By Nate Noy
On July 2nd the Brewers were 48-34 playing .585 ball and were 14 games over .500. The Cubs were 41-40 playing .506 ball and were a single game over .500 and 6.5 behind the Brewers.
At that time I thought to myself that the Brewers were a complete fraud and the Cubs would win the division. For the next few days and almost nightly thereafter Rick Morris and I debated how accurate my prediction would be.
Over the course of the next few weeks I continued to launch this debate with people I know, most of them responding that I was insane. However, the Cubs continued to chip away slowly at the division lead.
As of today, the Brewers are 65-66, they have gone 17-32 or .347 since I called them out. Their 14 game over .500 record is now one game under.
The Cubs are now 67-63 and have gone 26-23 since my infamous boast. No they have not exactly set the world on fire as I thought they would, (see impact of Soriano injury for that) but the Brewers did completely collapse as predicted.
As a side note, the Cards went from 37-42 and are now 64-64 going 27-22 over the same time period, one game better than the Cubs.
In two days the Brewers will be 65-68, their road record will be 25-43 (and since the Rangers and Astros both play at home this week), they will have the 29th best road record in baseball, only behind the D-Rays.
They will also be 4.5 games behind the Cubs and could be as many as 2.5 behind the Cards.
I know Rick Morris will still not concede the argument, but I am finding very little justification for a claim that the Brewers are even worth a crap at this point.
A final point: on August 12th when we did the Lounge show, the Brewers were 62-56. I blasted them from top to bottom and received a counter from every member of the show. However, since I called them out on air they have gone 3-10, and when the Cubs win the next two it will be 3-12.
Put a fork in the Brewers; they are DONE.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
New Media's first big industry gathering
By Rick Morris
As I have stated numerous times on The FDH Lounge program, I am a huge fan of, and believer in, new media. It's where our organization has most of its focus at the moment (with the exception of our forthcoming fantasy sports instructional DVD -- Paul Belfi is right, I never miss a chance to shill!).
Being a growing, but still relatively small fish, we are always looking around to see what others in all forms of new media (whether that be blogs, podcasting, Internet TV shows like the Lounge, etc.) are doing. As such, I'm very excited to call to your attention the Blog World Expo in Las Vegas November 7-9: the first new media conference ever to be attempted on such a massive scale.
One of the Dignitaries of The FDH Lounge, Raymond Smalley, will be attending the conference, and thanks to his efforts, we're going to have Expo head honcho Rick Calvert on the Lounge show to explain what it is all about -- probably more than once. We'll be exploring the Expo here on the blog also in the months to come as this event promises to harness the divergent possibilities of this new reality in the media universe like nothing that has come before.
As I have stated numerous times on The FDH Lounge program, I am a huge fan of, and believer in, new media. It's where our organization has most of its focus at the moment (with the exception of our forthcoming fantasy sports instructional DVD -- Paul Belfi is right, I never miss a chance to shill!).
Being a growing, but still relatively small fish, we are always looking around to see what others in all forms of new media (whether that be blogs, podcasting, Internet TV shows like the Lounge, etc.) are doing. As such, I'm very excited to call to your attention the Blog World Expo in Las Vegas November 7-9: the first new media conference ever to be attempted on such a massive scale.
One of the Dignitaries of The FDH Lounge, Raymond Smalley, will be attending the conference, and thanks to his efforts, we're going to have Expo head honcho Rick Calvert on the Lounge show to explain what it is all about -- probably more than once. We'll be exploring the Expo here on the blog also in the months to come as this event promises to harness the divergent possibilities of this new reality in the media universe like nothing that has come before.
Vikes want Kelly Holcomb: No, really!
By Rick Morris
For Minnesota Vikings fans not yet convinced how dire their quarterback situation really is, this transaction should make that fact plain. Kelly Holcomb, who reads NFL defenses about as well as Stevie Wonder, was acquired from Philadelphia for a sixth-round draft choice in 2009.
Speaking as a lifelong Browns fan subjected to this goof when our sobriety-challenged fanbase inexplicably turned on Tim Couch, you fine denizens of the Twin Cities have my sympathies.
For Minnesota Vikings fans not yet convinced how dire their quarterback situation really is, this transaction should make that fact plain. Kelly Holcomb, who reads NFL defenses about as well as Stevie Wonder, was acquired from Philadelphia for a sixth-round draft choice in 2009.
Speaking as a lifelong Browns fan subjected to this goof when our sobriety-challenged fanbase inexplicably turned on Tim Couch, you fine denizens of the Twin Cities have my sympathies.
Romney kicks Larry Craig when he's down
By Rick Morris
Mitt Romney, a "late convert" (to be excessively generous) to the causes of protecting the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, did not miss an opportunity today to show his true colors as he threw longtime supporter Larry Craig under the bus.
Romney claims to be a Christian, although some would say that he's part of the hierarchy of an insular religious institution founded by a heretic (side note: I love the use of the Nixonian "some would say" to make a point!). Doubtless the previous sentence would enrage Hugh Hewitt -- who proclaims legitimate questions about electing a Mormon as president to be religious bigotry -- but he's in the tank for Romney anyway, as he proves every time he sticks a passive-aggressive shiv in the back of Real American Fred Thompson. But, back on point: would a real Christian pile on such an ardent supporter in this manner? I think not.
Unfortunately, in these graceless times, the shallow expediency of a Romney and the infantile gloating of hateful pinko blogs are the norm for a situation such as this. I wish to differ, as I often do. I certainly don't condone what Larry Craig has, in all likelihood, done, not just now, but probably over a long period of time. I think his state and his country would be better off if he were to acknowledge that his effectiveness has been fatally compromised and resign. But I am not going to develop amnesia about what he has done for his country over his decades of service in Congress. He has posted a fine legislative record, particularly on Second Amendment issues and was a principled voice in a town with far too few. I feel let down by his actions, but I feel compassion for his shame and that of his family. They are in my prayers, even if they are just so much discarded garbage to the likes of "Moral" Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney, a "late convert" (to be excessively generous) to the causes of protecting the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, did not miss an opportunity today to show his true colors as he threw longtime supporter Larry Craig under the bus.
Romney claims to be a Christian, although some would say that he's part of the hierarchy of an insular religious institution founded by a heretic (side note: I love the use of the Nixonian "some would say" to make a point!). Doubtless the previous sentence would enrage Hugh Hewitt -- who proclaims legitimate questions about electing a Mormon as president to be religious bigotry -- but he's in the tank for Romney anyway, as he proves every time he sticks a passive-aggressive shiv in the back of Real American Fred Thompson. But, back on point: would a real Christian pile on such an ardent supporter in this manner? I think not.
Unfortunately, in these graceless times, the shallow expediency of a Romney and the infantile gloating of hateful pinko blogs are the norm for a situation such as this. I wish to differ, as I often do. I certainly don't condone what Larry Craig has, in all likelihood, done, not just now, but probably over a long period of time. I think his state and his country would be better off if he were to acknowledge that his effectiveness has been fatally compromised and resign. But I am not going to develop amnesia about what he has done for his country over his decades of service in Congress. He has posted a fine legislative record, particularly on Second Amendment issues and was a principled voice in a town with far too few. I feel let down by his actions, but I feel compassion for his shame and that of his family. They are in my prayers, even if they are just so much discarded garbage to the likes of "Moral" Mitt Romney.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Final Summerslam thoughts
By Rick Morris
By and large, Summerslam was a lazy, paint-by-numbers effort from the WWE "braintrust." Here are the main points of the evening:
* The HHH and Rey Misterio comeback matches were decent, but nowhere near off-the-charts and they seemed to be tasked with completely carrying the undercard.
* Khali and John Morrison retained the World and ECW titles, respectively, with an unforgivable non-finish for a major card and a screwjob finish, respectively. CM Punk loses some credibility as ECW's anchor face wrestler, while Batista's 7th consecutive PPV match ending without the World Title around his waist signals a downward spiral from which he will never recover.
* The Steve Austin surprise appearance seemed to be a sheepish bone tossed to fans who expected more from what is arguably the second greatest wrestling PPV of the year.
* Umaga's babyface push gained momentum with his clean pinfall of Mr. Kennedy, but this loss is very inconvenient for Kennedy as his mega-push based on the Lashley injury and his anticipated reveal as "Mr. McMahon's illegitimate son" takes a setback here.
* John Cena and Randy Orton started the main event match slowly, but built to a pretty good effort. They were aided by great crowd heat, albeit the now-familiar "Cena split crowd effect" in which men boo the babyface Cena heavily while women and children cheer him. Much like the Umaga match, Cena gains even more credibility with this win -- albeit, credibility he hardly needed, since he's been through the lion's share of the roster -- and leaves one of the few main-event heels in bad shape. With King Booker, Kennedy and Orton having been pinned this evening, Cena is bereft of credible heel challengers at a time when he's already beaten everyone -- unless a HHH heel turn gets hot-shotted. The creative department doesn't seem to be planning anything too far in advance, so there may be a lot of twists and turns between now and the Survivor Series.
By and large, Summerslam was a lazy, paint-by-numbers effort from the WWE "braintrust." Here are the main points of the evening:
* The HHH and Rey Misterio comeback matches were decent, but nowhere near off-the-charts and they seemed to be tasked with completely carrying the undercard.
* Khali and John Morrison retained the World and ECW titles, respectively, with an unforgivable non-finish for a major card and a screwjob finish, respectively. CM Punk loses some credibility as ECW's anchor face wrestler, while Batista's 7th consecutive PPV match ending without the World Title around his waist signals a downward spiral from which he will never recover.
* The Steve Austin surprise appearance seemed to be a sheepish bone tossed to fans who expected more from what is arguably the second greatest wrestling PPV of the year.
* Umaga's babyface push gained momentum with his clean pinfall of Mr. Kennedy, but this loss is very inconvenient for Kennedy as his mega-push based on the Lashley injury and his anticipated reveal as "Mr. McMahon's illegitimate son" takes a setback here.
* John Cena and Randy Orton started the main event match slowly, but built to a pretty good effort. They were aided by great crowd heat, albeit the now-familiar "Cena split crowd effect" in which men boo the babyface Cena heavily while women and children cheer him. Much like the Umaga match, Cena gains even more credibility with this win -- albeit, credibility he hardly needed, since he's been through the lion's share of the roster -- and leaves one of the few main-event heels in bad shape. With King Booker, Kennedy and Orton having been pinned this evening, Cena is bereft of credible heel challengers at a time when he's already beaten everyone -- unless a HHH heel turn gets hot-shotted. The creative department doesn't seem to be planning anything too far in advance, so there may be a lot of twists and turns between now and the Survivor Series.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Summerslam liveblogging fourth installment
By Rick Morris
We have reached the main event. In a manner typical of the way that big-market crowds have reacted to John Cena over the past two years, much of the audience at the Meadowlands has actually cheered Randy Orton. The crowd has at times been split in its loyalties, with the idiotic dueling chants characteristic of the TNA Impact Zone in Orlando. Regardless, though, it's been a hot crowd for this match and it has helped to make this the best match of the night by far. In a mild surprise, Cena survives the RKO and delivers the FU to Orton for the win. He will mark an entire year as champion, absolutely unheard of in this era. At this point, Cena doesn't really have any strong heel challengers left and I'm not sure where they go with Orton at this point, so the booking decision was very interesting.
Also, Hulk Hogan's son Nick is in the hospital right now after a serious car crash in Florida. For all the opprobrium my fellow smart marks and I hang on Hogan for the politics he's perpetrated on this business, I wish all the best to the Hogan family in this difficult hour.
We have reached the main event. In a manner typical of the way that big-market crowds have reacted to John Cena over the past two years, much of the audience at the Meadowlands has actually cheered Randy Orton. The crowd has at times been split in its loyalties, with the idiotic dueling chants characteristic of the TNA Impact Zone in Orlando. Regardless, though, it's been a hot crowd for this match and it has helped to make this the best match of the night by far. In a mild surprise, Cena survives the RKO and delivers the FU to Orton for the win. He will mark an entire year as champion, absolutely unheard of in this era. At this point, Cena doesn't really have any strong heel challengers left and I'm not sure where they go with Orton at this point, so the booking decision was very interesting.
Also, Hulk Hogan's son Nick is in the hospital right now after a serious car crash in Florida. For all the opprobrium my fellow smart marks and I hang on Hogan for the politics he's perpetrated on this business, I wish all the best to the Hogan family in this difficult hour.
Summerslam liveblogging third installment
By Rick Morris
HHH won a decent match against King Booker. That was the most enthralling comeback I saw in the WWE in at least an hour and a half.
Next up, Batista defeated Khali by disqualification when Khali used a chair. Khali retains the World Heavyweight Title and Batista leaves the ring for a seventh consecutive PPV without the championship. Can they possibly be thinking of foisting Batista on us for an eighth consecutive show next month. In a word, yes.
HHH won a decent match against King Booker. That was the most enthralling comeback I saw in the WWE in at least an hour and a half.
Next up, Batista defeated Khali by disqualification when Khali used a chair. Khali retains the World Heavyweight Title and Batista leaves the ring for a seventh consecutive PPV without the championship. Can they possibly be thinking of foisting Batista on us for an eighth consecutive show next month. In a word, yes.
Summerslam liveblogging second installment
By Rick Morris
Beth Phoenix won the Divas Battle Royal. "Glamazon" is a cool nickname, so I approve.
Next, MVP came out for the segment that would substitute for a U.S. Title match because of his heart condition. When he challenged Matt Hardy to a beer drinking contest, I called Steve Austin's appearance 10 minutes before it happened. Inevitably, Hardy summoned Stone Cold to the ring to take his place and Austin gave the stunner to MVP to the delight of the crowd. How sad is it that someone who can't physically perform anymore is still more over than anyone on the roster? Austin was very, very funny in this segment, though.
John Morrison then successfully defended the ECW Title against C.M. Punk in an average match by way of the feet on the ropes during the pinfall. That old gag.
I must mention also that a backstage skit aired with William Regal imitating Cryme Tyme shucking, jiving and wearing a ballcap in a silly manner. Ron Simmons interrupted with the predictable "Damn!" That was actually a more entertaining moment than many of the matches thus far.
King Booker made his entrance in his usual over-the-top fashion, setting the stage for Triple H's mega-produced entrance. The crowd pop seemed to justify the immense video and audio efforts of the production staff. HHH seemed a bit slimmed down, but still pretty muscular -- certainly in better shape than tonight's other returning hero, Rey Rey. What this tells us about the state of WWE's drug testing is still fairly uncertain.
Beth Phoenix won the Divas Battle Royal. "Glamazon" is a cool nickname, so I approve.
Next, MVP came out for the segment that would substitute for a U.S. Title match because of his heart condition. When he challenged Matt Hardy to a beer drinking contest, I called Steve Austin's appearance 10 minutes before it happened. Inevitably, Hardy summoned Stone Cold to the ring to take his place and Austin gave the stunner to MVP to the delight of the crowd. How sad is it that someone who can't physically perform anymore is still more over than anyone on the roster? Austin was very, very funny in this segment, though.
John Morrison then successfully defended the ECW Title against C.M. Punk in an average match by way of the feet on the ropes during the pinfall. That old gag.
I must mention also that a backstage skit aired with William Regal imitating Cryme Tyme shucking, jiving and wearing a ballcap in a silly manner. Ron Simmons interrupted with the predictable "Damn!" That was actually a more entertaining moment than many of the matches thus far.
King Booker made his entrance in his usual over-the-top fashion, setting the stage for Triple H's mega-produced entrance. The crowd pop seemed to justify the immense video and audio efforts of the production staff. HHH seemed a bit slimmed down, but still pretty muscular -- certainly in better shape than tonight's other returning hero, Rey Rey. What this tells us about the state of WWE's drug testing is still fairly uncertain.
Summerslam liveblogging first installment
By Rick Morris
Before we get to the actual action, I wish to pass on a link that has caused endless mirth for myself and The FDH Lounge Dignitaries watching Summerslam with me. Paul Belfi, Mike Ptak and myself have been entertained far more by the transcript of the Charles-Camilla tapes than any of the action thus far.
Before the PPV started, the Redneck Wrecking Crew successfully defended the World Tag Team Titles against London/Kendrick.
In the show opener, Kane defeated Finlay even after most of the match centered around Kane's bandaged ribs. Speaking for smart marks everywhere, count me as bitter that the WWE won't even give Finlay a win when a perfect storyline excuse is built in for his opponent.
Next, Umaga provided a small surprise by pinning Mr. Kennedy in a triple threat title defense that also included Carlito.
For anyone wondering about the state of the returning Rey Misterio's physique after the steroid scandal erupted -- let's just call it very bizarre. He came out with a bulked-up upper body, but much of it in the form of stomach fat! And he was covered in a very strange bronze-like body paint that wore off in streaks during the match. Predictably, Chavo Guerrero carried much of the offense, but Rey Rey got the duke as everyone knew he would.
Before we get to the actual action, I wish to pass on a link that has caused endless mirth for myself and The FDH Lounge Dignitaries watching Summerslam with me. Paul Belfi, Mike Ptak and myself have been entertained far more by the transcript of the Charles-Camilla tapes than any of the action thus far.
Before the PPV started, the Redneck Wrecking Crew successfully defended the World Tag Team Titles against London/Kendrick.
In the show opener, Kane defeated Finlay even after most of the match centered around Kane's bandaged ribs. Speaking for smart marks everywhere, count me as bitter that the WWE won't even give Finlay a win when a perfect storyline excuse is built in for his opponent.
Next, Umaga provided a small surprise by pinning Mr. Kennedy in a triple threat title defense that also included Carlito.
For anyone wondering about the state of the returning Rey Misterio's physique after the steroid scandal erupted -- let's just call it very bizarre. He came out with a bulked-up upper body, but much of it in the form of stomach fat! And he was covered in a very strange bronze-like body paint that wore off in streaks during the match. Predictably, Chavo Guerrero carried much of the offense, but Rey Rey got the duke as everyone knew he would.
Comcast and Big Ten Network both stink!
By Rick Morris
One of the reason's that Deadspin.com is the 800-pound gorilla of sports blogging is that head honcho Will Leitch will often sum up a situation better than anyone else can. The imbroglio with Comcast and the Big Ten Network is one such example: "Whenever corporation argue with each other, the only certainty is that we'll all lose," Leitch writes.
Indeed, we are witnessing a situation in which there truly is no "good guy." The Big Ten Network is trying to extract the maximum amount of moolah to worm its way into as many homes as possible -- naturally, after it has sold off its most attractive football games to the ABC/ESPN family and its most attractive hoops contests to the ESPN channels and CBS. Thank God The Big Ten Network has responded to the crying needs of the free market for endless repetition of Wisconsin-Northwestern cross country events!
And as usual, the cable and satellite providers are as sympathetic a group of folks as your average lobbyist for the trial lawyers. Comcast, fresh off of destroying the NHL's TV visibility through its broadcast rights for the Versus "network," is trying to gain public sympathy by hiring operatives to troll Big Ten college football message boards. The smarmy half-baked "apology" from the firm responsible for said disingenuous postings of course did not mention why similar posts showed up on numerous other message boards.
When the history of sports in the 21st century is written and we look back at how greed and Big Money ultimately destroyed the games we love, both pathetic entities in this battle will have their tales told.
One of the reason's that Deadspin.com is the 800-pound gorilla of sports blogging is that head honcho Will Leitch will often sum up a situation better than anyone else can. The imbroglio with Comcast and the Big Ten Network is one such example: "Whenever corporation argue with each other, the only certainty is that we'll all lose," Leitch writes.
Indeed, we are witnessing a situation in which there truly is no "good guy." The Big Ten Network is trying to extract the maximum amount of moolah to worm its way into as many homes as possible -- naturally, after it has sold off its most attractive football games to the ABC/ESPN family and its most attractive hoops contests to the ESPN channels and CBS. Thank God The Big Ten Network has responded to the crying needs of the free market for endless repetition of Wisconsin-Northwestern cross country events!
And as usual, the cable and satellite providers are as sympathetic a group of folks as your average lobbyist for the trial lawyers. Comcast, fresh off of destroying the NHL's TV visibility through its broadcast rights for the Versus "network," is trying to gain public sympathy by hiring operatives to troll Big Ten college football message boards. The smarmy half-baked "apology" from the firm responsible for said disingenuous postings of course did not mention why similar posts showed up on numerous other message boards.
When the history of sports in the 21st century is written and we look back at how greed and Big Money ultimately destroyed the games we love, both pathetic entities in this battle will have their tales told.
Summerslam liveblogging tonight
By Rick Morris
As mentioned previously on the Lounge blog, we are not producing our 15th live program tonight -- rather, that will be held September 9 at the usual time with this week's show being made up on September 16 before resuming the live every-other-week format. However, in the interest of throwing a bone to regular listeners of the show on Sunday nights and an extra bone to the substantial percentage of wrestling fans in our audience, we will be liveblogging Summerslam here on the Lounge blog tonight. SportsTalkNetwork.com President and FDH Lounge Dignitary Paul Belfi is ordering the pay-per-view at his humble abode and has recently added wireless service there, so we'll be suffering through what looks to be a horrible show to bring our takes to you live. As our Senior Editor Jason Jones, currently vacationing out of town, texted me yesterday when apprised of our plans: "Better you than me!"
As mentioned previously on the Lounge blog, we are not producing our 15th live program tonight -- rather, that will be held September 9 at the usual time with this week's show being made up on September 16 before resuming the live every-other-week format. However, in the interest of throwing a bone to regular listeners of the show on Sunday nights and an extra bone to the substantial percentage of wrestling fans in our audience, we will be liveblogging Summerslam here on the Lounge blog tonight. SportsTalkNetwork.com President and FDH Lounge Dignitary Paul Belfi is ordering the pay-per-view at his humble abode and has recently added wireless service there, so we'll be suffering through what looks to be a horrible show to bring our takes to you live. As our Senior Editor Jason Jones, currently vacationing out of town, texted me yesterday when apprised of our plans: "Better you than me!"
An Obama odd couple
By Rick Morris
As has been established, I am not a Barack Obama supporter -- the only one of our Dignitaries on the program to endorse him has been Burrell Jackson, although Jason Jones has noted several of his statements approvingly. But I want to give credit where it is due, because he made a pronouncement in the past few days that has gained little notice but would be immense in its implications if he is elected president.
While asked to cite specific Republicans with whom he would seek to conduct serious business if elected president, he named among others Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. The foremost enemy of federal pork and business-as-usual in the Senate, Coburn is as unpopular among his Republican colleagues as he is among the Democrats because he's in town not to make friends, but to make serious changes. Republican members of the Senate also resent him because he's ideologically driven as opposed to being a simple partisan -- he has worked with Democrats inclined toward certain changes, including Obama last year when they co-sponsored the new Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. This law mandates full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds and creates a free database for the public to search. By taking an unprecedented step towards making the gargantuan federal budget transparent to the American people, Coburn and Obama advanced the cause of a more just national government.
In short, if a President Obama would work seriously with Coburn and throw his weight behind him in the admittedly limited circumstances in which they agree, he would do more to establish reform credentials than any president in the last century. Most promises from politicians get jettisoned quickly upon their assumption of office -- let's hope that this is an exception to that rule.
As has been established, I am not a Barack Obama supporter -- the only one of our Dignitaries on the program to endorse him has been Burrell Jackson, although Jason Jones has noted several of his statements approvingly. But I want to give credit where it is due, because he made a pronouncement in the past few days that has gained little notice but would be immense in its implications if he is elected president.
While asked to cite specific Republicans with whom he would seek to conduct serious business if elected president, he named among others Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. The foremost enemy of federal pork and business-as-usual in the Senate, Coburn is as unpopular among his Republican colleagues as he is among the Democrats because he's in town not to make friends, but to make serious changes. Republican members of the Senate also resent him because he's ideologically driven as opposed to being a simple partisan -- he has worked with Democrats inclined toward certain changes, including Obama last year when they co-sponsored the new Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. This law mandates full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds and creates a free database for the public to search. By taking an unprecedented step towards making the gargantuan federal budget transparent to the American people, Coburn and Obama advanced the cause of a more just national government.
In short, if a President Obama would work seriously with Coburn and throw his weight behind him in the admittedly limited circumstances in which they agree, he would do more to establish reform credentials than any president in the last century. Most promises from politicians get jettisoned quickly upon their assumption of office -- let's hope that this is an exception to that rule.
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