tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55840886886727593812011-11-20T13:41:28.887-05:00BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-55299050499560424102009-06-28T12:33:00.008-04:002009-07-03T09:21:58.918-04:00

In response to some complaints from friends of the blog, this is a brief Roger Federer defense.From our inbox:[Federer] always seemed a bit cocky to me, but check this one out, after his recent French open win: "Now the question is: Am I the greatest of all time?" Federer said. "We don't know, but I definitely have many things going for me because I've finally won all four Grand Slams, and

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-17080190201073069822009-05-12T11:57:00.010-04:002009-05-14T00:48:40.214-04:00

- Melo never "felt slighted" by George Karl as we suggested he might and the Nuggets didn't fire their coach as we predicted. Our logic was borne out to be reasonable, however. ESPN's E-Ticket, which rarely dissapoints, most recently featured Chauncey Billups, or rather the journey of Chauncey Billups. Within Chauncey's story and specifically his impact on the Nuggets, are telling details of

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-65702725079104316572009-05-10T10:49:00.010-04:002009-05-14T00:33:15.267-04:00

Is it stating the obvious to say that the Manny PED bust is the most significant to date? Aside from his being the biggest name to be busted for present-day doping (as opposed to A-Rod’s retroactive bust) it is his personality and the way he was perceived that are more significant. Manny was beloved. Certainly not by all, but by the Dodger Blue and by just as many in Red Sox nation to whom Bill

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-9934467655727849182009-05-09T23:08:00.008-04:002009-05-13T13:15:53.137-04:00

We're late on this, but...Back in April the Memphis head coaching hire story was broken by John Calipari's daughter on her Facebook page. She didn't mean to break the news. According to her distressed dad, "she was just saying yay for Josh."Three days later, in perhaps a not completely unrelated move (it's reasonable that the Calipari story inspired greater Facebook vigilance), the NCAA started

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-22436760714872992052009-04-08T14:13:00.015-04:002009-04-16T23:14:34.036-04:00

Bears fans should be happy with the Cutler deal if only because it puts an end to their perennial off-season QB anxiety. At least now they know who their starter is before August.Starting QB debates had become somewhat of a Bears off-season ritual. When Kyle Orton was named the starter for the '08 season the announcement didn't elicit much excitement and most supporters comforted themselves with

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-2180493940029916702009-02-26T14:56:00.011-05:002009-03-03T16:17:17.429-05:00

The AJ Smith-LaDainian Tomlinson beef is ostensibly over, public apologies having been issued from both camps. There is no longer an official grievance, but as this was just the latest in a series of flare-ups between the two we wonder how LT will be affected in the upcoming season.We are limited in the tools we have to evaluate a player’s performance. If a player isn’t playing well the deepest

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-80338571712541580252009-02-17T17:42:00.008-05:002009-02-18T18:08:56.212-05:00

Seattle and Indianapolis had the two smoothest transitions, both Jim Mora Jr. and Jim Caldwell having coach-in-waiting clauses in their contracts.The teams are losing two future Hall of Famers in Holmgren and Dungy. If you blink at that consider that Holmgren will join Parcells and Dan Reeves as the only coaches with 3+ Super Bowl trips not yet in the HOF. Dungy retires with the 11th best winning

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-37828427669222904442009-02-08T02:47:00.005-05:002009-02-18T18:04:37.835-05:00

Whatever report you'll read about Michael Phelps' 3 month suspension wont mention any similar type of punishment he received four years ago for his DUI. There was no such punishment. When Phelps not only broke the law but was arrested and even convicted (he got probation), USA Swimming judged it unworthy of intervention. Not only is this suspension transparent - Phelps wont miss any significant

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-66193309145574086822009-02-08T02:07:00.011-05:002009-02-18T18:03:48.622-05:00

Now that Todd Haley has been hired to coach the Chiefs all NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled. In total ten new coaches were hired, eleven if you count Tom Cable and Mike Singletary who had their interim titles removed. That’s the most coaching changes in one season since at least 1996. There were also notable OC and DC hires as well as front office shifts.Along with Singletary and

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-17283666008199877592009-02-01T17:02:00.001-05:002009-02-01T17:02:24.275-05:00

The Steelers allowed 49 sacks this year, good for 4th worst in the league.The '08 Steelers have given up more sacks than any other Super Bowl team in the past 10 years. They've given up the second most in the past 20 years, with only the '98 Falcons surpassing them. That Falcons squad ranked 6th worst in their year, thus leaving the Steelers the worst ranked sacks-allowed team in a Super

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-80186202628606398262009-01-22T14:00:00.005-05:002009-01-22T14:29:53.433-05:00

- The Onion on Barkley- PFT reports: "The move will reunite coach Eric Mangini with Kokinis, in a pairing that some league insiders are calling “Mankok.”[PFT via MLJ]-Agent Easy

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-44139805645328751762009-01-19T18:44:00.002-05:002009-01-19T18:45:06.042-05:00

Rex Ryan is the new Jets coach. Monte Kiffin is the new University of Tennessee DC. The two have more than an address change in common.After the first talk of a head coaching interview for Ryan, his defense surrendered a season high 391 yards to the Titans. The next week, after Ryan's interview, they did much better against the Steelers, but still gave up more yards and forced les turnovers than

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-17104728454286328422009-01-17T13:50:00.009-05:002009-01-19T15:54:21.852-05:00

They still have to exorcise the curse of the Pottsville Maroons-Hazelwood

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-69715583411511804662009-01-15T15:31:00.003-05:002009-01-16T01:21:36.936-05:00

The question most are debating is whether or not Romero is guilty.That question is, however, secondary (obviously not to Romero, who, for what it's worth, seemed earnest in trying to play by the rules). In the big picture the main point is that a player on the championship team tested positive for a banned substance, regardless of the circumstances or explanations. The point is that yet again MLB

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-61471139768333102722009-01-15T03:51:00.014-05:002009-01-17T13:45:43.611-05:00

Really. It's true.We were watching early season highlights on NFL.com. In the week 6 Miami-Houston game, around the 1:40 mark, Rich Eisen compared Greg Camarillo to Wes Welker, then added, "He's got the 83 number also."We dwelled on this, lamenting that Eisen had fallen into the typical announcer trap of comparing white guys to white guys* and black guys to black guys, regardless of specific

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-488345940218753482009-01-15T01:42:00.007-05:002009-01-15T10:46:36.935-05:00

The Dolphins are apparently taking a serious look as WVU's Pat White for the specific role of running the Wildcat offense. With the Wildcat gaining some traction around the NFL (and not only in the NFL) could this be a new route to the pros for "slash"-type college quarterbacks who don't have the passing skills to be a full-time QB at an NFL level, but could be a weapon out of this formation? And

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-41122862665211629362009-01-11T01:14:00.003-05:002009-01-11T01:32:01.115-05:00

Delhomme's 5 interceptions tonight offer a great opportunity to remind everyone that that's still one shy of the modern day record, held by none other than the fabulous Favre.Think for a moment just how atrocious Delhomme looked tonight, how loud the collective groan was that you heard after the fifth one. Then consider, that on January 20, 2001 Favre threw six interceptions against the Rams. (

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-72521910757184248922009-01-10T22:23:00.004-05:002009-01-11T02:46:06.160-05:00

There's already been plenty of talk about the Ravens' getting a play off with zero on the game clock during their game-winning drive. What a lot of the complaining has missed is that the play clock's being at zero doesn't automatically mean the offense is out of time to run a play; rather they get a tick of the clock while while the zero is showing. So Baltimore didn't necessarily get a gift

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-6650605828039556732009-01-10T16:10:00.005-05:002009-01-11T01:34:08.913-05:00

Wes Welker makes snow angels, Shaun Ellis throws a snowball into the stands. Winter fun? Nope, punishable offenses. Those are just the two latest memorable fines of the NFL season.In Ellis’ case there is an argument to make as far as fan safety, though they had incited it, and ultimately it was a friggin snowball, and the fan even raised it in triumph afterward. But ok, the technicality remains.

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-70900604329186963852009-01-08T13:57:00.005-05:002009-01-08T14:06:34.413-05:00

Here is the short list of school that have won National Championships in both football and basketballCal Football: '20-'22Cal Basketball: '59Maryland Football: '53Maryland Basketball: '02Michigan Football: '01-'04, '18, '23, '33, '48, '97Michigan Basketball: '89Michigan State Football: '52, '65, '66Michigan State Basketball: '79, '00Ohio State Football: '42, '54, '57, '61, '68, '70, '02Ohio State

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-75901385927859368792008-12-26T13:04:00.008-05:002008-12-28T02:54:27.314-05:00

- This will be McNabb's first year without a missed start due to injury since 2004. He's also within 134 of his career high in passing yards.- Can we please halt all the "LT is done for" talk, and stop associating his name with Priest Holmes and Shaun Alexander until we see what happens next year when he's healthy? People are blinded by his awe-inspiring 2006 season and the recent spate of RB

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-35722128905093819852008-12-25T22:11:00.006-05:002008-12-26T17:26:17.815-05:00

For a more comprehensive list scan Le Anne Schreiber's archive or the "ESPN Nonsense" tag at Awful Announcing. We're going small, with our three favorite moments of the year. (Video within each link).July 1SportsCenter counts down the top 10 plays of the day, and at number 8, unironically and unapologetically, shows a promo for an upcoming show on ABC.August 27SC anchor Stan Verrett interviews

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-89113032584669087362008-12-25T14:54:00.006-05:002008-12-25T22:10:01.065-05:00

Christmas is a time for traditions - going to a movie, getting Chinese food, and, starting this year, throwing up some Badsnap Quick Hits.Celebrating Mediocrity-Not one but two NFL teams this year might win their divisions with 8-8 records: the 8-7 Cardinals, who go into their final game with the NFC West wrapped up, and the 7-8 Chargers, who will win the AFC West if they beat

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-42018249256002462342008-12-23T22:11:00.009-05:002008-12-24T00:24:14.187-05:00

The guys over at The Angry T put together a list of the year's best hits, college and pro.The receivers coming across the middle are always the toughest to watch. I still can't believe Boldin only missed two games after that hit.My personal favorite is #11 - the Reggie Bush punt return. I love the symmetry of both of those dudes getting cleared off the ground almost simultaneously.The reverse

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-58487792518188123172008-12-21T23:04:00.005-05:002008-12-22T19:24:54.371-05:00

Two amazing stats from the Giants-Panthers game.1. After his last touchdown run, according to NBC, DeAngelo Williams had the second most 30+ yard rushing TDs in one season with 6. Jim Brown had a season with 6 and another with 7. Usually I don't dig stats that require four qualifiers, but every once in a while one of them will appear significant, or at the very least cool. I wish they showed an

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-43917192262207963842008-12-14T15:51:00.016-05:002008-12-17T23:50:02.799-05:00

The Texas whining has become unbearable. Bob Ryan and Dan Patrick put it over the top.Here’s how Patrick started his interview with Mack Brown in last week’s SI:The 11--1 Longhorns lost out on a spot in the Big 12 conference title game, despite having beaten Oklahoma this year, because of a tiebreaker system that relied on BCS standings.Dan Patrick: Why isn't head-to-head the first tiebreaker?

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-92101552025423389132008-12-12T19:09:00.004-05:002008-12-14T16:02:46.696-05:00

You can watch any NFL game from this season. Without commercials.The NFL has made them available through their service "Game Rewind." For $20 you get access to every game of the season, up to and including the Super Bowl, in HD. Of course you have to wait until the live broadcast is over, but this is still a great buy for anyone without directTV, DVR, or happens to work on game days.Oh, and it's

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-48098632751152715492008-12-10T15:45:00.001-05:002008-12-10T15:47:01.072-05:00

Straight from the UCB-Agent Easy

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-37784403790107354682008-12-08T19:43:00.006-05:002008-12-14T16:01:51.766-05:00

ImpactFor all the talk last week about how the Giants would get on just fine without Plaxico - their team focus is unshakable, they've already won three games without Plax, etc. - the Eagles game showed that that might not be the case.Plax' absences could be seen on the Giants first drive. Instead of trying a long filed goal in poor conditions, they went for it on 4th and 4. The Eagles brought

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-64654480288423215402008-11-30T19:52:00.005-05:002008-12-19T18:57:21.774-05:00

You know Lewis as the author of Moneyball. “The Blind Side” is ostensibly the story of Michael Oher – currently a senior left tackle at Ole Miss, then a senior left tackle in HS – but it’s really a sociological examination of both football and American society. That’s not surprising; Moneyball was social science (economics) at its core,* and Blind Side seems like it could have started out with a

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-32412416716893829782008-11-21T01:17:00.003-05:002008-12-20T12:31:27.439-05:00

Simmons referenced this in an article the other day and thankfully I found the details within Tom Ziller's Fanhouse blog (take a second and check it out).Without exaggeration, this is the most fascinating thing I've read about the NBA this year. As trivial as it might seem within the larger scope of the entire season (stars, records, wins), it offers insight into the inner workings of the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-21183006371707827662008-11-18T02:02:00.008-05:002008-11-19T03:08:34.148-05:00

It's obvious that the Titans' 10-0 start isn't generating the kind of fanfare that followed the Patriots' drive for an undefeated season in '07, or for that matter the Colts' undefeated start in '05. The clear reason is that Tennessee isn't winning in the dominant fashion that those two teams did, and it's nearly impossible to picture Kerry Collins succeeding where Tom Brady and Peyton Manning

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-40780831545543933692008-11-12T16:23:00.005-05:002008-11-17T01:56:19.968-05:00

The final installment of the Johan trade was yesterday.On to Miguel Cabrera.Previous entries here.TigersMiguel Cabrera, who was already having the best second half in the AL when we last checked on him, stayed hot through the end of the season and finished as the HR champ in the AL. He was named “Tiger of the Year” which sounds like a tee-ball award, but is actually just the team MVP

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-63312613859783948002008-11-12T01:35:00.005-05:002008-11-15T14:17:41.407-05:00

We waited on the final installment of the trade-tracker series to see if Johan might win the NL Cy Young. He finished third.Our previous update came with three weeks left in the regular season. Santana finished strong, doing as much as he could to get get the Mets to the playoffs. He ended the season with the ERA crown.TwinsRob Neyer thought Carlos Gomez “might have been the best outfielder on

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-73262750097288175312008-11-12T01:29:00.003-05:002008-11-15T14:13:52.805-05:00

Belated WS questions to ponder:- Why did neither team start their game 2 starters (or any of their starters for that matter) to finish off game 5? I can only assume that the managerial thinking was that a reliver had the advantage of proper mindset, but for all intents and purposes it was 0-0 and aren’t relivers relievers because they’re not as good as the starters?Furthermore, why was Maddon so

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-15145325035310962222008-11-06T22:47:00.004-05:002008-12-25T02:09:35.383-05:00

-Agent Easy

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-64160776910223135482008-10-21T18:58:00.003-04:002008-10-23T01:45:01.455-04:00

Derryl CousinsAccording to the Worcester Telegram Derryl Cousins is out for the year with a bruised collarbone. Cousins, if you recall, was the umpire at the center of Tampa Bay's rotation juggle, many speculating that, despite Joe Maddon's and Kazmir's denials, and even the numbers to support the decision, Kazmir was bumped up as a game 5 starter in part due to his history with Cousins. (While

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-41909311560884939142008-10-21T15:08:00.009-04:002008-12-20T16:16:41.363-05:00

Going into tomorrow's games, four of the top 10 NFL tacklers are linebackers from the U. Beyond DJ Williams, Jonathan Vilma, Nate Webster, and Jon Beason*, a little farther down the list fellow UM LBs Ray Lewis and Rocky MacIntosh round out the top 25.Tackles are not the most reliable stat, both in the way that they're computed and in their significance. For example, you could argue that Williams

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-35700726474629449792008-10-10T14:36:00.010-04:002008-10-12T23:27:12.693-04:00

- Last week, Aaron Rodgers looked tough throwing touchdown bombs with a separated shoulder.- Ben Roethlisberger, or simply "Ben," as the announcers seem to prefer, has looked even tougher. Three weeks ago in Philly, he "came under as heavy a pass rush as he has experienced in five NFL seasons as the rampaging Eagles defense sacked him eight times." He's been playing with a sprained throwing

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-75128098282770670232008-09-30T02:12:00.010-04:002008-12-20T16:17:46.206-05:00

The Marlins infield (Mike Jacobs, Dan Uggla, Hanley Ramirez, Jorge Cantu) became the first ever to each hit 25 home runs in a season. If Cantu had hit one more, each would have had at least 30. Ramirez led the team with 33, followed closely by Jacobs and Uggla with 32. That's a total of 126 home runs from the infield alone. The last team to come close to having an infield belt 25 home

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-88057572273873573942008-09-28T23:52:00.009-04:002008-09-29T03:00:40.942-04:00

That's what Johan Santana wrote in the Mets clubhouse before Saturday's game.Then, Santana, (who we briefly disparaged here) went out and pitched on short rest after notching his career-high pitch count in his previous start. He threw back-to-back complete games, last night's a shutout. When the Mets needed him with their season on the line, he showed his mettle and (temporarily) saved their

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-91774982680558229652008-09-25T16:47:00.013-04:002009-05-12T10:11:29.953-04:00

Cliff Lee, the comeback kid, has been getting press all year long and his Cy Young has long been a foregone conclusion, but now that the season is actually coming to a close he is no longer alone in the Cy Young conversation. We give you, Roy Halladay.Their numbers, with their respective league ranks in parentheses (a big asterisk)*:Cliff Lee22 Wins (1), 2.54 ERA (1), 1.11 WHIP (3), 170 Ks (9),

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-53585122420924503512008-09-12T12:42:00.005-04:002008-09-14T01:23:16.292-04:00

Johan was yesterday.On to the Miguel Cabrera trade.TigersAs mentioned here Cabrera is leading the leage in HRs and RBIs since the all star break. His slow start has been forgotten and now Jim Leyland is comparing him to Pujols and Brandon Inge is calling him a "freak of nature."Lately he's been playing first base and it looks like he'll stay there for the following season.Dontrelle Willis has

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-13453858869322325622008-09-12T12:32:00.002-04:002008-09-12T12:41:06.231-04:00

While the use of instant replay in MLB has raised a lot of controversy this year, the quirks of tennis's "Hawk-Eye" replay system came to the forefront the US Open Final. Hawk-Eye's use in determining whether balls were hit in or out has gotten positive reviews. But a glitch in the system hurt Andy Murray's chances to upset Roger Federer. During a second-set rally in which Murray, down 1-0, had

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-57130200068462225872008-09-11T16:12:00.009-04:002008-09-12T00:46:17.377-04:00

We're still following all of the players involved in the Miggy and Johan trades and trade talks. This is part 3. A refresher on the whos and the whys: parts 1 and 2.MetsSantana is having his typically filthy second half: he's won his last 6 decisions and hasn't given up more than 3 runs since July 17.The Mets pitchers (Wagner, Maine) are dropping like flies, and last year's collapse is still

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-83062817192277942202008-09-10T16:28:00.009-04:002008-09-10T19:15:53.871-04:00

The national stories of the past week had been the Rays' swoon and Yanks sinking back to fourth in the East, but the flip side of those stories was that it was the Jays, sweping the Rays, and surging past the Yanks into third place in the Wild Card race. Toronto's 10-game winning streak is the longest current one in the majors.That rank is a bit deceptive because they're still seven games back of

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-17537271022210983542008-08-20T15:03:00.005-04:002008-08-22T15:59:33.491-04:00

-One event that's been a disappointment so far is boxing. The scoring system is vastly different than in professional boxing making it difficult to follow, and the quality of fighting has been surprisingly low. You've probably already seen the famous bite clip, but look at it again and don't just focus on the bite - instead, notice how immediately the fighters go into a wrestling hug at the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-575175598247665342008-08-19T21:09:00.013-04:002008-08-24T14:27:07.962-04:00

- PhelpsOk, most everything has been said. The enduring images of Phelps will be his Lezak primal scream, out-touching Cavic, and maybe even the goggle toss, when he won the 200 Butterfly without being able to see.Just as revealing were Phelps' reactions to his other wins. For example, check out how he reacted to winning the 200 IM, in WR time no less. No excitement, barely any joy, only a

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-64852789894545966742008-08-11T02:04:00.009-04:002008-08-17T17:30:22.386-04:00

I watched the 4x100 Freestyle Relay in a bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.The bar was packed and the TVs were on with the sound off. More importantly, the bar was packed with hipsters, a group that generally does not care too much about sports, and only one tv was showing the games.The French team's quote flashed on the screen as the teams were warming up."The Americans? We're going to smash them.

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-15299245835669254982008-08-08T13:50:00.009-04:002008-08-17T17:31:20.662-04:00

With 34 Olympic sports to choose from, you're probably going to stick to the standard American diet of Basketball, Track and Field, the Michael Phelps watch, Baseball, the recently popular Women's Beach Volleyball, and maybe some boxing.A suggestion: Team HandballNot to be confused with the sport practiced by the old guy at your rec center, wailing on a racquetbal with a gloved hand, wearing a

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-60574389257174417082008-08-07T14:58:00.006-04:002008-08-08T03:03:40.796-04:00

It's hard to touch the Favre soap opera without feeling dirty, but against my better judgment... the Jets may have actually made a smart move in acquiring him.Earlier in the offseason we puzzled over the Jets' offseason strategy, in which they paid big for veteran players despite coming off a 4-12 season when rebuilding seems the right approach. In particular, we questioned the decision to

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-84428473604498903702008-08-04T19:16:00.005-04:002008-08-05T17:10:33.371-04:00

It's no surprise for a borderline playoff contender like Detroit to seek out pitching help, especially as their weak bullpen is a major part of their disappointing 2008 showing. What is strange is that they acquired him in a deal with no clear buyer or seller, and so gave up another "win now" kind of player in Pudge Rodriguez instead of the typical practice of giving up prospects for immediate

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-64717515035862148552008-07-15T00:48:00.009-04:002008-07-15T23:53:58.135-04:00

On the heels of the advent of our unique signatures, we'll also introduce a new feature: the back and forth.Interleague play might have killed the All-Star game, but it was already on its last breath after the ‘93 game at Camden Yards. That’s when, with the game in hand, Cito Gaston went to his own Duane Ward, instead of Baltimore’s own Mike Mussina, to pitch the almost perfunctory ninth

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-17229254489996197502008-07-10T19:13:00.012-04:002008-07-15T11:11:25.835-04:00

This year's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium is going to be a financial bonanza for MLB, causing some to call the Midsummer Classic "revitalized" since the infamous 2002 tie.From a pure baseball perspective, though, the ASG is nowhere near as compelling as it used to be, nor it it likely to become so. To understand why, think for a moment back to 1996 - no, not because it's the last time the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-45955531179840883852008-07-10T17:30:00.006-04:002008-07-15T09:49:26.166-04:00

Up until now, this blog, while authored by two people, has been published as if written by one. Today, we're making a small change and from now on will sign our posts individually. Our efforts will continue to be largely collaborative, but now we'll have cool nicknames.-Agent Easy-Hazelwood

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-23198693180241501442008-07-06T13:29:00.006-04:002008-12-20T16:17:21.271-05:00

What makes the game of baseball fascinating is that there is a wide array of things that can happen. The game can be won on a home-run in the bottom of the last inning. A team can rally from over ten runs down to seize victory. The pitcher can throw a perfect game. A defensive player can make an unassisted triple play. There can be a bench-clearing brawl.Yet last Saturday, I witnessed something

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-52611328611507599672008-06-23T20:35:00.014-04:002008-07-07T19:23:52.515-04:00

Two World Series titles buys you about 3.5 years. Thats for how long Cito Gaston managed the Jays after Joe Carter's walk-off. The Blue Jays fired him in 1997, and Mel Queen, the pitching coach, filled in as the interim manager. Since then the Jays have proven themselves inept at finding a viable replacement.Tim Johnson lead the team to its first post-WS winning record, motivating his players

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-55098203905679040612008-06-23T14:08:00.006-04:002008-06-23T20:23:10.615-04:00

The Nuggets just promised 'Melo that they wouldn't trade him.If you read between the lines, it seems that 'Melo, after hearing trade rumors about himself, gave management an ultimatum: trade me now, or not at all. That George Karl was the one seeking out the trade and was eventually trumped by management does not bode well for his future.Melo is now armed with the absolute assurances of a

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-37691314805468797052008-06-23T12:59:00.003-04:002008-06-23T14:08:04.232-04:00

Fresno State advanced to the CWS final yesterday. After starting the year 8-12, they finshed the season 16-4. They're the first #4 regional seed to reach the CWS and should they win, they'll set a record for most losses by a champion.They take on Georgia tonight at 7 pm on ESPN2.Russia beat the tournament favorite Netherlands in overtime to advance to the semis of Euro '08. Left for dead after

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-31008643426262624402008-06-17T00:01:00.009-04:002008-06-17T22:04:18.156-04:00

Perhaps the most emphatic sign that the Rays are a different kind of team this year is the news that Ken Griffey jr. is considering waiving his no trade clause should he be shipped to Tampa Bay.No, he's not the Griffey of old. "...It was no accident that 600th homer came on a breaking ball," says a scout within Stark's latest rumblings column. But his name alone stamps a sort of certificate of

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-24499020916539715252008-06-15T11:21:00.002-04:002008-06-15T11:23:27.282-04:00

MetsLike the Tigers, the Mets have struggled this season. The two teams with huge payrolls and expectations to match have combined to win 49% of their games, and each is in 4th place in their respective division. Mets Santana's been good, but not great, not $135 mil great. At 7-4 and a 3.08 ERA he's not best-pitcher-in-the-game great, for sure. He's been less of a disappointment that Miggy, but

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-30111087338750772122008-06-12T09:29:00.003-04:002008-06-13T14:29:59.060-04:00

See the guidelines about which players we're following.TigersThe news of the day is that Dontrelle Willis was sent to A ball the other day. Right past rehab assignment locales like AA or AAA, all the way to Lakeland, Florida, where most major league Tigers only play their spring ball. Willis line to date: 0-1, 10.32 ERA, and a guffaw-inducing 21 walks in 11 1/3 innings. The Tigers are a much

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-67037906133203869102008-06-07T09:29:00.003-04:002008-06-07T09:42:12.468-04:00

The "rogue's gallery of cheats and crooked moneymen" behind the possible Triple Crown Winner.Also: here's Affirmed's victory over Alydar at the 1978 Belmont Stakes, the culmination of a legendary rivalry.

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-53464068105988754372008-05-29T08:52:00.001-04:002008-05-29T08:53:24.028-04:00

... and why yours isn't worth anything.

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-26604138689752731792008-05-22T20:52:00.003-04:002008-05-22T21:12:54.672-04:00

Much more impressive than the much hyped-gyroball.*What-too soon?via Kottke

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-72345252860217404972008-05-21T20:42:00.004-04:002008-05-21T21:08:58.767-04:00

Even though everyone realized that talk of Duncan's demise had been greatly exaggerated, once the rumor had spread that he had the flu during his game 1 and 2 stinkers (a 23-11 for the two games combined), the Spurs' storylines for the next 5 games were still primarily Parker and Ginobli. Meanwhile Duncan averaged 17 and 16 over those last 5. And that was against Chandler who's no slouch on the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-57770459431558152272008-05-18T23:14:00.003-04:002008-05-18T23:39:18.748-04:00

An interesting tidbit for those of us wondering why Senator Arlen Specter doesn't have anything better to do than go after the New England Patriots. Specter apparently has "close ties" to Philly-based Comcast, who's in the middle of a dispute with the NFL over the terms of its broadcasting of the NFL Network. Of course having to deal with an independent investigation would make life more

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-3146028055697919822008-05-11T23:28:00.006-04:002008-05-13T13:38:36.992-04:00

The Marlins have baseballs best record at 23-14. They've won 7 straight, but more importantly, over the weekend, they just locked up Hanley Ramirez long term. While their current success might be fleeting, the Hanley deal should be a sign of perennial success, or at least a commitment to that success, for years to come.For those Marlins fans that are still dubious, being once burned by the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-20423686228265404162008-05-08T12:55:00.004-04:002008-05-08T13:17:48.220-04:00

Heath Shuler never made much of an impact in Washington as a QB for the Redskins, but he may have an effect on the presidential race. The former first-round flop is now a U.S. Representative for North Carolina and Democratic superdelegate, and yesterday put his support behind Hillary Clinton, fulfilling his promise to back whichever candidate won his district.Now, if only Jeff George and Todd

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-24761481267043957182008-05-06T01:12:00.002-04:002008-05-06T10:34:50.994-04:00

A couple of discoveries while perusing baseball-reference:1. Will Greg Maddux sit third on the all time wins list before it's all said and done? He needs 15 more wins to tie for fifth and 24 to tie for third. He's averaged 14 wins/year over the last three. Can he pitch until 44, and maintain those averages? Even now, Clemens and Spahn are his only contemporary company. After those two, there's

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-32214162963217148682008-05-04T17:25:00.004-04:002008-05-04T21:22:30.056-04:00

This past week Bill Simmons described the Phoenix Suns of the past few years as a "critically acclaimed" team - teams that didn't win a championship but are remembered fondly outside of their own fan base for their particular style of play or other achievements.Some teams we'd put in that category:1998 Minnesota VikingsThis team rode one of the most explosive offenses ever - featuring Randy Moss

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-79750794140474661472008-04-28T18:04:00.003-04:002008-04-28T18:16:36.052-04:00

Teeing off on ESPN seems barely even worth doing these days, at least since the embarassing "Who's Now" segment made the channel's decline in quality painfully obvious to everyone.Still, this story is notable in its quintessentially ESPN awfulness.Why?1. Another shameless plug for the Arena Football League, which nobody takes seriously but ESPN partially owns, hence it gets covered like a

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-88321443568537055222008-04-28T13:39:00.003-04:002008-04-28T16:47:09.039-04:00

Our recent post on surprise division leaders generated some discussion about whether Florida's strong start can hold up, so we've decided to go a little deeper into this:PitchingProjected returns of key starting pitchers:-Sanchez: All-Star Break, at best.-Johnson: September or next season.-Mitre: aiming for June.In the meantime, Miller has improved with virtually every start, although he has yet

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-46934771085584242902008-04-28T13:03:00.002-04:002008-04-28T13:23:11.868-04:00

One dark horse pick in the draft was Washington's selection of Hawaii QB Colt Brennan in the 6th round. While he put up ridiculous numbers at Hawaii, much of it can be chalked up to their old-school run-n-shoot offense and weak competition - their Sugar Bowl collapse against Georgia showed they were completely unprepared for a real pass rush. Indeed, Brennan's Hawaii predecessor of similarly

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-34119373391668713832008-04-27T23:40:00.003-04:002008-04-28T00:11:50.070-04:00

1. This has got to be one of the least exciting draft weekends in recent memory - the no. 1 pick was settled well in advance, no draft day trades on the level of last year's Randy Moss stunner, no precipitous drop of a big name guy like we saw with Brady Quinn, most of the biggest picks were offensive or defensive linemen, and the most exciting player in the draft ended up in Oakland.2. That said

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-32535063461863848752008-04-22T12:03:00.009-04:002008-04-23T15:15:16.191-04:00

It's only April, but there are surprises atop three divisions - the White Sox, the A's (tied with the Angels), and the Marlins.For Oakland's strong start, Jeff Hackman of the Hardball Times credits productive starting pitching.The White Sox have based their success so far on both offense - 2nd in the AL only to Boston in runs scored, and first in home runs (led by Thome and Crede with 5 apiece) -

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-37133853033331535452008-04-21T17:29:00.012-04:002008-04-21T22:21:43.310-04:00

Greg Cote thinks Miami should draft Matt Ryan with the #1 pick, as opposed to likely top pick Jake Long or one of the high-rated defensive linemen. A defensible argument - probably - but what's really interesting about his column is the way it falls for the myth of the Savior Quarterback:"Jake Long could be another Richmond Webb just as Chris Long could be another Taylor (minus the cha-cha). But

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-23077186399968498412008-04-17T21:55:00.010-04:002008-04-18T02:20:11.252-04:00

When I read that Steve McNair retired yesterday I instantly thought back to his memorable SI cover and the accompanying article. This was still when what SI wrote and who graced its cover mattered a lot more, and I became a McNair fan on that alone.The article is a good read, if anything to see just how much "black quarterback" was part of the conversation only 15 years ago, or for lighter gems

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-71185810900183532222008-04-16T21:03:00.013-04:002008-04-18T00:53:31.573-04:00

Last week Kottke linked to a post about why Baseball is the best of all games.We make the case for basketball.There are many arguments to be made: the awesomeness of the dunk, the sweet crispness of a catch and shoot three, etc, but the most fundamental difference is that basketball allows a synchronization unavailable in other sports. Obviously all team sports require teamwork, but basketball

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-82874274151127222542008-04-13T15:39:00.006-04:002008-12-20T16:14:05.607-05:00

Don’t know if anyone has noticed, but Detroit has themselves a pretty nice young bench.Yesterday against the Raps, with 4:43 to go, Jarvis Hayes checked in for Lindsey Hunter. At 26, he was the oldest Piston on the court. The rest of the youngins joining him:Aaron Afflalo 22Amir Johnson 20Jason Maxiell 25Rodney Stuckey 21The Pistons were up 83-75 at the time, and the lead had only been 6 three

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-53010514317936632622008-04-11T14:32:00.008-04:002008-04-11T17:18:22.128-04:00

The Cincinnati Reds' rookie pitcher has started off extremely strong. His 1-0/2.03 after two starts is nice, but what's especially impressive is his K/BB ratio of 18/0. The lack of walks puts his WHIP at a ridiclous 0.45. This comes on the heels of a great Spring Training for the righthander, who throws a slider (his strongest pitch), fastball and changeup.Obviously it's early, but Cueto's season

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-37925547181766397612008-04-10T00:34:00.004-04:002008-04-10T01:11:13.287-04:00

The Dolphins have begun contract negotations with Michigan OT Jake Long, setting him up to be the first pick of the draft; he will most likely start at LT, with Vernon Carey moving to RT. Long improved his already-high stock by demonstrating great upper body strength at the NFL Combine. At 6'7" and somewhere around 300 pounds (depending on which website you read - he's been variously reported at

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-80900778954454683112008-04-09T20:34:00.007-04:002008-04-09T23:01:03.740-04:00

Touting their choice for NBA MVP the other day, The Big Lead pointed out that Paul was averaging 21 points and 11 assists, and rhetorically asked who the last player to throw up 20 and 10 in a season was.The question was answered in the thread, but let us probe deeper and consider the significance of Paul's accomplishment and its timeliness.Here's the full list of 20/10 seasons in NBA history:

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-58555580071141555722008-04-08T00:12:00.005-04:002008-04-08T07:25:40.639-04:00

A couple of thoughts on the NCAA championship game.1. Because of Carmelo Anthony and his ilk it has become expected for college freshman to do great things. With the hevay emphasis on AAU ball and summer basketball camps, college freshman are much more seasoned than they were 10 years ago and it is no longer a novelty to see a Kevin Love, an Eric Gordon, or a Michael Beasley mentioned in

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-67197600304065642802008-04-07T14:27:00.007-04:002008-04-07T21:47:59.886-04:00

We've discussed before on this site the controversy over China's hosting this year's Olympics. Recently there's been a lot of talk in the US and elsewhere about boycotting the Beijing games.The problem with these boycotts is that they come at enormous cost to the athletes themselves. The intense training and short window of opportunity for athletes means that a boycott can effectively derail

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-68711368518986971722008-04-05T20:42:00.003-04:002008-04-05T21:13:56.369-04:00

The nationally acclaimed point guard, a borderline lottery pick, couldn't back up the hype tonight against Memphis. His line: 2 pts on 1-9 shooting, 4 assists and 5 TOs. Oh yeah, he also fouled out with three minutes to go. The foul obviously came as a result of frustration. Collison had just missed another lay-up (a contested one sure, but a lay-up nonetheless), and was late coming back on

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-38567071412229438222008-04-03T12:18:00.006-04:002008-04-05T20:41:06.936-04:00

A look at the rule changes adopted by the NFL this past week (summarized here):Putting less on the officials:"The force-out rule was eliminated, meaning a player who catches a ball must have both feet (or another body part) in bounds. "A smart move. It was an unnecessary judgment call to put into the hands of the refs. You're asking for controversy like with the Browns comeback against the

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-72562100594940393852008-03-31T18:14:00.003-04:002008-04-03T01:34:12.647-04:00

Hank Blalock - his production has dropped off in the past few years, but his salary has been rising and just as the going-nowhere Rangers shipped Teixiera last season, they could look for someone to take Blalock (who has often been linked to trade rumors) off their hands. Keith Foulke - the A's have a reclamation project going with him. Oakland will be hard-pressed to finish above 3rd this year,

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-88182791471048198512008-03-29T16:17:00.014-04:002008-04-03T01:32:44.589-04:00

From Basement Dweller to RespectableThe Rays once again start the season with no hope of challenging for the playoffs, but this could be the year they dig themselves out of the basement and threaten 80 wins (or at the very least a more modest team record of 71).They have a solid one-two punch at the top of their rotation in Kazmir and the up and coming James Shields. They even go three-deep with

BadSnaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18128602975157950317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5584088688672759381.post-25464088136362643162008-03-29T16:17:00.008-04:002008-03-31T21:55:13.980-04:00

1. Eric Wedge - after blowing a 3-1 lead in the ALCS and with an improved Tigers team in their division, there should be a sense of urgency in Cleveland. Wedge's stubbornness in using the mediocre Joe Borowski at closer last year, and the way the team fell flat with high expectations in 2006, are signs he might not be up to the task.2. Willie Randolph - this is pretty self-explanatory. The Mets'

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We're going to do a non-traditional baseball preview here (that we're doing one after the season has already started should let you know as much). It will be light on predicted standings and heavy on the stories.First up we have the two blockbuster trades that happened in the off-season. Johan Santana was shipped to the Mets and Miguel Cabrera (along with Dontrelle Willis) to the Tigers. What was

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If you haven't heard, Major League Baseball's lawyers shut down a website, obamaofdreams.com, which sold t-shirts based on teams' jerseys, with "Obama" substituted the team name (here's the full catalogue).The frustrating part of this is that MLB, while it may have the legal right to assert its trademark, is shooting itself in the foot. The t-shirts are different enough from official MLB gear

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A Disclaimer: Between the two of us we've watched less than six games this year. That's not to say we haven't followed along with box scores and highlights, but despite what looks to be thoughtful evidence for the picks below, most (all?) are based on hunches, gut feelings, and rooting preferences. The sole point of this is to go on record, should the picks actually hit.EastI want to pick George

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The Raiders have been big spenders this off-season. They're three biggest signings have been DT/DE Tommy Kelly (7 years, 50.5 mil, 18 mil guaranteed), WR Javon Walker (6 years, 55 mil, 16 mil guaranteed), and Gibril Wilson (6 years 39 mil, 16 mil guaranteed).The three movies are questionale at best, not because of the players they signed or the holes they chose to fill, but because of the dollars

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1. Daisuke Matsuzaka: had a mediocre year in 2007, going 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA. Was this due to the transition from the Japanese Leagues to MLB, or is he really just an average pitcher? 2008 will be key in determining whether he is ace material, a pressing question for the Red Sox given Beckett's latest injury and Schilling's uncertain future.2. Lastings Milledge: his trade to the Nats angered

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The Bill Parcells-Tony Sparano-Jim Ireland regime has, as expected, already started to overhaul the Dolphins' roster. They can't possibly do a worse job than Spielman, Cameron & co., who left behind a 1-15 team with an aging defense and serious questions on offense. It's impossible to get into all the moves in a single post but here are some highlights.As a general matter, Parcells & co. have

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Two members of the mainstream sports media aren't drinking the Kool-Aid on two of its most hyped stars: Sal Paolantonio pokes some serious holes in Brett Favre, and Mike Freeman takes on Tyler Hansbrough. Good reads both.

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Check out, if you have the chance, the HBO documentary Joe Louis - America's Hero, Betrayed. Worth it for the boxing clips alone, along with some excellent interviews that give insight into the man and his historical moment.Some Joe Louis highlights:Heavyweight Championship: Joe Louis vs. James Braddock - 1937Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling I - 1936Joe Louis vs. Max Schemling II - 1938note: above

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The Favre retirement is of course being covered to saturation in the sports media, but here are some indirect consequences of Favre hanging it up.-A strange development: Green Bay is entertaining the thought of signing Trent Green. Yes, that Trent Green. Not a great vote of confidence in Aaron Rodgers, who did well in the one game last season where he had extensive playing time.-Favre's

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The Jets have brought in Alan Faneca, Damien Woody, Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins, and Tony Richardson. It's an interesting reaction to their miserable 4-12 season in which they finished 25th in total offense and 19th in total defense, but at the same time were only one year removed from a playoff appearance. The huge salaries have drawn the ire of some of the lesser-paid New York veterans.Woody and

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