Hi all, its Ash the resident Sports Gal (and I don't care if I steal Bill Simmons' wife's name, he's retired now), checking in with my first contribution to We Are the Hecklers! As it's been stated by my co-bloggers this is a blog is where we rant and rave about all things sports.
To sort of kick-start my blogging adventures here are some things you can look forward to in the coming weeks as well as my team interests:
Baseball:
- Die-hard Yankees fan since birth, and grateful to have witnessed four championships in 5 years! Those were the days....but I digress. I'm also looking forward to a helluva second half and a wild division race, should be one to remember. Aside from discussing the Yanks, I will look at the AL playoff race and which team(s) I think will make a run at their respective divisions and wild card.
Football:
- Probably my first love in all of sports - I proudly support the Miami Dolphins: the greatest football team ;-)
No bias there of course, but I'm looking forward to reading comments and such seeing as I'm in the middle of New York and New England our much hated rivals so bring it! With training camps opening all over the NFL I'm gettin' ready for some football. One of the major topics of discussion I would like to touch upon, and one that has bothered me for a while now, is how the season has been dragged out in recent years.
Hockey:
- Yes I am a Rangers fan, true blue...which is how I'd describe myself after every season, but hey, if and when they do win another cup it'll be as sweet as '94. I also must agree with Dave...Sidney Crosby is good, but not Gretzky great, and I actually think Ovechkin is a better pure scorer than Sid. There won't be too much to discuss about hockey in the coming weeks so I shall likely leave it our til end of August/September once preseason starts rolling around.
As my co-bloggers have said, no sport is left out in our blogs (again except maybe curling) but these are my three main areas of expertise so I'll be focusing more on them for the time being. Until next time, and please comment on anything we've said, or with any ideas of future blogs we'd be happy to hear them!
Ash
Tuesday, July 21, 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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Other Blogger
Hey all, welcome to We Are The Hecklers, Kyle here, one of the other contributors to this blog. Myself and other members of the blog hope you enjoy this joint venture we're putting forward, which I'm sure will veer to every sports topic short of curling. Why not, maybe we'll even throw curling in.
Here's an idea of some of the things I'll be blogging about over the next few weeks, with the qualifier that I am a Boston fan, so expect to read a good amount about the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots:
Soccer- Wait, the US beat Spain? But then blew a 3 goal lead to Brazil? Can this team be any more of an enigma if it tries? Only time will tell, but this soccer fan is looking forward to the World Cup even more now.
Baseball- A great end to the first half of the season for the Red Sox, but can they be even better with Jed Lowrie and Mike Lowell coming back from the DL and a reborn John Smoltz?
- I'll also take a look at what is shaping up to be a great race in the AL East between the Yankees, Sox, and Tampa Bay, and honestly handicap who I think will take it all in the division.
Football- Seriously who else is excited for football season? I cannot wait for training camp to finally get under way. Once we get a little closer I'll blog about what I see for the coming year.
Basketball- Ah my bread and butter basketball. This is the area that I'll be blogging most in once the season starts, expect a look soon at the off season moves of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and what I think it will do for their chances of a title in 2009-2010.
- I'll also spend some time looking at what trades I think were over-hyped by the media this off season and what moves that didn't get much press will end up helping teams the most.
So that's what's on my mind right now, I'll be filling the moderate role on the blog. And as my co-blogger Dave said, leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible!
Kyle
Here's an idea of some of the things I'll be blogging about over the next few weeks, with the qualifier that I am a Boston fan, so expect to read a good amount about the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots:
Soccer- Wait, the US beat Spain? But then blew a 3 goal lead to Brazil? Can this team be any more of an enigma if it tries? Only time will tell, but this soccer fan is looking forward to the World Cup even more now.
Baseball- A great end to the first half of the season for the Red Sox, but can they be even better with Jed Lowrie and Mike Lowell coming back from the DL and a reborn John Smoltz?
- I'll also take a look at what is shaping up to be a great race in the AL East between the Yankees, Sox, and Tampa Bay, and honestly handicap who I think will take it all in the division.
Football- Seriously who else is excited for football season? I cannot wait for training camp to finally get under way. Once we get a little closer I'll blog about what I see for the coming year.
Basketball- Ah my bread and butter basketball. This is the area that I'll be blogging most in once the season starts, expect a look soon at the off season moves of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and what I think it will do for their chances of a title in 2009-2010.
- I'll also spend some time looking at what trades I think were over-hyped by the media this off season and what moves that didn't get much press will end up helping teams the most.
So that's what's on my mind right now, I'll be filling the moderate role on the blog. And as my co-blogger Dave said, leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible!
Kyle
Away we go
Ah, we have entered the wonderful world of blogging. As the headline says, we say what we think. There is a lot of stuff going out there in the world, and there are sponsors, advertisers, and various people meant to bring you down, but when all is said and done, to each his own. Yes, selfish as it sounds, we are going to say what we feel like. The smallest stadiums in the NFL are approximately 63,000. That's a lot of people, and we're just some of those screaming idiots who care enough to write about it.
Down to business.
These are OUR thoughts and no one else can tell us what to say or think, and that is the beauty of it all. The first amendment allowed for things like these, but forget politics. This is a sports blog.
So, here's just some random things about me and then some thoughts passing through my head.
I love video games, mike and mike (and will frequently reference it), I have mlb.tv and watch games a lot. I actually watch the all star games. I watch a lot of sportscenter and put it down as my favorite tv show for my high school superlative.
Soccer:
- We lost that game against Brazil didn't we? All right, let's just remain apathetic about it until we blow it in the World Cup. No other opinions necessary.
Hockey:
-Marty Brodeur is the best goalie of all time. Yes, I'm a Devils fan, and I know no one who reads this is.
-I can't stand Sidney Crosby, and he's great and all but shut up. He's not Wayne Gretzky.
Basketball:
-I'm a Nets fan, but they suck so onto the Knicks...I sure do hope they get LeBron, but come on, he's not going to be the first billion dollar athlete. Tiger woods has that locked down.
Golf:
-Could not have cared LESS until Tiger Woods came along. Yeah, I'm a fan of his but I like the sport too.
-I honestly hope he beats Jack Nickalus' record and gets like 20 majors. He can do it, it's not like he's getting any younger but he's allowed to get older. It's golf. Oh yeah, a black president and a black golfer dominating the sport? What the hell happened?
Baseball:
- I am a Yankees fan but seriously, a lot of Yankee fans need to get over themselves. I'm sick of Yankee fans who expect to win. My favorite part of being a Yankees fan was watching Ian Kennedy, Joba and Hughes grow up. Sure it may not have worked out but it was fun.
- I am in a VERY small minority here but I think pitchers shouldn't hit. It is dumb. They can get injured.
Football:
- I love football so much. I'm a Jets fan, a huge Jets fan, but boy do I just love the sport in general. I like watching film, watching those "Edge Matchup" shows at 7 in the morning on Sundays. I don't go to many games, but this will be my main area of expertise.
- I can't wait.
No, don't expect the rest of the posts to be like this, it's just an introduction.
Oh yeah, one thing, I don't want to deal with emails, so if you have a response, want to tell me I'm stupid for being a Devils fan, hate me for being a Yankees fan, or remind me that I have rookie QB Mark Sanchez starting this season, well then comment, I'll try to answer everything as best I can assuming anyone actually replies.
Dave (the main administrator)
Down to business.
These are OUR thoughts and no one else can tell us what to say or think, and that is the beauty of it all. The first amendment allowed for things like these, but forget politics. This is a sports blog.
So, here's just some random things about me and then some thoughts passing through my head.
I love video games, mike and mike (and will frequently reference it), I have mlb.tv and watch games a lot. I actually watch the all star games. I watch a lot of sportscenter and put it down as my favorite tv show for my high school superlative.
Soccer:
- We lost that game against Brazil didn't we? All right, let's just remain apathetic about it until we blow it in the World Cup. No other opinions necessary.
Hockey:
-Marty Brodeur is the best goalie of all time. Yes, I'm a Devils fan, and I know no one who reads this is.
-I can't stand Sidney Crosby, and he's great and all but shut up. He's not Wayne Gretzky.
Basketball:
-I'm a Nets fan, but they suck so onto the Knicks...I sure do hope they get LeBron, but come on, he's not going to be the first billion dollar athlete. Tiger woods has that locked down.
Golf:
-Could not have cared LESS until Tiger Woods came along. Yeah, I'm a fan of his but I like the sport too.
-I honestly hope he beats Jack Nickalus' record and gets like 20 majors. He can do it, it's not like he's getting any younger but he's allowed to get older. It's golf. Oh yeah, a black president and a black golfer dominating the sport? What the hell happened?
Baseball:
- I am a Yankees fan but seriously, a lot of Yankee fans need to get over themselves. I'm sick of Yankee fans who expect to win. My favorite part of being a Yankees fan was watching Ian Kennedy, Joba and Hughes grow up. Sure it may not have worked out but it was fun.
- I am in a VERY small minority here but I think pitchers shouldn't hit. It is dumb. They can get injured.
Football:
- I love football so much. I'm a Jets fan, a huge Jets fan, but boy do I just love the sport in general. I like watching film, watching those "Edge Matchup" shows at 7 in the morning on Sundays. I don't go to many games, but this will be my main area of expertise.
- I can't wait.
No, don't expect the rest of the posts to be like this, it's just an introduction.
Oh yeah, one thing, I don't want to deal with emails, so if you have a response, want to tell me I'm stupid for being a Devils fan, hate me for being a Yankees fan, or remind me that I have rookie QB Mark Sanchez starting this season, well then comment, I'll try to answer everything as best I can assuming anyone actually replies.
Dave (the main administrator)
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