Well Major League Baseball , it looks like you have run out of options. You are dying and there isn’t much left to be done. The doctors have left you for dead, the only question now is when to pull the plug? Dr. (Commissioner) Bud Selig has been monitoring your status for several years now, but he seems unable to stop the bleeding. But before we say goodbye to the sport that helped us dream about game-winning grand slams and pitching the perfect game, lets examine exactly how we have gotten to this point.
Once the most popular sport in the United States, baseball is barely on the radar these days. At this point, it is beginning to look like a part of America’s past as opposed to its pastime. How though, could a game of such mental and physical toughness, grace, power and beauty suddenly end up flat lined on the gurney of public opinion? Well, it happened quickly, before anyone knew what was going on. In less than a decade baseball went from being on top of the world to six feet under it.
The year was 1998 and Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa took sports fans everywhere on a storybook ride it won’t soon forget. As the summer drew on the two were neck and neck in homeruns, the winner seemed poised to pass Roger Maris’s single season record of 61. As you may recall, McGwire shattered the record hitting 70 homeruns that season. Youngsters everywhere loved the two larger than life figures and were considered role models by Little Leaguer’s everywhere.
Things seemed alright in the years that followed the epic record chase. However, in 2002 things began going down hill. At the All-Star game in Milwaukee, commissioner Bud Selig’s hometown, the game went into extra innings and was eventually declared a tie. A tie! In baseball! This prompted the genius idea of giving the league who wins the All-Star game home field advantage in the World Series. Baseball then went on a huge “This time it counts” kick, which, surprisingly, no one bought into. In fact, in the six World Series since the All-Star game has begun to “count” the team with home field advantage has only won three out of six World Series’. Thus prompting the question, “Does it really count?”
While this single blow would not have been nearly enough to kill baseball, this was, sadly, only the beginning of the end. In the years following the All Star game debacle, baseball was hit with another set back; steroid use. In the mid-2000’s Bud Selig hired former United States Senator George Mitchell to investigate steroid use in Major League Baseball. The findings were astonishing. Among other things, former and current players were found guilty of using steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. While some players you have never hear of, some of them were making headlines as the investigation was going on. Barry Bonds was in the midst of chasing down the most hallowed record in all of sports. Hank Aarons 715 homeruns was a record that had stood for over 30 years. As Bonds got closer and closer to breaking the record he was forced to deal not only with pressure from the media, but fans as well. Fans at opposing ballparks made signs, jeered him, and one fan even through a syringe onto the field in Bonds’ direction. Other superstars such as Rafael Palmeiro, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa are also suspected (or proven) users of performance enhancing drugs.
Then, the blow that may have done baseball in for good. This weekend it was revealed that Alex Rodriguez was guilty of using a performance enhancer. Not only is Rodriguez a baseball superstar, he was many fans hope of bringing dignity back to baseball. See, at his current pace, A-Rod is on pace to break Barry Bonds’ homerun record in four or five seasons. This, to many fans, would bring respect back to the record, as Rodriguez was thought to be clean. Now that he has admitted to using banned substances, it appears that the record will remain tarnished for many years to come.
So Dr. Selig, it seems as though it is time to face the music and finish what you’ve started. While you certainly haven’t done this damage on your own (players, owners and other must be blamed as well), you have been the largest single hand in destroying the game we all once loved as kids. It’s sad that you must take this blame on your shoulders, but while all of these atrocities happened under your watch, you must carry most of the blame. So ask your patient if it has any last requests before you pull the plug for good on America’s past pastime.
February 10, 2009
February 3, 2009
Back When I Was A Kid....
As someone in their early 20's I can hardly recall "The Good Old Days" or "The Old School". I do, however, remember the early 1990's. I remember it as a time when sports were pure, at least more so than they are today. It was a time when the only things that mattered were wins and losses. The day after a big game you could open a newspaper (for those of you younger folks a newspaper is an ancient method used for acquiring information about the world and read about the key plays which decided the game. Today, however, you are more likely to read about the player who yelled at his coach for not giving him the ball enough or the player who got arrested at the strip club after the game. It may not be until halfway through the sports section until you find out what the score of the game was! This type of information just doesn't sell.
Which brings me to my next point. I understand that sports is a business and business' are out to make money, but wouldn't it be nice to do stories on things that actually pertain to the games being played on the field? Most television, newspaper and magazine companies are far more likely to cover off the field issues than breaking down a teams defensive scheme or something of the like. There have been more segments dedicated to off field topics such as Terrell Owens doing sit ups in his drive way than I can count on both hands and feet! For about a month I thought "SportsCenter" had changed its name to "The Bromance of Donovan McNabb and Terell Owens." Believe it or not, there was once a time when ESPN employed more news anchors than legal analysts. It was a magical time long ago before players named Tank, Pacman and Cinco, before referee scandals and before Mitchell reports.
It seems that these media outlets choose an issue that they are going to turn into a big story and henceforth discuss for a few weeks until another "newsworthy" story appears for them to beat into the ground for the subsequent few weeks. Again, I get it. It's a business and people, for whatever reason, seem to enjoy hearing about what touchdown celebrations were performed that weekend and whether or not Jose Canseco is either the biggest snitch in the history of pro sports or the biggest liar. Some of us, however, enjoy sports. You know, the game part.
I still hold out hope that one day, like a bad cold, this will all just go away. I won't, however, hold my breath.
Which brings me to my next point. I understand that sports is a business and business' are out to make money, but wouldn't it be nice to do stories on things that actually pertain to the games being played on the field? Most television, newspaper and magazine companies are far more likely to cover off the field issues than breaking down a teams defensive scheme or something of the like. There have been more segments dedicated to off field topics such as Terrell Owens doing sit ups in his drive way than I can count on both hands and feet! For about a month I thought "SportsCenter" had changed its name to "The Bromance of Donovan McNabb and Terell Owens." Believe it or not, there was once a time when ESPN employed more news anchors than legal analysts. It was a magical time long ago before players named Tank, Pacman and Cinco, before referee scandals and before Mitchell reports.
It seems that these media outlets choose an issue that they are going to turn into a big story and henceforth discuss for a few weeks until another "newsworthy" story appears for them to beat into the ground for the subsequent few weeks. Again, I get it. It's a business and people, for whatever reason, seem to enjoy hearing about what touchdown celebrations were performed that weekend and whether or not Jose Canseco is either the biggest snitch in the history of pro sports or the biggest liar. Some of us, however, enjoy sports. You know, the game part.
I still hold out hope that one day, like a bad cold, this will all just go away. I won't, however, hold my breath.
January 28, 2009
Let's Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
There's nothing I hate more than people not getting the credit they deserve. For this reason I chose to dedicate todays blog to pro scouts everywhere. I think the job of a scout is one of the toughest jobs in pro sports. You spend countless hours traveling from one game to the next. You watch hundreds of hours of game film, all building up to the big day; the draft. Then, its time to do it all again for the next season. While some people think having a rich owner who is willing to shell out big bucks for superstar athletes is the best way to win a championship, just ask Karl Malone, Gary Payton and the Lakers how that worked out. Or ask Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi and then countless other Yankee's investments how many championships they've won since being bougth by the Yankees. Terrell Owens, Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones are in Dallas still wondering how they didn't even make the playoffs.
The point is this: a good scout will win over a rich, free spending GM 90% of the time (The Celtics seemed to manage just fine buying their way to the championship thank you very much) Lets examine a few examples of this theory shall we?
Success:
In 2003 the Florida Marlins won the teams second World Series title in the teams brief 11 year existance, defeating a New York Yankee team with a payroll over three times as large. The team with a slew of talent brought up through their farm system was able to beat the team notorious for shelling out big bucks for superstar players. Homegrown talent for the Marlins included the likes of Alex Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Dontrelle Willis and Brad Penny.
Failure:
After being upset in the NFC Divisional Playoff the Cowboys entered the 2008 season as one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl from the NFC. With the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, the always talented Philadelphia Eagles and the ever present Dallas Cowboys, the division seemed up for grabs. Leading up to opening day the Cowboys made a dew controversial moves to improve their defense. Tank Johnson and Adam "Pacman" Jones were picked up by the Dallas Cowboys after their previous teams had dropped them because of off-field trouble issues. The Cowboys started off hot, but before long trouble began to brew in the Dallas heat. Star wide receiver Terrell Owens (who had been picked up by the Cowboys two years prior after he was released by the Eagles for causing trouble within the organization) had issues with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo. Adam Jones was suspended by the team in October for fighting with a team assigned bodyguard and was released at the conclusion of the season. The team lost the season finale to the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that kept them from making the playoffs.
Success:
After being swept in the first round of the playoffs in 2007, the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies were able to capitalize on their second chance at a World Series title. The Phillies were led by a slew of players from their minor league organization including Pat Burrell, Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jimmy Rollins. Aside from a few minor midseason acquisitions, the team was comprised of many players who had only ever called Philadelphia home.
Failure:
The New York Yankees, for some years now, have been infamous for offering players more money than other teams can afford the year after the players breakout season. In 2006 this had resulted what looked like an American League All-Star team. Players the Yankees had "bought" included Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi and Randy Johnson. While the team enjoyed some success as AL East Division Champions, they were eliminated in the Division Championship by the Detroit Tigers.
While this is not meant to bash on teams who have the means to go after stellar free agents, as that can prove effective when done properly, I would merely like to applaud the most underrated man in sports; the pro scout.
The point is this: a good scout will win over a rich, free spending GM 90% of the time (The Celtics seemed to manage just fine buying their way to the championship thank you very much) Lets examine a few examples of this theory shall we?
Success:
In 2003 the Florida Marlins won the teams second World Series title in the teams brief 11 year existance, defeating a New York Yankee team with a payroll over three times as large. The team with a slew of talent brought up through their farm system was able to beat the team notorious for shelling out big bucks for superstar players. Homegrown talent for the Marlins included the likes of Alex Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Dontrelle Willis and Brad Penny.
Failure:
After being upset in the NFC Divisional Playoff the Cowboys entered the 2008 season as one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl from the NFC. With the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, the always talented Philadelphia Eagles and the ever present Dallas Cowboys, the division seemed up for grabs. Leading up to opening day the Cowboys made a dew controversial moves to improve their defense. Tank Johnson and Adam "Pacman" Jones were picked up by the Dallas Cowboys after their previous teams had dropped them because of off-field trouble issues. The Cowboys started off hot, but before long trouble began to brew in the Dallas heat. Star wide receiver Terrell Owens (who had been picked up by the Cowboys two years prior after he was released by the Eagles for causing trouble within the organization) had issues with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo. Adam Jones was suspended by the team in October for fighting with a team assigned bodyguard and was released at the conclusion of the season. The team lost the season finale to the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that kept them from making the playoffs.
Success:
After being swept in the first round of the playoffs in 2007, the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies were able to capitalize on their second chance at a World Series title. The Phillies were led by a slew of players from their minor league organization including Pat Burrell, Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jimmy Rollins. Aside from a few minor midseason acquisitions, the team was comprised of many players who had only ever called Philadelphia home.
Failure:
The New York Yankees, for some years now, have been infamous for offering players more money than other teams can afford the year after the players breakout season. In 2006 this had resulted what looked like an American League All-Star team. Players the Yankees had "bought" included Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi and Randy Johnson. While the team enjoyed some success as AL East Division Champions, they were eliminated in the Division Championship by the Detroit Tigers.
While this is not meant to bash on teams who have the means to go after stellar free agents, as that can prove effective when done properly, I would merely like to applaud the most underrated man in sports; the pro scout.
January 27, 2009
First Blog
Hello and welcome to the Sports Scoop. This is my first time blogging but hopefully people will read this and leave comments which may spark intellectual sports discussion. I will update this blog as often as possible. Hopefully once a day, but we'll see how it goes.
Today's topic: College basketball.
Over the years I have noticed a few trends of the teams that have success in the March Madness tournament. First, not always does the best team win it all. To win the tournament you must win 6 games. One bad game is all it takes for the mighty #2 seed to lose to that team you've never even heard of before.
To have success you need 3 critical components:
1. Good Foul Shooting- This includes the big fella too. It's not enough anymore to have 2 or 3 good foul shooters. To have success in the tournament your team needs to be able to convert on their free throws in the clutch (Just watch Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts).
2. A Floor General Point Guard- You need a coach on the floor executing the plays just as they were drawn up. A guy who, while he may not be the best, is the smartest player on the team. He needs to know where the 9 other players are on the court at all times and anticipate what the next move should be. (See Juan Dixon)
3. A Go-To Big Guy- Well, if your point guard is as smart as he ought to be he will feed your big man down low all day long. A dominant big man can not only create scoring chances for himself but can kick it out for three when he gets double (or if your lucky triple) teamed. He also sets the tone for your team on the glass. Most importantly, however, he must stay out of foul trouble. Opponents feast on a team whose big man is sidelined with foul trouble. (I.E. UConn's Emeka Okafor)
This being said, who are the favorites for this years National Championship, you may ask. Of all the teams I have seen this season, only a few teams stick out as legitimate National Championship contenders.
UNC- North Carolina has all three keys to success. They shoot nearly 75% from the free throw line and are led by their two best players; point guard Ty Lawson and center Tyler Hansbrough. Their fast break offense and tough defense will make them tough to beat in March.
Pitt- While shooting only 65% from the line, Pitt has experience on its side. Senior guard Levance Fields leads the team's three-headed monster attack. Fields, along with sidekicks Sam Young and DeJuan Blair can break down your defense with the fast break or half court offense.
Marquette- With three players averaging over 16 points per game and a free throw percentage in the 70's, Marquette will be a team opponents will not want to face in March. Seniors Wesley Matthews and Jerel McNeal looked to lead the Golden Eagles into the final four for the first time since a guy named Dwayne Wade.
Why not us?
Notre Dame- Luke Harangody is great, Kyle McAlarney is good too, but the team relies on too much on the three ball.
Duke- Kyle Singler is not a threatening big man. Period.
Wake Forest- Too young and inexperienced. Should have much better luck next year.
While I realize there are other good teams (Oklahoma, Texas, UConn) these teams stuck out to me either because I thought that they were either legitimate title contenders or were being overhyped by the media. Oklahoma, Texas, UConn, among other teams certainly have a chance to cut down the nets in March. But when its all said and done, I look for North Carolina to take its second title in 5 years.
Today's topic: College basketball.
Over the years I have noticed a few trends of the teams that have success in the March Madness tournament. First, not always does the best team win it all. To win the tournament you must win 6 games. One bad game is all it takes for the mighty #2 seed to lose to that team you've never even heard of before.
To have success you need 3 critical components:
1. Good Foul Shooting- This includes the big fella too. It's not enough anymore to have 2 or 3 good foul shooters. To have success in the tournament your team needs to be able to convert on their free throws in the clutch (Just watch Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts).
2. A Floor General Point Guard- You need a coach on the floor executing the plays just as they were drawn up. A guy who, while he may not be the best, is the smartest player on the team. He needs to know where the 9 other players are on the court at all times and anticipate what the next move should be. (See Juan Dixon)
3. A Go-To Big Guy- Well, if your point guard is as smart as he ought to be he will feed your big man down low all day long. A dominant big man can not only create scoring chances for himself but can kick it out for three when he gets double (or if your lucky triple) teamed. He also sets the tone for your team on the glass. Most importantly, however, he must stay out of foul trouble. Opponents feast on a team whose big man is sidelined with foul trouble. (I.E. UConn's Emeka Okafor)
This being said, who are the favorites for this years National Championship, you may ask. Of all the teams I have seen this season, only a few teams stick out as legitimate National Championship contenders.
UNC- North Carolina has all three keys to success. They shoot nearly 75% from the free throw line and are led by their two best players; point guard Ty Lawson and center Tyler Hansbrough. Their fast break offense and tough defense will make them tough to beat in March.
Pitt- While shooting only 65% from the line, Pitt has experience on its side. Senior guard Levance Fields leads the team's three-headed monster attack. Fields, along with sidekicks Sam Young and DeJuan Blair can break down your defense with the fast break or half court offense.
Marquette- With three players averaging over 16 points per game and a free throw percentage in the 70's, Marquette will be a team opponents will not want to face in March. Seniors Wesley Matthews and Jerel McNeal looked to lead the Golden Eagles into the final four for the first time since a guy named Dwayne Wade.
Why not us?
Notre Dame- Luke Harangody is great, Kyle McAlarney is good too, but the team relies on too much on the three ball.
Duke- Kyle Singler is not a threatening big man. Period.
Wake Forest- Too young and inexperienced. Should have much better luck next year.
While I realize there are other good teams (Oklahoma, Texas, UConn) these teams stuck out to me either because I thought that they were either legitimate title contenders or were being overhyped by the media. Oklahoma, Texas, UConn, among other teams certainly have a chance to cut down the nets in March. But when its all said and done, I look for North Carolina to take its second title in 5 years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
