Posts
By Rick Morris
This was published a day early, so I don't think it's Wade Keller's idea of an April Fool's Day joke. Bitter Indy Guy has risen up in all his glory to unleash a bitter rant on Vince McMahon for booking Floyd Mayweather to win the match against The Big Show at WrestleMania 24.
"[Did] Vince McMahon ever consider the fact that the people who bought tickets to WrestleMania might actually be wrestling fans and that they just might want to see a wrestler win? Did anyone notice that Big Show was being heartily cheered when he was thrashing Mayweather?"
Wow. The people actually cheered for the wrestler pushed as the babyface and booed the heel. Stop the f'ing presses.
I wonder if Bitter Indy Guy expressed similar outrage at the WWE's sham of a "wellness policy" or any other one of the countless crimes against decency perpetrated by Vinny Mac in his quarter-century atop the business. No, that's a stupid question, of course he didn't. "BIG's" priority in life is defending the image of pro wrestling against those from other industries who want to come in and get their hand raised.
As the old saying goes, the biggest marks are the ones behind the curtain.
For infinitely more sane and comprehensive coverage of the show, check out our good buddy Russ Cohen at Wrestleology.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
WrestleMania 24 review
By Rick Morris
This was a tremendous show, one of the most entertaining WrestleManias ever. Great moments were interspersed all throughout the four hours, continuing the trend of recent years ended. Ever since the first post-boom WrestleMania of this decade (18), the company has taken advantage of their depth of "names" by trying to present several super-attractive matches on each show. They succeeded more than at any other time this decade.
^ JBL defeated Finlay in a Belfast Brawl match. Excellent brawl to open the show with several STIFF shots from each man. Hornswaggle made his return by accompanying Finlay at the outset. Finlay did a dive to the outside at one point, only to have JBL swing a garbage can lid right into his head. The "Clothesline from Hades" gave JBL a surprising clean win, surprising in the sense that the match seemed to be built toward the "Finlay family" getting revenge after a month of JBL's cruelties. This was a super-stiff match and both guys are going to be sore tomorrow. (3 stars)
^ C.M. Punk wins the Money In the Bank Match. This was probably the best of the "Midcard Spotfest-Mania" matches in its four years of existence. There were several insane spots: John Morrison moonsaulting out of the ring onto several participants HOLDING A LADDER, Carlito giving Chris Jericho a backstabber off a ladder and the worst of them all, Sheldon Benjamin getting pitched off a ladder and landing flat on his back on a ladder stretched out from the ring to the apron. Benjamin never got up from that and could well be seriously injured. Matt Hardy made the obligatory run-in when MVP was about to win and Punk & Carlito did a nice spot jumping onto ladders that their competitors were climbing. In the end, Punk got Y2J tied up in the ladder once he fell backward and Punk claimed the prize. (3 3/4 stars)
The Hall of Fame inductees were then recognized, with Ric Flair's family standing in for him.
A backstage skit with Snoop Dog and Festus then aired, with Santino angrily approaching Snoop, who then reached around to ring a bell to get Festus to chase Santino. Mick Foley then popped up for a cameo with a sock with bling-bling on it.
^ Batista defeated You-Mang-A in the "brand supremacy" match. This was a fairly basic match, nothing horrible or special about it. (2 1/4 stars)
Highlights of the battle royal that only aired on WWE.com earlier tonight were shown, as Kane emerged the winner.
^ Kane defeated Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Title. This one was short and sweet. Kane snuck into the ring behind Chavo and chokeslammed him when he turned around. Just like that, Chavo's run on top of ECW is done. (not applicable for star rating)
^ Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in a "Career Threatening Match." Purely in terms of raw emotion, this match would have to be in anyone's all-time top five. They pulled out all the stops. Relatively early, Michaels missed a moonsault outside the ring in a planned spot -- well, I'm guessing the ringside table not falling apart as it should and likely breaking several of Shawn's ribs was not planned, but the spot itself was. Minutes later, Michaels tried another one and Flair botched the catch, causing HBK's knee to bounce harshly off the ground. There was a tremendous back-and-forth in the ring, with several false finishes. Michaels hesitated the first time he went for the superkick, allowing Flair to hit the figure-four leglock. Flair kicked out of another superkick and almost won several times with the figure-four or some rollup nearfalls. Flair actually hit a flying bodypress tonight as well. These two pulled out all the stops and were only hampered by their limitations: age in the case of Flair and Michaels suffering as a result of the first moonsault. In the end, Michaels mouthed, "I love you. I'm sorry," right before he swiftly hit another superkick and covered Flair for "Little Naitch" Charles Robinson's final three-count. Just like that, Ric Flair's career as an active wrestler ended. Michaels embraced Flair quickly, then left the ring, allowing Flair an extended exit. Flair, his family at ringside and many fans in the stadium were crying. Quite coincidentally, I had a piece of dust fly in each of my eyes at the moment, giving the illusion to the naked eye of manly tears welling up in there. (4 1/2 stars)
^ Beth Phoenix and Melina won the BunnyMania match. Against all odds, Maria had The Glamazon beaten, but Santino Marella broke up the three-count and Phoenix got the duke. Afterwards, Snoop Dogg clotheslined a gloating Santino, who had also been punched earlier by Jerry Lawler. (1/2 star)
^ Randy Orton retained the WWE Title by pinning John Cena in the three-way match. This match was decent, but nothing terribly memorable. Each wrestler got in several of their trademark spots and pinfall attempts were routinely broken up by the third wrestler in there. The finish came when HHH reversed the FU into a Pedigree and Orton came back in out of nowhere with the punt to HHH's head to steal the three-count on Cena. (2 3/4 stars)
^ Floyd Mayweather defeated The Big Show. This match exceeded the justifiably low expectations. Mayweather successfully worked the "stick and move" early on, frustrating Show. In perhaps the funniest moment of the night, Mayweather took a drink from one of his cornermen not in the standard fighter's water bottle, but in an ornate chalice! Show charged the corner, started beating up on Floyd's posse, and the mayhem was on. Mayweather got in a version of a sleeperhold on Show, but eventually the big man took over to the point that the fighter and his entourage tried to bail. Show chased them up the aisle, beat up the crew and took Mayweather back to the ring. Once there, Mayweather was able to use a chair to soften up Show before resorting to brass knuckles for the legal three-count in this "anything goes" match. Decent action at times (2 1/2 stars)
^ The Undertaker defeated Edge for the World Heavyweight Title. This match began at a slower pace and built tremendously. At one point, Edge took a sick bump outside the ring when Taker pushed him off the top turnbuckle, then later Edge just dumped Undertaker right onto some shocked fans in the front row. The progression of the match featured the old All-Japan pattern of repeated false finishes. Edge kicked out of a chokeslam and a Last Ride, then the Undertaker kicked out after Edge waffled him with a TV camera during a ref bump, then Edge survived a Tombstone. When Edge's lackeys interfered, Taker chokeslammed one on top of the other one outside the ring, allowing Edge to set up a spear that did not result in a three-count. Edge hit another spear, but then Undertaker reached up and locked on a modified sleeperhold that got Edge to tap out. It was an outstanding ending to an amazing night of wrestling. (4 stars)
This was a tremendous show, one of the most entertaining WrestleManias ever. Great moments were interspersed all throughout the four hours, continuing the trend of recent years ended. Ever since the first post-boom WrestleMania of this decade (18), the company has taken advantage of their depth of "names" by trying to present several super-attractive matches on each show. They succeeded more than at any other time this decade.
^ JBL defeated Finlay in a Belfast Brawl match. Excellent brawl to open the show with several STIFF shots from each man. Hornswaggle made his return by accompanying Finlay at the outset. Finlay did a dive to the outside at one point, only to have JBL swing a garbage can lid right into his head. The "Clothesline from Hades" gave JBL a surprising clean win, surprising in the sense that the match seemed to be built toward the "Finlay family" getting revenge after a month of JBL's cruelties. This was a super-stiff match and both guys are going to be sore tomorrow. (3 stars)
^ C.M. Punk wins the Money In the Bank Match. This was probably the best of the "Midcard Spotfest-Mania" matches in its four years of existence. There were several insane spots: John Morrison moonsaulting out of the ring onto several participants HOLDING A LADDER, Carlito giving Chris Jericho a backstabber off a ladder and the worst of them all, Sheldon Benjamin getting pitched off a ladder and landing flat on his back on a ladder stretched out from the ring to the apron. Benjamin never got up from that and could well be seriously injured. Matt Hardy made the obligatory run-in when MVP was about to win and Punk & Carlito did a nice spot jumping onto ladders that their competitors were climbing. In the end, Punk got Y2J tied up in the ladder once he fell backward and Punk claimed the prize. (3 3/4 stars)
The Hall of Fame inductees were then recognized, with Ric Flair's family standing in for him.
A backstage skit with Snoop Dog and Festus then aired, with Santino angrily approaching Snoop, who then reached around to ring a bell to get Festus to chase Santino. Mick Foley then popped up for a cameo with a sock with bling-bling on it.
^ Batista defeated You-Mang-A in the "brand supremacy" match. This was a fairly basic match, nothing horrible or special about it. (2 1/4 stars)
Highlights of the battle royal that only aired on WWE.com earlier tonight were shown, as Kane emerged the winner.
^ Kane defeated Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Title. This one was short and sweet. Kane snuck into the ring behind Chavo and chokeslammed him when he turned around. Just like that, Chavo's run on top of ECW is done. (not applicable for star rating)
^ Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in a "Career Threatening Match." Purely in terms of raw emotion, this match would have to be in anyone's all-time top five. They pulled out all the stops. Relatively early, Michaels missed a moonsault outside the ring in a planned spot -- well, I'm guessing the ringside table not falling apart as it should and likely breaking several of Shawn's ribs was not planned, but the spot itself was. Minutes later, Michaels tried another one and Flair botched the catch, causing HBK's knee to bounce harshly off the ground. There was a tremendous back-and-forth in the ring, with several false finishes. Michaels hesitated the first time he went for the superkick, allowing Flair to hit the figure-four leglock. Flair kicked out of another superkick and almost won several times with the figure-four or some rollup nearfalls. Flair actually hit a flying bodypress tonight as well. These two pulled out all the stops and were only hampered by their limitations: age in the case of Flair and Michaels suffering as a result of the first moonsault. In the end, Michaels mouthed, "I love you. I'm sorry," right before he swiftly hit another superkick and covered Flair for "Little Naitch" Charles Robinson's final three-count. Just like that, Ric Flair's career as an active wrestler ended. Michaels embraced Flair quickly, then left the ring, allowing Flair an extended exit. Flair, his family at ringside and many fans in the stadium were crying. Quite coincidentally, I had a piece of dust fly in each of my eyes at the moment, giving the illusion to the naked eye of manly tears welling up in there. (4 1/2 stars)
^ Beth Phoenix and Melina won the BunnyMania match. Against all odds, Maria had The Glamazon beaten, but Santino Marella broke up the three-count and Phoenix got the duke. Afterwards, Snoop Dogg clotheslined a gloating Santino, who had also been punched earlier by Jerry Lawler. (1/2 star)
^ Randy Orton retained the WWE Title by pinning John Cena in the three-way match. This match was decent, but nothing terribly memorable. Each wrestler got in several of their trademark spots and pinfall attempts were routinely broken up by the third wrestler in there. The finish came when HHH reversed the FU into a Pedigree and Orton came back in out of nowhere with the punt to HHH's head to steal the three-count on Cena. (2 3/4 stars)
^ Floyd Mayweather defeated The Big Show. This match exceeded the justifiably low expectations. Mayweather successfully worked the "stick and move" early on, frustrating Show. In perhaps the funniest moment of the night, Mayweather took a drink from one of his cornermen not in the standard fighter's water bottle, but in an ornate chalice! Show charged the corner, started beating up on Floyd's posse, and the mayhem was on. Mayweather got in a version of a sleeperhold on Show, but eventually the big man took over to the point that the fighter and his entourage tried to bail. Show chased them up the aisle, beat up the crew and took Mayweather back to the ring. Once there, Mayweather was able to use a chair to soften up Show before resorting to brass knuckles for the legal three-count in this "anything goes" match. Decent action at times (2 1/2 stars)
^ The Undertaker defeated Edge for the World Heavyweight Title. This match began at a slower pace and built tremendously. At one point, Edge took a sick bump outside the ring when Taker pushed him off the top turnbuckle, then later Edge just dumped Undertaker right onto some shocked fans in the front row. The progression of the match featured the old All-Japan pattern of repeated false finishes. Edge kicked out of a chokeslam and a Last Ride, then the Undertaker kicked out after Edge waffled him with a TV camera during a ref bump, then Edge survived a Tombstone. When Edge's lackeys interfered, Taker chokeslammed one on top of the other one outside the ring, allowing Edge to set up a spear that did not result in a three-count. Edge hit another spear, but then Undertaker reached up and locked on a modified sleeperhold that got Edge to tap out. It was an outstanding ending to an amazing night of wrestling. (4 stars)
Video Clips: Fun Timewasters
By Rick Morris
From time to time, we try to accommodate our Lounge content consumers who just want some fun, light entertainment. Hence this edition of our Video Clips series, entitled "Fun Timewasters."
These are simply some video clips that you can enjoy and consume in the form of good, mindless entertainment. On with the show!
Stephen Curry has been THE superstar of this year's NCAA hoops tournament. Here's a compilation of some of his more impressive plays:
Is this next one in poor taste? Possibly. But watching Hitler vent as a frustrated Dallas Cowboys' fan is some kind of funny!
In the last year, we have seen one of the all-time greatest TV commercials, a classic in its own time: the Peter Frampton Geico spot:
Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, nothing more needs to be said:
Here's a segment from the vaults of THE SPORTSWRITERS ON TV, the forerunner of all of the TV talking-head sports shows we see today:
Are you geeked for MLB Opening Day yet? You will be after you see this:
And last but not least, here are some clips from the "Bookie Mom" series online. If these clips don't have you laughing, you're probably a bit too morose to be a follower of The FDH Lounge!
The Super Bowl/To Catch a Predator:
The Coach K/Roy Williams feud:
The NFL Combine:
Making chalk picks:
How Bookie Mom collects from deadbeats:
From time to time, we try to accommodate our Lounge content consumers who just want some fun, light entertainment. Hence this edition of our Video Clips series, entitled "Fun Timewasters."
These are simply some video clips that you can enjoy and consume in the form of good, mindless entertainment. On with the show!
Stephen Curry has been THE superstar of this year's NCAA hoops tournament. Here's a compilation of some of his more impressive plays:
Is this next one in poor taste? Possibly. But watching Hitler vent as a frustrated Dallas Cowboys' fan is some kind of funny!
In the last year, we have seen one of the all-time greatest TV commercials, a classic in its own time: the Peter Frampton Geico spot:
Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, nothing more needs to be said:
Here's a segment from the vaults of THE SPORTSWRITERS ON TV, the forerunner of all of the TV talking-head sports shows we see today:
Are you geeked for MLB Opening Day yet? You will be after you see this:
And last but not least, here are some clips from the "Bookie Mom" series online. If these clips don't have you laughing, you're probably a bit too morose to be a follower of The FDH Lounge!
The Super Bowl/To Catch a Predator:
The Coach K/Roy Williams feud:
The NFL Combine:
Making chalk picks:
How Bookie Mom collects from deadbeats:
SJP PO'd at World's Unsexiest Label
By Rick Morris
Sarah Jessica Parker is peeved that Maxim Magazine saw fit to drop the "Unsexiest Woman In the World designation on her. Now, while I am part of the apparent majority out there that is not wildly envious of hubby Mathew Broderick, I must agree with her that this label is harsh and excessive. Is the "Sex and the City" actress very overrated as a glamorous figure? Again, most of us males appear to be in agreement, but I don't see the need for this publication to bury her in such humiliating fashion.
Besides, the "title" isn't even accurate as long as Bea Arthur and Mae Young are still walking around.
Sarah Jessica Parker is peeved that Maxim Magazine saw fit to drop the "Unsexiest Woman In the World designation on her. Now, while I am part of the apparent majority out there that is not wildly envious of hubby Mathew Broderick, I must agree with her that this label is harsh and excessive. Is the "Sex and the City" actress very overrated as a glamorous figure? Again, most of us males appear to be in agreement, but I don't see the need for this publication to bury her in such humiliating fashion.
Besides, the "title" isn't even accurate as long as Bea Arthur and Mae Young are still walking around.
WrestleMania 24 preview
By Rick Morris
Earlier plans to live-blog this momentous event were shelved when the joint SportsTalkNetwork/FDH viewing party was scrapped by STN President Paul Belfi in favor of viewing the event at Harpo's Sports Cafe. Now, Harpo's is one of the greatest sports-themed restaurants in the world and it's within about two miles of my home, so my disappointment at not being able to live-blog is tempered by the anticipation of enjoying some great Harpo's wings and taking in the specter of the mark fans who invariably overrun Harpo's for every PPV.
On to the predictions ...
^ Battle Royal to determine #1 contender to ECW Title: This three-brand battle royal, which was moved from the broadcast to an online-only venue, demonstrates precisely what an afterthought the ECW (World???) Title has become. My guess, for the record, is that Kane emerges and gets the title shot on the PPV against Chavo Guerrero.
^ ECW Title Match: Chavo Guerrero vs. ???: Again, I think Kane will be facing Chavo and my guess is that Chavo walks out with the title by some nefarious means, setting up a spring feud between these two that will continue. Regardless of who Chavo faces, I don't believe WWE is giving away a title change with no buildup tonight.
^ BunnyMania Lumberjack Match: Ashley & Maria vs. WWE Women's Champion Glamazon Beth Phoenix and Melina: There's a certain percentage of the card that is going to have to contain heel wins just to even out the emotional high-spots, and the women's match has often been a place to do just that. In a match that means very little, and is almost certainly meant to do nothing but highlight celebrity participation, Melina and The Glam get their hands raised.
^ Brand vs. Brand, Umaga vs. Batista: Both of these guys are fringe main-eventers at this point, but You-Mang-a is probably fated (due to not getting to show any interview skills in his role as a "savage from the islands") to remain in the upper-upper midcard while Batista is on his way back to the main events at some point. Umaga is bulletproof in his role, having jobbed repeatedly to John Cena, HHH and Jeff Hardy, so a loss won't hurt him here. Batista wins.
^ Belfast Brawl, Finlay vs. JBL: This is a tough one to pick. JBL has gotten almost all of the heat on Finlay throughout this feud, from the abrupt (and botched) transition from a looming Finlay/Hornswaggle vs. McMahons clash to this battle. JBL seems to need a win more, since he's likely to get some WWE Title shots on PPV this summer due to the scarcity of top-level heels on RAW, but I think Finlay gets the win that the storyline has been pointing to, likely with Hornswaggle making a surprise return to help him in the end.
^ Money In the Bank Ladder Match to claim match at WWE Title, World Title or ECW Title, John Morrison vs. Kennedy vs. Chris Jericho vs. MVP vs. Sheldon Benjamin vs. C.M. Punk vs. Carlito: In the fourth annual MidcardMania match, one of these contestants will be crowned a future main event player -- which is sad for Jericho, who had alternated between the mid-card (mostly) and main event (occasionally) for more than a half-decade, before coming back last winter as a heavily-pushed main-eventer and then sliding quickly back into the midcard. Kennedy won last year and would have become a main-eventer already had he not gotten injured. His year was fairly star-crossed overall, in some ways because of his own stupidity, but I think he's a good candidate to win -- not as good as MVP, though, who is showing signs of living up to the hype of his character and becoming a legitimate player. I see MVP winning and ascending to either the World Title or ECW Title in the next year.
^ The Biggest vs. The Best, The Big Show vs. Floyd "Money" Mayweather: This heavily -hyped match will produce some memorable moments, largely because of a style clash that is actually being embraced by the promotion as some kind of surreal theater of the absurd. Mayweather will clearly have to take some big bumps here, and the guessing is that Show will be poised for victory when a member of his "posse" cheats him out of victory. Remember, the only stipulation is that there must be a winner. Mayweather will "dip into his $20 million" to get a WWE wrestler to turn on Show, setting up a subsequent feud for TBS. The only relevant point when trying to guess the outcome of this match is that Floyd Mayweather didn't sign this contract to end up losing.
^ World Title Match, Edge vs. The Undertaker: "The Streak vs. The Title" is the centerpiece of the "Smackdown Main Event," as Edge (who is also undefeated at WrestleMania in singles matches) takes on the 15-0 Dead Man. I disagree strongly with my friend Belfi, who on his PRO WRESTLING INSIDER show on STN (Tuesday nights, 7-9 PM EDT) expressed the markish (yes, I said it!) sentiment that 'Taker should keep the streak going and that Edge "didn't need the win." The very point of building up equity like The Undertaker has been able to do is to transfer the cache of it to another star at some point. Edge is the best main-event heel the company has had in years, probably since "Fac-Gime Era HHH," and his character can benefit immensely from the rub here. As you can tell, this is the outcome I am the most likely to disagree with, as all signs are that 'Taker will go 16-0. I have no problem with them giving The Undertaker another decently-long title reign, I just disagree with starting it here as opposed to a month or two down the road.
^ WWE Title Match, Randy Orton vs. HHH vs. John Cena: Three years after it was initially envisioned, we're seeing Orton vs. HHH for the title at 'Mania. One year after it was initially envisioned, we're seeing HHH vs. Cena for the title in a WrestleMania 22 rematch. We're getting both of these scenarios in one match, plus the hottest part of the match in terms of feud qualities in Cena vs. Orton. This should be a fantastic match, with all participants motivated to live up to the atmosphere and deliver a 3 1/2 or 4-star match. In the end, I think HHH "gets his wins back," after having finished the main event of the last three 'Manias he participated in looking up at the lights. He may be taking a lighter schedule later in the year when his "second McMahon heir" is born, so this is a way to strike while the iron is hot with him before he has another hiatus or semi-hiatus. Cena will still be waiting in the wings as the heir apparent to the title and I expect him to be protected here with Orton doing the job. For the record, although I'm a huge critic of HHH's positioning of himself during large stretches earlier this decade, I think this is the right move to make as he is having the best solo face run of his career (thanks to no storylines this time involving "his dog").
^ Career Threatening Match, Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels: I'm listing this match last in the vain hope that the company will do the right thing and put it on last. Good luck following this emotional moment! I don't believe it's a 100% lock that this will be Flair's last match, as a fairly elaborate swerve could be underway, but I do think it's probable that they will go in the anticipated direction and that Michaels will lead one heck of a great match. My biggest problem with Flair having this match on this card was the notion that his retirement match should headline a card and I thought it was improbable at WrestleMania, but this storyline has been such a huge part of the overall event that some of my objections have faded. Michaels probably wins after "The Dirtiest Player In the Game" fights and claws for his life.
In the interest of helping people to remember the greatness of Ric Flair, who was probably the greatest wrestler of all time, here's the excellent tribute to him that the company aired this past week:
And here's some of his great mic work from back in the day:
If this is the end, thanks for the memories, Ric.
Earlier plans to live-blog this momentous event were shelved when the joint SportsTalkNetwork/FDH viewing party was scrapped by STN President Paul Belfi in favor of viewing the event at Harpo's Sports Cafe. Now, Harpo's is one of the greatest sports-themed restaurants in the world and it's within about two miles of my home, so my disappointment at not being able to live-blog is tempered by the anticipation of enjoying some great Harpo's wings and taking in the specter of the mark fans who invariably overrun Harpo's for every PPV.
On to the predictions ...
^ Battle Royal to determine #1 contender to ECW Title: This three-brand battle royal, which was moved from the broadcast to an online-only venue, demonstrates precisely what an afterthought the ECW (World???) Title has become. My guess, for the record, is that Kane emerges and gets the title shot on the PPV against Chavo Guerrero.
^ ECW Title Match: Chavo Guerrero vs. ???: Again, I think Kane will be facing Chavo and my guess is that Chavo walks out with the title by some nefarious means, setting up a spring feud between these two that will continue. Regardless of who Chavo faces, I don't believe WWE is giving away a title change with no buildup tonight.
^ BunnyMania Lumberjack Match: Ashley & Maria vs. WWE Women's Champion Glamazon Beth Phoenix and Melina: There's a certain percentage of the card that is going to have to contain heel wins just to even out the emotional high-spots, and the women's match has often been a place to do just that. In a match that means very little, and is almost certainly meant to do nothing but highlight celebrity participation, Melina and The Glam get their hands raised.
^ Brand vs. Brand, Umaga vs. Batista: Both of these guys are fringe main-eventers at this point, but You-Mang-a is probably fated (due to not getting to show any interview skills in his role as a "savage from the islands") to remain in the upper-upper midcard while Batista is on his way back to the main events at some point. Umaga is bulletproof in his role, having jobbed repeatedly to John Cena, HHH and Jeff Hardy, so a loss won't hurt him here. Batista wins.
^ Belfast Brawl, Finlay vs. JBL: This is a tough one to pick. JBL has gotten almost all of the heat on Finlay throughout this feud, from the abrupt (and botched) transition from a looming Finlay/Hornswaggle vs. McMahons clash to this battle. JBL seems to need a win more, since he's likely to get some WWE Title shots on PPV this summer due to the scarcity of top-level heels on RAW, but I think Finlay gets the win that the storyline has been pointing to, likely with Hornswaggle making a surprise return to help him in the end.
^ Money In the Bank Ladder Match to claim match at WWE Title, World Title or ECW Title, John Morrison vs. Kennedy vs. Chris Jericho vs. MVP vs. Sheldon Benjamin vs. C.M. Punk vs. Carlito: In the fourth annual MidcardMania match, one of these contestants will be crowned a future main event player -- which is sad for Jericho, who had alternated between the mid-card (mostly) and main event (occasionally) for more than a half-decade, before coming back last winter as a heavily-pushed main-eventer and then sliding quickly back into the midcard. Kennedy won last year and would have become a main-eventer already had he not gotten injured. His year was fairly star-crossed overall, in some ways because of his own stupidity, but I think he's a good candidate to win -- not as good as MVP, though, who is showing signs of living up to the hype of his character and becoming a legitimate player. I see MVP winning and ascending to either the World Title or ECW Title in the next year.
^ The Biggest vs. The Best, The Big Show vs. Floyd "Money" Mayweather: This heavily -hyped match will produce some memorable moments, largely because of a style clash that is actually being embraced by the promotion as some kind of surreal theater of the absurd. Mayweather will clearly have to take some big bumps here, and the guessing is that Show will be poised for victory when a member of his "posse" cheats him out of victory. Remember, the only stipulation is that there must be a winner. Mayweather will "dip into his $20 million" to get a WWE wrestler to turn on Show, setting up a subsequent feud for TBS. The only relevant point when trying to guess the outcome of this match is that Floyd Mayweather didn't sign this contract to end up losing.
^ World Title Match, Edge vs. The Undertaker: "The Streak vs. The Title" is the centerpiece of the "Smackdown Main Event," as Edge (who is also undefeated at WrestleMania in singles matches) takes on the 15-0 Dead Man. I disagree strongly with my friend Belfi, who on his PRO WRESTLING INSIDER show on STN (Tuesday nights, 7-9 PM EDT) expressed the markish (yes, I said it!) sentiment that 'Taker should keep the streak going and that Edge "didn't need the win." The very point of building up equity like The Undertaker has been able to do is to transfer the cache of it to another star at some point. Edge is the best main-event heel the company has had in years, probably since "Fac-Gime Era HHH," and his character can benefit immensely from the rub here. As you can tell, this is the outcome I am the most likely to disagree with, as all signs are that 'Taker will go 16-0. I have no problem with them giving The Undertaker another decently-long title reign, I just disagree with starting it here as opposed to a month or two down the road.
^ WWE Title Match, Randy Orton vs. HHH vs. John Cena: Three years after it was initially envisioned, we're seeing Orton vs. HHH for the title at 'Mania. One year after it was initially envisioned, we're seeing HHH vs. Cena for the title in a WrestleMania 22 rematch. We're getting both of these scenarios in one match, plus the hottest part of the match in terms of feud qualities in Cena vs. Orton. This should be a fantastic match, with all participants motivated to live up to the atmosphere and deliver a 3 1/2 or 4-star match. In the end, I think HHH "gets his wins back," after having finished the main event of the last three 'Manias he participated in looking up at the lights. He may be taking a lighter schedule later in the year when his "second McMahon heir" is born, so this is a way to strike while the iron is hot with him before he has another hiatus or semi-hiatus. Cena will still be waiting in the wings as the heir apparent to the title and I expect him to be protected here with Orton doing the job. For the record, although I'm a huge critic of HHH's positioning of himself during large stretches earlier this decade, I think this is the right move to make as he is having the best solo face run of his career (thanks to no storylines this time involving "his dog").
^ Career Threatening Match, Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels: I'm listing this match last in the vain hope that the company will do the right thing and put it on last. Good luck following this emotional moment! I don't believe it's a 100% lock that this will be Flair's last match, as a fairly elaborate swerve could be underway, but I do think it's probable that they will go in the anticipated direction and that Michaels will lead one heck of a great match. My biggest problem with Flair having this match on this card was the notion that his retirement match should headline a card and I thought it was improbable at WrestleMania, but this storyline has been such a huge part of the overall event that some of my objections have faded. Michaels probably wins after "The Dirtiest Player In the Game" fights and claws for his life.
In the interest of helping people to remember the greatness of Ric Flair, who was probably the greatest wrestler of all time, here's the excellent tribute to him that the company aired this past week:
And here's some of his great mic work from back in the day:
If this is the end, thanks for the memories, Ric.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch March 27
By Rick Morris
Tonight's Thursday night FDH lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* will feature outstanding editions of your favorite programs!
^ THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT) will feature a multiplicity of topics, as STC hockey analyst Kyle O'Rourke and I break down the NCAA hockey brackets, Pat Roy's kid taking after his thug old man, "Mr. Hockey" turning 80 and the final stretch of the NHL playoff chase.
^ On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), Mike Ptak, Tony Mazur and I deliver our National League preview, checking out the Senior Circuit from top to bottom by forecasting the playoff teams and individual award winners. This baseball coverage leads into more analysis from a fantasy perspective on THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT).
Tonight's Thursday night FDH lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* will feature outstanding editions of your favorite programs!
^ THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT) will feature a multiplicity of topics, as STC hockey analyst Kyle O'Rourke and I break down the NCAA hockey brackets, Pat Roy's kid taking after his thug old man, "Mr. Hockey" turning 80 and the final stretch of the NHL playoff chase.
^ On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), Mike Ptak, Tony Mazur and I deliver our National League preview, checking out the Senior Circuit from top to bottom by forecasting the playoff teams and individual award winners. This baseball coverage leads into more analysis from a fantasy perspective on THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT).
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Sunday, March 23, 2008
FDH Lounge News Nuggets
By Rick Morris
Our "News Nuggets" segment on our FDH LOUNGE program generally addresses minor topics, or sometimes wacky ones, in detail that is brief relative to our discussion of other matters. This "News Nuggets" column is going to be a bit different, as factors relating to the overall FDH family (primarily keeping our pimp hand strong during fantasy baseball season) have kept me from opining here as much as I would have liked over the past two weeks -- but I do want to put my two cents in on the following topics:
^ Eliot Spitzer -- what goes around ... ew, I'm not going to finish that sentence given some of the connotations some people could put there! But this jerkwad slimed Richard Grasso and others on Wall Street, preferring to hypocritically try to blackmail them using their alleged sexual misadventures as part of his grandstanding campaign to advance himself. Now I'm supposed to feel sorry for him now that he's got a "problem"? Nah. I do feel badly for his daughters and yes, for his wife, notwithstanding her decision to accompany him in front of the cameras instead of walking away like he deserved (BTW, may I say Mrs. Spit is looking fine for her age and I'm sure there'd be a long line of guys looking to cheer up this "Mrs. Robinson" if push comes to shove). Now he suffers more humiliation as we learn that he likes to keep his black socks on, uh, "during." Wow. Pardon me while I get some turpentine and try to scrub my brain of that mental image ... OK, I'm back now with one more note. Apparently Hollywood Wackjob Par Excellence Alec Baldwin worshiped this guy and thinks America's going in the crapper now that he's been marginalized. He also notes that prostitution is wrong because "every prostitute is someone's daughter." I'm actually touched that Baldwin took five minutes out of his busy schedule (which, ironically, seems to consist largely of working towards driving his own young daughter to a career "on the pole" by screaming at her about her alleged bovine tendencies) to break off that particular bit of Captain Obvious wisdom.
^ Planned Parenthood's real agenda is snuffing out black babies. The heck you say! The same folks who revere their founder, Fascist Racist Extraordinare Margaret Sanger? Evidently, things haven't changed much since Sanger was founding their little baby-skull-crushing enterprise:
"Margaret Sanger spoke of sterilizing those she designated as 'unfit,' a plan she said would be the 'salvation of American civilization.' And she also spike of those who were 'irresponsible and reckless,' among whom she included those " whose religious scruples prevent their exercising control over their numbers." She further contended that 'there is no doubt in the minds of all thinking people that the procreation of this group should be stopped.' That many Americans of African origin constituted a segment of Sanger considered 'unfit' cannot be easily refuted.
She wrote: 'We do not want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten that idea out if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members.'"
Whoopsie Margaret! All these years later one of your peons let the cat out of the bag about your extermination agenda. Sucks when that happens, eh?
"Donor: Wonderful. I want to specify that abortion to help a minority group - would that be possible?
^ The NCAA is officially more cynical than any politician anywhere. We see now what CBS gets for its 58 gajillion dollars for the NCAA hoops tournament. Mayo v. Beasley in Round One of the brackets? Bob Huggins facing his ancient rival Xavier for a shot at the Elite Eight? Georgetown happening to draw the little sister just up the road for the first round sacrificial lamb? A first round battle of very different sentimental favorites in Notre Dame and George Mason? This entire event is tainted by the fact that it is explicitly made-for-TV in the sense that logical matchups and fair seeding are going to be cast aside for whatever the puppets on the committee think is going to move the Nielson ratings. Say what you will about Vince McMahon, and I've buried him consistently, but at least he's honest about what his enterprise is.
^ Speaking of the tournament, Bobby Knight has yet to choke Digger Phelps out on camera. Fortunately, we've got two weeks to go ...
^ Winners win and losers make excuses. The Detroit Tigers have, predictably, signed their new young franchise player Miguel Cabrera to a megabucks deal that will keep him in town well into the next decade. Meanwhile, my Cleveland Indians are engaging in a season-long goodbye wave to C.C. Sabathia. And people wonder why I may sound bitter from time to time ...
^ So now Hugh Hewitt is pushing Mitt Romney for V.P. Who saw that coming? I'd watch my back if I was McCain, though, because if that ticket wins in November, good old Uncle Hughey is going to be perched in the crow's nest on Inauguration Day with a poison blowdart aimed right at JM's carotid artery.
^ Speaking of poison blowdarts, I wouldn't put my "thoat" anywhere within firing distance of Hillary these days if I was Bill Richardson. What a greasy, back-stabbing opportunist -- and surprise, he doesn't side with the Clintons!
^ Obama's pastor hates Whitey. Obama himself throws his grandma under the bus to make him look better by comparison. Whoever said campaigns teach us nothing about the candidates for office?
^ So now Steven Spielberg, Nancy Pelosi and other moral posturers are doing their full-blown "Mr. Mackey routine" at China: "Mmmmkay, genocide is bad, mmmmmkay?" Call me cynical if you must, but I can't see any of these buffoons standing up to an Islamic terrorist threatening our country in the same way -- or standing up for the rights of (those darn intolerant and judgmental!) Christians in the same way. But now that China is oppressing Buddhists -- conjuring up the image of helpless, peaceful fat bald guys rubbing their bellies as ChiCom tanks plow them over -- well, hey, now it's time to take a stand! Gimme a call the next time any of these assclowns raises a peep when a Jewish woman and her family gets blown to bits by a homicide bomber in Israel ...
Our "News Nuggets" segment on our FDH LOUNGE program generally addresses minor topics, or sometimes wacky ones, in detail that is brief relative to our discussion of other matters. This "News Nuggets" column is going to be a bit different, as factors relating to the overall FDH family (primarily keeping our pimp hand strong during fantasy baseball season) have kept me from opining here as much as I would have liked over the past two weeks -- but I do want to put my two cents in on the following topics:
^ Eliot Spitzer -- what goes around ... ew, I'm not going to finish that sentence given some of the connotations some people could put there! But this jerkwad slimed Richard Grasso and others on Wall Street, preferring to hypocritically try to blackmail them using their alleged sexual misadventures as part of his grandstanding campaign to advance himself. Now I'm supposed to feel sorry for him now that he's got a "problem"? Nah. I do feel badly for his daughters and yes, for his wife, notwithstanding her decision to accompany him in front of the cameras instead of walking away like he deserved (BTW, may I say Mrs. Spit is looking fine for her age and I'm sure there'd be a long line of guys looking to cheer up this "Mrs. Robinson" if push comes to shove). Now he suffers more humiliation as we learn that he likes to keep his black socks on, uh, "during." Wow. Pardon me while I get some turpentine and try to scrub my brain of that mental image ... OK, I'm back now with one more note. Apparently Hollywood Wackjob Par Excellence Alec Baldwin worshiped this guy and thinks America's going in the crapper now that he's been marginalized. He also notes that prostitution is wrong because "every prostitute is someone's daughter." I'm actually touched that Baldwin took five minutes out of his busy schedule (which, ironically, seems to consist largely of working towards driving his own young daughter to a career "on the pole" by screaming at her about her alleged bovine tendencies) to break off that particular bit of Captain Obvious wisdom.
^ Planned Parenthood's real agenda is snuffing out black babies. The heck you say! The same folks who revere their founder, Fascist Racist Extraordinare Margaret Sanger? Evidently, things haven't changed much since Sanger was founding their little baby-skull-crushing enterprise:
"Margaret Sanger spoke of sterilizing those she designated as 'unfit,' a plan she said would be the 'salvation of American civilization.' And she also spike of those who were 'irresponsible and reckless,' among whom she included those " whose religious scruples prevent their exercising control over their numbers." She further contended that 'there is no doubt in the minds of all thinking people that the procreation of this group should be stopped.' That many Americans of African origin constituted a segment of Sanger considered 'unfit' cannot be easily refuted.
She wrote: 'We do not want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten that idea out if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members.'"
Whoopsie Margaret! All these years later one of your peons let the cat out of the bag about your extermination agenda. Sucks when that happens, eh?
"Donor: Wonderful. I want to specify that abortion to help a minority group - would that be possible?
Kersey (Planned Parenthood employee!!!): Absolutely.
Donor: Like the black community for example?
Kersey: Certainly.
Donor: OK, so the abortion -- I can give money specifically for a black baby, that would be the purpose.
Kersey: Absolutely. If you wanted to designate that you wanted your gift to be used to help (an) African-American woman in need, then we would certainly make sure that that gift was earmarked specifically for that purpose.
Donor: Great. Because I really face trouble with affirmative action, and I don't want my kids being disadvantaged, you know, against black kids. I just had a baby; I want to put it in his name, you know.
Kersey: Mmhmm, absolutely.
Donor: So that's definitely possible.
Kersey: Oh, always, always.
Donor: So I just wanna - can I put this in the name of my son?
Kersey: Absolutely.
Donor: Yeah, he's trying to get into colleges, and he's going to be applying, you know, he's just -- we're just really big -- he's really faced troubles with affirmative action.
Kersey: Mmhmm.
Donor: And we don't, you know, we just think, you know, the less black kids out there the better.
Kersey: (Laughs) Understandable, understandable. ... Um David, let me, if I may, just get some sort of specific general information so we can set this up the right way. You said you wanted to put it in your son's name, and you would like this designated specifically to assist (an) African-American woman who's looking to terminate a pregnancy.
Donor: Exactly, and yeah, I wanna protect my son, so he can get into college.
Kersey: All right. Excuse my hesitation, um, um, this is the first time I've had a donor call and make this kind of request, so I'm excited, and I wanna make sure I don't leave anything out."
Well, at least the media's been pretty quiet about it, ensuring that the populace remains in the dark about what a holocaust that "choice" really is.^ The NCAA is officially more cynical than any politician anywhere. We see now what CBS gets for its 58 gajillion dollars for the NCAA hoops tournament. Mayo v. Beasley in Round One of the brackets? Bob Huggins facing his ancient rival Xavier for a shot at the Elite Eight? Georgetown happening to draw the little sister just up the road for the first round sacrificial lamb? A first round battle of very different sentimental favorites in Notre Dame and George Mason? This entire event is tainted by the fact that it is explicitly made-for-TV in the sense that logical matchups and fair seeding are going to be cast aside for whatever the puppets on the committee think is going to move the Nielson ratings. Say what you will about Vince McMahon, and I've buried him consistently, but at least he's honest about what his enterprise is.
^ Speaking of the tournament, Bobby Knight has yet to choke Digger Phelps out on camera. Fortunately, we've got two weeks to go ...
^ Winners win and losers make excuses. The Detroit Tigers have, predictably, signed their new young franchise player Miguel Cabrera to a megabucks deal that will keep him in town well into the next decade. Meanwhile, my Cleveland Indians are engaging in a season-long goodbye wave to C.C. Sabathia. And people wonder why I may sound bitter from time to time ...
^ So now Hugh Hewitt is pushing Mitt Romney for V.P. Who saw that coming? I'd watch my back if I was McCain, though, because if that ticket wins in November, good old Uncle Hughey is going to be perched in the crow's nest on Inauguration Day with a poison blowdart aimed right at JM's carotid artery.
^ Speaking of poison blowdarts, I wouldn't put my "thoat" anywhere within firing distance of Hillary these days if I was Bill Richardson. What a greasy, back-stabbing opportunist -- and surprise, he doesn't side with the Clintons!
^ Obama's pastor hates Whitey. Obama himself throws his grandma under the bus to make him look better by comparison. Whoever said campaigns teach us nothing about the candidates for office?
^ So now Steven Spielberg, Nancy Pelosi and other moral posturers are doing their full-blown "Mr. Mackey routine" at China: "Mmmmkay, genocide is bad, mmmmmkay?" Call me cynical if you must, but I can't see any of these buffoons standing up to an Islamic terrorist threatening our country in the same way -- or standing up for the rights of (those darn intolerant and judgmental!) Christians in the same way. But now that China is oppressing Buddhists -- conjuring up the image of helpless, peaceful fat bald guys rubbing their bellies as ChiCom tanks plow them over -- well, hey, now it's time to take a stand! Gimme a call the next time any of these assclowns raises a peep when a Jewish woman and her family gets blown to bits by a homicide bomber in Israel ...
Happy Easter from the FDH family
By Rick Morris
We at FDH Enterprises, LLC wish a most Happy Easter for you and yours. May this celebration of hope and rebirth be a happy one for all of our readers and content consumers.
We at FDH Enterprises, LLC wish a most Happy Easter for you and yours. May this celebration of hope and rebirth be a happy one for all of our readers and content consumers.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch March 20
By Rick Morris
Tonight’s FDH-produced block of programming on SportsTalkCleveland.com* begins with THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), when we will preview NCAA Selection Sunday as the race to the Frozen Four begins – then, we’ll break down the NHL Stanley Cup playoff race in detail and we’ll take a look at the NEXT proposed NHL outdoor game.
On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (
The evening builds to a crescendo with THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
One man's NCAA bracket
By Rick Morris
Last year, I posted an NCAA hoops bracket that turned out quite well for anyone who chose to use it. Here's my version for 2008, listing the winners by round (oh, and here's where you can find a bracket that you can fill in with these winners):
EAST REGION
First Round
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
3. Louisville
4. Washington State
5. Notre Dame
7. Butler
8. Indiana
11. St. Joseph's
Second Round
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
3. Louisville
4. Washington State
Sweet 16
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
Elite 8
1. UNC
WEST REGION
First Round
1. Kansas
2. Georgetown
3. Wisconsin
4. Vanderbilt
5. Clemson
6. USC
9. Kent State
10. Davidson
Second Round
1. Kansas
2. Georgetown
5. Clemson
6. USC
Sweet 16
2. Georgetown
5. Clemson
Elite 8
5. Clemson
SOUTH REGION
First Round
1. Memphis
2. Texas
3. Stanford
4. Pittsburgh
5. Michigan State
8. Mississippi State
10. St. Mary's
11. Kentucky
Second Round
1. Memphis
2. Texas
3. Stanford
4. Pittsburgh
Sweet 16
2. Texas
4. Pittsburgh
Elite 8
2. Texas
WEST REGION
First Round
1. UCLA
2. Duke
3. Xavier
4. UConn
5. Drake
6. Purdue
7. West Virginia
8. BYU
Second Round
1. UCLA
3. Xavier
4. UConn
7. West Virginia
Sweet 16
1. UCLA
3. Xavier
Elite 8
UCLA
NATIONAL SEMIFINALS
1. UNC over 5. Clemson
1. UCLA over 2. Texas
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1. UCLA 78, 1. UNC 73
Last year, I posted an NCAA hoops bracket that turned out quite well for anyone who chose to use it. Here's my version for 2008, listing the winners by round (oh, and here's where you can find a bracket that you can fill in with these winners):
EAST REGION
First Round
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
3. Louisville
4. Washington State
5. Notre Dame
7. Butler
8. Indiana
11. St. Joseph's
Second Round
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
3. Louisville
4. Washington State
Sweet 16
1. UNC
2. Tennessee
Elite 8
1. UNC
WEST REGION
First Round
1. Kansas
2. Georgetown
3. Wisconsin
4. Vanderbilt
5. Clemson
6. USC
9. Kent State
10. Davidson
Second Round
1. Kansas
2. Georgetown
5. Clemson
6. USC
Sweet 16
2. Georgetown
5. Clemson
Elite 8
5. Clemson
SOUTH REGION
First Round
1. Memphis
2. Texas
3. Stanford
4. Pittsburgh
5. Michigan State
8. Mississippi State
10. St. Mary's
11. Kentucky
Second Round
1. Memphis
2. Texas
3. Stanford
4. Pittsburgh
Sweet 16
2. Texas
4. Pittsburgh
Elite 8
2. Texas
WEST REGION
First Round
1. UCLA
2. Duke
3. Xavier
4. UConn
5. Drake
6. Purdue
7. West Virginia
8. BYU
Second Round
1. UCLA
3. Xavier
4. UConn
7. West Virginia
Sweet 16
1. UCLA
3. Xavier
Elite 8
UCLA
NATIONAL SEMIFINALS
1. UNC over 5. Clemson
1. UCLA over 2. Texas
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1. UCLA 78, 1. UNC 73
Monday, March 17, 2008
How Good or Bad is Derek Anderson?
by Jason Jones
With Cleveland Browns fans excessively excited about the upcoming season, there are still some questions. My biggest question is, “How good, really, is Derek Anderson?” I have no doubt that the Derek Anderson I think I know is capable of leading the Browns into the playoffs. However, I do not think he is capable of winning a Super Bowl. I also do not believe the Cleveland Browns are a Super Bowl-contending team going into 2008. They are a serious playoff team. The idea that they can ownPittsburgh New England , beat Indianapolis Jacksonville
With Cleveland Browns fans excessively excited about the upcoming season, there are still some questions. My biggest question is, “How good, really, is Derek Anderson?” I have no doubt that the Derek Anderson I think I know is capable of leading the Browns into the playoffs. However, I do not think he is capable of winning a Super Bowl. I also do not believe the Cleveland Browns are a Super Bowl-contending team going into 2008. They are a serious playoff team. The idea that they can own
First Possession
7:57-J.Lewis 7 yd dive
6:03-DA 28 yd pass to a flipped Edwards called incomplete (not DA’s fault) the announcer’s criticized the throw claiming it set up Edwards to get hurt.
5:51-J.Lewis HB Sweep 5 yds
5:12-DA sits in the pocket until he inexplicably fumbles the ball with no one touching him, then scrambles to his right and wildly throws the ball to a relatively open Jurevicious and misses him by 7 or 8 yards. The ball ended up just in front of the camera men. He didn’t even look at the 3 receivers he had wide open running intermediate routes.
5:02-39 yd FG attempt is good by Phil Dawson
Second Possession
3:24-DA throws over the middle 22yds to Kellen dropping it into a zone of a 4 yd radius for a 20 yd gain.
2:46-J.Lewis lt. counter for a 4 yd gain.
2:03-DA bootleg lt. throws on the run to Jurevicious in a closing window of defenders for a 13 yd gain.
1:20-DA steps up in the pocket and throws a bullet just before getting hit to Edwards (who had to lay way out to catch it) into a zone with a 7 yd radius. Edwards should not have had to dive for the ball; had he caught it in stride, he could’ve taken it to the endzone.
0:56-J.Lewis off rt. guard for a 3 yd gain.
0:18-DA short-hops this pass a good 6 yds. to Edwards on a very tightly-covered curl route. Terrible decision in double coverage when at no point was his receiver ever open.
0:13-DA throws this one directly to the linebacker 6 yards in front of Edwards never even looking at another option. It was read perfectly and should have been intercepted. Caleb Miller was clearly in view, while Edwards didn’t come into view until the last second.
0:09-39 FG attempt is good by Phil Dawson.
Third Possession
14:36-DA hands to J.Cribbs in a make shift end around for a 9 yd gain.
13:07-DA throws over the middle to a streaking Kellen for a 20 yd gain. This ball was actually thrown really well, up top where only Kellen would be able to adjust to get it.
11:44-J.Lewis rt. stretch play for 3 yds.
11:03-DA throws to Jurevicious in the lt. corner of the endzone for a 17 yd touchdown. Another very nice throw. If Jurevicious was 2 inches shorter it would have been incomplete, but he put in front of the receiver so the DB would have to go through Jurevicious to get to it.
Let’s pause from the QB analysis for a Josh Cribbs moment…
7:33-Josh Cribbs receives the kick off in stride just rt. of the hash marks, cuts back toward the middle of the field, finds the first seam between two blocks at the 20. He watches the seam close at the 30, and proceeds to bounce outside to the left bypassing 6
Fourth Possession
7:20-J.Lewis runs off lt. guard for a 1 yd gain.
6:43-DA throws to his rt. to Edwards who didn’t have anyone within 8 yards of him in any direction. If Braylon Edwards is 6’3, DA threw it as if he were 13 feet tall. Just a terrible throw. It couldn’t have been a throw-away because Edwards was so very open.
The next play of note as I fast forward through the Bengals offensive drive is the wide-open touchdown pass to Chad Johnson. Mr. Endzone Celebration spent the time to figure out that he was going to jump into the Dawg Pound, but didn’t take the time to find out which endzone they were in.
Fifth Possession
2:48-DA throws to Edwards in the flat. Edwards had to wait for it for a couple seconds, but found a way to get an 8 yd gain out of it.
2:11-J.Lewis runs a HB Slam play off lt. tackle, then cuts inside a Jurevicious block and makes the first DB miss. He eventually gets knocked out at the
2:00-DA takes a 5 step drop while
1:34-DA throws the ball high to Edwards who reaches out for it in triple coverage and tips it into the air. As Edwards fall behind all three
1:11-DA throws another nice ball in perfect stride with Kellen between two DB’s; they never had a chance. Touchdown.
Sixth Possession
15:00-DA steps back and fires one to Edwards separating from his defender. DA didn’t notice the other DB eyeballing him the whole way. Interception Dexter Jackson. Terrible read. He had good protection, had he waited one or two seconds Edwards would have been all alone 10 yards further down field.
Seventh Possession
12:04-J.Lewis takes the handoff off rt. guard for a tough 4 yds.
11:17-DA locks in on Edwards and throws a strike to his outside shoulder and Edwards does the rest. With Jerry Rice-like precision Edwards toe taps the sideline for a beautiful reception. He still had to dive for it.
11:00-J.Lewis gets a solid 10 yds. on a lead draw play up the middle.
9:08-DA in shotgun, fires it just outside of Kellen who brings it in just past the first down marker for an 11 yd gain.
8:25-DA sets back, he could’ve had a beach chair out there, pump fakes short then lobs one to the endzone with Edwards in perfect stride leaving two DB’s in his dust to coast in for a touchdown. Not DA’s best ball in this game, but a very nice throw.
Chad Johnson finally gets into the Dawg Pound and apparently thought it would be more fun than it was. To think, arguably the most arrogant WR in the game thought he would just jump into a crowd of the most rabid fans and WOULDN’T get doused with whatever they had with them at the time? Interesting.
Eighth Possession
The following is the case study example for anyone who thinks Jamal Lewis is old, slow, over the hill, or flat out doesn’t have it anymore.
6:04-From the 34 yd line (1st and 10) J.Lewis takes the handoff cuts from the guard to outside the lt. tackle, makes it through the seam of 3 Bengals and on to daylight. The rest is Lewis trucking for 66 yards and one short possession but one long Touchdown run (66 yards).
Ninth Possession
12:28-DA steps back and fires one hard down the middle of the field to a wide-open Steve Heiden with a cushion of 4 yds in any direction (albeit, 3 DB’s around him). The Color Commentator spent at least 30 seconds talking about how he was certain that play would be a short conservative run or pass. Yeah, conservative, if by conservative you mean a 30 yd. pass into loose triple coverage.
11:42-J.Lewis takes the handoff on a dive play and busts it up and over no less than 4 immediate tacklers for an 11 yd gain. (it was at this point during the live action of this game my mother called and said, “he looks a little like Jim Brown”).
10:54-DA bootlegs rt., finds L.Vickers at the last second, then Vickers puts a nasty spin move on the linebacker for a first down.
10:06-DA rolls back looks rt. then lt. and throws of his back foot to a
Tenth Possession
8:29-J.Lewis does it again. On a delay with a great block from Vickers, he splits the seam and shakes in and out for a 48 yds. gain. No gas left in the tank my arsecheek!
7:56-DA looking very relaxed sends a pass over the middle that looks overthrown. DA wasn’t looking for Jurevicious though, it lands nicely in the falling arms of Kellen on the 5 yd. line.
5:54-DA drops back under pressure and lofts the ball out of the back of the endzone. With a second look, Winslow was covered and if he had thrown it low enough Edwards could have caught it on his curl route and fallen down shielding the ball from the two defenders close to him. The third read was Jurevicious basically running the baseline (basketball analogy) with the closest defender trailing a good 6 yds. behind him. A good QB would’ve seen that.
5:44-18 yd FG attempt is good by Phil Dawson
Eleventh Possession
3:36-J.Lewis cuts outside for a 3 yd gain. (the most yards rushing by a Brown is 34 years-Jim Brown 223-Nov 3, 1963)
3:24-DA throws one across the middle to a waiting Edwards who has to adjust his run after the catch and caves under 3 defenders for a first down.
2:00-J.Lewis runs up the middle for no gain.
Just for fun…
0:28-Carson Palmer steps back looking for Chad Johnson only to have Leigh Bodden catch the ball Willie Mays-style over his should and toe tapping the sideline shades of Braylon Edwards’ catch from earlier in the first half to end the game.
This was the second highest-scoring game in the history of the NFL. The idea was to take Derek Anderson’s best statistical performance and analyze just how good it was.
End of Game Stats:
Derek Anderson: 20/33 (60.6%), 328 yds passing, 9.9 avg per comp, 5 TD’s, 1
Jamal Lewis: 27 carries, 216 yds, 8.0 yds per carry avg, 1 TD, long run of 66 yds.
Braylon Edwards: 8 receptions, 146 yds, 18.3 yds per rec, 2 TD’s, long rec of 37 yds
Kellen Winslow: 6 receptions, 100 yds, 16.7 yds per rec, 1 TD, long rec of 25 yds
Joe Jurevicious: 4 receptions, 44 yds, 11 yds per rec, 2 TD’s, long rec of 11 yds
Clearly, no one should knock 20/33 for 328 and 5 TD’s. The issue I am stuck on has nothing to do with what
Example 1:
Example 2: 6:03 of the 1st Qtr. Quinn generally doesn’t put his receivers in a position to get tagged and ultimately hurt. The only time he ever risked it was throwing to his now turned Cubs minor leaguer former Notre Dame teammate Jeff Samardjia. But he was huge, a young Joe Jurevicious.
Example 3: 0:18 of the 1st Qtr. Quinn is exquisite at putting the right touch and softness on his short and intermediate passes. With the exception of getting the first time jitters out, I cannot fathom a world where Quinn would short-hop a pass as poorly as DA did here. Edwards was running a curl route through the teeth of the secondary. Even if the throw wasn’t short hopped, chances are one of the 3 DB’s would’ve intercepted it.
Example 4: 0:13 of the 1st Qtr. A good QB rarely ever throws the ball directly to a defender because he has his blinders on for his target. Good QB’s on occasion will throw the ball directly to a spot that a defender is converging on. This example, the defender didn’t move on foot for about 6 seconds leading up to the throw. When the ball came, he didn’t have to move an inch to catch it. Luckily for us, he cannot catch.
Now these are only the mistakes in the 1st quarter. They continue throughout the game. In this instance, since
All-in-all, I am ecstatic for next season. If DA starts and plays the entire season, I still believe the Browns are a playoff team. The only question is, “what happens once we get there?” This team should be realistically looking for a Super Bowl run in 2009-10, I just hope the QB position is figured out long-term by then.
Selection Sunday reflections
By Rick Morris
FDH presented its third annual fantasy brackets draft Sunday night and our lead NCAA brackets analyst Nate Noy was a participant. The following notes came out of our conversation as he broke down the committee's decisions:
^ Nate and I both agree: the K-State/USC first-round matchup is the biggest "show biz" decision in NCAA history. Any time the poobahs at the NCAA ever try to convince people that their moves are made purely based on where teams deserve to be slotted, give them a four-word rebuttal: "Michael. Beasley. O.J. Mayo." You could probably put this game on pay-per-view and make some nice coin. I plan to be watching this one, but then again the idiot affiliate in my hometown will once again choose to show something with more "local appeal." Nate sees USC winning this game and making a strong run, while FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones sees Kansas State using this game as a steppingstone for their own drive forward.
^ The seeding of St. Joe's was a shock, especially for a team so recently "on the bubble." Virginia Tech and Arizona State should certainly have been in the field of 65, and Ohio State can also plausibly claim to having been jobbed. South Alabama doesn't belong in the field.
^ Memphis is the #1 seed in the most trouble early on and may struggle to make the Sweet 16 given the path they face after the first game.
^ Advocates of the upper-mid-majors will claim Kent State should have been seeded higher, but Nate finds their slotting appropriate.
^ Miami's placement was indefensible as they were a clear bubble team. Assuming they should have even been in the field, they deserved a 10 seed at best.
^ Wisconsin's tumble to a 3 seed was surprising in light of their run through the Big Ten tournament, although that may have been a case where one deserving team had to fall to that level.
^ Drake is the 5 seed most vulnerable to a traditional 5-12 upset in the first round.
^ UCLA pretty much has a layup to get to a regional final matchup against (probably) Duke.
^ Georgia has proven this weekend that they were much better than their record and that they underachieved greatly in the regular season. Now, playing closer to their full potential, they could give Xavier all they want in an unprecedented first round game with a power conference team manning the 14th seed.
^ Davidson really got hosed on the seeding.
^ Little-known fact: Washington State is the team most ready physically for the first weekend in Denver, playing at high altitude in all of their regular season games.
^ Tennessee was essentially proclaimed the #8 team in the country by the committee, a truly head-scratching move.
That's great analysis from Nate as usual. He'll be contributing his thoughts again here on the blog during the week, and he, Jason and I (and possibly other Lounge Dignitaries) will be delivering all of the picks in our brackets so that we might help you try to rule the office pool. Also, click here to get a printable bracket for yourself. Good luck!
FDH presented its third annual fantasy brackets draft Sunday night and our lead NCAA brackets analyst Nate Noy was a participant. The following notes came out of our conversation as he broke down the committee's decisions:
^ Nate and I both agree: the K-State/USC first-round matchup is the biggest "show biz" decision in NCAA history. Any time the poobahs at the NCAA ever try to convince people that their moves are made purely based on where teams deserve to be slotted, give them a four-word rebuttal: "Michael. Beasley. O.J. Mayo." You could probably put this game on pay-per-view and make some nice coin. I plan to be watching this one, but then again the idiot affiliate in my hometown will once again choose to show something with more "local appeal." Nate sees USC winning this game and making a strong run, while FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones sees Kansas State using this game as a steppingstone for their own drive forward.
^ The seeding of St. Joe's was a shock, especially for a team so recently "on the bubble." Virginia Tech and Arizona State should certainly have been in the field of 65, and Ohio State can also plausibly claim to having been jobbed. South Alabama doesn't belong in the field.
^ Memphis is the #1 seed in the most trouble early on and may struggle to make the Sweet 16 given the path they face after the first game.
^ Advocates of the upper-mid-majors will claim Kent State should have been seeded higher, but Nate finds their slotting appropriate.
^ Miami's placement was indefensible as they were a clear bubble team. Assuming they should have even been in the field, they deserved a 10 seed at best.
^ Wisconsin's tumble to a 3 seed was surprising in light of their run through the Big Ten tournament, although that may have been a case where one deserving team had to fall to that level.
^ Drake is the 5 seed most vulnerable to a traditional 5-12 upset in the first round.
^ UCLA pretty much has a layup to get to a regional final matchup against (probably) Duke.
^ Georgia has proven this weekend that they were much better than their record and that they underachieved greatly in the regular season. Now, playing closer to their full potential, they could give Xavier all they want in an unprecedented first round game with a power conference team manning the 14th seed.
^ Davidson really got hosed on the seeding.
^ Little-known fact: Washington State is the team most ready physically for the first weekend in Denver, playing at high altitude in all of their regular season games.
^ Tennessee was essentially proclaimed the #8 team in the country by the committee, a truly head-scratching move.
That's great analysis from Nate as usual. He'll be contributing his thoughts again here on the blog during the week, and he, Jason and I (and possibly other Lounge Dignitaries) will be delivering all of the picks in our brackets so that we might help you try to rule the office pool. Also, click here to get a printable bracket for yourself. Good luck!
2008 FDH College Hoops Bracket Draft
By Rick Morris
While FDH did not end up having the NCAA hoops bracket draft program on SportsTalkCleveland.com* tonight (as the great Kevin Malone from The Office might say "Because of reasons ..."), we did still conduct our draft off-line so that we could share the results with you here.
First, let's examine our recommended scoring system:
^ 2 points for an opening-round win
^ 4 points for a second-round win
^ 6 points for a third-round win
^ 8 points for a regional championship win
^ 10 points for winning a national semifinal game
^ 12 points for winning the national championship
Also, there are bonus points for having lower seeds win:
^ 2 points for each win by a team seeded 5th through 9th in a region
^ 5 points for each win by a team seeded 10th through 16th in a region
FDH Lounge Dignitaries participating in this event, which utilized our recommended scoring system, were Jason Jones, Nate Noy, Samantha Jones and Rick Morris (drafting in that order in a standard 12-round serpentine process).
Here's how each round materialized:
ROUND ONE
1. Jason: Memphis
2. Nate: UNC
3. Samantha: UCLA
4. Rick: Texas
ROUND TWO
1. Rick: Georgetown
2. Samantha: Kansas
3. Nate: Duke
4. Jason: Tennessee
ROUND THREE
1. Jason: Stanford
2. Nate: Louisville
3. Samantha: Wisconsin
4. Rick: Xavier
ROUND FOUR
1. Rick: Vanderbilt
2. Samantha: UConn
3. Nate: Washington State
4. Jason: Michigan State
ROUND FIVE
1. Jason: Clemson
2. Nate: USC
3. Samantha: Oklahoma
4. Rick: Pittsburgh
ROUND SIX
1. Rick: Notre Dame
2. Samantha: Purdue
3. Nate: Kentucky
4. Jason: Indiana
ROUND SEVEN
1. Jason: Gonzaga
2. Nate: Texas A&M
3. Samantha: UNLV
4. Rick: Butler
ROUND EIGHT
1. Rick: St. Mary's
2. Samantha: Arkansas
3. Nate: Arizona
4. Jason: Kansas State
ROUND NINE
1. Jason: St. Joseph's
2. Nate: Marquette
3. Samantha: BYU
4. Rick: Davidson
ROUND TEN
1. Rick: Oregon
2. Samantha: Temple
3. Nate: Mississippi State
4. Jason: Georgia
ROUND ELEVEN
1. Jason: Villanova
2. Nate: Miami
3. Samantha: George Mason
4. Rick: Drake
ROUND TWELVE
1. Rick: Kent State
2. Samantha: Oral Roberts
3. Nate: Western Kentucky
4. Jason UMBC
We will track the results of this event and announce the winner on STC. While actual brackets are fun, and we will certainly be participating in them ourselves, bracket drafts with the element of fantasy sports interjected in are also great fun and we encourage you strongly to partake of our recommended format.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer forCleveland
While FDH did not end up having the NCAA hoops bracket draft program on SportsTalkCleveland.com* tonight (as the great Kevin Malone from The Office might say "Because of reasons ..."), we did still conduct our draft off-line so that we could share the results with you here.
First, let's examine our recommended scoring system:
^ 2 points for an opening-round win
^ 4 points for a second-round win
^ 6 points for a third-round win
^ 8 points for a regional championship win
^ 10 points for winning a national semifinal game
^ 12 points for winning the national championship
Also, there are bonus points for having lower seeds win:
^ 2 points for each win by a team seeded 5th through 9th in a region
^ 5 points for each win by a team seeded 10th through 16th in a region
FDH Lounge Dignitaries participating in this event, which utilized our recommended scoring system, were Jason Jones, Nate Noy, Samantha Jones and Rick Morris (drafting in that order in a standard 12-round serpentine process).
Here's how each round materialized:
ROUND ONE
1. Jason: Memphis
2. Nate: UNC
3. Samantha: UCLA
4. Rick: Texas
ROUND TWO
1. Rick: Georgetown
2. Samantha: Kansas
3. Nate: Duke
4. Jason: Tennessee
ROUND THREE
1. Jason: Stanford
2. Nate: Louisville
3. Samantha: Wisconsin
4. Rick: Xavier
ROUND FOUR
1. Rick: Vanderbilt
2. Samantha: UConn
3. Nate: Washington State
4. Jason: Michigan State
ROUND FIVE
1. Jason: Clemson
2. Nate: USC
3. Samantha: Oklahoma
4. Rick: Pittsburgh
ROUND SIX
1. Rick: Notre Dame
2. Samantha: Purdue
3. Nate: Kentucky
4. Jason: Indiana
ROUND SEVEN
1. Jason: Gonzaga
2. Nate: Texas A&M
3. Samantha: UNLV
4. Rick: Butler
ROUND EIGHT
1. Rick: St. Mary's
2. Samantha: Arkansas
3. Nate: Arizona
4. Jason: Kansas State
ROUND NINE
1. Jason: St. Joseph's
2. Nate: Marquette
3. Samantha: BYU
4. Rick: Davidson
ROUND TEN
1. Rick: Oregon
2. Samantha: Temple
3. Nate: Mississippi State
4. Jason: Georgia
ROUND ELEVEN
1. Jason: Villanova
2. Nate: Miami
3. Samantha: George Mason
4. Rick: Drake
ROUND TWELVE
1. Rick: Kent State
2. Samantha: Oral Roberts
3. Nate: Western Kentucky
4. Jason UMBC
We will track the results of this event and announce the winner on STC. While actual brackets are fun, and we will certainly be participating in them ourselves, bracket drafts with the element of fantasy sports interjected in are also great fun and we encourage you strongly to partake of our recommended format.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2008 NCAA Tournament Predictions
by Jason Jones
16. Play In Game Winner
8.
9. Arkansas
5. Notre Dame (winner)
12. George Mason
4. Washington St.
13.Winthrop
6. Oklahoma
11. Saint Joseph
3. Louisville
14. Boise St
7. Butler
10. South Alabama
2. Tennessee
15. American
My apologizes ahead of time, apparently Blogger and Microsoft Word on not happy with one another today and everything is skewed a little.
Every sports fan is entitled to root for and be loyal to any team or sport that they prefer. On one hand you cannot sway me on who my favorite team(s) are, without question. If I say I love the Cleveland Browns win lose or draw, there is nothing you can say that will make me change my stance and begin rooting for the Seattle Seahawks. Just is not going to happen. On the other side of the coin, there are things that can be changed. If someone says that they prefer explosive big ball baseball including lots of homeruns and high scores, I could probably convince them of the value in small ball and pitchers dueling it out inning after inning. Today we are talking about something that you cannot change me on. The Super Bowl (and preceding playoffs)maybe the highest rated champion crowning event. The NBA Finals (preceding and playoffs) may induce the most excitement from moment to moment. The World Series (and preceding playoffs) may be most engaging of the playoff runs. One thing, in my opinion, cannot be debated. THE NCAA TOURNAMENT IS THE BEST CROWNING OF A CHAMPION THE WORLD
Eastern Region-Round 1
1. UNC (winner)16. Play In Game Winner
8.
9. Arkansas
5. Notre Dame (winner)
12. George Mason
4. Washington St.
13.
6. Oklahoma
11. Saint Joseph
3. Louisville
14. Boise St
7. Butler
10. South Alabama
2. Tennessee
15. American
Notable points:
-#1’s don’t lose to #16’s, and that’s all there is to it. UNC is not losing their first round game, and I don’t care who they end up playing.
-
-What George Mason did last year should last them 50 years. So, Notre Dame by a decent margin. We may never see a run like George Mason made again, it definitely won’t start this year.
-I’ve never been a fan of the champion of the southwestern polytechnical mountain pacific theological athletic conference getting an automatic bid. Needless to say, a small conference champ really has to impress me;
-I really like
-Bottom line,
-
-I have played at
16. Portland St
8. UNLV(winner)
9. Kent St
12. Villanova
13. Siena
11. Kansas St.
3.
14. Cal St.
10. Davidson
15. Univ. of
Notable points-
-The whole 1 vs. 16,
-Good placement for
-If Villanova plays well, this game could be fun to watch. Clemson showed its ceiling
beating Duke. Clemson beats Villanova
-Since I went to College, I have had a soft spot for
-
-
-Davidson has had moderate success in the tourney, but it won’t be enough to beat
Gonzaga.
-I love anything
could do enough to beat
South Regional-Round 1
9. Oregon
12. Temple
13. Oral Roberts
11. Kentucky
14. Cornell
10. St. Mary’s (CA)
15. Austin
Notable points-
-
-
-
-
-
-The two twin towers (and I do mean twin) will dominate Cornell.
-
-
West Regional-Round 1
1. UCLA (Winner)
16. Univ.
9. Texas
12. Western Kentucky
13. San Diego
11. Baylor (winner)
14. Georgia (winner)
10. Arizona
2. Duke (winner)
15. Belmont
Notable points-
-UCLA in a route
-Texas A&M squeaks out a close win over BYU
-Although, this one looks very unentertaining, Drake has been solid an will have a solid win.
-This is not the UConn of old, but they will get a relatively easy win over
-Baylor is a far cry from the team they had 5 years ago and will win this game for themselves.
-Xavier has been very nice this season, but do not underestimate what happened when
-
-I really hate Duke, especially with the 2007-08 team that wants to reinvent the wheel. However, they are not going to lose to
East Regional-Round 2
Indiana
Notre Dame
Washington St.
Louisville
Butler
Tennessee
Notable points-
-Gordon and the Hoosiers just aren’t enough to defeat the balance of UNC.
-This one is garbage, but as I have been informed,
home in the
-Rick Pitino is worth at least 10 pts in this one, which will be enough.
-
UNLV
Vanderbilt
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Notable points-
-
-Clemson riding high on their Duke win.
-
their advantage.
-Like
South Regional-Round 2
Oregon
Michigan St.
Pitt
Stanford (winner)
Texas
Notable points-
-
-Michigan St is too strong with their inside/out approach.
-
be enough. Stanford is too strong.
-
West Regional-Round 2
Texas
UConn (winner)
Georgia (winner)
Duke (winner)
Notable points-
-UCLA is just too good.
-Drake had a nice run, and they might have even improved recruiting, but UConn will
find a way.
-
-Duke will win…for now.
East Regional-Sweet 16
Washington St
Notable points-
-UNC still rolling…
-
Clemson
Georgetown
Notable points-
-
-Kansas St creates matchup issues that the Hoyas cannot answer.
South Regional-Sweet 16
Michigan St
Texas
Notable points-
-Michigan St. has looked great, but
-Great guard play from
West Regional-Sweet 16
UConn
Duke
Notable points-
-UCLA just keeps truckin’ along and a not-so UConn team just won’t have enough.
-Duke, as much as it pains me, will end
East Regional-Elite 8
Tennessee
Notable points-
-
Lofton to be great…he won’t be against UNC’s speed.
Notable points-
-Kansas St. has beaten
South Regional-Elite 8
Texas
Notable points-
-
West Regional-Elite 8
Duke
Notable points-
-Duke has escaped and proceeded due to an easy path. UCLA has size that coach K’s 5 small shooter won’t be able to handle.
Final Four
East-UNC
South-Memphis
West-UCLA
UCLA
Notable points-
-
-UCLA is good and balanced, which is normally a winning blend…
Championship Game:
Outcome:
You may or may not agree with the result, but it should be fun to watch unfold.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The 3rd Annual Cleveland Browns Comparison
by Jason Jones
Since 2006, I have heard fans complain that Phil Savage and his scouting staff have not lived up to their reputation. Each year this annoys me immensely. Phil Savage, in my opinion, is the best talent evaluator/GM in the game today. When you look at various draft picks (considering that 40% of them in the first 2 years were wasted) and the free agent moves made, he has steadily improved the Cleveland Browns quicker than any other franchise in professional football. Four years ago the Browns were the laughing stock of the NFL. Today there are countless "analysts" who have no hesitation in saying that the 2008 Browns are the clear favorite to win the AFC North and on paper are a top 5 team in the AFC. We will see, as they say, "That's why they play the game".
Since 2006, I have heard fans complain that Phil Savage and his scouting staff have not lived up to their reputation. Each year this annoys me immensely. Phil Savage, in my opinion, is the best talent evaluator/GM in the game today. When you look at various draft picks (considering that 40% of them in the first 2 years were wasted) and the free agent moves made, he has steadily improved the Cleveland Browns quicker than any other franchise in professional football. Four years ago the Browns were the laughing stock of the NFL. Today there are countless "analysts" who have no hesitation in saying that the 2008 Browns are the clear favorite to win the AFC North and on paper are a top 5 team in the AFC. We will see, as they say, "That's why they play the game".
This evening, while the Mrs. was out, I decided to watch the Monday Night Football replay of the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders from 2003 -- widely considered to be the greatest game Brett Favre ever played. Naturally, I could not help but notice some of the names on these teams that are no longer with these teams. So, I figured, what better time than to introduce my 3rd annual Cleveland Browns then vs. now. In this, every year I compare the 2004 Cleveland Browns to the upcoming year’s squad. The reason for this goes back to having to play goalie to the anti-Phil Savage comments. As it has been mentioned to me, this is much less of a problem going into the 2008 season as it was four years ago. However, as I deal with some level of obsession relating to my favorite team…I visit various message boards almost nightly during high anxiety times throughout the offseason. These areas would be most commonly the Free Agency period and the NFL Draft. Needless to say, there are still plenty of people who want to question what Phil Savage has done and claim that he is a hack and should be fired. As long as Phil is employed and there is even one person who wants to entertain this thought the comparison will continue. My first thought is how much better on paper are the Browns over the last four years. Got that nestled in your mind? Then ask yourself how improved the Baltimore Ravens are over the last four years? Now ask yourself once you’ve come to the conclusion that the Browns have improved almost 3 fold while the Ravens have gradually gotten worse over the same time span, ask yourself what is the singular move/decision that effects both teams? Answer: Phil Savage becomes the GM of the Cleveland Browns and stops making the scouting and personnel decisions for the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s get into it…
QB Jeff Garcia vs. QB Derek Anderson
Both of these, technically are Pro Bowl quarterbacks, I personally would not want either of these quarterbacks leading my franchise into the future. Jeff Garcia was old when he got into this league. Derek Anderson is the biggest David Copperfield impression in the NFL. With that being said, Derek Anderson is a closer facsimile of a prototype QB.
Edge: Derek Anderson
QB Kelly Holcomb vs. QB Brady Quinn
I shouldn’t have to even expound on this one, but I really shouldn’t have to make this post either. Believe it or not, there are people who think DA is a godsend and clearly better than Quinn. Leaving that alone, there are still people who believe that Kelly Holcomb would have gone to the Pro Bowl given the 2007 Browns. If that is the case, why not put in Spurgeon Wynn? Holcomb was a surprise, meaning once the game tape got out on him, teams knew exactly what to do.
Edge: Brady Quinn
QB Luke McCown vs. QB Ken Dorsey
McCown, when he was in
Edge: Ken Dorsey
FB Terrelle Smith vs. FB
Take your pick here based on preference. Do you want a FB who blows up holes for the featured tailback, or do you want a FB who is another offensive weapon? I like Vickers now, but would prefer Terrelle Smith opening holes for Jamal Lewis.
Edge: Terrelle Smith
RB William Green vs. RB Jamal Lewis
Willie Green was on the sidelines when Jamal Lewis rushed for over 500 yards against the Browns. William Green wouldn’t even vote for himself on this one. It comes down to Green (a never was) vs. Lewis (a future Hall of Famer).
Edge: Jamal Lewis
RB Lee Suggs vs. RB Jason Wright
Let’s assume there are no injury issues for either. Lee Suggs would probably win this one with a respectable margin of victory. Wright has shown some signs of promise. But Lee Suggs has shown some explosiveness.
Edge: Lee Suggs
RB Andy Echimandu vs. RB Jerome Harrison
Echimandu had a cup of coffee in the league if I’m not mistaken.
Edge: Jerome Harrison
TE Kellen Winslow vs. TE Kellen Winslow
Don’t blink, its not a typo. Going into the respective seasons, Winslow was the projected starter. Granted he got injured in 2004. As crazy as it sounds, I take Kellen Winslow, injured or not. If I could only have Winslow every other year for 10 years I take it with no hesitation.
Edge: Kellen Winslow (2008)
TE Steve Heiden vs. TE Steve Heiden
Again, same situation. Heiden is a very good #2 TE. He was featured more in 2004, but I prefer him to be a blocking TE and second to Winslow.
Edge: Steve Heiden (2008)
TE Aaron Shea vs. TE Darnell Dinkens
We were able to see Shea deliver in spots earlier. Darnell Dinkens too often is seen wearing a boot or not able to play for some strange reason. Production alone dictates this goes to Aaron Shea.
Edge: Aaron Shea
WR Antonio Bryant vs. WR Braylon Edwards
Let’s give him his due. Bryant did go over 1,000 yards. Honestly, I could go over 1,000 yards if a QB threw to me enough. Bryant dropped a lot of passes. Braylon is the truth. And probably the only Michigan WR to live up to any amount of hype. Braylon statistically is a top 10 WR in the league (actual: 7th). He is a great deep threat. With the addition of Donte Stallworth and moving Jurevicious to the slot should improve the one on one matchups. Thus, improving his big play capability.
Edge: Braylon Edwards
WR Andre Davis vs. WR Donte Stallworth
Andre Davis just got a contract extension with the Texans. I am virtually positive that the extension is due to his return ability more than his receiving ability. Donte Stallworth, on the other hand, is a prototype #2 WR. His is fast, shifty and catches the ball as well on the outside as he does in traffic. He never has reached the 1,000 yard mark, but in
Edge: Donte Stallworth
WR Dennis Northcutt vs. WR Joe Jurevicious
I like to call Northcutt, “Mr. Glass”. Northcutt will just as soon catch a ball that will get him hit as you or I may jump in front of speeding 18-wheeler. Joe on the other hand is arguably the best possession receiver in the game. Joe’s big body and sure hands make him a great slot receiver. Northcutt should have played baseball.
Edge: Joe Jureviciuos
WR Frisman Jackson vs. WR Joshua Cribbs
The only time
Edge: Joshua Cribbs
OT Ross Verba vs. OT Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas has done more in his rookie year than Verba has in his entire career and counting. Verba is famous for one thing, demanding best OT in the league money and being told to hit the bricks. Thomas came in and worked hard. And became a top 10 LT in the league by season’s end.
Edge: Joe Thomas
OG Melvin Fowler vs. OG Eric Steinbach
Wow, what a difference a few years makes. Fowler was drafted as a center and moved to guard. From day one he was a below average O-Lineman. Steinbach, however, is a fringe Pro Bowl caliber guard. He may not be Alan Faneca or Steve Huchinson, but he is worth every penny.
Edge: Eric Steinbach
C Jeff Faine vs. C Hank Fraley
Faine is
Edge: Jeff Faine
OG Kelvin Garmon vs. OG Ryan Tucker
I’m not even going there. Ryan Tucker is a converted RT who has played very well at RG. He started his career as a guard, which may have something to do with why he has excelled there. Kelvin Garmon is a joke, period.
Edge: Ryan Tucker
OT Enoch DeMar vs. OT Kevin Shaffer
It took a while for Shaffer to deal with his plight. Shaffer was traded from
Edge: Kevin Shaffer
OL Joaquin Gonzalez vs. OL Lenny Friedman
Gonzalez didn’t last. Friedman is a plug guy. As a backup, Lenny can play at least 3 and maybe even 4 of the OL position.
Edge: Lenny Friedman
The rest of the Offensive Lineman go to the 2008 Browns barely. In all fairness, I’m going to skip it. Barring injury they wouldn’t matter for either team.
DE Courtney Brown vs. DE Corey Williams
Courtney Brown should have walked to the podium on draft day in a hospital gown and booties, since he would spend most of his career on IR. Corey Williams is a guy who was drafted for D-Line depth most likely at DT. He has proven his worth in a very deep D-Line team. In the 3-4 he will be a very effective DE. Unlike Brown, Williams will play and accumulate stats. Easy decision, though had Courtney Brown been able to play, he would have been a beast.
Edge: Corey Williams
DE Kenard Lang vs. DE Robaire Smith
This is a system question. When the Browns ran a 4-3, Lang was probably as serviceable as Robaire in a 3-4. Problem was that Kenard was forced to move to OLB in the 3-4 scheme. In a 4-3 Kenard Lang is undersized at DE. In a 3-4 which was the eventual reality he is terrible. Robaire could and has excelled in both systems.
Edge: Robaire Smith
DE Ebenezer Ekuban vs. DE Simon Fraser
Ebenezer is not very good. Let me reset. Ekuban is one of those DE’s who should be a career backup merely because he is big and not a wimp. There is no specific skill to speak of. Simon Fraser would probably be better suited in a 4-3, but I like his heart. He knows he’s not the top guy at his position, and he doesn’t care.
Edge: Simon Fraser
DT Gerard Warren vs. NT Shaun Rogers
Big Money Warren my ass. That’s all Gerard does effectively is cash checks.
Edge: Shaun Rogers
DT Orpheus Roye vs. NT/DE Shaun Smith
I like Roye, especially back in 2004. As a fan I can appreciate what he did year in year out. Shaun Smith, in the beginning, felt like a throw in for depth. He has shown production, so much so that we could see him starting at NT had we not pursued
It comes down to consistent effort from Roye vs. better than expected production from Smith.
Edge: Shaun Smith
DT Alvin McKinley vs. DT Louis Leonard
McKinley is a lot like Roye with much less statistical production regardless of system. Leonard I believe has played two games at most. It comes down to a question of sample size.
Edge: Alvin McKinley
MLB Andra Davis vs. ILB Andra Davis
Not to confuse you again, but this is a landslide for Andra Davis the Middle Linebacker. In his first couple of years as a starter in the 4-3,
Edge: Andra Davis (2004)
OLB Ben Taylor vs. ILB D’Qwell
D’Qwell
Edge: D’Qwell
OLB Chaun Thompson vs. ILB Leon Williams
Although Thompson may have been the biggest reach in NFL history, he has evolved into a nice player. The difference in this one, is appropriate value. Leon Williams was drafted where he should have been. Not to mention
Edge: Leon Williams
OLB Warrick Holdman vs. OLB Kamerion Wimbley
Bottom line, not one single player on the 2004 team has more ability than Kamerion Wimbley…period. Wimbley is the cornerstone of a 3-4 system that demands particular types of players. He is the first in the progression from then to now.
Edge: Kamerion Wimbley
OLB Kevin Bentley vs. OLB Willie McGinest
If this were 2004 vs. 2004 then it would be a landslide in McGinest. It is not. The fan in me wants to say Bentley because I loath what McGinest has become. However, as many old men has said during various sports arguments, McGinest has forgot more about football than Bentley will ever know. McGinest’s football mind takes this one over
Edge: Willie McGinest
OLB Barry Gardner vs. OLB Antwan Peek
Peek was an absolute stud for his value in
Edge: Antwan Peek
S Earl Little vs. S Sean Jones
Earl Little was nice for a stretch. At times Little showed great promise, and some would say he was one of the stalwarts of the 2004 team. In a very childish manner, Little couldn’t hold Joneses jock strap in regards to rushing the passer and tackling. Little was much more of coverage safety and ultimately average at that.
Edge: Sean Jones
S Robert Griffith vs.
Brodney Pool is the 2008 version of Chaun Thompson if Thompson had not progressed the way the staff had wanted him too. Pool is another in a line of
Edge: Robert Griffith
S Chris Crocker vs. S Nick Sorensen
Sorensen who was just signed to an extension, at least for now, is a stud Special Teamer. He has potential to become a rotation player at Safety (keep in mind, Crennel does not play FS or SS, he just plays 2 safeties at one time). Crocker was intriguing but never really progressed past intriguing. Based on upside alone, I take Sorensen.
Edge: Nick Sorensen
CB Anthony Henry vs. CB Eric Wright
Considering Henry’s rookie season, one would be inclined to give him the nod. However, compared to Eric Wright’s rookie season, Wright showed more potential to be a shut down corner. Anthony Henry will never be more than a #2 CB. Wright has the ability to be the #1 on most teams. Call it upside if you want.
Edge: Eric Wright
CB Daylon McCutcheon vs. CB Brandon McDonald
McDonald as the incumbent #2 may be a stretch. McCutcheon has proven, regardless of his diminutive stature, that he can be a #2. McDonald seems to be a homerun hitter of a CB. You will remember his big plays, but do you remember when he got beat? Granted, this may seem like an upside pick, but I think it is more related to the respective talents. McDonald in much less time played showed the ability to make big plays.
Edge: Brandon McDonald
CB Lewis Sanders vs. CB Kenny Wright
Here’s were it gets a little hairy. Lewis Sanders was an unproven commodity. Kenny Wright has been in the league for a minute, specifically as a nickel back. Based on talent, I believe it is not even close. Lewis Sanders was available in the 2008 FA period. I desperately hoped the Browns could bring him back.
Edge: Lewis Sanders
CB Leigh Bodden vs. CB Daven Holly
Savage and Crennel really like Holly in his current role, possibly to expand said role with the loss of Bodden. The difference is Holly is depth, while Bodden was the #1 CB on the team as of a month ago. This is a no contest when compared to now. However, we are talking Bodden of 2004. When he almost never played. If we give Eric Wright the edge for upside, we absolutely have to give Bodden the Edge.
Edge: Leigh Bodden
K Phil Dawson vs. K Phil Dawson
What can you say?
Edge: Phil Dawson (2008)
P Derrick Frost vs. P Dave Zastadil
This one is as no brainer as starting RB or starting WR earlier discussed. On one hand, in 2004 you have a mistake prone numb nuts in Derrick Frost. On the other you have the former Pro Bowl Punter in Dave Zastadil. I don’t know that Zastadil has ever had an 11 yard punt, I know that Derrick Frost has.
Edge: Dave Zastadil
End Result, or Final Score?
2004
2008
Final Thoughts? Anyone who believes that Phil Savage has not vastly improved this team since taking the job should seriously reconsider that line of thinking. Even if you don’t agree with all of the previous assessments, chances are no one can close the gap that is the margin of victory for the 2008 team. It really is not even close. As I type this, Phil Savage is entertaining a contract extension. We, as fans, should be so lucky. In a four-year period, Phil Savage may have done the best job in that amount of time in NFL history. I have no analysis to back that up but I cannot imagine any other GM who has molded a team to what I believe is a 442% improvement on the 2004 team.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch OFF March 13
By Rick Morris
THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkCleveland.com* brings you our annual baseball mock draft extravaganza Thursday night at a special start time of 7 PM EDT, going through our usual FDH Thursday night hours of 7-11 PM EDT. We return with our usual hours next week, March 20, with THE GOON SQUAD bringing you the best hockey coverage anywhere and SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH dissecting our national pastime as the 7-9 PM EDT lead-in to the INSIDER from 9-11 PM EDT.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer forCleveland
THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkCleveland.com* brings you our annual baseball mock draft extravaganza Thursday night at a special start time of 7 PM EDT, going through our usual FDH Thursday night hours of 7-11 PM EDT. We return with our usual hours next week, March 20, with THE GOON SQUAD bringing you the best hockey coverage anywhere and SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH dissecting our national pastime as the 7-9 PM EDT lead-in to the INSIDER from 9-11 PM EDT.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Brad Delp (6/12/1951-3/9/2007)
By Tony Mazur
It has been exactly one year since the death of Brad Delp, the lead singer of Boston. Normally I do not feel remorse for those who killed themselves, but Brad was once of the greatest rock n roll singers of all time.
To honor Brad's accomplished career, here are a couple of videos I have posted via YouTube for your enjoyment.
Here is a live Boston performance of "A Man I'll Never Be".
I wasn't able to find good Boston videos on YouTube, because most of them were recorded from a camera phone or from a digital camera whilst playing "Guitar Hero". Here's "Peace of Mind".
It has been exactly one year since the death of Brad Delp, the lead singer of Boston. Normally I do not feel remorse for those who killed themselves, but Brad was once of the greatest rock n roll singers of all time.
To honor Brad's accomplished career, here are a couple of videos I have posted via YouTube for your enjoyment.
Here is a live Boston performance of "A Man I'll Never Be".
I wasn't able to find good Boston videos on YouTube, because most of them were recorded from a camera phone or from a digital camera whilst playing "Guitar Hero". Here's "Peace of Mind".
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Video Clips: Fun Timewasters
By Rick Morris
From time to time, we try to accommodate our Lounge content consumers who just want some fun, light entertainment. Hence this edition of our Video Clips series, entitled "Fun Timewasters."
These are simply some video clips that you can enjoy and consume in the form of good, mindless entertainment. On with the show!
Ted Ginn, human highlight reel:
A tribute to one of the world’s great sporting events, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix on the Formula One circuit. Check out the video to see some glimpses of the past and present on one of the most visually spectacular backdrops you’ll ever witness – oh, and there’s some bitchin’ crashes in there.
An infamous clip: Carl Monday, ace investigative reporter from my hometown, “exposing” a perv using a library computer to watch porn and shove his hand down his drawers with young kids nearby:
Redneck puppet ventriloquism:
Here’s the George Costanza real-life “Frogger” clip. Classic.
From the late, lamented SUNDAY NIGHT SUBMISSION (one of my all-time favorites) on SportsTalkCleveland.com – the name Krone Meltzer was made infamous to wrestling fans all over the world. Who is Krone Meltzer? Why, he’s an adorable young tyke who loves spewing opinions on pro wrestling. He knows it all: just ask him! Here’s some of his greatest hits:
NBC News is now making their videos available for embedding on blogs. The first one that we will feature is their tribute to William F. Buckley, Jr.
Here’s a goofy fun little cartoon from 1969: it’s the opening to the animated program “The Archies” with the toe-tapping ditty “Sugar, Sugar.”
March Jane’s Geopolitical Roundup
By Rick Morris
Jane’s Information Group has some of the best intelligence in the world at its fingertips. On matters ranging from military to security to weaponry and beyond, the staff at Jane's provides top-notch information to its subscribers and probably runs rings around our frequently inept CIA much of the time.
The site includes free excerpts of its material in many different categories. From time to time here at The FDH Lounge Blog, we will link directly to their outstanding material on many subjects and allow those of you who are very much concerned with geopolitics and the world around us to keep up on important matters.
In addition to the material below, we refer you to the January and February installments of this series.
Organ trafficking: a fast-expanding black market
Legal loophole failing officers tackling human trafficking
Maximizing resilience: NATO CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) capabilities
Pakistan NWFP parties agree to secular coalition
NATO expected to further Balkan enlargement
Mughniyah hit threatens war against
Dark times for southern
Fidel Castro resigns Cuban presidency
UK Muslim communities close ranks to police
Transport finance sector eagerly awaits US election results
Multiview x-ray has wider vision
US Navy strike group responds to increasing
Future generation:
Negotiations advance on Typhoon production in
IDEX 2007: US considers accelerating JLTV purchase
Ultimate species catch-all comes online
By Rick Morris
We at The FDH Lounge pride ourselves on bringing you the utmost in variety of content on different subjects. But even we come up short in comparison to the new Encyclopedia of Life website, which aspires to bring together info on every species known to man and ultimately, some that are not known.
Courtesy of this article at Monsters and Critics, here's some notes about what the new site will constitute:
"The unveiling is the culmination of more than two years of work by scientists and internet experts intent on documenting the world's 1.8 million known species in one place.
We're going to add this site to our "Ultimate Links Page," specifically in "The FDH Lounge/Completely Random" section. It should be a great educational resource and a lot of fun for general perusing.
We at The FDH Lounge pride ourselves on bringing you the utmost in variety of content on different subjects. But even we come up short in comparison to the new Encyclopedia of Life website, which aspires to bring together info on every species known to man and ultimately, some that are not known.
Courtesy of this article at Monsters and Critics, here's some notes about what the new site will constitute:
"The unveiling is the culmination of more than two years of work by scientists and internet experts intent on documenting the world's 1.8 million known species in one place.
The website will eventually bring together for the first time ever scientific information that has accumulated in a hodgepodge of books, websites, scientific associations and libraries since the system of genus and species identification was invented some 300 years ago ...
Over the next 10 years, the sponsors hope to have at least 1 million species online - still only a fraction of the 8 to 50 million unidentified species they believe exist ...
The 12.5-million-dollar privately-funded project involves Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institution, the MacArthur and Sloan Foundations and a number of other world institutions.
The Encyclopaedia of Life was the brainchild of EO Wilson, an emeritus Harvard professor and advocate for preserving biodiversity who believes the project will 'accelerate the discovery of the vast array' of species that remain unknown ...
The site will also serve the needs of the general public, offering advice about when to plant crops as the Earth's climate heats up, the sponsors said. Eventually, there could be two separate tracks on the website for entering information - one for scientists, the other for the general public.
Most of the information is in English, but the intent is to translate into the world's major languages such as Chinese, Japanese and possibly Arabic in addition to the European Union languages."
We're going to add this site to our "Ultimate Links Page," specifically in "The FDH Lounge/Completely Random" section. It should be a great educational resource and a lot of fun for general perusing.
A Word On Names
by Mrs. Jones
Pittsburgh
I was watching Mr. Jones play Madden earlier this evening and I have noticed two things.
The Football team: The Bears. Also a name for big, burly gay men.
The Baseball Team: The Cubs. Also a name for little scrawny gay men who are involved with
bears.
It’s nice to see a city get along so well.
The Basketball Team: The Bulls. Doesn’t really fit. Maybe they should rename them “The
Silly-Nannys”
But, getting back to the Madden game I was watching….
Mr. Jones was, as usual, playing as the Browns with Dave Zastudil as the punter (aaaaand punt!). Now Zastudil sounds much like a type of cold medication. Something that Stephen Colbert would hock for Prescott Pharmaceuticals. “Zastudil: It’ll kick the snot out of you!”
Some other names I enjoy:
*Emeka Okafor – Fun to say…if you say it fast, you sound a little retarded.
*Mosiula Mea’alofa (Lofa) Tatupu – I can’t even say it, and I’m good at this thing.
*D’Brickshaw
*Atari Bigby – Named for a game system
*Chris Fu-Amata Ma’afala – Grew up a Steelers fan. This is a great football name.
*Osi Umenyiora – Giant last name for a Giants lineman.
*Babatunde Oshinowo – Some weird language for “God give me victory”. You don’t get more football than that. And if you think this part of his name is bad, go look up his middle names. Yes, nameS.
*Touraj Houshmandzadeh (Championship!)– I had a long last name before I got married, so I can sympathize. TJ Housh-ma-zoolie! TJ Who’s-Your-Mama….I’ll have to list the mispronunciations of my maiden name someday….
* Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila – Hard to pronounce on sight. Poses a challenge. I like that.
*Adewale Ogunleye – Ogunleye…sounds like “googly eye”. Rolls off the tongue.
Moving on…
*Naufahu Tahi – Sounds like a Hawaiian dish.
*Mewelde Moore – Good for you. I’m glad you weld more.
*Visanthe Shiancoe – Sounds like the lead in a Spanish language soap opera
*Kenechi Udeze – Mr. Jones says this name all the time. It’s “Ken-each-ee You-daze-ee”.
*Amobi Okoye – Again, fun to say.
*Tom Tupa – I just like saying it. Sounds like a Super Mario villain.
*Nnamdi Asomugha – New name I just found. I was excited.
If I have missed any names that you find odd or interesting, please feel free to comment and add them.
Stay tuned for more on odd names and musings.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Pa. Prez Debate – moderated by Michael Scott?
By Rick Morris
The following is a transcript of the Democratic presidential debate from the state of
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Good evening and welcome to this special edition of HARDBALL. We are taping a presidential debate here this afternoon from the
MICHAEL SCOTT: Thank you, Chris. Somehow, you seemed funnier and more entertaining on TV. I am honored to be here this afternoon so that my wonderful ability to MC can help illuminate the choice in this election for my fellow citizens. I regret that my two most trusted assistants in the office, Jim and Pam, could not join me today. They insisted about the supply closet being long overdue for reorganization. I’m not quite sure why Jim was making air quotes when he said that or why Pam smirked a little bit as he did or why Kevin ended up outside the door giggling after they went in. I guess we’ll never know the answer to those questions. But I will get the candidates to answer my questions here today, along with the two people I have here with me instead of Jim and Pam, the ones I really wanted. Dwight Schrute is the top salesman at our branch and Toby Flenderson is a brainless jerk in our HR department who is only here because the stupid people in our country apparently deserve a voice also.
TOBY FLENDERSON: Please, Michael …
MICHAEL: Shut it, Toby, nobody cares about you. OK, my first question is for Senator Osama. Now, Senator …
SENATOR OBAMA: Uh, that’s Obama, not Osama …
MICHAEL: Uh, excuse me, I’m speaking here.
OBAMA: But you got my name wrong!
MICHAEL: Details, details. Save it for your answer. Now, Senator, you have really turned your image around. I see all these young people clamoring for a chance to support you and you’re the hottest thing since my routine last time on open mic night. But really, Senator Osama, do you really think people’s memories are that short? I mean, it was a good move to lose the beard and the turban and the “
OBAMA: I am not Osama bin Laden! My name is Barack Obama. I had NOTHING! TO! DO! with 9/11!
MICHAEL: Uh huh, likely story. Just another politician dodging accountability. Senator Clinton, your response?
HILLARY CLINTON: Well, Michael, I can tell you that my campaign is not responsible for any implication that Senator Obama masterminded 9/11, those flyers in
OBAMA: That’s outrageous! Senator Clinton, I demand an immediate apology and a …
MICHAEL: Candidates, please! You’re not doing anything to elevate the level of discourse here! Let’s move along, I’ll take the next question. Now, Senator Hillary Rodman
MICHAEL: Exactly. Now, I look at you, the cool, collected professional woman in your tailored corporate pantsuits and I’ve gotta tell you, it’s very reminiscent of my girlfriend – eh, let’s call it like it is, my live-in lover Jan Levinson. Now, she rocks the whole powerful businesswoman look, but she is a tomcat in the bedroom. I mean, insatiable. Now Senator …
MICHAEL: You haven’t heard the question yet! Talk about prejudging! So much for open-mindedness. Senator, is the same true of you? Are you a hellion underneath your polished professional look, and if so, why’s Bill constantly roaming the country looking for some strange?
MICHAEL: Blah, blah, blah. I gotta tell ya, you’re not helping your ice queen image much with your uptight response. Here I lob you a softball, give you a chance to talk about using cherry-flavored massage oil or whatever you like to use to get freaky and you get all weird on me!
MICHAEL: OK, we see where you’re going with that. Osama, you got any response?
OBAMA: That’s Obama. I agree very much with Senator Clinton that any discussion of her frigid tendencies is completely inappropriate in this campaign …
MICHAEL: Please! Candidates, can we keep in on the issues here? OK, I’m going to reluctantly turn over the floor to Toby here and I hope that he won’t stink up the place too badly.
TOBY: Thank you, Michael. Senator Obama, can you discuss your approach to withdrawing our troops from
OBAMA: Thank you for that intelligent question, Toby. I believe that an expeditious and orderly withdrawal of our armed forces from the situation in
MICHAEL: That’s what she said!
OBAMA: Excuse me, what did Hillary say?
MICHAEL: Wait, no, Hillary didn’t …never mind, just please keep answering Toby’s stupid question.
OBAMA: All right. As I say, I want to increase our troop footprint in
MICHAEL: Buffer? I hardly know her!
TOBY: Michael …
MICHAEL: Shut it, Toby, you’re ruining the whole debate! OK, let’s move on from the way Toby just brought the debate down …
MICHAEL: Hold on, there, Hitlery …
OBAMA: She’s right, Michael, there’s really no comparison between her and the madman behind the Third Reich. Why, her and Bill offed a lot more folks than that back in
MICHAEL: C’mon, people! Don’t let this thing degenerate. The people deserve better than this. OK, next question comes from Dwight Schrute.
DWIGHT SCHRUTE: Senator Clinton. As the top salesman for Dunder-Mifflin Scranton, I know quite a bit about dominance. I live it every day. As you probably know, males in any species of mammal can mark their territory and establish dominance by peeing on the floor. You are in no position to be able to position yourself in such a way. I would like to ask if you have plans to modify your pantsuits in a manner to allow you to squat and …
OBAMA: Lemme jump in and answer that. I don’t think any man out there wants to see that. Can I get a “Hell Yeah?”
MATTHEWS: OK, we’ve heard enough. Good night from
MICHAEL: Hang on, I’m going to do an impression as we go off the air. Lemme just get my Oriental props together …
Baseball’s best players by position
By Rick Morris
This past weekend, during our 4th annual FDH-produced charity marathon webcast, we utilized as we had during every earlier event bracket-style voting to determine the best players in Major League Baseball at each position. This was a key component of our broadcast and arguably our best one as it so often has been before. The judges may use any criteria: stats, defense, intangibles, being a good or bad teammate – any of these elements and others are equally valid.
The FDH judges were as follows: Nate Noy and me for the entire event, with the role of “third judge” being filled on a rotating basis by Tony Mazur for part of the first round, Mike Ptak for the other part of the first round and Jason Jones for the semifinals and finals.
First, let’s list our winners by position:
C: Victor Martinez
1B: Albert Pujols
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Alex Rodriguez
LF: Manny Ramirez
CF: B.J. Upton
RF: Vladimir Guerrero
DH: David Ortiz
LHP: Johan Santana
RHP: Jake Peavy
CL: Jonathan Papelbon
NOTE: Players listed in bold won every round of votes by a unanimous decision.
Now, let’s examine the balloting by position:
CATCHER
First Round
Victor Martinez 3-0 over Benji Molina, Jorge Posada 3-0 over Joe Mauer, Brian McCann 2-1 over Ivan Rodriguez (Tony Mazur dissenting), Russell Martin 2-1 over Kenji Johjima (Tony Mazur dissenting).
Second RoundVictor Martinez 3-0 over Jorge Posada, Russell Martin 2-1 over Brian McCann (Jason Jones dissenting).
Finals
Victor Martinez 2-1 over Russell Martin (Rick Morris dissenting).
Notes
This position contained few real surprises, with the possible exception of Joe Mauer getting shut out in the first round against a player we all agreed would have significantly less offensive production this year in Jorge Posada. Russell Martin has to keep producing at a high level if he is to win the bracket next year.
FIRST BASE
First Round
Albert Pujols (3-0) over Paul Konerko, Carlos Pena (2-1) over Justin Morneau (Rick Morris dissenting), Ryan Howard (3-0) over Lance Berkman, Prince Fielder (2-1) over Derek Lee (Nate Noy dissenting).
Second Round
Albert Pujols (3-0) over Carlos Pena, Ryan Howard (3-0) over Prince Fielder.
Finals
Albert Pujols (2-1) over Ryan Howard (Rick Morris dissenting).
Notes
I was greatly surprised that Pena’s one great year was enough to get him past a former MVP in Morneau. Nate offered a very passionate and entertaining defense of Lee, who he sees as the epitome of an all-around player. We all liked Fielder a great deal, but each of us preferred Howard by a slim margin. I took Howard in the finals just because of remaining questions about the health of Pujols’ elbow.
First Round
Chase Utley (3-0) over Placido Polanco (3-0), Jeff Kent (2-1) over Dan Uggla (Tony Mazur dissenting), Robinson Cano (2-1) over Brian Roberts (Nate Noy dissenting), Brandon Phillips (3-0) over Mark Ellis.
Second Round
Chase Utley (3-0) over Jeff Kent, Brandon Phillips (2-1) over Robinson Cano (Jason Jones dissenting).
Finals
Chase Utley (3-0) over Brandon Phillips.
Notes
We saw very few surprises at this position. Jason had such respect for Cano that he took him over Phillips in the second round, but that was about it. Utley made it through on three consecutive 3-0 votes.
SHORTSTOP
First Round
Jimmy Rollins (2-1) over J.J. Hardy (Tony Mazur dissenting), Derek Jeter (2-1) over Troy Tulowitzki (Rick Morris dissenting), Hanley Ramirez (3-0) over Miguel Tejada, Jose Reyes (3-0) over Khalil Greene.
Second Round
Jimmy Rollins (2-1) over Derek Jeter (Jason Jones dissenting), Hanley Ramirez (2-1) over Jose Reyes (Rick Morris dissenting).
Finals
Jimmy Rollins (3-0) over Hanley Ramirez.
Notes
This position turned out to be way more fun and interesting than second base. My regard for Tulow’s upside was controversial in the first round inasmuch as it came at the expense of the sainted Derek Jeter, “King of All Intangibles.” The role of defense came up in both second-round matchups as Nate and I voted for Rollins in part because of his superior range and I voted for Reyes because Ramirez is a butcher with his glove. Ramirez lost in the finals because Rollins could trump him on defense but also match him for power.
THIRD BASE
First Round
Alex Rodriguez (3-0) over Mike Lowell, Aramis Ramirez (3-0) over Garrett Atkins, Miguel Cabrera (3-0) over Chipper Jones, David Wright (3-0) over
Second Round
Alex Rodriguez (3-0) over Aramis Ramirez, David Wright (3-0) over Miguel Cabrera.
Finals
Alex Rodriguez (2-1) over David Wright (Rick Morris dissenting).
Notes
In a round filled with 3-0 results, the most surprising by far was Wright/Cabrera. Wright’s speed and defense guided him to a narrow win on each of our ballots. I voted for Wright in the finals largely on the strength of getting along with his teammates significantly better than Rodriguez.
LEFT FIELD
First Round
Manny Ramirez over Eric Byrnes (3-0), Carl Crawford (3-0) over Carlos Lee, Alfonso Soriano (2-1) over Ryan Braun (Tony Mazur dissenting), Matt Holliday (3-0) over Hideki Matsui.
Second Round
Manny Ramirez (2-1) over Carl Crawford (Rick Morris dissenting), Matt Holliday (2-1) over Alfonso Soriano (Nate Noy dissenting).
Finals
Manny Ramirez (2-1) over Matt Holliday (Rick Morris dissenting).
Notes
I came close to voting for Braun in the first round, but his poor defense at third base, combined with his position switch, made him too suspect in my book. I preferred Crawford to Ramirez largely because of defensive considerations, as well as the fact that Crawford turns the statistically-significant age 27 this year. Nate voted against Holliday in the semifinals largely because of his home/road splits. I was fairly incredulous that I got outvoted in the Ramirez/Holliday finals. In my personal opinion, too much weight was given to the outcome of the World Series and the length of Manny’s track record and too little weight was given to Holliday’s defensive and team-oriented advantages.
CENTER FIELD
First Round
B.J. Upton (3-0) over Vernon Wells, Torii Hunter (2-1) over Andruw Jones (Nate Noy dissenting), Carlos Beltran (2-1) over Ichiro (Nate Noy dissenting), Grady Sizemore over Curtis Granderson (3-0).
Second Round
B.J. Upton (2-1) over Torii Hunter (Nate Noy dissenting), Carlos Beltran (3-0) over Grady Sizemore.
Finals
B.J. Upton (2-1) over Carlos Beltran (Nate Noy dissenting).
Notes
This position looked like it would be the most wide-open when we started and it did not disappoint. The twists and turns were amazing, from the dubious-about-Beltran Nate Noy voting against him in the first round and for him in the next two rounds (including the finals, when he was on his own on that one!). The battle of emerging young AL Central centerfielders between Sizemore and Granderson was closer than it looked, as all of us narrowly gave Grady the nod and then all of us narrowly voted against him vs. Beltran in the second round! In the end, an unlikely candidate came out on top, as a player who only moved to center field in the second half of 2007 was proclaimed the best in the game at the position – largely due to the matchups he faced in this topsy-turvy bracket.
RIGHT FIELD
First Round
Vladimir Guerrero (3-0) over Brad Hawpe, Nick Markakis (2-1) over Jeff Francouer (Mike Ptak dissenting), Alex Rios (2-1) over Jermaine Dye (Nate Noy dissenting), Magglio Ordonez (3-0) over Corey Hart.
Second Round
Vladimir Guerrero (3-0) over Nick Markakis, Magglio Ordonez (2-1) over Alex Rios (Rick Morris dissenting).
Finals
Vladimir Guerrero (3-0) over Magglio Ordonez.
Notes
The Francouer/Markakis discussion was a lot of fun as we debated the merits of these different but compelling young stars. I felt strongly that Rios and Ordonez might well be ships crossing in the night this season, but I was outvoted. Guerrero did not have a vote cast against him in either of the three rounds, although I really hedged on voting for Markakis.
DESIGNATED HITTERS
First Round
David Ortiz (3-0) over Frank Thomas, Jim Thome (3-0) over Barry Bonds (listed because we felt he would be most likely to play as a DH this year if he signs with anyone), Travis Hafner (3-0) over Jack Cust, Gary Sheffield (3-0) over Sammy Sosa.
Second Round
David Ortiz (3-0) over Jim Thome, Travis Hafner (2-1) over Gary Sheffield (Nate Noy dissenting).
Finals
David Ortiz (3-0) over Travis Hafner.
Notes
This position didn’t have a ton of drama, as Ortiz was not seriously challenged in any round en route to three 3-0 victories and the rest of the first round matchups were not very competitive. Nate cast the only dissenting vote in the entire round in taking up for
LEFT-HANDED STARTING PITCHER
First Round
Johan Santana (3-0) over Mark Buehrle, Scott Kazmir (3-0) over Oliver Perez, Cole Hamels (2-1) over Francisco Liriano (Rick Morris dissenting), C.C. Sabathia (3-0) over Jeff Francis.
Second Round
Johan Santana (3-0) over Scott Kazmir, C.C. Sabathia (2-1) over Cole Hamels (Rick Morris dissenting).
Finals
Johan Santana (3-0) over C.C. Sabathia.
Notes
Santana breezed through with 3-0 decisions in every round, although he might not have beaten Liriano on my ballot had he advanced to the finals (and Jason Jones, who was not part of the balloting where Liriano was eliminated, agreed with me on that). I was a bit surprised that Sabathia beat Hamels, but that Cy Young Award apparently carried some weight. In the finals, we all agreed that we had probably seen Sabathia’s high-water mark in ’07, and it was still barely better than an average year by Santana’s standards.
RIGHT-HANDED STARTING PITCHER
Qualifying Round (we added an extra round at this position because of the sheer depth of it)
Josh Beckett (3-0) over Tim Hudson, Roy Oswalt (2-1) over Roy Halladay (Tony Mazur dissenting), Chris Young (2-1) over Brad Penny (Nate Noy dissenting), John Lackey (2-1) over John Smoltz (Nate Noy dissenting), Jake Peavy (3-0) over Felix Hernandez, Dan Haren (3-0) over Erik Bedard, Justin Verlander (2-1) over Fausto Carmona (Nate Noy dissenting), Brandon Webb (2-1) over Carlos Zambrano (Nate Noy dissenting).
First Round
Josh Beckett (3-0) over Roy Oswalt, John Lackey (3-0) over Chris Young, Jake Peavy (3-0) over Dan Haren, Brandon Webb (3-0) over Justin Verlander.
Second Round
Josh Beckett (2-1) over John Lackey (Rick Morris dissenting), Jake Peavy (3-0) over Brandon Webb.
Finals
Jake Peavy (2-1) over Josh Beckett (Jason Jones dissenting).
Notes
We had surprises a’plenty here, from Haren eking out the slimmest 3-0 victory you’ve ever seen from the judges to him being on the reverse end of such a decision in the next round against Peavy. Webb also lost a narrower-than-it-looked 3-0 result to Peavy. Beckett and Peavy both looked like freight trains rolling into their final matchup, but ultimately Peavy’s longer track record of dominance outweighed Beckett’s ascension as the best big-game pitcher in the game.
CLOSER
First Round
Jonathan Papelbon (3-0) over Mariano Rivera, J.J. Putz (3-0) over Francisco Cordero, Joe Nathan (3-0) over Trevor Hoffman, Francisco Rodriguez (3-0).
Second Round
Jonathan Papelbon (3-0) over J.J. Putz, Joe Nathan (2-1) over Francisco Rodriguez (Jason Jones dissenting).
Finals
Jonathan Papelbon (3-0) over Joe Nathan.
Notes
Papelbon just rolled through our competition, destroying even those closers who themselves won 3-0 battles. The only real drawn-out discussion was Rodriguez/Nathan, which was a good one.
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch March 6
By Rick Morris
The big FDH Thursday night on SportsTalkCleveland.com* is really picking up steam in its second month as listeners and viewers are able to sample a wide variety of sports content from the world at large.
THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EST) will feature a look at the returns of two very different but very impactful stars: Sidney Crosby and Peter "Floppy" Forsberg. Also, we review the playoff chase and the statement of Commissioner Gary Bettman that an outdoor game could be coming to Chi-Town, possibly the "Frozen Confines" of Wrigley Field!
SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EST) will have the third of our three-part series examining the important transactions of this past winter. Also, we break down the FDH All-Stars: the best players in baseball at each position, as voted on bracket-style by the opinionated folks at FDH.
Stick around from 9-11 PM EST for THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as well.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer forCleveland
The big FDH Thursday night on SportsTalkCleveland.com* is really picking up steam in its second month as listeners and viewers are able to sample a wide variety of sports content from the world at large.
THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EST) will feature a look at the returns of two very different but very impactful stars: Sidney Crosby and Peter "Floppy" Forsberg. Also, we review the playoff chase and the statement of Commissioner Gary Bettman that an outdoor game could be coming to Chi-Town, possibly the "Frozen Confines" of Wrigley Field!
SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EST) will have the third of our three-part series examining the important transactions of this past winter. Also, we break down the FDH All-Stars: the best players in baseball at each position, as voted on bracket-style by the opinionated folks at FDH.
Stick around from 9-11 PM EST for THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER as well.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
In praise of Ron Garvin
By Rick Morris
With the in-ring portion of Ric Flair’s career nearing an end, the wave of nostalgia that has surrounded him over these past few years is cresting. By all accounts, the Ric Flair character we have come to know and love over the years saw its greatest era in the 1980s, from the initial NWA World Title run beginning in 1981 to the end of his fifth title reign at the hands of Sting at the Great American Bash in 1990 (a moment that signified the beginning of the end of his time in NWA/WCW, especially as it related to his deteriorating relationship with Turner wrestling head honcho Jim Herd). And over that span, the chapter that seems to get the least respect was his loss of the title to Ron Garvin and subsequent rematch at Starrcade ’87.
Now, I admit that I’m not the most objective of people on the subject, since Ronnie Garvin was my favorite wrestler when I was growing up, but I find the manner in which he’s been dumped on because of the trajectory of the World Title storyline very unfair. I wasn’t alone in my regard for Garvin and the popularly-held notion that he was seen even at the time as completely undeserving is revisionism at its worst.
Where I grew up in
The feud he developed with Flair over the next few years was an absolute classic, even if history does not regard it as such. For as much as the conventional wisdom regards Dusty Rhodes’ “American Dream” character as the perfect blue-collar counterpoint to the effete playboy persona of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Garvin was actually superior in the role of no-hold-barred gut-fighter standing up to the imperious champ. He didn’t have nearly the charisma of
Rhodes
In the summer of 1987, the Flair-Garvin feud reignited in a way that built to the title change. His “brother” Jimmy (his real-life stepson) had come into the territory the previous year along with his valet (real-life wife) Precious and after doing a stint as a flashy pretty-boy heel, he turned face when he saved Ronnie from an attack by the Midnight Express. Subsequently, Precious caught the attention of Ric Flair, who began propositioning her repeatedly and a match was arranged with Flair putting up the NWA Title in return for a shot at “the dream date” with the femme fatale. When Flair cheated his way to victory, he and manager J.J. Dillon arranged an opulent and decadent scene in a hotel suite, only to have the approaching mysteriously-covered “woman” in the dim light be “Miss Atlanta Lively” – a “female” alter-ego that Garvin had previously trotted out from time to time and that he utilized on this occasion to knock out the champ with one punch. The battle between Flair and Ronnie Garvin was back on and hotter than ever.
The build progressed to a cage match from Joe Louis Arena in
Unfortunately,
It’s true that Ron Garvin – partially because he was not immensely skilled on the mic – was always going to be better suited to be a hot challenger than the man who finally caught the brass ring. But the booking did him no favors and the stink of what was perceived to be a failed title reign dragged him down and led to him leaving the promotion the next summer after fizzling out greatly and a desperation heel turn right before he departed. Had Garvin been given a basic short title reign like
How money is Mayweather?
By Rick Morris
My good friend Russ Cohen, contributor to a couple of different programs in the FDH family (including The Lounge!), posited a take on his Wrestleology website about the incomprehensible decision of World Wrestling Entertainment to procure the services of Floyd “Money” Mayweather for WrestleMania for the cool sum of $20 million. I would suggest strongly that anyone looking for cogent analysis of their mind-boggling decision go over to that particular wing of Russ’s Sportsology media family to check out his breakdown of why this move is as financially stupid when you examine it deeply as it appears on the surface.
He’s completely right that Oscar de la Hoya would have been perfect for this role, if indeed a boxing crossover would be a winning proposition (a dubious concept for me to believe in the first place). De La Hoya coming to the rescue of Rey Misterio wouldn’t have been unbelievable in the manner of notorious Latino-baiter Mayweather attempting to play the hero. Mayweather is a natural heel and the fact that he is getting transitioned into that role slowly over time (at least he appears to be, but who knows with their style of “booking?”) makes more sense than continuing to shoehorn his unlikable, arrogant persona into that of a fan favorite. But this acceptance of reality opens up its own can of worms: how can the match possibly draw any heat if David is the heel and Goliath is (by default) the babyface? The Big Show is three times the size of Mayweather: the ONLY way this concept could ever work would be for the fish-out-of-water boxer to be somebody the public could embrace. Setting up The Big Show as the defender of all things WWE, which he will have to be if Mayweather continues with his “MME” schtick, would compromise his effectiveness and reduce the already small chance that people would pay to see this spectacle. What a catch-22. Plus, this match will be in the midcard, so if it’s not going to be promoted above the Edge/Undertaker World Title match or Cena/HHH/Orton WWE Title match, how the heck can any participant in it be worth 20 mil?
Russ also recaps some memorable boxing/wrestling crossovers. Here are a few more, none of which added anything to the bottom line of their respective promotions (ignoring the obvious Mike Tyson angle at WrestleMania XIV that did actually work):
Joe Frazier refereeing the Dusty Rhodes/Ric Flair NWA World Title match at Starrcade ’84. Frazier stopped the match due to excessive blood loss on the part of
Buster
Evander Holyfield boxing Matt Hardy last year on Saturday Night’s Main Event. In this angle, U.S. Champion MVP recruited Holyfield to box Hardy on his behalf. After taking it to an overmatched Hardy, Holyfield turned on an ungrateful MVP and knocked him out. The incident put Hardy over as a never-say-die battler and MVP as the epitome of the obnoxious heel, but it didn’t have any lasting impact on business going forward.
Brett Favre’s place in history
By Rick Morris
I join football fans everywhere in saying that I will miss seeing Brett Favre on the football field every Sunday (though I’m sure none of us are quite as broken up about it as John Madden is). He was an entertaining gunslinger, somebody who really loved the game, gave a lot to it and showed how much joy he got from it. I wish him the best in retirement and the game is poor for losing his on-field contributions.
My colleague Nate Noy posed a question about where Favre rates in the eyes of history, then he attempted to answer it (#4 all-time). Likewise, my other colleague Tony Mazur rated Favre within the confines of QBs he had personally witnessed. Similar to Nate's piece, I will offer a look at my own all-time Top 10 at the position. It is striking to me how similar our lists are. Just to recap, here’s Nate’s Top 10 (read his column to learn his justification for each pick and to see the key statistics for his QBs):
10. John Elway
9. Peyton Manning
8. Tom Brady
7. Steve Young
6. Sammy Baugh
5. Dan Marino
4. Brett Favre
3. Otto Graham
2. Johnny Unitas
1. Joe Montana
Before I begin my list, I’d like to note that Sammy Baugh just missed my Top 10 list at #11. Nate’s right that he did revolutionize the position and he was the greatest quarterback of his time, but I can’t award him a spot over any of these players, many of whom helped make this modern “golden age of quarterbacks” what it has been.
10. Bart Starr. If this were a fantasy draft, I’d slot him at the top of the second tier, with the nine QBs above him constituting a top tier. This is no slam on him, merely a statement of how I see him fitting into the landscape and indeed, being proclaimed one of the NFL’s All-Time Top 10 QBs is an honor in anyone’s book. He had a very nice synthesis of statistical production and championships earned (including the first two Super Bowls).
9. Brett Favre. He was a little more all-or-nothing than most of his counterparts on this list, which is the main reason I did not have him higher. Apart from a stretch in the mid-to-late ‘90s, he wasn’t universally regarded as one of the top two or three QBs in the game at the time, but was a top 10 performer almost all the way through. He’s in the top two or three all-time, however, at overcoming any kind of adversity and may have been the most fun to watch, for whatever that’s worth.
8. Peyton Manning. As with my rating of Tom Brady (and with Nathan’s ratings of both players), the slot is awarded based on the body of work to date. As one of the most elite statistical producers ever and a player who now has a title to his credit, the Top 5 list is a certainty if he can sustain his production another half-decade.
7. Steve Young. I fully expect many people to be blown away by the slotting of Young in the Top 10 (Nate won’t be surprised, however, since he had him in the exact same spot). Look up the numbers; from 1991-1994 he was as dominant as anyone to ever play the game and he capped off that run with a Super Bowl at the end of it. With an NFL career compressed into a relatively short run by a USFL stint and backup duty to Joe Montana on the front end and injury problems at the back end, there might not be anyone else in the history of the league who could have earned such a lofty spot based on such a short time frame. And in terms of influence, he still stands as the greatest example yet of the hybrid of athleticism molded to pocket-style quarterbacking – ironic, given the racial connotations so many seem to apply to the term “mobile quarterback.”
6. Tom Brady. One of the game’s most accomplished winners put up arguably the greatest statistical season ever in 2007. As with Manning, the Top 5 is within reach and since he’s a few years younger than Manning with two more Super Bowl wins and one more Super Bowl appearance, the next few years could catapult him to the point of becoming the consensus best quarterback of all time.
5. Dan Marino. He stands at the pinnacle of “statistical quarterbacks,” while falling much further down most people’s lists of “ultimate winner quarterbacks.” This is unfair, given the fact that he had less support than arguably anyone else on this list: few marquee WRs (outside of the early stretch with the “Marks Brothers”), a complete lack of a running game (no 1,000 yard rusher the first 13 years of his career – insane, given that a RB only needs to average 62.5 yards per game over the course of a season to reach that number) and a defense that was uneven at best over the course of his tenure. Given the limited impact that one player, even a great QB, can have on the bottom line on the gridiron, Marino is a very underrated winner for getting his team to make as many playoff runs at they did. And having lost a Super Bowl to the 1980s 49ers and an AFC Championship Game to the 1990s Bills is not a mark of shame.
4. John Elway. When the bad marriage with Dan Reeves ended, Elway got a chance to prove that he could win Super Bowls and also put up ginormous statistics. Factor in his mobility and penchant for late-game comebacks and the triumphant final chapter of his career boosts him to this point.
3. Johnny Unitas. As Nate pointed out, before Marino, Johnny U. was the statistical benchmark for the league and he also was a title-winner (and as Grampa Abe Simpson once said so memorably, “He had a flat-top you could set your watch by”). He had great durability, though he was fairly beat-up at the end. He was Top 5 in anyone’s book.
2. Otto Graham. This OG was simply, the ultimate winner. Every chance he got, he was earning All-Pro honors and playing for a title (and winning several). His vast accomplishments are sadly unknown by illiterates who think the game was invented with the birth of the Super Bowl in 1967, but these accomplishments are undeniable nonetheless.
1. Joe Montana. He was more renowned as a winner than as a stat-producer, but, as Nate notes, he did end up exceeding Unitas’ career passing mark. He was the engine of the 1980s
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
My Top 10 Quarterbacks
By Tony Mazur
Below I have posted the Top 10 Quarterbacks of my lifetime. Since I just turned 20 years old last Sunday, I was not alive to see Bart Starr, Otto Graham, Roger Staubach, Ken Stabler, and Dan Fouts, and I only caught the tail end of Joe Montana's career when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh sure, they were all great quarterbacks, but I did not witness them live. Babe Ruth was an incredible hitter, but most of the population did not see him play.
10. Warren Moon.....Moon may have bounced around from team to team, but he made his name with the Houston Oilers. The Oilers may not have made it to the Super Bowl, but he helped them get to the playoffs year after year.
9. Jim Kelly.....Another QB that did not get a ring. However, he led those Buffalo Bills teams to multiple playoff appearances and pulled them team out of obscurity. Since he announced his retirement after the '96 season, the Bills haven't been the same.
8. Steve McNair....."Air McNair" may not be in everyone's Top 10 lists, but he sure impressed me. Between city and name changes, Steve McNair was a great overall quarterback. He may be somewhat functional now with Baltimore, but he's nowhere close to what he was with Eddie George, Kevin Dyson, and Frank Wycheck around him.
7. Troy Aikman.....Some have Troy higher up on the list, but I think he's fine where he is. Aikman may have had one of the best offensive lines of all time, two legendary running backs (Emmitt Smith and Herschel Walker), and a nearly perfect wide receiver (Michael Irvin), but he was a tough competitor.
6. Steve Young.....Can you think of a better backup? Steve Young backed up Joe Montana from 1987-93, and became the full-time starter in 1993. Young's aggressive style of play led the 49ers to Super Bowl XXIX, which they were victorious. Young helped pave the way for this generations slew of running QBs.
5. John Elway.....One of the greatest ever. Elway led his Denver Broncos to five Super Bowls, the latter two he won. A guy who took so many shots got right up on his feet and continued to perform well.
4. Dan Marino.....Yeah, yeah, we know. "But he didn't win a Super Bowl!" Trent Dilfer did. Brad Johnson did. Just because they won Super Bowls, does that mean they're better than Marino? I don't measure great quarterbacks by Super Bowl rings. Dan Marino was surrounded by marginal players that he helped look better.
3. Brett Favre.....Favre was another QB that turned average players into superstars. Antonio Freeman was a great Packer receiver, but would he have accomplished those feats with another team? The same with Dorsey Levens. Brett Favre wasn't just a great player, he is a great man. The league will surely miss his presence.
2. Tom Brady.....Forget about the 18-1 season. Tom Brady is in the top tier of quarterbacks of all time. He may have had Randy Moss in 2007, but Brady really had nobody for years. Tom Brady literally carried that team to their three Super Bowl victories, and won MVP after MVP awards.
1. Peyton Manning.....From what I hear from my father and other middle-aged adults, Peyton Manning shows signs of the great quarterbacks of the 1970s. His accuracy is astounding, and his demeanor is enviable. There is no coincidence that Peyton Manning pulled the Indianapolis Colts out of the toilet and into somewhat of a dynasty.
Below I have posted the Top 10 Quarterbacks of my lifetime. Since I just turned 20 years old last Sunday, I was not alive to see Bart Starr, Otto Graham, Roger Staubach, Ken Stabler, and Dan Fouts, and I only caught the tail end of Joe Montana's career when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh sure, they were all great quarterbacks, but I did not witness them live. Babe Ruth was an incredible hitter, but most of the population did not see him play.
10. Warren Moon.....Moon may have bounced around from team to team, but he made his name with the Houston Oilers. The Oilers may not have made it to the Super Bowl, but he helped them get to the playoffs year after year.
9. Jim Kelly.....Another QB that did not get a ring. However, he led those Buffalo Bills teams to multiple playoff appearances and pulled them team out of obscurity. Since he announced his retirement after the '96 season, the Bills haven't been the same.
8. Steve McNair....."Air McNair" may not be in everyone's Top 10 lists, but he sure impressed me. Between city and name changes, Steve McNair was a great overall quarterback. He may be somewhat functional now with Baltimore, but he's nowhere close to what he was with Eddie George, Kevin Dyson, and Frank Wycheck around him.
7. Troy Aikman.....Some have Troy higher up on the list, but I think he's fine where he is. Aikman may have had one of the best offensive lines of all time, two legendary running backs (Emmitt Smith and Herschel Walker), and a nearly perfect wide receiver (Michael Irvin), but he was a tough competitor.
6. Steve Young.....Can you think of a better backup? Steve Young backed up Joe Montana from 1987-93, and became the full-time starter in 1993. Young's aggressive style of play led the 49ers to Super Bowl XXIX, which they were victorious. Young helped pave the way for this generations slew of running QBs.
5. John Elway.....One of the greatest ever. Elway led his Denver Broncos to five Super Bowls, the latter two he won. A guy who took so many shots got right up on his feet and continued to perform well.
4. Dan Marino.....Yeah, yeah, we know. "But he didn't win a Super Bowl!" Trent Dilfer did. Brad Johnson did. Just because they won Super Bowls, does that mean they're better than Marino? I don't measure great quarterbacks by Super Bowl rings. Dan Marino was surrounded by marginal players that he helped look better.
3. Brett Favre.....Favre was another QB that turned average players into superstars. Antonio Freeman was a great Packer receiver, but would he have accomplished those feats with another team? The same with Dorsey Levens. Brett Favre wasn't just a great player, he is a great man. The league will surely miss his presence.
2. Tom Brady.....Forget about the 18-1 season. Tom Brady is in the top tier of quarterbacks of all time. He may have had Randy Moss in 2007, but Brady really had nobody for years. Tom Brady literally carried that team to their three Super Bowl victories, and won MVP after MVP awards.
1. Peyton Manning.....From what I hear from my father and other middle-aged adults, Peyton Manning shows signs of the great quarterbacks of the 1970s. His accuracy is astounding, and his demeanor is enviable. There is no coincidence that Peyton Manning pulled the Indianapolis Colts out of the toilet and into somewhat of a dynasty.
Brett Favre: How good was he?
By Nate Noy
Anyone that has listened to me on the FDH Lounge show or the previous shows I appeared on with Rick Morris on Sports Talk Cleveland realizes that I actually have opinions on subjects other than Jean Schmidt.
Rick, Jason and I were discussing the top-32 QB’s of all-time last month and with Favre’s announcement this week it is the appropriate time to have this debate. For today I will look at my top-10, perhaps in the coming days Rick, Jason and I will unveil our top-32.
There are a number of factors to consider and there is no “set formula”.
For me personally, the first question I ask is: “if there are two minutes to go in the game and my team is down six, who do I want to be the QB of my team?” The statistics of course come into play as does the fact if the QB was a “winner” or not. Other lists that have been compiled by the mainstream media should be taken into account, and I also considered the number of times the player was named All Pro(AP) (signifying he was one of the best at the QB position in a particular year.)
Below is my list:
10. John Elway HOF
QB Rating 79.9; AP 5; 51,475 yds; 300 TD’s
Elway ranks higher on some lists, he did win two Super Bowl’s and one SB MVP. He was great in the clutch but was only AP five times and his QB rating is low compared to the others on this list from his era.
9. Peyton Manning
QB Rating 94.7; AP 6; 41,626 yds; 306 TD’s
Right now with only one SB and one SB MVP Manning is still behind the players ahead of him in terms of career accomplishments. Give him five more years to pass Favre and Marino statistically and he moves into the top-5.
8. Tom Brady
QB Rating 92.9; AP 2; 26,370 yds; 197 TD’s
Brady could certainly someday make a case for number one on this list. He already has three SB rings and two SB MVP’s. His QB rating is only behind Young and Manning on this list (ahead of even Joe Montana.) However, he only has been named All Pro twice, since he has to beat out the likes of Peyton Manning for that award each year. With Moss back next year the Pats are the odds on favorites to win the SB, if this happens then Brady moves up a few more spots on this list. It should also be noted that 2007 was the single best season for a QB in NFL history, if his numbers even approach this next year, he continues his journey near the top.
7. Steve Young HOF
QB Rating 96.8; AP 7; 33,124 yds; 232 TD’s
His seven All Pro awards and 96.8 career QB rating keep him ahead of Brady and Manning for at least one more year. He won three SB’s and was MVP of the SB twice. He played for some horrible TB teams early in his career and had to sit in Montana’s shadow for a few seasons. The much higher QB rating and AP awards keep him slightly ahead of Elway on my list as well.
6. Sammy Baugh HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 72.2; AP 9; 21,886 yds; 187 TD’s
Sammy revolutionized the game with his success in the T-formation in 1945. His QB rating is hard to apply to an era when the game was played differently. He was also one of the game’s best punters, and his nine AP awards illustrate how many years he was the dominant QB in the NFL. Along with Montana, Graham, and Unitas, he was recognized as one of the top-4 QB’s in the first 75 years of the NFL.
5. Dan Marino HOF
QB Rating 86.4; AP 8; 61,361 yds; 420 TD’s
Only made one SB and did not win it. Granted his supporting cast was weak at best for years. Very close to Favre statistically, but given Favre passed him in both career yards and TD’s this last year I have to give the nod to Favre.
4. Brett Favre
QB Rating 85.7; AP 7; 61.655 yds; 442 TD’s
Did win the one SB and made it twice. He will be the career leader in yardage and TD’s for 4-5 years until Manning likely catches him. His failure to win as many championships as the players in front of him keeps him out of the top-3.
3. Otto Graham HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 86.6; AP 10; 23.584 yds; 174 TD’s
Played 10 years, made 10 championship games and won seven. Almost a dead heat with Unitas for number two on the list, but Unitas was a beast statistically. Often overlooked because he did not play in the SB era, but will always be on the short list of the top-5 all time, even if Brady and Manning continue on their current paces. Also it should be noted 10-for-10 being named All Pro, simply amazing.
2. Johnny Unitas HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 78.2; AP 9; 40,239 yds; 290 TD’s
Three NFL championships, one SB win. Johnny U was the player Marino had to chase down statistically for all of those years. His longevity and records give him the slight nod over Graham. His QB rating should be taken with a grain of salt since he played in a different era where defenses were far more dominant.
1. Joe Montana HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 92.3; AP 7; 40,551 yds; 273 TD’s
Simply set the standard for clutch play and efficiency. Four SB rings and three SB MVP awards. Passed Unitas in career yardage and his QB rating was hard-earned in the era that changed to game to what we see today. If I’m down six with 1:41 to go in the game and I can pick one guy to lead me to victory, there is NO DOUBT Joe is my guy.
Thoughts on these rankings? Feel free to comment below.
Anyone that has listened to me on the FDH Lounge show or the previous shows I appeared on with Rick Morris on Sports Talk Cleveland realizes that I actually have opinions on subjects other than Jean Schmidt.
Rick, Jason and I were discussing the top-32 QB’s of all-time last month and with Favre’s announcement this week it is the appropriate time to have this debate. For today I will look at my top-10, perhaps in the coming days Rick, Jason and I will unveil our top-32.
There are a number of factors to consider and there is no “set formula”.
For me personally, the first question I ask is: “if there are two minutes to go in the game and my team is down six, who do I want to be the QB of my team?” The statistics of course come into play as does the fact if the QB was a “winner” or not. Other lists that have been compiled by the mainstream media should be taken into account, and I also considered the number of times the player was named All Pro(AP) (signifying he was one of the best at the QB position in a particular year.)
Below is my list:
10. John Elway HOF
QB Rating 79.9; AP 5; 51,475 yds; 300 TD’s
Elway ranks higher on some lists, he did win two Super Bowl’s and one SB MVP. He was great in the clutch but was only AP five times and his QB rating is low compared to the others on this list from his era.
9. Peyton Manning
QB Rating 94.7; AP 6; 41,626 yds; 306 TD’s
Right now with only one SB and one SB MVP Manning is still behind the players ahead of him in terms of career accomplishments. Give him five more years to pass Favre and Marino statistically and he moves into the top-5.
8. Tom Brady
QB Rating 92.9; AP 2; 26,370 yds; 197 TD’s
Brady could certainly someday make a case for number one on this list. He already has three SB rings and two SB MVP’s. His QB rating is only behind Young and Manning on this list (ahead of even Joe Montana.) However, he only has been named All Pro twice, since he has to beat out the likes of Peyton Manning for that award each year. With Moss back next year the Pats are the odds on favorites to win the SB, if this happens then Brady moves up a few more spots on this list. It should also be noted that 2007 was the single best season for a QB in NFL history, if his numbers even approach this next year, he continues his journey near the top.
7. Steve Young HOF
QB Rating 96.8; AP 7; 33,124 yds; 232 TD’s
His seven All Pro awards and 96.8 career QB rating keep him ahead of Brady and Manning for at least one more year. He won three SB’s and was MVP of the SB twice. He played for some horrible TB teams early in his career and had to sit in Montana’s shadow for a few seasons. The much higher QB rating and AP awards keep him slightly ahead of Elway on my list as well.
6. Sammy Baugh HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 72.2; AP 9; 21,886 yds; 187 TD’s
Sammy revolutionized the game with his success in the T-formation in 1945. His QB rating is hard to apply to an era when the game was played differently. He was also one of the game’s best punters, and his nine AP awards illustrate how many years he was the dominant QB in the NFL. Along with Montana, Graham, and Unitas, he was recognized as one of the top-4 QB’s in the first 75 years of the NFL.
5. Dan Marino HOF
QB Rating 86.4; AP 8; 61,361 yds; 420 TD’s
Only made one SB and did not win it. Granted his supporting cast was weak at best for years. Very close to Favre statistically, but given Favre passed him in both career yards and TD’s this last year I have to give the nod to Favre.
4. Brett Favre
QB Rating 85.7; AP 7; 61.655 yds; 442 TD’s
Did win the one SB and made it twice. He will be the career leader in yardage and TD’s for 4-5 years until Manning likely catches him. His failure to win as many championships as the players in front of him keeps him out of the top-3.
3. Otto Graham HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 86.6; AP 10; 23.584 yds; 174 TD’s
Played 10 years, made 10 championship games and won seven. Almost a dead heat with Unitas for number two on the list, but Unitas was a beast statistically. Often overlooked because he did not play in the SB era, but will always be on the short list of the top-5 all time, even if Brady and Manning continue on their current paces. Also it should be noted 10-for-10 being named All Pro, simply amazing.
2. Johnny Unitas HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 78.2; AP 9; 40,239 yds; 290 TD’s
Three NFL championships, one SB win. Johnny U was the player Marino had to chase down statistically for all of those years. His longevity and records give him the slight nod over Graham. His QB rating should be taken with a grain of salt since he played in a different era where defenses were far more dominant.
1. Joe Montana HOF; NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
QB Rating 92.3; AP 7; 40,551 yds; 273 TD’s
Simply set the standard for clutch play and efficiency. Four SB rings and three SB MVP awards. Passed Unitas in career yardage and his QB rating was hard-earned in the era that changed to game to what we see today. If I’m down six with 1:41 to go in the game and I can pick one guy to lead me to victory, there is NO DOUBT Joe is my guy.
Thoughts on these rankings? Feel free to comment below.
Schmidt and Wulsin dominate primary vote
By Nate Noy
Much to my own chagrin Jean Schmidt handily defeated Tom Brinkman in the OH-2 primary. Perhaps Tom will run for Bob Shuler’s State Senate seat when Bob is termed out in two years. Tom made a strong effort for an underfunded candidate and he will continue to receive the support from those of us that are true conservatives when he runs again for another office.
Vic Wulsin also overcame a challenging campaign against an opponent that digressed to tactics Jean Schmidt would be proud of.
I won’t make any predictions about November, but I will publicly state that even as a radical conservative I will be voting for Dr. Wulsin in the fall. While a number of her views may be different from my own I KNOW she is an honest and caring person that can be TRUSTED. She will listen to those of us in the district with a different view from her own, and she is the kind of person from a character perspective that anyone can be proud of.
Jean on the other hand can be best summed up by the Rolling Stone Magazine article from 2006. She will NEVER get my vote under any circumstance. The good news is that my vote in November will be FOR Dr. Wulsin and not just AGAINST Schmidt.
Good luck Dr. Wulsin, Jean’s time will come and it won’t be soon enough.
Much to my own chagrin Jean Schmidt handily defeated Tom Brinkman in the OH-2 primary. Perhaps Tom will run for Bob Shuler’s State Senate seat when Bob is termed out in two years. Tom made a strong effort for an underfunded candidate and he will continue to receive the support from those of us that are true conservatives when he runs again for another office.
Vic Wulsin also overcame a challenging campaign against an opponent that digressed to tactics Jean Schmidt would be proud of.
I won’t make any predictions about November, but I will publicly state that even as a radical conservative I will be voting for Dr. Wulsin in the fall. While a number of her views may be different from my own I KNOW she is an honest and caring person that can be TRUSTED. She will listen to those of us in the district with a different view from her own, and she is the kind of person from a character perspective that anyone can be proud of.
Jean on the other hand can be best summed up by the Rolling Stone Magazine article from 2006. She will NEVER get my vote under any circumstance. The good news is that my vote in November will be FOR Dr. Wulsin and not just AGAINST Schmidt.
Good luck Dr. Wulsin, Jean’s time will come and it won’t be soon enough.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Jean Schmidt Poll and Prediction (Brinkman by 9 points)
By Nate Noy
Jean Schmidt is in serious trouble Tuesday; one telltale sign of this is the fact that her campaign has not even bothered to release any bogus polls lately. We’ll get to the polls and my prediction for this race in a moment, but first I wanted to recap the coverage we have given this race in the past month with links to my previous posts:
Jean Schmidt beware character matters to OH-2 voters
Jean Schmidt endorsed by 2,144,597th most popular site on the Internet
Jean Schmidt’s Liberal Base
Jean Schmidt’s shill Nathan Bailey
Jean Schmidt 409th most powerful member of Congress
My favorite Jean Schmidt lie
Jean Schmidt’s $1.3 million IRS problem
The Truth about Jean Schmidt
Jean Schmidt’s position on Cuba “bought and paid for” by lobbyists
Tom Brinkman NOT corrupt enough for Congress
Republicans in Ohio-2 beware: Jean Schmidt has NO CHANCE in the general election
The above material has been thoroughly researched and I personally attest to its truthfulness and accuracy. Hopefully my work has helped share the truth about Jean Schmidt and dissuaded any would be “sucker” that may have voted for her before reviewing the above.
Now on to my discussion about polls:
Some of you may remember this one from mid-April 2006:
Schmidt 56%
McEwen 33%
Other/ undecided 11%
Of course the actual results of the election were:
Schmidt 47.67%
McEwen 42.56%
Other 9.78%
So Jean’s poll had her up 23 points and she won by a little more than five and received less than 50% of the vote; clearly the validity of any Schmidt poll should be questioned after a result like this.
Subsequently a poll before the general election showed the following:
Schmidt 48%
Wulsin 40%
Other / Undecided 12%
The final results of this one were:
Schmidt 50.45%
Wulsin 49.39%
Write-in 0.16%
In this match-up Schmidt won by a whopping 1.06%, not quite the 8% her earlier poll showed.
Schmidt released another poll on January 17, 2008 showing her with 52% of would be voters, the same poll (taken before Phil Heimlich dropped out of the race) showed Tom Brinkman with only 9%.
Since this mid-January poll was released Schmidt has not come public with another poll. We all know she is taking them and it is safe to assume she is behind, or she would be releasing the results.
Predictions:
Schmidt’s polls tend to be about 7-15 points off, and I predict she will end up with 44% of the vote. I will project Nathan Bailey at 3% and Tom Brinkman at 53%. Yes, you heard it here first, I predict Tom to win by 9 points on Tuesday. Enough people FINALLY know the truth about Schmidt and the time has finally come to throw her out of office.
Jean Schmidt is in serious trouble Tuesday; one telltale sign of this is the fact that her campaign has not even bothered to release any bogus polls lately. We’ll get to the polls and my prediction for this race in a moment, but first I wanted to recap the coverage we have given this race in the past month with links to my previous posts:
Jean Schmidt beware character matters to OH-2 voters
Jean Schmidt endorsed by 2,144,597th most popular site on the Internet
Jean Schmidt’s Liberal Base
Jean Schmidt’s shill Nathan Bailey
Jean Schmidt 409th most powerful member of Congress
My favorite Jean Schmidt lie
Jean Schmidt’s $1.3 million IRS problem
The Truth about Jean Schmidt
Jean Schmidt’s position on Cuba “bought and paid for” by lobbyists
Tom Brinkman NOT corrupt enough for Congress
Republicans in Ohio-2 beware: Jean Schmidt has NO CHANCE in the general election
The above material has been thoroughly researched and I personally attest to its truthfulness and accuracy. Hopefully my work has helped share the truth about Jean Schmidt and dissuaded any would be “sucker” that may have voted for her before reviewing the above.
Now on to my discussion about polls:
Some of you may remember this one from mid-April 2006:
Schmidt 56%
McEwen 33%
Other/ undecided 11%
Of course the actual results of the election were:
Schmidt 47.67%
McEwen 42.56%
Other 9.78%
So Jean’s poll had her up 23 points and she won by a little more than five and received less than 50% of the vote; clearly the validity of any Schmidt poll should be questioned after a result like this.
Subsequently a poll before the general election showed the following:
Schmidt 48%
Wulsin 40%
Other / Undecided 12%
The final results of this one were:
Schmidt 50.45%
Wulsin 49.39%
Write-in 0.16%
In this match-up Schmidt won by a whopping 1.06%, not quite the 8% her earlier poll showed.
Schmidt released another poll on January 17, 2008 showing her with 52% of would be voters, the same poll (taken before Phil Heimlich dropped out of the race) showed Tom Brinkman with only 9%.
Since this mid-January poll was released Schmidt has not come public with another poll. We all know she is taking them and it is safe to assume she is behind, or she would be releasing the results.
Predictions:
Schmidt’s polls tend to be about 7-15 points off, and I predict she will end up with 44% of the vote. I will project Nathan Bailey at 3% and Tom Brinkman at 53%. Yes, you heard it here first, I predict Tom to win by 9 points on Tuesday. Enough people FINALLY know the truth about Schmidt and the time has finally come to throw her out of office.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Please support a great cause this weekend
By Rick Morris
EDIT: As of 10:45 PM EST Saturday night, we are up to $250 in pledges, mostly from the Rick Springfield fans listening now to Uncle Paul Belfi's DJing. Thank you very much. I'm updating at the bottom to provide notes for our wrestling segment from 2-4 PM EST with a capsule look at what has transpired of note at every one of the first 23 WrestleManias and one man's opinion about the top 10 stars of the WrestleMania era never to appear on the card. Also, I'm attaching an approximate guide to which baseball brackets (read below!) will be discussed when.
I'm writing this mere hours before we go on the air at SportsTalkCleveland.com/SportsTalkNetwork.com for our 4th annual Up All Night/Up All Day Marathon to Benefit the Carol Morris Scholarship Fund at Bowling Green State University. THE FDH LOUNGE program will be just one part of an extended broadcast to benefit an excellent cause. Go to STC or STN at the above links to listen and/or watch the proceedings.
This scholarship program is a memorial fund in honor of my mother, Carol Morris, who worked in special education. I urge all of you to visit the home page for the fund and also for our benefit show at www.fantasydrafthelp.com/carol_morris.html , but I'm going to bring all of the relevant info over here also. I also want to profusely thank our event sponsor, TAHJ Capital. This is corporate philanthropy at its finest, and I cannot express my personal appreciation enough.
Here is everything straight off of the aforementioned fund/program home page:
EDIT: As of 10:45 PM EST Saturday night, we are up to $250 in pledges, mostly from the Rick Springfield fans listening now to Uncle Paul Belfi's DJing. Thank you very much. I'm updating at the bottom to provide notes for our wrestling segment from 2-4 PM EST with a capsule look at what has transpired of note at every one of the first 23 WrestleManias and one man's opinion about the top 10 stars of the WrestleMania era never to appear on the card. Also, I'm attaching an approximate guide to which baseball brackets (read below!) will be discussed when.
I'm writing this mere hours before we go on the air at SportsTalkCleveland.com/SportsTalkNetwork.com for our 4th annual Up All Night/Up All Day Marathon to Benefit the Carol Morris Scholarship Fund at Bowling Green State University. THE FDH LOUNGE program will be just one part of an extended broadcast to benefit an excellent cause. Go to STC or STN at the above links to listen and/or watch the proceedings.
This scholarship program is a memorial fund in honor of my mother, Carol Morris, who worked in special education. I urge all of you to visit the home page for the fund and also for our benefit show at www.fantasydrafthelp.com/carol_morris.html , but I'm going to bring all of the relevant info over here also. I also want to profusely thank our event sponsor, TAHJ Capital. This is corporate philanthropy at its finest, and I cannot express my personal appreciation enough.
Here is everything straight off of the aforementioned fund/program home page:
NEW INFORMATION: FOURTH ANNUAL SPORTSTALK CLEVELAND.COM MARATHON FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE CAROL MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS THIS WEEKEND, MARCH 1-2! DETAILS BELOW ...
The Carol Morris Scholarship Fund at Bowling Green State University is the official charitable cause of FantasyDrafthelp.com. Named for Managing Partner Rick Morris’ mother, a longtime teacher and tutor, the memorial fund is directed towards students striving for a career in special education.
The fund has been the chosen cause of three annual “Up All Night Marathons.” These broadcasts, which have aired on SportsTalkNetwork.com, have helped bring the fund closer to its goal of vesting at $25,000. When fully vested, the fund will exist in perpetuity and help bring committed individuals into the vital field of special education.
To donate to the fund, make checks payable to: BGSU Foundation, Inc.
On the memo line of the check, please write: Carol Morris Scholarship Fund 30-000812
Mail checks to:
Office of Development
Attn: Erin Keller
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Donations can also be made online at the following web address: http://giving.bgsu.edu/development/fundingopps/onlinegiving.jsp
FOURTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING MARATHON PROGRAM ANNOUNCED!
The 4th Annual SportsTalkNetwork.com Up All Day Marathon to benefit the Carol Morris Scholarship Fund at Bowling Green State University will run for 27 hours, from Saturday, March 1 at 9 PM to Sunday, March 2 at Midnight EST. This year's program will bring you special extra editions of your favorite STN programs for a very special cause. The following shows are involved.
^ THE FDH LOUNGE (the program where nothing is off-topic)
^ THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (fantasy sports)
^ THE GOON SQUAD (hockey)
^ SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (baseball)
^ PRO WRESTLING INSIDER (professional wrestling)
^ NAAFS RADIO (mixed martial arts)
^ THE RICK SPRINGFIELD MARATHON (Rick Springfield music and fan interaction)
Here is the tentative lineup as of Friday, February 28 (all times EST):
9 PM to 10 AM: 13 hours of THE RICK SPRINGFIELD MARATHON as the world's foremost Springfield DJ, Paul Belfi, spins tunes from the entire catalog.
10 AM to 2 PM: SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH presents bracket-style voting with a roundtable panel to determine the best players in baseball at each position. This segment features Round One of the brackets at every position (there are 8 players in the bracket at each position except right-handed pitcher, which has 16 players). We will be joined at about Noon by SportsNetwork.com baseball analyst Eric Gold. Position battles are listed below the show information.
2 PM to 4 PM: PRO WRESTLING INSIDER features the WrestleMania roundtable: a past, present and future look at the biggest rasslin' event of the year. For the first part of our discussion, we will be joined by Wrestleology analyst Russ Cohen.
4 PM to 4:30 PM: SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH presents the baseball brackets, with part of Round Two.
4:30 PM to 5 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE welcomes Zach Landres-Schnur, proprietor of THE BIG PICTURE sports blog.
5 PM to 5:30 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE interviews William Gheen, President and Spokesman for Americans for Legal Immigration, the group trying to draft CNN news anchor Lou Dobbs to run for President of the United States.
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM: SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH presents the rest of Round Two of the baseball brackets.
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM: SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH interviews Joe Aiello, founder of THE VIEW FROM THE BLEACHERS Chicago Cubs blog.
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM: SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH presents the final round of the baseball brackets.
8:00 PM to 8:30 PM: THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER presents a 2008 NFL Draft Preview with FantasyDrafthelp.com Senior Editor and Chief NFL Draft Analyst Jason Jones.
8:30 PM to 9:00 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE takes its first look ahead to an Obama/McCain presidential race with a roundtable preview.
9:00 PM to 9:30 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE speaks to Lounge Dignitary Nathan Noy about the most entertaining congressional race in the country in 2008.
9:30 PM to 10:00 PM: NAAFS RADIO presents a look inside the MMA world's greatest combined amateur/professional circuit with North American Allied Fight Series executive producer Jake Digman.
10:00 PM to 10:30 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE interviews the IRL correpondant for Most Valuable Network, Christopher Estrada about the big open-wheel racing merger just announced this week.
10:30 PM to 11:00 PM: THE FDH LOUNGE prepares you to fill out your NCAA hoops brackets in a few weeks with a look ahead to Championship Week and the field of 65.
11:00 PM to 11:30 PM: THE GOON SQUAD interviews hockey journalist John Kreiser of NHL.com.
11:30 PM to Midnight: THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER interviews Fanball.com Managing Editor Ray Flowers for an early look at fantasy baseball Draft Day.
Baseball brackets
Catcher
Martinez vs. Molina
Mauer vs. Posada
McCann vs. Pudge
Martin vs. Johjima
First Base
Pujols vs. Konerko
Morneau vs. Pena
Howard vs. Berkman
Fielder vs. Lee
Second Base
Utley vs. Polanco
Uggla vs. Kent
Cano vs. Roberts
Phillips vs. Ellis
Shortstop
Rollins vs. Hardy
Jeter vs. Tulowitzki
Ramirez vs. Tejada
Reyes vs. Greene
Third Base
Rodriguez vs. Lowell
Ramirez vs. Atkins
Cabrera vs. C. Jones
Wright vs. Glaus
Left Field
Ramirez vs. Byrnes
Crawford vs. Lee
Soriano vs. Braun
Holliday vs. Matsui
Center Field
B.J. Upton vs. Wells
Hunter vs. A. Jones
Beltran vs. Ichiro
Sizemore vs. Granderson
Right Field
Guerrero vs. Hawpe
Francouer vs. Markakis
Rios vs. Dye
Ordonez vs. C. Hart
Designated Hitters
Ortiz vs. Thomas
Thome vs. Bonds
Hafner vs. Cust
Sheffield vs. Sosa
Left-Handed Pitchers
Santana vs. Buehrle
Kazmir vs. Ol. Perez
Liriano vs. Hamels
Sabathia vs. Francis
Right-Handed Pitchers
Beckett vs. Hudson
Oswalt vs. Halladay
C. Young vs. Penny
Lackey vs. Smoltz
Peavy vs. F. Hernandez
Haren vs. Bedard
Verlander vs. Carmona
Webb vs. Zambrano
Closers
Papelbon vs. Rivera
Putz vs. F. Cordero
Nathan vs. Hoffman
F. Rodriguez vs. Wagner
Here are the half-hour segments when we will discuss the position battles (all times EST and approximate, keeping in mind that the first round is in two parts for the RHP position since there are twice as many players involved):
FIRST ROUND
10:00 AM: 7 RHP
10:30 AM: 1 RHP, 4C, 2 1B
11:00 AM: 2 1B, 4 2B, 1 SS
11:30 AM: 3 SS, 4 3B
12:00 Noon: 4 LF, 3 CF
12:30 PM: 1 CF, 4 RF, 2 DH
1:00 PM: 2 DH, 4 LHP, 1 CL
1:30 PM: 3 CL, 4 RHP
SECOND ROUND
4:00 PM: 2 C, 2 1B, 2 2B, 2 SS
5:30 PM: 2 3B, 2 LF, 2 CF, 2 RF
6:00 PM: 2 DH, 2 LHP, 2 CL, 2 RHP
FINAL ROUND
7:00 PM: 1 C, 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 SS, 1 3B, 1 LF
7:30 PM: 1 CF, 1 RF, 1 DH, 1 LHP, 1 CL, 1 RHP
Notes on past WrestleManias
I: Important because it started it all, Andre beat Studd in bodyslam challenge, Hogan/T vs. Piper/Orndorf set the template for WrestleMania, Sheik/Volkoff tag title win kept them hot as foreign heels.
II: Hugely important because it solidified Mania as a big-time event, only one to take place in 3 cities, Refrigerator Perry in Chicago main event (battle royal), Piper/T boxing match was Roddy’s swan song as a heel, Hogan/Bundy in a cage may have been Hulk’s least memorable Mania match, but set the template for every title defense vs. a big man he had in that era.
III: 93,000 at the Silverdome set a new standard for crowds, Hogan/Andre was some of the greatest buildup ever and the match was great for not having any workrate, Steamboat/Savage was the first undercard show-stealer at a Mania, Roddy Piper’s “retirement match,” Duggan’s run-in vs. Sheik/Volkoff pioneered the concept of having a wrestler debut at Mania.
IV: 4-hour tournament rates as one of the most boring Manias, Hogan/Andre double-DQ rated as the most shocking Mania moment to that point, Hogan saving Savage in the main event was the first pass-the-torch moment at Mania, Bret’s face turn at end of battle royal.
V: Hogan/Savage main event was as emotion-filled as Hogan/Piper tag match at I and Hogan/Andre at III, Piper/Brother Love/Morton Downey Jr. segment foreshadowed the dawn of “sports entertainment segments” at Mania.
VI: Hogan/Warrior main event was completely unique for its time with face vs. face dynamic, first & only Mania for Dusty Rhodes, Andre’s swan song.
VII: Originally supposed to be 1st outdoor Mania at L.A. Coliseum, later moved to L.A. Sports Arena, Hogan/Slaughter set a new standard for exploiting tragic world events, Kerry Von Erich & Undertaker Mania debuts, Warrior/Savage “retirement match” was the closest thing to a double main-event that had been seen yet.
VIII: Actual double main-event at HosierDome with Savage/Flair for the title and Hogan/Sid in Hogan’s “retirement match” and Warrior returning for the run-in at the end, Roberts & Piper also left after this show, Piper/Hart was show-stealing undercard match that helped establish Hart, Paul Ellering & Lex Luger showed up on camera for the first time.
IX: First outdoor show, double main-event with Hart/Yoko and Hogan/Beefcake/Money Inc. tag title match and Hogan making the “impromptu” challenge to take the belt from Yoko in the end, Steiner Brothers’ only Mania match, Jim Ross debuts infamously in a toga.
X: Bret & Luger both get title shots as Bret wins but loses earlier to Owen, Michaels/Razor ladder match sets a new standard for midcard showstealing matches.
XI: Double main-event with Diesel/Shawn for the title but LT/Bigelow actually goes on last.
XII: Michaels/Hart Ironman match,
XIII: Double main-event with Undertaker’s first title match at Mania vs. Sid and Hart/Austin “I Quit” with famous double-turn, Vader/Mankind tag match vs. Owen/Bulldog, The Rock’s Mania debut in infamous debacle match vs. Sultan.
XIV: Austin’s first title win ever in Michaels’ last match for 4 ½ years, The Rock gets first serious “cool heel” heat in interview with Gennifer Flowers, Terry Funk’s return to Mania after 12 years in match with Cactus Jack/New Age Outlaws, Sunny debuts with “LOD 2000,” Kane’s first Mania match vs. Undertaker with Pete Rose altercation with Kane beforehand, Gorilla Monsoon’s last on-screen appearance.
XV: 1st Austin/Rock Mania match, Butterbean/Gunn boxing massacre, 2nd Kane/Pete Rose altercation, HHH/Kane double-turn.
2000: 1st multi-person main event with Rock/HHH/Mankind/Big Show and a McMahon in each corner, HHH notches 1st heel win ever in a Mania title match, Edge/Christian/Hardys/Dudleys ladder match, 3rd Kane/Pete Rose altercation, 1st Mania for Benoit/Jericho/Angle as they all faced each other for the I-C & European titles.
XVII: 1st dome Mania in 9 years, 2nd Austin/Rock title match at Mania with ill-fated Austin turn at end, first Vinny Mac Mania match vs. Shane, WCW wrestlers in skybox watching right after “Shane’s” acquisition, Paul Heyman’s only Mania on commentary, Edge/Christian/Dudleys/Hardys TLC 2 match, Benoit/Angle match featuring much amateur wrestling early on, HHH loses to Undertaker.
XVIII: HHH/Jericho only Mania match for “Undisputed” Title, Rock/Hogan match with strange crowd reaction, Austin/Hall disappointing match, Undertaker/Flair match with Arn Anderson run-in.
XIX: Another dome show at Safeco Field in Seattle, 1st Mania of split-brand era with 2 brand title matches, HHH gets 2nd heel win ever in Mania title match by pinning Booker T, Lesnar/Angle title match is the last one before Angle’s 1st injury hiatus in WWE, Hogan/McMahon match gets surprise run-in from Piper, 3rd Austin/Rock Mania match is Austin’s last as full-time competitor and is Rock’s last singles match at Mania.
XX: Benoit/Eddy celebrate unlikely title wins together at end of show, Rock’s last Mania match comes in tag match with Foley/Orton/Batista/Flair in Foley’s big return match, infamous Goldberg/Lesnar “farewell match,” Paul Bearer’s surprise return for second Undertaker/Kane match at Mania.
XXI: Cena’s first title win comes in the midcard as Batista’s title win against HHH ends the show, Angle/Michaels “dream match,” Edge wins first “Money In the Bank” match, Austin/Piper/Carlito segment, Hogan run-in vs. Hassan.
XXII: Cena/HHH title match with “bizarro crowd,” Rey wins title in 3-way with Angle/Orton, Edge/Foley “hardcore match,” RVD wins “Money In the Bank,” Michaels/McMahon no-holds-barred match.
XXIV: Return to domed stadium in Detroit area 20 years later, Cena/Michaels helps cement Cena on top tier, Undertaker beats Batista for title, Lashley/Umaga match forces McMahon’s head to be shaved by Trump, Sabu & Sandman make only Mania appearances.
Ten greatest North American stars of the WrestleMania era never to wrestle at WrestleMania:
1. Sting
2. Bruiser Brody
3. Nick Bockwinkel
4. Superstar Billy Graham
5. Steve Williams
6. The Freebirds
7. Kevin Von Erich
8. Abdullah the Butcher
9.
10. Kevin Sullivan
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