Tossing batting practice…which seems sort of oxymoronic tonight because that will be the only reference to baseball in this entire tome...
Emotional leader my a** I never liked that stiff Garnett, he’s wicked overrated anyway, just look at the stats they’ll tell you how successful they C’s are without him, stats never, ever lie.
Well the C’s certainly haven’t missed a beat (which is more than I can say for my own heart when I saw him come up limping) since KG went down, the schedule is a little friendly and having five games in hand is a good thing at this time of year)
The big news is the loss of Tony Allen…no really, really I’m not kidding, alright, if you’re a faithful reader you’re likely aware of my distaste for him.
What’s more surprising, the fact Tony Allen has 66 turnovers, or he actually has 52 assists this season? I’m not sure how we’ll replace that production. In the D’Antoni seven seconds or less system, how many Turnovers could he have? I think he’d rival the Maris-esque record of 366 in a season set by Artis Gilmore in 1977-78. Of course that’s assuming he’d ever stay healthy, he’s no Iron Horse (unless you count the iron he’s usually packing in Chicago restaurants).
In researching that stat, I discovered that Karl Malone is the all-time leader in career turnovers, somewhere the lone Jazz fan nods in understanding. I guess now the image of MJ stripping him in the finals, is a fitting description of his career.
But seriously, what’s more impressive, that he is the second leading scorer all time, or that John Stockton is the all time assists leader?
Is it safe to assume, after discovering these three factors, that Malone might have been the NBA’s all time leader in percentage of possessions In which he touched the ball?
While it will always be the Delta Center to me, the home of the Utah Jazz is apparently the Energy Solutions Center, at least according the brightly lit sign outside the arena that TNT showed.
This seems to be a curious use of resources, and a rather ironic moniker, for the “energy solutions” company.
The only thing I'll say about the Jazz game is that Dick Bavetta still sucks. Oh one more thing, usually when a game is that one sided, I'd yell something wise to a ref, like...
"hey which kid is yours out there?"
Well in the case of Thursday, I'd be afraid that Bavetta would point to Jerry Sloan.
Steve Nash could have a lucrative second career as a Mexican Bullfighter. His matador defense isn’t even funny anymore, it’s truly a sham that he’s a two-time MVP, and thus almost has to get into the Hall of Fame, if all offense, no defense point guards can get into the Hall, then Designated Hitters should too.
I think it would be funny if some NBA DJ played "ole, ole ole ole....ole, ole" (it's in your head now isn't it, well hopefully it replaces the Giant glass commercial from last week) every time a point guard scores on him.
Seeing the evolution of Herb Sendek at Arizona State makes me nervous as a hopeful future college head coach. That man has not aged well one bit. If you showed two side by side shots of him at NC State and him now, they wouldn’t even look like the same person.
While it appears unlikely, if Bob Knight gets the head coaching job at Georgia, I will do everything in my power to obtain season tickets behind the bench, I feel like that’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
However he would be missed as an analyst, he’s so awkward yet informative, probably what John Madden was 30 years ago.
I watched more of a women’s game than I ever would normally, simply because I was waiting for him to call them Broads.
Talk radio in Georgia can be hilarious at times, the sense of entitlement fans of UGA have is downright ridiculous. In listening to a show briefly in Athens the other day, the co-hosts had narrowed down the Bulldogs choices to Mark Few, Sean Miller, Tubby Smith, and John Calipari.
Apparently John Wooden has already rebuffed overtures. Their entire basis of argument was that all three are at mid-majors that would yearn for the spotlight. Well all three are at established programs that make regular NCAA tournament appearances and are often spotlighted in the second weekend of the tournament. Oh and hoops is a distant third here behind football and baseball. Yeah this is a coveted job.
The best part was the hosts claiming that there was no reason they couldn’t be perennial SEC East contenders within two years, despite Florida, Tennesee and a small little hoops school in Kentucky all above them. (not to mention Vanderbilt).
Perhaps Pete Sheppard’s retarded in-bred cousin is a flash-guy down here, I’ll listen closer for a name next time.
A somber nod tonight to Milt Palacios, who after seeing Devin Harris' incredible gamewinner from halfcourt tonight, now owns the second mist amazing gamewinner in the history of the Izod/Continentel Airlines/Brendan Byrne Arena.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tossing batting practice...while wondering if Ty Law and A-Roid are distantly related and have the same idiot cousin...
I want to be upset about ARod using steroids, but then I remember that he's never beaten the Red Sox so thus I'm less annoyed. All those guys will get their comeuppance when (or in some cases IF) they hit their 40s anyway.
With that said, there are a couple things about the A-Roid stammer-fest.
When you commit a stupid mistake that lasts three years, you're either; an idiot, disingenuously lying, or trying to keep the marriage together for the children.
A-Rod is either a) or b) in this case
Didn't the Yanks spring training home use to be Legends field, now it's George Steinbrenner Field? I'm sure The Boss is a legend in his own mind, but first he tears down Yankee Stadium, then he renames the spring training field, I thought old people were supposed to be nostalgic.
Former Bruin/Whaler/Hurricane defenseman Glen Wesley had his number retired in Carolina the other night against the Bruins.
I hope the entire time that banner went to the rafters he saw that wide open net he missed against Edmonton in the marathon ot Stanley Cup final we lost.
No I swear I'm not bitter
PS: F**K You Petr Klima, and for the record if your parents weren’t illiterate communists you’d know there are two E’s in Peter.
If Bud Selig were commissioner of NASCAR the entire field would have been brought back to finish the race the race on Thursday.
And you know what, all joking aside, that’s what I would have rather seen done. The Daytona 379 just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
They couldn’t drive in the rain? Really? That automatically disqualifies you as being considered the best drivers in the world.
I would watch intently if there was an event at Loudon in February without snowplows, in fact I’d buy a ticket and tailgate to that.
The ability to drive successfully in foul weather should be one of the measures of driving skill on the Sprint Cup series.
I spent much of the UConn/Pitt game trying to come up with an all-time starting five of white guys from UConn; so far I’ve got Jake Voskuhl, Travis Knight, and Israeli national team point guard Doron Scheffer. (and no despite the fact Rip Hamilton acts like a weenie, wears a face mask and has a killer mid-range jumper he does not in fact count)
Does anyone know of any Pitt fans? Or for that matter a Pitt grad? I’ve come across fans of nearly every major college program, but rarely do you see Panther paraphernalia when out at a bar (and by rarely I mean never).
I applaud Sean McDonough for calling out the officials in the UConn/Pitt game, and more importantly calling out the officiating in the Big East as a whole this season. He’s seen more Big East games than I have, but the second half of that game was just brutally officiated. One minute it looked like a game at Rucker Park with no blodd no foul, then the next their calling touch fouls.
If I couldn’t have already accounted for his whereabouts I would have thought Ed Hightower was joined by two Jason Harringtons.
Speaking of officials, I think Hightower, and Ted Valentine may each get more TV face time than any five major college coaches combined.
I cannot name a third major college basketball official, but those two are at more games than Dick Vitale.
And after I wrote this, there he was on TV Tuesday night at Purdue, from Hartford, Conn. To West Lafayette, Indiana; that man needs a better travel agent.
I want to be upset about ARod using steroids, but then I remember that he's never beaten the Red Sox so thus I'm less annoyed. All those guys will get their comeuppance when (or in some cases IF) they hit their 40s anyway.
With that said, there are a couple things about the A-Roid stammer-fest.
When you commit a stupid mistake that lasts three years, you're either; an idiot, disingenuously lying, or trying to keep the marriage together for the children.
A-Rod is either a) or b) in this case
Didn't the Yanks spring training home use to be Legends field, now it's George Steinbrenner Field? I'm sure The Boss is a legend in his own mind, but first he tears down Yankee Stadium, then he renames the spring training field, I thought old people were supposed to be nostalgic.
Former Bruin/Whaler/Hurricane defenseman Glen Wesley had his number retired in Carolina the other night against the Bruins.
I hope the entire time that banner went to the rafters he saw that wide open net he missed against Edmonton in the marathon ot Stanley Cup final we lost.
No I swear I'm not bitter
PS: F**K You Petr Klima, and for the record if your parents weren’t illiterate communists you’d know there are two E’s in Peter.
If Bud Selig were commissioner of NASCAR the entire field would have been brought back to finish the race the race on Thursday.
And you know what, all joking aside, that’s what I would have rather seen done. The Daytona 379 just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
They couldn’t drive in the rain? Really? That automatically disqualifies you as being considered the best drivers in the world.
I would watch intently if there was an event at Loudon in February without snowplows, in fact I’d buy a ticket and tailgate to that.
The ability to drive successfully in foul weather should be one of the measures of driving skill on the Sprint Cup series.
I spent much of the UConn/Pitt game trying to come up with an all-time starting five of white guys from UConn; so far I’ve got Jake Voskuhl, Travis Knight, and Israeli national team point guard Doron Scheffer. (and no despite the fact Rip Hamilton acts like a weenie, wears a face mask and has a killer mid-range jumper he does not in fact count)
Does anyone know of any Pitt fans? Or for that matter a Pitt grad? I’ve come across fans of nearly every major college program, but rarely do you see Panther paraphernalia when out at a bar (and by rarely I mean never).
I applaud Sean McDonough for calling out the officials in the UConn/Pitt game, and more importantly calling out the officiating in the Big East as a whole this season. He’s seen more Big East games than I have, but the second half of that game was just brutally officiated. One minute it looked like a game at Rucker Park with no blodd no foul, then the next their calling touch fouls.
If I couldn’t have already accounted for his whereabouts I would have thought Ed Hightower was joined by two Jason Harringtons.
Speaking of officials, I think Hightower, and Ted Valentine may each get more TV face time than any five major college coaches combined.
I cannot name a third major college basketball official, but those two are at more games than Dick Vitale.
And after I wrote this, there he was on TV Tuesday night at Purdue, from Hartford, Conn. To West Lafayette, Indiana; that man needs a better travel agent.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Tossing Batting Practice….while wondering just how awkward the monthly sales chart of the Vermont Teddy bear Company must look like the other 11 months a year…
Listening to various sports radio stations around the country in the last week (thanks blackberry) I have noticed one trend, the amount of Valentines day related spots are just overwhelming. But it’s hilarious to hear a middle aged white guy like Dale Arnold try to sell me on buying sexy underwear, a Vermont Teddy Bear, or some sort of internet flower order.
However, now that we’re well into week two of these ads, I’m longing for a perpetual loop of 1-800-54-Giant ads. (Is it stuck in your head yet?)
“We’re there when you need us, Call giant Glass….wherever you are call number..” ok I’ll stop,
I'd like to thank Gov. Deval for reaffirming the claim of Taxachusetts with the proposed gas tax. After paying a whopping 7% in sales tax on everything including food and clothing I was getting a little worried the name wasn't warranted anymore, but hey good luck with that massive 27 cents a gallon tax folks.
Danny Ainge said earlier this week that everyone wants a 7 footer who can shoot and defend, well I'll settle for 6-10 who can rebound and make layups.
Make the damn move Danny, any damn move.
Nate Robinson just completed the same dunk the average 5-7 junior high student with a little athleticism completes. The step on the fat kid for a boost dunk, in this case the fat kid was a skinny NBA player either way I’m not particularly impressed.
With Lucky the Leprechaun now deposed as the timeout entertainment at the Garden, perhaps Nate Robinson has a career ahead of him, once the fact he's a bad defender, undersized, and an asshole for a teammate catches up to him and he's out of work.
It always seemed a little implausible that a white dwarf could complete all those flying trampoline aided dunks anyways.
Memo to Nate, when you’re 5-nothin and all dressed in green, you don’t look like Kryptonite, you look like a black Leprechaun. I would have rather seen him don the glasses, and walking stick and try to dunk a ball spinning on his finger.
When you’re Lebron James apparently you can wear a bright yellow Mr. Rogers sweater and sunglasses indoors.
I don’t understand how that can be fashionable, and yet if I wore it, I’d continue to be a dorky white guy.
Friday night was the always retarded NBA celebrity game, which has absolutely none of the fun of the old NBA rock and jock, and lacks the 100 point basket. But I caught myself watching some of it (it’s lonely here in Deliverance, seriously, just check the date and timestamp of this post).
Terrell Owens won the MVP for the second straight year, while playing like the guy at the park everyone hates. He put up a Kobe-esque line of 40 something points and no assists, which also included zero pass attempts.
Stuart Scott then gave the obligatory All-star interview with Amare Stoudamire. When asked who out there he would most like as a teammate, his answer was TO.
Note to potential suitors for Amare, now that he’s on the block, anyone who identifies with the worst possible teammate in the history of American team sports, probably isn’t someone you want to give up a truckload for.
Neither is someone who’s 6-11 and treats rebounding like an allergy and shows as much interest in defense, as TO does in downfield blocking in the running game.
The Finals MVP award is now being named for Bill Russell, it’s the right thing to do for the greatest winner in sports history, but how did it take so long?
The one thing I learned from the Rookie game last night. If Kevin Durant were still in college he’d be challenging Pistol Pete’s record for points per game average, and would probably get at least 40 per. The fighting Sam Presti’s have a future down there, if only they were on TV once in a while.
Both Michael Cooper and Bill Laimbeer coach in the WNBA…see kids what goes around does in fact come around. I am content with that poetic justice.
Some hatred you never get over…I was legitimately pissed that Laimbeer and his duo won that stupid shooting game.
As Larry told him before his first all-star game, as he tried to shake Legend’s hand…. “Fuck you Bill.”
Seriously the best way to make the skills competition more fun would be if a referee was there to call carrying whenever they dribbled. Or have their college coach screaming at them the entire time to go faster. I could have beat Tony Parker, who looked about as interested to be in the contest as he was at a Desperate Housewives bridal shower.
Pitchers and catchers started working out today, hopefully they’ve got that take the flip, touch the bag, don’t get hurt in a collision down pat, and Tito and Millsie can move on to the old fake to first check the runner at third play tomorrow.
I just don’t understand why spring training has to last almost two months. But I guess it gives all of you folks up north hope that snow, and cold are almost gone.
I’m here to remind you it’s not…now excuse me I’ve got to reserve a tee time for tomorrow.
Sundays are a great golf day down here cause everyone is in church all day smiting and repenting things.
Listening to various sports radio stations around the country in the last week (thanks blackberry) I have noticed one trend, the amount of Valentines day related spots are just overwhelming. But it’s hilarious to hear a middle aged white guy like Dale Arnold try to sell me on buying sexy underwear, a Vermont Teddy Bear, or some sort of internet flower order.
However, now that we’re well into week two of these ads, I’m longing for a perpetual loop of 1-800-54-Giant ads. (Is it stuck in your head yet?)
“We’re there when you need us, Call giant Glass….wherever you are call number..” ok I’ll stop,
I'd like to thank Gov. Deval for reaffirming the claim of Taxachusetts with the proposed gas tax. After paying a whopping 7% in sales tax on everything including food and clothing I was getting a little worried the name wasn't warranted anymore, but hey good luck with that massive 27 cents a gallon tax folks.
Danny Ainge said earlier this week that everyone wants a 7 footer who can shoot and defend, well I'll settle for 6-10 who can rebound and make layups.
Make the damn move Danny, any damn move.
Nate Robinson just completed the same dunk the average 5-7 junior high student with a little athleticism completes. The step on the fat kid for a boost dunk, in this case the fat kid was a skinny NBA player either way I’m not particularly impressed.
With Lucky the Leprechaun now deposed as the timeout entertainment at the Garden, perhaps Nate Robinson has a career ahead of him, once the fact he's a bad defender, undersized, and an asshole for a teammate catches up to him and he's out of work.
It always seemed a little implausible that a white dwarf could complete all those flying trampoline aided dunks anyways.
Memo to Nate, when you’re 5-nothin and all dressed in green, you don’t look like Kryptonite, you look like a black Leprechaun. I would have rather seen him don the glasses, and walking stick and try to dunk a ball spinning on his finger.
When you’re Lebron James apparently you can wear a bright yellow Mr. Rogers sweater and sunglasses indoors.
I don’t understand how that can be fashionable, and yet if I wore it, I’d continue to be a dorky white guy.
Friday night was the always retarded NBA celebrity game, which has absolutely none of the fun of the old NBA rock and jock, and lacks the 100 point basket. But I caught myself watching some of it (it’s lonely here in Deliverance, seriously, just check the date and timestamp of this post).
Terrell Owens won the MVP for the second straight year, while playing like the guy at the park everyone hates. He put up a Kobe-esque line of 40 something points and no assists, which also included zero pass attempts.
Stuart Scott then gave the obligatory All-star interview with Amare Stoudamire. When asked who out there he would most like as a teammate, his answer was TO.
Note to potential suitors for Amare, now that he’s on the block, anyone who identifies with the worst possible teammate in the history of American team sports, probably isn’t someone you want to give up a truckload for.
Neither is someone who’s 6-11 and treats rebounding like an allergy and shows as much interest in defense, as TO does in downfield blocking in the running game.
The Finals MVP award is now being named for Bill Russell, it’s the right thing to do for the greatest winner in sports history, but how did it take so long?
The one thing I learned from the Rookie game last night. If Kevin Durant were still in college he’d be challenging Pistol Pete’s record for points per game average, and would probably get at least 40 per. The fighting Sam Presti’s have a future down there, if only they were on TV once in a while.
Both Michael Cooper and Bill Laimbeer coach in the WNBA…see kids what goes around does in fact come around. I am content with that poetic justice.
Some hatred you never get over…I was legitimately pissed that Laimbeer and his duo won that stupid shooting game.
As Larry told him before his first all-star game, as he tried to shake Legend’s hand…. “Fuck you Bill.”
Seriously the best way to make the skills competition more fun would be if a referee was there to call carrying whenever they dribbled. Or have their college coach screaming at them the entire time to go faster. I could have beat Tony Parker, who looked about as interested to be in the contest as he was at a Desperate Housewives bridal shower.
Pitchers and catchers started working out today, hopefully they’ve got that take the flip, touch the bag, don’t get hurt in a collision down pat, and Tito and Millsie can move on to the old fake to first check the runner at third play tomorrow.
I just don’t understand why spring training has to last almost two months. But I guess it gives all of you folks up north hope that snow, and cold are almost gone.
I’m here to remind you it’s not…now excuse me I’ve got to reserve a tee time for tomorrow.
Sundays are a great golf day down here cause everyone is in church all day smiting and repenting things.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Tossing batting practice...because nobody down here has any idea the relative importance of owning a Beanpot in February
I completely and wholeheartedly miss the Beanpot. I can’t really explain it, especially since I didn’t attend any of the four schools, but I was always a fan growing up, and then in college I had some great memories.
Freshman year I was in the NU student section for the title game, and it was like being a Sox fan. Only instead of “1918”, Terrier fans taunted us with chants of “Safety School” while we were more simple and direct; BU SUCKS!!!! (which it does).
Every time the puck entered the Husky zone, people stopped breathing and an eerie silence came over that section of the arena. Finally the hated Terriers, tied the game, and went ahead with a minute left and the dream died, while the drought lived for NU.
Sophomore year, the result of a 5pm opening round game, was a 2pm pregame show live from Emerson College, and the old Charley Flynn’s.
The Beanpot: where Monday afternoon underage drinking happens.
Two years ago, I was lucky enough to cover a Beanpot, that ended with my arch nemesis BU taking yet another title in overtime in what was a thrilling game with an unsatisfying outcome, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. and journalistic objectivity be damned.
I root for NU, because they never win. I try to root for Harvard, but quite frankly they just aren’t likable with the exception of Ted Donato coaching.
I like BC because Jerry York is a likable figure who was very accommodating to me when I went to write about some of his kids.
Jack Parker is the polar opposite of York, he was an a***** and thanks to an unfortunate November night in college I already detested BU, so I felt better that Parker was a jerk.
Overall, it sucks that I can’t watch it anywhere this week, especially knowing that Northeastern may actually have a shot to win the whole thing; I’d probably even attempt to go if I were back home, at least for the opening round.
The dejection of the Husky faithful was one that the other three schools in the tournament don’t understand. NU isn’t a hockey school, though that’s the sport its best known for. If you were born the last time they won a Beanpot, you could legally drink to celebrate a victory, or wallow in despair tonight. Either way, knowing that NU students rarely need an excuse to party I’m sure there will be libations a plenty. Let’s just hope the riot police aren’t required on Hemenway street tonight.
So wait, NU is no. 3 in the country in anything besides number of student arrests in one small concentrated neighborhood in which you wouldn’t normally expect to find anyone with a suburban upbringing making it their home?
(I’m allowed to make confusing long winded smarmy remarks like that because I lived on Mission Hill for three years. As far as I’m concerned that gives me street cred or at least the ability to disparage my ‘hood. But you Orchard Park, and Bromley Heath folks better recognize.)
But apparently yes, they are the third ranked hockey team in the country, excuse while I attempt to confirm whether or not I am living in a distorted universe in which me, Doc, and my nonexistent dog may have skewed off the space time continuum to an alternate 2009 that appears to be reality to everyone else.
Dunneski, you may be the only one who can confirm or deny this for me.
Mad props to Lebron for the fake triple double the other night, but honestly why do people compare MSG to the Boston Garden and the Forum? What exactly has made it the world’s most famous arena? Their greatest moment is a crippled guy limping on the floor burying two jumpers and calling it a day, and that happened 35 years ago. I’d argue even the old Chicago Stadium has more NBA history than MSG, at least for the home team.
Why do marginal professional athletes who hail from New England always save their best for us? Did Rocco Baldelli give Matt Bonner a pep talk before yesterday’s game?
.
So apparently there was a parade at Fenway last week when the spring training truck leaves? Really are you guys that desperate for spring to start? Why is this a big deal? And if they hired the same moving company I did to move here, well they can expect it to cost an extra $1.5 million (probably why they let Alex Cora go) and it will arrive sometime before St. Patrick’s day.
Earlier this week Maryland’s AD came out in support of Gary Williams the other day, and her quote scrolled across the ESPN bottom line. The woman’s last name is Yow
So the scroll read like this “Yow: ‘I really want to lay to rest any of these crazy rumors floating around…’”
Honest to god, I thought Kay Yow had spoken to us from beyond the grave, or she was claiming she didn’t die. There was a brief 10 seconds of confusion on my part; this is what happens when you only catch part of a scroll while watching a game.
So it took ESPN more than a decade to turn the NFL draft, and to a lesser degree all the other major drafts, into a giant spectacle. Now it appears as though they’ve turned their attention to signing day for high schoolers.
What’s next, national choose an AAU team? Or does ESPN just start trolling delivery rooms to announce the births of the next great athlete?
I completely and wholeheartedly miss the Beanpot. I can’t really explain it, especially since I didn’t attend any of the four schools, but I was always a fan growing up, and then in college I had some great memories.
Freshman year I was in the NU student section for the title game, and it was like being a Sox fan. Only instead of “1918”, Terrier fans taunted us with chants of “Safety School” while we were more simple and direct; BU SUCKS!!!! (which it does).
Every time the puck entered the Husky zone, people stopped breathing and an eerie silence came over that section of the arena. Finally the hated Terriers, tied the game, and went ahead with a minute left and the dream died, while the drought lived for NU.
Sophomore year, the result of a 5pm opening round game, was a 2pm pregame show live from Emerson College, and the old Charley Flynn’s.
The Beanpot: where Monday afternoon underage drinking happens.
Two years ago, I was lucky enough to cover a Beanpot, that ended with my arch nemesis BU taking yet another title in overtime in what was a thrilling game with an unsatisfying outcome, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. and journalistic objectivity be damned.
I root for NU, because they never win. I try to root for Harvard, but quite frankly they just aren’t likable with the exception of Ted Donato coaching.
I like BC because Jerry York is a likable figure who was very accommodating to me when I went to write about some of his kids.
Jack Parker is the polar opposite of York, he was an a***** and thanks to an unfortunate November night in college I already detested BU, so I felt better that Parker was a jerk.
Overall, it sucks that I can’t watch it anywhere this week, especially knowing that Northeastern may actually have a shot to win the whole thing; I’d probably even attempt to go if I were back home, at least for the opening round.
The dejection of the Husky faithful was one that the other three schools in the tournament don’t understand. NU isn’t a hockey school, though that’s the sport its best known for. If you were born the last time they won a Beanpot, you could legally drink to celebrate a victory, or wallow in despair tonight. Either way, knowing that NU students rarely need an excuse to party I’m sure there will be libations a plenty. Let’s just hope the riot police aren’t required on Hemenway street tonight.
So wait, NU is no. 3 in the country in anything besides number of student arrests in one small concentrated neighborhood in which you wouldn’t normally expect to find anyone with a suburban upbringing making it their home?
(I’m allowed to make confusing long winded smarmy remarks like that because I lived on Mission Hill for three years. As far as I’m concerned that gives me street cred or at least the ability to disparage my ‘hood. But you Orchard Park, and Bromley Heath folks better recognize.)
But apparently yes, they are the third ranked hockey team in the country, excuse while I attempt to confirm whether or not I am living in a distorted universe in which me, Doc, and my nonexistent dog may have skewed off the space time continuum to an alternate 2009 that appears to be reality to everyone else.
Dunneski, you may be the only one who can confirm or deny this for me.
Mad props to Lebron for the fake triple double the other night, but honestly why do people compare MSG to the Boston Garden and the Forum? What exactly has made it the world’s most famous arena? Their greatest moment is a crippled guy limping on the floor burying two jumpers and calling it a day, and that happened 35 years ago. I’d argue even the old Chicago Stadium has more NBA history than MSG, at least for the home team.
Why do marginal professional athletes who hail from New England always save their best for us? Did Rocco Baldelli give Matt Bonner a pep talk before yesterday’s game?
.
So apparently there was a parade at Fenway last week when the spring training truck leaves? Really are you guys that desperate for spring to start? Why is this a big deal? And if they hired the same moving company I did to move here, well they can expect it to cost an extra $1.5 million (probably why they let Alex Cora go) and it will arrive sometime before St. Patrick’s day.
Earlier this week Maryland’s AD came out in support of Gary Williams the other day, and her quote scrolled across the ESPN bottom line. The woman’s last name is Yow
So the scroll read like this “Yow: ‘I really want to lay to rest any of these crazy rumors floating around…’”
Honest to god, I thought Kay Yow had spoken to us from beyond the grave, or she was claiming she didn’t die. There was a brief 10 seconds of confusion on my part; this is what happens when you only catch part of a scroll while watching a game.
So it took ESPN more than a decade to turn the NFL draft, and to a lesser degree all the other major drafts, into a giant spectacle. Now it appears as though they’ve turned their attention to signing day for high schoolers.
What’s next, national choose an AAU team? Or does ESPN just start trolling delivery rooms to announce the births of the next great athlete?
Friday, February 06, 2009
Tossing batting practice…while seriously wondering just how many I could score on the Knicks "defense"…
Well, that loss sucked last night. I hate the Lakers, but hopefully the good news is that Danny Ainge will realize he’s got to go out and get another big man; preferably at the expense of Big Baby Davis
I will admit to being far removed from the C’s on a daily basis now and only see a handful of games, but he’s just not doing it for me. He’s like a fatter Tony Allen, anytime they do anything good, you jump out of your chair in a mix of excitement and shock.
Not what you want out of your backup power forward.
The fears we all had about Doc last year were realized last night, not his best night on the sidelines with the rotation and such. I also wish Ray and Rondo had talked him out of the plays he drew up at the end of regulation and overtime.
I will say that the C’s didn’t lose because of the officials, but all three of them should be donating a game check to the Red Auerbach foundation for that effort last night. I know he’s never been known for his defense, but how does Pau Gasol only commit one foul in 46 minutes? He grabbed 14 rebounds too, so it’s not like he wasn’t doing anything at the defensive end.
The Celtics front line committed 18 fouls on the game, the Lakers 11, and the Lakers starters combined for six fouls, four of them coming from Odom.
Specific calls are always tough to point to and blame (except for one, see below) but the numbers as a whole at the end don’t lie, even free throw disparity can sometimes, but only Derek Fisher getting more touchy feely than Eddy Curry with his male personal assistant make the total foul numbers even.
(Thanks Jon, I was looking for the right comparison, that’s why you get the big bucks)
I felt even better this morning about the curious officiating when even Bob Ryan came out and asked, what the hell those three guys were doing on the floor for that game.
While I hate the way the NFL sometimes comes out and says, “oops, we screwed up” a few days later with seemingly no repercussions, at least they acknowledge human error. I wish all sports would allow officials to speak, or at least come out and say something to the effect of what the NFL does.
All four of the leagues have their own channels now, you could easily fill a half hour of television dissecting questionable calls.
Then there’d even be a forum to compliment correct calls.
Whoever called KG’s final foul, I’d like to have his finances investigated to determine if he likes to visit casinos, horse tracks, or legitimate Italian Businessman’s social clubs in his spare time. Because Gasol whacked KG twice to knock the ball loose, ok so that call was missed, but to call that ticky tack loose ball foul, well that raises a few eyebrows in a post Tim Donaghy world.
Should I be happy that Andrew Bynum is out 8-12 weeks, or disappointed he isn’t out 8-12 months?
Kurt Rambis without glasses just doesn’t look right, he should be the anti-spokesman for laser eye surgery.
I am disappointed with the crowd tonight too, they were not in playoff form. Loud at times but not nearly enough.
I guess when Chris Evans (???????) and one of the guys from New Edition are your celebrities TNT shows midgame, well that just tells you how unimportant this game really is in the long run.
Cleveland worries me….a lot. Especially now that it has been determined that Lebron can do no wrong; I’d like to think homecourt advantage isn’t that important and that the Celtics can find a way, but the evidence I garnered from my 11th grade science project tells me different.
The NBA had the highest percentage of homecourt wins of the four major sports. I’m not worried about having to go to LA, because we all know real LA fan(s?) will get shut out and thus the noise level won’t be as startling.
Mad props to Lebron for the triple double the other night, but honestly why do people compare MSG to the Boston Garden and the Forum? What exactly has made it the world’s most famous arena? Their greatest moment is a crippled guy limping on the floor burying two jumpers and calling it a day, and that happened 35 years ago. I’d argue even the old Chicago Stadium has more NBA history than MSG, at least for the home team.
Back this weekend with other weekly observations and hopefully positive analysis on a win over the Spurs.
Well, that loss sucked last night. I hate the Lakers, but hopefully the good news is that Danny Ainge will realize he’s got to go out and get another big man; preferably at the expense of Big Baby Davis
I will admit to being far removed from the C’s on a daily basis now and only see a handful of games, but he’s just not doing it for me. He’s like a fatter Tony Allen, anytime they do anything good, you jump out of your chair in a mix of excitement and shock.
Not what you want out of your backup power forward.
The fears we all had about Doc last year were realized last night, not his best night on the sidelines with the rotation and such. I also wish Ray and Rondo had talked him out of the plays he drew up at the end of regulation and overtime.
I will say that the C’s didn’t lose because of the officials, but all three of them should be donating a game check to the Red Auerbach foundation for that effort last night. I know he’s never been known for his defense, but how does Pau Gasol only commit one foul in 46 minutes? He grabbed 14 rebounds too, so it’s not like he wasn’t doing anything at the defensive end.
The Celtics front line committed 18 fouls on the game, the Lakers 11, and the Lakers starters combined for six fouls, four of them coming from Odom.
Specific calls are always tough to point to and blame (except for one, see below) but the numbers as a whole at the end don’t lie, even free throw disparity can sometimes, but only Derek Fisher getting more touchy feely than Eddy Curry with his male personal assistant make the total foul numbers even.
(Thanks Jon, I was looking for the right comparison, that’s why you get the big bucks)
I felt even better this morning about the curious officiating when even Bob Ryan came out and asked, what the hell those three guys were doing on the floor for that game.
While I hate the way the NFL sometimes comes out and says, “oops, we screwed up” a few days later with seemingly no repercussions, at least they acknowledge human error. I wish all sports would allow officials to speak, or at least come out and say something to the effect of what the NFL does.
All four of the leagues have their own channels now, you could easily fill a half hour of television dissecting questionable calls.
Then there’d even be a forum to compliment correct calls.
Whoever called KG’s final foul, I’d like to have his finances investigated to determine if he likes to visit casinos, horse tracks, or legitimate Italian Businessman’s social clubs in his spare time. Because Gasol whacked KG twice to knock the ball loose, ok so that call was missed, but to call that ticky tack loose ball foul, well that raises a few eyebrows in a post Tim Donaghy world.
Should I be happy that Andrew Bynum is out 8-12 weeks, or disappointed he isn’t out 8-12 months?
Kurt Rambis without glasses just doesn’t look right, he should be the anti-spokesman for laser eye surgery.
I am disappointed with the crowd tonight too, they were not in playoff form. Loud at times but not nearly enough.
I guess when Chris Evans (???????) and one of the guys from New Edition are your celebrities TNT shows midgame, well that just tells you how unimportant this game really is in the long run.
Cleveland worries me….a lot. Especially now that it has been determined that Lebron can do no wrong; I’d like to think homecourt advantage isn’t that important and that the Celtics can find a way, but the evidence I garnered from my 11th grade science project tells me different.
The NBA had the highest percentage of homecourt wins of the four major sports. I’m not worried about having to go to LA, because we all know real LA fan(s?) will get shut out and thus the noise level won’t be as startling.
Mad props to Lebron for the triple double the other night, but honestly why do people compare MSG to the Boston Garden and the Forum? What exactly has made it the world’s most famous arena? Their greatest moment is a crippled guy limping on the floor burying two jumpers and calling it a day, and that happened 35 years ago. I’d argue even the old Chicago Stadium has more NBA history than MSG, at least for the home team.
Back this weekend with other weekly observations and hopefully positive analysis on a win over the Spurs.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Tossing Batting Practice…while celebrating the fact Silvio Dante is out of a coma and apparently moonlighting as a rock star…
Not sure that’s the best career choice for the former underboss of New Jersey, but hey with Phil Leotardo out of the picture, the feud with New York should be over.
For the record I made it four plays before switching back to the Sopranos marathon on A&E that curbed my attempt to learn College Accounting. The rest of the first half was spent watching an engrossing CBS news special on Barack. (who has crossed over into “Ben” territory as far as first name only referencing)
The ghost of Bill Cowher is alive and well kicking a field goal in the first quarter on the one yard line and it cost me my damned cover. I hope the Major Crimes unit from the Wire turns its attention towards Mike Tomlin, and his point shaving ways.
Since he didn’t have to wear the big puffy jacket, I swear I won’t make an Avon Barksdale comparison ok Leon? (oops, guess I did, my bad).
Think Ken Whisenhunt regrets that decision to defer? Excellent call top gun to give Ben the ball and get him involved right away. On second thought, investigate his ass too.
Quick aside, I’m glad he will be out of my life for 10 months, because every time I heard his name I couldn’t help but think of the Whizzanator, and then I’d be forced to chuckle, even if it was inappropriate.
And since any episode of the Wire has to have multiple story lines, let’s make sure Terry Macauly and his officiating crew are under surveillance too.
Had it not been for that amazing fourth quarter this game would have been marred by flags. I mean Christ, someone from Macauley’s crew flagged Springsteen at halftime.
The Steelers finally got flagged four times in the final three minutes, but for the other 57, it was at one point Arizona 11/106 to Pitt. 4/35.
Only three times in Super Bowl history has a team been penalized for more than 100 yards. Let them play, or at least call it even, holding and illegal contact can be called anytime. So for the disparity to be so great was a travesty.
Santonio Holmes should have been flagged after his TD, and their should have been a review of the final play.
All in all, I wonder if there’s a Donaghy on that crew.
If football players are the best athletes in the world, why are they often so winded bordering on collapse when they run 90 yards. Even drunk I think I could run that far w/o collapsing to the ground after looking for oxygen and a defibrillator...score one for basketball players who are in fact the best athletes in the world.
If Bruce had a sense of humor he'd have played Jungleland last; it would have given James Harrison more time to rest at least.
Seriously nobody does a better live show than Bruce. I’ve been to four of his shows, and they’re all easily the best I’ve ever been too. (Please leave your Jimmy Buffet jokes below)
Why do people keep saying pressure and empty backfields are what Kurt Warner wants. I use Super Bowl XXXVI as evidence he does not thrive in that environment. The prosecution would like to call Ty Law to the stand.
Moments after I typed that thought down for later use, after yet another incompletion, Warner found James Harrison wide open over the middle for six the other way.
Say what you want about the man, and I’m sure Giants fans will; but he sure as hell plays entertaining Super Bowls.
Nice to see the Edge still dulled in big games, you can take the Colt out of Indy, but you can’t…well you know the rest.
The Cardinals got what they deserved by blitzing Roethlisberger on the final drive. I wouldn’t even rush him, just drop 11 guys into coverage and wait for him to make a mistake, which he is prone to when given time. He’s like the anti-Warner.
I do look forward to the year 2019 when Roethlisberger is finishing up his career in Chicago, leading his team to an 8-3 record, before collapsing late in the season and getting exposed for being a free wheeling selfish gunslinger. All while John Madden, (respirator, and drum stick in hand)and Joe Buck, and Jim Nantz proclaim he “loves the game” while fawning over him.
Overall it was a great fourth quarter in an otherwise boring game. I hesitate to say it was the greatest Super Bowl ever, I think the Pats/Panthers was actually a better fourth quarter but it was certainly a game that won’t be forgotten soon, and if Santonio Holmes can remove David Lousy Helmet Catch Bastard, from weekly highlights, and mention then it will be well worth it to deal with Steeler fans for the year.
At least I don’t live in Pittsburgh.
.
Not sure that’s the best career choice for the former underboss of New Jersey, but hey with Phil Leotardo out of the picture, the feud with New York should be over.
For the record I made it four plays before switching back to the Sopranos marathon on A&E that curbed my attempt to learn College Accounting. The rest of the first half was spent watching an engrossing CBS news special on Barack. (who has crossed over into “Ben” territory as far as first name only referencing)
The ghost of Bill Cowher is alive and well kicking a field goal in the first quarter on the one yard line and it cost me my damned cover. I hope the Major Crimes unit from the Wire turns its attention towards Mike Tomlin, and his point shaving ways.
Since he didn’t have to wear the big puffy jacket, I swear I won’t make an Avon Barksdale comparison ok Leon? (oops, guess I did, my bad).
Think Ken Whisenhunt regrets that decision to defer? Excellent call top gun to give Ben the ball and get him involved right away. On second thought, investigate his ass too.
Quick aside, I’m glad he will be out of my life for 10 months, because every time I heard his name I couldn’t help but think of the Whizzanator, and then I’d be forced to chuckle, even if it was inappropriate.
And since any episode of the Wire has to have multiple story lines, let’s make sure Terry Macauly and his officiating crew are under surveillance too.
Had it not been for that amazing fourth quarter this game would have been marred by flags. I mean Christ, someone from Macauley’s crew flagged Springsteen at halftime.
The Steelers finally got flagged four times in the final three minutes, but for the other 57, it was at one point Arizona 11/106 to Pitt. 4/35.
Only three times in Super Bowl history has a team been penalized for more than 100 yards. Let them play, or at least call it even, holding and illegal contact can be called anytime. So for the disparity to be so great was a travesty.
Santonio Holmes should have been flagged after his TD, and their should have been a review of the final play.
All in all, I wonder if there’s a Donaghy on that crew.
If football players are the best athletes in the world, why are they often so winded bordering on collapse when they run 90 yards. Even drunk I think I could run that far w/o collapsing to the ground after looking for oxygen and a defibrillator...score one for basketball players who are in fact the best athletes in the world.
If Bruce had a sense of humor he'd have played Jungleland last; it would have given James Harrison more time to rest at least.
Seriously nobody does a better live show than Bruce. I’ve been to four of his shows, and they’re all easily the best I’ve ever been too. (Please leave your Jimmy Buffet jokes below)
Why do people keep saying pressure and empty backfields are what Kurt Warner wants. I use Super Bowl XXXVI as evidence he does not thrive in that environment. The prosecution would like to call Ty Law to the stand.
Moments after I typed that thought down for later use, after yet another incompletion, Warner found James Harrison wide open over the middle for six the other way.
Say what you want about the man, and I’m sure Giants fans will; but he sure as hell plays entertaining Super Bowls.
Nice to see the Edge still dulled in big games, you can take the Colt out of Indy, but you can’t…well you know the rest.
The Cardinals got what they deserved by blitzing Roethlisberger on the final drive. I wouldn’t even rush him, just drop 11 guys into coverage and wait for him to make a mistake, which he is prone to when given time. He’s like the anti-Warner.
I do look forward to the year 2019 when Roethlisberger is finishing up his career in Chicago, leading his team to an 8-3 record, before collapsing late in the season and getting exposed for being a free wheeling selfish gunslinger. All while John Madden, (respirator, and drum stick in hand)and Joe Buck, and Jim Nantz proclaim he “loves the game” while fawning over him.
Overall it was a great fourth quarter in an otherwise boring game. I hesitate to say it was the greatest Super Bowl ever, I think the Pats/Panthers was actually a better fourth quarter but it was certainly a game that won’t be forgotten soon, and if Santonio Holmes can remove David Lousy Helmet Catch Bastard, from weekly highlights, and mention then it will be well worth it to deal with Steeler fans for the year.
At least I don’t live in Pittsburgh.
.
