The Vikes get a chance to prove last week wasn't a fluke today. On the plus side, Jerome Simpson is finally available at wide receiver after serving his three game suspension. It's nice that Ponder will finally have a deep threat, though I wasn't especially fond of Simpson and his drops in pre-season.
The Lions QB, Matthew Stafford, is expected to start against the Vikes despite his sore hip.
So much of the Vikings success will depend on their defense putting pressure on Stafford. It didn't hurt that the Vikes only had ONE penalty call last week. With the REAL officials back, they may actually catch more of the Vikings mistakes.
I'm still not optimistic about Minnesota's chances, but at least I'll be watching as long as it's close. I should get home by the end of the first quarter. I'll probably comment if we're winning.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Doumit
It's too bad the rest of the team isn't playing as well as Ryan Doumit. Doumit had ALL four RBI for the Twins again. This time his grand slam brought the Twins back to within striking distance in the eighth.
That's eight RBI for Doumit in two days. No one else had any. Maur stayed pace with Cabrera in the batting race, but time is running out.
That's eight RBI for Doumit in two days. No one else had any. Maur stayed pace with Cabrera in the batting race, but time is running out.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Nishioka Back To Japan
He asked to be released from his contract and told the Twins he didn't want to be paid for next season.
The experiment is over and the Twins saved over $3 million. A good ending to a horrible situation.
The experiment is over and the Twins saved over $3 million. A good ending to a horrible situation.
Doumit
As much as I want Detoit to win the division, I still want the Twins to win as many games as they can. Last night Ryan Doumit did his job for the Twins driving in all four runs with a homerun and a double as Scott Diamond pitched another great game in the win.
The White Sox won, too, so Detroit's lead in the standings is just one game.
The White Sox won, too, so Detroit's lead in the standings is just one game.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Bodybuilding Super Bowl
This is the weekend that bodybuilding fans dream of. The Olympia is in Las Vegas.
My brother, Myron, will once again be THE reporter for Bodybuilding.com, the largest bodybuilding site on the world-wide web.
While I don't personally consider ANY sport that relies on judges for scores a true sport, I do appreciate it as the best example of guys who want to look bigger and better than everyone else on the planet.
I'm looking forward to seeing and reading his report.
The Olympia: Where Legends Are Made
My brother, Myron, will once again be THE reporter for Bodybuilding.com, the largest bodybuilding site on the world-wide web.
While I don't personally consider ANY sport that relies on judges for scores a true sport, I do appreciate it as the best example of guys who want to look bigger and better than everyone else on the planet.
I'm looking forward to seeing and reading his report.
The Olympia: Where Legends Are Made
White Sox Lose Again
I hate Detroit, but I hate the White Sox more. The Sox have now lost eight out of their last ten and find themselves two full games behind Detroit in the standings. IF they don't win the division, their record is not good enough to make the playoffs. They won't go any farther than the Twins this year.
Go Detroit (except Cabrera!)
Go Detroit (except Cabrera!)
Refs Get Standing Ovation
The real refs heard cheers upon their return. They even got a standing ovation in Baltimore last night.
The made no horrible calls, either.
That'll change.
The made no horrible calls, either.
That'll change.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
HGH and Baseball
Former Dodger closer Eric Gagne says he used HGH (Human Growth Hormone) over five cycles in a three year period late in his career. He also said 80% of his Dodger teammates did the same thing while he was there, BUT he didn't name names.
I'm not saying he's lying, BUT if you are going to implicate players, name them or shut up. Now ALL of those teammates will have a dark cloud over their careers if they did this or not.
On the other hand, as we age as a nation, my guess is MOST Americans will have some kind of HGH therapy going forward. It will make us healthier and stronger as we grow older. The long-term risks of using them will be outweighed by the wonderful long-term benefits.
At some point, these baseball players will be praised as pioneers in the field of better health for everyone.
In the meantime, let's get our torches and pitchforks out and hunt them down and hang them. That's how we always react to these types of things.
My guess is full HGH testing will begin for every pro athlete before long. Most leagues are already working on a plan to implement it.
Up until now, such a plan would be too costly and and inaccurate to use.
Let the witch hunt begin.
I'm not saying he's lying, BUT if you are going to implicate players, name them or shut up. Now ALL of those teammates will have a dark cloud over their careers if they did this or not.
On the other hand, as we age as a nation, my guess is MOST Americans will have some kind of HGH therapy going forward. It will make us healthier and stronger as we grow older. The long-term risks of using them will be outweighed by the wonderful long-term benefits.
At some point, these baseball players will be praised as pioneers in the field of better health for everyone.
In the meantime, let's get our torches and pitchforks out and hunt them down and hang them. That's how we always react to these types of things.
My guess is full HGH testing will begin for every pro athlete before long. Most leagues are already working on a plan to implement it.
Up until now, such a plan would be too costly and and inaccurate to use.
Let the witch hunt begin.
Real Refs Can Now Make Bad Calls
I hope THESE refs get the same scrutiny as the replacements the next few weeks.
Seriously. They had to go on strike to get $50,000 more per year by 2019? That's POCKET CHANGE for every owner and player.
Now the real refs can screw up every week, so all is right with the world.
Seriously. They had to go on strike to get $50,000 more per year by 2019? That's POCKET CHANGE for every owner and player.
Now the real refs can screw up every week, so all is right with the world.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Media Goes Insane Over Final Play
The league came out supporting the final call of Monday night's football game.
Basically, the play was too close to call to get it overruled. Which has been my take since the call was made.
If you watched the news yesterday, it was impossible NOT to see the slow motion replay over and over again from every angle.
The simultaneous catch ruling in ultra slow-motion actually holds some weight. The play isn't over until BOTH players have BOTH feet touch down in the end zone. WHEN that moment occurred, BOTH players had BOTH arms around the ball. The Seattle receiver got his arm in last BUT he did get it in by the time his feet touched the ground. By definition THAT its a simultaneous catch and by LEAGUE rule that catch goes to the passing team.
IF the officials had ruled an interception on the play, the league said they would have supported that as well, because the play was "too close to overrule either way."
They might have been replacement officials, but full-time officials could very well have made the same call.
That's football. And if you haven't noticed that ref calls determine winners in most close games, you simply have not been paying attention over the years.
WHEN the full-timers come back, I'll still be complaining about bad calls just like I've always complained about bad calls.
THIS, however, was not a bad call. It was close enough to go either way. Real sport's fans are smart enough to know the difference once the emotions calm down. Only jerks continue to argue this one all day long KNOWING they are right.
The refs missed the push-off. I'll give them that. But if you want to argue the catch at this point, find something else to use your anger on. (Like how refs ALWAYS miss push-off plays in the end zone...)
Complain about the obvious missed calls, not the ones that aren't so obvious.
If it were me, I'd be complaining about that push-off for the next several years. In fact, I probably will.
Basically, the play was too close to call to get it overruled. Which has been my take since the call was made.
If you watched the news yesterday, it was impossible NOT to see the slow motion replay over and over again from every angle.
The simultaneous catch ruling in ultra slow-motion actually holds some weight. The play isn't over until BOTH players have BOTH feet touch down in the end zone. WHEN that moment occurred, BOTH players had BOTH arms around the ball. The Seattle receiver got his arm in last BUT he did get it in by the time his feet touched the ground. By definition THAT its a simultaneous catch and by LEAGUE rule that catch goes to the passing team.
IF the officials had ruled an interception on the play, the league said they would have supported that as well, because the play was "too close to overrule either way."
They might have been replacement officials, but full-time officials could very well have made the same call.
That's football. And if you haven't noticed that ref calls determine winners in most close games, you simply have not been paying attention over the years.
WHEN the full-timers come back, I'll still be complaining about bad calls just like I've always complained about bad calls.
THIS, however, was not a bad call. It was close enough to go either way. Real sport's fans are smart enough to know the difference once the emotions calm down. Only jerks continue to argue this one all day long KNOWING they are right.
The refs missed the push-off. I'll give them that. But if you want to argue the catch at this point, find something else to use your anger on. (Like how refs ALWAYS miss push-off plays in the end zone...)
Complain about the obvious missed calls, not the ones that aren't so obvious.
If it were me, I'd be complaining about that push-off for the next several years. In fact, I probably will.
Twins Beat The Yankees
I hardly ever get to use that headline.
Mauer went 3-4 last night to raise his average to .326. Cabrerra dropped to .329. Mauer has a chance at another batting title.
Vasquez was sharp for the Twins last night giving up only TWO runs in six innings. Though they aren't going anywhere this post-season, they actually have won three of the their last four games against teams who are battling for playoff spots. Playing the spoiler can be fun.
That seventh inning was really entertaining...
Deduno and Sabathia in the series finale this afternoon.
Mauer went 3-4 last night to raise his average to .326. Cabrerra dropped to .329. Mauer has a chance at another batting title.
Vasquez was sharp for the Twins last night giving up only TWO runs in six innings. Though they aren't going anywhere this post-season, they actually have won three of the their last four games against teams who are battling for playoff spots. Playing the spoiler can be fun.
That seventh inning was really entertaining...
Deduno and Sabathia in the series finale this afternoon.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Ancient Pettitte Still Better Than Twins
Pettitte was sharp last night and Liam Hendriks still pitches like a rookie. The game really means nothing to the Twins at this point and the Yankees are battling for a division title. They are focused and driven. The Twins are thinking about heading to warmer climes for the winter and playing some golf.
It showed. Mauer got just ONE hit so he fell further behind in the batting race.
It showed. Mauer got just ONE hit so he fell further behind in the batting race.
After Week 3
The Vikes have better records than all of these teams:
Washington, Green Bay, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Carolina, New Orleans, St.Louis, New England, Miami, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Denver, Oakland, and KC.
Green Bay, New Orleans, New England, and Pittsburgh starting out 1-2 (or worse) are the biggest surprises.
Only Atlanta, Arizona (?!) and Houston, undefeated at 3-0, have better records than the Vikings. It's a long season, but it's a good start.
Washington, Green Bay, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Carolina, New Orleans, St.Louis, New England, Miami, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Denver, Oakland, and KC.
Green Bay, New Orleans, New England, and Pittsburgh starting out 1-2 (or worse) are the biggest surprises.
Only Atlanta, Arizona (?!) and Houston, undefeated at 3-0, have better records than the Vikings. It's a long season, but it's a good start.
Comments
If I was the Packers, I'd be angry that when that last drive started that one of their lineman had a late hit on the QB when the Packers intercepted the ball. That was a much bigger mistake than the refs determining simultaneous possession on the TD catch at the end. A little bit of pushing off in group jumps happens all the time. That they "missed" that part of the call is par for the course for ALL NFL officials.
The Packers were dominated most of the night and have nobody to blame but themselves. Did the refs blow the call in real time? Possibly. But even on replay a case could be made for the receiver. I think announcers are biased because they WANT the substitute officials to look bad. We've all seen worse calls by real officials throughout the years.
Bottom line? The Packers played poorly enough to lose and they did. And that call was still way better than half the controversial calls that New Orleans was given in the Vikings 2009 NFC Championship game by REAL refs.
Upon further review, the call stands.
Usually the best team wins. Last night, that team did. The Packers have not played very well this season. If I were a die-hard Packers fan I'd be more concerned about that than some odd official call at the end of the game.
The Packers didn't lose last night because of that one controversial call. They lost because of everything else that happened before it.
The Packers were dominated most of the night and have nobody to blame but themselves. Did the refs blow the call in real time? Possibly. But even on replay a case could be made for the receiver. I think announcers are biased because they WANT the substitute officials to look bad. We've all seen worse calls by real officials throughout the years.
Bottom line? The Packers played poorly enough to lose and they did. And that call was still way better than half the controversial calls that New Orleans was given in the Vikings 2009 NFC Championship game by REAL refs.
Upon further review, the call stands.
Usually the best team wins. Last night, that team did. The Packers have not played very well this season. If I were a die-hard Packers fan I'd be more concerned about that than some odd official call at the end of the game.
The Packers didn't lose last night because of that one controversial call. They lost because of everything else that happened before it.
Packers Lose
My cable and internet went out at 8:15 last night. I just heard of the controversy. I'm going to watch some replays and come back later.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Twins Sweep Detroit in Double-Header
What a fantastic day of sports yesterday. The Vikings beat the best team in football EASILY and the Twins got great starting pitching from both Diamond and Walters against that unstoppable Detroit offense.
I like Joe Mauer the singles hitter. I just don't like Joe Mauer the billionaire, so I'm going to ignore his contract for a moment and root for him to win the batting title.
I've always wanted SOMEONE to win the triple crown again, but I don't like the Tigers and I really don't like Cabrerra, so GO JOE!
And go young Twins pitchers. Walters has done little to impress so far. But yesterday he was very good. Here's hoping this was just the first of many solid starts for him both this year and years to come. Hendriks, Walters, Diamand, Deduno, and DeVries amy be the Twins staff of the future. All have shown reason for hope. IF the Twins hadn't been so bad the last couple of seasons, most of these guys might never have been given a chance. So there is a reason to celebrate this season. If just TWO of these guys will be dependable starters from here on out, we may have something. IF more than that become full time starters, even this "wasted year" will have been a good one.
Yankees are next. I'll probably watch football. My Pack is in prime-time!
I like Joe Mauer the singles hitter. I just don't like Joe Mauer the billionaire, so I'm going to ignore his contract for a moment and root for him to win the batting title.
I've always wanted SOMEONE to win the triple crown again, but I don't like the Tigers and I really don't like Cabrerra, so GO JOE!
And go young Twins pitchers. Walters has done little to impress so far. But yesterday he was very good. Here's hoping this was just the first of many solid starts for him both this year and years to come. Hendriks, Walters, Diamand, Deduno, and DeVries amy be the Twins staff of the future. All have shown reason for hope. IF the Twins hadn't been so bad the last couple of seasons, most of these guys might never have been given a chance. So there is a reason to celebrate this season. If just TWO of these guys will be dependable starters from here on out, we may have something. IF more than that become full time starters, even this "wasted year" will have been a good one.
Yankees are next. I'll probably watch football. My Pack is in prime-time!
Is Christian Ponder the New Brett Farve?
Has the casual sports fan lost it? Is he serious? Can he truly believe that Christian Ponder after just ONE big win can be compared to Brett Farve?
The answer is a very resounding YES to all three questions.
I lost it years ago, so that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me.
As to the other two questions, let's face it, what we saw yesterday was so Brett Favreish that even Brett would be proud. The problem is I'm not comparing him to Brett the Gunslinger, I'm comparing him to the Brett that "throw the ball in the air guy" that HOPES something great happens. Ponder was having so much luck yesterday that he was thinking he could do anything. On that second TD throw, Adrian Peterson was WIDE OPEN and an easy target, just yards from the defended Rudolf but Ponder was so focused he didn't notice and he threw the ill-advised pass instead. Yes, it was an amazing catch, but we can't depend on catches like that and expect to win. BRETT can do that, but Ponder shouldn't be doing that. At least not yet.
Late in the game Ponder, under pressure, threw another pass up for grabs deep in his own territory that went right to a 49er defender who, thankfully, dropped it instead of intercepting it and running it back for an easy touchdown.
The Vikings did win BIG yesterday, but we can't depend on those types of plays to carry us to victory every week.
But there were obviously some great things that we all saw yesterday as well. Christian Ponder, for the first time ever, was allowed to call AUDIBLES. Up until now he HAD to run the plays the coordinator gave him when he came to the line. Yesterday, he was clearly seen changing the play up to alternatives based on the defensive schemes he saw. That's why he was yelling "Kill, Kill, Kill" on so many of his plays yesterday. He was killing the play call to go with their backup call. MAN, that was great to see. On one of those change-ups he called his own number and got a 23 yard TD run. Ponder sees what defenses are planning and is smart enough to do something else. That he was allowed to do so yesterday let's me know that the Viking's offense has now dramatically changed. That was the ONE thing I demanded in the diatribes leading up to this week's game.
We NEEDED to change things up.
Other great things?
The 49ers didn't give up ANY rushing TDs until the 16th game last season. They hadn't given up ANY rushing TDs this year until Ponder's run. Just scoring a TD on a running play is a big deal.
Alex Smith had thrown a franchise record 249 straight passes without an INT. (Remember this is a team that Joe Montana and Steve Young at QB.) The Vikings ended that streak yesterday. I think it goes to show what I've been preaching all along. A QB playing from behind LATE is forced to do things he otherwise may not want to do no matter HOW good he is. That's why I never say it's a QB's fault in playoff games when they throw INTs late. The game changes dramatically when you need to score quickly at the end. And every single QB is susceptible to that pressure. And most QBs most games succumb to that pressure.
Speaking of pressure: Wasn't it great to see a Vikings defense put pressure on a QB ALL GAME LONG? That's why INTs occur. That's why fumbles occur.
It was also great to see the Vikings offense on the field so long yesterday. It gave the Vikings defense time to rest during the game. Most teams take that for granted. The Vikings "one, two, three, punt" offense from the last season and a half was killing our defense. Yesterday they were allowed to perform. And they came through shining brightly.
Enough.
The game was great on every level yesterday except for kick-off return coverage. My GUESS is that special teams will be spending a lot of time on that in practice this week.
The Lions are next. Yes, Matthew Stafford's leg injury MAY keep him out of next week's game, but it was backup Shaun Hill that led the offensive assault on the Titans yesterday. He's a great QB, too, so it's not going to be easy beating THAT offense. AND it's at Detroit. The schedule does not get easier. This IS the NFL and we have to deal with it.
For at least one more week I can say the Vikes are tied for first place in the division. I never thought I'd be saying that after the third week of the season.
Go Vikings!!!
The answer is a very resounding YES to all three questions.
I lost it years ago, so that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me.
As to the other two questions, let's face it, what we saw yesterday was so Brett Favreish that even Brett would be proud. The problem is I'm not comparing him to Brett the Gunslinger, I'm comparing him to the Brett that "throw the ball in the air guy" that HOPES something great happens. Ponder was having so much luck yesterday that he was thinking he could do anything. On that second TD throw, Adrian Peterson was WIDE OPEN and an easy target, just yards from the defended Rudolf but Ponder was so focused he didn't notice and he threw the ill-advised pass instead. Yes, it was an amazing catch, but we can't depend on catches like that and expect to win. BRETT can do that, but Ponder shouldn't be doing that. At least not yet.
Late in the game Ponder, under pressure, threw another pass up for grabs deep in his own territory that went right to a 49er defender who, thankfully, dropped it instead of intercepting it and running it back for an easy touchdown.
The Vikings did win BIG yesterday, but we can't depend on those types of plays to carry us to victory every week.
But there were obviously some great things that we all saw yesterday as well. Christian Ponder, for the first time ever, was allowed to call AUDIBLES. Up until now he HAD to run the plays the coordinator gave him when he came to the line. Yesterday, he was clearly seen changing the play up to alternatives based on the defensive schemes he saw. That's why he was yelling "Kill, Kill, Kill" on so many of his plays yesterday. He was killing the play call to go with their backup call. MAN, that was great to see. On one of those change-ups he called his own number and got a 23 yard TD run. Ponder sees what defenses are planning and is smart enough to do something else. That he was allowed to do so yesterday let's me know that the Viking's offense has now dramatically changed. That was the ONE thing I demanded in the diatribes leading up to this week's game.
We NEEDED to change things up.
Other great things?
The 49ers didn't give up ANY rushing TDs until the 16th game last season. They hadn't given up ANY rushing TDs this year until Ponder's run. Just scoring a TD on a running play is a big deal.
Alex Smith had thrown a franchise record 249 straight passes without an INT. (Remember this is a team that Joe Montana and Steve Young at QB.) The Vikings ended that streak yesterday. I think it goes to show what I've been preaching all along. A QB playing from behind LATE is forced to do things he otherwise may not want to do no matter HOW good he is. That's why I never say it's a QB's fault in playoff games when they throw INTs late. The game changes dramatically when you need to score quickly at the end. And every single QB is susceptible to that pressure. And most QBs most games succumb to that pressure.
Speaking of pressure: Wasn't it great to see a Vikings defense put pressure on a QB ALL GAME LONG? That's why INTs occur. That's why fumbles occur.
It was also great to see the Vikings offense on the field so long yesterday. It gave the Vikings defense time to rest during the game. Most teams take that for granted. The Vikings "one, two, three, punt" offense from the last season and a half was killing our defense. Yesterday they were allowed to perform. And they came through shining brightly.
Enough.
The game was great on every level yesterday except for kick-off return coverage. My GUESS is that special teams will be spending a lot of time on that in practice this week.
The Lions are next. Yes, Matthew Stafford's leg injury MAY keep him out of next week's game, but it was backup Shaun Hill that led the offensive assault on the Titans yesterday. He's a great QB, too, so it's not going to be easy beating THAT offense. AND it's at Detroit. The schedule does not get easier. This IS the NFL and we have to deal with it.
For at least one more week I can say the Vikes are tied for first place in the division. I never thought I'd be saying that after the third week of the season.
Go Vikings!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Dreading Today's Vikings Game
I'll be able to see most of this game, but I probably won't bother. I expect a slaughter and won't comment unless we somehow are winning.
Green Bay and Seattle play tomorrow night. I expect that game to be much better. New England and Baltimore play tonight. I'm planning on watching some of that game, too.
GAME:
Great first half. This is NOT the conservative Vikings team that has been losing for over a year and a half.
4th and one on the goal line? They WENT for it. An underdog should always do that. We NEVER do. Result: TOUCHDOWN!
The defense puts good pressure on their QB. We get the ball back and let Ponder run as a designed play? Yes. Result: TOUCHDOWN!
We throw a ball to the middle of the field with hardly any time left in the half and get out of bounds in time? Result: FIELD GOAL as time runs out.
Unbelievable.
Can it last? Still not optimistic, but at least hopeful.
Go VIKINGS!!!
Second Half:
Wow. The Vikes just won EASILY. Despite bad reffing, horrible special teams coverage, and THREE fumbles by Gerhart in the last 3 1/2 minutes, the Vikings beat the team who I thought was the best team in football.
WOW!!!!
Green Bay and Seattle play tomorrow night. I expect that game to be much better. New England and Baltimore play tonight. I'm planning on watching some of that game, too.
GAME:
Great first half. This is NOT the conservative Vikings team that has been losing for over a year and a half.
4th and one on the goal line? They WENT for it. An underdog should always do that. We NEVER do. Result: TOUCHDOWN!
The defense puts good pressure on their QB. We get the ball back and let Ponder run as a designed play? Yes. Result: TOUCHDOWN!
We throw a ball to the middle of the field with hardly any time left in the half and get out of bounds in time? Result: FIELD GOAL as time runs out.
Unbelievable.
Can it last? Still not optimistic, but at least hopeful.
Go VIKINGS!!!
Second Half:
Wow. The Vikes just won EASILY. Despite bad reffing, horrible special teams coverage, and THREE fumbles by Gerhart in the last 3 1/2 minutes, the Vikings beat the team who I thought was the best team in football.
WOW!!!!
College Football
Only one major upset yesterday, but it was a HUGE loss for number 6 Oklahoma.
They were probably eliminated from the National Title hunt yesterday. The best playoff in sports continue next Saturday. Number 15 KSU just increased their chance at a National Championship by beating them.
Big games, every weekend, for the entire season, all as one gigantic playoff. Yep, it will never get better than this.
But in a couple of seasons, it will get worse.
Oh, one more note: A Division One QB, Taylor Heinicke, passed for 730 yards yesterday in a 64-61 win for Old Dominion. Yes, that is a record. I'd have like to have seen that game.
They were probably eliminated from the National Title hunt yesterday. The best playoff in sports continue next Saturday. Number 15 KSU just increased their chance at a National Championship by beating them.
Big games, every weekend, for the entire season, all as one gigantic playoff. Yep, it will never get better than this.
But in a couple of seasons, it will get worse.
Oh, one more note: A Division One QB, Taylor Heinicke, passed for 730 yards yesterday in a 64-61 win for Old Dominion. Yes, that is a record. I'd have like to have seen that game.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Henderson
Erin Henderson will be missing from the Vikings lineup on Sunday because of post concussion syndrome. He leads the team in tackles so far this season.
The small chance that the Vikings have of winning Sunday keeps getting smaller.
The small chance that the Vikings have of winning Sunday keeps getting smaller.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sports
The Twins and Cleveland look like they'll be battling for last place in the division for the next couple of weeks. Vasquez looked a little better yesterday but the Twins were back to their "three runs a game" limit.
The Giants clobbered Cam Newton and the Panthers last night. That's the first time in two seasons that the Giants have looked that good. I know they won the Super Bowl last year, but they never looked really good in any one game. Newton looked horrible playing from behind. ( three INTs and 2 sacks)
We'll see how Ponder responds this Sunday most likely playing from a similar position.
The Giants clobbered Cam Newton and the Panthers last night. That's the first time in two seasons that the Giants have looked that good. I know they won the Super Bowl last year, but they never looked really good in any one game. Newton looked horrible playing from behind. ( three INTs and 2 sacks)
We'll see how Ponder responds this Sunday most likely playing from a similar position.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Ponder Number One
Christian Ponder has the the highest completion percentage in the NFL after week 2 of the season at 75.9%.
Talk about a deceptive stat. It's always easy to have a high completion rate if you never throw a pass longer than 5 yards. It's like hitting .300 in baseball and not having any extra base hits. It's nice but it means less if you're not a long threat.
When Ponder is threatened or it's third and long, he has not got the job done. He may have no interceptions at this point, but his fumble on the 50 yard line against the Colts turned the game around.
I don't blame Ponder if this is the current Vikings game plan. I blame the coaching staff. We really won't know how good the Vikings offense is until we see a different version of it.
Ponder will most likely be forced to play catch up in this week's game. He'll have to throw longer more often if we are to have any chance at all. We will not be allowed to have short passes and short runs if the Niners get an early lead as expected. If he can hit 75% with no interceptions this week I'll be impressed.
As long as we don't lose by more than 20 points that is.
Talk about a deceptive stat. It's always easy to have a high completion rate if you never throw a pass longer than 5 yards. It's like hitting .300 in baseball and not having any extra base hits. It's nice but it means less if you're not a long threat.
When Ponder is threatened or it's third and long, he has not got the job done. He may have no interceptions at this point, but his fumble on the 50 yard line against the Colts turned the game around.
I don't blame Ponder if this is the current Vikings game plan. I blame the coaching staff. We really won't know how good the Vikings offense is until we see a different version of it.
Ponder will most likely be forced to play catch up in this week's game. He'll have to throw longer more often if we are to have any chance at all. We will not be allowed to have short passes and short runs if the Niners get an early lead as expected. If he can hit 75% with no interceptions this week I'll be impressed.
As long as we don't lose by more than 20 points that is.
Hendriks and Willingham
Liam Hendriks, after 17 career starts, FINALLY got his first career win. He hasn't always pitched badly during this streak. It's just that the Twins never scored him any runs when he pitched well.
At 23, he really might have a good career ahead of him. I'm just hoping this is the first of many wins.
The bigger story? For the first time since Harmon Killebrew hit 41 homeruns back in 1970 (42 SEASONS) a Twins has finally hit at least 35 homeruns in a season again. Killebrew hit 41 that year.
Josh Willingham ended with 4 RBI and four hits to go along with that homer.
FORTY-TWO years? FINALLY!
Now I'm waiting to see if Willingham can still hit 40 this season. He still has a shot. And it will keep me watching.
At 23, he really might have a good career ahead of him. I'm just hoping this is the first of many wins.
The bigger story? For the first time since Harmon Killebrew hit 41 homeruns back in 1970 (42 SEASONS) a Twins has finally hit at least 35 homeruns in a season again. Killebrew hit 41 that year.
Josh Willingham ended with 4 RBI and four hits to go along with that homer.
FORTY-TWO years? FINALLY!
Now I'm waiting to see if Willingham can still hit 40 this season. He still has a shot. And it will keep me watching.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
DUI of the Day
The NFL will, as always, do nothing because the nearly 8,000 deaths so far this year are nothing compared to using diet pills to help players lose water weight.
8,000 PREVENTABLE deaths and our society still does nothing to make drunk driving a serious crime. IF major league sports set the example perhaps that would change.
8,000 PREVENTABLE deaths.
Over 9,000 every single year.
We have literally spent trillions of dollars in war efforts to avenge the less than 3,000 who died in the September 11th attacks more than a decade ago. And I don't take their deaths lightly...
... but we lose more than three times that every year on our nation's highways and everybody looks the other way. PREVENTABLE deaths.
Let's stop the highway terrorists next. Let's look at them as they are. Let's label them correctly.
And let's get them off the streets and in jails where they belong.
Twins Win
The Twins managed to move into a tie for last place night. I say that kind of sarcastically BUT at the same time they got some GREAT late inning pitching with the bases loaded more than once that allowed them a 12 inning victory.
Perkins gave up a homerun in his save effort BUT he's been so good this year that I'll forgive him. And I'd still rather see a pitcher challenge the batter than walk him.
Perkins gave up a homerun in his save effort BUT he's been so good this year that I'll forgive him. And I'd still rather see a pitcher challenge the batter than walk him.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Manning Looks Bad
Manning had a system. Now he's just a quarterback.
And he didn't look all that sharp last night throwing 3 INTs in the first half. Is this the beginning of the end for Peyton?
Denver fans may wish they had kept Tebow before the season is over. And Andrew Luck is starting to look like a better choice for the Colts.
And he didn't look all that sharp last night throwing 3 INTs in the first half. Is this the beginning of the end for Peyton?
Denver fans may wish they had kept Tebow before the season is over. And Andrew Luck is starting to look like a better choice for the Colts.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Vikes Tied For First
This is probably the last time I'll be able to use that headline this season.
I did watch a lot of football yesterday even with the Vikings losing.I'm guessing that means TWO things, 1) I like football and 2) I really don't care about the Vikes like I used to.
I still like upsets and yesterday there were a ton of them. The Cowboys got killed by the rookie QB in Seattle. Arizona squeaked by the Patriots AT New England. Carolina surprised the Saints and Philly surprised Baltimore.
I'm still looking forward to Denver and Atlanta tonight, too.
The good side about having a losing home team is that after a while you become insensitive to them losing. I used to die a little and be grumpy for a week when the Vikings lost. Now I switch the dial and see if there's anything good on. They've just become another TV show.
And I still have my Packers to root for...
I did watch a lot of football yesterday even with the Vikings losing.I'm guessing that means TWO things, 1) I like football and 2) I really don't care about the Vikes like I used to.
I still like upsets and yesterday there were a ton of them. The Cowboys got killed by the rookie QB in Seattle. Arizona squeaked by the Patriots AT New England. Carolina surprised the Saints and Philly surprised Baltimore.
I'm still looking forward to Denver and Atlanta tonight, too.
The good side about having a losing home team is that after a while you become insensitive to them losing. I used to die a little and be grumpy for a week when the Vikings lost. Now I switch the dial and see if there's anything good on. They've just become another TV show.
And I still have my Packers to root for...
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Game Comments
The Vikings are a horrible football team, but the Colts are worse, so what happened today was extremely disappointing.
It was all of the really, really stupid penalties that killed the Vikings today, you know, the hitting the QB late out of bounds play on third and long, hitting the punter on fourth and long and BOTH of those happening on the same series of plays.
Let's not forget that the third and 4 play when the half is about to end when EVERYBODY watching the game KNOWS that the Colts are going to throw up a long one for a chance at a TD before settling for a field goal to end the half.
Everybody, it seems, but the Vikings defensive backs who are playing in a group on the sidelines as Andrew Luck throw a safe TD pass to a wide open receiver in the middle of the field just before the half ends.
Dumb penalties and blown coverage on OBVIOUS plays reflect poor coaching.
Add that to a "safe" Vikings offense that is more than content to run and pass on short plays while settling for field goals and you have a recipe for an absolute disaster.
If not for Percy Harvin, the Vikings would be pretty much worthless.
IF the Vikings are serious about having a good season AND they want Ponder to be their long term QB solution they need to get rid of Brad Childress' still very present offense. Ball control and short passes are great IF your team knows how to score touchdowns AND you have a great defense. But we don't have that. Coach Frazier is simply folowing the same game plan that got Childress fired, and our defense is now worse, not better.
The game was exciting, but let's face it, we just got done with the EASY part of the schedule. IF we don't change our approach dramatically by next week, we won't win another game this year.
The 49ers are next and they beat Green Bay. It's over unless we unleash the offense. You can't depend on Adrian Peterson to win games for you. By the time we unleashed Percy it was too late this week.
Obviously Percy is having some major cramping problems so I'm not even sure he'll be available next week. If he's not, that game will not be worth watching at all. Even with him, we're probably going to get blown out.
Oh, and the Twins lost today too. Diamond is now pitching like a pitcher who knows he's not going to get any run support. He's right. But that makes it impossible for him to go out and throw HIS game.
Sports are getting very difficult to watch.
Again.
It was all of the really, really stupid penalties that killed the Vikings today, you know, the hitting the QB late out of bounds play on third and long, hitting the punter on fourth and long and BOTH of those happening on the same series of plays.
Let's not forget that the third and 4 play when the half is about to end when EVERYBODY watching the game KNOWS that the Colts are going to throw up a long one for a chance at a TD before settling for a field goal to end the half.
Everybody, it seems, but the Vikings defensive backs who are playing in a group on the sidelines as Andrew Luck throw a safe TD pass to a wide open receiver in the middle of the field just before the half ends.
Dumb penalties and blown coverage on OBVIOUS plays reflect poor coaching.
Add that to a "safe" Vikings offense that is more than content to run and pass on short plays while settling for field goals and you have a recipe for an absolute disaster.
If not for Percy Harvin, the Vikings would be pretty much worthless.
IF the Vikings are serious about having a good season AND they want Ponder to be their long term QB solution they need to get rid of Brad Childress' still very present offense. Ball control and short passes are great IF your team knows how to score touchdowns AND you have a great defense. But we don't have that. Coach Frazier is simply folowing the same game plan that got Childress fired, and our defense is now worse, not better.
The game was exciting, but let's face it, we just got done with the EASY part of the schedule. IF we don't change our approach dramatically by next week, we won't win another game this year.
The 49ers are next and they beat Green Bay. It's over unless we unleash the offense. You can't depend on Adrian Peterson to win games for you. By the time we unleashed Percy it was too late this week.
Obviously Percy is having some major cramping problems so I'm not even sure he'll be available next week. If he's not, that game will not be worth watching at all. Even with him, we're probably going to get blown out.
Oh, and the Twins lost today too. Diamond is now pitching like a pitcher who knows he's not going to get any run support. He's right. But that makes it impossible for him to go out and throw HIS game.
Sports are getting very difficult to watch.
Again.
Vikings/Colts
I mentioned yesterday that the Colts have a lot of early season injuries so that should help the Vikings chances of winning today.
Andrew Luck has the makings of a future star so IF the Vikings want to win this game they need to put as much pressure on him as possible. Super Steve mentioned the same thing earlier this week.
I'm not sure they can at this point. NO sacks by the defense LAST week was one of the bigger disappoints in last week's win. But they did win so I'm still excited. I should get home from church by the end of the first quarter so I think I'll see most of the game.
Feel free to leave comments here.
Andrew Luck has the makings of a future star so IF the Vikings want to win this game they need to put as much pressure on him as possible. Super Steve mentioned the same thing earlier this week.
I'm not sure they can at this point. NO sacks by the defense LAST week was one of the bigger disappoints in last week's win. But they did win so I'm still excited. I should get home from church by the end of the first quarter so I think I'll see most of the game.
Feel free to leave comments here.
Liriano Solid
Francisco was two outs into the seventh with no hits yesterday. A homerun spoiled the drama. As I mentioned yesterday morning, I ended up missing that game live due to unforeseen circumstances.
Since we lost, I don't really mind. I ended up watching most of the Gopher's football game yesterday on TV instead, so I can't say I REALLY wanted to see that Twins game anyway.
Oh, and the Gophers did win. They are now 3-0 against very average teams. I'm okay with that. The Gophers are a very average team themselves.
Since we lost, I don't really mind. I ended up watching most of the Gopher's football game yesterday on TV instead, so I can't say I REALLY wanted to see that Twins game anyway.
Oh, and the Gophers did win. They are now 3-0 against very average teams. I'm okay with that. The Gophers are a very average team themselves.
WILD Could Be Great This Season
And, of course, the owners are going to lock out the players because they couldn't reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
Hockey owners have played hardball like this and the past and it's actually cost them an entire season. It could very well happen again.
It figures, the FIRST year I'm actually excited about the Wild and their chances, there will be no season...
Hockey owners have played hardball like this and the past and it's actually cost them an entire season. It could very well happen again.
It figures, the FIRST year I'm actually excited about the Wild and their chances, there will be no season...
First College Upset
Number 21 Stanford BEAT number TWO USC last night and it was the prime time game. USC's title hopes were most likely flushed away and it's only mid September.
The reason THIS game mattered is because the entire season is still a sudden-death playoff. No other sport has early season games that matter like this. And people still want that stupid 4-game playoff at the end which will spoil ALL that was great about last night.
USC was battling for the National Championship LAST NIGHT and they lost. Every undefeated team will have that same pressure, EVERY SINGLE game (until they lose) for the rest of the season. I can't tell you ONE player's name from USC last night, but I can tell you that was a great game.
Every major game matters the entire season. WHY would anyone want a play-off that wrecks that?
The reason THIS game mattered is because the entire season is still a sudden-death playoff. No other sport has early season games that matter like this. And people still want that stupid 4-game playoff at the end which will spoil ALL that was great about last night.
USC was battling for the National Championship LAST NIGHT and they lost. Every undefeated team will have that same pressure, EVERY SINGLE game (until they lose) for the rest of the season. I can't tell you ONE player's name from USC last night, but I can tell you that was a great game.
Every major game matters the entire season. WHY would anyone want a play-off that wrecks that?
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Home Early
I guess my first Twins game at Target Field will have to wait for another day. A member of our group got the flu shortly after our expedition began so we found some friends to give the tickets to and came home.
This way I can nap and watch the Twins at home today. Not a bad alternative.
I might even take the nap right now.
This way I can nap and watch the Twins at home today. Not a bad alternative.
I might even take the nap right now.
Freeny OUT
The Colts lost one of their better linebackers, Dwight Freeny, to a bad ankle sprain in last weeks game. Freeny will not play this Sunday as a result.
That's good news for the Vikings.
The Colts were already down one starting linebacker when Pat Angerer broke his foot before last week's game. Between those two linebacker injuries and the injury to their starting offensive guard Joe Reitz, the Colts are already hurting.
Austin Collie, one of their starting wide recievers, is also doubtful tomorrow because of a concussion he received in a pre-season game.
Another offensive lineman, Winston Justice, is battling back from a concussion as well, and he may not play either.
That's good news for the Vikings.
The Colts were already down one starting linebacker when Pat Angerer broke his foot before last week's game. Between those two linebacker injuries and the injury to their starting offensive guard Joe Reitz, the Colts are already hurting.
Austin Collie, one of their starting wide recievers, is also doubtful tomorrow because of a concussion he received in a pre-season game.
Another offensive lineman, Winston Justice, is battling back from a concussion as well, and he may not play either.
Shuffled Rotations
I'm looking forward to the new pitching match-up today at Target Field.
Deduno vs. Liriano.
IF the game goes south quickly, I plan to explore the stadium. If it's a good game, I'll plan on staying in my seat.
It's great to have a game plan going in.
I'm just so glad that Vazquez pitched last night. I hated last night's game. Deduno MAY be awful today, but I can at least give him the benefit of a doubt with some of the gems he's pitched recently.
I'm more excited now than I was yesterday.
Deduno vs. Liriano.
IF the game goes south quickly, I plan to explore the stadium. If it's a good game, I'll plan on staying in my seat.
It's great to have a game plan going in.
I'm just so glad that Vazquez pitched last night. I hated last night's game. Deduno MAY be awful today, but I can at least give him the benefit of a doubt with some of the gems he's pitched recently.
I'm more excited now than I was yesterday.
Friday, September 14, 2012
My Packers back on Track
All is right with the universe again. The Packers beat the Bears last night. Cranky Curtis can let a smile crack his face again.
Willingham and Plouffe
They both went yard. When that happens the Twins win.
Sure hope this means Plouffe has found his swing again. Still actually excited about seeing Saturday's game LIVE. Vasquez as the scheduled Twins starter has dampened my enthusiasm some, though.
Sure hope this means Plouffe has found his swing again. Still actually excited about seeing Saturday's game LIVE. Vasquez as the scheduled Twins starter has dampened my enthusiasm some, though.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Target Field
Saturday's game. We've acquired tickets and a ride!
We hope to see everyone there.
Yes, the Twins are losers, but they're OUR losers. I'm starting to understand Cubs fans.
We hope to see everyone there.
Yes, the Twins are losers, but they're OUR losers. I'm starting to understand Cubs fans.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thoughts
I tried watching the Twins game last night. I didn't make it very long.
I noticed J.J. Hardy had two more homeruns last night for the Orioles. Letting Hardy go and making room for Ishy Nishi was one of the biggest blunders in Twins history. They could have paid Hardy for two seasons based on how much they wasted on Ishy. That was the beginning of the Twins decline.
Hardy is now in a pennant race with the once awful Orioles, who are obviously going in the opposite direction of the Twins who are struggling to stay out of the division cellar. How two years make a big difference.
The Vikings play at Indy this weekend. I smile knowing that Indy might actually be worse than Minnesota. At the same time, I have no confidence that the Vikings will win this game. One OT win doesn't make a season and the Vikings still look like a poorly coached team. I'm at least willing to watch for one more week.
That's different from last season.
I noticed J.J. Hardy had two more homeruns last night for the Orioles. Letting Hardy go and making room for Ishy Nishi was one of the biggest blunders in Twins history. They could have paid Hardy for two seasons based on how much they wasted on Ishy. That was the beginning of the Twins decline.
Hardy is now in a pennant race with the once awful Orioles, who are obviously going in the opposite direction of the Twins who are struggling to stay out of the division cellar. How two years make a big difference.
The Vikings play at Indy this weekend. I smile knowing that Indy might actually be worse than Minnesota. At the same time, I have no confidence that the Vikings will win this game. One OT win doesn't make a season and the Vikings still look like a poorly coached team. I'm at least willing to watch for one more week.
That's different from last season.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Deduno
This guy is really good. Yes, he's still walking a few batters every game, but last night he didn't give up a hit until the sixth inning.
The Twins won 7-2 and Deduno is starting to look more and more like a good version of Liriano. Amazing.
Pedro Floriman continues to shine as well. He had two more hits last night and two great fielding plays at short. His speed and grace is amazing.
Morneau had two more RBI as well.
A great game that featured lots of young stars learning to play the game.
The Twins manged to tie Cleveland for last place in the division by taking three of four from them in the series. No, being tied for last is not anything to brag about, but it's better than being in last place all by yourself.
Small steps.
The Twins won 7-2 and Deduno is starting to look more and more like a good version of Liriano. Amazing.
Pedro Floriman continues to shine as well. He had two more hits last night and two great fielding plays at short. His speed and grace is amazing.
Morneau had two more RBI as well.
A great game that featured lots of young stars learning to play the game.
The Twins manged to tie Cleveland for last place in the division by taking three of four from them in the series. No, being tied for last is not anything to brag about, but it's better than being in last place all by yourself.
Small steps.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Peyton Manning
Denver has one of the league's best defenses. They also have a Peyton Manning who pretty much looks fully recovered from neck problems. That combo looked good last night when Denver knocked out the Steelers.
Denver is now a contender.
Denver is now a contender.
Morneau
The Twins are trying out a lot of really bad starters right now, but Justin Morneau and his two homeruns and Joe Mauer being a homerun short of the cycle yesterday helped the Twins avoid a horrible loss.
Morneau looks fully recovered. Mauer is hitting .317. We have three starters who look good almost every time out. Perkins has become a great closer and Willingham is potentially a future league MVP.
This year is a write-off. I do have hopes for the future, though.
Morneau looks fully recovered. Mauer is hitting .317. We have three starters who look good almost every time out. Perkins has become a great closer and Willingham is potentially a future league MVP.
This year is a write-off. I do have hopes for the future, though.
Blair Walsh
It's hard to compare a rookie kicker with a talent like Ryan Longwell, but replacing Longwell may turn out to be one of the smartest thngs the Vikngs have ever done. Longwell MAY have made that 55-yarder with time running out in yesterday's game, but Walsh sent it through with distance to spare. He'll need time to become a consistent veteran kicker, but right now I'll take his leg strength over any kicker in the league.
The Vikings started horribly yesterday. They basically ran it three times and punted the entire first half. Once Ponder was allowed to throw the ball more than once on any given drive, the Vikings caught fire. It was still troubling that they had to settle for so many field goals when they had first and goal situations.
Another bonus? (Super Steve mentioned this in his comments yesterday.) We re-discovered how to use Percy Harvin. Short passes, long passes, returns, and just plain runs up the middle took lots of pressure off Adrian Peterson who does NOT have to be our entire offense. In fact, if anything, using Peterson LESS is a good way to become a better team. IF defenses can't key on him, the Vikings actually have a chance to confuse defenses.
A secret weapon? Kyle Rudolph at 6 feet 6 inches makes a huge target for Ponder and Ponder found him often. You don't need TONS of great wide recievers. You need a couple of guys who are open consistently. Rudolph IS one of those guys.
The bad? The Vikings defense giving up a 50-yard TD with 20 seconds left and the game on the line was just plain dumb. THAT'S the one play every team sends three defenders to the endzone and they just stand there to knock it down. That touchdown simply should not have happened.
The best? WE WON! We're now tied for first with the Bears and the Lions. We haven't been in first place in this division for two seasons.
Observations: I watched the better parts of three games yesterday and for the most part the replacement officials blended in perfectly.
I say, "for the most part" because it was obvious a couple of their inexplicable "non-calls" in the Packer/49ers game may actually have affected the outcome in that one. The 49ers offense quite obviously jumped early TWICE in one of their TD drives against the Packers. Instead of third and long twice, they were given first downs. That TD drive was the difference in the game. It also prevented the Packers from getting the ball back and doing some damage of their own before the first half ended.
But refs ALWAYS make stupid mistakes that affect the outcomes of games. That these screwed up some is just par for the course in major league sports.
Football is back, either way. And for at least one more week, I get to enjoy it.
The Vikings started horribly yesterday. They basically ran it three times and punted the entire first half. Once Ponder was allowed to throw the ball more than once on any given drive, the Vikings caught fire. It was still troubling that they had to settle for so many field goals when they had first and goal situations.
Another bonus? (Super Steve mentioned this in his comments yesterday.) We re-discovered how to use Percy Harvin. Short passes, long passes, returns, and just plain runs up the middle took lots of pressure off Adrian Peterson who does NOT have to be our entire offense. In fact, if anything, using Peterson LESS is a good way to become a better team. IF defenses can't key on him, the Vikings actually have a chance to confuse defenses.
A secret weapon? Kyle Rudolph at 6 feet 6 inches makes a huge target for Ponder and Ponder found him often. You don't need TONS of great wide recievers. You need a couple of guys who are open consistently. Rudolph IS one of those guys.
The bad? The Vikings defense giving up a 50-yard TD with 20 seconds left and the game on the line was just plain dumb. THAT'S the one play every team sends three defenders to the endzone and they just stand there to knock it down. That touchdown simply should not have happened.
The best? WE WON! We're now tied for first with the Bears and the Lions. We haven't been in first place in this division for two seasons.
Observations: I watched the better parts of three games yesterday and for the most part the replacement officials blended in perfectly.
I say, "for the most part" because it was obvious a couple of their inexplicable "non-calls" in the Packer/49ers game may actually have affected the outcome in that one. The 49ers offense quite obviously jumped early TWICE in one of their TD drives against the Packers. Instead of third and long twice, they were given first downs. That TD drive was the difference in the game. It also prevented the Packers from getting the ball back and doing some damage of their own before the first half ended.
But refs ALWAYS make stupid mistakes that affect the outcomes of games. That these screwed up some is just par for the course in major league sports.
Football is back, either way. And for at least one more week, I get to enjoy it.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Vikings
The Vikings have never had three losing seasons in a row. Most are thinking that streak comes to an end this year.
I do believe the defense is improved over last season but the Vikngs have got to prove to themselves, the fans, and the league that they can somehow move the ball offensively AND consistently get the ball into the end zone.
We all ponder the possibilities.
I should get to see most of the game this afternoon. I'm thinking about commenting here but when you expect bad play it's not always easy to start typing and ripping them.
All readers are invited to leave game comments if they desire.
One last note: I never thought I'd be considering giving up cable TV because pro sports are never available on line. I've recently discovered a service from the NFL that lets you watch ALL the NFL games this season on the internet(especially your home team) in HD replay for $40 a year.
I hardly ever get to watch games live any more anyway. They also give you the option of watching "condensed" games in 30 minutes.
With the Twins worthless and the Vikings going in that direction, I'm actually considering dropping cable. I can already get everything else I watch online so cable is starting to seem like a complete waste of money. Between Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime I could cut my bill in half and still have more programs than I can possibly watch in a lifetime.
Decisions. Decisions.
I do believe the defense is improved over last season but the Vikngs have got to prove to themselves, the fans, and the league that they can somehow move the ball offensively AND consistently get the ball into the end zone.
We all ponder the possibilities.
I should get to see most of the game this afternoon. I'm thinking about commenting here but when you expect bad play it's not always easy to start typing and ripping them.
All readers are invited to leave game comments if they desire.
One last note: I never thought I'd be considering giving up cable TV because pro sports are never available on line. I've recently discovered a service from the NFL that lets you watch ALL the NFL games this season on the internet(especially your home team) in HD replay for $40 a year.
I hardly ever get to watch games live any more anyway. They also give you the option of watching "condensed" games in 30 minutes.
With the Twins worthless and the Vikings going in that direction, I'm actually considering dropping cable. I can already get everything else I watch online so cable is starting to seem like a complete waste of money. Between Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime I could cut my bill in half and still have more programs than I can possibly watch in a lifetime.
Decisions. Decisions.
College Football
Arkansas at number 8 was the only upset in yesterday's schedule. The rest of the top ten won as expected. I'm still waiting for the big upsets that makes the season worth watching.
De Vries
With another super pitching performance by one of the Twins young starters, the Twins went on to shutout Cleveland last night. They also had just enough offense to make the game worth watching.
Cole is on an inside track to be one of the Twins starters next season. The best part wasn't his good innings, no, the best part was those first two shaky innings where he still kept Cleveland from scoring.
Willingham now has 102 RBI to go with his 33 homeruns. This guy is having a monster season. If the Twins were a winning ball club, he'd be getting some MVP consideration.
Cole is on an inside track to be one of the Twins starters next season. The best part wasn't his good innings, no, the best part was those first two shaky innings where he still kept Cleveland from scoring.
Willingham now has 102 RBI to go with his 33 homeruns. This guy is having a monster season. If the Twins were a winning ball club, he'd be getting some MVP consideration.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Baseball
I remember one of the first series of the season when the Twins got kicked by lowly Baltimore. I was bummed that the Twins couldn't even beat a team as bad as they were.
By the next time we faced Baltimore, I noticed they were still playing well and that their starting pitching was actually pretty good.
Flash forward to today. The Orioles are tied for FIRST place with the all-mighty Yankees with less than a month to go in the regular season.
Even cooler? They aren't the only horrible team that made a big turnaround this season. The Washington Nationals have a HUGE 7 1/2 game lead in their division riding the incredible arm of Stephen Stasburg.
There are only 6 divisions in baseball and two of the leaders have payrolls that make the big boys blush. Even other small market teams like Oakland and Pittsburgh are having remarkably competitive seasons.
The Twins are down, but they aren't out. One year turnarounds are possible with a couple of good pitchers and a few good guys who can hit the ball. This year is definitely NOT the Twins year. But with baseball the way it is, NEXT year could be.
If we could just figure out a way of keeping Mauer AND reducing his enormous salary I'd be more optimistic.
By the next time we faced Baltimore, I noticed they were still playing well and that their starting pitching was actually pretty good.
Flash forward to today. The Orioles are tied for FIRST place with the all-mighty Yankees with less than a month to go in the regular season.
Even cooler? They aren't the only horrible team that made a big turnaround this season. The Washington Nationals have a HUGE 7 1/2 game lead in their division riding the incredible arm of Stephen Stasburg.
There are only 6 divisions in baseball and two of the leaders have payrolls that make the big boys blush. Even other small market teams like Oakland and Pittsburgh are having remarkably competitive seasons.
The Twins are down, but they aren't out. One year turnarounds are possible with a couple of good pitchers and a few good guys who can hit the ball. This year is definitely NOT the Twins year. But with baseball the way it is, NEXT year could be.
If we could just figure out a way of keeping Mauer AND reducing his enormous salary I'd be more optimistic.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Football Preview
No big predictions this year. The Packers had one horrible game last year in which all of their receivers forgot how to catch. Since that was a playoff game, their season ended miserably instead of them having back-to-back championships.
The Pack WAS the best team in football last season and yet a mediocre team like the Giants won the Super Bowl. You can't predict stupidity like that. Stupid things happen and you just deal with it.
SO instead of predictions I'll make observations. Number one: The Packers still have a great offense but they had a terrible defense last year. Green Bay is more aware of that than any of us. IF they fix that defense, or even make it a little better, they should still be the best team in football again THIS season. Barring injury and stupidity they should easily win most of their games this season and be the NFC rep in the Super Bowl.
My only other observation? I think the Vikings are worse this year than last year, but at least we won't have McNabb snatching defeat from the jaws of victory this time around. I think the Vikes can win more games this year than last, but Leslie Frazier looks as incompetent as any head coach we have ever had. (And yes, I do remember Les Steckel, and Mike Tice. Brad Childress would actually be forth on my list at this point.)
The key to winning is planning your offenses and defenses around the people you have and NOT making them fit into your system. Frazier should have been fired long before now. It's time to find out if he's actually learned anything. I don't think he has, but we'll all find out together.
The Pack WAS the best team in football last season and yet a mediocre team like the Giants won the Super Bowl. You can't predict stupidity like that. Stupid things happen and you just deal with it.
SO instead of predictions I'll make observations. Number one: The Packers still have a great offense but they had a terrible defense last year. Green Bay is more aware of that than any of us. IF they fix that defense, or even make it a little better, they should still be the best team in football again THIS season. Barring injury and stupidity they should easily win most of their games this season and be the NFC rep in the Super Bowl.
My only other observation? I think the Vikings are worse this year than last year, but at least we won't have McNabb snatching defeat from the jaws of victory this time around. I think the Vikes can win more games this year than last, but Leslie Frazier looks as incompetent as any head coach we have ever had. (And yes, I do remember Les Steckel, and Mike Tice. Brad Childress would actually be forth on my list at this point.)
The key to winning is planning your offenses and defenses around the people you have and NOT making them fit into your system. Frazier should have been fired long before now. It's time to find out if he's actually learned anything. I don't think he has, but we'll all find out together.
Cowboys and Giants
The Giants played well last year in the playoffs. Before that, they were at best an average team. They are back to being that again.
The Cowboys handled them easily last night and I can't believe the NFL season started on a Wednesday night. Eventually the league will kill its "Golden Egg" by stretching out all of these games over too many nights.
Even last night seemed like just another exhibition game.
I know I don't like football like I used to because the Vikings have turned into such an incredible waste of space, but MOST markets have disappointing teams. Giving us the big match-ups over the entire week just makes me less interested in the standard Sunday games.
Sundays used to be destination television time. Now it's the day they'll put on all their bad games. It won't be long before folks skip them entirely.
The Cowboys handled them easily last night and I can't believe the NFL season started on a Wednesday night. Eventually the league will kill its "Golden Egg" by stretching out all of these games over too many nights.
Even last night seemed like just another exhibition game.
I know I don't like football like I used to because the Vikings have turned into such an incredible waste of space, but MOST markets have disappointing teams. Giving us the big match-ups over the entire week just makes me less interested in the standard Sunday games.
Sundays used to be destination television time. Now it's the day they'll put on all their bad games. It won't be long before folks skip them entirely.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Twins Score 18
I'm hoping the Vikings can score that much on Sunday.
I actually turned it off for awhile when the Diamond gave up three runs in the first. I'm glad I kept checking back. That TEN run fifth was pretty cool. Diamond settled down and got his 11th win of the season.
I can't believe he's been good and consistent enough to already get 11 wins.
The weird part? The Twins only had three extra base hits. Yes, two were homeruns, but with blowouts like this a lot of balls usually fly out of the park. Every starter had a hit by the fifth.
In contrast, the White Sox hit TEN doubles last night but only scored a total of NINE runs.
I actually turned it off for awhile when the Diamond gave up three runs in the first. I'm glad I kept checking back. That TEN run fifth was pretty cool. Diamond settled down and got his 11th win of the season.
I can't believe he's been good and consistent enough to already get 11 wins.
The weird part? The Twins only had three extra base hits. Yes, two were homeruns, but with blowouts like this a lot of balls usually fly out of the park. Every starter had a hit by the fifth.
In contrast, the White Sox hit TEN doubles last night but only scored a total of NINE runs.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Deduno Good Again
He only gave up two runs in six innings. It's too bad the Twins didn't score more themselves.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Thoughts
Do you remember that guy in the Olympics that ran with prosthetic legs?
He got BEAT in the Paralympics yesterday by a Brazilian sprinter who has similar prosthetics.
How did the Olympian react? He accused the Brazilian of cheating. He said the Brazilian's fake legs gave him an "unfair advantage."
It's kind of funny. I said the same thing when the original guy that was running in the Olympics in the first place. Back then, no one else was willing to point fingers at the "handicapped guy" having an unfair artificial advantage.
Well now the shoe is on the other foot.
So to speak.
Look for this controversy to get worse as prosthetics get better and better. Now everyone will have to admit that having no legs is actually an advantage in sprint races.
He got BEAT in the Paralympics yesterday by a Brazilian sprinter who has similar prosthetics.
How did the Olympian react? He accused the Brazilian of cheating. He said the Brazilian's fake legs gave him an "unfair advantage."
It's kind of funny. I said the same thing when the original guy that was running in the Olympics in the first place. Back then, no one else was willing to point fingers at the "handicapped guy" having an unfair artificial advantage.
Well now the shoe is on the other foot.
So to speak.
Look for this controversy to get worse as prosthetics get better and better. Now everyone will have to admit that having no legs is actually an advantage in sprint races.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
No Upsets In College Football
All top 10 teams that were supposed to win yesterday did win. The only upset in the top 20 was Penn State at number 14 getting beat by number 25 Ohio State. I was surprised to hear that Penn State was ranked that high in the first place. Very few colleges have ever had more difficult off-seasons. I'm thinking they are going to have a terrible season no matter that early ranking.
I didn't watch any of the games for more than a couple of minutes.
It's UPSETS that are fun to watch.
I didn't watch any of the games for more than a couple of minutes.
It's UPSETS that are fun to watch.
Mauer Power
The Twins won TWO games yesterday.
I haven't written that line in a long, long time (ever?)
I caught the last part of game one and the first two innings of game two. Those first two innings were great! A three-run homer in the first, and then Mauer showed off his power with a grand slam in the second. KC scratched its way back after that, but the Twins did manage to hold on and win 8-7.
De Vries looked great pitching in game one.
A solid fun day of winning baseball.
I haven't written that line in a long, long time (ever?)
I caught the last part of game one and the first two innings of game two. Those first two innings were great! A three-run homer in the first, and then Mauer showed off his power with a grand slam in the second. KC scratched its way back after that, but the Twins did manage to hold on and win 8-7.
De Vries looked great pitching in game one.
A solid fun day of winning baseball.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Vikes Go With Youth
As Super Steve mentioned in his comments on the last post, the Vikes have decided that they want three QBs with basically no experience.
I wouldn't make too much of that just yet. IF the Vikings really want to pick up a veteran QB in a couple of games, half a dozen good ones are just a phone call away, including Sage, who was waived yesterday.
The Vikes are going to live or die the next couple of seasons with Christian Ponder. Joe Webb will be the first sub in, BUT McLeod Bethel Thompson is a very good prospect who might very well be our starter under the right set of circumstances.
The Vikes basically picked Thompson's incredible potential over Sage's experience.
I like the call. It's not like we're going to be Super Bowl contenders this year any way.
The Vikes also said yesterday that Adrian Peterson will be a "game time decision" next week as they open the regular season. That means one of two things. He really isn't ready yet OR they want to fake out next week's opponent. I'm guessing the latter.
He's the only secret weapon they have right now, why not use him in the best way possible?
I wouldn't make too much of that just yet. IF the Vikings really want to pick up a veteran QB in a couple of games, half a dozen good ones are just a phone call away, including Sage, who was waived yesterday.
The Vikes are going to live or die the next couple of seasons with Christian Ponder. Joe Webb will be the first sub in, BUT McLeod Bethel Thompson is a very good prospect who might very well be our starter under the right set of circumstances.
The Vikes basically picked Thompson's incredible potential over Sage's experience.
I like the call. It's not like we're going to be Super Bowl contenders this year any way.
The Vikes also said yesterday that Adrian Peterson will be a "game time decision" next week as they open the regular season. That means one of two things. He really isn't ready yet OR they want to fake out next week's opponent. I'm guessing the latter.
He's the only secret weapon they have right now, why not use him in the best way possible?
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