"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" - George Santayana
Howdy folks, welcome to another Whip It Out Wednesday here at the Gab. Gonna be a whacky weekend with the kid’s birthday party coming up Saturday. On top of that, the brother in law is coming up from North Carolina; gonna stay with us for a couple of days. Not too bad of news, though… it’ll give me an excuse to buy extra beer!
Big weekend coming up in sports, too. Not only do we get the finals for several big conference tournaments in college basketball, but selection Sunday means it’s time to fill out the brackets. I’m pretty much expecting the same shitty performance I always put in, but hell, half the fun is being wrong 20 or so times, right?
Couple of teams qualifying for the Madness last night, with North Texas winning the Sun Belt, Butler taking the Horizon league and Oakland University winning the Summit League title. Gotta say I was hoping OU would get bounced by IUPUI. As a former OU student who was rammed in the ass by their piss poor financial aid department, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to watching them get rolled by 30+ by whatever 1 or 2 seed they end up facing in the first round.
Outside of college basketball, the biggest news in sports seems to be the flurry of activity that’s taken place since the clock struck midnight on Friday. With no cap, seems a few teams are willing to break out the checkbooks more willy-nilly, with the Bears leading the charge. First they nabbed the biggest name available in Julius Peppers, giving him a deal worth a reported 91 million. They also grabbed Chester Taylor to compliment Matt Forte in the backfield. Good pair of moves for the Monsters of the Midway.
The other big moves involved trades, with Anquan Boldin going to the Ravens for 3rd and 4th round picks. Arizona then sent a 4th rounder in 2010 and a 7th rounder in 2011 for Safety Kerry Rhodes to the Jets.
As for the Lions, a pair of good moves on Friday, bringing DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and WR Nate Burleson into the fold. Vanden Bosch is a guy I really like with a high motor and pass rushing skills. Despite the fact that he’s getting up there in years, he’s still a hell of an upgrade over anybody they had at the position last year. Burleson gives the Lions a solid #2 at wide receiver to line up opposite Calvin Johnson. Not happy with those moves, the Lions also made a trade for DT Corey Williams with Cleveland for their 5th and 7th round picks, then sent their second 5th rounder along with a 6th rounder to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston. All in all, a nice set of moves for the Lions so far, but their work this offseason is far from done.
As of right now, the free agent pool is getting a little shallow. Of the available guys I’d love to see them bring in, the first name on the list is Kevin Mawae. The guy is not only a great leader, but he’s a hell of a durable player, and he gives Matt Stafford a solid veteran to learn from. Besides, Dominic Raolia is probably one of the five worst starting centers in the NFL, and would probably fit in better at guard. Aside from getting a veteran to mentor Stafford, I’d say Torry Holt would be a good fit in Detroit. He’s getting up there in age, but would flourish as a #2 or 3 and provide a great mentor for the best player on your roster, Calvin Johnson. Look, I think Megatron has had a hell of a career thus far considering what he’s had to work with, but the closest thing to a mentor he’s had in his time here has been Roy Williams… and that’s not exactly somebody you want your franchise guy modeling his game after. Another guy I’d love to see in Detroit… bring back Mike Furrey! Great community guy and a solid possession receiver, plus he’ll come cheap.
The other big NFL news this week… Big Ben and his Johnny Appleseed routine; except instead of planting apple seeds he’s raping women. Yeah, the first broad was less believable because of the whole civil suit instead of actually pressing charges, but now we’ve got another alleged victim pointing the finger at Roethlisberger. Sure, it might not be anything; it may have been consensual sex and this broad might be full of shit, too. But regardless of what comes from these charges, you really have to wonder where the hell this guy’s head is at. After the first charges were filed against you in Vegas, you have to finally realize you are a target. I can definitely see another bullshit ‘sex rehab” cop-out at the end of this story; that is, if he doesn’t wind up behind bars instead.
As for the Tigers, what do they have to do to get away from these phenoms? On Monday, they play the Braves and fall victim to the bat of rookie OF Jason Heyward, who hit a 450 foot shot during the game. Braves pitcher Tim Hudson compares the sound of the ball coming off this kid’s bat to a “30-ot six”. Even Jim Leyland left the game impressed with the young man, saying he’s one of the best young players he’s ever seen, even comparing his pitch selection to that of Albert Pujols. The very next day, the “meat” of their lineup gets schooled by Nats rookie Stephen Strasberg’s 98 MPH heat. Rough couple of days in spring for these cats for sure.
But they got a piece of good news as far as their AL Central hopes are concerned. Twins closer and registered Tiger-killer Joe Nathan appears to be gone for the year needing Tommy John’s surgery on his right elbow. Gotta say, this bodes well for the Tiger’s chances of winning the division, which will probably again be one of the worst in baseball overall.
And hey, UConn’s women’s basketball team won it’s 72nd straight game last night, extending the women’s basketball record they set the night before. But no matter how much ESPiN wants people to pay attention, NOBODY FUCKING CARES. Calling this one of the greatest teams of all time is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. MAYBE they are when it comes to the history of women’s basketball… but that’s kind of like saying the Lakers get to play a collection of the best middle school basketball players 72 straight times. Really, that’s how shitty the competition is for these gals.
As for the actual interesting story in women’s basketball, how about the ridiculous two game suspension given to Baylor’s Brittney Griner’s sucker punch on a Texas Tech player last week? So just because you’re one of only two women out there anywhere that has dunked a time or two you can assault somebody and just be suspended two games for it? Bullshit. If I thought for a second she actually had some sort of future in sports, I’d be even more upset about this… but the punishment of being WNBA bound is probably bad enough for her. Still, just like I said about LeGarrette Blount, she should not only be suspended longer, she should be in jail for assault. Just because it happens on a basketball court, football field or wherever doesn’t make it okay.
Well that’s it for me this week folks. I’d like to thank you all for reading and for any comments you leave on the way out. Happy Hump Day folks.
“The Assembly has witnessed over the last weeks how historical truth is established; once an allegation has been repeated a few times, it is no longer an allegation, it is an established fact, even if no evidence has been brought out in order to support it.”
-Dag Hammarskjold
Isn’t that the truth, at least in how it pertains to Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?
For Big Ben, as he’s come to be known by the fans and media, you would imagine that the first allegation would have been enough of an ordeal to have to go through. Sure, the court filings show that the woman involved more than likely entrapped the quarterback with the hopes of a get rich scheme of some sort, but it still left some nasty taste in people’s mouths.
Now comes the news of a new case involving the star quarterback in Milledgeville, Georgia, where a 20-year-old college student is alleging that Roethlisberger assaulted her on Friday, March 5th in the bathroom of a nightclub where Roethlisberger was celebrating his 28th birthday. The difference in this case is that the woman took her case directly to the police, rather than going for civil damages, and she did so immediately after the incident.
So where does that leave Roethlisberger, both in the eyes of the public or in the eyes of the law?
Well, in the eyes of the law, he is now a two-time accused sex offender. You can give a guy the benefit of the doubt after the first case because of the evidence against the accuser and the fact that it was a civil proceeding, but given the latest accusations were taken directly to the police, one has to wonder just how innocent the accused really is.
Then there is his decision to hire on Ed Garland as his attorney in the matter. Garland is the attorney that has represented many troubled sports stars when they’ve crossed the law, including Jamal Lewis in his cocaine distribution trial and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, when he faced charges in a double-homicide in 2000. The one thing that these clients share in common, as well as Dana Heatley and Adam “Pacman” Jones, who were also represented by Garland’s firm, is that all parties involved were guilty to some degree in the crimes they stood trial for, only to plead their charges down.
What does this say for Roethlisberger remains to be seen, but given that the police are already requesting DNA evidence from the quarterback, it already doesn’t look good.
So where does that leave Big Ben in the eyes of the public?
Well, Roethlisberger has done all the right things on the field. He’s played hard, fought through injuries, and he’s delivered two Super Bowls to the Steel City in his short career. Then again, he’s also contributed his share of headlines off the field, spotlighted by the two sexual assault allegations and the memorable motorcycle accident where Roethlisberger was missing both a helmet and a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license.
While these are just three incidents, they are also three high profile situations that show a severe lack of judgment from a player who serves as both a role model for kids, as well as a leader on the field of play. Half the responsibility of being a quarterback in the NFL is being the marketable figurehead of the team. If the public sees you as a playboy loose cannon who cannot be trusted within the confines of the law, then in one of your primary roles as a player. As I said before, the public may be willing to overlook the first incident, and perhaps even the motorcycle crash, but when there is repeated pounding on the can, eventually its going to look dented, and nobody wants to buy a dented can.
And none of this even considers how NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to handle this situation. And let’s face facts, Goodell isn’t exactly one that waits to hear things out either is he?
As the facts unfold, both the law and the court of public opinion will cast their verdicts, but this much is true; you can only do so much to repair an image and part of that is making the right choices. Its obvious the lessons of right or wrong have fallen on deaf ears here.
Let me start by saying that if you haven't already heard, Big Toke went into the hospital for some surgery. I hope he is alright, and my thoughts and prayers are with you Toke! Hey Gabbers, a lot of us know him, so let's step up our game! I'm gonna try here:
My jacked-up state is going through an election for Governor and as usual, the normal bunch of lying, criminal, and weasley d-bags were nominated.Let me nominate somebody who I KNOW can clean up this state and get the job done.Now, I know the Terminator couldn’t do the job, so how ‘bout the ultimate badass:
Hey Chuck, would you please go “Walker, Texas Ranger” all over Sacramento and arrest and/or beat the living shit out of every single corrupt freaking politician in this damn state so we can start over?Bring Trivette and Cahill in her mini-skirt too!Hell, dig up C. D. Parker’s dead ass too - this state needs all the help it can get!
Now time to bust out some sports takes:
1.Ben Roethlisberger, what the hell are you thinking and why are you trolling the college club scene (which by the way are havens for underage-ers) for a hookup?Man, I’m trying hard to keep an open mind, but it appears that this dude is intent on dragging his name through the mud.My man, free piece of advice – stay the fuck out of the clubs, and if you’re gonna knock some boots, find a very discreet and willing MILF. Either that, or…
Which at this point may not be a bad option for ya!I’m not saying your guilty, but ALLEGEDLY doing something to a girl in a bathroom?Just because there’s a song out there whose lyrics include “I once got busy in a Burger King Bathroom”, it doesn’t mean you have to take the lyrics of the Humpty Dance too literally.
C’mon man, wake up before it’s too late!
2.Real NFL.A. J. Smith, GM of the San Diego Chargers is pissing me off.I don’t mind that he traded Antonio Cromartie, but to the New York Jets of all teams?What, getting punked by the Jets in the playoffs wasn’t enough, you have to go and trade him to a team whose one and only issue on defense was a CB to play opposite Revis?If the Jets can do anything to further improve their offense this offseason, I would have a hard time finding any team in the AFC who could keep up with them.At least the Chargers were smart enough to keep Darren Sproles, but he’d better get somebody to replace LaDanian Tomlinson, who it’s my hope will be picked up by another team (Hint – Miami Dolphins or San Francisco 49ers!).
3.AFL.The Arena Football League is back and it's damn cool with me!It’s slimmed down and that was a smart move.I know, it probably isn’t much of a hit elsewhere, but it’s not a bad product. Playing in April, May, June, and July is just as smart, and with the NFL Network agreeing to carry it, it just might work this time, provided they resist the temptation of trying to go “big time” again.At least it’s something to watch in the late spring into Summer!
4.NBA.I’m going to be very interested to see how things shake out in the West with the much improved Dallas Mavericks. I intensely dislike Mark Cuban, but not as much as David Stern does, so let’s not think that these guys are finals material.But these guys can definitely put a scare into the Lakers and make Stern squirm.The key will be having the ability to rest Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki on occasion.
5.MLB.Way to go SF Giants and Barry Zito.Plunking the Sta-Puf Marshmallow Man (err, Prince Fielder) in retaliation for some celebration stuff last year is only gonna piss him off and he’s gonna go ape shit all over you during the regular season.At least we’ll have some good action when things get boring this Summer!
6.NHL.San Jose Sharks.Nice job Sharks!By beating the Habs then winning a thriller against Columbus, you’ve extended your home winning streak to 11.With Nashville and Florida next up in the Shark Tank, you should be able to keep on your roll.Now, don’t blow that #1 seed in May dammit!
7.Golf.It’s hard to believe that Fred Couples is now playing on the “Champions Tour”.Good to see he has two top three performances in his first two tournaments.He’s always been a great golfer, and let’s hope that his back holds out and he can give some fans a good show!With Tiger out, the Champions Tour may just be more entertaining that the regular PGA tour.
8.College Football.I’m intrigued by the hiring of Turner Gill at Kansas.I was a big fan of his when he played at Nebraska and was pleasantly surprised when he was successful as a coach at Buffalo.I hope he can calm the storm with the Jayhawks and return Jayhawk football to being competitive in the Big 12.He’s got a lot of work to do after Mangino’s successful, yet borderline abusive tenure.
9.College Basketball.St. Mary's surprise win over Gonzaga last night might have screwed a few other teams sitting on the bubble. Can't wait to see how this shakes out on Sunday. Could it be that the WCC gets more teams into the dance than the Pac-10?For now, it’s enough to know that Maryland (of all teams) clinched a share of the ACC title, my Seminoles may just make it to the dance, and UCLA bit the big one this season!
Question of the Week.How many teams does the Big East get into the Dance?
Douche Bag of the Week.The Police Department of Rahway, New Jersey.It seems as though a family decided to build a snow-woman shaped like the Venus de Milo.A loser who was offended by nudity complained to the Police, who actually went to the house and asked the owner to cover it up.I swear I weep for the future of America…
Music Pick of the Week.As with most people, I grew up listening to Journey.The boys from the bay are the shit!I have to tell you that they epitomize timeless music as even my kids have come to love their stuff.As usual, let me leave you with a taste.
What Gabbers, I didn’t set the table enough for y’all?“I want to hear from a Gabber – REACT!!!”…
Call it the calm before the storm, the Colonial Finals between Old Dominion and William & Mary and the West Coast final between Gonzaga and St. Mary’s is tonight. Then a host of smaller conference finals will be contested for the next couple days as the major conferences start their opening rounds. As Ive said before, this is a hoop junkies nirvana. This is without question the best sports week of the year. I know people talk about bowl games and the drama of the baseball playoffs and the NFL’s road to the Super Bowl but for the sheer volume of games and the taut drama. Nothing beats championship week. For the next seven days the wall to wall basketball cannot be matched. And think this is the prelude to the real tournament…whats not to love???
Atlantic Coast Conference Class-Power Locks: Duke, Wake Forest, Maryland, Clemson Playing Their Way In Florida State. Virginia Tech Playing Their Way Out: Georgia Tech Skinny on the ACC: Duke gets the top seed and after brutally housing North Carolina Saturday is in no danger of missing the tourney, and are shooting for a #1 seed. Wake is tottering badly but still is in line for a bid providing that they don’t lose to Miami or badly lose to Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech has really stumbled badly and if they lose to UNC in the ACC opening round they might get the boot. I only have 6 teams coming out of this conference, not 7 as some would want you to believe. Atlantic Coast Conference Championships: Mar 11-14; Greensboro Coliseum; Greensboro, NC Projected Bids: 6
Atlantic Ten Conference Class-Mid Major Lock: Temple , Xavier, Richmond Playing their way out: Saint Louis , Dayton , Rhode Island , Charlotte The A-10 Spec is: Temple, X and Richmond need only to win their opening round games in Atlantic City to feel totally safe. If Saint Louis gets to the A-10 semis they will get that 4th seed. The Rams, Flyers and 49ers have really stumbled down the stretch and need to make some serious noise on the boardwalk to have a real shot. But 4 is the most I see coming out here. Atlantic 10 Conference Championship: First Round tonight on Campus Sites, March 12-14 Boardwalk Hall; Atlantic City, NJ Projected Bids: 4
Big East Conference Class-Power Lock: Syracuse , Villanova , West Virginia , Georgetown , Pitt, Marquette , Louisville Playing Their Way In UConn, Notre Dame Big East Skinny: Any questions that folks had about Louisville being tourney worthy evaporated as they knocked off the then top ranked Orange at an emotional closing of Freedom Hall. Im still looking at 9 teams coming out of this conference, but Im still real shaky on UConn & Notre Dame, if the Irish lose in their first game after earning a first round bye they won’t go. UConn faces an even steeper climb; they need to win at least two games to solidify their chances. Big East Championship Tournament: Mar 9-13 Madison Square Garden, New York City Projected bids: 9
Big Ten Conference Class-Power Lock: Michigan State , Purdue , Wisconsin , Ohio State Playing their way In: Illinois Playing Their Way Out: Minnesota The word on the Big Ten is: The lock teams are just that. Illinois is fading fast and faces an interesting rematch against a Wisconsin team that housed them in their own crib. If the Illini get another housing, they are not going anywhere but home for an NIT first round game. Minnesota is needing to win two games to even get back into the conversation. Big Ten Championships:Mar 11-14 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Projected Bids: 4
Big 12 Conference Class-Power Lock: Kansas , Texas , Kansas State , Texas A&M, Baylor Playing Their Way In Missouri , Oklahoma State Skinny from the heartland: This conference is sending 7 teams...give a good argument against any of the teams listed. Mizzou and Oklahoma St. have to only guard against a bad first round loss in Kansas City next week and they are good. Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship: Mar 11-14 Sprint Center Kansas City, Mo Projected Bids: 7
Colonial Conference Class-Small Playing Their Way In: Old Dominion, Northeastern, William & Mary Colonial Spec: Im seeing only one team coming out of this conference, and Old Dominion is the favorite in the Colonial final. But William & Mary has the chops enough to knock off the Monarchs and steal the bid. This is the matchup that the hoop junkies love, two teams with one bid at stake. Colonial Athletic Association Championship:William & Mary vs. Old Dominion 7p (ESPN) Projected Bids: 1
Conference USA Conference Class-Major Lock: UTEP Hoping and Wishin’: Marshall , UAB, Memphis Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: With UNI winning the MVC im shifting numbers in projections. Im liking Memphis making a hard charge down the stretch to stay on UTEP’s heels. If the Tigers get to Saturday and the finals, win or lose I see them getting a bid. UAB is pretty much in the same boat so you may see a virtual play-in game for a bid in the C-USA semifinals if UAB and Memphis. Conference USA Championships: Mar 10-13 BOK Center Tulsa, OK Projected Bids: 2
Horizon Conference Class-Mid Major Lock: Butler Hoping & Wishing Spec on The Horizon: Butler & Wright State will clash for the Horizon Title and the big boy conferences are hoping Butler makes it 20 straight conference wins with a title win. Butler will not be kept on the outside win or lose and are shooting for a possible three or four seed. Speedway Horizon League Championship:Wright State at Butler Projected Bids: 1
Ivy Conference Class-Small In: Cornell Spec on the Ivy Vine: Cornell gets the first guaranteed invite as they clinched the Ivy Group title Friday, they will be the only team coming out of this conference Ivy Group Champion:Cornell Projected Bids: 1
Missouri Valley Conference Class-Mid Major In: Northern Iowa Hoping & Wishin’ Wichita State Missouri Valley Skinny: It’s a sweet repeat for the Panthers who used a steady second half surge to hold off the Shockers. The big boy conferences breathe a bit easier, this is likely a one bid league. Missouri Valley Mens Basketball Tournament Champions: Northern Iowa Projected Bids: 1
Mountain West Conference Class-Major Lock: BYU, New Mexico Playing Their Way In UNLV, San Diego St Spec from the Mountains: I still have 4 teams coming out of this deep conference. Though the Aztecs really need to get to the MWC semis to feel safe about their chances. As long as UNLV doesn't take a first round pratfall they will get their invite. Conoco Mountain West Championship Mar 9-13 Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas Projected Bids: 4
Pacific 10 Conference Class-Power Lock: California Playing Their Way In Arizona State Playing Their Way Out: Washington Spec from the left coast: Cal is the top dog here, but the Pac-10 tourney is wide open. I can see a couple teams coming out but that’s about it here. Im projecting Cal and Arizona State netting bids, and while Washington has the chops may need to get to the semis or the finals to get a real shot. Pacific Life Pac-10 Championships:Mar 10-13 Staples Center, Los Angeles Projected Bids: 2
Southeastern Conference Class-Power Lock: Kentucky , Vanderbilt , Tennessee Playing Their Way In Florida , Mississippi St . Spec is Down South: Florida blew a chance to solidify their tourney chances as they fell at Kentucky. The Gators may need to get to the SEC semis to feel really good about their chances. If the Gators fall in the SEC 1st round or lose to Mississippi State in the SEC quarters, they might be on the wrong side of the cut line. SEC Championship Mar 10-14, Sommet Center Nashville Projected Bids: 4
Western Athletic Conference Class- Major Lock: Utah State Playing Their Way Out: New Mexico State , La. Tech Spec on the WAC: This might be a one bid, because even though the Utah State Aggies have 22 wins and are leading the WAC, their numbers are so-so at best. If the New Mexico State Aggies or La. Tech steals the bid, Utah State could be on the outs. Western Athletic Conference Championships:Mar 11-13 Lawlor Events Center; Reno, NV Projected Bids: 1
West Coast Conference Class- Mid Major Lock: Gonzaga Playing Their Way out: St. Mary’s West Coast Spec: The big boys conferences are rooting hard for Gonzaga, if St. Mary’s pulls the upset, the selection committee will not leave the 11th ranked Bulldogs on the sideline. West Coast Conference Basketball Championship:St. Mary’s vs Gonzaga 9p Tonight (ESPN) Projected Bids: 1
There are others in the mix to be sure. The champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid (projected winners in parentheses/actual winners in bold ) : Amer. East (Vermont) , Atlantic Sun (Belmont/East Tennessee State) , Big South (Coastal Carolina/Winthrop), Big Sky (Northern Colorado) , Big West (Pacific), MAC (Kent State) , MAAC (Siena), MEAC (Morgan State), Northeast (Quinnipiac), Ohio Valley (Murray St.), Patriot (Lehigh), Southern (Appalachian State), Southland (Sam Houston State), Sun Belt (North Texas), Summit (Oakland), and SWAC (Jackson State)
Conference Breakdown
ACC-6
A-Ten -4
Big East-9
Big Ten-4
Big XII-7
C-USA-2
Colonial-1
Horizon-1
Ivy-1
Missouri Valley-1
Mountain West-4
Pac-10-2
SEC-4
WAC-3
WCC-1
Small Conferences-17
Total-65
Keep in mind that this is just spec, these are merely projections and we haven't even brought up the possibility of upsets. But those never happen, right?
As a division, the NL Central is the largest in all of baseball. With that being said, you’d expect that it could produce more than two teams with better than .500 records, but unfortunately, only the Cardinals and Cubs managed to pull off that feat in 2009. Still, the NL Central an interesting division to say the least. It features a multitude of young players on the cusp of stardom that can make or break their team’s season. The Cubs and Cardinals, while being the two teams that have dominated the division in recent years, lack the intimidation factor and are beginning to show signs that their time is coming to an end.
With that in mind, let’s break down the National League Central and see where the dice are going to fall this year.
Chicago Cubs
2009 Finish - 83-78 - 7.5 Games Back (2nd Place)
Is there another team in baseball that embodies losing more than the Chicago Cubs? That’s not to say this is a team that has had a tough time dwelling at the bottom of the division or anything, it’s just hard to call a team a winner when they last won the World Series when Roosevelt was in office; Teddy, not Franklin. Still, the Cubs aren’t a team without hope. They have a solid base of players on both sides of the ball. They just need a little bit of luck, which as we know, is something the Cubs have lacked.
Offensively, this is a team that depends more on health than it does on talent. The line-up is paced by Derrek Lee, who quietly year-in and year-out puts up MVP caliber numbers and Aramis Ramirez, who more than any other Cub’s hitter, affects how this line-up comes together. From there, you have Alfonso Soriano, who could be a nice comeback player candidate this season if he can stay focused and has protection around him in the line-up. That’s where Marlon Byrd comes in. Byrd was signed as a free agent to give the team additional pop in the outfield, something he should be an immediate upgrade over the now departed Milton Bradley on.
From a pitching perspective, Chicago is strong in the rotation, with a top three of Zambrano, Lilly, and Dempster. After those three though, the drop off could be significant. The number four starter, Randy Wells, is coming off of a career year that saw him come out of nowhere to post a 12-10 record with a 3.05 ERA. Whether or not he can continue that is unknown for the 28-year-old, but if he can at least come close, it’ll be great news for the Cubs. The number five spot is up for grabs heading into Spring Training, between Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva, neither of which appears to be a very attractive option, even at the end of the rotation. The bullpen is as equally jumbled as the bottom of the rotation, with Carlos Marmol set at closer and John Grabow at set-up, the rest of the relief corps are in disarray, especially after the news that Angel Guzman will opt for season, and perhaps career, ending surgery.
So with all this in mind, the Cubs are a team that could get it done, but need to get the necessary breaks to do so. Otherwise, they could just be a middle of the pack team just hanging around until mid-season.
Cincinnati Reds
2009 Finish - 78-84 - 13.0 Games Back (4th Place)
The Cincinnati Reds are a team on the verge of breaking through. A steady group of young hitters and pitchers have been landing in Great American Ballpark over the past few seasons and they appear about primed to take their spots in the Major Leagues.
The Reds resisted the urge to trade away the core of their pitching staff over the winter when they chose to retain both Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo and attempt to build the pitching staff around them and 3rd year veteran Johnny Cueto, who showed signs early last season that he was turning the corner. Unfortunately, they will be without Edinson Volquez for most, if not all of 2010 after the pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery last August, but they replaced him with young Cuban fireballer Aroldis Chapman, who while a bit enigmatic as to what he’ll bring the team, is as electrifying a pitching prospect as any in baseball.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Reds are a solid unit. Leading the charge is first baseman Joey Votto, who will look to build off of a career year and continue his recovery from anxiety issues that otherwise may have allowed him to have an MVP caliber season in 2009. Add to the mix Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, and veteran Scott Rolen, and the core hitters are solid. Orlando Cabrera will replace Alex Gonzalez at shortstop, which will also help spark the offense in 2010.
Cincinnati could easily be the most surprising team in the National League this season, similar to the Tmapa Bay Rays in 2008, but the pieces will need to fall into place. For that to happen, Bruce will need to take a step forward and the pitching staff will need to gel early. This could easily be a second place team or a fourth place team in a tough division.
Houston Astros
2009 Finish - 74-88 - 17 Games Back (5th Place)
A few years removed now from their team’s first World Series trip, the Astros are a team in turmoil. Ideally, they have themselves set-up to be players more in during the trade deadline rush than in the division race. They are full of key components, but none that will truly help this team contend.
The line-up is aging, but stock full of guys that know what it is like to have a big year, especially if Lance Berkman can find his stroke again, but consistency from year-to-year has always been an issue for Berkman. Carlos Lee is as steady a bat as they come in left field, and Hunter Pence will look to continue to build on a break-out season in 2009. Outside of those three though, the offense has an odd collection of youth and aging veterans, with no real direction as to which the team wants to commit to.
If the line-up doesn’t give away the team’s direction, the rotation doesn’t do much to clear up the picture either. While it appeared the Houston was ready to toss the eggs into the basket of young pitchers Wandy Rodriguez, Bud Norris, and Felipe Paulino, the front office went out and signed veteran starter Brett Myers to come in and contribute. Rodriguez enjoyed a fine 2009 campaign, and it isn’t out of the question to see him take over as staff ace in 2010 should the Astros choose to ship Roy Oswalt off at the deadline. The bullpen is equally muddled, with tryouts being held for the closer position between Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom.
Even at this early point in the season, it is easy to see that Houston needs to begin a rebuilding process. Given what they can get for Lee, Oswalt, and Berkman at this stage in their careers, the Astros would be wise to try and stock up their system with as much talent as they can get. Allowing development time to a group of young players on the way to a fifth place finish is better than putting your veterans through it.
Milwaukee Brewers
2009 Finish - 80-82 - 11 Games Back (3rd Place)
The Brewers are going to be an interesting team to watch in 2010. Here is a team that has gotten by on the longball in recent years, but after the acquisition of Carlos Gomez in the J.J. Hardy deal with Minnesota and the promotion of Alcides Escobar gives them a different look at the top of the line-up. Coupled with a pitching staff with a lot of questions, and this may be one very exciting season in Milwaukee, even if it isn’t fruitful.
Offensively, this as sound a team as there is in baseball. The tandem of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in the middle of the line-up is downright deadly. Coupled with a full season from third baseman Casey McGhee and a healthy return to form by Corey Hart and this line-up could have some serious punch to go along with the aforementioned speed. And that doesn’t even include Mat Gamel, who himself could be ready for action this year.
Pitching is a different story altogether. Outside of young staff ace Yovanni Gallardo, this could potentially be one of the ugliest rotations in all of baseball. Gallardo has his credentials, and the stuff to get it done as the ace. He’ll need to cut down on his pitch counts a bit, and that can be expected as he matures into a top of the rotation starter. The Brewers tried to get him help by bringing in Randy Wolf as a free agent, but Wolf may have reached last season in Los Angeles and may experience a decline in 2010. Outside of those two though, there is no telling what the Brew Crew will get from their final three starters, especially considering the four men fighting for the jobs are the enigmatic Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, Doug Davis, and Manny Parra. All four of those men will test a solid bullpen, which the Brewers are counting their blessings they have.
Milwaukee is a good team, but they will learn shortly that you can’t win in Major League Baseball without solid pitching. Sure, you can outhit your opponent all you want, but when hitters slump and there isn’t anyone there to keep them in ballgames, you get a fourth place team.
Pittsburgh Pirates
2009 Finish - 62-99 - 28.5 Games Back (6th Place)
“Ugh”. That is the collective exclamation that emanates from Pittsburgh year in and year out when it comes to their thoughts on the upcoming Pirates season. It’s a shame really. For a team with a rich history in the game to have fallen so far off the map has to weigh heavily on their fans. Looking forward to the prospects of 2010 won’t likely make them feel any better either.
This offense begins and end s with Andrew McCutcheon. The latest young star to be developed by the team, the question isn’t always how good he will be, but how long he will be with the team. McCutcheon showed during a brief stint last season that he is ready and will produce at a high level. Outside of McCutcheon, the only other offense on this team will come from Garrett Jones and perhaps Ryan Doumit, if he can stay healthy. The Pirates are hoping that a change of scenery will enable Lastings Milledge and Jeff Clement to realize their potential, but both are unknown quantities at this point. Then again, perhaps they will get lucky and Pedro Alvarez will be ready to step in right out of the gate.
Developing pitching is something the Pirates have done to middling results of late. They’ve managed to produce a bunch of middle of the rotation starters, but no one that has stepped up and dominated yet. Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, and Zack Duke all fit that mold, in that they occasionally get the job done, but none has overpowering stuff. The rest of the rotation is rounded out by young starters Charlie Morton and Kevin Hart, who both struggled in 2009 and may not contribute much outside of being placeholders in the rotation.
Death, taxes, and the Pirates having a top pick in next year’s draft are the three things you can count on in life. The carousel keeps spinning players out of town for the perpetual rebuilding project that next seems to finish. This year may be quiet on that front, with the exception of Doumit or Garrett Jones possibly drawing interest at the deadline. Otherwise, it’s just another day at the ballpark for the worst team in the majors.
St. Louis Cardinals
2009 Finish - 91-71 - First Place
The defending division champions look like a strong contender to repeat the feat in 2010. For the most part, the core of the team in unchanged from a year ago, so this is a team where we know exactly what we’re going to get; a well-rounded team with a solid offense and a pitching staff that knows how to win ballgames.
The Cardinals knew that they could only survive for so long with Albert Pujols and a bunch of role players. Inevitably, they knew they if they wanted to win another championship, they would have to surround him with at least one other strong bat in the line-up. They did just that when they acquired Matt Holliday a year ago, and then opted to resign him during the off-season. A full year with the tandem on the line-up, coupled with the expected growth of Colby Rasmus in center and another steady campaign from Ryan Ludwick and the Cardinals will click offensively. Their only obvious holes come on the left side of the infield, where they don’t have a solid answer to who will start at third or short in 2010.
The pitching staff is anchored by perhaps one of the best one-two punches in baseball with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright at the top of the rotation. Insert Kyle Lohse and Brad Penny, who will be another year removed from arm problems, and four fifths of the rotation is solid. The only problem is, there is no good guess as to who will be the fifth starter, although Kyle McCellan and Rich Hill look to be the two competing for the job. The bullpen is solid, but the big question is if closer Ryan Franklin will be the same pitcher he was in the first half or the guy who pitched down the stretch and looked like he peaked too early.
For all intensive purposes, the Cardinals represent the team to beat in the Central. Unless something goes wrong with Carpenter or Wainwright at the top of the rotation or an injury to Pujols or Holliday, the Cardinals should be able to plug in any holes to make themselves a playoff team again in 2010.
James Cameron must feel like that dude in the picture...That dope spent ten years working on his over the top special effects, CGI out the ass, sci-fi movie...And he lost "Best Picture" and "Best Director" to his ex-wife...OUCH!
But I wasn't surprised...SCI-Fi doesn't win at the Oscars...There were no surprises this year...There rarely are...Bunch of stuffy, uptight, ass kissing, douche-baggery..."The Hurt Locker" was a really good movie...Yes there is a lot of bullshit that wouldn't really happen in reality...But it's a movie...And a good one at that...
Moving on, this past week hasn't been the best for me...You can read up on my pain here...
After the movie we stopped by Borders Books & Music...First, why don't we take Music out of the name...The music section has gotten to be the size of my half bathroom...And the music selection is for shit! Most of it is old...You know for the people who just upgraded from vinyl to CD's...No I don't need any Jim Croce...And I had the Led Zeppelin box set when I was 15...But wait...Borders is trying hard to stay hip...They've got f**king Radiohead CD's coming out their ass! We get it...Radiohead =you're too cool for the room...Way to play your computer...
Thom Yorke is a fruity dancing douche!
So we roam around the store for awhile...I see a huge sign that says '"CALENDARS"...We need a calendar...This Christmas was the first in my life that some one didn't give me a Lighthouse calendar...Yes, I love lighthouses...It's very odd, because I'm not a fan of water...So I go over and find...Nothing that resembles a calendar...Then after searching for an employee for more then 5 minutes, she tells me, "Whatever is there, is what we have"...I replied with, "You have nothing!" and walked away...
I ended up leaving with a book called "Odd Man Out" by Matt McCarthy...It's the story of him and his not so famous life in baseball...So far I'm enjoying it...I also got a cookbook that was marked down to $5...Has some really cool stuff in it I may be stealing for specials at The Fish House...The wife Grabbed some Dean Koontz book and something else...Oh, and a Alice in Wonderland book for the girl, (The most expensive thing we purchased) and a Sponge Bob book for the boy...
Speaking of the Little Beeze...We got a nice surprise when we got home...The sitter tried to clean most of it up, but his slick...You see, some artists work with oils...Some with pastels...Some with water colors...Some simply draw with pen or pencil...The Little Beeze apparently was working on a masterpiece in the bathroom, with toothpaste...Well at least it smells fresh in there!
I'll be honest, I haven't spent much time paying attention to sports this past week...Spring training games got underway...Not interested...The NHL trading deadline came and went...Over 50 players were moved around the league...But no major shake-up...Like all trading deadline days, it was hyped for no reason...
Sunday The Boston Bruins, and Marc Savard got dealt a blow they didn't want, as Matt Cooke of the Penguins put his forearm/elbow right upside Savard's head...Savard is out indefinitely...And I'm sure the league will be looking at the video since it was a head shot...
NFL free agency has gotten underway but I'll be honest...I'm not that well informed about it all...I know The Bears made the first big splash signing Julias Peppers to some insane money...And they also signed Chester Taylor...The Ravens made a good move grabbing Anquan Boldin...And the Jets secondary just got even better with the signing of Antonio Cromartie...But that's all I got on that...
One last thing before I go...I don't consider myself geek...But I do have a fondness for "STAR WARS"...I also have a fondness for sexy women...So when I saw this I thought...WOW! What a great idea...
The NFL is on my mind. Have you seen the proposed playoff OT format. It’s stupid. First the proposal only goes in effect for the playoffs! Why Not the regular season? OH sorry my blood boils every time I think how stupid this idea is.
Simply stated team A wins the toss. They score a field goal then team B gets a chance sounds good so far . Nice in Fair. But IF team A scores a Touchdown the game ends.
It’s the NFL they will be trading field goals for a month.(Of Course they way the kickers kicked in the playoffs there maybe a lot of misses). Here’s what I think if you going to have sudden death . Your defense needs to make a stop. Secondly , instead of complicating the rule get rid of “ Sudden Death” and Play an overtime period. One 15 minute period than a series of 5 minute periods if it is still tied. Yes I know an offense can hold the ball for 5 minutes . It forces the defense to make a stop,
Whats on my mind.
The Boston Media. I watch several of the news stations late last night and early this morning. John Lackey goes out pitches two nice innings, in his spring training debut as a Red Sox. They painted it like he just won game 7 of the World Series. On clown even put up a graphic saying “Me Likey Lackey” COME_ON!. The guy is a good pitcher but this is exhibition baseball and a non story
.
Incidentally heard an interview with lackey this week on the radio , He sounds alot like Hank Hill.
The combine and the draft. Honestly, wake me up when it’s over.Tell me who went #1 overall. Tell me if the Patriots helped themselves. Then tell me how many of these guys will get limited time over the next 2 years and how many first and second rounders will be out in 5 years . I’d rather watch paint dry. Especially in the late rounds when the Raiders are picking Shitumaula Fuckayoua in 7th round from the defunct Hofstra football program. I can’t wait to hear how Fuckayoua was great against the defunct Northeastern. Tell me when it’s over.
Whats on my mind.
A lot talk on the radio about Paul Pierce and trashing talking. Callers in Boston saying they don’t like Pierce. KG is the king of trashtalking but it’s ok for him so was Larry Bird and it was ok for him. Pierce was cast in a leadership role long before he was ready. He has great years on a bad team. This guy is now one the best players in the league. I just don’t get it. He has done everything the Celtics have asked him to do and more. I think the guy is an awesome player.
To start, I am going to take this opportunity to congratulate the US hockey team on a job well done. No one had them in the running for a medal at the Olympics, but they stunned a few teams and left with a silver medal. Good job...no shame in that whatsoever. Miller was money for the US team. Good job on the Penguins fan to give him a bit of an ovation. He deserved it. I haven't seen too many visiting goalies get that type of attention. However, if I could have picked anyone off of the Canadian team to score the winning goal, it wouldn't have been this guy. Sorry, I know that there are some Pens fans here, but I am not a big Crosby fan. Great hockey player though.
If I could have picked anyone on that team to score the game winner, it wouldn't have been him. Now, the games are over, and he is back to his old tricks. No, not turning tricks, but taking dives.
The NHL season is back in action, and it looks like Colin Campbell has already gotten back into the swing of things with a prompt suspension on Maxim Lapierre. Lapierre deserved to sit for his blatant and dangerous hit on Scott Nichol. Boston fans should remember Lapierre as the guy that earned Lucic a suspension in last years playoffs. Looch took a seat for a (questionable in my eyes) crosscheck on Lapierre. Simple scrum in front of the net, and Looch's stick came up high after hitting shoulder pads. But I digress...Lapierre is a certified class A douchebag. Sorry if there are any Habs fans here, but there is no room in the game for that type of chickenshit garbage. Lapierre has no priors, but that didn't stop Campbell from sitting him for 4 games. Spin the wheel again Colin...big bucks no whammees!!!
Another year, and another bust of a trade deadline day. With the current salary cap in place, gone are the days of mulitple big name player deals. I can't believe that sports networks up here dedicate a day of solid coverage to find out that Peter Mueller was traded for Wojtek Wolski. When it was all said and done, Washington is looking much better. They didn't really move much, and are the most improved team after all the deals were done. And yeah, I'm still pissed at Scott Walker, much like I still hate Petr Klima. The losers at deadline day? Without a doubt, the leafs. Brian Burke, who I honestly believe is one of the most overrated GM's in the game, traded away Lee Stempniak for Matt Jones. That's right...the Matt Jones that is sidelined indefinitely with post concussion symptoms and played 58 games for San Antonio last year, collecting 6 points and a solid -35 rating. He should fit right in with Toronto's game plan. And if that plan is to keep sucking, they are on track.
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was on the radio earlier this week and stated that he made the Kessel deal with Toronto because he knew he would get a draft pick in the top 10. Burke shouldn't be insulted by this...that just means that Toronto would only have to stay their course of the last couple of seasons and finish just out of the playoffs for that to happen. Unfortunately for Burke, Toronto is second last in the league right now.
Washington is making a pitch for the next Winter Classic. They are hoping the game can be played at either RFK Stadium (46000) or at Nats Park (42000). I am not sure how the weather will cooperate as you move down the eastern seaboard, but Washington will probably be the lowest south that the NHL will go. But hey, what do I know. For all we know, Bettman is talking to the ownership group of the Panthers checking their availability.
Hell has officially frozen over. The Calgary Flames actually swung a deal with the Edmonton Oilers. The Sutter brothers are grasping at straws right now. They should be playing much, much better, but have in fact been shut out 4 x at home since January. Is there scoring really that anemic? Adding Matt Stajan and Steve Staios probably won't help much.
Fight of the week
Since the return of hockey from the Olympics, no NHL fights have really caught my eye as much as this one has. Two boys that just start throwing with everything they have. Funny thing is, Jeremy Yablonski and Jon Mirasty are actually very good friends off the ice. So here we go, Yablonski vs Mirasty Round 2.
The invites are starting to go out, Kent State and Cornell are the first teams to clinch automatic bids and now the games get more fast and furious. Most of the bigger conferences begin to fight it out for their invites and the intensity will ramp up. This is the beginning of the best week of the year in basketball. I will begin to list conference tourney dates and sites where applicable in lieu of key games.
Atlantic Coast Conference Class-Power Locks: Duke, Wake Forest , Maryland Playing Their Way In Georgia Tech, Clemson , Florida State Playing Their Way Out: Virginia Tech Skinny on the ACC: Maryland is now the top dog in the ACC, having defeated Duke. Wake has faded badly and is now in real danger of playing their way out, they will need to win at least one game in the ACC tourney to be safe. Clemson on the other hand has worked their way to bulletproof status. Florida State is pretty much safe, but not quite bulletproof as long as they don’t take a stupid loss in the first round of the ACC tourney they should be good. Georgia Tech needs to win a couple games in the Greensboro and Virginia Tech needs to get to at least Saturday (ACC Semis). Im not real sold on six teams going but I sure won’t speculate that seven teams get in…don’t believe that hype. Key Games: North Carolina at Duke Saturday 9p ESPN So what if this isnt the usual clash of the titans, its always a fun game to watch Projected Bids: 6
Atlantic Ten Conference Class-Mid Major Lock: Temple , Xavier, Richmond Playing their way out: Saint Louis , Dayton , Rhode Island , Charlotte The A-10 Spec is: Suddenly the A-10 contenders thinned out in a hurry, Saint Louis and Charlotte are needing deep runs in the A-10 tourney now. Dayton blew a golden chance to really improve their profile but lost in Richmond . Rhode Island smashed Charlotte and looks more like that 4th team that could come out of this conference. Barring a bad loss between now and the A-10 semis, I like the Rams chances here Key Games: Charlotte at Rhode Island Wednesday 7p(A-10 regional TV) Both these teams are desperate for a win and the loser all but needs to win the A-10 tourney to get an invite Projected Bids: 4
Big East Conference Class-Power Lock: Syracuse , Villanova , West Virginia , Georgetown , Pitt, Marquette , Louisville Playing Their Way In UConn, Notre Dame Playing Their Way Out: Cincinnati Big East Skinny: Im gonna take a flyer here and say that both Marquette and Louisville are safe. I think that they have done enough to warrant their inclusion as long as neither take bad first game losses in NYC I think that they are safe. I think UConn have are a bona fide tourney team, but Im not sure that Notre Dame is. But I do think that the selection committee will take them both. I wish that I could say the same about my alma mater, Cincinnati . The Bearcats keep getting chance after chance to get a statement win but continue to waste these chances and have all but toasted their chances at making the tourney Key Game: Syracuse at Louisville Saturday 2p (ESPN) Louisville closes down historic Freedom Hall and looks to do it in style upsetting the top ranked Orange . Projected bids: 9
Big Ten Conference Class-Power Lock: Michigan State , Purdue , Wisconsin , Ohio State Playing their way In: Illinois Playing Their Way Out: Minnesota The word on the Big Ten is: The Bucks have clinched no worse than a share of the regular season crown, Michigan State needs only a win over Michigan to gain a share and Purdue can also claim a share of the Big Ten title with a win. Im still not sold on Illinois being a tourney team. They need not flame out in Indy early or they might get left on the wrong side of the cut line. Big Ten Championships: Mar 11-14 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Projected Bids: 4
Big 12 Conference Class-Power Lock: Kansas , Texas , Kansas State , Texas A&M, Baylor Playing Their Way In Missouri , Oklahoma State Skinny from the heartland: This conference is sending 7 teams...give a good argument against any of the teams listed. Mizzou and Oklahoma St. have to only guard against a bad first round loss in Kansas City next week and they are good. Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship: Mar 11-14 Sprint Center Kansas City, Mo Projected Bids: 7
Colonial Conference Class-Small Playing Their Way In: Old Dominion, Northeastern, William & Mary Colonial Spec: Its Old Dominions tourney to lose, but the CAA always has its share of thrillers , Northeastern is the one team that could steal a bid but they and William & Mary would need to get to the final to have a real shot. Colonial Athletic Association Championship: March 5-8 Richmond Coliseum, Richmond VA Projected Bids: 1
Conference USA Conference Class-Major Lock: UTEP Playing Their Way In: Marshall , UAB, Memphis Playing Their Way Out: Tulsa Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: UTEP may very well be the only team coming out of this conference though, if Memphis or UAB can steal the C-USA tourney, the selection committee will not leave the Miners home. But as of right now, I only have this as a one-bid conference Conference USA Championships: Mar 10-13 BOK Center Tulsa, OK Projected Bids: 1
Horizon Conference Class-Mid Major Lock: Butler Spec on The Horizon: Butler completed an unbeaten league schedule and is the heavy favorite to win here, the big boy conferences want nothing to do with Butler but are rooting hard for them to win, as they have made more than enough bones to get an at-large if they get upset at Hinkle. Speedway Horizon League Championship:Mar 2 First Round at Higher Seeded Campus Sites, Second Round March 5 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Semifinals Mar 6th at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Finals at Higher Seed Projected Bids: 1
Ivy Conference Class-Small Playing Their Way In: Cornell Playing Their Way Out Princeton , Harvard Spec on the Ivy Vine: Cornell gets the first guaranteed invite as they clinched the Ivy Group title Friday, they will be the only team coming out of this conference Ivy Group Champion:Cornell Projected Bids: 1
Missouri Valley Conference Class-Mid Major Lock: Northern Iowa Playing Their Way In Wichita State Playing Their Way Out: Illinois State Missouri Valley Skinny: UNI won the regular season title outright and has the #1 seed, this makes them the team to beat. The Shockers and Redbirds are not to be taken lightly, they will be tough outs and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they stole the title and the Panthers take an at-large bid. State Farm Missouri Valley Mens Basketball Tournament aka “Arch Madness”: Mar 4-7 Scottrade Center , St. Louis Projected Bids: 2
Mountain West Conference Class-Major Lock: BYU, New Mexico Playing Their Way In UNLV, San Diego St Spec from the Mountains: I still have 4 teams coming out of this deep conference. Though the Aztecs really need to get to the MWC semis to feel safe about their chances. As long as UNLV doesn't take a first round pratfall they will get their invite. Conoco Mountain West Championship Mar 9-13 Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas Projected Bids: 4
Pacific 10 Conference Class-Power Lock: California Playing Their Way In Arizona State Playing Their Way Out: Washington Spec from the left coast: Suddenly the wonks started realizing that the Pac-10 while weaker than usual, is not a one bid league. Im hearing that suddenly Washington & Arizona State both are in line to snare bids. I'm not too sold on the Huskies just yet. As long as they don't take an early loss in LA, they will move up in stature. But we will hold off on giving the Pac-10 more than 2 bids just yet. Pacific Life Pac-10 Championships:Mar 10-13 Staples Center, Los Angeles Projected Bids: 2
Southeastern Conference Class-Power Lock: Kentucky , Vanderbilt , Tennessee Playing Their Way In Florida , Mississippi St . Playing Their Way Out: Ole Miss Spec is Down South: Im still debating on who the 4th team coming from his conference will be. I can't be really sold on the Gators, Bulldogs or Rebels since they all have way too many flaws to be legit. But I'm sure that this conference sends 4 teams. Kentucky is a bona fide lock for a #1 seed. SEC Championship Mar 10-14, Sommet Center Nashville Projected Bids: 4
Western Athletic Conference Class- Major Lock: Utah State Playing Their Way Out: New Mexico State , La. Tech Spec on the WAC: This might be a one bid, because even though the Utah State Aggies have 22 wins and are leading the WAC, their numbers are so-so at best. If the New Mexico State Aggies or La. Tech steals the bid, Utah State could be on the outs. Western Athletic Conference Championships:Mar 11-13 Lawlor Events Center; Reno, NV Projected Bids: 1
West Coast Conference Class- Mid Major Lock: Gonzaga Playing Their Way out: St. Mary’s West Coast Spec: The Bulldogs are the team to beat here, and unless St. Mary’s gets to the final and puts a mammoth scare or beats Gonzaga, this is a one bid league. West Coast Conference Basketball Championships:March 5-8 Orleans Arena, Las Vegas Projected Bids: 1
There are others in the mix to be sure. The champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid (projected winners in parentheses/actual winners in bold ) : Amer. East (Vermont) , Atlantic Sun (Belmont) , Big South (Coastal Carolina), Big Sky (Northern Colorado) , Big West (Pacific), MAC (Akron/Kent State) , MAAC (Siena), MEAC (Morgan State), Northeast (Quinnipiac), Ohio Valley (Murray St.), Patriot (Lehigh), Southern (Charleston), Southland (Sam Houston State), Sun Belt (North Texas), Summit (Oakland), and SWAC (Jackson State)
Conference Breakdown
ACC-6
A-Ten -4
Big East-9
Big Ten-4
Big XII-7
C-USA-1
Colonial-1
Horizon-1
Ivy-1
Missouri Valley-1
Mountain West-4
Pac-10-2
SEC-4
WAC-3
WCC-1
Small Conferences-16
Total-65
Keep in mind that this is just spec, these are merely projections and we haven't even brought up the possibility of upsets. But those never happen, right?
Texas is a land that has been witness to the births of many great people on its soil. Countless individuals emanating from the Lone Star State have been exceptional athletes, especially in the sport of football. Some of these men are amongst the best ever to have played the sport.
Homer Carroll Jones was born on February 18, 1941 in Pittsburg. He grew up in an area burgeoning with many excellent football players, including Homer's cousins Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Charley Taylor, of the Washington Redskins, and famous Cleveland Browns Defensive End Joe "Turkey" Jones. The cousins spent many days in their childhoods running around and playing various sports together. His mother was close friends with the family of Hall of Fame Running Back Earl Campbell, the Tyler Rose.
Homer not only excelled in football during his high school years. He was blazing fast, and was a top notch track star. He could run the hundred yard dash in 9.3 seconds, and the 200 yard dash in 19.9 seconds. He garnered the notice of several colleges, including Grambling State University and legendary head coach Eddie Robinson. Jones admired Robinson, because "Eddie opened the doors for us to play." After visiting Grambling, Homer then went to visit Texas Southern University with hesitation.
He wanted to run track at Grambling with Dallas native Stone Johnson, but he fell in love with the city lights of Houston over the rural setting of Grambling. Johnson would go on to run for the United States in the 1960 Olympics, then later die in 1963 a few days after breaking his neck in a preseason game with the Kansas City Chiefs and has had his jersey number retired since.
During his collegiate career at Texas Southern, Homer ran for the 1962 United States track team alongside Hall Of Fame Wide Receivers Bob "Bullet" Hayes and Paul Warfield. Jones and Hayes had many spirited races, which saw Jones winning more than he lost.
Texas Southern had many great players on the team during Jones' era, several who went on to play professional football. Men like Charlie Frazier, W.K. Hicks, Willis Perkins, Art Strahan ( the uncle of future Hall Of Fame defensive end, and also a Texas Southern Alumni, Michael Strahan), Warren Wells, Andy Rice, B.W. Cheeks, Gene Jeter, and Homer's close friend Winston Hill. In all, Texas Southern University has sent sixty men to the professional ranks of football thus far.
After his senior year, Homer was draft position in 1964 in the 20Th round draft choice of the New York Giants, the 278Th player chosen overall. He was also a fifh round draft choice of the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, the 33rd player picked in the draft. Jones decided to join the Oilers, which featured Hall Of Fame Quarterbacks George Blanda, and head coach "Slinging" Sammy Baugh. Also joining the Oilers in camp was undrafted rookie Willie Brown, a future Hall Of Fame cornerback. Jones hurt his knee in training camp then failed his physical, and was cut along with Brown. Homer was then intent on proving to the Oilers they had made the wrong decision.
The Giants quickly called and gave him a plane ticket to New York City. Upon his arrival, the Giants had Jones undergo surgery on his knee. He was given the jersey number 45, which was previously worn by Hall Of Fame Safety Emlen Tunnell, upon Tunnell's request. He nicknamed Homer "Seabiscuit", after the famous racehorse, because Jones was so fast. Tunnell, then a defensive backs coach for the Giants, took Homer under his wing to teach him the tricks of the trade.
He spent most of his rookie year recuperating while learning the game, but did get on the field for three games that year. He caught four passes for 82 yards, and returned six kickoffs for 111 yards. It was also the last year that Hall Of Fame Giants like Y.A. Tittle, Andy Robustelli, and Frank Gifford would play in the NFL.
One thing he learned was not to get too close to the wily veterans. In a game against the Detroit Lions, Homer ran into a clothesline thrown by Hall Of Fame cornerback, and Texas legend, Dick "Night Train" Lane. Homer said the lights went out. He could hear things, but saw nothing for a few minutes.
He also spent time watching players like Gifford throwing the ball up into the stands to fans after scoring a touchdown, and wanted to do the same thing when he reached the end zone. After the season, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle put in a rule that players would be fined $500 for doing so. Jones was making $10,000 a year then, so he knew that throwing the ball into the crowd was no longer an option. He then thought of an alternative that would change the course of football history.
During the 1965 season, Jones was told ten minutes before a game that he would be starting. He responded by setting a Giants record, when he took a pass 89 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game. It was the longest scoring play in the NFL that year. Upon arriving in the end zone, he spiked the ball into the ground. It was the first time in NFL history this would happen, and there has been thousands of players to pull off the same feat since. Though he feels celebrations have been taken way too far these days, Jones pioneered a part of the game many enjoy today.
He still was learning the game, being it was only his second year in the league. The Giants liked to line up Jones next to Hall Of Fame offensive tackle Roosevelt Brown in short yardage formations. Standing 6'2" and weighing 215 pounds, Homer was one of the biggest wide receivers in the league at that time. He also took pride in his blocking. One game against the Chicago Bears, he was lined up across from Hall Of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins. Brown told Jones to block him clean, because he didn't want Homer to anger the humongous Atkins. Homer took that lesson well, and played clean his whole career, even if some of his opponents chose not to.
Homer became a bigger part of the offense that year, catching 26 passes for 709 yards and 6 scores. He averaged a whopping 27.3 yards per catch, his career best. Though he was already becoming well known in the league, he incurred disrespect from trash talking opponents. In the 1966 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones had already scored on a 75 yard touchdown pass when he came up against Brady Keys of the Steelers.
The Giants had the ball on their own two yard line, and Keys told Jones "What am I doing here covering you? I could be home eating chicken for dinner with my family."
Giants quarterback Earl Morrall what Homer thought. Homer said, "He's talking, so he's ready."
Morrall took the snap, reared back, and heaved the ball about 60 yards in the air. Jones snagged it and took it in for a 98 yard score. It is the longest play in the history in the franchise history of the Giants.
Homer then turned and told Keys, who was about fifteen yards behind him, "If you keep playing like that, you'll soon be eating chicken with your family every Sunday."
Jones finished the season with 48 receptions for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a bona fide star in New York, and was often swarmed by fans when out and about in public. It was hard for Homer and his wife to eat dinner or watch a movie without him being bombarded with autograph requests.
The 1967 season saw Homer make his first Pro Bowl Team. He grabbed a career best 49 balls for 1,209 yards, an incredible average of 24.7 yards per catch. He also ran a ball 46 yards for a score. He led the NFL with 13 pass receiving touchdowns, and 14 total touchdowns. A local radio station polled fans on who the Giants MVP was, and Homer won. The station gave him a brand new convertible Cadillac for his achievement.
He returned to the Pro Bowl the next year after he caught 45 passes for 1,057 yards and seven scores. He would travel to both Pro Bowls alongside his friend, and Cowboys legendary quarterback, "Dandy" Don Meredith, since Don didn't live too far from him in Texas. Jones thinks Meredith is one of the most underrated players in NFL history, and said the man took a huge beating for the sake of victory.
Homer spent much of the 1968 year hanging out with his former college teammate Winston Hill. Hill was the starting Left Tackle for the Super Bowl Champion New York Jets. The pair would attend Joe Namath's famous parties, where people from all over the world would attend. Though Homer was enjoying his time in New York, he also longed for returning home to Texas.
He began to tire of playing football in 1969. Though he still managed to catch 42 passes for 744 yards and a score, he wanted to leave the game. Homer figured he had spent most of his life running and was still a young man at 28 years old. He noticed the aches and pains his body was feeling week to week as well. He said that when he was a rookie, he hurt from Sunday to Wednesday after a game, but now was hurting from Sunday to Sunday. He had seen the agony older players went through, and didn't want to grow old like that.
The Giants traded him to the Cleveland Browns after that season for two players, including future Pro Bowl running back Ron Johnson. He had no intention of playing ever again, but was coaxed into joining the Browns by his father. Homer had an aunt who lived in Cleveland and his father wanted Homer to take care of her,along with his cousin Joe "Turkey" Jones.
Upon joining the Browns, he was told that he would be the teams third receiver and return kickoffs. In the season opener, Cleveland played in the first Monday Night Football telecast on ABC. Jones led the Browns to a win by returning a kickoff 94 yards for a score, the first of its kind on MNF. He spent the rest of the year returning 29 kicks for 739 yards, a 25.5 yards per return average. He didn't get much time on the field, but he did take one of his ten receptions 43 yards for the last touchdown of his career. He then retired after that year.
Teams tried to get Homer to play again. The Saint Louis Cardinals traded for his rights, and the Washington Redskins tried to coax him out of retirement. George Allen, the Hall Of Fame coach, called Homer. He thought Homer may be interested in playing alongside his cousin Charley Taylor, but Jones was already fed up with football. In fact, he didn't watch a second of football again for over five years.
He says the toughest opponent he ever faced was Bobby Jeter of the Green Bay Packers. He also has tremendous respect for Cornell Green of the Cowboys. His favorite moment in Dallas was a post pattern he ran on Green and Renfro. The two collided, knocking themselves out of the play, as Homer took the ball for a score.
"Cornell was tough. It was easier for me to get open on Mel Renfro (a Hall Of Fame player with Dallas). He was cake compared to Cornell."
Some things then are as they are now. Like living in the fish bowl of New York City. The media also tried to stir controversy in those days. A reported once asked Jones if Bob Hayes was better than him. Homer, knowing the medias tricks full and well, carefully replied "What would you rather be shot with? A 22 or a 45?" Those were the jersey numbers of Hayes and Jones respectively.
Homer Jones holds the NFL record of averaging 22.3 yards per reception throughout his career. This is based on having a minimum of 200 receptions. What makes this more interesting is that Jones' former college teammate, Warren Wells, used to hold the record at 23.13. Wells caught 158 balls, so when the rule was changed to the current standard, Homer took his place in history.
Jones also holds the Giants franchise record for having 66.4 receiving yards per game over a career. His 4,845 receiving yards are the fifth most, and his 35 receiving touchdowns is still tied for the fifth most. The 218 receptions he had still rank 18Th best in team history as well.
Homer is back in Pittsburg the home he was born and raised in. He still interested in the game of football again, and keeps in touch with many of his peers. He is among the many veterans who feel the NFL disrespects those who made the game what it is today, and that they all have been short changed on the pension plan. The pension plan is not very good, and this is shown with Homer Jones. He had to get both hips replaced years ago, but was given only a $100 monthly increase by the NFL after being disabled after the surgery.
"The money these guys (owners, players) comes from us older guys. My top salary was $50,000, and today's players wouldn't even put on their socks for that amount. Let alone their jerseys."
Homer Jones is not only one of the greatest football players to ever have worn a New York Giants uniform, but he is one of the very best athletes to have been born in Texas. His career average of 22 yards a catch is amazing in any era, but if you consider the rules and playing conditions in those days, you would see how truly incredible he was.
Not only was the game much more violent then, but there was the ten yard chuck rule. Homer said it was like a boxing match just to get open. Players like Johnny Sample and Pat Fischer were guys Homer said were particularly rough. Then there were the playing conditions. Many times they would play football on dirt used for baseball in multi-purpose stadiums.
"Today they play football like they are in their living room.", Homer said.
So, when you sit back and enjoy the NFL today, give thought to the path it has traveled. Long before it was a multi-billion dollar business. Think of the men who played for the love of the game, not the salaries. Where earning a ring through winning meant more than buying one. Along those thoughts, you will see the men who paved the path we all enjoy today.
