Friday, March 31, 2017
Rubio Shoots: He Scores!
I watched part of the game last night. I figured it was against the Lakers at home, they should at least have a chance. Rubio scored 20 in the first half and finished with 33, a career high. And they did end up winning.
The season may be lost (like always) but at least last night was fun.
The season may be lost (like always) but at least last night was fun.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Twins
With opening day fast approaching the Twins still have not nailed down their final roster. It LOOKS like ByungHo Park has done enough to beat out Kennys Vargas for DH. And It looks like the backup catcher will be Chris Gimenez, not John Ryan Murphy. The most difficult part of adding Park and Gimenez will be taking two other guys off the 40-man roster. Most likely Perkins will go on the 60-day disabled list, but one other guy currently on the roster will have to be waived or released. That's never an easy corporate decision.
The Twins have still not decided who their fifth starter will be either. The battle is between Tyler Duffy and Alaberto Meja.
The Twins have still not decided who their fifth starter will be either. The battle is between Tyler Duffy and Alaberto Meja.
Golden State
They may not be as good as last year, but even with Durant out for awhile longer with injuries, they were still better than Houston and San Antonio the last couple of nights. They are more on a roll than any team in the NBA right now.
Curry even had a dunk last night. He never dunks.
Go Warriors!
Curry even had a dunk last night. He never dunks.
Go Warriors!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Wild Lose Again
What is it with Minnesota sports teams?
In other news...
Writer Grant Brisbee got his hands on an old baseball game video tape from 1984 and compared it to a game from 2014 he still had. BOTH games had the same number of pitches, hits, baserunners, runs, and pitching changes. The game from 1984 was 2 hours and 31 minutes. The more current game went 3 hours and six minutes.
The primary difference? It WASN'T commercials.
Pitchers simply work more slowly. They take more time between pitches. As a result hitters don't expect them to pitch more quickly and step out more often. That adds a couple of minutes to every half an inning. BOOM. There's your answer.
Pitchers are more deliberate.
One tape does not a fact make, but I think old-time baseball fans have noticed this trend over the years as well. Pitchers are slower workers today. Maybe that much rest between pitches is where all the arm troubles come from, too...
In other news...
Writer Grant Brisbee got his hands on an old baseball game video tape from 1984 and compared it to a game from 2014 he still had. BOTH games had the same number of pitches, hits, baserunners, runs, and pitching changes. The game from 1984 was 2 hours and 31 minutes. The more current game went 3 hours and six minutes.
The primary difference? It WASN'T commercials.
Pitchers simply work more slowly. They take more time between pitches. As a result hitters don't expect them to pitch more quickly and step out more often. That adds a couple of minutes to every half an inning. BOOM. There's your answer.
Pitchers are more deliberate.
One tape does not a fact make, but I think old-time baseball fans have noticed this trend over the years as well. Pitchers are slower workers today. Maybe that much rest between pitches is where all the arm troubles come from, too...
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Connecticut Woman
You know what's more boring than the men's NCAA basketball tournament?
The women's NCAA basketball tournament. Connecticut is SOOO much better than everyone else right now that you can't even enjoy their games. Last night they made the final four with a 38-point win over Oregon.
They do that every game. They haven't lost in over 3 years. I HOPE somebody knocks them off with two games to go, but no one expects that. Every single great high school girl in the country wants to play for Connecticut, so Connecticut gets the very best players every single year.
Right now, no one else is even a close second. They make for boring television.
The women's NCAA basketball tournament. Connecticut is SOOO much better than everyone else right now that you can't even enjoy their games. Last night they made the final four with a 38-point win over Oregon.
They do that every game. They haven't lost in over 3 years. I HOPE somebody knocks them off with two games to go, but no one expects that. Every single great high school girl in the country wants to play for Connecticut, so Connecticut gets the very best players every single year.
Right now, no one else is even a close second. They make for boring television.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Berrios Sent to the Minors
Jose has good velocity, but he sends to many pitches to the middle of the plate instead of the corners. The Twins wanted to work on that during spring training, but Berrios was busy sitting on the bench for two weeks participating in the the WBC.
Eventually players will learn that the WBC hurts them. Eventually.
Eventually players will learn that the WBC hurts them. Eventually.
Las Vegas Raiders
Looks like the Raiders will be leaving Oakland again. The owners are set to vote on the move any day now.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Wolves Lose Again
Everything is normal in Minnesota once more. That's six straight losses.
Did I mention that that the Wild lost again, too? They've now lost 8 of their last 10.
Did I mention that that the Wild lost again, too? They've now lost 8 of their last 10.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Wolves Lose To Lakers
The Wolves have now lost 5 straight. The Lakers snapped a 6-game losing streak and are the worst team in the Wolves conference.
sigh
sigh
Friday, March 24, 2017
Xavier (11) KO's Arizona (2)
The big upsets are nice, but the exception doesn't prove the rule. No one should have to sit through all of those meaningless games just for the chance at an upset. Even IF a team like Xavier wins the whole thing some year, it still won't justify teams like Minnesota and Central Florida being there in the first place.
Only the best should be there. Upsets are just part of the law of averages. Even the New England Patriots lose once in a while.
Only the best should be there. Upsets are just part of the law of averages. Even the New England Patriots lose once in a while.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
USA! USA!
The USA won the WBC last night. They've never made it to the finals before.
I still don't care.
I just want the real season to start and the Twins to do well.
Speaking of the Twins...
Ryan Vogelsong was released yesterday. The Twins told him that he would not be their fifth starter this season, so he asked for his release. His ERA hovered around 7.00 this preseason. At 39, his career is most likely over.
Trevor May is getting his Tommy John surgery today.
I still don't care.
I just want the real season to start and the Twins to do well.
Speaking of the Twins...
Ryan Vogelsong was released yesterday. The Twins told him that he would not be their fifth starter this season, so he asked for his release. His ERA hovered around 7.00 this preseason. At 39, his career is most likely over.
Trevor May is getting his Tommy John surgery today.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Free Throws
One of my favorite recent development in sports is fans "assisting" their teams on opponents free throws. Here is a recent picture.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
ESPN
While many don't realize it, ESPN is in financial trouble. As a result, player contracts and collective bargaining agreements could be in trouble as well.
Why? That's a great question that requires a longer than normal answer. The basics? When it comes to cable television, people are cutting the cord. ESPN's huge contracts with the NBA and NFL were all based on their projected income from what they then charge the cable companies for their programming. But for many viewers, especially those that do not care about sports at all, the raise in their cable bills, to support something they don't even care about, was no longer an option.
Netflix became a major powerhouse and option, while cable became a luxury they could no longer afford.
And ESPN isn't the only problem. TNT and FOX sports (FS1) are on nearly every cable system as well. THEY signed huge contracts with major sports so that people would want to have them as well. As much as $10-$12 a month are going to these three channels so they can pay their license agreement fees with professional sports.
I don't even watch TNT or FS1 and I'm paying $8 a month to have them.
Networks weren't surprised that some people decided to cut their ties to cable. They were surprised how many decided to cut their ties. Best estimates seem to show that over 20% of regular cable customers have left cable over the last 7 years. That number is expected to DOUBLE over the next five. Some observers are predicting that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
If you lose 40% of your predicted revenue in a little over 10 years, what are your alternatives? For ESPN, they've started cutting staff, both on-air and behind the scenes talent. They are expected to start firing more people over the next 6 months. AND they are talking about raising their rates.
The handwriting is on the wall, the big money deals with major league sports will soon be ending. Cable television has gotten too big and too expensive for the average household, as the average cable viewer is now seeing their part in the huge money deals athletes are now receiving, and they don't want to put up with it any more.
I'm one of those leaning toward making the cut. In five years, my guess is we will not even recognize cable television and those that have it will be paying much more for it.
Much more.
Cable is now seen as a luxury item for most. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are seen as true alternatives. True, less expensive, alternatives.
Sports will suffer because of it. Athletes are worth what people are willing to pay for them. People are willing to pay them less than they used to.
It's that simple.
Why? That's a great question that requires a longer than normal answer. The basics? When it comes to cable television, people are cutting the cord. ESPN's huge contracts with the NBA and NFL were all based on their projected income from what they then charge the cable companies for their programming. But for many viewers, especially those that do not care about sports at all, the raise in their cable bills, to support something they don't even care about, was no longer an option.
Netflix became a major powerhouse and option, while cable became a luxury they could no longer afford.
And ESPN isn't the only problem. TNT and FOX sports (FS1) are on nearly every cable system as well. THEY signed huge contracts with major sports so that people would want to have them as well. As much as $10-$12 a month are going to these three channels so they can pay their license agreement fees with professional sports.
I don't even watch TNT or FS1 and I'm paying $8 a month to have them.
Networks weren't surprised that some people decided to cut their ties to cable. They were surprised how many decided to cut their ties. Best estimates seem to show that over 20% of regular cable customers have left cable over the last 7 years. That number is expected to DOUBLE over the next five. Some observers are predicting that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
If you lose 40% of your predicted revenue in a little over 10 years, what are your alternatives? For ESPN, they've started cutting staff, both on-air and behind the scenes talent. They are expected to start firing more people over the next 6 months. AND they are talking about raising their rates.
The handwriting is on the wall, the big money deals with major league sports will soon be ending. Cable television has gotten too big and too expensive for the average household, as the average cable viewer is now seeing their part in the huge money deals athletes are now receiving, and they don't want to put up with it any more.
I'm one of those leaning toward making the cut. In five years, my guess is we will not even recognize cable television and those that have it will be paying much more for it.
Much more.
Cable is now seen as a luxury item for most. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are seen as true alternatives. True, less expensive, alternatives.
Sports will suffer because of it. Athletes are worth what people are willing to pay for them. People are willing to pay them less than they used to.
It's that simple.
Monday, March 20, 2017
SC (7) and Mich (7) Upset Duke and Louisville (Both 2)
It's hard not to like. But the tournament is still too big. 32 teams with less meaningless games would be a good place to start. ALL of the big upsets were from top 32 teams.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Wisconsin (8) Upsets Villanova (1)
Ha! I think Wisconsin was seeded way to low in the first place. Now one of the favorites to win the whole thing will be going home early, having played just one more game than the Gophers.
Ha!
Ha!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Perkins
Early word out of camp is that Glen Perkins is pitching with no real discomfort. He's also pitching with no real velocity. He'll start the year on the DL, waiting for speed to come back. There's no guarantee that it will.
No Major Upsets
The Big Dance has been pretty boring so far. The only thing that makes the first round interesting is big upsets. So far, there have been just minor ripples.
The 32 teams remaining are at least proving they belong there. They won their first game.
Better match-ups should hopefully lead to better games from now on. We're all still waiting for the upsets. Though with 32 teams left, none will be THAT big.
Right now the madness is more of a malaise.
The 32 teams remaining are at least proving they belong there. They won their first game.
Better match-ups should hopefully lead to better games from now on. We're all still waiting for the upsets. Though with 32 teams left, none will be THAT big.
Right now the madness is more of a malaise.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Gophers Have Two Left Feet At the Big Dance
It's nice to be invited. It'd be nicer if they didn't trip in the first round.
There are way too many average teams in the tournament. The Gophers were one of those teams.
There are way too many average teams in the tournament. The Gophers were one of those teams.
Vikings: Peterson's Vikings Career Over
The Vikings just signed running back Latavius Murray to a 3-year, $15 million deal. They've told everyone with that move that they'll no longer need he services of Adrain Peterson.
This makes sense. Peterson was scheduled to make $18 million this year alone until the Vikings decided not to pick up his option for this season on March 9.
I'm relieved. Even if Latavius is a complete bust, he's not the financial blackhole that Peterson would have been. He's had three solid years in Oakland, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and about one fumble per 100 carries. He's also big at 6'3" 230 pounds.
Peterson WAS one of the greatest of all-time. Now he's just a guy looking for a job. The Vikings were very smart with this move.
Now they have money to work on an offensive line. Let's see what else they have up their sleeve.
This makes sense. Peterson was scheduled to make $18 million this year alone until the Vikings decided not to pick up his option for this season on March 9.
I'm relieved. Even if Latavius is a complete bust, he's not the financial blackhole that Peterson would have been. He's had three solid years in Oakland, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and about one fumble per 100 carries. He's also big at 6'3" 230 pounds.
Peterson WAS one of the greatest of all-time. Now he's just a guy looking for a job. The Vikings were very smart with this move.
Now they have money to work on an offensive line. Let's see what else they have up their sleeve.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Twins, Gophers
I watched the last half of yesterday's Twins game. Minnesota scored a lot of runs while limiting the Cardinal's offense nearly completely. I still don't recognize most of the players, though. My guess is I won't see many of them when everyone goes north. They play at noon again today.
The Gophers play at 3 p.m. I'm going to watch at least part of that game, too. Even though the Gophers are seeded much higher, most betting websites have the Gophers as the underdogs. That shows me that people who bet may know more about sports than the people making the brackets.
Go Gophers!
The Gophers play at 3 p.m. I'm going to watch at least part of that game, too. Even though the Gophers are seeded much higher, most betting websites have the Gophers as the underdogs. That shows me that people who bet may know more about sports than the people making the brackets.
Go Gophers!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Twins Starters
With May out and three starters pitching in the WBC, Paul Molitor has two projected starters in his spring rotation. The rest of the guys? Well, let's just say Molitor will have a better look at them than he normally would in spring training.
Ryan Vogelsong, a 39-year old veteran non-roster invitee, will probably get the longest look. No one expected him to make the team this year, but he's got one thing going for him that Trevor May does not. He's currently healthy.
The crafty veteran knew that anything could happen in spring training. The Twins still might give May's place to a younger guy, but at least Vogelsong is still in the running.
Ryan Vogelsong, a 39-year old veteran non-roster invitee, will probably get the longest look. No one expected him to make the team this year, but he's got one thing going for him that Trevor May does not. He's currently healthy.
The crafty veteran knew that anything could happen in spring training. The Twins still might give May's place to a younger guy, but at least Vogelsong is still in the running.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Cordarrelle Patterson
Patterson, 25, signed with the Raiders yesterday. He was great for kickoffs for the Vikings and worked well with Bradford as a wide receiver. I think we're going to miss him a lot. We gave up 4 draft picks to the Patriots to draft him in the first round back in 2013.
sigh
sigh
Wolves!
The Washington Wizards are having a great season (41-25). Last night, they came to Minnesota.
Towns (39 points), and Rubio (19 assists) destroyed them.
I could get used to this. The problem is, they are still 3 games out in their quest for the last playoff spot.
At least they are fun to watch again.
The Twins were on TV again, yesterday. The problem? It's difficult to watch players you've never heard of, going against players you'll never see again.
Even when you win, it doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment.
Towns (39 points), and Rubio (19 assists) destroyed them.
I could get used to this. The problem is, they are still 3 games out in their quest for the last playoff spot.
At least they are fun to watch again.
The Twins were on TV again, yesterday. The problem? It's difficult to watch players you've never heard of, going against players you'll never see again.
Even when you win, it doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Gophers
The men's basketball team was rewarded with a FIFTH seed in the madness tournament. Everyone knew they were going to the dance, few thought the invitation would be this good. First game? 3 p.m. Thursday on TNT unless something changes. The team they face upset Michigan or Michigan State in the first round of last year's tourney.
That first game will not be a cakewalk.
Me? I just got done shoveling an hour of snow. They got the forecast right this time. We got about 8-9 inches. At least it wasn't wet and heavy...
That first game will not be a cakewalk.
Me? I just got done shoveling an hour of snow. They got the forecast right this time. We got about 8-9 inches. At least it wasn't wet and heavy...
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Wolves Lose to Bucks
The excitement of beating the Warriors one night earlier is gone. The Wolves have actually lost ground for that last playoff spot that I mentioned a couple weeks ago.
And most of their remaining games are on the road.
sigh
And most of their remaining games are on the road.
sigh
Trevor May Out For the Season
The Twins just lost one of their starters. A torn ligament in the elbow on his pitching arm.
sigh
This season looks worse and worse.
sigh
This season looks worse and worse.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Wolves BEAT Golden State Warriors!!!!!!!
I actually watched most of this game, still anticipating losing at the end.
Yes, the Warriors have been missing Kevin Durant. Yes, the Warriors have been playing poorly lately, but I got lots of excuses for the poor play of the Wolves, too.
In the end, you can put one in the win column for the Wolves.
They just beat the team with the best record in basketball in front of a record home crowd.
Go Wolves!!
Yes, the Warriors have been missing Kevin Durant. Yes, the Warriors have been playing poorly lately, but I got lots of excuses for the poor play of the Wolves, too.
In the end, you can put one in the win column for the Wolves.
They just beat the team with the best record in basketball in front of a record home crowd.
Go Wolves!!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Twins
Even though minor league camps have opened, the Twins haven't sent anyone there from their big league camp. Why? Most likely because of the World Baseball Classic. The Twins actually are a little short in camp with so many guys playing in the Classic. Puerto Rico alone features Jose Berrios, Eddie Rosario, Hecter Santiago, and Kennys Vargas.
AND the Twins loaned some of their OWN players to team USA and Columbia when they played them the last two nights just to help fill the visiting teams' rosters. Bodies in camp are at a premium.
This has benefited someone like Robbie Grossman who is getting more playing time in the outfield. He may be an excellent hitter, but he really needs to work on his defensive "skills". Robbie might even be the primary DH this year as well as the fourth outfielder.
How's aging Joe Mauer doing this spring? By my figuring, he has just one hit so far. I wish he would just retire and leave the game gracefully. He no longer resembles a major league player. That $20 million guaranteed contract is hard to walk away from...
Could you imagine what the Twins could do with an extra $20 million of roster money?
sigh
AND the Twins loaned some of their OWN players to team USA and Columbia when they played them the last two nights just to help fill the visiting teams' rosters. Bodies in camp are at a premium.
This has benefited someone like Robbie Grossman who is getting more playing time in the outfield. He may be an excellent hitter, but he really needs to work on his defensive "skills". Robbie might even be the primary DH this year as well as the fourth outfielder.
How's aging Joe Mauer doing this spring? By my figuring, he has just one hit so far. I wish he would just retire and leave the game gracefully. He no longer resembles a major league player. That $20 million guaranteed contract is hard to walk away from...
Could you imagine what the Twins could do with an extra $20 million of roster money?
sigh
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Danny Santana
The Twins beat team USA last night and it was on television. I got to see the beginning and the end.
My only observation is that Danny Santana is NOT a shortstop. He had a two-base throwing error last night and he shied away from a warning track foul ball in the ninth. These are not the things a solid shortstop does.
Danny has always done things like this. In 2014 he hit .319, but since that time, he's only hit .227. Polanco isn't much better in the field, but he does give the Twins a more consistent bat. Polanco should be the Twins shortstop this season.
He won't be, but he should. Santana's 2014 year gives him an edge he no longer deserves. It's the little things that will have to make a difference for the Twins this season. This is one of those little things.
My only observation is that Danny Santana is NOT a shortstop. He had a two-base throwing error last night and he shied away from a warning track foul ball in the ninth. These are not the things a solid shortstop does.
Danny has always done things like this. In 2014 he hit .319, but since that time, he's only hit .227. Polanco isn't much better in the field, but he does give the Twins a more consistent bat. Polanco should be the Twins shortstop this season.
He won't be, but he should. Santana's 2014 year gives him an edge he no longer deserves. It's the little things that will have to make a difference for the Twins this season. This is one of those little things.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
March Madness
Once more, people who don't even watch college basketball, are gearing up for their biggest annual betting event: The NCAA basketball tournament. At work, at college, anywhere people gather, people are getting ready to make their betting choices on the brackets.
The 2 million people or so that will actually watch some first and second round games? They're getting ready to call in sick, and they are going to be in several betting pools.
March Madness is getting so close.
The conference tournaments are in full swing so it won't be long now before the brackets are announced.
If there were just less teams, I would be more interested. As it is, there are too many average teams invited. For me THAT is the madness.
The 2 million people or so that will actually watch some first and second round games? They're getting ready to call in sick, and they are going to be in several betting pools.
March Madness is getting so close.
The conference tournaments are in full swing so it won't be long now before the brackets are announced.
If there were just less teams, I would be more interested. As it is, there are too many average teams invited. For me THAT is the madness.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Wolves Iced
Ice under the floor for Disney on Ice and the upcoming college tournament PLUS unseasonably warm temperatures EQUALS condensation on the surface of the basketball floor of the Target Center.
Result?
No game!
Result?
No game!
Monday, March 6, 2017
Twins
Minnesota is now 5-4 in the Grapefruit League having won 3 straight.
Still a lot of short stints by pitchers you never heard of.
Still a lot of short stints by pitchers you never heard of.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Soccer!
Minnesota has a brand new exciting MLS soccer team, Minnesota United.
They played their very first home game last night and got thrashed 5-1 by the Portland Timbers.
Just what Minnesota needs, another losing professional sports team.
And soccer at that. Up next for the United? Atlanta United! Who comes up with these names?
sigh
They played their very first home game last night and got thrashed 5-1 by the Portland Timbers.
Just what Minnesota needs, another losing professional sports team.
And soccer at that. Up next for the United? Atlanta United! Who comes up with these names?
sigh
Friday, March 3, 2017
Wild Lose 1-0
Ice soccer.
In better news, the Gopher basketball team won again. That's EIGHT straight Big Ten wins! I can't even tell you the last time they did that.
In better news, the Gopher basketball team won again. That's EIGHT straight Big Ten wins! I can't even tell you the last time they did that.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Wolves Club Jazz At Utah
Okay, I admit it. I'm starting to watch great portions of some of these games. I watched most of the first half last night, then came back later to check out how they were doing.
The Wolves clobbered a quality team last night on the road. What impressed me most was Rubio's remarkable passing.
Give me a winner, or at least a team capable of winning these types of match-ups and I'll start watching. I might even watch a bit more than I am now.
Go Wolves!
The Wolves clobbered a quality team last night on the road. What impressed me most was Rubio's remarkable passing.
Give me a winner, or at least a team capable of winning these types of match-ups and I'll start watching. I might even watch a bit more than I am now.
Go Wolves!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns' 29 points and 17 rebounds in the Timberwolves' win over the Kings on Monday gives him 116 points and 76 rebounds over his last four games. He's just the third player In the last 25 years to total at least 115 points and 75 rebounds over a four-game span. (Elias Sports Bureau)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)