And… We’re… Back… We hope.
Yeah, so we’ve been chillin’ all day, we should be reading and checking out those problem sets we’ve got to get ready by Monday for Stats, but we’re here pretending that we know a thing or two about college football. Who knows…
BUT FIRST… TO… no actually, I just hope the guy gets help. Whatever happened, just go get help. That’s all really.
And to be honest nothing has really caught my eye… I’m rooting for the Phillies like no other right now… ummm I digin’ Neutral Milk Hotel’s “Song against Sex”… you know, Belle and Sebastian really are a wonderful band, but they’re like a first round draft pick - the talent is there, but the constancy isn’t there yet. Will they ever put it all together, are we always going to be scratching our heads going, will this be the year? Maybe I’m going overboard here, but for me, they’re the Michael Vick of music…
So let’s do this while listening to some Common and watching the Yankees being no hit, well currently.
Wisconsin (-11) over INDIANA – The Badgers went to the Big House and gave Michigan a game, something Domers can only dream about. Anyway, I’m actually a bit excited about this Wisconsin team, the D looks like it will keep the team in the game. Which is key because although they can run the ball with Hill, Stocco has no one to throw to. That all said, Badgers should be the favorite in this game, and while I think everyone would love this line if it was -10, the Badgers should win this by two touchdowns.
NOTRE DAME (-14) over Purdue – That’s a lot of points for a team that has only one convincing win under it’s belt. I don’t have much to say about Notre Dame right now… they’re not that good of a team, but it looks like they’ll be going to the BCS anyway. They’ll get killed by who ever they play (Clemson? LSU? Auburn? Florida? West Virginia?) and we’ll all move on with our lives. As for Purdue, there’s no way they’re ‘for real’ even though they’re 4-0. That secondary should get lit up on Saturday.
Oregon (+1.5) over ARIZONA STATE – I really think the Ducks are going to go into that USC game undefeated. I’ll take the points. And I have nothing else to add… but are we still talking about the botched onside kick or have we finally moved on from that? And of all the bad calls in the history of sports, why did that call have the legs that it did? Sure it was a bad call, but have you seen a NBA game recently? Or better yet, did you see the Super Bowl? Yet this is the game that everyone throws a shit fit about. Whatever… but I’m sure it has something to do with Vegas and fans actually caring. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
MINNESOTA (+10) over Michigan – Like everyone else, I’m now rooting for Michigan to go into the Ohio State game undefeated. But they’re going to get a scare this weekend. Why? Sure we can talk about how they’ve had two ‘big’ games back to back (of course how ‘big’ the Wisconsin game was we can debate another time). I don’t have a ton of sports ‘rules’ but here are four of them:
1) The Bears will always cover when they play the Vikings at home.
2) The lower ranked team in the Michigan/Notre Dame game always wins.
3) Kerry Wood will get hurt.
4) Minnesota always plays Michigan tough, usually only to lose.
Ohio State (-7) over IOWA – I probably shouldn’t, but I’m a full believer in Ohio State. I’m convinced that they’re the best team in college football and I think they’ll be ready for this one. Iowa’s a good team, but in the end, they don’t have the talent. Ohio State gets a cheap TD to cover. (Worth nothing that Iowa goes to Ann Arbor in three weeks).
OLE’MISS (+18.5) over Georgia – Ummm, this is a huge line for a SEC game that doesn’t involve Mississippi State or Vandy. So either the Lee Corso rule applies or I’m taking the points and figuring that Ole’Miss, at home, plays Georgia tough. I don’t know a ton, but I do know that SEC football is almost always a defensive struggle. I’m taking the points. Thank you!
MISSOURI (-16) over Colorado – Weird line… we just saw Colorado scare the shite out of Georgia in Athens but now they’re more than two touchdown underdogs to Missouri? I’m not crazy about the Tigers, but I this has let down game written all over it for the Buffs. That was a tough loss, one of those games where the team falls apart afterwards.
Last Week (two weeks ago) – 3-3-1
Season – 16-4-1
What do I leave you with… maybe the greatest 1980s TV show ever… Small Wonder!! I still can’t believe this was on TV. In fact was this a primetime show? It had to be right? Amazing.
28.9.06
25.9.06
24.9.06
Oh, Hello
As John Mulaney would say.
For the people that check this place... sorry. It's been a crazy two weeks.
We moved from DC back to Chicago. Moving itself is always more work that you ever think... so of course that's what happened there. Then we get to Chicago and well, we're basically starting a new life. So besides getting the new 'digs' in order we also had a fun week of grad school orientation. That left us little time to, well, do much of anything - be it watch TV, get back to others via e-mail, or even keep up on the news. So while there were protests in Budapest, a coup in Thailand, and Chicago announced it's Olympic Bid plan... we were probablly learning about how we should have a life outside of school.
But fear now, we'll be back. Classes start and with class there comes procrastination. And with procrastination comes amazing thoughts that blow our minds and make us blog about 'em. So there you go.
Before we leave you, a few quick links:
If you want an update on the search for the next US Men's Footie coach... HERE YOU go.
The NBC football music doesn't sound like football music. In fact, the entire NBC set up for Sunday Night Football more feels like the Nightly News, or better yet, Election Day coverage. It's just kind of weird.
We couldn't agree more with That's on Point (btw, easily the best blog in our opinion) and the current state of the viewing the NFL on TV. Not only do the commericals stink, but there are 5 minutes of commericals for 3 minutes of football. It's getting to the point were watching the NFL is a pain in the ass because there's next to no rhythm to the game. And as one who's going to the Bears/Seahawks game next week, I'm sort of dreading it. Dred Scott style.
There's luck, there's a lot of luck, and then there's Notre Dame against Michigan State. I'll just say this quickly:
- Weis is not that great of a coach and vastly overrated.
- Notre Dame isn't that good and vastly overrated.
OR
- Notre Dame is a above average football team... but they aren't that good. Let's just all admit it and move on with our lives. Because if we don't, then we have to live though this every year and every week. They're a 9-3 football team, and if they some how find their way to a BCS bowl, they'll probably be treated like a red-headed step child. So for the sake of all Domers and Weis himself, let's just admit what we all know and move on.
Oh so much to say, so little time... promise a few things though:
- The 2006 White Sox, the most disapointing Sox team of my life...
- How to 'fix' US basketball
- A Watford update
- And the usualy mix of bad jokes, first person plural, and other shenanigans that you find here at VFLOAB (a-0h!)
For the people that check this place... sorry. It's been a crazy two weeks.
We moved from DC back to Chicago. Moving itself is always more work that you ever think... so of course that's what happened there. Then we get to Chicago and well, we're basically starting a new life. So besides getting the new 'digs' in order we also had a fun week of grad school orientation. That left us little time to, well, do much of anything - be it watch TV, get back to others via e-mail, or even keep up on the news. So while there were protests in Budapest, a coup in Thailand, and Chicago announced it's Olympic Bid plan... we were probablly learning about how we should have a life outside of school.
But fear now, we'll be back. Classes start and with class there comes procrastination. And with procrastination comes amazing thoughts that blow our minds and make us blog about 'em. So there you go.
Before we leave you, a few quick links:
If you want an update on the search for the next US Men's Footie coach... HERE YOU go.
The NBC football music doesn't sound like football music. In fact, the entire NBC set up for Sunday Night Football more feels like the Nightly News, or better yet, Election Day coverage. It's just kind of weird.
We couldn't agree more with That's on Point (btw, easily the best blog in our opinion) and the current state of the viewing the NFL on TV. Not only do the commericals stink, but there are 5 minutes of commericals for 3 minutes of football. It's getting to the point were watching the NFL is a pain in the ass because there's next to no rhythm to the game. And as one who's going to the Bears/Seahawks game next week, I'm sort of dreading it. Dred Scott style.
There's luck, there's a lot of luck, and then there's Notre Dame against Michigan State. I'll just say this quickly:
- Weis is not that great of a coach and vastly overrated.
- Notre Dame isn't that good and vastly overrated.
OR
- Notre Dame is a above average football team... but they aren't that good. Let's just all admit it and move on with our lives. Because if we don't, then we have to live though this every year and every week. They're a 9-3 football team, and if they some how find their way to a BCS bowl, they'll probably be treated like a red-headed step child. So for the sake of all Domers and Weis himself, let's just admit what we all know and move on.
Oh so much to say, so little time... promise a few things though:
- The 2006 White Sox, the most disapointing Sox team of my life...
- How to 'fix' US basketball
- A Watford update
- And the usualy mix of bad jokes, first person plural, and other shenanigans that you find here at VFLOAB (a-0h!)
17.9.06
Good Year for the Girls
Welcome to the party Amy Winehouse... and thank you for this soon to be classic. Enjoy.
As for Michigan/Notre Dame... wow, how are the Domers going to blame Ty Willingham for this one? Charlie Weis best win is now a above average Penn State team. Let me be the first to say... Charlie can't win the big one.
And Brady Quinn is a whimp. The guy can't take a hit... right now his got BUST written all over him come NFL time.
As for Michigan/Notre Dame... wow, how are the Domers going to blame Ty Willingham for this one? Charlie Weis best win is now a above average Penn State team. Let me be the first to say... Charlie can't win the big one.
And Brady Quinn is a whimp. The guy can't take a hit... right now his got BUST written all over him come NFL time.
15.9.06
It's been a week, but we're back!
I know, I know, it’s been a week. But I had a big move this week (back in Chicago to start Grad school if you care) and had to say good bye to DC. And I ended up watching most of HBO’s “Rome” on DVD (if you like time period pieces, it’s awesome). And well, this little blog got put to the side.
But we also realize that we’re now 13-1 in college football picks. That’s right… 13-1. And this seems like it might become a public service announcement type deal were… well, you know what I’m getting at. 13-1… if you put ten bucks on each game… yeah, exactly, you’d be going to the strip club this weekend.
(SIDENOTE: I’m going to the CubbieBear tonight… I don’t know why I felt the need to say this, but I did. I hate myself. I can’t wait to run into the first “I’ve been drinking since 2:00! Guy who works at the CBOT in bonds” at around 10:30. It’s gonna be awesome! The North Side, LOVE IT!)
Anyway, when you’re 13-1 over two weeks, you can’t just stop picking games. So we continue today… Hey did you hear it was Separation Sunday?
BOSTON COLLEGE (-7) over BYU – Jesuits vs Mormons… nothing like a good religious battle to start the week. (btw, now watch Clemson beat FSU this week, just watch).
LSU (+3.5) over AUBURN – I’m taking the points in this one. And thanks for making this line 3.5 and not 2.5 good people at sport books. Honestly though, this should be a defensive struggle (I know, way to go out on a limb this being the SEC and all). The winner of this game controls their on density in the SEC West, so it should be a good one.
Michigan (+5) over NOTRE DAME – Amazing, ND looks aiight against Georgia Tech and every says “overrated!” they then dominate a Penn State team that might as well have been playing for ND and every is screaming “underrated!” Make up your minds people. Honestly, that Penn State game is misleading. And while I hate the fact that I just took a Lloyd Carr team on the road in a big game, I just think ND got a gift last week. I can’t see Michigan making as many mistakes. Michigan wins…
USC (-17.5) over Nebraska – You know how the networks and SportsCenter build up games saying things like “this is a chance for Nebraska to prove that it’s back!” well you know what happens most of the time in these games? The team that is going to ‘prove’ that it’s ‘back’ gets run over like a rabbit by a Ford F-150. It’s never pretty. And the post game quotes always read something like “I thought we were there, but obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
FSU (-4.5) over Clemson – I have a theory that Bobby Bowden loses these games to Tommy when Tommy needs the win to keep his job. But I think Bowden believes he has a National Championship type team this year at FSU. And Clemson is like the Arizona Cardinals of the NCAA… always tease you, always saying this is the year, always losing games they should win. Clemson is coming off a loss to BC, their ACC title hopes are all but shot at this point. Now they get an FSU team that played their hangover game last week. ‘Noles roll.
Iowa St (+13.5) over IOWA – Iowa’s developed a nasty habit recently… losing to Iowa State and pretty much ruining their hopes of making a National Title run. Iowa is the better team, they’re going to win, but this game means a lot to Iowa State. They keep it close.
OREGON (-4.5) over Oklahoma – I get the feeling that the Sooners are a one trick pony. Lucky for them, that pony happens to be the best pony in all the land. But I also think we’re looking at a Pac-10 match up a few weeks from now where an undefeated USC teams plays an undefeated Oregon team for a BCS (maybe even National Title) birth. The Ducks look really good… btw, since the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim dropped the Mighty, can the Oregon Ducks pick it up? Or do they have to wait two days ala a waiver wire?
Last Week: 6-1 (13-1 for the season)
Now on to the NFL games… last Sunday, I’m watching the 49ers and Cardinals game… it’s a good game, a little sloppy, but fun. Felt a little like a college game in fact. So with the Cards up 10 with about a buck thirty left to play, D and I are just sort of watching to see what happens. The 49ers are driving, they’re around the 30 yard line, looking like they might score when out of the blue, the call on the field goal unit. D and I look at each other. “That’s weird,” I say.
“Has to be something with the point spread,” says D.
And sure enough, it was. The line was 7.5… things that make you go INTERESTING. Wouldn’t shock me at all if Nolan was told to kick the field goal.
(BTW, Simmons’ wrote about this today, but said next to nothing about the LeadPipeLock NFL/Vegas conspiracy theory I’ve been working on for two years now:
Finally, an NFL team trailing by 10 in the final minute successfully executed the old "Madden" trick, where you drive inside your opponent's 30, immediately kick the field goal to slice the lead to 7, recover the onside kick, then have enough time for a couple Hail Mary cracks at the end zone. That's the only way to play it, and I can't remember it happening in a real game until Coach Hitler and the Niners pulled it off in Arizona last week. And sure, they ended up screwing Arizona backers (including myself) by covering the 7.5-point spread. Whatever. I feel vindicated.)
So keep this in mind when you see a weird play call, or how the 0-9 Raiders some how are 7-2 against the spread… just don't say I didn't tell ya.
RAVENS (-11) over Raiders – Oh my… the Raiders didn’t even look like a football team on Monday. I mean, wow… did you see Dante’ Stallworth looking like Randy Moss for the Eagles? I openly wondered if Brooks was that bad during Stallworth’s performance, and then I saw Brooks on Monday. Yuck. Seriously, just throw the ball up in the air and pray that Moss catches it. And yes, I love Jerry Porter right now. Openly rooting against teammates? Wouldn’t TO be so much cooler if he did this?
DOLPHINS (-6.5) over Bills – The Patriots spotted the Bills ten points and the Bills still couldn’t win. But count me as worried about the Dolphins, no one has said it, but that entire team came apart during the 4th quarter of that Steeler game last Thursday. I’d be worried.
COLTS (-13.5) over Texans – I don’t care who’s the coach, this franchise is going to suck for years. Did anyone else notice how the team quit in the second half? And they still can’t protect Carr, who’d be a good NFL QB if he had more than two steps to get rid of the ball. What a terrible franchise. And I didn’t even bring up the fact that they passed up on Reggie Bush. Have them join the NHL or something.
Chiefs (+11) over BRONCOS – Huh? I know Cinci just destroyed the Chiefs in KC last week, but did you see the Broncos? Seriously, Jake Plummer looked like Jonathan Quinn. And now they’re giving 11 to the Chiefs… oh wait… Huard is starting? In Denver? Oh… well… let’s just move on. This one doesn’t count but I’m not erasing it.
Patriots (-6) over JETS – Just a week ago my buddies and I were setting the “Total Touchdown the Jets Offense scores in 2006” at 20.5. Now don’t we look silly. All they do is go on the road and beat the Titians. But I can’t see the Pats playing so poorly too weeks in a row. And I’ll say it again, does anyone trust the Jets offense to put up 17 points? I don’t.
FALCONS (-5.5) over Bucs – If the Falcons win this week, they’re officially the team to beat in the NFC South. And I’m not sure if I’ve said it here before, but Michael Vick is not a bad quarterback. And his numbers aren’t half as bad as people think if you read them like you should… combining his rush and passing stats. All of a sudden he’s a 3,000 yard, 20 touchdown guy. And yeah, I realize that his completion percentage still stinks and you’re looking at 12-15 turnovers, but also realize that when all else is lost, he can take off and run. And that element can’t really hurt you. I’m just saying, well, don’t bust on Ron Mexico, he’s given us so much.
Saints (+2) over PACKERS – The Brady Quinn watch is between the Packers and Raiders (and probably Jets, but hey, they’ve already got a win). Vegas wants you to take the Packers, but don’t be fooled. They stink… just a bad, bad team that got absolutely dominated by the Bears last week. Meanwhile, the Saints went on the road and beat the Browns, who are, a better team than the Packers. And the Reggie Bush Era looks to take a step forward this week. I’m happy.
Redskins (+6) over COWBOYS – Both teams need to win this game in the worst of ways (espically if the Eagles beat the Giants). Sure the Sinks have some problems (no pass rush and lack of play makers that don’t pick up 15 yard penalties in the process). The Cowboys… I think this is the week TO starts stirring the pot. This is not ending well.
Last Week: 4-3
But we also realize that we’re now 13-1 in college football picks. That’s right… 13-1. And this seems like it might become a public service announcement type deal were… well, you know what I’m getting at. 13-1… if you put ten bucks on each game… yeah, exactly, you’d be going to the strip club this weekend.
(SIDENOTE: I’m going to the CubbieBear tonight… I don’t know why I felt the need to say this, but I did. I hate myself. I can’t wait to run into the first “I’ve been drinking since 2:00! Guy who works at the CBOT in bonds” at around 10:30. It’s gonna be awesome! The North Side, LOVE IT!)
Anyway, when you’re 13-1 over two weeks, you can’t just stop picking games. So we continue today… Hey did you hear it was Separation Sunday?
BOSTON COLLEGE (-7) over BYU – Jesuits vs Mormons… nothing like a good religious battle to start the week. (btw, now watch Clemson beat FSU this week, just watch).
LSU (+3.5) over AUBURN – I’m taking the points in this one. And thanks for making this line 3.5 and not 2.5 good people at sport books. Honestly though, this should be a defensive struggle (I know, way to go out on a limb this being the SEC and all). The winner of this game controls their on density in the SEC West, so it should be a good one.
Michigan (+5) over NOTRE DAME – Amazing, ND looks aiight against Georgia Tech and every says “overrated!” they then dominate a Penn State team that might as well have been playing for ND and every is screaming “underrated!” Make up your minds people. Honestly, that Penn State game is misleading. And while I hate the fact that I just took a Lloyd Carr team on the road in a big game, I just think ND got a gift last week. I can’t see Michigan making as many mistakes. Michigan wins…
USC (-17.5) over Nebraska – You know how the networks and SportsCenter build up games saying things like “this is a chance for Nebraska to prove that it’s back!” well you know what happens most of the time in these games? The team that is going to ‘prove’ that it’s ‘back’ gets run over like a rabbit by a Ford F-150. It’s never pretty. And the post game quotes always read something like “I thought we were there, but obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
FSU (-4.5) over Clemson – I have a theory that Bobby Bowden loses these games to Tommy when Tommy needs the win to keep his job. But I think Bowden believes he has a National Championship type team this year at FSU. And Clemson is like the Arizona Cardinals of the NCAA… always tease you, always saying this is the year, always losing games they should win. Clemson is coming off a loss to BC, their ACC title hopes are all but shot at this point. Now they get an FSU team that played their hangover game last week. ‘Noles roll.
Iowa St (+13.5) over IOWA – Iowa’s developed a nasty habit recently… losing to Iowa State and pretty much ruining their hopes of making a National Title run. Iowa is the better team, they’re going to win, but this game means a lot to Iowa State. They keep it close.
OREGON (-4.5) over Oklahoma – I get the feeling that the Sooners are a one trick pony. Lucky for them, that pony happens to be the best pony in all the land. But I also think we’re looking at a Pac-10 match up a few weeks from now where an undefeated USC teams plays an undefeated Oregon team for a BCS (maybe even National Title) birth. The Ducks look really good… btw, since the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim dropped the Mighty, can the Oregon Ducks pick it up? Or do they have to wait two days ala a waiver wire?
Last Week: 6-1 (13-1 for the season)
Now on to the NFL games… last Sunday, I’m watching the 49ers and Cardinals game… it’s a good game, a little sloppy, but fun. Felt a little like a college game in fact. So with the Cards up 10 with about a buck thirty left to play, D and I are just sort of watching to see what happens. The 49ers are driving, they’re around the 30 yard line, looking like they might score when out of the blue, the call on the field goal unit. D and I look at each other. “That’s weird,” I say.
“Has to be something with the point spread,” says D.
And sure enough, it was. The line was 7.5… things that make you go INTERESTING. Wouldn’t shock me at all if Nolan was told to kick the field goal.
(BTW, Simmons’ wrote about this today, but said next to nothing about the LeadPipeLock NFL/Vegas conspiracy theory I’ve been working on for two years now:
Finally, an NFL team trailing by 10 in the final minute successfully executed the old "Madden" trick, where you drive inside your opponent's 30, immediately kick the field goal to slice the lead to 7, recover the onside kick, then have enough time for a couple Hail Mary cracks at the end zone. That's the only way to play it, and I can't remember it happening in a real game until Coach Hitler and the Niners pulled it off in Arizona last week. And sure, they ended up screwing Arizona backers (including myself) by covering the 7.5-point spread. Whatever. I feel vindicated.)
So keep this in mind when you see a weird play call, or how the 0-9 Raiders some how are 7-2 against the spread… just don't say I didn't tell ya.
RAVENS (-11) over Raiders – Oh my… the Raiders didn’t even look like a football team on Monday. I mean, wow… did you see Dante’ Stallworth looking like Randy Moss for the Eagles? I openly wondered if Brooks was that bad during Stallworth’s performance, and then I saw Brooks on Monday. Yuck. Seriously, just throw the ball up in the air and pray that Moss catches it. And yes, I love Jerry Porter right now. Openly rooting against teammates? Wouldn’t TO be so much cooler if he did this?
DOLPHINS (-6.5) over Bills – The Patriots spotted the Bills ten points and the Bills still couldn’t win. But count me as worried about the Dolphins, no one has said it, but that entire team came apart during the 4th quarter of that Steeler game last Thursday. I’d be worried.
COLTS (-13.5) over Texans – I don’t care who’s the coach, this franchise is going to suck for years. Did anyone else notice how the team quit in the second half? And they still can’t protect Carr, who’d be a good NFL QB if he had more than two steps to get rid of the ball. What a terrible franchise. And I didn’t even bring up the fact that they passed up on Reggie Bush. Have them join the NHL or something.
Chiefs (+11) over BRONCOS – Huh? I know Cinci just destroyed the Chiefs in KC last week, but did you see the Broncos? Seriously, Jake Plummer looked like Jonathan Quinn. And now they’re giving 11 to the Chiefs… oh wait… Huard is starting? In Denver? Oh… well… let’s just move on. This one doesn’t count but I’m not erasing it.
Patriots (-6) over JETS – Just a week ago my buddies and I were setting the “Total Touchdown the Jets Offense scores in 2006” at 20.5. Now don’t we look silly. All they do is go on the road and beat the Titians. But I can’t see the Pats playing so poorly too weeks in a row. And I’ll say it again, does anyone trust the Jets offense to put up 17 points? I don’t.
FALCONS (-5.5) over Bucs – If the Falcons win this week, they’re officially the team to beat in the NFC South. And I’m not sure if I’ve said it here before, but Michael Vick is not a bad quarterback. And his numbers aren’t half as bad as people think if you read them like you should… combining his rush and passing stats. All of a sudden he’s a 3,000 yard, 20 touchdown guy. And yeah, I realize that his completion percentage still stinks and you’re looking at 12-15 turnovers, but also realize that when all else is lost, he can take off and run. And that element can’t really hurt you. I’m just saying, well, don’t bust on Ron Mexico, he’s given us so much.
Saints (+2) over PACKERS – The Brady Quinn watch is between the Packers and Raiders (and probably Jets, but hey, they’ve already got a win). Vegas wants you to take the Packers, but don’t be fooled. They stink… just a bad, bad team that got absolutely dominated by the Bears last week. Meanwhile, the Saints went on the road and beat the Browns, who are, a better team than the Packers. And the Reggie Bush Era looks to take a step forward this week. I’m happy.
Redskins (+6) over COWBOYS – Both teams need to win this game in the worst of ways (espically if the Eagles beat the Giants). Sure the Sinks have some problems (no pass rush and lack of play makers that don’t pick up 15 yard penalties in the process). The Cowboys… I think this is the week TO starts stirring the pot. This is not ending well.
Last Week: 4-3
8.9.06
We Were 7-0 Last Week...
Yes, around 10:00pm on Saturday night we began to realize that we were making a run at a 7-0 week against the spread. Once Georgia Tech didn't completely blow the game to ND (well, against the spead) all we needed was for FSU to keep it close with Miami… and they did. And like that, we were 7-0 against the spread last week. And honestly, we couldn't wait to toot our own horn. So that's what we're doing… good job VFLOAB.
(And yes, I think I just took using the first person plural AND third person to the next level).
There are some really intriguing games this week… Penn State travels to Indiana to face Notre Dame, Mississippi goes to Missouri… and of course Ohio State goes down to Austin. While again, not the greatest slate of games in college football, some really interesting match ups. Let’s get to it…
Minnesota (+8) vs CALIFORNIA – I want to pick the Gophers, but two things scare me: Cal is coming home and has to be pissed, and Minnesota’s secondary which is nothing to write home about. Bears cover, but I think this might be a close one. If Cal loses their season is effectively over, they get the 2003 Auburn tag, and the Gophers look to make a run for a New Year’s Day bowl.
LSU (-15.5) vs Arizona – ‘Zona did beat BYU at home last week. LSU beat no one but they won big. LSU is better and at home… Tigers big.
Georgia (-3.5) vs SOUTH CAROLINA – I hate taking a road favorite in the SEC, but I saw some of that South Carolina game last week… they weren’t very impressive. And they were playing Mississippi State, not exactly a ‘good’ team. Georgia meanwhile destroyed who ever they played; with that one kid returning two punts for touchdowns (well one since he decided to celebrate on the two yard line by letting go of the ball on one return). Then again Georgia has an unsettled QB situation and they’re going on the road with probably a young kid… I hate this game. Should be fun to watch though.
BOSTON COLLEGE (+2.5) vs Clemson – Home dogs treated me well last week, or at least, Tennessee did. I think Clemson has more talent, but you know what, Boston College isn’t bad. They’re always well coach and tough at home. Clemson always, always, always seems to lose games that they should/might be able to win (and then beat FSU to keep Tommy’s job). I like Boston College here… call me a Jesuit homer if you will.
Virginia Tech (-13) vs NORTH CAROLINA – UNC looks like an interesting pick, but they lost to Rugtars at home last week, VT did what VTs does. Win the games they should. I think this one could get ugly, dare I say a statement game for the Hookies? They roll.
Penn State (+7.5) vs NOTRE DAME – I’m going to be totally objective and honest… Notre Dame isn’t a top five team. They’re a top ten team. That means they’ll lose one game that should win. But only one game. And it’s not this week. But this is going to be a really good game. Penn State has a D that’s as good as Georgia Tech. And a much better offense. Yeah, Notre Dame looked rusty, and Quinn wasn’t great. But part of that is due to him checking out of running plays (ala Peyton Manning… go figure) during the first half. I’ll be rooting for Penn State, but I don’t think they can win this game. A late ND score is the difference.
Ohio State (+2.5) vs TEXAS – That OSU D looked pretty good against one of the best backs in the country didn’t it? With a game under their belt I think the D isn’t as much of a question mark. Ohio State has more ‘playmakers’ on offense and that’s the difference. In another good one, maybe even a classic though I doubt it, Ohio State wins.
Now, we all know that the NFL starts this week. Once again, I’m sort of excited, which feels wrong since the Bears are going to be good, Simmons is always at his best during the NFL season, and of course fantasy football (even if I sort of think it’s ruining football). But I can’t get excited. Maybe it’s because of the White Sox. Maybe it’s because I won’t let myself since everyone else is going crazy about it. Maybe it’s because the NFL is filled with frauds and run by jerkoffs who get away with everything with a fraction of the criticism that baseball gets.
But anyway, I’ve been reading up on this here NFL season, and I’ll make this easy. Remember how everyone said that the AFC was better the last few years? Well now it’s the NFC’s turn. They’re the better conference. What that means, I’m not sure. But that’s the case. There isn’t an AFC that jumps out at me and says, that’s the team! In the NFC the Bears, Panthers, and Seahawks do that.
So what’s my Super Bowl prediction? It’s a tad off the wall, but who cares.
Bears vs Bengals
I know I know, Carson Palmer’s knee may explode on Sunday. But look at the AFC? Each team has HUGE holes. The Colts? Please. No one else in that division is even scarry. The Chiefs? No way… not with that D. Broncos have basically turned Jake Plummer into W, aka Lame Ducks. The Steelers? Can’t see Ben staying healthy enough for them to do it. The Patriots running game scares me, I have no clue who Brady is going to throw to, and even though Brady is gonna do his damnest to get them back, I just don’t see it. So that leaves the Bengals. And I hate the pick.
Why the Bears? Because they’re schedule is so friggin’ easy that they’re going to win 12 games, probably get home field advantage, and that D is going to be ill. I should worry about Grossman, but I think with Thomas Jones and Benson to go with that D, the Bears control the clock and win most games because of that. And I think Grossman’s got the type of talent and composure to go down the field and win you a game. Then again, he’s also got a body made of glass.
(Before I get to my picks… let me say I hate Freddy Garcia. I think Paul Konerko, slowest man alive, could seal a base on Freddy).
As with last year, I’m using the same lines that Simmons’ uses. Oh and I actually like how he’s got the Sports Gal picking games. He could totally let us males down by doing this, but I have faith. And it should be a pretty good gimmick.
TITANS (-2.5) vs Jets – What’s the lowest point total ever by an NFL team over a season? Because the Jets are going to give that a run for it’s money. This might be the worst NFL team I’ve seen since those early 90s Colt and Pat teams. Isn’t the salary cap suppose to prevent teams from being this bad? And how are the Titans giving less than 3? I don’t care if they signed they’re starting QB a week ago and his name is Kerry. The Jets won’t/can’t score points!
PATRIOTS (-9.5) over Bills – The Bills won’t be able to run the ball on the Pats. And even though I have on a fantasy team and love Lee Evans, that isn’t enough. The Pats win this ‘big’ by default. (I’m still not over my Willis McGhee fantasy experience from last year… it was just surreal. He didn’t get hurt, he didn’t flat out suck, he just annoyed the shit out of me all year. At least with Culpepper, Jamall Lewis, and a few others you could just sit ‘em and move on with life. Willis didn’t allow me to do that. And yes, I’m the guy who took Ronnie Brown in the first round and all I could think of was Willis McGhee… Willis… Willis).
E-A-G-L-E-S… EAGLES (-5.5) vs TEXANS – The Houston Texans will never be a good football team because they’re called the HOUSTON TEXANS. Don’t people realize that if you name your team something lame, they can’t be good (save the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightening)? Anyway, the Birds are poised for a great start, and then backdoor their way into the playoffs. And I have nothing to say about Houston besides that, yeah, should have taken Reggie Bush.
Saints (+3) vs BROWNS – If the White Sox winning the World Series was a 10, then put me down for a solid 8.5 on the “how excited are you about the Reggie Bush Era?”
(btw, how are people forgetting that the Browns quarterback is Charlie Fry? Or is it Frye? Or is it Frey? Who cares, that’s their starting quarterback).
Bears (-3.5) vs PACKERS – You know how we all sort of expected that Bears/Packers game on Christmas last year to be really ugly… well I think it happens this year. I think Farve could throw four picks in this one. And if that happens even this guy who thinks Brett is a c!$*sucker, well, even I will feel a little sorry for him. I never say Ali’s last fight, but I’ve got a feeling that this year will sort of be like that for us NFL fans and Favre.
REDSKINS (-5) vs Vikings – There is no way the Skins are as bad as they looked in the pre-season. And I love how DC is sort of flipping out about it… like they all can’t believe Gibbs would make a decision this poor. This is DC!!! There hasn’t been a good decision made here since the 1960s! Seriously, the city is ruin poorly, the federal government is run poorly… why flip out about the football team making a few bad choices (which haven’t even been tested yet)? As for the Vikings… not… this… year…
Chargers (-3) vs RAIDERS – I vaguely remember the Art Shell Era. And even I could tell you that he was a pretty bad coach then. Bad… idea… Jeans… (even with YouTube you can’t get this clip… INJUSTICE!)
And a clip to sent you out with… missing Childhood?
(And yes, I think I just took using the first person plural AND third person to the next level).
There are some really intriguing games this week… Penn State travels to Indiana to face Notre Dame, Mississippi goes to Missouri… and of course Ohio State goes down to Austin. While again, not the greatest slate of games in college football, some really interesting match ups. Let’s get to it…
Minnesota (+8) vs CALIFORNIA – I want to pick the Gophers, but two things scare me: Cal is coming home and has to be pissed, and Minnesota’s secondary which is nothing to write home about. Bears cover, but I think this might be a close one. If Cal loses their season is effectively over, they get the 2003 Auburn tag, and the Gophers look to make a run for a New Year’s Day bowl.
LSU (-15.5) vs Arizona – ‘Zona did beat BYU at home last week. LSU beat no one but they won big. LSU is better and at home… Tigers big.
Georgia (-3.5) vs SOUTH CAROLINA – I hate taking a road favorite in the SEC, but I saw some of that South Carolina game last week… they weren’t very impressive. And they were playing Mississippi State, not exactly a ‘good’ team. Georgia meanwhile destroyed who ever they played; with that one kid returning two punts for touchdowns (well one since he decided to celebrate on the two yard line by letting go of the ball on one return). Then again Georgia has an unsettled QB situation and they’re going on the road with probably a young kid… I hate this game. Should be fun to watch though.
BOSTON COLLEGE (+2.5) vs Clemson – Home dogs treated me well last week, or at least, Tennessee did. I think Clemson has more talent, but you know what, Boston College isn’t bad. They’re always well coach and tough at home. Clemson always, always, always seems to lose games that they should/might be able to win (and then beat FSU to keep Tommy’s job). I like Boston College here… call me a Jesuit homer if you will.
Virginia Tech (-13) vs NORTH CAROLINA – UNC looks like an interesting pick, but they lost to Rugtars at home last week, VT did what VTs does. Win the games they should. I think this one could get ugly, dare I say a statement game for the Hookies? They roll.
Penn State (+7.5) vs NOTRE DAME – I’m going to be totally objective and honest… Notre Dame isn’t a top five team. They’re a top ten team. That means they’ll lose one game that should win. But only one game. And it’s not this week. But this is going to be a really good game. Penn State has a D that’s as good as Georgia Tech. And a much better offense. Yeah, Notre Dame looked rusty, and Quinn wasn’t great. But part of that is due to him checking out of running plays (ala Peyton Manning… go figure) during the first half. I’ll be rooting for Penn State, but I don’t think they can win this game. A late ND score is the difference.
Ohio State (+2.5) vs TEXAS – That OSU D looked pretty good against one of the best backs in the country didn’t it? With a game under their belt I think the D isn’t as much of a question mark. Ohio State has more ‘playmakers’ on offense and that’s the difference. In another good one, maybe even a classic though I doubt it, Ohio State wins.
Now, we all know that the NFL starts this week. Once again, I’m sort of excited, which feels wrong since the Bears are going to be good, Simmons is always at his best during the NFL season, and of course fantasy football (even if I sort of think it’s ruining football). But I can’t get excited. Maybe it’s because of the White Sox. Maybe it’s because I won’t let myself since everyone else is going crazy about it. Maybe it’s because the NFL is filled with frauds and run by jerkoffs who get away with everything with a fraction of the criticism that baseball gets.
But anyway, I’ve been reading up on this here NFL season, and I’ll make this easy. Remember how everyone said that the AFC was better the last few years? Well now it’s the NFC’s turn. They’re the better conference. What that means, I’m not sure. But that’s the case. There isn’t an AFC that jumps out at me and says, that’s the team! In the NFC the Bears, Panthers, and Seahawks do that.
So what’s my Super Bowl prediction? It’s a tad off the wall, but who cares.
Bears vs Bengals
I know I know, Carson Palmer’s knee may explode on Sunday. But look at the AFC? Each team has HUGE holes. The Colts? Please. No one else in that division is even scarry. The Chiefs? No way… not with that D. Broncos have basically turned Jake Plummer into W, aka Lame Ducks. The Steelers? Can’t see Ben staying healthy enough for them to do it. The Patriots running game scares me, I have no clue who Brady is going to throw to, and even though Brady is gonna do his damnest to get them back, I just don’t see it. So that leaves the Bengals. And I hate the pick.
Why the Bears? Because they’re schedule is so friggin’ easy that they’re going to win 12 games, probably get home field advantage, and that D is going to be ill. I should worry about Grossman, but I think with Thomas Jones and Benson to go with that D, the Bears control the clock and win most games because of that. And I think Grossman’s got the type of talent and composure to go down the field and win you a game. Then again, he’s also got a body made of glass.
(Before I get to my picks… let me say I hate Freddy Garcia. I think Paul Konerko, slowest man alive, could seal a base on Freddy).
As with last year, I’m using the same lines that Simmons’ uses. Oh and I actually like how he’s got the Sports Gal picking games. He could totally let us males down by doing this, but I have faith. And it should be a pretty good gimmick.
TITANS (-2.5) vs Jets – What’s the lowest point total ever by an NFL team over a season? Because the Jets are going to give that a run for it’s money. This might be the worst NFL team I’ve seen since those early 90s Colt and Pat teams. Isn’t the salary cap suppose to prevent teams from being this bad? And how are the Titans giving less than 3? I don’t care if they signed they’re starting QB a week ago and his name is Kerry. The Jets won’t/can’t score points!
PATRIOTS (-9.5) over Bills – The Bills won’t be able to run the ball on the Pats. And even though I have on a fantasy team and love Lee Evans, that isn’t enough. The Pats win this ‘big’ by default. (I’m still not over my Willis McGhee fantasy experience from last year… it was just surreal. He didn’t get hurt, he didn’t flat out suck, he just annoyed the shit out of me all year. At least with Culpepper, Jamall Lewis, and a few others you could just sit ‘em and move on with life. Willis didn’t allow me to do that. And yes, I’m the guy who took Ronnie Brown in the first round and all I could think of was Willis McGhee… Willis… Willis).
E-A-G-L-E-S… EAGLES (-5.5) vs TEXANS – The Houston Texans will never be a good football team because they’re called the HOUSTON TEXANS. Don’t people realize that if you name your team something lame, they can’t be good (save the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightening)? Anyway, the Birds are poised for a great start, and then backdoor their way into the playoffs. And I have nothing to say about Houston besides that, yeah, should have taken Reggie Bush.
Saints (+3) vs BROWNS – If the White Sox winning the World Series was a 10, then put me down for a solid 8.5 on the “how excited are you about the Reggie Bush Era?”
(btw, how are people forgetting that the Browns quarterback is Charlie Fry? Or is it Frye? Or is it Frey? Who cares, that’s their starting quarterback).
Bears (-3.5) vs PACKERS – You know how we all sort of expected that Bears/Packers game on Christmas last year to be really ugly… well I think it happens this year. I think Farve could throw four picks in this one. And if that happens even this guy who thinks Brett is a c!$*sucker, well, even I will feel a little sorry for him. I never say Ali’s last fight, but I’ve got a feeling that this year will sort of be like that for us NFL fans and Favre.
REDSKINS (-5) vs Vikings – There is no way the Skins are as bad as they looked in the pre-season. And I love how DC is sort of flipping out about it… like they all can’t believe Gibbs would make a decision this poor. This is DC!!! There hasn’t been a good decision made here since the 1960s! Seriously, the city is ruin poorly, the federal government is run poorly… why flip out about the football team making a few bad choices (which haven’t even been tested yet)? As for the Vikings… not… this… year…
Chargers (-3) vs RAIDERS – I vaguely remember the Art Shell Era. And even I could tell you that he was a pretty bad coach then. Bad… idea… Jeans… (even with YouTube you can’t get this clip… INJUSTICE!)
And a clip to sent you out with… missing Childhood?
7.9.06
Links, Links, and More Links
Since we got a shout out from Frank the Tank, I’m gonna steal his Land’o’Links idea and just link like there is no tomorrow. (BTW, LOVE the picture).
Abnormally developed fish, possessing both male and female characteristics, have been discovered in the Potomac River in the District and in tributaries across the region, federal scientists say -- raising alarms that the river is tainted by pollution that drives hormone systems haywire.
It’s amazing what you can learn by reading a newspaper… anyway, here comes Dunkin Donuts! This is GREAT news. Not only does DD have better and cheaper coffee than Starbucks; it’s got absolutely kick ass breakfast sandwiches. So bring on those 325 stores in the DC/Ballmore area. And whatever number they’re going to put up in
Like most others, I hate the new facebook look. It just doesn’t feel right… It’s more complicated… oh you don’t care.
I’m going to make time to watch James Blake take on Roger Federer tonight. Blake’s easily the most charismatic and best
Abnormally developed fish, possessing both male and female characteristics, have been discovered in the Potomac River in the District and in tributaries across the region, federal scientists say -- raising alarms that the river is tainted by pollution that drives hormone systems haywire.
Finally. Now if we can get TO to shut up and ESPN to stop covering him… anyway, thanks Tony for speeding this up a bit. And as a side note, I’ve got no clue how Blair is going to go down in history. I would guess, right now, it’s going to be a mixed bag. The
Let’s just call this a guilty pleasure… I’m not sure why I enjoy Lori from the Real World: Back to New York so much, but I do. Maybe it’s because she seems fresh at times, maybe it’s the look of the site... I really don’t know. But I like it. And if you care about what the Real World Houses look like… we here’s the website for you.
That’s all, I’m tired. Get ya.
5.9.06
Was Larry Jones In the Slammer Saturday Night?
After my depressing White Sox post, I’m going to cheer myself up a bit. All of us. The BobFather decided to spend the Labor Day weekend with us here at VFLOAB which included a trip to RFK to watch the Nats come back and beat the Diamondbacks. Then the next day we headed up I-95 to Philly to catch an old fashion double header between the Phillies and Braves.
So there we were taking in the first game, watching Ryan Howard hit three home runs just for shits and giggles. Fun game, even if the Phillies almost gave it away in the end. Anytime a player hits three home runs and some guy runs on the field to paid him homage to him as if he was Allah is a good time. The fact that it was a two-fer-one if you sat around for forty-five minutes made it all the better. Good times were be had by all.
For the second game, we took the late 90s Comiskey Upgrade to about the 10th row even with the third base bag. We’re sitting there, having a nice time watching the first inning when this guy jogs down the aisle and starts screaming, “LARRY! HOW WAS THE SLAMMER LAST NIGHT, LARRY?!?!?! LARRY, HOW WAS THE SLAMMER???!!!”
Naturally, everyone turned to look at the man yelling… and he in turn, turns to us and says, “Its true! Chipper got thrown in the slammer last night for decking a guy who called him Larry, that’s why he missed the first game, ISN’T THAT RIGHT LARRY? YOU WERE IN THE SLAMMER! WELCOME TO PHILLY, LARRY!”
This being a back-to-back doubleheader, many people where not in a very sobering state of mind. The Larry chants started pretty much right away and lasted the rest of the game when ever Chipper/Larry stepped to the plate. What was really funny is that the guy went around the entire stadium spreading the news (you could hear him randomly yelling LARRY throughout the stadium), and by the end of the game the entire park was yelling “Larry!” Good times for everyone, expect maybe Larry/Chipper who might have been annoyed since he was being called, umm, his real name.
But I couldn’t help but wonder… was Chipper Jones in jail the night before? So when I got home, I went to Google and GoogleNews to see what they had on Chipper Jones. Nothing. Just an AP story about how he was a late scratch from the first game because of a sore oblique muscle.
But let’s connect the dots… Chipper misses first game as a late scratch (so he was in the lineup) because of an oblique muscle problem… which he ends up hurting during his third at bat in the second game… wait that doesn’t sound right. Why would he play in the second but not the first? A sore muscle isn’t going to get better in 3 hours…
That doesn’t seem right does is?
The Smoking Gun doesn’t have anything, but I’m more than willing to go out on a limb and report what I heard in South Philly on Sunday… and that’s that Chipper/Larry Jones spent Saturday night/Sunday morning in a 
-- I loved every second of the De'Cody Fagg experience last night.-- And call me crazy but I saw a little Reggie Bush in Lorenzo Booker last night.
I know that’s against ND and not last nights game, but hey it works.
-- I’ll come out and say it… Project Runway is FANTASIC. I’m not totally sure why, but it just is. Like salted peanuts at a baseball game. I can’t find a good article on it, so just live with this, but it really is great TV. It’s interesting, dramatic, insane at times, funny at other times, hip, and gives us Heidi Klum every Wednesday. Really, a can’t miss if you ask me.
-- This isn’t that great, but its Tony Kornheiser and we like him and these should only get better as the yeah goes on. So enjoy it?
-- Finally, I’m happy for 
What Happened to the White Sox?
There is almost too much to say about the Chicago White Sox right now. They stink. They’re playing like a bunch of bums. If ya don’t believe me, Julian Tavarez just shut down the White Sox for 6.1 last night. Six-and-a-third innings from Julian Tavarez, spot starter, shuts down the mighty Chicago White Sox playing a reeling Red Sox team. And this is after getting their asses handed to them by the Kansas City Royals over the weekend… the Tigers are trying to give the AL Central away (9-17 over their last 26). The Twins played .720 baseball for two months, then predictably cooled off. And the White Sox; the best team in baseball according to just about everyone (even us here at VFLOAB) haven’t taken advantage. What is wrong with this team? So that brings up five questions:
-- Why do the Sox look like shit?
I have no clue, none. The bats have started quieting down over the last six weeks, but Jermaine Dye has been there to save this team. But if Dye doesn’t go 3 for 4, this team is in trouble since it seems like no one else can get on base or get a big hit (though Thome has started hitting the ball well again).
Part of the problem is that Scott Podsednik has become a waste of space. He can’t field, he can’t throw, he can’t hit, and now he can’t run. He’s flat out killing this team right now, and having him lead off and play left has been a disaster this year. If I were to pick one player for the Sox to cut right now, it’d be Podsednik. And the real kicker is that since the All-Star break last year (2005) he hasn’t done anything besides hit the game winner in Game Two of the World Series. Big hit obviously, but he’s done nothing since.
-- Why do the starters stink?
Who knows. Nothing seems to be working. Contreras may be hurt. Garcia has been consistently bad. Buehrle still seems fragile after a July that was so bad, that Jose Lima looked good. And Vazquez seems like a loser, the type of guy with great stuff, but the mental make up of a fifteen year old girl. Just bad all around.
We’ve been charting the starting pitching since June 1st. It hasn’t been pretty. The monthly totals are pretty ugly:
| Monthly Totals | ERA | Earned Runs | Innings Pitched |
| June | | | |
| Jose Contreras | 6.21 | 26 | 37.67 |
| Mark Buehrle | 3.89 | 16 | 37.00 |
| Freddy Garcia | 4.81 | 18 | 33.67 |
| Jon Garland | 4.50 | 19 | 38.00 |
| Javier Vazquez | 7.50 | 25 | 30.00 |
| Total | 5.31 | 104 | 176.33 |
| | | | |
| July | ERA | Earned Runs | Innings Pitched |
| Jose Contreras | 3.54 | 16 | 40.67 |
| Mark Buehrle | 11.48 | 34 | 26.67 |
| Freddy Garcia | 5.52 | 19 | 31.00 |
| Jon Garland | 2.89 | 9 | 28.00 |
| Javier Vazquez | 6.82 | 23 | 30.33 |
| Total | 5.80 | 101 | 156.67 |
| | | | |
| August | ERA | Earned Runs | Innings Pitched |
| Jose Contreras | 6.59 | 20 | 27.33 |
| Mark Buehrle | 5.10 | 17 | 30.00 |
| Freddy Garcia | 5.72 | 25 | 39.33 |
| Jon Garland | 2.52 | 10 | 35.67 |
| Javier Vazquez | 3.55 | 10 | 25.33 |
| Total | 4.68 | 82 | 157.67 |
Just not good, besides
| Name | ERA | Earned Runs | Innings Pitched |
| Since June 1 | | | |
| Jose Contreras | 5.20 | 64 | 110.67 |
| Mark Buehrle | 6.32 | 70 | 99.67 |
| Freddy Garcia | 5.43 | 67 | 111.00 |
| Jon Garland | 3.26 | 39 | 107.67 |
| Javier Vazquez | 6.09 | 58 | 85.67 |
| Total | 5.21 | 298 | 514.67 |
| | | | |
| Since July 1 | ERA | Earned Runs | Innings Pitched |
| Jose Contreras | 4.68 | 38 | 73.00 |
| Mark Buehrle | 7.76 | 54 | 62.67 |
| Freddy Garcia | 5.70 | 49 | 77.33 |
| Jon Garland | 2.58 | 20 | 69.67 |
| Javier Vazquez | 5.34 | 33 | 55.67 |
| Total | 5.16 | 194 | 338.33 |
The starters ERA since June 1st is 5.21! That’s just brutal. And if you take
-- What happened to that win at all costs, play like your pants are on fire, style go?
Well Podsednik stinks for starters. Add to that Juan Uribe being in Ozzie’s dog house, Aaron Rowand off in Philly, Iguchi who has had a some what disappointing season this year, and all that leaves is AJ Pierzynski doing AJ Pierzynski things. Plus the very nature of this team changed when Thome came aboard because they became an Earl Weaver “Wait for a three run home run” team just like in 2001 and 2002 and 2003 and 2004…
Plus Brian Anderson, who can play that way, hit about .175 in the first half, started platooning in center and even though he’s hitting better, isn’t getting consistent playing time.
-- Why this team is under .500 over the last two months (24-29)?
It’s becoming a theme but… bad starting pitching, Podsednick, and bad defense. And some real questionable decisions by Guillen.
-- And what happened to Ozzie Guillen, Manager of the Year?
Wouldn’t I like to know.
Quick history: I was against the hiring of Guillen. I thought it was another stupid stunt pulled by the White Sox to please five fans who threw enough of a shit fit to force the Sox hands (like the green seats, not going to games because of Rob Gallas, or retiring Harold Baines’ #3 before he even retired from baseball). I thought hiring Guillen was too much of a risk for a team, that going into 2004, seemed like they could make a run for something…
So 2004 comes and goes with the Sox disappointing (somewhat) and Guillen making some curious decisions over the course of the year. In other words, he wasn’t making anyone forget Jerry Manuel. Plus Ozzie picked random fights with random people (Buck Showalter being the weirdest) which foreshadowed what was to come.
Then 2005 hits and the team gets off to an amazing start playing great baseball called OzzieBall. And while they have a worrying month of August that is compounded by the fact that the Indians went something like 53-2 over the last two months of the season, the Sox make the playoffs. They then run off an 11-1 record in October capturing their first World Series since 1917.
OzzieBall was, in a nutshell, to play hard, steal bases, move runners over, play solid baseball, good defense, and let your starters pitch… in fact don’t even think about them until they reached 100 pitches. This is how the White Sox, with help from the long ball, won the World Series.
This year with a different team, Ozzie seems to be well, pressing the wrong buttons. The Sox have the type of offense to win a lot of games, and they have. Throw in the talent they have with those starters (and past history) and this should be a 100-110 win team. I’m not kidding, with the type of offense they’ve put up, their starting pitchers history… this team is sick.
But that’s not happening. Instead the Sox are barely even treading water at this point. In fact, their lucky the Twins stunk in the first half, the Red Sox fell apart, and that the Tigers have cooled off to the tune of 9-17 over the last month.
And part of that blame falls on Guillen. He finally decided to platoon the brutal Podsednick. He continues to platoon
Ozzie’s also fallen in love with bullpen match ups and leaves the starters out to dry to go along with some questionable line up decisions. It’s as if he’s decided to just sit back and let the game come to the Sox instead of doing what they did last year… going out and taking the game in their own hands.
It’s to the point where this team looks and sounds like it doesn’t care, especially if they’re playing a bad team. In fact, the Sox are some how 11-8 against the Royals, clearly one of the worst teams in baseball. This is inexcusable. Just like in 2003 when they went 11-8 against the absolutely horrible Tigers, one of the worst teams in the history of baseball. And the Royals aren’t much better than that 2003 Tiger team. You can’t lose to the Royals 8 times in a season, three or four times, that’s okay, but you can’t do it 8 times and expect to win anything.
No, I can’t blame Ozzie for the starting pitching falling apart. But I’m not thrilled with his managerial job this year. Maybe Ozzie should check out some tape of last year when the entire attitude of this team was ‘go-and-get-‘em’ instead of this, “wait and see if Jermaine, Paulie, Crede, or Thome will bail us out” crap.
But here are the Sox, only a half game out of the Wild Card, and still within striking distance of the struggling Tigers. I’d say the Tigers will start playing better, but they’re got injury problems to go along with some tired arms all of a sudden, and they might limp into the playoffs. So can the Sox turn it on?
Of course they can turn it on and run off 8 straight wins (the fan in me says it starts tonight). The talent is there. Buehrle is pitching better,
Final random thoughts and tid-bits:
If you were to ask me, best sound track… right now I’d say Magonila. I’m not sure if it’s Amiee Man’s amazing performance or if it’s because they throw on “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp… btw, I’m leaving my job on Friday and the odds that this is the ‘last’ song I listen to before I peace out is “Goodbye Stranger”. “Juicebox” and “In God’s Country” are also under consideration.
1.9.06
Thoughts and Picks for the Weekend
First things first, I have nothing to say about
Not sure anyone really cares, but maybe the most bizarre transfer in the history of football, ummm, soccer went down yesterday. West Ham United picked up Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano. These two are 22, Argentines, and pretty effin awesome. They moved from Corinthians (in Sao Paulo) to East London… but what’s bizarre is that, well, West Ham is sort of like, well… not that good. Or rather famous (and
And awesome.
Tevez is a personal favorite from the week we spend in Buenos Aries a few months ago (and then the World Cup of course). And West Ham picking these two up is just, well cool. And now West Ham should make a run for a Champions League spot.
And people will spend days trying to figure this one out across the pond.
In other news, DaMarcus Beasley (RunDMB) has gone off on loan to Manchester City, which is cool because that means we’ll get to watch Beasley a bit more (well if you get those soccer channels you will). Not sure what this means for Beasley’s career (it’s a step down club wise), but hopefully he’ll see more playing time. And convince the Bum that is Landon Donovan to go to
I was reminded me that today is the 67th ‘anniversary’ of the invasion of
But on that note, from today’s Wall Street Journal:
Bush kicked off his bid to gain support for the Iraq war, telling an American Legion audience in
Does this mean Bush is the first president to drop Godwin's Law? Wow. I feel like this is a big day in American history. “President becomes Despite, Reverts to Godwin's Law”
Blair wants 12 more months… and to be frank, I’m sick of this. Just leave, go away, step down… it’s become the TO story of politics. Every day for over a year, it’s this and that and when will he leave and no one likes him and… just go away. No one cares any more. Take a boat to
It was good to have college football back last night. Watched a bit of the BC and
Well it’s that time again… time for picks. That’s right, even though we sort of stunk last year, it’s time to give some picks. For fun of course.
Not a totally interesting weekend in college football, but let’s give it a go anyway. Home teams in caps.
California (-2) v TENNESSEE – Wow, I know the Vols struggled last year but home dogs to a Cal team that just figured out their quarterback situation? I don’t like how this is setting up for the Bears. Vols win in a tight one.
Wisconsin (-10) v BOWLING GREEN – This game does have the makings of an upset to be honest, but… the Badgers should be THAT much better than Bowling Green. Plus
UCLA (-3) v
Notre Dame (-7) v GEORGIA TECH – Notre Dame might lose this game. They’ve got a really good defense and Calvin Johnson should have a field day with NDs poor secondary. I can’t wait to see how the Domers spin this one… actually, I can wait. Weird match up, I mean ND vs GT? Just seems odd even though GT has won a national title more recently.
USC (-8.5) v
Have a good weekend, may it go to 11:
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