There is no question that this has been the best NBA regular season in recent memory, it seems like every night there is an intriguing game or compelling league story to follow. It is only fitting that this year's All Star game is the most anticipated All-Star game since HIV positive Magic came back to play and with Blake Griffin in the dunk contest, it could rival the 2000' contest that featured Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Steve Francis. On a side note, NBA TV showed a marathon of dunk contests in 30 minute intervals on Friday and it was the best TV since season 8 of Seinfeld. Watching Carter, McGrady, and Francis at their athletic and career pinnacles was as jaw dropping as I remembered it live and even subsequent years that featured Baron Davis, Gerald Wallace, Desmond Mason, and Jason Richardson made it impossible to turn the channel.
NBA fans also responded to the compelling year by selecting 9 deserving starting All-Stars, with only the China delegation flooding the internet with Yao Ming votes keeping it from 10 for 10. David Stern gets to name Ming's replacement and he should follow the rules given to coaches who pick the reserves. The rules are to ignore the positions on the ballot if and when players play multiple positions. Not only does this rule make perfect sense, but it gives Stern the opportunity to name Tim Duncan starting center for the West. For a commisoner who looks for every chance to reward good citizens and organizations this is the perfect chance to name one of the top 10 all time players as a starter to round out the best All-Star rosters in 15 years.
Below are my All-Star reserves for each conference (7 players, at least 2 Guards, 2 Forwards, 1 Center) based on the traditional numbers, the eye test, and some new cyber-metric stats like plus/minus, usage rate, and win shares, with extra focus on my personal favorite plus/minus. Of all the numbers you can find none are more tied to wins and losses than how many points your team is plus or minus while you are on the floor.
East
Rajon Rondo (Bos): Leads the league with 12.5 apg while averaging over 4 rpg, 2 spg while shooting 51% from the field. On the best team in the East he is second at (+12).
Ray Allen (Bos): In a depleted conference the best teams 4th most important player is still comfortably an All-Star due to shooting a career best 45% from 3 and 50% overall. His late game "clutch" stats are also at a career high.
Paul Pierce (Bos): Probably having the best year of his career (18.9 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.2 apg) while shooting 50% from the field and 41% from the 3. He is the guy who is going to take all the big shots for the best in the conference, as myself and all the Knick fans can attest to. If anyone deserves the success of the Celts it should be the guy who was a couple of plays away from the finals with Antoine Walker as the next best player on his team.
Kevin Garnett (Bos): His traditional numbers are just OK (15 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.2 apg), but he has a conference best plus/minus of (14.3) which seems to summarize how valuable we knew he was when watching him play. Has there been an actual tough guy who has been involved in more un-tough 12th man antics like throwing "cancer" around in trash talk and going after Channing Frye below the belt?
Al Horford (Atl): With his college teammate Noah hurt the Eastern conference back-up center is a one horse race, but that shouldn't take away from Horford's year (16.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.1 bpg) all on 57% shooting. He has also drastically improved at protecting the basket for a Hawks defense that is much improved due to his play.
Chris Bosh (Mia): I loved Durant calling him the "Fake Tough Guy", but his numbers (18.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 apg) are All-Star worthly in the East and his best number is his plus/minus of (10.8) which was validated by how much the Heat missed him the week his was out with a sprained ankle.
Joe Johnson (Atl): He gets the final spot due to his play lately (29 ppg in January) and his ability to attack with success against some of the best in the league. He is a team best (+6) and his usage rate verifies that he is one of the best in the East even if his cartoonish contract tends to overshadow his play. Even during a season where he started slow and was injured his number are about right a couple of weeks before the break (20.1 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.3 rpg). His success going head to head with Lebron also swayed my opinon.
Just missed
Ray Felton (NYK): Easily the hardest to leave off the team, his play has been a barometer of the Knicks' play and over the last month he has slipped. His numbers at first glance (17.3 ppg, 8.9 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.85 spg) are impressive, but when factored for efficiency against the Knicks pace of play and overall shooting percentages (42% from the field and 33% from 3) they a more of a mirage. Most importantly for me, is his (-.2) plus/minus which would be 5.2 less than the lowest plus/minus of my reserves.
Not as close as you would think
Andrew Bogut (Mil): His 11.7 rpg lead the reserve candiates in the East, but his shooting percentages ( 48% from the field and 41% from the line) and plus/minus of (-.8) are as ugly as a winter day in Wisconsin.
Josh Smith (Atl): He hits 5 categories for fantasy owners (16.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.8 bpg, 1.31 spg) and has more athleticism than any of my current reserves, but his inability to shoot 50% from the field and the lowest plus/minus of any Atlanta starter further cements his status as an enigma.
The West
Manu Ginobili (SA): Leads all reserve candiates with a plus/minus of (12.5) , he has the ball in all key moments at crunch time along with the toughest defensive assignments. His numbers are as steady as ever (18.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.77 spg) and for the first time in his career he is the best player on the best team in the league.
Dirk Nowitzki (Dal): Was the leading candiate for MVP (23 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.5 apg) prior to a knee injury. During the time he missed the Mavs resembled the Cavs more than a team that could contend for a title. Plus/minus of (12) verifes what we saw in his absence.
Pau Gasol (LAL): Back up center on this squad who hasn't missed a game all season while averaging (18.6 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.9 bpg). He continues to shoot a high percentage and has a plus/minus of (10.2). Plays just enough center in game situations like Duncan to qualify as a back up and escape the depth at power forward.
Blake Griffin (LAC): Rookie or not, he is one of the top players in the deepest position in the NBA. Griffin is averaging well over a double/double (22.6 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 3.5 apg) and has done the impossible, he made the Clipps a must see team and got Baron Davis interested in basketball again. Griffin skill set in an All-Star game with the western roster could be as explosive as a bar tour with Chuck Sheen.
Kevin Love (Min): Win/Loss record is not suppossed to factor into All-Star criteria, but it always does and should when coaches are choosing the roster unless a player is on pace for a historic season. Love is on pace for the first 20/15 season since Moses Malone (21.6 ppg, 15.6 rpg, 2.5 apg) and is also shooting 44% from 3. If he can keep up this pace it will be a season like no other, but even if he doesn't Love is much deserving of an All-Star nod.
Derron Williams (Utah): For my money the most complete PG in the league, he is holding the Jazz together and scores or distributes based on the team and the night. (21.9 ppg, 9.4 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.20 spg) for a Western conference team that doesn't have a pick and roll partner is enough for me even with all the PG's in the West.
Steve Nash (Phx): The last spot for me came down to Nash or Westbook and I went with Nash by a nose due to his plus/minus (5.2) vs. (.3) and Nash's shooting percentages (53% and 42% vs. 43% and 24%). When pace of play and usage rate are factored in, Nash (17.2 ppg, 11 apg, 3.6 rpg) looks at least equal to Westbrook's gaudy numbers (22.7 ppg, 8.5 apg, 5.1 rpg, 1.9 spg). This one could go either way and both would easily make the Eastern squad. A great reason to scrap the conference format and just take the best 14 players in the league. I can't honestly say that resume and the format of the game didn't cloud my decision, but you really can't go wrong with either.
Just missed
In addition to Westbrook, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge (21 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 apg, 1.2 bpg, 1 spg) just missed and if he played a little more center for the Blazers during the season I would have given him the nod over Pau. Aldridge has taken his game to the paint and is second to Love among West reserves in offensive rebounds/game. His play is holding the Blazers afloat in the West and his plus/minus (3.2) is better than both Griffin's and Love's. If Dirk wants to deservedly take the weekend off, Aldridge is the natural addition.
Zack Randolph (Mem): There is no one better in the league when he gets the ball in the post as evidenced by his numbers (20.2 ppg and 13 rpg). A contending team should really make a play for him at the deadline despite his reputation. He is an automatic double team on the offensive end, but his inability to pass out of the post (1.5 apg) and his defense (.3 bpg) and plus/minus (2.4) leave him a few spots short on this team.
Monta Ellis (GSW): My heart wants to say yes along with his traditional numbers (25.7 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.3 rpg, 2.26 spg) but his shooting percentages (46% and 37%) and pace of play factors along with his defense and plus/minus (-3.8) make my head say no, at least not in the West.
Not as close as you would think
Tony Parker (SA): His numbers are pretty good (17.5 ppg, 6.9 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.36 spg) and he is shooting over 50% from the field for the best team in the league, but with the depth of PG's and every other team attacking him with the game on the line, the eye test screams no.
Kevin Martin (Hou): He is a volume scorer (23 ppg) and shoots at a decent clip (44% and 40%), but usage rate and a (.8) plus/minus say everything the scouts having been saying for years.
Lamar Odom (LAL): He is shooting 57% from the field and is averaging 9.5 rpg, which are both very impressive, but Gasol just squeaked by as a backup center and a third Laker who never seperates himself in crunch time or a big game is too much for this team to take on.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Staal-Stars
The Swede has made it clear that he is clearly growing senile with those series of picks. Now I will introduce to you the team that will be victorious in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game.
As you will see my North American hockey intellect allowed me to piece together the ultimate hockey squad. All picks were made under the consideration that all players were 100% healthy.
1. Sidney Crosby - Pit
Unquestionably the best hockey player in the world this season. He has been out since New Years with a concussion, but still is only 1 point off of the league lead in points. Pretty much out of the running for a 60-goal season, but a Hart Trophy is still very likely.
2. Steven Stamkos - TB
I am a Center and so is Crosby, but Stamkos was the best player on the board and can be moved to wing in this All-Star format. The league leader in points has a wicked shot and would become a viable asset on the Crosby line.
3. Martin St. Louis - TB
Top-5 in points, the little guy still has the wheels to dominate this up and down style game.
4. Evgeni Malkin - Pit
Having a down year, but still has the skills that make him a bonafide star and a staple during All-Star weekend.
5. Dustin Byfuglien - Atl
Big Buff is the first D-man off the board. With no one blocking shots, his thunderous shot from the point will find the back of the net at least once in this game. Nice guy to have if things get frisky and he has to throw down.
6. Corey Perry - Ana
The ultimate grinder in the league. Has the skills of a star, but isn't afraid to throw his body around, dig in the corners, and scrap in front of the net. A nice addition to this team that has all skill but lacks grit.
7. Zdeno Chara - Bos
This Big Z did not take his talents to South Beach to follow LeBron. Instead he is putting together another Norris-type season in Beantown.
8. Duncan Keith - Chi
Fills the need for a shutdown defender. Has the tools to carry the puck and at times will fill up the score sheet. Hoisting the Cup and donning a Gold Medal prove he is a winner.
9. Brad Richards - Dal
Stuck in Dallas, he doesn't get much play by the media, but is again having a huge season. Already has 57 points. Will become a star if he makes the move to NY in the offseason.
10. Tim Thomas - Bos
Big Fat Tim Thomas is the first goalie off the board. Having the best season of all netminders and deserves this trip to Charlotte. Shows the will and determination that this team will inspire. Benched last season but is the early front runner for this year's Vezina. I get to implement my idea to put huge fat people in goal and see if they can cover the entire net and stop pucks. Will play him in the third to shut things down.
11. Dan Boyle - San
This shark has the bite to contribute in this offensively explosive style of game.
12. Phil Kessel - Tor
What does this team need? More goals. Obviously
13. Patrick Sharp - Chi
The best player on the defending Cup champs. Seems like the only Hawk not to have a Cup Hangover.
14. Henrik Lundqvist - NYR
Needed another goaltender and King Henrik fell in my lap.
15. Anze Kopitar - LA
Arguably the best player on the best up-and-coming team in the league. Surprised he fell this far in the draft.
16. Marc Staal - NYR
Got to. Thanksgiving would have been awkward.
17. Tobias Enstrom - Atl
We'll keep Big Buff happy and give him his D-partner. Not a bad guy to fill a roster spot.
18. Claude Giroux - Phi
Have to like a guy with an X in his name. Had to pick him. I have 2 Penguins on my team. Any time he plays the Pens he is good for atleast one shorty.
19. Cam Ward - Car
Will start the game, fans will love it.
20. Danny Briere - Phi
Do I really have to take him?
Forwards:
Malkin - Crosby - Stamkos
St. Louis - Staal - Perry
Kessel - Richards - Sharp
Briere - Kopitar - Giroux
Defense:
Chara - Boyle
Bufuglien - Enstrom
Keith - Staal
Goaltenders:
Period 1 - Ward
Period 2 - Lundqvist
Period 3 - Thomas
You're move Nicky
As you will see my North American hockey intellect allowed me to piece together the ultimate hockey squad. All picks were made under the consideration that all players were 100% healthy.
1. Sidney Crosby - Pit
Unquestionably the best hockey player in the world this season. He has been out since New Years with a concussion, but still is only 1 point off of the league lead in points. Pretty much out of the running for a 60-goal season, but a Hart Trophy is still very likely.
2. Steven Stamkos - TB
I am a Center and so is Crosby, but Stamkos was the best player on the board and can be moved to wing in this All-Star format. The league leader in points has a wicked shot and would become a viable asset on the Crosby line.
3. Martin St. Louis - TB
Top-5 in points, the little guy still has the wheels to dominate this up and down style game.
4. Evgeni Malkin - Pit
Having a down year, but still has the skills that make him a bonafide star and a staple during All-Star weekend.
5. Dustin Byfuglien - Atl
Big Buff is the first D-man off the board. With no one blocking shots, his thunderous shot from the point will find the back of the net at least once in this game. Nice guy to have if things get frisky and he has to throw down.
6. Corey Perry - Ana
The ultimate grinder in the league. Has the skills of a star, but isn't afraid to throw his body around, dig in the corners, and scrap in front of the net. A nice addition to this team that has all skill but lacks grit.
7. Zdeno Chara - Bos
This Big Z did not take his talents to South Beach to follow LeBron. Instead he is putting together another Norris-type season in Beantown.
8. Duncan Keith - Chi
Fills the need for a shutdown defender. Has the tools to carry the puck and at times will fill up the score sheet. Hoisting the Cup and donning a Gold Medal prove he is a winner.
9. Brad Richards - Dal
Stuck in Dallas, he doesn't get much play by the media, but is again having a huge season. Already has 57 points. Will become a star if he makes the move to NY in the offseason.
10. Tim Thomas - Bos
Big Fat Tim Thomas is the first goalie off the board. Having the best season of all netminders and deserves this trip to Charlotte. Shows the will and determination that this team will inspire. Benched last season but is the early front runner for this year's Vezina. I get to implement my idea to put huge fat people in goal and see if they can cover the entire net and stop pucks. Will play him in the third to shut things down.
11. Dan Boyle - San
This shark has the bite to contribute in this offensively explosive style of game.
12. Phil Kessel - Tor
What does this team need? More goals. Obviously
13. Patrick Sharp - Chi
The best player on the defending Cup champs. Seems like the only Hawk not to have a Cup Hangover.
14. Henrik Lundqvist - NYR
Needed another goaltender and King Henrik fell in my lap.
15. Anze Kopitar - LA
Arguably the best player on the best up-and-coming team in the league. Surprised he fell this far in the draft.
16. Marc Staal - NYR
Got to. Thanksgiving would have been awkward.
17. Tobias Enstrom - Atl
We'll keep Big Buff happy and give him his D-partner. Not a bad guy to fill a roster spot.
18. Claude Giroux - Phi
Have to like a guy with an X in his name. Had to pick him. I have 2 Penguins on my team. Any time he plays the Pens he is good for atleast one shorty.
19. Cam Ward - Car
Will start the game, fans will love it.
20. Danny Briere - Phi
Do I really have to take him?
Forwards:
Malkin - Crosby - Stamkos
St. Louis - Staal - Perry
Kessel - Richards - Sharp
Briere - Kopitar - Giroux
Defense:
Chara - Boyle
Bufuglien - Enstrom
Keith - Staal
Goaltenders:
Period 1 - Ward
Period 2 - Lundqvist
Period 3 - Thomas
You're move Nicky
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Team Lidstrom All-Star Selections
You have to give the NHL credit; in their ongoing pursuit of a mainstream audience they have embraced some out of the box ideas. The Winter Classic has become the NHL's showcase and a "can't miss" for the casual sports fan and HBO's "24/7" was some of the best sports programming of the year. This year the NHL energized their All-Star game in Raleigh by picking two captains (home town star Eric Staal and highly respected vet Nick Lidstrom) who will pick teams like a pick up game. This is the best All-Star idea since the Slam Dunk contest and hopefully the NBA will follow suit. Here at illbefrank we thought this was a great chance to select our own teams based on this format with one caveat, everyone selected as an All-Star being healthy and playing. Since I like Swedish novels and House Hunters in Stockholm, I will be selecting as Lidstrom and after Staal choose Crosby with the overall #1 pick my picks are below.
Alex Ovechkin: He might be having a down year statistically, but the run and gun All-Star format is right up his alley and the natural rivalry with Crosby on the other team is too much to pass up.
Jonathon Toews: Winning is a priority with the players picking the teams and the best player in last year Olympics and Cup finals seems to play his best when it matters the most.
Henrik Sedin: Fellow countryman and pass first center will thrive with the talent around him in this game and being chosen by Sweden's greatest player as captain will only help his desire.
Daniel Sedin: Chemistry is important in an All-Star game with no practices and you can't do better than linemates who are brothers.
Rick Nash: A premier power forward completes my #1 line on the right side, with Ovechkin on the left and Toews in the middle.
Shea Weber: My first five selections went offense, so by choosing Weber I am also choosing my D partner.
Patrick Kane: Looks like a great fit next to the Sedins in a very creative and unselfish line that is an All-Star dream. Kane could also team up with Toews in crunch time if needed.
Ryan Kesler: America's version of Toews, a two way third line center in this format who is all about winning.
Kris Letang: The most improved D-man in the league will play heavy minutes on my second D pairing.
Mike Green: The offense and puck moving combo of Green and Letang was too enticing to pass up. These two will get plenty of point time on the Power Play unit as well.
David Backes: The perfect third line winger who has chemistry with Kesler from the Olympics. A rugged tough to play against third line is shaping up.
Matt Duchene: He has speed to burn and was hard to pass up this late, his skills seem to shine brighter on the big stage with quality players around him.
Carey Price: My first goaltender is the main reason the Canadians are still in the playoff picture and he should be comfortable starting after making his All-Star debut as a starter two years ago on home ice.
Jonas Hiller: Each goaltender is going to play a period so you want depth and no goalie in the league has been better lately than Hiller.
Marc-Andre Fleury: Has rebounded from a tough start and has the big game reputation you want if the game is close in the 3rd. Bad blood with Price could be an issue, but I don't mind two goalies who both think they are the best.
Loui Erickson: A grinder and finisher who will play on the left with Kesler and Backes to form a true and dangerous 3rd line that would make Brian Burke salivate.
Ales Hemsky and Patrick Elias: These two highly skilled players will team up with Duchene on a highly explosive 4th line.
Brent Burns and Erik Karlson: Solid D-men who will play well in their own end round out the final D pairing.
1st line: Ovechkin-Toews-Nash
2nd line: Sedin-Sedin-Kane
3rd line: Erickson-Kesler-Backes
4th line: Elias-Duchene-Hemsky
1st D: Weber-Lidstom
2nd D: Letang-Green
3rd D: Burns-Karlson
1st period G: Carey Price
2nd period G: Jonas Hiller
3rd period G: Marc-Andre Fluery
I like my chances Staal.
Alex Ovechkin: He might be having a down year statistically, but the run and gun All-Star format is right up his alley and the natural rivalry with Crosby on the other team is too much to pass up.
Jonathon Toews: Winning is a priority with the players picking the teams and the best player in last year Olympics and Cup finals seems to play his best when it matters the most.
Henrik Sedin: Fellow countryman and pass first center will thrive with the talent around him in this game and being chosen by Sweden's greatest player as captain will only help his desire.
Daniel Sedin: Chemistry is important in an All-Star game with no practices and you can't do better than linemates who are brothers.
Rick Nash: A premier power forward completes my #1 line on the right side, with Ovechkin on the left and Toews in the middle.
Shea Weber: My first five selections went offense, so by choosing Weber I am also choosing my D partner.
Patrick Kane: Looks like a great fit next to the Sedins in a very creative and unselfish line that is an All-Star dream. Kane could also team up with Toews in crunch time if needed.
Ryan Kesler: America's version of Toews, a two way third line center in this format who is all about winning.
Kris Letang: The most improved D-man in the league will play heavy minutes on my second D pairing.
Mike Green: The offense and puck moving combo of Green and Letang was too enticing to pass up. These two will get plenty of point time on the Power Play unit as well.
David Backes: The perfect third line winger who has chemistry with Kesler from the Olympics. A rugged tough to play against third line is shaping up.
Matt Duchene: He has speed to burn and was hard to pass up this late, his skills seem to shine brighter on the big stage with quality players around him.
Carey Price: My first goaltender is the main reason the Canadians are still in the playoff picture and he should be comfortable starting after making his All-Star debut as a starter two years ago on home ice.
Jonas Hiller: Each goaltender is going to play a period so you want depth and no goalie in the league has been better lately than Hiller.
Marc-Andre Fleury: Has rebounded from a tough start and has the big game reputation you want if the game is close in the 3rd. Bad blood with Price could be an issue, but I don't mind two goalies who both think they are the best.
Loui Erickson: A grinder and finisher who will play on the left with Kesler and Backes to form a true and dangerous 3rd line that would make Brian Burke salivate.
Ales Hemsky and Patrick Elias: These two highly skilled players will team up with Duchene on a highly explosive 4th line.
Brent Burns and Erik Karlson: Solid D-men who will play well in their own end round out the final D pairing.
1st line: Ovechkin-Toews-Nash
2nd line: Sedin-Sedin-Kane
3rd line: Erickson-Kesler-Backes
4th line: Elias-Duchene-Hemsky
1st D: Weber-Lidstom
2nd D: Letang-Green
3rd D: Burns-Karlson
1st period G: Carey Price
2nd period G: Jonas Hiller
3rd period G: Marc-Andre Fluery
I like my chances Staal.
Unnecessary Roughness
Anyone who has a facebook or twitter account can attest to the amount of nonsense and nonsensical opinons posted on a daily basis by people who we consider our "friends". 99% of the people who use these mediums are not athletes or celebrities, so when they make useless, un-interesting, selfish, or outrageous comments we just roll our eyes or cringe and wish our "friends" had a filter to stave off the embarrassment that is inevitably elicited from these internet musings. So is it really any surprise that former and current NFL players who have been the center of their worlds since birth would resort to posting controversial, incorrect and useless first thoughts about Jay Cutler leaving the NFC title game with a knee injury?
Is it not surprising that the media, Cutler's #1 enemy due to his refusal to fit their mold, continues to push this story for three days now? There is no doubt Cutler has made some mistakes in his public statements and professionalism since he entered the league in 06' as Denver's next John Elway, but questioning his toughness on Sunday is going way too far. The guy played for perennial SEC punching bag Vanderbilt and ran the option; that is like fighting Manny Pacquiao with a blindfold. He also palyed all season behind a line that gave up the most sacks in the league and took a first quarter blow in the end zone Sunday that I am sure would have left him unable to pass a concussion test if administered. The guy hurt his plant knee, tried to come back in the game where his leg was noticeably shaking in the huddle, and was rightfully pulled by the medical staff. He was rigorously defended by the most prominent Bears players (Urlacher, Harris, Garza, Kruetz) as a tough guy who they would go into battle with every game. His fellow QB's said that he was a major help to them throughout the game. What do you want the body language to be from a guy who was injured in the biggest game of his life so far with his team losing?
I think it is more than fair to question how Jay Cutler played while in the game: he was inaccurate and failed to move through his reads. His passer rating and inability to score points speak for themselves. I also think it is fair to criticize the offense's play calling, primarily the failure to incorporate TE Greg Olson. When your O-line gives up the most sacks in the NFL, not having a better back up than Todd Collins is also more than fair to question. But to attack Cutler with the "not tough enough" accusation is an out of the stadium foul in this instance. And this is coming from a member of Team LC.
Is it not surprising that the media, Cutler's #1 enemy due to his refusal to fit their mold, continues to push this story for three days now? There is no doubt Cutler has made some mistakes in his public statements and professionalism since he entered the league in 06' as Denver's next John Elway, but questioning his toughness on Sunday is going way too far. The guy played for perennial SEC punching bag Vanderbilt and ran the option; that is like fighting Manny Pacquiao with a blindfold. He also palyed all season behind a line that gave up the most sacks in the league and took a first quarter blow in the end zone Sunday that I am sure would have left him unable to pass a concussion test if administered. The guy hurt his plant knee, tried to come back in the game where his leg was noticeably shaking in the huddle, and was rightfully pulled by the medical staff. He was rigorously defended by the most prominent Bears players (Urlacher, Harris, Garza, Kruetz) as a tough guy who they would go into battle with every game. His fellow QB's said that he was a major help to them throughout the game. What do you want the body language to be from a guy who was injured in the biggest game of his life so far with his team losing?
I think it is more than fair to question how Jay Cutler played while in the game: he was inaccurate and failed to move through his reads. His passer rating and inability to score points speak for themselves. I also think it is fair to criticize the offense's play calling, primarily the failure to incorporate TE Greg Olson. When your O-line gives up the most sacks in the NFL, not having a better back up than Todd Collins is also more than fair to question. But to attack Cutler with the "not tough enough" accusation is an out of the stadium foul in this instance. And this is coming from a member of Team LC.
Monday, January 17, 2011
I Have a Dream
Well as all of you probably know by now, today is the day in which we honor the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here at I'll Be Frank we are always up for a good holiday celebration, and to celebrate King's legacy I have decided to rank the current top white, American athletes.
I mean didn't Dr. King preach equality; however, if you look at the sporting world, there isn't much equality among the races. With that said, there is still time for youngsters to surf the web, come across the I'll Be Frank blog, see the list of greatest white athletes, become enthralled and motivated by the daunting and unrealistic task of becoming a white professional athlete, and subsequently thrive off of the challenge.
I have a dream that someday my children will have the same opportunities to sell their bowl game memorabilia as the African-American child, with the 4.3 40, that lives down the street.
Originally I had intended on doing a top-10 list for every sport, but it turns out that there aren't 10 white American people in sports other than golf, so the list was reduced to 5 per. This list is based on the top athletes as of today.
NFL
5. Peyton Hillis - The only white starting RB in the league. The waiver-wire stud was traded to the Browns for Brady Quinn. Brady and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman had nearly the exact same stats for the Broncos this season. The Avalanche; however, accounted for over 1600 yards and 13 TDs
4. Clay Matthews - Hard to believe that this guy had to walk on at USC. How didn't the Trojans have the best D ever, with Matthews, Matt Cushing, and Rey Malaleuga? Anyways, the heart of the Pack D single handidly ruined Winston Justices' Eagles career and has his team facing a shaky Jay Cutler in the NFC Championship game.
3. Tom Brady - On the heels of another Patriots playoff collapse (those words were unthinkable 5 years ago) Brady drops a few spots. He did play poorly, although his numbers were decent and his receivers didn't exactly help him out. However, can't overlook the season he put up, no INTs since week 5, and an almost guarenteed MVP award. I bet Brady will pout about this loss until he calls his accountant and checks his bank account, then rolls over in the morning and sees his supermodel wife naked in bed next too him. I'm sure Tommy will be ok.
2. Ben Roethlisberger - Say what you want about the guy off the field, and we have had plenty of things to say on this blog, but the guy is one hell of a quarterback. He just wins games. He does what is best for the team: takes a pounding behind an offensive line that is decimated by injury, hands the ball off without complaint, and can throw the timely deep ball that will seal a game. The guy wins, and has his team on the precipice of a third Super Bowl trip. In a suspension shortened season, he still managed to throw for 3200 yards, 17 TDs and only 5 picks. Not too shabby. As predicted, everyone in Pittsburgh loves him again.
1. Aaron Rodgers - The last post says all that needs to be said. However, next year in our fantasy draft I have the #7 pick and was greedily eyeing up Rodgers at that spot. After a season of QB roulette, I will never not take a top-tier signal caller again. I figured Rodgers would fall nicely in my lap and I could just reap the benefits. Now after this postseason I feel it will be difficult to expect him to be around for the 7 pick.
NBA
This was a tough one. The only good white players are foreigners, so they can't be featured on the list. The top-2 are actually decent players, but the rest of this NBA list is a bunch of jokesters.
5. Troy Murphy - He's white, has decent numbers, so he makes the list.
4. Chris Kamen - He's white, has decent numbers, is tall, at one point had the worst long, stingy, crypt-keeper-like hair, so he makes the list.
3. Mike Miller - He hit a buzzer beater for Florida in the tourney so he makes the list. Also took his talents to South Beach.
2. David Lee - 15/9/3 isn't a shabby statline for a white guy in the NBA. Not the numbers we are used to from Lee during his Knick days, but still solid enough to make the top-2. Playing on a Golden State team that would have trouble competing in the Big East, doesn't help his cause.
1. Kevin Love - A no-brainer. Was tagged by some after 2 average years as a bust, but after a 30/30 showing earlier this season he is officially a stud. A 21/15 per game statline has him as one of the best forwards in the league and easily the best white guy in the Association.
MLB
5. Tim Lincecum - Coming off a World Series victory, and a dominant playoff showing, Lincecum regains the credibility that makes him one of the most feared pitchers in the league. Over the past 3 seasons he has averaged 16 wins, 2.80 ERA and 250 Ks in a hitter friendly park.
4. Ryan Braun - Arguably the top Jewish athlete in sports.
3. Troy Tulowitzki - With his remarkable late August, earlier September run, he single-handedly won me my Fantasy Baseball league for the 2nd time in as many years. If this guy can stay healthy, playing in Coors Field, with a decent lineup around him, the sky could be the limit.
2. Evan Longoria - Still not even 25, but his 3 year average is .283/27/110/88/10.
1. Roy Halladay - For some reason I guess all of those years spent in Toronto made me think that Halladay was a Canadian, nope he's from Denver. Anyways, with a 3-year average of 245 IP, 19 wins, 2.64 ERA, 211 K, he is easily the best pitcher in baseball. With the staff surrounding him in 2011, the Phils will be extremely difficult to hit.
NHL
5. Jonathan Quick - In a league full of whites, most are from the Great White North or Russia. With 19 wins, a 2.21 GAA, and 4 shutouts, Quick should be in the discussion for the Vezina. If he continues to improve, the Kings will be a tough out come playoff time.
4. Patrick Kane - In sort of a post-Cup slump, but still near the top as far as American hockey players go.
3. Bobby Ryan - The big New Jersey native is probably best known for being the consolation prize to Sidney Crosby in the 2005 draft, but with 21 goals on the season, he has the Ducks in contention out West.
2. Ryan Miller - Not the season he was looking for after a Vezina winning run last year, but he still ranks high because of his Olympic heroics. His team stinks and gives him no help.
1. Tim Thomas - Big Fat Tim Thomas is somehow back. 2 years ago he was the leagues best goalie, last year he sucked and was replaced throughout the season and playoffs by Tukka Rask. Now this season he is the best netminder in the league with 20 wins compared to 4 losses, a 1.88 GAA, a .943 save %, and 6 shutouts, he has regained his form from 2 seasons ago.
PGA
So golf was pretty easy to find 5 Americans to fill out a list so here it is:
5. Matt Kuchar - The PGAs top money winner in 2010, had a career year and vaulted up the rankings.
4. Steve Stricker - Quietly had another dominant year raking in more than $4 mil in winnings.
3. Phil Mickelson - Had to deal with a lot of family medical issues, so his year wasn't quite up to Lefty's expectations. He still managed to win a little tourney in Georgia and bring in almost $4 mil in earnings.
2. Dustin Johnson - The fact that he is possibly dating Natalie Gulbis is enough reason for him to be on this list. The big hitter almost won 2 majors in 2010, before collapsing tragically on the final day. He still has plenty of game to make numerous runs at the majors in the years to come.
1. Jim Furyk - In what seemed like a down year for Furyk turned into a Fed Ex cup win, Player of the Year honors and almost $15 mil in winnings. I had a down year last year as well and all it got me was a t-shirt and a round with Bobby Frye at the Greensburg Masters.
I mean didn't Dr. King preach equality; however, if you look at the sporting world, there isn't much equality among the races. With that said, there is still time for youngsters to surf the web, come across the I'll Be Frank blog, see the list of greatest white athletes, become enthralled and motivated by the daunting and unrealistic task of becoming a white professional athlete, and subsequently thrive off of the challenge.
I have a dream that someday my children will have the same opportunities to sell their bowl game memorabilia as the African-American child, with the 4.3 40, that lives down the street.
Originally I had intended on doing a top-10 list for every sport, but it turns out that there aren't 10 white American people in sports other than golf, so the list was reduced to 5 per. This list is based on the top athletes as of today.
NFL
5. Peyton Hillis - The only white starting RB in the league. The waiver-wire stud was traded to the Browns for Brady Quinn. Brady and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman had nearly the exact same stats for the Broncos this season. The Avalanche; however, accounted for over 1600 yards and 13 TDs
4. Clay Matthews - Hard to believe that this guy had to walk on at USC. How didn't the Trojans have the best D ever, with Matthews, Matt Cushing, and Rey Malaleuga? Anyways, the heart of the Pack D single handidly ruined Winston Justices' Eagles career and has his team facing a shaky Jay Cutler in the NFC Championship game.
3. Tom Brady - On the heels of another Patriots playoff collapse (those words were unthinkable 5 years ago) Brady drops a few spots. He did play poorly, although his numbers were decent and his receivers didn't exactly help him out. However, can't overlook the season he put up, no INTs since week 5, and an almost guarenteed MVP award. I bet Brady will pout about this loss until he calls his accountant and checks his bank account, then rolls over in the morning and sees his supermodel wife naked in bed next too him. I'm sure Tommy will be ok.
2. Ben Roethlisberger - Say what you want about the guy off the field, and we have had plenty of things to say on this blog, but the guy is one hell of a quarterback. He just wins games. He does what is best for the team: takes a pounding behind an offensive line that is decimated by injury, hands the ball off without complaint, and can throw the timely deep ball that will seal a game. The guy wins, and has his team on the precipice of a third Super Bowl trip. In a suspension shortened season, he still managed to throw for 3200 yards, 17 TDs and only 5 picks. Not too shabby. As predicted, everyone in Pittsburgh loves him again.
1. Aaron Rodgers - The last post says all that needs to be said. However, next year in our fantasy draft I have the #7 pick and was greedily eyeing up Rodgers at that spot. After a season of QB roulette, I will never not take a top-tier signal caller again. I figured Rodgers would fall nicely in my lap and I could just reap the benefits. Now after this postseason I feel it will be difficult to expect him to be around for the 7 pick.
NBA
This was a tough one. The only good white players are foreigners, so they can't be featured on the list. The top-2 are actually decent players, but the rest of this NBA list is a bunch of jokesters.
5. Troy Murphy - He's white, has decent numbers, so he makes the list.
4. Chris Kamen - He's white, has decent numbers, is tall, at one point had the worst long, stingy, crypt-keeper-like hair, so he makes the list.
3. Mike Miller - He hit a buzzer beater for Florida in the tourney so he makes the list. Also took his talents to South Beach.
2. David Lee - 15/9/3 isn't a shabby statline for a white guy in the NBA. Not the numbers we are used to from Lee during his Knick days, but still solid enough to make the top-2. Playing on a Golden State team that would have trouble competing in the Big East, doesn't help his cause.
1. Kevin Love - A no-brainer. Was tagged by some after 2 average years as a bust, but after a 30/30 showing earlier this season he is officially a stud. A 21/15 per game statline has him as one of the best forwards in the league and easily the best white guy in the Association.
MLB
5. Tim Lincecum - Coming off a World Series victory, and a dominant playoff showing, Lincecum regains the credibility that makes him one of the most feared pitchers in the league. Over the past 3 seasons he has averaged 16 wins, 2.80 ERA and 250 Ks in a hitter friendly park.
4. Ryan Braun - Arguably the top Jewish athlete in sports.
3. Troy Tulowitzki - With his remarkable late August, earlier September run, he single-handedly won me my Fantasy Baseball league for the 2nd time in as many years. If this guy can stay healthy, playing in Coors Field, with a decent lineup around him, the sky could be the limit.
2. Evan Longoria - Still not even 25, but his 3 year average is .283/27/110/88/10.
1. Roy Halladay - For some reason I guess all of those years spent in Toronto made me think that Halladay was a Canadian, nope he's from Denver. Anyways, with a 3-year average of 245 IP, 19 wins, 2.64 ERA, 211 K, he is easily the best pitcher in baseball. With the staff surrounding him in 2011, the Phils will be extremely difficult to hit.
NHL
5. Jonathan Quick - In a league full of whites, most are from the Great White North or Russia. With 19 wins, a 2.21 GAA, and 4 shutouts, Quick should be in the discussion for the Vezina. If he continues to improve, the Kings will be a tough out come playoff time.
4. Patrick Kane - In sort of a post-Cup slump, but still near the top as far as American hockey players go.
3. Bobby Ryan - The big New Jersey native is probably best known for being the consolation prize to Sidney Crosby in the 2005 draft, but with 21 goals on the season, he has the Ducks in contention out West.
2. Ryan Miller - Not the season he was looking for after a Vezina winning run last year, but he still ranks high because of his Olympic heroics. His team stinks and gives him no help.
1. Tim Thomas - Big Fat Tim Thomas is somehow back. 2 years ago he was the leagues best goalie, last year he sucked and was replaced throughout the season and playoffs by Tukka Rask. Now this season he is the best netminder in the league with 20 wins compared to 4 losses, a 1.88 GAA, a .943 save %, and 6 shutouts, he has regained his form from 2 seasons ago.
PGA
So golf was pretty easy to find 5 Americans to fill out a list so here it is:
5. Matt Kuchar - The PGAs top money winner in 2010, had a career year and vaulted up the rankings.
4. Steve Stricker - Quietly had another dominant year raking in more than $4 mil in winnings.
3. Phil Mickelson - Had to deal with a lot of family medical issues, so his year wasn't quite up to Lefty's expectations. He still managed to win a little tourney in Georgia and bring in almost $4 mil in earnings.
2. Dustin Johnson - The fact that he is possibly dating Natalie Gulbis is enough reason for him to be on this list. The big hitter almost won 2 majors in 2010, before collapsing tragically on the final day. He still has plenty of game to make numerous runs at the majors in the years to come.
1. Jim Furyk - In what seemed like a down year for Furyk turned into a Fed Ex cup win, Player of the Year honors and almost $15 mil in winnings. I had a down year last year as well and all it got me was a t-shirt and a round with Bobby Frye at the Greensburg Masters.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Perfect Game
As a relatively young sports fan I have always wondered what it would have been like to watch Ali box in his prime, be in the stands for a 5-5 Ted Williams day, or watch Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, or Don Larsen dominate a World Series game from the mound. Listening to stories of people who saw these feats, the common theme is that you realize that you are watching greatness early on and you the savior the moment for as long as you can. I got this feeling watching Aaron Rodgers dominate the Atlanta Falcons last night while playing the perfect QB game.
Maybe there have been better statistical games, though 31-36 for 366 (Brett Favre never threw for as many yards in a playoff game) and 4 TD's (1 rushing), but in a divisional playoff game on the road off a short week makes Rodgers' night one for the ages.
If I were starting a team, not a fantasy team, but an expansion team like the Harrisburg Hitmen, Rodgers would be my first choice. Remember he doesn't have the O-line or coach Brady does, McCarthy is the NFL's Les Miles and his line is as protective as Michael Lohan. His defense is not close to as dominating as Pittsburgh's, I still remember them giving up over 50 to Zona in last year's playoffs, he has no running game, and his #2 WR is James "stone hands" Jones (great nickname for a boxer, not so good for a wideout). His team has averaged 39 pts/game, going 2-
Just as Tom Brady continues to reference himself as the 199th pick of the draft, Packers GM Ted Thompson should win executive of the decade for selecting Rodgers with the 24th pick in the
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bowl Wrap Up
A couple thoughts after a bowl season longer than a documentary about a South American socialitst rebel.
40 days between games for the national title participants is far too many: This is a trend that seems to get worse every year and I wouldn't be surprised if the title game in a couple years is played on President's Day or the Monday before the NCAA tourney, but no year has displayed the flaws in this scheduling more than this year. The layoff caused two offensive teams to lose all their rhythm and turned the game into a mistake filled contest masquerading as a defensive struggle. Though the game came down to the final play it was far from good football or representative of Auburn or Oregon's teams this year. I am convinced this game would have been a highly entertaining shootout if played in December, and more importantly would have been a better showcase of the two team's greatest strength, their offenses, which was the reason both teams were undefeated. Both quarterbacks were Carson Palmer like bad, and Auburn's victory was due to their depth of athletes on both sides of the ball, a common factor in the last 5 BCS champions, all from the SEC.
Speaking of quarterbacks, if you are a NFL team in need of a quarterback you might want to trade out of this year's draft. Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton looked like a bigger version of Troy Smith despite winning on Monday; while top prospects Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Mallett, and Jake Locker all finished their college careers with games that will keep Jimmy Clausen and Alex Smith under center next year. Newton has tremendous upside, but Oregon showed that he will take developing, once they took away his running lanes he was unable to read the coverage and showed the inability to protect the football. Mallett and Gabbert both have NFL arms and bodies, but showed that they have the Brett Favre like trait of throwing critically unexplainable interceptions. Mallett's failure to read a zone drop resulted in a game ending interception to a defensive lineman, but it was still better than the worst interception of bowl season, which would be Gabbert's across his body throw on the other side of the 50 which was returned for the game winning score in a 27-24 Mizzou loss. Jake Locker went from #1 pick overall to a 2nd to 3rd round prospect in his senior season that ended after a bowl win where he completed 0 passes in the first half.
You read that correctly, Washington and Jake Locker won a bowl game where he completed 0 first half passes. More unbelievably it was against a Nebraska team they lost to at home by 38 in the regular season. This makes Nebraska the easy choice for the biggest no-show of this year's bowl season. Motivation was obviously a big factor in this game for Nebraska, but the inability to run the football or Taylor Martinez to make a play have to be huge concerns for Nebraska this off-season. Taylor Martinez looked as magical as the "Magic Hour" and has looked as capable of leading a division 1 offense as Magic Johnson did of hosting a talk show. It looked as if Bo Pelini had Nebraska back as a national power, but a New York Giant end of the season has Nebraska thankful they will be entering the not-so Big 10 next year.
After this bowl season the Big 10 division names should be changed to Cupcakes and Pushovers. Only the inability of Arkansas to pick up a blocked punt for a sure TD kept the Big 10 from going 0-6 in meaningful bowls this year. With 5 teams playing in 6 New Year's Day games, losing all five and being uncompetitive in three is as revealing as a JWOW dress. No game showed the talent disparity more than Bama's 49-7 beating of conference co-champs Michigan State. MSU looked to be in slow motion and it is evident that their 10-1 regular season record was due to the weak competition of the conference. After the Capital One bowl, you have to wonder if MSU would have finished bowl eligible in the SEC West.
Rich Rod was lucky to get a plane ride home after the Gator Bowl. Michigan had to fire coach Rich Rod; Miss State's 52-14 beating over Michigan showed how little progress Michigan has made this year. The defense needs an entire overhaul and the offense continues to make drive and game killing mistakes, but Rich Rod breaking down during the team banquet while playing Josh Groban music shows that he was heading into Charlie Sheen like crazy territory. A change was a must for Michigan and Rich Rod's off the field antics are a clear sign that he needed or wanted some time away.
Wisconsin was the Big 10's most competitive team New Year's Day and their rose bowl matchup against TCU might have been the best game of the bowl season. This game showed why a playoff system is so appealing, with Wiscy pounding the ball on the ground vs. TCU's gritty defense and Andy Dalton making big plays. It looked like everyone was going to win with an OT game until Wiscy coach Brett Bielema made the worst coaching decision of the bowl season. Afer wearing down the undersized TCU defense, Wiscy scored to pull within 2 points with under 2 minutes to play, and a playoff looked like a sure bet. Instead of relying on one of the most prolific rushing attacks in recent memory, Wiscy went to a shotgun 4 WR set and promptly had the game tying pass knocked down. As they lined up in this formation, I think I heard half of the stadium and the entire state of Wisconsin screaming NO!
No game could match the UNC/Tennessee game for overall poor coaching that led to the most incredible finish of the bowl season. When Tennessee scored late to lead 20-17, and then promptly missed the extra point, you knew that would be a factor. With under 2 minutes to play UT pinned UNC inside their ten yard line. UNC was able to move the ball inside UT territory thanks to 3 (yep 3) personal foul penalties on Tennessee's defense. Then UNC coach Butch Davis tried to let Derek Dooley off the hook by running the ball in the middle of the field with no timeouts. The clock looked to expire as UNC was unable to clock the ball, and the coaches even shook hands, but after a review the refs put 1 second back on the clock allowing UNC to kick a game tying FG and win it in OT. After regulation was the perfect opportunity to stop the game and not allow OT as both teams and coaches deserved to lose this game.
As for officials, only the Big 10 could send officials to the Cuse/KSU game that would call the worst excessive celebration call in the history of sport and in turn hand the game to Cuse. I thought playing in Yankee stadium would be a benefit for Cuse, but I didn't think it would lead to the refs taking a 50/50 two point conversion attempt and turning it into a no chance attempt from the 18. In the process the refs took the spotlight off KSU coach Bill Snyder and his awful fake FG call that put his team behind in the first place. I guess it could have been worse for Snyder, KSU could have hired his replacement already like WVU did to Bill Stewart. WVU played like a team with 0 or two head coaches in their bowl game and showed the start of what looks to be quite a year in Morgantown. Can't you just see the Phins pulling a move like this by hiring Tony Sparano's replacement this year and putting them together on the same staff?
My final thoughts on the college football season are going to end on a positive note, with UCF beating Georgia in the most under the radar bowl win of the season. The game was played New Year's Eve afternoon in Memphis, which is a recipe for an under the radar game. Despite having their QB injured during the game, UCF won the game 10-6 and this win validated one of the best defenses in the country.
40 days between games for the national title participants is far too many: This is a trend that seems to get worse every year and I wouldn't be surprised if the title game in a couple years is played on President's Day or the Monday before the NCAA tourney, but no year has displayed the flaws in this scheduling more than this year. The layoff caused two offensive teams to lose all their rhythm and turned the game into a mistake filled contest masquerading as a defensive struggle. Though the game came down to the final play it was far from good football or representative of Auburn or Oregon's teams this year. I am convinced this game would have been a highly entertaining shootout if played in December, and more importantly would have been a better showcase of the two team's greatest strength, their offenses, which was the reason both teams were undefeated. Both quarterbacks were Carson Palmer like bad, and Auburn's victory was due to their depth of athletes on both sides of the ball, a common factor in the last 5 BCS champions, all from the SEC.
Speaking of quarterbacks, if you are a NFL team in need of a quarterback you might want to trade out of this year's draft. Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton looked like a bigger version of Troy Smith despite winning on Monday; while top prospects Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Mallett, and Jake Locker all finished their college careers with games that will keep Jimmy Clausen and Alex Smith under center next year. Newton has tremendous upside, but Oregon showed that he will take developing, once they took away his running lanes he was unable to read the coverage and showed the inability to protect the football. Mallett and Gabbert both have NFL arms and bodies, but showed that they have the Brett Favre like trait of throwing critically unexplainable interceptions. Mallett's failure to read a zone drop resulted in a game ending interception to a defensive lineman, but it was still better than the worst interception of bowl season, which would be Gabbert's across his body throw on the other side of the 50 which was returned for the game winning score in a 27-24 Mizzou loss. Jake Locker went from #1 pick overall to a 2nd to 3rd round prospect in his senior season that ended after a bowl win where he completed 0 passes in the first half.
You read that correctly, Washington and Jake Locker won a bowl game where he completed 0 first half passes. More unbelievably it was against a Nebraska team they lost to at home by 38 in the regular season. This makes Nebraska the easy choice for the biggest no-show of this year's bowl season. Motivation was obviously a big factor in this game for Nebraska, but the inability to run the football or Taylor Martinez to make a play have to be huge concerns for Nebraska this off-season. Taylor Martinez looked as magical as the "Magic Hour" and has looked as capable of leading a division 1 offense as Magic Johnson did of hosting a talk show. It looked as if Bo Pelini had Nebraska back as a national power, but a New York Giant end of the season has Nebraska thankful they will be entering the not-so Big 10 next year.
After this bowl season the Big 10 division names should be changed to Cupcakes and Pushovers. Only the inability of Arkansas to pick up a blocked punt for a sure TD kept the Big 10 from going 0-6 in meaningful bowls this year. With 5 teams playing in 6 New Year's Day games, losing all five and being uncompetitive in three is as revealing as a JWOW dress. No game showed the talent disparity more than Bama's 49-7 beating of conference co-champs Michigan State. MSU looked to be in slow motion and it is evident that their 10-1 regular season record was due to the weak competition of the conference. After the Capital One bowl, you have to wonder if MSU would have finished bowl eligible in the SEC West.
Rich Rod was lucky to get a plane ride home after the Gator Bowl. Michigan had to fire coach Rich Rod; Miss State's 52-14 beating over Michigan showed how little progress Michigan has made this year. The defense needs an entire overhaul and the offense continues to make drive and game killing mistakes, but Rich Rod breaking down during the team banquet while playing Josh Groban music shows that he was heading into Charlie Sheen like crazy territory. A change was a must for Michigan and Rich Rod's off the field antics are a clear sign that he needed or wanted some time away.
Wisconsin was the Big 10's most competitive team New Year's Day and their rose bowl matchup against TCU might have been the best game of the bowl season. This game showed why a playoff system is so appealing, with Wiscy pounding the ball on the ground vs. TCU's gritty defense and Andy Dalton making big plays. It looked like everyone was going to win with an OT game until Wiscy coach Brett Bielema made the worst coaching decision of the bowl season. Afer wearing down the undersized TCU defense, Wiscy scored to pull within 2 points with under 2 minutes to play, and a playoff looked like a sure bet. Instead of relying on one of the most prolific rushing attacks in recent memory, Wiscy went to a shotgun 4 WR set and promptly had the game tying pass knocked down. As they lined up in this formation, I think I heard half of the stadium and the entire state of Wisconsin screaming NO!
No game could match the UNC/Tennessee game for overall poor coaching that led to the most incredible finish of the bowl season. When Tennessee scored late to lead 20-17, and then promptly missed the extra point, you knew that would be a factor. With under 2 minutes to play UT pinned UNC inside their ten yard line. UNC was able to move the ball inside UT territory thanks to 3 (yep 3) personal foul penalties on Tennessee's defense. Then UNC coach Butch Davis tried to let Derek Dooley off the hook by running the ball in the middle of the field with no timeouts. The clock looked to expire as UNC was unable to clock the ball, and the coaches even shook hands, but after a review the refs put 1 second back on the clock allowing UNC to kick a game tying FG and win it in OT. After regulation was the perfect opportunity to stop the game and not allow OT as both teams and coaches deserved to lose this game.
As for officials, only the Big 10 could send officials to the Cuse/KSU game that would call the worst excessive celebration call in the history of sport and in turn hand the game to Cuse. I thought playing in Yankee stadium would be a benefit for Cuse, but I didn't think it would lead to the refs taking a 50/50 two point conversion attempt and turning it into a no chance attempt from the 18. In the process the refs took the spotlight off KSU coach Bill Snyder and his awful fake FG call that put his team behind in the first place. I guess it could have been worse for Snyder, KSU could have hired his replacement already like WVU did to Bill Stewart. WVU played like a team with 0 or two head coaches in their bowl game and showed the start of what looks to be quite a year in Morgantown. Can't you just see the Phins pulling a move like this by hiring Tony Sparano's replacement this year and putting them together on the same staff?
My final thoughts on the college football season are going to end on a positive note, with UCF beating Georgia in the most under the radar bowl win of the season. The game was played New Year's Eve afternoon in Memphis, which is a recipe for an under the radar game. Despite having their QB injured during the game, UCF won the game 10-6 and this win validated one of the best defenses in the country.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Jobs for Bums
How is one of the biggest sports stories of the week the Cavs trying to find work for a bum that has a "golden" voice. Isn't the NFL playoffs and NCAA National Championship game coming up? Doesn't Brett Favre still own a camera phone? Didn't Terrelle Pryor just get another Bowl ring? How about Vince Young being the next Washington Redskin QB (seems like a gimme for Dan Snyder)?
So my only guess as to how this could make sense for the Cavs management is that this guy eats from the trash, and the product the franchise puts on the court is trash, so theres a connection.
Hey fans, LeBron will take his talents to a fun, warm, and youthful city, where he can enjoy being a twenty-something millionaire surrounded by tan, beautiful women, but to make up for it we are going to pick up a bum to announce the games. Don't worry he knows how to use YouTube and he has a Golden Voice. After the game he will wash your windshield for a quarter.
So Ted Williams, this one still has a head, is going to gain employment from a professional sports franchise just because he posted a YouTube video.
Seems about right for Dan Gilbert.
So lets take a look at other sports jobs that could be made available to bums.
1. Defensive Tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2. They are pretty good at making signs so they could make signs for the WWF.
3. #5 starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Whoever they put in that rotation spot will be a bum so why not use a real one.
4. Caddy for a wannabe hockey player on the PGA tour.
5. A stand-in for Scott Hartnell at an awards ceremony. Nevermind Hartnell would never have a chance to be honored at anything besides of the Ginger of the Year award.
6. Bums could finish off the floaters after a Championship celebration.
7. They could create a blog and rant about sports, pop culture and homeless people.
8. Collect change outside of the Prudential Center in New Jersey so the Devils can afford to pay for a whole roster.
9. Compare smiles with Alex Ovechkin.
10. Join the fanbase for any Detroit or New Orleans franchise. Are they not all homeless already?
11. Buy weed for Tim Lincecum.
12. Donate hair to cover Tom Brady's bald spot.
13. Remove the shit from Lou Holtz and Shannon Sharpe's mouths' so we can understand what they are saying.
14. Stick a needle in Roger Clemens' ass.
15. Build a roof out of cardboard so the Vikings can play in the Metrodome next season.
So my only guess as to how this could make sense for the Cavs management is that this guy eats from the trash, and the product the franchise puts on the court is trash, so theres a connection.
Hey fans, LeBron will take his talents to a fun, warm, and youthful city, where he can enjoy being a twenty-something millionaire surrounded by tan, beautiful women, but to make up for it we are going to pick up a bum to announce the games. Don't worry he knows how to use YouTube and he has a Golden Voice. After the game he will wash your windshield for a quarter.
So Ted Williams, this one still has a head, is going to gain employment from a professional sports franchise just because he posted a YouTube video.
Seems about right for Dan Gilbert.
So lets take a look at other sports jobs that could be made available to bums.
1. Defensive Tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2. They are pretty good at making signs so they could make signs for the WWF.
3. #5 starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Whoever they put in that rotation spot will be a bum so why not use a real one.
4. Caddy for a wannabe hockey player on the PGA tour.
5. A stand-in for Scott Hartnell at an awards ceremony. Nevermind Hartnell would never have a chance to be honored at anything besides of the Ginger of the Year award.
6. Bums could finish off the floaters after a Championship celebration.
7. They could create a blog and rant about sports, pop culture and homeless people.
8. Collect change outside of the Prudential Center in New Jersey so the Devils can afford to pay for a whole roster.
9. Compare smiles with Alex Ovechkin.
10. Join the fanbase for any Detroit or New Orleans franchise. Are they not all homeless already?
11. Buy weed for Tim Lincecum.
12. Donate hair to cover Tom Brady's bald spot.
13. Remove the shit from Lou Holtz and Shannon Sharpe's mouths' so we can understand what they are saying.
14. Stick a needle in Roger Clemens' ass.
15. Build a roof out of cardboard so the Vikings can play in the Metrodome next season.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Time for a Change
After sitting through a very un-compelling final regular season Sunday of what will likely be the last NFL season for 20 months, I like the person who invented the DVR or Larry David, said there has to be a better way. Roger Goodell has had a tough year; changing the rules of tackling for player safety, forgetting about player safety by calling for a 18 game season, not suspending players for on field assualts, failing to seriously investigate Brett Favre's stalker like tendency to sexual harass (this case was so open/shut that Bobby Brady and his detective kit would have moved on to who stole Alice's meatloaf by noon after the Favre investigation), but he could totally redeem himself by telling the Seahawks and Chiefs to stay home and seeding the playoff teams 1 through 12 regardless of conference or divsion. Even though Goodell has shown a tendency to change the rules mid-season, just ask defensive players, this might be too harsh to do after the season to the Seattle and KC fans, who are still to shell shocked to watch Thunder or Florida highlights, but it should be a no brainer when the NFL returns from the looming lockout.
The NFL has always been saved by the on-field product, but after a comatose Week 17 with so little to play for that the primetime game was two under .500 teams from the NFC West and no anticipation for Wild Card weekend, a change is in order. The NFL can keep their precious conferences and divisions as they are currently formatted as to keep natural rivalries and long time fan interest. This will still lead to sizeable advantages for teams that play in weak divisions like this year's AFC/NFC West, but enough already with the automatic playoff spots for division winners and the disadvantage of playing in a dominant division or conference. If the two best teams in football are in the same conference shouldn't they both be able to make it to the Super Bowl? In past years, instead of having to suffer through NE/Carolina and Indy/Chicago, the league would have had the two best teams meeting in the Super Bowl and not in the AFC title game. Also, if two of the best teams are in the same division it makes absolutely no sense that one has to start on the road as a heavily favored Wild Card. Under this new plan the top four teams would still get a first week bye and would host re-seeded playoff games in round 2 and all ties in overall record would continue to be broken first by head to head play, and then by division and conference records, still another advantage for teams playing in awful divisions. Under this plan the playoffs for this year would look as follows:
(1) New England (14-2)
(2) Atlanta (13-3)
(3) Pittsburgh (12-4)
(4) Baltimore (12-4)
(5) Chicago (11-5)
(6) New York Jets (11-5)
(7) New Orleans (11-5)
(8) Indy (10-6)
(9) Green Bay (10-6)
(10) Philadelphia (10-6)
(11) NewYork Giants (10-6)
(12) Tampa Bay (10-6)
Do you think we might have seen a little more urgency and better games yesterday with first round home games and byes on the line for teams like Chicago (Cutler looked as happy to be in GB as most people who are in GB in January), New Orleans (still waiting confirmation that Sean Payton attended this game), and Philly (who played less NFL starters than the Carolina roster)? This playoff format would also spice up Wild Card weekend, which has only one intriguing game, GB @ Philly, and even that is a rematch. The other three games will get as much hype and be just as underwhelming as a Nicholas Cage blockbuster.
NO @ Seattle: Nothing like a double digit Wild Card road favorite to initiate a change, over/under on Chase Daniel time is halftime.
Balt @ KC: 2-4 in your putrid division and the inability to protect your QB is not a good formula against a team that does everything better than you.
NYJ @ Indy: Hopefully this game can come down to a foot for the Jets, isn't the alternative to claiming that was you filming your wife in sexually compromising situations much worse? Really, if I would have told you a month ago that a NFL coach would have a food fetish video leaked, Rex Ryan would have been the first name you said with Pete Carroll and Norv Turner in a second place tie. Rex Ryan running his mouth about his team being a Super Bowl contender is like Kim Kardashian claiming she is a serious musician and the Colts have as much of a chance to go to Texas as Rick Barnes does of winning the tourney.
Under this new plan the four games this weekend would be; Tampa Bay @ Chicago, Giants @ Jets (home locker room), Philly @ NO, and GB @ Indy. All four are better games, more interesting matchups, and more importantly feature better teams who deserve to be in the playoffs. Come on Roger, at least make this your vow to fans after the lockout. As for this weekend, at least IFC is showing the "Larry Sanders Show".
The NFL has always been saved by the on-field product, but after a comatose Week 17 with so little to play for that the primetime game was two under .500 teams from the NFC West and no anticipation for Wild Card weekend, a change is in order. The NFL can keep their precious conferences and divisions as they are currently formatted as to keep natural rivalries and long time fan interest. This will still lead to sizeable advantages for teams that play in weak divisions like this year's AFC/NFC West, but enough already with the automatic playoff spots for division winners and the disadvantage of playing in a dominant division or conference. If the two best teams in football are in the same conference shouldn't they both be able to make it to the Super Bowl? In past years, instead of having to suffer through NE/Carolina and Indy/Chicago, the league would have had the two best teams meeting in the Super Bowl and not in the AFC title game. Also, if two of the best teams are in the same division it makes absolutely no sense that one has to start on the road as a heavily favored Wild Card. Under this new plan the top four teams would still get a first week bye and would host re-seeded playoff games in round 2 and all ties in overall record would continue to be broken first by head to head play, and then by division and conference records, still another advantage for teams playing in awful divisions. Under this plan the playoffs for this year would look as follows:
(1) New England (14-2)
(2) Atlanta (13-3)
(3) Pittsburgh (12-4)
(4) Baltimore (12-4)
(5) Chicago (11-5)
(6) New York Jets (11-5)
(7) New Orleans (11-5)
(8) Indy (10-6)
(9) Green Bay (10-6)
(10) Philadelphia (10-6)
(11) NewYork Giants (10-6)
(12) Tampa Bay (10-6)
Do you think we might have seen a little more urgency and better games yesterday with first round home games and byes on the line for teams like Chicago (Cutler looked as happy to be in GB as most people who are in GB in January), New Orleans (still waiting confirmation that Sean Payton attended this game), and Philly (who played less NFL starters than the Carolina roster)? This playoff format would also spice up Wild Card weekend, which has only one intriguing game, GB @ Philly, and even that is a rematch. The other three games will get as much hype and be just as underwhelming as a Nicholas Cage blockbuster.
NO @ Seattle: Nothing like a double digit Wild Card road favorite to initiate a change, over/under on Chase Daniel time is halftime.
Balt @ KC: 2-4 in your putrid division and the inability to protect your QB is not a good formula against a team that does everything better than you.
NYJ @ Indy: Hopefully this game can come down to a foot for the Jets, isn't the alternative to claiming that was you filming your wife in sexually compromising situations much worse? Really, if I would have told you a month ago that a NFL coach would have a food fetish video leaked, Rex Ryan would have been the first name you said with Pete Carroll and Norv Turner in a second place tie. Rex Ryan running his mouth about his team being a Super Bowl contender is like Kim Kardashian claiming she is a serious musician and the Colts have as much of a chance to go to Texas as Rick Barnes does of winning the tourney.
Under this new plan the four games this weekend would be; Tampa Bay @ Chicago, Giants @ Jets (home locker room), Philly @ NO, and GB @ Indy. All four are better games, more interesting matchups, and more importantly feature better teams who deserve to be in the playoffs. Come on Roger, at least make this your vow to fans after the lockout. As for this weekend, at least IFC is showing the "Larry Sanders Show".
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Party Like It's Two-Thousand Elev...Hold Up, It Is.
Five sports wishes for 2011:
1) Please someone, anyone hire Herm Edwards as a coach. Not that I think he’s an excellent, or even qualified, coach. I just don’t want to have to watch him “analyze” games on ESPN anymore. Each segment of his follows the same pattern:
(Obvious statement spoken with an over-emphasized tone) ADRIAN PETERSON CAN RUN THE FOOTBALL!!!!!!
(Long pause while he tries to think of something to back up his statement.)
(Concedes that he can’t come up with anything) HELLO!!!!!
(Even longer pause while he stares at the anchor interviewing him)
(Eventually, the anchor realizes that Herm doesn’t have anything else to say and he/she ends the segment as Herm leans back in his chair with an odd sense of accomplishment) Anchor: Herm Edwards everybody. Thank you Coach.
Sportscenter voice-over promotion guy: Sportscenter, brought to you byyyyyy, Unstoppable: a new thriller starring Denzel Washington.
Watching Herm try to explain a play is like watching Dwight Howard during player introductions. People tell you it’s going to be funny and you want to laugh, but instead it just ends up angering you because you can’t figure out why they tell you it’s funny. It’s not physical humor, it’s not sarcasm, sophomoric humor, observational humor, referenced humor. What is it? Then you realize that it simply isn’t humor.
2) Joe Paterno, please don’t retire. At this point, what the hell? He might as well just stick around until the end. In fact, and I hope this doesn’t happen for a long time, but I’d be disappointed if he didn’t keel over on the football field when it’s his time to go. He’s been a figurehead for the past 5 years now, his assistants do everything football related for the team. They recruit, run film sessions, run practices, and call plays on gameday. JoePa is there as an almost mythical legend. He’s an attraction for the school and there’s nothing wrong with that. Plus, his interviews are becoming increasingly funny and I think we’re only a couple years away from him making a completely inappropriate old man statement in a press conference. Most likely it will be something sexist (the other option would be racist and can’t see Joe going that way) but people will just let it slide because when you reach a certain age, no one expects you to have any inhibitions.
(Speaking of sexism, I’ve been making fun of women’s basketball for as long as I can remember, but I have to admit, I don’t think I had ever actually seen a game. I just kind of assumed it was on par with 8th grade boys basketball. The other night, however, I caught the last 5 minutes of UConn’s loss to Stanford and now I no longer have to assume. Having said that, Maya Moore, according to the announcers, was having one of the worst games of her career but you could still tell, man or woman, she can flat out play ball.)
3) You know those CDs with the sound of waves crashing against the shore that are supposed to help comfort you and induce sleep? I want someone to talk Mike Tomlin into putting out his own line of these CDs. Minus his “Unleash Hell” unfulfilled promise, he never really says anything of consequence in his press conferences, but there’s something about his delivery that I could listen to him talk for hours. Don’t try to tell me Tomlin giving the Thursday Injury report before the Bills game dubbed over the sounds of a summer’s night in the country wouldn’t be a best seller. Just get me a snuggie, a glass of warm milk, and a copy of ‘Soothing Sounds of the Rainforest featuring Mike Tomlin’, and I’m set.
Play these two videos simultaneously and slip into a beautiful slumber:
4) HBO should run at least nine 24/7 series’ over the next year.
24/7: Building a House
24/7: Working on a Farm
24/7: Training for a Marathon
24/7: Evgeni Malkin Learns English
24/7: Making a Hollywood Blockbuster (Which I think would be amazing.)
24/7: Inside the NFL Owner’s/Player’s Union Negotiations
24/7: FIFA Picks the Next World Cup Host
24/7: Pacqiauo-Mayweather (The NFL Owner’s/Player’s Union one might be more likely to happen.)
24/7: Brett Favre On the Prowl (Follows Favre trying to secretly pick up random girls while simultaneously rebuilding his marriage.)
My favorite part of the Pens-Caps series was Pascal Dupuis walking into the training facility, saying “hello” to a couple of guys, then giving Malkin a “F*ck you, Geno” as he walked by. I think there’s a good chance (and I really hope this is the case) that they taught Geno that “f*ck you” is a typical greeting in english. I could just see Geno walking through the streets of Pittsburgh, with kids yelling, “Malkin! Malkin!” and him smiling and responding “Eh, f*ck you” as the kids’ parents shoot him horrified looks.
5) I hope the Knicks tamper with any other team negotiating a sign-and-trade for Carmelo Anthony. Whether or not they get caught is irrelevant to me (because I’m not going to be the one paying the fine), but I’d rather them risk holding off on getting him until the offseason instead of giving up half their team in February. The way they’re progressing, I could certainly see Danillo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Spike Lee’s boy, Landry Fields, as the 4th, 5th, and 6th best players on a championship team. However, I couldn’t see Toney Douglas, Timofey Mozgov, and Shawne Williams being 4 through 6 on a title contender, no matter how good the top 3 are. Come on, Knicks. A decade of losing is over. Things are turning around, just stay the course.
After all, 2011 IS A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!!
(Long Pause)
HELLO!!
(Long Pause)
Sportscenter is brought to you byyyyyyy: The new adventure-comedy, Gulliver’s Travels, starring Jack Black.
By the way, I found this video when I was looking for Tomlin presser footage. It's pretty good:
1) Please someone, anyone hire Herm Edwards as a coach. Not that I think he’s an excellent, or even qualified, coach. I just don’t want to have to watch him “analyze” games on ESPN anymore. Each segment of his follows the same pattern:
(Obvious statement spoken with an over-emphasized tone) ADRIAN PETERSON CAN RUN THE FOOTBALL!!!!!!
(Long pause while he tries to think of something to back up his statement.)
(Concedes that he can’t come up with anything) HELLO!!!!!
(Even longer pause while he stares at the anchor interviewing him)
(Eventually, the anchor realizes that Herm doesn’t have anything else to say and he/she ends the segment as Herm leans back in his chair with an odd sense of accomplishment) Anchor: Herm Edwards everybody. Thank you Coach.
Sportscenter voice-over promotion guy: Sportscenter, brought to you byyyyyy, Unstoppable: a new thriller starring Denzel Washington.
Watching Herm try to explain a play is like watching Dwight Howard during player introductions. People tell you it’s going to be funny and you want to laugh, but instead it just ends up angering you because you can’t figure out why they tell you it’s funny. It’s not physical humor, it’s not sarcasm, sophomoric humor, observational humor, referenced humor. What is it? Then you realize that it simply isn’t humor.
2) Joe Paterno, please don’t retire. At this point, what the hell? He might as well just stick around until the end. In fact, and I hope this doesn’t happen for a long time, but I’d be disappointed if he didn’t keel over on the football field when it’s his time to go. He’s been a figurehead for the past 5 years now, his assistants do everything football related for the team. They recruit, run film sessions, run practices, and call plays on gameday. JoePa is there as an almost mythical legend. He’s an attraction for the school and there’s nothing wrong with that. Plus, his interviews are becoming increasingly funny and I think we’re only a couple years away from him making a completely inappropriate old man statement in a press conference. Most likely it will be something sexist (the other option would be racist and can’t see Joe going that way) but people will just let it slide because when you reach a certain age, no one expects you to have any inhibitions.
(Speaking of sexism, I’ve been making fun of women’s basketball for as long as I can remember, but I have to admit, I don’t think I had ever actually seen a game. I just kind of assumed it was on par with 8th grade boys basketball. The other night, however, I caught the last 5 minutes of UConn’s loss to Stanford and now I no longer have to assume. Having said that, Maya Moore, according to the announcers, was having one of the worst games of her career but you could still tell, man or woman, she can flat out play ball.)
3) You know those CDs with the sound of waves crashing against the shore that are supposed to help comfort you and induce sleep? I want someone to talk Mike Tomlin into putting out his own line of these CDs. Minus his “Unleash Hell” unfulfilled promise, he never really says anything of consequence in his press conferences, but there’s something about his delivery that I could listen to him talk for hours. Don’t try to tell me Tomlin giving the Thursday Injury report before the Bills game dubbed over the sounds of a summer’s night in the country wouldn’t be a best seller. Just get me a snuggie, a glass of warm milk, and a copy of ‘Soothing Sounds of the Rainforest featuring Mike Tomlin’, and I’m set.
Play these two videos simultaneously and slip into a beautiful slumber:
4) HBO should run at least nine 24/7 series’ over the next year.
24/7: Building a House
24/7: Working on a Farm
24/7: Training for a Marathon
24/7: Evgeni Malkin Learns English
24/7: Making a Hollywood Blockbuster (Which I think would be amazing.)
24/7: Inside the NFL Owner’s/Player’s Union Negotiations
24/7: FIFA Picks the Next World Cup Host
24/7: Pacqiauo-Mayweather (The NFL Owner’s/Player’s Union one might be more likely to happen.)
24/7: Brett Favre On the Prowl (Follows Favre trying to secretly pick up random girls while simultaneously rebuilding his marriage.)
My favorite part of the Pens-Caps series was Pascal Dupuis walking into the training facility, saying “hello” to a couple of guys, then giving Malkin a “F*ck you, Geno” as he walked by. I think there’s a good chance (and I really hope this is the case) that they taught Geno that “f*ck you” is a typical greeting in english. I could just see Geno walking through the streets of Pittsburgh, with kids yelling, “Malkin! Malkin!” and him smiling and responding “Eh, f*ck you” as the kids’ parents shoot him horrified looks.
5) I hope the Knicks tamper with any other team negotiating a sign-and-trade for Carmelo Anthony. Whether or not they get caught is irrelevant to me (because I’m not going to be the one paying the fine), but I’d rather them risk holding off on getting him until the offseason instead of giving up half their team in February. The way they’re progressing, I could certainly see Danillo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Spike Lee’s boy, Landry Fields, as the 4th, 5th, and 6th best players on a championship team. However, I couldn’t see Toney Douglas, Timofey Mozgov, and Shawne Williams being 4 through 6 on a title contender, no matter how good the top 3 are. Come on, Knicks. A decade of losing is over. Things are turning around, just stay the course.
After all, 2011 IS A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!!
(Long Pause)
HELLO!!
(Long Pause)
Sportscenter is brought to you byyyyyyy: The new adventure-comedy, Gulliver’s Travels, starring Jack Black.
By the way, I found this video when I was looking for Tomlin presser footage. It's pretty good:
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