Actual Twitter posts carrying this week's #HRDerby tag:
@ArlaFusselman57: Robbie Cano calm down... your doing to good...
-- If he had just misspelled it "clam" too, we'd have something.
@espn: Somebody call Marshawn Lynch. Robinson Cano is officially in beast mode tonight.
-- The N in ESPN stands for NFL. The E stands for football.
@jvtorresjr: So people were complaining that last nights #HRDerby was boring... People also complained about #steroids in #MLB! Which one is it?
-- There were 95 HRs last night. No one was complaining there were too few.
@WinonaWachobQQI: @LoMoMarlins how soon can we expect to see you competing in #HRDerby
-- Logan Morrison (of the Marlins) has 14 HRs in 572 plate appearances. Keep waiting.
@PatPumpBGIL: I'm very surprised by the lack of #HRDerby tweets I've been seeing.
-- More than 100,000 tweets were sent with this tag. It was a trending topic all day.
@CarenHaby2603: Chris berman makes the #hrderby entertaining. I love his sayings. "That one was all the way to the space station" lol
-- This person must be killed, for the good of the species.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Updating my memorabilia
The Flyers season may have ended on a sour note this year, but that's no reason to hold a grudge against the team. So I dusted off my Flyers calendar from 2010 (remember, they were in the finals just 13 months ago) to hang it with pride among my other sports memorabilia. Only one problem...
Yeah, um, Carter, Richards and Gagne aren't on the team anymore. So, maybe we'll go with the more recent calendar instead...
See? Much better. Richards, Carter, Powe, Carcillo and Leino aren't on the team anymore, but there still are a few familiar faces. Like ... Briere! And Pronger! And Hextall!
Yeah, um, Carter, Richards and Gagne aren't on the team anymore. So, maybe we'll go with the more recent calendar instead...
See? Much better. Richards, Carter, Powe, Carcillo and Leino aren't on the team anymore, but there still are a few familiar faces. Like ... Briere! And Pronger! And Hextall!Ugh.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cliff Lee in June
Click on the picture to enlarge.
Pretty boring month all around.
That's a 0.22 ERA, for those of you counting at home.
Pretty boring month all around.That's a 0.22 ERA, for those of you counting at home.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How the NFL is trying to ruin football (this week)
Details of the potential settlement between owners and players leaked today. Most of the proposals are what you'd expect: a modified rookie wage scale, team spending caps and minimums, discussions on future expansion to an 18-game season.
However, one simple proposal on the table would ruin the NFL landscape instantly: 16 Thursday night football games over the course of the season, starting in 2012. No details on what weeks those games will be played, but here's why that sucks.
1 -- One or two football games on Thanksgiving makes Thanksgiving awesome. Three is overkill. Five or six makes it exhausting. We gotta have dinner at some point.
2 -- Thursday night games not on Thanksgiving stink. Thursday night football is meant for teams like Boise State, not the Bengals, even if Boise State could probably beat them. Most people have to work on Fridays, whether or not there is a game.
3 -- The short advance week for Thursday games screws with team's practice and recovery schedules. And the long week following games gives those teams an unfair advantage for the next match-up. That's fine for a few unusual circumstances, but every other week? No.
4 -- Thursday night games are a pain in the ass for fantasy football.
5 -- The NFL network will undoubtedly broadcast the Thursday night games and call them "special editions of Sunday Night Football." And that makes all of us dumber.
However, one simple proposal on the table would ruin the NFL landscape instantly: 16 Thursday night football games over the course of the season, starting in 2012. No details on what weeks those games will be played, but here's why that sucks.
1 -- One or two football games on Thanksgiving makes Thanksgiving awesome. Three is overkill. Five or six makes it exhausting. We gotta have dinner at some point.
2 -- Thursday night games not on Thanksgiving stink. Thursday night football is meant for teams like Boise State, not the Bengals, even if Boise State could probably beat them. Most people have to work on Fridays, whether or not there is a game.
3 -- The short advance week for Thursday games screws with team's practice and recovery schedules. And the long week following games gives those teams an unfair advantage for the next match-up. That's fine for a few unusual circumstances, but every other week? No.
4 -- Thursday night games are a pain in the ass for fantasy football.
5 -- The NFL network will undoubtedly broadcast the Thursday night games and call them "special editions of Sunday Night Football." And that makes all of us dumber.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The perfect All-Star ballot
All Phillies (and former Phillies, because I can't vote for Francisco) on the right.
All fun names (and no Yankees or Red Sawx) on the left.
Click to enlarge.
All fun names (and no Yankees or Red Sawx) on the left.
Click to enlarge.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Another 10,000 loss team
Remember the royal treatment the Phillies got back in 2007 when they became the first professional sports franchise to collect 10,000 losses? Well, they're about to get some company.
Coming into Tuesday night's games, the Hotlanta Braves had collected 9,982 losses in their 135-year history, putting them on pace to break the 10K plateau somtime in July. If they can manage a 12-17 record from tonight on, that will give them a chance to hit the mark during a three-game set in Philadelphia just before the All-Star break.
Of course, like all things the Braves do, the new 10,000-loss mark will be less of an accomplishment than their predecessors' was. The Phillies, the oldest continuous one-city franchise in American sports, performed all of their losses as citizens of the city of brotherly love. The Braves had to spread out their losses over three cities, under the names of the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Braves, Boston Braves, Boston Bees, Boston Rustlers, Boston Doves, Boston Beaneaters and Boston Red Caps.
The next 10,000 loss team likely won't come for another four seasons -- The Chicago Cubs currently sit 277 losses below that mark. After that, the next team up is the Washington Natinals, who have lost 9,000 games in the last three years alone.
Coming into Tuesday night's games, the Hotlanta Braves had collected 9,982 losses in their 135-year history, putting them on pace to break the 10K plateau somtime in July. If they can manage a 12-17 record from tonight on, that will give them a chance to hit the mark during a three-game set in Philadelphia just before the All-Star break.Of course, like all things the Braves do, the new 10,000-loss mark will be less of an accomplishment than their predecessors' was. The Phillies, the oldest continuous one-city franchise in American sports, performed all of their losses as citizens of the city of brotherly love. The Braves had to spread out their losses over three cities, under the names of the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Braves, Boston Braves, Boston Bees, Boston Rustlers, Boston Doves, Boston Beaneaters and Boston Red Caps.
The next 10,000 loss team likely won't come for another four seasons -- The Chicago Cubs currently sit 277 losses below that mark. After that, the next team up is the Washington Natinals, who have lost 9,000 games in the last three years alone.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
What's the word?
A look at the most frequently used words on the Phillies official Twitter account since May 1:
Observations:
-- Lots of Hamels, not much Halladay.
-- More Valdez than Utley is understandable, but sad.
-- A lot of 3-0 counts. Not sure why.
-- Everybody hits. Woo-hoo!
Observations:-- Lots of Hamels, not much Halladay.
-- More Valdez than Utley is understandable, but sad.
-- A lot of 3-0 counts. Not sure why.
-- Everybody hits. Woo-hoo!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The post where we pretend to care about the NBA Finals
Possible outcomes of the NBA season, with pros and cons:
4) Miami Heat defeats Dallas/Oklahoma City
Pros: LeBron will probably cry, the fans at the victory parade will likely be scantily clad.
Cons: LeBron will be insufferable, ESPN will have stories about him all summer long, Cleveland will likely riot and burn to the ground.
Verdict: Worst outcome possible.
3) Oklahoma City Thunder defeats Miami/Chicago
Pros: Somebody new will finally win a championship, Kevin Durant doesn't seem like a jerk
Cons: Somebody is going to have to look up where Oklahoma City is, no city that just stole a team deserves a championship, nobody cares about Oklahoma
Verdict: Could be worse, but couldn't be more boring
2) Chicago Bulls defeat Dallas/Oklahoma City
Pros: LeBron and Wade watch the team they almost played for win it all
Cons: Whiny Chicago gets yet another championship, Michael Jordan somehow gets three more sponsorship deals, Oprah will get involved
Verdict: Nevermind, I'd rather see the Thunder win
1) Dallas Mavericks defeat Miami/Chicago
Pros: Somebody new will finally win a championship, Mark Cuban is comically insufferable for months, David Stern commits suicide
Cons: Dallas wins a championship
Verdict: Call them the North Texas Mavericks and let's call it a deal
4) Miami Heat defeats Dallas/Oklahoma City
Pros: LeBron will probably cry, the fans at the victory parade will likely be scantily clad.
Cons: LeBron will be insufferable, ESPN will have stories about him all summer long, Cleveland will likely riot and burn to the ground.
Verdict: Worst outcome possible.
3) Oklahoma City Thunder defeats Miami/Chicago
Pros: Somebody new will finally win a championship, Kevin Durant doesn't seem like a jerk
Cons: Somebody is going to have to look up where Oklahoma City is, no city that just stole a team deserves a championship, nobody cares about Oklahoma
Verdict: Could be worse, but couldn't be more boring
2) Chicago Bulls defeat Dallas/Oklahoma City
Pros: LeBron and Wade watch the team they almost played for win it all
Cons: Whiny Chicago gets yet another championship, Michael Jordan somehow gets three more sponsorship deals, Oprah will get involved
Verdict: Nevermind, I'd rather see the Thunder win
1) Dallas Mavericks defeat Miami/Chicago
Pros: Somebody new will finally win a championship, Mark Cuban is comically insufferable for months, David Stern commits suicide
Cons: Dallas wins a championship
Verdict: Call them the North Texas Mavericks and let's call it a deal
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Phillies scoring
What this chart tells us:1 -- The Phillies have been a pretty good team since 2000.
2 -- There is no explanation for why everything went right in 1993.
3 -- There is too many easily accessable baseball statistics databases online today.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Breaking down the draft
It's time to analyze the Eagles draft the only way that makes sense: anagraming the names of the rookies to see what really lies inside their character.
Round 1 -- OL Danny Watkins
Anagram: Old tank yawns in
Analysis: He's a 26-year-old college grad, and even he is bored with this pick .Why should we be excited? Cut him from the team.
Round 2 -- DB Jaiquawn Jarrett
Anagram: Jaw ajar, quits rent
Analysis: A slack-jawed deadbeat? How does that help the secondary? Cut him from the team.
Round 3 -- DB Curtis Marsh
Anagram: Charms disturb
Analysis: I don’t care how cool he seems, I don’t trust the guy. Cut him from the team.
Round 4 -- LB Casey Matthews
Anagram: Why bet, classmate?
Analysis: HORRIBLE PICK. The last thing the Eagles need is a college athlete clearly hiding an illegal gambling habit. Cut him from the team.
Round 4 -- Nebraska K Alex Henery
Anagram: Akers’ ankle hex nearby
Analysis: Probably an accurate description -- Akers is likely to blow out his leg trying to upstage this kid. To protect David, cut him from the team.
Round 5 -- RB Dion Lewis
Anagram: Ole bird wins
Analysis: GREAT PICK. That’s what I like to see: players who have a winning attitude and the team mascot right in their names. Keep him.
Round 5 -- OL Julian Vandervelde
Anagram: Older juvenile vandal
Analysis: Old and immature? No thanks. We already have Vick. Cut him from the team.
Round 6 -- OL Jason Kelce
Anagram: Jello-cake son
Analysis: Great -- another overweight, out-of-shape O-lineman. Cut him from the team.
Round 6 -- LB Brian Rolle
Anagram: Barbell, I lorn
Analysis: Aw, somebody get this poor guy a set of weights to play with. Then cut him from the team.
Round 7 -- DE/LB Greg Lloyd
Anagram: Dry gelled glob
Analysis: What’s with all the fat guys this year? Is Andy trying to make himself look skinnier? Cut him from the team.
Round 7 -- RB Stanley Havili
Anagram: Shy vanilla biter
Analysis: If you want to play in the NFL, you can’t be shy, you can’t be boring, and you can’t bite people. Cut him from the team.
Not a good sign -- 11 draftees, 10 losers, one winner. It's gonna be a long season, if they ever start it up.
Round 1 -- OL Danny Watkins
Anagram: Old tank yawns in
Analysis: He's a 26-year-old college grad, and even he is bored with this pick .Why should we be excited? Cut him from the team.
Round 2 -- DB Jaiquawn Jarrett
Anagram: Jaw ajar, quits rent
Analysis: A slack-jawed deadbeat? How does that help the secondary? Cut him from the team.
Round 3 -- DB Curtis Marsh
Anagram: Charms disturb
Analysis: I don’t care how cool he seems, I don’t trust the guy. Cut him from the team.
Round 4 -- LB Casey Matthews
Anagram: Why bet, classmate?
Analysis: HORRIBLE PICK. The last thing the Eagles need is a college athlete clearly hiding an illegal gambling habit. Cut him from the team.
Round 4 -- Nebraska K Alex Henery
Anagram: Akers’ ankle hex nearby
Analysis: Probably an accurate description -- Akers is likely to blow out his leg trying to upstage this kid. To protect David, cut him from the team.
Round 5 -- RB Dion Lewis
Anagram: Ole bird wins
Analysis: GREAT PICK. That’s what I like to see: players who have a winning attitude and the team mascot right in their names. Keep him.
Round 5 -- OL Julian Vandervelde
Anagram: Older juvenile vandal
Analysis: Old and immature? No thanks. We already have Vick. Cut him from the team.
Round 6 -- OL Jason Kelce
Anagram: Jello-cake son
Analysis: Great -- another overweight, out-of-shape O-lineman. Cut him from the team.
Round 6 -- LB Brian Rolle
Anagram: Barbell, I lorn
Analysis: Aw, somebody get this poor guy a set of weights to play with. Then cut him from the team.
Round 7 -- DE/LB Greg Lloyd
Anagram: Dry gelled glob
Analysis: What’s with all the fat guys this year? Is Andy trying to make himself look skinnier? Cut him from the team.
Round 7 -- RB Stanley Havili
Anagram: Shy vanilla biter
Analysis: If you want to play in the NFL, you can’t be shy, you can’t be boring, and you can’t bite people. Cut him from the team.
Not a good sign -- 11 draftees, 10 losers, one winner. It's gonna be a long season, if they ever start it up.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A day of history
On Sunday, within a span of just a few hours, the Phillies beat the Padres, the Sixers beat the Heat, and the Flyers beat the Sabres. That's a historic three-peat -- the last time all three of those teams won on the same day was ...
2009. Just over two years ago, actually, on April 19, 2009. It happened a few time in the 2000s, but only once in the 90s.
Huh. Sorta feel like that should have been more unusual.
On another note, no Philadelphia team has lost a game 7 while Cliff Lee was in town. I'm just saying.
2009. Just over two years ago, actually, on April 19, 2009. It happened a few time in the 2000s, but only once in the 90s.
Huh. Sorta feel like that should have been more unusual.
On another note, no Philadelphia team has lost a game 7 while Cliff Lee was in town. I'm just saying.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Predictions for the Eagles 2011 season
The NFL released this year's schedule earlier tonight -- Here's your instant analysis of what to expect from the Eagles' slate of games:
Sun, Sep 11 -- at St. Louis
Analysis: Would be an easy win ... if the strike didn't postpone the entire NFL season
Prediction: No game
Sun, Sep 18 -- at Atlanta
Analysis: QB Mike Vick's first trip to Atlanta ... won't happen because of the ongoing strike.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Sep 25 -- vs New York Giants
Analysis: QB Eli Manning always plays great on the road. He should do a great job picketing on the road too.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Oct 2 -- vs San Francisco
Analysis: Finally, football returns to the field, and the Eagles get win #1 on the season behind scab QB Jeff Garcia.
Prediction: Win*
Sun, Oct 9 -- at Buffalo
Analysis: An early snowfall in upstate New York causes three fumbles by scab QB Reno Mahe, and the team can't recover.
Prediction: Loss*
Sun, Oct 16 -- at Washington
Analysis: Six made FGs and eight missed FGs later, scab K James Paul misses a 28-yard FG in OT to seal another disappointing week.
Prediction: Tie*
Sun, Oct 23 -- vs Minnesota
Analysis: The Phillies finish off their four-game sweep of the Twins, clinching another World Series.
Prediction: Awesome
Sun, Oct 30 -- vs Dallas
Analysis: The Cowboys continue their undefeated season, led by QB Tony Romo, who crossed the picket line in week 2.
Prediction: Loss*
Mon, Nov 7 -- vs Chicago
Analysis: Finally, the stike ends and the real players suit up for their first time all season ... after this weekend is over.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Nov 13 -- vs Arizona
Analysis: Cardinals QB Donovan McNabb throws four TD passes against a rusty Eagles D in a romp.
Prediction: Loss
Sun, Nov 20 -- at New York Giants
Analysis: Another game in New York, another DeSean Jackson punt return
Prediction: Win
Sun, Nov 27 -- vs New England
Analysis: Strike, no strike, QB Tom Brady still kills in the regular season.
Prediction: Loss
Thu, Dec 1 -- at Seattle
Analysis: Three TD passes are almost enough to convince fans that QB Kevin Kolb will be a great replacement for Vick, who suffers a season-ending injury.
Prediction: Win
Sun, Dec 11 -- at Miami
Analysis: Two second-half INTs are enough to convince fans that QB Mike Kafka won't be a good replacement for Kolb, who suffers a season-ending injury.
Prediction: Loss
Sun, Dec 18 -- vs New York Jets
Analysis: A four-game win streak by the Flyers is a pleasant distraction from a 40-point loss to the Jets.
Prediction: Loss
Sat, Dec 24 -- at Dallas
Analysis: Strike, no strike, QB Tony Romo still chokes in December
Prediction: Win
Sun, Jan 1 -- vs Washington
Analysis: Less than two months before pitchers and catchers report.
Prediction: Loss
Final standings:
1-2-1 in scab games
3-5 in real games
4-0 in World Series
Sun, Sep 11 -- at St. Louis
Analysis: Would be an easy win ... if the strike didn't postpone the entire NFL season
Prediction: No game
Sun, Sep 18 -- at Atlanta
Analysis: QB Mike Vick's first trip to Atlanta ... won't happen because of the ongoing strike.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Sep 25 -- vs New York Giants
Analysis: QB Eli Manning always plays great on the road. He should do a great job picketing on the road too.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Oct 2 -- vs San Francisco
Analysis: Finally, football returns to the field, and the Eagles get win #1 on the season behind scab QB Jeff Garcia.
Prediction: Win*
Sun, Oct 9 -- at Buffalo
Analysis: An early snowfall in upstate New York causes three fumbles by scab QB Reno Mahe, and the team can't recover.
Prediction: Loss*
Sun, Oct 16 -- at Washington
Analysis: Six made FGs and eight missed FGs later, scab K James Paul misses a 28-yard FG in OT to seal another disappointing week.
Prediction: Tie*
Sun, Oct 23 -- vs Minnesota
Analysis: The Phillies finish off their four-game sweep of the Twins, clinching another World Series.
Prediction: Awesome
Sun, Oct 30 -- vs Dallas
Analysis: The Cowboys continue their undefeated season, led by QB Tony Romo, who crossed the picket line in week 2.
Prediction: Loss*
Mon, Nov 7 -- vs Chicago
Analysis: Finally, the stike ends and the real players suit up for their first time all season ... after this weekend is over.
Prediction: No game
Sun, Nov 13 -- vs Arizona
Analysis: Cardinals QB Donovan McNabb throws four TD passes against a rusty Eagles D in a romp.
Prediction: Loss
Sun, Nov 20 -- at New York Giants
Analysis: Another game in New York, another DeSean Jackson punt return
Prediction: Win
Sun, Nov 27 -- vs New England
Analysis: Strike, no strike, QB Tom Brady still kills in the regular season.
Prediction: Loss
Thu, Dec 1 -- at Seattle
Analysis: Three TD passes are almost enough to convince fans that QB Kevin Kolb will be a great replacement for Vick, who suffers a season-ending injury.
Prediction: Win
Sun, Dec 11 -- at Miami
Analysis: Two second-half INTs are enough to convince fans that QB Mike Kafka won't be a good replacement for Kolb, who suffers a season-ending injury.
Prediction: Loss
Sun, Dec 18 -- vs New York Jets
Analysis: A four-game win streak by the Flyers is a pleasant distraction from a 40-point loss to the Jets.
Prediction: Loss
Sat, Dec 24 -- at Dallas
Analysis: Strike, no strike, QB Tony Romo still chokes in December
Prediction: Win
Sun, Jan 1 -- vs Washington
Analysis: Less than two months before pitchers and catchers report.
Prediction: Loss
Final standings:
1-2-1 in scab games
3-5 in real games
4-0 in World Series
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fun with trends
With one 18th of the season over, here's what to expect from the Phillies (stats through Monday):
** The team is on pace for 126 games, which would be an MLB record (7 wins so far)
** Ryan Howard is on pace for 198 RBI, which would be an MLB record (11 RBI so far)
** Shane Victorino is on pace for 270 hits, which would be an MLB record (15 hits so far)
** The team is on pace to score 1,062 runs, which would be an NL record (59 runs so far)
** Roy Oswalt is on pace for a 36 wins, which would be a personal record (2 wins so far)
** Joe Blanton is on pace to win zero games this season. (0 wins so far)
** The Mets are on place to finish in last place, which would be normal (Last place so far)
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
For the record
I'm just finishing up an eight-day fellowship at Ohio State, and today I came to a realization:
I've now lived in Ohio, taken classes at the Ohio State University, attended an Ohio State football game, and received an "O-H" pin from the president of the school.
I am no longer an Ohio State front-runner. I am now, without question, a Buckeye.
Go Bucks!
I've now lived in Ohio, taken classes at the Ohio State University, attended an Ohio State football game, and received an "O-H" pin from the president of the school.
I am no longer an Ohio State front-runner. I am now, without question, a Buckeye.
Go Bucks!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spending wisely
This week, the Mets cut 2B Luis Castillo and P Oliver Perez from their active roster, freeing them to sign with any other team but leaving them on the hook for their 2011 salaries ($6 million and $12 million, respectively). That's $18 million being paid for two players not to play for the team.
Here's what $18 million pays for with better teams around the league:
** Seattle Mariners: One full season from OF Ichiro Suzuki ($18 mil)
** New York Yankees: 88 games from 3B Alex Rodriguez ($33 mil for the full year)
** San Diego Padres: The entire team, minus P Aaron Harang and 1B Brad Hawpe ($20 mil combined, $18 mil for the rest of the squad)
** St. Louis Cardinals: One full season from 1B Albert Pujols ($14.6 mil), plus a free $1 hot dog for each of the 3.4 million fans who'll watch home games this year.
** San Francisco Giants: One full season from P Tim Lincecum and OF Pat Burrell ($9 mil each)
** Philadelphia Philles: One full season from P Cliff Lee ($9 mil), P Cole Hamels ($6.65 mil), C Carlos Ruiz ($1.9 mil) and IF Wilson Valdez ($400 K), plus 8 field level seats for every home game this year ($50 K).
Here's what $18 million pays for with better teams around the league:
** Seattle Mariners: One full season from OF Ichiro Suzuki ($18 mil)
** New York Yankees: 88 games from 3B Alex Rodriguez ($33 mil for the full year)
** San Diego Padres: The entire team, minus P Aaron Harang and 1B Brad Hawpe ($20 mil combined, $18 mil for the rest of the squad)
** St. Louis Cardinals: One full season from 1B Albert Pujols ($14.6 mil), plus a free $1 hot dog for each of the 3.4 million fans who'll watch home games this year.
** San Francisco Giants: One full season from P Tim Lincecum and OF Pat Burrell ($9 mil each)
** Philadelphia Philles: One full season from P Cliff Lee ($9 mil), P Cole Hamels ($6.65 mil), C Carlos Ruiz ($1.9 mil) and IF Wilson Valdez ($400 K), plus 8 field level seats for every home game this year ($50 K).
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Field of 64 ... Philly style
Once again, March Madness provides us the perfect opportunity to look back at the year in Philadelphia sports and judge everyone accordingly. Without any delay, this year's winner is...
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Why the NBA stinks
In the last 27 years, seven different cities have won an NBA championship.
In the NFL, seven different cities have won a championship in the last nine years.
In the MLB, seven different cities have won a championship in the last eight years.
In the NHL, seven different cities have won a championship in the last seven years.
Most likely teams to win an NBA championship this year:
-- San Antonio Spurs (4 champs in the last 12 years)
-- Los Angeles Lakers (10 champs in the last 31 years)
-- Chicago Bulls (6 champs in the last 20 years)
-- Boston Celtics (4 champs in the last 30 years)
-- Miami Heat (1 champ in the last 5 years)
I'm just saying, sometimes it's nice to see new faces.
In the NFL, seven different cities have won a championship in the last nine years.
In the MLB, seven different cities have won a championship in the last eight years.
In the NHL, seven different cities have won a championship in the last seven years.
Most likely teams to win an NBA championship this year:
-- San Antonio Spurs (4 champs in the last 12 years)
-- Los Angeles Lakers (10 champs in the last 31 years)
-- Chicago Bulls (6 champs in the last 20 years)
-- Boston Celtics (4 champs in the last 30 years)
-- Miami Heat (1 champ in the last 5 years)
I'm just saying, sometimes it's nice to see new faces.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
NFL Lockout Q&A
The NFL's collective bargaining agreement expires this Friday, and neither the owners nor the players seem willing to agree on new terms right now, which could jeopardize the 2012 NFL season. Here's a quick primer on the issue for those of you just tuning in:
How serious is this?
Not serious at all. Giving up a few runs in a spring training game means virtually nothing when the regular season starts, so P Cliff Lee's two innings, two runs line today should not set off any alarm bells.
I meant the NFL thing.
Oh.
What's this dispute over?
Money. Everybody wants more.
But don't the players and owners already have a lot?
The NFL minimum salary last year was $310,000, roughly 10 times what you make. The least valuable franchise last year (The Jacksonville Jaguars) was worth $725 million, roughly 25,000 times what you make.
That's a lot of money.
When someone asked John Rockefeller how much money is enough, his answer was "just a little bit more."
So, who's to blame here?
The fans.
What?
Who gave them all that money in the first place? When we started agreeing to a $2,500 charge for the right to buy season tickets, we gave them the right to bicker over percentage points of revenue that could fund a small revolution overseas.
So, how will this affect me?
It won't. Baseball season still starts later this month.
Seriously, how will this affect the NFL?
Draftsgiving will still take place as planned. After that, you have to wait until June to be allowed to panic about losing next season.
But could they really lose the whole season?
Sure. And if they strike and don't play games, the fans will never forgive them ... just like they've never forgiven baseball for that 1994 strike.
Now you're just being cynical.
And you're denying that college football will easily fill the temporary void left by this nonsense.
But what should I do?
Just relax and enjoy the ride. Cliff will have those mechanics worked out in just a few more weeks.
How serious is this?
Not serious at all. Giving up a few runs in a spring training game means virtually nothing when the regular season starts, so P Cliff Lee's two innings, two runs line today should not set off any alarm bells.
I meant the NFL thing.
Oh.
What's this dispute over?
Money. Everybody wants more.
But don't the players and owners already have a lot?
The NFL minimum salary last year was $310,000, roughly 10 times what you make. The least valuable franchise last year (The Jacksonville Jaguars) was worth $725 million, roughly 25,000 times what you make.
That's a lot of money.
When someone asked John Rockefeller how much money is enough, his answer was "just a little bit more."
So, who's to blame here?
The fans.
What?
Who gave them all that money in the first place? When we started agreeing to a $2,500 charge for the right to buy season tickets, we gave them the right to bicker over percentage points of revenue that could fund a small revolution overseas.
So, how will this affect me?
It won't. Baseball season still starts later this month.
Seriously, how will this affect the NFL?
Draftsgiving will still take place as planned. After that, you have to wait until June to be allowed to panic about losing next season.
But could they really lose the whole season?
Sure. And if they strike and don't play games, the fans will never forgive them ... just like they've never forgiven baseball for that 1994 strike.
Now you're just being cynical.
And you're denying that college football will easily fill the temporary void left by this nonsense.
But what should I do?
Just relax and enjoy the ride. Cliff will have those mechanics worked out in just a few more weeks.
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