The Captain.
There's not much more that needs to be said about David Wright that you haven't already heard if you're a fan of the New York Mets, or just a fan of baseball. The man was everything about a leader that you could want in a human being playing a game for a living. He never retreated from a tough question. He never quit trying even after a stress fracture in the back, spinal stenosis, shoulder and neck surgeries. He always was there for his teammates. He led by example. His baseball acumen had him on a Hall of Fame career track, but those aforementioned injuries derailed any chance of that years ago.
Last night the fans returned the favor to Wright for one last time at Citi Field. A packed house of over 43,000 brought signs to show their adoration of him, serenaded him with cheers, and stood while applauding the greatest position player the Mets have ever known. Apologies to Carlos Beltran, who came up with Kansas City before joining the Mets as a free agent.
Wright drew a walk in the first inning, and you would have thought he hit one over the Shea Bridge from the response it drew from the crowd. In the second inning he handled his only chance in the field, making a smooth throw across the diamond to retire the Marlins Bryan Holaday. He'd come to bat one final time in the fourth. He popped out to Peter O'Brien, who snagged the ball in foul territory and was vehemently booed by the Citi Field faithful on a level that rivaled other hated opponents in Mets history like Chase Utley and John Rocker. He took his place in the field at third base one last time in the top of the fifth and was removed by Mets manager Mickey Callaway to a standing ovation. He embraced his infield partner Jose Reyes and then made his way to the dugout, where all of his teammates awaited to shake his hand one last time as an active player.
Wright's career highlights are numerous for me and most other die hard Mets fans. His first hit, way back in 2004, a double down the third base line at Shea Stadium against the Montreal Expos. His amazing barehanded, over-the-shoulder catch while on a dead sprint in San Diego has to be a top 10 defensive moment of all time. His walk-off hit to beat Mariano Rivera and the crosstown rival Yankees in a regular season Subway Series matchup. He probably wins NL MVP in 2007, but the Mets epic collapse in losing the division to Philadelphia cost him. His monstrous home run in Game 3 of the 2015 World Series that had Citi rocking like the Shea days.
Here are my favorite moments. I witnessed Wright homer in person only twice, since I live in South Florida I only catch a few games per season. He hit a three-run bomb in 2008 as part of a 13-0 Mets win over the Marlins. Dinger number two would come in June of 2014, as Wright provided the only run of the night to support Zack Wheeler's shutout of the Fish. His heroics for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic stir up some fond memories of me drinking heavily in an Irish bar in 2009 and going completely batshit when Wright drove in the winning run to avoid elimination against Puerto Rico. His grand slam in the 2013 WBC also brought me to my feet as Captain America was truly born there. When Wright returned from a long DL stint in 2015, he hit a mammoth home run in Philadelphia in his first plate appearance back. I was watching on my phone while waiting for my flight to leave LaGuardia Airport when he launched that ball to the fucking moon. I may have scared some of the airport security with my outburst. Finally, in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS against the Dodgers, I happened to be visiting New York and watching the game with a ton of other fans at a small bar in Bellmore. Wright ripped a two-run single putting the Mets up 3-0 and giving all of us some breathing room. I've never enjoyed high-fiving and hugging a bunch of strangers any more than that night.
Thank you for the memories, David.
Thank you, Captain.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Spreading a little Mets love on Valentine's Day
On this Valentine's Day, I'm not here to write about flowers, boxes of chocolate, or one of those cute, stuffed teddy bears holding a big, red heart embroidered with those three little words your significant other wants in her ear. Maybe it's the fact that I'm going on seven years without a steady girlfriend or maybe just because I never needed a Hallmark-generated holiday to tell the women I've loved in life how I felt about them. I'd much rather take the time writing about my true always and forever. The love that always returns to me in mid-February as pitchers and catchers report to spring training and lasts (hopefully) into late-October. Yep, I'm talking about baseball. More specifically, the New York Mets.
In 2017, the Mets were an absolute disaster. Injuries, poor performances on the field, trading away talented players for small returns, and even a rally dildo in the locker room (See, this clearly is a very special Valentine's Day blog). It was the kind of relationship you'd like to set on fire and never speak of again. So, I won't. 2018 is here and Cupid will be firing his love-inducing arrows into the asses of Mets' fans everywhere today that look to baseball as their true love.
There is plenty to possibly love about the 2018 version of the Mets. Leading that love fest is the new man in charge. manager Mickey Callaway comes over from the Cleveland Indians, where he served as pitching coach to the best staff in the majors last year. That staff lead the majors in team ERA and strikeouts. His exuberance for the game and being installed as field general of the Mets has been evident since his introductory press conference. Yesterday, when asked about his current pitching staff, he said, "This is the best group of arms and stuff I've ever seen." I'm swooning over that glowing endorsement and Mickey's words in general about this team and is plans to restore it to relevance.
That brings me to the pitching staff. Last season was a blazing dumpster fire for nearly everyone not named Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard was his typical dominant self until the end of April when he tore a lat muscle that caused him to miss most of the season. He returned in September to toss a couple of innings and was able to pop triple digits with his fastball, so the Mets should have a solid 1-2 punch with Thor and Jake the Great at the top of the rotation.
Now, things get dicey. Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Robert Gsellman, and Seth Lugo all suffered through injuries and huge stretches of ineffectiveness. They've all reported to camp healthy and early reports or promising. Mets beat reporter Rich Coutinho tweeted that Harvey looks great and the late movement on his fastball that made him so effective in past years has returned. Matz, who had the same ulnar nerve surgery this off season that deGrom had prior to last season, says he's good to go, and should be the lone lefty in the rotation. Wheeler, Gsellman, and Lugo are healthy and will battle for the remaining spot, or spots, if Callaway sticks to his plan of using a six-man rotation at times. The bullpen will be lead by the once-again healthy Jeurys Familia, lefty Jerry Blevins, last year's late-season addition AJ Ramos, and free agent Anthony Swarzak, who came over after a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers.
On offense, the longball, which chicks and dudes alike dig, has become all the rage in MLB. The Mets will have no shortage of home run power with a healthy Yoenis Cespedes leading the way. Cespedes was hampered by various leg injuries last year, but still smacked 17 homers in just 81 games. Michael Conforto earned his first All-star game appearance during his breakout season that saw him bash 27 homers while posting a .939 OPS in just 373 at bats before a freak shoulder injury ended his year in late-August. Free agency brought back Jay Bruce and his 36 long balls on a three-year deal. Todd Frazier also signed on for the next tow seasons to provide high OBP, great defense at third base, and yes, more home run pop. A full year of former top prospect Amed Rosario at shortstop will provide better infield defense, and if he can improve his patience at the plate, the lookout for a star in the making. There could be a battle for the first base job in spring between newly-added veteran Adrian Gonzalez and young prospect Dominic Smith. Smith showed up to camp "in the best shape of his life", but Gonzo has the inside track with his proven track record in the bigs.
The training staff was also revamped in the off season, as head trainer Ray Ramirez, aka the Grim Reaper, aka Mr. Walking Boot, was relieved of his duties. At the very least, this has to improve the Mets mojo, right?
There will be plenty to love about the 2018 Mets if all falls into place. 2015 and 2016 saw a World Series trip and a wildcard berth, respectively, with many of these same players, so it's not completely crazy. So to all my fellow Mets fans out there without a valentine today, take solace and place your love in the Mets. Just hope that they show us some love back in 2018.
LGM
In 2017, the Mets were an absolute disaster. Injuries, poor performances on the field, trading away talented players for small returns, and even a rally dildo in the locker room (See, this clearly is a very special Valentine's Day blog). It was the kind of relationship you'd like to set on fire and never speak of again. So, I won't. 2018 is here and Cupid will be firing his love-inducing arrows into the asses of Mets' fans everywhere today that look to baseball as their true love.
There is plenty to possibly love about the 2018 version of the Mets. Leading that love fest is the new man in charge. manager Mickey Callaway comes over from the Cleveland Indians, where he served as pitching coach to the best staff in the majors last year. That staff lead the majors in team ERA and strikeouts. His exuberance for the game and being installed as field general of the Mets has been evident since his introductory press conference. Yesterday, when asked about his current pitching staff, he said, "This is the best group of arms and stuff I've ever seen." I'm swooning over that glowing endorsement and Mickey's words in general about this team and is plans to restore it to relevance.
That brings me to the pitching staff. Last season was a blazing dumpster fire for nearly everyone not named Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard was his typical dominant self until the end of April when he tore a lat muscle that caused him to miss most of the season. He returned in September to toss a couple of innings and was able to pop triple digits with his fastball, so the Mets should have a solid 1-2 punch with Thor and Jake the Great at the top of the rotation.
Now, things get dicey. Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Robert Gsellman, and Seth Lugo all suffered through injuries and huge stretches of ineffectiveness. They've all reported to camp healthy and early reports or promising. Mets beat reporter Rich Coutinho tweeted that Harvey looks great and the late movement on his fastball that made him so effective in past years has returned. Matz, who had the same ulnar nerve surgery this off season that deGrom had prior to last season, says he's good to go, and should be the lone lefty in the rotation. Wheeler, Gsellman, and Lugo are healthy and will battle for the remaining spot, or spots, if Callaway sticks to his plan of using a six-man rotation at times. The bullpen will be lead by the once-again healthy Jeurys Familia, lefty Jerry Blevins, last year's late-season addition AJ Ramos, and free agent Anthony Swarzak, who came over after a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers.
On offense, the longball, which chicks and dudes alike dig, has become all the rage in MLB. The Mets will have no shortage of home run power with a healthy Yoenis Cespedes leading the way. Cespedes was hampered by various leg injuries last year, but still smacked 17 homers in just 81 games. Michael Conforto earned his first All-star game appearance during his breakout season that saw him bash 27 homers while posting a .939 OPS in just 373 at bats before a freak shoulder injury ended his year in late-August. Free agency brought back Jay Bruce and his 36 long balls on a three-year deal. Todd Frazier also signed on for the next tow seasons to provide high OBP, great defense at third base, and yes, more home run pop. A full year of former top prospect Amed Rosario at shortstop will provide better infield defense, and if he can improve his patience at the plate, the lookout for a star in the making. There could be a battle for the first base job in spring between newly-added veteran Adrian Gonzalez and young prospect Dominic Smith. Smith showed up to camp "in the best shape of his life", but Gonzo has the inside track with his proven track record in the bigs.
The training staff was also revamped in the off season, as head trainer Ray Ramirez, aka the Grim Reaper, aka Mr. Walking Boot, was relieved of his duties. At the very least, this has to improve the Mets mojo, right?
There will be plenty to love about the 2018 Mets if all falls into place. 2015 and 2016 saw a World Series trip and a wildcard berth, respectively, with many of these same players, so it's not completely crazy. So to all my fellow Mets fans out there without a valentine today, take solace and place your love in the Mets. Just hope that they show us some love back in 2018.
LGM
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Bullpens, bullpens, bullpens....
Major League Baseball has seen bullpen usage rise over the decade. You can say the increase in managing highly paid starters' pitch counts and yearly inning caps is a big part of it. You can say having lefty specialists to get that one big late-inning out is another. You can also say that it serves as a way of shortening the game, a plan that the Kansas City Royals executed perfectly last season on their run to a World Series appearance. The Royals would hope and pray that their starting pitcher could get through six innings, then Kelvin Herrera took the seventh, Wade Davis the eighth, and finally Greg Holland would shut things down in the ninth.
Personally, I find the overuse of bullpens annoying. I have always been a proponent of having the best pitchers on your team. Your starting five should be your five best pitchers. Why? Well, they are the ones toeing the rubber every fifth day. They are the ones expected to pitch deep into games and get all batters out. Say it's Game 7 of the World Series. Would you not pitch Clayton Kershaw against an all right-handed hitting lineup? Not throw Felix Hernandez against a lineup stacked with lefties? Obviously, those guys pitch, and they pitch against anyone because they are two of the best, and that's what every starting five should be comprised of -- the best. Now, bullpens. Shouldn't the same theory apply? Put the next best arms available in your bullpen and go to war with those guys.
This brings me to the Mets and their current dilemna. Josh Edgin was all set to be the main (and possibly only) lefty out of the bullpen this season. A stretched ligament in his pitching elbow that might require Tommy John surgery put the Mets in a bad spot. The other lefties in camp include Sean Gilmartin, a Rule 5 pickup with no major league experience; Scott Rice, coming of a surgery of his own; Jack Leathersich, a young minor league prospect with a knack for the strikeout (15.4 per nine innings) and a bit of a walk problem (4.6 per nine); and Dario Alvarez, who has logged an entire seven innings of experience above A ball.
Knowing how Terry Collins loves leaning on his lefties, there could be a big problem brewing. How to solve this problem is easy. Take the best seven pitchers north to fill out the bullpen when the regular season begins.
MLB writer Michael Baron of JustMets.net seems to agree with me.
Personally, I find the overuse of bullpens annoying. I have always been a proponent of having the best pitchers on your team. Your starting five should be your five best pitchers. Why? Well, they are the ones toeing the rubber every fifth day. They are the ones expected to pitch deep into games and get all batters out. Say it's Game 7 of the World Series. Would you not pitch Clayton Kershaw against an all right-handed hitting lineup? Not throw Felix Hernandez against a lineup stacked with lefties? Obviously, those guys pitch, and they pitch against anyone because they are two of the best, and that's what every starting five should be comprised of -- the best. Now, bullpens. Shouldn't the same theory apply? Put the next best arms available in your bullpen and go to war with those guys.
This brings me to the Mets and their current dilemna. Josh Edgin was all set to be the main (and possibly only) lefty out of the bullpen this season. A stretched ligament in his pitching elbow that might require Tommy John surgery put the Mets in a bad spot. The other lefties in camp include Sean Gilmartin, a Rule 5 pickup with no major league experience; Scott Rice, coming of a surgery of his own; Jack Leathersich, a young minor league prospect with a knack for the strikeout (15.4 per nine innings) and a bit of a walk problem (4.6 per nine); and Dario Alvarez, who has logged an entire seven innings of experience above A ball.
Knowing how Terry Collins loves leaning on his lefties, there could be a big problem brewing. How to solve this problem is easy. Take the best seven pitchers north to fill out the bullpen when the regular season begins.
MLB writer Michael Baron of JustMets.net seems to agree with me.
At this point (its early), but #mets might be better suited taking the best group of 7 relievers north right now. Lefty situation a mess.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) March 12, 2015
Hell, he might have even got the idea from me.
@scottyc9 at this point that might be a way to go.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) March 12, 2015
I want the best arms in my bullpen. Edgin's injury opens up a spot for prospect Rafael Montero to possibly shine in relief. Maybe one of the aforementioned lefties puts it together during the rest of spring and takes the job. Regardless, whoever is the best should be the guy that makes the roster.Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Through my eyes: A day on the backfields with the New York Mets
Spring training is a magical time for me. It's nothing like going to a regular season game where thousands of fans pack into a giant stadium, and unless you have great seats you aren't getting close enough to the players to where you can actually hear their conversations. That's the great thing about spring in Port St. Lucie, Florida with the Mets. All the guys that you live and die with during the regular season are right there in front of you to watch. Whether you're an autograph seeker or someone like me who just loves the purity of baseball, a spring training workout is something every baseball fan should experience.
Workouts usually start up around 9:30 a.m. I arrived a little early this warm, sunny morning and snapped a few pictures with my smartphone before ambling up to one of the fields where four young minor leaguers (Rafael Montero, Hansel Robles, Gabriel Ynoa and Dario Alvarez) sat stretching and just joking around with each other. I'd tell you what they were talking about, but it was in Spanish. Still, it stirred memories of when my childhood friends and I would get up early on a day off from school and hit the local park. Playing ball all day and goofing on each other, while pretending to be some major leaguer. Darryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden were my go-to guys.
More players began to trickle out of the clubhouse and the hundred or so spectators made their way to the fence to get a look at the young pitchers that are expected to lead this current Mets renaissance. The relief corps of Jennry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, and the very bearded threesome of Vic Black, Bobby Parnell and Josh Edgin. Then appeared Zack Wheeler. Last year's NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom. The Dark Knight himself, Matt Harvey, alongside Jonathan Niese and Dillon Gee. The two top prospects looking to break into the majors some time in the near future Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. All the arms that the Mets and their fans hope can return them to the playoffs this year. All standing just 30 feet away and once again I transform into a 12-year old. Oh, and did I mention World Champions Wally Backman and Frank Viola are also a stone's throw away, now serving as coaches in the organization.
At this point, I notice who else is watching nearby. Special assistant to the general manager, J.P. Ricciardi walks past me and happily returns the "hello" I extend to him. I wonder to myself how many fans here actually recognize Ricciardi, or am I the lone baseball super freak. I notice a couple of the Mets newspaper beat writers talking making small talk. Mike Puma of the New York Post expresses his current state of boredom while watching drills and then went on to elaborate on his dinner adventures from the prior evening - the Ale House in nearby Jensen Beach. By the way, Mr. Puma, I'll gladly trade jobs with you if you find it that boring.
Two older gentlemen are looking over the roster and one of them remarks that "This guy here was born in 1973." The other exclaims, "I thought this one a young team?" Well, that's Bartolo Colon, of course. Big Bart is one of the few elder statesmen on this team at the age of 42, but no less effective. He won 15 games last year, leading the staff. Fans fascinate me since I'm so involved in this team. Some know so little about the roster, but nonetheless love the team as much as someone like myself who could recite all of the minor league affiliates to you in a moments notice. Others just love certain players. David Wright and Matt Harvey clearly being the crowd favorites, and backup catcher Anthony Recker also being mentioned by many of the women in attendance. Hmmm, must be dat ass, eh #MetsTwitter?
By now the position players have joined the workout. Wright and Wilmer Flores are fielding grounders at third and shortstop, respectively. Both look strong as both have much to prove this season. Wright tries to rebound from his worst season in the pros that was ruined mostly by a shoulder injury he suffered in June. Flores is young and has the bat to stay in the majors, but his ability to field well enough at shortstop remains a question mark. Harvey, Niese and deGrom walk past as Wright is fielding, and The Captain remarks that his arm is "a cannon" now as he rifles a throw across the diamond. the offseason rehab and strength training work for his shoulder looks like it has paid off at least early in camp from my perspective. Flores also looks good. Yes, to all the doubters, I know it's just practice, but the alternative right now is Ruben Tejada and we've seen over the last few years that he does not hit nearly enough to deserve a starting job. Flores has hit at every level. He's only 23. Let's see what he can do over a full year.
All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy talks to outfielder Matt den Dekker while warming up. The pair discuss heading down I-95 to Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter later in the day to watch the University of Florida baseball team battle Florida Atlantic. Den Dekker is a UF alum and Murphy is a big Gator fan who grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Inside my brain, I say I'd like to join them, seeing as how I went to college at both of those schools. Of course, I keep my trap shut and smile. Murphy comes over the the fence and signs a ball for a little kid at this point. Both sides smiling the whole time. Seeing this type of thing warms my heart and I think back to every autograph I ever got. I still have every one of them because they remind me of those players, whether they were stars or not. They made a little kid smile and that's what counts.
A couple of young minor league sluggers jump into the batting cage to take some cuts. Much maligned Cesar Puello hits some absolute bombs. Sweet swinging lefty Brandon Nimmo also shows off the lumber with a couple of long balls. This kid is the goods. I really believe Mets fans will be enjoying his smooth stroke at the plate for many years to come when he's ready for prime time in a year or two.
A few minutes later on the adjacent field Wright, Gold Glove center fielder Juan Lagares and new acquisition Michael Cuddyer enter the cage. Cuddyer's swing looks healthy as he strokes would-be doubles into the left-center field gap. Lagares is next, but the main event is to follow. Wright hits the cage and immediately starts ripping shots opposite field into right-center field, his usual power spot. Cuddyer is doing commentary at this juncture. Every opposite field rope that Wright hits, Cuddyer exclaims just one word. "Sexy." I couldn't agree more. Cuddyer then says, "How about pulling one?" to which Wright answers by hammering the next pitch over the left field fence. The Captain is back.
The workout goes on and slowly winds down. Fans line the fences for autographs and the players oblige. It's a great day and didn't cost me a penny.
There's no other place where you can really just enjoy the sights and sounds of baseball like a spring training workout. No scoreboard. No stats being tracked. No feeling bad if your team happened to lose.
Simple and fun like those days on the sandlot.
Just baseball.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sherman bringing the Boom
By now everyone has heard the post game rant from Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. The word "classless" has been thrown around to describe his reactions and obvious disdain for 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Here's the thing, if you have ever played sports, you should know that there is a competitive fire that is driving the bus for those few hours. On the field of play you take on a warrior-like persona and your emotions can get the best of you. He was locked up defending Crabtree all game and I can guarantee that there was of barrage of trash talk tossed around by both. Sherman had just leaped up and tipped a Colin Kaepernick pass intended for Crabtree in the end zone that was subsequently intercepted by teammate Malcolm Smith, preserving a 23-17 victory that sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. While many would have thought Sherman might have shown a little more joy in his interview with Erin Andrews after securing a trip to the big game, I don't see anything wrong with his reaction.
He said he's the best corner in the league and if you check the statistics, he's correct. He has allowed the lowest passer rating against when thrown at, and no one has more interceptions than Sherman's 20 since he entered the league in 2011.
There is nothing classless about Richard Sherman. The Andrews' interview showed an emotional, reactionary on-field warrior, much more than the man. The man who has a communications degree from Stanford. The man who does charitable work through his Blanket Coverage foundation providing clothing and school supplies for children.
Sherman and the rest of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom have one more test ahead of them to prove they are the best. Peyton Manning and the high-octane offense of the Denver Broncos will look to prove them wrong in Super Bowl 48.
Here's the thing, if you have ever played sports, you should know that there is a competitive fire that is driving the bus for those few hours. On the field of play you take on a warrior-like persona and your emotions can get the best of you. He was locked up defending Crabtree all game and I can guarantee that there was of barrage of trash talk tossed around by both. Sherman had just leaped up and tipped a Colin Kaepernick pass intended for Crabtree in the end zone that was subsequently intercepted by teammate Malcolm Smith, preserving a 23-17 victory that sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. While many would have thought Sherman might have shown a little more joy in his interview with Erin Andrews after securing a trip to the big game, I don't see anything wrong with his reaction.
He said he's the best corner in the league and if you check the statistics, he's correct. He has allowed the lowest passer rating against when thrown at, and no one has more interceptions than Sherman's 20 since he entered the league in 2011.
There is nothing classless about Richard Sherman. The Andrews' interview showed an emotional, reactionary on-field warrior, much more than the man. The man who has a communications degree from Stanford. The man who does charitable work through his Blanket Coverage foundation providing clothing and school supplies for children.
Sherman and the rest of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom have one more test ahead of them to prove they are the best. Peyton Manning and the high-octane offense of the Denver Broncos will look to prove them wrong in Super Bowl 48.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Three get in, many deserving others left out
Following up on yesterday's entry, the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted in three new members to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas.
Maddux led the way receiving 555 of a possible 571 votes, that's 97.2% of the necessary 75% needed for election. I'd like to say that those sixteen members that didn't vote for Maddux clearly should have their voting rights revoked. I'd love to hear your explain why you didn't vote for him. Of course, only 157 writers made their ballot public, so all those cowards that didn't choose Maddux can continue to hide and do their judging from their own private soap box.
Craig Biggio missed election by two votes. I guess enough voters lumped him in with the Steroid Era. Biggio should get in next year, thankfully. Another guy getting lumped in that tainted era is Mike Piazza. Statistically the greatest catcher ever to play the game, Piazza only received 62.2% of the vote. There has never been any hard evidence that Piazza used during his playing days. Only rumors and innuendo. Oh, and that he had back acne. I ask all the baseball writers this. If you wrote a story based on rumors and innuendo, what kind of credibility would you have? Not very much in my opinion. Shame on these writers for forgetting what journalism is supposed to be based upon. The facts are the key to reporting news. Not heresay. Not what an unnamed source whispers about from the shadows. The facts. Piazza's statistics are facts. He's a Hall of Famer.
Biggio struggle face after missing the Hall by two votes.
Soon, Mike. If not, we riot.
It was also revealed that ESPN personality and Miami Herald columnist, Dan Le Batard, allowed Deadspin.com to vote on his behalf. Deadspin put the vote in the hands of its the readers. The ten players receiving the most votes were Maddux, Thomas, Glavine, Piazza, Biggio, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Curt Schilling. I approve of Le Batard's actions. He allowed the masses to speak out on this issue. I think it proves that the majority of fans are fairly intelligent on who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I believe it allows shows that fans don't care so much about who was using steroids and who wasn't. We'll never know exactly who used what. None of these substances were even illegal by baseball rules at the time. It's time to stop the argument, and it's time to admit the greatest players of that era into the Hall. So say the fans.
Maddux led the way receiving 555 of a possible 571 votes, that's 97.2% of the necessary 75% needed for election. I'd like to say that those sixteen members that didn't vote for Maddux clearly should have their voting rights revoked. I'd love to hear your explain why you didn't vote for him. Of course, only 157 writers made their ballot public, so all those cowards that didn't choose Maddux can continue to hide and do their judging from their own private soap box.
Craig Biggio missed election by two votes. I guess enough voters lumped him in with the Steroid Era. Biggio should get in next year, thankfully. Another guy getting lumped in that tainted era is Mike Piazza. Statistically the greatest catcher ever to play the game, Piazza only received 62.2% of the vote. There has never been any hard evidence that Piazza used during his playing days. Only rumors and innuendo. Oh, and that he had back acne. I ask all the baseball writers this. If you wrote a story based on rumors and innuendo, what kind of credibility would you have? Not very much in my opinion. Shame on these writers for forgetting what journalism is supposed to be based upon. The facts are the key to reporting news. Not heresay. Not what an unnamed source whispers about from the shadows. The facts. Piazza's statistics are facts. He's a Hall of Famer.
It was also revealed that ESPN personality and Miami Herald columnist, Dan Le Batard, allowed Deadspin.com to vote on his behalf. Deadspin put the vote in the hands of its the readers. The ten players receiving the most votes were Maddux, Thomas, Glavine, Piazza, Biggio, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Curt Schilling. I approve of Le Batard's actions. He allowed the masses to speak out on this issue. I think it proves that the majority of fans are fairly intelligent on who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and I believe it allows shows that fans don't care so much about who was using steroids and who wasn't. We'll never know exactly who used what. None of these substances were even illegal by baseball rules at the time. It's time to stop the argument, and it's time to admit the greatest players of that era into the Hall. So say the fans.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Hall calls
Today, the results of the Baseball Hall of Fame voting will be released. Here's the ten guys that would get my vote if I actually had one.
1.Greg Maddux. 355 wins. 3371 strikeouts. 18 Gold Gloves. Four straight Cy Young Awards during one of the most dominant pitching stretches in baseball history from 1992-1995. Anyone not voting for him should lose their vote forever.
2. Frank Thomas. Two-time MVP. Career .301 hitter with 521 homers and 1704 RBI. Also walked more than he struck out. Quite rare for a big slugger. Reached base 41.9% of the time. 11 seasons over 100 RBI. Mickey Mantle only did that four times if you would like a frame of reference. Big Hurt is a big lock.
3. Mike Piazza. Greatest offensive catcher ever. 427 homers and a .308 career average, mostly while playing the most difficult position on the field. All from a 62nd round draft pick. Never struck out more than 93 times in a single season, which is truly amazing for a power guy.
4. Lee Smith. When he retired he was the all time leader in saves with 478. It's time to stop disrespecting the closer position and put more of these guys in the Hall. Like punters in the NFL, they are a big part of the game, and Smith was one of the best closers in the game.
5. Mike Mussina. Tremendously consistent workhorse pitcher who spent his entire career in the hard-hitting AL East. Posted his first and only 20-win season in his final season at the age of 39. Compiled a 270-153 career record for a winning percentage of 63.8%.
6. Edgar Martinez. Much like the closer position, the designated hitter spot also gets little respect from the Hall of Fame voters. Martinez was a hitting machine. Career average of .312, 309 homers and 1261 RBI. From 1995-2001 he drove in over a 100 runs in all but one of those season. It's time for a DH to get in.
7. Tom Glavine. Crafty lefty that won two Cy Young awards and posted five, 20-win seasons as part of the Braves decade of dominance in the 90s. Finished with 305 wins and could always be counted on...unless he was pitching for the Mets on the final day of the season against the Marlins when a playoff spot was on the line. Yes, I'm still bitter, but at least I'm not holding back my vote for Tommy.
8. Jack Morris. 254 regular season wins on the mound, but really shined in the post season where he anchored the pitching staff for World Series winners in Detroit, Minnesota and Toronto. His ten inning, 1-0 shutout victory over Atlanta in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series is one of the greatest performances ever under pressure.
9. Craig Biggio. Spent all 20 years as a member of the Houston Astros collecting 3060 hits along the way. Came up as a catcher and was All Star. Then made the move to second base where he was also an All Star. His 668 doubles ranks fifth all-time and he stole 414 bases along the way.
10. Mark McGwire. Yes, he did steroids, but he also hit 49 homers as a skinny rookie in 1987, so I'm one to believe that his power was very legitimate. He was injury prone and the steroids clearly extended his career and enhanced his power numbers later in his career to monstrous levels. His home run journey to break Roger Maris' single season record in 1998 also helped baseball regain all lot of popularity that was lost following the prolonged strike that canceled a World Series in 1994. He admitted his misdeeds, so baseball needs to admit he was a legend of the game.
I'd also vote in Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, but they continue to deny their use of steroids. Both guys were Hall of Fame talent before they started using. Just admit it and people might forgive you one day.
Last year, no one got the call.
1.Greg Maddux. 355 wins. 3371 strikeouts. 18 Gold Gloves. Four straight Cy Young Awards during one of the most dominant pitching stretches in baseball history from 1992-1995. Anyone not voting for him should lose their vote forever.
2. Frank Thomas. Two-time MVP. Career .301 hitter with 521 homers and 1704 RBI. Also walked more than he struck out. Quite rare for a big slugger. Reached base 41.9% of the time. 11 seasons over 100 RBI. Mickey Mantle only did that four times if you would like a frame of reference. Big Hurt is a big lock.
3. Mike Piazza. Greatest offensive catcher ever. 427 homers and a .308 career average, mostly while playing the most difficult position on the field. All from a 62nd round draft pick. Never struck out more than 93 times in a single season, which is truly amazing for a power guy.
4. Lee Smith. When he retired he was the all time leader in saves with 478. It's time to stop disrespecting the closer position and put more of these guys in the Hall. Like punters in the NFL, they are a big part of the game, and Smith was one of the best closers in the game.
5. Mike Mussina. Tremendously consistent workhorse pitcher who spent his entire career in the hard-hitting AL East. Posted his first and only 20-win season in his final season at the age of 39. Compiled a 270-153 career record for a winning percentage of 63.8%.
6. Edgar Martinez. Much like the closer position, the designated hitter spot also gets little respect from the Hall of Fame voters. Martinez was a hitting machine. Career average of .312, 309 homers and 1261 RBI. From 1995-2001 he drove in over a 100 runs in all but one of those season. It's time for a DH to get in.
7. Tom Glavine. Crafty lefty that won two Cy Young awards and posted five, 20-win seasons as part of the Braves decade of dominance in the 90s. Finished with 305 wins and could always be counted on...unless he was pitching for the Mets on the final day of the season against the Marlins when a playoff spot was on the line. Yes, I'm still bitter, but at least I'm not holding back my vote for Tommy.
8. Jack Morris. 254 regular season wins on the mound, but really shined in the post season where he anchored the pitching staff for World Series winners in Detroit, Minnesota and Toronto. His ten inning, 1-0 shutout victory over Atlanta in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series is one of the greatest performances ever under pressure.
9. Craig Biggio. Spent all 20 years as a member of the Houston Astros collecting 3060 hits along the way. Came up as a catcher and was All Star. Then made the move to second base where he was also an All Star. His 668 doubles ranks fifth all-time and he stole 414 bases along the way.
10. Mark McGwire. Yes, he did steroids, but he also hit 49 homers as a skinny rookie in 1987, so I'm one to believe that his power was very legitimate. He was injury prone and the steroids clearly extended his career and enhanced his power numbers later in his career to monstrous levels. His home run journey to break Roger Maris' single season record in 1998 also helped baseball regain all lot of popularity that was lost following the prolonged strike that canceled a World Series in 1994. He admitted his misdeeds, so baseball needs to admit he was a legend of the game.
I'd also vote in Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, but they continue to deny their use of steroids. Both guys were Hall of Fame talent before they started using. Just admit it and people might forgive you one day.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
See ya later, BCS
The college football season came to an end last night with a thrilling, final seconds victory by the Florida State Seminoles over the Auburn Tigers, 34-31, ending the Southeastern Conference's seven year reign of hoisting the BCS trophy. The game also marked the end of the BCS, as next year we will finally be treated to a four team playoff to decide college's best football team.
Amidst the entire bowl season there was one thing that bugged me. The constant which conference is the best argument. Chants of S-E-C, A-C-C, PAC 12, BIG 10 all rang out loudly at bowl games across the country, but why? As a fan of the Florida Gators, should I really be cheering for teams like Alabama and Auburn to win because they represent the same conference as my team? Hell, no. I despise the other SEC teams. They are the enemy. No true fans of the Miami Hurricanes were cheering for the Noles last night and if they were, they should probably just cease living. Can you imagine Yankee fans cheering for the Red Sox in the World Series because they represent the AL East? Michigan fans cheering for Ohio State to bring home the title and do their conference proud? Americans cheering for Mexico to bring home the World Cup title in 2014 for CONCACAF? Something is very wrong with people like this. You can't always root for the winner. Pick your team and ride it out. You can't live vicariously through some other team's triumphs.
FSU won the championship. Fans of Duke should not celebrate.
There's no real way to determine which conference is the best. You can say that this conference puts the most players into the NFL, or that conference had the team that won the national title, or this conference had the best record in bowl game. The SEC went 7-3 in bowls this year, Pac-12 went 6-3, ACC went 5-6, Big 12 went 3-3, and the Big 10 went 2-5. It truly does not matter. All that matters is the team that raises the trophy in the end and if it's not the team you are a fan of, then you do not have any bragging rights. Tip your caps to Florida State. Undefeated. Champions. Period.
Amidst the entire bowl season there was one thing that bugged me. The constant which conference is the best argument. Chants of S-E-C, A-C-C, PAC 12, BIG 10 all rang out loudly at bowl games across the country, but why? As a fan of the Florida Gators, should I really be cheering for teams like Alabama and Auburn to win because they represent the same conference as my team? Hell, no. I despise the other SEC teams. They are the enemy. No true fans of the Miami Hurricanes were cheering for the Noles last night and if they were, they should probably just cease living. Can you imagine Yankee fans cheering for the Red Sox in the World Series because they represent the AL East? Michigan fans cheering for Ohio State to bring home the title and do their conference proud? Americans cheering for Mexico to bring home the World Cup title in 2014 for CONCACAF? Something is very wrong with people like this. You can't always root for the winner. Pick your team and ride it out. You can't live vicariously through some other team's triumphs.
There's no real way to determine which conference is the best. You can say that this conference puts the most players into the NFL, or that conference had the team that won the national title, or this conference had the best record in bowl game. The SEC went 7-3 in bowls this year, Pac-12 went 6-3, ACC went 5-6, Big 12 went 3-3, and the Big 10 went 2-5. It truly does not matter. All that matters is the team that raises the trophy in the end and if it's not the team you are a fan of, then you do not have any bragging rights. Tip your caps to Florida State. Undefeated. Champions. Period.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Get hyped for Game 25!
Here we are, a mere 24 games into the marathon 82 game NBA season, and the ESPN hype wagon is already in overkill mode. Tim Legler, Sage Steele and Chris Broussard all reporting live this morning from sunny, South Florida about how Lebron James sat out practice yesterday with a sprained ankle last and how the Heat might slow down Roy Hibbert (Hmmm...they did this enough to beat them in two consecutive playoff series...I wonder). You would think this was the postseason with all that exposure, but no, it's just another regular season game
Tonight, the best two teams in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers (20-4) and the Miami Heat (18-6), meet again. They'll be meeting up again in the Eastern Conference Finals a few months from now, barring major injury to either of the teams' big stars. You can write that down now. The East is garbage other than these two squads.
Too soon?
The NBA's season is too long to care this much about a regular season game in December. I know it's all about the money, as it is about in all sports now, but cutting the season down to say 60 games wouldn't hurt. Start the season around Christmas Day or give the players more days off between games.
Call me back in late May when these two teams are playing important games. Thanks, ESPN.
Tonight, the best two teams in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers (20-4) and the Miami Heat (18-6), meet again. They'll be meeting up again in the Eastern Conference Finals a few months from now, barring major injury to either of the teams' big stars. You can write that down now. The East is garbage other than these two squads.
The NBA's season is too long to care this much about a regular season game in December. I know it's all about the money, as it is about in all sports now, but cutting the season down to say 60 games wouldn't hurt. Start the season around Christmas Day or give the players more days off between games.
Call me back in late May when these two teams are playing important games. Thanks, ESPN.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Make football, not war
It's always fun to shock people. Football fans, especially. I've been a New York Jets fan all my life. Why? I don't know. Maybe I like the abuse. The constant frustration. The feeling that I'm going to throw up even after they win a game, like they did today. They beat the Buffalo Bills 27-20, in a game they dominated from a statistical standpoint. Yet they committed a team record 20 penalties that helped keep the Bills in the game until the end.
I was coming home from the sports bar and decided to stop for Wendy's. I'm wearing my Jets #80 Wayne Chrebet jersey, as always, and I get up to the window and the guy inside smiles and says, "Jets fan, huh?' Well, yes, that's fairly clear, I reply. Let me go out on a limb and guess that you are a Dolphins fan, right? This is South Florida after all. He nods. I jump back in and say, "Congratulations, that was a big win today for you guys, Tannehill really pulled through there." He looks at me with this stunned look on his face and just says, "Yeaaah, it was awesome....thanks?"
I used the question mark there since I don't think he expected a Jets fan to be so complimentary. To be honest, I was quite glad he didn't drop my food in shock. Many fans of the Jets can be a little caustic, which may or may not have to do with not making it to the Super Bowl in the last 44 years or knowing that we'll being hearing about the "Butt fumble" for the rest of our lives. You see, I am a Jets fan, but I'm not an asshole. I'm an intelligent sports fan and I take pride in knowing more about the game than most people. The Dolphins proved they are a team to be reckoned with today by rallying late to beat the Atlanta Falcons, a popular Super Bowl by many experts, 27-23. I applaud their success today. I won't if they beat the Jets later in the season, but at least I won't be that typical, angry fan that goes down in defeat by saying that your team sucks right after they beat my team.
It's football. It's supposed to be fun. It gives you a few hours to escape all of life's realities.
Cherish the wins and the people you celebrate them with. Never forget the defeats and your pals who suffered right there with you. Most of all, enjoy the beer and wings.
I was coming home from the sports bar and decided to stop for Wendy's. I'm wearing my Jets #80 Wayne Chrebet jersey, as always, and I get up to the window and the guy inside smiles and says, "Jets fan, huh?' Well, yes, that's fairly clear, I reply. Let me go out on a limb and guess that you are a Dolphins fan, right? This is South Florida after all. He nods. I jump back in and say, "Congratulations, that was a big win today for you guys, Tannehill really pulled through there." He looks at me with this stunned look on his face and just says, "Yeaaah, it was awesome....thanks?"
A good rivalry should be about mocking each other with funny pics.
I used the question mark there since I don't think he expected a Jets fan to be so complimentary. To be honest, I was quite glad he didn't drop my food in shock. Many fans of the Jets can be a little caustic, which may or may not have to do with not making it to the Super Bowl in the last 44 years or knowing that we'll being hearing about the "Butt fumble" for the rest of our lives. You see, I am a Jets fan, but I'm not an asshole. I'm an intelligent sports fan and I take pride in knowing more about the game than most people. The Dolphins proved they are a team to be reckoned with today by rallying late to beat the Atlanta Falcons, a popular Super Bowl by many experts, 27-23. I applaud their success today. I won't if they beat the Jets later in the season, but at least I won't be that typical, angry fan that goes down in defeat by saying that your team sucks right after they beat my team.
It's football. It's supposed to be fun. It gives you a few hours to escape all of life's realities.
Cherish the wins and the people you celebrate them with. Never forget the defeats and your pals who suffered right there with you. Most of all, enjoy the beer and wings.
Monday, August 5, 2013
The Life and Times of A-Fraud
The first time I heard the name Alex Rodriguez was during my sophomore year in high school. I was working as the sports editor of my school newspaper and to say I had an unhealthy obsession with baseball was an understatement.
It was in May of 1993, about a week or so before the annual Major League Baseball Amateur draft, and I was reading an article about Rodriguez, who was a sure fire lock to go first overall. He was a scouts dream. He hit for average and power. He had blazing speed, a great arm and played stellar defense at the premium shortstop position. The Seattle Mariners were the fortunate benefactors, picking first that year, and young Alex would start showing off his abilities at the major league level just two years later.
Seattle days: Long before it all went wrong.
At the age of 20, the Mariners anointed Rodriguez their everyday shortstop for the 1996 season and he didn't disappoint. He won the American League batting title with a .358 average. Led the league with 54 doubles, smashed 36 home runs and had 123 runs batted in. Alex's journey to the Hall of Fame seemed well on its way.
He left Seattle after five outstanding seasons via free agency and signed the biggest contract in the history of sports (10 years/$250 million) with the Texas Rangers. His home run totals surged to 52 in '01 with Texas, then 57 in '02 and back down to a humble 47 in '03. Yet the Rangers finished in last place in the NL West all of those years and Rodriguez was still searching for a World Series title to add to his list of accomplishments. Enter the New York Yankees. Texas swapped Rodriguez for Alfonso Soriano and a player-to-be-named-later. The best player in the world was heading to the center of the baseball universe where names like Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle and Jeter shine forever in immortality. The stars seemed in near perfect alignment.
Rodriguez continued to post gaudy offensive numbers when he arrived in New York. He won two AL MVP awards along the way, but the whispers of performance enhancing drugs around MLB included Rodriguez. He'd vehemently deny using them in 2007 during an interview with Katie Couric on 60 Minutes, but as more and more players around the league admitted their guilt over PED usage, the innuendos would continue around Rodriguez. He would eventually admit to using anabolic steroids during his first three years in Texas. He cited "an enormous amount of pressure to perform" as his reason for using. Later that same year, Rodriguez would help the Yankees win the World Series, gaining him the championship that had eluded him all those years.
Fast forward to today. MLB suspended 13 players linked to the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic for use of PED's. 12 of them received 50 game suspensions. Number 13, and yes that's the number he wears on the back of that pinstriped Yankee jersey coincidentally, was Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was hit with the harshest sentence of 211 games (the remaining 49 games of this season and the entire 162-game, 2014 season). MLB's statement explained that his discipline was based on the use and possession of numerous forms of performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone. Furthermore, his discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commisioner's investigation.
The Post always says it straight.
Not only a fraud and a liar, but he tried to cover the whole thing up. Truly amazing. Why not try and save your little remaining dignity and just take the suspension and admit everything. Plenty of major leaguers have taken that route, and eventually people will forget. It's the group of players that won't admit it, that will forever be tarnished. Barry Bonds. Roger Clemens. I'm looking at you. Just admit it Alex, you did a lot of wrong. To your fans, to the game of baseball and to the teams that paid you hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. Apologize and maybe, just maybe, you will be forgiven. I doubt it, but I also doubt you would give a truly heart-felt apology anyway.
In typical A-Rod fashion, he immediately appealed the suspension and was in the Yankee lineup for the first time this year tonight, batting clean up. In his first at-bat, he hit a 'clean' single. Unfortunately, for a guy who seemed destined to be a Hall of Famer from the start, there's nothing that will truly ever be considered 'clean' about you again.
It was in May of 1993, about a week or so before the annual Major League Baseball Amateur draft, and I was reading an article about Rodriguez, who was a sure fire lock to go first overall. He was a scouts dream. He hit for average and power. He had blazing speed, a great arm and played stellar defense at the premium shortstop position. The Seattle Mariners were the fortunate benefactors, picking first that year, and young Alex would start showing off his abilities at the major league level just two years later.
At the age of 20, the Mariners anointed Rodriguez their everyday shortstop for the 1996 season and he didn't disappoint. He won the American League batting title with a .358 average. Led the league with 54 doubles, smashed 36 home runs and had 123 runs batted in. Alex's journey to the Hall of Fame seemed well on its way.
He left Seattle after five outstanding seasons via free agency and signed the biggest contract in the history of sports (10 years/$250 million) with the Texas Rangers. His home run totals surged to 52 in '01 with Texas, then 57 in '02 and back down to a humble 47 in '03. Yet the Rangers finished in last place in the NL West all of those years and Rodriguez was still searching for a World Series title to add to his list of accomplishments. Enter the New York Yankees. Texas swapped Rodriguez for Alfonso Soriano and a player-to-be-named-later. The best player in the world was heading to the center of the baseball universe where names like Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle and Jeter shine forever in immortality. The stars seemed in near perfect alignment.
Rodriguez continued to post gaudy offensive numbers when he arrived in New York. He won two AL MVP awards along the way, but the whispers of performance enhancing drugs around MLB included Rodriguez. He'd vehemently deny using them in 2007 during an interview with Katie Couric on 60 Minutes, but as more and more players around the league admitted their guilt over PED usage, the innuendos would continue around Rodriguez. He would eventually admit to using anabolic steroids during his first three years in Texas. He cited "an enormous amount of pressure to perform" as his reason for using. Later that same year, Rodriguez would help the Yankees win the World Series, gaining him the championship that had eluded him all those years.
Fast forward to today. MLB suspended 13 players linked to the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic for use of PED's. 12 of them received 50 game suspensions. Number 13, and yes that's the number he wears on the back of that pinstriped Yankee jersey coincidentally, was Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was hit with the harshest sentence of 211 games (the remaining 49 games of this season and the entire 162-game, 2014 season). MLB's statement explained that his discipline was based on the use and possession of numerous forms of performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone. Furthermore, his discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commisioner's investigation.
Not only a fraud and a liar, but he tried to cover the whole thing up. Truly amazing. Why not try and save your little remaining dignity and just take the suspension and admit everything. Plenty of major leaguers have taken that route, and eventually people will forget. It's the group of players that won't admit it, that will forever be tarnished. Barry Bonds. Roger Clemens. I'm looking at you. Just admit it Alex, you did a lot of wrong. To your fans, to the game of baseball and to the teams that paid you hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. Apologize and maybe, just maybe, you will be forgiven. I doubt it, but I also doubt you would give a truly heart-felt apology anyway.
In typical A-Rod fashion, he immediately appealed the suspension and was in the Yankee lineup for the first time this year tonight, batting clean up. In his first at-bat, he hit a 'clean' single. Unfortunately, for a guy who seemed destined to be a Hall of Famer from the start, there's nothing that will truly ever be considered 'clean' about you again.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
This week in stupid: Riley Cooper
For those of you that don't know, Riley Cooper is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and also, as his own words will show you, an ignorant, racist asshat.
How long before that first concussion cheap hit?
You see, Cooper was at a Kenny Chesney concert this past June, consuming massive quantities of alcohol throughout the day. He then proceeded to go nuts and drop an N-bomb because he wasn't allowed backstage. I mean, really, who wouldn't let Riley Cooper backstage? His biggest claim to fame thus far is being Tim Tebow's roommate while at the University of Florida. He should have name dropped his old buddy Timmy there and saved himself a boat full of headaches. Pun intended.
Cooper's exact quote was, "I will jump that fence and fight every n****r here." The best part is that he points directly at the camera filming him while saying this. You're in the NFL, you schmuck. The most popular sports league in the United States right now. Did you really think that this wasn't going to land you in a steaming pile of trouble? This rates at the absurdly high end of stupid. How anyone in professional sports that shares their day-to-day with many other athletes from varying walks of life could use a racial slur is beyond me.
The silver lining here, if you could call it that, is that Cooper is going to get blown up eventually by a member of an opposing team's defense. I'd be willing to wager more than once. Marcus Vick, brother of Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick -that's right, Cooper's teammate- offered a $1,000 bounty to the first free or strong safety to light him up.
Moral of this story. If you play a violent, contact sport you should keep your racist thoughts to yourself because they are bound to get you knocked out on the field.
You see, Cooper was at a Kenny Chesney concert this past June, consuming massive quantities of alcohol throughout the day. He then proceeded to go nuts and drop an N-bomb because he wasn't allowed backstage. I mean, really, who wouldn't let Riley Cooper backstage? His biggest claim to fame thus far is being Tim Tebow's roommate while at the University of Florida. He should have name dropped his old buddy Timmy there and saved himself a boat full of headaches. Pun intended.
Cooper's exact quote was, "I will jump that fence and fight every n****r here." The best part is that he points directly at the camera filming him while saying this. You're in the NFL, you schmuck. The most popular sports league in the United States right now. Did you really think that this wasn't going to land you in a steaming pile of trouble? This rates at the absurdly high end of stupid. How anyone in professional sports that shares their day-to-day with many other athletes from varying walks of life could use a racial slur is beyond me.
The silver lining here, if you could call it that, is that Cooper is going to get blown up eventually by a member of an opposing team's defense. I'd be willing to wager more than once. Marcus Vick, brother of Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick -that's right, Cooper's teammate- offered a $1,000 bounty to the first free or strong safety to light him up.
Moral of this story. If you play a violent, contact sport you should keep your racist thoughts to yourself because they are bound to get you knocked out on the field.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Best player in the NBA? Derrick Rose. Ummm...No.
In an interview yesterday, Chicago Bulls point guard, Derrick Rose was asked who the best player in the NBA is right now. His answer: "Derrick Rose."
Not only an incorrect answer, but speaking in the first person really isn't endearing you to anyone.
Rose won the NBA MVP award three years ago while leading his Bulls to the best record (62-20) during the regular season. His per game averages that year read 25 points on 44.5% shooting, 7.7 assists and 4 rebounds. They won their first two playoff round and then ran into the Miami Heat, who proceeded to stomp the Bulls in the Conference Finals four games to one. In the five games against the Heat, MVP Rose averaged 23.4 points, yet shot a brutal 35% (42-120) from the floor. The following season, Rose once again led the Bulls to the NBA's best record. He then torn the ACL in his knee in the first game of the playoffs against Philadelphia and we haven't seen him on a basketball court since. Correction. We have seen him on the court...in a nice suit on the bench.
The Heat in the playoffs again? Hold up on that comeback.
It's good for an athlete to have the confidence to say that he's the best player in the sport even after not playing for an entire season. Sports are all about having an edge over your opponent, and self-confidence is key.
Rose should have said the intelligent thing, maybe shown some humility, and admit that the best player in the NBA, hands down, is LeBron James of the Heat. James has won the league MVP award four of the last five seasons, and the last two Larry O'Brien championship trophies belong to him and the Heat.
Many have been critical of Rose for taking so long to return from injury. Adrian Peterson of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings tore his ACL and MCL on December 24, 2011 yet was able to return to the field just nine months later. Peterson also went on to rush for 2,097 yards, the second most ever in a single season, and won 2012 NFL MVP. Rose hasn't played in a game in since April 28, 2012. That's 15 months and counting. At least when the NBA season tips off again in late October, he should be very well rested.
While Rose is still a great player, he has a ton to prove once he finally gets back on the court. LeBron, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant and a sprinkling of others might have plenty to say to Rose about who is the NBA's best player right now. Rose will have his chance when his Bulls open next season in Miami against the champs.
Good luck with that.
Not only an incorrect answer, but speaking in the first person really isn't endearing you to anyone.
Rose won the NBA MVP award three years ago while leading his Bulls to the best record (62-20) during the regular season. His per game averages that year read 25 points on 44.5% shooting, 7.7 assists and 4 rebounds. They won their first two playoff round and then ran into the Miami Heat, who proceeded to stomp the Bulls in the Conference Finals four games to one. In the five games against the Heat, MVP Rose averaged 23.4 points, yet shot a brutal 35% (42-120) from the floor. The following season, Rose once again led the Bulls to the NBA's best record. He then torn the ACL in his knee in the first game of the playoffs against Philadelphia and we haven't seen him on a basketball court since. Correction. We have seen him on the court...in a nice suit on the bench.
It's good for an athlete to have the confidence to say that he's the best player in the sport even after not playing for an entire season. Sports are all about having an edge over your opponent, and self-confidence is key.
Rose should have said the intelligent thing, maybe shown some humility, and admit that the best player in the NBA, hands down, is LeBron James of the Heat. James has won the league MVP award four of the last five seasons, and the last two Larry O'Brien championship trophies belong to him and the Heat.
Many have been critical of Rose for taking so long to return from injury. Adrian Peterson of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings tore his ACL and MCL on December 24, 2011 yet was able to return to the field just nine months later. Peterson also went on to rush for 2,097 yards, the second most ever in a single season, and won 2012 NFL MVP. Rose hasn't played in a game in since April 28, 2012. That's 15 months and counting. At least when the NBA season tips off again in late October, he should be very well rested.
While Rose is still a great player, he has a ton to prove once he finally gets back on the court. LeBron, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant and a sprinkling of others might have plenty to say to Rose about who is the NBA's best player right now. Rose will have his chance when his Bulls open next season in Miami against the champs.
Good luck with that.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
P.E.D. Problems: Ryan Braun joins Rafael Palmeiro in the lying idiot club
"Let me start by telling you this: I have never used steroids, period. I don't know how to say it any more clearly than that. Never." - Rafael Palmeiro while speaking at a Congressional hearing on March 17, 2005.
Pointing a finger angrily at people means NEVER.
Flash forward to August 1, 2005. Palmeiro is suspended by Major League Baseball for testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. During his career, Palmeiro launched 569 home runs and collected 3,020 hits. Both benchmark numbers that typically earn entrance in to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I guess integrity means something to the Baseball Writers of America since Palmeiro's best result in the Hall voting came in 2012 when he garnered 12.6% of the vote. You need 75% to gain election to the Hall, so it's safe to say that Palmeiro won't be joining that club anytime soon.
You would think that today's players might have learned a lesson from Palmeiro. Think again. Yesterday, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers was suspended for the remaining 65 games of the season for his involvement in the Biogenesis of America performance enhancing drug investigation. Braun is no stranger to failed drug tests. In 2011, he failed a test that measured elevated testosterone level in his system. Braun successfully appealed the results and was never suspended because questions surrounded the way in which the sample was handled.
Part of Braun's statement after the suspension was overturned included this little gem. "It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side." Well, Mr. Braun, considering you just made a behind-the-scenes deal with MLB to suspend you for the remaining 65 games this season even before they released the findings of the Biogenesis investigation, it must mean that the truth is that you also used PED's and suffer from Palmeiro's disease.
He forgot the finger point. Do not pass go. Do not collect your millions of dollars.
Many more players are going to be suspended in the coming days once the full results of the Biogenesis investigation are revealed. Hopefully, the guilty will just admit they made a mistake and save some of their integrity.
Are you ready, Alex Rodriguez?
Monday, July 15, 2013
How to annoy a Met fan 101
I take a lot of pride out of being a fan of the New York Mets, which also leads to me taking crap from pretty much everyone, but I digress. This week, Citi Field, home of the Mets, is hosting the Major League Baseball All Star Game and all of the festivities that come along with it.
Hey, ESPN. That's the Mets logo, not the Dodgers, Giants or Yankees.
Tonight, ESPN is broadcasting the Home Run Derby and during the introductory highlight package, I suddenly see clips of the Yankees and the Dodgers and Giants mixed in with a couple Mets' moments. Normally, the host team and baseball are celebrated during this mid-season break. I understand that New York is not only home to the Mets and Yankees, and was the former home of the Dodgers and Giants before they both left for California in the late-1950s, but for once I expected the focus to be on Mets baseball. Obviously, they don't have the long winning tradition and championships that the Yankees have. They don't have the mystique that The Bums from Brooklyn had back in the days of Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and Duke Snider. The Giants had Willie Mays and won seven World Series titles while playing at the Polo Grounds. Yet, this is supposed to be about the Mets, who certainly have enough history of their own to fill an opening montage.
Mike Piazza's post-9/11 homer. Mookie Wilson's ground ball that got through Bill Buckner's legs. Casey Stengel and the Not-so-Amazin' squad of 1962. Doctor K. Jesse Orosco's glove launch after striking out Marty Barrett to win the 1986 World Series. The Franchise, Tom Seaver. The Kid, Gary Carter. Cleon Jones settling under that final fly out in 1969 and sinking to one knee to crown the true Miracle Mets. Robin Ventura's Grand Slam Single. Johan Santana's long over due no-hitter. Darryl Strawberry going deep. Tug McGraw and Ya' Gotta Believe. Keith Hernandez's golden glove. Jose Jose Jose! Captain Wright doing it all, and the promise of a Happy Matt Harvey Day right now, and for years to come. Fine examples, I'd say. Clearly, there is plenty of history from the boys from Queens to fill up a highlight reel.
I will always celebrate New York and the rich baseball history it has, but tonight should have been solely about the Mets and their rich history. Maybe I'm too loyal and being a little selfish here, but the Mets deserve a little bit of the spotlight during this annual display of baseball greatness. With a slight bow to Darren over at The 7 Line here, I'll always stay true to my boys in orange and blue. It's just a shame that ESPN did not.
Hey, ESPN. That's the Mets logo, not the Dodgers, Giants or Yankees.
Tonight, ESPN is broadcasting the Home Run Derby and during the introductory highlight package, I suddenly see clips of the Yankees and the Dodgers and Giants mixed in with a couple Mets' moments. Normally, the host team and baseball are celebrated during this mid-season break. I understand that New York is not only home to the Mets and Yankees, and was the former home of the Dodgers and Giants before they both left for California in the late-1950s, but for once I expected the focus to be on Mets baseball. Obviously, they don't have the long winning tradition and championships that the Yankees have. They don't have the mystique that The Bums from Brooklyn had back in the days of Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and Duke Snider. The Giants had Willie Mays and won seven World Series titles while playing at the Polo Grounds. Yet, this is supposed to be about the Mets, who certainly have enough history of their own to fill an opening montage.
Mike Piazza's post-9/11 homer. Mookie Wilson's ground ball that got through Bill Buckner's legs. Casey Stengel and the Not-so-Amazin' squad of 1962. Doctor K. Jesse Orosco's glove launch after striking out Marty Barrett to win the 1986 World Series. The Franchise, Tom Seaver. The Kid, Gary Carter. Cleon Jones settling under that final fly out in 1969 and sinking to one knee to crown the true Miracle Mets. Robin Ventura's Grand Slam Single. Johan Santana's long over due no-hitter. Darryl Strawberry going deep. Tug McGraw and Ya' Gotta Believe. Keith Hernandez's golden glove. Jose Jose Jose! Captain Wright doing it all, and the promise of a Happy Matt Harvey Day right now, and for years to come. Fine examples, I'd say. Clearly, there is plenty of history from the boys from Queens to fill up a highlight reel.
I will always celebrate New York and the rich baseball history it has, but tonight should have been solely about the Mets and their rich history. Maybe I'm too loyal and being a little selfish here, but the Mets deserve a little bit of the spotlight during this annual display of baseball greatness. With a slight bow to Darren over at The 7 Line here, I'll always stay true to my boys in orange and blue. It's just a shame that ESPN did not.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tebow goes to Gotham City
If you've read any of my earlier posts here, you know I'm a Tim Tebow supporter. I'm not delusional by any means. Right now, he's not a great quarterback in the NFL. Saying he's a good quarterback is even a stretch. He runs the ball well and has those football intangibles. Namely, he finds a way to win. While in Denver last season, he turned a 1-4 start into an 8-8 finish and AFC West title. He defeated defending AFC champion Pittsburgh in his first playoff start and tossed the game-winning 80-yard touchdown to Demaryius Thomas in overtime. Then he got steamrolled in New England next week by Tom Brady and the eventual AFC champion Patriots. Not a bad season for a guy that very few thought deserved a starting job.
So when Peyton Manning was cut by Indianapolis a few weeks ago and ended up signing a five-year/$96 million deal with the Broncos, the Tale of Tebow seemed to be coming to an end. Fear not, fans. The Tebow Circus will now make its way to the big city thanks to a stunning trade made by the New York Jets yesterday that saw the them send their fourth and sixth round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft to Denver for Tebow and a seventh rounder.
Best selling backup QB jersey...EVER!!!
You have to wonder what exactly the Jets are thinking. They pursued Manning, but dropped out early on, and handed incumbent quarterback Mark Sanchez and three-year contract extension. Now, Tebow comes to town and is anointed the backup. My guess is that Tebow is there to push Sanchez since he really hasn't had to worry about being benched the last few years, seeing as how the 40-something Mark Brunell has been his backup. Jets' brass has said that Tebow will be used in various game situations. New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano ran the "Wildcat" formation with success in Miami, so expect plenty of Tebow in those sets, some goal line situations, but very little else. Sanchez is the starter. He's been to two AFC championship games in his first three years in the league. He's "The Sanchise" until he falls on his face and gets run out of town. If that happens, we can talk more about bringing Tebow to New York being the wrong or right move. Right now, he's just the highest profile backup in the NFL.
Tebow's leadership has never been questioned and there's no questioning winning. Football is a team game and he has had plenty of help on both sides of the ball as both a Gator and then a Bronco. Look for Tebow to help the Jets look good and mend the discord that haunted the locker room last season, while the Jets make him look good when he's under center.
So when Peyton Manning was cut by Indianapolis a few weeks ago and ended up signing a five-year/$96 million deal with the Broncos, the Tale of Tebow seemed to be coming to an end. Fear not, fans. The Tebow Circus will now make its way to the big city thanks to a stunning trade made by the New York Jets yesterday that saw the them send their fourth and sixth round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft to Denver for Tebow and a seventh rounder.
You have to wonder what exactly the Jets are thinking. They pursued Manning, but dropped out early on, and handed incumbent quarterback Mark Sanchez and three-year contract extension. Now, Tebow comes to town and is anointed the backup. My guess is that Tebow is there to push Sanchez since he really hasn't had to worry about being benched the last few years, seeing as how the 40-something Mark Brunell has been his backup. Jets' brass has said that Tebow will be used in various game situations. New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano ran the "Wildcat" formation with success in Miami, so expect plenty of Tebow in those sets, some goal line situations, but very little else. Sanchez is the starter. He's been to two AFC championship games in his first three years in the league. He's "The Sanchise" until he falls on his face and gets run out of town. If that happens, we can talk more about bringing Tebow to New York being the wrong or right move. Right now, he's just the highest profile backup in the NFL.
Tebow's leadership has never been questioned and there's no questioning winning. Football is a team game and he has had plenty of help on both sides of the ball as both a Gator and then a Bronco. Look for Tebow to help the Jets look good and mend the discord that haunted the locker room last season, while the Jets make him look good when he's under center.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Baseball Hall of Fame writers are lacking
Baseball writers voted last week for Hall of Fame enshrinement and of all the credible candidates only Barry Larkin received over the 75% necessary to gain election. Larkin is very deserving and if I had a vote he would have got mine. I've been stewing all this time on how he's the only guy to get in this year. I'd have also voted for Jeff Bagwell, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff and yes, Mark McGwire. This could get into a steroid debate, but let's save that for another time.
My biggest beef here is the fact that Bernie Williams only received 55 votes (9.6%). This guy did everything on a Yankee team that won four World Series titles during his 16-year career. .297 career average, 287 home runs, 1257 runs batted in (five times over 100 in a season, which is one more time than Mickey Mantle did it, by the way), five All Star selections, four Gold Gloves in center field. Then, take his post season stats into perspective. He's first all-time in RBI's, then he's second all-time in hits, homers, doubles, runs scored, total bases, trailing Hall of Fame lock Derek Jeter in most of those categories, and Manny Ramirez, who would also be a Hall of Fame lock if not for that tiny little steroid issue he had, in the homer department.
So baseball writers? Why? Isn't the post season something that separates the legends from the regular season greats? Isn't this why the votes seem to rise every year for Jack Morris? Morris rose to 66.7% in the voting this year, and will probably have the door to the Hall open for him next year. Everyone remembers his post season efforts. Anchoring the Tigers pitching staff to the title in 1984 with two complete game victories in the World Series, and the 10-inning shutout he threw in 1991 against the Braves in Game 7 to win it for the Twins. Those post seasons overshadow the fact that his career regular season ERA was 3.90 and that he didn't break the magical 300 win plateau. Morris was a work horse. He won 254 games and he probably gets my vote as well, but only 55 votes being cast for Bernie is shameful. The guy was a class act and probably just as big a leader as Jeter was on those Yankee championship teams.
Explain to me how you don't vote this guy for the Hall. Please.
My biggest beef here is the fact that Bernie Williams only received 55 votes (9.6%). This guy did everything on a Yankee team that won four World Series titles during his 16-year career. .297 career average, 287 home runs, 1257 runs batted in (five times over 100 in a season, which is one more time than Mickey Mantle did it, by the way), five All Star selections, four Gold Gloves in center field. Then, take his post season stats into perspective. He's first all-time in RBI's, then he's second all-time in hits, homers, doubles, runs scored, total bases, trailing Hall of Fame lock Derek Jeter in most of those categories, and Manny Ramirez, who would also be a Hall of Fame lock if not for that tiny little steroid issue he had, in the homer department.
So baseball writers? Why? Isn't the post season something that separates the legends from the regular season greats? Isn't this why the votes seem to rise every year for Jack Morris? Morris rose to 66.7% in the voting this year, and will probably have the door to the Hall open for him next year. Everyone remembers his post season efforts. Anchoring the Tigers pitching staff to the title in 1984 with two complete game victories in the World Series, and the 10-inning shutout he threw in 1991 against the Braves in Game 7 to win it for the Twins. Those post seasons overshadow the fact that his career regular season ERA was 3.90 and that he didn't break the magical 300 win plateau. Morris was a work horse. He won 254 games and he probably gets my vote as well, but only 55 votes being cast for Bernie is shameful. The guy was a class act and probably just as big a leader as Jeter was on those Yankee championship teams.
Explain to me how you don't vote this guy for the Hall. Please.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
25 years and counting
Currently watching the Cardinals-Rangers World Series, Game 6, with Texas needing three more outs for their first ever championship, I felt it time to reflect on the 25th anniversary of my beloved Mets only World Series title of my life.
I went to bed crying after the Red Sox homered twice in the second inning to go up 3-0. Thankfully, my mom woke me up when the Mets tied it at 3. Ray Knight homered soon after my waking, putting the Mets ahead for good. Darryl Strawberry hit a monstrous home run in the 8th for some insurance. In the ninth, Jesse Orosco delivered the 2-2 pitch. Marty Barrett swung and missed. I went ape shit and this is what it looked like on the field.
VICTORY!
Thanks Mets! Now go out and get me another one before I die.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
"Behind the bag!"
25 years ago today, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully uttered these three little words. Mets' fans all over New York, including myself, age 9, went crazy. Just moments prior, Boston was leading Game 6 of the 1986 Series 5-3, with two out and no one on base. They were on the verge of their first title since 1918.
Then it happened.
Gary Carter singles. Kevin Mitchell singles, Ray Knight singles home Carter. Bob Stanley uncorks a wild pitch to Mookie Wilson that allows Mitchell to come home and tie it at 5. Then it's Mookie's "little roller up along first..." Bill Buckner watches it go through his legs. Mets win. See you in Game 7.
No matter how many times I watch it, or talk about it, it will never not make me smile.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tebow's time?
There are many people in the world of sports that consider themselves experts. You see them on television, listen to them on the radio, and read what they have to say in newspapers. Since Tim Tebow completed his senior season at the University of Florida there have been lots of experts voicing their opinions. They said that he'd never be selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. The experts showed they aren't perfect prognosticators when the Denver Broncos selected Tebow with the 25th pick of the first round.
As expected, Tebow spent most of his rookie season as the backup to Kyle Orton. He saw some action in short yardage and goal line situations. Ran for a few short touchdowns and even tossed a short touchdown pass on his first NFL attempt. Denver turned to Tebow to start the final three games of 2010 after Orton and the Broncos stumbled to a 3-10 record, dead last in the AFC West. Tebow went 1-2 in his three starts, completing just under 50% of his passes with four touchdowns and three interceptions and a passer rating of 82.1. Pedestrian statistics and plenty of rookie mistakes, but that's what should be expected of a young quarterback. In his lone victory, he rallied the Broncos from a 23-10 deficit to Houston by throwing and running for two scores in the final 11 minutes giving the Broncos a 24-23 win.
Tebow's 2011 began with many questions as well. Should he be the starter? The experts said no, once again. The Broncos' coaching staff apparently agreed as Tebow was dropped to third on the depth chart behind Orton and Brady Quinn. The Broncos started slowly again in 2011 under Orton and while trailing San Diego 23-10 at halftime, Tebow was called on again to take the reins starting the second half. Tebow engineered two second half touchdown drives and had his last chance pass fall incomplete in the end zone as the Broncos fell 29-24.
Tebow was named the starter on Monday and all the experts came out again to bash him.
How many of you get this fired up for a team that's lost 16 of their last 21 games?
Now I'll be the first to admit, I don't believe Tebow is never going to be Joe Montana, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. I will say it's time for the experts to let the guy have a chance before the bash him anymore. If he fails, they can gloat all they want, but if he proves them wrong, they should apologize to him publicly since they have tried writing off his career before it even has a chance.
Tebow isn't your typical pocket QB, but there have been plenty of successful NFL quarterbacks that used their other athletic abilities to lead teams to victories on the field. And there's those intangibles experts like to talk about. He's a great teammate from everyone you ask. He's a monster in the workout room. He's a winner. In his three years as a starter for the Gators he posted a 35-6 record, winning the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship. He puts points on the scoreboard, as he tossed 88 touchdowns and rushed for another 57. Yes, college isn't the NFL, but so far at the pro level he's accounted for 13 TD's in 12 games.
For whatever reason, the running athletic quarterback has always been knocked at the NFL level. The experts say they can't succeed. Well, experts let me prove you wrong with four names: Randall Cunningham, Fran Tarkenton, Steve Young and Michael Vick. All four known as mobile, athletic quarterbacks, and with the exception of Young (who didn't start full time until he was 30, while learning behind Hall of Famer Joe Montana), all completed less than 60% of their passes.
W-L-T Comp. % Pass yards TD/INT Rushes-Yards TD
Tarkenton 124-109-6 57.0 47003 342/266 675-3674 32
Cunningham 82-52-1 56.6 29979 207/134 775-4928 35
Young 94-49-0 64.3 33124 232/107 722-4239 43
Vick 47-35-1 55.8 15945 101/65 690-4948 32
They all had winning records. Young won a Super Bowl. Tarkenton started three Super Bowls, but came away without winning the big one. Cunningham led his team to the playoffs eight times. Vick has been to the playoffs in four of his eight years as a starter, and has years left to play still.
Now I'm not proclaiming Tebow as the next in this line of great athletic signal callers. Maybe he will be. Maybe he won't. At the very least, he's earned the chance to prove to every expert that says, "he can't do it", that he can. One thing I can guarantee is that Tebow will give every ounce of sweat to helping the Broncos win each and every week. That's what happens when you put your heart into doing what you love most.
I'm behind you, Tim. I'm no expert, but I'll at least give you a chance.
As expected, Tebow spent most of his rookie season as the backup to Kyle Orton. He saw some action in short yardage and goal line situations. Ran for a few short touchdowns and even tossed a short touchdown pass on his first NFL attempt. Denver turned to Tebow to start the final three games of 2010 after Orton and the Broncos stumbled to a 3-10 record, dead last in the AFC West. Tebow went 1-2 in his three starts, completing just under 50% of his passes with four touchdowns and three interceptions and a passer rating of 82.1. Pedestrian statistics and plenty of rookie mistakes, but that's what should be expected of a young quarterback. In his lone victory, he rallied the Broncos from a 23-10 deficit to Houston by throwing and running for two scores in the final 11 minutes giving the Broncos a 24-23 win.
Tebow's 2011 began with many questions as well. Should he be the starter? The experts said no, once again. The Broncos' coaching staff apparently agreed as Tebow was dropped to third on the depth chart behind Orton and Brady Quinn. The Broncos started slowly again in 2011 under Orton and while trailing San Diego 23-10 at halftime, Tebow was called on again to take the reins starting the second half. Tebow engineered two second half touchdown drives and had his last chance pass fall incomplete in the end zone as the Broncos fell 29-24.
Tebow was named the starter on Monday and all the experts came out again to bash him.
Now I'll be the first to admit, I don't believe Tebow is never going to be Joe Montana, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. I will say it's time for the experts to let the guy have a chance before the bash him anymore. If he fails, they can gloat all they want, but if he proves them wrong, they should apologize to him publicly since they have tried writing off his career before it even has a chance.
Tebow isn't your typical pocket QB, but there have been plenty of successful NFL quarterbacks that used their other athletic abilities to lead teams to victories on the field. And there's those intangibles experts like to talk about. He's a great teammate from everyone you ask. He's a monster in the workout room. He's a winner. In his three years as a starter for the Gators he posted a 35-6 record, winning the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship. He puts points on the scoreboard, as he tossed 88 touchdowns and rushed for another 57. Yes, college isn't the NFL, but so far at the pro level he's accounted for 13 TD's in 12 games.
For whatever reason, the running athletic quarterback has always been knocked at the NFL level. The experts say they can't succeed. Well, experts let me prove you wrong with four names: Randall Cunningham, Fran Tarkenton, Steve Young and Michael Vick. All four known as mobile, athletic quarterbacks, and with the exception of Young (who didn't start full time until he was 30, while learning behind Hall of Famer Joe Montana), all completed less than 60% of their passes.
W-L-T Comp. % Pass yards TD/INT Rushes-Yards TD
Tarkenton 124-109-6 57.0 47003 342/266 675-3674 32
Cunningham 82-52-1 56.6 29979 207/134 775-4928 35
Young 94-49-0 64.3 33124 232/107 722-4239 43
Vick 47-35-1 55.8 15945 101/65 690-4948 32
They all had winning records. Young won a Super Bowl. Tarkenton started three Super Bowls, but came away without winning the big one. Cunningham led his team to the playoffs eight times. Vick has been to the playoffs in four of his eight years as a starter, and has years left to play still.
Now I'm not proclaiming Tebow as the next in this line of great athletic signal callers. Maybe he will be. Maybe he won't. At the very least, he's earned the chance to prove to every expert that says, "he can't do it", that he can. One thing I can guarantee is that Tebow will give every ounce of sweat to helping the Broncos win each and every week. That's what happens when you put your heart into doing what you love most.
I'm behind you, Tim. I'm no expert, but I'll at least give you a chance.
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