From the Not-So-Monday Morning Quarterback:
*Hey Huddy, BOOOOOOOOOOO! See you in July. Hope that ankle heals. Welcome back.
*Hey Brian Wilson, turning down the Yanks for the facial hair--that may have just landed you a stool in the Get Down Lounge!
*Have the Raiders found their QB of the future? Maybe just maybe in Matt McGloin. In some sort of weird way, perhaps the worm has indeed turned for the Silver and Black? Remember McGloin had to endure all of the Penn State Scandal, then he fails to get drafted, then he is sent to Purgatory with the Raiders. Well, well, well, after all of that, what do you know: NFL Starter. NFL winner even. There might be quite a story there?
*Speaking of stories, Colin Kaepernick sure has had roller coaster 12 months. From comfortable second stringer, to impeccable starter, to one play away from Super Bowl Champion, to over the top celebrity, to Sophomore Slump. Reminds a little of the movie the "Natural." Remember, in the end, the old sports writer, William Duvall, tells Robert Redford, "either way kid you are going to make me one heck of a story." This may be the same for Kap. Also makes you wonder if the off-the-field issues affecting the Niners? (Kap, you shouldn't have tempted the football gods by wearing the fish hat!)
*It sure looked like the Pats got hosed on Monday. Oh well. Tuck, Tuck, Tuck. I thought the Niners got a raw deal as well. Why not just play two hand touch on the quarterbacks?
*You know, the W's may just be for real. Hey ladies, that Nor Cal man in your life probably wouldn't mind a pair of W's tickets for Christmas! Make a weekend in Napa and a game, and everybody wins!
*So while the teams with the big bucks are posturing, the A's sign Nick Punto. Ideally Punto will Johny Gomesesque.
*Cal getting bashed over graduation rates--come on people, give the kids a break. By the way Bear Backers, when Aaron Rodgers and the Bears were rolling, did anybody mention gradutation rates? How about when J Kidd and his boys made a little run in the NCAA tourney. I didn't think so! Winning in athletics is such a tough gig, it takes a lot of simultaneous events in the universe, not easily accomplished--just ask Cub fans! Enjoy the wins, and the losses, well, just BOO HOO HOO. (Like those poor Georgia fans, that loss to Auburn, man oh man, an absolute killer.)
*As some of you know, I coach men's community college basketball. Watch one of our games, and you will see just about everything. As Jim McKay might say (you remember ABC's Wide World of Sports don't you?), the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. Our first win of the season comes on a 20 foot bank with 2.0 seconds to go. We also made our first 20 free throws, then of course miss the next two late in the game, then grab the rebound. Of course then there is the break away layup to put us three, followed by two tips that we MISS! Then, up one with 12 seconds to go we foul. The opponent makes both and we are down 1. Ish, ish, and more ish.
*Former Raider Todd Christensen recently passed at a much too young age of 57. TC was a heck of tight end, and also quite the personality. To TC and his family, I raise my glass.
*The pictures from the Santa Cruz woman of her baby, and that adorable little cuddly puppy, just adorable. Hey what can I say, we all have a sensitive side!
A Work In Progress...With the Goal to Entertain!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
From Hot Stove to Hardwood
From The Get Down Lounge on a Friday Evening:
*The Hot Stove hasn't quite heated up, but it will shortly. Incidentally, for those of you who have a C Note burning a hole in your pocket, the A's are now listed in Vegas at 16 to 1 to win the World Series. The leader in the clubhouse, the Evil Empire, the Los Angeles Dodgers, at 7 to 1. The Gigantes come in at 18 to one.
*In the last 15 years the MLB team with the most World Series Appearances--the St. Louis Cardinals. The team with the most titles during that time frame, the Red Sox. I have a feeling we are going to continue to see lots of red in the upcoming mlb post seasons. With the balanced scheduling, I would think Bud and his gang could figure out a way for the World Series foes to square off the following season?
*Who will be the first major free agent chip to fall? There has been a lot of chatter surrounding Carlos Beltran. Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, and Braves catcher Brian McCann, also receiving lots of attention. How about Bartolo you say? My money is on the Dodgers.
*Brian Wilson still sits atop my A's wish list. Bullpen arms, bullpen arms, and more bullpen arms. I hope Billy brings in guys with arms of pure gas! Javier Lopez would be another great addition, you know, just to spice the relathionship with the Black and Orange neighbors.
*How about the W's tonight losing for the 30th time in a row in San Antonio. That is hard to believe. The W's lose by two, with Steph Curry not playing due to a knee injury--could it be that maybe just maybe the W's are for real?
*My NBA Finals prediction, Pacers and Thunder. The NBA may be in the midst of a changing of the guard--although I don't think King LeBron will go down quietly!
*Holy Toledo did the Raiders get roasted by the Eagles last Sunday in the O.Co. That game was UGLY.
Unless you are an Eagles fan of course! By the way, is it me, or is the NFL still primarily about Manning, Brady, Brees, and Rodgers? Add the Niners and Seahawks, and that is your NFL. I am not buying the Chiefs by the way. They are good, but they are not THAT good!
*All of that hazing talk in the NFL, just creepy isn't it?
*Here in Cen Cal, fans of Frenso State are starting to envision some serious Bowl Busting. Dogs could run the table--and Red Wavers do love to travel! I would contend Bulldog fan base #2 in California in college sports. I would rank the Trojans at number 1.
*Keep your hands off, this apparently is what college basketball officials will be calling this season. However the pride of Grass Valley Ca., Shasta's college's own Doc Kele Fitzhugh says, this just simply means calling the game as the rules are written. Doc, to you I raise my glass this evening!
*The Hot Stove hasn't quite heated up, but it will shortly. Incidentally, for those of you who have a C Note burning a hole in your pocket, the A's are now listed in Vegas at 16 to 1 to win the World Series. The leader in the clubhouse, the Evil Empire, the Los Angeles Dodgers, at 7 to 1. The Gigantes come in at 18 to one.
*In the last 15 years the MLB team with the most World Series Appearances--the St. Louis Cardinals. The team with the most titles during that time frame, the Red Sox. I have a feeling we are going to continue to see lots of red in the upcoming mlb post seasons. With the balanced scheduling, I would think Bud and his gang could figure out a way for the World Series foes to square off the following season?
*Who will be the first major free agent chip to fall? There has been a lot of chatter surrounding Carlos Beltran. Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, and Braves catcher Brian McCann, also receiving lots of attention. How about Bartolo you say? My money is on the Dodgers.
*Brian Wilson still sits atop my A's wish list. Bullpen arms, bullpen arms, and more bullpen arms. I hope Billy brings in guys with arms of pure gas! Javier Lopez would be another great addition, you know, just to spice the relathionship with the Black and Orange neighbors.
*How about the W's tonight losing for the 30th time in a row in San Antonio. That is hard to believe. The W's lose by two, with Steph Curry not playing due to a knee injury--could it be that maybe just maybe the W's are for real?
*My NBA Finals prediction, Pacers and Thunder. The NBA may be in the midst of a changing of the guard--although I don't think King LeBron will go down quietly!
*Holy Toledo did the Raiders get roasted by the Eagles last Sunday in the O.Co. That game was UGLY.
Unless you are an Eagles fan of course! By the way, is it me, or is the NFL still primarily about Manning, Brady, Brees, and Rodgers? Add the Niners and Seahawks, and that is your NFL. I am not buying the Chiefs by the way. They are good, but they are not THAT good!
*All of that hazing talk in the NFL, just creepy isn't it?
*Here in Cen Cal, fans of Frenso State are starting to envision some serious Bowl Busting. Dogs could run the table--and Red Wavers do love to travel! I would contend Bulldog fan base #2 in California in college sports. I would rank the Trojans at number 1.
*Keep your hands off, this apparently is what college basketball officials will be calling this season. However the pride of Grass Valley Ca., Shasta's college's own Doc Kele Fitzhugh says, this just simply means calling the game as the rules are written. Doc, to you I raise my glass this evening!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
To the Sox, $50 Milllion, and Bum!
From the Get Down Lounge:
*Congratulations to the Red Sox and their uptight and entertaining fan base. If anyone deserved a celebration it was you Boston! Live Strong People! The Red Sox won the strongest division in the MLB from wire to wire, then systematically disposed of the Tigers and the Cardinals. Well done Red Sox, well done.
*In case you were wondering, the highest payrolls in baseball according to Deadspin.com:
1. Yankees $228 Million;
2. Dodgers, $216 Million;
3. Philadelphia $159 Million;
4. Boston, $158 Million;
5. Detroit, $149 Million;
T6. San Fransisco and the Angels, $146 Million;
11. St. Louis, $116 Million;
26. Oakland, $68 Million;
27. Pittsburgh $66 Million;
28. Tampa $57 Million;
*So the way I see it, for the A's to make the World Series, they need to spend another cool $50 Million. Maybe I should upgrade my season Ticket Package huh?
*Speaking of spending dough, the Sawks did a tremendous job last off season. I thought the signing of Napoli was brilliant--his absence sorely hurt the Rangers. Drew looked completely healed in Boston--he was not moving that will in Oakland in 2012--again, a great pickup by their management team. Then there was the Vicortino signing, which gave Boston a great 2, 3, 4 combination. Of course there was my father's favorite player, and Northern California's own Johnny Gomes. The guy understands what team is all about! Those were all highly productive moves, however when you add the signing of all signings, Koji Uehara, man you are on to something. The Red Sox Front office was nails! Did I mention acquiring Jake Peavy at the deadline? Wow. Throw in an MVP season by lead off hitter and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, and voila, you have your World Series Champions. The return of the old John Lackey (an A's killer by the way) was the frosting on the cake.
*Following the Money, Hardball Talk has a list of 2014 Free Agents, and here are the top names:
1. Robinson Cano, second base;
2. Elsbury;
3. Masahiro Tanaka, Japanese professional pitcher;
4. Shin-Soo Choo, outfielder, and permanent member of the Get Down Lounge;
5. Matt Garza, pitcher; I am a little surprised he is this high--I have a feeling the Rangers are surprised too!
6. Ervin Santana, pitcher. Like Lackey, this guy has been an A's killer over the years.
7. Ulbaldo Jimenez, pitcher. For me, this hurler also ranked a little high.
8. Brian McCann, catcher. He has LA or New York written all over him. He would be higher on my list.
9. The Curtis "The Grandy Man" Granderson, outfielder;
10. Carlos Beltran, outfielder. Man Giants fans, a Pagan, Beltran, Pence outfield? Could have been.
19. Big Bart--I believe his time is done in Oakland. Thanks for the memories Big Guy, it was a good run!
21. Jason Vargas, pitcher. My sleeper A's acquisition. The guy has also been an A's killer over the years!
23. Brian Wilson, relief pitcher; dude would look good in Green and Gold spikes!
27. Johny Peralta, shortstop Tigers. Did I mention the A's needed to spend some $50 million to reach the series. Throw some cash Peralta's way!
28. Grant Balfour, reliever; No one has specifically said so, but Balfour's rage in the playoff game at Detroit, may have signaled his end to a nice little run in OTown.
51. Kevin Youkalis, corner infielder; Mr. Moneyball.
53. Michael Morse, outfielder/DH. Guy can crush lefties, would be a good platoon guy in the O.Co.
55. Javier Lopez, left-handed reliever; another guy to throw some of that $50 mill to!
If you need a baseball fix, that should get you started!
*How about the Rascal Raiders huh? Many, many prognosticators had them as the worst team in the NFL--and now look at those eye patches. With a win over the Eagles Sunday, they would be 4-4. In a wide open AFC, the would in the hunt for a wild card spot! All of a sudden the Boy Wonder Dennis Allen earning some love from Raider Nation. The Silver and Black's receiving corps simply not up to NFL standards, and their offensive line has been a revolving door due to injuries, yet they are hanging around. Had Pryor not been concussed in Denver, I say they would have beaten Washington. The Raiders a pretty amazing story. The reasons are simple: defense and disclipine. They no longer beat themselves, and bringing back Charles Woodson was part of a grand plan. The other main reason of course is T. Pryor. The guy is simply exciting to watch. Raiders fans haven't been this fired up since Bo knew football. I am telling you, on more stud lineman on each side of the ball, and a play making receiver, and the Silver and Black may well be back!
*A couple of weeks ago good old Bum Phillips passed. Those of you around 45 or so man remember that brief time when the Oilers were the darlings of the NFL. Early Campbell and Bum Phillips seemed liked two guys who just wanted to put their work hat on, and not worry about the glitz and glamour--in other words, they were the Kings of the Common Class. Sing it with me, because I know you remember the song: "Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers Number one. We've go the offense, we've got the defense....." great tune, great time. My eyes are tearing up thinking of Billy White Shoes Johnson, and all of those white pom poms. It was a great run. If they could have just gotten by that rotten Steel Curtain!
*Speaking of the South, if you like college football, it's the Canes and Noles today getting it on!
*So to Bum, Earl, and of course Johnny Gomes, I raise my Smithwick's to you gentlemen!
*Congratulations to the Red Sox and their uptight and entertaining fan base. If anyone deserved a celebration it was you Boston! Live Strong People! The Red Sox won the strongest division in the MLB from wire to wire, then systematically disposed of the Tigers and the Cardinals. Well done Red Sox, well done.
*In case you were wondering, the highest payrolls in baseball according to Deadspin.com:
1. Yankees $228 Million;
2. Dodgers, $216 Million;
3. Philadelphia $159 Million;
4. Boston, $158 Million;
5. Detroit, $149 Million;
T6. San Fransisco and the Angels, $146 Million;
11. St. Louis, $116 Million;
26. Oakland, $68 Million;
27. Pittsburgh $66 Million;
28. Tampa $57 Million;
*So the way I see it, for the A's to make the World Series, they need to spend another cool $50 Million. Maybe I should upgrade my season Ticket Package huh?
*Speaking of spending dough, the Sawks did a tremendous job last off season. I thought the signing of Napoli was brilliant--his absence sorely hurt the Rangers. Drew looked completely healed in Boston--he was not moving that will in Oakland in 2012--again, a great pickup by their management team. Then there was the Vicortino signing, which gave Boston a great 2, 3, 4 combination. Of course there was my father's favorite player, and Northern California's own Johnny Gomes. The guy understands what team is all about! Those were all highly productive moves, however when you add the signing of all signings, Koji Uehara, man you are on to something. The Red Sox Front office was nails! Did I mention acquiring Jake Peavy at the deadline? Wow. Throw in an MVP season by lead off hitter and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, and voila, you have your World Series Champions. The return of the old John Lackey (an A's killer by the way) was the frosting on the cake.
*Following the Money, Hardball Talk has a list of 2014 Free Agents, and here are the top names:
1. Robinson Cano, second base;
2. Elsbury;
3. Masahiro Tanaka, Japanese professional pitcher;
4. Shin-Soo Choo, outfielder, and permanent member of the Get Down Lounge;
5. Matt Garza, pitcher; I am a little surprised he is this high--I have a feeling the Rangers are surprised too!
6. Ervin Santana, pitcher. Like Lackey, this guy has been an A's killer over the years.
7. Ulbaldo Jimenez, pitcher. For me, this hurler also ranked a little high.
8. Brian McCann, catcher. He has LA or New York written all over him. He would be higher on my list.
9. The Curtis "The Grandy Man" Granderson, outfielder;
10. Carlos Beltran, outfielder. Man Giants fans, a Pagan, Beltran, Pence outfield? Could have been.
19. Big Bart--I believe his time is done in Oakland. Thanks for the memories Big Guy, it was a good run!
21. Jason Vargas, pitcher. My sleeper A's acquisition. The guy has also been an A's killer over the years!
23. Brian Wilson, relief pitcher; dude would look good in Green and Gold spikes!
27. Johny Peralta, shortstop Tigers. Did I mention the A's needed to spend some $50 million to reach the series. Throw some cash Peralta's way!
28. Grant Balfour, reliever; No one has specifically said so, but Balfour's rage in the playoff game at Detroit, may have signaled his end to a nice little run in OTown.
51. Kevin Youkalis, corner infielder; Mr. Moneyball.
53. Michael Morse, outfielder/DH. Guy can crush lefties, would be a good platoon guy in the O.Co.
55. Javier Lopez, left-handed reliever; another guy to throw some of that $50 mill to!
If you need a baseball fix, that should get you started!
*How about the Rascal Raiders huh? Many, many prognosticators had them as the worst team in the NFL--and now look at those eye patches. With a win over the Eagles Sunday, they would be 4-4. In a wide open AFC, the would in the hunt for a wild card spot! All of a sudden the Boy Wonder Dennis Allen earning some love from Raider Nation. The Silver and Black's receiving corps simply not up to NFL standards, and their offensive line has been a revolving door due to injuries, yet they are hanging around. Had Pryor not been concussed in Denver, I say they would have beaten Washington. The Raiders a pretty amazing story. The reasons are simple: defense and disclipine. They no longer beat themselves, and bringing back Charles Woodson was part of a grand plan. The other main reason of course is T. Pryor. The guy is simply exciting to watch. Raiders fans haven't been this fired up since Bo knew football. I am telling you, on more stud lineman on each side of the ball, and a play making receiver, and the Silver and Black may well be back!
*A couple of weeks ago good old Bum Phillips passed. Those of you around 45 or so man remember that brief time when the Oilers were the darlings of the NFL. Early Campbell and Bum Phillips seemed liked two guys who just wanted to put their work hat on, and not worry about the glitz and glamour--in other words, they were the Kings of the Common Class. Sing it with me, because I know you remember the song: "Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers, Houston Oilers Number one. We've go the offense, we've got the defense....." great tune, great time. My eyes are tearing up thinking of Billy White Shoes Johnson, and all of those white pom poms. It was a great run. If they could have just gotten by that rotten Steel Curtain!
*Speaking of the South, if you like college football, it's the Canes and Noles today getting it on!
*So to Bum, Earl, and of course Johnny Gomes, I raise my Smithwick's to you gentlemen!
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