It has been way too long since I posted to cover everything that has happened so I will just cover a few things.
-I was way way way wrong about the magic and Denver. I thought Denver would lose in the first round, and the Magic in the second, and the only reason I picked them to win in the first round is just because I don't think the 76ers were good either. So I will admit I was wrong, but in saying that, it just goes to show how important match ups are, especially in basketball. I do think the Lakers will still win, but most likely in 7, and I actually think the Cavs have a chance to win, I think they will win game 5, game 6 on the road is the question mark, if they win that game, they will win the series in 7. I just don't know if they can win that game right now
-The Pens finished their sweep last night to get back to the finals. The Wings can close out Chicago at home tonight, and they need to. I feel if they win tonight, they will win the title in 5, and if the lose tonight they will lose the title in 6. Both teams are playing well right now, and I think there is no question these are the two best teams.
-Very sad to hear about Mike Tyson's 4 year old daughter, that is just terrible. Mike has gone though a lot, and there are so many different ways you can remember him as, but when this happens to anyone it is sad.
-The Tigers have been playing well this year, but their bullpen is still a big question mark and still worries me
-I am also looking forward to the championship league final today, I will cheer for man u, but as long as it is a good game, that's fine with me. I am not a big follower of soccer anymore, but I played it for years, and still love the game, and I miss it very much.
- For some people the French open going on right now is something worth following, I am not one of those people
-I also don't care about the indy 500, and I am glad it's over, and I didn't see one lap
- I care much more about the NCAA lacrosse national championship, as the cuse went back to back in wining 10-9 in OT. They came back from 9-6 with under 5 to play. Lacrosse is such a great game, speaking of games I miss playing, I played from 6th grade until my jr year of college, and it is without a doubt the best sport in the world. It combines parts of many different sports, and it is so much fun to play, and watch. It was a very entertaining game, and both teams played well. You have to feel for the players and coaches of Cornell, but their smart, so they will find a way to regroup.
There is a lot of other things going on that I could talk about, but I will keep this short, and also try not to wait so long in between post. Lots of things going on, with baseball, and the NBA and NHL playoffs. I'm right, you're wrong.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Camp Darryl AAU Update
I do all this talk about pro and college sports, but I also coach AAU basketball and follow it, so why not also put it here, since this is my blog. Here is what I wrote about the camp Darryl/bankhoops.com classic on chippewacountry.com. The cmu rivals site.
This weekend over 70 teams were in the worst city in the world for the Camp Darryl/bankhoops classic. Darryl Matthews the fonder of Camp Darryl and Steve Bell from Bankhopps do a great job in putting this event together and making it a 1st class event for players, coaches, media, and D2/D3 coaches. (d1 coaches are in a dead period right now, as far as events) In the U17 age group the West Michigan Lakers won for the second week in a row. They are just fun to watch. They play great team basketball, and not one guy has to be the star.. very rare to see in AAU, they are a joy to watch play right now. In the U16 division Legion won a title behind one of the best players in 2011 Patrick Lucas-Perry, the 5'9 speedy PG from Class B state champs Flint Powers. Now, a little more about some of the players who played well many of whom are as BA would say "cmu intrest"
In no order: 2010 guys
Cole Darling- 6'7 Holt, Roadrunners- continues to play well. They got waxed by the Lakers in the semi's but he played well this weekend. He is long, and can step out and shoot the 3. Can also post. He handles the ball well for his size.
Chris Anderson 6'5 Reefs Puffer, Storm- Showed how strong he is with posting up, and scoring at will down low. He is a great athlete, and though he does need work on his shot, his ability to post guards up, makes him very nice to have on your team. The Storm got upset by Darryl by 1 in the semi's mainly because they didn't play hard to start the game, and got in a big hole, and then they went away from posting up. They had a big advantage down low, with first Voss, more on him in a sec, and then Anderson posting smaller guards from Darryl and they went away from it, and their guards shot too many 3s.
Colin Voss- 6'7 EGR, Storm- To say that me and Colin have a bromance going at this point would not be too far off. I just love watching, except when he steps out and goes 0-4 from 3 in the second half of their semi loss, when no one can stop him down low. He is a beast, he is all over the glass, and if he catches in the paint, it is either a bucket, a foul, or both. He is also a good ft shooter. He does have 3 range, but that isn't his game, it is nice every so often, but he should not shoot 4 or 5 a game, especially when no one can stop him down low. Part of this is also their PGs need to get him the ball. He does need to stay on his feet on defense, he jumps a little too much, on pump fakes, but he is a great player, and words can not express how happy I would be if he came here.
Jeff Hoskins-6'0 K Loy-Norrix, Camp Darryl-Quick combo garud who can push the ball, handle well, and get to the basket, as well as lite it up. He is a bit of a streaky shooter, but when he is on, like vs the Storm in the semi's, watch out, he put on a show. In the finals vs WM Lakers he was hardly noticeable. Very good player though, small, but strong, would have to play pg in college, IMO.
Jake Plite- 6'7 Sparta, WM Lakers- Just solid, went to cmu's camp last year, and told me he is planing on coming back again this summer. Long and just playes well. He doesn't really do anything that wows you, he just is a good basketball player.
Austin Simple- 6'6 Zeeland West, WM Lakers- Just like Plite in the fact that he just plays hard. Is long and strong, and plays taller then he is. Again, doesn't really wow you, just a solid basketball player.
Shane Tiemeyer- 6'10 Zeeland West, WM Lakers- I do have a special place in my heart for Shane since I had him at cmu's post camp back when he was a incoming freshmen, and already about 6'6. Well now he's a JR and 6'10, and though he is limited offensively, that can be worked on. He isn't really strong, but he is not weak, and he plays hard. He plays good defense and rebounds well and sets good screens. he is a team player, and not a guy you will have to worry about with off the court problems, or being a problem in the lockeroom wanting more touches or playing time. Still a d2 player IMO, but who knows. Someone is going to take a chance on him.
Nate Vanarendonk- 6'10 Grand Heaven, Storm- Big man, with nice feet, who moves very well for a guy his size. He can step out and stay in front of smaller guys. Has a nice touch, and is a good rebounder. Needs to work on keeping the ball high when he catches and not bringing it down. But I have not yet meet a 16 or 17 year old post player who doesn't need some work. Getting a good deal of Big 12 type looks.
In no order: 2011
Patrick Lucas-Perry- 5'9 Flint Powers, Legion- Lets keep this short, stud, fast, can shoot, get to the basket, he is a leader on and off the court, talks to him teammates, just a job to watch.
Dan Chilcote-6'7 Jackson Lumen Christi, Legion- A big man with a nice touch, can step out with ease. Plays hard and rebounds well, needs to get a little stronger to add some post moves and bang down low, but considering his coach of the team Legion is 6'10 ex NBA player Tim McCormick, who does a great job with this team, I am sure he will be fine.
Jorddan Myrick- 5'10 West Ottawa, Storm- This is how good PLP is, Jorddan is a very good pg in the class of 2011, top 10 for sure, maybe close to the top 5, and Lucas-Perry made he look bad. In saying that, he is a very good pg, and I do like him a lot, he was also at cmu's camp last summer, he is quick and good with the ball, and a good shooter. One thing he needs to work on is being a leader. The Storm's U16 team has a lot of talent and they lost to Triple Threat in the Quarters, this is after getting to the finals last weekend. They have lots of guys who can shoot and score, for them to be as good as they can be, Jorddan needs to be that leader, get yours when needed, but run the show and distribute, make your teammates better.
Ryan Majerle- 6'3 Rockford, Storm- I basically saw the same things from Ryan this weekend as I always do. He can handle, he can shoot, he can post, he rebounds, just a good young player.
Dwuan Anderson- 6'3 Sutton's Bay, Perrell 45- I got to see way too much of him as he basically single handily eliminated my team that I coach. Everything we tried didn't work. He can shoot, he can post, he can get up, plays hard, rebounds, handles. He is a flat out stud, in the U16 division he looks like a man playing with boys. CMU has a lot of intrest in him, so you will hear a lot more about him in the next few years.
Quickly a few 2012 kids:
Justin Klein- 5'11 Rockford, Storm- If he didn't get hurt during the semi final game the Storm U15 would have been in the finals, I think. He is a very good pg. His problem is between the ears, watch what happens with him the next few years, if he matures, he will be a very good player.
Jared Klein- 6'0 Plainwell, ACB Gold U16- Plays up as a freshmen on their U16 team and does a great job. We played them last weekend in Holland and he killed us. Good shooter, as is his teammate Kody Chandler, and runs the point well. May be one of the best pg in his class, if not the best right now.
Kellen McCormick- 6'5 ND Prep, Legion U16, Plays up with the Legion U16 team coached by his dad. Has a very nice touch, good shooting big man. No question he is going to get taller. He is someone to watch in the next few years.
The state has so many talented players right now, John Simmons continues to play well, as does local Beal City kid Stone Beckwith, both for the Storm's U 15 team.
Quickly Team Detroit made it to the semi's this weekend in their tournament in IU against a national field. big Corey continues to play well, from what Trey told me, Trey also played very well and he is starting to get some of the national attention he deserves.
I'm right, you're wrong
This weekend over 70 teams were in the worst city in the world for the Camp Darryl/bankhoops classic. Darryl Matthews the fonder of Camp Darryl and Steve Bell from Bankhopps do a great job in putting this event together and making it a 1st class event for players, coaches, media, and D2/D3 coaches. (d1 coaches are in a dead period right now, as far as events) In the U17 age group the West Michigan Lakers won for the second week in a row. They are just fun to watch. They play great team basketball, and not one guy has to be the star.. very rare to see in AAU, they are a joy to watch play right now. In the U16 division Legion won a title behind one of the best players in 2011 Patrick Lucas-Perry, the 5'9 speedy PG from Class B state champs Flint Powers. Now, a little more about some of the players who played well many of whom are as BA would say "cmu intrest"
In no order: 2010 guys
Cole Darling- 6'7 Holt, Roadrunners- continues to play well. They got waxed by the Lakers in the semi's but he played well this weekend. He is long, and can step out and shoot the 3. Can also post. He handles the ball well for his size.
Chris Anderson 6'5 Reefs Puffer, Storm- Showed how strong he is with posting up, and scoring at will down low. He is a great athlete, and though he does need work on his shot, his ability to post guards up, makes him very nice to have on your team. The Storm got upset by Darryl by 1 in the semi's mainly because they didn't play hard to start the game, and got in a big hole, and then they went away from posting up. They had a big advantage down low, with first Voss, more on him in a sec, and then Anderson posting smaller guards from Darryl and they went away from it, and their guards shot too many 3s.
Colin Voss- 6'7 EGR, Storm- To say that me and Colin have a bromance going at this point would not be too far off. I just love watching, except when he steps out and goes 0-4 from 3 in the second half of their semi loss, when no one can stop him down low. He is a beast, he is all over the glass, and if he catches in the paint, it is either a bucket, a foul, or both. He is also a good ft shooter. He does have 3 range, but that isn't his game, it is nice every so often, but he should not shoot 4 or 5 a game, especially when no one can stop him down low. Part of this is also their PGs need to get him the ball. He does need to stay on his feet on defense, he jumps a little too much, on pump fakes, but he is a great player, and words can not express how happy I would be if he came here.
Jeff Hoskins-6'0 K Loy-Norrix, Camp Darryl-Quick combo garud who can push the ball, handle well, and get to the basket, as well as lite it up. He is a bit of a streaky shooter, but when he is on, like vs the Storm in the semi's, watch out, he put on a show. In the finals vs WM Lakers he was hardly noticeable. Very good player though, small, but strong, would have to play pg in college, IMO.
Jake Plite- 6'7 Sparta, WM Lakers- Just solid, went to cmu's camp last year, and told me he is planing on coming back again this summer. Long and just playes well. He doesn't really do anything that wows you, he just is a good basketball player.
Austin Simple- 6'6 Zeeland West, WM Lakers- Just like Plite in the fact that he just plays hard. Is long and strong, and plays taller then he is. Again, doesn't really wow you, just a solid basketball player.
Shane Tiemeyer- 6'10 Zeeland West, WM Lakers- I do have a special place in my heart for Shane since I had him at cmu's post camp back when he was a incoming freshmen, and already about 6'6. Well now he's a JR and 6'10, and though he is limited offensively, that can be worked on. He isn't really strong, but he is not weak, and he plays hard. He plays good defense and rebounds well and sets good screens. he is a team player, and not a guy you will have to worry about with off the court problems, or being a problem in the lockeroom wanting more touches or playing time. Still a d2 player IMO, but who knows. Someone is going to take a chance on him.
Nate Vanarendonk- 6'10 Grand Heaven, Storm- Big man, with nice feet, who moves very well for a guy his size. He can step out and stay in front of smaller guys. Has a nice touch, and is a good rebounder. Needs to work on keeping the ball high when he catches and not bringing it down. But I have not yet meet a 16 or 17 year old post player who doesn't need some work. Getting a good deal of Big 12 type looks.
In no order: 2011
Patrick Lucas-Perry- 5'9 Flint Powers, Legion- Lets keep this short, stud, fast, can shoot, get to the basket, he is a leader on and off the court, talks to him teammates, just a job to watch.
Dan Chilcote-6'7 Jackson Lumen Christi, Legion- A big man with a nice touch, can step out with ease. Plays hard and rebounds well, needs to get a little stronger to add some post moves and bang down low, but considering his coach of the team Legion is 6'10 ex NBA player Tim McCormick, who does a great job with this team, I am sure he will be fine.
Jorddan Myrick- 5'10 West Ottawa, Storm- This is how good PLP is, Jorddan is a very good pg in the class of 2011, top 10 for sure, maybe close to the top 5, and Lucas-Perry made he look bad. In saying that, he is a very good pg, and I do like him a lot, he was also at cmu's camp last summer, he is quick and good with the ball, and a good shooter. One thing he needs to work on is being a leader. The Storm's U16 team has a lot of talent and they lost to Triple Threat in the Quarters, this is after getting to the finals last weekend. They have lots of guys who can shoot and score, for them to be as good as they can be, Jorddan needs to be that leader, get yours when needed, but run the show and distribute, make your teammates better.
Ryan Majerle- 6'3 Rockford, Storm- I basically saw the same things from Ryan this weekend as I always do. He can handle, he can shoot, he can post, he rebounds, just a good young player.
Dwuan Anderson- 6'3 Sutton's Bay, Perrell 45- I got to see way too much of him as he basically single handily eliminated my team that I coach. Everything we tried didn't work. He can shoot, he can post, he can get up, plays hard, rebounds, handles. He is a flat out stud, in the U16 division he looks like a man playing with boys. CMU has a lot of intrest in him, so you will hear a lot more about him in the next few years.
Quickly a few 2012 kids:
Justin Klein- 5'11 Rockford, Storm- If he didn't get hurt during the semi final game the Storm U15 would have been in the finals, I think. He is a very good pg. His problem is between the ears, watch what happens with him the next few years, if he matures, he will be a very good player.
Jared Klein- 6'0 Plainwell, ACB Gold U16- Plays up as a freshmen on their U16 team and does a great job. We played them last weekend in Holland and he killed us. Good shooter, as is his teammate Kody Chandler, and runs the point well. May be one of the best pg in his class, if not the best right now.
Kellen McCormick- 6'5 ND Prep, Legion U16, Plays up with the Legion U16 team coached by his dad. Has a very nice touch, good shooting big man. No question he is going to get taller. He is someone to watch in the next few years.
The state has so many talented players right now, John Simmons continues to play well, as does local Beal City kid Stone Beckwith, both for the Storm's U 15 team.
Quickly Team Detroit made it to the semi's this weekend in their tournament in IU against a national field. big Corey continues to play well, from what Trey told me, Trey also played very well and he is starting to get some of the national attention he deserves.
I'm right, you're wrong
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Game 7s
I will be the first to admit I am not the biggest NHL fan by any means, in fact, I barley watch during the reg. season. But playoff hockey is just so much better, if you are a sports fan, you have to watch. The best part of the playoffs, is game 7, any hockey series that gets to game 7 is a must watch for all true sports fan. In the next two days, there are 3 of them to watch. One featuring the two best players in the league, one with a 6th seed in the east, trying to beat the one seed, after beating the 3 seed, last round, in game 7, and the other has the defending champs against a 8 seed, who has lots of talent, and enough guys from the team that won the cup in 07, that know how to get the job done. The thing about hockey is each goal means so much, so maybe there isn't a lot of scoring, but if it is tied or a one goal game late, there is so much emotion and energy in the area, and on the ice, it is hard not to get swept up in it. It is also the only sport where you can play really really well and lose 1-0. You just run in to a hot goalie and there is nothing you can do. It is just great to watch, and I am looking forward to all 3.
In the pens game tonight, I will cheer for them, basically because I have two friends mckay and drew, who are both pens fans, and I don't know anyone who likes the caps, so why no. I do think the Pens will win, it should be a great game, and I know the caps are at home, but I like the pens to win 4-2
In the Boston game, they come home, after facing elimination already once, but they have a injury to be worried about. There also is the fact that the Hurricanes already won one game 7 on the road in this years playoffs. I like the Hurricanes, they have one of those feels of a team that is just going to find a way to advance every round. I like them to win 2-1
In the wings game I will be cheering hard for the wings. Again, I will not pretend like I am a big red wings fan, because I am not. But I like them, and almost all of my friends do, so it is fun to cheer with them, and see everyone having a good time. Me and my buddy from high school Dan, also do shots over the phone for every red wings goal, so you got to love that. I think being at home, the wings will get the job done, and win the game 4-1, they are just the better team.
In other sports news, big bad bobby jenks was fined $750 for throwing behind I Kinsler. Yeah, that's right, 7 hundred and 50 bucks. The dude makes over 6,000 a pitch, as he is making over 5 million this year, and you fine him $750. If I was fined $750, I would get the message, I don't think he will mind too much. In fact, I am sure he laughed hard when he heard it.
It was also reported that USC BBall coach Tim Floyd paid 1,000 to one of OJ Mayo's handlers. Let me say this, and I don't want to sound like I am being too hard on USC, and coach Floyd, but if all he paid was 1,000 to OJ, that isn't a big deal to me at all. I would bet it took way more then that to get him to play there. There is reports he got close to 30,000 in benefits, so if Floyd only gave him a grand, sure the NCAA will have to do something, but I wouldn't throw the book at him. This gets in to a bigger problem, which would be the one and done rule. A lot of players need college, actually, almost all of them need college, since every player coming out of high school has things in their game to work on, but if a guy is going to be a lottery pick out of high school, or even a 1st rounder, then let him go. This is a free country, and we have no problem with a guy like Dirk or Parker coming over here, when they have been playing pro ball since they were like 15. So if a guy is only going to stay for one year, and then go pro, and everyone knows it, these are the things that will keep happening. Agents are more and more involved with where a kid goes, shoe companies are in players ears, and AAU coaches ears about which school to send a kid to. It is a joke. I think the rule should be change that if you want to go to the draft after high school, you can, but if you go to college you must stay at least three years. This way you have kids in college who want to be there. Not kids who basically only have to go to class for one semester, and are taking out free hand outs, and then going pro. OJ would have been a lottery pick out of high school, he was basically a pro already in high school, playing for like 7 high schools, USC was just his next stop on his pro basketball career, Something needs to be done. Because it is getting out of control. I'm right, you're wrong.
In the pens game tonight, I will cheer for them, basically because I have two friends mckay and drew, who are both pens fans, and I don't know anyone who likes the caps, so why no. I do think the Pens will win, it should be a great game, and I know the caps are at home, but I like the pens to win 4-2
In the Boston game, they come home, after facing elimination already once, but they have a injury to be worried about. There also is the fact that the Hurricanes already won one game 7 on the road in this years playoffs. I like the Hurricanes, they have one of those feels of a team that is just going to find a way to advance every round. I like them to win 2-1
In the wings game I will be cheering hard for the wings. Again, I will not pretend like I am a big red wings fan, because I am not. But I like them, and almost all of my friends do, so it is fun to cheer with them, and see everyone having a good time. Me and my buddy from high school Dan, also do shots over the phone for every red wings goal, so you got to love that. I think being at home, the wings will get the job done, and win the game 4-1, they are just the better team.
In other sports news, big bad bobby jenks was fined $750 for throwing behind I Kinsler. Yeah, that's right, 7 hundred and 50 bucks. The dude makes over 6,000 a pitch, as he is making over 5 million this year, and you fine him $750. If I was fined $750, I would get the message, I don't think he will mind too much. In fact, I am sure he laughed hard when he heard it.
It was also reported that USC BBall coach Tim Floyd paid 1,000 to one of OJ Mayo's handlers. Let me say this, and I don't want to sound like I am being too hard on USC, and coach Floyd, but if all he paid was 1,000 to OJ, that isn't a big deal to me at all. I would bet it took way more then that to get him to play there. There is reports he got close to 30,000 in benefits, so if Floyd only gave him a grand, sure the NCAA will have to do something, but I wouldn't throw the book at him. This gets in to a bigger problem, which would be the one and done rule. A lot of players need college, actually, almost all of them need college, since every player coming out of high school has things in their game to work on, but if a guy is going to be a lottery pick out of high school, or even a 1st rounder, then let him go. This is a free country, and we have no problem with a guy like Dirk or Parker coming over here, when they have been playing pro ball since they were like 15. So if a guy is only going to stay for one year, and then go pro, and everyone knows it, these are the things that will keep happening. Agents are more and more involved with where a kid goes, shoe companies are in players ears, and AAU coaches ears about which school to send a kid to. It is a joke. I think the rule should be change that if you want to go to the draft after high school, you can, but if you go to college you must stay at least three years. This way you have kids in college who want to be there. Not kids who basically only have to go to class for one semester, and are taking out free hand outs, and then going pro. OJ would have been a lottery pick out of high school, he was basically a pro already in high school, playing for like 7 high schools, USC was just his next stop on his pro basketball career, Something needs to be done. Because it is getting out of control. I'm right, you're wrong.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Coach Daly
I just wanted to quick say how sad it is about Coach Daly and his passing away on Saturday. He is one of the greats. And with Scotty Bowmen and Izzo he is in the top 3 of coaches all time in the state of Michigan IMO. He did a great job with the bad boys, wining the two titles, and did a underrated job with the Dream Team in 92. Since even they were the best and most talented team ever, but there was a lot of egos there and he did a great job with them. The most talented team doesn't always win. But they had no problem. Coach Daly will be missed. RIP coach. I'm right, you're wrong
Pumps me up hit hard with Injury bug
Note: This is the first post of I don't know how many, that will be about my fantasy baseball team, written as it is real life, and really important, because if you can't be good at video games and fantasy sports, then what can you be good at?
First is was Big Z and Vlad, then the entire left side of the infield as both Hanley and Aramis Ramirez missed almost an entire week. Then D Lee has missed a few games and has a MRI scheduled, and just when Aramis was starting to be back and play better, he is now out for 6-8 weeks. And though Vlad still has a few weeks left before he comes back to, Pumpsmeup manager Steve Schwanda has tried to stay positive, despite his teams 31-36-3 record.
"Injuries are part of the game." said Schwanda, "you hate to see it happen, but hopefully we are getting them all out of the way in May and June, and by July we will be back to 100% and playing our best baseball" Schwanda added, "as long as we get in to the playoffs, I am confident in my team."
A team that last year made it all the way to the finals of the league, and got Schwanda some much needed money. "getting back to the finals is our goal, we are in this to win it." Schwanda responded when asked what are the team goals for this year. "we are not doing well right now, but we will continue to battle and do what we need to do to stay competitive."
One thing that has been done is the adding of Hank Blalock and Scott Rolen to the roster. "Hank steeped up big with two homers last night, hopefully he can keep that going, we need both of them to be ready to go everyday if needed." Schwanda then added "as long as Hanley stays healthy now and plays like he can, and Ryan Howard has another year like last year, we still should be fine. We have enough talent in our lineup still to keep it going even with Aramis and Vlad out."
As for pitching, so far that has been kept together by Zack Greinke. "our pitching staff is something that just needs to keep the ERA down, and we hope we score enough runs to be fine. Zack has pitched very well, as well as some of our other young arms, and I hope that continues."
With it only being May 11, there is still plenty of time, and Manager Schwanda knows not to panic. "there is lots of time, we are not going to blow up the team, we will be fine. We have lost a lot of close games, and this is no time to panic."
I'm right, you're wrong
First is was Big Z and Vlad, then the entire left side of the infield as both Hanley and Aramis Ramirez missed almost an entire week. Then D Lee has missed a few games and has a MRI scheduled, and just when Aramis was starting to be back and play better, he is now out for 6-8 weeks. And though Vlad still has a few weeks left before he comes back to, Pumpsmeup manager Steve Schwanda has tried to stay positive, despite his teams 31-36-3 record.
"Injuries are part of the game." said Schwanda, "you hate to see it happen, but hopefully we are getting them all out of the way in May and June, and by July we will be back to 100% and playing our best baseball" Schwanda added, "as long as we get in to the playoffs, I am confident in my team."
A team that last year made it all the way to the finals of the league, and got Schwanda some much needed money. "getting back to the finals is our goal, we are in this to win it." Schwanda responded when asked what are the team goals for this year. "we are not doing well right now, but we will continue to battle and do what we need to do to stay competitive."
One thing that has been done is the adding of Hank Blalock and Scott Rolen to the roster. "Hank steeped up big with two homers last night, hopefully he can keep that going, we need both of them to be ready to go everyday if needed." Schwanda then added "as long as Hanley stays healthy now and plays like he can, and Ryan Howard has another year like last year, we still should be fine. We have enough talent in our lineup still to keep it going even with Aramis and Vlad out."
As for pitching, so far that has been kept together by Zack Greinke. "our pitching staff is something that just needs to keep the ERA down, and we hope we score enough runs to be fine. Zack has pitched very well, as well as some of our other young arms, and I hope that continues."
With it only being May 11, there is still plenty of time, and Manager Schwanda knows not to panic. "there is lots of time, we are not going to blow up the team, we will be fine. We have lost a lot of close games, and this is no time to panic."
I'm right, you're wrong
Thursday, May 7, 2009
I feel bad for... May 7th 2009 edition
In the second installment of I feel bad for who do I start with.. um
I feel bad for Packer fans who have to hear another year of Farve comeback talks. And this time if he does it will be with the Viks, just retire, and go away.
I feel bad for the red wings players, staff and true fans. I was cheering for them the other night, but I will not pretend to be a die hard fan. They got screwed, no question. Now tonight is a must win, no question about it. If you have review, but you can't review anything once the ref blows his whistle, then don't blow your whistle unless you are sure. If you don't know where the punk is, let it go, and wait, because if it was covered up, and then knocked out, you can review it and take away a goal, but if you blow it while the punk is still lose, and a team scores, you can't do anything about it.
I feel bad for the fans in NY who the other night left the game, because they told it was called off, and then when it was played, they were not let back in, that sucks
I feel bad for any Magic fan who got their hopes up after wining game one. You saw the real Magic, and real Celtics last night. The Magic will win one game in Orlando, and lose the series in 6
I feel bad for Ron Artest, yes Ron Artest, there is no way he should have been ejected last night, that was terrible. The way the NBA is refed almost makes it unwatchable. I can't watch a entire game anymore, I will flip back and forth to check scores, but I can't watch the entire thing, it just makes me too upset. Things that were not called back in the late 80's early 90's are now fouls, and calls that then were just good hard fouls, not giving up easy baskets, are not ejections and suspensions. Why did this happen. The game was great, and the NBA is trying their best to ruin basketball for me. Good thing I have college and high school to fall back on. Even AAU is much better to watch then the NBA. I know you want to make it doesn't get out of control, but this is ridiculous.
I feel bad for my wife who has to be alone this weekend as I am away in Holland for a AAU tournament. I want our kids to do well, but I also would like to not be gone all of mother's day. But I am definitely going to coach to win
I really can't think of many right now, I just wanted to do a quick post, and keep this a weekly thing. I may have to start writing things down as they happen, and then I will have more. I'm right, you're wrong
I feel bad for Packer fans who have to hear another year of Farve comeback talks. And this time if he does it will be with the Viks, just retire, and go away.
I feel bad for the red wings players, staff and true fans. I was cheering for them the other night, but I will not pretend to be a die hard fan. They got screwed, no question. Now tonight is a must win, no question about it. If you have review, but you can't review anything once the ref blows his whistle, then don't blow your whistle unless you are sure. If you don't know where the punk is, let it go, and wait, because if it was covered up, and then knocked out, you can review it and take away a goal, but if you blow it while the punk is still lose, and a team scores, you can't do anything about it.
I feel bad for the fans in NY who the other night left the game, because they told it was called off, and then when it was played, they were not let back in, that sucks
I feel bad for any Magic fan who got their hopes up after wining game one. You saw the real Magic, and real Celtics last night. The Magic will win one game in Orlando, and lose the series in 6
I feel bad for Ron Artest, yes Ron Artest, there is no way he should have been ejected last night, that was terrible. The way the NBA is refed almost makes it unwatchable. I can't watch a entire game anymore, I will flip back and forth to check scores, but I can't watch the entire thing, it just makes me too upset. Things that were not called back in the late 80's early 90's are now fouls, and calls that then were just good hard fouls, not giving up easy baskets, are not ejections and suspensions. Why did this happen. The game was great, and the NBA is trying their best to ruin basketball for me. Good thing I have college and high school to fall back on. Even AAU is much better to watch then the NBA. I know you want to make it doesn't get out of control, but this is ridiculous.
I feel bad for my wife who has to be alone this weekend as I am away in Holland for a AAU tournament. I want our kids to do well, but I also would like to not be gone all of mother's day. But I am definitely going to coach to win
I really can't think of many right now, I just wanted to do a quick post, and keep this a weekly thing. I may have to start writing things down as they happen, and then I will have more. I'm right, you're wrong
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
NBA 2nd round picks
Well I didn't do good at all in my first NBA playoff picks, so lets try again. I should have done this yesterday, or late Sunday, but oh well.
East:
Cavs-Hawks- The Hawks play well enough at home to get a win, maybe even two, so lets go with that. Cavs in 6
Celtics-Magic- I am still not sold on the Magic, even after last night, they let a big lead almost get away, and had to hold on. Boston wins game two, they spilt in Orlando, and the Celtics win in 6
Cavs-Celtics- The Celtics have shown a lot in this playoffs with how they are playing without KG, and Powe, but their run ends here. They are tired, and the Cavs are just better. Cavs win in 5
West:
Lakers-Rockets- I didn't see last night coming, but the Lakers again, will win game 2 and spilt in Huston, and win this series in 6
Denver-Mavs- The Nuggets look great, and I was way wrong about them. I give the Mavs game 3, and that's it. Denver in 5
Lakers-Denver- Denver might just have enough to make this a good series, but the Lakers will win, I will go 6 games.
Cavs-Lakers- the NBA still gets what they want, and I will still give it to the Lakers, I will say in 6.
I'm right, you're wrong.
East:
Cavs-Hawks- The Hawks play well enough at home to get a win, maybe even two, so lets go with that. Cavs in 6
Celtics-Magic- I am still not sold on the Magic, even after last night, they let a big lead almost get away, and had to hold on. Boston wins game two, they spilt in Orlando, and the Celtics win in 6
Cavs-Celtics- The Celtics have shown a lot in this playoffs with how they are playing without KG, and Powe, but their run ends here. They are tired, and the Cavs are just better. Cavs win in 5
West:
Lakers-Rockets- I didn't see last night coming, but the Lakers again, will win game 2 and spilt in Huston, and win this series in 6
Denver-Mavs- The Nuggets look great, and I was way wrong about them. I give the Mavs game 3, and that's it. Denver in 5
Lakers-Denver- Denver might just have enough to make this a good series, but the Lakers will win, I will go 6 games.
Cavs-Lakers- the NBA still gets what they want, and I will still give it to the Lakers, I will say in 6.
I'm right, you're wrong.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bulls-Celtics
In the world we live in today with 24hr sports talk radio, and 24hr sports stations, and the Internet with every looser, I mean smart guy with a take, having a blog, everyone gets caught up in the moment of where what we are watching ranks. Is this the best player, is this the biggest upset, is this the best comeback, is this the best series? All I have to say about that is, who cares, stop talking about it, and enjoy it. I am not a fan of either the Celtics or the Bulls, in fact, they are in the bottom 5 of team in the NBA. But as a basketball fan I am loving watching this series and would watch these two teams play games like the 6 they have just played everyday for the rest of my life. It has been great. Last night was another example. A 3 OT classic, big shot after big shot, players stepping up, guys you would not expect playing great. It had everything, and it now comes down to what it should come down to. A game 7, loser goes home, winner takes all... or winner goes to the second round. That is the biggest problem with this series. It is in the 1st round, and even though 4 of the 6 games have gone to OT, and there has been 7 OT periods combined, more then any team has played in any playoff SEASON, let alone series, at the end of the day, it is still the first round. No one really believes either one of these teams are going to do anything about this. Maybe they beat the Magic, but then the Cavs will win anyway. So after a few years, or maybe even by June, during the NBA finals no one will remember this series or think about it as one of the all time greats. As far as every game, besides game 3, being close, and exciting to watch, this is right up there, but there has been more talent in a series, and more bad blood and definitely more on the line. So don't worry about ranking it, as one of the all time great series, just enjoy it, and try to remember it, because even though it is a first round series it has been great. I am looking forward to game 7 tomorrow, I think it will be another close one, and it is really true neither team deserves to lose this series, but one of them has to, and I hope it's the Celtics. Because I picked the Bulls to win the series in 6 in my playoff predictions
I was very wrong about NO and the blazers, and would like to say I'm sorry to Denver and Houston. Good job, they both looked good. Denver looked really good, the Rockets are just going to get beat by the Lakers in 5 now anyway, but still they finally one a 1st round series, all it took was for T-mac not to play.
I am also kind of looking forward to the Derby tomorrow, I am trying to get in to it. I am rooting for Hold me back. I love that name, should be a great sports Saturday tomorrow. I'm right, you're wrong.
I was very wrong about NO and the blazers, and would like to say I'm sorry to Denver and Houston. Good job, they both looked good. Denver looked really good, the Rockets are just going to get beat by the Lakers in 5 now anyway, but still they finally one a 1st round series, all it took was for T-mac not to play.
I am also kind of looking forward to the Derby tomorrow, I am trying to get in to it. I am rooting for Hold me back. I love that name, should be a great sports Saturday tomorrow. I'm right, you're wrong.
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