Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tebow Thoughts...

Ok, I really don't want to talk about this but it seems like everyone wants my opinion on the Broncos and Tebow.  Funny thing is, when I give my opinion I'm just told that I'm wrong, or I'm a hater, or I just don't understand.  It just doesn't make any sense to me I guess.  Maybe it's because I'm a fan of the team and most of you aren't.  Which is fine, I'm just thinking we are seeing it from different angles.  Anyway, I'm going to address a few topics.  I'm sure I'll be told I'm wrong, but oh well, it's where I stand.  Either way, this is fun as hell right now, couldn't be happier.

This Fox Elway hate makes me want to vomit.  We all heard the comments from Elway a couple of weeks ago.  About how he said he wasn't any closer to deciding who was the quarterback of the future then he was a month ago.  What was he suppose to say?  Was he suppose to say, yes, Tebow is our quarterback?  No, because then he's not doing his job, he needs to evaluate everyone, not just a guy that had played five games.  Should he have said, no, Tebow will not be back?  No, that's dumb, and his house would probably be burnt down.  I read some of the dumbest shit ever on message boards after those comments.  Some were saying they hate Elway and that he's just jealous of Tebow because he isn't the biggest man in Denver anymore.  Some said that they would never go to another Elway Steakhouse or car Dealership because they don't like him.  Are you people serious?  Elway is the man, he came back to the Broncos to try to help them get back to the top, and he has done NOTHING but make the right decisions.  So how can you hate on him?  I just can't understand it.

Some people say that Fox and Elway don't want Tebow to succeed.  They say they are hoping he fails and are calling plays to keep him grounded.  Are those serious comments?  Let's see, they made him the starter, changed the offense to fit him and protect him, waived the backup quarterback.  Am I missing something?  What should they do exactly?  When people said Tebow couldn't pass, the Tebow apologists said, so, you don't have to pass to win, he can run it.  So when the Broncos call running plays the apologists say, why aren't they throwing it?  You can't have it all people.  Don't tell me they should stop running, they lead the league in rushing and have won six straight.  I believe Tebow is getting better at passing, but he still airmails too many balls and can't really hit a slant.  If you noticed, they won't even try a quick slant.  The fact that they won't try it tells me that it probably wouldn't be too effective.  Anyway, Elways wants him to succeed, it would make his job easier, and of course it would mean the Broncos are winning and that is all he cares about.  If you say differently, then you sir are the hater.

Today's big talk was about the dropped balls.  Ya, a couple of balls were dropped, and a couple of them were tough plays, but overall there were some balls dropped that absolutely should have been caught.  And of course, I'm getting texted saying that Tebow is playing well, guys just aren't catching balls.  Um, he's 3-16.  I'm pretty sure he's not the only QB to ever have balls dropped.  Later Decker and Thomas both made great catches to keep the chains moving and had big parts in the win.  So they made mistakes and then made big plays at the end to win.  Isn't that what Tebow gets praised for every game?  He struggles at the beginning and then makes plays, well so did the receivers, let's give them just as much credit as the quarterback if we are going to criticize them too.

That brings us to Jeff's biggest topic.  The fact that the team plays better because they believe because Tebow makes them believe.  I agree, I never said I didn't agree.  You can see it on the bench, everyone is pumped and knows that somehow, someway, they are going to pull each game out.  Tebow brings that to the team, its undeniable.  But in the end, players have to make plays, and they have been.  Believing can only do so much.

Everyone wants to give Tebow all the credit, that is the biggest part that pisses me off.  The Denver Broncos are playing great right now.  The defense is crazy good right now.  Von Miller is the defensive player of the year.  Andre Goodman has actually made some plays.  Champ is playing better than ever.  DJ Williams is having his best year.  Matt Prater is an absolute weapon right now.  Anyone notice Tebow's time in the pocket?  The offensive line is feeling it right now.  Not to mention the fact they lead the league in rushing.  This has been a total team effort, nearly every player has had a part in it.  For some reason that is not being talked about. 

So every time in the past two months that I've gone to a bar wearing my Broncos hat I get talked to by football fans.  They all say, TEBOOOWWWWW.  And I say, ha, ya we're winning.  They say, are you a Tebow guy?  I say, I like the Broncos and he is playing well.  The first thing out of their mouth is, Why do you gotta hate him?  What did he do?  Are you people serious?  Because I don't want to make out with the guy then I hate him?  Drives me nuts.  I'm so glad I don't live in Florida anymore, I can't even imagine what it would be like to go to the bar with the Gators fans around.  Nightmare.

I've been telling Haley ever since the Kansas City win that the Broncos were going to the Super Bowl.  She's starting to give me that look that Lynn Swann gave Vicky Valencourt when she predicted the final score in the Bourbon Bowl that one year. 

Today's game ball goes to Marion Barber, no question about it.  But the other game ball goes to Matt Prater.  Love that guy.

Anyone hear what Herm Edwards said the other day?  He said, he's not a betting man, but if he was he would put money on this happening.  Colts will draft Luck, Broncos will trade for Manning, and the Jaguars will trade for Tebow.  Thought that was interesting.

Ok, so now I'll give you people what you want.  I'm going to give Tebow the credit he deserves.  He has injected life into this team and franchise.  He drives this team to win.  He makes plays when plays need to be made from the quarterback position.  For some reason I never think we are going to lose anymore.  Let's be honest though, he misses a lot of throws, he has a slow wind up which takes away some things he can do right now.  But I think he can improve.  I think he has a very good chance to be the future.  I'm not totally there yet, but I'm getting close.  Either way, he has changed the way I watch Broncos games.  Mainly because I don't even have to pay attention until the fourth quarter anymore, ha.  But ya, I like him, I like the Broncos, I don't like the fans that baby him, but I guess it comes with the territory.

If the Broncos win their last game against the Chiefs they'll be in the playoffs, they don't need to win the other two.  They have the tiebreakers over both the Raiders and Chiefs if they win that game.  The Raiders would need to lose another game, which they will.  Right now we'd play the Steelers at home in the first round.  Now that would be awesome.  Too far to look ahead right now though.  Patriots next week, can't wait.

Hope everyone at least knows where I stand now.  It's my opinion, I have mine, you have yours, no one is right, no one is wrong.  Remember that.  Thanks for reading.

Curt

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday Quick Thoughts...

If LSU loses to Georgia in the title game, I think Virginia Tech sneaks into the title game.  Ya, that is stupid, but if it happens, then I called it.

29 Division 1 college basketball teams still undefeated.  Im guessing there will be four by Christmas.

Dayton winning some games, against some atrocious teams, so calm down.

Bowling Green hosts Temple today.  Temple is the better team, but this game really scares me.  Can't lose games like this.

Either the Broncos have another come from behind win today, or they get absolutely waxed.  Broncos haven't played a day game at San Diego since 2006.  They have only won once.

Big fantasy football day for me.  I won't bore you with the details, but I need to win.

Snow coming on Tuesday?  Great.

Buckeyes were a hail mary against Wisconsin away from totalling missing a bowl game.

Urban Meyer to OSU?  I'll believe it when I see it.  This seven year contract thing I'm hearing is hilarious.  How do you sign a guy to that many years that has so many health problems?

Trent Richardson will be a stud in the NFL.

So will Matt Barkley.  The only thing with him though is that he really has no mobility.  Cassell, Palmer, Sanchez, Leinart, do any USC QB's have mobility?

Ok, time to put the games on.

Curt

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Saturday Football

I feel like we saw some of the worst football ever today.  Some points...

Nebraska had like six fumbles.

Florida State up 13-7 with three minutes to go on the Virginia 25.  Third down, QB takes a 12 yard sack.  Takes them out of field goal range.  They lost 14-13.  Huh?

Virginia gets a facemask call on a fourth down sack, giving FSU new life,  What???

FSU has the ball for a 47 yard field goal with 14 seconds left.  Third and five, no timeouts.  They have one of the best kickers in the nation.  So what do they do?  Of course they throw a four yard out and get tackled in bounds and the clock runs out.  They review it and it turns out the guy actually dropped it.  So they get their shot at a field goal anyway.  Of course he misses.  Weird football.

I love Oregon, they are fun to watch.  But Chip Kelly blew that game at the end.  I understand how they don't use timeouts because they like the momentum.  But you ran out of time and had to settle for a 35 yarder.  You could have saved time and took a few shots at winning the game.  Just a really odd strategy that had failure written all over it.

Then in the Oklahoma game.  Baylor scores to take the lead with eight seconds to go.  On the ensuing kickoff, Oklahoma just doesn't pick the ball up, Baylor recovers and runs the clock out.  I mean they had a very slim chance but cmon.

Oh, and Corso dropping an F bomb on tv was funny.  The apology was even more funny.  Can't believe they did that.

Urban Meyer said he hasn't talked to anyone about the OSU job except everyone is saying he is going to be the coach.  Have to love the media these days.

OSU would be one loss away from missing a bowl game if they didn't pull that Wisconsin game out of their ass.

At least Nebraska doesn't have to think about that Nortwestern loss anymore.  Doesn't matter now.

Looks like we are headed for a LSU Alabama final.  Great, boring.

I love how they say this weekend turned the BCS upside down.  Ummm, not really.  I mean it doesn't matter where you are right now or two weeks ago, or next week. It matters where you are at the end.  So when the final standings come out, it'll probably be cut and dry who the best teams are. Basically like it is every year.

Boise State has to be kicking themself though.  This could have been their chance.

Clemson?  Really?  Fraud.

How about Thug U dancing on the sideline before they kicked the game winner?  You guys suck, you beat a bad USF team 6-3 with a field goal at the gun.  Slow the ego bro.

My lucky guess, probably not going to happen, upset pick of the week next week.  Auburn knocks off Alabama at home. 

Either way, I hope next week has some better football.  This week reminded me big time that these are just college kids that aren't mature at all.

Curt

Stephfon Green

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Undefeated Update...

Well, Temple is no longer undefeated. They got hosed and lost to Purdue.  Ok, they didn't get hosed, but there were some questionable calls.  Bobcats are still there though.  The dream is still alive.  As of 1:45 on November 19th we still have a total of.......


                                                                              97

Teams undefeated.  Good luck to them.  I'm guessing we have maybe thirty left by December.

Curt

Friday, November 18, 2011

What I Think I Just Saw....

Umm, I have no idea how to explain what I just saw tonight.  It's ok because I think it might actually be unexplainable.  The Broncos are 5-5, somehow, someway, no one knows, but they are, and they are in the drivers seat to take the West and make the playoffs.  And honestly, would you want to play them?  You think the Bengals would be glad to come into Denver?  Hell no. 

First off, Tebow is not a good quarterback. Sorry, he's not. But he is a damn good football player.  He's not good, but we win.  It's like, "Hey, she's super ugly, but I'm having sex, so who cares."  Why did it just feel like they were going to win?  The offense couldn't do anything at all.  We looked like a high school team the whole game and had to go 94 yards to win it.  It seemed impossible, yet it seemed probable.  Can we just pretend every drive is a game winning drive?  I just don't get it.  The throws looked horrendous, yet they got there.  The holes looked nonexistent, yet we gained yards.  If Tim Tebow learns hot to pass, it'll be like Happy Gilmore learned how to putt.  Eddie Rump told me that one, I didn't come up with it on my own.

I knew the Broncos were paying Andre Goodman for something.  The dude is possibly the worst cornerback in the game.  In the third quarter the Jets found him and drove the whole way just throwing it to his man.  Yet, on one lucky play, he picked sixed em and turned the game around.  And then they showed someone with a "Goodman is our Good Man" sign.  There is no way in hell someone actually brought that sign.  The Broncos marketing department definitely gave that to them.

But how about the Broncos defense.  They are the one's getting lost in this hype.  Von Miller is an absolute beast.  You cannot stop him from getting to the quarterback.  Mark Sanchez is going to wake up on the plane shaking from seeing him in this dreams.  Oh and Colquitt.  Best punter in the league.

I love how on the one run they showed Revis puss out on the hit.  Then on the TD run they showed Cromartie in the end zone not even trying to get off his block.  He wanted nothing to do with that run.  Cromartie has done that shit his whole career.  He is a waste.

There are a lot more other things I want to say but I don't remember.  I just know from about the midway mark of the fourth quarter I thought for sure my heart was going to jump out of my chest.  The Broncos could actually go to the playoffs.  I'm sure tomorrow all we'll see on the radio and tv is talk about whether or not Tebow is the guy.  I say, who cares, who fucking cares.  We are winning and are only a half game out of first.  That's all that matters to me, and that's all I want to think about right now.  Thank God.  This is fun again.

Curt

Tim Tebow

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

11/15/2011 6:00PM

We are now below the midpoint when it comes to undefeated teams.  Out of the 345 division one teams, 162 teams still have their sights set on a dream, perfect season.  Im guessing none will make it, but who will be the last one standing?  Will they be from a power conference or from a mid major?  I'll go with, ummmmm, Cincinnati.  They play nobody at all until conference play, so maybe they make it. 

All the local teams are in action tonight.  Buckeyes, Redhawks, Bearcats, Flyers, and Musketeers.  I honestly don't want any of them to win except maybe the Bearcats.  Makes it tough to listen to talk radio around here.

Curt

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sometimes the first one is the hardest....

Temple opened up their season tonight against Penn at the Palestra.  Opening up with a Big 5 game on the road, when the other team has played two games is tough.  Not to mention when you are missing two potential starters.  Scootie Randall is going to be out until at least mid December with offseason knee surgery and Khalif Wyatt was sitting out a one game suspension.  Temple played only seven players but came away with a hard fought 73-67 victory in overtime.

Now I only listened to the game on the radio, didn't get to see it, but it seemed like the usual first game jitters.  A lot of one on one moves, which lead to a lot of turnovers.  A lot of missed free throws.  Some poor shot selection.  Things that can be corrected, and will be corrected.  A lot of times early in the season individuals try to make individual moves.  This happens because in the offseason you play a lot of pickup ball and you get to be good at certain moves.  You know you can score and you want to do it in a game.  Well, in a game when the other team is trying their ass off to stop you from scoring, putting the ball in the basket becomes a little harder.  That seemed to be what was happening to the Owls.  Just not totally in game speed form. 

A lot of people are going to look at this game and think, uh oh, maybe the Owls won't be as good as we thought.  Nonsense.  They'll be fine.  Missing two players hurts.  But having a tough game like this right off the bat is going to help them out in the long run.  I'm not in the locker room, so i don't know if they were looking past this game, but when you are heavily favored and have a plane waiting for you to go to Puerto Rico the next day, I could definitely see a little disinterest.  Hopefully that sets their mind straight for a good tourney down there.

Some players played big parts tonight also that will help as the season goes along.  TJ Dileo played big minutes.  Anthony Lee got some action in for the first time as an Owl.  Aaron Brown is going to play a big part this season and he'll just keep growing as time goes on.  The best thing though was the fact the two team leaders stepped it up.  Both senior guards, Moore and Fernandez, stepped up and carried this team to the win.  Moore had a pretty awful game by his standards, but hit a key three and played some tough D down the stretch.  Juan took the game over when it seemed like it was about to slip through their hands.  It's great to see since early last year he was very reluctant to do that.  Maybe the tourney last year has him sporting some confidence.  Didn't want to leave out Rhalir and Eric.  They both had ten boards and will need to control the glass like that all year.  A little thin in the frontcourt right now.

Overall, a very nervous game for the squad.  I know the fans were sweating it, I sure the heck was.  But I just keep telling people, remember, you play 40 minutes for a reason, or in this case 45.  You play 30 games.  You don't judge a team after one half, or after one game.  This team will continue to grow and gel as one.  I have big hopes for this team this season.  The first Big Five game on the road, did nothing to change those views.  Good win Owls.  Have a safe trip to Puerto Rico.

1-0

Curt

Image Detail

College Basketball Undefeated Update....

345 teams in Division College Basketball this year.  How many are left undefeated as of today?  We'll continue to monitor this throughout the season.  Or at least until Christmas. 

College Basketball is going to be the shit this year.  With no NBA and lots of stars, it's going to be must see tv.  Go Owls, Go Bobcats, Go anyone playing Xavier.  I'll be updating as much as I can.  Let's have some fun....

UNDEFEATED NUMBER.............................AS OF 6:30 ON NOVEMBER 14TH.......................................


                                                                             193

Sunday, November 13, 2011

SFTC 40% Update.....

Here is the first update for the month of November.  We are 12 days in.  Wide variety of picks so far this month.  Tennis, football, horse racing, basketball, hockey, and everyone's favorite sport, soccer.  Is it even a sport?  The other day there were three matches to pick and a total of two goals were scored.  Riveting.  Anyway, here is an update on how everyone is doing and three things about the person that will help us get to know our fellow streakers just a little better.  And a picture of a hot girl at the end just for the heck of it.  We'll call her the girl of the month or something.  Enjoy.

Curt

CHRIS KLINE   37-25   LONG STREAK OF 10   .597 WIN PERCENTAGE
Chris is again the total wins leader and has a 10+ star.  Chris went 12-2 in horse racing picks to help put him at the top.  He has a losing record in hockey and NFL.  Three things...Chris is an OSU Apologist, he is madly in love with Jim Harbaugh, and his favorite thing to cook is ribs.  And good ribs, not the crappy kind.

CURT GOODWIN   35-30   LONG STREAK OF 12   .538 WIN PERCENTAGE
Curt went on a great three day tear.  That's why he is where he is.  He also has a 10+ star.  Curt's bread and butter has been hockey with a 6-2 record but he is also doing well in soccer with a record of 12-8.  Biggest downfall is college football, with nine losses.  Three things...Curt is a fan of the Denver Broncos, not Tim Tebow, he can't wait for Temple basketball to start up, and he is in the market for a new tv, any suggestions?

DAN SNODGRASS   34-25   LONG STREAK OF 5   .576 WIN PERCENTAGE
Dan just goes along steadily, doesn't tear off any big winning or losing streaks.  He is crushing it in soccer with a 13-6 record.  His worst sport is college football, but even there he is only 7-9.  If he ever gets hot, look out.  Three things...Dan fathered my wife, he is a Nebraska Apologist, and he picks his soccer picks due to some Soccermetrics thing he made up.  Maybe he can sell it to us or something.

JOHN NAGEL   28-28   LONG STREAK OF 5   .500 WIN PERCENTAGE
John started out hot but has since then cooled off.  He is 3-11 in his last 14 picks overall.  John has winning records in football, horse racing, and hockey, but once again, just gets murdered in soccer.  Last month he was like 13 games under .500 in soccer.  This month he is currently 4-9.  Three things...Nagel can hit a golf ball 375 yards into the wind, he is also a Buckeye Apologist, and he no longer has a hole in his knee.

NICK LAKOSTIK   23-37   LONG STREAK OF 3   .383 WIN PERCENTAGE
Hang in there buddy, your time will come.  Right now Nick is struggling worse than, well, about as bad as me last month.  Nick is 14-31 in his last 45 picks and threw in a nice L9 in the process.  He is 1-0 in Tennis and that is his only winning sport.  4-10 in horse racing was brutal.  Three things...Lakostik likes hockey, he loves the Browns, and his fantasy football team is taking a nose dive like you've never seen before.

KEVIN FREANEY   15-13   LONG STREAK OF 4   .536 WIN PERCENTAGE
Freaney said he is trying to make more picks here, he's doing a good job of it.  He is one of the originals, me and him.  The star has been eluding him.  He has a 7-5 record in soccer but only 1-3 in college basketball.  That's going to have to change.  Three things...Kevin doesn't really have favorite teams, he likes the teams in whatever city he lives in.  He currently has an offer out on a house in Atlanta.  He use to be a good golfer back in the day.  We use to be roommates.

JASON KOESTERS   13-18   LONG STREAK OF 4   .419 WIN PERCENTAGE
Newcomer to the group.  Poor guy started out 1-8, I thought we might have a quitter after that.  He is 2-0 in NFL picks but only 2-8 in college football.  Three things...Jason is a Dayton Flyer Basketball Apologist, he is riding a Bengal bandwagon right now, and he and his wife just had twins.

BRIAN SNODGRASS   10-9  LONG STREAK OF 7   .526 WIN PERCENTAGE
Brian was on fire for awhile there.  He makes very calculated picks.  Sometimes taking a day off or two.  Brian is 4-2 in both soccer and hockey but only 1-4 in college football.  Three things...Brian loves to ski, he is now a legal drinker in the USA, and he is a worse golfer than most of us.  Most I said.

JOSH ALLEN   9-12   LONG STREAK OF 3   .429 WIN PERCENTAGE
Josh is not doing too well, but he is doing way better than his atrocious month of October.  That star is still eluding him.  Josh is 3-1 in college football but only 1-3 in NFL picks.  Three things...Josh loves the Ipad, he loves the Bill and hates every team in Boston.  He also loves women.

HALEY GOODWIN   8-7   LONG STREAK OF 4   .533 WIN PERCENTAGE
Haley currently sits on a 4 game winning streak.  She said earlier this month that her only f'ing goal is to get a star.  She has a chance here.  She went 3-0 in horse racing but is only 2-4 in soccer.  She started out this month with a L6.  Three things...She loves to shop clearance and buy one get ones.  She is a very good school psychologist, and she goes to bed about 6 hours earlier now than she did in college on the weekends.

BRANDON KLOSE   6-5   LONG STREAK OF 2   .545 WIN PERCENTAGE
Klose is currently below the Mendoza line when it comes to making enough picks to qualify.  Apparently he just doesn't care, which is a slap in the face to all of us.  Klose is 2-0 in soccer.  Three things...He is currently in school to be a golf pro in Arizona.  He is a huge Bengals fan and UNC basketball fan.  He still stays up as long as he use to when he was in college.  Well, undergrad.

DANIEL SPEESE   6-7   LONG STREAK OF 5   .462 WIN PERCENTAGE
Speese is just always a pick or two above the line.  It's like he thinks about it or something.  He is currently riding a L4 and he only has one winning sport, college football at 3-2.  He does however have a star.  Three things...He lives in Iowa and goes to Hawkeye games.  He is good at soccer, just not at picking soccer games.  He just had a baby girl and is grooming her to take over his fantasy football team in fifteen years.

BRAD GANKOSKY   0-0   LONG STREAK OF 0  .000 WIN PERCENTAGE
Three things...49er bandwagon driver.  Overrated fantasy team.  Screws people on Craigs List on the side.  That sounded bad, I meant screws people over, ha.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Reds decline Francisco Cordero's Option....

This isn't big news.  The Reds weren't going to give him 14 million dollars.  Talk is that they are going to try to sign him for lesser money.  I save give him a two year deal worth about 12 million, with a 2 million dollar buyout after the first year.  That way he is guaranteed 8 million and he'll accept.  I would feel fine wih him walking if I had any confidence at all in Ondrusek, Bray, or Masset right now.  But I just don't, they all leave a lot to be desired right now.  I have heard that Boxberger is our closer of the future but he is probably two years away.  Sign Coco, let him do it for 2012, then move on to the young guns.

Curt

Maloney claimed by the Twins...

The Matt Maloney experiment is over.  He had his chances, never did anything with them.  Time to move on.

Curt

Edgar Renteria Chooses Free Agency...

Thank God.  Talk about a waste of a roster spot.  Can't field, can't hit, isn't a good clubhouse guy.  He was this years Patterson slash Taveras.  Dusty always finds one a year.  The only year he didn't screw it up is when he got Orlando Cabrera as his veteran glue guy.  Edgar might be done.  That or someone will throw him two million for no reason.  Ya, thats probably what will happen.  For now, the shortstop job is Cozarts.  I see it ending up that way going into the season.

Curt

Dontrelle Chooses Free Agency....

Well, or he just isn't offered another contract.  That's more like it.  I like Dontrelle, but he just doesn't have it anymore.  He can hit, but not against good pitching.  He'll find another team, have a few good outings and just be a waste of a roster spot.  Sad the way his abilities fell apart, but that's the way it goes.  The dude is always positive and in a good mood though, he'll be fine.  Good luck Dontrelle.

Curt

Ramon Hernandez Chooses Free Agency...

Probably saw this coming but it doesn't mean he is gone.  If I had to guess, I think the Reds will try to trade Hanigan and bring Ramon back as Devin's backup.  If he walks however, the Reds will get compensatory picks which isn't all a bad thing.  Ramon is a heck of a veteran hitter, too bad they couldn't carry him as just a pinch hitter.  We'll see how this one ends up.

Curt

Today's Thoughts...

College basketball starting up is awesome.

This Penn State thing is ridiculous.  Joe had to go.  It's sad that he had to go out like that, but there really isn't a choice.

Broncos are only 1.5 games out of first with half the season to go.  I dig it.

Andrew Luck is probably gone, but tell me, who invented the "Im not going to the Colts, I'm going to Denver" draft strategy.  Ya, that's right, John Elway.

Bobcats to 7-3 and in the drivers seat to win the East again.  Too bad they should be 9-1 and damn near ranked.  How do you lose to Buffalo and Ball State?  Damn it.

Still peeved the Cardinals won the World Series.

How awesome was that loss by the Steelers the other night?  One of the best games I've seen.

Just blew my 12 game streak in SFTC with a soccer pick.  Should I have just waited?  Probably.

Saw the first snowfall today.  Haley won the pool.  I wouldn't call it a snowfall, but there was definitely flurries in the air.

Bengals look a very good solid team.  The only thing is that they haven't played teams that make plays.  They are beating who is on their schedule though.  Im just interested to see if teams start putting big plays on them and if they can hang or not.

Buckeyes suck.

They won't suck in basketball this year though.

My Final Four....North Carolina, Arizona, Vanderbilt, and Pittsburgh.

Temple will make the Sweet Sixteen this year and be a three seed.

Bobcats will be in the tourney also.

Tim Tebow will not be on the Broncos roster next year.  Not at Quarterback at least.

I don't like listening to people say Oklahoma State or Stanford couldn't beat LSU.  How the hell do you know?  What if they did score a TD or two.  Could LSU come back?  Maybe not.

Phillip Rivers and the Chargers suck and it's hilarious.  They think they are so damn good.

You know who else thinks they are good?  Antonio Brown.  Someone is going to take his head off someday.

That's good for tonight.

Curt

melanie iglesias 6 Anonymous hottie found: Meet Melanie Iglesias (30 Photos)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

SFTC October Closing Numbers...

Just wanted to throw out a quick post about the month of October.  First, I kind of want to say thanks to everyone for playing the whole month.  Thanks really isn't the word I'm looking for, but it makes it more fun when people hang in there all month.  So, it was fun.  I wanted to post these standings so I had some documentation to compare the next months too.  Without further ado, here are the standings, in most wins to least wins order...

Chris Kline
81-69 overall.  Ended up on the overall world leaderboard.  .540 win percentage with a long streak of 6.

Nick Lakostik
75-65 overall.  Didn't think he would make this many picks, I was wrong.  .536 win percentage.  Longest streak in the group with nine.  Impressive.

Curt Goodwin
73-83 overall.  Ouch, brutal.  Had to L8 streaks.  .468 win percentage.  Longest win streak was 6.

Dan Snodgrass
72-76-1 overall.  Also impressed with his amount of picks.  .518 win percentage.  Long streak of 6.

John Nagel
68-59 overall.  Left some picks on the board, step your game up.  .535 win percentage.  Long streak of 6.

Brian Snodgrass
27-19 overall.  Ended up with a star, that was his goal.  .587 win percentage.  Long streak of 5.

Danny Speese
21-10 overall.  Made his pick per day average.  .656 win percentage is the best in the group.  Also made a streak of five and got a star.

Brandon Klose
14-16 overall.  Didn't get the pick per day average.  Needs to step his game up.  Long streak of 3.  Weak.

Josh Allen
14-23 overall.  It can only get better man.  .378 win percentage.  Officially the worst.  Long streak of 4.

Kevin Freaney
13-8 overall.  Only 21 picks?  Cmon.  .619 win percentage.  Only a three game long streak.

Haley Goodwin
11-9 overall.  Not enough picks.  She said her goal next month is to get a f'ing star.  .550 win percentage.  Long streak of 4.

Brad Gankosky
0-0.  0.00 win percentage.  Long streak of 0.

Good luck in the next month.  I already got jobbed once.  Have a feeling it'll happen twenty times.  Ya, I'm a complainer.

Thanks.

Curt

Monday, October 17, 2011

Parkway at New Bremen 10/14/11...

I was trying to find a reason to come up to New Bremen the other day.  Other than seeing my family I really couldn’t think of anything.  Most of my friends don’t live there, there isn’t much going on, it’s not a vacation hot spot, etc.  So out of nowhere I thought, “Hey, maybe I could go watch a Cardinal game.”  Pretty sure I haven’t been there since 2004, right before I left for Tampa.  I checked the schedule and noticed they played at home on the 14th against Parkway.  I figured, it’s Parkway, probably a game we could win.   So I went to the game with my parents, my wife, and Nagel and his wife.  Pretty darn entering game to say the least.  Bremen ended up losing 41-40 in OT, but the whole experience didn’t disappoint.  Some things were the same, and some were different.  Allow me to share some of the things that happened.  Some thoughts involve the game, some the atmosphere, and some things I noticed about the game as a whole.  Either way, when Mrs. Fiser gives you your ticket, Mrs. Newman takes the ticket, and Todd Thieman sells you your candy, you feel like you’re back home.  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy.
First thing I would like to point out is that there were a lot of good individual plays and players on both teams.  Williams, a tight end made a sick one landed, left handed, catch in the corner of the end zone.  From where we were we couldn’t see the whole thing but I just saw a hand go up and snatch the ball out of the air.  Sweet play.  Aaron Clune also made a bunch of big plays.  He had two rushing TD’s, a passing TD, an interception, (another nullified by a roughing the passer call), and connected on four of five extra points.  If I had a vote for player of the game, he would get it.  Another nice play by Bremen was after a pick thrown by their QB.  The Parkway player was returning the pick and I noticed a little guy out in front looking for a guy to block.  He found a NB lineman and tried to hit him.  The Bremen player, I believe number 72, just straight trucked the kid and then made the tackle.  The Parkway kid didn’t get up very fast, he’ll think twice before he blocks that kid again.
On the other side, there were some really nice plays by Parkway also.  At least two of the TD’s were made on really nice catches.  Their backup QB made a few awesome plays.  He was improvising, looked like a guy just playing backyard football, making things happen.  I’m sure Parkway doesn’t win a lot of games, and maybe they don’t game plan better than the other teams, but I can guarantee you those kids would never say they don’t have fun.  They were running shotgun almost every play, running deep patterns, throwing screens, just playing the game with energy.  Nice to see actually, not something I’m use to when watching high school games.  My favorite thing they did was when Bremen would have the ball in short yardage situations, Parkway would send in these two HUGE kids for the goal line stop.  Pretty funny, but you could tell they loved it.
In true high school football fashion however, there were a lot of bonehead plays and immature acts by players.  What helped with all the good individual plays was the bad plays that aided them.  There was an abundance of missed tackles.  With a chance to win the game in regulation the Parkway kicker missed his only extra point of the game.  When NB scored first in OT to take the lead, the snapper three hopped the ball to the holder.  I understand the pressure these kids feel, I was there once, so I’m not picking on them, but the screw-ups were big.  There were also some mental mistakes.  My favorite was the Parkway kid who just continuously complained to the refs.  At one point he was just talking to the ref and the ref threw a flag on him for unsportsmanlike conduct.  How dumb do you have to be to just verbally abuse a ref in the middle of the game and get flagged?  Didn’t like the way the NB players threw their helmets on the ground after the game when they lost.  I understand that was probably their only chance at a win, but still, keep your cool.
And also in true high school football game fashion, the fans were pretty embarrassing.  I’m not a parent so I guess I don’t know the feeling of watching your kids play, but please stop the bitching on every play, begging for calls, complaining about the coaching, etc.  It’s really pathetic and childish.  I know it’ll never end and it’s part of the high school game but I think it’s getting even worse.  And for God’s sake, if you are going to scream at the refs, know the damn rules.  Blocking a guy in the backfield is not a clip.  Shoveling the ball to the fullback behind the line of scrimmage is a forward pass, it’s legal.  Allow me to explain that one.  On one play, the Parkway QB was scrambling, he was wrapped up for the sack and while he was going down he shoveled the ball to his fullback, who proceeded to run 40 yards.  Great play.  But this one guy behind us, who complained on each play, screamed out, “THAT’S A FORWARD LATERAL!!!”  Well yes sir, it is, but when you are seven yards behind the line of scrimmage, it’s a good play, not an illegal play.  I felt embarrassed for the dude.  At least the complaining fans were there though, because when I walked up to the stadium, I thought maybe we were really early or something because the home side couldn’t have been more than 40% full.  That’s embarrassing in itself.
And now for my observations on New Bremen’s coach and football program as a whole.  Now I don’t know anything about the coach or the athletic department.  There may be other issues that I don’t know about, so I’m only saying what I saw.  First off, I only could count 39 kids dressed for the game.  I don’t remember any team being anywhere near that small.  Other than maybe two guys, everyone was the same size, we look like a JV team size wise.  Early in the game, there was zero emotion on the sidelines.  We would score and only a few kids would even react.  Multiple times Nagel and I would point out how many kids weren’t even watching the game and were just having their own conversations on the end of the bench.  Kind of ticks me off and I’m not even part of it.  Late in the game when Parkway tied the game up the team was “huddling” on the sideline for the kickoff.  Well I guess that is what you could call it, really there were like seven guys kind of near each other with the coach talking and two players were actually already out on the field awaiting the kickoff.  Just didn’t seem to have any structure.  Then when you look at X’s and O’s, there was a whole lot to be desired.  For starters NB was up 13 with five minutes to play and had the ball.  Never ran the play clock down, threw the ball repeatedly, just bad play calling.  It looked even worse because all we did was run the first half it seemed like, and then once we got the lead we just continued to pass, baffling.  The dumbest thing the coach did was the timeout at the end of the half.  NB had the ball at about midfield, got sacked, clock is running out, players start walking off the field, the announcer announces the halftime score and with about one second to go the coach calls timeout.  I mean, for what reason coach?  There can’t be any reason other than to just be a dick or to be “tricky.”  So the players go back to the sideline, they run some little out pattern pass play and the half ends.  Just dumb.
In the end though, I had a good time.  It was an entertaining game and I was impressed by the play of some of the players.  I’ll probably attend a game sooner than my previous seven year absence in the future. 
Til next time….
Curt
New Bremen Cardinals

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Streak for the Cash Update #2...

Well, I would say we are officially halfway through the month.  No one wins any prizes at the midway point, just ask the Buckeyes about their game against Nebraska.  But, we do have a leader that has run out to a nice lead.  We also have seen some epic failures by yours truly.  Remember, you don't qualify for any prizes if you don't average at least one pick her day.  That means you need 31 for the month by the end.  Baseball picks will be done soon, so that might leave a lesser amount of picks per day going forward.  Maybe not though, just speculating.  Good luck the rest of the way.  We'll reconvene somewhere between now and the end of October. 

Here comes some individual breakdowns...

CHRIS KLINE is our overall wins leader with a record of 42-31.  He also is tied at the top with a long of six.  He made a quick appearance on the overall leaderboard.  12-5 in baseball picks and is overall the luckiest when it comes to soccer with a 14-8 record.  He is 21-9 in his last 30 picks.  Right now, he is our top guy going for the money.  Because remember, if any of us wins money, the rest of the league each gets 1% of the money.  So, go Chris, I want some cash.  Funny story...Chris once told Curt what him and Haley were getting from Haley's parents for their wedding gift, about four months before the wedding, ha.

DANIEL SNODGRASS is 36-32 and is making picks like a champ.  If he tells me he hasn't skipped a meeting to make a pick, I don't believe him.  He is also tied with six wins for the longest streak.  He is 3-0 in hockey and 11-5 in college football.  He has also won 12 out of his last 17, must be nice.  I was going to say that he was more excited then most of you when the Huskers beat OSU, but then I noticed that only two people in this group actually like the Buckeyes.  Funny story...Dan once told some Puerto Rican dude that we were NOT walking off the golf course until the sun went down, and if he had a problem with that, he could go talk to his boss and come back and tell us to leave.

JOHN NAGEL is over .500 at 32-31.  He would have a lot more wins if he wouldn't keep forgetting to make picks.  He says it's his phone, but I don't believe that one bit.  John is 6-2 in NFL picks but only 5-12 in soccer picks.  Not good.  John is 14-10 in his last 24 picks, but is currently riding a 3 game losing streak.  John currently sits tied at first with the longest streak at six.  Funny story...John once hit a bird with a golf shot when he was on the range.  The coach yelled at him for horsing around.  As if he could pluck a bird out of the air with a golf ball.  HA.

NICK LAKOSTIK is 32-34 overall and really digging his SFTC experience.  Nick is 6-3 in NFL picks but still winless in his beloved hockey.  Nick is actually 9-7 in his last 16 picks.  Ya, that is nothing to get excited about, but at least he can say he is going well, and not totally sucking.  His 66 total picks is impressive though.  He is currently tied with Curt for total wins.  Curt has written the five dollar check, just hasn't sent it yet.  Funny story...Nick once threw swear words out at a guy that wouldn't let him in a bar.  He wanted to fight the kid. The kid was training to be in the UFC.  It would have ended badly.

CURT GOODWIN is our most pathetic picker in this league, no doubt.  Curt is 32-42 overall with a L7 and a L8 in the last week.  He has won only 10 of his last 36 picks.  If that was opposite, he would be in second place in the whole damn thing.  He is 5-9 in baseball and 10-15 overall in soccer.  This slump is impressive because if he tried to pick losers, he obviously wouldn't be able to do this well.  In his last five soccer picks, the team he picked hasn't even scored a goal, ha.  Funny story...The 10-26 in the last week isn't funny enough?  Ok, I once carried a girls hair ribbon in my golf bag for good luck.  We were dating so I wasn't that creeping, so lay off.

BRIAN SNODGRASS is our actual leader in win percentage.  He is 19-12 with a .613 winning percentage.  He also has a long of five which gives him a star.  Brian is 8-2 overall in football picks and has won 12 of his last 18 picks.  I wish I had the patience of Brian.  Or maybe he just doesn't remember to make picks, he is a college kid.  Funny story...Brian once tried to deliver thousands of phone books to local homes in the Cincy area.  When he found out he would make roughly two dollars an hour, had to watch a two hour training video, and put the books on the porch a certain way, he returned the books and quit.  Ha.

JOSH ALLEN, my man, is 11-21 with a .344 average.  That takes the cake for the worst percentage, other than our man at .000 of course.  Josh doesn't really care though, his Bills are leading the East, and that is probably all that matters.  Josh is 3-0 in baseball, 0-4 in college football, and an awesome 3-10 in soccer picks.  About as dumb as his pick of Greece to win it all in the World Cup.  Josh is 6-13 in his last 19 picks.  Hang in there.  Funny story...Josh once dated a girl, or hooked up with a girl who was a lesbian.  Nice.

HALEY GOODWIN is 9-7 and currently my pick to steal the percentage title when this is all said and done.  Now, the rumor is true that if I didn't remind her to make picks she probably would never make them, but that doesn't matter, she still makes her own picks.  Obviously, cuz if I helped her she would be a lot worse.  Haley is 2-0 in the NHL to only 1-3 in NFL picks. She has just enough to qualify right now.  Funny story...Haley once was MIA in college and her roommates went looking for her, they found her up in a tree in the backyard.  I don't really know how I feel about that.

BRANDON KLOSE is treading water at .500 and is 9-9 overall.  He is 3-1 in golf and is 8-4 in his last 12 picks.  He is also 2-0 in soccer.  There are soccer picks all the time.  Time to make your move on the soccer picks and try to win this thing.  Funny story....Brandon once yelled at this Steelers fan so much at the Bengals game that the cops came to check on the situation and he somehow convinced the cops that the Steelers fan was being obnoxious and they threw him out of the game.  Priceless.

DANNY SPEESE is 8-3 and currently is the would be leader in win percentage.  However, he only has 11 picks and doesn't qualify.  Speese is 6-1 in football overall so there are a lot of picks for him to make up some ground.  Funny story...Speese once stood up and pissed off the end of his girlfriends bed in the middle of the night.  Awesome, we are all jealous.

KEVIN FREANEY sits at 7-4 with a nice .636 average but is trailing the monthly quota rule.  He is 4-1 in college football so maybe he should make a few more picks in that sport.  Could catch up in one week doing that.  Funny story...Kevin once made out with a chic and repeatedly told her, "You're bad, you're so bad, oh you're so bad."  Definitely one of the highlights of my college life.

Still sitting in last place with the worst percentage and total number of picks is the one, the only, BRAD GANKOSKY.  Congrats Brad, it's impressive, keep it up.  Funny story...Brad one lost a race against me at a wedding.  In his frustration he tore my shirt.  Dick.

Most wins, Chris Kline 42
Longest Streak, Dan Snodgrass, Chris Kline, John Nagel, 6
Best win Percentage, Brian Snodgrass .613

Til Next Time....

Curt

Image Detail

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Tebow Take....

Well, looks like we have entered the Tim Tebow era. There are many questions that will be answered. Is it good for the team? Is it the right time? How long will it last? And most importantly, how do I feel about it? I'll ty to answer those for you. The one question that doesn't need to be asked is, is Tebow really sent here from heaven? I think we all know that answer.

Is it good for the team? It is. Kyle orton just flat out doesn't get the job done. He has zero intangibles and shows no passion. It is very easy to root against the guy. Tebow brings hope, not only each week but on every play. When you see a blitz coming when Orton is in, you know the play is over, but with Tebow there is a chance something good might come out of it. With Tebow the team definitely plays with more fire, which is good but also is saddening that the team can't Play with fire all the time. This team probably sn't going anywhere so you might as well see what Tebow can do, and if he sucks, fine, at least everyone knows and we can move on next year.

How long do I think it will last? I honestly can't see him being our quarterback beyond this year. You can't win in the NFL with a scrambling qb that isn't that accurate. Will he bring fans to the game, get the town excited, and win some games? Absolutely, but going forward Elway and Fox know that Tebow isn't the long term answer. If the Dolphins don't get Luck, I could see them going after Tebow and just going 100% wildcat. That city loves a flash like that, he's kind of local, and the owners are all celebs. Not to mention Sparano was the one that started the wildcat there. But yes, he'll probably get fired before the season ends.

So how do I feel about the new era? I'm good wih it, I like Tebow. A lot of my friends will say I'm lying but I'm not. I just hated the pick from day one. McDaniels was good with Brady and needs a guy with a quick release and accurate arm to run his style of offense. So how in the hell do you draft the guy that does neither of those things? That's why I've always been against Tebow playing, it just didn't make sense. As Childress would say, it was a programmatic nonfit. Anyway, I'm interested to see how the rest of this season goes. I think it'll go well, the team has been in all but one game, they'll get some wins. Overall, I just don't believe Timmy is the answer in Denver. I know the women, and men, having orgasms in the stands will disagree but you can't deny he's got a bad arm and doesn't have the accuracy an elite qb has to have. So in the offseason Elway will either give someone three number one picks for his fellow Stanford alum or he'll find someone else that reminds him of himself. Allow me to throw Landry Jones name out there. I just know it won't be Orton or Quinn.

Someone just wake me up in 2014 when the Broncos are relevant again. I can't take this anymore. The end.


P.S. I wrote this on my phone, not totally sure how to scroll and edit so I apologize for the poor editing. Thanks for reading.

Curt

Saturday, October 8, 2011

One Week Breakdown....

Ok, after one week is in the books for Streak for the Cash, here is where we stand.  We have some good streaks, some bad streaks, some side-bets, and some pathetic display of apathy, ha.  Loooooong way to go.  Only 22.5% of the way done with the month.  Let me know what you think.  Keep it going....

Chris Kline is on his rise back from the dead.  Chris started out with a win and then followed it up with seven straight losses, setting the record so far for most losses in a row.  Since then though he is 17-7 and currently sits at the top for the most wins.  Not on the overall leaderboard yet, but soon to be there.  He also put together a five game streak which provided him with a star.  Chris is 8-1 in baseball picks, but only 2-6 in college football.

Curt Goodwin is moving along steadily.  Apparently the word "streak" isn't in his vocabulary.  After 33 picks Curt has won three in a row once and has not lost more than two in a row.  Talk about back and forth and getting no traction one way or the other.  But, the consistency leaves him tied at the top with 18 wins but with zero stars.  Curt is 7-3 overall in football picks, but only 4-8 in soccer.

Dan Snodgrass is a streaky Mutha.  Early in the week Dan was riding a 1-8 wave, not good.  But he came back and won 6 straight to bring him back to .500 overall.  He currently sits at one game over at 16-15.  Not much to report on individual sports, 4-2 in college football and hoping to stay hot today.  Could have a few more wins but he has to go to bed earlier then a lot of us.  That's the price you pay for being over 50.

Nick Lakostik has a star for having a five game winning streak.  But he actually has two of them and at one time ripped off 10 out of 12.  He is currently riding a two game streak.  Has only won three out of his last nine though.  14-12 overall  Also he is 7-3 overall in football picks but a nice 0-1 in his beloved hockey.  Hang in there.

John Nagel is currently on a downward spiral going 4-10 in his last 14 games.  He is tied at the top however with a long streak of six.  Knowing this guy, when he started out 9-3 he was probably already spending his winnings.  John is now at .500 and is 3-0 in NFL picks.  Too bad they only happen two days a week.

Brian Snodgrass is 10-6 and choosing his picks wisely.  Very nice percentage of .625.  Brian started off winning six of seven and is currently on a three game winning streak, the longest in the group.  He has a 4-1 record in football and checks out more hot chics on a daily basis then all of us combined, congrats.

Kevin Freaney is 4-3 and picking at a one game a day pace.  He's better than that and will show me in this next week.  If not, well then our matchup in week 8 in fantasy football is going to embarrass him.  Because we'll probably both be 0-7 at the time.  Ha.

Haley Snodgrass is trying, she has more picks then a few people in the group.  She can't get any traction either and sits at 4-4 overall.  She gets to see more hot guys on a daily basis then anyone, good for her.

Brandon Klose is 3-6 and showing no signs of getting out of this funk.  He is 0-3 overall in football and started out 1-5 overall.  I guess you could say it can only get better right?

Danny Speese is 2-1 overall and is currently our leader in winning percentage.  I think there is a rule that you have to average at least one pick per day to get that title though.  So he needs to get going to get to 31 picks in the month.  Congrats on him having a baby girl this week though.  None of us can say that.

Josh Allen, my man.  Josh is 2-8 overall with a six game losing streak.  He would have the worst winning percentage if it wasn't for the next person on the list.  0-5 in football overall, ouch.  And to add to the misery, his Bills are going to fall flat on their face and completely erase their magical start.  Sorry man.

Brad Gankosky is the worst at 0-0 with a 0.00000 winning percentage.  Let's kick him out of the league.

Longest current streak - Brian 3
Longest streak overall - Dan and Nagel 6
Most wins overall - Chris and Curt 18

Remember, two prizes.  One for most wins and one for longest streak. 

And so far we have one side-bet to report.  Nick Lakostik has bet Curt Goodwin that he won't beat him by more than 12.5 wins.  If Nick wins outright, he is awarded ten dollars.  If Curt wins by 20, he is awarded ten dollars.  Good luck.

Thanks for reading, keep it up....

Friday, October 7, 2011

Arrogance Lives....

Wow, I truly believe that the two most arrogant teams in baseball history are playing each other for the chance to go to the World Series.  I can't stand either of these teams, or any of the players on the teams.  Allow me to break down their worthlessness.

First off, did the Brewers just win the World Series?  Wow, what a pathetic celebration.  Have you ever seen a more "look at me" type team in your life?  When Gomez scored that winning run and jumped into Fielders arms, Fielder let go of him in about .0001 seconds and turned to the crowd with his arms raised like, "LOOK AT ME", I'm the man.  Then they turn the camera to Morgan, and let me just say, wow.  He was just pointing to the crowd, doing his T Plush thing, his beast thing.  He was basically telling his teammates to get away from his so he could have the spotlight.  What a piece of shit.  Gomez, Gallardo, Morgan, Weeks, and Fielder all tie for the biggest dbags on that team.  The only guy that seems decent is Braun.  I hope they lose badly in the NLDS.  Oh wait, no I don't, they are playing an even more pathetic team.

Which takes us to the St. Louis Cardinals.  You have to be kidding me that I have to watch this team play for two more weeks.  Could we please just have their plane go down?  Ok, that's not funny, a little too harsh.  Maybe their food on the plane have a flu virus in it or something?  Does that sound better?  Carpenter is an overrated piece of shit.  Molina is a worthless average player.  Pujols, two gold gloves?  Really?  I bet all the good first baseman in the league laugh when they see that graphic.  I don't mind Berkman, he just wants to win, I can dig that.  The worst obviously is none other than Tony LaRussa.  All he does is complain and he doesn't even notice it.  He'll have something to complain about before this series even starts.  I'm sure it'll be something really good too, like maybe he'll be mad that the Brewers have had three more hours of rest then his team.  Or maybe it's not fair that they have to play indoors in Milwaukee.  Who knows, he's the master at coming up with obscure reasons to complain.

So who do I like in this series?  No one.  I just kind of hope someone sweeps so I only have to watch one team be happy.  It's better than watching them both enjoy themselves.  Oh, and if I hear anyone make the "Well, it makes the Reds division look good" comment, I'm going to vomit.  It doesn't say anything about the division, this isn't college football.  I know I know, no one wants to hear this argument, they've heard it from me many times.  But, I really really hate the division/conference argument, hate it.  I could care less if someone in my teams division does something good, means absolutely nothing to me.

As far as a real prediction.  I'd say the Cardinals take this in five.  They have the pitching and hitting and just haven't put it all together.  They will, and they'll win, and it will suck royally to have to watch.  Enjoy.  NOT.

Til next time....

Curt

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Prediction for Tonight's Games...

Yankees and Tigers Game Five.  Super Nova vs. Fister, hardly even know her.  Ok, not funny.  I just don't see how the Yankees lose this game.  The only way the Tigers win is they get a lead right off the bat and the Yankees hit a bunch of atom balls.  If the Yanks get a lead, it's going to be a blowout.  I'll say it's a route. 
7-2 Yankees with ARod having a big game. 

Whatever happened to that one dude from Nebraska that came out of the bullpen?  I honestly can't even think of his name now.  Just did, Joba Chamberlain.  Did I miss something?  Is he hurt?

Cal at Oregon.  We all know Oregon is going to kill them, but Cal played them tough for the most part last year.  Also, I still haven't ripped up my ticket that says Cal will win it all this year.  Ya, they have one loss, but if they can win at Oregon and at Stanford, I still give them a shot.  Ok, I'm dreaming.  Anyway, Cal 37, Oregon 34. 

Enjoy. 

Til next time...

Curt

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Tuesdays Thoughts....

Created a fantasy hockey team tonight.  Season starts Thursday night.  Will probably get a lot more pub than usual this year with no NBA.

Predicted the Rangers Rays series correctly, Rangers in four.

Yankees and Tigers going to game five.  Called that one.

Thank God the Phillies beat the Cards.  They CANNOT let the Cardinals win this series.

I'm thinking there is a chance the Buckeyes don't make a bowl game.  How hilarious would that be?

I say put Tebow in, who freaking cares right?

I should have paid a little bit more attention to byes during my fantasy drafts.

Not much to report.  Tuesdays kind of suck. 

Til next time...

Curt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqtPF5ixWkU&feature=player_embedded

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Weekend That Was.......AWFUL!!!

Well, I really couldn't have had a worse sports weekend then the one that just went down.  Now, not everything went wrong, so ya, there could be worse, but it's really hard to imagine.  I lost in my survivor pool, my fantasy teams got crushed, the Broncos were massacred, my Streak for the Cash picks were horrendous, I ran in a 5K that was basically the hardest thing I've ever ran, and well, that's about it.  Here's a breakdown of how it all went down.

Survivor is pretty much one of my favorite pools I get into all year, other than the Bowl Pool.  I try to make the smartest pick.  I have three rules.  One, don't pick an away team.  Two, don't pick a division rival game.  Three, don't pick against the Broncos.  This weeks obvious pick was the Packers, but that would break rule three.  The other pick was the Saints, but that would break rule one.  So I went with the most obvious pick, the Eagles at home against the 49ers.  The 49ers, the team that didn't even get across midfield until the fourth quarter against the Bengals the week before.  The team that was playing two straight games on the east coast.  The Eagles, the "Dream Team", the fastest team in the game, the most confident team.  This team can't lose at home can it?  Well, when they are up 20-3 at half, you would think no way.  Well, in this wonderful weekend, of course they lost.  Alex Henery missed two field goals from less than 40 yards in the fourth quarter. Something like the first kicker to ever do that in a game where the team lost by one.  The 49ers hadn't had a comeback like that since 1981 or something.  It's just amazing how I always lose because of epic collapses.  Oh well, wasn't meant to be I guess.

My fantasy teams aren't that great, I'll be honest there.  I was pretty close in one league, was going to win pretty easily in one league and was getting crushed in the either.  Ok, I'll take one win and maybe a second.  I wake up Monday morning and check my teams and I'm getting gashed in the one I thought I would be close in and in the one I thought I was going to win handely I'm only up by a few.  This seems fishy so I check out what could have happened.  To my pleasant surprise, both the teams I was playing had the Ravens D.  Of course they did.  32 points in one league, 31 in the other.  Three defensive TD's?  Four fumbles by Sanchez?  You have to be kidding me right?  Ugggh.

The Broncos defense is like swiss cheese.  Look, I like Brian Dawkins, but he is way too slow to guard anyone.  He can't tackle in the open field either.  He can stick you when filling the whole, that's what she said, but that's about all he can do.  The sad thing about the Broncos is that they actually look like they are improving.  But when you are improving and you get beat 49-23, that'll make you want to cry.  I could barely watch it.  It's like watching a JV team against a varsity.  Saddening.

I love Streak for the Cash, it's fun.  The best part is that it is every day and all day every day.  Love stuff like that.  Well, I would like to have a good month and have a real chance at the most wins for the month.  Well, I lost the soccer pick in the morning, that's fine, soccer is just a lucky guess anyway.  Then I have the Falcons to beat the Seahawks by more than the Seahawks total TD's and field goals.  Feel really good about that one.  Falcons go up 27-7.  In the bag, no doubter.  Oh wait, the Seachickens come back and lose 30-28.  I mean really?  You give up that many points to Tavaris Jackson?  Kill me.  Then before I go to bed I pick Cliff Lee to get the win against the Cardinals.  When I go to bed the Phillies are up 4-0 in the fourth.  It's in the bag I'm thinking.  Well at least I got a pick right today in this awful Sunday.  Wake up Monday, my thing says L2.  L2, how is that?  Wait, the Cardinals won 5-4.  NO FREAKING WAY!!!!!

This wasn't really that bad, but it wasn't that great.  We ran a 5K on Saturday at Ault Park.  There are two mammoth hills to run up at the park.  Mammoth by Cincinnati standards.  Had almost my worst time, but was actually pretty good when you take into account the terrain, but wow, I honestly thought I might die.  To make it worse it was 36 degrees that night at the after party.  I was freezing my balls off.  Not excited about this upcoming winter at all. 

We all know I like a lot of college football teams.  Well, Nebraska got smashed and so did the USF Bulls.  That adds to the pain of the weekend.  The only things that made me smile were the OU and Texas Tech wins.  Along with the Buckeyes and Steelers losses.

I can only hope that next weekend is better.  Broncos are at home against the Chargers.  Nebraska is at home against the Buckeyes.  Bobcats are at the Buffalo Bulls.  So there is a chance for the good part of sports to rear it's head.  God I hope so.  And if not, well, Temple basketball starts in 42 days at the Palestra against Penn.  I can't wait that long, but I may have to.  Sad face, ha.

Til next time....

Curt

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Fridays Happenings...and into Saturday...

Not much to report tonight.  Beatdown by the Rays.  They are really in the drivers seat now with Shields and Price going in the next two.  They only thing holding them back is that they really don't have a homefield advantage.  You can say they do, but they most certianly do not. 

This Yankees Tigers series could get interesting with the rainouts coming.  Totally changes the pitching situation.  Yankees starters aren't as deep, but their bullpen is better.  Too early to tell, but I think it helps the Yankees.

Quick Breakdown of a few big College Football games Saturday.

Texas A&M at Arkansas
Both teams are probably a little overrated.  Aggies have a better offense.  But if there is anything I've ever learned in college football, it's that you always pick the SEC against the Big 12.  So I got Arkansas.

Michigan State at Ohio State
I think OSU is pretty bad this year and a lot of people are picking MSU for the upset.  I don't see it.  MSU hasn't played anyone this year and OSU dominates at home.  Unless MSU gets a big lead and passes all over OSU, they won't win this game.  I got the Buckeyes.

Bowling Green at West Virginia
Time for the Falcons to fall back to earth.  WVU in a romp.

Baylor at Kansas State
Always take the athletes.  Bears to win.

Auburn at South Carolina
Auburn defense is atrocious.  Cocks have Lattimore and a good passing game.  This might be the beatdown that the Tigers deserve.  Cocks to win.

Clemson at Virginia Tech
This will be a shootout, both teams are probably not as good as their ranking.  But I have the Hokies winning here in a close game. 

Texas at Iowa State
Big game for both teams.  Both need a big win to get them really going this year.  Iowa State won in Austin last year.  Probably going to be a little revenge on their minds.  Texas in a smackdown.

Alabama at Florida
I think Bama is the best team in the nation and I don't see how Florida will be able to score on them.  The Gators have some big play guys, but Bama doesn't give up the big play.  Can't see how they sustain a drive.  That being said, if Bama makes some bad turnovers anything can happen.  I see Bama controlling this one.

Nebraska at Wisconsin
Look, I want Nebraska to win, and they have a good team this year, but I don't see how they win this game.  In fact, I could see this turning into a romp.  Dan said that he is hoping Pelini hasn't shown his best stuff since he was saving it for this game.  Man I hope so, otherwise this could get ugly.  A win by the Huskers would be great though, that would really shut up the Big Ten honks.  Oh ya, Nebraska is in the Big Ten now.  Ha, what a joke.  Wisconsin 31, Nebraska 20

Enjoy your football Saturday.  Why is it so effing cold here already.  It's not even Octo...oh wait, yes it is.  Fall is upon us.

Til next time...

Curt

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Postseason Prediction...

First off, I'm in the group that thinks last night was the best night in MLB Regular Season history.  The way the night went with four different games being covered by ESPN, it felt a lot like the first round of March Madness.  And of course, that is a compliment.  Baseball is one sport where you don't spend a lot of time watching games other than games involving your favorite team.  Because of this, it's fun to watch guys that you've heard of but haven't seen too often.  That added to the experience last night for me. 

Those collapses by Boston and Atlanta were pretty epic.  I hate the fact that the Braves lost though, damn Cardinals.  Can't stand them.  None of them.  On to the preview.

NLDS

St. Louis at Philadelphia
The Cardinals are obviously playing well right now so they should have a little confidence going ino this series.  However, I just can't see how the Phillies don't win this series.  Lee, Hamels, and Halladay are not only better than anyone can throw out there, but they are probably the best three pitchers this game has ever seen.  Add in the fact they have good top of the order guys, good RBI's guys, power hitters, guys that do the little things, they just flat out have it all.  Maybe the Cards win game three at home, but that would be all.  I'll say they won't.  It'll be a little bit of de ja vu for us Reds fans as the Phillies sweep.  Phillies in three.

Arizona at Milwaukee
Milwaukee has the better offense and probably the better pitching.  They play well at home and they have some good bullpen guys.  However, they have mental lapses and they don't have very much depth.  This could hurt them if it gets exposed.  Lucky for them, I don't think the Diamondbacks have what it takes to beat them.  Arizona is a nice story this year and they have some young guys that will only get better, but lets not forget the teams they played this year.  Giants can't score runs, Rockies have zero pitching, Dodgers are a mess, and the Padres are a AAA team.  So ya, the D'backs earned their spot, but they aren't winning this series. They'll win a game, but that's it.  Brewers in four.

ALDS

Tampa Bay at Texas
I want to pick the Rays, I think they have some of the best pitching in the AL right now, but I just can't.  The Rangers can absolutely rake and they have good pitching of their own.  This team beat down the Rays for the most part last year and I think this year will be worse.  Rays are confident and it's a great story about how they came back this year but let's be honest, they don't have the firepower and it'll show in the playoffs.  I think they win a game, but no more.  Rangers in four.

Detroit at New York Yankees
Yankees still have one of the most jawdropping lineups in sports history.  ARod is healthy and ready to go.  Granderson and Teixeira are MVP candidates.  Jeter is playing his best ball of the year along with Cano tearing it up.  I understand they don't have much starting pitching after CC and Nova, but I really don't think you need any more with that offense.  Detroit has Verlander and not much else.  However, if he can steal game one, and maybe get to a game five, heck, they definitely have a chance.  I think this will be the series that goes five and scares the crap out of the Evil Empire.  I think they eventualy win the series though as it goes the distance.  Yankees in five.

I'll get them all right, just might not get the games correct. 

Til next time....

Curt

Josh Hamilton

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Baseball Ethics...

As Billy Madison would say...I choose Baseball Ethics.  We all know baseball has a lot of stupid unwritten rules that are blindly followed.  Some are necessary and some are very, ummm, old school to a fault.  Today we had a few issues that need to be talked about.

First is the big one, Jose Reyes.  This one was sad, stupid, and selfish.  Jose was leading the NL in hitting by one one-hundredth of a point.  With all the at bats though, he was up by a couple of hits.  So today in the first inning he laid down a bunt, beat it out for a single, and then left the game.  He left the game knowing that Ryan Braun would have to go at least 3 for 3 that night to catch him.  He didn't want to stay in and take the chance of getting out a few more times and giving Braun a better chance of beating him.  Because heck, who knows if Braun would have just asked to sit and took the title by not playing.  If you ask me this is wrong because it's just a slap in the face to the game.  You play the season out in it's entirety.  Not to mention there is a good chance that was Reyes' last game ever played in NY since he is a free agent after the season.  Just very classless display shown by a guy that usually seems pretty cool.

Another one was Brandon Phillips.  This one isn't being talked about as much but it was very evident.  He is also going to be a free agent after next year if the Reds don't sign him after his option year.  Brandon is the kind of guy that loves his stats and knows where his numbers need to be to capitalize on the big money.  Tuesday night he got a hit in his second at bat that put his average at an even .300.  He immediately left the game with a pulled quad and didn't play in Wednesdays finale.  Cmon now, we know you aren't hurt and that you just wanted to finish at .300.  Look, I get it, but it's just weak man.  Get out there and go for something else.  You are two homers away from 20, go out mashing.  Quitting isn't the answer.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is Derek Jeter.  We all know that Jeter is declining and that everyone wants to call him out on it.  Earlier this year people were calling for him to be benched since he just wasn't himself.  Jeter raised his average all the way to .300 yesterday.  He could have sat out tonight's game to stick it to the media and show them that he is still a .300 hitter.  He played the last game and went 0-3 knocking him down to .297.  That shows that he is more of a team player then the others.  Petty?  Yes.  But it is a sure sign of a winner.

Another one is the situation the Phillies and Yankees are in tonight.  They don't have to win, they are already in the playoffs, but they are involved in big playoff implicating games.  Do you sit your starters for the postseason?  Do you start them because it's a big game for the other team?  I think either way someone is going to bitch.  I think you are playing 162 games, you play your best team in every game.  Now if someone is nursing an injury and they normally would play, ok, sit them.  That's common sense.  But don't just put out your AAA team, it's not fair to teams like the Cards and Red Sox that need the other teams to lose.  Ya, fuck the Cardinals, I know.

Ok, I'm going to finish watching this Sox game and Rays game.  We were looking at two play-in games tomorrow.  I'm thinking we won't see any. 

Til next time....

Curt

Image Detail

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Bartman and More....

A couple hot button issues today and then we'll get to the premiere part of the evening, The Bartman Documentary. 

This first thing I wanted to comment on is the Vick thing.  The topic is about how he said the refs were treating him differently and how now he is retracting those comments.  Some are saying this will hurt him and some are saying it will help.  Put me in the help him category.  I know that officials will try all they can to ignore this and just call the game the same as usual, but there has to be a couple times in the game where a close play will happen.  I just can't see the officials weighing off of Vick's side.  They know the head honchos will be watching and they don't want to be on the highlights as the ref that was proven to be treating him differently.  So because of this I'm sure that he'll get a call or two from an official that doesn't want to be wrong.  I don't think the ref will try to make a call to help him out or anything, but he'll accidentally try to save his own ass.  Hope that made sense, I'm sure it did.  Either way, the Eagles will probably roll the niners this weekend.  It's the kind of game a good team doesn't lose.

These wild card races are getting pretty, um, wild.  The Red Sox chokejob right now is of epic proportions.  The Rays are coming and they are going to end up taking this thing.  And if the Rays get to the playoffs, they will be a force to be reckoned with.  They aren't necessarily a great "team", but their pitching rivals anyone and in a short series they will have the best staff in the playoffs.  As for the NL, I really really hope the Cardinals don't make it. They don't deserve to, they suck.  How bad does this thought piss you off?  The Reds were 2.5 games behind the Cards on August 28th.  That could be us right now making a run.  That's why I never want to say it's over, even though it probably is.  You just never know.

Yes, I think John Fox should put a package in for Tebow in the red zone.  You have to use what you have, and he is a good weapon down there.  Sorry, but you need to adjust to the times old man.

Ok, I don't know if you watched it or not, but you really need to.  The Bartman Documentary called Catching Hell is easily the second best documentary I've seen on the ESPN 30 for 30 series.  The best is still Two Escobars but this one is right up there. 

It's just awesome how they get all these people that were there to give accounts of the night.  Some feel for him, some hate him, some are just in awe of the whole night.  I can't believe some of the people though.  Really, you are going to go up to him and throw a beer at him?  You are going to yell, I hope you die at someone you don't know?  I get the chanting asshole and the fear of knowing something awful is happening to your team, but chill out. 

It's really sad to think about how a guys life was just ruined.  He had cops surrounding his house for days because of death threats.  He had to quit his job.  He couldn't show his face in public.  I mean he didn't ask for any of this, it's just awful.  I mean, could you imagine?  Haley asked me...do you think he's watching right now?  I say, absolutely, it's his life.

I think what he did was wrong, but I believe that any of us would have done the same thing if we were sitting there.  I mean look at how many other people were trying to get the ball, if they were in that seat they would be the ones on the documentary right now.  I think things in life are just meant to be, and that was one.  That's definitely one question I'll ask God in heaven.  Hey God, was that planned to screw the Cubs?  I think he'll smirk, nod, and say, Yep, don't you just love sports?

And just a flat out well done documentary.  Great job by the producer.  Not that I know anything about that stuff, but it was great.

Til next time...

Curt

Steve Bartman: If you have any more of steve bartman pictures that i don't have ...

Monday, September 26, 2011

Quick Thoughts on the World of Sports....

Sorry for not blogging lately.  My loyal followers deserve better.  I feel like I have said a few times that I would get back into this and I keep failing to do it.  But now, with the wife going to bed so early, I'm going to get something in every night, honestly, it'll happen.  If not every night, at least something each day.  So stop by once a day, read something quickly and leave.  I'll try to make it interesting.  Thanks.

First of all, I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but Brian, Dan, and I each put 30 bucks on the Angels to win it all this year.  We made the bet at the end of June.  They have fallen apart the last few weeks and are still three out with three to play.  If they just play decent ball they would be in the wild card right now because of the Red Sox collapse.  Pisses me off, with their three top pitchers, Haren, Weaver, and Santana they could have done some real damage in the playoffs.  I guess it wasn't meant to be, but dang it, that would have made the playoffs very fun to watch.  Now though, probably won't watch.  Especially if the Cardinals and Brewers start winning.  Can't stand either of those teams.  Come to think of it, I really have no interest in cheering for any of the teams that will be in the playoffs.  Maybe the D'backs, thats about it.

Broncos are really pissing me off.  The fact is, they are very very much improved.  The defense can actually stop the run a little, the pass rush is getting there a little more.  The offense has shown some signs.  You just need to be able to close and win games.  I could not believe that Fox went for that TD on fourth and goal.  You always take the points there and go up seven in the fourth quarter.  I understand you pretty much have one play to win the game, but you have to know your team.  They don't have any power rush game and their defense is very vulnerable.  You go up seven, and if you don't stop, you have the ball to win.  You can't go for it there, a veteran coach should know that.  Not to mention the injuries are brutal right now.  And I'm not looking for Tebow to play, but I'm off the Orton bandwagon.  Guy just does NOT have a clutch gene in his body.  Hate to admit it, but it's true.  With all their issues though, they really could be 3-0.  That's what pisses ya off.

Watched the Bobcats game this Saturday against Rutgers, and damn, they actually looked pretty dang good.  Ya, they lost, but it's because they had some horrendous turnovers.  They moved the ball well, played some good D at times.  Secondary was the most sketchy, but it looked like it might have just been a bad game plan.  Tyler Tettleton looks like the real deal.  If he gets better then he's going to be a stud next year and the year after.  Could OU become the Boise of the East?  Probably not, but they are killing it in recruiting and really starting to build something here.  No question about it though, they are my favorite team in college football.  I haven't had one since, well, probably ever.

Had a ticket for Cal to win it all this year.  Just picked one out of a hat.  They lost to Washington.  Tear that up.

Went to the Cincy game last Thursday against NC State.  I tell you what, Nippert Stadium is probably the second best stadium I've ever been to.  And probably the first if you just go by the looks of it.  I have to give number one to Mile High, but obviously that's biased.  I love the way the stadium is sunken into the ground and the way it is set right in the middle of campus.  I'm not one to give compliments and say nice things, but I seriously really liked it.

Big game for USF Thursday night at Pitt.

Everyone that reads this that has a smart phone and likes to download apps.  Get the Streak for the Cash app.  I'll create a group and we'll have a little competition for most wins in the month.  It's fun.  The app lets you know when your pick is finished so you can make your next one.  The person with the most wins each month gets 2500 bucks.  I was in seventh place, two wins out on the 20th this month.  Super pumped, on the leaderboard and everything.  Then I completely fell apart and gave up, but those first twenty days were awesome.  Can't wait for Saturday to get October started.  I know at least five people that will be in it, hope to add more.

Congrats to Bill Hass.  Pretty cool to not have a top ten year but nail down 11.4 million dollars in one good weekend.  Ha, they need to get the playoff system figured out in the PGA.

My fantasy teams suck.  Like suck.  Damn it. 

Survivor league started off with 248 people and is now down to around 150.  15 bucks each so there is some money to be won.  I took Arizona week one.  Pittsburgh week two.  Chargers week three.  Actually had to sweat two of those out.  Need some easy weeks to calm the nerves.

I have some more things on my mind but I'll save them for tomorrow and the next day, and the next day.  Hope to keep you all as every day readers.  Thanks.

Til next time....

Curt

Oh wait, funny pic....

Image Detail

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Broncos Bengals Game....

Quick take on this NFL Game.  I don't think it was NFL caliber, but hey, they all get paid the same right?

Obviously I'm happy with the outcome, but damn, didn't feel like a win. 

To all you Bengals fans out there.  You didn't deserve to win this game.....but you should have won this game.

Some Notes....

Both teams are tied for first in their division.  Have to look at the positives right?

What is up with the commercials?  Brutal.  That one time there was a end of the quarter, commercial, come back, time out, commercial, one play, punt, commercial, then back.  I mean, two actual plays in about 12 minutes of real time.  I think that's why people really don't like to go to games anywhere.  Tv timeouts are insane.

Some really questionable calls by the Bengals coaching staff today.  Not trying field goals in three different situations.  Declining that offensive PI call on the Broncos.  I know it worked out, but you would rather a team have a third and seven other than a second and 20?  Interesting.  Going for that fourth and one with a bootleg?  I honestly didn't hate the call, but damn, just jam it down our throats.

Another annoying game by the Broncos fans.  Didn't hear any booing this time, but the cheers for when Tebow came in?  Cmon.  It sounded like women having orgasms up there.  And the worst part is, most of them were probably guys.  Grow up.

Dalton had a good game, and I do think that guy is going to be good, but I swear until the fourth quarter his jersey looked like he hadn't been touched once.  Cmon pas rush, do something, it's pathetic.

Some questionable calls by the refs.  You have that in any game anymore so I don't really get too excited about it.  But the call for not coming back into the playing field on the 82 yard punt?  Cmon, that is a judgement call, it doesn't need to be called.  Is the sideline hot lava?  Does he need to stop and jump back in, or can he run ten yards?  What does the rule actually say?  That call cost us 45 yards and should have cost the game.

Broncos injuries are insane right now.  Ty Warren, Champ Bailey, Marcus Thomas, and DJ Williams all starters on the D are out.  Brandon Lloyd, Knowshon Moreno, and Demaryius Thomas are out.  Then Royal goes down, only two healthy receivers left.  How about when McGahee trucked his own man Willis on that run?  If he would have gotten hurt, we would have had one receiver, ha.

How exciting were kickoffs in that game?  Crickets.  Fucking boring.  Took that part of the game right out of the game.

Andre Goodman is the worst tackler in the world.

Joe Mays was absolutely sticking people.  It seemed like Benson got a lot of yards after contact, except when Mays hit him.  He was about ready to knock people out.  Love that guy.

Eric Decker is going to be a stud.  Ed McCaffrey 2.0

Bengals should win next week.  Broncos probably won't unless somehow everyone comes back healthy.  Going to be a long season.  I just hope this gift win for the Broncos doesn't cost them Andrew Luck.

Til next time....

Curt