We're a society that likes to remember things, as if that makes the journey all the much sweeter. When it comes to recalling those images in sports, we all have memories that linger with us, etched forever. Those of course, can be good and bad memories. In my lifetime, I've seen a number of my favorite teams win the ultimate prize (Chicago Blackhawks-twice, Chicago Bears-twice, Chicago White Sox-once). I can still remember where I was and how I felt. Kind of like it was yesterday, but of course, it wasn't.
But isn't that what being a fan is all about? Having those "moments", or perhaps its having bragging rights over a best friend as to whose favorite team is better. Win or lose we've had hundreds of stars leave their impressions on us. I came a video on "You Tube" the other day...one that showcased sports in the last sixty to seventy years. Spend the next seven minutes and enjoy a trip back in time to some images worth remembering. See how many capture your favorite team or player. And then start wondering....how come they left out a favorite person or game of yours? Remember, somebody had to put together this reel. And of course, it was their highlight reel. Would yours be any different?
I hope you enjoyed the "best of" video. As we head to 2012, be prepared for the continued sports images coming your way. And here is to YOU having good sports memories. They are so much harder to accept than the bad, aren't they? Happy New Year and May God Bless You, Your Family and Your Favorite Teams. That is, as long as they aren't playing mine!!
Thanks for watching and reading.
John
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
EPSTEIN, HOYER HAVE MUCH WORK TO DO
For anyone wondering how far the Chicago Cubs had fallen when General Manager Jim Hendry was released from his duties during the 2011 campaign. Look no further. They've hit rock-bottom. Hendry who spent Chicago Tribune money like it was going out of print should be remembered as the person most responsible for the predicament facing new Cub bosses, Theo Epstein and Jeb Hoyer.
Epsein and Hoyer have been doing their due diligence, so to speak. How they must wonder....how could anyone run so amuck and not be held accountable for so long? In the last several weeks, the new Cub brass have added David DeJesus, Ian Stewart and Travis Woods. Not necessarily household names, but serviceable players. DeJesus will most likely man right field, Stewart will handle third base duties and Wood will be penciled in as the fourth starter in a questionable pitching rotation.
So as we look to 2012 what else looms in the Cub decision-making? In recent days there has been rumor of Matt Garza being shipped out for prospects.....and hopefully a boat load of them. I'm not sure that's an entirely wise move. Garza is young enough to be the centerpiece of a pitching staff for a long time. Build around him and look to move other parts, like Madman Carlos Zambrano. The Miami Marlins need another starter or two....and given the fact that new Miami skipper, Ozzie Guillen, has always had a "thing" for Carlos, deal him down south for left fielder Logan Morrison. Ridding a putrid $17,800,000 salary for Big Z would give some relief to money issues. Two other outfielders in question, Alphoso Soriano and Marlon Byrd have been discussed in team meetings. Byrd has been mentioned as trade bait with the Texas Rangers for Matt Harrison. Harrison, a 26-year old left-hander won 14 games for the Rangers in 2011. Considering Byrd is 34, that would be a wise move to consider. As for Soriano, the likelihood in seeing him move on, is remote. Soriano has been a source of frustration for Cub fans for several years now. Unless someone has money to throw away, he is probably a Cub until his $19 million dollar a year contract runs out at the end of the 2012 campaign.
Around the infield there are more question marks. One position ably-manned is shortstop where Starlin Castro is set. Although Castro has shown signs of immaturity he has the ability to man the shortstop position for the next 10 years in Chicago. Third Base will be handled by Stewart until big-time prospect Josh Vitters is ready. Will that be in 2012? No one knows, but if his numbers (.283, 14 HR's and 81 RBI's) at Double AA Tennessee are any indication, he is not far off. Second base is split between Darwin Barney, Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker. A solution will be needed here because none of them is the answer. At first base, strong consideration should be given to resigning Carlos Pena to another one year deal. Not only would Pena give them some long ball presence in the lineup, he could buffer the transition to youngster Bryan LaHair. Geovany Soto will be the everyday catcher. With the other problems existing on today's Cub roster, new manager Dale Sveum can pencil in Soto with certainity. Still only 28, if Soto returned to his 2008 power numbers with 28 homeruns, that would be a bonus.
Pitching-wise, the Cubs will be looking for anyone to bridge the gap. Ryan Dempster has a huge salary (13 plus million a year) so he's not going anywhere right now. Dempster will take the ball every fifth day and show his guts...at least early in the season. After the all-star break might be another story. Dempster could be dealt to a contender that needs a workhorse. After Garza, Zambrano, Dempster and Wood (if that's who they stay with), the number five starter remains a question mark. If only Randy Wells bounced back and show some grit? Or maybe a youngster surprises...
In the bullpen, the issues begin and end with Carlos Marmol. I'm not sure a team has ever had three Carlos's on their roster at the same time. Two of the three have been combustible and that's putting it mildly. The youngest of the Carlos clan needs to move on. I've always had the belief you can find a closer within your organization. There are some young power arms in the organization....they deserve a shot. The remainder of the pen will be handled by the likes of Manny Corpas, Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Cashner and Kerry Wood, maybe. It remains to be seen if Wood returns. He gave the Cubs a hometown discount in 2011 signing for one million. That doesn't figure to happen this year.
The Ricketts family got their man with the hiring of Epstein. Many suggest he is a genius but that remains to be seen. In Boston, his product was significantly better when he took over. Not so, in Cub town. There looks to be some dark days ahead. The roster more closely resembles the San Diego Padres, than the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are finally headed in the right direction.....something Epstein and his associates will are striving for. But it's going to be a long, long road. If Theo pulls a Cub turnaround off, perhaps he shoud change his name to Einstein, not Epstein. He will have earned that name.
Thanks for reading,
John
Epsein and Hoyer have been doing their due diligence, so to speak. How they must wonder....how could anyone run so amuck and not be held accountable for so long? In the last several weeks, the new Cub brass have added David DeJesus, Ian Stewart and Travis Woods. Not necessarily household names, but serviceable players. DeJesus will most likely man right field, Stewart will handle third base duties and Wood will be penciled in as the fourth starter in a questionable pitching rotation.
 |
| Can he show his Magic again? |
So as we look to 2012 what else looms in the Cub decision-making? In recent days there has been rumor of Matt Garza being shipped out for prospects.....and hopefully a boat load of them. I'm not sure that's an entirely wise move. Garza is young enough to be the centerpiece of a pitching staff for a long time. Build around him and look to move other parts, like Madman Carlos Zambrano. The Miami Marlins need another starter or two....and given the fact that new Miami skipper, Ozzie Guillen, has always had a "thing" for Carlos, deal him down south for left fielder Logan Morrison. Ridding a putrid $17,800,000 salary for Big Z would give some relief to money issues. Two other outfielders in question, Alphoso Soriano and Marlon Byrd have been discussed in team meetings. Byrd has been mentioned as trade bait with the Texas Rangers for Matt Harrison. Harrison, a 26-year old left-hander won 14 games for the Rangers in 2011. Considering Byrd is 34, that would be a wise move to consider. As for Soriano, the likelihood in seeing him move on, is remote. Soriano has been a source of frustration for Cub fans for several years now. Unless someone has money to throw away, he is probably a Cub until his $19 million dollar a year contract runs out at the end of the 2012 campaign.
Around the infield there are more question marks. One position ably-manned is shortstop where Starlin Castro is set. Although Castro has shown signs of immaturity he has the ability to man the shortstop position for the next 10 years in Chicago. Third Base will be handled by Stewart until big-time prospect Josh Vitters is ready. Will that be in 2012? No one knows, but if his numbers (.283, 14 HR's and 81 RBI's) at Double AA Tennessee are any indication, he is not far off. Second base is split between Darwin Barney, Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker. A solution will be needed here because none of them is the answer. At first base, strong consideration should be given to resigning Carlos Pena to another one year deal. Not only would Pena give them some long ball presence in the lineup, he could buffer the transition to youngster Bryan LaHair. Geovany Soto will be the everyday catcher. With the other problems existing on today's Cub roster, new manager Dale Sveum can pencil in Soto with certainity. Still only 28, if Soto returned to his 2008 power numbers with 28 homeruns, that would be a bonus.
Pitching-wise, the Cubs will be looking for anyone to bridge the gap. Ryan Dempster has a huge salary (13 plus million a year) so he's not going anywhere right now. Dempster will take the ball every fifth day and show his guts...at least early in the season. After the all-star break might be another story. Dempster could be dealt to a contender that needs a workhorse. After Garza, Zambrano, Dempster and Wood (if that's who they stay with), the number five starter remains a question mark. If only Randy Wells bounced back and show some grit? Or maybe a youngster surprises...
In the bullpen, the issues begin and end with Carlos Marmol. I'm not sure a team has ever had three Carlos's on their roster at the same time. Two of the three have been combustible and that's putting it mildly. The youngest of the Carlos clan needs to move on. I've always had the belief you can find a closer within your organization. There are some young power arms in the organization....they deserve a shot. The remainder of the pen will be handled by the likes of Manny Corpas, Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Cashner and Kerry Wood, maybe. It remains to be seen if Wood returns. He gave the Cubs a hometown discount in 2011 signing for one million. That doesn't figure to happen this year.
The Ricketts family got their man with the hiring of Epstein. Many suggest he is a genius but that remains to be seen. In Boston, his product was significantly better when he took over. Not so, in Cub town. There looks to be some dark days ahead. The roster more closely resembles the San Diego Padres, than the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are finally headed in the right direction.....something Epstein and his associates will are striving for. But it's going to be a long, long road. If Theo pulls a Cub turnaround off, perhaps he shoud change his name to Einstein, not Epstein. He will have earned that name.
Thanks for reading,
John
Thursday, December 22, 2011
DOES McCALL'S FINGER POINT TO OTHER HAWKEYE CONCERNS
Frustration can be a difficult thing to deal with. When you're faced with such a feeling, it can cause you to react in a number of ways....some good and some bad. The bad reaction, even if you're correct in your response, can make you out to be a complainer or a malcontent.
Let's take the case of Mika'il McCall, freshman running back for the Iowa Hawkeyes. McCall was one of the jewel's of the 2011 recruiting class. His presence provided depth at a position the Hawkeyes needed in the worst way.
In the September 3rd season opener against Tennessee Tech, McCall showed a quick burst and tough running ability enroute to a nine-carry, 61 yard effort. Hawkeye fans were ecstatic until his last rush ended in a heap. McCall suffered an ankle injury that later was diagnosed as a break. By most accounts, he was thought to be done for the season, but McCall had other ideas. He spent the next eight weeks in rehabilitation until he was cleared to practice again. On November 19th, McCall returned to action against the Purdue Boilermakers carrying twice. His second rush ended in a fumble near the goal line as the Hawkeyes were attempting to widen a lead. Day over. McCall was subjected to the bench.
The young running back was upset. This wasn't the picture he'd envisioned during the grueling rehab period he had endured. Out of frustration, McCall used his middle finger to express his displeasure of the situation....and later took some of those feelings to his Facebook page. Actions which did not endure himself to Hawkeye head man, Kirk Ferentz This is the press conference Q and A that took place as Iowa prepared to play Nebraska.
COACH FERENTZ: Mika'il McCall will not be making the trip either. He violated a team policy and will not be with the team this week.
Q: Can you elaborate on McCall?
COACH FERENTZ: He won't be with us. Violated team policy.
Q. Was it something after Purdue, after the game?
COACH FERENTZ: I think the fact he's not going this week, it's probably safe to assume that, yeah, something I learned afterwards, so...
Q. Just a one-week deal with him?
COACH FERENTZ: Haven't made that decision yet. We'll just take it a week at a time right now. I'm just trying to get through Friday. That's where I'm at.
Wednesday, Ferentz announced McCall would not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl. His status is still not clear concerning staying or leaving the program.
Those comments are defensible if you're the coach. More than anything you want a team that's on the same page. However, that's the question that surfaces. Is this program on the same page? The sports talk shows are full of "frustrated" Hawkeye fans". Some are calling for a coaching change at the university. Others are fed up with the conservatism of the team, both offensively and defensively. Offensive Coordinator Ken O'Keefe has endured years of mud-slinging concerning his game calling. Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker who retired last week was heralded as a genius, but some critics felt the game was beginning to pass him by. "We've become as vanilla as there is", one disgusted fan mused. "We are so easy to predict. That was fine many years ago when we could physically beat up a team, but we can't do that anymore".
Frustrated??? I think that's a good word to sum up the Hawkeye Nation. There are a whole series of questions that cause concern. Let's list a few and comment:
1. Kirk Ferentz's salary of $3.65 million a year. Comment: This figure is beginning to stick in the craw of Hawkeye faithful. Ferentz is now the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten. In recent years, Iowa has been an average team. The money and the results don't equate themselves.
2. Sexual Allegations of former Iowa players Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson in 2007. Comment: This cast a huge black eye on the university. Not only was the incident a public relations nightmare, the final ruling of the court left many questioning its fairness.
3. January 28, 2011. Thirteen Hawkeye players are stricken with Rhabdomyolysis. Despite an effort to right the situation, the story went national. Comment: University officials postured their findings to soothe many parents of current players and potential recruits. However, one has to wonder, how much of the Rhabo incident was used against them on the recruiting trail.
4. The demise of DJK, Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton. Comment: Bonafide stars in the Iowa program that went south. DJK's situation is much like McCall's. Over the years, he was in the coach's doghouse more often than not. Drugs were his downfall after becoming one of the top receivers in Iowa history. The other three went astray with many of the temptations stardom can present. Do stars in the Iowa program receive too much glory?
5. Norm Parker's retirement and Rich Kaczenski's departure. Comment: Parker's retirement comes at a crucial time for the program. Will Ferentz stay in-house for a replacement or look outside. Last year, Michigan brought in Greg Mattison from the NFL ranks to lead the Wolverine defense. He was instrumental in the Michigan turnaround. Staying in house for someone like Phil Parker won't offer many changes. Additionally, the slowness in hiring a new person has hurt recruiting already. Kaczenski's leaving is an eye-opener. Did he know something internally that prompted him to look elsewhere....or did he fall out of the coach's favor. Kaczenski had received good marks as lead recruiter this fall for a number of potential recruits. Iowa now finds themselves down two defensive coaches. Now, is not the time to be conservative in the hiring process.
6. Marcus Coker Suspension: Comment: The leading rusher for the Hawkeyes in 2011 will not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl. Inquiring minds would like to know the reason for the suspension. Iowa officials are saying it is due to a violation of university policies. If this issue isn't resolved satisfactorily for the Coker family, will Iowa lose another of its leading rushers in the program? Or will Coker raise his middle finger in frustration, much like McCall?
So, as you can see, there is a whole bunch of frustration in the Hawkeye world. December 31st, Iowa plays the pre-season favorite, Oklahoma Sooners, in the Insight Bowl. You could easily call this a crossroads game for Iowa. Does Ferentz have another big rabbit to pull out of the hat with bowl preparation? Does Norm Parker's departure rally the troops? Does an unknown running back lead Iowa to victory like Coker last year?
These are just some of the questions that will be going on in the minds of Hawkeye faithful come game time. If the game turns ugly for Iowa .....how will fans show their frustration? Hopefully, McCall didn't give them any ideas...
Thanks for reading,
John
Let's take the case of Mika'il McCall, freshman running back for the Iowa Hawkeyes. McCall was one of the jewel's of the 2011 recruiting class. His presence provided depth at a position the Hawkeyes needed in the worst way.
In the September 3rd season opener against Tennessee Tech, McCall showed a quick burst and tough running ability enroute to a nine-carry, 61 yard effort. Hawkeye fans were ecstatic until his last rush ended in a heap. McCall suffered an ankle injury that later was diagnosed as a break. By most accounts, he was thought to be done for the season, but McCall had other ideas. He spent the next eight weeks in rehabilitation until he was cleared to practice again. On November 19th, McCall returned to action against the Purdue Boilermakers carrying twice. His second rush ended in a fumble near the goal line as the Hawkeyes were attempting to widen a lead. Day over. McCall was subjected to the bench.
The young running back was upset. This wasn't the picture he'd envisioned during the grueling rehab period he had endured. Out of frustration, McCall used his middle finger to express his displeasure of the situation....and later took some of those feelings to his Facebook page. Actions which did not endure himself to Hawkeye head man, Kirk Ferentz This is the press conference Q and A that took place as Iowa prepared to play Nebraska.
COACH FERENTZ: Mika'il McCall will not be making the trip either. He violated a team policy and will not be with the team this week.
Q: Can you elaborate on McCall?
COACH FERENTZ: He won't be with us. Violated team policy.
Q. Was it something after Purdue, after the game?
COACH FERENTZ: I think the fact he's not going this week, it's probably safe to assume that, yeah, something I learned afterwards, so...
Q. Just a one-week deal with him?
COACH FERENTZ: Haven't made that decision yet. We'll just take it a week at a time right now. I'm just trying to get through Friday. That's where I'm at.
Wednesday, Ferentz announced McCall would not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl. His status is still not clear concerning staying or leaving the program.
 |
| Looking at the Future... |
Frustrated??? I think that's a good word to sum up the Hawkeye Nation. There are a whole series of questions that cause concern. Let's list a few and comment:
1. Kirk Ferentz's salary of $3.65 million a year. Comment: This figure is beginning to stick in the craw of Hawkeye faithful. Ferentz is now the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten. In recent years, Iowa has been an average team. The money and the results don't equate themselves.
2. Sexual Allegations of former Iowa players Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson in 2007. Comment: This cast a huge black eye on the university. Not only was the incident a public relations nightmare, the final ruling of the court left many questioning its fairness.
3. January 28, 2011. Thirteen Hawkeye players are stricken with Rhabdomyolysis. Despite an effort to right the situation, the story went national. Comment: University officials postured their findings to soothe many parents of current players and potential recruits. However, one has to wonder, how much of the Rhabo incident was used against them on the recruiting trail.
4. The demise of DJK, Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton. Comment: Bonafide stars in the Iowa program that went south. DJK's situation is much like McCall's. Over the years, he was in the coach's doghouse more often than not. Drugs were his downfall after becoming one of the top receivers in Iowa history. The other three went astray with many of the temptations stardom can present. Do stars in the Iowa program receive too much glory?
5. Norm Parker's retirement and Rich Kaczenski's departure. Comment: Parker's retirement comes at a crucial time for the program. Will Ferentz stay in-house for a replacement or look outside. Last year, Michigan brought in Greg Mattison from the NFL ranks to lead the Wolverine defense. He was instrumental in the Michigan turnaround. Staying in house for someone like Phil Parker won't offer many changes. Additionally, the slowness in hiring a new person has hurt recruiting already. Kaczenski's leaving is an eye-opener. Did he know something internally that prompted him to look elsewhere....or did he fall out of the coach's favor. Kaczenski had received good marks as lead recruiter this fall for a number of potential recruits. Iowa now finds themselves down two defensive coaches. Now, is not the time to be conservative in the hiring process.
6. Marcus Coker Suspension: Comment: The leading rusher for the Hawkeyes in 2011 will not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl. Inquiring minds would like to know the reason for the suspension. Iowa officials are saying it is due to a violation of university policies. If this issue isn't resolved satisfactorily for the Coker family, will Iowa lose another of its leading rushers in the program? Or will Coker raise his middle finger in frustration, much like McCall?
So, as you can see, there is a whole bunch of frustration in the Hawkeye world. December 31st, Iowa plays the pre-season favorite, Oklahoma Sooners, in the Insight Bowl. You could easily call this a crossroads game for Iowa. Does Ferentz have another big rabbit to pull out of the hat with bowl preparation? Does Norm Parker's departure rally the troops? Does an unknown running back lead Iowa to victory like Coker last year?
These are just some of the questions that will be going on in the minds of Hawkeye faithful come game time. If the game turns ugly for Iowa .....how will fans show their frustration? Hopefully, McCall didn't give them any ideas...
Thanks for reading,
John
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
BIG MONEY IN BASEBALL....IT DOESN'T MAKE CENTS
Millions here...millions there. Good golly, sports teams are forking money over to their players at an alarming rate. Albert Pujols had 254 million reasons to sign with the Los Angeles Angels and because of that the Halos have the services of the best player in baseball for the last 11 seasons. About that same time, Los Angeles pulled the trigger on another contract, that for pitcher C.J. Wilson to the tune of 5-years and $77 million. $331 million in one day. Let me say it again, only a little slower. Three hundred and thirty one million. What made this possible? Here's what:
The Angels have reached a new 20-year deal with Fox Sports worth roughly $3 billion, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. That windfall of $150 million per year is not only the largest in the division, but also $100 million more per season over their previous 10-year, $500 million deal.
There has been some other big names that have come off the board. The Miami Marlins signed SS Jose Reyes, SP Mark Buehrle and RP Heath Bell. Not be outdone, the Philadelphia Phillies inked RP Jonathan Papelbon. Each signed for big dollars. Still to come are Prince Fielder, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Madson and Carlos Pena.
It's deals like Pujols and Wilson's that are shaking the foundation of baseball. The money...and for sure the Angels have lots of it have enabled them to shape contracts in a unique way. For instance, Pujols has this for incentives. He will receive $3 million from the Angels for his 3,000th career hit and $7 million should he reach 763 career home runs, per Tim Brown of Yahoo!Sports. Alex Rodriquez had similar bonuses in his 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees for milestone home runs, which had to be approved by Commissioner Bud Selig. Each of his bonuses were designated as an "historic event" in order to receive special approval, per the Associated Press.
So, it would seem the Angels are the odds on favorite to be the American League representative in the 2012World Series. Well, not necessarily. While perennial big-time spenders, the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have been on the sidelines this winter, another team in the American League West is also causing a stir.
Yesterday, the Texas Rangers posted the highest bid for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and that bid was accepted by Darvish's team in Japan, Major League Baseball announced. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels would not say how much the Rangers posting bid was, but sources said it was around $51.7 million. Bidding for the posting fee closed last Wednesday, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday to accept. The Rangers still has to pay Darvish a contract, meaning the total investment likely will top $100 million. Darvish is perceived as one of the top five pitchers in the world, yet he will have alot to prove facing major league hitters. And why do I say that?
In 2006, Daisuke Matsuzaka drew a $51.1 million posting fee from the Boston Red Sox, who signed him to a six-year, $52 million contract, taking the total package to more than $100 million. Over the course of his 5-year career, Matsuzaka has a 49-30 record to go along with a 4.25 ERA. Only once has he had his ERA under 3.00, that being the stellar 18-3 and 2.90 ERA year he compiled in 2008. Since then he has gone 4-6, 9-6 and 3-3 and has walked 127 batters in 250 innings. Was he worth the price?
The next big Kahuna on the horizon is Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes. The 26-year old star of the Cuba National Team is being compared to some of the big names in baseball history....already. He figures to make a big money haul wherever he signs. The Tigers, Yankees and Red Sox are some of his early suitors.
All of this star power is lending itself to an international draft. Five days ago a committee was formed to discuss the issue. Currently, the June draft is limited to players who are residents of the U.S., U.S. territories and Canada, with residents of other nations free agents. Now, that makes cents.....errr sense.
Thanks for reading,
John
The Angels have reached a new 20-year deal with Fox Sports worth roughly $3 billion, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. That windfall of $150 million per year is not only the largest in the division, but also $100 million more per season over their previous 10-year, $500 million deal.
There has been some other big names that have come off the board. The Miami Marlins signed SS Jose Reyes, SP Mark Buehrle and RP Heath Bell. Not be outdone, the Philadelphia Phillies inked RP Jonathan Papelbon. Each signed for big dollars. Still to come are Prince Fielder, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Madson and Carlos Pena.
It's deals like Pujols and Wilson's that are shaking the foundation of baseball. The money...and for sure the Angels have lots of it have enabled them to shape contracts in a unique way. For instance, Pujols has this for incentives. He will receive $3 million from the Angels for his 3,000th career hit and $7 million should he reach 763 career home runs, per Tim Brown of Yahoo!Sports. Alex Rodriquez had similar bonuses in his 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees for milestone home runs, which had to be approved by Commissioner Bud Selig. Each of his bonuses were designated as an "historic event" in order to receive special approval, per the Associated Press.
So, it would seem the Angels are the odds on favorite to be the American League representative in the 2012World Series. Well, not necessarily. While perennial big-time spenders, the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have been on the sidelines this winter, another team in the American League West is also causing a stir.
Yesterday, the Texas Rangers posted the highest bid for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and that bid was accepted by Darvish's team in Japan, Major League Baseball announced. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels would not say how much the Rangers posting bid was, but sources said it was around $51.7 million. Bidding for the posting fee closed last Wednesday, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday to accept. The Rangers still has to pay Darvish a contract, meaning the total investment likely will top $100 million. Darvish is perceived as one of the top five pitchers in the world, yet he will have alot to prove facing major league hitters. And why do I say that?
In 2006, Daisuke Matsuzaka drew a $51.1 million posting fee from the Boston Red Sox, who signed him to a six-year, $52 million contract, taking the total package to more than $100 million. Over the course of his 5-year career, Matsuzaka has a 49-30 record to go along with a 4.25 ERA. Only once has he had his ERA under 3.00, that being the stellar 18-3 and 2.90 ERA year he compiled in 2008. Since then he has gone 4-6, 9-6 and 3-3 and has walked 127 batters in 250 innings. Was he worth the price?
 |
| Where will Yoenis' flight take him? |
The next big Kahuna on the horizon is Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes. The 26-year old star of the Cuba National Team is being compared to some of the big names in baseball history....already. He figures to make a big money haul wherever he signs. The Tigers, Yankees and Red Sox are some of his early suitors.
All of this star power is lending itself to an international draft. Five days ago a committee was formed to discuss the issue. Currently, the June draft is limited to players who are residents of the U.S., U.S. territories and Canada, with residents of other nations free agents. Now, that makes cents.....errr sense.
Thanks for reading,
John
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
BEARS HEADED TO HIBERNATION
Just weeks ago, the Chicago Bears (7-3) looked to be a playoff-bound team. I'm not quite sure how they got to that point, but anyway, how quickly things change. First, Jay Cutler broke his thumb trying to make a tackle on an interception he threw against the San Diego Chargers on November 20th. Then on December 4th, Matt Forte went down with a knee sprain suffered in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs game.
For all practical purposes, Cutler's injury signaled a difficult road to the playoffs. Forte's knee sprain dealt the death blow. It's been three weeks since Cutler went down. Three weeks and three losses. They've scored 33 points in those three games, an 11.0 average per game. QB Caleb Hanie has been a bust. His inefficient play and the amount of time the defense is being asked to play is indefensible. On the horizon for the remaining three games of the season are a home game with the Seattle Seahawks and road games at Green Bay and Minnesota on Christmas and New Year's Day.
I think it's time to go back to an earlier post of mine on April 4 about the Bears and the upcoming year:
"If you're a Chicago Bears fan, you'd better brace yourself for some tough times in the 2011-12 season (last regular season game is on January 1st). From all appearances today, it could be an ugly year and one that will be tough for the "hard-core" Chicago fan to embrace. Call it what you will, but last season's 11 wins came as much from the easy schedule than how good they were".
Some critics would say the Bears were well on their way to the postseason before the injury bug bit them. I'm not sold on that idea. Granted they had reeled off five wins in a row before Cutler got hurt. However, in their seven wins in 2011 only one has been against a team certain to make the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons in the opening game of the season. We speculated on the schedule back in April:
"How many wins you see there, Bear fans? Last year, Chicago beat Detroit and Minnesota twice. That's not going to happen again this year. The Lions will probably finish ahead of the Bears in the division race. Detroit is a fast improving team that simply needs to know "how to win" and Minnesota is always a pain in the Bear's behind. Chicago won 5 games in the division last year, this year they'll be fortunate to win 3. In looking at the remainder of the schedule, I can see 4 more wins, realistically. So, that would equate to a 7-9 season".
As I look at the remainder of the schedule, I'm not certain of any wins. The Seahawks have been playing inspired ball lately, the Packers are busy running the table to perfection and then there is the big nemesis in the dome, the Vikings. Comcast contributor John "Moon" Mullin wrote this week of the injury situation of this year's team. Mullin suggested the Bears had done a good job of "masking" their deficiencies on the roster until the bug hit....and then the Bears were exposed to the old, inexperienced unit that they are. By comparison, the defending Super Bowl Champion Packers had fifteen players on injury reserve in 2010. Granted they didn't lose their starting quarterback but they had the players to overcome injuries ....time and time again.
Wednesday, Bears head coach Lovie Smith suggested Matt Forte might play this weekend against the Seahawks. If I'm Forte, I'm in no big hurry to get back on the field considering how Bears management has diddled with his contract situation all year. If he indeed is healthy, that's one matter, but if he is marginal, then stay sitting. The life of an NFL running back is very short and Forte has earned the right to get a least one big payday.
Bears fans.....it wasn't easy to have reservations about this team. Hey, I'm one of you, but I had this feeling about 2011. The team has gotten old and it has very little upside. Is a house cleaning in order? Most definitely...starting with General Manager Jerry Angelo right on down the line.
These last three games of the season are going to be hard to watch. It's a good thing hibernation time is upon us.....GO BEARS.
Thanks for reading,
John
For all practical purposes, Cutler's injury signaled a difficult road to the playoffs. Forte's knee sprain dealt the death blow. It's been three weeks since Cutler went down. Three weeks and three losses. They've scored 33 points in those three games, an 11.0 average per game. QB Caleb Hanie has been a bust. His inefficient play and the amount of time the defense is being asked to play is indefensible. On the horizon for the remaining three games of the season are a home game with the Seattle Seahawks and road games at Green Bay and Minnesota on Christmas and New Year's Day.
I think it's time to go back to an earlier post of mine on April 4 about the Bears and the upcoming year:
"If you're a Chicago Bears fan, you'd better brace yourself for some tough times in the 2011-12 season (last regular season game is on January 1st). From all appearances today, it could be an ugly year and one that will be tough for the "hard-core" Chicago fan to embrace. Call it what you will, but last season's 11 wins came as much from the easy schedule than how good they were".
Some critics would say the Bears were well on their way to the postseason before the injury bug bit them. I'm not sold on that idea. Granted they had reeled off five wins in a row before Cutler got hurt. However, in their seven wins in 2011 only one has been against a team certain to make the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons in the opening game of the season. We speculated on the schedule back in April:
"How many wins you see there, Bear fans? Last year, Chicago beat Detroit and Minnesota twice. That's not going to happen again this year. The Lions will probably finish ahead of the Bears in the division race. Detroit is a fast improving team that simply needs to know "how to win" and Minnesota is always a pain in the Bear's behind. Chicago won 5 games in the division last year, this year they'll be fortunate to win 3. In looking at the remainder of the schedule, I can see 4 more wins, realistically. So, that would equate to a 7-9 season".
 |
| Overcoming injuries wasn't possible |
As I look at the remainder of the schedule, I'm not certain of any wins. The Seahawks have been playing inspired ball lately, the Packers are busy running the table to perfection and then there is the big nemesis in the dome, the Vikings. Comcast contributor John "Moon" Mullin wrote this week of the injury situation of this year's team. Mullin suggested the Bears had done a good job of "masking" their deficiencies on the roster until the bug hit....and then the Bears were exposed to the old, inexperienced unit that they are. By comparison, the defending Super Bowl Champion Packers had fifteen players on injury reserve in 2010. Granted they didn't lose their starting quarterback but they had the players to overcome injuries ....time and time again.
Wednesday, Bears head coach Lovie Smith suggested Matt Forte might play this weekend against the Seahawks. If I'm Forte, I'm in no big hurry to get back on the field considering how Bears management has diddled with his contract situation all year. If he indeed is healthy, that's one matter, but if he is marginal, then stay sitting. The life of an NFL running back is very short and Forte has earned the right to get a least one big payday.
Bears fans.....it wasn't easy to have reservations about this team. Hey, I'm one of you, but I had this feeling about 2011. The team has gotten old and it has very little upside. Is a house cleaning in order? Most definitely...starting with General Manager Jerry Angelo right on down the line.
These last three games of the season are going to be hard to watch. It's a good thing hibernation time is upon us.....GO BEARS.
Thanks for reading,
John
Sunday, December 4, 2011
MIKE NEWELL: NOT JUST ANOTHER FELLA
Most of you probably didn't know Mike Newell, you might not have even heard the name. But let me tell you, he was one unique individual.
Mike passed away Thursday evening in Des Moines at the Mercy Medical Center. One day after Thanksgiving he suffered a heart attack and according to my sources, he couldn't right the ship. It was a series of one setback after another. To anyone that did know him, it's common knowledge, that He...Will...Be...Hard.. To....Replace.
Mike Newell was a local sports broadcaster in Iowa. He covered a variety of sports, everything from minor league baseball to University of Iowa Women's Basketball, to high school state tournaments...you name it and he covered it at one time or another.
I first met Mike in the late 1970's when he was play by play announcer for the Iowa Oaks. It was then, that I took a liking to him. Not just for his sports knowledge, but for everything else he soaked up. By all accounts, he was a Renaissance Man. He loved old time television....the "Golden Years" he would call them. In fact, he provided the stand-ups for Iowa Public Television when they broadcast the series. He introduced each show and led the audience back in time....to the good old days of shows like "The Twilight Zone".
I mentioned that Mike would be hard to replace. If anyone knows what I mean, it would have to be long-time Iowa broadcasting legend, JIm Zabel. For many, many years, Mike served as Jim's potential successor. Newell did it all. He'd spend long days at WHO Radio reading the early morning sports and then writing the afternoon shticks for Zabel. There were times where his day would last well into the evening producing one of the sports programs on the station....arranging the guests for Zabel. He performed these duties faithfullly, because he dreamed up being the "sports man" at the station known coast to coast and border to border, 1040, WHO Radio. That day never came. Not only did Zabel outlast Mike on the air, he did in life as well. Jim recently celebrated his 90th birthday....Mike was 66 when he passed away.
One particularly funny side of Mike was his disgust of the "logo" phase of everything in our society. He'd say, "I'm not going to wear a t-shirt with somebody's logo or saying, unless they pay me". And he meant it. I can recall him wearing a t-shirt a time or two, but never with anything on it. The same goes for a hat. Never. In truth, I can't remember him wearing a hat period. Mike was partially bald and I think he was quite proud of that fact. I never heard him say "Bald is Beautiful", but I have to wonder.....
A little over a month ago, I was cleaning out some of my archives. I came across a box of tapes from the 1940's to 1970's of great games produced by WHO Radio that were Mike's property. Games involving the Unversity of Iowa and Drake University. There was some classic stuff in the fifty some tapes I came across. I'm not sure how I ended up with them, but Mike must have lent them to me for some project. A little voice inside me, spoke quite succinctly. "You need to return them".
Now I want you to realize Mike and I had a falling out in 2004...more on his part than mine. We hadn't spoken to each other in over five years. I knew it wasn't going to be an easy phone call, but it had to be made. "Hey, Mike....this is Kelling", I said. " I think I have something of yours". "Really? what would that be?", he countered. "Let's get together and I'll show you", I threw back.
Well....we got together for a beverage...a "pop" he called them. He had his brew and I had a lemonade. At the end of an hour long chat, I walked with him to the parking lot and gave him the box of audio tapes. He was, I think, one happy camper to get them back. "Let's stay in touch", Mike said as we parted.
That was the last time I saw Mike. When I heard of his passing Friday morning, I could only think how blessed I was to have come across those "memory" tapes to return to him. Fortunately, the memories I have of Mike are stored in my head and can't be lost or replaced. Much like him.
Mike Newell.....not just another fella. He was one of a kind. You left us far toooooo early.
Thanks for reading,
John
Mike passed away Thursday evening in Des Moines at the Mercy Medical Center. One day after Thanksgiving he suffered a heart attack and according to my sources, he couldn't right the ship. It was a series of one setback after another. To anyone that did know him, it's common knowledge, that He...Will...Be...Hard.. To....Replace.
Mike Newell was a local sports broadcaster in Iowa. He covered a variety of sports, everything from minor league baseball to University of Iowa Women's Basketball, to high school state tournaments...you name it and he covered it at one time or another.
I first met Mike in the late 1970's when he was play by play announcer for the Iowa Oaks. It was then, that I took a liking to him. Not just for his sports knowledge, but for everything else he soaked up. By all accounts, he was a Renaissance Man. He loved old time television....the "Golden Years" he would call them. In fact, he provided the stand-ups for Iowa Public Television when they broadcast the series. He introduced each show and led the audience back in time....to the good old days of shows like "The Twilight Zone".
I mentioned that Mike would be hard to replace. If anyone knows what I mean, it would have to be long-time Iowa broadcasting legend, JIm Zabel. For many, many years, Mike served as Jim's potential successor. Newell did it all. He'd spend long days at WHO Radio reading the early morning sports and then writing the afternoon shticks for Zabel. There were times where his day would last well into the evening producing one of the sports programs on the station....arranging the guests for Zabel. He performed these duties faithfullly, because he dreamed up being the "sports man" at the station known coast to coast and border to border, 1040, WHO Radio. That day never came. Not only did Zabel outlast Mike on the air, he did in life as well. Jim recently celebrated his 90th birthday....Mike was 66 when he passed away.
One particularly funny side of Mike was his disgust of the "logo" phase of everything in our society. He'd say, "I'm not going to wear a t-shirt with somebody's logo or saying, unless they pay me". And he meant it. I can recall him wearing a t-shirt a time or two, but never with anything on it. The same goes for a hat. Never. In truth, I can't remember him wearing a hat period. Mike was partially bald and I think he was quite proud of that fact. I never heard him say "Bald is Beautiful", but I have to wonder.....
 |
| Newell......One of a Kind |
Now I want you to realize Mike and I had a falling out in 2004...more on his part than mine. We hadn't spoken to each other in over five years. I knew it wasn't going to be an easy phone call, but it had to be made. "Hey, Mike....this is Kelling", I said. " I think I have something of yours". "Really? what would that be?", he countered. "Let's get together and I'll show you", I threw back.
Well....we got together for a beverage...a "pop" he called them. He had his brew and I had a lemonade. At the end of an hour long chat, I walked with him to the parking lot and gave him the box of audio tapes. He was, I think, one happy camper to get them back. "Let's stay in touch", Mike said as we parted.
That was the last time I saw Mike. When I heard of his passing Friday morning, I could only think how blessed I was to have come across those "memory" tapes to return to him. Fortunately, the memories I have of Mike are stored in my head and can't be lost or replaced. Much like him.
Mike Newell.....not just another fella. He was one of a kind. You left us far toooooo early.
Thanks for reading,
John
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