The Sports Muffin

testing

2009-07-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

What Do You Suspect They're Talking About?

2009-05-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Love Letters to Greg 2

2008-12-21T21:54:00.001-08:00

Dearest Greg,
I can't help but notice that you seem to be in a bit of a funk. Where is that enthusiasm and sense of humor that we have gotten so used to? While you're on the court you seem a bit frustrated and at times lack any fire. I can't necessarily blame you. It has to be incredibly tough to have to sit out a year and a half after being one of the most anticipated big men to come out of college in years. It's not like you're even playing that poorly. You are getting your fair share of double-doubles and your presence on defense can't be ignored. You also can't forget that you play in the great Northwest, where the fans are passionate, yet don't boo on every turnover or missed lay-up. Just enjoy playing basketball and your numbers will eventually improve and become more consistent. It's still very early in your rookie year and you play for possibly the most exciting young team in the league with a tremendous upside. Enjoy the ride big guy!

Hugs and Kisses,
Hairy Guate

Why no love for Graham Harrell?

2008-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford narrowly beat out fellow QB's Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida to win the 2008 Heisman trophy tonight in New York City. There was a bit of controversy this week about Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell not being invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation as a fourth finalist. After seeing the results tonight we now know why that is. He finished a very distant 4th place behind the other three QB's, who were only separated by a mere 151 points. Harrell finished more than 1000 points behind 3rd place finisher Tebow.
How in the hell did Graham Harrell finish so far behind the other three? One can't argue that his team was not close to as good, cause Tech only lost one game in a tough Big 12 south division. Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida also all ended with just one loss. It wasn't as if Michael Crabtree took votes away from Harrell, as the Tech Wide Receiver also received a paltry amount of votes. Harrell had more passing yards than the three finalists. His completion percentage was only behind McCoy's and his TD total was only behind Bradford's. This isn't really about Harrell finishing in fourth place, but rather the margin in which he was behind the top three. A collegiate athlete shouldn't be punished just because he doesn't play for a historically great program.

Is C.C. Worth $160 Million?

2008-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

The short answer? No. I mean, don't get me wrong, Sabathia is a great pitcher. But when you strike the biggest pitching deal in history - particularly in a down economy - that generally suggests you're the best pitcher in the game today. In C.C.'s case, that just isn't true.

Who's better than C.C.? Johan Santana, Jake Peavy, Carlos Zambrano, Roy Halladay, Brandon Webb, Roy Oswalt - to name a few. I'd also consider guys like Josh Beckett and John Lackey to be about on par with Sabathia, with young guys like Tim Lincecum, Ervin Santana, Jon Lester, Chad Billinglsey, Cole Hamels, and Felix Hernandez ready to shoot past Sabathia on the MLB depth chart. Santana and Zambrano are far and away the highest paid pitchers of that group - at $17 and $16 million respectively, a "scant" $6-7 million less than what Sabathia will see on an annual basis (a difference that just happens to be more than annual Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb makes in a year).

I know what you're thinking - how could any of those guys be better than a guy who posted 17 wins, a 2.70 ERA, threw 253 innings, 251 strikeouts, and 10 complete games? Well, Mr. Yankees Fan, you need to delve a little deeper into the numbers and Sabathia's career. While he's never logged in a terrible season, his career ERA is just 3.66. Through his career, he's consistently thrown around the mid-3's; however, 4 of his 8 seasons have been spent upwards of 4.00. That suggests you should expect more of the same - a guy who will turn in an ERA around 3.50. An impressive number, no question, but not one that will get you many Cy Young votes (that is, unless your name is Bartolo Colon and you live in 2005). It certainly isnt a number worthy of $23 million per year.

Of course, all the above assumes that Sabathia will even be able to make it through each of his 7 seasons. I'm not as wary of his 6'7, 290 lb frame as some of those talking heads are - but I am a little worried by the fact that he's thrown nearly 500 innings the past two seasons combined. He's thrown less than 200 in 5 of the 6 previous seasons. He may not break down in 2009 or 2010 - but 7 years is a long time to roll the dice.

So all in all - the Yankees got themselves a solid pitcher. An overpaid pitcher, but a solid pitcher nonetheless. Just don't expect the second coming of Roger Clemens - think more like a rotund Andy Pettitte.

Crazy MNF game causes havoc in fantasy leagues!

2008-12-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't expect a Monday night matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Bucs to consist of a lot of offense and huge statistical numbers. Those going into tonight's fantasy matchups down a significant amount had probably given up. Panther receiver Steve Smith is probably the only sure fantasy starter out of these two teams with both QB's being marginal and both teams using multiple RB's to share the load. This game, however, defied expectations and produced a significant amount of scoring and huge fantasy numbers. Smith got his 100+ yards and a TD. Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant (those who didn't start him are screaming obscenities) ended up with 200 yards and 2 TDs. Both Panther RB's Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart had 2 TDs and over 100 yards. Even Jeff Garcia had 300 yards passing and 2 TDs for Tampa Bay.
3 of the teams in my fantasy leagues had comfortable 20+ point leads going into tonights MNF game only to lose dramatically at the hands of the previously mentioned players. The hard work of the entire season and high hopes after Sunday's games all came crashing down tonight in what should have been a defensive battle. There's always next year!

Love Letters to Greg 1

2008-12-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Greg,
Your team just ended it's 5 game east coast roadtrip with a 4-1 record and your only loss was to the defending champion Celtics. You have to be ecstatic with your 15-7 record so far, especially since 7 of those wins have come on the road. Pretty impressive since the team without you last year only won 13 on the road for the entire season. You just posted your 7th double-double of and it wont be long before you're averaging double digits in points and rebounds on the year.
I can't help but notice all the little things you do that don't show up on the stat sheet. You alter countless shots and even if you don't get the offensive rebound, your presence in the middle helps your teammates get easy put backs.
I loved your latest blog on the Yard. Not many athletes would openly blog to the world that they watch Gossip Girl, but in my opinion only a real man can openly admit to watching chick shows. I enjoy a few of them myself.
Well Greg, keep doing what you're doing and I look forward to seeing the Blazers on top of Northwest division for the rest of the year. I will love you always.

Hugs and kisses,
Hairy Guate

Giants Never Fail to Amaze Me, Sign Renteria to $18.5 Million Deal

2008-12-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hey, Edgar. Remember when you played in Boston and you committed 30 errors? That was awesome.

Instead of getting younger (which would have been prudent for the post-Bonds era), the Giants continue to throw millions at over-priced veterans. First, it was signing a 38-year old Omar Vizquel (though, to the Giants credit, $5 million for a gold glove isn't too much to spend). Then it was the Barry Zito abortion of a signing that paid him $14.5 million in 2008 - nearly $1 million for each of his 17 losses. At the end of the 2007 season, the Giants were so in awe of 30-year old Aaron Rowand's .309-27 HR-89 RBI season with the Phillies (who, by the way, play in a bandbox), they inked him to a 5 year deal worth $60 million. Their reward? A pedestrian line of .271-13 HR-70 RBI.

So why should anyone be surprised the San Francisco Giants just brought in 33-year old free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria? It's become the Giants M.O. - sign players based on potential, notoriety, underachievement, and AARP membership. OK - maybe I'm being a little harsh here. It's not like Edgar Renteria is a terrible shortstop - he is a five-time all-star, after all. But still - the Giants - especially the Giants - shouldn't even be touching him when he's carrying an $18.5 million price tag for 2 years. Not when he managed just a .317 OBP last year in Detroit. If you must overspend on a veteran shortstop, at least take a sniff of Orlando Cabrera. At least he'll give you better defense than Renteria...and a better bat...and a better OBP. In fact, he's just better. And should come with a price tag much more attractive than Renteria's. Well, it should have been - but thanks to the Giants' free spending, expect Cabrera to be looking around for a better deal.

And people wonder how someone of Matt Cain's caliber can manage to lose 30 games in the past 2 years.

Javier Vazquez traded to the Braves

2008-12-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Braves have made their first move of the offseason by acquiring starting pitcher Javier Vazquez from the Chicago White Sox in a 5-player deal. The Braves gave up pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes, infielder Brett Lillibridge, and and another unnamed prospect. In addition to Vazquez the Braves also got reliever Boone Logan.
Braves fans have to be happy with this deal as it is a good start in shoring up their starting pitching, which by the end of last season was in shambles. Four of their top five starters going into last season were all injured for a majority of the year. Those starters being John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Tim Hudson. The Braves hope to have Glavine and Smoltz back and healthy, but that's hardly something to rely on. Hampton is as good as gone and Hudson will start the year on the DL after having elbow surgery.
The one bright spot in the rotation was the emergence of rookie Jair Jurrjens. Javier "innings eater" Vazquez is not an ace type pitcher, but he will definitely fit in nicely as the third or fourth best pitcher in a rotation. The Braves hopefully aren't done though as they have been rumored to be interested in free agents Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. If they can sign one of those pitchers, than a starting rotation of Smoltz, Lowe/Burnett, Vazquez, Jurrjens, and Glavine/Campillo will look pretty tasty and hopefully the Braves can once again dominate the NL East.

Can the Angels Land Sabathia AND Peavy?

2008-12-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

The rumors coming out of Anaheim are saying that the Angels are considering building the best rotation in baseball history - and to do so, that would mean acquiring free agent C.C. Sabathia and current San Diego Padre Jake Peavy via a trade. While the idea may seem far-fetched at first, it's actually a very distinct possibility.

It's pretty obvious how the Angels could get Sabathia - throw enough money his way to make him forget about that New York offer. While the Angels may not exceed the 6 years, $140 million reportedly offered by the Yankees (because that would be dumb), the indication is that the Halos are making a very similar offer. It makes sense, since they've got a lot of money to spend this year with Garret Anderson ($12.6 million), Jon Garland ($12 million), Darren Oliver ($2 million), Juan Rivera ($2 million), Francisco Rodriguez ($10 million), and Mark Teixeira cut from the payroll. Given the two choices and all else being equal, why would C.C. want to go to New York? When was the last time things turned out well for any high-profile player coming to the Bronx? Alex Rodriguez wins an MVP award, and he gets booed. The Angels seem like a more "friendly" destination with an equal, if not better, chance at winning the World Series.

(One thing to note here - if the Angels do go after Sabathia successfully, that means that Teixeira is all but a memory in Anaheim. While it's tough for Angels fans to see the little bit of offense they did have for the second half of 2008 just up and leave like that, the emergence of switch-hitting Cuban prospect Kendry Morales should hopefully make that loss a little easier to swallow. Besides - is there really any room to complain if they land Sabathia and Peavy?)

As for Jake Peavy, this could be a tricky acquisition given the amount of talent the Angels will need to give up, and because of Peavy's no-trade clause and penchant for playing in the National League. Rumors are that Peavy has recently included the Angels on his short list of teams he would accept a trade to - while Peavy is obviously free to change his mind here, we'll go ahead and assume he would accept that trade for purposes of these rumors. As for the amount of talent - the Angels are probably one of the few Peavy suitors who have an abundance of talent they're ready and willing to gift wrap and send down to San Diego.

If the Angels already have Sabathia onboard and they're looking to add Peavy, expect them to build a deal around young Jered Weaver. Weaver had a disappointing year in 2008 (11-10, 4.33 ERA), but his strikeouts were still pretty good (152 K's in 176.2 IP). I would expect him to turn things around in San Diego immediately once he's reunited with old pitching coach and current Padres head coach Bud Black. In 2006, Weaver's rookie year and Black's last year as the Angels pitching coach, Weaver burst onto the scene with an 11-2 record and 2.56 ERA. Weaver should also benefit from the large, friendly confines of Petco Park - he gave up 20 homeruns in 2008, many of which would probably settle for long flyouts in San Diego.

As for the rest of the package? I would expect Gary Matthews Jr. to be part of the deal (with the Angels paying part of his salary). He's not the offensive all-star he once was (for all of one year), but he's still a top caliber center fielder. He'd be a good bandaid roaming that huge outfield for the next few years, while providing the occasional pop in the lineup. The Padres would probably also want a catcher, either Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli, and maybe even power prospect Hank Conger. The Angels should be able to part with any one of them, but would prefer to hang on to Mike Napoli. Finally, the Padres will probably want one top pitching prospect: enter Nick Adenhart and Nick Green. This becomes a take-your-pick for San Diego (though Adenhart is definitely the more attractive option), as either one of them would be blocked from entering the Angels' big league rotation for years to come if this deal got done - if the Angels were to sign Sabathia, he'd be the oldest member of the rotation at just 28. (Ed. Note: John Lackey is currently the oldest at 30; however, there's some question as to whether the Angels would re-sign him when he becomes a free agent after the 2009 season, especially if the Angels are spending a combined $30+ million on Peavy and Sabathia.)

Now I didn't mention power-hitting shortstop Brandon Wood as being a part of this deal - a piece that almost seems like the obvious starting point to any blockbuster deal. I didn't include him because I don't see why the Padres would have any interest in him - the two positions he plays (shortstop and third base), the Padres have pretty well settled in Khalil Greene (SS) and Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B). They could give Wood a shot in left field; however, the Padres have their own top prospect Chase Headley starting the season there. Besides, Wood isn't the type of hitter the Padres should be looking for - he's a low OBP, high strikeout, high homerun player. But you stick the guy in Petco, and you'll see those high homeruns start to dwindle as well.

To sum things up, that leaves a Weaver-Matthews-Mathis-Adenhart package to get the deal done for Jake Peavy. I doubt the Padres will see a much better offer, especially if the Braves are really out of the running. As for the Angels, it's really a matter of getting rid of some spare parts (albeit, still some quality parts).

If we see both moves happening this offseason and nothing else, here's what the 2009 Angels will look like:

SP - Sabathia (17-10, 2.70 ERA, 251 K's, 253 IP)
SP - Peavy (10-11, 2.85 ERA, 166 K's, 173.2 IP)
SP - Lackey (12-5, 3.75 ERA, 130 K's, 163.1 IP)
SP - Santana (16-7, 3.49 ERA, 214 K's, 219 IP)
SP - Saunders (17-7, 3.41 ERA)
SU - Scot Shields (2.70 ERA, 64 K's, 63.1 IP)
CL - Jose Arredondo (10-2, 1.62 ERA, 55 K's, 61 IP)

C - Mike Napoli (.273, 20 HR, 49 RBI)
1B - Kendry Morales (AAA: .341, 15 HR, 64 RBI in 78 games)
2B - Howie Kendrick (.306, 3 HR, 37 RBI)
SS - Erick Aybar (.277, 3 HR, 39 RBI)
3B - Chone Figgins (.276, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 34 SB)
LF - Brandon Wood (AAA: .296, 31 HR, 84 RBI in 103 games)
CF - Torii Hunter (.278, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB)
RF - Reggie Willits (2007: .293, .391 OBP, 27 SB)
DH - Vladimir Guerrero (.303, 27 HR, 91 RBI)

For Blazers, future is here!!!

2008-11-30T20:29:00.001-08:00

Ever since the Portland Trailblazers won the 2007 draft lottery and the rights to Greg Oden, they have been labeled by many as the "it" team of the future. Many predicted before this current season that the Blazers may fight for the 7th or 8th playoff seed in a tough Western Conference, but that they realistically wouldn't have a shot of doing great things until they gain another 2-3 years of experience. Well, with an impressive 12-6 start to the season, Blazer fans may not have to wait any longer for greatness.
Yeah a 12-6 record might not look that spectacular to most people, but they have only played 7 of their 18 games at home, in which they are undefeated and are a respectable 5-6 on the road. Considering how young this team is (average age of 24) that road record is even more impressive.
They also have 3 rookies who get considerable playing time and they can only get better as the season rolls on. Greg Oden has finally cracked the starting line-up as he has gotten healthier and in decent game shape. The Blazers have a clear leader in Brandon Roy, but if he struggles, they have another all-star caliber player in Lamarcus Aldrige, who has improved greatly in each of his 3 seasons. It's doubtful that the Blazers can compete with the LA Lakers, as was seen on opening night, but there is no reason to think that they can't win their division and claim the second seed in the Western Conference, which they currently hold by the way. RIP CITY BABY!!!

Without Jacquizz, the Beavers Ain't Sh*t

2008-11-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

Although, I suppose not even Jazquizz could have done anything to help Oregon State's defense against an Oregon offensive downpour that dumped 65 points in Corvallis.

Thomas Williams rooting for Oregon State?!?!

2008-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

In Thomas Williams' latest blog on the Yard he stated that he was rooting for Oregon State to win today so that his alma mater, USC, wouldn't have to go to the Rose Bowl for the 4th straight year. Really Thomas? Are the Trojans so bored of the Rose Bowl that they would prefer not to win the Pac-10 and instead go to a different BCS bowl game? First of all, if USC doesn't even win the Pac-10, then they will have absolutely no shot at the BCS title game. Their hopes are slim as it is, but there is still a sliver of hope to all those 1 loss teams out there. Second of all, as a Pac-10 or Big 10 team you should want to be in the Rose Bowl every single year if you aren't in the title game. I was shocked to read this blog from Thomas, but I really do hope he gets his wish and the Beavers trounce the Ducks to claim the Pac-10 title away from the apparently "bored with the Rose Bowl" Trojans.

If I see one more squib kick I swear....

2008-11-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

How does the squib kick still exist in Football? I have never played organized football and the only thing I know about play calling is from the years I've played Madden football, but I can't for the life of me figure out how on earth football coaches can think it's smart to squib kick the ball under any circumstances.
Arkansas almost blew their dramatic comeback over LSU today because they decided to squib the ball to the Tigers with 21 seconds still on the clock. LSU returned the squib into Arkansas territory while still having 3 timeouts and with a respectable field goal kicker in Colt David. LSU only needed to gain about 10-15 yards for David to have a realistic shot at a field goal. Luckily for the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Tiger offense was unable to move the ball at all and David had to attempt an impossible 63-yard field goal that dropped about 10 yards short. I know the Razorbacks wanted to keep the ball away from the speedy Trindon Holliday, but realistically how often are kickoffs returned for touchdowns? Not very often at all. STOP WITH THE SQUIB KICKING!!!!! The only reasonable time to do it perhaps is when there are only a few seconds on the clock and you know time will expire on any return. That is the ONLY time I can see the squib kick being useful. Hopefully Mike Riley is reading this, cause if the Oregon State Beavers lose their shot at a Rose Bowl berth cause of a Squib kick tomorrow, I'm gonna absolutely lose it. GO BEAVS!!!

John Daly: "I'm a Survivor"

2008-11-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

That's what he told the Associated Press. But you know, he's got a point. That's kinda how I feel after any good drinking binge.

As for Daly? Out-Eat, Out-Smoke, Out-Drink

Translating on Beast Mode: November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

As we've said before, Buffalo Bills runningback Marshawn Lynch is top dog when it comes to an athlete blogging on Yardbarker. There are those, however, who do not truly appreciate his writing style, finding it hard to read and understand. But, surely, they do not possess the same higher level of Cal education that Marshawn carries around.

We may not have Cal degrees, either, but we have taken the pleasures, the pains, and the many sleepless nights to decipher and translate what Marshawn is truly communicating to his fans. If you haven't read our first Beast Mode translation, then, please, by all means, enlighten yourself.

As for Marshawn's latest entry, it is a short one - but like any great poet will tell you, it's not the size that matters, but the motion in the ocean. In fact, I think E.E. Cummings said it exactly like that. So without further adieu, here's Marshawn's original entry:

Marshawn Lynch

monday night game i had hella fun dis night and i hope yaw had fun watchin me get my 1st 100 yard game dis year

Translation

Greetings & Salutations,

It was a cool and calm Monday evening on the 17th of November in this year of our Lord 2008, the 321st day of the calendar year. I had great fun this evening, and I do sincerely hope you, my beloved readers and fans, had just as much pleasure watching me perform. It was a night I shall remember forever as I accumulated 100-yards while running for the first time this football season. (That's 91.44 meters for those of you "across the pond," as they say.)

Yours Truly,

Beast Mode

Where will Matt Cassel play next year?

2008-11-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

With Tom Brady suffering a season ending injury in the Patriots first game of the season, back-up Matt Cassel has emerged as a legitimate starting QB in the NFL. He has thrown for over 800 yards in his past two games as he is becoming more comfortable with his star receiver Randy Moss. In Cassel's first season as a starter since high school, he has completed an impressive 66% of his passes and has 13 TDs to only 8 INTs. With his play getting better and better as the season rolls on, it seems likely that Cassel will be starting for another team next season with Tom Brady coming back from his knee injury. Here are the top 3 teams that I see Cassel possibly going to in the offseason.

1. San Francisco 49ers
A glaring weakness for the 49ers the past few seasons has been at QB. Former 1st overall pick Alex Smith has either been injured or ineffective so far and it's doubtful he'll be with the team next season. I'm not sure the Niners would want to draft a QB again in the first round and go another couple of seasons trying to bring along an unproven QB. They should go for Cassel and then spend their first round pick on Michael Crabtree or another receiving weapon. This obviously depends on whether current QB Shaun Hill can prove himself in the last few games of the season.

2. St. Louis Rams
The Rams can't continue on with Marc Bulger and Trent Green as their top two QBs. If they go after Cassel in the offseason they can spend their high first round pick on an Offensive Lineman to protect their new QB and lead the way for a hopefully healthy Steven Jackson.

3. Detroit Lions
Another team with many needs. The Lions have been bad for so long that they as well might not want to wait for a rookie QB to develop. Why not make an attempt to get Cassel who can form a nice bond with stellar young Wideout Calvin Johnson. Daunte Culpepper has been serviceable, but is no longer an elite QB. The Lions can now use their #1 overall pick on an Offensive Lineman as well.

By the way, who would have thought Cassel would have a better season than Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, the two QBs that he backed up at USC?

Another year another BCS screwjob waiting to happen

2008-11-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

We haven't even gotten to bowl season yet, and already we've got the makings of another BCS nightmare on the horizon. This year it involves at least one party already familiar with BCS screwjobs (as it helped perpetrate one back in the 2004-05 season), Texas. As well as their conference stable mates Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Seems all 3 are likely to end the season tied. And it seems all three are left at the mercy of a BCS system that will decide their fates as the highest ranked team will win the Big 12 South.

So rather than doing something, ANYTHING to keep it in conference, or god forbid on the field, the Big 12 south is voluntarily going to let those whacky BCS computers and the accompanying easy to sway poll voters decide their fate. The coaches will all get out on their soap boxes, much like Texas did in 04 when they screwed the University of California out of a Rose Bowl berth, and plead their cases to the voters. Voters, by the way that already disagree with those computers I mentioned earlier and have already decided Oklahoma is better than Texas despite what Johnny 5 is telling them. We'll get to listen to days of self serving BS from 3 of the game's top coaches (which I'm sorry to say Texas Tech has already doomed you. I've heard Leach talk many times. I like the guy and think he's one of the games smartest minds, but he's a scatter brain when it comes to relaying thoughts into a verbal form. He won't be able to convince the pollsters of anything.).

And in the end this whole "contest" will be decided much like the presidential race, on popularity, nothing more. With the winner likely to head to the national championship if they win the Big 12.

Thank god the presidential race may finally have doomed the BCS in a roundabout way since we all know Barack Obama is a playoff man. Could it finally happen? Here's hoping because once again the BCS couldn't get through an entire season without some form of controversy...

Tony Parker's Rap Career mimicking the Spurs

2008-11-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

With the recent struggles of the Spurs I thought it would be fun to recount Tony Parker's singing career.

5-6 overall record.

2 Wins, 4 loses on the Road.

Tony stick to basketball you are averaging 27 points this year and are married to one of the hottest chicks on the planet.

Kornheiser Plugs Yardbarker.com on PTI

2008-11-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

For our good friends over at Yardbarker.com, this came from Wednesday's Pardon the Interruption broadcast.

You know you've hit the big time when Tony Kornheiser plugs your site to take a shot at Mike Wilbon.

Jon Fitch cut by UFC?!?!

2008-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Jon Fitch has reportedly been cut from the UFC for not signing an agreement that would give the UFC exclusive rights to his name and likeness for videogames. Fitch is one of the best welterweight fighters in the world and recently lost to George St. Pierre in August. Fitch showed a lot of toughness in the title fight as he lasted 5 rounds, but lost in a unanimous decision. Fitch was scheduled to fight Akihiro Gono at UFC 94 on January 31st, but for now it looks like he will have to continue his career elsewhere. This is rough news for both Fitch and UFC fans.

Why Kerry Collins is NOT the MVP!

2008-11-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

I really didn't think this article even needed to be written, but there are quite a few people out there who are arguing that Kerry Collins should be getting MVP consideration. Yeah he is the quarterback for the 10-0 Tennessee Titans, but he isn't even close to the best QB in the league and isn't even the best player on his own team. The Titans are lead by their running attack and their Defense, not their mediocre passing game.

Collins is 20th in the league in QB rating and 23rd in passing yards behind Gus "I headbutt walls" Frerotte. He only has 8 passing touchdowns, which is behind or tied with just about every other starting QB in the league. His 59% completion percentage is also a weak 23rd in the NFL. Yeah he manages the game well and only has 4 interceptions, but that hardly qualifies you for MVP. If people want to argue that the MVP should go to the best player from the best team, than they need to give the hardware to Albert Haynesworth. Big Albert is clearly the leader and best player on a stellar defense that has lead the Titans to an undefeated record so far.

So please people, stop arguing for Kerry Collins to get the NFL MVP award. It's borderline ridiculous!

Testing Network Bar Stuff

2008-11-19T16:15:00.001-08:00

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A's Owner Lew Wolff is GENIUS, Advocates 1-Game Playoffs

2008-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

According to this article from the Associated Press, Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff would prefer to shorten the first round of the MLB Playoffs from its current 5-game format to a balls-to-the-wall, do-or-die, bare-knuckle death match 1-game playoff.

I'd make it one-game-and-you're-out for the first series. It would be exciting. It would be great.

Damn skippy, Mr. Wolff. What red-blooded baseball fan doesn't like this idea? Who wasn't glued to their TV the past two years to watch the Colorado Rockies beat out the San Diego Padres for a playoff spot last year, or the White Sox rolling past the Minnesota Twins this year. Simply put, 1-game playoffs are the most exciting thing in sports - doesn't matter whether you're talking about basketball, football, soccer, or baseball. These long drawn-out series just aren't working anymore, especially in the earlier rounds - it's no secret that your typical sports nuts gets much more worked up in March and February than they do in October. Obviously, a first-round, 1-game playoff won't reach the level of excitement for the Super Bowl, but it sure would be a great excuse to play hooky from work or school.

While Bud Selig is unlikely to latch on to the idea, it's something that needs to be done, if nothing else to show that baseball still has a pulse and is in touch with its fans. Especially those of us with short-attention spans - the truth is, more kids these days are popping Ritalin, not Cracker Jack boxes. Baseball should react accordingly.

How Anthony Morrow ruined my night!

2008-11-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

And who the hell is this Anthony Morrow that I speak of? He's the new starting guard for the Golden State Warriors and he just followed up his 37 point performance against the lowly Clippers by dropping 25 on my beloved Blazers. He was an efficient 8-12 from the field while shooting 80% from behind the arc for the second straight game. How was this guy UNDRAFTED?!?!?! It wasn't like his points all came in the paint or on fast breaks. He continually made tough shots from the outside and crippled a tired Blazer team who finished a 5 game road trip. Not even Greg Oden's solid 22 point showing could lift the Blazers over the Morrow lead Warriors. I went to Oracle Arena tonight with so much hope and anticipation, only to be devastated by an undrafted rookie who most of the crowd didn't even know. F*%#!!!