Since I haven't done a purely scout related post in a little while, here is one. I was reading a terrific book recently, called Wild Goose Chase, and toward the tail end of the book he raised the point of having a vision for yourself and your vocation. Not sure why this got me started on how important I feel a long-term plan for a sports franchise is, but that's what I connected. I also thought about that phrase I and so many other scouts have heard countless times, our motto: Be Prepared. Especially as a Chiefs fan, these ideas seem particularly important as the franchise puts together a new front office and coaching staff.
One certainly has to be impressed by Scott Pioli's organizational pedigree with the New England Patriots. That said, many experts give Bill Belichick and the Kraft family most of the credit for resurrecting the Patriots franchise. Especially in later years, the Patriots have been able to let go of star players and replace them with new (and cheaper) talent. While the Patriots' model is commendable and has shown extraordinary results, a 2-14 franchise has a much taller mountain to climb to return to prominence. I hope that Pioli has a vision for the Chiefs organization, and is prepared to keep to that plan despite minor setbacks.
This is how my scout leaders have always explained the motto as being prepared for an activity or plan, so that if all goes well, it will succeed. But they have also expressed that it NEVER happens as you planned, but a prepared person has not only thought about the potential pitfalls, but is better able to react to the ones that are not foreseeable. For example, no one could see Michael Vick getting thrown out of the league for a fighting pitbull ring that he ran under the table for years. As the star player for the Falcons franchise, the loss of Vick was devestating to the team. But it was made all the more devestating because the front office was not prepared to handle a PR nightmare.
I feel bad singling out the Falcons, especially since they seem to have righted the ship since then, but I sincerely believe that their plan of action after the scandal broke was horrific. They hired an inexperienced coach from the college ranks, knowing that college coaches typically do not adjust well to the NFL, and then were surprised when that coach bailed for more money at the University of Arkansas. Don't get me wrong, I think Bobby Petrino is lower than dirt, but I could of told them that before they hired him! It's why I wouldn't hire Nick Saban either. Both coaches only care about enhancing their own reputation. That's where being prepared starts: putting trust into trustworthy people. I truly believe that Todd Haley is a talented coach, especially on the offense, but I hope that Pioli has developed enough of a character sketch of Haley to trust his judgment fully.
Pioli has a great city with one of the most loyal fan bases in the league behind him. If he shows early on that his and Haley's vision will turn around this disoriented franchise, I'm sure he will be well on his way to fulfilling his own goals in life. And hey, who said making thousands of Midwesterners proud of a once-great franchise again isn't a meaninful enterprise? I'm pretty sure I would sign up for that job if I had the talent.
August 2, 2009
July 31, 2009
The Best Race After the Trade Deadline
If Royals fans are looking for something to brag about, since we clearly can't about our team anymore, and it seems that even Zack Greinke gets robbed of a win every time he goes to the mound (He's still having a Cy Young type year by the way, just doesn't have the wins to prove it), they can now boast one of the greatest divisional races heading toward the playoffs. The Central divisions in both leagues are pretty tight, but you can tell from today's activity that the AL Central's 3 contenders aren't going to go down without a fight.
I must say that I was almost going to write a post about how boring today was for baseball fans, and how overhyped today usually is. But after returning from some errands, it turned out to be a pretty exciting day, especially in the AL Central. The day started with the division leading Tigers acquiring lefty Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners for two left-handed pitching prospects. Washburn will provide a much needed lefty option for the Tigers' starting rotation, and though his 8-6 record doesn't wow you, his 3rd place ERA of 2.64 (3rd in the AL) should turn people's heads. Even more promising for the Tigers is that in his last 5 starts, opponents have only scored 3 runs against him. With Verlander seemingly back to his old form and the addition of a lefty, the Tigers rotation is certainly a force to be reckoned with and it would not be a surprise if they were able to pull away from the division's competition.
Not to be outdone the Chicago White Sox added depth to their starting rotation as well. Although they gave up 4 pitchers to finalize the trade (Only 1 has played in the Majors thus far), the White Sox were able to get Jake Peavy out of his no-trade clause. With Mark Buerhle throwing well right now, and number 2 and 3 starters John Danks and Gavin Floyd pitching a little better than their career ERAs this year, the White Sox rotation was already decent, but the addition of Peavy makes it way above average. More importantly, the 1-2 of Buerhle and Peavy (or the other way I guess) will be quite formidable if the White Sox do end up making the playoffs. If you're a White Sox fan, I would think that you would consider Jake Peavy worth trading 4 players, especially if some of the prospects are not impressing the organization, but it still seems like a lot to give up for a 6-6 pitcher with a 3.97 ERA. We'll see how that gamble pays off, I just don't know if Peavy closes the gap as the White Sox are currently in 3rd place.
Finally, the Twins made an uncharacteristic deadline move (this is their first big deadline trade since 2003), and actually brought in a fairly big name in Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera could be a classic Twins good-not-special player that just works hard for the team and gets things done. Although only an average fielder, most would not consider him a liability defensively, and he is a solid hitter at .280/.318 (BA/OBP). Although this is probably the least glitzy of the trades, I think it could prove to be quite valuable. The Twins are simply plugging a hole here and only gave up one player and got cash for Cabrera. With Joe Mauer second in average in the league, and Justin Morneau leading in homers, the Twins can look forward to being in the race for the long haul.
So as we Royals fans lament our disappointing season, and for all of you general baseball fans, look out for the race for the AL Central lead as only one team will probably make the postseason. My bet is on the Tigers with the addition of Washburn. Feel free to comment with your bets.
I must say that I was almost going to write a post about how boring today was for baseball fans, and how overhyped today usually is. But after returning from some errands, it turned out to be a pretty exciting day, especially in the AL Central. The day started with the division leading Tigers acquiring lefty Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners for two left-handed pitching prospects. Washburn will provide a much needed lefty option for the Tigers' starting rotation, and though his 8-6 record doesn't wow you, his 3rd place ERA of 2.64 (3rd in the AL) should turn people's heads. Even more promising for the Tigers is that in his last 5 starts, opponents have only scored 3 runs against him. With Verlander seemingly back to his old form and the addition of a lefty, the Tigers rotation is certainly a force to be reckoned with and it would not be a surprise if they were able to pull away from the division's competition.
Not to be outdone the Chicago White Sox added depth to their starting rotation as well. Although they gave up 4 pitchers to finalize the trade (Only 1 has played in the Majors thus far), the White Sox were able to get Jake Peavy out of his no-trade clause. With Mark Buerhle throwing well right now, and number 2 and 3 starters John Danks and Gavin Floyd pitching a little better than their career ERAs this year, the White Sox rotation was already decent, but the addition of Peavy makes it way above average. More importantly, the 1-2 of Buerhle and Peavy (or the other way I guess) will be quite formidable if the White Sox do end up making the playoffs. If you're a White Sox fan, I would think that you would consider Jake Peavy worth trading 4 players, especially if some of the prospects are not impressing the organization, but it still seems like a lot to give up for a 6-6 pitcher with a 3.97 ERA. We'll see how that gamble pays off, I just don't know if Peavy closes the gap as the White Sox are currently in 3rd place.
Finally, the Twins made an uncharacteristic deadline move (this is their first big deadline trade since 2003), and actually brought in a fairly big name in Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera could be a classic Twins good-not-special player that just works hard for the team and gets things done. Although only an average fielder, most would not consider him a liability defensively, and he is a solid hitter at .280/.318 (BA/OBP). Although this is probably the least glitzy of the trades, I think it could prove to be quite valuable. The Twins are simply plugging a hole here and only gave up one player and got cash for Cabrera. With Joe Mauer second in average in the league, and Justin Morneau leading in homers, the Twins can look forward to being in the race for the long haul.
So as we Royals fans lament our disappointing season, and for all of you general baseball fans, look out for the race for the AL Central lead as only one team will probably make the postseason. My bet is on the Tigers with the addition of Washburn. Feel free to comment with your bets.
July 30, 2009
You Really Let Us Down
I'm sure many of you have already heard the news that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez reportedly tested positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in 2003. Yes, it was technically not banned back then, but the hurt is not gone. I could honestly care less about Manny testing positive, because we already knew he did them, but I am awfully disappointed in Big Papi. Beyond the fact that he ruins the game by taking PEDs, I am more dismayed by the fact that he repeatedly said publicly that he was one of the good guys, that he was one of the ones you could look up to if you were a little leaguer. Big Papi is not even one of my favorite Red Sox players, but everyone likes to believe that their team does it right.
Finding out that your team's legacy may or even should be tainted is a very disappointing discovery. Honestly, I haven't reached any decisions about how I feel about the Red Sox 2004 Championship and what this news will do to that legacy. It hurts too much to even think about right now. But it certainly ruins my opinion of Big Papi.
Finally, I want to talk about our responsibility as fans of the game. Especially in cases like this, the league will not retroactively punish Ortiz, so I think it is our job to let him know how disappointing his actions were. If public disgrace is the only punishment Ortiz and other PED users will face, then it is our duty to at least make them pay for their crimes. Every time I hear about another player caught up in the news, it gets easier and easier for people to rag on baseball, and it wears on us. Baseball is a beautiful game. It would be great to see more players treat it as such.
Finding out that your team's legacy may or even should be tainted is a very disappointing discovery. Honestly, I haven't reached any decisions about how I feel about the Red Sox 2004 Championship and what this news will do to that legacy. It hurts too much to even think about right now. But it certainly ruins my opinion of Big Papi.
Finally, I want to talk about our responsibility as fans of the game. Especially in cases like this, the league will not retroactively punish Ortiz, so I think it is our job to let him know how disappointing his actions were. If public disgrace is the only punishment Ortiz and other PED users will face, then it is our duty to at least make them pay for their crimes. Every time I hear about another player caught up in the news, it gets easier and easier for people to rag on baseball, and it wears on us. Baseball is a beautiful game. It would be great to see more players treat it as such.
July 29, 2009
Superman
So, most people have known for a long time how long I have liked Tim Tebow. I am happy to know that aspiring athletes actually have someone to look up to and that he does it all the right way. It has kind of become a running joke among some of my friends that eventually Tebow will get busted on something and his image will be ruined. And that's exactly why I like him. He knows that a lot of people are looking for that flaw, that chink in the armor, but he still doesn't show it. Am I saying Tebow is a perfect guy? No. Nobody is. But he knows that because he is a role model he has to monitor his behavior.
Growing up, I had a ton of great role models. From friend's dads to scoutmasters, ski trip chaperones to teachers, when I met someone that could make a difference in my life, I tried as hard as I could to foster that relationship. And so, now that I am getting older, I guess it is sort of natural that I would want to be a mentor to the younger generation as well. Because of this, I never grow tired of stories of athletes being great role models. Even more, I am not looking for them to fail. It is easy to grow cynical about the greatness of sports when baseball is infected by steroids, and every college football champion seems to be questioned by BCS haters. So it never gets old to me when Albert Pujols, a guy who plays baseball the right way all the time, gets an MVP, or when Tebow's Gators win the National Title. Fan or not, I would rather people just be happy for people who have shown extraordinary ability and even more colossal effort.
I truly believe that Tebow will turn out to be the real deal. I'd put money on that. And I know that Tebow can handle all of this pressure because he is able to hand it off to someone a lot more powerful than he is. So, sure you can question whether Tebow has the strength and character to stay on the right track. But I know that every once in awhile, God sends these great people down to touch the lives of those that still dream, and I think that a few more of us need to help those dreams come true.
Growing up, I had a ton of great role models. From friend's dads to scoutmasters, ski trip chaperones to teachers, when I met someone that could make a difference in my life, I tried as hard as I could to foster that relationship. And so, now that I am getting older, I guess it is sort of natural that I would want to be a mentor to the younger generation as well. Because of this, I never grow tired of stories of athletes being great role models. Even more, I am not looking for them to fail. It is easy to grow cynical about the greatness of sports when baseball is infected by steroids, and every college football champion seems to be questioned by BCS haters. So it never gets old to me when Albert Pujols, a guy who plays baseball the right way all the time, gets an MVP, or when Tebow's Gators win the National Title. Fan or not, I would rather people just be happy for people who have shown extraordinary ability and even more colossal effort.
I truly believe that Tebow will turn out to be the real deal. I'd put money on that. And I know that Tebow can handle all of this pressure because he is able to hand it off to someone a lot more powerful than he is. So, sure you can question whether Tebow has the strength and character to stay on the right track. But I know that every once in awhile, God sends these great people down to touch the lives of those that still dream, and I think that a few more of us need to help those dreams come true.
July 28, 2009
Mixed Martial Arts
Many of my closest friends are not fans of Mixed Martial Arts (from here MMA), and in particular the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). My mom outspokenly hates it. But I think that it is one of the most misunderstood sports. So without further ado, this is my defense of the sport.
MMA is more than just blood and guts all over the place. Was early MMA simply a brutal bloodsport? Sort of. But as the UFC has come under new ownership the sport as a whole has cleaned up considerably, thanks in part to seeking unified regulations. I'm not saying that there aren't huge cuts still being opened up, but if you take the time to watch the fighters, you can tell the intentions of the strikes are much cleaner now. There is a weight range similar to boxing which prevents unfair fights between a giant and a 155lb ninja from happening. No matter what people say the giant pretty much always crushes that small of a person. I think it is important to take in a fight and just see how skilled these fighters are.
I have always believed that sports point to something greater within us. I suppose that could be a brief synopsis of yesterday's post. And so that's where I started my debate with MMA. I thought that if I could feel inspired in some way by MMA, then I would indeed count it as a sport. And to me it points to one of the most basic and pure facets of humanity: Great things are worth fighting for. Maybe this doesn't do it for some people, but even if all these guys are fighting for is a gold belt and fame, it still captures my attention. One of my favorite fighters, the current welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre, always says that he is currently fighting for his legacy, that he wants to be known as the greatest champion ever. Shouldn't that be our goal? To be the greatest champion ever, yeah, that sounds good to me.
Not to mention the shape that these guys have to be in to cut and make weight before a fight, and then turn around and knock each other senseless. There is something beautiful to me about the simplicity and rawness of being in a cage. No, I don't see the UFC as a gladiatoral sport for blood-thirsty fans to go crazy over. I truly believe that the early fans of the bloody free-for-alls would be disappointed by today's matches that are beautiful displays of technique, power, and speed. What I love is the instinctive nature of MMA. Perfect example: when I was watching UFC 100 a couple weeks ago, I was watching Dan Henderson (another favorite, known for his powerful right hand) stalk his opponenet Michael Bisping around the ring like a wolf on the hunt. It was majestic! He was looking for a right hand to throw...knew that Bisping's punches weren't hurting him. And midway through the second round it came...Boom! Like a thunder clap, Henderson's right hand belted Bisping right in the jaw. Out before he hit the mat. To this day, probably the greatest single punch I have ever seen.
This sport gets your blood flowing, pumps you up, makes you want to be dangerous. And that's a good thing! So, give it a try, maybe you will see that this new sport is not so different from the others that you love so much.
MMA is more than just blood and guts all over the place. Was early MMA simply a brutal bloodsport? Sort of. But as the UFC has come under new ownership the sport as a whole has cleaned up considerably, thanks in part to seeking unified regulations. I'm not saying that there aren't huge cuts still being opened up, but if you take the time to watch the fighters, you can tell the intentions of the strikes are much cleaner now. There is a weight range similar to boxing which prevents unfair fights between a giant and a 155lb ninja from happening. No matter what people say the giant pretty much always crushes that small of a person. I think it is important to take in a fight and just see how skilled these fighters are.
I have always believed that sports point to something greater within us. I suppose that could be a brief synopsis of yesterday's post. And so that's where I started my debate with MMA. I thought that if I could feel inspired in some way by MMA, then I would indeed count it as a sport. And to me it points to one of the most basic and pure facets of humanity: Great things are worth fighting for. Maybe this doesn't do it for some people, but even if all these guys are fighting for is a gold belt and fame, it still captures my attention. One of my favorite fighters, the current welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre, always says that he is currently fighting for his legacy, that he wants to be known as the greatest champion ever. Shouldn't that be our goal? To be the greatest champion ever, yeah, that sounds good to me.
Not to mention the shape that these guys have to be in to cut and make weight before a fight, and then turn around and knock each other senseless. There is something beautiful to me about the simplicity and rawness of being in a cage. No, I don't see the UFC as a gladiatoral sport for blood-thirsty fans to go crazy over. I truly believe that the early fans of the bloody free-for-alls would be disappointed by today's matches that are beautiful displays of technique, power, and speed. What I love is the instinctive nature of MMA. Perfect example: when I was watching UFC 100 a couple weeks ago, I was watching Dan Henderson (another favorite, known for his powerful right hand) stalk his opponenet Michael Bisping around the ring like a wolf on the hunt. It was majestic! He was looking for a right hand to throw...knew that Bisping's punches weren't hurting him. And midway through the second round it came...Boom! Like a thunder clap, Henderson's right hand belted Bisping right in the jaw. Out before he hit the mat. To this day, probably the greatest single punch I have ever seen.
This sport gets your blood flowing, pumps you up, makes you want to be dangerous. And that's a good thing! So, give it a try, maybe you will see that this new sport is not so different from the others that you love so much.
July 27, 2009
Whisked Away
A couple days ago I read Joe Posnanski's blog post about watching Tom Watson's run at the British Open this year (you can find it at joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog)and completely agreed with his statement about sports taking us to another world. So I just wanted to say a few words of my own about it.
I was at a wedding on Friday night when a friend turned to me, and said "Guess where I was last night?" Knowing we both share a love for baseball I guessed Fenway. Nope. Hmm?...The Royals game? Nope. (Side thought...Who would be bragging about that right now). "I was at U.S. Cellular", he said. It hit me like a ton of bricks how cool that was. For those of you who don't know, my friend watched Mark Buerhle pitch a perfect game. Lucky! And apparently he's seen two no-hitters in person. What I wouldn't give to have that kind of luck!
But that's what happens in sports. This British Open was no different than any other year, except that Tom Watson decided to give every sports fan a dream weekend of what golf used to be: a gentleman's game (and he did it to the very end). Mark Buerhle went out on his normal rest, just wanting to win one for the team; just doing his job. Well, he did it alright. And to the delight of all sports fans he achieved perfection.
It got me thinking about what is majestic about sports. I love how everyone has a favorite play. Sports gives us an adventure, and even better an adventure to live. So yeah, watching the Red Sox finally win in 2004 was amazing, and no, I will never forget the joy that Luis Gonzalez's bloop single on Mariano Rivera in 2001 still brings me, but I love my own sports stories even more. I was just talking with a former teacher about how all of my friends and I would play football at Loose Park on Sundays. I'll never forget how pumped I was, and how some new guys came and dubbed me "Superman". Anyone who has spent 30 minutes playing catch with me has heard the story of the Cigar Catch. Yeah, it is that legendary. It deserves a name like that.
Sports gives joy incomparable to many things in this technology driven world. Sometimes it's nice to get away from being in touch with everybody and take a buddy or two and enjoy a little struggle, a little competition. Believe me, it will make life a little more full.
I was at a wedding on Friday night when a friend turned to me, and said "Guess where I was last night?" Knowing we both share a love for baseball I guessed Fenway. Nope. Hmm?...The Royals game? Nope. (Side thought...Who would be bragging about that right now). "I was at U.S. Cellular", he said. It hit me like a ton of bricks how cool that was. For those of you who don't know, my friend watched Mark Buerhle pitch a perfect game. Lucky! And apparently he's seen two no-hitters in person. What I wouldn't give to have that kind of luck!
But that's what happens in sports. This British Open was no different than any other year, except that Tom Watson decided to give every sports fan a dream weekend of what golf used to be: a gentleman's game (and he did it to the very end). Mark Buerhle went out on his normal rest, just wanting to win one for the team; just doing his job. Well, he did it alright. And to the delight of all sports fans he achieved perfection.
It got me thinking about what is majestic about sports. I love how everyone has a favorite play. Sports gives us an adventure, and even better an adventure to live. So yeah, watching the Red Sox finally win in 2004 was amazing, and no, I will never forget the joy that Luis Gonzalez's bloop single on Mariano Rivera in 2001 still brings me, but I love my own sports stories even more. I was just talking with a former teacher about how all of my friends and I would play football at Loose Park on Sundays. I'll never forget how pumped I was, and how some new guys came and dubbed me "Superman". Anyone who has spent 30 minutes playing catch with me has heard the story of the Cigar Catch. Yeah, it is that legendary. It deserves a name like that.
Sports gives joy incomparable to many things in this technology driven world. Sometimes it's nice to get away from being in touch with everybody and take a buddy or two and enjoy a little struggle, a little competition. Believe me, it will make life a little more full.
March 10, 2009
Courtesy and Karma
It's been awhile since I have posted something scout related (or anything in general I guess), but when I heard this I felt compelled to make one. I heard a story about a certain new coach at the University of Tennessee, Lane Kiffin. From day one Kiffin has had trouble fitting in with the other coaches of the Southeastern Conference.
Kiffin's first questionable act involved University of Florida coach Urban Meyer. At a breakfast celebrating the incoming recruiting class, Kiffin opined the following: "I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn't get [running back Nu'Keese Richardson]". This alleged cheating was Urban Meyer calling Richardson while the recruit was on an official visit to Tennessee. After promising to turn in coach Meyer, did Kiffin seek punishment for the Florida coach? Oh wait, as it turns out it's not a violation at all, but criticizing another SEC official is a violation of the conference's code of ethics. Can anyone say the pot calling the kettle black?
Criticizing other officials is in poor taste, but it's not the end of the world. Kiffin proved however that no one is safe from his discourteous behavior. ESPN blogger Chris Low reported that the night before National Signing Day (February 5), Kiffin called receiver Alshon Jeffrey to see if he had made a decision on schools and to give one last pep talk. I have never been a part of the recruiting process, and I'm sure it is intense, but what ESPN's Chris Low credits to Kiffin is unacceptable. "According to Jeffrey and Wilson (Jeffrey's high school coach), Kiffin told Jeffrey that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state who had gone to South Carolina." full story here
Since then Kiffin has denied saying it, and tried to assure fans that he does not intend to use negative recruiting techniques. It's really tough to believe that someone who had already signed with another school and his coach would simply make this story up though, and this is not Kiffin's first case of aggression. One can only hope that recruits will see the true colors of Kiffin and choose to attend different schools that offer more than dishonest accusations and classless threats as a means of diplomacy. I imagine that the Gators and the Gamecocks will circle the Tennessee game on the schedule for this year, and hopefully a certain freshman wide receiver might get a little payback and take a step toward a future in the NFL with a big game.
I hope that future articles regarding such treatment will take a less accepting tone as Mr. Low's, but until then public outcry will just have to be sufficient in assigning blame to Kiffin. It's quite shocking to hear such blatant rudeness from such a public figure, but hopefully it won't rub off on any of Kiffin's players
Kiffin's first questionable act involved University of Florida coach Urban Meyer. At a breakfast celebrating the incoming recruiting class, Kiffin opined the following: "I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn't get [running back Nu'Keese Richardson]". This alleged cheating was Urban Meyer calling Richardson while the recruit was on an official visit to Tennessee. After promising to turn in coach Meyer, did Kiffin seek punishment for the Florida coach? Oh wait, as it turns out it's not a violation at all, but criticizing another SEC official is a violation of the conference's code of ethics. Can anyone say the pot calling the kettle black?
Criticizing other officials is in poor taste, but it's not the end of the world. Kiffin proved however that no one is safe from his discourteous behavior. ESPN blogger Chris Low reported that the night before National Signing Day (February 5), Kiffin called receiver Alshon Jeffrey to see if he had made a decision on schools and to give one last pep talk. I have never been a part of the recruiting process, and I'm sure it is intense, but what ESPN's Chris Low credits to Kiffin is unacceptable. "According to Jeffrey and Wilson (Jeffrey's high school coach), Kiffin told Jeffrey that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state who had gone to South Carolina." full story here
Since then Kiffin has denied saying it, and tried to assure fans that he does not intend to use negative recruiting techniques. It's really tough to believe that someone who had already signed with another school and his coach would simply make this story up though, and this is not Kiffin's first case of aggression. One can only hope that recruits will see the true colors of Kiffin and choose to attend different schools that offer more than dishonest accusations and classless threats as a means of diplomacy. I imagine that the Gators and the Gamecocks will circle the Tennessee game on the schedule for this year, and hopefully a certain freshman wide receiver might get a little payback and take a step toward a future in the NFL with a big game.
I hope that future articles regarding such treatment will take a less accepting tone as Mr. Low's, but until then public outcry will just have to be sufficient in assigning blame to Kiffin. It's quite shocking to hear such blatant rudeness from such a public figure, but hopefully it won't rub off on any of Kiffin's players
Now that Favre is gone
On First and 10 this morning, Stephen A. Smith (clearly not my favorite pundit to begin with) was charged with ranking the AFC East teams now that the Buffalo Bills have signed Terrell Owens. You may be asking where Brett Favre fit into all this. Well, in his infinite wisdom, Stephen A. has always argued that Favre was overrated in New York, and many of you may recall the final regular season game that the Jets lost to the Miami Dolphins in which Favre threw three interceptions. Many of you may also recall the storm of criticism Favre faced in the next week, especially from teammate Thomas Jones who felt that Favre should have been taken out of the game. I would venture to guess that Mr. Smith would agree with Thomas Jones, yet when asked where the Jets rank among the AFC East teams, he claimed this morning that they would miss none other than... Brett Favre.
While I will readily concede that Favre needed to retire, and that his shoulder injury clearly affected his performance in the back half of the football season, I think that the Jets clearly improved their team by signing him. I don't understand why pundits like Smith cannot understand that Eric Mangini had no other choice than to leave Brett Favre in the game. Let's be realistic: the other option was Kellen Clemens, who hadn't played all season long. Additionally, remember that it was only a seven point deficit. How many times in his career has Brett Favre thrown off a terrible day full of interceptions and won the game late? To argue that the Jets were better off without Favre is so beyond belief it should be considered hysteria.
Thankfully, Skip Bayless (ironically a man known for flip-flopping quite a bit) called Stephen A. Smith's contradiction. Hopefully this will make a few people realize that disparaging's Favre's contribution to the Jets is uncalled for. Maybe this will make Stephen A. Smith wake up and agree that Terrell Owens kills a locker room or that the Bill O'Reilly strategy for arguments does not equate to winning them; then again Rome wasn't built in a day.
While I will readily concede that Favre needed to retire, and that his shoulder injury clearly affected his performance in the back half of the football season, I think that the Jets clearly improved their team by signing him. I don't understand why pundits like Smith cannot understand that Eric Mangini had no other choice than to leave Brett Favre in the game. Let's be realistic: the other option was Kellen Clemens, who hadn't played all season long. Additionally, remember that it was only a seven point deficit. How many times in his career has Brett Favre thrown off a terrible day full of interceptions and won the game late? To argue that the Jets were better off without Favre is so beyond belief it should be considered hysteria.
Thankfully, Skip Bayless (ironically a man known for flip-flopping quite a bit) called Stephen A. Smith's contradiction. Hopefully this will make a few people realize that disparaging's Favre's contribution to the Jets is uncalled for. Maybe this will make Stephen A. Smith wake up and agree that Terrell Owens kills a locker room or that the Bill O'Reilly strategy for arguments does not equate to winning them; then again Rome wasn't built in a day.
February 27, 2009
Cause for Concern
Yesterday evening, I ran across some disturbing news. Amid several rumors that new coach Todd Haley was somewhat arrogant, Brian Waters, the all-pro guard for the Kansas City Chiefs has said that he wants out of Kansas City in part due to the treatment he has initially received by the new coach and general manager Scott Pioli. Columnist Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star reported that Waters was offended by Pioli's refusal of a meeting. This is especially concerning because Waters is known as a locker room leader. This brought to mind a scout related principle: trustworthiness.
Being trustworthy as a coach and GM should include an acknowledgment that the owner is appointing you as a liason between himself and the players. I grew up adoring the Chiefs' ownership under Lamar Hunt. At the very least, one knew that the players wanted to play for Kansas City because their was so much trust between the front office and the players. I certainly hope that Clark Hunt was able to take that valuable lesson from his father and that the news of Waters' frustration is concerning to him.
It is especially concerning when this spat involves a veteran with a long history of trusting the franchise. If one is being trustworthy of you, it really should not take much to return the favor. I sincerely hope that Pioli and Haley will make a serious effort to establish trust within the organization. Pioli should have learned from Coach Belichick that taking off-the-field issues off the players' backs is essential to a successful team on the field. With such a young team, establishing trust should be one of the first goals of a new administration. While signing veterans like Mike Vrabel to the defensive side show a desire to recruit leaders, nothing is quite as dumb as scaring off the leaders you already have.
The Chiefs are in a great position to vastly improve upon a 2-14 season, but maintaining trustworthiness is a simple first step that should not be overlooked. Just like being trustworthy is the first point in the scout law and the rest are built on it, building trust in an organization is the foundation of a successful performing team.
Being trustworthy as a coach and GM should include an acknowledgment that the owner is appointing you as a liason between himself and the players. I grew up adoring the Chiefs' ownership under Lamar Hunt. At the very least, one knew that the players wanted to play for Kansas City because their was so much trust between the front office and the players. I certainly hope that Clark Hunt was able to take that valuable lesson from his father and that the news of Waters' frustration is concerning to him.
It is especially concerning when this spat involves a veteran with a long history of trusting the franchise. If one is being trustworthy of you, it really should not take much to return the favor. I sincerely hope that Pioli and Haley will make a serious effort to establish trust within the organization. Pioli should have learned from Coach Belichick that taking off-the-field issues off the players' backs is essential to a successful team on the field. With such a young team, establishing trust should be one of the first goals of a new administration. While signing veterans like Mike Vrabel to the defensive side show a desire to recruit leaders, nothing is quite as dumb as scaring off the leaders you already have.
The Chiefs are in a great position to vastly improve upon a 2-14 season, but maintaining trustworthiness is a simple first step that should not be overlooked. Just like being trustworthy is the first point in the scout law and the rest are built on it, building trust in an organization is the foundation of a successful performing team.
February 2, 2009
Should've done this, Could've done that
Recently I have noticed a disturbing trend of politicking for Hall of Fame candidates. Specifically in regards to active coaches and players, many people have begun excusing mistakes or mediocrity for feel good stories. The two most recent examples of this are Kurt Warner and the University of Louisville's men's basketball coach Rick Pitino.
This last week during the normal pre-Super Bowl buzz, many commented on Kurt Warner's possibility for the Hall of Fame. A lot of these commentators seemed like they felt that a win in this year's Super Bowl would seal his candidacy for the hall of fame. I respectfully disagree.
I completely agree that Kurt Warner is an exceptionally accomplished postseason quarterback, but he is not a Hall of Fame quarterback for two reasons: inconsistent regular season play over his entire career, and talented surrounding casts in his postseason runs.
For starters, Warner has had more seasons with double digit interceptions than seasons with 20 or more touchdowns. Between 2002 and 2006, he only has one season over 10 touchdowns, and was beat out of three jobs in that stretch. I dare you to find any Hall of Famer that lost three starting spots in the middle of his career. Warner has undoubtedly shown seasons of brilliance, but careers of brilliance are meant for the Hall of Fame.
Some make the case that Warner's exceptional postseason play will put him in the Hall. Isn't it interesting then that in compiling a poll of the top 10 Super Bowl Quarterbacks, Warner was not even on the list. But even in his postseason runs, his supporting casts preclude him from a Hall of Fame run. In 1999, he had two of the premier route running wideouts in the game in Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce and one of the greatest pass catching running backs in Marshall Faulk, not to mention one of the better offensive lines anchored by two pro bowlers in Adam Timmerman and Orlando Pace. Not to mention the threat of Faulk on the ground and a respectable defense on the other side.
In this Super Bowl, Edgerrin James was able to establish a running game and did anyone see how wide open Anquan Boldin was on his 30+ yard completion? How much work did Warner do on the 64 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald to give the Cardinals the lead late in the game? Oh, and what a read he made on the last play of the first half trying to stick the ball through James Harrison as if he was a ghost. The truth is that he is a successful postseason performer, not an elite performer, and not worthy of the Hall of Fame that just kept Chris Carter out on the last ballot.
The case for Pitino is a little different. I do think that Coach Pitino will eventually make the Hall of Fame, but many, like broadcaster Dick Vitale, say that he is worthy of it now. There primary contention is that Coach Pitino would have even more gaudy numbers if he had not gone to coach in the NBA. Many baseball players not in the Hall of Fame like Bob Feller and Ted Williams are said to have been robbed by the onset of World War II. Being drafted into war is a legitimate reason to have less prolific numbers, but being paid to coach in the NBA is a professional decision that Coach Pitino made, and Hall of Fame voters should not give him any lenience for the Hall of Fame.
Both of these people have had incredible influence on their respective sports, but heart warming stories or regrettable professional decisions have no place on a Hall of Fame ballots. If anything in sports matter more than championships, it's the Hall of Fame, and nothing hurts the credibility of the institution like letting undeserving players in. I hope that Hall of Fame voters will maintain the tradition of excellence that makes names like Canton and Cooperstown such an integral part of Americana.
This last week during the normal pre-Super Bowl buzz, many commented on Kurt Warner's possibility for the Hall of Fame. A lot of these commentators seemed like they felt that a win in this year's Super Bowl would seal his candidacy for the hall of fame. I respectfully disagree.
I completely agree that Kurt Warner is an exceptionally accomplished postseason quarterback, but he is not a Hall of Fame quarterback for two reasons: inconsistent regular season play over his entire career, and talented surrounding casts in his postseason runs.
For starters, Warner has had more seasons with double digit interceptions than seasons with 20 or more touchdowns. Between 2002 and 2006, he only has one season over 10 touchdowns, and was beat out of three jobs in that stretch. I dare you to find any Hall of Famer that lost three starting spots in the middle of his career. Warner has undoubtedly shown seasons of brilliance, but careers of brilliance are meant for the Hall of Fame.
Some make the case that Warner's exceptional postseason play will put him in the Hall. Isn't it interesting then that in compiling a poll of the top 10 Super Bowl Quarterbacks, Warner was not even on the list. But even in his postseason runs, his supporting casts preclude him from a Hall of Fame run. In 1999, he had two of the premier route running wideouts in the game in Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce and one of the greatest pass catching running backs in Marshall Faulk, not to mention one of the better offensive lines anchored by two pro bowlers in Adam Timmerman and Orlando Pace. Not to mention the threat of Faulk on the ground and a respectable defense on the other side.
In this Super Bowl, Edgerrin James was able to establish a running game and did anyone see how wide open Anquan Boldin was on his 30+ yard completion? How much work did Warner do on the 64 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald to give the Cardinals the lead late in the game? Oh, and what a read he made on the last play of the first half trying to stick the ball through James Harrison as if he was a ghost. The truth is that he is a successful postseason performer, not an elite performer, and not worthy of the Hall of Fame that just kept Chris Carter out on the last ballot.
The case for Pitino is a little different. I do think that Coach Pitino will eventually make the Hall of Fame, but many, like broadcaster Dick Vitale, say that he is worthy of it now. There primary contention is that Coach Pitino would have even more gaudy numbers if he had not gone to coach in the NBA. Many baseball players not in the Hall of Fame like Bob Feller and Ted Williams are said to have been robbed by the onset of World War II. Being drafted into war is a legitimate reason to have less prolific numbers, but being paid to coach in the NBA is a professional decision that Coach Pitino made, and Hall of Fame voters should not give him any lenience for the Hall of Fame.
Both of these people have had incredible influence on their respective sports, but heart warming stories or regrettable professional decisions have no place on a Hall of Fame ballots. If anything in sports matter more than championships, it's the Hall of Fame, and nothing hurts the credibility of the institution like letting undeserving players in. I hope that Hall of Fame voters will maintain the tradition of excellence that makes names like Canton and Cooperstown such an integral part of Americana.
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