Well, it's been awhile. I doubt anyone has been even checking this site, but because at least one person (Fraser) is giving me a boot in the ass to update this damn blog. And since at least one person cares to read this site, that's enough for me.
I always intended this blog to a be collabortion of of Cuyler, Zach, and I doing entries on a random basis. Eventually it just kind of turned into my Rangers website scattered with some Collge Football gambling advice. While this blog will continue to have a sports focus, I am going to try and give more commentary on whatever I deem necessary since apparently this has turned into my blog. And damnit I have an audience to satisfy even if it is only one person, thanks Fraser.
So if I am going to jump back into this thing, this is as good a time as any. This is a sports crossroads of sorts with the Mavs ending their long playoff run last night in pathetic fashion. When you combine the Mavs collapse and Phil's meltdown on Sunday at Winged Food, it is a good time to jump back into this blogging fray.
I am starting from scratch. While the Mavs run was fantastic for anyone associated with Dallas, the last 4 games are a bitter pill to swallow. As much as I keep telling myself that I shouldn't care so much, I realize that you can't stop being a fan of a team. And whlie the NBA is deplorable and I really didn't even watch the Mavs that much in the regular season, this loss still stings.
I know the Mavs just like all Dallas teams got a lot of people on the bandwagon when you start having success in the playoffs. All of Sudden every one you know or see is talking about the games. It's a fun experience and you like for it to happen again. And as much as you wonder where all these people were when the team stinks, It's still fun.
And for those of you who have followed the Mavs since the really bad days and you know what I'm talking about, you must be patient. Becuase as close as we came to the title this year, I'm ready to get back off the mat and get back to the Finals next year. And lucky for us, we have owner who will make sure that happens.
I've been to Reunion when 3200 people show up and the team goes 11-71.
I remember Rich Adubato, Gar Heard, and Jim Cleamons.
I am proud Brad Davis is up in the rafters -- okay I lied about that one.
The 3-Js and everything that came wiht that whole mess.
I remember when Cuban bought the team and had talked with me and a bunch of other fans up in the upper deck during a game before it was cool to be a Maverick fan.
I remember game 5 in Utah because I was there thanks to Jay's boss.
I also remember Marcus and whoever else getting doused in silly string by the Jazz Mascot. And meeting Chris Tucker in the same weekend.
Calvin Booth.
I was at game 6 against SA n the Western Conference finals and Steve Kerr ripping out our hearts.
I still miss Michael Finley and anyone who rips him should be ashamed to be a Mavericks fan because he carried this franchise on his back for 5 years.
I will always remember the Big 3 and how despite hard Don Nelson tried he would never win a title without playing any defense.
I remember all of these things most but I will not remember any of those things more vivdly than this series against the Heat.
Hearbreaking but we will be back.
Big D
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Golf is a game not perfect
Anyone who has played golf for any length of time can tell you about the shanks. They are not a pleasnt thing to experience. Unfortunately, my loyal and faithful playing partner, Brian Polarek, is going through an episode of the shanks currently with his iron play.
It is not pleasant to watch but I experiencing the shanks is infinitely worse. As someone who has battled the shanks once or twice in the past, you just have to fight through it Polarek.
You have two options:
1) Take a couple weeks time off and don't think about golf at all. This problem you are having is all mental. I see really no difference at all mechanically in your swing. You probably just need a few weeks to recharge your batteries and hopefully by spending some time away from the game, the shanks will disappear. At least that's the hope.
2) Get a lesson or two. YOu don't need to sign up with Hank Haney or Butch Harmon. Just go to your local range and find someone who has experience teaching golfers. You probably just need someone to give you a few things to work on and swing tip or two to concentrate on for the next time you go out. You'd be amazed how one or two tips can totally change your mental outlook. Of course, I wouldn't know because I haven't had a lesson since I was 8. But I hear they are really beneficial. At the very least, give Golf is a game not Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella a read. This book delves into the mental aspect of the game, and you certainly right now could use some mental help.
Golf is a great game, but it certainly can be the most frustrating activity out there as well. Hang in there Polarek. You'll get through this buddy...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Never a dull moment in Ranger Land - Dominguez dealt to A's
As the Rangers soap opera of an offseason continues, 2 days before opening day, they trade their #5 and enigmatic starting pitcher, Juan Dominguez in a 3 way deal with the Cubs and A's.
I don't know what to think about this deal, but knowing Rangers history with pitching. Trading Juan Dominguez to the A's is most likel going to bite us in the ass.
We got prospects as iffy as Dominguez as far as potential success in the majors.
The Rangers acquire a pair of Johns, John Rheineckerfrom the A's organization and John Kronka from the cubs. Reinecker is a top 20 type pitching prospect for the A's who pitched very well in AAA last year (1.77 ERA), but also has injury problems in his throwing hand (sound familiar).
Kronka slides into the #5 starting job although he probably is going to get lit up pitching in the ballpark. He had a 7.00 ERA in his first cup of coffee with the Cubs last year.
Now, John Kronka may turn out to be a huge bust in Arlington, but this guy has some talent and the Rangers got something decent in return for Dominguez. Getting a lefty who most likely can pitch as well Dominguez this season is all the Rangers really need for this season. With no lefties at all in the rotation in a ballpark that favors left handed pitchers is not a good thing. Kronka at least alleviates that problem short term until John Danks eventually hits Arlington.
With the Eaton news coming down early in the week, I was getting very nervous about the Rangers getting off to a slow start. This trade certainly doesn't do anything to quell those nerves. I'm just ready for this season to start because we have done plenty this offseason to shake things up. Time to play.
Okay, had to get that off my chest. I will take it easy on Rangers talk this year....
Hopefully...
I don't know what to think about this deal, but knowing Rangers history with pitching. Trading Juan Dominguez to the A's is most likel going to bite us in the ass.
We got prospects as iffy as Dominguez as far as potential success in the majors.
The Rangers acquire a pair of Johns, John Rheineckerfrom the A's organization and John Kronka from the cubs. Reinecker is a top 20 type pitching prospect for the A's who pitched very well in AAA last year (1.77 ERA), but also has injury problems in his throwing hand (sound familiar).
Kronka slides into the #5 starting job although he probably is going to get lit up pitching in the ballpark. He had a 7.00 ERA in his first cup of coffee with the Cubs last year.
Now, John Kronka may turn out to be a huge bust in Arlington, but this guy has some talent and the Rangers got something decent in return for Dominguez. Getting a lefty who most likely can pitch as well Dominguez this season is all the Rangers really need for this season. With no lefties at all in the rotation in a ballpark that favors left handed pitchers is not a good thing. Kronka at least alleviates that problem short term until John Danks eventually hits Arlington.
With the Eaton news coming down early in the week, I was getting very nervous about the Rangers getting off to a slow start. This trade certainly doesn't do anything to quell those nerves. I'm just ready for this season to start because we have done plenty this offseason to shake things up. Time to play.
Okay, had to get that off my chest. I will take it easy on Rangers talk this year....
Hopefully...
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Meet Mr. Durant
As I have already pointed out on countless other occassions, I like following high school recruiting for both basketball and football. I have done it since I was a little kid and I don't see the point in stopping now.
Well I had a chance to see Kevin Durant in person (along with Cody, Matty Fraser, and Kapral) about a month ago. Durant's team (Montrose Christian) was playing in a game against perennial high school powerhouse South Oak Cliff and their own high school All-American, the still undecided Darrell Arthur. Even better for us, this game was in South Dallas. Let's just say we were in the minority at this event. It was a good time and we got to see some amazing high school talent up close and personal.
Well yesterday, the nation saw what Kevin Durant is all about in the McDonald's High School all star game. This 2006 class is the best overall talent I've seen on one court since back when Garnett and Stephon marbury came out many moons ago. Unbelievably, everyone in last night's game will play at least one year thanks to the genius move by David Stern on imposing an age restriction on entering the NBA draft. While everyone who follows basketball knows Greg Oden is going to be the next great Big Man in basketball, Durant put on a show last night. The kid is only 17 years old at 6 foot 10 inches and a shade over 200 pounds soaking wet, has nothing but improving to do as he gets older. The kid has a size 20 shoe! and something ridiculous like a 7'3" wingspan.
I have seen very few players at the high school level with as much skill as Durant. I've heard so many people try to compare him to some of the greats (Garnett, Rashard lewis, Tracy McGrady, etc.). The truth is Durant is going to be one of the greats but he is going to do it his own way.
I'm just glad Texas is going to be the place where he plays his college ball before he takes his talent to the NBA. I would not be shocked to see him spend two years with the strength guy at Texas (Todd Wright), and he will be the #1 pick for sure in a couple seasons. He is that good.
A couple of other playrs who stood out in yesterday's McDonald's All American game.
Javaris Crittendon and Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech): Both of these players showed some unblievable talent and Georgia Tech is in for a signficant upgrade with these two guys coming in next year for Paul Hewitt
Jon Scheyer (Duke): This guy will help Duke fans get over their hero Redick leaving school. This guy is another in the long line of white guys who go to Duke and can flat out shoot the ball from the outside.
Chase Budlinger (Arizona): This is a big, 6'8" power forward from Cali is going to play for Lute Olsen. He shared MVP honors with Durant and appears to have a ton of skill.
Darrell Arthur (undecided): The South Oak Cliff (SOC) star is down to two schools. Kansas and Texas. I got to give the nod to Texas at this point only because it makes too much sense for him to slide into Aldridge's spot in the middle if and when Aldridge declares for the draft and becomes the #1 pick. I think Arthur is going to get a call from Aldridge (formerely of Seagoville in the DFW area), and Arthur is going to end up in the Burnt Orange.
I hope......
Eaton out 3 months
Just as I begin to get optimistic about the Rangers, their supposed #2 starter goes down with a tendon injury in his pitching hand. As a result, we are going to have R.A. Dickey and most likely Juan Dominguez at the back of the rotation to start the season. Kameron Loe and Vicente Padilla all of sudden have very little room for error as the top 3 guys in the staff are going to have to carry the load early on.
Dickey and Dominguez honesly isn't that much different than Eaton/Dickey, because Eaton most likely would have struggled early in the ballpark.
I just hate to the start the season with so many injury concerns along with Wilkerson's shoulder and GMJ's hamstring. Oh well, let's get this season started already before someone else gets hurt.
I still think the Ranger pen will hopefully be back to 2004 levels when it had one of the best bullpens in the league. Last year was a nightmare in the 7th, 8th and sometimes 9th innings and Coco had an medicore by his standards season. Having the WBC Japanese star (Akinori Otsuka) as the primary setup man for a hopefully resurgent Coco Cordero will make the Rangers much better at the end of games.
Joquin Benoit, Alfonseca, Shouse, Rule 5 draft pick Fabio Castro, and either Scott Feldman or Erasmo Ramirez will round out the pen.
It looks like Laynce Nix will break with the 25 man roster on opening day thanks to GMJ starting the season the DL.
Masters Pool Obligatory plug for Johnny Mackovic (yes that John Mackovic's son) Masters Pool that gets bigger and bigger every year. Sign up a team or 10 see how you do
Well I had a chance to see Kevin Durant in person (along with Cody, Matty Fraser, and Kapral) about a month ago. Durant's team (Montrose Christian) was playing in a game against perennial high school powerhouse South Oak Cliff and their own high school All-American, the still undecided Darrell Arthur. Even better for us, this game was in South Dallas. Let's just say we were in the minority at this event. It was a good time and we got to see some amazing high school talent up close and personal.
Well yesterday, the nation saw what Kevin Durant is all about in the McDonald's High School all star game. This 2006 class is the best overall talent I've seen on one court since back when Garnett and Stephon marbury came out many moons ago. Unbelievably, everyone in last night's game will play at least one year thanks to the genius move by David Stern on imposing an age restriction on entering the NBA draft. While everyone who follows basketball knows Greg Oden is going to be the next great Big Man in basketball, Durant put on a show last night. The kid is only 17 years old at 6 foot 10 inches and a shade over 200 pounds soaking wet, has nothing but improving to do as he gets older. The kid has a size 20 shoe! and something ridiculous like a 7'3" wingspan.
I have seen very few players at the high school level with as much skill as Durant. I've heard so many people try to compare him to some of the greats (Garnett, Rashard lewis, Tracy McGrady, etc.). The truth is Durant is going to be one of the greats but he is going to do it his own way.
I'm just glad Texas is going to be the place where he plays his college ball before he takes his talent to the NBA. I would not be shocked to see him spend two years with the strength guy at Texas (Todd Wright), and he will be the #1 pick for sure in a couple seasons. He is that good.
A couple of other playrs who stood out in yesterday's McDonald's All American game.
Javaris Crittendon and Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech): Both of these players showed some unblievable talent and Georgia Tech is in for a signficant upgrade with these two guys coming in next year for Paul Hewitt
Jon Scheyer (Duke): This guy will help Duke fans get over their hero Redick leaving school. This guy is another in the long line of white guys who go to Duke and can flat out shoot the ball from the outside.
Chase Budlinger (Arizona): This is a big, 6'8" power forward from Cali is going to play for Lute Olsen. He shared MVP honors with Durant and appears to have a ton of skill.
Darrell Arthur (undecided): The South Oak Cliff (SOC) star is down to two schools. Kansas and Texas. I got to give the nod to Texas at this point only because it makes too much sense for him to slide into Aldridge's spot in the middle if and when Aldridge declares for the draft and becomes the #1 pick. I think Arthur is going to get a call from Aldridge (formerely of Seagoville in the DFW area), and Arthur is going to end up in the Burnt Orange.
I hope......
Eaton out 3 months
Just as I begin to get optimistic about the Rangers, their supposed #2 starter goes down with a tendon injury in his pitching hand. As a result, we are going to have R.A. Dickey and most likely Juan Dominguez at the back of the rotation to start the season. Kameron Loe and Vicente Padilla all of sudden have very little room for error as the top 3 guys in the staff are going to have to carry the load early on.
Dickey and Dominguez honesly isn't that much different than Eaton/Dickey, because Eaton most likely would have struggled early in the ballpark.
I just hate to the start the season with so many injury concerns along with Wilkerson's shoulder and GMJ's hamstring. Oh well, let's get this season started already before someone else gets hurt.
I still think the Ranger pen will hopefully be back to 2004 levels when it had one of the best bullpens in the league. Last year was a nightmare in the 7th, 8th and sometimes 9th innings and Coco had an medicore by his standards season. Having the WBC Japanese star (Akinori Otsuka) as the primary setup man for a hopefully resurgent Coco Cordero will make the Rangers much better at the end of games.
Joquin Benoit, Alfonseca, Shouse, Rule 5 draft pick Fabio Castro, and either Scott Feldman or Erasmo Ramirez will round out the pen.
It looks like Laynce Nix will break with the 25 man roster on opening day thanks to GMJ starting the season the DL.
Masters Pool Obligatory plug for Johnny Mackovic (yes that John Mackovic's son) Masters Pool that gets bigger and bigger every year. Sign up a team or 10 see how you do
Friday, March 24, 2006
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Kenton Paulino!!!!
Bring on LSU because we are on our way to Indy!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Soriano Mess; Big Weekend Ahead; Bush
Alfonso Soriano continues to insist on not moving to left field. Despite being one of the worst, if not the worst, defensive 2nd baseman in all of baseball, Soriano has snubbed both GM Jim Bowden (sure to be fired after this mess in trading for Soriano) and legend/manager Frank Robinson.
I used to be a Soriano fan but this is truly disheartening. He has two options, move to left or get put on the "restricted list" and miss a year of service time and not become a free agent until after the 2007 season. Ouch. Either way, Soriano is putting his $10 Million 2006 salary at-risk if he decides to challenge Washington brass and gets put on the restricted list.
Huge Weekend coming up starting with the Sweet 16 Thursday and Friday night and finishing with the Elite 8 and Players Championship final round.
I will try to put up my Sweet 16 picks tomorrow but no promises.
I try not to put anything political in this blog, but this news today I thought warranted mentioning. George Bush said today (in a seemingly nationwide speaking campaign to show he knows what the hell is going on) that the US will be in Iraq as long as he is in office. Boy, oh boy, what a huge clusterfuck this "War" in Iraq has become.
Okay, political rant over.
I used to be a Soriano fan but this is truly disheartening. He has two options, move to left or get put on the "restricted list" and miss a year of service time and not become a free agent until after the 2007 season. Ouch. Either way, Soriano is putting his $10 Million 2006 salary at-risk if he decides to challenge Washington brass and gets put on the restricted list.
Huge Weekend coming up starting with the Sweet 16 Thursday and Friday night and finishing with the Elite 8 and Players Championship final round.
I will try to put up my Sweet 16 picks tomorrow but no promises.
I try not to put anything political in this blog, but this news today I thought warranted mentioning. George Bush said today (in a seemingly nationwide speaking campaign to show he knows what the hell is going on) that the US will be in Iraq as long as he is in office. Boy, oh boy, what a huge clusterfuck this "War" in Iraq has become.
Okay, political rant over.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
What a First Day -- Friday Picks
Wow! is all I have to say about the first day of the tournament. Granted, I'm not in Vegas with Polarek and Company. But I was able to watch almost all of the games online while at work.
Let's get to Friday's picks already. Keep in mind I'm mired in a malaise this college basketball season and have basically sucked the last few months. But I do watch a lot of college hoops. For whatever that's worth....
Wisconsin (+1) over Arizona -- I am just not convinced Arizona can we a game in this tournament, and I think Wisconsin is usually pretty solid this time of year. Lute Olsen always looks in pain when watching this team. Wisconsin's best player (Tucker) and their guard (kid looks exactly like Chris Rock) just seem like a much better team to me than Arizona. Medium Sized Play
I can just picture all the dumb ARizona students at the Vegas casinos blowing their money on this game.
Georgetown (-4) over Northern Iowa -- I just like Georgetown a whole lot this year. Maybe I'm just nostalgic for the Ewing uniforms with those gray undershirts. Whatever it is, I think Georgetown is gonig to wear Northern Iowa down. Watch out for NOrthern Iowa's shooting, always something to handle in the tournament.
Small Play
Let's get to Friday's picks already. Keep in mind I'm mired in a malaise this college basketball season and have basically sucked the last few months. But I do watch a lot of college hoops. For whatever that's worth....
Wisconsin (+1) over Arizona -- I am just not convinced Arizona can we a game in this tournament, and I think Wisconsin is usually pretty solid this time of year. Lute Olsen always looks in pain when watching this team. Wisconsin's best player (Tucker) and their guard (kid looks exactly like Chris Rock) just seem like a much better team to me than Arizona. Medium Sized Play
I can just picture all the dumb ARizona students at the Vegas casinos blowing their money on this game.
Georgetown (-4) over Northern Iowa -- I just like Georgetown a whole lot this year. Maybe I'm just nostalgic for the Ewing uniforms with those gray undershirts. Whatever it is, I think Georgetown is gonig to wear Northern Iowa down. Watch out for NOrthern Iowa's shooting, always something to handle in the tournament.
Small Play
Monday, March 13, 2006
Russ Feingold on ABC
YOUTube.com is a fantastic website.
If for some reason you forget to Tivo something (I HATE when that happens), this is a good place to look.
Free signup also...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NktXCmEu1NU&search=feingold
(Cut and Paste the Link)
Even if you don't like politics (you know who you are), check out the site.
If for some reason you forget to Tivo something (I HATE when that happens), this is a good place to look.
Free signup also...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NktXCmEu1NU&search=feingold
(Cut and Paste the Link)
Even if you don't like politics (you know who you are), check out the site.
No Whammies, a hurt Ranger, and Plano
With March Madness soon to get underway this Thursday, I thought now would be a good time to put up some random links that you may or may not care about. I'll try to put up my NCAA bracket sometime before the games tip.
First off, CONGRATS to my alma mater, the Plano Wildcaats, who won the 5A boys basketball state championship Saturday night with 60-58 win over Humble Kingwood in Overtime.
It looked like Plano athletics were dead and buried a few years ago, but after the football team's renaissance and my brother's old coach, Tom Inman, leading the basketball team to a state title, PLANO is officially back in the sports arena. That brings a smile to my face as pathetic as that may sound.
I don't know how many of you watched game shows growing up in the 80s. If you did, chances are you remember Press Your Luck. A fabulous game show during its time, and I actually have caught quite a few re-runs of the show thanks to the greatness of the Game Show Network. Unfortunately, the show's host, Peter Tomarken (63) died tragically this morning in a plane crash in Santa Monica, CA.
We will not soon forgot you Mr. Tomorken.
Onto more grim news for our beloved Rangers, their leading 5th starter candidate, Josh Rupe, was flown back to Dallas today to examine "an injury to his right elbow". Not the type of news you ever want to hear but especially right towards the end of Spring Training. Rupe most likely will still win the 5th starter job if healthy, but given this news, I'm not holding my breath.
The Rangers most likely will give Juan Dominguez a chance given his strong end to the 2005 season, and the fact none of the DVD trio is ready to go quite yet.
Volquez is making a strong push and has an outside chance of getting the 5th starter job if the Rangers continue to get discouraged about Dominguez.
My hunch is Buck will start the season with a Millwood/Eaton/Pidalla/Loe/Dominguez rotation and hope Volquez tears it up in AA/AAA and bring him up as needed.
Danks is also coming on strong, but still a young 20, and I thinke he still needs another full season in the minors.
First off, CONGRATS to my alma mater, the Plano Wildcaats, who won the 5A boys basketball state championship Saturday night with 60-58 win over Humble Kingwood in Overtime.
It looked like Plano athletics were dead and buried a few years ago, but after the football team's renaissance and my brother's old coach, Tom Inman, leading the basketball team to a state title, PLANO is officially back in the sports arena. That brings a smile to my face as pathetic as that may sound.
I don't know how many of you watched game shows growing up in the 80s. If you did, chances are you remember Press Your Luck. A fabulous game show during its time, and I actually have caught quite a few re-runs of the show thanks to the greatness of the Game Show Network. Unfortunately, the show's host, Peter Tomarken (63) died tragically this morning in a plane crash in Santa Monica, CA.
We will not soon forgot you Mr. Tomorken.
Onto more grim news for our beloved Rangers, their leading 5th starter candidate, Josh Rupe, was flown back to Dallas today to examine "an injury to his right elbow". Not the type of news you ever want to hear but especially right towards the end of Spring Training. Rupe most likely will still win the 5th starter job if healthy, but given this news, I'm not holding my breath.
The Rangers most likely will give Juan Dominguez a chance given his strong end to the 2005 season, and the fact none of the DVD trio is ready to go quite yet.
Volquez is making a strong push and has an outside chance of getting the 5th starter job if the Rangers continue to get discouraged about Dominguez.
My hunch is Buck will start the season with a Millwood/Eaton/Pidalla/Loe/Dominguez rotation and hope Volquez tears it up in AA/AAA and bring him up as needed.
Danks is also coming on strong, but still a young 20, and I thinke he still needs another full season in the minors.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Ticket to get Cowboys; March Madness Time
Well, I spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. so I am a little late to the March Madness party that started this past weekend with teams starting to get their invites to the dance.
I, the sick bastard that I am, follow a lot of this worthless conferences because I enjoy wagering on college hoops all season. Not big money but I enjoy putting some money in play following college basketball.
For that reason, I absolutely love this time of year. Two years ago, living at Jefferson, Marcus and I had a pretty good run and I remember being up about $500 at the end of the regular season. Come tourney time, i took a huge bath culminating with a $75 on Georgia Tech +6 or something against UCONN. Of course, UCONN wins the final by 7 and I had burned basically all of my profits by the end of the tournament.
I will advise anyone putting money on games during this time of year to tread lightly. You can get burned.
With that said, I will be posting college hoop plays here from time to time and we'll see how it goes.
I like Iona tonight -8 against St. Peters in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) final. After the Marist Red Foxes got hot and fizzled, Iona has been the class of the MAAC all year and St. Peters has gotten hot recently but is nowhere near the team Iona has been all season.
St. Peters did beat IOna 76-72 back on January 30th at IOna. That would worry me except Iona beat St. Peters 83-75 on the road earlier in the season. Conferences like this don't have any at-large bids so anything's possible, but I'll take the far superior team and lay the points in this one. Small play.
And as of 5 o'clock today, the Ticket is going to be broadcasting Cowboys games for the next 5 years. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing yet. Frankly I really don't give a damn because I get sick of Cowboys talk on the Ticket already. I do know one thing. I am going to be really sick of Mickey Spagnola very quickly. And no Marcus, I will not leave MICKEY ALONE.
I, the sick bastard that I am, follow a lot of this worthless conferences because I enjoy wagering on college hoops all season. Not big money but I enjoy putting some money in play following college basketball.
For that reason, I absolutely love this time of year. Two years ago, living at Jefferson, Marcus and I had a pretty good run and I remember being up about $500 at the end of the regular season. Come tourney time, i took a huge bath culminating with a $75 on Georgia Tech +6 or something against UCONN. Of course, UCONN wins the final by 7 and I had burned basically all of my profits by the end of the tournament.
I will advise anyone putting money on games during this time of year to tread lightly. You can get burned.
With that said, I will be posting college hoop plays here from time to time and we'll see how it goes.
I like Iona tonight -8 against St. Peters in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) final. After the Marist Red Foxes got hot and fizzled, Iona has been the class of the MAAC all year and St. Peters has gotten hot recently but is nowhere near the team Iona has been all season.
St. Peters did beat IOna 76-72 back on January 30th at IOna. That would worry me except Iona beat St. Peters 83-75 on the road earlier in the season. Conferences like this don't have any at-large bids so anything's possible, but I'll take the far superior team and lay the points in this one. Small play.
And as of 5 o'clock today, the Ticket is going to be broadcasting Cowboys games for the next 5 years. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing yet. Frankly I really don't give a damn because I get sick of Cowboys talk on the Ticket already. I do know one thing. I am going to be really sick of Mickey Spagnola very quickly. And no Marcus, I will not leave MICKEY ALONE.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
12 Commits on March 1st, Officially Insane!!!!!
People always wondered how Mack Brown would recruit once he actually won something. Well, he went ahead and won the whole enchilada and his first conference title all at once. And we are now starting to see the dividends of UT's first national championship in football since another Texas nut was in the White House.
University of Texas, less than one month after the 2006 signing day, already has secured 12 commmits its upcoming 2007 class. Now I don't know how closely you follow recruiting (and anyone who knows how big of recruiting sicko in my younger days can tell you the story of my attendance when South Grand Prairie WR B.J. Johnson annouced his commitment), but this is unprecedented.
Now I have no idea how the guy (Geoff Ketchum of Orangebloods.com and possible homer) who comes up with these rankings and considering none of these kids have played a down of football in their senior season of HIGH SCHOOL take it with a grain of salt.
But it looks to me like Texas is getting whoever the hell they want and everyone else can fight over the scraps. But hey, I just call it how I see it.
Curtis Brown WR 6-0 174 4.4 - Gilmer, TX #6 player in the state
Russell Carter DE 6-3 230 4.7 - Houston, TX #18 player in state
Jerrod Gooch OL 6-4 284 5.58 - Vidor, TX #42 player in state
Kyle Hix OL 6-6 290 - - Aledo, TX #17 player in State
Michael Huey OL 6-5 290 - - Kilgore, TX #50 player in state
Andre Jones DT 6-4 305 5.66 - El Paso, TX #9 Player in State
Aundre McGaskey OL 6-4 290 5.2 - La Marque, TX #12 Player in State
Matt Nader OL 6-6 295 5.13 - Austin, TX #24 Player in State
Keenan Robinson LB 6-3 211 4.5 - Plano, TX (Plano East guy) #14 player in Sate
Earl Thomas ATH 5-10 174 4.4 - Orange, TX #26 player in state
Ben Wells DB 6-0 174 4.45 - Beaumont, TX
Foswhitt Whittaker RB 5-9 170 4.4 - Pearland, TX #41 player in state
Hook 'em
University of Texas, less than one month after the 2006 signing day, already has secured 12 commmits its upcoming 2007 class. Now I don't know how closely you follow recruiting (and anyone who knows how big of recruiting sicko in my younger days can tell you the story of my attendance when South Grand Prairie WR B.J. Johnson annouced his commitment), but this is unprecedented.
Now I have no idea how the guy (Geoff Ketchum of Orangebloods.com and possible homer) who comes up with these rankings and considering none of these kids have played a down of football in their senior season of HIGH SCHOOL take it with a grain of salt.
But it looks to me like Texas is getting whoever the hell they want and everyone else can fight over the scraps. But hey, I just call it how I see it.
Curtis Brown WR 6-0 174 4.4 - Gilmer, TX #6 player in the state
Russell Carter DE 6-3 230 4.7 - Houston, TX #18 player in state
Jerrod Gooch OL 6-4 284 5.58 - Vidor, TX #42 player in state
Kyle Hix OL 6-6 290 - - Aledo, TX #17 player in State
Michael Huey OL 6-5 290 - - Kilgore, TX #50 player in state
Andre Jones DT 6-4 305 5.66 - El Paso, TX #9 Player in State
Aundre McGaskey OL 6-4 290 5.2 - La Marque, TX #12 Player in State
Matt Nader OL 6-6 295 5.13 - Austin, TX #24 Player in State
Keenan Robinson LB 6-3 211 4.5 - Plano, TX (Plano East guy) #14 player in Sate
Earl Thomas ATH 5-10 174 4.4 - Orange, TX #26 player in state
Ben Wells DB 6-0 174 4.45 - Beaumont, TX
Foswhitt Whittaker RB 5-9 170 4.4 - Pearland, TX #41 player in state
Hook 'em
Monday, February 27, 2006
Awakening from Slumber
Well, I have not updated here since right before my trip out to Pasadena for a certain National Championship game some of you may have heard about it. Well, it's been back to reality since the most amazing game I may ever see in my lifetime and I've been taking a "hiatus" to hopefully recharge my batteries and come back better than ever to give you more worthless sports points and other pointless commentary.
Since I've been gone, I have been impressed by both Fraser and Hammond who are doing some damn fine work with their blogs.
Even came across Bill Bredesen who apparently is living somewhere Southeast Asia currently. Some pretty amazing stuff he is up to these days.
2006 has gotten off to a hell of start. Let's just forget that Winter Olympics thing ever happened. I actually enjoy the olympics more than the majority of the population but those things really serve no purpose.
Since this is pretty much the slowest sports time of year and I have to get this down on paper. Inevitably, one or two of these weekends will be screwed up because of some other obligation. Anyways, let's talk about upcoming weekends you might want to circle on your sports calendar. Well, if you are pathetic enough like me to schedule your other crap around important sports weekends.
March 17th Opening Round NCAA Weekend either in Vegas (go the Paris casino sportsbook) or Dallas where hopefully Texas is going to be playing its first and second round games. Either way, the St. Patty's day Greenville scene will be happening. The only weekend where it really seems cool to be "in" Dallas. Somewhat correct me if I'm wrong and the parade is actually on the 11th. Anyways, Glover and whoever else lives within driving distance, get your ass to Dallas this weekend.
March 24 The players championship and NCAA (Sweet 16 / Elite 8) games makes for a nice sports Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
April 1st and 3rd If Texas makes it to the final four in Indianapolis, i have to go. Could Texas possibly pull of the most impossible of feats and win the baseball, football, and basketball championship in succession. There is no possible way is there? I'm about to pass out thinking about if the Horns make the final four.
We certainly have talent and I'm not going to bet against us. Not ready to book my flights to Indy, but at least start looking into lodging for what would amount to a historic weekend and i'm not using hyperbole when I talk about historic and Texas trying to win the Final 4. I may really learn to like 2006 even if the Middle East is on the verge of total collapse. But i digress.
April 8th - 9th The Masters, enough said. The Rangers also end an opening weekend homestand with Detroit after Buck's boys open the season with a series with the Bo Sox. I like this Rangers team a lot and maybe it's blind optimism but I'm pumped about the Rangers this year. Hell, if Greg Davis can be a national championship coordintor and assistant coach of the year then anything's possible right. Let's just hope the Rangers compete for a playoff berth first. Baby steps...
April 29th Normally I don't need to see the NFL draft. This year is not one your normal drafts. Where do Bush, VY, and Leinart end up? Who do the Saints with their vagabond franchise (i'm sorry but new orleans is only going to have maybe 200K population post Katrina no way they can support an NFL franchise) take? Do the Texans end up with Bush? Who do the cowboys take in the first round? I would have to think Offensive line. Will the cobwboys ever take a qb somewhat high in the draft and actually try to develop a qb who didn't field grounders the prior season? Either way, the 2006 draft is must see TV.
June 9th to July 9th
World Cup in Germanyshould be extra exciting this year given the host country where all the Euros and crazies like Shane or Rylan will pack the stadiums. Interesting fact: Germany who won their only World Cup the only time they hosted back in 1974. This is almost certainly the strongest US squad ever to play in a World Cup. Unfortunately, we got put in the "Group of Death" many pundites think. Ghana is probably Africa's best team and is certainly no gimme. Italy and Czech Republic should both be classic tilts.
Either way check it out even if the games will be on at some ridiculous hours. Certainly can't be worse than the South Korea/Japan world cup when almost every game was on live during the middle of the night in the states. Fortunately for me, I was unemployed during the last world cup. Good times. No such luck this year.
June 17th and 18th
The US Open will have high rough and a fantastic last two days almost assuredly at historic Winged Foot. This course in New York is definitely on my top 10 courses in the United States. Last time a major was played at Winged Foot was the PGA where Davis Love won his first major and beat Leonard in what amounted to a 2 man race during the weekend. I hardly see anybody not named TW running away with this thing. Still hard to believe Leonard only has 1 major with all the near misses he has had throughout his career. Maybe he'll get #2 here. Okay, that jinxed it for sure.
September 9th The Ohio St. University trying to get revenge on the Longhorns this time in Austin. I will freedly admit that I have a tough time going to a North Texas / LA LA trouncing in the 100 degree afternoon heat at DKR. But when Ohio St. comes to town the year after you win the national championship, I get my ass down to Austin. Ohio St. loses a ton on defense and Santonio Holmes going pro definitely is going to at least slow Ohio St. early. Depending on our quarterback play, I see Texas getting the W. Might be the loudest DKR game atmosphere ever.
Sept. 22th - 24th Personally, my favorite sporting event and it's played every other year. The 2006 Ryder Cup at the K club in Ireland should be a very interesting one. Assuming the US team decides to play with pride. And I think they will since they have lost the last 2 cups since '99 (miraculous Justing Leonard putt against Olazabal which is the one ryder cup most casual golf fans remember). I still think the Euros will prevail where they haven't lost a cup to the Americans on European soil since 1993 at the Belfry. Either way, always awesome theater.
Nov. 24th Doesn't matter what we're ranked or what A&M is ranked, it's always fun to watch us destory A&M in person if you get the opportunity. I got to see it in 2000 when Simms made swiss cheese of the Aggy secondary. It happens almost every year now and I don't see that trend changing this year. Aggy almost certainly will have a better record this year but they probably won't be much better than .500 in conference. And those are just facts right now until proven otherwise when talking about A&M football.
Looks like an interesting '06 to be shaping up in the sports world. Now I just need to find out a good show to see. Over to Fraser's blog I go...
Since I've been gone, I have been impressed by both Fraser and Hammond who are doing some damn fine work with their blogs.
Even came across Bill Bredesen who apparently is living somewhere Southeast Asia currently. Some pretty amazing stuff he is up to these days.
2006 has gotten off to a hell of start. Let's just forget that Winter Olympics thing ever happened. I actually enjoy the olympics more than the majority of the population but those things really serve no purpose.
Since this is pretty much the slowest sports time of year and I have to get this down on paper. Inevitably, one or two of these weekends will be screwed up because of some other obligation. Anyways, let's talk about upcoming weekends you might want to circle on your sports calendar. Well, if you are pathetic enough like me to schedule your other crap around important sports weekends.
March 17th Opening Round NCAA Weekend either in Vegas (go the Paris casino sportsbook) or Dallas where hopefully Texas is going to be playing its first and second round games. Either way, the St. Patty's day Greenville scene will be happening. The only weekend where it really seems cool to be "in" Dallas. Somewhat correct me if I'm wrong and the parade is actually on the 11th. Anyways, Glover and whoever else lives within driving distance, get your ass to Dallas this weekend.
March 24 The players championship and NCAA (Sweet 16 / Elite 8) games makes for a nice sports Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
April 1st and 3rd If Texas makes it to the final four in Indianapolis, i have to go. Could Texas possibly pull of the most impossible of feats and win the baseball, football, and basketball championship in succession. There is no possible way is there? I'm about to pass out thinking about if the Horns make the final four.
We certainly have talent and I'm not going to bet against us. Not ready to book my flights to Indy, but at least start looking into lodging for what would amount to a historic weekend and i'm not using hyperbole when I talk about historic and Texas trying to win the Final 4. I may really learn to like 2006 even if the Middle East is on the verge of total collapse. But i digress.
April 8th - 9th The Masters, enough said. The Rangers also end an opening weekend homestand with Detroit after Buck's boys open the season with a series with the Bo Sox. I like this Rangers team a lot and maybe it's blind optimism but I'm pumped about the Rangers this year. Hell, if Greg Davis can be a national championship coordintor and assistant coach of the year then anything's possible right. Let's just hope the Rangers compete for a playoff berth first. Baby steps...
April 29th Normally I don't need to see the NFL draft. This year is not one your normal drafts. Where do Bush, VY, and Leinart end up? Who do the Saints with their vagabond franchise (i'm sorry but new orleans is only going to have maybe 200K population post Katrina no way they can support an NFL franchise) take? Do the Texans end up with Bush? Who do the cowboys take in the first round? I would have to think Offensive line. Will the cobwboys ever take a qb somewhat high in the draft and actually try to develop a qb who didn't field grounders the prior season? Either way, the 2006 draft is must see TV.
June 9th to July 9th
World Cup in Germanyshould be extra exciting this year given the host country where all the Euros and crazies like Shane or Rylan will pack the stadiums. Interesting fact: Germany who won their only World Cup the only time they hosted back in 1974. This is almost certainly the strongest US squad ever to play in a World Cup. Unfortunately, we got put in the "Group of Death" many pundites think. Ghana is probably Africa's best team and is certainly no gimme. Italy and Czech Republic should both be classic tilts.
Either way check it out even if the games will be on at some ridiculous hours. Certainly can't be worse than the South Korea/Japan world cup when almost every game was on live during the middle of the night in the states. Fortunately for me, I was unemployed during the last world cup. Good times. No such luck this year.
June 17th and 18th
The US Open will have high rough and a fantastic last two days almost assuredly at historic Winged Foot. This course in New York is definitely on my top 10 courses in the United States. Last time a major was played at Winged Foot was the PGA where Davis Love won his first major and beat Leonard in what amounted to a 2 man race during the weekend. I hardly see anybody not named TW running away with this thing. Still hard to believe Leonard only has 1 major with all the near misses he has had throughout his career. Maybe he'll get #2 here. Okay, that jinxed it for sure.
September 9th The Ohio St. University trying to get revenge on the Longhorns this time in Austin. I will freedly admit that I have a tough time going to a North Texas / LA LA trouncing in the 100 degree afternoon heat at DKR. But when Ohio St. comes to town the year after you win the national championship, I get my ass down to Austin. Ohio St. loses a ton on defense and Santonio Holmes going pro definitely is going to at least slow Ohio St. early. Depending on our quarterback play, I see Texas getting the W. Might be the loudest DKR game atmosphere ever.
Sept. 22th - 24th Personally, my favorite sporting event and it's played every other year. The 2006 Ryder Cup at the K club in Ireland should be a very interesting one. Assuming the US team decides to play with pride. And I think they will since they have lost the last 2 cups since '99 (miraculous Justing Leonard putt against Olazabal which is the one ryder cup most casual golf fans remember). I still think the Euros will prevail where they haven't lost a cup to the Americans on European soil since 1993 at the Belfry. Either way, always awesome theater.
Nov. 24th Doesn't matter what we're ranked or what A&M is ranked, it's always fun to watch us destory A&M in person if you get the opportunity. I got to see it in 2000 when Simms made swiss cheese of the Aggy secondary. It happens almost every year now and I don't see that trend changing this year. Aggy almost certainly will have a better record this year but they probably won't be much better than .500 in conference. And those are just facts right now until proven otherwise when talking about A&M football.
Looks like an interesting '06 to be shaping up in the sports world. Now I just need to find out a good show to see. Over to Fraser's blog I go...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Off to Pasadena
I leave tomorrow morning EARLY and get into LA around 7:30 AM Pacific time. We are just over 24 hours away from what may be the most hyped up game in college football history, and I finally got TIX.
I will be in attendance when USC and Texas kickoff tomorrow for the national championship.
Should be a hell of a game, and I got everything I have left from bowl season ($100)on Texas +7.
If we don't win, it better be close.
Hope everyone enjoys the game.
See you in a few days hopefully with Texas being crowned national champs tomorrow night!!!!!
I will be in attendance when USC and Texas kickoff tomorrow for the national championship.
Should be a hell of a game, and I got everything I have left from bowl season ($100)on Texas +7.
If we don't win, it better be close.
Hope everyone enjoys the game.
See you in a few days hopefully with Texas being crowned national champs tomorrow night!!!!!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Back Against the Wall Time
Okay, This bowl season has been crazy. Nothing standard about the way this entire bowl season has played out and tonight's LSU-Miami outcome just continued the odd string of games that have played out the last week or so.
Don't get me wrong, it has been a great and exciting bowl season, but this is crazy. One thing I have to give credit it to is the Big 12. The conference is doing a hell of a a job. OU and Kansas both had great wins and even Mizzou snuck one out against South Carolina. The only dud was Colorado who just was in disarray without their head coach going into bowl season. Pretty dang impressive.
I don't know how the rest of the bettors out there have been doing, but I've been on a roller coaster. Won my first three out of the gate (Toledo, BYU, and NAVY - BIG), and I have been in a tailspin ever since including heartbreakers in Nevada (1 pt. win but didn't cover the -2.5 on Christmas EVE), Clemson (DAMN JAD Dean got his PAT blocked and the final score ended up being 19-10, and I had Clemson -9.5, OUCH), and Minnesota's meltdown today after leading 21-10 at half.
I guess it isn't all bad since Dave had South Carolina -4 today and was up 21-0 going into for another touchdown and Mizzou intrecepts the pass and returns 99 yards for a touchdown. From there, Mizzou never looked back and end up winning going away.
It's been a rough ride. This is my last stand tomorrow. Well, until January 2nd of course:
TCU -3 against Iowa St. in the EVI.Net bowl -- Medium
Despite a 49 day layoff, I still think TCU will win this one. I don't what it is but I just have never been on the TCU bandwagon this year. And since nothing is going right this year, I might as well ride them in the bowl game. They have a chip on their shoulder and would love nothing more than to knock off one of the big boys. And if you are in TCU's world, beating Iowa St. is knocking off one of the big boys. All I got at this point is emotional angles since my gut instincts this year have been totally wrong for the most part.
TCU has had a huge turnover differential edge this year, but so has Iowa St. so who knows who has been the luckier team.
I think for whatever reason the way Iowa St. finished their regular season (2nd blown chance to win the Big 12 North) is a huge negative way to end the season. Tough to get up for this bowl game. But the Big 12 has been the best conference in bowl season so far so this is a risky play. Hell, I just want to win a game at this point.
Tulsa +7.5 over Fresno St. in the Liberty Bowl -- Small
I have been riding Fresno all year so I figure why not go the other way with the way my luck is going . I really don't have a lot else other than a lot of these games seem to be fairly close for the most part. Tulsa has relished the role of underdog to this point and I expect them to at least match Pat Hill's gameplan. Steve Kragthrope seems like a good bright young mind and they should give Pat hill a good game. I just hope they are physical enough to play with Fresno's lines. That's what this game will come down to and turnovers of course. I think Tulsa makes this close and could even win outright. That's the hope anyway.
Tulsa / Fresno over 61
Yes, I've resorted to betting totals this bowl season. I might as well at this point. Nothing else is working. Both these teams have some pretty potent offenses and okay defenses. I expect this game to go like many of the other bowl games already have, hopefully a high scoring affair. Anyways, wish I had better logic, but I'm just looking for a W.
Good luck to everyone this weekend. I will be back Monday, assuming tomorrow is not another bloodbath. Okay, I'll be back...
Don't get me wrong, it has been a great and exciting bowl season, but this is crazy. One thing I have to give credit it to is the Big 12. The conference is doing a hell of a a job. OU and Kansas both had great wins and even Mizzou snuck one out against South Carolina. The only dud was Colorado who just was in disarray without their head coach going into bowl season. Pretty dang impressive.
I don't know how the rest of the bettors out there have been doing, but I've been on a roller coaster. Won my first three out of the gate (Toledo, BYU, and NAVY - BIG), and I have been in a tailspin ever since including heartbreakers in Nevada (1 pt. win but didn't cover the -2.5 on Christmas EVE), Clemson (DAMN JAD Dean got his PAT blocked and the final score ended up being 19-10, and I had Clemson -9.5, OUCH), and Minnesota's meltdown today after leading 21-10 at half.
I guess it isn't all bad since Dave had South Carolina -4 today and was up 21-0 going into for another touchdown and Mizzou intrecepts the pass and returns 99 yards for a touchdown. From there, Mizzou never looked back and end up winning going away.
It's been a rough ride. This is my last stand tomorrow. Well, until January 2nd of course:
TCU -3 against Iowa St. in the EVI.Net bowl -- Medium
Despite a 49 day layoff, I still think TCU will win this one. I don't what it is but I just have never been on the TCU bandwagon this year. And since nothing is going right this year, I might as well ride them in the bowl game. They have a chip on their shoulder and would love nothing more than to knock off one of the big boys. And if you are in TCU's world, beating Iowa St. is knocking off one of the big boys. All I got at this point is emotional angles since my gut instincts this year have been totally wrong for the most part.
TCU has had a huge turnover differential edge this year, but so has Iowa St. so who knows who has been the luckier team.
I think for whatever reason the way Iowa St. finished their regular season (2nd blown chance to win the Big 12 North) is a huge negative way to end the season. Tough to get up for this bowl game. But the Big 12 has been the best conference in bowl season so far so this is a risky play. Hell, I just want to win a game at this point.
Tulsa +7.5 over Fresno St. in the Liberty Bowl -- Small
I have been riding Fresno all year so I figure why not go the other way with the way my luck is going . I really don't have a lot else other than a lot of these games seem to be fairly close for the most part. Tulsa has relished the role of underdog to this point and I expect them to at least match Pat Hill's gameplan. Steve Kragthrope seems like a good bright young mind and they should give Pat hill a good game. I just hope they are physical enough to play with Fresno's lines. That's what this game will come down to and turnovers of course. I think Tulsa makes this close and could even win outright. That's the hope anyway.
Tulsa / Fresno over 61
Yes, I've resorted to betting totals this bowl season. I might as well at this point. Nothing else is working. Both these teams have some pretty potent offenses and okay defenses. I expect this game to go like many of the other bowl games already have, hopefully a high scoring affair. Anyways, wish I had better logic, but I'm just looking for a W.
Good luck to everyone this weekend. I will be back Monday, assuming tomorrow is not another bloodbath. Okay, I'll be back...
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Forget the Cowboys: Stars, Rangers, and Mavs All Making Noise
I know that Dallas traditionally and especially with the media is a Cowboys town. I've come to accept that fact. Hell, I will freely admit that I despised the Cowboys when I first moved here. I grew up an ND fan and hated the University of Miami with a passion during my childhood. So when Jimmy Johnson left Miami for the Cowboys right about the time I moved to town, it was bad timing.
While I accepted the Rangers and Mavericks as my own upon arriving in the Metroplex circa 1989, I refused to root for the Cowboys because their new head coach was Jimmy Johnson. In hindsight, that decision was probably a huge mistake. Instead of letting bygones be bygones and forgetting JJ's college allegiance, I continued to root against the cowboys all during their championship runs of the 90s. I was the guy at the Super Bowl parties in this area rooting for the Bills while the Cowboys won 3 super bowls in 4 years. It was not a pleasant experience. Even now, the Cowboys are #4 on my Dallas sports pecking order because of that history.
While I may have missed out on some glorius times to be a Cowboys fan, I stayed true to my allegiances and feel like I am a better fan because of it.
Which brings me to my main point, you could argue right now that the other three DAllas franchises (Stars, Mavs, Rangers) who have always played 2nd fiddle to the Cowboys are all in better shape in terms of competing for a Championship than the city's #1 team.
Mavericks
21-7 T-1st with San Antonio for best record in the West
The Mavericks look to be in better shape than ever before to make a run at a championship. Even the 2002-2003 team which had a magical run all the way to game 6 of the Western Conference Finals probably isn't as well equipped as this Mavericks team to win a championship. Avery Johnson after going through some growing pains last year has assembled along with Cuban a team that has a legitimate shot to knock off San Anotonio in the west.
Dirk is the superstar and has really picked up all aspects of his game this season and is looking again like one of the top 5 or 10 best guys in the league.
The backcourt is shaping up nicely with Jason Terry, Devin Harris, and Darrell Armstrong all doing a good job handling the point guard duties.
If Josh Howard and Marquise Daniels can ever be healthy at the same time, they can provide a pretty formidable 1-2 punch at the small forward position.
Jerry STackhouse looks to be rounding into form especially after that posterized dunk on Jermaine O'Neal last night.
Desagana Diop has exceeded anyone's expectations in providing a formidable defensive presence around the basket
This team has everything it needs to make a deep run in the playoffs and the future is very bright indeed for the Mavs
Stars
23-10-1 47 pts. T-1st in Pacific Divison
After a very slow start to the season (especially from their goalie), the Stars quitely have been on a tear recently and have put themselves in good position to make a run this year hopefully deep into the playoffs.
The Stars have been able to find a good mix of veterans with up and coming young players to put together 2 or 3 good lines of scoring punch on their lines. Modano has had a renaissance of sorts teamed up with the always underrated Jeri Lehtinen.
If Turco can get that monkey off the back in the playoffs, look out. If anyone remember the Stars cup run in '99, you really can't beat playoff hockey. It should be a fun April/May/June around DFW if the STars and Mavs play up to capabilities this Spring.
Rangers
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies"
-- Letter from Andy Dufresne to Red in the movie Shawshank Redemption
I know readers around here get sick of me talking about the Rangers. Well, there is plenty of room on the Rangers bandwagon and I think 2006 could be the season the Rangers become relevant in this area again. The Rangers have been stuck in mud ever since their last division title in 1999 and have never won a playoff series in their franchise's history.
From the A-Rod trade debacle to the Chan Ho Park signing, this franchise has done almost nothing right (well, that's probably overly harsh but you get my point) in the last 5 years.
As hard as it has been to root for this team during the last few seasons, 2006 should be the year where all that pain and suffering pays off. The young, wonderkid GM Jon Daniels has basically done everything right this offseason short of bringing a 21 year old Roger Clemens in here. He has made all the right moves (Chris Young trade makes sense after the Millwood signing) and has not given away any major pieces of our farm system (Adrian Gonzalez would never have a role on this team as long as Tex is here) in the process.
The future has never looked brighter for the 3 "other" teams in Dallas sports.
So while everyone around the area (most especially the media) worries about the Cowboys playoff lives and how they are going to make it in, I will be waiting for the Stars, Rangers, or Mavs to bring Dallas its next championship.
And oh yea, the Horns are in the rose bowl too so we may be talking about that as well..
Monday, December 26, 2005
Christmas comes late in Arlington: Millwood to Texas.....
Oh my god, Tom Hicks shocks the world and gets Millwood away from Boston and a host of other teams.
I am speechless.
I started to question Jon Daniels plan after the Young for Eaton swap, but this signing makes that deal make sense.
Your 2006 starting rotation in Arlington:
Millwood -- 5 years 60 million dollar deal (5th year option based on number of innings pitched)
Eaton -- Arbitration year but will most likely be resigned if he pitches well (at home especially)
Padilla -- Another arbitration guy who will want to rebound from a shaky '05. Former all-star so asking for a decent season is not unreasonable. Will be interesting to see how he handles AL hitters.
Loe -- I love this guy and I think he proved late in '05 that he can be an effective starter for us. Expecting big things....
Dominguez -- Obviously has had some shaky streaks, but not too much pressure as a definite #5 guy.
Offensive outlook tomorrow.
Update coming tomorrow about Stars, Mavs, and of course more Rangers talk.
I am speechless.
I started to question Jon Daniels plan after the Young for Eaton swap, but this signing makes that deal make sense.
Your 2006 starting rotation in Arlington:
Millwood -- 5 years 60 million dollar deal (5th year option based on number of innings pitched)
Eaton -- Arbitration year but will most likely be resigned if he pitches well (at home especially)
Padilla -- Another arbitration guy who will want to rebound from a shaky '05. Former all-star so asking for a decent season is not unreasonable. Will be interesting to see how he handles AL hitters.
Loe -- I love this guy and I think he proved late in '05 that he can be an effective starter for us. Expecting big things....
Dominguez -- Obviously has had some shaky streaks, but not too much pressure as a definite #5 guy.
Offensive outlook tomorrow.
Update coming tomorrow about Stars, Mavs, and of course more Rangers talk.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Glendon's BACK!!!!! and other Random Stuff
Dave -- This post is certainly relevant to you and should bring back some fond memories of our Bent Tree West days. Anyone from the DFW area during our high school years (well at least if you were following high school sports like us nerds), will most likely remember Glendon Alexander.
Glendon of Newman Smith fame is still the leading point scorer in Texas 5A history and averaged something like 33 points a game during his high school career.
Dave and I and maybe Cuyler, Zach? saw him play in person many times. The guy's pregame dunks were stuff of legends. Good times.
Anyways, Glendon's on his way out of jail after getting in trouble for among many things
Free Glendon!
Bet you can't guess where this shot ended up?
Rangers Pick Up Pitcher, Give Up Pitcher???
The Rangers pick up Padres starter, Adam Eaton (28) and a pretty darn good setup guy, rightanded Akinori Otsuka (33) who was a great closer in Japan and has peformed in his first two major league seasons as a 7th and 8th inning guy.
He is exactly what Jon Daniels was looking when he mentioned top priority for this offseason along with starting pitching (new rotation now most likely Eaton/Padilla/Loe/Dominguez/5th?) and I'm glad he picked Otsuka up. I'd say the bullpen and starting pitching are at least somewhat upgraded going into 2006.
Offense looks at least to be somewhat more productive with additions of Jiminez/Kinsler at 2B and Wilkerson in the outfield to replace Soriano and Hidalgo. This team will be better in '06 but probably won't win the West without a few more moves at some point.
Giving up Adrian Gonzalez (great prospect at 1B but is blocked by Tex and needs to play now) and Termel Sledge (would have fought for a 4th or 5th outfield slot) is not a huge price.
But Chris Young being added to the deal baffles me. This is a guy who is signed through 2009 at a reasonable price and is hometown, Highland Park product. I'm really surprised Daniels made this deal but he must really have a feeling about Eaton. It's a magnified risky move because Eaton is a potential free agent after the 2006 season and has already stated publicly before this trade that he would need "crazy money" to sign with Texas when he was rumored to be coming here.
You never know, maybe Eaton is lights out and Otsuka leads the Rangers bullpen to a playoff run and both sign long term deals this offseason.
I sure hope so, because losing Chris Young is really confusing for an organizaiton supposedly hell bent on growing home grown pitching. DVD can't get here soon enough after this deal.
I'm still optmistic about 2006 and this hopefully is just a speed bump in the already wild Ranger offseason.
One name to look for: Chad Bradford who was not offered arbitration by the Red Sox. He is a right-handed bullpen submarine style pitcher who spent some successful seasons with the A's in the AL West. He would be another nice bullpen piece to throw at rivals. He is only 30...
More randomness to follow later this week.
Glendon of Newman Smith fame is still the leading point scorer in Texas 5A history and averaged something like 33 points a game during his high school career.
Dave and I and maybe Cuyler, Zach? saw him play in person many times. The guy's pregame dunks were stuff of legends. Good times.
Anyways, Glendon's on his way out of jail after getting in trouble for among many things
stealing $46,500 from a Carrollton dentist, $1.5 million from a California adult entertainment executive, and cash, jewelry and shoes from former major league outfielder Derek Bell
Free Glendon!
Bet you can't guess where this shot ended up?
Rangers Pick Up Pitcher, Give Up Pitcher???
The Rangers pick up Padres starter, Adam Eaton (28) and a pretty darn good setup guy, rightanded Akinori Otsuka (33) who was a great closer in Japan and has peformed in his first two major league seasons as a 7th and 8th inning guy.
He is exactly what Jon Daniels was looking when he mentioned top priority for this offseason along with starting pitching (new rotation now most likely Eaton/Padilla/Loe/Dominguez/5th?) and I'm glad he picked Otsuka up. I'd say the bullpen and starting pitching are at least somewhat upgraded going into 2006.
Offense looks at least to be somewhat more productive with additions of Jiminez/Kinsler at 2B and Wilkerson in the outfield to replace Soriano and Hidalgo. This team will be better in '06 but probably won't win the West without a few more moves at some point.
Giving up Adrian Gonzalez (great prospect at 1B but is blocked by Tex and needs to play now) and Termel Sledge (would have fought for a 4th or 5th outfield slot) is not a huge price.
But Chris Young being added to the deal baffles me. This is a guy who is signed through 2009 at a reasonable price and is hometown, Highland Park product. I'm really surprised Daniels made this deal but he must really have a feeling about Eaton. It's a magnified risky move because Eaton is a potential free agent after the 2006 season and has already stated publicly before this trade that he would need "crazy money" to sign with Texas when he was rumored to be coming here.
You never know, maybe Eaton is lights out and Otsuka leads the Rangers bullpen to a playoff run and both sign long term deals this offseason.
I sure hope so, because losing Chris Young is really confusing for an organizaiton supposedly hell bent on growing home grown pitching. DVD can't get here soon enough after this deal.
I'm still optmistic about 2006 and this hopefully is just a speed bump in the already wild Ranger offseason.
One name to look for: Chad Bradford who was not offered arbitration by the Red Sox. He is a right-handed bullpen submarine style pitcher who spent some successful seasons with the A's in the AL West. He would be another nice bullpen piece to throw at rivals. He is only 30...
More randomness to follow later this week.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Leinart Living it Up -- BRAVO
After the heisman cermony Saturday in NYC, these photos would probably be much funnier if this chick was a cow...
Check out the chick in the background's face -- somebody's jealous!!!
And the accompanying email:
Check out the chick in the background's face -- somebody's jealous!!!
And the accompanying email:
>
>
>quick story you guys might enjoy. went to a party at laurens on
>saturday night. about 20 people. half of us went to some random bar,
the other half went to this upscale place called Marquee (davedigital
would definitely know this place). anyways, these 2 pretty girls who
were visiting lauren from texas went to
Marquee, i didn't of course opting for the hole in the wall with $3
beers.
>
>So yesterday morning, lauren calls me and says "Do you know some guy
>named Matt Line Hart?" i laugh and say yeah and don't bother to
correct her. she says, well he was at Marquee last night, and hit on
one of the girls from texas all night, danced with her, and then was so
drunk he groped her....she turned around and slapped him, and left.
>
>i said yea yea, i doubt it even though it kinda made sense that he
would be in an upscale club getting trashed after losing the heisman. i
told her i'd believe the story when i saw pictures. wellll, here they
are..........
>
>
>
>joby west coast trash
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Sori Traded !!! Rangers get Wilkerson from Nats
The Rangers FINALLY make a move dealing one of my personal favorites, Soriano, but the the Rangers need to free up payroll (Sori would have made $10 Mil in 2006 with arbitration) and this deal makes sense becauase you can plus Wilkerson in center and bring up minor league stud Kinsler to play 2nd. Getting Sledge (should be a 4th outfielder) and a PTBNL is a good return for Jon Daniels first trade.
I give this a thumbs up. Now let's go get some pitching...
I will always be a fan of Soriano. I hope he does well in Washington. He might not enjoy being moved to left field with Vidro entrenched at 2B.
More to come tomorrow...
I give this a thumbs up. Now let's go get some pitching...
I will always be a fan of Soriano. I hope he does well in Washington. He might not enjoy being moved to left field with Vidro entrenched at 2B.
More to come tomorrow...
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Cuyler's Fleeting Moment of Fame
Not sure if I've known anyone to actually get a question answered on one of these nationwide chats.
Well our good buddy Cuyler practically batted leadoff on Ivan Maisel's ESPN chat today.
Shockingly it was a decent question. Here is the full transcript of the chat with Cuyler's portion pulled out below:
Well our good buddy Cuyler practically batted leadoff on Ivan Maisel's ESPN chat today.
Shockingly it was a decent question. Here is the full transcript of the chat with Cuyler's portion pulled out below:
Cuyler, Atlanta, GA: Ivan: What is your take on conference championship games? On one hand, it hardly seems right that conference championships can be held by teams with the same record that did not play eachother (Big 10). On the other hand, why should teams like Va. Tech and Texas play teams that do not deserve to be in the position to make it to a BCS game? thanks for your thoughts.
Ivan Maisel: (4:02 PM ET ) Look, we don't have a playoff, and the cnoference championship games shouldn't be seen as a replacement. You have to view them the way you view conference hoop tournaments. They are a blatant money grab. Fair, unfair, who knows? The bottom line is that the conferences are willing to expose their regular-season champion to one extra game in order to make a few million bucks. That is your "system" right there.
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