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Can You Blame Him?
Thursday, July 09, 2009
President Obama, in an effort to increase his popularity rating among me and other warm-blooded males in the world, did this today:
Name Me A Worst Big 12 Program
Than this school:
And it pains me to say it.
Iowa State is THE ONE SCHOOL in the conference that's hard to hate. The fans have always been nice to me, whether it was in Ames or in Kansas City for the Big 12 basketball tournament.
But what has your school done in the past five years?
Even Baylor's done more. They've made an NCAA Tournament in men's basketball; their football program would finish third in the Big 12 North this season and they've won a women's basketball national title.
Meanwhile – completely stealing a take from one of my boys – Iowa State had the worst firing in conference history when Dan McCarney was fired a few years back. He only had four winning seasons after taking over that abortion of a football program.
What has Greg McDoormat done for Iowa State? Yes – he doesn't have talent. But it's not like Tim Floyd or Larry Eustachy (Hell –Wayne Morgan, too) had difficulty recruiting talent there or keeping it in Ames.
Other than McCarney's football teams and Larry Eustachy's turtlenecks, Iowa State has absolutely brought nothing to the table.
Is Zack Greinke Wearing Down?
Over the last 45 innings, Zack Greinke's allowed 20 earned runs, enough for a 4.00 ERA.
While Greinke's first seven or eight starts spoiled Royals fans in terms of expectations, there's some reason to be concerned.
He's a hard thrower, which could punish his arm if he throws too many pitches. A few statistics on his pitch counts this season:
• Seven games with 110 pitches
• 10 games with 105 pitches
• Averaging about 100 pitches each start
Along with allowing more base hits, Greinke's control has been off a little bit, walking three in his last 12 innings of action.
After seeing pitchers like Mark Pryor and Kerry Wood have arm troubles after beginning their careers with outstanding seasons, I just hope Greinke's not heading towards the same path.
Still, it's worth asking yourselves if pushing Greinke one extra inning each start from earlier this season was costly. Running him out for the seventh inning against Arizona comes to mind. The game was probably lost, but that didn't stop Trey Hillman.
He threw 115 pitches that night and probably around 20 in that inning.
Should Greinke have been pushed earlier this season. Should Joakim Soria have been used to close down the final inning in his complete games? It's worth asking. Strikeout numbers – Wednesday aside – have been down, too.
Darren Freaking Sproles
Watched a replay of the 2003 Kansas State-Nebraska game tonight, where Kansas State prevailed 38-9 in its first victory in Lincoln since 1968.
Darren Sproles, who is a fun player to watch for the San Diego Chargers, was an amazing college football player at Kansas State. While shorter in stature than most prolific running backs, Sproles was not afraid to take on a big hit and if he was one-on-one with a linebacker, night-night.
He was not afraid to take on Nebraska's linebackers, who were pretty good back then and deserved the "Blackshirts" name. He carried two Cornhuskers into the end zone for his touchdown early in the game.
My memory of Sproles in person was when he ran for a billion yards (OK – just 273 yards) against Missouri in 2003. A game recap from ESPN. It was fun in Manhattan that night as a Tigers fan – you knew what was coming, but Sproles still ran it down the Tigers' throats.
New Rule
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Never, ever bet against your own team, whether it be for money, props or pride.
One of my four best friends in the world will disagree with me big time on this, but it's akin to Pete Rose betting against the Cincinnati Reds or the Chicago White Sox throwing the 1919 World Series.
I had an opportunity to win a 12-pack of beverages if I bet against Zack Greinke tonight. He got shelled in the first three innings and the Kansas City Royals fell against to the Detroit Tigers.
But I didn't take that bet. It just feels dirty. Admittedly, I have been guilty of this – I made a financial bet that Memphis would defeat Missouri in the 2009 Sweet 16.
Never was I so happy to lose $10.
Death And Hyperbole
In some ways, death is one of the biggest career moves we can make.
This was reinforced to me while I was watching the Michael Jackson Memorial. Yes – I caught about 60 percent of it and missed out on the other 40 percent because of an important business meeting.
Two moments that will stand out to me (other than the daughter breaking down, which was sad) was Al Sharpton crediting Jackson for the election of Barack Obama and Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson crediting Jackson for making it possible for them to play in the NBA.
Huh?
Look – there was a human side to Michael Jackson and he was huge on the world level in music. He sold 750 million records-albums-CDs and made a fortune. He is arguably this generation's Elvis or Lennon. He was a genius from day one and nothing should be taken away from him on that front.
All races were fans of him, too.
But is he really responsible for Obama? If Jackson "opened the doors" for Obama, why wasn't Jesse Jackson or Colin Powell ever elected president? I know Powell didn't run. Somehow, I think Obama was elected president because he ran a solid campaign, Americans wanted something different and he inspired millions. (I'm saying that as someone who didn't vote for him in November)
Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson did not play for the Lakers because of Michael Jackson. They played because they can dominate. Johnson is the greatest basketball player in history, while Kobe is the best player in the NBA right now.
I'm pretty sure that Johnson succeeded in the NBA because he knew how to shoot the ball, rebound it and run the best fast-break offense in the history of the NBA. I'm also pretty sure Kobe's a STUD in the NBA because he's got ice water in the veins, not because of Michael Jackson moonwalking.
President Kennedy received a similar treatment when he died. Somehow, he's responsible for Civil Rights passing, although it passed long after he died. He's also credited for attempting to end the Vietnam War, although he sent the first 16,000 troops to Indochina.
Somehow when I die in the next 80 years, I hope I'm credited for the development of The Legends at Village West, since I covered it and worked as a newspaper reporter at the time.
Joakim Soria's Future: Starting Rotation Or Trade Him
The Kansas City Royals should either plan to move Joakim Soria to the starting rotation next year or trade him to a contender before this year's trade deadline.
A quick review on why Soria should be moved to the Royals' starting rotation, if they indeed do not trade him:
• He's got four pitches. A fastball, slider, curve-ball and change-up. Four pitches is enough for a starting pitcher in the major leagues.
• He doesn't throw hard. While his fastball has movement and some velocity, it's not like he throws 96 every other pitch. He won't wear down quick.
• A starting pitcher is more valuable than a closing pitcher, especially on an average team like the Royals. A starter who wins 15 or 16 games with a 3.65 ERA is still more valuable than a closer who gets 36 saves. A Greinke-Meche-Bannister-Soria rotation doesn't look too bad, does it? Greinke's the stud, Bannister the "get the guys out" pitcher, Meche is velocity guy and Soria can get guys out with four pitches.
• If the move fails, move him back to the bullpen.
• He's thrown a perfect game outside of the MLB.
• Staying in the bullpen did not help his injury bug. Plus, wouldn't pitching every other fifth day be better than pitching three straight days and then not at all for a week or every other day? A consistent schedule would help Soria get over the hump with injuries.
Let's stick on that point.
The reason why the Royals should trade him if they don't move him to the starting rotation is his availability.
If they can trade him for two outstanding minor league products and someone who can play everyday, you have to consider it and probably do it. If the Royals are able to get a quality shortstop or a solid outfielder who's ready to play now, along with one stud prospect, that trade probably needs to happen.
A closer right now for the Royals is not valuable at all.
A starting outfielder and a "shortstop of the future" would be valuable. Then again, a second or third starter would be even more valuable and I could see Soria really excelling as a starter.
I hope the Royals don't view Soria as a 10-year closer. It's a waste of his talent.
New Ratings: Is 610 Catching Up?
Bottom Line Communications has a report on the most recent ratings book of Kansas City radio. The most significant item for sports fans is the ratings competition between 810 and 610.
In sports talk, WHB-810 finished in a three-way tie for tenth place at 3.8, which was down significantly from its 4.3 in the Winter book.The ratings gap is closing between 810 and 610. But how much does that have to do with the Kansas City Royals being on 610? Or are the new lineup changes at 610 bringing in numbers?
Rival sports station KCSP finished in the 18th spot in this book with a 2.5 rating, its highest in more than a year and a major increase from a 1.6 rating it notched in the Winter book.
Whatever it is, it's good news. Competition in any industry brings a better product and hopefully this is a message to both radio stations. Read more...
Give Me A Better Athlete
Than this guy:
What if wins the Tour De France again? It'll be the greatest meltdown in France since the blitzkrieg crushed France like a dove in 1940.
Random Fact Of The Week
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Was digging up research and discovered that although he is a perennial .320 hitter that hits 35 HR and 120 RBI on average each season, Manny Ramirez has never won an MVP award.
Before he was busted with "performance enhancers," many believed he was the best hitter in the past 15 years. But yet, no MVP award.
Hernandez vs. Pena, Jr. On Defense
Looking at the story concerning the Royals designating Luis Hernandez for assignment, this portion of the story stood out:
Although Pena is batting just .091, the Royals consider him a better defensive shortstop than Hernandez. Both players were out of options.Really? Believe it or not, Tony Pena, Jr. has his share of defenders. When questioned about why he's on the team, they say "defense" and "defense specialist."
But when you look at the numbers, Hernandez has the better statistics, albeit admittedly in a limited sample.
A look:
• 2007: Pena had 23 errors in 150 games. His fielding percentage that season was .966.
• 2008: In just 94 games, Pena committed nine errors. Again, the fielding percentage was .966.
• 2009: In 34 games and 13 starts, Pena has committed four errors, with a fielding percentage of .947.
• For Hernandez, he's made seven errors in 71 career games, including 52 errors. While the sample is admittedly small, his career fielding percentage is .975. In 12 starts this season, he's made just one error compared to Pena's four in 13 starts.
Again, it remains befuddling on why TPJ is on this team. It's not like Hernandez is an All-Star but my God, he's better offensively and defensively. Read more...
Offensive Production At The Shortstop Position
The Kansas City Royals' offense has been stagnant, to say the least.
However, offensive production at the shortstop position could be among the worst in Major League Baseball history. Yes – you read that right. I have no numbers that validate this, as I really don't want to spend time digging up numbers from the past 120 years of baseball.
Still, it's tough for me to imagine any team topping this quad of shortstop starters this season
• Willie Bloomquist: .284, 2 HR and 18 RBI
• Mike Aviles: .183 BA, 1 HR and 8 RBI
• Luis Hernandez: .202 BA, 0 HR and 2RBI
• Tony Pena, Jr. : .091, 0 HR and 1 RBI
Crunching the averages, the shortstop position has probably offered a sub-.200 average, 3 homers and 29 RBI. Bloomquist doesn't play SS full-time, as he spent part of it in right field during the season.
With Jose Guillen possibly getting injured yet again tonight, it may move Bloomquist back to RF for the time being, meaning we'll get the Big Bat of TPJ starting once again.
That's why the Royals should consider jumping in the Escobar sweepstakes. He's in his mid-20's and would dramatically improve the shortstop position.
Bruce Chen
Is who we thought he was.
He's the latest guy that Kansas City Royals fans fell in love with after two or three good games.
It reminds me of when Tony Pena, Jr. made a few nice defensive plays in his first career major league games. How did that turn out?
Still, he has a 35-40 career record with a 4.62 ERA. Most of his career he's came out of the bullpen and his ERA is still well above the league average. Tonight, we had a reality check as Detroit had softball practice for about two hours.
Several Royals fans were excited about him after two starts in which he did not allow a ton of runs. Add him in the line up Sidney Ponson and Kyle Davies as pitchers who are unreliable in the five spot.
Top 10 Personal Heartbreaking Sports Losses
While re-working a list of the ten biggest heartbreaking losses in Kansas City sports history, it appeared to me that many of the losses did not occur in my lifetime, nor did they really affect me.
Before getting to that post, I thought I would share my top ten list.
10. 2002 Western Conference Finals Game 7 – Detroit 7, Colorado 0
I would argue there was no better rivalry in professional sports from 1996-2003 than the Colorado Avalanche-Detroit Red Wings NHL clash.
It seems like each year they played in the playoffs during this stretch and for the most part, Colorado had the upper hand, most notably in 1996 when they knocked off arguably the best Red Wings team in history.
That's why this one hurt. Looking at the score, it's tough to understand why this would be categorized as a heartbreaker.
But it came against the Detroit Red Wings during the time when I hated those bastards unlike any other team in sports. It would be like Missouri losing to KU by 50 in the Final Four. Or by 40 in football. My Avs were embarrassed in front of the hockey-watching world by the Soviet Union of hockey.
9. 2008 Border War Football – Reesing to Meier
Any Mizzou or Kansas fan who say this rivalry only matters when there's something on the line should get smacked across the face. This is the rivalry in the Midwest and losing to KU in the fashion Missouri did last season was a kick to the groin.
I said nothing walking out of Arrowhead that cold afternoon, while listening to Kansas fans celebrate like they won the national title. Just a brutal loss to end a great football game.
8. Jermaine Dye Traded
Look, the Royals have stunk for the most part since I became a sports fan. So there's no series or heartbreaking playoff losses to be included here.
But to me, the Dye trade symbolized the worst about the Royals during the 1990s. The team traded an All-Star stud for Neifi Perez. That's right – him. The Royals did not get a premier minor leaguer or any young talent.
We got Neifi. On top of that, Dye's my favorite Royals hitter of the past 12 years and my third favorite behind Zack Greinke and Joakim Soria overall. That trade killed me.
7. Oklahoma State Ends Mizzou's National Title Hopes
While only a regular season game, the loss in Columbia to Oklahoma State killed the Tigers' national title hopes and effectively ended their season.
The Cowboys ripped the heart out of Tiger Nation that night, as the Mizzou offense dominated statistically but could never punch it in.
They turned the ball over a ton that night. I'm convinced that if they win this game, the Tigers finish the season at 12-2, losing to just Texas and Oklahoma in competitive games.
Missouri – especially Chase Daniel – never recovered from this game.
6. A Kansas High School Basketball Game
I can't go into who was involved because of my job covering high school sports. However, you know who you are.
5. Missouri-Oklahoma '07 Big 12 Championship Game
The Tigers were one game away from playing in the national championship. After a great first half against Oklahoma (the score was tied at 14), Oklahoma and its head coach – Satan – dominated the Tigers.
This one's excruciating because waiting in the wings were the Ohio State Buckeyes. If Missouri wins this game, they win the national title. Instead, MU goes down and gets screwed by the BCS.
4. Missouri-Oklahoma '02 Elite Eight
Again – Oklahoma was Mizzou's thorn in the side.
Clarence Gilbert played with an injured hand and was unable to overcome it, making just one shot from the field in the game. Arthur Johnson and others missed a ton of free throws in the game.
And the Tigers lost just by six. If Missouri wins this game, they play Indiana in the Final Four. Although Indiana beat Oklahoma a week later in Atlanta, it was a favorable match-up for Mizzou, which would have set up an intriguing game with Maryland (or Kansas) in the title game.
3. The Tuck Rule Game
Confession – during my high school years, I was a HUGE Oakland Raiders fan.
After dominating the New England Patriots in the 2002 AFC Divisional in Foxboro, the Patriots benefit from one of the worst calls (or rules) in sports as Tom Brady clearly got away with fumbling the ball.
Al Davis, being the owner of the Raiders, is a thorn in the side of the NFL.
This has always made me suspicious of officiating when the Raiders are playing a big game. Was the game rigged? Probably not – but I've thought long and hard about it.
The league's reaction to this helped turn off the NFL for me. They did not even address the stupidity of the rule or even acknowledge the controversy.
It happened to be Jon Gruden's last game in SIlver and Black and the Raiders have never been the same.
2. Mizzou-UCONN, 2009 Elite Eight
I took no loss harder than this one.
There was no heartbreaking ending, unlike the top "moment" in this list. Nor was it Missouri blowing an opportunity as a huge favorite to go deep.
Instead, it hurt me because of the team that lost. The '09 basketball team brought back pride to the program after years of embarrassment under Quin Snyder, Ricky Clemons and The Floyds.
This team was all class and it overachieved unlike any other I've ever seen as a Mizzou fan. The team fought hard in every game, even when they were down big. They fought UCONN like hell despite having a fraction of the talent and size the Huskies did.
They came-back multiple times in the game, but could never get over the hump.
1. THIS:
Just missing the cut:
• Colorado-Missouri 1990: Losing on a fifth down is never easy to deal with, but there wasn't much at stake in the game for the Tigers.
• Nebraska-Missouri 1997: One of the unluckiest losses in history. It just missed the cut....it's in the Top 10 if I wasn't a fan of every sport.
• Kansas State-Texas A&M 1998: This is on the top of all Wildcats' fans list. But I actually pulled for the Wildcats to do it. It would have hurt Kansas and Missouri if K-State won the national title that year. But it was a great story and I pulled for it to happen.
• The Royals signing Mike Sweeney to a long-term deal: I never was a fan of Sweeney and signing him over Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye or Johnny Damon upsets me to this day.
• The Colorado Rockies getting swept against Boston: Not really heartbreaking, but the Rocks are my favorite team in the NL due to my time in Denver. Will always pull for them unless if they play the Royals in the World Series.
Tony Pena, Jr. Still On The Team
The Royals have 10 days to put Hernandez on waivers, trade him or release him. Moore did not rule out offering Hernandez a Minor League contract if he went unclaimed by another club on waivers.This is the eighth wonder of the world, my friends.
The choice to reduce the roster basically came down to Hernandez and shortstop Tony Pena Jr. Although Pena is batting just .091, the Royals consider him a better defensive shortstop than Hernandez. Both players were out of options.
Look – Luis Hernandez is not Babe Ruth or even Ozzie Smith offensively. But he isn't Tony Pena Jr. When the Royals played during interleague, I was more confident the pitcher would get on base than TPJ.
And it's not like TPJ is a great, great defender either. I can't think of one-game saving play he's made with the glove ever. He's a fine defender, but not Gold Glove caliber. Read more...
Why Minnesota Takes The A.L. Central
With the Kansas City Royals eight games back of the A.L. Central lead nearing the All-Star Break, I thought I would predict the eventual winner of the division.
The Minnesota Twins will win the division and will win it by at least four games. Why?
• The Twins have played 22 games against the American League East, which is eight more than the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. The Twins get most of their east schedule out of the way. By the way, the A.L. East is the best division in baseball. It's not close, either. The Sox and Tigers have the meat of that division in the second half, as well. A lot of Minnesota's remaining games are against Baltimore.
• The Twins have played an A.L. Central low 26 games against other teams in the division. The Tigers have played 29 so far, while the White Sox have played 35.
• The Twins play the Kansas City Royals 13 more times, which is more than the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. Playing the Royals mostly in the second half is God's Gift to the Twins.
• Minnesota's playing a lot better on the road. After an atrocious start, the Twins have played their last 20 road games at an 11-9 clip. With the awesome home-field advantage they have, playing better on the road only helps them.
• Have you seen Minnesota's lineup, particularly its 3-4-5 hitters? THEY ARE STUDS.
• Francisco Liriano is pitching better. In six starts last month, the Twins were 5-1 with him on the mound. He was 2-1 in those games. In every single game, he lowered his ERA and has shaved off 1.20 runs. He's a good pitcher and he's beginning to rebound.
• Minnesota has made the second fewest amount of errors in the American League and the third lowest amount of errors in the entire league, with only Toronto and Philadelphia committing fewer errors. While offense helps a team and is very important, defense solidifies it a title contender.
Quite frankly, I'm concerned more with the Chicago White Sox than Detroit Tigers. I think Chicago has superior pitching to both of those teams, albeit a slight advantage over Minnesota.
Gordon Lighting It Up
OK – it's only one game. But it appears Alex Gordon has wasted no time in getting back to work in the minors. Four RBI is certainly not a bad start for a rehab stint.
Gordon, the Kansas City Royals' usual third baseman, started at third base for Northwest Arkansas in a 14-4 victory at Corpus Christi. A 16-hit attack rallied the Naturals from a 4-0 deficit. Gordon played a big part with two singles and four RBI in four at-bats before leaving the game in the seventh inning.Meanwhile, a TV station out of Omaha did an interview with Gordon and produced a video report. It can be viewed (and read) here. Read more...
Northwest Arkansas trailed 4-0 when Gordon drove in the Naturals' first run with a third-inning RBI groundout to second. The Naturals scored four more times in the inning, capped by David Lough's three-run home run.
Gordon added an RBI single in the fourth and a tworun single in the fifth. His presence will be welcomed in the Naturals' dugout and clubhouse. Gordon, recovering from an early-season hip injury, is expected to be with Northwest Arkansas for about 10 days.
Carnac
A: O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, Miguel Olivo
Q: Name three people who leave gloves in wrong positions.
HI-OOOOOOOOOO!!!
Read more...
Q: Name three people who leave gloves in wrong positions.
HI-OOOOOOOOOO!!!
Let The Recruitment Of Fetuses Commence!
Monday, July 06, 2009
I'm late on this story, but the University of Tennessee football team received an oral commitment from a 13-year-old who has not even entered high school yet.
Yet everyone seems so surprised that Evan Berry, the 13-year-old brother of star Tennessee safety Eric Berry, has committed to play for the Volunteers as the first member of the class of 2013.There's nothing illegal or unethical about this. However, the recruiting process beginning in middle school seems bothersome to me. This isn't the first case; Bill Self said he recruited Xavier Henry for "six year" during last week's non-sense episode with the Henry Brothers.
However, cases like these open up a question: When is it too early to recruit? If a kid slings a spiral during recess in fourth grade, will Gary Pinkel, Mark Mangino or Bill Snyder show up and offer a letter of intent?
Without being sarcastic, this is also another example of how important recruiting is, especially in college football and especially in the SEC. Read more...
Let's Make A Deal
Reading more information out of Atlanta concerning Yunel Escobar, there's interest for the Atlanta Braves to move him.
How about this trade:
The Kansas City Royals send Mark Teahen and Juan Cruz to Atlanta for Escobar and Jeff Francoeur.
The deal would give the Royals a future shortstop with Escobar, who's in his mid-20s. It would allow the Braves to part ways with Francoeur, who might need a change of environment to help his career. I'm not thrilled with Francoeur, but trading just Teahen won't be enough in order to land Escobar.
Taking the contract will.
Cruz has a very good history in the National League and would bolster Atlanta's bullpen. The Royals' weakest position is shortstop and the trade would provide the Royals a full-time starter.
Memo To MU, KU Football Fans
Stop asking for respect from the national press or pundits – you haven't earned it yet.
A lot of pissy fans on both sides of the border concerning Phil Steele's predictions of KU finishing fourth place in the Big 12 North and Mizzou finishing fifth.
Neither team has earned the right for national respect yet.
Missouri needs to prove that it can play a Big 12 South power without getting butchered. While winning the Big 12 North twice is nice, it is the Big 12's 4A conference, while the South is 5A or 6A. A top-five finish was important for the program, but we're still not USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU or anyone.
Don't expect the national press to be gaga with us. And quite frankly, I could care less about the national respect Missouri gets. It's an up-and-coming program and I'm thrilled that it's in good shape.
Kansas needs to finish higher in the Big 12 North than Missouri or a Bill Snyder-coach Kansas State team before pumping out the "Respect Card." With the Jayhawks featuring more weapons on offense than the 1998 Minnesota Vikings, perhaps this is the magic year when the Jayhawks win the North.
Both schools' fanbases have no business flashing the Respect Card. Do something. Beat a top five team...you know...other than each other. Beat a Texas or Oklahoma.
College Football's Biggest Fraud
The last three or four years, there's been this circle of vultures hanging over Jim Tressel and Ohio State for not "winning the big one." For whatever reason, Ohio State's been given the label of college football's biggest choker.
However, you have to go a little more south to find the coach with that label.
The biggest underachiever in college football resides in Norman, Oklahoma and his name is Bob Stoops. While Bob has received some heat, Tressel's still considered a worse coach and a bigger fumbler in big games than Stoops.
Three things about Bob Stoops:
1. Did "The Vest" ever lose to Boise State, West Virginia and USC by 45 points in major bowl games?
2. If beating Mizzou in the Big 12 Championship game is his best accomplishment in the past five years, that's NOT GOOD. Give me a bigger win for Stoops since 2004 than when Oklahoma knocked off Mizzou when they were #1. I can't think of one.
3. And here's a controversial statement: Bob Stoops has done nothing without Mike Stoops. Mike Stoops was the genius of that staff.
That's where this post will pick up. Mike Stoops was the best defensive coordinator in college football from 1999-2003 prior to taking the Arizona job.
Ponder these numbers, Big 12 fans.
• During Mike Stoops' five years at Oklahoma, the Sooners were 4-1 against the Texas Longhorns. Both teams were incredibly talented during those games. A very little talent gap, if any. Since Mike left OU, Bob Stoops is 2-3 against Texas, including allowing 45 points or more in two games. From 99-03, Oklahoma won games by the scores of 63-14, 14-3, 35-24 and 65-13. Mike Stoops OWNED Texas.
• Kansas State just flat out destroyed Oklahoma in the 2003 Big 12 Championship the game after Mike Stoops took the job in Arizona. You think there wasn't a hangover?
• In five seasons at Oklahoma, Mike Stoops' defenses allowed nine 30-point games. In five years since he left, Oklahoma's defense has allowed 30 points 16 times. Four of those games for Mike Stoops occurred in year one, which means his teams allowed six 30-point games after a rough first year.
• Oklahoma's bowl record was 3-1 with Mike Stoops, 1-4 without Mike Stoops. Oklahoma was 1-0 in national title games with Mike Stoops; 0-3 without him.
• Starting in 1999, Mike Stoops' defenses allowed 19 PPG, 15 PPG, 13 PPG, 15 PPG and 13 PPG in 2003 respectively. Since 2004, the Sooners defense has allowed 17 PPG, 23 PPG, 17 PPG, 20 PPG and 25 PPG last season.
• During Mike Stoop's time as defensive coordinator, Oklahoma was 55-9. Since he left, they are 54-15. That's still sick and outstanding, but the defense isn't nearly as scary as it was earlier this decade.
For Big 12 fans – especially those in Texas orange – you better hope Mike Stoops succeeds in Arizona. If he comes back to Oklahoma after being fired, be afraid. He isn't a great head coach, but he's arguably the best defensive coordinator in Big 12 history.
Forget "Big Game Bob." Remember "Monster Game Mike."
Royals Trade For Ryan Freel
Print your playoff tickets, baby!
The Cubs have traded infielder Ryan Freel to the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later. Freel was designated for assignment on July 2nd when Jeff Baker was acquired from Colorado.Information on Freel:
In 14 games with the Cubs he batted .143 (4 for 28) with one run scored and one RBI. He was originally acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Joey Gathright on May 8.
• He's a lifetime .269 hitter with 22 HR and 119 RBI.
• He's played a good amount of time in the outfield, second base and third base.
• He appears to be a pretty good defender no matter what position he plays.
This trade makes me believe the Royals are setting up for another trade. They acquire depth at second and third base in the infield, which could make a Mark Teahen trade happen.
Not comparing the two players at all, but Freel could be placed on third base prior to Alex Gordon's return and than be shipped out to centerfield, removing Mitch Maier from the everyday lineup. That never sucks.
Consider this a first domino in series of transactions for the Royals. Read more...
SI: Soria Off Block, Bannister Being "Pushed"
If there's one pitcher the Kansas City Royals appear very interested in trading, it's Brian Bannister.
Sports Illustrated is reporting today three important Royals trading nuggets: That Joakim Soria will not be traded, the Royals are reluctant to trade Gil Meche and Brian Bannister is "being pushed" by the Royals.
The Royals, despite all their issues, have several pitchers that interest teams. Their closer, Joakim Soria, would be of particular interest in a market devoid of closers or even exceptional setup men. But so far the Royals have resisted any temptation.Because of salary, production and health, I've maintained that Bannister's the most valuable Royal to trade (other than Zack Greinke) from the pitching staff.
It also appears that the Royals are reluctant to trade Gil Meche, though the Phillies have been connected to Meche.
The one pitcher the Royals seem willing to move appears to be right-hander Brian Bannister. According to one competing executive, in fact, they are "pushing Bannister.''
With Soria off the board, it appears Bannister is the most likely to be traded. Still, it disappointments me that the Royals are reluctant to trade Gil Meche. Meche will probably not be on the team in the next three years.
If teams are interested, why not at least float out that possibility? Read more...
Why Greinke Should Still Start All-Star Game
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Zack Greinke lost his last start, falling to 10-4 on the season. The four losses look ugly, especially compared to Roy Halladay's 10-2 record.
However, Greinke should still start the All-Star Game for the American League in a couple of weeks.
• His ERA is nearly 0.8 points lower than Roy Halladay. Greinke's ERA is 2.00, while Halladay's ERA is 2.79. The ERA number is more significant than wins, in my opinion, and the number belongs to Greinke and quite easily.
• Halladay plays a team that can hit the ball; Greinke doesn't. Greinke's run support is the third worst in baseball at 4.68. Halladay's run support? It's 7.53, which is 24th best for anyone who's pitched 80 or more innings. Greinke's ranking was 93rd, nearly 70 spots below. How good would Greinke's record be with three more runs of support. I would say 13-2 at least.
• Greinke's SO/BB ration is slightly better in more innings pitched. Greinke's ratio is over 6:1, while Halladay's just under 6:1. Greinke's struck out 22 more batters than Halladay has.
• Greinke has more complete games, shutouts and more innings pitched than Halladay.
• Greinke's WHIP is 1.05; Halladay's is 1.09.
• The game's in Missouri and Greinke pitches a lot of his games in Missouri. Halladay pitches in America's 51st State.
Seriously, Greinke's better in EVERY STATISTIC other than losses. And remember – he plays on the Kansas City Royals.
Todd Reesing's Blindside
Will be protected by someone who's changed positions two or three times? I guess he's the Mark Teahen of KU football!
More on Tanner Hawkinson:
Two weeks before the Kansas football team began its 2009 spring season, head coach Mark Mangino called redshirt freshman defensive end Tanner Hawkinson into his office.
The coaches had decided to move Jeremiah Hatch to his more natural position of center. That meant there was a void at left tackle on the offensive line and the team needed Hawkinson to fill it.
This meant the first-year Jayhawk would need to learn a different position on the other side of the football.
For the many KU football fans who just became interested in football seven days ago, here's why the left tackle position is crucial:
The left tackle position also comes with a little more pressure than tight end or defensive end. Quarterback Todd Reesing is right-handed, which means Hawkinson is in charge of protecting his blindside. That responsibility is not lost on Hawkinson.I know Mark Mangino has the coaching ability of Vince Lombardi, Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells all combined, but this is a bit of a scary proposition for KU fans.
“I’m confident in myself and I’m still improving over the summer,” Hawkinson said. “I also have the other offensive linemen helping me a lot. I think by the time the season starts I will be confident enough to take on the challenge. With someone like me who has never played left tackle, I think there is a little added pressure.”
Isn't it?
Maybe the crazy predictions of KU not winning the Big 12 North aren't exactly crazy. Left tackle's a crucial position on the field. Then again, someone has to win the Big 12's Junior Varsity division.
Read more...
Comparing Kansas City's Offense To Central Rivals
Royals fans know how much the offense has struggled this season. These numbers of each A.L. Central team's 3-4-5 hitters (or best three offensive players, as Detroit's rotated quite a bit) indicate how bad the Royals are compared to the rest of the division.
Kansas City Royals
Billy Butler .289, 7 HR, 34 RBI
Jose Guillen .241, 8 HR, 34 RBI
Mark Teahen .292, 9 HR, 29 RBI
TOTAL: 24 HR, 97 RBI (NOTE: Miguel Olivo could be substituted in, but his 34 RBI are not exactly thrilling. It would push KC's RBI total to 102. Celebrate good times!)
Chicago White Sox
Jermaine Dye .291, 20 HR, 51 RBI
Jim Thome .251, 13 HR, 43 RBI
Paul Konerko .295, 13 HR, 50 RBI
TOTAL: 46 HR, 144 RBI
Minnesota Twins
Joe Mauer .389, 14 HR, 45 RBI
Justin Morneau .323, 21 HR, 69 RBI
Jason Kubel .302, 13 HR, 42 RBI
TOTAL: 48 HR, 156 RBI
Detroit Tigers
Miguel Cabrera .323, 16 HR, 47 RBI
Brandon Inge .269, 19 HR, 54 RBI
Curtis Granderson .256, 18 HR, 43 RBI
TOTAL: 53 HR, 144 RBI
Cleveland Indians
Victor Martinez .303, 14 HR, 57 RBI
Shin-Soo Choo .301, 12 HR, 53 RBI
Grady Sizemore .231, 11 HR, 44 RBI
TOTAL: 37 HR, 154 RBI
One more bonus stat for just display how awful the Royals' heart of the lineup is:
Albert Pujols .336, 31 HR, 82 RBI
He has seven more home runs than the Royals' 3-4-5 hitters and is only 15 RBI short of the combined total.
The Only Thing Pioli Wins This Season
ESPN named Scott Pioli its "Personnel Man of the Decade" last week during the Web site's special All-Decade team.
While the record looks good, it'll be interesting if he could do it without The Hoody, who is a coaching legend.
The Patriots compiled an NFL-best 102-42 (.708) regular season record, won Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX, claimed the Lamar Hunt Trophy four times as the AFC Champion and won six AFC East titles during his tenure with New England. Pioli is no stranger to awards having been a four-time winner of NFL Executive of the Year honors from various national media outlets.I was pretty impressed with Pioli in his first conference, much more than I was with Todd Haley. Winning rubs off on you. Belichick proved he could do it without Bill Parcells and there's a good chance Pioli can get the job done in Kansas City.
Over the past 17 NFL seasons, teams that Pioli has been associated with have won seven division titles and have made eight playoff appearances, participating in a total of 21 postseason games.
During his time with New England, Pioli worked in close concert with head coach Bill Belichick and helped develop the Patriots into a consistent championship contender. Partnering with head coach Todd Haley in Kansas City, Pioli has embraced a new challenge and is in the midst of developing a comprehensive plan to return the Chiefs to pro football prominence.
But be patient, Chiefs fans. Read more...
ESPN The Mag: The Royals Aren't Good With Money
The piece is about a few months old, but it's still an interesting one concerning the Kansas City Royals and payroll spending. The piece places a formula together in order to measure the cost efficiency of all of Major League Baseball's teams.
Basically, the Royals don't spend money well, which shouldn't surprise any of us. The money they can afford to spend doesn't turn into results.
Other poor performers are the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals.And that's the reason I post this.
That's right: For all their bellyaching about being a small-market club, the Royals have spent as much money as the Twins but have finished, on average, 17 games behind them.
While the Royals are a small-market team that has martyred themselves with that tag the past decade, other teams are doing well spending money. Surprise – two of those teams are the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins.
Not surprisingly, Billy Beane's Oakland A's take the top spot. They typically have a below average payroll that would be expected to produce 76 wins a season. Instead, they have averaged 87.Expectations by payroll would have Kansas City winning 75 games, Minnesota winning 75 games and Oakland winning 76 games. That's not different at all. But the results certainly are. While the A's and Twins have won well over 80 games for the decade measured, the Kansas City Royals have averaged 67.
The Minnesota Twins are another high-performer, averaging 84 wins a year instead of their payroll-based expectation of 75 victories.
That's not good.
You may recall I made note of the Royals' higher payroll than Minnesota in last week's love affair post I had with Minnesota. Consider this story a long-term indicator of Minnesota's success over Kansas City, along with the fact that Billy Beane's the best GM in baseball. Read more...
Heartbreak: The Tug Hulett Era Is Over
The Kansas City Royals announced that John "Big Bat" Buck will be called up for the road-trip in Detroit and Boston.
The Royals are expected to activate catcher John Buck on Monday before their game against the Tigers in Detroit.However, the bigger news is that Tug Hulett will be sent back down to the minors. Hulett brought one hit for the Royals during his time up in 14 at bats. Somehow, he had an RBI. How in the world will we replace that production? Oh wait – I know how.
In anticipation of the move, the team optioned utility infielder Tug Hulett to Triple-A Omaha after Sunday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.
Buck was back in the Royals' clubhouse before Sunday's game. He said he felt good and was glad to be back in Kansas City.
Having three catchers up will be interesting. Perhaps Pena (the good one), Olivo and Buck will see significant at bats in the DH position? Buck's .259 average during his rehab stint in the minor leagues doesn't thrill exactly thrill me. Read more...
I Don't Feel Sorry For Andy Roddick
Why? Because he's married to this goddess. No matter the loss, it's hard for me to feel sorry for the guy.
Read more...Rivalry On The Rise: Kansas State-KU Football
Over the next few seasons, expect the Kansas State-Kansas Sunflower Showdown to heat up on the gridiron.
After Kansas State and Bill Snyder dominated in the 1990s, the Jayhawks have had Kansas State's number the past three seasons. With Snyder coming back in the fold, things will get interesting.
A few reasons why this rivalry will improve in the next few seasons:
• Bill Snyder and Mark Mangino aren't exactly the best of friends. The coaching match-up between these two is more exciting and interesting compared to the Gary Pinkel-Mangino one in the Border War. Mangino used Kansas State time while a coordinator there to recruit players for Oklahoma and they have a history as well. This alone makes it interesting.
• Scandal. Kansas went on academic probation a few years ago in part because of its football program. And of course, this audit situation in Manhattan will become the butt of jokes in Lawrence this year. Both fan bases have gallons of fuel to throw on the other school.
• The roles are reversed. Kansas is the best football program in the State of Kansas right now. Sure, it's only three seasons. But they've won three straight bowl games, while Kansas State has lost one and sat at home during the other two Bowl Seasons. One of those bowl games was a BCS Orange Bowl* victory.
• The Big 12 North will be wide open for the next three seasons. I don't see Colorado and Nebraska taking over. Iowa State will never do anything and quite honestly, Missouri is probably the best football program in the North right now. It's not going to take a miracle for Snyder to turn KSU into a Big 12 North contender.
• If Missouri bolts to the Big 10 like they should, Kansas City will need a conference rival and KU-KSU will step up in that area.
Busting Myths: Gil Meche And Run Support
At the beginning of the day, I had planned to do a post concerning run support and the Kansas City Royals' pitching staff.
After looking at the numbers I found at ESPN and after I talked to someone today concerning Gil Meche, I thought I would dedicate the post to him.
In the past few years, there's been an idea developed that Gil Meche receives little run support.
While I agree he was on the short-end of some close losses in his first year, numbers show that he has the best run support of any Royals starter who's pitched 80 more innings.
(Luke Hochevar leads the staff with 6.84 of run support. Kyle Davies is around 6. However, neither have hit 80 IP and even if Davies did, I would need around 8.32 runs of support for me to be comfortable with him on the mound.)
Meche, Brian Bannister and Donald Zackary Greinke have all hurled 80 innings or more this season. And clearly, Meche receives the most support by far, over one run more than bannister and nearly 1.5 runs more than Donald.
The numbers, which can be found on ESPN:
Gil Meche: 6.39
Brian Bannister: 5.16
Zack Greinke: 4.82
While Meche has had bad luck in terms of run support in some losses (he has eight of them), he isn't the only one. Greinke's lost a 1-0 game this year and two games where he's allowed two earned runs.
Bannister, before winning today against Chicago, lost his last two starts at home in which he allowed just one earned run in each outing. Those two starts were to Minnesota and St. Louis, two teams who can just hit the cover off of it.
Point is, all three have had bad luck on the mound this season. The Royals' offense has been atrocious at times. However, two pitchers have done a better job at overcoming the poor run production at times.
One pitcher is 10-4 and in the All-Star game.
Another pitcher is 6-6 with a 3.89 ERA and is arguably the best bargain in baseball.
The other pitcher leads the American League in losses and is third on the team in most important pitching statistics.
One more item concerning run support. There are 96 pitchers so far this season that have pitched 80 or more innings. Here are where each three of them are ranked in terms of receiving the most run support:
Meche: 57th
Bannister: 86th
Greinke: 93rd
Greinke has received the third least support of any full-time starting pitcher in baseball. Bannister is in the bottom ten or eleven. Meche is in the middle of the pack.
Again, Meche hasn't exactly received great support. But it's a hell of a lot better than our staff's other two full-time starters.
Why I Talk About Soccer, Racing
I've had a few emails come in over the weekend from readers who are upset that I spend time talking about soccer, racing and other sports outside of the "Big 4."
The answer is simple: I ADVERTISE MYSELF AS A SPORTS BLOGGER! AND THOSE ARE SPORTS!
Just because you don't like soccer doesn't mean the entire world doesn't. Just because you don't care about the Royals as much as the Chiefs doesn't mean that 100 percent of Kansas City cares more about the Chiefs.
Also, I think it's hypocritical for those to call themselves experts on sports if they only know football, baseball and basketball. Those aren't the only three sports. Sure, those three are the best in my opinion. But for me to consider myself a true sports fan and someone knowledgeable in the area of sports, I like to watch soccer, golf, tennis and other sports.* I have to watch them and have some idea behind it.
One more thing – it's MY blog. That means I get to be a homer for the Royals and most notably the Missouri Tigers. It also means that I determine the editorial content for it. I don't have to be fair. I don't have to be politically correct towards teams and players I hate.
Rant over. Have a great day.
* By "other sports," the WNBA and NCAA Baseball don't count. PING!!!!
Gordon: Pain Free For Five Weeks
With Alex Gordon returning to his home state, you have the obligatory media stories about Gordon and his journey to and from Nebraska.
However, this one from The Omaha World-Herald is somewhat interesting. A few little nuggets:
Gordon, who said he's been pain-free for about five weeks, started his rehabilitation with the Royals' rookie-level team in Arizona last weekend, playing four games and going 2 for 7 with a homer and three RBIs. He has played third base only twice as he continues rebuilding leg strength.If you don't trade Teahen, first base makes a lot of sense here. I've begged for it the past two weeks, but it just makes a lot of sense on so many levels. Teahen will probably be traded, so the scenario will never happen.
“Hitting has been fine,” Gordon said. “Fielding ... the sharp movements, the sharp agility — you have to make bang-bang plays at third base — that's been the hardest. I need to get my legs back under me, get my strength, so I can make those movements.”
It is one that Gordon himself is pondering, however. From the same story:
“All I know is Teahen has been playing great third base, and so has Billy (at first),” Gordon said. “Wherever they put me, it doesn't matter. I just want to help out and contribute.”Is it lip service to a reporter? Probably in part. Still, by all indications, Gordon seems like a cool guy who would handle the move well. I think he would welcome the decision, whether it's him returning to the "hot corner" or playing first base.
Moving on from the 1B-3B situation, it appears Gordon was hurt entering the season, or at least very early into it. Seeing how our magnificent training staff misdiagnosed Coco Crisp and Joakim Soria, it's hard for me to disagree with that assessment. With him being "pain free" now, it means production must pick up from him. Read more...
An Early 2009 NFL Prediction
Looking across the NFL this early in the season, it's hard to make predictions. But who the hell cares – let's make one anyway.
If I were to place a $20 bet on any team in Vegas just for value – in other words a good bet that you'll probably lose – I would put it on the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are a very dark horse entering this season.
Why I like them:
• Aaron Rodgers was a STUD last season. It wasn't his fault that the defense was an embarrassment to Green Bay. A second full season will make him better.
• Rodgers' biggest target Greg Jennings is now locked up for a while.
• The Packers drafted defense, defense and more defense. Unlike the Kansas City Chiefs, the Packers immediately addressed their weakest links, which for them were at LB and DL.
• Although the team has a rough December with games on the road in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Arizona, the Packers' isn't that horrible. They start out with home games against Chicago and Cincinnati. They travel to St. Louis in Week 3 and face their first true challenge in Week 4 at Minnesota. Following a bye week, they play Detroit and Cleveland – two very winnable games. They can win 9 or 10 with this schedule easily. A good start will lead to confidence in Packer Nation. A 5-2 record is possible.
• Just two years ago, this team was in the NFC Championship game. There's a core of these players that know how to win, quarterback aside. Rodgers was pretty good last season so he'll be OK this season.
• Green Bay lost SEVEN games by four or fewer points. Flip a few of those – especially the games lost at home – and you have a two or three win improvement right away.
• Don't underestimate the opposite effect of Brett Favre putting on a Minnesota Vikings jersey. It will also motivate the Packers as well. It's not the biggest reason Green Bay will improve. But Green Bay will be very pumped up to play two games next season.
• The NFC is WIIIIIDE OPEN.
If you are looking for a good dark horse to bet on to reach the Super Bowl, go with the Green Bay Packers.
Patience Needed With Gordon Minor League Stint
When it comes to Alex Gordon's return, it should not be rushed like his first call-up was.
The Royals are in no shape to compete, especially if it trades Mark Teahen, Brian Bannister, Juan Cruz or even Gil Meche. Of course – that's a BIG IF – not all of those guys are likely to be traded.
Despite any lame saying you hear from teachers, counselors are just "positive people" in life, one person WILL NOT make a difference with this club.
Not at all.
It might give us more confidence about going into 2010, but that's about it.
The year 2010 is more important to Alex Gordon than the rest of 2009, especially since it's coming in games that will not be filled with pressure. Many guys around the league get hot in September after the games do not matter. See Aviles, Mike.
If more time in the minors means Gordon will be in better shape for 2010, then so be it.
Rumors Continue To Swirl Around Mark Teahen
I mentioned on my Podcast this week that Mark Teahen is the most valuable member of the Kansas City Royals when it comes to the trading deadline.
So far, the teams interested or linked to Teahen are proving me right.
• How about the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs being interesting in Teahen, as this report indicates?
Royals GM Dayton Moore is hearing from multiple teams about third baseman-outfielder Mark Teahen(notes), who has been tracked at various times by the Red Sox, Cubs, Angels and Giants.
“Teahen fits in with a lot of teams as a nice complementary piece,” one scout said of the 28-year-old left-handed hitter.
• How about the Buster Olney story that I linked earlier stating that the Atlanta Braves may be interested in him?• Peter Gammons has linked Teahen to the New York Mets.
The Red Sox, Angels, Cubs, Giants, Braves and Mets are all solid organizations with winning records right now. Boston and LAA have won three of the decade's World Series.
My point? Some damn strong ball clubs are interested in Mark Teahen. Whether that indicates that Teahen is a hot commodity or that the market is thin, who knows.
Whatever the reason – it's clear Teahen will be apart of trade rumor after rumor as interest grows around him. Read more...
America's Top 10 War Generals
In tribute to the Fourth of July this Saturday, I thought I'd do a Top 10 post dedicated to the United States' military history.
This isn't exactly coming from a big history guy. I'm a novice of history for now but here's how I would rank them. If there's a few minor mistakes, forgive me.
10. Benedict Arnold, The Revolutionary War
Yes, I have a traitor in my top ten. However, is Arnold really more different than the Confederate generals who are revered? Anyway, Arnold earned big victories against the British in Fort Ticonderoga, Ridgefield and most importantly, Saratoga. Before he flipped to the British, Arnold was the revolution's best commander. Victories aside, he was overlooked for a promotion within the military and betrayed the United States.
9. George Thomas, The American Civil War
Overshadowed by two other Union generals (Sherman and Grant), Thomas was pretty good in his own right. His army flat out destroyed the Confederates at the Battle of Nashville and he was a part of some crucial victories down South in 1864. A completely underrated general.
8. Robert E. Lee, The American Civil War
As Thomas is underrated, Lee is overrated. He's still in the Top 10 on my list because of his early victories and respect he had among his soldiers. However, Lee's insistence on invading the North was complete non-sense. All the South had to do was maintain status quo and it's likely the European countries would have recognized the American Confederacy. Instead, Lee tries to invade Pennsylvania. If he shores up his defense in the South, the Confederates earn a stalemate.
7. Dwight D. Eisenhower, World War II
D-Day alone gets Ike here. He also had to take care of some prima-donna generals such as George Patton and Montgomery. While he's often criticized for never serving in an active combat battle, Ike commanded respect.
6. William Sherman, The American Civil War
Sherman's March and his idea of total warfare ended the Civil War. His strategy of total warfare was brilliant and later influenced Nazi Germany's blitzkrieg tactics and Patton's strategy. His domination of the South from 1864-65 helped re-elect Lincoln . He destroyed Confederate forces in Georgia and South Carolina, which limited the South's ability to defend their region.
5. George Washington, The Revolutionary War
This is probably too low compared to most lists. However, Washington wasn't the Revolution's best commander in terms of strategy. But the victory in Trenton helped the American states fight on. His leadership and perseverance was key in maintaining the revolution. He also stepped down from command, which led to the republic being established in the soon-to-be United States.
4. Douglas MacArthur, World War II and Korean War
He got fired late in the Korean War and he got off to a slow start in World War II. However, in the middle, MacArthur was one of the biggest studs in American military history. He returned to the Philippines, helped unleash Operation Cartwheel against the Japanese in the Pacific and had designed plans to invade Mainland Japan before Harry Truman unleashed hell and fury on Japan.
After World War II, his leadership in Japan helped transform it in an industrial power and laid the groundwork for a future alliance with the United States. It's hard to win the peace in some instances, but MacArthur did that and more. Governmental reforms were also passed under MacArthur.
MacArthur also led UN forces to a huge victory in the Battle of Inchon, which was one of the greatest planned amphibious invasions ever. Until the Chinese intervened in the war, it was one of the greatest turnarounds in American history.
3. George Patton, World War II
Everywhere Patton fought, he eventually got the job done in World War II. Whether it was victories in North Africa, Italy and later on in the Battle of the Bulge (where he was brilliant), he was America's most successful general in Europe.
Statistically, he lost a lot fewer men than his enemies his army combatted did. His Third Army had 21,441 men killed; the Third Army killed 144,500, nearly seven times the difference. Combining those who were wounded or were prisoners of war, the Third Army lost 136,865 men while the Third Army killed, captured or wounded 1,486,700 – a 10 fold difference.
Patton was also the one general consistently feared by Nazi Germany and even the Soviet Union, who was our ally during World War II. Patton had a presence among his men and his enemies, making him World War II's best American general. HE WAS IN THE ENEMIES' DOMES!
2. Ulysses S. Grant, The American Civil War
Grant was responsible for the North's first major victories in the war, winning battles at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in Tennessee.
The Battle of Shiloh was saved after Grant refused to retreat, instead waiting for reinforcements. His strategy to win Vicksburg was magnificent and helped execute the Anaconda Plan designed by Winfield Scott. Vicksburg, along with the North's victory at Gettysburg, was arguably the turning point of the American Civil War.
Him and Sherman's aggressiveness helped sink the South. Grant was not afraid to take the fight to the South. He and Lee also clashed late in the war in the Overland Campaign, in which Grant prevailed.
He won the war that defined America. He – along with Abraham Lincoln – deserve the most credit for bringing back unity to the United States.
1. Winfield Scott, The War of 1812, Mexican-American War and The American Civil War
A tad underrated, Scott comes in first on my list due to his service in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War and his role in devising the Anaconda Plan to kickoff the Civil War
As a colonel, Scott won some crucial victories in the War of 1812. He prevailed in the battles for Fort George and Chippewa. He gained high respect from his men during this time as well.
Scott was absolutely brilliant in the Mexican-American War. He led the first true amphibious invasion in American history by landing at Veracruz. From there, he advanced to Mexico City by winning battles in Churubusco and Contreras. Mexico City would surrender and the war would be over.
Scott was the leading factor behind the Anaconda Plan, which eventually paved the way for winning the Civil War. He was also responsible for creating ways to cut off the South's economic resources. Read more...
My Fourth of July Fireworks Show
July 4, 2009: History was made.
Each Fourth of July, family, family friends and I have a fireworks competition. We each individually buy fireworks and light them off for the entire neighborhood.
For the first three years, I won the competition. And handily. Sadly, this year I did not. I finished third, to my step-dad (second place) and my little brother, who prevailed with some cost effective maneuvers.
Heartbreak.
The judging criteria – crowd reaction, beauty and how much money we spent. The money part is not necessarily the highest – it's the best "bang for the buck" – literally. Unfortunately, my two big purchases were somewhat disappointing to everyone, including to myself. Pity me in anyway you can.
Here's the video I produced from the fireworks show. I have more highlights for the most part because I produced the video.
2010 WILL BE EPIC. July 4, 2010 at Eisenhower Middle School. I will rebound and "I will return," quoting STUD General Douglas MacArthur.
F1 Driver: Hey, Hitler Got The Job Done
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Oh – and by the way – democracy sucks.
He was quoted as saying that democracy "hasn't done a lot of good for many countries -- including this one."If by "getting things done," he meant:
"In a lot of ways, terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was in the way that he could command a lot of people, able to get things done," Ecclestone was quoted as saying.
"In the end he got lost, so he wasn't a very good dictator."
• Eliminate two-thirds of the Jews in Poland. (Don't start with me, Holocaust deniers. I won't respond to it.)
• Starting a global war that resulted in 50,000,000 killed.
• Destroyed HIS country because of that war.
• Create a legacy of a nationalist movement that lives in today in the form of skinheads and ne0-nazism.
• Being one of the world's three most evil men, joining Josef Stalin and Tyus Edney.
Than yeah, Adolf got the job done. Saying this in England is extra special, considering the Battle of Britain resulted in the deaths of thousands of non-military personnel. Good going, champ. Congrats – you have joined Marge Schott in the realm of sports Hitler lovers. Read more...
Will Kansas City, Atlanta Be Trade Partners?
The combination certainly makes sense, considering Royals' General Manager Dayton Moore's past with the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta was also the team linked in many Zack Greinke trade rumors prior to him signing the contract.
ESPN's Buster Olney outlines a few possible trades between Kansas City and Atlanta that could happen before the trading deadline.
The Braves and the Royals match like puzzle pieces in a possible Escobar deal. The Royals want and need a shortstop. The Braves could use someone like Mark Teahen, who could give Atlanta great flexibility. Teahen, a solid veteran hitter, could play third in place of Jones, or start in left field or right field, or first base, or even second base.Like Rasputin, the "Francoeur to Kansas City" rumors are not going away. It's bound to happen, isn't it? Francoeur plays right field, which is currently Jose Guillen's position. Not that Guillen has earned the position, but where else would he go unless if it's a trade?
If the Braves required the Royals to take on some money, then Francoeur could be added to the trade; Dayton Moore, the Kansas City GM, has known Francoeur for years and coveted him, and he could use the last months of this season to evaluate him.
The Braves could use another middle reliever; the Royals have Juan Cruz and Ron Mahay, pieces that Atlanta knows well. Moore knows the Braves' farm system. A lot of elements in place here.
Of course, if you could find someway to trade Mike Jacobs (which will probably be an easier task than Guillen), Guillen could become the full-time DH.
A Yunel Escobar for Teahen deal makes sense, as Olney outlines. Escobar plays SS and third base, which would give the Royals some depth. Read more...
KU, KSU Like Their Cupcakes
The Sporting News placed Kansas and Kansas State's out of conference schedules in the top ten of weakest around the nation.
The 10 worst:
1. Mississippi: at Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana, Alabama-Birmingham, Northern ArizonaAs hard as I tried, I could not find Missouri in the list anywhere. However, the story does note that the Big 12 plays a whopping 23 percent of its games against non-BCS opponents, which is dead last among the BCS Conferences. Yes, even the SEC's out of conference schedules are better than the Big 12.
2. Penn State: Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
3. Rutgers: Howard, Florida International, at Maryland, Texas Southern, at Army
4. Kansas State: Massachusetts, at Louisiana-Lafayette, at UCLA, Tennessee Tech
5. Indiana: Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, at Virginia
6. Duke: Richmond, at Army, at Kansas, North Carolina Central
7. Kansas: Northern Colorado, at UTEP, Duke, Southern Miss
8. Arizona State: Idaho State, Louisiana-Monroe, at Georgia
9. Arkansas: Missouri State, Texas A&M, Eastern Michigan, Troy
10. Kentucky: at Miami (Ohio), Louisville, Louisiana-Monroe, Eastern Kentucky
Of course, this story reminds me of the classic graphic The Lawrence Journal-World used in 2007.
Read more...
Stark: Royals Reluctant To Trade Starting Pitchers
Friday, July 03, 2009
Found this nugget from ESPN's Jayson Stark concerning the Kansas City Royals.
• One fine Meche: Teams that have asked the Royals about Gil Meche have been told that K.C. will listen on anybody except Zack Greinke, but (A) Meche has a full no-trade clause and (B) the Royals still view starting pitching as their one area of strength. So while they would move Brian Bannister or Kyle Davies, an official of one club says they're even "reluctant" to trade them.A few interesting items here:
• Teams are calling for Gil Meche. Admittedly, I'm a little surprised at this. The sore arm, large contract and older age led me to believe not a lot of teams would be interested in doing business with the Royals for Meche. I appear to be wrong.
• Zack Greinke's untouchable. I guess that's not really surprising, but not even listening might be to some. He's the Royals most valuable asset and a team may part with a king's ransom for him. Why not at least pick up the phone? It would be considered nuts for the common fan if the Royals dealt Greinke. But if a team's willing to part with four or even five players, shouldn't the Royals consider it at least? Don't trade him "just to trade him" or to "get in the headlines."
• The Royals view Meche as a more valuable player over time. Or, they think like me – Bannister can provide more immediate impact from a trade than dealing Meche.
• Who in God's name would want Kyle Davies anyway? Read more...
How Bad's The Big 12 North?
This bad.
Rock M Nation crunched some numbers and found that only one team in the division has a conference record above .500 from 2002-08 – Missouri at 29-27. Of the six teams, four of them have negative point differentials.
Despite having just a 25-31 record, Kansas State's point differential is a +189, indicating they lost a ton of close games and won a number of conference games by blowout. Missouri's differential of +235 leads the division.
Stay Classy, Arland Bruce
The former Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver paid tribute to Michael Jackson in a very unique way. Thankfully, no kids were involved.
Thanks to a friend who emailed this to me.
The Babe Ruth-Negro Leagues Non-Sense
With Manny Ramirez coming back tonight from his suspension after being nailed with performance enhancers, it reminds me of the classic argument defenders of Barry Bonds made against Babe Ruth.
Ruth, of course, played in an era where black players were not allowed to play baseball due to a gentleman's agreement between owners to keep the league segregated.
This has been a rallying cry for Bonds-Ramirez-A-Rod defenders: "BABE RUTH DID NOT PLAY AGAINST THE TOP COMPETITION."
True – on the pitching side Ruth did not face some of the Negro League studs like Satchel Paige, Smoky Joe Williams or Willie Foster. Those guys would have given Ruth some fun pitches to hit.
But consider these things for a moment:
• A .340+ lifetime hitter with over 700 homers, would Ruth really have fallen on hard times against the Negro Leagues? Not to disrespect Paige, Williams or Foster, but Ruth was a hitter and a man born to pulverize a baseball. Being the great hitter and power hitter he was, Ruth would have adjusted and "found a way."
• Playing without Negro League hitters like Josh Gibson, Charleston Oscar and Papa Bell was a DISADVANTAGE for Ruth. Imagine a Yankees lineup of Bell-Gibson-Ruth-Gehrig. Bell was a fast player who would get on base. Gibson was a guy who would hit the hell out of it and so was Gehrig. Ruth would be protected like hell and pitching staffs across the American League would be on suicide watch
• Ruth still spent part of his career in the Dead Ball era. The Dead Ball era was also a pretty tough one for hitters.
• IT'S STILL WRONG TO TAKE STEROIDS!!! People seek to tear down Babe Ruth in the name of their false idols such as Bonds and A-Rod. It's not Ruth's fault the league was segregated. Like me, his performance enhancers were beer, women and red meat.
Bottom line – he did not face the great black pitchers of the era. But it's tough for me to imagine that Ruth's average would dip 50 points if he did. And it should be noted that black pitchers never faced Babe Ruth. Gibson was a stud and a power hitter.
Was he Babe Ruth? Who knew. It's a shame the league was segregated because the talent would have been outstanding in the MLB.
iSloany Ten-Pack PodCast
I'm doing something different this week: Two PodCasts. This is the first and here's the script.
1:25–6:52. The Royals should be a busy team during the trade deadline. Why I think Mark Teahen and Brian Bannister are the two most tradable Royals.
6:53–8:45. A rant about the Royals defense. Included are statistics about how brutal the defense really has been this season.
8:46–11:00. Why I think it's time to pull the feeding tube on the Trey Hillman era.
11:01–14:54. The Xavier Henry saga and why I believe KU made a mistake.
14:55– 16:25. Why Duke basketball is done. This is a completely random topic but it occurred to me against after the Xavier Henry saga.
16.26–20:58. The roles are reversed for KU and MU football this season. For the first time in a while, the Jayhawks have expectations going into the season.
20:59–24:34. Is the Border War better in basketball or football?
24:35–27:05. Why it's too early to assume the U.S. Soccer National Team has "turned a corner."
27:05–32:23. My industry is under criticism locally and nationally. In this segment, I defend The Star's J. Brady McCullough and the coverage of the Michael Jackson death.
32:24–END. When baseball predictions go wrong and the show's conclusion.
TOTAL TIME: 39:19
EMBED:
Direct Link: http://www.divshare.com/direct/7820629-8fe.mp3
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