So this post took longer to get down than I anticipated.
While we were sleeping:
The Red Sox went from appearing to run away with the division to being down a game to the Empire.
Marc Anthony is a part owner of the Dolphins
Michael Vick is a free man.
This post is going to be relatively short.
The Phillies have won 10 straight, do they even NEED Halladay? Think of it this way, they have to be one of the top two contenders to win the NL - the other team is the Dodgers, but how well can their pitching hold up? The Phillies play very much like an AL team.
The Cubs can do this, I really believe they can play mediocre baseball and make it to the playoffs. If Soriano can manage to hit again, and Big Z can avoid a mental breakdown - they have a chance.
Here's to Tom Watson, he came in second in the British. I honestly keep forgetting who won and quite frankly I couldn't care less. It's great to see the old white guy do well, because what this does - in my opinion - is shows that golf can matter even without Tiger Woods or Mickelson. The sport will need a bit of that, proof that it can be exciting. Yes. Golf. Exciting. Deal with it.
Michael Vick is back...to society. Not yet football, but he will be soon. With it sounding like Goodell is going to bring Vick to playing status, he has yet to determine when this will happen. In my unprofessional opinion, the NFL is a talent based league, and if you don't have the skill to play - you aren't going to play. Athletes are a commodity. It is not a privilege to play in the NFL. It's earned, but not a privilege. If you were built like one of those guys, you should be able to play. If you are working on computers in a town in California, and you violate a law - you are not going to be barred from your job for it. Sure you'll go to jail for it, but you'll come back and be allowed to work again. (After reading that, I am actually not so sure I'm convinced with my own argument).
Regardless, Vick will find a home either in the NFL or in the UFL - which I hope he gets in the UFL. It is an upstart league and will do some things correctly that the NFL can follow. It's also a cheap alternative - especially considering the economy, availability and fun factor.
Two major rules the UFL has that the NFL does not? It will allow a college-style overtime and end zone celebrations.
I know Eric is still loving baseball season (he is a Philly guy)
I know Kyle couldn't care less because he's from Boston and is fine either way
I know John wants football back (and hockey for that matter)
And I'll be honest with ya, I'm NOT looking forward to Hockey season. But good lord I cannot wait for Football season to start.
Ashley will give her thoughts on the season soon.
- Dave
Showing posts with label Roy Halladay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roy Halladay. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Baseball's second half pt 1
All right, there are a few things that I have on my mind in regards to the second half of the baseball season which begins playing on Thursday the 16th:
- Doc Halladay
- The NL could be the most interesting league in recent years
- Why Manny is getting a lot of attention
- Owners are ridiculous
The Big Trade Wind
First off, the Doc Halladay story and the NL East could be a linked story. Look, Hallady already has 10 wins, and looks like he's ready for another ten. The day of the all star game, the Phillies are atop the NL East, and if they got Halladay, they would pretty much run away with the division. However, if you say a top flight starter is good for about 7-10 wins, an number two starter would get you 6-8 etc. you are adding a LOT of wins to the Phillies.
But here's the deal, the Mets are the other team to watch out for. Sure the Phillies finally got their coveted fourth starter in Pedro [note, I love how the link is still for the Mets. Sorry John] who is MILES above anyone else in that position. I wouldn't say that is another handful of wins, but it certainly prevents losses (if that makes any sense; but just ask Putz, he might be able to tell you). Regardless, the Mets actually assemble a Baseball team, they can surge. They too could fight for Roy, but given their financial situation and farm team depth, not likely. For the record, I believe the Mets will pull their usual late July push.
Oh yeah, forgot about Atlanta just like everyone else does every year. I don't have much to say about them.....they are very good.
In regards to the rest of the NL, let's put it this way: if the Phillies get Halladay, they are the team to beat. Halladay --> Hammels and then a very good veteran staff behind them with a potentially 'excited' Lidge closing out? Lidge seems to do far better in save situations, and on teams that are winning. Funny story, it's very similar to M. Rivera's troubles in non-save situations. It must be a closers mentality.
If the Mets were to land Halladay, they would leapfrog to first or second and stay there. After that, I've heard that St. Louis would be a great suitor for him should the money appear. Think about this: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay...(Halladay might pitch better in the NL, no one knows.) They would obliterate their way to a division title. Same thing goes with the Cubs who are bankrupt and unlikely to get Halladay. The Dodgers have been whispered among teams who are doing just fine without Halladay, but will whisper back.
Likely scenario at this point? Philadelphia or bust. Halladay is a committed guy, and hopefully aware that he can make the team a real threat to repeat.
Why Manny is getting a free pass...sort of...
After listening to more of Tim Kurkijan talk about Manny Ramirez, a horrible thought came over me: I know why Manny is getting a free pass. The press is certainly getting on him about what happened, but the fans came out in full force for him in the minor leagues. But why celebrate a cheat?
As a Jets fan, I remember the former commander once saying, "You play to win the game." Apparently the cost was his own dignity and 50 days off. Yet, the fan support is a proven sign of this. Yes, you play to win the game, but as fans we cheer for that jerk no one else except our own fan base likes. Want proof?
Some hate-links of great athletes:
LeBron James - Throwing this out there...he's pretty good.
Tiger Woods - If you think Tiger is bad for the game, ask me: why do you think golf is getting the attention from the casual fan?
He said that fans go to these games to cheer for their team. It's the bottom of the 9th, 2 on and 2 out. Down by 3 with the bases loaded and the dreadlocked Manny is coming to the plate. What do you do? You aren't turning off the TV, if anything - you call your friends and say "You have to see this." Television revenue right there, and fans are NOT heading to the gates at that time. You go to the game to see a win, it's entertainment. You paid a lot of money to see the game. In this economic climate, you take joy where you can get it. That's what it comes down to...dollar value entertainment.
"I was at the game where Alex Rodriguez hit the walk-off grand slam against the Indians two years ago!"
"Dude that's awesome. I hate A-Rod though"
"Yeah, me too, but I was at that game!"
That's why the Dodger fans will love him. Everyone else will hate him, but we all will watch.
- Doc Halladay
- The NL could be the most interesting league in recent years
- Why Manny is getting a lot of attention
- Owners are ridiculous
The Big Trade Wind
First off, the Doc Halladay story and the NL East could be a linked story. Look, Hallady already has 10 wins, and looks like he's ready for another ten. The day of the all star game, the Phillies are atop the NL East, and if they got Halladay, they would pretty much run away with the division. However, if you say a top flight starter is good for about 7-10 wins, an number two starter would get you 6-8 etc. you are adding a LOT of wins to the Phillies.
But here's the deal, the Mets are the other team to watch out for. Sure the Phillies finally got their coveted fourth starter in Pedro [note, I love how the link is still for the Mets. Sorry John] who is MILES above anyone else in that position. I wouldn't say that is another handful of wins, but it certainly prevents losses (if that makes any sense; but just ask Putz, he might be able to tell you). Regardless, the Mets actually assemble a Baseball team, they can surge. They too could fight for Roy, but given their financial situation and farm team depth, not likely. For the record, I believe the Mets will pull their usual late July push.
Oh yeah, forgot about Atlanta just like everyone else does every year. I don't have much to say about them.....they are very good.
In regards to the rest of the NL, let's put it this way: if the Phillies get Halladay, they are the team to beat. Halladay --> Hammels and then a very good veteran staff behind them with a potentially 'excited' Lidge closing out? Lidge seems to do far better in save situations, and on teams that are winning. Funny story, it's very similar to M. Rivera's troubles in non-save situations. It must be a closers mentality.
If the Mets were to land Halladay, they would leapfrog to first or second and stay there. After that, I've heard that St. Louis would be a great suitor for him should the money appear. Think about this: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay...(Halladay might pitch better in the NL, no one knows.) They would obliterate their way to a division title. Same thing goes with the Cubs who are bankrupt and unlikely to get Halladay. The Dodgers have been whispered among teams who are doing just fine without Halladay, but will whisper back.
Likely scenario at this point? Philadelphia or bust. Halladay is a committed guy, and hopefully aware that he can make the team a real threat to repeat.
Why Manny is getting a free pass...sort of...
After listening to more of Tim Kurkijan talk about Manny Ramirez, a horrible thought came over me: I know why Manny is getting a free pass. The press is certainly getting on him about what happened, but the fans came out in full force for him in the minor leagues. But why celebrate a cheat?
As a Jets fan, I remember the former commander once saying, "You play to win the game." Apparently the cost was his own dignity and 50 days off. Yet, the fan support is a proven sign of this. Yes, you play to win the game, but as fans we cheer for that jerk no one else except our own fan base likes. Want proof?
Some hate-links of great athletes:
LeBron James - Throwing this out there...he's pretty good.
Tiger Woods - If you think Tiger is bad for the game, ask me: why do you think golf is getting the attention from the casual fan?
He said that fans go to these games to cheer for their team. It's the bottom of the 9th, 2 on and 2 out. Down by 3 with the bases loaded and the dreadlocked Manny is coming to the plate. What do you do? You aren't turning off the TV, if anything - you call your friends and say "You have to see this." Television revenue right there, and fans are NOT heading to the gates at that time. You go to the game to see a win, it's entertainment. You paid a lot of money to see the game. In this economic climate, you take joy where you can get it. That's what it comes down to...dollar value entertainment.
"I was at the game where Alex Rodriguez hit the walk-off grand slam against the Indians two years ago!"
"Dude that's awesome. I hate A-Rod though"
"Yeah, me too, but I was at that game!"
That's why the Dodger fans will love him. Everyone else will hate him, but we all will watch.
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