Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
With vuvuzela’s blaring.
It’s intensity in ten cities. It’s live in Budokan. It’s the Three Lions vs. the Beauty Pageant Sashes. Who’s pumped?
Pre-game thoughts - British coaches cross their legs like women...probably because of the soccer before sex rule. Bob Bradley just looks pissed, maybe he also adheres to the footy before fornication decree.
3’ - Steven Gerrard (pronounced J-Rard) puts the Red Coats on top. No good. How can they celebratory-slide so far on their knees? Lions 1, Sashes nil.
6’ - The first failed attempt by a Brit to take out a Yank’s crown jewels. More attempts to come I’m sure.
11’ - Some obese gentleman sitting next to me at the bar orders the beef nachos and asks for the bartender to hold the lettuce, onions and jalepenos followed by a request extra sour cream. You have to admire a man who owns his weight and gets rid of the only quasi-healthy ingredients in nachos. He’s also drinking a Newcastle...trader.
12’ - Three corners in a row, with the third being a definite missed opportunity. The announcer told him to “pick it out and stick it in the danger area.” That phrase can be applied to so many things in life.
17’ - Altidore almost kicks England’s Terry in the bean. Is there a high kicking penalty in soccer?
18’ - Another missed opportunity by the Sashes when Altidore misplays a header in the box. Seems to be a recurring theme.
19’ - England almost scores, but the action from the replay is better when the dudes across the bar erupt in anger because they thought the replay was live...twice! I’m guessing they were here a few beers before me.
20-21’ - The eight foot gigantore of a barkeep blocks my view of the screen...
26’ - Another near miss on the penalty following a card. More importantly, Obesity gets his nachos. Over/under on saturated fat is set at 29 grams (I will take the over). He also just ordered a Guinness (Euro beer numero dos). The vat of sour cream is the size of a tub one would find at the grocery. Large.
28’ - We lose our goalie, almost. Some dudes just sat down next to me who seemingly know nothing about soccer (not that I do, but…). One just said, “What are there a bunch of bees buzzin’ er sumpin’?” It’s getting good.
37’ - I played these guys all wrong...only one doesn’t know what he is talking about. The one in the know dropped Confederation Cup stats, Opening ceremony performers and the group points system. I’m impressed.
38’ - First ‘Bend it like Beckham’ reference shouted from somewhere in the bar on the corner.
39’ - Goooooooal! Credit to Clint Dempsey for making an attempt on goal, but more credit to the keeper for not being good. Also, credit to Dempsey for allowing his wife to pose “painted” in the SI Swimsuit Edition! Lions 1, Sashes 1.
42’ - #42 for England looks to be dead. He is not moving, people are praying and...oh, wait, he’s up. Soccer.
42’ - Director: “Shit. Another player is milking an injury. Hey, camera guy, you on him?” Camera Guy: “Yeah boss, I have him in the crosshairs, fohawk and all.” Director: “Lovely, go to him controller guy.” (Beckham sighting #1)
44’ - Obesity accelerated, nachos obliterated. For those scoring at home, that is about a 9 by 13 inch (23 by 33 cm for you soccer enthusiasts) plate of nachos with extra sour cream ingested in 18 minutes. Utensils used: Only fingers. Napkin swipes: Zero. Breaths taken: 1.7. Jokes about fat people: Priceless.
Stoppage Time - Director: “Hey camera guy, we have about…” Camera Guy: “I’m on it chief.” (Beckham sighting #2)
Half-time - A wedding party walks in. The bride and groom take the 3 Wise Men separately! The wedding party exits. They were here for maybe 2 minutes. I NEED to be at this reception.
Just showed a commercial of Jimmy Kimmel wearing a Club Tril shirt…”Hey man, big fan.”
The dudes next to me were just talking about Obama, the conversation ended with “...what a stupid fuck.” Unfortunately, I missed the first part because I was watching AFV on the screen next to the game. People getting hit in the nuts...funny for life.
50’ - HUGE save by a Sash defensive player (no idea who since they did not show a replay and I have yet to memorize the Sash roster). Rooney seems to be heating up. Does Rooney listen to Rooney to get psyched for games? Probably.
51’ - HUGE save by Howard.
61’ - Another missed opportunity on a Donovan penalty off of Gerrard (again, pronounced J-Rard) trying to take out Dempsey’s knee. Leave Dempsey alone. You are lucky he even performs for you bastards! Leave Dempsey alone.
64’ - Altidore just misses off the post. Great save by the Brit keeper, he almost made up for giving a goal to the US. Altidore is a beast.
65’ - When did all these black guys enter the game for England? Let’s count how many black English guys I know. 1. The guy from The Wire and The Office. 2. Hmmm...
69’ - Debating whether or not I can leave my computer and go to the bathroom or make it 21 more minutes plus stoppage.
70’ - Rooney misses a header and almost slides into the post. I was hoping he’d hit the post like Adam Banks in Mighty Ducks. I don’t like Wayne. Partly because the name Wayne should always be followed by Campbell and also because he looks like he needs a good punch in the face. He is good though. Tosser.
75’ - Also good, Tim Howard. Another HUGE save.
75’ - Guy next to me who doesn’t know soccer: “Man, how do they catch ‘dem balls with those gloves? Dey look so thick, ya know?” Guy next to me who might know soccer: “They are probably to protect their fingers more than anything.” YUP!
77’ - New guy who joined the guys who may or may not know anything about soccer: “Hey, get that thing out of our end, would ya?” Me: “That’s what she said.”
81’ - The soccer brain trust next to me: “Those bees are back again. Or mosquitos. Or kazoos. Somethin’.” I love Minnesota!
85’ - Altidore takes his sweet time to get off the field. Atta boy. Milk it.
88’ - They spent 20 seconds on a dude in the crowd who had a funny hat on. 20 seconds!
89’ - I really have to pee.
89’ - Director: “Beckham!” (Beckham sighting #3)
90’ - They just flashed the four additional minutes message. I WILL pee my pants.
94’ - I see Herculez!
Final - Lions 1, Sashes 1. I’ll take a tie...and a pee.
TIM HOWARD. He’s the deal breaker ladies and gentlemen. My pick for Man of the Match for real. In other news, England’s keeper will definitely be interviewing bodyguards upon his return to the Kingdom.
All time record against England is 2-7-1. Record when the stakes are high is 1-0-0. How does 1783 taste?
Soccer.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Republic of South Africa 1, Mexico 1
History
During the game the announcers mentioned that the two teams have faced off three times prior, all on U.S. soil, with Mexico holding a 2-1 advantage all-time. The only other item linking these two countries is that both offer great tourist attractions (resorts, beaches, weather, etc.) Unfortunately, one did not stage a rebellious war against the other in order to gain independence. That story line will have to wait until tomorrow.
Game Summary
I watched the game at an English style pub and restaurant in St. Francis, but I briefly entertained thoughts of venturing down to National Avenue to watch the game at one of the fine Mexican restaurants where the environment for this game was I'm sure very festive.
I can attest to the rowdiness that I presume ensued down National Avenue in MKE today from 9-11am, as my office is approximately 100 feet (that's almost 30.5 meters for you soccer fans) away from a collection of contracted employees who just might have had a stake in this match. Around the 38' mark the disassembling area erupted with Latino glee, but it soon turned to pura frustración due the offsides call. Nevertheless, our jubilant neighbors to the south were once again celebrating at 79' with what I took to be the Mexican national anthem (or the new T-Bell theme once Chuck leaves). I'll just say not a lot of product hit the market during that stretch. Soccer. ~ NL
Mexico began the game playing more aggressive and better overall than the host South Africans and had a number of quality shots at goal. South Africa was able to weather the early storm and was even helped by the officials when a Mexico goal was overturned by a bogus off-sides call. The goaltenders on both sides were stringent as the South African keeper made a number of quality saves and the Mexican goalie also played well while looking like he could double as a James Bond villain with his fu manchu and shaved head. Overall, the first half was all Mexico but ended 0-0, a huge victory for the hosts. South Africa most certainly was inspired by the home crowd as well as their assistant coach who was sporting a well-groomed Euro-mullet.
The second half provided more action in terms of scoring. South Africa struck first with a Siphewe Tshabalala goal in the 55th minute and continued to apply pressure following the goal, even squandering a couple of additional scoring opportunities that would have put the game in serious doubt for Mexico to come back. In the 78th minute, Mexico finally capitalized on a scoring opportunity when Rafael Marquez scored to tie the match at 1-1. After a final offensive surge from South Africa was thwarted by Mexico, the game ended in a 1-1 tie, a victory of sorts for the host country and a disappointing debut for the Mexican squad.
One last observation from the opening game of the tournament - Joe Biden was in attendance. Following his appearance at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals in Philadelphia last week, the guy is certainly parlaying his VP gig into some "top-plus" sporting event appearances. (The "top-plus" use is a nod to the announcer that used it multiple times during the telecast, much to my delight. I anticipate learning more English soccer terms as the tournament goes on.)
Uniforms
I liked Mexico's black unis with green and red trim. I thought they looked strikingly sharp yet intimidating like the Raiders of the glory years. South Africa donned Brazil-like unis with gold jerseys and green trim along with green shorts and gold trim - always a good look in the eyes of a Packers fan.
Dive Count: 4
Surprisingly few flops and acting jobs in this one. Sort of disappointing from a cynical point of view. Also disappointing if you're a San Antonio Spurs fan.
Comparison to my soccer career
As you'll soon find out through these game recaps, I was a terrible youth soccer player. This was crushing to my confidence as a young athlete but I'm sure delightful to my football-loving/soccer-hating father. Soccer is the sport in the U.S. that most young kids begin playing before most other sports, so to my dad my participation was merely an introduction to organized sports that would hopefully be phased out as I became old enough to play football instead. This process would only be accelerated if I turned out to be a horrific soccer player, which I ended up being. Nevertheless, I played for a few years and plan to share some of my best/worst moments.
This game was a good summary of a typical U-10 game for me - a moral victory for the underdog (i.e. me and South Africa) in that the we did not make complete asses of ourselves by making stupid mistakes that could eventually cost us the game. On the other hand, we were not able to make plays when they counted and had to settle for a tie game (in South Africa's case) or another game where I managed to do nothing, either terrible or good. In conclusion, South Africa, like myself after many of my own soccer games, can leave the pitch feeling good about their effort and the overall outcome, but have to wonder what could have been if a couple of opportunities turned out differently.
Stay tuned for U.S. - England on Saturday afternoon.
During the game the announcers mentioned that the two teams have faced off three times prior, all on U.S. soil, with Mexico holding a 2-1 advantage all-time. The only other item linking these two countries is that both offer great tourist attractions (resorts, beaches, weather, etc.) Unfortunately, one did not stage a rebellious war against the other in order to gain independence. That story line will have to wait until tomorrow.
Game Summary
I watched the game at an English style pub and restaurant in St. Francis, but I briefly entertained thoughts of venturing down to National Avenue to watch the game at one of the fine Mexican restaurants where the environment for this game was I'm sure very festive.
I can attest to the rowdiness that I presume ensued down National Avenue in MKE today from 9-11am, as my office is approximately 100 feet (that's almost 30.5 meters for you soccer fans) away from a collection of contracted employees who just might have had a stake in this match. Around the 38' mark the disassembling area erupted with Latino glee, but it soon turned to pura frustración due the offsides call. Nevertheless, our jubilant neighbors to the south were once again celebrating at 79' with what I took to be the Mexican national anthem (or the new T-Bell theme once Chuck leaves). I'll just say not a lot of product hit the market during that stretch. Soccer. ~ NL
Mexico began the game playing more aggressive and better overall than the host South Africans and had a number of quality shots at goal. South Africa was able to weather the early storm and was even helped by the officials when a Mexico goal was overturned by a bogus off-sides call. The goaltenders on both sides were stringent as the South African keeper made a number of quality saves and the Mexican goalie also played well while looking like he could double as a James Bond villain with his fu manchu and shaved head. Overall, the first half was all Mexico but ended 0-0, a huge victory for the hosts. South Africa most certainly was inspired by the home crowd as well as their assistant coach who was sporting a well-groomed Euro-mullet.
The second half provided more action in terms of scoring. South Africa struck first with a Siphewe Tshabalala goal in the 55th minute and continued to apply pressure following the goal, even squandering a couple of additional scoring opportunities that would have put the game in serious doubt for Mexico to come back. In the 78th minute, Mexico finally capitalized on a scoring opportunity when Rafael Marquez scored to tie the match at 1-1. After a final offensive surge from South Africa was thwarted by Mexico, the game ended in a 1-1 tie, a victory of sorts for the host country and a disappointing debut for the Mexican squad.
One last observation from the opening game of the tournament - Joe Biden was in attendance. Following his appearance at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals in Philadelphia last week, the guy is certainly parlaying his VP gig into some "top-plus" sporting event appearances. (The "top-plus" use is a nod to the announcer that used it multiple times during the telecast, much to my delight. I anticipate learning more English soccer terms as the tournament goes on.)
Uniforms
I liked Mexico's black unis with green and red trim. I thought they looked strikingly sharp yet intimidating like the Raiders of the glory years. South Africa donned Brazil-like unis with gold jerseys and green trim along with green shorts and gold trim - always a good look in the eyes of a Packers fan.
Dive Count: 4
Surprisingly few flops and acting jobs in this one. Sort of disappointing from a cynical point of view. Also disappointing if you're a San Antonio Spurs fan.
Comparison to my soccer career
As you'll soon find out through these game recaps, I was a terrible youth soccer player. This was crushing to my confidence as a young athlete but I'm sure delightful to my football-loving/soccer-hating father. Soccer is the sport in the U.S. that most young kids begin playing before most other sports, so to my dad my participation was merely an introduction to organized sports that would hopefully be phased out as I became old enough to play football instead. This process would only be accelerated if I turned out to be a horrific soccer player, which I ended up being. Nevertheless, I played for a few years and plan to share some of my best/worst moments.
This game was a good summary of a typical U-10 game for me - a moral victory for the underdog (i.e. me and South Africa) in that the we did not make complete asses of ourselves by making stupid mistakes that could eventually cost us the game. On the other hand, we were not able to make plays when they counted and had to settle for a tie game (in South Africa's case) or another game where I managed to do nothing, either terrible or good. In conclusion, South Africa, like myself after many of my own soccer games, can leave the pitch feeling good about their effort and the overall outcome, but have to wonder what could have been if a couple of opportunities turned out differently.
Stay tuned for U.S. - England on Saturday afternoon.
World Cup Coverage From a Non-Expert
The World Cup has begun and what better way to spend my free time as an unemployed recent graduate than to watch some soccer and give my uninformed thoughts. Game posts will include historical connections between the two countries, a game summary, thoughts on the uniforms, a "dive count" tracking the number of flops per game, and an overall game comparison to my days playing youth soccer.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, July 31, 2009
It is time...
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.
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.
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.
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