Here is a quick list of skill position players that have underperformed so greatly for their teams this year that they should have played it for free...
(all stats are through Week 16)
QB: Jake Delhomme (CAR) After signing a fatty contract extension this offseason, Delhomme promptly rewarded the Panthers by throwing 4 interceptions and losing a fumble in their opening game of the season. Delhomme was a constant disappointment this season starting only 11 games before being put on season ending IR. He wound up throwing a meager 8 TDs to go along with 18 INTs and 3 lost fumbles.
QB: JaMarcus Russell (OAK) Talk about a Ryan Leaf type bust; JaMarcus Russell has been so bad this season that journeymen quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye both got the starting nod over him. This former #1 overall pick out of LSU has the big time arm (and big time body fat) but he has simply gotten worse in each of his 3 seasons in Oakland. In 11 games (9 starts) he has a completion percentage of 47.8, has thrown 3 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and lost 5 fumbles.
Honorable Mention: Jay Cutler (CHI), Jason Campbell (WAS)
RB: Matt Forte (CHI) Lovie Smith has always said the Bears get off the bus running. I guess someone didn't tell Forte. To say he has had a disappointing year is like saying Tiger Woods would never cheat on his wife. The Bears running back was looking to improve on his impressive rookie season where he rushed for over 1,200 yards and lost just 1 fumble. This year he's developed a case of fumbalitis, coughing up the ball 5 times, rushing for just over 830 yards with a paltry 3.4 average (2nd lowest for any back with over 100 carries).
RB: Brandon Jacobs (NYG) Coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons this gi-normous running back was expected to once again be the dominating back for the New York Football Giants. He figured to see an increase in carries and production with the departure of Derrick Ward in the offseason. Instead, Jacobs failed to produce a single 100 yard game so far this season (his high mark was 92) and has his worse yard per carry average since his rookie season (3.7). His disappointing season was finally put to rest when the Giants placed him on season ending IR this week.
Honorable Mention: Steve Slaton (HOU), Kevin Smith (DET)
WR: Terrell Owens (BUF) Did anyone NOT see this coming? TO (next question) has said all the right things this year up in Buffalo. He hasn't had his customary blow out like in San Fran, Philly and Big D. He also hasn't put up numbers close to his career averages. His current totals of 51/764/4 is one of his worst statistical seasons since his rookie season. Not everything can be blamed on him; he has had 2 horrific quarterbacks throwing him the ball, but when your name is Terrell Owens, a season like this is unacceptable.
WR: Eddie Royal (DEN) Royal did a little bit of everything last year for the Broncos. This year he's done a bunch of nothing (minus the 1 game he returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown; his only 2 scores of the season). The speedster out of VA Tech pulled down 91 balls for 980 yards and 5 TDs last year, a far cry from his 37/345/0 this year. He has been almost invisible, much like the Broncos offense this year, and has been an extreme disappointment as the #2 receiver behind Brandon Marshall.
Honorable Mention: TJ Houshmandzadeh (SEA), Braylon Edwards (CLE/NYJ)
You can listen to me talk sports every Thursday night from 6-8pm Central on www.slaminternetradio.com and read some of my other work on www.bleacherreport.com.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sports movies you haven't seen but probably should
According to Dictionary.com sport is defined as:
–noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
In no particular order, a list of sports movies that you should probably see...
1) Long Gone (1987) Starring William Peterson as Cecil "Stud" Cantrell as the manager/star of the Tampico Stogies, a step above bush-league minor league team. This movie is set in the south during the height of racism in America. The team acquires a power hitting catcher named Joe Louis Brown (Larry Riley) but Sud has to tell the owners of the team that he's Venezuelan to avoid racial problems. Of course, the owners buy it but the rest of the league doesn't.
Peterson is great as the foul-mouthed leader of the team combining his love for baseball, booze and women and his knack for dolling out pearls of wisdom (Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke is his signature line) to lead his team on a run to the league championship. This is one of my favorite baseball movies and is definitely worth your time.
2) Poolhall Junkies (2002) Now before you tell me that shooting pool isn't a sport, read the definition I posted at the top of this posting.
Mars Callahan wrote, directed and starred in this story about a hustler (Johnny) that once had dreams of becoming a professional but was kept out of it by his backer Joe, played brilliantly by Chazz Palminteri. Once Johnny finally breaks away from Joe and leaves the life of a pool shark behind, a thrililng ride of violence and some excellent pool playing (including trick shots) and plot lines come to life. His little brother Danny (Michael Rosenbaum) unwittingly gets into trouble with Joe after losing to his newest shark, played by Rick Shroder. Johnny has to come out of his semi-retirement to rescue his little brother from the trouble he's in... plus Christopher Walken is in the movie! If you liked The Hustler and The Color of Money, then you have to see Poolhall Junkies.
3) Little Giants (1994) Ok. I admit that this isn't the best movie out there, but it's a fun litte film with some pretty funny one-liners. Little Giants stars Ed O'Neill and Rick Moranis as the O'Shea brothers (Kevin and Danny). Kevin (O'Neill) won a Heisman Trophey in college and lives in his small hometown as a sports hero and uses his social staus to be a successful car salesman. Danny (Moranis) is his younger, unathletic brother that was always in his shadow. After Kevin holds tryouts for the town's pee-wee football team (the Cowboys), the players that were cut decide to form their own team (Giants) and Danny is pegged as their coach.
There isn't anything groundbreaking about the movie and it's plot. In fact, you can probably guess which team wins the big game, but it is a fun movie that has O'Neill fresh off his 'Married, with Children' days, Rick Moranis and teen sensation Devon Sawa as the quarterback of the Giants. There's also a cameo by John Madden and some NFL players in a motivatinoal moment for the young tykes before their big game.
–noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
In no particular order, a list of sports movies that you should probably see...
1) Long Gone (1987) Starring William Peterson as Cecil "Stud" Cantrell as the manager/star of the Tampico Stogies, a step above bush-league minor league team. This movie is set in the south during the height of racism in America. The team acquires a power hitting catcher named Joe Louis Brown (Larry Riley) but Sud has to tell the owners of the team that he's Venezuelan to avoid racial problems. Of course, the owners buy it but the rest of the league doesn't.
Peterson is great as the foul-mouthed leader of the team combining his love for baseball, booze and women and his knack for dolling out pearls of wisdom (Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke is his signature line) to lead his team on a run to the league championship. This is one of my favorite baseball movies and is definitely worth your time.
2) Poolhall Junkies (2002) Now before you tell me that shooting pool isn't a sport, read the definition I posted at the top of this posting.
Mars Callahan wrote, directed and starred in this story about a hustler (Johnny) that once had dreams of becoming a professional but was kept out of it by his backer Joe, played brilliantly by Chazz Palminteri. Once Johnny finally breaks away from Joe and leaves the life of a pool shark behind, a thrililng ride of violence and some excellent pool playing (including trick shots) and plot lines come to life. His little brother Danny (Michael Rosenbaum) unwittingly gets into trouble with Joe after losing to his newest shark, played by Rick Shroder. Johnny has to come out of his semi-retirement to rescue his little brother from the trouble he's in... plus Christopher Walken is in the movie! If you liked The Hustler and The Color of Money, then you have to see Poolhall Junkies.
3) Little Giants (1994) Ok. I admit that this isn't the best movie out there, but it's a fun litte film with some pretty funny one-liners. Little Giants stars Ed O'Neill and Rick Moranis as the O'Shea brothers (Kevin and Danny). Kevin (O'Neill) won a Heisman Trophey in college and lives in his small hometown as a sports hero and uses his social staus to be a successful car salesman. Danny (Moranis) is his younger, unathletic brother that was always in his shadow. After Kevin holds tryouts for the town's pee-wee football team (the Cowboys), the players that were cut decide to form their own team (Giants) and Danny is pegged as their coach.
There isn't anything groundbreaking about the movie and it's plot. In fact, you can probably guess which team wins the big game, but it is a fun movie that has O'Neill fresh off his 'Married, with Children' days, Rick Moranis and teen sensation Devon Sawa as the quarterback of the Giants. There's also a cameo by John Madden and some NFL players in a motivatinoal moment for the young tykes before their big game.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Big Dumb Animal of the Week
Before I tell you who the winner is, let me explain how the award works.
See, The Big Dumb Animal is the person in the sports world that has done or said something, well... dumb. It can be anything from being arrested to doing something stupid during a game or it can be something they said. This award is for everyone in the sports world from athletes, both current and former, to agents to broadcasters and so on...
So, without any further ado, this week's Big Dumb Animal is:
Chicago Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo.
WHAT HE DID/SAID:
Recanted his statement that Lovie Smith will return as the Bears head coach next season AND said he was happy with the current roster and excited for the young players on the team.
WHY HE WON THE AWARD:
It's bad enough the Bears are horrible, but do we really need to hear General Manager Jerry Angelo throw Lovie Smith under the bus in an effort to save his job? Days after being reported as saying Lovie would be back next season to coach the Bears, Angelo did a little dance by saying that everything will be taken into consideration and that money will not factor into the decision.
What amazes and appalls me, and what really won him the award, was Angelo saying he is happy with the roster and that he is excited for the young talent the Bears have.
Ummm... who exactly is this young talent you're speaking of, Jerry? Is it yor third round pick from last year that hasn't suited up for a game yet this year (Juaquin Iglesies) or how about that defensive tackle we haven't seen yet. No, not Gaines Adams, unfortunately we've seen what Adams can do(a bunch of nothing) though I'm sure Angelo was including him. I'm talking about Jarron Gilbert. Or is it Chris Williams, your 1st round pick with the bad back that hasn't proved he could play either offensive tackle position. Then there's the bevy of young and exciting defensive players like... ummmm... Corey Graham? Zackary Bowman? Craig Steltz? I know, it's Nick Roach. No! It's Mark Anderson... Ugh.
At leat we have Jay Cutler... a former Pro-Bowl quarterback that has regressed in terms of on-field performance, and that cost the Bears 2 first round picks and a third round pick (not like Angelo would have done anything good with them).
WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE DONE/SAID:
Kept his mouth shut. Plain and simple.
Jerry Angelo, the bus driver that you have now become, don't try to keep your job and hide your failings as a GM by saying this abysmal season is the fault of the coaching staff and only the coaching staff. You are the one that assembled this team; you are the one that has routinely muffed draft pick after draft pick on top of make horrible free agent signing, throughout your entire tenure with the Bears.
So, Jerry Angelo... for saying you are happy with the current roster and that you are excited about the young talent on the team, you are Poljak's Sports Pie's
BIG DUMB ANIMAL OF THE WEEK!
See, The Big Dumb Animal is the person in the sports world that has done or said something, well... dumb. It can be anything from being arrested to doing something stupid during a game or it can be something they said. This award is for everyone in the sports world from athletes, both current and former, to agents to broadcasters and so on...
So, without any further ado, this week's Big Dumb Animal is:
Chicago Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo.
WHAT HE DID/SAID:
Recanted his statement that Lovie Smith will return as the Bears head coach next season AND said he was happy with the current roster and excited for the young players on the team.
WHY HE WON THE AWARD:
It's bad enough the Bears are horrible, but do we really need to hear General Manager Jerry Angelo throw Lovie Smith under the bus in an effort to save his job? Days after being reported as saying Lovie would be back next season to coach the Bears, Angelo did a little dance by saying that everything will be taken into consideration and that money will not factor into the decision.
What amazes and appalls me, and what really won him the award, was Angelo saying he is happy with the roster and that he is excited for the young talent the Bears have.
Ummm... who exactly is this young talent you're speaking of, Jerry? Is it yor third round pick from last year that hasn't suited up for a game yet this year (Juaquin Iglesies) or how about that defensive tackle we haven't seen yet. No, not Gaines Adams, unfortunately we've seen what Adams can do(a bunch of nothing) though I'm sure Angelo was including him. I'm talking about Jarron Gilbert. Or is it Chris Williams, your 1st round pick with the bad back that hasn't proved he could play either offensive tackle position. Then there's the bevy of young and exciting defensive players like... ummmm... Corey Graham? Zackary Bowman? Craig Steltz? I know, it's Nick Roach. No! It's Mark Anderson... Ugh.
At leat we have Jay Cutler... a former Pro-Bowl quarterback that has regressed in terms of on-field performance, and that cost the Bears 2 first round picks and a third round pick (not like Angelo would have done anything good with them).
WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE DONE/SAID:
Kept his mouth shut. Plain and simple.
Jerry Angelo, the bus driver that you have now become, don't try to keep your job and hide your failings as a GM by saying this abysmal season is the fault of the coaching staff and only the coaching staff. You are the one that assembled this team; you are the one that has routinely muffed draft pick after draft pick on top of make horrible free agent signing, throughout your entire tenure with the Bears.
So, Jerry Angelo... for saying you are happy with the current roster and that you are excited about the young talent on the team, you are Poljak's Sports Pie's
BIG DUMB ANIMAL OF THE WEEK!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Maybe I'm just a mean-hearted person
But I don't know why the strong-arm of the NFL Law, Roger Goddell, wants every team in the league to observe a moment of silence on Sunday for Chris Henry. This is a man he suspended for the first 8 games of the 2007 season; a man that was arrested 5 different times and was called a "one-man crime wave" by a municipal court judge. Henry's reputation and image was so tarnished that the only team to bring him in for a pre-draft workout was the team that eventually drafted him, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Yes, it is very sad that Chris Henry died at the age of 26. It is even sadder that he left behind 3 young children. But is Chris Henry worthy of a moment of silence? Is a man that has been arrested for sexual assualt, multiple gun charges and drunk driving, on top of being suspended for multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties while in college and being called "an embarrasement to himself and the program" by his then coach Rich Rodriguez the kind of man that deserves a moment of silence across the league?
The word on Henry was the he had finally started to turn his life around. He was going to stay out of trouble and dedicate himself to acting like a non-threatening member of society. There were high hopes amongst his teammates about the road Henry was starting to travel (no pun intended). Carson Palmer said he was "misunderstood" and Chad Ochocinco (one of my favorite NFL players) said he was doing everything right. It seemed anyone connected to him had something good to say about him (even Rich Rodriguez managed to sound empathetic).
There are different reports as to what happened the day Chris Henry died. His neighbor reportedly heard him tell his fiancee that if she drove off he would jump off the truck and kill himself. There is a 911 call that says Henry was shirtless in the bed of the truck banging on the window as his fiancee was driving. Not too long after he was dead on the side of the road.
I'm not going to say that each team in the NFL shouldn't do something in remembrance of Henry; you always hear how the NFL is a brotherhood; a fraternity. If the players want to do something then that is fine. But it would be wrong for the commissioner to force both players and fans to show respect for a man that didn't show respect for anyone, including himself.
Yes, it is very sad that Chris Henry died at the age of 26. It is even sadder that he left behind 3 young children. But is Chris Henry worthy of a moment of silence? Is a man that has been arrested for sexual assualt, multiple gun charges and drunk driving, on top of being suspended for multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties while in college and being called "an embarrasement to himself and the program" by his then coach Rich Rodriguez the kind of man that deserves a moment of silence across the league?
The word on Henry was the he had finally started to turn his life around. He was going to stay out of trouble and dedicate himself to acting like a non-threatening member of society. There were high hopes amongst his teammates about the road Henry was starting to travel (no pun intended). Carson Palmer said he was "misunderstood" and Chad Ochocinco (one of my favorite NFL players) said he was doing everything right. It seemed anyone connected to him had something good to say about him (even Rich Rodriguez managed to sound empathetic).
There are different reports as to what happened the day Chris Henry died. His neighbor reportedly heard him tell his fiancee that if she drove off he would jump off the truck and kill himself. There is a 911 call that says Henry was shirtless in the bed of the truck banging on the window as his fiancee was driving. Not too long after he was dead on the side of the road.
I'm not going to say that each team in the NFL shouldn't do something in remembrance of Henry; you always hear how the NFL is a brotherhood; a fraternity. If the players want to do something then that is fine. But it would be wrong for the commissioner to force both players and fans to show respect for a man that didn't show respect for anyone, including himself.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Look! In left field! It's Juan Podsednik! or is it Scott Pierre?...
I don’t understand why everyone is so excited about the Juan Pierre signing. If you compare his stats to Scotty Pods, they are almost identical. Sure, statistically Pierre looks like a great ball player. He's a career .300 hitter and will steal you 30+ bases a year. As a lead-off hitter, those are pretty good numbers. But look a little closer at his stats. His career on base % is 348; career batting average is .301; what does that mean? That means that unless Pierre gets a hit he probably won't get on base. He averages 38 walks a season. For the Sox offense to produce, they are going to need men on base. This is not a team that is going to hit 200 homeruns like they did 8 out of the last 10 years (the 2 years they didn't? 2007 & 2009; Combined win/loss those years? 151-173.) This White Sox team is going to depend on pitching and defense to win games... they are not going to out-slug many teams, even in the homer friendly Comiskey Park.
Speaking of pitching and defense...(segue!) Defensively, it’s pretty much a wash between Pierre and Pods. Pods is probably worse at reading and judging fly balls but his arm is stronger and more accurate than the wet noodle Pierre is carrying around.
Kenny has made it a point to get better defensively. He traded for Mark Teahan to play 3rd and is moving "Our Lord and Savior" Gordan Beckham to 2nd. Alex Rios is more than solid in CF and Carlos Quentin is an upgrade over JD in right. I think Omar Vizquel is going end up being the biggest off-season signing. Vizquel has won 11 Gold Gloves at shortstop in his 21 year career. He will be able to teach Alexai how to play the position and will serve as the late inning defensive replacement.
The starting pitching should rival any rotation in baseball. Jake Peavy, Mark Buerhle, Gavin Floyd, Johnny Danks and "Big Game" Sweddy Freddy... impressive.
The bullpen is still a bit of a question mark. If Putz can come back healthy from his elbow problems last year, and Bobby Jenks: A) stays with the team and 2) closes out games like we've seen him do, teamed with Matt "I throw 95mph without trying" Thorton, then the Sox should have one of the better back ends of the bullpen in baseball. The bridge/long relief portion of the bullpen is still up in the air with DJ Carrasco not being offered a deal. Someone will have to step up to eat the innings and be the unsung hero of the bullpen like Carrasco was last year.
If Kenny doesn't add another offensive player the Sox will probably roll out an opening day lineup looking something like this:
Juan Pierre LF
Gordan Beckham 2B
Carlos Quentin RF
Paul Konerko 1B
Alex Rios CF
AJ Pierzynski C
Andrew Jones/Mark Kotsay DH
Alexai Ramirez SS
Mark Teahan 3B
Not exactly a lineup that is going to strike fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers, but at least we have an unquestioned leadoff hitter heading into spring training, which is nice.
Speaking of pitching and defense...(segue!) Defensively, it’s pretty much a wash between Pierre and Pods. Pods is probably worse at reading and judging fly balls but his arm is stronger and more accurate than the wet noodle Pierre is carrying around.
Kenny has made it a point to get better defensively. He traded for Mark Teahan to play 3rd and is moving "Our Lord and Savior" Gordan Beckham to 2nd. Alex Rios is more than solid in CF and Carlos Quentin is an upgrade over JD in right. I think Omar Vizquel is going end up being the biggest off-season signing. Vizquel has won 11 Gold Gloves at shortstop in his 21 year career. He will be able to teach Alexai how to play the position and will serve as the late inning defensive replacement.
The starting pitching should rival any rotation in baseball. Jake Peavy, Mark Buerhle, Gavin Floyd, Johnny Danks and "Big Game" Sweddy Freddy... impressive.
The bullpen is still a bit of a question mark. If Putz can come back healthy from his elbow problems last year, and Bobby Jenks: A) stays with the team and 2) closes out games like we've seen him do, teamed with Matt "I throw 95mph without trying" Thorton, then the Sox should have one of the better back ends of the bullpen in baseball. The bridge/long relief portion of the bullpen is still up in the air with DJ Carrasco not being offered a deal. Someone will have to step up to eat the innings and be the unsung hero of the bullpen like Carrasco was last year.
If Kenny doesn't add another offensive player the Sox will probably roll out an opening day lineup looking something like this:
Juan Pierre LF
Gordan Beckham 2B
Carlos Quentin RF
Paul Konerko 1B
Alex Rios CF
AJ Pierzynski C
Andrew Jones/Mark Kotsay DH
Alexai Ramirez SS
Mark Teahan 3B
Not exactly a lineup that is going to strike fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers, but at least we have an unquestioned leadoff hitter heading into spring training, which is nice.
Monday, December 14, 2009
My take on the poll question
I didn't want to write a second blog on Tiger but with the news of him being dropped by a sponsor and another keeping him, it got me wondering... If it were up to me, would I sign Tiger Woods to be the face of my product/company?
My answer... Without hesitation, Yes Yes Yes!
Sure, Tiger may be down right now; he may have fallen farther from glory than any other sports icon, but Tiger will rebound. He's going to take some time off, let all the drama and stories and what nots die down and when the time is right, come back from his sabbatical and regain his role as one of the most dominant persons in the sports world. And when he does he's going to be the man that overcame self-inflicted adversity. (I can almost see the headline now; Tiger on the cover of every newspaper, the lead story on every search engine and sports website holding the trophy from the tournament he just won with the headline "Out of the Woods" or "He's baaaaaack"). And how great would it be for him to be wearing your product, drinking your sports drink or representing your company? I can even see a parallel to him regaining his place on top and the economy rebounding and Americans rising out of the depression, or something like that...
Bottom line, I'm not condoning what he did and feel that he is deserving of every bit of ridicule and off-color joke and slamming story that is written about him. All I'm saying is that if you had a chance to have him endorse your product when he was back on top then 'Just Do It'.
My answer... Without hesitation, Yes Yes Yes!
Sure, Tiger may be down right now; he may have fallen farther from glory than any other sports icon, but Tiger will rebound. He's going to take some time off, let all the drama and stories and what nots die down and when the time is right, come back from his sabbatical and regain his role as one of the most dominant persons in the sports world. And when he does he's going to be the man that overcame self-inflicted adversity. (I can almost see the headline now; Tiger on the cover of every newspaper, the lead story on every search engine and sports website holding the trophy from the tournament he just won with the headline "Out of the Woods" or "He's baaaaaack"). And how great would it be for him to be wearing your product, drinking your sports drink or representing your company? I can even see a parallel to him regaining his place on top and the economy rebounding and Americans rising out of the depression, or something like that...
Bottom line, I'm not condoning what he did and feel that he is deserving of every bit of ridicule and off-color joke and slamming story that is written about him. All I'm saying is that if you had a chance to have him endorse your product when he was back on top then 'Just Do It'.
What the J.J. Putz signing means for Bobby Jenks
After the Sox announced the signing of JJ Putz to bolster their bullpen, my first thought was, "how long until Jenks is traded?" Putz made his name as a closer for the Mariners locking down 101 games over 5 seasons. At his prime he was an absolute monster, throwing in the mid to upper 90's on a regular occurance and racking up 76 saves over 2 seasons. Elbow problems ended his 08 season prematurely and Kenny was quick to swoop him off the free agent market.
It's no secret that Bobby is on borrowed time on the South Side. Ozzie has openly criticized him for being overweight, and Bobby has come out recently saying he feels he has been singled out because of his weight. The Sox are in dire need of a leadoff hitter/outfielder (PLEASE DO NOT SIGN JUAN PIERRE!) and an extra thumper (guy that can hit homeruns). They are also looking to cut payroll. Bobby Jenks is the Sox most tradable part and is owed a lot of money.
If Putz can stay healthy (he's supposed to have no throwing restrictions at the onset of Spring Training) and revert to his flame-throwing ways of a couple years ago, Sox fans may have seen Ozzie give the hand signals for calling in the burely right-hander to close out games for the last time.
Now, real world trades are much harder to predict than fantasy trades. But I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Bobby moved in Spring Training if Putz gets off to a torid start and shows he has come back from the elbow problems he had last season.
It's no secret that Bobby is on borrowed time on the South Side. Ozzie has openly criticized him for being overweight, and Bobby has come out recently saying he feels he has been singled out because of his weight. The Sox are in dire need of a leadoff hitter/outfielder (PLEASE DO NOT SIGN JUAN PIERRE!) and an extra thumper (guy that can hit homeruns). They are also looking to cut payroll. Bobby Jenks is the Sox most tradable part and is owed a lot of money.
If Putz can stay healthy (he's supposed to have no throwing restrictions at the onset of Spring Training) and revert to his flame-throwing ways of a couple years ago, Sox fans may have seen Ozzie give the hand signals for calling in the burely right-hander to close out games for the last time.
Now, real world trades are much harder to predict than fantasy trades. But I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Bobby moved in Spring Training if Putz gets off to a torid start and shows he has come back from the elbow problems he had last season.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tiger cheated on his wife... what's the surprise?
Ok... Tiger Woods is a man-whore. Is anyone really THAT surprised??? Does he really deserve to be talked about non-stop on almost every single sports show? Am I really dedicating a blog entry to him?
Sure, when the story first broke I was as interested as the next person... But after a day or two I lost interest. Why? Because I wasn't surprised it happened.
Look, when you're one of the most recognizable faces in the world, earned more money that any one person really should ever earn, and have been able to do anything you've wanted your entire life, you're going to keep doing anything you want. In Tiger's case, he wanted to get nasty with women not named Elin.
He was supposed to be the last perfect guy; he was a nerd, a geek, a dork that only wanted to play golf. He was boring and had the perfect life. He (for now) is married to the smokin' hot Elin Nordegren, although the rumor is she's leaving him after the holidays, he's a father and a great guy and blah blah blah... all corporate driven b.s.
His marriage was probably more of a business deal than anything. The 'powers that be' probably decided it would add to his good guy personna if he had a wife. They might be rethinking that idea.
Because he got caught cheating, Tiger is taking a leave of absense from the PGA Tour, lost a sponsorship and has achieved something no other athlete in the history of sports can claim... Tiger Woods has fallen further and faster from prominance and has lost favour with more fans than any disgraced athelte.
And in 6 months when he's winning tournament after tournament, and Elin is back in Sweeden, no one is going to care who Tiger is sleeping with... and again, I won't be surprised.
Sure, when the story first broke I was as interested as the next person... But after a day or two I lost interest. Why? Because I wasn't surprised it happened.
Look, when you're one of the most recognizable faces in the world, earned more money that any one person really should ever earn, and have been able to do anything you've wanted your entire life, you're going to keep doing anything you want. In Tiger's case, he wanted to get nasty with women not named Elin.
He was supposed to be the last perfect guy; he was a nerd, a geek, a dork that only wanted to play golf. He was boring and had the perfect life. He (for now) is married to the smokin' hot Elin Nordegren, although the rumor is she's leaving him after the holidays, he's a father and a great guy and blah blah blah... all corporate driven b.s.
His marriage was probably more of a business deal than anything. The 'powers that be' probably decided it would add to his good guy personna if he had a wife. They might be rethinking that idea.
Because he got caught cheating, Tiger is taking a leave of absense from the PGA Tour, lost a sponsorship and has achieved something no other athlete in the history of sports can claim... Tiger Woods has fallen further and faster from prominance and has lost favour with more fans than any disgraced athelte.
And in 6 months when he's winning tournament after tournament, and Elin is back in Sweeden, no one is going to care who Tiger is sleeping with... and again, I won't be surprised.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Let's give this a whirl...
No, I'm not quoting Tiger Woods when he's out on tour, I'm talking about writing a blog. I've never thought enough of myself to think anyone would care what I have to say but I figure if I'm going to blog about something it might as well be about sports. To give a little background on me, I was the co-host of an internet sports talk show called Back Porch Sports while I was at The Illinois Center for Broadcasting in Lombard. Because I graduated I had to stop doing that show. It's been a few months since my last show and I really miss talking about sports every week and getting my ideas and thoughts out there. I'm going to model this blog after the show; I'll give you a 'Big Dumb Animal' and tell you who 'Knows Their Role'. I'm also going to go off on random rants and throw in obscure movie quotes and jokes that only I will probably find funny. To start, I'm going to post a couple of older things I wrote on our (Back Porch Sports) Facebook page.The goal is to update this blog daily...
The game within the game
originally published 4/2/09...
In my opinoin, baseball may be the greatest game ever invented. It is the only sport in which the offense does not have possession of the ball. Sure, the games can long and sometimes boring, but by looking closely at what is happening; by watching the players move around the infield and outfield depending on the pitch count, inning, batter and weather and game conditions, you will see a lot more than you ever thought possible. Talent alone will not make you great. A true understanding of the game and a desire to get better every day is what will make you stand out. There's a reason someone like Greg Maddux played 23 years in professional baseball, and was one of the games most dominating pitchers winning 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards and 18 Gold Gloves. Maddux had an uncanny understanding of what it took to play the game of baseball the right way and how to mentally and physically get himself ready every year. He read scouting reports on batters and knew how to pitch to them, worked on his control and pitched to both sides of the plate, something that has become a lost art. I remember being in little league and my coaches telling me that the inside corner was mine; that it belonged to the pitcher. Ask any great pitcher from any era and he will tell you that in order to maintain success in the bigs, you have to have command of both sides of the plate. But why did so many pitchers stop throwing inside? How did the inside corner slowly become a dead zone to throw to? I think there are some logical reasons why this happened... For starters, major league hitters are wearing more body equipment when hitting than ever before. Then they crowd the plate, sometimes hanging over the inside corner because they know if they do get hit their armour will protect them from serious injury. At the same time, if a pitcher does throw inside the batters stare them down like a school kid whose momma was just insulted. Aluminum bats also play a part in this. I can hear some of you now, "But Poljak, they don't use aluminum bats in the pros." I know, but they are used at the high school and college level. They deter a pitcher from going inside because a bloop hit can still be had by a good pitch in on the hands of a hitter, but because of the aluminum bat they are able to muscle the ball over the infield just enough. It's frustrating to give up so many bloops and pitchers gradually stop going inside to get their outs and try other ways to retire hitters, be it off speed pitches or whatever. But pitchers like Maddux and and Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton knew that they had to pitch inside to win, and win they did.
In my opinoin, baseball may be the greatest game ever invented. It is the only sport in which the offense does not have possession of the ball. Sure, the games can long and sometimes boring, but by looking closely at what is happening; by watching the players move around the infield and outfield depending on the pitch count, inning, batter and weather and game conditions, you will see a lot more than you ever thought possible. Talent alone will not make you great. A true understanding of the game and a desire to get better every day is what will make you stand out. There's a reason someone like Greg Maddux played 23 years in professional baseball, and was one of the games most dominating pitchers winning 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards and 18 Gold Gloves. Maddux had an uncanny understanding of what it took to play the game of baseball the right way and how to mentally and physically get himself ready every year. He read scouting reports on batters and knew how to pitch to them, worked on his control and pitched to both sides of the plate, something that has become a lost art. I remember being in little league and my coaches telling me that the inside corner was mine; that it belonged to the pitcher. Ask any great pitcher from any era and he will tell you that in order to maintain success in the bigs, you have to have command of both sides of the plate. But why did so many pitchers stop throwing inside? How did the inside corner slowly become a dead zone to throw to? I think there are some logical reasons why this happened... For starters, major league hitters are wearing more body equipment when hitting than ever before. Then they crowd the plate, sometimes hanging over the inside corner because they know if they do get hit their armour will protect them from serious injury. At the same time, if a pitcher does throw inside the batters stare them down like a school kid whose momma was just insulted. Aluminum bats also play a part in this. I can hear some of you now, "But Poljak, they don't use aluminum bats in the pros." I know, but they are used at the high school and college level. They deter a pitcher from going inside because a bloop hit can still be had by a good pitch in on the hands of a hitter, but because of the aluminum bat they are able to muscle the ball over the infield just enough. It's frustrating to give up so many bloops and pitchers gradually stop going inside to get their outs and try other ways to retire hitters, be it off speed pitches or whatever. But pitchers like Maddux and and Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton knew that they had to pitch inside to win, and win they did.
My evolution as a fan
originally published 4/29/09...
I used to be a Cubs fan. It took me a long time to admit that to anyone. There was a time when I would have never admitted it. I was young, around 8 years old or so when I was converted to the White Sox and I haven't looked back since. Here's the thing about once being a Cubs fan... I have always loved the game of baseball. I started playing when I was 6 and was instantly hooked. I remember coming home from school, eating lunch at the kitchen table and watching the Cubs everyday. That's how Ryne Sandberg became my favorite player, and still is to this day. My family didn't have cable so it was impossible to watch the White Sox. I missed out on the Winning Ugly team of '83 but could tell you the entire roster for the '84 Cubs. Then my family got cable and my mom starting watching White Sox games with me and starting taking me to Comiskey Park to see them live. It didn't take long for me to become a fan of the Sox and I've been true ever since. As I've gotten older I've noticed myself wanting different things from sports. I used to want the Sox to win and the Cubs to lose, and as long as the Cubs lost I considered it a good day or season. That isn't always the case nowadays. I would rather see the Twins, Royals, Tigers and Indians lose (all teams in the Sox division) and could really care less about the Cubs. Obviously I pay attention to them and try to keep up on what they are doing, but my happiness is not predicated on them losing. I will even want them to win if they are playing any of the teams in the AL Central. I don't know why or how this has happened... I went from being a guy that truely hated the Cubs and wanted to see them lose every single game they play to being someone that doesn't care too much what they do and is more concerned with the teams within the Sox's division. Now, don't get me wrong, I loved every bit of the Cubs recent post season failures from the Marlins series (it still isn't Bartman's fault) to the 6 consecutive loses to D-Backs and Dodgers. I just don't need them lose to enjoy baseball. The same can be said for the Bears... Even though I have ALWAYS hated Green Bay (Majkowski was over the damn line of scrimmage!!!!!) I was never really that concerned with the Vikings and Lions. Now I don't want any of them succeeding. I also don't consider it a successful season if the Bears beat the Packers twice and lose the rest of their games because then they would have lost to the Vikings and Lions twice. I want the Bears to win. Period. I want them to become a football juggernaut and steamroll all of their opponents. I want the Packers and Vikings and Lions to never make the playoffs (I'm not too worried about the Lions but you get my point). Getting back to baseball... I once was asked who I would want to win if the Cubs and Twins played each other in the World Series. I used to answer the Twins, because the last thing I ever wanted to see was the Cubs win a World Series. If asked that question today, I would say the Cubs, because my hatred for the Twins is that great and I do not want another team from the AL Central to succeed, even if that means the Cubs do. I know this isn't anything too profound but I do wonder if I am alone in this... Am I the only one whose views and desires as a sports fan has changed? Is it wrong that, as a Sox fan, my most hated rival isn't the Cubs? What do you think? Has anyone out there gone through this same transition? I'm willing to wager you have...
I used to be a Cubs fan. It took me a long time to admit that to anyone. There was a time when I would have never admitted it. I was young, around 8 years old or so when I was converted to the White Sox and I haven't looked back since. Here's the thing about once being a Cubs fan... I have always loved the game of baseball. I started playing when I was 6 and was instantly hooked. I remember coming home from school, eating lunch at the kitchen table and watching the Cubs everyday. That's how Ryne Sandberg became my favorite player, and still is to this day. My family didn't have cable so it was impossible to watch the White Sox. I missed out on the Winning Ugly team of '83 but could tell you the entire roster for the '84 Cubs. Then my family got cable and my mom starting watching White Sox games with me and starting taking me to Comiskey Park to see them live. It didn't take long for me to become a fan of the Sox and I've been true ever since. As I've gotten older I've noticed myself wanting different things from sports. I used to want the Sox to win and the Cubs to lose, and as long as the Cubs lost I considered it a good day or season. That isn't always the case nowadays. I would rather see the Twins, Royals, Tigers and Indians lose (all teams in the Sox division) and could really care less about the Cubs. Obviously I pay attention to them and try to keep up on what they are doing, but my happiness is not predicated on them losing. I will even want them to win if they are playing any of the teams in the AL Central. I don't know why or how this has happened... I went from being a guy that truely hated the Cubs and wanted to see them lose every single game they play to being someone that doesn't care too much what they do and is more concerned with the teams within the Sox's division. Now, don't get me wrong, I loved every bit of the Cubs recent post season failures from the Marlins series (it still isn't Bartman's fault) to the 6 consecutive loses to D-Backs and Dodgers. I just don't need them lose to enjoy baseball. The same can be said for the Bears... Even though I have ALWAYS hated Green Bay (Majkowski was over the damn line of scrimmage!!!!!) I was never really that concerned with the Vikings and Lions. Now I don't want any of them succeeding. I also don't consider it a successful season if the Bears beat the Packers twice and lose the rest of their games because then they would have lost to the Vikings and Lions twice. I want the Bears to win. Period. I want them to become a football juggernaut and steamroll all of their opponents. I want the Packers and Vikings and Lions to never make the playoffs (I'm not too worried about the Lions but you get my point). Getting back to baseball... I once was asked who I would want to win if the Cubs and Twins played each other in the World Series. I used to answer the Twins, because the last thing I ever wanted to see was the Cubs win a World Series. If asked that question today, I would say the Cubs, because my hatred for the Twins is that great and I do not want another team from the AL Central to succeed, even if that means the Cubs do. I know this isn't anything too profound but I do wonder if I am alone in this... Am I the only one whose views and desires as a sports fan has changed? Is it wrong that, as a Sox fan, my most hated rival isn't the Cubs? What do you think? Has anyone out there gone through this same transition? I'm willing to wager you have...
Are the Crosstown Classic games overhyped?
originally published 6/22/09...
Ahhh... The Crosstown Classic; The Windy Series; The biggest and most important 6 games of the year... Yes, it's that time of the year when the Sox and Cubs play each other in what most fans, and some media, will have you believe is the end all, be all of the baseball season. But what does it all really mean in the long and short of things? Sure, it's a fun time for fans to look at these six games and say that their team is better because they won more games; but is that really the measuring stick? Shouldn't the ultimate goal be to win the World Series, or at least your division?? (Currently they have played to a draw; 34-34) Sure, it's fun as a Sox fan to see them beat the Cubs, but I take more enjoyment from seeing the Sox beat the Twins, or Tigers, or any other team in the AL Central. And I'm sure there are a lot of Cubs fans that share my sentiments about the Cardinals and Brewers and the rest of the NL Central. These games should not be thought of as a must-win series any more than an interleague series against the Padres or Blue Jays, for example. The games that matter most are the ones played within your division. That is where you can make up the most ground or be eliminated from playoff contention (you can thank the unbalanced schedule of Bud Selig for this). Here's something many people may not have yet figured out about the Sox/Cubs games... I confirmed with NASA on this and double checked the figures on my trusty abacus... Ready? Each victory counts as only 1 win and each loss counts as only 1 loss. I know! I almost fell out of my chair just typing it! As much as everyone gets into this series you would think that each team gets double credit for each win. But they don't. After the 2nd game of the series, the one that the Sox blew a 4 run lead in the 8th inning, I was listening to the post game on the Score and got absolutly sick to my stomach. Not because the Sox lost to the Cubs, but because of the people calling in saying that this is too big of a series for Ozzie to put Linebrink in the game and that Thorton shouldn't have come in after him. It seemed like every caller felt like the Sox just lost the World Series, or any chance of making it, because they blew a late inning lead to the Cubs. I was upset with the loss, but not because of who they lost to... I was pissed because our bullpen blew a 4 run lead in the 8th inning! (Side note: Scott Lindbrink has been bad since and should send Jerry Harriston, Jr a thank you card for brain farting on the base paths this weekend). One of my major problems with the series is the amount of Cubs and Sox "fans" that come out of nowhere with their freshly bought hats and tee shirts trying to talk about the teams like they've been following them all season. These are probably the first and only six games of the season that they will pay attention to, unless either team is in a playoff race (and at this rate that's not going to happen)... But there is some good that comes from these series... Everyone learned that Michael Barrett is a punk, that AJ might be the most hated White Sox player ever, and let's not forgot the anger and outrage Ozzie induces in Cubs fans everywhere when he comes up with a new way to talk disparagingly about Wrigley Field... The Crosstown Rivalry, or Red Line Series or whatever other clever nickname it is given, is nothing more than 6 games in the standings. You don't get an automatic ticket to the playoffs (playoffs? you wanna talk playoffs? I want to win a game first!) or any other special privileges throughout the rest of the season... So to answer the question I posed in the title... Are these Crosstown games overhyped? Yes. But will I watch them? Every chance I get.
Ahhh... The Crosstown Classic; The Windy Series; The biggest and most important 6 games of the year... Yes, it's that time of the year when the Sox and Cubs play each other in what most fans, and some media, will have you believe is the end all, be all of the baseball season. But what does it all really mean in the long and short of things? Sure, it's a fun time for fans to look at these six games and say that their team is better because they won more games; but is that really the measuring stick? Shouldn't the ultimate goal be to win the World Series, or at least your division?? (Currently they have played to a draw; 34-34) Sure, it's fun as a Sox fan to see them beat the Cubs, but I take more enjoyment from seeing the Sox beat the Twins, or Tigers, or any other team in the AL Central. And I'm sure there are a lot of Cubs fans that share my sentiments about the Cardinals and Brewers and the rest of the NL Central. These games should not be thought of as a must-win series any more than an interleague series against the Padres or Blue Jays, for example. The games that matter most are the ones played within your division. That is where you can make up the most ground or be eliminated from playoff contention (you can thank the unbalanced schedule of Bud Selig for this). Here's something many people may not have yet figured out about the Sox/Cubs games... I confirmed with NASA on this and double checked the figures on my trusty abacus... Ready? Each victory counts as only 1 win and each loss counts as only 1 loss. I know! I almost fell out of my chair just typing it! As much as everyone gets into this series you would think that each team gets double credit for each win. But they don't. After the 2nd game of the series, the one that the Sox blew a 4 run lead in the 8th inning, I was listening to the post game on the Score and got absolutly sick to my stomach. Not because the Sox lost to the Cubs, but because of the people calling in saying that this is too big of a series for Ozzie to put Linebrink in the game and that Thorton shouldn't have come in after him. It seemed like every caller felt like the Sox just lost the World Series, or any chance of making it, because they blew a late inning lead to the Cubs. I was upset with the loss, but not because of who they lost to... I was pissed because our bullpen blew a 4 run lead in the 8th inning! (Side note: Scott Lindbrink has been bad since and should send Jerry Harriston, Jr a thank you card for brain farting on the base paths this weekend). One of my major problems with the series is the amount of Cubs and Sox "fans" that come out of nowhere with their freshly bought hats and tee shirts trying to talk about the teams like they've been following them all season. These are probably the first and only six games of the season that they will pay attention to, unless either team is in a playoff race (and at this rate that's not going to happen)... But there is some good that comes from these series... Everyone learned that Michael Barrett is a punk, that AJ might be the most hated White Sox player ever, and let's not forgot the anger and outrage Ozzie induces in Cubs fans everywhere when he comes up with a new way to talk disparagingly about Wrigley Field... The Crosstown Rivalry, or Red Line Series or whatever other clever nickname it is given, is nothing more than 6 games in the standings. You don't get an automatic ticket to the playoffs (playoffs? you wanna talk playoffs? I want to win a game first!) or any other special privileges throughout the rest of the season... So to answer the question I posed in the title... Are these Crosstown games overhyped? Yes. But will I watch them? Every chance I get.
Where is the line?
originally published 8/17/09...
Michael Vick is back in the NFL... Donte Stallworth gets suspended without pay for a year... One ran a dog fighting ring resulting in the deaths of countless dogs; the other killed a man when he struck him with his car while driving drunk. Vick just signed a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. If I were a betting man, which I am, some NFL team will probably sign Stallworth next year. ...Something HAS to be done. The constant preferential treatment that athletes receive has officially gotten out of control. Roger Goddell had the perfect chance to set a precedent and ban Donte Stallworth for life from the NFL. He had a chance to say that if your off field actions claim the life of another human being, then you are no longer allowed to make your living playing professional football. But he didn't. Instead he gave him a second slap on the wrist (albeit a harder one than the legal system gave him) and said he can't play the game for a year. Big Freakin' Whoop! Why not come down on him? I understand letting Vick back into the league.. the man served 18 months in prison for his actions and crimes. He served more time and lost more money than Stallworth, (he served less than 30 days after a plea deal), and will forever be remembered as a dog killer. Will Donte Stallworth be remembered for killing a man? Wouldn't it have resonated more with the players in the league if he were banned for life? Maybe some of the immaturity and 'bigger than the game' mentality would disappear (see Brandon Marshall, 'Cheddar" Plaxico Burress and Pac-Man Jones). Maybe if they see one of their fellow NFL brothers banned for off-field actions, maybe they will straighten up... then again, maybe I'm dreaming of a utopia that will never exist.
Michael Vick is back in the NFL... Donte Stallworth gets suspended without pay for a year... One ran a dog fighting ring resulting in the deaths of countless dogs; the other killed a man when he struck him with his car while driving drunk. Vick just signed a 2-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. If I were a betting man, which I am, some NFL team will probably sign Stallworth next year. ...Something HAS to be done. The constant preferential treatment that athletes receive has officially gotten out of control. Roger Goddell had the perfect chance to set a precedent and ban Donte Stallworth for life from the NFL. He had a chance to say that if your off field actions claim the life of another human being, then you are no longer allowed to make your living playing professional football. But he didn't. Instead he gave him a second slap on the wrist (albeit a harder one than the legal system gave him) and said he can't play the game for a year. Big Freakin' Whoop! Why not come down on him? I understand letting Vick back into the league.. the man served 18 months in prison for his actions and crimes. He served more time and lost more money than Stallworth, (he served less than 30 days after a plea deal), and will forever be remembered as a dog killer. Will Donte Stallworth be remembered for killing a man? Wouldn't it have resonated more with the players in the league if he were banned for life? Maybe some of the immaturity and 'bigger than the game' mentality would disappear (see Brandon Marshall, 'Cheddar" Plaxico Burress and Pac-Man Jones). Maybe if they see one of their fellow NFL brothers banned for off-field actions, maybe they will straighten up... then again, maybe I'm dreaming of a utopia that will never exist.
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