I'm afraid of all the Viking fans now jumping on the Jack Del Rio bandwagon. Jack was an average head coach at Jacksonville for EIGHT YEARS. In his entire tenure there, he didn't win a single division title. His offense was known for running up the middle and punting. And at the end of his time in Jacksonville, he had one of the worst defenses in the league.
Eight years of mediocrity. We simply do not need any more of that. That was Tice. That was Childress. That was Frazier.
A better choice perhaps? There are no guarantees of course, but Adam Gase, the Broncos OFFENSIVE coordinator is also available. He's the guy that rewrote the entire Bronco playbook in two weeks to accommodate the unorthodox Tim Tebow. He's also the guy that has put high-powered offenses on the field for the Broncos since he's been there. He KNOWS football. And he isn't afraid to make changes in his game plan when things aren't working. INSTANT changes. The Vikings lost 5 games this year in the last minute of play because Frazier refused to make any adjustments on offense or defense. FIVE GAMES. Recognizing patterns and making adjustments are what separates the good from the truly mediocre.
Gase has a history of problem solving on the fly. Del Rio has a history of mediocrity.
Of course, every team who has fired a head coach this season is looking to Del Rio and Gase for help next season. The Vikings should make a statement with their checkbook.
I'm just afraid that the statement they will make will give us Del Rio.
sigh
I'm going to be preemptive here. I'll be the first. Fire Del Rio.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Rodgers is BACK
I really enjoyed the Packers game yesterday. Rodgers brought his "C" game in the first quarter, but the "A" game returned in time for a spectacular finish. I'm just afraid for the Packers to go deeper in the playoffs, that they will need to discover a defense somewhere in the next week. That defense yesterday was as bad I saw all season.
I enjoyed the Cowboys losing last night, too. Kyle Orton was a very good replacement for Romo, but Philly was a little better. That's all they needed to be.
I was also watching Manning in the first half of his game yesterday. Most yards, most TDs , and most points in a season. That Manning kid is good.
It was a good day for football yesterday. San Fran pulled off a last second win as well. I'm pumped for the playoffs.
Bring 'em on!
I enjoyed the Cowboys losing last night, too. Kyle Orton was a very good replacement for Romo, but Philly was a little better. That's all they needed to be.
I was also watching Manning in the first half of his game yesterday. Most yards, most TDs , and most points in a season. That Manning kid is good.
It was a good day for football yesterday. San Fran pulled off a last second win as well. I'm pumped for the playoffs.
Bring 'em on!
The End Of An Era
The Vikings have a rare opportunity to start completely over next year. Here are my thoughts on what they should do.
The first thing they need to do is fire coach Leslie Frazier. In three years with the team, he couldn't judge his talent accurately. Matt Cassel was the primary quarterback in ALL FIVE Vikings wins this season, twice in relief of an injured Ponder. What was Frazier's battle cry for two straight seasons? "Ponder is our best chance to win."
He couldn't come up with a decent game plan either. He felt our best chance to win was to keep Ponder in the pocket and to run Peterson 25-30 times a game, ignoring the fact that the only games won under Ponder were when he regularly rolled out and ran bootlegs. He was far more accurate when on the move than in the pocket, and he got sacked less often as well. Ponder actually looked GOOD in games where he wasn't restricted by the pocket. But Frazier, inexplicably kept muzzling him to the team's detriment. As head coach, it was Frazier's job to see patterns that worked and did not work in the Vikings offense. For two seasons, he failed to see those tendencies.
How about something radical for another change? Dump Peterson. Peterson is a good back who has had spectacular seasons, BUT he's also an aging back who is injury prone. And the more you watch him LOSE yards on basic plays up the middle the more you realize that he's a guy always looking for the BIG run rather than the guy content to get the yards that are there. I've mentioned it in the past, but he often had more significant negative yard plays in a game than positive yard plays in a game. It LOOKS good in highlight reels on Sportscenter when he breaks the long one, but it causes a team to punt far more than they should when you're ALWAYS looking for more yards than taking what the other defense is giving you. He dances at the line of scrimmage so often that he looks like he's auditioning for Dancing With the Stars. He no longer hits the hole that's there, he jukes behind the line hoping for a larger hole. And he loses big yardage several times a game doing that.
In the Vikings last two wins, without Peterson, the backs did their job without the flair and rarely had a backward step. THAT'S how the game is meant to be played. It would also stop us from relying on an unreliable back for our wins. It also allows a team to have several long sustained drives a game. You know, the ones that cause you to dominate clock time, get the opposing team's defense tired, and keeps opposing quarterbacks on the bench where they can't hurt you.
IF another quarterback is available in the draft when we get our choice, we should draft him as a backup to Cassel, and dump Ponder. Ponder brings this team down in so many ways. I admit much of that is Frazier's USE of Ponder in this system, but Ponder even at his BEST is just average. It's time for a QB who is GREAT, not just adequate.
Yesterday's win was good for three reasons. No Ponder. No Peterson. A great Patterson.
More of that please. And the sooner we dump Peterson, the more we'll get to USE Patterson.
The first thing they need to do is fire coach Leslie Frazier. In three years with the team, he couldn't judge his talent accurately. Matt Cassel was the primary quarterback in ALL FIVE Vikings wins this season, twice in relief of an injured Ponder. What was Frazier's battle cry for two straight seasons? "Ponder is our best chance to win."
He couldn't come up with a decent game plan either. He felt our best chance to win was to keep Ponder in the pocket and to run Peterson 25-30 times a game, ignoring the fact that the only games won under Ponder were when he regularly rolled out and ran bootlegs. He was far more accurate when on the move than in the pocket, and he got sacked less often as well. Ponder actually looked GOOD in games where he wasn't restricted by the pocket. But Frazier, inexplicably kept muzzling him to the team's detriment. As head coach, it was Frazier's job to see patterns that worked and did not work in the Vikings offense. For two seasons, he failed to see those tendencies.
How about something radical for another change? Dump Peterson. Peterson is a good back who has had spectacular seasons, BUT he's also an aging back who is injury prone. And the more you watch him LOSE yards on basic plays up the middle the more you realize that he's a guy always looking for the BIG run rather than the guy content to get the yards that are there. I've mentioned it in the past, but he often had more significant negative yard plays in a game than positive yard plays in a game. It LOOKS good in highlight reels on Sportscenter when he breaks the long one, but it causes a team to punt far more than they should when you're ALWAYS looking for more yards than taking what the other defense is giving you. He dances at the line of scrimmage so often that he looks like he's auditioning for Dancing With the Stars. He no longer hits the hole that's there, he jukes behind the line hoping for a larger hole. And he loses big yardage several times a game doing that.
In the Vikings last two wins, without Peterson, the backs did their job without the flair and rarely had a backward step. THAT'S how the game is meant to be played. It would also stop us from relying on an unreliable back for our wins. It also allows a team to have several long sustained drives a game. You know, the ones that cause you to dominate clock time, get the opposing team's defense tired, and keeps opposing quarterbacks on the bench where they can't hurt you.
IF another quarterback is available in the draft when we get our choice, we should draft him as a backup to Cassel, and dump Ponder. Ponder brings this team down in so many ways. I admit much of that is Frazier's USE of Ponder in this system, but Ponder even at his BEST is just average. It's time for a QB who is GREAT, not just adequate.
Yesterday's win was good for three reasons. No Ponder. No Peterson. A great Patterson.
More of that please. And the sooner we dump Peterson, the more we'll get to USE Patterson.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Notes
Adrian Peterson is out for the season. With the new groin injury from last week, and still being bothered with a sore foot from a couple of games ago, the Vikings see no reason to have him play today. It's not like the game is critical to the Vikings playoff hopes.
Win or lose, neither the Lions and the Vikings are going anywhere. It's too bad that he'll miss the last Metrodome game, though.
The second game on Fox WILL be worth watching, however. Bears/Packers: The loser goes home.
The UFC's greatest champion of all-time, Anderson Silva, suffered one of the worst injuries ever seen in the octagon last night. He had his leg shattered by a kick. That's his second loss in a row to current champ Chris Weidman. An injury like that will most likely end Silva's career. Silva is 38.
The Timberwolves are back to .500 on the season at 15-15 after beating the Bucks last night in Milwaukee. The Bucks are just 6-24. Love had 33 points and 15 rebounds. If Rubio could make lay-ups and Corey Brewer could actually make ANY of this three-point attempts we, would really be good.
Trivia: Does anybody remember Aaron Hicks?
Answer: No.
Win or lose, neither the Lions and the Vikings are going anywhere. It's too bad that he'll miss the last Metrodome game, though.
The second game on Fox WILL be worth watching, however. Bears/Packers: The loser goes home.
The UFC's greatest champion of all-time, Anderson Silva, suffered one of the worst injuries ever seen in the octagon last night. He had his leg shattered by a kick. That's his second loss in a row to current champ Chris Weidman. An injury like that will most likely end Silva's career. Silva is 38.
The Timberwolves are back to .500 on the season at 15-15 after beating the Bucks last night in Milwaukee. The Bucks are just 6-24. Love had 33 points and 15 rebounds. If Rubio could make lay-ups and Corey Brewer could actually make ANY of this three-point attempts we, would really be good.
Trivia: Does anybody remember Aaron Hicks?
Answer: No.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Gophers Lose Horribly
The first half just bad. No offense by the Gophers at all.
The second half was much better with two touchdowns and a brief lead.
But in typical Minnesota sports tradition, they failed to run out the clock, gave up the go ahead touchdown late , AND dropped a hail Mary pass that would have won the game dramatically.
Same old, same old.
Why do I bother watching?
The second half was much better with two touchdowns and a brief lead.
But in typical Minnesota sports tradition, they failed to run out the clock, gave up the go ahead touchdown late , AND dropped a hail Mary pass that would have won the game dramatically.
Same old, same old.
Why do I bother watching?
Wolves Win
At home last night, against a team with a similar record, the T-Wolves did what they normally do under those circumstances. They got off to a big lead by the second quarter and dominated the rest of the way.
Still looking forward to them doing that very same thing against better teams. Either way, it was a fun game. Love was great, as usual.
Still looking forward to them doing that very same thing against better teams. Either way, it was a fun game. Love was great, as usual.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Liam Hendriks On the Move Again
I'm getting more and more comfortable with the fact that Liam Hendriks is no longer a Twin.Though the Cubs claimed him on waivers less than two weeks ago, they placed him on waivers yesterday. Now Baltimore has him. For the time being. He must not be impressing many major league executives with his skills.
Aaron Rodgers To Play
Normally I would be happy for the Packers with this information, but Rodgers hasn't done much of anything since the broken collarbone injury 7 weeks ago. It took way longer than expected to heal and even as of yesterday morning, just before the announcement, they weren't sure if he was ready physically.
He did get some cardio in the last couple of weeks but I doubt very many close to the situation would say he in "game shape" He had his first practice since the injury yesterday.
I think we can safely say we will not see Rodgers "A" game Sunday. Packers fans are wondering if his "C" game will be good enough. AND all of them are afraid he'll get hurt again when tackled.
Seven weeks is a long time. And a couple days of practice isn't much.
I guess we'll all learn Sunday if Rodgers is the delicate flower that critics assume.
He did get some cardio in the last couple of weeks but I doubt very many close to the situation would say he in "game shape" He had his first practice since the injury yesterday.
I think we can safely say we will not see Rodgers "A" game Sunday. Packers fans are wondering if his "C" game will be good enough. AND all of them are afraid he'll get hurt again when tackled.
Seven weeks is a long time. And a couple days of practice isn't much.
I guess we'll all learn Sunday if Rodgers is the delicate flower that critics assume.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
An Unusual Stat
With the football season winding down and the only sport on TV yesterday being NBA basketball, I've been reading a lot about another sport, baseball, lately. The season's not exactly around the corner, but it tells you a little bit about how much I like baseball when I'd rather discuss IT, than two current sports.
My twin brother gets lost in the off-season rumors of acquisitions and speculation about who the Twins might sign. Many baseball fans do. I personally don't care who we might get until we actually get them. I report the rumors to make him happy. Anything else is just fantasy league play. What I like about off-season baseball is the data sheets. I'm a stat freak. I'm always looking for articles on the Bill James Handbook on sabermetrics and trying to find interesting stats on current Twins in those articles.
I came across a really good one yesterday.
According to the leader boards in the 2014 Bill James Handbook:
No qualifying hitter in either league (minimum of 502 plate appearances) swung at the first pitch less often than Joe Mauer, 6.8 percent. I was surprised that Mauer took a hack at that many first pitches. We KNOW Mauer doesn't swing at the first pitch. What caught my eye is who was NUMBER TWO on the list.
It was another Twin! Of ALL the players in baseball, the Twins have the TWO guys who swing at the first pitch the least. Now looking at that stat more closely, you discover that players who don't swing at the first pitch are usually pretty good hitters. Guys like Mauer, Mike Trout, Dustin Pedroia, and Shane Victorino are all in the top 10 in that category. BUT, and this important, that doesn't mean that guys who swing at the first pitch are bad hitters. Miguel Cabrerra and Chris Davis, perennial MVP candidates are on the top 10 list of players who swing at the first pitch.
The main advantage of players who take pitches, statistically speaking, is that if you have a team that consistently does that, you make opposing pitchers work harder. A 13 or 14 pitch inning will takes it toll on a pitcher a lot faster than 1-2-3 innings on 6 pitches. At least that's the argument. Your team is also more likely to get more walks if the batters take more first pitches. More base runners equals more runs in the long run. AND the ONE stat in baseball that determines winners more than any other is that teams that score more runs in the course of a season will win more games.
Now that you've had time to think about who is number two on the list, I suppose it's time I reveal his name. At 8.6 percent of the time, it's Brian Dozier.
My twin brother gets lost in the off-season rumors of acquisitions and speculation about who the Twins might sign. Many baseball fans do. I personally don't care who we might get until we actually get them. I report the rumors to make him happy. Anything else is just fantasy league play. What I like about off-season baseball is the data sheets. I'm a stat freak. I'm always looking for articles on the Bill James Handbook on sabermetrics and trying to find interesting stats on current Twins in those articles.
I came across a really good one yesterday.
According to the leader boards in the 2014 Bill James Handbook:
No qualifying hitter in either league (minimum of 502 plate appearances) swung at the first pitch less often than Joe Mauer, 6.8 percent. I was surprised that Mauer took a hack at that many first pitches. We KNOW Mauer doesn't swing at the first pitch. What caught my eye is who was NUMBER TWO on the list.
It was another Twin! Of ALL the players in baseball, the Twins have the TWO guys who swing at the first pitch the least. Now looking at that stat more closely, you discover that players who don't swing at the first pitch are usually pretty good hitters. Guys like Mauer, Mike Trout, Dustin Pedroia, and Shane Victorino are all in the top 10 in that category. BUT, and this important, that doesn't mean that guys who swing at the first pitch are bad hitters. Miguel Cabrerra and Chris Davis, perennial MVP candidates are on the top 10 list of players who swing at the first pitch.
The main advantage of players who take pitches, statistically speaking, is that if you have a team that consistently does that, you make opposing pitchers work harder. A 13 or 14 pitch inning will takes it toll on a pitcher a lot faster than 1-2-3 innings on 6 pitches. At least that's the argument. Your team is also more likely to get more walks if the batters take more first pitches. More base runners equals more runs in the long run. AND the ONE stat in baseball that determines winners more than any other is that teams that score more runs in the course of a season will win more games.
Now that you've had time to think about who is number two on the list, I suppose it's time I reveal his name. At 8.6 percent of the time, it's Brian Dozier.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Stolen Bases: Twins BAD
According to stat gurus, Baseball Info Systems, only Arizona was worse than the Twins last season at stealing bases. In a league where catchers can no longer throw out anybody, the Twins managed to find themselves thrown out quite regularly. Alex Presley, our lead off man, the guy expected to be BEST at it, rarely tried. And when he did, he was 1-4.
The Twins remind me of an old quote by a long ago sports writer who was referring to a certain Brooklyn Dodger who had difficulty with the art of the steal. "There was larceny in his heart, but his feet were honest."
Speaking of stats. Where I always loved Nick Punto for his abilities (while most Twins fans hated him) I find it fascinating that teams like St. Louis, Boston, Los Angeles, and now Oakland, probably the MOST saber metrically-inclined teams in baseball, have always been more than willing to give him a home.
At 36, Punto is in his declining years as a player, but Oakland, the most willing saber-metric team of them all, is looking forward to his contributions this year. People who KNOW baseball will always see his worth.
The Twins remind me of an old quote by a long ago sports writer who was referring to a certain Brooklyn Dodger who had difficulty with the art of the steal. "There was larceny in his heart, but his feet were honest."
Speaking of stats. Where I always loved Nick Punto for his abilities (while most Twins fans hated him) I find it fascinating that teams like St. Louis, Boston, Los Angeles, and now Oakland, probably the MOST saber metrically-inclined teams in baseball, have always been more than willing to give him a home.
At 36, Punto is in his declining years as a player, but Oakland, the most willing saber-metric team of them all, is looking forward to his contributions this year. People who KNOW baseball will always see his worth.
Tanaka Free To Sign With MLB
It's official. The Rafuten Eagles have granted pitcher Mashiro Tanaka the right to play in the major leagues next season. They will be compensated millions of dollars by the new MLB posting system. The system has changed over the last year so that rich teams like the Yankees can't always win the bid.
Basically, an approximate contract is agreed upon ahead of time. All interested parties will have to pay a fee ahead of time to negotiate with him. That fee will be bases on his contract size and the compensation fee paid to his old Japanese team. That way no team will get any real advantage in negotiations.
Any team that wants him will post a non-refundable fee to the fund. It's been set at $20 million dollars. That way no team can pay him more than that, but at the same time each team will be helping to pay his contract. If 15 teams are interested, he and his old team will split the $300 million that will be designated for the fund. Most will go to his salary while a sizable chunk will be paid to his old team. It's a bit more complicated than all of that, but I don't understand it completely myself yet. It will make more sense once he signs with a MLB team. At least 8 teams are currently interested, but that number is expected to rise now that it's official.
At 25 years of age, he is the hottest pitching prospect in the world, with a proven track record in Japanese baseball, a league that is much better than our own AAA leagues, but not quite as good as MLB.
He'll probably sign with the Yankees.
sigh
Basically, an approximate contract is agreed upon ahead of time. All interested parties will have to pay a fee ahead of time to negotiate with him. That fee will be bases on his contract size and the compensation fee paid to his old Japanese team. That way no team will get any real advantage in negotiations.
Any team that wants him will post a non-refundable fee to the fund. It's been set at $20 million dollars. That way no team can pay him more than that, but at the same time each team will be helping to pay his contract. If 15 teams are interested, he and his old team will split the $300 million that will be designated for the fund. Most will go to his salary while a sizable chunk will be paid to his old team. It's a bit more complicated than all of that, but I don't understand it completely myself yet. It will make more sense once he signs with a MLB team. At least 8 teams are currently interested, but that number is expected to rise now that it's official.
At 25 years of age, he is the hottest pitching prospect in the world, with a proven track record in Japanese baseball, a league that is much better than our own AAA leagues, but not quite as good as MLB.
He'll probably sign with the Yankees.
sigh
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Performance Enhancement and Baseball's Hall Of Greats
More and more sports writers are coming around to the idea that the greats of baseball deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. They don't like it that "cheaters" will be there, but they also realize that many cheaters are ALREADY there.
The question which sums up what I've been preaching all along. "Why is a 2004 HGH user more of a cheater than a 1968 greenie user?" Some of fans greatest heroes played in an era of heavy PED use and they are still in the hall, most likely as users themselves. Greenie use was far more common in 1968 than steroid use was in 2004. It was as accepted as weight training is today. They shared the pills while in the dugout during games!
They've also come around to the idea that the 2004 era of baseball had LOTS of cheaters and that only a select few of them were great. In other words the drugs didn't MAKE them great, because if that were true, EVERYBODY would have been great in that era. They helped performance. They didn't make the performance.
Even sports writers are starting to admit that life isn't that easy to judge. Some of them have won major awards while using greenies themselves to stay awake until 4 in the morning to beat publication deadlines. They wrote great, award winning articles, while using pills to help them stay alert. They needed the "help."
MOST baseball writers have used those types of pills at one time or another.
Did Clemens and Bonds use PEDs knowingly? Even that point isn't clear. It's clear that they trusted their trainers, but that's all "the evidence" there is.
And baseball is still paying current acknowledged cheats like Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon, Jhonny Peralta, and Nelson Cruz a lot of money. There's a serious double standard at play.
We'll never know how much greenies helped contribute to the performance of Mays, Aaron, Maris. Mantle, Killebrew, Palmer, Yaz or... fill in a name. We'll just know that some of them cheated and they are in the hall anyway. Maybe MOST of them cheated and they are still in hall.
The current era is no different, accept that we caught a few of them.
The question which sums up what I've been preaching all along. "Why is a 2004 HGH user more of a cheater than a 1968 greenie user?" Some of fans greatest heroes played in an era of heavy PED use and they are still in the hall, most likely as users themselves. Greenie use was far more common in 1968 than steroid use was in 2004. It was as accepted as weight training is today. They shared the pills while in the dugout during games!
They've also come around to the idea that the 2004 era of baseball had LOTS of cheaters and that only a select few of them were great. In other words the drugs didn't MAKE them great, because if that were true, EVERYBODY would have been great in that era. They helped performance. They didn't make the performance.
Even sports writers are starting to admit that life isn't that easy to judge. Some of them have won major awards while using greenies themselves to stay awake until 4 in the morning to beat publication deadlines. They wrote great, award winning articles, while using pills to help them stay alert. They needed the "help."
MOST baseball writers have used those types of pills at one time or another.
Did Clemens and Bonds use PEDs knowingly? Even that point isn't clear. It's clear that they trusted their trainers, but that's all "the evidence" there is.
And baseball is still paying current acknowledged cheats like Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon, Jhonny Peralta, and Nelson Cruz a lot of money. There's a serious double standard at play.
We'll never know how much greenies helped contribute to the performance of Mays, Aaron, Maris. Mantle, Killebrew, Palmer, Yaz or... fill in a name. We'll just know that some of them cheated and they are in the hall anyway. Maybe MOST of them cheated and they are still in hall.
The current era is no different, accept that we caught a few of them.
Niners
I said I was getting sick of watching football yesterday.
It only took one great game to cure me of my malaise. Last night's Niners' game, especially the ending, made me interested again.
Denver, New England, Carolina, Seattle, KC, and San Fran should continue to keep me interested through the playoffs.
And I'm still hoping for a Packers win this weekend to add to that interest.
With Romo out for the Cowboys, my hopes are with Philly as well. That wide open offense of the Eagles is a joy to behold. Unless you are the Bears of course.
It only took one great game to cure me of my malaise. Last night's Niners' game, especially the ending, made me interested again.
Denver, New England, Carolina, Seattle, KC, and San Fran should continue to keep me interested through the playoffs.
And I'm still hoping for a Packers win this weekend to add to that interest.
With Romo out for the Cowboys, my hopes are with Philly as well. That wide open offense of the Eagles is a joy to behold. Unless you are the Bears of course.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Football
The Vikings division is pitiful. Though the Vikings were soundly thrashed yesterday by the Bengals, we actually looked good compared to the drubbing the Bears took last night.
And both Detroit and Green Bay proved that they have the uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I liked watching Peyton Manning set the single season touchdown record, though. 51, breaking the record set by Brady just a few years ago.
I'm kind of getting sick of football either way. I guess I can root for Green Bay in its game with Chicago next week. I'm just not sure it will be worth watching, though.
And both Detroit and Green Bay proved that they have the uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I liked watching Peyton Manning set the single season touchdown record, though. 51, breaking the record set by Brady just a few years ago.
I'm kind of getting sick of football either way. I guess I can root for Green Bay in its game with Chicago next week. I'm just not sure it will be worth watching, though.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Vikings Down Another Tight End
John Carlson is officially done for the season. He's been placed on injured reserve because of his third career concussion. We lost Kyle Rudolph to a broken foot earlier this season.
I'm at least still interested in the Vikings today. Matt Cassel has been good enough to be worth watching the last two weeks. Adrian Peterson is expected to play. I'm still not sure if I'm excited about that or not. Yes, he gains a lot of yards on a few of his carries, but he stalls out far too many drives with his big losses. And if we rely on him more than Cassel, we'll just have another "run it up the middle three times and punt" type of day, You know, the kind of games we've been having for most of the last decade.
At least there will be other games to watch if that one is a dud. There are still plenty of good teams battling for the remaining playoff spots
I'm at least still interested in the Vikings today. Matt Cassel has been good enough to be worth watching the last two weeks. Adrian Peterson is expected to play. I'm still not sure if I'm excited about that or not. Yes, he gains a lot of yards on a few of his carries, but he stalls out far too many drives with his big losses. And if we rely on him more than Cassel, we'll just have another "run it up the middle three times and punt" type of day, You know, the kind of games we've been having for most of the last decade.
At least there will be other games to watch if that one is a dud. There are still plenty of good teams battling for the remaining playoff spots
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Grant Balfour
This was the first time I have ever heard of this happening. The Orioles agreed to make ex-Twin, 36 year-old, Grant Balfour their closer for the next two years for a total of $15 million, pending a physical. AFTER the physical, they decided NOT to go through with the deal.
What's odd, all sources say he passed it with flying colors. The Orioles must have simply changed their minds on the deal and used this as an "out." I think the players association will have this looked into in their next collective bargaining agreement.
Weird.
In Twins news:
We got a new back-up catcher to replace Doumit yesterday. No surprises. Veteran defensive specialist Curt Suzuki fits the bill. For now. He may even be our starter. Remember he has to "pass a physical" before the deal is complete. That, it seems, is no longer a "done deal."
Most depressing about this? Suzuki only threw out 12% of base-stealers last year. His defensive "skills" ain't what they used to be.
What's odd, all sources say he passed it with flying colors. The Orioles must have simply changed their minds on the deal and used this as an "out." I think the players association will have this looked into in their next collective bargaining agreement.
Weird.
In Twins news:
We got a new back-up catcher to replace Doumit yesterday. No surprises. Veteran defensive specialist Curt Suzuki fits the bill. For now. He may even be our starter. Remember he has to "pass a physical" before the deal is complete. That, it seems, is no longer a "done deal."
Most depressing about this? Suzuki only threw out 12% of base-stealers last year. His defensive "skills" ain't what they used to be.
Lakers Without Kobe Beat Wolves
They are now ahead of us in the standings. It wasn't much of a game.
USA/Canada Womens Hockey
Several "brawls" broke out last night. They were exactly like you thought they'd be. When their hair is covered up, pulling it is not an option. They literally don't know what to do, next.
Seek out the video if you are interested. It made a lot of sport highlight reels this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJmJcHOrwGs
Sadly, now that the precedent has been set, we'll see more of these.
snicker
Seek out the video if you are interested. It made a lot of sport highlight reels this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJmJcHOrwGs
Sadly, now that the precedent has been set, we'll see more of these.
snicker
Friday, December 20, 2013
Fantasy Baseball
What if there were a pitcher somewhere in the world that just completed a season with a perfect 24-0 record and a 1.27 ERA? What if he were 6' 2'' 205 and 25 years of age with a fiery, charismatic personality and wanted to play Major League Baseball?
The thing is, he's real, and he's the biggest deal Japanese baseball has ever seen.
His name is Masahiro Tanaka. He's got the control of Maddux, the fastball of Clemens, AND the the best split finger pitch anyone has ever seen.
And, since he's Japanese, he gives you the stamina of their unbelievable pitch-everyday system. He's always ready to pitch, and he never gets tired.
He recently pitched the sixth game of the Japanese World Series (throwing 160 pitches) and then came back the NEXT DAY to pick up the save in game seven, to give his team the Pacific Title.
And did I mention Japanese baseball recently suped up their baseballs to give teams more offense? Even under those conditions, Tanaka gave up only up only 6 home runs last season after facing 800 plus batters.
MLB will be bidding for his services this season.
I can't wait to see him pitch.
The thing is, he's real, and he's the biggest deal Japanese baseball has ever seen.
His name is Masahiro Tanaka. He's got the control of Maddux, the fastball of Clemens, AND the the best split finger pitch anyone has ever seen.
And, since he's Japanese, he gives you the stamina of their unbelievable pitch-everyday system. He's always ready to pitch, and he never gets tired.
He recently pitched the sixth game of the Japanese World Series (throwing 160 pitches) and then came back the NEXT DAY to pick up the save in game seven, to give his team the Pacific Title.
And did I mention Japanese baseball recently suped up their baseballs to give teams more offense? Even under those conditions, Tanaka gave up only up only 6 home runs last season after facing 800 plus batters.
MLB will be bidding for his services this season.
I can't wait to see him pitch.
Mauer to QB Vikes?
Joe Mauer, oft injured and over-paid catcher/first baseman, for the Minnesota Twins was once a highly recruited quarterback.
Could he be the answer to the Vikings quarterback needs?
No.
(Slow news day.)
Could he be the answer to the Vikings quarterback needs?
No.
(Slow news day.)
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Twins Trade Doumit
The Twins went with a talented prospect for their left-handed starting needs yesterday, acquiring 23 year-old Sean Gilmartin from the pitching-rich Atlanta Braves. They gave up Ryan Doumit and his remaining $3.5 million contract to do it.
Gilmartin was injured much of last year and had lousy stats. We won't know if this was a good trade for awhile.
Gilmartin was injured much of last year and had lousy stats. We won't know if this was a good trade for awhile.
Wolves Beat One Of the Big Boys!
Pekovic had 30, Love 29, Martin 22 and the Wolves at one time had a 30-plus point lead, outscoring Portland 42-12 during a run into the second quarter.
Minnesota went on to top conference leading Portland 120-109. Tonight it was Portland that was tired from so many recent games and it was the Wolves that were rested. It made a difference. Kevin Love who rested much of the second half, nearly had a triple double by halftime. He ended the night one assist short.
One game does not a season make, but the upsets have been there more than once this year. I'm still watching and still enjoying.
It's hard not to.
Minnesota went on to top conference leading Portland 120-109. Tonight it was Portland that was tired from so many recent games and it was the Wolves that were rested. It made a difference. Kevin Love who rested much of the second half, nearly had a triple double by halftime. He ended the night one assist short.
One game does not a season make, but the upsets have been there more than once this year. I'm still watching and still enjoying.
It's hard not to.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Person of Interest
I seem to mention this show a lot more often than I used to. There's a reason for that: It just keeps getting better and better. Last night they added even MORE characters to a plot that is already rich in depth and characters. And they did it so effortlessly that it makes me wonder why other shows are so shallow.
This is television MEAT in a sea of Big Brother and Survivor pablum. In a world where viewers are playing with their cell phones during lame TV shows, this show demands attention. Viewers willing to give it their full attention will come away richly rewarded.
This is television MEAT in a sea of Big Brother and Survivor pablum. In a world where viewers are playing with their cell phones during lame TV shows, this show demands attention. Viewers willing to give it their full attention will come away richly rewarded.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Mike Trout
Who is the next BIG superstar in baseball? That would be the Angel's 22 year-old Mike Trout.
Over the last two seasons he's been on base more than anyone:
Mike Trout: 564
Miguel Cabrera: 562
Shin-Soo Choo: 556
Prince Fielder: 542
Andrew McCutchen: 541
Joey Votto: 541
and these are his other stats
Runs: First (238)
Extra-base hits: Sixth (140)
Stolen bases: Second (82)
IF he continues those types of numbers for a couple of more years, he could sign baseball's first $400 million contract about the time he hits 25.
And most GMs think that would be a good deal. Long-term, really big money deals, are going to become rarer in baseball than they have been, but some players may still be worth it.
And this is the guy everybody's pointing to.
Over the last two seasons he's been on base more than anyone:
Mike Trout: 564
Miguel Cabrera: 562
Shin-Soo Choo: 556
Prince Fielder: 542
Andrew McCutchen: 541
Joey Votto: 541
and these are his other stats
Runs: First (238)
Extra-base hits: Sixth (140)
Stolen bases: Second (82)
IF he continues those types of numbers for a couple of more years, he could sign baseball's first $400 million contract about the time he hits 25.
And most GMs think that would be a good deal. Long-term, really big money deals, are going to become rarer in baseball than they have been, but some players may still be worth it.
And this is the guy everybody's pointing to.
Love Good, Wolves Bad
The Celtics are just an average team this season. It looks like the Wolves are, too.
Ravens Give Lions the Boot
All the Ravens could manage last night were field goals.
But they had enough of them, SIX, including one late and long (61 yards) to beat the Lions 18-16.
That keeps the Pack clearly in the hunt.
Good game.
But they had enough of them, SIX, including one late and long (61 yards) to beat the Lions 18-16.
That keeps the Pack clearly in the hunt.
Good game.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Wolves Win
Another average opponent, another T-Wolves win.
Love is fourth in the league in scoring behind Durant, Carmello, and LeBron. It's nice to have a real star. And some good wins. Now if the rest of the team can just start shooting better.
Love is fourth in the league in scoring behind Durant, Carmello, and LeBron. It's nice to have a real star. And some good wins. Now if the rest of the team can just start shooting better.
Flynn
It took awhile for returning super-sub, Matt Flynn, to get started yesterday, but when he got going in the second half, he was unstoppable with five straight touchdown drives. As a result, the Packers had one of the best comebacks in their illustrious history. The inverse of that was I got to watch a Cowboy collapse of historic, epic proportions. Smiles all around.
I find no conflict this year rooting for both the Packers and the Vikings. The Vikings are out of it. The Packers are very much still alive AND they beat the Cowboys.
Poor, poor, Romo.
Epic.
I find no conflict this year rooting for both the Packers and the Vikings. The Vikings are out of it. The Packers are very much still alive AND they beat the Cowboys.
Poor, poor, Romo.
Epic.
Cassel
The Vikings stunned division leading Philadelphia yesterday. They did it without star running back Adrian Peterson AND his very good back-up. They also scored 48 points. They haven't done that since 1998!
So, what was different? Well. I've always said that they rely on Adrian Peterson for too much of their offense. Without him, Matt Cassel did yesterday what every other successful quarterback does in the league. He threw the ball. He threw it long. He threw it short. He threw it in the middle. He threw sideline patterns. And he threw it to every body that was available. Accurately.
AND he still handed the ball off for short (very short) runs up the middle to keep the defense honest. Peterson's replacement didn't get good yardage in his 30 carries yesterday, BUT he did get POSITIVE yardage on all but three or four of his carries. As much as I like Peterson, so many of his carries are for negative yardage, so we find ourselves in so many second and 13, or second and 14 situations. ALL of Asiata's runs might have been for 1 or 2 or 3 yards, but at least he found the hole and ran FORWARD. Second and 7 is much easier to deal with. The end result for the Vikings is that they kept the Eagles high-powered offense OFF the field by having LOTS of long sustained drives. We dominated in possession time yesterday: 36 minutes to 23 minutes. THAT was the difference.
Cassel is very good. Even with our defense giving up close to 500 yards of offense, we coasted to a win against a very good Eagles team.
More Cassel please. No more Ponder.
Ever.
So, what was different? Well. I've always said that they rely on Adrian Peterson for too much of their offense. Without him, Matt Cassel did yesterday what every other successful quarterback does in the league. He threw the ball. He threw it long. He threw it short. He threw it in the middle. He threw sideline patterns. And he threw it to every body that was available. Accurately.
AND he still handed the ball off for short (very short) runs up the middle to keep the defense honest. Peterson's replacement didn't get good yardage in his 30 carries yesterday, BUT he did get POSITIVE yardage on all but three or four of his carries. As much as I like Peterson, so many of his carries are for negative yardage, so we find ourselves in so many second and 13, or second and 14 situations. ALL of Asiata's runs might have been for 1 or 2 or 3 yards, but at least he found the hole and ran FORWARD. Second and 7 is much easier to deal with. The end result for the Vikings is that they kept the Eagles high-powered offense OFF the field by having LOTS of long sustained drives. We dominated in possession time yesterday: 36 minutes to 23 minutes. THAT was the difference.
Cassel is very good. Even with our defense giving up close to 500 yards of offense, we coasted to a win against a very good Eagles team.
More Cassel please. No more Ponder.
Ever.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Pelfrey is Back
A short poem by the Casual Observer:
The Twins clearly wanted him back for a couple of more seasons.
I can't, off hand, think of those reasons.
Is it his 5-13 record that led them astray?
Or his sparkling, league leading, 5.19 ERA?
Was it his Tommy John surgery from two years ago?
Or the failure to reach 5 innings when called on to go?
Whatever the reason, it's obvious now, he meant more to the Twins than Bronson Arroyo.
The Twins clearly wanted him back for a couple of more seasons.
I can't, off hand, think of those reasons.
Is it his 5-13 record that led them astray?
Or his sparkling, league leading, 5.19 ERA?
Was it his Tommy John surgery from two years ago?
Or the failure to reach 5 innings when called on to go?
Whatever the reason, it's obvious now, he meant more to the Twins than Bronson Arroyo.
Heisman
With most of his legal trouble now behind him, Jameis Winston won the Heisman last night. If the award goes to the BEST college football paler, he clearly deserved it. He's the youngest player to ever win it. He's only the second freshman to do it. The first was Johnny Football, LAST year. Manziel was good this year (finishing fifth in the voting) but he wasn't great.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Wolves Lose to Great Team
Love's 42 points weren't enough last night. There's a reason that the Spurs are 18-4 this season.
I'm waiting for a streak where we can go against some average or poor teams awhile. At the same time, the Wolves looked great last night against a very good team. They aren't there yet. But they are starting to look like they could be.
Patience.
I'm waiting for a streak where we can go against some average or poor teams awhile. At the same time, the Wolves looked great last night against a very good team. They aren't there yet. But they are starting to look like they could be.
Patience.
Twins
The Twins are starting to make minor moves now.
They decided to sign Jason Kubel to a minor league deal yesterday when no one else would offer him a major league contract. A year ago I would have been excited about this signing, but Kubel's stock has dropped so far in a year that nobody wants him. I suppose if he's healthy he could fight for one of the outfield jobs or DH. He left the Twins two season's ago when he complained that Target Field was "too big" to hit homeruns in. I'm afraid the Twins having Kubel will stop them from using Arcia as they should. The kid's upside is much greater than Kubel's.
The Twins also got rid of Liam Hendriks yesterday, Hendricks will now be a Cub. We have lots of pitchers that we will no longer be using. Hendricks is only the first to move. I always thought he was the best pitcher who never won games. He's still young, maybe a good pitching coach will help become a winner.
They decided to sign Jason Kubel to a minor league deal yesterday when no one else would offer him a major league contract. A year ago I would have been excited about this signing, but Kubel's stock has dropped so far in a year that nobody wants him. I suppose if he's healthy he could fight for one of the outfield jobs or DH. He left the Twins two season's ago when he complained that Target Field was "too big" to hit homeruns in. I'm afraid the Twins having Kubel will stop them from using Arcia as they should. The kid's upside is much greater than Kubel's.
The Twins also got rid of Liam Hendriks yesterday, Hendricks will now be a Cub. We have lots of pitchers that we will no longer be using. Hendricks is only the first to move. I always thought he was the best pitcher who never won games. He's still young, maybe a good pitching coach will help become a winner.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Matt Garza and Mike Pelfrey
The rumors continue to persist. The latest are that the Twins have UPPED their offer to Mike Pelfrey, and that despite the differences the Twins have always had with Matt Garza, they want to sign him, perhaps as early as tomorrow.
That's why I hate rumors. But those that gain steam instead of going away usually have some substance to them. And they are still talking to Bronson Arroyo as well. That's SIX starters they are seeking sign. I think it's going be a matter of whoever signs FIRST, that will get the contracts.
And we still have our own Alex Meyer and Trevor May waiting in the wings.
And Gibson and Diamond...
Something's gotta give...
Or it's all just rumors.
I hate rumors.
That's why I hate rumors. But those that gain steam instead of going away usually have some substance to them. And they are still talking to Bronson Arroyo as well. That's SIX starters they are seeking sign. I think it's going be a matter of whoever signs FIRST, that will get the contracts.
And we still have our own Alex Meyer and Trevor May waiting in the wings.
And Gibson and Diamond...
Something's gotta give...
Or it's all just rumors.
I hate rumors.
Home Plate Collisions a Thing of the Past
Baseball has finally wised up. As early as this coming season, catcher's will no longer be allowed to block the plate. Likewise, runners will no longer be allowed to run catchers over. It's always been a stupid, dangerous play, and baseball is finally acknowledging that.
I remember as a kid watching Pete Rose "kill" Ray Fosse on a collission at home plate to win an All-Star game, and even then I couldn't believe baseball allowed that type of play. Fosse, one of the game's greatest, never recovered enough to play well again.
I mean, you can't block first base like that can you? Or second or third either for that matter. WHY was that kind of play allowed at home plate, anyway?
DOZENS of catchers have lost significant parts of their playing careers due to that play. Base runners have broke bones and gotten concussions from that play as well. It's dangerous, it's violent, and BASEBALL has finally said enough is enough.
Baseball is a finesse game. That play never made sense to me.
And now it's gone.
Good for baseball.
Well, MAYBE, they might not ban it until 2015. I hope nobody else gets hurt while they are deciding.
I remember as a kid watching Pete Rose "kill" Ray Fosse on a collission at home plate to win an All-Star game, and even then I couldn't believe baseball allowed that type of play. Fosse, one of the game's greatest, never recovered enough to play well again.
I mean, you can't block first base like that can you? Or second or third either for that matter. WHY was that kind of play allowed at home plate, anyway?
DOZENS of catchers have lost significant parts of their playing careers due to that play. Base runners have broke bones and gotten concussions from that play as well. It's dangerous, it's violent, and BASEBALL has finally said enough is enough.
Baseball is a finesse game. That play never made sense to me.
And now it's gone.
Good for baseball.
Well, MAYBE, they might not ban it until 2015. I hope nobody else gets hurt while they are deciding.
Wolves Win
They are back to .500. It's nice to see them BEAT teams they should beat. Again, Kevin Love was the MAN.
What was really nice about this game is that they were down early, at one time by 17 points, but they came back, and didn't take the lead until midway through the fourth quarter. It's basically just the opposite of previous year's teams!
They have what they need to make comebacks now. That's why they are worth watching.
Go Wolves!
What was really nice about this game is that they were down early, at one time by 17 points, but they came back, and didn't take the lead until midway through the fourth quarter. It's basically just the opposite of previous year's teams!
They have what they need to make comebacks now. That's why they are worth watching.
Go Wolves!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Bronson Arroyo
I don't usually report on rumors when it comes to the Twins, but at least this one is founded in fact. The Twins are going to meet with Bronson Arroyo to see if they can come to some sort of agreement. IF they agree, and Arroyo is still as good as he used to be, it would be like getting a healthy Carl Pavano back.
I'd take the risk if I were the Twins. Solid vets are a lot better than young, untrained arms,,,
...speaking of which, Mark Mulder is "un-retiring" He last pitched in 2009 because of arm trouble, but he's recently discovered a new delivery motion that would allow him pitch effectively again. I'd give him a shot as well. He's still only 36 years old with very little wear on the arm lately. He was one of the league's elite. He's worth a shot as well.
I'd take the risk if I were the Twins. Solid vets are a lot better than young, untrained arms,,,
...speaking of which, Mark Mulder is "un-retiring" He last pitched in 2009 because of arm trouble, but he's recently discovered a new delivery motion that would allow him pitch effectively again. I'd give him a shot as well. He's still only 36 years old with very little wear on the arm lately. He was one of the league's elite. He's worth a shot as well.
Wolves Coast
Last night, for the first time in about a week and a half, the T-Wolves faced an average opponent. And they became the team that I enjoyed earlier this season.
Kevin Love was back and he looked rested and alert coming through with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. The rest of the Wolves had pretty balanced scoring and they went on to net 121.
Even after their tough schedule lately the Wolves are still just one game under .500.
At this point I'll take it. I can't help but notice that in the Eastern division that we would easily be alone in FOURTH place.
In the Western division, we're tied with Lakers for 11th.
sigh
Kevin Love was back and he looked rested and alert coming through with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. The rest of the Wolves had pretty balanced scoring and they went on to net 121.
Even after their tough schedule lately the Wolves are still just one game under .500.
At this point I'll take it. I can't help but notice that in the Eastern division that we would easily be alone in FOURTH place.
In the Western division, we're tied with Lakers for 11th.
sigh
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Jay Cutler? Who Needs Jay Cutler?
The Bears are starting to get used to their substitute quarterback. Either that or Dallas is just really bad.
I can't help but think that the Bears I watched last night could not possibly be the team the Vikings beat in OT LAST week. For whatever reason, Josh McCown was responsible for FIVE touchdowns last night in their rout of the Cowboys.
I keep thinking that the Vikings have been blown out just ONCE this year. Five games have been lost on the other team's last drive and that we also lost a game in OT. Maybe we aren't that bad. Maybe our coach is.
Okay, to be honest, I've been thinking that all season. But if the Bears ARE good, we might be even better than I thought.
And our coach is even worse.
I'll end this as I end all my other rants:
Fire Frazier.
I can't help but think that the Bears I watched last night could not possibly be the team the Vikings beat in OT LAST week. For whatever reason, Josh McCown was responsible for FIVE touchdowns last night in their rout of the Cowboys.
I keep thinking that the Vikings have been blown out just ONCE this year. Five games have been lost on the other team's last drive and that we also lost a game in OT. Maybe we aren't that bad. Maybe our coach is.
Okay, to be honest, I've been thinking that all season. But if the Bears ARE good, we might be even better than I thought.
And our coach is even worse.
I'll end this as I end all my other rants:
Fire Frazier.
Monday, December 9, 2013
NFL
WOW!
Yesterday was a day of amazing games and incredible comebacks.
Denver scored 51 points including a 64-yard field goal just before half. Yes, that's a record.
The Packers scored the last 12 points in their game to win 22-21. They are only 1/2 game back in the division with Detroit's loss.
New England, with Tom Brady at the helm, scored TWO TD's in the final minute of the game to win 27-26 in New England.
And of course there was THE game. The game that will live in history as the most amazing, comeback game of ALL-TIME. Five different comebacks, with five offensive touchdowns, in the final 2 minutes and 5 seconds of the game.
And I was watching it. It was MY team. And, of course, we lost.
I don't blame the Vikings. The officials were once again on center stage giving the Ravens every advantage they could with two major PHANTOM pass interference calls against the Vikings.
Other fans who watched, later on the blogs, were comparing these ref calls to various forms of both equine and bovine excrement. They are absolutely right of course. On both plays, the Viking defenders were between the receiver and the quarterback, facing the quarterback and defending their position. ANY contact was incidental or initiated by the receiver. On the first play the receiver made too quick a cut on the icy field and tripped all by himself falling INTO the Viking defender. And, AND we had an interception on that play nullified. The game SHOULD have been over right there.
Nonetheless, as a fan watching, trying to disassociate myself from the team that the game involved, all I could say was, "WOW."
It was amazing action. Video-game like action. FIVE touchdowns, scored so quickly, that you were absolutely stunned. And it happened 5 times in two minutes. The faces of the fans in Baltimore when the Vikings scored their two touchdowns was priceless. The gut wrenching emotion felt by all Vikings fans after all three Ravens TDs was equally palpable.
If the game MEANT more, it would go down in history as the most shell-shocking game of all-time.
As it is, it's just another Vikings loss and another nail in the coffin of Leslie Frazier's coaching career. The pooch kick that was ran back for a touchdown WAS his fault and all I could think of while the kick was in the air, was that nobody could be stupid enough to call for a pooch kick with those field conditions. They will have time to set up the perfect wedge and we won't be able to maneuver to stop their return man. I was right.
But a playoff spot wasn't at stake for us, so instead I'm going to enjoy those last two TDs that we got instead. Cassel was great yesterday. Gerhard had a good day with that go ahead TD run. The "fumble" he had earlier that led to the Raven's first TD was just another bad ref call.
All in all, that ending was as fantastic a finish as I'll ever see. It compares favorably to last week's Alabama/Auburn game. IF this was playoff game, and I was a Raven's fan, I would say this was a BETTER ending. But it wasn't and I'm not.
Still.
36 points in 2 minutes.
WOW!
Yesterday was a day of amazing games and incredible comebacks.
Denver scored 51 points including a 64-yard field goal just before half. Yes, that's a record.
The Packers scored the last 12 points in their game to win 22-21. They are only 1/2 game back in the division with Detroit's loss.
New England, with Tom Brady at the helm, scored TWO TD's in the final minute of the game to win 27-26 in New England.
And of course there was THE game. The game that will live in history as the most amazing, comeback game of ALL-TIME. Five different comebacks, with five offensive touchdowns, in the final 2 minutes and 5 seconds of the game.
And I was watching it. It was MY team. And, of course, we lost.
I don't blame the Vikings. The officials were once again on center stage giving the Ravens every advantage they could with two major PHANTOM pass interference calls against the Vikings.
Other fans who watched, later on the blogs, were comparing these ref calls to various forms of both equine and bovine excrement. They are absolutely right of course. On both plays, the Viking defenders were between the receiver and the quarterback, facing the quarterback and defending their position. ANY contact was incidental or initiated by the receiver. On the first play the receiver made too quick a cut on the icy field and tripped all by himself falling INTO the Viking defender. And, AND we had an interception on that play nullified. The game SHOULD have been over right there.
Nonetheless, as a fan watching, trying to disassociate myself from the team that the game involved, all I could say was, "WOW."
It was amazing action. Video-game like action. FIVE touchdowns, scored so quickly, that you were absolutely stunned. And it happened 5 times in two minutes. The faces of the fans in Baltimore when the Vikings scored their two touchdowns was priceless. The gut wrenching emotion felt by all Vikings fans after all three Ravens TDs was equally palpable.
If the game MEANT more, it would go down in history as the most shell-shocking game of all-time.
As it is, it's just another Vikings loss and another nail in the coffin of Leslie Frazier's coaching career. The pooch kick that was ran back for a touchdown WAS his fault and all I could think of while the kick was in the air, was that nobody could be stupid enough to call for a pooch kick with those field conditions. They will have time to set up the perfect wedge and we won't be able to maneuver to stop their return man. I was right.
But a playoff spot wasn't at stake for us, so instead I'm going to enjoy those last two TDs that we got instead. Cassel was great yesterday. Gerhard had a good day with that go ahead TD run. The "fumble" he had earlier that led to the Raven's first TD was just another bad ref call.
All in all, that ending was as fantastic a finish as I'll ever see. It compares favorably to last week's Alabama/Auburn game. IF this was playoff game, and I was a Raven's fan, I would say this was a BETTER ending. But it wasn't and I'm not.
Still.
36 points in 2 minutes.
WOW!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Ohio State OUT
Auburn fans were hoping Michigan State would win last night. After last week's huge win over then number one Alabama, they would need some help from the Spartans to make it all the way to the national championship game.
It started out great for those hoping for the upset. Michigan State got out to a 17-0 lead. But then Ohio State roared back with 24 unanswered point of their own. Things looked pretty dismal for both Michigan State and Auburn at that point.
But then Michigan State did the unthinkable. THEY scored 17 unanswered points of their own and went on to win 34-24. It was a great regular season game that now moves Auburn up to number two in the BCS rankings and sends them to the national championship game.
The undisputed two best teams in the country will now square off for number one in January, all without a "play-off series".
More often than not, this BCS system has worked smoothly. The regular season games mattered more than any other sport. And the right two teams will play for the title at the end. AGAIN.
It all get flushed down the toilet next year.
This year, however was spectacular. And last's night's game was both the icing on the cake and the exclamation point to just why the CURRENT system is so much better than anything else college football will come up with.
Auburn, by the way, had a huge win in their conference championship game yesterday against Missouri. They PLAYED their way into the title game. Florida State easily handled Duke, as expected. It sets up an amazing game between two high-powered offenses in the BCS title game.
One last note. Last week, the Gophers lost 15-3 to this very same Michigan State team that beat Ohio State last night. The Gophers, it turns out, have a very good football team of their own.
It started out great for those hoping for the upset. Michigan State got out to a 17-0 lead. But then Ohio State roared back with 24 unanswered point of their own. Things looked pretty dismal for both Michigan State and Auburn at that point.
But then Michigan State did the unthinkable. THEY scored 17 unanswered points of their own and went on to win 34-24. It was a great regular season game that now moves Auburn up to number two in the BCS rankings and sends them to the national championship game.
The undisputed two best teams in the country will now square off for number one in January, all without a "play-off series".
More often than not, this BCS system has worked smoothly. The regular season games mattered more than any other sport. And the right two teams will play for the title at the end. AGAIN.
It all get flushed down the toilet next year.
This year, however was spectacular. And last's night's game was both the icing on the cake and the exclamation point to just why the CURRENT system is so much better than anything else college football will come up with.
Auburn, by the way, had a huge win in their conference championship game yesterday against Missouri. They PLAYED their way into the title game. Florida State easily handled Duke, as expected. It sets up an amazing game between two high-powered offenses in the BCS title game.
One last note. Last week, the Gophers lost 15-3 to this very same Michigan State team that beat Ohio State last night. The Gophers, it turns out, have a very good football team of their own.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The Game
Ohio State AT Michigan State is the game tonight. It's the last chance for the BCS national championship game to change. As always, I'm rooting for the underdog, Michigan State, to kick butt.
Go Spartans!
Oh, and I would be remiss not to mention, IF the BCS playoff system were in place THIS year, tonight's game wouldn't mean anything.
As it is, it's the most important game of the season so far. And Auburn fans will all be watching intently.
Number ONE, Florida State, is also playing tonight in their conference championship game. IF they lose to number 20 Duke, that will cause even bigger repercussions.
NOBODY expects that to happen, but it does make the game worth seeking out, just in case. I will be switching between the two games tonight, as will most college football fans.
Go Duke!
I'm going to miss college football next season. With a championship play-off in place, all the regular season games will become exhibitions. One loss will mean nothing. And there will be even more controversy from the teams with one loss that won't make the four team play-off.
You heard it hear first, and you heard it hear for the last several years. I don't understand how people who love sports can be so stupid. But there you are...
Go Spartans!
Oh, and I would be remiss not to mention, IF the BCS playoff system were in place THIS year, tonight's game wouldn't mean anything.
As it is, it's the most important game of the season so far. And Auburn fans will all be watching intently.
Number ONE, Florida State, is also playing tonight in their conference championship game. IF they lose to number 20 Duke, that will cause even bigger repercussions.
NOBODY expects that to happen, but it does make the game worth seeking out, just in case. I will be switching between the two games tonight, as will most college football fans.
Go Duke!
I'm going to miss college football next season. With a championship play-off in place, all the regular season games will become exhibitions. One loss will mean nothing. And there will be even more controversy from the teams with one loss that won't make the four team play-off.
You heard it hear first, and you heard it hear for the last several years. I don't understand how people who love sports can be so stupid. But there you are...
Cano To Mainers for $240 Million
It's a ten-year deal. He's 31.
I can't think of any player worth that's much, at that age, Even A-Rod's body broke down long before the contract expired. Pujol's long-term big-money looks like a waste for the Angels as well.
When will teams learn?
The Mariners are especially stupid. If the YANKEES don't see where Cano is worth that much, everybody sees the problem. Except the Mariners of course.
I hope they enjoy his contributions the next few years, because all the fans will hate him before the deal is done.
I can't think of any player worth that's much, at that age, Even A-Rod's body broke down long before the contract expired. Pujol's long-term big-money looks like a waste for the Angels as well.
When will teams learn?
The Mariners are especially stupid. If the YANKEES don't see where Cano is worth that much, everybody sees the problem. Except the Mariners of course.
I hope they enjoy his contributions the next few years, because all the fans will hate him before the deal is done.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Morneau's Worth?
Justin Morneau has found a new home. He'll be teaming up with last year's national league batting champ, Michael Cuddyer this season in Colorado. The Rockies signed him to a two-year deal worth $13 million.
That's way more than most thought he would get.
It's possible that, if healthy, he'll be more than worth that price to the Rockies. It all depends on if he will recover the form he had before that devastating concussion. We're all rooting for him.
Speaking of former Twins, A.J. Pierzynski signed a 1-year deal with Boston worth over $8 million. For people who THOUGHT he'd come back to Minnesota this year, they found out why he won't. There's 8 million reasons.
Nick Punto signed a 1-year deal with Oakland for $ 3 million. I look for the A's to win a world championship this year, now.
Delmon Young is back in Tampa Bay this year. Do you realize that, even now, he is just 28 years old? He's just starting to enter his prime.
Scott Baker still hasn't found a team. At 32, his prospects are waning. Both he and his agent are asking more than he's worth at this point. He says he wants to join the Cubs, but the Cubs aren't willing to meet his price.
Joe Nathan is close to 2-year $20 deal with the Tigers. At 39 years of age, that's an impressive salary offer for a closer.
Speaking of old relievers, LaTroy Hawkins at 41, was also signed by the Rockies this week. $2.5 million for the season.
That's way more than most thought he would get.
It's possible that, if healthy, he'll be more than worth that price to the Rockies. It all depends on if he will recover the form he had before that devastating concussion. We're all rooting for him.
Speaking of former Twins, A.J. Pierzynski signed a 1-year deal with Boston worth over $8 million. For people who THOUGHT he'd come back to Minnesota this year, they found out why he won't. There's 8 million reasons.
Nick Punto signed a 1-year deal with Oakland for $ 3 million. I look for the A's to win a world championship this year, now.
Delmon Young is back in Tampa Bay this year. Do you realize that, even now, he is just 28 years old? He's just starting to enter his prime.
Scott Baker still hasn't found a team. At 32, his prospects are waning. Both he and his agent are asking more than he's worth at this point. He says he wants to join the Cubs, but the Cubs aren't willing to meet his price.
Joe Nathan is close to 2-year $20 deal with the Tigers. At 39 years of age, that's an impressive salary offer for a closer.
Speaking of old relievers, LaTroy Hawkins at 41, was also signed by the Rockies this week. $2.5 million for the season.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Looking at the Twins
IF the season started tomorrow, the Twins starting rotation would be Nolasco, Hughes, Correia, and Deduno.
The fifth starter? There are lots of candidates and most of them are out of options. Diamond and Gibson saw their stock DROP last season. So far, in fact, that they might never be starters for the Twins again. With the acquisition of Nolasco and Hughes the Twins don't need them to be successful anymore. Worley is in the same boat. We paid him a lot last season, and he still has a huge chunk of change due him in his current contract. I think the Twins will try him as a long-term reliever this year. Mop-up duty if necessary, and give him a chance to EARN his way back into the rotation.
Albers and Hendriks are still in the running as well. Our LAST talented prospect, Alex Meyer's name has been mentioned as well.
One thing is certain, the Twins do not need ALL of them. Many of them will be gone before spring training is over.
The big problem is our lack of left-handed starters, so the Twins might still be looking for a crafty lefty with experience and past major league success. I wouldn't rule out the Twins going outside the organization one more time for a low-cost, high-risk, big-reward candidate...
...someone like the Met's oft-injured lefty, Johann Santana. He would be cheap, he's had some success in the past, and being the fifth starter, the Twins could baby him as needed to help him recover.
It's just a thought, but we NEED a quality left-hander. Johann may be good enough to fit the bill.
And the move would put butts in the seats, The Twins need more butts. They got a lot of free-agents to pay for this year.
The fifth starter? There are lots of candidates and most of them are out of options. Diamond and Gibson saw their stock DROP last season. So far, in fact, that they might never be starters for the Twins again. With the acquisition of Nolasco and Hughes the Twins don't need them to be successful anymore. Worley is in the same boat. We paid him a lot last season, and he still has a huge chunk of change due him in his current contract. I think the Twins will try him as a long-term reliever this year. Mop-up duty if necessary, and give him a chance to EARN his way back into the rotation.
Albers and Hendriks are still in the running as well. Our LAST talented prospect, Alex Meyer's name has been mentioned as well.
One thing is certain, the Twins do not need ALL of them. Many of them will be gone before spring training is over.
The big problem is our lack of left-handed starters, so the Twins might still be looking for a crafty lefty with experience and past major league success. I wouldn't rule out the Twins going outside the organization one more time for a low-cost, high-risk, big-reward candidate...
...someone like the Met's oft-injured lefty, Johann Santana. He would be cheap, he's had some success in the past, and being the fifth starter, the Twins could baby him as needed to help him recover.
It's just a thought, but we NEED a quality left-hander. Johann may be good enough to fit the bill.
And the move would put butts in the seats, The Twins need more butts. They got a lot of free-agents to pay for this year.
Wolves Get Smoked
So did their opponents, the Spurs.
The game lsst night was supposed to be in the Mexico City Arena, but there was fire and the whole building filled with smoke.
So much for a goodwill tour of Mexico.
The game lsst night was supposed to be in the Mexico City Arena, but there was fire and the whole building filled with smoke.
So much for a goodwill tour of Mexico.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Aaron Rodgers
I've been hearing the last couple weeks how Green Bay is going to be overly cautious with their star QB. It's starting to look that if he isn't cleared to play THIS week, that he will be shut down for the season.
I think that IF Green Bay wins this weekend (without Rodgers) AND both Chicago and Detroit LOSE, they'll change their minds. They are still in it. Four straight wins at the end of the season for Green Bay is still possible.
We'll see. A lot depends on THIS Sunday.
I think that IF Green Bay wins this weekend (without Rodgers) AND both Chicago and Detroit LOSE, they'll change their minds. They are still in it. Four straight wins at the end of the season for Green Bay is still possible.
We'll see. A lot depends on THIS Sunday.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Seahawks Roll
I thought last night's Seattle/New Orleans game might be good, although the Saints always look mediocre at best away for their dome. It wasn't. In a battle for home field advantage in the NFC, the Seahawks showed why they have the inside track.
I'm adding the Seahawks to my list of teams that I want to watch. They were absolutely dominant last night. They are now the clear Super Bowl favorite in the NFC.
I'm adding the Seahawks to my list of teams that I want to watch. They were absolutely dominant last night. They are now the clear Super Bowl favorite in the NFC.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Twins Sign Hughes
Phil Hughes is now a Twin. And he will be for three years. I can't say I dislike the move, but Hughes developed shoulder trouble in 2011, and though still relatively young, his last two years of pitching made him look a lot like our CURRENT Twins pitchers.
Yankee stadium was rough on him. He gave up LOTS of home runs there. It's possible that the more pitcher-friendly Target Field will end up being just what the doctor ordered for both him and the Twins. And that his shoulder is healed.
The Twins have committed a lot of money to two potentially good pitching arms for this upcoming season. Let's hope both prove an improvement over guys like Worley, Correia, and Pelfrey from last year.
Still optimistic. And am happy to see that Twins management is putting their money where their mouth is.
Yankee stadium was rough on him. He gave up LOTS of home runs there. It's possible that the more pitcher-friendly Target Field will end up being just what the doctor ordered for both him and the Twins. And that his shoulder is healed.
The Twins have committed a lot of money to two potentially good pitching arms for this upcoming season. Let's hope both prove an improvement over guys like Worley, Correia, and Pelfrey from last year.
Still optimistic. And am happy to see that Twins management is putting their money where their mouth is.
Peterson Has Fifth 200 Yard Day
It took five quarters again, but this time the Vikings WON in overtime. I decided to watch the whole game no matter what.
I came to the conclusion that Matt Cassel can move the team on offense a lot better than Ponder. I also am starting to like that Adrian Peterson kid. Mark my words, he's going to be one of the best running backs of all-time.
You heard it here first.
Seriously, knowing Peterson is performing like this WITH injuries is amazing. He went over 1,200 yards on the season yesterday and 10,000 in his career. Since he's had 101 career games, right now, he's averaging 99.5 yards a game for his whole career.
I came to the conclusion that Matt Cassel can move the team on offense a lot better than Ponder. I also am starting to like that Adrian Peterson kid. Mark my words, he's going to be one of the best running backs of all-time.
You heard it here first.
Seriously, knowing Peterson is performing like this WITH injuries is amazing. He went over 1,200 yards on the season yesterday and 10,000 in his career. Since he's had 101 career games, right now, he's averaging 99.5 yards a game for his whole career.
Wolves Have Good Three Quarters
And a real lousy fourth. The Thunder are one of those teams I was talking about yesterday.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Two Kevins End Wolves Skid
Love and Martin had a good night for the Wolves last night, and that resulted in a good win against a good Mavericks team.
The T-Wolves are a competitive team this season, but they are not among the elite. They proved that this week. They'll usually lose against the league's finest. But they'll win their share against everybody else. I'm looking forward to the possibility of a 45-win season this year and play-off dreams.
That's enough for this season. And it makes them worth watching.
Finally.
The T-Wolves are a competitive team this season, but they are not among the elite. They proved that this week. They'll usually lose against the league's finest. But they'll win their share against everybody else. I'm looking forward to the possibility of a 45-win season this year and play-off dreams.
That's enough for this season. And it makes them worth watching.
Finally.
Number One Bites the Dust (Roll Tears)
Yesterday was the best day of the college football season with the most amazing ending of a major game in years.
People ask me why I watch college football. Yesterday's games were the reason. Ohio State, undefeated at number THREE yesterday came within a hair's breath of being knocked out of title contention by unranked Michigan. Michigan made the gutsiest call of the day after they had just scored a touchdown with 30 seconds left. Instead of going for the tie with an extra point to send the game into overtime, they elected to go with the two-point conversion for the WIN instead.
The ball was intercepted in the end zone. Ohio State won. I have rarely seen that call at any level. It was amazing.
The better game came later. Undefeated number one Alabama went for a 56-yard game-winning field goal with ONE second left on the clock. The field goal was just short and to the left, BUT an alert Auburn player fielded it NINE yards deep in the end zone and returned it for the winning touchdown.
It was the most amazing football play I have ever seen. The Vikings gave up a touchdown like that a few years ago to San Diego. But it was the timing of the play that may it so surreal. It knocked Alabama (which had won the last two national championships) OUT of the title hunt, and turned the the BCS standings upside down. The only thing that would have been cooler is if Ohio State had lost the Michigan game as well.
NOW there are only TWO undefeated teams left: Florida State and Ohio State. It looks like the BCS standings are going to take care of themselves AGAIN. People who complain about needing a four game playoff (the one that they get starting next year) just don't understand how incredible what they have now IS. Yesterday's unbelievable games mattered because there is NO playoff.
Ohio State elected to go with an easy schedule this year, and it appears their gamble paid off. They'll move up to number two in the rankings and be the in the championship game. Auburn, with one loss, will move up to number three after knocking off Alabama. Alabama will drop to number four. That's the way it should be. They couldn't have planned it better.
I feel sorry that Auburn, after that great win, can't be in the title game, but I've said it all along. In college football the ENTIRE season matters.
And that was proven again yesterday. Next season, with the playoff, all of this greatness will go away.
That is so sad.
People ask me why I watch college football. Yesterday's games were the reason. Ohio State, undefeated at number THREE yesterday came within a hair's breath of being knocked out of title contention by unranked Michigan. Michigan made the gutsiest call of the day after they had just scored a touchdown with 30 seconds left. Instead of going for the tie with an extra point to send the game into overtime, they elected to go with the two-point conversion for the WIN instead.
The ball was intercepted in the end zone. Ohio State won. I have rarely seen that call at any level. It was amazing.
The better game came later. Undefeated number one Alabama went for a 56-yard game-winning field goal with ONE second left on the clock. The field goal was just short and to the left, BUT an alert Auburn player fielded it NINE yards deep in the end zone and returned it for the winning touchdown.
It was the most amazing football play I have ever seen. The Vikings gave up a touchdown like that a few years ago to San Diego. But it was the timing of the play that may it so surreal. It knocked Alabama (which had won the last two national championships) OUT of the title hunt, and turned the the BCS standings upside down. The only thing that would have been cooler is if Ohio State had lost the Michigan game as well.
NOW there are only TWO undefeated teams left: Florida State and Ohio State. It looks like the BCS standings are going to take care of themselves AGAIN. People who complain about needing a four game playoff (the one that they get starting next year) just don't understand how incredible what they have now IS. Yesterday's unbelievable games mattered because there is NO playoff.
Ohio State elected to go with an easy schedule this year, and it appears their gamble paid off. They'll move up to number two in the rankings and be the in the championship game. Auburn, with one loss, will move up to number three after knocking off Alabama. Alabama will drop to number four. That's the way it should be. They couldn't have planned it better.
I feel sorry that Auburn, after that great win, can't be in the title game, but I've said it all along. In college football the ENTIRE season matters.
And that was proven again yesterday. Next season, with the playoff, all of this greatness will go away.
That is so sad.
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