[This is a repost of my review of Dirty Pretty Things' Waterloo to Anywhere from June 10th, (Waterloo to Anywhere was released this past Tuesday). Rolling Stone gave it 3 1/2 stars in the last issue, but labeled it 'Must Hear' in the current one. The review I linked to is good, but it tends to focus more on what Dirty Pretty Things aren't; they aren't the Libertines and they aren't Pete Doherty. True enough, but they are a pretty kick ass band who made a very very good album]
Alright, for my final review of the day, I'm going to review a CD that hasn't come out in the US yet.
Dirty Pretty Things is Carl Barât's new band. Barât is the 'other' lead singer of the Libertines. Peter Doherty gets all the press, what with the dating Kate Moss, stealing cars, getting arrested and having a massive drug habit. But Barât's new band is pretty good. Waterloo to Anywhere is their debut CD and I must say, I love it. Where Doherty's Down in Albion was a kind of rambling mess, Waterloo to Anywhere is tight and focused.
Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo to Anywhere
The album starts off with "Deadwood". The opening guitar riff kick ass and the song just bolts out of the gate. It is frantic and almost out of control; a perfect opening song. Fun stuff.
The second track is "Doctors and Dealers" and it is also pretty damn good. Again, frantic and fast. At one point the guitar line mimics the vocal and the effect is pretty cool. The main riff of that same guitar is really catchy. There is a steady back beat in the drums which just drives this song. Very nice.
The third track is far and away the stand out on the album. "Bang Bang, You're Dead" should be blaring from every radio station this summer and fall. It is perfect rock and roll if I've ever heard it. I have yet to play this song for someone and have them not like it. It starts off with some horns rumbling along and then just takes off. There is just rhythm guitar pulse that just drives the song; while the lead guitar just fuckin rocks it. The song rocks, it's vaguely pop-ish, it's catchy, it's distorted, it slows down, it speeds up, the drumming rocks, the guitars rock. Look, I don't know what else to say; if this song doesn't become a hit... I dunno. It's 3:30 of rock and roll perfection. Enjoy.
After "Bang Bang, You're Dead" the mood slows back down for a little bit with "Blood Thirsty Bastards". The song is good, catchy enough to sing along to, but nothing really special. I mean, I like it (okay, I like most of these songs), it isn't bad, there are better songs on this album. Like the next one.
For some reason "The Gentry Cove" reminds me of pirates. It isn't explicitly about pirates (unlike some of the songs of the Coral's self titled) and there are some sea sailing references, but nothing big. The guitar riff just paints this pirate 'yo ho ho' picture for me. I love it. "Gentry Cove" also has quite possibly my favorite moment on Waterloo to Anywhere; at about the 1:20 mark Barât starts singing "On and on and on and on and on and on we go/Traipsing over bridges/Over corpses down below" and the music becomes almost whimsical. At first I thought it went to 3/4 or 6/8 time, but it stays in 4, but it has some triplet drumming behind him. It's awesome. Have anyone ever heard a song before and it just made you smile? Ever had that feeling, where you hear something that takes you by total surprise, but is great?
(The last time I had a moment like this was on George Harrison's last album, Brainwashed. Well into the album Harrison throws "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" on there; it's basically dixieland or jug band track. Out of fucking nowhere. But it was so perfect.)
"Gin & Milk" follows with a much different feel than "Gentry Cove". This song is just a romp with lyrics like "I put gin in my milk/it kills all the germs" and "no one gives a fuck about the values I would die for/Not the faceless civil servants/The rudimentary crack whore/No one gives two fucks about the values I would kill for/Give them something to die for/Give me something to die for". Just a good song all around. The ending sounds like an explosion (or maybe implosion). Just sweet.
The second half of the album begins with "The Enemy". It starts off kind of 'nicely'; just voice and guitar (playing high) and then breaks into a jaunt of a song. Sounds happy; a toe tappin song, just fun. I really like this track; very strong effort.
"If You Love a Woman" is decidedly darker. It reminds me a lot (the beginning especially) of Soundtrack of Our Lives' "Sister Suround"off of Behind the Music. It's a good song, Barât sings about need "a lover who's kind". "If You Love a Woman" has a fuller sound than most of Dirty Pretty Thing's other songs, if that makes sense. More dense, not louder per se, just a bigger sound.
The next track, "You Fucking Love It" is a force of nature. Clocking in under two minutes, "You Fucking Love It" just assaults the senses. Can you understand what Barât is saying? I mean, I can get "you can never ever ever ever" and "you fucking love it". I think I catch "money" in there. Who cares. This song rocks. Kinda (and by kinda I mean very) punkish.
The next song, "Wondering" is another kind of filler track. It fits in with the whole album's 'feel', but when the album is done with, you really be talking about "Wondering" if that makes sense. Again, not a bad song.
"Last of the Small Town Playboys" starts off with gunfire like guitars. The song varies between slow jaunts and hard gun fire like guitars. Pretty badass if I say so myself (and I do). The bridge just blows right through; fuckin rocks.
The album's closer is "B.U.R.M.A." Do I know what that means? No. Could I probably look it up? Yes. Am I going to? No. Do I like the song? Yes, a lot actually. I think it's a good closer. Kind of sunny; more 'sunny-ish' really. The end of the song feels almost like a 50's rocker; I could imagine a show in an auditorium closing like that. Really fast, the drums booming, the piano wailing; just blazing through.
I was eagerly awaiting Babyshambles Down in Albion and I was mildly disapointed. Much like Beatles fans await new 'Beatles lite' songs on every post break up solo release, I wanted more Libertines. I didn't even know about Dirty Pretty Things until a few months ago and they pulled through where Babyshambles failed. I highly recommend Waterloo to Anywhere. If nothing else at least check out "Bang Bang, You're Dead", you won't be disapointed.
Track Highlights: "Bang Bang, You're Dead", "You Fucking Love It", "Gentry Cove", "Gin & Milk", "The Enemy" and "B.U.R.M.A". You can download "Bang Bang, You're Dead" and "You Fucking Love It" over at Rock 'n' Roll Star.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Varejao hurt?
Windhorst says it isn't serious, but this just proves why keeping Gooden around at a decent price is a good deal.
Even if you think that Varejao is better than Gooden and should be starting (cause he tends to finish the games), Varejao's style of play can lead to injuries. Apparently this foot injury isn't a big deal, but if the Cavs let the 'soft' Gooden walk, the Cavs would be counting on Anderson to play big minutes and stay healthy. And while he might be able to do it, he hasn't proved it (he missed a lot of time last season due to an injury suffered in international play).
Even if you think that Varejao is better than Gooden and should be starting (cause he tends to finish the games), Varejao's style of play can lead to injuries. Apparently this foot injury isn't a big deal, but if the Cavs let the 'soft' Gooden walk, the Cavs would be counting on Anderson to play big minutes and stay healthy. And while he might be able to do it, he hasn't proved it (he missed a lot of time last season due to an injury suffered in international play).
You're Kidding
The Browns all Oklahoma secondary dreams have been put on hold as Lee Suggs failed his physical and the trade to Jets is called off.
[Also, is anyone else having trouble accessing ESPN.com today? The front page loads, but none of the links or articles work. I thought it was my computer, but it's only for ESPN.com]
[Also, is anyone else having trouble accessing ESPN.com today? The front page loads, but none of the links or articles work. I thought it was my computer, but it's only for ESPN.com]
Monday, August 14, 2006
Drew Gooden has Re-signed
Now, if you've read any of my Cavalier stuff, ever, you know I'm not the biggest Drew Gooden fan. You were also aware that I wasn't against re-signing Gooden, I was against overpaying for Gooden.
The Cavs had offered him a 6 year $48 million dollar deal, which he turned down (thank God). Gooden was looking for a Nene-esque 6 year $60 million, which just wasn't going to happen.
There was sign and trade talk, there was one-year-deal-and-try-again-next-year talk but Gooden signed today for.......
3 years and $23 million.
That is awesome. Cavs fans were hoping to give Gooden something around 3 years and $30 million, but this is even better. I wasn't a fan of a $10 million a year Drew Gooden, but I can definitely get behind a $7-ish million dollar Gooden.
This was a great signing by Danny Ferry, retaining Gooden at a reasonable price was the right move. This offseason has to be qualified as a success; the Cavs got two draft picks that could help their year, Drew Gooden signed at a good price and LeBron re-upped.
The second Danny Ferry era looks a lot more promising than the first.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Sunday Sports Round Up
Ah, I love Sundays, the Cleveland papers actually discuss basketball (in the offseason?!), Terry Pluto writes a lot and Roger Brown says at least one thing that pisses me off, lets begin shall we?
The US team brought the hammer down on Lithuania 111-88, LeBron scored 13, Wade had 14 and Carmelo lead the Americans with 19. I find it amusing watching Jay Marrioti on Around the Horn saying the US won't win the Worlds. Marrioti also said that it doesn't matter what they do in the Worlds, they'll win the gold in the Olympics in Beijing. Really? First of all, the US should win the Worlds, they look ready to go. Second, international players value the Worlds more than the Olympics. It's true, just ask Bill Walton (in a great article by the ABJ's Tom Reed about the US sucking in international play- in all sports, not just basketball):
Walton said international players take a different view of world tournaments. American-born basketball players consider winning an NBA title the pinnacle. No so for some foreigners.
"Toni Kukoc (of Croatia) always has said winning the world championships is the most important thing to him, followed by the Olympics,'' Walton said.
Varejao's strong play in the Worlds may not be a good sign for restricted free agent power forward Drew Gooden. Personally, I'm getting sick of talking about Gooden and I'm pretty sure Brian Windhorst is as well. Nothing has happened on the Gooden front and Windhorst, needing a new way to explain why the Cavs aren't going to pay Gooden $10 million a year, went into detail on the Cavs salary structure pretty (even went into the luxury tax, sexy). In Pluto's bit about the Cavs, he again mentioned Gooden wanting 'Nene money' and that the Cavs aren't going to give it to him.
Both writers touched on the Cavs offseason being boring, especially after last year. And it's true, there's been no free agent splashes or big trades. However, Pluto mentions how the Cavs only had Larry Hughes for 43 games last year (and he missed some playoff games). Getting Hughes for a full year (fingers crossed) is like a free agent pick up. Also, Varejao got hurt in international play last offseason and missed some time. If the Cavs have Varejao and Hughes for the whole year, they should improve on their 50 wins. Plus, maybe this training camp coach Brown will install an offense, that'd be neat. (Not that I blame him, the Cavs couldn't guard a pick and roll before Brown got here.)
Now we get to my favorite Sunday ritual, no not church, being pissed off at Roger Brown. Brown always likes to throw negative news and opinions at the Cleveland fan and today is no different. He starts off his Sunday column with this:
"Is Ohio State a top-10 team? Sure," Corso says. "But no way are they the No. 1 team. It's very difficult to win a national championship and rebuild a defense at the same time. And that's exactly what Ohio State is doing [this season]."
Corso notes that Ohio State's defense is missing nine of its top 10 tacklers from last season. "That's a huge hole to fill," Corso says. "You just don't do that overnight."
Thanks Roger, just in case OSU was enjoyign a week of being number one, lets take 'em down a peg. Then, in his most insane moment of the column, Brown takes on the Indians:
Grady Sizemore - 144 hits, 54 RBI, .303 BA, .919 OPS, 39 2B, and 18 HR
Travis Hafner - 119 hits, 83 walks, 100 RBI, .300 BA, 1.052 OPS, 27 2B and 34 HR
Victor Martinez - 131 hits, 66 RBI, 49 strike outs(!), .313 BA, .843 OPS, 27 2B and 12 HR
Jhonny Peralta - 108 hits, 48 RBI, 21 2B, .252 BA, .701 OPS and 10 HR
CC Sabathia - 8-8, 3.29 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 8.15 K/9
Cliff Lee - 10-8, 4.64 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 5.94 K/9
Of the six players signed to long term deals, Peralta and Lee could be the ones to bitch about. But come on, Peralta was badass last year (and even in a down year, he's not gawd awful) and Lee is an above-average-to-good left handed starter. Could the long term deal and trade of Brandon Phillips have made Peralta too comfortable? Maybe, but this looks like a sophmore slump and it's a little bit early to call Peralta a bust.
As for calling the rebuilding a failure and comparing the Indians to Kansas City (despite winning 93 games last year), the Indians have two absolute studs in Sizemore and Hafner, something KC does not. Sizemore is leading the league in extrabase hits with 66 and Hafner is 3rd with 62 (Big Papi is second with 64). Hafner is also 3rd in the AL with 100 RBIs and 3rd with 34 HRs.
The reason the Indians failed this year is not because of these signings, it's because of these signings: Danny Graves, Steve Karsay, Scott Sauerbeck, Guillermo Mota and Jason Johnson.
Here's the Tribe's 5 man rotation for next year: CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Jason Westbrook, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd. That is not a bad rotation. And here is their lineup: Sizemore, Hafner, Martinez, Peralta, Choo with Marte, Garko, Blake, Luna and Michaels rounding it out. Could the Indians use a right handed bat? Of course (*cough* Carlos Lee), but hitting and starting pitching isn't the problem. The bullpen is.
If Larry Dolan and Mark Shapiro actually spend money to get competent relievers, (not guys off the scrap heap), then there is no reason why this team can't compete next year. However, this doesn't convince me they will: Do tell, the Tribe renews interest in Dotel.
Despite all this nonsense, Brown does provide on tidbit that makes me happy:
Last month, the Cavs fired longtime TV voice Michael Reghi and replaced him with Fred McLeod, a former Pistons play-by-play man.
Last but not least, the Plain Dealer has a great article about how LeBron James is HUGE in China. It just makes me sad knowing that LeBron could be much a bigger star if he only played for the Knicks.
The US team brought the hammer down on Lithuania 111-88, LeBron scored 13, Wade had 14 and Carmelo lead the Americans with 19. I find it amusing watching Jay Marrioti on Around the Horn saying the US won't win the Worlds. Marrioti also said that it doesn't matter what they do in the Worlds, they'll win the gold in the Olympics in Beijing. Really? First of all, the US should win the Worlds, they look ready to go. Second, international players value the Worlds more than the Olympics. It's true, just ask Bill Walton (in a great article by the ABJ's Tom Reed about the US sucking in international play- in all sports, not just basketball):
Walton said international players take a different view of world tournaments. American-born basketball players consider winning an NBA title the pinnacle. No so for some foreigners.
"Toni Kukoc (of Croatia) always has said winning the world championships is the most important thing to him, followed by the Olympics,'' Walton said.
For the US (and writers like Mariotti), the Olympics are all that matters, but for the rest of the field, these are the games that truely count. I think the US players are aware of this and should be just as focused on winning the Worlds as they are the Olympics.
Varejao's strong play in the Worlds may not be a good sign for restricted free agent power forward Drew Gooden. Personally, I'm getting sick of talking about Gooden and I'm pretty sure Brian Windhorst is as well. Nothing has happened on the Gooden front and Windhorst, needing a new way to explain why the Cavs aren't going to pay Gooden $10 million a year, went into detail on the Cavs salary structure pretty (even went into the luxury tax, sexy). In Pluto's bit about the Cavs, he again mentioned Gooden wanting 'Nene money' and that the Cavs aren't going to give it to him.
Both writers touched on the Cavs offseason being boring, especially after last year. And it's true, there's been no free agent splashes or big trades. However, Pluto mentions how the Cavs only had Larry Hughes for 43 games last year (and he missed some playoff games). Getting Hughes for a full year (fingers crossed) is like a free agent pick up. Also, Varejao got hurt in international play last offseason and missed some time. If the Cavs have Varejao and Hughes for the whole year, they should improve on their 50 wins. Plus, maybe this training camp coach Brown will install an offense, that'd be neat. (Not that I blame him, the Cavs couldn't guard a pick and roll before Brown got here.)
Now we get to my favorite Sunday ritual, no not church, being pissed off at Roger Brown. Brown always likes to throw negative news and opinions at the Cleveland fan and today is no different. He starts off his Sunday column with this:
While Ohio State has college football's preseason No. 1 ranking, opinionated ESPN "College GameDay" analyst Lee Corso doesn't believe the Buckeyes deserve it.
"Is Ohio State a top-10 team? Sure," Corso says. "But no way are they the No. 1 team. It's very difficult to win a national championship and rebuild a defense at the same time. And that's exactly what Ohio State is doing [this season]."
Corso notes that Ohio State's defense is missing nine of its top 10 tacklers from last season. "That's a huge hole to fill," Corso says. "You just don't do that overnight."
Thanks Roger, just in case OSU was enjoyign a week of being number one, lets take 'em down a peg. Then, in his most insane moment of the column, Brown takes on the Indians:
Here's some numbers to ponder for the Indians:
Number of AL Central Division titles by Indians since 2002: 0.
Number of the four remaining AL Central teams who have won - or likely will win - the division since 2002: 3.
Number of AL pennants won by Indians since 2002: 0.
Number of AL pennants won by other AL Central teams since 2002: 1 (the 2005 Chicago White Sox, who also won the World Series).
Number of playoff appearances by the Indians since 2002: 0.
Number of winning seasons by Indians since 2002: 1.
Number of winning seasons by the now-visiting Kansas City Royals - long considered one of baseball's worst-run organizations - since 2002: 1.
All of the above lead to some intriguing questions about the Indians:
Has any other franchise in baseball rushed to lock up so many players to long-term deals - six over the past 16 months - before it ever actually won a single thing?
Why can other teams, like this year's Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2005 Atlanta Braves, quietly have six, seven or eight rookies play key roles on their playoff-caliber teams - while the Indians, who brag incessantly about their minor-league system, play prospects only after this season has been lost (and there's less pressure on them to quickly back up the organization's self-serving boasts)?
At the moment, doesn't the real evidence suggest the Indians current "blueprint" is a clear failure - and may continue to be one? And not that it's some genius plan that just needs one more (and one more . . . and one more) season-- before it blooms into multiple division titles, pennants and World Series appearances?
Wow, where to start... First of all, lets tackle the Dodgers and Braves shit. The National League sucks. End of story. Sure, the Indians are under .500, but the Twins (3rd in the AL Central) would be winning the NL West by 6 games (which the Dodgers currently lead).
Grady Sizemore - 144 hits, 54 RBI, .303 BA, .919 OPS, 39 2B, and 18 HR
Travis Hafner - 119 hits, 83 walks, 100 RBI, .300 BA, 1.052 OPS, 27 2B and 34 HR
Victor Martinez - 131 hits, 66 RBI, 49 strike outs(!), .313 BA, .843 OPS, 27 2B and 12 HR
Jhonny Peralta - 108 hits, 48 RBI, 21 2B, .252 BA, .701 OPS and 10 HR
CC Sabathia - 8-8, 3.29 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 8.15 K/9
Cliff Lee - 10-8, 4.64 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 5.94 K/9
Of the six players signed to long term deals, Peralta and Lee could be the ones to bitch about. But come on, Peralta was badass last year (and even in a down year, he's not gawd awful) and Lee is an above-average-to-good left handed starter. Could the long term deal and trade of Brandon Phillips have made Peralta too comfortable? Maybe, but this looks like a sophmore slump and it's a little bit early to call Peralta a bust.
As for calling the rebuilding a failure and comparing the Indians to Kansas City (despite winning 93 games last year), the Indians have two absolute studs in Sizemore and Hafner, something KC does not. Sizemore is leading the league in extrabase hits with 66 and Hafner is 3rd with 62 (Big Papi is second with 64). Hafner is also 3rd in the AL with 100 RBIs and 3rd with 34 HRs.
The reason the Indians failed this year is not because of these signings, it's because of these signings: Danny Graves, Steve Karsay, Scott Sauerbeck, Guillermo Mota and Jason Johnson.
Here's the Tribe's 5 man rotation for next year: CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Jason Westbrook, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd. That is not a bad rotation. And here is their lineup: Sizemore, Hafner, Martinez, Peralta, Choo with Marte, Garko, Blake, Luna and Michaels rounding it out. Could the Indians use a right handed bat? Of course (*cough* Carlos Lee), but hitting and starting pitching isn't the problem. The bullpen is.
If Larry Dolan and Mark Shapiro actually spend money to get competent relievers, (not guys off the scrap heap), then there is no reason why this team can't compete next year. However, this doesn't convince me they will: Do tell, the Tribe renews interest in Dotel.
Despite all this nonsense, Brown does provide on tidbit that makes me happy:
No, the Cavs don't plan to hire John Mason, the Detroit Pistons' extremely loud, colorful and popular public-address announcer, to replace Ronnie Duncan, dumped last week as PA man.
Last month, the Cavs fired longtime TV voice Michael Reghi and replaced him with Fred McLeod, a former Pistons play-by-play man.
I think we can all agree that no one wants Mason here.
Last but not least, the Plain Dealer has a great article about how LeBron James is HUGE in China. It just makes me sad knowing that LeBron could be much a bigger star if he only played for the Knicks.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
John Hart Syndrome
In the late 1990's, my dad and I used to joke that whenever the Cavs or Browns made big news an Indians trade or signing was sure to follow.
Cavs on an 11 game win streak in 1997 (Kemps first year, Z, Brevin Knight, Cedric Henderson and Derek Andersons rookie year)? John Hart signs Doc Gooden and Kenny Lofton.
There were more of these, bigger and smaller (I used to be able to come up with a few more examples, but it's been awhile and this isn't the easiest thing to look up). It always seemed that whenever the Cavs or Browns made a signing or fired a coach or made a trade, the Indians would do something within the next two days.
They didn't always do something huge or Earth shattering, but they would do something to push the other teams off of the talk show airwaves and sports pages.
Why am I bringing this up? Cause in the 2004 elections whenever the Democrats or John Kerry did something (like have a convention or pick a VP) there always seemed that a terror alert soon followed. Have you noticed any terror alerts since the elections? Me either. But on Tuesday Joe Lieberman lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont. I know most of you don't care about this, but Lieberman's big mistake was that he got too close to Bush (on Iraq, on saying people who disagree with Bush hurt the War on Terror and loads of other stuff) but Lamont's victory sent shockwaves through Washington, Lieberman was a 18 year incumbent, these guys do not lose primaries.
Needless to say, this has been all over the networks. So what happened today? Bush raised the terror alert to red- for the first time ever.
Is it political? Is it related? I dunno, but it doesn't pass my smell test (the nose knows). All I know is that, somewhere, John Hart is smiling.
Update: "This is going to play big"
Cavs on an 11 game win streak in 1997 (Kemps first year, Z, Brevin Knight, Cedric Henderson and Derek Andersons rookie year)? John Hart signs Doc Gooden and Kenny Lofton.
There were more of these, bigger and smaller (I used to be able to come up with a few more examples, but it's been awhile and this isn't the easiest thing to look up). It always seemed that whenever the Cavs or Browns made a signing or fired a coach or made a trade, the Indians would do something within the next two days.
They didn't always do something huge or Earth shattering, but they would do something to push the other teams off of the talk show airwaves and sports pages.
Why am I bringing this up? Cause in the 2004 elections whenever the Democrats or John Kerry did something (like have a convention or pick a VP) there always seemed that a terror alert soon followed. Have you noticed any terror alerts since the elections? Me either. But on Tuesday Joe Lieberman lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont. I know most of you don't care about this, but Lieberman's big mistake was that he got too close to Bush (on Iraq, on saying people who disagree with Bush hurt the War on Terror and loads of other stuff) but Lamont's victory sent shockwaves through Washington, Lieberman was a 18 year incumbent, these guys do not lose primaries.
Needless to say, this has been all over the networks. So what happened today? Bush raised the terror alert to red- for the first time ever.
Is it political? Is it related? I dunno, but it doesn't pass my smell test (the nose knows). All I know is that, somewhere, John Hart is smiling.
Update: "This is going to play big"
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Ronnie Duncan Gone
Wasn't the problem with Duncan was that he was too much like Mason? That Cavs fans didn't want some dude yelling the entire game? Just say who scores the baskets.
And I know Gilbert thinks by emulating the Pistons he's doing something right, but it's one thing to emulate how Joe Dumars builds a team and how the franchise is run, it's another to try to copy everything the Pistons do.
Personally, I think that the Cavs are too focused on the "Game Day Experience"- the dance teams, the mascot (I HATE Moondog), the music, the pyrotechnics. How many people do you hear talking about the Bulls cheerleaders from the 90s? Anyone?
If the team wins then fans will have a great "Game Day Experience". Focus more on getting a point guard who can shoot AND play defense instead of what kind of fireworks to show at the game.
And I know Gilbert thinks by emulating the Pistons he's doing something right, but it's one thing to emulate how Joe Dumars builds a team and how the franchise is run, it's another to try to copy everything the Pistons do.
Personally, I think that the Cavs are too focused on the "Game Day Experience"- the dance teams, the mascot (I HATE Moondog), the music, the pyrotechnics. How many people do you hear talking about the Bulls cheerleaders from the 90s? Anyone?
If the team wins then fans will have a great "Game Day Experience". Focus more on getting a point guard who can shoot AND play defense instead of what kind of fireworks to show at the game.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The Impossible Return
5 years ago today.
Back on August 5th, 2001 my buddy Scott and I took in an Indians-Mariners game. Scott was in town from Los Angeles and I hadn't seen many games that year, so we were looking forward to a night at the ballpark.
Then the game started.
The Tribe was getting their ass kicked; they got down early and got down big. However, like any good fans, we didn't leave. It was a wonderful night, Scott was from out of town and I only see a few games in person a season- we were staying til the end.
The crowd was having fun, most of the older fans left and die hards and drunken college kids remained. The game was meandering along and though the Tribe was getting killed, we were enjoying ourselves.
The 7th inning stretch came along (the Tribe was down 14-2 at this point) and we all happily sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (this was pre-9/11, so no "God Bless America").
Then the Tribe's bats woke up:
Bottom 7th: 3 runs
Bottom 8th: 4 runs
Though the backups were in, you could feel something was 'happening' at the Jake. Sure the Tribe was still down 5, but the Indians had come alive. The pitching hadn't let the Mariners get anymore than 14 and the Tribe's bats had woken up. Then the Miracle occured:
After the Tribe tied it up, you knew they were going to win, everyone in that stadium knew. It was one of the greatest things I have ever seen in person. Half the stadium had left, but at the end you would swear it was a full house (listen to that crowd!).
I've always stayed for entire games on a matter of principle; you don't leave early unless you got a damn good reason. Sometimes the game ends harmlessly in a blow out, but sometimes... sometimes something magic happens.
Back on August 5th, 2001 my buddy Scott and I took in an Indians-Mariners game. Scott was in town from Los Angeles and I hadn't seen many games that year, so we were looking forward to a night at the ballpark.
Then the game started.
The Tribe was getting their ass kicked; they got down early and got down big. However, like any good fans, we didn't leave. It was a wonderful night, Scott was from out of town and I only see a few games in person a season- we were staying til the end.
The crowd was having fun, most of the older fans left and die hards and drunken college kids remained. The game was meandering along and though the Tribe was getting killed, we were enjoying ourselves.
The 7th inning stretch came along (the Tribe was down 14-2 at this point) and we all happily sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (this was pre-9/11, so no "God Bless America").
Then the Tribe's bats woke up:
Bottom 7th: 3 runs
Bottom 8th: 4 runs
Though the backups were in, you could feel something was 'happening' at the Jake. Sure the Tribe was still down 5, but the Indians had come alive. The pitching hadn't let the Mariners get anymore than 14 and the Tribe's bats had woken up. Then the Miracle occured:
With Charlton still pitching, the bottom of the ninth was led off by Eddie Taubensee, who promptly singled. He was followed by Thome, who flied out softly to right field. Russell Branyan struck out next. The Indians were still down by five, and found themeselves literally down to their last strike. Marty Cordova doubled off the left field wall, missing a home run by a few feet. Jeff Nelson came in to relieve Charlton of his pitching duties. Wil Cordero, on a 3-2 count, walked to load up the bases. On yet another full count, Einar Diaz then singled to left field scoring two runs. Kaz Sasaki was then substituted in to relieve Nelson of his pitching duties. Kenny Lofton singled to center field which loaded the bases for Omar Vizquel.
Vizquel, already having a big night, hit a triple past a diving Ed Sprague, the first baseman, and down the right field line. Miraculously, all three runners scored. The game was tied at 14, With the winning run at third, Jolbert Cabrera grounded out softly to third on a close play.
Unbelievably the Indians had brought the game to extra innings.After the Tribe tied it up, you knew they were going to win, everyone in that stadium knew. It was one of the greatest things I have ever seen in person. Half the stadium had left, but at the end you would swear it was a full house (listen to that crowd!).
I've always stayed for entire games on a matter of principle; you don't leave early unless you got a damn good reason. Sometimes the game ends harmlessly in a blow out, but sometimes... sometimes something magic happens.
Danny Ferry on Jim Rome
A lot of people hate Rome, and while I'm not the biggest fan, I always do love his interviews. Cavalier Attitude has a MP3 of Cavs GM Danny Ferry's recent appearence on Rome. Check it out.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Arthur Lee died
He was pretty sweet.
Who's Arthur Lee? He was the leader of the 60's rock band Love. Love was pretty sweet, check out Forever Changes, which is by all accounts a classic.
Who's Arthur Lee? He was the leader of the 60's rock band Love. Love was pretty sweet, check out Forever Changes, which is by all accounts a classic.
We're Number 1!
My alma mater is ranked number one in the preseason coaches poll. I'm not sure how I feel about this, I mean, I love the fact that people love us. However, starting off number one just kinda feels like you're waiting to be upset.
Closer
Jason Davis, not Fausto Carmona, ended up closing the game tonight. Davis has been closing at Buffalo, so we might start seeing Carmona and Davis split some closing duties and see who comes out unscathed.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Couple Things
It is currently 9:45 and the Indians are heading into the 9th inning with a one run lead. Does Carmona pitch? Do the Indians give him a chance to blow three save chances? I say if he wants it, he gets it. (Though tonight really could be make or break for him, if he gets the save, the confidence boost will be awesome; redemption and all that stuff. But if he blows it? That could crush him.)
At 11:00 pm Team USA faces Puerto Rico on ESPN. You bet your ass I'm watching that.
At 11:00 pm Team USA faces Puerto Rico on ESPN. You bet your ass I'm watching that.
This Closing Thing Looks Tough
So the Indians lost another game in the 9th inning against the Red Sox yesterday. The first loss was a blown save by Fausto Carmona; in his first save attempt of his career, he gave up a 3 run home run to David Ortiz (which prompted the Sports Guy to go off on a love fest).
Last night he effortlessly struck out the first two men he faced, then imploded. With two outs, Carmona plunked two batters on back to back pitches (the Boston fans booed, smartest fans in baseball I tell ya) and then walked the next guy on a full count. Mark Loretta proceeded to double off the Green Monster to end it.
Now, don't get me wrong, last night was depressing, but there's a bright side. Sure the Indians lost 2-3 to the Red Sox, but both losses were blown saves by a 22 year old closer (which were his first two attempts). If the Indians had a veteran closer (or at least one who isn't attempting his first two saves), they sweep the series, in Boston no less.
This team is a lot closer to contention than their record shows. The rotation is set with Sabathia, Lee, Westbrook, Byrd and Sowers. The line up is pretty good, though full of young kids. The problem all season (including last night) has been the bullpen.
And sure Carmona is learning on the job, and his first two save attempts have been rough (as was his 9th inning stint in a 3-3 tie), but his stuff is electric. If (and this is a big if) the Indians actually pay for some relievers this offseason, the team should be very competetive. They were three outs away from sweeping the Red Sox in Boston.
Update: I'm an idiot, the Tribe's playing a 4 game series with the Sox, not a three game.
Last night he effortlessly struck out the first two men he faced, then imploded. With two outs, Carmona plunked two batters on back to back pitches (the Boston fans booed, smartest fans in baseball I tell ya) and then walked the next guy on a full count. Mark Loretta proceeded to double off the Green Monster to end it.
Now, don't get me wrong, last night was depressing, but there's a bright side. Sure the Indians lost 2-3 to the Red Sox, but both losses were blown saves by a 22 year old closer (which were his first two attempts). If the Indians had a veteran closer (or at least one who isn't attempting his first two saves), they sweep the series, in Boston no less.
This team is a lot closer to contention than their record shows. The rotation is set with Sabathia, Lee, Westbrook, Byrd and Sowers. The line up is pretty good, though full of young kids. The problem all season (including last night) has been the bullpen.
And sure Carmona is learning on the job, and his first two save attempts have been rough (as was his 9th inning stint in a 3-3 tie), but his stuff is electric. If (and this is a big if) the Indians actually pay for some relievers this offseason, the team should be very competetive. They were three outs away from sweeping the Red Sox in Boston.
Update: I'm an idiot, the Tribe's playing a 4 game series with the Sox, not a three game.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Site Stuff
I've updated my links section on the left sidebar. Check 'em out, there's a lot of good stuff.
If your site is on the links and it looks like there is no rhyme or reason to how the links are organized, you're mostly right. As far as websites go, I really have no idea what the hell I am doing.
I've been looking to upgrade/change my site's layout, but I have no idea how to even go about this (if you can't tell, I have a default blogger template going on right now, it's pretty badass). If anybody wants to help me out and make this place a little more eye friendly, shoot me an email. (I can pay you, kinda, I'm waiting to hear back on my grad school application, so I'm not exactly a cash cow).
If your site is on the links and it looks like there is no rhyme or reason to how the links are organized, you're mostly right. As far as websites go, I really have no idea what the hell I am doing.
I've been looking to upgrade/change my site's layout, but I have no idea how to even go about this (if you can't tell, I have a default blogger template going on right now, it's pretty badass). If anybody wants to help me out and make this place a little more eye friendly, shoot me an email. (I can pay you, kinda, I'm waiting to hear back on my grad school application, so I'm not exactly a cash cow).
Cavs Power Forward Conundrum
I think we can all agree that Drew Gooden is not worth a $60 million dollar contract for 6 years right (I think everyone agrees that Nene isn't worth that as well)? So what do you do?
Regular readers of this blog know that I am not the biggest Drew Gooden fan. He frustrates the hell out of me. I'm not against re-signing Gooden, I'm against re-signing Gooden for $60 million dollars (anything above $35 doesn't really sit well with me).
The Cavs and Gooden are at a standstill, Gooden's people are asking for Nene money and the Cavs are (rightfully) balking. With the talks stalled, the Cavs have started looking at other (cheaper) alternatives.
Reggie Evans (the nut puncher) is the player I read about the most. I'm not exactly thrilled with the prospect of having the guy who grabbed Chris Kaman's balls on the roster. Evans is decent, but he's more of a backup.
The name that's been thrown about is Lorenzen Wright of the Memphis Grizzlies. Neither of these players are really starter material. Evans is younger (by 5 years) and the better rebounder, while Wright is the better shot blocker and scorer.
Both players are serviceable and maybe Evans could be a starter, I dunno. What I do know is the Cavs need to decide where their power forward position is heading.
The Cavs obviously like Varejao, but can he start? Varejao comes off the bench and is extremely effective. His style (all out hustle) works well coming off the bench and playing limited minutes. Can he hold up as a starter? Will he get injured or will he simply run out of gas? Or could he thrive?
The way the Cavs play now, Gooden and Z start the halves while Marshall and Varejao finish them. Maybe having Evans or Wright start, but play limited minutes (Gooden style), is better than paying Gooden big money for part time work. (Personally, we already have one highly paid big man who doesn't finish games in Z (who I still defend doesn't get used correctly) and I'd rather not have two).
I don't know, none of the three (Wright, Evans or Gooden) really excite me all that much. Wright intrigues me a bit cause he's 6-11 (Evans is 6-8), has averaged double digits before (Evans's career high is 16) and is a decent shot blocker.
But all this is just talk. I don't know what the Cavs think of Gooden or Varejao. All I know is the Cavs don't want to pay Gooden $60 million bones (and apparently neither does any other team out there, because I haven't heard Drew's name linked anywhere).
I would love to see a sign-and-trade happen, cause I'd hate to come off that 61 point game 7 loss with the only new addtions being the draft picks (who I love) and Lorenzen Wright or Reggie Evans.
However, from the way it looks right now (no offers from other teams, no sign-and-trade rumors and no talk from the Cavs), before anything gets done, Gooden and his agent are going to have to lower their demands.
Regular readers of this blog know that I am not the biggest Drew Gooden fan. He frustrates the hell out of me. I'm not against re-signing Gooden, I'm against re-signing Gooden for $60 million dollars (anything above $35 doesn't really sit well with me).
The Cavs and Gooden are at a standstill, Gooden's people are asking for Nene money and the Cavs are (rightfully) balking. With the talks stalled, the Cavs have started looking at other (cheaper) alternatives.
Reggie Evans (the nut puncher) is the player I read about the most. I'm not exactly thrilled with the prospect of having the guy who grabbed Chris Kaman's balls on the roster. Evans is decent, but he's more of a backup.
The name that's been thrown about is Lorenzen Wright of the Memphis Grizzlies. Neither of these players are really starter material. Evans is younger (by 5 years) and the better rebounder, while Wright is the better shot blocker and scorer.
Both players are serviceable and maybe Evans could be a starter, I dunno. What I do know is the Cavs need to decide where their power forward position is heading.
The Cavs obviously like Varejao, but can he start? Varejao comes off the bench and is extremely effective. His style (all out hustle) works well coming off the bench and playing limited minutes. Can he hold up as a starter? Will he get injured or will he simply run out of gas? Or could he thrive?
The way the Cavs play now, Gooden and Z start the halves while Marshall and Varejao finish them. Maybe having Evans or Wright start, but play limited minutes (Gooden style), is better than paying Gooden big money for part time work. (Personally, we already have one highly paid big man who doesn't finish games in Z (who I still defend doesn't get used correctly) and I'd rather not have two).
I don't know, none of the three (Wright, Evans or Gooden) really excite me all that much. Wright intrigues me a bit cause he's 6-11 (Evans is 6-8), has averaged double digits before (Evans's career high is 16) and is a decent shot blocker.
But all this is just talk. I don't know what the Cavs think of Gooden or Varejao. All I know is the Cavs don't want to pay Gooden $60 million bones (and apparently neither does any other team out there, because I haven't heard Drew's name linked anywhere).
I would love to see a sign-and-trade happen, cause I'd hate to come off that 61 point game 7 loss with the only new addtions being the draft picks (who I love) and Lorenzen Wright or Reggie Evans.
However, from the way it looks right now (no offers from other teams, no sign-and-trade rumors and no talk from the Cavs), before anything gets done, Gooden and his agent are going to have to lower their demands.
NBA Schedule
It's too bad LeBron is stuck playing in Cleveland, because he is only on national TV a league maximum 33 times next year. I mean, how will LeBron ever become a big star with only that giant Nike deal.
Yea sure, he made the cover of SI while playing high school ball in Akron, Ohio, but imagine how big he could get some exposure in New York City.
Yea sure, he made the cover of SI while playing high school ball in Akron, Ohio, but imagine how big he could get some exposure in New York City.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Belliard Gone
This is the first trade of the season that actually bums me out and actually feels like a salary dump.
Belliard could still help this ball club next year a beyond. He is a free agent after the season and is due for a contract upgrade. But this feels like a contract dump.
I could kinda justify the other trades... Crisp? They had no 3B prospects and they had the chance to get Marte, plus they had decent outfielders for the short term. Jason Johnson? He sucked, end of story. Eduardo Perez? Perez wasn't going to be a long term part of this team, and they needed a middle infield prospect after the Brandon Phillips debacle (note: I'm not mad about the Phillips trade, no one thought he'd do this well. Hell, Cincy didn't play him for 10 days after they got him). Wickman? The team was out of it and he wasn't going to be around next year, sure I would've liked more, but at least he didn't just retire without the Indians getting anything for him. Broussard? Please; I've never been the biggest Broussard fan, he's 29, platooning at first base and we're still hoping he 'figures it out', it was time for a change.
But Belliard? They got Hector Luna in return, he's 26, but he can play 'multiple positions'. Hooray! I've grown tired of trying to defend this front office against charges of penny pinching. I know Belliard isn't great; he doesn't have the best range, he seems to tail off int he second half and he looks a lot like bootleg Manny Ramirez. But if you can't re-sign Ronnie Belliard, who can you re-sign?
If the Tribe wants people to show up at all next year, they need to go out and sign some pitchers. This team isn't awful, the bullpen is. Of course, a right handed power bat wouldn't be bad either (preferably 1B or a corner OF). The starters are pretty set (CC, Sowers, Lee, Westbrook and Byrd isn't a bad rotation) and the line up can score runs (not consistently, but still), the problem is the bullpen. If Shapiro goes out and spends money on some relievers, the team should turn around and compete with Detroit and Chicago (fuck, and the Twins).
If the team goes bargin hunting again, expect another year of low turnout and angry fans.
Belliard could still help this ball club next year a beyond. He is a free agent after the season and is due for a contract upgrade. But this feels like a contract dump.
I could kinda justify the other trades... Crisp? They had no 3B prospects and they had the chance to get Marte, plus they had decent outfielders for the short term. Jason Johnson? He sucked, end of story. Eduardo Perez? Perez wasn't going to be a long term part of this team, and they needed a middle infield prospect after the Brandon Phillips debacle (note: I'm not mad about the Phillips trade, no one thought he'd do this well. Hell, Cincy didn't play him for 10 days after they got him). Wickman? The team was out of it and he wasn't going to be around next year, sure I would've liked more, but at least he didn't just retire without the Indians getting anything for him. Broussard? Please; I've never been the biggest Broussard fan, he's 29, platooning at first base and we're still hoping he 'figures it out', it was time for a change.
But Belliard? They got Hector Luna in return, he's 26, but he can play 'multiple positions'. Hooray! I've grown tired of trying to defend this front office against charges of penny pinching. I know Belliard isn't great; he doesn't have the best range, he seems to tail off int he second half and he looks a lot like bootleg Manny Ramirez. But if you can't re-sign Ronnie Belliard, who can you re-sign?
If the Tribe wants people to show up at all next year, they need to go out and sign some pitchers. This team isn't awful, the bullpen is. Of course, a right handed power bat wouldn't be bad either (preferably 1B or a corner OF). The starters are pretty set (CC, Sowers, Lee, Westbrook and Byrd isn't a bad rotation) and the line up can score runs (not consistently, but still), the problem is the bullpen. If Shapiro goes out and spends money on some relievers, the team should turn around and compete with Detroit and Chicago (fuck, and the Twins).
If the team goes bargin hunting again, expect another year of low turnout and angry fans.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
What's this? Good News? For the Browns?
Wah?
I remember reading some stories earlier in the offseason (if I were a good blogger, I'd find the links, but guess what, I'm not- I want to say it was in ESPN the Magazine, but I can't find shit online) about how Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were working out and rehabbing together. They both have knee injuries, and though Winslow got hurt earlier, he had a relapse and was basically on the same track as Edwards. The article was about how the two players were pushing each other and becoming all buddy-buddy.
When training camp started I read/heard a lot of stuff about how Winslow became good friends with Browns QB Charlie Frye. Joint work outs, buddy-buddy shit, going to Akron games- that kinda stuff.
This struck me as odd because Winslow was back practicing and Edwards wasn't going to be back until October. Now Edwards comes back 2-3 months before schedule? Really? This guy was put on the unable to practice list recently, how the hell can he jump ahead 3 months?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just think something smells fishy. Somebody was being lied to, whether it was the Browns to the media, Edwards doctor to the Browns or... I don't even know, someone else lying... uh.. anyways my point... this doesn't happen, you don't just skip three months of rehab.
I remember reading some stories earlier in the offseason (if I were a good blogger, I'd find the links, but guess what, I'm not- I want to say it was in ESPN the Magazine, but I can't find shit online) about how Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were working out and rehabbing together. They both have knee injuries, and though Winslow got hurt earlier, he had a relapse and was basically on the same track as Edwards. The article was about how the two players were pushing each other and becoming all buddy-buddy.
When training camp started I read/heard a lot of stuff about how Winslow became good friends with Browns QB Charlie Frye. Joint work outs, buddy-buddy shit, going to Akron games- that kinda stuff.
This struck me as odd because Winslow was back practicing and Edwards wasn't going to be back until October. Now Edwards comes back 2-3 months before schedule? Really? This guy was put on the unable to practice list recently, how the hell can he jump ahead 3 months?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just think something smells fishy. Somebody was being lied to, whether it was the Browns to the media, Edwards doctor to the Browns or... I don't even know, someone else lying... uh.. anyways my point... this doesn't happen, you don't just skip three months of rehab.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Playing for Peace
I never usually read the E-Ticket stuff that ESPN.com promotes, but I just finished reading the Chad Forde's Hooping with the Enemy story and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
Wanna See the Future?
Check out the Indians tonight, it looks like not only will we be seeing new aquired Shin-Soo Choo but Andy Marte (who apparently was better in spring training??) as well.
Speaking of Choo, in todays column, Roger Brown gives us a National League's opinion of the Tribe's new OF. And, surprise surprise, it isn't favorable. I'm not surprised that Brown gave us this guy's opinion, mostly because it's a negative view of a player Cleveland fans kinda like. Also, a National League scout? Choo was on Seattle's farm team and was traded to the Indians, both AL teams. Why not get a view from an American League scout? My guess? An American League scout may have a good opinion of Choo and Brown cannot have that.
Speaking of Choo, in todays column, Roger Brown gives us a National League's opinion of the Tribe's new OF. And, surprise surprise, it isn't favorable. I'm not surprised that Brown gave us this guy's opinion, mostly because it's a negative view of a player Cleveland fans kinda like. Also, a National League scout? Choo was on Seattle's farm team and was traded to the Indians, both AL teams. Why not get a view from an American League scout? My guess? An American League scout may have a good opinion of Choo and Brown cannot have that.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Oh it hurts
I've railed for years at people who suggest Cubs and Red Sox fans are/were the most tortured fans in sports. Bullshit, Cleveland wins hands down, sure the Cubs haven't won since since 1908 and the Red Sox hadn't won since 1918 but ya know what? Those cities had other winners. Chicago had the Bulls and the Bears (and recently the White Sox) while Boston fans had the fucking Celtics and more recently the Patriots. Cleveland? Nada.
Papa Cass breaks down the curse a bit more.
Papa Cass breaks down the curse a bit more.
LeCharles is French for... The Charles
The Indians suck ass and the Cavs are in the middle of a boring offseason so I guess it's time to look forward to the upcoming Browns season.
The papers have been having their Browns previews and Bud Shaw even wrote a column on LeCharles Bentley's awesomeness.
Welcome home LeCharles.
I'm gonna be sick.
The papers have been having their Browns previews and Bud Shaw even wrote a column on LeCharles Bentley's awesomeness.
Welcome home LeCharles.
I'm gonna be sick.
Bye Bye Ben Broussard
Let the fire sale begin! Due to many factors this year (Cavs playoff run, shitty season) I haven't really gotten into the Indians this year. I haven't watched many of the games, mostly because by the time I finished watching Dwyane Wade shoot 49082343 free throws, the Indians were in third place and dropping fast. (My point you ask? This season hasn't been as devastating to me as it has other Cleveland fans).
The Wickman trade didn't really bother me too much, even if we only got a single A player in return. What was Shapiro supposed to do? I would imagine there were other offers, but Wicky was a 10-5 guy, so he could chose where to go, so maybe Atlanta was the only option. Plus what was the Indians big problem this year? Relief pitching. The Tribe's infield is set for now (especially after the Perez trade), the farm system has a lot of OFs and the starters aren't too bad down there either. If Atlanta is trading for Wickman, they probably won't give up a relief pitcher in return. So ya, a single A player (who is supposed to have a high ceiling), oh well, Wickman was gone after the year anyway.
Ben Broussard got shipped out today, to the Mariners. Seattle now has the Indians first base platoon from spring training. Awesome. The Tribe got a Triple A OF player who looks like he could bat leadoff. I like the deal (as do others) and I'll tell ya why.
I've never been a huge Broussard fan. He isn't bad, but well, he isn't that good. It seems to me that we're all still waiting for Broussard to 'get it'. He doesn't hit for the kind of power one would like from a first baseman. Last year it worked out because the Indians got good power numbers from Peralta and Victor (and Coco, not to mention Hafner). I think the Indians thought they could get a player to bat leadoff (and move Sizemore down to third) for a first baseman who is streaky as hell and platoons.
Anyways, I've always thought the Indians were close to dumping Broussard the last couple seasons, but he'll come up with a HUGE grand slam late in the year, get hot and the Indians will go "hmmm... maybe Ben is figuring it out, we'll bring him back for another year". And it just repeats and repeats and repeats.
This may be a fire sale, but I'm not really all that concerned. I know this season has sucked, but I just can't bring myself to get too upset at losing: Eduardo Perez, Bob Wickman and Ben Broussard.
I really think that the Tribe's front office is going to go out next offseason and spend (not a lot) money and go after good relievers. Hitting hasn't really been the Tribe's problem this year (now, timely hitting...) it has been the bullpen. If the front office brass realize that they gotta pay relievers as well, I see no reason why the Indians can't bounce back and compete next year.
The Wickman trade didn't really bother me too much, even if we only got a single A player in return. What was Shapiro supposed to do? I would imagine there were other offers, but Wicky was a 10-5 guy, so he could chose where to go, so maybe Atlanta was the only option. Plus what was the Indians big problem this year? Relief pitching. The Tribe's infield is set for now (especially after the Perez trade), the farm system has a lot of OFs and the starters aren't too bad down there either. If Atlanta is trading for Wickman, they probably won't give up a relief pitcher in return. So ya, a single A player (who is supposed to have a high ceiling), oh well, Wickman was gone after the year anyway.
Ben Broussard got shipped out today, to the Mariners. Seattle now has the Indians first base platoon from spring training. Awesome. The Tribe got a Triple A OF player who looks like he could bat leadoff. I like the deal (as do others) and I'll tell ya why.
I've never been a huge Broussard fan. He isn't bad, but well, he isn't that good. It seems to me that we're all still waiting for Broussard to 'get it'. He doesn't hit for the kind of power one would like from a first baseman. Last year it worked out because the Indians got good power numbers from Peralta and Victor (and Coco, not to mention Hafner). I think the Indians thought they could get a player to bat leadoff (and move Sizemore down to third) for a first baseman who is streaky as hell and platoons.
Anyways, I've always thought the Indians were close to dumping Broussard the last couple seasons, but he'll come up with a HUGE grand slam late in the year, get hot and the Indians will go "hmmm... maybe Ben is figuring it out, we'll bring him back for another year". And it just repeats and repeats and repeats.
This may be a fire sale, but I'm not really all that concerned. I know this season has sucked, but I just can't bring myself to get too upset at losing: Eduardo Perez, Bob Wickman and Ben Broussard.
I really think that the Tribe's front office is going to go out next offseason and spend (not a lot) money and go after good relievers. Hitting hasn't really been the Tribe's problem this year (now, timely hitting...) it has been the bullpen. If the front office brass realize that they gotta pay relievers as well, I see no reason why the Indians can't bounce back and compete next year.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
That's right, he can drink
Since ESPN is done rumor mongering (and since there's nothing to talk about), Brian Windhorst (who is fastly becoming Cleveland's own Ed Werder or Sal Palanontioioio) has an article about LeBron looking old. And they even have a copy of LeBron's birth certificate. Awesome.
It is Comforting to Know
that Kenny Rogers is still Kenny Rogers
(I've been waiting for this guy to come back down to Earth all season, I'm extra glad that it happened during the Tribe's weekly win)
(I've been waiting for this guy to come back down to Earth all season, I'm extra glad that it happened during the Tribe's weekly win)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Dirty Pretty Things on Rescue Me
The closing scene from tonight's Rescue Me (which was awesome as usual- next week looks epic) featured "If You Love a Woman" by Dirty Pretty Things, one of my favorite new bands.
Their debut CD, Waterloo to Anywhere (which I've reviewed) comes out August 8th and I highly recommend it.
Here's the video for their first single "Bang Bang, You're Dead" (the song is badass, enjoy)
Their debut CD, Waterloo to Anywhere (which I've reviewed) comes out August 8th and I highly recommend it.
Here's the video for their first single "Bang Bang, You're Dead" (the song is badass, enjoy)
Zach Galifianakis is Funny
I first saw Galifianakis on Jimmy Kimmel's show a few years back and every time I see the guy I laugh. He was in The Comedians of Comedy with Patton Oswalt and he's in that new show Dog Bites Man. He usually performs while playing the piano, but here are some clips:
Clerks II
I saw it.
I liked it.
Of course, I come pre-programed to like Clerks II. I own all of Kevin Smith's movies and I like them all. There, I've said it. All of them. I mean, Chasing Amy is the best according to conventional critics, but I liked Mallrats too. I also LOVED Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was retarded fun and I even enjoyed Jersey Girl (I feel like I need to justify that statement: I saw Jersey Girl during one of the few periods in my life where I'm not single, so Jersey Girl worked really well as a date movie, I mean, it's a much better choice than something like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.)
But back to Clerks II. Some people said that Clerks shouldn't be fucked with; it wasn't needed and a sequel might ruin the first one. I had no problem with Smith returning with Dante and Randal (especially after learning about Jason Mewes's drug problems and how Smith promised him another Jay and Silent Bob movie if he stayed sober. He did.)
Now for the movie itself. First of all, the previews don't really do this movie justice; some of the best stuff is either A) really hilarious and vulgar but couldn't be shown on TV or B) really dramatic/deep/thoughtful dialogue that couldn't be broken down into a commercial soundbite.
There were parts of the movie that were cheesy as hell (some dialogue and situations were text book Hollywood stuff), like a lot of Dante's romatic lines and situations. There were some parts that were sublimley stupid, like the extended dance sequence. That's right: extended dance sequence. Amazing.
There was also a lot of inside jokes (Ben Affleck and Jason Lee show up), some nerd humor (Star Wars vs Lord of the Rings) and some classic Smith vulgarity (a donkey show).
However, these are things we all expect from a Kevin Smith movie, no one is really shocked by this. What was shocking was the gut wrenching dialogue Smith wrote for Dante and Randal. Some of the shit is so real, so dramatic that my mouth dropped. It felt like I was watching two friends fight as a fly on the wall. It was almost uncomfortable.
Anyways, if you liked any of Smith's earlier films, you'll probably like Clerks II. If you've seen only Clerks and Chasing Amy (his 'serious' ones), you'll probably like Clerks II. If you don't approve of adult language and sex with a donkey, Clerks II is probably not the movie for you.
I liked it.
Of course, I come pre-programed to like Clerks II. I own all of Kevin Smith's movies and I like them all. There, I've said it. All of them. I mean, Chasing Amy is the best according to conventional critics, but I liked Mallrats too. I also LOVED Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was retarded fun and I even enjoyed Jersey Girl (I feel like I need to justify that statement: I saw Jersey Girl during one of the few periods in my life where I'm not single, so Jersey Girl worked really well as a date movie, I mean, it's a much better choice than something like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.)
But back to Clerks II. Some people said that Clerks shouldn't be fucked with; it wasn't needed and a sequel might ruin the first one. I had no problem with Smith returning with Dante and Randal (especially after learning about Jason Mewes's drug problems and how Smith promised him another Jay and Silent Bob movie if he stayed sober. He did.)
Now for the movie itself. First of all, the previews don't really do this movie justice; some of the best stuff is either A) really hilarious and vulgar but couldn't be shown on TV or B) really dramatic/deep/thoughtful dialogue that couldn't be broken down into a commercial soundbite.
There were parts of the movie that were cheesy as hell (some dialogue and situations were text book Hollywood stuff), like a lot of Dante's romatic lines and situations. There were some parts that were sublimley stupid, like the extended dance sequence. That's right: extended dance sequence. Amazing.
There was also a lot of inside jokes (Ben Affleck and Jason Lee show up), some nerd humor (Star Wars vs Lord of the Rings) and some classic Smith vulgarity (a donkey show).
However, these are things we all expect from a Kevin Smith movie, no one is really shocked by this. What was shocking was the gut wrenching dialogue Smith wrote for Dante and Randal. Some of the shit is so real, so dramatic that my mouth dropped. It felt like I was watching two friends fight as a fly on the wall. It was almost uncomfortable.
Anyways, if you liked any of Smith's earlier films, you'll probably like Clerks II. If you've seen only Clerks and Chasing Amy (his 'serious' ones), you'll probably like Clerks II. If you don't approve of adult language and sex with a donkey, Clerks II is probably not the movie for you.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Let's Hope Roger Brown Is Wrong
Brown:
If the Cavs really are interested in pulling a sign-and-trade deal with Drew Gooden, their free-agent power forward, they'd better be ready to take a pretty bad contract off another team's hands in return. How bad? How does the one belonging to malcontent Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin ($63 million over the next four seasons) strike you? Or that of major New York Knicks flop Jerome James ($17.4 million through 2008-09)?"
I'm not sure how correct Brown is here. The Cavs don't want to sign Drew Gooden to a huge contract because they don't think he's worth big dollars. So to get out paying Gooden big dollars, they trade him away for a overpaid, overrated power forward? Huh? That doesn't make sense.
Assuming they have to take a bad contract in return, why couldn't/wouldn't they take an overpaid point guard (or any other posistion)?
Hell, the Nuggets might want to be dropping Andre Miller's contract as well as Kenyon Martin. If you're talking with Denver, why not go for Miller?
So yea, if the Cavs do a sign-and-trade with Gooden, they have to get some kind of contract comparable to Gooden's, so of course they'll be taking back salary. But it doesn't have to be dead weight like Martin or James.
If the Cavs really are interested in pulling a sign-and-trade deal with Drew Gooden, their free-agent power forward, they'd better be ready to take a pretty bad contract off another team's hands in return. How bad? How does the one belonging to malcontent Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin ($63 million over the next four seasons) strike you? Or that of major New York Knicks flop Jerome James ($17.4 million through 2008-09)?"
I'm not sure how correct Brown is here. The Cavs don't want to sign Drew Gooden to a huge contract because they don't think he's worth big dollars. So to get out paying Gooden big dollars, they trade him away for a overpaid, overrated power forward? Huh? That doesn't make sense.
Assuming they have to take a bad contract in return, why couldn't/wouldn't they take an overpaid point guard (or any other posistion)?
Hell, the Nuggets might want to be dropping Andre Miller's contract as well as Kenyon Martin. If you're talking with Denver, why not go for Miller?
So yea, if the Cavs do a sign-and-trade with Gooden, they have to get some kind of contract comparable to Gooden's, so of course they'll be taking back salary. But it doesn't have to be dead weight like Martin or James.
Everybody's Doin' the Fish
I was in Columbus this weekend for a doctors appointment (follow up for the shoulder... I'll be able to play contact sports in 2 months, basketball shall be played) and a friends birthday.
On my way down, I was deciding what to put on my ipod and I realized I hadn't played any Reel Big Fish in awhile, so I put on Turn the Radio Off and Why do They Rock so Hard? Wow.
If you were on 71 South between 9:30 and 11:30 on Friday morning then you saw what happened. I was the guy in the Honda, speeding, singing his lungs out. I went nuts. I put the albums on and before I realize it, I'm screaming along with the lyrics and doin some weird driving dance.
I felt like I was 17 and speeding though Hudson, not some overweight bearded dude driving to a follow up on my shoulder surgery. It was sweet. Reel Big Fish is probably my favorite band. I just fucking love these guys, I've seen them play at least 5 times, the last time (this past summer) my friends and I actually met the band and got autographs. (For those wondering, yes, I know they were at the House of Blues in Cleveland a few weeks ago, however: I am poor. I have no money. I did not attend.
Anyways, here's some RBF videos I found:
their first:
their hit:
their famous cover:
their latest:
On my way down, I was deciding what to put on my ipod and I realized I hadn't played any Reel Big Fish in awhile, so I put on Turn the Radio Off and Why do They Rock so Hard? Wow.
If you were on 71 South between 9:30 and 11:30 on Friday morning then you saw what happened. I was the guy in the Honda, speeding, singing his lungs out. I went nuts. I put the albums on and before I realize it, I'm screaming along with the lyrics and doin some weird driving dance.
I felt like I was 17 and speeding though Hudson, not some overweight bearded dude driving to a follow up on my shoulder surgery. It was sweet. Reel Big Fish is probably my favorite band. I just fucking love these guys, I've seen them play at least 5 times, the last time (this past summer) my friends and I actually met the band and got autographs. (For those wondering, yes, I know they were at the House of Blues in Cleveland a few weeks ago, however: I am poor. I have no money. I did not attend.
Anyways, here's some RBF videos I found:
their first:
their hit:
their famous cover:
their latest:
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bye bye Bob
Sure, I'd like to have gotten something more than an A level catcher, but I'm not that bummed.
Wickman was going to retire after the season anyway, so at least we got something. Would I have rather gotten, oh I dunno... two prospects? three? How about a prospect at the AA level? AAA? I mean, Wickman is a closer.
Vinny and The Hornless Rhino are a bit angrier than I am.
Maybe this season has just drained me so much I'm just that apathetic, I'm just seeing it as: "Well, at least he didn't leave for nothing"
Wickman was going to retire after the season anyway, so at least we got something. Would I have rather gotten, oh I dunno... two prospects? three? How about a prospect at the AA level? AAA? I mean, Wickman is a closer.
Vinny and The Hornless Rhino are a bit angrier than I am.
Maybe this season has just drained me so much I'm just that apathetic, I'm just seeing it as: "Well, at least he didn't leave for nothing"
Jack Bauer is Raistlin Majere
confused?
also, I just finished Dragons of the Dwarven Depths, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're new to the series, obviously I'd recommend reading Dragons of Autumn Twilight first, but this is right in the wheelhouse for vetern DL readers.
also, I just finished Dragons of the Dwarven Depths, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're new to the series, obviously I'd recommend reading Dragons of Autumn Twilight first, but this is right in the wheelhouse for vetern DL readers.
Traveling Wilburys
Harrison, Orbison, Dylan, Petty and Lynne. Not bad way to start a band.
There's been rumors of some Wilbury remasters (especially after Jenny Lewis covered their song 'Handle with Care') coming soon, but I haven't seen or heard anything lately.
Here's the Wilbury's video for 'Handle with Care', the video itself is nothing special, but I get chills seeing Harrison, Dylan, Orbison and Petty sharing a mic. (Orbison died shortly after the completion of their first album, Vol. 1). The second video is from their second album, Vol. 3, and is called 'The Wilbury Twist', the song (and video) isn't as good as 'Handle with Care', but you can tell these superstars are just having fun playing music. Also, enjoy the late 80s, early 90s cameos. Awesome.
There's been rumors of some Wilbury remasters (especially after Jenny Lewis covered their song 'Handle with Care') coming soon, but I haven't seen or heard anything lately.
Here's the Wilbury's video for 'Handle with Care', the video itself is nothing special, but I get chills seeing Harrison, Dylan, Orbison and Petty sharing a mic. (Orbison died shortly after the completion of their first album, Vol. 1). The second video is from their second album, Vol. 3, and is called 'The Wilbury Twist', the song (and video) isn't as good as 'Handle with Care', but you can tell these superstars are just having fun playing music. Also, enjoy the late 80s, early 90s cameos. Awesome.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
LeBron's Contract
For years now people (ESPN people) have been saying that LeBron's Nike contract has a kicker if he plays in NYC or LA, some have gone as far to say that it doubles.
For as long as I can remember, I've been yelling bullshit. I based my yells on Brian Windhorst, who has maintained that LeBron's Nike contract has no kickers at all.
Everyone is wrong.
Turns out LeBron's deal does have a clause giving him more money if he's in NYC or LA. James would get an extra 5 mil a year. 5 mil. That's it.
$5 million won't make up the money he would lose if he spurs the Cavaliers offer. The Cavs can pay James more than anyone (including 4 years from now), so if he leaves the Cavs, he'll lose a ton of cash, all of his contracts combined wouldn't make up for it.
Of course, this doesn't matter much, we'll still be getting stories like this for the next few years (or forever) so don't worry about it. If the Cavs are good, none of it will matter.
For as long as I can remember, I've been yelling bullshit. I based my yells on Brian Windhorst, who has maintained that LeBron's Nike contract has no kickers at all.
Everyone is wrong.
Turns out LeBron's deal does have a clause giving him more money if he's in NYC or LA. James would get an extra 5 mil a year. 5 mil. That's it.
$5 million won't make up the money he would lose if he spurs the Cavaliers offer. The Cavs can pay James more than anyone (including 4 years from now), so if he leaves the Cavs, he'll lose a ton of cash, all of his contracts combined wouldn't make up for it.
Of course, this doesn't matter much, we'll still be getting stories like this for the next few years (or forever) so don't worry about it. If the Cavs are good, none of it will matter.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
LRMR
This is an article about LeBron's marketing team and their goal of making James a global icon by 08/08/08, or the start of the 08 Olympics in Beijing.
James is considering taking classes at the University of Akron and is considering learning Mandarin so he could converse with the public during the games.
Classes at Akron eh? Man, that guy cannot wait to get to the Knicks.
James is considering taking classes at the University of Akron and is considering learning Mandarin so he could converse with the public during the games.
Classes at Akron eh? Man, that guy cannot wait to get to the Knicks.
Minor League Basketball
We all know minor league basketball isn't that great. We're also aware that NCAA basketball has ridiculous rules and regulations and that the NCAA doesn't exactly look out for the best interests of the kids. Speaking of rules, don't even get me started on high school summer rules and the AAU. Finally, we're all aware that no one cares about the NBDL.
So what to do? Mark Cuban has a few ideas.
I'm not sure how feasible his ideas are, or how right he actually is, but it's something to think about.
So what to do? Mark Cuban has a few ideas.
I'm not sure how feasible his ideas are, or how right he actually is, but it's something to think about.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Flip Murray
Is gone.
To Detroit? I'm not sure how he fits with that Piston team, but after the Cavs drafted Brown and Gibson, everyone knew Murray wasn't going to be back.
He obviouisly is going to back up Hamilton and Billups, which is weird, because I thought his main goal was to go somewhere he could start.
Anyways, Murray is officially gone.
To Detroit? I'm not sure how he fits with that Piston team, but after the Cavs drafted Brown and Gibson, everyone knew Murray wasn't going to be back.
He obviouisly is going to back up Hamilton and Billups, which is weird, because I thought his main goal was to go somewhere he could start.
Anyways, Murray is officially gone.
Friday, July 14, 2006
More Cavs Stuff
It looks like the Cavs may be pursuing David Wesley, most recently of Houston.
I remember Wesely mostly from his years on the Hornets and if I recall he was the guy that former Cav Bobby Phills was drag racing when he died.
Wesely is a pg (or sg in a point guard body), so signing him would give the Cavs even more of a glut at the guard position. (Let's see, Damon Jones, Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, Sasha Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson, Shannon Brown, Luke Jackson and Ira Newble)
And with the Gooden talks moving slowly, I wouldn't be surprised if a trade would be on the horizon. A package of Gooden plus Snow/Jones/Pavlovic/Jackson could net something decent.
wishfull thinking... Chris Wilcox
I remember Wesely mostly from his years on the Hornets and if I recall he was the guy that former Cav Bobby Phills was drag racing when he died.
Wesely is a pg (or sg in a point guard body), so signing him would give the Cavs even more of a glut at the guard position. (Let's see, Damon Jones, Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, Sasha Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson, Shannon Brown, Luke Jackson and Ira Newble)
And with the Gooden talks moving slowly, I wouldn't be surprised if a trade would be on the horizon. A package of Gooden plus Snow/Jones/Pavlovic/Jackson could net something decent.
wishfull thinking... Chris Wilcox
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Speaking ofWindhorst
He's having more and more articles pop up on ESPN.com. He also seems to be one of the guys who Sports Center goes to for LeBron info.
Does anyone else see this guys becoming the Cleveland/Akron version of Ed Werder? I mean, I'm pretty sure Werder has his own locker at Cowboys camp. When ESPN wants news on the Eagles, they turn to Sal Paolantonio, when they want Barry Bonds info they call Pedro Gomez.
I'm just looking forward to Cleveland gaining its rightful place in the sports world, along side Dallas, Philly and San Fransisco.
Does anyone else see this guys becoming the Cleveland/Akron version of Ed Werder? I mean, I'm pretty sure Werder has his own locker at Cowboys camp. When ESPN wants news on the Eagles, they turn to Sal Paolantonio, when they want Barry Bonds info they call Pedro Gomez.
I'm just looking forward to Cleveland gaining its rightful place in the sports world, along side Dallas, Philly and San Fransisco.
Drew Gooden Gone?
It seems to be getting more and more likely says ABJ's Brian Windhorst:
After a meeting in which the two sides exchanged numbers this week showed a wide disparity, Gooden's representatives are beginning to believe they might have to explore a sign-and-trade to get what they perceive as Gooden's market value.
"Market Value" means "Hey, Nene got $60 million for 6 years, and that guy played 3 minutes last year. Gimme money."
If you've read this blog for any amount of time you know that I'm not the biggest Drew Gooden fan. The short of it is, that I think he's too inconsistent and I'm not sure if he's the banger the Cavs and James need.
I'm not opposed to keeping Drew, but I don't want to be paying a guy who doesn't play crunch time $10 million a season. Do I advocate just letting him go? No, but a sign and trade might be the answer. Plus, it could shake up the roster a bit; if the Cavs go into next season with the only new additions being the draft picks, I'll be less than pleased.
After a meeting in which the two sides exchanged numbers this week showed a wide disparity, Gooden's representatives are beginning to believe they might have to explore a sign-and-trade to get what they perceive as Gooden's market value.
"Market Value" means "Hey, Nene got $60 million for 6 years, and that guy played 3 minutes last year. Gimme money."
If you've read this blog for any amount of time you know that I'm not the biggest Drew Gooden fan. The short of it is, that I think he's too inconsistent and I'm not sure if he's the banger the Cavs and James need.
I'm not opposed to keeping Drew, but I don't want to be paying a guy who doesn't play crunch time $10 million a season. Do I advocate just letting him go? No, but a sign and trade might be the answer. Plus, it could shake up the roster a bit; if the Cavs go into next season with the only new additions being the draft picks, I'll be less than pleased.
Rescue Me
Denis Leary is up for the best actor in a drama Emmy and Rescue Me just got picked up for a fourth season.
Monday, July 10, 2006
The Headbutt Heard 'Round the World
Here's my thoughts on Zidane's now infamous Head Butt:
It was un-believably stupid. It's my last game, the World Cup Finals, we're tied in overtime, looking like we're going to go to penalty kicks, not only am I my team's captain, I'm also our best penalty kicker and I really want to headbutt this fucking dude. I'll probably get caught and red carded, but still. I'd be stupid not to do this.
It was also un-believably awesome. What a way to end your career. That's Zidane's last play. A headbutt.
It looks like the Italian dude that he got was a real dirty douchebag.
Not that I'm condoning the head butt (okay, kinda), but if I went up to one of my friends and head butted them in the chest, would their legs kick out from under them? Yea, Zidane clocked him, but that Italian dude over sold it just a tad. Which brings me to my next point.
I've enjoyed the World Cup a lot this time around, I've watched a fair amount of games, but come on, but I cannot stand the flopping. And I know, I love the NBA, which is getting pretty damn close in overall FPG (flopping per game). My buddy told me it was a smart move that the Italian guy over sold it, because if he didn't he might not have gotten the red card. That is fucking weak. Don't get me wrong, I see the point, but that's like some Laker fan telling me that Derek Fisher is good because he flops. When's the last time you've watched a pick up ball game and seen someone fall on their ass/back? Huh, anyone? That's right, never. Flopping is a move that isn't used for play or gaining an edge on the field, it's a move used soley to influence the ref. And that's fucking weak. That's the one thing I just can't stand about soccer, it's like a full team of Manu Ginóbilis running around. /rant
It looks like the Italian dude gave Zidane a nipple tweak. And there's been talk that he was trash talking about Zidane's mother. His dying mother. Possibly with racist coments. So that Italian fucker is a bitch.
That being said, Zidane let himself get baited into it. He's got to know better, did he deserve to get thrown out? Probably. But that greasy Italian fucker probably had it coming (and more).
The announcer was annoying. At first it looked like neither the main ref or the sideline judges saw the play, but after it was showed on the scoreboard at the stadium, they issued the red card. The announcer kept going on and on about how the ref has to go by what he saw on the field and not the scoreboard. Really? Why is that? So if so if someone kicks someone else in the balls only the refs don't see it, its okay? Really? If the ref sees it on the big screen he has to pretend like he didn't? I know what the guy is going for, but the ref made the correct call of kicking Zidane out. If the video helped him, so what? It was away from the ball and the play. Is it cool to maul someone away from the action? That's how it works?
The head butt, now with nipple tweak:
It was un-believably stupid. It's my last game, the World Cup Finals, we're tied in overtime, looking like we're going to go to penalty kicks, not only am I my team's captain, I'm also our best penalty kicker and I really want to headbutt this fucking dude. I'll probably get caught and red carded, but still. I'd be stupid not to do this.
It was also un-believably awesome. What a way to end your career. That's Zidane's last play. A headbutt.
It looks like the Italian dude that he got was a real dirty douchebag.
Not that I'm condoning the head butt (okay, kinda), but if I went up to one of my friends and head butted them in the chest, would their legs kick out from under them? Yea, Zidane clocked him, but that Italian dude over sold it just a tad. Which brings me to my next point.
I've enjoyed the World Cup a lot this time around, I've watched a fair amount of games, but come on, but I cannot stand the flopping. And I know, I love the NBA, which is getting pretty damn close in overall FPG (flopping per game). My buddy told me it was a smart move that the Italian guy over sold it, because if he didn't he might not have gotten the red card. That is fucking weak. Don't get me wrong, I see the point, but that's like some Laker fan telling me that Derek Fisher is good because he flops. When's the last time you've watched a pick up ball game and seen someone fall on their ass/back? Huh, anyone? That's right, never. Flopping is a move that isn't used for play or gaining an edge on the field, it's a move used soley to influence the ref. And that's fucking weak. That's the one thing I just can't stand about soccer, it's like a full team of Manu Ginóbilis running around. /rant
It looks like the Italian dude gave Zidane a nipple tweak. And there's been talk that he was trash talking about Zidane's mother. His dying mother. Possibly with racist coments. So that Italian fucker is a bitch.
That being said, Zidane let himself get baited into it. He's got to know better, did he deserve to get thrown out? Probably. But that greasy Italian fucker probably had it coming (and more).
The announcer was annoying. At first it looked like neither the main ref or the sideline judges saw the play, but after it was showed on the scoreboard at the stadium, they issued the red card. The announcer kept going on and on about how the ref has to go by what he saw on the field and not the scoreboard. Really? Why is that? So if so if someone kicks someone else in the balls only the refs don't see it, its okay? Really? If the ref sees it on the big screen he has to pretend like he didn't? I know what the guy is going for, but the ref made the correct call of kicking Zidane out. If the video helped him, so what? It was away from the ball and the play. Is it cool to maul someone away from the action? That's how it works?
The head butt, now with nipple tweak:
My Head Hurts
Because it's never simple for the Cleveland sports fan, LeBron isn't going to follow the crowd and sign the max contract extension. LeBron's contract will be a bit different. The deal he signs will be for 4 years and $60 million (instead of 5 years and $80 million). Confused? Me too.
The theory goes that the NBA's current Collective Bargining Agreement ends in 2011 and if LeBron signed the average, 5 year max deal, it expire in 2012. By signing a deal that ends when the CBA does, LeBron is poised to take advantage of the new CBA rules, which more likely leads to a higher salary.
Does this mean LeBron is going to leave? I (and others) don't think so. The NBA makes it so a player's current team has the best chance (re: can offer the most money) to re-sign him. This in fact may make LeBron even less likely to leave. LeBron's next deal may be in the $150 million range and while the Cavs will be able to go over the cap to keep him because of the Larry Bird rules, any other team that wants to sign him is going to need mucho, mucho cap space (cause the Cavs sure as hell aren't going to agree to a sign and trade).
So what does this mean? Mostly nothing, but ESPN will probably say it means LeBron wants to leave early or some shit (though their article says he may be talking Wade and Melo into signing similar deals).
And if a deal that is a year shorter forces the Cavs to keep trying to improve (to satisfy James) maybe that's a good thing. They seem a little too content after last season for my taste. Don't get me wrong, the team played well and the managment team did a good job, but the team was flawed. Yea they were a game away from the conference finals, but the team was really flawed. I was kinda hoping that the Cavs wouldn't start the season with the only new additions being draft picks and the only major departure being Flip Murray. I was hoping for a little more tweaking... So if this deal lights a fire under the Cavs collective ass, so be it.
I don't believe this news is bad.
The theory goes that the NBA's current Collective Bargining Agreement ends in 2011 and if LeBron signed the average, 5 year max deal, it expire in 2012. By signing a deal that ends when the CBA does, LeBron is poised to take advantage of the new CBA rules, which more likely leads to a higher salary.
Does this mean LeBron is going to leave? I (and others) don't think so. The NBA makes it so a player's current team has the best chance (re: can offer the most money) to re-sign him. This in fact may make LeBron even less likely to leave. LeBron's next deal may be in the $150 million range and while the Cavs will be able to go over the cap to keep him because of the Larry Bird rules, any other team that wants to sign him is going to need mucho, mucho cap space (cause the Cavs sure as hell aren't going to agree to a sign and trade).
So what does this mean? Mostly nothing, but ESPN will probably say it means LeBron wants to leave early or some shit (though their article says he may be talking Wade and Melo into signing similar deals).
And if a deal that is a year shorter forces the Cavs to keep trying to improve (to satisfy James) maybe that's a good thing. They seem a little too content after last season for my taste. Don't get me wrong, the team played well and the managment team did a good job, but the team was flawed. Yea they were a game away from the conference finals, but the team was really flawed. I was kinda hoping that the Cavs wouldn't start the season with the only new additions being draft picks and the only major departure being Flip Murray. I was hoping for a little more tweaking... So if this deal lights a fire under the Cavs collective ass, so be it.
I don't believe this news is bad.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Venture Bros.
I just found out that the creator of Venture Bros. has a blog. Here's some clips I found on youtube:
Prison scene from season one
the opening of season two
a prison scene from season two
death montage
the henchmen return
new episode tonight on cartoon network, 10:30, enjoy.
Prison scene from season one
the opening of season two
a prison scene from season two
death montage
the henchmen return
new episode tonight on cartoon network, 10:30, enjoy.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Our Long Local Nightmare is Over
Dear Bill Simmons, Greg Anthony, Rich Bucher, ESPN in general, the New York City media, Chicago media and Isiah Thomas,
Suck it.
With love,
Ben Cox
PS read this.
Suck it.
With love,
Ben Cox
PS read this.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Simmons and the Top 40
These are fun every year, if you like the NBA at all, you will enjoy the column.
For you Cavs fans, here's what he says about LeBron:
2. LeBron James
I know, I know -- under normal circumstances, he'd be No. 1. But these are the facts ...
A. I keep writing about this, and everyone in Cleveland keeps sending me hate mail, and I don't really know what else to tell you ... but people around the league swear that there's a clause in LeBron's Nike contract (already worth $100 million) that doubles the money if he plays for an NBA team based in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles AND that some of his other endorsement deals have the same clause. Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
B. We know that LeBron and his peeps are already positioning himself as a multimedia presence, someone who could potentially emulate Magic and P. Diddy and own record companies, movie theaters, clothing lines and everything of that ilk. You need to live in a big city to pull this off -- either New York or L.A.
C. The Cavs blew their cap space last summer (more than $160 million spent on Zydruans Ilguaskas, Damon Jones and Hughes) and have no real way to improve. If you remember, by the end of the Detroit series, poor LeBron was a one-man show. Do you think he wants to spend the next eight to 10 years carrying a mediocre supporting cast?
D. LeBron becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2008. He could sign an extension with the Cavs this summer, but there's really no reason to do so. Thinking logically, he could break any bone or blow out any ligament over the next 24 months and STILL get offered a max contract by every team with cap space. So why not see how this season unfolds and keep his options open? No injury short of paralysis could hurt his value over the next two years.
E. From the NBA's standpoint, nothing would generate more interest in the 2006-07 season than the running subplot, "Is LeBron staying or going?"
F. The first day that teams could offer max extensions to rookies from the 2003 draft class: July 1, 2006. We know that Denver offered one to Carmelo (quickly accepted), Miami offered one to Wade (quickly accepted), and Cleveland offered one to LeBron (NOT accepted -- plus, neither LeBron nor his agent has commented publicly and it has been six days and counting). The silence has been deafening. Repeat: Deafening. In fact, it's developing into the biggest sports story of the summer and nobody seems to give a crap. But they will. Just wait.
(Note: If Bron-Bron re-signs with Cleveland this month, disregard everything in the previous few paragraphs and move him to No. 1 on this list. You never know. And just for the record, I hope he stays in Cleveland because LeBron splitting town would be one of the cruelest sports stories of all-time, even if it was overwhelmingly predictable from day one, and no fan base deserves to get kicked in the collective groin to that degree. Well, unless he goes to the Clippers. Then I would wet myself. Repeatedly.)
I agree with him on a lot of these things (except for the contract, everything I've read has said that the Nike contract doesn't change, let alone double; smaller contracts like Upper Deck have the clauses), but there's a few things he still doesn't mention, mainly: WHAT BIG MARKET TEAM IS LEBRON GOING TO BOLT FOR??
I've said it before and I'll say it again, where is this mythical big market team?
New York? No cap space. Oh yea, they're also terrible.
New Jersey? Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Plus Jason Kidd's contract.
Chicago? They're going to have to pay Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon soon, plus Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas (okay, not as pressing, but still, another high 1st round pick) and oh yea, that Ben Wallace fellow. Plus, in Chicago he'll be baby Jordan forever. He'll always be Jordan II never LeBron I.
Lakers? They got Kobe, we all know how he deals with sharing the spotlight.
The Clippers? They're a possibility, but what is their cap situation like? Elton Brand and Corey Maggette already have big(gish) deals and both Shawn Livingston and Chris Kaman is going to have to get paid soon.
Am I missing something? Is there another big market team out there? Where is the better situation?
In my opinion if LeBron leaves, it won't be in '08, it will be in 2012 or whenever this 5 year deal ends. LeBron is 21 right now, in 5 years he'll be 26 (or maybe it kicks in after the rookie deal? so 28? or after next year 27?). I think it is a safer bet that LeBron leaves after 5 more seasons, especially if the Cavs don't improve. By that time Jay-Z should have moved the Nets to Brooklyn and their cap situation should be better. The Cavs would have gotten 8 years for a title shot with James, and if they couldn't get it done, then I can't blame him for leaving town.
I'm not harboring any delusions about Cleveland being bigger or better than New York or LA. No shit. But the Cavs have improved every year since LeBron has been here and this was the first year with a new owner, new coach and new GM. Why won't they continue to improve? The Pistons are worse, Chicago is better (but still can't score), and Miami is older. Why won't the Cavs be as good?
Finally, it hasn't even been a week since the contract was offered. 6 days. Calm down everyone (myself included), not even 7 days. If we're at training camp and LeBron hasn't signed, feel free to panic or hang yourself or whatever. But we're at LeBron watch day 6.
*deep breath and counting to 10*
For you Cavs fans, here's what he says about LeBron:
2. LeBron James
I know, I know -- under normal circumstances, he'd be No. 1. But these are the facts ...
A. I keep writing about this, and everyone in Cleveland keeps sending me hate mail, and I don't really know what else to tell you ... but people around the league swear that there's a clause in LeBron's Nike contract (already worth $100 million) that doubles the money if he plays for an NBA team based in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles AND that some of his other endorsement deals have the same clause. Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
B. We know that LeBron and his peeps are already positioning himself as a multimedia presence, someone who could potentially emulate Magic and P. Diddy and own record companies, movie theaters, clothing lines and everything of that ilk. You need to live in a big city to pull this off -- either New York or L.A.
C. The Cavs blew their cap space last summer (more than $160 million spent on Zydruans Ilguaskas, Damon Jones and Hughes) and have no real way to improve. If you remember, by the end of the Detroit series, poor LeBron was a one-man show. Do you think he wants to spend the next eight to 10 years carrying a mediocre supporting cast?
D. LeBron becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2008. He could sign an extension with the Cavs this summer, but there's really no reason to do so. Thinking logically, he could break any bone or blow out any ligament over the next 24 months and STILL get offered a max contract by every team with cap space. So why not see how this season unfolds and keep his options open? No injury short of paralysis could hurt his value over the next two years.
E. From the NBA's standpoint, nothing would generate more interest in the 2006-07 season than the running subplot, "Is LeBron staying or going?"
F. The first day that teams could offer max extensions to rookies from the 2003 draft class: July 1, 2006. We know that Denver offered one to Carmelo (quickly accepted), Miami offered one to Wade (quickly accepted), and Cleveland offered one to LeBron (NOT accepted -- plus, neither LeBron nor his agent has commented publicly and it has been six days and counting). The silence has been deafening. Repeat: Deafening. In fact, it's developing into the biggest sports story of the summer and nobody seems to give a crap. But they will. Just wait.
G. Everyone in Cleveland is having a collective heart attack. And with reason. If LeBron ends up fleeing the Cavs, that would be the biggest non-injury/non-death blow to a professional team in sports history. Unless they were able to sign-and-trade him for a mother lode of players and picks (like the Oilers did with Gretzky), basketball would die in Cleveland and the team would have to move. Imagine living in Cleveland, watching LeBron pass through town like a comet -- the next Ali/Tiger/Pele/MJ -- then he spends the heart of his career playing in another city? How do you bounce back from that? The answer: You don't.
H. There are dozens of reasons -- literally -- why Isiah Thomas is one of the worst executives in sports history. But his failure to create cap space for the summer of 2008 just in case Facts A-thru-F played out remains his all-time dumbest move. Yes, even dumber than the Curry trade.(Note: If Bron-Bron re-signs with Cleveland this month, disregard everything in the previous few paragraphs and move him to No. 1 on this list. You never know. And just for the record, I hope he stays in Cleveland because LeBron splitting town would be one of the cruelest sports stories of all-time, even if it was overwhelmingly predictable from day one, and no fan base deserves to get kicked in the collective groin to that degree. Well, unless he goes to the Clippers. Then I would wet myself. Repeatedly.)
I agree with him on a lot of these things (except for the contract, everything I've read has said that the Nike contract doesn't change, let alone double; smaller contracts like Upper Deck have the clauses), but there's a few things he still doesn't mention, mainly: WHAT BIG MARKET TEAM IS LEBRON GOING TO BOLT FOR??
I've said it before and I'll say it again, where is this mythical big market team?
New York? No cap space. Oh yea, they're also terrible.
New Jersey? Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. Plus Jason Kidd's contract.
Chicago? They're going to have to pay Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon soon, plus Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas (okay, not as pressing, but still, another high 1st round pick) and oh yea, that Ben Wallace fellow. Plus, in Chicago he'll be baby Jordan forever. He'll always be Jordan II never LeBron I.
Lakers? They got Kobe, we all know how he deals with sharing the spotlight.
The Clippers? They're a possibility, but what is their cap situation like? Elton Brand and Corey Maggette already have big(gish) deals and both Shawn Livingston and Chris Kaman is going to have to get paid soon.
Am I missing something? Is there another big market team out there? Where is the better situation?
In my opinion if LeBron leaves, it won't be in '08, it will be in 2012 or whenever this 5 year deal ends. LeBron is 21 right now, in 5 years he'll be 26 (or maybe it kicks in after the rookie deal? so 28? or after next year 27?). I think it is a safer bet that LeBron leaves after 5 more seasons, especially if the Cavs don't improve. By that time Jay-Z should have moved the Nets to Brooklyn and their cap situation should be better. The Cavs would have gotten 8 years for a title shot with James, and if they couldn't get it done, then I can't blame him for leaving town.
I'm not harboring any delusions about Cleveland being bigger or better than New York or LA. No shit. But the Cavs have improved every year since LeBron has been here and this was the first year with a new owner, new coach and new GM. Why won't they continue to improve? The Pistons are worse, Chicago is better (but still can't score), and Miami is older. Why won't the Cavs be as good?
Finally, it hasn't even been a week since the contract was offered. 6 days. Calm down everyone (myself included), not even 7 days. If we're at training camp and LeBron hasn't signed, feel free to panic or hang yourself or whatever. But we're at LeBron watch day 6.
*deep breath and counting to 10*
Book News
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's newest Dragonlance book, Dragons of Dwarven Depths, comes out Tuesday.
I've loved the series since I first picked up Dragons of Autumn Twilight (the first of the entire series) and I'll read anything Weis and Hickman write together.
Speaking of Dragons of Autumn Twilight, it turns out they are making it into a movie. It'll be animated and I'm not sure how I feel about this. It's my opinion that for live action fantasy/comic book movies, you need A) a huge budget and B) a director who loves the material.
For every Lord of the Rings and X-Men there is a Dungeons and Dragons and Daredevil (movies where the story/effects weren't as important as getting the franchise out there to make $$). While Dragonlance has a big following (the new Weis and Hickman books always make the NYT Bestseller list), I don't think the fanbase is large enough to justify the budget a good live action Dragonlance movie would need.
Animation seems like the right way to go here. If done right, you can tell the whole story without comprimising any of the action. I have no idea what the animation will be like and I also have no idea if this is a theatrical release (though I doubt it). It says it will be an adult cartoon, so hopefully they don't try to make it too cute or anything.
Needless to say, I'm excited (and a dork)
I've loved the series since I first picked up Dragons of Autumn Twilight (the first of the entire series) and I'll read anything Weis and Hickman write together.
Speaking of Dragons of Autumn Twilight, it turns out they are making it into a movie. It'll be animated and I'm not sure how I feel about this. It's my opinion that for live action fantasy/comic book movies, you need A) a huge budget and B) a director who loves the material.
For every Lord of the Rings and X-Men there is a Dungeons and Dragons and Daredevil (movies where the story/effects weren't as important as getting the franchise out there to make $$). While Dragonlance has a big following (the new Weis and Hickman books always make the NYT Bestseller list), I don't think the fanbase is large enough to justify the budget a good live action Dragonlance movie would need.
Animation seems like the right way to go here. If done right, you can tell the whole story without comprimising any of the action. I have no idea what the animation will be like and I also have no idea if this is a theatrical release (though I doubt it). It says it will be an adult cartoon, so hopefully they don't try to make it too cute or anything.
Needless to say, I'm excited (and a dork)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Don't Fear the Bulls
Ben Wallace left the Pistons to join the Chicago Bulls.
So what? (insider)
Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the fact that the Piston's chemistry is gone and that they had to replace Ben Wallace with Nazr Mohammed. The Piston's 'reign' has ended. Wallace worked perfectly there because he didn't need the ball on offense and played great off the ball defense. A guy like Wallace makes everyone elses defensive job easier. Chauncy Billups and Rip Hamilton are allowed to play close, tough perimiter defense because they know if their guy drives, Wallace will alter the shot. This really disrupts the Pistons; now they have to rely on Rasheed Wallace to A) play the Ben Wallace role and B) stay motivated without a motor like Benny Wallace pushing everyone. I'm not saying Rasheed can't, but he's not exactly a guy you want to depend on.
Now to the Bulls. I don't think they'll be as good as some people think. They were 41-41 last year, the 7th seed in the playoffs. How much better does Ben Wallace make them? Does signing Big Ben equal 5 more wins? 6? 9? Are the Bulls now a 50 win team? More than that?
The Bulls played the Heat really well in the first round last year, but their problem wasn't defense. It was offense. The Bulls have a lot of good perimeter players; Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon. Even their big men, like Andres Nocioni, shoots tres. When the jumpshots were falling the Bulls could hang with anyone. They could get out on the break and push the ball. But when the playoffs started and the Heat slowed the pace down, they were sunk. The Bulls had no inside offensive presence and they were 25th in free throw attempts last year (meaning, they didn't get easy points and didn't make the opposing team work on defense or get them in foul trouble).
So signing a 32 year old undersized center who plays no offense and makes a free throw about once a week to a 4 year 60 million dollar deal isn't exactly a cure for their woes. I'm not saying Wallace isn't a good signing or won't help the team. The Bulls upgraded their defense significantly while also hurting a division rival- that is good. Wallace is going to have a Sam Cassell like effect on that locker room; they are going to believe they can contend. And with Wallace, Nocioni, newly acquired PJ Brown and lottery pick Tyrus Thomas, the Bulls defense will be tough as nails (hell, even revolving door Ben Gordon might be shamed into playing some defense).
All I'm saying is this: the Bulls upgraded a strength (defense) without addressing their weakness (inside game/consistent offensive scoring/free throw attempts). Sure, they'll be better, but how much?
(of course, if they trade for KG, this is all moot)
So what? (insider)
Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the fact that the Piston's chemistry is gone and that they had to replace Ben Wallace with Nazr Mohammed. The Piston's 'reign' has ended. Wallace worked perfectly there because he didn't need the ball on offense and played great off the ball defense. A guy like Wallace makes everyone elses defensive job easier. Chauncy Billups and Rip Hamilton are allowed to play close, tough perimiter defense because they know if their guy drives, Wallace will alter the shot. This really disrupts the Pistons; now they have to rely on Rasheed Wallace to A) play the Ben Wallace role and B) stay motivated without a motor like Benny Wallace pushing everyone. I'm not saying Rasheed can't, but he's not exactly a guy you want to depend on.
Now to the Bulls. I don't think they'll be as good as some people think. They were 41-41 last year, the 7th seed in the playoffs. How much better does Ben Wallace make them? Does signing Big Ben equal 5 more wins? 6? 9? Are the Bulls now a 50 win team? More than that?
The Bulls played the Heat really well in the first round last year, but their problem wasn't defense. It was offense. The Bulls have a lot of good perimeter players; Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon. Even their big men, like Andres Nocioni, shoots tres. When the jumpshots were falling the Bulls could hang with anyone. They could get out on the break and push the ball. But when the playoffs started and the Heat slowed the pace down, they were sunk. The Bulls had no inside offensive presence and they were 25th in free throw attempts last year (meaning, they didn't get easy points and didn't make the opposing team work on defense or get them in foul trouble).
So signing a 32 year old undersized center who plays no offense and makes a free throw about once a week to a 4 year 60 million dollar deal isn't exactly a cure for their woes. I'm not saying Wallace isn't a good signing or won't help the team. The Bulls upgraded their defense significantly while also hurting a division rival- that is good. Wallace is going to have a Sam Cassell like effect on that locker room; they are going to believe they can contend. And with Wallace, Nocioni, newly acquired PJ Brown and lottery pick Tyrus Thomas, the Bulls defense will be tough as nails (hell, even revolving door Ben Gordon might be shamed into playing some defense).
All I'm saying is this: the Bulls upgraded a strength (defense) without addressing their weakness (inside game/consistent offensive scoring/free throw attempts). Sure, they'll be better, but how much?
(of course, if they trade for KG, this is all moot)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Free Agency News
Bobby Jackson and his old Serbian teammate have joined forces in New Orleans. I was never too interested in Peja, but I thought Jackson would've been a nice fit for the Cavs. Of course they have like 34 guards on the team right now, so they may not be in the market for a point right at this second. But Jackson is a vetern who is quick and can score for multiple places on the floor; not exactly a Cavs strong point.
It was said that the Cavs were interested in Vlad Radmanovic and he went to the Lakers. The Lakers were interested in another Clipper, Sam Cassell (who I was interested in, even if Cleveland's brass wasn't), but Cassell re-signed with the 'other' Los Angeles team. The Clippers quickly replaced Radmanovic (who I thought was a perfect fit for that team) with former Sun, Buck, Bull, Knick, and hell, every team, Tim Thomas. Man, he sure knows how to play for a contract doesn't he? (the Cassell and Thomas news are all in the same link above).
Somehow Joel Przybilla is getting interest from not only Portland, his current team, but with Chicago, San Antonio, Sacramento and Cleveland. What the hell? Joel Pryzbilla? Why? Last year he played in 56 games and averaged 6 points and 7 rebounds. Awesome. There's going to be a bidding war on this white stiff. My lord.
It was said that the Cavs were interested in Vlad Radmanovic and he went to the Lakers. The Lakers were interested in another Clipper, Sam Cassell (who I was interested in, even if Cleveland's brass wasn't), but Cassell re-signed with the 'other' Los Angeles team. The Clippers quickly replaced Radmanovic (who I thought was a perfect fit for that team) with former Sun, Buck, Bull, Knick, and hell, every team, Tim Thomas. Man, he sure knows how to play for a contract doesn't he? (the Cassell and Thomas news are all in the same link above).
Somehow Joel Przybilla is getting interest from not only Portland, his current team, but with Chicago, San Antonio, Sacramento and Cleveland. What the hell? Joel Pryzbilla? Why? Last year he played in 56 games and averaged 6 points and 7 rebounds. Awesome. There's going to be a bidding war on this white stiff. My lord.
Drew Gooden
The Nuggets re-signed Nene to a 6 year $60 million contract.
6 years. $60 million.
How'd Nene do in 05-06? He played in only one game. For three minutes.
04-05? 55 games, started 19 games, averaged 9.6 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Why do you care about this? Because the Cavs are looking to re-sign Drew Gooden. As most of you know, I've never been the biggest Gooden fan. We all know that he has the talent and the ability, but does he have the drive? I've seen Gooden make some great plays out there, but I've also seen him make some bonehead ones. I rarely see Gooden have a string of good games. He'll have a monster game one night, say 22 points 16 rebounds, and then have a stinker, say 6 and 4, the next. He is the definition of in consistant. Also, next time you see him playing crunch time, please let me know. I don't mean to sound as if I'm hating on Drew, I'm not. And I'm not against the Cavs re-signing him either, but it just has to be for the right price.
Roger Brown likes to complain about Z's contract, and that was 5 years, $55 million (Z played in 78 games last year and averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds). Compared to Nene, Z is all world.
Last year Gooden played 79 games and averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.
In 04-05 (Nene's last full year) Gooden was even better, averaging 14.4 and 9.2.
Gooden is a nice player, and maybe he'll figure it out soon (Terry Pluto always liked to point out that Gooden hasn't had the same coach for back to back seasons since high school). It looks like Brown will be here for a little while longer, so Gooden may actually get some consistant coaching for two complete seasons.
But if Nene, who misses a ton of games, can get a 6 year deal at 10 million a year, how much is Drew Gooden worth? I mean, at least Gooden makes it out there for the games, Nene has missed 108 the last two years combined. And his last 'healthy' year, when he played 55 games? He only started 19. Gooden has been a starter for 3 years now in Cleveland.
If the Cavs can sign Gooden to 4-5 year deal, worth somewhere between $6-8 million a year, I say go for it. But Drew Gooden for 10 million a year? No thank you.
Finally, we have to remember, this is the NBA, you over pay for bigmen. Ben Wallace is looking to get 15 million a year, and he is half retarded on offense. Yes, Z has a large contract, but it was overpay Z or have... um... someone else playing center. Am I surprised that the Nuggets gave Nene 6 years and 60 million? Not really, but a little; for a player who has played in 56 games the past two season, 6 years?. And he wasn't particularly stellar in those 56 games. However, I'm not going to be surprised in two years when Denver is trying to unload Nene's burdonsome contract because they are trying to sign parts to put around Carmelo Anthony.
Big men get overpaid, thats how it works. The Cavs have two pretty decent power forwards under contract with Donyell Marshall and Anderson Varejao. I wouldn't mind Gooden in that mix for the next few years or so. But if Nene can squeeze $60 million bucks out of the Nuggets, what can Gooden get out of the Cavs?
6 years. $60 million.
How'd Nene do in 05-06? He played in only one game. For three minutes.
04-05? 55 games, started 19 games, averaged 9.6 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Why do you care about this? Because the Cavs are looking to re-sign Drew Gooden. As most of you know, I've never been the biggest Gooden fan. We all know that he has the talent and the ability, but does he have the drive? I've seen Gooden make some great plays out there, but I've also seen him make some bonehead ones. I rarely see Gooden have a string of good games. He'll have a monster game one night, say 22 points 16 rebounds, and then have a stinker, say 6 and 4, the next. He is the definition of in consistant. Also, next time you see him playing crunch time, please let me know. I don't mean to sound as if I'm hating on Drew, I'm not. And I'm not against the Cavs re-signing him either, but it just has to be for the right price.
Roger Brown likes to complain about Z's contract, and that was 5 years, $55 million (Z played in 78 games last year and averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds). Compared to Nene, Z is all world.
Last year Gooden played 79 games and averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.
In 04-05 (Nene's last full year) Gooden was even better, averaging 14.4 and 9.2.
Gooden is a nice player, and maybe he'll figure it out soon (Terry Pluto always liked to point out that Gooden hasn't had the same coach for back to back seasons since high school). It looks like Brown will be here for a little while longer, so Gooden may actually get some consistant coaching for two complete seasons.
But if Nene, who misses a ton of games, can get a 6 year deal at 10 million a year, how much is Drew Gooden worth? I mean, at least Gooden makes it out there for the games, Nene has missed 108 the last two years combined. And his last 'healthy' year, when he played 55 games? He only started 19. Gooden has been a starter for 3 years now in Cleveland.
If the Cavs can sign Gooden to 4-5 year deal, worth somewhere between $6-8 million a year, I say go for it. But Drew Gooden for 10 million a year? No thank you.
Finally, we have to remember, this is the NBA, you over pay for bigmen. Ben Wallace is looking to get 15 million a year, and he is half retarded on offense. Yes, Z has a large contract, but it was overpay Z or have... um... someone else playing center. Am I surprised that the Nuggets gave Nene 6 years and 60 million? Not really, but a little; for a player who has played in 56 games the past two season, 6 years?. And he wasn't particularly stellar in those 56 games. However, I'm not going to be surprised in two years when Denver is trying to unload Nene's burdonsome contract because they are trying to sign parts to put around Carmelo Anthony.
Big men get overpaid, thats how it works. The Cavs have two pretty decent power forwards under contract with Donyell Marshall and Anderson Varejao. I wouldn't mind Gooden in that mix for the next few years or so. But if Nene can squeeze $60 million bucks out of the Nuggets, what can Gooden get out of the Cavs?
Sunday, July 02, 2006
LeBron, Isiah Thomas and the Knicks
Alright, we all know that there's a certain sports network that seems to think that LeBron James wants to play for the Knicks. Most basketball people know that there's almost no chance that LeBron doesn't sign his contract extension. I can't blame some for worrying (Windhorst even thinks that LeBron may wait just to fuck with us), but I'm pretty sure we're in the clear.
This has gone on for a few years now and it's just gotten annoying. Hell, the ABJ even parodied it Saturday.
Then there's the Knicks, why would LeBron leave a team that made the playoffs (and took the Pistons to 7) for a team in such a mess? GM/coach Isiah Thomas has become a punchline and his drafting of Renaldo Balkman this past Wednesday may have the been the the highlight of the Draft. No one really knows why Thomas picked Balkman at 20. He wasn't in the official draft guide, he wasn't on most draft boards and some people even thought you could get him as a free agent after the draft. One of Thomas's reasons is that the Suns would've picked him at 21 (which the Suns deny). There are Ronaldo Blackman (former Knick player who was actually good) jokes flying around the internet and Thomas generally looks like a fool.
So why did Isiah Thomas pick a 6'6'' power forward with no offensive skills? While on NBA Matchup, Greg Anthony, seems to have found the answer (no link, this is a transript):
One thing you got to keep in mind that both Balkman and Mardy Collins are represented by Leon Rose. Who is Leon Rose? That's LeBron James's agent. So there's a lot of possibility that this could be one of those tit for tats where they just want them to know that "hey we're thinking about youin the future if you, LeBron James, ever decide you want to move on and not stay a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers resurrection". So, if that's the case, they definitely laid the ground work. However, it was a P.R. nightmare; something they're going to deal with for the rest of the offseason. Something you didn't necessarily need after going though the debacle with Larry Brown.
So there you have it folks, Isiah Thomas used the 20th and 29th pick in the first round to take players who share an agent with LeBron James. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: Thomas knows he only has one year to turn the franchise around and everyone thinks he would take players who would help him this year. But no, Thomas goes the other way; he decides to waste the picks in the '06 draft so he can start making in roads on LeBron James. It's actually quite brilliant; it doesn't even matter who you draft at 20, just make sure he shares an agent with LeBron James. Who cares that Balkman has no offensive skills and you could've gotten him in the second round? He shares an agent with LeBron. Perfect.
We've heard that Balkman is a Rodman/Artest type player; a hustle guy who loves to play defense and get rebounds. Isiah played with Rodman and coached Artest, so he knows how important these guys are to winning teams. But the consensus is that Thomas could've gotten his guy at least at 29, if not in the second round or as a undrafted free agent. Balkman was far and away the biggest reach in the draft and by all accounts a terrible pick. But not to Greg Anthony, drafting Balkman is just another way for the Knicks to lure LeBron away from Cleveland.
And by the way, LeBron can't leave for two more seasons. The Cavs are the only team that can offer him a contract this offseason, and next offseason he is a restricted free agent. And if you don't think the Cavs are matching any contract James signs, you are insane. So not until the offseason of '08 can LeBron leave with the Cavs having no say in the matter.
Why the GM of the Knicks would waste a draft in 2006 to make in-roads on a player who won't be available until the offseason of 2008 is beyond me. Especially when that same GM/coach has a one year window to turn the team around. One would think he would do everything possible to succeed in that one year (you know, so he could have a job past 06), but no.
Well done ESPN, well done.
[update: fixed some gramatical errors and cleaned up some passages]
This has gone on for a few years now and it's just gotten annoying. Hell, the ABJ even parodied it Saturday.
Then there's the Knicks, why would LeBron leave a team that made the playoffs (and took the Pistons to 7) for a team in such a mess? GM/coach Isiah Thomas has become a punchline and his drafting of Renaldo Balkman this past Wednesday may have the been the the highlight of the Draft. No one really knows why Thomas picked Balkman at 20. He wasn't in the official draft guide, he wasn't on most draft boards and some people even thought you could get him as a free agent after the draft. One of Thomas's reasons is that the Suns would've picked him at 21 (which the Suns deny). There are Ronaldo Blackman (former Knick player who was actually good) jokes flying around the internet and Thomas generally looks like a fool.
So why did Isiah Thomas pick a 6'6'' power forward with no offensive skills? While on NBA Matchup, Greg Anthony, seems to have found the answer (no link, this is a transript):
One thing you got to keep in mind that both Balkman and Mardy Collins are represented by Leon Rose. Who is Leon Rose? That's LeBron James's agent. So there's a lot of possibility that this could be one of those tit for tats where they just want them to know that "hey we're thinking about youin the future if you, LeBron James, ever decide you want to move on and not stay a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers resurrection". So, if that's the case, they definitely laid the ground work. However, it was a P.R. nightmare; something they're going to deal with for the rest of the offseason. Something you didn't necessarily need after going though the debacle with Larry Brown.
So there you have it folks, Isiah Thomas used the 20th and 29th pick in the first round to take players who share an agent with LeBron James. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: Thomas knows he only has one year to turn the franchise around and everyone thinks he would take players who would help him this year. But no, Thomas goes the other way; he decides to waste the picks in the '06 draft so he can start making in roads on LeBron James. It's actually quite brilliant; it doesn't even matter who you draft at 20, just make sure he shares an agent with LeBron James. Who cares that Balkman has no offensive skills and you could've gotten him in the second round? He shares an agent with LeBron. Perfect.
We've heard that Balkman is a Rodman/Artest type player; a hustle guy who loves to play defense and get rebounds. Isiah played with Rodman and coached Artest, so he knows how important these guys are to winning teams. But the consensus is that Thomas could've gotten his guy at least at 29, if not in the second round or as a undrafted free agent. Balkman was far and away the biggest reach in the draft and by all accounts a terrible pick. But not to Greg Anthony, drafting Balkman is just another way for the Knicks to lure LeBron away from Cleveland.
And by the way, LeBron can't leave for two more seasons. The Cavs are the only team that can offer him a contract this offseason, and next offseason he is a restricted free agent. And if you don't think the Cavs are matching any contract James signs, you are insane. So not until the offseason of '08 can LeBron leave with the Cavs having no say in the matter.
Why the GM of the Knicks would waste a draft in 2006 to make in-roads on a player who won't be available until the offseason of 2008 is beyond me. Especially when that same GM/coach has a one year window to turn the team around. One would think he would do everything possible to succeed in that one year (you know, so he could have a job past 06), but no.
Well done ESPN, well done.
[update: fixed some gramatical errors and cleaned up some passages]
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Indians
actual conversation:
"so you watchin any of the Indians game?"
"Not really, on and off"
"they still up 5-0?"
"ya"
"sweet, I wonder how they'll blow this one"
"yeah, heh heh"
sonofabitch!
"so you watchin any of the Indians game?"
"Not really, on and off"
"they still up 5-0?"
"ya"
"sweet, I wonder how they'll blow this one"
"yeah, heh heh"
sonofabitch!
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