I know I have been doing a pretty crappy job of blogging recently and that you don't want to see another list, but have to take time to mention three random things around the world of sports.
1. A North Korean soccer player, Jong Tae-Se, has been signed by German soccer team Bochum and scored two goals in his debut against 1860 Munich. I am simply amazed by this because I had no idea that any North Koreans played their soccer outside of the People's Republic. In doing a little more research I see that there are three players from their World Cup roster who play internationally - both Jong and An Yong-Hak (both born in Japan) as well as Hong Yong-Jo who plays in Russia.
I don't know all the politics and I'm sure any comments I have will come off sounding naive, but this has to be considered a big step, right? If North Korea is serious about their players gaining more international experience, then doesn't that mean becoming less isolated? That can only be a good thing.
2. I was at beautiful Lake Crescent the other day on a hike and I saw two men wearing Oklahoma City Thunder shirts. I was honestly unable to enjoy the view the entire time they were within close proximity to me. One guys wife was asking questions about boating to a local guy (who seemed not to care about the shirts) and it was obvious that they were oblivious (or really really really sinister). Anyways, I came across this article. While it in no way makes up for the Sonics leaving, it could be a small win for this town.
3. The UFL is signing some more big name football players (or at least they were big names at one time) for their upcoming season. Last year JP Losman was the biggest name. This year, the league has signed Jeff Garcia, Daunte Culpepper, Ahman Green, Dominic Rhodes and many others with NFL experience. The biggest news, however, is that Maurice Clarett, the one time OSU stud has been granted permission by a judge to travel to out of state to try out for the Omaha Nighthawks. All reports are that Clarett finally has his head on straight (he recently re-enrolled at OSU) and now we will see if he is in any kind of shape. Clarett has made a lot of mistakes in the past. Like all Americans he deserves a second chance and it looks like he might get one. The UFL is not a household name (I bet not one of my two readers has ever heard of it), but it is a start. I for one am hoping he gets a shot to turn his life around. First with an education. Second as a professional football player.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
This is the time...
...for the Mets to step it up.
I know, I know. I publicly said they were done if they didn't sweep the Pirates. I am guilty of burying them. That being said, I take offense to all the cheap shots being directed towards them recently. Yes, their front office has does a terrible job. Yes, there players are getting into off the field stuff. Yes, metsblog.com rating is at 9%. But that doesn't mean that I appreciate ESPN New York doing a three part series on the New York Mess.
Guys, you are becoming a laughing stock. There is no way a team who is 1 game over .500 should be called the worst organization in baseball. Do something about it NOW.
This is the prefect opportunity to show that you are not a mess; that you have some pride; that you are a better than decent baseball team.
I know, I know. I publicly said they were done if they didn't sweep the Pirates. I am guilty of burying them. That being said, I take offense to all the cheap shots being directed towards them recently. Yes, their front office has does a terrible job. Yes, there players are getting into off the field stuff. Yes, metsblog.com rating is at 9%. But that doesn't mean that I appreciate ESPN New York doing a three part series on the New York Mess.
Guys, you are becoming a laughing stock. There is no way a team who is 1 game over .500 should be called the worst organization in baseball. Do something about it NOW.
This is the prefect opportunity to show that you are not a mess; that you have some pride; that you are a better than decent baseball team.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday Morning Five-Pack
Here is a Friday five pack to quench your sports thirst
1. I know soccer is not perfect. But I would like to reiterate that sports violence is not to soccer. Here is another clip of sports violence in basketball. Please watch and stop hating.
2. Let's talk Sounders for a second. Last night they started the group stage of the Champions League with a 2-1 road loss to Marathon of Honduras. The team struggled most of the night, but they had several chances in the second half and again were unable to get it done. It's not a terrible result given the difficulty of winning in Central America, but I think we all left the game feeling like we gave one away. Next week we host Monterrey. Before last nights match I was hoping that Terry Boss would get a look in goal with Graham, Scott, Fucito and Estrada getting the start. But now it looks like Sigi will need to stick with the starters to get the win before two consecutive away games. [I'm not sure how I feel about Marshall's foul, so Mike I would love to get your thoughts]
3. As previously mentioned, my feelings about the Mets are on a day-to-day roller coaster. After last nights 3-2 loss I am in a huge huge rut. How can you not take 3 of 4 from them? I know most Mets fans think the season is over right now, but I'm still trying to be hopeful. With that being said, if the Mets do not sweep the Pirates over the weekend their season is OVER.
4. Going camping with the in-laws this weekend. I just read that Facebook is adding a new feature where you can broadcast your location to all your friends. All they need is an iPhone and all of a sudden they find you and join you for a drink. Now I'm not here to bash facebook because I know the backlash I will get (it's kind of like Voltron but instead of 5 cats joining forces, it's 2 million bookfacers), but does anyone feel like this is getting out of control? It's bad enough that we are all accessible by phone and email at all hours of the day. But now, you're going to know where everyone is? How quickly before everyone knows when I am in stall #2 of my 5th floor office bathroom. Ridiculous.
5. Rick Reilly hosted Sportscenter the other night. Seriosuly, Rick Reilly. Has anyone ever seen him on camera before? He is terrible. Is Simmons killing him so much in readership that ESPN has decided to move him into another sphere? Hey Rick, bet you're regretting that decision to leave SI.
Be back on Sunday. Next week my thoughts on the '5 letter F-word', Melo to the Knicks and hopefully some MLS talk.
1. I know soccer is not perfect. But I would like to reiterate that sports violence is not to soccer. Here is another clip of sports violence in basketball. Please watch and stop hating.
2. Let's talk Sounders for a second. Last night they started the group stage of the Champions League with a 2-1 road loss to Marathon of Honduras. The team struggled most of the night, but they had several chances in the second half and again were unable to get it done. It's not a terrible result given the difficulty of winning in Central America, but I think we all left the game feeling like we gave one away. Next week we host Monterrey. Before last nights match I was hoping that Terry Boss would get a look in goal with Graham, Scott, Fucito and Estrada getting the start. But now it looks like Sigi will need to stick with the starters to get the win before two consecutive away games. [I'm not sure how I feel about Marshall's foul, so Mike I would love to get your thoughts]
3. As previously mentioned, my feelings about the Mets are on a day-to-day roller coaster. After last nights 3-2 loss I am in a huge huge rut. How can you not take 3 of 4 from them? I know most Mets fans think the season is over right now, but I'm still trying to be hopeful. With that being said, if the Mets do not sweep the Pirates over the weekend their season is OVER.
4. Going camping with the in-laws this weekend. I just read that Facebook is adding a new feature where you can broadcast your location to all your friends. All they need is an iPhone and all of a sudden they find you and join you for a drink. Now I'm not here to bash facebook because I know the backlash I will get (it's kind of like Voltron but instead of 5 cats joining forces, it's 2 million bookfacers), but does anyone feel like this is getting out of control? It's bad enough that we are all accessible by phone and email at all hours of the day. But now, you're going to know where everyone is? How quickly before everyone knows when I am in stall #2 of my 5th floor office bathroom. Ridiculous.
5. Rick Reilly hosted Sportscenter the other night. Seriosuly, Rick Reilly. Has anyone ever seen him on camera before? He is terrible. Is Simmons killing him so much in readership that ESPN has decided to move him into another sphere? Hey Rick, bet you're regretting that decision to leave SI.
Be back on Sunday. Next week my thoughts on the '5 letter F-word', Melo to the Knicks and hopefully some MLS talk.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Purest Form of Sports
When I was 20 I traveled 2.5 hours from NJ to Bristol, CT with my buddy Jay to watch the Mid-Atlantic finals of the Little League World series. Pequannock, a near by town who had just won the state title, had a seemingly killer team and we wanted to say that we had experienced 'big time' little league baseball, even if it was only from the stands. We traveled to Bristol since we had never made it to Williamsport, PA, home of the LLWS, even though it was less than an hour away from Bucknell.
It was an exciting game, but it was just a little different than any other sporting event I had seen. At stake was a trip to Williamsport, the magical place where all your Little League baseball dreams could come true. When you watched them throw curveballs, make diving catches and turn double plays, it was easy to fall into the trap of thinking these 12 year old boys were just like the professionals you see on your tv. But then you catch a glimpse of 12 year old Timmy crying in the dugout because he struck out with 2 outs in the 6th with runners on and you realize the beauty of the event. They're not professionals - they're 12 year old boys who love the game and love their teammates.
The LLWS is an event that focuses on teamwork and fellowship above all else. The boys are encouraged to have fun and enjoy the experience rather than on winning and losing. You can tell that the coaches get it (or at least they do when they are on camera). In professional sports, coaches who yell and belittle their players often are successful - in the LLWS I have never seen a coach that acts like a jerk. I don't think its a coincidence.
To me, though, the best part of the LLWS is the experience that young American boys get when they get to play on the same field as teams from other countries. Technically US and International teams don't play each other until the finals, but with the teams staying in the same hotels and watching each other games, its hard not to be in contact with each other. What a great message this sends. Here you are, a 12 year old boy from Iowa, and you watch a 12-year old from Caracas, VZ or Tokyo, Japan crack a big smile playing the same game that you love. As adults, we always accentuate our differences, but in LLWS our common bonds are stories.
Don't get me wrong, the kids want to win. They're competitors - you have to be to be the best at something. But their perspective on the game is refreshing. I have watched the numerous finals in the past and I have actually seen the losing team cheering for their counterparts. When you take a step back and think about it, you realize that you are watching the purest form of sports left in our country.
In addition to the games in Williamsport, ESPN is showing a lot of regional finals this year. It's a bit overkill, even to me, but instead of complaining, I am finding something else to watch so that I can save my viewing for the games in Williamsport. I know I am a little crazier than most - I don't expect you to watch Suriname vs Mexico in the semi-finals, but if you are getting fed up with professional sports, I do recommend that you watch the finals on August 29. I know you will be happy you did.
It was an exciting game, but it was just a little different than any other sporting event I had seen. At stake was a trip to Williamsport, the magical place where all your Little League baseball dreams could come true. When you watched them throw curveballs, make diving catches and turn double plays, it was easy to fall into the trap of thinking these 12 year old boys were just like the professionals you see on your tv. But then you catch a glimpse of 12 year old Timmy crying in the dugout because he struck out with 2 outs in the 6th with runners on and you realize the beauty of the event. They're not professionals - they're 12 year old boys who love the game and love their teammates.
The LLWS is an event that focuses on teamwork and fellowship above all else. The boys are encouraged to have fun and enjoy the experience rather than on winning and losing. You can tell that the coaches get it (or at least they do when they are on camera). In professional sports, coaches who yell and belittle their players often are successful - in the LLWS I have never seen a coach that acts like a jerk. I don't think its a coincidence.
To me, though, the best part of the LLWS is the experience that young American boys get when they get to play on the same field as teams from other countries. Technically US and International teams don't play each other until the finals, but with the teams staying in the same hotels and watching each other games, its hard not to be in contact with each other. What a great message this sends. Here you are, a 12 year old boy from Iowa, and you watch a 12-year old from Caracas, VZ or Tokyo, Japan crack a big smile playing the same game that you love. As adults, we always accentuate our differences, but in LLWS our common bonds are stories.
Don't get me wrong, the kids want to win. They're competitors - you have to be to be the best at something. But their perspective on the game is refreshing. I have watched the numerous finals in the past and I have actually seen the losing team cheering for their counterparts. When you take a step back and think about it, you realize that you are watching the purest form of sports left in our country.
In addition to the games in Williamsport, ESPN is showing a lot of regional finals this year. It's a bit overkill, even to me, but instead of complaining, I am finding something else to watch so that I can save my viewing for the games in Williamsport. I know I am a little crazier than most - I don't expect you to watch Suriname vs Mexico in the semi-finals, but if you are getting fed up with professional sports, I do recommend that you watch the finals on August 29. I know you will be happy you did.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Still Hope for the Mets
It's been awhile since I've blogged about the Mets. Fear not, I haven't soured on them nor have I forgotten them. It's simply that there was not anything to write about. Once Carlos Beltran came back from the DL they became a boring, lifeless team. Suddenly the team that was grinding out wins with timely hitting and good base running was now swinging at everything and walking away with the bats in between their legs.
In the early part of the season, I cautioned Mets fans to be careful of setting expectations to high. After all, for every 10 game winning streak there was bound to be some tough times. It just happens that way. The only problem is that when it comes to the Mets, the hardest of times always seem to follow.
Right now my emotions change on a game to game basis. There is no such thing as blind hope. Win and it's sunshine and roses. Lose and its armagedden.
So with that in mind, a 3-1 win has got me thinking of what can still be. We are currently sitting at 59-59 with 44 games left. The next 12 come against Houston, Florida and Pittsburgh. I say we go 9-3 which would put us in a nice position for a late season run. And wouldn't you know it - we then have a three game series at Atlanta to really test us. If we can somehow get our bats going, watch out. Over the past 10 games,the Mets starters are 4-3 with a 1.43 ERA. 8 of those games counted as quality starts. Combine that with some hitting and we'll be dangerous. I know we sit 10 games out of first and 7.5 out of the Wild Card, but their are a lot of games left. We can still do this.
I'm all in again, that is until the lose again.
*******************
Can we talk about Jon Niese for a second? Dude is 7-5 with a 3.38 ERA. Over his past 10 starts, he has gone 7 innings in 6 of them. If you take away his dud on August 1 vs Arizona, his ERA in the past 10 is since the All-Star break is 1.81. Kid is dealing. Combined with Santana and Pelfrey the future is bright.
*******************
Rumor is that the Mets may try to void K-Rod's deal because he hurt himself in a non-baseball incident. Assault should not, in any way, be tolerated. But in a twisted way, maybe this will have a good ending for the team. We could definitely use that $12 million back. And hey, maybe it will even rally the team as they appear to be finally fed up with all the off-field distractions.
In the early part of the season, I cautioned Mets fans to be careful of setting expectations to high. After all, for every 10 game winning streak there was bound to be some tough times. It just happens that way. The only problem is that when it comes to the Mets, the hardest of times always seem to follow.
Right now my emotions change on a game to game basis. There is no such thing as blind hope. Win and it's sunshine and roses. Lose and its armagedden.
So with that in mind, a 3-1 win has got me thinking of what can still be. We are currently sitting at 59-59 with 44 games left. The next 12 come against Houston, Florida and Pittsburgh. I say we go 9-3 which would put us in a nice position for a late season run. And wouldn't you know it - we then have a three game series at Atlanta to really test us. If we can somehow get our bats going, watch out. Over the past 10 games,the Mets starters are 4-3 with a 1.43 ERA. 8 of those games counted as quality starts. Combine that with some hitting and we'll be dangerous. I know we sit 10 games out of first and 7.5 out of the Wild Card, but their are a lot of games left. We can still do this.
I'm all in again, that is until the lose again.
*******************
Can we talk about Jon Niese for a second? Dude is 7-5 with a 3.38 ERA. Over his past 10 starts, he has gone 7 innings in 6 of them. If you take away his dud on August 1 vs Arizona, his ERA in the past 10 is since the All-Star break is 1.81. Kid is dealing. Combined with Santana and Pelfrey the future is bright.
*******************
Rumor is that the Mets may try to void K-Rod's deal because he hurt himself in a non-baseball incident. Assault should not, in any way, be tolerated. But in a twisted way, maybe this will have a good ending for the team. We could definitely use that $12 million back. And hey, maybe it will even rally the team as they appear to be finally fed up with all the off-field distractions.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Instant (Over)Reaction: Chivas
According to popular rule, settling for a tie on the road is a good result. Most of the time I hold this as being true. Saturday night however, was not one of those times. A tie against Chivas is better than a loss, no doubt, but when you are playing the last place team you need a win. Simple as that. Add in the fact that all the teams chasing the Sounders in the playoff race have played less games and every point from here on out becomes crucial. Continue to win and determine your own fate. Give away points and hope for some help.
Not scoring against Chivas is frustrating and something I hope comes to an end when they travel north at the end of the season. Here are some comments on an overall boring game.
Not scoring against Chivas is frustrating and something I hope comes to an end when they travel north at the end of the season. Here are some comments on an overall boring game.
- Alonso's shot was a thing of beauty and I'm not sure how Zach Thornton was able to get a finger on it. When you look at Thornton you assume he is not very athletic, yet he continues to defy the critics (and his weight) to be a solid MLS keeper. He stillhas not conceded a goal in 4 games against Seattle - I can't wait for him to retire.
- Fredy got absolutely hammered by Thornton but was able to get up and walk away. The knock obviously affected his play, but I am pleased with the amount of toughness he showed.
- Jeff Parke and Patrick Ianni continue to play amazingly in the back. If you had told me that we would be without both our starting central defenders I would have been ready to throw in the towel. After two months together, I don't think their is any argument that they deserve to start. Hanauer will have some tough decisions to make when it comes to who is protected in the Expansion drafts since it is assumed that Hurtado will be recovered from his knee injury before next season. Either way, we have some depth and that will help offset the loss of any of these guys.
- At the 27 minute mark, J-Will says that Ianni reminds him of that 'midget French actor', who turns out to be Dominque Pinon. I think he might be on to something.
- Seeing Leo get the red card was frustrating because he obviously got the worst of the foul. However, when you watch the slow mow replay, you see his hand hit Trujillo on the head first. It wasn't deliberate, but MLS is trying to be consistent with all head contact. I am sad that he won't be in the next MLS game, but that just means that he can go the full 90 against both Monterrey and Marathon. He has 60 caps for the Costa Rican national team which means he won't be nervous playing in Mexico.
- We are all still waiting for the savior to score his first goal. Maybe its just me, but his play seems to have regressed a bit over the past few games. I am still not worried with the long term prognosis since talent always wins out, but hopefully he is able to turn it on sooner rather than later.
- I have been an MLS guy since Giovanni Savarese, Tony Meola, Antony de Avila and Tab Ramos played for the 1996 NY/NJ MetroStars, but having the EPL back on my tv screen Saturday morning's really accentuates how far the league has to grow.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Random TV review
Beginning today I am starting a new periodic column where I discuss random tv shows that I watched the night before. It may not be fun to read, but hell, I am going to enjoy writing it, so bare with me.
First up when I got home was a pre-season game between Baltimore and my Carolina Panthers. I turned the game on in the third quarter and Carolina coach John Fox decides to challenge a ruling on the field. I know that he needs to pretend like the game is important, but that was ridiculous. It was pouring rain and the third stringers were in - everyone just wanted the game to be over. The good point of the challenge was that I got to listen to Jon Gruden for a few more seconds. I am not going to lie - I think Gruden is great. I'm not sure anyone could have seen it coming based on his days as a coach, but Gruden always seems like he is having a good time and is by far the most knowledgeable guy in the booth. Two other quick thoughts:
After Sportscenter I then turn on TNA Wrestling. It amazes me how poorly TNA is run considering the amazing talent they have. The writing and booking is terrible. Every week the storyline's change and every two months the wrestlers change how they act. How they book AJ Styles and Samoa Joe is a travesty. In my opinion, these are the top two guys in the company. Adding rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and Mr Anderson is a good thing, but they should work with Styles and Joe to create an awesome main event group, but they just aren't booked that way. Its' terrible. I'm trying to be less objective now that I have a daughter, but Velvet Sky looked fantastic last night. I loved the black top and hope she gets away from the Beautiful People role and can become a face. At the very least she deserves more airtime for being the least skankie of all the female wrestlers in the company.
While folding laundry it was Game 7 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals between the Devils and Anaheim. I definitely enjoyed the game because I heard some names like Turner Stevenson, Jeff Friessen, Pascal Rheaume that I haven't heard in 6 years and because I got to see Stevens, Niedermayer and Daneyko on the ice, something that Devils fans sorely miss. I still don't understand how Giguere won the Conn Smyth Trophy while being on a losing team. I get it - they would have lost 4-1 if not for Giguere, but they still lost. Unless Brodeur wins one more Cup, he will end his career with 3 Cups, but no Conn Smyth's - that my friends, is a travesty. Oh, and the final great thing about the game was the in game promo for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between San Antonio and New Jersey. What amazing week it was in June 2003 when the Devils and Nets hosted finals games only days apart.
Finally, it was the 11pm showing of Jersey Shore. Not just any jersey Shore, but MVP night on the Jersey Shore. "M-V-P of M-I-A supporting the GFF." I think my opinion of Pauly D and The Situation is changing - I actually think I want to hang out with them. Especially if Pauly is supporting the red kicks. Best part of the show - some girl's fake boob padding fell out in the hot tub. Naturally, the guys picked it up and starting playing catch with it. Just classic. I love the Jersey Shore.
It was a random night of tv for sure. We had football, wrestling, hockey and jersey shore. Pretty solid and worthy of a B+.
First up when I got home was a pre-season game between Baltimore and my Carolina Panthers. I turned the game on in the third quarter and Carolina coach John Fox decides to challenge a ruling on the field. I know that he needs to pretend like the game is important, but that was ridiculous. It was pouring rain and the third stringers were in - everyone just wanted the game to be over. The good point of the challenge was that I got to listen to Jon Gruden for a few more seconds. I am not going to lie - I think Gruden is great. I'm not sure anyone could have seen it coming based on his days as a coach, but Gruden always seems like he is having a good time and is by far the most knowledgeable guy in the booth. Two other quick thoughts:
- I am excited to see if Armanti Edwards, the QB from Appalachian St who led the upset over Michigan, can play a role in this offense. Gruden says that Fox will have a set of plays for him, most likely the wildcat.
- Carolina has 4 guys comepting for the starting QB job who have a combined 8 starts in the NFL. I really dislike Jimmy Claussen and hope that incumbent Matt Moore is able to keep the job. I think he has the skills and moxy to be successful and he was a fun interview with personal favorite Suzy Kolber.
After Sportscenter I then turn on TNA Wrestling. It amazes me how poorly TNA is run considering the amazing talent they have. The writing and booking is terrible. Every week the storyline's change and every two months the wrestlers change how they act. How they book AJ Styles and Samoa Joe is a travesty. In my opinion, these are the top two guys in the company. Adding rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and Mr Anderson is a good thing, but they should work with Styles and Joe to create an awesome main event group, but they just aren't booked that way. Its' terrible. I'm trying to be less objective now that I have a daughter, but Velvet Sky looked fantastic last night. I loved the black top and hope she gets away from the Beautiful People role and can become a face. At the very least she deserves more airtime for being the least skankie of all the female wrestlers in the company.
While folding laundry it was Game 7 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals between the Devils and Anaheim. I definitely enjoyed the game because I heard some names like Turner Stevenson, Jeff Friessen, Pascal Rheaume that I haven't heard in 6 years and because I got to see Stevens, Niedermayer and Daneyko on the ice, something that Devils fans sorely miss. I still don't understand how Giguere won the Conn Smyth Trophy while being on a losing team. I get it - they would have lost 4-1 if not for Giguere, but they still lost. Unless Brodeur wins one more Cup, he will end his career with 3 Cups, but no Conn Smyth's - that my friends, is a travesty. Oh, and the final great thing about the game was the in game promo for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between San Antonio and New Jersey. What amazing week it was in June 2003 when the Devils and Nets hosted finals games only days apart.
Finally, it was the 11pm showing of Jersey Shore. Not just any jersey Shore, but MVP night on the Jersey Shore. "M-V-P of M-I-A supporting the GFF." I think my opinion of Pauly D and The Situation is changing - I actually think I want to hang out with them. Especially if Pauly is supporting the red kicks. Best part of the show - some girl's fake boob padding fell out in the hot tub. Naturally, the guys picked it up and starting playing catch with it. Just classic. I love the Jersey Shore.
It was a random night of tv for sure. We had football, wrestling, hockey and jersey shore. Pretty solid and worthy of a B+.
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