I've always been hot and cold with Bill Simmons. However he is a very witty writer and his column will be missed in ESPN The Magazine. Hopefully he still runs his ESPN Sports Guy site and his Podcasts: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=4343991
I have a big crush on Erin Andrews. That said, the recent video/pics that came out from peeping tom in a hotel are over the top, and disgusting. If something like this happened to a woman I care about, I would be going out of my mind. This was actually going to be a blog topic, but Will Leitch at Deadspin wrote a post that totally summed up my thoughts: http://deadspin.com/5319479/erin-andrews-and-guilt-imagined-and-otherwise
Well, I guess if you ask for it, you deserve it: http://www.break.com/index/tough-guy-gets-laid-out.html
Always good to make me laugh (even after the 100th viewing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vFVnTMwt3w
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mid-Week Round Up (Because there isn't much to talk about)
Quick random trivia question you can impress your friends with...
Q-There are only two days of the year when there are never any games in any of the four major sports (I am from Western New York so I still count the NHL). What are they?
A-The day before and the day after the MLB All-Star Game.
As Tom pointed out last week, the All-Star Game is fairly pointless, so it is quite a dry spell in the sports world. Anyway, here's some random thoughts on random events...
-On July 27, 1997, Dan Bobish submitted to Mark Kerr at UFC 14. The submission that Kerr applied was a "Chin To The Eye". Mixed Martial Arts has come a long way in the past twelve years, and the UFC celebrated UFC100 this past weekend (it was actually something like their 133rd event, but who's counting). Although the rules hae evolved drastically over time, actions like Brock Lesnar's (after beating Frank Mir to the point he looked like a bad guy from The Hills Have Eyes) will give its critics all the ammo they need to continue bash the sport. Dan Henderson punching an unconscious Michael Bisping probably won't help either. The UFC needs to institute a conduct policty that will hit these guys in the wallet for commiting actions dangerous to the sport. As a big UFC fan, I'd love to see the sport get increased coverage, not the side shows that come with it.
-The Home Run Derby took over three hours to complete last night. For something that is basically glorified batting practice, that is just an unbelievable amount of time to ask people to commit. I hope you're reading Bud Selig, because here is your quick and painless fix for this tradition:
-Best 6 competitors (instead of 4 from each league)
-Round 1: 15 Swings (combo your outs and HRs so the total=15)...top 2 advance
-Round 2: 10 Swings
-Ties are broken by the HR footage accumulated
BAM! Still a pretty boring event, but it is 1 1/2 hours of boredom, not 3. Consider that one a freebie, MLB!
-I am as interested as Brett Favre possibly coming back as I am in who Lindsay Lohan shares her sheets with. And to a degree he's just as much of a slut.
-Pedro Martinez agreed today to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. If a 37 year old Pedro (who hasn't been good or healthy in four years) is the answer, then you are asking the wrong questions. Of course, it won't matter after the Phils trade for Halladay in a week.
-The new gym I joined is twice as nice as my old one, has twice the machines, exponentially more hot girls, and so much male nudity in the locker room that I don't even want to use the sauna. I understand dudes aren't going to wear clothes in the shower, but are the two ounce boxer shorts really going to throw your weight off on the scale?
That's all for now,
Matt
Q-There are only two days of the year when there are never any games in any of the four major sports (I am from Western New York so I still count the NHL). What are they?
A-The day before and the day after the MLB All-Star Game.
As Tom pointed out last week, the All-Star Game is fairly pointless, so it is quite a dry spell in the sports world. Anyway, here's some random thoughts on random events...
-On July 27, 1997, Dan Bobish submitted to Mark Kerr at UFC 14. The submission that Kerr applied was a "Chin To The Eye". Mixed Martial Arts has come a long way in the past twelve years, and the UFC celebrated UFC100 this past weekend (it was actually something like their 133rd event, but who's counting). Although the rules hae evolved drastically over time, actions like Brock Lesnar's (after beating Frank Mir to the point he looked like a bad guy from The Hills Have Eyes) will give its critics all the ammo they need to continue bash the sport. Dan Henderson punching an unconscious Michael Bisping probably won't help either. The UFC needs to institute a conduct policty that will hit these guys in the wallet for commiting actions dangerous to the sport. As a big UFC fan, I'd love to see the sport get increased coverage, not the side shows that come with it.
-The Home Run Derby took over three hours to complete last night. For something that is basically glorified batting practice, that is just an unbelievable amount of time to ask people to commit. I hope you're reading Bud Selig, because here is your quick and painless fix for this tradition:
-Best 6 competitors (instead of 4 from each league)
-Round 1: 15 Swings (combo your outs and HRs so the total=15)...top 2 advance
-Round 2: 10 Swings
-Ties are broken by the HR footage accumulated
BAM! Still a pretty boring event, but it is 1 1/2 hours of boredom, not 3. Consider that one a freebie, MLB!
-I am as interested as Brett Favre possibly coming back as I am in who Lindsay Lohan shares her sheets with. And to a degree he's just as much of a slut.
-Pedro Martinez agreed today to a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. If a 37 year old Pedro (who hasn't been good or healthy in four years) is the answer, then you are asking the wrong questions. Of course, it won't matter after the Phils trade for Halladay in a week.
-The new gym I joined is twice as nice as my old one, has twice the machines, exponentially more hot girls, and so much male nudity in the locker room that I don't even want to use the sauna. I understand dudes aren't going to wear clothes in the shower, but are the two ounce boxer shorts really going to throw your weight off on the scale?
That's all for now,
Matt
Monday, July 6, 2009
Contributed By Tom - The All Star Game
The All Star Game. What are we as fans to make out of this self-congratulatory spectacle? They say that about 1% of high school baseball players play in college and a surprising 23% of those college players then get to play in the minor league system. 18% of those minor leaguers become one of the 1,200 players in major league baseball, of which 64 players a year will play in the All Star game. From this, we will also pick an All Star MVP.
By that description, this should be a pinnacle of human achievement. These All-Stars are the best of the smallest percentile of athletes that can play a game that we cherish. But yet, it isn’t. There are many hardcore baseball fans that will miss the All Star game in favor of a Kick-ball Flip Cup tournament or an early premiere of Harry Potter. No one told the celebrities this, because they will be out in full force with their “I-grew-up-loving-the-Cubs/Red Sox/Tigers-and-can’t-wait-for-their-first-touchdown” faces on. Yet Bud Selig had to put something on the line for the game to matter, otherwise players were going to half-ass it and fans were only going to flip to it during commercial breaks while watching House or The Real Desperate Housewives of New Jersey (dem some crazy bitches and if you don’t watch you are only cheating yourself).
Despite lower ratings, I think the NBA All Star game is much more fun to watch. I have a friend that plans to get together with his buddies from all over the East Coast every year specifically to watch all of the events, including the fluff of “100 Best Assists/In-bound Passes/Uncomfortable Trainer Leg Stretches.” It is basically just the best of the best having fun (see Home Run Derby).
It’s worth mentioning the Pro Bowl, which ironically enough has the most significance as far as being named to the team (how often do we hear “Five Time Pro Bowler”?) but least significant game. I refuse to watch the Pro Bowl until they make it two hand touch. At least then the players will feel they can be competitive. As it is right now you can almost see the linebackers whispering “sorry” as they gently tackle running backs.
At the end of the day, All Star games should be about the players having fun and working to one-up each other. You can’t tell a group of athletes that they were all selected for their individual achievement, and then ask them to play as a team. It is boring to watch…unless Piazza and Clemens are playing.
By that description, this should be a pinnacle of human achievement. These All-Stars are the best of the smallest percentile of athletes that can play a game that we cherish. But yet, it isn’t. There are many hardcore baseball fans that will miss the All Star game in favor of a Kick-ball Flip Cup tournament or an early premiere of Harry Potter. No one told the celebrities this, because they will be out in full force with their “I-grew-up-loving-the-Cubs/Red Sox/Tigers-and-can’t-wait-for-
Despite lower ratings, I think the NBA All Star game is much more fun to watch. I have a friend that plans to get together with his buddies from all over the East Coast every year specifically to watch all of the events, including the fluff of “100 Best Assists/In-bound Passes/Uncomfortable Trainer Leg Stretches.” It is basically just the best of the best having fun (see Home Run Derby).
It’s worth mentioning the Pro Bowl, which ironically enough has the most significance as far as being named to the team (how often do we hear “Five Time Pro Bowler”?) but least significant game. I refuse to watch the Pro Bowl until they make it two hand touch. At least then the players will feel they can be competitive. As it is right now you can almost see the linebackers whispering “sorry” as they gently tackle running backs.
At the end of the day, All Star games should be about the players having fun and working to one-up each other. You can’t tell a group of athletes that they were all selected for their individual achievement, and then ask them to play as a team. It is boring to watch…unless Piazza and Clemens are playing.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
MLB All-Star Ballot - NL Edition
I admittedly don't watch nearly as much NL baseball, but let's give this a shot:
1ST BASE - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Pujols is so much better than everyone else that this isn't even a discussion. Other guys have had nice years, but Pujols leads them all in every major stat category (including stolen bases!).
Next (way back) in line...Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder
Actual Leader in votes - Pujols
2ND BASE - Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
There is just about as clear of a case for Utley as for Pujols. I'd listen to an argument for Orlando Hudson, but then I'd promptly disagree with you.
Next in line...Orlando Hudson, Freddy Sanchez
Actual Leader in votes - Utley
3RD BASE - David Wright, New York Mets
This one was tough, but I think that Citi Field has sapped much of Wright's power. That said, he's still near the top of NL 3Bs in OPS, and has stolen 20 bases. The Mets are a mess, but it isn't Wright's problem.
Next in line...Pablo Sandoval, Ryan Zimmerman
Actual Leader in votes - Wright
SHORTSTOP - Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
Ramirez stinks in the field, but he makes up for it by being an offensive monster. He could play the field while drinking a beer in a lawn chair and still be the best SS in baseball.
Next in line...Miguel Tejada (quick note...Shortstops in baseball stink. Seriously, what happened? Back in the day there were 6 elite players at the position, now there's Hanley, big drop to Jeter/Tejada then it falls off a cliff. Don't give me Jason Bartlett either, he was a bag of crap until this year).
Actual Leader in votes - Ramirez
CATCHER - Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Whatever...the catching situation is worse than the shortstop situation. NL catchers are terrible, no ifs, ands or buts about it. Sandoval doesn't catch all that much, otherwise he runs away with this position.
Next in line...anyone, doesn't really matter
Actual Leader in votes - Molina
OUTFIELD - Brad Hawpe, Colorado Rockies; Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers; Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
OK, I know Carlos Beltran and Raul Ibanez should be on there, but they're on the DL and wouldn't play in the game anyway. So, these are the next three that you get. Overall though, Hawpe and Braun would give some really nice power to the middle of the lineup and Upton is a budding superstar.
Next in line...Matt Kemp, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn
Actual Leaders in votes - Ibanez, Braun, Beltran
STARTING PITCHER - Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Lincecum is flat out awesome. He's really fun to watch, and as long as his arm doesn't explode, will be playing in this game for a long time to come. Apologies to Dan Haren who has a better WHIP and BAA, but I just like watching Lincecum more than you.
Rest of the staff...Haren, Johnny Cueto, Yoveni Gallardo, Matt Cain, Josh Johnson, Heath Bell, Francisco Rodriguez, Jonathan Broxton, Francisco Cordero, Ryan Franklin, Trevor Hoffman
1ST BASE - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Pujols is so much better than everyone else that this isn't even a discussion. Other guys have had nice years, but Pujols leads them all in every major stat category (including stolen bases!).
Next (way back) in line...Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder
Actual Leader in votes - Pujols
2ND BASE - Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
There is just about as clear of a case for Utley as for Pujols. I'd listen to an argument for Orlando Hudson, but then I'd promptly disagree with you.
Next in line...Orlando Hudson, Freddy Sanchez
Actual Leader in votes - Utley
3RD BASE - David Wright, New York Mets
This one was tough, but I think that Citi Field has sapped much of Wright's power. That said, he's still near the top of NL 3Bs in OPS, and has stolen 20 bases. The Mets are a mess, but it isn't Wright's problem.
Next in line...Pablo Sandoval, Ryan Zimmerman
Actual Leader in votes - Wright
SHORTSTOP - Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
Ramirez stinks in the field, but he makes up for it by being an offensive monster. He could play the field while drinking a beer in a lawn chair and still be the best SS in baseball.
Next in line...Miguel Tejada (quick note...Shortstops in baseball stink. Seriously, what happened? Back in the day there were 6 elite players at the position, now there's Hanley, big drop to Jeter/Tejada then it falls off a cliff. Don't give me Jason Bartlett either, he was a bag of crap until this year).
Actual Leader in votes - Ramirez
CATCHER - Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Whatever...the catching situation is worse than the shortstop situation. NL catchers are terrible, no ifs, ands or buts about it. Sandoval doesn't catch all that much, otherwise he runs away with this position.
Next in line...anyone, doesn't really matter
Actual Leader in votes - Molina
OUTFIELD - Brad Hawpe, Colorado Rockies; Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers; Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
OK, I know Carlos Beltran and Raul Ibanez should be on there, but they're on the DL and wouldn't play in the game anyway. So, these are the next three that you get. Overall though, Hawpe and Braun would give some really nice power to the middle of the lineup and Upton is a budding superstar.
Next in line...Matt Kemp, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn
Actual Leaders in votes - Ibanez, Braun, Beltran
STARTING PITCHER - Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Lincecum is flat out awesome. He's really fun to watch, and as long as his arm doesn't explode, will be playing in this game for a long time to come. Apologies to Dan Haren who has a better WHIP and BAA, but I just like watching Lincecum more than you.
Rest of the staff...Haren, Johnny Cueto, Yoveni Gallardo, Matt Cain, Josh Johnson, Heath Bell, Francisco Rodriguez, Jonathan Broxton, Francisco Cordero, Ryan Franklin, Trevor Hoffman
MLB All-Star Ballot - AL Edition
In Major League Baseball (as with all other major sports) the fans get to vote on who starts in the Annual All-Star game. However, in MLB the fans vote actually matters because of the asinine policy to have the winner of the game decide home field advantage in the World Series (how about this Bud Selig; the league that wins the season series in interleague play gets home field advantage. If their happens to be a tie, it is decided by run differential...Problem solved). Considering the importance of the starters to the outcome of the game, and the importance of the game itself, please read the following so that you can vote wisely:
American League
1ST BASE - Kevin Youkillis, Boston Red Sox
That actually pained me to write, however Youk is leading AL first baseman in OBP and SLG, and also provides a solid glove. He can also play 3rd, and is the glue to the AL East leading Red Sox lineup.
Next in line...Justin Morneau, Mark Teixeira
Actual Leader in votes - Youkillis
2ND BASE - Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
This one really isn't all that close. Hill gets no love because he plays in Toronto, however he's at or near the top in most offensive stats, and is also a solid glove.
Next in line...Ben Zobrist
Actual Leader in votes - Near dead heat between Ian Kinsler and Dustin Pedroia (Attn: Kinsler has had a sub par year and is a butcher in the field. Pedroia is a singles hitter that hasn't exactly done wonders as a table setter).
3RD BASE - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria is the main power source behind the most potent offense in baseball. While he has been sub par in the field, he's still on the cusp of being one of the best players in the game. His stats took a bit of a dip due to an early injury
Next in line...Michael Young, Brandon Inge
Actual Leader in votes - Longoria
SHORTSTOP - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Remember when the AL used to be stacked with incredible short stops? Well, not the case anymore. Jeter pretty much gets this by default, however he does lead AL SS in OBP, SLG and SB (amongst Qualified Leaders). Shockingly, he's having a great season in the field and is at the stop in Zone Rating.
Next in line...Jason Bartlett, Alexei Ramirez
Actual Leader in votes - Jeter
CATCHER - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Outside of Mauer the catching situation in the AL is pretty awful as well (which will probably land Varitek in the mid summer classic again). This one is Mauer by as wide a margin as you can imagine.
Next in line...who cares
Actual Leader in votes - Mauer
OUTFIELD - Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners; Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays; Torii Hunter, Anaheim Angels
Not only would you have the best possible defensive outfield (Ichiro in right, Crawford left, Hunter center), but these three have been offensive monsters. Ichiro leads AL outfielders with a .368BA, Crawford already has 40 steals, and Hunter been outstanding at the plate and in the field.
Next in line...Adam Lind, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye
Actual Leaders in votes - Bay, Ichiro and Josh Hamilton (seriously?!?!? Josh Hamilton?)
STARTING PITCHER - Zack Grienke, Kansas City Royals
This one is as clear cut as Mauer's selection at catcher. No questions asked.
Rest of the staff...Roy Halladay, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Joe Nathan, Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon, George Sherrill, David Aardsma, Frank Francisco, Justin Verlander, Josh Beckett
American League
1ST BASE - Kevin Youkillis, Boston Red Sox
That actually pained me to write, however Youk is leading AL first baseman in OBP and SLG, and also provides a solid glove. He can also play 3rd, and is the glue to the AL East leading Red Sox lineup.
Next in line...Justin Morneau, Mark Teixeira
Actual Leader in votes - Youkillis
2ND BASE - Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
This one really isn't all that close. Hill gets no love because he plays in Toronto, however he's at or near the top in most offensive stats, and is also a solid glove.
Next in line...Ben Zobrist
Actual Leader in votes - Near dead heat between Ian Kinsler and Dustin Pedroia (Attn: Kinsler has had a sub par year and is a butcher in the field. Pedroia is a singles hitter that hasn't exactly done wonders as a table setter).
3RD BASE - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria is the main power source behind the most potent offense in baseball. While he has been sub par in the field, he's still on the cusp of being one of the best players in the game. His stats took a bit of a dip due to an early injury
Next in line...Michael Young, Brandon Inge
Actual Leader in votes - Longoria
SHORTSTOP - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Remember when the AL used to be stacked with incredible short stops? Well, not the case anymore. Jeter pretty much gets this by default, however he does lead AL SS in OBP, SLG and SB (amongst Qualified Leaders). Shockingly, he's having a great season in the field and is at the stop in Zone Rating.
Next in line...Jason Bartlett, Alexei Ramirez
Actual Leader in votes - Jeter
CATCHER - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Outside of Mauer the catching situation in the AL is pretty awful as well (which will probably land Varitek in the mid summer classic again). This one is Mauer by as wide a margin as you can imagine.
Next in line...who cares
Actual Leader in votes - Mauer
OUTFIELD - Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners; Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays; Torii Hunter, Anaheim Angels
Not only would you have the best possible defensive outfield (Ichiro in right, Crawford left, Hunter center), but these three have been offensive monsters. Ichiro leads AL outfielders with a .368BA, Crawford already has 40 steals, and Hunter been outstanding at the plate and in the field.
Next in line...Adam Lind, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye
Actual Leaders in votes - Bay, Ichiro and Josh Hamilton (seriously?!?!? Josh Hamilton?)
STARTING PITCHER - Zack Grienke, Kansas City Royals
This one is as clear cut as Mauer's selection at catcher. No questions asked.
Rest of the staff...Roy Halladay, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Joe Nathan, Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon, George Sherrill, David Aardsma, Frank Francisco, Justin Verlander, Josh Beckett
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