Back to back National Champions…. 60 game win streak…. and Bill Russell. “The second best team in the country was USF’s second string”
Category Archives: Sports
Bang Football Cartoons
Where South Park meets the NFL. John Tayman, the creator of Bang Cartoons, has been making comical cartoons of our favorite players, coaches, announcers, and executives across the NFL since 2003. He writes, draws, and speaks for 99% of the characters in his cartoons. I have to say, I never envisioned Al Davis as a rapper! 
Plenty of players have come across his cartoons, even Terrell Owens and Kellen Winslow thought the skits making fun of their mishaps were funny. He started making the videos, because he felt that people take sports way to seriously! He wanted to lighten the mood, and show the mishaps of these sports figures when they aren’t placed up on the “pedistal”. Check some of them out they are pretty funny or atleast the ones from your favorite team!
13 Innings of the 25 Inning Marathon
The Texas Longhorns were part of the longest game in NCAA baseball history which lasted 25 innings. What was more amazing is that Austin Wood came in to the game as a reliever for Texas with one out in the 7th. He stayed in the game and threw 13 scoreless innings. He threw 12.1 innings without even giving up a hit. His final line was two hits, four walks, and fourteen strikeouts. He threw 169 pitches over the 13 innings. Wood also threw two scoreless innings the previous night! He logged another 30 pitches in that effort. After the game, Augie Garrido, Longhorns Coach, kept saying “He said he felt good, so we left him out there. He didn’t feel tired so we kept letting him pitch. He was unhittable.”
Now, I’m not an expert about how pitching arms work, but there is no way you can convince me that throwing nearly 200 pitches over two days isn’t a lot! That’s not including warmups in the bullpen and side work! He may have been on a roll, but would you risk some kids
future by overworking him in college? This kid sounds like he’ll at least have a shot in minor league ball, and who knows one day maybe make it up to the MLB. Would it be the coaches fault if this kid’s arm falls apart in a couple of years? I would probably blame myself if I was that coach! Who knows maybe he’s so old school of a coach he knows what he’s doing. I think he definitely should have had some type of moral responsibility for putting Wood’s future in front of the game at hand. Here’s the box for the game.
A New Era “Again” at Chelsea FC
Short and to the point for this post….Once again the future of Chelsea FC is at a crossroads. With one of the most anticlimactic managerial appointments in recent memory wrapping up today, Carlo Ancelotti takes the helm at Chelsea. As a long time supporter of Chelsea I have mixed feeling about this announcement. First on the positive side, Carlo’s European pedigree is first rate. Taking any club to three Champions League finals is no small task, and his ability to build cohesive teams with diverse world backgrounds is with out question. I’m particularly happy that the Chelsea hierarchy moved quickly and with great purpose to get Ancelotti on board as quickly as possible. With the news coming only two days after the FA Cup final (I almost called that score line in my previous post….anybody think goal line technology isn’t a must in football anymore?) maximum time is now given to Ancelotti to begin his squad shaping. Minimal moves are required really (let’s just assume right now Deco and Carvalho end up at Inter shall we?), the squad is strong up top, and has one of the fiercest center midfield’s in the world. Our back-line was tied for fewest goals conceded in the Premier league which suggests the continued partnership of Alex and Terry will be fine, the emergence of Branislav Ivanovicwas also a nice development towards the second half of the season. The immediate focus for Carlo should be addressing an attacking wing position; Malouda, Cole, and Kalou are solid pieces but a world class winger preferably with a strong left foot would be an ideal addition.
As for the negative side of this hire? Didn’t we just go down this road with a foreign coach less then a year ago? Who also lacked strong English skills and came from a completely different background of football? I know all about the argument of the differences of national team management compared to that of club, and how the comparisons between Scolari and Ancelotti really shouldn’t be drawn…..but I don’t care, this hire seems a tad to close to same mold and style of coach for me to be comfortable with. Marcel Desailly one of the legends of Chelsea is on record as early as last week voicing his concern on the potential hire that now has become reality. How quickly will Ancelotti adapt to the massive differences of Premier League play? How will he build a flowing brand of football that Roman Abramovich demands? Anybody who’s watched an AC Milan match quickly recognizes a methodical, build up style of soccer that may not be ideal for the fast paced, end to end action of English football. Which brings me to Ancelotti’s domestic league record. In eight years at AC Milan he can only point to one league title? With several second place and third place showings maybe this isn’t a huge deal, but is worth noting as a possible concern.
The Chelsea nation will be eagerly awaiting the launch of the World Football Challenge in July. Only questions and conjecture are left to ponder, as once again, Chelsea have a new face at The Bridge trying there hand at living up to the lasting impression of “The Special One” who still looms large. With Hiddinks recent successes, that task maybe impossible.
Do The Magic Have a Chance to Win the NBA Finals?
Howard put up 40 en route to a series clinching win on Saturday
Most would agree that the Orlando Magic have looked like the best team thus far in the NBA Playoffs. The problem is, that can, and often does, all change when you step on the court with the Lakers. Prior to Game 6, I was questioning whether Dwight Howard could be the centerpiece of an Orlando offense that seems to live, and occasionally die by the three. Saturday night, Howard proved he could be a force inside on more than just open dunks and second chance points. Even in doing so, however, the Magic still jacked up 29 three pointers. That’s great when they’re going in, but the problem with the Lakers is they will bury a team, more so than any other squad, when the threes are not falling. Look no further than Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets converted a fairly solid 8-19 from beyond the arc, but the missed attempts seemed to stand out. That is ultimately what did them in Friday night.
The Lakers have an uncanny ability to stick to their game plan. Thanks to the presence of Kobe Bryant – who I still can’t help but to concede is still the best player in the league – they never seem as flustered as anybody else. Even without any standout shooters of the same caliber as Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, Mickael Pietrus, and even Rafer Alston, they boast an impeccable balance of size, speed, length, and basketball IQ that it would be surprising if they lost more than two games in the upcoming series. Can the Magic match up with Bynum, Gasol, and Odom down low? I just can’t see that happening. What happens if Howard gets in foul trouble? I have a hard time seeing Gortat patrolling the paint and doing anything defensively to slow the Lakers on the block. I never thought I’d say this, but Adonal Foyle could be a key x-factor in the championship series. Problem is, Foyle has logged a total of 4 minutes the entire postseason. However, the Magic will need all the big bodies they have, and Stan Van Gundy doesn’t seem likely to call on Foyle off the bench. There’s probably a reason for that.
You won’t ever hear me call Phil Jackson the best coach in the league – I’m of the crowd who chalks his success up to having great players. But you can believe he will have his team defending the three-point arc without any lapses. The key guy in this series, and not many people would see this the same way, will be Courtney Lee. Lee has shown a supreme mastery of the ever popular mid-range jumper. With LA likely having one or two big men locked into the paint and the other guys firmly planted around the three-point line, it will be imperative for Lee to dominate the 15-20 foot area. The Magic must set an unofficial Finals record for most pump fakes and pull up jumpers to have any chance in this series. I just don’t know if guys like Turkogu and Pietrus will be able to stray from their three point dependancy.
THE KEY ASPECT I look to in the postseason is, for lack of a better word, swagger. What I mean by this is having players who have the mental toughness to go for the jugular and not get rattled when the other team is making a run. The Lakers have this. They always have. Sure, they’ve looked far from immortal this postseason, but we all know when it’s on the line, they’ll bring their A game. Any time you have Kobe on the floor with you, you know the game is always within reach and there’s no reason to panic or get scared. The Celtics were able to counter this thanks to the presence of Kevin Garnett. The Magic don’t have a guy like this. Looking up and down their roster, I don’t see many guys who can keep their composure when the Lakers are laying it on thick. I’ve seen guys like Turkoglu and Pietrus crumble in big situations. If Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony couldn’t do it, how can they? Orlando will need flawless execution and resiliancy to pull this one off. If they can survive the Staples Center and come away with a split, perhaps we can believe in them in a little bit. But there’s no way they will win a Game 5 or 7 in Los Angeles, so they definitely have their work cut out for them. Needless to say, I don’t see it happening.
Lakers in 4. ….maybe 5.
Might as well add 2009 to this
Amare Stoudemire Opting Out!
Well, it’s a 50-50 chance according to him. I’m giddy at the thought of the possible places he could land. I personally think if he did, he would be an amazing player back in the D’antoni system as he’s proved he can thrive with him as a coach before. It’s reported that he made a visit to 
Atlanta and Chicago as well. Personally, I think he needs to get out of Phoenix. Teaming him up with Rose, and an unselfish big man in Noah would make them a contender! There have been problems with Amare there since they acquired Shaq. I’m sure the Suns would let him, his fancy goggles, and his $17 million he’s set to make next year walk out the door to free agency if that’s what he wants. Since it’s such a large amount, I can’t see why he’d leave, unless he really does care about a winning championship, or if he finds a team that has a deal in place before he’s eligible! Here’s the article.
So, I have to add to the post now that I’m watching the Cavs play. Don’t you think they could really use a scoring big man for Lebron to throw lobs to, and make Dwight work a little harder on the defensive end? I searched through Cleveland’s upcoming off-season and what their cap will look like, and they have $13 million coming off the books from Szcerbiack, and $7 million coming off the book for Eric Snow’s expiring contracts. That’s plenty to lure the likes of goggle man!
I now believe that he may opt-out!
He said he heard it most from New York and Chicago, telling a Chicago station,Whatever team I go to, I hope they’re ready fora championship run.”
Just Pay These Kids Already
The ongoing NCAA investigation within Memphis has people questioning whether Derrick Rose’s SAT scores were legitimate when he was given his eligibility. There is no doubt in my mind that this has to be at least partially true, but we will see as the investigators finish their report. I also feel that Memphis probably turned the blind shoulder if they were in fact aware that someone did take Rose’s SAT test for him.
Rose taking Memphis on their march through the NCAA tournament was amazing, but even more amazing for the schools pocket book, and ability to recruit other top All-Americans. Well, everybody knows all of this, but since there now are many players like him are stopping through college for a “one and done” it makes for a tough case that they even were interested in the academic portion. They just want to shine enough in their one year to be drafted into the big show.
Another player in the same draft class, OJ Mayo, was charged with accepting gifts from agents in his high school years, which would make him ineligible for college. He had a great season and was a lottery pick, which is as good as hitting the lottery.
So far the NCAA has turned up nothing for either of the cases, and we all know that these types of things are happening over and over! Since the NBA decided to make these eligibility rules why didn’t they also create some system to give them some of the money that the school makes off of them? There are lots of student jobs that schools will pay their students for, so are they considered professionals if they are being paid for something related to their major? Sure, more than I’ll ever be in any of those fields… Is it out of the question to give a student athlete a job of playing a sport?!? Sure it would put some schools out of the running for the top rated players in the country, but isn’t that the way it is already! I’m not saying to give them millions to play in college. I’m saying that there needs to be a system to rate the top 50 high school basketball players on there way to a one year stint in the NCAA, and give them some type of incentive based salary. I know some alumni would definately donate a few extra bucks to get their former school the next Derrick Rose. Hell, I’m sure they already do!
WTF?? World Worst Dad
If he doesn’t win the award, he did give men 21 great reasons to wear condoms!
Manny for Homecoming King
Let the debate begin: Should Manny Ramirez represent the Dodgers and Major League Baseball in the 2009 All-Star game?
Who needs a hat??
No one can deny the talent Manny possesses, and the fact that he is a true All-Star of the game of Baseball. Few know of the work ethic he has established to maintain his legendary hand-eye coordination and balance in the batters box. He brings joy to so many with his antics and boyish love of the game. Even the critics have to laugh at the strange plays that develope more frequently around him than any other leftfielder in recent memory. Rarely do you see one outfielder go out of his way to get involved in a relay throw from another outfielder, or high-five fans at the wall in the middle of a double play. Rarely? How bout never. That’s just “Manny being Manny”, a prime example of the forgiveness he’s afforded.
And through all of the good times, there seems to be a strong continued support for Manny even now after a 50-game suspension for breaking the leaugue’s banned substance policy. No matter the broken hearts and the embarassing deconstruction of his own Section in Dodger Stadium, there is still an overriding majority of fans who support his cause. None of this is more evident than the fact that he trails Carlos Beltran for the third outfielder in All-Star voting by less than 35,000 votes as of today.
Manager Joe Torre expressed his position, saying he didn’t think Manny should take part if voted in. He also obliged that Manny would probably feel the same way at this point. So why does Manny continue to receive so many votes from his fans? It’s for the same reason Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds were such polarizing athletes in the media and in the fan’s homes: Persona. While Bonds and McGwire shunned the media and presented a holier-than-thou attitude for most of their careers (ok, McGwire lightened up a tiny bit at the end), Manny has always been the exact opposite.
In front of fans and the media, he has always played the role of an average Joe who happens to have an exceptional talent. Manny is jovial, he’s carefree, he’s so damn talented, and the fact of the matter is fans have and always will appreciate Manny. They continue to ignore the contract disputes and the back talk he’s become famous for while airing his disputes in the media. If nothing else, Manny is this: Popular. And let’s not forget the All-Star ballot is a popularity contest won over and over again by good players in big markets. The player with the better first half does not always win, and in no case (outside of farewell tours for retirees) will this be more evident than in 2009.
Manny being voted in this year will make for more fodder than journalists will be able to keep up with, and we are just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg. As a fan of Baseball and spectacle, Thank You Manny Ramirez for creating this ongoing debate for months to follow.
Manny completes a triple play, but gets credit for only two outs.
2009 FA Cup Preview: Chelsea vs. Everton
As the curtain comes down on another fantastic Premier League season, we are treated to the final act of the domestic season with the FA Cup final. As any soccer fan knows the FA Cup is the longest running tournament in world soccer, and with it brings considerable accolades should you hoist the trophy. It has an odd way of turning around a truly awful or disappointing season in 90 quick minutes. Just ask Portsmouth last year, or perhaps Arsenal in 05’ as the failed to win the Premier League but ousted Manchester United to pull a dismal season back on track. Over the last 20 years the list of finalists seems to drum up the same familiar names of English power houses. Manchester United lead the way with 9 final appearances, Arsenal 7, Liverpool 6, and Chelsea rounding out 5.
This year’s final brings back a familiar face with Chelsea FC looking to grab its sixth title in as many appearances, taking on a resurgent Everton football club who would love to stamp there emerging authority in English football with a trophy. In many ways this final represents two polar opposites within the Premier League. On one side you have mega rich Chelsea with resources and cash to address any need or desire. And on the other Everton, who with a lack of a large bank roll have had to grind away with smart buys, solid loans, a fantastic youth system, and gut wrenching sales (17 year Wayne being the most obvious example). This years Everton side although lacking in depth is full of talent we have been unaccustomed to seeing with past squads. Leading the charge is English work horse Leon Osman, swash buckling Tim Cahill, excellent Marouane Fellaini, and oft injured Louis Saha, and holding down a very impressive back line Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo (Phil Jagielka sits because of injury). If ever there was an Everton side ready to take home silverware and create a massive upset this just might be the team. On the opposite side towering Chelsea, brimming with confidence under the guidance of Guss Hiddink (SIGN HIM UP ROMAN!!!!). Still aggrieved over the stunning loss at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions Leagues semi’s, the FA Cup stands as the last opportunity for redemption in a other wise tumultuous season. Chelsea would appear to have a full squad at there disposal, with the only real question being the formation. Will Hiddink roll out a traditional 4-4-2 to accommodate both Anelka and Drogba upfront? Or will he continue to employ a 4-3-2-1 that might shift Anelka to the bench leaving Drogs up front? Both formations for Chelsea over the last three months have wielded tremendous results and neither can be faulted at this point.
With a wave of momentum that has out played Barcelona, Liverpool, and Juventus in Europe, and a 11-2-2 league record since February, Everton will have a massive mistake free 90 minutes to handle if they want to take a result. With a makeshift attack and Jo cup tied. Everton seem to be a player or two short for this match up. With a valiant effort and a short lived lead in the first half, Chelsea stretch there class in talent out to a 3-1 win, to take home there sixth FA Cup in six attempts.
Tall Asians Taking over the NBA
Ok, I lied. 7’9″ Sum Mingming might have a chance in the NBA, but I think he’d fare much better in a driveway game of Baseketball. I just can’t get over this guy’s size for some reason. Apparently, Sun Mingming had a brain tumor that pressed against his pituitary gland causing abnormal growth… More if you’re interested
Barcelona Reigns Supreme
Wednesday’s Champion’s League final was supposed to settle once and for all this year, who was the world best football club. That was question was resoundingly answered in the first 25 minutes as Barcelona stormed out of the gates with it’s trademarked flair and sweet passing abilities to put the more heralded Manchester United club on there back foot, cruising through the first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to cheeky Samuel Eto goal, as well as some equally horrendous defensive positioning from Nemanja Vidić. Things looked bleak.
Despite some emergency half time adjustments by Sir Alex Ferguson, brining on Carlos Tevez for the more defensive Anderson in midfield, the tide would not be turned. Manchester Untited seemed more then content to sit back and play behind the ball, playing directly into the hands of Barca, who had enough time with their possesion in the 2nd half to open up some pre-celebration champagne before passing again and moving up the field time and time again. Further attempts by Ferguson to stem the overwhelming tide of Barca’s domination made little difference; Dimitar Berbatov’s introduction to match on 60 minutes did little more the push United slightly more up field. The end result of United attempts to find a equalizer was only to open more space for Messi who slotted home a beautiful header with 20 minutes remaining putting the game out of reach. It must be said that the real weakness in United’s play was there inability to hold possession, there passing was not of the caliber that brought home there 11th domestic title this season. Messi, Henry, Xavi, and Iniesta (man of the match) completely dominated there United counter parts in this department.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the title of the “world’s best football club” never looked more fitting to be bestowed upon Barcelona. All areas of there performance were master class; this is a squad that looks ready to hold on to their new and well deserved title for years to come. For many clubs aspiring to the same heights, it might be time to go back to drawing board. Barcelona F.C. isn’t going anywhere anytime soon on the world stage.
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