I usually don't like to tell be people I told you so, scratch that, I do like to tell people I told you so and I told you about Boise St. months ago. I don't want to rub salt in the wounds, but I've been fighting this battle all year. I even started asking myself, Am I being too hard on the Cowboys? Am I selling out to the establishment? Am I allowing myself to be brainwashed by corporate entities whose only purpose is to generate more revenue? After all until yesterday Boise St. hadn't lost a game in 3 seasons and had beaten some noteworthy opponents. They are fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball with playmakers at the skilled positions and a stingy defense. Kellen Moore has complete control of the offense and is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country. This senior class at Boise St. has been doing the impossible for years now. The Boise St. supporters would ask me, don't they deserve to be in the conversation? Shouldn't they get their chance to play against the best in the country come bowl time?
The answer is no. Boise St. was a feel good story and nothing more. They were over achievers who managed to maximize their potential. The Ohio St. president last week said what most people in the country were already thinking. THEY DON'T PLAY ANYBODY! THEIR CONFERENCE IS WEAK! IF THEY PLAYED IN THE SEC, BIG 10, BIG 12, OR PAC 10 THEY WOULD HAVE MULTIPLE LOSSES! A ONE LOSS TEAM FROM A POWER CONFERENCE IS BETTER THAN AN UNDEFEATED BOISE ST. TEAM! Until last night the Cowboys were going to put some people in a very difficult position with regard to BCS voting. It's unfortunate their fate was sealed by a kicker missing 2 field goals of less than 30 yards. You hate to see your destiny taken away by a filthy, nasty kicker. In the end we learned a valuable lesson, Boise St. plays an exciting brand of football, but they're not a big time college football program. They tried to call winners on the big court and ended up getting passed over. Sorry little guy.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Cleavie The Greek Predicts Auburn Over Alabama
The gambler has let his heart and his feelings get in the way of his better judgement. Conventional wisdom says Alabama is at home and would like nothing more than to spoil Auburn's perfect season. With the national championship out of reach this game is bigger than any other bowl game for the Crimson Tide. They have the perfect offense to keep Cam Newton on the sidelines and the Alabama defense can force the quarterback sensation into an average day. That being said I think Cam Newton has something special in store for Iron Bowl 2010. Cam Newton knows he's not coming back to Auburn next year and he has 3 games left to audition for the NFL. It will look impressive to have a win over Alabama on his resume. If he has a break out game against a Nick Saban coached team consider Cam Newton a first round pick. If I had my Young Sam Rothstein cap on I'd take Alabama, but Cleavie the Greek is going with his hunch. This game will come down to a last second field goal make or miss. We'll see what fate has in store for Cam. Here are a few bonus picks from Cleavie the Greek:
USC over Notre Dame. In the battle of the fallen programs USC finally gets a game against the Fighting Irish at the Coliseum. Matt Barkley will redeem himself and USC will get a leg up on the national recruiting scene.
Penn St. over Michigan St. Joe Paterno is getting a little long in the tooth, but it's senior day at Happy Valley and Michigan St. has looked vulnerable on the road. Look for Penn St. to play inspired ball and pull the upset.
Atlanta over Green Bay. I'm not a big believer in either one of these teams, but I believe in the Falcons more than I believe in the Packers. The Packers have had some easy games recently and this will be a wake up call for them.
Baltimore over Tampa Bay. The Bucs have responded to adversity admirably this season, but they're not ready for the hostile environment and the cold weather awaiting them in Baltimore. Oh yeah, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will be there also.
Philadelphia over Chicago. The Michael Vick factor.
USC over Notre Dame. In the battle of the fallen programs USC finally gets a game against the Fighting Irish at the Coliseum. Matt Barkley will redeem himself and USC will get a leg up on the national recruiting scene.
Penn St. over Michigan St. Joe Paterno is getting a little long in the tooth, but it's senior day at Happy Valley and Michigan St. has looked vulnerable on the road. Look for Penn St. to play inspired ball and pull the upset.
Atlanta over Green Bay. I'm not a big believer in either one of these teams, but I believe in the Falcons more than I believe in the Packers. The Packers have had some easy games recently and this will be a wake up call for them.
Baltimore over Tampa Bay. The Bucs have responded to adversity admirably this season, but they're not ready for the hostile environment and the cold weather awaiting them in Baltimore. Oh yeah, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will be there also.
Philadelphia over Chicago. The Michael Vick factor.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Derrick Rose Is Better Than Rajon Rondo
Just got done watching the Suns vs. the Bulls and the argument is over. Derrick Rose is the 3rd best point guard in basketball behind Chris Paul and Deron Williams. He is physically more gifted than both of them and he's only 22 years old. When the playoffs start we'll re-visit this conversation. I think the results will be different.
Are The Yankees Finished?
When George Steinbrenner passed away this summer baseball lost an American icon. The "Boss" had a passion for winning and under his ownership the Yankees won 7 world series titles. Everyone assumed that in his absence the organization would be run in the same fashion with the same level of success. The Derek Jeter negotiations have shown us how wrong we were.
Hal Steinbrenner (George's son and CEO of the Yankees) has made it clear that his all star, gold glove, captain is just another player. The last name may be the same, but the philosophy of the new Yankees ownership is quite different. Hal vowed that emotions would not play a part in the offer set forth by the Yankees and the negotiations may get messy. True to his word Hal refused to offer Derek salary arbitration and GM Brian Cashman "encouraged" Derek to test the free agent market to see if he could find a better deal than the Yankees offered him (3yrs, 45 mil). The mere fact the Yankees are putting Derek Jeter in a take it or leave it scenario is astounding. No one player has been more symbolic of the Yankees success than Derek Jeter, AKA The King of New York, AKA Frank White. The "Boss 2.0" is sending a clear message. If he can do this to Jeter he can do it to anyone.
Hal doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve. If the "Boss" were still around this deal would be done already. The new regime is cold hearted and ruthless. They refuse to overpay for players or take into consideration past performances and dedication. Gone are the days of "money is no object" and "You're like a son to me if we win."
This is a dangerous game of chicken Hal Steinbrenner is playing. If Derek Jeter ends up leaving and signs with someone like the Boston Red Sox or the Tampa Bay Rays the city of New York will never forgive him. He will lose the support that gives him the power to sign all those free agents and create additional revenue streams. Hal is gambling that Derek will take less money and less years than he wants to remain the Yankees captain because there is no greater job in baseball. Hal may be right in his assumptions, but his approach is too abrasive and arrogant. Lets hope Derek sees the big picture and conforms to the way the new age Steinbrenners do business. If he walks it will be the start of their ending.
No blog tomorrow, just football and turkey! see you guys on Friday.
Hal Steinbrenner (George's son and CEO of the Yankees) has made it clear that his all star, gold glove, captain is just another player. The last name may be the same, but the philosophy of the new Yankees ownership is quite different. Hal vowed that emotions would not play a part in the offer set forth by the Yankees and the negotiations may get messy. True to his word Hal refused to offer Derek salary arbitration and GM Brian Cashman "encouraged" Derek to test the free agent market to see if he could find a better deal than the Yankees offered him (3yrs, 45 mil). The mere fact the Yankees are putting Derek Jeter in a take it or leave it scenario is astounding. No one player has been more symbolic of the Yankees success than Derek Jeter, AKA The King of New York, AKA Frank White. The "Boss 2.0" is sending a clear message. If he can do this to Jeter he can do it to anyone.
Hal doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve. If the "Boss" were still around this deal would be done already. The new regime is cold hearted and ruthless. They refuse to overpay for players or take into consideration past performances and dedication. Gone are the days of "money is no object" and "You're like a son to me if we win."
This is a dangerous game of chicken Hal Steinbrenner is playing. If Derek Jeter ends up leaving and signs with someone like the Boston Red Sox or the Tampa Bay Rays the city of New York will never forgive him. He will lose the support that gives him the power to sign all those free agents and create additional revenue streams. Hal is gambling that Derek will take less money and less years than he wants to remain the Yankees captain because there is no greater job in baseball. Hal may be right in his assumptions, but his approach is too abrasive and arrogant. Lets hope Derek sees the big picture and conforms to the way the new age Steinbrenners do business. If he walks it will be the start of their ending.
No blog tomorrow, just football and turkey! see you guys on Friday.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Peyton "Big Money" Manning
Peyton Manning will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and will undoubtedly break the bank. It goes without saying that Peyton will become the highest paid player in football, but exactly how much is a Peyton worth?
I was speaking to a good friend of mine and he threw out a number that I'm still trying to wrap my hands around. "Peyton Manning is going to get $100,000,000 in guaranteed money," he said. From a player's and agent's perspective the logic was sound.
1. Peyton Manning is the undisputed leader and face of the Indianapolis Colts franchise.
2. Peyton Manning is the face of the NFL.
3. Peyton Manning is durable, almost Brett Favre like.
4. Peyton Manning is the epitome of a role model when the concept really no longer exists.
5. Peyton Manning is marketable beyond belief.
6. Peyton Manning is a 4 time MVP, the best quarterback today, and arguably the best ever.
7. Sam Bradford and Tom Brady have already set the bar at $50,000,000 guaranteed.
8. Peyton Manning gives Indianapolis, Indiana a relevance it never had before Peyton's arrival and will never have again after his departure.
I heard what my friend was saying, but the number was mind boggling. From an owners perspective the logic was flawed.
1. No one player is worth $100,000,000 guaranteed in a sport where any play could be your last.
2. Peyton Manning is 30+ and his skills (if even slightly) will start to diminish in a few years.
3. Peyton Manning is 30+, susceptible to injury, and his bounce back time will be significantly slower.
4. 100,000,000 in guaranteed money restricts the team's flexibility in terms of free agency and the salary cap.
5. $100,000,000 sets a dangerous precedence.
6. Everything has to go perfect for this investment to pencil out.
7. The sport itself is too dangerous to guarantee that much money.
After weighing the pros and cons of the argument (and both sides were compelling) I wouldn't be surprised if Peyton Manning got $100,000,000 guaranteed, but I think the compromise will be a little less. Although Peyton Manning is an unrestricted free agent he has no intentions of ever leaving Indianapolis. The Colts are the only franchise he's ever known and he practically runs the organization. There is no doubt someone would give him the $100,000,000 but does he really want to start all over again in Detroit, Cincinnati, or Miami? The Colts have been loyal to him and his market value is somewhat predicated by what desperate teams would give to land a football god. In the end the hometown team gets a discount. My guess as to how much guaranteed money Peyton Manning gets? $70,000,000. My conscience won't allow the number to go any higher.
I was speaking to a good friend of mine and he threw out a number that I'm still trying to wrap my hands around. "Peyton Manning is going to get $100,000,000 in guaranteed money," he said. From a player's and agent's perspective the logic was sound.
1. Peyton Manning is the undisputed leader and face of the Indianapolis Colts franchise.
2. Peyton Manning is the face of the NFL.
3. Peyton Manning is durable, almost Brett Favre like.
4. Peyton Manning is the epitome of a role model when the concept really no longer exists.
5. Peyton Manning is marketable beyond belief.
6. Peyton Manning is a 4 time MVP, the best quarterback today, and arguably the best ever.
7. Sam Bradford and Tom Brady have already set the bar at $50,000,000 guaranteed.
8. Peyton Manning gives Indianapolis, Indiana a relevance it never had before Peyton's arrival and will never have again after his departure.
I heard what my friend was saying, but the number was mind boggling. From an owners perspective the logic was flawed.
1. No one player is worth $100,000,000 guaranteed in a sport where any play could be your last.
2. Peyton Manning is 30+ and his skills (if even slightly) will start to diminish in a few years.
3. Peyton Manning is 30+, susceptible to injury, and his bounce back time will be significantly slower.
4. 100,000,000 in guaranteed money restricts the team's flexibility in terms of free agency and the salary cap.
5. $100,000,000 sets a dangerous precedence.
6. Everything has to go perfect for this investment to pencil out.
7. The sport itself is too dangerous to guarantee that much money.
After weighing the pros and cons of the argument (and both sides were compelling) I wouldn't be surprised if Peyton Manning got $100,000,000 guaranteed, but I think the compromise will be a little less. Although Peyton Manning is an unrestricted free agent he has no intentions of ever leaving Indianapolis. The Colts are the only franchise he's ever known and he practically runs the organization. There is no doubt someone would give him the $100,000,000 but does he really want to start all over again in Detroit, Cincinnati, or Miami? The Colts have been loyal to him and his market value is somewhat predicated by what desperate teams would give to land a football god. In the end the hometown team gets a discount. My guess as to how much guaranteed money Peyton Manning gets? $70,000,000. My conscience won't allow the number to go any higher.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weekend Observations
It was a bounce back week in the world of fantasy football. After scoring only 59 points in one of my leagues last week I went off for 115 on Sunday. Unfortunately my opponent went off for 118 out of nowhere and I lost my match up. It's looking 50/50 for the playoffs. In my trash talking league I skated to victory because my opponent fell asleep at the wheel. He forgot to start a kicker and went with Oakland's defense. I wouldn't feel right if I gave myself too much credit for that one. In my newly formed trash talking league I lead my arch nemesis by 13 points going into tonight's game, but he's starting Moreno and the Denver kicker. This one will be a nail biter. It's all Reggie Bush's fault (once again) for false advertisement. I could've put someone else in his slot and cruised to victory. He's lucky I don't send Kim Kardashian over to his house in a santa's helper costume to mess with his head.
It was a C.R.E.A.M. weekend at the sportsbook. I was one shovel pass away from perfection. The Stanford pick was pure genius and poor Mr. St. Pierre in Carolina got to experience first hand what he had only seen on video games previously. Ed Reed came up with his 50th career interception and took it all the way back to the house. Vick stayed hot and Wisconsin took care of business. It's safe to say I have a limo, free champagne, and tickets to Celine Dion waiting for me the next time I head back to the desert. Congrats to Tom from Scottsdale on hitting the 3 team parlay. $500 turns to $3,000 real easy when you listen to Young Sam. Another shout out goes to Melissa in Mobile, AL who upgraded from a Hyundai to a Honda courtesy of 2 2 game parlays, a 3 game parlay, and 1 gutsy 4 team parlay. As I've said on numerous occasions you'll get a return on your investment if attention you pay. There are more testimonials available upon request. Here are some observations from the weekend.
Vince Young needs to see the same shrink as Ron Artest. With weapons like Randy Moss and Chris Johnson around him he still manages to melt down and finds himself in the doghouse again (this time permanently). Scratch that playoff talk.
Even with a loss yesterday Indy gets their playoff spot back (see previous comment).
Kansas City has the best running game in the NFL. The 1-2 punch of Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles has kept the Chief atop the AFC West.
If Jimmy Johnson had a cooler name that wasn't already taken by a hall of fame narcissistic coach we would probably give him more credit for winning 5 NASCAR championships in a row. It's an accomplishment that deserves more praise and attention than it's getting.
North Carolina is turning into the basketball equivalent of Notre Dame. The players think they can walk on the court with Jordan logo uniforms, point to Dean Smith, point to the rafters, and everyone will get scared and go home. It doesn't work that way. You have to actually play and win the game. Tough times ahead for UNC.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A King With No Kingdom
On Thursday Felix Hernandez established himself as the dominant pitcher in the American league with his selection as the 2010 Cy Young award winner. Unfortunately that distinction did not translate into wins and losses for the Seattle Mariners this season. Fortunately the sports writers were able to separate the brilliance of Felix from the brutal ineptness of the Mariners team. Felix captured the Cy Young award with fewer victories (13) than any pitcher who's ever pitched in an uninterrupted season.
The Mariners did the unthinkable in several ways last season. They fielded a team with 2 gold glove winners, a Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee for half the season, and the baseball god known as Ichiro yet they still managed to lose over 100 games. How is that possible? Seattle was also the worst hitting team since the inception of the designated hitter. Let me re-phrase that. The Seattle Mariners were the worst American league hitting team ever. In the case of Felix Hernandez sometimes your best just isn't good enough.
The Mariners are lucky they signed Felix to a long contract extension when they did. If he could become a free agent after this year (or next) there is no doubt he would be gone. Felix may still ask for a trade and who could blame him? Wasting his talents on a garbage team in his prime years isn't good for him and it isn't good for baseball. Felix is a king with no kingdom. If the Mariners don't rectify this situation soon the big boys (New York, Chicago, Boston, LA) will come calling and make them an offer the Mariners can't refuse. Like so many Seattle sports stars of the past Felix will be gone like the wind. The Mariners are on the clock. Let's see if they can keep King Felix. My prediction? 2011 will be his last as a Mariner. Sad.
The Mariners did the unthinkable in several ways last season. They fielded a team with 2 gold glove winners, a Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee for half the season, and the baseball god known as Ichiro yet they still managed to lose over 100 games. How is that possible? Seattle was also the worst hitting team since the inception of the designated hitter. Let me re-phrase that. The Seattle Mariners were the worst American league hitting team ever. In the case of Felix Hernandez sometimes your best just isn't good enough.
The Mariners are lucky they signed Felix to a long contract extension when they did. If he could become a free agent after this year (or next) there is no doubt he would be gone. Felix may still ask for a trade and who could blame him? Wasting his talents on a garbage team in his prime years isn't good for him and it isn't good for baseball. Felix is a king with no kingdom. If the Mariners don't rectify this situation soon the big boys (New York, Chicago, Boston, LA) will come calling and make them an offer the Mariners can't refuse. Like so many Seattle sports stars of the past Felix will be gone like the wind. The Mariners are on the clock. Let's see if they can keep King Felix. My prediction? 2011 will be his last as a Mariner. Sad.
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