I am sad to report, The Florida Marlins have traded Miguel Carbrera & Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers. The Marlins received a half dozen prospects for the duo and 2 of them are highly touted, but lets call a spade a spade, the Marlins are going to save $20 Million this year on the deal. From a baseball standpoint, The Marlins' trades have worked out in their favor more than they haven't. Their baseball people know talent and know when to get rid of someone and get the right package for them. The organization has to be doing something right, they have won 2 World Championships in 11 years, second only to the Yankees and tied with the Red Sox.
The problem isn't the Marlins, it is First The South Florida Market and Second Major League Baseball. MLB, is a league of the haves and have nots. There is a horrible system of Revenue Sharing instead of a Salary Cap. MLB is so messed up, the Marlins are stuck in South Florida, where there is 0 chance for them to get a stadium and less chance of them building a true fan base.
The South Florida Market is weak, it's an event town, not a sports town. Case in Point, The Heat couldn't sell out until they brought Shaq in. He has made each game an event, once he retires, they will go back to what they were before him. The Dolphins haven't been competitive in years. They have a lousy coach who is so bad, I think he has no clue what he got himself into. The Panthers have been pretty irrelevant their whole existence, making the playoffs once in 15 years. South Florida will sell out a NASCAR race or a Super Bowl, because of the magnitude of the event, but something like Baseball or Soccer, and even College Football, empty seats are abundant.
I wish nothing but the best for Cabrera and Willis, they are both tremendous players with a great upside. Both are young and have at least 10 years in their prime. I wish nothing but luck to the Marlins Organization, I think they are a model team for someone trying to be competitive and save money.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
BcS - What's The Point...
Every year about this time, I say the same thing, It's time for college football to have a playoff system. Anytime you get writers, coaches or even computers selecting who plays for a championship, you have to deal with their biases. LSU and Ohio State are playing for the National Championship and I feel they are not the 2 best teams in the country, why have them play and not the Real 2 best teams - Hawaii and USC?
Hawaii is undefeated. They beat everyone put in front of them. And don't tell me their conference is weaker, Ohio State plays in the Big 10 and that conference in a joke. They played Washington and Youngstown St out of conference - YAWN! In fact, the whole Big 10, played no one in the SEC, ACC, Big12 and they have no conference Championship Game. Way to go Buckeyes and Big 10, you are a bunch of frauds and I believe Maurice Clarett.
USC, according to all experts, is the best team in the NCAA. They lost 2 games due to players being injured. Besides, the Pac 10 is just as good, if not better than the SEC.
If there was a 16 team playoff, at least the fighting would be done on the field, not in the papers.
Hawaii is undefeated. They beat everyone put in front of them. And don't tell me their conference is weaker, Ohio State plays in the Big 10 and that conference in a joke. They played Washington and Youngstown St out of conference - YAWN! In fact, the whole Big 10, played no one in the SEC, ACC, Big12 and they have no conference Championship Game. Way to go Buckeyes and Big 10, you are a bunch of frauds and I believe Maurice Clarett.
USC, according to all experts, is the best team in the NCAA. They lost 2 games due to players being injured. Besides, the Pac 10 is just as good, if not better than the SEC.
If there was a 16 team playoff, at least the fighting would be done on the field, not in the papers.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Some Random Thoughts...
...Last Sunday, I watched one of the best football games I've seen in a while. The 10-0 New England Patriots and the 5-5 Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots are on a mission to blow out everyone and go 19-0, eclipsing the 72' Miami Dolphins 17-0 record. The Eagles are trying to stay alive for a possible playoff birth.
To make matters worse, Eagles starting QB Donovan McNabb was out and backup AJ Feeley was getting the start. The Eagles gave everything they had to the Patriots and almost pulled the upset. But the Pats showed why they are the best team in the NFL and found a way to win. The criticism for both teams is minimal, this game had everything, good offense, solid defense, excellent special teams, great coaching and a fast moving pace. The score was definitely resembled to the the way the game was played.
The Eagles playoff hopes are less and less. They need to win out to make it and have a difficult schedule to do this. They need to play like they did on Sunday and keep the mistakes to a minimal.
...It is absolutely tragic to what happened to Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins, formerly of the UM Hurricanes. I can't say I am surprised when I hear about gun violence and a UM athlete, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. I just wish there was a different way for people to solve their problems than with guns.
...I loved the fact when Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees, the Yankees said they would not negotiate with him anymore. Well, not only did they lie and negotiate with him, they gave him a bigger deal than what he opted out of. This is why I hate the Yankees, they are a bunch of liars and cry babys. I always liked AROD, at least I did up until he opted out of his contract during game 4 of the World Series. He showed a lack of class and disrespect to the game, the fans and especially himself. I hope in a few years, when he breaks Barry Bonds Home run Record, the first active Major Leaguer comes out of the closet and puts AROD on the back page.
...Finally, I am really pissed off at the NFL and its Commish. Roger Godell has been crying to congress about how Comcast and Time Warner won't put his NFL Network on basic cable. He claims, its unfair business practice. He thinks people shouldn't have to pay an extra $5 to $8 a month to watch his network. Well, Godell Castro, people in Glass Houses shouldn't throw Stones. I think it's unfair, your NFL Direct Ticket is Directv exclusive. It should be made available to people like me who have cable. I am willing to pay to watch the games, just make it available to me!
To make matters worse, Eagles starting QB Donovan McNabb was out and backup AJ Feeley was getting the start. The Eagles gave everything they had to the Patriots and almost pulled the upset. But the Pats showed why they are the best team in the NFL and found a way to win. The criticism for both teams is minimal, this game had everything, good offense, solid defense, excellent special teams, great coaching and a fast moving pace. The score was definitely resembled to the the way the game was played.
The Eagles playoff hopes are less and less. They need to win out to make it and have a difficult schedule to do this. They need to play like they did on Sunday and keep the mistakes to a minimal.
...It is absolutely tragic to what happened to Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins, formerly of the UM Hurricanes. I can't say I am surprised when I hear about gun violence and a UM athlete, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow. I just wish there was a different way for people to solve their problems than with guns.
...I loved the fact when Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees, the Yankees said they would not negotiate with him anymore. Well, not only did they lie and negotiate with him, they gave him a bigger deal than what he opted out of. This is why I hate the Yankees, they are a bunch of liars and cry babys. I always liked AROD, at least I did up until he opted out of his contract during game 4 of the World Series. He showed a lack of class and disrespect to the game, the fans and especially himself. I hope in a few years, when he breaks Barry Bonds Home run Record, the first active Major Leaguer comes out of the closet and puts AROD on the back page.
...Finally, I am really pissed off at the NFL and its Commish. Roger Godell has been crying to congress about how Comcast and Time Warner won't put his NFL Network on basic cable. He claims, its unfair business practice. He thinks people shouldn't have to pay an extra $5 to $8 a month to watch his network. Well, Godell Castro, people in Glass Houses shouldn't throw Stones. I think it's unfair, your NFL Direct Ticket is Directv exclusive. It should be made available to people like me who have cable. I am willing to pay to watch the games, just make it available to me!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Someone Take A Stand
I use to like Alex Rodriguez. I thought he was one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. And more importantly, he seemed like a pretty decent guy. I never once blamed him for his $252 million dollar contract he signed with the Texas Rangers. Hey, if someone is going to offer me that money, I would have been more than happy to play for it.
The contract put baseball back in so many ways. With 32 teams and about half those teams unable to compete with the other half just because of the money they can generate. But Rangers' Owner Tom Hicks bought was Arod and his agent were selling and everyone was happy.
After the Rangers realized they couldn't compete because all of their money was tied up in one player, they traded Arod to the New York Yankees. The Rangers paid a good portion of the contract as he played for the Yankees. Arod made the playoffs each of his 4 years in New York, but failed to do make an impact. The Yankees-Arod marriage was a bust from the beginning and the saving grace was Arod had an out clause after the 7th year of the contract.
I had no doubt he was going to opt out. I thought him opting out during game 4 of the World Series was a complete scum thing to do. He had to steal the headlines from the Eventual World Series Champs, the Red Sox.
Well, there is something Baseball can do and I would applaud baseball and its owners if they did it. Don't pay this guy $27 Million a year. Infact, now is the time for baseball owners to show a little muscle and strong arm Arod, his agent and the system. How great would it be if Arod is only offered $10 million, a third of what his agent thinks he should get?
The contract put baseball back in so many ways. With 32 teams and about half those teams unable to compete with the other half just because of the money they can generate. But Rangers' Owner Tom Hicks bought was Arod and his agent were selling and everyone was happy.
After the Rangers realized they couldn't compete because all of their money was tied up in one player, they traded Arod to the New York Yankees. The Rangers paid a good portion of the contract as he played for the Yankees. Arod made the playoffs each of his 4 years in New York, but failed to do make an impact. The Yankees-Arod marriage was a bust from the beginning and the saving grace was Arod had an out clause after the 7th year of the contract.
I had no doubt he was going to opt out. I thought him opting out during game 4 of the World Series was a complete scum thing to do. He had to steal the headlines from the Eventual World Series Champs, the Red Sox.
Well, there is something Baseball can do and I would applaud baseball and its owners if they did it. Don't pay this guy $27 Million a year. Infact, now is the time for baseball owners to show a little muscle and strong arm Arod, his agent and the system. How great would it be if Arod is only offered $10 million, a third of what his agent thinks he should get?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Bring Down The Evil Empire
The first peg of the demise of the Evil Empire was let loose. That classy organization known as the New York Yankees, low balled their leader with an insulting 1 year deal, less money than the old deal and incentive laden contract.
I don't blame Joe Torre for declining the Yankees offer. I am far from a Yankees fan and I don't even think he is a great manager, however he wins. He is able to mesh different personalities and lead his team to victories. It's not like he hasn't won a championship or 2 or 3 or 4?
I hope this leads to a mass exodus of Yankee Veterans to other places. I am just trying to figure out what is worse, being offered an insulting low-balled offer or being threaten to be fired every season?
I don't blame Joe Torre for declining the Yankees offer. I am far from a Yankees fan and I don't even think he is a great manager, however he wins. He is able to mesh different personalities and lead his team to victories. It's not like he hasn't won a championship or 2 or 3 or 4?
I hope this leads to a mass exodus of Yankee Veterans to other places. I am just trying to figure out what is worse, being offered an insulting low-balled offer or being threaten to be fired every season?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Brett Favvvrrrerr
Or however his name is spelled? Anyway, I think I am the only person who watches the NFL who doesn't like him. When every talking head ohhs and ahhs over him, I can't see it. I don't put him up as one of the best QBs to ever play. The toughest? Absolutely, to play that many consecutive games at that position for so long is one thing. Greatest QB? Well that's another.
I think Favre is a gunslinger. He always tries to do too much and is very rarely called on that. He one 1 championship and probably could have won at least 1 more if he was a little more disciplined. So when the Talking Heads talk about Favre as a one of the best, I tend to put him lower on my list.
Here's the Top 10 QBs of my time (The last 20 years+)
Joe Montana
Troy Aikman
Tom Brady
John Elway
Steve Young
Peyton Manning
Dan Marino
Warren Moon
Brett Farve
Randall Cunningham
I think Favre is a gunslinger. He always tries to do too much and is very rarely called on that. He one 1 championship and probably could have won at least 1 more if he was a little more disciplined. So when the Talking Heads talk about Favre as a one of the best, I tend to put him lower on my list.
Here's the Top 10 QBs of my time (The last 20 years+)
Joe Montana
Troy Aikman
Tom Brady
John Elway
Steve Young
Peyton Manning
Dan Marino
Warren Moon
Brett Farve
Randall Cunningham
Monday, October 8, 2007
It's Been A Long Time...
For over three months, I have had a lot to say, but I just couldn't put it in words. I still don't know if I can put it all in words and I don't know if I am going to try. My goal is to get my websites running within the next month, but inspiration hasn't shed its light on me.
Instead of talking about the ways of the world, the good and bad, the ups and downs, I thought I would just talk about something a little easier, The 2007 Philadelphia Phillies.
Wow, what can I say. Back in Spring Training, MVP Short stop Jimmy Rollins called them the team beat in the NL East and they proceeded to start off 4-11. The slowly crawled their way to 500 and started to win somewhat consistently. Their pitching was unspectacular outside of Cole Hammels. Their Bullpen was a whos who of castaways and journeymen, but somehow they got through the season.
2007 will go down in history as how the Mets plummeted. Dropping 8 games in the standings with 18 to play, but the Phillies did sweep them twice coming down the stretch. I guess I am saying the Phillies deserve more credit than they will ever get.
Here's a grade for the 2007 NL East Champs:
GM - Pat Gillick - B. Would have been an A if it weren't for Freddie Garcia, who will go down in Phillies History as the WORSE signing in team history. Gillick deserves credit for signing Jayson Werth and Greg Dobbs. He got lucky with a desperation signing in JC Romero, who played his way into a nice contract for next year. The Kyle Lohse was also a nice pick up at the end of the season, he ate up innings and the Phillies won most of the games his pitched.
Manager - Charlie Manuel - B+. He got the most out of his bullpen, more than I ever thought he would have. He made a lot of questionable decisions, but most of them worked out, so who am I to judge. I really wish we would have seen a throw down with Eskin.
Offense - A. They are the most prolific hitting team in baseball. Hopefully, Ryan Howard will come into next season with confidence and a little more patience. He could become the best Phillie EVER. Rollins, Utley and Rowand had great seasons at the plate. Everyone else seemed to get into the action.
Defense - A-. They were pretty solid in the field, just wish we could combine Nunez and Dobbs to make one complete 3rd Basemen.
Starting Pitching - B-. Hammels was great. Moyer was a magician. Kendrick was a pleasent surprise, but far from great. Eaton, Lieber and Garcia Disappointments.
Bull Pen - C. Madson was hurt, which hurt them. Romero pitched nicely, but not spectacular. Gordon showed flashes of brilliance. Mesa, Alfonseca, Condrey, etc are okay as long as they are not on the same team. Finally, Brett Myers is a better Starter. Yes, he has a Closer's Disposition, but he can give you innings as a starter and be a dominant one too. Its so hard to find Quality Starting Pitching, and to use one of their best starters as a closer makes no sense to me.
Next Season, I expect great things from the Phillies. There will not be a lot available via Free Agency. They will probably lose Aaron Rowand which is too bad. They need to move Myers back into the rotation, find another starter (Lohse will probably sign for big money with a team like New York.) They need a lot of Bullpen help and hopefully through the minor leagues, a few players will step up. They can get by with a three headed monster at third, but it wouldn't surprise me if they sign a "big name" (Mike Lowell?) Burrell will play out his last season in Philly In Left, Victorino will play Center and Werth will play Right. All in all, the Phillies are much better off than other teams in their division.
I hope they learned from this experience and build on it
Instead of talking about the ways of the world, the good and bad, the ups and downs, I thought I would just talk about something a little easier, The 2007 Philadelphia Phillies.
Wow, what can I say. Back in Spring Training, MVP Short stop Jimmy Rollins called them the team beat in the NL East and they proceeded to start off 4-11. The slowly crawled their way to 500 and started to win somewhat consistently. Their pitching was unspectacular outside of Cole Hammels. Their Bullpen was a whos who of castaways and journeymen, but somehow they got through the season.
2007 will go down in history as how the Mets plummeted. Dropping 8 games in the standings with 18 to play, but the Phillies did sweep them twice coming down the stretch. I guess I am saying the Phillies deserve more credit than they will ever get.
Here's a grade for the 2007 NL East Champs:
GM - Pat Gillick - B. Would have been an A if it weren't for Freddie Garcia, who will go down in Phillies History as the WORSE signing in team history. Gillick deserves credit for signing Jayson Werth and Greg Dobbs. He got lucky with a desperation signing in JC Romero, who played his way into a nice contract for next year. The Kyle Lohse was also a nice pick up at the end of the season, he ate up innings and the Phillies won most of the games his pitched.
Manager - Charlie Manuel - B+. He got the most out of his bullpen, more than I ever thought he would have. He made a lot of questionable decisions, but most of them worked out, so who am I to judge. I really wish we would have seen a throw down with Eskin.
Offense - A. They are the most prolific hitting team in baseball. Hopefully, Ryan Howard will come into next season with confidence and a little more patience. He could become the best Phillie EVER. Rollins, Utley and Rowand had great seasons at the plate. Everyone else seemed to get into the action.
Defense - A-. They were pretty solid in the field, just wish we could combine Nunez and Dobbs to make one complete 3rd Basemen.
Starting Pitching - B-. Hammels was great. Moyer was a magician. Kendrick was a pleasent surprise, but far from great. Eaton, Lieber and Garcia Disappointments.
Bull Pen - C. Madson was hurt, which hurt them. Romero pitched nicely, but not spectacular. Gordon showed flashes of brilliance. Mesa, Alfonseca, Condrey, etc are okay as long as they are not on the same team. Finally, Brett Myers is a better Starter. Yes, he has a Closer's Disposition, but he can give you innings as a starter and be a dominant one too. Its so hard to find Quality Starting Pitching, and to use one of their best starters as a closer makes no sense to me.
Next Season, I expect great things from the Phillies. There will not be a lot available via Free Agency. They will probably lose Aaron Rowand which is too bad. They need to move Myers back into the rotation, find another starter (Lohse will probably sign for big money with a team like New York.) They need a lot of Bullpen help and hopefully through the minor leagues, a few players will step up. They can get by with a three headed monster at third, but it wouldn't surprise me if they sign a "big name" (Mike Lowell?) Burrell will play out his last season in Philly In Left, Victorino will play Center and Werth will play Right. All in all, the Phillies are much better off than other teams in their division.
I hope they learned from this experience and build on it
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