If anyone's happened to tune into HBO last night for episode 2 of Calzaghe Jones 24/7, you would have heard Jones at one point exclaiming, "I'm baaaaack." While victories over Anthony Hanshaw and a washed-up Felix Trinidad are nothing more than confidence builders in my eyes, Jones has looked significantly better in those fights than he did during his horrific three-fight losing streak to Antonio Tarver (twice) and the brutal KO loss to Glen Johnson.
I've been a Jones, Jr. fan for almost 10 years. He was the pound for pound greatest when I first started sitting down to watch boxing matches, and with the likes of YouTube, I've had a chance to enjoy highlights and fights before my spectating began. He was the best in the world in five different weight classes, an entertainer and the most exciting fighter in the world. To see him plummet drastically, almost overnight, like he did against Tarver and Johnson was terrifying to me as a fan and boxing as a sport. Let's face it, Tarver is no where near the businessman, entertainer and fight mogul that Jones is. He can talk a fair game, but after his deflating performance in Rocky Balboa, he's been nothing but a disappointment in the light heavyweight division, particularly following losses to Bernard Hopkins and "Bad" Chad Dawson in his last fight. Couple that with uninspiring decision wins over Elvir Muriqi and Clinton Woods and you no longer have a major draw in the sport.
Glen Johnson, meanwhile, has a lot of John "Quietman" Ruiz in him. Well, actually, maybe it's more the nickname and nothing else. Johnson doesn't build up fights much, he lets his fists do the talking. And while he's probably legitimately lost no more than 3 fights in his career (he's gotten screwed in numerous decision losses), Johnson isn't much of a draw either. Which is why Joe Calzaghe chose Roy Jones, Jr. as his next opponent at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Nov. 8. Regardless of whether Jones still has the speed, agility and ferocity in his fists that he possessed in the 90's and earlier this century, his aura and mystique along with his personality, confidence and gab are enough to crank out yet another blockbuster fight. I loved what Roy Jones, Sr. said last night:
"If Roy trained for this fight, Calzaghe can't beat him."
What is this guy Karo Parysian? I don't doubt that Jones, Jr. abstained from training for a good portion of his fights, particularly during the height of his career against bums like Antoine Byrd, Tony Thornton and Merqui Sosa. But it raises and interesting point. Calzaghe is the ultimate workhorse, a come at you type of fighter who is constantly busy and putting on the pressure. Ironically, he's a heavier version of Ricky Hatton. Jones, however, likes to circle and move, picking his spots and working in spurts, but exploding when he does and unleashing a fury that most have been able to endure. Who's that like? Floyd Mayweather.
Are Jones' skills declining? I don't doubt it. But can you argue that his brief, 3-fight losing streak could also be attributed to complacency and a declining work ethic? I don't doub that either. Personally, 24/7 may have been the best thing for him, because it gave him reason to establish a legitimate, hardcore training camp to prepare for this fight. And while he still thinks he's the best, no one else does. Perhaps he said it in the first episode:
"If I lose on the 8th, who cares? But if he lose, his streak has ENDED."
To me, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Jones with nothing lose. I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the fight. One reason is because I'm still a tremendous Jones fan and still enjoy watching him compete at this level. To see him win the fight, the title, and thus a showdown (and re-match) with Bernard Hopkins could be the best possible scenario for the sport of boxing. Two of the boxing's best meeting over 10 years later to settle a score, and doing it at a different weight class which they both sat at the top of.
The other reason I'll be watching is because of the 24/7 series that HBO keeps pumping out. If you haven't been watching these, you should. The De la Hoya/Mayweather series set the standard, and Mayweather/Hatton was pretty tremendous, as well. This latest has met that standard and De la Hoya/Pacquiao will soon follow on the 16th. Below is episode 1 of Calzaghe/Jones. Check it out. I'll post episode 2 once it's available and you can catch episode 3 this Thursday night.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matchup, where you think Jones stands today as a fighter and how you think things will play out on the 8th and beyond.
-Bess
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 9 NFL picks
Trick or treat from The Brief.
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NBA ’08-’09 Preview
Tonight the NBA season kicks off with a trio of games including the Boston Celtics raising their 17th banner before their showdown with LeBron and the Cavs. Also tonight marks the NBA debut of one Greg Oden as the Blazers face the Lakers. I’m looking forward to another great basketball season, many teams have improved themselves thanks to free agency, trades, and the draft. I will get on record now with my picks for playoff teams and individual awards. (playoff teams in bold)
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 8 NFL picks
The Sports Brief hits the road this weekend. We will be up at Jillian's tomorrow night in Manchester, NH to watch the execution of Patrick Cote. Anderson Silva will play the role of executioner. All kidding aside, Cote does have boulders for hands and a chin of granite, so it could be fairly exciting. If he get inside the long reach of Silva, you never know what will happen. Mark Delagrotte is a master of gameplans, so perhaps this will be just a taste of what he brings to the table if Kenny Florian ever gets to match up against BJ Penn.
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
Monday, October 20, 2008
Success causing complacency in Red Sox Nation
The Red Sox season ended last night in Game 7 of the ALCS. The last time the Sox lost in a deciding Game 7 of the Championship Series was back in 2003, the old Aaron Boone classic. For Sox fans, the feeling of watching Tim Wakefield giving up the gopher ball to Boone was the most painful sports moment. Probably even worse than the Tim Duncan draft lottery, the Oden/ Durant draft lottery, and even the Patriots losing the Super Bowl last year with a chance for perfection. It was that bad. The team had come so close, but ultimately it was another year, (85 at the time, but I don’t think anyone was counting, without a World Series title.)
So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.
Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.
In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.
Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.
In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.
Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.
The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.
-Keefe
So why did last night’s loss not seem to bother the fans, players, and manager like it did just 5 years ago? 1 win away from the World Series. Is it as simple as the team had won twice the previous four years? Really? I guess maybe that’s good enough for some. Don’t get me wrong there are fans out there who live and die with this team, and they’re not worried about 2003, 2004, 2007, or even 2009, just this team right here and right now.
Terry Francona said, and I’m paraphrasing, that’s he has had the most fun he’s ever had the past couple of months. Wow. I guess World Series rings in ’04 and ’07 weren’t a good time. I think winning it again would have been fun Tito. Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know if this was a cheap shot at Manny Ramirez, by saying how enjoyable the past 2 months were, (the only 2 months Francona has managed the Sox without Manny). This goes back to my article “Sox Gave Away Manny,” chemistry, getting alone, and having fun is important, but so is talent. The team made it further, I’ll admit then I thought when they handed LA the division, and paid for it mind you, but still this was the defending World Series champions. Do you want to get along and have fun playing cards or win? Theo and the crew made their decision.
In 2003, on October 17th, the day after, no Red Sox fan had a productive day. Even if you were able to make it to work or school you were simply in a daze. After 11 innings and having your heart ripped out your chest Temple of Doom style you just went through the motions the next day, at best.
Today? The day after yet another Game 7 loss in the ALCS? You hear things, “They were down 3-1,” “4 ALCS’s in the past 6 years,” “The future is bright (we’ll access this point later on),” “Patriots play the Broncos tonight,” “Celtics start next week,” “The Sports Brief is the best sports blog out there.” Ok not all of that is being said. I still feel that a combination of winning 2 World Series rings has taken away that killer instinct. And not just 2 Championships for the Sox, but look at the entire sports town.
In this decade the New England Patriots got the whole thing started and won 3 Super Bowls, the Boston Red Sox have won 2 World Series titles, the Boston Celtics just won the NBA title, and the Bruins still have a team, so I’ve been told. What comes from all of this? Mainly, spoiled fans. The New England fan base has changed tremendously in the past 7-8 years. Now everyone expects their teams to win, and if they don’t, well look back at all the other trophies and banners. As Besse points out, For a fan base that grew tired of losing and anxious for a World Series title, it's hard to believe that it's now growing tired of winning.
Is the excitement still there? As Jalbert pointed out in his “Old School Fenway” piece, it is, but you have to look for it. It’s not there as much as before with all the corporate and front running fans. For die hard fans, it can be tough, but you have to block out all of those people who can seemingly bring your experience down. Don’t forget, winning championships, despite the recent trend is not easy. My grandfather has still seen the Sox win as many times as I have. Don’t take the success of these teams for granted. Remember it wasn’t that long ago when I was writing letters to the Patriots to start Scott Zolak because he actually won a game.
The 2008 baseball season is over for the Sox, we’ll let it marinate for just a little bit. But here comes the off season. And this isn’t an off season coming of a World Series title, where you have to debate on whether you even need a guy like Johan Santana. No, this will be different. Health, free agents, trades, will be more important this time around. And don’t look now but the American League champs just got better last night, during the game… David Price is here to stay.
-Keefe
Friday, October 17, 2008
Old School Fenway
The Sports Brief is proud to offer you a special submission from reader and dear friend Brian Jalbert. Please don't forget to scroll down and enjoy our Week 7 NFL picks after this terrific read.
As I was sitting in my seat at Fenway last night for Game 5 of the ALCS, for most of the game, I had planned in my head what type of rant I was going to go on after the game was finally over, the series was finally over, and the season was over. I had a list of things I wanted to complain about, most of which had nothing to do with the Red Sox team, but more with the fans.
Scenario number 1: Two couples sat to our left trying to throw peanuts into each other's mouths from a distance of five feet away. This would be acceptable in a middle school cafeteria maybe, but completely unacceptable at a Red Sox playoff game. Especially in the fifth inning of a possible elimination game. And especially during pitches so I can't see the damn game! (I know I said they were to my left, but anyone that has been to Fenway before knows that if you're in the right field grandstands, section 8 to be exact, your whole body is turned to the left to see the game.
Scenario number 2: The professional camera man. Sitting behind me was a man with a camera so large that I thought it was an old school computer from the 80's. Anytime a big play happened (which wasn't often before 2 outs in the 7th), while most of us were cheering, this guy was busy taking pictures. It made absolutely no sense to me. Although after looking at some of the photos on his camera, it was pretty cool. But that's beside the point.
Scenario number 3: A two-run double puts the Rays up 7-0, the fair-weather fans start to leave the ballpark. This is a playoff game. Not only is it a playoff game, but it's a do-or-die playoff game. If they lose, that's it. How do you leave early? Isn't there a tiny 1% chance of you that thinks they could make the comeback? And if they do make this comeback, don't you want to say "I was there!" instead of saying "Well, we left in the top of the 7th because it was getting late."
And this is what Fenway has become my friends. It was making me sad right before my very eyes. I've been going to games for a while now. I've even emptied out my bank account when I was younger in order to go to a regular season game that Pedro was pitching in the middle of April. I also hold the record for most Sports Bars consumed in one game at 12, but that can be written about in another article. I remember the days of tie ball games in the 8th and hoping Brian Daubach would get a chance in the 9th because he "had a flare for the dramatic." I remember the days that place was loud, that place was the place to be. I never wanted to leave. Most of all, I remember going to game 4 of the 2004 ALCS and fans still holding out hope even though we were down 3-0 in the series to the Yankees, a team we NEVER beat. Now, Fenway had turned into something I was almost embarrassed of. My aunt, who admittedly is not a huge baseball fan, lives in Tampa. Around the 5th, she called me and asked why the crowd was so quiet. She told me we needed some of those cowbells that her fans in Tampa had. I calmly explained to her that in Boston, we always prided ourselves on never having to use cowbells or thunderstix because we made our own noise. And that's what had made Fenway so amazing over the years. It was still old school. The fans still had to show up and make the noise to become the 10th man on the field. Not anymore though. It seemed those days were gone and the "real fans" were far and few between. As that top of the 7th rolled on, I began to wonder if the old Fenway would ever come back. If the place would ever shake again the way it used to. If it would ever be so loud that you couldn't even hear the music playing after a big play or a big hit.
Then, something happened. Almost as if the 7-0 lead by the Rays weeded out those fair-weather fans. They had all left. Now, all that was left at Fenway was about 33,000 people who cared. About 33,000 people who knew they probably weren't going to win this game, but also knew there was a 1% chance that they did win the game and at no point did they want to miss it.
As Pedroia hit a single that stayed in the air for a good 3 hours to right, the place started to gain some life back. Maybe it was a mock cheer because we had cut the lead to 7-1, maybe it was the fact that Gabe Gross easily could have caught the ball, or maybe it was just pure excitement from the Fenway Faithful. Whatever it was, the place was damn loud for a 6 run ballgame. Just as we were settling back in, Papi comes up and puts one out of the park. And we're not talking about a home run that just cleared the wall, we're talking a good 20 rows back. All of a sudden, Fenway was back! The place was loud. People were jumping up and down all over again. It felt like it was a late 90's, early 2000's walk off game. They were down 7-4, but the place was just hoppin because everyone knew that they weren't out of this yet. Fenway was old school once again and it was LOUD! A four run 7th cuts the lead to 3 and Fenway was the place to be. At that moment, I was picturing a man in a business suit trying to get back into the stadium and laughing. Of course, the man behind us was still flashing his camera, and the couples to our left didn't seem to care much, but 99% of that stadium cared. And they cared a lot. As the game went on, we all know how it ended. J.D. Drew became a hero, Sox win, I ate at least 3 Fenway Franks, and the place went nuts. The place was literally shaking. I've never felt anything like it. My knee is swollen to the size of a hot air balloon today from jumping up and coming down awkwardly on it, but at no point last night did I care. Nobody cared. The Sox won. All our worries were behind us.
The whole experience made me feel good again. Made me proud to be a Boston fan again. As the security was kicking us out about 45 minutes after the game, we proceeded to high five the people around us and be on our way. And while I'm watching Games 6 and 7 over the weekend, I'm going to hear those cowbells and think to myself, I'm happy to have had Old School Fenway back, even if it was just for one night.
-Jalbert
As I was sitting in my seat at Fenway last night for Game 5 of the ALCS, for most of the game, I had planned in my head what type of rant I was going to go on after the game was finally over, the series was finally over, and the season was over. I had a list of things I wanted to complain about, most of which had nothing to do with the Red Sox team, but more with the fans.
Scenario number 1: Two couples sat to our left trying to throw peanuts into each other's mouths from a distance of five feet away. This would be acceptable in a middle school cafeteria maybe, but completely unacceptable at a Red Sox playoff game. Especially in the fifth inning of a possible elimination game. And especially during pitches so I can't see the damn game! (I know I said they were to my left, but anyone that has been to Fenway before knows that if you're in the right field grandstands, section 8 to be exact, your whole body is turned to the left to see the game.
Scenario number 2: The professional camera man. Sitting behind me was a man with a camera so large that I thought it was an old school computer from the 80's. Anytime a big play happened (which wasn't often before 2 outs in the 7th), while most of us were cheering, this guy was busy taking pictures. It made absolutely no sense to me. Although after looking at some of the photos on his camera, it was pretty cool. But that's beside the point.
Scenario number 3: A two-run double puts the Rays up 7-0, the fair-weather fans start to leave the ballpark. This is a playoff game. Not only is it a playoff game, but it's a do-or-die playoff game. If they lose, that's it. How do you leave early? Isn't there a tiny 1% chance of you that thinks they could make the comeback? And if they do make this comeback, don't you want to say "I was there!" instead of saying "Well, we left in the top of the 7th because it was getting late."
And this is what Fenway has become my friends. It was making me sad right before my very eyes. I've been going to games for a while now. I've even emptied out my bank account when I was younger in order to go to a regular season game that Pedro was pitching in the middle of April. I also hold the record for most Sports Bars consumed in one game at 12, but that can be written about in another article. I remember the days of tie ball games in the 8th and hoping Brian Daubach would get a chance in the 9th because he "had a flare for the dramatic." I remember the days that place was loud, that place was the place to be. I never wanted to leave. Most of all, I remember going to game 4 of the 2004 ALCS and fans still holding out hope even though we were down 3-0 in the series to the Yankees, a team we NEVER beat. Now, Fenway had turned into something I was almost embarrassed of. My aunt, who admittedly is not a huge baseball fan, lives in Tampa. Around the 5th, she called me and asked why the crowd was so quiet. She told me we needed some of those cowbells that her fans in Tampa had. I calmly explained to her that in Boston, we always prided ourselves on never having to use cowbells or thunderstix because we made our own noise. And that's what had made Fenway so amazing over the years. It was still old school. The fans still had to show up and make the noise to become the 10th man on the field. Not anymore though. It seemed those days were gone and the "real fans" were far and few between. As that top of the 7th rolled on, I began to wonder if the old Fenway would ever come back. If the place would ever shake again the way it used to. If it would ever be so loud that you couldn't even hear the music playing after a big play or a big hit.
Then, something happened. Almost as if the 7-0 lead by the Rays weeded out those fair-weather fans. They had all left. Now, all that was left at Fenway was about 33,000 people who cared. About 33,000 people who knew they probably weren't going to win this game, but also knew there was a 1% chance that they did win the game and at no point did they want to miss it.
As Pedroia hit a single that stayed in the air for a good 3 hours to right, the place started to gain some life back. Maybe it was a mock cheer because we had cut the lead to 7-1, maybe it was the fact that Gabe Gross easily could have caught the ball, or maybe it was just pure excitement from the Fenway Faithful. Whatever it was, the place was damn loud for a 6 run ballgame. Just as we were settling back in, Papi comes up and puts one out of the park. And we're not talking about a home run that just cleared the wall, we're talking a good 20 rows back. All of a sudden, Fenway was back! The place was loud. People were jumping up and down all over again. It felt like it was a late 90's, early 2000's walk off game. They were down 7-4, but the place was just hoppin because everyone knew that they weren't out of this yet. Fenway was old school once again and it was LOUD! A four run 7th cuts the lead to 3 and Fenway was the place to be. At that moment, I was picturing a man in a business suit trying to get back into the stadium and laughing. Of course, the man behind us was still flashing his camera, and the couples to our left didn't seem to care much, but 99% of that stadium cared. And they cared a lot. As the game went on, we all know how it ended. J.D. Drew became a hero, Sox win, I ate at least 3 Fenway Franks, and the place went nuts. The place was literally shaking. I've never felt anything like it. My knee is swollen to the size of a hot air balloon today from jumping up and coming down awkwardly on it, but at no point last night did I care. Nobody cared. The Sox won. All our worries were behind us.
The whole experience made me feel good again. Made me proud to be a Boston fan again. As the security was kicking us out about 45 minutes after the game, we proceeded to high five the people around us and be on our way. And while I'm watching Games 6 and 7 over the weekend, I'm going to hear those cowbells and think to myself, I'm happy to have had Old School Fenway back, even if it was just for one night.
-Jalbert
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