I don't think there is any doubt. The Orange showed a national audience, and more importantly, Bobby Knight, who should be basketball's best. Throwing down dunks, hitting the threes, running the break like it was a practice, Syracuse played up to all expectations in front of college basketball's largest on-campus crowd. Was that actually Jim Boeheim smiling?
Has anyone other than Vod noticed that Triche plays less and less as the season progresses? He still starts but that's okay because it isn't long before Syracuse's version of the Chinese Bandits enter: The "J" team of Jardine & Joseph. Almost doesn't seen fair, does it?
So who's number one: Purdue be damned, it's Syracuse.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A FEW QUICKIES
***JENNY CRAIG?***
The San Fran Giants' 22-year old 3rd baseman, Pablo Sandoval, is being touted as a future superstar. Pablo is 5'11" and weighs 245 lbs, which means he looks like Picasner after a big meal. In an effort to positively affect his weight problem, the Giants put him on a food regimen for the winter. And it worked: he positively gained weight. His trainer said, "We were doing all right until he escaped."
***BYE-BYE MANNY***
Manny says this is his last year in L.A. Must be getting a early start on his summer vacation.
***I KNEW IT ALL THE TIME***
Johnny Damon has officially signed with the Tigers. His reaction: "This is where I wanted to be from day one." Day one, of course being last Sunday.
***I CAN'T WAIT***
American skater, Evan Lysacek, has announced his engagement to gymnast Nastia Liukin. With male skaters often being perceived as "feminine," and female gymnasts as feminine without the hormones, this ought to be a really interesting ceremony. I wonder who will wear the dress?
***USA HOCKEY TEAM BEATS CANADA***
After this shocker, many Americans are declaring themselves hockey fans. When asked if they thought an American team would win the Stanley Cup, they replied, "They sure will! ...What, uh, cup is that?"
Just a side note, our friend Bob Matthews predicted a win for Team Canada, 5-2. Atta boy, Bob.
***SYRACUSE - PROVIDENCE TONIGHT***
The Orange won the first meeting on Feb. 2nd. When asked about the game, Providence coach, Keno Davis said, "We knew what to expect." When the reporter mentioned the final score, 85-68, Davis replied, "We got what we expected."
***
The San Fran Giants' 22-year old 3rd baseman, Pablo Sandoval, is being touted as a future superstar. Pablo is 5'11" and weighs 245 lbs, which means he looks like Picasner after a big meal. In an effort to positively affect his weight problem, the Giants put him on a food regimen for the winter. And it worked: he positively gained weight. His trainer said, "We were doing all right until he escaped."
***BYE-BYE MANNY***
Manny says this is his last year in L.A. Must be getting a early start on his summer vacation.
***I KNEW IT ALL THE TIME***
Johnny Damon has officially signed with the Tigers. His reaction: "This is where I wanted to be from day one." Day one, of course being last Sunday.
***I CAN'T WAIT***
American skater, Evan Lysacek, has announced his engagement to gymnast Nastia Liukin. With male skaters often being perceived as "feminine," and female gymnasts as feminine without the hormones, this ought to be a really interesting ceremony. I wonder who will wear the dress?
***USA HOCKEY TEAM BEATS CANADA***
After this shocker, many Americans are declaring themselves hockey fans. When asked if they thought an American team would win the Stanley Cup, they replied, "They sure will! ...What, uh, cup is that?"
Just a side note, our friend Bob Matthews predicted a win for Team Canada, 5-2. Atta boy, Bob.
***SYRACUSE - PROVIDENCE TONIGHT***
The Orange won the first meeting on Feb. 2nd. When asked about the game, Providence coach, Keno Davis said, "We knew what to expect." When the reporter mentioned the final score, 85-68, Davis replied, "We got what we expected."
***SPEAKING OF WHICH***
UCONN beat West Virginia last night 73-62, in another Big East Battle Royal. UCONN coach Jim Calhoun, one technical, WVA coach, two technicals and an ejection. The two T's ended whatever chance the Mountaineers had of winning the game. Analyst Jay Bilas blamed the referees. During the replay, he showed the referee standing right in Huggins face while Huggins ranted and raved. Bilas' take: "Why did the ref stand there? Nothing was going to change, all he did was infuriate Huggins. He finally walked away a few steps and THEN "T'd" him up." Huggins, of course, thought it was over with when the ref walked away and when he got called, had a second spaz with a similar result. I think Jay had a good point.
CP-
***
Monday, February 22, 2010
AROUND THE HORN WITH CHAD
Vod's not the only one who can vent:
***GREAT JOB, NBC***
You want to watch Ice Dancing? Okay, here it is...wait, let's check into the hockey game. Here we go to the two-man bobsled: Wow, I thought he was going to turn over that time. Did you see the...and now back to ice dancing. Can we just please watch an event? the whole event? NBC, you should learn from USA Network. They start out with curling (it's like bowling with out the beer) and stay with it . And stay with it. and stay with it. Do you enjoy watching golfers discuss a 6-foot putt for 5 minutes? Then you'll love watching these guys discuss where to slide the "rock" for 10 minutes. An occasional heated argument might liven things up.
The downhill-ski cross-super G-combination- slalom event (did I get that right?) was pretty exciting on it's own. I didn't need some analyst having apoplexy every time a skier went over a hill and waved his arms. They should add rifles to this event and let the skiers take pot shots at the analyst as they ski down the hill. "Wow! He almost got me that time, Bill. Bill? Bill??"
Maybe there will be a new event tonight: The Nordic Bob Costas Hair-Comb Event.
***SPORTS BRAWLS***
There's an old joke, "I went to the fights last night and a Hockey game broke out." There is a train of thought that we bloodthirsty fans go to hockey games just for the fights. And to racing events to see the crashes. We've seen fights at baseball games, basketball games, soccer games and even football games. BUT. Leave it to Rochester to go everyone a little better. This weekend a fight broke out at a fashion show. Yeah,that's right, a fashion show. What could have been the problem? "Those are MY shoes, you b**ch!" That's has got to be a sight: two stick figures duking it out on the runway. But very fashionably dressed.
Okay, I'm all right now.
***A GREAT LINE***
...with a slight adjustment by Chad.
From Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald: "One bobsled event features four men together sliding across the ice. In (Oswego) during the winter, we call that a carpool."
CP-
***GREAT JOB, NBC***
You want to watch Ice Dancing? Okay, here it is...wait, let's check into the hockey game. Here we go to the two-man bobsled: Wow, I thought he was going to turn over that time. Did you see the...and now back to ice dancing. Can we just please watch an event? the whole event? NBC, you should learn from USA Network. They start out with curling (it's like bowling with out the beer) and stay with it . And stay with it. and stay with it. Do you enjoy watching golfers discuss a 6-foot putt for 5 minutes? Then you'll love watching these guys discuss where to slide the "rock" for 10 minutes. An occasional heated argument might liven things up.
The downhill-ski cross-super G-combination- slalom event (did I get that right?) was pretty exciting on it's own. I didn't need some analyst having apoplexy every time a skier went over a hill and waved his arms. They should add rifles to this event and let the skiers take pot shots at the analyst as they ski down the hill. "Wow! He almost got me that time, Bill. Bill? Bill??"
Maybe there will be a new event tonight: The Nordic Bob Costas Hair-Comb Event.
***SPORTS BRAWLS***
There's an old joke, "I went to the fights last night and a Hockey game broke out." There is a train of thought that we bloodthirsty fans go to hockey games just for the fights. And to racing events to see the crashes. We've seen fights at baseball games, basketball games, soccer games and even football games. BUT. Leave it to Rochester to go everyone a little better. This weekend a fight broke out at a fashion show. Yeah,that's right, a fashion show. What could have been the problem? "Those are MY shoes, you b**ch!" That's has got to be a sight: two stick figures duking it out on the runway. But very fashionably dressed.
Okay, I'm all right now.
***A GREAT LINE***
...with a slight adjustment by Chad.
From Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald: "One bobsled event features four men together sliding across the ice. In (Oswego) during the winter, we call that a carpool."
CP-
Sunday, February 21, 2010
RYAN MILLER!
It's good to have Picasner back, and as expected, his posts add "little credibility" to the site. Kidding, P. Welcome back and glad to hear Annie-O is back calling the domestic shots and, for the most part, keeping you out of jail.
Just got through watching the USA - Canada hockey game and too beat to say more than RYAN MILLER.
JUST A FEW BLURBS
***KENTUCKY - VANDERBILT***
A very sloppy wrestling...er, basketball game in Nashville last night. Vandy's game plan was simple: If you can't beat 'em, beat 'em up. The game was full of surprises, the refs actually called some of the walking violations and there was an actual carrying or palming violation. Vanderbilt could have tied the game with 2 seconds left, but their big man, AJ Ogilvy, grabbed a long pass and proceeded to miss an 8-foot push shot. On the bright side, in two years the NCAA will forfeit this game to Vandy after discovering some inappropriate recruiting tactics by Kentucky coach, John Calipari. Of course, he'll probably be coaching at USC by then.
***THIS SHOULD MAKE VOD HAPPY***
An unnamed left-handed outfielder has signed with the Detroit Tigers. There goes my favorite post.
***SOME INTERESTING COMMENTS***
From Alex Kaseberg: Some controversy at the Vancouver Olympics. Today three of the men’s figure skaters tested positive for Appletinis.
From Alan Ray: "How do you spot a curling team's dorm at the Olympic Village?" "Their floors are always extremely clean."
Reggie Hays (Fort Wayne News-Sentinel), on last week's Daytona 500: "The race was delayed while officials worked to fix a pothole. They considered using professional Highway Department workers fix it, but were afraid the fans would get restless during the two-year wait."
***FROM BUSTER OLNEY'S COLUMN***
Satchel Paige's "Rules For Staying Young"
1. Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.
2. If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.
3. Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.
4. Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society -- the social ramble ain't restful.
5. Avoid running at all times.
6. And don't look back -- something might be gaining on you.
Annie-O is doing well with her treatment for Thyroid cancer.
CP-
A very sloppy wrestling...er, basketball game in Nashville last night. Vandy's game plan was simple: If you can't beat 'em, beat 'em up. The game was full of surprises, the refs actually called some of the walking violations and there was an actual carrying or palming violation. Vanderbilt could have tied the game with 2 seconds left, but their big man, AJ Ogilvy, grabbed a long pass and proceeded to miss an 8-foot push shot. On the bright side, in two years the NCAA will forfeit this game to Vandy after discovering some inappropriate recruiting tactics by Kentucky coach, John Calipari. Of course, he'll probably be coaching at USC by then.
***THIS SHOULD MAKE VOD HAPPY***
An unnamed left-handed outfielder has signed with the Detroit Tigers. There goes my favorite post.
***SOME INTERESTING COMMENTS***
From Alex Kaseberg: Some controversy at the Vancouver Olympics. Today three of the men’s figure skaters tested positive for Appletinis.
From Alan Ray: "How do you spot a curling team's dorm at the Olympic Village?" "Their floors are always extremely clean."
Reggie Hays (Fort Wayne News-Sentinel), on last week's Daytona 500: "The race was delayed while officials worked to fix a pothole. They considered using professional Highway Department workers fix it, but were afraid the fans would get restless during the two-year wait."
***FROM BUSTER OLNEY'S COLUMN***
Satchel Paige's "Rules For Staying Young"
1. Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.
2. If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.
3. Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.
4. Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society -- the social ramble ain't restful.
5. Avoid running at all times.
6. And don't look back -- something might be gaining on you.
Annie-O is doing well with her treatment for Thyroid cancer.
CP-
Friday, February 19, 2010
Ban the Ball
After spending 10 years behind the curve on steroids, today Major League Baseball got out in front of possession of deadly weapons, formally banning guns, long knives, and explosives from the clubhouse.
Responding to the ban on deadly weapons, the National Rifle Association has urged all fans to boycott games until MLB adds wooden bats, hard spherical projectiles, and dangerously spiked shoes to the list of banned objects. "After all," commented Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the NRA, "guns don't kill ball players. Ball players kill ballplayers ."
Hack A Hoya
A Syracuse v. Georgetown slugfest? You know your not in Kansas anymore.
Love the Jayhawks but they, or anyone else for that matter, must play through the Big East in March to win a national championship. Picasner's "blood on the floor" prediction was right on the money and, as expected, it was Andy Rautins, who picked up everyone else on the floor defensively, that absorbed and shook off hacks, shoves, and elbows to lead both of the SU teams that played tonight. The team that built a 23 point lead and the team that lost it.
Torrid Orange shooting (read Rautins with 26) and a stingy zone - up 23. Serious foul trouble, Onuaku and Jackson both on the bench with 4 personals, Rautins getting a short blow - Georgetown off on a huge run. Give the zebras a hand for aiding and abetting. Live in the lane, drag your pivot foot in the post, change your pivot foot down on the baseline, or plow through a Syracuse defender - all were good to go in the run for the Hoyas. With all that help it was a surprise that Greg Monroe only scored 20.
Once again Scoop Jardine's play sent Jim Boeheim's blood pressure into near-earth orbit leaving him little choice but to play Brandon Triche for 34 minutes. Triche responded with a decent effort although the Hoya guards all to easily penetrated the Triche - Johnson side of the SU zone or got open looks from 3 on ball reversals. Wes Johnson is still having problems scoring the ball and defending in the zone but, again, was solid on the boards and had 5 blocks.
What new did we learn tonight? We already knew the Orange are road warriors, that Jardine is an obsessive-compulsive dribbler, that the SU defense falls apart and the offense is clueless without Rautins on the floor, that Deshante Riley had only appeared in 1 previous Big East game for good reason, that Rick Jackson is one of the most underrated players in the league, and that scowling John Thompson's (senior) soul has been occupied by the Grim reaper, and that SU may be the best team in the country playing 5 on 5. What we did learn is that they, like everyone else, can't handle stretches of 5 on 8. And, oh, 27 - 30 from the line. Who were those guys?
Snowboarding and the women's downhill last night: After listening to the non-stop running commentary of repetitive drivel during both events I hereby publicly retract every negative comment I've ever made about the motor-mouth I love to hate, the Flaming Bald Eagle, Dick Vitale. Compared to the NBC analysts who did everything possible to distract us from thoroughly enjoying the spectacular performance of White in a half pipe and the gutty run of Lindsey Vonn in the down hill, Mr. Vitale shall henceforth be known as Taciturn Dick - although I turned off the sound on Taciturn Dick tonight. Just after he commented that he didn't see how SU could possibly blow their opportunity for a No. 1 seed in the tournament, they showed us all. Of course, Dick has never been a slave to facts or unable to make mindless overstatements. I wonder if anyone in Philadelphia was listening. We'll find out on the 27th.
And to Mr. P -
What story lines? Who plays left? Who cares?
Mountains out of molehills? Picasner's incessant Damon - Boras updates have already earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Drivel in a Not Widely Read Blog. How could I challenge such an experienced Mountaineer?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
ALL QUIET ON THE SOUTHERN FRONT
***WHAT, NO CONTROVERSY?***
For the first time since the late '60's, when the Yankees' only goal was to finish IN the American League, there are no scandals, feuds or fights looming in the Yankee camp. Oh, there are some story lines: who's in Left, Granderson or Gardner; who bats second, Granderson or Johnson; who will be the fifth starter, Chamberlain or Hughes? In Girardi's first interview, it took the reporters almost half an hour to get around to A-Rod. They tried: What are you going to do about Jeter's contract? Or Rivera's contract? Or Girardi's? Everyone just smiled. Well, this is no fun. Can't we at least have Swisher & Granderson wrestle over who gets uniform #33? I guess we'll have to count on Vod to find the chink in their armor and make a mountain out of some molehill.
***IN OTHER NEWS...***
Lindsey Vonn, she of the golden tresses and bum leg, wins the gold in the downhill. I see a Playboy Pictorial in her future. Shaun White takes the gold in the Halfpipe event, which I believe is what he smoked before trying some of those stunts.
Johnny Damon is still unsigned and Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still...
Syracuse - Georgetown in another battle of the century tonight. You haven't played in the Big East until you play the Hoyas in Georgetown...especially with a Syracuse jersey on. Forget the final Four, there will be blood on the court after this one.
I say again, if the Mets need a catcher so badly, why isn't Jose Molina being mentioned? I think GM Omar Minaya is such a bad judge of talent, he'd be trying to sign Babe Ruth if he could get a dead man to hold the pen.
CP-
For the first time since the late '60's, when the Yankees' only goal was to finish IN the American League, there are no scandals, feuds or fights looming in the Yankee camp. Oh, there are some story lines: who's in Left, Granderson or Gardner; who bats second, Granderson or Johnson; who will be the fifth starter, Chamberlain or Hughes? In Girardi's first interview, it took the reporters almost half an hour to get around to A-Rod. They tried: What are you going to do about Jeter's contract? Or Rivera's contract? Or Girardi's? Everyone just smiled. Well, this is no fun. Can't we at least have Swisher & Granderson wrestle over who gets uniform #33? I guess we'll have to count on Vod to find the chink in their armor and make a mountain out of some molehill.
***IN OTHER NEWS...***
Lindsey Vonn, she of the golden tresses and bum leg, wins the gold in the downhill. I see a Playboy Pictorial in her future. Shaun White takes the gold in the Halfpipe event, which I believe is what he smoked before trying some of those stunts.
Johnny Damon is still unsigned and Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still...
Syracuse - Georgetown in another battle of the century tonight. You haven't played in the Big East until you play the Hoyas in Georgetown...especially with a Syracuse jersey on. Forget the final Four, there will be blood on the court after this one.
I say again, if the Mets need a catcher so badly, why isn't Jose Molina being mentioned? I think GM Omar Minaya is such a bad judge of talent, he'd be trying to sign Babe Ruth if he could get a dead man to hold the pen.
CP-
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
OKAY, SHAMED ME INTO IT
Vod insists he needs help, but it seems to me he did alright. Anyway, I'll try to do one while he sits in the corner, breathing heavily.
***IT STARTS TOMORROW***
Yes, it's here boys and girls, spring training and the Yanks defense of title #27. Pitchers and catchers start Wednesday, the day after the last Superbowl post game show. Luckily the 1st pre-game show for Superbowl XLV isn't scheduled until March 1st.
The front of CC Sabathia's limo is due in Tampa about 9:00 PM tonight, with the rest of it arriving about 8:00 AM tomorrow. One of the most valuable Yankees won't be attending spring training this year. Trainer Gene Monahan will be absent due to an undisclosed illness. The Yanks will miss him as he was scheduled to be Nick Johnson's roommate.
***ARE YOU SURE WE CARE?***
A new debate is starting in south Florida: Should the Marlins name be the Florida Marlins or the Miami Marlins? Picasner's suggestion is the Miami (Florida, not Ohio) Marlins of Dade County, slightly north of Cuba. Okay, maybe it's a little long, but tell that to the California Angels of...well, you know.
***SEE WHAT YOU LEARN WHEN YOU'RE SICK?***
Picasner's been locked into a new recliner this week because of a bad cold, and, out of desperation, has turned to the Olympics. Since my favorite sporting activities involve sitting in the sun with a beer, I've never been a big fan of the Winter Olympics. I don't know where I've been but there are some new events I'll need to catch up on.
Cross-boarding or snowboardcross or what ever: It took a while to catch on, but apparently it's 4 guys (mandatory 2 Americans) on miniature surfboards racing down a hill with rules similar to roller derby. Pushing, shoving and cutting people off appear to be allowed.
I know about the Downhill and Slalom, but what's Giant Slalom? Bigger skiers? Bigger flags? How about Super combination? Skiing while eating a McDonald's Kiddie meal? And I'm not going anywhere near Super G.
Skating is always nice, but it was years before I figured out the difference between Pairs and Dance. I think Dance is just Pairs with flashier costumes.
***AND A LITTLE BASKETBALL***
It might actually be good for Syracuse to lose a game, just to show them they can't just throw jerseys #1 & #4 out on the court and expect a victory. Villanova got beat, too, but Kansas & Kentucky roll along. Come over to the Big East, guys, where EVERY night is a tough game.
CP-
***IT STARTS TOMORROW***
Yes, it's here boys and girls, spring training and the Yanks defense of title #27. Pitchers and catchers start Wednesday, the day after the last Superbowl post game show. Luckily the 1st pre-game show for Superbowl XLV isn't scheduled until March 1st.
The front of CC Sabathia's limo is due in Tampa about 9:00 PM tonight, with the rest of it arriving about 8:00 AM tomorrow. One of the most valuable Yankees won't be attending spring training this year. Trainer Gene Monahan will be absent due to an undisclosed illness. The Yanks will miss him as he was scheduled to be Nick Johnson's roommate.
***ARE YOU SURE WE CARE?***
A new debate is starting in south Florida: Should the Marlins name be the Florida Marlins or the Miami Marlins? Picasner's suggestion is the Miami (Florida, not Ohio) Marlins of Dade County, slightly north of Cuba. Okay, maybe it's a little long, but tell that to the California Angels of...well, you know.
***SEE WHAT YOU LEARN WHEN YOU'RE SICK?***
Picasner's been locked into a new recliner this week because of a bad cold, and, out of desperation, has turned to the Olympics. Since my favorite sporting activities involve sitting in the sun with a beer, I've never been a big fan of the Winter Olympics. I don't know where I've been but there are some new events I'll need to catch up on.
Cross-boarding or snowboardcross or what ever: It took a while to catch on, but apparently it's 4 guys (mandatory 2 Americans) on miniature surfboards racing down a hill with rules similar to roller derby. Pushing, shoving and cutting people off appear to be allowed.
I know about the Downhill and Slalom, but what's Giant Slalom? Bigger skiers? Bigger flags? How about Super combination? Skiing while eating a McDonald's Kiddie meal? And I'm not going anywhere near Super G.
Skating is always nice, but it was years before I figured out the difference between Pairs and Dance. I think Dance is just Pairs with flashier costumes.
***AND A LITTLE BASKETBALL***
It might actually be good for Syracuse to lose a game, just to show them they can't just throw jerseys #1 & #4 out on the court and expect a victory. Villanova got beat, too, but Kansas & Kentucky roll along. Come over to the Big East, guys, where EVERY night is a tough game.
CP-
Monday, February 15, 2010
Achoo
So much for predicting SU wins at home.
Let's hope Picasner returns to lend a little credibility to the posts that our 3 fans read here. Our favorite has been home with big snotters hanging out of his nose and a cold that just won't quit.
Get well soon, CP. You're needed here. Making stuff up is much harder than ranting - and you know I like that best. Slap on the mustard plasters and camphor bags. Warm up those fingers and unique sense of humor and hurry back.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
No Valentines for the Orange
Yawn.
Dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble ...
Doink.
Those were the sounds in the "Loud House" today.
The Orange yawning on the defensives boards.
Jardine turning into a dribbling black hole running/ruining the offense.
The SU offensive doinking shots from all over the floor.
Indeed, the Orange were both ranked and "rank".
Dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble ...
Doink.
Those were the sounds in the "Loud House" today.
The Orange yawning on the defensives boards.
Jardine turning into a dribbling black hole running/ruining the offense.
The SU offensive doinking shots from all over the floor.
Indeed, the Orange were both ranked and "rank".
Bob Matthews of the Rochester D&C wrote a column positing that Wes Johnson's unselfish play might cost him the Big East POTY award. He was far from unselfish today hoisting up 20 shots, shooting an anemic 25% in an ugly loss to a very un-elite Louisville team.
The SU's lead guard weakness was exposed and thoroughly exploited. Brandon Triche got another early seat but Scoop "Whose Meal Ticket is This?" Jardine only made a bad situation worse. Soft full court pressure took SU out of any semblance of an offensive and, once in the front court, the ball stayed in Jardine's hands far too long. Throw in Mookie Jones' 3 minutes of confusion and you might worry just a little bit more about G'Town away and Villanova on the 27th.
On the plus side - With spring training just days away I'm looking forward to seeing the pinstriper's revamped outfield. Never has Bret Gardner looked so good as a possible starter.
NASCAR got off to a shaky start in Daytona. The heralded debut of Danica Patrick ended in a crash on JV Saturday and fans had to endure 6 hours of caution and red flag racing to see a truly exciting green-white-checkered finish. NASCAR might want to reconsider its track maintenance contract with the Florida Highway Dept. But you have to love race fans. They'll talk about the McMurray - Earnhardt finish for years without remembering the painful 6 hours it took to get there.
What?
Or was it UCONN?
A love - hate relationship.
Dick Vitale calling a game or fingernails dragged across a blackboard? I'll choose the fingernails. If Sarah Palin runs in 2012 I can only hope she selects Dickie V for a running mate. His torrent of stream of consciousness blather is the only gibberish that makes her read-off-the-palm crib notes seem on point.
I do love to see Big D the Blowhard and Sean McDonough (sp) on-screen during breaks, especially with the sound turned down. Its a hoot watching Sean wait for a break in Dickie's blab-fest so he can add a comment. Without fail, when Sean thinks the V-Mouth is pausing to let him into the "conversation" (read monologue) , he has to swallow his words as the Master MotorMouth "peals out" with a fresh gulp of air. Poor Sean looks like a grounded, gasping guppy.
How badly did WVU get hosed at Pitt this week? Very. With Pitt down 3 and with possession in the waning seconds, a loose ball was last touched by a Pitt player who then stepped out of bounds. He then stepped back in bounds with one foot and gained possession before any other player had touched the ball (a violation by rule). While Pitt hit a 3 on the possession to tie the game, the best part was the replay that showed the mid-court ref intently looking at the offending player's feet - from a distance of perhaps 6 feet - as he stepped out of bounds . Just to close to call, eh?
A brawl this week in a Camillus Youth Basketball League game involved 30+ parents and players. Onondaga county police and school administrators are reviewing a high quality video to determine what charges may be pressed. Coaches from SUNY Binghamton will be scouting future games for recruits.
Congratulations to the US women winning Gold and Silver in the Moguls. Amazing performances in an impossible sport.
In more olympic news, kudos to Bob Costas for morphing into Dick Clark. With his new dye job and makeup Bob has secured the leading role in The Wolfman 2.
While shopping for a new TV today I popped in a DVD of last year's World Series that was cut off TiVo to test the picture of a 50" HD LCD. After 5 minutes of crotch scratching,showers of spitted sunflower seed shells, and larger than life close-ups of Nick Swisher's head, I opted for a Bose radio.
While SU should handle Louisville today, Georgetown (or is it UCONN?) on the road is waiting in the wings. Villanova found that road has a nasty pot-hole.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Say what you mean...
There really is no argument here. In your construction, both decent and outstanding in the phrase "not outstanding" are adjectives that modify the preceding noun "game".
If you intend "not outstanding" to modify the noun "commercials" then you need to insert a period after "watch" and delete the comma following outstanding. When using multiple adjectives to describe a proceeding noun the last adjective is not separated from the noun by a comma.
By the way, your original construction is, in fact, a run on sentence.
Sadly, there is more than a kernel of truth in your observation regarding a decline in proper use of the language, the net effect of which is a decline in the conveyance of information. Consequently, Sarah Palin can command $100,000 appearance fees for speaking unintelligible gibberish. Unlike encounters with Palinese, we can most often discern your meaning, even when you're wrong.
Kudos to the hated Hoyas for giving SU a game. Nice to see Triche play reasonably well despite turning the ball over.
Johnson was a decent role player. He had a tough shooting night but contributed on the boards although not much else. No assists. No steals. 1 block. I am amazed that anyone can play 40 minutes in a Georgetown game without picking up a personal foul.
Andy Rautins had no trouble in that regard. However, I expect that zebra John Cahill ordered out for his post-game meal rather than risk running into Leo.
Finally, a question for a stat-head: when was the last time SU shot 82% from the line?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
JESSIE WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU, NOT ME
Sorry, Vod. "...but not outstanding.." is a phase that modifies the description 'decent,' and needs to be separated by commas, which is exactly what I did. If I didn't, Jessie would say, "That's a run-on sentence, mister."
***...AND ALL THE TIME, I THOUGHT THIS WAS A SPORTS BLOG***
Here we are arguing proper English, which no one uses anymore if I may judge by looking at restaurant menus and newspaper articles. (Don't get excited, Vod, the NY Times is excluded.)
However, my friends on ESPN continue to abuse the language and insult our intelligence (?) on a daily basis. The latest from the 'lingo experts:'
# "He's not alley, he's ooper." (describing an alley-oop play)
# "Stop looking at my lemonade!" (I have no clue what he was talking about)
# "That's another row-add win for..." (That's road. not row-add, road. ROAD!)
Makes you long for Michael Kay, doesn't it?
CP-
***...AND ALL THE TIME, I THOUGHT THIS WAS A SPORTS BLOG***
Here we are arguing proper English, which no one uses anymore if I may judge by looking at restaurant menus and newspaper articles. (Don't get excited, Vod, the NY Times is excluded.)
However, my friends on ESPN continue to abuse the language and insult our intelligence (?) on a daily basis. The latest from the 'lingo experts:'
# "He's not alley, he's ooper." (describing an alley-oop play)
# "Stop looking at my lemonade!" (I have no clue what he was talking about)
# "That's another row-add win for..." (That's road. not row-add, road. ROAD!)
Makes you long for Michael Kay, doesn't it?
CP-
More Baloney Anyone?
Apparently our Fearless Leader speaks english as a second language, needs a new set of bifocals, or just can't handle the truth.
FYI - here is the exact quote:
A good game to watch, decent, but not outstanding, commercials ('specially liked the Letterman-Winfrey-Leno spot) and, of course, The Who, or as my 7-year old granddaughter said, "Are those old people?"
What a weenie to suggest that the "not outstanding" was intended to modify "commercials" rather than "game". If you made that contention in Jessie Fleischman's english class at OHS she would have humbled you with ridicule or cut your balls off. Many know she preferred the latter.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
I BETTER WATCH WHAT I SAY
Since I've been married for over 40 years (really?), I'm used to being castigated for something I didn't say.
In his haste to find a reason to slap me upside the head (like he needs a reason), Vod neglected to read my posting. I said it was a good game to watch, commented only on the age of The Who, and said the commercials were not outstanding. But thanks for the game recap. I was impressed with the poise of Brees and the Saints.
***VILLANOVA-WEST VIRGINIA***
THIS game was not outstanding, Vod. The commentators kept saying that WVA had no offense and Villanova was not allowing them inside. All true as far as they went. I saw dozens of three-point opportunities that WVA never tried. That made it easy for 'Nova to collapse into the middle. I think any team that is willing to take the 3's (and make some, of course) will give the Wildcats some trouble. I never really felt that WVA was in the game and neither did they, apparently.
***ESPN says that if I wasn't impressed with one of their Top Ten plays, I should take "awesome lessons." Anyone know what that means?
***NEW FEATURE - WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO...?***
Jose Molina? The Mets (among others) are searching for a catcher and are currently looking at a guy (forgot his name) who MAY hit .250, is a marginal defensive player with a lousy arm and not noted for his ability to handle a pitching staff. Jose, can you see...? (sorry about that)
In his haste to find a reason to slap me upside the head (like he needs a reason), Vod neglected to read my posting. I said it was a good game to watch, commented only on the age of The Who, and said the commercials were not outstanding. But thanks for the game recap. I was impressed with the poise of Brees and the Saints.
***VILLANOVA-WEST VIRGINIA***
THIS game was not outstanding, Vod. The commentators kept saying that WVA had no offense and Villanova was not allowing them inside. All true as far as they went. I saw dozens of three-point opportunities that WVA never tried. That made it easy for 'Nova to collapse into the middle. I think any team that is willing to take the 3's (and make some, of course) will give the Wildcats some trouble. I never really felt that WVA was in the game and neither did they, apparently.
***ESPN says that if I wasn't impressed with one of their Top Ten plays, I should take "awesome lessons." Anyone know what that means?
***NEW FEATURE - WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO...?***
Jose Molina? The Mets (among others) are searching for a catcher and are currently looking at a guy (forgot his name) who MAY hit .250, is a marginal defensive player with a lousy arm and not noted for his ability to handle a pitching staff. Jose, can you see...? (sorry about that)
Monday, February 08, 2010
Why I Regularly Slap Picasner Upside the Head
Picasner is a tough guy to please when it comes to Super Bowls (and just about everything else).
Yesterdays game included a Super Bowl record breaking performances by a kicker (3 FGs over 40 yds), a record tying performance by a QB (32 completions), a record tying comeback by a winning team (10 point defecit), several gutsy calls by Sean Payton (did CP miss the onside kick while while refilling his plate for the 2nd half?), an opportunity for the Colts to engineer a game-tying drive in the final minutes (recall that they had 7 game winning 4th quarter drives this season), a game with several lead changes, 98 yd drives, a half time show by my favorite rock group The (AARP) Who, and an unsettled finish until a climactic interception.
Nothing "outstanding" there.
AROUND THE HORN
***SO HE'S HUMAN AFTER ALL***
All week, I read that while New Orleans had the better team, Indianapolis was favored because of Peyton Manning. Come crunch time, however, it was Eli's big brother who made THE critical mistake. A good game to watch, decent, but not outstanding, commercials ('specially liked the Letterman-Winfrey-Leno spot) and, of course, The Who, or as my 7-year old granddaughter said, "Are those old people?"
***OKAY, I'M OFFICIALLY TIRED OF THIS***
Rumor has it that the Braves and the Tigers are mildly interested in Johnny Damon, with Tampa Bay, a longshot. Pretty soon, I'll have to sign him myself, just to get him out of our hair.
***CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?***
Phil Mushnick, a columnist for the NY Post, is no big fan of Mike Francesa (remember Mike and the Mad Dog?).
"The best thing about the week before the Super Bowl is watching as Mike invites big shots into his booth -- to hear him speak. He invited NFLPA exec. director, DeMaurice Smith in to hear Mike's lecture in NFL labor issues. Smith is new at this, but he quickly learned that all he had to do was say, from time to time, 'You're absolutely right, Mike.' All this from Francesa, who, for the last two months, has been calling Colts coach Jim Caldwell 'Cardwell.' Caldwell has acknowledged that all these years he has been mispronouncing his own name: If Mike Francesa says it's Cardwell, well then... it must be Cardwell."
***IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN,...***
Why is that the coach of the losing team, when asked if he would change anything, he always says, "No, we would have done the same thing"? Oh, come on. At least say, "Well, we would have scored more points."
***SYRACUSE ROLLS, VILLANOVA STUMBLES***
The Orange continue to be led by one of the most stifling defenses since the Third Army. They let Cincinnati think they were in the game until they held them to ONE basket in the last 12 minutes. At least they let them bring the ball over half court. All this without their 'Premier Player,' Wes Johnson. As Vod pointed out, SU can win without him, but I believe he is a vital cog, especially against the more upper-echelon teams.
Speaking of which, Villanova faces another powerhouse tonight, West Virginia, at Morgantown. Should be a good game, since the Mountaineers play like you're holding their mother hostage.
SU reportedly has already sold 34,616 tickets for the SU-Villanova game and one writer thinks they'll go over 40,000. I hope those last 6000 bring those TV phones with them so they'll be able to tell what all the screaming is about.
CP-
All week, I read that while New Orleans had the better team, Indianapolis was favored because of Peyton Manning. Come crunch time, however, it was Eli's big brother who made THE critical mistake. A good game to watch, decent, but not outstanding, commercials ('specially liked the Letterman-Winfrey-Leno spot) and, of course, The Who, or as my 7-year old granddaughter said, "Are those old people?"
***OKAY, I'M OFFICIALLY TIRED OF THIS***
Rumor has it that the Braves and the Tigers are mildly interested in Johnny Damon, with Tampa Bay, a longshot. Pretty soon, I'll have to sign him myself, just to get him out of our hair.
***CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?***
Phil Mushnick, a columnist for the NY Post, is no big fan of Mike Francesa (remember Mike and the Mad Dog?).
"The best thing about the week before the Super Bowl is watching as Mike invites big shots into his booth -- to hear him speak. He invited NFLPA exec. director, DeMaurice Smith in to hear Mike's lecture in NFL labor issues. Smith is new at this, but he quickly learned that all he had to do was say, from time to time, 'You're absolutely right, Mike.' All this from Francesa, who, for the last two months, has been calling Colts coach Jim Caldwell 'Cardwell.' Caldwell has acknowledged that all these years he has been mispronouncing his own name: If Mike Francesa says it's Cardwell, well then... it must be Cardwell."
***IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN,...***
Why is that the coach of the losing team, when asked if he would change anything, he always says, "No, we would have done the same thing"? Oh, come on. At least say, "Well, we would have scored more points."
***SYRACUSE ROLLS, VILLANOVA STUMBLES***
The Orange continue to be led by one of the most stifling defenses since the Third Army. They let Cincinnati think they were in the game until they held them to ONE basket in the last 12 minutes. At least they let them bring the ball over half court. All this without their 'Premier Player,' Wes Johnson. As Vod pointed out, SU can win without him, but I believe he is a vital cog, especially against the more upper-echelon teams.
Speaking of which, Villanova faces another powerhouse tonight, West Virginia, at Morgantown. Should be a good game, since the Mountaineers play like you're holding their mother hostage.
SU reportedly has already sold 34,616 tickets for the SU-Villanova game and one writer thinks they'll go over 40,000. I hope those last 6000 bring those TV phones with them so they'll be able to tell what all the screaming is about.
CP-
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Betty White Rules
Congratulations to the big winners in the Super Bowl: Drew Brees, Doritos, and the ageless Betty White.
Its time to end any Big East Player of the Year gibberish about Wes Johnson. He is a fine player but not the pivotal cog in the SU machine. Once again, Andy Rautins (40 minutes) and the misnamed "bench" of Joseph and Jardine (both clocked 30+ minutes) made the Orange tough to beat.
Another slow start for SU, trailing early. The starting lineup is the weakest combination that SU puts on the floor, and it shows. Freshman Brandon Triche can't yet handle the quicker, more experienced guards, does not yet defend well in the zone, and is the poorest passer of the Rautins-Jardine-Triche trio. He got 10 minutes today. Just about enough to give Jardine a blow.
Friday, February 05, 2010
...AND YOU KNEW ALL ALONG
Here are the answers from the previous blog:
I might as well give you all 10 answers since they might not have been as easy as I thought.
EASY:
1. A knuckleball 2. An unassisted triple play 3. The Babe, of course 4. The Braves (Boston, Milwaukee, Atlanta) 5. The Babe, again
HARD:
1. The Cubs 2. The Mariners & the Marlins 3. The Pittsburgh Pirates 4. The Braves, again 5. The Pirates (again) Picasner missed #'s 2 & 4, so they don't count.
CP-
I might as well give you all 10 answers since they might not have been as easy as I thought.
EASY:
1. A knuckleball 2. An unassisted triple play 3. The Babe, of course 4. The Braves (Boston, Milwaukee, Atlanta) 5. The Babe, again
HARD:
1. The Cubs 2. The Mariners & the Marlins 3. The Pittsburgh Pirates 4. The Braves, again 5. The Pirates (again) Picasner missed #'s 2 & 4, so they don't count.
CP-
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
You're playing Jeopardy and the final answer is a baseball category, what would you wager if you had $30,000 and your nearest competitor had $10,000? Would you risk it all, after all it's Baseball, your best category? Would you? ...WIMP!
Here are five actual answers from the show:
1. BASEBALL TERMS (4/29/09): "Hall of Famer Willie Stargell called it 'a butterfly with hiccups'"
2. BASEBALL HISTORY (2/2/04) "On August 10th, 2003, Rafael Furcal of the Braves became only the 12th man in MLB history to perform this single-handedly."
3. BASEBALL HALL OF FAMERS (4/23/01): "A Red Sox pitcher, later a Yankee, he held the World Series record for consecutive scoreless innings from 1918 to 1961."
4. BASEBALL (9/11/02): "It's the only team to win World Series titles in three different cities for which it played."
5. BASEBALL (12/04/96): "The best American League left-handed pitcher 1916-18, he was moved to left field in 1919."
Pretty simple, huh. Aren't you sorry now? Well, consider this. Here are five other actual baseball answers from the show.
1. BASEBALL HISTORY (7/11/08): "For nearly 30 years, California's Catalina Island was the spring training camp for this non-California Major League team"
2. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (3/23/05): "The team names of these two expansion clubs start with the same three letters; one might catch the other."
3. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM NAMES (10/19/01): "This team received its name after an 1890 incident in which it "stole" away an important player from another team."
This is one of the classic Jeopardy questions in which an emphasized word provides a giant clue. Anyone with logic and a knowledge of language and nicknames should get this one
4. BASEBALL HISTORY (5/22/00): "Current name of the National League team that started out in the 1870s as the Boston Red Stockings."
5. BASEBALL TEAMS (11/27/98): "In the early days, this team was known as the Alleghenies."
Aha. Not so easy now, is it? Assuming you got the first 5 right, I'll publish the answers later today. No fair looking them up.
Note: Johnny Damon is still looking and Francisco Franco is still dead.
CP-
Here are five actual answers from the show:
1. BASEBALL TERMS (4/29/09): "Hall of Famer Willie Stargell called it 'a butterfly with hiccups'"
2. BASEBALL HISTORY (2/2/04) "On August 10th, 2003, Rafael Furcal of the Braves became only the 12th man in MLB history to perform this single-handedly."
3. BASEBALL HALL OF FAMERS (4/23/01): "A Red Sox pitcher, later a Yankee, he held the World Series record for consecutive scoreless innings from 1918 to 1961."
4. BASEBALL (9/11/02): "It's the only team to win World Series titles in three different cities for which it played."
5. BASEBALL (12/04/96): "The best American League left-handed pitcher 1916-18, he was moved to left field in 1919."
Pretty simple, huh. Aren't you sorry now? Well, consider this. Here are five other actual baseball answers from the show.
1. BASEBALL HISTORY (7/11/08): "For nearly 30 years, California's Catalina Island was the spring training camp for this non-California Major League team"
2. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (3/23/05): "The team names of these two expansion clubs start with the same three letters; one might catch the other."
3. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM NAMES (10/19/01): "This team received its name after an 1890 incident in which it "stole" away an important player from another team."
This is one of the classic Jeopardy questions in which an emphasized word provides a giant clue. Anyone with logic and a knowledge of language and nicknames should get this one
4. BASEBALL HISTORY (5/22/00): "Current name of the National League team that started out in the 1870s as the Boston Red Stockings."
5. BASEBALL TEAMS (11/27/98): "In the early days, this team was known as the Alleghenies."
Aha. Not so easy now, is it? Assuming you got the first 5 right, I'll publish the answers later today. No fair looking them up.
Note: Johnny Damon is still looking and Francisco Franco is still dead.
CP-
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
SHORT AND SWEET
***WHERE'S JOHNNY?***
Damon (and Scott Boras) are pushing hard on the Detroit Tigers, who happen to be the only team left that will return phone calls. Johnny says he will, "...make the Tigers a winner. Remember, I said that when I went to Boston and when I went to the Yankees, and they both won." Maybe that's why Damon can't throw; he hurt his arm patting himself on the back (Where's Boras when you really need him?).
***REALLY PUTTING THE 'E' IN ESPN***
The announcers can't just describe the highlights; they have to entertain and 'trash talk,' too.
Here are some of the phrases they've used, some of which make NO sense.
1/30 - "Boom-Dizzle" (Describing a dunk) Boom-dizzle?
"Engine, engine #9" (a fast break)
2/1 - "Bartender, gimmee one on ice" (A hockey goal - okay, this one's got some merit)
2/3 - "Cowboy, brother" (Another dunk)
I think they're drinking a little too much Red Bull during the breaks.
***THE ORANGE CONTINUE TO ROLL***
Providence's game plan was obviously to try and shut down Syracuse's three-point shooters. They did but extended their defense out so far that the Orange big men went crazy underneath. Onuaku and Joseph shot a combined 19-23. The bad news is Onuaku and Jackson cannot shoot free throws. They were 0-6 last night and got a cheer from the crowd whenever they just hit the rim. If you can spare the fouls, this might be the only way to beat this team. The good news is that Wes Johnson is sore but okay after taking a hard fall last night. He sat out most of the 2nd half 'cause they didn't need him. Boeheim expects to be off the oxygen today.
***THE JOE MAUER SAGA***
The Twins are trying to sign him up long term before he declares for free agency. Negotiations have been going on for a while. When asked why it was taking so long, Mgr Ron Gardenhire replied, "Well, they can't decide whether to give him Minneapolis or St. Paul." He'll probably end up with both.
We're getting close to spring training and some of the Yankees are already working out in preparation. Sabathia has been light-tossing, Jeter has been jogging, and Nick Johnson has been practicing pulling up lame.
CP-
Damon (and Scott Boras) are pushing hard on the Detroit Tigers, who happen to be the only team left that will return phone calls. Johnny says he will, "...make the Tigers a winner. Remember, I said that when I went to Boston and when I went to the Yankees, and they both won." Maybe that's why Damon can't throw; he hurt his arm patting himself on the back (Where's Boras when you really need him?).
***REALLY PUTTING THE 'E' IN ESPN***
The announcers can't just describe the highlights; they have to entertain and 'trash talk,' too.
Here are some of the phrases they've used, some of which make NO sense.
1/30 - "Boom-Dizzle" (Describing a dunk) Boom-dizzle?
"Engine, engine #9" (a fast break)
2/1 - "Bartender, gimmee one on ice" (A hockey goal - okay, this one's got some merit)
2/3 - "Cowboy, brother" (Another dunk)
I think they're drinking a little too much Red Bull during the breaks.
***THE ORANGE CONTINUE TO ROLL***
Providence's game plan was obviously to try and shut down Syracuse's three-point shooters. They did but extended their defense out so far that the Orange big men went crazy underneath. Onuaku and Joseph shot a combined 19-23. The bad news is Onuaku and Jackson cannot shoot free throws. They were 0-6 last night and got a cheer from the crowd whenever they just hit the rim. If you can spare the fouls, this might be the only way to beat this team. The good news is that Wes Johnson is sore but okay after taking a hard fall last night. He sat out most of the 2nd half 'cause they didn't need him. Boeheim expects to be off the oxygen today.
***THE JOE MAUER SAGA***
The Twins are trying to sign him up long term before he declares for free agency. Negotiations have been going on for a while. When asked why it was taking so long, Mgr Ron Gardenhire replied, "Well, they can't decide whether to give him Minneapolis or St. Paul." He'll probably end up with both.
We're getting close to spring training and some of the Yankees are already working out in preparation. Sabathia has been light-tossing, Jeter has been jogging, and Nick Johnson has been practicing pulling up lame.
CP-
Monday, February 01, 2010
Speaking of Annie -O & Mr. November
Saturday, Laurie and I spent shared a wonderful luncheon with the Picasners and, remarkably, we were again not asked by staff to leave.
I mentioned to Annie-O that earlier that day I had seen a vanity license plate of special interest to her - ILVDEREK, on a car driven by a remarkable lovely young fellow.
My doctor predicts a full recovery.
Oldies but Goldies
New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first."
And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the 'Skin's say: "I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl," Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I'd run over Joe's Mom, too."
Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings."
Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh, "I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes."
Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach, "You guys line up alphabetically by height.." And, "You guys pair up in groups of three, and then line up in a circle."
Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson going to prison, "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton."
Stu Grimson, Chicago Black Hawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker, "That's so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my clothes."
Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of heavyweight Andrew Golota, "He's a guy who gets up at six o'clock in the morning, regardless of what time it is."
Chuck Nevitt , North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice, "My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt."
Frank Layden , Utah Jazz president, on a former player, "I told him, 'Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said, 'Coach, I don't know and I don't care.'"
Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D, "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject."
In the words of NC State great Charles Shackelford, "I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious."
Amarillo High School and Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded, "Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye.”
THE SMARTEST MAN IN BASEBALL - PART II
***IS JETER WORTH THE MONEY?***
Mr. November will turn 36 in June of 2010. The Yankees will be paying him $22.6 million. There are a lot of people that will say a 36-year old shortstop shouldn't be paid that much on the 'downside' of his career (A word of warning: don't say this in earshot of Annie-O).
Last April a sportswriter for the NY Daily News researched Jeter's supposed potential and actual value for the 2009 season, using "Diamond Dollars," which details the value of players, including what they call "marquee value," and Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA system to predict his season. How these two systems do this and how they can claim any kind of accuracy is a complete mystery to me.
First of all, Diamond Dollars projected Jeter's value at $15.5 million for 2009. Baseball Prospectus, only $5.55 million. Why so low? BP's System had him hitting .288 (actual .334), On Base Pct, .353 (.406), Slugging, .383 (.465) with 6 home runs (actual 18). Jeter was actually paid $21.6 million.
Bottom line: with those under-estimates, it's obvious they don't do any work for Scott Boras. Think your systems need overhauling, guys?
***JIM ARMSTRONG, DENVER POST***
As spring training draws near for the Yankees: "Only two more weeks before pitchers, catchers and butlers report."
***SPEAKING OF OVERRATING***
Coastal Carolina & Harvard both received more votes in the AP Top 25 poll than North Carolina, who received zero. Even Old Dominion got 11. This has got to make Vod feel better.
Anybody know who won the football game?
CP-
Mr. November will turn 36 in June of 2010. The Yankees will be paying him $22.6 million. There are a lot of people that will say a 36-year old shortstop shouldn't be paid that much on the 'downside' of his career (A word of warning: don't say this in earshot of Annie-O).
Last April a sportswriter for the NY Daily News researched Jeter's supposed potential and actual value for the 2009 season, using "Diamond Dollars," which details the value of players, including what they call "marquee value," and Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA system to predict his season. How these two systems do this and how they can claim any kind of accuracy is a complete mystery to me.
First of all, Diamond Dollars projected Jeter's value at $15.5 million for 2009. Baseball Prospectus, only $5.55 million. Why so low? BP's System had him hitting .288 (actual .334), On Base Pct, .353 (.406), Slugging, .383 (.465) with 6 home runs (actual 18). Jeter was actually paid $21.6 million.
Bottom line: with those under-estimates, it's obvious they don't do any work for Scott Boras. Think your systems need overhauling, guys?
***JIM ARMSTRONG, DENVER POST***
As spring training draws near for the Yankees: "Only two more weeks before pitchers, catchers and butlers report."
***SPEAKING OF OVERRATING***
Coastal Carolina & Harvard both received more votes in the AP Top 25 poll than North Carolina, who received zero. Even Old Dominion got 11. This has got to make Vod feel better.
Anybody know who won the football game?
CP-
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