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Monday, September 17, 2007
Patriots Scam?
So if you haven't had enough SpyGate or CameraGate or whatever you want to call it, the SpotStarters are weighing in.
I had a hard time decided what I thought about this. There was no question they did it. The got an advantage via the technology they had to use against the Jets. Lots of people came out and said their legacy was completely tarnished. The punishment: about $750,000 and a first round draft pick. I have heard everything from too harsh to too easy and in between; I can conclude from this that it was a fair penalty.
Did the Patriots cheat? Yes.
Do I find this a huge deal? No.
Why?
I am one of those people that differentiates between types of cheating. In baseball, there is a difference between doing HGH and bringing a nail file to the mound with you. There is a difference between Bonds juicing and that foreign substance on Kenny Rogers' hand in the playoffs last year or Phile Niekro getting a little extra edge.
The Patriots admit to screwing up. They took their punishment like professionals. Then, they promptly went out and put up THE EXACT SAME STATISTICS against the Chargers! How exact?
Week 1:
Yard differential: +203
Offensive plays: 65
Opposing 3rd down conversions: 4-11
Final Score: 38-14
Week 2:
Yard differential: +206
Offensive plays: 65
Opposing 3rd down conversions: 4-11
Final Score: 38-14
The Chargers in week 2 are a FAR superior team to the Jets in week 1. The Patriots are a outstanding team with too much talent to get bogged down with this.
This is what I say. I think Blake can talk about pro football if it is on our blog. I'd like to hear what others think especially if they disagree. Bring it.
I had a hard time decided what I thought about this. There was no question they did it. The got an advantage via the technology they had to use against the Jets. Lots of people came out and said their legacy was completely tarnished. The punishment: about $750,000 and a first round draft pick. I have heard everything from too harsh to too easy and in between; I can conclude from this that it was a fair penalty.
Did the Patriots cheat? Yes.
Do I find this a huge deal? No.
Why?
I am one of those people that differentiates between types of cheating. In baseball, there is a difference between doing HGH and bringing a nail file to the mound with you. There is a difference between Bonds juicing and that foreign substance on Kenny Rogers' hand in the playoffs last year or Phile Niekro getting a little extra edge.
The Patriots admit to screwing up. They took their punishment like professionals. Then, they promptly went out and put up THE EXACT SAME STATISTICS against the Chargers! How exact?
Week 1:
Yard differential: +203
Offensive plays: 65
Opposing 3rd down conversions: 4-11
Final Score: 38-14
Week 2:
Yard differential: +206
Offensive plays: 65
Opposing 3rd down conversions: 4-11
Final Score: 38-14
The Chargers in week 2 are a FAR superior team to the Jets in week 1. The Patriots are a outstanding team with too much talent to get bogged down with this.
This is what I say. I think Blake can talk about pro football if it is on our blog. I'd like to hear what others think especially if they disagree. Bring it.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Jeter
After watching Derek Jeter's game winning home run tonight and getting a text from Rob that said "Jeter" I was reminded that I mentioned to Rob that if I were starting a team I could think of at least 6 shortstops I'd rather have on my team than Jeter. I'm gonna work on that and post it on Monday.
Jeter=Satan
Jeter=Satan
Friday, September 14, 2007
Big Night - Running Diary
A la Bill Simmons I will be keeping a running diary tonight during this huge night of baseball. The Yankees and Red Sox are playing on ESPN, the Tigers and Twins are on FSN, and the Indians-Royals score is refreshing itself on my computer screen, should be a good night. The Sox are up 2-0, the Tigers are up 1-0, and the Royals lead the Indians 3-1. Great start to the night. Rob is sending me rude text messages.
8:37- With runners on first and third with one out, Sean Casey grounds into an inning-ending double play. I swear, this guy is killing us, I don't care how nice he is to have in the clubhouse.
8:42- Posada crushes a double to CF, I bet Coco Crisp would have gotten to that ball. Matsui just misses a HR, 2-1 Red Sox. I think I just jinxed the entire evening.
8:44- Robertson strikes out Michael Cuddyer on a 2-2 pitch with a man on 2nd. If Nate can just be clutch for the next 5 weeks, I'll be ecstatic. He then walks the wimpy Jason Kubel to face former Tiger Rondell White who is about 8 years past his prime. If the Twins score here, this diary is done. Robertson promptly walks Rondell White, White is hitting .152 this season. The dangerous Nick Punto (.198) looms with the bases loaded and two out. Punto flies out to the warning track, too close for comfort.
8:52- Melky Cabrera grounds into a double play to end the Yankee threat. He looked safe, but that's what you get for sliding feet first into first base, what a goon. Meanwhile, Daisuke cannot throw strikes but has allowed only one run in 4 innings. (It should be noted that I am enjoying these games with no volume.)
8:57- Just noticed that CC Sabathia has 12 k's through 6 innings for the Indians, but they still trail 4-1.
9:00- Pettitte strikes out Julio Lugo and makes it look like he could do that every time they faced one another. Not pretty. 1st and 3rd with one out for Pedroia, sounds like runs to me. Ellsbury steals second, Jeter objects so Joe Torre sprints out to argue. Wow, he stole that even though they tried to pick him off and he really was safe, that's impressive. Jason Giambi's arm must have lost some strength without the aide of steroids. Pedroia lines one to center and two runs score, 4-1 Red Sox.
9:07- Mike Lowell hits one up the middle and another run scores, 5-1 Red Sox. Pettitte has thrown 90 pitches and has gotten 10 outs.
9:13- Pettitte throws 2 consecutive 3 ball strikes that should have been called balls. Gotta love the Yankees. I bet Pettitte gets this out now, the Yankees Gods will make it so. He gets it. What a bunch of crap, that inning could have been much worse for the Yankees.
9:18- I was seriously just writing "Robertson is facing Morneau right now and I just bet he gives up a home run" what that exact thing happened. Nate Robertson is lousy. He nearly gives up a homer on the next pitch to the next batter. I have zero faith in him. He was pretty clutch in the playoffs last year but he hasn't brought much of that magic this season.
9:21- Jeter strikes out looking on a nasty pitch and does the classy thing by complaining the umpire. The pitch was right down the middle. Just looked and saw that the Indians have closed the gap and now only trail 4-3. Things are not going as well as they were 10 minutes ago.
9:25- Bobby Abreau takes a walk (he's the Yankee that scares me the most, seriously) and he's on for A-Rod. More on this later, but I'd love to see A-Rod in a Tigers uniform next season. We'd treat him with the respect he hasn't gotten from the Yankee faithful. I have no problem giving him an 8 year deal worth $200 million. So, Mike Ilitch, if you're reading this, you have my permission. A-Rod, strikes out looking, does the same thing Jeter did, I'm sensing a pattern.
9:30- Tigers go quickly in the 5th. Sometimes I get the feeling that they are just trying to get games done as soon as possible. Tonight feels like one of those nights, not good.
9:43- Granderson leads off the 6th with a single, hopefully this will lead to some runs. It would be a shame for the Tigers to not make the playoffs when you consider that Polanco, Maggs, and Granderson are all having career years. I don't think it's fair to expect any of them to play this well next year so they'll need some other guys to step up. I remember at the beginning of the year that Granderson was considered okay, a solid regular, but he's really made the leap this year. He's up there with Carl Crawford and Grady Sizemore in my book.
9:52- Tigers have the bases loaded with two out and Pudge is up. The Indians have no tied the score in the 8th. A Tigers win tonight, coupled with a Yankee loss would make my Saturday very enjoyable. I love September baseball. I bet Pudge strikes out. Right after I wrote that, he took ball 3, full count, bases loaded, two outs. Pudge has fouled off three straight pitches, my nails have all been bitten off. Pudge draws a walk and my mood improves my 83%. Good times!
9:58- Yankees now have the bases loaded for Johnny Damon (garbage player). They yanked Daisuke and brought in the rugged, Mike Timlin. Damon hits a bouncer up the middle and everyone is safe. 5-2 Red Sox. Meanwhile in Minnesota, my favorite Tiger, Timo Perez singles to right and scores two runs for the Tigers. Perez is a lifetime .267 hitter and is hitting .407 (24-59) for the Tigers since his call up from Toledo.
10:06- Jeter strikes out with the bases loaded to end the inning for the Yankees. My heart smiles.
10:14- Casey Blake homers to left and the Indians win 5-4 over the Royals.
10:21- Jason Giambi is really struggling at first base. You really gotta wonder what the Yankees will do with him if they make the playoffs. Can you really have him out there then when the stakes are that high?
I'm gonna call it a night here and just watch the rest of these games tonight. This is what is great about September baseball though. Both of these games matter so much. Tonight the Yankees lead over the Tigers is 3.5 games, after tonight it could be 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5. Every inning is huge, every pitching change is huge. Just good times all around. I remember when I was like 19 I thought, all I want is for the Tigers to be "in it" in September, that's all. Sure, I'd like it if they made the playoffs, but the possibility of making it is almost as enjoyable.
8:37- With runners on first and third with one out, Sean Casey grounds into an inning-ending double play. I swear, this guy is killing us, I don't care how nice he is to have in the clubhouse.
8:42- Posada crushes a double to CF, I bet Coco Crisp would have gotten to that ball. Matsui just misses a HR, 2-1 Red Sox. I think I just jinxed the entire evening.
8:44- Robertson strikes out Michael Cuddyer on a 2-2 pitch with a man on 2nd. If Nate can just be clutch for the next 5 weeks, I'll be ecstatic. He then walks the wimpy Jason Kubel to face former Tiger Rondell White who is about 8 years past his prime. If the Twins score here, this diary is done. Robertson promptly walks Rondell White, White is hitting .152 this season. The dangerous Nick Punto (.198) looms with the bases loaded and two out. Punto flies out to the warning track, too close for comfort.
8:52- Melky Cabrera grounds into a double play to end the Yankee threat. He looked safe, but that's what you get for sliding feet first into first base, what a goon. Meanwhile, Daisuke cannot throw strikes but has allowed only one run in 4 innings. (It should be noted that I am enjoying these games with no volume.)
8:57- Just noticed that CC Sabathia has 12 k's through 6 innings for the Indians, but they still trail 4-1.
9:00- Pettitte strikes out Julio Lugo and makes it look like he could do that every time they faced one another. Not pretty. 1st and 3rd with one out for Pedroia, sounds like runs to me. Ellsbury steals second, Jeter objects so Joe Torre sprints out to argue. Wow, he stole that even though they tried to pick him off and he really was safe, that's impressive. Jason Giambi's arm must have lost some strength without the aide of steroids. Pedroia lines one to center and two runs score, 4-1 Red Sox.
9:07- Mike Lowell hits one up the middle and another run scores, 5-1 Red Sox. Pettitte has thrown 90 pitches and has gotten 10 outs.
9:13- Pettitte throws 2 consecutive 3 ball strikes that should have been called balls. Gotta love the Yankees. I bet Pettitte gets this out now, the Yankees Gods will make it so. He gets it. What a bunch of crap, that inning could have been much worse for the Yankees.
9:18- I was seriously just writing "Robertson is facing Morneau right now and I just bet he gives up a home run" what that exact thing happened. Nate Robertson is lousy. He nearly gives up a homer on the next pitch to the next batter. I have zero faith in him. He was pretty clutch in the playoffs last year but he hasn't brought much of that magic this season.
9:21- Jeter strikes out looking on a nasty pitch and does the classy thing by complaining the umpire. The pitch was right down the middle. Just looked and saw that the Indians have closed the gap and now only trail 4-3. Things are not going as well as they were 10 minutes ago.
9:25- Bobby Abreau takes a walk (he's the Yankee that scares me the most, seriously) and he's on for A-Rod. More on this later, but I'd love to see A-Rod in a Tigers uniform next season. We'd treat him with the respect he hasn't gotten from the Yankee faithful. I have no problem giving him an 8 year deal worth $200 million. So, Mike Ilitch, if you're reading this, you have my permission. A-Rod, strikes out looking, does the same thing Jeter did, I'm sensing a pattern.
9:30- Tigers go quickly in the 5th. Sometimes I get the feeling that they are just trying to get games done as soon as possible. Tonight feels like one of those nights, not good.
9:43- Granderson leads off the 6th with a single, hopefully this will lead to some runs. It would be a shame for the Tigers to not make the playoffs when you consider that Polanco, Maggs, and Granderson are all having career years. I don't think it's fair to expect any of them to play this well next year so they'll need some other guys to step up. I remember at the beginning of the year that Granderson was considered okay, a solid regular, but he's really made the leap this year. He's up there with Carl Crawford and Grady Sizemore in my book.
9:52- Tigers have the bases loaded with two out and Pudge is up. The Indians have no tied the score in the 8th. A Tigers win tonight, coupled with a Yankee loss would make my Saturday very enjoyable. I love September baseball. I bet Pudge strikes out. Right after I wrote that, he took ball 3, full count, bases loaded, two outs. Pudge has fouled off three straight pitches, my nails have all been bitten off. Pudge draws a walk and my mood improves my 83%. Good times!
9:58- Yankees now have the bases loaded for Johnny Damon (garbage player). They yanked Daisuke and brought in the rugged, Mike Timlin. Damon hits a bouncer up the middle and everyone is safe. 5-2 Red Sox. Meanwhile in Minnesota, my favorite Tiger, Timo Perez singles to right and scores two runs for the Tigers. Perez is a lifetime .267 hitter and is hitting .407 (24-59) for the Tigers since his call up from Toledo.
10:06- Jeter strikes out with the bases loaded to end the inning for the Yankees. My heart smiles.
10:14- Casey Blake homers to left and the Indians win 5-4 over the Royals.
10:21- Jason Giambi is really struggling at first base. You really gotta wonder what the Yankees will do with him if they make the playoffs. Can you really have him out there then when the stakes are that high?
I'm gonna call it a night here and just watch the rest of these games tonight. This is what is great about September baseball though. Both of these games matter so much. Tonight the Yankees lead over the Tigers is 3.5 games, after tonight it could be 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5. Every inning is huge, every pitching change is huge. Just good times all around. I remember when I was like 19 I thought, all I want is for the Tigers to be "in it" in September, that's all. Sure, I'd like it if they made the playoffs, but the possibility of making it is almost as enjoyable.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Baseball and Luck
Last year was a great year for Tiger fans, easily the best since 1984. I like to think back on last season, it makes me happy. Last fall was so great. Forward a year to the present and things aren't quite so cheery. The Tigers are trailing and not gaining any ground. With the exception of Monday nights win against the Mariners, they haven't been winning the games they need to win. The same can be said for a lot of other teams. If memory serves, here who was in the playoffs last season:
Tigers
If one were to take a look at the statistical leaders at any given time during the season, even the most knowledgable baseball fan would find someone in each top 10 list who they never have thought would be there. Obviously the guys on these lists are talented, they play baseball for a living, but every season there are a handful of guys who play way over their heads for the season and their team rides that to the playoffs. Here's a quick look at some of those players and how it has made their team improve:
3. Fausto Carmona (SP) Cleveland Indians: Carmona(right) is fourth in the AL with 16 wins. Last year Carmona had a record of 1-10 and blew saves at a comical rate. This year the Indians gave him a shot at the starting rotation and he has responded big time. He owns the Tigers like no one else and that sinker is said to be better than Chien-Ming Wang's. Not bad. Now the Indians are heading for the playoffs.
4.Dmitri Young (1B) Washington Nationals: When the season started writers around the baseball world had the Nationals pegged as one of the worst teams of all time. They were a team with very little young talent and the rest of the roster was filled with rejects from other teams (Dmitri Young and Ronni Belliard). Young, cut by the Tigers last fall is sixth in the NL in batting with a .327 average. Most know that Young can hit, but most figured he was washed up. The Nationals had nothing to lose and picked him up. Instead of losing 120 games the Nationals are 65-80.
Tigers
Twins
A's
Yankees
Mets
Cardinals
Padres
Dodgers
Of that list the Yankees, Mets, and Padres would be in if the playoffs started today, that means that five teams certainly fell short of expectations this season. How does that happen? Some of it has to do with the teams in their league improving. Some of it has to do with teams getting worse. Those are all easy things to take a look at if you just want to look at roster changes, but that really doesn't tell the whole story. What about luck?
Let's start with the Tigers. Last year the Tigers went 95-67. They entered spring training this year with the same starting lineup except they added Gary Sheffield to that mix and they started with the same group of pitchers with the addition of Jose Mesa. It would stand to reason that with the same club that won 95 games the year before and the addition of Sheffield that this team would be a lock for 95 wins again this season. The only way the Tigers get there this year is if they win their last 16 games of the regular season.
Last year the Tigers had very little problem with injuries. Polanco missed 50 games last season and fifth starter Mike Maroth was hurt. That was about it. This year Kenny Rogers has made only 8 starts all year (he won 17 games last year). Joel Zumaya was obviously lights out all year last year, this year he has played in only 22 games and his performance has declined due to injuries. Jeremy Bonderman is 11-9 with a 5.00 ERA this year and is done due to injuries after going 14-8 with a 4.00 ERA last year. Last year Brandon Inge and Craig Monroe combined to hit 55 HR, this year they combined to hit 25 before Monroe was traded.
Let's take a look at the Twins. The Twins are tough every single year. This season they brought back most of the same players and had some really good young players to add to the mix. The Twins won 96 games last year and this year they are 71-73 with no chance of making the playoffs. What happened there? Last year Joe Mauer hit .347 with 13 HR and 84RBI, this year Mauer is hitting .292 with 5HR and 53RBI. He has also missed 50 games. Last season Michael Cuddyer hit 24 HR with 109 RBI compare that with this seasons 13 HR and 73 RBI. Last season the Twins got 68 wins from their starting pitching, this season, 53.
The fact is that baseball has a lot to do with luck, both good and bad. Last season the Tigers had some amazing luck and it all happened at once. Brandon Inge and Craig Monroe played way above their heads. Those guys had no business combining for all of those homeruns, but they put it together last year. Joe Mauer is not going to flirt with .350 every season, he got hot at the right time last year and the Twins dominated.
The injury bug can also be filed under luck most of the time. Injuries avoided the Tigers last year, this year, not so much. Ditto for the Twins and the A's. That's baseball. I can't complain about bad luck with injuries and down year when that door swings both ways and can really help you out at some times.
If one were to take a look at the statistical leaders at any given time during the season, even the most knowledgable baseball fan would find someone in each top 10 list who they never have thought would be there. Obviously the guys on these lists are talented, they play baseball for a living, but every season there are a handful of guys who play way over their heads for the season and their team rides that to the playoffs. Here's a quick look at some of those players and how it has made their team improve:
1. Jorge Posada (C) NY Yankees: Posada is hitting .338 this season, good for fourth in the American League. Posada is a good player, he's been catching for the Yankees the past ten years and is consistently good. However, he is a career .277 hitter. His career high was .287 before this season. There is no explaination for why a .277 hitter just hits .338 for an entire season. Like I said, Posada is good, but even the most hardcore Yankee fan (Rob?) has to admit this is surprising. In a lineup with very few holes, to get all these extra hits from a .277 hitter has to have created a lot more runs for the pinstripes this year.
2. Carlos Pena (1B) Tampa Bay D'Rays: Pena is second in the American League with 39 homeruns. Last year Tampa Bay was awful. This year? They are awful again. The reason why this one is so important is that in the past two years, this guy has been property of the Tigers, the Red Sox and the Yankees. Go ahead and try to tell me either of those teams wouldn't want a lefty first baseman with 39 homeruns.
3. Fausto Carmona (SP) Cleveland Indians: Carmona(right) is fourth in the AL with 16 wins. Last year Carmona had a record of 1-10 and blew saves at a comical rate. This year the Indians gave him a shot at the starting rotation and he has responded big time. He owns the Tigers like no one else and that sinker is said to be better than Chien-Ming Wang's. Not bad. Now the Indians are heading for the playoffs.4.Dmitri Young (1B) Washington Nationals: When the season started writers around the baseball world had the Nationals pegged as one of the worst teams of all time. They were a team with very little young talent and the rest of the roster was filled with rejects from other teams (Dmitri Young and Ronni Belliard). Young, cut by the Tigers last fall is sixth in the NL in batting with a .327 average. Most know that Young can hit, but most figured he was washed up. The Nationals had nothing to lose and picked him up. Instead of losing 120 games the Nationals are 65-80.
5. Chris Young (OF) Arizona D'Backs and Ryan Braun (3B) Brewers: Both of these guys were big time prospects heading into the season. Very few expected them to be so good so soon. They are tied for fifth in the NL in HR with 30 each. It's no coincidence that they are both on 1st place teams.
This is what makes baseball so much fun. The season is so long, there can be so many ups and downs and much of it cannot be explained by anything other than luck.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Desperation Bowl
I was at work today thinking about something everyone could weigh in on. In this would-be epic match up, everyone must have an opinion. If you are maize and blue, thru and thru, you are praying for the first win of the year. If you worship TD Jesus, you hope Chuck starts winning otherwise your school over paid for a clone of Ty. If you are an MSU/Wis/OSU/PSU fan, you are wallowing in the sorrow of your enemy...however, you need to be careful because if you get beat by the team that got beat by Appalachia St., what does that make you?
So here we go, a break down of the match of ND vs. UM. ESPN calls it the Pillow Fight of the Year. I call it the "Desperation Bowl". We'll break down QB's, WR's, Offense, Secondary, Front 7, Defense and Coaching.
QB: If you were naming the game after the QB's it would be the baby bowl. Neither has experience any kind of success yet. Ryan Mallet has a stronger arm than Clausen, but has been a dismal 6 of 17 with no TDs and an INT. Clausen has been no better, 21 for 38. Clausen was a more highly rated coming out of HS, but has the pressure. At this point, there is very little pressure on Mallet. However, I know for a fact that Clausen got a 67 on a Social Psyc. paper in the semester he was enrolled early at ND. He's an idiot. Advantage: Mallet and UM.
WR: There is no comparison here. Manningham and Arrington, plus Hart out of the backfield give Mallet a zillion targets. Compare this to ND's top three received this year: Robby Parris, David Grimes, and Armando Allen. Yes, Larry, Curly, and Moe. These guys are the best the Irish can offer...3 years of TOTAL experience prior to the beginning of the season. TO make matters worse, combine their career totals for receptions in their college football careers: 50. Advantage: Super Mario and Um...by a landslide.
Offense: Even without Henne, UM has a line and Mike Hart. Clausen has no protection, no running back, and no receivers. This is a confidence builder for the Wolverine D. Advantage: UM.
Secondary: Michigan's already exposed secondary was hurt by the departure of Leon Hall. Not to mention Senior Brandon Englemon is not playing like a senior and Morgan Trent is just not that skilled. If they read this, my apologies. ND returns boxer/playboy Tom Zbikowski anchors a decent secondary. Advantage: ND.
Front 7: The loss of 7 defenders to the NFL hurts any D. David Harris and Co gave Brady a fit last year. Shawn Crable and Terrance Taylor should have their way with those skinning Irish boys. Advantage: UM.
Defense: Michigan.
Coaching: A good solid argument either way on this could sell me. I think Carr can't adjust to anything. He wrote one game plan for his interview at UM and then never changed it for ANY TEAM. Off tackle left. Off Tackle right. Get a lead, sit on it. One the flip side Charlie Weis is about the most overrated, over hyped coach I have EVER heard of. Not to mention his record is almost identical to Willingham's at this point. However, he can adjust. Advantage: ND.
I will be watching the game of course. Hopefully, it sends Michigan into a series of victories.
So here we go, a break down of the match of ND vs. UM. ESPN calls it the Pillow Fight of the Year. I call it the "Desperation Bowl". We'll break down QB's, WR's, Offense, Secondary, Front 7, Defense and Coaching.
QB: If you were naming the game after the QB's it would be the baby bowl. Neither has experience any kind of success yet. Ryan Mallet has a stronger arm than Clausen, but has been a dismal 6 of 17 with no TDs and an INT. Clausen has been no better, 21 for 38. Clausen was a more highly rated coming out of HS, but has the pressure. At this point, there is very little pressure on Mallet. However, I know for a fact that Clausen got a 67 on a Social Psyc. paper in the semester he was enrolled early at ND. He's an idiot. Advantage: Mallet and UM.
WR: There is no comparison here. Manningham and Arrington, plus Hart out of the backfield give Mallet a zillion targets. Compare this to ND's top three received this year: Robby Parris, David Grimes, and Armando Allen. Yes, Larry, Curly, and Moe. These guys are the best the Irish can offer...3 years of TOTAL experience prior to the beginning of the season. TO make matters worse, combine their career totals for receptions in their college football careers: 50. Advantage: Super Mario and Um...by a landslide.
Offense: Even without Henne, UM has a line and Mike Hart. Clausen has no protection, no running back, and no receivers. This is a confidence builder for the Wolverine D. Advantage: UM.
Secondary: Michigan's already exposed secondary was hurt by the departure of Leon Hall. Not to mention Senior Brandon Englemon is not playing like a senior and Morgan Trent is just not that skilled. If they read this, my apologies. ND returns boxer/playboy Tom Zbikowski anchors a decent secondary. Advantage: ND.
Front 7: The loss of 7 defenders to the NFL hurts any D. David Harris and Co gave Brady a fit last year. Shawn Crable and Terrance Taylor should have their way with those skinning Irish boys. Advantage: UM.
Defense: Michigan.
Coaching: A good solid argument either way on this could sell me. I think Carr can't adjust to anything. He wrote one game plan for his interview at UM and then never changed it for ANY TEAM. Off tackle left. Off Tackle right. Get a lead, sit on it. One the flip side Charlie Weis is about the most overrated, over hyped coach I have EVER heard of. Not to mention his record is almost identical to Willingham's at this point. However, he can adjust. Advantage: ND.
I will be watching the game of course. Hopefully, it sends Michigan into a series of victories.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ugh, Steroids
There have been three more names mentioned in the list of guys who have taken performance enhancing drugs, Troy Glaus, Jay Gibbons, Rick Ankiel. This is bad news for baseball. These aren't just minor league guys they can slap a suspension on and no one cares, these are pretty high profile guys.
Jay Gibbons had a couple of big years for the Orioles a few years back and his power has clearly diminished. According to the report, Gibbons received shipments of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) among other things from 2003-2005. Gibbons had his best season in 2003 with 23 HR and 100RBI. Gibbons is the smallest fish in this pond.
Troy Glaus (right) was the MVP of the 2002 World Series and has been a serious power threat the past decade. Glaus, according to this same report had steroids shipped to him in the mail from 2003-2004. Glaus is currently being paid around $12 million a year by the Blue Jays, this investment is blowing up in their faces. All Glaus has had to say to defend himself so far is "No Comment". Not exactly the words of an innocent man.
Rick Ankiel was posted about a week or so ago on this very blog, a really great "feel good" story. Ankiel battled back from all kinds of problems to explode onto the scene this year with some great power numbers, now word is coming out that he took HGH. Ankiel has at least attempted to explain himself. He said, in so many words, that everything he took was prescribed by a doctor and that he did nothing that violated the rules of Major League Baseball. This can include HGH since it was not made illegal by MLB until 2005.
The really troubling part here is that the only way to find out if a player is injecting HGH is by testing their blood, something MLB does not do to its players EVER. You've got to think that at some point the Players Union is going to have to let MLB test their blood to help save the game. However, it isn't know that MLB has even asked to test players blood yet, if this is the case, MLB hasn't gotten the point yet. If baseball continues to ignore this problem and players continue to perform under this huge cloud of suspicion, it will sink the game eventually. Hopefully, as more names come to the forefront, MLB and the players union can take some strides in the right direction.
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