Ron Artest is now in Houston. Another seismic-shift in the West as Houston tries to follow the blueprint and get it's own big-3. They sure have the big-3 with T-Mac, Yao and now ron-ron, but the question is never about his talent. He is a baller for sure. But his head is messed up and he is not great for your chemistry either. He can decide to hog the ball any given possession, go 1-on-5 and mess everything up for his coach and the team. When he gets into that mode, nobody else in the team can talk sense into this guy, not T=Mac and definitely not Yao for sure. If Rick Adelman, who will be coaching him for the second time, figures out how to keep him in check and if ron-ron decides to stay in his shoes, this trade will elevate Houston to a good spot in the West. May be top-4. Pushes the Suns further down.
In other NBA news, Tim Donaghy was sentenced to 15 months in jail for his gambling crime. I am sure Commish Stern probably wouldn't mind banishing him for life, but Tim will be back in 15 months (or less) and probably write a tell-all book for some big bucks. Stern should love that. The other guy who has a lot of explaining to do is referee Scott Foster, Donaghy's only real friend among zebras. NBA is not letting him speak. That doesn't seem like a good strategy. To me, the big story in the NBA is Josh Childress signing a 20 million euros deal for 3 years and going to play in Europe. This is unprecedented. Looks like Josh is using his Stanford education and taking some smart financial decision. Given the slide of the dollar and the US economy and the strength of Euro these days, thats a very financially rewarding decision.
This news should ring alarm bells all over the NBA HQ. This is the first time somebody is spurning a NBA career to go play in Europe. Josh Childress is not a superstar, but he was not a bench warmer either. He was a decent NBA player who had a guaranteed career in front of him in the NBA. For him to make this move means many things. Not to go too political, but this could be another sign of a declining super-power status of the US of A. Players always wanted to come here and play in the NBA, but now things are starting to move in the other direction. This means the Lakers and the Suns will not only be competing with the Spurs and Cavs for the services of some NBA players, but they have to compete with a whole bunch of European teams.
Or may be the situation is not that bad. It's just that Josh Childress has figured out a way to get out of the semi-slavery called the rookie salary scale. The rookies really don't hit the open market until the 4-Th or 5-Th season and they can now go make money in Europe in the meantime, That could be a big problem for the NBA because this means they have to change the rookie scale to compete with Europe. Not sure if the Commish will like that. Except the Superstars, everybody can do this and make just as much or more than the NBA and even the superstars can make more money in Europe in their first few "rookie" years. Josh Childress might have just opened a new can of worms. There were also rumors that more players, especially young Euros like Andris Biedrins, will go there as well. Andris ended up signing a 62 mill contract with the W's to stay here, but it should be interesting to see how many players will do what Josh Childress did.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
New Rivals
The Packers-Bears has always been a great rivalry in the NFL. This is because of the geographic proximity of those 2 markets and the historic relevance of those 2 franchises. The Cubs-Brewers has never had the same ring to it. Until now that is. Today and this week they are playing a fun and hot series that is almost playoff-like. They were both separated by a game for the division when today's game started and the Milwaukee crowd was in to this game from start to end. The Brewers fan-base has had great expectations this season. They are coming off a decent season fueled by young, home-grown talent and nothing energizes a fan-base quite like that combination. The Cubs on the other hand are having a good season for the second straight year and they are always a big ticket as everybody's lovable losers. So this is good theater if you are into some baseball action during the dog days of summer.
The state of Wisconsin is dominating the sports news these days. NFL is all about what Favre is going to do next. He is supposed to put in his re-instatement papers soon and the Jets and the Bucs are rumored to be in the running. It was funny to see Jeff Garcia today trying to protect his starting QB job. So now Brett Favre is officially a major distraction for many franchises and not just the Packers. Most fans are done with his act and that includes even some Packer faithful. The bottom-line is, he is back and the NFL is a better place for it. If he ends up in a good team, that makes it an even bigger news. Even otherwise, it would be fun to see him in a new place, new jersey. I kinda like the Packers and Favre but not a big-time fan of either. So why do I care about him looking weird in a new jersey or spoiling his legacy? All I know is, when I wake up on a NFL Sunday, it's a much better show waiting for me on the TV if number 4 is back there. You are just wondering if the next pass is a 80 yard TD or an interception going the other way. Fun all the way around. But Favre should handle himself better. He thinks the World revolves around him and thats pissing fans off.
The state of Wisconsin is dominating the sports news these days. NFL is all about what Favre is going to do next. He is supposed to put in his re-instatement papers soon and the Jets and the Bucs are rumored to be in the running. It was funny to see Jeff Garcia today trying to protect his starting QB job. So now Brett Favre is officially a major distraction for many franchises and not just the Packers. Most fans are done with his act and that includes even some Packer faithful. The bottom-line is, he is back and the NFL is a better place for it. If he ends up in a good team, that makes it an even bigger news. Even otherwise, it would be fun to see him in a new place, new jersey. I kinda like the Packers and Favre but not a big-time fan of either. So why do I care about him looking weird in a new jersey or spoiling his legacy? All I know is, when I wake up on a NFL Sunday, it's a much better show waiting for me on the TV if number 4 is back there. You are just wondering if the next pass is a 80 yard TD or an interception going the other way. Fun all the way around. But Favre should handle himself better. He thinks the World revolves around him and thats pissing fans off.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Nation is Favred out!
The off-season has been buzzing in both the NBA and NFL. The whole Elton Brand saga created some excitement in the NBA free-agency. First he opted out and helped the Clippers sign Baron Davis. He apparently said I'll re-sign for 75 million. Then he seemed to have pulled a Carlos Boozer on the Clips if you believe his ex-coach Dunleavy. His super-agent David Falk seemed to have convinced him to take the 85 mill offer from Philly.
"Very Ouch" for the Clippers! And Baron Davis too. They are back to being the Clippers. If Brand is healthy - which ia a very big IF, it's a great deal for Philly. They get their own Big-3 now with AI-junior and Andre Miller and that should take them a long way in the LEast. Brand had to do a lot of rounds on the radio on the day of his signings to protect his image, but I think Dunleavy's version of the story is definitely more believable. The only interesting thing to me is, Brand was offered even more - 90 mill, by the Warriors and he seem to have picked the Sixers probably because he can have a bigger impact in the LEast. The Sixers-Clippers has become an amusing rivalry now.
In the NFL, it's all about Brett Favre. Dude is at it again with his un-retirement now after crying like a baby a few months back. He is losing a lot of respect and is really looking like a dim-witted guy. What's up with him talking to Greta Van Susteren? He was sitting with her and bashing the Packers GM. Totally unnecessary. I understand he is a little upset that the Packers don't want him back, but he is asking for an unconditional release. Of course they are not going to just release him. Why doesn't he ask the Packers GM to fire himself too while we are at it. They need to figure out a team and trade him. Thats the only end to this and Favre needs to understand that.
From Favre's perspective, I see it's simple. He is telling the Packers that you let me play or let me go. But they gotta trade him. They can't just release him and let him goto a division rival, which is apparently what Favre wants to do - join the Vikings. Favre should have announced he is coming back and let the Packers handle the tough part about what they do with him. Instead he is messing it up in the media. In some sense, he put the Packers in a tough spot by retiring (and crying) and the team probably made a while bunch of promises to Aaron Rodgers. Now they can't go back on all of it. So they seem to have decided to let him go and they will eventually trade him.
It's an entirely different question for the Packer fan as to whether they are better off with Favre or Rodgers. Even I am surprised the Packers are so committed to Rodgers. I would think they can do better with Favre this season given how good they were last season. But the Packers management seem to think this is the right time to turn the page. Thats their call and I don't agree with it and the Packer fan can disagree with that too. But the point is, Favre is still mismanaging his return. He is fast becoming the Roger Clemens of the MLB and thats not a good thing. He needs to shut up and let the chips fall where they may. Especially in the dog days of summer when ESPN is looking for stories and it's either Brett Favre or "another day in Michael Jordan's life".
The Packers need to take it easy too with their tampering charges against the Vikes. Apparently Favre made several calls to the Vikings using the Packers phone. Lets get all of this over with and move on. The NFL nation is Favred out.
"Very Ouch" for the Clippers! And Baron Davis too. They are back to being the Clippers. If Brand is healthy - which ia a very big IF, it's a great deal for Philly. They get their own Big-3 now with AI-junior and Andre Miller and that should take them a long way in the LEast. Brand had to do a lot of rounds on the radio on the day of his signings to protect his image, but I think Dunleavy's version of the story is definitely more believable. The only interesting thing to me is, Brand was offered even more - 90 mill, by the Warriors and he seem to have picked the Sixers probably because he can have a bigger impact in the LEast. The Sixers-Clippers has become an amusing rivalry now.
In the NFL, it's all about Brett Favre. Dude is at it again with his un-retirement now after crying like a baby a few months back. He is losing a lot of respect and is really looking like a dim-witted guy. What's up with him talking to Greta Van Susteren? He was sitting with her and bashing the Packers GM. Totally unnecessary. I understand he is a little upset that the Packers don't want him back, but he is asking for an unconditional release. Of course they are not going to just release him. Why doesn't he ask the Packers GM to fire himself too while we are at it. They need to figure out a team and trade him. Thats the only end to this and Favre needs to understand that.
From Favre's perspective, I see it's simple. He is telling the Packers that you let me play or let me go. But they gotta trade him. They can't just release him and let him goto a division rival, which is apparently what Favre wants to do - join the Vikings. Favre should have announced he is coming back and let the Packers handle the tough part about what they do with him. Instead he is messing it up in the media. In some sense, he put the Packers in a tough spot by retiring (and crying) and the team probably made a while bunch of promises to Aaron Rodgers. Now they can't go back on all of it. So they seem to have decided to let him go and they will eventually trade him.
It's an entirely different question for the Packer fan as to whether they are better off with Favre or Rodgers. Even I am surprised the Packers are so committed to Rodgers. I would think they can do better with Favre this season given how good they were last season. But the Packers management seem to think this is the right time to turn the page. Thats their call and I don't agree with it and the Packer fan can disagree with that too. But the point is, Favre is still mismanaging his return. He is fast becoming the Roger Clemens of the MLB and thats not a good thing. He needs to shut up and let the chips fall where they may. Especially in the dog days of summer when ESPN is looking for stories and it's either Brett Favre or "another day in Michael Jordan's life".
The Packers need to take it easy too with their tampering charges against the Vikes. Apparently Favre made several calls to the Vikings using the Packers phone. Lets get all of this over with and move on. The NFL nation is Favred out.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
MLB gets it right.
We had an interesting MLB all-star break last week. It was in some sense a changing of the guard with some fresh, new faces in the game. The old roiders are out and the new blood is in. Whether or not the new "blood" is squeaky clean, who knows, but at least it has a chance at being clean! The feel good story started on Monday with Josh Hamilton crushing the ball in the early rounds of the usually stupid home run derby. He hit a record 28 home runs and that from a guy who went from being a high draft-pick to a drug-junkie back to the All-Star game. Though he lost the derby to Justin Morneau, Josh was clearly the story of the week.
The game itself featured a lot of freshers like Hanley Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Kosuke Fukudome, Brian McCann, Edinson Volquez and Tim Lincecum (who didn't pitch) on the NL side and Josh Hamilton, Dioner Navarro, Ian Kinsler, Evan Longoria, Joe Saunders and Justin Duchscherer in the AL. Heck even Joe Buck didn't know some of these guys and he thought "Dukesher" was pronounced "Ducksher". Inexcusable, but goes to show you how new these guys were at the national stage.
The All-Star game on Tuesday was a 15-inning thriller and unlike the last time, brother Bud let this thing complete and did not stop it when the score was tied. Once again, not screwing up is usually a great win of MLB. People don't expect anything more from this league. Just don't screw up and stay out the way. AL won once again 4-3 and they get the home-field for the World Series. What kind of moron decides the home-field for their championship round on an All-Star game! Only in MLB and only under the stewardship of Brother Bud! I am just happy it's not decided based on the Spring Training record I guess.
The game itself featured a lot of freshers like Hanley Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Kosuke Fukudome, Brian McCann, Edinson Volquez and Tim Lincecum (who didn't pitch) on the NL side and Josh Hamilton, Dioner Navarro, Ian Kinsler, Evan Longoria, Joe Saunders and Justin Duchscherer in the AL. Heck even Joe Buck didn't know some of these guys and he thought "Dukesher" was pronounced "Ducksher". Inexcusable, but goes to show you how new these guys were at the national stage.
The All-Star game on Tuesday was a 15-inning thriller and unlike the last time, brother Bud let this thing complete and did not stop it when the score was tied. Once again, not screwing up is usually a great win of MLB. People don't expect anything more from this league. Just don't screw up and stay out the way. AL won once again 4-3 and they get the home-field for the World Series. What kind of moron decides the home-field for their championship round on an All-Star game! Only in MLB and only under the stewardship of Brother Bud! I am just happy it's not decided based on the Spring Training record I guess.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
MLB All-Star break
Its been an interesting MLB season so far. How else would you characterize a season in which the Devil Rays are leading the Yankees by 5.5 games at the break! The Rays - thats apparently their new name and I am sure some morons think they are winning only because they removed the "Devil" from their name, could have led the AL East if not for their 7 game losing streak going into the break. They turned over the lead to the Red Sox because of that.
The Yanks seem to be still playing decent ball amidst all the Madonna-A-Rod rumors and his divorce proceedings. Baseball seems to be least relevant topic when you talk about the Yankees these days. I hope the Rays hang in there and don't let these Devils from New York get back into the race. I am still far away from my dream of both the Yankees and the Red Sox missing the playoffs, but I never thought the Rays of all the teams would be my only hope for achieving at least 50% of that dream this season.
In the West, I am disappointed with both my NL and AL teams. The D-Backs, after a hot start, are slipping and are leading the division with a sub-500 record. It still looks and feels like it's their division to lose, but they should be running away with it by 15 games right now. Instead, they are leading Joe Torre's Dodgers by a game and even the Giants with one legitimate talent in the baby-faced Tim Licecum are just 7 games behind. This division has been real bad a couple of times over the last few years, but this was not supposed to happen this year with 2 playoffs teams returning from last year. Hope the D-Backs get it done in the second half. Right now the NL is all about the Cubs who are sending like 80 players to the all-star roster!
In AL, the A's are over-achieving, but are not able to keep up with the Angels. They are now 6 behind and Billy just traded Rich Harden. It looks like Billy desperately wants to make it tougher and tougher for his team to win and they still keep winning ! He keeps increasing the degree of difficulty with these "rebuilding" trades. But he always gets good players in return and the team keeps it interesting. They desperately need the new yard. They can't be in this eternal rebuilding mode, though half of MLB is in this state except for the wealthy few.
Anyways, now onto Chris Berman's annoying "back, back, back" squeals during the home run derby.
The Yanks seem to be still playing decent ball amidst all the Madonna-A-Rod rumors and his divorce proceedings. Baseball seems to be least relevant topic when you talk about the Yankees these days. I hope the Rays hang in there and don't let these Devils from New York get back into the race. I am still far away from my dream of both the Yankees and the Red Sox missing the playoffs, but I never thought the Rays of all the teams would be my only hope for achieving at least 50% of that dream this season.
In the West, I am disappointed with both my NL and AL teams. The D-Backs, after a hot start, are slipping and are leading the division with a sub-500 record. It still looks and feels like it's their division to lose, but they should be running away with it by 15 games right now. Instead, they are leading Joe Torre's Dodgers by a game and even the Giants with one legitimate talent in the baby-faced Tim Licecum are just 7 games behind. This division has been real bad a couple of times over the last few years, but this was not supposed to happen this year with 2 playoffs teams returning from last year. Hope the D-Backs get it done in the second half. Right now the NL is all about the Cubs who are sending like 80 players to the all-star roster!
In AL, the A's are over-achieving, but are not able to keep up with the Angels. They are now 6 behind and Billy just traded Rich Harden. It looks like Billy desperately wants to make it tougher and tougher for his team to win and they still keep winning ! He keeps increasing the degree of difficulty with these "rebuilding" trades. But he always gets good players in return and the team keeps it interesting. They desperately need the new yard. They can't be in this eternal rebuilding mode, though half of MLB is in this state except for the wealthy few.
Anyways, now onto Chris Berman's annoying "back, back, back" squeals during the home run derby.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Free agency is not that free after all
NBA free agency is in full spree. The official deals can start tomorrow, but a lot of players are already signed, sealed and delivered. The major shake-up started out West when Baron Davis opted out of the Warriors contract and had an under the table deal already signed with the paper-Clips. It was a shocker because it appeared like the West just got tougher with that deal. It appeared like the Clippers were all set for a playoff spot with Elton Brand being the other free agent (their own), they were supposed to lock up next.
The assumption going in to this off-season was that there was not enough money in the market for high-paid guys like Boom-Dizzle to opt out. In fact, Shawn Marion decided nor to opt-out a while back confirming that notion. But seems like the Clippers were willing to go the extra mile to get the home-town stud. The Warriors were a little pissed and they said we are going after Elton Brand to even the score with the clip-joint. There was also all kinds of noise about Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith and Corey Maggette. Finally the 76'ers get Brand and the Warriors supposedly get Maggette.
This means the Clippers are back to being the paper-clips. Baron is probably worried now. Without Brand, they are just Baron Davis, his 60 million bucks and a bunch of wannabes, The Sixers on the other hand are for real now. They made the playoffs last year in the LEast and now with Brand, their upside is huge. I love Andre Miller and with Iggy and Brand, they have their own big-3 of repute. Corey is a good pickup for the Warriors too. I am not sure if he can fill the shoes of Boom-Dizzle. Baron for all his faults, was still a true, talented PGs. There are not many guys like that in the league and the W's may realize it when they turnover the keys to their kingdom to Monta. He is awesome, but he is not a true PG. Similar issue with Corey. Good talent and a great scorer who also plays hard, but can't quite replace all that Baron brought to the table.
Overall I am happy the West didn't get too bad. As of today, both the Ws and the Clips have taken a small step backwards. In any case, another interesting off-season in the association. Is it me or is the NBA off-seaon really more interesting than the regular season? I know the hot-stove is pretty big in the MLB, but it's always the same 6 teams stealing talent from the other 20+ team. NFL is really not known for free-agency and trades though the draft is HUGE. So the NBA off-season is interesting and fun to follow with all the money changing hands. Or may be its just that America has lost so much interest in the NBA regular season that free agency feels like an upgrade!
The assumption going in to this off-season was that there was not enough money in the market for high-paid guys like Boom-Dizzle to opt out. In fact, Shawn Marion decided nor to opt-out a while back confirming that notion. But seems like the Clippers were willing to go the extra mile to get the home-town stud. The Warriors were a little pissed and they said we are going after Elton Brand to even the score with the clip-joint. There was also all kinds of noise about Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith and Corey Maggette. Finally the 76'ers get Brand and the Warriors supposedly get Maggette.
This means the Clippers are back to being the paper-clips. Baron is probably worried now. Without Brand, they are just Baron Davis, his 60 million bucks and a bunch of wannabes, The Sixers on the other hand are for real now. They made the playoffs last year in the LEast and now with Brand, their upside is huge. I love Andre Miller and with Iggy and Brand, they have their own big-3 of repute. Corey is a good pickup for the Warriors too. I am not sure if he can fill the shoes of Boom-Dizzle. Baron for all his faults, was still a true, talented PGs. There are not many guys like that in the league and the W's may realize it when they turnover the keys to their kingdom to Monta. He is awesome, but he is not a true PG. Similar issue with Corey. Good talent and a great scorer who also plays hard, but can't quite replace all that Baron brought to the table.
Overall I am happy the West didn't get too bad. As of today, both the Ws and the Clips have taken a small step backwards. In any case, another interesting off-season in the association. Is it me or is the NBA off-seaon really more interesting than the regular season? I know the hot-stove is pretty big in the MLB, but it's always the same 6 teams stealing talent from the other 20+ team. NFL is really not known for free-agency and trades though the draft is HUGE. So the NBA off-season is interesting and fun to follow with all the money changing hands. Or may be its just that America has lost so much interest in the NBA regular season that free agency feels like an upgrade!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
CC for sale
The Brewers of all the team are apparently close to acquiring C.C.Sabathia. I should say I am a little surprised as I was expecting the usual suspects to make a run at C.C. Also we are all used to seeing Brewers being sellers this time of the year rather than being buyers. Plus I was half expecting them to off-load Ben Sheets who is a free agent at the end of the season. Instead the Brewers acquired another big name pitcher who will be a free agent at the end of this season.
But I guess the Brewers are going for it this season. It's been a while since the Brew-crew went to the playoffs and I hear the expectations are rather high in Milwaukee after last season. After all, what else do the Milwaukee fans have to look forward to? Number 4 is too "favre" in the rear view mirror and the Bucks have no clue what they are doing. So the Brewers decide to go for it in the central with the Cubs just 3.5 games ahead of them and the Cards right there with the Brewers chasing the lovable losers.
The Brewers might now have 2 star pitchers walking away this off-season. They may be OK with it because they end up with draft picks which they have been doing a good job of converting in to good players. This is what Billy Beane has been doing for years in Oak-town. Acquire stars for the pennant chase. Let them walk at the end of the year and pick prospects for the future. Brewers are trying to perfect this and good luck to them. I seriously doubt if they'll pay both C.C and Ben next year.
As for Cleveland, I guess they are giving up on this hugely disappointing season. They are 14 games behind the White-Sox and 13 games behind the Twins. How can one division have 2 such disappointing teams? The Indians are making the Tigers look good by comparison.
But I guess the Brewers are going for it this season. It's been a while since the Brew-crew went to the playoffs and I hear the expectations are rather high in Milwaukee after last season. After all, what else do the Milwaukee fans have to look forward to? Number 4 is too "favre" in the rear view mirror and the Bucks have no clue what they are doing. So the Brewers decide to go for it in the central with the Cubs just 3.5 games ahead of them and the Cards right there with the Brewers chasing the lovable losers.
The Brewers might now have 2 star pitchers walking away this off-season. They may be OK with it because they end up with draft picks which they have been doing a good job of converting in to good players. This is what Billy Beane has been doing for years in Oak-town. Acquire stars for the pennant chase. Let them walk at the end of the year and pick prospects for the future. Brewers are trying to perfect this and good luck to them. I seriously doubt if they'll pay both C.C and Ben next year.
As for Cleveland, I guess they are giving up on this hugely disappointing season. They are 14 games behind the White-Sox and 13 games behind the Twins. How can one division have 2 such disappointing teams? The Indians are making the Tigers look good by comparison.
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