It wasn't that long ago that readers of this blog would send me Twins predictions for the year. We'd predict wins and placement in the standings, and homerun leaders, and RBI leaders, and predictions for all the starter's records for the seasons and...
...and now we fully expect the Twins to be one of the worst teams in baseball.
And that's our only prediction. We don't expect much of anything from anybody. Is ANBODY on the roster this season going to have even 20 homeruns? Or 10 wins?
Predictions are fun when you anticipate a division winner. They are downright depressing with the team we've had the last few season.
Never has opening day felt so hollow.
I'll be watching today at three though.
If I don't forget.
Go Twins!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Sports Notes
The 76ers won last night! Their streak of 26 straight losses is history.
Dayton, everybody's favorite underdog in the NCAA tournament, finally met a defense they didn't like. Florida advances.
Three of the remaining 6 teams in the tournament are from the Big Ten. The conference wasn't very good this year, but it appears that 3 of its teams were. Go Michigan and Michigan State today!
Willingham finally hit his first homerun of the spring yesterday in the Twins last exhibition game. Pinto hit one too in the Twins win.
The season kicks off Monday afternoon in Chicago. Nolasco gets the call.
Dayton, everybody's favorite underdog in the NCAA tournament, finally met a defense they didn't like. Florida advances.
Three of the remaining 6 teams in the tournament are from the Big Ten. The conference wasn't very good this year, but it appears that 3 of its teams were. Go Michigan and Michigan State today!
Willingham finally hit his first homerun of the spring yesterday in the Twins last exhibition game. Pinto hit one too in the Twins win.
The season kicks off Monday afternoon in Chicago. Nolasco gets the call.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Nobody Wants Diamond
Scott Diamond cleared waivers yesterday. No other team wanted him either. The Twins don't need him in Rochester any more than they needed Worley. They have five or 6 starters down there that currently rank higher than Diamond.
What do you do with a an average ground ball pitcher who never strikes people out and had 10 walks in 17 innings in spring training?
I'm not sure, but I don't think we will see him in another major league game in a Twins uniform.
In other recent Twins news. Alex Presley is now an Astro. He didn't clear waivers. Chris Parmalee cleared waivers and will report to Rochester.
What do you do with a an average ground ball pitcher who never strikes people out and had 10 walks in 17 innings in spring training?
I'm not sure, but I don't think we will see him in another major league game in a Twins uniform.
In other recent Twins news. Alex Presley is now an Astro. He didn't clear waivers. Chris Parmalee cleared waivers and will report to Rochester.
Twins
I was enjoying yesterday's spring game until the fourth inning.
That's when Jason Bartlett, Gardy's pet project, attempting to be a right fielder, muffed a routine bounce off the wall and turned it into two runs for Boston.
We already have several inadequate outfielders. We don't have to force a washed-up infielder to become another one.
I turned it off at that point. I hear the Twins went on to lose. They were shutout.
Of course.
That's when Jason Bartlett, Gardy's pet project, attempting to be a right fielder, muffed a routine bounce off the wall and turned it into two runs for Boston.
We already have several inadequate outfielders. We don't have to force a washed-up infielder to become another one.
I turned it off at that point. I hear the Twins went on to lose. They were shutout.
Of course.
Wolves
I wasn't going to comment on the Wolves any more this year. Their play for the last week has been just bad enough to remove all remaining hope of playoff dreams.
But last night was special. They set a club record with 143 points scored and Kevin Love had another TRIPLE double by the end of the third quarter. And they did it it against the once proud Lakers.
I think playing in that game last night might give Love further doubts about signing with L.A. after next season. He sees what the Wolves are building here, and that has got to be much more appealing than what he sees L.A. going through.
In L.A. he'll be playing with an aging/almost retired Kobe. Here, he'll get to grow with Ricky (he's still just 22) Rubio. Sometimes the grass isn't greener.
Oh, also the Wolves have Kevin Love one more season. At just 25 himself, the Wolves let him sign a four year deal that lets him op out after NEXT season. All this time I was fretting for nothing. We do have one more year with Love, barring an unexpected trade.
At the same time, we got rid of Garnett with an early trade. The Wolves philosophy has always been to trade away a star early rather than have him become a free agent.
I sure hope Minnesota offers him a mega-deal this summer. They have one of the lowest payrolls in the league and fan interest has never been higher. The time to strike a deal is now.
Like the Angels just did for Mike Trout.
And before they do something that ticks him off even more.
ALL the talk is that Love is leaving. There might not be any real hope of him staying unless the Wolves have a near championship run next season, and even that may not keep him here. We ticked him off by not giving him a 5-year contract last time.
And he still remembers that. He was dissed. Superstars never forget being dissed.
But last night was special. They set a club record with 143 points scored and Kevin Love had another TRIPLE double by the end of the third quarter. And they did it it against the once proud Lakers.
I think playing in that game last night might give Love further doubts about signing with L.A. after next season. He sees what the Wolves are building here, and that has got to be much more appealing than what he sees L.A. going through.
In L.A. he'll be playing with an aging/almost retired Kobe. Here, he'll get to grow with Ricky (he's still just 22) Rubio. Sometimes the grass isn't greener.
Oh, also the Wolves have Kevin Love one more season. At just 25 himself, the Wolves let him sign a four year deal that lets him op out after NEXT season. All this time I was fretting for nothing. We do have one more year with Love, barring an unexpected trade.
At the same time, we got rid of Garnett with an early trade. The Wolves philosophy has always been to trade away a star early rather than have him become a free agent.
I sure hope Minnesota offers him a mega-deal this summer. They have one of the lowest payrolls in the league and fan interest has never been higher. The time to strike a deal is now.
Like the Angels just did for Mike Trout.
And before they do something that ticks him off even more.
ALL the talk is that Love is leaving. There might not be any real hope of him staying unless the Wolves have a near championship run next season, and even that may not keep him here. We ticked him off by not giving him a 5-year contract last time.
And he still remembers that. He was dissed. Superstars never forget being dissed.
Mike Trout
Wow! That happened fast. Mike Trout signed a 6-year deal with the Angels yesterday, a contract worth $144 million. Trout is only 22 and the Angels decided to lock him up early, even though they didn't have to. A very smart move on their part.
It was a good deal for Trout as well. He'll only be 28 when this deal runs out. His next contract could make Cabrera's record contract yesterday look like chicken feed.
It was a good deal for Trout as well. He'll only be 28 when this deal runs out. His next contract could make Cabrera's record contract yesterday look like chicken feed.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Matt Guerrier
On Tuesday, I said that Matt Guerrier would not be given a second chance with the Twins. Yet.
I further mentioned that they released him for business reasons but could very well re-sign him shortly.
Well, he's a Twins again, with a new contract. I don't have any idea how long he will last this time.
On a related note, the Twins scored just one run again in yesterday's spring training game. It's basically just the regular roster playing now, so there are no excuses. Two spring training games left, and then the big opener next week.
My feelings are mixed. Excited about the new season, but at the same time I realize how bad they are.
I further mentioned that they released him for business reasons but could very well re-sign him shortly.
Well, he's a Twins again, with a new contract. I don't have any idea how long he will last this time.
On a related note, the Twins scored just one run again in yesterday's spring training game. It's basically just the regular roster playing now, so there are no excuses. Two spring training games left, and then the big opener next week.
My feelings are mixed. Excited about the new season, but at the same time I realize how bad they are.
76ers
We know the Minnesota sports franchises aren't very good, but the 76ers of Philadelphia are all kinds of bad this year. Last night they lost their 26th straight game. That ties an NBA record in incompetence.
Their next game is against the 26-45 Detroit Pistons Saturday night. At least there is hope that the streak could end.
Their next game is against the 26-45 Detroit Pistons Saturday night. At least there is hope that the streak could end.
Cabrera To Ink $292 Million Deal
Miguel Carbrera is 31. The contract is for 10 years with Detroit. If this is anything like the A-Rod deal, Cabreeaa will be practically worthless in 5 or 6. He had a groin injury that hobbled him most of last season that required off-season surgery.
NOBODY is worth that much at that age. The funny part? Detroit can choose to pay him $30 million more for two extra seasons at the end. So the contract is really worth almost $350 million.
Angel Star, Mike Trout, must be salivating waiting for his next deal.
NOBODY is worth that much at that age. The funny part? Detroit can choose to pay him $30 million more for two extra seasons at the end. So the contract is really worth almost $350 million.
Angel Star, Mike Trout, must be salivating waiting for his next deal.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Power Outage And Diamond Gone
This blog is just going to be more ramblings on the Twins.
In 2012 Scott Diamond was easily the Twins best pitcher. Though his record was just 12-9, his ERA was 3.54. Last year injuries derailed him. Yesterday the Twins placed him on waivers.
That's how fast your hopes and dreams can leave in baseball.
Let's not forget that Vance Worley was our "ace" and opening game starter LAST season. He wasn't even worth pocket change in LESS than a year.
Mauer cost the Twins the game yesterday. With two outs and the bases loaded he bobbled a ball that let two runs score. We lost 2-1.
Oswaldo Arcia hit a homerun for the Twins only run. Do you know how many homeruns the current roster has hit in spring training? Seven. The WHOLE Twins roster, featuring guys like Mauer, and Plouffe, and Willingham, and Hicks, and Arcia against what often is Triple A pitching, for the whole spring, over 20 games, has hit just SEVEN homeruns. Less than one every three games.
And if you notice the box scores of every game, you'll see a lot more errors this year as well. Mauer's was not unusual yesterday.
I think I'll stop here.
In 2012 Scott Diamond was easily the Twins best pitcher. Though his record was just 12-9, his ERA was 3.54. Last year injuries derailed him. Yesterday the Twins placed him on waivers.
That's how fast your hopes and dreams can leave in baseball.
Let's not forget that Vance Worley was our "ace" and opening game starter LAST season. He wasn't even worth pocket change in LESS than a year.
Mauer cost the Twins the game yesterday. With two outs and the bases loaded he bobbled a ball that let two runs score. We lost 2-1.
Oswaldo Arcia hit a homerun for the Twins only run. Do you know how many homeruns the current roster has hit in spring training? Seven. The WHOLE Twins roster, featuring guys like Mauer, and Plouffe, and Willingham, and Hicks, and Arcia against what often is Triple A pitching, for the whole spring, over 20 games, has hit just SEVEN homeruns. Less than one every three games.
And if you notice the box scores of every game, you'll see a lot more errors this year as well. Mauer's was not unusual yesterday.
I think I'll stop here.
Allen a Bear
I always though that releasing Jared Allen wouldn't be THAT big a deal. The only way it would really hurt us is if he signed with the Bears or the Packers. If he signed with some AFC team, we might never seem him again.
So he goes and signs with the Bears. 4 years, $8 million a year. He can disrupt our playoff chances for years to come that way.
I guess if I was Allan, I would have done the same thing.
So he goes and signs with the Bears. 4 years, $8 million a year. He can disrupt our playoff chances for years to come that way.
I guess if I was Allan, I would have done the same thing.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Worley a Pirate
The Twins figured out what I've been saying all along. Worley would not fit in Triple A ball either. We already have a full staff of young eager arms down there. They thought it best to sell Worley outright to Pittsburgh.
We lost Ben Revere to get him. We get pocket change a year later in exchange.
Typical Twins trade.
We lost Ben Revere to get him. We get pocket change a year later in exchange.
Typical Twins trade.
Twins
Pelfrey, Gibson, Diamond.
3 innings each. All looked great.
Final: 4-1 against Baltimore.
Bring on the season.
3 innings each. All looked great.
Final: 4-1 against Baltimore.
Bring on the season.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Notes
Chris Hermann, back-up catcher, and back up outfielder/infielder DID NOT make the team. Gardy is thinking Pinto's potential bat is more important than his catching skills or Hermann's versatility. I'm floored at the decision. It's not like Suzuki is much of a catcher any more either. The Twins now have one catcher who MAY hit, and two that lack basic catching skills. And have no other abilities to help the Twins. Hermann is still with the Twins organization at least. We can bring him back from the minors if we need him. AND it will let us keep Chris Parmalee on the main roster since he IS out of options.
I'm HOPING that Pinto's bat is as good as it was late last season. I'm sure Gardy hopes the same thing. I'm actually quite pleased and shocked by the decision. Gardy went with his heart instead of the averages. He never does that. Options allow him the luxury once in a while.
Matt Guerrier will NOT be given a second chance with the team. Yet. I don't think the Twins feel his days an effective bullpen member are behind him. They'll call him back if they need him later since no one else seems interested in him either at this point. And the Twins won't have to pay him a bonus for sticking around. Right now it's just a business move. BUT someone else may take and sign him in the meantime, so it's still a risk.
Michael Tonkin and Ryan Pressly, relievers on the forty man roster WERE optioned away yesterday, making more room on that 40 man safety list.
4 more cuts need to be made. I found out late yesterday that Gibson DOES have an option left. Diamond does not. That may affect who we keep as our fifth starter.
It' also possible that the Twins will keep both on the major league roster and option reliever Caleb Theilbar out instead, making Diamond a bullpen man for the time being.
Colabello has an option left as well. I got that wrong yesterday. IF he's cut, he'll simply go to Rochester until we need him again.
The only battle left is Bartlett and Escobar. The obvious cut is Bartlett. But we all know Gardy doesn't handle obvious well. It's a bigger decision, though Bartlett MAY elect to go to Rochester if cut. He doesn't have to, but he does like the Twins organization, so he may elect to go there rather than retire.
I'm HOPING that Pinto's bat is as good as it was late last season. I'm sure Gardy hopes the same thing. I'm actually quite pleased and shocked by the decision. Gardy went with his heart instead of the averages. He never does that. Options allow him the luxury once in a while.
Matt Guerrier will NOT be given a second chance with the team. Yet. I don't think the Twins feel his days an effective bullpen member are behind him. They'll call him back if they need him later since no one else seems interested in him either at this point. And the Twins won't have to pay him a bonus for sticking around. Right now it's just a business move. BUT someone else may take and sign him in the meantime, so it's still a risk.
Michael Tonkin and Ryan Pressly, relievers on the forty man roster WERE optioned away yesterday, making more room on that 40 man safety list.
4 more cuts need to be made. I found out late yesterday that Gibson DOES have an option left. Diamond does not. That may affect who we keep as our fifth starter.
It' also possible that the Twins will keep both on the major league roster and option reliever Caleb Theilbar out instead, making Diamond a bullpen man for the time being.
Colabello has an option left as well. I got that wrong yesterday. IF he's cut, he'll simply go to Rochester until we need him again.
The only battle left is Bartlett and Escobar. The obvious cut is Bartlett. But we all know Gardy doesn't handle obvious well. It's a bigger decision, though Bartlett MAY elect to go to Rochester if cut. He doesn't have to, but he does like the Twins organization, so he may elect to go there rather than retire.
Monday, March 24, 2014
14 Cuts To Go
The Twins still have 39 men in camp. That needs to be 25 by the end of the week.
Gardy wants to keep Jason Bartlett so bad, that he may just cut Alex Presly, and make Bartlett his back-up center fielder. Gardy is stubborn that way.
Folks seem to forget that there are only FOUR non starters on the bench. You have 9 regular starters including the DH. 12 pitchers and four remaining spots. That's it. Some teams go with 13 pitchers and just three bench players.
Right now ONE of those players is Chris Herman at catcher because he can also be used elsewhere.
The other candidates are Josmil Pinto (but that would be a third catcher and Gardy rarely does that.)
Eduardo Escobar as back-up infielder, though Gardy still like Bartlett.
And Alex Presly as the back-up centerfielder. (or again Bartlett)
Colabello and Parmalee are still dark horses instead of Presley or Bartlett, in the outfield. Since both are out of options, my guess is that their Twins careers are over. One will be gone for sure.
Gardy wants to keep Jason Bartlett so bad, that he may just cut Alex Presly, and make Bartlett his back-up center fielder. Gardy is stubborn that way.
Folks seem to forget that there are only FOUR non starters on the bench. You have 9 regular starters including the DH. 12 pitchers and four remaining spots. That's it. Some teams go with 13 pitchers and just three bench players.
Right now ONE of those players is Chris Herman at catcher because he can also be used elsewhere.
The other candidates are Josmil Pinto (but that would be a third catcher and Gardy rarely does that.)
Eduardo Escobar as back-up infielder, though Gardy still like Bartlett.
And Alex Presly as the back-up centerfielder. (or again Bartlett)
Colabello and Parmalee are still dark horses instead of Presley or Bartlett, in the outfield. Since both are out of options, my guess is that their Twins careers are over. One will be gone for sure.
NCAA and Wolves
Wichita State was perfect, and a number ONE seed. Number 8 Kentucky knocked them off yesterday. Number 10 Stanford also knocked off number TWO Kansas, but they were missing their top player, perhaps the top player in country, because of a back injury.
Neither game was in prime time, so very few people saw the huge upsets. Even CBS went to normal prime time viewing last night.
Big upsets are cool even in a tournament where all the teams are basically interchangeable, but the impact is lost when the games are not seen due to an ever-numbing sea of endless games.
It's also like World Cup Soccer. All the teams are so evenly matched that the 1-0 score could go either way and all that they demonstrate are that there are no great teams.
Knowing that kind of defeats the fun of the tournament.
In other BASKETBALL news: The Wolved scored just 17 points in the fourth quarter last night.
Yep, they lost.
Neither game was in prime time, so very few people saw the huge upsets. Even CBS went to normal prime time viewing last night.
Big upsets are cool even in a tournament where all the teams are basically interchangeable, but the impact is lost when the games are not seen due to an ever-numbing sea of endless games.
It's also like World Cup Soccer. All the teams are so evenly matched that the 1-0 score could go either way and all that they demonstrate are that there are no great teams.
Knowing that kind of defeats the fun of the tournament.
In other BASKETBALL news: The Wolved scored just 17 points in the fourth quarter last night.
Yep, they lost.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Twins
The Twins decided to put Vance Worley on waivers.
As readers of this blog will realize, he had no problem clearing those waivers. No one wanted him.
What is surprising is that they assigned him to Triple A Rochester. All of their Triple A starters are better than him, too. His skills are better suited for Double A.
Just so he's nowhere NEAR the major league roster I'm happy.
With Sam Deduno now targeted to the bullpen for the beginning of the season, that leaves the fifth spot in the rotation going to either Kyle Gibson OR Scott Diamond. Since both are out of options, the loser of that duel will be leaving the Twins. Both are way more desirable than Worley.
IF the Twins trade Correia unexpectedly in the next couple of days (and it COULD happen) the Twins will keep both. They don't really want to lose either.
Looking at the schedule, guess which team has the TOUGHEST schedule for the first 40 games of the season?
If you guessed the Twins you would be right. 31 of the first 40 games are against teams with with winning records last year. No other team even comes close.
sigh
It's also looking more and more that the Twins will keep only ONE Jason. It's either Kubel OR Bartlett. It's not both. Though it may still be neither. Chris Colabello is out of options, too, and the Twins MAY still pick him over Kubel.
Of course. all of this fretting is just foolish. There's a good chance the Twins won't win more than 65 games this year no matter who is on the roster.
It's not like any of them are really good.
As readers of this blog will realize, he had no problem clearing those waivers. No one wanted him.
What is surprising is that they assigned him to Triple A Rochester. All of their Triple A starters are better than him, too. His skills are better suited for Double A.
Just so he's nowhere NEAR the major league roster I'm happy.
With Sam Deduno now targeted to the bullpen for the beginning of the season, that leaves the fifth spot in the rotation going to either Kyle Gibson OR Scott Diamond. Since both are out of options, the loser of that duel will be leaving the Twins. Both are way more desirable than Worley.
IF the Twins trade Correia unexpectedly in the next couple of days (and it COULD happen) the Twins will keep both. They don't really want to lose either.
Looking at the schedule, guess which team has the TOUGHEST schedule for the first 40 games of the season?
If you guessed the Twins you would be right. 31 of the first 40 games are against teams with with winning records last year. No other team even comes close.
sigh
It's also looking more and more that the Twins will keep only ONE Jason. It's either Kubel OR Bartlett. It's not both. Though it may still be neither. Chris Colabello is out of options, too, and the Twins MAY still pick him over Kubel.
Of course. all of this fretting is just foolish. There's a good chance the Twins won't win more than 65 games this year no matter who is on the roster.
It's not like any of them are really good.
Baseball Season Opens!
Did anybody happen to catch the first game of the MLB baseball season this year?
I didn't even realize that the game between the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks played in Australia yesterday (the day before yesterday because of the International Date Line) WAS the official opener. I think the second game is going on now, but I'm too tired to care to even check.
Way to take the excitement out of the game for L.A. and Arizona fans.
Kicking off the season, a week and a half early, just to get some Aussies to care about the game seems so WRONG.
I'm not going to tell you who won. I would hate to spoil the surprise.
I didn't even realize that the game between the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks played in Australia yesterday (the day before yesterday because of the International Date Line) WAS the official opener. I think the second game is going on now, but I'm too tired to care to even check.
Way to take the excitement out of the game for L.A. and Arizona fans.
Kicking off the season, a week and a half early, just to get some Aussies to care about the game seems so WRONG.
I'm not going to tell you who won. I would hate to spoil the surprise.
March Mundaneness Continues
While Thursday night ratings for the NCAA basketball ratings were extremely disappointing for CBS, the Friday night ratings dropped even further, averaging less than 4 million viewers for the 3 hour prime time period.
While sports channels and their announcers are busy looking at the "huge" upsets, most regular sports fans are turning the channel to find what else is on. As one such fan was quoted as saying, "I haven't watched a minute of the games so far, and I don't feel as if I missed anything."
There really are far too many teams and too many games, and none of them stand out from any of the others. Where ESPN sees upsets, sports fans see mediocrity and a whole lot of sameness. Even bars on Friday night were being asked by patrons to change the channel.
Think about it, there are 32 teams in the entire NFL. There are more than double that in this tournament. Fans aren't seeing upsets, they are seeing the simple mathematical odds of what happens when so many teams are involved. And they don't know enough about any of those teams to care if they win or not.
Obviously the ratings will start to rise as more teams are eliminated, but that's what I've been saying al along. A sixteen team tournament would be preferable, and an 8 team tournament would be even better. The best of the best, where every game matters, and the regular season was important.
Kind of like college football was with the BCS.
College basketball gets one game a year with over 15 million viewers. College football has games with that kind of viewership every single week.
I said it yesterday and I'm going to repeat it today.
Sometimes less is more.
I've also said DON'T change the football BCS system. Too many teams spoil the madness.
While sports channels and their announcers are busy looking at the "huge" upsets, most regular sports fans are turning the channel to find what else is on. As one such fan was quoted as saying, "I haven't watched a minute of the games so far, and I don't feel as if I missed anything."
There really are far too many teams and too many games, and none of them stand out from any of the others. Where ESPN sees upsets, sports fans see mediocrity and a whole lot of sameness. Even bars on Friday night were being asked by patrons to change the channel.
Think about it, there are 32 teams in the entire NFL. There are more than double that in this tournament. Fans aren't seeing upsets, they are seeing the simple mathematical odds of what happens when so many teams are involved. And they don't know enough about any of those teams to care if they win or not.
Obviously the ratings will start to rise as more teams are eliminated, but that's what I've been saying al along. A sixteen team tournament would be preferable, and an 8 team tournament would be even better. The best of the best, where every game matters, and the regular season was important.
Kind of like college football was with the BCS.
College basketball gets one game a year with over 15 million viewers. College football has games with that kind of viewership every single week.
I said it yesterday and I'm going to repeat it today.
Sometimes less is more.
I've also said DON'T change the football BCS system. Too many teams spoil the madness.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Billion Dollar Dream Over
Warren Buffet's billion dollars is safe. In less than two days of the NCCA basketball tournament, everyone is already out of the billion dollar brackets. Everyone.
ESPN has their own $100,000 bracket going. Of the 11 million entries, only THREE people still have a perfect bracket going. The odds any of the three will make it to the end aren't very good either.
Ohio State losing in the first round sent 85% of the entrants home early the first day. It really didn't take many more losses to send every one home yesterday.
What I find MORE interesting? CBS ratings in prime time THIS year were way worse than last year. It seems that I was right all along. March Madness is a myth. People aren't interested in actually WATCHING the games, they are interested in BETTING on them.
Their interest only extends to their betting bracket. The games themselves don't matter much.
In prime time on Thursday night CBS usually features The Big Bang Theory, the most watched show on television. They frequently push the 20 million viewer mark. They end the night with Elementary, a show that garners more than 10 million viewers, still always winning its time lot.
Thursday night this week? LESS than 4.5 million viewers average for the entire night. CBS doesn't have a single show in their prime time lineup for the entire week that does anywhere near that poorly.
What's interesting is that every single rating on every other program on NBC and ABC went up Thursday night. Scandal on ABC broke the 10 million viewer mark for the first time ever. Community on NBC had it's best ratings in two years. People actually went out of their way to avoid the basketball games on CBS.
CBS is still going to have good ratings for their prime time lineup when it returns, but just like last year, other networks were given a boost thanks to CBS. And some people will not return now that they sampled the other shows. In short, the tournament is a ratings disaster for them. THE ONLY good ratings they get from the entire tournament is the National Championship Game itself.
Having that many unknown teams in the tournament does NOT add to the excitement. It detracts from it. The long regular season where wins don't matter doesn't help either. College basketball, even with a billion dollars at stake, has become a bore.
And it's only going to get worse. Sometimes less is more. March Malaise has set in and already nobody cares.
ESPN has their own $100,000 bracket going. Of the 11 million entries, only THREE people still have a perfect bracket going. The odds any of the three will make it to the end aren't very good either.
Ohio State losing in the first round sent 85% of the entrants home early the first day. It really didn't take many more losses to send every one home yesterday.
What I find MORE interesting? CBS ratings in prime time THIS year were way worse than last year. It seems that I was right all along. March Madness is a myth. People aren't interested in actually WATCHING the games, they are interested in BETTING on them.
Their interest only extends to their betting bracket. The games themselves don't matter much.
In prime time on Thursday night CBS usually features The Big Bang Theory, the most watched show on television. They frequently push the 20 million viewer mark. They end the night with Elementary, a show that garners more than 10 million viewers, still always winning its time lot.
Thursday night this week? LESS than 4.5 million viewers average for the entire night. CBS doesn't have a single show in their prime time lineup for the entire week that does anywhere near that poorly.
What's interesting is that every single rating on every other program on NBC and ABC went up Thursday night. Scandal on ABC broke the 10 million viewer mark for the first time ever. Community on NBC had it's best ratings in two years. People actually went out of their way to avoid the basketball games on CBS.
CBS is still going to have good ratings for their prime time lineup when it returns, but just like last year, other networks were given a boost thanks to CBS. And some people will not return now that they sampled the other shows. In short, the tournament is a ratings disaster for them. THE ONLY good ratings they get from the entire tournament is the National Championship Game itself.
Having that many unknown teams in the tournament does NOT add to the excitement. It detracts from it. The long regular season where wins don't matter doesn't help either. College basketball, even with a billion dollars at stake, has become a bore.
And it's only going to get worse. Sometimes less is more. March Malaise has set in and already nobody cares.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Pawn Stars
I was watching Pawn Stars last night. The Wolves were getting kicked by the Rockets and I thought this was the better choice.
Their sports trivia question was pretty good. Which current NFL franchise had not yet played in the Super Bowl and is the oldest not to do so?
It's sad that the best sports story I could come up with today is from a reality pawn show. The answer is the Detroit Lions.
Their sports trivia question was pretty good. Which current NFL franchise had not yet played in the Super Bowl and is the oldest not to do so?
It's sad that the best sports story I could come up with today is from a reality pawn show. The answer is the Detroit Lions.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The Twins
Has anybody else noticed that the only real change we've made to the Twins this season is that we basically traded Justin Morneau in the starting line-up for freakishly poor hitting Kurt Suzuki?
How sad is that for a team that already lacked offense and offensive muscle?
They tell me Aaron Hicks and Alex Presley are still "battling it out" for the starting centerfield job, but if you check the stats and watch the games you'll also see that neither came "armed" for the battle. Both have been just awful so far.
And that the projected starting pitchers are looking as bad as the worst pessimists predicted.
And that Gardy STILL wants Bartlett (the guy who is 0 for the entire spring and looking far older than his 34 years would suggest) over Eduardo Escobar as his back-up shortstop?
Well if you hadn't noticed yet, I thought I'd pass that information along to you.
The only differences that I see with this year's squad is that we have even less offense and more expensive losing starting pitching (all with long-term contracts.)
It's going to be a few more years of bad baseball in Minnesota...
I read a quote yesterday and it went something like this, "The Twins lineup this year will feature Mauer and Arcia and then a lot of other guys who would be lucky to be batting 8th or 9th in any other major league line-up."
That sums it up better than anything I could say.
How sad is that for a team that already lacked offense and offensive muscle?
They tell me Aaron Hicks and Alex Presley are still "battling it out" for the starting centerfield job, but if you check the stats and watch the games you'll also see that neither came "armed" for the battle. Both have been just awful so far.
And that the projected starting pitchers are looking as bad as the worst pessimists predicted.
And that Gardy STILL wants Bartlett (the guy who is 0 for the entire spring and looking far older than his 34 years would suggest) over Eduardo Escobar as his back-up shortstop?
Well if you hadn't noticed yet, I thought I'd pass that information along to you.
The only differences that I see with this year's squad is that we have even less offense and more expensive losing starting pitching (all with long-term contracts.)
It's going to be a few more years of bad baseball in Minnesota...
I read a quote yesterday and it went something like this, "The Twins lineup this year will feature Mauer and Arcia and then a lot of other guys who would be lucky to be batting 8th or 9th in any other major league line-up."
That sums it up better than anything I could say.
March Madness
I get a break from my late week CBS prime time regular viewing the next couple of weeks.
Wolves Win AT Dallas
This would really be a great season for Wolves fans if they could make the playoffs.
Last night was a fantastic game. Ricky Rubio had 22 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds: A triple double! Kevin Love added 35 points of his own. AND the Wolves won in OT against one of the league's best on the road.
Normally I would hate to see the Wolves blow such a huge lead at the end of regulation, but winning it in that fashion made it worth it. Dallas is one of the team's they are chasing for that last playoff spot, but with two teams still 5 1/2 games ahead of us battling for that last spot, the chances are practically nil of catching them both with just 16 games remaining.
Right now the Wolves are 34-32 (which for them is really good) but Dallas is 41-28. 5 1/2 games looks a lot worse when you see it that way.
Charlotte (33-36) and Atlanta (31-35) in the east have the last two playoff spots over there.
I think the NBA stinks.
But the Wolves are still worth watching.
Last night was a fantastic game. Ricky Rubio had 22 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds: A triple double! Kevin Love added 35 points of his own. AND the Wolves won in OT against one of the league's best on the road.
Normally I would hate to see the Wolves blow such a huge lead at the end of regulation, but winning it in that fashion made it worth it. Dallas is one of the team's they are chasing for that last playoff spot, but with two teams still 5 1/2 games ahead of us battling for that last spot, the chances are practically nil of catching them both with just 16 games remaining.
Right now the Wolves are 34-32 (which for them is really good) but Dallas is 41-28. 5 1/2 games looks a lot worse when you see it that way.
Charlotte (33-36) and Atlanta (31-35) in the east have the last two playoff spots over there.
I think the NBA stinks.
But the Wolves are still worth watching.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Vance Worley
The Twins at the beginning of last season thought that Vance Worley was one of the answers to their long-term starting needs. He failed horribly.
This year they were optimistic thinking that a year of seasoning in the minors would fix most of what ailed him last season.
Boy, were they wrong. As I write this, his ERA stands at 13.50 so far this spring. Yesterday he gave up 11 hits and 7 earned runs in less than 3 innings (eight outs) and he didn't have ONE swing and a miss by a single batter. Not one.
Worley's out of options. We have to put him on waivers to be able to send him down to the minors again. We should probably do that right away because, at this point, NOBODY else will probably want him either. But the Worley trade cost us a very good center fielder last season and the Twins don't want to admit defeat on Worley, because some team MIGHT take him. And they would look even worse than they do now.
Yesterday I talked about the business of baseball. Here we go again. Scott Diamond and Sam Deduno are out of options, too. We can't send them down either, because other teams will most assuredly snatch them from the waiver wire.
One of them HAS to be our fifth starter. One MIGHT be added to the bullpen for safe keeping. The other HAS to go. That's business.
And I'm afraid that the Twins will keep Worley.
And they really shouldn't.
This year they were optimistic thinking that a year of seasoning in the minors would fix most of what ailed him last season.
Boy, were they wrong. As I write this, his ERA stands at 13.50 so far this spring. Yesterday he gave up 11 hits and 7 earned runs in less than 3 innings (eight outs) and he didn't have ONE swing and a miss by a single batter. Not one.
Worley's out of options. We have to put him on waivers to be able to send him down to the minors again. We should probably do that right away because, at this point, NOBODY else will probably want him either. But the Worley trade cost us a very good center fielder last season and the Twins don't want to admit defeat on Worley, because some team MIGHT take him. And they would look even worse than they do now.
Yesterday I talked about the business of baseball. Here we go again. Scott Diamond and Sam Deduno are out of options, too. We can't send them down either, because other teams will most assuredly snatch them from the waiver wire.
One of them HAS to be our fifth starter. One MIGHT be added to the bullpen for safe keeping. The other HAS to go. That's business.
And I'm afraid that the Twins will keep Worley.
And they really shouldn't.
The Cumulative Effect
Sabermetrics is a term that modern day geeks use a lot when they are talking about newer sports statistics. I've talked about the term rather regularly here and mentioned some of those stats.
I'm making up one of my own today. I call it The Cumulative Effect. This isn't a stat that refers to on-field play. It's referencing the fans of losing teams. Every year, less of them are interested in their favorite sports team. The effect is not the fault of the fans, it represents a failure of management to put a competitive team on the field. This is multiplied by the number of years that a team has a dismal record.
Obviously, it's not an exact statistic, but a baseball team that fails to break .500 for a period of several years will see their fan support dropping off each year, especially if they WERE good for several years before "the slump." The farther below .500 they go, the quicker the effect will come into play.
The Twins are a good example of that. Last year attendance was down. The new stadium was no longer the draw it initially was. Fans simply stopped making plans to watch what was once their favorite team.
This year the effect is even more noticeable. Pre-season ticket sales are down nearly 10% over last year, and the effect will gain momentum if the Twins do not get off to a great start. That 10% figure will look good compared to the end of this coming season if the Twins suffer another horrid season as expected. By NEXT season the effect will be fully in play. Attendance will be as dismal as the Twins themselves.
In Minnesota, the effect will be even more noticeable. You see, the effect is multiplied by multiple losing sports teams. If your big three sports teams are all losing, then your interest as a fan will wane even more. The Vikings, Wolves, and Twins all influence the fan base's attitude toward sports. If the Vikes and Twins have several consecutive bad seasons, the fans will start to care exponentially less. Again, it's not their fault, it's the failure of management to produce results.
But the result will be devastating on future generations of fans. If mom and dad aren't interested in the Twins, odds are their kids won't be either. And those kids will learn to spend their entertainment dollars elsewhere. There are markets out there right now that have already lost their fan base. Oakland comes to mind, but there are others. Even winning on a regular basis doesn't reverse the trend. At least not quickly. A history of losing causes long term problems to a franchise's health.
The Twins and Vikings are both experiencing early signs of the Cumulative Effect.
As are their fans.
I've never liked the term "bandwagon fan" because it purports the idea that fans should inherently support their team, no matter what. I don't believe in bandwagon fans. I believe in horrible management and holding them responsible for my lack of interest.
You see, ultimately, I'm a modern-day American. And nothing is my fault.
I'm making up one of my own today. I call it The Cumulative Effect. This isn't a stat that refers to on-field play. It's referencing the fans of losing teams. Every year, less of them are interested in their favorite sports team. The effect is not the fault of the fans, it represents a failure of management to put a competitive team on the field. This is multiplied by the number of years that a team has a dismal record.
Obviously, it's not an exact statistic, but a baseball team that fails to break .500 for a period of several years will see their fan support dropping off each year, especially if they WERE good for several years before "the slump." The farther below .500 they go, the quicker the effect will come into play.
The Twins are a good example of that. Last year attendance was down. The new stadium was no longer the draw it initially was. Fans simply stopped making plans to watch what was once their favorite team.
This year the effect is even more noticeable. Pre-season ticket sales are down nearly 10% over last year, and the effect will gain momentum if the Twins do not get off to a great start. That 10% figure will look good compared to the end of this coming season if the Twins suffer another horrid season as expected. By NEXT season the effect will be fully in play. Attendance will be as dismal as the Twins themselves.
In Minnesota, the effect will be even more noticeable. You see, the effect is multiplied by multiple losing sports teams. If your big three sports teams are all losing, then your interest as a fan will wane even more. The Vikings, Wolves, and Twins all influence the fan base's attitude toward sports. If the Vikes and Twins have several consecutive bad seasons, the fans will start to care exponentially less. Again, it's not their fault, it's the failure of management to produce results.
But the result will be devastating on future generations of fans. If mom and dad aren't interested in the Twins, odds are their kids won't be either. And those kids will learn to spend their entertainment dollars elsewhere. There are markets out there right now that have already lost their fan base. Oakland comes to mind, but there are others. Even winning on a regular basis doesn't reverse the trend. At least not quickly. A history of losing causes long term problems to a franchise's health.
The Twins and Vikings are both experiencing early signs of the Cumulative Effect.
As are their fans.
I've never liked the term "bandwagon fan" because it purports the idea that fans should inherently support their team, no matter what. I don't believe in bandwagon fans. I believe in horrible management and holding them responsible for my lack of interest.
You see, ultimately, I'm a modern-day American. And nothing is my fault.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
DUI of The Day
Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested for drunk driving last Sunday night. He was also charged with 4 felony counts of possession of controlled substances when prescription pain relievers were found in his car without having a doctor's prescription.
Irsay has admitted he's had a problem with substances like this in the past after several orthopedic surgeries.
I figure if players can be suspended for life for this type of abuse, the NFL should make a point of owners being suspended for life as well. He had two strikes and multiple counts with just one incident, AND admitted previous abuse.
It's time to take his team away from him.
And to get him some serious help.
If players can forfeit their privilege of playing the game through substance abuse, owners can surely lose their privilege of owning a team.
It's the owners that are quick to set the mark. It's time that they live with it, too. It's what's best for the game.
Irsay has admitted he's had a problem with substances like this in the past after several orthopedic surgeries.
I figure if players can be suspended for life for this type of abuse, the NFL should make a point of owners being suspended for life as well. He had two strikes and multiple counts with just one incident, AND admitted previous abuse.
It's time to take his team away from him.
And to get him some serious help.
If players can forfeit their privilege of playing the game through substance abuse, owners can surely lose their privilege of owning a team.
It's the owners that are quick to set the mark. It's time that they live with it, too. It's what's best for the game.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Decisions
As Twins fans, we rarely think about the business of baseball. Take shortstop for instance. We know Pedro Florimon is the Twins starter. We also know that Gardy likes Jason Bartlett and wants to see Jason make the team even if he is 34 and washed up.
BUT we also have Eduardo Escobar trying to make the team as the backup shortstop and he's only 25 AND he's out of options. IF he doesn't make the team, we won't have the option of bringing him back later. Some other team will take him.
That's the business side of baseball. I really have no idea why we signed Bartlett in the first place, but knowing that if we keep him Escobar will have to go, really makes the Bartlett choice more puzzling. The Twins can't possibly pick a washed up vet over a good YOUNG infielder can they?
I THINK the Twins will eventually see the light and make the right choice. Bartlett has yet to get a hit this spring and Escobar is hitting .333 including a crucial two-run single in yesterday's game.
The choice appears obvious.
But the business of baseball is not always obvious to the average fan. And I'm sure some of them right now are saying, "I sure hope the Twins keep Bartlett, " not even knowing what that decision could mean to the Twins future.
The Twins other Jason (Kubel) is in a similar situation. IF we decide to go through with our plans for him as DH/outfielder, it will cost somebody younger their chance at a roster spot. Guys like Hicks, Parmalee, or Colabelleo. I like Kubel, too. But investing in OLD talent may not be what's best for business or the future.
BUT we also have Eduardo Escobar trying to make the team as the backup shortstop and he's only 25 AND he's out of options. IF he doesn't make the team, we won't have the option of bringing him back later. Some other team will take him.
That's the business side of baseball. I really have no idea why we signed Bartlett in the first place, but knowing that if we keep him Escobar will have to go, really makes the Bartlett choice more puzzling. The Twins can't possibly pick a washed up vet over a good YOUNG infielder can they?
I THINK the Twins will eventually see the light and make the right choice. Bartlett has yet to get a hit this spring and Escobar is hitting .333 including a crucial two-run single in yesterday's game.
The choice appears obvious.
But the business of baseball is not always obvious to the average fan. And I'm sure some of them right now are saying, "I sure hope the Twins keep Bartlett, " not even knowing what that decision could mean to the Twins future.
The Twins other Jason (Kubel) is in a similar situation. IF we decide to go through with our plans for him as DH/outfielder, it will cost somebody younger their chance at a roster spot. Guys like Hicks, Parmalee, or Colabelleo. I like Kubel, too. But investing in OLD talent may not be what's best for business or the future.
Wolves Win
Kevin Love had his usual double double. Rookie Gorgui Dieng, filling in for Pekovic whose ankle is sore again, had his first career double double.
It's tough to get excited about wins when there's no way to make the playoffs, and Kevin Love is going to be gone after this year. It's not even a matter of waiting for next year. It's wondering if the Wolves will ever be good enough to make the playoffs again.
It's tough to get excited about wins when there's no way to make the playoffs, and Kevin Love is going to be gone after this year. It's not even a matter of waiting for next year. It's wondering if the Wolves will ever be good enough to make the playoffs again.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Baseball Notes
The Twins played another tie yesterday. That's their third of the spring. I've said before that fans should get used to the idea of more ties in more sports. Ties are better than losses and, at the end of the year, figuring play off spots would be easier if ties would be in the official record. In baseball it would make the most sense. 20-inning marathons don't help anybody and they wipe out a good staff for days. Give 'em 11 innings and call it a day. If you can't win it in 11, you don't deserve a win.
The Dodgers won a split squad game yesterday with a 17-year old Mexican kid as the starter. He signed with the Dodger's organization last season. Foreign nationals can sign at a younger age, but you have jump through all sorts of hoops to do that if you are American. Bryce Harper graduated high school early and played a year of junior college so that he could sign before he was 18. The kid pitched one inning of shutout ball. He says he's ready.
The Dodgers say he'll be in single A or double A ball this year. The kid's goals are a bit different. That's always a good sign.
The Dodgers won a split squad game yesterday with a 17-year old Mexican kid as the starter. He signed with the Dodger's organization last season. Foreign nationals can sign at a younger age, but you have jump through all sorts of hoops to do that if you are American. Bryce Harper graduated high school early and played a year of junior college so that he could sign before he was 18. The kid pitched one inning of shutout ball. He says he's ready.
The Dodgers say he'll be in single A or double A ball this year. The kid's goals are a bit different. That's always a good sign.
Perkins
A few days ago I talked about Eric Decker leaving Denver for possibly a bit more money, and choosing a worse situation to do it.
The flip side?
Glen Perkins. Perkins has been around long enough to be recognized as one of the league's best closers. He's also been around long enough to demand top dollar. So what's he do? With a full year left on his contract, he negotiates a new deal to stay in Minnesota for FOUR more seasons at reduced rate, just because he LIKES IT HERE. He'll end up making an average of not even 6 million a year for the length of the contract.
By comparison, we lost Joe Nathan under similar circumstances, because we weren't willing to pay him double of what Perkins is asking. I'm the first to admit that when we decided to KEEP Perkins a few seasons back, I was one of his worst detractors, but in the closer role he has shined.
I just hope that the Twins will not trade him now. Bad teams really don't need great closers, but they could use that great contract as a bargaining negotiation to trade him. Loyalty works both ways. I hope the Twins see that and keep him. It's not like he's going to cost them much to hold onto him.
Perkins is a Minnesota native. He wants to stay. He proved that with his new contract.
Way to go Perkins! Minnesota needs more athletes like you.
Do you hear me Mauer? I'm talking to you.
The flip side?
Glen Perkins. Perkins has been around long enough to be recognized as one of the league's best closers. He's also been around long enough to demand top dollar. So what's he do? With a full year left on his contract, he negotiates a new deal to stay in Minnesota for FOUR more seasons at reduced rate, just because he LIKES IT HERE. He'll end up making an average of not even 6 million a year for the length of the contract.
By comparison, we lost Joe Nathan under similar circumstances, because we weren't willing to pay him double of what Perkins is asking. I'm the first to admit that when we decided to KEEP Perkins a few seasons back, I was one of his worst detractors, but in the closer role he has shined.
I just hope that the Twins will not trade him now. Bad teams really don't need great closers, but they could use that great contract as a bargaining negotiation to trade him. Loyalty works both ways. I hope the Twins see that and keep him. It's not like he's going to cost them much to hold onto him.
Perkins is a Minnesota native. He wants to stay. He proved that with his new contract.
Way to go Perkins! Minnesota needs more athletes like you.
Do you hear me Mauer? I'm talking to you.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Notes
Al Jefferson, a former Wolve, looked much better last night than current Wolve, Kevin Love, who didn't score in the second half. It's weird calling each a "Wolve" instead of a "Wolf", but wolf simply is not right for me. Either way, the Wolves lost making an impossible playoff chance even more difficult.
The Twins tied another spring training game yesterday. I hear people ask the question a lot, "how can it end in a tie?" My answer? It's spring training. No one cares.
The Twins also beat the Yankees yesterday since they split squads.
Jason Bartlett, who is playing a bit more now, still hasn't got a hit yet this spring. He's on the spring squad because Gardy wants him here. At 34, he appears washed up and hasn't played since 2012. Gardy plans on giving him every chance.
Pedro Floriman, the Twins regular shortstop, played his first game yesterday. He didn't get any hits either.
sigh
Sigh: Common sound made by all Minnesota sports fans.
The Twins tied another spring training game yesterday. I hear people ask the question a lot, "how can it end in a tie?" My answer? It's spring training. No one cares.
The Twins also beat the Yankees yesterday since they split squads.
Jason Bartlett, who is playing a bit more now, still hasn't got a hit yet this spring. He's on the spring squad because Gardy wants him here. At 34, he appears washed up and hasn't played since 2012. Gardy plans on giving him every chance.
Pedro Floriman, the Twins regular shortstop, played his first game yesterday. He didn't get any hits either.
sigh
Sigh: Common sound made by all Minnesota sports fans.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Spring
As the winter snow becomes rivers of flowing water throughout town, it's hard not to think about baseball. Even taking a brief walk yesterday it SEEMED like spring, everywhere. Today I plan on walking down to the Sleepy Eye ballpark to see how the mountains of snow are doing there after a few days of intensive thawing.
As my wife asked yesterday. "will this intolerable heat never end?" She was joking of course, but it was nice to see the thermometer just short of 60 degrees. 50 is a possibility again today. The incredible amount of snow we got this winter has finally met its match.
I couldn't be happier.
The again, if the Twins defense would stop having three or four errors a game, that would be nice. I can't judge our new starters at all when it seems every single game the people playing behind them never learned the basics. The starters look bad because the defense currently is awful.
It may be spring, but the Twins are already playing like a last place team at the end of August.
As my wife asked yesterday. "will this intolerable heat never end?" She was joking of course, but it was nice to see the thermometer just short of 60 degrees. 50 is a possibility again today. The incredible amount of snow we got this winter has finally met its match.
I couldn't be happier.
The again, if the Twins defense would stop having three or four errors a game, that would be nice. I can't judge our new starters at all when it seems every single game the people playing behind them never learned the basics. The starters look bad because the defense currently is awful.
It may be spring, but the Twins are already playing like a last place team at the end of August.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Correia and Worley Look Like Last Year
I tried to watch the Twins exhibition game yesterday. I really did.
But it was so hard when you realize that two of the starting pitchers that the Twins held onto for this season look just as bad as they did last year.
Correia struggled to get through the third, in the process giving up a two-run home run blast that still hasn't come down. Vance Worley, in relief gave up a two-run shot as well.
The guys the Twins are planning on depending on this season don't impress onlookers any more than last year's versions.
I keep telling myself it's only spring and they've got lots of time to get better.
I remember telling myself the same thing last year too.
sigh
But it was so hard when you realize that two of the starting pitchers that the Twins held onto for this season look just as bad as they did last year.
Correia struggled to get through the third, in the process giving up a two-run home run blast that still hasn't come down. Vance Worley, in relief gave up a two-run shot as well.
The guys the Twins are planning on depending on this season don't impress onlookers any more than last year's versions.
I keep telling myself it's only spring and they've got lots of time to get better.
I remember telling myself the same thing last year too.
sigh
Eric Decker
I never quite understand top players who switch teams. You just went to a Super Bowl, you're playing for possibly the best quarterback to ever play the game, a man that in just two short seasons made you a star, and then you suddenly decide you'd rather ply your wares on a losing team like the Jets.
That's former Gopher standout, and Pro Bowl receiver Eric Decker. When all is said and done, his deal with the Jets is worth a guaranteed $15 million, or about the same amount the Broncos offered. It could be worth more with incentives, but with the QB situation in New York it's highly unlikely he'll ever reach them.
People like Decker always say they are doing what's best for their families, as if the few extra bucks one multi-million dollar deal may be worth over another is more important than anything else.
I guess teaching your kids loyalty and uprooting them from friends and school is not nearly as important as a little extra cash. Personally, I really don't care where he plays. Manning, with his abilities, will always do great with or without him.
Decker, on the other hand, may be wishing he had a good quarterback by as early as the first or second game next season.
The sacrifices you make for family.
That's former Gopher standout, and Pro Bowl receiver Eric Decker. When all is said and done, his deal with the Jets is worth a guaranteed $15 million, or about the same amount the Broncos offered. It could be worth more with incentives, but with the QB situation in New York it's highly unlikely he'll ever reach them.
People like Decker always say they are doing what's best for their families, as if the few extra bucks one multi-million dollar deal may be worth over another is more important than anything else.
I guess teaching your kids loyalty and uprooting them from friends and school is not nearly as important as a little extra cash. Personally, I really don't care where he plays. Manning, with his abilities, will always do great with or without him.
Decker, on the other hand, may be wishing he had a good quarterback by as early as the first or second game next season.
The sacrifices you make for family.
Something Fun
European golfers get together for special challenges once in a while. This is one of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu3OIT7mxDQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu3OIT7mxDQ
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Wolves Win
And it still doesn't matter. They simply are in the really good conference and have no chance at the playoffs.
Good game though. Another double double by Love, and 15 steals leading to 30 points by the Wolves defense. The Wolves finished strong for a change. That was really good to see.
Good game though. Another double double by Love, and 15 steals leading to 30 points by the Wolves defense. The Wolves finished strong for a change. That was really good to see.
Follow Ups
I've received some nice comments to some of my blogs the past few days and would take the time to answer them.
The Agony of Victory:
From my brother Myron:
I get what you are saying, but what do you think about a 100m sprinter who tears a hamstring during a race? It is definitely the event that caused it.
Personally I think the bench shirts should be banned because they allow lifters to use superhuman amounts and the injury factor is greatly increased.
Or just ban stupidity in the first place. That would work best.
My reply:
I know hamstring injuries occur during track sprint races but I haven't been able to verify a full blown tear that required major orthopedic surgery for the top sprinters in the world. Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson and other top sprinters from the last couple of decades have never had that type of extreme injury. I watch the Big Ten Track and Field Championships every year. I watch the Olympic track events and I watch the NCAA championships. Many of the top sprinters are also top college football running backs and I can't recall even one who was hurt that badly from sprinting at top speed.
A LOT pull up lame from hamstring pulls and I'm sure some of those involved minor tears, but the usual treatment is rest and rehab, not surgery. Like I said, it's bound to happen once in a while, but it doesn't appear to be the norm.
Powerlifting IS different, whether it's the special shirts they wear or the lifts themselves, extreme injuries from extreme lifts seem to be the norm. At some of the local events, guys who aren't even close to the best in the world are comparing scars and surgery stories. All caused from powerlifting. Pat W, a friend of yours from high school has a doozy of a forearm scar caused by a tendon tear during one such lift.
The world record holders consider these types of injuries the normal price of the sport. And they do happen often.
I don't argue their right to perform such lifts, but I question their judgement in doing so. They KNOW these types of injuries WILL occur. It's rarely a matter of if.
The only other place I see this is with baseball pitchers. But their surgeries usually are a permanent fix. Powerlifters continue having multiple, similar injuries throughout their careers knowing it's the price they just have to pay...
My other followup from yesterday's blog:
Again from Myron:
Basically I see it that the league should do whatever they can to get every call correct. I've hated the "challenges" rule in the NFL. Review everything. It still bugs me that the fair/foul ball was incorrect in the Twins' playoff game a few years back.
The other alternative is to NOT show the instant reply 17 times on TV. Don't show ANY replays. And don't have any instant replay decisions either. Make the game like going to a minor league ballpark and watching a game. That's where the real spirit of the game. But we live in a society that no longer wants that. We have youtube, Hulu, and NetFlix. So the instant replay needs to be perfected and utilized well. And everyone knows the thing that really slows down a game is pitchers taking FOREVER in between pitches for strategy.
My Reply:
We live in a world with several major sports channels now competing with ESPN. ALL of them feature highlights of the previous days games as their major attraction when live sports aren't on. They talk about them and they show them endlessly. People have replay. You might as well do something good with them as long as they are avialable.
I wrote a blog a couple years ago about baseball simply having guys in the booth looking at every single play and having a signal to tell umps to quick reverse something that was wrong before the next play occurs. In baseball you ALWAYS have time for a quick look (you're right about those pitchers).
I also think challenges are the worst way to fix things, but I'll take them over nothing. In time, they'll figure out better ways of doing it. Baby steps.
And it was the Mauer play that got me started on this entire rant years ago. SIX umpires, one of them just for that VERY PURPOSE, and he still MISSED the call. AND IT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE!
I don't see how there can still be fans out there who say replays aren't needed.
The Agony of Victory:
From my brother Myron:
I get what you are saying, but what do you think about a 100m sprinter who tears a hamstring during a race? It is definitely the event that caused it.
Personally I think the bench shirts should be banned because they allow lifters to use superhuman amounts and the injury factor is greatly increased.
Or just ban stupidity in the first place. That would work best.
My reply:
I know hamstring injuries occur during track sprint races but I haven't been able to verify a full blown tear that required major orthopedic surgery for the top sprinters in the world. Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson and other top sprinters from the last couple of decades have never had that type of extreme injury. I watch the Big Ten Track and Field Championships every year. I watch the Olympic track events and I watch the NCAA championships. Many of the top sprinters are also top college football running backs and I can't recall even one who was hurt that badly from sprinting at top speed.
A LOT pull up lame from hamstring pulls and I'm sure some of those involved minor tears, but the usual treatment is rest and rehab, not surgery. Like I said, it's bound to happen once in a while, but it doesn't appear to be the norm.
Powerlifting IS different, whether it's the special shirts they wear or the lifts themselves, extreme injuries from extreme lifts seem to be the norm. At some of the local events, guys who aren't even close to the best in the world are comparing scars and surgery stories. All caused from powerlifting. Pat W, a friend of yours from high school has a doozy of a forearm scar caused by a tendon tear during one such lift.
The world record holders consider these types of injuries the normal price of the sport. And they do happen often.
I don't argue their right to perform such lifts, but I question their judgement in doing so. They KNOW these types of injuries WILL occur. It's rarely a matter of if.
The only other place I see this is with baseball pitchers. But their surgeries usually are a permanent fix. Powerlifters continue having multiple, similar injuries throughout their careers knowing it's the price they just have to pay...
My other followup from yesterday's blog:
Again from Myron:
Basically I see it that the league should do whatever they can to get every call correct. I've hated the "challenges" rule in the NFL. Review everything. It still bugs me that the fair/foul ball was incorrect in the Twins' playoff game a few years back.
The other alternative is to NOT show the instant reply 17 times on TV. Don't show ANY replays. And don't have any instant replay decisions either. Make the game like going to a minor league ballpark and watching a game. That's where the real spirit of the game. But we live in a society that no longer wants that. We have youtube, Hulu, and NetFlix. So the instant replay needs to be perfected and utilized well. And everyone knows the thing that really slows down a game is pitchers taking FOREVER in between pitches for strategy.
My Reply:
We live in a world with several major sports channels now competing with ESPN. ALL of them feature highlights of the previous days games as their major attraction when live sports aren't on. They talk about them and they show them endlessly. People have replay. You might as well do something good with them as long as they are avialable.
I wrote a blog a couple years ago about baseball simply having guys in the booth looking at every single play and having a signal to tell umps to quick reverse something that was wrong before the next play occurs. In baseball you ALWAYS have time for a quick look (you're right about those pitchers).
I also think challenges are the worst way to fix things, but I'll take them over nothing. In time, they'll figure out better ways of doing it. Baby steps.
And it was the Mauer play that got me started on this entire rant years ago. SIX umpires, one of them just for that VERY PURPOSE, and he still MISSED the call. AND IT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE!
I don't see how there can still be fans out there who say replays aren't needed.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Opinions That Make No Sense
I KNOW everybody has a right to an opinion, but by doing so many are shown to be clueless.
Take these paraphrases of a recent quotes for example, " I would rather have my favorite baseball team lose from a bad umpire call than have them easily, quickly reverse the call, get it right, and have my team win."
and
"In fact, I hate the idea of umpires getting the call ultimately correct (and my team winning) so much that I want them to get rid of instant replay before the season even starts."
Did they really say that?
As I said, it's a paraphrase. What they really said was, "I hate instant replay in baseball," and "I wish they would get rid of instant replay before the season started."
In this day and age where basically every single game is broadcast in HD and every single play has multiple viewing angles and nearly every play can be quickly reviewed, why would you NOT want officials to get the call RIGHT? Seriously, what reason could you possibly have for wanting the umpires to get the call WRONG?
In football and basketball so much of the game is officials making judgement calls. Did the player hold too much? Did he get pushed too hard? Was his momentum too much to completely let up in time?
Even with replay in those sports you will STILL get an opinion call on if it was or was not legal. That's why commentators and fans often disagree with the officials even after the slow-motion replays are examined from every angle.
The old adage that every play has a penalty involved is probably closer to the truth than the leagues want to admit.
But baseball is such a pure game that it's easier to get the call right. Did he catch it or not? Was he safe or out? Did the ball leave the park? Was it foul or fair? It's the perfect sport for replay as a result.
I don't long for the days of Billy Martin or Earl Weaver coming out and arguing the play with EVERY umpire, kicking dirt on every base, arguing even MORE once he is tossed from the game, AND THEN refusing to leave the dugout before he takes every bat and throws it on the field.
The delays were interminable AND the umpires NEVER backed down. Gardy is probably the best example in modern day ball. It's both embarrassing AND stupid.
The games will go faster without the arguing. The calls will be correct more often, and officials will no longer get away with really bad calls. And guys like Gardy will finally have the appeal they so desperately need.
You will still have umpires calling balls and strikes. You will still have calls to close to reverse. And you will still have players and managers arguing with umpires.
They will just be doing it LESS. And they will be getting the calls right more often. The human element will still be in play. It's that the really stupid human element will be eliminated.
Even if games take a bit longer at the beginning as they get used to the most efficient way of using replay, I can't believe a fan would rather see his team LOSE in 2 hours and 53 minutes than win in in 2 hours and 59 minutes. You spend all that time watching, would you not rather watch your team WIN?
Unless you're the same person who never complains when the bank makes an error with your account, or you know the clerk charges you too much at the store and you never say anything, because you know "that's life" and you LIKE the human error element in life, even if its easily fixable, then you should like officials easily getting calls right in baseball too.
Because it's even easier than fixing a bank error, or mentioning to a clerk that they got it wrong. I mean you don't have to anything except sit there. Better yet, you have bonus bathroom break.
I think replay should be constantly refined to the point where the impact on the game isn't even noticeable. I really think that they could have done more initially so what is happening right now could be better, but NOT having replay at ALL? That makes no sense. Not when the alternative is getting the call wrong.
The hardest part of watching sports right now is not your team underperforming, it's watching officials underperform while costing your team wins.
Million dollar players in billion dollar stadiums having their game judged by umpires too stubborn to change their minds has always been difficult to watch. It's time to do something different.
And better.
Take these paraphrases of a recent quotes for example, " I would rather have my favorite baseball team lose from a bad umpire call than have them easily, quickly reverse the call, get it right, and have my team win."
and
"In fact, I hate the idea of umpires getting the call ultimately correct (and my team winning) so much that I want them to get rid of instant replay before the season even starts."
Did they really say that?
As I said, it's a paraphrase. What they really said was, "I hate instant replay in baseball," and "I wish they would get rid of instant replay before the season started."
In this day and age where basically every single game is broadcast in HD and every single play has multiple viewing angles and nearly every play can be quickly reviewed, why would you NOT want officials to get the call RIGHT? Seriously, what reason could you possibly have for wanting the umpires to get the call WRONG?
In football and basketball so much of the game is officials making judgement calls. Did the player hold too much? Did he get pushed too hard? Was his momentum too much to completely let up in time?
Even with replay in those sports you will STILL get an opinion call on if it was or was not legal. That's why commentators and fans often disagree with the officials even after the slow-motion replays are examined from every angle.
The old adage that every play has a penalty involved is probably closer to the truth than the leagues want to admit.
But baseball is such a pure game that it's easier to get the call right. Did he catch it or not? Was he safe or out? Did the ball leave the park? Was it foul or fair? It's the perfect sport for replay as a result.
I don't long for the days of Billy Martin or Earl Weaver coming out and arguing the play with EVERY umpire, kicking dirt on every base, arguing even MORE once he is tossed from the game, AND THEN refusing to leave the dugout before he takes every bat and throws it on the field.
The delays were interminable AND the umpires NEVER backed down. Gardy is probably the best example in modern day ball. It's both embarrassing AND stupid.
The games will go faster without the arguing. The calls will be correct more often, and officials will no longer get away with really bad calls. And guys like Gardy will finally have the appeal they so desperately need.
You will still have umpires calling balls and strikes. You will still have calls to close to reverse. And you will still have players and managers arguing with umpires.
They will just be doing it LESS. And they will be getting the calls right more often. The human element will still be in play. It's that the really stupid human element will be eliminated.
Even if games take a bit longer at the beginning as they get used to the most efficient way of using replay, I can't believe a fan would rather see his team LOSE in 2 hours and 53 minutes than win in in 2 hours and 59 minutes. You spend all that time watching, would you not rather watch your team WIN?
Unless you're the same person who never complains when the bank makes an error with your account, or you know the clerk charges you too much at the store and you never say anything, because you know "that's life" and you LIKE the human error element in life, even if its easily fixable, then you should like officials easily getting calls right in baseball too.
Because it's even easier than fixing a bank error, or mentioning to a clerk that they got it wrong. I mean you don't have to anything except sit there. Better yet, you have bonus bathroom break.
I think replay should be constantly refined to the point where the impact on the game isn't even noticeable. I really think that they could have done more initially so what is happening right now could be better, but NOT having replay at ALL? That makes no sense. Not when the alternative is getting the call wrong.
The hardest part of watching sports right now is not your team underperforming, it's watching officials underperform while costing your team wins.
Million dollar players in billion dollar stadiums having their game judged by umpires too stubborn to change their minds has always been difficult to watch. It's time to do something different.
And better.
Monday, March 10, 2014
How Good is the WWE Network?
I haven't ordered it yet. I'm waiting closer to the Wrestlemania event date, but two old pros gave their opinion yesterday.
http://grantland.com/features/welcome-to-the-wwe-network/
Old timers would say, "Oh Yeah" imitating Macho Man Savage.
New fans will simply say, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Reviews are pretty much universal. It's the greatest time waster in the history of the universe.
And I mean that in a GOOD way.
http://grantland.com/features/welcome-to-the-wwe-network/
Old timers would say, "Oh Yeah" imitating Macho Man Savage.
New fans will simply say, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Reviews are pretty much universal. It's the greatest time waster in the history of the universe.
And I mean that in a GOOD way.
Vikings Sign Everson Griffen to 5-Year Extension, Jared Allen Done As A Result
While I think signing Griffen to that extension is good news for Minnesota, it's basically telling Jared Allen that they no longer need his services. There is not enough money in the organization to keep both and the Vikings went with potential rather than old age. In the NFL, youth beats experience nearly every time, especially with a salary cap looming.
Brian Robison's long-term deal sent the signal back in November. Griffen's deal yesterday all but ended Allen's career in Minnesota. His last two years were mediocre. The handwriting was on the wall.
As a fan it's hard to see a player get old. For someone like Allen it's especially hard.
I miss Allan Page and Carl Eller, too, but there is a time when teams part with players.
This way the Vikes can also pursue the Bengal's Michael Johnson, also a free agent. He plays the same position as Allen and is much younger.
A new era is dawning in Minnesota. And I'm looking forward to it.
Brian Robison's long-term deal sent the signal back in November. Griffen's deal yesterday all but ended Allen's career in Minnesota. His last two years were mediocre. The handwriting was on the wall.
As a fan it's hard to see a player get old. For someone like Allen it's especially hard.
I miss Allan Page and Carl Eller, too, but there is a time when teams part with players.
This way the Vikes can also pursue the Bengal's Michael Johnson, also a free agent. He plays the same position as Allen and is much younger.
A new era is dawning in Minnesota. And I'm looking forward to it.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
The Agony of Victory
Athletes often push the boundaries of their physical limits. That's how they get better at what they do. But is there such a thing as training too hard? Of doing too much?
I think the answer to both of those questions is yes. Take Scott Mendelson for example. He recently broke the world bench press record, but it came at a cost. In the process of lifting the weight, he tore one of his pectoralis muscles. Even though he trained for such lifts his whole life, he exceeded the physical limits of his body. There was a tendon that could not perform what was asked of it. And it simply tore.
The real danger of such injuries is that sport's orthopedic surgeon's like Dr. James Andrews will be able to fix it. And the mindset of the athlete is that they can come back even stronger. That's all well and good, but I can't help but think that deep down inside that the weight should not have been attempted in the first place.
This isn't like a football injury, where a quick cut on a wet field, or an over zealous linebacker precipitated the injury. This is where a person really did do more than he should have. And it had dire consequences.
At the very least, when Mendelson starts lifting again, he should not be eligible for further world records. You see, at this point, he has been physically "enhanced." The doctors will have rebuilt him, making him better than he was. It will no longer be just HIM lifting future attempts. It will be medical science assisting in that lift.
I've been around athletes like this my entire life. Nearly every serious powerlifter has a similar story.
They'll just get fixed up by the doctor and start competing again. I don't mind them getting "fixed", I don't like the idea that they now may have a competitive advantage and force others to go for the breaking (tearing) point.
It just seems wrong somehow.
Yet I praise orthopedic surgeons who fix the arms of baseball players and football player's knees.
I think the difference for me is that players who get hurt doing the things that are normal for all within the sport is one thing. Miguel Sano throwing the ball across the infield is something baseball players of all ages simply do. It's not like he was doing anything wrong or different than an average player.
But when the extreme performance of the event is what actually CAUSES the injury I have to start rethinking the very event itself. We're human. We push our limits. I get that.
But this picture? It's a common occurrence for the best. Mendelson will get it fixed and be back in no time pushing even heavier weights. Until he tears something else.
I admire him and think he's stupid at the same time. But as long as their are good orthopedic surgeons, Mendelson, and others like him, will continue to go past their limits. If there are no permanent consequences for your questionable decisions, you will keep making questionable decisions. Sadly, that's also part of being human, too.
I think the answer to both of those questions is yes. Take Scott Mendelson for example. He recently broke the world bench press record, but it came at a cost. In the process of lifting the weight, he tore one of his pectoralis muscles. Even though he trained for such lifts his whole life, he exceeded the physical limits of his body. There was a tendon that could not perform what was asked of it. And it simply tore.
The real danger of such injuries is that sport's orthopedic surgeon's like Dr. James Andrews will be able to fix it. And the mindset of the athlete is that they can come back even stronger. That's all well and good, but I can't help but think that deep down inside that the weight should not have been attempted in the first place.
This isn't like a football injury, where a quick cut on a wet field, or an over zealous linebacker precipitated the injury. This is where a person really did do more than he should have. And it had dire consequences.
At the very least, when Mendelson starts lifting again, he should not be eligible for further world records. You see, at this point, he has been physically "enhanced." The doctors will have rebuilt him, making him better than he was. It will no longer be just HIM lifting future attempts. It will be medical science assisting in that lift.
I've been around athletes like this my entire life. Nearly every serious powerlifter has a similar story.
They'll just get fixed up by the doctor and start competing again. I don't mind them getting "fixed", I don't like the idea that they now may have a competitive advantage and force others to go for the breaking (tearing) point.
It just seems wrong somehow.
Yet I praise orthopedic surgeons who fix the arms of baseball players and football player's knees.
I think the difference for me is that players who get hurt doing the things that are normal for all within the sport is one thing. Miguel Sano throwing the ball across the infield is something baseball players of all ages simply do. It's not like he was doing anything wrong or different than an average player.
But when the extreme performance of the event is what actually CAUSES the injury I have to start rethinking the very event itself. We're human. We push our limits. I get that.
But this picture? It's a common occurrence for the best. Mendelson will get it fixed and be back in no time pushing even heavier weights. Until he tears something else.
I admire him and think he's stupid at the same time. But as long as their are good orthopedic surgeons, Mendelson, and others like him, will continue to go past their limits. If there are no permanent consequences for your questionable decisions, you will keep making questionable decisions. Sadly, that's also part of being human, too.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Wolves Win And It Doesn't Matter
The Wolves got off to another fast start last night and then held on for the win.
It's been their pattern as of late.
And they did it against a team with a losing record.
Beat the bad teams. Split with the good teams. Make the playoffs. Right?
Well, no. There's only about 20 games remaining in the schedule. And they're still TEN games back in the standings in the Western conference. IF they were in the East, they'd all but have a playoff spot wrapped up already. This is yet ANOTHER reason I detest the NBA.
The disparity between the two conferences is so big, it's not funny anymore. If it was me, I would get rid of the conferences completely and just have the top 16 teams with the best records make the playoffs.
The Wolves would be battling for 5th place in the Eastern Conference right now. In the West we're basically out of it in 10th place. Why don't fans complain more? I have no idea. Here's a look at latest standings.
It's maddening.
Worse? Look at the records of Dallas, Memphis, and Phoenix. ONE of those teams will not make the playoffs this year. They are ALL better than the 3rd place team in the East. ALL OF THEM.
The fans should start a class action lawsuit against the league. Maybe that will get the NBA's attention. Something needs to be done. The NFL is embarrassed if a team under .500 makes the playoffs. In the NBA, it's just business as usual. And it's bad business.
It's been their pattern as of late.
And they did it against a team with a losing record.
Beat the bad teams. Split with the good teams. Make the playoffs. Right?
Well, no. There's only about 20 games remaining in the schedule. And they're still TEN games back in the standings in the Western conference. IF they were in the East, they'd all but have a playoff spot wrapped up already. This is yet ANOTHER reason I detest the NBA.
The disparity between the two conferences is so big, it's not funny anymore. If it was me, I would get rid of the conferences completely and just have the top 16 teams with the best records make the playoffs.
The Wolves would be battling for 5th place in the Eastern Conference right now. In the West we're basically out of it in 10th place. Why don't fans complain more? I have no idea. Here's a look at latest standings.
It's maddening.
Worse? Look at the records of Dallas, Memphis, and Phoenix. ONE of those teams will not make the playoffs this year. They are ALL better than the 3rd place team in the East. ALL OF THEM.
The fans should start a class action lawsuit against the league. Maybe that will get the NBA's attention. Something needs to be done. The NFL is embarrassed if a team under .500 makes the playoffs. In the NBA, it's just business as usual. And it's bad business.
Billion Dollar Challenge
Some big money backers and Quicken Loans has introduced a rather novel idea to those interested in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. In effect if you register your bracket picks with them and if you pick the winners correct in EVERY game, you will be awarded...
...ONE BILLION DOLLARS!!!
They say the odds of such an event actually occurring is practically nil (hence the huge prize offering) but supposedly someone did do just that a few years ago.
The tournament will be even more interesting this year with a potential billion dollars at stake. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. The tournament all by itself has never been the draw, it's the millions of office pool bracket gamblers that get people interested in the tournament NOT the actual games themselves. March Madness is more gambling fever than sports mania.
Even most of those that say they like it for the game action and upsets often gamble in the pools so they have a divided allegiance at best.
One pick per person is the rule. The form looks like this. Good luck to all my faithful readers. You actually have better chance at winning the power ball lottery.
It's not often you here that.
...ONE BILLION DOLLARS!!!
They say the odds of such an event actually occurring is practically nil (hence the huge prize offering) but supposedly someone did do just that a few years ago.
The tournament will be even more interesting this year with a potential billion dollars at stake. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. The tournament all by itself has never been the draw, it's the millions of office pool bracket gamblers that get people interested in the tournament NOT the actual games themselves. March Madness is more gambling fever than sports mania.
Even most of those that say they like it for the game action and upsets often gamble in the pools so they have a divided allegiance at best.
One pick per person is the rule. The form looks like this. Good luck to all my faithful readers. You actually have better chance at winning the power ball lottery.
It's not often you here that.
Cassel Back
Just a day after I said that Matt Cassel would not be back in Vikings purple this year (he voided his previous 2-year deal after the Super Bowl to become a free agent) he decided to sign a new deal withe Vikes worth $10 million over two years.
Minnesota KNEW that Ponder was not the answer to their quarterback problems, and new head coach Mike Zimmer pushed for a better agreement with Cassel.
Both Cassel and his agent saw the Vikings as their best option. Look for Cassel to be the primary starter the next two seasons.
I'm now looking forward to this coming season.
What a difference a day makes.
Minnesota KNEW that Ponder was not the answer to their quarterback problems, and new head coach Mike Zimmer pushed for a better agreement with Cassel.
Both Cassel and his agent saw the Vikings as their best option. Look for Cassel to be the primary starter the next two seasons.
I'm now looking forward to this coming season.
What a difference a day makes.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Peterson Wants Vick
The Vikings are back to just Ponder at QB again. The Castle and Freeman agreements have expired and both are free agents heading elsewhere. Adrian Peterson has a suggestion in the form of Michael Vick.
The Vikings have already tried an over-the-hill, ex-Eagle quarterback who was known for his running game. We all know how that turned out.
Vick has had a couple of good seasons but he's more known for his many injuries and lack of acceptable animal handling skills.
I don't want him anywhere near a Vikings uniform. There has to be a better choice somewhere.
There has to be.
The Vikings have already tried an over-the-hill, ex-Eagle quarterback who was known for his running game. We all know how that turned out.
Vick has had a couple of good seasons but he's more known for his many injuries and lack of acceptable animal handling skills.
I don't want him anywhere near a Vikings uniform. There has to be a better choice somewhere.
There has to be.
Dr. Frank Jobe
The greatest doctor in the history of sports?
Dr. Frank Jobe.
He died yesterday at the age of 88. He was perhaps the most revolutionary sports surgeon of all-time. Dr. James Andrews is the man today, but what Jobe did was revolutionary. He invented Tommy John surgery. He came up with the idea of replacing a blown out elbow ligament with a tendon from another part of the body.
He saved literally hundreds of careers. On the Twins right now, Brian Duensing, Sam Deduno, and Mike Pelfrey would all be selling cars if it wasn't for Jobe and his radical approach to fixing the problem.
Miguel Sano, perhaps the greatest prospect in Twins history, would be done right now at the tender age of 21, if not for Jobe.
It's possible that no one man has ever influenced a single sport like Frank Jobe. Most have never heard of him. I'm just letting you know so that you know.
He and Tommy John started it all. We're glad they did.
Dr. Frank Jobe.
He died yesterday at the age of 88. He was perhaps the most revolutionary sports surgeon of all-time. Dr. James Andrews is the man today, but what Jobe did was revolutionary. He invented Tommy John surgery. He came up with the idea of replacing a blown out elbow ligament with a tendon from another part of the body.
He saved literally hundreds of careers. On the Twins right now, Brian Duensing, Sam Deduno, and Mike Pelfrey would all be selling cars if it wasn't for Jobe and his radical approach to fixing the problem.
Miguel Sano, perhaps the greatest prospect in Twins history, would be done right now at the tender age of 21, if not for Jobe.
It's possible that no one man has ever influenced a single sport like Frank Jobe. Most have never heard of him. I'm just letting you know so that you know.
He and Tommy John started it all. We're glad they did.
The Battle For Los Angeles
It's not even funny anymore. The once proud Lakers have fallen so far that, last night, their fellow Los Angeles team, the Clippers beat them by 48 points.
48 points.
I've never been happier.
And I can't believe I have two NBA posts in one day and I haven't even mentioned the Wolves until now.
48 points.
I've never been happier.
And I can't believe I have two NBA posts in one day and I haven't even mentioned the Wolves until now.
Sleeves on NBA Jerseys
LeBron James says one of the reasons he shot poorly the night after his big 61 point scoring fest is that the league has introduced new jerseys this year. Jerseys with sleeves.
NOW you may think, based on my opinion of James, that this is just another example of a prima donna sports star making excuses for a bad performance.
You would be wrong.
I agree with James on this point completely. To tell you the truth, I was kind of surprised when the NBA introduced jerseys with sleeves this season. I've never been a great basketball player, but I can tell you that with all certainty, that when I wear t-shirts while shooting a basketball I am constantly readjusting it to loosen the shirt after every shot. Usually I just tug on the front of my shirt to loosen the sleeves, but it is very confining. I don't do that when I'm wearing a tank top.
I THOUGHT I was the only person that noticed that, but I did wonder if it affected NBA players as well. Now I know it does. My buddy Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, said the new jerseys make NBA superstars look like junior college wrestlers as well.
I know it's all about marketing and making even more money off new jerseys, but I would guess that if asked, most NBA players would agree with my buddy Mark (remember he e-mailed me once--true story) and LeBron.
T-shirts are simply more confining when playing basketball. They do affect your shot. How much, I don't know, but everybody would play better without them. At least a little bit.
And you always want to play at your best, especially when your livelihood is at stake.
Oh, and I still think LeBron is a prima donna who makes excuses. My opinion of him hasn't changed. But he was right this time.
This time.
NOW you may think, based on my opinion of James, that this is just another example of a prima donna sports star making excuses for a bad performance.
You would be wrong.
I agree with James on this point completely. To tell you the truth, I was kind of surprised when the NBA introduced jerseys with sleeves this season. I've never been a great basketball player, but I can tell you that with all certainty, that when I wear t-shirts while shooting a basketball I am constantly readjusting it to loosen the shirt after every shot. Usually I just tug on the front of my shirt to loosen the sleeves, but it is very confining. I don't do that when I'm wearing a tank top.
I THOUGHT I was the only person that noticed that, but I did wonder if it affected NBA players as well. Now I know it does. My buddy Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, said the new jerseys make NBA superstars look like junior college wrestlers as well.
I know it's all about marketing and making even more money off new jerseys, but I would guess that if asked, most NBA players would agree with my buddy Mark (remember he e-mailed me once--true story) and LeBron.
T-shirts are simply more confining when playing basketball. They do affect your shot. How much, I don't know, but everybody would play better without them. At least a little bit.
And you always want to play at your best, especially when your livelihood is at stake.
Oh, and I still think LeBron is a prima donna who makes excuses. My opinion of him hasn't changed. But he was right this time.
This time.
Snow Fort of America
Winter in Minnesota can be fun IF you are a kid (or a kid at heart.) The MOST fun? A snow fort complete with a bobsled track.
But like any fort, the flag is the most important decision.
Go Twins!
But like any fort, the flag is the most important decision.
Go Twins!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Phil Hughes
Rob Neyer once wrote that baseball history has two major themes: owners taking economic advantage of the players, and pitchers trying to develop a better change-up.
Most baseball fans never notice that a pitcher is only as good as his secondary pitch. Phil Hughes is a good example of that. He's always experimenting with another good pitch to go with his fastball. Two seasons ago, his fastball was used 65% of the time, his curve 18%, and his slider just 4%.
For whatever reason, it could have been his recovering sore shoulder, he changed up that selection quite drastically last season. His fastball was at 62%, his slider was up to 24%, and his curve was down to 9%. And he had disastrous results. His ERA was up almost a full run per game.
This year in spring training inter-squad games, he's back up to 25% curve balls. Hughes has a history of mixing it up more than most. Great pitchers are known for mixing it up that way.
They know the secret to getting to the majors is a great fastball.
They also know that staying there requires the finesse of at least one good change-up. It looks like he's going with the curveball again this year.
And once the season starts he'll will stick with it. Because the other secret is that you have to be confident in that pitch to even have a shot at being effective with it.
Most baseball fans never notice that a pitcher is only as good as his secondary pitch. Phil Hughes is a good example of that. He's always experimenting with another good pitch to go with his fastball. Two seasons ago, his fastball was used 65% of the time, his curve 18%, and his slider just 4%.
For whatever reason, it could have been his recovering sore shoulder, he changed up that selection quite drastically last season. His fastball was at 62%, his slider was up to 24%, and his curve was down to 9%. And he had disastrous results. His ERA was up almost a full run per game.
This year in spring training inter-squad games, he's back up to 25% curve balls. Hughes has a history of mixing it up more than most. Great pitchers are known for mixing it up that way.
They know the secret to getting to the majors is a great fastball.
They also know that staying there requires the finesse of at least one good change-up. It looks like he's going with the curveball again this year.
And once the season starts he'll will stick with it. Because the other secret is that you have to be confident in that pitch to even have a shot at being effective with it.
Mystery Legend Of the Day
Can you identify this buff sports legend? I'm not giving you the answer. Clues are within the photo itself.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
LeBron
I had a fun time yesterday watching ESPN proclaim LeBron James the greatest player in basketball. They said he wrestled that title back from Kevin Durant with his 61 point performance Monday night.
I said yesterday IF James could have a few more performances like that I'd start to believe as well.
Last night LeBron was just awful. He managed 22 points but only because he threw up so many shots. In reality, he missed a 3-pointer at the end of the game that would have sent the game into OT. In other words, he was his normal self once more.
You say he was tired? Of course he was tired. But that should not be an excuse. Kevin Love in February averaged 34 points and 15 rebounds a game for the entire month. He was putting on that kind of performance every night. Why? Because his team was missing two of its best starters AND he HAD to.
If you are tired and can't shoot, stop shooting the ball and find someone else who is open to do the shooting. Someone fresh. Basketball is a team game. Some nights you need your teammates to carry the load. Wasting shot after shot was not going to get the job done.
LeBron is a very good basketball player. He does most things very well. He's been one of the top 5 players in the game every year every year that's he's played. He's not the greatest ever.
He's just very good. Last night, we saw the difference.
I said yesterday IF James could have a few more performances like that I'd start to believe as well.
Last night LeBron was just awful. He managed 22 points but only because he threw up so many shots. In reality, he missed a 3-pointer at the end of the game that would have sent the game into OT. In other words, he was his normal self once more.
You say he was tired? Of course he was tired. But that should not be an excuse. Kevin Love in February averaged 34 points and 15 rebounds a game for the entire month. He was putting on that kind of performance every night. Why? Because his team was missing two of its best starters AND he HAD to.
If you are tired and can't shoot, stop shooting the ball and find someone else who is open to do the shooting. Someone fresh. Basketball is a team game. Some nights you need your teammates to carry the load. Wasting shot after shot was not going to get the job done.
LeBron is a very good basketball player. He does most things very well. He's been one of the top 5 players in the game every year every year that's he's played. He's not the greatest ever.
He's just very good. Last night, we saw the difference.
Why the Gophers Got No Real Interest From Me This Season
When the Big Ten season started this year, I was kind of thinking this would be the year of the Gophers. But I quickly discovered that even though Minnesota was playing pretty well both inside and outside the conference, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the conference itself wasn't very good.
Michigan won the conference title last night and they are only ranked 12th in the country. It wasn't that long ago when the Big 10 had 4 or 5 of the top 12 teams in the country. This year the entire conference was mediocre. When the Gophers got their big "upsets" against some of the contenders early in the season, I mentioned then that those games weren't that big a deal because the teams they beat weren't very good.
Once more the Gophers finished below .500 in conference play for the season, against teams who are not so great themselves.
The finals standings and rankings don't impress anyone at this point because the Big 10 doesn't impress anybody at this point. It could be argued that this season the Gophers were actually worse than they've been in a while. I think the standings speak for themselves.
Michigan won the conference title last night and they are only ranked 12th in the country. It wasn't that long ago when the Big 10 had 4 or 5 of the top 12 teams in the country. This year the entire conference was mediocre. When the Gophers got their big "upsets" against some of the contenders early in the season, I mentioned then that those games weren't that big a deal because the teams they beat weren't very good.
Once more the Gophers finished below .500 in conference play for the season, against teams who are not so great themselves.
The finals standings and rankings don't impress anyone at this point because the Big 10 doesn't impress anybody at this point. It could be argued that this season the Gophers were actually worse than they've been in a while. I think the standings speak for themselves.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Johann Santana
Fresh off shoulder surgery, Johann is ready to sign a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Though he's feeling well, his fastball is only clocking in at 80 mph. He still has much rehab ahead of him. The Orioles think he's worth a shot.
I wish him well.
I wish him well.
Twins Split Squad, Trounce TWO Teams
Looking at the box scores of the two Twins victories yesterday, most Twins fans will not see many names they readily recognize. I'm willing to bet that they won't be able to put a face to those names either. But it's like EVERYBODY they put in a Twins uniform this spring is playing well.
So far.
It's early. Enjoy this while you can. The Twins have lots of time to conform to lower expectations. For the time being, I'll enjoy looking at the box scores featuring no-names in Twins uniforms.
Bonus? One of the games was televised yesterday. I can put together names and faces easier that way.
So far.
It's early. Enjoy this while you can. The Twins have lots of time to conform to lower expectations. For the time being, I'll enjoy looking at the box scores featuring no-names in Twins uniforms.
Bonus? One of the games was televised yesterday. I can put together names and faces easier that way.
Wolves Above .500
Kevin Love notched his 50th double-double of the season last night, a stat no one else in the NBA can come close to claiming. IF you look at more than just scoring, you might be tempted to say that Love is the best player in the NBA. And I wouldn't disagree with you.
The scoring and rebounding show he put on in February demonstrated a skill not shown in the NBA since Moses Malone over 15 years ago. AND the Wolves are winning.
Last night the Wolves got out a huge lead early and played well enough in the second half to hold on for the win. That's six out seven. Continued play like this will get them into the playoffs this season.
And it's not just Love contributing, though the season high 19 rebounds looked good. The Wolves also had an NBA season high 64 free throw attempts last night and they made 52 of them. Martin added 22 points and 16 of them were on free throws.
The difference in the Wolves this year over past seasons is simple. They are finding ways to beat average teams rather than losing to them late. The big early leads certainly contribute to that strategy.
Go Wolves!
The scoring and rebounding show he put on in February demonstrated a skill not shown in the NBA since Moses Malone over 15 years ago. AND the Wolves are winning.
Last night the Wolves got out a huge lead early and played well enough in the second half to hold on for the win. That's six out seven. Continued play like this will get them into the playoffs this season.
And it's not just Love contributing, though the season high 19 rebounds looked good. The Wolves also had an NBA season high 64 free throw attempts last night and they made 52 of them. Martin added 22 points and 16 of them were on free throws.
The difference in the Wolves this year over past seasons is simple. They are finding ways to beat average teams rather than losing to them late. The big early leads certainly contribute to that strategy.
Go Wolves!
Clear Mask Wins
LeBron scored 61 points last night including his first eight 3-point attempts. The new mask is clearly working for him. The Heat have also won 8 straight. LeBron is now playing like he wants to PROVE he is the best in the league again rather than just saying he is.
That's a good thing. A few more games like this and I might start to believe him.
That's a good thing. A few more games like this and I might start to believe him.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Twins
The Twins lost yesterday in an exhibition game to The Rays. New starter, Ricky Nolasco, may have pitched two scoreless innings, but that's only because the hard hits he gave up were right at somebody. He didn't look good in his first outing; the batters just hit in the right spot for the Twins benefit.
The bright spot? Oswaldo Arcia, a left-hander, hit a homerun off a Ray's left-hander. Last year Oswaldo couldn't hit left-handers at all. We're all hoping this wasn't a fluke.
The bright spot? Oswaldo Arcia, a left-hander, hit a homerun off a Ray's left-hander. Last year Oswaldo couldn't hit left-handers at all. We're all hoping this wasn't a fluke.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Updates
I reported very early yesterday morning that Miguel Sano's elbow was ripe for Tommy John surgery. A few hours later the official results were in. He will go under the knife sometime next week. IF the surgery had been done right away, when they suspected the problem months ago, he could have played half this season. Now he will miss the whole year.
It seems strange. The strategy is always rest and rehab. And then they have surgery several months later after that doesn't work. It's time that a better strategy be developed.
LeBron wore a clear mask last night. He took it off often because it wasn't as comfortable. He also scored a lot less points. Maybe the right mask does make a difference. He didn't make too much of a fuss, but did mention he thought the black mask was much better.
It seems strange. The strategy is always rest and rehab. And then they have surgery several months later after that doesn't work. It's time that a better strategy be developed.
LeBron wore a clear mask last night. He took it off often because it wasn't as comfortable. He also scored a lot less points. Maybe the right mask does make a difference. He didn't make too much of a fuss, but did mention he thought the black mask was much better.
Watching Sports
I actually watched a lot of Minnesota sports live yesterday. I saw over half of the Twins spring training game and the first half of the Wolves game last night as well.
Both were very entertaining.
Observations? Kennys Vargas is big, but not fat. I was fearing a Prince Fielder look, but instead got a normal looking big guy instead. I saw him take a simple swing yesterday while lining a single to right. His wrist speed is amazing. They said Gardy is going to give him lots of playing time at DH to see what he can do. I'm looking forward to it.
Chris Parmalee, who hit a big three-run homer, on the other hand, looks fat. Maybe it's just his uniform, but that boy seems to have put on substantial weight since the last time I saw him. The casually observing wife noticed it too, and pointed it out to me.
Of course, if he hits three-run homers with great regularity, no one will care.
The Wolves had Martin and Pekovic back in the line-up last night and the Wolves didn't skip a beat. If anything. Kevin Love got to rest more as Pekovic and Love split the rebounds and scoring duties. Martin was red hot at the beginning. Everybody was red hot at the beginning.
The best news is that the Wolves won another road game and are at last back to the .500 mark. They haven't been over it in months.
Sports is always fun when you win. In Minnesota we need to do that more often.
Both were very entertaining.
Observations? Kennys Vargas is big, but not fat. I was fearing a Prince Fielder look, but instead got a normal looking big guy instead. I saw him take a simple swing yesterday while lining a single to right. His wrist speed is amazing. They said Gardy is going to give him lots of playing time at DH to see what he can do. I'm looking forward to it.
Chris Parmalee, who hit a big three-run homer, on the other hand, looks fat. Maybe it's just his uniform, but that boy seems to have put on substantial weight since the last time I saw him. The casually observing wife noticed it too, and pointed it out to me.
Of course, if he hits three-run homers with great regularity, no one will care.
The Wolves had Martin and Pekovic back in the line-up last night and the Wolves didn't skip a beat. If anything. Kevin Love got to rest more as Pekovic and Love split the rebounds and scoring duties. Martin was red hot at the beginning. Everybody was red hot at the beginning.
The best news is that the Wolves won another road game and are at last back to the .500 mark. They haven't been over it in months.
Sports is always fun when you win. In Minnesota we need to do that more often.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Sano Out?
Miguel Sano is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. The Twins were going to use his power at the plate and his glove at third base in the very near future, possibly as early as THIS season. As I mentioned a few months back, it was possible that he would need Tommy John surgery for his sore elbow. The Twins elected to rest him for the winter instead.
Something "popped" yesterday when he threw one of his first throws of the spring. No word yet on how serious it is, but let's face it, pops are never good. He's going to be re-examined by Dr. James Andrews (the premiere sports surgeon and rehab guy in the world) soon, and both he and the Twins will figure out what's next shortly after that.
Most likely? TJ surgery. And a missed season of baseball. At least for position players the recovery time is faster because he isn't required to throw 100 pitches a game upon his return.
I like what Francisco Liriano did a few seasons ago when he was in the same boat. He elected for the surgery right away rather than wait through another rest and rehab session. He knew the elbow was bad and had it taken care of so he could get back out there.
I think Sano must be thinking the same thing at this point. Waiting MIGHT help, but eventually he will need the surgery. If he does it now, his major league career will start off sooner and better. And he won't have to worry about his elbow any more.
The longer he waits, the worse waiting will become.
Something "popped" yesterday when he threw one of his first throws of the spring. No word yet on how serious it is, but let's face it, pops are never good. He's going to be re-examined by Dr. James Andrews (the premiere sports surgeon and rehab guy in the world) soon, and both he and the Twins will figure out what's next shortly after that.
Most likely? TJ surgery. And a missed season of baseball. At least for position players the recovery time is faster because he isn't required to throw 100 pitches a game upon his return.
I like what Francisco Liriano did a few seasons ago when he was in the same boat. He elected for the surgery right away rather than wait through another rest and rehab session. He knew the elbow was bad and had it taken care of so he could get back out there.
I think Sano must be thinking the same thing at this point. Waiting MIGHT help, but eventually he will need the surgery. If he does it now, his major league career will start off sooner and better. And he won't have to worry about his elbow any more.
The longer he waits, the worse waiting will become.
The Man In the Iron Mask Part II
The league has asked (told) LeBron to switch to a clear mask to protect his broken nose, because that it what they allow in cases like this.
Lebron likes the fit, feel, and weight of the carbon fiber one and is appealing the decision. Fans across the country are showing their support by buying T-shirts of LeBron IN the mask.
My own opinion? IF it's a better mask, have ALL players wear it. That way, it will no longer be cool, and LeBron will be just like everyone else. IF LeBron is wearing it just to BE cool, he should switch to a clear one.
My guess is that the discussion is just beginning. Those clear masks look incredibly hot and uncomfortable, and LeBron's mask IS a better fit. And you don't look like such a dork while wearing it.
The black mask makes you look like Zorro, or the Lone Ranger as it covers the top of your face. Neither is cool. Somehow, LeBron makes it work even without bat ears.
I would wear the black one if it were me.
Besides, even if LeBron wears a clear one, you can bet that somehow he will personalize it so people are talking about again the next day.
I'll see if there is an update tomorrow.
Enquiring minds want to know. AND this is way better than talking about NASCAR.
Lebron likes the fit, feel, and weight of the carbon fiber one and is appealing the decision. Fans across the country are showing their support by buying T-shirts of LeBron IN the mask.
My own opinion? IF it's a better mask, have ALL players wear it. That way, it will no longer be cool, and LeBron will be just like everyone else. IF LeBron is wearing it just to BE cool, he should switch to a clear one.
My guess is that the discussion is just beginning. Those clear masks look incredibly hot and uncomfortable, and LeBron's mask IS a better fit. And you don't look like such a dork while wearing it.
The black mask makes you look like Zorro, or the Lone Ranger as it covers the top of your face. Neither is cool. Somehow, LeBron makes it work even without bat ears.
I would wear the black one if it were me.
Besides, even if LeBron wears a clear one, you can bet that somehow he will personalize it so people are talking about again the next day.
I'll see if there is an update tomorrow.
Enquiring minds want to know. AND this is way better than talking about NASCAR.
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