I just got a bit of a verbal smack in the face a few minutes ago. I was watching Maggie, my best friend's almost-three-year old, and commercials were on TV. I asked her what she wanted to watch, and went thru some choices, but she told me she wanted to watch the "Be Right Back."
The little girl not only preferred commercials to her favorite shows at that moment...but she seemed to think the commercials WERE a show. And what the FCC wants put in there so kids will differentiate between shows and ads...she thought was the name of that "show" instead.
*sigh*
Kinda puts part of my future career in perspective, huh?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Playoffs, Podcasts, and Fantasy
Riverdale plays host to the Warren County Pioneers this Friday to kick off the '07 playoff campaign. Full preview may be forthcoming...but I consider this one a yawn. Call me next week.
I've discovered the magic of podcasting. I'm currently listening to yesterday's PTI, after I finished ESPN's Fantasy Football Focus. This is something I never really considered before now...and I could see this becoming a regular thing for me. Ding.
And finally, my long part of the post: My Fantasy Sports Focus.
My Nashville Dixie Flyers (Yahoo Public League 93790) went 2-8 last week, our first week of active competition. We took it on the chops from the Louisiana Icegators, but to my credit I didn't really know how to do fantasy hockey and hadn't done much on the waver wire. I think I'm on my way now, with my studs like Tkachuk, Sakic, Danny Sedin, Milan Hejduk, and the young gun Toews. However, I'd kinda like Jason Spezza to be healthy again soon. Especially with his whopping 13 points.
To paraphrase former WCW standout Bill Goldberg...Shamrock Shredders? "You're next!" Though I should probably say "You're first" instead.
My Gainesville Reptiles (Yahoo Public 131346) wound up in a roto league, so I guess I must not have hit the "Head to Head" option. Whoops. Well, at least I'm hovering around the top of the league (currently at 83 points, #1 in the league; Dunking Wino's at 76 in second). I'm hanging on to Andy Varejao from Cleveland, as they need him and he's getting closer to signing. That's my biggest hole right now. AI, Dwight Howard, Peja, Dirk, and T-Mac? Yes. A little thin at PG, however, as AI's only help at the position is Smush Parker. I'm going to look for some help there a little later, as I have forward depth to spare.
Fantasy football? Coming off a couple of big wins. The Nashville Warbirds (Bodog) are 4-1, the lone loss coming after a furious comeback in the first game of our late-starting season, a loss by a whopping 8 points. We're loaded, and we can make a run. Palmer and Big Ben, LT and Adrian Pete (the good one), Ocho Cinco, Marshall...nice.
And we're at a crossroads in Tennessee Copperheads country. At 4-5, a good run could push our All Pro Football hard-luck losers into an unlikely playoff spot. I've unloaded part of the roster, and I'm banking on the Waver Wire to help me out. Justin Fargas, LJ, TJ Duckett, the backup tandem in San Fran...If I could get even 2 players out of Farg-LJ-SFx2, coupled with my earlier pickups of Wes Welker and "Outta Nowhere" Ernest Graham, I may have earned the title of Waver Wire Miracle Man. What numbers could result from that...and from what unlikely names...Dang.
And in summation: Tom Brady still sucks, unbeaten or not. I'm STILL amazed by the last-minute, no-time-out field goal Denver used to force OT against the Pack, and by Favre's ho-hum game-winner on the first OT play.
And the next evolution in Guitar Hero, "Rock Band"...may well be one of the greatest things ever created. Oh. My. Gods. I might never be able to save any money...
I've discovered the magic of podcasting. I'm currently listening to yesterday's PTI, after I finished ESPN's Fantasy Football Focus. This is something I never really considered before now...and I could see this becoming a regular thing for me. Ding.
And finally, my long part of the post: My Fantasy Sports Focus.
My Nashville Dixie Flyers (Yahoo Public League 93790) went 2-8 last week, our first week of active competition. We took it on the chops from the Louisiana Icegators, but to my credit I didn't really know how to do fantasy hockey and hadn't done much on the waver wire. I think I'm on my way now, with my studs like Tkachuk, Sakic, Danny Sedin, Milan Hejduk, and the young gun Toews. However, I'd kinda like Jason Spezza to be healthy again soon. Especially with his whopping 13 points.
To paraphrase former WCW standout Bill Goldberg...Shamrock Shredders? "You're next!" Though I should probably say "You're first" instead.
My Gainesville Reptiles (Yahoo Public 131346) wound up in a roto league, so I guess I must not have hit the "Head to Head" option. Whoops. Well, at least I'm hovering around the top of the league (currently at 83 points, #1 in the league; Dunking Wino's at 76 in second). I'm hanging on to Andy Varejao from Cleveland, as they need him and he's getting closer to signing. That's my biggest hole right now. AI, Dwight Howard, Peja, Dirk, and T-Mac? Yes. A little thin at PG, however, as AI's only help at the position is Smush Parker. I'm going to look for some help there a little later, as I have forward depth to spare.
Fantasy football? Coming off a couple of big wins. The Nashville Warbirds (Bodog) are 4-1, the lone loss coming after a furious comeback in the first game of our late-starting season, a loss by a whopping 8 points. We're loaded, and we can make a run. Palmer and Big Ben, LT and Adrian Pete (the good one), Ocho Cinco, Marshall...nice.
And we're at a crossroads in Tennessee Copperheads country. At 4-5, a good run could push our All Pro Football hard-luck losers into an unlikely playoff spot. I've unloaded part of the roster, and I'm banking on the Waver Wire to help me out. Justin Fargas, LJ, TJ Duckett, the backup tandem in San Fran...If I could get even 2 players out of Farg-LJ-SFx2, coupled with my earlier pickups of Wes Welker and "Outta Nowhere" Ernest Graham, I may have earned the title of Waver Wire Miracle Man. What numbers could result from that...and from what unlikely names...Dang.
And in summation: Tom Brady still sucks, unbeaten or not. I'm STILL amazed by the last-minute, no-time-out field goal Denver used to force OT against the Pack, and by Favre's ho-hum game-winner on the first OT play.
And the next evolution in Guitar Hero, "Rock Band"...may well be one of the greatest things ever created. Oh. My. Gods. I might never be able to save any money...
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A Curtain Begins Its Fall
Well, the 2007 High School Football regular season has drawn to a close, with the Warriors pulling out a one point win at LaVergne. One of the biggest wins of the season, giving us another unbeaten regular season, and I was sidelined again...nearly recovered from a nagging sore throat. I probably should have toughed it out, but I figured it was worth it to rest my voice a little.
I realized on Thursday night that this might be the end. My Warrior football games are numbered, anyway, with a slate of five more being a best case scenario. But let's face facts--playoff games are much tougher to get into than regular season games, and there is going to be a lot more hype and coverage, meaning more competition for space. Had I been able to keep my mini-recorder, I would be able to do my play call from anywhere, but the quality was too low for my tastes (not to mention the lack of a display, which kept me from noticing I'd hooked up the wrong headset until the 4th quarter while at Lebanon), and it was far too expensive.
Aside from those considerations, and the cost of gas, we've also got to consider that this is the playoffs. While Riverdale has played like a champion to this point, winning big and winning close, the simple fact remains--one mistake, one loss, and you are done. There is no doubt in my mind that this Big Red Machine team can make it to and win state, especially after blowing out Wilson Central on Homecoming. However, looking at the schedule, it's a virtual Murderer's Row...after hosting Warren County (5-5) we would get a scrappy Coffee County Red Raider team (currently 6-4) or the same Wilson Central Wildcats (8-2) team we embarrassed at homecoming for their first loss of the season. WCHS is coming off a hard-luck home loss to Smyrna to close out the year, so you can bet they will be fired up for the Raiders.
In the quarterfinals, we would be on the road, and it's essentially pick your poison: The 4-seed, Lebanon (5-5), held the Warriors to single scores in each quarter and cut the lead to 21-14 with little more than 2:30 to go, before the Warriors powered in an insurance touchdown as time expired--our only score of the 4th quarter, and our first points in 17 minutes of play. There's the wild card, Cookeville (7-3), who lost to Coffee County, but also Lincoln Co. (8-2) and a tough out-of-region test to 4A Cleveland, TN. By the way, the three losses were by a combined 13 points. Lincoln County's lone other loss was a debilitating shutout at the hands of Blackman. We held a Falcon team decimated by injuries and suspensions to 5 first downs and 68 yards of total offense in a 28-0 Week 3 blowout here in the 'Boro. RHS returned a fumble on a 4th down run attempt for a score (after a lateral to get the ball out of trouble) and blocked a punt to set up another; obviously, LCHS would be anxious to avenge such a humiliating loss, especially, especially since they haven't lost since, and they would get their chance at revenge in "The Pit." And the last option? Smyrna, the defending state champs. They knocked us out last year en route to the gold (after we lit them up early in the year, I believe)...and this year, it took a score with 40 seconds left to give us the nail-biting W.
Surviving that would mean we host one of the hardcore teams from East Tennessee, with the winner going to State. Despite the good records of the Nashville area teams, a couple of unbeaten, one-loss, or two-loss teams, and my non-area faves like Independence and Dickson County, let's just be honest here...whoever survives this half of the state title bracket will have pretty much already won the title. Unless an unbeaten powerhouse shows up on the other side, I doubt it will even be a game.
To get back to the crux of what I was saying before I began my analysis of the road to the Blue Cross Bowl, one loss ends your season now, and while the Warriors are very capable of winning out, the competition only gets tougher, and especially in the Mid-State just about anybody can beat anybody.
I likely will get the green light for Friday's scrap with the Pioneers...but beyond that, it's game to game. It depends on who all is coming to the game, and if I can get access to broadcast (and if I have to pay as well, to a lesser degree). If something should block me from coming this Friday, it becomes all the more likely that my RHS broadcasting career is already over, concluding with the homecoming broadcast against Wilson Central.
I won't talk like this is already the end; I've got five more possible games as far as I'm concerned, until I hear otherwise. But if my tenure on the hill beside Stones River is over, it's been an incredible run. Six years, six dominating runs, a state title call...numerous players from both RHS and the opposition not only performing well in the games I called but stepping up to the college level as well...all the sights, sounds, and experiences. I'll never forget any of it.
I'll go more in depth when I'm sure this chapter's complete, but until then, I just have one thing to say....Thank you.
I realized on Thursday night that this might be the end. My Warrior football games are numbered, anyway, with a slate of five more being a best case scenario. But let's face facts--playoff games are much tougher to get into than regular season games, and there is going to be a lot more hype and coverage, meaning more competition for space. Had I been able to keep my mini-recorder, I would be able to do my play call from anywhere, but the quality was too low for my tastes (not to mention the lack of a display, which kept me from noticing I'd hooked up the wrong headset until the 4th quarter while at Lebanon), and it was far too expensive.
Aside from those considerations, and the cost of gas, we've also got to consider that this is the playoffs. While Riverdale has played like a champion to this point, winning big and winning close, the simple fact remains--one mistake, one loss, and you are done. There is no doubt in my mind that this Big Red Machine team can make it to and win state, especially after blowing out Wilson Central on Homecoming. However, looking at the schedule, it's a virtual Murderer's Row...after hosting Warren County (5-5) we would get a scrappy Coffee County Red Raider team (currently 6-4) or the same Wilson Central Wildcats (8-2) team we embarrassed at homecoming for their first loss of the season. WCHS is coming off a hard-luck home loss to Smyrna to close out the year, so you can bet they will be fired up for the Raiders.
In the quarterfinals, we would be on the road, and it's essentially pick your poison: The 4-seed, Lebanon (5-5), held the Warriors to single scores in each quarter and cut the lead to 21-14 with little more than 2:30 to go, before the Warriors powered in an insurance touchdown as time expired--our only score of the 4th quarter, and our first points in 17 minutes of play. There's the wild card, Cookeville (7-3), who lost to Coffee County, but also Lincoln Co. (8-2) and a tough out-of-region test to 4A Cleveland, TN. By the way, the three losses were by a combined 13 points. Lincoln County's lone other loss was a debilitating shutout at the hands of Blackman. We held a Falcon team decimated by injuries and suspensions to 5 first downs and 68 yards of total offense in a 28-0 Week 3 blowout here in the 'Boro. RHS returned a fumble on a 4th down run attempt for a score (after a lateral to get the ball out of trouble) and blocked a punt to set up another; obviously, LCHS would be anxious to avenge such a humiliating loss, especially, especially since they haven't lost since, and they would get their chance at revenge in "The Pit." And the last option? Smyrna, the defending state champs. They knocked us out last year en route to the gold (after we lit them up early in the year, I believe)...and this year, it took a score with 40 seconds left to give us the nail-biting W.
Surviving that would mean we host one of the hardcore teams from East Tennessee, with the winner going to State. Despite the good records of the Nashville area teams, a couple of unbeaten, one-loss, or two-loss teams, and my non-area faves like Independence and Dickson County, let's just be honest here...whoever survives this half of the state title bracket will have pretty much already won the title. Unless an unbeaten powerhouse shows up on the other side, I doubt it will even be a game.
To get back to the crux of what I was saying before I began my analysis of the road to the Blue Cross Bowl, one loss ends your season now, and while the Warriors are very capable of winning out, the competition only gets tougher, and especially in the Mid-State just about anybody can beat anybody.
I likely will get the green light for Friday's scrap with the Pioneers...but beyond that, it's game to game. It depends on who all is coming to the game, and if I can get access to broadcast (and if I have to pay as well, to a lesser degree). If something should block me from coming this Friday, it becomes all the more likely that my RHS broadcasting career is already over, concluding with the homecoming broadcast against Wilson Central.
I won't talk like this is already the end; I've got five more possible games as far as I'm concerned, until I hear otherwise. But if my tenure on the hill beside Stones River is over, it's been an incredible run. Six years, six dominating runs, a state title call...numerous players from both RHS and the opposition not only performing well in the games I called but stepping up to the college level as well...all the sights, sounds, and experiences. I'll never forget any of it.
I'll go more in depth when I'm sure this chapter's complete, but until then, I just have one thing to say....Thank you.
Monday, August 20, 2007
On Becks, Babes Basketball, and Baseball
Well, the Titans scrapped past the Pats in a surprising offensive showdown. Vince disappointed in his 07 debut, but there are many positives from this game.
Again, the defense wowed me. Yes, we gave up way too many points. But we played far better than I expected. Hearing the lineups announced, I cringed, and thought in particular our secondary was going to get carved up this season...and about that time, we got the first of two rapid takeaways, that first one getting housed for our opening score. Our D-line rolled the dice a few times, and we were on Tom Brady like a cheaply tailored version of one of his prettyboy suits.
Another likely weakness, our crop of no-name recievers...who played admirably. Kerry "Whoops, I Screwed Up Again" Collins actually fought us back into the game, as we scored 17 unanswered points to rally for the lead...and our defense held back the Patriots on a go-ahead 2 point conversion try.
All-told, good game. Vince will get better, and the "whole is better than the sum of its parts" 2007 Titans squad, if it holds to form, will be a competitive force this year.
Note: Dark pants with the white tops...our usual road set, but light blue pants are still better. Either way, one of the best-dressed road teams out there. Another solid road look? The Colts, one of the few teams to look sharp in monochrome.
Well, I was somewhat right on Becks. He started the SuperLiga game against DC United, and was pulled about when I said he'd appear. However, he was more than ready, as evinced by his gorgeous goal and assist. He then drew 66,000+ to Jersey for his first regular season, regular MLS game debut at the New York Red Bulls, playing the full 90 and setting up a trifecta of goals in a 5-4 loss.
Now GoldenBalls is off from NYC to London (England-Germany friendly) before jetting back to LAX to (maybe) take some part in the Honda SuperClassico, LA Galaxy/Chivas USA. As Yahoo! points out, the MLS schedule needs to be tweaked so it's not as hellish on internationals wanting to represent their countries as well as their clubs...but either way, the globetrotting phenom will draw attention to the biggest little league on the map right now. Go Becks. Go Gals. Yay rah.
The playoffs are set in the WNBA--NY/Detroit and Connecticut/Indy in the East, Seattle/Phoenix and Sacramento/San Antonio in the West. East top-seed Detroit backed into the playoffs on four straight losses, while 2-seed Indiana recovered from losing Tamika Catchings for much of the season to finish the year by dumping the Shock, after beating West 2-seed San Antonio. (Catch is listed day to day for the playoffs.)
The Silver Stars and Sacramento are way too streaky and inconsistent for my tastes, so I see that one going 3 games in a toss-up. Seattle/PHX should also be a wild one; the Storm has been unpredictable, but LJ has been a scoring machine for the Green-Gold-and-Red.
Any of these series has the chance of going 3 games, but the East may have the best shot at sweeps. Detroit lumbered into the playoffs by holding back its stars with homecourt guaranteed...but they will have to avoid getting too relaxed and used to losing, lest they find themselves quickly outed. However, I see them toppling NY pretty easily, as the Liberty has struggled to find an identity all season. The Sun always are a formidable, imposing foe, but the Fever are finally clicking with Sutton-Brown, Whitmore, White, Tully, and the bunch, and with Catch on the brink of rejoining them, I think the Fever could be due for a run.
My predictions? Detroit in 2, Indiana in 2; Phoenix in 3, and San Antonio in 3.
Good to see my girl Sid Spencer (I'm a fan, UT Lady Vol or not...Go Lady Dores!) leading all LA scorers with 25 points and 5 boards in a Sparks loss to Seattle on Saturday. Good work, Sid.
Also attaboys to Johan Santana for his 17-K performance, and to John Smoltz for overtaking Knucksie as the Braves' strikeout leader.
Bravos are 5.5 games out of first in the East, a game back of the Phils, as the Mets have won 3 straight; however, no one can really seem to get hot as everyone's hovering around 5-5 in the last 10.
And the Cubs have bumped the Brewers by a game in the Central. Chicago, winners of 3 straight as well, will be battling the Brew Crew for a while, as Milwaukee battles itself to prevent a nosedive. (Can't fault the talent...most of it is from the Sounds and Huntsville Stars.) Can anyone make ground in the NL Central? The Pirates are 52-70, last in the division, and just 11 out. The Cards have won 7 of their last 10...despite losing 2 straight...and they are 4 out. And the Great American Bandbox Redlegs are just 8 out. For comparison? Put the Central-leading Cubbies in ANY other division...they are currently no higher than 3rd place.
Please add a pair of teams, MLB, so we can balance this damned thing. Look at what it did to the NFL. +
Again, the defense wowed me. Yes, we gave up way too many points. But we played far better than I expected. Hearing the lineups announced, I cringed, and thought in particular our secondary was going to get carved up this season...and about that time, we got the first of two rapid takeaways, that first one getting housed for our opening score. Our D-line rolled the dice a few times, and we were on Tom Brady like a cheaply tailored version of one of his prettyboy suits.
Another likely weakness, our crop of no-name recievers...who played admirably. Kerry "Whoops, I Screwed Up Again" Collins actually fought us back into the game, as we scored 17 unanswered points to rally for the lead...and our defense held back the Patriots on a go-ahead 2 point conversion try.
All-told, good game. Vince will get better, and the "whole is better than the sum of its parts" 2007 Titans squad, if it holds to form, will be a competitive force this year.
Note: Dark pants with the white tops...our usual road set, but light blue pants are still better. Either way, one of the best-dressed road teams out there. Another solid road look? The Colts, one of the few teams to look sharp in monochrome.
Well, I was somewhat right on Becks. He started the SuperLiga game against DC United, and was pulled about when I said he'd appear. However, he was more than ready, as evinced by his gorgeous goal and assist. He then drew 66,000+ to Jersey for his first regular season, regular MLS game debut at the New York Red Bulls, playing the full 90 and setting up a trifecta of goals in a 5-4 loss.
Now GoldenBalls is off from NYC to London (England-Germany friendly) before jetting back to LAX to (maybe) take some part in the Honda SuperClassico, LA Galaxy/Chivas USA. As Yahoo! points out, the MLS schedule needs to be tweaked so it's not as hellish on internationals wanting to represent their countries as well as their clubs...but either way, the globetrotting phenom will draw attention to the biggest little league on the map right now. Go Becks. Go Gals. Yay rah.
The playoffs are set in the WNBA--NY/Detroit and Connecticut/Indy in the East, Seattle/Phoenix and Sacramento/San Antonio in the West. East top-seed Detroit backed into the playoffs on four straight losses, while 2-seed Indiana recovered from losing Tamika Catchings for much of the season to finish the year by dumping the Shock, after beating West 2-seed San Antonio. (Catch is listed day to day for the playoffs.)
The Silver Stars and Sacramento are way too streaky and inconsistent for my tastes, so I see that one going 3 games in a toss-up. Seattle/PHX should also be a wild one; the Storm has been unpredictable, but LJ has been a scoring machine for the Green-Gold-and-Red.
Any of these series has the chance of going 3 games, but the East may have the best shot at sweeps. Detroit lumbered into the playoffs by holding back its stars with homecourt guaranteed...but they will have to avoid getting too relaxed and used to losing, lest they find themselves quickly outed. However, I see them toppling NY pretty easily, as the Liberty has struggled to find an identity all season. The Sun always are a formidable, imposing foe, but the Fever are finally clicking with Sutton-Brown, Whitmore, White, Tully, and the bunch, and with Catch on the brink of rejoining them, I think the Fever could be due for a run.
My predictions? Detroit in 2, Indiana in 2; Phoenix in 3, and San Antonio in 3.
Good to see my girl Sid Spencer (I'm a fan, UT Lady Vol or not...Go Lady Dores!) leading all LA scorers with 25 points and 5 boards in a Sparks loss to Seattle on Saturday. Good work, Sid.
Also attaboys to Johan Santana for his 17-K performance, and to John Smoltz for overtaking Knucksie as the Braves' strikeout leader.
Bravos are 5.5 games out of first in the East, a game back of the Phils, as the Mets have won 3 straight; however, no one can really seem to get hot as everyone's hovering around 5-5 in the last 10.
And the Cubs have bumped the Brewers by a game in the Central. Chicago, winners of 3 straight as well, will be battling the Brew Crew for a while, as Milwaukee battles itself to prevent a nosedive. (Can't fault the talent...most of it is from the Sounds and Huntsville Stars.) Can anyone make ground in the NL Central? The Pirates are 52-70, last in the division, and just 11 out. The Cards have won 7 of their last 10...despite losing 2 straight...and they are 4 out. And the Great American Bandbox Redlegs are just 8 out. For comparison? Put the Central-leading Cubbies in ANY other division...they are currently no higher than 3rd place.
Please add a pair of teams, MLB, so we can balance this damned thing. Look at what it did to the NFL. +
Sunday, August 12, 2007
On Titans, Hockey Togs, and Beckham-Mania
Well, the Tennessee Titans played a solid game of preseason football on Saturday...for about 58 minutes. A one yard plunge buckled any attempt at a last-string goal line stand and erased any offense the Titans had put up...then a goof-up by a reserve center tossed the Redskins a "double your pleasure" bone to ice any hopes of a comeback. Ouch.
Positive thoughts? Kicking game was pretty good. Defense was outstanding. And we were without our best player on offense. Like a world-class kickboxer in a straight-up boxing match, our offense waddled and staggered through, doing a decent job, though propped up by our surprisingly scrappy defense. And though I want to fault Coach Jeff Fisher for holding Vince Young out, I can't. He violated a team rule, and must be punished by the team as a result. (By the TEAM...you hear that, Goodell?) No player is above the law. (Ask Pac, after his TNA toussle with the Titans' front office.)
All in all, I think we're going to be okay, especially when our rabid dog VY is let out of his cage and turned loose--all Michael Vick jokes aside.
Glad the team went tasteful for the preseason opener, with the reverse 2-tone blue look, light tops over dark pants. I think the alts need to be worn with white pants more than dark blue, though the dark pants don't look bad. Dark-over white I still prefer as the home set, and white over the light blue pants needs to be the permanent road set, no ifs, ands or buts. Matching shoulders to pants just looks good, and puts the dark blue road pants to shame. Monochrome white is weak, and don't even get me started on the blueberry monochrome set. Seeing Big Al in a down stance in the all-blueberries is enough to turn our fans into Ravens fans. (Just kidding. I don't think anything could be that bad.)
Speaking of attrocious uniforms...we come to the slow unveilings of the NHL's new Rbk EDGE jerseys. Nashville's? Ick. Made with the move in mind--the move that now seems less and less likely. The silver shoulders on the white roads are Nashville hockey's answer to the "Titan blue" football shirt--looks great on one person up close, but not so much at a distance (in this case, gets washed out) or on a whole team. I do like the last-minute addition of the "Nashville" wordmark however. The home blue looks...well...not riot-worthy, but still far too templated.
Many of the other teams look decent. The Bruins made a classy update. Columbus actually looks kinda cool now, with the flag-star crest and the explain-the-name alt logo (which in itself is kinda cool also). The Rangers and that red team from Detroit even seem to be true to their looks. Carolina's 'cane-flag trim even appears to have been integrated into its EDGE look, which is surprising as it was implied horizontal striping was iffy at best with the new looks. Washington's retro-retread is cool for traditionalists; I preferred the last set, with the screaming eagle and the Capitol building, but hey--classic sells too. Alt logo is PIMP.
Florida's new look pretty well sucks, being on a similar template to the Preds', but it could be worse. LA looks about the same, and everyone else is speculation at this point. New logos unveiled for SJ (upgrade), OTT (upgrade), and TB (slight upgrade, but they have a similar look to the Rays in terms of wordmarks...so I can't complain). Redesigns in the works for VAN, DAL, PHI, NYI, and STL.
Beckham-Mania appears to be growing weary. The fans are restless and agitated that soccer's Achilles has a thorn in his heel--heaven forbid he nurse an injury, especially when milking $250 mil to cross the pond.
I'm on his bandwagon for two reasons. First reason: He's a good player. Call him the MJ of soccer, if you must. He's not God(dess); he's human. MJ missed shots, Tiger doesn't win every tournament, and Barry Bonds--love him or hate him--doesn't dink MIR every time he sees a pitch. But bottom line--Becks is good. When he's 100%, he's going to excel...and he's going to lead.
Second reason: He's LA Galaxy. My teams are the Gals and the Rapids. He's on one of those squads, vis a vis I automatically like him more than Joe Soccerjockey in New York, Columbus, or Houston. There are exceptions (notable Atlanta Braves castoffs come to mind, like Vinny Castilla, Mark DeRosa, John Rocker...)
And let me add a third reason. He makes people care about MLS. He's selling out stadiums across the country. He's making crusty old Brits and soccer elitists overseas look at MLS. Granted, it's currently with looks of disgust and disdain, but they're actually LOOKING at us with a closer eye now. And as much as it pains me to admit it, he and Posh are getting the names of the Galaxy and its foes on the lips of blue-collar America with their featurettes, reality shows, and ET/People-mag fluff.
The jersey's selling. The kids are biting. The stadiums are filled. The media (though thinning) is still everywhere. And whether it's for his trademark kicks or his about-as-equal trademark smile (never underestimate the spending power of the sexually repressed mothers-of-many; an attractive man with an accent like this can work wonders, much less one with this much fanfare, legacy, power, and wealth)...people are caring.
They are falling asleep waiting or hopping mad that he's not out there playing--since he's not playing, how can he be out there netting 10 goals a game by himself, hmm? But they are paying attention, because no one wants to miss the big moment when Beckham makes a physical impact on soccer in America. (He's already making a general impact, through interest, merch sales, tv opportunities, and just more league money in general.)
And when he does play, slowly but surely, he's going to earn his spot among the MJ's and Willie Mays' of US sports immortality. Not overnight, but in due time.
Currently he's in a cycle of "play too soon, have to rest, repeat." If Yallop thinks he's ready I expect Becks to make an appearence early in the second half of the SuperLiga game against D.C. United. Around the 54th, 55th minute, if he's healthy enough. He might even start the second half, though I doubt it. I'm not entirely convinced he will play Wednesday, however, but we'll wait and see how the million-dollar ankle holds up. He set his sights on Giants Stadium and the New York Red Bulls for his first start, but I'd say hold up on that call. We'll see how he does with United before we make any rash decisions like that.
Worth noting:
How about Edwin Jackson's complete-game shutout on Saturday, giving the Rays their first shutout of the year, 3-0 at the Rangers? A man who improved to 3-11 bringing 99-mph heat in the 9th...in 96-degree Dallas-suburb heat? It's why the games are played and watched, my friends.
Positive thoughts? Kicking game was pretty good. Defense was outstanding. And we were without our best player on offense. Like a world-class kickboxer in a straight-up boxing match, our offense waddled and staggered through, doing a decent job, though propped up by our surprisingly scrappy defense. And though I want to fault Coach Jeff Fisher for holding Vince Young out, I can't. He violated a team rule, and must be punished by the team as a result. (By the TEAM...you hear that, Goodell?) No player is above the law. (Ask Pac, after his TNA toussle with the Titans' front office.)
All in all, I think we're going to be okay, especially when our rabid dog VY is let out of his cage and turned loose--all Michael Vick jokes aside.
Glad the team went tasteful for the preseason opener, with the reverse 2-tone blue look, light tops over dark pants. I think the alts need to be worn with white pants more than dark blue, though the dark pants don't look bad. Dark-over white I still prefer as the home set, and white over the light blue pants needs to be the permanent road set, no ifs, ands or buts. Matching shoulders to pants just looks good, and puts the dark blue road pants to shame. Monochrome white is weak, and don't even get me started on the blueberry monochrome set. Seeing Big Al in a down stance in the all-blueberries is enough to turn our fans into Ravens fans. (Just kidding. I don't think anything could be that bad.)
Speaking of attrocious uniforms...we come to the slow unveilings of the NHL's new Rbk EDGE jerseys. Nashville's? Ick. Made with the move in mind--the move that now seems less and less likely. The silver shoulders on the white roads are Nashville hockey's answer to the "Titan blue" football shirt--looks great on one person up close, but not so much at a distance (in this case, gets washed out) or on a whole team. I do like the last-minute addition of the "Nashville" wordmark however. The home blue looks...well...not riot-worthy, but still far too templated.
Many of the other teams look decent. The Bruins made a classy update. Columbus actually looks kinda cool now, with the flag-star crest and the explain-the-name alt logo (which in itself is kinda cool also). The Rangers and that red team from Detroit even seem to be true to their looks. Carolina's 'cane-flag trim even appears to have been integrated into its EDGE look, which is surprising as it was implied horizontal striping was iffy at best with the new looks. Washington's retro-retread is cool for traditionalists; I preferred the last set, with the screaming eagle and the Capitol building, but hey--classic sells too. Alt logo is PIMP.
Florida's new look pretty well sucks, being on a similar template to the Preds', but it could be worse. LA looks about the same, and everyone else is speculation at this point. New logos unveiled for SJ (upgrade), OTT (upgrade), and TB (slight upgrade, but they have a similar look to the Rays in terms of wordmarks...so I can't complain). Redesigns in the works for VAN, DAL, PHI, NYI, and STL.
Beckham-Mania appears to be growing weary. The fans are restless and agitated that soccer's Achilles has a thorn in his heel--heaven forbid he nurse an injury, especially when milking $250 mil to cross the pond.
I'm on his bandwagon for two reasons. First reason: He's a good player. Call him the MJ of soccer, if you must. He's not God(dess); he's human. MJ missed shots, Tiger doesn't win every tournament, and Barry Bonds--love him or hate him--doesn't dink MIR every time he sees a pitch. But bottom line--Becks is good. When he's 100%, he's going to excel...and he's going to lead.
Second reason: He's LA Galaxy. My teams are the Gals and the Rapids. He's on one of those squads, vis a vis I automatically like him more than Joe Soccerjockey in New York, Columbus, or Houston. There are exceptions (notable Atlanta Braves castoffs come to mind, like Vinny Castilla, Mark DeRosa, John Rocker...)
And let me add a third reason. He makes people care about MLS. He's selling out stadiums across the country. He's making crusty old Brits and soccer elitists overseas look at MLS. Granted, it's currently with looks of disgust and disdain, but they're actually LOOKING at us with a closer eye now. And as much as it pains me to admit it, he and Posh are getting the names of the Galaxy and its foes on the lips of blue-collar America with their featurettes, reality shows, and ET/People-mag fluff.
The jersey's selling. The kids are biting. The stadiums are filled. The media (though thinning) is still everywhere. And whether it's for his trademark kicks or his about-as-equal trademark smile (never underestimate the spending power of the sexually repressed mothers-of-many; an attractive man with an accent like this can work wonders, much less one with this much fanfare, legacy, power, and wealth)...people are caring.
They are falling asleep waiting or hopping mad that he's not out there playing--since he's not playing, how can he be out there netting 10 goals a game by himself, hmm? But they are paying attention, because no one wants to miss the big moment when Beckham makes a physical impact on soccer in America. (He's already making a general impact, through interest, merch sales, tv opportunities, and just more league money in general.)
And when he does play, slowly but surely, he's going to earn his spot among the MJ's and Willie Mays' of US sports immortality. Not overnight, but in due time.
Currently he's in a cycle of "play too soon, have to rest, repeat." If Yallop thinks he's ready I expect Becks to make an appearence early in the second half of the SuperLiga game against D.C. United. Around the 54th, 55th minute, if he's healthy enough. He might even start the second half, though I doubt it. I'm not entirely convinced he will play Wednesday, however, but we'll wait and see how the million-dollar ankle holds up. He set his sights on Giants Stadium and the New York Red Bulls for his first start, but I'd say hold up on that call. We'll see how he does with United before we make any rash decisions like that.
Worth noting:
How about Edwin Jackson's complete-game shutout on Saturday, giving the Rays their first shutout of the year, 3-0 at the Rangers? A man who improved to 3-11 bringing 99-mph heat in the 9th...in 96-degree Dallas-suburb heat? It's why the games are played and watched, my friends.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Baseball
As I was posting that about Tex I had a feeling he'd make me eat my words. I was already fighting the urge to get on his bandwagon, but stubbornness and all kept me from it. Well...stubbornness over. Just one game in August without a hit, scored in 5 of his last 9, 11 RBIs and 4 homers in that span...just solid. Gives us someone to nail down that 1B spot, some leadership (and depth), and some sweet pop in the bat.
I could get used to this former Jacket.
Can you say RICK ANKIEL? Three-hit 2 homer day today, with a phenomenal catch for any outfielder, much less a revamped once-tanked pitcher. Those curtain calls are well deserved, bud. Frenchy & McCann have some competition for the fave player spots of this baseball fan. (I don't see it being a problem for the kids, though; I'm still a fan of Rob Mac, Dioner Navarro, Furky, Paul Byrd...)
Next blog? Initial thoughts on the Titans, commentary on new NHL threads, and BeckhamMania.
I could get used to this former Jacket.
Can you say RICK ANKIEL? Three-hit 2 homer day today, with a phenomenal catch for any outfielder, much less a revamped once-tanked pitcher. Those curtain calls are well deserved, bud. Frenchy & McCann have some competition for the fave player spots of this baseball fan. (I don't see it being a problem for the kids, though; I'm still a fan of Rob Mac, Dioner Navarro, Furky, Paul Byrd...)
Next blog? Initial thoughts on the Titans, commentary on new NHL threads, and BeckhamMania.
Results 8/7
MLB
TB +165 Loss
LAD -120 Loss
WNBA Lines Not Up Yet
SA (Money Line) Loss
IND (Money Line) Win
SEA Over (156.8) Win
There's a reason I'm not a handicapper...
TB +165 Loss
LAD -120 Loss
WNBA Lines Not Up Yet
SA (Money Line) Loss
IND (Money Line) Win
SEA Over (156.8) Win
There's a reason I'm not a handicapper...
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Results of 8/5 Picks
Pirates -125......PPD. +0.00
Brewers -130......L, -1.30
MLS
New England -120, L, -1.20
WNBA
Chicago +3.5 -110 L, -1.10
Total..................-3.60 units
Brewers -130......L, -1.30
MLS
New England -120, L, -1.20
WNBA
Chicago +3.5 -110 L, -1.10
Total..................-3.60 units
Update on "The Quarter"
Already contacted initially:
Memphis Redbirds
Visalia Oaks My contact, their former broadcaster, was arrested for allegedly fatally hitting someone with his car...and fleeing the police on foot. Ick. My only other contact, for what it's worth, is the Tennessee-native receptionist. Good luck. Didn't really want this gig anyway...middle of nowhere, as a sort-of suburb of Fresno.
Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
Staten Island Yankees
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
To contact soon (doing games):
Tennessee Smokies
Appy League Teams in Knoxville Area (K-Mets, JC Cards, Elizabethton Twins,
Greeneville Astros, Bristol [White] Sox)
Huntsville Stars
Louisville Bats
Lexington Legends
Chattanooga Lookouts
Rome Braves
To contact:
Stockton
San Jose
Jacksonville
Rome
Colorado Springs
Brooklyn
Bakersfield
Lansing
Las Vegas
Tulsa
Quad Cities
West Michigan
Rochester
Corpus Christi
Memphis Redbirds
Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
Staten Island Yankees
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
To contact soon (doing games):
Tennessee Smokies
Appy League Teams in Knoxville Area (K-Mets, JC Cards, Elizabethton Twins,
Greeneville Astros, Bristol [White] Sox)
Huntsville Stars
Louisville Bats
Lexington Legends
Chattanooga Lookouts
Rome Braves
To contact:
Stockton
San Jose
Jacksonville
Rome
Colorado Springs
Brooklyn
Bakersfield
Lansing
Las Vegas
Tulsa
Quad Cities
West Michigan
Rochester
Corpus Christi
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Trade Reactions
So the Bravos get Texiera. Yippee. Personally, I never have been that high on this guy. Then I see the details on the trade. We shipped out Salty, a fringe pitcher, one of our best prospects, and someone else...for this guy and a toss-us-a-bone pitcher? Ugh.
As much as I don't want to like Davies for Dotel, I suppose it makes sense, as Davies has been gassed compared to the early flashes of brilliance he showed. Dotel can help shore up the back end of the bullpen, so Davies made it a relative bargain. Plus, who knows? Maybe the kid can shine in KC, or get back to his old form. Doubtful, since the Royals are the Sultans of Suck, but stranger things have happened. They did win a ring, after all.
As much as I don't want to like Davies for Dotel, I suppose it makes sense, as Davies has been gassed compared to the early flashes of brilliance he showed. Dotel can help shore up the back end of the bullpen, so Davies made it a relative bargain. Plus, who knows? Maybe the kid can shine in KC, or get back to his old form. Doubtful, since the Royals are the Sultans of Suck, but stranger things have happened. They did win a ring, after all.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Quarter
As the Winter Meetings loom large, there are only so many teams that I can contact. Out of the 200+ teams there, I have no time to contact the vast majority of them. For that reason, I'm reigning in the number of teams I'm contacting, and listing who's on that elite list. Updates will likely follow.
Already contacted initially:
Memphis Redbirds
Visalia Oaks
Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
Staten Island Yankees
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
To contact soon (doing games):
Tennessee Smokies
Appy League Teams in Knoxville Area (K-Mets, JC Cards, Elizabethton Twins,
Greeneville Astros, Bristol [White] Sox)
Huntsville Stars
Louisville Bats
Lexington Legends
Chattanooga Lookouts
Rome Braves
To contact:
Stockton
San Jose
Jacksonville
Rome
Colorado Springs
Brooklyn
Bakersfield
Lansing
Las Vegas
Tulsa
Quad Cities
West Michigan
Rochester
Corpus Christi
Already contacted initially:
Memphis Redbirds
Visalia Oaks
Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
Staten Island Yankees
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
To contact soon (doing games):
Tennessee Smokies
Appy League Teams in Knoxville Area (K-Mets, JC Cards, Elizabethton Twins,
Greeneville Astros, Bristol [White] Sox)
Huntsville Stars
Louisville Bats
Lexington Legends
Chattanooga Lookouts
Rome Braves
To contact:
Stockton
San Jose
Jacksonville
Rome
Colorado Springs
Brooklyn
Bakersfield
Lansing
Las Vegas
Tulsa
Quad Cities
West Michigan
Rochester
Corpus Christi
Monday, July 16, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Summer Outlook
Well, the Voice of 04 is going through an interesting stretch. Late-game negotiations with the High-A Visalia Oaks broke down, as the front office had higher priorities than adding an out-of-area intern...but it left me holding the short straw, with no internship and about a month left to get one.
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino have expressed interest in a non-guaranteed opportunity, with reduced rent and pay based on positions that are availible...but the only work would be when people call out, or what sales I could scrap together. I'm trying to partner it with some sort of sales work for the Orange County Flyers of the GBL or (preferably) the Anaheim Arsenal of the NBA D-League, and without something like that to fall on I couldn't go through with it.
Still looking to piece something together elsewhere, but thus far...no dice.
If all else fails, I will stay in the boro, begin my quest for next year's housing, maybe tweak my SAH schedule again, and probably go full-steam into Musicians basketball, with a side of RHS/MT summer baseball to prepare for next year.
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino have expressed interest in a non-guaranteed opportunity, with reduced rent and pay based on positions that are availible...but the only work would be when people call out, or what sales I could scrap together. I'm trying to partner it with some sort of sales work for the Orange County Flyers of the GBL or (preferably) the Anaheim Arsenal of the NBA D-League, and without something like that to fall on I couldn't go through with it.
Still looking to piece something together elsewhere, but thus far...no dice.
If all else fails, I will stay in the boro, begin my quest for next year's housing, maybe tweak my SAH schedule again, and probably go full-steam into Musicians basketball, with a side of RHS/MT summer baseball to prepare for next year.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Affliated Baseball
The following categorizes the affiliated minor leagues of baseball in terms of size (and as a result, possible travel times), ranked smallest to largest.
Florida State League, Northwest League, Appy League, Texas League
Eastern League, Midwest League, Carolina League, California League
Pioneer League, NY-Penn League
Southern Lg, SALLY Lg.
International League
Pacific Coast League (which is anything but, in all honesty)
Florida State League, Northwest League, Appy League, Texas League
Eastern League, Midwest League, Carolina League, California League
Pioneer League, NY-Penn League
Southern Lg, SALLY Lg.
International League
Pacific Coast League (which is anything but, in all honesty)
Official Shortlist of Potential Markets
With the dawn of the new year, the time has finally come. With graduation a mere year and a half away, it is time to thin out the pack and focus my "future market" search on a few specific markets as opposed to 20 or so. WIth that in mind, the first draft of the Official Short List is as follows, in no particular order.
New York City
Denver
Atlanta
Memphis
San Francisco Bay Area
Stockton, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Las Vegas, NV
---------------
Keep in mind that more cities could be added for the next draft. The most likely add-ins would be teams with ECHL and/or California League (baseball) teams.
New York City
Denver
Atlanta
Memphis
San Francisco Bay Area
Stockton, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Las Vegas, NV
---------------
Keep in mind that more cities could be added for the next draft. The most likely add-ins would be teams with ECHL and/or California League (baseball) teams.
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