Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Pittsburgh Original
Pittsburgh Steeler fans everywhere are mourning the loss of legend Myron Cope. Cope passed away yesterday at the age of 79.
The screechy-voiced color commentator spent 35 seasons in the broadcast booth, the longest run in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team. Cope’s long run lead to his eventual induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
The life of Myron will live on, his catchphrases such as “Double Yoi” and “Dumbkopf” ring loud in Steelers fan. Even more so to his credit Cope’s Terrible Towel, one of the more enduring sports symbols, will live on.
Myron will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. He was a Pittsburgh Original.
UPDATE: Cope fans say 'Bye, now' in towel-twirling tribute
Saturday, March 01, 2008
The man who is synonymous with the official flag of Steelers Nation was given a send off by its citizens yesterday in a ceremony that could only be characterized as Terrible.
A Terrible Towel twirling tribute seemed a fitting farewell for Myron Cope, the famed Steelers broadcaster and sports journalist who died Wednesday. (Read More)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
On the Bubble: The Lumbering Big’s
Big men undoubtedly dominate the professional ranks, but in the “Big” conferences (Big East, XII, and 10) they are vital. The bashers, the bruisers get filthy points and scrap for the shards off the glass. Names like Hunter and Butch share the post; there is no Love in this paint. The epitome of the “Big’s” big man is Hoya Roy Hibbert. A towering 7’2”, the awkward center lumbers, feet cemented to the court. One question remains, where do these teams whose style of basketball resembles the gridiron-play stand? Here’s the FPS breakdown.
Punched Ticket Already: Big East – Georgetown, Louisville, Norte Dame, Marquette, UConn Big 10 – Indiana, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State Big 12 – Kansas, Texas
Pretty Much In: Big East – Pittsburgh
On the Bubble…
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) [Big 12] – K-State is guided by prodigy Michael Beasley, who now holds the school record for most games with 30 points or more (11). Beasley wasn’t a one man wrecking crew against Texas, but the Wildcats are sitting pretty for now. They could still use a marquee win, but nonconference losses to George Mason, Notre Dame, Oregon and Xavier aren’t bad. Verdict: K-State needs their dancing shoes shined, they’ll be in
West Virginia (18-8, 8-6) [Big East] – The Mountaineers are currently sixth in the Big East, which appears in position to get at least seven bids. RPI and SOS look decent (both in top 50). WVU best nonconference game was a two-point loss to Tennessee, nothing special. Verdict: WVU doesn’t get Pittsnogled; Huggins turns in another 20 win season with a tourney bid
Oklahoma (18-9, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Sooners top 30 RPI and top 10 SOS are a great resume starter. Out of the conference, Oklahoma lost to Memphis and USC, but also grabbed neutral court wins over Gonzaga and West Virginia. A disappointing three-game skid isn’t a dagger. Verdict: Make it a solid four from the Big XII, Sooners get in
Texas A&M (20-7, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Aggies are mired in a giant mess. After starting the year 15-1, A&M has dropped three straight. Nonconference wins over UTEP, Washington, Alabama and LSU are a collective meh. Boasting top 50 RPI helps, SOS isn’t spectacular. Verdict: Aggies have the inside track; make it five for the Big 12
Syracuse (17-11, 7-8) [Big East] – The Cuse are America’s perpetual bubble team. Again the Orange have strong RPI and SOS rankings, but didn’t do much with a mediocre nonconference slate. Home losses to UMass and Rhode Island are troubling with both teams also in the bubble puzzle. Verdict: TBD, I’m not going to definitively say, until the Orange lose in the Garden
Baylor (18-8, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Bears were in great position to earn a bid a month ago, but then dropped six of seven league games. Right now, they are still in decent position. Wins over Notre Dame and Winthrop are great, their loss to Arkansas, RPI and SOS are on just above par. Verdict: Looks like that five overtime win will be Baylor’s season highlight, tentatively out
Villanova (17-10, 7-8) [Big East] – The Cats have a soft schedule to end Big East play, but are below .500 in the league. RPI and SOS aren’t bad, but Nova’s true stand out games were both controversial losses. Questionable calls didn’t go their way against NC State and Georgetown. Verdict: It’s not the Wildcats year, can someone say NIT?
Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) [Big 10] – The Buckeyes are clearly the fifth best team in the Big 10. Unfortunately, there’s an immense gap between teams four and five. The Buckeyes fell to Indiana, which drops their record to 1-9 against teams in the RPI top 50. Wins over Syracuse and Florida are good for the soul, but not much else. Verdict: Last year’s National runner-up gets left out
Punched Ticket Already: Big East – Georgetown, Louisville, Norte Dame, Marquette, UConn Big 10 – Indiana, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State Big 12 – Kansas, Texas
Pretty Much In: Big East – Pittsburgh
On the Bubble…
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) [Big 12] – K-State is guided by prodigy Michael Beasley, who now holds the school record for most games with 30 points or more (11). Beasley wasn’t a one man wrecking crew against Texas, but the Wildcats are sitting pretty for now. They could still use a marquee win, but nonconference losses to George Mason, Notre Dame, Oregon and Xavier aren’t bad. Verdict: K-State needs their dancing shoes shined, they’ll be in
West Virginia (18-8, 8-6) [Big East] – The Mountaineers are currently sixth in the Big East, which appears in position to get at least seven bids. RPI and SOS look decent (both in top 50). WVU best nonconference game was a two-point loss to Tennessee, nothing special. Verdict: WVU doesn’t get Pittsnogled; Huggins turns in another 20 win season with a tourney bid
Oklahoma (18-9, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Sooners top 30 RPI and top 10 SOS are a great resume starter. Out of the conference, Oklahoma lost to Memphis and USC, but also grabbed neutral court wins over Gonzaga and West Virginia. A disappointing three-game skid isn’t a dagger. Verdict: Make it a solid four from the Big XII, Sooners get in
Texas A&M (20-7, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Aggies are mired in a giant mess. After starting the year 15-1, A&M has dropped three straight. Nonconference wins over UTEP, Washington, Alabama and LSU are a collective meh. Boasting top 50 RPI helps, SOS isn’t spectacular. Verdict: Aggies have the inside track; make it five for the Big 12
Syracuse (17-11, 7-8) [Big East] – The Cuse are America’s perpetual bubble team. Again the Orange have strong RPI and SOS rankings, but didn’t do much with a mediocre nonconference slate. Home losses to UMass and Rhode Island are troubling with both teams also in the bubble puzzle. Verdict: TBD, I’m not going to definitively say, until the Orange lose in the Garden
Baylor (18-8, 6-6) [Big 12] – The Bears were in great position to earn a bid a month ago, but then dropped six of seven league games. Right now, they are still in decent position. Wins over Notre Dame and Winthrop are great, their loss to Arkansas, RPI and SOS are on just above par. Verdict: Looks like that five overtime win will be Baylor’s season highlight, tentatively out
Villanova (17-10, 7-8) [Big East] – The Cats have a soft schedule to end Big East play, but are below .500 in the league. RPI and SOS aren’t bad, but Nova’s true stand out games were both controversial losses. Questionable calls didn’t go their way against NC State and Georgetown. Verdict: It’s not the Wildcats year, can someone say NIT?
Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) [Big 10] – The Buckeyes are clearly the fifth best team in the Big 10. Unfortunately, there’s an immense gap between teams four and five. The Buckeyes fell to Indiana, which drops their record to 1-9 against teams in the RPI top 50. Wins over Syracuse and Florida are good for the soul, but not much else. Verdict: Last year’s National runner-up gets left out
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Dumb or Dumber
A flurry of big trades occurred in the NBA right as the trade deadline came to pass. After the LA Lakers successfully trade, Dallas and Phoenix attempted to keep up with the Joneses in a Western Conference arms race.
Kidd returns “home”
The Dallas Mavericks brought back their former No. 2 overall pick, All-star point guard Jason Kidd. Obviously, Kidd has a lot of upside. He’s got great court vision, is a tremendous passer and allows Jason Terry to finally settle into his natural position at shooting guard. Kidd also matches up better with most of the West’s elite guards (Parker, Nash, Paul, Williams, Davis).
However, Devin Harris (now with the Nets) arguably kept up with Spurs point guard Tony Parker better than anyone the past two years. For Dallas, it’s time worries should stem beyond San Antonio. The Mavericks know best that it’s no longer a given that top seeds make it out of the first-round of the playoffs. So was this trade dumb? Maybe, Dallas did give up a lot. But this team, above all others, needed a shake up heading toward the playoffs. Kidd will give the Mavs a chance to win now, but his value will be more as passer than as an aging jump shooter.
The valley of Shaq
The Phoenix Suns made the boldest trade deadline move, shipping Shawn Marion to Miami for injuring-riddle Super-star Shaquille O’Neal. The true brilliance or folly of this move will not fully be determined until the postseason. What the Suns did was give up on their small ball style to address their proceived lack of frontcourt prowess. Shaq is a formidable defender in the post and if healthy can match San Antonio’s Tim Duncan or LA’s Andrew Bynum /Pau Gasol stride-for-stride. Why O’Neal brings confidence to locker room, one question remains. Will Shaq’s presence create an identity crisis in Phoenix that’s too much to overcome? By far, this was the dumber move. But the overall outcome is still pending.
Finally, I want to leave you with post NBA deadline rumor from SI.com’s Fan Nation. Something to ponder…
NBA execs question Sonics trades
Posted: Friday February 22, 2008 06:09AM ET
In a three-way trade with the Bulls and Cavaliers, the SuperSonics got just the expiring contracts of Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and Adrian Griffin in a deal that raises questions after Seattle moved Kurt Thomas to the Spurs earlier this week. The feeling among several league executives is new Seattle general manager Sam Presti, who got his current job after working for the Spurs under current Cavs general manager Danny Ferry, is paying off debts by trying to help the Spurs and Cavs.
Chicago Tribune
Blogger’s Note: Dallas was 3-1 since the addition of Jason Kidd at the time of this post. Phoenix was 2-2 since addition of Shaq, including a 30-point drubbing by the Detroit Pistons.
Kidd returns “home”
The Dallas Mavericks brought back their former No. 2 overall pick, All-star point guard Jason Kidd. Obviously, Kidd has a lot of upside. He’s got great court vision, is a tremendous passer and allows Jason Terry to finally settle into his natural position at shooting guard. Kidd also matches up better with most of the West’s elite guards (Parker, Nash, Paul, Williams, Davis).
However, Devin Harris (now with the Nets) arguably kept up with Spurs point guard Tony Parker better than anyone the past two years. For Dallas, it’s time worries should stem beyond San Antonio. The Mavericks know best that it’s no longer a given that top seeds make it out of the first-round of the playoffs. So was this trade dumb? Maybe, Dallas did give up a lot. But this team, above all others, needed a shake up heading toward the playoffs. Kidd will give the Mavs a chance to win now, but his value will be more as passer than as an aging jump shooter.
The valley of Shaq
The Phoenix Suns made the boldest trade deadline move, shipping Shawn Marion to Miami for injuring-riddle Super-star Shaquille O’Neal. The true brilliance or folly of this move will not fully be determined until the postseason. What the Suns did was give up on their small ball style to address their proceived lack of frontcourt prowess. Shaq is a formidable defender in the post and if healthy can match San Antonio’s Tim Duncan or LA’s Andrew Bynum /Pau Gasol stride-for-stride. Why O’Neal brings confidence to locker room, one question remains. Will Shaq’s presence create an identity crisis in Phoenix that’s too much to overcome? By far, this was the dumber move. But the overall outcome is still pending.
Finally, I want to leave you with post NBA deadline rumor from SI.com’s Fan Nation. Something to ponder…
NBA execs question Sonics trades
Posted: Friday February 22, 2008 06:09AM ET
In a three-way trade with the Bulls and Cavaliers, the SuperSonics got just the expiring contracts of Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and Adrian Griffin in a deal that raises questions after Seattle moved Kurt Thomas to the Spurs earlier this week. The feeling among several league executives is new Seattle general manager Sam Presti, who got his current job after working for the Spurs under current Cavs general manager Danny Ferry, is paying off debts by trying to help the Spurs and Cavs.
Chicago Tribune
Blogger’s Note: Dallas was 3-1 since the addition of Jason Kidd at the time of this post. Phoenix was 2-2 since addition of Shaq, including a 30-point drubbing by the Detroit Pistons.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
On The Bubble: Southern Snooze-fest
We’ve entered the final month of the college basketball season, so it’s time to check in on the next batch of Bubble teams. Saying the ACC is having a lackluster year could be the understatement of the year. And watching basketball in the SEC is almost as boring as watching SEC football. So where do these southern schools stand?
Punched Ticket Already: ACC – Duke , North Carolina SEC – Tennessee, Vanderbilt
Pretty Much In: ACC – Clemson SEC – Mississippi State, Arkansas
On the Bubble…
Maryland (17-10, 7-5) [ACC] – Fear the Turtle? Maryland had won four in a row, before stumbling and losing two of their last three. However, the Terps won’t see Duke or UNC again and should get to 10 wins in the conference. RPI is good, not great, SOS helps. If Maryland separates from the rest of the ACC, they have a great chance. Verdict: TBD, it seems like the Terps are heading south at the moment, but they have the inside track
Mississippi (18-7, 4-7) [SEC] – Lose two, win one, the Rebels are stuck in a dire pattern right now. Some are already saying the Rebels could be this year’s Clemson, whom they beat earlier in the year. Mississippi is sitting better than others, and they went perfect (14-0) in nonconference play. The Rebs two point loss versus Tennessee is pretty much a win. Verdict: Falling RPI doesn’t kill them, Mississippi becomes the sixth SEC team in
Wake Forest (16-8, 6-5) [ACC] – After the Demon Deacons upset of Duke, they’ve won three straight in the ACC and eclipse the .500 mark in the ACC. Wake didn’t have a marquee win until Sunday, but they also don’t have a bad loss. Strength of Schedule is one weakness; RPI is only sixth best in the conference. Verdict: Next two games could decide their fate. Wake must get to 20 wins to make the Tourney as a ‘feel-good’ story, but tentatively out
Miami, FL (18-7, 5-6) [ACC] – The Hurricanes were ranked in the top 25 at one point in the season, but have been bi-polar since conference play started. Winners now of three in a row, they still have a lot of ground to make up. Miami has respectable wins over Mississippi State, VCU and Providence and now Duke, but that’s not enough. Verdict: The Canes are going to on the outside of the brackets, despite top 30 RPI and SOS
Florida (20-7, 7-5) [SEC] – The Gators’ 12-point home loss to LSU is a ridiculous blemish on the tournament resume. However, the defending National Champs just keep winning. Florida’s RPI is not spectacular, SOS is just plain ugly. Verdict: Already at 20 wins the Gators needs four more to ensure an invite. It’s hard to imagine Florida won’t receive a mercy bid
Kentucky (14-10, 8-3) [SEC] – Ever wonder if Billy Gillispie wishes he’d stayed in Texas? Sure the Wildcats are tied for second-place in the SEC right now, but each of their ten losses seems memorable: Gardner-Webb, UNC, Indiana, UAB, San Diego, Louisville, oh yeah, and Vandy. The Cats last lost (to the Commodores) was the most lopsided SEC loss ever! Kentucky has top 25 SOS, but their RPI is in the low 70s. Verdict: Kentucky must earn the automatic bid, otherwise they’re out.
Punched Ticket Already: ACC – Duke , North Carolina SEC – Tennessee, Vanderbilt
Pretty Much In: ACC – Clemson SEC – Mississippi State, Arkansas
On the Bubble…
Maryland (17-10, 7-5) [ACC] – Fear the Turtle? Maryland had won four in a row, before stumbling and losing two of their last three. However, the Terps won’t see Duke or UNC again and should get to 10 wins in the conference. RPI is good, not great, SOS helps. If Maryland separates from the rest of the ACC, they have a great chance. Verdict: TBD, it seems like the Terps are heading south at the moment, but they have the inside track
Mississippi (18-7, 4-7) [SEC] – Lose two, win one, the Rebels are stuck in a dire pattern right now. Some are already saying the Rebels could be this year’s Clemson, whom they beat earlier in the year. Mississippi is sitting better than others, and they went perfect (14-0) in nonconference play. The Rebs two point loss versus Tennessee is pretty much a win. Verdict: Falling RPI doesn’t kill them, Mississippi becomes the sixth SEC team in
Wake Forest (16-8, 6-5) [ACC] – After the Demon Deacons upset of Duke, they’ve won three straight in the ACC and eclipse the .500 mark in the ACC. Wake didn’t have a marquee win until Sunday, but they also don’t have a bad loss. Strength of Schedule is one weakness; RPI is only sixth best in the conference. Verdict: Next two games could decide their fate. Wake must get to 20 wins to make the Tourney as a ‘feel-good’ story, but tentatively out
Miami, FL (18-7, 5-6) [ACC] – The Hurricanes were ranked in the top 25 at one point in the season, but have been bi-polar since conference play started. Winners now of three in a row, they still have a lot of ground to make up. Miami has respectable wins over Mississippi State, VCU and Providence and now Duke, but that’s not enough. Verdict: The Canes are going to on the outside of the brackets, despite top 30 RPI and SOS
Florida (20-7, 7-5) [SEC] – The Gators’ 12-point home loss to LSU is a ridiculous blemish on the tournament resume. However, the defending National Champs just keep winning. Florida’s RPI is not spectacular, SOS is just plain ugly. Verdict: Already at 20 wins the Gators needs four more to ensure an invite. It’s hard to imagine Florida won’t receive a mercy bid
Kentucky (14-10, 8-3) [SEC] – Ever wonder if Billy Gillispie wishes he’d stayed in Texas? Sure the Wildcats are tied for second-place in the SEC right now, but each of their ten losses seems memorable: Gardner-Webb, UNC, Indiana, UAB, San Diego, Louisville, oh yeah, and Vandy. The Cats last lost (to the Commodores) was the most lopsided SEC loss ever! Kentucky has top 25 SOS, but their RPI is in the low 70s. Verdict: Kentucky must earn the automatic bid, otherwise they’re out.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
How the West won
MLB OFF SEASON RECAP
It's February 14, which means people everywhere are in love...with the fact baseball's back! Today marks the first day of voluntary reporting for Spring Training.
There were plenty of big name who changed uniforms. But the teams in the West, decisively won the off season scramble for talent. Not good news for many National League squads, as the NL West essentially saw its three playoff teams improve.
Starting in SoCal, the LA Angels got the jump on the free agent market, arguably grabbing the best outfielder available, CF Tori Hunter. This was somewhat of a head scratcher, because the season before the Angels signed Gary Matthews Jr. to a $50 million deal. Hunter's impact is significant; along with Matthews, the tandem will help a defensively needy outfield. The Halos other big move swapped SS Orlando Cabrera out for P Jon Garland. Garland bolsters a good pitching staff adding more depth to John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jared Weaver. Winners of three AL West crowns since 2002, the Angels look primed to grab number four.
Moving up I-5 to the mainstay in LA, the Dodgers biggest addition came in the clubhouse. Manager Joe Torre comes to Tinseltown after 12 monster years in the Bronx. Torre, known for his calm demeanor, should help a fractioned clubhouse. And CF Andruw Jones inked a contract to wear Dodger Blue. Jones' bat will improve a mediocre offense. The Dodgers are in competitive position starting in spring.
Continuing northward, the Seattle Mariners addressed their Achilles heel. Pitchers Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva joined the M's and giving them a solid 1-2-3 starting staff, with Felix Hernandez in the mix. Bedard should be given "ace" status to relieve pressure from Hernandez. Seattle is scrappy team and easily could be in the postseason discussion. Then again, they are the Mariners.
In other moves out West, the Arizona Diamonbacks added another Cy Young-esque arm trading Oakland for pitcher Dan Haren. The NL Champs Colorado nabbed speedster Scott Podsednik to play in their cavernous outfield and the Padres decided to focus on the 'age' of wisdom, not youth, bringing veterans P Randy Wolf and CF Jim Edmonds.
The Tigers had a roaring off season. After throwing away a World Series in 2006 and watching division rival Cleveland come a game within the Championship Series last year, Detroit sent the message it's not happy just contending. SS Edgar Renteria joins the team and a multi-player deal mortgaging future prospects brought in 3B Miguel Cabrera and P Dontrelle Willis. Not bad at all, especially since they kept Willis away from other AL teams. Motown is right there with Beantown.
Finally, the NY Mets made the biggest move late in the off season, pulling the strings to get ace Johan Santana. The Mets finally have a durable pitcher to chase their pennant. However, the addition of Santana only makes the Mets the NL Champion paper tigers.
Keep reading FPS for more on Spring Training and the 2008 MLB Season.
It's February 14, which means people everywhere are in love...with the fact baseball's back! Today marks the first day of voluntary reporting for Spring Training.
There were plenty of big name who changed uniforms. But the teams in the West, decisively won the off season scramble for talent. Not good news for many National League squads, as the NL West essentially saw its three playoff teams improve.
Starting in SoCal, the LA Angels got the jump on the free agent market, arguably grabbing the best outfielder available, CF Tori Hunter. This was somewhat of a head scratcher, because the season before the Angels signed Gary Matthews Jr. to a $50 million deal. Hunter's impact is significant; along with Matthews, the tandem will help a defensively needy outfield. The Halos other big move swapped SS Orlando Cabrera out for P Jon Garland. Garland bolsters a good pitching staff adding more depth to John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Jared Weaver. Winners of three AL West crowns since 2002, the Angels look primed to grab number four.
Moving up I-5 to the mainstay in LA, the Dodgers biggest addition came in the clubhouse. Manager Joe Torre comes to Tinseltown after 12 monster years in the Bronx. Torre, known for his calm demeanor, should help a fractioned clubhouse. And CF Andruw Jones inked a contract to wear Dodger Blue. Jones' bat will improve a mediocre offense. The Dodgers are in competitive position starting in spring.
Continuing northward, the Seattle Mariners addressed their Achilles heel. Pitchers Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva joined the M's and giving them a solid 1-2-3 starting staff, with Felix Hernandez in the mix. Bedard should be given "ace" status to relieve pressure from Hernandez. Seattle is scrappy team and easily could be in the postseason discussion. Then again, they are the Mariners.
In other moves out West, the Arizona Diamonbacks added another Cy Young-esque arm trading Oakland for pitcher Dan Haren. The NL Champs Colorado nabbed speedster Scott Podsednik to play in their cavernous outfield and the Padres decided to focus on the 'age' of wisdom, not youth, bringing veterans P Randy Wolf and CF Jim Edmonds.
The Tigers had a roaring off season. After throwing away a World Series in 2006 and watching division rival Cleveland come a game within the Championship Series last year, Detroit sent the message it's not happy just contending. SS Edgar Renteria joins the team and a multi-player deal mortgaging future prospects brought in 3B Miguel Cabrera and P Dontrelle Willis. Not bad at all, especially since they kept Willis away from other AL teams. Motown is right there with Beantown.
Finally, the NY Mets made the biggest move late in the off season, pulling the strings to get ace Johan Santana. The Mets finally have a durable pitcher to chase their pennant. However, the addition of Santana only makes the Mets the NL Champion paper tigers.
Keep reading FPS for more on Spring Training and the 2008 MLB Season.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Truth lies elsewhere
The Congressional hearing that brought Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee together was a goldbrick. Its appearance had some rudimentary value, but the proceeding was actually worthless.
The two men stuck with their respective stories and the heart of the issue remains; who is telling the truth? Also, did the affidavits taken from witnesses before the hearing yield the evidence the committee needs? And did Congress learn anything new today?
During the hearing, McNamee recognized he lied. And Clemens did not provide an adequate defense to prove his innocence. That leads me to believe the truth is somewhere in a muddied middle.
Clemens is obviously clinging onto his story to attempt save his reputation as one of baseball greats; he has a pure motive to lie. McNamee's motive on the other hand is harder to read, but I find it difficult to believe his acting out of the goodness of his heart. After many years of injections why did he suddenly have a crisis of conscious? Seems a touch suspicious.
So what did Congress gain from the day’s testimony? Really, only a day off from dealing with other legislative issues. Congress cannot do anything to replay the games. The “Steroids Era” happened and baseball, not Congress, must figure out how to move forward.
The shroud of mystery continues and one thing is certain, we haven’t heard the last of Roger.
Other opinions on the Clemen's Hearing
Congress spend a day going nowhere fast Scott Miller, CBS Sportsline.com
Round 2: Clemens vs. McNamee Jayson Stark, ESPN.com
After five hours of questions, five hours of answers, five hours of this particular unofficial juror furiously trying to type and listen at the same time, what have we learned? (Read more)
Clemens' charm won't work with Congress Mike Celizic, NBC Sports
Roger Clemens can’t possibly know about the world he’s stepped into. He’s spent the last 30 years living in the fantasy world inhabited only by great athletes, and it’s a world in which the everyday laws of behavior don’t apply. (Read more)
No end of the inglorious ordeal Tom Verducci, SI.Com
Today is no different than Dec. 13, the day the Mitchell Report was released. Two months later and even after nearly five hours of testimony Wednesday in front of Congress, the issue of whether or not Roger Clemens used steroids is left in a suspended state of dilemma: it's Clemens' word vs. Brian McNamee's word. Still. (Read more)
Clemens shelled by Congress Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
Question by question, disputed answer by disputed answer, Roger Clemens' house of lies came tumbling down upon him Wednesday. (Read more)
The two men stuck with their respective stories and the heart of the issue remains; who is telling the truth? Also, did the affidavits taken from witnesses before the hearing yield the evidence the committee needs? And did Congress learn anything new today?
During the hearing, McNamee recognized he lied. And Clemens did not provide an adequate defense to prove his innocence. That leads me to believe the truth is somewhere in a muddied middle.
Clemens is obviously clinging onto his story to attempt save his reputation as one of baseball greats; he has a pure motive to lie. McNamee's motive on the other hand is harder to read, but I find it difficult to believe his acting out of the goodness of his heart. After many years of injections why did he suddenly have a crisis of conscious? Seems a touch suspicious.
So what did Congress gain from the day’s testimony? Really, only a day off from dealing with other legislative issues. Congress cannot do anything to replay the games. The “Steroids Era” happened and baseball, not Congress, must figure out how to move forward.
The shroud of mystery continues and one thing is certain, we haven’t heard the last of Roger.
Other opinions on the Clemen's Hearing
Congress spend a day going nowhere fast Scott Miller, CBS Sportsline.com
That members of Congress spent nearly five hours Wednesday impersonating dogs sniffing out steroids at some airport baggage claim rather than fixing the economy or the war in Iraq is bad enough. (Read more)
Round 2: Clemens vs. McNamee Jayson Stark, ESPN.com
After five hours of questions, five hours of answers, five hours of this particular unofficial juror furiously trying to type and listen at the same time, what have we learned? (Read more)
Clemens' charm won't work with Congress Mike Celizic, NBC Sports
Roger Clemens can’t possibly know about the world he’s stepped into. He’s spent the last 30 years living in the fantasy world inhabited only by great athletes, and it’s a world in which the everyday laws of behavior don’t apply. (Read more)
No end of the inglorious ordeal Tom Verducci, SI.Com
Today is no different than Dec. 13, the day the Mitchell Report was released. Two months later and even after nearly five hours of testimony Wednesday in front of Congress, the issue of whether or not Roger Clemens used steroids is left in a suspended state of dilemma: it's Clemens' word vs. Brian McNamee's word. Still. (Read more)
Clemens shelled by Congress Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
Question by question, disputed answer by disputed answer, Roger Clemens' house of lies came tumbling down upon him Wednesday. (Read more)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
On the Bubble: Mid-Majors
The countdown to Selection Sunday is on!
Less than five weeks away to NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the regular season is setting up for a dramatic finish. Still, there’s lots of basketball left and the biggest thing for any team is to keep winning.
That rings especially true for teams sitting on the Bubble. FPS will break down bubble teams in the coming weeks and make predictions if they’ll make the field or not. A good place to start is with a deep field of mid-major’s that could grab 25 percent of the at-large selections.
Punched Ticket Already: Memphis, Butler, Xavier, Drake, St. Mary’s, Gonzaga
On the Bubble…
Rhode Island (20-4) [A10] – The Rams boast nonconference wins over Syracuse and Providence and remain in the top 25 in RPI. Overall strength of schedule (SOS) is mediocre; Rhode Island avoided disaster in Fordham and should finish the year with at least 25 wins. Verdict: Rams get in, easily
Dayton (16-6) [A10] – The Flyers were a clear NCAA team before being hampered by injuries. They beat Louisville and Pitt out of the conference during a 14-1 start. RPI and SOS remain in the top 25, but Dayton is flirting with dangerous slope in the Atlantic-10 standings (4-5). Verdict: Flyers will make the field
UMass (15-8) [A10] – The Minutemen appear to be on solid ground when looking at RPI (24) and SOS (9). UMass has defeated Syracuse, BC, Houston, but got swept by St. Joe’s and lost to A10 leader Xavier recently. Verdict: UMass needs at least 20 wins to be the A10’s fourth team, they have the inside track
Saint Joseph’s (15-7) [A10] – Saint Joe's is currently tied with Rhode Island for second in the A10. Four of the Hawks seven losses were “quality,” two in overtime (Gonzaga and Creighton) and two more in the final-possession (Syracuse and Holy Cross). The Hawks cannot afford to go 4-3 in their final seven games. Verdict: Hawks may need to get to the conference finals…tentatively out
Charlotte (14-8) [A10] – The 49ers are the A10 dark horse to make the field, but the pressure is off them. RPI and SOS are mediocre at best; boast wins over Clemson, Wake Forest, Davidson and Southern Illinois. Charlotte must finish in the top four in the league. Verdict: Niners must get at least 20 wins and make the semis of the A10 tourney…to be determined, a complete wildcard
George Mason (17-7) [CAA] – Cinderella from two season’s ago is back, hoping to burst someone else’s bubble. The Patriots get another shot at Colonial leading VCU soon. GMU defeated a healthy Dayton squad, Kansas State and South Carolina, but have an unpretentious RPI and SOS. Verdict: If the Pats define themselves as the clear No. 2 in the CAA, a little love gets them in
Ohio (16-7) [MAC] – Ohio is a perfect bubble team. The Bobcats beat Maryland and St. John’s on the road, but got smashed by Kansas and lost to MAC bottom feeder Eastern Michigan. Inconsistent play has hurt, but Ohio has a real chance to improve its status with upcoming games against Kent State, Akron and George Mason. Verdict: RPI/SOS will be too much to overcome, bubble burst alert
Creighton (17-6) [MVC] – Hit a rough patch losing three in a row, but the Bluejays are a tournament favorite. Wins over DePaul, Nebraska and Saint Joe’s are respectable as is their RPI and SOS. Winner’s of three in a row, Creighton needs to finish strong. Verdict: Bluejays sneak into the field of 65
UNLV (18-5) [MWC] – The Rebels are a paper tiger. They have slightly better than their main Mountain West competition (BYU) on-paper, but nonconference losses to San Diego, UCSB and Arizona are easily forgotten. Best win, a 29-point drubbing of Brigham. Verdict: no chance for at-large bid, must win MWC tourney in Vegas
Brigham Young (18-5) [MWC] – The Cougars graced the AP top 25 for several weeks early in the season. Solid RPI and decent SOS paired with competitive losses to North Carolina and Michigan State has them in good shape for an at-large bid. Most importantly BYU has won six in a row. Verdict: Cougs will be a testy first-round opponent, stealing an at-large bid
Less than five weeks away to NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the regular season is setting up for a dramatic finish. Still, there’s lots of basketball left and the biggest thing for any team is to keep winning.
That rings especially true for teams sitting on the Bubble. FPS will break down bubble teams in the coming weeks and make predictions if they’ll make the field or not. A good place to start is with a deep field of mid-major’s that could grab 25 percent of the at-large selections.
Punched Ticket Already: Memphis, Butler, Xavier, Drake, St. Mary’s, Gonzaga
On the Bubble…
Rhode Island (20-4) [A10] – The Rams boast nonconference wins over Syracuse and Providence and remain in the top 25 in RPI. Overall strength of schedule (SOS) is mediocre; Rhode Island avoided disaster in Fordham and should finish the year with at least 25 wins. Verdict: Rams get in, easily
Dayton (16-6) [A10] – The Flyers were a clear NCAA team before being hampered by injuries. They beat Louisville and Pitt out of the conference during a 14-1 start. RPI and SOS remain in the top 25, but Dayton is flirting with dangerous slope in the Atlantic-10 standings (4-5). Verdict: Flyers will make the field
UMass (15-8) [A10] – The Minutemen appear to be on solid ground when looking at RPI (24) and SOS (9). UMass has defeated Syracuse, BC, Houston, but got swept by St. Joe’s and lost to A10 leader Xavier recently. Verdict: UMass needs at least 20 wins to be the A10’s fourth team, they have the inside track
Saint Joseph’s (15-7) [A10] – Saint Joe's is currently tied with Rhode Island for second in the A10. Four of the Hawks seven losses were “quality,” two in overtime (Gonzaga and Creighton) and two more in the final-possession (Syracuse and Holy Cross). The Hawks cannot afford to go 4-3 in their final seven games. Verdict: Hawks may need to get to the conference finals…tentatively out
Charlotte (14-8) [A10] – The 49ers are the A10 dark horse to make the field, but the pressure is off them. RPI and SOS are mediocre at best; boast wins over Clemson, Wake Forest, Davidson and Southern Illinois. Charlotte must finish in the top four in the league. Verdict: Niners must get at least 20 wins and make the semis of the A10 tourney…to be determined, a complete wildcard
George Mason (17-7) [CAA] – Cinderella from two season’s ago is back, hoping to burst someone else’s bubble. The Patriots get another shot at Colonial leading VCU soon. GMU defeated a healthy Dayton squad, Kansas State and South Carolina, but have an unpretentious RPI and SOS. Verdict: If the Pats define themselves as the clear No. 2 in the CAA, a little love gets them in
Ohio (16-7) [MAC] – Ohio is a perfect bubble team. The Bobcats beat Maryland and St. John’s on the road, but got smashed by Kansas and lost to MAC bottom feeder Eastern Michigan. Inconsistent play has hurt, but Ohio has a real chance to improve its status with upcoming games against Kent State, Akron and George Mason. Verdict: RPI/SOS will be too much to overcome, bubble burst alert
Creighton (17-6) [MVC] – Hit a rough patch losing three in a row, but the Bluejays are a tournament favorite. Wins over DePaul, Nebraska and Saint Joe’s are respectable as is their RPI and SOS. Winner’s of three in a row, Creighton needs to finish strong. Verdict: Bluejays sneak into the field of 65
UNLV (18-5) [MWC] – The Rebels are a paper tiger. They have slightly better than their main Mountain West competition (BYU) on-paper, but nonconference losses to San Diego, UCSB and Arizona are easily forgotten. Best win, a 29-point drubbing of Brigham. Verdict: no chance for at-large bid, must win MWC tourney in Vegas
Brigham Young (18-5) [MWC] – The Cougars graced the AP top 25 for several weeks early in the season. Solid RPI and decent SOS paired with competitive losses to North Carolina and Michigan State has them in good shape for an at-large bid. Most importantly BYU has won six in a row. Verdict: Cougs will be a testy first-round opponent, stealing an at-large bid
Saturday, February 9, 2008
A "Super" week
In a crazy week for sports, who knew Sunday’s Super Bowl upset was just the beginning. Here’s a recap from the week that was.
The General quits. Coaching legend Bob Knight, synonymous with winning, hastily left Texas Tech adding another chapter to a tumultuous career. Knight’s legacy is a mixed bag of good, bad and ugly. Knight leaves the game with 902 career wins, more than any major-college men’s basketball coach and three national championships with Indiana in 1976, 1981 and 1987. Unfortunately, Knight will be remembered more for his antics than his successes. It’s fitting that Knight finishes his career in a football state trying to build an irrelevant basketball program. In the end, there were too many empty seats at Tech home games, which ultimately pushed Knight into the night.
NCAA Football held its annual draft…I mean, Signing Day 2008. Depending on which scouting outlet (ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com) you trust most, Miami and Alabama were the clear winners as both schools finished in the top 5 of every ranking. They were followed by Georgia, Florida and Notre Dame. I don’t follow Signing Day much, because I have no clue who most of the recruits are. But looking at recruiting rankings and some of the recaps one thing really stood out.
Teams in warm weather states, where football is king, fared much better than their snowy counterparts. Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan were the only consistent cold weather schools to appear in the top 10. There were almost as many SEC schools in the Rivals.com top 25 as there were snowy schools (seven vs. eight). This not only reflects a shift in U.S. demographics, but really shows that if you are the “professional sport” in town (Oxford, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Norman) it that matters. From this recruiting class, I’m expecting the Big Ten’s recent struggles to continue.
Phoenix essentially gives up. I think ESPN columnist J.A. Adande said it best, “trading Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaquille O'Neal might be a full-scale (albeit bizarre) attempt to grab a ring, but it also is an admission of failure for their way of basketball.” Looking at the Suns pay role due in next few seasons, you knew that the Marion, Amare and Nash core would change. But, this trade seems like a move of desperation. Marion was more valuable to Phoenix than Shaq ever will be. Unless O’Neal gets healthy, the Suns just opened the door for the rest of the Western Conference to overtake them.
Congress still wants answers. Congressional interest in regulating sports remained higher than their desire to work on actual legislation. The impending meeting on the NFL’s handling of the “Spygate” tapes between commissioner Roger Goodell and Senator Arlen Specter, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, didn't happen but may take place this coming week. Why they are meeting? I’m not sure. I wish Congress would actually do its job, rather than worry about petty problems in pro-sports. Does anyone really care about Spygate after the Pats lost the Super Bowl?
Also, Roger Clemens schmoozed political leaders after he underwent a taped deposition on Tuesday (Feb. 5) with congressional lawyers. A PR move most likely, but it could pay off this coming Wednesday as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will question Clemens about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Again I ask, since when did Congress care about the integrity baseball?
Finally..After a gray winter Seattle fans got some good news. With the Sonics playing as expected and the annual demise of the Seahawks in the playoffs, Northwest fans needed a little lift. They got it on Friday (Feb. 8), as the Mariners trade for pitcher Erik Bedard was finalized. Bedard escaped a rebuilding mess in Baltimore, who receive Seattle’s top outfield prospect Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and three minor league pitching prospects. I’ll have more analysis on the Bedard trade in the coming days as I countdown to spring. But some positive news for a sports town that desperately needed a jolt.
The General quits. Coaching legend Bob Knight, synonymous with winning, hastily left Texas Tech adding another chapter to a tumultuous career. Knight’s legacy is a mixed bag of good, bad and ugly. Knight leaves the game with 902 career wins, more than any major-college men’s basketball coach and three national championships with Indiana in 1976, 1981 and 1987. Unfortunately, Knight will be remembered more for his antics than his successes. It’s fitting that Knight finishes his career in a football state trying to build an irrelevant basketball program. In the end, there were too many empty seats at Tech home games, which ultimately pushed Knight into the night.
NCAA Football held its annual draft…I mean, Signing Day 2008. Depending on which scouting outlet (ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com) you trust most, Miami and Alabama were the clear winners as both schools finished in the top 5 of every ranking. They were followed by Georgia, Florida and Notre Dame. I don’t follow Signing Day much, because I have no clue who most of the recruits are. But looking at recruiting rankings and some of the recaps one thing really stood out.
Teams in warm weather states, where football is king, fared much better than their snowy counterparts. Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan were the only consistent cold weather schools to appear in the top 10. There were almost as many SEC schools in the Rivals.com top 25 as there were snowy schools (seven vs. eight). This not only reflects a shift in U.S. demographics, but really shows that if you are the “professional sport” in town (Oxford, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Norman) it that matters. From this recruiting class, I’m expecting the Big Ten’s recent struggles to continue.
Phoenix essentially gives up. I think ESPN columnist J.A. Adande said it best, “trading Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaquille O'Neal might be a full-scale (albeit bizarre) attempt to grab a ring, but it also is an admission of failure for their way of basketball.” Looking at the Suns pay role due in next few seasons, you knew that the Marion, Amare and Nash core would change. But, this trade seems like a move of desperation. Marion was more valuable to Phoenix than Shaq ever will be. Unless O’Neal gets healthy, the Suns just opened the door for the rest of the Western Conference to overtake them.
Congress still wants answers. Congressional interest in regulating sports remained higher than their desire to work on actual legislation. The impending meeting on the NFL’s handling of the “Spygate” tapes between commissioner Roger Goodell and Senator Arlen Specter, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, didn't happen but may take place this coming week. Why they are meeting? I’m not sure. I wish Congress would actually do its job, rather than worry about petty problems in pro-sports. Does anyone really care about Spygate after the Pats lost the Super Bowl?
Also, Roger Clemens schmoozed political leaders after he underwent a taped deposition on Tuesday (Feb. 5) with congressional lawyers. A PR move most likely, but it could pay off this coming Wednesday as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will question Clemens about the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Again I ask, since when did Congress care about the integrity baseball?
Finally..After a gray winter Seattle fans got some good news. With the Sonics playing as expected and the annual demise of the Seahawks in the playoffs, Northwest fans needed a little lift. They got it on Friday (Feb. 8), as the Mariners trade for pitcher Erik Bedard was finalized. Bedard escaped a rebuilding mess in Baltimore, who receive Seattle’s top outfield prospect Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and three minor league pitching prospects. I’ll have more analysis on the Bedard trade in the coming days as I countdown to spring. But some positive news for a sports town that desperately needed a jolt.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A Super boycott
Entering Super Bowl XLII, I had words of E-Ticket's Chuck Klosterman etched in my mind. Klosterman wrote “If the Patriots win, they will just become this thing that scorched the earth for five months before capturing a trophy that was never in doubt… But if they lose -- especially if they lose late -- the New England Patriots will be the most memorable collection of individuals in the history of pro football.”
Well, like it or not, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Randy Moss achieved immortalization. Not for the perfect season, rather for the perfect ending.
Some say this Super Bowl was the “greatest ever.” MSNBC contributor Mike Celizic is one of those people. Although, Celizic qualifies this greatness to be the greatness of the game, who was playing, what was at stake and how the game ended.
However, I completely disagree with Mike. Truth be told, I held a mini-boycott of this Northeastern rematch.
I caught all the highlights and hours of analysis from ESPN’s talking-heads the day after. Maybe I gave up on a game I didn’t care about too soon, but after watching uninspired football for a quarter-and-half paying closer attention to pathetic advertisements, I called it night.
I awoke the next morning surprised to hear the Giants won, but I was not at all shocked by the outcome. My sentiments before kickoff, with the reemergence of “Spygate,” were the Patriots play angry and dominate. But being an observer of the game, I knew New York had a chance if they could pressure Brady. Unlike Dr. Z, who sought to settle an old score, I didn’t put myself out on a limb mostly because I didn’t care.
New England flashed their Achilles heel of facing consistent pressure starting with a trip to Baltimore in week 13. That weakness lingered and the Pats were probably fortunate in the AFC title bout to play a San Diego team with a M.A.S.H. unit on offense. The Giants front four dominated the game and with a little luck in the final minute, New York pulled off the historic upset.
The most agitating thing stemming from Super Bowl XLII is the media Manning love-fest continues. ESPN commentator Sean Salisbury called Eli the “heart and soul” of the Giants. Ridiculous! Eli was a deserving pick, but not the most deserving. Sure he scrambled away from three D-lineman, but he followed it up with a Favre-ian chuck and got lucky. No, the Super Bowl MVP should have gone to the real “heart and soul” of the Giants, Michael Strahan. Strahan’s three tackles and one sack don’t appear to be much on paper, but the attention he garnered allowed teammates like Justin Tuck to go wild.
One thing is certain; New York won their third Super Bowl without any wrapping paper.
Blogger’s Note: Many pseudo-financial analysts look to the Super Bowl as a market indicator. And to date, it’s been accurate more often than not boasting an 85 percent success rate. "The theory holds that when a team from the original National Football League wins the championship, stocks rise," explains Forbes writer John Dubosz. "When a team from the now-defunct American Football League wins, that's bearish." The Giants won, so there’s finally a positive sign for the economy.
Well, like it or not, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Randy Moss achieved immortalization. Not for the perfect season, rather for the perfect ending.
Some say this Super Bowl was the “greatest ever.” MSNBC contributor Mike Celizic is one of those people. Although, Celizic qualifies this greatness to be the greatness of the game, who was playing, what was at stake and how the game ended.
However, I completely disagree with Mike. Truth be told, I held a mini-boycott of this Northeastern rematch.
I caught all the highlights and hours of analysis from ESPN’s talking-heads the day after. Maybe I gave up on a game I didn’t care about too soon, but after watching uninspired football for a quarter-and-half paying closer attention to pathetic advertisements, I called it night.
I awoke the next morning surprised to hear the Giants won, but I was not at all shocked by the outcome. My sentiments before kickoff, with the reemergence of “Spygate,” were the Patriots play angry and dominate. But being an observer of the game, I knew New York had a chance if they could pressure Brady. Unlike Dr. Z, who sought to settle an old score, I didn’t put myself out on a limb mostly because I didn’t care.
New England flashed their Achilles heel of facing consistent pressure starting with a trip to Baltimore in week 13. That weakness lingered and the Pats were probably fortunate in the AFC title bout to play a San Diego team with a M.A.S.H. unit on offense. The Giants front four dominated the game and with a little luck in the final minute, New York pulled off the historic upset.
The most agitating thing stemming from Super Bowl XLII is the media Manning love-fest continues. ESPN commentator Sean Salisbury called Eli the “heart and soul” of the Giants. Ridiculous! Eli was a deserving pick, but not the most deserving. Sure he scrambled away from three D-lineman, but he followed it up with a Favre-ian chuck and got lucky. No, the Super Bowl MVP should have gone to the real “heart and soul” of the Giants, Michael Strahan. Strahan’s three tackles and one sack don’t appear to be much on paper, but the attention he garnered allowed teammates like Justin Tuck to go wild.
One thing is certain; New York won their third Super Bowl without any wrapping paper.
Blogger’s Note: Many pseudo-financial analysts look to the Super Bowl as a market indicator. And to date, it’s been accurate more often than not boasting an 85 percent success rate. "The theory holds that when a team from the original National Football League wins the championship, stocks rise," explains Forbes writer John Dubosz. "When a team from the now-defunct American Football League wins, that's bearish." The Giants won, so there’s finally a positive sign for the economy.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bon-a-fide contender
The NBA’s Western Conference is crowded with elite teams. Phoenix, Dallas and defending champion San Antonio are all challenging for the top spot in the conference with upstart New Orleans in the mix. There are 10 teams fighting for eight playoff spots, separate by six games or less.
On Friday, a traditional Western power inched closer toward elite status. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired former All-Star Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010.
Gasol offers the Lakers a crutch in the post while budding center Andrew Bynum recovers from a knee injury. The Spaniard is an underrated 20-10 forward that will help the Lakers immediately. While he may be a touch soft, Pau’s been incredibly consistent. The trade is a win-win for LA. They gained an All-Star and dumped the cantankerous Kwame Brown.
Some analysts are questioning if Gasol can withstand the pressure in LA. But who really cares if Gasol was 0-for-12 in the postseason with Memphis? He carried the Grizzlies to the postseason several times!
For Memphis, this trade essentially means the organization is waving the white flag. They’re already playing for a lottery pick and they just added a second first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The Griz can continue to develop their younger talent in Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley Jr. The most crucial outcome for Memphis in dumping Gasol is financial relief. With loads of cap room to work with, Memphis is bound to be a player in next summer’s free agent market.
The LA Lakers just secured their position as the fourth-best team in the Western Conference. Suddenly, they look a genuine threat entering the second-half of the season.
On Friday, a traditional Western power inched closer toward elite status. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired former All-Star Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010.
Gasol offers the Lakers a crutch in the post while budding center Andrew Bynum recovers from a knee injury. The Spaniard is an underrated 20-10 forward that will help the Lakers immediately. While he may be a touch soft, Pau’s been incredibly consistent. The trade is a win-win for LA. They gained an All-Star and dumped the cantankerous Kwame Brown.
Some analysts are questioning if Gasol can withstand the pressure in LA. But who really cares if Gasol was 0-for-12 in the postseason with Memphis? He carried the Grizzlies to the postseason several times!
For Memphis, this trade essentially means the organization is waving the white flag. They’re already playing for a lottery pick and they just added a second first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The Griz can continue to develop their younger talent in Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley Jr. The most crucial outcome for Memphis in dumping Gasol is financial relief. With loads of cap room to work with, Memphis is bound to be a player in next summer’s free agent market.
The LA Lakers just secured their position as the fourth-best team in the Western Conference. Suddenly, they look a genuine threat entering the second-half of the season.
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