Hey kids, It's been so long. There hasn't been a post on this site since last November. Seriously...it's been about 5 months. This is pretty unacceptable. There are a few excuses I could give you. Sure, I have a second site that allows for much shorter posts that I've used pretty exclusively in the interim for everything from quick thoughts on sports to my daily NBA book it picks. There's the fact that I spend an inordinate amount of time on Twitter (@NDEddieMac if interested) that also lets me get most of my thoughts out. But really, Notre Dame football killed this blog last year. In fact, when I signed back onto this blog, there were still 2 drafts waiting for me that I could never get around to finishing. The coaching search was insanely tumultuous but eventually landed with the best available candidate. To be perfectly honest, at the time I was too angry to write coherently. I tried a few times, I don't think any of them came out particularly well.
My weekly College picks also fell by the wayside because trying to pick games meant thinking about games, which only made me angrier as the season went on. I do apologize to those who had participated all year. I doubt anybody was too broken up about their disappearance, but I used Notre Dame's losing and the end of the semester as an excuse to shut the thing down. So if you were one of those, I'm sorry. That was pretty hack, and there really is no excuse for it.
So why start back up now? Well, for starters, there is a whole lot of stuff that is relevant to my interests coming up. The Braves had their opening day this week. The Spurs are closing out the regular season and have clinched a spot in the playoffs (even though I don't see them lasting very long, which I'll talk about soon enough). Notre Dame has their Blue&Gold game in the next coming weeks. Even the NFL Draft is right around the corner. Of course, much like last semester's demise, Law finals are also right around the corner. Following that will be graduation and the Bar Exam. However, I think there should still be ample time to try and get back in the game. I'm not saying there is gonna be any actual schedule to these posts, because let's be serious, I'd just break it. But I wanted to bring this thing back to life because as of right now I want to write a post on: 1) Where the Spurs stand going into the playoffs, 2) The beginning of the Atlanta Braves season and super rookie Jason Heyward, 3) keeping an even keel while looking at info on Notre Dame's spring practices, how Coach Kelly is changing things, and how the team is looking next for year. This is one of the most exciting times in sports, so I will probably throw in some broad bullet point posts too, just because those are always fun. Hell, I may even get into my newfound following of soccer (I'm as surprised as you). So yeah, the site isn't dead, it's just out of it's protective custody holding for now. Have a good one kids, see you soon.
Showing posts with label Braves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Braves. Show all posts
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
MLB season prediction results and playoff predictions
Well, baseball has come and gone, the playoffs start today (in the interest of full disclosure, the 1st game will start before this post is finished, if you don't like it, deal kiddies. As some of you may recall, at the beginning of the year I made a series of predictions(seen here), so before I get to my playoff predictions, let's see how I did in the regular season.
AL West:
Predicted: Angels
Result: Angels
AL Central:
Predicted: Cleveland (Grady Sizemore is the new Chris Paul causing me to think a team will be good because of one player, altho he sucked hard, oops)
Result: Twins, after 163 games including a ridiculous one game playoff against the Tigers last night.
AL East:
Predicted: Yankees
Result: Yankees
AL WC:
Predicted: Boston
Result: Boston
Hey, 3 outta 4 aint bad.
How about the NL:
NL West:
Predicted: Dodgers
Result: Dodgers
NL Central:
Predicted: Cubs (why the hell did I pick the Cubs?!? Past Eddie is stupid)
Result: Cards
NL East
Predicted: Mets (oops)
Result:Phillies
Wild Card
Predicted: Braves (so close)
Result:Rockies
Ouch, ironically I nailed the AL much better than the NL, never would've expected that. With half of the teams right, well, I'm just not that good. So why not try for some double or nothing to predict the playoffs?
AL
Red Sox(95-67) vs Angels(97-65):
Prediction: Angels in 5.
These two have had some great series over the past few seasons. This year, I think the Angels have too much for the Red Sox to handle. Lackey and Weaver give the Angels a better 1-2 than Beckett-? that the Sox will try to answer with. Ortiz has had all kinds of problems this year, and even the once mighty bullpen has seen its share of problems this year. Add in the sappy storyline for the Angels, and there you've got your pick.
Yankees (103-59) vs Twins (87-76)
Prediction: Yankees in 4.
The Twins didn't know they were in the playoffs until last night, yet right after clinching the Central and a quick champagne shower, they had to get on a plane for the Bronx as the series begins tonight. Talent alone makes one think the Yanks will roll in this series. Combine the rest difference and the potential for an emotional let down in Minnesota, and things look great for the Yankees. The only thing that gives me pause in picking a sweep is Sabathia's past playoff pitching woes, and of course the hilarity that is A-Rod in October. Nothing says these trends continue, but I think the Twins are good enough to steal one.
NL:
Rockies(92-70) vs Phillies (93-69)
Prediction: Phillies in 5
I think this one is gonna take the full 5. The Rockies have been playing lights out ball the last few weeks, and if there is nothing we've learned from baseball in the past, it's that a team that gets hot at the right time is veryyyyy dangerous. HOWEVAH, Phili just has too much firepower. Whether it be on the mound with Lee and Hamels, or at the plate with Utley and Howard. The main fear for Phili fans is what this time last year was their biggest strength: The backend of their bullpen. Lidge is looking more like Post-Pujols-Stress-Disorder Lidge than World Series winning perfect record Lidge. Something's gotta give.
Cardinals (91-71) vs Dodgers (95-67)
Prediction: Cards in 4
It's a shame these 2 are meeting in the NLDS, as a 7 game series would've been a lot of fun. Unlike the Rockies who are coming into the playoffs hot, the Dodgers are coming in playing ugly ball. Not only that, but Manny hasn't really been Manny in the 2nd half. Meanwhile, on the other side you've got Albert Pujols, who is so clearly the best player in the game it's not even funny. Cards take this one behind good starting pitching and big #5.
So that gives us an ALCS of Angels and Yankees and an NLCS of Cards-Phils. Let's say craziness happens and I get these right, I'm thinking you end up with a St. Louis - New York world series. This would be a great series, both for fans getting to see arguably the 2 most historic franchises, and the networks getting one of their crown jewels. Should we get there, I'm giving this one to the Cards in 6. What do you all think, go as deep as you want prediction wise in the comments, and enjoy the postseason kids. If last night's play-in was any indication of what's to come, it's gonna be a hell of a ride.
AL West:
Predicted: Angels
Result: Angels
AL Central:
Predicted: Cleveland (Grady Sizemore is the new Chris Paul causing me to think a team will be good because of one player, altho he sucked hard, oops)
Result: Twins, after 163 games including a ridiculous one game playoff against the Tigers last night.
AL East:
Predicted: Yankees
Result: Yankees
AL WC:
Predicted: Boston
Result: Boston
Hey, 3 outta 4 aint bad.
How about the NL:
NL West:
Predicted: Dodgers
Result: Dodgers
NL Central:
Predicted: Cubs (why the hell did I pick the Cubs?!? Past Eddie is stupid)
Result: Cards
NL East
Predicted: Mets (oops)
Result:Phillies
Wild Card
Predicted: Braves (so close)
Result:Rockies
Ouch, ironically I nailed the AL much better than the NL, never would've expected that. With half of the teams right, well, I'm just not that good. So why not try for some double or nothing to predict the playoffs?
AL
Red Sox(95-67) vs Angels(97-65):
Prediction: Angels in 5.
These two have had some great series over the past few seasons. This year, I think the Angels have too much for the Red Sox to handle. Lackey and Weaver give the Angels a better 1-2 than Beckett-? that the Sox will try to answer with. Ortiz has had all kinds of problems this year, and even the once mighty bullpen has seen its share of problems this year. Add in the sappy storyline for the Angels, and there you've got your pick.
Yankees (103-59) vs Twins (87-76)
Prediction: Yankees in 4.
The Twins didn't know they were in the playoffs until last night, yet right after clinching the Central and a quick champagne shower, they had to get on a plane for the Bronx as the series begins tonight. Talent alone makes one think the Yanks will roll in this series. Combine the rest difference and the potential for an emotional let down in Minnesota, and things look great for the Yankees. The only thing that gives me pause in picking a sweep is Sabathia's past playoff pitching woes, and of course the hilarity that is A-Rod in October. Nothing says these trends continue, but I think the Twins are good enough to steal one.
NL:
Rockies(92-70) vs Phillies (93-69)
Prediction: Phillies in 5
I think this one is gonna take the full 5. The Rockies have been playing lights out ball the last few weeks, and if there is nothing we've learned from baseball in the past, it's that a team that gets hot at the right time is veryyyyy dangerous. HOWEVAH, Phili just has too much firepower. Whether it be on the mound with Lee and Hamels, or at the plate with Utley and Howard. The main fear for Phili fans is what this time last year was their biggest strength: The backend of their bullpen. Lidge is looking more like Post-Pujols-Stress-Disorder Lidge than World Series winning perfect record Lidge. Something's gotta give.
Cardinals (91-71) vs Dodgers (95-67)
Prediction: Cards in 4
It's a shame these 2 are meeting in the NLDS, as a 7 game series would've been a lot of fun. Unlike the Rockies who are coming into the playoffs hot, the Dodgers are coming in playing ugly ball. Not only that, but Manny hasn't really been Manny in the 2nd half. Meanwhile, on the other side you've got Albert Pujols, who is so clearly the best player in the game it's not even funny. Cards take this one behind good starting pitching and big #5.
So that gives us an ALCS of Angels and Yankees and an NLCS of Cards-Phils. Let's say craziness happens and I get these right, I'm thinking you end up with a St. Louis - New York world series. This would be a great series, both for fans getting to see arguably the 2 most historic franchises, and the networks getting one of their crown jewels. Should we get there, I'm giving this one to the Cards in 6. What do you all think, go as deep as you want prediction wise in the comments, and enjoy the postseason kids. If last night's play-in was any indication of what's to come, it's gonna be a hell of a ride.
Monday, April 6, 2009
MLB Opening Day
Baseball is back ladies and gentlemen. While my love of the game may have fallen below that of football and basketball at times in the last few years, baseball is still the game of my youth. Most of you that know me know that I grew up with the game, playing from age 5 through high school (switch hitting 3rd baseman with a penchant for being due up with 2 on and 2 out). I spent my summers growing up traveling around the country with my mom and eventually one of my younger sisters trying to hit every MLB ballpark. We still have about a quarter left to hit thanks to recent openings and out of the way destinations. As will become easily apparent throughout the season I'm a huge Atlanta Braves fan. I've caught a lot of flack for it since I grew up in Austin, most say I should have gone with the Stros or Rangers. But hey, I got more Braves games on tv thanks to the old TBS deal than Astros and Rangers combined, and they were my t-ball team, I thought we were the same team. Either way, theres no doubt that one of my favorite all time sports memories was Sid Bream rounding 3rd to beat the Pirates and forcing Barry Bonds down the dark path of steroid abuse since his arm was too weak to gun him down. Now that all of that is out of the way, let's get to some random predictions, shall we?
AL West:
This one is a no doubter in my mind, and has been for the last few years. Since Oakland has perfected their fire sale mentality, the Angels have had this sucker on lockdown. The Rangers will score tons of runs but give up almost double, and the Mariners, well theyve got Ichiro and King Felix, that's about it tho. Angels should take this running away.
AL Central:
This one should provide a good battle with most of the teams having a shot at the crown. I'm going with Cleveland this year. I think Grady Sizemore is going to really blow up this year and with Lee and Carmona they've got a solid rotation going. Minnesota doesn't have the firepower and the White Sox are too unpredictable and inconsistent, especially with Guillen at the helm.
AL East:
This one is always a battle, but now after last years surprise people are considering it a 3 team race. The Rays made a surprise run and have a fun young team that deserve better than the 45 people on average that will show up for regular season games. HOWEVAH, I don't see them making a similar run this year. I think ESPN will get their wish with Boston and NY fighting down to the wire for the crown w/ both still making it. I'm going to give the Yankees the nod for the division this year after adding Teixiera and Sabathia to an already absurd team but Boston wont be far behind, taking the Wild Card.
PLAYOFFS:
That being said, I think Boston is setup the best in the playoffs. With a stacked lineup, arguably the best closer in the game, and a starting rotation for the playoffs that will include Becket, DiceK, my man Smoltz, and throw in Wakefield's Knuckler...you've got a tough tough team. I'm thinking Boston over Cleveland in the ALCS
AWARDS:
MVP: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland
Like I said, I think this is the year that Grady really breaks through and reaches the upper eschelon's of the game. This kid can do it all and I expect to see him put it together this year.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle
There are a lot of possibilities for this award, Sabthia, Lee, Liriano in a comeback, but for some reason I'm thinking we will get a diamond in the rough situation with King Felix in Seattle. He's gonna be hungry this year and expect a 20 win year performance out of him. While he will do his part, it will come down whether or not he gets the help he needs around him.
ROTY: Elvis Andrus, Texas
This award is always a crapshoot since we are dealing with relative unknowns. Andrus is legit however as the Rangers see enough in the kid to force Michael Young, a 5 time all star and all star MVP mind you, to move positions.
Now we go back to the more civilized world of the NL where the game isn't tainted by the abhorrent designated hitter.
NL West:
I think we are going to get another 2 team race here this year between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. While Arizona has some great arms I think the Dodgers have too much power to be caught and see them winning the division fairly handily.
NL Central:
This division should be a fun one to watch this year. Most of the action will be between the Cubs and Cardinals again, but the Astros and Brewers could both put up a fight. This one is going to go down to the wire I think. While Pujols is always a threat, I think the Cubs have better pitching w/ Zambrano and Dempster and will sneak by in one of the closer division races.
NL East:
Finally we get to what I think will be the best battle of the year. This should be another 3 team race with 2 making the postseason. Between the World F****** Champs (© Chase Utley), the recently Choke happy Mets, and of course the Braves, this will go down to the wire. You've got several Cy and MVP candidates here in the East in what will make for several entertaining matchups. While I am pumped about the Braves and expect big things, I dont think they will get the division crown this year. HOWEVAH, I expect them to sneak in as the wild card team, right behind the Mets. Before you accuse me of being a homer (not unfairly) I think the Braves are going to have a fantastic starting rotation this year. If you didn't see last night's performance, Derek Lowe absolutely tore through the Phillies lineup, giving up only 2 hits and 0 runs in 8 innings. Javier Vazquez is a work horse and Jair Jurrjens is an ace in the making. Add in Kawakami, a Japanese import with fantastic control, Tim Hudson when he gets healthy, and Tommy Hanson soon enough, one of the best pitching prospects in the game, and you've got one of the best starting rotations in the league. While there isn't a sure fire power guy, the lineup is full of guys that can hit homeruns and should do enough to get wins. I think this year finally end the Mets choking habits as the Phils see a little bit of a slip from last year. Their pitching was lights out and you obviously count out a team w/ both Utley and J-Roll, but I think this will be a case of resting on their laurels. Meanwhile you've got names like Santana, Reyes, Beltran, and Wright that will carry the Mets all year.
PLAYOFFS:
While the Braves will make it back to the playoffs this year, I think it will come down to matchups. If they get LAD I think they lose, if they get the Cubs I think they win. I think it will come down to the Dodgers and Mets in the NLCS and go 7 games. Right now, I'm giving the Mets the nod because I think the K-Rod signing will end up being the most important of this years offseason.
AWARDS:
MVP: Albert Pujols
Again there are tons of guys that can put up big #s, Howard, Han Ram, and Beltran will all be up there, but I'm expecting a big year out of Big Al.
Cy Young: Roy Oswalt
Again, plenty of great pitchers in the league, so why give it to Roy-O? 2 words kids: contract year. Oswalt is ready to get paid and get out from under a team that has refused to give him run support for years. Expect Oswalt to rebound from a less than stellar WBC and add to the 0's at the end of his next deal.
ROTY: Jordan Schafer
Ok, this is me being flagrantly homerrific, but this kid is a stud. Yes he had a setback when he got popped for HGH a few years back. That aside, Jordan is a fantastic young player with tons of talent both on offense and defense. Not only that, but he became the 99th player to start his career with a Home Run in his 1st At Bat. Not a bad start for what I expect to be a productive year.
WORLD SERIES:
So I've got it down to the Sox and Mets in the World Series. While it pains me to predict a ring for a town that clearly doesn't need another right now, Buckner isn't at first and Mookie isn't coming to the plate any time soon. Boston is built for the postseason this year I think. Plus, the Mets do love to choke.
So there you go, there's one set of predictions from someone clearly unqualified to give them. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. Play Ball.
AL West:
This one is a no doubter in my mind, and has been for the last few years. Since Oakland has perfected their fire sale mentality, the Angels have had this sucker on lockdown. The Rangers will score tons of runs but give up almost double, and the Mariners, well theyve got Ichiro and King Felix, that's about it tho. Angels should take this running away.
AL Central:
This one should provide a good battle with most of the teams having a shot at the crown. I'm going with Cleveland this year. I think Grady Sizemore is going to really blow up this year and with Lee and Carmona they've got a solid rotation going. Minnesota doesn't have the firepower and the White Sox are too unpredictable and inconsistent, especially with Guillen at the helm.
AL East:
This one is always a battle, but now after last years surprise people are considering it a 3 team race. The Rays made a surprise run and have a fun young team that deserve better than the 45 people on average that will show up for regular season games. HOWEVAH, I don't see them making a similar run this year. I think ESPN will get their wish with Boston and NY fighting down to the wire for the crown w/ both still making it. I'm going to give the Yankees the nod for the division this year after adding Teixiera and Sabathia to an already absurd team but Boston wont be far behind, taking the Wild Card.
PLAYOFFS:
That being said, I think Boston is setup the best in the playoffs. With a stacked lineup, arguably the best closer in the game, and a starting rotation for the playoffs that will include Becket, DiceK, my man Smoltz, and throw in Wakefield's Knuckler...you've got a tough tough team. I'm thinking Boston over Cleveland in the ALCS
AWARDS:
MVP: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland
Like I said, I think this is the year that Grady really breaks through and reaches the upper eschelon's of the game. This kid can do it all and I expect to see him put it together this year.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle
There are a lot of possibilities for this award, Sabthia, Lee, Liriano in a comeback, but for some reason I'm thinking we will get a diamond in the rough situation with King Felix in Seattle. He's gonna be hungry this year and expect a 20 win year performance out of him. While he will do his part, it will come down whether or not he gets the help he needs around him.
ROTY: Elvis Andrus, Texas
This award is always a crapshoot since we are dealing with relative unknowns. Andrus is legit however as the Rangers see enough in the kid to force Michael Young, a 5 time all star and all star MVP mind you, to move positions.
Now we go back to the more civilized world of the NL where the game isn't tainted by the abhorrent designated hitter.
NL West:
I think we are going to get another 2 team race here this year between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. While Arizona has some great arms I think the Dodgers have too much power to be caught and see them winning the division fairly handily.
NL Central:
This division should be a fun one to watch this year. Most of the action will be between the Cubs and Cardinals again, but the Astros and Brewers could both put up a fight. This one is going to go down to the wire I think. While Pujols is always a threat, I think the Cubs have better pitching w/ Zambrano and Dempster and will sneak by in one of the closer division races.
NL East:
Finally we get to what I think will be the best battle of the year. This should be another 3 team race with 2 making the postseason. Between the World F****** Champs (© Chase Utley), the recently Choke happy Mets, and of course the Braves, this will go down to the wire. You've got several Cy and MVP candidates here in the East in what will make for several entertaining matchups. While I am pumped about the Braves and expect big things, I dont think they will get the division crown this year. HOWEVAH, I expect them to sneak in as the wild card team, right behind the Mets. Before you accuse me of being a homer (not unfairly) I think the Braves are going to have a fantastic starting rotation this year. If you didn't see last night's performance, Derek Lowe absolutely tore through the Phillies lineup, giving up only 2 hits and 0 runs in 8 innings. Javier Vazquez is a work horse and Jair Jurrjens is an ace in the making. Add in Kawakami, a Japanese import with fantastic control, Tim Hudson when he gets healthy, and Tommy Hanson soon enough, one of the best pitching prospects in the game, and you've got one of the best starting rotations in the league. While there isn't a sure fire power guy, the lineup is full of guys that can hit homeruns and should do enough to get wins. I think this year finally end the Mets choking habits as the Phils see a little bit of a slip from last year. Their pitching was lights out and you obviously count out a team w/ both Utley and J-Roll, but I think this will be a case of resting on their laurels. Meanwhile you've got names like Santana, Reyes, Beltran, and Wright that will carry the Mets all year.
PLAYOFFS:
While the Braves will make it back to the playoffs this year, I think it will come down to matchups. If they get LAD I think they lose, if they get the Cubs I think they win. I think it will come down to the Dodgers and Mets in the NLCS and go 7 games. Right now, I'm giving the Mets the nod because I think the K-Rod signing will end up being the most important of this years offseason.
AWARDS:
MVP: Albert Pujols
Again there are tons of guys that can put up big #s, Howard, Han Ram, and Beltran will all be up there, but I'm expecting a big year out of Big Al.
Cy Young: Roy Oswalt
Again, plenty of great pitchers in the league, so why give it to Roy-O? 2 words kids: contract year. Oswalt is ready to get paid and get out from under a team that has refused to give him run support for years. Expect Oswalt to rebound from a less than stellar WBC and add to the 0's at the end of his next deal.
ROTY: Jordan Schafer
Ok, this is me being flagrantly homerrific, but this kid is a stud. Yes he had a setback when he got popped for HGH a few years back. That aside, Jordan is a fantastic young player with tons of talent both on offense and defense. Not only that, but he became the 99th player to start his career with a Home Run in his 1st At Bat. Not a bad start for what I expect to be a productive year.
WORLD SERIES:
So I've got it down to the Sox and Mets in the World Series. While it pains me to predict a ring for a town that clearly doesn't need another right now, Buckner isn't at first and Mookie isn't coming to the plate any time soon. Boston is built for the postseason this year I think. Plus, the Mets do love to choke.
So there you go, there's one set of predictions from someone clearly unqualified to give them. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. Play Ball.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Why I care about steroids in baseball
There are a ton of posts that I want to write this week: Lauding the Spurs for their huge win over the Celtics, thoughts on the all-star game and my favorite niche competition the Slam Dunk Contest, sadly writing an obituary for the inevitable NIT berth of ND basketball, NBA trade rumor chicanery...just tons of options. Hopefully I will get to some of them. But right now the major story in sports is the realization that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for performance enhancing drugs and I can't get it out of my mind.
A little background is required here. While my mind is now far more concerned with NCAA Football and the NBA, I grew up loving baseball. I played the game from the age of 5 all through high school. Baseball was my first sports love. Maybe it's because the only game I was ever somewhat decent at, maybe it's because I looked forward to summer every year when I would be able to check off a few more ballparks on the quest my Mom and I had to visit all of them some day, it could just be because there are few things I enjoy more than just sitting in the stands on a nice day and taking in everything a baseball game has to offer. For some reason, growing up, I always saw baseball as pure. Maybe it was the history of the game. Maybe it was the meticulousness that everything from the field to pre game BP to everyone on the team, coaches included, being in the same uniform, was treated with. Many people rip baseball for being boring. Honestly I can understand why some people would think that. The game has a slower pace than the other major sports. I mean, ostensibly a single game could last for eternity. Much like James Caan at the end of Rollerball, 2 teams have to play until somebody wins, there are no ties in baseball (F you Bud Selig). At the same time, I can see the beauty in a 1-0 pitchers duel, a perfectly turned 6-4-3 double play, or the fact that for my money a well hit home run is still the prettiest thing in sports. Baseball, when I was growing up was beautiful because it was pure...
This is why I get angry everytime another player is outed as a steroid user. None of the players who have been outed were people I particularly cared about. As an Atlanta Braves fan, none of my favorites, so far, have fallen victim to this ever growing trend. I take that back, David Justice did, but it happened when he was a Yankee, and after he beat Halle Berry he lost most of my love cause come on....Halle Berry. One of the main names that has gone under, Barry Bonds, is in my top 10 of most hated individuals in sports (A list I plan on writing at some point, ranking them in a 1-10 order would be impossible tho). The fact that these players are risking their health doesn't really matter at all to me. It's their bodies, if they want to deal with backne and losing their manhood, that's their call. My issue goes to the purity.
I realize at this point there are a few arguments that could be used against me. 1) Shut up you whiny purist, it's just a game, why do you care? 2) It doesn't teach you how to hit a 12-6 curve that drops off the table. 3) Why not just let everybody do it? 4) Doesn't mean Congress should get involved.
These are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head that I've heard. So, let's look at a few of em. As for the 1st one...Some people who are baseball fans don't care. That's fine, if they can look past it, that's great. For me, I just cant. When I say I enjoy the purity of the game, I dont mean to say I'm a "purist" in the way the term has been defined. While I love and respect the history of the game and hate things like the DH rule and interleague ball, I also realize that things can evolve and made better. The Wild Card was a fantastic addition. While I'm not a huge sabremetric stat head, I can see the value in VORP, etc and if people get more enjoyment out of the game that way, more power to them. I'd love to see replay instituted in some fashion, at least for fair/foul because if you have the tech, why not use it? That isn't the debate I'm trying to enter. My issue is, while there will always be differences in skill between the players, I believe that the players should all be on an even playing field. Someone like ARod, who didn't start using until he went to Texas, was already one of the best players in the game. With that skill already, you dont need this unfair advantage.
2)This brings me to the next argument. Many writers and fans bring up the fact that an injection can't help you hit a curveball. In some ways that true. However, one of the main reasons players take these steroids is so they can recover quicker from a workout. These workouts arent just bench presses, this includes things like BP. Have you ever gone out and taken 150 swings? It wears on the body, now add a ton more, plus conditioning, over a period lasting from at the very least, spring training in early March to as late as early November these days for the World Series. More reps, just in BP, will make you better. Steroids can help you take more reps, so in a way, taking steroids CAN in fact help you hit a curveball. Now, aside from that argument...steroids easily help you get stronger. Those drugs could mean the difference in a 315 foot homerun and a leaping catch at the wall by an outfielder. They could make your line drive fast enough to just be out of the reach of an infielder. There is no doubt that this leads to an unfair advantage.
3) There are also some out there who throw up their hands and say f it, we all love homeruns, we want players who are bigger, faster, and stronger, let em all juice. I've got a few issues with this logic. 1st off, steroids are illegal. I dont just mean against the rules of the game, cause for a long time they werent. I mean they are literally a controlled substance and you could be arrested for them. So there is easy answer #1. 2nd, while some players may be willing to take the physical risks for the benefits, that doesn't mean that all of them are. By allowing it, in order to compete you almost require it. This has a trickle down effect that I think is the most dangerous part of all. Baseball teams are built through their farm systems, tons of these players being drafted out of high school. If we know that all MLBers are juicing, why wouldn't high school players do it too. In order to have a chance theyd damn near have to. I know that seems paranoid, and I'm not going to be one of those taking it all the way down to middle schoolers, but it is a genuine worry. A shot at the bigs could be the difference between 14 and 16 HRs, as an up and comer who had built his life around the game, I can see why steroids would be an enticing route.
4) I absolutely agreee. Congress tendency to get into sports issues the last few years is absolutely ridiculous to me. Do your freaking jobs, let the sports do what they need to do.
I'm not going to lie, 23/24 (that's weird to type) year old me doesn't care as much. MLB is 4th in my mind these days in terms of amount I care about sports. Part of the reason why is all of this steroid nonsense. The Home Run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire was one of the greatest spectacles in sport I had ever witnessed. Back then I tuned in for every single at bat for WEEKS between both of them. Sadly looking back I can't just accept it for what it was. It quit being about who was the better home run hitter and now just feels like who had the better supplier/stuff.
Like I said, I hate Bonds with a passion, and always have (Sid Bream owns you) yet he broke one of the most prolific records in sports that used to be held by one of my all time favs in Hank Aaron. A-Rod was the one hope that fans had of "taking the record back" from Bonds. Asterisk or not, Bonds still sits at #1 on the All time HR list. Alex is the only guy right now that statistically has a good shot at breaking it...but now he is just the same. I appreciated that he owned up to it. One reason I hate Barry as much as I do is because he has lied for so long, so many times about it. Look at guys like Giambi or Pettite who admitted to what they did, showed some remorse...people practically gave them a free pass. On the other hand a story came out today saying that Miguel Tejada was going to be charged for lying to Congress about his Steroid usage. (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3896877) Rodriguez will be fine, he is still young enough to have plenty of time left to keep playing at a high level. If we are to take him at his word, he has been clean since 03 and still been one of the top 2 players in the game. This post really doesn't have anything to do with Alex Rodriguez. This post is me trying to come to grips with the fact that the game of my youth, when I used to stay up as late as I could watching Braves games only to have my parents write the final score and put it on my door when I had to go to bed, has become nothing more than a guessing game of who's clean. The problem is the media can't get past it, the players can't get past it, so how can I?
Maybe I'm grossly overblowing the steroid thing, I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on the matter.
A little background is required here. While my mind is now far more concerned with NCAA Football and the NBA, I grew up loving baseball. I played the game from the age of 5 all through high school. Baseball was my first sports love. Maybe it's because the only game I was ever somewhat decent at, maybe it's because I looked forward to summer every year when I would be able to check off a few more ballparks on the quest my Mom and I had to visit all of them some day, it could just be because there are few things I enjoy more than just sitting in the stands on a nice day and taking in everything a baseball game has to offer. For some reason, growing up, I always saw baseball as pure. Maybe it was the history of the game. Maybe it was the meticulousness that everything from the field to pre game BP to everyone on the team, coaches included, being in the same uniform, was treated with. Many people rip baseball for being boring. Honestly I can understand why some people would think that. The game has a slower pace than the other major sports. I mean, ostensibly a single game could last for eternity. Much like James Caan at the end of Rollerball, 2 teams have to play until somebody wins, there are no ties in baseball (F you Bud Selig). At the same time, I can see the beauty in a 1-0 pitchers duel, a perfectly turned 6-4-3 double play, or the fact that for my money a well hit home run is still the prettiest thing in sports. Baseball, when I was growing up was beautiful because it was pure...
This is why I get angry everytime another player is outed as a steroid user. None of the players who have been outed were people I particularly cared about. As an Atlanta Braves fan, none of my favorites, so far, have fallen victim to this ever growing trend. I take that back, David Justice did, but it happened when he was a Yankee, and after he beat Halle Berry he lost most of my love cause come on....Halle Berry. One of the main names that has gone under, Barry Bonds, is in my top 10 of most hated individuals in sports (A list I plan on writing at some point, ranking them in a 1-10 order would be impossible tho). The fact that these players are risking their health doesn't really matter at all to me. It's their bodies, if they want to deal with backne and losing their manhood, that's their call. My issue goes to the purity.
I realize at this point there are a few arguments that could be used against me. 1) Shut up you whiny purist, it's just a game, why do you care? 2) It doesn't teach you how to hit a 12-6 curve that drops off the table. 3) Why not just let everybody do it? 4) Doesn't mean Congress should get involved.
These are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head that I've heard. So, let's look at a few of em. As for the 1st one...Some people who are baseball fans don't care. That's fine, if they can look past it, that's great. For me, I just cant. When I say I enjoy the purity of the game, I dont mean to say I'm a "purist" in the way the term has been defined. While I love and respect the history of the game and hate things like the DH rule and interleague ball, I also realize that things can evolve and made better. The Wild Card was a fantastic addition. While I'm not a huge sabremetric stat head, I can see the value in VORP, etc and if people get more enjoyment out of the game that way, more power to them. I'd love to see replay instituted in some fashion, at least for fair/foul because if you have the tech, why not use it? That isn't the debate I'm trying to enter. My issue is, while there will always be differences in skill between the players, I believe that the players should all be on an even playing field. Someone like ARod, who didn't start using until he went to Texas, was already one of the best players in the game. With that skill already, you dont need this unfair advantage.
2)This brings me to the next argument. Many writers and fans bring up the fact that an injection can't help you hit a curveball. In some ways that true. However, one of the main reasons players take these steroids is so they can recover quicker from a workout. These workouts arent just bench presses, this includes things like BP. Have you ever gone out and taken 150 swings? It wears on the body, now add a ton more, plus conditioning, over a period lasting from at the very least, spring training in early March to as late as early November these days for the World Series. More reps, just in BP, will make you better. Steroids can help you take more reps, so in a way, taking steroids CAN in fact help you hit a curveball. Now, aside from that argument...steroids easily help you get stronger. Those drugs could mean the difference in a 315 foot homerun and a leaping catch at the wall by an outfielder. They could make your line drive fast enough to just be out of the reach of an infielder. There is no doubt that this leads to an unfair advantage.
3) There are also some out there who throw up their hands and say f it, we all love homeruns, we want players who are bigger, faster, and stronger, let em all juice. I've got a few issues with this logic. 1st off, steroids are illegal. I dont just mean against the rules of the game, cause for a long time they werent. I mean they are literally a controlled substance and you could be arrested for them. So there is easy answer #1. 2nd, while some players may be willing to take the physical risks for the benefits, that doesn't mean that all of them are. By allowing it, in order to compete you almost require it. This has a trickle down effect that I think is the most dangerous part of all. Baseball teams are built through their farm systems, tons of these players being drafted out of high school. If we know that all MLBers are juicing, why wouldn't high school players do it too. In order to have a chance theyd damn near have to. I know that seems paranoid, and I'm not going to be one of those taking it all the way down to middle schoolers, but it is a genuine worry. A shot at the bigs could be the difference between 14 and 16 HRs, as an up and comer who had built his life around the game, I can see why steroids would be an enticing route.
4) I absolutely agreee. Congress tendency to get into sports issues the last few years is absolutely ridiculous to me. Do your freaking jobs, let the sports do what they need to do.
I'm not going to lie, 23/24 (that's weird to type) year old me doesn't care as much. MLB is 4th in my mind these days in terms of amount I care about sports. Part of the reason why is all of this steroid nonsense. The Home Run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire was one of the greatest spectacles in sport I had ever witnessed. Back then I tuned in for every single at bat for WEEKS between both of them. Sadly looking back I can't just accept it for what it was. It quit being about who was the better home run hitter and now just feels like who had the better supplier/stuff.
Like I said, I hate Bonds with a passion, and always have (Sid Bream owns you) yet he broke one of the most prolific records in sports that used to be held by one of my all time favs in Hank Aaron. A-Rod was the one hope that fans had of "taking the record back" from Bonds. Asterisk or not, Bonds still sits at #1 on the All time HR list. Alex is the only guy right now that statistically has a good shot at breaking it...but now he is just the same. I appreciated that he owned up to it. One reason I hate Barry as much as I do is because he has lied for so long, so many times about it. Look at guys like Giambi or Pettite who admitted to what they did, showed some remorse...people practically gave them a free pass. On the other hand a story came out today saying that Miguel Tejada was going to be charged for lying to Congress about his Steroid usage. (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3896877) Rodriguez will be fine, he is still young enough to have plenty of time left to keep playing at a high level. If we are to take him at his word, he has been clean since 03 and still been one of the top 2 players in the game. This post really doesn't have anything to do with Alex Rodriguez. This post is me trying to come to grips with the fact that the game of my youth, when I used to stay up as late as I could watching Braves games only to have my parents write the final score and put it on my door when I had to go to bed, has become nothing more than a guessing game of who's clean. The problem is the media can't get past it, the players can't get past it, so how can I?
Maybe I'm grossly overblowing the steroid thing, I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on the matter.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
AAAAAAAAAAAAAnd were back
Hey kids,
Long time no blog. Blew the other one up awhile ago, but I miss having somewhere for random sports thoughts nobody cares about, so here is where they will go. Some quick thoughts on random stuff that has happened lately:
~Damn I'm glad Kobe and LA lost
~Damn I cant believe Boston got another freaking title
~Congrats to KG, it's nice to see a player who genuinely seems to want to win.
~Shaq continues to make me not allowed to hate him, this time thanks to his rap against Kobe from some random bar in NYC, definitely worth looking up.
~Omaha and the College World Series is awesome, definitely worth going, and I definitely want to go back (and especially watch more ball)
~It's the end of June and Chipper Jones is hitting .393, he didnt drop under .400 until June 19, and he's 36 years old...that is stupid.
~I really wish the rest of the Braves would quit going on the DL
~Thanks John Smoltz for a hell of a career, you'll be missed.
~I really hope Manu doesn't play for Argentina in the Olympics
~I really can't wait for the Olympics, especially Basketball.
~3 bigs?? Really Colangelo and Coach K...you only want 3 bigs? You know they only get 5 fouls a game in the olympics right? You remember Tim getting whistled anytime he was near a foreigner 4 years ago right? Just making sure...
That's all I've got off the top of my head. NBA draft is Thursday, and you know I love drafts. Game 2 of the College World Series finals is about to start between Georgia and Fresno State. Yes FSU is one of the craziest underdog stories of all time, but f that noise, go Georgia.
If anyone actually reads this, awesome, thanks, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom, or don't. Let's see if this sticks around this time
Long time no blog. Blew the other one up awhile ago, but I miss having somewhere for random sports thoughts nobody cares about, so here is where they will go. Some quick thoughts on random stuff that has happened lately:
~Damn I'm glad Kobe and LA lost
~Damn I cant believe Boston got another freaking title
~Congrats to KG, it's nice to see a player who genuinely seems to want to win.
~Shaq continues to make me not allowed to hate him, this time thanks to his rap against Kobe from some random bar in NYC, definitely worth looking up.
~Omaha and the College World Series is awesome, definitely worth going, and I definitely want to go back (and especially watch more ball)
~It's the end of June and Chipper Jones is hitting .393, he didnt drop under .400 until June 19, and he's 36 years old...that is stupid.
~I really wish the rest of the Braves would quit going on the DL
~Thanks John Smoltz for a hell of a career, you'll be missed.
~I really hope Manu doesn't play for Argentina in the Olympics
~I really can't wait for the Olympics, especially Basketball.
~3 bigs?? Really Colangelo and Coach K...you only want 3 bigs? You know they only get 5 fouls a game in the olympics right? You remember Tim getting whistled anytime he was near a foreigner 4 years ago right? Just making sure...
That's all I've got off the top of my head. NBA draft is Thursday, and you know I love drafts. Game 2 of the College World Series finals is about to start between Georgia and Fresno State. Yes FSU is one of the craziest underdog stories of all time, but f that noise, go Georgia.
If anyone actually reads this, awesome, thanks, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom, or don't. Let's see if this sticks around this time
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