Monday, December 22, 2008
Highlight Reel
Here's another link I had to post. This may be the most gruesome injury of all I've seen. Strangely though, the guy didn't seem to react that much, just kind of held his leg dangling around for all to see.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Furcal back with the Braves?
As reported nearly everywhere else, Rafael Furcal is close to signing with the Braves as a free agent. The offer is reportedly lower than one made by the A's and perhaps other teams. Assuming it happens, I definitely think it's a good move by the Braves. Of course, only if there are other moves coming as I assume there must be. It seems to me they must now move Yunel Escobar, who would likely have more trade value but who never really seemed to fit in with the Braves. Maybe I 'm wrong, but my guess is Escobar wasn't quite the same teammate that Furcal was. He always appeared to be a little aloof and maybe too flashy. That doesn't fit with the Braves style under Bobby Cox. There's really not much evidence to support this, other than the Braves not making the playoffs the last two years.
In any event, I can't see Furcal and Escobar both remaining on the team. They still need another starting pitcher and more power in the outfield. Maybe there's a deal for Grienke from KC, Ryan Ludwick from the Cardinals, or some surprise deal no one has thought about. Escobar would probably be the centerpiece of either one of those deals. Plus, the contemplated trade with San Diego probably gave Escobar the impression the Braves wanted to move him. He's definitely talented, and will probably have a long career, but I think right now he's most valuable to the Braves as trade bait.
In any event, I can't see Furcal and Escobar both remaining on the team. They still need another starting pitcher and more power in the outfield. Maybe there's a deal for Grienke from KC, Ryan Ludwick from the Cardinals, or some surprise deal no one has thought about. Escobar would probably be the centerpiece of either one of those deals. Plus, the contemplated trade with San Diego probably gave Escobar the impression the Braves wanted to move him. He's definitely talented, and will probably have a long career, but I think right now he's most valuable to the Braves as trade bait.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Highlight Reel
And, for those who passed on watching the unwatchable Heisman Trophy presentation, we all apparently missed Billy Sims being a little too loud upon Sam Bradford's introduction. Wonder if it had anything to do with imbibing a bit beforehand? According to Wikipedia, he did the same thing for Jason White in '03. There's reason enough to root for another OU winner. Link
Highlight Reel
If you haven't seen it yet, you've got check out this video of "Cowboy Chris" heckling Ed Werder of ESPN while he's preparing to go on air. Apparently, some in Big D don't believe Werder has accurately reported the story regarding any dissension among the team. Link
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why the hate for Lou Holtz?
For some reason, a lot of bloggers out there criticize Lou Holtz and attack him personally at times. I actually like watching the guy and think he's pretty entertaining. Sure, he's a little crazy at times, but he's also an old school college football coach and I think they're probably all going to be crazy. And sure, he's a homer for Notre Dame and South Carolina, but can you blame the guy for pulling for his old teams and hoping they do well? Anyway, here's a vid from over the weekend that is pretty funny. It provides a good chance for some to mock ol' Lou but personally I think it's great to see a TV analyst being honest about how he feels.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Judging the Ryder Cup picks.
Paul Azinger just announced his four Ryder Cup picks for this year. His selections were Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker, Chad Campbell, and J.B. Holmes. Overall, no big surprises since there really just wasn't anybody else that really made a strong case to be on the team. My thoughts on each of the players:
Stricker - Hard to pass on Steve Stricker, he was ninth in final standings, just one spot away from making it on points. He was the most obvious pick, and probably would have been seen as a slight if he hadn't been picked. He's generally known as a solid ball striker and very good putter. No part of his game really stands out as spectacular, and really hasn't done anything great lately to show he's got a lot of momentum. In addition, he's always been known as a guy who doesn't like the spotlight and naturally a pretty quiet person. While this normally may be just fine for a golfer, it is the one thing that suggests he's not cut out to be a great Ryder Cupper.
Mahan - For the last couple of years, seen as a great young talent who has perhaps underachieved. He may actually be great for this format, as his game is a little rough around the edges when it comes to scoring in tournaments, but there is no doubt he can make birdies and will not back down from the challenge. He just recently gave an interview in which he came across as less than enamored with the event, due to all it's obligations and time required. So long as he doesn't actually let his feelings about the event affect his play, he should be a good addition to the team.
J.B. Holmes - Again, not really a surprise, he had a pretty good showing at the PGA Championship that likely impressed Captain Azinger. He's a super long hitter and should be able to make a lot of birdies. Kenny Perry has already expressed a desire to play with him, and others likely will as well, since playing a drive 50 yards ahead of what you're used to would be fun.
Chad Campbell - He's been on the last two teams, so Azinger was probably glad to have the chance to get a little more experience on the team. He has fallen off a bit in his results the last two years, but every now and then he pops on the radar to show his game hasn't completely gone away. I expect a guy like this to do well. He may have been the one surprise in the selections, but it's hard to say it's not deserved. He's a well-liked, easy-going guy who should contribute to the team.
Overall, Azinger did the best he could with these picks. There just hasn't been anyone who really jumped out and made a great case for being on the team. The other players I thought had a chance were Bubba Watson, Sean O'hair, and D.J. Trahan, who didn't help his case by shooting an 80 in the final round this past weekend. The other two guys just hadn't shown enough results either, although a pick wouldn't have been totally undeserved.
In the end, I believe the leadership of Azinger helps these guys upset Captain Faldo's team. For some reason, Faldo seems to be a little more detached from his team. Maybe he's such a big name that there team gets away from the underdog role that has done them well in the past.
Stricker - Hard to pass on Steve Stricker, he was ninth in final standings, just one spot away from making it on points. He was the most obvious pick, and probably would have been seen as a slight if he hadn't been picked. He's generally known as a solid ball striker and very good putter. No part of his game really stands out as spectacular, and really hasn't done anything great lately to show he's got a lot of momentum. In addition, he's always been known as a guy who doesn't like the spotlight and naturally a pretty quiet person. While this normally may be just fine for a golfer, it is the one thing that suggests he's not cut out to be a great Ryder Cupper.
Mahan - For the last couple of years, seen as a great young talent who has perhaps underachieved. He may actually be great for this format, as his game is a little rough around the edges when it comes to scoring in tournaments, but there is no doubt he can make birdies and will not back down from the challenge. He just recently gave an interview in which he came across as less than enamored with the event, due to all it's obligations and time required. So long as he doesn't actually let his feelings about the event affect his play, he should be a good addition to the team.
J.B. Holmes - Again, not really a surprise, he had a pretty good showing at the PGA Championship that likely impressed Captain Azinger. He's a super long hitter and should be able to make a lot of birdies. Kenny Perry has already expressed a desire to play with him, and others likely will as well, since playing a drive 50 yards ahead of what you're used to would be fun.
Chad Campbell - He's been on the last two teams, so Azinger was probably glad to have the chance to get a little more experience on the team. He has fallen off a bit in his results the last two years, but every now and then he pops on the radar to show his game hasn't completely gone away. I expect a guy like this to do well. He may have been the one surprise in the selections, but it's hard to say it's not deserved. He's a well-liked, easy-going guy who should contribute to the team.
Overall, Azinger did the best he could with these picks. There just hasn't been anyone who really jumped out and made a great case for being on the team. The other players I thought had a chance were Bubba Watson, Sean O'hair, and D.J. Trahan, who didn't help his case by shooting an 80 in the final round this past weekend. The other two guys just hadn't shown enough results either, although a pick wouldn't have been totally undeserved.
In the end, I believe the leadership of Azinger helps these guys upset Captain Faldo's team. For some reason, Faldo seems to be a little more detached from his team. Maybe he's such a big name that there team gets away from the underdog role that has done them well in the past.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Why the LPGA language requirement makes sense.
By now, we've all heard about the LPGA announcing a new rule requiring all its players to become fluent, or at least attempt to, in English. The reasoning behind the move is simply a financial one. The LPGA is an American tour. Prize money comes primarily from U.S. based businesses and other various sponsors. In exchange for the money put into the tournaments, of course the sponsors seek something in return. Usually, this is the cooperation of players in playing in pro-ams with the sponsors and their guests, and often actual marketing efforts by the players. Seems reasonable, right? Just a simple matter of marketing, where all those involved see a benefit.
Now, as those who follow the sport closely probably already know, the LPGA has recently seen a huge increase in foreign players, and in particular South Koreans. This is perfectly fine and good for the game on an international basis. What isn't good for the game is when so many foreigners bring down the tour because they don't do enough or aren't able to promote it due to their inability to speak English.
A quick check of the LPGA website shows that there are 121 active International LPGA players from 26 different countries, and of those, 45 are from South Korea. Of course, not all of the South Koreans can't speak English, but many don't, or at least not well enough to use it in interviews and speaking with pro-am partners. A closer look at money list shows that, by my calculations, there are 9 U.S. players, and 11 South Korean players, in the top 30 on the LPGA tour. Obviously, this is a tour that is heavily International in its makeup.
All the stats aside, it is apparent that the new rule being instituted by the LPGA is for the good of the game. The sport is dependent on its sponsors, and the sponsors in turn expect a return on their investment. While it's not a reflection on the South Koreans as individuals, reality is they can't effectively market the tour since many of them cannot speak English fluently. The LPGA has a responsibility, not only to the decision-makers, but to its players as well, to ensure the purses offered at the tournaments are as high as possible. There's a reason the foreign players come to the U.S. to play, the money. But in exchange for the chance to play for the big prize money offered here, it's only fair to expect the players to cooperate and just learn the language.
Now, as those who follow the sport closely probably already know, the LPGA has recently seen a huge increase in foreign players, and in particular South Koreans. This is perfectly fine and good for the game on an international basis. What isn't good for the game is when so many foreigners bring down the tour because they don't do enough or aren't able to promote it due to their inability to speak English.
A quick check of the LPGA website shows that there are 121 active International LPGA players from 26 different countries, and of those, 45 are from South Korea. Of course, not all of the South Koreans can't speak English, but many don't, or at least not well enough to use it in interviews and speaking with pro-am partners. A closer look at money list shows that, by my calculations, there are 9 U.S. players, and 11 South Korean players, in the top 30 on the LPGA tour. Obviously, this is a tour that is heavily International in its makeup.
All the stats aside, it is apparent that the new rule being instituted by the LPGA is for the good of the game. The sport is dependent on its sponsors, and the sponsors in turn expect a return on their investment. While it's not a reflection on the South Koreans as individuals, reality is they can't effectively market the tour since many of them cannot speak English fluently. The LPGA has a responsibility, not only to the decision-makers, but to its players as well, to ensure the purses offered at the tournaments are as high as possible. There's a reason the foreign players come to the U.S. to play, the money. But in exchange for the chance to play for the big prize money offered here, it's only fair to expect the players to cooperate and just learn the language.
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