I apologize for not writing in a few days. I have been going through a lot of stuff at work. Yesterday I quit my current job, and will be starting at a new shop on February 28. It's been a little hectic figuring out what I want to do. Also, I am not sure what my schedule will be at my new job. I intend to keep the blog going strong, but we will have to see what kind of hours they got me working. In any event, here are a few thoughts on this Tuesday morning in February...
- I am glad to see the Giants already shaking up their roster a bit. They released Luke Pettigout, Carlos Emmons, and Lavar Arrington. I am not sure how much this saved them exactly, considering how intricate the NFL salary cap is. I do know that it did save them some money this offseason though or they would not have done it. Pettigout and Emmons have had injury problems for a few years now. It reached the point where they caused more frustration due to injuries than progress on the field. Arrington suffered a major injury during this past season and may never be the same player again. Besides the injury and money aspect of these moves though, it sends a message to the fans and players. Jerry Reese (new GM) is going to be proactive to make this team better. There is going to be a new culture in the Giant locker room next year, which is something that is long overdue.
- I read a report yesterday that Tiki Barber was one of the most outspoken critics of Tom Coughlin from within the locker room last season. It reached the point where other players would tell him to "shut the fuck up." He complained about Coughlins' "old school" mentality and his desire for the players to practice in pads through out the season. I think Tiki should have shut up for two reasons. First of all, he was a fumbling machine prior to Coughlin coming in and changing where he held the ball. Second of all, if you are the best player on the team, and are planning on retiring after the season then shut up and play! What benefit can come out of bitching and moaning the whole time? Tiki had a great last couple of seasons with the Giants but he is not a Hall of Famer in my mind. He is a three time Pro Bowler with only 55 career rushing TDs. I do not see the Giants struggling nearly as much as people are making them out to without him next season. Could be a prime "Ewing Theory" example...
- Great article in this past weeks' SI about James Dolan, owner of the Knicks, Rangers, etc. Words can't express the dislike I have for this man and what he has done with my Knicks. At this point, its not that I don't think they can get better and be good relatively soon, but so much damage has been done that I do not want to support him or anything related to him (or Isiah for that matter).
- I hope to have a bigtime NBA article for you tomorrow.
- Spring Training is basically here...woo hoooooo!
- The Yankees did good to get rid of Sheffield and Randy Johnson from that clubhouse, but AROD is still going to be a major distraction. How don't they realize this already??
- Everyone is talking about the Durant/Oden debate for the #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. There is no doubt in my mind that they should be the the #1 and #2 picks respectively. As of right now I would still go with Oden, but I can not argue against Durant. I am old school in that when in doubt, go with the center. The only exception to this rule in the past 30 years is Michael Jordan and the Bulls. They were able to win multiple titles without much of any offensive production from their PF and C positions. In addition, Michael Jordan was picked after two centers in the draft and went on to become possibly the greatest player of all time. Durant has size as well though, which makes this decision even more vexing. It will be fun to watch, and they will both be great additions to this NBA, which is spilling over with great young talent.
- My Final Four picks on Feb 13.....Florida, UNC, Wisconsin, Georgetown (gotta pick at least one sleeper)
STKAFI
5 comments:
Can't just dump ARod, he's too good of a player and still in his prime. Sheff and Randy are over the hill so it was a good move to get rid of him. Keep Arod, get his 40-50 HRs and his 120-150 RBI's, then if you still don't win a championship he can opt out next year.
Also, I'm with you on the Oden/Durant debate. I'm old school also and would probably take the sure thing with Oden. However, Durant is making such a compelling case, if he keeps this up and carries Texas far in the tourney I might change my mind. Interesting stat I heard yesterday, if the season ended today, he would break the Big 12 scoring average record by 6 pts! And the rebounding average record by a rebound! As a FRESHMAN.
All that being said, I'm 99% sure I would just rather have the second pick and take whoever the first pick past up on. It seems you can't go wrong with either, but the GM with the first pick will have all the pressure, and no one would be able to blame the team with the second pick if their player tanks.
Duke looks great by the way.
Agree on the A-Rod thing. If he struggles this year similarly to last year, then you you can move him to the Cubs for Zambrano, who's not gonna get a new deal. He can move back to SS for them next to Ramirez. Then turn around an shop one of those pitching prospects or 2 for a solid 3rd baseman. I'm sure the Angels would be interested as well. The Yanks are only paying 16 mil a year, so if they chip in 3-4, the Cubs/Angels would only be paying 12 mil a year. That's only if he continues to get booed like crazy and struggle in big situations.
You take Oden. He's still shooting foul shots with his left hand. That must mean his right hand can't even be 75-80 percent. He's also not playing with the most unselfish guys and still averaging 15 points a game. He's not a back to the basket guy yet, but neither were Duncan, Ewing, or Shaq at 18.
Someone on Mike and Mike mentioned that Reese was probably freeing up space for an impact RB. In my opinion they really need to focus on their secondary, which was fucking pitiful again. I was kind of surprised that they released Arrington, considering that has an incentive laden contract with a base of only 900,000- by contrast Pettitgout and Emmons had I think 5 and 2 million guaranteed.
I cant believe that Katz and Murph are dismissing ARod so quickly, or think that it would be so simple to move him. For one thing, he can veto any trade. For another, we know he worries about his image. Could you imagine the backlash if he were to opt out? Or if he agreed to a trade? Most hated man in baseball and he doesnt even do steroids. Not to mention that his production is amazing, even if it has fallen off from the artificially inflated numbers of Ameriquest. What they need to do to win is to concentrate on pitching, the offense will fall into place (Mets fans take note). I guarantee that anyone they throw out for a Game 4 this year will be an improvement over Jared Wright.
I'm not dismissing him at all. I'm a huge Arod fan. I still think he's the best all around player in baseball and any team, including the Yanks would be better with him than without him.
All I was saying was that if the Yankees don't win a championship this year, and if Arod burns out in the playoffs again, a lot of fans will be wanting his head and he can (meaning he has the option to, but won't necessarily) opt out if he wants.
intrigued by your final four picks as Georgetown has won i think 8 in a row and has a number of good players (including docs and ewings kids).
My post is to really comment on Wisonsin.
I went and saw Wisconsin play out in Madison last weekend vs Iowa. I came away impressed with how physical the big ten is and how physical they are allowed to play. that is def. a mans league. I feel like Wisonsin will bruise their way to at least the 16 and perhaps the 8 but not much after that. They are a mature team who plays to their strenghts slowing the game down with the swing O (aka an advanced flex)and playing gritty defense . However, they do not have a guy who can take over a game and create his own offense (although kam taylor makes big shots). Tucker gets all of his points within the system. He is an excellent COLLEGE player but they do not have the guy who can win them the game (like guys on florida and unc).
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