at defending the pass or run. If Ohio State is going to win this game, it will be on offense. Therefore, Pryor has to be more decisive with his passes and stop hesitating to make the big plays. Tressel has provided him with the options and this game would be a great opportunity to try a few of them out before facing Penn State in a week.
Here are a few more college games to keep an eye on:
Florida State won a close game, coming back to defeat NC State last night. Chief Osceloa should be proud of these Seminoles for putting together a 5-1 season thus far. I can’t say he would be too proud of the athletic department at FSU with all the infractions they are facing this week. Apparently, student athletes taking a course entitled, “Music of World Cultures” has been the focal point of a scandal. The NCAA is cracking down on the program and taking away scholarships, as they should. Division I athletes have plenty of perks academically and athletically. I’ve always believed it a privilege to play sports in college. Athletes do not deserve special treatment of extra benefits just because they are on a sports team. Kudos to a FSU for their third straight victory last night though.
Texas hosts Missouri in the clash of the colossal offenses. Chase Daniel is going to light up the Longhorns like a Jack-o-lantern in Texas. That doesn’t declare a Missouri win because Texas’ Colt McCoy we know can throw the ball with the best of them too. He has pinpoint control and a great arm. Look for the number one to go down again this week however. Missouri wins a close, high scoring game.
Alabama is number two? Ok, so Nick Saban has his team very focused. The running Crimson Tide and John Parker Wilson play the Ole Miss Rebels this week in what should result in another win. Jevon Snead is a quarterback who needs to limit his picks. He’s thrown the same number of touchdown passes and intercepted balls (9).
The Georgia Bulldogs are hard to read but I think they will beat surprising rising Vanderbilt this weekend in Athens. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno solidify the Georgia offense. Stafford has thrown for 8 scores and Moreno has three 100 yard games as his running back. The Bulldogs don’t lose or win pretty but they have held a #10 ranking. They did beat Tennessee this year, but that doesn’t tell you much. Vanderbilt is going to bench starting QB Chris Nickson. Nickson will be replaced by Mackenzi Adams, who brings a double whammy act as a rusher. He has 6 rushing touchdowns. Vandy is looking to avenge for last season’s heartbreaking loss when the ‘Dogs scored on a final play field goal.
North Carolina vs. Virginia. Another upset. I liked the Tar Heels all season long, but they are going to lose to Virginia in a rout.
Parting points: “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid” by the Offspring is spinning in my system.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Football's Fighting Four
The NFL’s NFC East division is without a doubt the most dominant. The four franchises that make up the league’s best allotment are all battle-tested teams. It’s going to get very interesting as we head into the middle of the schedule and the teams go head to head. I am going to break down and do some brief analyzes of the quarterbacks leading each team.
A talent crop of quality quarterbacks characterizes the NFC East. Dallas’ Tony Romo has a sparkling spiral. Eli Manning shines with safeguards surrounding his slight structure. Donovan McNabb shimmers his way to the sidelines in style. Jason Campbell has speed and stamina as a young starter. All four must be healthy in order for their offenses to gel and teams to thrive.
Tony Romo is the Golden Boy in Dallas. Romo sometimes rushes his passes, causing careless miscues. The biggest challenge for Tony is remaining cool and patient. When he takes his time and sets his feet, his showy flickering throws are a thing of beauty. You can see his potential and defenses should be warned of his rocket arm. The Cowboys may be without Felix Jones for several weeks and Tony is also out for at least four. Brad Johnson will take over in the meantime. Johnson is a credible backup quarterback but without Romo, the Cowboys are going to hurt. Jones the ball carrier is a very important piece to the Cowboys offensive puzzle and should not be overlooked. Good defensive teams will take advantage of a meek Dallas offense. The Redskins and Giants are defensive juggernauts. I think Romo will be back in time for the game against New York. That showdown could very well determine who wins the East. The Giants needs to pressure Romo and force him to be immobile and throw sputtering passes. I really was happy the Cowboys picked up Roy Williams. They may have given up too much for the former Detroit WR, but Williams will come up big in Big D for Romo.
Jason Campbell was the catalyst at Auburn and has been very good, not great, for Washington. At times he looks like a serious quarterback, with the skills to throw with variety and creativity. The Redskins do not have as good an offensive unit as the other teams but they aren’t without playmakers. Chris Cooley is the best tight end in the league and Santana Moss has excellent speed. Campbell, however, has suffered from quarterback schizophrenia. You just do not know what Jason you will get from week to week. He is prone to the turnover, although not as much as Romo can be.
Donovan McNabb’s agility render him a very aggressive quarterback. He’s an ideal athlete with a large, strong frame. These are his strengths because pass rushers have a hard time sacking him. McNabb’s experience with applied pressure and in big games will only take his team so far. His body has let him down because he cannot seem to remain on the field at 100 percent. Still, an 85 percent Donovan is better than most quarterbacks in the NFL. It was no problem scoring points against the 49ers last week and the Eagles have outscored their opponents like crazy in the games they’ve won. The real test has come against tougher teams and will be the determining factor when they go up against the NFC East’s bests. Right now, I feel the Eagles are the weakest link in the division. But with the parity in the league, that could all change quickly. The fact Philadelphia might be least likely to win the NFC East may be the most motivating thing going for them.
Eli Manning is not an accurate passer. He can be steady and we know his ability to excel late in games. He’s brought the Giants back many a time since he’s stepped up as their quarterback. Comparisons to his brother are uncalled for, but he does deserve more credit than he’s been given. The guy won a Superbowl MVP a year ago and has a good head on his shoulders. I sometimes have trouble trusting him because he takes risks on a somewhat conservative team. Manning has the best weapons as far as receivers and running backs are concerned. The Eagles’ Brian Westbrook is the best of the runners, but he has not been a factor due to injury this year. Felix Jones and Marion Barber present another great set of back in Dallas. But I like the three-prong attack New York imposes with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward. Clinton Portis is not the same runner for the Redskins as he was years ago but he can still bring it.
Again, anyway you look at it, the NFC East is the top division. A dogfight to the end is reason enough to watch football this year.
Parting points: I have a feeling USC is going to run the table from here on out. They have an easy schedule and I predict they will be in the national title picture again by years’ end in college football.
A talent crop of quality quarterbacks characterizes the NFC East. Dallas’ Tony Romo has a sparkling spiral. Eli Manning shines with safeguards surrounding his slight structure. Donovan McNabb shimmers his way to the sidelines in style. Jason Campbell has speed and stamina as a young starter. All four must be healthy in order for their offenses to gel and teams to thrive.
Tony Romo is the Golden Boy in Dallas. Romo sometimes rushes his passes, causing careless miscues. The biggest challenge for Tony is remaining cool and patient. When he takes his time and sets his feet, his showy flickering throws are a thing of beauty. You can see his potential and defenses should be warned of his rocket arm. The Cowboys may be without Felix Jones for several weeks and Tony is also out for at least four. Brad Johnson will take over in the meantime. Johnson is a credible backup quarterback but without Romo, the Cowboys are going to hurt. Jones the ball carrier is a very important piece to the Cowboys offensive puzzle and should not be overlooked. Good defensive teams will take advantage of a meek Dallas offense. The Redskins and Giants are defensive juggernauts. I think Romo will be back in time for the game against New York. That showdown could very well determine who wins the East. The Giants needs to pressure Romo and force him to be immobile and throw sputtering passes. I really was happy the Cowboys picked up Roy Williams. They may have given up too much for the former Detroit WR, but Williams will come up big in Big D for Romo.
Jason Campbell was the catalyst at Auburn and has been very good, not great, for Washington. At times he looks like a serious quarterback, with the skills to throw with variety and creativity. The Redskins do not have as good an offensive unit as the other teams but they aren’t without playmakers. Chris Cooley is the best tight end in the league and Santana Moss has excellent speed. Campbell, however, has suffered from quarterback schizophrenia. You just do not know what Jason you will get from week to week. He is prone to the turnover, although not as much as Romo can be.
Donovan McNabb’s agility render him a very aggressive quarterback. He’s an ideal athlete with a large, strong frame. These are his strengths because pass rushers have a hard time sacking him. McNabb’s experience with applied pressure and in big games will only take his team so far. His body has let him down because he cannot seem to remain on the field at 100 percent. Still, an 85 percent Donovan is better than most quarterbacks in the NFL. It was no problem scoring points against the 49ers last week and the Eagles have outscored their opponents like crazy in the games they’ve won. The real test has come against tougher teams and will be the determining factor when they go up against the NFC East’s bests. Right now, I feel the Eagles are the weakest link in the division. But with the parity in the league, that could all change quickly. The fact Philadelphia might be least likely to win the NFC East may be the most motivating thing going for them.
Eli Manning is not an accurate passer. He can be steady and we know his ability to excel late in games. He’s brought the Giants back many a time since he’s stepped up as their quarterback. Comparisons to his brother are uncalled for, but he does deserve more credit than he’s been given. The guy won a Superbowl MVP a year ago and has a good head on his shoulders. I sometimes have trouble trusting him because he takes risks on a somewhat conservative team. Manning has the best weapons as far as receivers and running backs are concerned. The Eagles’ Brian Westbrook is the best of the runners, but he has not been a factor due to injury this year. Felix Jones and Marion Barber present another great set of back in Dallas. But I like the three-prong attack New York imposes with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward. Clinton Portis is not the same runner for the Redskins as he was years ago but he can still bring it.
Again, anyway you look at it, the NFC East is the top division. A dogfight to the end is reason enough to watch football this year.
Parting points: I have a feeling USC is going to run the table from here on out. They have an easy schedule and I predict they will be in the national title picture again by years’ end in college football.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Player Profiles
I’m going to feature four rising young athletes starting with the last name P from the four major professional sports.
Dustin Pedroia: 2B Boston Red Sox, 25 years old
.324 BA, top five in AL in batting, MVP candidate
Pedroia is scrappy and steadfast, sprightly and spry. He has the grit you like to see from a young player on a big time ball club. It’s fun to watch this feisty player dive for balls in the infield and it looks like he is having a blast playing the game. Pedroia clocked two homeruns off Scott Kazmir in the second ALCS game. He has that rare power bat usually unknown at the second base position.
Zach Parise: LW N.J. Devils, 24 years old
Parise flies under the radar because of his sport and because the Devils have other prominent stars. Number nine scored two goals in each of the first two games for New Jersey, including an overtime winner versus the Penguins. Parise continues to improve and although has not perfected his game yet, has unlimited potential. His status should be alleviated with a successful 2008 Devil season on the ice.
Chris Paul: PG New Orleans Hornets, 23 years old
The Wake Forest product is a complete basketball player. His rebounding skills and selfless style are most impressive. Paul looks like he could pass for a high schooler but he was arguably the most valuable player in the league last year. He led the NBA in assists and steals. Paul played in Beijing for team USA where the point guard started 6 of the 9 games on his way to the gold medal. Paul is small but that enhances his maneuverability. Chris is a crowd pleaser and fan favorite.
Adrian Peterson: RB Minnesota Vikings, 23 years old
Explosive, electric and enigmatic as a runner, Peterson is so naturally gifted. Peterson poses peril when he has the pigskin in his palms. The former Oklahoma Sooner draws comparisons to Eric Dickerson. He went to the ProBowl in his rookie season and earned the game’s MVP award. He also was honored with Rookie of the Year offensively. Peterson is a polished professional who is a skilled blocker, runner and can protect the pass rush with precision. If Minnesota ever establishes the run, Adrian can single handedly win games.
Parting points: Did the Giants show up on Columbus Day in Cleveland? I hope they got every bad habit and mistake out of their system in that ugly setback.
Dustin Pedroia: 2B Boston Red Sox, 25 years old
.324 BA, top five in AL in batting, MVP candidate
Pedroia is scrappy and steadfast, sprightly and spry. He has the grit you like to see from a young player on a big time ball club. It’s fun to watch this feisty player dive for balls in the infield and it looks like he is having a blast playing the game. Pedroia clocked two homeruns off Scott Kazmir in the second ALCS game. He has that rare power bat usually unknown at the second base position.
Zach Parise: LW N.J. Devils, 24 years old
Parise flies under the radar because of his sport and because the Devils have other prominent stars. Number nine scored two goals in each of the first two games for New Jersey, including an overtime winner versus the Penguins. Parise continues to improve and although has not perfected his game yet, has unlimited potential. His status should be alleviated with a successful 2008 Devil season on the ice.
Chris Paul: PG New Orleans Hornets, 23 years old
The Wake Forest product is a complete basketball player. His rebounding skills and selfless style are most impressive. Paul looks like he could pass for a high schooler but he was arguably the most valuable player in the league last year. He led the NBA in assists and steals. Paul played in Beijing for team USA where the point guard started 6 of the 9 games on his way to the gold medal. Paul is small but that enhances his maneuverability. Chris is a crowd pleaser and fan favorite.
Adrian Peterson: RB Minnesota Vikings, 23 years old
Explosive, electric and enigmatic as a runner, Peterson is so naturally gifted. Peterson poses peril when he has the pigskin in his palms. The former Oklahoma Sooner draws comparisons to Eric Dickerson. He went to the ProBowl in his rookie season and earned the game’s MVP award. He also was honored with Rookie of the Year offensively. Peterson is a polished professional who is a skilled blocker, runner and can protect the pass rush with precision. If Minnesota ever establishes the run, Adrian can single handedly win games.
Parting points: Did the Giants show up on Columbus Day in Cleveland? I hope they got every bad habit and mistake out of their system in that ugly setback.
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