When you get emails overnight questioning parts of your logic, it's probably time for a forum to hash out the differences:
"You give Bruce Weber an offensive nickname, but you don't really explain why, just that you've seen him complain live. What gives? How does this make sense?"
That is an excellent question, and deserves an immediate response. Here's the deal with Bruce: when you watch him coach live it seems he does very little coaching, and generally just is in the referees ear from start to finish. The only coach I recall being that way other than Bruce was Matt Painter. It's unique, this ability to complain from tip off to final buzzer. And it bothers me. Both of these men were Gene Keady disciples, but by the time I got to see the combover he was in his final moments, and didn't really have it in him to go the full game. Still, you could see how in his prime that may have been his style as well.
In contrast, during my time at IU, I saw a number of other coaches come through who coached their team and observed the game, saving the complaining for the moments where it was needed: Roy Williams, Tom Izzo, Thad Motta, Coach K, and Bo Ryan to name a few. These men would complain when needed, but because they didn't do it all the time it made their words far more powerful. Maybe that is something that comes with success, but Motta and Ryan don't have anymore success than Weber.
I will say this, however: I'd much rather have a coach engaged in the action, even overly so, than completely checked out. When you watch Weber there is no doubt that he cares deeply about the game, his kids, and the outcome. When I watched Mike Davis ... let's just say I had my doubts. I grew up with my coaching philosophy somewhere between Bobby Knight (for his x's and o's) and Phil Jackson (for his ability to sit back and let the team play, while also knowing when the time was to get the technical or call a timeout). Weber just doesn't fit my schema, but he is also better than some. He got the nickname because that appears to be his specialty: bitching and moaning. Seeing him live makes all the difference; maybe if I had been raised in a Purdue household at the mantle of Keady I would view it different.
"Bruce Weber bitches? And you're an IU fan? Bobby Knight threw a chair on the court when he didn't like the call. Come ON!!"
Knight had major anger issues, and no one can deny that. He was, in every form of the word, a curmudgeon. But he knew the game as well as, if not better than, anyone. He came from a different era where players respected coaches, and where discipline was something to be sought after. Look at his graduation rates and the clean program he ran without NCAA problems, then get back to me. He wasn't a saint, but he does get a bad rap. Then again, I am a homer.
"For those of us who haven't watched LOST, but might when it's done and all on DVD, think you could avoid the LOST posts?"
Thanks for the idea, but probably not. I will try to post early on if it is a LOST post so that you can choose to skip it. This is an interesting issue, however, for people who write in real time about a variety of pop-culture items. Spoiler alerts only work so well, but the next show I'm going to get into reviewing is "Deadwood" which has been off the air for four years. Hopefully that won't be a problem. Great show, though.
"I thought you might get a little creative, but instead, you sound like the typical Hoosier whiner...loud and proud when you win and ready to blame everybody else when you don't."
Yeah, probably deserved that one, but there is a method to my madness. First of all, I hope that the breakdown was at least a little creative, even if it could have been more so. Secondly, I can't help the "arch-rival" mindset: it's a part of why I enjoy sports. I'm a competitive person. Everyone who knows me knows this. ESPN has a commercial for their ESPNU entity that talks about how "the colors you root against" are just as important as those you root for. I tend to almost agree; I'd say they are almost as important. Either way, this makes me think about the teams I love to hate, and why. To root against a team it makes sense if you find some of the following qualities in them:
- A major rival of your team
- A regional team other than your team, whose fans you are exposed to constantly
- A team with a player or coach you can't stand
With those in mind, my "arch-rival" or "arch-nemesis" teams are the following:
College Basketball: 1) PurDon't 2) Illinois
College Football: 1) PurDon't 2) **fluid** (most recently Texas)
NBA: 1) Indianapolis Pacers 2) **fluid** (most recently the Pistons, before that the Knicks)
MLB: 1) St. Louis Cardinals 2) Chicago White Sox
NFL: 1) Indianapolis Colts, 2) Green Bay Packers/Minnesota ViQueens
NHL: 1) Detroit Redwings
Golf: 1) Phil Mickelson
Tennis: 1) Rafael Nadal
NASCAR: 1) Dale Jr.
Cabinet Members: 1) open (used to be Donald Rumsfeld)
Governors: 1) Mitch Daniels
Actors: 1) Russell Crow 2) fluid (most recently Leonardo Dicaprio pre-Departed)
See how much FUN this is? :-) It can be expanded to any area of life, and then you have someone to root for, and someone to root against. Go Matt Damon! Kick Russell Crow's ASS!!
I think it is also important to distinguish between a level one team (the Cardinals, Boilermakers, etc) and a level two team (Illinois for instance). The big difference is this: if PurDon't wins the big dance this year I will not be calling anyone to congratulate them. Nobody. I don't like that team. If Illinois had beat Carolina in 2005, I would have been very happy for a number of people, especially my grandfather who is a lifelong Illini fan. Illinois is a level two team because they have a coach who I can't stand, and are a geographic rival to boot. Purdue is a level one team because I have a hard time finding a redeeming factor of the entire campus. But, then again, I am a Hoosier homer! :-)
"Damn. That's a lot of typing just to say you still don't like Lovie."
Indeed it was, but I'm glad you got them message :-) Look, Lovie has been on my badside since his inept coaching blew the playoff game against the Panthers. I don't think he is a good coach, period. But what cracks me up is the follow up email here:
"That said, I also don't agree with your use of the word "Desperation". I think it's anything but. I'm pleased to see the dropping of coin, in any event. The choices? Eh, they're alright although I think they overpaid Peppers. I'd like to see some IMMEDIATE help for the O-Line, that's my biggest concern. Boldin? Sure, let's hope they don't pull on TO's chain, heaven help us."
So we agree they overpaid for Peppers? To me, that's the same desperation we saw out of the Cubs when they signed Soriano, but I get the point: one man's desperation is another man's "they are finally spending on free agents, hopefully this will help." We agreed on the other two signings, and trust me, if there was anyone out their to fix the O-Line I'm sure they would have done it; it was just a weak year for free agents in that regard. I also agree with TO not being an option, but not because his skill set wouldn't help (possession receiver is exactly what we need). Cutler is enough of an ego to manage without an even bigger malcontent, and Lovie hasn't exactly specialized in managing problem children in the past (see Johnson, Tank or Benson, Cedric for a breakdown).
"Enough about the team's you don't like; which teams do you root for?"
Ok, I wrote that one, but I wanted to be able to break down my favorite teams for you:
College Basketball: 1) Indiana , 2) North Carolina
College Football: 1) Indiana, 2) eh ... I really don't have a horse in this race
NBA: 1) Chicago Bulls, 2) Dallas Mavericks (for now ... I love me some Cuban)
MLB: 1) Chicago Cubs, 2) open, although I do like the Twins a bit...
NFL: 1) Chicago Bears, 2) Pittsburgh Steelers, 3) New Orleans Saints
Golf: 1) Tiger
Tennis: 1) Federer, 2) Roddick
NASCAR: NONE
Cabinet Member: Open (used to be Colin Powell)
Governor: Arnold!!!! "Don't be economic girly-men!!!"
Actor: 1) Matt Damon!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the feedback guys, keep it coming!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March Madness - 2010
Welcome to the NCAA tournament! After a rough month with nothing of consequence in sports occurring (probably the roughest month in sports, with a special acknowledgment going to that God-awful day after the Baseball All-Star game when there is nothing remotely of consequence going on), here we are, brackets in hand, ready to make fools of ourselves. So, I'll gladly dive right in to be the first to do so!
A few things you might notice when you pick up this bracket:
- my number one team (Indiana) is nowhere to be seen, and won't even make the NIT. Kelvin Sampson, please pick up the crap sandwich in your office; it is a to scale replica of the one you left in THE Assembly Hall.
- my number two team (North Carolina) is also nowhere to be seen. Graduating a great team can be rough on one's talent level, but this was a pretty ugly fall. Here's to hoping that both these iconic giants will be back next year.
- my number one arch-nemesis (PurDon't) has fallen precipitously from a probable number one, all the way to a number four seed ... and they get a good Siena team in the first round to boot! Here's to hoping that Bruce the Bitch disciple Matt Painter will follow in the great tradition of Gene Keady and get bounced super-duper early this year! The way Minnesota treated them yesterday, it looks entirely possible.
- my number two arch-nemesis (Illinois) didn't even qualify. Bruce Web(b)er is a special: you don't even realize how incorrigible the man is until you've seen him live, seen him complain throughout the entire game and stomp his feet anytime something doesn't go his way. One has to wonder how much longer Illinois will let him ride on the coattails of that amazing 2005 team.
So as I look over the bracket I see that I: A) have no horse in this race; B) really just want PurDon't to replicate their performance from yesterday on March 26th. Beyond that, John Calipari is a sleeze-bag, so I'm not going to be pulling for Kentucky. Bill Self isn't much better, so rooting for Kentucky isn't too likely either. I do like Jim Boeheim a bit, so Syracuse wouldn't be too far down my list ... but they got a rough draw. What to make of all this? Here's what I think:
MIDWEST REGION
(1) Kansas over (16) Lehigh - because the 16s haven't done it yet, and I don't think they'll start here
(9) Northern Iowa over (9) UNLV - because 9s tend to beat 8s, and UNLV seems to still carry the stink of Jerry Tarkanian ... which does not bode well at all for my beloved Hoosiers...
(5) Michigan State over (12) New Mexico State - because Tom Izzo is one of the best, and generally always has his teams ready to go
(4) Maryland over (13) Houston - Houston has some momentum, making the tourney for the first time in a long time. But Maryland seems too logical here. This one does have some appeal as a potential upset, but not enough
(6) Tennessee over (11) San Diego St. - Another potential upset pick here, but Bruce Pearl generally has his team ready to go, and they have more talent.
(3) Georgetown over (14) Ohio - Does anyone else think it's interesting that Georgetown has basically become a Monarchy of Thompson's?
(10) Georgia Tech over (10) Oklahoma St. - because I'm antsy to take another underdog at this point...
(2) Ohio State over (15) UC Santa Barbara - because I love Evan Turner, and think this OSU team ... as much as I don't like Ohio State much ... might just have what it takes. Tough break for them being put in the same bracket as Kansas.
MIDWEST REGION 2nd Round
(1) Kansas over (9) Northern Iowa - because Kansas is just too good
(5) Michigan State over (4) Maryland - because Michigan State is too well coached, and always prepared
(3) Georgetown over (6) Tennessee - because the Big East is a tough conference, and Georgetown proved they could hang with the big boys
(2) Ohio State over (10) Georgia Tech - Listen ... not enough has been made of Evan Turner this year. I think, with his toughness, he will make a tremendous pro. He's not going out this early. Oh, and Thad Motta is one heck of a coach too.
Midwest Region - Sweet 16
(1) Kansas over (5) Michigan State - MSU could give Kansas a run for their money here if Self doesn't have his guys prepared. Izzo can coach circles around Self in a vacuum, but Self has way too much talent. Kansas prevails...
(2) Ohio State over (3) Georgetown - My man crush on Evan Turner aside, I love the way OSU has been playing. This will be a tough game, but they are a tough team and Turner will be the best player on the court.
Midwest Region - Elite 8
(1) Kansas over (2) Ohio State - Asking Bill Self to out-coach two straight superior talents is asking a bunch. I want to pick Ohio State here; I really do. But Kansas just has so much talent, and they seem to be peaking and playing well together. They are the number one overall seed for a reason. I hope I'm wrong here.
WEST REGION
(1) Syracuse over (16) Vermont - Vermont is division one?
(8) Gonzaga over (9) Florida State - Tough draw for the Zags, but that's what happens when you blow your own joke of a conference tourney. In other news, did anyone else know that Florida State had other sports programs besides football?
(5) Butler over (12) UTEP - Let me tell you what I've seen from this Butler team: tough as nails D, enough shooters to get by, and determination. I really like them, but putting them in the same draw with Syracuse, Gonzaga and Vandy is just dirty.
(4) Vanderbilt over (13) Murray St. - Vandy shouldn't have issues here...
(6) Xavier over (11) Minnesota - Tubby Smith's team handled Purdue with ease, but I like Xavier just because that is an awesome name. Sometimes it's that simple, unless you actually follow college basketball closely. Minnesota could easily win this game, but they kind of looked just happy to be there during the Big Ten Championship game.
(3) Pittsburgh over (14) Oakland - Something I didn't know before: evidently "Oakland" is from Michigan.
(10) Florida over (7) BYU - Brigham Young always seems to do me in because I rotate on them yearly: one year I'll fall in love with their superior record and they'll get it handed to them, the next year I'll say "not this time" and they win. At least it seems that way. Not this time ...
(2) Kansas State over (15) North Texas - Let's just say that I think Kansas State is really good. Too bad they can't beat Kansas...
MIDWEST REGION - 2nd round
(1) Syracuse over (8) Gonzaga - I think Gonzaga has the horses to win this one, but they just blew their own weak conference tourney, and Syracuse is a really good team that plays the zone as well as anyone. Should be a close game, however.
(5) Butler over (4) Vanderbilt - See above; I like this Butler team
(3) Pittsburgh over (6) Xavier - No matter who survives the first round, the X-men or Minnesota, I think Pitt takes them out here.
(2) Kansas State over (10) Florida - Too much talent, and Joakim Noah isn't walking through that door. Of course, he isn't walking through the door at the United Center either due to an injury. But you get the point.
MIDWEST REGION - Sweet 16
(5) Butler over (1) Syracuse - Maybe I love defense too much, but this team can play D. In a year with no discernible powerhouse, could this be the year of the mid-majors?
(2) Kansas State over (3) Pittsburgh - I don't like it, but Kansas State may make it their business to lose to Kansas a 4th time this year.
MIDWEST REGION - Elite 8
(2) Kansas State over (5) Butler - These cinderella runs always seem to end abruptly, and in unsatisfying fashion...
EAST REGION
(1) Kentucky over (16) East Tenn. State - Why wasn't it legal for Sampson to cheat and it is for Calipari to cheat? You've got me, but at least we're back on the path of the tradition of one of the NCAA's cleanest programs. Kentucky isn't.
(8) Texas over (9) Wake Forest - I haven't heard about Wake this year, which may be good for them since they seem to flame out every time I have heard about them (Duncan, Chris Paul come to mind). Still, Texas should be able to handle them.
(12) Cornell over (5) Temple - I've got it on good information that Cornell is good this year. Really good. Now we get to see how good my source is.
(4) Wisconsin over (13) Wafford - Wafford ... that's a new one. Wisconsin, coached by the excellent Bo Ryan, is a team that normally manages to play Big Ten ball (tough D, slow it down, grind it out) with some success in the big dance.
(11) Washington over (6) Marquette - this seems like a really low seed for a team that went 24-9 out of a major conference (Pac-10). Just doesn't seem right ....
(3) New Mexico over (14) Montana - I love Montana ... the state that is. Nice place. You can really see the stars out there ... not unlike New Mexico! Very high seed for a New Mexico team; let's see if they can validate it.
(10) Missouri over (7) Clemson - Just a hunch ...
(2) West Virginia over (15) Morgan State - I just can't see a Big East powerhouse choking this early
EAST REGION - 2nd Round
(1) Kentucky over (8) Texas - "John Calipari, you've got Memphis fans on line one. They'd like to know if you really loved them, or if that was the same way you loved UMass before you screwed them too."
(12) Cornell over (4) Wisconsin - because we need a Cinderella story
(11) Washington over (3) New Mexico - Something just doesn't seem right about Washington's seed, I'm telling you. Did I miss the part where they lost their last nine games or something? Should I research this? I probably should, shouldn't I? Oh well ...
(2) West Virginia over (10) Missouri - Big East tough ... other conferences not so tough ... ugh
EAST REGION - Sweet 16
(1) Kentucky over (12) Cornell - Underrated possibility: Kentucky has all this talent, but almost got dropped today in the SEC Championship. Maybe they don't know how to play together ... not unlike a few Memphis teams I seem to recall from years past! I hope I'm wrong here...
(2) West Virginia over (11) Washington - Yeah, time to hedge my bets ...
EAST REGION - Elite 8
(1) Kentucky over (2) West Virginia - too much talent ... can't stop Calipari ... too effective at breaking the rules ...
SOUTH REGION
(1) Duke over (16) Ark-PB or Winthrop - Let me go on record as saying I never believe in Duke, and this year is no exception. I have absolute confidence that bias will bite me in the rear before I'm done with this region.
(8) California over (9) Louisville - Any other year I'd take Louisville. This year, with the Pitino stuff, I can't. Seems like a logical one and done.
(5) Texas A&M over (12) Utah St. - Almost put Utah St winning this one, but decided I'd wait for other picks to be crazy.
(13) Siena over (4) West Lafayette Ladies - "God? It's me, Mike. I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for me lately. Great job, nice weather, wonderful family. That INT for TD in the Super Bowl was awesome as well; thanks for letting Tracy Porter have the athleticism to jump that route. So, while we're talking about sports, I was just wondering ..."
(6) Notre Dame over (11) Old Dominion - Always thought I'd like to go to a school with a name like "Old Dominion." Just pretty cool. Anyway, driving back from a conference I listened to about two hours of sports radio. The argument? Is Luke Harangody an all-time college basketball great. Seth Davis (who has a PHD in tool) was arguing that he was. The guys on The Score were saying no. For once I agreed with the guys on 670 out of Chicago. Even though they root for the White Sox.
(3) Baylor over (14) Sam Houston State - Baylor is sneaky good ...
(10) St. Mary's over (7) Richmond - I think St. Mary's beat Gonzaga ...
(2) Villanova over (15) Robert Morris - Is the Big East this good?
SOUTH REGION - 2nd Round
(1) Duke over (8) California - Not yet...
(13) Siena over (5) Texas A&M - See, I told you I really liked Siena, and that it wasn't just an anti-PurDon't thing. This will make it that much more awful if Painter's ... boys ... manage to win.
(3) Baylor over (6) Notre Dame - This should be a really good game, if it happens.
(2) Villanova over (10) St. Mary's - Hey look! Same result as Gonzaga!
SOUTH REGION - Sweet 16
(13) Siena over (1) Duke - There it is! I knew my Duke bias would bite me! Just like my Purdue one did! Awesome! I knew my faults would come through for me! (If Siena isn't any good I can at least take solace in the fact I didn't watch much college basketball this year. And that Seth Davis is a tool).
(3) Baylor over (2) Villanova - Just a hunch
SOUTH REGION - Elite 8
(3) Baylor over (13) Sienna - Yeah, if we actually end up with these two matching up here I'll eat my hat. Hope I'm right about this whole "year of the underdog" thing.
So that would leave us with the following final four:
- Kansas V Kansas State
- Kentucky V Baylor
I'd like Kansas and Kentucky in that one, and then Kansas over Kentucky. In other words, I think my subconscious hates me. Self! Calipari! A sleezebag matchup of epic proportion, NEXT ON CBS!!!
A few things you might notice when you pick up this bracket:
- my number one team (Indiana) is nowhere to be seen, and won't even make the NIT. Kelvin Sampson, please pick up the crap sandwich in your office; it is a to scale replica of the one you left in THE Assembly Hall.
- my number two team (North Carolina) is also nowhere to be seen. Graduating a great team can be rough on one's talent level, but this was a pretty ugly fall. Here's to hoping that both these iconic giants will be back next year.
- my number one arch-nemesis (PurDon't) has fallen precipitously from a probable number one, all the way to a number four seed ... and they get a good Siena team in the first round to boot! Here's to hoping that Bruce the Bitch disciple Matt Painter will follow in the great tradition of Gene Keady and get bounced super-duper early this year! The way Minnesota treated them yesterday, it looks entirely possible.
- my number two arch-nemesis (Illinois) didn't even qualify. Bruce Web(b)er is a special: you don't even realize how incorrigible the man is until you've seen him live, seen him complain throughout the entire game and stomp his feet anytime something doesn't go his way. One has to wonder how much longer Illinois will let him ride on the coattails of that amazing 2005 team.
So as I look over the bracket I see that I: A) have no horse in this race; B) really just want PurDon't to replicate their performance from yesterday on March 26th. Beyond that, John Calipari is a sleeze-bag, so I'm not going to be pulling for Kentucky. Bill Self isn't much better, so rooting for Kentucky isn't too likely either. I do like Jim Boeheim a bit, so Syracuse wouldn't be too far down my list ... but they got a rough draw. What to make of all this? Here's what I think:
MIDWEST REGION
(1) Kansas over (16) Lehigh - because the 16s haven't done it yet, and I don't think they'll start here
(9) Northern Iowa over (9) UNLV - because 9s tend to beat 8s, and UNLV seems to still carry the stink of Jerry Tarkanian ... which does not bode well at all for my beloved Hoosiers...
(5) Michigan State over (12) New Mexico State - because Tom Izzo is one of the best, and generally always has his teams ready to go
(4) Maryland over (13) Houston - Houston has some momentum, making the tourney for the first time in a long time. But Maryland seems too logical here. This one does have some appeal as a potential upset, but not enough
(6) Tennessee over (11) San Diego St. - Another potential upset pick here, but Bruce Pearl generally has his team ready to go, and they have more talent.
(3) Georgetown over (14) Ohio - Does anyone else think it's interesting that Georgetown has basically become a Monarchy of Thompson's?
(10) Georgia Tech over (10) Oklahoma St. - because I'm antsy to take another underdog at this point...
(2) Ohio State over (15) UC Santa Barbara - because I love Evan Turner, and think this OSU team ... as much as I don't like Ohio State much ... might just have what it takes. Tough break for them being put in the same bracket as Kansas.
MIDWEST REGION 2nd Round
(1) Kansas over (9) Northern Iowa - because Kansas is just too good
(5) Michigan State over (4) Maryland - because Michigan State is too well coached, and always prepared
(3) Georgetown over (6) Tennessee - because the Big East is a tough conference, and Georgetown proved they could hang with the big boys
(2) Ohio State over (10) Georgia Tech - Listen ... not enough has been made of Evan Turner this year. I think, with his toughness, he will make a tremendous pro. He's not going out this early. Oh, and Thad Motta is one heck of a coach too.
Midwest Region - Sweet 16
(1) Kansas over (5) Michigan State - MSU could give Kansas a run for their money here if Self doesn't have his guys prepared. Izzo can coach circles around Self in a vacuum, but Self has way too much talent. Kansas prevails...
(2) Ohio State over (3) Georgetown - My man crush on Evan Turner aside, I love the way OSU has been playing. This will be a tough game, but they are a tough team and Turner will be the best player on the court.
Midwest Region - Elite 8
(1) Kansas over (2) Ohio State - Asking Bill Self to out-coach two straight superior talents is asking a bunch. I want to pick Ohio State here; I really do. But Kansas just has so much talent, and they seem to be peaking and playing well together. They are the number one overall seed for a reason. I hope I'm wrong here.
WEST REGION
(1) Syracuse over (16) Vermont - Vermont is division one?
(8) Gonzaga over (9) Florida State - Tough draw for the Zags, but that's what happens when you blow your own joke of a conference tourney. In other news, did anyone else know that Florida State had other sports programs besides football?
(5) Butler over (12) UTEP - Let me tell you what I've seen from this Butler team: tough as nails D, enough shooters to get by, and determination. I really like them, but putting them in the same draw with Syracuse, Gonzaga and Vandy is just dirty.
(4) Vanderbilt over (13) Murray St. - Vandy shouldn't have issues here...
(6) Xavier over (11) Minnesota - Tubby Smith's team handled Purdue with ease, but I like Xavier just because that is an awesome name. Sometimes it's that simple, unless you actually follow college basketball closely. Minnesota could easily win this game, but they kind of looked just happy to be there during the Big Ten Championship game.
(3) Pittsburgh over (14) Oakland - Something I didn't know before: evidently "Oakland" is from Michigan.
(10) Florida over (7) BYU - Brigham Young always seems to do me in because I rotate on them yearly: one year I'll fall in love with their superior record and they'll get it handed to them, the next year I'll say "not this time" and they win. At least it seems that way. Not this time ...
(2) Kansas State over (15) North Texas - Let's just say that I think Kansas State is really good. Too bad they can't beat Kansas...
MIDWEST REGION - 2nd round
(1) Syracuse over (8) Gonzaga - I think Gonzaga has the horses to win this one, but they just blew their own weak conference tourney, and Syracuse is a really good team that plays the zone as well as anyone. Should be a close game, however.
(5) Butler over (4) Vanderbilt - See above; I like this Butler team
(3) Pittsburgh over (6) Xavier - No matter who survives the first round, the X-men or Minnesota, I think Pitt takes them out here.
(2) Kansas State over (10) Florida - Too much talent, and Joakim Noah isn't walking through that door. Of course, he isn't walking through the door at the United Center either due to an injury. But you get the point.
MIDWEST REGION - Sweet 16
(5) Butler over (1) Syracuse - Maybe I love defense too much, but this team can play D. In a year with no discernible powerhouse, could this be the year of the mid-majors?
(2) Kansas State over (3) Pittsburgh - I don't like it, but Kansas State may make it their business to lose to Kansas a 4th time this year.
MIDWEST REGION - Elite 8
(2) Kansas State over (5) Butler - These cinderella runs always seem to end abruptly, and in unsatisfying fashion...
EAST REGION
(1) Kentucky over (16) East Tenn. State - Why wasn't it legal for Sampson to cheat and it is for Calipari to cheat? You've got me, but at least we're back on the path of the tradition of one of the NCAA's cleanest programs. Kentucky isn't.
(8) Texas over (9) Wake Forest - I haven't heard about Wake this year, which may be good for them since they seem to flame out every time I have heard about them (Duncan, Chris Paul come to mind). Still, Texas should be able to handle them.
(12) Cornell over (5) Temple - I've got it on good information that Cornell is good this year. Really good. Now we get to see how good my source is.
(4) Wisconsin over (13) Wafford - Wafford ... that's a new one. Wisconsin, coached by the excellent Bo Ryan, is a team that normally manages to play Big Ten ball (tough D, slow it down, grind it out) with some success in the big dance.
(11) Washington over (6) Marquette - this seems like a really low seed for a team that went 24-9 out of a major conference (Pac-10). Just doesn't seem right ....
(3) New Mexico over (14) Montana - I love Montana ... the state that is. Nice place. You can really see the stars out there ... not unlike New Mexico! Very high seed for a New Mexico team; let's see if they can validate it.
(10) Missouri over (7) Clemson - Just a hunch ...
(2) West Virginia over (15) Morgan State - I just can't see a Big East powerhouse choking this early
EAST REGION - 2nd Round
(1) Kentucky over (8) Texas - "John Calipari, you've got Memphis fans on line one. They'd like to know if you really loved them, or if that was the same way you loved UMass before you screwed them too."
(12) Cornell over (4) Wisconsin - because we need a Cinderella story
(11) Washington over (3) New Mexico - Something just doesn't seem right about Washington's seed, I'm telling you. Did I miss the part where they lost their last nine games or something? Should I research this? I probably should, shouldn't I? Oh well ...
(2) West Virginia over (10) Missouri - Big East tough ... other conferences not so tough ... ugh
EAST REGION - Sweet 16
(1) Kentucky over (12) Cornell - Underrated possibility: Kentucky has all this talent, but almost got dropped today in the SEC Championship. Maybe they don't know how to play together ... not unlike a few Memphis teams I seem to recall from years past! I hope I'm wrong here...
(2) West Virginia over (11) Washington - Yeah, time to hedge my bets ...
EAST REGION - Elite 8
(1) Kentucky over (2) West Virginia - too much talent ... can't stop Calipari ... too effective at breaking the rules ...
SOUTH REGION
(1) Duke over (16) Ark-PB or Winthrop - Let me go on record as saying I never believe in Duke, and this year is no exception. I have absolute confidence that bias will bite me in the rear before I'm done with this region.
(8) California over (9) Louisville - Any other year I'd take Louisville. This year, with the Pitino stuff, I can't. Seems like a logical one and done.
(5) Texas A&M over (12) Utah St. - Almost put Utah St winning this one, but decided I'd wait for other picks to be crazy.
(13) Siena over (4) West Lafayette Ladies - "God? It's me, Mike. I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for me lately. Great job, nice weather, wonderful family. That INT for TD in the Super Bowl was awesome as well; thanks for letting Tracy Porter have the athleticism to jump that route. So, while we're talking about sports, I was just wondering ..."
(6) Notre Dame over (11) Old Dominion - Always thought I'd like to go to a school with a name like "Old Dominion." Just pretty cool. Anyway, driving back from a conference I listened to about two hours of sports radio. The argument? Is Luke Harangody an all-time college basketball great. Seth Davis (who has a PHD in tool) was arguing that he was. The guys on The Score were saying no. For once I agreed with the guys on 670 out of Chicago. Even though they root for the White Sox.
(3) Baylor over (14) Sam Houston State - Baylor is sneaky good ...
(10) St. Mary's over (7) Richmond - I think St. Mary's beat Gonzaga ...
(2) Villanova over (15) Robert Morris - Is the Big East this good?
SOUTH REGION - 2nd Round
(1) Duke over (8) California - Not yet...
(13) Siena over (5) Texas A&M - See, I told you I really liked Siena, and that it wasn't just an anti-PurDon't thing. This will make it that much more awful if Painter's ... boys ... manage to win.
(3) Baylor over (6) Notre Dame - This should be a really good game, if it happens.
(2) Villanova over (10) St. Mary's - Hey look! Same result as Gonzaga!
SOUTH REGION - Sweet 16
(13) Siena over (1) Duke - There it is! I knew my Duke bias would bite me! Just like my Purdue one did! Awesome! I knew my faults would come through for me! (If Siena isn't any good I can at least take solace in the fact I didn't watch much college basketball this year. And that Seth Davis is a tool).
(3) Baylor over (2) Villanova - Just a hunch
SOUTH REGION - Elite 8
(3) Baylor over (13) Sienna - Yeah, if we actually end up with these two matching up here I'll eat my hat. Hope I'm right about this whole "year of the underdog" thing.
So that would leave us with the following final four:
- Kansas V Kansas State
- Kentucky V Baylor
I'd like Kansas and Kentucky in that one, and then Kansas over Kentucky. In other words, I think my subconscious hates me. Self! Calipari! A sleezebag matchup of epic proportion, NEXT ON CBS!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Remember When It All Used To Be Simple?
Some thoughts on LOST having just watched the most recent episode from an Econolodge just outside of Greencastle, IN. This is an all Lost post; if you don't watch the show, would like to avoid spoilers, or just don't care feel free to pass and check back in for the next post. Otherwise, read on and let me know what you think ...
- the theory which makes the most sense regarding the flash sideways (a theory which now has so much steam it is almost commonly accepted) is that it is a coda of sorts showing us what will happen after the island is no more. My brother accepts (or professes) this theory; other critics have begun pushing it as well. It makes enough sense: as they are showing us how the island meets its' doom they are also showing us what happens in the lives of our favorite characters if the island never had the impact on their lives.
We now know that the island was existing in the 1970s courtesy of the Ben Linus flash-sideways. We have also seen it, in the first flash sideways, underwater in 2004. This would seem to indicate that the island was submerged between these times, perhaps due to the H-bomb going off at the end of season 5. I was hopeful that they would take the flash-sideways in another direction entirely and look at parallel universes; it seemed plausible given the writers fascination with upper-level physics throughout seasons 4 and 5. Still, the "coda" idea seems to be the most plausible, although the H-bomb explanation doesn't seem to fit in with the "present" timeline we're seeing now.
- We've now had a direct contrast between the Sayid episode last week and Ben Linus' this week. Last week we saw Sayid, in both timelines, struggling with the inner battle to remain "good," but ultimately submitting to his ultimate nature: "evil." He tried, in both timelines, to convince himself that he was, as he put it, "a good man." In both times, however, he ended up killing again and seemed to come to grips with his nature in the present timeline at least.
This week, in contrast, we saw Ben Linus, the ultimate Machiavellian character, be given the opportunity for power and control in both timelines. In the present he was presented the opportunity to lead the island once again if he followed The Man In Black. In the flash sideways he was given the opportunity to take over the school he teaches at. In both instances he was presented with the reality that damages would be done, most directly to Alex in the flash sideways, should he pursue power.
Now, throughout the time we've known Ben he has done nothing but put his own well-being and power ahead of the concerns of others (although he would probably argue that he was only doing what Jacob wanted). Suddenly, in both timelines, Ben chooses to do what is right rather than what benefits his power base the most. From what I can see this leaves us with two distinct possibilities:
- Finally, Richard. How nice to see you again Richard, out of those chains. After thinking this through a bit I believe that my father is probably more correct than I am regarding Richard's origin (a matter that intrigues me a great deal). Here is what I have pieced together:
- the theory which makes the most sense regarding the flash sideways (a theory which now has so much steam it is almost commonly accepted) is that it is a coda of sorts showing us what will happen after the island is no more. My brother accepts (or professes) this theory; other critics have begun pushing it as well. It makes enough sense: as they are showing us how the island meets its' doom they are also showing us what happens in the lives of our favorite characters if the island never had the impact on their lives.
We now know that the island was existing in the 1970s courtesy of the Ben Linus flash-sideways. We have also seen it, in the first flash sideways, underwater in 2004. This would seem to indicate that the island was submerged between these times, perhaps due to the H-bomb going off at the end of season 5. I was hopeful that they would take the flash-sideways in another direction entirely and look at parallel universes; it seemed plausible given the writers fascination with upper-level physics throughout seasons 4 and 5. Still, the "coda" idea seems to be the most plausible, although the H-bomb explanation doesn't seem to fit in with the "present" timeline we're seeing now.
- We've now had a direct contrast between the Sayid episode last week and Ben Linus' this week. Last week we saw Sayid, in both timelines, struggling with the inner battle to remain "good," but ultimately submitting to his ultimate nature: "evil." He tried, in both timelines, to convince himself that he was, as he put it, "a good man." In both times, however, he ended up killing again and seemed to come to grips with his nature in the present timeline at least.
This week, in contrast, we saw Ben Linus, the ultimate Machiavellian character, be given the opportunity for power and control in both timelines. In the present he was presented the opportunity to lead the island once again if he followed The Man In Black. In the flash sideways he was given the opportunity to take over the school he teaches at. In both instances he was presented with the reality that damages would be done, most directly to Alex in the flash sideways, should he pursue power.
Now, throughout the time we've known Ben he has done nothing but put his own well-being and power ahead of the concerns of others (although he would probably argue that he was only doing what Jacob wanted). Suddenly, in both timelines, Ben chooses to do what is right rather than what benefits his power base the most. From what I can see this leaves us with two distinct possibilities:
- Ben was doing "what was right" all along, so he, much like Sayid, is what he always has been.
- Ben suddenly "got it" and realized that his own power was worthless if it went to the wrong ends.
- Finally, Richard. How nice to see you again Richard, out of those chains. After thinking this through a bit I believe that my father is probably more correct than I am regarding Richard's origin (a matter that intrigues me a great deal). Here is what I have pieced together:
- Richard came to the Island on the Black Rock
- The Black Rock was the ship that Jacob and The Man In Black were watching during their talk on the beach at the end of season 5
- Richard was imprisoned on the Black Rock, not an officer on it. This is supported by the "out of chains" comment by the Man in Black, as well as by Richard's looking at the shackles
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Links ... Non-Bears Variety
In the non-Bears world...
- This is a look, by Bill Simmons, at how Tiger Woods comeback will be more difficult than Ali's comeback after his abstention from Vietnam. I can't say that I agree with Simmons: the eras were different, and Ali was far more polarizing. Politics is infinitely more polarizing than adultery; it may be sad but it is very true. Simmons' larger point is well headed (that Woods won't be able to find sanctuary on the course like Ali did in the ring), but if the Kobe Bryant situation has shown us anything it is that people move on and forget extremely quickly in things of this nature. Woods is a bit of a dry shite as is; give this thing 12 months and it will be long forgotten.
- This article about NFL overtime, passed along by a reader, is part of an interesting debate going on in the NFL. Are the overtime rules fair? Probably not, but what rules would truly make it fair. According to this proposal we'd see teams try harder to score a TD if they win the coin toss, because they would still win the game outright. With the way that the rules are slanted heavily towards the offense, and with the ease that we see offenses move through the defense as if they weren't even there, I'm not sure that this change would amount to much of anything. If you really want to be fair then make overtime a full ten minute period, from kickoff until the clock runs out, and let them play the entirety. If, at the end of the period, the game is still tied then we move into a sudden death period. Ultimately, if you can't win in regulation then some of it is going to be determined by chance. That's just the way it is.
- This last week's Monday Morning QB (by Peter King) saw King do his own version of complaining about overtime, as well as some interesting draft tidbits. Always worth scrolling through.
- Finally, a few articles worth perusing about the health care debacle. First, we take a look at the mindset of the Democrats settling in for a "last stand." Second, President Obama calls for the vote to happen, simple up and down majority. These both seem to echo my thoughts:
- This is a look, by Bill Simmons, at how Tiger Woods comeback will be more difficult than Ali's comeback after his abstention from Vietnam. I can't say that I agree with Simmons: the eras were different, and Ali was far more polarizing. Politics is infinitely more polarizing than adultery; it may be sad but it is very true. Simmons' larger point is well headed (that Woods won't be able to find sanctuary on the course like Ali did in the ring), but if the Kobe Bryant situation has shown us anything it is that people move on and forget extremely quickly in things of this nature. Woods is a bit of a dry shite as is; give this thing 12 months and it will be long forgotten.
- This article about NFL overtime, passed along by a reader, is part of an interesting debate going on in the NFL. Are the overtime rules fair? Probably not, but what rules would truly make it fair. According to this proposal we'd see teams try harder to score a TD if they win the coin toss, because they would still win the game outright. With the way that the rules are slanted heavily towards the offense, and with the ease that we see offenses move through the defense as if they weren't even there, I'm not sure that this change would amount to much of anything. If you really want to be fair then make overtime a full ten minute period, from kickoff until the clock runs out, and let them play the entirety. If, at the end of the period, the game is still tied then we move into a sudden death period. Ultimately, if you can't win in regulation then some of it is going to be determined by chance. That's just the way it is.
- This last week's Monday Morning QB (by Peter King) saw King do his own version of complaining about overtime, as well as some interesting draft tidbits. Always worth scrolling through.
- Finally, a few articles worth perusing about the health care debacle. First, we take a look at the mindset of the Democrats settling in for a "last stand." Second, President Obama calls for the vote to happen, simple up and down majority. These both seem to echo my thoughts:
- The Democrats have already paid the entire cost in political capital to get this far; to stop short of the goal would only make this a total loss
- If the Republicans are actually going to stop the bill then they had better filibuster it Jimmy Stewart style
- Health Care will be much more popular five years from now than anyone can imagine
- Washington sucks right now
Why You Spell Desperation B.E.A.R.S.
Desperation ... not exactly the feeling you want your professional sports franchise to operate under, but that is where we Chicago fans find ourselves all too often. When the Bulls missed out on the likes of Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill and Tim Duncan around the year 2000 they, in desperation, took the dive for Ron Mercer. When the Cubs felt the need to "make a splash" to prove they were a big time power they invested $136 million in Alphonso Soriano. Just out of curiosity ... how did those two situations end up?
Now we have the Bears. Already short draft picks due to the acquisition of Jay Cutler and the late Gaines Adams, the Bears have evidently decided that they have the money to throw at free agency. In the first 24 hours the markets have been open we have seen the team throw over $40 million dollars, guaranteed, at three players for the 2010 season. Those players (Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna) now represent the supposed hope for our next season. But let's look a little bit deeper and ask if this even makes any sense, or if we are just seeing desperation yet again.
First, consider that this is the Bears we are talking about. This is the same team that was too cheap to bring back Ron Rivera, the same team that was too cheap to fire Lovie Smith this offseason, even though they all but admitted it was time, because he was owed $11.5 million over the next two years. This is the same ownership group that has, time and again, taken then cheap way out. Yet here we are, throwing money at the "problem" like we are the damn Yankees themselves. What gives?
First, this shows how much pressure the entire front office is under to win. If the Bears have yet another disappointing showing they will likely fire the entire front office. Of course, even if they don't they should can everyone; this team lacks leadership or brainpower. That said, this move shows the mindset of the team heading into this year: win, or else.
So can this threesome of free agents do anything to help us accomplish that goal? First, let's look at Manumaleuna. The Bears already have two tight ends who are capable down field receivers, but Manumaleuna doesn't do that; he had only five catches last year. What he brings to Soldier Field is two distinct things: he knows Mike Martz offense from their days in St. Louis together, and he knows how to run block with the best of them. This deal makes a great deal of sense because last year we had nobody who could run block, and it's highly unlikely that Greg Olsen, pretty boy that he is, will ever develop the fortitude to gut it out in the trenches. The addition of Manumaleuna gives the Bears a player who will execute a run-blocking scheme, and help to spring Matt Forte, or Chester Taylor, free.
Secondly, let's look at Taylor. He is 30 years old, which is traditionally a bad age to be a running back. To his benefit, however, Taylor has had a light workload these past few years. He has had one year as the starter, running for over 1,200 yards, and has otherwise excelled as a pass catcher on 3rd down, a good pass blocker, and a tough runner in short bursts. The Taylor signing makes sense because it gives the Bears two backs, along with Forte, who can run the ball as well as catch it. It helps them to control the clock, and it is a high reward, low risk type signing due to the lack of wear and tear on Taylor thus far. At only $12.5 million over four years, Taylor's signing was fiscally responsible and made football sense. This one was a huge win for the team.
Finally, let's look at the biggest fish of them all: Julius Peppers. A contract worth $91.5 million total, over $40 million guaranteed ... a contract worthy of the NFL's elite players only. Is Peppers an elite player then? That would seem to be the question which remains to be answered. He was certainly the biggest name in the free agent market this year, bar none, but he wasn't talked about as reverently as Albert Haynesworth was last year. With Peppers the question has been, and will always be, one word: motivation. When motivated Peppers is a terror on the defensive line along the likes of Jarred Allen and Dwight Freeney. He is not exceptionally strong in the run game, but he is capable of punishing opposing QB's by himself. He will command a double team when he actually tries, making it easier for other players (Alex Brown, Tommy Harris, etc) to get to the QB unimpeded. But will he actually try? A breakdown of his numbers indicate that, with Peppers, the more established he has become the less he has cared:
2002 - 12 sacks in 12 games
2003 - 7 sacks in 16 games
2004 - 11 sacks in 16 games
2005 - 10.5 sacks in 16 games
2006 - 13 sacks in 16 games
2007 - 2.5 sacks in 14 games
2008 - 14.5 sacks in 16 games
2009 - 10.5 sacks in 16 games
When Peppers was playing for a contract, in 2008, he was nearly indestructible. Last year, franchise tagged with a value of over $17 million for one year, it took a teammate calling him out for him to get over the one sack mark. From there he finished strong, but the Panthers season was already for naught. Peppers is a unique talent: a defensive end strong enough to bull rush, but quick enough to run around the end. When motivated he is a terror, but how motivated will Lovie Smith be able to make him? How motivated has Lovie been able to get Tommy Harris and Nathan Vasher since they got their big money extensions? How motivated has Mark Anderson been since he became a hero his rookie year? Motivation is far from Lovie's strength; it is, in fact, his biggest weakness. Lovie couldn't motivate a deer sitting in the middle of the road to get out the way of a speeding semi-truck. Lovie is the un-motivator. Maybe Rod Marinelli, who was supposed to be the defensive line's savior last year, will motivate Peppers as the defensive coordinator. Still, Rod couldn't motivate anyone last year, so I'm hard pressed to believe that's a good fit either.
Maybe this will work out when the Bears, without "financial responsibility" as something to hide behind, fire Lovie and install Bill Cowher as head coach. Cowher could motivate Peppers. Even with Lovie's useless self in the head role this was a good idea because the only way his boring, worthless cover 2 defense works is if the defensive line gets to the QB quickly; Peppers can do that. But I can't help but believe this signing is a carbon copy of the Cubs signing of Soriano: we're paying someone to do something the probably can't or won't do as well in the future. It's a heck of a lot of money to gamble on an unmotivated player motivating himself. I wish they would have just used a quarter of it and canned Lovie when they had the chance.
Now we have the Bears. Already short draft picks due to the acquisition of Jay Cutler and the late Gaines Adams, the Bears have evidently decided that they have the money to throw at free agency. In the first 24 hours the markets have been open we have seen the team throw over $40 million dollars, guaranteed, at three players for the 2010 season. Those players (Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna) now represent the supposed hope for our next season. But let's look a little bit deeper and ask if this even makes any sense, or if we are just seeing desperation yet again.
First, consider that this is the Bears we are talking about. This is the same team that was too cheap to bring back Ron Rivera, the same team that was too cheap to fire Lovie Smith this offseason, even though they all but admitted it was time, because he was owed $11.5 million over the next two years. This is the same ownership group that has, time and again, taken then cheap way out. Yet here we are, throwing money at the "problem" like we are the damn Yankees themselves. What gives?
First, this shows how much pressure the entire front office is under to win. If the Bears have yet another disappointing showing they will likely fire the entire front office. Of course, even if they don't they should can everyone; this team lacks leadership or brainpower. That said, this move shows the mindset of the team heading into this year: win, or else.
So can this threesome of free agents do anything to help us accomplish that goal? First, let's look at Manumaleuna. The Bears already have two tight ends who are capable down field receivers, but Manumaleuna doesn't do that; he had only five catches last year. What he brings to Soldier Field is two distinct things: he knows Mike Martz offense from their days in St. Louis together, and he knows how to run block with the best of them. This deal makes a great deal of sense because last year we had nobody who could run block, and it's highly unlikely that Greg Olsen, pretty boy that he is, will ever develop the fortitude to gut it out in the trenches. The addition of Manumaleuna gives the Bears a player who will execute a run-blocking scheme, and help to spring Matt Forte, or Chester Taylor, free.
Secondly, let's look at Taylor. He is 30 years old, which is traditionally a bad age to be a running back. To his benefit, however, Taylor has had a light workload these past few years. He has had one year as the starter, running for over 1,200 yards, and has otherwise excelled as a pass catcher on 3rd down, a good pass blocker, and a tough runner in short bursts. The Taylor signing makes sense because it gives the Bears two backs, along with Forte, who can run the ball as well as catch it. It helps them to control the clock, and it is a high reward, low risk type signing due to the lack of wear and tear on Taylor thus far. At only $12.5 million over four years, Taylor's signing was fiscally responsible and made football sense. This one was a huge win for the team.
Finally, let's look at the biggest fish of them all: Julius Peppers. A contract worth $91.5 million total, over $40 million guaranteed ... a contract worthy of the NFL's elite players only. Is Peppers an elite player then? That would seem to be the question which remains to be answered. He was certainly the biggest name in the free agent market this year, bar none, but he wasn't talked about as reverently as Albert Haynesworth was last year. With Peppers the question has been, and will always be, one word: motivation. When motivated Peppers is a terror on the defensive line along the likes of Jarred Allen and Dwight Freeney. He is not exceptionally strong in the run game, but he is capable of punishing opposing QB's by himself. He will command a double team when he actually tries, making it easier for other players (Alex Brown, Tommy Harris, etc) to get to the QB unimpeded. But will he actually try? A breakdown of his numbers indicate that, with Peppers, the more established he has become the less he has cared:
2002 - 12 sacks in 12 games
2003 - 7 sacks in 16 games
2004 - 11 sacks in 16 games
2005 - 10.5 sacks in 16 games
2006 - 13 sacks in 16 games
2007 - 2.5 sacks in 14 games
2008 - 14.5 sacks in 16 games
2009 - 10.5 sacks in 16 games
When Peppers was playing for a contract, in 2008, he was nearly indestructible. Last year, franchise tagged with a value of over $17 million for one year, it took a teammate calling him out for him to get over the one sack mark. From there he finished strong, but the Panthers season was already for naught. Peppers is a unique talent: a defensive end strong enough to bull rush, but quick enough to run around the end. When motivated he is a terror, but how motivated will Lovie Smith be able to make him? How motivated has Lovie been able to get Tommy Harris and Nathan Vasher since they got their big money extensions? How motivated has Mark Anderson been since he became a hero his rookie year? Motivation is far from Lovie's strength; it is, in fact, his biggest weakness. Lovie couldn't motivate a deer sitting in the middle of the road to get out the way of a speeding semi-truck. Lovie is the un-motivator. Maybe Rod Marinelli, who was supposed to be the defensive line's savior last year, will motivate Peppers as the defensive coordinator. Still, Rod couldn't motivate anyone last year, so I'm hard pressed to believe that's a good fit either.
Maybe this will work out when the Bears, without "financial responsibility" as something to hide behind, fire Lovie and install Bill Cowher as head coach. Cowher could motivate Peppers. Even with Lovie's useless self in the head role this was a good idea because the only way his boring, worthless cover 2 defense works is if the defensive line gets to the QB quickly; Peppers can do that. But I can't help but believe this signing is a carbon copy of the Cubs signing of Soriano: we're paying someone to do something the probably can't or won't do as well in the future. It's a heck of a lot of money to gamble on an unmotivated player motivating himself. I wish they would have just used a quarter of it and canned Lovie when they had the chance.
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