Well, the Heat are here, don't think a lot of people I know are happy about it, but it makes the finals more exciting to root against them. Mavs are good, they have some good players.
GUARDS
Edge goes to the Heat because of Wade. Depth though would go to the Mavs. Kidd, Terry, and Barea can all score, can all dish, and can attack on the perimeter. Chalmers, Jones, and Bibby can't match up to those three at all. So ya, Wade is better than them, but they aren't overall better.
FORWARDS
Dirk has the potential to be a top ten player of all time and he could probably score 35 a game every year if he wanted to, you just can't guard him. They'll try to put James on him, but he won't be able to stop him either. James is probably the best player in this series, but only because he gets to the line so much. Nowitzki will out stat him I think. Bosh is the X Factor. He's starting to get his points and be more aggressive. Peja is out there too, if he gets hot he could carry the Mavs for a game or two.
CENTER
Z or Anthony, both suck. Haywood and Chandler, aren't great. Chandler is by far the best player out of those four, but he is offensively challenged. These guys are pretty much in the game to rebound and commit some hard fouls.
Defensively the Heat have been playing better than anyone, but the Mavs move the ball a lot better than the two teams they have recently played. I see most games being high scoring. I think the big kicker will be the fact that the Mavs have closers and veterans that won't wilt at the end. The Bulls couldn't get the job done and the Heat knew it. The Mavs will be able to finish. I see this being a great series overall. James will be the alpha dog and Nowitzki will set his place in history.
My official prediction will be Mavs in six with Nowitzki being the finals MVP.
Curt
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Buckeye Nation Confused?
I sure hope so. A lot of the opinions I'm hearing from Buckeye fans are waayyyy different from the one's I'm hearing from everyone else. So my only conclusion is that Buckeye fans are either confused or blinded by their bias. I know we all can be like that with our own teams, but you have to see the truth in it sooner or later, otherwise you're just lying to yourself. Here are some of my observations on all things Buckeyes in the last two days. Some serious, some funny, mostly all fun to talk about, given the circumstances of course. (I'm not going to lie, I'm not exactly a Buckeye lover.)
First off, Buckeyes fans have to be struggling right now. They always wanted to tell you how great their program was, how clean it was. They would always be the first ones to tell you that Auburn cheats, Newton is a cheater, USC is pathetic, blah blah blah. Not us, we are perfect. Well, now you are no better than anyone else. Ya I agree that pretty much all top teams in college football do the same thing and they are all cheaters, but hey, now you are part of that group. So that leg you always thought you could stand on, it's over, admit it. Sorry.
Like I said earlier, Jim Rome had a great take on the whole thing. He said that he understands why Buckeye fan is mad, it makes sense, but just remember, Tressel did this to himself and he has been doing it for decades. He has a long track record for shady shit. So saying he is just the scapegoat and whatnot is not a true statement at all. The raffle tickets thing is hilarious. And the first jersey goes to....Chris Carter. Next pair of cleats goes to Keith Byars, hahaha.
Look, I think Tressel is a good guy, I think he probably has helped a lot of young people in his life, but that doesn't excuse him from being a cheater and a liar. You can't just shove the bible in everyone's face and write books on integrity and expect it to get you through life. You have to actually live by what you supposedly stand for. Someone was saying that he'll get another job somewhere else because of his track record of success. Ok, but couldn't you say that he has succeeded due to be a liar and a cheater? How is that considered success then?
Some might say that free tattoos isn't a big deal. And some say they should be able to sell their gear and awards if they want to. I start to agree, but where do you draw the line? What if some booster said, hey, if you come to OSU just sell me a signed jersey when you get one and I'll give you ten grand. Where do you stop it? You have to say no to everything or it will just keep stretching. And it's not like the coach will stop it, not when he's getting the top recruits.
If you want to know who the next coach will be, just listen to Fox Sports Chris Landry. Whoever he predicts will definitely NOT be the next coach, I can assure you that. Worst analyst and predictor ever, had to get that off my chest. If Urban Meyer goes there, it will be awesome. He is a quitter and a liar too. Might be a good fit. I say just stick with Fickell, he'll want to do the right thing and he has something to prove.
Overall I think this is awesome and I hope the school gets punished to the greatest extent possible. A couple years with no bowls, take away recruits, all of it. It's obviously not all Pryor, but he is never going to play for OSU again and I bet if you asked Tressel, he would admit that when Pryor signed he probably knew that there was no way he would play four years without something like this happening. We all kind of knew this was going to happen with him.
Good luck Buckeye fans, can't wait to hear your spin on it all when the sanctions come down. Til next time...
Curt
First off, Buckeyes fans have to be struggling right now. They always wanted to tell you how great their program was, how clean it was. They would always be the first ones to tell you that Auburn cheats, Newton is a cheater, USC is pathetic, blah blah blah. Not us, we are perfect. Well, now you are no better than anyone else. Ya I agree that pretty much all top teams in college football do the same thing and they are all cheaters, but hey, now you are part of that group. So that leg you always thought you could stand on, it's over, admit it. Sorry.
Like I said earlier, Jim Rome had a great take on the whole thing. He said that he understands why Buckeye fan is mad, it makes sense, but just remember, Tressel did this to himself and he has been doing it for decades. He has a long track record for shady shit. So saying he is just the scapegoat and whatnot is not a true statement at all. The raffle tickets thing is hilarious. And the first jersey goes to....Chris Carter. Next pair of cleats goes to Keith Byars, hahaha.
Look, I think Tressel is a good guy, I think he probably has helped a lot of young people in his life, but that doesn't excuse him from being a cheater and a liar. You can't just shove the bible in everyone's face and write books on integrity and expect it to get you through life. You have to actually live by what you supposedly stand for. Someone was saying that he'll get another job somewhere else because of his track record of success. Ok, but couldn't you say that he has succeeded due to be a liar and a cheater? How is that considered success then?
Some might say that free tattoos isn't a big deal. And some say they should be able to sell their gear and awards if they want to. I start to agree, but where do you draw the line? What if some booster said, hey, if you come to OSU just sell me a signed jersey when you get one and I'll give you ten grand. Where do you stop it? You have to say no to everything or it will just keep stretching. And it's not like the coach will stop it, not when he's getting the top recruits.
If you want to know who the next coach will be, just listen to Fox Sports Chris Landry. Whoever he predicts will definitely NOT be the next coach, I can assure you that. Worst analyst and predictor ever, had to get that off my chest. If Urban Meyer goes there, it will be awesome. He is a quitter and a liar too. Might be a good fit. I say just stick with Fickell, he'll want to do the right thing and he has something to prove.
Overall I think this is awesome and I hope the school gets punished to the greatest extent possible. A couple years with no bowls, take away recruits, all of it. It's obviously not all Pryor, but he is never going to play for OSU again and I bet if you asked Tressel, he would admit that when Pryor signed he probably knew that there was no way he would play four years without something like this happening. We all kind of knew this was going to happen with him.
Good luck Buckeye fans, can't wait to hear your spin on it all when the sanctions come down. Til next time...
Curt
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thoughts on the last couple of days....
Some thoughts before I leave for another bachelor party. When are these things going to end? Hopefully never right?
1. That Reds game on Thursday really rubbed me the wrong way. I understand the bullpen was spent, but you are telling me no one could throw another inning? You just leave Thompson out there for three innings to give up 11 baserunners? We get excited when Bruce ties it up, but I wouldn't have cared if I knew that they weren't even trying to win. Look, I understand the not wasting the bullpen for the rest of the road trip and all that, but it still just irks me.
2. Thanks Reds for losing two times on my birthday. Not just once, but twice. Appreciate it.
3. That Phillips play when he got picked off of second was super embarrassing. Nothing more to say other than that.
4. Nice bounce back win on Friday though at Atlanta. Reds obviously could beat anyone and could lose to anyone, but with Heyward and McLouth out they should be able to hold down this Braves offense. Arroyo and Cueto this weekend should be able to throw good games. The only issue is that they have to face Lowe and Jurrjens who are also good pitchers. I guess we'll take one out of two here.
5. 2-6 on the road trip. 4-6 would have sounded awful about a week ago, but now I would definitely sign up for that.
6. Heat made the Bulls look bad. I'll have my official prediction on the finals in a few days, but I think the Mavs will take it. They won't fold in the clutch like the Bulls did, and they have Nowitzki who is a better closer than Wade, Lebron, and Bosh combined, he just is.
7. Bummer on that Lightning game last night. You obviously can't win if you don't score a goal. Great season by them though. Overachieved for sure. They won't think that right now, but they will in a week or so. How coincidental is it though that the only guy that scored a goal should have been suspended. Horton threw his water bottle into the stands at a Lightning fan after game six and hit him. How is that not a suspension? In the past, any interaction with a fan has been a suspension. Why not this time? Why? NHL has egg on its face.
8. John Nagel Auto Trader update. Nagel is currently in fourth place, 27 points behind first place. Somewhere between 4-7 games remaining. Top five get a prize. Going to be intense, ha.
9. I hate the St. Louis Cardinals, hate everything about them.
10. Off to New Orleans for a couple of days. Reds game Sunday night ESPN. Four games out with 110 games to go. Plenty of time, not concerned now. Don't like the idea of being in third place though.
Til next time...
Curt
1. That Reds game on Thursday really rubbed me the wrong way. I understand the bullpen was spent, but you are telling me no one could throw another inning? You just leave Thompson out there for three innings to give up 11 baserunners? We get excited when Bruce ties it up, but I wouldn't have cared if I knew that they weren't even trying to win. Look, I understand the not wasting the bullpen for the rest of the road trip and all that, but it still just irks me.
2. Thanks Reds for losing two times on my birthday. Not just once, but twice. Appreciate it.
3. That Phillips play when he got picked off of second was super embarrassing. Nothing more to say other than that.
4. Nice bounce back win on Friday though at Atlanta. Reds obviously could beat anyone and could lose to anyone, but with Heyward and McLouth out they should be able to hold down this Braves offense. Arroyo and Cueto this weekend should be able to throw good games. The only issue is that they have to face Lowe and Jurrjens who are also good pitchers. I guess we'll take one out of two here.
5. 2-6 on the road trip. 4-6 would have sounded awful about a week ago, but now I would definitely sign up for that.
6. Heat made the Bulls look bad. I'll have my official prediction on the finals in a few days, but I think the Mavs will take it. They won't fold in the clutch like the Bulls did, and they have Nowitzki who is a better closer than Wade, Lebron, and Bosh combined, he just is.
7. Bummer on that Lightning game last night. You obviously can't win if you don't score a goal. Great season by them though. Overachieved for sure. They won't think that right now, but they will in a week or so. How coincidental is it though that the only guy that scored a goal should have been suspended. Horton threw his water bottle into the stands at a Lightning fan after game six and hit him. How is that not a suspension? In the past, any interaction with a fan has been a suspension. Why not this time? Why? NHL has egg on its face.
8. John Nagel Auto Trader update. Nagel is currently in fourth place, 27 points behind first place. Somewhere between 4-7 games remaining. Top five get a prize. Going to be intense, ha.
9. I hate the St. Louis Cardinals, hate everything about them.
10. Off to New Orleans for a couple of days. Reds game Sunday night ESPN. Four games out with 110 games to go. Plenty of time, not concerned now. Don't like the idea of being in third place though.
Til next time...
Curt
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Three to End It...5/25....
Three thoughts on Wednesday nights action...
1. We will have a game seven on Friday night. Great win by the Lightning. These two teams are so evenly matched, anything can happen Friday night. Roloson now 7-0 in his career in elimination games. Someone is going to pitch a shutout in the final game. Hope it will be Roloson.
2. Mavs clinch and will await the Eastern winner. Looks like I'll probably be rooting for the Mavs. Which I am ok with. Hard to root against Kidd, Marion, Terry, Dirk, those guys are pros and deserve a title. Jim Carey could be the first comedian to win an NBA title. Ok, that's not funny, I know. But Dominique Jones is on the roster, he could be the first USF Bull to win a title.
Nagel, your picking is getting a little ridiculous. Whoever you pick has the best game of their season. For those of you that don't know, Johnny is fifth in the world in the NBA Auto Trader pickem game. Winner gets 25 G's.
3. Reds lose in 19. Night.
Perfectly Timed Picture of the day...
Til next time....
Curt
P.S. 30, uggh
1. We will have a game seven on Friday night. Great win by the Lightning. These two teams are so evenly matched, anything can happen Friday night. Roloson now 7-0 in his career in elimination games. Someone is going to pitch a shutout in the final game. Hope it will be Roloson.
2. Mavs clinch and will await the Eastern winner. Looks like I'll probably be rooting for the Mavs. Which I am ok with. Hard to root against Kidd, Marion, Terry, Dirk, those guys are pros and deserve a title. Jim Carey could be the first comedian to win an NBA title. Ok, that's not funny, I know. But Dominique Jones is on the roster, he could be the first USF Bull to win a title.
Nagel, your picking is getting a little ridiculous. Whoever you pick has the best game of their season. For those of you that don't know, Johnny is fifth in the world in the NBA Auto Trader pickem game. Winner gets 25 G's.
3. Reds lose in 19. Night.
Perfectly Timed Picture of the day...
Til next time....
Curt
P.S. 30, uggh
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Three to End It....5/24....
Three thoughts on Tuesday's night in sports...
1. Huge win by the Reds. If you think about it, everyone had a little bit to do with the victory. Stubbs with a huge throw home to cut down a run. Phillips with a two run single. Votto, two hits, and a great defensive play. Rolen with an RBI single. Bruce with the huge hit that we all know about. Hernandez with a double. Heisey with a single, and a bonehead play in left, but it's forgiven. Janish had a couple nice plays in the field. Cueto pitched a good game. He battled, kept the team in the game, it's all you can ask for from your starter. Ondrusek didn't let anyone score. Bray ate up five outs. Cordero with a clean save. Just a nice team win. Only one win, but any win is big right now.
6-6 in the 20 game string without a day off. Weird way of getting to 6-6, but a .500 record nonetheless. You don't strive to go .500 in 20 game stretches but 12-8 is a good record. Reds could still get there. Old cliche, but really, it's just one game at a time. Halladay and Lee in the next two, just need to steal one of those and you're happy.
That Bruce hit was easily the second biggest hit of the year so far. Some people like to say number one, but we all know how we felt when Hernandez went deep on Opening Day. That feeling is going to be really hard to beat.
Thom Brennaman, please chill out dude. Your hatred for certain players and love for other players is so obvious. It gets to the point where I want certain guys to succeed more than others and I don't want to be that kind of a fan. Loved when you called out Janish for being 1-32. Ya, we know that is bad, but then you proceeded to say that the left fielders have also struggled a little this year. Ha, your buddy Gomes is beyond struggling. Janish could go 0 for his next 30 and not be at Gomes average. You had some more zingers in there but I don't want to break them all down. Just chill man, it's a long season, don't alienate your fans. I'm one of your fans, I don't hate you, but when the team is struggling, you are really hard to listen to.
ESPN2 tomorrow. Nice.
2. Lightning have to start Dwayne Roloson tomorrow night in game 6. He's something like 9-0 lifetime in elimination games that he has started. He's the one that got you there, you need to ride him. Please do not let those Boston fans celebrate on our home ice. Boston fans are battling for the second worst fans in all of sports. It's never really a contest for number one. Pittsburgh takes the cake there, not even close. Which team hasn't had a winning season since 1992? Which team lost the last ever NFL game? Which team is the last to blow a 3-1 lead in a playoff series? That's Pittsburgh for all of those. Most loyal fan base in all of sports is what I heard once. I said, oh ya, how are the Pirates doing? Oh wait, you don't acknowledge the Pirates, how convenient. Losers.
Sharks, choking it away again. Didn't stay up for OT, so don't know the outcome was.
3. Another overtime game. Great game again. First off, definite charge on Lebron at the end of regulation, the fact that he complained makes me hate him more. And how about that dunk by Lebron when Deng got out of the way? You could read his lips and he said, "I wish he would have jumped for that shit!" Bosh actually starting to look like he is worth some money. Obviously not as much as he is actually getting paid, but he's playing well. This series is probably over. Bulls have the team to win another game, just don't see how they can win three in a row.
Perfectly Timed Picture of the Day....
Til next time....
Curt
1. Huge win by the Reds. If you think about it, everyone had a little bit to do with the victory. Stubbs with a huge throw home to cut down a run. Phillips with a two run single. Votto, two hits, and a great defensive play. Rolen with an RBI single. Bruce with the huge hit that we all know about. Hernandez with a double. Heisey with a single, and a bonehead play in left, but it's forgiven. Janish had a couple nice plays in the field. Cueto pitched a good game. He battled, kept the team in the game, it's all you can ask for from your starter. Ondrusek didn't let anyone score. Bray ate up five outs. Cordero with a clean save. Just a nice team win. Only one win, but any win is big right now.
6-6 in the 20 game string without a day off. Weird way of getting to 6-6, but a .500 record nonetheless. You don't strive to go .500 in 20 game stretches but 12-8 is a good record. Reds could still get there. Old cliche, but really, it's just one game at a time. Halladay and Lee in the next two, just need to steal one of those and you're happy.
That Bruce hit was easily the second biggest hit of the year so far. Some people like to say number one, but we all know how we felt when Hernandez went deep on Opening Day. That feeling is going to be really hard to beat.
Thom Brennaman, please chill out dude. Your hatred for certain players and love for other players is so obvious. It gets to the point where I want certain guys to succeed more than others and I don't want to be that kind of a fan. Loved when you called out Janish for being 1-32. Ya, we know that is bad, but then you proceeded to say that the left fielders have also struggled a little this year. Ha, your buddy Gomes is beyond struggling. Janish could go 0 for his next 30 and not be at Gomes average. You had some more zingers in there but I don't want to break them all down. Just chill man, it's a long season, don't alienate your fans. I'm one of your fans, I don't hate you, but when the team is struggling, you are really hard to listen to.
ESPN2 tomorrow. Nice.
2. Lightning have to start Dwayne Roloson tomorrow night in game 6. He's something like 9-0 lifetime in elimination games that he has started. He's the one that got you there, you need to ride him. Please do not let those Boston fans celebrate on our home ice. Boston fans are battling for the second worst fans in all of sports. It's never really a contest for number one. Pittsburgh takes the cake there, not even close. Which team hasn't had a winning season since 1992? Which team lost the last ever NFL game? Which team is the last to blow a 3-1 lead in a playoff series? That's Pittsburgh for all of those. Most loyal fan base in all of sports is what I heard once. I said, oh ya, how are the Pirates doing? Oh wait, you don't acknowledge the Pirates, how convenient. Losers.
Sharks, choking it away again. Didn't stay up for OT, so don't know the outcome was.
3. Another overtime game. Great game again. First off, definite charge on Lebron at the end of regulation, the fact that he complained makes me hate him more. And how about that dunk by Lebron when Deng got out of the way? You could read his lips and he said, "I wish he would have jumped for that shit!" Bosh actually starting to look like he is worth some money. Obviously not as much as he is actually getting paid, but he's playing well. This series is probably over. Bulls have the team to win another game, just don't see how they can win three in a row.
Perfectly Timed Picture of the Day....
Til next time....
Curt
Three to End It....5/23
Three thoughts on Monday's action....
1. Reds are reeling. Another poor performance from Arroyo. He hasn't had back to back good starts since mid April. Stubbs, Phillips, Janish, and Lewis are all struggling right. This has to stop soon, but I'm not so sure it will. Now three games back on the Cardinals. Lots and lots of games to be played, no need to panic, but these losses just continue to pile up. The lone bright spot right now is Jay Bruce. Has the average up over .280 with 12 jacks. Didn't think the average would ever get that high this year. Just hope he keeps it up. Cueto throwing Tuesday night. Cueto has the stuff to get these guys out. But remember when he gave up like 10 runs in just over an inning to them two years ago? I think if someone is going to stop the bleeding, it'll be Cueto. And, uhhh, I hope it's Cueto.
2. Tough loss for the Lightning. They didn't get outplayed I didn't think. They got a few bad calls but that happens in hockey. In hockey, sometimes you just don't win, even when you aren't outplayed. The way the puck bounces there is a lot of luck involved. Downie should have tied it up but Thomas just stuck his stick out and made a great save. The announcers said miraculous, I say lucky as fuck. But that is what happens sometimes. Lightning are 3-0 in elimination games this year and they have a home game Wednesday. Obviously it's a must win. I think they still got this.
3. Wow, did the Thunder just blow a 15 point lead late in the second half? Yes, yes they did. 17-2 run to end the game and push it to overtime. Dirk just took over. This series won't go past five games. I was about to write about how the Thunder had a chance but not anymore. And holy shit Russell Westbrook. How he thought it was a good idea to take 6 jumpers in the last four minutes I'll never know. Dude is so out of control. I don't think he did one good thing in the last 9 minutes of that game. That is embarrassing. It's obviously not all his fault but damn dude. And how about that jumper at the end of regulation? You think Scott Brooks said, hey, lets get Kevin a 35 footer? Uh, no. Just doesn't make sense. Anyway, Mavs are a good veteran team, they'll be a force in the finals.
We'll leave you with a perfectly timed photo. One per night....
Til next time....
Curt
1. Reds are reeling. Another poor performance from Arroyo. He hasn't had back to back good starts since mid April. Stubbs, Phillips, Janish, and Lewis are all struggling right. This has to stop soon, but I'm not so sure it will. Now three games back on the Cardinals. Lots and lots of games to be played, no need to panic, but these losses just continue to pile up. The lone bright spot right now is Jay Bruce. Has the average up over .280 with 12 jacks. Didn't think the average would ever get that high this year. Just hope he keeps it up. Cueto throwing Tuesday night. Cueto has the stuff to get these guys out. But remember when he gave up like 10 runs in just over an inning to them two years ago? I think if someone is going to stop the bleeding, it'll be Cueto. And, uhhh, I hope it's Cueto.
2. Tough loss for the Lightning. They didn't get outplayed I didn't think. They got a few bad calls but that happens in hockey. In hockey, sometimes you just don't win, even when you aren't outplayed. The way the puck bounces there is a lot of luck involved. Downie should have tied it up but Thomas just stuck his stick out and made a great save. The announcers said miraculous, I say lucky as fuck. But that is what happens sometimes. Lightning are 3-0 in elimination games this year and they have a home game Wednesday. Obviously it's a must win. I think they still got this.
3. Wow, did the Thunder just blow a 15 point lead late in the second half? Yes, yes they did. 17-2 run to end the game and push it to overtime. Dirk just took over. This series won't go past five games. I was about to write about how the Thunder had a chance but not anymore. And holy shit Russell Westbrook. How he thought it was a good idea to take 6 jumpers in the last four minutes I'll never know. Dude is so out of control. I don't think he did one good thing in the last 9 minutes of that game. That is embarrassing. It's obviously not all his fault but damn dude. And how about that jumper at the end of regulation? You think Scott Brooks said, hey, lets get Kevin a 35 footer? Uh, no. Just doesn't make sense. Anyway, Mavs are a good veteran team, they'll be a force in the finals.
We'll leave you with a perfectly timed photo. One per night....
Til next time....
Curt
Monday, May 23, 2011
Catching up 5/23...
Ok, haven't posted anything in awhile and I apologize for that. We'll start doing at least the three thoughts at the end of the night again, that way there is something for you to read. At least for ll ten or so of you loyal followers, is that just a generous guess? Ha, maybe.
Thoughts on the moves today...
1. Volquez needed to go down. I like the guy, but like I said yesterday, I paid my appropriate exit tax and I'm now officially off of his bandwagon. And we all know how unlucky I am, so maybe he'll start doing better now that I'm not rooting for him in each start.
2. Jordan Smith down also. He just doesn't have the "stuff." Good solid pitcher, but doesn't have that look to be a good major leaguer. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I don't think so.
3. Maloney up. Not sure if he'll be starting Friday or not. My guess would be no. He'll probably come up and go in the pen right away, he'll be good there.
4. Todd Frazier joining the club for the first time in his career. Guy has been on an absolute tear the last few weeks. He has a unique opportunity here. Lewis hasn't done anything special, Gomes is probably as good as gone, and we know Heisey is Baker's go to bench guy. If he gets an opportunity he does well, he could steal the left field spot. I'm all for that, I just don't bank on it happening.
5. Willis to the DL. Sounds like Dusty was planning on having him pitch Friday for Volquez but it isn't going to work out.
6. Danny Ray Herrera claimed off of waivers and is headed to the Brewers. Good riddance.
7. Rumor has it that Renteria left the team early Sunday after the Indians game and didn't have the proper Reds attire on. No one is sure what that means, no official report from the Reds.
8. One rumor said Gomes might get his outright release. I doubt it, but we'll see.
My take on all this is that if the Reds start struggling even more than they are now, this will be looked at as a panic move by the Reds. But, everyone that was sent down deserved it so it isn't that big of a deal.
Big game tonight. To be honest, it doesn't feel like a good chance at a win, but those are the games they win. More thoughts on this series and games later. Look for thoughts on the other sports playoffs too. Let's get this thing fired up again. Thanks for reading. Til next time....
Curt
Thoughts on the moves today...
1. Volquez needed to go down. I like the guy, but like I said yesterday, I paid my appropriate exit tax and I'm now officially off of his bandwagon. And we all know how unlucky I am, so maybe he'll start doing better now that I'm not rooting for him in each start.
2. Jordan Smith down also. He just doesn't have the "stuff." Good solid pitcher, but doesn't have that look to be a good major leaguer. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I don't think so.
3. Maloney up. Not sure if he'll be starting Friday or not. My guess would be no. He'll probably come up and go in the pen right away, he'll be good there.
4. Todd Frazier joining the club for the first time in his career. Guy has been on an absolute tear the last few weeks. He has a unique opportunity here. Lewis hasn't done anything special, Gomes is probably as good as gone, and we know Heisey is Baker's go to bench guy. If he gets an opportunity he does well, he could steal the left field spot. I'm all for that, I just don't bank on it happening.
5. Willis to the DL. Sounds like Dusty was planning on having him pitch Friday for Volquez but it isn't going to work out.
6. Danny Ray Herrera claimed off of waivers and is headed to the Brewers. Good riddance.
7. Rumor has it that Renteria left the team early Sunday after the Indians game and didn't have the proper Reds attire on. No one is sure what that means, no official report from the Reds.
8. One rumor said Gomes might get his outright release. I doubt it, but we'll see.
My take on all this is that if the Reds start struggling even more than they are now, this will be looked at as a panic move by the Reds. But, everyone that was sent down deserved it so it isn't that big of a deal.
Big game tonight. To be honest, it doesn't feel like a good chance at a win, but those are the games they win. More thoughts on this series and games later. Look for thoughts on the other sports playoffs too. Let's get this thing fired up again. Thanks for reading. Til next time....
Curt
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Reds Recap 5/17...
Ok, this is just getting ridiculous now. Reds are finding new ways to win every night. So many guys are coming through it's unbelievable really. It's like a quote I read from Scott Rolen last year. When the team is down, they just go in the dugout and they aren't wondering if they are going to win, they are wondering how they are going to win this time. They'll get the win, it's just who will come through this time? What a great mindset to have and it's something that will just keep snowballing wins if you keep thinking that way. Wins are wins, and you need to rack them up as quickly as you can. Losing streaks will happen, but you can sustain them if you go on 8-2 runs like this first.
- 25 wins are tied for the most in the majors right now.
- 8 games over .500 for the first time all year.
- Cardinals win so the lead stays at 1.5.
- 11-3 in the last 14 games in a row, all against Central opponents.
- 5-0 in the 20 game in a row span that they are working on.
Now to some quick thoughts on tonights game against the Cubbies....
First I would like to break down Thom Brennaman. I like Thom Brennaman so this isn't just a rip on Thom rant. But when he is the booth with Brantley he just complains so much more. Obviously he's going to be a complainer because he is the son of Crybaby Marty as my dad calls him. But when he's with Welsh he's a lot more positive. The Brantley peer pressure gets to him. He made a couple funny comments today. One being when he said, the Reds are so happy to have Rolen back, it's like he never went on the DL. Oh Thom, actually it's like he TOTALLY DID GO TO THE DL. He was playing awful and couldn't hit anything when he went to the DL. That rest he got must have been some good rest because he is absolutely on fire right now. But before he went down, he was starting to be called the Rally Killa. Another nice comment is when he started ripping on Janish for lining a first pitch fastball right at the center fielder. Claiming he was an easy out on the first pitch, whoa is me. Then Janish gets a hit next time up on the first pitch and it's being aggressive. Just relax Thom, relax.
Awful bunt today but Hanigan, but what a great result.
Lewis showing tremendous speed on that infield single. I don't care what anyone says, he could destroy Phillips in a sprint.
Had to feel good to be at that game. You could hear the Cubs fans start to get really obnoxious once they got that lead late in the game. Then after the Reds took the lead you could feel the Reds fans just letting them have it, thats the best. I always say, the only thing better than beating a team is letting them think they are going to win and then ripping their hearts out.
Just one argument with Dusty tonight. Probably should have brought Bray in to face Campana. Of course you can always play hindsight manager but it looked like he made the wrong decision. Dusty makes mostly correct decisions, that's why that one stood out a little more.
To all you Volquez booers, just shut up. He throws two balls and people start booing. Are you serious? Is it more fun to complain and hate then it is to root the guy on? He's going to be a huge part of this team this year, no doubt about it. He got one hard hit ball against him and I see tweets asking if it is time to send him down to the minors. I mean you have got to be kidding me. I hope you all cheered him when he left the game, giving up three runs, six innings, nine K's and only one walk. But I'm sure you didn't. I for one support the guy and look forward to him tearing it up later this year.
Oh, and nice job hitting your cutoff man Fukudome, who are you trying to be, John Nagel? At least you didn't act like it slipped out of your hand like Nagel did every time, ha.
Til next time....
Curt
- 25 wins are tied for the most in the majors right now.
- 8 games over .500 for the first time all year.
- Cardinals win so the lead stays at 1.5.
- 11-3 in the last 14 games in a row, all against Central opponents.
- 5-0 in the 20 game in a row span that they are working on.
Now to some quick thoughts on tonights game against the Cubbies....
First I would like to break down Thom Brennaman. I like Thom Brennaman so this isn't just a rip on Thom rant. But when he is the booth with Brantley he just complains so much more. Obviously he's going to be a complainer because he is the son of Crybaby Marty as my dad calls him. But when he's with Welsh he's a lot more positive. The Brantley peer pressure gets to him. He made a couple funny comments today. One being when he said, the Reds are so happy to have Rolen back, it's like he never went on the DL. Oh Thom, actually it's like he TOTALLY DID GO TO THE DL. He was playing awful and couldn't hit anything when he went to the DL. That rest he got must have been some good rest because he is absolutely on fire right now. But before he went down, he was starting to be called the Rally Killa. Another nice comment is when he started ripping on Janish for lining a first pitch fastball right at the center fielder. Claiming he was an easy out on the first pitch, whoa is me. Then Janish gets a hit next time up on the first pitch and it's being aggressive. Just relax Thom, relax.
Awful bunt today but Hanigan, but what a great result.
Lewis showing tremendous speed on that infield single. I don't care what anyone says, he could destroy Phillips in a sprint.
Had to feel good to be at that game. You could hear the Cubs fans start to get really obnoxious once they got that lead late in the game. Then after the Reds took the lead you could feel the Reds fans just letting them have it, thats the best. I always say, the only thing better than beating a team is letting them think they are going to win and then ripping their hearts out.
Just one argument with Dusty tonight. Probably should have brought Bray in to face Campana. Of course you can always play hindsight manager but it looked like he made the wrong decision. Dusty makes mostly correct decisions, that's why that one stood out a little more.
To all you Volquez booers, just shut up. He throws two balls and people start booing. Are you serious? Is it more fun to complain and hate then it is to root the guy on? He's going to be a huge part of this team this year, no doubt about it. He got one hard hit ball against him and I see tweets asking if it is time to send him down to the minors. I mean you have got to be kidding me. I hope you all cheered him when he left the game, giving up three runs, six innings, nine K's and only one walk. But I'm sure you didn't. I for one support the guy and look forward to him tearing it up later this year.
Oh, and nice job hitting your cutoff man Fukudome, who are you trying to be, John Nagel? At least you didn't act like it slipped out of your hand like Nagel did every time, ha.
Til next time....
Curt
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Reds Recap 5/13.....
My take on what we just saw Friday night....
1. Arroyo looked good at times. He didn't have his best game, but you can't say he is looking bad or is off or anything. Some nights you just don't get the desired results. He battled and kept them in the game the best he could.
2. Stupid play by Phillips to try to get to third on that Rolen ground ball. I like the idea, but sometimes you have to realize that you are in the big leagues and those kind of plays don't work anymore, but good aggressive idea, just a bad decision.
3. A couple tough breaks for the Reds tonight. The lineout to second by Hanigan with two on and none out was brutal. The one hop rocket by Stubbs to short was bad luck. He hits it weaker or two feet to each side and Lewis scores easily. That is baseball for ya.
5. Speaking of Lewis. Big series, all righty pitchers for the Cardinals, so not having Gomes in there and putting in Lewis speaks loudly on what Dusty is thinking. I think Gomes is out and this is Lewis's spot to lose. And he had a good game today, he's a good hitter. Heisey obviously is right there too, but he is such a good pinch hitter that he is dang near more valuable off the bench right now.
6. Im going to have to disagree with Dusty's decision to put in Leake in the seventh inning. You can't bring in a guy with no experience in that type of situation in this type of game against your rival. Plus, there was an off day yesterday, so everyone is available. I know you don't want to use Masset there, but Ondrusek? LeCure? Someone can step in there that has done it before. Technically Leake didn't surrender a run, but it's just a questionable decision that I didn't agree with.
7. Loved Thom Brennamans comment when Wood came in to pinch run for Hanigan. He said that Wood might be fast but that he isn't an experienced baserunner. Ha. What, like he never played high school baseball and ran the bases? I'm sure he knows how to run the bases and would do just fine. Then of course, he gets doubled off of first on the weakest line drive I've ever seen hit by Heisey.
8. I can't say enough about Ramon Hernandez's clutchness. The guy is just such a pro. He knows what to look for and takes advantage of the pitchers outside pitches. Some guys in that situation would try to pull one outta here for the win, not Ramon, he just takes it the other way and almost wins it himself. And a great play by getting in that rundown and allowing Heisey to get to second. Reds were going to have a guy on second with one out either way, but by getting in that rundown, he got the faster guy to second. I realize that wasn't his plan, but hey, it worked out.
9. Great to see Votto come through with the game winner. Sometimes we just expect so much from him, but he hasn't come through very much lately in big spots. Hopefully this will help ease his stress and get him going. And everyone knows we don't want him stressed. Last time that happened he missed five weeks with depression, anxiety, or whatever it is that he had.
10. Gomes looked awful on that at bat. I feel bad for the guy, he has no idea what he is doing up there.
11. Masset is totally turning the corner. When that guy is on, he is really unhittable. Cordero pitched well also. The bullpen is doing great. Just not sure what to do with Chapman right now. He needs to get his confidence back or something. Awful body language with him right now.
12. Big game on Saturday. Cueto has pitched very well against the Cards in the past. Only a half game out right now, chance to take first on Saturday. I'll be at the Rays game so I won't be able to watch, but I'll be checking the stadium scoreboard.
13. Just a flat out great win tonight. Probably the best game of the year. Hopefully this is one of those games that gets the team rolling. Either way, that is 7 out of 9 now. Lets go....Til next time....
Curt
1. Arroyo looked good at times. He didn't have his best game, but you can't say he is looking bad or is off or anything. Some nights you just don't get the desired results. He battled and kept them in the game the best he could.
2. Stupid play by Phillips to try to get to third on that Rolen ground ball. I like the idea, but sometimes you have to realize that you are in the big leagues and those kind of plays don't work anymore, but good aggressive idea, just a bad decision.
3. A couple tough breaks for the Reds tonight. The lineout to second by Hanigan with two on and none out was brutal. The one hop rocket by Stubbs to short was bad luck. He hits it weaker or two feet to each side and Lewis scores easily. That is baseball for ya.
5. Speaking of Lewis. Big series, all righty pitchers for the Cardinals, so not having Gomes in there and putting in Lewis speaks loudly on what Dusty is thinking. I think Gomes is out and this is Lewis's spot to lose. And he had a good game today, he's a good hitter. Heisey obviously is right there too, but he is such a good pinch hitter that he is dang near more valuable off the bench right now.
6. Im going to have to disagree with Dusty's decision to put in Leake in the seventh inning. You can't bring in a guy with no experience in that type of situation in this type of game against your rival. Plus, there was an off day yesterday, so everyone is available. I know you don't want to use Masset there, but Ondrusek? LeCure? Someone can step in there that has done it before. Technically Leake didn't surrender a run, but it's just a questionable decision that I didn't agree with.
7. Loved Thom Brennamans comment when Wood came in to pinch run for Hanigan. He said that Wood might be fast but that he isn't an experienced baserunner. Ha. What, like he never played high school baseball and ran the bases? I'm sure he knows how to run the bases and would do just fine. Then of course, he gets doubled off of first on the weakest line drive I've ever seen hit by Heisey.
8. I can't say enough about Ramon Hernandez's clutchness. The guy is just such a pro. He knows what to look for and takes advantage of the pitchers outside pitches. Some guys in that situation would try to pull one outta here for the win, not Ramon, he just takes it the other way and almost wins it himself. And a great play by getting in that rundown and allowing Heisey to get to second. Reds were going to have a guy on second with one out either way, but by getting in that rundown, he got the faster guy to second. I realize that wasn't his plan, but hey, it worked out.
9. Great to see Votto come through with the game winner. Sometimes we just expect so much from him, but he hasn't come through very much lately in big spots. Hopefully this will help ease his stress and get him going. And everyone knows we don't want him stressed. Last time that happened he missed five weeks with depression, anxiety, or whatever it is that he had.
10. Gomes looked awful on that at bat. I feel bad for the guy, he has no idea what he is doing up there.
11. Masset is totally turning the corner. When that guy is on, he is really unhittable. Cordero pitched well also. The bullpen is doing great. Just not sure what to do with Chapman right now. He needs to get his confidence back or something. Awful body language with him right now.
12. Big game on Saturday. Cueto has pitched very well against the Cards in the past. Only a half game out right now, chance to take first on Saturday. I'll be at the Rays game so I won't be able to watch, but I'll be checking the stadium scoreboard.
13. Just a flat out great win tonight. Probably the best game of the year. Hopefully this is one of those games that gets the team rolling. Either way, that is 7 out of 9 now. Lets go....Til next time....
Curt
NHL Conference Finals Preview....
First off, lets see how we did in the Second Round...
Capitals vs. Lightning
Prediction...Lightning in six...Actual...Lightning in four...
Amazing. Lightning just downright dominated the Caps. Feel like they haven't played in a month.
Bruins vs. Flyers
Prediction...Bruins in six...Actual...Bruins in four...
Domination in this series also. Flyers had no chance like they did last year.
Canucks vs. Predators
Prediction...Canucks in five...Actual...Canucks in six...
Canucks were in charge this whole series. Kind of handled it like they did against the Blackhawks.
Sharks vs. Wings
Prediction...Sharks in seven...Actual...Sharks in seven...
Damn, nailed that one. Great series, each team deserved to win. Only one can win though.
So overall, got all four of them right. One exactly correct. I'm on a roll. I'll take full credit.
CONFERENCE FINAL PREDICTIONS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
3 Boston Bruins vs 5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Well, it seems like we've been waiting for this series for a week, its because we have. Lightning haven't played since May 4th. Each team has some strengths. Bruins have the best overall goalie. Lightning have the hottest goalie. Bruins have Chara. Lightning have more depth. Bruins are missing Bergeron possibly. Lightning are at full strength and their second line with Downie, Moore, and Bergenheim are on freaking fire, and that's not even talking about Stamkos, Lecavalier, and St. Louis. Of course I like the hometown team but I feel like I have good reasons for them. Boston is the home team though and if they take the first two, the Lightning could feel the pressure and wilt. They are however 5-1 on the road in these playoffs.
Lightning in 6.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1 Vancouver Canucks vs 2 San Jose Sharks
Funny how we get here. But it doesn't matter how, all that matters is that the top two teams in the conference are in the finals. Sharks seem to have more offensive firepower then the Canucks. Canucks have a great goalie but Niemi is playing even better right now so that is a wash. Canucks having home ice is huge in this series. I'm not sure who wins, but I think with the way the Sharks had to persevere, I think they will take it.
Sharks in six.
So far I've nailed 11 out of 12 series correct. So it looks like you can take San Jose vs. Lightning to the bank. Some real hockey tradition cities right? Ha.
Curt
Capitals vs. Lightning
Prediction...Lightning in six...Actual...Lightning in four...
Amazing. Lightning just downright dominated the Caps. Feel like they haven't played in a month.
Bruins vs. Flyers
Prediction...Bruins in six...Actual...Bruins in four...
Domination in this series also. Flyers had no chance like they did last year.
Canucks vs. Predators
Prediction...Canucks in five...Actual...Canucks in six...
Canucks were in charge this whole series. Kind of handled it like they did against the Blackhawks.
Sharks vs. Wings
Prediction...Sharks in seven...Actual...Sharks in seven...
Damn, nailed that one. Great series, each team deserved to win. Only one can win though.
So overall, got all four of them right. One exactly correct. I'm on a roll. I'll take full credit.
CONFERENCE FINAL PREDICTIONS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
3 Boston Bruins vs 5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Well, it seems like we've been waiting for this series for a week, its because we have. Lightning haven't played since May 4th. Each team has some strengths. Bruins have the best overall goalie. Lightning have the hottest goalie. Bruins have Chara. Lightning have more depth. Bruins are missing Bergeron possibly. Lightning are at full strength and their second line with Downie, Moore, and Bergenheim are on freaking fire, and that's not even talking about Stamkos, Lecavalier, and St. Louis. Of course I like the hometown team but I feel like I have good reasons for them. Boston is the home team though and if they take the first two, the Lightning could feel the pressure and wilt. They are however 5-1 on the road in these playoffs.
Lightning in 6.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1 Vancouver Canucks vs 2 San Jose Sharks
Funny how we get here. But it doesn't matter how, all that matters is that the top two teams in the conference are in the finals. Sharks seem to have more offensive firepower then the Canucks. Canucks have a great goalie but Niemi is playing even better right now so that is a wash. Canucks having home ice is huge in this series. I'm not sure who wins, but I think with the way the Sharks had to persevere, I think they will take it.
Sharks in six.
So far I've nailed 11 out of 12 series correct. So it looks like you can take San Jose vs. Lightning to the bank. Some real hockey tradition cities right? Ha.
Curt
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