Thanksgiving has wound down and I'm again left wondering why its called Turkey Day. I know the answer is that turkey is the traditional centerpiece food for the day, but I find the name to be highly ironic and somewhat inappropriate. Turkey Day is the day when huge numbers of turkeys are massacred and eaten. Happy Turkey Day indeed. We don't massacre and eat untold numbers of childbearing females on Mothers Day, nor their male counterparts on Fathers Day. Christmas, for those who celebrate it, generally does not involve self-cannibalism.
Someone mentioned to me the other day that everyone celebrates Thanksgiving. I thought about it and it's true to some degree; Thanksgiving is the most widely celebrated American holiday among the event-based holidays (holidays based on events that happened or allegedly happened, as opposed to arbitrary holidays like New Year which was just kind of chosen as the date and nothing actually happened except the passing of a year). The only group that probably doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving? Native Americans, the ones who started it in the first place. More irony. Although I wonder if Thanksgiving is celebrated among Native Americans but as a dark remembrance day?
To make this sports related, here are some Bay Area Sports Turkey Awards with special guest presenter and BASTA Hall of Famer Mike Dunleavy Jr.
One leg goes to Mike Nolan, who appears to be on his last leg with the underachieving and unwatchable 49ers. Nolmoe's offense is more dodo than turkey, though the defense has performed admirably. It's a sad state of affairs when the pride of the team is the punter.
One wing goes to Alex Smith. Smithleavy has been a huge bust for the Niners and is threatening to take Nolmoe down with him. Much like a turkey wing, Smith's arm is just for show, has little function, and can never take flight.
One breast goes to the Cal cheerleaders (dance team, whatever), who could use some, umm, upgrading. I was at the basketball game a few days ago and one of the girls looked like she got pistol-whipped by a makeup gun.
One side salad goes to the Stanfurd cheerleaders. And please stop chugging the gravy.
One drumstick goes to the Sharks. Like most years, they can eat the tasty meat during the regular season and choke on the bone in the playoffs.
One serving of white meat goes to the Cal football team. The color matches the flag they've been waiving since mid October.
One pumpkin pie goes to the Golden State Warriors. Once in a while it tastes good, but in the end its just a dressed up pumpkin. 2012 playoffs here we come!
One dirty empty plate goes to the Raiders and A's. There used to be something there at some point but no one remembers and no one cares except that they want it out of sight.
The carving knife goes to Jim Harbaugh, who will carve the turkey with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Cal ... WTF!?!?!?!?
Still can't beat OSU at home. Still can't win in LA. We were on the cusp of being #1 in the country and now we'll be #20 or so. Pathetic. We're going to be ranked behind Kansas. *sigh*
How does the kicker get hurt for the season 20 minutes before the 1st game? How come we don't have a decent backup?
Why can't Cal ever get over the damn hump? This Sisyphus crap kills me as a sports fan.
Hey Tedford, what's with the wussy playcalling again? Longshore goes 16/19 in the first half and the running game is non-existant and yet we go almost exclusively run in the second half? Huh? Playing not to lose tends to end up costing you wins. The defense isn't exactly the 2000 Ravens.
Hey Alex Mack, you're the leader of the oline and possibly the best player on the team. How about not killing drives with penalties? "Hidden play" of the day: Cal up 21-20 in the 4th quarter, 2nd and 8, Longshore to Hawkins for a 1st down around midfield nullified by a Mack hold. Cal runs on 2nd and 18 and 3rd and 18 (double huh?) and then punts.
Hey Jahvid Best, how about not losing a fumble next week? It'd be a nice change of pace.
That, btw, is the big difference between the 5-0 start and the 0-2 implosion. Cal was among the leaders nationally in turnover differential and then was -2 in each of the losses (and in each loss the game deciding points came off of Cal turnovers).
How does the kicker get hurt for the season 20 minutes before the 1st game? How come we don't have a decent backup?
Why can't Cal ever get over the damn hump? This Sisyphus crap kills me as a sports fan.
Hey Tedford, what's with the wussy playcalling again? Longshore goes 16/19 in the first half and the running game is non-existant and yet we go almost exclusively run in the second half? Huh? Playing not to lose tends to end up costing you wins. The defense isn't exactly the 2000 Ravens.
Hey Alex Mack, you're the leader of the oline and possibly the best player on the team. How about not killing drives with penalties? "Hidden play" of the day: Cal up 21-20 in the 4th quarter, 2nd and 8, Longshore to Hawkins for a 1st down around midfield nullified by a Mack hold. Cal runs on 2nd and 18 and 3rd and 18 (double huh?) and then punts.
Hey Jahvid Best, how about not losing a fumble next week? It'd be a nice change of pace.
That, btw, is the big difference between the 5-0 start and the 0-2 implosion. Cal was among the leaders nationally in turnover differential and then was -2 in each of the losses (and in each loss the game deciding points came off of Cal turnovers).
New article is up
The Cal football season is so depressing I actually got around to writing for the site again. www.osfan.com for a new article. Angry Cal post to follow here on the blog.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Warriors Waive Waste
The Golden State Warriors waived resident poet, democracy advocate, and general waste of roster space Adonal Foyle today. Foyle, who had two fully guaranteed years and $1 million guaranteed for a third remaining on his horrendously bloated contract, agreed to a buyout. Per NBA rules, whatever his buyout amount is will be spread over the remaining 3 years (this is for cap purposes; for real money payment purposes he can get the money in 1 lump sum if that is what was negotiated) in proportion to the amount of guaranteed money that was due to Foyle per his contract.
This ends a 10 year run with the Warriors for Foyle. Well, run may be a bad choice of words. Perhaps "waddle" or "bench warming" would be more appropriate. At the time of the waiving, only Duncan and Bryant had longer tenures with their teams. That's 7 rings and approximately 20 All NBA appearances against Foyle 7 dozen onion rings per week and 20 guest lectures. This was obviously a decade (and well over $50 million) well spent by the Warriors organization.
In more quirky news, 21 year old Andris Biedrins is now the longest tenured Warrior (pending Mickael Pietrus' potential return). Virtually all remnants of pre-Mullin regimes have been eliminated, and the quartet of atrocious contracts (Foyle, Fisher, Murphy, and Dunleavy - Richardson's contract was merely bad) Mullin personally handed out are now out of sight and out of mind.
This ends a 10 year run with the Warriors for Foyle. Well, run may be a bad choice of words. Perhaps "waddle" or "bench warming" would be more appropriate. At the time of the waiving, only Duncan and Bryant had longer tenures with their teams. That's 7 rings and approximately 20 All NBA appearances against Foyle 7 dozen onion rings per week and 20 guest lectures. This was obviously a decade (and well over $50 million) well spent by the Warriors organization.
In more quirky news, 21 year old Andris Biedrins is now the longest tenured Warrior (pending Mickael Pietrus' potential return). Virtually all remnants of pre-Mullin regimes have been eliminated, and the quartet of atrocious contracts (Foyle, Fisher, Murphy, and Dunleavy - Richardson's contract was merely bad) Mullin personally handed out are now out of sight and out of mind.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Pittsburgh? Really?
When it looked like the Giants would be stuck with all their aging, rotting, decomposing trash, an unlikely savior emerged - the Pittsburgh Pirates. They not only took Matt Morris and the entire remainder of his contract, but sent the Giants an MLB ready prospect (not a great one at this point, but who knows) and a prospect to be named later. Pittsburgh is the rare team worse than the Giants, so who knows why they'd want Morris. I wonder if Sabean thought he was getting a prank call. If not, he probably couldn't say yes fast enough. Oh, and thanks for Schmidt 5 years ago.
Now the hope is that a few of the aging underachievers catch fire, clear wavers, and draw some trade offers before the waiver trade deadline.
Now the hope is that a few of the aging underachievers catch fire, clear wavers, and draw some trade offers before the waiver trade deadline.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
New article is up
A new article regarding the Tim Donaghy situation and NBA refereeing as a whole has been posted. A link is below:
http://www.osfan.com/articles/personnel_foul.html
http://www.osfan.com/articles/personnel_foul.html
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Matt Morris - bringing back the suck
A month ago Matt Morris' ERA was 2.56. He was looking like the odds on favorite for being the obligatory Giant in the All Star game and would be fantastic trade bait for a franchise that badly needs a successful fire sale to get some quality prospects into the system. Morris, a big money free agent signing a year ago who has mostly disappointed, naturally went into the tank as soon as being traded to a decent team was a possibility.
Since mid-June, Morris has given up fewer than 4 earned runs in one start, and even then he gave up 3 runs (1 earned) while "scattering" 10 hits and 2 walks over 7 innings. He's given up at 6 runs or more in 4 of his 6 starts in that span, including 8 runs at Wrigley today, wasting Barry Bonds' 2 HR 6RBI slump-buster performance. Morris' ERA is now at 4.08 and climbing, and his record has fallen from 7-3 to 7-6 (not that pitcher record means anything, but a gaudy record helps sell a trade to a fanbase which doesn't know any better). Had Morris continued to do well or only drop off to having an ERA of 3, he could've fetched the Giants a tidy ransom as a potential #2 starter for a contender. Now he's a #4 with a big contract past this season. You can't have a fire sale if there are no buyers. Sabean's task will be roughly equivalent to peddling used diapers to expectant parents in Beverly Hills.
Oh, and where was this 8 runs of support for Matt Cain yesterday? He got 1 run, well after he left the game. Sure he got lit up, but it must be hard pitching when you know that after giving up 1 run you have no chance at the win and 2 runs given up are a guaranteed loss. I've seen NBA teams freeze out a player before (and more often, one player freeze out another) but I don't recall ever seeing a baseball team's entire offense basically freeze out their own starter for an entire season. Actually, Roger Clemens had it happen in Houston a few years ago, but he deserves it. Maybe Cain slept with one of the position players' granddaughters?
Since mid-June, Morris has given up fewer than 4 earned runs in one start, and even then he gave up 3 runs (1 earned) while "scattering" 10 hits and 2 walks over 7 innings. He's given up at 6 runs or more in 4 of his 6 starts in that span, including 8 runs at Wrigley today, wasting Barry Bonds' 2 HR 6RBI slump-buster performance. Morris' ERA is now at 4.08 and climbing, and his record has fallen from 7-3 to 7-6 (not that pitcher record means anything, but a gaudy record helps sell a trade to a fanbase which doesn't know any better). Had Morris continued to do well or only drop off to having an ERA of 3, he could've fetched the Giants a tidy ransom as a potential #2 starter for a contender. Now he's a #4 with a big contract past this season. You can't have a fire sale if there are no buyers. Sabean's task will be roughly equivalent to peddling used diapers to expectant parents in Beverly Hills.
Oh, and where was this 8 runs of support for Matt Cain yesterday? He got 1 run, well after he left the game. Sure he got lit up, but it must be hard pitching when you know that after giving up 1 run you have no chance at the win and 2 runs given up are a guaranteed loss. I've seen NBA teams freeze out a player before (and more often, one player freeze out another) but I don't recall ever seeing a baseball team's entire offense basically freeze out their own starter for an entire season. Actually, Roger Clemens had it happen in Houston a few years ago, but he deserves it. Maybe Cain slept with one of the position players' granddaughters?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Why are All Star games a big deal?
The Giants just hosted the MLB All Star game. Some observations about the extravaganza:
- The "fanfest" was at the Moscone Center. Fans waited in long lines to pay money to wait in long lines to stand in a batting cage for a couple minutes. Good times.
- Justin Herman Plaza hosted a mini version of fanfest, with a fungo batting experience, a pitching activity, and a bunch of corporate giveaways in exchange for personal info so you can be harassed by annoying salespeople.
- People paid hundreds of dollars for tickets to a glorified batting practice. To top it off, some of the biggest names (Bonds, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriquez, etc) didn't participate. But hey, who wouldn't want to pay $600 to watch Alex Rios take three rounds of bp? I wonder how many Giants fans saw "A. Rios" in the Derby lineup and wondered what Armando Rios was doing at the All Star game.
- I heard there was a "futures" game featuring top prospects. I'm not sure if this was just a rumor, as no one under age 35 is allowed in the home dugout in San Francisco.
- The main event itself, the All Star game. People forked over huge sums of money to attend an exhibition game where the main objective is to not injure any players' bodies and egos. Everyone plays. No one tries. Most have some fun with it and few care about the outcome. It's like the MLB equivalent of a 6 year old's Little League game, minus the effort and the orange slices. Oh, except for the whole home field advantage in the World Series being decided by an exhibition game featuring a bunch of players who have no shot at making the World Series.
- The "fanfest" was at the Moscone Center. Fans waited in long lines to pay money to wait in long lines to stand in a batting cage for a couple minutes. Good times.
- Justin Herman Plaza hosted a mini version of fanfest, with a fungo batting experience, a pitching activity, and a bunch of corporate giveaways in exchange for personal info so you can be harassed by annoying salespeople.
- People paid hundreds of dollars for tickets to a glorified batting practice. To top it off, some of the biggest names (Bonds, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriquez, etc) didn't participate. But hey, who wouldn't want to pay $600 to watch Alex Rios take three rounds of bp? I wonder how many Giants fans saw "A. Rios" in the Derby lineup and wondered what Armando Rios was doing at the All Star game.
- I heard there was a "futures" game featuring top prospects. I'm not sure if this was just a rumor, as no one under age 35 is allowed in the home dugout in San Francisco.
- The main event itself, the All Star game. People forked over huge sums of money to attend an exhibition game where the main objective is to not injure any players' bodies and egos. Everyone plays. No one tries. Most have some fun with it and few care about the outcome. It's like the MLB equivalent of a 6 year old's Little League game, minus the effort and the orange slices. Oh, except for the whole home field advantage in the World Series being decided by an exhibition game featuring a bunch of players who have no shot at making the World Series.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Goodbye, J-Rich
Last week's NBA draft saw the Warriors draft an Italian shooting guard at #18, prompting questions about why a team heavy on wings and missing size would go after another guard. The answer came within an hour as news of a trade leaked - the Warriors had traded longtime (by today's sports standards) starting shooting guard Jason Richardson and the rights to the 36th pick (which was acquired from Minnesota in the Marc Jackson trade sometime during the Mesozoic period) for the rights to the 8th pick in the draft, Brandan Wright.
Many Warriors fans have mixed thoughts on the trade. Jason had become Mr. Warrior to a chunk of the fan base, especially the newer fans. However, for myself it was an odd case where I had little emotional attachment to a significant and longstanding member of my favorite team. Maybe it was because Richardson was immature early on, be it the sickout (skipping practice with that turd Gilbert Arenas without notice, later claiming they were just sick but in reality they wanted more crunch time minutes) or putting his ex-girlfriend's (and mother of his child who was present) head through a wall. He had a knack for exciting dunks, but it was telling that he could never perform them in a meaningful situation nor in a half court setting. He never had the ball handling skills to drive and dunk on anyone, and for years had to pause to gather himself and jump off 2 feet before attacking the rim (which allowed the defense to get set and await).
Richardson worked on his body and his game and became a very good scorer. But he never became a guy who could carry a team, who could singlehandedly bring victory. Contributing to this was his inability to use his scoring ability to set up teammates. He was greatly admired, and rightfully so, for having a great will to win and the ability and desire to play through high levels of pain, but that couldn't overcome the fact that he was a role player paid like a star, and one who happened to play a position of psuedo-depth on the Warriors (I threw in the qualifier because Barnes and Pietrus are both free agents). To top things off, Richardson is a player who relies on athleticism and had persistent knee issues for the past year, robbing him (at least temporarily) of some of the athleticism which made him a superior player and greatly hindering his performance.
The trade gives the Warriors several things. First of all, it shows fans that the team is trying to improve and is not content sitting on hits 8 seed laurels. This is a great relief to me personally. Secondly, it frees up the $50 million due Richardson over the next 4 years and creates a $10 million trade exception the Warriors can use anytime in the next calendar year. Third, it brings in Brandan Wright, who arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in this year's draft outside of the two surefire stars (Oden and Durant). Wright is a power forward, a position the Warriors have a gaping hole at (though Wright is only 19 and needs to put on at least 20 pounds of muscle before playing heavy minutes, but long term he and Biedrins could form the best front line in the league, or at least the best one not involving Greg Oden). Wright is also a guy the Timberwolves would likely prefer (due to youth, ceiling, health, and contract) to Jason in the event that they finally do deal Kevin Garnett.
Bottom line: I'm not thrilled to see Jason go and I appreciate his contributions to the franchise, but I have no problems with the deal and am excited to see that the franchise is actively trying to improve. Welcome Brandan Wright. For now anyway...
Many Warriors fans have mixed thoughts on the trade. Jason had become Mr. Warrior to a chunk of the fan base, especially the newer fans. However, for myself it was an odd case where I had little emotional attachment to a significant and longstanding member of my favorite team. Maybe it was because Richardson was immature early on, be it the sickout (skipping practice with that turd Gilbert Arenas without notice, later claiming they were just sick but in reality they wanted more crunch time minutes) or putting his ex-girlfriend's (and mother of his child who was present) head through a wall. He had a knack for exciting dunks, but it was telling that he could never perform them in a meaningful situation nor in a half court setting. He never had the ball handling skills to drive and dunk on anyone, and for years had to pause to gather himself and jump off 2 feet before attacking the rim (which allowed the defense to get set and await).
Richardson worked on his body and his game and became a very good scorer. But he never became a guy who could carry a team, who could singlehandedly bring victory. Contributing to this was his inability to use his scoring ability to set up teammates. He was greatly admired, and rightfully so, for having a great will to win and the ability and desire to play through high levels of pain, but that couldn't overcome the fact that he was a role player paid like a star, and one who happened to play a position of psuedo-depth on the Warriors (I threw in the qualifier because Barnes and Pietrus are both free agents). To top things off, Richardson is a player who relies on athleticism and had persistent knee issues for the past year, robbing him (at least temporarily) of some of the athleticism which made him a superior player and greatly hindering his performance.
The trade gives the Warriors several things. First of all, it shows fans that the team is trying to improve and is not content sitting on hits 8 seed laurels. This is a great relief to me personally. Secondly, it frees up the $50 million due Richardson over the next 4 years and creates a $10 million trade exception the Warriors can use anytime in the next calendar year. Third, it brings in Brandan Wright, who arguably has the highest ceiling of anyone in this year's draft outside of the two surefire stars (Oden and Durant). Wright is a power forward, a position the Warriors have a gaping hole at (though Wright is only 19 and needs to put on at least 20 pounds of muscle before playing heavy minutes, but long term he and Biedrins could form the best front line in the league, or at least the best one not involving Greg Oden). Wright is also a guy the Timberwolves would likely prefer (due to youth, ceiling, health, and contract) to Jason in the event that they finally do deal Kevin Garnett.
Bottom line: I'm not thrilled to see Jason go and I appreciate his contributions to the franchise, but I have no problems with the deal and am excited to see that the franchise is actively trying to improve. Welcome Brandan Wright. For now anyway...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ray Durham - redefining anti-clutch
Ray Durham has been hitting 3rd for the Giants (*sigh*). Why is a guy who leads the team in hitting into double plays (aka "AJs"; named for the man who redefined the art, AJ Pierzynski) hitting ahead of the one semi-legit threat (Bonds) in the lineup? And how exactly does a guy hitting behind Mendoza AllStars like Dave Roberts and Omar Vizquel (hey, they're table setters, the table just happens to be in Somalia) manage to lead the team in AJs? Are the pitchers reaching too often (related note: Noah Lowry, who has an OBP of about .070 has been doing a lot of pinch hitting recently; next up: Molina the pinch runner)?
To top it off, he's incapable of hitting a sac fly. Even Carl Lewis couldn't score on a fly ball to medium shortstop, Ray. (Attention Brian Sabean: I know he's in his 40s or 50s by now, but DO NOT go and sign Carl Lewis. Please join the rest of us in this millennium and stop trying to put together the year 2000 All Star team or the 1984 Olympic team. Rule of thumb: if they look old enough to have served in Vietnam, don't sign them. If they look old enough to have attended the Gettysburg address, don't sign them - sorry Benito.)
To top it off, he's incapable of hitting a sac fly. Even Carl Lewis couldn't score on a fly ball to medium shortstop, Ray. (Attention Brian Sabean: I know he's in his 40s or 50s by now, but DO NOT go and sign Carl Lewis. Please join the rest of us in this millennium and stop trying to put together the year 2000 All Star team or the 1984 Olympic team. Rule of thumb: if they look old enough to have served in Vietnam, don't sign them. If they look old enough to have attended the Gettysburg address, don't sign them - sorry Benito.)
Giants' winning streak is over
Well, that didn't take long. After a 3 game reprieve, the Giants are back in the L column. Once again, the pitching (allowing only 3 solo homers in 10 innings) held up but the hitters couldn't deliver. The Giants left the bases loaded a couple times and stranded 14 runners while squeeking out a couple runs. I don't think the Giants have had a bases clearing double this year. The paucity of extra base hits is absurd and a major reason this team stinks worse than Charlie Weis after a mid-summer power waddle. To top it off, the daddies committed 3 errors but that still wasn't enough for the Giant failures. The game fittingly ended with 57 year old centerfielder/leadoff hitter Dave Roberts getting thrown out trying to steal second.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Duncan should've been the MVP
Tony Parker was named the Finals MVP for being the Spurs' leading scorer and having a high fg% in an ugly shooting series. But was he deserving? I say no. Tim Duncan was the clear MVP despite subpar shooting during the series.
Duncan is the dominant force in everything the Spurs do. The offense runs through him. Duncan, from his power forward position, had more assists than point guard Parker did. Think about that - Parker was getting into the lane at will (in part because he spent most of the series being guarded by badly injured Larry Hughes and rookie 2nd round pick Daniel Gibson) and couldn't set up anyone while Duncan was cold from the field and was still setting up teammates. Duncan routinely drew two or three defenders and that opened up Parker and the rest of the Spurs. When Cleveland took a 2nd half lead for the first time in the entire series during game 4, the Spurs went to a cold Duncan who managed to get the Spur offense going again.
That aside, the Spurs' strength is a suffocating defense. Duncan is the heart of that. He controls the middle, blocks shots, gobbles up rebounds, and shuts down his man. Lebron James' field goal percentage plummeted against the Spurs in no small part because Duncan was patrolling the lane and not allowing James his usual flashy dunks.
Parker made more shots and provided ABC an excuse to promote Eva Longoria for an extra 10 minutes. Duncan did everything else. The MVP trophy is in the wrong hands.
Duncan is the dominant force in everything the Spurs do. The offense runs through him. Duncan, from his power forward position, had more assists than point guard Parker did. Think about that - Parker was getting into the lane at will (in part because he spent most of the series being guarded by badly injured Larry Hughes and rookie 2nd round pick Daniel Gibson) and couldn't set up anyone while Duncan was cold from the field and was still setting up teammates. Duncan routinely drew two or three defenders and that opened up Parker and the rest of the Spurs. When Cleveland took a 2nd half lead for the first time in the entire series during game 4, the Spurs went to a cold Duncan who managed to get the Spur offense going again.
That aside, the Spurs' strength is a suffocating defense. Duncan is the heart of that. He controls the middle, blocks shots, gobbles up rebounds, and shuts down his man. Lebron James' field goal percentage plummeted against the Spurs in no small part because Duncan was patrolling the lane and not allowing James his usual flashy dunks.
Parker made more shots and provided ABC an excuse to promote Eva Longoria for an extra 10 minutes. Duncan did everything else. The MVP trophy is in the wrong hands.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Props to 'Bron
LeIcon was fouled at the end of game 3 as he went up for the potential game tying and season saving 3 pointer. Bowen was trying to foul him before James got into a shooting motion and made a big mistake fouling too late. One problem: there was no call. James complained to the ref immediately after, but reading his lips all he was repeatedly saying was, "He fouled me right there." No cursing, no tantrum. After the game, he didn't seem to complain about it much (though I haven't seen the entire press conference at this point).
Lots of credit to LeBron for taking the loss like a pro. His team had tons of chances to win and he appears to have chosen to focus on that instead of one bad no-call. That will serve him well and hopefully will drive him to improve in the offseason instead of just being bitter.
It's not even being made much of a story, which is shocking. He should have been at the line with a chance to tie game 3. Now his team is down 3-0 and totally done. Bowen was blatantly trying to foul. There isn't a question here. The initial AP game stories left this out entirely. The newer ones barely mention it. Amazing. The mainstream media is passing on a legitimate controversy? Must be because its the glamor matchup of Cleveland and San Antonio. Now back to your regularly scheduled debate on how many days Paris Hilton should spend in prison (where's the eye-rolling icon when you need it?).
Lots of credit to LeBron for taking the loss like a pro. His team had tons of chances to win and he appears to have chosen to focus on that instead of one bad no-call. That will serve him well and hopefully will drive him to improve in the offseason instead of just being bitter.
It's not even being made much of a story, which is shocking. He should have been at the line with a chance to tie game 3. Now his team is down 3-0 and totally done. Bowen was blatantly trying to foul. There isn't a question here. The initial AP game stories left this out entirely. The newer ones barely mention it. Amazing. The mainstream media is passing on a legitimate controversy? Must be because its the glamor matchup of Cleveland and San Antonio. Now back to your regularly scheduled debate on how many days Paris Hilton should spend in prison (where's the eye-rolling icon when you need it?).
Friday, June 8, 2007
NHL to expand???
It appears that the NHL is leaning towards expanding into Kansas City and Las Vegas. If true, Commissioner Gary Bettman is about to take over Dave Twardzic's spot as the most incompetent sports executive I've ever witnessed. What does the NHL possibly have to gain by expanding? There is a short term financial bump from expansion teams (assuming someone is financially suicidal enough to buy an NHL team), but then what? Talent dilution, empty seats, and microscopic television ratings?
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Spurs in 5
The big sigh of relief heard last week came from the NBA corporate offices as they were spared a Spurs-Pistons rematch from 2 years ago that would've brought ratings to a new low. The NBA's marketing plan for years has been centered around stars. Tim Duncan is the best player in the league, but his personality and locale make him hard to market (ironic considering how Duncan is what most of the league's critics and fans claim to want in a player). ABC would've been stuck with "Chauncey Billups ... ... Mr. Eva Longoria .... next!"
Instead they get LeIcon in Le Finals, where he will play a top 5 team for the first time in a few months (meanwhile, every opponent the Spurs have faced was at least as good as Cleveland). Good for NBA marketing. Probably good for the future of the league, as the Pistons are done (thanks to the Darko pick; they'd be looking good if they had gone with any of the 3 guys taken after Darko - Anthony, Bosh, Wade) and the league needs LeBron to be an elite player on an elite team (though I'm sure they'd prefer that he were somewhere a little more Nielson friendly than Cleveland).
For Cleveland to have a good chance, they either need Tim Duncan to turn into Adonal Foyle overnight or they need 4 huge games from LeBron, his shooters to be hot in those games, and his rebounders to continue their work on the offensive glass in those games. Their formula would probably be to steal one in San Antonio with LeBron throwing up a huge game, taking game 3 in Cleveland with a big game from LeBron and guys like Gibson continuing to be unconscious from deep, and then hope the Spurs crumble under the pressure. Odds aren't good, and the Spurs will take it in 5. They're simply the better team, able to play any style, more experienced, and they have the best player in the league (and one of the best ever, but that's another discussion).
(oh, and how did David Stern allow the league to reach a point where San Antonio vs Cleveland was the preferred result of the conference finals?)
Instead they get LeIcon in Le Finals, where he will play a top 5 team for the first time in a few months (meanwhile, every opponent the Spurs have faced was at least as good as Cleveland). Good for NBA marketing. Probably good for the future of the league, as the Pistons are done (thanks to the Darko pick; they'd be looking good if they had gone with any of the 3 guys taken after Darko - Anthony, Bosh, Wade) and the league needs LeBron to be an elite player on an elite team (though I'm sure they'd prefer that he were somewhere a little more Nielson friendly than Cleveland).
For Cleveland to have a good chance, they either need Tim Duncan to turn into Adonal Foyle overnight or they need 4 huge games from LeBron, his shooters to be hot in those games, and his rebounders to continue their work on the offensive glass in those games. Their formula would probably be to steal one in San Antonio with LeBron throwing up a huge game, taking game 3 in Cleveland with a big game from LeBron and guys like Gibson continuing to be unconscious from deep, and then hope the Spurs crumble under the pressure. Odds aren't good, and the Spurs will take it in 5. They're simply the better team, able to play any style, more experienced, and they have the best player in the league (and one of the best ever, but that's another discussion).
(oh, and how did David Stern allow the league to reach a point where San Antonio vs Cleveland was the preferred result of the conference finals?)
Monday, May 28, 2007
Spurs-Jazz: Game 4
Some thoughts on game 4, where the Spurs took full control of the Western Conference Finals:
- Shocking to see those high class Utah fans throwing things at the Spurs players during and after the game. Probably some of the same geniuses who spent the previous series hurling racial epitaphs at the Warriors' Steven Jackson and Jason Richardson. You stay classy, Utah.
- Why did Dreck Fisher have to wait until this series to bring the suck? Why couldn't he have played at his usual pathetic level against the Warriors?
- When Dreck levels a guy out of frustration, he's a classy guy having a moment of frustration. When anyone on the Warriors does it, he's a thug. When Robert Horry does it, he's a scheming mastermind thug. Was there an official announcement that Dreck is now a white guy and will be treated as such by the media?
- I don't recall ever seeing someone get tossed with just 1 technical, but apparently the refs have the power and Jerry Sloan had it used on him. I do recall Chris Webber getting 2 techs against the Warriors and then having the first one reclassified after he got the 2nd so that some obscure rule kicked in and 2 techs didn't get him tossed.
- What, me bitter?
- Ginobli got a tech called on Dreck by running up to Dreck from behind, throwing himself against Dreck's shoulder, and then flopping. Dreck's natural reaction was to counterflop. The call went in Ginobli's favor. Worst tech since Barnes got t'ed up when he had the audacity to try boxing out on a free throw and Kirilenko flopped. The Euros are bringing in the soccer flop, and even the American floppers like Dreck can't keep up. Terrible development for the league.
- Shocking to see those high class Utah fans throwing things at the Spurs players during and after the game. Probably some of the same geniuses who spent the previous series hurling racial epitaphs at the Warriors' Steven Jackson and Jason Richardson. You stay classy, Utah.
- Why did Dreck Fisher have to wait until this series to bring the suck? Why couldn't he have played at his usual pathetic level against the Warriors?
- When Dreck levels a guy out of frustration, he's a classy guy having a moment of frustration. When anyone on the Warriors does it, he's a thug. When Robert Horry does it, he's a scheming mastermind thug. Was there an official announcement that Dreck is now a white guy and will be treated as such by the media?
- I don't recall ever seeing someone get tossed with just 1 technical, but apparently the refs have the power and Jerry Sloan had it used on him. I do recall Chris Webber getting 2 techs against the Warriors and then having the first one reclassified after he got the 2nd so that some obscure rule kicked in and 2 techs didn't get him tossed.
- What, me bitter?
- Ginobli got a tech called on Dreck by running up to Dreck from behind, throwing himself against Dreck's shoulder, and then flopping. Dreck's natural reaction was to counterflop. The call went in Ginobli's favor. Worst tech since Barnes got t'ed up when he had the audacity to try boxing out on a free throw and Kirilenko flopped. The Euros are bringing in the soccer flop, and even the American floppers like Dreck can't keep up. Terrible development for the league.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Cavs-Pistons
The Pistons took both games of the Junior Varsity finals at home, by final scores lower than what the Warriors and Suns would've been throwing up by halftime of the Varsity finals had each pulled out their 2nd round series. I can appreciate good defense. I am one of about 14 people that haven't tried to emulate Ginobili's bald spot who enjoy watching the Spurs. But there is a very significant difference between good defense and unwatchable basketball, and this series (and much of the JV playoffs) has lived in the latter.
The big controversy after game 1 was whether LeBron James should've taken a triple teamed shot in the lane instead of kicking it out to Donyell Marshall for the open 3. The only reason this is even a discussion is that 'yell missed it. Let's see... LeIcon's options are to take a low percentage, highly contested shot to tie the game on the road (and leave the Pistons with time for the last shot) or to kick it out to a decent shooter for a wide open 3 pointer (from the corner, the closest possible 3 point attempt) to possibly win the game. LeIcon made the right play. Marshall should've made the shot. It's that simple. For all those yammering about lack of competitive nature or killer instinct (which may well be true about the preceding 47.75 minutes), consider that Michael Jordan, one of the most competitive people walking the Earth, twice won championships by passing to open role players. Paxon hit his shot, Bulls win championship. Kerr hit his, Bulls win championship. Marshall misses, LeIcon is too passive?
Game 2's controversy came when LeIcon decided he'd be the man this time and take the shot. Only down 1, LeIcon went right at Rip Hamilton and was arguably fouled as he missed badly. The refs tend to swallow their whistles at the ends of games (or anytime Carlos Boozer is making X-rated videos with a host of unwilling Warriors) . Instead of harping on the potential foul, Cleveland should be worried about two things: 1. They paid Larry Hughes an awful lot of money for a guy who misses a wide open 7 footer with a conference finals game on the line and 2. Maybe down by 1 with a second left and the opponent going to the line isn't the time for your head coach to get T'ed up? Giving Detroit an extra free throw there gives them a chance to make it a 4 point game with a second left and ending any hope. Before maybe Detroit hits both and you can get a Laettner moment or Detroit misses one or both and you grab the board and heave it for the win. Not good odds, but better than 0. You can go scream at the refs later.
Oh, and still no word on LeIcon's negotiations to become the latest athlete to get a stamp in the Post Office's special Vince Carter series honoring those star players who routinely mail it in.
The big controversy after game 1 was whether LeBron James should've taken a triple teamed shot in the lane instead of kicking it out to Donyell Marshall for the open 3. The only reason this is even a discussion is that 'yell missed it. Let's see... LeIcon's options are to take a low percentage, highly contested shot to tie the game on the road (and leave the Pistons with time for the last shot) or to kick it out to a decent shooter for a wide open 3 pointer (from the corner, the closest possible 3 point attempt) to possibly win the game. LeIcon made the right play. Marshall should've made the shot. It's that simple. For all those yammering about lack of competitive nature or killer instinct (which may well be true about the preceding 47.75 minutes), consider that Michael Jordan, one of the most competitive people walking the Earth, twice won championships by passing to open role players. Paxon hit his shot, Bulls win championship. Kerr hit his, Bulls win championship. Marshall misses, LeIcon is too passive?
Game 2's controversy came when LeIcon decided he'd be the man this time and take the shot. Only down 1, LeIcon went right at Rip Hamilton and was arguably fouled as he missed badly. The refs tend to swallow their whistles at the ends of games (or anytime Carlos Boozer is making X-rated videos with a host of unwilling Warriors) . Instead of harping on the potential foul, Cleveland should be worried about two things: 1. They paid Larry Hughes an awful lot of money for a guy who misses a wide open 7 footer with a conference finals game on the line and 2. Maybe down by 1 with a second left and the opponent going to the line isn't the time for your head coach to get T'ed up? Giving Detroit an extra free throw there gives them a chance to make it a 4 point game with a second left and ending any hope. Before maybe Detroit hits both and you can get a Laettner moment or Detroit misses one or both and you grab the board and heave it for the win. Not good odds, but better than 0. You can go scream at the refs later.
Oh, and still no word on LeIcon's negotiations to become the latest athlete to get a stamp in the Post Office's special Vince Carter series honoring those star players who routinely mail it in.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Warriors must make a move
Two years ago, the Warriors acquired Baron Davis and went on a hot streak to end the season. They did particularly well once Baron got healthier and into playing shape. They then sat on their hands all offseason, thinking they had cured all their ills. This past season the Warriors again made a trade, waited for Baron to get healthy, and got hot. This season's hot streak meant more - the Warriors made the playoffs and pulled off a historic upset over the 67 win Dallas Mavericks - but in the end fell well short of a championship (which, after all, should be the goal).
To get past bigger teams like San Antonio and Utah, the Warriors need an upgrade at the power forward spot. With erstwhile power forward Al Harrington being told to slim down to play the small forward position more next season, and Harrington not being much of a rebounder or interior defender to begin with, there is a glaring need to pair a legitimate big man alongside the blossoming Andris Biedrins.
There are several star power forwards reported to be on the market. The biggest fish is former MVP Kevin Garnett, with All Stars Pau Gasol and Jermaine O'Neal also said to be available for the right offer.
The Warriors have a surplus of guards and swingmen to offer. Stephen Jackson is facing prison time this summer and was considered such a cancer by Indiana and the rest of the league that the Pacers were willing to take Murphleavy and their contracts in order to dump him, thus making Jackson unlikely to be seen as desirable trade bait. Baron Davis is off limits, as the point is to pair a stud big man with Baron and contend for a championship immediately (a key considering Baron's injury history and coach Don Nelson's likely departure within the next few years). Andris Biedrins is too good for such a young big man to give up, and is the only real big man that Nelson trusts enough to play, so he can't be a part of any trade. This leaves the tradeable commodities list at:
- Jason Richardson: if team's are convinced he will be totally recovered from his knee surgery, he can be shopped as a 20+ ppg scorer who is amongst the best rebounders at his position and can sell tickets as a 2 time slam dunk champion. A good team player who is willing to accept any role if he feels it will help the team win.
- Monta Ellis: In his second year out of high school, won the league's Most Improved Player award. One of the quickest players in the league, Monta offers instant offense, lots of potential, and another season with a salary around the league minimum.
- Mickael Pietrus: French Sexy is a restricted free agent, so he would have to agree to a sign and trade.
- Sarunas J: Assuming he takes his player option, he will be a $4 million expiring contract, which is a nice trade chip.
- The aforementioned Al Harrington
- Patrick O'Bryant: Last year's 7 foot lotto pick may be enticing to some.
- The 18th pick in the 2007 NBA draft, said to be one of the best in recent years.
- Future first round draft picks.
- 2nd round picks
- Adonal Foyle: A bad player, but with only 2 fully guaranteed years left on his contract (the 3rd year only has $1 million guaranteed). Makes over $17.5 million the next 2 years. But uhh, he's purportedly one heck of a human being by NBA player standards.
The ideal trade would be for Garnett. He has 2 years left on his contract, with an opt out after this coming season. Barring injury, he will not be in Minnesota for more than another year, and the Wolves would be absolutely insane to get nothing for him. Garnett makes $22 million next year so any offer for him straight up would need to get within 25% of that (roughly the $16-28 million range, probably closer to the low end so Minnesota can save money). A package of Richardson ($11 million), Sarunas Jasikevicius ($4 million), Monta ($770k), O'Bryant ($2.2 million), a second round pick this year, and next year's 1st round pick top 7 protected (protects from a major disaster season) may be enough. With Kevin McHale's history of stupidity, the Warriors may even be able to substitute this year's 1st rounder for Monta Ellis.
The Warriors would then have a starting lineup of Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Kevin Garnett, and Andris Biedrins. Either Ellis or the 18th pick, whichever they keep, would be in the rotation. If Pietrus accepts the qualifying offer and stays for a year, he's the 6th man. Depth could be a concern, but the Warriors would still have their mid and low level exceptions to spend. Free agents would want to come play in the run and gun system as well as with a title contender filled with good passers. With the right bench players, it's a lineup that could take down the Spurs.
To get past bigger teams like San Antonio and Utah, the Warriors need an upgrade at the power forward spot. With erstwhile power forward Al Harrington being told to slim down to play the small forward position more next season, and Harrington not being much of a rebounder or interior defender to begin with, there is a glaring need to pair a legitimate big man alongside the blossoming Andris Biedrins.
There are several star power forwards reported to be on the market. The biggest fish is former MVP Kevin Garnett, with All Stars Pau Gasol and Jermaine O'Neal also said to be available for the right offer.
The Warriors have a surplus of guards and swingmen to offer. Stephen Jackson is facing prison time this summer and was considered such a cancer by Indiana and the rest of the league that the Pacers were willing to take Murphleavy and their contracts in order to dump him, thus making Jackson unlikely to be seen as desirable trade bait. Baron Davis is off limits, as the point is to pair a stud big man with Baron and contend for a championship immediately (a key considering Baron's injury history and coach Don Nelson's likely departure within the next few years). Andris Biedrins is too good for such a young big man to give up, and is the only real big man that Nelson trusts enough to play, so he can't be a part of any trade. This leaves the tradeable commodities list at:
- Jason Richardson: if team's are convinced he will be totally recovered from his knee surgery, he can be shopped as a 20+ ppg scorer who is amongst the best rebounders at his position and can sell tickets as a 2 time slam dunk champion. A good team player who is willing to accept any role if he feels it will help the team win.
- Monta Ellis: In his second year out of high school, won the league's Most Improved Player award. One of the quickest players in the league, Monta offers instant offense, lots of potential, and another season with a salary around the league minimum.
- Mickael Pietrus: French Sexy is a restricted free agent, so he would have to agree to a sign and trade.
- Sarunas J: Assuming he takes his player option, he will be a $4 million expiring contract, which is a nice trade chip.
- The aforementioned Al Harrington
- Patrick O'Bryant: Last year's 7 foot lotto pick may be enticing to some.
- The 18th pick in the 2007 NBA draft, said to be one of the best in recent years.
- Future first round draft picks.
- 2nd round picks
- Adonal Foyle: A bad player, but with only 2 fully guaranteed years left on his contract (the 3rd year only has $1 million guaranteed). Makes over $17.5 million the next 2 years. But uhh, he's purportedly one heck of a human being by NBA player standards.
The ideal trade would be for Garnett. He has 2 years left on his contract, with an opt out after this coming season. Barring injury, he will not be in Minnesota for more than another year, and the Wolves would be absolutely insane to get nothing for him. Garnett makes $22 million next year so any offer for him straight up would need to get within 25% of that (roughly the $16-28 million range, probably closer to the low end so Minnesota can save money). A package of Richardson ($11 million), Sarunas Jasikevicius ($4 million), Monta ($770k), O'Bryant ($2.2 million), a second round pick this year, and next year's 1st round pick top 7 protected (protects from a major disaster season) may be enough. With Kevin McHale's history of stupidity, the Warriors may even be able to substitute this year's 1st rounder for Monta Ellis.
The Warriors would then have a starting lineup of Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Kevin Garnett, and Andris Biedrins. Either Ellis or the 18th pick, whichever they keep, would be in the rotation. If Pietrus accepts the qualifying offer and stays for a year, he's the 6th man. Depth could be a concern, but the Warriors would still have their mid and low level exceptions to spend. Free agents would want to come play in the run and gun system as well as with a title contender filled with good passers. With the right bench players, it's a lineup that could take down the Spurs.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Intro
Welcome.
This is the "official" blog of osfan.com. The content will be almost exclusively sports, with occasional ranting about current events and work. In the interests of not adversely affecting my real life career, I'll try to keep posts about the latter two to a minimum.
This is the "official" blog of osfan.com. The content will be almost exclusively sports, with occasional ranting about current events and work. In the interests of not adversely affecting my real life career, I'll try to keep posts about the latter two to a minimum.
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