Sunday, April 27, 2025

WALT JOCKETTY WAS A MAN MEANT TO LEAD A BASEBALL TEAM

 I was just talking with a St. Louis Cardinal friend of mine on Thursday about the time I spent with Walt Jocketty, one of the better General Managers in club history.  And then Saturday morning I wake up to the news that Walt had passed away on Friday at the age of 74.  It was his birthday.  A lung transplant finally did him in.  To say I was shocked was an understatement.  Let me tell you a little about the man that I sat across from in the late 70's into March of 1980 at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines.    

Walt was the Public Relations Director, and I was the Promotions dude.  We spent a lot of time bantering back and forth about players in the White Sox farm system.  The Iowa Oaks that we worked for was the Triple A affiliate for the Sox.  Walt knew the club inside and out and the strengths and weaknesses of the players that made up their system.  We were fortunate to see Harold Baines at an early age before he was called up to the big club.  And we had the distinction of working with Tony La Russa, one of the better managers in baseball history.  LaRussa was called up two thirds of the way through the 1979 season at the age of 34 and being the youngest manager in major league baseball history.  

It was early in 1980, and spring training was in high gear.  And so were comings and goings in the baseball world.  Walt got wind of an opening in the Oakland A's farm system.  He called a long time scout in the White Sox front office by the name of Paul Richards.  Jocketty boldly asked Richards if he would recommend him for the job.  Richards did without hesitation.  One day after asking Richards, Walt received a phone call from A's owner Charlie Finley.  "Walt, I've heard great things about you.  We have an opening for the Director of Minor League Operations.  Are you interested?", the cantankerous owner asked Walt.  "I sure am", Walt replied.  "Okay then, let me know by tomorrow if your wife is on board.  There's only one thing.  You need to be here in Arizona by the weekend, or the job is going to someone else", Finley stated.  It was Tuesday.  Not only did he have to give Finley his answer he had to be in Arizona by Saturday.  He had little time to waste.  And to think he got the job sight unseen!

Walt called me and asked me what he should do.  "I said, dude, what an opportunity for you.  Billy Martin is the manager.  B I L L Y  fricking M A R T I N.  And they got some young rookie named Rickie Henderson.  Do it", I yelled.  

And of course, he did, and the rest is history as they say.   

       

A baseball man inside and out


Jocketty directed the Oakland Athletics' farm system in the 1980's, helping the team win three pennants and the 1989 World Series title.  As the St. Louis Cardinals general manager from 1994 to 2007, he built two more World Series teams and added another title in 2006.  Then, as Cincinnati's top baseball man from 2008 to 2016, he led the Reds to the playoffs three times.    

Check out the players he drafted or acquired while the Cardinals GM.  Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, Adam Wainright, Chris Carpenter, David Eckstein, Jason Isringhausen, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen.  That's a man with an eye for talent and a vision to what it takes to win. 

One of the best comments on Walt's impact came from Sandy Alderson, a man Jocketty worked for in the 80's and 90's in Oakland.  "He was thoughtful and process-oriented, didn't do anything precipitously and had tremendous common and baseball sense".   

I had great fun with Walt.  I recall the days in the offices of Sec Taylor where we had newspaper stuck in holes in the walls of the old-time metal shells to keep warm.  Those were the sacrifice days.  I'm happy to say he made it.  Big Time.  RIP, my man.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

ARE SPORTS VILLIANS WORSE THAN THEY USED TO BE?

We all like lists, right?  Like who's your favorite ballplayer, the prettiest woman in the world, the best band ever, your all-time apostle or the top sports villains of yesteryear.  For this argument, let's stay connected with sports.   

The actual term, "sports villains" comes from a group of athletes or individuals, who, due to their actions or character, become highly disliked by fans and evoke a strong negative reaction.  I came across a top twenty of some of the best that was offered in 2018 by Amber Lee.  You might recognize some of the names, others might not even register with you.  Drum roll, please, in a countdown beginning with #20.    

20.  Bobby Knight-ornery Indiana and Texas Tech basketball coach who hated most people

19. Skip Bayless-sportswriter of yesterday and today known for his outspokenness

18. Sean Avery-former hockey agitator 

17.  James Harrison-dirty football lineman from the Pittsburgh Steeler era

16.  Miami Heat-James, Wade and Bosh.  Need I say more 

15.  New England Patriots-enough said 

14. Pete Rose-baseball's all-time hit king and stinker

13.  Barry Bonds-"cheat" is his middle name or "dopey" 

12.  Terrell Owens-the one and only WR

11. Don Sterling-sports owner with no brains, only money

10.  John Rocker-former baseball loudmouth

9.  Marty McSorley-another hockey fighter  

8.  Sherwood Blount Jr.-caused the crash at SMU with cheating allegations

7.  Albert Haynesworth-a big, big man with an attitude in the NFL

6.  Latrell Sprewell-once choked his coach in practice.  Nice

5.  Floyd Mayweather Jr.-great fighter with loose lips 

4.  Bobby Petrino-college football coach with no morales

3.  Tonya Harding-if you can beat 'em, beat 'em up

2.  Ty Cobb-a baseball player of the past who let nothing get in his way

1.  Don King-boxing's all-time promoter and cheater


A villain unlike any other

So, I look at that list and I see some "villains".  There are some real doozies.  But I'm not sure that in the 7 years since Ms. Lee put this list together, that there aren't some names that could be replaced with some of the worst the sports world has to offer. 

Let's start with the #1 most repulsive, conceited one on the planet, Angel Reese.  Not only has she vaulted to number one, but she's done it by being the #1 whiner, too.  It's like she wants to have this swagger to set herself apart, that is, until criticism comes her way.  If anyone could take down the WNBA, it would be Reese.  Her lack of sense will put the league in a horrific situation come next year when a new contract is negotiated with the players.  You can bet her mouth will be at the front of it.

Here are a few more that have to be on any current villain list.  UCONN Head Basketball Coach Danny Hurley, South Carolina Head Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, ESPN's Steven A. Smith, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, the Dodgers, LeBron James, O.J. Simpson who murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman in 1994, Aaron Hernandez who was convicted of murdering his friend, Odin Lloyd in 2013 and Rae Carruth.  Who's he, you ask? 

Rae played for in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.  He got his girlfriend pregnant, then proceeded to conspire to have her murdered in 2001.  The name Cherica Adams might not mean much to many, but her loss was devasting. The baby, named Chancellor Lee Adams, survived, but suffered permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy as a result of being without oxygen for 70 minutes before he was born.  Chancellor graduated high school in 2021 despite some real tough struggles.   Ms. Lee should have had Carruth on her list.    

Carruth was released from prison in 2018.  Want a poster man or woman (not child) of a villain?  It doesn't get any more disgusting than that.     

Monday, April 14, 2025

NFL DRAFT RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

 It seems like it's been forever since the Super Bowl in February.  Sure, we had the Scouting Combine in late February and early March.  But still, it seems like it's been FOR....EVER.....

And now, after hundreds of thousands of mock drafts, we are on the verge of the NFL Draft.  Next Thursday night in Green Bay we will see round 1 of three days of job placements for prospective football players. The mysteries will be forthcoming.  Some people's treasures will be others trash, so to speak. 

I've always loved this event.  In my younger days, I would buy a myriad of newspapers and magazines that could provide me insight into each player's potential and the round they might be drafted.  I'd hole up in my basement believing I was an NFL draft consultant.  As a huge Chicago Bear fan, I used to run every possible scenario as to who I'd see joining the roster.  It took me a couple of years to master what to look for and analyze team needs and contracts that players were under.  I'd look at the mock drafts of the kings, dudes like the Mel Kiper and Todd McShay's of the world, the so-called experts.  Sooner rather than later, I figured my abilities were as good as theirs in judging who would draft who.  So many times, it looked like their mocks were full of guesses rather than logical choices.   Such will be the case again in 2025.  

The #1 choice this year, without question, will be Cam Akers.  The Tennessee Titans simply need an overhaul at quarterback and the Miami (FL.) product should be one to turn the keys over to.  He's a smooth player who should help the Titans move up the ladder in the AFC South.  The next selection is where things immediately get interesting.  I don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping the pick and taking Penn State DE Abdul Carter.  They have to get a QB.  I do see Carter going second though.  DeShaun Watson and Joe Flacco are not the answers for the Browns.  They have a very good defense they need to focus on the offensive side of the ball.  So, I sense a trade down where they can still draft Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and pick up a number of other picks where they can boost their run game and perhaps add another wide receiver.   The next one off the board has to be Travis Hunter, also from Colorado.  He's as a unique player as we've seen in the draft in years.  He could be all-Pro at either defensive back or wide receiver.  He's that good.  New England has to make a run for him.  


Warren could be an absolute stud 

#5 through #10 is an area where a number of trades could take place.  Names like DT Mason Graham of Michigan, TE Tyler Warren of Penn State, T Will Campbell of LSU, DE Jalon Walker of Georgia and RB Ashton Jeanty are the cream of the top choices.  After them, things are a little murkier as these five are clearly in demand.  It could be the Wild West when it comes to this part of the draft,   

Warren is my favorite.  I would love to see new Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson add this super talented player to his offense.  Warren caught 104 balls this past year for 1,233 yards and 8 TD's and ran for additional 218 yards an 8.4 average and scored four more.  He would be a nightmare.  I wouldn't be disappointed if Chicago were to find Jeanty available at number 10 and they add him to their run game.  Or they could go with best player available and draft Campbell the offensive tackle.   

Although I've mentioned some of the top players above, where a team clearly improves their roster is on Day 3.  Don't be disappointed of your team not drafting a player you clearly desire.  It could be contract demands of one player forces them to alter their draft focus. 

 Yes, the draft is right around the corner.  Feeling anxious, nervous, giddy?  You're not alone.  It's not quite Christmas, but's it's close.   

Get Prepared....are you ready for some Football?  Perhaps I can be of assistance.  Grab a picture of Commissioner Roger Goodell and toss some boo's at it.  That should help! 

Sunday, April 6, 2025

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO HAS MADE THE GREATEST PORTAL HAUL?

This is going to be a tricky post.  Whatever I lay down as text could change drastically in the next few minutes, hours or days.  That's how hard it's going to be to assess the portal winners and for that fact, the losers, in Men's and Women's College Basketball.  A roster can change that quick.  

Let's take a look at the portal euphoria.  Over 1,600 players put their names "in" in the first two weeks of eligibility.  Mostly because it became important for schools and players to make difficult choices as soon as possible so that they could have their commitments ready while NIL money was still available.  Once revenue sharing kicks in, if in fact it does, things will take other forms of change.  We just can't wait, right?  Think if you were a college coach and trying to figure out your roster for 2025-26.  Good luck!!  

The early team winners include Louisville (3 commits), Michigan (2), Arizona State (2), Baylor (3), Saint John's (2), Creighton (3), Iowa (5), Iowa State (3) and possibly Indiana (2).  TCU is no doubt lurking in the woods as they have seemingly found an unlimited amount of money for basketball (both men's and women's) and football.  

Here are the names of the top players moving on:  

  1. Bennett Stirtz (Drake → Iowa) 

  2. Donovan Dent (New Mexico → UCLA)

  3. Morez Johnson (Illinois → Michigan) 

  4. Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State → Purdue)

  5. Nick Davidson (Nevada → Clemson)

  6. Malik Reneau (Indiana → Miami)

  7. Tucker DeVries (West Virginia → Indiana)

  8. Dailyn Swain (Xavier → Texas)

  9. Owen Freeman (Iowa → Creighton)

  10. Ryan Conwell (Xavier → Louisville)

  11. Tre Donaldson (Michigan → Miami)

  12. Silas Demary Jr (Georgia → Connecticut)

  13. Quimari Peterson (East Tennessee State → Washington)

  14. Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina → Michigan)

  15. Keyshawn Hall (UCF → Auburn)

  16. Michael Rataj (Oregon State → Baylor)

  17. Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State → Louisville)

  18. Blake Buchanan (Virginia → Iowa State)

  19. Moe Odum (Pepperdine → Arizona State)

  20. Izaiyah Nelson (Arkansas State → South Florida)

  21. Joson Sanon (Arizona State → Saint John's)

  22. Brock Harding (Iowa → TCU)

  23. Nate Kingz (Oregon State → Syracuse)

  24. Michael Nwoko (Mississippi State → LSU)

  25. Paul Otieno (Quinnipiac → Saint Louis)

  26. Kaleb Banks (Tulane → DePaul)

  27. Obi Agbim (Wyoming → Baylor)

  28. Adam Clark (Merrimack → Seton Hall)

  29. Joseph Pinion (Arkansas State → South Florida)

  30. Cam Manyawu (Drake → Iowa)

  31. Marcus Adams Jr (Cal State Northridge → Arizona State)

  32. Nik Graves (Charlotte → Creighton)

  33. Bryce Hopkins (Providence → Saint John's)

  34. JJ White (Omaha → Baylor)

  35. Evan Mahaffey (Ohio State → Akron)

The losers???  For certain teams like Robert Morris, Indiana, Maryland, Iowa and West Virginia experienced significant roster losses.  Some lost entire starting lineups or key players.  Others like Kansas are facing pivotal off-season's with key departures.  

The Women's game is no different. Over 1,200 players entered their names. There will some teams that look decidedly different in 2025-26. Notre Dame lost star guard Olivia Miles most likely to TCU.  The Fighting Irish have also lost other key personnel.  Head coach, Niele Ivey will have her work cut out for her.  Sounds like the Irish should now be called the In-Fighting Irish.  Super star Hannah Hidalgo is reportedly the issue as her attitude has affected team morale and her stardom seems to have caused friction within the ranks.  USC will have a battle to remain competitive in the Big Ten.  The Trojans lost JuJu Watkins for next season due to her ACL injury, but they also lost Avery Howell, a terrific freshman sharpshooter to the portal.  Early reports have her heading to Washington or Iowa.  Early leaders in the team portal race show Mississippi, Louisville and Miami (FL) leading the pack.  Losers????  Florida State, Penn State and Arizona.

Top hot nugget Latson 


The top nugget that hasn't declared yet is Ta' Niya Latson of Florida State, the leading scorer in the country this past year with 25.2 points per game.  South Carolina lean or USC?  Perhaps....One player I really like is the double-double forward Serah Williams out of Wisconsin.  She'd be a perfect complement to Iowa's Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden and give the Hawkeyes a force on the boards and defensively.   And not to be forgotten is Ohio State's Cotie McMahon.  Not sure why anyone would want to add that selfish cancer to their locker room.  One program that comes to mind is LSU.  A perfect marriage.  

While this is an exciting time as teams hope to boost their roster, it's also a difficult one.  It wouldn't take much for a player to feel recruited over and look to move on at the first opportunity.  Yes, that's what we're in now, a time of opportunity.  Who's going to make money (as a player) and who's going to spend (as a team).   

The Men's dead period ends on April 11th, the Women's on April 8th.  Players can travel and meet with teams face to face to decide their fate beginning then.   Get ready.  There's more to come. 

So, mirror, mirror on the wall...  How is this portal thing going to play out?  Can you share your knowledge with us?  Heck, I don't think you even know. 

And you're supposed to know everything.