I’m not going to reference anything/spit out any facts, what this entry will be is a straight up thought from me about Baseball’s Steroid Era.
I’m over it. I’m sick of it. Just let it be over. I do not care who else is on the list of “105” or how many ever it may contain. It was a list that should have never been made public. It should have stayed within the MLB and the MLBPA, but it did not. I do not even want to see who the other 99+ players are who are on the list. At this point, it is simply annoying. Major League Baseball NOW has testing in place, so why dwell on the past? There is nothing that can be done now! It is simply a matter of people stirring the fire when it is already too hot. IT IS TIME TO MOVE ONE. TESTING IS NOW IN PLACE. I am sick of all the investigative reporting because essentially over 50% of the players were taking the drugs. The story is old. Please stop. It is time to move on!
Further mention of this is a disgrace to the game and the GM’s/coaches/players who participated in the “era.” Regardless of whether or not you took the drugs, you will always be remembered as have played in the steroid era, so please let it go. Please do not make any outrageous statements regarding you lack of steroid use because, as history has shown, it will come back to you. Let it go.
As far as the Hall of Fame goes, let them in. They ALL played in an “Era of the Steroid.” They all knew what was happening regardless if they took them or not. Make a notation on some plagues in the Hall that say they used PED’s to improve their game, but do not leave them out simply because they were using a new way to improve their game.
Let me ask you this, if one of your co-workers asked you to take a special vitamin that would allow you to type twice as fast and/or produce twice the sales volume as you had in years past, would you take it? Of course you would. People call these guys cheats and junkies, but if put in the same position, many of us would do the exact same thing. Don’t deny it. Let it go.
It is now time to move on, yet still remember the past. We were ALL sucked back into the game when Sosa and McGwire were chasing Maris, so why do we hate them so much now? We need to look to the future and realize the greatness that we witnessed, regardless of whether or not it was induced by PED’s, because it engaged us ALL. We love the game and love the guys who play it. It is time to let it go.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A Letter to Ol' St. Doug
Mr. Melvin,
It IS time for a change.
Our beloved Brewers are heading in the wrong direction. Please do not make any moves that might jeopardize the future. Please do not trade any of our prospects. I realize we are only 4.5 games back, but you must realize we are 9-16 in the month of July and I personally do not see this getting any better. In July, our pitching staff has combined for a 5.44 ERA (2nd highest in NL), 123 runs (3rd highest in NL) and 40 home runs (HIGHEST in NL). Even if you would make a play for ONE pitcher, it would not change the entire rotation. We CANNOT afford to blow up our future for one more shot at possibly making the Playoffs. We all beg you to please, BLOW UP THE TEAM NOW…FOR THE FUTURE!
The time has come. The team has approached 3 million ticket sales for the second straight year, congratulations! Now make the pitch that you are dedicated to the future and are simply not concentrating on the year, and financial success, that was…but was not. The fans will be back if the team, and you Mr. Melvin, show this town you are here to win.
The assessment.
The UNTOUCHABLES…Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Yovani Gallardo. Done.
Everybody else is fair game. Make a deal for any prospect/established player that will help us in the future…not just ANY move, but please make the correct move. Please do not deal for any drug-toting players who have showed promise in the past, but have fallen off while playing for Bernie. Please do not trade any players who show promise, but do not fit the “mold” of being a power hitter. PLEASE just make this team BETTER and MORE RELIABLE!
My approach to our immediate problems…
Move Hardy for something…preferably young pitching. He has not hit since last Post Season. His upside is that he is (was) an All Star shortstop, is a fantastic defender, and delivers in the Playoffs, but we have another (far superior) 6-hole waiting in the Sounds. Let the previously mentioned heir to the shortstop throne, Alcides Escobar, take his place in the infield for the next six years.
Trade Hart (for a case of balls…OR) for pitching…again. WE NEED HELP. The only way for our beloved Brewers to improve is to bolster the pitching staff. I think with a little time (Spring Training), Mat Gamel can learn to play a good right field. He WILL hit better than he did in his very limited (playing) previous experience. He is a legit left-handed power...something the Crew really needs.
Infect Kendall’s computer with child porn…he already looks like a pedophile, now let’s prove it. Thanks Mr. Felon, it has been a not so great two seasons; enjoy your time in prison. We also have somebody in AAA who can hit higher than .239 and cuts the groundouts to third down by about 97%. The man I am talking about is Angel Salome, who is hitting .278, throwing runners out and is NOT creeping our young pitchers out!
Goodbye Mike Cameron. Thanks for the lack of memories and stats. We (Melvin) chose you over our centerfielder to be (see TG Jr. with his .288 AVG and .356 OBP). Here is a situation where we do not even have to trade someone, we can simply let him go and thank him for his (lack of) services. How about a guy like Shane Victorino (FA after this season), he is hitting .319 with a .386 OBP. I might not be a GM, but if we can get somebody on base before Braun and Fielder come to the plate, we might be able to manufacture some runs. That’s just me though. Oh, by the way, he (Victorino) also plays extraordinary defense.
I would make a play to sign Casey McGehee. He has delivered at both second and third bases…and at the plate. He has also provided protection for Fielder when others have not. He will come CHEAP(ish), so sign him. Bill Hall will (unfortunately) be with us for another year, but he certainly is NOT the answer. We need a utility player, like we thought we had in Hall, to play a possible everyday third base and occasional second base. Who knows how long Craig Counsel has? McGehee provides protection and reliable defense…more than can be said for a corner infielder in the past 10 years.
We NEED to get younger and more reliable. I realize we are one of the younger teams in baseball already, but I emphasize this on our signings. We have had limited success in the last few years signing veterans who have performed (ish) in the past. The reality is, they do not perform when they become Brewers…at least not to where we (Melvin) thought they would.
Now that the Phillies have traded for Cliff Lee to solidify their starting rotation and with all the moves the Cardinals made to help out Pujols offensively (not to mention the already steady Dodgers), it does not seem logical to make any move at the deadline that might jeopardize our future simply to be a one and done Playoff team again. I have been sick of watching this team self-destruct since mid June, so I have resulted to reviewing post game box scores and half-heartedly listening online…I do not think I am alone! Here is a way to resolve it, let go of the past and bring on the future! Bring up the prospects. Let the veterans (sans Braun, Fielder and Gallardo) know they will have to go ALL OUT to recapture their starting positions. PLEASE LET US ALL SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, IF ANYTHING.
In other news, it is football season…Favre has retired, for now.
GO PACK GO!
More to come...
It IS time for a change.
Our beloved Brewers are heading in the wrong direction. Please do not make any moves that might jeopardize the future. Please do not trade any of our prospects. I realize we are only 4.5 games back, but you must realize we are 9-16 in the month of July and I personally do not see this getting any better. In July, our pitching staff has combined for a 5.44 ERA (2nd highest in NL), 123 runs (3rd highest in NL) and 40 home runs (HIGHEST in NL). Even if you would make a play for ONE pitcher, it would not change the entire rotation. We CANNOT afford to blow up our future for one more shot at possibly making the Playoffs. We all beg you to please, BLOW UP THE TEAM NOW…FOR THE FUTURE!
The time has come. The team has approached 3 million ticket sales for the second straight year, congratulations! Now make the pitch that you are dedicated to the future and are simply not concentrating on the year, and financial success, that was…but was not. The fans will be back if the team, and you Mr. Melvin, show this town you are here to win.
The assessment.
The UNTOUCHABLES…Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Yovani Gallardo. Done.
Everybody else is fair game. Make a deal for any prospect/established player that will help us in the future…not just ANY move, but please make the correct move. Please do not deal for any drug-toting players who have showed promise in the past, but have fallen off while playing for Bernie. Please do not trade any players who show promise, but do not fit the “mold” of being a power hitter. PLEASE just make this team BETTER and MORE RELIABLE!
My approach to our immediate problems…
Move Hardy for something…preferably young pitching. He has not hit since last Post Season. His upside is that he is (was) an All Star shortstop, is a fantastic defender, and delivers in the Playoffs, but we have another (far superior) 6-hole waiting in the Sounds. Let the previously mentioned heir to the shortstop throne, Alcides Escobar, take his place in the infield for the next six years.
Trade Hart (for a case of balls…OR) for pitching…again. WE NEED HELP. The only way for our beloved Brewers to improve is to bolster the pitching staff. I think with a little time (Spring Training), Mat Gamel can learn to play a good right field. He WILL hit better than he did in his very limited (playing) previous experience. He is a legit left-handed power...something the Crew really needs.
Infect Kendall’s computer with child porn…he already looks like a pedophile, now let’s prove it. Thanks Mr. Felon, it has been a not so great two seasons; enjoy your time in prison. We also have somebody in AAA who can hit higher than .239 and cuts the groundouts to third down by about 97%. The man I am talking about is Angel Salome, who is hitting .278, throwing runners out and is NOT creeping our young pitchers out!
Goodbye Mike Cameron. Thanks for the lack of memories and stats. We (Melvin) chose you over our centerfielder to be (see TG Jr. with his .288 AVG and .356 OBP). Here is a situation where we do not even have to trade someone, we can simply let him go and thank him for his (lack of) services. How about a guy like Shane Victorino (FA after this season), he is hitting .319 with a .386 OBP. I might not be a GM, but if we can get somebody on base before Braun and Fielder come to the plate, we might be able to manufacture some runs. That’s just me though. Oh, by the way, he (Victorino) also plays extraordinary defense.
I would make a play to sign Casey McGehee. He has delivered at both second and third bases…and at the plate. He has also provided protection for Fielder when others have not. He will come CHEAP(ish), so sign him. Bill Hall will (unfortunately) be with us for another year, but he certainly is NOT the answer. We need a utility player, like we thought we had in Hall, to play a possible everyday third base and occasional second base. Who knows how long Craig Counsel has? McGehee provides protection and reliable defense…more than can be said for a corner infielder in the past 10 years.
We NEED to get younger and more reliable. I realize we are one of the younger teams in baseball already, but I emphasize this on our signings. We have had limited success in the last few years signing veterans who have performed (ish) in the past. The reality is, they do not perform when they become Brewers…at least not to where we (Melvin) thought they would.
Now that the Phillies have traded for Cliff Lee to solidify their starting rotation and with all the moves the Cardinals made to help out Pujols offensively (not to mention the already steady Dodgers), it does not seem logical to make any move at the deadline that might jeopardize our future simply to be a one and done Playoff team again. I have been sick of watching this team self-destruct since mid June, so I have resulted to reviewing post game box scores and half-heartedly listening online…I do not think I am alone! Here is a way to resolve it, let go of the past and bring on the future! Bring up the prospects. Let the veterans (sans Braun, Fielder and Gallardo) know they will have to go ALL OUT to recapture their starting positions. PLEASE LET US ALL SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, IF ANYTHING.
In other news, it is football season…Favre has retired, for now.
GO PACK GO!
More to come...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Preview - 2009
With the NBA draft coming up tomorrow and the Milwaukee Bucks already making moves this offseason, it seemed appropriate to switch gears and put together a quick preview of the Bucks' options heading into tomorrow's draft. First I'd like to quickly mention the trade announced yesterday that sent Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs in return for Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, and Fabricio Oberto, who was then traded to Detroit for Amir Johnson. To me this was a necessary evil the present Bucks management had to do (and should have done before the trading deadline last year) in order to rid themselves, somewhat, of the poo-poo platter left by the Harris regime. A friend of mine said it best yesterday when he said in an email, "A cost cutting move that also helps us retain young talent is A O.K. with me." I couldn't agree more. However, I do think that there is more to this story now that could significantly impact some draft decisions, but more on that later.
From looking at all of the mock drafts that are out now, listening to the "experts" discuss this draft class, and reading the reports from many of the draft workouts the Bucks have conducted, I've made a list of 5 prospects the Bucks most likely will target and the probability of them actually drafting that player (5 being least likely, 1 being most likely). As a side note, I am making these predictions with the understanding that neither Ramon Sessions nor Charlie Villanueva have been resigned.
5. DaJuan Blair - PF, Pittsburgh
Blair is probably one of the most intriguing guys to me in this draft: had a successful career in arguably the toughest conference in the country, had some tournament success, and was able to put his team on his shoulders and carry them when needed. But he is of that scary Tractor Traylor mold, a bit undersized for a guy who makes his living under the basket. Is there a chance he can buck the trend, a la Glen Davis? Possibly, but Davis was put in an ideal situation to learn under one of the greatest bigs in NBA history in Kevin Garnett. The team as a whole was and still is pretty good which can't hurt. I think the biggest factor in Blair is his history of knee problems (pre-college) and what the NBA schedule will do to them. I also think he is a bit of a stretch for the #10 pick. The fact that he is certainly a "power" forward does meet a major need for the Bucks if/when Charlie V. signs elsewhere.
4. Ty Lawson - PG, North Carolina
Lawson is a guy who is really confusing this late in the game. Most mock drafts I've seen have him going in the late teens or early 20s. I just can't forget what he did in the NCAA Tournament this year. Does UNC win the National Championship if he is unable to play at all? I doubt it. In addition, the fact that his shooting percentage increased so much this past year tells me that he is willing to not only identify weaknesses in his game but also improve those weak areas. I have always held the belief that there is something valuable in successful players from successful college programs. Similar to what the Bulls did a few years back in drafting players like Ben Gordon and Kirk Heinrich from UConn and KU respectively. Both either played in a National Championship game or won the whole tournament. Lawson fits that mold and addresses a very possible need at point guard if Sessions is not resigned.
3. Jonny Flynn - PG, Syracuse
The knock on Flynn is that he is undersized, but at just under 6 ft. (legitimately as that was his measured height at the pre-draft camp) and with a muscular frame, I see him as an very athletic match-up problem offensively at the point. Just recall what he did down the stretch last year. Everyone remembers the 6-OT game in the Big East tournament when he willed his team through each OT as many of his teammates fouled out. He had to hit some big shots and free throws down the stretch on a national stage and I think that is important to keep in mind. I saw him in the final game of the regular season at Marquette and, in another game that went into OT, down the stretch Marquette had no answer for him. Now it should be noted that Dominic James was hurt and that would've been a great matchup. But Flynn stood out as the best player on the court by far, and again led his team to a big win in a big setting.
2. Jordan Hill - PF, Arizona
Hill is a guy who I have come around on since the end of the college season. He's one of those guys that is physically gifted but didn't start playing basketball until later in his high school career. Because of that I saw him as a "potential guy" who maybe relied too much on physical gifts and not enough on actual basketball skill while in college. But the more I read about him and the workouts he's been having, the more I like him. At 6'10" he certainly fits the NBA power forward criteria and seems to be a high energy, hard working player that the Bucks would love to have. Imagine him alongside his former Pac-10 rival Luc Mbah a Moute defensively. That's defensive versatility at its finest. The problem is I don't think he'll be around by the 10th pick. However, if he is I don't see the Bucks passing him up unless...
1. Jrue Holiday - G, UCLA
...this guy is available. From the start, I got the feeling the Bucks had their eyes on this guy and liked what he brought to the table. UCLA seems to have become a program that is ahead of other college programs in producing solid, NBA ready players who play the right way and can instantly make a team better (i.e. Mbah a Moute, Russel Westbrook, Kevin Love). Holiday has good size and would be the perfect "glue" guy, a younger, more talented Charlie Bell if you will. The fact that he may not have been a true point guard in college does not concern me as he is still young and can be eased into the position. His real value will come offensively in creating shots for himself and his teammates, and defensively being able to defend both points and 2s. Something Sessions has yet to show an aptitude for and Bell may be getting too old to do on a consistent basis.
I do see Hill and Holiday as interchangeable and it will be interesting to see what John Hammond does if the dilemma would arise. One last option I think the Bucks have is to trade down for extra first round picks, possibly to Minnesota who is sitting on 4 first rounders including picks 18 and 28. DISCLAIMER: This move should only be done if a deal with Sessions is in the works and close to being finalized or has already been finalized. The fact is if Sessions is signed, the need for a point guard is somewhat diminished while the need for a power forward is still large. This draft is top heavy with point guards but lacking in top 10 quality power forwards, so trading down does not diminish the chances of landing a solid forward the likes of Blair, Taj Gibson, or James Johnson is still very likely.
From looking at all of the mock drafts that are out now, listening to the "experts" discuss this draft class, and reading the reports from many of the draft workouts the Bucks have conducted, I've made a list of 5 prospects the Bucks most likely will target and the probability of them actually drafting that player (5 being least likely, 1 being most likely). As a side note, I am making these predictions with the understanding that neither Ramon Sessions nor Charlie Villanueva have been resigned.
5. DaJuan Blair - PF, Pittsburgh
Blair is probably one of the most intriguing guys to me in this draft: had a successful career in arguably the toughest conference in the country, had some tournament success, and was able to put his team on his shoulders and carry them when needed. But he is of that scary Tractor Traylor mold, a bit undersized for a guy who makes his living under the basket. Is there a chance he can buck the trend, a la Glen Davis? Possibly, but Davis was put in an ideal situation to learn under one of the greatest bigs in NBA history in Kevin Garnett. The team as a whole was and still is pretty good which can't hurt. I think the biggest factor in Blair is his history of knee problems (pre-college) and what the NBA schedule will do to them. I also think he is a bit of a stretch for the #10 pick. The fact that he is certainly a "power" forward does meet a major need for the Bucks if/when Charlie V. signs elsewhere.
4. Ty Lawson - PG, North Carolina
Lawson is a guy who is really confusing this late in the game. Most mock drafts I've seen have him going in the late teens or early 20s. I just can't forget what he did in the NCAA Tournament this year. Does UNC win the National Championship if he is unable to play at all? I doubt it. In addition, the fact that his shooting percentage increased so much this past year tells me that he is willing to not only identify weaknesses in his game but also improve those weak areas. I have always held the belief that there is something valuable in successful players from successful college programs. Similar to what the Bulls did a few years back in drafting players like Ben Gordon and Kirk Heinrich from UConn and KU respectively. Both either played in a National Championship game or won the whole tournament. Lawson fits that mold and addresses a very possible need at point guard if Sessions is not resigned.
3. Jonny Flynn - PG, Syracuse
The knock on Flynn is that he is undersized, but at just under 6 ft. (legitimately as that was his measured height at the pre-draft camp) and with a muscular frame, I see him as an very athletic match-up problem offensively at the point. Just recall what he did down the stretch last year. Everyone remembers the 6-OT game in the Big East tournament when he willed his team through each OT as many of his teammates fouled out. He had to hit some big shots and free throws down the stretch on a national stage and I think that is important to keep in mind. I saw him in the final game of the regular season at Marquette and, in another game that went into OT, down the stretch Marquette had no answer for him. Now it should be noted that Dominic James was hurt and that would've been a great matchup. But Flynn stood out as the best player on the court by far, and again led his team to a big win in a big setting.
2. Jordan Hill - PF, Arizona
Hill is a guy who I have come around on since the end of the college season. He's one of those guys that is physically gifted but didn't start playing basketball until later in his high school career. Because of that I saw him as a "potential guy" who maybe relied too much on physical gifts and not enough on actual basketball skill while in college. But the more I read about him and the workouts he's been having, the more I like him. At 6'10" he certainly fits the NBA power forward criteria and seems to be a high energy, hard working player that the Bucks would love to have. Imagine him alongside his former Pac-10 rival Luc Mbah a Moute defensively. That's defensive versatility at its finest. The problem is I don't think he'll be around by the 10th pick. However, if he is I don't see the Bucks passing him up unless...
1. Jrue Holiday - G, UCLA
...this guy is available. From the start, I got the feeling the Bucks had their eyes on this guy and liked what he brought to the table. UCLA seems to have become a program that is ahead of other college programs in producing solid, NBA ready players who play the right way and can instantly make a team better (i.e. Mbah a Moute, Russel Westbrook, Kevin Love). Holiday has good size and would be the perfect "glue" guy, a younger, more talented Charlie Bell if you will. The fact that he may not have been a true point guard in college does not concern me as he is still young and can be eased into the position. His real value will come offensively in creating shots for himself and his teammates, and defensively being able to defend both points and 2s. Something Sessions has yet to show an aptitude for and Bell may be getting too old to do on a consistent basis.
I do see Hill and Holiday as interchangeable and it will be interesting to see what John Hammond does if the dilemma would arise. One last option I think the Bucks have is to trade down for extra first round picks, possibly to Minnesota who is sitting on 4 first rounders including picks 18 and 28. DISCLAIMER: This move should only be done if a deal with Sessions is in the works and close to being finalized or has already been finalized. The fact is if Sessions is signed, the need for a point guard is somewhat diminished while the need for a power forward is still large. This draft is top heavy with point guards but lacking in top 10 quality power forwards, so trading down does not diminish the chances of landing a solid forward the likes of Blair, Taj Gibson, or James Johnson is still very likely.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Ages They Are a Changing...at Miller Park
If you've been to Miller Park for a game in the past year and a half, you may have noticed something about the crowd in the stadium and in the parking lot. Instead of looking like your father's Memorial Day barbecue with his buddies, it looks more like an outdoor house party on Oakland Ave. And that is exactly what the Brewers need for long-term longevity and success.
I've read articles and books in the past covering the rise of "Red Sox Nation" in Boston in the 60's and 70's. Obviously it helps to have a history that includes Ted Williams and Fenway Park, but there was one aspect of the growth of the Sox fan base that stuck with me. The fact that there are numerous colleges and universities in the Boston area and the Red Sox had good teams, the area's youth became a big part of the scene at Fenway and in the city. These college kids that followed the Red Sox while in school then graduated and continued to follow the team not only in New England but around the country. The similarity I see in Milwaukee these days is due to the large number of college and high school aged kids that have seemed to flock to games at Miller Park these past two season. With the presence of Marquette and UWM in close proximity to the stadium, many kids from around the state that may not get to many, if not any, games are now able to follow the Brewers and see them in person while in school. And with the recent success of the team, the following has only grown and will hopefully be carried with them after they graduate.
Now this by no means guarantees similar success to that of the recent Red Sox teams, but if find it interesting that the Brewers are again in the top 10 in attendance again this year among the large market teams (Yankees, Sox, Mets, Cubs, etc.). It's important to note that these large crowds we've been seeing at Miller Park again this year are quite young as a whole. I'm 26 and I'm not lying when I say I've felt old while tailgating before games and sitting in my seats over the past couple of years. As bothersome as that can be to some, we have to realize that it is crucial to the continued success of the team. It is great to finally follow a legitimate contender that is followed nationally to a point. The key to continued success is an ever growing fan base, and with the surrounding assets in the community combined with the fact that young kids can actually get behind this team, the signs are there that this is in fact a great baseball town and the sky is the limit.
I've read articles and books in the past covering the rise of "Red Sox Nation" in Boston in the 60's and 70's. Obviously it helps to have a history that includes Ted Williams and Fenway Park, but there was one aspect of the growth of the Sox fan base that stuck with me. The fact that there are numerous colleges and universities in the Boston area and the Red Sox had good teams, the area's youth became a big part of the scene at Fenway and in the city. These college kids that followed the Red Sox while in school then graduated and continued to follow the team not only in New England but around the country. The similarity I see in Milwaukee these days is due to the large number of college and high school aged kids that have seemed to flock to games at Miller Park these past two season. With the presence of Marquette and UWM in close proximity to the stadium, many kids from around the state that may not get to many, if not any, games are now able to follow the Brewers and see them in person while in school. And with the recent success of the team, the following has only grown and will hopefully be carried with them after they graduate.
Now this by no means guarantees similar success to that of the recent Red Sox teams, but if find it interesting that the Brewers are again in the top 10 in attendance again this year among the large market teams (Yankees, Sox, Mets, Cubs, etc.). It's important to note that these large crowds we've been seeing at Miller Park again this year are quite young as a whole. I'm 26 and I'm not lying when I say I've felt old while tailgating before games and sitting in my seats over the past couple of years. As bothersome as that can be to some, we have to realize that it is crucial to the continued success of the team. It is great to finally follow a legitimate contender that is followed nationally to a point. The key to continued success is an ever growing fan base, and with the surrounding assets in the community combined with the fact that young kids can actually get behind this team, the signs are there that this is in fact a great baseball town and the sky is the limit.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
We're back, BABY!
Recent inquiries from loyal readers combined with some new found extra free time gave us the motivation to return to the electronic typewriters and talk all things Wisconsin sports. Look for new posts as well as some minor changes to the site coming real soon!
Friday, December 5, 2008
You Screwed Me Again Pennypacker!
So we stated the year 1-3, but just remember boys and girls it is a marathon, not a sprint. It is nice to know that the more things change, the more things stay the same. Every year I hear what a great coach Jerry Slocum is, but every year YSU is terrible. Granted this team will find a way to beat Loyola but this team is looking like a "four conference wins team." As for the game that set basketball back 50 years, Butler beat CSU 50 – 48 on a buzzer beater 3-ball by Zach Hahn. CSU’s besttwo players went a combined 4 of 25 from the floor and they still had a two point lead with five ticks left on the clock. Detroit, despite having a huge height advantage, could not figure out the multiple zones UWM threw at them, also going 0-11 from downtown does not help the cause either. Well, onto Saturday’s games...
Saturday games:
WSU @ UWM
Butler @ YSU
Loyola @ UIC
Detroit @ UWGB
Sorry HL fans, but I don’t have time to go into breakdowns so give me:
UWM -7
Butler -9
Detroit +11
UIC -10.5
Season record: 1-3
Saturday games:
WSU @ UWM
Butler @ YSU
Loyola @ UIC
Detroit @ UWGB
Sorry HL fans, but I don’t have time to go into breakdowns so give me:
UWM -7
Butler -9
Detroit +11
UIC -10.5
Season record: 1-3
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mid Major Moneymakers
Ladies and gentleman, the Horizon League guru has found a home thanks to the generosity of Busch League Banter. Being a fan of a “mid-major” has its highs and lows but the major perk of following teams that most of America could care less are the financial gains one can make by crushing the experts in Vegas. This season I am going to pick the entire slate of Horizon League games against the spread to see if I can break Vegas. Onto the picks:
12/4/08
Game 1: Valparaiso (-3) @ Youngstown State
I’m not going to lie, picking early Horizon League games is like speed dating – the small non-conference sample size is too little to get any good reads on the teams. That being said, I don’t think Valpo is as good as advertised and YSU as bad as advertised. YSU head coach Jerry Sloan looks like he has spilled more drinks in his life then I have consumed. Valpo actually opened the Horizon league game slate by getting plastered by Cleveland State by 24 on Tuesday. Homer Drew will have his hands full this year. Give me YSU and the points.
Game 2: Wright State @ UW-Green Bay (-4)
Wright State was picked to be a top 3 team in the HL and come in with a 0-4 record. Duggins and Brown were suppose to lead this team but with Brown mired in a horrible shooting slump things are not looking good for WSU and Co. UWGB is notorious for laying eggs after big wins and UWGB just beat UMASS, will the trend continue? I think it takes WSU a little longer to right the ship. Give me UWGB minus the 4
Game 3: Detroit @ UWM (-5)
Detroit has lost the previous 2 years on buzzer beaters when playing in Milwaukee. Detroit is in a transition year but the one positive is that Detroit has out rebounded every opponent it has faced this year. UWM’s leader Ricky Franklin was caught riding dirty and will most likely be out for this game. If UWM can get hot from the outside, UWM could roll but the D has been very suspect in the last few games. Losing Franklin is huge and although I think UWM will find a way to win, I will take Detroit plus the points.
Game 4: Butler @ Cleveland State (-1)
The 2 heavyweights of the conference square off in an early season match. Butler is undefeated but this will be the first major test for the young Bulldogs. Cleveland State returns 2 first team HL selections in Bullock and Jackson. Look for the Bulldogs backcourt to be under pressure all night long. Give me CSU -1 at home.
Recap:
YSU+3
UWGB-4
Detroit+5
CSU-1
So it begins!!
12/4/08
Game 1: Valparaiso (-3) @ Youngstown State
I’m not going to lie, picking early Horizon League games is like speed dating – the small non-conference sample size is too little to get any good reads on the teams. That being said, I don’t think Valpo is as good as advertised and YSU as bad as advertised. YSU head coach Jerry Sloan looks like he has spilled more drinks in his life then I have consumed. Valpo actually opened the Horizon league game slate by getting plastered by Cleveland State by 24 on Tuesday. Homer Drew will have his hands full this year. Give me YSU and the points.
Game 2: Wright State @ UW-Green Bay (-4)
Wright State was picked to be a top 3 team in the HL and come in with a 0-4 record. Duggins and Brown were suppose to lead this team but with Brown mired in a horrible shooting slump things are not looking good for WSU and Co. UWGB is notorious for laying eggs after big wins and UWGB just beat UMASS, will the trend continue? I think it takes WSU a little longer to right the ship. Give me UWGB minus the 4
Game 3: Detroit @ UWM (-5)
Detroit has lost the previous 2 years on buzzer beaters when playing in Milwaukee. Detroit is in a transition year but the one positive is that Detroit has out rebounded every opponent it has faced this year. UWM’s leader Ricky Franklin was caught riding dirty and will most likely be out for this game. If UWM can get hot from the outside, UWM could roll but the D has been very suspect in the last few games. Losing Franklin is huge and although I think UWM will find a way to win, I will take Detroit plus the points.
Game 4: Butler @ Cleveland State (-1)
The 2 heavyweights of the conference square off in an early season match. Butler is undefeated but this will be the first major test for the young Bulldogs. Cleveland State returns 2 first team HL selections in Bullock and Jackson. Look for the Bulldogs backcourt to be under pressure all night long. Give me CSU -1 at home.
Recap:
YSU+3
UWGB-4
Detroit+5
CSU-1
So it begins!!
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