Take that, UConn! Yesterday, George Mason erased a little of the pent up hostility I have against the UConn Huskies for 1990. Let me take you back in time to the Meadowlands, Sweet Sixteen, 1990. Clemson about to go to the Elite Eight, being led by Elden Campbell and Dale Davis, They were the regular season ACC champions. But, when Tate George hit that shot (3 pointer) at the buzzer off an improbable in-bound play, I almost fainted. Mostly, what I remember after that shot is that stupid Huskie mascot running on the floor, almost knocking over some of the Clemson players. Well, yesterday, that Husky didn't have a chance to do a stupid floor dance. George Mason sent the tournament's number one seed home yesterday with an 86-84 OT victory, sending a 11 seed to the Final Four. Last time an 11 was in the Final Four, was 1986 with LSU. Speaking of LSU, guess who is also going to Indianapolis? LSU dominated Duke, spoiling CBS' dream match-up of a Duke-UConn final. UCLA, who had NO business beating Gonzaga the other night, is the third team going to Indy, while Florida completes the Final Four. I hope Florida doesn't win it, just for Joakim Noah wearing his hat the way he was yesterday. Plus.....it's FLorida. I'm an FSU fan. I can't pull for the Gators. They'd rescind my Florida citizenship.
In my last posting, I said I was a free agent looking for an NFL team to pair up with for next season. Cross off Dallas. After the signing of Terrell Owens, it pretty much made my decision easier. I mean, this is a guy who: Called his former QB gay (Jeff Garcia), criticized his other QB for not having heart in the Super Bowl (Donavan McNabb), had run-ins with coaches (insert any name fron San Francisco-Philadelphia here), and got kicked off his own NFL team when he griped about a contract that he signed! Anyway, Jerry Jones thinks he is the man that can control TO. If I'm Bill Parcells, I fax my resignation into Valley Ranch and to Jean-Jacques Taylor at the Dallas Morning News. I don't even have a conference. I'm gone. At this stage of Parcells' career, he doesn't need the hassle. Look what happened to Antonio Bryant when he tried to throw attitude towards Parcells. Now, I'm not comparing Bryant to Owens, because that's not even a fair fight. But, Parcells has two rings. His place in NFL lore is secure. With nobody on the current Cowboys roster to remind Owens of his place in the world (save for Roy Williams, who should just tackle him from behind again), TO will destroy the Cowboys. And, tops on my list of questions with this signing is this: Why would you sign a guy who disrespected the star at mid-field? At least they Cowboys got rid of Larry Allen, the guy who can lift a house, but can't run a wind sprint to save his life. I've been saying it for a long time now that they should have traded Allen while he still had some worth, but I wasn't consulted on personnel decisions by the club. Now, I know what some people are going to say: Larry Allen was an All-Pro. He did this, he did that....etc. You know what? If I'm 350-375 pounds, and can bench press over 750, I'll win whatever battle I'm in on the offensive line. That's a no-brainer. What he did was take up space for someone that could do a better job. I'm not saying he wasn't a fine player. I'm saying this move came far too late for Dallas to benefit from it. In this day and age, you can't fall in love with a player, just because he's a link to the "glory years". If that's the case, Tom Glavine would still be in Atlanta, and do NOT get me started on that subject.
Memo to the IRL- You guys are classless. When a guy dies, as one did yesterday at Homestead, you don't go ahead and hold the race. Have some respect. You're better than that!
Today, we take a look at the AFC West
Kansas City- First thing they need is a coach who won't cry like a little girl every time a microphone is placed in front of him. Oh wait, they got that. They'll definitely need to look at a QB, cause Trent Green is no spring chicken, and his coach is gone. They should cut Priest Holmes today. Larry Johnson proved he can tote the rock, and with Holmes' concussion history, he's damaged goods. Keeping Will Shields was a plus for them. They'll probably tweak the defense some more, since their defense has really stunk up the joint the past few seasons. Herman Edwards will have this team knocking on the door of the play-offs within a season.
Denver- Well, I would say they need a running back, with the loss of Anderson, but it doesn't seem to matter in Denver. Tatum Bell looks to be the next man up in the Denver running system. They'll need an upgrade at wideout, with Rod Smith getting on in years, and Ashley Lelie is not the answer. Since they moved way up in the first round, I look for them to take a WR, possibly Santonio Holmes out of Ohio State. Denver went deep in the playoffs, so some fine tuning is all they need.
Oakland- Come on. I don't have the time to list all that's wrong with them. Remember the days of Oakland stretching the field with the vertical game? So does Al Davis. Trouble is, he thinks he can revive those days. Anyway, all I know about the Raiders now is Robert Gallery, and he's an offensive lineman. When a lineman is your most recognizeable player, you have problems. They rid themselves of Kerry "The Quitter" Collins, so that was a good move. They brought back Art Shell. Not because they really wanted him, but because he was the only person who would actually take on this type of rebuilding project under the meddlesome eye of Davis. Oakland is sad. plain and simple.
Seattle- First, they need a crying towel for their coach. Were they the first team to lose a game because of questionable officiating? ANyway, they keep Shaun Alexander, so that solves the running back problem. They lose Steve Hutchinson from their offensive line to free agency, so he'll need to be replaced. Can it be done from within, or will they take someone in the draft? They'll have a lot of time to think about it, since they pick near the bottom of the pile in the upcoming draft. Will Winston Justice from USC still be there when they pick? And will they finally get the whole 12th Man issue settled with Texas A&M? Seattle could make another strong run next season.
There it is. Fresh off the presses. Baseball starts in less than a week. Will the Yankees be another momumentally expensive failure? Will the Red Sox re-capture some of their World Seris magic? Will the White Sox be able to defend their title? Will someone throw at Barry Bonds (I know I would....right in his earhole!)? Can the Braves pitching be near as good without Mazzone? Can St. Louis finally bring home a title? And, can we just go ahead and move the Marlins somewhere else? Joe Girardi doesn't deserve to be given a glorified team of minor leaguers. And, while we're asking all of these questions, will this finally be the year that someone tells Tim McCarver to shut up?
See you next time.
Patrick
Monday, March 27, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Does anyone else see something wrong here???
OK, let the debate begin right now. Am I too much of a stickler, or is it my prior military background? Here's my beef today. John Chaney stepped down as the coach of the Temple Owls yesterday to much fanfare and much applause. However, I have a huge problem with this. Isn't this the guy who once threatened to "kill" another coach in a post-game press conference? Isn't this the guy who admittedly sent a goon into a game to hard foul a St. Jospeh's player? Forget for just a second that the guy that was fouled was a senior, had his arm broken, missed the NCAA tourney, etc. This is a guy whose retirement should have been five years ago, and now, all of the sudden, we are praising a guy whose behavior is no worse than Bob Knight's in his last days at Indiana. Say what you want about that last comment.....Miles Brand was president at Indiana when he instituted the "zero-tolerance" policy, and thus, spelled the end for Knight in Bloomington. But, years later, it's OK for Chaney to act like a moron, embarrass Temple by admitting to the thug incident, and basically rant and rave like a crazy man? Where is the equal treatment? Don't give me the argument that's coming out right now....the "Well, he helped inner city kids from Philadelphia become men.." . Don't even try to sell that one here. Chaney will surely leave his mark on the game. Heck, he's a Hall of Famer. But, again, I think he hung on five years too long, and tarnished his legacy with the thug incident. Should we celebrate him? I don't think so. I think Temple will be better off by upgrading at its coaching position. Now, maybe they won't lose so many recruits to Villanova, St. Joseph's, or other area schools. Temple is finally stepping into the 21st century.
As of this posting, I am seriously considering becoming an NFL free agent fan. The Miami Dolphins today sent a second round pick to the minnesota Vikings for QB Daunte Culpepper. It's a homecoming, of sorts, for Culpepper, who played his college ball at UCF, and his high school ball at Vanguard (Ocala). But, to spend that high a pick on a QB whose knee was literally shreeded during last season is too much, in my opinion. Keep the pick, and gamble on a QB being there, like a Charlie Whitehurst, or a Corey Bramlet. Give Miami credit, though. They were very thorough ni testing Brees' injured shoulder. They were also unwilling to meet Brees' demands of guaranteed money. I guess it was a good dream while it lasted. If you're Brees, though, what are you thinking? The Saints? A new head coach, a team still in flux following the storm, and a team with absolutely NO chance to win. Plus, what does this do to the upcoming draft? I'll tell you. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. New Orleans was never going to take Leinart with the second pick. He'll go to Tennessee to reunite with Norm Chow. When it happens, remember where you read it, OK? Young now drops due to the fact he didn't want to do full workouts at the combine. Does Vince Young end up in NY with the Jets? Who knows? Gosh knows they need so much more than just a QB. I think the Saints are now sitting in a decent spot, being that they could trade out of #2 for a boatload of selections, or they could take D'Brickashaw Ferguson or Mario Williams, and address needs on their club. For Young, here's where it all shakes out now. At noe, REggie Bush to Houston. New Orleans now is the wild card at two, Leinart to Tennessee at three, and then it gets interesting. Unless the Jets take him, and i really can't see that they will, Young could slip out of the top 10. Following the Jets would be Green Bay (Arron Rodgers), San Francisco (Alex Smith), Oakland (relying too much on the deep ball that Young hasn't proven he can throw consistently), Buffalo (JP Losman), and Detroit (Joey Harrington, Jeff Garcia, and now, Jon Kitna) and Arizona (Kurt Warner) to close out the top 10. This makes the debate for Young a lot more interesting. Before people jump on me for saying Young isn't a top 10 QB, consider two things: 1. He can ride the Rose Bowl wave for only so long, then he has to come back down to earth, and 2. The last time a hyped QB dropped out of the top 10, it was a guy named Roethlisberger. How is he doing in the NFL nowadays? Last time I checked, he was hoisting a big trophy with the name Lombardi on it.
Real quick, and I don't want to spend too much time on it, lest I get called in front of Congress (as if they don't have more important things to be doing), read the latest Sports Illustrated article on Barry Bonds, and it will all but prove that he's been on the sauce for a long time. I remember Bonds from his Pittsburgh days when he played against the Braves. Nowhere near as big as he is now. Now, comes new allegations in a different book that Bonds was quoted as saying he was going to take hard-core performance enhancers? Face it, Bonds fans. He got caught. If we had any kind of a commissioner in baseball with some real backbone, Bonds would be tossed from the league. Why won't he? Because he's a huge B.I.T.S. factor (butts in the seats). That's what Selig is looking at. And why not? He is a salesman. But, I say this.....toss Bonds out on his ear, wipe his records from 1998 to present day off the books, and get the whole thing done. I was right, people, about Pete Rose......I'll be right about this one.
We'll look at the AFC South today, starting with the Indianapolis Colts. They now need a franchise running back, with the departure of Edgerrin James. De'Angelo Williams from Memphis will surely be gone by the time they pick. They'll probably go second round to take a Maurice Drew. They'll tweak other positions, like kicker and linebacker, and add depth at others, but they'll still be a tough team to beat in the coming season.
Houston- We all know they are going to take Reggie Bush, but what else do they need? We don't have time to cover that question. Obviously, the big need is offensive line help. Carr spent too much time running for his life last year, and he's getting paid way too much money not to be a productive player by this point in his career. Houston is still a few years away from contention.
Jacksonville- Get a new RB to replace Fred (The Human Infirmary) Taylor. Upgrade at wide receiver, and add depth all around on the defensive side of the ball. Jacksonville made the playoffs last season, and with a good draft, they'll be a solid wild-card team in the AFC.
Tennessee- Get Matt Leinart, put him with Chow, re-create the magic. McNair has another year to go, so let Leinart hold a clipboard a la Carson Palmer, then work him into the mix. They upgraded at center today with the addition of former Jet Kevin Mawae, and got better at the wideout, by adding David Givens from the Patriots. If Adam Jones can keep his head on straight next year, he'll be the presence on defense that the Titans need him to be. With Jeff Fisher at coach, Tennessee could make things interesting next season, but more than likely, they're probably 2 seasons away from returning to the play-offs.
There you have it.......you heard it here first. The tournament is starting this week, and we're about three weeks from Opening Day. If I ever get elected to Congress (God forbid), Opening Day will become a national holiday. More to come again soon. Thanks for reading.
Patrick
As of this posting, I am seriously considering becoming an NFL free agent fan. The Miami Dolphins today sent a second round pick to the minnesota Vikings for QB Daunte Culpepper. It's a homecoming, of sorts, for Culpepper, who played his college ball at UCF, and his high school ball at Vanguard (Ocala). But, to spend that high a pick on a QB whose knee was literally shreeded during last season is too much, in my opinion. Keep the pick, and gamble on a QB being there, like a Charlie Whitehurst, or a Corey Bramlet. Give Miami credit, though. They were very thorough ni testing Brees' injured shoulder. They were also unwilling to meet Brees' demands of guaranteed money. I guess it was a good dream while it lasted. If you're Brees, though, what are you thinking? The Saints? A new head coach, a team still in flux following the storm, and a team with absolutely NO chance to win. Plus, what does this do to the upcoming draft? I'll tell you. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. New Orleans was never going to take Leinart with the second pick. He'll go to Tennessee to reunite with Norm Chow. When it happens, remember where you read it, OK? Young now drops due to the fact he didn't want to do full workouts at the combine. Does Vince Young end up in NY with the Jets? Who knows? Gosh knows they need so much more than just a QB. I think the Saints are now sitting in a decent spot, being that they could trade out of #2 for a boatload of selections, or they could take D'Brickashaw Ferguson or Mario Williams, and address needs on their club. For Young, here's where it all shakes out now. At noe, REggie Bush to Houston. New Orleans now is the wild card at two, Leinart to Tennessee at three, and then it gets interesting. Unless the Jets take him, and i really can't see that they will, Young could slip out of the top 10. Following the Jets would be Green Bay (Arron Rodgers), San Francisco (Alex Smith), Oakland (relying too much on the deep ball that Young hasn't proven he can throw consistently), Buffalo (JP Losman), and Detroit (Joey Harrington, Jeff Garcia, and now, Jon Kitna) and Arizona (Kurt Warner) to close out the top 10. This makes the debate for Young a lot more interesting. Before people jump on me for saying Young isn't a top 10 QB, consider two things: 1. He can ride the Rose Bowl wave for only so long, then he has to come back down to earth, and 2. The last time a hyped QB dropped out of the top 10, it was a guy named Roethlisberger. How is he doing in the NFL nowadays? Last time I checked, he was hoisting a big trophy with the name Lombardi on it.
Real quick, and I don't want to spend too much time on it, lest I get called in front of Congress (as if they don't have more important things to be doing), read the latest Sports Illustrated article on Barry Bonds, and it will all but prove that he's been on the sauce for a long time. I remember Bonds from his Pittsburgh days when he played against the Braves. Nowhere near as big as he is now. Now, comes new allegations in a different book that Bonds was quoted as saying he was going to take hard-core performance enhancers? Face it, Bonds fans. He got caught. If we had any kind of a commissioner in baseball with some real backbone, Bonds would be tossed from the league. Why won't he? Because he's a huge B.I.T.S. factor (butts in the seats). That's what Selig is looking at. And why not? He is a salesman. But, I say this.....toss Bonds out on his ear, wipe his records from 1998 to present day off the books, and get the whole thing done. I was right, people, about Pete Rose......I'll be right about this one.
We'll look at the AFC South today, starting with the Indianapolis Colts. They now need a franchise running back, with the departure of Edgerrin James. De'Angelo Williams from Memphis will surely be gone by the time they pick. They'll probably go second round to take a Maurice Drew. They'll tweak other positions, like kicker and linebacker, and add depth at others, but they'll still be a tough team to beat in the coming season.
Houston- We all know they are going to take Reggie Bush, but what else do they need? We don't have time to cover that question. Obviously, the big need is offensive line help. Carr spent too much time running for his life last year, and he's getting paid way too much money not to be a productive player by this point in his career. Houston is still a few years away from contention.
Jacksonville- Get a new RB to replace Fred (The Human Infirmary) Taylor. Upgrade at wide receiver, and add depth all around on the defensive side of the ball. Jacksonville made the playoffs last season, and with a good draft, they'll be a solid wild-card team in the AFC.
Tennessee- Get Matt Leinart, put him with Chow, re-create the magic. McNair has another year to go, so let Leinart hold a clipboard a la Carson Palmer, then work him into the mix. They upgraded at center today with the addition of former Jet Kevin Mawae, and got better at the wideout, by adding David Givens from the Patriots. If Adam Jones can keep his head on straight next year, he'll be the presence on defense that the Titans need him to be. With Jeff Fisher at coach, Tennessee could make things interesting next season, but more than likely, they're probably 2 seasons away from returning to the play-offs.
There you have it.......you heard it here first. The tournament is starting this week, and we're about three weeks from Opening Day. If I ever get elected to Congress (God forbid), Opening Day will become a national holiday. More to come again soon. Thanks for reading.
Patrick
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Sad day in sports
"And we'll see you.......tomorrow night!!!"
When the late Jack Buck uttered those words, I sat and started at the TV, stunned. Go back in time.....Game 6, 1991 World Series. "Worst to First" teams Atlanta and Minnesota locked into a series that still ranks as the greatest series ever played. Both teams had battled each other to an almost standstill, exhausting their benches in the process. With Atlanta leading the Series three games to two, they were in place to claim baseball's biggest prize, and cap one of the most improbable seasons in baseball. That is, until Kirby Puckett showed up. Puckett's snare of a long drive to left-center off the bat of Atlanta's Ronnie Gant got the Metrodome crowd on their feet in the 11th inning. If people thought that was the end of it.....well, here comes Mr. Puckett again.
"Here's the 1-0 pitch from Liebrandt......change up down and away...swing, and there's a drive to left-center field...way back....and we'll see you tomorrow night!" Jack Buck 1991 World Series, CBS Sports
Little did I know then that I was watching a series that would still be revered by so many in sports. As I drove through Atlanta after the 1-0 Game 7 loss, I was shocked to see the city bereft of the traffic and bustle that usually identifies with the city. I-85 through the city was an easy drive, compared to what it usually is. Atlanta would finally claim a World Series title in 1995, but Kirby Puckett had left his mark on the World Series, on the nation, heck, on the entire sports-watching world.
Puckett passed away at the age of 45 yesterday due to complications from a stroke. His baseball career was cut short due to glaucoma in his right eye. He was a first-time-eligible inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While every baseball fan at the time might not have been a Twins fan, everyone knew who Puckett was. The man, who was only five foot eight, had the stubby biceps peeking out from under his uniform, and always smiled, no matter what happened, was a fan favorite throughout the league. He led Minnesota to two championships in five years (1987 and 1991). While it will always be debated just how good a player he might have turned out to be, one thing will always remail clear: Puckett gave his all in a sport where so many just give some, back up to the pay window, and complain about not being respected like the players of old are. Puckett's #34 was retired by the Twins on 25 May 97, joining Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, and Tony Oliva in Twins lore.
Is anyone else sick about how the NFL is about to kill the golden goose? In a nut shell, here it is. The players feel they deserve a bigger slice of the money pie. After all, they are the ones doing the lion's share of the work, they are he ones putting their careers on the line each week for our entertainment, and they are the ones who make the NFL the biggest money making machine in sports. The owners see it pretty much the same way the players do, and if this were the key sticking point, a deal would already be in place. Ah, but therein lies the rub. The key here is revenue sharing, something that makes the NFL unlike any other league. The late Wellington Mara, of the NY Giants, said that for the NFL to succeed, each club must equally share the revenue pie. He really must be turning over in his grave now. The NFLPA wants all NFL money to be thrown into one pot, and their union get a sizeable chunk out of it. The owners contend that if all money is to be lumped together (ie- TV money, merchandising sales, etc. ), then the players should get less, since it's a significant increase from the first pot of money. The fly in the ointment becomes revenue sharing. Here's how it stands right now: Why should a team with worldwide appeal, like Dallas, New York, Washington, or Pittsburgh equally share with a team with considerably less appeal, like Jacksonville or Arizona? The answer....To keep the league afloat, you morons. I really don't understand the stance here. The owners are meeting today to decide if they want to accept the latest players union proposal. If they don't accpet, the new league year starts, and you'll see household names on the waiver wire as teams try to get under the salary cap. If the owners kill the golden goose, they'll have nobody to blame but themselves.
Tournament time is upon is, and while everyone is wonderg about who the number one seeds will be, I keep asking myself this: Who will the next small school be that makes a name for itself in the Tournament? From Bucknell to Valpo, Weber State to Santa Clara, some small school jumps up around this time of year and knocks one of college basketball's big boys out of the dance. I think its great, especially if it happens to a team that is a media darling. Some of basketball's smaller conferences have already crowned their champion. The big conference tournaments get underway this weekend, with the whole bracket revealed this Sunday afternoon. This is really a great time of the year. While I hate to see the cold temperatures go away, once we crown a national champion in college basketball, it's Opening Day! Pardon me while I shed a tear of happiness.
The last time I left off, I covered what the AFC East should be looking for in the upcoming draft/free agency period. Today, we'll cover the AFC North.
Baltimore-quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. I still can't bring myself to call Trent Dilfer a Super Bowl winning quarterback. That said, I don't think anyone is calling Kyle Boller a world beater, either. But, the fact still remains that the Ravens need a QB, as well as someone to replace Jamal Lewis. Face it, Ravens fans, he's gone. Chester Taylor might be a suitable replacement, but you're going to tell me you'd rather have Taylor than someone like DeAngelo Williams? I thought so. Baltimore also needs to find some depth for the defensive side, as they found out in season-ending injuries to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. A MLB wouldn't hurt, since Lewis won't be there forever.
Cincinnati- While their rise to the playoffs was inspiring, it was costly. They lost franchise QB Carson Palmer to a knee injury, and were never really the same team. So, do they spend a little to keep Jon Kitna and continuity, or search the waiver wire for a replacement? Among their cuts will be an unnamed player who supposedly leaked locker room events to a member of the media, a serious breach of sports etiquette. While I think the Bengals should just tweak, their QB situation bears watching as mini camps start to get underway.
Cleveland- Wow, where do I start? I mean, we are talking about the franchise that has one of the most loyal fan bases in the league, but still can't seem to shake the "expansion" blues. They need help all across the board, soup to nuts. They'll get it. because no team in the NFL really stays down for long. Oops, sorry about that, New Orleans. I like Charlie Frye, the second year QB, I like Braylon Edwards, their star reciever, who will be coming off a major injury. Speaking of Browns coming off injury, it remains to be seen how Kellen Winslow, Jr. will handle NFL pressure. If he's half the player his old man was, the Browns will be a few pieces away from respectability.
Pittsburgh- What can you say about a team that won it all? Well, for starters, this: Keep Randle-El. His ability to make the trick play keeps Pittsburgh a threat to win each week. While they'll miss Jerome Bettins, they'll be more than happy wilt Willie Parker. Same as Cincinnati here.....tweak the roster to fill in some depth, and pick up a decent back-up for their starting QB, Ben Roethlisberger.
Well, that about puts the ribbon on the package. Hope everyone is well. Talk to you soon.
Patrick
When the late Jack Buck uttered those words, I sat and started at the TV, stunned. Go back in time.....Game 6, 1991 World Series. "Worst to First" teams Atlanta and Minnesota locked into a series that still ranks as the greatest series ever played. Both teams had battled each other to an almost standstill, exhausting their benches in the process. With Atlanta leading the Series three games to two, they were in place to claim baseball's biggest prize, and cap one of the most improbable seasons in baseball. That is, until Kirby Puckett showed up. Puckett's snare of a long drive to left-center off the bat of Atlanta's Ronnie Gant got the Metrodome crowd on their feet in the 11th inning. If people thought that was the end of it.....well, here comes Mr. Puckett again.
"Here's the 1-0 pitch from Liebrandt......change up down and away...swing, and there's a drive to left-center field...way back....and we'll see you tomorrow night!" Jack Buck 1991 World Series, CBS Sports
Little did I know then that I was watching a series that would still be revered by so many in sports. As I drove through Atlanta after the 1-0 Game 7 loss, I was shocked to see the city bereft of the traffic and bustle that usually identifies with the city. I-85 through the city was an easy drive, compared to what it usually is. Atlanta would finally claim a World Series title in 1995, but Kirby Puckett had left his mark on the World Series, on the nation, heck, on the entire sports-watching world.
Puckett passed away at the age of 45 yesterday due to complications from a stroke. His baseball career was cut short due to glaucoma in his right eye. He was a first-time-eligible inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While every baseball fan at the time might not have been a Twins fan, everyone knew who Puckett was. The man, who was only five foot eight, had the stubby biceps peeking out from under his uniform, and always smiled, no matter what happened, was a fan favorite throughout the league. He led Minnesota to two championships in five years (1987 and 1991). While it will always be debated just how good a player he might have turned out to be, one thing will always remail clear: Puckett gave his all in a sport where so many just give some, back up to the pay window, and complain about not being respected like the players of old are. Puckett's #34 was retired by the Twins on 25 May 97, joining Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, and Tony Oliva in Twins lore.
Is anyone else sick about how the NFL is about to kill the golden goose? In a nut shell, here it is. The players feel they deserve a bigger slice of the money pie. After all, they are the ones doing the lion's share of the work, they are he ones putting their careers on the line each week for our entertainment, and they are the ones who make the NFL the biggest money making machine in sports. The owners see it pretty much the same way the players do, and if this were the key sticking point, a deal would already be in place. Ah, but therein lies the rub. The key here is revenue sharing, something that makes the NFL unlike any other league. The late Wellington Mara, of the NY Giants, said that for the NFL to succeed, each club must equally share the revenue pie. He really must be turning over in his grave now. The NFLPA wants all NFL money to be thrown into one pot, and their union get a sizeable chunk out of it. The owners contend that if all money is to be lumped together (ie- TV money, merchandising sales, etc. ), then the players should get less, since it's a significant increase from the first pot of money. The fly in the ointment becomes revenue sharing. Here's how it stands right now: Why should a team with worldwide appeal, like Dallas, New York, Washington, or Pittsburgh equally share with a team with considerably less appeal, like Jacksonville or Arizona? The answer....To keep the league afloat, you morons. I really don't understand the stance here. The owners are meeting today to decide if they want to accept the latest players union proposal. If they don't accpet, the new league year starts, and you'll see household names on the waiver wire as teams try to get under the salary cap. If the owners kill the golden goose, they'll have nobody to blame but themselves.
Tournament time is upon is, and while everyone is wonderg about who the number one seeds will be, I keep asking myself this: Who will the next small school be that makes a name for itself in the Tournament? From Bucknell to Valpo, Weber State to Santa Clara, some small school jumps up around this time of year and knocks one of college basketball's big boys out of the dance. I think its great, especially if it happens to a team that is a media darling. Some of basketball's smaller conferences have already crowned their champion. The big conference tournaments get underway this weekend, with the whole bracket revealed this Sunday afternoon. This is really a great time of the year. While I hate to see the cold temperatures go away, once we crown a national champion in college basketball, it's Opening Day! Pardon me while I shed a tear of happiness.
The last time I left off, I covered what the AFC East should be looking for in the upcoming draft/free agency period. Today, we'll cover the AFC North.
Baltimore-quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. I still can't bring myself to call Trent Dilfer a Super Bowl winning quarterback. That said, I don't think anyone is calling Kyle Boller a world beater, either. But, the fact still remains that the Ravens need a QB, as well as someone to replace Jamal Lewis. Face it, Ravens fans, he's gone. Chester Taylor might be a suitable replacement, but you're going to tell me you'd rather have Taylor than someone like DeAngelo Williams? I thought so. Baltimore also needs to find some depth for the defensive side, as they found out in season-ending injuries to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. A MLB wouldn't hurt, since Lewis won't be there forever.
Cincinnati- While their rise to the playoffs was inspiring, it was costly. They lost franchise QB Carson Palmer to a knee injury, and were never really the same team. So, do they spend a little to keep Jon Kitna and continuity, or search the waiver wire for a replacement? Among their cuts will be an unnamed player who supposedly leaked locker room events to a member of the media, a serious breach of sports etiquette. While I think the Bengals should just tweak, their QB situation bears watching as mini camps start to get underway.
Cleveland- Wow, where do I start? I mean, we are talking about the franchise that has one of the most loyal fan bases in the league, but still can't seem to shake the "expansion" blues. They need help all across the board, soup to nuts. They'll get it. because no team in the NFL really stays down for long. Oops, sorry about that, New Orleans. I like Charlie Frye, the second year QB, I like Braylon Edwards, their star reciever, who will be coming off a major injury. Speaking of Browns coming off injury, it remains to be seen how Kellen Winslow, Jr. will handle NFL pressure. If he's half the player his old man was, the Browns will be a few pieces away from respectability.
Pittsburgh- What can you say about a team that won it all? Well, for starters, this: Keep Randle-El. His ability to make the trick play keeps Pittsburgh a threat to win each week. While they'll miss Jerome Bettins, they'll be more than happy wilt Willie Parker. Same as Cincinnati here.....tweak the roster to fill in some depth, and pick up a decent back-up for their starting QB, Ben Roethlisberger.
Well, that about puts the ribbon on the package. Hope everyone is well. Talk to you soon.
Patrick
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