Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Cubbies Striking Out
by George
Greetings from most beautiful Florida.
Just a quick follow-up to my recent rant about how my firepower we gave up with the loss of Aramis and Carlos.
I referred to the first base position as tba. Today on the Cub website they are projecting the triple A phenom, Bryan LaHair, as the next Hee Sop Choi (my quintessential choice for the failed phenom prototype).
Let's take a look at the numbers. Granted, a short season-end stint for the Cubs might be a bit misleading, but numbers are numbers.
LaHair had 59 at bats including two home runs and 18 K's with the big-league club. Let's project. A full season is around 600 at bats. So we can times his 2011 numbers by 10 and we get 20 home runs and 180 strikeouts.
To put that in perspective...the three Cubs last year who struck out seemingly every other turn at bat were Soriano, Soto and Pena...they respectively struck out 113, 124, and 161 times. Let me be honest. I am a lifelong Cub fan and there is nothing that I hope for more than this projection is going to be ridiculed next October.
But, for now, the numbers are the numbers. Til next time HEY HEY!!!!
Greetings from most beautiful Florida.
Just a quick follow-up to my recent rant about how my firepower we gave up with the loss of Aramis and Carlos.
I referred to the first base position as tba. Today on the Cub website they are projecting the triple A phenom, Bryan LaHair, as the next Hee Sop Choi (my quintessential choice for the failed phenom prototype). Let's take a look at the numbers. Granted, a short season-end stint for the Cubs might be a bit misleading, but numbers are numbers.
LaHair had 59 at bats including two home runs and 18 K's with the big-league club. Let's project. A full season is around 600 at bats. So we can times his 2011 numbers by 10 and we get 20 home runs and 180 strikeouts.
To put that in perspective...the three Cubs last year who struck out seemingly every other turn at bat were Soriano, Soto and Pena...they respectively struck out 113, 124, and 161 times. Let me be honest. I am a lifelong Cub fan and there is nothing that I hope for more than this projection is going to be ridiculed next October.
But, for now, the numbers are the numbers. Til next time HEY HEY!!!!
Dunn Nothin'
by Ken Kay
We all know Adam Dunn was horrible last year. Even Dunn knows it. For a guy who brags about not picking up a bat during the offseason and "just goes with it" when spring training starts, last year put him at the top of the list of disappointments right next to Alex Rios and Jake Peavy.
So this year will be different, right?
According to several recent interviews, Dunn claims he's picking up the bat and practicing a little more than he usually does. .
Something that made me mad this morning was the fact he hasn't been in contact with the new hitting coach, Jeff Manto. You'd think for a guy who was projected to put up 40 home-runs and ended up with 11 would want to start working with or at least talk to the new hitting coach.
I guess I'm just fired up because of the Prince Fielder news. The Sox have to see this beast 19 games a year for the next nine years. Pitchers fear this man but laugh when they see Dunn step into the box.
Good for Detroit. Spending money on a young power hitter who's known for his great work ethic (take notes Dunn). Detroit is spending money and the Sox are trying to cut payroll. The Tigers will probably be the favorite to win the division for at least the next four to five years unless Dunn, Rios and Peavy start to play to their potential and stay healthy.
All I'm asking for is Dunn to prove us all wrong. But, even if he increases his numbers by 50%, that's still not good enough.
2011 - HRs 11 RBIs 42 Avg. 159
We all know Adam Dunn was horrible last year. Even Dunn knows it. For a guy who brags about not picking up a bat during the offseason and "just goes with it" when spring training starts, last year put him at the top of the list of disappointments right next to Alex Rios and Jake Peavy.
So this year will be different, right?
According to several recent interviews, Dunn claims he's picking up the bat and practicing a little more than he usually does. .
Something that made me mad this morning was the fact he hasn't been in contact with the new hitting coach, Jeff Manto. You'd think for a guy who was projected to put up 40 home-runs and ended up with 11 would want to start working with or at least talk to the new hitting coach.
I guess I'm just fired up because of the Prince Fielder news. The Sox have to see this beast 19 games a year for the next nine years. Pitchers fear this man but laugh when they see Dunn step into the box.
Good for Detroit. Spending money on a young power hitter who's known for his great work ethic (take notes Dunn). Detroit is spending money and the Sox are trying to cut payroll. The Tigers will probably be the favorite to win the division for at least the next four to five years unless Dunn, Rios and Peavy start to play to their potential and stay healthy.
All I'm asking for is Dunn to prove us all wrong. But, even if he increases his numbers by 50%, that's still not good enough.
2011 - HRs 11 RBIs 42 Avg. 159
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Cubs Talk
by George
Hello again Cub fans.
Adios to Carlos Pena. Let's do the math.
We jettison 54 home runs and 173 ribbies (Aramis and Carlos) for a guy who in 122 at bats had ZERO home runs and 6, count them, 6 rbi's and a TBA at first base.
Where is Hee Sop Choi when you need him? As a lifelong Cub fan I need both hands, both feet, and some additional body parts to count the number of "can't miss prospects" that have come and gone over the many years.
I hope the prospects the official cub website are bragging about bring a little more to the table than Choi, and so many others, did. If I sound a little negative, it's because I prefer to be realistic and not always listen to the propaganda being fed to us on a daily basis.
This is a story about what I am talking about...realism over fantasy. In 1966 my brother, best friend, and myself drove to see the Cubs at Crosley Field in Cincy. sidenote...have seen games at crosley, riverfront and great american in the river city.
Anyway, the Cubs were mediocre, I think it was Leo's first year, and the game we were watching was close into the late innings. We had two women Cub fans sitting in front of us that were in the "fantasy" category. A Cub could do no wrong, under any circumstances.
So Lee Thomas, our first baseman, perhaps the slowest runner in baseball at the time, singles to lead off the eighth and immediately gets picked off. The three of us go ballistic for such utter stupidity and then the two women turn to us and begin to lecture us that...believe me, this is what they said...this was our strategy, that Leo had ordered Thomas to get picked off. And they were 100% serious.
They said that we didn't know anything about baseball and this set off my brother, a big bs artist, even to this day. He immediately told the two that I, his older brother, was here from Lodi, Ca, and the Cubs rookie league for a weekend visit. I don't remember all the details, but he convinced them that I was but a year or two away from Wrigley Field.
Two things. Leo never ordered any of his players to get picked off and I never made it to Wrigley Field. So, you can be a Cub fan and not believe the fantasy that your cub hero struck out on purpose, got picked off on purpose, or blew an easy save on purpose for some greater cause. They just failed that day...the very thing that makes baseball the greatest game of them all. Till next time...HEY HEY!!!!!
Hello again Cub fans.
Adios to Carlos Pena. Let's do the math.
We jettison 54 home runs and 173 ribbies (Aramis and Carlos) for a guy who in 122 at bats had ZERO home runs and 6, count them, 6 rbi's and a TBA at first base.
Where is Hee Sop Choi when you need him? As a lifelong Cub fan I need both hands, both feet, and some additional body parts to count the number of "can't miss prospects" that have come and gone over the many years.
I hope the prospects the official cub website are bragging about bring a little more to the table than Choi, and so many others, did. If I sound a little negative, it's because I prefer to be realistic and not always listen to the propaganda being fed to us on a daily basis.
This is a story about what I am talking about...realism over fantasy. In 1966 my brother, best friend, and myself drove to see the Cubs at Crosley Field in Cincy. sidenote...have seen games at crosley, riverfront and great american in the river city.
Anyway, the Cubs were mediocre, I think it was Leo's first year, and the game we were watching was close into the late innings. We had two women Cub fans sitting in front of us that were in the "fantasy" category. A Cub could do no wrong, under any circumstances.
So Lee Thomas, our first baseman, perhaps the slowest runner in baseball at the time, singles to lead off the eighth and immediately gets picked off. The three of us go ballistic for such utter stupidity and then the two women turn to us and begin to lecture us that...believe me, this is what they said...this was our strategy, that Leo had ordered Thomas to get picked off. And they were 100% serious.
They said that we didn't know anything about baseball and this set off my brother, a big bs artist, even to this day. He immediately told the two that I, his older brother, was here from Lodi, Ca, and the Cubs rookie league for a weekend visit. I don't remember all the details, but he convinced them that I was but a year or two away from Wrigley Field.
Two things. Leo never ordered any of his players to get picked off and I never made it to Wrigley Field. So, you can be a Cub fan and not believe the fantasy that your cub hero struck out on purpose, got picked off on purpose, or blew an easy save on purpose for some greater cause. They just failed that day...the very thing that makes baseball the greatest game of them all. Till next time...HEY HEY!!!!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Super Bowl Predictions. Again.
Well, we were both wrong about the the Saints winning it all this year so we're gonna give it another go.
Pat - "NY vs. NE, rematch"
Ken - "SF vs. NE, I'm on the 49ers bandwagon now"
Pat - "NY vs. NE, rematch"
Ken - "SF vs. NE, I'm on the 49ers bandwagon now"
Pat Is In Nashville
Pat sent me a few picks that I forgot to upload. He's taking a road trip to Nashville this weekend to watch the Hawks take on the Predators.
More pics to come...
More pics to come...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
South Side Slaughter
by Patrick Ronald
This is totally not sports related, but it's something I find absolutely disturbing and wrong.
I heard about the seven teenagers who jumped the Asian teenager on my way to work this morning.
The 'fight' happened in Chicago's South Side Bridgeport neighborhood.
Listen, I'm born and raised in south suburban Oak Forest, but I find it disgusting these types of idiots can bring a bad name to our city.
I'm no saint, but I'm no thug either.
It's cowardly to the worst degree for these seven chumps to jump one guy in the South Side alley.
What makes matters worse is the dumbasses video recorded the jumping and posted it on YouTube.
Serves you right. Even kids from the suburbs know that you don't commit crimes in front of cameras and then post them on the Internet.
Good riddance dummies.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
For Cubs Insight, We Have George!
by George
Greetings. A new voice emerges. Hopefully a voice that will enhance the message of Field O'Teams. My name is George Chicvara, 64 years old, born and raised on Chicago's great south side, and currently semi-retired in south Florida. I've been asked to add a CUBS viewpoint to this site, but have been assured that I can go anywhere I want, so that's what I intend to do.
I've got to start with the Cubs though. Do the math. I was born in 1947. So that means that I am but one of the many thousands, perhaps millions, of Cub fans that have never seen the Lovable Losers in the World Series. Enough said about that.
So here's my first observation. A little odd perhaps but this is something I just find simply ridiculous. As I go forward with this site I will have plenty to say about baseball parks. I am a huge baseball fan and have seen games in virtually every ballpark, but let's start with the Florida/now Miami Marlins. They open their new stadium this year. Their old park, Sunlight aka the home of the football Dolphins was one of the worse, if not, the worst baseball parks ever. One good thing. When I went to see the Cubs last year you could buy your way in with a 12 dollar bleacher seat and then easily migrate to a box seat.
Anyway, the new park is reputed to be state of the art. But I am seriously considering a boycott of the Cub visit in April because, believe it or not, the Cubs are designated as a "Premium" game. The Cubs were 20 games under .500 last season. This year's team is projected to be no better, probably worse. That's how they designate a "Premium" game? That's like designating the horse piss they call Budweiser a "Premium" beer. Splain that to me Lucy! Well it's easy to splain. The Cubs travel well...maybe the best road draw in all of baseball. So Cub fans pay the premium price, even when they have a so-so product.
So I'm seriously considering a boycott, watch the games on TV, and save the money for Blackhawk tickets when they come here to play the Panthers. I did see the Hawks win here earlier this year, but, unfortunately they only visit once a year.
So that's my first rant. When the Cubs roll into town with a bonafide pennant contender I'll feel justified in paying the premium freight. Till next time......HEY HEY!!
Greetings. A new voice emerges. Hopefully a voice that will enhance the message of Field O'Teams. My name is George Chicvara, 64 years old, born and raised on Chicago's great south side, and currently semi-retired in south Florida. I've been asked to add a CUBS viewpoint to this site, but have been assured that I can go anywhere I want, so that's what I intend to do.
I've got to start with the Cubs though. Do the math. I was born in 1947. So that means that I am but one of the many thousands, perhaps millions, of Cub fans that have never seen the Lovable Losers in the World Series. Enough said about that.
So here's my first observation. A little odd perhaps but this is something I just find simply ridiculous. As I go forward with this site I will have plenty to say about baseball parks. I am a huge baseball fan and have seen games in virtually every ballpark, but let's start with the Florida/now Miami Marlins. They open their new stadium this year. Their old park, Sunlight aka the home of the football Dolphins was one of the worse, if not, the worst baseball parks ever. One good thing. When I went to see the Cubs last year you could buy your way in with a 12 dollar bleacher seat and then easily migrate to a box seat.
Anyway, the new park is reputed to be state of the art. But I am seriously considering a boycott of the Cub visit in April because, believe it or not, the Cubs are designated as a "Premium" game. The Cubs were 20 games under .500 last season. This year's team is projected to be no better, probably worse. That's how they designate a "Premium" game? That's like designating the horse piss they call Budweiser a "Premium" beer. Splain that to me Lucy! Well it's easy to splain. The Cubs travel well...maybe the best road draw in all of baseball. So Cub fans pay the premium price, even when they have a so-so product.
So I'm seriously considering a boycott, watch the games on TV, and save the money for Blackhawk tickets when they come here to play the Panthers. I did see the Hawks win here earlier this year, but, unfortunately they only visit once a year.
So that's my first rant. When the Cubs roll into town with a bonafide pennant contender I'll feel justified in paying the premium freight. Till next time......HEY HEY!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Pat's Picks
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New Orleans 32
San Francisco 36
Something is telling me to choose San Francisco. The league has become an offensive masterpiece, but it doesn't mean defensive teams can't disrupt passers and runners alike.
Ken doesn't think a defensive team can stand up to a gun slinger like Drew Brees. I think anything is possible if the game plans are ran to perfection.
San Francisco is the NFL's fourth best defense. New Orleans is the NFL's BEST offense. Something has got to give.
I did pick New Orleans to win the Super Bowl, but I don't like a turf team in a windy, cool, damp climate, which is played on real grass in front of 70,000 hungry fans.
These fans, who used to be spoiled with Joe Montana, Steve Young and Super Bowl Championships, haven't hosted a playoff game in years
Alex Smith is not going to outplay Drew Brees. He doesn't need to. He needs to find a way to put up 24 points.
I wouldn't put any money on this one because New Orleans 'should win,' but I'm rolling with my hunch. I still like New Orleans if they win tonight. I just think this is San Francisco's day to boast.
49ers - 24 Saints - 21
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Denver 10
New England 45
Not only does God himself love Tim Tebow, but ESPN does, as well. In addition to that God must hate common society for making all of us listen to this Tebow Mania bullshit.
The Denver Tebows are going up against the dominate New England Patriots. Tom Brady and company can score points. They were second in the league in total yards (6848) and third in points per game (32.1) and although New England's defense has struggled all year and is near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed.
Denver has given up 5725 yards this season, which ranks 20th overall. Tom Brady will march up and down the field with ease.
The road stops here 'Teblow' and God can't help you when you're going up against a model quarterback with great hair like Brady.
Patriots - 38 Broncos - 17
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Texans 13
Ravens 20
Houston has a good defense, but Baltimore is 'quietly' AWESOME.
Houston allowed the second least total yard this season with only 4,571 and Baltimore was ranked third. This will be an good defensive and rushing battle. I expect both offenses to heavily feature running backs Ray Rice and Arian Foster.
The Ravens are undefeated this season against playoff teams, 6-0, and 9-0 this season when scoring first.
This will be a fantastic game. The defensive ends for Baltimore will contain Arian Foster to the inside, while Ray Lewis will bring the heart big time because his clock is realistically ticking. Ray Rice will have the game of his career.
I heard Anquan Boldin will be back tonight too. Get ready for a fantastic rushing game for both teams.
Ravens will win 'easily' since they've been here before. Texans had a great season and will only grow from this playoff experience. Hats off to them.
Ravens - 31 Texans - 17
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Giants 37
Packers 20
All Bears fans are Giants fans this weekend.
The Giants front four will give Aaron Rodgers fits on Sunday. The banged up Packers offensive line will not be handle the Giants pressure. Rodgers is undeniably great, but the defending Super Bowl Champion quarterback's run will hopefully come to an end.
Remember, Eli Manning is a Manning and he has a ring of his own. If they rush the ball like they did against Atlanta and Hakeem Nicks plays like a man possessed, then they will stand tall against a weak Green Bay defense.
The front four will be the deciding factor in this game. I'm looking for Notre Dame's Justin Tuck to have a big game.
Prepare for another good one.
Giants - 28 Packers - 17
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New Orleans 32
San Francisco 36
Something is telling me to choose San Francisco. The league has become an offensive masterpiece, but it doesn't mean defensive teams can't disrupt passers and runners alike.
Ken doesn't think a defensive team can stand up to a gun slinger like Drew Brees. I think anything is possible if the game plans are ran to perfection.
San Francisco is the NFL's fourth best defense. New Orleans is the NFL's BEST offense. Something has got to give.
I did pick New Orleans to win the Super Bowl, but I don't like a turf team in a windy, cool, damp climate, which is played on real grass in front of 70,000 hungry fans.
These fans, who used to be spoiled with Joe Montana, Steve Young and Super Bowl Championships, haven't hosted a playoff game in years
Alex Smith is not going to outplay Drew Brees. He doesn't need to. He needs to find a way to put up 24 points.
I wouldn't put any money on this one because New Orleans 'should win,' but I'm rolling with my hunch. I still like New Orleans if they win tonight. I just think this is San Francisco's day to boast.
49ers - 24 Saints - 21
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Denver 10
New England 45
Not only does God himself love Tim Tebow, but ESPN does, as well. In addition to that God must hate common society for making all of us listen to this Tebow Mania bullshit.
The Denver Tebows are going up against the dominate New England Patriots. Tom Brady and company can score points. They were second in the league in total yards (6848) and third in points per game (32.1) and although New England's defense has struggled all year and is near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed.
Denver has given up 5725 yards this season, which ranks 20th overall. Tom Brady will march up and down the field with ease.
The road stops here 'Teblow' and God can't help you when you're going up against a model quarterback with great hair like Brady.
Patriots - 38 Broncos - 17
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Texans 13
Ravens 20
Houston has a good defense, but Baltimore is 'quietly' AWESOME.
Houston allowed the second least total yard this season with only 4,571 and Baltimore was ranked third. This will be an good defensive and rushing battle. I expect both offenses to heavily feature running backs Ray Rice and Arian Foster.
The Ravens are undefeated this season against playoff teams, 6-0, and 9-0 this season when scoring first.
This will be a fantastic game. The defensive ends for Baltimore will contain Arian Foster to the inside, while Ray Lewis will bring the heart big time because his clock is realistically ticking. Ray Rice will have the game of his career.
I heard Anquan Boldin will be back tonight too. Get ready for a fantastic rushing game for both teams.
Ravens will win 'easily' since they've been here before. Texans had a great season and will only grow from this playoff experience. Hats off to them.
Ravens - 31 Texans - 17
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Giants 37
Packers 20
All Bears fans are Giants fans this weekend.
The Giants front four will give Aaron Rodgers fits on Sunday. The banged up Packers offensive line will not be handle the Giants pressure. Rodgers is undeniably great, but the defending Super Bowl Champion quarterback's run will hopefully come to an end.
Remember, Eli Manning is a Manning and he has a ring of his own. If they rush the ball like they did against Atlanta and Hakeem Nicks plays like a man possessed, then they will stand tall against a weak Green Bay defense.
The front four will be the deciding factor in this game. I'm looking for Notre Dame's Justin Tuck to have a big game.
Prepare for another good one.
Giants - 28 Packers - 17
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Bulls Recap
by Patrick Ronald
Look. I love Derrick Rose just as much as the next man, but I don’t think he should have been playing so much Friday night in Boston.
His injured toe is not that serious and the kid is a true baller. He doesn’t want to sit out. Basketball is his life.
Even after two days of rest we go into Boston with Rose still ‘hurt.’
He’s obviously not hurt enough to not play, but with Watson out, Coach Tom Thibodeau should still use John Lucas III wisely. Bulls were up huge and I laughed, and when the Celtics chipped away at the lead I slowly got upset.
When up 19 points at halftime. Rose, who played 39 minutes, should be sitting and resting. I am fully aware that a great JLIII is not comparable to an injured DRose, but when a Boston team begins to slowly climb back into the game I bring Rose back in the game.
Rose played phenomenal ending the game with 25 points and seven assists. He hit big three after big three and an amazing lay up against Boston’s big men. Twelve of his points were scored in the fourth quarter.
He has to be in the game for the Bulls to win.
JLIII, who only played eight minutes last night, played well enough against Washington to be able to run the point for 6-8 minutes in the third
Radio prima donna’s criticized JLIII on Thursday for taking 28 shots against the Wizards. Forget them.
When your best player gets a night off and you pull out a victory even if it is against the Wizards – it’s a good thing.
JLIII stepped up big.
Boston eventually clawed back into the game – even with Rose in the game. They got within a single point, but was pushed away by a strong Bulls revival.
The Bulls won by nine, but I didn’t like the substitutions coach was making.
Let the backups play a little bit more since you got guys on the bench that can A) ball with any team in the league and B) have big balls and aren’t scared to give it their all.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Orel Hershiser Tebowed Over 20 Years Ago!
by Ken Kay
I knew it! Thanks to Yahoo! Sports I finally found some proof to show you all that Tim Tebow was not the first person in sports history to bend a knee and bow his head during a sporting event. Thank you Orel Hershiser!
I knew it! Thanks to Yahoo! Sports I finally found some proof to show you all that Tim Tebow was not the first person in sports history to bend a knee and bow his head during a sporting event. Thank you Orel Hershiser!
"I Love You Sarah"
Shoot The Puck contestant Greg, from Lemont, IL, tells Comcast Sports Net reporter Sarah Kustok that he's in love with her. Awkward!
I don't blame the guy for trying to put the moves on a lady at center ice.
And who could forget the time when a drunk Joe Namath said to Suzy Kolber "I wanna kiss you". @ about the :50 mark.
I don't blame the guy for trying to put the moves on a lady at center ice.
And who could forget the time when a drunk Joe Namath said to Suzy Kolber "I wanna kiss you". @ about the :50 mark.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
"A Fan Is A Season Ticket Holder" - Shahid Khan
by Ken Kay
Rule number one when taking over a struggling NFL franchise - Don't Piss Off The Fans!
Maybe somebody should have mentioned this to the new Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan because he seems to be lacking common sense.
 |
| photo from foxsports.com |
"I think I can clarify at this point for me a fan is somebody who is a season ticket holder fan for the Jaguars," said Khan.
Let me get this straight. I'm not a fan of any of the teams I talk and write about on a regular basis because I don't have season tickets? Really? Really Shahid?
Well let me tell you something. I consider myself a huge fan of all of the teams I SUPPORT. Yes, support. Just because I'm not at every single home game or buying season tickets and selling them for a profit doesn't mean I'm not a fan. I still wear their jerseys, hoodies, and shirts. I still purchase SINGLE GAME TICKETS and I watch the games on the TV and internet. And I also know enough about my teams to hold a conversation with another FAN.
Just because the fans don't have season tickets doesn't mean their not supporting (spending money) their team!
If you ask anyone, any fan around, they'd tell you the same thing. All of that qualifies me as a fan and you have no right to tell anyone "who the real fans are".
I consider some of the greatest fans the people who scream at the TV's in the local bars and the ones who sit in the nosebleeds.
Real dumb move on your part, especially for a team that's struggling to get people into the gates. I'm sure you've won over lots of new fans, especially the ones who can't fit season tickets into their budget during this economy.
Next time do yourself a favor and think before you speak. Or don't speak at all you jackwagon!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Does Defense Win Championships?
by Ken Kay
I've been asking myself this question for the past few weeks now. Can an NFL team win a championship in today's era with a "great" defense when going up against a "great" offense?
As many of us noticed, the top three offenses' in the league this year (Saints, Patriots, and Packers) are all at the bottom of the list when it comes to defense. The numbers are there, it's a fact.
The new mentality seems to be 'It doesn't matter if we don't have a defense, we're going to torch you with our offense'.
The factors which made past defenses "great" were tough guys, intimidation, and 'I don't care attitudes'. Today's NFL doesn't let that happen. Defensive players are forced to play by a new set of rules and this makes way for NFL offenses to dominate. Many of the "tough guys" in the NFL are being made examples of every week and being forced to slow down their game. I'm all for safety, I get it, I'm just sayin'.
There's been so many offensive records broken in the past few years and it's all because of the NFL's new shift to maximize explosive offenses. I'm convinced we will never see a defense like the '85 Bears ever again and it's not because the players of today aren't as good, it's because the NFL wont let it happen.
Now I know there are still three of the top five defensive teams alive in the playoffs - 49ers, Ravens, and Texans. But I'm anxious to see what happens in the coming weeks and who will be playing in the Super Bowl. If it's a top ranked offense taking on a top ranked defense, I'd put my money on the offense.
Point being, I highly doubt we'll ever see less than six points scored in a future Super Bowl, but we'll see 70.
I've been asking myself this question for the past few weeks now. Can an NFL team win a championship in today's era with a "great" defense when going up against a "great" offense?
As many of us noticed, the top three offenses' in the league this year (Saints, Patriots, and Packers) are all at the bottom of the list when it comes to defense. The numbers are there, it's a fact.
The new mentality seems to be 'It doesn't matter if we don't have a defense, we're going to torch you with our offense'.
The factors which made past defenses "great" were tough guys, intimidation, and 'I don't care attitudes'. Today's NFL doesn't let that happen. Defensive players are forced to play by a new set of rules and this makes way for NFL offenses to dominate. Many of the "tough guys" in the NFL are being made examples of every week and being forced to slow down their game. I'm all for safety, I get it, I'm just sayin'.
There's been so many offensive records broken in the past few years and it's all because of the NFL's new shift to maximize explosive offenses. I'm convinced we will never see a defense like the '85 Bears ever again and it's not because the players of today aren't as good, it's because the NFL wont let it happen.
Now I know there are still three of the top five defensive teams alive in the playoffs - 49ers, Ravens, and Texans. But I'm anxious to see what happens in the coming weeks and who will be playing in the Super Bowl. If it's a top ranked offense taking on a top ranked defense, I'd put my money on the offense.
Point being, I highly doubt we'll ever see less than six points scored in a future Super Bowl, but we'll see 70.
The Madhouse on Madison
by Patrick Ronald
This season is already proving to be a big one for both teams that call the United Center home.
The Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season and have proved to be a NBA powerhouse, while getting out of the gates quick with a 9-2 record. They are expected to make another big playoff push.
The Blackhawks brought home Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2010 and has proven to be a solid, young team to be reckoned with this season. With 55 points, the Hawks would currently be a #4 seed with a lot of season yet to play. Both teams have called the United Center home since 1994 and although both teams made the playoffs last season, speculation provides a hunch that they will share the ice and hardwood deep into both respective playoffs.
However, even though the United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, is still labeled the ‘Madhouse on Madison,’ Chicago sports old timer’s would say the new arena holds nothing on the legendary Chicago Stadium, which stood at 1800 W. Madison.
Chicago Stadium, which was labeled the ‘Madhouse on Madison,’ opened in March 1929.
The close-quartered, triple-tiered, boxy stadium earned the nickname due to the 3,663-pipe Barton organ, which was played during hockey games.
The Hawks called the madhouse home from 1929 – 1994 and the Bulls moved in 1967.
Upon completion in 1929, Chicago Stadium was the largest indoor arena in the world and sat 17,317 for Hawks games and 18,676 for Bulls games when the doors closed in 1994.
“I can feel the broadcast booth shaking,” said Dan Kelly, CBS announcer reported after a Blackhawks empty-net goal in game 7 on the 1971 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the New York Rangers. “That’s the kind of place Chicago Stadium is right now.”
And for the record young-Hawks fans – when you cheer and the place goes nuts for Jim Cornelison’s fantastic National Anthem – this is nothing new.
It became traditional for Hawk fans to cheer loudly throughout the singing of the national anthems, especially when sung by Chicago favorite Wayne Messmer.
Legend has it that the most memorable of these was the singing before the 1991 NHL All-Star Game, which took place during the Gulf War. The Bulls and Hawks both reached the finals of their respective leagues in 1992.
The Bulls beat the Portland Trailblazers, while winning the second of their three-straight championships, and the Blackhawks were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
While the old-timer’s fondly remember the historic Chicago Stadium, the United Center is already home to four championship trophies.
And, with leaders, such as, Derrick Rose and Jonathan Toews the United Center will live up to high expectations and deliver more fun and madness than ever, especially this season.
Let’s Go Bulls!!! Let’s Go Hawks!!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Wild Card Weekend
Texans top Bengals, 31-10
Saints dismantle Lions, 45-28
Giants dominate Falcons, 24-2
Broncos stun Steelers, 29-23
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Chips in the Middle
by Patrick Ronald
It’s nearly impossible to win a poker game when you’re steady catching low, unconnected, unsuited cards.
Needless to say – last night wasn’t the best night I ever had, but it certainly gets a bit worse. I haven’t seen a Bulls game in a few days since I’ve been working the night shift the past few weeks and since I had to play poker in a TVless basement I missed another.
But, when you finally get the numbers you expect from Carlos ‘BoozeBag’ Boozer and ‘Hot Sauce’ Kyle Korver this team is hands down, absolutely unstoppable.
It’s nearly impossible to win a poker game when you’re steady catching low, unconnected, unsuited cards.
Especially if other players are catching boats, flushes and high pocket pairs.
You can be as patient as you want when you have no luck, but eventually the blinds are going to deteriorate your stack.
But, oh well, you win some and you lose some. That’s just the harsh fact and the way the game is played. Sometimes you go home with fat pockets and other times you simply donate to the charity case.
Needless to say – last night wasn’t the best night I ever had, but it certainly gets a bit worse. I haven’t seen a Bulls game in a few days since I’ve been working the night shift the past few weeks and since I had to play poker in a TVless basement I missed another. However, we all have iPhones and we kept tabs on the updates. I like what I was hearing and I like the highlights I saw later into the night.
The Bulls won their sixth straight game against a decent Orlando Magic team in the Sunshine State.
I’ve said it before – we all know what you’re going to get out of DRose, who almost had a triple double, and Luol Deng, so 21 apiece is definitely not a surprise. It’s expected.
But, when you finally get the numbers you expect from Carlos ‘BoozeBag’ Boozer and ‘Hot Sauce’ Kyle Korver this team is hands down, absolutely unstoppable. ‘BoozeBag’ had 20 points and 13 boards. Now those are legitimate big-man numbers. Big ups to him.
‘Hot Sauce’ had 18 off the bench including 5-7 from three and three steals. Who taught this guy how to play defense? I’m digging it.
Joakim Noah and Ronnie Brewer didn’t do much STATISTICALLY, but when Korver steps like he did and Taj Gibson can contribute with seven points and five boards, it’s not the end of the world.
"They just play hard," Orlando superstar Dwight Howard said of the Bulls. "Everybody did what they have to do. Guys came off the bench. They know what they had to do in the game.”
The Bulls fixed their turnover problem by only committing 12 Friday. They shot 57 percent from three, 77 percent from free throws and 44 percent from the field.
They outrebounded, outassissted, forced more steals and won my favorite stat, fast break points, against Orlando.
"Anything to win," Rose said. "That was the whole mindset. Just try to get out aggressive. Try to get guys going early. That was the whole game plan."
Like I said I did not see much of the game, but if the final statistics indicate anything - they simply prove that Chicago outplayed a decent Orlando Magic team in every aspect of the game.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
American Goalkeeper Tim Howard Scores From 100 Yards Out
Too cool not to post. Goalie Tim Howard scores from 100 yards out and doesn't celebrate because he "felt bad".
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
They're Capa-BULL
by Patrick Ronald
Any time an Eastern Conference contender like the extremely athletic Atlanta Hawks come to town – it’s a big deal.
Especially when it's a team you knocked out of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
It’s an even bigger deal to be outplayed for three quarters of the game and find a way to steal a win down the stretch.
They showed up to the United Center with the same intentions for last year’s number one seed, but they simply ran out of gas late in the game.
Any time an Eastern Conference contender like the extremely athletic Atlanta Hawks come to town – it’s a big deal.
Especially when it's a team you knocked out of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
It’s an even bigger deal to be outplayed for three quarters of the game and find a way to steal a win down the stretch.
The Bulls biggest lead of the game was two points. It doesn’t matter as long as its at the final buzzer.
"We played a low energy game. (Atlanta) played great and we caught a break (because) this was the second night for them in a back to back,” head coach Tim Thibodeau said Tuesday night.
Atlanta beat Miami, who was the East’s number two seed last year, at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
They showed up to the United Center with the same intentions for last year’s number one seed, but they simply ran out of gas late in the game. So, the Bulls stole one from a tired team, and with games being bunched together as crazy as they will be this year, don’t be surprised if many teams throughout the league pull similar feats and run out of gas late in games.
I’m sure it will happen to Chicago once, but I won’t expect it to become a bad habit.
It comes down to heart, dedication and everyone on the squad knowing their roles. This is why we will have another exciting playoff push.
Bulls were down 12 at halftime – with only 26 points. They were down by 19 at one point in the third and entered the fourth quarter down 16.
Then ‘The Homegrown Rose’ came through with 17 of his 30 points in the fourth. He ended with seven assists.
Luol Deng scored a game-winning layup with 3.7 seconds left in regulation on a play they practice everyday. Ironically the play is designed for Rose, but since Rose was double covered Joakim Noah called an audible and found another worthy receiver.
Both teams shot poorly from the field, but the stats that stood out were the free throw numbers and fast break points.
Atlanta missed 11 of 25 free throws and only had six fast break points.
Chicago missed only six of 26 free throws and had 18 fast break points.
Every player on the Bulls knows their role and that is the most impressive aspect of this team. There is only one 'chief' and he is a quiet, hard-working, talented 'chief.'
Every player wants to be a part of a team with a 'chief' like that. Hard-work and big heart will prevail at the UC and big wins like yesterdays will make us all believe in the movement.
Detroit tonite and a rematch with Atlanta Saturday night.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Two Down, One To Go!
by Ken Kay
Holy $#!^ Not even 10 minutes after my last post, Mike Martz resigns! That's one powerful genie! Thank you!
Holy $#!^ Not even 10 minutes after my last post, Mike Martz resigns! That's one powerful genie! Thank you!
 |
| Next |
One Down, Two To Go
by Ken Kay
The football genie granted us Bears fans one of our three wishes...Jerry Angelo is out.
Now for our next two wishes. Genie, please get Mike Martz and Lovie Smith out of Chicago too. Wait, is that one wish or two?
The football genie granted us Bears fans one of our three wishes...Jerry Angelo is out.
Now for our next two wishes. Genie, please get Mike Martz and Lovie Smith out of Chicago too. Wait, is that one wish or two?
 |
| On Deck |
|
| In The Hole |
Thank You #99
by Ken Kay
I'm posting this because I'm a huge Dolphins fan. Unfortunately Jason Taylor never got a ring in Miami...but hey, neither did Dan Marino.
I'm posting this because I'm a huge Dolphins fan. Unfortunately Jason Taylor never got a ring in Miami...but hey, neither did Dan Marino.
Monday, January 2, 2012
It's The Coaching And Management!
by Ken Kay
Andy Dalton, Tim Tebow, T.J. Yates, Charlie Batch, Matt Flynn, and the list goes on. All of these quarterbacks have either started the season as a backup and are now starting, and/or contributed to their teams season in which they are now all playing in the 2012 NFL Playoffs.
And this is why I'm fired up! The Chicago Bears have made me snap. It's got to be the coaching and their evaluation of "talent".
The Bears were looking pretty at 7-3 before Jay Cutler had a season ending injury (thumb). The next day I didn't stop hearing about how their season was over and "thank god we have the Hawks/Bulls" to look forward to.
I forced myself into thinking the Bears still had a chance. Boy was I wrong! This is not a knock on Caleb Hanie, Josh McCown, or any other backup they've been forced to throw in due to injuries. This is strictly a coaching and management problem.
The Bengals are in the playoffs with their "back up" QB and somehow Tim Tebow is in the playoffs. Then there's Matt Flynn from the Packers. I know the Pack had everything locked up already but c'mon! He was able to torch a Lions defense for 480 yards and 6 Tds. Seriously?! Of course he's not better than Favre or Rodgers, but he was still able to break their records. Why? Because Detroit was out-coached!
Do you see where I'm going with this one?
The Bears could be in the playoffs if they had better coaching and a better feel for who should be on the field.
Oh, and thanks to their great win yesterday the Bears knocked themselves down another six spots in the draft. Oh yea, and the face of their franchise, Brian Urlacher, left the game with a sprained MCL.
So from Jerry Angelo, to Mike Martz, to Lovie Smith, please get the hell out of here. I'm sick of watching the Bears "win just enough games" for the staff to keep their jobs.
But hey, if you ask Lovie about the season he'd tell you "We're going to reevaluate everything tomorrow" and my favorite quote from yesterday, "We're undefeated in the 2012 season". Real funny, playing the Bears fans for dumb.
Obviously he's not going anywhere and who knows about the rest of them.
I'll end this with my favorite stat to date - The Bears didn't have a single first round draft pick from the Angelo era starting yesterday. 0 for 22.
Again, thanks for listening.
Andy Dalton, Tim Tebow, T.J. Yates, Charlie Batch, Matt Flynn, and the list goes on. All of these quarterbacks have either started the season as a backup and are now starting, and/or contributed to their teams season in which they are now all playing in the 2012 NFL Playoffs.
And this is why I'm fired up! The Chicago Bears have made me snap. It's got to be the coaching and their evaluation of "talent".
The Bears were looking pretty at 7-3 before Jay Cutler had a season ending injury (thumb). The next day I didn't stop hearing about how their season was over and "thank god we have the Hawks/Bulls" to look forward to.
I forced myself into thinking the Bears still had a chance. Boy was I wrong! This is not a knock on Caleb Hanie, Josh McCown, or any other backup they've been forced to throw in due to injuries. This is strictly a coaching and management problem.
The Bengals are in the playoffs with their "back up" QB and somehow Tim Tebow is in the playoffs. Then there's Matt Flynn from the Packers. I know the Pack had everything locked up already but c'mon! He was able to torch a Lions defense for 480 yards and 6 Tds. Seriously?! Of course he's not better than Favre or Rodgers, but he was still able to break their records. Why? Because Detroit was out-coached!
Do you see where I'm going with this one?
The Bears could be in the playoffs if they had better coaching and a better feel for who should be on the field.
Oh, and thanks to their great win yesterday the Bears knocked themselves down another six spots in the draft. Oh yea, and the face of their franchise, Brian Urlacher, left the game with a sprained MCL.
So from Jerry Angelo, to Mike Martz, to Lovie Smith, please get the hell out of here. I'm sick of watching the Bears "win just enough games" for the staff to keep their jobs.
But hey, if you ask Lovie about the season he'd tell you "We're going to reevaluate everything tomorrow" and my favorite quote from yesterday, "We're undefeated in the 2012 season". Real funny, playing the Bears fans for dumb.
Obviously he's not going anywhere and who knows about the rest of them.
I'll end this with my favorite stat to date - The Bears didn't have a single first round draft pick from the Angelo era starting yesterday. 0 for 22.
Again, thanks for listening.
2012 NFL Playoff Schedule
From espn.com
AFC WILD-CARD ROUND
AFC WILD-CARD ROUND
| SATURDAY, JAN. 7 | ||
 | Reliant Stadium Click here for matchup page |  |
| SUNDAY, JAN. 8 | ||
 | Sports Authority Field at Mile High Click here for matchup page |  |
AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND
| SATURDAY, JAN. 14 | ||
 | Gillette Stadium Click here for AFC Championship Game results |  |
| SUNDAY, JAN. 15 | ||
| M&T Bank Stadium Click here for AFC Championship Game results |  |
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
| SUNDAY, JAN. 22 | ||
| (CBS) Click here for AFC Championship Game results | |
NFC WILD-CARD ROUND
| SATURDAY, JAN. 7 | ||
 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome Click here for matchup page |  |
| SUNDAY, JAN. 8 | ||
 | MetLife Stadium Click here for matchup page |  |
NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND
| SATURDAY Jan. 14 | ||
| Candlestick Park Click here for NFC Championship game results |  |
| SUNDAY, JAN. 15 | ||
| Lambeau Field Click here for NFC Championship Game results |  |
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
| SUNDAY, JAN. 22 | ||
| (FOX) Click here for NFC Championship Game results | |
SUPER BOWL XLVI
| SUNDAY, FEB. 5 | ||
| Lucas Oil Stadium Click here for Super Bowl results | |
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